bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary infections of human herpesvirus‐7 and herpesvirus‐6: a comparative, longitudinal study up to 6 years of age
Authors: Huang L‐M , Lee C‐Y , Liu M‐Y , Lee P‐I
Published: January 2008

In order to understand the infection status of human herpesvirus 7 (HHV‐7) in Taiwan and clarify the serological cross‐reactivity between HHV‐7 and HHV‐6, a longitudinal study was carried out in 52 infants from whom 9 sera were available from birth to 6 years of age. All sera were tested for antibodies against HHV‐6 and HHV‐7 by indirect immunofluorescence assay. HHV‐7 infection was not seen before 6 months of age and gradually emerged thereafter, reaching a cumulative rate of 28.8%, 67.3%, 73.1 %, 78.8%, 82.7%, and 86.5% by the ages of 1. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 years, respectively. Primary HHV‐6 infection induced a reactive HHV‐7 antibody in 10/28 (35.7%) cases with a titre of no more than 10. Twenty‐eight children (53.8%) were infected by HHV‐6 earlier than HHV‐7. while eight (15.4%) were infected by HHV‐7 earlier than HHV‐6. In summary, HHV‐7 infected children later than HHV‐6. A one‐way cross‐reaction of HHV‐7 serology by HHV‐6 was revealed and a titre of 20 is appropriate for defining HHV‐7 infection.
Increased lipid peroxidation in children with autoimmune diseases
Authors: Michel P , Eggert W , Albrecht‐Nebe H , Grune T
Published: January 2008

To examine the role of oxidative damage in children and adolescents with autoimmune diseases, we compared blood serum levels of the lipid peroxidation (LPO) products 4‐hydroxynonenal (HNE) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in 22 children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 13 children with focal type of scleroderma, and 21 healthy controls. In order to study the influence of disease activity in SLE on serum LPO product levels, the SLE group was divided into one group with active disease (n= 11) and one group with non‐active disease (n= 11) according to SLEDAI‐score, 15.1 and 1.8, respectively. SLE patients with active SLE (146 ± 14nmol/l, median 145nmol/l) have significantly higher HNE levels compared to controls (61 ± 10nmol/l, median 52nmol/l), whereas the MDA serum levels are similar to those of the control group, 1.94 ± 0.18μmol/l (median: 2.02μmol/l) and 1.58 ± 0.11 μmol/1 (median: 1.52 μmol/l), respectively. Children with SCL had HNE and MDA levels similar to the control group.
Serum C‐reactive protein levels in patients with Kawasaki disease: from the results of nation‐wide surveys of Kawasaki disease in Japan
Authors: Koyanagi H , Yanagawa H , Nakamura Y , Yashiro M
Published: January 2008

Thirteen nation‐wide epidemiological surveys of Kawasaki disease have been carried out successively since 1970 in Japan. In the latest survey, questionnaires on serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels of the patients were included to clarify whether serum CRP levels could be available for the diagnosis and prediction of prognosis. A questionnaire form and diagnostic guidelines for Kawasaki disease were sent to all paediatric departments of hospitals with 100 or more beds throughout Japan, and information including maximal serum CRP levels was obtained on patients with Kawasaki disease diagnosed during the 2‐year period from January 1993 to December 1994. Of the 11 458 patients diagnosed during the 2‐year period, maximal serum CRP levels were reported in 11040 patients (96.4%). The values of maximal serum CRP were higher in the age groups < 6 months and >2 years. The mean value and the distribution of serum CRP levels in suspected cases were lowest among the three diagnostic categories and this difference among diagnostic categories was highly significant in the age groups 6M‐1Y and 1‐2Y. The proportion of patients with cardiac sequelae increased with serum CRP levels in each age group. The mean value and the distribution of serum CRP levels of the patients with cardiac sequelae was higher than those without it and this difference between cardiac prognoses was outstanding in the age groups 6M‐1Y and <6M. The Receiver/Response Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve for maximal serum CRP levels in Kawasaki disease revealed that accuracy of maximal serum CRP levels for prediction of cardiac sequelae was highest in the age group 6M‐1Y. A large‐scale observation and analysis of serum CRP levels of the patients with Kawasaki disease revealed age‐dependent relationships among maximal serum CRP levels, diagnostic categories and prognosis. Serum CRP levels may be helpful for the prediction of prognosis with the consideration of age.
The effect of aerosolized furosemide in infants with chronic lung disease
Authors: Ohki Y , Nako Y , Koizumi T , Morikawa A
Published: January 2008

To investigate whether aerosolized furosemide would improve pulmonary function in premature infants with chronic lung disease, we enrolled eight preterm ventilator‐dependent infants in a cross‐over, double‐blind. placebo‐controlled trial. Either aerosolized furosemide (2mg/kg) or placebo (0.9% saline) was administered, and serial pulmonary function tests were performed before and at 1 and 2h after each inhalation. After furosemide inhalation, static respiratory compliance increased significantly by 24.3% and 23.2% as percentage change from the baseline value at 1 and 2h (p= 0.014 and 0.022, respectively). Also, tidal volume increased significantly by 33.8% and 28.7% at 1 and 2h, respectively (p= 0.004 and 0.009). In contrast, no changes were observed in them after placebo inhalation. Total respiratory resistance was unchanged after both furosemide and placebo inhalation. There were no differences in urine volume in two groups. These data suggested that aerosolized furosemide improved pulmonary function in infants with chronic lung disease without excessive diuresis.
Longitudinal monitoring of bone mineral density in thalassemic patients. Genetic structure and osteoporosis
Authors: Filosa A , Maio S Di , Vocca S , Saviano A , Esposito G , Pagano L
Published: January 2008

