Micronutrient status in children and adolescents with Down syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic disorder. To date, the scientific literature regarding micronutrient status in children and adolescents with DS has not been systematically reviewed. Therefore, our aim was to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis on this topic. METHODS: We identified all relevant case-control studies published by 1 January 2022, by searching the PubMed and Scopus databases for original English-language articles analysing the micronutrient status of individuals with DS. Forty studies were included in the systematic review and 31 in the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences between individuals with DS (cases) and non-DS (controls) (P ≤ 0.05) were obtained for zinc, selenium, copper, vitamin B12, sodium and calcium. Serum, plasma and whole blood analyses showed lower zinc levels in cases than controls {standardised mean difference [SMD] serum [95% confidence interval (CI)] = -2.32 [-3.22, -1.41], P < 0.00001; SMD plasma [95% CI] = -1.29 [-2.26, -0.31], P < 0.01; SMD blood [95% CI] = -1.59 [-2.29, -0.89], P < 0.00001}. Similarly, plasma and blood selenium concentrations were significantly lower in cases than controls (SMD plasma [95% CI] = -1.39 [-2.26, -0.51], P = 0.002; SMD blood [95% CI] = -1.86 [-2.59, -1.13], P < 0.00001). Intraerythrocytic copper and serum B12 were higher in cases than controls (SMD Cu [95% CI] = 3.33 [2.19, 4.46], P < 0.00001; SMD B12 [95% CI] = 0.89 [0.01, 1.77], P = 0.048). Blood calcium was lower in cases than controls (SMD Ca [95% CI] = -0.77 [-1.34, -0.21], P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first systematic overview of micronutrient status in children and adolescents with DS and has shown that relatively little consistent research has been executed in this field. There is a clear need for more well-designed, clinical trials to study the micronutrient status and effects of dietary supplements in children and adolescents with DS.

Characterisation of subchondral bone repair following transplantation of bioreactor-manufactured autologous osteochondral graft in a sheep model.

To date, no single approach to the treatment of osteochondral defects has resulted in satisfactory long-term outcomes, especially in a young and active human population. Emerging innovative tissue engineering strategies, including the use of composite scaffolds, novel cell sources and bioreactors, have shown promising results. However, these techniques need to be validated in translational animal models before they can be implemented in clinical practice. The aim of the present study was to analyse morphological and microarchitectural parameters during subchondral bone repair following transplantation of bioreactor-manufactured autologous osteochondral grafts in a sheep model. Animals were divided into 4 treatment groups: nasal chondrocyte (NC) autologous osteochondral grafts, articular chondrocyte (AC) autologous osteochondral grafts, cell-free scaffolds (CFS) and empty defects (EDs). After 6 weeks, 3 months and 12 months, bone remodelling was assessed by histology and micro-computed tomography (µCT). Although gradual remodelling and subchondral bone repair were seen in all groups across the time points, the best results were observed in the NC group. This was evidenced by the extent of new tissue formation and its best integration into the surrounding tissue in the NC group at all time points. This also suggested that nasal septum chondrocyte-seeded grafts adapted well to the biomechanical conditions of the loaded joint surface.

Are Canadian youth still exposed to second-hand smoke in homes and in cars?

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this manuscript is to examine the prevalence of youth exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS) in homes and cars, changes in SHS exposure over time, and factors associated with beliefs youth hold regarding SHS exposure among a nationally representative sample of Canadian youth. METHODS: Descriptive analysis of SHS exposure in homes and cars was conducted using data from the Canadian Youth Smoking Survey (2004, 2006 and 2008). Logistic regression was conducted to examine factors associated with beliefs youth had about SHS exposure in 2008. RESULTS: In 2008, 21.5% of youth reported being exposed to SHS in their home on a daily or almost daily basis, while 27.3% reported being exposed to SHS while riding in a car at least once in the previous week. Between 2004 and 2008, the prevalence of daily SHS exposure in the home and cars decreased by 4.7% and 18.0% respectively. CONCLUSION: Despite reductions in SHS exposure over time, a substantial number of Canadian youth continue to be exposed to SHS in homes and cars. Further effort is required to implement and evaluate policies designed to protect youth from SHS.

