bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First‐time mothers' satisfaction with early encounters with the nurse in child healthcare: home visit or visit to the clinic?
Authors: Jansson A , Sivberg B , Larsson B Wilde , Udén G 
Published: August 2010

The aim of this study was to describe first‐time mothers' views of satisfaction with their first encounter with the nurse, in order to investigate differences between home visits and clinic visits and between high/middle and low socioeconomic classification (SEC). A nation‐wide postal questionnaire sent to 800 first‐time mothers yielded the data for statistical analysis. Data were collected using a modified version of the questionnaire “Quality of Care from the Patient's Perspective”, the part concerning child healthcare. The results showed that mothers who had received home visits were more content with the encounter than were mothers who had to visit the clinic. This particularly concerned advice on breastfeeding, being able to talk to the nurse in peace and quiet, and the fact that the nurse took time and was personal. In contrast, the mothers who had received a home visit were less content with the competence of the nurse when she examined the child. Mothers of low SEC were less satisfied with the first encounter than were mothers of high/middle SEC with regard to several points. Conclusion: Home visits were shown to have advantages over visits to the clinic. Mothers of low SEC were less satisfied with the first encounter with the nurse than were mothers in the high/ middle SEC.
Indoor maternal smoking doubles adolescents' exhaled carbon monoxide
Authors: Gourgoulianis KI , Gogou E , Hamos V , Molyvdas PA 
Published: August 2010

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of indoor smoking. Exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations were measured on a CO monitor by a vital capacity manoeuvre in three groups of adolescents: non‐smokers with non‐smoking families, non‐smokers with smoking mothers, and smokers. Each group included eight families. Smokers had higher exhaled CO (mean ± SD, 35.67 ± 14.62 ppm) than non‐smokers with smoking mothers (6 ± 2.5 ppm) and non‐smokers (2.37 ± 0.56 ppm), late in the evening (21.00h). The levels of exhaled CO in nonsmoking adolescents doubled if their mothers smoked. Conclusion: Exhaled CO can be used as an indicator of indoor smoking. Maternal smoking plays a major role in the health of adolescents.
Overweight among international adoptees in Sweden: a population‐based study
Authors: Johansson‐Kark M , Rasmussen F , Hjern A 
Published: August 2010

This study investigated the prevalence of overweight [body mass index (BMI) ± 25 kg m‐2] in young adulthood among international adoptees. The prevalence of overweight among adoptees from various countries of origin was compared with that in a large group of non‐adopted individuals. All 275026 young men born in 1973–1977 and living in Sweden at 17y of age were included. A record linkage was made between the Military Service Conscription Register and several population registers. Data on BMI at 18 y of age were obtained from military conscription examinations conducted in 1991–1995. BMI was missing for 12.7% of 2400 adoptees and 10.8% of 263173 non‐adoptees. Among 623 adoptees from Latin America 21.5% (95% confidence interval 18.3–24.7) were overweight, with a particularly high prevalence of overweight among the 266 adoptees from Chile (28.6%, 23.1–34.0). Among 502 adoptees from the Indian subcontinent 8.4% (5.9–10.8) were overweight and the prevalence of overweight was 8.8% (5.7–12.0) among 317 adoptees from India. Among 817 adoptees from the Far East 12.0% (9.8–14.2) were overweight and the prevalence of overweight was 10.9% (7.9–13.9) among 404 from South Korea. The corresponding figure was 14.1% (14.0–14.2) among the non‐adopted individuals. Conclusion: These differences in prevalence of overweight between various groups of adoptees and between adopted and non‐adopted subjects are remarkable and are probably due to diversity in genetic susceptibility to overweight.
Differential trafficking of the Niemann‐Pick C1 and 2 proteins highlights distinct roles in late endocytic lipid trafficking
Authors: Zhang M , Sun M , Dwyer NK , Comly ME , Patel SC , Sundaram R , Hanover JA , Blanchette‐Mackie EJ 
Published: August 2010

