bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transfer of Pterosiphonia pumila Yendo to the genus Symphyocladia (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Uwai Shinya , Masuda Michio 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYThe red alga Pterosiphonia pumila Yendo (Rhodomelaceae, Ceramiales) has flattened thalli in which there is complete lateral fusion between branches and their parental axes during early stages of development, the laterals only becoming distally free in reproduc‐tively mature plants. This results in a leaf‐like organization distinct from that displayed by all other species of the genus Pterosiphonia, the members of which have terete to compressed axes that are congenitally fused along only a few (<4.5) proximal segments of the laterals. The organization of P. pumila is, thus, similar to that of species of the genus Symphyocladia, to which it is here transferred as Symphyoctadia pumila (Yendo) Uwai et Masuda, comb. nov. Symphyoctadia pumila is restricted to Japan and Korea and is distinguished from the other three described species of Symphyocladia by its small (<3 cm long) ecorticate thalli and complete lack of vegetative trichoblasts. Symphyoctadia pennata Okamura has a similar suite of characteristics, has been successfully cross‐bred with S. pumila in laboratory culture and is, thus, placed in synonymy with S. pumila.
Seasonality of the red algal crust ‘Petrocelis franciscana’(Gigartinales, Rhodophyta) on boulder‐strewn shores of southern British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Sussmann Andrea V. , DeWreede Robert E. 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYThe red algal crust,‘Petrocelis franciscana’ Setchell et Gardner [= tetrasporophytic phase of Mastocarpus papillatus (Agardh) Kützing] exists as discrete patches on boulders throughout the intertidal zone at Burrard Inlet in Vancouver (mainland British Columbia) and at Sooke, Vancouver Island (British Columbia). This study photographically quantifies monthly surface area of 60 individual crusts over 12‐ and 18‐month periods, respectively, at the two sites. Conspicuous seasonal fluctuations in ‘Petrocelis’ abundance and relatively low survivorship of crusts sampled suggest that not all crusts are as static and as long‐lived (> 25 years) as previously suggested. Herbivory, sloughing of senescing tissue and abiotic factors visibly reduce ‘Petrocelis’ abundance in fall and winter; regeneration of lost crust tissue and relatively rapid crust growth occur from spring to early fall.
Association between pulmonary microthromboembolism and coagulation variables in hypercoagulable states: An autopsy study
Authors: Katsumura Yukio , Ohtsubo Koh‐Ichiro 
Published: March 2003

Objective: This autopsy study was carried out to investigate the relationship between the number of pulmonary microthromboemboli and coagulation tests in patients with coagulation abnormalities. Methodology: Fifty‐one patients in whom coagulation studies were performed within 2 days prior to death were studied. The coagulation tests included platelet counts, prothrombin times expressed as International Normalized Ratios (INR), activated partial thromboplastin times, fibrinogen concentrations, plasma fibrinogen/fibrin fragment E antigen levels, and plasma D‐dimer levels. For microscopic analysis, five tissue blocks of the lung were taken from each subject and the number of pulmonary microthromboemboli per 20 cm
2 of tissue sections was calculated. Results: Thirty‐six of the 51 patients had pulmonary microthromboembolism. International Normalized Ratios were higher than 1.7 in 12 of 36 embolic and in two of 15 non‐embolic patients (33.3% of sensitivity and 86.7% of specificity). There was no significant difference in D‐dimer levels between the two groups. Multiple regression analysis identified that INR was significantly related to the number of microthromboemboli (P = 0.042). Conclusions: D‐dimer levels appear to be inappropriate as a single screening test for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in critically ill patients because the levels in these subjects are elevated irrespective of the presence of microthromboemboli. Because of the high specificity, INR could be a specific marker for microthromboemboli. The significant association between the number of microthromboemboli and INR might indicate the importance of the extrinsic pathway in the initiation of DIC.
Expression of transforming growth factor‐β1 and tumour necrosis factor‐α in bronchoalveolar lavage cells in murine pulmonary fibrosis after intraperitoneal administration of bleomycin
Authors: Maeda Akihiro , Ishioka Shinichi , Taooka Yasuyuki , Hiyama Keiko , Yamakido Michio 
Published: March 2003

