bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
(2) Inspiratory Muscle Hyperreactivity in Children with Severe Asthma
Authors: Obata Toshihiko , Likura Yoji , Homma Ikuo 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIntercostal EMG's (EMGic) and diaphragmatic EMG's (EMGdi) were studied to evaluate the role of the inspiratory muscles in compensation for an increased load during provocation tests with methacholine. The EMG's were obtained with surface electrodes. Methacholine provocation tests were performed using an Astograph which demonstrated the dose response curve to respiratory resistance (Rrs) on an X‐Y recorder. The moving averages were analyzed in terms of the rates of rise (Xp/Ti) and peak activities (Xp). Experiments were performed on 15 asthmatics, aged 11 to 17 yrs, (6 mild and 9 severe asthmatics) and three normal subjects, aged 8 to 13 yrs. Pulmonary function values before provocation tests, except for mid‐maximal expiratory flow (MMEF), showed no significant differences among these three groups.Changes in Xp and Xp/Ti were measured at the degree of 1.5 and 2 times the initial respiratory resistance level. In severe asthmatics, the changes in Xp and Xp/Ti were significantly larger than those of mild asthmatics, especially in intercostal Xp/Ti.From our results, the severe asthmatics had respiratory muscle hyper‐reactivity compared with mild asthmatics, especially in the intercostal muscles.
Analysis of Killer Cell Activities in Epstein‐Barr Virus Infections
Authors: Yanagisawa Mitsuhiko 
Published: October 2007

AbstractUsing spontaneously established autologous lymphoblastoid B cell lines (LCL), killer cell activities were studied in children with severe infectious mononucleosis (IM), chronic IM, and acute IM, and compared with those in EBV‐seropositive normal controls. Natural killer (NK) cell activity of fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was normal in acute IM patients, but it was low in four of six patients with severe or chronic IM. Recombinant inter‐leukin 2 (rIL‐2)‐activated PBMC from normal controls showed lymphokine‐activated killer (LAK) cell activity against the respective autologous LCL. The levels of LCL lysis by LAK cells were significantly higher in acute IM patients, lower in chronic IM patients, and much lower in severe IM patients. In contrast to the fact that PBMC stimulated in vitro with autologous LCL (IVS cells) from normal controls and acute IM patients showed potent killing of autologous LCL, IVS cells from severe or chronic IM patients showed lower levels of LCL lysis, which were markedly augmented in three patients by rIL‐2 addition to the cultures. These killer cell dysfunctions appear to be responsible for the severe or chronic course of EBV infection.
DIDMOAD Syndrome (Wolfram Syndrome) in Four Male Siblings
Authors: Kumaki Satoru , Mori Hideki , Suzuki Hitoshi 
Published: October 2007

AbstractFour male siblings including two typical cases of DIDMOAD syndrome are described. The typical cases were aged 16 and 15, with diabetes insipidus, insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), optic atrophy, perceptive hearing loss, dilatation of the urinary tract and disturbed EEC One of the others was aged 10, with bilateral concentric limitation of the peripheral visual fields, retinal pigment degeneration and disturbed EEG, and the other was aged 6, with IDDM and perceptive hearing loss. The family history revealed complicated parental consanguinity, with some members suffering from diabetes mellitus and deafness. In our cases hereditary transmission seemed to be autosomal recessive, as previously described, and we could not find any association of this syndrome with HLA.
A Premature Infant with a Bilateral Thalamostriatal Hemorrhage: Brain Imaging and Pathology
Authors: Hokazono Yoshimi , Yokochi Kenji , Ohtani Yoshiaki , Inukai Kazuhisa , Takashima Sachio 
Published: October 2007

AbstractHemorrhagic areas were seen on ultrasonography and computed tomography in both thalamostriatal regions in a preterm female infant with perinatal asphyxia due to abruptio placentae. At autopsy, marked perivascular bleeding in the thalamus and putamen and eosinophilic neuronal changes in the thalamus and pontine tegmentum were seen. These thalamostriatal and brain stem lesions are thought to have been caused by an acute process causing total asphyxia.
Non‐Radioactive cDNA Probes for in situ Localization of mRNA
Authors: Nakane Paul K. , Moriuchi Tetsuya , Koji Takehiko , Tanno Masashi , Abe Kaoru 
Published: October 2007

