bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain abnormalities in extremely low gestational age infants: a Swedish population based MRI study
Authors: Horsch Sandra , Hallberg Boubou , Leifsdottir Kristin , Skiöld Béatrice , Nagy Zoltan , Mosskin Mikael , Blennow Mats , Ådén Ulrika 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAims: Brain abnormalities are common in preterm infants and can be reliably detected by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at term equivalent age. The aim of the present study was to acquire population based data on brain abnormalities in extremely low gestational age (ELGA) infants from the Stockholm region and to correlate the MR findings to perinatal data, in order to identify risk factors.Methods: All infants with gestational age <27 weeks, born in the Stockholm region between January 2004 and August 2005, were scanned on a 1.5 T MR system at term equivalent age. Images were analysed using a previously established scoring system for grey and white matter abnormalities.Results: No or only mild white matter abnormalities were observed in 82% and moderate to severe white matter abnormalities in 18% of infants. The Clinical Risk Index for Babies (CRIB II) score, use of inotropes, the presence of high‐grade intraventricular haemorrhages and posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilatation were associated with white matter abnormalities.Conclusion: The incidence of moderate to severe white matter abnormalities in a population‐based cohort of ELGA infants from the Stockholm region was 18%. To examine the clinical relevance of these promising results, neurodevelopmental follow up at 30 month corrected age, is ongoing.
Studies of cryptorchidism in experimental animal models
Authors: Bergh Anders , Söder Olle 
Published: May 2008

AbstractUndescended testes are the most common inborn anomaly in boys but our understanding of the causes is still sparse. Experimental models of cryptorchidism in various species of animals have been used by many investigators in order to gain a better understanding of the aetiology, pathophysiology and potential treatment of the disorder. This review presents what has been gained so far by studies using experimental animal models of cryptorchidism.Conclusions: Early orchidopexy in experimentally cryptorchid animals of different species prevents, at least partially, against testicular damage and infertility. This supports an early intervention strategy in the management of cryptorchidism in humans although animal data on the correct timing of such treatment cannot be directly translated into human clinical practice due to the species differences in pre and postnatal testis maturation. Treatment with pharmacological doses of hCG has poor efficacy in experimental animals and may cause adverse effects. Thus, clinically relevant doses of hCG causes acute inflammation‐like changes in rodent testes and there are also indications that it may induce morphologically detectable permanent testicular damage.
The impact of pre‐ and post‐natal smoke exposure on future asthma and bronchial hyper‐responsiveness
Authors: Goksör Emma , Åmark Mainor , Alm Bernt , Gustafsson Per M , Wennergren Göran 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To analyse the impact of pre‐ and post‐natal smoke exposure on asthma presence, bronchial hyper‐responsiveness, airway function and active smoking in early adulthood.Methods: We have prospectively studied 101 children hospitalized due to wheezing before the age of 2 years. The cohort was re‐investigated at age 17–20 years and tested for airway function and bronchial hyper‐responsiveness. Data on maternal smoking during pregnancy were obtained from the Swedish Medical Birth Register.Results: There was a significant, independent correlation between both pre‐ and post‐natal smoke exposure and asthma at age 17–20 years, OR 3.5 (1.1–11.3) and 3.4 (1.2–10.1), respectively. Maternal smoking during pregnancy was an independent risk factor for current bronchial hyper‐responsiveness, OR 6.6 (1.2–35.5). Pre‐natal smoke exposure seemed to negatively affect small airway function in early adulthood due to structural changes. Post‐natal smoke exposure was independently associated with an increased risk of current smoking, OR 7.4 (1.6–35.2).Conclusion: In subjects hospitalized due to early wheezing, pre‐ and post‐natal smoke exposure increase the risk of asthma in early adulthood. The connection between pre‐natal smoke exposure and asthma appears to be mediated via the development of bronchial hyper‐responsiveness. Smoke exposure in infancy is associated with an increased risk of active smoking in early adult age, which is in turn linked to current asthma.
