Dual-task multicomponent exercise-cognitive intervention improved cognitive function and functional fitness in older adults

BACKGROUND

Maintaining cognitive and physical function is essential to healthy aging.

AIM

This study aims to investigate the effect of an exercise-cognitive dual-task program in Chinese language on cognitive function and functional fitness in older adults.

METHODS

Seventy adults aged 60-84 years were conveniently assigned to one of the three groups: exercise-cognitive dual-task (EC) group (n = 28), exercise group (n = 22), and control group (n = 20). The EC group received a 90-min class including multicomponent exercise-cognitive dual-task twice a week. The exercise group received a 90-min class including multicomponent exercise twice a week. The control group maintained their regular level of physical activity and general lifestyle. Cognitive functions and functional fitness were measured before and after the 12-week intervention.

RESULTS

The participants in the EC and exercise group significantly improved scores in Taiwanese Frontal Assessment Battery, the Chang Gung University Orthographical Fluency Test, and the Mini-Mental State Examination; however, those in the control group did not. The participants in the EC and exercise group showed significant increases in almost all functional fitness tests. The participants in the EC group showed significantly higher improvements in Chang Gung University Orthographical Fluency Test score and aerobic endurance than the exercise group and in Chang Gung University Orthographical Fluency Test score and lower body strength than the control group. In addition, the changes in Taiwanese Frontal Assessment Battery and Mini-Mental State Examination scores were significantly correlated with the changes in functional fitness.

CONCLUSION

The dual-task intervention resulted in greater improvements in verbal fluency, endurance, and muscular strength than exercise alone and control.

Latent Transition Analysis of Motor Development Patterns in Preschoolers

In-group heterogeneity is often neglected during investigations of motor development patterns in children. Moreover, the variation in motor development patterns over time has seldom been examined. In this work, 1884 three-year-old preschoolers were selected from a panel study conducted in Taiwan called the National Longitudinal Study of Child Development and Care. A confirmatory factor analysis was applied to analyze the construct validity of the assessments of motor development used for these children. A latent profile analysis and latent transition analysis (LTA) were sequentially applied to clarify their motor development patterns at the ages of three and four years and their transitions between these two ages. The following findings were obtained: (1) The motor development assessment had good validity. (2) Considerable heterogeneity regarding motor development in preschoolers was observed, in which four and three subgroups displaying distinct levels of mastery with respect to their gross and fine motor skills were identified at the ages of three and four years, respectively. (3) From age three to age four, a large proportion of the preschoolers exhibited improvements or retentions in both gross and fine motor skills, whereas some of the preschoolers were classified into subgroups displaying "gross motor retention and fine motor progression," "gross motor progression and fine motor retention," "gross motor retention and fine motor regression," and "gross motor regression and fine motor progression." Few preschoolers exhibited "general motor regression." The present results suggest that there were considerable heterogeneous groups in the motor development in preschoolers in the middle of early childhood, and this phenomenon has rarely been addressed in former studies. The LTA results implied that effective interventions should be given sequentially to preschoolers in subgroups whose motor development presented regression and retention tendencies.

A clinical empirical study on the role of refined rice bran in the prevention and improvement of metabolic syndrome

Rice bran contains lipolytic enzymes with extremely high activity that facilitate the hydrolysis of triglycerides into glycerol and fatty acids. This also causes rice bran to easily deteriorate, limiting its use, and they are not popular in the market. Researchers look forward to seeing the refined rice brans work well for metabolic syndrome. This study used gas cooling by liquid nitrogen and an instant sterilization system operated at high temperature to stabilize and refine the rice bran. The refined rice bran was compared using in vitro tests with three other types of rice bran that had not been specially treated. The refined rice bran was discovered to have superior solubility, fast absorption, and excellent oxidation resistance compared with the other three rice bran samples. In a human subject test, significant improvements in waistline, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and triglyceride level were discovered after participants ingested refined rice bran for 8 weeks. This indicated that consuming refined rice bran can reduce the waistline, control blood pressure and blood glucose, and inhibit fate formation. The items for which significance was obtained are also the indicators of metabolic syndrome, as stipulated by the World Health Organization. Therefore, according to the results of the human subject test, ingesting refined rice bran can improve the metabolic syndrome. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This refinement improved the in vivo absorption and stabilized the properties of the rice bran for better preservation. In this study, excellent results were obtained using the refined rice bran in both in vitro tests and a human subject test. Refined rice bran thus has potential for mass production and used as a health supplement. It can alleviate the symptoms of metabolic syndrome and reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases.

Effects of Myricetin-Containing Ethanol Solution on High-Fat Diet Induced Obese Rats

Myricetin is a natural flavonol widely occurring in wines. Many beneficial effects of myricetin in alcoholic beverages have been reported before, but never including anti-obesity. In the present study, we fed obese male Sprague-Dawley rats with ethanol solutions containing various concentrations of myricetin and found that myricetin may maintain the food intake while reduce the weight-gain, feed efficiency, level of blood lipids, adipocyte size, and weight and size of the perirenal and epididymal adipose tissues (P < 0.01). Our experiment data also show that the anti-obesity effect may be associated with the upregulation of adropin and β-endorphin levels. Based on the above-described findings, we propose the potential for myricetin-containing alcoholic beverages to be developed into anti-obesity health food.

Evolution of beam distribution in crossing a Walkinshaw resonance

The third-integer coupling resonance at ν(x)-2ν(z)=ℓ, known as the Walkinshaw resonance, is important in high-power accelerators. We find that, when the betatron tunes ramp through a Walkinshaw resonance the fractional emittance growth (FEG) is a universal function of the effective resonance strength: G(1,-2,ℓ)√[ε(xi)]|Δ(ν(x)-2ν(z))/Δn|(-1/2), where G(1,-2,ℓ) is the resonance strength; ε(xi) and ε(zi) are the initial horizontal and vertical emittances, respectively; and |Δ(ν(x)-2ν(z))/Δn| is the resonance crossing rate per revolution. At large effective resonance strengths, the FEG reaches an asymptotic maximum value (FEG)(max)~2ε(xi)/ε(zi) for ε(xi)>>1/2ε(zi) or ε(zi)/(2ε(xi)) for ε(xi)<<1/2ε(zi). There is little emittance exchange at ε(xi)=1/2ε(z), which can be used to minimize emittance growth in crossing a Walkinshaw resonance.

