Age and gender differences in the physical activity patterns of urban schoolchildren in Korea and China

Physical activity in childhood is important as it may establish adult behavior. However, few studies on physical activity in children have been conducted, especially in Asian children.We performed anthropometric measurements of 159 school children in two grades (grade 5: 10-11 years old and grade 8: 13-14 years old) from urban areas of Korea (n=79) and China (n=80). The total daily energy expenditure (TEE) was estimated for 7 consecutive days using an accelerometer.The mean height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) for boys and girls in both countries exceeded the US national reference median (CDC, 2000). Physical activity levels (PALs) were significantly higher in the grade 5 group (10-11 years old) and in girls than in boys for both grades. No significant difference in PALs or daily step-counts (STPs) was observed between 'normal' and 'overweight' subgroups based on BMI, although negative correlations were found between weight, BMI, or %body fat vs. PAL or STP among Korean girls and Chinese boys (r=0.32-0.38, all p<0.05). Daily variation in physical activity was observed in Korean children. In the Koreans (boys and girls, both grades pooled), TEE and STP were significantly lower than the 7-day average on Sundays, whereas for the Chinese population, STP did not clearly differ between the weekends and the week averages.In summary, PALs were higher in the fifth grade boys and girls than in the eighth grade children; interestingly, girls tended to have higher PALs than boys. Daily variation in physical activity was observed in Korea; children were less active on Sundays.     

Incidence of asthma in children in Tuzla Canton--Bosnia and Herzegovina

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases whose incidence shows constant growth in childhood. The objective of this work was to look into asthma incidence in children in relation to their age group and sex in a retrospective study, at Tuzla Canton area. The study comprised children of both sexes, age 0-14 who fell sick with asthma within the period from January 1st 2003 to December 31st 2007. The overall incidence and the incidence in relation to age group and sex was calculated as the number of children suffering from asthma, within the age group 0-14 years per 1000 children of the same age group in the Tuzla Canton. Asthma was diagnosed in 277 children (66.1% male and 33.9% female). The difference between asthma frequency in boys and girls was significant (chi2 = 56.16; df = 1; p < 0.0001). The average difference in proportion between the boys and girls was 32.2% (95% CI = 24.32-40.08). From this sample group the boys had a 3.8 times greater risk (OR = 3.79; %95 CI = 2.67-5.39) of contracting asthma. The average rate of incidence of asthma for both sexes in the observed period was 0.67/1000 (95% CI; 0.6-0.7; for boys 0.86/1000; for girls 0.47/1000). There was a statistically significantly higher incidence of asthma in boys in relation to girls (t = 6.3836, df = 32; p < 0.0001). The epidemiological data obtained could be useful for early detection and adequate treatment of children with asthma in the mentioned area.     

Correlates of objectively measured physical activity in obese children

The aim of this study was to identify potential correlates of objectively measured physical activity in a sample of obese children. A cross-sectional design was used to assess 137 5-9-year-old obese children (mean +/- s.d. age = 8.3 +/- 1.1 years; mean BMI z-score = 2.76 +/- 0.70; 58% girls) from two regional cities in New South Wales, Australia, before commencement in a treatment trial. Correlates examined included age, BMI z, parental BMI, perceived competence, health-related quality of life, daily minutes spent in small screen recreation (SSR), and fundamental motor skill (FMS) proficiency. Physical activity was assessed using accelerometers and values were calculated for % of monitored time spent in moderate- (MPA) and vigorous (VPA)-intensity physical activity and mean counts per minute (CPM). Analyses were conducted separately for boys and girls. Motor skill proficiency was significantly correlated with a number of physical activity variables for boys and girls. For boys, regression analysis revealed object-control proficiency predicted CPM (R(2) = 0.25) and age was a predictor of %MPA (R(2) = 0.56). Age and object-control skill proficiency were salient predictors of %VPA (R(2) = 0.34). For girls, age and daily minutes of SSR were the only significant predictors for CPM (R(2) = 0.13). Age was the sole predictor of %MPA (R(2) = 0.38) and %VPA (R(2) = 0.15). The targeting of FMSs at an early age should be tested in experimental studies as potential strategies to increase physical activity among obese children, particularly for boys. Interventions aimed at reducing sedentary behaviors among obese girls should also be considered.     

