bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malignant B‐cell lymphoma in an infant with severe combined immunodeficiency with short‐limbed skeletal dysplasia
Authors: van der Berg H , Wage K , Burggraaf JD , Peters M
Published: January 2008

Abstract In an infant with skeletal anomalies and haemolytic disease, intestinal perforation was caused by necrosis of an as yet undetected B‐cell lymphoma. Severe combined immunodeficiency with short‐limbed skeletal dysplasia was diagnosed. This is the first published report of a patient with this syndrome in combination with haemolytic disease and B‐cell‐lymphoma.
Is post‐hypoxic‐ischemic cell damage associated with excessive ATP consumption rather than a failure of ATP production?*
Authors: Harkness RA
Published: January 2008

Secondary cell damage after ATP depletion due to hypoxia or ischemia is clinically important because it correlates with residual effects; post‐hypoxic‐ischemic fits can be associated with later cerebral palsy. The mechanisms involved in delayed secondary cell damage are not clear, possibly because extensive relevant evidence is often fragmented. However, a sequence of changes can be suggested; this cross‐linked sequence is tentatively outlined in this review. The outline suggests explanations for otherwise ill‐understood clinical disturbances such as the loss of inhibitory control in damaged cells and the well documented reduction of cellular ATP. Loss of control may be due to reduced synthesis of control proteins and the reduced ATP concentration may be due to increased energy consumption.
Specific abnormalities in a visual motor psychological test in short children with abnormal growth hormone secretion
Authors: Andronikof‐Sanglade A , Fjellestad‐Paulsen A , Ricard‐Malivoir S , Evain‐Brion D
Published: January 2008

Forty short (< ‐2SD) prepubertal children with no organic disease underwent two growth hormone (GH)‐stimulation tests, a sleep test and a psychological assessment based on the Rey‐Osterrieth figure that was scored for boundary‐type errors (defined as non‐developmental severe distortions or disrespect of boundaries) by a psychologist who had not met the child. Twenty‐three children had normal endocrinological findings and 17 had abnormal GH secretion (4 with complete GH deficiency and 13 with normal GH response to pharmacological stimuli but abnormal nocturnal secretion). Seventeen children had normal results in the Rey‐Osterrieth figure test and 23 made boundary‐type errors. The biological and psychological analyses agreed in 32 cases, leading to a very significant (p < 0.0005) relation. This study reveals that short children with abnormal GH secretion, particularly low nocturnal secretion, show abnormalities independent of their developmental quotient in a visual motor psychological test.
Epidemiology of childhood tuberculosis in the Ashkelon region in Israel, 1958–1994
Authors: Bibi H , Peled R , Shoseyov D , Weiller Z , Scharf S
Published: January 2008

The incidence rates of tuberculosis (TB) in Israel decreased steadily up to 1984, but rose again between 1985 and 1991, mainly due to immigration waves from Ethiopia. The epidemiology of TB in children was surveyed in the Ashkelon region. The regional TB register of Barzilai Medical Centre, kept since 1958, was used as the source for our data. Two hundred and fifty TB cases in children were reported between 1958 and 1994, constituting 9.7% of the total 2565 cases reported in the whole population of Israel's southern Mediterranean coast. While in the late 1950s and early 1960s the majority of reported cases occurred in children of North African origin, reflecting the large wave of immigration from North Africa at that time, in 1985‐94 at the time of the Ethiopian immigration wave, Ethiopian children constituted the majority of the patients. They were diagnosed up to 9 years after arrival. None of the reported cases was HIV‐positive.
Serum alanine aminotransferase activity in obese children
Authors: Tazawa Y , Noguchi H , Nishinomiya F , Takada G
Published: January 2008

To confirm the significance of the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test for the diagnosis of fatty liver and to clarify the relationship between serum ALT activity and the duration of obesity, we analysed 310 obese young schoolchildren (195M, 115F), who were classified into three duration groups (1–3 y, 4–6 y, 7+ y), three age groups (6–7 y, 8–9 y, 10–11 y), and four obesity groups (weight excess; mild, 20–29%: moderate, 30–39%; severe. 40–49%; very severe. 50%). Seventy‐seven patients with abnormal ALT test, >30 IU/1, and 27 patients with normal ALT test were examined by ultrasound study to identify the fatty‐fibrotic pattern of the liver. Abnormal results of the serum ALT test were found in 24% of all patients. The fatty‐fibrotic pattern was identified in 64/77 (83%) patients with abnormal ALT test and in 5/27 (18%) patients with normal ALT test. The serum ALT test has a sensitivity of 0.92 for detecting the fatty‐fibrotic pattern proven by ultrasound study Frequencies of cases with abnormal serum ALT levels increased with the duration of obesity. In the shortest duration group, however, the frequencies of abnormal results in serum ALT test did not increase with advanced ages or the grades of obesity. In conclusion, the present study confirmed the usefulness of the serum ALT test for screening fatty liver, and showed that a longer duration of obesity is generally associated with the occurrence of fatty liver in a paediatric obese population. In young patients with mild obesity or a short duration of obesity, however, fatty liver or fatty fibrosis may develop. Early intervention should be made in the case of obese children.
Fractures and phenylketonuria
Authors: Greeves LG , Magee A
Published: January 2008