Quadruple-bend achromatic low emittance lattice studies

A quadruple-bend achromatic (QBA) cell, defined as a supercell made of two double-bend cells with different outer and inner dipole bend angles, is found to provide a factor of 2 in lowering the beam emittance relative to the more conventional double-bend achromat. The ratio of bending angles of the inner dipoles to that of the outer dipoles is numerically found to be about 1.5-1.6 for an optimal low beam emittance in the isomagnetic condition. The QBA lattice provides an advantage over the double-bend achromat or the double-bend nonachromat in performance by providing a small natural beam emittance and some zero-dispersion straight sections. A lattice with 12 QBA cells and a preliminary dynamic aperture study serves as an example.

Non-traumatic colon perforation in children: a 10-year review

Colon perforation is an abdominal surgical emergency in the pediatric population, but is seldom reported when occurring from non-traumatic causes in children beyond the neonate. The goal of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of non-traumatic colon perforation in children. Medical records for the 10-year period from September 1994 to September 2004 were reviewed for children beyond the neonate with non-traumatic colon perforation. Data gathered included age, gender, symptoms, duration of symptoms, physical findings, and length of postoperative hospital stay. Diagnostic information included laboratory data, radiographic imaging, and operative findings. Forty-four patients with non-traumatic colon perforation were recruited into this study. The mean age was 2.22 +/- 1.87 years; 91.4% of cases were younger than 5 years old. The most common presenting symptom was fever (97.7%); the most common sign was abdominal distention (93.1%). The mean duration of symptoms prior to admission was 6.19 days. Pneumoperitoneum was presented in 86.3% of patients by plain abdominal radiograph. Ascending and transverse colon were the most common perforation sites. Non-typhoid salmonella was the leading pathogen isolated, causing 20.4% of episodes. One case died due to Clostridium speticum infection. Non-traumatic colon perforation most commonly affects children younger than 5 years of age. It may be secondary to infection, especially non-typhoid salmonella. Plain abdominal radiograph can be an adjuvant tool for the high index of suspicion for colon perforation in children with abdominal distention and history of fever or diarrhea for more than 5 days.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia diagnosed by magnetic resonance imagine in late infancy: Report of one case

We report the magnetic resonance imagine (MRI) findings of an 11-month-old baby with delay onset of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The capability of visualizing diaphragmatic discontinuity, connecting bowel segments between abdomen and chest are clearly demonstrated. The various techniques of diagnosing diaphragmatic hernia are described and we emphasize the potential usefulness of MRI in CDH.

Interleukin-15 enhances CD4(+) CD45RA(+) expression on umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells

The reduced incidence of graft-vs.-host disease following umbilical cord blood (CB) transplantation may be related to the functional immaturity of newborn T cells expressing mainly the naive CD45RA phenotype. Expansion of CD4(+) CD45RA(+) T cells using cytokines may benefit neonates and infants with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, as a preferential decline in CD4(+) CD45RA(+) cells has been noted as HIV disease progresses. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of interleukin (IL)-15, a novel cytokine similar to IL-2 in biological activities, on CD45RA/RO expression and apoptosis in umbilical cord blood (CB) and adult peripheral blood (APB) mononuclear cells (MNCs). Prior to culture, CB MNCs contained a greater number of CD4(+) CD45RA(+) cells and fewer CD4(+) CD45RO(+) cells than did APB MNCs. When incubated with RPMI-1640 containing 10% fetal calf serum for 7 days, the percentage of CD45RA(+) cells within CD4(+) T cells (%CD45RA(+)/CD4(+)) significantly decreased compared to that of fresh CB MNCs. IL-15 exerted a dose-dependent increase of %CD45RA(+)/CD4(+) and a corresponding decrease of %CD45RO(+)/CD4(+) in CB MNCs, an effect not observed with APB MNCs treated with IL-15. The percentages of CD45RA(+) and CD45RO(+) expression within CD8(+) cells, however, were not influenced by IL-15, in either CB or APB MNCs. A greater number of CB MNCs underwent apoptosis than did APB MNCs after 7 days of culture in RPMI-1640 containing 10% fetal calf serum. IL-15 did not inhibit apoptosis but induced proliferation comparable to that achieved in APB MNCs. The ability of IL-15 to preferentially enhance the proliferation of CD4(+) CD45RA(+) cells in CB MNCs suggests a role for immunomodulative therapy in HIV-infected newborns and infants.

Phenotypic changes of T-lymphocyte subsets induced by interleukin-12 and interleukin-15 in umbilical cord vs. adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells

The decreased incidence of graft-vs.-host disease found following umbilical cord blood (CB) transplantation, and the increased susceptibility of newborns to infections, have been attributed, in part, to functional and phenotypic immaturity of neonatal T cells. We investigated the phenotypic changes of CB T cells induced by two immunoregulary cytokines, interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-15, alone or in combination. Adult peripheral blood (APB) mononuclear cells (MNCs) were also tested for comparison. Prior to culture, the percentages of CD3+ CD8+, CD3+ CD25+, and CD3+ CD56+ cells were significantly lower in CB MNCs than in APB MNCs. IL-15, but not IL-12, significantly increased CD3+ CD8+ expression among the CB MNCs after 1 week of culture. Combining IL-12 and IL-15, however, resulted in decreased CB CD3+ CD8+ expression compared with IL-15 alone. The percentage of CD3+ CD25+ cells in CB MNCs spontaneously increased in the absence of cytokines, while that of CD3+ CD56+ cells in CB MNCs could not be enhanced with cytokines. In contrast, the percentages of CD3+ CD25+ and CD3+ CD56+ cells among the APB MNCs could be increased with IL-12, IL-15, and further with IL-12 and IL-15 combined. Thus, different patterns of T-cell subset changes were demonstrated between CB MNCs and APB MNCs in response to IL-12 and/or IL-15. These data may serve as a foundation for using cytokine therapy in newborns and children receiving CB transplants.

