bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimates of genetic parameters for growth traits in Kermani sheep
Authors: Bahreini Behzadi M. R. , Shahroudi F. E. , Van Vleck L. D.
Published: September 2007

Birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), 6‐month weight (W6), 9‐month weight (W9) and yearling weight (YW) of Kermani lambs were used to estimate genetic parameters. The data were collected from Shahrbabak Sheep Breeding Research Station in Iran during the period of 1993–1998. The fixed effects in the model were lambing year, sex, type of birth and age of dam. Number of days between birth date and the date of obtaining measurement of each record was used as a covariate. Estimates of (co)variance components and genetic parameters were obtained by restricted maximum likelihood, using single and two‐trait animal models. Based on the most appropriate fitted model, direct and maternal heritabilities of BW, WW, W6, W9 and YW were estimated to be 0.10 ± 0.06 and 0.27 ± 0.04, 0.22 ± 0.09 and 0.19 ± 0.05, 0.09 ± 0.06 and 0.25 ± 0.04, 0.13 ± 0.08 and 0.18 ± 0.05, and 0.14 ± 0.08 and 0.14 ± 0.06 respectively. Direct and maternal genetic correlations between the lamb weights varied between 0.66 and 0.99, and 0.11 and 0.99. The results showed that the maternal influence on lamb weights decreased with age at measurement. Ignoring maternal effects in the model caused overestimation of direct heritability. Maternal effects are significant sources of variation for growth traits and ignoring maternal effects in the model would cause inaccurate genetic evaluation of lambs.
Analysis and mapping of CACNB4, CHRNA1, KCNJ3, SCN2A and SPG4, physiological candidate genes for porcine congenital progressive ataxia and spastic paresis
Authors: Genini S. , Kratzsch A. , Korczak B. , Neuenschwander S. , Brenig B. , Jörg H. , Bürgi E. , Ossent P. , Stranzinger G. , Vögeli P.
Published: September 2007

The cause of porcine congenital progressive ataxia and spastic paresis (CPA) is unknown. This severe neuropathy manifests shortly after birth and is lethal. The disease is inherited as a single autosomal recessive allele, designated cpa. In a previous study, we demonstrated close linkage of cpa to microsatellite SW902 on porcine chromosome 3 (SSC3), which corresponds syntenically to human chromosome 2. This latter chromosome contains ion channel genes (Ca2+, K+ and Na+), a cholinergic receptor gene and the spastin (SPG4) gene, which cause human epilepsy and ataxia when mutated. We mapped porcine CACNB4, KCNJ3, SCN2A and CHRNA1 to SSC15 and SPG4 to SSC3 with the INRA‐Minnesota porcine radiation hybrid panel (IMpRH) and we sequenced the entire open reading frames of CACNB4 and SPG4 without finding any differences between healthy and affected piglets. An anti‐epileptic drug treatment with ethosuximide did not change the severity of the disease, and pigs with CPA did not exhibit the corticospinal tract axonal degeneration found in humans suffering from hereditary spastic paraplegia, which is associated with mutations in SPG4. For all these reasons, the hypothesis that CACNB4, CHRNA1, KCNJ3, SCN2A or SPG4 are identical with the CPA gene was rejected.
Distribution of nuclear mitochondrial DNA in cattle nuclear genome
Authors: Liu Y. , Zhao X.
Published: September 2007

The nuclear mitochondrial pseudogenes (numts), originated from mtDNA insertions into the nuclear genome, have been detected to exist in many species. However, the distribution of numts in cattle nuclear genome yet has not been fully reported. By referring to the whole cattle mtDNA sequence and to the recently released cattle nuclear genome by Human Genome Sequencing Center (HGSC), 303 numts were identified by BLAST with 55 numts unmapped to cattle nuclear genome. Further analysis found that the size of the numts ranges from 37 to 1932 bp, and the homologous identity between numts and their corresponding mtDNA fragments varies from 73 to 98%. Furthermore, the identified cattle numts cover nearly all the mitochondrial genes including mtDNA control region, distributing over all the chromosomes with the exception of the chromosome 23 and Y chromosome (in the latter the sequence data are not available). In the discovered numts, 29 relatively complete mitochondrial genes, which were distributed in 72 numts, were detected. Undoubtedly, this research would provide some valuable information for successive research related to mitochondrial genes and the evolution of cattle.
Genetic correlations between body condition scores and fertility in dairy cattle using bivariate random regression models
Authors: De Haas Y. , Janss L. L. G. , Kadarmideen H. N.
Published: September 2007