Energy gain and energy gap in normal-weight children: longitudinal data of the KOPS

Population-based prevention of overweight needs evidence-based goals consistent with our present knowledge about energy gap (i.e., daily imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure resulting in overweight). Longitudinal data of normal-weight children (1,029 girls and 1,028 boys; Kiel Obesity Prevention Study, KOPS) were used to calculate energy gain (i.e., increase in fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM)) in normal-weight children staying normal weight (persistent children) or becoming overweight (incident children). Taking into account weight gain in proportion to height gain (normal development) energy gap was calculated from increases in FM and FFM exceeding normal development. Children were divided into two groups and were followed from age 6 to 10 (group A) and 10 to 14 years (group B). FM and FFM were measured. Medians of 4-year BMI- (kg/m(2))/weight changes (kg) were +1.8/+13.2 (A) and +3.0/+18.7 (B) in girls, and +1.6/+12.8 (A) and +2.6/21.7 (B) in boys. Corresponding data for FM/FFM (kg) were +3.1/+10.2 (A) and +5.1/12.7 (B) in girls, and +2.3/10.8 (A) and +3.0/18.6 (B) in boys. The 4-year-incidence of overweight (%) were 9.4 (A) and 5.4 (B) in girls, and 11.0 (A) and 3.8 (B) in boys, respectively. Mean energy gains (kcal/day) were 26.8 (A) and 46.4 (B) in girls, and 22.1 (A) and 32.5 (B) in boys. The 90th percentile of energy gap (kcal/day) in incident children were 58.1 (A) and 72.0 (B) in girls and 46.0 (A) and 53.2 (B) in boys. To prevent overweight in children energy gap should not exceed 46-72 kcal/day.     

Growth hormone treatment in short Japanese children born small for gestational age

Recent reports have shown that high-dose growth hormone (GH) treatment in short children born with small for gestational age (SGA) resulted in a pronounced acceleration of linear growth. We describe the results of multicenter trials of recombinant human GH (rhGH) treatment in short SGA children in Japan. Two clinical studies were performed and the results were combined. Study 1 comprised 104 SGA children and study 2 comprised 61 SGA children. The patients were divided into three groups: group 1 consisted of 20 patients (13 boys and 7 girls) who received rhGH 25 microg/kg per day six or seven times per week in the first year and 50 microg/kg per day in the second year and thereafter; group 2 consisted of 48 patients (28 boys, 20 girls) who received rhGH 45/50 microg/kg per day; group 3 consisted of 44 patients (28 boys, 16 girls) who received 90/100 microg/kg per day. The mean increments in height SDS were 0.46, 0.67 and 0.94 SD in boys and 0.49, 0.79 and 0.93 SD in girls in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The mean increment in height SDS at 2 years in group 3 was significantly greater than that in group 1, but it was not significantly different from that in group 2 in boys and girls. Our data demonstrated that high-dose GH administration significantly improved height velocity and height SDS in short SGA children. Additional studies are necessary to optimize a long-term GH treatment regimen and combined luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analog treatment for final height. Careful observation is also necessary to assess the metabolic effects of high-dose GH, especially on carbohydrate metabolism.     

Joint and limb symptoms in children after immunisation with measles,mumps, and rubella vaccine.