Cognitive strengths and deficits in schoolchildren with ADHD
Authors: Ek Ulla , Fernell Elisabeth , Westerlund Joakim , Holmberg Kirsten , Olsson Per‐Olof , Gillberg Christopher 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground: Few studies provide detailed analyses of the various aspects of the entire cognitive profile of children with ADHD.Material and methods: Cognitive test data were analysed for 10‐ to 11‐year‐old children with (1) ADHD, (2) subthreshold ADHD and (3) milder attention and/or learning problems, and compared with normative data.Results: Thirty‐two had ADHD and 10 met the criteria for subthreshold ADHD, prevalence rates of 5.4% and 1.6%, respectively. On a group level, children with ADHD/subthreshold ADHD, and those with milder attention and/or learning problems had almost identical cognitive profiles for the 13 subtests comprising the WISC III, with particularly low results on the arithmetic, coding, information and digit span subtests (ACID profile). When analyzed individually, a complete or incomplete ACID profile (three of four subtests) was equally common in children with ADHD/subthreshold ADHD and in children with milder problems, found in about 1/5. The relative strengths of both groups were in areas demanding logical thinking, reasoning and common sense.Conclusion: The specific ACID profile is as common in children with ADHD as in those with minor attention and/or learning problems. The cognitive weaknesses reflected in the ACID profile might play a role as an underlying factor in various developmental disorders.
No evidence for a clear link between active intestinal inflammation and autism based on analyses of faecal calprotectin and rectal nitric oxide
Authors: Fernell Elisabeth , Fagerberg Ulrika L , Hellström Per M 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: Due to parental concern regarding the child's bowel habits and the ongoing discussion whether there might be an association between autism and intestinal inflammation, two inflammatory markers were analysed in a group of children with autism.Methods: Twenty‐four consecutive children with autism (3–13 years) of unknown aetiology were investigated with respect to faecal calprotectin and rectal nitric oxide (NO).Results: One child who previously had a severe Clostridium difficile infection displayed raised levels of both these inflammatory markers and one child with extreme constipation for whom only calprotectin was possible to measure had raised levels. The remaining children displayed results that did not indicate an active inflammatory status in the intestine when the two inflammatory markers were combined.Conclusion: By the use of two independent markers of inflammatory reactions in the gut, i.e. rectal NO and faecal calprotectin we were not able to disclose evidence of a link between the autistic disorder and active intestinal inflammation.
Trends in hospitalization for childhood asthma in Finland in 1996–2004
Authors: Säynäjäkangas O , Valmari P , Tuuponen T , Keistinen T 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To discuss trends based on data on all asthma‐related admissions of children under 15 years of age.Methods: retrospective analysis of records of the Finnish National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health in 1996–2004. The analysis was stratified for age.Results: Out of the total of 23 715 such admissions, 66.8% involved boys. The number of all admissions for boys aged 0—under 3 years declined by 42.7% (relative to the child population) between 1996 and 2004, that for boys aged 3—under 5 years by 55.1% and that for boys aged 5—under 15 years by 59.0%, the figures for the corresponding age groups of girls being 53.0, 48.7 and 66.1%, respectively. The overall rate of first admissions for asthma among children (relative to population) declined by 36.8% during that period.Conclusions. The hospitalization of children for asthma has declined in Finland in recent times in all age and both sex groups. This favourable development coincides with the systematically programmed national shift into effective anti‐inflammatory therapy in the paediatric age groups.
Sustained metabolic control and low rates of severe hypoglycaemic episodes in preschool diabetic children treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion
Authors: Pańkowska Ewa , Szypowska Agnieszka , Lipka Maria , Skórka Agata 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in children under 7 years of age.Methods: One hundred and ten children, aged 0.9–7 years, who had received CSII therapy for at least 6 months, were studied for 237 patient‐years by a retrospective chart review. Charts were reviewed for glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), severe hypoglycaemia (SH), ketoacidosis (DKA), height, weight and insulin requirement. In 69 cases (children aged 1.6–7 years) CSII was administered after at least 3 months of insulin therapy with pens. In this group, data from the year from before CSII administration were compared with values recorded during 1 year of CSII treatment.Results: Mean HbA1c decreased from 7.8 ± 0.9 before CSII to 7.5 ± 1.0 after 6 and 12 months of pump therapy (p = 0.04). In the whole group, the mean HbA1c after 6 months of CSII was 7.5 ± 1.0 and remained unchanged for up to 4 years of follow‐up. Some episodes of SH—4.2 per 100 patient‐years, and DKA—5.7 per 100 patient‐years were recorded. No increase in BMI z‐score occurred.Conclusions: In the youngest children, CSII therapy lowers HbA1c values and provides sustained metabolic control without increases in hypoglycaemia or ketoacidosis episodes.