Genetic correlations between body condition score (BCS) and fertility traits in dairy cattle were estimated using bivariate random regression models. BCS was recorded by the Swiss Holstein Association on 22 075 lactating heifers (primiparous cows) from 856 sires. Fertility data during first lactation were extracted for 40 736 cows. The fertility traits were days to first service (DFS), days between first and last insemination (DFLI), calving interval (CI), number of services per conception (NSPC) and conception rate to first insemination (CRFI). A bivariate model was used to estimate genetic correlations between BCS as a longitudinal trait by random regression components, and daughter's fertility at the sire level as a single lactation measurement. Heritability of BCS was 0.17, and heritabilities for fertility traits were low (0.01–0.08). Genetic correlations between BCS and fertility over the lactation varied from: −0.45 to −0.14 for DFS; −0.75 to 0.03 for DFLI; from −0.59 to −0.02 for CI; from −0.47 to 0.33 for NSPC and from 0.08 to 0.82 for CRFI. These results show (genetic) interactions between fat reserves and reproduction along the lactation trajectory of modern dairy cows, which can be useful in genetic selection as well as in management. Maximum genetic gain in fertility from indirect selection on BCS should be based on measurements taken in mid lactation when the genetic variance for BCS is largest, and the genetic correlations between BCS and fertility is strongest.
Rapid screening and selection of low‐caffeine‐containing tea (Camellia sinensis) trees by a colorimetric method
Authors: Kim Y. D. , Min J. Y. , Karigar C. S. , Cheong G. W. , Kim J. W. , Choi M. S.
Published: September 2007

A simple and rapid colorimetric method for the determination of caffeine has been developed. Tea tree lines from the Hadong region in South Korea differ widely in their caffeine contents and this colorimetric method facilitated an efficient screening strategy for the selection of low‐caffeine‐containing lines. A high correlation was observed between the values obtained with colorimetric and high‐performance liquid chromatographic analysis. Among the selected tree lines, the caffeine content for the lowest caffeine‐containing tea tree line (H‐19) was 178.35 μg/g dry weight basis, which was 61‐fold less productive than the highest caffeine‐producing tea tree line (H‐82). Caffeine contents of the selected tea tree lines remained similar during the corresponding collection periods. The colorimetric method is of great practical value in screening low‐caffeine‐containing tea trees.
Effectiveness and environmental stability of quantitative powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis) resistance among winter wheat cultivars
Authors: Miedaner T. , Flath K.
Published: September 2007

Powdery mildew in wheat (Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici) is a major disease in Northern and Central Europe. The aim of the study was to analyse the effectiveness and environmental stability of quantitative powdery mildew resistance under high epidemic pressure in the field across years in the absence/presence of ineffective race‐specific resistances. Cultivars with and without Pm (major) genes were inoculated in three experiments with a genetically broad mildew population with all matching virulences. Resistance was measured three times by assessing the percentage of leaf area covered by powdery mildew on a plot basis (0–100%). Mean powdery mildew severity of the highly susceptible cv. ‘Kanzler’ varied across 10 years from 24% to 66% (Exp. 1). Means of three cultivars without Pm genes, ‘Ramiro’, ‘Miras’ and ‘Zentos’, and several cultivars with ineffective Pm genes varied quantitatively from 4% to 13%. Environmental stability of the quantitative resistances was on average higher than that of susceptible genotypes, as revealed by a regression approach. In the second experiment, all groups of cultivars with ineffective Pm gene(s) contained a large proportion of entries with a similar low mildew rating as the quantitatively resistant standard ‘Miras’. Mildew severity of pairs of cultivars with the same Pm gene(s) was significantly different across 6 years (Exp. 3) indicating the presence of additional quantitative resistances in some of these cultivars. In the analysis of variance, genotypic variance had a high impact (P < 0.01) with low importance of genotype × environment interaction. Consequently, heritabilites were high (0.95–0.97). In conclusion, breeders have already accumulated effective minor genes for powdery mildew resistance in many of the released German winter wheat cultivars. These quantitative resistances are long lasting, environmentally stable and provide a high level of protection to powdery mildew.
Comparative evaluation of exotic and adapted germplasm of spring wheat for floral characteristics in the Indo‐Gangetic Plains of northern India
Authors: Singh S. K. , Arun B. , Joshi A. K.
Published: September 2007

Four hundred spring wheat genotypes, comprising exotic and indigenous germplasm and adapted cultivars for commercial cultivation, were investigated during four crop seasons for six floral characteristics related to outcrossing behaviour. Genetic variability and heritability were investigated along with phenotypic correlation coefficients among these characteristics. A significant quantitative variation existed among the characteristics in all three groups. High heritability for stigma length, openness of florets, anther extrusion and duration of floral opening indicated that selection for these characteristics may be effective. The adapted cultivars were found more promising than the exotic and indigenous germplasm. Most of the characteristics showed significantly positive correlation with each other and high correlation was observed between anther and stigma length, and anther extrusion and duration of floral opening. Superiority of varietal mixtures and segregating generations (F3 and F4) of two crosses over parental lines suggested that heterozygosity and heterogeneity can provide yield advantages. Germplasm lines possessing superior expression of floral characteristics may be used to improve yielding ability through enhanced heterozygosity or the development of hybrids.
Production and genetic evaluation of interspecific hybrids within the genus Sambucus
Authors: Simonovik B. , Ivančič A. , Jakše J. , Bohanec B.
Published: September 2007

