bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TRANSEPIDERMAL WATER LOSS IN FULL‐TERM AND PRE‐TERM INFANTS
Authors: SEDIN G. , HAMMARLUND K. , STRÖMBERG B.
Published: January 2008

Sedin, G., Hammarlund, K. and Strömberg, B. (Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden). Transepidermal water loss in full‐term and pre‐term infants. Acta Paediatr Scand, Suppl. 305: 27–31, 1983.—The amount of water lost from the skin and the relation of the water loss to environmental factors, activity, body temperature, gestational age, nutritional status at birth and post‐natal age were studied in full‐term and pre‐term newborn infants. The method we used was non‐invasive and based on determination of the water vapour pressure gradient immediately above the skin surface. We found that the transepidermal water loss per unit time and area (TEWL; g/m2 h) could be calculated by using values from only three measurement sites. TEWL increased with activity and when body temperature was elevated above 37.1C. On the first day after birth TEWL in appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants was exponentially related to gestational age, with much higher values in the most pre‐term infants than in full‐term infants. In full‐term small for gestational age (SGA) infants TEWL was significantly lower than in full‐term AGA infants. In pre‐term and full‐term AGA infants and in full‐term SGA infants we found an inverse linear relationship between ambient humidity and evaporation rate (ER; g/m2 h) from the skin. The level of ER and the slope of the relationship depended on the gestational age of the infant, with higher ER in the more pre‐term infants. Analysis of the relationship between ambient humidity and ER indicated that there is a gradual change in the permeability of the skin with gestational age. In pre‐term infants TEWL gradually decreased during the first weeks of life. In full‐term AGA infants TEWL was almost unchanged during these first weeks.
INTESTINAL WATER TRANSPORT
Authors: JODAL M. , LUNDGREN O.
Published: January 2008

Jodal, M. and Lundgren, O. (Department of Physiology, University of Göteborg, Göteborg, Sweden). Intestinal water transport. Acta Paediatr Scand, Suppl. 305: 49–55, 1983.—The current knowledge of the physiology of the transport of sodium and water across the intestinal epithelium is summarized. A brief review of its hormonal and nervous control is also given.
STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEPHRON
Authors: LARSSON L. , APERIA A. , ELINDER G.
Published: January 2008

Larsson, L., Aperia, A. and Elinder, G. (Department of Paediatrics, Karolinska Institute, St. Görans's Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden). Structural and functional development of the nephron. Acta Paediatr Scand, Suppl. 305: 56–60, 1983.—The present review deals with structural and functional relationships during the development of the nephron. Ultrastructural morphometric technique has been used to obtain quantitative data on structural observations in order to make currelations between structure and function possible. The area of the glomerular basement membrane was found to increase by a factor 1.7 when relating the change in glomerular basement surface area to kidney weight. Furthermore it is suggested that a permeability change of the glomerular basement membrane occurs during development and that this change probably is the result of an increased area of endothelial pores and epithelial slits. The increased capacity of different nephron segments to transport Na and fluid is directly correlated to the increase in the area of the basal and lateral cell membranes as well as the amount of Na‐K‐ATPase. This suggests a significant contribution of these factors to the maturation of solute and fluid transport through the tubular wall.
EVALUATION OF GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE IN INFANTS
Authors: BÅCKLUND L. , GÖRANSSON M. , MÜLLER–SUUR R. , OLSEN L.
Published: January 2008

Bäcklund, L., Göransson, M., Müller‐Suur, R. (Department of Clinical Physiology, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden) and Olsen, L. (Department of Paediatric Surgery, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden). Evaluation of glomerular filtration in infants. Acta Paediatr Scand, Suppl. 305: 77–78, 1983.—In the present study we investigated if inulin with single injection technique and capillary blood sampling can be used to determine glomerular filtration rate. Inulin single injection clearances using both venous and capillary samples were compared to standard inulin clearance (constant infusion) and to the clinical routine method, i.e. 51Cr‐EDTA clearance. Good agreement was obtained between these different methods and it is concluded that the inulin single injection clearance is a reliable method for GFR estimation. Especially in children this method is recommended as capillary blood samples can be used and thus the high doses of radioactivity necessary for a 51Cr‐EDTA capillary method can be avoided.
VASOPRESSIN, ACTH AND NEONATAL HAEMODYNAMICS
Authors: POHJAVUORI M. , FYHRQUIST F.
Published: January 2008

Pohjavuori, M. and Fyhrquist, F. (Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, and The Minerva Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland). Vasopressin, ACTH and neonatal haemodynamics. Acta Paediatr Scand, Suppl. 305: 79–83, 1983.—In 21 normal deliveries, high concentrations of AVP and ACTH in cord blood were associated with higher blood pressure and lower skin temperature, indicating peripheral vasoconstriction. Following Caesarean section after the onset of labour (n=8), cord AVP concentrations and blood pressures were lower than after normal delivery but higher than after elective Caesarean section (n=9). Maternal AVP concentrations at delivery were normal, as were plasma AVP concentrations in all infants 3 days after delivery. The relationship between vasopressin, a potential ACTH releasing factor, and ACTH was interesting. We conclude that the massive release of vasopressin is associated with normal delivery, elevated ACTH values and with peripheral vasoconstriction. These findings reflect favourable adaptation to hypoxia and stress of delivery, intended to redistribute cardiac output to vital organs and may provide for physiological adjustments necessary for extrauterine life.
