bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of passive smoking on lung function in children
Authors: Nuhoglu Cagatay , Gurul Mehmet , Nuhoglu Yonca , Karatoprak Nihal , Sonmez Esra Onal , Yavrucu Serpil , Ozguner Ahmet 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: Passive smoking can have significant effects on lung function with reductions in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced mid‐expiratory flow rate (FEF25‐75%) of between 5 and 10%.
Methods
: Fifty non‐smoking children aged 6−15 years, who had no history of asthma or atopy and no parental history of atopy, were assessed with respect to their lung functions (FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF25−75%).
Results
: Thirty‐three of these children were being exposed to environmental tobacco smoke inside their homes, while 17 children were not exposed. In the ‘passive smoker’ group the FEV1, FEV1/FVC and FEF25‐75% values were found to be significantly lower than the non‐smoker control group's values (P = 0.0080, 0.0228 and 0.0003, respectively). The decrease in FEF25‐75% was significantly correlated inversely with the number of cigarettes smoked per day (P = 0.0261).
Conclusions
: There is sufficient evidence to support the notion that environmental tobacco smoke is a serious health burden for children. Considering that recent studies suggest that up to 70% of children grow up in homes with at least one smoker, every effort should be made to reduce these children's exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and to give them a chance to grow up in a more healthy environment.
Celiac disease in children with Down syndrome: Importance of follow‐up and serologic screening
Authors: Cogulu Ozgur , Ozkinay Ferda , Gunduz Cumhur , Cankaya Tufan , Aydogdu Sema , Ozgenc Funda , Kutukculer Necil , Ozkinay Cihangir 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground: Celiac disease, also known as gluten‐sensitive enteropathy, is a chronic inflammation disease of the small intestinal mucosa. Detection of Ig‐A antigliadin antibodies (AGA) and antiendomysial antibodies (EMA) in serum is important in the diagnosis and screening for celiac disease. Antiendomysial antibodies have greater sensitivity compared to antigliadin antibodies. It has been reported that the prevalence of celiac disease is higher in children with Down syndrome than the other autoimmune conditions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence of celiac disease in children with Down syndrome, to assess the availability of Ig‐A AGA and EMA for serologic screening, and to highlight the importance of follow‐up for children with Down syndrome.Methods: Forty‐seven children with Down syndrome without known celiac disease were tested for total blood count, thyroid function tests, immunoglobulin values, Ig‐A AGA and EMA. Duodenal biopsy was performed on eight patients who showed at least one serologically positive marker.Results: The ages of the children with Down syndrome ranged from 2 to 18 years (30 boys/17 girls). The mean age was 6.55 ± 3.88. Total blood count and immunoglobulin values were normal. Eleven of the 47 patients (23.40%) were found to be serologically positive, 10 (21.28%) having antigliadin antibody concentrations above normal; and six (12.77%) being positive for antiendomysial antibody. In five patients (10.64%), both Ig‐A AGA and EMA concentrations were high and positive. Duodenal biopsies of three of eight cases (37.50%) revealed villous atrophy, lymphocyte infiltration and crypt hyperplasia. Three cases with abnormal biopsy results (100%) were below the 10th percentile for weight and height. Hypo­thyroidism was detected in one of 11 cases where at least one serologic marker was positive.Conclusion: Children with Down syndrome should be carefully examined in their follow up, and celiac disease should be considered in cases with growth retardation. Ig‐A antigliadin antibodies and EMA are non‐invasive, cheap and readily available serologic screening tests for celiac disease, and the positivity of both markers gives the most reliable result.
Serial changes of plasma nitrate in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease
Authors: Ikemoto Yumiko , Teraguchi Masayuki , Ono Atushi , Kino Minoru , Yoshimura Ken , Kobayashi Yohnosuke 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: Endogenous nitric oxide (NO) production increases with clinical conditions associated with immune stimulation. In Kawasaki disease (KD), various cytokines play a role in inflammatory reactions in the cardiovascular system. The authors hypothesized that elevated concentrations of nitrate was related to the severity of vasculitis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate serial changes of plasma nitrate concentrations in the acute phase of KD and to consider how NO is related to the inflammatory process of KD and to the coronary artery lesion (CAL).