Objective:We previously observed increased expression of interleukin‐1β, platelet‐derived growth factor‐A, and insulin‐like growth factor‐I in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells during the development of pulmonary fibrosis after an intraperitoneal administration of bleomycin in mice. The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 in this model. Methodology: We investigated the mRNA expression levels of TNF‐α and TGF‐β1 in BAL cells of Institute for Cancer Research mice after 10 days of the intraperitoneal administration of bleomycin with or without treatment with a specific neutrophil elastase inhibitor, ONO‐5046·Na. Results: On day 1 but not on days 15 and 29, the relative amount of TGF‐β1 mRNA in the bleomycin‐treated mice was significantly decreased compared with control mice. In the mice treated with both bleomycin and ONO‐5046·Na intermediate values for TGF‐β1 were obtained. No significant differences in TNF‐α expression were observed in any of the treatment groups. Conclusions: These results suggest that a reduced expression of TGF‐β1 in BAL cells in the early phase may be important during the development of murine pulmonary fibrosis induced by an intraperitoneal administration of bleomycin.
Effects of continuous positive airway pressure on lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and sleep disordered breathing
Authors: Mansfield Darren , Naughton Matthew T 
Published: March 2003

Objective:Sleep disordered breathing (SDB), namely hypoventilation and obstructive sleep apnoea, occur in about 50% of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Previous studies that have investigated the reversal of SDB in such patients with nasally applied intermittent positive airway pressure have reported a fall in PaCO2 but little change in airflow obstruction. We reasoned that the lack of improvement in airflow obstruction may be due to insufficient expiratory pressure. Accordingly, we sought to determine the effects of chronic nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), at highest tolerable levels, upon blood gases and airflow obstruction in patients with severe COPD and SDB. Methodology: Fourteen patients were studied, ten of whom were able to tolerate CPAP (10.2 ± 0.9 cmH2O) for at least 3 months. Results: Within the CPAP compliant group, there was a fall in PaCO2 (58.0 ± 3.5 to 48.0 ± 0.9 mmHg, P = 0.015) associated with a rise in PaO2 (54.8 ± 3.8 to 63.2 ± 1.8 mmHg, P = 0.015) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (0.95 ± 0.13 to 1.10 ± 0.13 L, P < 0.005). Concurrent with these improvements was a substantial fall in hospitalization rates (from 3.85 to 0.73 admissions per annum). Conclusion: Improvements in gas exchange, airflow obstruction and hospitalization rates were observed in patients with COPD and SDB treated with nasal CPAP during sleep.
Assessment of factors predicting outcome of acute respiratory distress syndrome in North India
Authors: Gupta Dheeraj , Ramanathan Ramanathan P. , Aggarwal Ashutosh N. , Jindal Surinder K. 
Published: March 2003

