bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity Regulation in Preterm Infants
Authors: van de Bor Margot , Walther Frans J.
Published: September 2009

Cerebrovascular autoregulation is the mechanism by which changes in cerebral blood flow are prevented during fluctuations in mean arterial blood pressure. Doppler ultrasound measurement of cerebral blood flow velocity provides a reliable indirect technique to estimate cerebral blood flow. In 48 stable preterm infants ≤ 32 weeks gestation, we studied the mean flow velocity in the pericallosal artery at 12, or at 12 and 72 h of age with two-dimensional/pulsed Doppler ultrasound and correlated the mean flow velocity with the simultaneously obtained mean arterial blood pressure values. Mean flow velocity was stable at a mean arterial blood pressure ranging from 31 to 40 mm Hg, but changed proportionally with mean arterial blood pressure values outside this narrow range. Multiple regression analysis showed that mean flow velocity was primarily determined by mean arterial blood pressure. These data suggest that in preterm infants regulation of cerebral blood flow velocity occurs only over a narrow range of mean arterial blood pressure values.
Hyperoxemia Does Not Affect Renal Hemodynamics and Function in Newborn Rabbits
Authors: Gouyon J.-B. , Thonney M. , Guignard J.-P.
Published: September 2009

Renal hemodynamics and function were assessed in 10 anesthetized newborn rabbits undergoing acute hyperoxemia for 1 h. The hyperoxemic period either followed (group 1; n = 5) or preceded (group 2; n = 5) a normoxemic control period. Renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were assessed by the clearance of p-aminohippuric acid and inulin, respectively. Urine flow rate, GFR, RBF, renal vascular resistance, filtration fraction and sodium fractional excretion remained unchanged throughout the study whatever the order of the normoxemic and hyperoxemic periods. It is concluded that hyperoxemia up to PaO2 of 170 mm Hg does not alter renal function.
Size Selectivity of Lung Protein Accumulation in Preterm Ventilated Lambs
Authors: Ikegami Machiko , Jobe Alan , Tabor Bannie , Yamada Takako
Published: September 2009

The 1-hour net accumulation of four labeled proteins of different sizes (6.5, 29, 69 and 150 kD) from the vascular space into the lungs and airspaces was measured in preterm ventilated lambs at 132 days gestational age. Lambs treated with Survanta® a surfactant prepared from bovine lung, were studied at 1 3, 5 and 8 h after birth, while lambs not treated with this surfactant were studied up to 5 h of age because of severe respiratory failure. The labeled proteins were lost from the vascular space more rapidly over the first 1 h of life than at later times (p < 0.01). Labeled protein recoveries were similar at 1 and 3 h in surfactant and control lambs and decreased by 8 h in surfactant-treated lambs (p < 0.05). In both the surfactant-treated and control animals, there was a sequential decrease in labeled protein recoveries based on protein size (p < 0.01). There was no change with time in size selectivity for accumulation of the labeled proteins into the lungs for either the control or surfactant-treated lambs, although surfactant treatments decreased accumulation of the 6.5 and 29 kD proteins at 5 h when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Labeled protein recoveries in alveolar washes demonstrated less size selectivity. These studies documented that size selectivity of the vascular endothelium did not change over the first 8 h of life in preterm ventilated lambs, a pattern that was not indicative of progressive lung injury.
Effect of Blood Transfusion on Acid Base, Glucose and Electrolyte Status in Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Tan K.L. , Wong L.Y.
Published: September 2009

The effect of citrate phosphate dextrose (CPD) blood transfusion on the acid base, glucose and electrolyte status of VLBW infants was studied in infants aged 1–7, 8–20 and > 20 days; a 4th group composed of infants > 20 days subjected to a second transfusion was also studied. All the infants remained clinically well during and after the transfusion. Only the infants in the group 1–7 days experienced a signifcant fall in ionic Ca and PO2. No significant change in all the other parameters studied was observed. In the other groups of infants studied, the changes observed were not significant, and became less with increasing age and repeat transfusion. VLBW infants apparently tolerate CPD blood transfusion well.
Regulation of Ketone Formation and Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase Activity in the Small Intestinal Mucosa of Infant Rats
Authors: Hahn P. , Taller M. , Srubiski L. , Kirby L.
Published: September 2009

We studied the effect of different hormones added in vivo or in vitro on ketogenesis and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) activity in the small intestinal mucosa of suckling rats. Injection of insulin or dexamethasone in vivo or of an antiglucagon antiserum decreased the rate of ketone formation in the mucosa whereas injection of anti-insulin antiserum led to increased mucosal ketogenesis. PEPCK activity in the mucosa was decreased by the antiglucagon serum but was not affected by insulin or anti-insulin serum injections. Both liver and brown fat PEPCK responded as expected with the activity being elevated by anti-insulin serum and depressed by both insulin and antiglucagon serum. In the in vitro experiments, no effect of any of the agents on PEPCK was found. Ketone formation was suppressed in vitro by insulin or dexamethasone addition to the medium.
Growth Hormone Regulation by Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone in Infant Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Wheeler Mark D. , Wehrenberg William W. , Styne Dennis M.
Published: September 2009

