bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Development of Marmoset Monkey Oocytes by Pre‐antral Follicle Culture
Authors: Nayudu PL , Wu J , Michelmann HW 
Published: December 2004

ContentsA technique for in vitro maturation of oocytes from small ovarian follicles of marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus) has been developed. We employed a two‐step culture system for primary follicles (45–85 μm) and a one‐step culture technique for secondary follicles (>85 μm). The two‐step technique started with the culture of stromal tissue fragments for 2 days. Thereafter, mechanically isolated follicles were transferred to a culture system where they attached to the culture surface and grew for up to a further 12 days. Significant growth of the small follicles and their oocytes was only achieved with gonadotrophins in the medium. Oocytes with a mean diameter of 39 μm from follicles <85 μm reached a mean diameter of 90 μm by the end of the two‐step culture. After in vitro maturation, 19% of oocytes from these follicles had progressed to the germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). Follicles between 85 and 170 μm in diameter were isolated from the stroma and placed directly in the culture. Oocytes from these follicles had a mean diameter of 64 μm. The maximum size the oocytes reached in culture was related to the age of the females (pre‐pubertal females: 102 ± 1.3 μm; adults: 96 ± 1.4 μm). Twenty‐seven per cent of oocytes from pre‐pubertal ovaries achieved GVBD and nearly two‐thirds of these progressed to polar body stage. From adult ovaries, only 12% progressed to GVBD and one‐third of these to polar body stage. It is possible to develop mature oocytes in vitro from marmoset secondary pre‐antral follicles (>85 μm). From primary follicles, although near full size oocytes were developed, maturation capacity was incomplete.
GLOMERULOSCLEROSIS IN INTERLEUKIN‐4 TRANSGENIC MICE HAS A NON‐IMMUNE ETIOLOGY
Authors: Rüger Bm , Erb Kj , He Y , Lane Jm , Davis Pf , Hasan Q 
Published: December 2004

Background Mice with constitutive transgenic (tg) expression of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) develop autoimmune‐type disorders resembling lupus nephritis. The kidneys show progressive glomerulosclerosis with immunoglobulin (Ig) and complement deposition.Methods This study investigated the role of renal IL‐4 expression and the relevance of glomerular Ig deposition in the pathogenesis of glomerulosclerosis in IL‐4tg mice. The mice were treated with either IL‐4 neutralizing antibody or the glucocorticoid methylprednisolone (MP). To further clarify whether the renal lesions were exclusively immune‐mediated, IL‐4tg mice were cross‐bred with δ chain deficient mice (δ MT‐/‐), which are unable to produce Igs.Results Glomeruli of anti‐IL‐4‐treated tg mice showed a normal structure with negligible Ig deposits. Similarly, in MP‐treated tg mice only trace amounts of glomerular Ig deposits could be detected, although in comparison with wt mice, increased mesangial collagen deposition was evident. Despite complete absence of renal Ig deposits, IL‐4tg/δMT‐/‐ mice developed progressive glomerulosclerosis with mesangial accumulation of collagen types I, IV and V. Renal IL‐4 expression was observed in both anti‐IL‐4‐ and MP‐treated IL‐4 tg mice, as well as in IL‐4tg/δMT‐/‐ mice. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of glomerular T cells and macrophages between the groups.Conclusions Our data demonstrate that in this model glomerulosclerosis developed independently of and prior to Ig deposition, and imply that the initial accumulation of glomerular extracellular matrix was due to renal IL‐4 expression.
Antibiotic desensitization in adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: BURROWS Judith A. , TOON Michael , BELL Scott C. 
