bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human parvovirus B19 DNA is not detected in Guthrie cards from children who have developed acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Isa Adiba , Priftakis Peter , Broliden Kristina , Gustafsson Britt 
Published: February 2004

AbstractBackgroundThere has been much speculation about the cause of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It has been suggested, on the basis of findings in epidemiological studies, that ALL may be initiated by an in utero infection of the fetus. The human parvovirus B19 (B19) is etiologically related to human diseases, including erythema infectiosum and aplastic crisis, but it has not yet been considered to be involved in the development of ALL. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate, whether prenatal B19 infection could still be indirectly correlated with the development of childhood ALL.ProceduresFifty‐four Guthrie cards, collected at 3–5 days of age, from Swedish children who subsequently developed ALL, as well as from 50 healthy controls, were investigated by nested PCR for the presence of B19 DNA.ResultsB19 DNA was not detected in any of the Guthrie cards from ALL patients or from healthy controls, although all tested samples had amplifiable cellular DNA as confirmed by an HLA DQ specific PCR.ConclusionB19 DNA was not found in any of the Guthrie cards from children who later developed ALL or in the healthy controls. These findings suggest that it is less likely that childhood ALL is associated with an in utero in fection with B19. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correlation of cerebrospinal fluid β‐glucuronidase activity with plasma methotrexate concentrations in leukemic children receiving high‐dose methotrexate
Authors: Vlacha Vasiliki , Eliopoulou Maria , Haidas Stavros , Beratis Nicholas G. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractBackgroundThe activity of lysosomal enzymes is increased in body fluids during inflammation, in which cellular malfunction and cellular death occurs. Because chemotherapy also causes cell malfunction and death, for identifying a neurologic effect, we studied the activity of β‐glucuronidase in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of leukemic children during treatment.ProcedureThe β‐glucuronidase activity in CSF was determined in 13 patients with B‐precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated with the medium risk arm of ALL Berlin‐Frankfurt‐Munster (BFM) 95 protocol. Plasma methotrexate (MTX) levels were determined at 24 and 48 hr after the infusion of high‐dose (5 g/m2/24 hr) MTX (MCA phase).ResultsThe mean (SD) β‐glucuronidase activity prior to the onset of chemotherapy was 19.9 (5.6) nmoles/4‐methylumbelliferone/ml/hr. No significant changes in activity were noted during the phases of the protocol except of the MCA3. The activity was 24.4 (6.8) on MCA2, 28.4 (9.3) on MCA3, and 24.1 (9.5) on MCA4. The β‐glucuronidase activity was positively correlated with the plasma MTX levels at both 24 hr (r = 0.483, P = 0.006) and 48 hr (r = 0.676, P < 0.0001). No progressive changes were noted during the different phases of the protocol. The greatest β‐glucuronidase activity was measured in two patients with neurotoxicity.ConclusionsThe β‐glucuronidase activity is increased in the CSF of leukemic children receiving high‐dose MTX and particularly in neurotoxicity. It is positively correlated with plasma MTX levels. No cumulative effect of the chemotherapy was observed. The increased β‐glucuronidase activity is most likely due to enzyme leakage through the cell membranes caused mainly by a toxic effect of MTX on the cells of the central nervous system (CNS). © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Primary cardiac Burkitt lymphoma in a child
Authors: Meshref M. , Sassolas F. , Schell M. , Chalabreysse L. , Chassagne C. , Mialou V. , Marec Bérard P. , Di Filippo S. , Bergeron C. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractPrimary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is a rare and usually fatal malignancy, seldom reported in children. This report describes the case of a 10‐year‐old boy who presented with multiple intracardiac masses which, when biopsied, proved to be small non‐cleaved cell (Burkitt's) lymphoma. The first two cycles of chemotherapy according to the LMB 96 protocol were given under close cardiological supervision, with good response. The treatment was then continued with full‐dose chemotherapy, without any cardiological complication. The patient who was treated by chemotherapy alone remains in complete remission 36 months after the end of treatment and can presently be considered as cured, without late cardiac effect. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of PM10 pollution in Bangkok on children with and without asthma
