bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Choline Acetyltransferase Activity in Vascular Dementia and Stroke
Authors: Sharp Sally I. , Francis Paul T. , Elliott Mark S.J. , Kalaria Rajesh N. , Bajic Natasha , Hortobagyi Tibor , Ballard Clive G.
Published: September 2009

Background/Aim: Alterations in cholinergic activity have not been systematically studied in types of cerebrovascular disease. We examined cholinergic function at postmortem, focussing on stroke and vascular dementia (VaD). Methods: Post-mortem brain tissue was studied from 61 patients with stroke or VaD (13 infarct dementia; 8 stroke/no dementia; 11 sub-cortical ischaemic VaD, SIVD; 29 VaD and concurrent Alzheimer’s disease, AD), 12 patients with AD and 23 controls. Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) was measured in Brodmann areas (BA) 9 and 20/21. Results: There were significant reductions in ChAT activity in patients with VaD and concurrent AD compared to age-matched controls (BA9: t = 2.7, p = 0.009; BA20/21: t = 4.67, p = 0.000). In patients with infarct dementia, there was a significant 27% increase in ChAT activity in BA9 (t = 2.1, p = 0.047), but not in BA20/21 (t = 1.67, p = 0.106), compared to the age-matched control group. There was no relationship between ChAT activity and cognition in the VaD patients. Conclusions: Loss of cholinergic function is only evident in VaD patients with concurrent AD. A novel increase in cholinergic activity was identified in patients with infarct dementia, which may create important new treatment opportunities.
Comparison of Walking Parameters and Cardiorespiratory Changes during the 6-Minute Walk Test in Healthy Sexagenarians and Septuagenarians
Authors: Hovington Cindy L. , Nadeau Sylvie , Leroux Alain
Published: September 2009

Background: The 6-minute walk test (6-MWT) is commonly used in research, with a focus on walking distance parameters rather than the physiological parameters. Even though it has been reported that the distance walked during the 6-MWT decreases with age, the adaptation of cardiorespiratory functions in healthy older adults remains to be studied. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to compare the changes in walking distance and cardiorespiratory parameters during the 6-MWT in healthy sexagenarians and septuagenarians. A secondary objective was to determine the cardiorespiratory parameters and functional performance variables that best predict the distance covered during the 6-MWT. Methods: Ten healthy sexagenarians (G60, mean age 63.6 ± 3.3 years) and 10 septuagenarians (G70, mean age 76.0 ± 3.3 years) performed the 6-MWT while the distance, heart rate and oxygen uptake (VO2) were recorded. The subjects also completed the Timed-Up-and-Go, the Berg Balance Scale and the Human Activity Profile to establish their functional level. Results: Results showed that G60 reached significantly greater (p < 0.05) distance and VO2 values during the 6-MWT than G70. In contrast, the energy cost of walking (O2 cost) and heart rate did not differ between the 2 groups. Correlational analyses of the combined groups revealed that VO2 was the variable that showed the strongest correlation with walking distance during the 6-MWT. Conclusion: Results revealed that, while G60 achieved a greater level of walking performance than G70, the 2 groups maintained the same level of walking efficiency (O2 cost) during the walk. Both groups adjusted their walking speed to have an oxygen consumption rate at a level sufficient to meet the energy demands of the task and prevent early exhaustion. Therefore, the 6-MWT appears to be a simple tool that can be used to assess cardiorespiratory parameters in older adults and be sensitive enough to detect differences between sexagenarians and septuagenarians.
Cardiac Output and Organ Blood Flows in the Baboon Fetus
Authors: Paton J.B. , Fisher D.E. , Peterson E.N. , deLannoy C.W. , Behrman R.E.
Published: September 2009

The regional distribution of the cardiac output was measured for the first time in six normal baboon fetuses of 150–160 days’ gestation by the injection of radiolabelled microspheres into the superior and inferior vena cavas and the umbilical vein. Umbilical blood flow as estimated by the antipyrine equilibration technique was 104 ± 32 ml/min/kg and together with the distribution of radioactivity provided the basis for calculating organ blood flows. Cardiac output was 287 ± 97 ml/min/kg. 55.4 ± 16.4% of umbilical blood flow passed through the ductus venosus and there was no evidence of preferential streaming of ductus venosus blood as described in the rhesus fetus. Brain blood flow was 13.6 ± 1.2% of cardiac output while 38.7 ± 8.5% was distributed to the placenta and 8.8 ± 5.4% to the lungs. Comparisons were made between these six baboon fetuses and rhesus and sheep fetuses studied near term in acute experiments.
Postnatal Development of the Cardiac Output Distribution in Rat
Authors: Rakušan K. , Marcinek H.
Published: September 2009

Distribution of the cardiac output was measured by 86Rb in newborn, 1-, 2- and 5-month-old nonanesthetized rats. Coronary and bronchial fractions were high in newborn animals and rapidly decreased to adult values. In contrast, the renal fraction was low in newborn rats and increased with the age of the animals. A moderate increase was also noticed in gastrointestinal fractions, while, the hepatic, splenic and skin fraction did not vary considerably. The carcass fractions remained remarkably constant in all age groups. To compare relative blood flow in animals of different body weights a new index was proposed: % Rb uptake/relative organ weight. Differences in the relative blood flow of various organs were smallest in newborn and increased with the age of the animals.
Bohr Effect, 2,3-DPG and ATP Concentrations in the Blood of Premature Infants with RDS
Authors: Manzke H. , Dörner K.
Published: September 2009

