Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Freshwater Fish Species,Anzali, Iran

The main objectives of study were to monitor the metals concentrations, in freshwater fish species, Carassius gibelio and Esox lucius; and to identify any relationships between species and bioaccumulation of metals. The highest concentration of metals (cadmium, 1.96; copper, 24.2; zinc, 49.6; lead, 5.4; chromium, 4.4) between the fish species and tissues was in the liver of Esox lucius, while the lowest (cadmium,0.21; copper,7.2; zinc,19.4; lead,0.9; chromium,0.6 μg/g) found in the muscle of Carassius gibelio. Results showed that the metal concentrations were in fishes in descending order of zinc > copper > lead > chromium > cadmium, similarly in the tissue liver > kidney > gill ~ intestine > muscle.     

Effects of Nitrite and Toxic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Microcystis Aeruginosa</Emphasis> PCC7806 on the Growth of Freshwater Rotifer <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brachionus Calyciflorus</Emphasis>

Over the last two centuries, anthropogenic activities have increased the nitrogen amount in aquatic ecosystems, which has resulted in increased occurrences of blooms of cyanobacteria. This study investigated the effects of nitrite and the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa on population growth in the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus. The rotifer was treated for 12 days with nitrite alone (medium containing 0, 3, 6, 10 mg NO₂ ⁻ –N L⁻¹), M. aeruginosa alone (medium containing 0 mg NO₂ ⁻–N L⁻¹ + 5.0 × 10⁵ cell ml⁻¹ M. aeruginosa precultured at 0, 3, 6, 10 mg NO₂ ⁻–N L⁻¹), and nitrite in combination with M. aeruginosa (medium containing 3, 10 mg NO₂ ⁻–N L⁻¹ + 5.0 × 10⁵ cell ml⁻¹ M. aeruginosa precultured at corresponding nitrite concentrations). We observed that a nitrite concentration of 10 mg NO₂ ⁻–N L⁻¹ markedly inhibited the growth of B. calyciflorus; however, rotifer growth declined slightly in the presence of M. aeruginosa precultured at 6 mg NO₂ ⁻–N L⁻¹. Furthermore, reduced population growth of B. calyciflorus was observed when it was treated with both nitrite and M. aeruginosa compared to nitrite alone or M. aeruginosa alone. These results suggested that a high tolerance of B. calyciflorus to nitrite levels may be attributed to the absence of specific respiratory structures and pigments; and that the increased toxicity of nitrite in combination with M. aeruginosa may have been due to increased production of microcystin. It is also possible that nitrite and microcystin could act in a synergistic way in causing toxicity.     

Diets of minority ethnic groups in the UK: influence on chronic disease risk and implications for prevention

• ○ 1.1 Definitions of ‘ethnic groups’ and ‘ethnicity’
• ○ 1.2 Demographics and characteristics of minority ethnic groups in the UK
  • – Countries of origin
  • – Age/sex distribution and life expectancy
  • – Geographical distribution and size of household
  • – Religious beliefs
  • – Education and employment patterns
  • Key points

2 Overview of the health profile and dietary habits of minority ethnic groups in the UK

• ○ 2.1 Available surveys
• ○ 2.2 Overview of the health profiles among adults from minority ethnic groups
  • – Overall health
  • – Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
  • – Coronary heart disease (CHD)
  • – Stroke
  • – Type 2 diabetes
  • – Obesity
• ○ 2.3 Possible causes of increased disease risk among minority ethnic groups
• ○ 2.4 Smoking, drinking and physical activity habits
• ○ 2.5 Dietary habits and nutritional status
• ○ 2.6 Overview of the health profiles and dietary and health behaviour patterns of children from minority ethnic groups
  • – Overall health
  • – Diet and health behaviour patterns
• ○ 2.7 Gaps in data availability
  • – Income and socio‐economic status
  • – Food availability and access
  • – Awareness of healthy eating
  • – Religious beliefs
  • – Food beliefs
  • – Time and cooking skills
  • – Generation and gender
  • Key points
• 4 Traditional diets of minority ethnic groups
  • ○ 4.1 Overview of traditional diets of minority ethic groups
    • – South Asians
    • – African‐Caribbeans
    • – Chinese
  • ○ 4.2 Dietary acculturation
  • ○ 4.3 Nutritional composition of ethnic‐style cuisine
    • ○ 5.1 Effective nutritional interventions
    • ○ 5.2 Health promotion interventions to prevent problems associated with fasting
    • ○ 5.3 Priorities for nutritional interventions and health promotion
    • ○ 5.4 Using behaviour change models
    • ○ 5.5 Current community initiatives
    • ○ 5.6 Catering for institutionalised individuals
    • ○ 5.7 Recommendations for future research, policy and practice
      相似文献   

