bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
POPPING SARCOMERE HYPOTHESIS EXPLAINS STRETCH‐INDUCED MUSCLE DAMAGE
Authors: Morgan David L , Proske Uwe 
Published: August 2004

SUMMARY1. Exercise that involves stretching a muscle while active cause microscopic areas of damage, delayed onset muscle soreness and adaptation to withstand subsequent similar exercise.2. Longer muscle lengths are associated with greater damage and recent animal experiments show that it is the length relative to optimum that determines the damage.3. In humans, walking down stairs, taking two at a time, increases the length of the muscle during the lengthening and increases the delayed onset muscle soreness.4. The observed pattern of damage is consistent with explanations based on sarcomere length instabilities.5. The pattern of adaptation is consistent with the number of sarcomeres in series in a muscle being modulated by exercise, especially the range of muscle lengths over which eccentric exercise regularly occurs.
IDENTIFICATION OF A ZEBRAFISH MODEL OF MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
Authors: Bassett David , Currie Peter D 
Published: August 2004

SUMMARY1. Large‐scale mutagenic screens of the zebrafish genome have identified a number of different classes of mutations that disrupt skeletal muscle formation. Of particular interest and relevance to human health is a class of recessive lethal mutations in which muscle differentiation occurs normally, but is followed by tissue‐specific degeneration reminiscent of human muscular dystrophies.2. We have shown that one member of this class of mutations, sapje (sap), results from mutations within the zebrafish orthologue of the human Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene. Mutations in this locus cause Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophies in human patients and are thought to result in a dystrophic pathology by disrupting the link between the actin cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix in skeletal muscle cells.3. We have found that the progressive muscle degeneration phenotype of sapje‐mutant zebrafish embryos is caused by the failure of somitic muscle attachments at the embryonic myotendinous junction (MTJ).4. Although a role for dystrophin at the MTJ has been postulated previously and MTJ structural abnormalities have been identified in the dystrophin‐deficient mdx mouse model, in vivo evidence of pathology based on muscle attachment failure is thus far lacking. Therefore, the sapjre mutation may provide a model for a novel pathological mechanism of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other muscle diseases. In the present review, we discuss this finding in light of previously postulated models of dystrophin function.
FUNCTIONAL BIOLOGY OF THE PRIMATE FETAL ADRENAL GLAND: ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY PROVIDE NEW INSIGHT
Authors: Coulter Catherine L 
Published: August 2004

SUMMARY1. The main aim of the present review is to summarize recent experimental data from human and non‐human primate models that have identified factors essential for adrenal development and other factors that may determine the regulation of the specific structural organization and function of the adrenal gland.2. The fetal adrenal cortex has two morphologically distinct zones, with the outer definitive zone being comprised of tightly packed small cells, which appear to be steroidogenically quiescent until late gestation, and the inner fetal zone, which appears to be steroidogenically active throughout gestation.3. In the primate fetus, growth of the adrenal gland involves hyperplasia, hypertrophy, migration and senescence. Cells appear to proliferate in the external portion of the definitive zone and then move centripetally and become non‐proliferative in the fetal zone, where they acquire their steroidogenic capacities.4. A variety of new technologies has been used to identify zonal‐specific markers of the cortical zones within the developing human fetal adrenal gland. On microarray, 67 transcripts showed a minimum of a 2.5‐fold difference between the fetal and adult adrenal gland. The vast majority of these genes had not been studied in relation to adrenal gland development or function. In combination with techniques such as laser capture microdissection, which has allowed the isolation of fairly pure zone‐specific cell populations from the human fetal adrenal cortex, we can begin to unravel the complex interactions regulating adrenal growth and functional differentiation.