Reduction in the number of orchidopexies for cryptorchidism after recognition of acquired undescended testis and implementation of expectative policy
Authors: Hack WWM , Van Der Voort‐Doedens LM , Sijstermans K , Meijer RW , Pierik FH 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground: Since the mid‐1990s, acquired undescended testis has gradually been recognised as a separate entity for which the efficacy of prepubertal surgery has not been univocally been demonstrated. Therefore, in our hospital, orchidopexy was no longer routinely performed for acquired undescended testis.Aim: To investigate the effect of expectative policy in our hospital on the number of orchidopexies.Methods: Two 5‐year periods were compared. Period A (1991–1995), in which undescended testis was treated surgically, and period B (2000–2004), in which prepubertal orchidopexy in our hospital was no longer performed for acquired undescended testis. In addition, a comparison was made between the percentage reduction in hospital and national figures.Results: In period B, the number of orchidopexies in our hospital was reduced by 61.8% (from 387 to 148), mainly in the age group >6 years. Nationally, during the same period, the number of orchidopexies decreased only by 2.4% (from 18 024 to 17 591).Conclusion: The results of this study confirm that recognition of acquired undescended testis is crucial for reducing the high number of (late) orchidopexies.
Gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease: oesophageal impedance versus pH monitoring
Authors: Vandenplas Yvan , Salvatore Silvia , Devreker Thierry , Hauser Bruno 
Published: May 2008

AbstractGastro‐oesophageal reflux occurs frequently during the first months of life. Infants receive frequent milk feeds, and because milk is a potent buffer of gastric acidity, oesophageal impedance should detect more reflux than pH recording. Indeed, impedance has the advantage over pH monitoring of being independent of pH, and as a consequence, of being better adapted to measure reflux during postprandial periods when reflux is buffered and to detect symptoms associated with non‐acid or weakly acid reflux episodes. Numerous episodes are detected by one of these techniques (pH monitoring or impedance) in children. Most studies using the impedance technique consider very small numbers of patients, and there are few reports linking data from diagnostic impedance procedures to clinical outcome in symptomatic patients. Data suggesting that impedance does offer a clear‐cut benefit in paediatric clinical practice are missing. The high cost of the material and the investment in time necessary for interpretation of the recording, remains a handicap. It is mandatory, despite ethical difficulties, to obtain normal ranges for intraluminal impedance monitoring.Conclusion: As pH monitoring is part of impedance technology, it is likely that the latter will replace pH monitoring despite the current lack of scientific evidence demonstrating a relation between symptoms, oesophageal damage or response to reflux treatment and impedance‐pH results.
Nine cases of childhood adrenal tumour presenting with hypertension and a review of the literature
Authors: Wang Xiumin , Liang Li , Jiang Youjun 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To describe the clinical features, treatment and outcome of children adrenal tumors presenting with hypertension.Methods: The records of nine children under 16 years of age with adrenal tumours presenting with hypertension were analysed. Details were recorded for family history, clinical presentation, biochemistry, imaging, histology, treatment and outcome.Results: Abdominal mass was palpable only in one patient at diagnosis. Besides hypertension‐associated symptoms, Cushing's syndrome was the common presentation form (n = 4). Abdominal computed topography showed adrenal mass in all patients. Tumours were completely resected for each patient. The median tumour weight was 73 g (11–530 g) and the size ranged from 1.5 × 1.5 to 12 × 14 cm2. Pheochromocytoma (n = 2), adrenocortical adenoma (n = 3), adrenocortical carcinoma (n = 1), neuroblastoma (n = 2) and ganglioneuromas (n = 1) were found. In one case, adrenal pheochromocytoma first occurred and non‐functioning islet cell tumour successively occurred at pancreas. A better status is common at a median follow‐up time of 3.5 years.Conclusions: Childhood adrenal tumours presented with hypertension showed an atypical course, variable presentation. We report a unique case of adrenal pheochromocytoma followed by the occurrence of non‐functioning islet cell tumour. Reversal of hypertension by surgery is crucial. Imaging techniques are important to detect adrenal tumours.