Objectives: Information on the spectrum and outcome of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in tropical countries is scanty. This study was designed to assess the factors predicting the outcome of ARDS in North India.Methodology: Consecutive patients requiring mechanical ventilation for ARDS over a 2 year period at the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit (RICU) of a tertiary referral hospital were studied. Hospital survival was correlated with age, aetiology, disease severity scores (APACHE III, SAPS II, lung injury score) and organ failure using univariate analysis. Factors significantly influencing mortality were examined by multivariate analysis to identify factors independently affecting outcome.Results: Sepsis (28.6%), followed by malaria (21.4%), were the commonest risk factors. Seven out of eight patients (87.5%) with sepsis died. The presence of sepsis, more than three organ failure prior to admission, APACHE III score > 57 and SAPS II score > 39 were significantly associated with mortality. Only APACHE III score > 57 or SAPS II score > 39 were, however, independently predictive of a poor outcome following multivariate analysis.Conclusions: Sepsis, associated with a very poor outcome, and malaria were important risk factors for the development of ARDS. APACHE III score > 57 or SAPS II score > 39 were associated with increased risk of mortality.
Progressive rise of Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistance to rifampicin and streptomycin in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: AL‐HAJJAJ MOHAMED SALEH , AL‐KASSIMI FEISAL ABDALLAH , AL‐MOBEIREEK ABDALLAH FAHAD , ALZEER ABDULAZIZ HAMD 
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the factors associated with resistance to antituberculous drugs in Saudi Arabia, and to follow the long‐term trends in drug resistance.Methodology: A retrospective study of patients with positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis recorded at the Riyadh Tuberculosis Center in 1990 was undertaken. The resistance figures from the same centre for the period July 1996 to June 1997 were reviewed for comparison.Results: Resistance was significantly higher in those previously treated (71%) than in those who denied previous treatment (34%). There was a trend towards association of resistance with cavitatory, multilobar, and acid fast bacilli‐positive cases. Nationality (Saudis, Yemenis, others) had no significant effect on resistance. The Riyadh Region now has the same high prevalence of rifampicin resistance as previously reported in the Western Region of the Kingdom. The figures on resistance for the years 1986‐88, 1990, and 1996‐97 were: isoniazid 19.5/13.8/11.1%, rifampicin 10/20.7/24.6%, streptomycin 5/22/27.4%, ethambutol 3.7/3.9/1.8%, respectively. The reduction in isoniazid and ethambutol resistance coincided with a rise in resistance to rifampicin and streptomycin. We speculate that this resulted from the fact that isoniazid and ethambutol are restricted only to the treatment of tuberculosis and cannot, by law, be dispensed by general practitioners or private pharmacies. Rifampicin and streptomycin, however, are widely used for brucellosis; an endemic disease in Saudi Arabia where up to 12 weeks of rifampicin therapy is recommended.Conclusions: There has been a significant increase in rifampicin and streptomycin resistance in Saudi Arabia over the last 10 years. Possible causes include poor compliance and wide use of these two drugs for non‐tuberculosis conditions. These findings could jeopardize the benefits of the directly observed therapy short course policy which is being implemented in Saudi Arabia. Consideration should be given to prohibiting the routine use of rifampicin for the treatment of brucellosis.
Floral ecology, breeding system and pollination in Antigonon leptopus L. (Polygonaceae)
Authors: Raju Aluri Jacob Soloman , Raju V. Kanaka , Victor P. , Naidu S. Appala 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Antigonon leptopus is a tropical climber, which grows year‐long with alternation between flowering, fruiting and vegetative phases. Dianthesis, temporal dioecy and facultative xenogamy are exhibited by A. leptopus flowers, which are obligately dependent on vectors for pollination. Pollination vectors are unspecialized and promiscuous, even for short‐tongued anthophiles. The flowers are foraged by bees, wasps, flies, butterflies and thrips with the first group playing a key role in pollination. Antigonon leptopus is also capable of thriving by vegetative reproduction. The dual reproductive behavior exhibited by A. leptopus is an adaptation for its survival as a successful weed in tropical latitudes.
Cerebral blood flow abnormalities in symptomatic West syndrome: A single photon emission computed tomography study
Authors: Karagöl Ugur , Deda Gülhis , Uysal Serap , Kabakus Nimet , Ibis Erkan , Gençoglu Arzu , Aras Gülseren 
Published: March 2003

Background
: Infantile spasm (IS) is an age‐dependent epileptic encephalopathy of variable etiology. Although IS is well studied, its pathogenesis is unclear. Infantile spasm is usually considered a generalized epilepsy, but recent studies point to focal cerebral blood flow (CBF) abnormalities.
Methods
: In six symptomatic IS patients, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with [99mTc]‐HMPAO, electroencephalography (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/computed tomography (CT) and their correlation were evaluated.
Results
: Single photon emission computed tomography showed unifocal (regional) cerebral hypoperfusion in two infants, multifocal (diffuse) cerebral hypoperfusion in three infants and normal perfusion in the other infant. Electroencephalograms obtained in near‐time of the SPECT studies showed diffuse abnormalities in five infants with hypoperfusion on SPECT. Cranial MRI/CT showed diffuse and/or localized cerebral lesions in all infants, all of whom had corresponding areas of hypoperfusion on SPECT. In one patient whose spasms were stopped with anticonvulsants, SPECT was normal, in two patients SPECT showed unifocal lesions, while in another three patients whose spasms were decreased but not stopped, SPECT showed multifocal hypoperfusion.
Conclusions
: This pilot study may indicate that there are CBF anomalies in symptomatic IS. The degree of CBF may be a predictor of prognosis and multifocal hypoperfusion may be a poor prognostic criteria in IS.
A prospective clinical study on inhaled nitric oxide therapy for neonates in Japan
Authors: Yamaguchi Nobuyuki , Togari Hajime , Takase Masashi , Hattori Satoshi , Yamanami Sadao , Hasegawa Hisaya , Hoshino Rikuo , Tamura Masanori , Mimura Shunji , Suzuki Satoshi , Futamura Masahide , Aotani Hirofumi , Sumi Kiyoaki , Kusuda Satoshi , Ichiba Hiroyuki , Yong‐Kye Lee , Uetani Yoshiyuki , Nakao Hideto , Higuchi Ryuzo 
Published: March 2003

