bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lymphocytic inflammation in childhood bronchiolitis obliterans
Authors: Mauad Thais , van Schadewijk Annemarie , Schrumpf Jasmijn , Hack C. Erik , Fernezlian Sandra , Garippo Ana L. , Ejzenberg Bernardo , Hiemstra Pieter S. , Rabe Klaus F. , Dolhnikoff Marisa 
Published: June 2004

AbstractChildhood bronchiolitis obliterans (CBO) is an infrequent, severe disorder characterized by persistent obstructive respiratory symptoms after an acute episode of bronchiolitis. The viral etiology is most common, and adenovirus is the most frequently identified causative agent. Pathologically, the disease is characterized as constrictive type BO, with variable degrees of chronic inflammation and fibrosis in the bronchioles. The nature of the cellular infiltrate is largely unknown, and its characterization may provide better understanding of the disease and offer clues for therapy. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to characterize the inflammatory infiltrate in the bronchioles of 23 open lung biopsies of children with CBO and to compare this to the infiltrate in histologically normal airways. Our results show that CD3+ T cells were the most frequent cell type observed in CBO, with a predominance of the CD8+ T‐cell subtype. When compared to the control group, there was a larger number of CD8+, CD4+, CD20+, granzyme B+, and perforin+ lymphocytes in the CBO group. Further studies are needed to address the role of different cell types in the development of CBO. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Asthma and acute chest in sickle‐cell disease
Authors: Boyd Jessica H. , Moinuddin Asif , Strunk Robert C. , DeBaun Michael R. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractOur objective was to determine if physician‐diagnosed asthma increases the risk of acute chest syndrome (ACS) in children with sickle‐cell disease (SCD) hospitalized for pain. Our study design was a retrospective case‐control study of all SCD patients, aged 2–21 years, hospitalized for pain during the interval 1999–2000. Medical records of first admissions during the interval were reviewed to determine the presence of ACS during the admission. Cases were defined as patients with ACS, and controls were patients without ACS. Independently, medical records of admissions prior to the study interval were reviewed for evidence of physician‐diagnosed asthma. Sixty‐three cases with ACS and 76 controls without ACS were identified. No significant differences in gender, age, and hemoglobin phenotype were found. Patients with physician‐diagnosed asthma were 4.0 times (95% CI, 1.7, 9.5) more likely to develop ACS during the admission than patients without asthma. Individuals with physician‐diagnosed asthma had a longer hospitalization for ACS, i.e., 5.6 days vs. 2.6 days, respectively (P = 0.01). In conclusion, our preliminary data suggest that asthma in children with SCD admitted to the hospital for pain may be a risk factor for ACS and may increase the duration of hospitalization when compared to children with SCD and without asthma. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reduced eosinophil pro‐fibrogenic effect in severe childhood asthma compared to mild disease: An effect of corticosteroids?
Authors: Puxeddu Ilaria , Lack Gideon , Smith Susan J. , Levi‐Schaffer Francesca 
Published: June 2004