Attempts were made to produce hybrids among various Sambucus species in order to change the plant structure of S. nigra, a medicinal plant of increasing agricultural importance. The first successful genetic recombination, involving four species, was conducted after the introduction of S. javanica from a South Pacific island. A series of genetic analyses of the involved species and some relatives was performed in order to obtain reliable data on genetic similarity among parental species and to confirm the hybrid nature of putative hybrids. The nuclear 2C DNA content revealed by flow cytometry of nine species showed limited variation, the greatest being in S. nigra (28.6 pg) and the smallest in S. caerulea (23.9 pg). Maximum parsimony analysis of seven Sambucus species was used to form two dendrograms, one based on the sequenced nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the other based on the cpDNA trnT‐trnF region. The results showed similar clustering into distinct groups; on both dendrograms S. nigra and S. javanica ES were closely related. Analysis of hybrid origin was based on the sequenced cpDNA region, genome size differences and PCR–RFLP analysis of the nrDNA ITS region. The seed parent and maternal origin of cpDNA was confirmed for all hybrids, while the pollen parent was confirmed in 21 of 22 putative hybrid plants tested.
Identification by genetic analysis of two races of Erysiphe polygoni DC. causing powdery mildew disease in mungbean
Authors: Reddy K. S.
Published: September 2007

Powdery mildew disease is one of the important foliar diseases of mungbean. Earlier, resistance sources have been identified and their genetic nature studied, but there is no information on race identification of Erysiphe polygoni so far. Different genotypes having combinations of the host resistance genes Pm1Pm1Pm2Pm2‘TARM‐1’, Pm1Pm1pm2pm2 (S‐158‐16) and pm1pm1Pm2Pm2 (S‐2‐4‐1) and no resistance genes pm1pm1pm2pm2 (TPM‐1) were used in the present investigation. The genotypes were screened with four isolates from Akola, Trombay, Jabalpur and Gauribidanur centres in India. The interactions of resistant differentials with the Akola isolate were different from the other three isolates. The inheritance patterns of different resistance genes in various crosses also differed with respect to the Akola isolate. The variation observed in the Akola isolate could be explained as the result of mutation of the dominant avirulence Avr1Avr1 genes to virulence avr1avr1 genes corresponding to host resistance Pm1Pm1genes. Therefore, the Akola isolate is identified as a second race of E. polygoni.
Estimating Genetic Diversity in Durum and Bread Wheat Cultivars from Turkey using AFLP and SAMPL Markers
Authors: Altıntaş S. , Toklu F. , Kafkas S. , Kilian B. , Brandolini A. , ÖZkan H.
Published: September 2007

Since 1925, more than 100 wheat varieties were developed and released in Turkey, and many more were introduced from abroad, but no systematic analysis of their genetic diversity has been performed yet. In this research, a total of 34 domestic and foreign cultivars (12 durum and 22 bread wheats), released in Turkey between 1936 and 2000, were fingerprinted by means of five amplified fragment length polymorphism and three selective amplification of microsatellite polymorphic loci (SAMPL) primer combinations, to evaluate their genetic variation and to determine the existence of cultivar‐specific bands. Among the 344 amplicons scored, 214 were polymorphic. The primer combination EACG/MAGG yielded the highest number and the primer combination SAMPL–6/M AGA produced the lowest number of polymorphic bands. Most cultivars were molecularly very similar, although a few distinct ones (the durum wheat ‘Kunduru–1149’ and the bread wheat ‘İkizce–96’) were also identified. Seven cultivar‐specific markers for different bread wheat cultivars (‘Golia’, ‘Seri–82’, ‘Adana–99’, ‘Pandas’ and ‘Sertak–52’) and six cultivar‐specific markers for durum wheat cv ‘Kunduru’ were observed. Our results show that genetic diversity among old and present–day wheat cultivar commonly grown in Turkey is limited.
Development and Characterization of Microsatellite Markers from an Enriched Genomic Library of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)
Authors: Watcharawongpaiboon N. , Chunwongse J.
Published: September 2007

The development, characterization and application of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) microsatellite markers was accomplished using a library‐enrichment procedure. Fifty‐seven primer pairs flanking the microsatellite repeats were used for DNA amplification. Sixteen C. sativus accessions were assessed for polymorphisms using 45 primer pairs. The average number of alleles per locus was 3.6, and up to seven alleles were found at one locus. The maximum polymorphism information content value was 0.78 with an average of 0.47. The cucumber microsatellite makers could be useful for seed purity control in hybridity testing. Some of these cucumber markers were transferable to other cucurbit species (i.e. melon, watermelon, pumpkin and bitter gourd).
Combining ability and heterosis over environments for yield and yield components in two‐line hybrids involving thermosensitive genic male sterile lines in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Shukla S. K. , Pandey M. P.
Published: September 2007

