bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poor Nutritional Health of Bedouin Preschool Children in Jordan: The Irony of Urbanization
Authors: Khatib Ibrahim M.D. , Elmadfa Ibrahim
Published: September 2009

Aims: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess growth and nutritional status of Bedouin preschool children with special focus on the extent of the interaction of anemia with iron deficiency and vitamin A deficiency as possible underlying factors. Methods: Subjects aged 6–66 months were included by recruitment of 262 mothers having either an infant or a preschool child. Nutritional assessment by anthropometric, laboratory and dietary methods was carried out, with anthropometric indices expressed in z-score units. Serum retinol concentration, α-tocopherol, ferritin and blood hemoglobin and hematocrit were assessed. Results: Stunting, vitamin A deficiency, anemia, and iron deficiency were prevalent at rates of 21.1, 25.2, 57.3, and 20.2%, respectively. Mean serum retinol concentration was 249 ± 64 μg/l. More than 50% of the children were at risk of vitamin A deficiency. Compared to others, subjects with vitamin A deficiency tended to have lower hemoglobin (10.0 ± 1.9 vs. 10.95 ± 1.99 g/dl, p < 0.001) and lower serum ferritin concentrations (9.2 ± 3.4 vs. 16.3 ± 6.2 μg/l, p < 0.001). Serum retinol concentration correlated with hemoglobin (r = 0.41, p < 0.001) and ferritin (r = 0.42, p < 0.001). No gender differences were found. Conclusions: Bedouin preschool children are at risk for anemia, iron deficiency, nonocular vitamin A deficiency and stunting. Vitamin A deficiency exacerbates the development of anemia and iron deficiency among children. Urbanization has led Bedouins to the verge of poverty. They have been losing their characteristic lifestyle as traditional livestock keepers, with their children deprived of milk to drink or meat to eat. Coordinated interventional actions by the socioeconomic development planners and decision makers are needed.
The Replacement of Cytogenetic Analysis by Direct Chorionic Villi Sampling Preparation with Quantitative Fluorescence PCR
Authors: Christopoulou S. , Christopoulou G. , Hatzaki A. , Hatzipouliou A. , Donoghue J. , Karkaletsi M. , Kaminopetros P. , Sifakis S. , Velissariou V.
Published: September 2009

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the replacement of chromosomal analysis of chorionic villi (CV) direct preparation samples (DIR) by quantitative fluorescence PCR (QF-PCR) and to determine its advantages in routine prenatal diagnosis. Methods: From a total of 4,020 CV samples, rapid results were obtained either by conventional cytogenetic analysis of DIR in 2,770 samples, or by QF-PCR analysis in 1,250 samples. The final results were given after long-term culture (LTC). Results: The frequencies of unbalanced fetal karyotypes were not significantly different, being 4.8% by DIR-LTC and 4.3% by QF-PCR-LTC. No false-negative or false-positive results were obtained from either approach. Conclusion: QF-PCR can replace chromosomal analysis of CV-DIR in most cases during routine prenatal diagnosis, requiring smaller CV samples and being more labor effective. Coupled with LTC, it is a robust diagnostic approach with high predictive value for the most frequent fetal trisomies.
Acetylcholinesterase Activity in the Erythrocy tes of Newborn Infants with Hyperbilirubinemia and Asphyxia
Authors: Mydlil V. , Tomášová H. , Čápová E. , Černá M.
Published: September 2009

The authors measured erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) activity in 51 physiologic newborn infants, 35 pregnant women and 101 infants with hyperbilirubinemia caused by hemolytic diseases in the ABO and Rh systems, or of other origin (6 children). In total, 374 examinations of erythrocyte ACHE were performed. The normal values of physiologic infants during the first hours of life were 0.162 ± 0.03, at the age of 3 days 0.104 ± 0.04. The values in pregnant women were 0.206 ± 0.07. The ACHE activity was considerably decreased in newborn infants affected by erythroblastosis-ABO, and its mean value, in the case of exsanguinotransfusion indicated by the Polácek scheme, amounted to 0.060 ± 0.051. It raised after exsanguinotransfusion and was equal to the value of red cells transfused. In newborn infants affected by erythroblastosis-Rh, the value decreased in the cases complicated with asphyxia. Low values of ACHE are sometimes found in certain cases of IRDS or of septicemia. The determination of erythrocyte ACHE activity enables assessing the state of red blood cells.
Effect of Adenosine Triphosphate and Adenosine Diphosphate on the Teratogenic Action of Trypan Blue in Rats
Authors: Beaudoin Allan R.
Published: September 2009