AbstractEosinophils play an important role in inflammation and probably in airway remodeling in asthma. We previously demonstrated that eosinophils from atopic subjects display pro‐fibrogenic properties towards lung fibroblasts partially by preformed transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β). We hypothesized that the pro‐fibrogenic potential of eosinophils is increased in children with life‐threatening asthma (LTA). Six children with atopic LTA clinically well‐controlled by inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and 5 children with atopic mild asthma (MA) treated only with inhaled β2‐agonists were investigated. The effects of their peripheral blood eosinophils on fibroblast proliferation and lattice contraction were investigated. In addition, TGF‐β1 and IL‐6 eosinophil content were also evaluated. Unexpectedly, eosinophils from LTA increased fibroblast proliferation (5.4‐fold) and gel contraction (1.1‐fold) significantly less than those from MA. TGF‐β1 but not IL‐6 eosinophil content in LTA was significantly lower than that in MA (2.7‐fold). In vitro, addition of dexamethasone on eosinophils stimulated by mast cells resulted in a marked decrease in their TGF‐β1 content by 1.6‐fold. In conclusion, eosinophils from children with ICS‐treated LTA displayed significantly less pro‐fibrogenic properties than those from MA treated only with β2‐agonists. Our data suggest that the pro‐fibrogenic effect of eosinophils might be influenced by treatment with ICS in childhood asthma. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extracellular matrix remodeling in children with airway foreign‐body aspiration
Authors: Tang Lan Fang , Du Li Zhong , Chen Zhi Min , Zou Chao Chun 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to observe extracellular matrix remodeling in children with airway foreign‐body aspiration (FBA) by detecting the expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1), and hydroxyproline (HYP) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Forty‐six children with FBA and 12 control subjects from 2002–2003 were enrolled in this study. The former were divided into three subgroups according to duration of foreign‐body (FB) retention (subgroup 1, <7 days; subgroup 2, 7–30 days; subgroup 3, >30 days). Cell count, and levels of MMP‐9, TIMP‐1, and HYP in BALF were measured. The total number of cells and differential counts detected in BALF did not differ significantly between patients and controls (P > 0.05), while mast cells were found only in the BALF of patients. The positive rates of MMP‐9 in controls, subgroup 1, subgroup 2, and subgroup 3 were 33.3%, 62.5%, 80.0%, and 93.3%, respectively, with a significant difference (P = 0.006). The positive rate of TIMP‐1 in controls and subgroups 1, 2, and 3 were 33.3%, 62.5%, 80.0%, and 93.3%, respectively, with a significant difference (P < 0.001) as well. HYP levels in subgroups 2 and 3 were significantly more increased than in subgroup 1 and controls (all P < 0.001). Levels of MMP‐9, TIMP‐1, and HYP in patients were positively correlated with duration of FB retention (all P < 0.05), and levels of MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 were also positively correlated with percentage of mast cells in BALF (all P < 0.05). The differences in MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 before and after FB removed were not significant (P > 0.05), while HYP levels decreased significantly after FB were removed (P = 0.001). Our findings support the hypothesis that FBA may contribute not only to mechanical airway obstruction, but also possibly to eventual airway remodeling by generation of MMPs and TIMPs. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 38:140–145. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Usefulness of a program of hospital‐supervised physical training in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Turchetta Attilio , Salerno Teresa , Lucidi Vincenzina , Libera Flavia , Cutrera Renato , Bush Andrew 
Published: June 2004

AbstractExercise is an important part of normal childhood, but the ability to exercise may be impaired in chronic lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF). Improving exercise performance by training is very attractive. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of the effects of a physical aerobic training program, performed in the Children's Hospital and Research Institute “Bambino Gesù” (Rome, Italy) in outpatient CF children, supervised by a physician. Twelve patients (mean forced expiratory flow in 1 sec (FEV1), 71%), age range 12–24 years (16.7 ± 4.4 years), were enrolled. They performed a maximal exercise stress test on the treadmill (modified Bruce protocol) with breath‐by‐breath determination of oxygen consumption (VO2) to maximum at end‐exercise; we measured time of exercise (TE), maximal heart rate (Hrmax) in beats per minute (bpm), and maximal systolic blood pressure (SBPm) in mmHg. The program consisted of 12 weeks of training twice a week. Each training session consisted of walking or running on the treadmill for 30 min at the speed that allowed the child to attain 60% of the maximal heart rate obtained during a baseline stress test for 4 weeks, 70% in the following 4 weeks, and 80% in the last 4 weeks, under strict medical supervision. HR was continously monitored. There was no change in FEV1 and forced vital capacity after the treatment period. Hrmax and SBPm also remained the same (P = 0.37 and P = 0.25, respectively). There was a significant increase in TE (P < 0.002), VO2, VO2/kg, and pulmonary ventilation (VE) (P < 0.0001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). This pilot study showed that a simple training program improves short‐term cardiopulmonary fitness in children with CF. Further studies with a larger sample and for a more prolonged time are necessary to assess if sport can have a long‐term effect on lung function or survival in CF patients. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 38:115–118. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of tracheobronchial anomalies in children using low‐dose multidetector CT: Report of a 13‐year‐old boy with a tracheal bronchus and recurrent pulmonary infections
Authors: Heyer Christoph M. , Kagel Thomas , Lemburg Stefan P. , Nicolas Volkmar , Rieger Christian H.L. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractTracheobronchial anomalies in children may be associated with recurrent episodes of pulmonary infections and symptoms of recurrent or persistent airway obstruction. Diagnosis by conventional imaging may be difficult. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) offers the possibility to generate a virtual three‐dimensional bronchoscopy, thus enabling detailed overview of the tracheobronchial system. We report on a 13‐year old boy, admitted to hospital after recurrent episodes of bronchial infections. Functional studies showed airway obstruction with no response to bronchodilators. A chest radiograph was normal. Flexible bronchoscopy revealed tracheobroncho malacia of the distal trachea and the right main bronchus. The ostium of an accessory right‐sided tracheal bronchus, which could not be entered by the endoscope, was also detected. MDCT using a low‐dose protocol was performed on a four‐section scanner (Somatom Volume Zoom®, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany). A three‐dimensional virtual bronchoscopy based on surface rendering was generated, which confirmed moderate narrowing of the trachea and right main bronchus. Furthermore, an accessory and stenotic tracheal bronchus including poststenotic segments, ventilating parts of the right upper lobe, could be clearly visualized. MDCT can be a valuable instrument in the diagnostic pathway of assessing tracheobronchial anomalies in children, including visualization of poststenotic bronchial structures. The use of low‐dose protocols provides adequate image quality to perform virtual bronchoscopy, thus reducing administered radiation to a tolerable amount. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 38:168–173. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A simple method of reducing complications of pediatric nonbronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage
Authors: Morrow Brenda , Futter Merle , Argent Andrew 
Published: June 2004

