Efficacy of smoking prevention program 'Smoke-free Kids': study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Background  

A strong increase in smoking is noted especially among adolescents. In the Netherlands, about 5% of all 10-year olds, 25% of all 13-year olds and 62% of all 17-year olds report ever smoking. In the U.S., an intervention program called 'Smoke-free Kids' was developed to prevent children from smoking. The present study aims to assess the effects of this home-based smoking prevention program in the Netherlands.     

Treatment of infantile spasms with high-dose ACTH: efficacy and plasma levels of ACTH and cortisol

Fifteen children with infantile spasms and a hypsarrhythmic EEG defined by EEG-videotelemetry monitoring received a regimen of high-dose (150 IU/m2/d) ACTH for their seizures. We carried out an endocrinologic evaluation before and after initiation of the ACTH and conducted a time course study of plasma ACTH and cortisol levels after ACTH dosing. Spasms were controlled and the EEG normalized in 14 of the 15 children. Prior to starting ACTH therapy all the patients had normal prolactin, insulin, cortisol, and ACTH levels in plasma and normal thyroid function. Although the pattern of rise of ACTH levels in plasma after ACTH dosing was similar in all the children, there was great individual variation in the absolute concentrations. However, both the pattern of rise and absolute level of cortisol in plasma after ACTH was highly predictable in all patients. Plasma cortisol rose rapidly within 1 hour of ACTH administration and continued a slower rise for 12 to 24 hours after the ACTH dose. High-dose ACTH therapy seems quite effective in infantile spasms, perhaps because of a sustained high level of plasma cortisol. This sustained plateau of cortisol may be more effective in controlling infantile spasms than the pulse effect expected with oral steroids or lower doses of ACTH.     

Tactile perception of direction in relation to handedness and familial handedness

The accuracy of tactile perception of the direction of tactile stimulation of brief duration applied to the palms of the hands was investigated in relation to hand preference and familial background in normal subjects. In confirmation of previous findings, perception of direction was significantly more accurate on the left hand than on the righthanded subjects. Lefthanded subjects showed no trend toward superior performance on either hand. Familial background in respect to handedness was found to be a significant and independent determinant of lateral pattern of performance. Righthanded subjects with a purely dextral familial background showed clear superiority on the left hand while those who had a lefthanded parent showed no lateral asymmetry in performance. Lefthanded subjects with righthanded parents show no lateral asymmetry in performance but those with a lefthanded parent show clear superiority on the right hand. The findings underscore the importance of familial background as a determinant of performances reflecting asymmetry in hemispheric function.