bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular systematics ofLiliumand allied genera (Liliaceae): phylogenetic relationships amongLiliumand related genera based on therbcLandmatKgene sequence data
Authors: Hayashi1 Kazuhiko , Kawano2 Shoichi 
Published: March 2003

AbstractCoding regions of therbcLandmatKgenes of cpDNA were sequenced to analyze phylogenetic relationships of the family Liliaceaesensu stricto, including the major 16 genera of Medeoloideae and Lilioideae of the Liliaceae, in reference to several genera such asScoliopus, Uvularia, Disporum, andTrilliumused as outgoups. The results were congruent with the taxonomic concept of Liliaceaesensu strictorecently proposed byTamura (1998). The inter‐ and infrageneric relationships in the genusLiliumand allied taxa were then analyzed based upon therbcLandmatKgene sequencing data, usingMedeolaandErythroniumas outgroups. TherbcLgene has evolved more slowly thanmatKand its phylogenetic resolution has been poor as a result of the low base substitution rates; whereas thematKgene has shown a much higher base substitution: 104 variable sites (including 80 informative sites) out of 1641 base pairs were detected. In addition, a remarkably high number of indels, i.e. 19 insertion/deletion events, were detected in thematKgene, which provided us with new evidence for structural changes of this gene within the genusLiliumand allied taxa. Phylogenetic analyses based on the majority rule of the sequence data ofmatKgene revealed that the genusLiliumconsists of three different major clades, including taxa that were placed into different sections by earlier taxonomic treatments, and thus the results of molecular systematic analysis was not congruent with sectional delimitations of the genusLiliumbased on the morphological characters.Nomocharis pardanthinaandNomocharis saluenensiswere ingroup taxa ofLilium.Notholirion, Cardiocrinum, andFritillariaturned out to be sister groups toLilium. An evaluation of the morphological and life‐history characteristics was also attempted in light of the molecular phylogeny.
Vaccines and therapeutics against influenza virus infections
Authors: Saito Takehiko , Tashiro Masato 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
: Vaccination prior to epidemic season is the best measure to control influenza virus infection; however, there are several issues to be considered regarding influenza vaccines in Japan. In the present review, current issues regarding influenza vaccine in Japan are described, as well as the future prospects of vaccine development. As well as vaccination, anti‐influenza agents such as amantadine are now available in Japan. Furthermore, neuraminidase inhibitors are expected to appear in the market in near future. These anti‐influenza agents represent new options for influenza control.
Conclusions
: Vaccination and antiviral agents are a major armamentarium against influenza infections. Thus, exploratory studies on novel forms of vaccine and anti‐influenza drugs should help to prepare against pandemics that must emerge in near future.
Influenza surveillance system of Japan and acute encephalitis and encephalopathy in the influenza season
Authors: Okabe Nobuhiko , Yamashita Kazuyo , Inouye Kiyosu Taniguchi and Sakae 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Aim: To understand the situation of influenza epidemics and neurologic complications during the influenza season in Japan.
Methods
: The influenza surveillance system in Japan was reviewed and the data on influenza/influenza‐like illness and neurologic complications, such as acute encephalitis/encephalopathy, were evaluated.
Results
: From the data of the National Epidemiological Surveillance of Infectious Diseases (NESID), an increase in clinically diagnosed encephalitis/encephalopathy was clearly noted recently. Most cases reported were acute encephalitis/encephalitis. The number of cases of Reye’s syndrome reported was stable and low in number, since the time of the recommendation of not using aspirin for pediatric febrile disease, particularly for influenza‐like illness, in Japan. These acute encephalitis/encephalopathy cases were not correlated clearly with clinically diagnosed influenza patients before the 1997/98 influenza season from the surveillance data, although several case reports have shown a relationship.
Conclusions
: It is clarified from the NESID that neurologic complications such as acute encephalitis/ encephalopathy, apart from Reye’s syndrome, have occurred associated with influenza virus infection, especially among young children. Further investigation should be necessary to find the pathogenesis of this serious complication of influenza virus infection and whether this is unique in Japan, due to unclarified factor/factors, or whether it has not been recognized in other countries.
Risk factors for nutritional rickets among children in Kuwait
Authors: Molla Abdul Majid , Badawi Mona H , Al‐Yaish Suhad , Sharma Prem , El‐Salam Randa Salah 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Aim: To assess the risk factors for nutritional rickets among children in Kuwait.
