bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous central venous catheterization via the great saphenous vein in neonates
Authors: OHKI YASUSHI , NAKO YASUSHI , MORIKAWA AKIHIRO , MARUYAMA KENICHI , KOIZUMI TAKENOBU 
Published: January 2011

AbstractIn 44 neonates (mean birthweight 1207 g and mean gestational age 30.0 weeks), very small central venous catheters were percutaneously inserted via the great saphenous vein on 46 occasions. Catheter‐related complications such as catheter blockages in 17 (37%), edema in a unilateral leg in three (6%), and mechanical disruption in two (4%) were noted. Although two of the neonates were found to have bacteremia and five neonates died, none were catheter related. The optimal length of catheter insertion (Y) from the great saphenous vein at the level of the medial maleollus to the inferior vena cava at T9 and L3 was calculated by regression equations utilizing total body length (X). Radiographs taken with extended and flexed leg postures revealed that the catheter tips were retracted with extension of the lower extremities and the degree of displacement ranged from 1 to 4 (mean 2.7) vertebral levels. Because this movement might cause migration into veins that connect to the inferior vena cava, the catheter tip should be located between T9 and L3, except at the renal vein junction. Percutaneous central venous catheterization via the great saphenous vein is safe and useful. Regression equations provided for rapid estimation of the optimal length of insertion.
The changing trend in the pattern of infective etiologies in childhood acute lower respiratory tract infection
Authors: CHONG CHIA YIN , LIM WOAN HUAH , HENG JOO TECK , CHAY OH MOH 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe etiologic agents causing acute lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in hospitalized children were compared for 1995 and 1988. Between May 1994 to April 1995, 397 children were admitted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital for acute LRTI compared to 240 children in 1988. The following criteria for LRTI were used: (i) age less than 12 years with a community‐acquired LRTI; (ii) presence of cough or fever of less than 2 weeks' duration; and (iii) presence of tachypnea, chest retractions or pulmonary infiltrates on chest X‐ray. Sputum cultures were considered suitable for culture if there were less than 25 epithelial cells per low power field. Moraxella catarrhalis was considered only if heavy growth of more than 3+ was seen. Etiological agents were found in about 70% of patients in both studies. Viruses constituted 41.3% of the etiologic agents in 1995 but constituted only 28% in 1988; 36% had a bacterial etiology in 1995 compared to 15% in 1988. The most common bacteria in 1995 was M. catarrhalis (34.7%) followed by non‐type B Haemophilus influenzae (33%). In contrast, in 1988, Mycoplasma (33%) was the predominant organism followed by H. influenzae (17%) and M. catarrhalis (11.4%). The increased incidence of M. catarrhalis could be due to antibiotic selection. A mixed viral‐bacterial etiology was found in 12.3% of the 1995 cohort. The majority of the bacteria were positive by sputum cultures; only 4 (3.3%) had positive blood cultures. No penicillin resistance was detected in 1988; however, in 1995, penicillin resistance was found in 17% of the Streptococcus pneumoniae, 38.5% of H. influenzae and 83% of M. catarrhalis. It was also found that 30% of the S. pneumoniae were also resistant to erythromycin, and 23% were resistant to sulfamethoxaxole‐trimethoprim; 5% of the H. influenzae had multiple resistance to erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole‐trimethoprim and chloramphenicol. Among those patients with antibiotic resistance, 30% had received prior antibiotics of which 18% had had two or more antibiotics, frequently erythromycin or amoxycillin/ampicillin. Judicious use of antibiotics is required to check the rising trend of antibiotic resistance.
