bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunological aspects of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: YOSHINO KAZUYA 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThis article reviews the evidence from recent studies on immunological abnormalities associated with pathophysiologic mechanisms operating in three clinical subtypes of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) (polyarticular, pauciarticular and systemic). The main discussion is focused on three hallmarks of immunopathological studies. First, abnormalities in phenotype and function of lymphocytes from peripheral blood and inflamed synovium are discussed. The aberrations of lymphocytes are elucidated by T and B cells expressing phenotypic cell‐markers such as CD20, CD21, CD4, CD8 and DR in association with different subtypes and disease activity. The functional imbalance and impairment of T and B cells are mainly observed by abnormal proliferation and/or in vitro Ig production in response to mitogens and alloantigens. Second, because the appearance of rheumatoid factors (RF) in serum indicates that the pathogenesis of JRA may be based on the autoimmune mechanism, the prevalence of RF including IgM, IgA and IgG isotype, hidden IgM RF and cross‐reactive idiotype RF, and their characteristic properties are discussed. Moreover, specific auto‐antibodies (antinuclear antibodies and others) for JRA are illustrated in this paper. Third, the production of various pro‐inflammatory cytokines resulting in the release of tissue‐damaging chemical mediators is also discussed. This may play a central role in the generation of systemic inflammation and joint involvement in JRA.
Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and slow‐acting anti‐rheumatic drugs in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: FUJIKAWA SATOSHI 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe preferred drugs for the initial treatment of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) are salicylates or other non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as tolmetin or naproxen. If the disease activity does not respond adequately to the treatment, slow‐acting anti‐rheumatic drugs (SAARD) such as oral gold agents, low‐dose D‐penicillamine, or sulfasalazine should be given in addition to NSAID. If the systemic manifestations are severe, corticosteroid therapy may be commenced. Furthermore, if the joint destruction is progressive, immunosuppressants such as methotrexate would be selected as the third‐line drugs of choice.The safety and efficacy of SAARD and immunosuppressants for the treatment of children with JRA, however, have not yet been confirmed, as the adverse effects such as bone marrow suppression, oncogenicity and mutagenicity are sometimes intense. Consequently, the strict indications for use and new therapeutic concepts for the management of JRA based on its pathogenesis are required.
Quality of life and daily management of children with rheumatic disease
Authors: TAKEI SYUJI , HOKONOHARA MASASHI 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAppropriate management of the daily life of patients with rheumatic diseases is an important part of therapy for favorable results and a high quality of life.At home, gymnastic exercise, night splints and appropriate fun activities will help to preserve the function of affected joints of patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Improvement of home fixtures according to patient disability will provide a higher quality of life for the patients.The patient should be helped to perform as many school activities as would normally be possible. Instructional charts for management of school life for patients with JRA and systemic lupus erythematosus is shown in this article. Cooperation with school personnel is also crucial to support the patient emotionally and physiologically.For the best long‐term treatment and a good relationship between patient and physician, comprehensive management is essential. Not only physicians, but also psychiatrists, occupational therapists, physical therapists and social workers should be involved in the treatment of children with rheumatic diseases.
Mixed connective tissue disease in childhood
Authors: YOKOTA SHUMPEI 
Published: January 2011

AbstractSince 1981, 21 children diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) have been reported in detail in the literature in Japan. Overlapping clinical features and laboratory findings of these children were analyzed according to the established criteria of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Japan. Mixed connective tissue disease in childhood typically begins with Raynaud's phenomenon preceded by several months or years with the appearance of other symptoms and signs including fever, arthralgia, myalgia, and/or progressive systemic sclerosis like skin manifestations. Serologically all the children with MCTD were positive for anti‐ribonuclear protein (RNP) antibody with speckled‐type antinuclear antibody. Hypergammaglobulinemia, positive rheumatoid factor, and normocomplementemia were characteristic. In general, prognosis is considered to be fairly good as opposed to systemic lupus erythematosus in childhood, but severe pericarditis/myocarditis or nephrotic syndrome can occur. Long‐term follow‐up study and improved laboratory detection of anti‐ribonucleoprotein antibodies will be necessary for further characterization of MCTD in childhood, and for the improvement of therapy.
Usefulness of a new perchloric acid treatment method to measure endotoxin in cerebrospinal fluid by the limulus test
Authors: SUDA HIDETOSHI , INADA KATSUYA , YOSHIDA MASAO 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe modernized limulus lysate assay on cerebrospinal fluid pretreated by the new perchloric acid (PCA) treatment was evaluated in one patient with Escherichia coli meningitis and four non‐meningitis patients. The endotoxin (ET) concentration was much higher by the new PCA treatment than by the ordinary dilution method in the exacerbation phase of E. coli meningitis. The recovery rate of added ET also demonstrated the superiority of the new PCA treatment.
Cord blood erythropoietin in the presence and absence of labor in normal infants
Authors: KALMANTI M. , DIMITRIOU H. , KARASTAMATIS S. , KOUMANTAKIS E. , KARKAVITSAS N. , RELAKIS K. , ATHITAKIS N. , SPYROPOULOU A. , KALMANTIS Th 
Published: January 2011