TRANSITORY REDUCTION IN ANGIOTENSIN AT2 RECEPTOR EXPRESSION LEVELS IN POSTINFARCT REMODELLING IN RAT MYOCARDIUM
Authors: Lax Clare J , Domenighetti Andrea A , Pavia Jillian M , Di Nicolantonio Robert , Curl Claire L , Morris Margaret J , Delbridge Lea MD 
Published: August 2004

SUMMARY1. Myocardial infarction (MI) poses a significant risk for sudden cardiac death. The effectiveness of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and AT1 receptor blockade in attenuating unfavourable post‐MI outcomes indicates an important role for angiotensin (Ang) II signalling in the post‐MI remodelling process.2. AT1 and AT2 receptor expression is known to be altered during the early postinjury period and at the later failure stage in the infarcted heart. The aim of the present investigation was to characterize AngII receptor expression shifts in the intermediate, adaptive phases of post‐MI hypertrophic remodelling.3. The present study investigated relative cardiac AT1 and AT2 receptor expression levels using semiquantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (GAPDH normalized) in rats at 4 and 20 weeks after ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery.4. Heart weight and normalized heart weight were significantly higher in the MI group than in the sham group 4 weeks post‐MI, with significant hypertrophy of the left ventricle, left atrium and right ventricle in MI rats. At 20 weeks post‐MI, left ventricular hypertrophy remained significant, whereas the mass of the other cardiac tissues was not different to that of sham controls.5. AT2 receptor expression was markedly reduced in both the non‐infarct and infarcted areas of the left ventricular wall in the MI group compared with the sham‐operated group 4 weeks after surgery. Expression levels were reduced to 8 and 13% of sham values in the viable and scar tissue regions, respectively. By 20 weeks post‐MI, there was no evidence of AT2 receptor expression suppression in the left ventricle. No significant relative changes in AT1 receptor mRNA levels were observed at either 4 or 20 weeks post‐MI.6. The present study demonstrates, for the first time, a selective downregulation of left ventricular AT2 receptor expression in the intermediate phase of post‐MI ventricular remodelling in the rat. This downregulation may provide an enhanced AT1 receptor‐mediated compensatory progrowth signal in the early adaptive post‐MI growth phase. A more detailed understanding of the time‐course of differential AT1 and AT2 receptor expression regulation post‐MI may potentially identify an optimal window for targeted pharmacological intervention in the treatment of MI.
INCREASE OF ANTI‐OXIDATION BY EXERCISE IN THE LIVER OF OBESE ZUCKER RATS
Authors: Chang Shih‐Pei , Chen Yu‐Hsuan , Chang Weng‐Cheng , Liu I‐Min , Cheng Juei‐Tang 
Published: August 2004

SUMMARY1. The effects of endurance training on the anti‐oxidant status in diabetes were studied using obese Zucker rats.2. We used a moderate exercise programme consisting of treadmill running at 20 m/min and 0% incline for 1 h/day, 7 days/week, for 8 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, changes in hepatic anti‐oxidant enzymes in terms of protein content and mRNA levels were detected using western blotting analysis and northern blotting analysis, respectively. In addition, anti‐oxidant enzyme activity was determined.2. A significant reduction in mRNA levels and the protein content of hepatic Mn‐superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were observed in non‐exercise obese groups, but the mRNA and protein levels of these enzymes were markedly increased after exercise training. In addition, exercise training reversed the decreased enzyme activities of Mn‐SOD and GPx in obese Zucker rats.3. The diabetes‐related lowering of the glutathione (GSH) concentration was elevated in exercised obese Zucker rats, indicating a marked effect of regular moderate exercise on the endogenous anti‐oxidant system.4. There were no marked changes in hepatic Cu/Zn‐SOD in terms of mRNA levels, protein content and activity in sedentary obese Zucker rats compared with their lean littermates. Endurance training did not modify the gene expression and activity of hepatic Cu/Zn‐SOD.5. The results of the present study suggest that regular moderate exercise could improve the anti‐oxidant defence function of Mn‐SOD, GPx and GSH in obese Zucker rats.
PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF U74500A ON PHORBOL MYRISTATE ACETATE–INDUCED ACUTE LUNG INJURY
Authors: Chu Shi‐Jye , Chang Deh‐Ming , Wang David , Lin Hen‐I , Lin Shih‐Hua , Hsu Kang 
Published: August 2004

SUMMARY1. The present study was designed to determine whether U74500A could ameliorate acute lung injury (ALI) induced by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) in our rat isolated lung model compared with any amelioration induced by dimethylthiourea (DMTU), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase.2. Acute lung injury was induced successfully by PMA during 60 min of observation. At 2 µg/kg, PMA elicited a significant increase in microvascular permeability (measured using the capillary filtration coefficient Kfc), lung weight gain, the lung weight/bodyweight ratio, pulmonary arterial pressure and protein concentration of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.3. Pretreatment with 1.5 mg/kg U74500A significantly attenuated ALI; there was no significant increase in any parameters measured, except for pulmonary arterial pressure. The protective effect of U74500A was approximately the same as that of 600 mg/kg DMTU. However, 6000 U/kg SOD, 50 000 U/kg catalase and 6000 U/kg SOD + 50 000 U/kg catalase had no protective effect.4. These experimental data suggest that U74500A significantly ameliorates ALI induced by PMA in rats.
Serum lipid profile in obese children in China
Authors: Li Shilian , Liu Xiaolan , Okada Tomoo , Iwata Fujihiko , Hara Mitsuhiko , Harada Kensuke 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
: The aim of the present study was to examine the serum lipid profile in obese Chinese children, their serum lipid and apolipoprotein A‐I (apoA‐I) and B (apoB) levels were examined.
Methods
: The subjects were 153 patients (109 male and 44 female) aged 4−16 years with obesity, who attended the outpatient clinic of Beijing Children's Hospital. Percentage bodyweight (%BW) ([(bodyweight − standard weight)/standard weight]× 100) were obtained. Skinfold thickness and hip and waist circumference were measured. Percentage body fat (%BF) was estimated by bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Serum total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), triglyceride (TG), apoA‐I and apoB levels were also measured.
Results
: TC showed an acceptable level in 86.8% of obese children. The prevalence of high TC levels (3.3%) or high LDLC levels (6.0%) was rather low. The HDLC level was reduced in 31.3% of obese children. Anthropometric variables had no linear relationship to TC, HDLC, TG, LDLC, apoA‐I or apoB, but in the older age group (over 10 years old) %BW and %BF showed a weak correlation with HDLC (r = −0.202, r = −0.211, respectively).
Conclusion
: In obese Chinese children, HDLC as well as TC levels should be examined in order to assess coronary risk.
Diagnostic role of 99mTc hexamethyl‐propyleneamine oxime brain single photon emission computed tomography in Sydenham's chorea
Authors: Demirören Kaan , Tastekin Güngör , Oran Bülent 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
: The objective of this study was to determine whether technetium‐99m hexamethyl‐propyleneamine oxime (HMPAO) brain single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging is capable of detecting perfusional abnormalities in Sydenham's chorea (SC) patients and contributing to diagnosis of SC.
Methods
: In this study, 17 SC patients were evaluated. HMPAO SPECT was performed on all patients at the acute phase and six of them at the recovery phase. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain was performed to 13 patients. SPECT images of basal ganglia and thalamus were evaluated both visually and by measuring the radioactivity uptakes. Ten subjects constituted the control group.
Results
: HMPAO SPECT was visually evaluated as indicating hyperperfusion in the basal ganglia and thalamus in 16 patients, and evaluated as normal in one patient at the acute phase. The radioactivity uptakes of basal ganglia and thalamus of the patients at the acute phase were found statistically higher than those of the patients at the recovery phase, and also higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). A significant difference between the radioactivity uptake of the patients at the recovery phase and those of the control group was not found (P > 0.05). Only one patient did not show any abnormality in both acute and recovery phases. MRI study did not show any abnormality in the basal ganglia and thalamus.
Conclusion
: It is suggested that brain SPECT can contribute to the diagnosis of SC as an objective tool. Resolving of the hyperperfusion at the recovery phase provides further support for the diagnosis of SC.
Risk of hypervitaminosis D from prolonged feeding of high vitamin D premature infant formula
Authors: Nako Yasushi , Tomomasa Takeshi , Morikawa Akihiro 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
: Most premature infant formulas marketed in Japan have high vitamin D content. Potential for vitamin D intoxication was assessed in premature infants with prolonged feeding of such a premature formula vitamin D content, 2700 IU/L.
