bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phototherapy in Gunn Rats
Authors: Ballowitz L. , Geutler G. , Krochmann J. , Pannitschka R. , Roemer G. , Roemer I.
Published: September 2009

In order to get a more realistic spectral efficiency curve and to evaluate dose/response relationships in phototherapy, homozygous weanling Gunn rats – nondepilated, with fur – were illuminated under standardized conditions with 8 different fluorescent tubes. Some of the tubes were operated with different electric power. Clear spectral differences in the extent and the rapidity of the bilirubin decay could be ascertained. Furthermore, the sharpness of the bilirubin decrease depended on the baseline concentration. For the calculations the animals were therefore divided into 3 groups with starting levels of ≥ 8 mg%, 6.5–7.9 mg% and < 6.5 mg%. Correlating the spectral power distribution of the lamps with the bilirubin decomposition found in the experiment, the spectral response function s (λ)bili, rel was calculated by an integral method. A comparison of our results with data from the literature shows that so far near UV radiation was evaluated too high. A new radiometer for digital measuring the effective irradiance Ebili was developed. On a logarithmic scale a comparatively sharp dose/response relationship could be demonstrated in dependence on the measured effective radiant exposure. Serum bilirubin decrease is directly proportional to log Ebili. A dose of about 2.5 mW · h/cm2 is necessary to achieve a constant serum bilirubin decrease at all. Good results were obtained at doses of about 35 mW · h/cm2 with the most efficient being at 160 mW · h/cm2. Highly effective doses can be applied with different types of lamps. However, there are great differences in the time of illumination required. 24 h are necessary with daylight tubes (Osram L 20 W/19) to apply 20 mW · h/cm2, whereas the same dose is already attained after 4 h with BAM blue tubes (Philips). The accuracy of the radiometer was finally controlled by screening Westinghouse special blue and Osram standard blue tubes with black tapes, so that the effective irradiance (Ebili) corresponded to that of Osram daylight tubes. The bilirubin decrease observed after this manipulation was nearly identical (not exceeding 1 SD of the daylight values). Since bilirubin decrease was sharper in the first few hours of illumination, continuous phototherapy was compared in some tests with 3 intermittent schedules: (a) 4 h light, 4 h dark, 4 h light; (b) 5 h light, 2 h dark, 5 h light, (c) alternately 2 h light and 2 h dark. There was no indication that more bilirubin could be removed per hour with intermittent phototherapy than with continuous illumination.
Skin Barrier Properties in the Newborn
Authors: Cunico Robert L. , Maibach Howard I. , Khan Hazoor , Bloom Ernest
Published: September 2009

Relative permeabilities of newborn and adult skin to small molecules were determined by measuring emission of carbon dioxide and water vapor through skin. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measured on the forearm of 22 term infants was lower than that observed in 30 control adults (0.31 ± 0.09 vs. 0.39 ± 0.15 mg/cm2/h). There was no significant difference between newborn carbon dioxide emission rates (CDER) and adult CDER. When environmental temperature was raised from 74 to 80 °F, large dramatic increases in adult TEWL were observed in contrast to small increases in newborns. This phenomenon suggests diminished eccrine activity in the newborn. No correlation of TEWL or CDER with respect to birth weight, sex, age or gestational age was observed. Similar permeability to carbon dioxide in neonates and adults and a decreased TEWL in neonates compared to adults suggest that even at birth the skin functions as an efficient barrier to these molecules, penetration rates, in adults, of other polar compounds should be similar to those in neonates.
Leukocyte Diaphorase Deficiency in Congenital Methemoglobinemia: a Valuable Prognostic Indicator
Authors: Lawson Daniel L. , Miale Thomas D. , Harvey John L. , Bucciarelli Richard L. , Nelson Linda S.
Published: September 2009

Quantitative studies of erythrocyte and leukocyte methemoglobin reductase in neonatal methemoglobinemia were conducted. The prognostic value of such studies as indicators of the development of the mental retardation in certain cases of congenital methemoglobinemia is discussed.
Effect of Hypoxia on Monoamine Synthesis in Brains of Developing Rats
Authors: Hedner T. , Lundborg P. , Engel J.
Published: September 2009

Tyrosine and tryptophan hydroxylase activity was studied in vivo in the postnatal rat brain by measuring the accumulation of dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) respectively after inhibition of Z-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase with NSD 1015. 1-, 4-, 14- and 28-day-old rats were exposed to a 12% oxygen environment for a period of 30 min, 2 and 6 h. After 30 min in the 12% oxygen environment the tryptophan hydroxylase activity decreased significantly in all age groups studied, but increased significantly after 6h hypoxia compared to controls in 1- and 4-day-old rats. Tyrosine hydroxylase activity in 1-day-old rats was significantly decreased only after 30 min hypoxia as it returned to normal after 2 and 6 h. In the 4-day-old rats a decrease was noted after 30 min and 6 h. In the 14- and 28-day-old rats a significant reduction of tyrosine hydroxylase activity was found after all the time intervals studied. It is concluded that the oxygen dependent, first, rate-limiting step in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters dopamine, noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine seems to be less vulnerable in the brains of early postnatal rats. Decreases and increases of the levels of tryptophan correlated well to the found changes in 5-HTP levels. This correlation did not seem to be present in the case of tyrosine and DOPA accumulation. It is thus suggested that the observed changes in tryptophan hydroxylation may in part depend on the changes in tryptophan availability. This did not seem to be the case concerning tyrosine hydroxylation and tyrosine availability.
Effect of Premature Weaning to Different Diets on the Subsequent Response to a Dietary Change
Authors: Hahn P.
Published: September 2009

