bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impedance index or standard anthropometric measurements, which is the better variable for predicting fat‐free mass in sick children?
Authors: Dung Nguyen Quang , Fusch Gerhard , Armbrust Sven , Jochum Frank , Fusch Christoph 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To compare the predictive value of impedance index (ZI, height2/impedance) with anthropometric measurements for estimating fat‐free mass (FFM).Methods: FFM of 120 white paediatric children (46 males, 74 females), aged 2.5–18 years was measured by using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Weight, height, mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC), skinfold thickness (biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac) and bioelectrical impedance were also obtained. Stepwise multiple regression analysis and residual plots were performed to determine the most significant variables to predict FFM.Results: The single best predictor of FFM was ZI, which explained 96.2% of the variance in FFM (r = 0.981, SEE = 2.15 kg). Addition of weight to the model containing ZI increased the explained variance of FFM to 96.6% (r = 0.983, SEE = 2.03 kg). BMI and MUAC were the poorest predictors of FFM: r = 0.422, SEE = 10.2 kg and r = 0.621, SEE = 8.93 kg, respectively.Conclusion: Impedance index is a more significant single predictor of FFM than other anthropometric measurements. The predictive accuracy of bioelectrical impedance analysis‐based prediction equations for FFM was improved by addition of weight.
Attention behaviour and hyperactivity at age 4 and duration of breast‐feeding
Authors: Julvez Jordi , Ribas‐Fitó Núria , Forns Maria , Garcia‐Esteban Raquel , Torrent Maties , Sunyer Jordi 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: The relation of longer duration of breast‐feeding to cognitive development was been demonstrated in several previous studies, however its potential impact on behaviour is unknown. We assess which behavioural areas (executive function, social competence, attention behaviour and hyperactivity) are related to long‐term breast‐feeding in young children.Methods: Two prospective population‐based birth cohorts, one from the island of Menorca (N = 421) and the second from Ribera d'Ebre county (N = 79) in Spain were followed up at the age of 4 years during a two year period (2001–2003). Children were assessed by three psychologists and their respective teachers for neuropsychological functions (McCarthy test), attention‐hyperactivity behaviours (Attention‐Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Criteria of DSM‐IV) and social behaviour (California Preschool Social Competence Scale).Results: Long‐term breast‐feeding was associated with executive function scores (an increase of 4.9 points after breast‐feeding >20 weeks), and the improvement of social competence scores (relative risk for being in the poorest 20%, RR = 0.57; 0.52–0.66, after >12 weeks) and attention‐deficit hyperactivity symptom scores (RR = 0.56; 0.37–0.85, after >12 weeks). All three outcomes remained significant when included as covariates in the regression models.Conclusion: Long‐term breast‐feeding was found to be associated with fewer attention and hyperactivity symptoms and an improvement in related behavioural areas (neuropsychological and socio‐behavioural outcomes).
Noncardiac comorbidities of congenital heart disease in children
Authors: Massin Martial M , Astadicko Iyawa , Dessy Hugues 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground: Noncardiac conditions may complicate heart disease care, contribute to the progression of the disease and alter the response to treatment. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the proportion of cardiac children with such significant conditions.Methods: Of the 1058 children with congenital heart disease primarily diagnosed during a 10‐year‐period in one hospital, we identified those patients who had significant congenital and acquired comorbidities.Results: Associated problems were diagnosed in 224 children (21.2%). Among them, 118 children (11.2%) had genetic or syndromic conditions, of which 38 had Trisomy 21. Six subspecialty areas accounted for the vast majority of the cases: neurology (n = 140), pulmonology (n = 36), orthopaedics (n = 26), nephro‐urology (n = 19), gastroenterology (n = 14) and endocrinology (n = 13). The most frequent associated conditions were mental retardation, asthma, epilepsy and scoliosis. During the study period, death occurred in 46 of the children (4.3%) and was not related to the cardiac disease in 20 cases (1.9%).Conclusion: A substantial proportion of children with congenital heart disease have significant noncardiac comorbidities. Close collaboration between paediatric cardiologists and paediatricians of other subspecialties is imperative to optimize care for these children.