Outcome of pulmonary and aortic stenosis in Williams‐Beuren syndrome in an Asian cohort
Authors: Wang Ching‐Chia , Hwu Wuh‐Liang , Wu En‐Ting , Lu Frank , Wang Jou‐Kou , Wu Mei‐Hwan 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAims: To define the cardiovascular anomalies and the long‐term outcomes in an Asian cohort with Williams‐Beuren syndrome (WBS).Methods: Data were retrieved from a retrospective chart review of patients who had a definitive diagnosis of WBS by fluorescence in situ hybridization between 1995 and 2005. All patients underwent echocardiography every 3–9 months. Ten patients underwent cardiac catheterization.Results: Twenty‐one patients with a total follow‐up of 134 patient‐years (median: 72 months) were enrolled. Characteristic dysmorphic facial features were noted in 19 patients (n = 19, 90%). All except one had associated cardiac anomalies, accounting for 0.3% (20/6640) of the patients with congenital heart disease. The spectrum of cardiac anomalies included supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) (n = 15, 71%), peripheral pulmonary stenosis (PPS) (n = 12, 57%), pulmonary valve stenosis (PS) (n = 10, 47%), mitral valve prolapse (MVP) (n = 9, 43%), coarcation of the aorta (n = 4, 19%), ventricular septal defect (n = 2, 10%) and atrial septal defect (n = 1, 5%). Concurrent SVAS and PS/PPS were found in 14 (70%) patients. Only one patient required balloon dilation of PS, which improved. Regression of the stenoses occurred with a probability of 31, 90 and 71% at the age of 10 years for SAVS, PS and PPS, respectively.Conclusions: Among our WBS patients, SVAS, PPS and PS were common, and were associated with probability of spontaneous regression, especially of right‐sided lesions.
Attitudes and knowledge on breastfeeding among paediatricians, family physicians, and gynaecologists in Israel
Authors: Nakar Sasson , Peretz Oded , Hoffman Robert , Grossman Zachi , Kaplan Boris , Vinker Shlomo 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectives: Many women in Western countries fail to breastfeed long enough. The aim of this study was to examine the attitudes and knowledge of Israeli family physicians (FPs), gynaecologists and paediatricians towards breastfeeding.Design and participants: A questionnaire examined Physicians' attitudes towards breastfeeding and their role in encouraging it, their sources of information and adequacy of knowledge.Results: Four hundred and seventy‐eight physicians responded to the survey: 123 FPs, 134 gynaecologists and 221 paediatricians. Ninety to —hundred per cent of physicians agreed that breastfeeding is the best feeding method for infants and agree that physicians should encourage it. Less than 20% of physicians discuss breastfeeding with pregnant women, and less than 30% discuss it with women 3 months or more postnatally. On average, physicians correctly answered 3.5 ± 1.7 out of seven questions examining knowledge. Physicians state their main sources of information as their own experience and reading. One hundred and ninety physicians specified how they encourage breastfeeding – of those, 75.3% speak only of the advantages of breastfeeding.Conclusion: Physicians have a positive disposition towards breastfeeding but their knowledge is somewhat low. It seems awareness is lacking to the importance of continuous support and practical guidance beginning before birth and continuing until 3 months or more postnatal.
Increased laryngeal lavage lipid‐laden macrophage index during acute bronchiolitis
Authors: Kim Chang Keun , Kim Hyo Bin , Kurian Twinkle , Chung Ju Young , Yoo Young , Koh Young Yull 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To investigate aspiration risks associated with bronchiolitis in infants using the lipid‐laden macrophage index (LLMI) from laryngeal lavages.Methods: Laryngeal lavages from 29 infants with acute bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus were evaluated (acute stage). Repeated studies were then performed at 3–4 weeks after the initial study (remission stage). Lavage cell counts and differentials were determined. The amount of lipid per single macrophage was evaluated and the LLMI was determined by evaluating 100 cells. In addition, 24‐h pH monitoring (pHm) was performed in 16 patients.Results: The LLMIs in the acute stage were significantly higher than those in the remission stage (p < 0.05). The neutrophil percentage of the laryngeal lavage correlated significantly with the LLMI (r = 0.707, p < 0.0001) during the acute stage of bronchiolitis. When patients were divided into pHm‐positive (n = 5) and pHm‐negative (n = 11) subgroups, a significant decrease in LLMI between acute and remission stages was noted among the pHm‐positive (p < 0.01) subgroup, but not in the pHm‐negative subgroup.Conclusion: These findings suggest that there is a transient increased LLMI in patients with bronchiolitis, which could be caused by gastroesophageal reflux.