Authors: Preutthipan Aroonwan , Udomsubpayakul Umaporn , Chaisupamongkollarp Thitida , Pentamwa Prapat 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the effects of PM10 concentrations exceeding the Thai national standard (24‐hr average, >120 μg/m3) on daily reported respiratory symptoms and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) of schoolchildren with and without asthma in Bangkok. The 93 asthmatic and 40 nonasthmatic schoolchildren were randomly recruited from a school located in a highly congested traffic area. Daily respiratory symptoms and PEFR of each child were evaluated and recorded in the diary for 31 successive school days. During the study period, 24‐hr average PM10 levels ranged between 46–201 μg/m3. PM10 levels exceeded 120 μg/m3 for 14 days. We found that when PM10 levels were >120 μg/m3, the daily reported nasal irritation of asthmatic children was significantly higher than when PM10 levels were ≤120 μg/m3. In addition, when PM10 levels were >120 μg/m3, nonasthmatic children had a significantly higher daily reported combination of any respiratory symptoms. PEFR did not change with different ambient PM10 levels in both groups. This study suggests that elevated levels of PM10 concentrations in Bangkok affect respiratory symptoms of schoolchildren with and without asthma. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 37:187–192. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and endothelin‐1 in pulmonary hypertension secondary to heart failure in aorta‐banded rats
Authors: Dai Zen‐Kong , Tan Mian‐Shin , Chai Chee‐Yin , Yeh Jwu‐Lai , Chou Shah‐Hwa , Chiu Chaw‐Chi , Jeng Arco Y. , Chen Ing‐Jun , Wu Jiunn‐Ren 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThis study assessed alterations in expression of pulmonary endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) in rats with pulmonary hypertension (PH) after the ascending aorta had been banded. Rats were studied 12 weeks after banding, which resulted in left heart failure with elevated pulmonary arterial pressure (banded: 31.3 ± 5.9 (mean ± SD) mmHg; sham: 20.0 ± 4.7 mmHg, P < 0.05). Competitive reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction demonstrated significant increases in pulmonary expression of preproET‐1 mRNA and eNOS mRNA. Western blot analysis indicated increased pulmonary eNOS protein. Radioimmunoassays indicated increased plasma ET‐1 concentrations in the pulmonary artery (banded: 12.4 ± 1.5 pg/ml; sham: 9.0 ± 1.3 pg/ml, P < 0.01) and increased ET‐1 content in lungs (banded: 240 ± 21 ng/g protein; sham: 203 ± 20 ng/g protein, P < 0.05). There was increased immunohistochemical staining of eNOS and ET‐1 in the pulmonary vascular endothelium of aorta‐banded rats. Even in the presence of increased eNOS expression, it was not clear how nitric oxide (NO) production (decreased, unchanged, or increased) was involved in the compensatory mechanism to offset pulmonary vasoconstriction. Increased ET‐1 expression may be important in mediating PH secondary to aortic banding, and may offer insights into the use of ET‐1 antagonists in treating patients with PH secondary to heart failure. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 37:249–256. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pulmonary function in bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Robin Beverley , Kim Young‐Jee , Huth Jaimee , Klocksieben Jim , Torres Margaret , Tepper Robert S. , Castile Robert G. , Solway Julian , Hershenson Marc B. , Goldstein‐Filbrun Amy 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine lung function and bronchodilator responsiveness in infants with a history of prematurity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), using the raised volume rapid thoracoabdominal compression technique as well as with whole‐body plethysmography. Spirometric measurements were obtained in 28 infants with a history of BPD, defined as preterm birth with O2 requirement at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (gestational age at birth, 26.4 ± 2.1 weeks, mean ± SD; birthweight, 