TITRE: Les jeunes Canadiens sont-ils toujours exposés à la fumée secondaire à la maison et en voiture? INTRODUCTION: Nous étudions dans cet article la prévalence de l'exposition à la fumée secondaire (FS) chez les jeunes à la maison et en voiture, les variations du niveau d'exposition à la FS dans le temps et les facteurs associés aux croyances des jeunes au sujet de l'exposition à la FS, grâce à un échantillon représentatif à l'échelle nationale des jeunes Canadiens. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Nous avons mené une analyse descriptive de l'exposition à la FS à la maison et en voiture à l'aide des données de l'Enquête sur le tabagisme chez les jeunes (2004, 2006 et 2008). Une analyse de régression logistique a été effectuée afin d'analyser les facteurs associés aux croyances des jeunes au sujet de l'exposition à la FS en 2008. RÉSULTATS: En 2008, 21,5 % des jeunes ont signalé avoir été exposés à la FS à la maison chaque jour ou presque chaque jour, tandis que 27,3 % des jeunes ont déclaré avoir été exposés à la FS à bord d'une voiture au moins une fois au cours de la semaine précédente. Entre 2004 et 2008, la prévalence de l'exposition quotidienne à la FS au domicile et en voiture a diminué respectivement de 4,7 % et de 18,0 %. CONCLUSION: Malgré la diminution de l'exposition à la FS au fil du temps, un nombre important de jeunes Canadiens continuent à être exposés à la FS chez eux et en voiture. Il faut redoubler d'efforts pour mettre en oeuvre et évaluer des politiques visant à protéger les jeunes de la FS.

Cigarette brand preference as a function of price among smoking youths in Canada: are they smoking premium, discount or native brands?

INTRODUCTION: Given that little is known about the price-related cigarette brand preferences of youths, the current study seeks to characterise cigarette brand preferences and examine factors associated with smoking discount or native cigarette brands among Canadian youths who are current smokers. METHODS: This study used nationally representative data collected from 71,003 grade 5-12 students as part of the 2006-7 Canadian Youth Smoking Survey (YSS). Using data from current smokers, logistic regression models were used to examine factors associated with smoking discount or native cigarette brands relative to premium cigarette brands. RESULTS: In 2006, premium cigarettes were the most prevalent brand of cigarette youths report usually smoking (49.4%); a substantial number of youths do report usually smoking either discount (12.9%) or native (9.3%) cigarette brands. Occasional smokers were more likely to report usually smoking premium cigarettes whereas daily smokers were more likely to report smoking either discount or native cigarettes. In particular, discount and native brands appear to be appealing among smoking youths with less spending money or those who are heavier smokers compared to youths smoking premium brands. CONCLUSION: Discount and native cigarette brands are commonly used by a substantial number of smoking youths in Canada. Additional research is required to better understand the reasons behind different cigarette brand preferences and how youths are able to access premium, discount and illicit native cigarettes. Moreover, ongoing surveillance of the cigarette brand preferences of youths is required for guiding future tobacco control policy and programming activities.

Rapid cervicovaginal smear screening: method of quality control and assessing individual cytotechnologist performance.

