bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between serum leptin and thyroid hormones in children
Authors: Asami Tadashi 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: Because leptin decreases food intake and increases energy expenditure, the possible influence of thyroid status on the leptin system has been investigated mainly in adults and animals. However, the data available at present are very confusing. The aim of the present study was to assess the possible interaction of thyroid hormones with the leptin system.
Methods
: Serum free thyroxine (FT4), a biologically active thyroid hormone, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), a sensitive and reliable index of thyroid status, were examined in 51 children (19 males, 32 females) with mass screening‐detected congenital hypothyroidism on continuous
L‐thyroxine (L‐T4) substitution therapy. The subjects were divided into younger (n=35, aged 1 month – 5 years) and older (n=16, 6 years – 11 years) children groups. Serum levels of leptin and thyroid hormones were measured in the subjects. Body mass index (BMI) was estimated by the formula bodyweight (kg)/height`height (m
2), which is known as the Kaup index in younger children and BMI in older children and adults.
Results
: In the younger children group, serum leptin levels showed no correlation with serum TSH, FT4 or T4. In the older children group, serum leptin concentrations significantly correlated with T4 (r=0.510, P<0.05) and BMI (n=16, r=0.647, P<0.01), but not with TSH or FT4.
Conclusion
: The role of thyroid hormones in modulating leptin synthesis and secretion seems to have little, if any, clinical or biological relevance.
Inhalation of nebulized nitroglycerin in dogs with experimental pulmonary hypertension induced by U46619
Authors: Gong Fangqi , Shiraishi Hirohiko , Kikuchi Yutaka , Hoshina Masaru , Ichihashi Kou , Momoi Yuko Sato and Mariko Y 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) causes mortality in some congenital and acquired heart and lung diseases. However, inhalation of NO gas requires complicated and expensive instruments and elaborate preparations to avoid toxic gas administration. We tested the effectiveness and safety of inhaled nebulized nitroglycerin (Neb‐NTG) in dogs with experimental PH.
Methods
: Experimental PH was induced by continuous infusion of a thromboxane analog (U46619). The U46619 infusion rate was adjusted to maintain a systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) at 40 mmHg in 10 anesthetized and mechanically ventilated dogs. Then, 20 μg/kg of NTG liquid nebulized by compressed air was inhaled.
Results
: After infusion of U46619, the systolic, diastolic and mean PAP increased by 119%, 228% and 169%, respectively, and the systolic, diastolic and mean systemic arterial pressures (SAP) increased by 19%, 29% and 23%, respectively. The systolic pulmonary to systemic pressure ratio (Pp/Ps) and mean Pp/Ps increased by 83% and 113%, respectively, and the pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and pulmonary to systemic resistance ratio (Rp/Rs) increased by 341%, 100% and 145%, respectively. After inhalation of Neb‐NTG in dogs with experimental PH, systolic, diastolic and mean PAP and PVR decreased by 25~4, 26~11, 25~9 and 31~21%, respectively. There were no significant changes in systolic, diastolic and mean SAP, SVR, cardiac output and plasma methemoglobin concentrations. The systolic and mean Pp/Ps decreased by 18~7 and 20~7%, respectively. The Rp/Rs decreased by 25~13%.
Conclusions
: The results of this study demonstrate that Neb‐NTG is an effective and selective pulmonary vasodilator and may offer a new therapeutic option for PH.
Possible effects of antioxidant status on increased platelet aggregation in childhood iron‐deficiency anemia
Authors: Tekin Demet , Yavuzer Sema , Tekin Mustafa , Akar Nejat , Cin Şükrü 
Published: March 2003