To study the relationship of endogenous GHRH to the changes seen in serum GH concentration in neonatal primates, we administered antiserum to GHRH (GHRH-Ab) or GHRH antagonist, (N-Acetyl-Tyr1, D-Arg2)GHRH-(1-29)-NH2, to unanesthetized, fasted rhesus monkeys, 1–31 days of age, via an acutely placed venous catheter. The administration of GHRH-Ab resulted in a significant decrease in serum GH concentration at 1–2 and 7–9 days, but not at 28–31 days of age. The administration of GHRH antagonist resulted in a significant decrease in serum GH concentrations at 1–2 days, but not at 7 or 14 days of age. These results imply that basal serum GH is more dependent on endogenous GHRH at 1–2 days than after 7–28 days of age. This suggests developmental changes in the hypothalamic regulation of GH secretion with advancing age in the neonatal period.
Carcass and Tissue Fat Content in the Pregnant Rat
Authors: López-Luna P. , Maier I. , Herrera E.
Published: September 2009

The present study in rats was aimed at determining the specific day of pregnancy on which maternal body fat accumulation starts and which tissues are involved. Most of the body weight increase at day 12 of gestation corresponded to conceptus-free maternal weight which progressively increased until the 19th day of gestation after which maternal weight stabilized and the rate of conceptus weight gain became maximal. Maternal carcass fat content progressively increased until day 18 of gestation, increased very markedly on day 19, stabilized between day 19 and 20 and then decreased on day 21. These changes were the opposite of the course of the specific-gravity values. The fresh weight of lumbar fat-pads and mesenteric adipose tissue reflected the changes in carcass fat content throughout gestation. Periuterine adipose-tissue mass declined on day 12 of gestation to be recuperated later, subcutaneous adipose tissue increased on day 12 to decline progressively thereafter and interscapular brown adipose tissue remained stable until day 20 and increased on day 21. With only a few exceptions, the lipid concentration in all these adipose tissues remained stable throughout gestation. Mammary glands and liver weights increased intensely from day 12 and, whereas the lipid concentration in the former was stable, in the latter it decreased on day 12 and increased on days 18 and 19. These results show that in the rat (a) maternal carcass fat accumulation during gestation is not paralleled by the size of the different fat-storing tissues and (b) mammary-gland fat accumulation also contributes to maternal fat storage.
Reduced Levels of Galactose-Terminated Glycoproteins in Rat Serum during Perinatal Development
Authors: Bujanover Yoram , Lebenthal Emanuel , Petell James K.
Published: September 2009

Asialoglycoprotem receptor is an abundant protein localized in the sinusoidal domain of the hepatocyte plasma membrane. Its principle function is the clearance of serum glycoproteins which include several acute phase reactant proteins that have lost their terminal sialic acid residue. It has been reported that asialoglycoprotem receptor is nearly absent in mammalian fetal liver but rises to adult levels during the early postpartum period. The hypothesis to be tested was to determine whether defective glycoproteins, those lacking terminal sialic acid residues, are accumulated in fetal serum as a result of reduced receptor content. It was found that low levels of asialoglycoprotem receptor in 18-day-old fetal liver correlated to a threefold higher level of total asialoglycoproteins in fetal serum than adult serum as determined by a modified Western blot protocol employing radioiodinated ricinus communis agglutinin, a galactose-binding lectin. As hepatic asialoglycoprotem receptor accumulated at the time of birth, the elevated level of serum asialoglycoproteins decreased to adult values in an opposite manner. This study indicates that the hepatic asialoglycoprotem receptor plays an important role in reducing the amount of circulating defective glycoproteins at the time of birth.
Comparison of Short Term Indirect Calorimetry and Doubly Labeled Water Method for the Assessment of Energy Expenditure in Preterm Infants
Authors: Westerterp Klaas R. , Lafeber Harry N. , Sulkers Eric J. , Sauer Pieter J.J.
Published: September 2009

The accuracy of 8-hour indirect calorimetry (IDC) as an estimate of energy expenditure was investigated in 8 healthy preterm infants (birth weight 1,270 ± 193 g, gestational age 32 ± 3 weeks, mean ± SD) in comparison with an analysis over 5 days using the doubly-labeled water (2H218O) method (DLW). The infants that were fed continuously by nasogastric drip with 120 kcal/kg/day of special infant formula were measured twice under thermoneutral conditions in a closed system indirect calorimeter during 8 h with a 4-day interval; simultaneously isotope decay was measured by isotope ratio mass spectrometry in urine samples collected daily during 5 days from 6 h after an oral dose of 2H2180 on the first day of IDC, all during the 4th postnatal week. The mean differences between carbon dioxide production rate (rCO2) measured either by single 8-hour IDC or by duplicate 8-hour IDC and the 5-day DLW method, using the two-point analysis or the multipoint analysis were not significantly different from zero. The rCO2 calculated from the DLW method using the two-point analysis differed ––1.4 ± 1.7% from that measured by the multipoint analysis. The mean differences between the metabolic rate estimated from 8 h of IDC and from the 5-day DLW method based on a measured RQ of 0.90 was ––6.7 ± 6.2% and based on the RQ of the feeding ––4.5 ± 6.0%. These differences were not significantly different from zero. We conclude that IDC over 8 h and two-point DLW measurement over 5 days, both methods that can be applied with relative ease in practice, offer an adequate average estimate of energy expenditure in continuously fed preterm infants under thermoneutral conditions.
Changes in Auditory Brainstem Responses of Normal Neonates Immediately after Birth
Authors: Yamasaki Miyoshi , Shono Hideaki , Oga Masayuki , Ito Yuji , Shimomura Kyoko , Sugimori Hajime
Published: September 2009