AIM: To validate the method of rapid screening (RS) in the detection of cervical lesions and false-negative results as well as in quality control of cytotechnologist performance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The RS method was validated on Papanicolaou-stained and initially conventionally analysed vaginal, cervical and endocervical (VCE) smears collected in an opportunistic programme for the detection of cervical carcinoma. The study included 3680 VCE smears from the Department of Gynaecologic Cytology, University Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Zagreb and from the Department of Clinical Cytology, Osijek University Hospital, Osijek. Histologically verified abnormal findings accounted for 10% of the study samples. Thirteen cytotechnologists, with no previous experience in RS, performed the test. Each slide was examined using the 'step' technique for 1.5 minutes, the findings were classified as negative or abnormal, and the abnormal ones were also classified according to differential cytological diagnosis. The results were compared with those obtained on initial screening. Abnormal findings from a group of initially negative findings were reanalysed using conventional methods to make definitive cytological diagnosis. RESULTS: RS yielded a sensitivity of 83.7%, specificity of 93.7%, positive predictive value of 62.4%, negative predictive value of 97.9% and diagnostic accuracy of 92.6%. Relative to the initial abnormal differential cytological diagnosis, the diagnostic value of RS increased with lesion severity [54.8%, 68.0% and 91.3% for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I, CIN II and CIN III respectively]. RS detected 38 additional positive findings; 94.2% of these were atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS)/abnormal glandular cells undetermined significance (AGUS) and CIN I. The rate of additional positive findings was 1.14% (38/3135). The false-negative rate of initial screening was 9.4% (38/406), and individual cytotechnologist sensitivity was 60.0-100.0%. CONCLUSION: RS could be introduced as an efficient method of quality control to improve the sensitivity of cytological screening as well as for quality control of cytotechnologist performance.

[The computer-assisted management programs for antibiotic therapies in connection with an application in geriatrics]. / Les systèmes informatiques d'aide à la décision en antibiothérapie à propos d'une application en gériatrie.

OBJECTIVES: Improve antibiotic therapies in a geriatrics hospital by enhancing guidelines impact. Historical background. - Study of the uses of the data-processing tool: detection of adverse drug events and inappropriate therapies; diffusion of the probable bacteria and their sensitivities to antibiotics following the infected site; creating decisional algorithms leading to suggested antibiotic therapy concept. METHOD: Referring to the conferences of consensus: drafting of local protocols of antibiotic therapies by using data processing if possible. Description of computer-systems implemented in Salt Lake City (USA) and Tubingen (Germany). With the assistance of an expert infectiologist, design of a database containing clinical details of the different situations in the pulmonary and urinary infections: once the clinical data are entered, a suggested antibiotic therapy appears on the screen, followed by a suggested prescription adapted to patient's specifications. During five years, survey of Defined Daily Dose per 1000 occupied bed-days; survey of sensitivities to antibiotics of urinary tract bacteria. RESULTS: Decrease of overall antibiotic consumption; decrease of broad-spectrum agents; modifications of E. coli sensitivities lead to variations of suggested antibiotic therapy. DISCUSSION: Seizure of the clinical determinants imposes a reducing effect; but it is necessary to apply to antibiotic therapies a hierarchicalbasis on account of bacterial resistances process and on account of "tonnage" of antibiotic prescriptions. CONCLUSION: Computer-assisted decision in antibiotic therapy can draw prescribers' attention to guidelines. The adhesion of the physicians to the computerized decision-making system is consolidated by their direct participation in the design of this system.

[Evaluation of the effect of a lecture and film on smoking on the attitude of students toward smoking]. / Evaluacija utjecaja predavanja s filmom o pusenju na odnos ucenika prema pusacima.

Within the activities of biology class four pupils conducted an acclaimed poll of all the classes of two elementary schools on the experience with smoking tobacco and the attitude towards smoking and smokers. The investigation was supplemented with the same poll of six classes of the high school center. By processing the answers of 1086 pupils, data was received that pupils tried smoking from 18.6 in the younger grades to 61.7% among high-school students. Projecting the wish towards smoking when they grow up ranges from 8.2 over 14.5 to 6% with the older pupils. But beside these opposite tendencies the number of those who still "light a cigarette" increases from 4% over 7-8 to 23.3% with age. Less than 10% of the pupils from the younger grades has shown that they like smokers, but the attractiveness of the smoking style increases with age. Thus, the proportion of those who do not like smokers and rooms filled with smoke decreases from 95% with the younger pupils to 45% among high-school students. Between the two schools there is a difference of proportion in the replies to the questions asked which is significant at the level of 0.1%. But the distribution of proportions according to the age of those who still "light a cigarette", as well as of those who want to smoke when they grow up coincides with the creating of two maximums: with the youngest pupils and with the highschool students. The testing concerning the influence of the lecture and film on the attitude towards smokers did not reach a 5% level of significance (x2 = 5.19).