Rats were weaned prematurely (day 18 postnatally) to a high-fat, high-carbohydrate or Purina Chow diet until aged 30 days. They were then fed the Purina Chow diet until aged 43 or 68 days. For a further 2 days they then received a high-fat diet. They were compared with rats weaned on day 30 to the Purina Chow diet. Adipose tissue of rats weaned prematurely to the high-carbohydrate diet or Purina Chow showed higher activities of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, malic enzyme and fatty acid synthetase than the same tissue from normally weaned rats or rats fed the high-fat diet from day 18 to day 30. Prematurely weaned rats also have a higher level of blood cholesterol on day 45 after 2 days on the high-fat diet.
Neuromotor Development in Relation to Birth Weight in Rabbits
Authors: Harel Shaul , Shapira Yehuda , Hartzler Jeanette , Teng Evelyn L. , Quiligan Edward , Van Der Meulen Joseph P.
Published: September 2009

The development of neuromotor patterns in relation to birth weight was studied in the rabbit, a perinatal brain developer. In order to induce intrauterine growth retardation and to increase the number of low birth weight rabbits, experimental ischemia to half the fetuses in each doe was achieved by total ligation of approximately 30% of spiral vessels to the placenta, during the last trimester of gestation. Following natural delivery, the rabbit pups were periodically observed for the appearance of eye-opening and righting reflex, and for the cessations of falling, circling and dragging of hind limbs. An index of neuromotor development was assigned to each rabbit by summing up the age (in days) of appearance of each of the neuromotor milestones. An association was found between low birth weight and delayed neuromotor development at 2 weeks of age. The most significant correlation was found between low birth weight and delayed disappearance of falling. The latter may represent incoordination as an expression of cerebellar dysfunction.
Intrauterine Growth in Hong Kong Chinese
Authors: Ip Henrietta Man-Hing
Published: September 2009

The recorded data on birth weight and gestational age of 16,836 babies born at Tsan Yuk Hospital in Hong Kong for the years 1970 to 1972 was analysed by computer. The means, standard deviations, and percentiles were separately obtained for nine sub-groups between 28 and 42 weeks and they were compared with similar series from Taiwan, Singapore, America and England. Chinese babies in Hong Kong were significantly heavier compared to most series between 32 and 35 weeks (p ≤ 0.001) and consistently lighter compared to all series studied between 38 and 42 weeks (p ≤ 0.001). Reasons for these findings are discussed.
Neonatal Parathyroid Secretion and Renal Receptor Maturation in Premature Infants
Authors: Mallet Eric , Basuyau Jean-Paul , Brunelle Philippe , Devaux Anne-Marie , Fessard Claude
Published: September 2009

16 premature infants with normal trophicity were studied during the 1st week of life using serum parathormone (IPTH) dosage and evaluation of renal tubule maturation by the effect of exogenous parathormone (PTE) on urinary elimination of 3′:5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). As of the 1st day, IPTH levels reached or surpassed those in the adult. Prematurity thus does not appear to influence parathormone response. Given the specificity of the dosage antiserum, it appears reasonable that the PTH detected is biologically active. After PTE, urinary elimination of cAMP does not appreciably increase until the 6th day, while still remaining much lower than adult levels. The lower the weight of the premature infant, the less intense the response of the kidney. It thus seems possible that the later development of renal parathormone receptor in the premature infant may be a factor responsible for neonatal hypocalcemia with hyperphosphatemia.
Relationship of Intra-Oesophageal Pressure to Mouth Pressure during the Measurement of Thoracic Gas Volume in the Newborn
Authors: Milner A.D. , Saunders R.A. , Hopkin I.E.
Published: September 2009

During the measurement of thoracic gas volume, mouth pressure changes were compared to oesophageal pressure changes using an oesophageal balloon system. In individual babies the correlation was high, with r values in excess of 0.98. In other babies the correlation was less satisfactory due to cardiac contractions producing artefacts in the oesophageal pressure trace. The overall correlation obtained from analysing 155 respiratory efforts in a group of 21 babies studied on 23 occasions exceeded an r value of 0.90. We conclude that it is valid to use an oesophageal balloon system to measure changes in intrathoracic pressure.
The Performance of Cochlin-Tomoprotein Detection Test in the Diagnosis of Perilymphatic Fistula
Authors: Ikezono Tetsuo , Shindo Susumu , Sekiguchi Satomi , Morizane Toshio , Pawankar Ruby , Watanabe Atsushi , Miura Masakazu , Yagi Toshiaki
Published: September 2009