Methods
: One hundred and three children with rickets and 102 control children matched for age and socioethnic characteristics were recruited over a 2 year period (January 1995 to January 1997) in Al‐Adan Hospital in Kuwait. Diagnosis was made on clinical, radiologic and biochemical parameters. A specially designed questionnaire was administered by one of the investigators to both mothers of patients and mothers of control subjects to assess the role of social, nutritional and other related factors in the pathogenesis of nutritional rickets. Biochemical investigations included estimation of hemoglobin, serum calcium, serum phosphorus, serum alkaline phosphatase and serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin D.
Results
: The mean birthweights of rickets patients and control subjects were 3.20~0.46 and 3.19~0.45 kg, respectively. At the time of diagnosis, bodyweights of the patients and controls were 9.36~1.50 and 10.15~2.10 kg, respectively. Heights at the time of diagnosis were 73.58 and 77.24 cm for the patients and the controls, respectively. Mean hemoglobin, serum calcium and serum phosphate were significantly lower in the patients compared with the controls. Alkaline phosphatase was higher among the patients (P<0.0001). The mean serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin D level of the patients was 26.5 nmol/L, compared with 83.5 nmol/L in the controls. The mean age of starting semisolid feeds for the patients was 8.12 months, compared with 5.7 months in the controls. The nutritional quality of semisolid feeds was adequate among 71.6% of the controls as opposed to 13.6% of the patients.
Conclusion
: Nutritional rickets is a multifactorial condition. However, several factors seem to make important contributions. Among these, lack of exposure to sunlight, prolonged breast feeding without supplementation and inadequate weaning practices are important. Maternal education is important as it can influence all of the above factors.
Can zinc deficiency be used as a marker for the diagnosis of celiac disease in Turkish children with short stature?
Authors: Altuntaş Buket , Filik Bülent , Ensari Arzu , Zorlu Pelin , Teziç Tahsin 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
: It is generally accepted that celiac disease (CD) must always be considered when dealing with growth failure in children. Therefore, it is important to develop screening tests for detecting patients that need an intestinal biopsy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the value of plasma zinc levels for the diagnosis of monosymptomatic CD in short‐statured children.
Methods
: Fourty‐nine children with a short stature and 34 healthy controls were investigated. Plasma zinc levels were assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in short‐statured children and controls. All patients with short stature underwent endoscopic small intestinal biopsy.
Results
: Duodenal mucosal histopathology was normal in 25 children. Low plasma zinc values were observed in 54.2% of patients with CD, 32.0% of patients with idiopathic short stature and 14.8% of controls. The mean values of plasma zinc levels were not significantly different among the three groups. Sensitivity, specificity and the positive and negative predictive values for plasma zinc were 45.8, 76.0, 64.7 and 59.4%, respectively.
Conclusions
: These results indicate that zinc deficiency is an important problem in CD children with short stature; however, plasma zinc levels are not useful as a screening test for selecting patients for jejunal biopsy.
Evaluation of growth hormone secretion after completion of therapy
Authors: Gökşen Damla , Çoker Mahmut , Özkayin Neşe , Darcan Şükran 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
: Growth hormone (GH) reserve in young adults previously diagnosed as having GH insufficiency, who were treated with human (h)GH replacement in childhood needs confirmation in adulthood.
Methods
: Nine patients (seven males, two females; two empty cella, one hypoplasia of the hypophysis and six with idiopathic GH deficiency) diagnosed as having GH insufficiency by the insulin tolerance test (ITT) and dopamine stimulation test in childhood (mean age 12.8±2.6 years) were retested at completion of linear growth (mean age 21.0±3.0 years), 4.6±1.6 years after discontinuation of hGH therapy.
Results
: At the initial diagnosis, seven had complete and two had partial GH deficiency. At diagnosis, the mean peak GH response to ITT and dopamine was 4.8±4.08 and 3.4±2.9 mU/L, respectively. At retesting, the mean GH response to ITT and dopamine stimulation was 3.5±2.5 and 3.3±3.1 mU/L, respectively (P=0.91 and 0.96, respectively). During hGH therapy, mean height velocity increased from 3.5±1.9 cm/year at diagnosis to 9.9±3.64 cm/year during the first year (P=0.002). One of nine children diagnosed as having GH insufficiency who was treated with hGH replacement had normal growth hormone secretion at completion of linear growth.
