bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mapping of EST‐derived CAPS markers in Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.)
Authors: Miura Y. , Hirata M. , Fujimori M. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractNew molecular markers derived from expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences were mapped on linkage maps of Italian ryegrass by a two‐way pseudo‐testcross strategy. cDNA sequences were obtained from various tissues of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) and converted into cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers. Of 260 EST primer pairs that amplified a single band, 74 generated bands that showed clear polymorphisms among individuals of an F1 mapping family. Of the 74 polymorphic marker loci, 69 were mapped on an Italian ryegrass linkage map previously constructed using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The newly‐developed EST‐CAPS markers would be useful as an efficient tool to identify genetic markers and to identify candidate genes for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with important traits in Italian ryegrass.
Structural and Functional Events on the Porcine Zona Pellucida During Maturation, Fertilization and Embryonic Development: a Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis
Authors: Michelmann HW , Rath D , Töpfer‐Petersen E , Schwartz P 
Published: June 2007

ContentsPorcine oocytes and pre‐implantation embryos from the same, as well as from different animals, have an extremely heterogeneous morphology of the zona pellucida (ZP) surface, as shown by scanning electron microscopy. For years, it has been believed that this heterogeneous morphology plays an important role in the sperm–oocyte interaction. The aim of this study was to analyse the zona morphology and sperm‐binding patterns on the porcine ZP. Oocytes were divided into four categories: immature, matured in vivo, or matured in vitro over a time period of 24 or 48 h. The zona morphology of early embryos grown in vivo or in vitro was also investigated. Four different types of zona morphology were detectable. They ranged from a porous, net‐like structure to a nearly smooth and compact surface. No correlation could be established between the different kinds of maturation in terms of these zona types. All oocytes exhibited extremely heterogeneous zona morphologies, with no clear trend. During subsequent in vivo embryo development, the zona surface changes from a porous structure to one with a compact surface, while the morphology of in vitro embryos remained compact at all stages of development. The analysis of the number and distribution patterns of spermatozoa trapped in the ZP revealed extremely variable patterns, regardless of the zona morphology. Differences were only present if sorted or unsorted spermatozoa were used for insemination. Regardless of the number of inseminated spermatozoa after sorting, only a few (1–2) could be detected on the ZP. Whether oocytes were matured in vivo or in vitro was not a relevant factor. Unsorted spermatozoa bound in higher numbers than sorted ones. The number was directly dependent on the number of spermatozoa used for insemination.
Description of a multidimensional classification system for patients with expiratory central airway collapse
Authors: MURGU Septimiu D. , COLT Henri G. 
Published: June 2007

Background and objective:  Patients with expiratory central airway collapse present with various symptoms, aetiologies, morphologies, extent and severity of airway collapse. The aim of this study was to delineate a multidimensional classification system and common language for evaluating patients with expiratory central airway collapse.Methods:  The classification system was based on the morphology and origin of the airway abnormality as well as stratification parameters such as functional status, extent and severity of airway collapse. Patients with expiratory central airway collapse who underwent clinical and bronchoscopic examination before and after treatment were identified from a bronchoscopy database. The classification was applied to the study patients before and after treatment to assess the utility of this stratification approach.Results:  Eighteen patients were studied. Four had excessive dynamic airway collapse and 14 had tracheobronchomalacia. Post‐treatment, functional status improved by one class in 12 patients, by two classes in four patients and remained unchanged in two. Severity of airway collapse improved in 15 and remained unchanged in three patients. The extent of abnormality diminished in 14 patients and did not change in four.Conclusions:  Using this classification, the morphologies and aetiologies of expiratory central airway collapse are identified, and an objective stratification of patients according to degree of functional impairment, extent of disease and severity of airway collapse is possible.
Pleurodesis: A novel experimental model
Authors: MARCHI Evaldo , VARGAS Francisco S. , ACENCIO Milena M.P. , TEIXEIRA Lisete R. , ANTONANGELO Leila , LEE Y.C. Gary , LIGHT Richard W. 