Background: Perilymphatic fistula (PLF), defined as an abnormal communication between the inner and middle ear, presents with a symptomatology of hearing loss and vestibular disorder that is indistinguishable from a number of other inner ear diseases. Methods of diagnosis remain controversial. We have previously shown that Cochlin-tomoprotein (CTP) is selectively detected in the perilymph. To establish a definite diagnostic test for PLF using CTP as a biochemical marker, we examined the diagnostic performance of the CTP detection test. Methods: CTP detection test was performed by Western blot using recombinant human CTP (rhCTP) as a spiked standard. We evaluated the specificity of the CTP detection test by testing non-PLF cases. To describe the limitations of the test, we tested samples from patients with middle ear infection. We also studied the stability of CTP protein by storing the samples at room temperature (25°C) or 4°C for 55 days. The effects of repeated freezing and thawing were also evaluated. Serially diluted perilymph was tested to find out the detection limit of CTP. Findings: We have established a standardized CTP detection test using high (0.27 ng) and low (0.13 ng) spiked standards of rhCTP in Western blotting. Middle ear lavages (MEL) from 54 of 55 non-PLF cases were negative in the CTP detection test, i.e. the specificity of the test is 98.2%. MEL from 43 out of 46 cases with chronic suppurative otitis media or middle ear cholesteatoma were negative for CTP. CTP is a stable protein and detection was not affected by the storage, or freezing and thawing. The detection limit of perilymph was 0.161 µl/lane in an average of 5 samples. Interpretation: CTP is a stable perilymph-specific protein, and this CTP detection could be the first clinically established diagnostic tool to detect PLF with a high specificity. PLF is surgically correctable by sealing the fistula. Appropriate recognition and treatment of PLF can improve hearing and balance in afflicted patients.
Umbilical Vein-Artery Differences of Plasma Amino Acids in the Last Trimester of Human Pregnancy
Authors: Hayashi Susumu , Sanada Keiko , Sagawa Norimasa , Yamada Noritsune , Kido Kunitoshi
Published: September 2009

The plasma levels of 20 free amino acids in the umbilical veins and umbilical arteries of 8 premature (29–36 weeks gestation) and 16 mature (38–42 weeks gestation) newborn infants were measured at delivery. In premature newborn infants, most of the 20 amino acids were significantly higher in the umbilical vein than in the umbilical artery. Only glutamic acid was significantly lower in the umbilical vein than in the umbilical artery. In mature newborn infants, 7 (Ala, Lys, Leu, Val, He, Phe and His) of the 20 plasma amino acids were significantly higher and 4 (Glu, Gly, Ser and Om) were significantly lower in the umbilical vein than in the umbilical artery. These results indicate that the relative contribution of individual amino acids to the placental supply of nitrogen to the human fetus discernibly changes with increasing fetal age during the last trimester of gestation.
The Binding of 125I-TSH to Thyroid Cell Receptors Previously Deformed (in Neonatal Age) by Gonadotropin Treatment
Authors: Csaba G. , Nagy Susanna U.
Published: September 2009

Single gonadotropin treatment of newborn rats caused a 63–71% decrease of TSH-binding on isolated thyroid cells prepared from thyroid glands of both 6- and 13-month-old animals. This fact points out that: (1) in newborn animals the hormone receptors are still plastic and deformable and (2) the damaging effect of the analogous hormone manifests itself at the receptor level.
Degradation of Radioactively Labelled Protein in the Small Intestine of the Suckling Rat
Authors: Jones R.E.
Published: September 2009

The absorption of 125I-labelled bovine IgG, after oral and intraluminal administration to young rats, has been followed by gel filtration and quantitatively by TCA precipitation. After intraluminal administration of the radioactive dose into the proximal small intestine most of the absorbed dose could be accounted for in a protein-bound form and the bulk of this radioactivity corresponded to native protein. Catabolism of the standard dose was far more efficient in the ileal regions of the small intestine, only 10% of the absorbed dose was transmitted as intact protein and large degradation products. Investigations on the attachment and release of labelled proteins from different sections of the small intestine of the young rat have also been recorded.
Effect of Thyroxine on Permeability of the Neonatal Rat Lung to Drugs
Authors: Hemberger Judith A. , Schanker Lewis S.
Published: September 2009

The effect of thyroxine (1–2 μg/g i.p. on days 1–4 after birth) on development of adult-type permeability characteristics in the lung was investigated in rats 6–18 days of age. In both treated and control rats, the lipid-soluble drug procaine amide was absorbed at similar rates in all age groups. In contrast, in thyroxine-treated animals, pulmonary’ absorption rates for the lipid-insoluble compounds mannitol and p-aminohippuric acid declined to adult levels at age 6–12 days, 6 days earlier than in controls. Thyroxine treatment thus accelerates development of adult permeability characteristics in the pulmonary epithelium.
Effect of Cyclic Nucleotides on Weight of Gastrocnemius and Creatine Kinase Activity after Denervation of Muscle in Young Rats
Authors: Kloosterboer H.J. , van Faassen H. , Stoker-de Vries S.A. , Hommes F.A.
Published: September 2009

Denervation of the gastrocnemius muscle at various stages of development reduces muscle weight and creatine kinase activity. An inverse relationship between the muscle-specific enzyme, creatine kinase, and the lysosomal enzyme, acid phosphatase, was shown. An increased percentage of the BB isoenzyme of creatine kinase is observed after long-term denervation. Apparently the muscle tissue has the ability to regenerate and presumptive myoblasts are formed from satellite cells. When the denervated muscle is treated with dibutyryl-cyclic-GMP a less decreased muscle weight is found. The total creatine kinase activity per muscle has increased which means that after dibutyryl-cyclic-GMP administration new muscle tissue has been formed. Similar effects could not be demonstrated with either cyclic AMP or succinylcholine. The higher percentage of the BB isoenzyme after dibutyryl-cyclic-GMP administration supports the theory that presumptive myoblasts are derived from satellite cells. Succinylcholine also causes an increase of the B-type of creatine kinase. It can be concluded that cyclic GMP, generated via the nerve, has an important role in maintaining muscle weight.
Effect of Progesterone Treatment on the Development and Function of Neonatal Rat Adrenals and Testes
Authors: Tapanainen J. , Penttinen J. , Huhtaniemi I.
Published: September 2009

