bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical scoring systems in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Hafen Gaudenz M. , Ranganathan Sarath C. , Robertson Colin F. , Robinson Philip J. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe first cystic fibrosis (CF) scoring system was published in 1958. Since then, many other scoring systems were developed. Clinical parameters, details about statistical evaluations, and recent strategic uses of scores were identified. Several similar scores aiming to assess chronic illness severity (Shwachman‐Kulczycki score and a modification, Cooperman, Berneze‐score and the NIH score) have not been evaluated and are out of date, given the changing natural history of CF. Of the current scoring systems, the modified Shwachman score by Doershuk is perhaps most reliable for describing follow‐up studies. Scores designed for acute changes and short‐term evaluation were also developed. The modified Huang score may be useful in the prognostic evaluation of patients with end‐stage disease. It could also be used for discrimination of adult patients with differing disease severity and for longitudinal evaluation. Scores assessing pulmonary exacerbations could help provide consensus among clinicians regarding the need for intervention. Most of these scores require further evaluation. Although scores could provide an objective measure of disease severity, progression, need for and response to interventions, including value in selecting patients for lung transplantation and as an outcome measure for research studdies, no scoring system can fulfill all these objectives. Nevertheless, there is a need for the development of a modern day longitudinal score that is sensitive, valid and reproducible, to reflect the milder disease status of patients. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006; 41: 602–617. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Superior vena cava syndrome related to indwelling intravenous catheters in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Garwood Susan , Flume Patrick A. , Ravenel James 
Published: May 2006

AbstractPatients with cystic fibrosis (CF) often need long‐term implanted vascular‐access devices for intravenous antibiotics for chronic lower respiratory tract infections. These devices are not without complications, including infection, occlusion, and vascular thrombosis. Such thrombosis can result in superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome due to the position of the catheter proximal to the right atrium. SVC syndrome in CF patients, however, is rarely reported in the literature, suggesting that its incidence is uncommon. We describe three patients with SVC syndrome as a consequence of implanted vascular‐access devices. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006; 41: 683–687. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Complication of mediastinal mass: Acquired tracheoesophageal fistula associated with T‐cell lymphoblastic lymphoma
Authors: Moree John S. , Bhakta Manoo G. , Ledbetter Joel 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe occurrence of a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) in the setting of lymphoma has only rarely been reported in the world literature. Most cases reported were associated with radiation therapy vs. chemotherapy alone. This report presents one case illustrating the difficulty encountered managing a TEF that developed while undergoing chemotherapy for T‐cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006; 41: 688–689. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Necrotizing pneumococcal pneumonia in children: The role of pulmonary gangrene
Authors: Hsieh Yu‐Chia , Hsiao Cheng‐Hsiang , Tsao Po‐Nien , Wang Jann‐Yuan , Hsueh Po‐Ren , Chiang Bor‐Luen , Lee Wen‐Sen , Huang Li‐Min 
Published: May 2006

AbstractLittle is known about the mechanism of necrotizing pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in children. Pulmonary gangrene secondary to vascular thrombosis was reported in adults with necrotizing pneumococcal pneumonia. We conducted a retrospective study of 15 children with a diagnosis of necrotizing pneumococcal pneumonia at National Taiwan University Hospital to explore its association with pulmonary gangrene, based on evidence from chest computed tomography, serial chest radiographic patterns, and pathologic results. S. pneumoniae serotype 14 was the prevalent pneumococcal serotype. Overall, 63.6% of isolates were not susceptible to penicillin. One child with pneumonia caused by S. pneumoniae serotype 3 complicated by hemolytic uremic syndrome had a rapidly fatal course. An autopsy in this patient documented lung necrosis and pulmonary gangrene. Radiographic follow‐up was performed during the clinical course in 9 patients, and showed no evidence of pulmonary gangrene. Four children had no radiographic follow‐up. The relationship between pulmonary gangrene and necrotizing pneumonia was unclear in the remaining one. In conclusion, necrotizing pneumococcal pneumonia may be infrequently associated with pulmonary gangrene in children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006; 41: 623–629. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Zinc status in infantile wheezing
