bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Primary hyperparathyroidism in childhood and adolescence
Authors: CRONIN CS , REEVE TS , ROBINSON B , CLIFTON‐BLIGH P , GUINEA A , DELBRIDGE L 
Published: March 2008

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the nature of the presentation and pathology of primary hyperparathyroidism in children and adolescents and to compare these findings with adults. Methodology: Data were obtained from the Thyroid Surgery Database at Royal North Shore Hospital on all children and adolescents undergoing parathyroid surgery. These results were then compared to data obtained from the last 100 consecutive adult parathyroidectomies. Results: A total of eight younger patients underwent parathyroidectomy including three children (0–12 years) and five adolescents (13–18 years). A common presentation in the younger age group was hypercalcaemic crisis (50%) with a serum calcium >3.5 mmol/L and clinical signs of calcium intoxication. This compared to the adult age group where only 8% presented with crisis (P <0.05). Eighty‐eight per cent of the younger patients complained of abdominal symptoms compared to only 1% of adults. Seven of eight young patients had sporadic hyperparathyroidism. Conclusions: Primary hyperparathyroidism, although uncommon in the younger age group, is still most commonly associated with sporadic tumours. Familial syndromes do not constitute a large percentage of patients. Younger patients are more prone to present late with abdominal symptoms, toxicity and hypercalcaemic crisis, presumably due to delayed diagnosis of an uncommon condition in this age group.
Gender differences in food‐related concerns, beliefs and behaviours of North Queensland adolescents
Authors: NOWAK M , SPEARE R 
Published: March 2008

Objective: To describe the beliefs, attitudes, behaviours and knowledge of North Queensland adolescents about food and nutrition. Methodology: A questionnaire surveyed 791 Year 8 students from private schools. Results: More girls than boys felt guilt about food, sometimes ate from boredom, reported trying to select foods that were good for them and were concerned about the fat content of food; 30% of boys and 17% of girls thought they should be concerned about their food intake only when overweight.Low daily dietary intakes were reported for: bread, fruit, vegetables and dairy products with only 24% eating at least one fruit, one vegetable, one dairy product and one core cereal food daily. Fat and sugar intake was high: 41% students ate high fat savoury foods and 53% ate high sugar foods at least seven times during the week.Parents, television and school provided information about food and nutrition to 70‐80% of these students, followed by friends and magazines with doctors and teachers providing information on weight and weight loss to 10% of students. Conclusions: Doctors should be aware of the low intake of recommended foods as well as the high intakes of fat and sugar among adolescents and the gender differences in food related beliefs and behaviours when treating nutrition related diseases and providing guidance for their prevention.
Prevalence and impact of chronic childhood conditions in Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: VOGEL AM , LENNON D , AMERATUNGA SN , HOLYOAKE J 
Published: March 2008

Objective: To establish the prevalence of specific chronic conditions of childhood in the Auckland area and to quantify resource use by these children. Methodology: Estimates were made from available registry data and published data sources of the population of children with selected chronic conditions resident in the Auckland Area Health Board area. Resource use data were extracted for admissions to Auckland public hospitals and from providers of community based technology services. Results: The largest community prevalence groups are those with asthma, intellectual handicap, congenital heart disease and epilepsy. Children aged 0‐14 with chronic conditions accounted for at least 14340 hospital days stay in Auckland in 1992 at an estimated minimum cost of $7.9 million. Over 200 children are dependent on technological aids at home. Conclusions: There are sparse data on the numbers and needs of children with chronic conditions in the population. A non‐categorical approach which crosses disease entities may be the best method of meeting common needs.
An unusual congenital dorsal midline thoracic mass
Authors: MACDONALD JMS , LESLIE GI 
Published: March 2008

