A useful predictor of early atherosclerosis in obese children: serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.

Childhood obesity seems to contribute to the development of vascular inflammation and the progression of arterial wall changes. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) has recently emerged as a useful biomarker for vascular inflammation associated with atherosclerosis. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the association of the serum hs-CRP level with ultrasonic findings of early atherosclerosis, carotid intima-media wall thickness (IMT) and brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD), in obese children.

Delivery modes and neonatal EEG: spatial pattern analysis.

Background: Animal studies indicate that postnatal adaptation and development of neonates could be different due to the birth method and that these effects may last throughout adulthood.

Study Design: We applied a spatio-temporal analysis to EEG recordings of a group of neonates to investigate the influence of a cesarean section on maturation and extrauterine adaptation of the brain. EEG were recorded at 2 h and at 24 h after delivery.