Authors: Tahan Fulya , Karakukcu Cigdem 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe increase in prevalence of asthma is strongly dependent on environmental factors, including diet. Significant decreases in the intake of dietary zinc may be an important contributing factor to the increasing incidence of wheezing and asthma, but there have been no studies evaluating zinc levels in wheezy infants. Our objective was to investigate the zinc status of wheezy infants. Wheezy infants (n = 34) and healthy children (n = 14) were included in the study. Total IgE and eosinophil counts were obtained, and skin testing was done with a battery of 25 antigens with appropriate positive and negative controls. Levels of zinc were determined in hair, using a Polarized Zeeman Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Hitachi Z‐800). No significant difference was observed in peripheral blood eosinophil counts and total IgE levels among groups (P > 0.05). Hair zinc levels were significantly lower in wheezy infants (P < 0.001). In conclusion, hair zinc levels were lower in wheezy infants than in healthy controls, suggesting that zinc deficiency may influence the risk of wheezing in early childhood. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006; 41: 630–634. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conservative treatment of spontaneous tracheal rupture
Authors: Akyol Ahmet , Çay Ali , İmamoglu Mustafa , Ulusoy Hülya , Özen İbrahim 
Published: May 2006

AbstractSpontaneous tracheobronchial ruptures are uncommon injuries, especially in the pediatric age group. Tracheal injuries, independent of their origin, may be life‐threatening. Here we present the first report of a 14‐year‐old boy who presented with subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and pneumothorax on day 3, due to spontaneous posterior tracheal‐wall rupture following paroxysmal productive coughing. The diagnosis was established using a computed tomography scan of the chest, and tracheobronchoscopy and esophagoscopy under general anesthesia. He was endotracheally intubated and ventilated in the intensive care unit. Such tracheal defects, bridgeable by an endotracheal tube, may permit conservative treatment. The patient was discharged on day 10, and follow‐up revealed no late complications. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006; 41: 690–693. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exhaled nitric oxide in healthy nonatopic school‐age children: Determinants and height‐adjusted reference values
Authors: Malmberg L.P. , Petäys T. , Haahtela T. , Laatikainen T. , Jousilahti P. , Vartiainen E. , Mäkelä M.J. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractExhaled nitric oxide (FENO) was proposed as a marker of airway inflammation, but data about FENO in healthy children measured with standardized methods are so far limited. In order to assess the determinants of FENO in healthy children, we investigated a population‐based sample of school‐age children (n = 276) with a questionnaire, skin‐prick tests, spirometry, and the measurement of FENO. The FENO of 114 nonatopic and nonsmoking children considered healthy were analyzed with stepwise multiple regression analysis, which showed significant associations with age, standing height, weight, and body surface area, but not with gender. Height was found to be the best independent variable for the regression equation for FENO, which on average showed an increase in the height range of 120–180 cm from 7 to 14 ppb. In the random sample of children, increased FENO was associated with atopy (odds ratio, 9.0; 95% confidence interval, 3.9–21.1; P < 0.0001), and significantly with allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis, but not with asthma. Respiratory symptom‐free children with skin‐prick test positivity had significantly higher FENO than healthy nonatopic subjects. We conclude that height is the best determinant of FENO in healthy children. Due to the strong effect of atopy, FENO data should not be interpreted without knowing the atopic status of the child. The present reference values of FENO may serve in clinical assessments for measuring airway inflammation in children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006; 41: 635–642. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Primary pulmonary Hodgkin's disease and tuberculosis in an 11‐year‐old boy: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Codrich Daniela , Monai Margherita , Pelizzo Gloria , Bussani Rossana , Rabusin Marco , Guastalla Pierpaolo , Barbi Egidio , Schleef Jürgen 
