bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acid and Nonacid Gastro‐oesophageal Reflux in Neurologically Impaired Children
Authors: Del Buono Raffaele , Wenzl Tobias G. , Rawat David , Thomson Mike 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTObjectives:The diagnosis of gastro‐oesophageal reflux (GOR) is more difficult in children with neurological impairment because symptoms are often less interpretable and frequently go undetected. The use of combined pH and multiple intraluminal impedance allows for the detection of both acid (pH < 4) and nonacid (pH > 4) GOR episodes, in addition to the height of the refluxate and the total acid and bolus clearance time in this cohort.Methods:Sixteen neurologically impaired children (9 were fed nasogastrically, 7 were fed orally) underwent 12‐hour combined pH and multiple intraluminal impedance.Results:There were a total of 425 reflux episodes during the study period, of which 239 (56.2%) were nonacid. The median of reflux episodes per hour was 1.8 (range, 0.2‐6.3/h). The median height of the refluxate was 1.5 channels (range, 1.1‐2.9); and 71.3% of reflux episodes reached the upper oesophagus, of which 52.4% were nonacid reflux events. On average there were more GOR events (both acid and nonacid) in the children who were fed via a nasogastric tube, and the median height of refluxate was also higher in this group. However, the median acid clearance time was longer (both proximal and distal) in the children who were fed orally (28.6 s vs 16.2 s proximally; 67.9 s vs 38.3 s distally). The median acid clearance time (21.7 s proximally; 39.5 s distally) was longer when compared with bolus clearance (14.9 s).Conclusions:More than half of the reflux events in neurologically impaired children are nonacidic and would therefore go undetected by conventional pH metry. There are more reflux events in children fed nasogastrically than oral‐fed children.
Antiemetics for Children With Gastroenteritis
Authors: Albano Fabio , Bruzzese Eugenia , Spagnuolo Maria Immacolata , De Marco Giulio 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTAntiemetics are not included for treatment of vomiting associated with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children by standard guidelines. We performed a survey to determine antiemetic prescribing rates by Italian pediatricians. A structured questionnaire was distributed at a pediatric national conference. The majority of responders reported prescribing antiemetics for pediatric gastroenteritis. Although there is insufficient evidence to justify their use, the use of antiemetics is widely present among pediatricians.
Effects of Prenatal Lipopolysaccharide Exposure on Epithelial Development and Function in Newborn Rat Intestine
Authors: Giannone Peter J. , Schanbacher Brandon L. , Bauer John A. , Reber Kristina M. 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTBackground:Maternal infection during pregnancy is associated with several neonatal morbidities, including periventricular leukomalacia and lung maldevelopment and injury.Objective:To test the hypothesis that responses to prenatal maternal exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) alter intestinal epithelial development and function in newborn rats.Design/Methods:Timed‐pregnancy female Sprague‐Dawley rats were administered either 2 mg LPS or an equal volume of isotonic saline by intraperitoneal injection at E16 and allowed to deliver naturally. Pups were weighed and then killed at days of life (DOL) 0, 3, 7 and 14. Morphometric parameters were measured on standard hematoxylin and eosin‐stained sections using ImagePro software. Immunohistochemistry was performed with antibody specific for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and 3‐nitrotyrosine on distal ileal intestinal samples analyzed at each time point. Optical density was determined and quantified for site‐specific regions of intestinal sections. On DOL 14, in vivo mucosal permeability was measured by feeding rats fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) via orogastric tube; and then serum FITC was measured.Results:There were no significant differences in pup weights. Mucosal thicknesses were significantly less in the distal ileum from pups born to LPS‐exposed dams on DOL 0, 3 and 7 (P < 0.001). On DOL 0, iNOS protein concentrations in the prenatal LPS treatment group were significantly greater than iNOS protein concentrations in the distal villus (P < 0.001), proximal villus/crypts (P < 0.01), submucosa (P < 0.001) and muscularis (P < 0.01) in the distal small intestine of the control group. On DOL 3, 7 and 14, significant differences were observed in iNOS protein concentrations in the distal villus and submucosal regions between groups (P < 0.001). On DOL 0, 3, 7 and 14, 3‐nitrotyrosine immunostaining was significantly elevated in the prenatal LPS‐exposed pups in the distal villus on (P < 0.001) as well as in the submucosa on DOL 3 (P < 0.001). Serum FITC measurement was significantly greater in prenatal LPS exposure group at DOL 14 (P < 0.001).Conclusions:Maternal exposure to LPS during pregnancy alters intestinal growth and regulation of iNOS in the newborn rat intestine.