Published: June 2007

Background and objective:  The experimental model of pleurodesis in rabbits has been useful in understanding the pathophysiology of the pleural inflammatory injury induced by several sclerosing agents. However, restrictions on the use of rabbits in laboratory investigation are making this model less accessible. The aim of this study was to present a new experimental model of pleurodesis in mice using talc or silver nitrate.Methods:  Four groups of 10 C57BL/6 mice received talc 2 or 4 mg/g in 0.5 mL saline, or 0.025% or 0.05% silver nitrate in 0.5 mL H2O. After 28 days the animals were sacrificed, and the pleural cavity was opened and evaluated for evidence of macroscopic pleural adhesions and haemothorax (scores 0–4), atelectasis (scores 0–2), and microscopic pleural and alveolar inflammation and fibrosis (scores 0–4). Statistical analysis used anova.Results:  Silver nitrate 0.05% produced a more effective pleurodesis in mice than did 0.025% silver nitrate or talc 4 mg/g, with significant higher scores for pleural adhesions, microscopic pleural inflammation and fibrosis. Haemothorax, atelectasis, and microscopic alveolar inflammation and fibrosis were negligible in both groups.Conclusions:  Both talc 4 mg/g and 0.05% silver nitrate produced an efficient pleurodesis in this experimental model in mice. This new model may overcome the restrictions on the use of large‐ and medium‐sized animals in laboratory investigation and may open new fields of investigation with knockout mice.
Induced sputum analysis in asymptomatic young adults with bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine
Authors: NOMURA Naho , YOSHIKAWA Takahiro , KAMOI Hiroshi , KANAZAWA Hiroshi , HIRATA Kazuto , FUJIMOTO Shigeo 
Published: June 2007

Background and objectives:  BHR is a clinical feature of asthma and factors crucial to the development of BHR remain to be elucidated. Asymptomatic BHR also occurs in the general population. This study examined the prevalence of asymptomatic BHR in a population of young Japanese atopic individuals to identify whether airway inflammation is present in asthmatic patients but not in asymptomatic subjects with BHR.Methods:  Fifty atopic volunteers (aged 18–23 years) without lower respiratory symptoms were recruited and their bronchial responsiveness to methacholine was measured in order to categorize them into two groups, those with BHR (PC20 below 8 mg/mL) and those without BHR. We evaluated the inflammatory cell profiles and measured IL‐5 and IL‐13 levels in sputum from subjects of each group by ELISA. Results were compared with those for young adult asthmatic patients.Results:  In the young atopic group, 17 subjects (34.0%) exhibited BHR. Compared with asthmatic patients sputum from asymptomatic subjects with BHR contained significantly lower numbers of eosinophils (P < 0.001) and had significantly lower levels of IL‐5 (P = 0.088) and IL‐13 (P = 0.032). There were no significant differences in each inflammatory parameter between the two asymptomatic groups.Conclusions:  In young adult atopic subjects with asymptomatic BHR, airway inflammation does not necessarily play a determining role in the development of BHR to methacholine itself, though it might be an important factor in the onset of asthma.
Atelectatic children treated with intrapulmonary percussive ventilation via a face mask: Clinical trial and literature overview
Authors: YEN HA THI KIM , BUI THI DUNG , TRAN ANH TUAN , BADIN PHILIPPE , TOUSSAINT MICHEL , NGUYEN ANH TUAN 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground: Persistent atelectasis in children is lacking a gold standard treatment. Intrapulmonary percussive ventilation (IPV) is presented as a promising chest physiotherapy technique in the treatment of atelectasis. This study aimed to follow the evolution of atelectasis resolution with noninvasive IPV in young children and to detect eventual adverse effects.Methods: Six children were hospitalized for respiratory distress with suspicion of atelectasis. A 15 min IPV treatment was immediately started at D1 twice a day for 5 days. Children were free of any other treatment. Chest X‐Ray (CXR) was performed on the second day (D2) and was repeated 3 days later (D5). After the study, CXR were retrospectively reviewed by three specialists who had no knowledge of the clinical observations of the patients. They were asked to assess atelectasis by a score between 4 (complete collapse) and 0 (complete resolution). A clinical score on a maximum of 4 points was assessed by appetite deterioration, dyspnoea, mucus production and cough presence at D1 and D5 (1 point per symptom present). Paired t‐test compared D1 and D5 results.Results: All patients returned home after 5 days IPV. SpO2 normalized (93.2 ± 0.8 to 95.3 ± 0.8; P = 0.002) and patients all improved clinically (score, 2.8 ± 0.9 to 0.8 ± 0.6; P < 0.05). Out of four patients with radiographic evidence of atelectasis, three improved their atelectasis score.Conclusions: No side‐effect or adverse effect was observed during IPV treatments. IPV was safe and effective in atelectasis resolution in 3/4 of the cases. Patients all recovered a stable clinical state. CXR improved in 4/5 children. They were all discharged home after 5 days of IPV treatment.
