Alexander M

Febrile Urinary Tract Infections in 0- to 3-Month-Old Infants: A Prospective Follow-Up Study

OBJECTIVE To track the clinical evolution of febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) diagnosed in 0- to 3-month-old infants and characterize uropathogen frequencies, antimicrobial resistance rates, renal abnormalities, and differences in the sexes in this age group. STUDY DESIGN We observed prospectively 46 infants identified in a cohort of 209 children with first UTI diagnosed between July 2006 and July 2008 at the age of 0 to 3 months. Renal ultrasound scanning and voiding cystourethrography examinations were performed in all infants. RESULTS Infants < 3 months old represented 21% of all children with first UTI. Of these children, 26% were female and 74% were male. Escherichia coli was isolated in 88% of cases and had a high rate of resistance to ampicillin (71%) and to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (47%); 21% of children had vesicoureteral reflux, which was of low-grade in 67% of cases, with spontaneous resolution before 2 years in all cases. In infants with normal ultrasound scanning results, a low-grade vesicoureteral reflux was subsequently found in 10% of cases. CONCLUSION Infants aged 0 to 3 months represent 21% of children treated for febrile UTI. Boys represent 74% of these cases. E coli is responsible for 88% of UTIs, with a high rate of resistance to antibiotics. When ultrasound scanning examination results are normal, the risk of missing a significant renal abnormality is expected to be extremely low.

Resonances in rotationally inelastic scattering of NH3 and ND3 with H2

We present theoretical studies on the scattering resonances in rotationally inelastic collisions of NH3 and ND3 molecules with H2 molecules. We use the quantum close-coupling method to compute state-to-state integral and differential cross sections for the NH3/ND3-H2 system for collision energies between 5 and 70 cm(-1), using a previously reported potential energy surface [Maret et al., Mon. Not. R. Astron. Soc. 399, 425 (2009)]. We identify the resonances as shape or Feshbach resonances. To analyze these, we use an adiabatic bender model, as well as examination at the scattering wave functions and lifetimes. The strength and width of the resonance peaks suggest that they could be observed in a crossed molecular beam experiment involving a Stark-decelerated NH3 beam.

Home monitors for infants: use, misuse, and “over-the-counter” use

The prevalence of “over-the-counter” monitors, was surveyed in infants referred to five Belgian paediatric centres between September 1987 and March 1988 for evaluation of their risk for sudden infant death (SID). Questionnaires were collected from 1625 families. Of the infants, 8.9% were already being monitored at home. For 78.1% of the infants no medical advice had been solicited, and for 21.9%, a paediatrician or a general practitioner had advised home monitoring without previous evaluation. Forty of 824 infants referred with no history of SID, and no history of apparent life-threatening event (ALTE), were monitored (4.8%). Monitoring was started for 3.8% (5 out of 130) of the infants who had lost a cousin or an uncle to SID, and for 22.2% (69 of 310) of the younger siblings of a SID victim. Of the 341 infants who had presented with an ALTE, monitoring was started in 32 (9.4%). The infants were monitored with respiratory monitors only, and in 86% of the monitors, the alarm delay had been regulated unnecessarily low.