Fat Mass Index Performs Best in Monitoring Management of Obesity in Prepubertal Children

An early and accurate recognition of success in treating obesity may increase the compliance of obese children and their families to intervention programs. This observational, prospective study aimed to evaluate the ability and the time to detect a significant reduction of adiposity estimated by body mass index (BMI), percentage of fat mass (%FM), and fat mass index (FMI) during weight management in prepubertal obese children.

Osmolality of Elemental and Semi-Elemental Formulas Supplemented with Nonprotein Energy Supplements

Elemental and semi-elemental formulas are used to feed infants with short bowel syndrome, who may not be able to tolerate feeds of more than 310 mOsm kg(-1). The present study aimed to measure the osmolality of elemental and semi-elemental formulas at different concentrations, with and without the addition of nonprotein energy supplements.

The Effect of Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Intake During Pregnancy on Adiposity of Healthy Full-Term Offspring at Birth

OBJECTIVE: The adjusted effect of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) intake during pregnancy on adiposity at birth of healthy full-term appropriate-for-gestational age neonates was evaluated. STUDY DESIGN: In a cross-sectional convenience sample of 100 mother and infant dyads, LCPUFA intake during pregnancy was assessed by food frequency questionnaire with nutrient intake calculated using Food Processor Plus. Linear regression models for neonatal body composition measurements, assessed by air displacement plethysmography and anthropometry, were adjusted for maternal LCPUFA intakes, energy and macronutrient intakes, prepregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain. RESULT: Positive associations between maternal docosahexaenoic acid intake and ponderal index in male offspring (β=0.165; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.031-0.299; P=0.017), and between n-6:n-3 LCPUFA ratio intake and fat mass (β=0.021; 95% CI: 0.002-0.041; P=0.034) and percentage of fat mass (β=0.636; 95% CI: 0.125-1.147; P=0.016) in female offspring were found. CONCLUSION: Using a reliable validated method to assess body composition, adjusted positive associations between maternal docosahexaenoic acid intake and birth size in male offspring and between n-6:n-3 LCPUFA ratio intake and adiposity in female offspring were found, suggesting that maternal LCPUFA intake strongly influences fetal body composition.

Lupus Myelopathy in a Child

A 5-year-old female developed, after a 7-month period of fever, anorexia, weight loss, and a transitory cutaneous erythematous eruption, a severe acute transverse myelopathy, with a partial recovery of motor and sensory function. She had positive antinuclear and antidouble-stranded DNA antibodies but no antiphospholipid antibodies. Six months later she had massive proteinuria and restarted treatment with steroids and cyclophosphamide. Our patient is one of the youngest reported with lupus myelopathy. We discuss the clinical presentation, the magnetic resonance imaging findings, and other relevant laboratory studies of this rare but serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Síndrome de Mauriac: Uma Apresentação Rara de Uma Doença Mais Comum

Introdução: A diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1) é uma doença metabólica crónica cuja incidência anual tem vindo a aumentar. Pode cursar com alterações sistémicas, como a hepatomegalia e o atraso de crescimento, decorrentes de controlo glicémico inadequado. Caso clínico: Adolescente de 14 anos com o diagnóstico de DM1 desdeos três anos de idade e com mau controlo glicémico, internada numa Unidade de Cuidados Intensivos por cetoacidose grave. Do exame objectivo destacavam-se baixa estatura, hepatomegalia não dolorosa e estadio pubertário P1, M2 de Tanner. Analiticamente apresentava aumento das transaminases, hipercolestorolemia e hipertrigliceridemia. Discussão: A síndrome de Mauriac, caracteriza -se por: DM tipo 1 mal controlada, baixa estatura, atraso pubertário, hipercolesterolémia, aumento das transaminases e hepatomegalia por depósito hepático de glicogénio. O mecanismo fi siopatológico não está totalmente esclarecido, sendo provavelmente a combinação de vários factores etiológicos. É uma situação rara, cujo diagnóstico, essencialmente clínico, assume extrema importância dada a reversibilidade do quadro com a optimização terapêutica.

Grande Queimado numa Unidade de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos – Experiência de 20 Anos

Introdução: A abordagem inicial do grande queimado até à sua estabilização hemodinâmica e hidroeletrolítica é fundamental para diminuir a morbimortalidade. Material e Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, descritivo e analítico, de todos os internamentos por queimadura numa Unidade de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos durante o período de 20 anos (Abril/1991 a Dezembro/2010). Avaliaram -se parâmetros nosodemográficos, agente causal, gravidade e extensão da queimadura, procedimentos, terapêutica, complicações e resultados. Resultados: Ocorreram 137 internamentos por queimadura correspondentes a 123 doentes e a 1,8% do total de internamentos na UCIP. A mediana de idade foi 3,6 anos e 62,4% era do sexo masculino. Verificou -se maior incidência em Agosto (13,0%). Foram agentes da queimadura: líquido fervente (38,1%), fogo (38,1%) e eletricidade (23,9%). A mediana da superfície corporal queimada foi de 30% (0,5 -92,0%), com queimaduras do terceiro grau em 59,0% dos doentes. Necessitaram de ventilação mecânica 45,5% e de cateter venoso central 64,2% dos doentes. As complicações incluíram: sépsis (29,2%), falência respiratória (21,1%), falência cardiovascular (16,5%) e falência multiorgânica (18,8%). Verificou -se melhoria em 88,6% dos casos e ocorreram 10 óbitos (8,1%), nove dos quais nos primeiros 10 anos do estudo e nove devido a causa infeciosa. No entanto, o score avaliador do risco de mortalidade (PRISM), índice de intervenção terapêutica (TISS) e o risco de probabilidade de morte (RPM) foram mais elevados no segundo decénio. Conclusões: Nos últimos anos do estudo, apesar do maior número de admissões e da sua maior gravidade, verificou -se uma diminuição do número de mortes, o que poderá dever-se à melhoria dos cuidados prestados.