Presence of substantial heterosis and economic hybrid seed production are two most desirable components for success of any commercial hybrid breeding programme. Thermosensitive genic male sterile (TGMS) lines of rice, in this regard, have tremendous potential in realizing further quantum jump in yield and economical hybrid seed cost. Analyses for combining ability and heterosis over optimum (120N : 60P2O5 : 40K2O kg/ha) and high (200N : 90P2O5 : 60K2O kg/ha) fertility environments for six traits were made in 2 years (2001 and 2002) using 120 hybrids of inter‐ and intra‐subspecific nature derived from hybridization of 30 elite indica TGMS lines and four cultivars, viz., ‘Pant Dhan 4’ and ‘Ajaya’ (I = indica), ‘Taichung 65’ (J = japonica) and ‘IR 65598‐112‐2’ (TJ = tropical japonica) in line × tester mating design. Predominance of non‐additive genetic variance suggested good prospects of hybrid breeding. Pooled analysis revealed highly significant variances for lines, general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA) and line x tester. TGMS line 365‐8S was the best general combiner for all the six traits including grain yield. Trend of relative mid‐parent heterosis for grain yield, panicle length, grain number per panicle and earliness in flowering was I/TJ > I/J > I/I. For panicle number per plant and 1000‐grain weight, trends were I/TJ > I/I > I/J and I/I > I/TJ > I/J, respectively. Grain yield recorded heterosis of 49.3%, 71.9% and 92.7% for I/I, I/J and I/TJ hybrid groups respectively. Effect of environments on the hybrid performance indicated better response of hybrids at high fertilizer dose. Study suggests greater prospects of combining improved japonica and tropical japonica germplasms having wide compatible gene with indica TGMS lines for exploitation of intersubspecific heterosis.
Columnar lined (Barrett's) esophagus: Future perspectives
Authors: Bani‐Hani Kamal E , Bani‐Hani Bayan K
Published: September 2007

Columnar lined esophagus (CLE) or Barrett's esophagus is the precursor for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Future advances in understanding and management of this condition as well as improving the quality of care of CLE patients depends on answering essential questions. It is important to standardize the criteria for CLE definition. The rapid increase in incidence of CLE and adenocarcinoma raises serious concerns that the current management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) needs reassessment. The risk factors that determine who will and will not develop CLE are as yet undetermined. There is a need to develop a clinical risk stratification tool, which will help in determining who should be screened. The impact of elimination of GERD on the natural history of CLE is one important area for future research. The benefit of surveillance strategies remains unproven and the ideal endoscopic frequency, protocols and markers of cancer risk are unknown. Dysplasia may not provide the gold standard marker of cancer risk because of some inherited problems. A better technique than the current endoscopic pinch biopsy protocol is needed. To overcome the limitations of histological markers, many other markers of cancer risk needs to be developed and validated. The key question as to whether cancer risk is actually reduced by the new ablation modalities remains unanswered. The natural history of dysplasia and its management needs to be clarified. Although many questions have to be answered, it seems, however, that at least some answers exist, and these and proposals for answering some of these questions are underlined throughout this review.
Characteristics and prognosis of patients in Japan with viral marker‐negative hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Toyoda Hidenori , Kumada Takashi , Kiriyama Seiki , Sone Yasuhiro , Tanikawa Makoto , Hisanaga Yasuhiro , Kanamori Akira , Yamaguchi Akihiro , Isogai Masatoshi , Kaneoka Yuji , Washizu Junji
Published: September 2007

Background and Aim: The characteristics and prognosis of patients with hepatitis virus marker‐negative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not fully elucidated in Japan. We investigated the characteristics and prognosis of HCC patients in whom no markers for hepatitis virus infection were detected, in comparison with those of HCC patients with hepatitis virus infection.

Methods: Viral markers for hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) infection were measured in 1152 patients in whom initial HCC was diagnosed between 1991 and 2004. Patient characteristics, characteristics of HCC and survival were compared between patients in whom no marker was positive (viral marker‐negative HCC) and those in whom chronic HBV or HCV infection was confirmed by viral markers (viral HCC).

Results: Overall, 119 patients (10.3%) were shown to have viral marker‐negative HCC. Hepatocellular carcinoma was detected under surveillance in a significantly smaller percentage of patients with viral marker‐negative HCC than of patients with viral HCC (P < 0.0001). The tumor was significantly larger (P < 0.0001) and vascular invasion was significantly more prevalent (P = 0.0003) in patients with viral marker‐negative HCC than in those with viral HCC. The survival rate of patients with viral marker‐negative HCC was significantly lower than that of patients with viral HCC (P = 0.0378).

Conclusion: The patients with HCC in whom hepatitis viral infection had not been confirmed tended not to be under surveillance, resulting in the detection of HCC at more advanced stage and with a poorer prognosis. Efforts to identify patients without hepatitis virus infection who should be under surveillance for HCC will be necessary in the future.
Isolation and antibiotic susceptibility of Salmonella and Shigella strains isolated from children in Gaza, Palestine from 1999 to 2006
Authors: Abu Elamreen Farid H , Sharif Fadel A , Deeb Jamal Elshikh
Published: September 2007

Background and Aim:  Diarrhea and acute gastroenteritis are among the leading causes of illnesses and death in infants and children throughout the world, especially in developing countries, Globally, Salmonella and Shigella remain the major contributors to acute enteric infections and diarrhea.

Methods:  In the present study, Shigella‐ and Salmonella‐related diarrhea was studied among 3570 children in Gaza, Palestine from January 1999 to September 2006 to determine the prevalence and the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates.

Results:  The frequency of isolation was 1.8% (65/3570) for Salmonella spp. and 0.8% (28/3570) for Shigella spp. Shigella flexneri (16/28) was the most frequently isolated Shigella species. Most of the Shigella isolates were resistant to trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (89%), ampicillin (79%) and chloramphenicol (46%) and most of the Salmonella isolates showed resistance to ampicillin (62%), trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (35%), chloramphenicol (35%) and cephalexin (26%).