OBJECTIVE--To assess whether the combined measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine increases the incidence of joint and limb symptoms in young children. DESIGN--Comparison of six week recalled incidence of symptoms in two groups of children: children who had been immunised at the start of the six weeks, and children eligible for immunisation but who had not received it. SETTING--South Manchester Health Authority. SUBJECTS--2658 children immunised during July 1989-February 1990 and 2359 not yet immunised. Questionnaires were returned for 1846 immunised children and 1075 not immunised. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE--Recalled rate of joint and limb episodes determined by postal questionnaire and later by clinical follow up. RESULTS--Compared with non-immunised children the immunised group had an increased incidence of new episodes (relative risk 1.6 (95% confidence interval (1.2 to 2.1)) and first ever episodes, though this was not significant (1.7 (0.3 to 3.5)). The risk of first episodes was increased in girls (3.5 (1.1 to 12.2)) but not in boys (1.0 (0.4 to 2.6)). Similarly, an increased risk was seen in children aged under 5 (12.0 (1.6 to 92.3)) but not in older children (0.7 (0.3 to 1.5)). Most episodes were mild and self limiting, but three immunised children required hospital referral. CONCLUSION--Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is associated with an increased risk of episodes of joint and limb symptoms, especially in girls and children under 5. The risk of frank arthritis is substantially less than after wild rubella infection.     

Six year follow up of infants with bacteriuria on screening.

OBJECTIVE--To determine the value of screening for bacteriuria in infants with special emphasis on the natural course of untreated asymptomatic bacteriuria, renal growth, and renal damage. DESIGN--Prospective six year follow up of infants with bacteriuria on screening in an unselected infant population. SETTING--Paediatric outpatient clinic. PATIENTS--50 Infants (14 girls, 36 boys) with bacteriuria on screening verified by suprapubic aspiration from an unselected population of 3581 infants in a defined area of Gothenburg. INTERVENTIONS--Children with asymptomatic bacteriuria and normal findings on initial urography were untreated, although other infections were treated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Culture of urine and determination of C reactive protein concentration every six weeks for the first six months after diagnosis, every three months from six months to two years, and every six months between two and three years; thereafter yearly urine culture. Evaluation of renal concentrating capacity with a desmopressin test; radiological examination, including first and follow up urography and micturition cystourethrography without antibiotic cover; and measurement of renal parenchymal thickness and renal surface area. RESULTS--Of the original 50 infants, 37 (12 girls, 25 boys) were followed up for at least six years. Two infants developed pyelonephritis within two weeks after bacteriuria was diagnosed; the others remained free of symptoms. 45 Infants were untreated; the bacteriuria cleared spontaneously in 36 and in response to antibiotics given for infections in the respiratory tract in eight. Recurrences of bacteriuria were observed in 10 of the 50 children, of whom one had pyelonephritis. No child had more than one recurrence. At follow up urography in 36 of the 50 children (9 girls, 27 boys) after a median of 32 months no child had developed renal damage. First samples tested for renal concentrating capacity showed significantly higher values than those from a reference population (mean SD score 0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.21 to 0.79; p less than 0.001), but the last samples showed no significant difference (mean SD score 0.08, -0.24 to 0.40; p greater than 0.05). CONCLUSIONS--Mass screening for bacteriuria in infancy results primarily in detection of innocent bacteriuric episodes and is not recommended.     

The course of diagnosis in autistic patients: the delay between recognition of the first symptoms by parents and correct diagnosis

The primary aim of the research was to find the delay between the first symptoms of an autistic disorder being recognized by parents and diagnosis in our centre. A secondary objective was to evaluate the number of contacts with professionals (physicians, teachers, and speech therapists) in which parents pointed out special manifestations seen in children and, in spite of that, the children were not referred to a specialist. A retrospective study assessed 204 children (59 girls, 145 boys) in total; 126 children (39 girls, 87 boys) with childhood autism (CHA), 57 (17 girls, 40 boys) with atypical autism (AA), and 21 (3 girls, 18 boys) with Asperger's syndrome (AS). The mean age at appearance of the first signs was 29.7 months (range 0-70, median 30+/-17.0) in N=201, and the average age at diagnosis was 81.5 months (range 13-276, median 69.5+/-45.2) in N=204. The mean delay in making a diagnosis was 51.3 months (range 0-246, median 39+/-40.9) in N=201. The delay in diagnosis is shortest in patients with AA (a mean period of 44.4 months = 3 years and 8 months), longer in CHA patients (49.5 months = 4 years and 2 months), and longest in patients with AS (80.8 months = 6 years and 9 months). A statistically significant difference in the period to diagnosis was found between CHA and AS patients (p=0.023) and between AA and AS patients (p=0.019). The mean number of visits to physicians and other specialists before referring to a specialized centre for diagnosis in N=133 was 2.4 (range 1-5, median 2+/-0.9). The diagnosis of autism is made late and early educational and behavioural interventions cannot be initiated.     