Sound Spectrographic Cry Analysis of Infants with Hydrocephalus
Authors: MICHELSSON K. , KASKINEN H. , AULANKO R. , RINNE A.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Altogether 248 cries from 62 infants with hydrocephalus were analysed by sound spectro‐graphy: 92 cries from infants with congenital hydrocephalus and 52 cries from each of the groups with cerebral malformations, hydrocephalus as sequelae of meningitis, and after closure of a meningomyelocele. The cries were compared with 104 cries of normal healthy infants of corresponding age. The cry analysis showed that the most abnormal cries were seen in infants with congenital hydrocephalus and cerebral malformations. The pitch of the fundamental frequency did not differ from normal crying in cries of infants collected after recovery from meningitis and after closure of a meningomyelocele. The cries in hydrocephalus after meningitis showed more commonly flat melody types and the occurrence of biphonation.
Superoxide Dismutase Activity in Leukemic Blasts of Children with Acute Leukemia
Authors: YOSHIMITSU KAZUNORI , KOBAYASHI YOHNOSUKE , USUI TOMOFUSA
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Superoxide dismutase activity was determined in leukemic blasts of 24 patients with acute leukemia and was correlated to its type. The activity was significantly lower in five patients with T cell or B cell leukemia, and there was a wide range of distribution in IS patients with non‐T, non‐B cell leukemia. Manganese superoxide dismutase activity was significantly lower in all types of acute lymphoblastic leukemia than in normal mononuclear leukocytes. Both total and manganese superoxide dismutase activities in acute myeloblasts leukemia, however, were significantly higher than those in normal polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The prognosis in patients with a low superoxide dismutase activity in leukemic blasts seemed to be poorer. Determination of superoxide dismutase activity in leukemic blasts may have a prognostic value in the management of children with acute leukemia.
Elevated Serum Selenium in Diabetic Children
Authors: GEBRE‐MEDHIN MEHARI , EWALD UWE , PLANTIN LARS‐OLOF , TUVEMO TORSTEN
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Twenty‐seven diabetic children, 16 girls and 11 boys, 5–18 years of age, with a duration of the disease ranging from 2–15 years, comprised the study group. Thirteen children with a similar age and sex distribution, living in the same area served as healthy controls. All 40 children had a normal growth pattern. The mean serum selenium concentration in the diabetic children, determined by neutron activation analysis, was 7.4 ± 0.8 μg/100 ml (mean ± SD) and in the healthy controls 6.5 ± 0.8 μg/100 ml. The difference between the two groups was statistically highly significant (p < 0.01). Boys and girls in both groups had nearly identical mean serum selenium levels and no correlation was observed between the selenium concentrations and either the age, weight or height of the children or the indicators of diabetic control. The selenium status in diabetic children has not been reported previously. The possibility of elevated serum selenium in diabetic children in response to altered lipid metabolism is discussed.
Interferon Production in Children with Undue Susceptibility to Infections
Authors: BONDESTAM MARGARETA , ALM GUNNAR V. , FOUCARD TONY
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The interferon‐producing ability of peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes obtained from children with undue susceptibility to infections was investigated. Patients were grouped according to three clinical patterns, i.e. children with mainly upper respiratory tract infec‐tions, with lower respiratory tract infections and with frequent middle ear infections. There WBS no evidence of impaired mean interferon‐a responses to the inducers Sendai virus and beta‐hemolytic Group G streptococci in patients compared with control children, and there were no differences in this respect between the patient subgroups. A tendency to increased Concanavalin A‐induced interferon‐y production was seen in patients, particularly those with middle ear infections. Leukocytes from patients displayed a higher proliferative response to the T cell mitogens Concanavalin A and Lens culinaris lectin. In a minority of patients (5128) reproducibly low interferon responses to Sendai virus were found but only one of these patients showed a response below the ‐2 SD limit for the control group. The results therefore indicate no major defects in the interferon responses of infection‐prone children, and at the most suggest that a minority of such patients may be low responders to a viral interferon inducer. Key words: Integeron, lymphocytes, infection, children.
Continuous Intravenous Infusion of Ampicillin and Gentamicin during Parenteral Nutrition to 36 Newborn Infants Using a Dosage Schedule
Authors: COLDING H. , MØLLER S. , ANDERSEN G. E.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Ampicillin and gentamicin were given continuously i.v. to 36 newborn infants using a dosage schedule and the results were compared with those obtained in an earlier study including 88 infants who received individually calculated dosages. With the dosage schedule the variation in the serum concentrations of antibiotics was smaller in the same child throughout the treatment course, but greater between the infants. The 95 % limits for the serum concentrations of antibiotics were, however, nearly the same in the two treatment groups, and the use of a dosage schedule is therefore recommended. Serum gentamicin concentration should be assayed about 3 half lives (18 hours) after beginning the treatment, and dosage adjustment be made if the serum gentamicin concentration is outside 3–5 μg/ml.