10-Jahres-Entwicklung von Kindern mit Geburtsgewicht unter 1501 g

Summary 170 Children born between 1971 and 73 and hospitalised at the neonatal intensive care unit of the Hospital for Children of the University of Basel because of very low birth weight and/or IRDS are re-examined at the age of 10 years. First analyses show high mortality amongst the children with very low birth weight (38% of 122 died up to the age of 10 years) and a physical development (weight and height) below that of a representative sample of children of the same age.

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Développement des enfants nés avec un poids_ de naissance inférieur à 1501 grammes jusqu'à l'âge de 10 ans

Résumé 170 enfants, nés en 1971, 1972 et 1973 et hospitalisés en néonatologie à cause d'un poids de naissance inférieur à 1501 grammes et/ou un syndrome de détresse respiratoire, ont été réexaminés à l'âge de 10 ans. L'analyse montre une mortalité élevée pour les enfants de moins 1501 grammes (38% de 122 sont décédés avant l'âge de 10 ans) et un développement somatique (taille et poids) inférieur à celui d'un groupe de comparaison.

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Unterstützt vom Schweiz. Nationalfonds Projekt Nr. 3.992.-0.82     

Heavy Metal Contaminants in Tissues of the Garfish, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Belone belone</Emphasis> L., 1761, and the Bluefish, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pomatomus saltatrix</Emphasis> L., 1766, from Turkey Waters

Levels of contaminants in fish are of particular interest because of the potential risk to humans who consume them. Fish samples were collected through the coastal waters of Turkey and the contents of cadmium, cobalt, chrome, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, zinc and lead in the liver and muscle tissues were determined. Among the metals analyzed, copper, zinc and iron were the most abundant in the different tissues while cadmium and lead were the least abundant both in Belone belone and Pomatomus saltatrix. Metal concentrations in muscles of fish species were found 0.01–0.38 mg kg⁻¹ for cadmium, 0.01–0.53 mg kg⁻¹ for cobalt, 0.05–1.87 mg kg⁻¹ for chromium, 0.21–5.89 mg kg⁻¹ for copper, 9.99–43.3 mg kg⁻¹ for iron, 0.14–1.33 mg kg⁻¹ for manganese, 0.06–4.70 mg kg⁻¹ for nickel, 0.09–0.81 mg kg⁻¹ for lead, 3.85–15.9 mg kg⁻¹ for zinc, respectively. Regional changes in metal concentration were observed in the tissues of both species, but these variations may not influence consumption advisories.     

Some Heavy Metals Accumulation in Tissues in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Capoeta umbla</Emphasis> (Heckel, 1843) from Uzuncayir Dam Lake (Tunceli,Turkey)

Concentrations of metals were determined in the gills, liver, kidney, heart and muscle in Capoeta umbla caught from six stations from the Munzur River system. Metal concentrations in the tissues tended to vary significantly among stations (p < 0.05). Liver (Cu, 10.10 ± 0.23–23.03 ± 9.37 ppm; Zn, 14.67 ± 3.01–21.82 ± 2.39 ppm; Cd, 18.04 ± 4.56–52.69 ± 10.65 ppb and Fe, 28.87 ± 6.78–115.11 ± 34.87 ppm) and kidney (Cu, 1.80 ± 0.25–3.70 ± 0.62 ppm; Zn, 20.81 ± 0.37–29.36 ± 0.70 ppm; Cd, 132.06 ± 5.29–639.51 ± 20.14 ppb and Fe, 24.40 ± 1.98–59.39 ± 1.97 ppm) tissues showed higher metal concentrations than other tissues. It seems that metal contamination in the river is too high for the health of fish and the people who eat them. The geographical locations of catch, season, nature of diet, and the size of fish used for analyses might lead to different metal concentration in the same fish species.     