Conclusion:  These data reinforce the need for continuous monitoring of microbiological and antimicrobial surveillance and the necessity to regulate the use of antimicrobials. According to the current study, ampicillin, trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole and chloramphenicol should not be used as empiric treatment of diarrhea in children.
Molecular staging of gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Yan Jie , Fang Jing Yuan
Published: September 2007

Gastric cancer has traditionally been staged using purely histological methods, but these methods provide little information about the biology of gastric cancer and have limited predictive power. Recent studies have shown that clinically relevant gastric cancer subtypes have distinct gene expression profiles. This approach, termed molecular staging, can lead to the discovery of novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of gastric cancers. This update reviews advances in molecular staging of gastric cancer and discusses their implications for the prognosis and diagnosis of this complex disease. Technologies used in molecular staging as well as future directions for the optimization of molecular staging of gastric cancer are also discussed.
Videoanoscopy: Useful technique in the evaluation of hemorrhoids
Authors: Harish Kareem , Harikumar Rajeshekaran , Sunilkumar Kondiyil , Thomas Varghese
Published: September 2007

Background and Aim:  Rigid proctoscopy, the gold standard for detecting hemorrhoids, has become a neglected procedure in the era of flexible endoscopy. Evaluation of hemorrhoids is often done with the retroflexed fiberoptic colonoscope. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technique of videoanoscopy in comparison with retroflexion of colonoscope in the rectum to detect hemorrhoids and to correlate objective findings of hemorrhoids and their relation to bleeding.

Methods:  In total, 544 patients were screened and 358 patients were evaluated by the technique of videoanoscopy and retroflexion of colonoscope in the rectum. The video images of both the procedures were independently analyzed by two observers for the presence or absence of hemorrhoids. The videoanoscopy images were also analyzed for number of columns of hemorrhoids, size and presence of red‐color sign.

Results:  Videoanoscopy detected hemorrhoids in a significantly higher number of subjects when compared with retroflexion of colonoscope in the rectum by both observers (P < 0.05). The average kappa value was 0.637 and 0.779 for retroflexed colonoscopy and videoanoscopy, respectively. Red‐color sign was present in 80.5% of patients with bleeding compared with only 30.3% in the non‐bleeding group. The majority (71%) of patients in the bleeding group had larger hemorrhoids. Red‐color sign and size of hemorrhoidal columns correlated with bleeding (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Videoanoscopy is a simple technique with increased sensitivity to detect hemorrhoids compared with intrarectal retroflexion of colonoscope and yields valuable objective information about the presence and condition of hemorrhoids. It should be performed as an extension of standard colonoscopy.
Congenital rubella syndrome, hyper‐IgM syndrome and autoimmunity in an 18‐year‐old girl
Authors: Palacin Pere Soler , Castilla Yolanda , Garzón Paula , Figueras Concepció , Castellví Joan , Español Teresa
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  Congenital rubella syndrome can be associated with disgammaglobulinaemia and autoimmune phenomena in adult and paediatric population. The aim of this article is to present the association between a congenital rubella syndrome with hypogammaglobulinaemia and hyper IgM diagnosed at the age of 8 months and autoimmune manifestations in an 18‐year‐old girl. A medical chart review of this patient since admission at our institution at 8 months of age was carried out. During infancy she presented the classical manifestations of a rubella syndrome (sensorineural deafness and brain calcifications in basal ganglia) with respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. She was also diagnosed of localised scleroderma and thyroiditis. She has been on intravenous immunoglobulin since diagnosis, with rapid normalisation of IgG and IgM levels, decreased incidence of infectious processes, but with persistent autoimmune phenomena. At 18 years of age she was admitted because of a thyroid mass. Fine needle aspiration biopsy was not conclusive and thyroidectomy was performed. Pathology studies showed no malignancy. She is now on replacement therapy with thyroid hormones. Our aim is to emphasise the importance of the association between autoimmune phenomena in patients with immunodeficiencies, even secondary to some infections, and the increased frequency of malignancies owing to the persistent immunologic defect in this syndrome.
Randomised controlled trial: A parent‐based group education programme for overweight children
Authors: Shelton Doug , Le Gros Kim , Norton Lyza , Stanton‐Cook Sue , Morgan Jane , Masterman Paul
Published: September 2007

Aim:  Childhood overweight and obesity is a significant community health problem with severe long‐term complications. This paper aims to evaluate a four‐by‐two‐hour weekly group parent education programme targeting children who are overweight.

Methods:  A randomised time series design with wait‐list controls was conducted for overweight and obese children aged 3–10 years.

Results:  A statistically significant reduction in child body mass index and energy intake was found post treatment; no differences were reported for child sedentary electronic media time, physical activity and waist circumference. Children’s baseline activity levels were found to be at or slightly above national recommended standards. No change occurred in primary parent body mass index or waist circumference after treatment.