The high progesterone (P) level of pregnancy was mimicked in neonatal male rats. The rats received 10, 30 or 100 μg/g body weight of P in daily subcutaneous injections for 1, 2 or 3 weeks. It was expected that the treatment would yield developmental and functional changes similar to those possibly occurring under the influence of P in utero. P did not significantly affect the body weights of the animals, but significantly decreased the weights of the adrenals. Testicular weight was increased in the P-treated rats, and the number of Leydig cells was higher than in the controls. Peripheral serum testosterone and corticosterone, and testicular testosterone levels were only slightly decreased by the treatment. The changes observed in these neonatal animals suggest a regulatory function for P in the development of the fetal adrenal gland and testis.
T Cell Immune Function in Newborn Infants
Authors: Semenzato G. , Piovesan A. , Amadori G. , Colombatti M. , Gasparotto G. , Rubaltelli F.F.
Published: September 2009

T cell immune function in 20 newborn infants was investigated. Previous studies showing increased spontaneous transformation and higher 3H-thymidine incorporation at lower PHA concentration in newborn infants were confirmed. A net increase in the number of active E rosette-forming lymphocytes and a slight decrease in the percentage of total E rosette-forming cells was also found. Our results suggest the presence of a subpopulation of activated T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of newborns during the first days of life. Possible mechanisms of this activation are discussed.
Histological Structure of the Thyroid Gland in the Neonatal Pig
Authors: Parker R.O. , Williams P.E.V. , Aherne F.X. , Young B.A.
Published: September 2009

The histological structure of the thyroid glands from 115 piglets that were stillborn or slaughtered at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 or 72 h of age were examined. Thyroid follicle diameter decreased (p < 0.05) after birth and then increased (p < 0.05) through 72 h. Thyroid glands from stillborn piglets contained follicles whose diameters were similar to those observed in 72-hour piglets. Thyroid follicles at all stages of development contained colloid and were surrounded by mainly cuboidal-columnar epithelium.
Fatty Acid Pattern of the Erythrocyte Lipids and Plasma Vitamin E in the First Days of Life
Authors: Ciccoli L. , Hayek Y. , Berti D. , Bracci R.
Published: September 2009

The plasma level of vitamin E is lower in newborns than in adults. The fatty acid composition of the erythrocyte lipids changes during the first weeks of life, the major changes being the increase of linoleic acid and the decrease of arachidonic acid. These changes cannot be ascribed to variation of erythrocyte age, but they seem to be related to variations in the fatty acid pattern of the major lipid fractions of plasma. The lowest ratio between vitamin E in plasma and the percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids in erythrocyte membrane is reached in the first few days following the beginning of feeding. The results are discussed in relation to the development of hemolysis during the first days of life.
Different Developmental Patterns of 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA Reductase in Chick Tissues according to Their Role in Cholesterogenesis
Authors: Alejandre M.J. , Ramirez H. , Suarez M.D. , Garcia-Peregrin E.
Published: September 2009

The developmental pattern of microsomal 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase activity was different in liver, intestine and brain of neonatal chicks. Hepatic reductase activity sharply increased between 5 and 9 days after hatching. This pattern agrees with changes in acetate incorporation into non-saponifiable lipids by liver slices. Both enzyme activity and acetate incorporation seem to be related to the hepatic uptake of cholesterol from the yolk sac during the first days after hatching and to the new synthesis of cholesterol commencing in the second week. Changes in intestinal reductase suggest that the enzyme was less sensitive to the cholesterol in yolk sac. Brain reductase did not change within the age assayed (1–15 days), being independent from the levels of yolk sac or serum cholesterol during the later steps of myelination.
Influence of Variations in pH and PCO2 on Scalp Tissue Oxygen Tension and Carotid Arterial Oxygen Tension in the Fetal Lamb
Authors: Aarnoudse J.G. , Oeseburg B. , Kwant G. , Zwart A. , Zijlstra W.G. , Huisjes H.J.
Published: September 2009

A description is given of the effect of hypercapnic acidaemia and hypocapnic alkalaemia on scalp tissue PO2 as measured with a subcutaneous needle-electrode and a transcutaneous electrode in 6 fetal lambs. The experiments were carried out under general anaesthesia with the fetus kept in utero. Hypocapnia was induced by hyperventilating the ewe and hypercapnia was achieved by administering extra CO2 to the ewe. Fetal carotid arterial, subcutaneous and transcutaneous PO2 were continuously recorded, and fetal and maternal arterial pH and arterial PCO2 were determined from blood samples taken at short intervals. In each experiment the H+ Bohr factor of fetal and maternal blood was measured. During hypocapnic alkalaemia, there was a fall in all fetal PO2 levels, whereas a marked rise was observed during hypercapnic acidaemia. The variations in fetal PO2 observed in vivo even exceeded the variations due to the H+ Bohr effect (measured in vitro). This was due to small variations in fetal carotid arterial oxygen saturation, which tended to fall during hypocapnic alkalaemia and to rise during hypercapnic acidaemia. The results of these findings strongly suggest that tissue PO2, as measured with the subcutaneous and transcutaneous electrodes, is dependent on the H+ Bohr effect. This adds to the uncertainty as to the value of subcutaneous and transcutaneous PO2 monitoring during labour as an early warning system for impending fetal asphyxia.
Development of Bile Acid Biogenesis in the Rat: Effect of Neonatal Thyroidectomy, Adrenalectomy, and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes
Authors: Hassan A.S. , Yunker R.L. , Ravi Subbiah M.T.
Published: September 2009