898 ± 353 g; age at study, 68.0 ± 35.6 weeks). Fractional lung volumes were measured in 27 subjects. Values were expressed as percentage of predicted normal values. Compared to normal infants, those with a history of BPD exhibited decreases in forced expiratory flows including forced expiratory volume in 0.5 sec (76.3 ± 19.6%), forced expiratory flow at 75% of expired forced vital capacity (FEF75; 59.5 ± 30.7%), and FEF25–75 (74.0 ± 26.8%; P < 0.01 for all). Functional residual capacity (107.9 ± 25.3%), residual volume (RV, 124.5 ± 42.7%), and RV/total lung capacity (RV/TLC, 128.2 ± 35.3%) were increased in infants with a history of BPD (P < 0.05 for each). There was no difference in TLC between groups. Seventeen infants were studied both pre‐ and postalbuterol, and 6 (35%) demonstrated significant bronchodilator responsiveness. Infants with recurrent wheezing showed greater expiratory flow limitation, hyperinflation, and airways responsiveness, whereas those without wheezing showed only modest airway dysfunction. We conclude that infants with a history of BPD have pulmonary function abnormalities characterized by mild to moderate airflow obstruction and air trapping. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 37:236–242. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of a respiratory clinical score among different providers
Authors: Liu Lenna L. , Gallaher Margaret M. , Davis Robert L. , Rutter Carolyn M. , Lewis Toby C. , Marcuse Edgar K. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractRespiratory assessment of children with asthma or bronchiolitis is problematic because both the components of the assessment and their relative importance vary among care providers. Use of a systematic standard assessment process and clinical score may reduce interobserver variation. Our objective was to determine observer agreement among physicians (MD), nurses (RN), and respiratory therapists (RT), using a standard respiratory clinical score. A clinical score was developed incorporating four physiologic parameters: respiratory rate, retractions, dyspnea, and auscultation. One hundred and sixty‐five provider pairs (e.g., MD‐MD, RN‐RT) independently assessed a total of 55 patients admitted for asthma, bronchiolitis, or wheezing at an urban tertiary‐care hospital. A weighted kappa statistic measured agreement beyond chance. Rater pairs had high observed agreement on total score of 82–88% and weighted kappas ranging from 0.52 (MD‐RN; 95% CI, 0.19, 0.79) to 0.65 (RN‐RN; 95% CI, 0.46, 0.87). Observed agreement on individual components of the score ranged from 58% (auscultation) to 74% (dyspnea), with unweighted kappas of 0.36 (respiratory rate; 95% CI, 0.26, 0.46) to 0.53 (dyspnea; 95% CI, 0.41, 0.65). In conclusion, this respiratory clinical score demonstrates good interobserver agreement between MDs, RNs, and RTs. Future research is needed to examine validity and responsiveness in clinical settings. By standardizing respiratory assessments, use of a clinical score may facilitate care coordination by physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists and thereby improve care of children hospitalized with asthma and bronchiolitis. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 37:243–248. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Internal mandibular distraction to relieve airway obstruction in infants and young children with micrognathia
Authors: Chigurupati Radhika , Massie John , Dargaville Peter , Heggie Andrew 
Published: February 2004

AbstractMicrognathia may cause upper airway obstruction requiring complex medical interventions and sometimes tracheostomy. The role of distraction techniques to lengthen the mandible is yet to be clarified. The aim of this paper is to present a series of five cases in which mandibular lengthening by osteotomy and internal distraction was used to relieve airway obstruction. Five patients whose ages ranged from 4–39 months (mean, 15 months) were managed at our center with internal distraction osteogenesis to relieve airway obstruction. Three patients had a tracheostomy, and two patients had refractory airway obstruction prior to distraction. Following osteotomy and insertion of internal distraction devices, the mandible was distracted a mean of 17 mm (range, 15–25 mm). The distraction devices were removed at the end of a consolidation period ranging from 3–10 weeks. Two of 3 patients with a tracheostomy were decannulated, while the third patient with tracheostomy is awaiting choanal atresia repair before being decannulated. The two patients who were not managed with a tracheostomy but who had persistent upper airway obstruction have not required further airway intervention after mandibular distraction. In conclusion, mandibular lengthening by distraction osteogenesis can relieve airway obstruction in infants and small children. This is a promising new technique that may avoid the need for tracheostomy in some infants with micrognathia, and facilitate early decannulation in those who have a tracheostomy. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 37:230–235. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efficacy and safety of ipratropium bromide plus fenoterol inhaled via Respimat® Soft Mist™ Inhaler vs. a conventional metered dose inhaler plus spacer in children with asthma
Authors: von Berg Andrea , Jeena Prakash M. , Soemantri Peter A. , Vertruyen André , Schmidt Peter , Gerken Fronke , Razzouk Hassan 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of ipratropium bromide/fenoterol hydrobromide (IB/FEN; Berodual®) delivered from the novel propellant‐free Respimat® Soft Mist™ Inhaler (SMI) with that from a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) metered‐dose inhaler (MDI) plus spacer in children with asthma. The study followed a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind (within Respimat® SMI), parallel‐group design. During the 2‐week run‐in period, patients received two actuations of CFC‐MDI tid (IB 20 μg/FEN 50 μg per actuation) via a spacer (Aerochamber®) (MDI 40/100). Patients (n = 535) were then randomized to: Respimat® SMI containing IB 10 μg/FEN 25 μg (Respimat® SMI 10/25), IB 20 μg/FEN 50 μg (Respimat® SMI 20/50), one actuation tid or CFC‐MDI containing IB 20 μg/FEN 50 μg per actuation (in total 1B 40 μg/FEN 100 μg), or two actuations tid via Aerochamber® (MDI 40/100), for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) during the first 60 min after dosing (area under the curve from 0–1 h [AUC0–1 h]) on day 29. Analysis of the primary endpoint demonstrated that the efficacy of Respimat® SMI 10/25 and 20/50 was equivalent to or greater than that of MDI 40/100. Similar results indicating that Respimat® SMI 10/25 and 20/50 were not inferior to MDI 40/100 were also found on days 1 and 15. Analyses of other secondary endpoints supported these results. The safety profile of Respimat® SMI was comparable to that of the CFC‐MDI plus spacer. In conclusion, IB/FEN delivered via Respimat® SMI is at least as effective as, and is as safe as, when delivered via CFC‐MDI plus Aerochamber® in children with asthma. Use of Respimat® SMI thus enables a 2–4‐fold reduction in the nominal dose of IB/FEN, and obviates the need for a spacer. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 37:264–272. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Repeatability of sodium and chloride in exhaled breath condensates
Authors: Zacharasiewicz Angela , Wilson Nicola , Lex Christiane , Li Albert , Kemp Michael , Donovan Jacqueline , Hooper James , Kharitonov Sergei A. , Bush Andrew 
Published: February 2004

AbstractExhaled breath condensate (EBC) has been proposed as a noninvasive tool to study airway inflammation. The reproducibility of breath condensates was recently questioned. We therefore measured sodium and chloride concentrations in EBC and assessed the repeatability of these measurements in healthy adults and children with airway disease. We investigated technical repeatability and within‐day repeatability in five healthy adults, and compared these results with those of 10 asthmatic children and 9 children with cystic fibrosis (CF). We also assessed within‐period repeatability in the healthy controls. We report that the variability of measurements was similar for within sample, within day, and between visits, for both normals and children with asthma and CF, and that the major source of variability of sodium and chloride measurements is restricted by the reproducibility of the measurement assay method used. The wide use of EBC is more likely to depend on the development of highly sensitive and reproducible assays, rather than further refinements of the collection technique. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 37:273–275. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is clinical wheezing reliable as the endpoint for bronchial challenges in preschool children?