Conclusions
: All GH‐insufficient children should be retested after completion of their hGH treatment and linear growth to identify those who are truly GH insufficient and who may benefit from GH therapy in adulthood.
Re‐treatment for immune globulin‐resistant Kawasaki disease: A comparative study of additional immune globulin and steroid pulse therapy
Authors: Hashino Kanoko , Ishii Masahiro , Iemura Motofumi , Akagi Teiji , Kato Hirohisa 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
: We compared the efficacy and safety of additional intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) therapy with steroid pulse therapy in patients with IVIG‐resistant Kawasaki disease.
Methods: Two‐hundred and sixty‐two consecutive patients had been treated with a single dose of IVIG (2 g/kg) and aspirin (30 mg/kg per day). Thirty‐five patients (13.4%) were not clinical responders to the initial IVIG treatment. They received an additional IVIG treatment (1 g/kg) within 48 h after the initial treatment. Seventeen patients (6.5%) did not respond to the additional IVIG treatment. We randomly divided these patients into two groups: group 1 consisted of eight patients who were treated with a single additional dose of IVIG (1 g/kg), while group 2 consisted of nine patients who were treated with steroid pulse therapy.
Results
: The IVIG‐resistant patients had a high incidence of coronary artery lesions (CAL; 48.6%). Five patients (62.5%) in group 1 had CAL, including two patients who each had a giant aneurysm and three patients who each had a small aneurysm. Seven patients (77.8%) in group 2 had CAL, including two patients who each had a giant aneurysm, two patients who each had a small coronary aneurysm and three patients who each showed transient dilatation during steroid pulse therapy. There was no significant difference in the incidence of CAL between the two groups. The duration of high fever in group 2 (1.4±0.7 days) was significantly shorter than in group 1 (4.8±3.4 days; P<0.05). The medical costs for the treatment of patients in group 2 (¥113 012±22 084) were significantly lower than those for group 1 (¥144 194±12 914; P<0.05).
Conclusions
: Steroid pulse therapy may be useful in the treatment of patients with IVIG‐resistant Kawasaki disease who experience prolonged fever. However, transient dilatation of the coronary artery is observed during steroid pulse therapy, so careful echocardiographic examination should be performed for those patients receiving steroid pulse therapy for the sake of early detection of coronary artery abnormalities.
Glomerulopathy with mesangial IgM deposits: Long‐term follow up of 64 children
Authors: Zeis Petros M , Kavazarakis Emmanuel , Nakopoulou Lydia , Moustaki Maria , Messaritaki Anna , Zeis Marios P , Nicolaidou Polyxeni 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
: The aim of the present study was to investigate to what extent IgM nephropathy in children with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) and diffuse mesangial hypercellularity (DMH) evolves to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).
Methods
: Tissues from renal biopsies were examined by light microscopy (LM), immunofluorescence (IF) and, in four cases, by electron microscopy (EM). From a total of 352 nephrotic children, 121 had renal biopsy results as steroid dependent or resistant. A diagnostic renal biopsy was also perfomed in 331 children with non‐nephrotic proteinuria and/or hematuria. A second renal biopsy was performed in 16 children whose renal function was impaired during the follow up. The clinical course of IgM‐positive children was compared with that of IgM‐negative children.
Results
: Of the 121 nephrotic children with renal biopsy, 85 were MCNS. Twenty were IF positive mainly for IgM, six of whom (30%) presented evolution to FSGS, while of the remaining 65 IF‐negative children, only three (4.6%) presented evolution to FSGS. Of the total 331 children with non‐nephrotic proteinuria and/or hematuria, 139 were diagnosed as IgA–IgG nephropathy, 44 had positive IF for IgM and 148 were IF negative. Of the 44 children IF positive for IgM, seven (15.9%) presented evolution to FSGS, while none of the 148 IF‐negative children presented evolution to FSGS. The follow‐up time for all children ranged from 1 to 14 years.
Conclusions
: Of IgM nephropathy patients with MCNS and DMH, a significant percentage develop impaired renal function, due to the evolution of FSGS, as revealed by repeat biopsy during long‐term follow up.
