Vaccine implementation reduces inequity.

To access publisher's full text version of this article, please click on the hyperlink in Additional Links field or click on the hyperlink at the top of the page marked Downloa

Proteome analysis of vernix caseosa

To access publisher full text version of this article. Please click on the hyperlink in Additional Links fieldVernix caseosa (vernix) is a white creamy substance covering the skin of the fetus during the last trimester of pregnancy. The function of vernix has long been debated but no consensus has been reached. We here report a proteome analysis of vernix using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. We have identified 41 proteins, of which 25 are novel to vernix. Notably, 39% of the identified vernix proteins are components of innate immunity, and 29% have direct antimicrobial properties. These results form a substantial contribution to the knowledge of vernix composition and demonstrate that antimicrobial protection of the fetus and the newborn child is a major and important function of vernix

Decreasing death rates and causes of death in Icelandic children-A longitudinal analysis.

To access publisher's full text version of this article, please click on the hyperlink in Additional Links field or click on the hyperlink at the top of the page marked DownloadBackground: Global death rate in children has been declining during the last decades worldwide, especially in high income countries. This has been attributed to several factors, including improved prenatal and perinatal care, immunisations, infection management as well as progress in diagnosis and treatment of most diseases. However, there is certainly room for further progress. The aim of the current study was to describe the changes in death rates and causes of death in Iceland, a high-income country during almost half a century. Methods: The Causes of Death Register at The Directorate of Health was used to identify all children under the age of 18 years in Iceland that died during the study period from January 1st, 1971 until December 31st, 2018. Using Icelandic national identification numbers, individuals could be identified for further information. Hospital records, laboratory results and post-mortem diagnosis could be accessed if cause of death was unclear. Findings: Results showed a distinct decrease in death rates in children during the study period that was continuous over the whole period. This was established for almost all causes of death and in all age groups. This reduction was primarily attributed to a decrease in fatal accidents and fewer deaths due to infections, perinatal or congenital disease as well as malignancies, the reduction in death rates from other causes was less distinct. Childhood suicide rates remained constant. Interpretation: Our results are encouraging for further prevention of childhood deaths. In addition, our results emphasise the need to improve measures to detect and treat mental and behavioural disorders leading to childhood suicide

Comprehensive population-wide analysis of Lynch syndrome in Iceland reveals founder mutations in MSH6 and PMS2.

To access publisher's full text version of this article, please click on the hyperlink in Additional Links field or click on the hyperlink at the top of the page marked FilesLynch syndrome, caused by germline mutations in the mismatch repair genes, is associated with increased cancer risk. Here using a large whole-genome sequencing data bank, cancer registry and colorectal tumour bank we determine the prevalence of Lynch syndrome, associated cancer risks and pathogenicity of several variants in the Icelandic population. We use colorectal cancer samples from 1,182 patients diagnosed between 2000-2009. One-hundred and thirty-two (11.2%) tumours are mismatch repair deficient per immunohistochemistry. Twenty-one (1.8%) have Lynch syndrome while 106 (9.0%) have somatic hypermethylation or mutations in the mismatch repair genes. The population prevalence of Lynch syndrome is 0.442%. We discover a translocation disrupting MLH1 and three mutations in MSH6 and PMS2 that increase endometrial, colorectal, brain and ovarian cancer risk. We find thirteen mismatch repair variants of uncertain significance that are not associated with cancer risk. We find that founder mutations in MSH6 and PMS2 prevail in Iceland unlike most other populations.Ohio State University (OSU) Comprehensive Cancer Center OSU Colorectal Cancer Research fund Obrine-Weaver Fund Pelotonia Fellowship Award deCODE genetic

Meðfædd vélindalokun á Íslandi 1963-2002

Objective: Oesophageal atresia is an congenital anomali with incidence of 1/3000-1/4500 live births. The results of reconstructive surgery has improved greatly, to 80-92% survival reported in the last two decades. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of oesophageal atresia in Iceland and to evaluate the results of operations at the Department of Pediatric surgery at The Children's Hospital, Landspítal inn - University Hospital in Iceland. Material and methods: This retrospective study included all children diagnosed with oesophageal atresia in Iceland between 1963 and 2002. Information was gathered from hospital records, including birth-weight, gestational age, the type of atresia and the presence of other congenital anomalies. The results of operation were determined including post operative complications. Information on life births in Iceland for the same period was gathered from the Icelandic National Register. Results: Thirtyseven children were diagnosed with oesophageal atresia in these 40 years. The average birth-weight was 2626g, including 14 children (38%) with low birth-weight (<2500g). Fifteen children (41%) were prematurely born (<38 weeks). Thirtyfour children (92%) had the most common type of oesophageal atresia with proximal blind loop and distal tracheooesophageal fistula. Thirtyfour children were operated on, including one in Denmark. Nine children died within 60 days after surgery. The most common cause of death was lung inflammation (n=7, 78%). The survival after surgery in Iceland was 73% in the study period. Other congenital defects were common in this patient group with congenital heart defects as the most common ones (n=12, 32%). The incidence decresead in the study period from 1/3737 in the first ten years to 1/10639 in the last decade, this did not reach statistical signifiquance. Conclusion: It is interesting to see this decrease in incidence in the study period and this is the lowest incidence known to us. The survival has improved from previous study but is however still lower compared to our neighbouring countries. Other congenital anomalies are common in this patient group