Background
: This is the first report about a prospective clinical investigation to study the efficacy and safety of nitric oxide (NO) inhalation in infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) in Japan.
Methods
: Patients in the present study had to meet the following entry criteria: (i) they had to be younger than 7 days of age; (ii) they had to have evidence of PPHN as defined by echocardiograph; (iii) they had to have severe systemic hypoxemia under mechanical ventilation at 100% oxygen supplementation; and (iv) they had to have a failure to respond to conventional therapies. Patients were excluded from this trial if they had any of the following: hypoplastic lung, structural cardiac lesions or severe multiple anomalies.
Results
: Nitric oxide inhalation therapy was performed in 68 infants who had severe PPHN at 18 hospitals between May 1995 and May 1997. At birth, 21 of 68 infants (31%) weighed less than 1500 g and 39 infants weighed more than 2500 g. The diagnoses associated with PPHN were as follows: 27 infants had meconium aspiration syndrome, 15 infants had dry lung syndrome, nine infants had congenital diaphragmatic hernia, six infants had respiratory distress syndrome, three infants had pneumonia and eight infants had other diagnoses. The mean oxygenation index (OI) before NO inhalation therapy in 68 infants was 43.2; 55 infants (81%) had good responses.
Conclusions
: These results may be valuable for further randomized controlled and double‐blind trials in Japan to evaluate whether NO inhalation therapy is more effective than conventional therapy in infants with severe PPHN.
Effect of vibration on auditory organ systems in low‐birth weight infants treated with high‐frequency oscillatory ventilation: 5 year outcome
Authors: Hosono Shigeharu , Imura Souichi , Akiyama Kazunori , Takigawa Itsurou , Ishizeki Shinobu , Takeda Hiroko 
Published: March 2003

Background
: To determine the effects of vibration exposure caused by high‐frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) on the auditory organ systems in low‐birth weight (LBW) infants.
Methods
: Between 1989 and 1990, 30 LBW infants who received assisted ventilation with HFOV (n=14) or conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV; n=16) in the level III neonatal intensive care unit at Tokyo Metropolitan Ohtsuka Hospital were enrolled in this study. The effects of vibration exposure on the auditory system structures were investigated with auditory brainstem responses (ABR) at 37–41 weeks of post‐conceptional age and at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of age until they passed and follow‐up studies were performed at least until 5 years of age.
Results
: All infants enrolled in the study survived at discharge and one (7.1%) infant in the HFOV group and two (12.5%) in the CMV group failed the initial ABR test, but there were no significant differences between the two groups. Auditory brainstem response abnormalities were still observed in one infant in the HFOV group at 6 months of age, but this child died at 9 months of age because of meningitis. In contrast, in the CMV group, one patient passed the ABR test at 6 months of age, but another remained abnormal at 5 years of age. One of three infants with ABR abnormalities at 6 months of age had neurologic sequelae at 5 years of age and one of 28 infants who passed the initial ABR test was detected with cerebral palsy. No patients with hearing loss were clinically detected at 5 years of age.
Conclusions
: The results of the serial ABR examinations and the 5 year follow‐up studies suggest that vibration exposure caused by HFOV may not increase the adverse effects on the auditory system in LBW infants.
Growth and endocrine function during school age in very low‐birth weight infants
Authors: Takeuchi Toshio , Tanaka Daisuke , Saikawa Noriko , Satoh Hiroyuki , Iwasaki Jyunya , Inoue Makoto , Narui Kenji , Iikura Yoji 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
: Short stature and low bodyweight are commonly encountered problems in the clinical follow up of premature infants. However, details about the underlying pathophysiology are unknown in these cases.
Methods
: Evaluations of growth and endocrine function were performed in 23 very low‐birth weight (VLBW) infants between 11.3 and 14.3 years of age.
Results
: The mean (±SD) scores for height and weight were –0.50±0.97 and –0.50±1.10 SD, respectively. Mean serum insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I and urine growth hormone (GH) levels were 402±138 ng/mL and 18.0±17.5 pg/mg creatinine, respectively. Serum IGF‐I and urine GH levels were within the normal range for all patients. The bone age values were consistent with the patient’s true age. Physical signs of puberty were detected in 15 of 23 patients (65%). Using bone ages to predict final adult height yielded a score of –0.52±1.08 SD.
Conclusions
: Despite the almost normal results of serum IGF‐I, urine GH levels and bone age, the physical growth of these VLBW infants was less than that of normal birth weight children, as was their predicted adult growth.
High prevalence of eosinophilia in growth hormone‐deficient children
Authors: Kawada Yasusada , Yamamoto Yukiyo , Noda Masanori , Asayama Kohtaro , Shirahata Akira 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
: To determine the clinical significance of eosinophilia in growth‐hormone (GH)‐deficient children, a clinical study consisting of 72 children and adolescents (mean age 9 years and 6 months at diagnosis) with GH deficiency (GHD) was undertaken. Patients were treated with GH, along with supplementation for the combined deficiency in patients with multiple hormone deficiency.
Methods
: A complete blood count and hemogram with microscopic examination of a peripheral blood smear was performed.
Results
: Before treatment, differential eosinophil counts exceeded 5% in 30 subjects (41.7%) and absolute eosinophil counts were >350 /μL in 27 subjects (37.5%). Growth hormone therapy did not significantly affect eosinophil counts. There was an inverse relationship between absolute eosinophil count and peak GH value in response to the