Parent or self‐reported history of fractures in a group of patients aged from 0.3 to 33.6 years on dietary treatment for phenylketonuria was studied by means of a questionnaire. Twenty‐one of 85 patients had a history of fracture compared with 18/98 sibling controls. There was no significant difference in the lifetime risk of fracture between patients and controls (x2= 1.43, df = 1, p= 0.23), but a significantly higher risk of fracture was reported over the age of 8y (x2= 5.11, df = 1, p= 0.024), with a relative risk of 2.6 (95% confidence interval 1.1, 6.1). We suggest this maybe related either to deterioration in dietary control in this age group or to a cumulative disease‐related or diet‐related reduction in bone mass.
Cardiovascular risk factors m relation to the serum concentrations of copper and zinc: epidemiological study on children and adolescents in the Spanish province of Navarra
Authors: López T Elcarte , Elízaga I Villa , Garde JI Gost , López R Elcarte , Pérez A Martín , Pujada J Navascués , Blasco I Navarro , Madre MI Aparicio
Published: January 2008

This investigation was carried out to show the possible association between groups of children with extreme values of copper and zinc concentrations and cardiovascular risk indicators. Serum copper and zinc concentrations were analysed in a group of 3887 children from Navarra, Spain (both sexes, aged 4–17 years). Hypertension, unfavourable serum lipid profile (total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and cholesterol/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios), and degree of adiposity (weight, height, subcutaneous skinfolds, Quetelet's index and mean of subcutaneous skinfolds) were evaluated. Positive correlation was found between several lipid parameters and copper and zinc concentrations, i.e. degree of correlation related with age, except for copper/HDL and triglycerides/zinc ratios, where correlation remained negative at all points. Copper levels were correlated with adiposity parameters in an age‐dependent fashion (Quetelet's index: r= 0.01 forages 4–7 years to r= 0.10, p < 0.01 for ages 14–17 years; mean skinfold thickness: r= 0.05 for ages 4–7 years up to r= 0.18, p < 0.01 for ages 14–17 years). Most correlations between lipid parameters and copper and zinc are markedly amplified if adiposity parameters are taken into account. However, the only significant association was the established relation between high copper concentrations (> x+ 2SD) and unfavourable serum lipid profile (LDL/HDL > 2.2).
Impairments, disabilities and handicaps in children and adolescents with epilepsy
Authors: Beckung E , Uvebrant P
Published: January 2008

The patterns of motor and sensory impairments, disabilities and handicap were assessed in 217 children and adolescents with epilepsy. Motor and sensory dysfunctions were found to be common even in children without major additional neurodisorders such as cerebral palsy and mental retardation. Handicap was most severe in the dimensions of physical independence and orientation and increased significantly with duration of epilepsy. It was more severe when the onset of seizures was early and when secondary generalized seizures were present. Handicap was significantly reduced after epilepsy surgery.
Randomized study of the effect of antenatal dexamethasone on growth and development of premature children at the corrected age of 2 years
Authors: Salokorpi T , Sajaniemi N , Hällback H , Kari A , Rita H , von Wendt L
Published: January 2008

The objective of the series was to study the effect of prenatal dexamethasone therapy on the growth and neurological development of preterm children until the age of 2 years. Eighty‐two children with a mean gestational age of 30 (24–33) weeks and a mean weight of 1291 (530–2360) g at birth, treated antenatally with either dexamethasone (n= 50) or placebo (n= 32), were examined at the adjusted age of 24 months by a paediatric neurologist, a neuropsychologist and a speech therapist. Neurological development was defined as normal if all scores of neuropaediatric, neuropsychological and verbal tests were within the normal range. Normal neurological development was found in 52% of the dexamethasone‐treated and in 34% of the placebo‐treated children. The incidence of cerebral palsy was 10% in the dexamethasone group and 22% in the placebo group. Minor developmental delay was found in 42% of dexamethasone‐treated and in 53% of placebo‐treated children. Our follow‐up results indicate that the beneficial effect of prenatal glucocorticoid treatment on cerebral complications I intraventricular haemorrhage or periventricular leucomalacia) demonstrated during the neonatal period may be followed by a lower incidence of cerebral palsy in surviving premature children.
Impact of intrauterine growth restriction on neurodevelopmental and growth outcomes in very low birthweight infants
Authors: Amin H , Singhal N , Sauve RS
Published: January 2008

The impact of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in very low birthweight preterm infants weighing ≤ 1250g was determined by comparing longitudinal growth and neurodevelopmental outcome to an adjusted age of 36 months in 52 intrauterine growth restricted children, with 55 birthweight‐matched and 56 gestational age‐matched children. None of these children had chromosomal anomalies, congenital infections, or major congenital malformations. Gestational ages of intrauterine growth restricted, birthweight‐ and gestational age‐matched infants were 30 (± 3), 26 (± 2), 29 (± 2) weeks; birthweights were 842 (± 232), 872 (± 201) and 1094 (± 142) g, respectively. Intrauterine growth restricted children had fewer complications during initial hospitalization (p < 0.05), and had lower weights and head circumferences at follow‐up (p> 0.05). No significant differences were present in major neurodevelopmental disabilities between the intrauterine growth restricted and two comparison groups. Persistence of microcephaly was associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcome.
Photooxidant injury to glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase‐deficient erythrocytes with bilirubin as the sensitizer—an in vitro study
Authors: Karthikeyan G , Narang A , Majumdar S , Shivani K
Published: January 2008

