Trend in occurrence of asthma among children and young adults. Reporting of common respiratory and atopic symptoms has increased.
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Adolescent↗
Biomedical subjects
G Russell
Publications and source records attributed to G Russell.
Expression of members of a novel membrane linked metalloproteinase family (ADAM) in human articular chondrocytes.
Using resting chondrocytes derived from human articular femoral head and a conditionally immortalised human articular chondrocyte cell line we have studied the expression of members of the novel metalloproteinase/disintegrin family termed ADAM. Using RT-PCR we can detect the expression of ADAM-12 a novel family member isolated from myeloma cells [1]. We also find expression of ADAM 10 a functional metalloproteinase/disintegrin first isolated from bovine brain and ADAM-15 a metallodisintegrin isolated from mammary derived epithelial cells. Northern blotting was used to confirm expression. One main transcript is visible for ADAM-12 whereas both ADAM-10 and ADAM-15 have multiple transcripts indicating possible RNA variants potentially derived from alternative splicing or alternative use of polyadenylation sites. Since chondrocytes are proposed as an important source of metalloproteinase enzymes involved in joint pathology the potential relevance of the expression of these molecules to connective tissue disorders is discussed.
ADAM Proteins↗
Identification of the location, extent, and pathway of sensory neurologic feedback after mechanical stimulation of a lateral spinal ligament in chickens.
STUDY DESIGN: This study traced the location, extent, and pathway of sensory feedback after the mechanical stretching of a lateral spinal ligament in young chickens. The pathway was traced by locating the sites of Fos protein production in neuronal cell bodies at various sites in the nervous system. OBJECTIVES: To trace the location, extent, and pathway of sensory feedback after the mechanical stretching of a lateral spinal ligament in young chickens. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The innervation of ligaments is thought to form part of a protective feedback mechanism to provide stability for joints. The precise pathway and extent of the feedback for spinal ligaments is currently unknown. Such information would provide a clear focus for future studies, especially for diseases such as scoliosis where it has been suggested that there is abnormality in perception of sensory feedback. METHODS: The intertransverse ligament on the right side at T3-T4 in 4-week-old chickens was exposed by blunt dissection. After Fos production resulting from the surgery had been stopped, the ligament was stretched mechanically and repeatedly for 60 minutes using a 300-g weight. Various areas of the nervous system then were sectioned and processed immunohistochemically to identify areas of Fos production in nerve cell bodies. The presence of Fos indicated neurons that had been stimulated by the stretching the ligament, including interneurons along the feedback pathway. RESULTS: Fos protein was identified in nerve cell bodies in the dorsal root ganglia and intermediate gray matter of the spinal cord at the level of stimulation as well as at several spinal cord levels above and below the site of stimulation. Identification was made on the ipsilateral and the contralateral sides, although the extent of Fos production was less on the contralateral side. Fos presence also was identified in sympathetic ganglia at these sites. Nerve cell bodies in the combined nucleus cuneatus and gracilis in the medulla oblongata, the vestibular nuclei, and the thalamus also contained Fos-positive particles. CONCLUSIONS: Stretching a single lateral ligament of the spine produces a barrage of sensory feedback from several spinal cord levels on both sides of the spinal cord. This sensory information also is transferred to higher levels in the brain, including the nucleus gracilis and cuneatus, the vestibular nuclei, and the thalamus. These sites of Fos production suggest the locations of pathways for this sensory information, which include the dorsal columns and the spinocerebellar tracts. The information obtained from this study provides a clear focus for future studies in this area, particularly for diseases such as scoliosis where it is thought that incorrect perception of sensory information from the ligaments might be a major contributing factor.
Animals↗
Growth during one year of treatment with fluticasone propionate or sodium cromoglycate in children with asthma.
The aim of this study was to compare accurately measured growth over 12 months in asthmatic children treated with either fluticasone propionate (FP) 50 micrograms twice daily (b.i.d.) or sodium cromoglycate (SCG) 20 mg four times daily (q.i.d.). After a 2-week run-in, asthmatic children aged 4-10 years from 15 UK centers were randomized in a 3:4 ratio to open-label FP (n = 52) or SCG (n = 70). After 8 weeks, those whose asthma was not adequately controlled were switched from SCG to FP or withdrawn. Standing height was measured (Holtain stadiometry) at baseline, after 8 weeks and at 6 weeks intervals thereafter for 1 year. Morning peak flows (PEFam) were recorded by patients for 2 weeks during baseline, and 1 week before each visit during treatment. Urinary free cortisol (24 h) was measured at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year. After 8 weeks, 22 patients were withdrawn from SCG group (and were switched to FP), and five patients were withdrawn from the FP group due to poor asthma control. A further 21 and 11 patients were withdrawn from the SCG and FP groups, respectively, during the course of the study. There were no significant differences between patients who received FP and SCG for 1 year (n = 34 and n = 26, respectively) in terms of height velocity adjusted for age and gender (HV), or height velocity standard deviation scores adjusted for gender (HVSDS). Mean HV (mean HVSDS) were 6.0 cm/yr (0.1) and 6.5 cm/yr (0.5) for FP and SCG, respectively. There were no treatment differences in mean 24 h urinary free cortisol levels at 6 and 12 months. Mean % predicted PEFam improved over 1 year in both groups but to a greater degree in the FP group. We concluded that growth was normal in mildly asthmatic children receiving FP (50 micrograms bid) for 1 year. There were fewer withdrawals and lung function improved to a greater extent in FP treated patients than in patients receiving SCG.
Administration, Inhalation↗
Wheeze, cough, atopy, and indoor environment in the Scottish Highlands.
A questionnaire which included items on wheeze, cough, eczema, hay fever, and indoor environment, including parental smoking habits, pet ownership, heating and cooking methods, home insulation, damp, mould, and years lived in their houses, was given to 1801 children, aged 12 and 14 from the Highland Region in Scotland. Of the 1537 (85%) who replied, 267 (17%) reported current wheeze, 135 (9%) cough for three months in the year, 272 (18%) eczema, and 317 (21%) hay fever. There was no consistent relationship between respiratory symptoms and indoor environment although cough was associated with damp, double glazing, and maternal smoking. The prevalence of wheeze, cough, and atopy was higher in children who had lived in more than one house during their lifetime. These results suggest that increasing mobility of families in recent years may be more important in the aetiology of asthma than exposure to any one individual allergen or pollutant.
Adolescent↗
Incidence, population, and survival of cystic fibrosis in the UK, 1968-95. UK Cystic Fibrosis Survey Management Committee.
The UK Cystic Fibrosis Survey holds data on all people resident in the UK who were diagnosed as having cystic fibrosis and born either since 1968 or before 1968 and alive in 1977. Thus, incidence may be reported from 1968 and prevalence from 1977. The previous estimates are updated to the end of 1995 from data held in the database on 23 August 1996. The incidence is now calculated as one in 2415 live births. The 1992 mid-year population was 6500 people with 65% aged under 16 years. Births outnumber deaths by 160 per year, which suggests a population of 7750 by the year 2000, with all the increase being in the adult age range. The survival of successive cohorts continues to be better than earlier cohorts, the linear descent of the curves is still evident. The infant mortality rate for cystic fibrosis is now under 20 per thousand per year and early childhood mortality is under five per thousand per year. The crude mortality rate for 1995 was 21 per thousand per year, but the standardised mortality ratio was about 3300.
Adolescent↗
Height and weight in cystic fibrosis: a cross sectional study. UK Cystic Fibrosis Survey Management Committee.
Cross sectional data reporting the height, weight, and body mass index of UK patients with cystic fibrosis are presented. During the first decade of life height and weight in patients with cystic fibrosis are maintained at about 0.5 SD below those of the general population, which reflects an improvement over earlier published observations. Postpubertal stature and weight maintenance in the cystic fibrosis population still show substantial deficits which may be related to treatment.
Adolescent↗
A comparison of the innervation characteristics of the lateral spinal ligaments between normal subjects and patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
Evidence is rapidly accumulating to suggest that general proprioceptive dysfunction might be a major contributing factor in the development of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The innervation of appropriate ligaments which has been shown to be involved in proprioceptive feedback mechanisms, has also been suggested to play a part in this sensory dysfunction. Accordingly, this study compared the innervation characteristics of lateral spinal ligaments from patients with AIS to similar measurements from control subjects. Using an antibody to neurofilament protein, Ruffini corpuscles, small and large nerve bundles, and free nerve endings were identified and their numbers and distribution patterns compared. In the control group, the innervation was found to be symmetrical between left and right sides but was more concentrated in the ventral portion of each ligament. No apparent morphological defect of the innervation was found in the lateral spinal ligaments of the scoliosis patients but the innervation densities of Ruffini corpuscles, single nerve fibres and total neural elements were significantly lower (p<0.01) than those found in normal subjects. These results suggest a possible mechanism for the production of AIS and warrant further study.
Adolescent↗
Evaluation of social status as a contributing factor to the stroke belt region of the United States.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The southeastern United States has stroke mortality rates above the national average. The causes for this excess mortality are unknown; however, lower socioeconomic status (SES) is a risk factor for stroke, and the lower SES in the Southeast is a potential cause. In this report we assess the proportion of the excess stroke mortality attributable to SES. METHODS: The more than 400,000 participants in the National Longitudinal Mortality Study were categorized into three regions: the coastal plain region of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia ("stroke buckle"); the remainder of these states plus five other southern states ("stroke belt"); and the remainder of the United States. The stroke mortality rates were calculated with and without adjustment for SES, and the proportion of the excess mortality attributable to SES was estimated. RESULTS: In persons between the ages of 35 and 54 years, stroke mortality in the stroke buckle is estimated to be more than twice that of the rest of the nation and 1.7 times greater for ages 55 to 74 years. For persons in the stroke belt, the stroke mortality was 1.3 times greater than that in the rest of the nation for the ages of 35 to 54 and 55 to 74 years. Less than 16% of this excess stroke morality was attributable to SES. CONCLUSIONS: SES does not appear to be a major contributor to the excess mortality in the southeastern United States. Of additional concern is the stroke buckle region, which was shown to have stroke mortality rates substantially greater than those in the traditionally recognized stroke belt.
Adult↗
Childhood migraine: a guide to diagnosis and care.
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Adolescent↗
Antimutagens from Plumeria acuminata Ait.
Four isolates, A1, C1, D3, and F2, from the ethanol extract of the green leaves of Plumeria acuminata Ait, showed antimutagenic activity. The antimutagens were isolated from the bioactive hexane and carbon tetrachloride fractions following a bioactivity-directed fractionation scheme and using the micronucleus test to monitor the antimutagenic activities. Structure elucidation studies indicated that C1 is stigmast-7-enol[1], D3 is lupeol carboxylic acid [2] and F2 is ursolic acid [3]. The structure of A1 was not fully elucidated but MS data suggested that it contained a long hydrocarbon chain. At a dosage of 2 mg isolate/25 g mouse, A1 reduced the number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MPCE) induced by the mutagen, mitomycin C, by 75%, C1 by 80%, D3 by 57%, and F2 by 76%. Compound A2 was also isolated but was found inactive. Its structure was identified to be lupeol acetate [4].
Animals↗
Melatonin levels in idiopathic scoliosis. Diurnal and nocturnal serum melatonin levels in girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
STUDY DESIGN: Matched pairs of adolescent girls were used to compare serum melatonin levels in adolescent patients and control subjects with idiopathic scoliosis during the day and in the middle of the night. OBJECTIVES: To compare serum melatonin levels in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and matched control subjects during the day and in the middle of the night. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Recent studies using the chick as the animal model have suggested that the pineal gland and its main product, melatonin, might be involved in the cause of scoliosis. There have been no studies of melatonin levels in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. METHODS: Blood was collected from seven adolescent girls with idiopathic scoliosis and a group of seven age-matched control subjects. Two samples were collected, one in the middle of the day and one in the middle of the night, to examine the diurnal variation of melatonin production. Serum melatonin levels were measured using a radioimmunoassay technique. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in serum melatonin levels between experimental and control groups either during the day, when melatonin levels were low, or during the night, when melatonin levels were high. CONCLUSIONS: Whereas pinealectomy in young chickens leads to reduced melatonin levels and the development of scoliosis, the results of this study suggest that melatonin levels in mature patients who already have severe scoliosis do not differ from healthy subjects. Whether melatonin levels differ in humans between healthy subjects and patients with scoliosis at the time of onset of the disease remains to be seen.
Adolescent↗
Schistosomiasis: a review of cases in Wellington 1993-4.
AIM: To review those cases of Schistosoma haematobium presenting in Wellington during 1993 and 1994. METHOD: All patients receiving praziquantel during 1993 and 1994 were traced through local pharmacy records. Their clinical records were reviewed and they were contacted by phone to ensure a complete set of information was obtained. This included timing of possible exposure to the parasite, symptoms, investigations and response to treatment. RESULTS: Nine patients were identified who had been treated with praziquantel during this period. The records of six patients were available for review, all of whom had recently travelled to Africa and had swum in water contaminated with the parasite. Four had presented to medical practitioners with irritative voiding symptoms and scant intermittent haematuria. One presented with haematospermia and one after becoming aware that a friend had contracted schistosomiasis. All were treated with a single dose of praziquantel. CONCLUSIONS: This paper has demonstrated an increased number of cases of Schistosoma haematobium being identified in Wellington. The prevalence of this condition is low, but has been seen to increase recently and relates to the increasing numbers of New Zealanders touring Africa. Patients present with relatively mild, nonspecific symptoms which require a high index of suspicion to ensure that appropriate investigations are ordered. The currently available treatment is efficacious and relatively well tolerated.
Adult↗
Continuing increase in respiratory symptoms and atopy in Aberdeen schoolchildren.
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Adolescent↗
Significant others' contribution to early adolescents' perceptions of their competence.
This study measures perceptions of competence in the scholastic and athletic domains and also examines gender differences in these areas. It explores the relative contributions of significant others (namely, parents, teachers, classmates and close friends) for an Australian cohort of early adolescents. A total of 264 children (average age, 11.7 years; 40% female) in Grade 6, their parents and their classroom teachers were surveyed using six modified Harter scales. Analyses supported the notion that the sources related to early adolescents' perceptions were different and that the relative predictive utility of the five sources varied as a function of gender and the domain type. Scholastic competence for males is related to external (father and teacher) perceptions as well as internal (child's) perceptions whereas for females, scholastic competence is related entirely to internal (child's) perceptions. In contrast, athletic competence for males is related only to external (teacher) perceptions, whereas for females athletic competence is related to external (mother) perceptions as well as internal (child's) perceptions. The findings are discussed in terms of their theoretical and practical implications in educational practice.
Adolescent↗
Prevalence of cytolethal distending toxin production in Campylobacter jejuni and relatedness of Campylobacter sp. cdtB gene.
Campylobacter jejuni produces a toxin called cytolethal distending toxin (CDT). The genes encoding this toxin in C. jejuni 81-176 were cloned and sequenced. The nucleotide sequence of the genes revealed that there are three genes, cdtA, cdtB, and cdtC, encoding proteins with predicted sizes of 30,11-6, 28,989, and 21,157 Da, respectively. All three proteins were found to be related to the Escherichia coli CDT proteins, yet the amino acid sequences have diverged significantly. All three genes were required for toxic activity in a HeLa cell assay. HeLa cell assays of a variety of C. jejuni and C. coli strains suggested that most C. jejuni strains produce significantly higher CDT titers than do C. coli strains. Southern hybridization experiments demonstrated that the cdtB gene is present on a 6.0-kb ClaI fragment in all but one of the C. jejuni strains tested; the cdtB gene was on a 6.9-kb ClaI fragment in one strain. The C. jejuni 81-176 cdtB probe hybridized weakly to DNAs from C. coli strains. The C. jejuni 81-176 cdtB probe did not hybridize to DNAs from representative C. fetus, C. lari, C. "upsaliensis," and C. hyointestinalis strains, although the HeLa cell assay indicated that these strains make CDT. PCR experiments indicated the probable presence of cdtB sequences in all of these Campylobacter species.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Calprotectin as a marker of inflammation in cystic fibrosis.
Calprotectin is an abundant neutrophil cytosolic protein released during neutrophil activation or death. The use of plasma calprotectin concentration as a marker of pulmonary inflammation was tested in 31 children with cystic fibrosis, none of whom was acutely unwell or pyrexic. Twenty three were receiving antibiotics, 21 had positive sputum cultures, but none of the traditional tests clearly diagnosed ongoing infection. Plasma calprotectin was significantly higher in the cystic fibrosis group than in matched controls. Sixteen children with cystic fibrosis had values above the control range (320-1570 micrograms/l). Their chest radiograph Northern score, an index of accumulated pulmonary involvement, and their plasma copper, an index of acute phase response, both correlated with plasma calprotectin. Plasma gamma-glutamyltransferase also correlated weakly with plasma calprotectin: thus, hepatic pathology may be a confounding variable. However, the data still suggested that plasma calprotectin is a better index of inflammation than the traditional indices in general use.
Adolescent↗
Recurrent limb pain in schoolchildren.
OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence, causes and clinical features of short lasting recurrent limb pain (recurrent limb pain) in children. DESIGN: Population-based study in two stages, with an initial screening questionnaire followed by clinical interviews and physical examination of symptomatic children. SETTING: 67 primary and secondary schools in the city of Aberdeen. SUBJECTS: 2165 children representing a random 10% sample of all schoolchildren aged between 5-15 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: (a) The causes of limb pain in children, (b) the prevalence of recurrent limb pain in schoolchildren, (c) the relationship of recurrent limb pain to childhood migraine. RESULTS: Sports and playground injuries were the most common cause of limb pain, affecting 9% of all children. The prevalence rate of recurrent limb pain was 2.6% (95% confidence interval 1.9 to 3.4). Episodes of recurrent limb pain had similar trigger factors, associated symptoms, and relieving factors to episodes of headache in children with migraine. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent limb pain is a common cause of limb pain, with a prevalence rate of 2.6%. The close clinical and epidemiological similarities between recurrent limb pain and childhood migraine suggest a common pathogenesis.
Adolescent↗