Paroxysmal Cold Haemoglobinuria
Authors: NORDHAGEN R. , STENSVOLD K. , WINSNES A. , SKYBERG D. , STØREN A.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria (PCH) is a disease which today is met mainly in its acute form in children. The diagnosis is revealed by a careful serological examination. Case reports of four children with PCH are given in this paper. They all showed typical clinical pictures of PCH, and displayed the expected serological findings, including a bithermic autoantibody (haemolysin), the Donath‐Landsteiner antibody. Children with PCH often require immediate transfusion therapy, but certain precautions should be taken regarding transfusion policy in these patients. When the acute phase is overcome, the prognosis is excellent.
Partial Trisomy 3q (3q25→qter) Syndrome in Two Siblings
Authors: ANNERÉN GÖRAN , GUSTAVSON KARL‐HENRIK
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Two cases of trisomy 3q25 → qter are reported. The features of the partial trisomy 3q and the differences from and similarities to the mucolipidosis II and Cornelia de Lange syndromes are discussed.
In‐Vivo Immune Responses of Breast‐ and Bottle‐fed Infants to Tetanus Toxoid Antigen and to Normal Gut Flora
Authors: STEPHENS S. , KENNEDY C. R. , LAKHANI P. K. , BRENNER M. K.
Published: January 2008

The effects of breast and bottle‐feeding on serum immunoglobulin levels and specific antibody responses have been examined in 30 infants on five occasions from 6 days until 9 months of age. No significant differences were found on any sample occasion between the two feeding groups in total immunoglobulin levels of G, M and A classes or in class‐specific antibody responses to tetanus toxoid vaccine. This suggests that the capacity of the two groups to make serum antibodies develops similarly. Concentrations of antibodies to commensal Escherichia coli‘O’lipopolysaccharide antigens, however, were significantly greater in the bottle‐fed group, and it is suggested that this difference is due to an increase in the exposure of the systemic immune system to these gut antigens in the bottle‐fed infants. There are several possible explanations for this increased exposure and the resulting effects on the infants’immune system. These experiments also illustrate a possible role of breast milk in stimulating the immune system.
The Effect of Intrauterine Malnutrition on the Term Infant
Authors: HILL R. M. , VERNIAUD W. M. , DETER R.L. , TENNYSON L. M. , RETTIG G. M. , ZION T. E. , VORDERMAN A. L. , HELMS P. G. , McCULLEY L. B. , HILL L. L.
Published: January 2008

The developmental outcome of 33 newborn infants with clinical intrauterine malnutrition at birth and 13 clinically well nourished infants from a middle to high socio‐economic population have been followed from birth to 12–14 years of age. Psychometric studies revealed a lowering of the IQ score in malnourished infants compared to well nourished infants (104 ± 15 compared to 121 ± 13,p< 0.05) and a need for special education (p< 0.03). Forty‐five percent of the malnourished infants’birth weights wereabovethe 10th percentile on the Colorado Intrauterine Growth Grid. The Full Scale IQ of malnourished infants with BW greater and less than 10th percentile on the Colorado Intrauterine Growth Grid were comparable. Malnourished infants with birth weights > 10th percentile had lower IQ scores than well nourished infants (101 ± 13 compared to 121 ± 13,p< 0.006). Thirty‐nine percent of the infants with handicaps would have been missed if only infants with birth weights < 10th percentile were considered high risk.
Elevation of Plasma Concentrations of Arginine Vasopressin Following Perinatal Asphyxia
Authors: SPEER M. E. , GORMAN W. A. , KAPLAN S. L. , RUDOLPH A. J.
Published: January 2008

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is a major cause of mortality in neonates. Studies in experimental subjects have shown differing responses of plasma arginine vasopressin to hypoxia. Plasma arginine vasopressin levels, serum osmolality, urine osmolality and fluid intakes were measured in thirteen asphyxiated and nineteen control newborn infants during the first seventy‐two hours of life. In the asphyxiated infants plasma arginine vasopressin was found to be elevated as compared to control infants on days one (p < 0.001) and two (p < 0.007) but not on day three of life. Urine osmolality was also elevated in the study patients on days one (p < 0.01) and two (p < 0.001) but not on day three, in spite of equal intakes of fluid on day one in both groups and significantly diminished fluid intake on days two and three in the study patients. Serum osmolality was not different between the two groups on any day studied, and was felt to be on the basis of diminished intake in the study infants. The data presented in this study support the concept that arginine vasopressin release occurs following perinatal asphyxia in term newborn infants
New Data on the Wake‐Sleep Rhythm of Children Aged from 2 1/2 to 4 1/2 Years
Authors: KOCH P. , SOUSSIGNAN R. , MONTAGNER H.
Published: January 2008

In this paper, data concerning the duration of night and nap sleep of 107 children aged from 2 1/2 to 4 1/2 years are analysed. Data were collected over a period of 9 months and showed a significant negative correlation between night and nap sleep. The reduction in the amount of nap sleep throughout the year was related to the decrease in the frequency of naps. However, its duration remained constant. The variations in the duration of the night and nap sleep were also analysed in relation to the week day and the month of the year and socio‐ecological factors.
Cardiac Involvement in Cystic Fibrosis Revealed by a Ventricular Arrhythmia
Authors: CHÉRON G. , PARADIS K. , STÉRU D. , DEMAY G. , LENOIR G.