Objective: To describe the presentation and investigation of an unusual form of congenital dorsal midline thoracic mass. Results: An infant born by emergency Caesarean section at 34 weeks gestation was found to have a large dorsal midline thoracic mass. The infant had normal neurological function in all limbs. Radiological investigation showed no abnormality in the vertebrae. Ultrasonographic investigation suggested the mass to consist of subcutaneous oedema. The mass resolved completely within the first 2 weeks. Conclusions: The lesion observed in this infant represents a very unusual location for a benign condition caused by cervical pressure on the presenting fetal part. The use of ultrasonography enabled rapid exclusion of the more common, potentially serious, causes of a congenital midline dorsal thoracic mass.
High and low dose initial thyroxine therapy for congenital hypothyroidism
Authors: GUNN AJ , WAKE M , CUTFIELD WS 
Published: March 2008

Objective: To assess factors influencing thyroxine (T4 levels 1 month after initiating replacement therapy for congenital primary hypothyroidism. Methodology: A retrospective review of 41 children with congenital hypothyroidism who received either high or low dose initial T4 therapy. Thyroid scintiscan was performed, and T4 levels determined before starting treatment and after 1 month. Results: T4 levels at 1 month were correlated (r2=0.38, P<0.001) with the pretreatment T4 level (r= 0.48), as well as with the T4 dose (r= 0.46). Suboptimal treated T4 levels (<130nmol/L) were seen with greater frequency in infants with thyroid agenesis (7/11) rather than ectopia (7/28, P<0.03), despite receiving similar doses of thyroxine. Infants with suboptimal treated T4 levels had lower pretreatment T4 levels than those with optimal levels (21±7 vs 48±34nmol/L, P<0.02). Biochemical hyperthyroidism (T4 >216nmol/L) occurred in six patients: four of six had ectopia. Conclusions: These data suggest that infants with little residual thyroid function should receive higher initial T4 doses than those with significant ectopia.
Definition of neonatal hypoglycaemia: Is there a change?
Authors: KOH THHG , VONG SK 
Published: March 2008

Objective: To compare the definitions of neonatal hypoglycaemia in textbooks and among paediatricians in 1992 with those used in 1986. Methodology: A questionnaire was sent to 420 neonatal paediatricians in the UK and to 88 Australian neonatal paediatricians in 1992 asking for their definition of hypoglycaemia in term babies and preterm/small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) babies. Fourteen textbooks on neonatal paediatrics (published since 1990) were also surveyed for the definition of hypoglycaemia used in the text. The UK paediatricians were also asked, ‘Do you believe that a baby who is hypoglycaemic but has no abnormal clinical signs is at less risk of neurological damage than a baby who is hypoglycaemic with abnormal signs?’ The 1992 results were compared with the published results of a similar survey in 1986. Results: There was a 68% response from neonatal paediatricians both in the UK and Australia. Similar to the 1986 results there continued in 1992 to be a wide range in the definition for hypoglycaemia (<1‐4mmol/L) among neonatal paediatricians and in textbooks. The median of the definition of hypoglycaemia for both term and preterm/SGA babies among paediatricians and in textbooks in 1992 was significantly different from the results in 1986. Compared with 1986 there was a significant increase in 1992 in the number of paediatricians and textbooks defining a safe blood glucose concentration as being at least 2mmol/L. Sixty per cent of UK neonatal paediatricians believe that a baby who is hypoglycaemic but has no abnormal clinical signs is at less risk of neurological damage than a baby who is hypoglycaemic with abnormal signs. Conclusions: From 1986 to 1992 there was a significant change in the definition of hypoglycaemia both among paediatricians and in neonatal textbooks compared with the definition in use during 1965‐86. The findings suggest that neonatal paediatricians do change in their practice. The changes in the definition of hypoglycaemia may be due to the data available and discussion on hypoglycaemia since 1988. Neonatal paediatricians still attach significance to clinical signs associated with hypoglycaemia.
The prognosis of cystic fibrosis in the Western Cape region of South Africa
Authors: WESTWOOD ATR 
Published: March 2008