Background
: Alterations in platelet function and antioxidant status in children with iron‐deficiency anemia (IDA) have been reported previously. The present study was performed to better understand possible interactions between these two systems.
Methods
: Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity and platelet function were evaluated in 15 children (aged 11/2–15 years) with IDA. The antioxidant enzyme activity was determined spectrophotometrically. Platelet aggregation and secretion studies were performed using impedance and bioluminescence methods, respectively. Ten age‐matched healthy children were included as a control group.
Results
: There were no differences in SOD and CAT activities between patients and controls. However, GSH‐Px activity was significantly lower in the iron‐deficient children. Platelet aggregation responses to collagen and ADP were also significantly higher in iron‐deficient children than in controls.
Conclusions
: Decreased antioxidant defense in IDA may cause increased oxidant stress, which, in turn, may result in a tendency towards platelet aggregation.
Frequency of portal and systemic bacteremia in acute appendicitis
Authors: Jurić Ivo , Primorac Dragan , žagar živojin , Biocǐć Mihovil , Pavi̇ć Siniša , Furlan Dubravko , Budimir Drăzen , Janković Sti̇pan , Hodžić Petar Krešimir , Alfirević Darko , Alujević Antonio , Titlić Marina 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
: Acute appendicitis is the most common condition requiring an emergency abdominal operation in childhood. In the present study, we analyzed the frequency of portal and systemic bacteremia in 42 patients with acute appendicitis and determined the microbial agents responsible for an acute appendicitis and for portal and systemic bacteremia.
Methods
: Appendectomies were performed on 50 young patients (5–18 years of age), as well as clinical and bacteriological tests. Six independent samples from each patient isolated from the peripheral vein, superior mesenteric vein, appendix and peritoneum were obtained prior to surgery, during surgery and after surgery for biochemical, immunologic and bacteriologic examination.
Results
: Pathohistology confirmed the diagnosis of appendicitis in 42 patients, while in the other eight patients there were no obvious pathologic findings, so they served as a control group. Of 50 patients with a clinical appearance of acute appendicitis, in 19 patients (38%) we detected portal bacteremia in the mesenteric vein, while in only three cases (6%) did we find systemic bacteremia detected from the peripheral vein. Furthermore, bacteriologic analysis revealed that Bacteroides spp. and Escherichia coli were the predominant species isolated.
Conclusions
: The results presented in this paper suggests that portal bacteremia did not influence peripheral blood reactions. Furthermore, in the present study we have found a positive correlation between the smear and bacteremia of the superior mesenteric vein, but not with the bacteremia of systemic blood.
Tracheostomy in childhood: 20 years experience from a pediatric surgery clinic
Authors: İlçe Zekeriya , Celayir Sinan , Tekand Gonca Topuzlu , SarI Murat Nüvit , ErdoĞan Ergun , Yeker Daver 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: There is a limited indication for tracheostomy procedures in pediatric surgery. It is rarely applied to the pediatric patient because they can be kept intubated for a longer duration compared with adults. Problems and complications can occur after tracheostomy, even during the childhood period.
Purpose
: The purpose of this study is to evaluate our experience with tracheostomy procedure.
Methods
: Records of 17 children treated over a 20‐year period (1978−99) were reviewed retrospectively in the aspects of indication, complication and mortality.
Results
: There were 13 boys and four girls with

a mean age 30.3 months (range: 1 week−13 years).

Indications for tracheostomy were prolonged intubation (n = 5),

subglottic stenosis (n = 3), general

body trauma (n = 2), tracheomalasia

(n = 2), tracheoesophageal cleft

(n = 1), cervical tumor pressing

trachea and larynx (n = 1), congenital

myotonic dystrophy plus respiratory failure (n = 1),

burn injury of trachea and esophagus (n = 1), and

foreign body aspiration (n = 1). In the last decade the number of cases with tracheotomy increased due to the development of new intensive care units, the use of mechanical ventilation and the increasing number of patients needing prolonged ventilation support. In this group, tracheostomies were mainly performed electively. The overall complication rate was 29%. Mortality was 59% and there was one death related to the tracheostomy procedure.
Conclusion
: Tracheostomy is a life saving procedure when performed with an appropriate indication and surgical technique. Therefore, the pediatric surgeons dealing with this procedure should be aware of the tracheostomy care problems, fatal complications and the need for reconstructive surgery. With strict indications and experience of the procedure, this should be enough effort to minimize its complications and related care problems.
Incidences of nasopharyngeal colonization of respiratory bacterial pathogens in Japanese children attending day‐care centers
Authors: Masuda Kaori , Masuda Ryuji , Nishi Jun‐Ichiro , Tokuda Koichi , Yoshinaga Masao , Miyata Koichiro 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: In Japan, many younger children attending day‐care centers tend to frequently experience acute respiratory infections and prolonged otitis media.
Objectives