Factors associated with intestinal perforation in children's non-typhi Salmonella toxic megacolon

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the risk factors for intestinal perforation in children with toxic megacolon caused by non-typhi Salmonella infection.

METHODS

During an 11-year period we reviewed the records of children treated for non-typhi Salmonella infection. All of the subjects had positive stool culture for non-typhi Salmonella and were treated with intravenous ceftriaxone during hospitalization. Clinical data reviewed included demographic features, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, radiologic findings, microbiology, therapeutic effect of hydration and rectal tube placement and the operative findings. Patients with toxic megacolon were defined as those having toxic appearance, diarrhea, high fever (>39 degrees C) and marked colon dilatation with maximal diameter > 1.5 times the width of the vertebra body of the first lumbar spine (L1-VB). To define the risk factors for patients with toxic megacolon complicated by intestinal perforation, patients were divided into two groups for analysis: P group, those complicated with intestinal perforation; and NP group, those without intestinal perforation. Differences in age, sex, severity of diarrhea, duration of fever, hemogram and its differential, culture, stool analysis, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), electrolytes, maximal colon diameter, medical therapy and timing of rectal tube insertion between the two groups were analyzed. Statistical analyses were conducted with chi square tests and multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 75 patients (P group, 27 patients; NP group, 48 patients) ages 4 months to 6 years were evaluated. With chi square analysis 7 variables were found to be significantly associated with intestinal perforation: age >1 year; fever >5 days; ratio of immature to total neutrophils >20%; serum CRP >200 mg/l; colon diameter >2.5 times the width of L1-VB; inadequate early hydration; and delay in rectal tube insertion. With multivariate analysis age >1 year, serum CRP >200 mg/l and colon diameter >2.5 times of width of L1-VB, inadequate early hydration and delay in rectal tube insertion were the most significant factors associated with intestinal perforation.

CONCLUSION

Identification of patients with toxic megacolon associated with non-typhi Salmonella infection at risk for further intestinal perforation is possible. Early effective fluid resuscitation and rectal tube insertion may be helpful to prevent the occurrence of intestinal perforation.

Sonographic evaluation of the pancreatic duct in normal children and children with pancreatitis

We investigated the diameter of pancreatic duct using ultrasonography in 51 children with pancreatitis and age-matched healthy control children over a 5 year period. The diameters of pancreatic duct and pancreatic body were measured simultaneously by sonography. The mean ages of children with acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis were 9.7 +/- 3.9 and 10.3 +/- 3.1 years, respectively (range, 1 to 8 years). The mean age of normal children was 9.6 +/- 5.3 years. A significant difference was found in diameter of the pancreatic duct between children with acute and chronic pancreatitis versus that of age-matched control. In addition, a significant difference in diameter of the pancreatic body was found between children with acute pancreatitis and age-matched controls, but there was no marked difference in diameter of the pancreatic body between normal persons and those with chronic pancreatitis. The mean diameters of the pancreatic duct in acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis were 2.34 +/- 0.47 mm and 2.84 +/- 0.67 mm, respectively, which was greater than that of normal children (1.65 +/- 0.45 mm). Pancreatic ducts with diameters greater than 1.5 mm in children between 1 and 6 years, greater than 1.9 mm at ages 7 to 12 years, or greater than 2.2 mm at ages 13 to 18 years were significantly associated with the presence of acute pancreatitis. Thirty-two patients, including 25 with acute pancreatitis and 7 with chronic pancreatitis, underwent follow-up measurement of pancreatic duct and serum lipase examination on at least three occasions. A good correlation between the diameter of pancreatic duct and serum lipase level was found. Thus, ultrasonography of the pancreatic duct is valuable in diagnosis and monitoring of pancreatitis in children.

Sonographic evaluation of cellulitis in children

Within a 3 year period from July 1996 to July 1999, a total of 105 children with clinical diagnosis of cellulitis were evaluated by ultrasonography. Eighty-six children (age range, 17 days to 15 years) fulfilling the sonographic criteria for diagnosis of cellulitis were enrolled into the study. The sonographic features were used to correlate with clinical symptoms and their duration, the peripheral leukocyte count, and the serum C-reactive protein level. Pus aspiration for immediate microscopic and later bacteriologic studies was carried out under sonographic guidance. Ultrasonographic features of cellulitis included subcutaneous tissue thickening without distortion and pus (25 cases, 29%), distortion of subcutaneous tissue without pus accumulation (26 cases, 30%), distortion of subcutaneous tissue with pus accumulation (19 cases, 23%), and distortion of tissue with abscess formation (16 cases, 18%). The presence of sonographic features of tissue distortion with or without pus accumulation, including abscess formation in children with cellulitis, correlated with a longer duration of symptoms (greater than 4 days), the presence of high-grade fever, higher peripheral leukocyte count, and higher serum C-reactive protein levels. Those patients who underwent sonographically guided aspiration or surgical intervention showed a shorter hospital stay and fever duration than those without such aspiration. Our results indicated that ultrasonography is of great value in managing cellulitis by providing information regarding the progression of inflammation. Sonographically guided aspiration of pus may be a treatment of choice, as it may decrease the need for operation.

