bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heat shock proteins' mRNA expression in asthma
Authors: Tong Wancheng , Luo Weici 
Published: March 2003

Objective:The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression levels of heat shock proteins (HSP) mRNA in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with asthma and chronic bronchitis to elucidate the role of HSP in the pathogenesis of asthma and chronic bronchitis.Method:Using reverse transcription–DNA polymerase chain reaction, the expression levels of HSP70, HSP90α and HSP90β genes in PBMC in normal state and after heat shock were investigated.Results:No HSP70 gene but HSP90α and HSP90β expressions were found in non‐heat‐shocked PBMC of normal controls; HSP90α and HSP90β genes may be expressed in PBMC of all patients, independently of acute episodes. Expression of HSP70 was found in PBMC of asthmatic patients in acute episodes and three symptom‐free patients with Aas 3, step 2. Among patients with chronic bronchitis, no HSP70 gene expression was found in PBMC of patients in convalescent period but in PBMC of patients in acute episode. HSP90α and HSP90β genes were expressed in PBMC of both patient groups. After heat shock, expressions of the three genes increased significantly in PBMC of both normal controls and patients.Conclusion:Expression of HSP70 gene in PBMC of asthmatic and chronic bronchitis patients was different, indicating that HSP, especially HSP70, might be involved in the pathogenesis of asthma.
Characteristics of patients with lung cancer under the age of 45 years: A case control study
Authors: CORNERE MEGAN M. , FERGUSSON WENDY , KOLBE JOHN , CHRISTMAS TIMOTHY I. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of this study was to define the clinical and pathological features associated with lung cancer diagnosed in persons under the age of 45 compared with lung cancer in an older population of greater than 45 years.Methodology: A case control study was undertaken. Cases were defined as patients diagnosed with lung cancer under the age of 45 years. Controls were lung cancer patients over 45 years matched only for the date of diagnosis. Up to four controls were selected for each case. A retrospective review was undertaken of the records of a single tertiary respiratory institution which served a population of 1.2 million.Results: Forty‐eight cases of lung cancer (< 45 years of age) were identified and were
compared to 123 matched controls with lung cancer (> 45 years of age). Of the
cases 67% were female compared with 32% female cases in the control
group (P < 0.01). The rate of adenocarcinoma was significantly higher among
cases (48%vs 27%, P = 0.001), while squamous cell
carcinoma was more common in the controls (35%vs 17%P
= 0.001). Smoking was common in both groups although less so among cases (79%vs 95%, P = 0.001)). There was no difference in survival rates
between the cases (11 months) compared with controls (8 months) (P = 0.1).Conclusions: Young lung cancer patients were predominantly female and adenocarcinoma accounted for a disproportionate number of the histological types. Cigarette smoking appears to be the main aetiological agent but as 21% of the patients under 45 years were non‐smokers, other factors (genetic/hormonal) may also contribute. This study has not demonstrated a worse outcome in younger patients.
Skin prick test reactivity to common aeroallergens in asthmatic patients with and without rhinitis
Authors: LIAM CHONG‐KIN , LOO KOK‐LIM , WONG CATHERINE MEE‐MING , LIM KIM‐HATT , LEE TONG‐CHOW 
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of skin prick test (SPT) reactivity to common aeroallergens among Malaysian asthmatic patients with and without rhinitis.Methodology: An SPT using eight aeroallergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, cat fur, cockroach, Acacia sp., Bermuda grass, Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger) was performed on 206 asthmatic patients.Results: One hundred and forty patients (68%) were reactive to at least one of the aeroallergens. Among the SPT‐positive patients, a positive prick test reaction to the house dust mites, D. pteronyssinus (93.6%), and D. farinae (81.4%) was most common, followed by cat fur (20.0%), cockroach (7.9%), Bermuda grass (7.9%), Acacia sp. (7.9%), A. fumigatus (0.7%) and A. niger (0.7%). A history of rhinitis was elicited in 111 (53.9%) patients and 95 (85.3%) of these patients were SPT‐positive compared with only 45 (47.4%) of 95 patients with asthma symptoms alone (P < 0.001). The presence of rhinitis and a young age of onset of asthma were independent factors for positive SPT reaction to at least one of the aeroallergens.Conclusions: The prevalence of SPT reactivity to common aeroallergens is high among Malaysian asthmatics, particularly in those with an early age of onset and in those with coexisting rhinitis.
