bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of dietary ruminally protectedl‐carnitine on plasma metabolites in sheep following a sub‐lethal ammonia challenge
Authors: Walker D. K. , Lambert B. D. , Woodworth J. C. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryInExperiment 1, lambs were randomly assigned to 0.25, 1.00, 2.50, 5.00 and 10.00 g/day of dietary ruminally protectedl‐carnitine (RPLC) and were allowed to adapt for 20 days. Plasma samples were obtained at 0, 120 and 240 min after RPLC feeding. Plasmal‐carnitine (LC) concentrations increased (p < 0.01) for all levels of RPLC treatment, however, no differences were observed due to level of RPLC or time. Plasma LC concentrations were 27.05 and 57.83 μmol/l for baseline and pooled RPLC treated sheep, respectively. InExperiment 2, lambs were randomly assigned to 0, 0.125, 1.06 and 2.0 g/day of RPLC and were adapted as inExperiment 1. Plasma was collected at 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 180, 240 and 360 min after oral ammonia challenge (300 mg/kg BW urea). Plasma LC concentrations increased with treatment relative to control (p < 0.01). Plasma LC concentrations were 35.7, 44.2, 60.5 and 65.7 μmol/l for the 0, 0.125, 1.06 and 2.0 g/day treatments, respectively. RPLC tended to decrease plasma ammonia at some time points (time × treatment; p = 0.10). We conclude that RPLC increased plasma LC concentrations, but had only modest effects on plasma ammonia concentrations and had no effect on plasma urea or glucose concentrations.
Moderate dietary vitamin C supplement does not affect urinary oxalate concentration in cats
Authors: Yu S. , Gross K. L. 
Published: November 2005

To investigate the effect of dietary vitamin C supplement on urinary oxalate concentration in cats, 48 adult American Domestic Short Hair cats were stratified into four groups based on body weight, age, and sex, 12 cats in each group. Cats were fed a nutritionally complete and balanced dry control food for 2 weeks before they were fed one of the four foods (the control food, food 1, food 2, and food 3) for additional 4 weeks. Foods 1–3 were made by supplementing the control food with l‐ascorbyl‐2‐polyphosphate, a stable form of vitamin C. Analysed vitamin C was 40 mg/kg, 78 mg/kg, 106 mg/kg, and 193 mg/kg in the control food, food 1, food 2, and food 3 respectively. Fresh tap water was always available to cats. At the end of the study, dietary vitamin C supplement up to 193 mg/kg did not affect urinary oxalate concentration in cats, even after correction by urinary creatinine excretion (Table 1).There was a positive linear correlation between vitamin C intake and vitamin C concentrations in the serum (r = 0.65, p < 0.01) and urine (r = 0.33, p = 0.023) but not urinary oxalate concentration (r = –0.07, p = 0.658). Average daily food intake and body weight were similar among dietary groups during the study. In conclusion, dietary vitamin C supplement up to 193 mg/kg does not affect urinary oxalate concentration in cats.

Measurements in cats fed various amounts of vitamin C for 4 weeks

Dietary groups
Control
Food 1
Food 2
Food 3
p‐values

Dietary Vitamin C (mg/kg)
40
78
106
193

Body weight (kg)
3.7 ± 0.3
3.8 ± 0.3
3.6 ± 0.4
3.8 ± 0.3
0.445

Food intake (g/day)
40 ± 5
40 ± 6
39 ± 6
40 ± 7
0.950

Vitamin C intake (mg/day)
1.6 ± 0.2
3.1 ± 0.4
4.1 ± 0.6
7.7 ± 1.4
<0.01

Serum vitamin C (μg/ml)
1.5 ± 0.8
2.1 ± 1.0
2.3 ± 0.5
3.4 ± 0.6
<0.01

Urine vitamin C (μg/ml)
5.3 ± 7.1
4.7 ± 3.9
12.8 ± 11
15 ± 14
0.026

Urine oxalate (mM)
0.73 ± 0.1
0.77 ± 0.1
0.74 ± 0.2
0.74 ± 0.2
0.895

Urine oxalate/creatinine
1.6 ± 0.4
1.8 ± 0.3
1.8 ± 0.3
1.9 ± 0.3
0.316

Values in the table are mean ± SD, n = 12; p‐values: GLM analysis
Post Treatment Skeletal Mineral Accretion in Malnourished, Growing Animals
Authors: Lauten S. D. , Bartges J. W. , Kirk C. A. , Klaphake E. A. 
Published: November 2005