Conclusions:  A brief group education programme for parents was effective in reducing childhood overweight at 3 months follow‐up.
Psychiatric morbidity in adolescents operated in childhood for congenital cyanotic heart disease
Authors: Toren Paz , Horesh Netta
Published: September 2007

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to assess psychiatric morbidity of adolescents operated in childhood for congenital cyanotic heart disease (CCHD) and their parents.

Methods:  Participants were 31 adolescents (19 boys, 12 girls) aged 10–21 (mean ± SD, 14.7 ± 0.3) years, who had undergone cardiac surgery 13.7 ± 2.48 years before the study assessment period. Twenty‐two mothers and nine fathers participated in the study. Assessment tools for adolescents included: the UCLA Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – Reaction Index, The Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders, and The Beck Depression Inventory; for the parents: The Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale, The Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory, and The Beck Depression Inventory.

Results:  Nine out of 31 adolescents (29.03%) were defined as ‘full post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) likely’ with a total post‐traumatic stress symptom (PTSS) score significantly higher than that of the non‐PTSS subgroup (P < 0.001). A non‐significant trend was noted for more adolescents with ‘anxiety disorder likely’ (P = 0.096, NS) in the PTSS versus the non‐PTSS subgroups. A non‐significant trend was detected showing that on all symptom domains of PTSD, as well as on anxiety and depressive measures, parents of children with PTSS received higher scores than parents of children without PTSS (P = 0.095, 0.03, 0.04, respectively, NS).

Conclusion:  Children undergoing cardiac surgery for CCHD may be at a high risk for long‐term PTSS.
The relationship between birth weight, oxidative stress and bone mineral status in newborn infants
Authors: Koklu Esad , Akcakus Mustafa , Narin Figen , Saraymen Recep
Published: September 2007

Background:  It was shown that oxygen‐derived free radicals, and particularly the superoxide anion, are intermediaries in the formation and activation of osteoclasts. Many antioxidant defence systems depend on micronutrients or are micronutrients themselves. Oxidative stress might be related to bone indices in newborn infants.

Aim:  To assess the relationship between oxidative status and bone indices in small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA), large‐for‐gestational‐age (LGA) and appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age (AGA) babies born to healthy mothers.

Methods:  Umbilical cord venous blood samples were obtained at the delivery from 100 term newborn infants to measure plasma malondialdhyde, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and myeloperoxidase concentrations. Forty of the newborn infants had birth weights AGA, 30 were SGA and 30 LGA. Data were acquired using the whole body dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scanner in the first 24 h after birth.

Results:  Plasma malondialdhyde and SOD concentrations of the mothers and their newborn infants were positively correlated; however, plasma myeloperoxidase concentrations were not. SOD concentrations of SGA infants were significantly higher than those of AGA and LGA infants. Whole body bone mineral density and content were lower in SGA but higher in LGA babies than in AGA babies. Oxidative stress status of both infants and their mothers was not related to the bone indices.

Conclusion:  Our study does not provide support for the hypothesis that oxidative status of the infants and mothers may play a major role in the regulation of bone metabolism in the developing skeleton.
Neurodevelopmental disabilities and quality of life after intensive care treatment
Authors: Mestrovic Julije , Kardum Goran , Sustic Alan , Polic Branka , Mestrovic Marija , Markic Josko , Zanchi Jaksa
Published: September 2007

Aim:  To analyze the quality of life after Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) treatment and compare the differences between quality of life in children who suffer chronic health conditions, and those who do not, post discharge from PICU.

Method:  Quality of life was assessed using the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children (RAHC) Measure of Function which incorporates measures of domains that delineate severity or impact of disease symptoms, physical disability, mobility, emotional distress, behavior, deviation from normal growth and development, impairment in social rules, and performance at school and in leisure activities.

Results:  Families of 371 children were contacted for RAHC Measure of Function scoring. The results showed that the majority of children with no chronic condition (88.8%), as well as those with a chronic condition other than neurodevelopmental disability (81.6%) had minimal ongoing health problems and good quality of life. Only 21.4% of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities fell into this category, 39.3% had poor quality of life and 39.3% had fair quality of life.

Conclusion:  The results suggest that the majority of patients discharged from the PICU go on to have a good quality of life. The quality of life of patients with other chronic condition did not differ significantly from children who did not suffer from a chronic condition, with the majority of both groups having minimal residual health problems. Conversely, children with neurodevelopmental disabilities were found to have a higher level of health problems and only a fair quality of life compared with the other two groups.
Predicting diabetic ketoacidosis in children by measuring end‐tidal CO2 via non‐invasive nasal capnography
Authors: Gilhotra Yuri , Porter Paul
Published: September 2007

Aim:  To determine if nasal capnography can be used as a screening tool to predict diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) presenting to the emergency department.

Methods:  Cross‐sectional, prospective, observational study of children with T1DM who presented to the Emergency Department of Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Western Australia, over a 12‐month period from June 2003 to June 2004. Information on demographic data and T1DM was recorded. Nasal capnography, venous blood gases and urinary analysis were performed on patients. Data were analysed using χ2 tests and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Sensitivities and specificities were calculated at different end‐tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) levels to predict presence of DKA.