To clarify the functional changes in the acoustic conduction pathway in the human immediately after birth, auditory brainstem responses (ABR) in 58 normal neonates were examined. In longitudinal and cross-sectional analysis, the peak latency of wave 1 showed significant shortening (p < 0.05) from 1.82 ± 0.23 ms (mean ± SD) at 30 min after birth to 1.69 ± 0.26 ms at 2 h after birth. It continued to decrease gradually therafter. The interpeak latency of waves 1–3 decreased gradually (not significant) from 2.82 ± 0.19 ms (30 min after birth) to 2.74 ± 0.15 ms (1 month after birth), while the interpeak latency of waves 3–5 decreased significantly from 2.63 ± 0.27 ms (30 min afterbirth) to 2.47 ± 0.23 ms (24 h after birth; p < 0.01). These results indicate that functional changes in the acoustic system immediately after birth represent rapid adaptation of the peripheral region to the extrauterine environment and development of the more central region.
Plasma Methionine Enkephalin Levels in the Human Newborn at Birth
Authors: Martinez Alma M. , Padbury James F. , Burnell Elizabeth E. , Thio Siang L.
Published: September 2009

Plasma met-enkephalin immunoreactivity (MET-ENKi) and catecholamine levels were measured in umbilibal cord blood from 46 healthy newborn infants. Clinical data including Apgar scores, birth weight, gestational age, route of delivery, fetal heart tracings and arterial blood gas values were also obtained. Thirty nine infants were delivered by the vaginal route. All but 1 infant delivered by cesarian section had undergone a trial of labor. Plasma MET-ENKi in the newborn infants was markedly greater than levels found in healthy adult volunteers: 360 ± 25 versus 25 ± 2 pg/ml, respectively. MET-ENKi levels were similar in umbilical arterial and umbilical venous blood, and in infants delivered vaginally or by cesarian section.
Serum Alpha2-HS-Glycoprotein Levels in Neonatal Infections
Authors: Abiodun P.O. , Olomu I.N.
Published: September 2009

The serum concentration of α2-HS-glycoprotein was determined in 15 infected neonates and 21 age-matched controls using the radial immunodiffusion method. The infected neonates had significantly lower serum α2-HS-glycoprotein concentration than the controls (56.9 ± 15.1 and 105.6 ± 25.7, respectively; p < 0.001) confirming that it also behaves as a negative acute phase reactant in neonates. No correlation was found between α2-HS-glycoprotein and albumin concentrations. The serum glycoprotein concentration in the control neonates was significantly higher than that of healthy older children and reported values in adult controls. The often reported decrease in the opsonic function of the neonatal serum is therefore unlikely to be explained by decreased α2-HS-glycoprotein levels. However, the relatively higher levels of the glycoprotein observed in this study in neonates may be related to the active bone mineralization taking place in the newborn period.
Unconjugated and Conjugated Bilirubin Pigments during Perinatal Development
Authors: Rubaltelli Firmino F. , Muraca Maurizio , Vilei Maria Teresa , Largajolli Giovanna
Published: September 2009

The process of conjugation and secretion of bilirubin was studied in a group of healthy, full-term, exclusively breast-fed newborns and a control group of exclusively formula-fed infants by means of a reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of bilirubins present in serum. The serum concentrations of unconjugated bilirubin, esterified bilirubin, and the proportion of diesterified bilirubin (as percent of esterified bilirubin) were not significantly different in breast- and formula-fed infants on the 3rd and 5th days of life. These data suggest that both bilirubin production and conjugation are not different in breast-fed and in formula-fed newborns.
Effect of Blood Transfusion on Plasma Selenium, Glutathione Peroxidase and Manganese Levels in Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Wilson D.C. , Tubman T.R.J. , Bell N. , Halliday H.L. , McMaster D.
Published: September 2009

Very low birth weight infants often receive multiple blood transfusions. We measured the plasma levels of the trace elements selenium, manganese, and glutathione peroxidase in 20 very low birth weight infants prior to blood transfusion and then at 24, 48 and 72 h after transfusion. There was no detectable change in mean selenium or glutathione peroxidase concentrations after transfusion, but the mean (SD) plasma manganese increased from 3.8 (1.5) to 6.0 (2.3) μg/l at 72 h.
Higher Serum Retinol-Binding Protein Concentration in Indonesian Neonates in Surabaya than Japanese Neonates in Kobe
Authors: Mukono Indri Safititri , Matsuo Masafumi , Komura Miyoji , Nakamura Hajme
Published: September 2009

The concentrations of serum retinol-binding protein (RBP), prealbumin (PA) and vitamin A of Indonesian neonates were compared with those of Japanese neonates. The mean serum concentrations of both PA and vitamin A did not differ significantly in Indonesian and Japanese neonates. Indonesian neonates had significantly higher serum RBP (2.75 ± 0.87 mg/dl, mean ± SD) than Japanese neonates (1.65 ± 0.55 mg/dl, p < 0.01). The molar ratio of vitamin A: RBP in Indonesian infants was significantly lower than in Japanese infants (p < 0.02), and this in turn is indicative of increased concentrations of retinol-free RBP in the plasma of Indonesian neonates. The results suggest that RBP metabolism in Indonesian neonates differs from that in Japanese neonates.
Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Heterogeneity of Fc Receptor Expression and Membrane Potential in Human Neonates
Authors: Masuda Kiyokazu , Kinoshita Yo , Hasui Masafumi , Kobayashi Yohnosuke
Published: September 2009