Cases of rickets and other conditions of malnutrition in growing animals have been uncommon in recent years, but the popularity of raw and homemade diets in companion and exotic animals have resulted in an increased number of cases presented to veterinary clinics and teaching hospitals.Growing animals, including four puppies, two cougars, two jaguars and one serval, fed non‐commercial diets were diagnosed radiographically with multiple fractures and/or folding fractures. All animals were undersized, exhibited lameness of varying degrees, or were beginning to exhibit neurological signs. A review of diets indicated that they were either imbalanced in calcium:phosphorus or were deficient in calcium. Dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans were performed prior to correction of nutrition imbalances and were followed up with scans at intervals of 30 days and/or 60 and 90 days. Upon discharge, animals were fed commercial growth diets appropriate for their species and were administered calcium carbonate (250 mg PO q 24 h). DEXA scans performed at 30 days showed a significant accretion of bone mineral at fracture sites, with insignificant increase in bone mineral density of long bones. Subsequent radiographs and DEXA scans showed increased cortical bone density, bone healing, and remodelling of fracture sites. It appears that the initial period following correction of mineral malnutrition may involve preferential directing of dietary calcium towards sites of bone injury, without significant improvement in overall bone mineral deficits. The appropriateness of calcium supplementation during correction of calcium malnutrition and normalization of calcium ‘set point’ is not well documented. Additionally, an optimal dose of calcium supplementation that will maximize calcium accretion without a negative feedback response is desired. When treating cases of malnutrition, it is prudent to limit activity during the first 4–6 weeks of treatment to protect the animal from further injury until general increases in bone mineral density occur.
Who's got what? A benchmarking exercise for tertiary neonatal units
Authors: Kuschel CA , Roy RN 
Published: November 2005

Objectives: To determine the current facilities available in level‐3 neonatal units (NNU) in Australia and New Zealand to assist with establishment of standards for new NNU design. Background: Many current NNU in Australia and New Zealand are planning new or redesigning existing facilities. There are no adequate local standards for NNU design available which reflect changing neonatal practices. Methods: All level‐3 neonatal units belonging to the Australia and New Zealand Neonatal Network (ANZNN) were invited to respond to a survey on NNU facilities. Questions were based around obtaining information on whether the NNU were planning to build or redesign the space and clinical facilities available in their existing facilities and what support and family spaces were provided. Results: Twenty‐six (six in New Zealand and 20 in Australia) of the 29 tertiary NNU in the ANZNN responded the survey. The oldest facility was built in 1960, with the most recent NNU being commissioned in 2003. Of the 26 responders, 18 indicated that they were planning to rebuild or renovate, with 13 anticipating completion within 6 years. The median floor area for existing level‐3 cots was 11.1 m2 (range 5.5–18.0 m2) and 5.8 m2 (range 2.3–15.6 m2) for level‐2 cots, respectively. Most units responded that storage space was insufficient (median 1.5 m2 per cot, range 0.4–3.3 m2 per cot). Most units had facilities for parents including a family lounge and parent overnight rooms, although 16 units indicated that they needed more overnight rooming in facilities. Noise levels in level‐3 areas were described as being ‘generally’ or ‘mostly noisy’ in 14 of 25 responses, but noise levels in level‐2 areas were less in the majority of responses. Privacy was cited as an issue for 80% of responding NNU with comments directed at either the layout or space constraints interfering with confidentiality or interactions with families. Conclusions: The majority of NNU have inadequate space and environmental control. The lack of space particularly impacts on infection control aspects, parental privacy and participation and staff satisfaction. Level‐2 areas, where parent participation in the care of infants is often greater, should receive as much attention as higher technology level‐3 areas. Furthermore, work should be undertaken to develop appropriate local recommendations for NNU design which are acknowledged by local government agencies and professional bodies and take into account the changes in neonatal care practices, integration of family in the care of infants and the needs of the staff.
Childhood sleep‐disordered breathing and its implications for cardiac and vascular diseases
Authors: Ng DK , Chan C , Chow AS , Chow P , Kwok K 
Published: November 2005