Treatment of pneumothorax in newborns: Use of venous catheter versus chest tube
Authors: Arda ·Irfan Serdar , Gürakan Berkan , Al·Iefendioğlu Didem , Tüzün Meriç 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: The traditional treatment for pneumothorax is tube thoracostomy. Chest tube placement often involves complications, particularly in newborns. The aim of this study is to introduce the method of air drainage with venous catheter and to compare two different methods, chest tube placement and venous catheter insertion, in the treatment of pneumothorax in newborns.
Methods
: We treated 72 newborn patients with pneumothorax over a 4‐year period in neonatal intensive care units at two different medical centers. We randomly divided the patients into two groups. In group I, we treated the patients with chest tube placement technique. We used 18‐gauge venous catheter connected to an underwater system to drain air in group II patients. The duration of the procedure, the period of time that the chest tube or catheter was left in place, and the complications associated with the two different procedures were statistically compared.
Results
: The time required to perform the venous catheter procedure was significantly shorter than that for chest tube placement (P < 0.05). The duration of the device in place was also significantly shorter in group II than group I (P < 0.05). Only two minor complications were recorded in patients who underwent venous catheter placement, and this group’s complication rate was significantly lower than the rate in the chest tube group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
: Insertion of a venous catheter is a safe alternative to chest tube placement as a method of draining air from newborn patients with pneumothorax. This is an easy and quick bedside procedure and is particularly useful for newborn patients that require immediate air drainage.
Serological levels of zinc, copper and iron elements among Giardia lamblia infected children in Turkey
Authors: Ertan Pelin , Yereli Kor , Kurt Özgür , BalcioĞlu I Cüneyt , OnaĞ Ali 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: Giardiasis, an intestinal protozoan

infection caused by Giardia lamblia, is common in Turkey, especially among children aged between 2‐ and 14‐years‐old. Effects of giardiasis on serological levels of zinc, copper and iron elements were assessed in this study.
Methods
: A total of 45 children, aged between 2‐ and 14‐years‐old, who were admitted to the Pediatrics Department of Celal Bayar University Medical School with gastrointestinal complaints and diagnosed as having giardiasis by stool examinations in the Parasitology Department, were enrolled as the study group (SG). The control group (CG) consisted of 45 age‐matched healthy children. Serological levels of zinc, copper and iron were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer in all samples.
Results
: As a result of the study, serum zinc levels were 67.43 ± 17.72 µg/dL and 145.20 ± 9.13 µg/dL, copper levels were 198.45 ± 39.14 µg/dL and 150 ± 21.14 µg/dL and iron levels were 87.98 ± 18.31 µg/dL and 160.45 ± 45.40 µg/dL, in SG and CG, respectively. When compared separately as SG and CG, there was a statistically significant difference between the serological levels of all these elements.
Conclusion
: These results revealed that giardiasis increased the serological levels of copper, like other infectious agents. However, zinc and iron levels decreased during giardiasis due to malabsorption.
Betaine and homocysteine concentrations in foods
Authors: Sakamoto Akiko , Nishimura Yutaka , Ono Hiroaki , Sakura Nobuo 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: Betaine (Bet) supplementation is an effective strategy for dietary treatment of homocystinuria. However,previous reports on diet therapy have only examined methionine (Met) and cystine concentrations, but not those of Bet and homocysteine(Hcy) in food items. We set up a hypothesis that there are some food items, which contain a small amount of Met, but a great amountof Hcy and Bet.
Methods
: We measured Bet and Hcy concentrations in 58 food items, which were regarded as containing low Met.
Results
: Products of wheat flour are rich in Bet. The amount of Bet in food items investigated in this study is muchsmaller than the dose used to treat homocystinuria patients. Vegetables contained little Hcy, however sprouted beans and sprouted alfalfaseeds contained ample Hcy.
Conclusion
: Patients with homocystinuria do not have to be too concerned about Hcy in food items because the amountis small. Therefore, we encourage homocystinuria patients to continue a low Met diet therapy without anxiety of Hcy and Bet, and if necessary,Bet will be supplemented.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis with inferior vena caval extension
Authors: Kimura Takahiro , Kiyota Hiroshi , Asano Koji , Madarame Jun , Yoshino Yasumasa , Miki Kenta , Abe Kazuhiro , Hasegawa Taro , Ohishi Yukihiko 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: We report here on a third case of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the renal pelvis extending to the inferior vena cava.