Utility of a new transcutaneous jaundice device with two optical paths in premature infants
Authors: NAMBA FUMIHIKO , KITAJIMA HIROYUKI 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground: Hyperbilirubinemia may cause dysfunction of the central nervous system of newborn infants. Recently, a new transcutaneous bilirubin device has been developed, which is not limited by maturity or melanin concentration of the skin. However, there have been few reports limiting the subjects to preterm and very low‐birthweight (VLBW) infants.Methods: Transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) and total serum bilirubin (TSB) were measured within 1 h of time lag in 50 premature infants. TcB was measured with the new jaundice device on the forehead. TSB samples were measured by direct colorimetry. The correlation coefficient and regression line were calculated.Results: The results showed a good correlation between TcB and TSB. However, the correlation tended to be worse with infants whose birthweights were lower than 1000 g, or whose gestational ages at birth were shorter than 28 weeks.Conclusion: TcB and TSB have a close correlation, and TcB tends to be higher than TSB. The Minolta transcutaneous jaundice device could be used as a screening instrument, leading to the avoidance of invasive blood samplings for preterm and VLBW infants. However, in patients whose birthweights are lower than 1000 g or whose gestational ages are shorter than 28 weeks, care must be taken when using the transcutaneous jaundice device because of low reliability in these patients.
Re‐treatment regimens for acute stage of Kawasaki disease patients who failed to respond to initial intravenous immunoglobulin therapy: Analysis from the 17th nationwide survey
Authors: UEHARA RITEI , YASHIRO MAYUMI , OKI IZUMI , NAKAMURA YOSIKAZU , YANAGAWA HIROSHI 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground: Current regimens for re‐treatment of patients with Kawasaki disease who failed to respond to the initial intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy are still uncertain. The purpose of this study is to reveal what regimens were used as the initial therapy and re‐treatment for acute stage of Kawasaki disease in the current Japanese medical setting.Methods: The 17th nationwide survey on Kawasaki disease covered patients whose onset was in 2001 and 2002. In questionnaires sent to all hospitals with a bed capacity of 100 or more and a pediatric department, several questions related to therapeutic regimens for Kawasaki disease were posed. The authors observed the proportions of hospitals that had regimens for patients who failed to respond to the initial therapy.Results: Among those hospitals that responded to the survey, 1052 (64.1%) reported that at least one patient with Kawasaki disease visited the hospital. Among these 1052 hospitals, 73.3% had a regimen to administer 30–39 mg/kg per day of oral aspirin with initial IVIG. The proportion of hospitals that used 1 g/kg per day of IVIG for 2 days was the largest among the options for the initial treatment. For those patients who fail to respond to the initial therapy, 464 hospitals (44.1%) reported that their pediatricians would use additional IVIG only. The number of hospitals that planned to administer high‐dose IVIG and ulinastatin was 185 (17.6%). The number of hospitals having regimens of additional IVIG and steroids was 54 (5.1%).Conclusions: The current status of the treatment for patients with Kawasaki disease not responding to the initial IVIG therapy in Japan was revealed. A randomized trial of a large sample is needed to ascertain the effectiveness of several options for re‐treating Kawasaki disease.