Interannual and interpopulation variation in Helichrysum stoechas (Asteraceae), a species of disturbed habitats in the Mediterranean region
Authors: Martin Arnaud , Puech Suzette 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis study examines the interpopulation, interannual and individual variation in Helichrysum stoechas L., a perennial species that colonizes disturbed habitats in the Mediterranean region. The phenotypic variation in five populations was studied. Characters such as plant height and volume, numbers of capitula and flowers, weight of achenes and germination parameters were recorded in situ and in the laboratory for the same individuals for two consecutive years. The data were analyzed to examine the differences between populations and years compared to within‐population variation. Results show that the germination rate, the average weight of achenes and the average number of capitula per stem varied considerably from one year to another, independently of population. This year‐to‐year variation suggests that these traits exhibit phenotypic plasticity. The substantial variation in precipitation during the 2 year study may account for the observed temporal variation. There was some weak correlations between the different characters studied within each population. Significant positive correlations were observed between mean achene weight and the total number of achenes produced per plant and with plant size.
Late hemorrhagic disease of the newborn
Authors: Bör Özcan , Akgün Nejat , Yakut Ayten , Sarhuş Fatih , Köse Suna 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: Late hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN) may occur without an underlying disorder or as a secondary manifestation of an underlying disorder. It may be seen in fully breast‐fed infants without a routine supplementation of vitamin K. In contrast, idiopathic late HDN is defined as HDN without the presence of any risk factor, such as gastroenteritis or use of antibiotics. Severe hemorrhagic symptoms frequently occur.
Methods
: Between March 1987 and May 1997, we evaluated 15 infants with idiopathic late HDN, who were diagnosed by detailed history, physical examination and laboratory findings.
Results
: The age (mean~SD) at onset of symptoms was 62.4~33.9 days. All children were breast‐fed infants and were born at term from healthy mothers. The delivery histories were uneventful. There was no history of vitamin K administration at birth. Signs and symptoms of the patients were convulsions (47%), feeding intolerance and poor sucking (47%), irritability (33%) and pallor (20%). In physical examination; there was bulging or full fontanel in 10 patients (67%), diminished or absent neonatal reflexes in nine patients (60%) and ecchymosis in three patients (20%). Before administration of vitamin K, prothrombin time (PT) was 76.1~43.0 s and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) was 123.4~68.8 s. Six to 12 h after administration of vitamin K, PT was 15.6~1.8 s and PTT was 33.4~1.0 s. Neurologic, gastrointestinal and skin hemorrhagic findings were found in 11 (73%), three (20%) and three patients (20%), respectively. There were both neurologic and skin bleeding symptoms in two patients. The mortality in the present study was 33%.
Conclusions
: Late HDN results in severe hemorrhage, especially hemorrhage in the central nervous system. Administration of vitamin K (1 mg, i.m.) at the birth can reduce these severe complications.
Epidemiology of influenza‐associated encephalitis‐encephalopathy in Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan
Authors: Togashi Takehiro , Matsuzono Yoshihiro , Narita Mitsuo 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
: It is well known that acute onset brain dysfunction, which usually is diagnosed as encephalitis or encephalopathy, occurs in association with influenza. However, this may have been underestimated as a rather infrequent event. Sixty‐four infants and children developed encephalitis‐encephalopathy during the five recent influenza seasons in Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan.
Methods
: Inquiries were sent at the end of each season, from October 1994 to March 1999, to 94 hospitals and institutes in Hokkaido which accept pediatric age patients, asking if there were any admitted cases of encephalitis or encephalopathy.
Results
: The patients were 42 boys and 22 girls and 47 (73.4%) were 4 years of age or younger. None of them had received an influenza vaccine nor had an oral administration of aspirin. Most of the patients became comatose with or without convulsions within a few days of the onset of fever. Twenty‐eight (43.8%) patients died and 13 (20.3%) had neurological sequelae. Patients with clotting disorders, elevations of serum creatine kinase and/or aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, and brain CT abnormalities had a poor prognosis compared with patients without. Among these affected patients, the influenza genome (H3) was detected by polymerase chain reaction in nine cerebrospinal fluid samples, influenza virus A (H3N2) was isolated in 18 nasopharyngeal swab samples and a four‐fold or greater rise in serum hemagglutinin inhibition antibody titer against H3N2 was observed in seven patients.