To evaluate the hypothesis that glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)‐deficient erythrocytes are more prone to photooxidant injury with bilirubin as the sensitizer, we compared the malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) levels and haematocrit values in 11 G6PD‐deficient samples with a bilirubin: albumin molar ratio of 1:2 (10mg% bilirubin, 2.5 g % albumin) photoexposed at 6 μW cm‐2nm‐2(420–460 nm), with 11 of control samples. Twelve hours after photoexposure the incremental changes in MDA levels (OD units) were higher in G6PD‐deficient samples [mean (SE) = 0.230 (0.171) vs 0.075 (0.043), p> 0.01]. Antioxidant drugs may have a protective role while G6PD‐deficient neonates undergo phototherapy.
A relapse of paratyphoid fever after treatment with ciprofloxacin in a child with congenital biliary atresia
Authors: Eltringham IJ , Thalange N , Ireland D , Issler H , Teall A
Published: January 2008

This report describes a relapse of Salmonella paratyphi B infection in a child with biliary atresia, following 2 weeks of treatment with ciprofloxacin. The recrudescence was complicated by the development of osteomyelitis and was treated with chloramphenicol, trimethoprim, ceftriaxone and ampicillin in succession.
Dynamic properties of the aorta and of the foot microcirculation in adolescents with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hu J , Norman M , Wallensteen M , Gennser G
Published: January 2008

To evaluate vascular function in diabetic subjects, we studied both the stiffness of the abdominal aorta and the foot microvascular reactivity in 22 diabetic adolescents and 18 controls. The aortic stiffness was significantly higher in diabetic females, but not in males, as compared to age‐ and gender‐matched controls (p < 0.05). Foot post‐ischaemic hyperaemia was lower in diabetic subjects than in controls (p < 0.05), while postural vasoconstriction did not differ between the groups. The microvascular reactivity did not correlate with the duration of diabetes, but seemed to be influenced by the insulin regimen. The degree of aortic stiffness and the microvascular reactivity of the foot were not significantly interrelated. Loss of aortic elasticity might be a long‐term effect of diabetes, whereas microvascular reactivity seems to reflect the current influence of the metabolic state and insulin treatment.
Thermal control of the newborn: knowledge and practice of health professionals in seven countries
Authors: Dragovich D , Tamburlini G , Alisjahbana A , Kambarami R , Karagulova J , Lincetto O , Malla DS , Mello MJ , Vani NS
Published: January 2008

Hypothermia is a common problem in neonates, particularly in developing countries where it is an important contributory factor to neonatal mortality and morbidity. An evaluation of the knowledge and practices of health professionals on the thermal control of newborns was carried out in seven countries: Brazil, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mozambique, Nepal and Zimbabwe. The evaluation, conceived as a preliminary phase for a one‐day training course on thermal control, involved 28 health facilities and 260 health professionals (61 doctors and 199 nurses and midwives). It included an assessment of thermal control practices carried out in each health facility by external investigators and a questionnaire on knowledge about thermoregulation administered to health professionals involved in newborn care. The findings of the evaluation were consistent across countries and showed that thermal control practices were frequently inadequate in the following areas: ensuring a warm environment at the time of delivery; initiation of breastfeeding and contact with mother; bathing; checking the baby's temperature; thermal protection of low birth weight babies, and care during transport. Knowledge on thermal control was also insufficient, especially concerning the physiology of thermoregulation and criteria for defining hypothermia. During the one‐day course that followed the evaluation, participants were able to recognize the existing gaps and to identify appropriate interventions. Knowledge and practice on the thermal control of the newborn are currently insufficient. However, awareness of the importance of thermal control and basic knowledge on thermal regulation and thermal protection can be easily acquired and on this basis motivation for improving thermal control practices can be developed.
Carbohydrate intolerance after acute gastroenteritis—a disappearing problem in Polish children
Authors: Szajewska H , Kantecki M , Albrecht P , Antoniewicz J
Published: January 2008

The prevalence of carbohydrate intolerance in Polish children during an acute episode of gastroenteritis was determined. One hundred and seven consecutive children, less than 3 years old, with acute diarrhoea were enrolled into the study. Carbohydrate intolerance (diagnostic criteria: >0.5% reducing substances and stool pH less than 5.5) was diagnosed in 14/107 (13.08%) children: lactose intolerance was present in 12 (11.2%) patients; glucose polymer intolerance in 1 (0.93%) and monosaccharide intolerance in 1 (0.93%). The most important predisposing factor was rotavirus. In all cases the carbohydrate intolerance was transient, resolving within 5 days. Carbohydrate intolerance is also an infrequent problem in Polish children. Restriction of lactose‐containing foods (use of lactose‐free or low lactose formulas) for the majority of children with gastroenteritis does not seem to be justified.
Reactivity of skin blood flow and heart rate to external thermal stimulation in anencephaly
Authors: Jahnukainen T , Lindqvist A , Äärimaa T , Kero P , Välimäki I
Published: January 2008

Oscillations of skin blood flow and heart rate can be synchronised using external rhythmic thermal stimulation in healthy adults and infants. We examined the effect of thermal stimulation on the cutaneous circulation and heart rate of an anencephalic neonate using cutaneous laser Doppler flowmetry and ECG monitoring. The results suggest that synchronisation of SBF and HR to thermal stimulation can also be induced in an anencephalic newborn.
The doula: an essential ingredient of childbirth rediscovered
Authors: Klaus MH , Kennell JH
Published: January 2008