The changes in bone mineral density (BMD) measured by single photon absorptiometry (SPA) using two observations conducted over a period of 2 years were examined in 54 thalassemic subjects [30 F(A)and 24 M (B)] with a chronological age ranging from 2.6 to 22.6 years and in 27 sex‐ and age‐matched controls (C). Each category (A. B and C) was divided into three groups according to pubertal signs: pre‐pubertal subjects (A1, B1 and C1): peri‐pubertal subjects (A2, B2 and C2) and pubertal subjects from the first observation (A3, B3 and C3). Furthermore, each group of patients was divided into sub‐groups on the basis of haematological phenotypes, those with a more severe form were called β0/β0 while those with other forms were called “others”. The most significant findings were the following: the presence of a more severe reduction of the bone mineral density in patients with the β0/β0 phenotype than in patients with the “others” phenotype; patients with hypogonadism corresponded to the β0/β0 phenotype, while those with spontaneous puberty corresponded to the “others” phenotype. In conclusion, since puberty and the degree of bone mineral density are related to the haematological phenotype, puberty (spontaneous or induced) positively influences the bone mineral density only at the start of puberty, while subsequently, the degree of osteoporosis is the expression of widespread and chronic systemic damage due to the haematological phenotype.
Helicobacter pylori duodenal colonization in children
Authors: Bonamico M , Mariani P , Magliocca FM , Petrozza V , Montuori M , Pezzella C , Luzzi I , Carpino F
Published: January 2008

To investigate the prevalence and the significance of Helicobacter pylori duodenal colonization, endoscopic duodenal biopsies were performed in 168 children with chronic abdominal pain, gastroesophageal reflux, gastrointestinal bleeding, and malabsorption syndrome. Helicobacter pylori infection was detected in 68 children (40.4%): in 31 of them H. pylori was present in the gastric antrum, and in 37 in the duodenum also. Duodenitis was observed in 25 children with duodenal H. pylori; gastric metaplasia in 3. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of the micro‐organism in 3/13 cases; the bacteria were located in the intercellular spaces and alterations of the epithelial surface were found. In conclusion, H. pylori gastritis in children is often associated with duodenal colonization which can cause duodenitis, and also without gastric metaplasia, which indicates a possible role of the micro‐organism in the pathogenesis of the lesions.
Use of new Nordic criteria for classification of SIDS to re‐evaluate diagnoses of sudden unexpected infant death in the Nordic countries
Authors: Vege Å , Rognum TO
Published: January 2008

To investigate whether changes in diagnostic practice might be the cause of the SIDS epidemic in the Nordic countries in the 1970s and 1980s a cooperative study was initiated in 1990. Common morphologic diagnostic criteria for SIDS were established in 1992 and 127 randomly selected sudden unexpected infant deaths from all Nordic countries from 1970 to 1995 and 205 cases from the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Oslo, Norway (RMI) from 1984 to 1995 were re‐evaluated blindly using the new criteria. Neither the increase nor the decline in the SIDS rate since 1989 seemed to be due to changed diagnostic practices. SIDS seemed to have been under‐diagnosed before the new criteria came into operation in 1992. There were fewer discrepancies between the original and revised diagnoses in the RMI cases than in the rest of the Norwegian cases, both before and after 1992.
Follow‐up results of different treatment programs for obese children
Authors: Braet C , Winckel M Van , Leeuwen K Van
Published: January 2008

Objective Many approaches have been tried in order to tackle the problem of obesity in children, but most of them have failed to achieve long‐term weight loss. Cognitive behaviour therapy tends to predict good prospects. So far, no studies have investigated the surplus value of introducing a “healthy‐eating” lifestyle program instead of a strict diet prescription, in combination with the principles of cognitive behaviour therapy. Therefore, a new program was designed. The second aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of different forms of therapeutic contact. Subjects and methods: The obese group consisted of 205 children seeking treatment, and a control group of 54 obese school children. The effects of the program were evaluated by means of a pre‐test/post‐test design with a 1‐y follow‐up. Subjects were assigned to different therapeutic conditions: group therapy, individual therapy, summer camp or “advice in one session”. Results: A progressive and significant loss of weight for all therapeutic conditions was noticeable. The reduction continued at least 6 months after completing therapy. The control group, however, showed weight evolution in the opposite sense. Conclusions: A replication of the positive effect of CBT was found in a broad sample of clinically obese children, even without strict diet prescription. Our hypothesis that group approach will result in a better outcome is borne out.
Late‐appearing diaphragmatic hernia following resolution of right pleural effusion
Authors: Bar‐Oz B , Fields SI , Peleg O , Udassin R , Arad I
Published: January 2008

A case of late‐appearing congenital diaphragmatic hernia in a premature infant with previously normal chest X‐ray is reported. Pleural effusion accumulation and resolution preceded herniation of the liver to the right hemithorax and development of respiratory symptoms. Chest X‐ray, ultrasound and computed tomography of the chest were useful in establishing the correct diagnosis. Pleural effusion without obvious cause should alert the paediatrician to the possibility of this rare condition.
Multiple food allergy: a possible diagnosis in breastfed infants
Authors: de Boissieu D. , Matarazzo P. , Rocchiccioli F. , Dupont C.
Published: January 2008