Conclusions
: It appears urgent to promote vaccination against influenza in young children to prevent these devastating disease conditions.
Altered anti‐oxidant status and increased lipid peroxidation in marasmic children
Authors: Tatli M Mansur , Vural Huseyin , Koc Ahmet , Kosecik Mustafa 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is a common pediatric health problem in developing countries. Although the clinical features of PEM are well known, its pathophysiology is still unclear. Free radicals have been implicated in pathogenesis of PEM. In the present study, oxidant/anti‐oxidant status in marasmus was investigated.
Methods
: Red cell glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase and their related cofactors, serum selenium and copper, were studied in marasmic and control children. Serum lipid peroxidation was also evaluated to assess oxidative stress.
Results
: The red cell glutathione levels and glutathione peroxidase activities were found to be significantly lower in the marasmic children than in the controls. Red cell superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was not different between two groups. Serum selenium and copper concentrations were significantly lower in the marasmic children than in the control subjects. The malondialdehyde concentration, which is an index of lipid peroxidation, was significantly higher in the marasmic group compared with the controls.
Conclusion
: The anti‐oxidant defense system was affected in marasmic children. Reduced anti‐oxidant status and increased oxidative stress occurs in marasmic children.
Systemic effects of transdermal testosterone for the treatment of microphallus in children
Authors: Arisaka Osamu , Hoshi Megumi , Kanazawa Sanae , Nakajima Daisuke , Numata Michio , Nishikura Kiyoshi , Oyama Mariko , Nitta Akihisa , Kuribayashi Takeo , Kano Kenichi , Nakayama Yuko , Yamashiro Yuichiro 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Objectives
: To elucidate the metabolic effects of topical testosterone for the treatment of microphallus in children.
Methods
: We administered 5% testosterone ointment to 50 prepubertal boys for the treatment of microphallus, allowing us to observe its metabolic effect on plasma concentrations of testosterone as a marker of transdermally absorbed testosterone, insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I as a marker of growth hormone secretion status, and osteocalcin as a marker of bone metabolic turnover.
Results
: Transdermal application of testosterone for 30 days at a dose that affects penile growth increased mean (±SD) plasma testosterone concentrations from 7.5±5.1 to 31.0±8.2 ng/dL (pre‐ vs post‐treatment, respectively; P<0.01). This was associated with a slight but statistically significant elevation of IGF‐I concentrations (117.2±76.9 vs 154.4±81.5 ng/mL; P<0.05). No significant change in osteocalcin levels was found.
Conclusions
: When using testosterone ointment as a treatment for microphallus, it should be borne in mind that this application has systemic effects.
Effect of dexamethasone therapy on pulmonary function in chronic lung disease: A comparison of disease types
Authors: Mizobuchi Masami , Manabe Chiyo , Yonetani Masahiko , Nakao Hideto , Uetani Yoshiyuki 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
: In the present study, we investigated the effect of dexamethasone (DEX) therapy on extubation and pulmonary function in patients with chronic lung disease (CLD) who required long‐term mechanical ventilation. In addition, we compared the effects of DEX therapy among CLD types.
Methods
: Twenty‐two CLD patients who were ventilator dependent for 28 days or longer received DEX therapy for the purposes of extubation. A tapering dose of DEX, starting from 0.5 mg/kg per day, was administered for 7 days. Pulmonary function was measured at initiation of administration and 4 days after initiation. We evaluated static respiratory system compliance (Crs) and static respiratory system resistance (Rrs) adjusted by bodyweight. Chronic lung disease types were categorized according to the classification of the Ministry of Health and Welfare Research Project. We compared the effect of DEX therapy among CLD types.
Results
: Dexamethasone therapy was started at a mean (±SD) 45±11 days after birth and 32.1±1.3 weeks of postconceptional age in infants with a mean bodyweight of 939±153 g. After DEX therapy, extubation was successful in all 22 patients. Following DEX administration, Crs was significantly increased from 0.69±0.13 to 1.17±0.21 mL/cm H2O per kg. In contrast, Rrs did not show any clear changes. Comparing CLD types, no difference was observed for Crs and Rrs in each disease type.