L‐dopa stimulation test (n=65; Rs=–0.252; P=0.044).
Conclusions
: For the diagnosis of GHD, one should take into account that GH response to

L‐dopa stimulation can be selectively blunted in patients with eosinophilia.
Investigation of risk factors for penicillin‐resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae carriage in Turkish children
Authors: Çi̇ftçi̇ Ergi̇n , Aysev Ülker Doğru Derya , İnce Erdal , Güri̇z Haluk 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
: Nasopharyngeal colonization plays an important role for infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Emergence of penicillin resistance in this organism has made it difficult to treat pneumococcal infections. The objectives of this study were to investigate the risk factors for nasopharyngeal colonization with S. pneumonia and for nasopharyngeal colonization with penicillin‐resistant S. pneumoniae.
Methods
: Three hundred children with or without evidence of infection were investigated for various risk factors. Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from children’s nasopharyngeal swabs were examined for penicillin susceptibility.
Results
: Day‐care attendance (odds ratio OR=2.82, P=0.003) and upper respiratory tract infection within the last month (OR=1.83, P=0.02), have been determined to be risk factors for S. pneumoniae carriage. The use of antibiotics within the last 3 months (OR=81.07, P<0.001), the presence of more than five people living in the house of the child (OR=6.63, P=0.03), and having a sibling under 5‐years‐old (OR=4.60, P=0.03) have been determined to be risk factors for penicillin‐resistant S. pneumoniae carriage.
Conclusion
: Some children are inevitably exposed to and colonized with penicillin susceptible or resistant S. pneumoniae. Changes in day‐care organizations, better living conditions, and restriction of antibiotic use seems to be useful precautions to prevent the emerging and colonization with penicillin‐susceptible or ‐resistant S. pneumoniae.
Interventional treatment for fetus and newborn infant with congenital heart disease
Authors: Satomi Gengi , Yasukochi Satoshi , Imai Toshiro , Takigiku Kiyohiro , Tekehiko Ishida , Harada Yorikazu , Takeuchi Takamasa , Watanabe Makoto , Ishikawa Setsuya 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
: Catheter intervention has become popular not only in adult patients but in younger patients with congenital heart disease. The early neonatal catheter interventional treatment has also been attempted in conjunction with the development of prenatal diagnosis of the congenital heart disease.
Method
: Recent articles concerning several severe structural cardiac diseases in newborns, such as critical aortic stenosis, complete transposition of the great arteries, premature constriction of the ductus arteriosus, and pulmonary stenosis or atresia with intact ventricular septum are introduced with consideration.
Results
: This study investigated our own experiences of early neonatal balloon valvuloplasty in a patient with critical aortic stenosis carried out imediately after the delivery following prenatal diagnosis. A case with prenatal diagnosis of premature constriction of ductus arteriosus which could prevent persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn by early delivery at 39 weeks and 1 day of gestation were reported.
Conclusion
: Several cardiac interventional treatments performed in the present time during the perinatal period and some prospects in the near future are described in the discussion.