In order to clarify the relationship among polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN)-related phenomena, i.e. the Fc receptor expression, the ionic condition of the plasma membrane and chemotactic response, we determined percentage of EA rosette-forming PMN (RFN), membrane potential and PMN chemotaxis in 15 neonates. RFN was assessed by the whole blood method as well as the purified PMN. Membrane potential was examined using the lipophilic fluorescent cyanine dye, 3,3′-dipentyloxacarbocyanine [di-O-C5(3)] and flow cytometry. Both parameters were measured with resting PMN. Numbers of RFN by the two methods have a significant correlation (p < 0.01, r = 0.881, n = 15). Number of RFN by the whole blood method had a significant correlation with membrane potential (p < 0.01 r = 0.703, n = 14). Furthermore, number of RFN and membrane potential were significantly correlated with PMN chemotaxis, respectively (p < 0.01, r = 0.781, n = 14; p < 0.01, r = 0.695, n = 10). When we examined the effect of beta-adrenergic agents and prostaglandin El on number of RFN, membrane potential and PMN chemotaxis, and attempted to confirm the interrelation among these parameters, we observed that PMN chemotaxis was markedly depressed so were both number of RFN and membrane potential. These findings indicate that impaired PMN chemotaxis may in part be related to a decrease in both rosette formation capacity of PMN and membrane potential.
Effects of NH4CI Metabolic Acidosis on Proximal and Distal Tubular Sodium Reabsorption in Newborn Infants
Authors: Adamovich K. , Sulyok E. , Guignard J.P.
Published: September 2009

The present study was undertaken to assess the influence of acute metabolic acidosis on proximal and distal tubular sodium reabsorption in a group of 7 one-week-old neonates with a mean birth weight of 2,164 g (range: 1,300–3,750 g) and a mean gestational age of 34 weeks (range: 28–40 weeks) undergoing an NH4Cl loading test. Free water clearance during water diuresis was used to estimate separately the proximal and distal sodium reabsorption. In response to NH4Cl metabolic acidosis urine flow rate (p < 0.01) and free water clearance (p < 0.025) increased significantly, and there was a general tendency for creatinine, osmolar and sodium clearance to increase without achieving statistical significance. The absolute amount of sodium delivered to (p < 0.01) and reabsorbed in the distal nephron (p < 0.01) increased significantly in spite of the constant fractional distal reabsorption. The enhanced distal sodium reabsorption during acidosis is assumed to be related to the acidosis-induced increase in aldosterone production.
Effects of Maternal Undernutrition and Uterine Artery Ligation on Placental Lipase Activities in the Rat
Authors: Kaminsky S. , D’Souza S.W. , Massey R.F. , Smart J.L. , Sibley C.P.
Published: September 2009

Lipase activities measured at pH 4 and 8 were determined in the placentas of rats subjected to undernutrition or uterine artery ligation. The fetal lipid content following maternal undernutrition was also determined. The placental lipase activity (per gram placenta) measured at pH 8 (placental lipoprotein lipase) remained unchanged, whilst the activity of the intracellular lipase (per gram placenta) measured at pH 4 was significantly less than in the control group (21 % lower in maternal undernutrition and 16 % lower after uterine artery ligation). Although placentas and fetuses were significantly lighter in both situations as compared to controls (well-nourished or sham operated, respectively), fetal lipid content in maternal undernutrition was only reduced to a degree concomitant with the decrease in fetal weight. We therefore conclude that the intracellular lipase may not have an important role in the provision of free fatty acids in undernutrition.
Ovine Fetal and Maternal Glycogen during Fasting
Authors: Kaneta Mark , Liechty Edward A. , Moorehead Helen C. , Lemons James A.
Published: September 2009

The present study was undertaken to assess the role of hepatic glycogen metabolism in fetal and maternal glucose homeostasis during a prolonged fast in the pregnant ewe. A control fed group of 13 ewes and 16 fetuses were compared to a 5-day-fasted group of 13 ewes and 17 fetuses, studied at 125 days gestation (term = 147 days). Tissue samples were obtained during pentobarbital anesthesia and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Protein, glycogen, active phosphorylase and total phosphorylase activity were determined. Fetal weight (3.61 vs. 2.86 kg) was decreased in the fasted group (p < 0.001) while fetal hepatic glycogen was unchanged (59.8 vs. 52.4 mg/g tissue). Maternal liver glycogen decreased during fasting (38.2 vs. 4.0 mg/g tissue, p < 0.001). Fetal active phosphorylase and total phosphorylase did not change between fed and fasted states (fed active phosphorylase 398 vs. fasted 441 and fed total phosphorylase 510 vs. fasted 574 μmol/h/g tissue). The maternal active phosphorylase and total phosphorylase decreased between fed and fasted (active phosphorylase 690 vs. 238 and total phosphorylase 981 vs. 599 μmol/h/g tissue, p < 0.001). During fasting, the pregnant ewe depletes her hepatic glycogen stores, associated with a reduction in glycogen catabolizing enzyme activity. The fetus maintains a relatively large glycogen catabolizing enzyme activity, a relatively large glycogen reserve and substantial phosphorylase activity.
Bilirubin Accumulation by the Rabbit Choroid Plexus in vitro
Authors: Jakobson Åke M.
Published: September 2009