Published: January 2008

Cardiac involvement in cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by acute cardiac failure in the infant with myocardial fibrosis found on pathological examination. In the older child with chronic pulmonary disease, cor pulmonale tends to predominate the clinical picture. We report the case of an adolescent with CF presenting with ventricular arrhythmia. Cardiac scan, repeated echocardiograms and Hotter monitoring were suggestive of an infiltrative process. We propose this case to be similar to those of CF in infants with cardiac involvement.
Pulse Methylprednisolone Therapy in Severe Idiopathic Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: MURNAGHAN K. , VASMANT D. , BENSMAN A.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The effect of methyl prednisolone therapy (PM) was studied in 18 children with severe idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (NS). Eight patients were defined as “corticosteroid‐resistant” because there was no response to treatment after a minimum of 4 weeks of 2 mg/kg/day of prednisone; 10 patients had a corticosteroid‐dependent NS with frequent relapses which occurred under a high threshold dose of prednisone (1 mg/kg/day). Each patient received 4–6 pulses of 1 g/1.73 m2 methylprednisolone. Tolerance was generally good. PM therapy permitted a more rapid remission than oral prednisone (average 9±4 days vs. 22±9 days). Remission occurred in 5 of the 8 corticosteroid‐resistant patients three of these 5 patients developed corticosteroid‐dependent NS. For the children with a corticosteroid‐dependent nephrotic syndrome, PM therapy did not affect the threshold dose of prednisone.
The Relationships of Transcephalic Impedance, Head Growth and Caloric Intake to Outcome in Preterm Infants
Authors: ELLISON P. , HEIMLER R. , FRANKLIN S.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT.Twenty‐two preterm infants with birth weights less than 1400 g were measured weekly with transcephalic impedance and occipital‐frontal head circumference. Mean caloric intake/kg/ day was calculated weekly. All infants were assessed at one year of age with Bayley Mental and Motor Scales and neurological assessment. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed indicating that transcephalic impedance was the most powerful of the three measures as a predictor of sequelae.
A Variant of Bartter's Syndrome
Authors: OHLSSON A. , SIECK U. , CUMMING W. , AKHTAR M. , SERENIUS F.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A case of early onset Bartter's syndrome associated with hydramnios, prematurity, hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis is reported. A literature review of Bartter's syndrome supports the hypothesis that the findings in this infant constitute a specific variant of Bartter's syndrome inherited in an autosomal recessive mode. Fetal polyuria in Bartter's syndrome leads to hydramnios, and the excess fluid causes premature birth. This variant of Bartter's syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis of hydramnios, especially if the woman has had previous hydramnios resulting in a perinatal death. The disorder responds to treatment with indomethacin.
Increased Concentrations of Milk Antibodies in Recurrent Pulmonary Aspiration in Infants and Young Children
Authors: MÜLLER W. , RIEGER C. H. L. , von der HARDT H.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Concentrations of circulating antibodies against bovine serum albumin were significantly increased in six children with recurrent pulmonary aspiration (mean: 5.54 μg BSA‐N/ml, range: 2.05‐12.87 μg BSA‐N/ml; mean value of 76 control infants: 0.38 μg BSA‐N/ml, 95 % confidence interval: 0‐0.98 fig BSA‐N/ml, p<0.001) as determined by radioimmuno‐assay. IgG‐ and IgA‐isotypes against bovine serum albumin, lactalbumin, lactoglobulin, casein and gammaglobulin were determined in four patients by enzyme‐linked‐immuno‐sorbent‐assay. Significant differences between patients and controls were found for IgG‐antibodies against casein and bovine serum albumin and IgA‐antibodies against alpha‐lactalbumin and bovine serum albumin. Under certain conditions, stimulation of bronchus‐associated lymphoid tissue may lead to a higher immune response than oral immunization. Determination of milk antibodies may be helpful in the diagnosis of recurrent pulmonary aspiration.
Epstein‐Barr Virus Infection and Serological Profile in Greenland Eskimo Children
Authors: ALBECK H. , BILLE T. , FENGER H. J. , NARVESTAD U. , SØRENSEN G. S. , HENLE G. , HENLE W. , NIELSEN N. HØJGAARD , HANSEN J. P. HART
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐specific antibody profile of 101 Greenland Eskimo children was determined. The proportion of children with serological evidence of recent or past primary EBV infections rose from 22 % at 6 months of age to 79 % at 24 months of age. All but 2 of 49 children more than 4 years of age proved seropositive. The geometric mean titre (GMT) of antibodies to the viral capsid antigen (VCA) was highest during the first 3 years of life and declined sharply to a lower, nearly constant level in older children. The GMT of antibodies to the nuclear antigen (EBNA), rose slowly during the first 4 years of life to its persistent level. None of the children had a history of illnesses comparable to infectious mononucleosis. The results have shown that in this population with an enhanced risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, primary EBV infection occurs at a very early age.