Authors: Godfrey Simon , Uwyyed Kamal , Springer Chaim , Avital Avraham 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe present study was designed to compare the clinical finding of wheeze by auscultation with an objective evaluation by acoustic means at the endpoint of a bronchial challenge in preschool children. Challenges were undertaken using a tidal breathing method in 51 preschool children as part of the investigation of possible asthma. An electronic stethoscope was used for auscultation of each lung and for the simultaneous recording of the acoustic sonogram for analysis. In 24 children, the pediatrician determined that the challenge was positive, and in 22 of these, he heard wheezing at the endpoint of the challenge. In 2 children the challenge was considered positive, based on a modest fall in saturation. The acoustic record was scanned manually for presence of wheeze defined in terms of duration, and power spectrum without reference to auscultatory findings. In positive challenges, the mean wheeze rate was 28.1% (95% CI, 19.5–36.8%), while no wheeze was detected acoustically in negative challenges. Using a cutoff wheeze rate (duration of wheeze/duration of breath phase ×100) of 10% for the whole group, clinical wheezing detected by the pediatrician had a sensitivity of 100% (no false negatives) and a specificity of 91%. In conclusion, the clinical observation of wheeze agrees very well with its detection by acoustic measurement at the endpoint of a bronchial challenge in preschool children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 37:193–200. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Perceptions of value of routine care among patients with cystic fibrosis and their families
Authors: Byczkowski Terri L. , Kotagal Uma R. , Britto Maria T. , Wilmott Robert W. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractRoutine quarterly visits are an integral part of effective disease management for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), regardless of the patient's age. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between perceptions of the value of routine visits and perceived overall quality of care. The population in this study consisted of 194 patients at a single CF center. Telephone interviews were completed with 162 parents of children or adult patients (response rate, 84%) in May–June 2000. Among other satisfaction‐related questions, respondents were asked to rate: 1) overall quality of care, 2) importance of routine clinic visits in providing good preventative care, and 3) helpfulness of routine clinic visits in providing knowledge for CF care. They were also asked open‐ended questions concerning the reasons for their ratings. Perceived helpfulness and importance of routine visits were negatively associated with patient age and positively associated with perceived overall quality of care, especially for parents of teenage patients. The most common reason for low importance ratings was that the patient's health is perceived to be good, making routine clinic visits unnecessary. The most common reasons for low helpfulness ratings were that the visits are too repetitive or routine, and the family learns nothing new from them. In conclusion, tailoring routine visits to respond to different age‐based needs and making routine visits less repetitive may add value to routine visits, which could result in increased perceived overall quality of care, especially for parents of teenage patients. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 37:210–216. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epidemiologic survey of 196 patients with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome
Authors: Vanderlaan Mary , Holbrook Cheryl R. , Wang Mei , Tuell Andrew , Gozal David 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThis study examined the cross‐sectional medical and social characteristics of children diagnosed with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS). A detailed questionnaire was mailed to all families with a child with CCHS who are affiliated with a family network or support group. The questionnaire response rate was >75% (n = 196). Mean age was 10.22 years ±6.6 years (SD) (range, 0.4–38 years), with a 1:1 sex ratio. Multisystem involvement was almost universal among the cohort, with Hirschsprung's disease (HD) present in 16.3%; 61.7% of the children had a tracheotomy, but 14.3% were never tracheotomized, with 77 subjects (39.3%) not having a tracheostomy tube at time of survey. Respiratory support approaches varied but clearly reflected the trend towards earlier and more widespread transition to noninvasive ventilatory modalities. Significant developmental problems were noted, but attendance in regular classes occurred in the majority. Significant deficiencies in routine periodic evaluation and management were reported. In addition, the presence of CCHS was associated with a significant financial and psychosocial burden to the families. In conclusion, a comprehensive survey of 196 CCHS children and their families revealed a cross‐sectional picture of substantial medical and psychosocial complexities associated with this disorder, and pointed out substantial inadequacies in routine preventive care that appear to impose stress on the families. The emerging trend of earlier transition to noninvasive ventilatory support warrants future studies. Implementation of recommended guidelines for diagnosis and multidisciplinary follow‐up of CCHS should ultimately ameliorate the long‐term outcome of this lifelong condition. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 37:217–229. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aortic hiatus gastric hernia
Authors: Spivey John F. , Ramachandran Venkataraman , Graff Gavin R. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractCongenital diaphragmatic hernias are a relatively common anomaly that can present with significant respiratory morbidity and mortality. We report on a case of an aortic‐hiatal gastric hernia that initially presented with repeated episodes of respiratory distress, which was diagnosed as asthma. The diagnosis of a diaphragmatic hernia was made at 18 months of age. In the operating room, it was noted that it was an aortic hiatal hernia, which was surgically repaired. Subsequently, there has been improvement in daily respiratory symptoms. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 37:279–282. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.