The postnatal development of bilirubin accumulation by the choroid plexus was studied in vitro. Choroid plexus of the fourth and lateral cerebral ventricles from adult or 1-, 7-, 15- or 21-day-old rabbits were incubated in a potassium-rich medium with 70 nmol/l of 3H-bilirubin for 5 min. The tissue/medium (T/M) ratio for 3H-bilirubin was considerable even 1 day post partum and increased during the next 2–3 weeks of life. In adults the 3H-bilirubin T/M ratio returned to the level of 1-day-old rabbits. The biliary excreted contrast agent iodipamide, added as a transport inhibitor, reduced the 3H-bilirubin T/M ratio in the choroid plexus, but to a relatively lesser extent in the 1-day-old rabbits than in the older ones.
Glutathione and Related Enzyme Activity in the 11-Day Rat Embryo, Placenta and Perinatal Rat Liver
Authors: Serafini M.T. , Arola Ll. , Romeu A.
Published: September 2009

Glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2; GSSG-R), glutathione peroxidase (EC. 1.11.1.9; GSHpx) and glutathione transferase (EC 2.5.1.18; GST) enzymatic activities and glutathione status were investigated in 11-day embryos and the yolk sac, placenta and perinatal liver in rats. It is observed that: (a) levels of GSSG differ between the embryo (lower) and yolk sac (higher); (b) GSH concentrations increased significantly in fetal livers with respect to the days of gestation; in contrast, GSSG hepatic concentrations showed a significant rise with respect to time only during lactation; (c) the specific enzymatic activity of both GSHpx and GSSG-R were higher in the visceral yolk sac than in the embryo; (d) hepatic GSSG-R activity increased significantly during gestation. In addition, hepatic GSHpx and GST activities showed statistically significant increases over the period studied.
Perinatal Development of Inositol Synthesis and Catabolism in Rabbit Kidney
Authors: Bry Kristina , Hallman Mikko
Published: September 2009

Inositol influences growth and perinatal development. To investigate the causes of the decrease in serum inositol levels during perinatal development, the rate-limiting enzyme activities in the catabolism and synthesis of inositol, inositol oxygenase and glucose-6-phosphate:L-inositol-1-phosphate cyclase (cyclase) were measured. The specific activity of inositol oxygenase (uniquely present in the kidney) increased 18-fold between the 25th fetal and the 17th neonatal days, and, at the same time, the specific activity of cyclase decreased by 50%. Between cortex and medulla, there were striking differences in the distribution of inositol oxygenase, when compared to the distribution of both cyclase and free inositol. Inositol supplementation during pregnancy increased serum inositol both in the doe and the fetuses, and tended to increase the inositol concentration in organs with relatively low cyclase activity and low free inositol (liver, lung). An acute oral inositol load and/or glucocorticoid intramuscularly is administered to the pregnant doe did not alter either maternal or fetal inositol oxygenase activities. It is proposed that the tissue contents of inositol are in part regulated by the rate of the endogenous synthesis. The development of inositol oxygenase activity may influence serum inositol concentrations during the perinatal period, in addition to the diet.
Symptomatic Patent Ductus arteriosus following Prophylactic Indomethacin
Authors: Cotton Robert B. , Haywood James L. , FitzGerald Garret A.
Published: September 2009

Seven of 36 premature infants with birth weight < 1,250 g who had been randomly assigned to either high-frequency ventilatory ventilation or conventional mechanical ventilation developed symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) after receiving prophylactic indomethacin, 0.2 mg/kg, i.v. 24 h after birth. Infants who developed symptomatic PDA were more likely to be white and male and have more severe pulmonary insufficiency than infants who did not develop symptomatic PDA. Serum indomethacin levels were similar in both groups of patients. There was no difference in the degree of suppression or subsequent recovery of endogenous eicosanoid biosynthesis between infants who did and did not develop symptomatic PDA. Compared to conventional mechanical ventilation, high-frequency oscillatory ventilation had no significant effect on endogenous eicosanoid biosynthesis. The susceptibility of white male infants to symptomatic PDA following prophylactic indomethacin may represent the influence of maturational factors on ductus patency. Cyclooxygenase products do not appear to be involved in mediating ductus patency when symptomatic PDA occurs immediately following administration of prophylactic indomethacin.
Initial Response of Serum Bilirubin Levels to Phototherapy
Authors: Yamauchi Yoshitada , Yamanouchi Itsuro
Published: September 2009

We demonstrated the phenomenon of transiently increasing total serum bilirubin within 4 h of phototherapy. We attempted to resolve the mechanism of this phenomenon in 29 hyperbilirubinemic full-term newborn infants who received continuous phototherapy for 24 h. Our present study suggests that this phenomenon may in part be bilirubin load (photobilirubin, photoisomers) from skin and subcutaneous bilirubin and/or peripheral capillary wall bilirubin into the blood stream pool, rather than delayed clearance of bilirubin and photoisomers from the blood stream to bile or urine. Further study is needed to determine these bilirubin compounds for safe and more effective phototherapy.
Bilirubin as an Antioxidant: Effect on Group B Streptococci-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Infant Piglets
Authors: Pauly Thomas H. , Smith McCrae , Gillespie Mark
Published: September 2009

