bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF LINEAR SHADOWS INSIDE CORONARY ARTERIAL LESIONS ON TWO-DIMENSIONAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN PATIENTS WITH KAWASAKI DISEASE
Authors: Hamaoka Akiko , Niboshi Ayumi , Yahata Tomoyo , Ozawa Seiichiro , Shiraishi Isao , Itoi Toshiyuki , Hamaoka Kenji 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: In Kawasaki disease, we have detected linear shadows inside large- or moderate-sized coronary arterial lesions (CALs) on high-resolution two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE).
OBJECTIVE: For this study, we wanted to investigate the origin and clinical significance of these linear shadows compared with findings on coronary angiography (CAG), MRI, and intravascular ultrasound.
RESULTS: Linear shadows were detected in 11 CALs on high-resolution 2DE in 9 patients with Kawasaki disease. The outer diameters of CALs on 2DE (7.0 ± 2.1 mm) were larger than those on CAG (4.4 ± 1.6 mm), whereas the inner diameters between linear shadows (3.9 ± 1.6 mm) were almost equal to the diameters of CALs on CAG. There was a statistically significant positive correlation (y = 0.99x − 0.10; r2 = 0.77) between the diameters of CALs on CAG and the inner diameters between linear shadows on 2DE. A thickened intima was revealed in the same regions that showed linear shadows on 2DE, in 7 of 11 lesions on MRI, and in all 4 lesions on which intravascular ultrasound was performed. In 3 patients who had been followed up over 3 years, linear shadows inside CALs on 2DE persisted, and the diameter between linear shadows was almost consistent with the diameter of CALs on CAG.
CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that linear shadows inside CALs on 2DE would reflect the existence of a thickened intima. We expected that following up the changes of linear shadows inside CALs was useful for noninvasive evaluation of coronary arterial remodeling such as intimal hypertrophy or stenotic change.
MUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF PTPN11 AND KRAS GENES IN TAIWANESE CHILDREN WITH NOONAN SYNDROME
Authors: Lo Fu-Sung , Lin Lin Ju-Li , Lee Yann-Jinn , Lin Shuan-Pei , Chao Mei-Chyn 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Noonan syndrome (NS) is an autosomal-dominant disorder that presents with a characteristic face, short stature, skeletal anomalies, and congenital heart defects. Protein-tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor-type 11 (PTPN11), encoding SHP-2, mutation was the first reported gene involved and accounted for 31% to 60% of cases of NS. The KRAS gene was the second reported gene and was recently identified in a small number of patients with NS.
OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to perform mutational analysis of PTPN11 and KRAS genes in children with NS.
METHODS: In this study we screened for mutation of the PTPN11 and KRAS genes in 73 Taiwanese patients with NS. The mutation analysis of the 15 coding exons and exon/intron boundaries was performed by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing of the PTPN11 gene. The mutation analysis of 5 coding exons and exon/intron boundaries was performed by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing of the KRAS gene. We identified 12 different missense PTPN11 mutations in 15 (21%) patients with NS and 2 different missense KRAS (V14I and I36M) mutations in 2 (3%) patients with NS. These PTPN11 gene mutations were clustered in exon 3 (n = 6) encoding the N-SH2 domain and 13 (n = 5) encoding the PTP domain.
CONCLUSIONS: This study provides support that PTPN11 and KRAS mutations are responsible for NS in Taiwanese patients.
EFFECTS OF VITAMIN A ON LUNG DEVELOPMENT IN THE RAT FROM EARLY AGE TO ADULTHOOD
Authors: Li Ting-Yu , Wei Hua 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiologic studies show that nutritional deficiency can alter lung development and have later adverse effects on lung function and respiratory health. Vitamin A is an important nutrient and is considered important in lung development and maturation. Additional studies are required to address whether vitamin A deficiency adversely affects lung development from early age to adulthood and whether such effects can be blocked or reversed.
OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to study the effect of vitamin A on lung development in the rat from early age to adulthood.