AbstractOur objective was to determine whether a simple method of maintaining positive pressure ventilation during nonbronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage (NB‐BAL) would successfully reduce the incidence and/or severity of desaturation events. Our design was a clinical trial with historical controls. Seventy ventilated pediatric patients undergoing diagnostic NB‐BAL participated. Two NB‐BAL techniques were compared: 1) the “unsealed” method, where the suction catheter was passed through an open system, maintaining oxygenation but not airway pressure; and 2) the “sealed” technique, which was identical except that the catheter was passed through a diaphragm, maintaining positive pressure ventilation throughout. NB‐BAL was performed on 35 patients using the “unsealed” technique and 2 years later on 35 patients using the “sealed” method. Heart rate and oxyhemoglobin saturation (SaO2) were recorded before, during, and after NB‐BAL. There was no difference between groups with regard to demographic data, oxygenation, or ventilatory requirements (P ≥ 0.1). The “sealed” group experienced a median drop in SaO2 of 6.0% (range, −6% to 44%), and the “unsealed” group a drop of 13.0% (−2% to 61%), during NB‐BAL (P < 0.05). Patients with oxygenation index greater than 10 experienced the most severe desaturation events in both groups: 53.8% of patients in the “sealed” group with oxygenation index >10 desaturated to <80% vs. 91.6% in the “unsealed” group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, we describe a simple, inexpensive modification of the NB‐BAL technique that reduces the incidence and severity of desaturation during NB‐BAL. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and anti‐mildew activity of 5‐(2‐aroyl)aryloxymethyl‐2‐phenyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazoles against downy mildew of pearl millet
Authors: Khanum Shaukath A , Shashikanth Sheena , Sudha Belgur S , Deepak Saligrama A , Shetty Huntrike S 
Published: June 2004

AbstractA manipulatively simple, rapid, high‐yielding and environmentally benign method for the integration of a heterocyclic ring, 1,3,4‐oxadiazole, at the benzophenone nucleus has been achieved through intramolecular cyclization of substituted aroylaryloxyacetohydrazides to substituted 5‐(2‐aroyl)aryloxy‐methyl‐2‐phenyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazoles under solventless ‘dry’ conditions using montmorillonite K10 clay and microwave irradiation. A comparison is made of the microwave‐accelerated reaction with conventional heating conditions. Certain of the derivatives tested showed significant anti‐mildew activity against Sclerospora graminicola (Sacc) Schroeter, the downy mildew pathogen of pearl millet. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparative analysis of neonicotinoid binding to insect membranes: I. A structure–activity study of the mode of [3H]imidacloprid displacement in Myzus persicae and Aphis craccivora
Authors: Kayser Hartmut , Lee Connie , Decock Arnaud , Baur Markus , Haettenschwiler Joerg , Maienfisch Peter 
Published: June 2004