The effect of interleukin-12 and interleukin-15 on CD69 expression of T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells from umbilical cord blood

We investigated the effect of two immunoregulatory cytokines interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-15, alone or in combination, on CD69 expression of mononuclear cells (MNCs) obtained from umbilical cord blood (CB) and adult peripheral blood (APB). We established that (1) CD3/69, but not CD16/69, expression on CB MNCs could be increased with IL-12, IL-15 or both in 18-hour cultures, but to a lesser degree compared to that on corresponding APB MNCs, (2) CD3/69 expression on CB MNCs was significantly increased after 1 week's culture with IL-12, especially with IL-15, exceeding that on APB MNCs similarly activated and (3) CD16/69 expression on CB MNCs, but not APB MNCs, was greatly increased after 1 week's culture with IL-15. The combination of IL-12 + IL-15 resulted in greater CB CD3/69 expression than individual cytokines, while producing less of an effect on CD16/CD69 expression as compared to IL-15 alone. The results of our study indicate that neonatal T and NK cells readily respond to cytokine stimulation by upregulating CD69 expression, with a greater effect achieved using IL-15 compared to IL-12.

Effect of interleukin-15 and Flt3-ligand on natural killer cell expansion and activation: umbilical cord vs. adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Expansion and activation of cord blood (CB) natural killer (NK) cells by cytokines might greatly benefit patients undergoing stem cell transplantation by increasing resistance against viral infections and providing graft-vs.-leukemia (GVL) effects through enhanced cytolytic abilities. We tested the ability of a recently cloned stem cell factor, Flt3-ligand (Flt3L), in combination with interleukin-15 (IL-15), to stimulate CB mononuclear cells (MNCs) to proliferate and differentiate into NK cells, in comparison with adult peripheral blood (APB) MNCs. Unstimulated CB MNCs had low NK and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) activity compared with APB MNCs. A similar dose-dependent increase in NK and LAK activity and CD16/56 expression was found with IL-15 in CB and APB MNCs after 10 days of culture. The NK cytotoxicity (against K562 cells) of IL-15-treated CB MNCs was lower than that of corresponding APB MNCs, while IL-15-induced LAK activity (against Daudi cells) of CB MNCs was comparable to that of corresponding APB MNCs. IL-15 resulted in greater CD16/56 expression in CB MNCs compared with APB MNCs after 10 days of culture. Flt3L, alone or in combination with IL-15, had little effect on CD16/56 expression and cytotoxicity. Cytotoxic activities and CD16/56 expression did not alter after CD34 depletion of CB MNCs. We therefore concluded that CB NK cells could be greatly activated and expanded with IL-15, but not with Flt3L. The greater expression of CD16/56 induced by IL-15 in CB MNCs may originate from non-CD34+ NK progenitor cells.

Different articular outcomes of Still's disease in Chinese children and adults

The clinical manifestations, treatment and course, and articular outcomes of 24 children with juvenile-onset Still's disease (JOSD) and 21 adults with adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) were compared retrospectively. There was no significant difference in the initial clinical and laboratory manifestations except that more adults presented with a sore throat (81% vs. 46%, p = 0.03). Although serum ferritin was almost always elevated in both diseases, adults had significantly higher serum ferritin concentrations compared with those of children. Steroid treatment was required in 71% of children and 52% of adults, while disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs were used in 42% of children and 24% of adults during the course. Chronic arthritis (>6 months) occurred in comparable proportions of patients with JOSD and AOSD (46% vs 38%, p = 0.82), irrespective of the disease pattern (monocyclic or polycyclic). However, severe deforming arthritis with marked functional limitation occurred only in JOSD, particularly with polyarthritis at disease onset (more than five affected joints). In contrast, AOSD patients with chronic arthritis had a favourable functional outcome at the end of the follow-up. Our study suggested different articular outcomes of Still's disease in Chinese children and adults.

Sonographic features related to volvulus in neonatal intestinal malrotation

This 3 year prospective study evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of abdominal ultrasonography and color Doppler ultrasonography in 31 neonates with suspected malrotation or malrotation with volvulus. Water instillation was used to detect duodenal dilatation, edema, and malrotated bowels. Twenty patients with ultrasonographic characteristics of inversion of the superior mesenteric artery and superior mesenteric vein were later surgically proved to have malrotation. Nine of these 20 patients also had volvulus. Sonographic features suggestive of volvulus included duodenal dilation with tapering configuration (8 of 9 cases, 89%), fixed midline bowel (8 of 9 cases, 89%), whirlpool sign (8 of 9 cases, 89%), and dilation of the distal superior mesenteric vein (5 of 5 cases, 100%). The sensitivity and specificity of duodenal dilation with tapering configuration for detecting volvulus were 89% and 92%, respectively; of fixed midline bowel, 89% and 92%; of whirlpool sign, 89% and 92%; and of dilation of distal superior mesenteric vein, 56% and 73%. The results of this study indicate that ultrasonographic features of inversion of the superior mesenteric artery and superior mesenteric vein could aid in the diagnosis of malrotation, and certain sonographic features can also be used to evaluate volvulus, a condition requiring emergent operation.

Papillary cystic neoplasm of the pancreas in children: report of three cases

Papillary cystic neoplasm of the pancreas is very rare in children. There were only 35 pediatric cases reported in the literature. We herein three children who had papillary cystic neoplasm of pancreas. They were female teenagers, and were pathologically diagnosed. The major presenting symptoms were abdominal pain and abdominal mass. Serum tumor markers of these patients showed normal results. A CT scan of these patients showed that this tumor was of pancreatic origin. These 3 tumors were localized to head, body, and tail, respectively. The mean maximal diameter of these tumors was 11.3 +/- 3 cm. Sonography and CT examination showed that the tumor was a heterogeneous mass with solid and cystic components. Angiography of this tumor showed a hypervascular mass with blood supply mainly from pancreatic branch of splenic artery. They all underwent tumor resection. All tumors contained some degree of internal hemorrhage or cystic degeneration and all were well encapsulated. Histologically, tumor cells generally showed solid and pseudopapillary growth around the fibrovascular stalks. No metastasis, mortality or recurrence was noted during follow-ups. In conclusion, CT scan helps to make a prospective diagnosis of papillary cystic neoplasm of pancreas. Our study confirmed that a papillary neoplasm of the pancreas is a low-grade malignant tumor. Surgical resection of the tumor is the mainstay of effective management.