: To evaluate the carriage rate of respiratory bacterial pathogens in children attending day‐care centers in our district.
Methods
: Nasopharyngeal cultures of 156 healthy children between the ages of 1 month and 5 years were conducted at two day‐care centers in Japan, in April 1999. The carriage rates of four major pathogens (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis and Staphylococcus aureus) and the antibiotic susceptibilities of the isolates were examined.
Results
: Streptococcus pneumoniae, H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis and S. aureus were detected in 94 (60.3%), 83 (53.2%), 54 (34.6%) and 28 (17.9%) children, respectively. A total of 141 (90.4%) children carried at least one pathogen among these four pathogens and 87 (55.8%) children carried more than one pathogen. Fifty‐seven of the 94 (60.6%) S. pneumoniae isolates were penicillin‐intermediately or highly resistant strains of S. pneumoniae (PISP/PRSP). Beta‐lactamase producing H. influenzae was not detected. Twelve of the 28 (42.9%) S. aureus isolates were methicillin‐resistant. The incidence of colonization by PISP/PRSP in children younger than 3 years (43/69, 62.3%) was significantly higher than that in children aged 3−5 years (14/87, 16.1%) (P < 0.0001).
Conclusions
: We conclude that the rates of colonization by respiratory bacterial pathogens, especially by antibiotic‐resistant strains, were high in children attending day‐care centers in our district, suggesting their horizontal spread among children in day‐care centers. Considering that the majority of children attending day‐ care centers carried one or more of the bacterial pathogens, the judicious use of antimicrobials will be required to prevent the increase of antibiotic‐resistant rates among the colonizing pathogens.
Efficacy and safety of rectal thiopental, intramuscular cocktail and rectal midazolam for sedation in children undergoing neuroimaging
Authors: Alp Handan , Orbak Zerrin , Güler Ibrahim , Altinkaynak Sevin 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: This study was designed to investigate the overall usefulness of rectal thiopental, rectal midazolam and i.m. modified cocktail (meperidine‐chlorpromazine hydrochloride‐feniramin maleat) in 70 children undergoing computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Methods
: The dosage of thiopental was 50 mg per kg for infants under 6 months of age, 35 mg per kg between six and 12 months, and 25 mg per kg for older children. The maximal dose did not exceed 700 mg in this study. The dosage of midazolam was 1 mg per kg for all children. A modified cocktail was described as a formulation including 11 mg/mL of meperidine, 2.8 mg/mL of chlorpromazine and 2.8 mg/mL of pheniramine maleat. The dosage of modified cocktail was 0.1 mL per kg for all children.
Results
: The mean induction time for the i.m. cocktail was significantly longer than that for rectal thiopental (P < 0.001). The mean duration of deep sedation was 60.79 ± 27.00 min with rectal thiopental and 58.74 ± 39.70 min with i.m. cocktail (P > 0.05). Although the mean duration of sleep for rectal thiopental and i.m. cocktail was similar, the mean discharge duration for i.m. cocktail was significantly longer than that for rectal thiopental (P < 0.05). Children sedated with the cocktail therapy also required a longer period of observation in the department. Significant decreases in heart rate, systolic blood pressure and oxygen saturation occurred in three groups (P < 0.001). Significant decreases in body temperature occurred after rectal thiopental and i.m. cocktail therapy (P < 0.01). The effect of rectal midazolam was minimal.
Conclusions
: Rectal thiopental may be the drug of choice for pediatric sedation because it has a more rapid onset and offset of action. It is also safe and effective at the dosage studied in children undergoing MRI. Rectal midazolam also may be used in children undergoing CT imaging because of minimal side‐effects.
New criteria of normal serum lipid levels in Japanese children: The nationwide study
Authors: Okada Tomoo , Murata Mitsunori , Yamauchi Kuniaki , Harada Kensuke 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Aim
: To make new criteria of serum lipid levels in current Japanese children using the large nationwide data provided from Japan Association of Health Service for the analysis.
Methods
: The subjects were schoolchildren who received screening and care programs for lifestyle related diseases since 1993−1999. Serum total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) and triglyceride (TG) levels were measured, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) levels were calculated. Serum lipid levels were analyzed by age and sex. For each serum lipid, we extracted age‐ and sex‐specific group which the mean value was not statistically different from that in 1999 by Student's t‐test analysis.
Results
: The level below the 75th percentile was defined to be acceptable, from the 75th to 95th to be borderline and over the 95th to be high in TC/LDLC. The level below the fifth percentile in HDLC was defined to be low and the level over the 95th percentile in TG to be high. Therefore, TC level was categorized as follows: acceptable < 190 mg/dL; borderline 190−219 mg/dL; and high > 220 mg/dL. The LDLC level was also categorized into: acceptable < 110 mg/dL; borderline 110−139 mg/dL; and high > 140 mg/dL. The cut‐off value in TG was determined to be 140 mg/dL and in HDLC was 40 mg/dL.
Conclusions
: This new criteria should prove valuable in health strategies for rational prevention and intervention in children. It should be emphasized to provide some intervention for Japanese children immediately.
Japanese nurses’ perceptions about disclosure of information at the patients’ end of life
Authors: Konishi Emiko , Davis Anne J 
Published: March 2003