Published: May 2006

AbstractTuberculosis (TB) has been described in association with different malignancies including Hodgkin's disease. However, the association with primary pulmonary Hodgkin's disease (PPHD) is hardly reported in literature and in teenage is quite exceptional. We report a case of an 11 years old boy in whom the diagnosis of tuberculosis preceded and delayed the diagnosis of PPHL. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006; 41: 694–698. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association of birth weight with asthma‐related outcomes at age 2 years
Authors: Taveras Elsie M. , Camargo Carlos A. , Rifas‐Shiman Sheryl L. , Oken Emily , Gold Diane R. , Weiss Scott T. , Gillman Matthew W. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundAlthough lower birth weight associated with prematurity raises the risk of asthma in childhood, few prospective studies have examined higher birth weight, and few have separated the two components of birth weight, fetal growth and length of gestation.ObjectiveTo examine the associations of fetal growth and length of gestation with asthma‐related outcomes by age 2 years.MethodsWe studied 1,372 infants and toddlers born after 34 weeks' gestation in Project Viva, a prospective cohort study of pregnant mothers and their children. The main outcome measures were parent report of (1) any wheezing (or whistling in the chest) from birth to age 2 years, (2) recurrent wheezing during the first 2 years of life, and (3) doctor's diagnosis of asthma, wheeze or reactive airway disease (“asthma”) by age 2. We calculated gestational age from the last menstrual period or ultrasound examination, and determined birth weight for gestational age z‐value (“fetal growth”) using US national reference data.ResultsInfants' mean birth weight was 3,527 (SD, 517; range, 1,559–5,528) grams. By age 2 years, 34% of children had any wheezing, 14% had recurrent wheezing, and 16% had doctor‐diagnosed asthma. After adjusting for several parent, child, and household characteristics in logistic regression models, we found that infants with birth weight ≥4,000 g were not more likely to have any wheezing (odds ratio (OR), 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.62, 1.34) or doctor‐diagnosed asthma (OR, 0.80; 95% CI: 0.49, 1.31) than infants with birth weight 3,500–3,999 g. In models examining length of gestation and fetal growth separately, neither the highest nor the lowest groups of either predictor were associated with the three outcomes. Boys had a higher incidence of asthma‐related outcomes than girls, and exposure to passive smoking, parental history of asthma, and exposure to older siblings were all associated with greater risk of recurrent wheeze or asthma‐related outcomes at age 2 years.ConclusionAlthough male sex, exposure to smoking, parental history of asthma, and exposure to older siblings were associated with increased risk of wheezing and asthma‐related outcomes in this prospective study of children born after 34 weeks gestation, fetal growth and length of gestation were not. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006; 41: 643–648. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lack of association between NOS2 pentanucleotide repeat polymorphism and asthma phenotypes or exhaled nitric oxide concentration
Authors: Leung Ting F. , Liu Eric K.H. , Li Chung Y. , Chan Iris H.S. , Yung Edmund , Lam Christopher W.K. , Wong Gary W.K. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractNitric oxide (NO) plays an immunoregulatory role in balancing cellular immunity. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase gene (NOS2) is upregulated upon exposure to proinflammatory cytokines and microbial exposure. The (CCTTT)n polymorphism in NOS2 promoter confers protection against infections and immunological disorders including atopy. We investigated the association between (CCTTT)n and asthma traits in Chinese children. Asthmatic children between 5 and 18 years of age and non‐allergic controls were recruited. Plasma total and specific IgEs were measured by immunoassays, and exhaled NO concentration was quantified online by chemiluminescence. NOS2 (CCTTT)n was genotyped by GeneScan analysis. The mean (SD) age of 291 asthmatics and 172 controls were 11.1 (3.8) years and 11.6 (4.0) years, respectively (P = 0.259). NOS2 (CCTTT)n followed Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in both groups, and its uni‐modal allele distribution peaks at 12‐repeat. Significant interethnic differences in (CCTTT)n alleles were observed, with our Chinese having less 13‐repeat (Pc = 0.022) but more 17‐repeat (Pc = 0.033) than Caucasians. The frequency of 14‐repeat allele was similar in our Chinese as compared to Japanese (Pc = 0.32). Multivariate regression analyses failed to detect any association between this polymorphic marker and asthma diagnosis (P = 0.949), atopy (P = 0.305), IgE sensitization to aeroallergens (P > 0.2 for all), or FeNO (P = 0.847). These findings do not support NOS2 to be a major candidate gene for asthma or IgE‐mediated allergic diseases in Chinese children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006; 41: 649–655. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microbiology, safety, and pharmacokinetics of aztreonam lysinate for inhalation in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Gibson Ronald L. , Retsch‐Bogart George Z. , Oermann Christopher , Milla Carlos , Pilewski Joseph , Daines Cori , Ahrens Richard , Leon Kevin , Cohen Morty , McNamara Sharon , Callahan Tracy L. , Markus Richard , Burns Jane L. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundAztreonam lysinate for inhalation (AI) is a novel monobactam formulation being investigated for pulmonary Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).MethodsPre‐clinical studies investigated the pre‐ and post‐nebulization activity of AI and its activity in the presence of CF sputum. A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, dose‐escalation trial determined pharmacokinetics and tolerability of AI in subjects with CF. Single daily escalating doses of AI 75, 150, or 225 mg, or placebo were self‐administered using an eFlow® Electronic Nebulizer. Sputum samples were collected up to 4 hr and blood samples up to 8 hr post‐dose.ResultsAI activity against multiple CF isolates was retained after nebulization via eFlow, and activity was not inhibited by CF sputum. All 12 adult subjects and 11/12 adolescents tolerated all AI doses. One patient had an asymptomatic FEV1 decrease >20% with the 150 mg dose. Median aztreonam sputum concentrations in adults 10 min after AI 75, 150, and 225 mg were 383, 879, and 985 µg/g, respectively. Median sputum concentrations in adolescents 10 min after AI 75, 150, and 225 mg were 324, 387, and 260 µg/g, respectively. Systemic exposure to AI was low. Plasma pharmacokinetics in adults receiving AI 75 mg were Cmax = 419 ng/g, Tmax = 0.99 hr, t1/2 = 2.1 hr. Aztreonam concentrations in sputum were at or above the MIC50 for at least 4 hr post‐dose.ConclusionThese data support the continued development of AI for treatment of pulmonary infections in patients with CF. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006; 41: 656–665. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nebulized therapies for childhood pulmonary hypertension: An in vitro model
Authors: Katz Sherri L. , Adatia Ian , Louca Emily , Leung Kitty , Humpl T. , Reyes Janette T. , Coates Allan L. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjectivesSildenafil, tezosentan, and prostacyclin reduce pulmonary vascular pressures in pulmonary hypertension, but have potential to vasodilate the systemic circulation. Nebulized vasodilators allow targeted drug delivery, high local drug concentrations, less systemic hypotension, and better matching of the lung's ventilation and perfusion. We aimed to estimate pulmonary deposition of these drugs from commonly employed nebulizers using in vitro techniques and to create a mathematical model to predict inspired mass of aerosol.DesignLung deposition was estimated by characterization of drug output and particle size distribution (PSD) of nebulizers using helium‐neon laser diffraction techniques. A mathematical model for each device was created to estimate pulmonary deposition using patients' breathing patterns and was verified with a mechanical‐breathing model.ResultsTotal output and PSD were similar for the Hudson Updraft II and Whisperjet nebulizers, consisting of half the nebulizer's charge, with ¼ of particles ≤5 µm, in the respirable fraction (RF). Drug output increased with inspiratory flow for the Pari LC Star. Differences were noted in device performance, depending on the drug tested. Estimated pulmonary deposition (mean, 95% CI) was 8.1 (7.2, 9.0)% of the initial drug charge for the Hudson Updraft II, 6.4 (5.8, 7.0)% for the Whisperjet, and 33.0 (28.3, 37.9)% for the Pari LC Star. A mechanical model was consistent with our mathematical model.ConclusionsAll drugs could be nebulized, but expected pulmonary deposition varied depending on the nebulizer and drug. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006; 41: 666–673. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Plasma concentrations of soluble CTLA‐4, CD28, CD80 and CD86 costimulatory molecules reflect disease severity of acute asthma in children