AbstractTo evaluate erythropoietin (Ep) levels in normal labor and cesarean section we studied the cord serum of 111 term pregnancies, divided into three groups: (i) those born by normal vaginal delivery (n = 69); (ii) those delivered vaginally from mothers who were smokers (n = 20); and (iii) those delivered by elective cesarean section (n = 22).The three groups did not differ in maternal age, gestational age, birthweight, infant sex and Apgar scores. No correlation was found between Ep and hematocrit in all three groups of normal terms studied. Although not statistically significant the lower mean Ep value observed in cesarean section compared with the values obtained from normal deliveries could suggest that the process of labor may be a cause of these differences.
Leukemoid reaction induced by prenatal administration of betamethasone
Authors: COHEN AMNON , BARAK MILA , HERSCHKOWITZ SILVIA , ZECCA SILVIA 
Published: January 2011

AbstractA case of leukemoid reaction in a premature baby whose mother was antenatally treated by betamethasone is reported. The neonatal and maternal factors which might lead to leukocytosis or leukemoid reaction were excluded. The presented case is the last in a series of eight previously reported cases of leukemoid reaction, in which the common denominator was the antenatal administration of betamethasone.
International cooperation of Japanese pediatricians with Cairo University Pediatric Hospital
Authors: OKAMATSU TAKAO , MURAKAMI ATSUBUMI , GOMI AKIRA , KAZUMA HIROSHI 
Published: January 2011

AbstractIn connection with ‘Child Year’ in 1980, an agreement on the construction and donation of a pediatric hospital was concluded between the Egyptian and Japanese Governments.Under this agreement, the Cairo University Pediatric Hospital (CUPH) was opened in March 1983, as a four‐storey building with 240 beds, and including four operating rooms, an intensive care unit (ICU) and neonatal ICU.The technical cooperation and supply of medical equipment in all areas of CUPH is ongoing during this project. The subject matter of technical cooperation is as follows.(1) Dispatch of Japanese experts to Egypt for short and long terms.(2) Acceptance of Egyptian trainees to Japan.(3) Supply of medical equipment and materials.Through the first 5 years of this cooperation, the management of ICU, operating theaters, medical and surgical wards has improved markedly with great efforts from the Egyptian and Japanese staff.Based on this successful cooperation, the Pediatric Cardiovascular Center was established in 1988 with a two‐storey extension in the hospital including two cardiac operation theaters, ICU and other special facilities.Now, CUPH has become the center of pediatric medical care in not only Egypt but also the surrounding Arabic countries, supported by the friendly and close relationship between Egypt and Japan.
Infectious diseases in African children
Authors: HORI HIROKI , WATANABE MASAHIRO , SAKURAI MINORU 
Published: January 2011

AbstractPresent status and problems of infectious diseases in African children are detailed. The Department of Paediatrics, Mie University School of Medicine has 10 years' experience of international medical cooperation with African countries. At present, the department is participating in two projects in Ghana and Zambia. The activities have been carried out in the field of priority infectious diseases in African children. Major infectious diseases in Africa are malaria, diarrhoeal diseases, acute respiratory infections and some specific parasitic diseases. Human immunodeficiency virus infection has also become a threat to the health and survival of children in Africa. To reduce morbidity and mortality due to these diseases, primary health care activity may be an effective and economical measure. Japan is expected to make further technological and economical contributions to the control of the infectious diseases in developing countries. Japanese paediatricians should be aware of the condition of child health in developing countries and consider what can be done to help.
JICWELS' MCH training program in the Aiiku Institute: Asian MCH workshop
Authors: HIRAYAMA MUNEHIRO , OYAMA OSAMU , ASANO MARIKO 
Published: January 2011