Eleven randomized control trials examined whether additional support by a trained lay person (called a doula), student midwife or midwife, who provides continuous support consisting of praise, encouragement, reassurance, comfort measures, physical contact and explanations about progress during labor, will affect obstetrical and neonatal outcomes. The women were healthy primigravidas at term. Meta‐analysis of these studies showed a reduction in the duration of labor, the use of medications for pain relief, operative vaginal delivery, and in many studies a reduction in caesarian deliveries. At 6 weeks after delivery in one study a greater proportion of doula‐supported women were breastfeeding, reported greater self‐esteem, less depression, a higher regard for their babies and their ability to care for them compared to the control mothers. Observations during labor showed that fathers remained farther away from mothers than doulas, talked and touched less. When the doula was present with the couple during labor the father offered more personal support. The father‐to‐be's presence during labor and delivery is important to the mother and father, but it is the presence of the doula that results in significant benefits in outcome.
Immune deficiencies in chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction
Authors: Forchielli ML , Young MC , Flores AF , Richardson D. , Lo CW
Published: January 2008

Aim: Chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction has been associated with urinary disorders, myopathy, and ophthalmoplegia in adults and cholelithiasis in children. We observed a high percentage of total‐parenteral‐nutrition‐dependent patients with pseudo‐obstruction and recurrent infections requiring gammaglobulin infusions. Methods: AH records for 23 children with chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction (10 females and 13 males, mean age 9.8 y ± 4.9 y, range 4–24 y) referred for a nutritional evaluation from 1992 to 1995 were reviewed. Chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction was diagnosed by clinical, radiographic findings and antroduodenal manometry. Intestinal full‐thickness biopsies were performed in seven children. Results: Hypogammaglobulinemia was diagnosed in 18 patients (78%): 16 patients had various immunoglobulin deficiencies and 2 had selective antibody deficiency. Intravenous gammaglobulin was administered in 14 patients. Other medical conditions affecting the children are summarized as follows: autonomic dysfunction in 10 patients (43%), recurrent hypoglycemia in 9 (39%), asthma in 9 (39%), cholecystitis in 7 (30%), low serum carnitine level in 6 (26%), urinary dysfunction in 6 (26%), pancreatitis in 5 (22%), behavioral problems in 5 (22%), myopathy in 2 (9%), idiopathic thrombocytopenia in 2 (8%), velopharyngeal insufficiency in 1 (4%), oculocutaneous albinism in 1 (4%), Pierre‐Robin syndrome in 1 (4%), and protein C deficiency in 1 (4%). Munchausen syndrome was suspected in two patients. Conclusions: Chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction appears to be associated with immune deficiencies. It is unclear if the immune deficiencies, intestinal pseudo‐obstruction, and the other medical conditions have a common underlying etiology. Repeated infections may be due to impaired immune function in children with chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction. We recommend screening for immune deficiencies in children with chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction.
Secular trend in the sexual maturation of Southern Chinese girls
Authors: Huen KF , Leung SSF , Lau JTF , Cheung AYK , Leung NK , Chiu MC
Published: January 2008

In 1993, a cross‐sectional study of sexual maturation of normal Chinese schoolgirls was performed in Hong Kong. The aim of the study was to obtain an up‐to‐date reference for normal pubertal development in Chinese girls. Breast development was assessed in 3749 girls aged 7–19 y, and pubic hair rating was assessed in 3745 girls. Menstrual status was recorded in 6467 girls over 6 y of age. The median age of onset of puberty as indicated by breast stage II or above was 9. 78 (95% CI 9. 70–9. 85) y. The median age of onset of pubic hair development was 11. 64 (95% CI 11. 56–11. 72) y. The median age of menarche was 12. 38 (95% CI 11. 98–12. 78) years. Percentile values for the age at which each puberty staging appeared were constructed and incorporated into the height‐for‐age charts. When comparison is made with similar studies done in 1962 and 1979, a significant downward secular trend in sexual maturation is observed (p < 0. 01). Except for breast development the downward secular trend in sexual maturation appears to be diminishing and may be coming to a halt in the Chinese girls in Hong Kong. Their median ages of sexual maturation are now among one of the earliest medians recorded in the world population studied.
Cholesterol and carotid artery wall in children and adolescents with familial hypercholesterolaemia: a controlled study by ultrasound
Authors: Virkola K. , Pesonen E. , Åkerblom HK , Siimes MA
Published: January 2008

The carotid artery wall was studied with ultrasound in 23 children and adolescents with familial hypercholesterolaemia and in 23 age‐matched healthy controls. The study revealed changes in the carotid artery wall related both to familial hypercholesterolaemia and to age. In the control subjects, the carotid artery wall became stiffer with age. In the patients with hypercholesterolaemia, no clear age‐dependence was found, but wall stiffness correlated with total and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. The intimal‐medial wall thickness was associated with serum total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein and triglyceride concentrations, and correlated inversely with the ratio of high‐density lipoprotein to total cholesterol. Carotid artery wall properties seem to be associated with the degree of hypercholesterolaemia and the high‐density lipoprotein‐to‐total cholesterol ratio even in children. In childhood and adolescence it is already possible, with ultrasound, to detect changes in the arterial wall related both to familial hypercholesterolaemia and to age.
Effects of volume expansion on cardiac output in the preterm infant
Authors: Pladys P. , Wodey E. , Bétrémieux P. , Beuchée A. , Ecoffey C.
Published: January 2008