Six infants suspected of food allergy during breastfeeding were evaluated using prick tests, total IgE, RASTs and intestinal permeability measurements during fast and provocation with mother's milk. An elimination diet was undertaken in mothers, removing first cow's milk protein (CMP), then, when inefficient, all foods suspected on the clinical history or a positive prick test in the child, followed by oral challenges in mother's diet with the corresponding food. The sole CMP‐free diet in mothers always proved insufficient. In four, an additional diet excluding two to three other foods cleared the symptoms. Oral provocations in mother's diet with those foods were positive in all. In two, mothers turned down a diet excluding more than four foods, symptoms cleared while feeding the child with an extensively hydrolysed formula, whereas challenges with mother's milk induced immediate reactions. Intestinal permeability was altered during provocation tests with mother's milk sampled before maternal diet. Food allergy during breastfeeding may be due to multiple foods and the inefficacy of the sole CMP elimination in mothers does not rule out food sensitization.
Oral rehydration with a plantain flour‐based solution in children dehydrated by acute diarrhea: a clinical trial
Authors: Arias MM , Alcaráz GM , Bernal C. , González G.
Published: January 2008

A clinical trial was conducted in order to prove the efficacy of a solution containing 50 g/1 of plantain flour and 3. 5 g/1 of sodium chloride (NaCl) for the rehydration of children with acute diarrheal diseases. 121 children were given WHO‐ORS (Group A) and 117 a plantain flour‐based solution (Group B). Rehydration was successful in 85. 9% in Group A and 88. 0% in Group B (p= 0. 634). Rehydration was completed in 5. 28 h (SD 1. 99) in Group A and in 4. 88 h (SD 2. 11) in Group B (p= 0. 132). The average solution intake for rehydration was 24. 56ml/kg/h (SD 10. 12) in Group A and 21. 17ml/kg/h (SD 9. 35) in Group B (p= 0. 00782). The mean stool output during rehydration was 8. 45g/kg/h (SD 9. 72) in Group A and 4. 69 g/kg/h (SD 4. 98) in Group B (p= 0. 00053). Decrease in blood levels of sodium and potassium occurred in some children in group B. The plantain flour‐based solution proved effective for the treatment of dehydration due to acute diarrheal diseases and should be considered as an alternative when standard WHO‐ORS is not available.
The impact of thyroid autoimmunity in children and adolescents with Down syndrome
Authors: Ivarsson S‐A , Ericsson U‐B , Gustafsson J. , Forslund M. , Vegfors P. , Annerén G.
Published: January 2008

The extent to which autoimmunity contributes to thyroid dysfunction in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) has not been clarified. In this study, we used the same highly sensitive method to detect both thyroid autoantibodies (thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies) in 70 children (32 M and 38 F) with DS, mean age 10. 5 y (range 1–19 y). Twenty‐seven (39%) of the patients were found to have thyroid autoantibodies, the prevalence of antibody positivity increasing with age. Of the 17 (24%) of the series who were hypothyroid (i. e. high basal TSH level and a low total‐ or free‐T4 level), 11 had thyroid autoantibodies, and another 6 with thyroid autoantibodies became hypothyroid during 13–35 months of follow‐up. Thus, the findings suggest that the majority of hypothyroid children with DS suffer from autoimmune thyroid disease.
Prevalence of asthma in Danish children aged 8–10 years
Authors: Prahl P. , Christiansen P. , Hjuler I. , Kaae HH
Published: January 2008

The aim of the study was to estimate the point prevalence of asthma in schoolchildren aged 8–10 y in the County of Copenhagen, Denmark. In all, 1040 schoolchildren were randomly chosen for the study and a total of 774 completed the study. The suspicion of asthma was based on a questionnaire about respiratory symptoms and on daily registration of respiratory symptoms and peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) for 4 weeks. The conclusive diagnosis was based on interview, clinical examination, spirometry and an exercise test. The prevalence of children with asthma diagnosed by their GPs was 3/774 (4. 0%). A further 20/774 (2. 6%) were diagnosed as having asthma. There is evidence to suggest that asthma is less frequent in Denmark than in Great Britain, New Zealand and Australia.
Moisture and mould problems in schools and respiratory manifestations in schoolchildren: clinical and skin test findings
Authors: Taskinen T. , Meklin T. , Nousiainen M. , Husman T. , Nevalainen A. , Korppi M.
Published: January 2008

