TheScientificWorldJournal
-
The amount needed to change the concentration of a solute requires the knowledge of its volume of distribution in the solution. Electrolytes that do not participate in active metabolic reactions have a fixed volume of distribution that corresponds to the volume of water in which they solubilize. Bicarbonate infusion is used to correct hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. ⋯ In this paper, we shall review experimental studies that supported evidence for this knowledge and analyze the basic hypothesis to explain the phenomena. Since we have not found clinical studies in children, we shall report our experience in a group of patients with metabolic acidosis treated with bicarbonate infusion in whom apparent bicarbonate space was measured and compared with data in adults from the literature. Guidelines for amount of bicarbonate needed to increase its concentration according to baseline bicarbonate concentration will be suggested.
-
TheScientificWorldJournal · Jan 2006
ReviewAspects of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-I related to neuroprotection, regeneration, and functional plasticity in the adult brain.
Apart from regulating somatic growth and metabolic processes, accumulating evidence suggests that the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) axis is involved in the regulation of brain growth, development, and myelination. In addition, both GH and IGF-I affect cognition and biochemistry in the adult brain. Some of the effects of GH are attributable to circulating IGF-I, while others may be due to IGF-I produced locally within the brain. ⋯ Briefly, these findings suggest that IGF-I functions as a putative regenerative agent in the adult CNS. Hitherto less studied regarding in these aspects, GH may have similar effects, especially as it is the main regulator of IGF-I in vivo. Some of the positive cognitive features of GH treatment are likely attributable to the mechanisms reviewed here.
-
TheScientificWorldJournal · Jan 2006
Parental knowledge on car safety for children: an Israeli survey.
The objective of this study was to assess the level of parental car safety knowledge and actual behavior regarding their children under the age of 15 years. This study forms part of the National Center for Child Safety and Health in Israel (Beterem) program to examine awareness on child safety. Seven hundred and five Jewish families with at least one child at home younger than 15 years (a total of 1,345 children) were used as a randomized sample of the Jewish population. ⋯ The average of incorrect answers was 4.86 out of 7 (SD=1.45) correlated with low socioeconomic status. Concerning care safety behavior 60% percent of babies and 38% of toddlers were not restrained properly. This study should alert planners and policy makers to the need of implementation of educational prevention programs for the Israeli public of parents concerning car safety for children in order to reduce childhood injury.
-
TheScientificWorldJournal · Jan 2006
Case ReportsRespiratory distress secondary to esophageal foreign body: a case report.
The ingestion or aspiration of a foreign body is a common, but preventable occurrence in childhood. Primary healthcare personnel should alert parents to the risk of swallowing a foreign object, the signs and the need for immediate medical attention. ⋯ A case of an eight year old child, who had swallowed a marble ball is presented and the symptoms and intervention discussed. Medical staff should be aware of the symptomatic variation in ingested foreign body presentation and the importance of rapid diagnosis and management.
-
TheScientificWorldJournal · Jan 2006
ReviewPeroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and shock state.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors that are related to retinoid, steroid, and thyroid hormone receptors. Three isotypes of PPARs have been identified: alpha, beta/delta, and gamma, encoded by different genes and distributed in various tissues. ⋯ Moreover, PPARs modulate the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of immune cells. This review presents the current state of knowledge regarding the involvement of PPARs in the control of inflammatory response, and their potential therapeutic applications in several types of shock, as well as hemorrhagic, septic, and nonseptic shock.