Pediatrics
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Safety and tolerability of North American ginseng extract in the treatment of pediatric upper respiratory tract infection: a phase II randomized, controlled trial of 2 dosing schedules.
Upper respiratory tract infections are the most common childhood illness. Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng root extract) standardized to contain 80% poly-furanosyl-pyranosyl-saccharides is purported to be effective in adult upper respiratory tract infection but has not been evaluated yet in a pediatric population. ⋯ Standard doses of ginseng were well tolerated and merit additional evaluation with regard to treatment of pediatric upper respiratory tract infection.
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Preterm infants are at increased risk to develop insulin resistance and high blood pressure. The influence of growth during childhood is not well established. ⋯ Young adults born preterm have lower insulin sensitivity and higher blood pressure than controls. Increments in height and weight during childhood are associated with lower insulin sensitivity and higher blood pressure in adulthood.
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Patient- and family-centered care is an innovative approach to the planning, delivery, and evaluation of health care that is grounded in a mutually beneficial partnership among patients, families, and health care professionals. Providing patient- and family-centered care to children in the emergency department setting presents many opportunities and challenges. ⋯ This technical report has been endorsed by the Academic Pediatric Association (formerly the Ambulatory Pediatric Association), the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, the Institute for Family-Centered Care, and the American College of Emergency Physicians. This report is also supported by the Emergency Nurses Association.
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Comparative Study
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor and autism spectrum disorders.
Autistic spectrum disorders are childhood neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social and communicative impairment and repetitive and stereotypical behavior. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an upstream regulator of innate immunity that promotes monocyte/macrophage-activation responses by increasing the expression of Toll-like receptors and inhibiting activation-induced apoptosis. On the basis of results of previous genetic linkage studies and reported altered innate immune response in autism spectrum disorder, we hypothesized that MIF could represent a candidate gene for autism spectrum disorder or its diagnostic components. ⋯ These results identify MIF as a possible susceptibility gene for autism spectrum disorder. Additional research is warranted on the precise relationship between MIF and the behavioral components of autism spectrum disorder, the mechanism by which MIF contributes to autism spectrum disorder pathogenesis, and the clinical use of MIF genotyping.
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The purpose of this work was to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of urban, minority adolescent girls about intention to use emergency contraception pills and to identify barriers to emergency contraception pill use. ⋯ Urban, minority adolescent girls have misconceptions about emergency contraception pills, are affected by the opinions of those close to them, and express concern about specific barriers. These findings can inform specific interventions aimed at addressing the barriers to emergency contraception pill use that are of most importance to this population of young women.