Objective: We performed a clinical study in 99 children attending schools with moisture problems and compared the findings with those of 34 children from a reference school. The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible association between respiratory or allergic diseases in the pupils and moisture or mould problems in the school buildings. Results: Asthma was diagnosed in nine (6. 7%) children: eight of them came from the moisture‐problem schools and all were over 10 y old. In addition, 17 non‐asthmatic children had suffered from wheezing and 21 from long‐term cough, both symptoms being suggestive of occult asthma. If moisture problems were observed both at home and in the school, the frequency of asthma was 21% and the combined frequency of asthma and wheezing was 43%. The presence of allergic rhinocon‐juntivitis or atopic dermatitis had no association with moisture or mould problems. We performed skin‐prick tests to 13 moulds in all the 133 children. A positive reaction (> 3 mm) was observed in only six (5%) of them. All six positive children reacted to at least one moisture‐indicative mould, Fusarium roseum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Phoma herbarum or Rhodotorula rubra. None of these cases came from the reference school. There was a significant association between positive reactions to moisture‐indicative moulds and asthma; four (44%) of the nine children with asthma had such reactions. In addition, all the 6 reactive children had either asthma or wheezing. Conclusions: We report preliminary evidence for an association between moisture or mould problems in the school building and the presence of manifest and occult asthma in the pupils. Our results show that skin‐test positivity to moulds is rare in children. However, reactivity to moisture‐indicative moulds seems to be associated with the occurrence of asthma or wheezing.
Maturation of hepatosomal mono‐oxygenation and glucuronidation activities in pre‐ and full‐term infants as studied using the [15N]methacetin urine test
Authors: Krumbiegel P. , Domke S. , Mörseburg B. , Boehm G. , Braun W.
Published: January 2008

The non‐distressing [15N]methacetin liver function test was modified and applied to newborn healthy infants in order to measure both the total [15N]methacetin metabolites excreted in the urine (total elimination capacity) and the proportion of glucuronated metabolite. By studying pre‐ and full‐term normotrophic neonates 3–168 days old, the age‐dependent maturation of the two developing liver function processes can be compared on the basis of either postnatal or postmenstrual age. When solely considering postnatal age, no significant differences between the pre‐ and full‐term infants were observed in the development of the total elimination capacity. However, when postmenstrual age was considered, it became apparent that this development starts earlier in pre‐term infants and continues at the same rate as their full‐term counterparts, up to the postmenstrual age of approximately 280 days. This increase subsequently diminishes in the pre‐terms. In the same study group, the proportion of glucuronidation, another indicator of the hepatic detoxification system, appears to develop at a lower rate in pre‐term than in full‐term infants. When postmenstrual age is taken into consideration, glucuronidation development is also observed to begin earlier in pre‐term infants and the slower maturation is more pronounced. Although these results are not generally applicable, they contribute to a better interpretation of the [15N]methacetin liver function test–for instance when estimating effects due to environmental exposure or accurately calculating age‐related drug dosage for neonates.
Comparison of two methods of measurement of whole blood glucose in the neonatal period
Authors: Sharief N. , Hussein K.
Published: January 2008

The purpose of this study was to compare the performance and accuracy of the HemoCue B‐Glucose photometer system and reagent strip tests used in conjunction with reflectance photometry against a reference plasma glucose method. One hundred consecutive babies admitted to the neonatal unit over a 6‐month period were enrolled in the study. Each baby had a heelprick capillary glucose measured by HemoCue and reagent strip tests. At the same time venous plasma glucose and haematocrit were measured. The mean difference between the reagent strip test and plasma glucose was significantly less than the corresponding value for the HemoCue (0. 015 ± 1. 41 vs 0. 837 ± 1. 565 mmol 1‐1, mean ± SD); however, the agreement limits between both methods and plasma glucose were wide. No significant effect of haematocrit was detected on either method. The HemoCue photometer does not offer any advantage over the widely used reagent strip tests in the neonatal period. However, the limits of agreement of both methods compared with plasma glucose are too wide to be clinically acceptable in the neonatal period.
The prevalence and associated factors of epilepsy in children in Calicut District, Kerala, India
Authors: Hackett RJ , Hackett L. , Bhakta P.
Published: January 2008

To determine the prevalence of epilepsy and its association with indices of malnutrition, infection and perinatal complications in children in Calicut District, Kerala, India, a door‐to‐door two‐stage survey was conducted in two local government districts. Among the random sample of 1172 children aged 8–12 y, 26 conformed to the definition of epilepsy giving a 5‐y period prevalence of 22. 2/1000. A history of perinatal complications, low BMI and recent physical symptoms were independently associated with active epilepsy. The results suggest epilepsy is highly prevalent in this population of children and that further research is needed into its cause.
Oral desmopressin treatment of central diabetes insipidus in children
Authors: Boulgourdjian EM , Martínez AS , Ropelato MG , Heinrich JJ , Bergadá C.
Published: January 2008

To assess the efficacy of treatment with oral desmopressin (DDAVP), 20 patients, aged 5–20 y, with central diabetes insipidus were studied during 3 d of hospitalization and for 3 months at the outpatient clinic. At baseline the median rate of diuresis was 12. 7 ml kg‐1 h‐1. Urinary output decreased significantly under treatment with an increase in urinary osmolality, normalization of plasma osmolality and absence of nocturia. Patients were discharged from hospital with a median dose of 500μg d‐1 (100–1200μg d‐1). An adjustment in dosage was necessary in seven patients during follow‐up, resulting in a final dose of 600μg d‐1. Body weight and DDAVP doses (r= 0. 75, p= 0. 001) and body surface and DDAVP doses (r= 0. 72, p < 0. 001) were significantly correlated. The average dosage was 474 ± 222μg m‐2 d‐1 (mean ± SD). The oral DDAVP treatment remained effective during the 3 months of follow‐up. This therapy offers an alternative for the treatment of central diabetes insipidus in children.
Differential modulation of the immune response by breast‐ or formula‐feeding of infants
Authors: Pabst HF , Spady DW , Pilarski LM , Carson MM , Beeler JA , Krezolek MP
Published: January 2008