Combined {99mTc}DMSA Kidney Scintigraphy and [131l]Hippuran Renography in Children with Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: THELLE T. , BISKLER N.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Combined {99mTc}DMSA kidney scintigraphy and [131I]hippuran renography were performed consecutively in 87 children with recurrent urinary tract infections in a retrospective study. This procedure allows a description of renal cortical morphology, split function determination and run‐off evaluation. Signs of cortical scarring were found in 41 of 172 kidneys (24 %) and were significantly associated with vesico‐ureteral reflux (p<0.001) and with delayed urinary run‐off (p<0.01). Split renal function was significantly reduced in kidneys with unilateral scarring (p<0.001). The radio‐isotope investigations and intravenous urography were performed within 3 months of each other in 56 patients (110 kidneys). Good agreement between the findings was found except for 13 kidneys, where cortical activity defects were revealed by scintiscan despite normal urography. The extended scintigraphic procedure described is considered useful for urological screening of children with urinary tract infections and may thus replace urography as a first‐line investigation. It should be followed by micturition cysto‐urethrography when evaluation for vesico‐ureteral reflux is indicated.
Natural Killer Activity in Two Cases of Ataxia Telangiectasia
Authors: KASHIWA H. , KISHI T. , KITTAKA E. , HYODO S. , KARAKAWA T. , OKADA M. , MATSUSHITA T. , MATSU‐URA R. , SAKANO T. , SAWANO K. , USUI T.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. We report two cases of ataxia telangiectasia in which a small number of T cells and a slightly diminished response to phytohaemagglutinin or concanavalin A were observed. In one case, serum IgA was undetectable. In spite of T and/or B cell involvement, natural killer activity and the percentage of natural killer cells determined by monoclonal antibodies Leu 7 were normal in both cases.
Focal Nodular Hyperplasia of the Liver
Authors: HORINO N. , TANAKA Y. , USUI T. , YOKOYAMA T. , ITOH K.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Although benign liver tumors are extremely rare in pediatric patients, this 9‐year‐old boy had focal nodular hyperplasia in the left lobe of the liver. The diagnosis of hyperplasia was made before laparotomy with the help of various radiological examinations, especially liver and biliary scintigraphy.
Long‐Term Results of GnRH Analogue (Buserelin) Treatment in Girls with Central Precocious Puberty
Authors: BRAUNER R. , THIBAUD E. , BISCHOF P. , SIZONENKO PC. , RAPPAPORT R.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The GnRH analogue Buserelin was given for one year to six girls with central precocious puberty in a daily subcutaneous dose of 20 μg/kg/day. A decrease of plasma estradiol and vaginal maturation index to prepubertal values was obtained in 5 out of 6 cases. Bone maturation decreased and final predicted adult height improved significantly. This analogue of GnRH appears to be an effective medication for gonadotropin dependent precocious puberty in girls.
Apolipoproteins and Lipoproteins in Children with Type I Diabetes: Relation to Glycosylated Serum Protein and HbA1
Authors: STROBL W. , WIDHALM K. , SCHOBER E. , FRISCH H. , POLLAK A. , WESTPHAL G.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Serum levels of cholesterol (C), triglycerides (TG), lipoprotein‐C and apolipoproteins (apo) A‐I, A‐II and B were measured in 30 children with type I diabetes mellitus (16 boys, 14 girls, aged 11–14 years) and in 26 healthy controls (15 boys, 11 girls, aged 10–13 years). For 19 diabetics controls matched for age, sex and relative body weight were selected. The diabetic patients were considered to be in fair metabolic control according to HbA1 levels and glycosylated serum protein concentrations. Mean serum apo A‐I, A‐II and B, C, TG, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) did not differ significantly between diabetic and nondiabetic children. Very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL‐C) was significantly higher in diabetic children than in controls. Serum C and LDL‐C levels showed close univariate linear correlations with glycosylated serum protein (LDL‐C: r=0.53, p<0.01, C: r=0.58, p<0.01) in diabetics. The ratio LDL/HDL‐C was significantly correlated to HbA1 levels (r=0.47, p<0.01). By canonical and multiple linear correlation analysis significant relations of a selected set of variables concerning the control and therapy of diabetes (serum glucose, HbA1, glycosylated serum protein, insulin dose) with a set of lipoprotein variables (C, TG, VLDL‐C, HDL‐C, LDL‐C, apo A‐I, A‐II, B) could be demonstrated. From these data we conclude that significant relations between atherogenic serum lipids and lipoproteins (C, LDL‐C) and the degree of metabolic control exist in diabetic children, even in the absence of marked dyslipoproteinemia. The close relation of LDL‐C and total C with glycosylated serum protein in the diabetics might be due to glycosylation of LDL.
The assessment and evaluation of daily physical activity in children. A review
Authors: SARIS W. H. M.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Related to the prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD) daily physical activity in children has become a field of interest. Epidemiological studies have shown that physical activity appears to offer some degree of protection against CHD. Hence a fundamental approach for prevention should begin at childhood. This review covers the state of the art within selected areas of the measurement of physical activity and their relationship to risk indicators of CHD. The areas addressed include the following: the use of different field methods to measure daily physical activity, methodological constraints in children and finally the role of physical activity, physical fitness and training in relation to the risk indicators of CHD in children.