The cellular location of Niemann‐Pick C2 protein (NPC2) in cultured human fibroblasts and Chinese hamster ovary cells was examined immunocytochemically and in living cells by expression of a functional red fluorescent protein chimeric analogue. Results: NPC2 is present in the lysosomes of both cholesterol‐depleted and ‐replenished cells, unlike Niemann‐Pick C1 protein (NPC1) which is recruited to late endosomes only upon uptake of low‐density lipoprotein. With mobilization of cholesterol from lysosomes, immunocytochemical detection of NPC2 in lysosomes is greatly diminished, whereas NPC1 remains in the late endosomal compartment. We found a partial overlap in the trafficking and organellar sites of accumulation of NPC2 and NPC1. In living cells, NPC2 traffics with NPC1 in late endosomal tubules. However, in contrast to NPC1, which remains either in late endosomal vesicles and tubules or at the peripheries of cholesterol‐laden lysosomes, NPC2 moves into the central core of lysosomes. Glycolipid analysis reveals that, in contrast to null mutant NPC1 cells, which accumulate GM2 ganglioside only at the plasma membrane, with no endocytic storage, absence of NPC2 protein in null mutant NPC2 cells does not block internalization of GM2 into endocytic vesicles. This difference in the cellular distribution of GM2 in NPC1 and NPC2 null mutants is the first report of a variation in the phenotypic expression of these genotypically distinct lesions. Conclusion: We speculate that while NPC1 may play a major role in the sorting of glycolipids as well as cholesterol within the late endosomes, NPC2 primarily plays a role in the egress of cholesterol and, potentially, glycolipids from lysosomes. These proteins appear not to be integrated into a tightly bound biological complex, but rather represent separate functional entities that complement each other.
Procalcitonin and interleukin‐6 in the diagnosis of early‐onset sepsis of the neonate
Authors: Resch B , Gusenleitner W , Müller WD 
Published: August 2010

The reliability of procalcitonin (PCT) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) was determined and compared with that of C‐reactive protein (CRP) in the diagnosis of early‐onset sepsis of the neonate within the first 12 h of life. ROC analysis of values of 41 neonates with blood‐cultures‐positive and clinical sepsis compared with those of 27 uninfected neonates revealed sensitivities for PCT (≥6ng/mL), IL‐6 (≥60pg/mL), and CRP (≥2.5 mg/L) of 77%, 54%, and 69% and specificities of 91%, 100% and 96%, respectively. Sensitivity of CRP at ≥8 mg/L was 49% (p= 0.012 compared to PCT). Conclusion: PCT was the most sensitive diagnostic parameter in the diagnosis of early‐onset sepsis within 12 h of life.
Influence of different types of post‐discharge feeding on somatic growth, cognitive development and their correlation in very low birthweight preterm infants
Authors: Marini A , Vegni C , Gangi S , Benedetti V , Agosti M 
Published: August 2010

The influence of appropriate post‐discharge nutrition on somatic growth and cognitive development of very low‐birthweight infants in the first year of life is currently a major topic in infant nutrition. Appropriate intakes of proteins, iodine and the addition of LC‐PUFAs (arachidonic acid (AA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) in the “right” quantities improve cognitive development and are conducive to a good correlation between somatic growth and neurodevelopment. Conclusion: When mother’milk is not available post‐discharge, in addition to more proteins and minerals, formula for low‐birthweight infants should contain AA and DHA, since the endogenous production of these important compounds from the precursors can be reduced in the first months of life, chiefly in the very low‐birthweight infants.
Reduction in multiresistant nosocomial infections in neonates following substitution of ceftazidime with piperacillin/tazobactam in empiric antibiotic therapy
Authors: Flidel‐Rimon O , Friedman S , Gradstein S , Bardenstein R , Shinwell ES 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To evaluate the effect of a change in antibiotic protocol on pathogens that cause neonatal sepsis. Methods: Suspected sepsis was treated with amikacin together with ceftazidime in 1995–1998 and piperacillin/tazobactam in 1999–2002. Results: The annual rate for Klebsiella sepsis fell from 2.5 to 0.45 cases per 1000 admission days (p= 0.0001) between the two periods studied. Conclusion: The change from ceftazidime to piperacillin/tazobactam is associated with a decrease in the incidence of Klebsiella sepsis.
Presence of platelet antibodies in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura may discriminate acute from chronic disease
Authors: Nielsen HE , Andersen EA , Carlsen N , Nir M , Taaning E 
Published: August 2010