Spontaneous integrin expression on CD4+, CD8+ and CD19+ lymphocytes at 6 months was significantly lower in breastfed than formula‐fed infants (p < 0.05). In another study of 59 formula‐fed and 64 breastfed 12‐month‐old children blast transformation and cytokine production by lymphocytes, and T cell changes were measured before and after measles‐mumps‐rubella vaccination (MMR). Before vaccination, lymphocytes of breastfed children had lower levels of blast transformation without antigen (p < 0.001), with tetanus toxoid (p < 0.02) or Candida (p < 0.04), and lower interferon‐γ production (p < 0.03). Fourteen days after the live viral vaccination, only the breastfed children had increased production of interferon‐γ (p < 0.02) and increased percentages of CD56+ (p < 0.022) and CD8+ cells (p < 0.004). These findings are consistent with a Thl type response by breastfed children, not evident in formula‐fed children. Feeding mode has an important long‐term immunomodulating effect on infants beyond weaning.
Excitatory amino acid levels in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with infantile spasms
Authors: İnce E. , Karagöl U. , Deda G.
Published: January 2008

Infantile spasm is an age‐specific epileptic encephalopathy. Long‐term intellectual outcome of affected infants remains poor. The pathogenesis of infantile spasms, as well as the development of mental retardation, remains unclear. Increased excitatory amino acid neurotransmission may play a role in neuronal dysfunction and epilepsy. To study the significance of cerebrospinal fluid excitatory amino acids in infantile spasms, we determined glutamate and aspartate concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid of 13 patients with infantile spasms and 13 controls. The aspartate level in cerebrospinal fluid of the patients with infantile spasms (968 ± 416 nmol/1) was higher than the control group (426 ± 272nmol/l). No difference in the mean glutamate levels was found between the patients (966 ± 395 nmol/1) and the controls (1135 ± 594 nmol/1). The elevated aspartate levels in cerebrospinal fluid of the patients with infantile spasms might be secondary to change in metabolism of aspartate. Aspartate is an excitatory and neurotoxic neurotransmitter, which might have a role in triggering the spasms and the development of neuronal dysfunctions in the patients with infantile spasms.
Glucocorticoid receptors in cord blood lymphocytes of healthy neonates and of preterms suffering from respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: van de Vlugt BCM de Vries , Lentjes EGWM , Romijn FPTHM , Berger HM , Massa GG
Published: January 2008

We measured the number of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in cord blood lymphocytes and the binding affinity (Kd) in 15 term and in 20 preterm babies. Thirteen preterms of the latter group received prenatal steroid treatment. Seven preterms developed neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). The number of GR and the Kd were similar in the term and preterm (with and without NRDS) babies. The maximum thymidine incorporation into DNA of cord blood lymphocytes from all preterms, with or without NRDS was suppressed when compared to that from term babies or adults. This could partly be explained by the antenatal steroid treatment. Sensitivity (ID50) of the lymphocytes for the inhibitory effect of dexamefhasone was the same in all groups. In this study on the number and function of GR in lymphocytes, we were unable to find a relation between the functionality of the GR and the development of NRDS.
Ictal and interictal SPECT in a newborn infant with intractable seizure
Authors: Koç E. , Serdaroğlu A. , Kapucu Ö , Atalay Y. , Gücüyener K. , Atasever T.
Published: January 2008

Neonatal seizures can be difficult to classify according to partial vs generalized onset based on clinical appearance, electroencephalogram (EEG) or other adjunctive imaging techniques. Single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) has proven to be useful in adults; however, its use is limited in the paediatric age group, particularly in neonates. A case of a 12‐d‐old infant with intractable seizures is reported, on whom an interictal Tc‐99m HMPAO SPECT showed an area of hypoperfusion in the left temporal cortex, whereas the ictal SPECT revealed prominent hyperperfusion in the same area. The EEG of the infant demonstrated generalized epileptiform activity, while computed tomography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings were normal. This case indicates that the use of SPECT may provide valuable data in evaluation of neonatal seizures, particularly with poorly localized EEG changes and normal MRI scans.
Pathophysiology and impact of nocturnal enuresis
Authors: Hjälmås K
Published: January 2008

Nocturnal enuresis in children is not a psychogenic disorder. It is caused by a hereditary delay in maturation of the somatic mechanisms (reduction of nocturnal urine production and a normal arousal to a full bladder) which prevent the child from wetting*the bed. Traditionally, doctors treating bedwetting children have used an expectant attitude, because nocturnal enuresis has been looked upon as self‐limiting and harmless. According to recent research this is not true. More than 5% of children and 0. 5% of the adult population report nocturnal enuresis, meaning that 10% of enuretic children will remain bedwetters for life if left untreated, and nocturnal enuresis is perceived as a shameful condition, giving a significant impairment of self‐esteem at an age when an intact self‐image is extremely important for an optimal development of the child's personality. Treatment should be given when the enuretic child wants to sleep dry.
Increased mucosal inflammatory cytokines in children with Helicobacter pylori‐associated gastritis
Authors: Kütükçüler N , Aydogdu S , Göksen D , çaglayan S , Yagcyi RV
Published: January 2008