Clinical and echocardiography haemodynamic evaluations of response to volume expansion are described in 12 preterm neonates aged < 7days presenting without cardiac dysfunction and with a low cardiac output. They received 10% albumin solution (20 ml kg‐1) for 3h. Measurements were made before infusion, at volumes 5, 12. 5 and 20 ml kg‐1 and 1 h later. All infants increased significantly their cardiac output (CO) (from a median of 177 to 283 ml kg‐1 min‐1). The rise of CO decreased with the volume infused. The index of systemic vascular resistance (SVR = ratio of mean arterial pressure to the CO) decreased for the six patients without PDA (from 272 to 193 mmHg 1‐1 kg‐1 min‐1, p < 0. 05) showing that the hypovolemic preterm infant is able to shut down peripherally in response to hypovolemia. The four hypotensive infants responded by increasing mean arterial blood pressure (from 29 to 44 mmHg). Cutaneous refilling time decreased during infusion (from 6. 7 to 3. 8 s, p < 0. 01). One infant had an haemodynamically significant ductus arteriosus revealed by volume expansion, another one developed myocardial dysfunction.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of recombinant human growth hormone by subcutaneous jet‐ or needle‐injection in patients with growth hormone deficiency
Authors: Houdijk ECAM , Herdes E. , Van de Waal HA Delemarre
Published: January 2008

Eighteen growth hormone (GH) deficient children and adolescents (11 6/12–20 9/12 y) participated in a randomized open, two‐period (4 weeks) cross‐over study to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) administered daily, either by subcutaneous jet‐injection or conventional needle‐injection. Plasma growth hormone (GH), insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1), insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP‐3), glucose, insulin, HbAlc and serum‐free fatty acids (FFA) levels were analysed repeatedly. GH absorption characteristics, expressed as AUC0‐x, Cmax and Tmax ratio (%) jet‐injected over needle‐injected were similar in both groups. IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3 plasma levels were identical in both groups. Serum FFA concentrations were comparable after GH administration with either injection device. Surprisingly nocturnal blood glucose decreased to asymptomatic hypoglycaemic levels in all patients. The results of this study showed equal responses concerning absorption and bioavailability of growth hormone administered daily for 4 weeks by either a jet or a needle‐injection device in GH‐deficient children and adolescents.
Randomized, controlled, clinical trial of rice versus glucose oral rehydration solutions in infants and young children with acute watery diarrhoea
Authors: Faruque ASG , Hoque SS , Fuchs GJ , Mahalanabis D.
Published: January 2008

A randomized clinical trial was carried out to compare a packaged ready‐to‐mix rice oral rehydration solution (ORS) to the standard glucose ORS for the treatment of childhood diarrhoea. Children were of either gender, aged 3–35 months, presenting with a history of watery diarrhoea for 72 h or less. The main outcomes examined were stool output, ORS intake, duration of diarrhoea and nutritional recovery during follow‐up at 16 d of illness. Stool output in the first 24 h (106 vs 107 g kg‐1), ORS intake in clinic (93 vs 102 ml per motion) and duration of diarrhoea (88 h vs 81 h) were similar in the two treatment groups. The few episodes that became persistent were similar (2%) in the two groups. The weight gain during follow‐up was similar in the two ORS groups.
Troponin‐T: improved diagnostic assessment of myocardial damage in childhood
Authors: Immer FF , Stocker F. , Seiler AM , Pfammatter J‐P , Printzen G. , Peheim E.
Published: January 2008

Troponin‐T (cTnT) as a marker of myocardial damage is well established in adults, but not yet in children. cTnT was measured in 85 children (aged 1 day‐204 months, mean 46 months). Twenty‐five children were non‐surgical patients, with possible myocardial damage suspected on clinical grounds. The other 60 patients had cardiac surgery leading to a defined myocardial damage. In these children, troponin‐T (cTnT), creatine kinase activity (CK), creatine kinase‐MB activity (CK‐MB), and creatine kinase‐MB‐Mass (CK‐MB‐Mass) were measured preoperatively and 3–4 times during the first 55 postoperative h. Except in four children with probable preoperative myocardial damage, all troponin‐T values were in the normal range (< 0.1 μig/1). All children with intracardiac surgery showed a postoperative increase in troponin‐T. Children with extracardiac surgery of the great vessels showed no postoperative increase of troponin‐T. For the assessment of myocardial damage, troponin‐T was more specific and more sensitive than the other markers tested, troponin‐T might significantly improve the diagnostic assessment of myocardial damage in children.
Life‐threatening effects of discontinuing inhaled nitric oxide in children
Authors: Cueto E. , López‐Herce J. , Sánchez A. , Carrillo A.
Published: January 2008