AbstractInformation disclosure at the end of life is one of the most debated ethical issues in Japan. This paper, using data from a larger questionnaire survey in which 147 Japanese nurses participated, describes nurses’ perceptions about this issue. The nurses perceived that non‐disclosure of impending death information to patients was the norm in Japan due to its traditional values. This non‐disclosure of information has various impacts on clinical nurses. Tension was evident between the Japanese traditional concepts supported by some nurses and the shift toward Western cultural and ethical values supported by other nurses. The nurses confronted uninformed patients who became suspicious, isolated, angry, or died unprepared for their life’s ending. The nurses were placed in the middle between the patient and the family, as nurses became keepers of family secrets, or between nurses’ ethical obligations to the patient and those of the institution. The nurses had the belief that at the patient’s end of life, it is important to change health professionals’ attitude from curing to caring.
Carl Rogers and postmodernism: Challenges in nursing and health sciences
Authors: Burnard Philip 
Published: March 2003

AbstractPostmodernism, as an interpretation of the current cultural climate, has been widely discussed. This paper offers a summary of some of the points raised within the postmodern literature and the argument is raised that Carl Rogers, client‐centered therapist and advocate of student‐centered learning was postmodern in his viewpoint. Various tentative suggestions are offered as to how the postmodern mood may or may not affect counseling and psychotherapy. The analysis is, necessarily, partial given that postmodernism offers no obvious prescriptions and no ‘grand view’. This may be both its strength and its failing. Links are made to nursing and health sciences.
Postoperative pain management: Study of patients’ level of pain and satisfaction with health care providers’ responsiveness to their reports of pain
Authors: Chung Joanne W. Y. , Lui Joseph C. Z. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract The present prospective survey was conducted in a 1200‐bed hospital to examine postoperative patients’ current pain intensity, most intense pain experienced, satisfaction with postoperative pain management, and differences regarding pain and satisfaction levels. All adult patients admitted to a hospital in Hong Kong for surgery, except those receiving local anesthesia, were eligible to enter this study. The patient outcome questionnaire developed by the American Pain Society was used to solicit data about patients’ pain and satisfaction with pain relief. The subjects were 294 postoperative patients. Approximately 85% complained about varying degrees of pain during the 24 h prior to the assessment of their pain. When interviewed, most patients complained of mild to moderate pain (median = 2 on a 10‐point scale), while the median for ‘worst pain intensity’ was 5. Approximately 80% of the subjects indicated that both the nurses and physicians reminded them to report pain when it occurred. Only 143 (48.6%) agreed that the nurses and physicians sufficiently emphasized the importance of pain relief. Those who received acute pain services, provided by anesthetists, reported lower levels of current pain intensity. Over 65% of the subjects were satisfied with all levels of health care providers, regarding their postoperative pain management.
A case of pelvic arteriovenous malformation in a male
Authors: Tanaka Michio , Iida Katsuyuki , Matsumoto Shinichi , Takeuchi Takumi , Yamaguchi Kazumi , Nishimura Yoji , Tominaga Takashi 
Published: March 2003