AbstractTaking a form of Official Development Aid (ODA), the Japan International Cooperation of Welfare Services (JICWELS) and Imperial Gift Foundation, Boshi‐Aiiku‐Kai (Aiiku Association for Maternal and Child Health and Welfare) have extended a study program on maternal and child health (MCH) since 1989 on the commission of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. ‘Community participation’ is the key to the first international study program focused solely on MCH.The purpose of the program is to help to imporve the planning and administration in the field of MCH. Through this, the information and experience attained in Japanese MCH activities are introduced especially by participation in community‐level activities of ‘Aiiku‐Han’ in which local citizens play a major role.The operation system of the Asian MCH Workshop, contents of the workshop, evaluation and future prospects are discussed.
Cooperative studies on diarrheal diseases
Authors: TAKEDA TAE , BHATTACHARYA SUJIT K , NAIR G BALAKRISH 
Published: January 2011

AbstractEnteric infection still causes the highest global morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years old.While there have been impressive developments in the early treatment of diarrhea, adequate diagnostic techniques are not yet available. An international collaboration was conducted with the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Calcutta on the rapid diagnosis and prevention of diarrheal diseases. Forty to fifty per cent of the 780‐bed Infectious Diseases Hospital is occupied by cases of diarrhea. Vibrio cholerae OI continues to occupy a prominent position, and the prevalence in children up to 2 years is 30.9%. Accordingly, immuno‐enzymatic detection of cholera toxin in stool was achieved. Bead enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) could successfully detect 40 pg/mL toxin within 4 h, but the detection rate of culture, bead ELISA and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was 72.2, 71.1 and 95.9%, respectively, indicating that PCR provides the most sensitive and specific assay for diagnosis of cholera directly from the stool of patients.Heat‐stable enterotoxin (STa) is another virulence factor of gastroenteritis. Various monoclonal antibodies were established against it, and developed a competitive ELISA for the detection of STa producing strains. A DNA probe was also prepared, and genus vibrio was monitored. V. mimicus were found to be the reservoirs of STa among clinical vibrios. Various monoclonal antibodies against STa were also useful for the epitope mapping, providing information on the topology of the toxin‐host interaction.
Developmental change in activity of red cell porphobilinogen deaminase and its electrophoretic variant in the Japanese population
Authors: NAMBA HIROSHI , NARAHARA KOUJI , TSUJI KAZUSHIRO , YOKOYAMA YUJI , MURAKAMI MASAE , MATSUBARA TSUNENORI , SEINO YOSHIKI 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe activity of porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD), an enzyme whose partial deficiency is associated with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), changes during development. Little is known about the postnatal change of PBGD activity and the prevalence of its electrophoretic variant in the Japanese population.The activity of PBGD was measured fluorometrically in 194 infants aged 0–12 months, while isoelectric focusing of PBGD was performed in 400 healthy Japanese adults aged 20–45 years and 30 children with various hematological disorders aged 1–15 years.The PBGD level was 1.9 times higher in the neonates than in the adults, decreased abruptly during the first month of life, and reached the adult level at the age of 9 months. None of the 400 healthy Japanese adults and the 30 children with hematological disorders showed any electrophoretic variant.These results suggest that there is no need to consider any polymorphism in the gene dose study of PBGD and that the biochemical screening of AIP is applicable to since the late infancy.
Dose‐related protective efficacy of immunoglobulins in experimentally induced group B streptococcal infection
Authors: IGUCHI KOSEI , INOUE SUSUMU 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThis study investigates the dose‐dependent effect of administration of commercially available intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) on the survival of newborn rats experimentally infected with group B streptococci (GBS). The opsonic activity of various concentrations of IVIG in vitro was determined by examination of opsonophagocytosis of GBS by peritoneal macrophages and bacterial killing by blood neutrophils.The best survival was observed in newborn rats who received immunoglobulins at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg of bodyweight. The survival of animals that received either 125 mg/kg or 2.5 g/kg of immunoglobulins was no better than that of animals who received no immunoglobulins. The maximal phagocytosis and bacterial killing were observed at in vitro immunoglobulin concentrations ranging from 32 to 250 mg/dL (these in vitro concentrations may correspond roughly to in vivo administration doses ranging from 150 to 1200 mg/kg). These doses are comparable to the doses of IVIG currently administered to neonates. However use of very high doses may be harmful to babies since the high concentration of non‐specific immunoglobulins inhibited in vitro phagocytosis and bacterial killing by phagocytes.
Serum soluble interleukin‐2 receptors and tumor necrosis factor‐α in hematological malignancies of childhood
Authors: ÇETINGÜL NAZAN , YENER ERDAL , ÖZTOP SENAY , NIŞLI GÜNGÖR 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe levels of soluble interleukin‐2 receptors (sIL‐2R) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were determined in the serum of 61 children with hematological malignancy, including 20 patients with leukemia and 16 with lymphoma in active state of malignancy, and 20 patients with leukemia and 5 with lymphoma in complete remission. In addition, serum samples from 15 healthy children were used as controls. It was found that the mean serum levels of sIL‐2R and TNF were significantly increased in active malignancy (207.0±17.1 pmol/L for sIL‐2R; 209.7±35.0 pg/mL for TNF) compared to the remission status and normal controls (P<0.001). No such difference was observed between leukemia and lymphoma groups.It was concluded that serum sIL‐2R and TNF are of potential value in the diagnosis and follow up of patients with neoplastic diseases.
Impact of serum antibodies to p40tax gene product in the intrafamilial transmission of human T cell leukemia virus type I
Authors: UMEMOTO MASAKAZU , TAKE HIROMICHI , SAWADA TAKASHI 
Published: January 2011