Longitudinal Study of Depressive Symptoms and Social Support in Adolescent Mothers

Previous studies have suggested that adolescent mothers with higher social support have lower depressive symptoms. This is a longitudinal study of adolescent mothers to examine the association of social support and depressive symptoms over one year postpartum. This was a prospective study of adolescent mothers (N at baseline = 120, N at 1 year = 89; age < 19 years) enrolled in a teen tot program. Participants completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for children (CES-DC) and the Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire at baseline, 12 weeks, and 1 year. A score of ≥ 16 on the CES-DC was suggestive of major depression. The mean CES-DC scores of the adolescent mothers were ≥16 points at all three time points (baseline: mean = 18.7 ± 10.3; 53% ≥ 16; 12 weeks: mean = 18.4 ± 11.4, 57% ≥ 16; one year: mean = 20.0 ± 11.4; 57% ≥ 16). Social support had a significant, inverse association with depressive symptoms for all participants from baseline to 12 weeks with a stronger association for those with more depressive symptoms (score ≥ 16) at baseline (beta = −0.030 ± 0.007; P < 0.001) than for those with fewer depressive symptoms (score < 16) at baseline (beta = −0.013 ± 0.006; P = 0.021). From 12 weeks to one year, increased social support was only significantly associated with decreased depressive symptoms for those with a higher baseline level of depressive symptoms (beta = − 0.039 ± 0.009; P < 0.001). Depressive symptoms were prevalent among adolescent mothers. For more depressed adolescent mothers, higher levels of social support were associated with less depressive symptoms over the 1 year follow-up. Effective long-term interventions are needed to lessen depression and enhance social support.     

Measurement and evaluation of environmental odors

Zusammenfassung Das Geruchsproblem in der Umgebung einer Schlammtrocknungsanlage wurde durch den Einbau eines Biofilters gelöst. Der Erfolg dieser Minderungsmassnahme wurde emissisonsseitig durch olfaktometrische Messungen und immssionsseitig durch eine Befragung der Bevölkerung überprüft. Die Frage der Zumutbarkeit wurde anhand eines empirischen Modelles beantwortet.

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Measurement and evaluation of environmental odors

Summary The odor problem in the vicinity of a sludge drying plant was solved by installation of a biofilter. The success of this measure was examined by olfactometric measurements such as dilution to threshold determination and scaling of hedonic tone. The odor immissions were evaluated by questioning of the population in the neighbourhood of the plant. The question of acceptability was answered by a simple empiric model based on the percentage of highly annoyed people in the afflicted areas.

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Mesure et évaluation d'odeurs de l'environnement

Résumé Le problème des odeurs aux environs d'une installation de sécherie de boues a été résolu grâce à l'installation d'un biofiltre. Le succès de cette mesure a été examiné par des mesures olfactométriques en ce qui concerne les émissions, et par une interrogation de la population en ce qui concerne les immissions. La question de l'acceptabilité a été résolue à l'aide d'un modèle empirique basé sur le pourcentage des personnes fortement gÊnées dans les zÔnes touchées.

     

A QICAR approach for quantifying binding constants for metal-ligand complexes

Relative metal-ligand complex stability is predicted by evaluating the relationships between physicochemical properties of metal ions and their experimental biotic and abiotic binding constants, K. Linear regression analysis showed that the softness index (σ_p) and the covalent index (χ²_mr) were especially useful in model construction for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) and crustaceansaquatic (Daphnia magna) based on RMSE and F-ratio criterion (F_observed/F_critical of ≥4). The absolute value of the log of the first hydrolysis constant |log K_OH| correlated best with log K values for barley (R²=0.74, p=0.02) and earthworm (R²=0.82, p=0.01). In contrast, the ionic index Z²/r explained most of the variability of log K values for the two clays kaolinite and montmorillonite, while |log K_OH| was a better predictor of the generic NICA-Donnan parameters for HA and FA (0.67<R²<0.80, 0.002<p<0.01). This implies dissimilarity of the nature of the binding sites on biotic and chemical ligands and the different binding mechanisms between metal and ligands.     