We treated 40 children, aged between 15 d and 17 y, diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome and/ or pulmonary hypertension, with inhaled nitric oxide. The most frequent underlying diagnosis associated with ARDS were bronchopneumonia (eight), cardiac surgery (five), and sepsis (three). Pulmonary hypertension was secondary to cardiomyopathy in 2 patients and occurred in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery in 17 patients–the most frequent were ventricular septal defect (5), transposition of great arteries (4), and atrioventricular septal defect (3). In 11 patients, sudden discontinuation of nitric oxide induced a decrease in oxygenation associated in some of the patients with an increase in pulmonary artery pressure. In two patients discontinuation of nitric oxide induced severe pulmonary hypertension, extreme bradycardia and hypoxaemia, which required cardiopulmonary resuscitation. When exogenous nitric oxide is abruptly interrupted, hypoxaemia and pulmonary hypertension are found in some patients, due to a decrease in the nitric oxide concentration in the pulmonary circulation. This may be caused by the exogenous nitric oxide administration that may have inhibited endogenous production. We recommend making a progressive withdrawal of inhaled nitric oxide to avoid the side effects observed in the sudden discontinuation.
Urinary tract infection, day wetting and other voiding symptoms in seven‐to eight‐year‐old Danish children
Authors: Hansen A. , Hansen B. , Dahm TL
Published: January 2008

In this cross‐sectional epidemiological questionnaire survey of 7–8‐y‐old Danish school entrants with focus on voiding habits, 29% were found to have symptoms that could suggest that bladder control was not fully developed. The frequency of day wetting, urgency, emptying difficulties, nocturnal enuresis, nocturia and encopresis, and the median frequency of voidings are presented. Furthermore, the relationship between urinary tract infections, day wetting, encopresis and voiding habits is investigated. There was an association between previous urinary tract infection in girls and current voiding symptoms, suggesting bladder dysfunction as a predisposing factor to infections. In particular, focus should be placed on girls with squatting on urge and/or emptying difficulties.
Ultrasonography screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip joint
Authors: Hansson G , Jacobsen S
Published: January 2008

The use of ultrasonography as a complement to clinical examination will increase the reliability of the evaluation of unstable hips in newborn infants. In particular, the number of false‐positive Ortolani and Barlow tests will decrease. However, the interpretation of the ultrasonogram in newborn infants has a steep learning curve with considerable risk of a high number of false‐positive hips being diagnosed. Therefore, universal screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip by ultrasonography cannot yet be recommended from a cost‐benefit point of view.
Membranous duodenal stenosis
Authors: Mikaelsson C , Arnbjörnsson E , Kullendorff CM
Published: January 2008

The experience of our 16 patients treated for membranous duodenal stenosis is reported. Their treatment and course was analysed in a retrospective study. Eight patients were operated on within the first 16 days of life and in the remaining group surgery was performed at 1 month to 4 y of age. The presenting symptom leading to diagnosis was, in all but one case, non‐bile‐stained vomiting. Associated malformations were found in all but four patients, mostly morbus Down. The operative procedure performed was a partial excision of the duodenal membrane and a duodenoplasty in 10 patients, a duodenojejunostomy in 5 patients, and a duodenoplasty only in 1 patient. The postoperative course was without lethal complications. One late stricture in an anastomosis occurred. We conclude that in its presentation, duodenal stenosis differs from duodenal atresia, and can often be misinterpreted, resulting in a late diagnosis, and should be reported as a separate entity.
Serum levels of magnesium at birth related to complications of immaturity
Authors: Stigson L , Kjellmer I
Published: January 2008

Magnesium is a natural calcium channel blocker inhibiting vasoconstriction in numerous vascular beds. Magnesium sulphate given prior to birth to pre‐eclamptic mothers and mothers in preterm labour has in retrospect been found to be associated with a decreased incidence of both intraventricular haemorrhage and cerebral palsy. Little is known about the effect of normal variations of serum magnesium in the very preterm baby, where morbidity is closely related to rapid vascular changes. We have analysed the absolute levels and normal variations of magnesium concentration in cord blood and during the first 3 weeks after birth for 69 infants born before 32 gestational weeks of age. The results show an inverse relation between serum magnesium at birth and gestational age. Higher levels of serum magnesium at birth within normal variations were associated with a delayed closure of the ductus arteriosus, and mild but not severe peri‐ and intraventricular haemorrhage.
Hypoantigenic (HA) milk formula and blood cholesterol level in infants at 3 months of age
Authors: Savino F , Oggero R , Prino A , Mostert M
Published: January 2008

A preliminary observation is reported concerning total and high‐density lipoprotein blood cholesterol levels in 36 infants at 3 months of age fed with a hypoantigenic milk formula. The values are compared with those of 66 breastfed and 76 conventional formula‐fed infants. Total and high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol levels in hypoantigenic formula‐fed infants (152 and 65. 7 mg dl‐1, respectively) were comparable to those of breastfed infants (148 and 61. 8 mg dl‐1) and significantly (p<0. 05) higher than those of conventional formula‐fed infants (130 and 42. 5 mg dl‐1).
Effects of interspecific competition on periodic shoot elongation in oak seedlings
Authors: Collet Catherine , Frochot Henri
Published: January 2008

The effects of interspecific competition on periodic shoot elongation of Quercuspetraea (Matt.) Liebl. and Quercusrobur L. seedlings were investigated in two experiments. In the first experiment, conducted under field conditions, young oaks were grown under various levels of grass and shrub competition. The number of growth flushes produced by the seedlings was assessed on three dates during the summer. In the second experiment, conducted under controlled conditions, seedlings were grown under various levels of competition and watering regimes. Biweekly measurements of shoot elongation were made during two consecutive growing seasons. Seedlings grown with competition produced fewer growth flushes during the growing season, and those flushes were delayed. They also produced fewer growth units during each flush and those growth units were shorter. All the seedlings grown without competition flushed at the same time during the entire growing season. On the contrary, the seedlings grown with competition showed synchronous flushing in spring, but became asynchronous later in the growing season.
Early summer temperatures since 1670 A.D. for Central Kamchatka reconstructed based on a Siberian larch tree-ring width chronology
Authors: Gostev Moses , Wiles Gregory , D'Arrigo Rosanne , Jacoby Gordon , Khomentovsky Peter
Published: January 2008