Results:  Fifty‐eight patients aged 1–18 years (mean 10.7, SD 4.7) were analysed. Thirty‐three (57%) were male and 30 (52%) presented with new onset of T1DM. Of the 58 cases, 15 (26%) had DKA, and 11 of these were new T1DM patients. No patients with an ETCO2 > 30 mmHg had DKA (sensitivity 1.0, specificity 0.86). Six patients with an ETCO2 < 30 mmHg did not have DKA.

Conclusions:  Nasal capnography in conjunction with clinical assessment is predictive of DKA. Further research into this area with larger numbers could help validate ETCO2 as a screening tool for DKA in the emergency department.
Impact of implementation of Integrated Management of Childhood Illness on improvement of health system in China
Authors: Zhang Yanfeng , Dai Yaohua , Zhang Shuaiming
Published: September 2007

Aim:  To explore the impact of implementation of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) strategy on the Chinese health system.

Methods:  Pre‐ and post‐intervention field surveys, based on the adapted World Health Organization protocol of health facility surveys and follow‐up assessment tools, respectively. Three hundred and forty‐five health facilities were investigated pre intervention and 74 health facilities post intervention. Observation of case management of health workers, interviews with mothers and systematic checking of equipment and drug supplies were conducted in both pre‐ and post‐intervention surveys.

Results:  There were significant improvements demonstrated with implementation of the IMCI strategy in terms of rational use of drugs, provision of basic equipment and drug supplies of both township and village facilities. The inappropriate use of drugs significantly decreased: injection/IV (from 43.6% to 2.7%), antibiotics (from 59.3% to 6.2%) and hormones (from 4.9% to 0). The availability of basic equipment and supplies of health facilities was improved greatly: children’s scales (from 27.8% to 90.5%), timing devices (from 89.3% to 97.3%) and utilities for mixing oral rehydration salts (ORS) (from 36.5% to 100.0%). The supply of all recommended drugs increased, with ORS, vitamin A/D, iron, tetracycline eye ointment, vitamin B complex and diazepam increased greatly.

Conclusions:  The IMCI strategy has been shown to contribute to the improvement of the health system, promoting the efficient management of medical care at township and village level, as well as improving the relationship between doctors and patients.
Unintentional paediatric ingestions of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists
Authors: Balit Corrine R , Gilmore Simon P , Isbister Geoffrey K
Published: September 2007

Aims:  There is limited information on safety of angiotensin coverting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II (AII) receptor antagonists in unintentional paediatric ingestions. This study was conducted with the aim of developing referral guidelines for poison information centres.

Methods:  Calls to the NSW poison information centre from January 2002 to July 2004 regarding paediatric ingestion of ACE inhibitors and AII receptor antagonists were recruited and prospectively followed up. Information collected included: demographics (age, gender, weight), type of exposure (unintentional, therapeutic error), ingested dose and clinical effects. Dose was reported in defined daily doses (DDD) to compare across and within the two drug classes with respect to the normal adult dose.

Results:  Nineteen cases of paediatric ingestion of ACE inhibitors and AII receptor antagonists were included. The median age was 2 years (Interquartile range (IQR): 20–33 months) and the median dose ingested was 1 DDD (IQR: 1–2). There were nine ACE inhibitor ingestions and 10 AII receptor antagonist ingestions. One of nine children (11%) observed in hospital developed transient hypotension but required no treatment and recovered without complication. This child ingested an ACE inhibitor and ingested >3 DDD.

Conclusion:  Unintentional paediatric ingestions of ACE inhibitors and AII receptor antagonists resulted in the majority of children remaining asymptomatic. ACE inhibitor ingestions under 2 DDD can be observed at home provided the child is asymptomatic and there is a responsible adult to observe the child. The dose required for observation in AII receptor antagonist ingestions is less clear.
Failure to distinguish systemic‐onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis from incomplete Kawasaki disease in an infant
Authors: Komatsu Haruki , Tateno Akihiko
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  In an infant, an initial diagnosis of incomplete Kawasaki disease was made according to the American Heart Association guidelines. However, the diagnosis of systemic‐onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis was established later. Physicians need to recognize that systemic‐onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis can be mistaken for incomplete Kawasaki disease, even when the guidelines are used.
Colon perforation due to pathologic aerophagia in an intellectually disabled child
Authors: Basaran Umit N , Inan Mustafa , Aksu Burhan , Ceylan Turan
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  Aerophagia, characterized by symptoms related to repetitive swallowing of air, is a functional gastrointestinal disorder. In some cases, severe aerophagia causes massive bowel distention and leads to volvulus, ileus, and even intestinal necrosis and perforation. A 10‐year‐old intellectually disabled boy was referred to our unit due to severe abdominal distention, bilious vomiting, no passage of feces and flatus during the previous 3 days. He had experienced episodes of severe abdominal distention and flatulence over the past 2–3 years. In the exploratory laparotomy, two old colonic perforations were found. Splenic flexura resection and diverting colostomy were performed. Rectal biopsy showed ganglionic architecture. During the fifth postoperative month, he was admitted to the emergency unit with severe abdominal distention. During this visit, we observed him swallowing air. For this reason, his primary illness was diagnosed as a pathologic aerophagia. The colostomy was closed 11 months following the first operation. His parents did not accept gastrostomy as a desufflator. For this reason, they were taught nasogastric tube installation for gastric distention. Briefly, if abdominal distention increases during the course of the day and increased flatus is observed during sleep, aerophagia could be the primary pathology. If aerophagia could cause complications, gastrostomy should be applied. If the parents refuse gastrostomy, the parents could perform nasogastric tube drainage.
Herpes zoster due to Oka vaccine strain of varicella zoster virus in an immunosuppressed child post cord blood transplant
Authors: Chan Yumin , Smith David , Sadlon Tania , Scott Julius X , Goldwater Paul N
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  A 5‐year‐old boy was vaccinated with the Oka strain of varicella zoster virus vaccine before cord blood transplant for chronic granulomatous disease in 2005. In 2006, he developed herpes zoster on his left arm. DNA from the vesicular rash confirmed the Oka vaccine strain of varicella zoster virus caused this complication. He responded well to 10 days of aciclovir treatment.
Parasitic infestation and nutritional status among schoolchildren in Vientiane, Lao PDR
Authors: Phathammavong Outavong , Moazzam Ali , Xaysomphoo Duangphachan , Phengsavanh Alongkone , Kuroiwa Chushi
Published: September 2007

