bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shared bathing and drowning in infants and young children
Authors: Byard RW , De Koning C , Blackbourne B , Nadeau JM , Krous HF 
Published: March 2003

Objective: A study was undertaken to look at possible risks of shared bathing in early childhood. Methods: Autopsy databases were searched at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and State Coroner’s Office, Adelaide, Australia, from January 1963 to December 1999, the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Melbourne, Australia, from January 1991 to December 1999, and the Children’s Hospital‐San Diego, San Diego, USA, from January 1990 to December 1999, for all cases registered as drowning in children aged 2 years and under who were in a bath with another child around the time of death. Results: A total of 17 cases were found. The age range of the victims was 8–22 months (average = 11.8 months), with a male to female ratio of 10:7. The surviving children (who were all siblings) were significantly older, with an age range of 19–48 months (average = 30.4 months), and a male to female ratio of 12:5. (The survivors were on average 18.5 months older than the victims, range = 11–32 months). In every case the children had been left unsupervised for variable periods of time. Conclusions: These cases represented a significant component – between 22 and 58%– of bath drownings in the 2 years and under age group. It would appear that shared bathing for young children and infants may only acceptable if adult supervision is constant, and that a young sibling is not an appropriate person to look after an infant or toddler in the bath. While the risk of leaving an infant in a filled bath may be exacerbated if an older child is also present, further population‐based studies are required to examine this hypothesis.
Utility of haematological parameters and C‐reactive protein in the detection of neonatal sepsis
Authors: Manucha V , Rusia U , Sikka M , Faridi MMA , Madan N 
Published: March 2003

Objective:  To evaluate various haematological parameters, individually and in combination, to formulate a haematological scoring system (HSS, defined by Rodwell et al.), which can then be used to screen for sepsis in neonates who are clinically suspected of infection.1Methods:  The study cohort consisted of 150 neonates (from birth to 3 days old) with clinically suspected infection. Blood was collected by peripheral venepuncture in all neonates. A complete blood count, differential leucocyte count, total leucocyte count (TLC), total neutrophil count (TNC), immature neutrophil count, band form count and platelet count were performed. Immature total neutrophil count (I/T) and immature/mature neutrophil count (I/M) ratios were then obtained. C‐reactive protein (CRP) was measured semiquantitatively and blood culture and antibiotic sensitivity were performed in each case. The haematological parameters were compared individually and in combination (by HSS) with CRP.Results:  Twenty‐one (14%) neonates had blood culture proven sepsis. On evaluation of various haematological parameters, TLC < 10 × 109/L, TNC < 8 × 109/L, I/M > 0.25, I/T > 0.14, band count > 15% and platelet count < 150 × 109 were found to have optimal sensitivities and negative predictive values (NPV). Using these values, an HSS was formulated. A haematological score ≥ 3 had a sensitivity of 86% and NPV of 96%. C‐reactive protein as a single test had a sensitivity of 76% and NPV of 96%. A combination of CRP with haematological parameters decreased the sensitivity and NPV of the HSS.Conclusions:  A haematological score can be obtained by a complete blood count and examination of peripheral blood smear, thus permitting an objective assessment of haematological changes that occur in a neonate suspected of sepsis. C‐reactive protein does not have any advantage over HSS, either as a single test or in combination.
Effectiveness of an individualized multidisciplinary programme for managing unsettled infants
Authors: Don N , McMahon C , Rossiter C 
Published: March 2003