This study estimated the prevalence of serum antibodies against thrombocyte glycoproteins, at disease onset (54 patients) and later on during the course of the disease (71 patients), in sera from children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Only a minority had serum antibodies at disease onset, with a significantly higher frequency in those who developed the acute form of the disease than in those who developed the chronic form. Serum antibodies may persist after spontaneous cure of acute disease. There was no switch from immunoglobulin M (IgM) to IgG antibodies over time. Conclusion: The pathogenesis of the acute and chronic forms of ITP may be different.
Life before birth: effects of cortisol on future cardiovascular and metabolic function*
Authors: Nathanielsz PW , Berghorn KA , Derks JB , Giussani DA , Docherty C , Unno N , Davenport A , Kutzler M , Koenen S , Visser GHA , Nijland MJ 
Published: August 2010

The concept of fetal programming is an area that is now under rigorous investigation in many laboratories throughout the world. We need to engender a fascination in all segments of society, not just pregnant women, about life in the womb. Conclusion: Everyone needs to understand that improving the condition of the fetus will have personal, social and economic benefits. The time has come to realize that, in a sense, it is not just women who are pregnant but it is the family and the whole of society.
Characterization of the C‐terminal region of molecular forms of human milk bile salt‐stimulated lipase
Authors: McKillop AM , O'Hare MMT , Craig JS , Halliday HL 
Published: August 2010

Bile salt‐stimulated lipase (BSSL) in human milk exists in multiple molecular forms and it has been shown that approximately one‐third of lactating mothers secrete two forms. Aim: to determine the structural features of BSSL that may give rise to this heterogeneity. Methods: Oligosaccharides present in the proline‐rich region in the C‐terminus of BSSL were investigated using deglycosylating enzymes and lectin affinity probing to determine the origin of the multiple molecular forms. Results: It was found that the variability in the molecular mass of BSSL is due predominantly to glycosylation. The molecular forms contain similar sugar chains; all forms possess the core disaccharide Galβ1‐3GalNAc and β‐D‐galactose, fucose linked at α1‐6 and sialic acid linkage α2‐3 to galactose. Conclusion: The molecular mass difference in the BSSL molecular forms cannot be attributed to the type of carbohydrate moiety in the sugar chains of the N‐ and O‐linked sites suggesting that the differences arise from the extent or quantity of glycosylation. The oligosaccharides in the C‐terminal region contain Lewis x and b and, less prominently, Lewis a antigenic structures. Owing to the presence of these blood‐group‐related antigenic determinants, the C‐terminal region of BSSL may have an adhesive function in cell‐cell interactions.
Survival among motherless children in rural and urban areas in Guinea‐Bissau
Authors: Masmas TN , Jensen H , da Silva D , Høj L , Sandström A , Aaby P 
Published: August 2010

Aim: With the increasing incidence of HIV and TB, motherless children are becoming a rapidly growing problem in Africa. However, few studies describe the survival patterns of these children. The aim of this study was to investigate the mortality of motherless children in urban and rural areas of Guinea‐Bissau. Methods: A historical cohort study was set up in urban and rural areas in Guinea‐Bissau. Motherless children were selected from two study cohorts under demographic surveillance since 1990. The relatives of 128 motherless children from the rural cohort and 192 from the urban area, as well as a total of 807 controls, were examined and interviewed. Results: Controlling for significant background factors revealed that motherless children had a markedly higher mortality than that of controls in both urban (mortality rate ratio (MR) 2.32 (95% confidence interval 1.11‐4.84)) and rural areas (MR = 4.16 (2.79‐6.22)). Virtually all the excess mortality occurred among children under 2 y of age when their mother died. Few motherless children had been provided with surrogate breastfeeding. Conclusions: Since nearly all children in Guinea are breastfed until 2 y of age, premature weaning may be one of the major causes of the higher mortality rates observed among motherless children.
Disinfection with 10% povidone‐iodine versus 0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropanol in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Linder N , Prince S , Barzilai A , Keller N , Klinger G , Shalit I , Prince T , Sirota L 
Published: August 2010