METHODS: Female rats were divided into control, marginal vitamin A deficiency (MVAD), and vitamin A intervention (VAI) groups. Control dams and pups were fed a normal diet (6500 U/kg vitamin A). MVAD rats were fed an MVAD diet (400 U/kg vitamin A). VAI rats were fed an MVAD diet until the birth of the pups and thereafter were fed with normal diet while the pups were given vitamin A through intragastric administration. All pups were killed at 8 weeks of age. Blood serum vitamin A levels were measured. Lungs were weighed and stained for light microscopy.
RESULTS: The vitamin A level of the MVAD group was lower than that of the control group. Lung weight of MVAD rats was lower than that of the controls. Morphometric measurements showed that the alveolar number in MVAD rats was less than that of the controls, and alveolar septa were thicker than those of the controls. All results in VAI group were better than those in the MVAD group and showed no difference from the controls.
CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin A status in early life can affect the lung development from early age to adulthood. Such effects can be reversed by dietary intervention after birth.
EXPOSURE TO TOBACCO SMOKE DECREASES ELASTICITY OF THE AORTA IN CHILDREN
Authors: Kallio Katariina , Jokinen Eero , Simell Olli , Raitakari Olli 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Attenuated arterial elasticity is one of the earliest markers of atherosclerosis.
OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate the relationship of passive smoking and elastic properties of the aorta.
METHODS: We studied 11-year-old healthy children (n = 386) from the randomized, prospective atherosclerosis prevention trial (STRIP). Aortic elasticity was analyzed by using M-mode ultrasound imaging on the basis of the measurement of blood pressure and arterial diameter changes during diastole and systole. Aortic compliance (AC) and aortic stiffness index (SI) were calculated. Exposure to tobacco smoke was measured by using serum cotinine concentration, which was analyzed with gas chromatography.
RESULTS: Cotinine concentrations ranged from nondetectable (detection limit: 0.16 ng/mL) to 6.8 ng/mL. Cotinine values and aortic elasticity measures were similar between genders. Children were classified into 3 groups according to their cotinine concentration: the top-decile cotinine group (n = 39), the nondetectable cotinine group (n = 220), and the low cotinine group (n = 127). Conventional atherosclerosis risk factors were similar between the 3 cotinine groups. A decreasing trend in AC (P = .041) and an increasing trend in SI (P = .006) was observed across the cotinine groups with an increasing level of tobacco smoke exposure. In addition, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and BMI were independent predictors of the aortic elasticity indices. In multivariable models, cotinine level (P = .020) and systolic blood pressure (P &lt; .001) were inversely associated with AC and directly related to SI (cotinine level, P = .005; systolic blood pressure, P = .0003).
CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that passive smoking is associated with decreased aortic elasticity in children, indicating early arterial changes.
ASTHMA IN GREEK CHILDREN FROM BIRTH TO 18 YEARS: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY
Authors: Bacopoulou Flora , Lekea Vasso , Veltsista Alexandra , Kavadias George , Bakoula Chryssa 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: The striking worldwide variation in the prevalence of asthma and its divergent changes over time necessitates regional longitudinal studies.
OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the asthma situation in Greece.
METHODS: Data from a longitudinal study of a representative nationwide sample derived from the National Perinatal Survey (11 049 consecutive births in April 1983) were analyzed in an attempt to describe the prevalence and natural course of asthma from birth throughout childhood to adolescence. We followed up with 2133 children (at the ages of 7 and 18 years) by using written questionnaires. The diagnostic labeling of asthma was confirmed by a physician on the basis of a history of wheeze attacks, nocturnal cough, exertional symptoms, and response to treatment.
RESULTS: Prevalence rates of current asthma were 7.7% and 4.7% and of lifetime asthma were 19.6% and 26.3% at 7 and 18 years, respectively. More than half (58.2%) of the children with early-onset asthma (onset before the age of 7 years) were free of symptoms at the age of 7 years, and only 7.6% continued to be symptomatic at 18 years. In 6.7% of the participants asthma symptoms appeared between 7 and 18 years of age (late-onset asthma). In almost half (48.2%) of these children symptoms were persisting at the age of 18 years.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings illustrate that asthma remains a significant health care problem for Greek children and adolescents. Continued surveillance of asthma prevalence and its longitudinal predictors is necessary to assist health care professionals with adequately informing children and their parents on the course of the disease.