Levels of Organochlorine Pesticides Residues in Human Adipose Tissue,Data from Tabasco,Mexico

The objective of this study was to determine the levels of organochlorine pesticides HCB, α-β-γ-HCH, p,p′-DDE, o,p′-DDT and p,p′-DDT in 150 adipose tissue of inhabitants of Tabasco, Mexico. The following pesticides were detected: p,p′-DDE in 100 % of samples at mean 1.034 mg/kg; p,p′-DDT in 96.7 % at mean 0.116 mg/kg; o,p′-DDT in 78.7 % at mean 0.022 mg/kg and β-HCH in 58.0 % at mean 0.049 mg/kg. The pooled sample was divided according to sex of donors (75 female and 75 male). Significantly higher levels of all organochlorine pesticides in females were found. The sample was divided into three age’s ranges (15–28, 29–45 and 46–84 years). The mean and median levels of β-HCH, p,p’-DDE and Σ-DDT increase significantly (p < 0.05) from the first to the second and third group. The presence of organochlorine pesticide residues in Tabasco inhabitants is still observed, indicating sources of exposure to the pesticides.     

Temporal Variation of Metals in Water,Sediment and Tissues of the European Chup (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Squalius cephalus</Emphasis> L.)

The aim of this study was to analyze seasonal variation of levels of Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) in water, sediment and tissues of Squalius cephalus (L., 1758) taken from five different stations chosen at Yamula Dam Lake (Kayseri, Turkey). Concentrations of metals were generally sorted as water<tissue<sediment. The highest concentration of metals in water was observed in the samples taken in the summer (Mn, 1.04 ± 0.15 mg L⁻¹; Ni, 0.42 ± 0.12 mg L⁻¹; Cu, 1.25 ± 0.88 mg L⁻¹; Zn, 3.61 ± 1.53 mg L⁻¹; Pb, 0.58 ± 0.09 mg L⁻¹). While the highest Zn (24.85 ± 21.82 μg g⁻¹) and Pb (10.89 ± 4.2 μg g⁻¹) concentrations in sediment were observed in the winter samples, the highest Mn concentration (167.2 ± 99.37 μg g⁻¹) was observed in the summer. Cd pollution was determined in sediment according to international criteria. The highest metal concentration in tissues was generally observed in the liver and the other tissues; following liver were gills and muscles. In liver tissues, while the highest accumulation of Zn (110.34 ± 13.1) and Mn (22.5 ± 14.85 μg g⁻¹), which are essential for the body, were observed in the winter, Pb (22.58 ± 7.83 μg g⁻¹) and Cd (11.77 ± 7.83 μg g⁻¹), which are toxic, were found to be higher in the summer. Also, concentrations of Mn, Cd and Pb in muscle tissues were found to be above the limits permitted.     

Voluntary drinking behaviour, fluid balance and psychological affect when ingesting water or a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution during exercise

This study investigated the effects of drink composition on voluntary intake, hydration status, selected physiological responses and affective states during simulated gymnasium-based exercise. In a randomised counterbalanced design, 12 physically active adults performed three 20-min intervals of cardiovascular exercise at 75% heart rate maximum, one 20-min period of resistance exercise and 20 min of recovery with ad libitum access to water (W), a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution (CES) or with no access to fluids (NF). Fluid intake was greater with CES than W (1706 ± 157 vs. 1171 ± 152 mL; P < 0.01) and more adequate hydration was achieved in CES trials (NF vs. W vs. CES: −1668 ± 73 vs. −700 ± 99 vs. −273 ± 78 g; P < 0.01). Plasma glucose concentrations were highest with CES (CES vs. NF vs. W: 4.26 ± 0.12 vs. 4.06 ± 0.08 vs. 3.97 ± 0.10 mmol/L; P < 0.05). Pleasure ratings were better maintained with ad libitum intake of CES (CES vs. NF vs. W: 2.72 ± 0.23 vs. 1.09 ± 0.20 vs. 1.74 ± 0.33; P < 0.01). Under conditions of voluntary drinking, CES resulted in more adequate hydration and a better maintenance of affective states than W or NF during gymnasium-based exercise.     

The notion of effectiveness in the health field

Résumé L'auteur, après avoir souligné le caractère interdisciplinaire qui sous-tend la notion d'efficacité dans le domaine de la santé, s'efforce de montrer l'évolution du concept d'efficacité selon le degré de désagrégation du système sanitaire qui est considéré.

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The notion of effectiveness in the health field

Summary The author emphasizes the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach in the field of exploring efficiency of the health system. He attempts to show how the notion of efficiency depends on the degree of aggregation of the considered components of the health system.

