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Aim: This study was designed to examine the effect of training on components of the metabolic syndrome and ApoB/ApoA-I ratio in obese children. Methods: We studied thirty-two obese children (13.3 ± 0.4 years) with 16 subjects who participated to 8-week training and 16 subjects serving as a control group. Training was individualized at the point where fat oxidation was maximal (Fat max). In each subject, pre- and postintervention anthropometric measures and biochemical tests on fasting blood were performed. Results: After the programme, the training group showed an increase in VO2peak and fat oxidation during exercise. Body mass index (BMI), blood glucose and triglycerides were reduced, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was increased. ApoB/ApoA-I ratio decreased significantly (−0.43%, p < 0.01). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure also decreased (−8.4% and −10.9%, respectively). Among the training group, 10 subjects were classified as having the metabolic syndrome before the intervention and none after. No significant changes in any other variables were measured in the control group. Conclusions: Training targeted at Fat max reduces the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its associated factors in obese children. In particular, this intervention decreases the ApoB/ApoA-I ratio, which may be considered as a marker for following this syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a major opportunistic infection in haematology patients. Preventive measures are important to control IA because diagnosis is difficult and the outcome of treatment is poor. We prospectively examined the environmental contamination by Aspergillus and other fungal species and evaluated the prevalence of invasive aspergillosis in the protect unit of haematology. A three-year prospective study (December 2004–September 2007) was carried out in the department of haematology of Hedi Chaker Hospital. Suspected invasive aspergillosis cases were reviewed and classified as proven, probable and possible invasive aspergillosis using the EORTC criteria. During the study period, we collected weekly environmental samples (patient’s rooms, tables and acclimatisers) and clinical samples from each patient (nasal, expectoration and auricular). Among 105 neutropenic patients, 16 had probable and 13 had possible IA. A total of 1680 clinical samples were collected and A. flavus was most frequently isolated (79.2%). Analysis of 690 environmental samples revealed that Penicillium (44%) was the most frequent followed by Cladosporium (20%), Aspergillus spp. (18%) and Alternaria (13%). The PCR-sequencing of 30 A. flavus isolates detected from clinical and environmental samples confirmed the mycological identification. Our findings underline the importance of environmental surveillance and strict application of preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We investigate the effects of a 2-month weight-loss programme on plasma levels of adiponectin, leptin and resistin in obese adolescent boys. Methods: Twenty-one obese adolescent boys (BMI = 30.8 ± 3.2 kg/m2) completed the weight-loss programme including: 1/ either energy restriction (R), 2/ or individualized exercise training at the point of maximum lipid oxidation (Lipoxmax) (E), 3/ or energy restriction and training (RE). Body composition, lipid oxidation and plasma levels of adiponectin, leptin and resistin were measured before and after intervention. Results: Following the weight-loss programme, adolescents of the RE group showed an improvement of their body composition (p < 0.01), an increase in plasma adiponectin (+73.7%, p < 0.01) and a decrease in plasma leptin (−38.8%, p < 0.01) leading to an increase in adiponectine/leptin ratio (ALR, +144.4%, p < 0.01) higher than the R or E groups. E and RE groups only showed a similar significant increase in plasma resistin (p < 0.05) and a significant improvement of lipid oxidation rate at Lipoxmax (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001). In addition, in RE group, ALR is correlated with waist/hip and waist/height ratios, resistin level, homoeostasis mode assessment (HOMA-IR) index and Lipoxmax. Conclusion: In obese adolescents boys, moderate exercise training completed at Lipoxmax and combined with energy restriction improves their ability to oxidize lipids, which is associated with a normalization of their adiponectin, leptin and resistin levels resulting in an improved insulin sensitivity, as attested by a higher ALR and a lower HOMA-IR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To develop a 6-minute walk-distance (6MWD) reference equation for children and adolescents with obesity, and to assess its determinant factors., Methods: A cross-sectional study using mixed linear and multiple regression models was conducted in 497 children (235 girls and 262 boys) aged 6-18 years with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 97th percentile. Anthropometrics and a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were performed., Results: Mean 6MWD was 547 ± 86 m for girls and 575 ± 96 m for boys, which averaged ~80% of a reference normal-weight population matched for age and ethnicity. Age, weight and BMI were positively correlated with 6MWD whereas waist and hip circumferences (WC and HC, respectively) were negatively correlated with 6MWD for both genders. The combination of age, height, BMI and HC explained 69% of the 6MWD variability in the equation for the whole population. Moreover, the combination of age, height, HC as well as the combination of age, height, BMI and WC explained 67% and 75% of the variability in the girls' and boys' equations, respectively., Conclusion: This 6MWD reference equation, which was influenced by abdominal obesity markers in a gender-specific way, extends and enhances scientific knowledge and provides useful predictive tools for the care of obese children., (© 2020 Foundation Acta Paediatrica. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Genetic changes associated with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) provide diagnostic and prognostic information with a direct impact on patient management. We report the cytogenetic analysis of 298 Tunisian patients with ALL, including 183 children and 115 adults. Chromosome abnormalities have been detected in 68.2% of our patients associating clonal numerical and/or structural rearrangements. Some chromosomal abnormalities especially hyperdiploidy, 19p13 abnormalities, 8q24 translocations, 12p, 6q deletions and TCR rearrangements occur at a lower incidence compared to that reported in other populations. ALL cases (5.7%) had miscellaneous clonal abnormalities. We also found in our Tunisian series a higher incidence for T-lineage ALL more than usually described. Among structural chromosomal abnormalities, t(9;22)(q34;q11) resulting in the BCR/ABL fusion and the t(12;21)(p13;q22) resulting in the TEL/AML1 fusion were studied by FISH providing additional diagnostic and prognostic information. We conclude that although the incidence of our cytogenetic results are slightly different, their clinical significance is similar to that described in the literature.