Adult height in congenital hypothyroidism: prognostic factors and the importance of compliance with treatment

OBJECTIVE: To study the growth, puberty and compliance of 66 hypothyroid children and to determine prognostic factors for adult height. PATIENTS: 66 children were included (12 boys, 54 girls). Aetiologies were 43 ectopic glands, 14 thyroid agenesis, 9 dyshormonogenesis. RESULTS: In girls the mean adult height was 164.7 +/- 6.5 cm for a target height (TH) of 162.8 +/- 5.4 cm. In boys the mean adult height was 178.2 +/- 6.4 cm for a TH of 175.7 +/- 4.7 cm. Puberty development was normal. Children who exceeded their TH had an earlier start of treatment versus children who failed to reach their TH: 24.8 +/- 13.5 vs. 42.0 +/- 47.3 days, p = 0.004. Delayed normalisation of TSH is a risk factor for bad compliance. Adequate correlations between treatment variables appeared only in children who exceeded their TH. CONCLUSIONS: TH, day of start of treatment and compliance with treatment are the main prognostic factors for adult height. Early detection of bad compliance is possible.     

Growth response to growth-hormone administration during the decelerating phase of the pubertal growth spurt in short normal children

In order to investigate the value of growth hormone (GH) treatment during late puberty, we studied the effect of human GH (hGH) administration (0.85 +/- 0.30 IU/kg/week; range: 0.44-1.28) on height velocity (HV) after the peak of the pubertal growth spurt in a group of 10 (4 girls and 6 boys) short normal children (GH peak after pharmacological stimulation: 15.5 +/- 2.3 ng/ml) with growth retardation (height: 2.6 +/- 0.3 SD) and puberty Tanner stage 4. A group of 10 untreated children, observed prior to the study, served as controls. The children were regularly measured during their pubertal growth spurt, and HV (cm/year) was calculated every 6 months. The pretreatment evaluation consisted of 2 consecutive 6-month periods characterized by a decrease in HV of at least 25%. In the group of selected children, hGH administration was then initiated and growth variables were evaluated after 6 and 12 months of therapy. Skeletal maturation was evaluated at the beginning as well as after 6 months and 12 months of hGH therapy. In the controls, HV (mean +/- SD) had decreased from 8.8 +/- 1.8 to 4.9 +/- 1.4 cm/year during the pretreatment period (in girls from 7.9 +/- 1.4 to 4.1 +/- 0.6 cm/year and in boys from 9.6 +/- 1.6 to 5.8 +/- 1.2 cm/year). During the following semester, HV was 3.3 +/- 0.8 cm/year (girls: 3.4 +/- 1.0 and boys: 3.2 +/- 0.2 cm/year).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Final height of growth hormone-treated GH-deficient children and girls with Turner's syndrome: the Dutch experience. The Dutch Advisory Group on Growth Hormone

