bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ROLE OF NERVE GROWTH FACTOR IN ALLERGIC AND INFLAMMATORY LUNG DISEASES
Authors: Abdelmoez Basma , El-Banna S. , Kairy W. , Maher M. 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophin that exerts an important role in the development and functions of the central and peripheral nervous system, as it was originally discovered for its properties of simulating growth and differentiation of neurons; however, it was recently documented that several immune cells, such as mast cells, lymphocytes, and eosinophils, produce, store, and release NGF. Neurotrophins, including NGF, are constitutively expressed by resident lung cells and produced in increasing quantities by immune cells that invade the airways under inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, NGF appears as a promoter of allergic airway inflammation by increasing eosinophil and lymphocyte recruitment into the lungs. Neurotrophin receptors are expressed on several immune cells, including mast cells, T cells, B cells, and macrophages.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to clarify the role of NGF in allergic and inflammatory lung diseases.
METHODS: Our study was conducted of 90 children who attended the outpatient pediatric clinic or were admitted to the inpatient pediatric department of Elminia University Hospital. They were classified into 3 groups as follows: group 1, 35 children with asthma during the acute attack; group 2, 35 children with severe inflammatory lung disease and bronchopneumonia; group 3, 20 seemingly healthy children who were age and gender matched to the children with disease. For all children, the following were done: careful history taking, thorough clinical examination, chest radiograph, complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect NGF receptor mRNA expression on purified eosinophils that were obtained from peripheral blood.
RESULTS: We found only 3 patients who had asthma and had positive NGF receptors on isolated eosinophils from the peripheral blood by RT-PCR; however, all studied patients with bronchopneumonia had negative results. Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference between patients with positive and negative results for NGF receptors on isolated eosinophils by RT-PCR regarding age, the frequency of recurrence of asthma attacks, and positive history of other atopic diseases such as allergic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis; however, there was no statistically significant difference between patients with positive and negative results regarding gender, type of feeding, or family history.
CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong association between NGF receptors on isolated eosinophils and the severity of allergic lung diseases and bronchial asthma.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID STATUS IN CORD-BLOOD ERYTHROCYTES AND POSSIBLE FETAL PRIMING OF ATOPY
Authors: Skouli Georgia , Eboriadou Maria , Haidopoulou Katerina , Petridou Anatoli , Laios Panagiotis , Papastaurou Theodouli , Agorastos Theodoros , Sakellaropoulou Afroditi 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Environmental factors, diet among them, that act during gestation may play an important role in determining subsequent atopy development. Studies conducted on adults and children have suggested that an imbalance of essential fatty acid (EFA) intake may predispose one to atopic diseases. Few data are available on the possible relation between EFAs and fetal priming of atopy.
OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the hypothesis that EFAs may play a role in the regulation of the fetal immune response.
METHODS: We collected umbilical cord-blood samples from 236 neonates with a gestational age of &gt;34 weeks. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and fatty acid composition of the erythrocyte membrane were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and gas chromatography, respectively. Neonates were separated into 2 groups according to IgE value: the infants in group A had IgE levels of &gt;0.35 IU/mL, and those in group B had IgE levels of ≤0.35 IU/mL.
RESULTS: Group A consisted of 30 neonates with increased IgE levels. Analysis of fatty acid composition revealed higher percentages of arachidic acid (20:0) (mean: 0.22 vs 0.19; P &lt; .05) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) (mean: 1.36 vs 1.04; P &lt; .05) in the infants in group B.
CONCLUSIONS: Important differences were detected in cord-blood fatty acid composition in neonates with increased IgE levels. These differences suggest that EFAs may play a role in the development of atopy predisposition in utero life.
NEUROPSYCHIATRIC SYMPTOMS IN CHINESE CHILDREN WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS
Authors: Lau Yu Lung , Jing Dong , Leung Lee Tsz , Lee Pamela Pui Wah , Ho Marco Hok Kung , Wong Wilfred Hing Sang 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: There is a paucity of clinical studies on children with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE).