AbstractWe examined the sera of family members of human T cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV‐I) seropositive pregnant women who had visited Kagoshima City Hospital since 1986, and studied the routes of transmssion of HTLV‐I. A new enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detecting the antibody to an HTLV‐I tax gene product, p40tax, has recently been developed. By this ELISA method, the positive rate of anti‐p40tax among HTLV‐I seropositive subjects, including 96 pregnant women (index subjects), 26 mothers, 13 husbands and 13 children was investigated. The percentage positive for anti‐p40tax among pregnant women, mothers, husbands, and children was 41.6, 50, 53.8 and 53.8%, respectively. This means that the positive rate of anti‐p40tax remains almost constant with increasing age. The rate of mother‐to‐child transmission of HTLV‐I was significantly higher in p40tax seropositive (29.6%) than in seronegative mothers (8.1%). The positive rate of anti‐p40tax in transmission from husband to wife (29%) and through blood transfusion (17%) was lower than the overall prevalence (46%). Thus, these data suggest that p40tax antibodies are associated with the frequency of HTLV‐I transmission and with the differences in the transmission routes.
Molecular weight analysis of cow's milk antigens in neonate sera
Authors: BANDO YUKI , IGARASHI MUNEO , SHIMANUKI KAORU , OHTANI HIDEKI 
Published: January 2011

AbstractSome food antigens (Ag) can be detected in serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies (Ab) following ingestion. These Ag may thus be essential for inducing the production of IgE or IgG antibodies, which may in turn lead to the onset of atopic diseases such as atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and asthma. The molecular weights (MW) of these Ag have yet to be determined. To select samples for MW analysis of circulating food Ag, we measured the concentrations of cow's milk (CM) Ag in the sera of 88 neonates by radio‐immunoassay. They were found present in 20 samples of the sera. Twelve of the samples were analyzed for Ag MW by immunoblotting. Several bands appeared for one of the samples. Their MW were < 13 000 and no native CM proteins could be detected.
Response to sodium benzoate treatment in non‐ketotic hyperglycinaemia
Authors: WALTHER FRANK , RADKE MICHAEL , KRÜGER GABRIELE , HOBUSCH DIRK , UHLEMANN MARLIES , TITTELBACH‐HELMRICH WERNER , STOLPE HANS JOACHIM 
Published: January 2011