Methods
: Serum vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus, and urinary calcium, were measured in 12 very premature infants fed premature infant formula, regular formula (vitamin D content; 460 IU/L), and/or mother's milk.
Results
: Concentrations of 25(OH)D in sera associated with sole feeding of premature infant formula (n = 40) were significantly higher than sera corresponding to regular formula or breast milk (n = 25; 175 versus 115 nmol/L, P <0.0001). No sample showed a serum 25(OH)D concentration below 25 nmol/L. Of 65 samples, 49 (75.4%) showed 25(OH)D concentrations exceeding 100 nmol/L, but serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations were normal. Unexpectedly, urinary calcium correlated negatively with serum 25(OH)D.
Conclusion
: In prolonged feeding of premature infant formula with high vitamin D, it was concluded that it could cause a high blood concentration of vitamin D in premature infants, and also that in these infants urine calcium is not a reliable indicator of excessive vitamin D intake.
Primary nephrotic syndrome during childhood in Turkey
Authors: Özkaya Nuray , Çakar Nilgün , Ekim Mesiha , Kara Nazli , Akkök Nermin , Yalçinkaya Fatos 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
: Minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) is the most common cause of primary nephrotic syndrome (NS) during childhood. However, recent studies from different countries have reported an increasing incidence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in children.
Methods
: This is a retrospective study in which 392 Turkish children who were diagnosed with NS during the last 10 years and were followed for at least 2 years, were evaluated. Mean age of the study group was 4.6 ± 3.4 years (range 0.9−16 years) and 232 were male and 160 were female.
Results
: In total, 280 patients were diagnosed as MCNS with their initial presentations, laboratory features, and clinical course. Kidney biopsy was performed in the remaining 112 children according to current recommendations. The results showed that membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) was the most common histopathologic diagnosis, 38 (34%) of the 112 patients were found to have MPGN. The number diagnosed as FSGS was 26 (23%). A significant difference was found between the age groups for both MPGN and FSGS, the former being more common in children >6 years of age and the latter more frequent in children ≤6 years. MCNS was found in only 19% of all biopsies performed and the total incidence of MCNS (presumptive + biopsy proven) was 76%. There was no significant difference between the incidence of different histopathological subtypes before and after 1995.
Conclusion
: Minimal change nephrotic syndrome is still the most common primary NS in childhood and MPGN is found to be the most common histopathologic subtype in the present patient population who underwent biopsy.
Comparison of two methods for evaluating bone marrow metastasis of neuroblastoma: Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction for tyrosine hydroxylase and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Takemoto Chikayo , Nishiuchi Ritsuo , Endo Chie , Oda Megumi , Seino Yoshiki 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
: The presence of bone marrow (BM) metastasis and circulating tumor cells in patients with neuroblastoma is a significant prognostic factor at diagnosis and might antedate detection of a relapse by other diagnostic studies. In this study, the clinical value of reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) to amplify mRNA for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during the clinical course of patients with advanced neuroblastoma, was evaluated.
Methods
: Four patients with Stage 1, 4 or 4S neuroblastoma, were studied. BM and peripheral blood (PB), including peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC), samples were examined for TH mRNA using RT‐PCR. Concurrently, MRI detection of BM metastasis was used.
Results
: In all cases, except one that had no evidence of BM invasion, TH mRNA in BM and PB at diagnosis were positive, and TH mRNA at diagnosis disappeared after chemotherapy. In two cases, although involvement in the neurocentrum BM was detected by MRI, TH mRNA in the iliac crest BM was negative. The pathological area still remained on MRI after intensive therapy.
Conclusion
: RT‐PCR for TH mRNA might be the most sensitive method for the detection of occult neuroblastoma cells in BM and PB. However, because invasion of the BM by neuroblastoma may have a focal distribution, sampling errors can occur. Therefore, not only RT‐PCR but also MRI, need to be used to rule out marrow involvement, especially at diagnosis and BM relapse.