Published: December 2004

Objective:  Allergic reactions to antibiotics occur in up to 30% of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Repeated antibiotic exposure and immune hyper‐responsiveness increase the risk of allergic reactions and may limit antibiotic choice. Desensitization may allow the successful administration of an antibiotic despite previous allergy. We aimed to determine the success of antibiotic desensitization in patients with CF in an adult CF unit over a 7‐year period.Methodology:  A retrospective medical record review was performed on the 19 patients who had undergone antibiotic desensitization procedures. Data collected included drug allergy and intolerance profiles, nature of allergies, and the outcome of desensitization procedures. Desensitization procedures were performed in a ward setting according to published methods.Results:  Nineteen patients (13 females) reported 62 drug allergies with a mean of 3.3 per patient. Of the 71 desensitization procedures undergone by this group, 54 (76%) were successful. Fifteen of the 19 patients were allergic to two or more beta‐lactam antibiotics. Over half of the patients were desensitized to more than one antibiotic. Nine different antibiotics were used in 31 different patient/drug combinations. A successful outcome was achieved in 18/31 (58%) combinations, with three requiring treatment for mild allergic reactions. Allergic reactions caused drug cessation in a total of 19 patient/drug combinations (three after initial successful desensitization and full courses of antibiotics). Over 50% of these reactions occurred on day 1. Desensitization failures were more common in patients with well‐documented allergic reactions to a specific drug.Conclusion:  This study demonstrates that multiple antibiotic allergies are common in adults with CF. Cross‐reactivity between beta‐lactam antibiotics may limit antibiotic choice for the treatment of pulmonary exacerbations. Antibiotic desensitization allows safe and successful treatment in the ward setting of many patients with previous allergies to an antibiotic. In many patients symptoms of allergy still occur and result in cessation of the antibiotics. Use of corticosteroids and antihistamines may improve the success rate of desensitization procedures.
Elevated levels of circulating adhesion molecules in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: MUKAE Hiroshi , ASHITANI Jun‐ichi , TOKOJIMA Masatoshi , IHI Toshihiko , KOHNO Shigeru , Matsukura Shigeru 
Published: December 2004

Objective:  Recent studies have indicated the importance of cell adhesion molecules in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory lung diseases. Our study was designed to determine whether five soluble adhesion molecules including soluble L‐, E‐ and P‐selectin (sL‐, sE‐ and sP‐selectin), intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (sICAM‐1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (sVCAM‐1) in serum reflect the severity of active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), and whether there is a distinct profile of these soluble molecules in this disease.Methodology:  Using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, we measured the serum levels of these five soluble adhesion molecules in 31 patients with active TB and 11 healthy volunteers.Results:  Serum levels of sE‐selectin, sP‐selectin and sICAM‐1, but not sL‐selectin or sVCAM‐1, were significantly higher in patients with active TB than in the control subjects (P < 0.001, each). Significant correlations were detected only between serum levels of sE‐selectin and sP‐selectin, sE‐selectin and sICAM‐1, and sP‐selectin and sICAM‐1. There was a significant correlation between the Gaffky scale result (a scale assessing the number of mycobacteria bacilli present) and all of the above adhesion molecules, except for sL‐selectin. Serum levels of sE‐selectin, sL‐selectin and sICAM‐1 also correlated with the CXR radiological score. Higher levels of sL‐selectin and sICAM‐1 were detected in the serum of patients with radiological cavity formation compared to those without. The ESR, C‐reactive protein and circulating neutrophil counts all correlated significantly with sE‐selectin, sP‐selectin, sICAM‐1 and sVCAM‐1.Conclusion:  The results suggest that there is a distinct profile of soluble adhesion molecules in active pulmonary TB and that sE‐selectin, sP‐selectin, and especially sICAM‐1 appear to be the most sensitive clinical measures of disease severity.
Novel missense mutation of the UGT1A1 gene in Thai siblings with Gilbert's syndrome
Authors: Sutomo Retno , Laosombat Vichai , Sadewa Ahmad Hamim , Yokoyama Naoki , Nakamura Hajime , Matsuo Masafumi , Nishio Hisahide 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: Gilbert's syndrome is a common inherited disorder of bilirubin metabolism contributing to the development of neonatal jaundice and causing recurrent jaundice after the neonatal period. In the patients with Gilbert's syndrome, mutations have been reported in the promoter and exons of the uridine diphosphate‐glucuronosyl transferase 1 (UGT1A1) gene on chromsome 2q37, which encodes bilirubin uridine diphosphate‐glucuronosyltransferase. However, the genetic basis of Gilbert's syndrome, including its inheritance trait, remains to be clarified.
Methods
: Patients 1 and 2 were Thai sisters with Gilbert's syndrome. They had a history of prolonged neonatal jaundice and showed recurrent jaundice after their infancy, while the parents showed no symptoms. To search for the mutation in the patients, all exons of the UGT1A1 gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced directly. The frequency of the mutation in controls was studied by PCR‐restriction enzyme digestion method.
