Publications by authors named "Christine Kowal"
Article Synopsis
- - Abnormalities identified on EEGs, often used to diagnose epilepsy, can also occur in people without a seizure history, making true prevalence rates unclear; this review aimed to estimate the prevalence of such abnormalities in non-epileptic populations.
- - The systematic review analyzed 53 studies with nearly 74,000 participants, finding an overall prevalence of epileptiform abnormalities at 1.74%, with higher rates observed among children (2.45%) and the elderly (5.96%) compared to adults (0.93%).
- - Although reports of developing epilepsy after detecting EEG abnormalities were rare, follow-up EEGs could reveal a 50% chance of ongoing issues; the study has limitations, such as gender bias
Article Synopsis
- - The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of xylitol versus sorbitol in preventing acute otitis media (AOM), upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), and dental caries in young children. - Conducted as a blinded randomized controlled trial over six months with 250 children aged 1-5, results showed no significant difference in AOM episodes, URTIs, or dental caries between the xylitol and placebo groups. - A post-hoc analysis during the COVID-19 pandemic suggested that xylitol may have reduced URTI rates compared to the placebo, though the overall conclusion was that xylitol did not prevent the targeted health issues in this study.
With widespread genomic sequencing research efforts, there is increasing impetus to return results to participants. Parents of healthy children are increasingly asked to participate in genomic research, yet there are limited studies of parental expectations for the return of results amongst healthy children. We explored parental attitudes towards their healthy children's participation in genomic research and expectations for return of results.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGenome sequencing (GS) studies involving healthy children can advance scientific knowledge of genetic variation. Little research has examined primary care providers' views on using GS in this context. This study explored primary care provider perspectives on the use of GS in research and the care of healthy children.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Xylitol (or 'birch sugar') is a naturally occurring sugar with antibacterial properties that has been used as a natural non-sugar sweetener in chewing gums, confectionery, toothpaste and medicines. In this preventative randomised trial, xylitol will be tested for the prevention of acute otitis media (AOM), a common and costly condition in young children. The primary outcome will be the incidence of AOM.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe study aims to describe overall gestational weight gain among Canadian women and to assess demographic, socio-economic, maternal, and pregnancy-related characteristics of gestational weight gain including uncovering the predictors above or below the range recommended by Health Canada. This study proceeds as a secondary data analysis of the Maternity Experiences Survey targeting women aged ≥15 years who had singleton live births in the Canadian provinces and territories in 2005/2006. The outcome variable considered was gestational weight gain within and outside the recommended guidelines.
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