Chart of the coast of China and of the Japan Islands including the Marianes and a part of the Philippines [cartographic material] /

Map of the coast of China and the islands of Japan showing towns with relief shown by hachures and spot heights. Depth shown by soundings.; In upper right margin: Lith. of J. Bien, 60 Fulton St., N.Y.; Prime meridian: Greenwich.; Also available in an electronic version via the internet at: http://nla.gov.au/nla.map-rm1407

Low Risk of Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infections in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Patients.

Icelandic Cancer Society, Reykjavik, IcelandBackground: Central venous lines (CVLs) are essential for standard care of pediatric hematology/oncology patients providing safe administration of cytotoxic drugs and pain-free blood sampling. Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) cause significant morbidity. This study describes the epidemiology, microbiology, and risk factors for CLABSI in all children with malignancies in Iceland. Methods: All children that were diagnosed with malignancy in Iceland and received a CVL during 2008-2017 were included in the study. Characteristics of CVLs and patients were registered, information on risk factors, and microbiology was collected. International standards were used for CLABSI definition. Results: One hundred forty-three CVLs were placed in 94 children. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia was the most common underlying disease (31/94). Median age was 7 years. Implantable ports were the most commonly placed CVLs (82/143, 57%), tunneled lines were 39 (27%). Overall CLABSI rate was 0.24 infections/1000 line-days (14 episodes in 58,830 line-days), with little fluctuations. No CLABSI episodes occurred for 4 consecutive years (2012-2015). Staphylococci (of which 7 Staphylococcus aureus) were the cause of 10/14 episodes. Nine CLABSI episodes led to line removal, but no deaths were linked to CLABSIs. Conclusion: We report very low CLABSI rates over a 9-year period at our hospital, with 4 consecutive CLABSI-free years. Even with the addition of episodes of possible CLABSI, rates were still very low and lower than most published reports

James Warner starting the starboard motor of the Southern Cross, Fokker monoplane F.VII/3m, VH-USU, before takeoff to Melbourne from Sydney, 10 June 1928 [picture] /

"Jim Warner does his cranking job before the take-off for Melbourne"--label, on verso.; Part of the collection: Charles Ulm national aviation collection.; Title devised by cataloguer based on accompanying documentation.; Also available in an electronic version via the Internet at: http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-vn3930739

Febrile Children with Pneumonia Have Higher Nasopharyngeal Bacterial Load Than Other Children with Fever

Febrile episodes are common in children and the most frequent reason for attending emergency services. Although most infections have a benign and self-limiting course, severe and sometimes life-threatening infections occur. This prospective study describes a cohort of children presenting to a single-centre pediatric emergency department (ED) with suspected invasive bacterial infection, and explores the relationships between nasopharyngeal microbes and outcomes. All children attending the ED who had a blood culture taken were offered to participate over a two-year period. In addition to conventional medical care, a nasopharyngeal swab was obtained., which was analysed for respiratory viruses and three bacterial species using a quantitative PCR. Fisher’s exact test, Wilcoxon rank sum, and multivariable models were used for statistical analyses of the 196 children (75% younger than four years) who were enrolled and had sufficient data for analysis; 92 had severe infections according to the study protocol, while five had bloodstream infections. Radiologically confirmed pneumonia was the most common severe infection found in 44/92 patients. The presence of respiratory viruses and the carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae were associated with a higher risk of pneumonia. Higher density colonisation with these bacteria were independent risk factors for pneumonia, whereas Moraxella catarrhalis carriage was associated with lower risk. Our data support the hypothesis that higher nasopharyngeal density of pneumococci and H. influenzae could play a role in the development of bacterial pneumonia in children. A preceding viral infection of the respiratory tract may be a trigger and play a role in the progression to severe lower respiratory tract infection

Interior view of Amberg House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, ca. 1910, [3] [transparency].

Part of the collection: Eric Milton Nicholls collection.; Title devised by cataloguer.; Condition: Silvering.; House designed by Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin.; Also available in electronic version via the Internet at: http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-vn4194019; Purchased from Marie and Glynn Nicholls, 2006.; Vernon inventory, Pt.IV/1 Box 3 No.14