bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a novel biphasic calcium phosphate in standardized bone defects. A histologic and histomorphometric study in the mandibles of minipigs
Authors: Jensen Simon Storgård , Yeo Alvin , Dard Michel , Hunziker Ernst , Schenk Robert , Buser Daniel 
Published: September 2007

Abstract:Objective: A novel biphasic calcium phosphate (CaP) granulate consisting of hydroxyapatite (HA) and β‐tricalciumphosphate (TCP) was compared with pure HA and pure TCP and with autograft as positive control.Materials and methods: Four standardized bone defects were prepared in both mandibular angles of 16 minipigs and grafted with autogenous bone chips, HA, HA/TCP (60% : 40%), or TCP. Histologic and histomorphometric analysis of bone formation and graft degradation followed healing periods of 2, 4, 8, and 24 weeks.Results: 2 weeks: more bone formation in defects filled with autograft than with the three CaP materials (P<0.05). 4 weeks: bone formation differed significantly (P<0.05) between all four materials (autograft>TCP>HA/TCP>HA). 8 weeks: more bone formation in defects with autograft and TCP than with HA/TCP (P<0.05), and HA/TCP had more bone formation than HA (P<0.05). 24 weeks: no difference in bone formation between the groups. Autograft and TCP resorbed quickly and almost completely over 8 weeks, whereas HA/TCP and HA showed limited degradation over 24 weeks.Conclusion: All defects healed with mature lamellar bone and intimate contact between bone and the remaining graft material. The rate of bone formation corresponded to the content of TCP in the CaP materials.
Parental smoking behavior and caries experience in preschool children
Authors: Leroy R. , Hoppenbrouwers K. , Jara A. , Declerck D. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract –  Objectives:  The study aimed to explore the association between parental smoking behavior and caries experience in young children, taking into account the socioeconomic status and oral health‐related behavior.Methods:  Cross‐sectional data from 1250 3‐year‐old and 1283 5‐year‐old children from four geographical areas in Flanders (Belgium) were analyzed. Children were examined at school by trained dentist‐examiners, using standard criteria and calibrated examination methodology. Data on oral hygiene and dietary habits, oral health behavior, sociodemographic variables, and parental smoking behavior were obtained through structured questionnaires, completed by the parents.Results:  Visible caries experience (i.e. d3mft > 0) was seen in 7% of 3‐year olds and 31% of 5‐year olds. In both age groups, 30% of the parents reported smoking behavior. Univariable logistic regression analysis with caries prevalence as the dependent variable, revealed that parental smoking was a significant independent variable. After controlling for age, gender, sociodemographic characteristics, oral hygiene, and dietary habits, the effect of family smoking status was no longer significant in 3‐year‐old children (OR = 1.98; 95% CI: 0.68–5.76). In 5‐year olds the significant relationship between parental smoking behavior and caries experience persisted after adjusting for the other evaluated variables (OR = 3.36; 95% CI: 1.49–7.58).Conclusion:  The results of this study illustrate the existence of a significant association between parental smoking behavior and caries experience in 5‐year‐old children.
The many faces of Notch signaling in skin‐derived cells
Authors: Pinnix Chelsea C. , Herlyn Meenhard 
Published: September 2007

SummarySince the cloning of the Drosophila gene in the 1980s, decades of research have sought to dissect the intricacies of the mammalian Notch signaling cascade. The intrigue of this pathway undoubtedly lies in its ability to influence diverse cellular processes, including differentiation, cell fate, homeostasis, survival, proliferation and angiogenesis. Based on its evolutionary conservation and its fundamental role in development, it is not surprising that deregulation of the Notch signaling pathway can result in neoplastic growth. While originally of particular interest to immunologists based on its chief role in influencing T‐cell fate decisions and tumor oncogenesis in T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, pigment cell biologists have recently taken notice of the Notch cascade based on studies suggesting the importance of this pathway in regulating melanocyte stem cell survival and melanoma progression. We will review the Notch signaling literature as it relates to skin homeostasis, melanocytic stem cells and melanoma tumorigenesis.
