bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Placental transfer of IgG subclasses in a Japanese population
Authors: Hashira Shintaro , Okitsu‐Negishi Shoko , Yoshino Kazuya 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: Maternal immunoglobulin G (IgG), transferred across the placenta to the fetus during intrauterine life, is an important component of the neonatal immunological defence mechanisms against infection. There is controversy with respect to differences in placental transfer of the different IgG subclasses, and no definite data are available on a Japanese population. Therefore, we investigated placental transfer of IgG subclasses in a Japanese population.
Methods
: A total of 228 matched pairs of cord and maternal serum samples (20–42 weeks gestation) were assayed for each IgG subclass by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.
Results
: The mean values and hierarchy of cord/maternal concentration ratios of IgG subclasses at 40 weeks gestation were as follows: IgGl(1.47)>IgG3(1.17)=IgG4(1.15)>IgG2(0.80). The cord/maternal concentration ratios of all IgG subclasses were positively correlated to gestational age. The mean ratios for IgG1 and IgG4 nearly reached a plateau at 39 and 37 weeks gestation, respectively, while those for IgG2 and IgG3 increased until 41 weeks gestation. The ratios of all IgG subclasses for full‐term deliveries were reciprocally correlated to the respective maternal IgG subclass serum levels.
Conclusions
: The results suggest that although all four IgG subclasses are actively transferred across the placenta, the efficiency of their transfer ranks in the order IgGl >IgG3=IgG4>IgG2. The different results as to placental transfer of IgG subclasses in the literature might be due, at least in part, to different maternal IgG subclass serum levels in the populations studied.
Congenital muscular torticollis: Early and intensive treatment is critical. A prospective study
Authors: Celayir Ayşenur Cerrah 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: Although the success of conservative management of congenital muscular torticollis has been well documented, relatively little is known about the determinants of this outcome, such as treatment duration and exercise frequency. The aim of the present study was to define factors related to treatment duration, to compare different frequencies and intensities of home treatment programs and their effect on the speed of recovery.
Methods
: The present study was a prospective study of 45 infants (26 male, 19 female) with congenital muscular torticollis referred to the pediatric surgical outpatient during a 1 year period. Following a standardized initial assessment, parents were taught our intensive home treatment protocol, consisting of passive stretching exercises repeated every 3 h.
Results
: The mean age at initial assessment was 38.6 days (range 15–120 days). Mean treatment duration was found to be 3.2~1.3 months. All patients were treated by use of our intensive protocol of passive stretching exercises (100% success). No surgery was necessary.
Conclusions
: In patients with early treated congenital muscular torticollis, there is no place for surgical treatment. This group of patients can be successfully treated using an intensive protocol of passive stretching exercises. In addition, this treatment protocol has a very short treatment duration compared with other standardized protocols. A successful outcome depends primarily on good cooperation with the parents, especially in developing countries.
Systolic and diastolic function in children with chronic renal failure
Authors: Atalay Semra , Ekim Mesiha , Tutar H. Ercan , Koçak Gülendam , Bakkalo˘glu Sevcan , Tümer Necmiye 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: Cardiovascular complications are the most frequent cause of death in patients with end‐stage renal failure (ESRF). We aimed to investigate systolic and diastolic functions in children with ESRF.
Methods
: Thirty‐nine children with ESRF (17 on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), eight on hemodialysis and 14 on predialysis) were examined to assess systolic and diastolic functions by echocardiography and ultrasound Doppler. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions were measured both in patients and age‐matched healthy controls (n = 20) and the indices of cardiac performance were compared.
Results
: Increased left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and decreased volume/mass ratio with normal systolic left ventricular function was found in patients, as compared with controls. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was observed in dialysis patients. In most of these patients, left ventricular isovolumic relaxation time was prolonged, except in CAPD patients. The peak of late diastolic flow (A) velocities were increased with a reduction of the early diastolic flow velovity (E) – the E/A ratio. The E velocities were unchanged in all patients as compared with controls. Our data indicated an abnormality of myocardial relaxation in patients with ESRF. We found no relationship between E/A ratio and LVMI. Among three groups of patients, the LVMI and diastolic abnormalities were highest in the hemodialysis group indicative of poor control of hypervolemia and hypertension.