A tree-ring width chronology of larch (Larixkurilensis Mayr) has been developed from along the Bystraya River near Esso in the interior valley of the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia. The chronology, which covers from 1670 to 1992, explains 38% of the variance in May–June temperatures for the Esso meteorological station. This ring-width series is used to develop the first dendroclimatic reconstruction for Kamchatka. We caution that the Esso station record, the closest to the tree-ring site, is only 42 years in length, making model verification difficult. Periods of above-average temperatures are inferred for ca. 1750, 1800, and over the last few decades; colder than average conditions are inferred for 1710–1720, 1760–1770s, and 1860–1880s. The ring-width chronology cross-dates with other larch tree-ring data for Kamchatka and, during certain intervals, with a larch ring-width record from eastern Siberia. Comparison of the two records suggests that the insertion of a missing ring for the year 1816 in the eastern Siberian series is not justified. A birch (Betulaermanii Cham.) chronology from a coastal site near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy correlates with July–August temperatures. Both the larch and more widespread birch species show promise for further dendroclimatic studies in Kamchatka.
ORDERED POROUS ANODIC ALUMINUM OXIDE FILMS MADE BY TWO-STEP ANODIZATION
Authors: XUE HANSONG , LI HUAJI , YI YU , HU HUIFANG
Published: January 2008

Porous Anodic Aluminum Oxide (AAO) films were prepared by two-step anodizing in sulfuric and oxalic acid solutions and observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray diffraction. The results show that the form of AAO film is affected by the varieties and concentrations of electrolyte, anodizing voltage, and the anodizing time; the formation and evolution processes of the AAO film are relative with the anodizing voltage severely, and the appropriate voltage is helpful to the ordering of the holes. The formation of the AAO film could be explained based on the present experiment and some former models.
OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE FABRICATION AND REFRACTIVE INDEX CHARACTERIZATION OF Nd:LuVO4 THIN FILMS BY PULSED LASER DEPOSITION
Authors: LI HONGXIA , WU XIN , SONG RENGUO , WANG JIYANG
Published: January 2008

High-quality Nd:LuVO 4 thin films have been grown on silica glass substrates by using a pulsed laser deposition technique. X-ray diffraction results show that the as-deposited Nd:LuVO 4 film is basically oriented polycrystalline, and strong (200) peak was revealed. The waveguide property was characterized by the prism-coupling method. The refractive index of the propagation mode is higher than that of the silica glass substrate which means that the dips correspond to real propagation mode, where the light could be well defined. The surface morphology of the deposited Nd:LuVO 4 films was also observed by using an atomic force microscopy.
INVESTIGATION OF Fe-DOPED AND -UNDOPED NiO NANOCRYSTALLINE FILMS
Authors: GODBOLE B. , BADERA N. , SHRIVASTAVA S. B. , JAIN D. , GANESAN V.
Published: January 2008

The NiO and Fe -doped NiO thin films have been prepared by using spray pyrolysis technique. The effects of change in the volumetric concentration and substrate temperature on the film characteristics have been investigated. With the increase in volumetric concentration, the grain size and the roughness of the film increase; while the number of voids has been reduced. In case of NiO thin films the activation energy was found to increase from 0.33 eV to 0.40 eV with the increase in the film thickness. The analysis of the data suggests that the density of states at the Fermi level increase with the thickness of the film. In Fe -doped NiO film the density of states was found to increase with the increase in the substrate temperature. The optical measurements show that the maximum transmittance (≈77.13%) occurs for the film corresponding to the lowest volumetric concentration. On increasing the substrate temperature the transmittance also increases, thus displaying the decrease in the film thickness.
INFLUENCE OF SYNTHESIS CONDITIONS ON Al(OH)3–Y(OH)3/ZrB2 COMPOSITE PARTICLES
Authors: SONG JIE-GUANG , ZHANG LIAN-MENG , LI JUN-GUO , SONG JIAN-RONG
Published: January 2008

Although Zirconium diboride ( ZrB 2) is a desirable combination with some good properties, it is easily oxidized in the high-temperature air to impact high-temperature properties, which dwindles the applied range. In order to decrease oxidization and improve the high-temperature properties of ZrB 2, the surface of ZrB 2 is coated with Al ( OH )3– Y ( OH )3 to synthesize Al ( OH )3– Y ( OH )3/ ZrB 2 composite particles. In this paper, the conditions of synthesizing Al ( OH )3– Y ( OH )3/ ZrB 2 composite particles by the co-precipitation method are investigated. Al ( OH )3– Y ( OH )3/ ZrB 2 composite particles are synthesized under different conditions, but the conditions of synthesizing Al ( OH )3– Y ( OH )3/ ZrB 2 composite particles with the better coating quality require pH = 9, the appropriate concentration ( Al 3+ = 0.017 mol/L , Y 3+ = 0.01 mol/L ) of composite solution, reaction time of 60 min, titration speed of 0.05 ml/s, using the dispersant in the ZrB 2 suspension and the ultrasonic dispersion, respectively.
THE COOPERATIVITY BETWEEN HYDROGEN AND HALOGEN BONDS
Authors: LANKAU TIMM , WU YU-CHUNG , ZOU JIAN-WEI , YU CHIN-HUI
Published: January 2008