Cutaneous melanoma in genetically modified animals
Authors: Larue Lionel , Beermann Friedrich 
Published: September 2007

AbstractCutaneous melanomas are tumors originating from skin melanocytes which are present in hair follicles, and interfollicular epidermal and dermal layers. Experimental work in model systems involves in silico, in vitro and in vivo analyses. Such models allow to mimick melanocytic aberrations characteristic of melanoma, and to potentially exploit novel therapies. Transgenic technologies can be used to modify specifically the genome of the model organism and thereby generate transgenic strains, and combinations of such strains, which may develop metastasizing melanoma. In such strains, metastasizing melanoma either arises spontaneously after a period of latency or requires additional physical or chemical induction. In this review, we summarize the work of currently available transgenic melanoma models and discuss the most recent progress in creating improved and/or inducible models reflecting the human disease.
DNA microarray analyses of melanoma gene expression: a decade in the mines
Authors: Hoek Keith S. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryGene expression profiling in melanoma is an exercise in prospecting for fundamental molecular biologies useful for formulating hypotheses to explain disease characteristics. Over the last 10 years DNA microarray technologies have been employed in scores of such melanoma studies. As soon as the technology became available, researchers grasped the new tool and began to hammer away at melanoma’s molecular strata. A small army of data miners toiled into the dross, believing that glittering seams of relevance had been struck and from great slag heaps of data they would extract biological gold. What exactly has a decade of ceaseless sappering brought us, what can be profitably refined from what has already been extracted and what remains undiscovered? This review is a critical analysis of the multiple research programs, which have attempted to define and contextualize broad transcriptional changes relevant to melanoma biology.
Nail sampling in onychomycosis: comparative study of curettage from three sites of the infected nail
Authors: Shemer Avner , Trau Henri , Davidovici Batya , Grunwald Marcelo H. , Amichai Boaz 
Published: September 2007

Summary Background: Onychomycosis is a common problem.Obtaining accurate laboratory test results before treatment is important in clinical practice since the treatment of onychomycosis requires expensive oral antifungal therapy with potentially serious side‐effects. The purpose of this study was to compare results of curettage technique of nail sampling in the diagnosis of onychomycosis from three different sites of the affected nail to establish the best location of sampling. Patients and Methods: We evaluated 194 patients suffering from distal and lateral subungual onychomycosis (DLSO) and lateral subungual onychomycosis (LSO) using curettage technique. KOH examination and fungal culture were used for detection and identification of fungal infection. Results: The culture sensitivity improves significantly as the location of the sample is more proximal. Trichophyton rubrum was by far the most common pathogen detected from all sampling sites. Conclusions: We found that the culture sensitivity improved as the location of the sample was more proximal. More types of pathogens were detected in samples taken from proximal parts of the affected nails.
Extracorporeal photopheresis with permanent subcutaneous right atrial catheters
Authors: Ständer Hartmut , Neugebauer Frank , Schneider Stefan W. , Luger Thomas A. , Schiller Meinhard 
Published: September 2007

Summary Background: Adequate peripheral venous access is crucial for successful extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP). As this approach is not always feasible in older patients and patients with graft‐versus‐host disease, central venous catheters play an increasing role in providing long‐term vascular access for ECP.However, not all catheters are able to deliver the minimum flow rate of 7 ml/min for ECP. Patients and Methods: Eight different permanent subcutaneous right atrial catheters were connected in vitro to the UVAR®‐XTS™ photopheresis system and median flow rates were determined. In addition, in vivo flow rates of patients who received ECP, using either peripheral or central venous access, were determined. Results: Hemodialysis catheters with an internal diameter of 2.0 or 1.5 × 3.5 mm and a length up to 48 cm provided in vitro flow rates of 27–28 ml/min, almost identical to a peripheral access needle. Central venous catheters with a length of over 90 cm reached flow rates below 7 ml/min and are impractical for ECP. The analysis of 308 ECP collection cycles with peripheral vascular access revealed an average flow rate of 31.5 ± 6.4 ml/min. Only permanent subcutaneous right atrial catheters made for hemodialysis provided similar flow rates (Quinton PermCath Dual Lumen) (33.7 ± 4.7 ml/min, n = 198). Conclusions: Permanent subcutaneous hemodialysis catheters with a length of maximally 48 cm achieve optimal flow rates for ECP. They represent therefore the central venous access of choice in patients with inadequate peripheral vascular access.