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Der Begriff der Effizienz im Gesundheitswesen

Zusammenfassung Der Verfasser unterstreicht einleitend die Notwendigkeit, die Effizienz des Gesundheitswesens als interdisziplinäres Problem zu verstehen. Er bemüht sich weiter, darzustellen, wie der Begriff der Effizienz sich erweitert, je nachdem wie die Grenzen des untersuchten Subsystems des Gesundheitswesens gezogen sind.

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Basé sur une conférence lors des Journées scientifiques de la Société suisse de médecine sociale et préventive, Genève, 23/24 juin 1977.     

Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Republic of Macedonia Using a Plant Assay

Different plant organs (leaves, flowers, stems, or roots) from four plant species—Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae), Robinia pseudoacacia L. (Fabaceae), Taraxacum officinale (Asteraceae), and Matricaria recutita (Asteraceae)—were evaluated as possible bioindicators of heavy-metal pollution in Republic of Macedonia. Concentrations of Pb, Cu, Cd, Mn, Ni, and Zn were determined in unwashed plant parts collected from areas with different degrees of metal pollution by ICP-AES. All these elements were found to be at high levels in samples collected from an industrial area. Maximum Pb concentration was 174.52 ± 1.04 mg kg⁻¹ in R. pseudoacacia flowers sampled from the Veles area, where lead and zinc metallurgical activities were present. In all control samples, the Cd concentrations were found to be under the limit of detection (LOD <0.1 mg kg⁻¹) except for R. pseudoacacia flowers and T. officinale roots. The maximum Cd concentration was 7.97 ± 0.15 mg kg⁻¹ in R. pseudoacacia flowers from the Veles area. Nickel concentrations were in the range from 1.90 ± 0.04 to 5.74 ± 0.03 mg kg⁻¹. For U. dioica leaves and R. pseudoacacia flowers sampled near a lead-smelting plant, concentrations of 465.0 ± 0.55 and 403.56 ± 0.34 mg kg⁻¹ Zn were detected, respectively. In all control samples, results for Zn were low, ranging from 10.2 ± 0.05 to 38.70 ± 0.18 mg kg⁻¹. In this study, it was found that the flower of R. pseudoacacia was a better bioindicator of heavy-metal pollution than other plant parts. Summarizing the results, it can be concluded that T. officinale, U. dioica, and R. pseudoacacia were better metal accumulators and M. recutita was a metal avoider.     

Efectividad de un programa de estiramientos sobre los niveles de ansiedad de los trabajadores de una plataforma logística: un estudio controlado aleatorizado

ObjectiveTo study the influence of a short programme of stretching exercises on anxiety levels of workers in a Spanish logistic company.MethodA controlled clinical trial was carried out by means of an inter-subject design of random homogeneous blocks. Participants were assigned to the experimental group (n = 67), treated with a programme of stretching exercises of 10-minute duration after working hours for a period of 3 months, or to the untreated control group (n = 67). The primary result variable was anxiety, and the secondary variables were burnout syndrome, quality of life and flexibility. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) by intention to treat was performed on each of the result variables by controlling the baseline scores, the age and the practice of introjective activities outside the program, with the size effect calculated by means of the partial eta-squared value (η²).ResultsThe results of the ANCOVA showed a moderate effect of the stretching exercise programme on the levels of anxiety (η² = 0,06; P = .004). Other effects found were substantial for flexibility (η² = 0,13; P < .001); moderately high for bodily pain (η² = 0,08; P = .001), and moderate for vitality (η² = 0,05; P = .016); mental health (η² = 0,05; P = .017); general health (η² = 0,04; P = .028) and exhaustion (η² = 0,04; P = .025).ConclusionsThe implementation of a short programme of stretching exercises in the work place was effective for reducing levels of anxiety, bodily pain and exhaustion, and for raising levels of vitality, mental health, general health and flexibility. This type of intervention could be seen as a low-cost strategy for improving the well-being of workers.     