Conclusions
: Dexamethasone was administered to CLD patients requiring long‐term mechanical ventilation for the purposes of extubation and extubation was successful in all patients. It was found that Crs was increased in all patients following DEX, regardless of CLD type. The increase in Crs following DEX administration may have been related to successful extubation.
Quantitation of human herpesvirus 6 DNA in infant with exanthem subitum by microplate PCR‐hybridization assay
Authors: Abe Tomoko , Yoshikawa Tetsushi , Ihira Masaru , Suzuki Kyoko , Suga Sadao , Nishida Mikio , Nagata Minoru , Asano Yoshizo 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
: Quantitative analysis of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6) genome is important for monitoring active virus infection. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the reliability of a hybridization‐based microtiter plate assay (polymerase chain reaction enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (PCR ELISA)) for quantifying the virus genome.
Methods
: Semiquantitative analysis of the virus genome was carried out in 31 (18 male and 13 female) infants with primary HHV‐6 infection. If the HHV‐6 virus could be isolated from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), the infants were defined as being infected with HHV‐6. The PCR ELISA method was used to determine the virus load. A titration of the virus was also carried out in the samples obtained during the acute phase of exanthem subitum.
Results
: Specificity of the method was demonstrated by a lack of amplification of human herpesvirus 7 and cytomegalovirus DNA. The upper and lower detection limits of the method were 58 and 5800 copies of the virus genome, respectively. The quantity of HHV‐6 DNA in the PBMC during the acute phase (879 ±975 copies/104 PBMC) was significantly higher than during the convalescent phase (54 ±76 copies/104 PBMC). Furthermore, the virus load in acute phase plasma (53 ±75 copies/μL) was also significantly higher than in the convalescent phase samples (2 ±9 copies/μL). Virus load in both PBMC and plasma gradually increased after the onset of exanthem subitum until about day 3 to 4 of the illness, but then decreased quickly. However, there was no significant association between virus load and the numbers of infected cells.
Conclusion
: Virus load in both PBMC and plasma gradually increased after the onset of exanthem subitum until about day 3 and day 4 of the illness, respectively, then it decreased quickly. These results indicate that our PCR ELISA system is reliable for monitoring active HHV‐6 infection in vivo.
Intravenous low‐dose erythromycin administration for infants with feeding intolerance
Authors: Nogami Keiji , Nishikubo Toshiya , Minowa Hideki , Uchida Yumiko , Kamitsuji Hidekazu , Takahashi Yukihiro 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
: This study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of low‐dose intravenous erythromycin (EM) administration in infants with feeding intolerance.
Methods
: The subjects were 26 infants who would not accept enteral feeding within 5 days after birth. Fourteen infants (gestational age: 30.6±5.4 weeks and birthweight: 1466±825 g) were given EM intravenously at a dose of 1 mg/kg, three times daily (EM group). Doses were increased to 2 mg/kg in five infants who showed a poor response. Twelve infants (gestational age: 30.5±5.0 weeks and birthweight: 1317±672 g) were observed without EM administration (non‐EM group). Blood concentrations of EM at 2 h after administration were measured on 8 (±2) days after the start of EM administration in the EM group.
Results
: Digestive perturbations and intestinal gasless and/or atonic shadows on X‐ray findings markedly improved in the EM group soon after the treatment. Comparing the EM group and non‐EM group, the postnatal ages at the start of successful enteral feeding were 9.1±3.2 days and 14.0±4.1 days, respectively (P<0.01). The postnatal ages at feeding of 100 mL/kg per day were 15.2±4.0 days and 23.4±6.2 days, respectively (P<0.01). The blood EM concentrations of 1 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg were 0.29±0.28 μg/mL and 0.57±0.20 μg/mL, respectively (P<0.05). No adverse effect on cardiac status or in blood examinations was observed in any infant in the EM group.
Conclusion
: These results suggest that intravenous low‐dose EM administration is a useful and safe treatment of feeding intolerance in infants including extremely low‐birthweight infants.