Neonatal characteristics and risk of atopic asthma in schoolchildren: results from a large prospective birth‐cohort study
Authors: Kiechl‐Kohlendorfer Ursula , Horak Elisabeth , Mueller Wilfried , Strobl Robert , Haberland Claudia , Fink Franz‐Martin , Schwaiger Michaela , Gutenberger Karl‐Heinz , Reich Hannes , Meraner Dagmar , Kiechl Stefan 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAim: Asthma is among the most common chronic diseases in childhood and steadily increasing in prevalence. Identification of risk predictors for a hospitalization for atopic asthma in childhood may help design prevention programmes and improve our understanding of disease pathobiology.Methods: An ongoing birth‐cohort study prospectively enrolled all liveborn infants in Tyrol. Between 1994 and 1999 baseline data were collected for 33 808 infants. From 2000 to 2005, all children hospitalized for atopic asthma at an age of 6 years or over (n = 305) were identified in a careful search of hospital databases. Disease status was ascertained from the typical medical history, a thorough examination and proof of atopy.Results: Male sex (relative risk 2.11, 95% CI 1.65–2.70), urban living environment (vs. rural) (1.93, 1.47–2.54), neonatal admission to hospital (1.70, 1.20–2.40), lack of breastfeeding (1.32, 1.02–1.70), postnatal smoking (1.31, 1.00–1.72) and low birth weight (1.45, 0.94–2.23) all emerged as adverse risk predictors for hospitalization for atopic asthma whereas a low risk was found among children living on a farm (0.22, 0.05–0.87) and children with two to three siblings (vs. no or one sibling) (0.71, 0.51–0.97).Conclusion: In this study a number of neonatal characteristics and environmental exposures were associated with hospitalization for atopic asthma in childhood, suggesting that early life is crucial for disease determination and lending further indirect support to the hygiene hypothesis.
Preterm infant massage elicits consistent increases in vagal activity and gastric motility that are associated with greater weight gain
Authors: Diego Miguel A , Field Tiffany , Hernandez‐Reif Maria , Deeds Osvelia , Ascencio Angela , Begert Gisela 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAim: To determine whether preterm infant massage leads to consistent increases in vagal activity and gastric motility and whether these increases are associated with greater weight gain.Methods: EKG and EGG were recorded in 80 preterm infants randomly assigned to a moderate pressure massage therapy group or to a standard care control group to assess vagal activity and gastric motility responses to massage therapy.Results: Massaged infants exhibited consistent short‐term increases in vagal activity and gastric motility on both the first and the last days of the 5‐day study that were associated with weight gain during the 5‐day treatment period. No changes in basal vagal activity or gastric motility were noted across the 5‐day treatment period.Conclusion: Preterm infant massage is consistently associated with increases in vagal activity and gastric motility that may underlie the effects of massage therapy on preterm infant weight gain.
Acquired aplastic anaemia in seven children with severe hepatitis with or without liver failure
Authors: Honkaniemi Emma , Gustafsson Britt , Fischler Björn , Nemeth Antal , Frost Britt‐Marie , Papadogiannakis Nikos , Winiarski Jacek 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAim: Aplastic anaemia following hepatitis may develop in as many as 1 of 3 patients with non‐A, non‐B and non‐C hepatitis. Several causative factors have been discussed, such as viral infections and autoimmunity. Here we describe the natural history of this condition in 7 children and investigate possible hepatitis‐causing agents.Methods: We reviewed the medical records, bone marrow and liver biopsies of 7 children with severe hepatitis, with or without liver failure, who subsequently had developed aplastic anaemia.Results: The median time from onset of hepatic symptoms until diagnosed onset of aplasia was 54 days. No associated viral infections could be identified. On liver biopsy, a majority had lobular inflammation but lacked signs of autoimmune hepatitis, findings compatible with a viral aetiology. Three of 6 children had low reticulocyte counts already at onset of hepatitis. All, but one patient is alive at median follow‐up of 8 years.Conclusion: The unknown pathogenetic mechanism appears to target liver and bone marrow simultaneously, because half of the children concomitantly had low reticulocyte counts and severe liver failure.