Immune response to food antigens: Kinetics of food‐specific antibodies in the normal population
Authors: AHMED TAHMEED , SUMAZAKI RYO , NAGAI YOJI , SHIBASAKI MASANAO , TAKITA HITOSHI 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe role of food‐specific antibodies in the pathogenesis of food allergy is controversial. The first step in solving this controversy may be the assessment of antibody response to food antigens in the normal population. Most of the existing data in this field come from studies that used assays of different standards. This study investigated food‐specific antibodies in the normal population using standardized assays. Normal levels of antibody titers were also derived for use as reference. Two hundred and eight individuals from different age groups participated. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to cow's milk and its component proteins, and to hen's egg ovalbumin, IgA and IgM antibodies to β‐lactoglobulin and ovalbumin were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The sepharose‐radioallergosorbent test was used to measure IgE antibodies to cow's milk and ovalbumin. Titers of IgG antibodies to cow's milk and its component proteins revealed an age‐related trend, peaking in the 5 months‐1 year age group and then decreased to negligible values in adults. A similar trend was observed with IgG anti‐ovalbumin antibodies. Temporal association was less evident for antibodies of other classes. Only six subjects had positive IgE antibodies to cow's milk, while none had positive IgE anti‐ovalbumin antibody. The prevalences of IgG antibodies to cow's milk, its component proteins, and ovalbumin are influenced by age and feeding habits. Cross‐reactivity to related food antigens is common. The presence of IgE antibodies to food antigens is not a physiological phenomenon.
Age‐related changes of serum progastrin‐releasing peptide levels during childhood
Authors: ADACHI NAOTO , AOYAGI KATSUMI , SAITO MIHO , MATSUDA ICHIRO , YAMAGUCHI KEN 
Published: January 2011

AbstractGastrin‐releasing peptide (GRP) has attracted much attention in recent years because it has become recognized as a significant tisue‐specific growth factor. To investigate the physiological significance of this peptide in growing children, the time course of serum ProGRP(31–98) level, a precursor hormone of GRP, in children was assessed. A total of 118 serum samples including cord blood was examined with informed consent by using a specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system to measure serum ProGRP(31–98). The serum ProGRP(31–98) level was highest in cord blood and neonatal samples, rapidly declined by 1 year of age and then gradually declined to the adult level by 5 years of age. This time‐dependent change of serum ProGRP(31–98) level suggests the importance of GRP as a physiological growth factor in fetal and neonatal tissues.
High‐dose dexamethasone therapy for a 14‐month‐old boy with refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: WATANABE AKIHIRO , KAKIHARA TOSHIO , YAMAMOTO KOHSUKE , KATAOKA SATOSHI , OKADA RYUHEI , TANAKA ATSUSHI , UCHIYAMA MAKOTO 
Published: January 2011

AbstractA 14‐month‐old boy with refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), who was successfully treated with pulsed high‐dose oral dexamethasone therapy is reported. The platelet count increased after six scheduled courses of treatment (10 mg/day × 4 days, six courses). Twenty‐four months later, the platelet count remained over 10.0 × 104/μL. No obvious side effects were observed during or after the therapy. This treatment could be taken into consideration not only for adults but also for young children with refractory ITP. It is effective, safe, easy to administer, patient comfort is taken into consideration, and hospitalization duration and costs are minimized.
A case of congenital Listeria septicemia associated with high levels of inflammatory cytokines
Authors: SUDA HIDETOSHI , MOROI CHIKAE , INADA KATSUYA , CHIDA SHOICHI , KOIZUMI YOSHITSUGU 
Published: January 2011

AbstractA case of congenital Listeria septicemia is reported. A 2256 g male infant suffering from respiratory and circulatory failure with shock‐like symptoms and high levels of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, −6, and −8), was admitted to the Morioka Red Cross Hospital. Listeria monocytogenes was cultured from cord blood, contents from the external ear canal, rectum and stomach. The infant was treated with surfactant replacement as well as conventional therapy. The high levels of interleukin‐1β decreased with the improvement of the circulatory function, which might have been the major cause of the poor clinical state.
Citrobacter koseri osteomyelitis in an infant
Authors: HAYANI KAREN C. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractA 3‐week‐old infant developed left shoulder swelling and was found to have septic arthritis and osteomyelitis of the humerus caused by Citrobacter koseri (formerly C. diversus). Citrobacter species are Gram‐negative rods that are best known for their propensity to cause neonatal meningitis, ventriculitis and concomitant brain abscess. Non‐central nervous system infections are rare. The present case illustrates that neonatal osteomyelitis caused by unusual organisms can present to pediatricians in an inner‐city setting, and can respond favorably to surgical and medical management.