Conclusions
: The technique of CAPD has some advantages as a renal replacement therapy for preserving cardiac functions as compared with hemodialysis. However, it must be remembered that patients with hemodialysis have features that effects cardiac status, such as higher volume load and higher afterload (hypertension).
Molecular analysis of syndromic congenital heart disease using short tandem repeat markers and semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction method
Authors: Shi Yi‐Ru , Hsieh Kai‐Sheng , Wu Jer‐Yuarn , Lee Cheng‐Chun , Tsai Chang‐Hai , Tsai Fuu‐Jen 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: Velo‐cardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) and DiGeorge syndrome (DGS) are developmental disorders characterized by craniofacial anomalies and conotruncal heart defects. Many of them have hemizygous deletions within chromosome 22q11.2, suggesting that haploinsufficiency in this region are responsible for their etiologies.
Methods
: To effectively understand the molecular basis for the chromosomal deletions, a semiquantitative fluores­cent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method using 11 highly polymorphic markers located in 22q11.2 to perform genotyping analysis on 10 probands (five VCFS and five DGS) and their unaffected relatives were designed.
Results
: Two VCFS and four DGS patients have a 3‐Mb deletion; the other DGS patient has a 1.5‐Mb deletion and a cross‐over occurs in the same interval at the other allele.
Conclusion
: This results supports that the specific regions in 22q11.2 are susceptible to rearrangement and the deletions might be the genetic etiology of these syndromes. Most important of all, the new method, semiquantitative fluorescent PCR, is an effective method for detecting chromosomal microdeletions and has the following features: (i) the cost is inexpensive; (ii) the testing time is short; and (iii) the result is accurate.
Brain evoked potentials of 3‐D auditory stimuli
Authors: Yamamori Hiroyuki , Okubo Osami , Harada Kensuke 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: For evaluation of spatial cognitive function, we studied the brain evoked potentials (EP) of 3‐D auditory stimuli in regard to the change of latencies in normal subjects aged 1−21 years and compared them with patients who have mental retardation (MR).
Methods
: A total of 144 normal subjects and 67 patients with MR were tested. The EP were elicited by 1000 Hz fixed and enlarged tones with Doppler effect randomly presented. No specific task was imposed in relation to the auditory stimuli. Electroencephalograms were recorded at the Fpz, Fz, Cz, Pz and Oz scalp locations (10−20 system), referenced to linked earlobes. The 64 responses of EP were averaged. The EP were measured from the difference in waveform by subtracting the EP of the fixed tone stimuli from that of the enlarged tone stimuli.
Results
: The waveforms of EP consisted of the components P0, N1, P1, N2 and P2. These components (P0, N1, P1, N2 and P2) in the EP gradually shortened with increasing age in children. About 30% of patients with MR showed more prolonged latencies than normal subjects.
Conclusions
: These results suggest that these components indicated auditory kinetic evoked potentials. This developmental change could be related to maturational phenomena regarding spatial cognitive function. The EP of 3‐D auditory stimuli may be used in children to evaluate the development of spatial cognitive function.
Alpha interferon and lamivudine combination therapy for chronic hepatitis B in children
Authors: SelimoĞlu Mukadder AyŞe , AydoĞdu Sema , Ünal Fatih , ZeytinoĞlu AyŞin , Yüce Gül , YaĞci RaŞit Vural 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: Lamivudine is a new alternative therapeutic agent for chronic hepatitis B, in which alpha interferon (IFN‐α) monotherapy is not successful enough. Published reports have revealed no satisfactory data on IFN‐α and lamivudine combination therapy in children. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of this combination therapy in children with chronic hepatitis B.
Methods
: Children with chronic hepatitis B were given either IFN‐α and lamuvidine (group 1, n = 47) or IFN‐α alone (group 2, n = 30). Alpha interferon was administered as 5 million U/m2 s.c., thrice a week for 6 months and lamivudine 4 mg/kg per day p.o., maximum 100 mg, for 1 year. Clinical examination was performed; blood cell counts and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and amylase were studied at each visit. At the third, sixth and twelfth month, serological markers were determined.