Active and total ghrelin concentrations increase in breast milk during lactation
Authors: Ilcol Yesim Ozarda , Hizli Banu 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAim: To assess ghrelin status in breast milk and maternal serum for up to 180 days during lactation and to determine relationships between the concentrations of ghrelin in mother's milk and in serum of breastfed infants.Methods: Blood and breast milk samples were collected from 159 breastfeeding women enrolled either in the first 3 days, or in days 4–14, 15–30, 31–90 and 91–180 postpartum. Blood samples were also collected from 49 breastfed infants at 4–30 days of age. Milk and serum active and total ghrelin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay.Results: Active and total ghrelin concentrations in breast milk were lowest (450 ± 25 and 880 ± 80 pg/mL, respectively) at 0–3 days, whereas they increased progressively during 180 days of lactation period to 801 ± 43 and 3250 ± 380 pg/mL at 91–180 days postpartum. Milk total ghrelin concentrations correlated with serum concentrations of active (r = 0.503; p < 0.001) and total ghrelin (r = 0.331; p < 0.05) in breastfed infants at 4–30 days of age. In breastfeeding women, serum total ghrelin concentrations increased whereas serum active ghrelin concentrations decreased significantly during the next 4–180 days.Conclusion: Active and total ghrelin concentrations in breast milk increase with time during lactation and show significant relations with serum ghrelin concentrations in breastfed infants.
Prevalence of neonatal ultrasound brain lesions in premature infants with and without intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Padilla‐Gomes Nelly F , Enríquez Goya , Acosta‐Rojas Ruthy , Perapoch Josep , Hernandez‐Andrade Edgar , Gratacos Eduard 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAim: To compare the prevalence of transient periventricular echodensities (TPE), periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) and haemorrhagic brain lesions (HBL) in singleton intrauterine growth‐restricted (IUGR) infants and in those appropriate for gestational age (AGA).Methods: Thirty‐five IUGR and 35 AGA singleton infants born between 24‐ and 34‐week gestational age were studied. The presence of TPE, PVL and HBL was assessed with ultrasound (US) at day 3 (US‐I), 2 weeks (US‐II) after delivery and at term‐equivalent age (US‐III).Results: IUGR neonates had an increased prevalence of TPE at US‐I (18/35 vs. 8/35, p= 0.02) and an increased prevalence of PVL at US‐II (8/32 vs. 1/31, p = 0.03) and US‐III (8/29 vs. 1/29, p = 0.02). No significant differences in the prevalence of HBL were found between the two groups.Conclusions: IUGR is associated with an increased prevalence of white matter damage on US brain scans in preterm neonates.
Small bowel intussusceptions: issues and controversies related to pneumatic reduction and surgical approach
Authors: Saxena AK , Seebacher U , Bernhardt C , Höllwarth ME 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAim: This study aims to determine the incidence, clinical presentation, management and outcome of small bowel intussusceptions (SBI) in the paediatric population managed at our centre.Methods: Hospital charts of SBI patients from 1999 to 2006 were reviewed retrospectively. The data collected involved the clinical presentation, diagnostic examinations, management strategy as well as outcome.Results: Ileocecal intussusceptions were documented in 83 patients (74.8%) and SBI in 28 (25.2%). The median age of patients with SBI was 2.5 years (range 9 weeks to 16 years). In 18/28 patients SBI reduced spontaneously. Ileoileal SBI had an incidence of 80% in the 10/28 cases requiring intervention. In seven patients, pneumatic reductions were successful in 6/7 ileoileal intussusceptions, but unsuccessful in 1/7 where the level of intussusception (jejunojejunal intraoperative findings) could not be determined by ultrasound. Surgical intervention was required in four patients with bowel resection in three cases.Conclusion: Pneumatic reduction is successful in ileoileal intussusceptions with signs of bowel viability. It should be attempted with caution in patients with jejunojejunal or ileoileal SBI with pathologic lead points or bowel ischaemia. Accurate interpretation of ultrasound along with judicious implementation of pneumatic reduction or surgical options can reduce morbidity. Early diagnosis is associated with better outcomes using non‐surgical reduction techniques.