Atherosclerosis precursors in Finnish children and adolescents. I. General description of the cross‐sectional study of 1980, and an account of the children's and families' state of health
Authors: ÅKERBLOM H. K. , VIIKARI J. , UHARI M. , RÄSÄNEN L. , BYCKLING T. , LOUHIVUORI K. , PESONEN E. , SUONINEN P. , PIETIKÄINEN M. , LÄHDE P.‐L. , DAHL M. , AROMAA A. , SARNA S. , PYÖRÄLÄ K.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The paper describes the general outline of a multicentre study on the risk factors of coronary heart disease (CHD) and their determinants in children of various ages in different parts of Finland. The study was a cross‐sectional one, and was carried out in 1980 in five university cities of Finland with medical schools and in 12 rural communities in their vicinity. The randomized sample included an equal number of boys and girls, aged 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 years, and an equal number of urban and rural population in each area. The total sample size was 4,320 subjects, and of these 3,596 participated (83.1 %). The families received before the medical examination of the child, questionnaires on the Socioeconomic background, the child's general health and development, the parents’and grandparents’health status, and the child's food and exercise habits. At the physical examination also a fasting blood sample (lipids, insulin, trace elements) was taken, a bundle of hair was cut for trace element analysis, and a 48‐hour recall on food intake was obtained from every second subject.

19.5 % of the children had in their history some long‐term disease, allergic diseases being the most common. CHD and other cardiovascular diseases were significantly more frequent among the grandparents and parents in eastern than in western Finland. The study is meant to be a basis for a longitudinal study.
Atherosclerosis precursors in Finnish children and adolescents. II. Height, weight, body mass index, and skinfolds, and their correlation to metabolic variables
Authors: DAHLSTRÖM S. , VIIKARI J. , ÅKERBLOM H. K. , SOLAKIVI‐JAAKKOLA T. , UHARI M. , DAHL M. , LÄHDE P.‐L. , PESONEN E. , PIETIKÄINEN M. , SUONINEN P. , LOUHIVUORI K.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. In a Finnish Multicentre Study, height, weight and skinfold thicknesses were measured in 3‐, 6‐, 9‐, 12‐, 15‐ and 18‐year‐old children (N = 3,596). Height and weight percentiles superimposed on the current Finnish growth charts were above the standards in 6—15‐year‐old boys and 3–12‐year‐old girls. Triceps skinfold thickness percentiles (10 % and 90 %) appeared to be closest to British values and below American values. Weight, body mass index (BMI) and skinfold thicknesses showed good intercorrelations (up to .90) except in young boys. Height had a low positive correlation with BMI (.28 to .36) and with skinfold thickness (23 to .36) in the age groups 6–12 years. BMI and subscapular skinfold seem to be useful obesity indicators. No consistent correlations were seen between physical variables and serum LDL‐ or total cholesterol and apoprotein B concentrations. There was a slight negative correlation between the physical variables and serum HDL‐cholesterol. Apoprotein A1 correlated negatively to all obesity indicators in 12‐year‐old girls. Serum triglycerides showed slight positive correlation to physical variables. BMI and skinfolds had a low to moderate correlation with insulin (.21–.51) mainly in the three oldest age groups. On the ground of BMI and skinfold rneasurements we have reason to believe that the prevalence of obesity at 3–18 years of age is similar in Finland as in other countries in Europe.
Atherosclerosis precursors in Finnish children and adolescents. X. Leisure‐time physical activity
Authors: TELAMA R. , VIIKARI J. , VALIMAKI I. , SIREN‐TIUSANEN H. , ÅKERBLOM H. K. , UHARI M. , DAHL M. , PESONEN E. , LÄHDE P.‐L. , PIETIKÄINE M. , SUONINEN P.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. As part of the more extensive project concerned with atherosclerosis precursors in Finnish children, this article aims at 1) describing the method developed for epidemiological estimation of habitual physical activity, 2) discussing the reliability and validity of the method and 3) reporting the results of the application of this strategy in the measurement of habitual physical activity among 3 to 18‐year‐old Finnish boys and girls. The questionnaire for the measurement of physical activity was addressed to the parents of 3‐ and 6‐year‐old subjects (younger group) and to the subjects themselves in 9‐ to 18‐year‐olds (older group). Using four variables in the younger group and nine variables in the older group, sum indices of physical activity were made. Internal consistency coefficients (Kuder—Richardson) varied in the younger group from .57 to .63 and in the older group from .56 to .79. Most Finnish children and adolescents were physically active during their leisure‐time. For comparison of passive and active children, screening for passive ones was difficult. Differences between East and West Finland associated with many risk factors, were not detected in the physical activity patterns of children and adolescents. On the other hand, the physical activity pattern was significantly determined by the local environment. In sparsely populated areas, young people were more inactive than in densely populated areas.
Key Issues in Perinatal Growth
Authors: FALKNER F.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The key stages and progression of fetal growth are described, together with the related growth‐controlling and influencing fetal, maternal, and feto‐maternal factors. Placental and genetic influences are discussed. Perinatal outcome for the fetus is emphasized as the key endpoint, and the need, therefore, of fetal growth curves that have predictive value. This is of particular importance in studying the differing outcomes for pre‐term and small‐for‐gestational‐age infants.
Practical Application of the Bristol Perinatal Growth Chart to Mediterranean Populations
Authors: PECORARI D. , COSTA L. , BARBONE F.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The Bristol Perinatal Growth Chart (gestogram) has been applied to different Mediterranean populations and compared to traditional percentile intrauterine growth charts. The opinion is stressed that the gestogram system can successfully replace traditional intrauterine growth charts and offers the advantage of greater simplicity and adaptability.