Adie's syndrome in childhood
Authors: SöYLEV MELTEM F. , SAATCI OSMAN , KAVUKCU SALIH , ERGIN MEHMET 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAn 8‐year‐old girl with a history of mild amblyopia who had occlusion therapy, but her anisocoria went unnoticed, was studied. Old photographs of the patient were reviewed and a 0.1% pilocarpine test was performed. Review of her old photographs suggested that she had anisocoria at least since she was 3 years old. The 0.1% pilocarpine test confirmed a diagnosis of Adie's syndrome. In light of this case, it must be kept in mind that though rare, Adie's syndrome can be encountered in early childhood.
Growth and release of extracellular organic compounds by benthic diatoms depend on interactions with bacteria
Authors: Bruckner Christian G. , Rehm Charlotte , Grossart Hans‐Peter , Kroth Peter G. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryPhototrophic epilithic biofilms harbour a distinct assemblage of heterotrophic bacteria, cyanobacteria and photoautotrophic algae. Secretion of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) by these organisms and the physicochemical properties of the EPS are important factors for the development of the biofilms. We have isolated representative diatom and bacteria strains from epilithic biofilms of Lake Constance. By pairwise co‐cultivating these strains we found that diatom growth and EPS secretion by diatoms may depend on the presence of individual bacteria. Similar results were obtained after addition of spent bacterial medium to diatom cultures, suggesting that soluble substances from bacteria have an impact on diatom physiology. While searching for putative bacterial signal substances, we found that concentrations of various dissolved free amino acids (DFAA) within the diatom cultures changed drastically during co‐cultivation with bacteria. Further, the secretion of extracellular carbohydrates and proteins can be influenced by bacteria or their extracellular substances. We have performed mass spectrometric peptide mapping to identify proteins which are secreted when co‐cultivating the diatomPhaeodactylum tricornutumBohlin andEscherichia coli. The identified proteins are possibly involved in signalling, extracellular carbohydrate modification and uptake, protein and amino acid modification, and cell/cell aggregation of diatom and bacteria strains. Our data indicate that diatom–bacteria biofilms might be regulated by a complex network of chemical factors involving EPS, amino acid monomers and other substances. Thus interactions with bacteria can be considered as one of the main factors driving biofilm formation by benthic diatoms.
Excellent response rate of anismus to botulinum toxin if rectal prolapse misdiagnosed as anismus (‘pseudoanismus’) is excluded
Authors: Hompes R. , Harmston C. , Wijffels N. , Jones O. M. , Cunningham C. , Lindsey I. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAim  Anismus causes obstructed defecation as a result of inappropriate contraction of the puborectalis/external sphincter. Proctographic failure to empty after 30 s is used as a simple surrogate for simultaneous electromyography/proctography. Botulinum toxin is theoretically attractive but efficacy is variable. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of botulinum toxin to treat obstructed defecation caused by anismus.Method  Botulinum toxin was administered, under local anaesthetic, into the puborectalis/external sphincter of patients with proctographic anismus. Responders (resolution followed by recurrence of obstructed defecation over a 1‐ to 2‐month period) underwent repeat injection. Nonresponders underwent rectal examination under anaesthetic (EUA). EUA‐diagnosed rectal prolapse was graded using the Oxford Prolapse Grade 1–5.Results  Fifty‐six patients were treated with botulinum toxin. Twenty‐two (39%) responded initially and 21/22 (95%) underwent repeat treatment. At a median follow up of 19.2 (range, 7.0–30.4) months, 20/21 (95%) had a sustained response and required no further treatment. Isolated obstructed defecation symptoms (OR = 7.8, P = 0.008), but not proctographic or physiological factors, predicted response on logistic regression analysis. In 33 (97%) of 34 nonresponders, significant abnormalities were demonstrated at EUA: 31 (94%) had a grade 3–5 rectal prolapse, one had internal anal sphincter myopathy and one had a fissure. Exclusion of these alternative diagnoses revised the initial response rate to 96%.Conclusion  Simple proctographic criteria overdiagnose anismus and underdiagnose rectal prolapse. This explains the published variable response to botulinum toxin. Failure to respond should prompt EUA seeking undiagnosed rectal prolapse. A response to an initial dose of botulinum toxin might be considered a more reliable diagnosis of anismus than proctography.