Objective:  To ascertain the effectiveness of an individualized multidisciplinary residential programme for managing young unsettled infants and whether changes in unsettled behaviour were maintained.Methods:  One hundred and nine clients of a Tresillian residential unit with singleton infants aged less than 20 weeks were studied before, during and after intervention. Mothers completed a 24 h infant activity record prior to admission, during the stay and 1 month after discharge. Intervention consisted of settling techniques, parent education, support and counselling.Results:  By day 4 of admission, the mean duration of unsettled (fussing, crying) behaviour had decreased significantly and mean sleeping time and awake/content times both increased significantly (P < 0.001). These changes were maintained 1 month after discharge. Changes in behaviour were particularly marked for very unsettled infants.Conclusions:  In the absence of formal controls, the individualized programme appears effective in managing the behaviour of unsettled infants.
Shopping trolley‐related injuries to children in New Zealand, 1988–97
Authors: Parry ML , Morrison LGL , Chalmers DJ , Wright CS 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To describe the epidemiology of shopping trolley related injuries (fatalities and hospitalizations) to children in New Zealand prior to the introduction of a voluntary standard for shopping trolleys. Methodology: To identify cases, a key word search was conducted of national mortality and hospitalization databases for the years 1988–97. Cases were limited to children under 15 years of age. Results: For the 10 year period investigated, 282 hospitalizations and no
fatalities were identified. A significant increasing trend for hospitalizations was
detected (χ2 = 17.6, 1 d.f.; P < 0.001). Ninety‐two per cent of children hospitalized were aged under 5 years and two‐thirds were aged 2 years or younger. Ninety per cent of injuries resulted from falls from trolleys, 84% of injuries were to the head or face and 22% were rated serious (AIS‐3) on the Abbreviated Injury Scale. Conclusions: The incidence of injuries associated with shopping trolleys increased between 1988 and 1997. Following the introduction of a voluntary standard for shopping trolleys in 1999, which included specifications for child harnesses, trends in injury should be monitored.
Growth and adrenal suppression in asthmatic children on moderate to high doses of fluticasone propionate
Authors: Wong JYW , Zacharin MR , Hocking N , Robinson PJ 
Published: March 2003

Objective: Growth and adrenal suppression have been reported in asthmatic children using high‐dose inhaled fluticasone propionate (FP). Inhaled FP, given at moderate doses (250–750 μg/day), has not been documented to be associated with growth or adrenal suppression in asthmatic children until recently. We report three cases illustrating these side effects. Methods: Growth and adrenal suppression, after the introduction of inhaled FP, were observed in three prepubertal young asthmatic children referred to our asthma clinic and growth clinic. Growth centile and velocity were assessed by longitudinal stadiometry height measurements. Early morning plasma cortisol levels, and glucagon stimulation tests were used to assess the pituitary adrenal axis. Results: Severe growth and adrenal suppression were noted in three children while they were on moderate doses of inhaled FP. Improvements in growth and adrenal function were observed following cessation or dose reduction of inhaled FP. Conclusions: Unexpected growth and adrenal suppression may occur in young asthmatic children using moderate doses of inhaled FP.
Sleep deprivation, disorganization and fragmentation during opiate withdrawal in newborns
Authors: O’Brien CM , Jeffery HE 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To determine specific sleep characteristics in neonatal opiate withdrawal, referred to as the Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), by measuring sleep efficiency, deprivation, disorganization and fragmentation in three groups: (i) healthy term neonates; (ii) opiate‐exposed neonates who were treated for opiate withdrawal; and (iii) a group of opiate‐exposed neonates who did not require treatment. Methods: A cohort study recording sleep patterns of neonates at 2–10 days of age (after 36 or more weeks of gestation) was carried out. Twenty‐one neonates were exposed to opiates during pregnancy and 15 neonates were healthy controls. Sleep characteristics were predefined, and treated newborns were divided into early and stabilized treatment groups. Polygraphic recordings of sleep, movement and breathing were made continuously after a daytime feed. Results: Sleep deprivation, disorganization and fragmentation were found in newborns with NAS and were associated with the severity of the withdrawal. Neonates treated for NAS displayed increased wakefulness during early treatment (deprivation), but were similar to controls once stabilized. Both treated and non‐treated groups had reduced amounts of quiet sleep (deprivation). Treated newborns showed an increase in indeterminate sleep (disorganization) and arousals‐to‐wakefulness (fragmentation). Conclusion: This study determined the exact nature and degree of sleep disturbances
in newborns during acute opiate withdrawal. The findings contribute to a further
understanding of the physiology underlying neonatal opiate withdrawal and suggest
that some changes in sleep are due to opiate withdrawal but others may reflect opiate
dependency in utero.
Syncope in children and adolescents of Hong Kong
Authors: Wong KT , So LY 
Published: March 2003