Birth weights of Infants of Teenage Mothers in Nairobi
Authors: BWIBO N. O.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Teenage pregnancies lower average birthweight. In the NBS, teenage mothers had significantly lower average birthweight of 2920±553 g compared with 3133±533 g among women in the general population. A high rate of LBW on the infants of the teenage mothers was the significant factor in lowering the average birthweight. In both NBS and the PMHS the incidence of LBW 18% and 15% respectively as well as the rate of preterm delivery of 24% and 23% respectively were high. In PMHS although the numbers were small, the incidence of LBW was high (13%) in the 14‐year‐olds and in the 15‐year‐olds it was 4.8% which was much lower than that for 17‐ and 18‐year‐olds. In a large series in Nigeria the incidence of LBW was 27% in mothers aged less than 15 years, 26% in mothers aged 15‐19, 20% in those aged 20‐24 and least (18%) in the 25‐29 year age group. Many unfavourable socioeconomic circumstances and lack of adequate antenatal supervision contribute to these high rates. Some of the teenage mothers—particularly the very young, below 16 years—are physically immature and are still growing children themselves. Their nutrient intake is shared between their own growth needs and those of their foetuses. In the Nigerian study, administration of folic acid and iron together with antimalarials to pregnant mothers resulted in increased maternal height as well as foetal growth, thus stressing the importance of nutritional care for the teenage mothers.
Infant Outcome, Fetal Growth, and Pregnancy Care: Relationships in Indonesian University Obstetrics
Authors: BERNARD R. P. , SASTRAWINATA S.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The risk of perinatal death is displayed for‘56 growth combinations’, then contracted into 16 gestational age/birthweight categories (GA/BW) with additional control for antenatal visits (AV; CARE) for 36000 singleton birth deliveries monitored in Indonesia from 1978‐1980. For virtually all GA/BW combinations, the risk of perinatal death (PD) drops impressively with pregnancy care (Care effect on PD). Fetal growth curves are then displayed by infant outcome, the BW difference being the deficit birthweight (DBW) that may serve as a specific life‐death growth standard (LDGS)—a reference system in relation to which fetal growth curves, to be controlled for factors other than infant outcome, may be studied. By controlling for maternal education and pregnancy care, the fetal growth curve associated with high pregnancy care and low education (HIAV/LOED) is more favorable than that for low pregnancy care and high education (LOAV/HIED). In Indonesia then, pregnancy care is more important than formal education in the reduction of not only perinatal mortality but also low birthweight (Care effect on fetal growth).
Biologic Bases for international Fetal Growth Curves
Authors: NAEYE R. L. , TAFARI N.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A simple, inexpensive method for assessing maternal nutritional status during pregnancy was sought to control for nutrition in the development of fetal growth curves for diverse populations. Triceps skinfold thickness was measured at intervals throughout pregnancy in 60 Ethiopian women. In normally nourished pregnancies this measurement increases in the first two trimesters and decreases in the third, reflecting early pregnancy storage of fat and its release in late gestation to meet the increasing energy needs of the fetus. Ethiopian women who had skinfold thickness increases and decreases as great as those in the United Kingdom (UK) had neonates as heavy as those in the UK. This may mean that Ethiopian fetuses have the same growth potential as those in the UK and that the same growth curves can be used for the two populations. Skinfold thickness measurements may be the means by which nutrition can be controlled as a growth factor in determining the intrinsic fetal growth potentials of diverse populations.
An Incidence Peak of Juvenile Diabetes. Relation to Coxsackie B Virus Immune Response
Authors: FRIMAN G. , FOHLMAN J. , FRISK G. , DIDERHOLM H. , EWALD U. , KOBBAH M. , TUVEMO T.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. All new eases of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in children below 15 years of age were recorded prospectively during a 21–year period 1964–1984 in a defined uptake area with a relatively constant child population. The total number of children recorded was 222–111 boys and 111 girls. The number of new cases varied between 4 cases in 1968 and 20 in 1984; in 1983 seventeen new caw were recorded. Specific IgM antibodies against Coxsackie B virus (CBV), types 1–5 were measured by a reverse radioimmunoassay (RIA) technique in 24 consecutive patients collected during the period March 1982–January 1984, some of whom represented the recent period of a very high incidence of diabetes. Sixteen patients (67%) exhibited CBV IgM responses, strongly suggesting a current or recent CBV infection. The titres declined during the first few months of diabetes and seemed to be absent after the first half‐year period. Among age‐matched non‐diabetic children scheduled for elective procedures during the same period, no cases with CBV‐IgM antinbodies were detected. Only three of the 16 IgM‐RIA‐positive patients showed a signircant rise in the neutralising antibody titre against the same Coxsackie B type. It is concluded that CBV may play a pathogenetic role in induction of IDDM, and possibly more frequently so during periods with a high incidence of diabetes, at least in children below 15 years of age.