AbstractDNA labeled with non‐radioactive markers has been utilized for detection of specific DNA or RNA either on filters or in cells and tissues. The presence of protruding markers on the probe DNA has been considered to be a cause for loss of sensitivity and specificity of hybridization. As a non‐protruding marker, we introduced the use of T‐T dimer, which can be generated easily and is a potent hapten. As a marker for DNA, T‐T dimer in DNA was generated by UV irradiation. The T‐T dimerized DNA (T‐T DNA) was then hybridized with complementary DNA or mRNA either on a nitrocellulose filter or in cells. Then the hybridized T‐T DNA was detected immunohistochemically using rabbit anti‐T‐T DNA and peroxidase‐labeled goat anti‐rabbit IgG. The use of T‐T as marker offers several advantages over other markers; it appears not to interfere with hybridization efficiency, is simple to make and can be detected with high sensitivity.
Maternal Inheritance and Study of Human Mitochondrial Genome
Authors: Takeshita Kenzo , Kamimura Naohisa , Ishii Shogo 
Published: October 2007

AbstractSeveral diseases with non‐mendelian maternal inheritance patterns have been described, some of which appeared to be associated with abnormal mitochondrial structure or function and might result from the inheritance of an abnormal mitochondrial genome. New techniques in molecular genetics should clarify the molecular basis of these maternally inherited developmental disorders. From families with maternally inherited mitochondrial disorders we conducted a search for an alteration in nucleotide analysis of the mitochondrial DNA obtained from the lymphocytes of the patients. Although it was possible to identify a single substitution (CTT/ATT) in one of five clones in which were transcribed the gene of cytochrome C oxidase subunit II, it was impossible to define the mismatched site by the method of RNA/DNA mapping (Myers, 1985) using a labelled RNA probe containing a cytochrome C oxidase gene which was obtained from normal placenta cells. A congenital myotonic dystrophy is known to be inherited through an autosomal dominant gene, and yet the age of onset and the severity of the disease are influenced by non‐mendelian maternal inheritance. We previously proposed that an abnormality of bile acid metabolism could affect the fetus, resulting perhaps in delayed development. A possible model for this effect might involve the interaction of mitochondrial function with an autosomal gene product, leading to erroneous replication with a mutant form of the polymerase subunit.
A Screening Method for Adrenoleukodystrophy Using a Dried Blood Spot on Filter Paper
Authors: Nishio Hisahide , Kodama Soichi , Nakajima Toshihiro , Matsuo Tamotsu , Mio Takaya , Sumino Kimiaki 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe authors have devised a new, simple method for the diagnosis of adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) using a dried blood spot sample. Fatty acid from the dried blood spot was extracted and methylated with HCl‐methanol. Fatty acid methyl esters were analyzed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Fatty acid composition of the blood spot from five patients with ALD and from five healthy controls was determined from the mass chromatogram of the m/z 143 ion, [(CH2) 6 COOCH3]±. The ratios of tetracosanoic acid to docosanoic acid (C24:0/C22:0) and of hexacosanoic acid to docosanoic acid (C26:0/C22:0) were significantly greater in ALD patients than in controls. The C24:0/C22:0 ratios of ALD patients and of controls were 2.08 ± 0.33 and 1.47 ± 0.16 (mean ± SD), respectively. The C26:0/C22:0 ratios of ALD patients and of controls were 0.31 ± 0.024 and 0.092 ± 0.041, respectively. The fatty acid composition of the dried blood spot did not change at room temperature within a week. Since the specimens can be sent by mail, this method could be applied to the screening of other “peroxisomal” diseases, such as neonatal ALD and Zellweger syndrome, as well.
Clinical Use of Oka Live Varicella Vaccine
Authors: Kamiya Hitoshi , Sakurai Minoru , Ihara Toshiaki , Ito Masahiro , Torigoe Sadayoshi , Ota Yutaka , Kamiya Toshiya , Horiuchi Kiyoshi , Asano Yoshizo , Baba Koichi , Takahashi Michiaki 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA live varicella vaccine (Oka strain) developed in 1974 was successfully administered to children with various diseases and to normal children. Leukemic children could be immunized safely and effectively using our immunization criteria. All immunized subjects had a good immunoresponse, and the titer of antibodies in 14 children were well maintained over 8 years. The Japan Varicella Vaccine Study Group (JVVSG) found that reactions developed in 46 out of 251 (18.3%) leukemic children in remission and in 38 out of 79 (48.1%) children immunized as an emergency procedure, respectively. Some severe reactions were observed in the latter group. Healthy children were also vaccinated safely and the serocon‐, version rate was satisfactory. The varicella skin reaction became positive after varicella immunization in most children. The incidence of herpes zoster in immunized children with acute leukemia was less than in natural infection. These results indicate that live varicella vaccine is useful to prevent varicella in high‐risk children as well as in normal children.
Concentrations of Zinc, Copper, Manganese and Selenium in Blood and Urine of Patients with Prolactinoma
Authors: Nishi Yoshikazu , Aihara Katsuaki , Hatano Shuichi , Kihara Mikio , Ohta Masahiro , Sakoda Katsuaki , Uozumi Tohru 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis study was designed to evaluate trace element metabolism in patients with prolactinoma. The mean concentrations of zinc in plasma, erythrocytes and urine, copper in plasma and erythrocytes and selenium in plasma were within normal limits before and after surgery. Urinary copper excretion was significantly lower than in controls, before surgery (<0.05) and rose towards normal after treatment. Erythrocyte manganese content was significantly lower than in controls, in patients with prolactinoma before surgery P<0.05) and rose towards normal after treatment.
Early Treatment of Inborn Errors of Biopterin Metabolism
Authors: Hase Yutaka , Okano Yoshiyuki , Sawada Yoshitomo , Shintaku Haruo , Yamamoto Hiroko , Oura Toshiaki 
Published: October 2007