Chronic ethanol effects on the expression of phospholipase C isozymes and Gq/11-protein in primary cultures of astrocytes

The goal of this investigation was to determine whether chronic ethanol exposure alters the expression of specific protein sites distal to receptors [G_q/11-protein, phospholipase C (PLC) isozymes] in primary cultures of astrocytes obtained from neonatal rat cortex. The protein expression (immunolabeling) of the PLC-β₁, -γ₁, δ₁ isozymes of the G_q/11 α subunit was determined by Western blot analysis using specific monoclonal antibodies. The PLC-β₁, γ₁, -δ₁ isozymes and the G_q/11 α subunit migrated at apparent molecular masses (PLC-β₁, 41 kDa; PLC-γ₁, 145 kDa; PLC-δ₁, 85 kDa; G_q/11 α protein, 42 kDa). Thus, a PLC-β₁ fragment of 41 kDa, but not the biologically active 150 kDa PLC-β₁, was detected in primary cultures of astrocytes. Chronic ethanol exposure (4 days) resulted in a significant increase in the expression of PLC-δ₁, whereas under identical conditions, the expression of PLC-β₁, -γ₁, and of the α subunit of G_q/11-protein was not significantly altered in astrocytes. These results suggest that chronic ethanol exposure results in an increased expression of the PLC-δ₁ isozyme in primary cultures of astrocytes.     

Telemedicine to deliver diabetes care in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of telemedicine in the delivery of diabetes care in low- and middle-income countries.MethodsWe searched seven databases up to July 2020 for randomized controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of telemedicine in the delivery of diabetes care in low- and middle-income countries. We extracted data on the study characteristics, primary end-points and effect sizes of outcomes. Using random effects analyses, we ran a series of meta-analyses for both biochemical outcomes and related patient properties.FindingsWe included 31 interventions in our meta-analysis. We observed significant standardized mean differences of −0.38 for glycated haemoglobin (95% confidence interval, CI: −0.52 to −0.23; I² = 86.70%), −0.20 for fasting blood sugar (95% CI: −0.32 to −0.08; I² = 64.28%), 0.81 for adherence to treatment (95% CI: 0.19 to 1.42; I² = 93.75%), 0.55 for diabetes knowledge (95% CI: −0.10 to 1.20; I² = 92.65%) and 1.68 for self-efficacy (95% CI: 1.06 to 2.30; I² = 97.15%). We observed no significant treatment effects for other outcomes, with standardized mean differences of −0.04 for body mass index (95% CI: −0.13 to 0.05; I² = 35.94%), −0.06 for total cholesterol (95% CI: −0.16 to 0.04; I² = 59.93%) and −0.02 for triglycerides (95% CI: −0.12 to 0.09; I² = 0%). Interventions via telephone and short message service yielded the highest treatment effects compared with services based on telemetry and smartphone applications.ConclusionAlthough we determined that telemedicine is effective in improving several diabetes-related outcomes, the certainty of evidence was very low due to substantial heterogeneity and risk of bias.     

Immunogenicity and tolerability of a paediatric presentation of a virosomal hepatitis A vaccine in Chilean children aged 1-16 years

We assessed the immunogenicity of the paediatric dose of Epaxal^® (0.25 mL) and the degrees of seroprotection achieved with the standard dose (0.5 mL) of Epaxal^® or a dose of Havrix^® Junior, in children in an open, randomised, controlled, multi-centre, parallel-group study conducted at 2 Chilean study centres. 360 healthy children and adolescents 12 months to <17 years of age not previously vaccinated against hepatitis A were enrolled. Subjects were randomised 2:2:1 to be vaccinated with either Epaxal^® 0.25 mL [n = 146], Epaxal^® 0.5 mL [n = 142] or Havrix^® Junior [n = 72] intramuscularly on Day 1 and after 6 months (26 weeks ± 14 days). Primary end point was the proportion of subjects seroprotected (anti-HAV antibody concentration ≥10 mIU/mL) in the ATP population at Month 1. All vaccines elicited high seroprotection rates at Month 1: 95.7% with Epaxal^® 0.25 mL, 99.3% with Epaxal^® 0.5 mL and 94.0% with Havrix^® Junior. After the booster vaccination, all subjects demonstrated 100% seroprotection with all vaccines. Antibody concentrations were similarly high in all age groups. The paediatric presentation achieved antibody concentrations similar to those achieved with the 0.5 mL dose across the entire age range, and there were no differences across the range of body weights from 9.0 kg to 82.7 kg. All study vaccines were well tolerated and there were no AEs leading to discontinuation. Thus, the paediatric 0.25 mL dose of Epaxal^® fulfilled the primary objective of showing non-inferiority to the adult 0.5 mL dose and to Havrix^® Junior, in terms of seroprotection rates achieved. The results show the paediatric dose of Epaxal^® to be an attractive option when conducting childhood-vaccination programmes.