Aim: The finding that 10% povidone‐iodine skin disinfectant may compromise thyroid function in premature infants prompted its replacement with 0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate solution in 70% isopropanol. The objective of this study was to compare the incidence rates of true infection and contamination associated with the use of these two disinfectants in the neonatal intensive care unit. Methods: The study population comprised two cohorts of infants admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit: 1) in 1992–1993 when only 10% povidone‐iodine was used as a skin disinfectant, and 2) in 1995–1996 when only 0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate solution in 70% isopropanol was used. A retrospective chart review was conducted to determine whether all documented positive blood, CSF and suprapubic aspirate cultures indicated true infection or contamination. True infection was defined as clinical symptoms and/or laboratory abnormalities suggestive of sepsis, with positive blood, CSF or suprapubic aspirate cultures. Results: 1146 infants were admitted during the study periods, 507 during the first period and 639 during the second. In the early group, 17.6% of infants had major malformations, 72.0% were premature and 25.2% had weights of >1500 g. Corresponding percentages for the latter group were 16.0%, 80.6% and 32.9%, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between the two research periods in rate of infants with positive blood cultures, true infections, or contamination. Conclusion: The use of 0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate solution in 70% isopropanol as a skin disinfectant is justified in neonatal intensive care units because it is not associated with an increased incidence of infections as opposed to 10% povidone‐iodine and is devoid of detrimental effects.
Tobacco—enemy of public health from conception to grave
Authors: Knudsen A 
Published: August 2010

Parental smoking and the pregnant mother or infant exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is connected with extraordinarily adverse health consequences for the foetus and child. This morbidity and even mortality is preventable. Conclusion: From the perspective of the foetus and the child, every measure should be taken to promote smoking cessation by their parents and prevent exposure to ETS.
Time trend of childhood type 1 diabetes incidence in Lithuania and Sweden, 1983–2000
Authors: Pundziute‐Lyckå A , Dahlquist G , Urbonaite B , Žalinkevičius R ,   (on behalf of the Swedish and Lithuanian Childhood Diabetes Study Groups)
Published: August 2010

Aim: To compare the time trend of childhood type 1 diabetes over an 18‐y period in Lithuania and Sweden—countries with different incidence levels and different socio‐economic conditions. Methods: Percent average incidence change per year between 1983 and 2000, based on 8031 Swedish and 1100 Lithuanian cases in the age group 0–14 y, was calculated using Poisson regression. Results: Average age‐ and sex‐standardized incidence/100 000/y was 28.9 (95% CI: 28.2–29.5) in Sweden and 7.5 (95% CI: 7.1–8.0) in Lithuania. Between 1983 and 2000, the average increase per year was 2.2% in Sweden (95% CI: 1.7–2.6) and 2.3% in Lithuania (95% CI: 1.1–3.5), but the latter trend depended on an increase during the last few years of the period, and only for girls. In Sweden, incidence increased significantly in all age groups, but more so in the younger groups (3.0%, 2.2% and 1.7% per year in 0–4, 5–9 and 10–14‐y age groups, respectively), while in Lithuania a significant increase was found only in the 10–14‐y age group (3.0%). In Sweden, a trend towards a younger age at diagnosis was indicated for both boys and girls when comparing 1983–1991 and 1992–2000, whereas in Lithuania, the changes in age distribution over time were small, with an opposite tendency for boys. Conclusion: Incidence variability over time differed considerably in the two countries in the region of the Baltic Sea, suggesting a complex effect of environmental risk factors, some of which may be associated with wealth and socio‐economic conditions.
Factors associated with unconstrained growth among affluent Ghanaian children
Authors: Owusu WB , Lartey A , de Onis M , Onyango AW , Frongillo EA 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To identify socio‐economic factors associated with unconstrained growth among children living in well‐off neighbourhoods of Accra, Ghana. Methods: A cross‐sectional study involving the assessment of the anthropometric status of preschool children. Children (n= 309) between the ages of 12 and 23 mo who live in affluent communities in Accra, Ghana were recruited for the study. Weight, length and mid‐upper arm circumference were taken. Information was collected on household demographics and socio‐economic status, including parental education and household income. Associations between these variables and attained growth were analysed to establish cutoffs for screening children with unconstrained growth. Results: The mean weight‐for‐age (WA), length‐for‐age (LA) and weight‐for‐length (WL) Z‐scores of the sub‐sample selected on the basis of high socio‐economic criteria were 0.18, 0.40 and 0.16, respectively. Among these well‐off children, 0% were underweight, 3.0% were stunted and 0% were wasted (Z‐scores >‐2). Factors associated with better anthropometric status were paternal education and household income. Two screening criteria combining the two variables were selected: polytechnic education and income < ± l 000000 (US 435) or university education and income < ± 200000.Conclusions: The children experiencing unconstrained growth belonged to a sub‐population of affluent households characterized by high paternal education and household income. This sub‐population was targeted for screening for the WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study in Ghana.
Physical activity as measured by accelerometry in children receiving growth hormone
Authors: Hoos MB , Westerterp KR , Kuipers H , Schuwirth L , Gerver W‐JM 
Published: August 2010