Authors: Ip W.K. , Wong C.K. , Leung T.F. , Lam C.W.K. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractRecent studies have demonstrated an elevation of plasma soluble costimulatory molecules B7.1 (CD80) and B7.2 (CD86), and their T lymphocyte counter receptors cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) and CD28 in asthmatic patients. We hypothesized that these costimulatory molecules may reflect the severity of asthma and investigated the longitudinal changes of these soluble costimulatory molecules, and their clinical significance in children with an asthmatic exacerbation. Sixteen children hospitalized for asthmatic exacerbation were recruited and treated with systemic corticosteroid (CS) for 5 days. Plasma total Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) concentrations were measured by microparticle immunoassay and fluorescence enzyme immunoassay, respectively. Soluble CTLA‐4 (sCTLA‐4), sCD28, sCD80, and sCD86 concentrations in plasma were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and their relationships with asthma severity, total IgE, ECP concentrations, and blood eosinophil count were analyzed. Plasma sCTLA‐4, sCD28, sCD80, and sCD86 concentrations in patients were highest during the acute attack. They decreased significantly with a parallel increase of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) after CS treatment (all P < 0.05). Plasma sCTLA‐4, sCD28, and sCD86 concentrations of patients at recruitment were inversely correlated with PEFR, whereas plasma sCD28 and sCD86 concentrations correlated positively with eosinophil count and plasma ECP concentration (all P < 0.05). Although there was no such correlation with IgE concentration, sCD28 was correlated very significantly with eosinophil count (r = 0.83, P < 0.0001). In conclusion, plasma sCTLA‐4, sCD28, sCD86, and sCD80 concentrations may reflect the severity of acute asthma and more studies on larger cohorts are needed to assess whether these markers are useful for assessing asthmatic exacerbation in children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006; 41: 674–682. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HighfTandfmaxAlGaN/GaN HFETs achieved by using thin and high‐Al‐composition AlGaN barrier layers and Cat‐CVD SiN passivation
Authors: Higashiwaki M. , Onojima N. , Matsui T. , Mimura T. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractWe fabricated sub‐0.1 μm‐gate Al0.4Ga0.6N/GaN heterostructure field‐effect transistors (HFETs) with AlGaN barrier thicknesses of 4–10 nm. The devices were passivated with 2 nm‐thick SiN layers formed by catalytic chemical vapor deposition (Cat‐CVD). The Cat‐CVD SiN passivation greatly increased electron density, and the effect became more significant with decreasing AlGaN barrier thickness. The HFETs had maximum drain current densities of 1.1–1.5 A/mm and peak extrinsic transconductances of 305–438 mS/mm. Peak current‐gain cutoff frequency of 163 GHz and maximum oscillation frequency of 192 GHz were obtained for the devices with 8 nm‐thick AlGaN barriers. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Conduction and valence band edge properties of hexagonal InN characterized by optical measurements
Authors: Ishitani Y. , Terashima W. , Che S. B. , Yoshikawa A. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe optical properties of hexagonal InN crystal are investigated by reflectance, absorption and photoluminescence method. With use of the theoretical formula of these spectra, both of conduction and valence band properties are analysed. As a result, the average effective electron and hole mass values at the band edge are found to be about 0.046(±0.01)m 0 and 0.2(±0.05)m 0, respectively. The photoluminescence emitted from the cleaved edge was strongly polarized. The agreement of the peak energies of π and σ polarized light means that A, B, and C band edges are closely located in energy space. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of gas composition on the synthesis of gallium nitride powders by two‐stage chemical vapor method
Authors: Hara K. , Yonemura A. , Uchida T. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe systematic characterization of undoped GaN powders was carried out focusing on the composition of gases at the second stage of particle growth in the two‐stage chemical vapor synthesis. The particle growth proceeded on the surface of GaN seed particles transported from the first stage with sources of GaCl and NH3 at 1000 °C. The GaN particles grew very fast at the second stage, and their size increased monotonically with increasing partial pressure of GaCl (P (GaCl)). The photoluminescence (PL) property and the crystallinity tended to decrease with P (GaCl), whereas they were improved for higher partial pressures of NH3. Based on these results, we have shown that both of high‐rate growth and excellent PL property of GaN particles can be achieved by the two‐stage chemical vapor synthesis. Addition of H2 to the ambient gas caused degradation of the luminescence property and the crystalline quality as well as decrease in the particle size. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)