Serum free T4 and thyroid stimulating hormone levels in preterm infants and relationship between these levels and respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: TANAKA KYOKO , SHIMIZU TOSHIAKI , HOSAKA ATSUTO , TOKITA AKIFUMI , SHIGA SEIGO , YAMASHIRO YUICHIRO 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground: There have been few studies of the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) surge in extremely low‐birthweight (ELBW) infants, and the relationship between thyroid hormones and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) has yet to be clarified. The present study sought to determine the serum levels of free T4 (fT4) and TSH in ELBW infants and to examine the relationship between these levels and the development of RDS.Methods: The authors measured serum fT4 and TSH levels soon after birth in 449 preterm infants, who were born at 22–36 weeks of gestation, and determined the associations between these levels, the incidence of RDS, and the recognized clinical factors associated with RDS.Results: Serum fT4 and TSH levels, and the fT4/TSH ratio, in the group at 22–24 weeks of gestation were significantly lower than those in the group at 28–36 weeks. The levels and ratio increased significantly with increasing gestational age. There were significant correlations between the serum fT4 level and the birthweight, Apgar score, and gender, and between the serum TSH level and the gestational age, mode of delivery, and birthweight. No significant relationship between the incidence of RDS and the serum levels of fT4 and TSH was observed.Conclusion: The authors’ results suggest that the serum levels of fT4 and TSH in ELBW infants are very low, and that these levels are not correlated with the occurrence of RDS.
Certain type of chronic lung disease of newborns is associated with Ureaplasma urealyticum infection in utero
Authors: HONMA YOKO , YADA YUKARI , TAKAHASHI NAOTO , MOMOI MARIKO Y , NAKAMURA YOSHIKAZU 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground: Recent studies of chronic lung disease (CLD) of newborns emphasize the contribution of antenatal infection. However, the association of Ureaplasma urealyticum infection and CLD has been controversial. The purpose of the present paper was to determine whether U. urealyticum is associated with chorioamnionitis (CAM) and a certain type of CLD.Methods: One hundred and five infants <32 weeks of gestation who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Jichi Medical School Hospital, who underwent both histological and microbiological examinations and who survived to discharge were included. CAM was determined by histological examination. Placenta, gastric and tracheal aspirates, and nasopharyngeal swabs were cultured for Mycoplasma and other microorganisms. CLD was defined as oxygen needed at 28 days of age with symptoms of persistent respiratory distress and hazy or emphysematous and fibrous appearance upon X‐ray. CLD was further divided into two subtypes according to the presence of antenatal infection.Results: CAM was associated with premature rupture of membrane (odds ratio [OR], 10.19; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.10–33.56), placental colonization of U. urealyticum (OR 6.73, 95%CI: 1.89–23.91), neonatal colonization of other microorganisms (OR 7.33, 95%CI: 1.22–44.13) and level of IgM (OR 1.06, 95%CI: 1.01–1.11). Comparisons between CLD and non‐CLD patients showed that gestational age (OR 0.43, 95%CI: 0.30–0.61) and white blood cell count (WBC) at birth (OR 1.06, 95%CI: 1.01–1.11) were risk factors for CLD, while gestational age (OR 0.38, 95%CI: 0.23–0.64), neonatal colonization of U. urealyticum (OR 5.98, 95%CI: 1.17–30.6) and WBC (OR 1.08, 95%CI: 1.01–1.15) were independent risk factors for infection‐related CLD compared with non‐CLD. Within CLD, infection‐related CLD was associated with neonatal colonization of U. urealyticum (OR 43.7, 95%CI: 2.84–673.8) and WBC (OR 1.27, 95%CI: 1.07–1.50).Conclusions: Placental colonization of U. urealyticum was significantly related to CAM; and neonatal colonization of U. urealyticum and leukocytosis at birth were risk factors for infection‐related CLD.
Extracorporeal leukocyte removal therapy for patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: KUMAGAI MASAMI , YAMATO YASUHIKO , MAEDA KOHJI , NAKASHIMA EISUKE , USHIJIMA KOSUKE , KIMURA AKIHIKO 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground: The purpose of the present paper was to investigate efficacy of leukocytapheresis (LCAP) or granulocytapheresis (GCAP) in pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), including reduction of the total dose and side‐effects of corticosteroids.Methods: Courses of five Japanese adolescents with UC were analyzed. Four patients had recurrent UC with repeated remissions and exacerbations despite therapy including 5‐aminosalicylic acid in combination with a corticosteroid. The other patient had a first attack. Effectiveness of adding LCAP or GCAP was assessed with regard to short‐term changes in clinical activity, complications, and longer‐term outcome.Results: Clinical improvement was attained in three patients, while the other two did not improve and underwent colectomy. One of the two patients had moderately severe complications from LCAP and showed increased clinical activity during LCAP. The other, who began therapy with LCAP alone, had moderate improvement only after addition of a corticosteroid.Conclusion: Additional studies are needed to determine optimum timing of LCAP or GCAP and initiation of remission‐maintenance therapy.