AbstractTherapy with benzoic acid in a case of classic neonatal non‐ketotic hyperglycinaemia (NKH) was successful in stopping seizures but not in promoting mental development. Serum glycine levels were normalizable even by administering low doses of 53 mg sodium benzoate/kg body mass (BM) per day. Despite giving a higher dosage (240 mg/kg BM per day) normalization of glycine concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was not achieved. However, seizures ceased. Restriction of protein intake (≤2 g/kg BM per day) seemed to be profitable. CSF glycine concentrations below 100 μmol/L may be sufficient to prevent seizures in older infants who have adapted to neuronal glycine exposure. No toxicity of sodium benzoate treatment was detected when administering doses of up to 470 mg/kg BM per day but side effects such as itching and hyperactivity were obvious.
Height and weight measurements of male Turkish adolescents according to biological maturation
Authors: BÜYÜKGEBIZ A. , EROGLU Y. , KARAMAN O. , KINIK E. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractEight hundred and seventy‐nine Turkish male adolescents aged between 11 and 19 years were investigated with respect to their physical development. Bone ages were considered as well as chronological ages in determining biacromial (BAC), biiliac lengths (BIC) and chest circumference (CC). Different bone and chronological ages were obtained at the same chronological age (CA) and bone age (BA) columns. The importance of bone ages in evaluating an adolescent's physical development was shown to be as important as the chronological ages. In this study, the mean BAC, BIC and CC values between the same CA but different BA groups showed statistically significant differences (P<0.001). When the measurements of two consecutive age groups who had the same CA and BA and who were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05) were compared, the maximum increments in BAC and BIC values which were between 13 and 14 years of age (2 and 1.4 cm, respectively) were similar to the maximum increment in height and weight of Turkish male adolescents found between 13 and 14 years of BA. The maximum increment in CC values which were between 14 and 15 years and 15 and 16 years (4.1 cm each) was 1 year after the maximum increment in height and weight for BA of Turkish male adolescents (13–14 years) and was similar to maximum weight increment for CA which was between 15 and 16 years.
Premature thelarche in Kabuki make‐up syndrome
Authors: TUTAR H ERCAN , ÖCAL GÖNÜL , İNCE ERDAL , CİN ŞÜKRÜ 
Published: January 2011

AbstractA 2 year old girl who has Kabuki make‐up syndrome with isolated premature thelarche is presented. She has unique ocular abnormalities which have not been reported previously. In the literature at least 85 patients, most of them from Japan, have been reported. This is the first reported non‐Japanese Asian case.
A case of pseudo‐Bartter's syndrome due to intestinal malrotation
Authors: KOSHIDA RIE , SAKAZUME SHINOBU , MARUYAMA HIROAKI , OKUDA NORIHIKO , OHAMA KAZUNORI , ASANO SHUJI 
Published: January 2011

AbstractIntestinal malrotation presenting beyond the neonatal period is associated with a multiplicity of symptoms, which are often non‐specific and, consequently, are associated with delays in diagnosis. Pseudo‐Bartter's syndrome, which mimics the manifestations of Bartter's syndrome, can be caused by a severe chloride deficiency secondary to vomiting, diarrhea, perspiration, diuretic abuse and so on.We describe a 6 year old boy who had been admitted to hospital three times during the preceding year. The patient lapsed into a critical condition with profound hypochloremia and hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis induced by extremely massive vomiting. The attacks of vomiting were spasmodic and self‐limited. During the episodes of vomiting he fulfilled the criteria of pseudo‐Bartter's syndrome, including hyperreninemia, hyperaldosteronism and normal blood pressure, but in the intervals between attacks he was completely asymptomatic. At the third admission, examination supported an overall clinical picture of bowel obstruction, which was confirmed by radiographic examination. Laparotomy revealed a midgut volvulus with intestinal malrotation. After surgery he made a good recovery and was symptom‐free.In this patient, the high degree of hypochloremia and hypovolemia activated the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system, then aldosterone promoted intensive reabsorption of sodium and excretion of potassium into the urine. Consequently the diagnosis of pseudo‐Bartter's syndrome was established on the basis of an extreme decrease in urinary chloride and an increase in urinary potassium concentration.It is relatively rare for vomiting due to intestinal malrotation to induce pseudo‐Bartter's syndrome. The importance of considering this rare diagnosis in such cases is discussed.