Results
: The patients were homozygous for a novel single transition of T to C at nucleotide position 247 (exon 1), which would predict a substitution of leucine for phenylalanine at codon 83 of the enzyme protein. No other mutation was detected in any regions except exon 1. The parents with no symptoms showed heterozygosity for the mutation. Among the 110 Japanese controls, no homozygous individuals and three heterozygous individuals for the mutation were identified, giving a mutated allele frequency of 0.0136.
Conclusions
: A novel missense mutation in the UGT1A1 gene was identified in two Thai siblings with Gilbert's syndrome. The affected family showed that homozygosity for the mutation may lead to apparent symptoms and that the syndrome was inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. The mutation does not explain a high incidence of neonatal jaundice in Japan, because it is very rare in the Japanese population.
Incidence of giardiasis among siblings in Turkey
Authors: Balcioglu I. Cüneyt , Limoncu Emin , Ertan Pelin , Yereli Kor , Özbilgin Ahmet , Onag Ali 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: Giardiasis, a common infection among children, is caused by a flagellated protozoan called Giardia lamblia. It is well known to be contagious in common living places. This is an epidemiologic study investigating the incidence of giardiasis among the siblings of patients with giardiasis living in the same household.
Methods
: Stool samples of 50 patients with a G. lamblia positive sibling in the same household, and 50 patients with a G. lamblia negative sibling in the same household, were examined for giardiasis by saline‐Lugol, formalin‐ethyl acetate concentration and trichrome staining methods. Other causes of diarrhea were excluded by microbiologic laboratory tests.
Results
: Thirty‐eight per cent of siblings of G. lamblia positive patients and 8% of siblings of G. lamblia negative children were found to be positive for G. lamblia cysts and/or trophozoites. The differences between the groups were statistically significant (P < 0.001).
Conclusion
: The results suggested that the examination of G. lamblia among the siblings of patients with giardiasis both in the same age group and living in the same household should be considered.
Clinical implication of plasma natriuretic peptides in children with ventricular septal defect
Authors: Suda Kenji , Matsumura Masahiko , Matsumoto Masahiko 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: There is little information available concerning plasma concentrations of B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in children with a ventricular septal defect. The aim of the present study was to determine hemodynamic factors that control plasma concentrations of BNP and the clinical implications of BNP compared with atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in children with ventricular septal defect.
Methods
: Fifty‐nine patients with ventricular septal defect (28 boys and 31 girls) without pulmonary vascular disease were enrolled. The patients’ ages ranged from 3 months to 13 years (mean 3.1 years). Plasma BNP and ANP were determined by immunoradiometric assay. Hemodynamic variables derived from cardiac catheterization were analyzed in terms of correlation with BNP and ANP.
Results
: It was found that plasma BNP significantly positively correlated with ANP (ANP = 2.1 × BNP + 25 pg/mL; r= 0.81, P < 0.0001) and BNP never exceeded ANP in the present patient series. Plasma BNP as well as ANP significantly positively correlated with pulmonary to systemic flow ratio (r = 0.65 and r= 0.59, respectively) and mean pulmonary artery pressure (r = 0.72 and r= 0.68, respectively). In addition, plasma BNP of ≥20 pg/mL and ANP of ≥50 pg/mL identified children with mean pulmonary artery pressure of ≥20 mmHg with a sensitivity of 82% and 97%, respectively, and a specificity of 89% and 84%, respectively.
Conclusion
: Plasma BNP and ANP reflect pressure and volume loads to the pulmonary artery and right ventricle and may help to identify children with ventricular septal defect complicated by pulmonary hypertension that demands early intervention.
Unrelated cord blood transplantation for second hemopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Isoyama Keiichi , Ohnuma Kei , Ikuta Koichiro , Toyoda Yasunori , Nakajima Fumiaki , Yamada Kouichiro , Nishihira Hirokazu ,   on behalf of the Kanagawa Cord Blood Bank
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: The Kanagawa Cord Blood Bank (KCBB) reports the treatment of 12 patients who received umbilical cord blood transplantation (CBT) from unrelated donors as their second hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).
Methods
: Provided by the KCBB, between February 1997 and September 2000, 12 patients had unrelated CBT as a second HSCT. Six patients were male and six female; nine patients were in malignant, and three were in non‐malignant conditions. The median age of the patients was 7.9 years (range, 2.2−28.0), and the median bodyweight was 22.5 kg (12.0−55.0). The HLA‐A and ‐B serological and DR genotypical disparities between the patients and CBT donors were as follows: one patient was a 0‐mismatch, six were 1‐mismatches, and five were 2‐mismatches.