Experimental Studies of Transplantation and Regeneration of Endocrine Pancreatic Cells
Authors: ANDERSSON A. , KORSGREN O. , KOJIMA Y. , MELLGREN A. , SANDLER S. , SWENNE I.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Replacement of destroyed B‐cells with new “healthy” ones appears to he the most physiological approach to treatment of insulin‐dependent (type 1) diabetes. This could be achieved either by transplantation of isolated islets or pancreatic segments or by stimulation of the replicatory activity in the islet cells surviving the acute toxic or infectious insult. The results of our experimental investigations indicate that adult, mature insulin‐producing cells can replicate very actively when challenged with a proper stimulus, such as when implanted into obese‐hyperglycaemic mice. The growth of transplanted islets is, hawever, dependent on the site of implantation. Thus, the subcapsular space of the kidney is more favourable than the spleen. Furthermore, immunosuppressive therapy may impair islet cell replicatory activity, as demonstrated in this study for Cyclosporin A. In a search for factors stimulating islet cell replication, we found that the hepatotoxic agent galactosamine enhanced this process as observed autoradiographically one week after the injection. This fits in with previous case reports demonstrating increased mitotic activity in islets of patients suffering from various acute liver diseases. Altogether this series of experiments demonstrates that islet cell replication is a more dynamic process than has hitherto been believed. Obviously many conditions influence this process so significantly that an impact on the diabetic state of the patients can well be expected.
Dietary Intake, Trace Elements and Serum Protein Status in Young Diabetics
Authors: GEBRE‐MEDHIN MEHARI , KYLBERG ELISABETH , EWALD UWE , TUVEMO TORSTEN
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Dietary intake of energy and nutrients and its relation to trace element and protein status, as observed in 27 diabetic children and 13 healthy controls are discussed. The diabetic children had consistently higher intakes than the healthy controls in nearly all respects, except for carbohydrate and ascorbic acid. In spite of this, the diabetic children had a significantly lower mean serum magnesium than the healthy controls. It is suggested that hypomagnesemia in diabetic children may be the result of increased urinary loss or diversion of magnesium from normal metabolic pathways in this disease. This review also revealed a significantly higher mean serum selenium level in the diabetic children than in the healthy controls. However, no significant correlation WBS observed between serum selenium concentrations and protein intake, suggesting that a factor other than protein intake underlay the elevated levels of serum selenium. The diabetic children as a group had significantly lower levels of selected serum proteins than the controls, in spite of a significantly higher intake of protein by the diabetic group. It is suggested that both reduced serum proteins and elevated levels of serum selenium in the diabetic children are an expression of altered metabolism in combination with the effects of current modes of insulin treatment in this disease.
Vascular Reactivity during the First Year of Diabetes in Children
Authors: KOBBAH M. , EWALD U. , TUVEMO T.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Functional vascular response to hypoxia was studied in 24 children followed up prospectively for one year after diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Postocclusive reactive hyperaemia was detected non‐invasively in the skin using a transcutaneous PO2 method at 37°C. Repeated experiments under standardized conditions were performed before institution of insulin treatment and 3, 7, 21, 30, 180 and 360 days after diagnosis. Impaired vascular reactivity was noted at the first experiment as compared with control children and slight but significant improvement was then noted up to the experiment at 180 days (p<0.01). At 30 and 180 days no significant difference between diabetic and control children was found. A small decrease in mean postocclusive reactive hyperaemia was observed at the experiment performed after 360 days. Fast normalization of urine glucose excretion, blood glucose and haemoglobin A1 occurred during the first three weeks of treatment but these variables showed no significant correlation to vascular reactivity, either at diagnosis or later. Impaired vascular reactivity can thus be diagnosed even before the institution of insulin treatment and improves during the first months of treatment, reaching the range of controls. Other factors than indicators of carbohydrate control have to be studied in the search for explanations of the abnormal vascular function in newly diagnosed diabetic children. Key words: Diabetes mellitus, insulin dependent, hyperaemia, transcutaneous oxygen, skin blood flow, urinary glucose, blood glucose, haemoglobin AI.
Congenital Malformations in Diabetic Pregnancy: the Clinical Relevance of Experimental Animal Studies
Authors: ERIKSSON U. J. , STYRUD J.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The aim of this work was to present recent observations on the occurrence of malformations in the offspring of diabetic rats and to discuss these findings in the light of present clinical experience. Comparison of malformation rates between different substrains of Sprague‐Dawley rats showed marked differences in the occurrence of diabetes‐induced malformations. These findings suggest that congenital malformations in diabetic pregnancy may result from a teratological insult in genetically predisposed individuals. Recent clinical reports seem to link facial malformations to an increased incidence of sacral‐caudal malformations in human diabetic pregnancy. The present rat model, which exp‐ both these aberratio—Ucro‐pathia and sacral dysgenesic‐may therefore be a useful tool in studies of the aetiological relationships between disturbed maternal metabolism and skeletal malformations in the offspring. Malformations in fetuses of diabetic animals seem to arise from teratogenic insult(s) early in pregnancy. Hyperglycemia and hyperketonemia may both singly, and in combination, be of teratological significance. Insulin itself does not appear to be directly teratogenic. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that disturbed levels of trace metals, primarily zinc, may be a significant factor in the production of congenital malformations. The increased rate of malformations in diabetic pregnancy, therefore, appears to be multifactorial in origin.