AbstractNeonicotinoids bind selectively to insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors with nanomolar affinity to act as potent insecticides. While the members of the neonicotinoid class have many structural features in common, it is not known whether they also share the same mode of binding to the target receptor. Previous competition studies with [3H]imidacloprid, the first commercialised neonicotinoid, indicated that thiamethoxam, representing a novel structural sub‐class, may bind in a different way from that of other neonicotinoids. In the present work we analysed the mode of [3H]imidacloprid displacement by established neonicotinoids and newly synthesized analogues in the aphids Myzus persicae Sulzer and Aphis craccivora Koch. We found two classes of neonicotinoids with distinct modes of interference with [3H]imidacloprid, described as direct competitive inhibition and non‐competitive inhibition, respectively. Competitive neonicotinoids were acetamiprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, clothianidin and nithiazine, whereas thiamethoxam and the N‐methyl analogues of imidacloprid and clothianidin showed non‐competitive inhibition. The chloropyridine or chlorothiazole heterocycles, the polar pharmacophore parts, such as nitroimino, cyanoimino and nitromethylene, and the cyclic or acyclic structure of the pharmacophore were not relevant for the mode of inhibition. Consensus structural features of the neonicotinoids were defined for the two mechanisms of interaction with [3H]imidacloprid binding. Furthermore, two sub‐classes of non‐competitive inhibitors can be discriminated on the basis of their Hill coefficients for imidacloprid displacement. We conclude from the present data that the direct competitors share the binding site with imidacloprid, whereas non‐competitive compounds, like thiamethoxam, bind to a different site or in a different mode. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Insecticidal activity of deoxypodophyllotoxin, isolated from Juniperus sabina L, and related lignans against larvae of Pieris rapae L
Authors: Gao Rong , Gao Congfen , Tian Xuan , Yu Xiangyang , Di Xudong , Xiao Hang , Zhang Xing 
Published: June 2004

AbstractIn the course of screening for naturally occurring insecticides from plants from the northwestern part of China, a petroleum ether extract of Juniperus sabina L was found to show insecticidal activity against fifth‐instar larvae of Pieris rapae L. From the extract, an insecticidal compound was isolated by bioassay‐guided fractionation. The compound was identified as deoxypodophyllotoxin (1) by comparison of its spectroscopic characteristics with literature data. In bioassays, 1 showed antifeedant activity against fifth‐instar larvae of P rapae at 0.05–1.00 g litre−1 and its AFC50 (concentration for 50% antifeedant activity) values at 12 and 48 h were 0.170 and 0.060 g litre−1, respectively. In that concentration range, all treated insects died within 48 h after treatment and compound 1 showed delayed insecticidal activity. At 0.015–0.100 g litre−1, 1 showed insecticidal activity, with an LC50 of 0.020 g litre−1. The related compound deoxypicropodophyllotoxin (2), however, showed lower antifeedant and insecticidal activities than 1 in bioassay. This indicated that the trans‐lactone ring is an important moiety for enhancing activity in these compounds. Comparison of the insecticidal activities of 1 and another related compound, podophyllotoxin (3), suggested that varying the substituent at C‐4 is an exciting possibility for synthesizing more potent analogues. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Capacity analysis and system optimization for the forward link of multi‐beam satellite broadband systems exploiting adaptive coding and modulation
Authors: Rinaldo Rita , Gaudenzi Riccardo De 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThis paper proposes a methodology for designing and optimizing the performance of adaptive coding and modulation (ACM) schemes for the forward link of unicast satellite broadband networks. The proposed technique of general applicability is based on the overall system capacity maximization conditioned on meeting a certain service area coverage for a given outage probability. The paper first derives in detail the method for computing the Shannon‐based capacity of a multi‐beam satellite system adopting ACM. Then the link efficiency is optimized under different physical layer constraints allowing a more realistic system performance assessment. Finally, to exemplify the methodology application and to quantify the ACM system performance improvement capabilities a study case corresponding to a Ka‐band state‐of‐the‐art bent pipe satellite network is provided. The example illustrates the very substantial capacity gain offered by state‐of‐the‐art adaptive modulation and coding schemes utilization compared to current broadband satellite system design approach. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DVB‐S2 ACM modes for IP and MPEG unicast applications
Authors: Rinaldo R. , Vazquez‐Castro M. A. , Morello A. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe DVB‐S2 standard (ETSI: EN 302 307. Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB): second generation framing structure, channel coding and modulation systems for Broadcasting, Interactive Services, News Gathering and other broadband satellite applications (DVB‐S2)) has been conceived for several satellite broadband applications: Television Broadcast Services, Interactive Services including Internet Access by consumers, Professional Applications such as Digital Satellite News Gathering (DSNG) and TV distribution, data trunking. This paper focuses on the profiles supporting interactive type of services, for which Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM) has been included in the new generation of the standard. Following the DVB‐S2 specifications, a number of modem configurations and tools are made available for implementing ACM in interactive systems. However, the different approaches have important impacts on the design of the system architecture and of the scheduling/resource management algorithms. The aim of the present contribution is providing a first discussion on the critical issues at system and MAC level, which need to be addressed when implementing a DVB‐S2 ACM system. A general introduction to ACM is also provided, as well as an illustration of the key elements included in the DVB‐S2 standard for supporting physical layer adaptivity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of firm and environmental characteristics on international joint venture (IJV) marketing performance in Thailand
Authors: Julian Craig , O'Cass Aron 
Published: June 2004

AbstractInternational joint ventures (IJVs) have become an important means of market entry for many firms, particularly those seeking entry into Asia (Lin & Germain, 1999). This study examines firm and environmental characteristics that impact the overall satisfaction with marketing performance and economic performance of IJVs in Thailand. The data for this study were collected via a mail survey of 1,047 Thai‐foreign IJVs in Thailand. The analysis indicated that IJV marketing performance was influenced by market characteristics, commitment, marketing orientation, and organizational control and that these variables differentially impact overall satisfaction with marketing performance and economic performance. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Doing business in South Africa
Authors: van Wyk Jay , Custy Mary C. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThis survey of the South African business environment outlines the major transformations the country has experienced since 1994. The economy has been restructured, which enhanced fiscal and monetary discipline as well as domestic and global competitiveness. The general business climate has been improved, but continued progress requires (1) prioritization of social issues such as HIV/AIDS, employment, and crime and (2) accelerated privatization, market reforms, and clarity about black economic empowerment. Such changes may stimulate inflation‐rate reduction, foreign exchange stability, and an increase in foreign direct investment. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Research note: The internet's impact on export channel structure
Authors: Li Lee 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThis study explores the Internet's impact on export channel structure. Findings from this study suggest that the Internet does not have a considerable impact on the export channel structure of those manufacturers that adopt differential pricing policies and market separation policies. Export manufacturers that pursue broad targeting or experience dominant distributors may keep their traditional channel structure as well. However, export manufacturers that face tough competition or short product life cycles have to change their traditional channel structure to fit the market changes caused by the Internet. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of poly(vinyl chloride)/wood composites. A literature review
Authors: Jiang Haihong , Kamdem D. Pascal 
Published: June 2004

AbstractPoly(vinyl chloride)/wood fiber (flour) composites are currently experiencing a dramatic increase in use. Most of them are used to produce window/door profiles, decking, railing, and siding by using conical counterrotating intermeshing twin‐screw extruders. Heat stabilizers, processing aids, impact modifiers, lubricants, and pigments are still important for PVC/wood composite formulations. Poly[methylene(polyphenyl isocyanate)] (PMPPIC), γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane, maleated polypropylene (MAPP), and copper metallic complex have proved to be effective coupling agents for this composite system. Mechanical properties of PVC/wood composites can be enhanced by combining wood with mica or glass fibers to form hybrid reinforcements. Ultraviolet light resistance and weathering dimensional stabilities of PVC/wood composites are superior to those of natural wood. Density reduction can be achieved through the microcellular foaming technique by using chemical blowing agents, such as azodicarbonamide and sodium bicarbonate, or physical blowing agents, such as carbon dioxide. J. Vinyl Addit. Technol. 10:59–69, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.