In the Dutch growth hormone (GH) registration database there are currently 552 GH-deficient children being treated, subcutaneously, with recombinant human GH six to seven times per week. Of those, 112 who have been treated for at least 2 years have reached final height. Mean age at start of therapy was 11.70 years. Mean GH dose was 15.5 IU/m(2) body surface per week. Mean final height was 173.2 cm (boys) and 159.7 cm (girls) and -1.36 SD of the population mean. Of the patients, 73.2% and 63.4%, respectively, reached a final height above -2 SD of the population or within target limits. FH-SDS was higher compared with the results of earlier cohorts with different treatment regimens. Target height, GH peak value at diagnosis, age at start of GH therapy, height SDS (HSDS) at start of puberty, and duration of GH therapy were significantly correlated with final height. These results, combined with those of a prospective GH dose-response study, suggest that better long-term results can be obtained with early and prolonged treatment and if the GH dose is individually adapted to the short-term growth response. In an ongoing dose-response study, 68 girls with Turner's syndrome, aged 2-11 years, were randomized into three dosage groups with a daily GH dose of: (group A) 4 IU/m(2) body surface; (group B) 4 IU/m(2) in the first year of therapy and 6 IU/m(2) thereafter; (group C) 4 IU/m(2) in the first year, 6 IU/m(2) in the second year, and 8 IU/m(2) thereafter. After 4 years of GH therapy, girls aged 12 years or older started low-dose oestrogen therapy. After 7 years of GH therapy, mean HSDS in all three groups had increased to values above the third percentile for healthy girls. Mean final height and final height gain of 25 girls was 159.1 and 12.5 cm, 161.8 and 14.6 cm, and 162.7 and 16.0 cm in groups A, B and C respectively. These long-term and final height results are more favourable than the results of earlier Dutch Turner's syndrome studies. Possible explanations are the higher GH doses and/or the younger age at start of GH therapy.     

Effect of growth hormone therapy on IGF-I, bone GLA-protein and bone mineral content in short children with and without chronic renal failure.

Chronic renal failure (CRF) in the young is complicated by, among other conditions, growth retardation, hyperparathyroidism and uremic osteodystrophy. Many children with CRF are now being treated with growth hormone (GH). Since GH has a direct mitogenic effect on osteoblasts in culture, we studied the effects of GH therapy on osteoblastic activity, such as serum alkaline phosphatase (AP), bone GLA-protein (BGP) and bone mass density (BMD) in poorly growing children with and without CRF. Fifteen (4 girls, 11 boys) healthy children with short stature (SS) and 10 (3 girls, 7 boys) children with end-stage renal failure (CRF) 4.5-12.4 years of age were treated with daily subcutaneous injections of GH in a dose of 0.1-0.125 IU/kg/day for 1 year. IGF-I, BGP and BMD of the spine were determined before and after the year of treatment. During GH therapy, a similar increase in height velocity and IGF-I were noted in SS and CRF groups: 3.8 +/- 0.77 to 8.38 +/- 1.25 (p < 0.001) vs. 4.0 +/- 0.6 to 7.14 +/- 1.3 cm/year (p < 0.001) and 7.8 +/- 2.6 to 21.8 +/- 7.5 (p < 0.01) vs. 7.9 +/- 1.3 to 21.5 +/- 5.6 nmol/l (p < 0.01), respectively. AP increased from 205 +/- 27 to 274 +/- 50 IU/l (p < 0.01) in the SS group but not in CRF patients (223 +/- 58 pre- 218 +/- 51 IU/l post-GH therapy).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Sex Differences in Obese Children and Siblings in Family‐based Obesity Treatment

Objective: The primary goal was to evaluate sex differences in child weight control programs that targeted increasing physical activity (increase) or the combination of reducing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity (combined). A second goal was to evaluate the benefits of family‐based interventions on nontargeted siblings. Research Methods and Procedures: Sixty‐seven families with obese children and 89 siblings were randomized to interventions that targeted increasing physical activity (increase) or the combination of reducing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity (combined). Targeted participants and nontargeted siblings were followed for 1 year. Results: At 12 months, boys showed significantly better percentages of overweight changes (?15.8%) for the combined treatment than girls (?1.0%), with no significant differences for the increase intervention for boys (?9.3%) or girls (?7.6%). Boys adhered to treatment better than girls (p < 0.01). Adherence and predilection for physical activity were significant predictors of targeted child weight loss at 1 year in multiple regression analysis. Predictors of sibling weight loss included age, number of siblings, targeted child percentage of overweight change, and the interaction of group assignment by same sex of treated sibling. Discussion: Gender may influence response to programs that attempt to decrease sedentary behavior, and generalization of treatment effects to siblings may depend on the intervention and characteristics of the siblings.     

