bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decline of maternal hepatitis A virus antibody levels in infants
Authors: De Silvestri A , Avanzini MA , Terulla V , Zucca S , Polatti F , Belloni C 
Published: August 2010

Hepatitis A is a common viral infection causing substantial morbidity and mortality. The anti‐hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccination in infants would guarantee control of the infection. However, the immunogenicity of the HAV vaccine in infants could be impaired by the presence of passively acquired maternal HAV antibodies. This study evaluated the prevalence of HAV antibodies in 103 women at delivery and in their babies in the first year of life. Eighteen mothers (17.5%) had anti‐HAV serum level < 10 mIU ml‐1. In their infants the anti‐HAV level was still positive in 11 out of 18 (61.1%) at 12 mo. Two out of 85 infants born to anti‐HAV‐negative mothers and anti‐HAV negative at birth were found to be positive at 5 mo of age. Conclusion: It is proposed that all women be screened at delivery for anti‐HAV antibodies. Children born to anti‐HAV‐negative mothers could be vaccinated early during the first year of life, whereas vaccination could be postponed in children born to anti‐HAV‐positive mothers, if necessary.
Anogenital bacteriology in non‐abused preschool children: a descriptive study of the aerobic genital flora and the isolation of anogenital Gardnerella vaginalis
Authors: Myhre AK , Bevanger LS , Berntzen K , Bratlid D 
Published: August 2010

The purpose of the study is to describe the genital aerobic bacterial flora including Gardnerella vaginalis in girls and the occurrence of anal G. vaginalis in both genders. From a group of 3773 children, 278 (99 boys and 179 girls) with a mean age of 5.63 y (range: 5.13–6.73) were recruited. Inclusion in the study was based on self‐selection, whereby parents who did not suspect any occurrence of sexual abuse of their child gave informed consent to participate. Several mechanisms were undertaken to exclude abused children. At least one bacterial species was isolated from the genitals of 59 (33.9%) girls. Most isolates (39 out of 99) were bacteria representing skin flora (staphylococci and coryneform organisms), with viridans streptococci and related organisms as the second most common group of isolates (31 out of 99). S. anginosus was the single most frequent bacterial species identified (17 isolates). Streptococcus pyogenes was isolated from the genitals of two girls, Streptococcus pneumoniae from one girl and Haemophilus influenzae from eight girls. G. vaginalis was not isolated from the genitals in any girl, but the organism was isolated from the anal canal in three children. Conclusion: A large number of different aerobic organisms were identified from the genital area. G. vaginalis was rare and only isolated from the anal canal.
Abortion requests among adolescents in comparison with young adults in a Swiss region (1990–1998)
Authors: Narring F , Roulet N , Addor V , Michaud P‐A 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To examine the recent evolution of abortion request rates among adolescents and young adults in the Canton of Vaud (Switzerland) and to describe the circumstances of the abortion requests and sociodemographic characteristics by age subgroups and nationality. Method: Data for women aged 14 to 24 y living in Vaud were selected from the 12358 abortion requests from residents aged 14–49 y between 1990 and 1998. Results: Overall, abortion request rates by age were stable over the study period. However, rates for non‐Swiss women were two to three times higher than those for Swiss women, at 4.5 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.8–5.2] vs 2.4 [95% CI: 2.1–2.7] per 1000 adolescents below the age of 18, 18.1 [95% CI: 17.2–18.9] vs 8.0 [95% CI: 7.1–8.8] per 1000 women aged 18–19 and 30.5 [95% CI: 29.1–32.0] vs 10.2 [95% CI: 9.6–10.8] per 1000 women aged 20–24. The ratio of abortions to live births was greatest for women under 20 y of age, at 1.9, in comparison with the ratio observed among adult women aged 20–24 (at 0.4). The abortion rate per 1000 conceptions >6 wk remained stable; this rate was 590 per 1000 among 14–19‐y‐olds in 1997. Conclusion: The abortion request rate among youths in this Swiss region has not increased between 1990 and 1998. Efforts must be intensified to ensure universal access to family planning services and contraception, especially for young foreign women and adolescents.
Amplitude‐integrated encephalography in pyridoxine‐dependent seizures and pyridoxine‐responsive seizures
Authors: Hellström‐Westas L , Blennow G , Rosén I 
Published: August 2010