In children with RDS, the concomitant respiratory-metabolic acidosis leads with the Bohr effect to a lowering of oxygen affinity (increases of P50).However, pH reduction and resultant lowering of 2,3-DPG concentration in the erythrocytes make one expect an oxygen affinity increase. The question is thus to what extent the two influences overlap and neutralize each other. We wanted to take a look at this problem as part of a more extensive study, and so we measured the acid-base status, the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin, the 2,3-DPG, ATP, ADP and AMP contents in the blood of premature infants with RDS and in some term infants with RDS; then we compared these measurements with those of premature infants without RDS.
The Effect of Thyroxine on the Maturation of Fetal Rabbit Lungs
Authors: Wu B. , Kikkawa Y. , Orzalesi M.M. , Motoyama E.K. , Kaibara M. , Zigas C.J. , Cook C.D.
Published: September 2009

The effect of thyroxine on the development of fetal rabbit lungs was evaluated. In the first series of experiments involving 26 animals, thyroxine was given intramuscularly to pregnant does for two days prior to premature delivery of fetuses at 26 to 28 days gestation (full term: 30 days). There was no evidence of accelerated lung maturation in the fetuses treated with thyroxine. In a second series of experiments of 20 pregnant does, thyroxine was injected directly into the fetuses and amniotic sacs in one uterine horn at 24 to 25 day gestation: saline was given to the fetuses in the other horn which served as controls. When delivered two days later, thyroxine treated fetuses in comparison to the controls showed a significant increase in surface activity of the lung although there was no appreciable difference in body length and weight, and lung weight. Electronmicroscopy revealed accelerated maturation of the fetal lung evidenced by an increase in the number of inclusion bodies and early disappearance of glycogen in the Type II alveolar cells in the treated fetuses.
Human Fetal Plasma Growth Hormone Prior to the Onset of Labour
Authors: Turner R.C. , Oakley N.W. , Beard R.W.
Published: September 2009

Serial plasma growth hormone (GH) concentrations have been estimated in fetuses of normal and diabetic mothers before the onset of labour. The mean initial GH concentration of normal fetuses was 32 ng/ml (range 11–59 ng/ml). The fetuses of diabetic mothers had a higher mean level (47 ng/ml); and in these fetuses, there was an inverse relationship between the initial GH level and the fetal plasma glucose concentration. It is possible that the stress of induction of labour and sampling may have stimulated GH release. Maternal glucose infusion was associated with a fall in fetal GH levels, which was greater in the fetuses of diabetic mothers than in control fetuses. There was a small rise in fetal GH concentration following maternal arginine infusion. These findings suggest both that there are similarities between the control of GH secretion in the human fetus and the adult, and that there are differences between GH responses in the fetuses of normal and diabetic mothers.
Oxidative Phosphorylation in Immature Rat Brain Mitochondria
Authors: Holtzman D. , Moore C.L.
Published: September 2009

A micromethod for the polarographic measurement of oxygen consumption is used to study ADP-dependent respiration in mitochondria isolated from regions of the developing rat brain and liver. Mitochondrial preparations, from brains of rats 5–67 days of age, have very high respiratory control ratios, which do not change with the age of the animal. With the NAD-linked substrate pair, glutamate and malate, mitochondria from all brain regions show ADP/O ratios which increase from values of 1–2 in animals less than 2 weeks of age to the accepted mature value of 3 in animals older than 4 weeks. These differences are highly significant in all regions, but the rates of change vary in different regions. With succinate as the substrate, ADP/O ratios do not change significantly with the age of the animal.
Cytochemical Leukocyte Reactions in Normal Newborn Infants
Authors: Corberand J. , Pris J. , Régnier C.
Published: September 2009

The scores of five cytochemical leukocyte reactions (myeloperoxydases, leukocyte alkaline phosphatases, nonspecific esterases, cell polysaccharides and Soudan black) were established in a group of 100 healthy neonates from normal pregnancies. Comparisons between infant and adult findings show that leukocyte alkaline phosphatase activity is distinctly higher in infants whereas that of mieloperoxydases and of lymphocyte cell polysaccharides is lower. The interpretation of data remains difficult. Little has been reported elsewhere concerning this type of investigation. Only leukocyte alkaline phosphatase reaction was found to have been studied systematically. Data are similar in this case. Such a study is interesting for the investigation of cell defense mechanisms against infectious agents, of genetic disease and for determination of normal values permitting discrimination between physiologic variations found in different age groups and pathologic variations found in different age groups and pathologic states.
The Effects of Thyroxine and Triiodothyroacetic Acid on Neonatal Development in the Rat
Authors: van Wynsberghe D.M. , Klitgaard H.M.
Published: September 2009

Rats thyroidectomized 1 day after birth received daily subcutaneous injections of 1 μg/50 g or 1 μg/l0 g body weight of thyroxine (T4) or triiodothyroacetic acid (T3AC) from day 6 through day 25. Body and organ growth, whole body metabolic rates, brain and liver succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, day of eye opening, and electrocardiograms (ECG) were investigated. T3AC has a biological potency similar to that of T4 during the critical period of development in the rat with respect to body and organ weight, brain and liver succinic dehydrogenase activity, and day of eye opening. However, T3AC was less potent in affecting metabolic rate and heart rate in neonates than was T4.
Regulation of Lipolysis in Human Neonatal Adipose Tissue
Authors: Novak M. , Penn D. , Monkus E.
Published: September 2009

