Bietti crystalline dystrophy and choroidal neovascularization in childhood

Dear Editor,I am Dr.Sabiha Gungor Kobat,from the Department of Ophthalmology,Elazig Health Sciences University,Elazig,Turkey.I am writing to present an exceedingly rare case of two siblings,one of whom developed Bietti crystalline dystrophy(BCD)with choroidal neovascularization at the age of 13 years,and the other has asymptomatic BCD at 8 years old.

Cost analysis of childhood glaucoma surgeries using the US Medicaire allowable costs

AIM: To analyze and calculate the relative cost of various childhood glaucoma surgical interventions per mm Hg intraocular pressure(IOP) reduction($/mm Hg).METHODS: Representative index studies were reviewed to quantitate the reduction of mean IOP and glaucoma medications for each surgical intervention in childhood glaucoma. A US perspective was adopted, using Medicare allowable costs to calculate cost/mm Hg IOP reduction($/mm Hg) at 1y postoperatively.RESULTS: At 1y postoperatively, the cost/mm Hg IOP reduction was $226/mm Hg for microcatheter-assisted circumferential trabeculotomy, $284/mm Hg for cyclophotocoagulation, $288/mm Hg for conventional ab-externo trabeculotomy, $338/mm Hg for Ahmed glaucoma valve, $350/mm Hg for Baerveldt glaucoma implant, $351/mm Hg for goniotomy, and $400/mm Hg for trabeculectomy.CONCLUSION: Microcatheter-assisted circumferential trabeculotomy is the most cost-efficient surgical method to lower IOP in childhood glaucoma, while trabeculectomy is the least cost-efficient surgical method.

Association between childhood obesity and gut microbiota:16S rRNA gene sequencing-based cohort study

BACKGROUND This study aimed to identify characteristic gut genera in obese and normal-weight children(8-12 years old)using 16S rDNA sequencing.The research aimed to provide insights for mechanistic studies and prevention strategies for childhood obesity.Thirty normal-weight and thirty age-and sex-matched obese children were included.Questionnaires and body measurements were collected,and fecal samples underwent 16S rDNA sequencing.Significant differences in body mass index(BMI)and body-fat percentage were observed between the groups.Analysis of gut microbiota diversity revealed lowerα-diversity in obese children.Differences in gut microbiota composition were found between the two groups.Prevotella and Firmicutes were more abundant in the obese group,while Bacteroides and Sanguibacteroides were more prevalent in the control group.AIM To identify the characteristic gut genera in obese and normal-weight children(8-12-year-old)using 16S rDNA sequencing,and provide a basis for subsequent mechanistic studies and prevention strategies for childhood obesity.METHODS Thirty each normal-weight,1:1 matched for age and sex,and obese children,with an obese status from 2020 to 2022,were included in the control and obese groups,respectively.Basic information was collected through questionnaires and body measurements were obtained from both obese and normal-weight children.Fecal samples were collected from both groups and subjected to 16S rDNA sequencing using an Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform for gut microbiota diversity analysis.RESULTS Significant differences in BMI and body-fat percentage were observed between the two groups.The Ace and Chao1 indices were significantly lower in the obese group than those in the control group,whereas differences were not significant in the Shannon and Simpson indices.Kruskal-Wallis tests indicated significant differences in unweighted and weighted UniFrac distances between the gut microbiota of normal-weight and obese children(P<0.01),suggesting substantial disparities in both the species and quantity of gut microbiota between the two groups.Prevotella,Firmicutes,Bacteroides,and Sanguibacteroides were more abundant in the obese and control groups,respectively.Heatmap results demonstrated significant differences in the gut microbiota composition between obese and normal-weight children.CONCLUSION Obese children exhibited lowerα-diversity in their gut microbiota than did the normal-weight children.Significant differences were observed in the composition of gut microbiota between obese and normal-weight children.

Childhood Development Cross Culturally:Implications for Designing Childhood Obesity Interventions and Providing Culturally Competent Care

United States is experiencing significant growth in its foreign-born population,especially Chinese American population comprising of 1.2%of the U.S.population.Many healthcare providers are challenged in their efforts to provide culturally competent healthcare to this population.To provide culturally competent healthcare,healthcare providers should understand variations in cultural attributes that impact health.One group in which cultural variation holds great influence is that of children.Culture influences a child's behavior,development and health.This article provides a cross-cultural,comparative examination of important cultural influences on child behaviors development and health in China and the U.S.Using the findings about these two populations,interventions for childhood obesity cross culturally are addressed through the analysis of a U.S.based Children's Obesity Program.The author suggests that uniquely different approaches to childhood obesity intervention research are needed based upon the cultural differences identified within this paper.