Objective: To study the prognosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) in South Africa. Methodology: Retrospective chart review of 102 children with CF over 20 years. Results: Survival at 18 years was 54% (95% confidence intervals 30–79). Prognosis was not influenced by gender or genotype but survival was noted to be worse for Cape Coloured children than for European children. This appeared mainly to be due to the death of eight Cape Coloured infants, four of whom presented with oedema and anaemia, mimicking kwashiorkor. Infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa occurred earlier in Cape Coloured children than European children (median, 1 vs 4 years) and they had a worse 5‐year survival (56 vs 89%, P< 0.05) after infection. Of the 40 children born in the second decade studied, six Coloured and no European children died. Conclusions: Ethnic differences in prognosis exist for children with CF in South Africa and are probably related to underrecognition of CF and the socio‐economic status of some patients.
Safe feeding practices for infants and young children
Authors: BYARD RW , GALLARD V. , JOHNSON A. , BARBOUR J. , BONYTHON‐WRIGHT B. , BONYTHON‐WRIGHT D. 
Published: March 2008

Objective: To review local and overseas experience of food asphyxia in children and to examine aspects of safe childhood eating practices. Methodology: Inpatient separation information data for childhood hospital admissions in South Australia were searched for episodes of food‐induced airway obstruction and case records of the Department of Histopathology at the Women's and Children's Hospital were searched for cases of fatal food asphxia. Results: While other forms of injury to young children appear to be declining in numbers, episodes caused by choking on food have remained relatively constant. The increase in average length of hospital stay (from 2.8 days in 1989‐90 to 5.2 days in 1993‐94) also suggests that the episodes have been more severe. Two fatal cases were also found. Conclusions: Choking due to food inhalation is a problem with potentially fatal consequences. Young children are particularly at risk as they have immature dentition and control of swallowing, and lack experience of food. Although young children should avoid potentially dangerous foods such as raw carrot sticks and raw apples, certain currently available information packages for parents recommend these foods.
Evaluation of neurodevelopmental outcome in highrisk infants in Australia
Authors: McMICHAEL JE 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:An understanding of the neurodevelopmental outcome of long‐term survivors of neonatal intensive care is essential for the informed management of preterm or high risk infants. This annotation looks at the current status of neonatal follow‐up services in Australasia and highlights problems in the collection and interpretation of data. It suggests that we should work towards achieving a consensus on standard definitions and test regimes and on national data collection.
Familial Cushing's disease with severe weight loss occurring in late childhood
Authors: CAMERON FJ , WARNE GL 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:We describe a rare case of familial Cushing's disease occurring in a 7‐year‐old boy, and 19 years of follow up. Our patient first presented soon after his maternal aunt had been treated for Cushing's disease. The clinical presentation was made complicated by the development of an intercurrent eating disorder resembling anorexia nervosa. This resulted in marked weight loss, and even though serum and urinary cortisol levels were elevated, many of the clinical stigmata of Cushing's disease were absent. Eating disorders are relatively uncommon in boys, and in this case there was an organic cause for the abnormal behaviour. This case shows, furthermore, that even the obesity of Cushing's disease can be overcome by the combination of diet and exercise.
Aetiology and classification of small for gestational age infants
Authors: O'CALLAGHAN MJ , HARVEY JM , TUDEHOPE DI , GRAY PH 
Published: March 2008

Objective: To determine important aetiological factors in small gestational age (SGA) infants and the effectiveness of anthropometric indexes in identifying patterns of growth retardation. Methodology: Eighty‐four SGA infants and 81 controls were enrolled. Maternal biological, lifestyle and psychosocial factors were compared for the total group and the term Caucasian subset. Anthropometric indexes were also examined in relation to growth patterns. Results: Decreased maternal size, poor weight gain, previous SGA infant and smoking were significantly associated with SGA status. Poor parental education and unemployment was increased in the study group. Mothers of SGA infants, especially the term Caucasian group, had a greater prevalence of hypertension and depressive and stress symptomatology. Ponderal index failed to identify discreet patterns of disproportionate/proportionate growth retardation. Conclusion: Biological, lifestyle and psychosocial differences remain important aetiological factors of intrauterine growth retardation. Identification of specific patterns of growth retardation by ponderal index remains controversial.
Trends of infant mortality in Hong Kong (1956–90) and evaluation of preventable infant deaths
Authors: WONG SL , YU ITS , WONG T‐W , LLOYD OL 
Published: March 2008