Detection of cardiac pathology: time intervals and spectral analysis
Authors: El‐Segaier Milad , Pesonen Erkki , Lukkarinen Sakari , Peters Kristoffer , Sörnmo Leif , Sepponen Raimo 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To develop an objective diagnostic method that facilitates detection of noncyanotic congenital heart diseases.Methods: Heart sounds and murmurs were recorded from 60 healthy children and 173 children with noncyanotic congenital heart disease. Time intervals were measured and spectrum of the systolic murmurs analyzed. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to distinguish physiological from pathological signals. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to show the classification performance of the model and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. The probability cut‐off points for calculation of sensitivities and specificities were estimated.Results: The distinguishing variables were the interval from the end of the first heart sound (S1) and the beginning of the systolic murmur, respiratory variation of the splitting of the second heart sound, intensity of the systolic murmur, and standard deviation of the interval from the end of the S1 to the maximum intensity of the murmur. The AUC was 0.95, indicating an excellent classification performance of the model. The sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 72% was achieved at a probability cut‐off point of 0.45. Significant cardiac defects were correctly classified.Conclusion: Interval measurements and spectral analysis can be used to confirm significant noncyanotic congenital heart diseases. Further development of the method is necessary to detect also insignificant heart defects.
Haplotypes of the surfactant protein genes A and D as susceptibility factors for the development of respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Thomas Neal J. , Fan Ruzong , DiAngelo Susan , Hess Joseph C. , Floros Joanna 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAims: Polymorphisms of genes are transmitted together in haplotypes, which can be used in the study of the development of complex diseases such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The surfactant proteins (SPs) play important roles in lung function, and genetic variants of these proteins have been linked with lung diseases, including RDS. To determine whether haplotypes of SP‐A and SP‐D are transmitted disproportionately from parents to offspring with RDS, we hypothesized that previously unstudied genetic haplotypes of these SP genes are associated with the development of RDS.Methods: DNA was collected from 132 families of neonates with RDS. Genotyping was performed, and haplotype transmission from parent to offspring was determined by transmission disequilibrium test.Results: The two‐marker SP‐D/SP‐A haplotype DA160_A/SP‐A2 1A1 is protective against the development of RDS (p = 0.035). Four three‐ and four‐marker haplotypes containing one or both loci from the significant two‐marker haplotype are also protective against the development of RDS.Conclusions: These data identify protective haplotypes against RDS and support findings related to SP genetic differences in children who develop RDS. Study of haplotypes in complex diseases with both genetic and environmental risk factors may lead to better understanding of these types of diseases.
Infant feeding patterns and midlife erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Authors: Gunnarsdottir Ingibjorg , Aspelund Thor , Birgisdottir Bryndis E. , Benediktsson Rafn , Gudnason Vilmundur , Thorsdottir Inga 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To assess the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and other coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors in adults who were either breast‐ or bottle‐fed in early infancy.Methods: Subjects were 3614 men and women born 1914–1935. Information on infant feeding patterns was gathered from original midwife's birth records. Adult ESR, triglycerides, total cholesterol, blood pressure, fasting glucose, weight and height were measured.Results: The number of subjects bottle‐fed in early infancy was 186 (5.2%). The geometric mean of ESR was 15.9% (95% CI 1.8%–31.8%) higher in those who were bottle‐fed compared with those breastfed, p = 0.026, when adjusting for age and gender. Those who had been breastfed in early infancy had on average 2.9% higher BMI in adulthood (p = 0.012). The hazard ratio for event of CHD for bottle‐fed persons versus breastfed was 1.18 (95% CI 0.88–1.57), adjusting for potential confounding factors.Conclusions: Higher adult ESR, a moderate risk factor for CHD, among those bottle‐fed compared to those breastfed in early infancy might indicate a long term anti‐inflammatory influence of breast milk.