Effect of neonatal thyroidectomy, adrenalectomy and streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats on the bile acid pool size and composition at weaning was examined. Adrenalectomy caused a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the total bile acid pool with significant reductions (p < 0.05) in both cholic and chenodeoxycholic acids. Thyroidectomy on the other hand caused a specific decrease (p < 0.05) in chenodeoxycholic acid pool. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes caused (a) a decrease (p < 0.05) in total bile acid pool with a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in chenodeoxycholic acid, and (b) an increase in plasma cholesterol levels.
Cell Cycle Analysis of the Postnatal Mouse Pancreas
Authors: Webb Stanley R. , Dore Bruce A. , Grogan McLean
Published: September 2009

DNA flow cytometry was used to quantitate changes in distribution of cells in each phase of the cell cycle during postnatal development of the mouse pancreas. From birth through day 20 the cells in each phase remained relatively constant, after which there occurred increases in G2-M and S phase cells and a decrease in G₀-G1 phase cells. Polyploidy first became evident at 20 days and increased to 9% by the adult stage at 90 days. The importance of polyploidy is discussed as it may represent a parameter that can be exploited to detect and evaluate the progression of changes in the pancreas of diabetics.
Zinc Balances in Preterm Infants
Authors: Voyer Marcel , Davakis Michel , Antener Ilse , Valleur Danielle
Published: September 2009

Zinc balances were studied in three groups of preterm babies. The first group received bank human milk of 25% concentration, the second group bank human milk enriched with 1 g/100 ml of lactalbumin hydrolysate, and the third group an industrial formula in which 40% of the fats were replaced with medium chain triglycerides (MCT). Zn intakes (μg/kg/day) were, respectively, 796 ± 136 (group 1), 689 ± 231 (group 2), and 252 ± 67 (group 3). In all 3 groups, fecal Zn excretion was very high: range; 6,862–635 μg/kg/day (group 1), 3,022–194 μg/kg/day (group 2), and 304–27 μg/kg/day (group 3), respectively. Zn retentions were mostly negative for groups 1 and 2 (7/8 and 18/23, respectively), and mostly positive (12/14), for group 3. Zn absorption was found to be related to fecal fat (p < 0.001) in all groups, and in group 1 and 2 to fecal N (p < 0.001) and Zn intake (p < 0.02). Positive zinc balances were obtained when fat and nitrogen absorption exceeded 90%. This was achieved at 280 days of postmenstrual age in preterm babies fed bank human milk, but much sooner in preterm babies fed with MCT.
Plasma Calcium Homeostasis in the Guinea Pig during the Perinatal Period
Authors: Durand D. , Dalle M. , Barlet J.-P.
Published: September 2009

In pregnant guinea pigs on day 60 of gestation, maternal hypercalcemia induced by calcium infusion (10 mg Ca/kg body weight/h, during 2 h) had no significant effect on the fetal plasma calcium level. By contrast, on day 66 of gestation the same infusion of calcium into the pregnant female induced a significant rise both in maternal and fetal plasma calcium levels. This difference might be related to the variations in the efficiency of placental calcium transfer occurring during the last days of gestation in the guinea pig. Plasma calcium, phosphate and magnesium levels decrease during the 12 h following birth in suckling guinea pigs. Plasma calcium and magnesium concentrations returned to normal values at 24 h while plasma phosphate levels increased during the first week of postnatal life.
Protease Inhibitor Levels in Porcine Mammary Secretions
Authors: Weström B.R. , Svendsen J. , Karlsson B.W.
Published: September 2009

The total trypsin inhibiting capacity (TIC), and the content of the individual protease inhibitors, both the specific colostrum protease inhibitor (SCTI) and the serum-type inhibitors, i.e., α2-macroglobulin f and s, inter-α-trypsin inhibitor, α2-antitrypsin and α1 protease inhibitor, were quantified in porcine mammary secretions throughout lactation using immunoprecipitation methods. In addition, albumin, of serum origin, and β-lactoglobulin, a milk-specific protein, were quantified and used as references. In presuckled colostrum, high levels of TIC, SCTI, albumin and β-lactoglobulin were found, while the serum-type inhibitors appeared in amounts related to their molecular weights ranging from 3–6% of the adult serum levels for the macroglobulins to 42% for αi-protease inhibitor. These parameters all decreased during lactation. The levels of TIC and SCTI especially decreased during the first days of lactation, and SCTI disappeared from milk after 5–7 days. Mature milk showed low TIC levels, about 0.1 IU/ml, which originated from the low amounts of the serum-type inhibitors (1–4% of the adult serum level). The levels of both α2-macroglobulin f and s decreased less than albumin did in sow milk, while the other inhibitors decreased more or on the same order as albumin. A considerable variation in the amounts of the protease inhibitors between individuals and also between different teat secretions of the same sow, especially in colostrum, was evident. The possible physiological functions of the protease inhibitors in the mammary gland of the sow and in the gastrointestinal tract of her nursing offspring are discussed.
Pancreatic Glucagon Does not Alter Mucosal Growth and Maturation of Sucrase and Thymidine Kinase Activity in Rat Small Intestine
Authors: Buts Jean-Paul , de Meyer Roger , van Craynest Marie-Paule , Maldague Paul
Published: September 2009