Bilirubin scavenges toxic oxygen radicals in vitro, but it is not known whether this potential salutary effect can be extended to the intact animal. Accordingly, the present experiments tested the hypothesis that bilirubin protects against oxygen radical-dependent pulmonary hypertension and arterial hypoxemia in piglets infected with group B streptococci (GBS). Piglets ranging in age and weight from 7 to 14 days and 1.5 to 2.0 kg, respectively, were infused for 60 min with 108 cfu GBS/kg/min. One group of 7 animals was pretreated with a bolus infusion of 15 mg/kg of bilirubin followed by a continuous bilirubin infusion. A second group of 7 animals was given the vehicle. While plasma bilirubin levels in control animals were negligible, administration of exogenous bilirubin was associated with plasma levels of 13.0 ± 0.74 mg%. Piglets treated with exogenous bilirubin exhibited GBS-induced increases in pulmonary arterial pressure and decreases in PaO2 of 16.1 ± 2.0 and 46.5 ± 4.3 torr, respectively. In control animals, GBS increased pulmonary arterial pressure and decreased PaO2 by 17.5 ± 1.6 and 47.9 ± 3.2 torr, respectively. Neither the peak changes in pulmonary arterial pressure or PaO2 nor the time courses of these alterations differed between treatment groups. These observations indicate that bilirubin fails to prevent GBS-induced pulmonary hypertension and arterial hypoxemia in infant piglets and suggests that in this particular model bilirubin does not exhibit appreciable oxygen radical scavenging activity.
Atrial Natriuretic Peptide during Early Human Development
Authors: Semmekrot B. , Guignard J.-P.
Published: September 2009

The present review summarizes current and new knowledge on the role of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) during early human development. The significance of plasma ANP concentrations in relation to atrial size and ductus flow in preterm and full-term infants is emphasized. Evidence from the literature suggesting the importance of ANP in pulmonary hypertension of the newborn is explored. New information is included on the ontogeny of the renal ANP receptor system in the rat. Integrating the currently available knowledge, a hypothesis on the role of ANP in the circulatory adaptation of the human neonate to extrauterine life is presented.
Respiratory Mechanics in Spontaneously Breathing Term and Preterm Neonates
Authors: Haouzi P. , Marchal F. , Crance J.P. , Monin P. , Vert P.
Published: September 2009

The compliance (Crs), resistance (Rrs) and passive time constant (τrs) of the respiratory system were determined by the single-breath method (sb) in 24 healthy term and preterm newborns. In 22 of them, Crssb was compared to the slope of the pressure-volume curve determined by the multiple occlusion technique (mo), which is not dependent on the assumption of a linear flow-volume relationship. Crssb and Rrs correlated significantly with body weight (kg): Crssb = 0.56 × kg + 1.22 (r = 0.67); Rrs = ––20.1 × kg + 134.6 (r = -0.68). No difference in Crs and Rrs between prone and supine positions was found, τrs was not significantly different between premature (0.21 ± 0.06 s) and full-term infants (0.21 ± 0.05 s). Crssb was significantly higher than Crsmo in premature babies (2.27 ± 0.41 ml·cm H2O––1 vs. 1.98 ± 0.47 ml·cm H2O––1). This difference may be explained by a continuous braking of expiratory airflow after release of the occlusion, or more likely, by a difference in the lung volume at which Crssb and Crsmo are measured. However, the difference between Crssb and Crsmo (∼ 15%) is in the same range as the intrasubject variability, and is meaningless compared to the alterations of respiratory mechanics observed during neonatal ventilatory disorders. Therefore, the single-breath method appears to be a suitable and noninvasive method to measure respiratory mechanics in nonintubated prematures.
Effects of Pertussis Toxin on the Erythropoietin-Stimulated Proliferation and Differentiation of Erythroid-Responsive Cells
Authors: Billat C. , Delemer B. , Correze C. , Haye B.
Published: September 2009

Erythropoietin (Ep) stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells. We have investigated the possibility that guanyl nucleotide regulatory (G) proteins may be involved in Ep signal transduction. Pertussis toxin (PT) was found to inhibit Ep-stimulated [3H]-thymidine incorporation and large erythroid colony formation in a dose-dependent fashion, but had no effect on small colony formation or on Ep-induced differentiation. PT specifically adenosine diphosphate-ribosylated a major protein with an apparent molecular mass of 41 kD in erythroid progenitor cell membranes. These findings indicate that the transduction of the Ep signal for proliferation could be mediated in the early steps by a PT-sensitive G protein.
Maternal Hypothyroidism and Fetal Chondro-Osseous Development in Rats
Authors: Gil-Garay R. , Miralles-Flores C. , Obregón M.J. , Escobar del Rey F. , Morreale de Escobar G. , Delgado-Baeza E.
Published: September 2009

The bone development of rat fetuses from female Wistar rats thyroidectomized prior to mating was studied, between 16 and 21 days of gestation. The parameters studied in each rat fetus were fetal weight, number of fetuses per litter, radiological data and frequency of appearance of ossification centers, diaphyseal radiological length of long bones, longitudinal ratio between epiphysis and diaphysis of long bones on cleaned and stained limbs, and volumetric tibial studies on the same limbs. Our results show a delay of fetal chondro-osseous development and a delay of weight increase in fetuses from thyroidectomized rats. After onset of fetal thyroid function, the fetal development begins a catch-up growth, which is not sufficient to completely overcome developmental delay prior to birth.
Simulation and Interpretation of the Genesis of Tropical Storm Gert (2005) as Part of the NASA Tropical Cloud Systems and Processes Experiment
Authors: Braun Scott A. , Montgomery Michael T. , Mallen Kevin J. , Reasor Paul D.
Published: September 2009