Anti-N-methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis with Positive Serum Antithyroid Antibodies, IgM Antibodies Against Mycoplasma Pneumoniae and Human Herpesvirus 7 PCR in the CSF

We report the case of a boy with an encephalopathy associated with extrapyramidal and psychiatric symptoms and anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibodies. He had positive serum antithyroid antibodies, IgM antibodies against Mycoplasma pneumoniae and human herpesvirus 7 polymerase chain reaction in the cerebrospinal fluid. He was successfully treated with rituximab, after steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange. The pathophysiology of this disorder may be post-infectious and autoimmune.

Nonlethal, Attenuated, Transfusion-Associated Graft-Versus-Host Disease in an Immunocompromised Child: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GVHD) is a rare complication of transfusion of nonirradiated blood components. It usually affects children in high-risk groups, including those who have primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs). It usually presents with skin, hepatic, digestive, and hematologic involvement and is normally fatal.

Neo-Dandy

Neo-Dandy was a practice-led research project that explored histories of a quintessential men’s and womenswear garment from across the ages — the formal white dress shirt. The aim was to generate a body of radically new mens’ shirts that, whilst incorporating characteristics normally associated with womenswear, would remain acceptable to male wearers. A detailed study identified a broad spectrum of historical design approaches, ranging from the orthodox man’s shirt to the many variations of the women’s blouse. Within this spectrum a threshold was discovered where the men’s shirt morphed into the woman’s blouse — a ‘design moment’ that appeared to typify the dandy figure (a fashion character who subversively confronts dress norms of their day). The research analysed thousands of archive catwalk images from leading contemporary menswear designers, and of these, only a small number tampered appreciably with the men’s white dress shirt — suggesting a new realm of possibility for fashion design innovation. This led to the creation of a new body of work labelled ‘Neo-Dandy’. Sixty ‘concept shirts’ were produced, with differing styles and varying degrees of detailing, that fitted the brief of being acceptable to male wearers, eminently ‘wearable’ and on a threshold position between menswear and womenswear. These designs were each tested, documented, and assessed in their capacity to evolve the Neo-Dandy aesthetic. Based on these outcomes, a list of key design principles for achieving this aesthetic was identified to assist designers in further evolving this style. The creative work achieved substantial public acclaim with the ‘Neo Dandy Collection’ winning a prestigious Design Institute of Australia Award (Lifestyle category) and being one of four finalists in the prestigious overall field for design excellence. It was subsequently curated into three major Brisbane exhibitions — the ARC Biennial, at Artisan Gallery and the industry leader, the Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival. The collection was also exhibited at the Queensland Art Gallery.

Neo-Dandy

Neo-Dandy was a practice-led research project that explored histories of a quintessential men’s and womenswear garment from across the ages — the formal white dress shirt. The aim was to generate a body of radically new mens’ shirts that incorporated characteristics normally associated with womenswear, whist remaining acceptable to male wearers. A detailed study identified a broad spectrum of historical design approaches, ranging from the orthodox man’s shirt to the many variations of the women’s blouse. Within this spectrum a threshold was discovered where the men’s shirt morphed into the woman’s blouse — a ‘design moment’ that appeared to typify the dandy figure (a fashion character who subversively confronts dress norms of their day). The research analysed thousands of archive catwalk images from leading contemporary menswear designers, and of these, only a small number tampered appreciably with the men’s white dress shirt — suggesting a new realm of possibility for fashion design innovation. This led to the creation of a new body of work labelled ‘Neo-Dandy’. Sixty ‘concept shirts’ were produced, with differing styles and varying degrees of detailing, that fitted the brief of being acceptable to male wearers, eminently ‘wearable’ and on a threshold position between menswear and womenswear. These designs were each tested, documented, and assessed in their capacity to evolve the Neo-Dandy aesthetic. Based on these outcomes, a list of key design principles for achieving this aesthetic was identified to assist designers in further evolving this style. The creative work achieved substantial public acclaim with the ‘Neo Dandy Collection’ winning a prestigious Design Institute of Australia Award (Lifestyle category) and being one of four finalists in the prestigious overall field for design excellence. It was subsequently curated into three major Brisbane exhibitions — the ARC Biennial, at Artisan Gallery and the industry leader, the Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival. The collection was also exhibited at the Queensland Art Gallery.

Globalist Fallacies, Fictions and Facts: The MAI and Neo-classic Ideology

There is little evidence, historical or otherwise, to suggest that the needs of people and societies change greatly over time. Whilst acknowledging the benefits of the many recent technological innovations that are part of the contemporary milieu, I am reluctant to see such advances as sufficient rationale for the dismantling of the social contract between a government and its citizenry. The Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI) highlights the move amongst developed countries to replace a national policy focus with a multilateral approach to global policy formulation that transcends the sovereignty of nation states. The purpose of this paper is to refute the assumptions underpinning multilateralist assertions that government has a diminishing role to play in the global society, and that national sovereignty, due to the increasingly important role of multilateral agreements and the global economy, is ‘a thing of the past’ (Arthur Asher, background briefing interview, Radio National, February 1, 1998). The basic premises that underpin the globalist argument1 for the diminishing role of government are that: • Economic growth increases jobs, prosperity, and freedom. • Free trade is an imperative for successful globalisation because financial sector performance - which depends on deregulation - is integral to global economic growth. • Information technology is revolutionising global trade and making globalisation inevitable. • Globalisation through deregulation, makes national boundaries meaningless, and therefore, national regulatory policies anachronistic. This paper compares the aforementioned axiomatic premises of globalisation to actual outcomes, events, and trends in the real world.