Inflammation at birth and the insulin‐like growth factor system in very preterm infants
Authors: Hansen‐Pupp I , Hellström‐Westas L , Cilio CM , Andersson S , Fellman V , Ley D 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground: Foetal inflammation is associated with an increased risk of brain damage in preterm infants whereas IGF‐I is essential for cerebral development and exhibits anti‐apoptotic properties.Aim: To assess levels of IGF‐I and IGF binding proteins at very preterm birth and to evaluate their relationship with foetal pro‐inflammation and cerebral damage.Methods: Levels of IGF‐I, IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP‐3), high‐ (hp) and low‐phosphorylated (lp) IGFBP‐1 in cord blood and neonatal blood at 72 h after delivery were analysed in relation to levels of cytokines and cerebral damage as detected by ultrasound in 74 inborn infants [mean gestational age (GA) 27.1 weeks]. Evaluation was performed separately according to birth weight for GA.Results: In cord blood of infants appropriate for gestational age (AGA) higher levels of IL‐6 and IL‐8 were associated with lower IGF‐I (r =−0.38, p = 0.008 and r =−0.36, p = 0.014). Higher levels of IL‐6, IL‐8 and TNF‐α were associated with both higher levels of lpIGFBP‐1 (r = 0.54, p < 0.001, r = 0.50, p < 0.001 and r = 0.13, p = 0.012, respectively) and hpIGFBP‐1 (r = 0.55, p < 0.001, r = 0.45, p = 0.002 and r = 0.32, p = 0.026, respectively). Infants with intraventricular haemorrhage grade III (n = 5) had higher levels of lp/hpIGFBP‐1 in cord blood (p = 0.001 and 0.002, respectively).Conclusion: Pro‐inflammation at birth is associated with changes in the IGF‐system. This may be of importance for development of brain damage in preterm infants.
Mental health in adolescents with chronic physical illness versus controls in Northern Russia
Authors: Zashikhina A , Hagglof B 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To study the behaviour/emotional problems and depression in adolescents with and without physical illnesses; to compare the same psychological parameters in adolescents with different disorders.Methods: The sample consisted of 148 adolescents aged 13–16 years with one of the following physical chronic conditions: diabetes (n = 55), asthma (n = 59), or epilepsy (n = 59). Comparative data were obtained from a group of 301 schoolchildren. Test batteries (Child Behaviour Check‐List, Youth Self Report, Beck Depression Inventory, socio‐economic status questions) were individually completed by adolescents and their mothers.Results: Overall adolescents with physical illness had more behaviour/emotional problems and were more depressed compared to controls although results varied according to the informants and the disease severity. Two risk groups were revealed: girls with asthma and boys with epilepsy.Conclusion: Our results suggest that mental health in adolescents with chronic physical illnesses is poorer than in controls and their mental health state is very much associated with the disease severity. The findings of the study can help to develop disease targeted and comprehensive interventions in outpatient clinics of Northern Russia in order to reduce behaviour and mood disorders in adolescents with chronic physical illnesses and therefore to smooth the transition through their teenage years.
Trends in the duration of school‐day sleep among 10‐ to 15‐year‐old South Australians between 1985 and 2004
Authors: Dollman J , Ridley K , Olds T , Lowe E 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To compare self‐reported school‐day sleep duration in 10‐ to 15‐year‐old South Australians between 1985 and 2004.Methods: Data were collected from 10‐ to 15‐year‐old participants in the 1985 Australian Schools Health and Fitness Survey (n = 390) and the 2004 South Australian Physical Activity Survey (n = 510). Identical self‐report questionnaires were administered in both surveys, providing data on school‐day bed‐time, wake‐time and sleep duration; as well as age, gender and socioeconomic status (SES). Analysis of co‐variance (ANCOVA), controlling for age and SES, was used to compare all sleep variables between surveys.Results: Declines in sleep duration were found for both girls (28 min) and boys (33 min) between surveys. The reduction was more pronounced in ‘lower SES’ boys (44 min) than ‘higher SES’ boys (23 min). Boys reported later bed‐time than girls in the 2004 survey, while no gender differences were apparent in the 1985 survey.Conclusion: Our findings suggest reductions in school‐day sleep duration have occurred in Australian children and adolescents over the last 20 years, due largely to later bed‐times. The physiological significance of these declines and mediating influences, such as SES, are yet to be explicated.