Results
: End of therapy response was achieved in 19 (40.4%) patients in group 1 and in 14 (46.7%) children in group 2 (P > 0.05). In group 1, pretreatment serum ALT and hepatic activity index (HAI) were statistically higher in children who responded to therapy (P < 0.005). In group 2, mean serum ALT was higher and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA was lower in responders. Sustained response rate was 40.4 versus 43.3% in two groups.
Conclusion
: The response rate of IFN‐α and lamivudine combination therapy in children with chronic hepatitis B was similar to that of IFN‐α monotherapy. High ALT level and HAI, rather than low HBV‐DNA level were found to be important predictors of response.
Childhood idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in Turkey
Authors:   ZELAL BİRCAN, Yavuz Yilmaz Alev , Katar Selahattin , Vitrinel Ayça , Yildirim Mehmet 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: It has been reported that there are racial and regional differences in peak incidence age, histopathological features and response to steroid therapy in childhood idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.
Methods
: One hundred and thirty‐eight patients with a diagnosis of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, followed up in 1994−2000, were assessed retrospectively. The aim of this study was to assess the patients’ response pattern to steroid therapy, to determine whether the duration of the initial steroid therapy alters the steroid response pattern of the disease and to assess renal biopsy results.
Results
: One hundred and fourteen patients who initially received only steroid therapy and were followed up regularly were classified according to response pattern. Of the 114 patients, 30 children had an initial response, 25 children had infrequent relapse, 19 had frequent relapse, 25 had steroid dependence and 15 children had steroid resistance. The 99 patients with steroid responsive nephrotic syndrome were divided into two groups with respect to duration of the initial steroid therapy. There was no statistically significant difference between standard and short therapy groups with respect to the steroid response patterns. Percutaneous renal biopsy was performed in 43 of the 138 patients. Mesengioproliferative glomerulonephritis was the most common histopathological lesion, followed by membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. The proportions of membranous glomerulonephritis, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and minimal change nephrotic syndrome were low in our group.
Conclusions
: Our study group is similar to one reported from Saudi Arabia with respect to the steroid response pattern and to Saudi Arabian and Nigerian reports with respect to the histopathology. Although it has been reported that short initial steroid therapy was followed by a higher rate of relapses, there was no statistically significant difference between standard and short therapy groups with respect to the relapse rate in our study group.
Suppression of default apoptosis in androgen‐dependent cells by testosterone‐mediated bcl‐2 expression
Authors: OHIGASHI TAKASHI , UENO MUNEHISA , IIDA MASAHIRO , HIRATA RISA , NAKANOMA TAKASHI , DEGUCHI NOBUHIRO 
Published: March 2003

Background: The significance of apoptosis with regard to the development and progression of androgen‐dependent cells has not been clearly understood. In the present study we investigated the expression of the bcl‐2 proto‐oncogene after androgen deprivation and its role in cell growth in an androgen‐dependent cell line.Methods: We used SC2G, an androgen‐dependent mouse mammary carcinoma cell line cloned from Shionogi carcinoma 115 (SC115). The expression of bcl‐2 mRNA and protein in SC2G cells was measured by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. We also investigated the effects of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) complementary to strategic sites in the mouse bcl‐2 gene in SC2G cells.Results: When SC2G cells were cultured in serum‐free medium, the number of viable cells was significantly larger among cells with testosterone than those without testosterone after 3 days. Apoptosis was demonstrated in approximately 30% of positive‐staining nuclei in SC2G cells cultured in testosterone‐free medium. The levels of bcl‐2 mRNA and protein in SC2G cells started to decrease after testosterone withdrawal. The cell density of SC2G cells decreased after 4 days culture with antisense ODN when compared with cells cultured in the presence of sense control.Conclusions: These data indicate that bcl‐2 proto‐oncogene inhibits the self‐programmed apoptosis of androgen‐dependent cells, suggesting the possibility of an antisense therapy for hormone‐refractory prostate cancer, which is reported to express high levels of Bcl‐2 protein.