Relation between self-recalled childhood physical activity and adult physical activity: The women’s health initiative

Background: Evidence suggests that childhood physical activity may play a role in the etiology and prevention of adult chronic diseases. Because researchers must often depend on self-recalled physical activity data many years after the exposure, it is important to understand factors which may influence adult recall of childhood physical activity. This study evaluated the influence of adult characteristics on reported childhood physical activity and the association between adult physical activity and self-recalled childhood physical activity. Methods: 48,066 post-menopausal women from the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study reported their physical activity level during ages 5-9, 10-14, and 15-19. Results: In this cohort, over 65% of the population reported the same category of physical activity over the three childhood age groups. While higher levels of childhood physical activity were significantly associated with higher adult physical activity, this association varied by race/ethnicity, education, smoking, body mass index, history of diabetes or cardiovascular disease, social support and physical functional status. Women who were consistently highly active reported adult physical activity levels that were 2.82 MET-hr/week (95% C.I. = 2.43, 3.20) higher compared to women who were always physically inactive during childhood. Conclusions: It is important for researchers to understand the influence of adult characteristics on reported childhood physical activity.

Iron supplementation during malaria infection in pregnancy and childhood:A review

Malaria presents a significant global public health challenge,with severe malarial anaemia being a primary manifestation of the disease.The understanding of anaemia caused by malaria remains incomplete,making the treatment more complex.Iron is a crucial micronutrient essential for haemoglobin synthesis,oxygen delivery,and other vital metabolic functions in the body.It is indispensable for the growth of human beings,as well as bacteria,protozoa,and viruses in vitro and in vivo.Iron deficiency is among the most common nutritional deficiencies and can have detrimental effects during developmental stages of life.Malaria-induced iron deficiency occurs due to the hemolysis of erythrocytes and the suppression of erythropoiesis,leading to anaemia.Meeting iron requirements is particularly critical during pivotal life stages such as pregnancy,infancy,and childhood.Dietary intake alone may not suffice to meet adequate iron requirements,thus highlighting the vital role of iron supplementation.While iron supplementation can alleviate iron deficiency,it can exacerbate malaria infection by providing additional iron for the parasites.However,in the context of pregnancy and childhood,iron supplementation combined with malaria prevention and treatment has been shown to be beneficial in improving birth outcomes and ensuring proper growth and development,respectively.This review aims to identify the role and impact of iron supplementation in malaria infection during the life stages of pregnancy and childhood.

Atherosclerosis originating from childhood:Specific features

Atherosclerosis is extremely widespread.Traditionally,it is considered a disease of older people,who most often experience problems with the heart and blood vessels.While much attention from the scientific community has been paid to studying the association between aging and atherosclerosis,as well as its consequences,there is evidence that atherosclerosis occurs at an early age.Atherosclerosis may form both during intrauterine development and in childhood.Nutrition plays an important role in childhood atherosclerosis,along with previous infectious diseases and excess weight of both the child and the mother.In the present review,we examined the development of atherosclerosis and the prerequisites in childhood.

Link between childhood obesity and gut microbiota

Childhood obesity is a critical global health concern with rising prevalence and significant long-term health implications.Recent studies have implicated gut microbiota in the development and progression of obesity.This editorial analyzes the research conducted by Li et al,who utilized 16S rRNA gene sequencing to compare the gut microbiome of overweight and healthy-weight children.The study found significant differences in microbial diversity and composition between the two groups,with potential implications for understanding and managing childhood obesity.We analyzed the study’s advantages and drawbacks,proposing potential areas for future research to better understand the connection between gut microbiota and obesity.