Effect of formula thickened with reduced concentration of locust bean gum on gastroesophageal reflux
Authors: Miyazawa R , Tomomasa T , Kaneko H , Arakawa H , Morikawa A 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: Previous studies showed that HL‐350, a formula thickened with a reduced concentration of locust bean gum, decreased frequent regurgitation in 4‐month old infants with reflux. In this study, we investigated the effect of HL‐350 in younger infants.Methods: We studied 20 infants less than 2 months old who had three or more episodes of regurgitation or vomiting per day. Ten infants (group A) were fed with HL‐350 for the first week, and with control milk, HL‐00, for the following week. The other 10 infants (group B) were fed in reverse order. Mothers recorded number of regurgitation episodes, feeding volume and time and number of bowel movements. To evaluate gastric emptying we measured antral cross sectional areas ultrasonographically at various time points after feeding.Results: The median number of regurgitation episodes decreased significantly with feeding of HL‐350 (2.3/day) compared to feeding with control milk (5.2/day) (p = 0.00048). No significant difference was evident in feeding volume and time, body weight gain, or gastric emptying rate between HL‐350 and control milk.Conclusion: HL‐350 decreased the number of regurgitation episodes without affecting gastric emptying delay in very young infants with recurrent vomiting.
Satisfactory long‐term results after Nissen fundoplication
Authors: Kristensen C , Åvitsland T , Emblem R , Refsum S , Bjørnland K 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground: Complications and unsatisfactory long‐term results after antireflux surgery in children have received increased attention. The aim of this study was to report parental assessment of outcome after Nissen fundoplication.Methods: Ninety‐three patients operated with primary Nissen fundoplication between 1990 and 2001 were included. Medical records were reviewed, and parents were interviewed for evaluation of postoperative results.Results: Of the 93 children, 51 were neurologically impaired and 14 children had repaired esophageal atresia. Median follow‐up time was 6.0 years. Total mortality for the patient population was 13%. Five children died as a complication of the surgery, whereas eight deaths were unrelated to the Nissen fundoplication. Ninety‐two percent of the parents reported better well‐being of the child after the Nissen fundoplication, and 83% were completely satisfied with the postoperative results. Pulmonary symptoms were reduced in 59%, and quality of sleep improved in 68% of the children. Nine children (10%) had been operated with a redo NF.Conclusion: The majority of parents were satisfied with the long term results of the Nissen fundoplication.
Genotype and phenotype in patients with Prader–Willi Syndrome in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Hsiang‐Yu , Lin Shuan‐Pei , Chuang Chih‐Kuang , Chen Ming‐Ren , Yen Jui‐Lung , Lee Yann‐Jinn , Huang Chi‐Yu , Tsai Li‐Ping , Niu Dau‐Ming , Chao Mei‐Chyn , Kuo Pao‐Lin 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: Several different genetic defects have been found to result in the characteristic phenotypic expression of Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS).Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 67 cases of molecularly confirmed PWS diagnosed from January 1980 through July 2006 in five medical centres in Taiwan. Clinical manifestations were compared between patients with deletion and those with maternal uniparental disomy (UPD).Results: Deletion was present in 56 (84%), UPD in 10 (15%), and a probable imprinting centre deletion or imprinting defect in 1 (1%). PWS with deletion was more likely than that with UPD to be characterized by hypogonadism (p < 0.001), small hands and feet (p < 0.001), and hypopigmentation (p < 0.002). Both maternal (p = 0.015) and paternal age (p = 0.021) were higher in the UPD group. No other clinical features differed significantly different between the two groups.Conclusion: In contrast to most Western populations with a higher incidence of UPD, this study of PWS in Taiwan shows a higher incidence of deletion. There may be subtle phenotypic differences between the UPD and deletion genotypes, but its not clear that these are important clinically.