AbstractNeurological symptoms in 6‐pyruvoyltetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS) deficiency (formerly called dihydrobiopterin synthetase deficiency) are caused by lack of neurotransmitters in turn due to deficiency of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) in the brain. The response to treatment in three patients with PTPS deficiency was variable. Trial of BH4 monotherapy in two patients, after three months and one year, respectively, was unsuccessful. We believe that BH4 monotherapy is unsafe even in the absence of symptoms. The levels of pterins and neurotransmitter metabolites, and the Ne/B ratio, in the cerebrospinal fluid are more reliable indicators of disease activity than in urine and serum. The prognoses of some patients with PTPS deficiency are poor, and brain damage may develop in utero. BH4 is transported from mother to fetus in guinea pigs when a large amount of BH4 is administered. If this is true in humans, prenatal treatment of PTPS deficiency might be feasible.
Long‐Term Follow‐Up of Infants from Birth for Rotavirus Antigen and Antibody in the Feces
Authors: Nishio Osamu , Ishihara Yuichi , Isomura Shin , Inoue Hiromasa , Inouye Sakae 
Published: October 2007

AbstractWe followed up five infants from birth to five years of age for the shedding of rotavirus and the appearance of IgA antibody in the feces, in order to know the relation of rotavirus infections with diarrheal symptoms and the host's responses in fecal IgA antibody production. We collected fecal samples basically once a week from the infants, and evaluated the contents of rotayirus antigen and antibody and total IgA in all the samples by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. We also detected virus particles in some concentrated samples by electron microscopy. We found that all the infants shed a large amount of rotavirus in the winter seasons up to two years of age, but two infants showed no symptoms of diarrhea.After primary infection, the specific IgA index, defined as the specific IgA antibody titer divided by the total IgA concentration of each feces, rose and fluctuated from time to time. However, we observed occasional eight fold or greater rises in the index between two consecutive fecal samples, suggesting anamnestic responses in fecal IgA antibody production. Some of the rises were accompanied with mild diarrhea and the presence of a low amount of virus in the feces detected by electron microscopy. Probably, repeated mild reinfections with rotavirus are occurring in infants at all seasons.
Possible Role of Streptococcus pyogenes in Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome VII. A Weak Response to Epstein‐Barr Viral Capsid Antigen in Mice Infected Neonatally with S. pyogenes
Authors: Akiyama Takehisa , Osawa Nobutaka , Yamaura Noboru , Yashiro Kimio , Watanabe Mitsuru 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA negligible, if not entirely negative, production of antibody to Epstein‐Bart virus(EBV)‐associated antigens in patients with mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome(MCLS) has been a perplexing problem for investigators who are in favor of a streptococcal etiology of the disease.In the present investigations, antibody formation to EB viral capsid antigen (VCA) was assessed by the use of the indirect immunofluorescence technique in mice which had been subjected to neonatal infection with an attenuated strain of Streprococcus pyogenes or inoculation with either heat‐killed streptococci or streptolysin‐O, both of which were emulsified in Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA).Each mouse of these groups was inoculated 30 days or so later with EBV dilution in FCA, blood was collected about three weeks after virus infection, and antibody titers were assessed individually.According to the results of these experiments, no apparent difference was detected among the mice, irrespective of the methods of their neonatal treatment concerning their refractoriness to EB‐VCA; the majority of the animals showed titers of less than 1:8, no case having a titer above 1:30. In contrast, all sera from control mice yielded positive responses showing antibody titers of 1:250 and over.Such an immunological character is an exact counterpart of that of MCLS patients. Accordingly, the recent research focus on EBV as a possible etiological agent of MCLS seems to be too restrictive.