Mediating Effect of Mindfulness,Self-Esteem and Psychological Resilience in the Relation between Childhood Maltreatment and Life Satisfaction

Childhood maltreatment,as a typical early adverse environment,is known to have a negative impact on one’s life satisfaction.Mindfulness,on the other hand,may serve as a protective factor.This study explored the mediating role of mindfulness and its related variables–positive thoughts,psychological resilience and self-esteem.In order to testify the mechanism,we administered Childhood Trauma Questionnaire(CTQ),Satisfaction with Life Scale(SWLS),Mindful Attention Awareness Scale(MAAS),Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale(CD-RISC)and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale(RSES)to a non-clinical sample of Chinese university students(N=1021).The results indicated that positive thoughts did not mediate the relationship between childhood maltreatment and life satisfaction,but self-esteem(β=−0.194,95%CI=[−0.090,−0.040])and psychological resilience(β=−0.063,95%CI=[−0.059,−0.020])mediated the relationship,as well as the“mindfulness-selfesteem”(β=−0.061,95%CI=[−0.287,−0.126])and“mindfulness-psychological resilience”(β=−0.035,95%CI=[−0.115,−0.034]).The results of this study were helpful to understand the relationship between childhood maltreatment and life satisfaction and provided a theoretical basis for the development of mindfulness intervention programs from the perspective of positive psychology.

The Effects of Childhood Trauma on College Students’Depressive Symptoms:The Mediation Role of Subjective Well-Being and the Moderation Role of Resilience

Background:The enduring and detrimental impact of childhood trauma on later health and well-being is now well established.However,research on the relationship between childhood trauma and depressive symptoms,along with the potential risk and protective factors,is insufficient in the context of Chinese college student population.Methods:Data on childhood trauma,depressive symptoms,resilience,and subjective well-being were collected through surveys conducted with 367 Chinese university students.The data collected in this study were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 and PROCESS 3.5.Results:The results revealed that subjective well-being mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and depressive symptoms among college students,with direct and indirect effects accounting for 59.46%and 40.54%of the total effect,respectively.The pathway process between subjective well-being and depressive symptoms was moderated by resilience,whereby an increase in resilience levels corresponded to a gradual escalation in the predictive power of subjective well-being on depressive symptoms.Conclusion:The study indicates that childhood trauma significantly and positively predicts depressive symptoms among college students,and it can also directly predict depressive symptoms through the mediating effect of subjective well-being.Elevating levels of psychological resilience and subjective well-being among college students can mitigate depression and promote psychological well-being.From the perspective of positive psychology,the present study provides a new perspective for the prevention and intervention of depressive symptoms among college students.

Total hip arthroplasty for sequelae of childhood hip disorders:Current review of management to achieve hip centre restoration

Adults requiring total hip arthroplasty(THA)for childhood disorder sequelae present with shortening,limp,pain,and altered gait.THA,which can be particularly challenging due to altered anatomy,requires careful planning,assessment,and computed tomography evaluation.Preoperative templating is essential to establish the appropriate acetabular and femoral size.Information regarding neck length and offset is needed to ensure the proper options are available at THA.Hip centre restoration must be planned preoperatively and achieved intraoperatively with appropriate exposure,identification,and stable fixation with optimum-size components.Identifying the actual acetabular floor is essential as changes include altered anatomy,distortion of the margins and version changes.Proximal femur changes include anatomical variation,decreased canal diameter,cortical thickness,changes in anteversion,and metaphyseal and diaphyseal mismatch.Preoperative assessment should consist of limb assessment for variations due to prior surgical procedures.Evaluation of the shortening pattern with the relationship of the lesser trochanter to the teardrop would help identify and plan for subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy,especially in high-riding hips.The surgical approach must ensure adequate exposure and soft tissue release to achieve restoration of the anatomical hip centre.The femoral components may require modularity to enable restoration of anteversion and optimum fixation.

Indian perspective on childhood malnutrition:Prevalence,pathophysiology,risk factors,and prevention

BACKGROUND Childhood malnutrition contributes over half of the childhood mortality around the world,predominantly in South-Asian and sub-Saharan countries.AIM To summarize the childhood malnutrition epidemiology along with the comorbid factors associated with it and its management within the community.METHODS The data collection process involved conducting a comprehensive search using specific keywords such as child nutrition disorders and India with Boolean operators.The search was conducted in the Scopus and PubMed electronic databases.RESULTS Inadequate energy consumption initiates pathological alterations in the form of growth retardation,fat,visceral,and muscle loss,a reduction in basal metabolic rate,and a significant reduction in total energy expenditure.It has become evident that malnutrition shows an increased prevalence and incidence rate,despite available guidelines for the management of malnutrition.CONCLUSION Malnutrition can be a major player in the establishment of severe infections that result in significant post discharge mortalities in children.Future trials are required to fill the prime gaps in knowledge regarding the identification of other contributory factors in the pathogenesis of malnutrition and postdischarge infection.New biomarkers for early detection of malnutrition should be the priority of the scientific community for the early management of malnutrition.