Pyridoxine‐dependent seizures are rare in newborn infants, although recent data suggest that the prevalence probably is underestimated. In all newborn infants with recurrent epileptic seizures the general recommendation is to administer pyridoxine and simultaneously record an electroencephalogram (EEG). Conclusion: One infant with pyridoxine‐responsive seizures and another with pyridoxine‐dependent seizures had different electroclinical responses on amplitude‐integrated EEG monitoring (aEEG) when pyridoxine was administered.
Tracheobronchial aspirate fluid neutrophil lipocalin, elastase‐ and neutrophil protease‐4–α1‐antitrypsin complexes, protease inhibitors and free proteolytic activity in respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Sveger T , Ohlsson K , Polberger S , Noack G , Mörse H , Laurin S 
Published: August 2010

This study aimed to determine whether the protease/protease inhibitor balance and neutrophil activity is of pathophysiological importance in the severity and resolution of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and the eventual development of neonatal chronic lung disease (CLD). Ventilated preterm infants with RDS (n= 43) were studied during their first week of life. Tracheobronchial aspirate fluid (TAF) concentrations of neutrophil lipocalin, the elastase‐ and neutrophil protease‐4 (NP4) complex concentrations, and α1‐antitrypsin (α1AT), antichymotrypsin (ACT) and secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) levels were analysed. Free proteolytic and elastolytic activities were also determined. CLD correlated with low α1AT (p= 0.02) and ACT (p= 0.02) levels at 3–4 d of age and low SLPI (p= 0.03) at 7–8 d of age. No correlations were found between CLD or severity of RDS (as judged from radiological examination) and neutrophil lipocalin, elastase‐and NP4–α1AT complexes during the first week of life, with one exception: RDS X‐ray severity and the elastase–α1AT complex concentration were correlated at 3–4 d of age (p= 0.02). Free proteolytic activity occurred in the TAF of 7/30 infants tested on day 3–4 and free elastolytic activity in 1 patient. During the rest of the first week of life no free elastolytic or proteolytic activities were observed. Caesarean section was correlated with low levels of SLPI on day 3–4 (p= 0.01), NP4 (p= 0.03) and ACT (p= 0.05) on day 5–6. Gestational age was positively correlated with protease inhibitors and their complexes at 3–4 d of age. Conclusion: Free proteolytic or elastolytic activity in the TAF of RDS infants in the first week of life occurred by way of exception. Elastase–/NP4–α1AT complex or neutrophil lipocalin levels were not correlated with the development of CLD. The correlation between CLD and low α1AT or ACT at 3–4 d and SLPI at 7–8 d of age may be due to either immaturity or complex formation. The severity of RDS as judged from radiological examination was correlated with elastase–α1AT complex on day 3–4. The main hypothesis, that TAF protease/protease inhibitor levels or imbalance and leucocyte activity are important factors indicating a high risk of severe RDS and subsequent CLD development, was principally not confirmed.
Early diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia in a newborn without situs inversus
Authors: Bromiker R , Neeman Z , Bar‐Oz B , Avital A , Bar‐Ziv J , Springer C 
Published: August 2010

Primary ciliary dyskinesia has been reported as a rare cause of respiratory distress during the neonatal period. This diagnosis is readily suspected in cases presenting with accompanying situs inversus. The aim of this study was to report on a pair of siblings with primary ciliary dyskinesia. The first case was an infant diagnosed with primary ciliary dyskinesia at the age of 14 d despite lack of situs inversus. The infant had presented with respiratory distress and atelectasis almost immediately after birth. The sibling, born one year later, presented with situs inversus, therefore allowing diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia to be made immediately after birth. Conclusions: Diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia should be considered in newborns presenting with respiratory distress or atelectasis. Early institution of an adequate treatment programme and follow‐up may reduce or prevent further complications of the disease.
Embryonic hematopoiesis in mice and humans
Authors: Yoder MC 
Published: August 2010