Bone mass accretion rates in pre‐ and early‐pubertal South African black and white children in relation to habitual physical activity and dietary calcium intakes
Authors: McVeigh JA , Norris SA , Pettifor JM 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To examine bone mass changes in 321 black and white South African children in relation to habitual physical activity (PA) levels and calcium intakes.Methods: Children underwent two bone mass scans at ages nine and 10 years using dual X‐Ray absorptiometry. PA levels and calcium intakes were assessed using questionnaires. Data were analyzed by regressing change in bone mineral content (BMC) and bone area (BA) from age nine to 10, against BA (for BMC), height and body weight. The residuals were saved and called residualized BMCGAIN and BAGAIN. Residualized values provide good indication of weight, height and BA‐matched accumulation rates.Results: White children had significantly higher PA levels and calcium intakes than black children. Most active white males had significantly higher residualized BMCGAIN and BAGAIN at the whole body, hip and spine but not at the radius, than those who were less active. Most active white females had significantly higher residualized BAGAIN at all sites except the radius than less‐active girls. No such effects were seen in black children. There was no interactive effect on residualized BMCGAIN for calcium intake and PA (except at the spine in white girls).Conclusion: Bone mass and area gain is accentuated in pre‐ and early‐pubertal children with highest levels of habitual physical activity. Limited evidence of an effect of dietary calcium intakes on BMC was found.
Time of perinatal immunization, thimerosal exposure and neurodevelopment at 6 months in breastfed infants
Authors: Marques Rejane C , Dórea José G , Manzatto Angelo G , Bastos Wanderley R , Bernardi José VE , Malm Olaf 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: Brazilian newborns immunized with hepatitis‐B (thimerosal containing vaccine, TCV) receive the first dose within 24 h if delivered in public hospitals, but at a later time if born in private hospitals. We compared neurodevelopment (ND) in infants born in a state hospital (immunized within 24 h) and in privately run hospitals (immunized 2–4 days postnatally).Methods: We used the Gesell Developmental Schedules in 82 healthy exclusively breastfed infants at 6 months to assess motor skills, language development, comprehension capacity and social skills.Results: Compared to the group immunized 2–4 days after hospital discharge, the group immunized within 24 h showed no significant difference in ND delays. Despite the variation in gestational age (range 36–42 weeks) and TCV‐ethylmercury (EtHg) dose (5.7–11.3 μgHg/kg b.w.) at birth, time of exposure to TCV showed no significant association with ND. Gesell Developmental Score was not significantly correlated with total parenteral EtHg/unit of body mass neither with the relative increase in hair‐Hg (as an additional challenge to prenatal Hg exposure).Conclusion: In breastfed infants, differences in early exposure to TCV‐EtHg cannot portend clinical neurodevelopment delays at 6 months. We speculate that breastfeeding remains a significant strategy to improve central nervous system protection of infants facing early exposure challenges.
Varicella seroprevalence in Turkish population in Cyprus
Authors: Kurugol Zafer , Koturoglu Guldane , Aksit Sadik , Ozacar Tijen 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: This study was conducted to determine the age‐specific seroprevalence of varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection in Turkish population in Cyprus.Methods: A total of 600 unvaccinated individuals aged 1–30 years were selected for the study with cluster sampling. Information on socio‐demographic characteristics was gathered for each participant and, anti‐VZV antibodies were assayed by using enzyme immune assay.Results: Of the 578 assayed samples, 486 (84.1%) were seropositive. Varicella seroprevalence increased sharply with age from 25% for the 2–3 year olds to 55, 78 and 85% for 4–5, 6–7 and 8–9 year olds, respectively. More than 90% of individuals >16 years of age were seropositive. Varicella seroprevalence was higher in large families with five and more members (91.2%) than in small families with four or fewer members (80.2%).Conclusion: The majority of varicella‐zoster virus infections occur during preschool period and at the first years of schooling. Therefore, routine varicella vaccination of children would be logical in Northern Cyprus, as is currently recommended by the European Working Group on Varicella.