Aims:  To investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation among school‐aged children residing in Vientiane capital city; and to assess the impact of its infestation on nutrition status of those children.

Methods:  The school‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted from December 2005 to February 2006. The systemic random samplings were employed to select schools and schoolchildren. Five hundred and thirty‐six schoolchildren (350 high‐school children and 186 parents of elementary‐school children) were completely interviewed by semistructured questionnaire and performed anthropometric measurement. The direct faecal smear was employed to analyse 299 (55.8%) stool samples. The spss version 12.01 and Epi Info version 6.0 were used for data analysis

Results:  The overall prevalence of parasitic infestation was 38.1%, with 18.1% of Opisthorchis viverrini and 14.7% of Ascaris lumbricoides. The prevalences of stunting and underweight were 20.2% and 20.0%, respectively. The prevalences of stunting (OR = 3.28; P < 0.01) and underweight (OR = 2.69; P < 0.05) were higher among high‐school children who were infested by intestinal parasites.

Conclusion:  Approximately one‐third of schoolchildren in Vientiane capital city were infested by intestinal parasites. The persistent parasitic infestation seemed to be associated with growth rate pattern among those children. School‐based parasite control programme and health promotion are needed to eliminate this major public health problem in Lao People Democratic Republic.
Health needs of Australian children living in out‐of‐home care
Authors: Nathanson Dania , Tzioumi Dimitra
Published: September 2007

Background:  Children living in out‐of‐home care have high and frequently unidentified health needs. The Child Protection Unit at Sydney Children’s Hospital offers comprehensive health screening to children in care.

Aims:  To report the experience of the health screening clinic and the rates of identified health problems of children in care in this sample, and to compare these rates with the general child population and children in care overseas.

Methods:  Comprehensive multidisciplinary health screens were offered to children in out‐of‐home care.

Results:  High rates of physical, developmental and emotional health problems were identified. The rates of poor health were greater than the average child population of New South Wales, but similar to the rates of poor health reported in children in care overseas.

Conclusions:  Children in care are a vulnerable group of the child population who experience unacceptable levels of poor health. Comprehensive health screens can help identify previously undetected health problems.
Acute treatment of paediatric migraine: A meta‐analysis of efficacy
Authors: Silver Shawna , Gano Dawn , Gerretsen Philip
Published: September 2007

Aim:  To undertake a meta‐analysis of all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the acute pharmacologic treatment of children and adolescents with migraine headache.

Methods:  In total, 139 abstracts of clinical trials specific to the acute treatment of paediatric migraine were appraised. Inclusion criteria required clinical trials to be randomised, blinded, placebo‐controlled studies with comparable endpoints. Non‐ English language publications were excluded. 11 clinical trials qualified for inclusion in the final meta‐analysis. Two endpoints were analysed: the proportion of patients with (1) headache relief, and (2) complete pain relief, 2 h post‐treatment.

Results:  The following medications were included in the analysis: acetaminophen (n = 1), ibuprofen (n = 2), sumatriptan (n = 5), zolmitriptan (n = 1), rizatriptan (n = 2) and dihydroergotamine (n = 1). Results are expressed as a relative benefit (RB) conferred over placebo and the number needed to treat (NNT). Only ibuprofen and sumatriptan provided a statistically significant relative efficacy in comparison with placebo. Two hours post‐treatment, ibuprofen was associated with an RB 1.50 (95% CI 1.15–1.95) in the generation of headache relief (NNT 2.4) and RB 1.92 (95% CI 1.28–2.86) in the production of complete pain relief (NNT 4.9). Sumatriptan rendered an RB 1.26 (95% CI 1.13–1.41) in headache relief (NNT 7.4) and an RB 1.56 (95% CI 1.26–1.93) in the production of complete pain relief (NNT 6.9).

Conclusion:  Despite the pharmacological options for the management of acute migraine, few RCTs in the paediatric population exist. Composite data demonstrate that only ibuprofen and sumatriptan are significantly more effective than placebo in the generation of headache relief in children and adolescents.