Objective: To systematically evaluate the recent literature regarding the relationship between childhood sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB)/obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and cardiovascular diseases in children. Methods: The literature about SDB/OSA and blood pressure, sympathetic activation, arterial distensibility, ventricular hypertrophy and insulin resistance were studied. Meta‐analysis of risk of hypertension and high apnoea–hyponoea index were performed to calculate the combined odds ratio and it is equal to 2.93 (95% CI = 1.18–7.29). Results: The results suggest a significant association between SDB/OSA and hypertension. However, the data are not adequate to draw firm conclusion although evidences were emerging to suggest that SDB/OSA affects blood pressure in either directions in children. Limited evidences also suggest that SDB/OSA is associated with increased sympathetic activation, decreased arterial distensibility and ventricular hypertrophy. Conclusions: There is now increasing but not adequate evidence that childhood SDB/OSA is associated with detectable cardiovascular abnormalities.
Retrospective review of the management of simple febrile convulsions at a tertiary paediatric institution
Authors: Dunlop S , Taitz J 
Published: November 2005

Objectives: To review the medical records of children presenting to a tertiary paediatric emergency department (ED) with febrile convulsions over a 3‐year period in order to assess quality of clinical practice. Methods: The medical records of all children presenting to our ED with a discharge diagnosis of ‘simple febrile convulsion’ during the years 2001–03 were reviewed. Data was extracted based on the parameters of clinical presentation, diagnosis and management. Results: A total of 288 patients were identified. The patients were separated into two groups – those that were discharged from the ED and those that were admitted to the hospital. Two hundred and sixty (84%) of the children were discharged from the ED. A further 28 (15%) patients were admitted to the ward. Of the children discharged from the ED, 78% had not been seen by a medical professional in the previous 24 h, 82% were diagnosed with a viral illness and clinical examination was normal in 88% of cases. A total of 36 out of 527 (6.8%) investigations performed on this group were abnormal. Most children (85%) had no clinical indication to necessitate investigation. Almost all (91%) were treated with antipyretics. The number of inappropriate investigations was directly linked to the inexperience of the treating medical officer. Of the 28 patients admitted to the hospital, 61% were diagnosed with a viral illness. A total of 15 out of 137 (10.9%) investigations were abnormal. Sixty‐one per cent of patients were admitted for less than 24 h, a further third of children for 48 h. Twenty of the 28 children had no parental education documented. None were readmitted with a simple febrile convulsion during the same illness. Conclusions: Although many children who present to the hospital with simple febrile convulsions are managed appropriately, a large number are overinvestigated and overtreated, based on the clinical experience of the treating doctor. In these cases, medical record documentation can be improved. A clinical guideline based on our local fever guideline is suggested.
Paediatric home ventilatory support: The Auckland experience
Authors: Edwards EA , Hsiao K , Nixon GM 
Published: November 2005