Methods
: Thirty patients with KD and 20 age‐matched healthy controls were enrolled in the present study. Blood samples were obtained weekly for the first and second months. The patients were divided into two groups: one with CAL (n = 11) and another without CAL (n = 19). Plasma nitrate was measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography.
Results
: In both groups, plasma nitrate increased remarkably from the first week to the third week. Peak concentrations of nitrate (mean ± SD, µmol/L) in each group were as follows: 56.9 ± 23.8 in the CAL(+) group and 68.2 ± 33.8 in the CAL(−) group. Plasma nitrate decreased from the third week to the second month but was still elevated in both groups in comparison with the age‐matched healthy controls. There was no correlation between plasma nitrates and white blood cell count or C‐reactive protein, respectively (r = 0.013, 0.075).
Conclusions
: The results suggest that NO production may not be related to the severity of vascular inflammation and that elevated nitrate during the first month of illness may not be associated with a higher risk of CAL.
Delivery of a healthy newborn using vitrified zygotes that developed from in vitro matured oocytes retrieved from a patient with polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Yoshida Hiroaki , Aono Nobuya , Araki Yasuhisa , Naganuma Takako 
Published: December 2004

The aim of this study is to evaluate vitrified zygotes, which were developed from in vitro matured oocytes that were retrieved from a patient with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Oocyte retrieval was performed on day 15 following withdrawal bleeding. The oocytes were incubated for 24 h in human tissue culture medium (TCM)‐199 maturation medium supplemented with 20% filtrated‐mixed patients follicle fluid, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). A total of four immature oocytes were collected. Two of the four oocytes (50.0%) developed to the metaphase‐II stage and, subsequently, two fertilized oocytes were vitrified at the pronuclear stage because a very thin endometrium was not conducive for transfer. One of the two vitrified zygotes was thawed and developed to a 4‐cell cleavage stage embryo within 24 h. Subsequent to the embryo transfer, a healthy newborn was delivered. A successful delivery was ensued by using vitrified zygotes from an anovulatory woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome. (Reprod Med Biol 2003; 2: 87–90)
Haemodynamic changes during low‐pressure carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum in young children
Authors: De Waal E.E.C. , Kalkman C.J. 
Published: December 2004

Summary Background: Both mechanical and pharmacological effects may contribute to the haemodynamic consequences of carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the haemodynamic effects of low‐pressure pneumoperitoneum [intra‐abdominal pressure (IAP) 5 mmHg] in young children (< 3 years). Methods: Thirteen children, aged 6–36 months, ASA physical status I–III, who were scheduled for laparoscopic fundoplication for gastro‐oesophageal reflux were investigated in the head‐up position (10°). Noninvasive thoracic electrical bioimpedance cardiac index (CI), stroke volume index (SVI), heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) were recorded, together with PetCO2 and PaCO2 at five time points: before insufflation, 20, 35 and 70 min after start of CO2 insufflation and 12 min after desufflation. During insufflation, minute ventilation was not adjusted and the IAP was maintained at 5 mmHg. Results: During insufflation, PetCO2 increased from 29 ± 4 to 37 ± 5 mmHg (P < 0.001) and PaCO2 increased from 31 ± 4 to 39 ± 5 mmHg (P < 0.01). CI increased from 2.39 ± 0.86 to 2.92 ± 0.94 l·min−1·m2 (P < 0.01), HR increased from 108 ± 10 to 126 ± 22 b·min−1 (P < 0.01), MAP increased from 52 ± 10 to 63 ± 9 (P < 0.05) and PIP increased from 16 ± 3 to 18 ± 3 cm H2O (P < 0.001). There were no changes in SVI and arterial oxygen saturation. Conclusions: We conclude that low‐pressure CO2 pneumoperitoneum (with IAPs not exceeding 5 mmHg) for laparoscopic fundoplication in infants and children does not decrease their cardiac index.