The cooperativity between hydrogen bonds and halogen bonds in X–HCN–Y ( X: C2H2, H2O, NH3, HCI, HCN, HF; Y: HF, BrF, Br2 is analyzed with MP2/6-311++G(d, p) and DFT/6-311++G(d, p) calculations using the B3LYP and mPW1PW91 hybrid functionals. The results from the quantum chemical calculations are typically clustered in groups according to the Y-ligand. By choosing the X–HCN–HF group as reference it is possible to describe the interaction between the hydrogen and the halogen bond with a two-parameter model. The value of the first parameter of the model describes the contribution of the X -ligand to the interbond cooperativity in the reference cluster. The second parameter of our model quantifies the changes in interbond cooperativity upon varying the Y -ligand. This simple model can be used to predict the cooperativity in X–HCN–Y trimers with reasonable accuracy and thereby to organize the results systematically. It is further shown that the conclusions drawn from this ordering scheme are independent from the computational method and thereby generally applicable.
ESTIMATION OF SOIL SORPTION COEFFICIENTS OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS BY QUANTUM CHEMICAL DESCRIPTORS
Authors: LU GUI-NING , YANG CHEN , TAO XUE-QIN , YI XIAO-YUN , DANG ZHI
Published: January 2008

Quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) modeling is a powerful approach for predicting environmental behavior of organic pollutants with their structure descriptors. This study reports an optimal QSPR model for estimating logarithmic soil sorption coefficients (log KOC) of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Quantum chemical descriptors computed using density functional theory at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level and partial least squares (PLS) analysis with an optimizing procedure were used to generate QSPR models for log KOCof PAHs. The correlation coefficient of the optimal model was 0.993, and the results of a cross-validation test ([Formula: see text]) showed this optimal model had high fitting precision and good predicting ability. The log KOCvalues predicted by the optimal model are very close to those observed. The PLS analysis indicated that PAHs with larger electronic spatial extent tend to more easily adsorb and accumulate in soils and sediments, whereas those with higher molecular total energy and larger energy gap between the lowest unoccupied and the highest occupied molecular orbital adsorb and accumulate in soils and sediments less readily.
MODELING OF NONLINEAR REACTION–DIFFUSION PROCESSES OF AMPEROMETRIC POLYMER-MODIFIED ELECTRODES
Authors: RAHAMATHUNISSA G. , RAJENDRAN L.
Published: January 2008

A mathematical model of amperometric response for a polymer-modified electrode system has been developed. The model is based on nonstationary diffusion equations containing a nonlinear term related to Michaelis–Menten kinetics of the enzymatic reaction. In particular, the interplay between chemical reaction and substrate diffusion is specifically taken into account. The limiting situations of catalytic site unsaturation and site saturation are considered. The analytical solutions for substrate concentration and transient current for both steady and nonsteady-state are obtained using Danckwerts' relation and variable and separable method. An excellent agreement with the previous analytical results are noted. The combined analytical set of solution of steady-state current in all the nearest sites is also described in a case diagram. A general simple analytical approximate solution for steady-state current for all values of α is also given. A two-point Padé approximation is also derived for the nonsteady-state current for all values of saturation parameter α. Limiting case results (α ≪ 1 and α ≫ 1) are compared with Padé approximation results and are found to be in good agreement.
Democracy, Interdependence, and the Sources of the Liberal Peace
Authors: Gelpi Christopher F. , Grieco Joseph M.
Published: January 2008

Can the world be made more peaceful through commerce? Empirical studies of the impact of trade on military conflict have yielded conflicting results depending on the specific measures and empirical domains that scholars select for their studies. The article suggests that these varying results may be due to inadequate specification of the conditions under which trade will prevent conflict. In particular, previous research suggests that democratic leaders rely on public policy successes, such as economic growth, to maintain their political viability to a greater degree than do autocratic leaders. Since trade can help promote growth, the authors argue that democratic leaders should be more averse than autocratic leaders to initiating military conflicts with trading partners, for such conflicts might damage commercial ties and hamper politically important economic growth. The authors find support for this expectation in their analysis of trade integration and international conflict initiation by democratic and autocratic states between 1950 and 1992. The results are robust across different data sources on trade and conflict, suggesting that the conditional impact of trade on conflict may explain the variance in previous results. However, these results have sobering implications for the view that trade dependence by itself can be a mechanism for preventing autocratic states from using military force.
A Celestial Place: Hill Gardening in a Colonial Garden City
Authors: Morris Matt
Published: January 2008

Despite an assumption that Christchurch — the Garden City of New Zealand — has historically been viewed as the manifestation of a utopian dream, the experiences of the city's gardeners reveal a variety of sentiments about the meaning of gardens. Hillside gardeners, in particular, tended to see their gardens and their place in them in very different ways from their counterparts on the flat. These hillside gardens were places that allowed for an explicit appreciation of internationalism, localism, and an often spiritual connection with the world at large. They were `celestial', paradisical, and I therefore argue that tropes of utopias and paradise may sit uneasily with each other in colonial discourse. This point requires further attention from historians.