Lipolytic response to conditions producing alterations in carbohydrate metabolism was tested on human newborn subcutaneous adipose tissue in vitro. Glycerol release from intact adipose tissue fragments or n isolated adipose tissue cells was used to indicate the rate of lipolysis. The addition of glucose increased glycerol release in isolated cells (p < 0.01–0.025) and in intact tissue fragments (p < 0.0005–0.0025) from subcutaneous adipose tissue in neonates, but did not affect the glycerol release in the same tissue in adults. Lipolysis was also significantly increased after addition of pyruvate (p < 0.025). Oligomycin and reduced oxygen tension diminished the stimulatory effect of glucose on lipolysis. Basal glycerol release was often elevated in newborns in whom the adipose tissue glycogen content was higher than in normal newborn infants of the same age.
Metabolism of Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue in the Immediate Postnatal Period of Human Newborns
Authors: Novak M. , Hahn P. , Penn D. , Monkus E. , Kirby L.
Published: September 2009

The activities of citrate cleavage enzyme (CCE; EC 4.1.3.8), malic enzyme (ME; EC 1.1.1.40), phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase (PEPK; EC 2.7.1.40), α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (GPD EC 1.1.1.8) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD; EC 1.1.1.49) was measured in cytosol of subcutaneous adipose (white) tissue in human new borns and adults. ME activity was highest during the first day of life and then decreased. CCE was higher in the newborn adipose tissue than in adults. G-6-PD and GPD activities were higher in the neonate. No changes were noted with PEPK. Our results obtained on activities of enzymes involved in citrate breakdown (CCE) providing acetylCoA and furnishing ‘reduction potential’ for fatiy acid synthesis (ME, G-6-PD) suggest that fatty acid synthesis decreases rapidly after birth. This decrease in enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis is faster than the decrease in enzymes involved in glycerol production
Lipid Peroxidation in Fetal Rat Liver Mitochondria
Authors: Williams Margaret L.
Published: September 2009

Marked lipid peroxidation which occurs spontaneously in fetal rat liver mitochondria resembles GSSG + GSH-induced peroxidation in adult mitochondria in respect to its inhibition by electron transport inhibitors, metals, metal binders and antioxidants. However, GSSG + GSH inhibits overall spontaneous peroxidation in fetal mitochondria. The enzymes, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, have been shown to have low activity in fetal mitochondria. Activity of glutathione peroxidase reaches adult levels at 12–15 days of age and catalase at 18–20 days. It is postulated that this enzyme deficiency may be a causative factor in the peroxidation. These enzymes also function in promoting contraction of fetal mitochondria swollen in the presence of GSH as in adult mitochondria. They do not protect against spontaneous swelling of fetal mitochondria although their presence stimulates contraction.
The Course of Quiet Sleep in Infants
Authors: Paul K. , Dittrichová J. , Pavlíková E.
Published: September 2009

Ten healthy infants were examined by polygraph at 2, 6, 12 and 20 weeks of life during night sleep. Significant changes in the pattern of respiration and EEG in the course of quiet sleep have been described; at 2–20 weeks, the respiratory rate decreased in the course of quiet sleep; in the EEG the number of slow waves increased, whereas more rapid waves decreased at 6–20 weeks; the number of sleep spindles decreased; the amplitude of 2–4 csec waves decreased at 2–6 weeks, the amplitude of slower waves increased at 12–20 weeks. These changes probably represent a change in the functional state of the central nervous system in the course of quiet sleep. It seems they should be considered in the analysis of infant responses.
Exchange Transfusion in the Neonate with ACD or CPD Stored Blood
Authors: Bursaux E. , Freminet A. , Brossard Y. , Poyart C.F.
Published: September 2009

The blood of two groups of five neonates was exchanged to manage a hemolysis due to ABO incompatibility. Exchange transfusions were performed with ACD or CPD blood stored for less than 48 h. Blood oxygen affinity, hemoglobin, and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate concentrations, plasma and erythrolysate pH were measured on blood samples before and several times during the 24 h following the exchange. Infants transfused with CPD blood increased their P50 and 2,3-DPG concentration more rapidly than the group receiving ACD blood. Estimates of oxygen unloading capacities have been calculated, taking into account variations in hemoglobin concentration, P50, and pH. Assuming a constant cardiac output, transfusion with CPD blood might be more valuable than with ACD blood to insure oxygen transport, especially in infants with respiratory or cardiac impairments.
Activity of sRNA Amino Acyl Synthetases in Ontogenic Development of Rabbit Brain
Authors: Zgorzalewicz B.
Published: September 2009

The purpose of the study was the estimation of the changes in the activity of 20 individual sRNA amino acyl synthetases in the newborn, 12th, 30th, 48th and 180th days old rabbit brain. The investigations showed that the highest enzyme activity was found in the pH 5 fraction obtained from the CNS of newborn rabbits. In the further period of brain’s development there was a decline in the activity of amino acyl sRNA synthetases beginning from the 12th day of extrauterine life and continuing until the animals were 48 days old, when the activity approximated that measured in the adult rabbit brain. The activity of these enzymes in the developing brain was higher in the cerebral cortex than in the white matter.
Corticotrophin and Cortisol Concentrations in the Plasma of the Chronically Catheterised Sheep Fetus
Authors: Alexander Pauline , Britton H.G. , Nixon † D.A. , Ratcliffe J.G. , Redstone D.
Published: September 2009