Relationship Between Viral Load and Genotypes of Hepatitis B Virus in Children With Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Oommen Prasad T. , Wirth Stefan , Wintermeyer Philip , Gerner Patrick 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTObjective:We evaluated the prevalence and clinical significance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes in children with chronic hepatitis B.Methods:Hepatitis B virus genomes of 249 hepatitis Be antigen‐positive chronic hepatitis B surface antigen carriers were genotyped based on restriction fragment length polymorphism. Genotypes were correlated with corresponding values for alanine aminotransferase levels, quantitative HBV DNA and histological findings.Results:One hundred and sixty‐two boys and 87 girls (mean age, 7.2 years) were studied. Ninety‐six percent were attributed to HBV genotypes A (32.5%) or D (63.5%). The remaining were classified as genotypes B, C, E and F. There was no significant difference in both alanine aminotransferase levels and histological findings among different genotypes. However, there was a clear association between very high HBV DNA levels and individuals with genotype D (P = 0.006). Mean time follow‐up of 3.6 years showed later anti‐HBe seroconversion in patients with genotype D than in those with genotype A (58% vs 37%).Conclusions:Compared with children with genotype A, children with genotype D showed a significantly higher viral load. Inasmuch as a relationship exists between viral load and response to treatment in children infected through vertical transmission, children with genotype D have to be carefully monitored. Long‐term studies are needed to determine whether these patients are at risk of a poorer outcome.
Genetic analysis of the ferrochelatase gene in eight Japanese patients from seven families with erythropoietic protoporphyria
Authors: SARUWATARI Hiroshi , UEKI Yuri , YOTSUMOTO Shinichi , SHIMADA Tokihiko , FUKUMARU Seita , KANEKURA Takuro , KANZAKI Tamotsu 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTA decrease in the activity of ferrochelatase (FECH; EC 4.99.1.1), the terminal enzyme of the heme biosynthetic pathway, results in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP; MIM 177000). We analyzed the FECHgene in eight Japanese EPP patients from seven non‐consanguineous families and found two distinct genomic DNA abnormalities. In six patients from five families, there was a G‐to‐A point‐mutation at the first position of the intron 9 donor site; it resulted in aberrant splicing and skipping of exon 9 in FECH mRNA. In one patient, we found an A‐to‐G point‐mutation 4 bases from the 3" terminus of intron 4 that led to the in‐frame insertion of 3 bases in mRNA. No allelic anomalies, except for 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected in another patient. We analyzed intron polymorphism at IVS3‐48, known to be associated with the phenotypic expression of EPP, in these eight patients and 152 healthy Japanese volunteers. All patients were C/C homozygous for IVS3‐48. The allelic frequency of IVS3‐48C polymorphism in the healthy Japanese volunteers was 67.8% (103/152).
Differential expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 by fibroblasts in co‐cultures with keratinocytes, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma
Authors: CHEN Gwo‐Shing , LU Mei‐Pao , WU Meng‐Tse 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTTo address whether matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 expression by mesenchymal fibroblasts may be differentially modulated by interactions with normal or malignant epidermal cells, we set up a fibroblast co‐culture model separately with keratinocytes, basal cell carcinoma cells and melanoma cells. Real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) and gelatin zymography were used to detect and quantify the expression of MMP‐2 by these different kinds of cells. In independent cultures, MMP‐2 was highly expressed by fibroblasts and melanoma cells constitutively, but barely expressed by keratinocytes and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) cells. MMP‐2 expression by fibroblasts was downregulated in co‐cultures with keratinocytes or BCC cells, but not with melanoma cells. These results indicate that epidermal–mesenchymal interactions are important modulators for MMP‐2 expression by cutaneous cells and suggest a host‐defense mechanism against the tumor progression of BCC.