Objectives: Syncope occurs commonly in children and adolescents. The objectives of the present study were to quantify this occurrence locally and to examine the profiles of subjects experiencing syncope. Methodology: A self‐administered questionnaire was filled out by students between 6 and 17 years of age from a selected school in January 1999. Results: Out of 2574 completed questionnaires, a total of 121 subjects reported having had at least one previous episode of syncope, including 9.0% of the 15–17 years age group. The overall incidence of a first syncope in the preceding 12 months was 1.7% and was highest (3.3%) in the 15–17 years age group. No significant difference in incidence was noted between sexes. Among those who experienced syncope, 32.2% had sought medical advice and 9.1% had been admitted to hospital; 57.9% became worried, while 37.2% reported restriction of daily activities because of syncope. Conclusion: Syncope is a common event in children and adolescents in Hong Kong. It can cause a considerable degree of anxiety and activity restriction. The impact on medical services due to syncope in Hong Kong has been substantial.
Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status in the Australian day‐care setting: Developmental concerns of parents and carers
Authors: Coghlan D , Kiing JSH , Wake M 
Published: March 2003

Objective:  To trial the Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) as an instrument for reporting developmental concerns for Australian preschool children.Method:  A cross‐sectional survey of parents and carers of 262 children attending five day‐care centres and two kindergartens in Melbourne was conducted between October and November 1999. Parents and carers completed the written PEDS questionnaire, comprising 10 questions eliciting concerns about learning, development and behaviour, and answered questions about the acceptability and use of the PEDS.Results:  Of 445 children, 389 were eligible for inclusion. Complete parent and carer PEDS data were available for 262 children (67% response: 47% boys; 53% girls) aged from 18 months to 5 years, 9 months. Most parents found the PEDS questionnaire easy to complete (98%) and likely to be useful to health professionals (89%). Twenty‐four children (9%) were classified as being at high‐risk of disabilities and 49 (19%) were classified as being at medium‐risk of disabilities. Parents of 125 children (48%) reported no concerns. The prevalence of parental concerns was similar to the USA norming sample. Carers reported similar prevalences of concerns. Although overall agreement was high, parent/carer κ‐values were modest, being highest for the gross motor (κ = 0.40) and social−emotional (κ = 0.37) domains.Conclusions:  The PEDS is acceptable to parents of Australian preschool children, with a prevalence of significant concerns (i.e. children at high‐ and medium‐risk of developmental problems) that is similar to those in the USA. Further research is needed to assess what factors differentially influence whether a concern is felt in a particular domain for a particular child.
Relationship between water quality in irrigation reservoirs and land use of the watershed
Authors: Nakasone Hideo , Kuroda Hisao 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn Japan, the use of constructed irrigation reservoirs for paddy cultivation has been common during the past 1300 years. The reservoir size varies widely, but many are small (irrigation ponds or Tameike in Japanese). With the introduction of modern water resource systems, these small reservoirs began to be abandoned. The irrigation reservoirs, particularly the abandoned ones, are likely to receive upstream run‐off containing high concentrations of nitrogen, leading to deterioration of water quality due to eutrophication. There are cases, however, in which the citizens residing near the abandoned reservoirs show interest in preserving them for enhancing the neighbourhood water amenity. The current study examines the results of water quality surveys conducted for 12 such reservoirs and at Lake Kasumigaura. It revealed that good watershed management practices were critical for controlling eutrophication of such reservoirs.
Response of phytoplankton to enrichment from cage fish farm waste in Alicura Reservoir (Patagonia, Argentina)†
Authors: Diaz Mónica M. , Temporetti Pedro F. , Pedrozo Fernando L. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBioassays were undertaken in order to test the response of the natural late‐summer inoculum of the phytoplankton of a Patagonian Reservoir to the additional nutrients generated by the production of salmon in cages. The results are discussed in relation to a 7 year study of the reservoir and the possible directions of trophic development. The main consequences of fish farming activities in Alicura are likely to lead to an increase in both nutrient concentrations, algal density and phytobiomass. The composition of the sediment close to the fish farm is affected. With regard to phytoplankton, we observed changes in species composition and temporal changes in their associations. The additional nutrient sources of fish food and faeces from salmonid production create an internal load that leads to a decrease in the N/P, Si/P and Ca/P ratios of the water column. The trophic level of Alicura Reservoir remains unchanged at present and the impact of fish farming operation remains localized.
Dimensionless volatilization rate for two pesticides in a lake
Authors: Ciaravino Giulio , Gualtieri Carlo 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn recent years, toxic pollution has become a relevant topic in lake management, especially in developed countries. Consequently, great effort has been made to increase our knowledge of contaminant transport and transformation phenomena, and their effects on lake water quality.The present paper reports on the characterization of input parameters for a dimensionless steady‐state model that simulates fate processes of volatile environmental contaminants. Dimensionless volatilization rates for two pesticides, 2,3,7,8‐ tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) and endrin aldehyde, in particular, are estimated using field data from almost 80 Italian lakes. Careful analyses of the results allow us to define the variation range of input parameters and introduce some simplifications into the complete solutions of the model.
Sorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons into liposomes (artificial cell membranes) and the effects of dissolved natural organic matter
Authors: Shimizu Yoshihisa , Takahashi Junichi , Matsubara Jun , Ikeda Kazuhiro , Matsui Saburo 
Published: March 2003