Hepatobiliary involvement of Henoch-Schönlein purpura in children

Hepatobiliary manifestation and its evolution in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) had been scarcely reported. Over a ten-year period between June 1988 and November 1998, medical charts of 225 children with the diagnosis of HSP encountered at Chang Gung Children's Hospital were reviewed. Those with the evidence of hepatobiliary involvement were enrolled in the study. The patients with hepatobiliary involvement were defined by having an elevated serum alanine transaminase (ALT) or gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and the presence of abnormal sonographic findings involving liver, biliary system, and gallbladder. The patients included 9 boys and 11 girls with range of age from 3 to 11 years. The mean age of these patients was 6.5 +/- 3.7 years. Preceding upper respiratory tract infection was common in these patients (35%). The main clinical manifestation were distinct from typical abdominal symptoms of HSP, and included right upper quadrant pain (80%), nausea (45%), lethargy (20%), and vomiting (15%). Elevated serum ALT was noted in 15 cases (75%) and GGT in 6 cases (30%). Abdominal ultrasonography revealed hepatomegaly (15/20, 75%), and gallbladder wall thickening (5/20, 25%). No specific laboratory parameters were correlated with the hepatobiliary manifestation of HSP. Fourteen children (70%) received steroid therapy and disappearance of symptoms and sonographic resolution of hepatobiliary lesion was noted within 3-7 days of steroid therapy. All patients recovered completely except for one patient with hepatobiliary recurrence manifested as purpuric rash, abdominal pain, elevated GGT, and gallbladder wall thickening during 2-year follow-up.

Gastrointestinal manifestation and outcome of Henoch-Schonlein purpura in children

BACKGROUND

We reviewed the clinical and laboratory manifestations and analyzed the outcome in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) and gastrointestinal involvement.

METHODS

The medical records of 158 children who had Henoch-Schönlein purpura with gastrointestinal (GI) involvement admitted to our institution from June 1987 to December 1998 were reviewed. We retrospectively analyzed their demographic features, clinical manifestations, and outcome.

RESULTS

Totally 104 boys and 54 girls (male: female = 1.9:1) were enrolled in this study, with a mean age of diagnosis of 5.8+/-4.8 years (range: 2 to 13 years). Sixty-three (40%) of our patients had preceding upper respiratory tract infection. The main GI manifestations included abdominal pain (88%); GI bleeding (75%), and vomiting (25%). Bowel edema was found in 71% of examined patients. Upper GI endoscopy provided supportive evidence of HSP in 58% of patients examined. Five patients were found to have marked jejunal edema with bowel collapse leading to severe intestinal obstruction. Thirteen patients (8.2%) had emergent complications including massive blood loss from GI tract in 4, seizure in 2, severe hypoalbuminemia in 2, and emergent surgical condition in 6. Twenty-one patients (13%) experienced prolonged hospitalization (> or =10 days). Bilious vomiting, hematemesis, leukocytosis (>20000/cmm), high C-reactive protein (>50 mg/l), and hemorrhagic erosive duodenitis were found to correlate with prolonged hospitalization. Fourteen (20%) of 70 patients who received follow-up for more than 5 years experienced GI recurrence of HSP.

CONCLUSION

Despite severe and protracted GI symptoms in some HSP patients, the overall prognosis of GI involvement in children with HSP remains good.

Localised hyaline vascular type of Castleman's disease mimicking adult-onset Still's disease

A previously healthy 18-year-old boy presented with daily spiking fever, polyarthritis, and evanescent skin rashes, as well as hepatomegaly and Raynaud's phenomena for 2 months. He was initially diagnosed with adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD). During the period of follow-up, intermittent fever and migratory polyarthritis persisted and an insidiously growing mass over the right axillary region was noted 1 year after the diagnosis of AOSD. Excisional biopsy of the mass revealed a group of lymph nodes with histological features of the hyaline vascular type of Castleman's disease. The patient's symptoms disappeared soon after excision of the lymph nodes. evanescent rash, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly and serositis [5]. A clinical picture compatible with the diagnosis of AOSD has not been described in the localised hyaline vascular type of Castleman's disease. We report such a case in an 18-year-old male patient who presented prolonged fever and polyarthritis with an initial diagnosis of AOSD. The diagnosis of hyaline vascular type of Castleman's disease was made 1 year later, when the patient developed an insidiously growing mass over the right axilla.

Senescent human fibroblasts have elevated Ku86 proteolytic cleavage activity

A proteolytic activity capable of cleaving the Ku86 subunit of Ku protein to two polypeptides, with molecular masses of 69 and 17 kDa in vitro, is present in a human diploid fibroblast (HDF) cell line. The activity is elevated in late-passaged and senescent cells, and the cleaved 69-kDa product seems able to form complex with Ku70 to bind DNA ends. However, further studies indicate that cleavage of Ku86 could be inhibited by including leupeptin in the extraction buffer, and no 69 kDa variant was evident in the cell. In fact, the levels of Ku86, Ku70 and DNA-end binding activity of Ku remained unchanged during replicative senescence. Thus, this study reveals an intriguing protease in HDFs, and also indicates that inconsistent results of Ku86 expression will be obtained if the protease activity is not completely inhibited.