Characteristics of obese children with low content of arachidonic acid in plasma lipids
Authors: OKADA TOMOO , SATO NORIKO F , KUROMORI YUKI , MIYASHITA MICHIO , TANIGUTCHI KAZUO , IWATA FUJIHIKO , HARA MITSUHIKO , AYUSAWA MAMORU , HARADA KENSUKE , SAITO EMIKO 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground: Although there have been many studies on the relationship between obesity and long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA), the results and their interpretation are controversial, especially in children. Arachidonic acid (AA), the product of n‐6 LCPUFA, is reported to be related to insulin resistance. The purpose of the present paper was to investigate the LCPUFA profile in obese children and mechanisms that contribute to reduced AA content.Method: An age‐ and sex‐matched control study was performed. The study subjects were 59 obese children (mean age, 11.8 years) and 53 healthy non‐obese children (mean age, 12.5 years). The study parameters included anthropometric measurements, serum lipids, leptin and fatty acid composition in plasma.Results: Plasma fatty acids in obese children had lower linoleic acid (P < 0.0001) and higher dihomo‐γ‐linolenic acid (P = 0.0004) than those in non‐obese children. In all subjects combined, δ‐6 desaturase (D6D) index (ratios of [C 18:3n‐6+C 20:2n‐6]/C 20:4n‐6 or C 20:4n‐6/C 18: 2n‐6) correlated with leptin (P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in AA content between obese and non‐obese. However, the AA content was low (<mean − 1SD in controls) in 27.1% of obese children, in whom D6D index was not elevated in spite of high insulin concentration.Conclusion: Obese children had changes in plasma LCPUFA profile that indicate upregulation of n‐6 LCPUFA metabolism, probably caused by activated D6D activity to compensate AA demand. Heterogeneity of AA content in obese children depends on D6D and δ‐5‐desaturase activity, which may reflect insulin sensitivity.
Natural course of lower urinary tract symptoms following discontinuation of alpha‐1‐adrenergic blockers in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Yokoyama Teruhiko , Watanabe Toyohiko , Saika Takashi , Nasu Yasutomo , Kumon Hiromi , Miyaji Yoshiyuki , Nagai Atsushi 
Published: June 2007

Objective:  α1‐adrenergic blockers (αb) remain the first‐line therapy in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The current published work advocates continued use of αb for their effect to be maintained. However, some patients decide to discontinue use of the medication after their symptoms are relieved and can keep good conditions. In this study, we investigated the natural course of LUTS after the discontinuation of successful treatment of αb.Methods:  Among 75 patients with LUTS who stopped αb medication once their symptoms improved, 60 patients (age, 50–87 years; median, 70) who could be followed for at least 12 months after discontinuation of αb were analyzed in this study. Evaluations included a clinical determination of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), peak flow rate (Qmax) and postvoid residual urine volume (PVR). Upon patient request or in cases of PVR more than 100 mL, administration of αb was resumed.Results:  Eighteen out of the 60 patients (30%) asked for re‐treatment within 12 months after discontinuation (re‐treatment group). The other 42 patents were able to maintain good condition without medication (discontinuation group). The IPSS was 15.9, 8.7, 10.1, 10.2, 9.7, 8.8 and 9.0, on the first visit, just before discontinuation, and 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after stopping treatment among the discontinuation group, respectively. Similarly, Qmax was 10.6, 14.8, 14.2, 14.3, 14.7, 13.2 and 13.6 mL/ s, respectively. Treatment periods, prostatic volume and peak flow rates just before discontinuation of medication differed significantly between the re‐treatment and discontinuation group.Conclusions:  In spite of the short follow‐up periods, these results suggest that selected patients with relatively small prostatic volume and good flow rates after therapy can discontinue αb medication after their symptoms improve.