Prevalence,natural history,and relationship of wheezy bronchitis and asthma in children. An epidemiological study

Three randomly selected groups of 7-year-old schoolchildren in Melbourne with mild wheezy bronchitis, with moderate wheezy bronchitis, and with asthma were compared with a control group, and the patients followed up until 10 years of age. Comparison showed that if there was any significant difference between the study groups and the controls it was usually present in all these study groups. It was considered that children with wheezy bronchitis and asthma were from the same population with the same underlying basic disorder, and that there was a wide spectrum in various aspects of the natural history of the disorder.About 11% of all children aged 10 years had had some asthmatic episodes. Seventy per cent. of these children ceased having asthma before 10 years of age, while about 30% (3·7% of the whole community) continued to have episodes. There was a highly significant correlation between early age of onset, the frequency of episodes in the first year of symptoms, and the persistence of asthmatic episodes up to 10 years of age.Ten per cent. of all children with asthmatic episodes continued to have symptoms as severely at 10 years as at an earlier period. In this group the onset of symptoms was almost always before 3 years of age, there was a high frequency of episodes in the first year of symptoms, and boys and girls were affected in the ratio of 7:3.     

Undernutrition among the tribal children in India: tribes of Coastal, Himalayan and Desert ecology

The purpose of the present cross-sectional investigation was to assess the nutritional condition in children of three tribal communities namely Dhodia, Kinnaura and Bhil, which belong to Coastal, Himalayan and Desert ecology, respectively, in India. A total of 989 tribal children in the age group 0-1 years through 5+ years (below 6 years) was examined. There were 306 Dhodia children (164 boys and 142 girls), 327 Kinnaura children (177 boys and 150 girls) and 356 Bhil children (168 boys and 188 girls) out of 989 subjects. Crown-heel length was measured using infantometer with the child lying supine, height with Martin's anthropometer and body weight using standard weighing machine. Body mass index (BMI) was subsequently computed. 'Z' score was undertaken to obtain comprehensive pictures of undernutrition in terms of wasting, stunting and underweight in these communities. The chi2-test test was also undertaken to compare nutritional indicators by the sexes. It was observed that maximum wasting (85.3%), stunting (86.6%) and underweight (93.3%) was recorded in Kinnaura girls, who belong to Himalayan ecology. The results revealed also that so far as wasting and stunting was concerned, the situation was worst for desert dwelling Bhil, where only 7.3% wasted and 5.6% stunted pre-school children fall in between -1 SD to < or = median as compared to 11.7% wasted and 18.3% stunted pre-school children in Dhodia and 11.3% wasted and 15.3% stunted pre-school children in Kinnaura, who fall in the same category (-1 SD to < or = median). It was important to note that the prevalence of undernutrition in terms of wasting, stunting and underweight was similar in both the sexes (chi2(2) = 1.745, p > 0.05). The findings of the present study revealed the widespread prevalence of undernutrition among the children of Dhodia, Kinnaura and Bhil tribal communities and highlight a need for an integrated approach towards improving the child health as well as the nutritional status in these areas.     

Prevalence of obesity in elementary schoolchildren living in Northeast Attica, Greece

Objective: To assess the prevalence of obesity and obesity trend in schoolchildren living in Northeast Attica, Greece. Research Methods and Procedures: Mean (standard deviation) and median weight and BMI were calculated in 4131 (2054 boys and 2077 girls) 6‐ to 11‐year‐old Greek schoolchildren living in Northeast Attica between November 2003 and April 2004. Two hundred thirty‐six (95 boys, 141 girls) immigrant children also participated in the study. The secular trend for obesity was determined comparing our data with those of a similar study performed in 1994. Results: Of boys, 27.8% were overweight, and 12.3% were obese. For girls, the corresponding values were 26.5% for overweight and 9.9% for obesity. There was an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the last 10 years in both sexes. For boys, overweight increased by 4.2% and obesity by 2.9%, whereas, for girls, overweight increased by 3.8% and obesity by 1.6%. Overweight and obesity were less prevalent in the immigrant children compared with their Greek peers. For immigrant boys, overweight was 15.9% and obesity was 7.9%, and for immigrant girls, overweight was 15.2% and obesity was 8.7%. Discussion: Greek schoolchildren living in Northeast Attica present a high prevalence of overweight and obesity and a positive secular change in the prevalence of obesity.     