Serum eosinophil cationic protein determination in asthmatic children-effect of different collecting tubes used for blood sampling

We compared the effect of using 2 different serum collecting tubes, serum separation tubes (SST, with clot activator and gel barrier) and conventional glass tubes (with no additives), on circulating levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in asthmatic children and controls. The serum ECP values obtained from both SST and glass tubes were significantly higher in asthmatic children than in corresponding controls. ECP values were higher in serum samples using SST than in those using glass tubes (P<0.01), while no difference was found between the two in controls. ECP levels correlated with peripheral eosinophil counts, for SST samples and glass tube samples alike. The difference in ECP levels between these two tubes also correlated with circulating eosinophil counts (r = 0.62, P = 0.004) After 18-hour storage at room temperature, the ECP values increased significantly in samples obtained from asthmatic children. No difference in ECP values between SST samples and glass tube samples was found for 18 hour samples. Thus, ECP levels obtained from SST samples and glass tube samples, though reliable, should not be directly compared, especially in asthmatic children with eosinophilia.

Color Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of osteomyelitis in children

We investigated the capability of color Doppler sonography in evaluating acute osteomyelitis in children. Twelve children suspected of having osteomyelitis were evaluated with color Doppler ultrasonography at admission and at regular intervals to observe the inflammatory process of osteomyelitis, determine the response of antibiotic therapy, and predict the need of surgery in these patients. At admission, color Doppler flow within or around the infected periosteum was found in patients with symptoms for 4 days or longer, whereas those with symptoms for less than 4 days showed no color Doppler flow within and around the periosteum. During sonographic follow-up, six cases were found to have increased color Doppler vascular flow within and around the affected periosteum, and two of them had periosteal abscess. They eventually required surgical treatment. Persistent or increased color Doppler flow during follow-up examination correlated with elevated serum levels of C-reactive protein as well. Our study indicated that color Doppler vascular flow within or around the infected periosteum correlated with advanced acute osteomyelitis, and surgery usually was required in these patients. Those with early stage acute osteomyelitis usually showed no vascular flow within or around the infected periosteum. Thus, color Doppler sonography allowed detection of advanced osteomyelitis and revealed the progression of inflammation during antibiotic therapy. Color Doppler ultrasonography might be valuable in determining the efficacy of antibiotic therapy and justifying the need for operation.

Sonographic and color Doppler sonographic diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis: report of one case

Acute osteomyelitis in childhood is uncommon. Early diagnosis is often difficult. We present a 7-year-old boy with clinical manifestation of fever and progressive left thigh swelling for one week. Sonography of the left thigh showed periosteal thickening with subperiosteal abscess around the metaphysis of the left distal femur. Tc-99m bone scintigraphy showed increased uptakes at the left distal femur. Osteomyelitis was suspected from the examination of ultrasound and bone scan examinations. His symptoms were not relieved following systemic antibiotic therapy and a follow-up color Doppler sonography showed vascular flows within and around the periosteum indicating active inflammation. He finally received surgical drainage and the operative findings confirmed the diagnosis of osteomyelitis. In conclusion, ultrasound may be a helpful and convenient tool for establishing the early diagnosis of pediatric osteomyelitis. Ultrasound and color Doppler sonography can be used as clinical parameters to evaluate the disease severity and the progression of osteomyelitis in children.

Ultrasonographic diagnosis and color flow Doppler sonography of internal jugular venous ectasia in children

We investigated the diagnostic utility of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of internal jugular venous ectasia. Eight children (six boys, two girls) were recruited into this prospective study. Sonography of internal jugular venous ectasia in these patients revealed fusiform dilation of the internal jugular vein, and the possibility of thrombus and external compression could be ruled out. Marked variation in size of ectatic jugular veins during respiration was demonstrated under real-time sonography. The mean anteroposterior diameter of these dilated internal jugular veins was 0.79+/-0.18 mm (mean+/-standard deviation), which increased to 1.58+/-0.27 mm with Valsalva maneuver. Our study showed that the anteroposterior diameters of the internal jugular veins in cases of ectasia were greater than those of contralateral jugular veins in same patients as well as those in normal children, and they showed greater increase after Valsalva maneuver. Under color Doppler flow studies, turbulent vascular flows were demonstrated in these patients with jugular venous ectasia. No progression of venous ectasia was found in any of our patients during a 6 month follow-up period. We conclude that internal jugular venous ectasia in children is a benign condition, which usually does not require surgical intervention. Ultrasonography is a good diagnostic modality for the diagnosis of internal jugular venous ectasia. Color Doppler ultrasonography demonstrate the turbulent flow in jugular venous ectasia.

Colour Doppler ultrasonography of retropharyngeal abscess

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to determine the capability of colour Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) in evaluating retropharyngeal abscess in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From July 1996 to February 1998, five children with clinical suspicion of retropharyngeal abscess were evaluated by CDU. The distance from internal carotid artery (ICA) to cervical vertebra (CV) (DICA-CV) at the upper cervical level was measured by longitudinal ultrasonography. Fifty healthy children, aged from 1 to 15 years, were recruited in the study to measure DICA-CV as control. Colour Doppler ultrasonography was used to differentiate abscess from other pathology and to detect carotid sheath invasion. Computed tomography was performed to confirm the sonographic diagnosis. Measurements of the DICA-CV at regular intervals were performed to monitor the progression of retropharyngeal abscess.

RESULTS

Retropharyngeal abscess was highly suspected in all cases under sonographic studies. A patient was found to have carotid sheath invasion. Computed tomography confirmed the diagnosis of retropharyngeal abscess in all cases. Retropharyngeal abscess can be evaluated by the measured DICA-CV. The DICA-CV decreased as the retropharyngeal abscess gradually resolved.

CONCLUSION

Colour Doppler ultrasonography offers a sensitive method to evaluate retropharyngeal abscess in children. It can also be used to monitor the progression of retropharyngeal abscess and avoid unnecessary radiologic examinations.

Sonographic diagnosis of mesenteric hematoma

Blunt abdominal trauma is common in children. Handlebar injuries may produce duodenal hematoma and pancreatic injuries, but mesenteric hematoma is relatively uncommon. We report a mesenteric hematoma resulting from a handlebar injury in a 4-year-old boy. Abdominal sonography showed a heterogeneous hypoechoic mass with an echogenic wall in the central portion of the abdomen. Color Doppler study revealed vascularity at the periphery of the lesion, suggesting mesenteric hematoma. CT, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and a small bowel x-ray series confirmed the diagnosis.