Aim: The aim of this report is to review briefly the ontogeny of hematopoiesis in mice and humans and to discuss recent evidence for an intraembryonic source of hematopoietic stem cells. Methods: The hematopoiesis overview summarizes information present in the PubMed online database and from experiments conducted in our laboratories. Results: The major sites of hematopoiesis change throughout development in mice and humans. Recent evidence suggests that hematopoietic cells may emerge from mesoderm precursors within the embryo as well as in the yolk sac. Conclusion: The ontogeny of hematopoiesis is similar in mice and humans. The murine system is a useful model to study the earliest events involved in forming hematopoietic stem cells.
Oxidant injury in neonatal erythrocytes during the perinatal period
Authors: Bracci R , Perrone S , Buonocore G 
Published: August 2010

It has been known for many decades that oxidative stress leads to oxidation of hemoglobin and damage to the erythrocyte membrane. More recently, the factors involved in denaturating of membrane proteins and lipid peroxidation have been investigated in detail, as well as the mechanism of reactive oxygen species formation in red cells. Oxidative stress depletes adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenine nucleotides, whereas adenosine monophosphate (AMP) deaminase seems to depress energy metabolism by blocking the salvage pathway of purine nucleotides. Depletion of ATP and activation of AMP deaminase are related to calcium ion concentrations. Denaturating of membrane proteins generally precedes lipid peroxidation and consequent phagocytosis due to caspase activation. Extensive investigations demonstrated the key role of oxidative stress and iron release in a reactive form causing membrane protein damage via the Fenton reaction and hydroxyl radical production. In the absence of efficient protection by antioxidant factors and other molecules such as flavonoids, oxidative stress is responsible for the release of iron in reactive form, predisposing red cells to hemolysis through the formation of senescence antigen. Other well‐known sources of oxidative stress in red cells are free radical production outside the red cell by activated phagocytes, endothelial metabolism, hyperoxia, ischemia‐reperfusion and the arachidonic acid cascade. Conclusion: The recent insight into the mechanism of oxidative injury of red cells and evidence of relationships between erythrocyte oxidative stress and hypoxia suggest that increased hemolysis is induced by severe hypoxia and acidosis in the fetus as well as the newborn.
Screening for fragile X syndrome: results from a school for mentally retarded children
Authors: Hec̀imovic̀ S , Tarnik I Petek , Baric̀ I , Čkarun Ž , Pavelic̀ K 
Published: August 2010

Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited form of familial mental retardation. The purpose of this study was to identify yet unrecognized fragile X individuals and to estimate the frequency of both the FRAXA and FRAXE forms of the disease in a population of mentally retarded children attending a special school in Croatia. The results are reported of molecular screening of 114 children with mild to severe mental retardation. Three individuals (2.6%) with the FRAXA form of the fragile X syndrome and one boy (0.9%) with FRAXE mental retardation were detected; a total of four newly diagnosed fragile X families were identified. Closer clinical examination revealed that behavioural and speech disturbances were clearly present among all fragile X cases (both FRAXA and FRAXE), indicating that these features could be additional diagnostic criteria for the preselection of individuals at risk. Conclusion: Fragile X screening among mentally retarded children attending a special school should be highly encouraged to reveal the cause of mental retardation and to detect yet unrecognized fragile X individuals. The frequency of fragile X syndrome in a such population in Croatia was found to correlate with similar results from previous studies. However, since at the time of diagnosis all affected families had a second or even a third child born, earlier diagnosis should be considered to provide greater benefit to fragile X families.
Quantitative evaluation of the changes in plasma concentrations of cardiac natriuretic peptide before and after transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect
Authors: Muta H , Ishii M , Maeno Y , Akagi T , Kato H 
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) during transcatheter closure of defects. The plasma concentrations of ANP and BNP were obtained from 14 patients with ASD at before closure, and at 5 min, 24 h, 1 mo and 3 mo after transcatheter ASD closure using an Amplatzer septal occluder. Ten healthy children aged 6–18 y were studied as controls. All ASDs were successfully closed. Compared with control values (mean ± SD, 17 ± 6.8 ng l‐1), ANP concentrations before closure were significantly elevated (24 ± 9.8 ng l‐1, p > 0.05). ANP concentrations increased significantly at 5 min after closure (34 ± 18 ng l‐1, p > 0.05) compared with preclosure concentrations. At 24 h after closure, the concentrations decreased to values not different from control values (19 ± 11 ng l‐1, p= ns). BNP levels before closure (19 ± 9.9 ng l‐1) were also elevated significantly compared with control values (12 ± 4.9 ng l‐1, p > 0.05). BNP concentrations increased significantly at 5 min after closure (23 ± 14 ng l‐1, p > 0.05) compared with preclosure concentrations. ANP values at 24 h were lower than at 5 min after closure, whereas BNP values were higher (32 ± 11ng l‐1, p > 0.05). As with ANP, the concentrations gradually decreased to values not different from control values at 3 mo after the procedure (12 ± 6.3 ng l‐1, p= ns). Conclusion: Plasma concentrations of ANP and BNP may become effective markers for evaluating changes in cardiac load after transcatheter ASD closure.
Cross‐sectional survey of paranasal sinus magnetic resonance imaging findings in schoolchildren
Authors: Kristo A , Alho O‐P , Luotonen J , Koivunen P , Tervonen O , Uhari M 
Published: August 2010