Objectives: To examine the trend over time, describe the disease categories treated, intervention success and outcomes of the children treated at home with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) and ventilation via tracheostomy (invasive ventilatory support, IVS) by the Respiratory Service at the Starship Children's Hospital in Auckland. Methods: A retrospective review was undertaken of the Respiratory Service records from November 1991 to February 2004. Results: Home CPAP, NIV or IVS was initiated in 160 children (89 boys, median age 6 years) in the study period. Sixty‐nine (46 boys) remain on support and are still actively managed by the Starship Respiratory Service, of whom 46% live outside the Greater Auckland Region. Despite 42% of children being less than 5 years of age at initiation of therapy, institution of support failed in only 11%. The majority received treatment by non‐invasive mask interface (68% (n = 108) CPAP, 29% (n = 47) NIV), with only 3% (n = 5) supported via tracheostomy. The numbers and complexity of support rose over the 12 years. Respiratory support was discontinued in 57% of cases, after a median of 12.5 months (range 3–52 months); in two‐thirds, support was no longer required due to an improvement in the medical condition. The most common indication for support in current patients is respiratory parenchymal or airway disease followed by neuromuscular disease. Obesity is not a common indication. Conclusion: This review documents the increasing trend in children receiving respiratory support at home. Future planning and resources are needed to address this growing need.
Feasibility and safety of early transfer of premature infants from incubators to cots: A pilot study
Authors: West CR , Williams M , Weston PJ 
Published: November 2005

Objectives: To document whether medically stable infants can be transferred safely from incubators to unheated, open cots at 1500 g. Methods: Four cohorts were recruited in a stepwise observational trial of transfer from incubators to unheated, open cots. We aimed to transfer the first 15 infants into cots on reaching a weight of 1800 g, the second at 1700 g, the third at 1600 g and the fourth at 1500 g. Nursery temperatures were set at 25°C. The primary outcome measure was failure of transfer defined as the inability to maintain body temperatures in a cot despite additional coverings, with two consecutive axillary temperatures below 36.6°C 1 h apart. Secondary aims were to determine temperature stability, growth, medical complications and time to discharge for these infants. Weight and corrected gestation at discharge were recorded. Results: A total of 61 infants were recruited and transferred into cots. Cohorts were similar in gestation and sex. Infants recruited to the 1500 g cohort had higher birthweights than the other cohorts. There was no difference in the rate of infants failing transfer into cots between cohorts. Rate of weight gain before and after transfer and the number of high and low temperatures per infant after transfer was not different between cohorts. There were no differences between cohorts for discharge weight or corrected gestation. Conclusions: The results of this pilot study indicate the potential to transfer very low birthweight infants to an open unheated cot at a bodyweight of 1500 g. This study provides information for the design of future randomized controlled trials that are required to confirm the findings of this study before routine adoption of this intervention into clinical practice.
Vitamin A and E deficiency and lung disease in infants with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Bines JE , Truby HD , Armstrong DS , Carzino R , Grimwood K 
Published: November 2005

Objectives: Vitamin A and E deficiency is common in cystic fibrosis (CF). These vitamins have immunomodulating properties and we determined whether decreased serum vitamin A and E levels in young infants are associated with early CF lung disease and lower airway inflammation. Methods: A post‐hoc analysis was undertaken on previous data collected prospectively in 39 newly diagnosed infants identified by a newborn CF screening programme. Assessment of CF genotype, nutrition, pancreatic status, serum retinol and α‐tocopherol levels was performed at diagnosis. Pulmonary status was determined clinically, by Brasfield chest radiographic scores and analysis of bacterial counts and inflammatory indices in bronchial lavage (BL) fluid. These assessments were repeated 12 months later. Results: At diagnosis, 20 out of 39 (51%) CF infants had low serum retinol (mean (SD) 0.7 (0.3) μmol/L) and 9/38 (24%) had low α‐tocopherol (mean (SD) 13.4 (8.4) μmol/L) levels. Dietary energy intake was related to serum retinol concentrations at diagnosis (r2 = 0.27; P = 0.001). At 1 year, serum retinol and α‐tocopherol levels had normalized following vitamin A and E supplementation. Respiratory symptoms, radiographic scores and BL inflammatory indices systematically deteriorated during infancy, reaching significance for free neutrophil elastase activity (9 out of 29 vs 21 out of 33; P = 0.01) and IL‐8 levels (79 vs 416; P = 0.046) in BL fluid. No association was seen between serum vitamin levels at diagnosis and airway inflammatory indices at either diagnosis or 12 months later. Conclusion: We found in this CF birth cohort no evidence to implicate vitamin A or E deficiency in the development of lung disease or airway inflammation during infancy.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in Australian children
Authors: Othman N , Isaacs D , Kesson A 
Published: November 2005