Combining low inspired oxygen and carbon dioxide during mechanical ventilation for the Norwood procedure
Authors: Keidan Ilan , Mishaly David , Berkenstadt Haim , Perel Azriel 
Published: December 2004

Summary Background: Staged reconstruction has become the preferred approach for treating neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). The haemodynamic instability of a single ventricle providing blood flow in parallel to the systemic and the pulmonary circulation, combined with the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), results in precarious perioperative conditions. The two ventilatory manoeuvres commonly used for increasing pulmonary vascular resistance are (i) decreasing the fraction of inspired oxygen to < 0.21 and (ii) adding carbon dioxide (CO2) to the ventilatory circuit. Whether molecular nitrogen (N2) or CO2 is used in these situations is a matter of physician and institutional preference. The effect of the two modalities in combination has not been studied in depth. Methods: This prospective observational study was designed to look at the effects of adding inhaled CO2 to children with HLHS who were already on a hypoxic mixture during the immediate perioperative period. Results: Twelve suitable neonates were enrolled in the study. Combining the two ventilatory modalities had an additive effect. The effect was more significant in the prebypass (83% of patients) compared with the postbypass period (25% of patients). Conclusions: Low inspired oxygen and CO2 have an additive vasoconstrictive effect on the pulmonary vessels. The use of both of these ventilatory manoeuveres is less effective postoperatively compared with the prebypass period.
Dolasetron for the prevention of postoperative vomiting in children undergoing strabismus surgery
Authors: Wagner Deborah , Pandit Uma , Voepel‐Lewis Terri , Weber Monica 
Published: December 2004

SummaryBackground: Children undergoing strabismus surgery have a high incidence of postoperative vomiting (POV). The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of dolasetron for the prevention of emesis comparing a single 0.35 mg·kg−1 or 12.5 mg dose with placebo.Methods: Children aged 2–12 years with an ASA status of 1 or 2 undergoing strabismus surgery were randomized in a double‐blind manner to one of three treatment groups. Patients were excluded with a history of previous postoperative vomiting or motion sickness, allergy to serotonin receptor antagonists or previous antiemetic administration within 24 h prior to enrollment.General anaesthesia was induced with sevoflurane and N2O/O2 and maintained with isoflurane and N2O/O2. The study medication was administered 15 min prior to the end of surgery. Patients experiencing two or more episodes of vomiting were rescued in the postanaesthesia care unit (PACU) with metoclopramide 0.15 mg·kg−1. A total of 118 patients were enrolled with documentation of the number and severity of vomiting episodes, time to awakening, PACU length of stay and postoperative agitation.Results: Patients with an acute complete response (ACR), defined as no emetic episodes and no rescue medication within 24 h of study drug administration were 62% (weight dose), 64% (fixed dose) and 33% (placebo, P < 0.05).Conclusions: There was no statistical difference between the 0.35 mg·kg−1 dose and the fixed 12.5 mg dose of dolasetron with both reducing the incidence of POV.
Death after re‐exposure to propofol in a 3‐year‐old child: a case report
Authors: Holzki Josef , Aring Christoph , Gillor Alex 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThis case report discusses the cause of death in a 3‐year‐old child who survived a high dose (20 mg·kg−1·h−1) of propofol, infused over a period of 15 h, following which the patient developed a combined respiratory and metabolic acidosis, the oxygenation remaining normal. Bronchospasm was assumed to be the cause of hypercapnia. At this time the doctors in charge did not think of a possible side‐effect of propofol. The administration of propofol was interrupted, the patient recovered within 13 h from the acidosis, woke up and required further sedation. A supposedly entirely safe infusion of 4 mg·kg−1·h−1 propofol, as recommended in the literature for up to 48 h, was administered. After only 8 h intractable bradycardic dysrhythmias occurred. Although pharmacokinetic studies have pointed to a possible accumulation of propofol during continuous infusions, an interruption of an infusion for several hours has been considered sufficient for practically total clearance of the drug from the body. In this case re‐exposure with a recommended dose of propofol was accompanied by bradycardia and dysrythmias that proved to be resistant to therapy and led to fatal cardiac insufficiency with a functioning artificial pacemaker in place. This case raises concerns about the safety of long‐term infusions of propofol for sedation in children and possibly also in adults.