Several hypotheses have been put forward for the mechanisms of generation of surface circulation associated with tropical cyclones. This paper examines high-resolution simulations of Tropical Storm Gert (2005), which formed in the Gulf of Mexico during NASA’s Tropical Cloud Systems and Processes Experiment, to investigate the development of low-level circulation and its relationship to the precipitation evolution. Two simulations are examined: one that better matches available observations but underpredicts the storm’s minimum sea level pressure and a second one that somewhat overintensifies the storm but provides a set of simulations that encapsulates the overall genesis and development characteristics of the observed storm. The roles of convective and stratiform precipitation processes within the mesoscale precipitation systems that formed Gert are discussed. During 21–25 July, two episodes of convective system development occurred. In each, precipitation system evolution was characterized by intense and deep convective upward motions followed by increasing stratiform-type vertical motions (upper-level ascent, low-level descent). Potential vorticity (PV) in convective regions was strongest at low levels while stratiform-region PV was strongest at midlevels, suggesting that convective processes acted to spin up lower levels prior to the spinup of middle levels by stratiform processes. Intense vortical hot towers (VHTs) were prominent features of the low-level cyclonic vorticity field. The most prominent PV anomalies persisted more than 6 h and were often associated with localized minima in the sea level pressure field. A gradual aggregation of the cyclonic PV occurred as existing VHTs near the center continually merged with new VHTs, gradually increasing the mean vorticity near the center. Nearly concurrently with this VHT-induced development, stratiform precipitation processes strongly enhanced the mean inflow and convergence at middle levels, rapidly increasing the midlevel vorticity. However, the stratiform vertical motion profile is such that while it increases midlevel vorticity, it decreases vorticity near the surface as a result of low-level divergence. Consequently, the results suggest that while stratiform precipitation regions may significantly increase cyclonic circulation at midlevels, convective vortex enhancement at low to midlevels is likely necessary for genesis.
Intraseasonal Variation of Winter Precipitation over the Western United States Simulated by 14 IPCC AR4 Coupled GCMs
Authors: Lin Jia-Lin , Shinoda Toshiaki , Qian Taotao , Han Weiqing , Roundy Paul , Zheng Yangxing
Published: September 2009

This study evaluates the intraseasonal variation of winter precipitation over the western United States in 14 coupled general circulation models (GCMs) participating in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report (AR4). Eight years of each model’s twentieth-century climate simulation are analyzed. The focus is on the two dominant intraseasonal modes for the western U.S. precipitation: the 40-day mode and the 22-day mode.

The results show that the models tend to overestimate the northern winter (November–April) seasonal mean precipitation over the western United States and Canada. The models also tend to produce overly strong intraseasonal variability in western U.S. wintertime precipitation, in spite of the overly weak tropical intraseasonal variability in most of the models. All models capture both the 40-day mode and the 22-day mode, usually with overly large variances. For the 40-day mode, models tend to reproduce its deep barotropic vertical structure and three-cell horizontal structure, but only 5 of the 14 models capture its northward propagation, and only 2 models simulate its teleconnection with the Madden–Julian oscillation in the tropical Pacific. For the 22-day mode, 8 of the 14 models reproduce its coherent northward propagation, and 9 models capture its teleconnection with precipitation in the tropical Pacific.
PARSIVEL Snow Observations: A Critical Assessment
Authors: Battaglia Alessandro , Rustemeier Elke , Tokay Ali , Blahak Ulrich , Simmer Clemens
Published: September 2009

The performance of the laser-optical Particle Size Velocity (PARSIVEL) disdrometer is evaluated to determine the characteristics of falling snow. PARSIVEL’s measuring principle is reexamined to detect its limitations and pitfalls when applied to solid precipitation. This study uses snow observations taken during the Canadian Cloudsat/Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) Validation Project (C3VP) campaign, when two PARSIVEL instruments were collocated with a single two-dimensional disdrometer (2-DVD), which allows more detailed observation of snowflakes. When characterizing the snowflake size, PARSIVEL instruments inherently retrieve only one size parameter, which is approximately equal to the widest horizontal dimension (more accurately with large snowflakes) and that has no microphysical meaning. Unlike for raindrops, the equivolume PARSIVEL diameter—the PARSIVEL output variable—has no physical counterpart for snowflakes.

PARSIVEL’s fall velocity measurement may not be accurate for a single snowflake particle. This is due to the internally assumed relationship between horizontal and vertical snow particle dimensions. The uncertainty originates from the shape-related factor, which tends to depart more and more from unity with increasing snowflake sizes and can produce large errors. When averaging over a large number of snowflakes, the correction factor is size dependent with a systematic tendency to an underestimation of the fall speed (but never exceeding 20%).