Plasma from six chronically catheterised sheep fetuses of 113–126 days conceptual age showed high levels of corticotrophin at all ages with somewhat higher values towards term. Plasma cortisol was not clearly related to corticotrophin in individual samples but was highly correlated in the pooled data. Short bouts of hypoxia (5–10 min 10% O2 in N2 to the mother) produced no significant change in either corticotrophin or cortisol although small transient changes in PO2 and lactate occurred. The high levels of corticotrophin suggest that the possibility of stress in the chronically catheterised preparation must be considered.
Immunoglobulins in Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn
Authors: McKay E. , Thom Hazel
Published: September 2009

Concentrations of IgG, IgA and IgM were measuredin the sera of infants with haemolytic disease of the newborn and I control infants from birth to the age of 6 months. No significant Differences were found between the IgG, IgA and IgM concentrations in haemolytic disease and control infants of comparable birth weight. Inhibition of IgG synthesis in the infant from the presence of antiglobulins in transfused blood or from interference with a feed-back control mechanism based on Gm phenotype could not be demonstrated.
Postnatal Developmental Changes in Hepatic Bilirubin UDP-GIucuronyl Transferase
Authors: Krasner Joseph , Juchau Mont R. , Yaffe Sumner J.
Published: September 2009

Activity of bilirubin glucuronyl transferase in mouse liver homogenates is low at birth, reaches a peak at 14 days of age, 2–3 times greater than adult values. Kinetic studies showed marked differences between microsomes derived from adult and 14-day-old animals. Michaelis-Menten constants (Km) were 5.9 × 10––5 m and 4 × 10––4 m respectively at these two ages. Km values increased from 5.9 × 10––5 m to 6.7 × 10––4 m when enzyme derived from adult animals were solubilized with deoxycholate. In contrast, solubilization did not modify the Km values in preparations from 14-day-old mice. The newborn Km value for unsolubilized enzyme was 8.8 × 10––5 m and 6.7 × 10––4 m for the solubilized preparation. Pretreatment of pregnant animals with barbiturates to induce enzymic activity was necessary for the kinetic studies in the newborn. These findings indicate that different forms of the enzyme exist at the several stages of development studied. Alterations produced by solubilization procedures suggest a common structural form which undergoes alteration during maturation.
Correlation between G-6-PDH Activity of the Erythrocytes and the Sex Chromatin Frequency in the Somatic Cells in New-Born Girls
Authors: Csaba I. , Szabó I. , Nagy P.
Published: September 2009

It was demonstrated in investigations performed in 44 new-born girls, that the G-6-PDH activity of the erythrocytes gradually decreases up to the seventh day of life. This process goes hand in hand with the increase of sex chromatin, i.e. of heterochromaticchromosomes. These phenomena can be indirectly ascribed to the estrogens. No similar changes in enzyme activity were found in 28 new-born boys investigated as controls.
Respiratory Mechanics in Infants of Low Birth Weight and the Effects of Feeding
Authors: Feather Elizabeth , Russell George
Published: September 2009

Pulmonary mechanics were measured at rest and after feeds in 54 neonates of low birth weight. Infants with appropriate weight for their gestational age showed an increase in compliance and a small, but not significant decrease in elastic and viscous work after feeds. These changes were not seen in ‘light-for-date’ infants. There was no evidence of any harmful effect of feeding on the respiratory mechanics of these infants.
Digital Arteriolar Oxygen Tension as a Guide to Oxygen Therapy of the Newborn
Authors: Duc G.V. , Cumarasamy N.
Published: September 2009

Comparison in 13 newborns between aortic and digital arteriolar oxygen tension on 40 occasions revealed no correlation. The digital arteriolar oxygen tension is not a realable guide to oxygen therapy in the newborn.
Erythropoietin Production in the Neonatal Rat. Sites of Erythrogenin Production
Authors: Kaplan Stephen M. , Weinberg Sheila R. , Gordon Albert S.
Published: September 2009

Sites of erythrogenin production in the neonatal rat were studied. Five-day-old neonates rendered hypoxic displayed no detectable levels of erythrogenin in their kidneys, but highly elevated amounts of this factor were noted in both their livers and spleens. These heightened levels of hepatic and splenic erythrogenin most likely form the basis for the ability of the bilaterally nephrectomized neonatal rat to show little impairment in EP production in response to hypoxia.
Calcitonin and Parathyroid Hormone – Relation to Early Neonatal Hypocalcemia in Infants of Diabetic Mothers
Authors: Bergman L. , Kjellmer I. , Selstam U.
Published: September 2009