The concentrations of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐1‐β in tissue homogenates of gastric mucosal biopsy specimens, and in gastric juice samples from Helicobacter pylori‐positive and ‐negative children, were determined. The study population comprised 30 children with recurrent abdominal pain attending upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Of these patients 18 were infected with H. pylori. Cytokine concentrations in gastric biopsy homogenate supernatants and in gastric juice were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). TNF‐α levels in gastric juice and in gastric biopsy homogenate supernatants in patients with H. pylori‐positive gastritis were found to be significantly higher than those in children without H. pylori infection. IL‐6 levels were also higher in H. pylori‐infected subjects, but the difference in IL‐6 concentrations measured in gastric juice and biopsy homogenate supernatants did not reach statistical significance. IL‐1‐β concentrations in both specimens showed no significant difference between the two groups of children. It was suggested that increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, especially TNF‐α and IL‐6 generated locally within the gastric mucosa might be implicated in the pathogenesis of H. pylori‐associated gastritis in childhood.
Reference values for height, height velocity and weight in Turner's Syndrome
Authors: Rongen‐Westerlaken C , Corel L , van den Broeck J , Massa G , Karlberg J , Albertsson‐Wikland K , Naeraa RW , Wit JM
Published: January 2008

As Northern Europeans are currently the tallest people in the world, specific growth charts for girls with Turner's Syndrome from this area are needed. Based on height and weight measurements from 598 girls with Turner's Syndrome (372 from the Netherlands, 108 from Denmark, 118 from Sweden) not treated with growth‐promoting substances and without signs of spontaneous puberty, we constructed growth charts for height‐for‐age, height‐velocity‐for‐age, weight‐for‐age, weight‐for‐height and Body Mass Index for age. Reference tables and regression equations for mean and standard deviation are provided allowing calculation of Standard Deviation Scores. The height and height velocity curves show a low birth length, gradual deviation from the normal percentile curves without pubertal growth spurt, and a prolonged growth until the early 20s. Mean adult height was 146. 9 ± 7. 8 cm. Mean weight‐for‐age was lower than in normal reference children but height‐adjusted weight was higher, except in infancy and early childhood. Further studies are required on the factors influencing the weight‐height relationship in Turner's Syndrome.
Behavioral adjustment in children of diabetic mothers
Authors: Rizzo TA , Silverman BL , Metzger BE , Cho NH
Published: January 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether maternal diabetes in pregnancy may adversely affect the children's behavioral adjustment, in a sample of 201 mothers (68 with pre‐gestational diabetes, 50 with gestational diabetes, and 83 with non‐diabetic pregnancies) and their singleton offspring. After accounting for socioeconomic status, ethnicity and maternal attitudes, none of the Child Behavior Checklist ratings correlated significantly with maternal patient group or several indices of antepartum maternal metabolism. Child obesity, a common sequela of diabetic pregnancies, correlated positively with Internalizing Behavior problems and three narrow‐band sub‐scales: Somatic Complaints, Anxious/Depressed, and Social Problems. Results suggest that children of diabetic mothers are at increased risk for a variety of developmental disturbances. Screening for learning and behavioral difficulties should be made at regular pediatric visits, with follow‐up evaluations warranted by positive indications, excessive weight gain, or other evolving medical concerns.
Screening for complement deficiency in bacterial meningitis
Authors: Ernst T , Späth PJ , Aebi C , Schaad UB , Bianchetti MG
Published: January 2008

Seventy‐seven children with bacterial meningitis were screened for complement deficiency. Both the classical and the alternate pathways were normal in 75 patients. Transiently reduced total haemolytic activity of the classical pathway was documented in a boy with meningococcal meningitis. Total haemolytic activity of both the classical and the alternate pathways were reduced in another patient with pneumococcal meningitis: individual complement components determination indicated predominant activation of the alternate pathway.
Tyrosinemia type III: diagnosis and ten‐year follow‐up
Authors: Cerone R , Holme E , Schiaffino MC , Caruso U , Maritano L , Romano C
Published: January 2008

Tyrosinemia type III, caused by deficiency of 4‐hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, is a rare disorder of tyrosine catabolism. Primary 4‐hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase deficiency has been described in only three patients. The biochemical phenotype shows hypertyrosinemia and elevated urinary excretion of 4‐hydroxyphenyl derivatives. We report the clinical and biochemical findings and the results of long‐term follow‐up in a new patient with this disorder presenting with severe mental retardation and neurological abnormalities. The clinical phenotype is compared with those reported in the three previously described patients.
Lean in red alder (Alnusrubra): growth stress, tension wood, and righting response
Authors: Wilson Brayton F. , Gartner Barbara L.
Published: January 2008

Natural stands and a 3-year-old plantation of red alder (Alnusrubra Bong.) trees were used to study the incidence of leaning stems, the level of growth stresses and tension wood formation, and the ability of the stems to right themselves to vertical. Overall, 10% of the 512 trees in 10 natural stands leaned >22°. The largest diameter trees on the steepest slopes leaned most. Most (61%) of the trees curved upward, showing a righting response. For samples without tension wood, growth stress levels on the upper side of leaning stems, but not on the lateral or lower sides, were positively correlated with lean angles above 6°. These leaning stems had a significant righting response without tension wood. Tension wood formation was variable at leans from 9° to 26° both within and among trees, but was correlated with eccentric growth rings. We measured stem recovery in the year-old stem of 3-year-old trees bent to angles of 0–37.5°. During the 5-month experiment all stems righted to near vertical. Tension wood formed on the upper side in stems bent >6°, but reversed to the lower side before reaching vertical in 22 of 30 trees.
The effect of climatic factors on the radial growth of Japanese ash in northern Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Yasue K. , Funada R. , Kondo T. , Kobayashi O. , Fukazawa K.
Published: January 2008