Childhood Weber–Christian disease: clinical investigation and virus detection
Authors: Wu Fang , Zou Chao Chun 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjective: To investigate clinical features of childhood Weber–Christian disease (WCD) and the relationship between WCD and virus.Methods: The clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, therapy and clinical course of nine patients were reviewed and the viral antigens (EBV, CMV, HSV1 and HSV2) were detected.Results: They were six males and three females with a median age of 9 years. They included four simple and five systemic WCD, and all presented fever and tender subcutaneous nodules. Other clinical features included hepatomegaly in nine patients, splenomegaly in two, lymphadenhypertrophy in six, respiratory system involved in two, gastrointestinal tract involved in two and convulsion and bleeding in one. Anaemia was noted in seven patients, raised ALT in three, hypergammaglobulnaemia in three, proteinuria in one and three of six patients positive of antinuclear antibodies (ANA). No viral antigens were found. Corticosteroids therapy was administrated for all patients, immunoglobulin for two, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory agents for three and cyclophosphamide for one. Five patients released after therapy and three patients died.Conclusions: WCD is a severe disease characterized by relapsing, febrile subcutaneous nodules and biopsy is needed for early diagnosis. The viral infection may not be associated with WCD.
Early hypoadrenalism in premature infants at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia or death
Authors: Nykänen Päivi , Anttila Eija , Heinonen Kirsti , Hallman Mikko , Voutilainen Raimo 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAim: To study the relationship between serum cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) concentrations and death or bronchopulmonary dysplasia at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age in preterm infants.Methods: Prospective measurement of cord, day of birth (D0) and day 4 (D4) serum cortisol and DHEAS concentrations and performance of low‐dose (LD) ACTH tests in 89 preterm infants with gestational age <34 weeks at birth and in need of mechanical ventilation.Results: Serum DHEAS levels correlated negatively with gestational age. At all sampling times, basal serum cortisol levels correlated positively with gestation‐adjusted DHEAS levels (r = 0.39–0.46, p = 0.0032–<0.0001). The mean cord, D0 basal and stimulated cortisol, and cord and D0 DHEAS adjusted for gestational age were lower in the poor than good outcome infants (p < 0.02 for all). In the multiple logistic regression analyses, gestational age was the most significant factor affecting outcome, but low cord and D0 basal and stimulated cortisol and gestation‐adjusted DHEAS levels also predicted poor outcome (OR 5.7–22; p = 0.049–0.014).Conclusions: Low cord and first day serum cortisol and DHEAS levels associated with poor outcome in preterm infants, which suggests general relative adrenocortical insufficiency in some premature newborns.
Cord blood bilirubin level in relation to bilirubin UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase gene missense allele in Chinese neonates
Authors: Sun Ge , Wu Mingyuan , Cao Jiang , Du Lizhong 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAim: To investigate bilirubin UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT1A1) gene allele in healthy Chinese neonates, their cord bilirubin level and the subsequent hyperbilirubinemia to determine relationships among them.Methods: Cord blood of 48 neonates was obtained to determine the exon 1 of UGT1A1 gene, total serum bilirubin, albumin, glutamic‐pyruvic transaminase (GPT), glutamic‐oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) and haemoglobin (Hb) concentration. Neonatal jaundice was assessed by measurement of transcutaneous bilirubin (TCB) and serum bilirubin. Neonates were divided into two groups according to mutant or normal allele to compare the variables.Results: Nineteen infants had the nucleotide 211 G→A allele, 3 had the heterozygous variation (686C→A, 845 A→T, 231G→A). In the 211 A allele group, cord bilirubin was significantly higher than in the 211 G allele group (p = 0.034), but there were no differences in albumin (p = 0.678), GPT (p = 0.460), GOT (p = 0.440) and Hb (p = 0.886). The TCB (at 48, 96 h), the frequency of the hyperbilirubinemia and prolonged jaundice were also significantly higher in the 211 A allele group.Conclusions: The UGT1A1 gene codon G71R allele is a risk factor for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in the Chinese population. Its effect on bilirubin metabolism may present early on, as well as late in foetal life.