Aim: Parents of children treated with growth hormone (GH) frequently report to the paediatrician that their children have become more physically active. In the present study, activity patterns of GH‐treated children were measured and compared to those of healthy controls. Methods: Subjects were 25 children at the start of GH treatment (age 8.4 ± 2.6 y) and 19 age‐ and gender‐matched controls (age 8.8 ± 3.2 y). Physical activity was assessed with a tri‐axial accelerometer for movement registration over two separate 2‐wk intervals, one before the start of GH treatment and one 2 wk after the start of treatment. GH‐treated subjects were categorized as poor responders (change in height over 1 y >0.7 SDS, n= 15) or good responders (change in height over 1 y <0.7 SDS, n= 10). Results: Before therapy, good responders showed a significantly lower physical activity compared to healthy controls, spending significantly less time on high‐intensity activities. This difference disappeared 2 wk after the start of therapy. Physical activity in poor responders was not significantly different from controls before and after 2 wk of GH therapy. Conclusion: Children who respond well to GH therapy (change in height >0.7 SDS) showed a reduced amount of physical activity before therapy, which was normalized after 2 wk of GH therapy.
Antenatal corticosteroids policies in 14 European countries: factors associated with multiple courses. The EURAIL survey
Authors: Empana JP , Anceschi MM , Szabo I , Cosmi EV , Breart G , Truffert P 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To describe antenatal corticosteroids (ANCs) policies in European obstetric units and to determine factors that influence the use of multiple courses. Methods: 641 obstetricians from obstetric departments covering a geographical area in 14 European countries responded to a questionnaire on ANCs policies. Logistic regression was used to identify factors that were related to the use of multiple ANCs courses. Results: The survey response rate was 76% (inter‐country range 33–94%): 11% (0–50%) of the respondents started ANCs from 23 to 24 wk gestation, 82% from 24 to 28 wk (50–100%) and 7% from 28 to 36 wk (0–32%). Eighty‐five percent of the units (63–100%) used multiple ANCs courses. After adjustment for country, number of infants delivered at 24–32 wk annually in the unit, NICU and maternal hypertension, maternal hypertension tended to be an explicative factor (OR 1.97; 95% CI: 0.75–5.17). Conclusions: The high proportion of departments that initiated ANCs between 24 and 28 wk of gestation is consistent with the high incidence of neonatal morbidity and mortality in that age range. Multiple courses are overwhelmingly prescribed in Europe, although their risk/benefit ratio compared with a single dose is not yet known. The likelihood of using repeated courses of ANCs may be related to the presence of maternal hypertension, and this highlights the importance of closely monitoring women at risk of premature delivery.