Prognostic significance of tumor grade for renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Onodera Yasutada , Matsuda Nobuyasu , Ohta Michiya , Goto Ryuta , Fujii Nobukatsu , Yamada Yasuyo , Ikeuchi Takao , Kai Yoshio 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground: The natural history and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma cannot be predicted. Based on the Japanese classification system, the value of nuclear grade were assessed as a possible prognostic factor for renal cell carcinomas.Methods: In this retrospective study of 116 patients with renal cell carcinoma, radical nephrectomy was performed. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method and multivariate analysis was performed using Cox’s proportional hazard model.Results: Distribution by stage and grade in the population of renal cell carcinomas was as follows: pT1 in 13 cases (11.3%), pT2 in 65 cases (56.5%), pT3 in 36 cases (31.3%) and pT4 in one case (0. 9%) and grade 1, 28 (24.1%), grade 2, 69 (59.5%) and grade 3, 16 (13.8%). Three cases could not be determined because of pre‐operative embolization of the renal cell carcinomas. Nuclear grade was correlated with stage (P= 0.0002), the presence of perirenal fat involvement (P= 0.003) and metastases (P= 0.007). A significant difference in survival was found between grades 1 and 3 (P= 0.0001) and grades 2 and 3 (P= 0.0001), respectively. Survival was significantly correlated with sex (P= 0.0125), tumor size (P= 0.0001), the presence of lymph node metastasis (P= 0.0001), renal vein involvement (P= 0.0001), perirenal fat involvement (P= 0.002) or distant metastasis (P= 0.0001). The multivariate analysis showed that the occurrence of tumor grade (P= 0.0006) or distant metastasis were independent prognostic values.Conclusion: The observations lead us to conclude that the nuclear grade according to the Japanese classification system appears to be of reliable prognostic value for renal cell carcinomas.
Two cases of perineal ectopic testis
Authors: Ku Ja‐Hyeon , Jeon Youn‐Soo , Lee Nam‐Kyu , Kim Min‐Eui , Park Young‐Ho 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Purpose
: Perineal ectopic testis is seen very rarely and here we report on two patients with perineal ectopic testis.
Methods/Results
: We experienced two cases of perineal ectopic testis on which orchiopexies to the corresponding hemiscrotums were performed.
Conclusions
: On surgical exploration, the gubernaculum testes were found to lie fixed to the perineum.
Effect of ethyl icosapentate on urinary calcium and oxalate excretion
Authors: Konya Eiji , Tsuji Hidenori , Umekawa Tohru , Kurita Takashi , Iguchi Masanori 
Published: March 2003

Background: The effect of ethyl icosapentate (EPA‐E) on urinary calcium and oxalic acid excretion was examined to evaluate whether EPA‐E is useful in the prevention of calcium‐containing urinary stones.Methods: For 6 months, urine was measured daily from 40 calcium‐containing urinary stone producers at an outpatient clinic, before and after the administration of 1800 mg/day EPA‐E. The urine was measured for volume, urea nitrogen, creatinine, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, uric acid, oxalic acid and citric acid. Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride were also measured.Results: Urinary calcium excretion was not reduced in any of the patients or particular hypercalciuric groups, nor did the level of calcium change. However, nine of the 25 hypercalciuric patients experienced a significant urinary calcium reduction to the normal calciuric level (a reduction of approximately 44%). It is not known why these particular patients experienced a reduction. Urinary oxalic acid did not change, whether hypercalciuria was present or not.Conclusions: These findings suggest that EPA‐E is not particularly effective in reducing urinary calcium excretion in the hypercalciuric patients, but it needs future investigation because some patients experienced significant urinary calcium reduction.