Objective: This study describes the time trends for infant mortality in Hong Kong and aims to develop statistical models that can be used to predict changes of infant mortality in places already having low levels of infant mortality. Methodology: Data on births and deaths of infants in Hong Kong during the years 1956–90 were analysed annually as well as by aggregating the data into seven consecutive quinquennia. To assess the contribution of preventable infant deaths, causes for infant deaths were classified into two broad categories: (i) congenital anomalies; and (ii) preventable diseases. A simple linear regression model was used to analyse the time trend of the mortality rate of the preventable diseases (PIMR) over the seven quinquennia. Results: During the period 1956–90, the infant mortality rate fell from 60.9 in 1956–5.9 per 1000 in 1990 and the neonatal mortality rate fell from 24.2‐3.8 per 1000. There was no clear time trend observed for infant mortality of congenital anomalies. However, the time trend for PIMR (log scale) was very close to a straight line and simple linear regression modelling showed a R2 of 0.9970. Conclusion: As the infant mortality rate (IMR) falls to below 30 per 1000, the further rate of decrease becomes less predictable from the regression model of the IMR. By removing the portion of deaths attributable to congenital anomalies, the further decrease in infant mortality became more predictable down to very low levels of IMR.
Infants born to narcotic dependent mothers: Physical growth patterns in the first 12 months of life
Authors: VANCE JC , CHANT DC , TUDEHOPE DI , GRAY PH , HAYES AJ 
Published: March 2008