Neonatal Hypothyroid Screening Using Enzymeimmunoassay of Thyrotropin — Comparison with Radioimmunoassay
Authors: Kusuda Satoshi , Tsuruhara Tsuneo , Hase Yutaka , Miyagi Tomiko , Oura Toshiaki , Ishibashi Kaichiro , Kawashima Minoru , Ichihara Kiyoshi , Miyai Kiyoshi 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIn order to evaluate a new enzymeimmunoassay (EIA) of thyrotropin(TSH) for neonatal hypothyroidism, 6,100 blood samples on fdter paper, obtained through a neonatal hypothyroid screening program, were examined using a one‐step sandwich EI A and a radioimmunoassay(RIA). Measured TSH values, numbers of cases and false‐positives detected, and recall rates, were compared between the two methods. During this study two cases of congenital hypothyroidism were found by both EIA and RIA. However, a patient with hyperthyrotropinemia was detected only by the EIA. The reproducibility of the EIA was slightly better than that of the RIA. These results suggest that the EIA has same or higher sensitivity for detecting patients compared with the RIA. On the other hand, three cases with falsepositive elevation of TSH by EIA were found. High TSH values by the EIA were likely to be due to transplacental factors, probably immunoglobulin G. Because of high reproducibility of the EIA and false‐positive cases found with it, recall rates of the screening program were slightly higher for the EIA than for the RIA. The recall rate of the EIA could have been decreased by setting a cut‐off point at a higher percentile. Since the EIA is simple to use, this method is suitable for screening for congenital hypothyroidism.
Blood Ammonium Level in Low Birth Weight Infants in Relation to Arginine Intake
Authors: Nakamura Shinji , Kondo Yuuichi , Ogata Takayuki , Iribe Kaneshige , Kudo Yumiko , Ikeda Tetsuo , Matsuda Ichiro 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe blood ammonium level was monitored in low birth weight infants (<2,500 g at birth, N=117). There was no significant correlation of the blood ammonium level with gestational age, body weight at birth or the Apgar score. When the blood ammonium level was compared in infants fed with sufficient amounts of arginine‐supplemented (N=29) and non‐supplemented formulas (N=12) in addition to the mothers' milk, the blood ammonium level was found to be significantly lower in the former group than in the latter group (50.1 ± 12.4 μmol/L vs 40.0±12.2 μmol/L; p<0.02). There was no difference in the urinary excretion of orotic acid. This observation indicated the benefit of arginine supplementation, especially in the feeding of low birth wight infants.
Hereditary Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus Type‐2
Authors: Matsumoto Tohru , Ito Yuhei , Yukizane Shigenori , Ichikawa Kotaro , Yamashita Fumio 
Published: October 2007

AbstractNephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) in a fetus in utero was suspected because of the family history, and evidence of increased amniotic fluid by echosonography. The mother's karyo‐type was 46 XX/47 XXX. After birth, the patient was diagnosed as NDI type‐2 which is partially resistant to antidiuretic hormone.
Oscillatory Variations of Cutaneous Blood Flow in Newborns Using A Laser Doppler Flowmeter
Authors: Takayanagi Toshimitsu , Fukuda Masafumi , Tsuji Yoshiro , Nakazawa Makoto 
Published: October 2007