The levels of total and ultrafiltrable calcium, phosphorus, total protein, calcitonin (CT) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in plasma were determined together with blood sugar in 11 consecutive cases of infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) and 9 healthy term infants during the first days of life. The decrease of calcium in plasma after birth was significantly greater in IDM than in controls. In both IDM and controls, a marked increase of the CT concentration was observed after birth. The maximum was reached at 24 h of age. No significant differences were seen between the two groups. Only in IDM was a significant correlation between calcium and CT in plasma seen, suggesting a greater sensitivity to CT in these infants. Low values of PTH in comparison with adult standards were found in both groups of infants, despite decreasing calcium levels. A hypothesis is presented to account for early neonatal hypocalcemia (NHC) in IDM.
Lipid Metabolism in Liver and Brain in Acute Hyperphenylalaninemia in Rats of Different Ages
Authors: Geison R.L. , Josephson L.
Published: September 2009

Three phenylalanine injections (1 mg/g body wt) at 4-hour intervals resulted in increases in phenylalanine and tyrosine levels which were age- (4–42 days) and tissue (plasma, brain, liver)-dependent. Incorporation of [1-14C]-acetate into lipid was constantly reduced by 20–40% in brain but not liver of 7-, 11-, 14- and 21-day-old phenylalanine-injected rats, while in adult brain incorporation was near normal. A similar distribution of label between lipid classes of differing brain regions in injected rats, compared to controls at all ages, indicates a lack of a selective effect on myelin lipid synthesis, suggesting that reduced myelination in hyperphenylalaninemia is not related to high phenylalanine levels per se.
Studies in vivo and in vitro of the Transfer of Rat IgG and Rat Albumen Across the Intestinal Walls of Young Rats
Authors: Jones R.E.
Published: September 2009

Preparations of radioactively labelled rat albumen and IgG have been fed together in equal concentrations to 3-, 14- and 24-day-old rats. Quantitative experiments showed that both proteins were absorbed at 3 days of age, but by the 14th day, the transmission of rat albumen had ceased. No proteins were absorbed by 24-day-old rats. Gel filtration studies of the intra-lumenal contents collected 30 min after feeding have demonstrated clear differences in the relative gastric digestion of the administered proteins. In marked contrast to the in vivo studies, it has been shown that everted intestinal sacs prepared from 14- and 24-day-old rats are able to transport both rat albumen and IgG in vitro, significantly more of the former than of the latter protein being transferred under the given experimental conditions.
Origin of the Fatty Acid Moiety of Fetal Serum Phospholipids in Rats
Authors: Hummel L. , Schirrmeister W. , Zimmermann T.
Published: September 2009

In our investigation of the site of fetal serum phospholipid formation, the following possible theoretical sources were explored by the tracer method: the maternal serum phospholipids, the placental phospholipids, and the fetal liver phospholipids. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that the fetal serum phospholipids originate in the fetal liver. The turnover time of fetal serum phospholipids is approximately 17 min.
The Development of Phosphopyruvate Carboxylase and Gluconeogenesis in Neonatal Rats
Authors: Pearce P.H. , Buirchell B.J. , Weaver P.K. , Oliver I.T.
Published: September 2009

The relationship between the induction of hepatic phosphopyruvate carboxylase activity and the incorporation in vivo of 14C from lactate into glucose and glycogen was determined in rats during the first 6 h after surgical delivery. Phosphopyruvate carboxylase activity and gluconeogenic capacity were extremely low at the time of delivery. After the first hour phosphopyruvate carboxylase increased markedly, but the development of gluconeogenesis lagged behind that of the enzyme and increased slowly during the first 2 h. Thereafter it increased rapidly in an almost linear manner. The administration of actinomycin D at delivery prevented the synthesis of glucose and glycogen 4 and 6 h later. If phosphopyruvate carboxylase had previously been induced in utero, the animals were unable to synthesize glucose and glycogen immediately after delivery, but the postnatal development of the process was very rapid with only a slight lag.
Perinatal Development of Cavian Plasma, Hepatic and Renal Esterases
Authors: Chow A.Y.K. , Ecobichon D.J.
Published: September 2009

The perinatal development of plasma cholinesterases and plasma hepatic and renal carboxylesterases was examined quantitatively by spectrophotometric techniques. Between 32 and 63 days of gestation, the plasma, hepatic and renal carboxylesterase activities were extremely low but, within 5 days of birth (66 days gestation), there were no significant differences between infant and adult activities. Plasma cholinesterase developed rapidly after 56 days of gestation, achieving a level comparable to adult activity 3 days after birth.
Acid Amyloglucosidase in Human Fetal Liver during Acute Asphyxia
Authors: Gennser G. , Lundquist I.
Published: September 2009

Acid amyloglucosidase activity in human fetal liver was found to display latency. Increase of ‘free’ enzyme activity was elicited in vitro by lowering of homogenate osmolarity or addition of detergent. A moderate but highly significant rise in the ‘free’ enzyme activity of the liver was found after in vivo exposition to 10 min of asphyxia. It is suggested that the increase of hepatic ‘free’ acid amyloglucosidase activity during acute asphyxia might be of significant relevance for the knowledge of the mechanisms behind the accompanying rise of plasma glucose and hepatic glucose production.
Further Studies of Body Growth and Brain Development in ‘Small-for-Dates’ Rats
Authors: Smart J.L. , Adlard B.P.F. , Dobbing John
Published: September 2009