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to define the clinical characteristics of and the potential predictors for NPSLE in Chinese children.
METHODS: Sixty-two children with SLE diagnosed between 1990 and 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were evaluated according to the American College of Rheumatology case definitions (1999) for classification of neuropsychiatric symptoms. The demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory parameters (complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, complement levels, anti-cardiolipin antibodies, and autoimmune markers), treatment, and SLE disease activity index score were analyzed.
RESULTS: Nineteen (30.65%) patients with SLE and 21 neuropsychiatric events were identified. Mean age at NPSLE manifestations was 13.57 ± 4.33 years. The most common neuropsychiatric manifestations were cognitive dysfunction (47.62%), seizure disorder (42.86%), and headache (28.57%), followed by mood disorder (19.05%), myelopathy (19.05%), cerebrovascular disease (14.29%), psychosis (9.52%), cranial neuropathy (9.52%), and mononeuropathy multiplex (4.76%). Renal involvement at diagnosis of SLE was significantly less common in patients with NPSLE than in those with non-NPSLE. Apart from that, we could not identify other clinical or laboratory parameters that could predict the development of NPSLE. Six patients presented with neuropsychiatric symptoms at onset of SLE. Comparing them with patients with later neuropsychiatric development, their mean age was younger and the SLE disease activity index score was significantly higher.
CONCLUSIONS: Neuropsychiatric symptoms were common in Chinese children with SLE. Early-onset NPSLE occurred in younger patients with higher disease activity score. Neuropsychiatric development was negatively associated with renal involvement at diagnosis.
MANAGEMENT OF DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS: SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE OF MORE THAN 32 YEARS
Authors: Varma Surendra , Bourgeois Michael 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children and adolescents has a mortality rate of 1% to 2%. The proper management of DKA requires intense monitoring and clear understanding of pathophysiology related to it. Potential complications include cerebral edema, hypokalemia, hypoglycemia, and relapse.
OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to describe our long-term experience in the management of diabetic ketoacidosis in children.
METHODS: This study comprised a 32-year experience of managing DKA in the pediatric age group. More than 900 episodes of DKA were encountered during this period. The age range of patients was from 9 months to 18 years. These episodes included patients presenting with new-onset type 1 diabetes as well as known patients with recurrent DKA. All patients were managed in a PICU by residents directly supervised by Dr Varma following an established protocol, including careful monitoring and paying particular attention to avoiding complications.
RESULTS: In &gt;900 admissions during this period, the mortality rate was 0%, and the incidence of cerebral edema was &lt;0.1%. Hypoglycemia and relapse occurred in &lt;1% of the cases. The only occurrence of severe hypoglycemia (electrocardiographic changes and arrhythmia) was in a patient who was transferred from an outlying hospital after 36 hours of inappropriate treatment.
CONCLUSIONS: Our experience demonstrates that children with DKA can be managed successfully with minimal complications by adhering to the following principles: early recognition and rapid transport to an ICU with experienced staff and physicians; andadherence to well-established standards of treatment, including: proper fluid and electrolyte management aimed at avoiding overhydration and extreme levels of electrolytes;cautious correction of acidosis;slow, steady reductions in plasma glucose and avoidance of hypoglycemia;careful monitoring of clinical status (sensorium, state of hydration, vital signs, etc) and laboratory study results; andfrequent reassessment of the patient with adjustments and changes in treatment as dictated by the patient's needs.
MARGINAL VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY IN PREGNANCY CAN INDUCE MEMORY DEFICIT IN ADULT OFFSPRING
Authors: Li Ting-Yu , Huang Hong-Mei , Mao Chun-Ting , Liu Ying , Qu Ping , Yang Li 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin A deficiency in pregnancy has a negative impact on the development of offspring; however, little is known about the effect of maternal marginal vitamin A deficiency (MVAD) on the function of the central nervous system in children later in postnatal life.
OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether MVAD during the gestational period can cause learning and memory impairment of adult offspring.
METHODS: There were 2 offspring groups: an experimental group that had MVAD only in pregnancy and a control group. Serum vitamin A was monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography. Both groups were trained by Marris water maze task at 8 weeks of age. The hippocampal CA1 long-term potentiation was detected by electrophysiologic technique, and the free calcium ion concentration in cells was examined by confocal laser scanning microscopy.
RESULTS: No significant difference in the serum vitamin A level was observed between the 2 groups; however, the escape latency of the experimental group (10.50 ± 1.58 seconds) was longer than that of the control group (8.75 ± 1.19 seconds) in the behavior test. Correspondingly, the changes of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials slope of the experimental group (29.5% ± 4.6%) was significantly less than that of the control group (57.5% ± 8.6%), and the lower relative intensity of fluorescence in cells was seen in the experimental group (85.8 ± 17.1) compared with the control group (113.6 ± 20.5) after the tetanus stimulation.
CONCLUSIONS: MVAD in pregnancy causes learning and memory impairment of adult offspring.
TRANSLUMINAL ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT OF FENESTRATED DUODENAL MEMBRANES
Authors: Blanco-Rodriguez Gerardo , Penchyna-Grub Jaime , Porras-Hernandez Juan Domingo 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Duodenotomy and resection or lateral duodenoduodenostomy by open or endoscopic surgery has been the traditional treatment of fenestrated duodenal membranes. A radial endoluminal incision of the membrane can widen its diameter and resolve the duodenal obstruction.
OBJECTIVE: We describe a new endoscopic procedure for membranectomy of fenestrated duodenal membranes.
METHODS: Under general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation, we introduced a flexible videopanendoscope into the second duodenal portion to visualize the membrane. Through the fenestration, we inserted a triple-lumen stone extraction balloon of 15 mm. After insufflation, we performed gentle traction to expose the membrane and distinguish its border from the duodenal wall. We dilated the orifice and advanced the endoscope to localize Vater's ampoule. Using a sphincterotome, we performed 1 or 2 radial cuts of 1.5 to 2.0 cm in the membrane in an opposite direction to the ampoule.
RESULTS: We performed this procedure on 10 patients. The mean duration of the procedure was 50 minutes. No patient had postoperative pain. Abdominal condition was normal, and all patients started oral intake 18 to 24 hours after the endoscopy. Patients were discharged asymptomatic. They completed 4 months to 4 years of follow-up. Eight continued to be asymptomatic. One had a double duodenal membrane and after 2 endoscopic cuts has occasional vomiting. Another 1 was lost to follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS: Transluminal endoscopic treatment of fenestrated duodenal membranes has been a safe procedure that may be an effective and less invasive alternative to open or laparoscopic surgery.
PYLORIC STENOSIS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF AN AUSTRALIAN POPULATION
Authors: Gotley Lisa , Blanch Andrew , Kimble Roy , Frawley Kieran , Acworth Jason 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is a common cause of nonbilious vomiting in infants. The “classic” presentation is one of a firstborn boy who is aged 2 to 8 weeks and has projectile vomiting; palpable olive, visible peristalsis; and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis. With increased awareness of the condition and readily available ultrasonographic diagnosis, classic presentations may be becoming less common.
OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe the epidemiology, clinical features, and outcomes of children with IHPS at our institution.
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case review of all cases of IHPS that presented to our tertiary pediatric hospital in an 11-year period.
RESULTS: The inclusion criteria were met by 330 children with confirmed IHPS. A total of 84% of patients were male, and 19% were born preterm. Preterm infants tend to present later, reflecting postmenstrual age. The median age at presentation was 36 days (range: 7–218 days) with mean symptom duration of 11 days (range: 1–95 days). Whereas 87% of patients had at least 1 classic finding on history or examination, only 14% had the classic triad. Elevated bicarbonate was present in 61% of blood samples, whereas hypochloremia was found in only 29%. Ultrasound confirmed the diagnosis in 89%. Surgical techniques were similar in outcome, except that incomplete pyloromyotomy was more common with the laparoscopic approach compared with the periumbilical approach (6% vs 1%).