Aim: Sinus image abnormalities are common among children examined for indications other than sinus disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of sinus abnormalities among otherwise healthy children attending school. Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on 24 children aged 8–9 y, 18 of whom were re‐examined after 6–7 mo. Results: Sinus abnormalities were common. An abnormality was seen in 12 of the children [50%, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 29–71%], and 9 (38%, 95% CI 19–59%) had abnormalities in the maxillary sinuses. As many as 8 (42%, 95% CI 20–67%) of the asymptomatic children (lacking clinical symptoms or findings) had abnormalities in the maxillary or ethmoidal sinuses. The follow‐up examination showed that about half of the abnormal sinus MRI findings had resolved or improved without any intervention. Conclusion: Abnormal sinus MRI findings are common both among otherwise healthy children attending school and in totally asymptomatic children. As incidental findings, these should be interpreted as normal and do not indicate any need for treatment in children imaged for purposes other than sinus disease.
Effect of maternal antibiotic treatment on fetal periventricular white matter cell death in a rabbit intrauterine infection model
Authors: Debillon T , Gras‐Leguen C , Vérielle V , Caillon J , Roze J‐C , Gressens P 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To evaluate the effects of maternal antibiotic treatment on fetal brain cell death in a rabbit intrauterine infection model. Methods: After Escherichia coli uterine‐horn inoculation in 22 pregnant rabbits, followed at various times by ceftriaxone and caesarean section, cell death in white matter (histology and fragmented DNA staining) from fetuses killed at extraction was compared across groups using the Mantel‐Haenszel test and Fisher's exact test for small numbers. Results: White matter cell death was consistently present at 48 h, with ceftriaxone initiation at 24 h (group 1), detectable at 84 but not 60 h, with ceftriaxone initiation at 12 h, and significantly reduced at 84 h with ceftriaxone initiation at 6 h (60% vs 100% in group 1, p < 0.001, Fisher's exact test). Conclusion: Early maternal antibiotic therapy delays white matter cell death in rabbit fetuses exposed to intrauterine infection. This may provide a window for preventing white matter damage.
Cerebral venous thrombosis and Escherichia coli infection in neonates
Authors: Farstad H , Gaustad P , Kristiansen P , Perminov G , Abrahamsen TG 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To present a possible association between cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) and infection with Escherichia coli. Methods: Four neonates with deep CVT occurring during an E. coli infection are presented. Results: In these patients the thrombotic disease was found by Doppler ultrasonography. The thrombosis involved at least the sagittal sinus and the transverse sinus according to subsequent MRI scans. The E. coli strains did not produce verotoxin or haemolysin. Disseminated intravascular coagulation was not demonstrated. Three patients presented with seizures. At discharge, all of the patients had signs of neurological damage, but two of them have improved significantly since then. None of the patients has had recurrent (venous) thrombosis. Conclusion: E. coli infections in neonates may predispose to CVT, a finding that has clinical implications.
Growth in weight and length
Authors: Whitehead RG 
Published: August 2010