AbstractDissolved natural organic matter (NOM) occurs widely in the aquatic environment and affects the fate of microorganic pollutants (e.g. intake, accumulation, movement, degradation, toxicity). The effect of NOM on the intake into biota (living cells) is very important. In the present study, the effects of coexisting NOM on the intake of microorganic pollutants into aquatic biota were experimentally evaluated. The NOM was concentrated from Lake Biwa water using a reverse osmosis filtration membrane. Two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH; pyrene and phenanthrene) were used as representative microorganic pollutants. Liposomes were synthesized in the laboratory to simulate living cell membranes and were used to investigate the intake of microorganic pollutants into aquatic biota. The experimental results (PAH onto NOM, NOM into liposomes, and PAH into liposomes) indicated that the sorption of PAH into liposomes was suppressed, apparently by PAH binding with NOM in the aqueous phase. This suggests that the accumulation and/or toxicity of microorganic pollutants can be retarded by NOM in the aqueous environment. Moreover, the experimental results indicated that sorption into liposomes (the liposome/water sorption coefficient, Klipw) could be a better parameter for estimating the intake of microorganic pollutants into aquatic biota than the n‐octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow) in the aqueous environment.
Role of Daphnia in the decomposition of organic matter in the surface layer of Lake Biwa
Authors: Yoshimizu Chikage , Urabe Jotaro 
Published: March 2003

AbstractTo examine the role of Daphnia in the decomposition and elimination of organic carbon at the surface layer, organic matter from Lake Biwa was incubated with and without Daphnia at 20°C in the dark for 15 days in May, July and October. In all of the experiments, total organic carbon decreased during the incubation, regardless of treatment; however, the net effect of Daphnia on this decrease differed among experiments. Daphnia stimulated the decrease in particulate organic carbon in two out of three experiments. Bacterial abundance was higher in treatments with Daphnia than in treatments without Daphnia in all experiments. Higher bacterial abundance in treatments with Daphnia could not be explained fully by zooplankton grazing effects on phagotrophic protozoans, rather Daphnia seemed to stimulate bacterial growth by supplying substrates for that growth. The results of the present study suggest that Daphnia reduces sinking flux, not only by direct grazing, but also by the channelling of particulate organic carbon into dissolved forms that are then available for bacterial growth.
Heminephrectomy causes the progression of glomerulosclerosis and apoptosis in high IgA strain of ddY (HIGA) mice
Authors: Kusano H , Miyawaki S , Yoshida H , Ono T , Muso E , Sasayama S 
Published: March 2003