Oscillatory variations of cutaneous blood flow were studied using laser Doppler flowmetry in 20 newborns. Simultaneous monitoring of cardiorespiratory state was also performed. The frequency and amplitude of oscillatory curve varied, even on identical skin regions in each infant. When their respiration and heart rate were irregular, the frequencies of oscillatory curves were significantly higher and with a larger amplitude than when cardiorespiratory function was regular. The frequencies of oscillatory curves at two symmetrical points of an individiual were not different, but a significant difference in the oscillatory cycle was recognized at two asymmetrical points. Distributions of peak‐to‐peak time periods of oscillatory curves were studied in nine healthy and four sick newborns. Seven of nine healthy newborns had more than two peaks in their distributions, while only one peak with a narrowly‐spread distribution was observed in the four sick newborns with almost exclusively periodic breathing throughout monitoring.In conclusion, we speculate that cardiorespiratory state and some neurogenic control affects the variations observed. In addition, the narrowly‐spread distribution of each time period appeared to be an important indicator of morbidity.
Determination of Serum Unbound Bilirubin for Prediction of Kernicterus in Low Birthweight infants
Authors: Nakamura Hajime , Yonetani Masahiko , Uetani Yoshiyuki , Funato Masafumi , Lee Yokei 
Published: October 2007

Serum unbound bilirubin concentrations (UBC) and serum total bilirubin concentrations (TBC) were measured serially in 138 low birthweight (LBW) infants treated with phototherapy for non‐hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia. We attempted to assign the suitable critical UBC levels for predicting bilirubin encephalopathy into two different birthweight groups: a very low birthweight (VLBW) group (birthweight < 1,500 g) and an LBW group (birthweight between 1,500 g and 2,499 g). Twelve infants were diagnosed as ‘at risk’ for kernicterus, of whom 11 had signs of acute bilirubin encephalopathy and exchange transfusion. One VLBW infant had neurological sequelae at a 3 year follow‐up, although exchange transfusion was not carried out because of low TBC.Sensitivity and specificity for predicting kernicterus were calculated at different UBC levels between 0.6μg/dl and 1.5μg/dl and TBC levels between 8 mg/dl and 26 mg/dl. The receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curves plotted for UBC as a predictor of kernicterus were clearly shifted up and to the left compared with the curves for TBC in the VLBW and LBW groups. Thus, the UBC measurement may well provide a more rational basis for evaluating the risk of kernicterus in LBW infants. The optimal cut‐off points were derived from these curves. In the VLBW group, the sensitivity was 100% and the specificity was 96% for a UBC of 0.8μg/dl, and 80% and 64% for a TBC of 11 mg/dl. In the LBW group, the sensitivity was 100% and the specificity was 98% for a UBC of 1.0μg/dl and 71% and 78% for a TBC of 16 mg/dl. These results suggest that UBC determination is more suitable for predicting kernicterus than TBC in LBW infants with non‐hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia.
National survey of periventricular leukomalacia in Japan
Authors: Fujimoto Shinji , Togari Hajime , Takashima Sachio , Funato Masahisa , Yoshioka Hiroshi , Ibara Satoshi , Tatsuno Masaru 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Background: Clarification of the present status of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) in Japan. Methods: Questionnaires were mailed to the leading neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and rehabilitation centers for children. Results: The incidence of PVL in the group of surviving preterm infants of gestational ages less than 33 weeks was 4.8–4.9% on ultrasound and 7.7–7.9% on magnetic resonance imaging and/or computed tomography. The incidence of PVL did not decrease between 1990 and 1994. The incidence of PVL in the NICU varied from 0 to 47.1%. Infants from multiple pregnancies had a higher incidence (9.1%) of PVL than those from single pregnancies (6.2%). The proportion of PVL in all patients in rehabilitation centers with cerebral palsy (CP) has increased recently. Conclusions: It was roughly calculated that about 750 cases of CP with PVL occurred annually in Japan, thus accounting for about one‐third of the total number of cases of CP.
An outbreak of hepatitis A in a day‐care center: Immunoprophylaxis with human immunoglobulin
Authors: Hatazawa Takako , Abo Wataru , Sakai Yoshiyuki , Seki Kimihira , Doi Toshiaki , Tachibana Naoki , Chiba Shunzo 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Background: An outbreak of seven cases of hepatitis A (HA) occurred in a day‐care center. Five of the cases were children attending the center, one was a nurse and one was the mother of a child. It is probable that the first case with HA was a male child infected by an unknown source.
Methods and Results:
Human immunoglobulin (HIG) was administered to both children and staff at the center following which there were no new cases of infection among in‐center contacts. However, a new case of HA among household contacts developed 3 weeks following the treatment of in‐center contacts.
Conclusions
: The outbreak may have been prevented if the sibling (case 2) of the source case of infection (case 1) had been given HIG as soon as infection had been confirmed. Additionally, the data suggest that HIG for prevention of HA should be given not only to children but also to their parents.