Radiographic scores as a predictor of oxygenation index in very low-birthweight infants.

Background: Very low birthweight infants (VLBWIs) often undergo chest radiographic examinations without standardization or objectivity. This study aimed to assess the association of two radiographic scores, the Brixia and radiographic assessment of lung edema (RALE), with oxygenation index (OI) in ventilated VLBWIs and to determine the optimal cutoff values to predict hypoxic respiratory severity.

Methods: VLBWIs who received invasive respiratory support with arterial lines between January 2010 and October 2023 were enrolled in this study (n = 144).

A Japanese Boy with Dysmorphic Syndrome with Multiple Pituitary Hormone Deficiency and Gingival Fibromatosis Due to a Pathogenic KCNQ1 Variant.

A six-year-old boy presented with short stature and gingival fibromatosis (GF). Dysmorphic features included slant optic fissures, a high-arched palate, thick earlobes, and an edematous face. Laboratory tests showed low levels of serum insulin-like growth factor-1 and serum free thyroxine but normal serum thyrotropin levels.

The prediction of estimated cerebral perfusion pressure with trans-systolic time in preterm and term infants.

It is important to monitor cerebral perfusion in infants because hypo- and hyperperfusion can contribute to neurological injury. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between trans-systolic time (TST) and critical closing pressure (CrCP) or estimated cerebral perfusion pressure (CPPe) in neonates. Moreover, we aimed to determine the TST values in preterm and term infants with stable cerebral perfusion to clarify normative reference data.

Association of Type 2 Deiodinase Thr92Ala Polymorphism with Pediatric Obesity in Japanese Children: A Case-Control Study.

Genetic factors play critical roles in the onset and progression of obesity. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity is also critical for adiposity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and effects of BAT gene polymorphisms in pediatric obesity.

High-fat diet during pregnancy lowers fetal weight and has a long-lasting adverse effect on brown adipose tissue in the offspring.

Maternal obesity and malnutrition during gestation and lactation have been recognized to increase the risk of obesity and metabolic disorders in the offspring across their lifespan. However, the gestational period during which malnutrition exerts a decisive effect is unclear. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a critical role in energy metabolism owing to its high efficiency in oxidizing glucose and fatty acids.

Thyroid hypogenesis is associated with a novel AKT3 germline variant that causes megalencephaly and cortical malformation.

The molecular mechanisms involved in thyroid organogenesis have not been fully elucidated. We report a patient with a de novo germline AKT3 variant, NM_005465.7:c.

Alfacalcidol improves the growth velocity in children with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency: A single center retrospective cohort study.

Objectives: To investigate the growth velocity-improving effects of vitamin D replacement therapy in pediatric patients diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency.

Study Design: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 34 pediatric patients diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency. Based on the clinical findings, the subjects were divided into two groups: a bowed leg (BL) group and a non-bowed leg (non-BL) group.

45,X/46,X,psu idic(Y)(q11.2) in a phenotypically normal male with short stature: a case report.

We report a case of 15-yr-old phenotypically normal male with short stature associated with the chromosomal abnormalities of 46,X,psu idic(Y)(q11.2)/45,X. At 3 yr of age, he underwent urethroplasty for scrotal hypospadias.

ACE2 exerts anti-obesity effect via stimulating brown adipose tissue and induction of browning in white adipose tissue.

The angiotensin II (ANG II)-ANG II type 1 receptor (ATR) axis is a key player in the pathophysiology of obesity. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) counteracts the ANG II/ATR axis via converting ANG II to angiotensin 1-7 (Ang 1-7), which is known to have an anti-obesity effect. In this study, we hypothesized that ACE2 exerts a strong anti-obesity effect by increasing Ang 1-7 levels.

High-fat diet accelerates extreme obesity with hyperphagia in female heterozygous Mecp2-null mice.

Rett syndrome (RTT) is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutation of the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene. Although RTT has been associated with obesity, the underlying mechanism has not yet been elucidated. In this study, female heterozygous Mecp2-null mice (Mecp2+/- mice), a model of RTT, were fed a normal chow diet or high-fat diet (HFD), and the changes in molecular signaling pathways were investigated.

Erythropoietin and long-acting erythropoiesis stimulating agent ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by increasing lipolysis and decreasing lipogenesis via EPOR/STAT pathway.

Erythropoietin (EPO) has been reported to exert a beneficial effect on glucose metabolism in obesity. However, the effect of EPO on lipid metabolism and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was unclear. Furthermore, the effect of long acting erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESA) on metabolism has not been poorly understood.

Decrement in bone mineral density after parathyroidectomy in a pediatric patient with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHT) causes increased bone turnover, leading to reduction in bone mineral density (BMD). Parathyroidectomy is a definitive therapy and improves BMD in adult patients with PHT. However, there are no reports regarding alterations of BMD in pediatric or adolescent patients with PHT.

Angiotensin 1-7 stimulates brown adipose tissue and reduces diet-induced obesity.

The renin-angiotensin system is a key regulator of metabolism with beneficial effects of the angiotensin 1-7 (Ang 1-7) peptide. We hypothesized that the antiobesity effect of Ang 1-7 was related to the stimulation of brown adipose tissue (BAT). We administered Ang 1-7 (0.