Assessing Moroccan physician knowledge and practices regarding maternal obesity's impact on childhood obesity:Implications for prevention and intervention

BACKGROUND Childhood obesity is a growing global concern with far-reaching health implications.This study focuses on evaluating the knowledge and practices of physicians in Morocco regarding the link between maternal obesity and childhood obesity.Despite the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity worldwide,this issue remains inadequately addressed in the Moroccan context.AIM To assess the awareness and practices of physicians in Morocco concerning the connection between maternal obesity and childhood obesity.METHODS The research encompasses a comprehensive survey of practicing physicians,revealing significant gaps in awareness and practices related to maternal obesity.RESULTS Notably,a significant portion of doctors do not provide adequate guidance to overweight pregnant women,highlighting the urgency for targeted educational programs.CONCLUSION In conclusion,this research illuminates critical areas for improvement in tackling childhood obesity in Morocco.By addressing these gaps,fostering awareness,and enhancing medical practices,the healthcare system can contribute significantly to preventing childhood obesity and improving the overall health of future generations.

Diagnosis and Management of Childhood Tuberculosis: A Cross-Sectional Study of Practices in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major killer diseases among infectious diseases. The success of TB control depends on the capability of the health care system to detect and accurately manage TB cases. Tuberculosis in children remained a low public health priority with limited epidemiologic studies. Struggles for TB control in children need to be enhanced as children are providing the reservoir for future cases to develop. Objectives: The study evaluated diagnostic and treatment practices related to childhood pulmonary tuberculosis in Gilgit Baltistan (GB), Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study based on retrospective record review of childhood Pulmonary Tuberculosis patients registered in the year 2020 with self-administered questionnaire. Results: Data of 557 childhood cases were collected. Most childhood cases were in age group 1 - 4 years (54%) with male predominance. More than 90% were diagnosed and treated at public sector facilities. 99% of the cases were clinically diagnosed with passive case finding. Cough was considered as a symptom of childhood Tuberculosis (TB) by 94% of physicians. Other important features included failure to thrive (13%), contact with a family history of TB (15%), Malnutrition(24%) and respiratory signs (21%). 99% physicians advised chest X-ray, Complete blood count (CBC) (95%) and Erythrocytes sedimentation rate (ESR) (72%) for diagnosis and fewer physicians (2%) used sputum smear microscopy and induced sputum (0.1%). Combining data on dosage, frequency and duration for drugs, 99% of the cases were found receiving correct regimen. The treatment outcomes of the cases were cured 4 (0.8%), treatment completed 551 (99.3%) and died 2 (0.4%) with no lost to follow up. Conclusions: The study highlights inappropriate diagnostic and treatment practices for managing childhood pulmonary TB among physicians in public and private sectors of Gilgit Baltistan. Most of the cases are managed by general practitioners with no post graduate qualification in medicine or pediatrics. The deviations from the guidelines for TB control cannot be negated in the region.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on routine childhood vaccinations

Routine pediatric vaccination is one of the most effective public health inter-ventions for the control of a number of fatal diseases.However,during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic,routine pediatric vaccination rates were severely affected by disruptions of health services and vaccine confidence issues.Governments and the United Nations have taken measures to re-establish routine pediatric vaccination,while additional efforts are needed to catch up and develop plans to ensure routine vaccination services for the future pandemics.

Childhood Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case Report

Background: Thyroid cancer is a rare disease yet the most common endocrine malignancy in pediatrics. Unlike adult patients, children with thyroid nodules typically don’t complain of pain, soreness, or difficulty swallowing. Additionally, using the recommended therapy for adults to treat paediatrics is not appropriate. There is an unmet need for updated unique guidelines for the management of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in paediatrics and adolescents. Case Report: A 12-year-old girl had an atypical presentation of metastatic PTC in lymph nodes. She was treated initially with hemi-thyroidectomy, followed by total thyroidectomy. A multidisciplinary team followed her up till successful results were found. Conclusion: Due to the difference in pathophysiology between thyroid tumors in children and adults, a unique approach to PTC management is to be implemented. Further trials are required for a better understanding of risk factors, the likelihood of recurrence, and the long-term side effects of the chosen management plan.