Trade Liberalisation, Exit, and Output and Employment Adjustments of Australian Manufacturing Establishments
Authors: Palangkaraya Alfons , Yong Jongsay 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThis paper investigates three potential sources of Australia’s manufacturing productivity gains from trade liberalisation in the mid‐1990s: the exit of inefficient establishments, economies of scale, and the reduction in x‐inefficiency via employment reduction. We use manufacturing establishment level data and exploit the intersectoral variation in the effective rates of assistance (ERA) to see how businesses adjusted to trade liberalisation during the period. We find the documented productivity gains to be mostly accounted for by the reduction in x‐inefficiency through employment shedding in industries experiencing a high degree of trade liberalisation. We find little evidence that the exit of inefficient establishments in highly liberalised industries contributes to productivity gains. In fact, we find that the more productive establishments are more likely to exit, perhaps reflecting product switching by these businesses to make more profitable use of inputs. Similarly, there does not appear to be a strong relationship between the extent of trade liberalisation and output adjustments. However, we do find indicative evidence of an overall productivity‐enhancing effect through economies of scale. These findings suggest that, at least for the case of Australia, the ease of making employment adjustments can be crucial for policies such as trade liberalisation to have the desired effect. In addition, trade liberalisation may provide incentives for domestic producers to seek more profitable use of their inputs and to move further downward along their cost curves. We think further studies assessing the productivity gains from product switching and economies of scale effects in both liberalised and non‐liberalised industries and focusing on the interplay between labour market policy and firm adjustments would be valuable.
Trade Facilitation and Export Diversification
Authors: Dennis Allen , Shepherd Ben 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThis paper shows that improved trade facilitation can help promote export diversification in developing countries. We find that 10 per cent reductions in the costs of international transport and domestic exporting costs (documentation, inland transport, port and customs charges) are associated with export diversification gains of 4 and 3 per cent, respectively, in a sample of 118 developing countries. Customs costs play a particularly important role in these results. Lower market entry costs can also promote diversification, but the effect is weaker (1 per cent). We also find evidence that trade facilitation has stronger effects on diversification in poorer countries. Our results are highly robust to estimation using alternative dependent and independent variables, different country samples, and alternative econometric techniques. We link these findings to recent advances in trade theory that emphasise firm heterogeneity, and trade growth at the extensive margin.
Vertical Intra‐industry Trade and Fragmentation: An Empirical Examination of the US Auto‐parts Industry
Authors: Türkcan Kemal , Ates Aysegul 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe global auto industry has undergone a significant structural transformation in the last two decades as a result of the international fragmentation of production. This increase in cross‐border production‐sharing activities in the auto industry led to intra‐industry trade (IIT) in auto‐parts. In this study, the extent of IIT in the US auto‐parts industry is examined by decomposing trade into inter‐industry trade, vertical IIT and horizontal IIT. Then the development of vertical IIT is analysed as an indicator of international fragmentation between the US and 29 trading partners. Several country‐specific hypotheses suggested by the fragmentation literature are tested for the period 1989–2006. The results indicate that a substantial portion of IIT in the US auto‐parts industry is vertical IIT, and the econometric results generally support the hypotheses drawn from the theory. In particular, the findings show that the extent of the US vertical IIT is positively correlated with average market size, differences in market size, differences in factor endowments and outward foreign direct investment, while it is negatively correlated with distance and differences in per capita GDP.
Tetraspanin, CD151, is required for maintenance of trigeminal placode identity
Authors: McCabe Kathryn L. , Bronner Marianne 
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 117, 221–230.AbstractThe trigeminal ganglion is the largest of the cranial ganglia and responsible for transmitting sensory information for much of the face. The cell surface glycoprotein CD151 is an early marker of the trigeminal placode, the precursor to the ganglion. Here, we investigate the role of CD151 during specification of trigeminal placode cells in the developing chicken embryo. Expression of the transcription factor Pax3, the earliest known marker of the trigeminal placode, briefly precedes that of CD151, but they then subsequently overlap in the trigeminal placode. Loss of CD151 protein dramatically decreases the number of Pax3+ placode cells in Stage 13–14 embryos, leading to loss of ophthalmic trigeminal neurons by Stages 16 and 17. Although the initial size of the Pax3 population is similar to that in controls, the number of Pax3+ cells decreases with time without alterations in cell death or proliferation. This suggests a role for CD151 in maintenance of the specification state in the trigeminal placode, uncovering the first known role for a tetraspanin in a developmental system.