Thoracentesis in pericardial and pleural effusion caused by central venous catheterization: a less invasive neonatal approach
Authors: Pignotti Maria Serenella , Messeri Andrea , Donzelli Gianpaolo 
Published: December 2004

SummaryAn 840 g infant developed a rapid onset of shock‐like symptoms. Pericardial and pleural effusions from an indwelling central catheter were diagnosed via echocardiography. A thoracentesis was promptly performed with immediate clinical improvement. The fluid withdrawn from the pleural space was analysed as hyperalimentation. The infant survived because of early diagnosis and aggressive therapeutic intervention. A pericardial effusion should be drained if there is cardiovascular compromise and because pericardiocentesis represents a high risk technique, attempts should be made to rectify the extravasation via thoracentesis.
The cardiac analgesic assessment scale (CAAS): a pain assessment tool for intubated and ventilated children after cardiac surgery
Authors: Suominen Pertti , Caffin Chelsea , Linton Sophie , McKinley Dianne , Ragg Philip , Davie Gabrielle , Eyres Robert 
Published: December 2004

SummaryBackground : This study evaluated the reliability and validity of the Cardiac Analgesic Assessment Scale (CAAS) as a postoperative pain instrument for children after cardiac surgery.Methods : Two prospective studies included 69 children (aged 0–16 years) admitted to the intensive care following cardiac surgery with a sternotomy incision. Four concurrent observers performed paired observations with the CAAS or a visual analogue scale (VAS) for 32 patients. After a stimulus to the patient, two nursing observers independently scored the patient with the CAAS, and another two independent nursing observers simultaneously scored the patient using a VAS. In the second part of this study the CAAS was evaluated with respect to its ability to detect changes in pain status and responses to analgesia over time in 37 patients.Results : Interrater reliability, represented by Lin's concordance correlation coefficient proved to be almost perfect for the CAAS score 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95, 0.99). About 91% of patients received the same total CAAS score from the two raters. The dichotomized CAAS scores of the two nurses indicated that in 97% of cases the nurses agreed upon whether there was an indication for treatment of pain. The CAAS was shown to significantly reflect changes in pain status over time. The average Spearman's rank correlation between VAS and CAAS was low (0.27), indicating that CAAS did not correlate well with VAS.Conclusion : This study provides evidence that postoperative pain in sedated and intubated children after cardiac surgery can be assessed reliably using a formal pain tool.
The use of floral homeotic mutants as a novel way to obtain durable resistance to insect pests
Authors: Kater Martin M. , Franken John , Inggamer Hein , Gretenkort Marie , Van Tunen Arjen J. , Mollema Chris , Angenent Gerco C. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryWe have developed a novel strategy for the introduction of durable insect resistance in crops. This strategy was based on intervention in the natural relationship between plants and insects. For many insects, including pests such as thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), the flower is an important factor in their life cycle, serving either as a food source or as a place for mating. The insects are attracted to the flower by scent, which is mainly produced by the petals, and by the bright colour of these floral organs. We therefore anticipated that removal or changing the identity of the petals would significantly reduce the attractiveness of the flower to thrips. To test this hypothesis, we used cucumber as a model species because most modern varieties are parthenocarpic, in which the fruit develops without fertilization. The cucumber mutant green petals, in which the petals are homeotically transformed into green sepals, was particularly useful for this study. The susceptibility of the cucumber plants to damage by thrips was determined by recording thrip numbers and by measuring leaf damage. Large differences were observed when greenhouse compartments with either wild‐type or green petal mutant plants were compared. The rate of population growth of the insects on the mutant plants was significantly reduced and the leaves were almost undamaged. These results demonstrate that alterations in the structure of flowers may interfere with the life cycle of insects, providing the means for a novel and natural strategy for obtaining insect resistance.