Objectives: To describe the physical growth patterns of infants born to narcotic dependent mothers (INDM) over a 12 months period and, if possible, to relate the growth to drug taking patterns during pregnancy. Methodology: The growth of a cohort of 43 INDM was measured during the first 12 months of life. Weight and length measurements were compared with percentile charts and converted to Z scores. Questionnaire data about drug taking practices, demographic variables and the neonatal period (including withdrawal scores) were obtained. Results: Twenty‐four (55.8%) of INDM had evidence of neonatal drug withdrawal requiring treatment with phenobarbitone. At birth, Z scores for weight and length indicated relative intrauterine growth retardation. By 12 months, there had been some catch up growth, but Z scores for weight and length were still below zero. Persistent weight retardation at 12 months was correlated with methadone dosage during pregnancy, but not the need for phenobarbitone therapy. Conclusions: The growth patterns of INDM in the first 12 months of life indicated that at birth there was evidence of intrauterine growth retardation, but by 12 months the growth was little different from the rest of the community. There appears to be some influence of narcotic agents taken while pregnant on subsequent growth of INDM.
Autologous stem cell transplantation in diffuse scleroderma: impact on hand structure and function
Authors: Englert H. , Kirkham S. , Moore J. , Poon T. S. , Katelaris C. , McGill N. , Schrieber L. , Manolios N. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the study was to assess the structural and functional effects of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) on scleroderma finger clawing.Methods:  Using photocopies of hands of five scleroderma patients who underwent ASCT using photocopies of hands. Functional assessments used a standardized questionnaire.Results:  Pre‐ASCT, synovitis and tenosynovitis were present in five and four patients, respectively. Modified Rodnan hand skin scores ranged from 6–12/12. Following pulsed chemotherapy, synovitis resolved. Tenosynovitis often did not. Post‐ASCT, skin scores fell in four patients (range 0–6/12). Hand tenosynovitis resolved. With disease remission hand function globally improved. Functional improvement, noted early (+3 months) and continuously (+12 months) in disease remitters, occurred in all areas of function. Greatest hand‐functional improvement related to paid employment, followed by self‐care and hygiene, home‐care activities and least by hobbies/sports. The second to fifth metacarpophalangeal width was reproducible and independent of ASCT therapy. In contrast, hand length and measures of abducted finger span (first to fifth fingertip and second to fifth fingertip distance) improved. Finger abduction (abducted first to fifth fingertips/second to fifth metacarpophalangeal width) was a more sensitive discriminator of finger clawing than hand length or hand length/second to fifth metacarpophalangeal width.Conclusion:  ASCT improved hand scleroderma over 12 months and resolved previously refractory tenosynovitis. ASCT was unnecessary to treat scleroderma synovitis. ASCT secondarily improved hand function (paid employment, followed by self‐care, home care, then by sport/hobbies). Loss of finger abduction was a more sensitive measure of finger clawing than apparent loss of hand length.
Neuronal correlates of perceptual stability during eye movements
Authors: Dicke Peter W. , Chakraborty Subhojit , Thier Peter 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe are usually unaware of retinal image motion resulting from our own movement. For instance, during slow‐tracking eye movements the world around us remains perceptually stable despite the retinal image slip induced by the eye movement. It is commonly held that this example of perceptual invariance is achieved by subtracting an internal reference signal, reflecting the eye movement, from the retinal motion signal. If the two cancel each other, visual objects, which do not move, will also be perceived as non‐moving. If, however, the reference signal is too small or too large, a false eye movement‐induced motion of the external world, the Filehne illusion, will be perceived. We have exploited our ability to manipulate the size of the reference signal in an attempt to identify neurons in the visual cortex of monkeys, influenced by the percept of self‐induced visual motion or the reference signal rather than the retinal motion signal. We report here that such ‘percept‐related’ neurons can already be found in the primary visual cortex area, although few in numbers. They become more frequent in areas middle temporal and medial superior temporal in the superior temporal sulcus, and comprise almost 50% of all neurons in area visual posterior sylvian (VPS) in the posterior part of the lateral sulcus. In summary, our findings suggest that our ability to perceive a visual world, which is stable despite self‐motion, is based on a neuronal network, which culminates in the VPS located in the lateral sulcus below the classical dorsal stream of visual processing.
CXCR4 receptors in the dorsal medulla: implications for autonomic dysfunction
Authors: Hermann Gerlinda E. , Van Meter Montina J. , Rogers Richard C. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe chemokine receptor, CXCR4, plays an essential role in guiding neural development of the CNS. Its natural agonist, CXCL12 [or stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1)], normally is derived from stromal cells, but is also produced by damaged and virus‐infected neurons and glia. Pathologically, this receptor is critical to the proliferation of the HIV virus and initiation of metastatic cell growth in the brain. Anorexia, nausea and failed autonomic regulation of gastrointestinal (GI) function cause morbidity and contribute to the mortality associated with these disease states. Our previous work on the peripheral cytokine, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, demonstrated that similar morbidity factors involving GI dysfunction are attributable to agonist action on neural circuit elements of the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) of the hindbrain. The DVC includes vagal afferent terminations in the solitary nucleus, neurons in the solitary nucleus (NST) and area postrema, and visceral efferent motor neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus (DMN) that are responsible for the neural regulation of digestive functions from the oral cavity to the transverse colon. Immunohistochemical techniques demonstrate a dense concentration of CXCR4 receptors on neurons throughout the DVC and the hypoglossal nucleus. CXCR4‐immunoreactivity is also intense on microglia within the DVC, though not on the astrocytes. Physiological studies show that nanoinjection of SDF‐1 into the DVC produces a significant reduction in gastric motility in parallel with an elevation in the numbers of cFOS‐activated neurons in the NST and DMN. These results suggest that this chemokine receptor may contribute to autonomically mediated pathophysiological events associated with CNS metastasis and infection.