Chronic pulmonary complications associated with toxic epidermal necrolysis: Report of a severe case with anti‐Ro/SS‐A and a review of the published work
Authors: KAMADA Noriaki , KINOSHITA Kyoko , TOGAWA Yaei , KOBAYASHI Takashi , MATSUBARA Hiroshi , KOHNO Masakazu , IGARI Hidetoshi , KURIYAMA Takayuki , NAKAMURA Masataka , HIRASAWA Hiroyuki , SHINKAI Hiroshi 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTPatients with toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have been known to have various complications. Though pulmonary complications are often observed, they usually show an acute form; however, chronic complications are quite rare and little is known about either their incidences or clinical manifestations. We herein report a 33‐year‐old man who presented with chronic pulmonary complications after a recovery from TEN. At the onset of TEN, he had severe respiratory failure and artificial ventilation was instituted. Despite being extubated successfully, respiratory failure reappeared 1 month later. A diagnosis of chronic bronchitis with severe obstructive ventilatory impairment and bronchiectasis was made and he was treated with steroids, bronchodilators and antibiotics, however, he died 1.5 years after the onset of TEN. There have been 13 reported cases of chronic pulmonary complications with TEN or Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) in the English published work. Such cases are usually classified into chronic bronchitis/bronchiolitis with obstructive change (including bronchiolitis obliterans and bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia), respiratory tract obstruction and bronchiectasis. Approximately 40% of all such patients die while the surviving continue to suffer from these complications because no curative therapy yet exists. As a result, the prognosis seems to be poor. The relationship between TEN and these chronic pulmonary complications remains to be elucidated. Interestingly, our patient was asymptomatically anti‐Ro/SS‐A positive at the onset of TEN. In addition, eccrine gland involvement and an extremely high level of serum salivary amylase were observed at the onset of TEN, furthermore, Sjögren‐like symptoms occurred after recovery from TEN. These findings suggested that the Sjögren‐like autoimmune abnormalities induced by anti‐Ro/SS‐A correlated with the development of chronic pulmonary complications in our patient.
Clinical trial of a laser device called fractional photothermolysis system for acne scars
Authors: HASEGAWA Toshio , MATSUKURA Tomoyuki , MIZUNO Yuki , SUGA Yasushi , OGAWA Hideoki , IKEDA Shigaku 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTAblative laser resurfacing is an effective treatment for acne scars. However, edema and prolonged erythema are common. Additionally, scarring and hyperpigmentation are often induced. A new concept of laser called fractional photothermolysis has been designed to create microscopic thermal wounds to achieve skin rejuvenation without significant side‐effects. We treated 10 patients with acne scars using this laser system (Reliant Fraxel SR Laser). All the patients were successfully treated with minimal adverse effects. The fractional photothermolysis system represents an optional method for the treatment of acne scars.
Segmental neurofibromatosis: Report of two cases
Authors: SEZER Engin , SENAYLI Atilla , SEZER Taner , BICAKCI Unal 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTNeurofibromatosis (NF), or von Recklinghausen's disease is comprised of a heterogeneous group of disorders, primarily affecting the skin, soft tissue, bone and central nervous system. Segmental neurofibromatosis (SN) is a rare form of NF, characterized by “café‐au‐lait” macules, freckles, and/or neurofibromas limited to a body segment. There are approximately 150 cases reported in the English published work. Bilateral segmental neurofibromatosis is a rare subtype of SN, manifesting with bilateral involvement of the body segments. Herein, we report two patients with SN; one associated with pectus excavatum, and the other case diagnosed as bilateral segmental neurofibromatosis. Asymmetry of the skull and thorax, kyphoscoliosis and segmental bone hypertrophy of the leg are skeletal abnormalities previously reported with SN. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of SN in association with pectus excavatum.