Objectives: To describe the epidemiology, clinical features and outcome of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children presenting to a tertiary children's hospital. Methods: Sixty‐three month retrospective review of serologically diagnosed M. pneumoniae infections. Results: There were 76 children, 42 boys and 34 girls, mean age 6.3 ± 3.5 years. The age group most commonly affected was 5–9 years, followed by children 1–5 years. More than half of the patients had failed to respond to antibiotics before referral. The commonest presentation was with cough and fever. Coryza, diarrhoea, vomiting, tachypnoea and recession were significantly more common in children less than 5 years than in children 5–15 years. Hospitalized patients were more likely than non‐hospitalized patients to have respiratory distress with recession and wheeze. Radiographic findings were non‐specific. Thrombocytosis was found in 29 (41.4%) of 70 children studied. Conclusion: The clinical features of M. pneumoniae infection were different in children less than 5 years than in children aged 5–9 years. The presence of thrombocytosis in 40% of the cases has not previously been reported in children.
Management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A parental perspective
Authors: Concannon PE , Tang YP 
Published: November 2005

Objectives: There are few studies exploring parental perceptions of the diagnosis and overall treatment of their children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This community‐based study was conducted to consider this important aspect of care. Methods: A total of 7 226 (65%) parents responded to a community survey of 11 184 children aged 10–12 years living in northern Sydney in 2000, out of which 278 children with ADHD were identified. Their parents completed an anonymous questionnaire covering their perceptions relating to diagnosis, treatment and overall management. Results: Only 66% of parents recalled the use of questionnaires or rating scales. There were 82% of children who had trialed medication and 66% of these were still taking it. Behavioural intervention had occurred in 42% of the children. Non‐conventional treatments, most commonly elimination diet and/or fatty acid supplementation, had been used in 71% of the children. These were considered helpful in one‐third of cases.A total of 55% of parents reported being either satisfied or very satisfied with their child's care. Parents were more likely to report satisfaction when their children were on medication and when reviews were held at least 6 monthly. Lack of educational support and teachers' understanding of ADHD were identified as ongoing issues. Conclusion: Parental responses suggested that adherence to recommended diagnostic guidelines was inadequate. Behavioural intervention was underutilized despite its documented positive role. Non‐conventional therapies were widely used and considered helpful in one‐third of the children who used them.Use of stimulant medication and frequent reviews were more likely to be associated with overall management satisfaction.
Recurrent parotitis of childhood
Authors: Leerdam CM , Martin HCO , Isaacs D 
Published: November 2005

Background: Recurrent parotitis (RP) of childhood is a rare condition of unknown aetiology, probably immunologically mediated. Objective: To review the clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of RP of childhood. Methods: Retrospective study from 1983 to 2004 of children diagnosed with RP of childhood at a tertiary children's hospital. Results: We identified 53 children, 37 (70%) male and 16 (30%) female. The age of onset was biphasic, with peaks at 2–5 years of age and at 10 years. The commonest symptoms were swelling (100%), pain (92.5%) and fever (41.5%). Symptoms usually lasted 2–7 days with a median of 3 days. The mean frequency was 8 episodes per year. The diagnosis was often delayed, >1 year in 70% of patients, maximum 8 years. The most common diagnoses, before the definitive diagnosis of RP, were mumps (21%), ‘infection’ (15%) and stones (11%). Sialogram (57%) and/or ultrasound (41%) showed sialectasis in 81% of patients. Over half the patients (54%) were given antibiotics at least once to treat the parotitis.Two children had hypogammablobulinaemia, one child had human immunodeficiency virus infection, and one child had Sjogren's syndrome. Two children had high titre antinuclear antibodies. Conclusions: Recurrent parotitis had a biphasic age distribution. The major clinical features that distinguish it from other causes of parotid swelling are the lack of pus and recurrent episodes. A clinical diagnosis can often be confirmed by ultrasound. Antibiotics do not have a role in treatment. Affected children should be screened for Sjogren's syndrome and immune deficiency.