Rats were growth-retarded either from conception to 5 postnatal days (FNR or ‘small-for-dates’ group) or from 5 to 25 postnatal days (IR group) by underfeeding their mothers or foster-mothers. All young were fed ad libitum from weaning till they were killed at 15–24 weeks. The body weight of the FNR rats was 36% less than that of controls at 5 days and remained significantly less throughout their lives. Their adult nose-rump and tail lengths were slightly but significantly shorter than those of controls, but they did not differ in total body fat. TR rats weighed less than control and FNR rats from 10 days onwards, and they were leaner than both groups at death. They grew more in nose-rump and tail length between 35 and 115 days than the other groups, but were still significantly shorter than the controls at 115 days. This ‘catch-up’ may be related to their relative skeletal immaturity (assessed radiographically) at the time of the body growth spurt. Brain growth was impaired in both FNR and IR rats, though in different ways. Cerebellar growth was selectively affected in IR but not in FNR rats. Total synaptosomal protein (a probable measure of synapse number) was lower in the brains of both experimental groups in proportion to their brain weight deficits.
The Effect of the Severity and Timing of Malnutrition on Brain Gangliosides in the Rat
Authors: Merat A. , Dickerson J.W.T.
Published: September 2009

Wistar albino rats were malnourished (a) by increasing the size of the litter at birth, (b) by rearing females from weaning on a 12% protein diet, and (c) by giving pregnant females a 7% protein diet during gestation and lactation. Rats on regimens (a) and (c) had low concentrations of ganglioside NANA in the forebrain and brain stem and on regimen (c) the absolute amount of NANA in the brain stem was less than that expected from the brain stem weight. It is suggested that the reduction in ganglioside NANA reflects a reduction in dendritic development.
Alanine Stimulation of the Pancreatic α- and β-Cell in the Neonatal Lamb
Authors: Fiser, jr. Robert H. , Phelps Dale , Williams Paul , Sperling Mark A. , Oh William , Fisher Delbert A.
Published: September 2009

Alanine infusion in the newborn sheep produced a significant increase in plasma immunoreactive insulin concentrations without a change in plasma glucose or glucagon levels. In contrast, a brisk response of glucagon and glucose were seen in adult sheep after similar infusions. These data suggest that in newborn lambs pancreatic β-cell responsiveness matures earlier than the α-cell response.
Evolution of Titre of Serum IgG in Newborn
Authors: Cabau Nicole , Levy F.M. , Zivy Denise , Barrier J. , Roux Françoise
Published: September 2009

The rythm of decline of maternally acquired IgG levels during the neonatal period differs widely from one subject to another. It does not always obey a simple exponential law, and calculations of half-life during the first 2 weeks of life are not very valid up till now. A sudden fall is often observed between the 1st and 4th day, particularly when the initial concentration is high (it represents 25% of the level on an average). The rythm slows down after the fourth or the eighth day. Under normal conditions, the newborn organism rarely synthesizes IgG in quantities that can be measured by ordinary techniques. However, in various pathological conditions an appreciable rise in IgG level may be seen, very probably connected with active formation.
Neonatal Hair as a Record of Intra-Uterine Nutrition
Authors: Baum J.D. , Hughes E.A. , Harris D.A.
Published: September 2009

Scalp hair samples were studied from 10 term infants of normal weight for dates, 10 infants born very early of normal weight for dates and 10 infants born near term who were small-for-dates. The samples were examined morphologically and the diameters measured precisely using a scanning electron microscope. The control term-normal weight for dates infants had hairs which tapered gradually to the tip. Infants born very early had narrower hairs: these could be superimposed on the distal segments of the term infants hairs. Small-for-dates infants had hairs which where shorter and of narrower diameter for gestational age than the equivalent hair segments from normally grown infants, implying growth constraint from about 20 weeks of gestation. Amino acid analysis of the hairs from the three groups of infants showed no differences in concentration. These data suggest that no specific disturbance of any one or any groups of amino acids is the growth-limiting factor on the fetus as a whole in intra-uterine growth retardation.
Maternal and Fetal Arginine Vasopressin in the Chronically Catheterised Sheep
Authors: Alexander Pauline , Bashore R.A. , Britton H.G. , Forsling Mary L.
Published: September 2009

Catheters were implanted into the fetal dorsalis pedis and maternal jugular veins of 6 ewes of 122–130 days gestation age. Fetal plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) concentrations rose in the last few days before parturition from undetectable levels to values associated with response to minor stress. Similarly, AVP was frequently present in maternal plasma in the last week of gestation but was rarely detected earlier. The levels attained in the mother were somewhat lower than in the fetus.
Regional Blood Flow Changes in Neonatal Pigs in Response to Hypercapnia, Hemorrhage and Sciatic Nerve Stimulation
Authors: Reddy G.D. , Gootman N. , Buckley N.M. , Gootman P.M. , Crane L.
Published: September 2009

Regional blood flow changes in response to hypercapnia, hemorrhage, and sciatic nerve stimulation were studied in 22 newborn piglets. Femoral, renal and/or carotid arterial flows were recorded simultaneously with aortic pressure and heart rate in piglets lightly anesthetized with halothane. Observations were made while ventilation was regulated to maintain arterial pH and pCO2 within the normal range, and when ventilation was adjusted to produce increased pCO2 and decreased pH uncomplicated by hypoxia. The ability of the neonate to respond to low or high frequency and intensity sciatic nerve stimulation was studied during control, hypercapnia, and hypercapnia complicated by hemorrhage. The results indicate immaturity of the mechanisms normally utilized to compensate for these stresses.
Tryptophan-5-Hydroxylase Maturation in Regions of the Mouse Brain
Authors: Hoff Kenneth M. , Baker Peter C. , Buda Robert E.
Published: September 2009