Some of the complex factors that can affect growth in weight but especially in height are discussed. It is emphasized that although due attention needs to be paid to diet and the regular provision of the extra macro‐ and micro‐nutrients needed during catch‐up growth, other considerations are just as important. Conclusion: As well as dealing with the problem of poor sanitation and consequent frequent infection in developing countries, social stimulation and the restoration of a feeling of well‐being and general happiness can be just as important.
Snoring in the first year of life
Authors: Mitchell EA , Thompson JMD 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To describe the prevalence of snoring in infancy and the factors associated with snoring. Methods: The investigation comprised a cross‐sectional study of 1800 infants. Snoring was ascertained by interviewer‐administered questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of snoring was 15.8% in the first 4 wk of life and 26.1% in the past 2 wk. Snoring in the past 2 wk was associated with increasing age of the infant, male gender, maternal smoking, sleep position, number of respiratory infections and snoring in the first 4wk of life after adjustment for potential confounders. No associations were found with snoring in the first 4 wk of life. Conclusion: Snoring is common in infancy. The identified risk factors for snoring are probably causally related to snoring. Further studies are needed to establish whether snoring in infancy is associated with current or subsequent morbidity.
Copper in drinking water: not a strong risk factor for diarrhoea among young children. A population‐based study from Sweden
Authors: Pettersson R , Rasmussen F , Oskarsson A 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To assess whether mean daily intake of copper or maximal concentration of copper in drinking water is related to the incidence of diarrhoea and vomiting among young children. Methods: Mean daily intake of copper from drinking water was estimated prior to episodes of diarrhoea among 430 children aged 9 to 21 mo. A total of 4703 samples of tap water were collected in the homes of the children. The mean daily intake of copper and the maximal concentration of copper in samples of consumed water were used as measures of exposure. The cumulative incidence of acute diarrhoea and vomiting was studied during 12wk of follow‐up. Cases of diarrhoea caused by viral and bacterial infections were identified. Results: The median copper level of the mean value for each child was 0.61 mg/L with 10th and 90th percentiles of 0.04 and 1.57 mg/L. Among the 430 children, 43 had episodes of acute diarrhoea, of which 23 had no identified viral or bacterial origin, and vomiting was reported in 95 children. No significant associations were found between daily intake of copper or maximal concentration of copper in drinking water and the risk of diarrhoea or vomiting. Conclusion: There is unlikely to be a strong association between daily intake of copper or maximal concentration of copper in drinking water and the risk of diarrhoea or vomiting within the range of copper intakes/concentrations studied.
Kawasaki disease in parents and children
Authors: Uehara R , Yashiro M , Nakamura Y , Yanagawa H 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To estimate the probability that the parents of patients with Kawasaki disease also had a history of the same disease. Methods: Self‐reported parents’histories of Kawasaki disease were collected from data of the 16th nationwide survey of the disease conducted in Japan from January 1999 to December 2000. The incidence of Kawasaki disease was calculated by using data reported in all 16 nationwide surveys and live births in the Japanese vital statistics. The expected number of parents with a history of Kawasaki disease in the general population, which was calculated by using the assumed number of parents in the vital statistics and the incidence of this disease, was compared with the observed number. Results: Among 14163 parent pairs of patients with Kawasaki disease, 33 parents (25 mothers and 8 fathers) had a history of the disease. The number of parents expected to have a history of Kawasaki disease was 16.1 (8.4 mothers and 7.7 fathers). From a Poisson distribution, the probability of the observed number was less than 0.001 among parents or mothers. The prevalence of a recurrence of Kawasaki disease and incidences involving siblings of patients whose parents had a history of the disease were five or six times higher than those of all patients who were reported in the 16th survey. Conclusion: When compared with parents in the general population, the probability of a history of Kawasaki disease was significantly higher in those parents whose children suffered from the same disease. This suggests that, epidemiologically, a genetic predisposition to Kawasaki disease may be implicated in its occurrence.
Lung volume reduction surgery in bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Siaplaouras J , Heckmann M , Reiss I , Schaible T , Waag KL , Gortner L 
Published: August 2010

We report on a female preterm infant of 29 wk gestational age, who developed acquired lobar emphysema after prolonged artificial ventilation secondary to respiratory disease syndrome and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The infant underwent atypical segmentectomy at the age of 12 mo because of life‐threatening hypoxaemia with pulmonary hypertension and failure of conservative treatment. Conclusion: Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) dramatically improved the respiratory function and resulted in adequate weight gain and psychomotor development. In selected cases LVRS can be an option for lobar emphysema in premature infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia.