bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Down syndrome and breastfeeding
Authors: Pisacane A , Toscano E , Pirri I , Continisio P , Andria G , Zoli B , Strisciuglio P , Concolino D , Piccione M , Giudice C Lo , Vicari S 
Published: August 2010

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the frequency of breastfeeding among children with Down syndrome. Methods: The mothers of 560 children with Down syndrome attending four university hospitals in Italy were interviewed and the neonatal clinical records retrieved. Information was collected on the type of infant feeding and on why some mothers had not breastfed their children. Two groups of healthy children whose feeding habits had been previously investigated were recruited as control subjects (1601 and 714, respectively). A paediatrician in each hospital was interviewed about the neonatal admission policy of children with Down syndrome. Results: Among the 560 Down children, 246 (44%) were admitted to the neonatal unit. Compared with the two control groups, children with Down syndrome were significantly more frequently bottle‐fed (57% vs 15% and 24%, respectively, odds ratio 7.5, 95% CI 6.0–9.4 and 4.2, 95% CI 3.3–5.4. respectively). Only 30% of infants admitted to the neonatal unit were breastfed. The main reasons reported by the mothers for not having breastfed were infants’illness in infants who had been admitted to the neonatal unit and frustration or depression, perceived milk insufficiency and difficulty with suckling for those babies who had not been admitted to the unit. The paediatricians reported that the admission of a baby with Down syndrome to the neonatal unit could sometimes take place not for medical reasons, but for diagnostic work‐up or for a more appropriate diagnosis and to maintain communication with the family.Conclusions: Down syndrome babies are less frequently breastfed compared with healthy children. Support in breastfeeding should become a relevant point of health supervision for children with Down syndrome.
Lack of appropriate formulations of medicines for children in the community
Authors: Schirm E , Tobi H , de Vries TW , Choonara I , De Jong‐van den Berg LTW 
Published: August 2010

Aim: Appropriate formulations are essential in pharmacotherapy. This study surveyed the use of different formulations by children in the community, and examined the reported lack of appropriate formulations (oral solutions) in relation to the licensing status of drugs. Methods: A crosssectional study based on 68 019 pharmacy dispensing records was performed in The Netherlands. For each prescription the formulation was assessed, and all prescriptions were categorized: unlicensed (no product licence), off‐label (licensed drugs used outside the licence terms) and authorized (licensed drugs used according to the licence). The types of formulation used were assessed in relation to age and licensing status. Results: In all age groups, approximately half of all prescriptions were for oral drugs. The only major age‐related trend was within oral drugs: younger children were more likely to be prescribed oral solutions. For authorized drugs the proportion of tablet/capsules exceeded oral solutions at the age of 7 y, whereas for off‐label drugs this occurred at 3 y of age. For those medicines prepared by the pharmacy, tablets and capsules were more likely to be prescribed from the age of 9 y. Conclusion: Many children in the community receive inappropriate oral formulations. Regulatory authorities and the pharmaceutical industry need to ensure that children have access to medicines with appropriate formulations.
The role of sleep and arousal in nocturnal enuresis
Authors: Nevéus T 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To review what is known about the role of sleep and arousal mechanisms in the pathogenesis of nocturnal enuresis. Methods: A review of the literature was carried out. Results: The sleep of enuretic children, although polysomnographically quite normal, is exceedingly “deep”; that is enuretic children have high arousal thresholds. Apart from some overlap between enuresis and the (other) classic parasomnias, the sleep of enuretic children is no more problematic than that of the general population. Recently, the exciting possibility has arisen that the low arousability of enuretic children may be linked to the autonomous nervous system and to disturbances in the upper pons. Conclusions: Enuresis is not just a nocturnal problem but a disorder of sleep. The high arousal threshold is one of three major pathogenetic factors in enuresis—nocturnal polyuria and detrusor hyperactivity being the other two.
Birth characteristics and different dimensions of intellectual performance in young males: a nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Lundgren EM , Cnattingius S , Jonsson B , Tuvemo T 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To study the effect of size at birth on different dimensions of intellectual capacity. Methods: The study comprised a population‐based cohort including all male single births without congenital malformations in Sweden from 1973 to 1976, and conscripted before 1994 (n= 168 068). Information from the Swedish Birth Register was individually linked to the Swedish Conscript Register. The test of intellectual performance included four different dimensions: logical, spatial, theoretical and verbal capacity. These data were available for 80–86% of the males at conscription. Results: Compared with boys born appropriate for gestational age, males born small for gestational age (SGA) had an increased risk for subnormal performance in all four dimensions. Among males born SGA who were also of short adult stature at conscription, and in individuals born SGA with a head circumference < – 2 SDS at birth, the risk of subnormal performance was most marked in the logical dimension (OR 1.52; CI 1.25–1.84 and 1.33; 1.15–1.55, respectively). Conclusions: Being born small for gestational age is associated with increased risk of subnormal capacity in all four dimensions of intellectual performance. In SGA males, short adult stature, or a small head circumference at birth is especially associated with the risk of subnormal logical performance.
Postnatal and postprandial changes in plasma concentrations of glicentin in term and preterm infants
Authors: Tadokoro R , Shimizu T , Hosaka A , Kaneko N , Satoh Y , Yamashiro Y 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To examined the changes in basal plasma concentrations of glicentin in developing children and the postnatal and postprandial changes in plasma glicentin levels in infants. Methods: Glicentin, an active component of enteroglucagon, is considered to have a significant trophic action on the intestinal mucosa. Fasting plasma concentrations of glicentin in healthy children and in term and preterm infants were measured before and 30 min after feeding during the first 14 d of life. Results: Plasma basal concentrations of glicentin in children under 1 y of age were significantly higher than those in children aged 1 to 15 y. Plasma basal concentrations of glicentin at 5 or 6 d (2496 and 2190 pg/ml) and at 14 d (2987 and 2817 pg/ml) after birth were significantly higher than those at 1 or 2 d (1098 and 1240 pg/ml) after birth in normal birthweight (NBW) and low‐birthweight (LBW) infants. There was no significant difference in the glicentin level between infants at 1 or 2 d (1864 pg/ml) and at 5 or 6 d (1910 pg/ml) after birth in very‐low birthweight (VLBW) infants, but the levels at 14 d (3310 pg/ml) after birth were significantly higher than either of those levels. Plasma glicentin concentrations after feeding were significantly higher than those before feeding at 1 or 2 d and at 5 or 6 d after birth in NBW and LBW infants, but a significant increase in the plasma glicentin level after feeding was first observed at 14 d after birth in VLBW infants. There were no significant differences in the basal plasma (2401 and 2718 pg/ml) and postprandial (3007 and 3912 pg/ml) glicentin levels between breastfed and formula‐fed infants. Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that glicentin may play an important role in intestinal mucosal growth in the early period of life, although its role in VLBW infants should be further investigated.
Methemoglobinemia induced by refrigerated vegetable puree in conjunction with supraventricular tachycardia
Authors: Bryk T , Zalzstein E , Lifshitz M 
Published: August 2010

We report on a case of methemoglobinemia in conjunction with supraventricular tachycardia. A 6‐mo‐old infant was admitted to hospital with perioral cyanosis three hours after eating a refrigerated mixed‐vegetable puree. The patient developed supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and had a heart rate of 230 beats/min. The arrhythmia resolved spontaneously. A chemical analysis showed oxygen saturation of 85% and a methemoglobin level of 25%. The infant was treated with oxygen and referred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. The patient had two additional short episodes of SVT, which were resolved spontaneously without treatment. She received oxygen for 8 h until the methemoglobin level dropped to 1%. Conclusion: Long‐term storage of refrigerated vegetables can cause methemoglobinemia in infants. Methemoglobinemia can appear in conjunction with SVT, but it is also possible that in a child with a tendency to develop SVT, methemoglobinemia involved hypoxemia, which then triggers SVT.
Life‐threatening haemorrhage as a complication of a congenital haemangioma
Authors: Agesta N , Boralevi F , Sarlangue J , Vergnes P , Grenier N , Léauté‐Labrèze C 
Published: August 2010

Life‐threatening complications of congenital haemangiomas are rare. A case of haemorrhage in a neonate is reported here. A neonate presented a congenital haemangioma of the limb complicated by a massive life‐threatening haemorrhage. Colour ultrasonography showed a hypervascularized, highly haemodynamically active mass with a large, superficial drainage vein just under the ulceration. Surgical resection was performed with satisfactory postoperative outcome and no evidence of recurrence. Conclusion: Early surgical removal can be a good therapeutic option for complicated congenital haemangiomas.
Epilepsy evaluation by electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography in Lafora‐body disease: a case report
Authors: Verrotti A , Salusti B , Trotta D , Madonna L , Chiarelli F , Pizzella V 
Published: August 2010

Lafora‐body disease (LBD) is a rare neurometabolic disorder of autosomal recessive inheritance associated with progressive myoclonic epilepsy. We report here the first description of ictal and interictal recording by electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) of a 15‐y‐old girl suffering from LBD. Conclusions: Complementary use of MEG and EEG might be of future help to the clinician in better defining the pathophysiology of complex seizures, and also in patients with progressive neurological disorders, despite the poor prognosis of syndromes such as LBD.
Impact of zinc supplementation on diarrhoeal morbidity in rural children of West Bengal, India
Authors: Gupta DN , Mondal SK , Ghosh S , Rajendran K , Sur D , Manna B 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To determine the role of zinc supplementation in reducing diarrhoeal morbidity in children. Methods: A randomized, double‐blind, community‐based intervention study was conducted in 280 rural children aged between 6 and 41 mo. Children were randomly allocated into three groups. One group received a daily dose of 10 mg zinc for 5 d wk−1, another group received 50 mg zinc once weekly and the remaining group received placebo. Zinc was supplemented for 16 wk from November 1999. Diarrhoeal episodes were detected by weekly surveillance during the supplementation period. Results: Eighty diarrhoeal episodes were detected among 59 children in all 3 groups. The groups were compared with each other at baseline and as regard to the outcome variable (incidence of diarrhoea). The proportion of children suffering from diarrhoea during the period was significantly lower in the zinc‐supplemented groups (15.8% in daily and 16.5% in weekly group) than in the placebo group (30.8%). The incidence of diarrhoea in the daily and weekly zinc‐supplemented groups was 0.68 and 0.69 episodes child−1 y−1, and that in the placebo group was 1.67 episodes child−1 y−1 (relative risk 0.41, 95% confidence interval 0.24–0.71). Diarrhoeal incidence of >4d duration was found to occur significantly less often in the supplemented groups. There was no difference in diarrhoeal incidence between the daily and weekly zinc‐supplemented children. There were no detected adverse reactions in any of the supplemented groups. Conclusion: The study indicates that zinc supplementation is effective in reducing diarrhoeal morbidity when administered either daily or in a weekly schedule.
Plasma nitrite/nitrate and endothelin‐1 concentrations in neonatal sepsis
Authors: Figueras‐Aloy J , Gómez L , Rodríguez‐Miguélez JM , Jordán Y , Salvia MD , Jiménez W , Carbonell‐Estrany X 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To determine the changes in plasma nitrite/nitrate (NOx) and endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) concentrations during neonatal sepsis. Methods: In a prospective study, 60 consecutive newborns meeting the criteria for sepsis and without receiving exogenous nitric oxide (25 haemoculture‐positive [HC+] and 35 haemoculture‐negative [HC–]) were compared with 68 healthy newborns (46 full‐term and 22 preterm). NOx and ET‐1 concentrations were measured in each newborn within 48 h of diagnosis of sepsis and then every third day up to three determinations. SNAP‐II and SNAPPE‐II severity scores were performed at the moment of highest clinical severity. Results: At the beginning of the sepsis period, controls and septicaemic newborns had similar NOx and ET‐1 levels, with the exception of infants with severe HC+ sepsis. Throughout the sepsis period, NOx increased in moderate HC+ sepsis and decreased in HC– sepsis, reaching a significant difference at the end of the study period (59.9 ± 72.7 vs 33.9 ± 15.3 μmol/L; p= 0.036). Meanwhile, ET‐1 in newborns with severe HC+ sepsis remained higher than that in the moderate HC+ sepsis group and HC– group, reaching significant differences in all the periods. The highest ET‐1 value was positively correlated with SNAP‐II and SNAPPE‐II scores. Conclusion: NOx concentrations increased throughout the neonatal HC+ sepsis period, reaching significant differences after 7–9 d. The highest ET‐1 levels in neonatal HC+ sepsis emerged before the NOx peak, at 3–5 d, and later decreased. Only newborns with severe HC+ sepsis presented a significant increase in ET‐1 concentrations from the beginning of the septicaemic process.
Effects of short‐term dexamethasone treatment on collagen synthesis and degradation markers in preterm infants with developing lung disease
Authors: Saarela T , Risteli J , Koivisto M 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To assess the effects of dexamethasone treatment on collagen turnover in preterm infants. Methods: The serum concentrations of the amino‐terminal propeptide of type I and III procollagens (PINP and PIIINP), which reflect rates of type I and III collagen synthesis, respectively, and the carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I procollagen (ICTP), which reflects the rate of type I collagen degradation, were monitored in 13 preterm infants receiving dexamethasone and 13 matched control infants without glucocorticoid treatment for a total period of 12 mo. Dexamethasone was started at a median age of 12 d and continued at tapering doses for a median total duration of 10 d. Blood samples were taken immediately after birth, at 7, 14 and 28 d of age and at 2, 3, 6, 9 and 12 mo. The same markers were also measured just before the initiation of dexamethasone and on days 1, 3, and 7 of treatment. Results: A striking decrease in all of the markers was already observed in every case on day 1 of dexamethasone, the suppression being greatest on day 3 and still considerable on day 7. The percentages from the pretreatment levels recorded on days 1, 3 and 7 were: for PINP 51, 26 and 45%; for PIIINP 63, 44% and 52%; and for ICTP 64, 41 and 51%. A rebound rise in PINP levels was seen in dexamethasone‐treated infants, the levels exceeding those of the controls at 3 and 6 mo of age. A similar phenomenon was noted concerning PIIINP at 3 mo. The levels settled down at 9 and 12 mo. Conclusion: Dexamethasone causes an immediate, inevitable, deep suppression of type I and III collagen synthesis and also type I collagen degradation. This should be taken into consideration, e.g. when assessing for the indications for steroid treatment in sick preterm infants and its dosing and duration.
Secular trends in sports: participation and attitudes among adolescents in Sweden from 1974 to 1995
Authors: Westerståhl M , Barnekow‐Bergkvist M , Hedberg G , Jansson E 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To study the secular trend (time changes) in participation in leisure‐time sports activities and in attitudes towards sports activities and physical education in a representative sample of Swedish adolescents between 1974 and 1995. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to 16‐y‐old girls and boys (n= 395 in 1974, n= 542 in 1995) to assess participation in leisure‐time sports activity, attitudes towards sports activities and attitudes towards physical education at school. Height and weight were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Results: Compared with 1974, more subjects in 1995 answered that they were engaged in leisure‐time sports activities, and that they were members of sports clubs. BMI increased from 1974 to 1995. By 1995, adolescents participated in and had become more interested in individual sports activities, including keep‐fit activities (e.g. strength training and aerobics) compared with 1974. A gender difference in the feeling of anxiety towards physical education, with more girls experiencing it, appeared in 1995, but not in 1974. Conclusion: Although more adolescents participated in leisure‐time sports activity in 1995 than in 1974, the lifestyle of adolescents between sports training sessions may have become more sedentary. This is negative in a health perspective, since the benefits of physical activity on health are largely correlated to the total energy expenditure. However, the increased interest in keep‐fit activities is important, since these activities have the potential to be continued into adulthood.