Diagnostic utility of aberrant methylation of tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 in pure pancreatic juice for pancreatic carcinoma
Authors: Jiang PeiHong , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Okada Gensaku , Ohtsubo Koushiro , Mouri Hisatsugu , Tsuchiyama Tomoya , Yao Fan , Sawabu Norio 
Published: September 2006

The tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 (TFPI‐2) is a Kunitz‐type serine proteinase inhibitor. Recently, the aberrant methylation of TFPI‐2 was detected frequently in pancreatic carcinoma (PCa) tissues but not in normal pancreatic tissues. We analyzed the aberrant methylation of TFPI‐2 in the pure pancreatic juice (PPJ) aspirated endoscopically from patients with various pancreatic diseases. Using the highly sensitive methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) and quantitative MSP (Q‐MSP) assay, we investigated the aberrant methylation of TFPI‐2 in nine human PCa cell lines and in the PPJ from patients with PCa, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) and chronic pancreatitis (CP). The incidence of aberrant TFPI‐2 methylation was seven (77.8%) of nine PCa cell lines by Q‐MSP. In cell lines, the expression of TFPI‐2 mRNA by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction showed an inverse correlation to the aberrant methylation of TFPI‐2. The incidence of aberrant TFPI‐2 methylation in the PPJ was 21 (58.3%) of 36 PCa patients, three (17.6%) of 17 IPMN and one (4.8%) of 21 CP by MSP assay. Using a suitable cut‐off value of 2.5 according to the receiver operating characteristic curve, the incidence of aberrant TFPI‐2 methylation in the PPJ by real‐time MSP was 18 (62.1%) of 29 PCa patients, one (5.1%) of 17 IPMN and three (14.3%) of 21 CP, respectively. The incidence of quantitative TFPI‐2 hypermethylation in the PPJ with PCa was significantly higher than that with IPMN (P < 0.001) or CP (P < 0.001). Moreover, the aberrant methylation rate of TFPI‐2 in the PPJ was 100%, as observed (6/6) in the PCa patients with liver metastasis, and 86.7% (26/30) in stages IVa + IVb of PCa by Q‐MSP assay. These results suggest that promoter methylation of TFPI‐2 in the PPJ may be a useful marker in the diagnosis and progression of PCa using an endoscopically feasible approach. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 1267–1273)
The global nitrogen regulator, FNR1, regulates fungal nutrition‐genes and fitness during Fusarium oxysporum pathogenesis
Authors: DIVON HEGE HVATTUM , ZIV CARMIT , DAVYDOV OLGA , YARDEN ODED , FLUHR ROBERT 
Published: September 2006

SUMMARY Fusarium oxysporum is a soil‐borne pathogen that infects plants through the roots and uses the vascular system for host ingress. Specialized for this route of infection, F. oxysporum is able to adapt to the scarce nutrient environment in the xylem vessels. Here we report the cloning of the F. oxysporum global nitrogen regulator, Fnr1, and show that it is one of the determinants for fungal fitness during in planta growth. The Fnr1 gene has a single conserved GATA‐type zinc finger domain and is 96% and 48% identical to AREA‐GF from Gibberella fujikuroi, and NIT2 from Neurospora crassa, respectively. Fnr1 cDNA, expressed under a constitutive promoter, was able to complement functionally an N. crassa nit‐2RIP mutant, restoring the ability of the mutant to utilize nitrate. Fnr1 disruption mutants showed high tolerance to chlorate and reduced ability to utilize several secondary nitrogen sources such as amino acids, hypoxanthine and uric acid, whereas growth on favourable nitrogen sources was not affected. Fnr1 disruption also abolished in vitro expression of nutrition genes, normally induced during the early phase of infection. In an infection assay on tomato seedlings, infection rate of disruption mutants was significantly delayed in comparison with the parental strain. Our results indicate that FNR1 mediates adaptation to nitrogen‐poor conditions in planta through the regulation of secondary nitrogen acquisition, and as such acts as a determinant for fungal fitness during infection.
Increased expression of collagen receptors: α1β1 and α2β1 integrins on blood eosinophils in bronchial asthma
Authors: Bazan‐Socha S. , Bukiej A. , Pulka G. , Marcinkiewicz C. , Musial J. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryBackground
Eosinophils are one of the major effector cells in bronchial asthma. Their infiltration of airways correlates with the asthma severity. Recruitment and activation of eosinophils are partially mediated by integrins α4β1 and α4β7. Collagens type I and IV constitute important components of extracellular matrix and vascular basement membrane, respectively. Therefore, collagen‐binding integrins (α1β1 and α2β1) may also play a role in eosinophil lung infiltration.Objective
To evaluate the possible presence of α1β1 and α2β1 integrins on peripheral blood eosinophils from asthmatic subjects.Methods
Collagen receptors were studied on eosinophils separated by immunomagnetic CD16‐negative method from healthy donors (n=13) and patients with moderate persistent atopic bronchial asthma (n=15). Surface receptor identification was performed by flow cytometry and cell adhesion assay.Results
Eosinophils isolated from the patients showed increased expression of both α1β1 and α2β1 integrins as compared with healthy controls. Moreover, adhesive function of eosinophils to collagen type IV was inhibited by snake venom disintegrins: viperistatin and obtustatin. These disintegrins contain KTS active motif and are specific inhibitors of α1β1 integrin.Conclusion
We demonstrated for the first time that collagen receptors: α1β1 and α2β1 integrins are overexpressed on the surface of peripheral blood eosinophils of asthmatic subjects. Further studies may reveal potential application of KTS‐disintegrins or their structural analogs for therapy of bronchial asthma.