CONCLUSIONS: IHPS occurs more frequently in boys and infants who were born preterm. It commonly presents without the full spectrum of classic findings. Given the availability of ultrasound diagnosis, IHPS should be considered in infants with any 1 of these findings.
IN VITRO ASSESSMENT OF MESENCHYMAL STROMAL CELL CHARACTERISTICS: IMPLICATIONS FOR THEIR CLINICAL USE
Authors: Dimitriou Helen , Perdikogianni Chryssoula , Martmianaki Georgia , Choumerianou Despina , Pelagiadis Iordanis , Kalmanti Maria 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Bone marrow (BM) stroma represents a source of progenitor stromal cells, termed mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which are multipotent and can differentiate into cartilage, bone, and adipose tissue. Several questions have arisen regarding their long-term expansion and their safety before use.
OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to assess the long-term expansion and safety of MSCs in clinical practice.
METHODS: MSCs from BM of children with benign hematologic disorders and solid tumors without BM involvement were isolated and cultured for 10 consecutive passages (P). Immunophenotypic and functional characteristics, apoptosis, and the expression of cell cycle regulatory genes (p53, p16, and Rb) and signal transduction genes (H-Ras) involved in oncogenesis were assessed.
RESULTS: MSCs expressed mesenchymal-related surface antigens, &gt;85% from P1. They had the ability to differentiate into osteocytes, adipocytes, and chondrocytes (reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction). Colony forming units (fibroblast) ranged from 40.71 ± 4.3 at P1 to 15.5 ± 6.7 at P10. Their doubling time was 2.01 ± 0.14 days at P1 and 3.5 ± 1.19 days at P9. A low percentage of apoptotic cells was detected (7-amino-actinomycin D [7AAD]) at P2 until P10. MSCs were resistant to apoptosis under serum-deprivation conditions. The expression of the cell cycle genes studied was not statistically different compared with controls, and cells did not grow on soft agar.
CONCLUSIONS: MSCs isolated from BM of children retain their characteristics for a serial number of passages and survive under serum-deprivation conditions, a necessary process in a transplantation setting. The cells do not have oncogenic properties, as shown by normal expression levels of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, and no growth on soft agar. These findings enhance the use of MSCs in clinical applications.
STRATEGY FOR HIGH-DOSE IMMUNOGLOBULIN THERAPY–RESISTANT KAWASAKI DISEASE: CURRENT STATUS IN JAPAN
Authors: Ogino Hirotaro , Nakamura Yosikazu , Yashiro Mayumi , Yanagawa Hiroshi 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy has decreased the risk for development of coronary arterial lesions (CALs) in Kawasaki disease (KD), whereas patients who show resistance to IVIg have a higher risk for CALs.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the risk for CALs in patients with IVIg-resistant KD and to investigate whether an additional therapy might affect its risk, based on the nationwide survey (2003–2004) in Japan.
METHODS: Information from 11 510 children with KD treated with IVIg with the first 9 days of illness was available. The incidence of CALs was compared among 4 groups: group 1 (G1), children who responded to initial IVIg; group 2 (G2), IVIg-resistant patients who received additional IVIg; group 3 (G3), IVIg-resistant patients who received additional prednisolone (PSL); and group 4 (G4), IVIg-resistant patients who received additional IVIg plus PSL. CALs were assessed on the 30th day of illness.