MIDDLE-EAR FLUID STREPTOCOCCUS PNEUMONIAE SUSCEPTIBILITY AND SEROTYPE AND DISTRIBUTION IN MEXICAN CHILDREN WITH ACUTE OTITIS MEDIA
Authors: Lopez-Enriquez Claudia , Blanco-Montero A. , Espinosa-Monteros L. E. , Rodriguez R. , De La Torre C. , Gomez-Barreto D. 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Acute otitis media (AOM) is the most common microbial respiratory tract infection in early childhood: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common pathogen isolated from patients with AOM. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises immunization with a 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for children with recurrent AOM.
OBJECTIVE: We aimed to establish the most common S pneumoniae serotypes present in the middle-ear fluid of Mexican children with AOM and to analyze antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and assess the potential protection provided by the new conjugated S pneumoniae vaccines.
METHODS: During 2002 and 2003, 72 S Pneumoniae isolates were obtained from 138 Mexican children with AOM. Serotyping distribution was performed by the quellung reaction with antisera from Statens Serum Institute (Copenhagen, Denmark). Tests for susceptibility were performed by using the agar-dilution method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute protocol for 18 antibiotics.
RESULTS: The most common S pneumoniae serotypes isolated were 6B and 19F (16.67% each) and 6A, 14, and 23F (15.27% each). The overall rate of resistance (defined as the rate of intermediate resistance plus the rate of resistance) for penicillin was 65.38% (intermediate and resistant categories were 29.17% and 36.11%, respectively), for cefotaxime was 19.45%, for azithromycin and erythromycin was 23.61%, for trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was 61.11%, for amoxicillin was 5.5%, and for clindamycin was 12.5%. With amoxicillin/clavulanate, ceftriaxone, imipenem, meropenem, teicoplanin, telithromycin, and vancomycin, we found susceptibility for 100% of the isolates. The most common resistant serotypes were 19F and 23F.
CONCLUSIONS: The serotype distribution of S pneumoniae that causes pediatric AOM in Mexico is similar to that reported from developed countries. The current heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine covers 63.89% of AOM episodes in Mexican children.
EFFECTS OF MARGINAL VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY ON LONG-TERM POTENTIATION IN YOUNG RATS
Authors: Li Ting-Yu , Mao Chun-Ting , Huang Hong-Mei , Liu You-Xue , Qu Ping , Yang Li 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient for brain development. Marginal vitamin A deficiency (MVAD) remains a subclinical public health problem in children, but little is known about the mechanism by which it affects brain development beginning from embryonic period and early postnatal period.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to study the effects of MVAD on the hippocampal CA1 long-term potentiation (LTP) in young rats.
METHODS: The MVAD group was fed a vitamin A–deficient diet (400 IU/kg vitamin A), and the control group was fed a vitamin A–sufficient diet (6500 IU/kg vitamin A) at 3 weeks before coitus. Serum vitamin A was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Hippocampal CA1 LTP was detected by electrophysiologic technique, and the ultrastructure of synapses was observed by electron microscope.
RESULTS: The changes of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials slope (25.4% ± 2.01%) in MVAD rats aged 7 weeks was much lower than that in the control group (57.5% ± 8.6%). The changes of slope of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials induced by MVAD in young rats could be replenished after addition of retinoic acid (RA); however, LTP impairment was observed again after addition of RA antagonist into the solution of the control group. No differences of LTP were found after addition of FeSO4 or ZnSO4. The curvature of the synaptic interface of the MVAD group was less than that of the MVAD group that was supplemented with RA and of the control group.
CONCLUSIONS: MVAD during the embryonic and early postnatal period can directly impair the hippocampal CA1 LTP of young rats.
PROCALCITONIN AS A PREDICTOR OF SEVERE APPENDICITIS IN CHILDREN
Authors: Velissariou Ioanna , Kafetzis Dimitris , Nikolaides Pantelis , Sklavos Michael , Maktabi Maher , Spyridis George , Kafetzis Despoina , Androulakakis Emmanuel 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Procalcitonin is an amino acid peptide that can contribute in the diagnosis and management of severe bacterial infections because it reaches high concentrations in patients with severe bacterial infection, septicemia, or meningitis and decreases rapidly after appropriate antibiotic therapy.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of procalcitonin in 212 children with appendicitis and compare it with the standard diagnostic modalities, C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, and abdominal ultrasonography, in relation to the surgical and histologic findings of the appendix.
METHODS: Prolactin levels were measured in 212 children with appendicitis, and the results were compared with standard diagnostic modalities such as C-reactive protein level, white blood cell count, and abdominal ultrasonography, which are useful aids for detecting severe appendicitis and/or perforation.
RESULTS: A procalcitonin value of &gt;0.5 ng/mL was indicative of perforation or gangrene with 73.4% sensitivity and 94.6% specificity, C-reactive protein level of &gt;50 mg/L and white blood cell count of &gt;104/μL are useful diagnostic aids for perforation, and abdominal ultrasonography had a sensitivity of 82.8% and a specificity of 91.2%.
CONCLUSIONS: Procalcitonin seems to be a useful adjunct diagnostic tool for acute necrotizing appendicitis or perforation, and surgical exploration will probably be required in patients with procalcitonin values of &gt;0.5 ng/mL.
LEFT-VENTRICULAR MASS INDEX IN HYPERTENSIVE CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
Authors: Stabouli Stella , Kotsis Vasilios , Karagianni Christine , Toumanidis Savvas , Zakopoulos Nikos , Constantopoulos Andreas 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate differences in left-ventricular mass corrected for height2.7 (LVMI) in children and adolescents according to 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) levels.
METHODS: A total of 67 consecutive children and adolescents aged 5 to 20 years were analyzed. Patients underwent 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring and echocardiography. LVMI was calculated by using the Devereux equation. All subjects underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring on a usual school day. Ambulatory hypertension was defined as mean daytime systolic BP and/or diastolic BP at ≥95th percentile for gender and height (n = 22). Prehypertension was defined as mean daytime systolic BP and/or diastolic BP at ≥90th percentile and &lt;95th percentile for gender and height (n = 13). Normotension was defined as mean daytime systolic BP and/or diastolic BP at &lt;90th percentile for gender and height (n = 32).
RESULTS: LVMI was 28.3 ± 9.4 g/m2.7 (mean ± SD) in the normotensive subjects (n = 32), whereas it was 35.1 ± 8.7 g/m2.7 in the hypertensive subjects (n = 22), a difference that was significantly higher (P &lt; .001, Mann-Whitney test). LVMI was 32.4 ± 5.4 g/m2.7 in prehypertensive subjects (n = 13), values that tended to be lower than the values of hypertensive subjects (P = .275) and significantly higher than the values of normotensive subjects (P &lt; .05, Mann-Whitney test).
CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents characterized as hypertensive or prehypertensive using the ambulatory blood pressure criteria exhibited significantly higher LVMI than normotensive subjects. Prehypertensive children may be at a similar risk for cardiovascular target-organ damage as that established for hypertensive children.
HUMAN BOCAVIRUS IN GREEK CHILDREN WITH RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION
Authors: Haidopoulou Katerina , Eboriadou Maria , Saliakelis Stratos , Goutaki Myrofora , Damianidou Lambrini , Pavlidou Vassiliki , Papa Anna 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Human bocavirus (family Parvoviridae) was recently identified in children with respiratory tract infection (RTI), first in Sweden, and subsequently in different parts of the world.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to gain insight into the epidemiology of bocavirus in children with RTI in Greece.
METHODS: One hundred ten throat-swab samples were collected during the autumn and winter months of 2006–2007 from previously healthy children (aged 1 month to 13 years) who were hospitalized for RTI. DNA was extracted from the samples, and polymerase chain reaction was performed to amplify the NS1 gene of the bocavirus genome. Polymerase chain reaction products were sequenced and compared with respective bocavirus sequences.
RESULTS: Bocavirus DNA was detected in 10 samples (9%). Comparison with previously identified bocavirus sequences showed a high degree of identity. Mean age of the children was 1.8 years (range: 2 months to 4 years). The most common symptoms were fever, cough, and various degrees of respiratory distress. A majority of the children (9 of 10) were clinically diagnosed as having lower RTI, mainly acute bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of human bocavirus infection in Greece, which suggests that the virus is spread worldwide, and it is associated with RTI in infants and young children.