Regulation of renal sympathetic neurotransmission by renal α2A‐adrenoceptors is impaired in chronic renal failure
Authors: Hoch Henning , Stegbauer Johannes , Potthoff Sebastian A , Hein Lutz , Quack Ivo , Rump Lars Christian , Vonend Oliver 
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe mechanisms underlying increased renal noradrenaline in renal failure are still unclear. In this study, the role of α2A‐adrenoceptors in controlling sympathetic neurotransmission in chronic renal failure was evaluated in a subtotal nephrectomy model. Also, the influence of this receptor subtype on angiotensin II (Ang II)‐mediated noradrenaline release was evaluated.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHα2A‐Adrenoceptor‐knockout (KO) and wild‐type (WT) mice underwent subtotal (5/6) nephrectomy (SNx) or SHAM‐operation (SHAM). Kidneys of WT and KO mice were isolated and perfused. Renal nerves were stimulated with platinum electrodes and noradrenaline release was measured by HPLC.KEY RESULTSNoradrenaline release induced by renal nerve stimulation (RNS) was significantly increased in WT mice after SNx. RNS‐induced noradrenaline release was significantly higher in SHAM‐KO compared with SHAM‐WT, but no further increase in noradrenaline release could be observed in SNx‐KO. α‐Adrenoceptor antagonists increased RNS‐induced noradrenaline release in SHAM‐WT but not in SHAM‐KO. After SNx, the effect of α2‐adrenoceptor blockade on renal noradrenaline release was attenuated in WT mice. The mRNA expression of α2A‐adrenoceptors was not altered, but the inhibitory effect of α2‐adrenoceptor agonists on cAMP formation was abolished after SNx. Ang II facilitated RNS‐induced noradrenaline release in SHAM‐WT but not in SHAM‐KO and SNx‐WT.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONSIn our model of renal failure autoregulation of renal sympathetic neurotransmission was impaired. Presynaptic inhibition of noradrenaline release was diminished and the facilitatory effect of presynaptic angiotensin AT1receptors on noradrenaline release was markedly decreased in renal failure and depended on functioning α2A‐adrenoceptors.
Vascular hyperpolarization to β‐adrenoceptor agonists evokes spreading dilatation in rat isolated mesenteric arteries
Authors: Garland CJ , Yarova PL , Jiménez‐Altayó F , Dora KA 
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEβ‐Adrenoceptor stimulation causes pronounced vasodilatation associated with smooth muscle hyperpolarization. Although the hyperpolarization is known to reflect KATPchannel activation, it is not known to what extent it contributes to vasodilatation.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHSmooth muscle membrane potential and tension were measured simultaneously in small mesenteric arteries in a wire myograph. The spread of vasodilatation over distance was assessed in pressurized arteries following localized intraluminal perfusion of either isoprenaline, adrenaline or noradrenaline.KEY RESULTSIsoprenaline stimulated rapid smooth muscle relaxation associated at higher concentrations with robust hyperpolarization. Noradrenaline or adrenaline evoked a similar hyperpolarization to isoprenaline if the α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin was present. With each agonist, glibenclamide blocked hyperpolarization without reducing relaxation. Focal, intraluminal application of isoprenaline, noradrenaline or adrenaline during block of α1‐adrenoceptors evoked a dilatation that spread along the entire length of the isolated artery. This response was endothelium‐dependent and inhibited by glibenclamide.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSHyperpolarization is not essential for β‐adrenoceptor‐mediated vasodilatation. However, following focal β‐adrenoceptor stimulation, this hyperpolarization underlies the ability of vasodilatation to spread along the artery wall. The consequent spread of vasodilatation is dependent upon the endothelium and likely to be of physiological relevance in the coordination of tissue blood flow.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on Vascular Endothelium in Health and Disease. To view the other articles in this issue visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.164.issue‐3