Criteria for high‐level expression of a fungal laccase gene in transgenic maize
Authors: Hood Elizabeth E. , Bailey Michele R. , Beifuss Katherine , Magallanes‐Lundback Maria , Horn Michael E. , Callaway Evelyn , Drees Carol , Delaney Donna E. , Clough Richard , Howard John A. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryExpression of industrial enzymes in transgenic plants offers an alternative system to fungal fermentation for large‐scale production. Very high levels of expression are required to make the enzymes cost‐effective. We tested several parameters to determine the best method for achieving high levels of expression for a fungal laccase gene. Transgenic maize plants were generated using an Agrobacterium‐mediated system. The molecular parameters that induced the highest expression were the maize embryo‐preferred globulin 1 promoter and targeting of the protein to the cell wall. Two independent transgenic events that yielded multiple clonal plants were characterized in detail. Independent transgenic events 01 and 03 contained two or one copies of T‐DNA, respectively. Plants derived from a single transgenic event varied in expression level, and the variation in expression levels was heritable. Within the seed, expression in these plants was primarily within the embryo, and was associated with seed browning and limited germination. High oil germplasm was used to increase germination, as well as to assist in increasing expression 20‐fold in five generations through breeding and selection.
Haplotyping and mapping a large cluster of downy mildew resistance gene candidates in sunflower using multilocus intron fragment length polymorphisms
Authors: Slabaugh Mary B. , Yu Ju‐Kyung , Tang Shunxue , Heesacker Adam , Hu Xu , Lu Guihua , Bidney Dennis , Han Feng , Knapp Steven J. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryDowny mildew (Plasmopara halstedii (Farl.) Berlese et de Toni) is a serious foliar pathogen of cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Genetic resistance is conditioned by several linked downy mildew resistance gene specificities in the HaRGC1 cluster of TIR‐NBS‐LRR resistance gene candidates (RGCs) on linkage group 8. The complexity and diversity of the HaRGC1 cluster was assessed by multilocus intron fragment length polymorphism (IFLP) genotyping using a single pair of primers flanking a hypervariable intron located between the TIR and NBS domains. Two to 23 bands were amplified per germplasm accession. The size of the included intron ranged from 89 to 858 nucleotides. Forty‐eight unique markers were distinguished among 24 elite inbred lines, six partially isogenic inbred lines, nine open‐pollinated populations, four Native American land races, and 20 wild H. annuus populations. Nine haplotypes (based on 24 RGCs) were identified among elite inbred lines and were correlated with known downy mildew resistance specificities. Sixteen out of 39 RGCs identified in wild H. annuus populations were not observed in elite germplasm. Five partially isogenic downy mildew resistant lines developed from wild H. annuus and H. praecox donors carried eight RGCs not found in other elite inbred lines. Twenty‐four HaRGC1 loci were mapped to a 2–4 cM segment of linkage group 8. The multilocus IFLP marker and duplicated, hypervariable microsatellite markers tightly linked to the HaRGC1 cluster are powerful tools for distinguishing downy mildew resistance gene specificities and identifying and introgressing new downy mildew resistance gene specificities from wild sunflowers.
Over‐expression of hydroxynitrile lyase in transgenic cassava roots accelerates cyanogenesis and food detoxification
Authors: Siritunga Dimuth , Arias‐Garzon Diana , White Wanda , Sayre Richard T. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryCassava (Manihot esculenta, Crantz) roots are the primary source of calories for more than 500 million people, the majority of whom live in the developing countries of Africa. Cassava leaves and roots contain potentially toxic levels of cyanogenic glycosides. Consumption of residual cyanogens (linamarin or acetone cyanohydrin) in incompletely processed cassava roots can cause cyanide poisoning. Hydroxynitrile lyase (HNL), which catalyses the conversion of acetone cyanohydrin to cyanide, is expressed predominantly in the cell walls and laticifers of leaves. In contrast, roots have very low levels of HNL expression. We have over‐expressed HNL in transgenic cassava plants under the control of a double 35S CaMV promoter. We show that HNL activity increased more than twofold in leaves and 13‐fold in roots of transgenic plants relative to wild‐type plants. Elevated HNL levels were correlated with substantially reduced acetone cyanohydrin levels and increased cyanide volatilization in processed or homogenized roots. Unlike acyanogenic cassava, transgenic plants over‐expressing HNL in roots retain the herbivore deterrence of cyanogens while providing a safer food product.