Background: Congenital pelvic arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is rare especially in males. We present a case of pelvic AVM in a 38‐year‐old male. He was admitted to our hospital with left flank abdominal pain and painless gross hematuria. Methods/Discussion: Pelvic computed tomography demonstrated a homogeneous contrast‐enhanced mass, 6 cm in diameter. For diagnosis, non‐invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and color Doppler ultrasonography were very useful in our case. Though the treatment is controversial, we decided to monitor his clinical course.
Inhibition of urinary bladder tumors induced by N‐butyl‐N‐(4‐hydroxybutyl)‐nitrosamine in rats by green tea
Authors: SATO DAISUKE 
Published: March 2003

Background: Recently, the anticarcinogenic effects of green tea have been studied in sites other than the urinary tract. The present study examined the inhibition by green tea of vesical tumors induced in rats by N‐butyl‐N‐(4‐hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN).Methods: In the first series of experiments, 0.05% BBN was added to the drinking water of rats and remained present for 5 weeks. In one experiment, six groups of animals received either tap water, green tea, matcha, hojicha, oolong tea or black tea from week 6. In a second experiment, three groups of rats received either tap water, green tea extract or powdered green tea mixed into a pellet diet from week 6. In a third experiment, five groups of rats were fed a pellet diet with addition of either 0, 0.15, 1.5 or 3.0% powdered green tea from week 6. All rats were killed and examined at 40 weeks.Results: Green tea, particularly green tea leaves, dose‐dependently inhibited the growth of BBN‐induced urinary bladder tumors when given after the carcinogen.Conclusions: Green tea may inhibit bladder tumor growth.
Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma with scant carcinomatous components
Authors: Koga Fumitaka , Kawano Keizo , Honda Mikihiko , Sumi Shuhei , Horimi Hiroyuki , Kondo Shun , Yoshida Ken‐Ichiro 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA 30‐year‐old male underwent radical nephrectomy for a right renal tumor 15 cm in diameter. On microscopic examination of initial 17 sections, the tumor consisted of pleomorphic giant cells and spindle neoplastic cells. There was no carcinomatous component. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells were negative for keratin and epithelial membrane antigen but positive for vimentin. The giant cells were also scatteringly, weakly positive for myoglobin. At that time a diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma of the kidney was made. However, further microscopic examination of another eight sections revealed small areas of clear cell‐type renal cell carcinoma (RCC) which transited to sarcomatous components and led to a diagnosis of sarcomatoid RCC. The patient underwent three cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy. He has been free of the disease for 14 months after nephrectomy.
Comparative study of pulsed dye laser and pneumatic lithotripters for transurethral ureterolithotripsy
Authors: Nutahara Kikuo , Kato Moriaki , Miyata Akiomi , Murata Akihiro , Okegawa Takatsugu , Miura Ichiro , Kojima Miho , Higashihara Eiji 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: Clinical effectiveness and safety of the Swiss Lithoclast (Lithoclast) and the Candela MDL‐2000 (MDL) in the treatment of lower ureteral stone were examined retrospectively.
Methods
: Eighty‐six stones from 66 patients and 26 stones from 20 patients were treated by Lithoclast and MDL, respectively.
Results
: The stone‐free rate on 3‐month follow‐up was 97% and 95% for the Lithoclast and MDL, respectively (no significant difference). The operation time was significantly shorter for the Lithoclast than for the MDL (90.2 ± 50.2 vs 120.4 ± 55.1 min; P < 0.05). Postoperative analgesics were required significantly less frequently in Lithoclast (10/66 vs 11/20; P < 0.01). Postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter for Lithoclast (8.7 ± 5.1 vs 12.1 ± 4.2 days; P < 0.01).
Conclusions
: Swiss Lithoclast is an effective and less invasive modality for endoscopic treatment of lower ureteral stones.