Trytophan-5-hydroxylase (T5-H) has been measured in four subdivisions of the mouse brain during various stages of postnatal maturation. Patterns of T5-H maturation are very similar to previously measured 5-hydroxytryptamine patterns of maturation. Regional variation is evidenced and most pronounced in the period following the first week after birth. The similarity of maturational pattern for tryptophan-5-hydroxylase and 5-hydroxytryptamine lends support to the idea that the enzyme is a controling factor in the brain’s indoleamine maturation; however, there are reasons to believe that such a conclusion is premature.
Biochemical Effects of Induced Phenylketonuria in Rats
Authors: Berry Helen K. , Butcher Richard E. , Kazmaier Kathy J. , Poncet Inna B.
Published: September 2009

Phenylketonuria (PKU) was induced in rats by the combined feeding of 3% excess phenylalanine and 0.12% of p-chlorophenylalanine, an inhibitor of phenylalanine and tryptophan hydroxylases. Increased concentrations of phenylalanine and increased ratio of phenylalanine to tyrosine were demonstrated in blood from pregnant rats fed the experimental PKU diet from day 10 to 20 of pregnancy, in fetal blood and amniotic fluid of fetal animals from mothers fed the PKU diet, and in blood of rats fed the PKU diet for 28–30 days beginning at 20–21 days of age. Both phenylpyruvic acid and orthohydroxyphenylacetic acid were excreted by rats fed the PKU diet, but neither were detected in urine from animals fed either excess phenylalanine or excess inhibitor alone. Reduced serotonin concentrations were found in brains of rats fed p-chlorophenylalanine, either alone or in combination with excess phenylalanine in the PKU diet. These biochemical changes in rats with induced PKU and the behavioral changes described earlier are similar to those of the human condition. The animal model should prove useful in searching for the mechanism of the disease.
Studies on Normal and Precocious Appearance of Jejunal Sucrase in Suckling Rats
Authors: Henning Susan J. , Helman Terri A. , Kretchmer Norman
Published: September 2009

Some of the cellular and molecular events involved in the normal and precocious appearance of sucrase in jejunum of infant rats have been studied. Actinomycin D has been shown to inhibit (by 79%) the rise in sucrase activity usually seen after administration of hydrocortisone to 9-day-old rats. The precocious appearance of sucrase has also been studied with respect to the cytological localization of enzyme activity in the intestinal mucosa. Tissue was sectioned in a cryostat (transverse to the villi) and sucrase was assayed in homogenates prepared from the sections. By 24 h after administration of hydrocortisone to 9-day-old animals, sucrase was detectable only at the bases of the villi. During the subsequent 72 h the enzyme activity increased and spread along the villi at a rate consistent with that of cell migration. These data have lead to the conclusion that the action of glucocorticoids on enterocytes can occur only when the cells are in their proliferative phase. An ontogenic study of the ability of hydrocortisone to elicit jejunal sucrase showed that the tissue becomes increasingly responsive to the hormone with increasing age through the first and second postnatal weeks. Various hypotheses to explain this increase have been examined.
Umbilical Blood Flow and Glucose Uptake in Lamb Fetus Following Single Umbilical Artery Ligation
Authors: Oh William , Omori Keiichiro , Hobel Calvin J. , Erenberg Allen , Emmanouilides George C.
Published: September 2009

Umbilical blood flow (UBF) and fetal glucose uptake were measured in 5 lamb fetuses 4–20 days following single umbilical artery ligation (SUAL). The ligation was performed at 108–119 days gestation (sheep pregnancy =145–150 days), and the blood flow and glucose uptake studies were performed as chronic preparation at 120–137 days of gestation. In comparison with 9 control subjects at matched gestation, the SUAL fetuses had significantly lower UBF (mean ± SEM, 735 ± 70 vs. 475 ± 24 ml/min, p < 0.01) and fetal glucose uptake (21.0 ± 1.6 vs. 14.8 ± 1.9mg/min, p < 0.05). When the values were expressed per kilogram fetal weight, the UBF decreased with increasing gestational age in SUAL fetuses. In the control fetuses, the UBF increased with increasing gestational age. The fetal glucose uptake (FGU), when expressed per kilogram fetal weight, was essentially similar to that of the control subjects. The glucose gradients across the placenta were similar in both groups of fetuses. These data suggest that in lamb fetuses with placental vascular insufficiency induced by SUAL, the reduction of UBF and FGU may account for growth retardation in utero. It was also suggested that placental transfer of substrate other than glucose may also be impaired as a result of reduced placental perfusion.
Quercetin-induced apoptosis acts through mitochondrial- and caspase-3-dependent pathways in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells
Authors: Chien Su-Yu , Wu Yao-Chung , Chung Jing-Gung , Yang Jai-Sing , Lu Hsu-Feng , Tsou Mei-Fen , Wood WG , Kuo Shou-Jen , Chen Dar-Ren
Published: September 2009