Hospital admissions for childhood asthma in Rogaland, Norway, from 1984 to 2000
Authors: Engelsvold DH , Øymar K 
Published: August 2010

Aim: The prevalence of childhood asthma is increasing, and it is important to monitor factors related to hospital admissions in order to understand the different aspects of the disease. The aim of this study was to investigate admissions for childhood asthma to Rogaland Central Hospital, Norway, in order to elucidate time trends related to rates of admissions and treatment modalities. Methods: A population‐based study was conducted in which data extracted from the medical records, including number of admissions, length of hospitalization, medication and symptom scores, were recorded for children aged 1 to 14 y admitted to hospital for asthma during four periods, of two years each, from 1984/1985 to 1999/2000. Results: For all the children there was an increase in annual admission rates for asthma from 1984/1985 to 1989/1990 and stabilization thereafter, but there were substantial differences between age groups. For children of 1 or 2 y of age the annual admission rate increased from 43/10000 in the first period to 104/10000 in the last period (p < 0.001), with an increase in both primary admissions and re‐admissions. For children aged 3 and 4 y, the admission rates increased from the first to the second period, and then declined to an annual admission rate of 40/10000 in 1999/2000. For older children, the admission rate was low and stable. There was a gradual increase in the use of inhaled corticosteroids both prior to admission and at discharge, and the percentage of children receiving systemic corticosteroids at admission increased from 19% to 45% (p < 0.001). The average hospital in‐days decreased from 3.4 to 1.9 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: A disturbingly high and increasing rate of both primary admissions and readmissions for asthma has been observed in children aged 1 and 2 y, which seemed to be unaffected by changes in treatment modalities during the period. The decrease in admissions for children aged 3 and 4 y may have been influenced by the increased use of inhaled corticosteroids.
Foetal development and breastfeeding in early texts of the Islamic tradition
Authors: Koçtürk T 
Published: August 2010

Background: Knowledge of some early Islamic teachings regarding foetal development and breastfeeding may be of interest to health workers in paediatric practice. The Koran describes the creation of human beings in verses 22:5, 23:12 and 39:6. Some descriptions are reminiscent of phrases in Genesis and Ecclesiastes of the Old Testament. Symbiosis between mother and child is implicit in Koranic verse 46:15, which defines this period as lasting for 30 mo. Accumulated knowledge from earlier periods on the beneficial effects of breastfeeding is reflected in verse 2:233, as a recommendation that infants be breastfed for 2 y. In early Islam it was a father's obligation to ensure that his child received human milk, if the biological mother was indisposed to provide it. Securing human milk was of vital importance for the survival of the child. The historical solution was to employ a wet nurse. Paying a good salary to wet nurses and giving them a status similar to that of a biological mother was a precaution for securing that babies received sufficient milk. During the period of Islamic expansion, the medieval physician Ibn Sina of Buckara (AD 980–1037) contributed to the significance of breastfeeding by describing breast milk as “white blood”. Conclusion: The significance of breastfeeding was recognized in early texts of the Islamic tradition. These have inspired positive attitudes to breastfeeding in Muslim communities. Adherence may differ among contemporary groups, but it may be important to keep original teachings in mind when planning breastfeeding programmes in Muslim communities.
New mutations in the lipoprotein lipase gene in a young boy with chylomicronaemia syndrome and in his family
Authors: Brites F , Henriksen F , Fernández K , Brusgaard K , Castro G , Wikinski R 
Published: August 2010

The case is reported of a 4‐y‐old boy with chylomicronaemia syndrome, under treatment with a low‐fat diet and medium‐chain triglycerides. The clinical and biochemical characteristics of the patient and 11 members of his family were studied. Lipoprotein profile, lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mass and activity were evaluated. Nucleotide substitutions in LPL promoter and exons were screened. The proband presented with severe hypertriglyceridaemia (triglycerides = 13.25 mmol l−1) and non‐detectable LPL activity and mass. The boy was a compound heterozygote for four molecular defects in the LPL gene, two of which have not been reported before (C±T764± C±T/Arg170± Leu; GG±1482± GG±Gly409± Gly). Among the family members, the proband was the only one who carried two genetic variants that modify LPL amino acid composition.Conclusion: The association of different alterations in the LPL gene could be a key factor in causing the severe phenotype observed. Moreover, treatment with a low‐fat diet and medium‐chain triglycerides failed to normalize the patient's hypertriglyceridaemia.