A follow-up study of systemic-onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children

We analyzed the clinical and laboratory features, treatment, and course of twenty-one children with systemic-onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (S-JRA) encountered at our institution over the past ten years. There were eleven boys and ten girls. The mean age at onset was 11.6 +/- 4.2 years. The mean duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis was 5.5 +/- 1.7 months, and the mean follow-up period was 45.7 +/- 9.5 months. The clinical and laboratory features at presentation were similar to previous reports, except that peripheral blood smear revealed toxic granulation of neutrophils in 60% of our patients. Although systemic manifestation could be readily controlled by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with or without additional steroids, nine patients suffered from chronic arthritis (duration > 6 months) requiring disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Of the nine children with chronic arthritis, six (67%) had a monocylic systemic course, and seven (78%) had polyarticular disease (five or more joints affected) at the disease onset. Five patients developed severe destructive polyarthritis, with persistent anemia, thrombocytosis, elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and marked functional limitation during follow-up. One of the five patients with severe arthritis developed systemic lupus erythromatosis after 8-year follow-up, and died of sepsis. Our study indicated significant morbidity in children with S-JRA in Taiwan.

Diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis in children

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but progressive soft tissue infection. This condition is difficult to recognize in the early phase, when it is often confused with cellulitis. We report the cases of four children with necrotizing fasciitis. The initial presentation in these cases was cellulitis. Fever and soft tissue swelling occurred within 24 h and spreading erythema within 4 to 12 h. Radiologic studies of the lesions showed soft tissue thickening. Ultrasonography of the lesions demonstrated distorted, thickened fascia with fluid accumulation. Well-defined, loculated abscesses were demonstrated in two cases. Although typical dusky skin and purplish patches were not found in our cases, necrotizing fasciitis was strongly suspected on the basis of the clinical course and sonographic findings. Ultrasonography also was used as a guide for aspiration of pus. Gram-stained smears and bacterial cultures yielded the pathogens. The choice of antibiotic therapy was made on the results of smears and culture. All patients survived after immediate surgical debridement, intensive antibiotic therapy, and aggressive wound care. In conclusion, ultrasonography provides a rapid and valuable diagnostic modality for necrotizing fasciitis. The pus obtained through sonographically guided aspiration for bacterial culture can allow identification of the pathogenic organisms.

Neonatal necrotizing fasciitis: a report of three cases and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a predominantly adult disorder, with bacterial infection of the soft tissue. In children, it is relatively rare and has a fulminant course with a high mortality rate. In the neonate, most cases of NF are attributable to secondary infection of omphalitis, balanitis, mammitis, postoperative complications, and fetal monitoring. The objective of this communication is to report 3 cases of neonatal NF and provide a literature review of this disorder.

RESULTS

This review yielded 66 cases of neonatal NF. Only 3 cases were premature. There was no sex predilection and the condition rarely recurred. Several underlying conditions were identified that might have contributed to the development of neonatal NF. These included omphalitis in 47, mammitis in 5, balanitis in 4, fetal scalp monitoring in 2, necrotizing enterocolitis, immunodeficiency, bullous impetigo, and maternal mastitis in 1 patient each. The most common site of the initial involvement was the abdominal wall (n = 53), followed by the thorax (n = 7), back (n = 2), scalp (n = 2), and extremity (n = 2). The initial skin presentation ranged from minimal rash to erythema, edema, induration or cellulitis. The lesions subsequently spread rapidly. The overlying skin might later develop a violaceous discoloration, peau d'orange appearance, bullae, or necrosis. Crepitus was uncommon. Fever and tachycardia were frequent but not uniformly present. The leukocyte count of the peripheral blood was usually elevated with a shift to the left. Thrombocytopenia was noted in half of the cases. Hypocalcemia was rarely reported. Of the 53 wound cultures available for bacteriologic evaluation, 39 were polymicrobial, 13 were monomicrobial, and 1 was sterile. Blood culture was positive in only 20 cases (50%). Treatment modalities included the use of antibiotics, supportive care, surgical debridement, and drainage of the affected fascial planes. Two of the 6 cases who received hyperbaric oxygen therapy died. The overall mortality rate was 59% (39/66). In 12 cases, skin grafting was required because of poor granulation formation or large postoperative skin defects among the survivors.

CONCLUSION

Neonatal NF is an uncommon but often fatal bacterial infection of the skin, subcutaneous fat, superficial fascia, and deep fascia. It is characterized by marked tissue edema, rapid spread of inflammation, and signs of systemic toxicity. The wound cultures are predominantly polymicrobial and the location of initial involvement depends on the underlying etiologic factor. High index of suspicion, prompt aggressive surgery, appropriate antibiotics, and supportive care are the mainstays of management in the newborn infant with NF.

Prompt recognition of necrotizing fasciitis in a newborn

We report a 13-day-old female neonate with necrotizing fasciitis, who presented with fever and erythema on her back. Rapidly progressive extension of the erythema to the abdominal wall occurred within 12 hours. Sonography for the lesion showed extensive fascial thickening with fluid accumulation. An abscess was also demonstrated. Necrotizing fasciitis was highly suspected. Under sonographic guidance, pus was aspirated from the abscess. A smear for the aspirated pus revealed a large number of neutrophils and abundant gram-positive cocci. Immediate surgical debridement was done. Cultures from the pus and blood revealed Staphylococcus aureus. The patient was free of symptoms after surgical debridement and aggressive antibiotic therapy. She had skin grafting to reconstruct the debrided wound on the 20th hospital day and was discharged shortly after the debridement of wound.