Airborne exposure to wheat allergens: measurement by human immunoglobulin G4 and rabbit immunoglobulin G immunoassays
Authors: Bogdanovic J. , Wouters I. M. , Sander I. , Raulf‐Heimsoth M. , Elms J. , Rodrigo M. J. , Heederik D. J. J. , Doekes G. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryBackground: Exposure to airborne wheat allergens in the bakery trade is associated with a high risk of occupational allergy and asthma. Control and reduction of allergen exposure require relatively simple but reliable monitoring techniques. We developed new rabbit IgG‐based enzyme immunoassays (EIA) for wheat allergens, which might be a convenient alternative for the thus far used human IgG4 inhibition assay.Methods: The reactivity and specificity of rabbit antibodies were assessed by EIA and immunoblotting, and compared with those of IgE from wheat‐sensitized bakers, and with the antibodies used in the IgG4 inhibition EIA. An IgG inhibition and a sandwich EIA were developed for analysis of airborne dust samples.Results: Human IgG4 and rabbit IgG inhibition EIAs had comparable sensitivities, with limits of detection (LOD) between 18 and 88 ng/mL, while the sandwich EIA was much more sensitive (LOD<0.2 ng/mL). Human IgG4 and rabbit IgG reacted in immunoblotting with most of the IgE‐binding wheat proteins, although with quantitative differences. All three assays showed a strong reaction with wheat proteins, and some cross‐reactivity with rye and barley, but were further highly specific for cereal flour proteins. Concentrations measured with the three EIAs in 432 airborne dust samples were highly correlated (r>0.95) and their absolute values showed less than 10–20% differences.Conclusion: The rabbit IgG EIAs are valid substitutes for the human IgG4 inhibition EIA, with important practical advantages. The inhibition EIA is recommended for routine wheat allergen measurements. The sandwich EIA may be used to measure low allergen levels, as in short task‐related exposure measurements or in subfractions of airborne dust samples.
Relationship between neurokinin 2 receptor gene polymorphisms and serum vascular endothelial growth factor levels in patients with toluene diisocyanate‐induced asthma
Authors: Ye Y.‐M. , Kang Y.‐M. , Kim S.‐H. , Kim C.‐W. , Kim H.‐R. , Hong C.‐S. , Park C.‐S. , Kim H.‐M. , Nahm D.‐H. , Park H.‐S. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryBackground
Among the various pathogenic mechanisms of toluene diisocyanate (TDI)‐induced asthma, a contribution from neurogenic inflammation has been suggested.Objective
To evaluate neurokinin 2 receptor (NK2R) gene polymorphisms in association with the clinical phenotype of TDI‐induced asthma, 70 TDI‐induced occupational asthma (TDI‐OA)patients, 59 asymptomatic exposed controls (AEC), and 93 unexposed healthy controls (NC) were enrolled in the study.Methods
Two single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of NK2R, 7853G>A (Gly231Glu) and 11 424G>A (Arg375His), were genotyped using a single base extension method. The levels of PC20 methacholine, specific IgE and IgG to TDI–human serum albumin conjugate, and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase‐9, and TGF‐β1 were compared according to the NK2R genotypes of the subjects with TDI‐OA and AEC.Results
No significant differences in allele, genotype, or haplotype frequencies of these two SNPs were noted among the three groups (P>0.05, respectively). Moreover, subjects with the NK2R 7853GG genotype had higher serum VEGF levels than those with GA or AA among the TDI‐exposed workers (P=0.040).Conclusion
The NK2R 7853GG genotype may contribute to increased serum VEGF levels, which result in airway inflammation after TDI exposure.