Results
: The median time between first and second HSCT was 14.0 months (1.0−47.0). The overall survival rate was 25.0%, three years after CBT (Kaplan−Meier estimate). Mortality after CBT as a second HSCT accounted for nine cases, six from infection and three from treatment‐related mortality other than infection.
Conclusion
: Cord blood transplantation offers the advantage of rapid availability, absence of donor risk, and possibly less HLA restriction. In these contexts, unrelated CBT should be considered as a source of HSCT for a second transplant.
Efficacy and safety of arbekacin for staphylococcal infection in the NICU
Authors: Suzuki Keiji 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: This is a retrospective study on the efficacy and safety of arbekacin (ABK), an aminoglycoside antibiotic, for acquired staphylococcal infection in the neonatal intensive care nursery.
Patients and methods
: Subjects were 29 infants treated with ABK in a tertiary care neonatal center. They were 23−39 (median 28) weeks’ gestation, 530−3334 (median 930) grams at birth, and 3−157 (median 17) days of age. Diagnosis of staphylococcal infection was made by clinical signs and laboratory findings. Sensitivity of the isolated organisms to ABK was tested by the microliquid dilution method. Serum ABK level was monitored to achieve the therapeutic range during the treatment. Effectiveness was defined by improving clinical signs and laboratory findings within 3 days. Effectiveness was studied in relation to type of infection and other antibiotics administered. Auditory brainstem response and serum creatinine changes were studied for ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity assessment, respectively.
Results
: Twenty‐seven (93.1%) cases of infection were attributed to methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and two (6.9%) were attributed to coagulase‐negative staphylococci (CNS). The rate of in vitro sensitivity to ABK was 85.2% for MRSA and 100.0% for CNS. The overall clinical effeciveness rate was 79.3% (23/29) with no difference associated with types of infection. Combination of ABK with sulbactam/ampicillin showed greater effectiveness (100.0%) than with other antibiotics (64.3%) (P < 0.05). There was no abnormal auditory brainstem response or serum creatinine change associated with ABK treatment.
Conclusion
: ABK is an effective and safe antibiotic for the treatment of acquired staphylococcal infection in the neonatal intensive care nursery.
Autonomic function in Kawasaki disease with myocardial infarction: Usefulness of monitoring heart rate variability
Authors: Kikuchi Yutaka , Sato Yuko , Ichihashi Kou , Shiraishi Hirohiko , Momoi Mariko Y 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: Despite anticoagulant therapy, many patients with Kawasaki disease and giant coronary artery aneurysm develop myocardial infarction. These patients have a high risk of sudden death, but the etiology is not clear. We studied autonomic function and the possibility of malignant ventricular arrhythmia through heart rate variability.
Methods
: We studied six Kawasaki disease patients with myocardial infarction and 16 normal controls. Heart rate variability was investigated using a 24 h electrocardiogram. We assessed the standard deviation from the mean of the normal R‐R intervals (SDNN), the proportion of adjacent R‐R intervals with a difference greater than 50 msec (pNN50) and the root‐mean square of successive R‐R differences as time−domain analysis (rMSSD). We assessed very low‐frequency power, low‐frequency power (LF), high‐frequency power (HF) and the LF/HF ratio in frequency−domain analysis.
Results
: There was no significant difference in SDNN, but there was a significant difference in pNN50 and rMSSD. Patients with Kawasaki disease showed lower HF and higher LF/HF than normal controls.
Conclusion
: Our findings suggest that patients with Kawasaki disease and myocardial infarction show decreased vagal activity, which could cause malignant arrhythmia.