NDRG1 EXPRESSION IN CHILDHOOD LEUKEMIA AND ITS CORRELATION TO PROGNOSIS AND THERAPEUTIC RESPONSE
Authors: Gao Ju , Zhao Zhi-Yong , Yuan Li-Xing , Wang Hui-Xia , Chen Ting-Ting , Pang Ling-Li , Zhu Yi-Ping 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) gene expression has been found to be downregulated in a variety of solid tumors and is now regarded as a suppressor gene. However, little is known about its possible role in hematologic cancers.
OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to study expression of the NDRG1 gene in childhood leukemia and explore a possible correlation between expression and prognostic factors.
METHODS: Bone marrow or peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 65 children with leukemia and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 12 healthy control children were isolated: NDRG1 messenger RNA expression was determined by fluorescence real-time polymerase chain reaction.
RESULTS: NDRG1 messenger RNA expression in acute leukemia groups collectively (acute lymphocytic leukemia [ALL] [41 cases] and acute monocytic leukemia [24 cases]) was significantly lower than that of normal controls (normalized ratios of NDRG1 to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase copy numbers were 0.27 and 0.25 vs 0.30 and 0.86 in controls, respectively; P &lt; .01), although there was no statistically significant difference between the ALL and acute monocytic leukemia groups. NDRG1 expression was significantly lower in prednisone nonresponder ALL (13 cases) than in prednisone good-responder ALL (15 cases) (normalized ratios: 0.13 and 0.38, respectively). Similarly, NDRG1 expression was significantly downregulated in high-risk ALL (17 cases) than that in lower-risk ALL (24 cases) (normalized ratios: 0.15 and 0.30, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS: NDRG1 expression was remarkably downregulated in childhood leukemia, as in other human solid tumors. In addition, its expression in childhood ALL was closely associated with such prognostic factors as prednisone response and risk stratification. Our research suggests that NDRG1 expression is negatively correlated to ALL prognosis and therapeutic response.
NEITHER CLINICAL NOR BIOLOGICAL DATA CAN PREDICT RENAL INVOLVEMENT IN INFANTS WITH FEBRILE URINARY TRACT INFECTION
Authors: Printza Nikoleta , Papachristou Fotios , Piretzi Kaliopi , Goga Chrissa , Arsos Georgios 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: 99m Tc-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy is accepted as the gold standard in the diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis.
OBJECTIVE: In an attempt to reduce the number of investigations after urinary tract infections (UTIs), with this prospective study we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of acute-phase reactants in identifying renal involvement in infants with febrile UTI.
METHODS: Fifty-four infants (36 male, 18 female) aged 1 to 12 months were studied. For all infants, clinical findings such as duration and height of fever before antibiotic administration and laboratory parameters such as leukocytosis (white blood cell count of &gt;15.000/μL), elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (&gt;20 mm/hour), and high levels of C-reactive protein (&gt;10 mg/mL) were compared with the results of the DMSA scan obtained within 72 hours after referral.
RESULTS: Regarding microbial agents, Escherichia coli was identified in 42 (78%) of the 54 infants, and 16 (29.5%) of the 54 of infants were febrile for &gt;2 days before diagnosis of UTI. Leukocytosis, elevated ESR, and high levels of C-reactive protein were present in 14 (26%), 41 (76%), and 38 (70%) infants, respectively. Acute-phase DMSA showed renal involvement in 10 (18.5%) infants. Vesicoureteral reflux was found in 16 (29.5%) infants. Gender, duration of fever before antibiotic administration, leukocytosis, elevated ESR, and high levels of C-reactive protein were not related to the severity of renal damage, as shown by DMSA. Only fever of &gt;39°C was slightly correlated with an abnormal DMSA scan result (r = 0.3; P = .032).
CONCLUSIONS: Acute-phase DMSA scintigraphy remains superior to clinical and laboratory data for predicting renal involvement in infants with febrile UTIs.