Background: The nephron reduction in IgA nephropathy is critical for the newly established prognosis of this disease. A high immunoglobulin A inbred strain of ddY mouse (HIGA mouse) showed progressive mesangial sclerosis with elevated renal expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β,1 however, the progression of the renal lesion of this mouse is relatively mild with rare association of active crescentic glomerulonephritis. However, although nephron reduction causes progressive renal injury, the modifications of glomerular lesions by nephron reduction are dependent upon the pathological background of each strain. Thus, we investigated the influence of nephron reduction by heminephrectomy on the renal lesions of the HIGA mouse.Methods: Five‐week‐old HIGA mice were heminephrectomized (Nx), and were evaluated in comparison with a sham‐operated group (S) at 40 weeks old. Measurements of renal function, blood pressure and serum levels of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM) were performed. Histological findings, including glomerular enlargement, matrix expansion, immunoglobulin depositions (IgG, IgA, and IgM), expressions of cytokines (TGF‐β, TNF‐α, and IL‐6) and extracellular matrix proteins were analysed. PCNA and TUNEL stainings were performed. In addition, mRNA expressions of renin‐angiotensin systems (RAS; angiotensinogen and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)) were also investigated.Results: The physiological and serological data showed no significant difference between Nx and S. In Nx, the glomerular tuft area and ratio of mesangial matrix area for one tuft were significantly increased and glomerular IgG and IgM deposits were significantly expanded in the paramesangium. However, IgA was not significantly increased. The glomerular expressions of cytokines (TGF‐β, TNF‐α, and IL‐6) and extracellular matrix proteins (fibronectin, collagen type I and IV) were significantly increased in this group. In contrast to the significant decrease of PCNA‐positive cells, TUNEL‐positive cells were significantly increased in Nx. The total mRNA expression of ACE was also significantly increased in the renal cortex of Nx.Conclusion: Heminephrectomy of HIGA mice may be a potential model for the research into the progressive glomerulosclerosis of human IgA nephropathy. The pathological role of apoptosis is apparently involved in these disease processes, possibly through up‐regulated RAS.
In situ hybridization of connective tissue growth factor mRNA in IgA nephropathy
Authors: Toyoda M , Suzuki D , Umezono T , Zhang S‐Y , Endoh M , Kurokawa K , Sakai H 
Published: March 2003

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a member of the new family of growth regulators. It plays an important role of the pathogenesis of mesangial matrix accumulation and progressive glomerulosclerosis in IgA nephropathy (IgAN).We investigated the expression and localization of CTGF mRNA in renal tissues of patients with IgAN and normal human kidneys (NHK), using in situ hybridization with digoxigenin‐labelled oligonucleotide. Open renal biopsy tissues were obtained from 16 patients with IgAN. The renal pathology was categorized into four grades by light microscopic findings. The expression level of CTGF mRNA was quantified by counting all nuclei, as well as nuclei surrounded by CTGF mRNA‐positive cytoplasm in randomly selected non‐sclerotic glomeruli and expressing the results as the percentage of total cells.Connective tissue growth factor mRNA was mainly expressed in glomerular mesangial and epithelial cells in both IgAN and NHK, and cells of Bowman’s capsule. In IgAN, CTGF mRNA‐positive cells were increased in tubulointerstitial fibrotic areas. The percentage of positive cells for CTGF mRNA was significantly higher in IgAN than in NHK. The percentage of positive cells for CTGF mRNA in each IgAN grade was significantly higher than that in NHK. Furthermore, the percentage of positive cells for CTGF mRNA was significantly greater in IgAN with moderate mesangial proliferative lesions (grade 2, grade 3) than in IgAN with mild mesangial proliferative lesions.Our study suggests that CTGF may play an important role in the development and progression of glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis in IgAN.