Description and demonstration of a CMOS amplifier-based-system with measurement and stimulation capability for bioelectrical signal transduction

An extracellular recording system incorporating an electrode array and an amplifier/stimulator CMOS chip is described and characterized. Important features of this custom VLSI chip include 16 instrumentation amplifiers with a gain of 50 and the incorporation of a cross-point array allowing designation of an extracellular microelectrode as either a stimulator or sensor. The planar array consisted of 32 microelectrodes, 14 microns in diameter, and four larger reference electrodes. Microelectrodes, interconnecting traces, and bond pads were patterned with a 500-nm layer of gold. The interconnecting traces were passivated with a 1-micron thick layer of silicon nitride to provide chemical and electrical insulation and microelectrode impedance was lowered utilizing electrode position of platinum black. The amplifier exhibited a nearly flat frequency response with high pass and low pass corner frequencies of 0.7 Hz and 50 kHz, respectively. The input referred noise over the 50 kHz bandwidth was 12-16 microVRMS, well below the magnitude of previously reported extracellular potentials. Crosstalk between neighboring channels resulted in an output signal below the amplifier noise level, even for relatively large extracellular potentials. Using this system, extracellular recording were demonstrated yielding typical peak-to-peak biopotentials of magnitude 0.9-2.1 mV and 100-400 microV for chick cardiac myocytes and rat spinal cord neurons, respectively. The key components of this extracellular recording system can be manufactured using industry standard thin film photolithographic techniques.

Neonatal ileoileocolic intussusception associated with ileal polyp: report of one case

Neonatal intussusception is an uncommon disease. We report a case of neonatal ileoileocolic intussusception led by an ileal polyp in a female neonate. The patient presented with irritable crying, bilious vomiting and frank bloody stool on the 26th day of life. On physical examination, a mobile abdominal mass was palpated. Abdominal sonography demonstrated a long segment intussusception; associated with a low echogenic mass. At laparotomy, ileoileocolic intussusception led by an ileal polyp was found. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of polyp. Because intestinal obstruction is the primary manifestation, neonatal intussusception is initially indistinguishable from obstructions due to other reasons like intestinal atresia, congenital bands, necrotizing enterocolitis or midgut volvulus. Our experience showed that although uncommon, intussusception should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intestinal obstruction during the newborn period.

Gastrointestinal involvement as the initial manifestation in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura--clinical analysis of 27 cases

A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical and laboratory features, results of imaging studies, and course and treatment in 27 children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) who initially presented with only abdominal symptoms. There were 17 boys and 10 girls, aged 6.7 +/- 0.5 years. The abdominal symptoms preceded the purpura for 10.2 +/- 1.9 days, ranging from 3 to 48 days. The main abdominal symptoms were periumbilical pain (77.8%); vomiting (51.9%); diarrhea (29.6%); pain mimicking appendicitis (22.2%) and bloody stool (14.8%). Laboratory findings revealed leukocytosis (88.9%), thrombocytosis (77.8%), positive stool guaiac tests (77.8%), and elevation of serum C-reactive protein (71.4%). Plain film is of limited use, but emergent abdominal sonography can be helpful in patients suspected of appendicitis. Unnecessary laparotomy was performed in three patients, whose pain persisted after the operation. Corticosteroid, given upon the appearance of rash, alleviated the abdominal pain in 2.4 +/- 0.2 days. All patients had recovered completely at six-month follow-up, except that three had persistent microscopic hematuria. A high index of suspicion and early diagnosis of HSP based on clinical features, laboratory data and the findings from diagnostic imaging may avoid unnecessary surgery. Early use of corticosteroid may reduce the suffering in these children.

Acetaminophen overdose in children and adolescents

From 1982 to 1997, 12 Chinese children were admitted to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital with acetaminophen overdose. Six subjects (one young child, and five adolescents) developed liver damage which was severe in three cases (AST > 1000 IU/L). Acetaminophen-induced liver function abnormalities were characterized by elevation of transaminase levels with ALT higher than AST(6/6), coagulopathy(5/6), thrombocytopenia (1/6), but absence of jaundice(6/6). Fortunately, none of the six patients with liver damage developed fulminant liver failure, and all recovered completely. Acetaminophen overdose can cause significant morbidity in children and adolescents. Caretakers should be well instructed to give the drug correctly. So far, acetaminophen is still considered as the drug-of-choice for antipyresis in pediatric practice. However, multicentered collaborative study is necessary to determine whether acetaminophen intoxication causes less hepatic failure in Chinese children than in Western children.

Endocarditis due to Neisseria sicca: report of one case

Many species of the Neisseria, which are respiratory commensals in humans, have been regarded as being nonpathogenic or as causing disease in only immunocompromised hosts. We report a case in which Neisseria sicca was the cause of infective endocarditis in a child with a ventricular septal defect and review the literature on endocarditis due to N. sicca infection. Most of these patients had an underlying heart disease. Dental caries and poor oral hygiene may be two factors that predispose patients to the infection. N. sicca endocarditis usually results in a subacute onset of symptoms and, if not diagnosed early and treated, is associated with a high rate of embolic complications.

Continuous blood glucose monitoring with feedback-controlled glucose infusion during surgical management of insulinoma: report of a case

Perioperative management of insulinoma may be facilitated by the use of a glucose-controlled insulin infusion system (GCIIS; Biostator System, Miles Laboratories Inc., Elkhart, Ind.). We monitored the blood glucose levels and glucose infusion rates before, during and after surgery in a 35-year-old woman with insulinoma. After an overnight fast, glucose was infused according to a preset program and maintained the blood glucose level at around 50 mg/dl. Depression of the blood glucose level and simultaneous elevation of the glucose infusion rate were noted when the tumor was massaged. A sharp decrease in the glucose infusion rate occurred almost immediately after removal of the tumor. It took about 4 minutes for the blood glucose to go up to a level of 90 mg/dl. These results demonstrate the usefulness of GCIIS not only in maintaining stationary blood glucose, but also in localizing the tumor and in providing evidence of complete removal of the tumor. When the infusion system is programmed appropriately, the glucose infusion rate, as compared to the blood glucose level, reacts more quickly and sensitively to sudden changes in insulin levels.