Radiation Dose from CT-Scan of Childhood’s Head: Results of the First Ivorian Survey in a Single Study Site

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the level of X-ray doses used in childhood’s head as Local Diagnostic Reference Levels (LDRLs) in computed tomography (CT) at a university hospital in Côte d’Ivoire. The Diagnostic Reference Level (DRL) have been set up and used to prevent unusually high radiation doses used in radiology departments and is therefore an optimization tool for practices and procedures in medical X-ray imaging for the radiation protection of patients. Methods: A prospective study of volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) was performed on images of childhood’s head obtained from a CT-scanner of 64 bars equipped with the tube current modulation capability and manufactured by Hitachi Medical System. 122 CT-scan data from 55 childhood’s head were analyzed. The scan data were stratified in four age groups: Results: The 75th percentile of CTDIvol and DLP (set as LDRL) obtained with respect to the stratified age groups are: 22.5 mGy and 452.5 mGy∙cm, 27.7 mGy and 690.6 mGy∙cm, 28 mGy and 722.4 mGy∙cm, 33.6 mGy and 736.8 mGy∙cm respectively. These outcome values increase with respect to the age of pediatric patients and are comparable to DRLs values obtained internationally. Conclusions: Obtaining good image quality while using low dose in children’s head computed tomography for radiation protection require to setup more surveys in Côte d’Ivoire for regional and national DRL. We proposed through this survey LDRLs in terms of CTDIvol and DLP, comparable to international DRLs values. This survey will be strengthened by additional surveys in order to obtain national DRLs for the radiation protection of the child patient in Côte d’Ivoire.

Primary Multiple Cerebral Hydatid Cyst in 8 Year-Old Girl: A Rare Cause of Childhood Seizure

Background: Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic infection that occurs worldwide. Humans are infected through ingestion of parasite eggs in contaminated food, water or through direct contact with infected dogs, which are the definite host. Humans serve accidentally as intermediate host, and occurrences are common in children and young adults. Cystic echinococcosis is endemic in Mediterranean, South American, Middle Eastern, Central Asia, East Africa countries and Australia. Multiple cerebral hydatid cysts are very rare with only a few reports in the literature. Case Description: We present the case of an 8-year-old girl who presented with focal seizures, hemiparesis, headache, vomiting and bilateral optic atrophy. Diagnostic workup was performed, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple intracranial cysts predominantly in the right frontal region with significant mass effect. A total of 11 intracranial cysts were removed surgically, and the child recovered uneventfully. Conclusion: Neurosurgeons should keep hydatidosis in the list of differentials when evaluating patients with cystic diseases of the brain. Although the removal of such cysts is challenging, outcomes are excellent when cysts are evacuated without rupture and patients show complete resolution of symptoms.

ALL-2005方案治疗儿童T系急性淋巴细胞白血病35例疗效总结

目的研究ALL-2005方案治疗儿童T系急性淋巴细胞白血病(T-ALL)的疗效。方法对2005年5月-2009年4月初发的35例T-ALL患儿采用ALL-2005方案进行分层治疗及疗效分析。结果 T-ALL患儿35例,男30例(86%),女5例(14%),发病时中位年龄8.3(2.0～15.6)岁。其中>10岁患儿14例,占40%。起病时外周血白细胞≥50×109/L者24例,占69%,起病时6例患儿有纵隔增宽。泼尼松治疗第8天时泼尼松试验反应好者22例(63%)。诱导治疗第35天有29例获完全缓解(83%),骨髓微小残留病(MRD)≤0.01%者共20例(67%)。治疗第55天时MRD≤0.01%共26例(87%)。4例复发,3例失访,6例死亡(包括3例复发和3例第1疗程未缓解而放弃治疗者)。随访至2011年6月31日,中位随访时间39(1～71)个月,5年无事件生存率为73.5%。结论 ALL-2005方案治疗儿童T-ALL疗效较好。

CCLG-ALL-2008方案治疗儿童急性淋巴细胞白血病的疗效分析

目的:分析CCLG-ALL-2008方案治疗儿童初诊急性淋巴细胞白血病(ALL)的临床疗效。方法:收集2013年7月~2018年11月于我院接受CCLG-ALL-2008方案治疗的29例初诊ALL患儿的临床资料,观察早期治疗反应及不良事件,并采用Kaplan-Meier生存分析评估患儿无事件生存率(EFS)。结果:29例ALL患儿第33天完全缓解(CR)率为100%,3年EFS(87.3±7.2)%,预测5年EFS 80%以上,随访期间复发2例(6.90%)。结论:基于严格的分型诊疗和微小残留病灶(MRD)监控,CCLG-ALL-2008方案治疗儿童ALL的初步疗效较好、CR率较高。