The influence of climate on the radial growth of Japanese ash (Fraxinusmandshurica Rupr. var. japonica Maxim.) in northern Hokkaido, Japan, was investigated. Fifteen trees were selected and ring widths were measured. Standardization and autoregressive modeling were applied to the series of ring widths for isolation of the climatic signal. A response function was calculated for the relationship between residual chronology and monthly temperature and precipitation. In the season that preceded the growth, December precipitation is negatively correlated with ring width. During the growing season, May temperature is negatively correlated with ring width, while both temperature and precipitation in July are positively correlated with ring width. The results reveal the potential usefulness of Japanese ash for reconstruction of past climate in Hokkaido. The chronology of Japanese ash contributes to a development of a tree-ring network in Japan that is still sparse.
Distinguishing features of loblolly and shortleaf pine seeds: implications for monitoring seed production in mixed stands
Authors: Shelton Michael G. , Cain Michael D.
Published: January 2008

Monitoring seed production in mixed loblolly pine–shortleaf pine (Pinustaeda L. and Pinusechinata Mill., respectively) stands may require identifying individual seeds by species. Although loblolly pine seeds are on average heavier and larger than those of shortleaf pine, there is considerable overlap in these properties for individual seeds. In this study the properties of six seed lots of each species from Arkansas and Louisiana were examined. Seed weight for loblolly pine averaged twice that of shortleaf pine, but seed length and width differed by only 13 and 27%, respectively. Seed-coat thickness was the most consistent difference observed between the two species: large shortleaf pine seeds had thinner seed coats than small loblolly seeds, but this property was slow and tedious to measure. By contrast, differences in seed-coat thickness were readily detected when conducting a cut test for seed soundness by subjectively assessing the force required to cut the seed. In a blind test, 12 evaluators estimated within ±10% of the known composition of 10-seed subsamples 86% of the time for the cut test compared with only 57% when using seed appearance alone; inexperienced evaluators were only slightly lower in accuracy than experienced ones. Use of the cut test as a subjective estimate of the force required to cut the seed appears to be reasonably accurate in distinguishing these two species for most purposes.
LOW-TEMPERATURE SYNTHESIZED ZnO NANONEEDLES: XPS AND PL ANALYSIS
Authors: PARK DONGSEOK , TAK YOUNGJO , KIM JAEHYUN , YONG KIJUNG
Published: January 2008

Evolution of morphology change was investigated for ZnO nanoneedle array grown by low-temperature MOCVD. Well-aligned ZnO nanoneedle array was deposited on the ZnO buffer-film/ Si substrate at temperatures below 500°C. A rod-shaped ZnO nanowire in the initial growth stage changed into needle-shaped as the deposition proceeds. ZnO nanoneedle array deposited on the annealed buffer-film showed better alignment compared to that deposited on the as-grown film. XPS analysis showed that Zn 2p peak has a single binding energy state of a stoichiometric Zn – O bond while O 1 s peak has three different chemical binding states. Highly crystalline ZnO nanoneedle array showed a strong bandedge emission at 380 nm in photoluminescence measurements.
EFFECT OF FLUORINE CONTENT ON THE MORPHOLOGICAL, STRUCTURAL, OPTICAL AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF NANOSTRUCTURED SnO2 FILMS
Authors: PURUSHOTHAMAN K. K. , DHANASANKAR M. , MURALIDHARAN G.
Published: January 2008

This paper reports morphological and structural details, optical and electrical properties of fluorine doped SnO 2 thin films prepared via spray pyrolysis route using SnCl 2·2 H 2 O as precursor and methanol as a solvent. The effect of fluorine concentration on the properties of the films is presented and discussed. X-ray diffraction pattern reveals the presence of SnO 2 films in the rutile structure with a preferential growth along the (200) direction. FTIR spectrum confirms the films to be made of SnO 2. EDS was used to estimate the fluorine concentration. SEM reveals the surface of FTO to be made of nanocrystalline particles. The grain size calculated using Debye–Scherrer formula is in the range of 8–34 nm. Film thickness measured using optical transmission method is in the range of 425–538 nm. The sheet resistance was found to decrease with increase in fluorine concentration, to a minimum of 6.35 Ω/□ for 7.5 mol% of NH 4 F , and it showed an increase beyond this concentration. The 2.5 mol% of F doped films gave 95.20% transmission at 704 nm. The calculated reflectivity in the IR region is 93.57% for 7.5 mol% of F doping, and figure of merit for the same film is 0.025(Ω/□)-1 at 550 nm. The total work was optimized by fixing the temperature at 550°C for the usage of Electrochromic Device preparations on FTO coated glass substrates.
THEORETICAL STUDY ON ENDOHEDRAL COMPLEXES C2H2–C60, C2H4–C60, AND C2H6–C60
Authors: JIN LIANJI , ZHANG MIN , SU ZHONGMIN , SHI LILI
Published: January 2008

Three endohedral fullerenes C 2 H 2– C 60, C 2 H 4– C 60, and C 2 H 6– C 60 are investigated theoretically using density functional theory. Their electronic and structural properties are studied. The calculations suggest that the formations of these complexes are endothermic; the dopant and C 60 cage affect each other rarely except for the slight distortion of C 60 cage and compression of the hydrocarbon molecules. A small quantity of electron transfer from C 60 to the hydrocarbon molecule was also observed. Accordingly, C 60 could theoretically be a good container for some small hydrocarbon molecules.
Civil—Military Structure, Political Communication, and the Democratic Peace
Authors: Choi Seung-Whan , James Patrick
Published: January 2008