There has been considerable evidence recently demonstrating the anti-tumour effects of flavonols. Quercetin, an ubiquitous bioactive flavonol, inhibits cells proliferation, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in different cancer cell types. The precise molecular mechanism of quercetin-induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of quercetin on cell viability and to determine its underlying mechanism in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. Quercetin decreased the percentage of viable cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, which was associated with cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Quercetin did not increase reactive oxygen species generation but increased cytosolic Ca2+ levels and reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Quercetin treatment promoted activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9 in MDA-MB-231 cells. Caspase inhibitors prevented the quercetin-induced loss of cell viability. Quercetin increased abundance of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and decreased the levels of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Confocal laser microscope examination indicated that quercetin promoted apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) release from mitochondria and stimulated translocation to the nucleus. Taken together, these findings suggest that quercetin results in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell death through mitochondrial- and caspase-3-dependent pathways.
A Controlled Clinical Evaluation of the Parents Plus Children’s Programme: A Video-based Programme for Parents of Children Aged 6 to 11 with Behavioural and Developmental Problems
Authors: Coughlin Michael , Sharry John , Fitzpatrick Carol , Guerin Suzanne , Drumm Michael
Published: September 2009

This article describes the development and the clinic-based evaluation of the Parents Plus Children’s Programme (PPCP), a group-based video-modelling-assisted programme for parents of children aged 6 to 11 referred to a Child Mental Health Service with significant behavioural problems both with and without associated developmental difficulties. In evaluating the programme, a sequential block design was used to assign 74 parents of children referred to the service to the PPCP group ( n = 42) or the Treatment as Usual (TAU) Comparison Group ( n = 32). Assessment took place before and immediately following the 8-week intervention for both groups and at 5-month follow-up for the PPCP Group. Compared to the TAU Group postprogramme, the PPCP Group displayed significant reductions in total difficulties and conduct problems as measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, decreased parental stress, increased parental confidence and significant improvements in parent-defined problems and goals. These positive changes were maintained at 5-month follow-up for the PPCP group, in addition to further significant improvements in peer problems and prosocial behaviour. The analysis also suggests that the programme is more effective for parents of children with behavioural problems only, than for those with associated developmental difficulties. The strengths and limitations of the study are discussed, as well as the difficulties of conducting practice-based research.
Autistic features in girls from a psychiatric sample are strongly associated with a low 2D:4D ratio
Authors: De Bruin Esther I. , De Nijs Pieter F.A. , Verheij Fop , Verhagen Debora H. , Ferdinand Robert F.
Published: September 2009

Autistic features such as deficits in social interactions and communication have been associated with a low 2D:4D ratio in normal children.This study assessed this association in a large sample of children with a variety of psychiatric disorders ( n = 35 girls and n = 147 boys). Autistic features were assessed with a highly valid and reliable measure (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule—Generic). Correlations between the 2D:4D ratio and autistic features were computed separately for boys and girls. Some small negative correlations ( r = —0.17 and r = —0.19) were found in the right hand for boys; however, particularly in girls, large negative correlations ( r = —0.51 to r = —0.64) were found in the left hand. A low 2D:4D ratio in girls was highly predictive of the presence of autistic features. Thus, a low ratio could possibly be used as a diagnostic predictor in clinical practice.
The performative journalist
Authors: Ryan Kathleen M.
Published: September 2009

Television news operations are increasingly turning to freelance workers for newsroom staffing. This article traces the economic and industry conditions that led to the rise of a non-staff workforce. It proposes that US freelancers operate under a different paradigm from European or other freelancers, and analyzes results from a survey of news workers (freelance and staff) conducted in summer 2007. The survey uses intrinsic and extrinsic factors to measure overall job satisfaction. While there is little overall difference between either group of workers, freelancers do report greater satisfaction in certain areas, especially those relating to worker autonomy and freedom. The article argues that these results demonstrate how freelancers use adaptive strategies to react to temporary or per diem labor patterns in American news. By complicating the assumptions about freelancing, this article offers a more realistic perspective about the desires of the workers and the jobs which they perform.
Media in Africa
Authors: Shepperson Arnold , Tomaselli Keyan G.
Published: September 2009

This article tackles assumptions made by Louise Bourgault in her pioneering book, Mass Media in Sub-Saharan Africa. The article discusses her claims about African journalism in relation to her engagement with western approaches, and with regard to issues of orality, the Shannon and Weaver communication model and to the megadiscipline of media studies. Short case studies are provided of the emergence of print media in several African countries (Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, Kenya and South Africa), with the South African analysis looking more in-depth at the political economy of print media in the context of post-apartheid ideologies. The article concludes by positioning media studies in Africa against western media studies, and media studies as a ‘megadiscipline’, the intention being to account for and explain some of the disparities between North—South media studies and print media economies.
Focusing osteoarthritis management on modifiable risk factors and future therapeutic prospects
Authors: Hunter David J.
Published: September 2009

The pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) appears to be the result of a complex interplay between mechanical, cellular, and biochemical forces. Obesity is the strongest risk factor for disease onset and mechanical factors dominate the risk for disease progression. This narrative review focuses on the influence of biomechanics and obesity on the etiology of OA and its symptomatic presentation. We need to revisit the way we currently manage the disease and focus on the modifiable, primarily through nonpharmacologic intervention. Greater therapeutic attention to the important role of mechanical factors and obesity in OA etiopathogenesis is required if we are to find ways of reducing the public health impact of this condition.