Relationships between the children and the parents for coronary risk factors
Authors: Uçar Birsen , Kiliç Zübeyir , Sönmez Hulki Meltem , Ata Necmi , Özdamar Kazim 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
: We aimed to investigate the relation of coronary risk factors in children to coronary heart disease (CHD) or coronary risk factors in their parents.
Methods
: A sample of 252 parents of 164 children with two or more coronary risk factors were included in this study. The control group consisted of 175 parents of 114 children with no risk factors. Both groups were evaluated for coronary risk factors and CHD. The children in the groups were separated into sex and age groups consisting of 7 to 11‐years‐olds, 12 to 15‐years‐old and 16 to 18‐years‐old.
Results
: Many lipid parameters related with coronary risk factors in the mothers of 7 to 11‐year‐old girls, in the fathers of 7 to 11‐year‐old girls and 16 to 18‐year‐old boys were at higher levels than in the control group. Anthropometric parameters, especially those of reflecting body fatness such as skinfold thickness measurements and total bodyfat percentage values were at higher levels in the fathers of 12–15‐ and 16 to 18‐year‐old girls. The higher levels of most of the anthropometric and biochemical parameters in the fathers of 16 to 18‐year‐old boys were striking. Hyperlipidemia prevalences in the fathers of 7 to 11‐year‐old girls and boys were higher than the control parents. In the study group, the girls positively correlated with both their parents for total cholesterol levels and positively correlated with only their mothers for height, bodyfat percentage, triglycerides and low‐density lipoprotein‐ cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels. However, the boys positively correlated with their mothers for weight and with their fathers for bodyfat percentage, diastolic blood pressure (BP) values and serum LDL‐C levels. The proportion of individuals who had ischemic findings on treadmill exercise testing was significantly greater than control group in only the fathers of 12 to 15‐year‐old boys (P<0.05).
Conclusions
: The parents, especially the fathers of children with coronary risk factors have higher levels of coronary risk factors than those in the control group. There is a familial aggregation of body fatness and adverse lipid levels in the families of the children with coronary risk factors. The parents of children recognized as having coronary risk factors should be evaluated for these risk factors too.
Molecular epidemiology of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a pediatric ward
Authors: Murono Koichi , Hirano Yoshiki , Zhang Jiwei , Saijo Masayuki , Fujita Kozo 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: Nosocomial infections caused
by methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are one of the most serious problems in pediatric wards. Epidemiological analysis of strains isolated in the ward is essential for infection control. There have been few reports in which a molecular epidemiological study of MRSA was performed in pediatric wards.
Methods
: Fifty‐six MRSA strains isolated in the pediatric ward of Asahikawa Medical College Hospital between 1995 and 1997 were studied. Fifty‐two and four isolates were obtained from 27 patients and from two medical staff members, respectively. Forty‐one isolates were regarded as colonizing strains and 15 were causes of infections. Genotypes of the isolates were investigated by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).
Results
: The PFGE patterns of 56 isolates were classified into nine types: type A, its subtypes, A1 and A2, and types B through to G. Seventeen isolates were type A, 32 were type A1, and one of each type of A2 and B through to G were identified. Fifty of 56 isolates, which were isolated from 24 of 29 cases, belonged to type A or its subtypes.
Conclusions
: The predominant strain of MRSA isolates in the pediatric ward was a certain strain that may be originated from the one clone. Cross‐infection control therefore is the major procedure in the prevention of MRSA dissemination in the ward.
Management of childhood diseases in the Byzantine period: II − Exanthematic diseases
Authors: Ramoutsaki Ioanna A. , Dimitriou Helen , Kalmanti Maria 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe aim of this review was to explore the procedures used for the treatment of childhood exanthematic diseases during the Byzantineperiod. The most often reported ones were psoriasis, undefined rashes in parts of the body, ulcerous rashes, blisters, lichens and soakedulcers. The physicians of the period managed the above problems with appropriate diet and remedies of herbal, veterinary and chemicalorigin in the form of baths, poultices and concoctions. They largely based their principles on the ancient Greek medical tradition. Theiraccurate remarks were reflected in their terminology. Many of the terms of this period are still in use, although current treatmentmodalities are quite different from the Byzantine remedies.