The use of magnesium to prevent laryngospasm after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy: a preliminary study
Authors: Gulhas Nurcin , Durmus Mahmut , Demirbilek Semra , Togal Turkan , Ozturk Erdogan , Ersoy M. Ozcan 
Published: December 2004

Summary Background: Laryngospasm is the most common cause of upper airway obstruction after tracheal extubation. Magnesium has a central nervous system depressant property, which contributes to the depth of anaesthesia. It also has calcium antagonist properties, which provide muscle relaxation. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of magnesium on preventing laryngospasm. Methods: After approval of the Ethics Committee and informed parental consent, 40 patients, ASA I–II, aged 3–12 years, who were scheduled for tonsillectomy or/and adenoidectomy, were randomly divided into two groups. Anaesthesia was induced with sevoflurane, lidocaine 1 mg·kg−1, alfentanil 10 µg·kg−1, vecuronium 0.1 mg·kg−1 and maintained with sevoflurane 2% and 60% nitrous oxide in oxygen. After intubation, patients in group I received 15 mg·kg−1 magnesium in 30 ml 0.9% NaCl over 20 min. Patients in group II received 0.9% NaCl alone in the same volume. After reversal of neuromuscular blockade, all patients were extubated at a very deep plane of anaesthesia. The incidence of laryngospasm was determined until the time of discharge from the postanaesthesia care unit. Results: Although laryngospasm was not observed in group I, it was observed in five patients in group II (25%). The incidence of laryngospasm in group II was significantly higher than group I. The plasma magnesium concentrations were significantly higher in group I than group II. Conclusions: We found a significant decrease in the incidence of laryngospasm in paediatric patients receiving magnesium. It is suggested that the use of intravenous magnesium intraoperatively may prevent laryngospasm.
Ventilatory effects of morphine infusions in cyanotic versus acyanotic infants after thoracotomy
Authors: Lynn Anne M. , Nespeca Mary Kay , Bratton Susan L. , Shen Danny D. 
Published: December 2004

Summary Background: Previous studies show that the age of an infant affects morphine clearance but that ventilatory effects from morphine infusions are similar at the same morphine steady‐state concentration in infants and children after surgery. The presence of cyanotic heart disease in infants receiving postoperative morphine infusions was studied for its potential effect on ventilatory effort. Methods: Twenty infants under 90 days of age (10 cyanotic, 10 acyanotic) received morphine intravenous infusions following thoracotomy. PaCO2 during spontaneous breathing, CO2 rebreathing trials during morphine infusions and time to wean from assisted mechanical ventilation after decreasing infusion rates were compared. Analgesia scoring in the first postoperative 24 h was also compared between cyanotic and acyanotic infants. Results: PaCO2 during spontaneous breathing and CO2 response curve slopes were not different between groups. The time to wean from assisted mechanical ventilation after decreasing morphine infusion rates was not statistically different (median 6.9 h versus 5.8 h in cyanotic and acyanotic, respectively). Median morphine concentrations were higher in cyanotic infants at the time of ventilatory testing (32 versus 20.5 ng·ml−1 in cyanotic versus acyanotic infants, respectively, P = NS). Both groups had good pain relief. Steady‐state morphine clearance rates showed two‐ to three‐fold variability between infants. They were not statistically different in cyanotic versus acyanotic infants but tended to be lower in the cyanotic. Morphine clearance increased significantly with increasing age. Conclusions: Morphine i.v. infusions given to infants following thoracotomy show the same ventilatory effects in infants with cyanotic heart disease as in acyanotic infants. Age is the more important determinant of morphine response by its effect on morphine clearance than cyanosis in infants aged less than 3 months.
Use of remifentanil in an infant with surgically repaired Shone's syndrome
Authors: Tsiotou A.G. , Matsota P. , Kouptsova E. , Papageorgiou‐Brousta M. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryWe describe the use of remifentanil in an infant with a partially repaired Shone's syndrome who required tendon lengthening because of congenital clubfoot. Remifentanil has unique properties, making it a potentially useful and predictable agent for infants with significant comorbidity.
Hypernatraemia induced by sodium polystyrene sulphonate (Kayexalate®) in two extremely low birth weight newborns
Authors: Filippi Luca , Cecchi Alessandra , Dani Carlo , Bertini Giovanna , Pezzati Marco , Rubaltelli Firmino F. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryHyperkalaemia is a life‐threatening electrolyte disorder that can occur in the first week of life in almost 50% of preterm infants with a birth weight less than 1000 g [extremely low birth weight (ELBW)]. Serum potassium values higher than 7 mmol·l−1 are associated with cardiac arrhythmias and an increased incidence of intraventricular haemorrhage and periventricular leucomalacia. Therapeutic options to treat this dangerous imbalance comprise calcium gluconate, insulin plus glucose, albuterol/salbutamol inhalation. Administration of cation‐exchange resin such as sodium polystyrene sulphonate (Kayexalate®) is effective in lowering plasma potassium, although complications following oral or rectal administration are reported in newborns. We describe two ELBW infants affected by hyperkalaemia, treated with Kayexalate, who developed serious hypernatraemia, that has never been reported before in preterm infants.