Food consumption, activity, and overweight among elementary school children in an Appalachian Kentucky community

In the U.S., child overweight is on the rise and is implicated in later adult chronic illness. Given that overweight is hardly tractable, prevention as compared to treatment is seen as a better alternative for lowering the risk of long-term health consequences. To increase the success of prevention efforts, many argue that programs must be "culturally sensitive and targeted toward specific populations at greater risk. However, there exists a limited understanding of how overweight is distributed across the landscape, among and within populations and groups. This paper reports the prevalence of overweight among 54 school children in a rural, Appalachian community with a high rate of poverty, and it compares boys to girls. Thirty-seven percent of boys and 10.3% of girls are overweight, based on the 90th percentile body mass index (BMI). Analysis of food intake indicates a pattern of food consumption that is high in fatty and sugary foods and low in fruit and vegetable consumption. Analysis of activity indicates that children report more low-intensity activity than high; that overweight children report more episodes of video/computer play compared to nonoverweight children; and that boys spend more time than girls in front of the computer/television screen.     

Study of urinary tract infection in children in one health district.

OBJECTIVES--To determine the number of children who had urine specimens sent for culture, who had infections or sterile pyuria, and who were investigated further. To relate the laboratory findings to the results of imaging. DESIGN--One year survey of urine specimens submitted to a laboratory; review of previous and subsequent laboratory reports; review of the findings of imaging of the urinary tract. SETTING--Portsmouth and South East Hampshire health district. SUBJECTS--An estimated population of 89,086 children aged 12 years or under. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Urine bacterial count and results of imaging. RESULTS--12,551 urine specimens were submitted from 7450 children, 3138 boys and 4312 girls. 2238 children had infection or sterile pyuria at least once during the study (13.9/1000 boys, 37/1000 girls). 996 (45%) of the children with infection or sterile pyuria underwent some form of imaging. 128 children who had infection or sterile pyuria were already known to have urinary tract abnormalities and 114 children had newly identified abnormalities (1.0/1000 boys, 1.5/1000 girls). 50 (44%) of the children with newly detected abnormalities had no pyuria and 48 (42%) had bacterial counts below 10(8)/l. Eight children who had sterile pyuria on presentation were found to have abnormalities on imaging. CONCLUSIONS--Urinary tract infection is much commoner in children than is widely believed. Low bacterial counts, the absence of pyuria, or a finding of sterile pyuria should not be disregarded.     

Chronology, dynamics and period of primary tooth eruption in children from Zagreb, Croatia

The aim of the present paper is to determine the beginning, order, median time, termination, dynamics, continuity and intensity of the primary tooth eruption, as well as its calendar, in a sample of children from Zagreb, Croatia. The study included 1288 children. All subjects were classified in one-year age groups. In the examined group, the continuity of tooth eruption occurs from 4.2 months to 41.5 months, i.e., for a period of 37.3 months. Each particular tooth has its own dynamics of eruption (V5-V95) which on the average amounts to 14.35 months (14.92 months in boys and 13.79 months in girls). The continuity of eruption is 35.6 months in boys and 38.9 months in girls. The dynamics of eruption is 14.82 months in boys and 13.79 in girls. The termination of tooth eruption is similar for both sexes.     

Physical growth and nutritional status of Tsimane' Amerindian children of lowland Bolivia

This study examines patterns of growth and nutritional status of indigenous Tsimane' children under 9 years of age (n = 199 boys and 210 girls), based on a cross-sectional sample from 58 villages from the Beni Deparment of lowland Bolivia. Compared with US children, Tsimane' children are quite short, with linear growth tracking at or below the US 5th centile in both sexes. The prevalence of low height-for-age ("stunting;" HA Z-scores 相似文献