In order to determine whether pancreatic glucagon may influence growth of the small bowel mucosa and maturation of villous and crypt cell enzymes in orally fed rats, the hormone was administered daily to suckling pups from day 11 to day 14 (50 μg/day) and to weanling rats from day 12 to day 29 (100 μg/day) post partum. The control groups received, following the same schedule, an equal volume of 0.9% saline or of a glucagon diluent containing 0.2% phenol and 1.2% glycerine. In suckling pups treated with glucagon, sucrase and thymidine kinase activities were similar to those of the controls. During weaning, both glucagon- and diluent-treated rats grew slowlier (p < 0.05) than did saline controls. Histological examination of pancreatic -tissue sections from glucagon-treated rats showed partial or complete degranulation of the acinar cells. Compared to saline-treated controls, mucosal weight, protein and DNA per centimetre of gut remained unchanged in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum of glucagon-treated rats. However, these parameters were markedly depressed (p < 0.01) in animals treated with diluent. Prolonged treatment with glucagon during weaning had no effect on villus height, epithelial morphology and thymidine kinase activity but produced a decrease in both specific and total sucrase activity in the proximal intestine to levels about 50% (p < 0.01) of the saline controls. It is concluded that: (1) the administration of exogenous pancreatic glucagon does not induce early villous and crypt cell enzyme activity in the suckling rat; (2) at the given doses, the hormone does not impair the adaptation of the small intestine mucosa which occurs at weaning.
Effects of Microwave Exposure in utero on Embryonal, Fetal and Postnatal Development of Mice
Authors: Chazan B. , Janiak M. , Kobus M. , Marcickiewicz J. , Troszyński M. , Szmigielski S.
Published: September 2009

Pregnant Swiss mice were repetitively exposed during various periods of gestation to 2,450 MHz continuous wave microwave radiation. Irradiations were conducted daily in an anechoic chamber at a power density of 10 (subthermal) or 40 mW/cm2 (thermal) for 2 h/day, 7 sessions/week. Thermal exposures to microwaves resulted in significant inhibition of the embryonal and fetal development in utero, accompanied by an increased incidence of intrafetal bleedings, resorptions and deaths of fetuses. Moreover, nonspecific resistance to viral and bacterial infections was markedly depressed in pups of dams irradiated for the whole period of gestation with thermal doses of microwaves. No such effects were found following exposure of pregnant mice to 10 mW/cm2 power density of radiation. The results suggest that the observed effects of microwave exposure in the course of pregnancy are thermal in nature.
Developmental Changes in Mitochondrial Components in Liver of Newborn Rats
Authors: Miyahara Masanobu , Kitazoe Yasuhiro , Hiraoka Nobuaki , Takeda Koji , Watanabe Sadahiro , Sasaki Junzo , Okimasu Eiji , Osaki Yumi , Yamamoto Hirohumi , Utsumi Kozo
Published: September 2009

Chronological studies on the respiratory function and membrane components of newborn rat liver mitochondria revealed that perinatal mitochondria retained considerably well-coupled oxidative phosphorylation that functioned in sites II and III prior to site I. The ratio of protein to phospholipid contents (mg/μmol) was low in these mitochondria, in which phospholipids were characterized by their high phosphatidylethanolamine contents (43% of the total phospholipids) and low cardiolipin contents (6% of the total), as compared to those of the adult. The fatty acid composition in major phospholipid species was also different from those of the adult. These characteristics altered with development, and the carbamylphosphate synthetase contents markedly increased from 12 to 20% of the total polypeptides in 10 days postnatal time. From these results structural and functional completion of mitochondria accompaying development is discussed from a mitochondrial biogenesis viewpoint.
Lysosomal Enzymes in the Intestine of the Newborn Lamb
Authors: Healy Peter J.
Published: September 2009

In the newborn lamb, activities of lysosomal enzymes are lower in the duodenum and jejunum than in the ileum. In contrast, there are only minor differences, if any, in activities of lysosomal enzymes between the regions of the small intestine of 5-day-old lambs. In the duodenum, jejunum and ileum, activities of hexosaminidase, α-mannosidase, β-mannosi-dase, α-L-fucosidase and phosphodiesterase are greater in newborn than in 5-day-old lambs. Only in the distal part of the small intestine are activities of β-glucuronidase, α-glucosidase, α-galactosidase, β-galactosidase, acid phosphatase and cathepsin B higher in the newborn than in 5-day-old lambs. Cathepsin B activity is lower in the duodenum and jejunum of the newborn than in 5-day-old lambs.
Action of Polyamines on Ribonucleic Acid and Protein Synthesis during Ontogeny of Human Fetal Liver
Authors: Choudhury Indrani , Chaudhuri Debnath , Kushari Jyotirmoy , Mukherjea Manju
Published: September 2009

A higher rate of RNA synthesis in human fetal liver cells was found during the early age of gestation, after a drop, it gradually increases to a maximum value between 18 and 22 weeks, followed by a sharp decrease at later period of gestation. Total polyamine content of fetal liver tissue shows a similar trend. However, when liver cell suspension was incubated with exogenous spermine, spermidine and putrescine there is a dose-dependent inhibition in RNA synthesis. Protein synthesis in human fetal liver cells was stimulated with lower doses of spermine, spermidine and putrescine and inhibited at higher doses. The optimum dose for stimulation and the degree of stimulation was, however, not the same for fetuses of different gestational ages.
Oxygen Consumption and CO2 Production of Low-Birth-Weight Infants in Two Sleep States
Authors: Dane H.J. , Sauer P.J.J. , Visser H.K.A.
Published: September 2009