A simple and reliable monitoring system to confirm the preservation of the cavernous nerves
Authors: Kurokawa Kohei , Suzuki Takanori , Suzuki Kazuhiro , Ito Kazuto , Shimizu Nobuaki , Fukabori Yoshitatsu , Yamanaka Hidetoshi 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: It is important to establish a procedure with which to confirm the preservation of the cavernous nerves during nerve‐sparing radical surgery. For this purpose, we examined changes in intracavernous pressure (ICP) following electrical stimulation of the neurovascular bundle (NVB) with respect to the continuity of the cavernous nerves.Methods: Six cases of radical prostatectomy and eight cases of radical cystoprostatectomy were examined. In all cases, prior to prostate removal, electrical stimulation of the site where the NVB was determined to run was performed and the changes in ICP measured. In eight cases, ICP changes were also measured following prostate removal.Results: Prior to prostate removal, ICP changes could be measured in all 28 sides of 14 cases. These changes were classified into two patterns: stimulation‐related increases of convex waveform (t1) were observed in 24 sides (85.7%); and waveforms with reversed type (t2), which was thought to be an incomplete type t1, were observed in four sides (14.3%). There were no ICP changes following non‐sparing or incomplete sparing of NVB macroanatomically. Of five sides where the NVB was supposedly completely preserved macroanatomically, ICP changes consisted of type t1 on three sides, t2 on one side and type t2 or no change on a single side. All measurements were obtained within 10 min. Neither electrical stimulation nor measurement of ICP caused any adverse effects.Conclusion: Intraoperative stimulation of the NVB while monitoring ICP changes provides a simple and reliable method of accurately evaluating the preservation of the cavernous nerves.
Postnatal development of the testis in Japanese children based on observations of undescended testes
Authors: Yuasa Joji , Ito Haruo , Toyama Yoshiro , Yuasa Shigeki , Masai Motoyuki 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: Little is known about the morphological aspects of the postnatal development of the testis in Japanese children. By investigating the normal development of the testis, clinicians in urology can give better strategies to their patients. In addition, the pattern of development will improve the understanding of the effect of xenoestrogens.Methods: Biopsied testis samples of 68 patients with undescended testes aged between 2 and 21 years were examined by light microscopy. Nineteen patients with normal histology of the bilateral testes were selected for this study. For light microscopy, paraffin sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. In addition, using electron microscope, Epon sections stained with lead citrate and uranyl acetate were observed. Semi‐thin sections stained with toluidine blue were also used for light microscopy.Results: Gonocytes were observed in the testis of the 2‐year‐old boys. Spermatocytes developed by 4 years of age and spermatids developed by 11 years of age. The immature Sertoli–Sertoli ectoplasmic junction was observed as early as 4 years of age, and it was completed by 9 years of age. Mature myoid cells were observed by the age of 13 years. Immature Leydig cells were found at 7 years of age and the cells matured by 13 years of age.Conclusion: A pattern of postnatal development of the testis in Japanese children was presented.
Changes in cellular immunity during chemotherapy for testicular cancer
Authors: Kubota Yoko , Ohji Hirosi , Itoh Keiichi , Sasagawa Isoji , Nakada Teruhiro 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground:The changes in vivo in immunocyte functions during chemotherapy that is administered in combination with granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) in humans have not been fully investigated. This study was designed to examine neutrophil functions and the activities of natural killer (NK) cells, during the administration of chemotherapy and G‐CSF for the treatment of testicular cancer.Methods:Seven patients with germ cell tumors at stage IIA, IIB or IIIB, who were treated with bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin (BEP), were enrolled in the study. Numbers and activities of neutrophils and NK cells were measured at various times during and after the first course of chemotherapy. Neutrophil phagocytosis was quantitated by flow cytometry with fluorescent latex beads. Bactericidal activity was measured in terms of colony‐forming units. The activity of NK cells was measured by monitoring the release of 51Cr.Results:After BEP chemotherapy, CD16+ and CD56+ cell counts, and neutrophil granulocyte counts decreased while there were no significant changes in the number of lymphocytes. Phagocytosis by neutrophils was enhanced after administration of G‐CSF. The activity of NK cells was severely impaired after chemotherapy and did not change after administration of G‐CSF.Conclusions:After BEP chemotherapy for testicular cancer with G‐CSF, neutrophil function was not at all inferior to those before treatment. Natural killer cell activity was suppressed by the BEP chemotherapy and did not change after administration of G‐CSF.