End‐of‐life decision making in neonates and infants: comparison of the Netherlands and Belgium (Flanders)
Authors: Vrakking Astrid M. , Van Der Heide Agnes , Provoost Veerle , Bilsen Johan , Van Der Wal Gerrit , Deliens Luc 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: We compared the results of two recent studies on end‐of‐life decisions (ELDs) for neonates and infants in Belgium (Flanders) and the Netherlands.Methods: Questionnaires were sent to physicians who reported the death of a child under the age of 1 (Belgium: n = 292, response 87%; Netherlands: n = 249, response 84%). The questionnaires included structured questions about whether death had been preceded by ELDs, and about the decision‐making process.Results: In both countries, in about 25% of all deaths a life‐sustaining treatment was withheld, and in about 40% pain or other symptoms were alleviated taking into account that death might be hastened. In Belgium, a life‐sustaining treatment was less often withdrawn than in the Netherlands (32% vs. 50%, respectively). Drugs were administered with the explicit intention of hastening death in similar percentages of all deaths (Belgium: 7%; Netherlands: 9%). Dutch physicians more often than Belgian physicians discussed ELDs with parents (96% vs. 81%, respectively), and with colleague physicians (94% vs. 80%, respectively).Conclusions: End‐of‐life decision making in severely ill neonates seems to be rather similar in Belgium and the Netherlands. Differences are that Dutch physicians more often withdraw life‐sustaining treatment. Furthermore, parents and colleague physicians are more often involved in the decision making in the Netherlands.
The impact of recurrent abdominal pain: predictors of outcome in a large population cohort
Authors: Ramchandani Paul G , Fazel Mina , Stein Alan , Wiles Nicola , Hotopf Matthew 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: Recurrent abdominal pain is one of the commonest complaints of childhood, affecting approximately 10% of children at any one time. This study aims to describe the outcome of recurrent abdominal pain amongst 6‐year‐old children, and to identify risk factors (in both the children and their parents), which predict these outcomes.Methods: 7128 6‐year‐old children in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) were followed up for 1 year. The principle outcomes were abdominal pain, number of days missed from school in the preceding year and psychiatric diagnoses.Results: Children with recurrent abdominal pain at age 6 years had higher rates of further abdominal pain [odds ratio 4.88 (95% CI: 4.01, 5.95)], school absence (10 or more days off school in a year) [OR 1.89 (1.53, 2.33)] and anxiety disorders [OR 2.36 (1.68, 3.32)] at age 7 years. Maternal anxiety was the most consistent predictor of subsequent adverse outcomes for these children.Conclusion: Children with recurrent abdominal pain are at significant and continuing risk of adverse functioning. It is important for clinicians to take a whole family perspective, and particularly to consider parental anxiety, when a child with recurrent abdominal pain presents to them.
Screening for postnatal depression in Swedish child health care
Authors: Massoudi Pamela , Wickberg Birgitta , Hwang Philip 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To investigate how postnatal depressive mood was identified by child health nurses and which factors were associated with the implementation of screening for postnatal depression and with offering supportive listening visits.Methods: A random sample of all 2580 nurses in child health services in Sweden, 499 nurses, were asked to complete a postal questionnaire. A response rate of 70% was achieved.Results: Half of the nurses in the study used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and at least another 7% were going to begin. Having the appropriate training, access to regular supervision and pathways to care were essential, and increased the likelihood of using the EPDS. The odds of using the EPDS were six times greater for nurses with access to supervision as compared with nurses without supervision. Most of the nurses who used the EPDS included a follow‐up interview on the same occasion as the mother completed the scale, and four out of five nurses allowed extra time for the EPDS. More than half of these allowed half an hour or more. The significance of factors associated with the implementation of routine screening is discussed.Conclusion: Training, supervision and pathways to care were essential for the implementation of routine screening with the EPDS.