The influence of sleep states on the metabolic rate and on the respiratory quotient (RQ) of low-birth-weight infants during continuous feeding was analyzed. Gestational age at birth varied between 29 and 35 weeks, postnatal age between 2 and 56 days and body weight between 0.81 and 2.11 kg. The mean oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production were 10% higher, while the rise in SD was about 3-fold during REM sleep compared with NREM sleep. The RQ, however, was equal in both states. The sequence of the two sleep states did not have any influence on the analyzed parameters. Averaged over all the measurements, no statistically significant linear trend in oxygen consumption as a function of time could be found. However, small non-zero trends could be found, the direction of which appeared to depend on the sequence of the states.
Alkaline Ribonuclease Activity in Maternal Serum and in Serum of Newborns from Birth up to Thirty Days of Age
Authors: Trindade Cleide Enoir Petean , de Nóbrega Fernando José , Sartor Maria Eneida Aiello , Suguihara Cleide Yochie , Tonete Suzana Souza Queiroz , Curi Paulo Roberto
Published: September 2009

We have studied the alkaline ribonuclease (RNase) activity in maternal serum and serum of full-term small- (T-SGA), full-term appropriate- (T-AGA) and preterm appropriate-for-gestational age (PT-AGA) newborns. A significantly lower level of RNase was observed in T-AGA and T-SGA newborns on the 30th day of age and in PT-AGA newborns on the 15th and 30th days of age, as compared to other T-AGA, T-SGA and PT-AGA groups of infants at birth. RNase activity was significantly higher in cord blood than in the maternal blood in all categories studied. Moreover, in preterm newborns, RNase activity in cord blood was significantly higher in those presenting a lower gestational age. We did not observe any significant difference in RNase levels in the cord blood of newborns from the 3 categories studied. The same results were observed concerning maternal blood. We, therefore, conclude that RNase activity in cord blood or in maternal blood is not a very satisfactory indicator of fetal malnutrition.
Zinc Concentration in Amniotic Fluid of Zinc-Deficient Rats and Its Relation to Fetal Weight
Authors: Travé Durá , da Cunha Ferreira R.M.C. , Abuli Puig , Monreal I. , Villa-Elízaga I.
Published: September 2009

Zinc concentration in amniotic fluid and its relation to fetal weight were investigated in three groups of pregnant rats: group A received a zinc-adequate diet, and the rats of groups B and C were fed a zinc-deficient diet. Group C also received zinc supplementation in water. The daily food consumption, weight and plasma zinc levels on days 1, 10 and 20, zinc concentration in amniotic fluid, the number of implantation sites, the number of resorptions, the number of live fetuses and fetal weight were determined. Plasma zinc concentrations were significantly different at the end of gestation between group B (Zn = 167.6 ± 26.6 μg/dl) and the other two groups (group A = 199 ± 18.6 μg/dl; group C = 204 ± 13.7 μg/dl). The number of resorptions was significantly higher in group B and the number of live fetuses was significantly lower in this same group (p < 0.025). Fetal weight was significantly lower in group B (p < 0.001). The zinc concentrations of the amniotic fluid were significantly lower in group B (14 ± 4.7 μg/dl) as compared to group A (83 ± 11.4 μg/dl) and C (82 ± 21 μg/dl; p < 0.001). There was a positive linear correlation between zinc concentrations in amniotic fluid and fetal weight, being r: 0.7379 (p < 0.001).
The Effects of Acute and Chronic Perinatal Stress on Plasma Vasopressin Concentration and Renin Activity at Birth
Authors: Pohjavuori Maija , Raivio Kari O.
Published: September 2009

The effects of acute and chronic intrauterine stress on plasma vasopressin (AVP) concentration and renin activity (PRA) in the cord blood of 36 newborn infants were studied. AVP concentrations in the umbilical artery were significantly higher than those in the umbilical vein in all infants, except in those delivered by elective cesarean section after normal pregnancy. AVP concentrations in the umbilical arterial blood after normal term pregnancy and vaginal delivery (779 pg/ml, log mean) were higher than those in the cord blood of infants delivered vaginally after maternal hypertensive disease (198 pg/ml). Compared to the values of the latter group, the AVP values were significantly lower (39 pg/ml) in infants delivered by cesarean section without labor because of severe growth retardation and decreased heart rate variability. The group of normal term infants delivered by elective cesarean section after normal pregnancy had the lowest AVP concentrations (13 pg/ml). PRA in the umbilical arterial blood was not different from that in the umbilical venous blood. The highest mean level of PRA (14.5 ng/ml/h) was observed in premature infants delivered by cesarean section because of fetal growth retardation and pathological heart rate variability, and the lowest mean level in term infants delivered by elective cesarean section (3.4 ng/ml/h). PRA was significantly increased in term infants delivered vaginally after normal pregnancy (7.8 ng/ml/h) or after hypertensive pregnancy (11.7 ng/ml/h) in comparison to that of term infants delivered by elective cesarean section. At the age of 3 days the infants born after hypertensive pregnancy (11.8 ± 6.7 ng/ml/h, mean ± SD) had higher PRA in their peripheral blood than infants born after normal pregnancy (4.5 ± 2.3 ng/ml/h), but AVP concentrations were within the normal range (5.8 ± 2.3 and 4.0 ± 3.2 pg/ml). The acute stress of vaginal delivery seems to be the major determinant of AVP secretion at birth, whereas PRA is influenced rather by the chronic condition of maternal hypertensive disease or its treatment.
Views on Personalized Medicine: Do the Attitudes of African American and White Prescription Drug Consumers Differ
Authors: De Marco M.
Published: September 2009

Aims: Although recent advances in pharmacogenomics are making possible the use of genetic testing to determine the best medication for patients, little is known about how patients view such procedures. The aims for this study that were developed collaboratively as part of a community-academic partnership are: (1) What are the attitudes and perceptions of prescription drug consumers concerning personalized medicine and genetic testing for drug compatibility and how do they differ between African American and white patients? (2) What are the attitudes and perceptions of patients concerning race-based prescribing and how do they differ between African American and white patients? Methods: We conducted 6 focus groups, 2 with white participants and 4 with African American participants. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to ascertain common themes. Results: Our results suggest that personalized medicine and genetic testing, though not well understood by lay persons, were considered positive advances in medicine. However, participants also voiced concerns about these advances that differed by race. Conclusion: This study points to the need to include perspectives of at-risk communities as we move toward wider use of this technology.
Effect of sex difference on platelet adhesion, spreading and aggregate formation under flow
Authors: Eshel-Green Tal , Berny Michelle , Conley Robert , McCarty Owen
Published: September 2009

There are clear but poorly understood differences in the etiology and prognosis of thrombotic diseases in men and women. Due to the fact that platelets play a central role in the formation of occlusive thrombi in atherosclerotic coronary arteries, previous studies have examined whether sex differences exist for platelets, and have obtained conflicting results. Additionally, due to the increased use of genetically modified mouse models to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying platelet activation and thrombotic disorders, it is critical to determine if sex is a confounding variable. Our study of the role of sex differences in platelet function was designed to utilise purified platelets from inbred paired female/male littermates in order to minimise genetic and environmental variability. In the current study, we demonstrate that platelet adhesion to and spreading on immobilised fibrinogen, thrombin or collagen was equivalent for both female and male mouse platelets. The ability of the soluble agonist thrombin or convulxin to potentiate platelet Pselectin exposure, fibrinogen binding, or adhesion and spreading on immobilised fibrinogen was equivalent for both female and male mouse platelets. Our data show that an equivalent degree of platelet adhesion and aggregation on collagen or fibrinogen under shear flow was observed for both female and male mouse platelets. In conclusion, our data would argue against an intrinsic difference for female mouse platelets in regulating the major functional platelet responses: platelet adhesion, spreading, or aggregation under flow.
Factor VIII-eGFP fusion proteins with preserved functional activity for the analysis of the early secretory pathway of factor VIII
Authors: Heinz Stefan , Schüttrumpf Jörg , Simpson Jeremy , Pepperkok Rainer , Nicolaes Gerry , Abriss Daniela , Milanov Peter , Roth Stefanie , Seifried Erhard , Tonn Torsten
Published: September 2009

Considering the difficulty in detecting factor (F)VIII in vivo, fluorescently labelled FVIII protein provides a tool to analyse the intracellular localisation, bio distribution, and pharmacokinetics of the protein in living organisms. Here, we report the use of FVIII full length and B-domain deleted proteins, fused to enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) at the C-terminus of the coagulation protein via a nine amino acid spanning linker. Comparison of the FVIII-eGFP fusion proteins to their unlabelled counterparts showed no impairment with respect to recombinant expression levels, intracellular processing, specific coagulant activity and decay at physiological temperature. Confocal live cell imaging demonstrated ER-Golgi-transport of B-domain deleted FVIII-eGFP in vesicular tubular carriers. Using temperature blocks and release experiments, imaging of FVIII-eGFP fusion proteins enabled for the first time the visualisation of the early secretory pathway of B-domain deleted FVIII in living cells and in particular highlighted the apparent deficit of active transport carriers, an observation consistent with the low rates of FVIII secretion seen in recombinant expression systems.
Effects of a semi-synthetic N-,O-sulfated glycosaminoglycan K5 polysaccharide derivative in a rat model of cerebral ischaemia/ reperfusion injury
Authors: Castiglia Sara , Manoni Marco , Salsini Liana , Chini Jacopo , Masini Emanuela , Fantozzi Roberto , Collino Massimo
Published: September 2009

Heparin and low molecular weight heparins may reduce brain damage evoked by ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, although their use is hampered by the risk of haemorrhage. Chemical and enzymatic modifications of K5 polysaccharide have shown the possibility to produce heparin-like compounds with low anticoagulant activity and strong anti-inflammatory effects. Using a rat model of transient cerebral I/R, we investigated the effects of an epimerised N-,O-sulfated K5 polysaccharide derivative, K5-N,OSepi, on the infarct size, motor activity and injury caused by ischaemia (30 min) and reperfusion. Reperfusion was allowed for 60 min or 1–5 days. Rats reperfused for 5 days showed an infarct volume of 30.7 ±3.1% and K5-N,OSepi (0.1–1 mg/kg) caused dose-dependent reduction in infarct size (maximum at 1 mg/kg: 13.1 ±2.1% infarct volume). This effect was associated with a significant improvement in motor performance. In the rat hippocampus, one of the brain areas most sensitive to I/R injury, I/R induced a robust increase in myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, a marker of neutrophil infiltration, that was halved by K5-N,OSepi administration (66.38 ±7.75 µU MPO/tissue g, 30.78 ±5.67 µU MPO/tissue g, respectively). K5-N,OSepi drastically reduced the expression of cyclooxygenase-2,inducible-nitric-oxide-synthase and intercellular-adhesion-molecule-1. I/R-induced activation of nuclear factor-kB was attenuated by drug treatment. Furthermore, K5-N,OSepi administration was associated with a significant modulation of apoptosis markers, such as Bid and Bcl-2. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that the sulfated semi-synthetic K5 derivative K5-N,OSepi protects the brain against I/R injury by disrupting multiple levels of the apoptotic and inflammatory cascade, including inhibition of NF-κB activation.