Methods/Results
: A 48‐year‐old man was diagnosed with an advanced left renal pelvic tumor on computed tomography. He had undergone extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for left staghorn calculi 10 years ago. An inferior vena cavagram showed tumor thrombus extending to the inferior vena cava. Percutaneous left renal biopsy revealed SCC. The patient received three courses of combination chemotherapy with cisplatin, bleomycin and etoposide. However, 1 month after the last course of chemotherapy, he died of cancer progress.
Conclusion
: This is the third case of SCC of the renal pelvis extending to the inferior vena cava in the world.
Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate
Authors: Okada Eiichiro , Kamizaki Hitonori 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an uncommon tumor of the prostate gland. A 65‐year old man complained of obstructive symptoms.
Methods/Results
: Transrectal palpation and diagnostic imaging indicated an ordinary adenocarcinoma, although serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) was normal. Biopsy specimens revealed SCC with the serum SCC antigen elevated. The patient was treated with pelvic irradiation and systemic administration of cis‐platinum and peplomycin, which resulted in shrinkage of the cancer.
Conclusion
: No evidence of recurrence has been seen for 18 months.
Immunohistochemical expression of P‐glycoprotein in the rat urinary bladder and the effect of verapamil on intravesical chemotherapy
Authors: Hashimoto Hiroshi , Tokumitsu Masayuki , Saga Yuji , Okuyama Mitsuhiko , Yachiku Sunao 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: The expression of P‐glycoprotein (Pgp) is thought to be common in bladder epithelium and the multidrug resistance mediated by Pgp must be considered to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy for bladder tumors.Methods: The expression of Pgp in normal and tumor tissue of the rat urinary bladder was first examined immunohistochemically. The effect of verapamil, an expected modulator of Pgp, on intravesical chemotherapy of the rats was then investigated.Results: Pgp was immunohistochemically detected in normal epithelium and in tumor tissue of the rat urinary bladder. In those normal and tumor‐bearing bladders, verapamil promoted the uptake of intravesically instilled pirarubicin, but the efflux of intracellular accumulated pirarubicin was observed subsequently in both conditions with and without verapamil. The drug concentration decreased more rapidly in the verapamil group than in the control group.Conclusions: Verapamil is thought to be useful in promoting uptake of intravesically instilled pirarubicin, but it did not appear to be so efficient at limiting the efflux of intracellular accumulated pirarubicin.
Cyst‐associated renal cell carcinoma: Clinicopathologic characteristics and evaluation of prognosis in 27 cases
Authors: Onishi Tetsuro , Oishi Yukihiko , Goto Hirokazu , Tomita Masayuki , Abe Kazuhiro , Sugaya Shingo 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground:No consistent clinicopathologic characteristics of cyst‐associated renal cell carcinoma (CRCC) have previously been determined.Methods:In total, 768 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) underwent radical or partial nephrectomy. Renal cell carcinoma was classified as CRCC in 27 of these patients (3.5%, subdivided into RCC originating in a cyst and cystic RCC), clear‐cell RCC in 662 patients (86.2%), chromophobe cell renal carcinoma in 36 patients (4.7%) and papillary RCC in 43 patients (5.6%) according to the criteria of the World Health Organization.Results:The pathologic stage and nuclear grade were usually lower in those with CRCC (low stage/low grade; 89%/96%) or chromophobe cell renal carcinoma (low stage/low grade; 89%/80%) than in those with clear‐cell RCC (low stage/low grade; 59%/65%) or papillary RCC (low stage/low grade; 53%/69%). Of the 27 CRCC patients, only 19 (70%) could be diagnosed through preoperative imaging studies. Patients with CRCC showed a favorable prognosis (survival rate: 95% at 1 year, 89.7% at 3 years and 84.4% thereafter) and, especially among the patients with RCC originating in a cyst, no cancer‐related death was observed. Comparing the survival among four types of RCC, a favorable outcome was observed in cases of CRCC or chromophobe cell renal carcinoma compared with clear‐cell RCC or papillary RCC (clear vs chromophobe: P = 0.002; chromophobe vs papillary: P = 0.019; clear vs cyst‐associated: P = 0.001; papillary vs cyst‐associated: P = 0.00079).Conclusions:In cases of CRCC, the disease was usually detected at lower stages and grades and therefore the prognosis was better than in cases of other types of RCC. Preoperative diagnosis of this disease was very difficult, especially in cases of RCC originating in a cyst.