Looking beyond the democratic/Kantian peace argument that highlights the pacifying effect of regime type on international conflict, this study explores additional, potentially important domestic factors that may influence conflict — most notably, civil—military structure, such as degree of civil versus military control and military manpower system. It also looks into the effects of political communication in terms of diplomatic channels and open media. On the basis of logistic regression analysis for 120 countries during the period from 1950 to 1992, the authors report that strong military influence is more likely to lead to the onset of militarized interstate disputes, wars, and international crises while the presence of conscripted soldiers, diplomatic activities, and open media makes that less likely. These results hold up in the presence of the three Kantian peace variables (i.e. democracy, economic interdependence, and joint membership in international organizations) and other control variables that are standards within contemporary research designs. Thus, the authors conclude that the four factors are important complements to understanding the impact of domestic traits on interstate conflict beyond the conventional regime-type explanation of the democratic/Kantian peace.
Is There a Good Case for New Zealand Exceptionalism?
Authors: Fairburn Miles
Published: January 2008

The upsurge in cultural nationalism in New Zealand has failed to produce a good case that New Zealand is an exceptional society. The reason for this is that New Zealand has not had a chance to develop a culture that is autochthonous in significant respects. New Zealand's domination by the cultures of Britain, Australia and America in the 19th and 20th centuries prevented its history from taking a significantly different path. The lack of autochthony is attributed to the structural effects of physical isolation. Remoteness made its human history unusually short, led it to be exceptionally exposed to the global revolution in transport and communication from the mid-19th century, and severely constrained its population size.
Mutual Mate Choice Can Drive Costly Signaling Even Under Perfect Monogamy
Authors: Hooper Paul L. , Miller Geoffrey F.
Published: January 2008

Models of sexual selection by mate choice have emphasized the evolution of sexually dimorphic costly signals, such as elaborate plumage or courtship display, in the sex exhibiting higher reproductive skew, usually males. Less well explored is the action of mutual mate choice in driving signal evolution in socially monogamous or near-monogamous populations. We present a simulation model of condition-dependent investment in a signal trait under conditions of perfect monogamy, equal initial offspring number, and differential offspring mortality based on inherited genetic quality minus signal cost. The model demonstrates persistent evolution of high-cost sexual ornaments through mutual mate choice, even under strict monogamy, as long as the phenotypic condition is sufficiently heritable, and the monomorphic ornament reflects condition with sufficient accuracy to allow positive assortative mating. We discuss implications for research on sexual selection, mate choice, mutation-selection balance, and human evolution.
Sur les quais des brumes
Authors: Smith Douglas
Published: January 2008

The French reception of Elia Kazan's On the Waterfront (1954) constitutes a revealing case study in cultural relations between France and the United States during the Cold War, demonstrating how procedures of demystification may remystify the ideological object they critique. In an American context, On the Waterfront is widely regarded as a particularly overdetermined film, combining a literal politics of labour relations with an allegorical apologia for McCarthyism. French reactions to the film set out to decode its multiple subtexts from an outsider perspective but sometimes end up reproducing the film's mystifications at another level. Thus the French reception demonstrates both an assimilation and distancing of the film in political terms, an aesthetic rejection of the film from the different quarters of Brechtian dramaturgy and auteur theory, a popular embrace of the film through its insertion into a changing celebrity culture, and a misunderstanding or disavowal of its gendered subtext.
Is copyright blind to the visual?
Authors: Macmillan Fiona
Published: January 2008

This article argues that, with respect to the copyright protection of works of visual art, the general uneasiness that has always pervaded the relationship between copyright law and concepts of creativity produces three anomalous results. One of these is that copyright lacks much in the way of a central concept of `visual art' and, to the extent that it embraces any concept of the `visual', it is rooted in the rhetorical discourse of the Renaissance. This means that copyright is poorly equipped to deal with modern developments in the visual arts. Secondly, the pervasive effect of rhetorical discourse appears to have made it particularly difficult for copyright law to strike a meaningful balance between protecting creativity and permitting its use in further creative works. Thirdly, just when rhetorical discourse might have been useful in identifying the significance and materiality of the unique one-off work of visual art, copyright law chooses to ignore its implications.
Evaluating offending behaviour programmes
Authors: Hollin Clive R.
Published: January 2008

Despite considerable investment there has been a marked reluctance by the Home Office to publish the evaluations of the various Pathfinder Programmes. Arguably, this reluctance stems from the `official' view that the commissioned researchers conducted the wrong type of research, specifically in not using randomized control trials (RCTs). The utility of RCTs is considered here with particular reference to the evaluation of the Offending Behaviour Pathfinder Programmes. It is argued that the Home Office `Reconviction Scale', favouring RCTs, is seriously flawed and is used to present a misleading view of the extant research. An overview of the wider literature shows that RCTs are not uniformly agreed to be the single design of choice in evaluating complex interventions such as offending behaviour programmes. The trend in disciplines such as the clinical sciences, with a history steeped in RCTs, is to utilize a range of research designs, both quantitative and qualitative, to evaluate complex interventions.