Studies on cerebrospinal fluid ionized calcium and magnesium concentrations in convulsive children
Authors: Miyamoto Yusaku , Yamamoto Hitoshi , Murakami Hiroshi , Kamiyama Noriko , Fukuda Miho 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
: The concentrations of ionized calcium (iCa) and ionized magnesium (iMg) were measured in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of convulsive and non‐convulsive children, to investigate the relationship between seizure manifestation and CSF iCa and iMg concentrations. Standard concentrations of CSF iCa and iMg were also established.
Methods
: CSF samples from 23 patients, ages 0−15 years, with various forms of seizures and 26 age‐matched non‐convulsive children were collected by lumbar puncture. CSF was obtained anaerobically and the concentrations of CSF iCa and iMg were measured with an electolyte analyzer (Stat Profile Ultra M1, NOVA, USA) immediately after the lumbar puncture.
Results
: The concentrations of CSF iCa were significantly higher in non‐convulsive children younger than 11 months old compared with children older than 12 months. The concentrations of CSF iMg in non‐convulsive children did not differ significantly with aging. The concentrations of CSF iCa in convulsive children did not differ significantly from the concentrations of non‐convulsive children. The concentrations of CSF iMg in convulsive children were significantly lower than in non‐convulsive children.
Conclusion
: These results suggest that seizure manifestation is related to age‐dependent changes in iCa and decreased iMg in the developing brain.
Guidelines for treatment of ulcerative colitis in children
Authors: Tomomasa Takeshi , Kobayashi Akio , Ushijima Kousuke , Uchida Keiichi , Kagimoto Seiichi , Shimizu Toshiaki , Tajiri Hitoshi , Tahara Takuhiro , Yoden Atushi ,   Working Group of the Japanese Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Published: August 2004

Abstract This paper introduces the guidelines for treatment of ulcerative colitis in children, created by the working group of the Japanese Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (Chair: Yuichiro Yamashiro) and the Japanese Society for Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) (Chair: Akio Kobayashi).The ideas of the working group, with regard to the fundamental differences in medical treatment between children and adults, included: (1) for children, intensive medical treatment including appropriate systemic management is important during the acute phase of illness. (2) Treatment with steriods, which can cause growth disturbances, should not be continued for long periods of time. (3) Pulsed steriod therapy, selective removal of blood cells, and intravenous infusion of cyclosporin should be included in the therapeutic option for severe and fluminant cases.
Relation between serum Insulin‐like growth factor‐I and insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein‐3 levels, clinical status and growth parameters in prepubertal cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Ozen Metehan , Cokugras Haluk , Ozen Naile , Camcioglu Yildiz , Akcakaya Necla 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
: This study aims to determine the relation between anabolic hormones, Insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) and IGF‐binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3), growth parameters, and clinical status in prepubertal cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. This prospective study comprises age/sex‐matched control subjects and was set in a tertiary care teaching hospital.
Methods: Serum concentrations of IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3 were measured in 37 CF and 23 healthy subjects, whose mean ages were 5.02 ± 3.06 and 5.27 ± 2.82, respectively. The results were analyzed in relation to body mass index standard deviation scores (BMISD), height standard deviation scores (HSD), growth velocity standard deviation scores (GVSD), and clinical status assessed by Shwachman scores and pulmonary function parameters.
Results: Serum IGFBP‐3 of CF patients showed significantly lower concentrations than healthy subjects (2457 vs. 3249 ng/mL) (P < 0.05), whereas IGF‐I levels did not (123.35 vs. 149.8 ng/mL). There was significant positive correlation between IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3 with HSD (r = 0.62; r = 0.79) and BMISD (r = 0.39; r = 0.50). The pulmonary function tests in 14 CF subjects were not statistically worse than in nine healthy cases. The mean HSD (−0.67, SD 1.06) and BMISD (−0.28, SD 0.71) of CF patients were not significantly lower than those of healthy subjects (−0.02, SD 0.86 and 0.03, SD 0.49), respectively.
Conclusion: Decreased serum IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3 levels may reflect growth retardation in CF. IGFBP‐3 seems like a more sensitive parameter than IGF‐I for growth monitoring in this study. Growth parameters of Turkish prepubertal CF patients are not markedly below national standards. Different genetic backgrounds of relevant populations certainly play an important role for the variable clinical course.