RESULTS: Among 11 510 cases, 2229 patients (19.4%) were resistant to initial IVIg treatment and received additional therapy. The incidence of CALs was significantly lower in children who responded to IVIg (G1, n = 9281) than in those with IVIg resistance (1.87% and 11.03%, respectively). In each of the additional therapy groups, the incidences of CALs were as follows: G2 (n = 1108), 6.68%; G3 (n = 93), 9.68%; and G4 (n = 135), 22.22%. Thus, the risk for development of CALs was significantly higher for patients in G4 than those in G1 and G2.
CONCLUSIONS: Additional therapy including PSL may increase the risk for CALs; however, several selection biases, such as more severe cases in G3 and G4, might have affected the results.
NATIONAL VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM IN KOREA: A 12-YEAR EXPERIENCE
Authors: Kim Jung Soo , Sun Jo Dae , Go Unyeong , Park Byung Ha , Cho Haewol , Oh Dae-Kyu 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: In Korea, the vaccine injury compensation program, which is essential for the successful national immunization program, was established in 1995.
OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the safety of each vaccine and the vaccine injury compensation program in Korea.
METHODS: We analyzed the data of adverse reactions filed with the advisory committee on vaccine injury compensation of Korea from 1995 through 2006.
RESULTS: A total of 1127 cases of adverse events were reported to the committee. The number of reported adverse reactions gradually increased. BCG was the most commonly reported vaccine (616 [54.7%] cases, mostly localized suppurative lymphadenitis), followed by diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (160 [14.2%] cases, mostly neurologic responses) and measles/rubella vaccine (127 [11.3%] cases). A total of 119 cases were requested for vaccine injury compensation. The most commonly compensated vaccine was measles/rubella (31 [26%] cases), showing mostly the anxiety responses during the measles catch-up program in 2001. The second most commonly compensated vaccine was diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis with or without other vaccines (21 [16.5%] cases), followed by Japanese B encephalitis (11 [8.7%] cases) and influenza vaccine (9 [7.1%] cases). The most common and serious adverse events for injury compensation were neurologic complications such as seizure, encephalopathy, and encephalomyelitis.
CONCLUSIONS: During a 12-year period, adverse reactions were reported in 54.7% of BCG vaccination cases, 14.2% of diptheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccination cases, and 11.3% of measles/rubella vaccination cases. Vaccine injury compensation was requested in 26% of measles/rubella cases and 16.5% of diptheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis cases. Neurologic complications were the most common and serious adverse events for injury compensation.
THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS I-CATCH PROGRAM: IMPROVING CHILDREN'S ACCESS TO COMMUNITY-BASED CARE IN RESOURCE-LIMITED SETTINGS
Authors: Mandalakas Anna , Kurbasic Mirzada , Li Spenser , O'Callahan Cliff , Behrmann Ann , Anders Bron , Hillman Liz , Olness Karen , Duncan Duke 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: The great disparities in children's access to health care depend on many factors. Expanding the availability of community-based services through programs designed to decrease these disparities is imperative.
METHODS: In 2006, the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on International Child Health implemented a new program to address these disparities, the International Community Access to Child Health (I-CATCH) program, which offers mentorship in grant preparation and project execution and provides 3-year funding to support project development and implementation. Projects are community-based initiatives that increase children's access to health care or services not otherwise available. Project initiatives will decrease health disparities and will develop sustainable community-based child health programs that may be replicated in other communities.
RESULTS: During the first grant cycle, innovative proposals were received from colleagues in 16 countries. A great variety of opportunities were described to improve children's access to health. Four projects were funded, each of which focused on community education and development: (1) improve children's nutrition and decrease gastrointestinal and respiratory disease (El Salvador); (2) train community health care workers (Pakistan); (3) identify and serve high-risk pregnancies and neonates (Philippines); and (4) promote essential newborn care (Uganda).
CONCLUSIONS: The first grant cycle illuminated the impressive creativity of colleagues, who outlined many opportunities to improve children's access to care through community-based programs with the expectation of decreasing health disparities. The tremendous potential of the I-CATCH program was validated. Although assessment of the long-term impact of the I-CATCH program is needed, the initial year showed great promise.