Compared to a collocated 2-DVD for long-lasting events, PARSIVEL seems to overestimate the number of small snowflakes and large particles. The disagreement between PARSIVEL and 2-DVD snow measurements can only be partly ascribed to PARSIVEL intrinsic limitations (border effects and sizing problems), but it has to deal with the difficulties and drawbacks of both instruments in fully characterizing snow properties.
Public Sector Reform and Good Governance
Authors: Parnini Syeda Naushin
Published: September 2009

Developing countries relying on the assistance of donors have become particularly prone to imposed conditions of aid in the form of requirements on specific reform strategies to ensure good governance. Donors or multilateral agencies have taken leading roles in defining good governance. The donors began to impose good governance conditions on provisions of debt relief and new loans or grants in Bangladesh in the 1990s. They widened conditionality to include transparent administration, the protection of human rights and democracy, as well as public sector reform in Bangladesh. The World Bank made issues of corruption a major element in its governance agenda in Bangladesh. Global pressures to cooperate and compete, rising expectations of citizens and the need to reduce public deficits are changing the way Bangladesh needs to be governed.
Multinational Corporations and Their Impact on Educational Policies of a State
Authors: Singh Nitya
Published: September 2009

The spread of the forces of globalization have significantly affected the modern world. Thus, in this article, I attempt to identify how globalization has negatively influenced development of tertiary or higher educational policies in underdeveloped countries. Using the case study of India, I observe that the liberalization of the Indian economy resulted in a large inflow of foreign direct investment which in turn influenced the emergence of a new higher education policy, in order to meet the manpower requirements of multinational corporations. Such a policy has increased social dissatisfaction within the society due to the dichotomy between the needs and wants of the citizens, resulting in growth of social conflict.
Locally Dependent Linear Logistic Test Model With Person Covariates
Authors: Ip Edward H. , Smits Dirk J. M. , De Boeck Paul
Published: September 2009

The article proposes a family of item-response models that allow the separate and independent specification of three orthogonal components: item attribute, person covariate, and local item dependence. Special interest lies in extending the linear logistic test model, which is commonly used to measure item attributes, to tests with embedded item clusters. The problem of local item dependence arises in item clusters. Existing methods for handling such dependence, however, often fail to satisfy the property of invariant marginal interpretation of the item attribute parameters. Although such a property may not be necessary for applications that focus on predictive analysis, it is critical for linear logistic test models. To achieve the marginal property, we implement an iterative estimation method, which is illustrated using data collected from an inventory on verbal aggressiveness.
Comparing views of patients, parents, and clinicians on emotions in anorexia
Authors: Kyriacou O. , Easter A. , Tchanturia K.
Published: September 2009

Patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) may experience difficulties in emotional processing that can adversely affect treatment and maintenance of the illness. Focus groups or questionnaires were undertaken with patients with AN, parents and clinicians, with the aim to explore the most salient issues pertaining to emotions and social cognition in AN. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Seven primary themes were identified showing congruence across groups: ‘emotional awareness and understanding’; ‘emotional intolerance’; ‘emotional avoidance’; ‘emotional expression and negative beliefs’; ‘extreme emotional responses’; ‘social interactions and relationships’; and ‘lack of empathy’. Clinical and empirical implications are discussed.
Perceptions of exercise among people who have not attended cardiac rehabilitation following myocardial infarction
Authors: Mccorry Noleen K. , Corrigan Mairead , Tully Mark A. , Dempster Martin , Downey Bernadette , Cupples Margaret E.
Published: September 2009

Perceptions of exercise among nonattenders of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) were explored using semi-structured interviews. Analysis indicated that participants did not recognize the cardiovascular benefits of exercise, and perceived keeping active through daily activities as sufficient for health. Health professionals were perceived to downplay the importance of exercise and CR, and medication was viewed as being more important than exercise for promoting health. The content of CR programmes and the benefits of exercise need to be further explained to patients post-MI, and in a manner that communicates to patients that these programmes are valued by significant others, particularly health professionals.
Stress management training in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Soo Heather , Lam Sarah
Published: September 2009

Good diabetic control minimizes the risk of complications. Stress affects control directly through the release of hormones and indirectly by disrupting self-management activities. This review examines the impact of stress management interventions on glycaemic control. Qualifying studies since 1980 were identified using searches of Medline and PsycInfo databases. Ten were identified in adult populations, and four in adolescent populations. The general trend suggested that stress management interventions may be useful in management of diabetes. Further research will provide greater understanding of the particular benefits of various components of stress management training in relation to specific subgroups of the diabetic population.
On becoming a first-time mother after an emergency Caesarean section
Authors: Herishanu-Gilutz Shirley , Shahar Golan , Schattner Emanuel , Kofman Ora , Holcberg Gershon
Published: September 2009

This qualitative research focused on the significance of subjective experience of mothers who gave birth in an emergency Caesarean section . Ten first-time mothers experiencing emergency Caesarean section were interviewed, and their narrative accounts were analyzed using Giorgi’s phenomenological method. Mothers described alienation from the infant on encountering her/him; primal difficulties in holding; a ‘mechanistic’ pattern of childcare at home; over-apprehension and fear of a cradle-death. A few of the women seemed to cope with these experiences by performing ‘a symbolic adoption’ of their infants. In the context of object-relations theory, the findings, will potentially inform psychological care in obstetrics and gynaecology.
Frequency of use and impact of coping strategies assessed by the COPE Inventory and their relationships to post-event health and well-being
Authors: Litman Jordan A. , Lunsford George D.
Published: September 2009

In dealing with a stressful event, 440 participants reported how frequently they used a variety of different coping strategies, rated their separate impacts on problems and the associated emotions, and reported their effects on subsequent health and well-being. Coping strategies did not generally impact problems or emotions differently. Use of planning led to increased self-efficacy, which along with positive reinterpretation, predicted growth. Emotional venting and behavioral disengagement predicted diminishment, which along with mental disengagement and self-injury, predicted illness. Social support buffered against diminishment. Use of acceptance coping and seeking advice from others had both positive and negative effects on well-being.