The effect of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and triphosphate (ATP) on the teratogenic action of trypan blue was investigated in the Wistar rat. On day 8 (sperm day = day 0) each experimental animal received intraperitoneal injections of trypan blue (140 mg/kg or 5 mg/kg) plus either ADP or ATP in dosages ranging from 50 μg to 300 mg per animal. The fetuses were recovered at day 20 and examined. It was found that ADP and ATP may enhance, reduce, or have no effect on the incidence of trypan blue-induced malformations.
Balance of Net Base in the Rat. I. A Technical Approach
Authors: Wamberg S. , Kildeberg P. , Engel K.
Published: September 2009

A low-cost technique for studies of mineral and net base balance in rodents is described. Metabolic units of plexiglass, modifiable according to special needs, were found to perform satisfactorily in short-term as well as in long-term studies. Young Wistar rats showed normal growth rate, and adult non-growing rats showed mineral and net base balances close to zero.
Position of the Oxygen Dissociation Curve in Newborns with ABO Constellation between Mother and Child
Authors: Göbel U. , Petrich C.
Published: September 2009

In 19 newborns with ABO constellation between mother and child, the oxygen partial pressure at 50% saturation of blood (P50) was determined within the first 24 h of the child’s life and was correlated to the serum bilirubin level of the third day. In contrary to babies with transitory hyperbilirubinaemia the P50 value does not decrease at high bilirubin levels. This has to be explained as a physiological difference in these two forms of icterus neonatorum.
Serotonin Metabolism in Normal and Abnormal Infants during the Perinatal Period
Authors: Tu Jun-bi , Wong Ching-Yee
Published: September 2009

The concentration of serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) in various body fluids was measured during the perinatal period in two groups of infants born with normal and pathological conditions, respectively. Evidence was obtained showing that fetal blood 5-HT level was relatively stable, uninfluenced by maternal or fetal factors, and was about half the value of the maternal blood. High levels of 5-HIAA and evidence of an active decomposition of 5-HT were found in the amniotic fluid. These findings suggest that 5-HT in utero is subjected to a very active metabolic turnover. The origin of the fetal blood 5-HT and the significance of the placenta in the control of intrauterine 5-HT metabolism is discussed. There was no clear evidence of abnormal 5-HT metabolism in toxemic pregnancies, premature babies, and an infant with Down’s syndrome in the perinatal period.
Postnatal Effects of Chemically Induced Intrauterine Growth Retardation on some Hematological Values in the Rat
Authors: Amortegui Antonio J. , Feinberg Stanford S. , Figallo Eduardo M.
Published: September 2009

The effects of artificially induced intrauterine growth retardation on hematological values of the rat are manifest only temporarily in the red blood cell number, the amount of hemoglobin, and the 2,3-DPG. These three elements reached normal levels after the fifth day of postnatal life. We believe that this temporary effect may be the consequence of the short-term effect of hydroxyurea (the drug used to produce intrauterine growth retardation) upon DNA synthesis in the hematopoietic system. The animals compensate for the low red cell number and low hemoglobin by raising the levels of 2,3-DPG brought about by the temporary anoxia.
The Effects of Starvation, Glucose Infusion, and Normal Feeding, on Muscle Protein Synthesis and Catabolism in the Newborn Guinea Pig
Authors: Ogata Edward S. , Holliday Malcolm A.
Published: September 2009

We determined the effects of feeding, starvation, and glucose infusion after starvation in newborn guinea pigs. We determined the rate of 14 C-leucine incorporation into skeletal muscle (Ks) as a measure of muscle protein synthesis and the rate of excretion of 3-methylhistidine as a measure of muscle myofibrillar protein catabolism (Kc). Fed newborns, who were in positive nitrogen balance, had the highest Ks and lowest Kc, while starved newborns had the lowest Ks and highest Kc. Infusing glucose after starvation decreased net protein catabolism and Kc, but did not increase Ks. The magnitude of change of Kc in response to starvation and glucose infusion was much greater than Ks. Changes in catabolic rate may influence net muscle protein balance ro a greater degree than changes in synthetic rate.
Amino Acid Uptake by Fetal Kidney Slices
Authors: Solomon Sidney , Bengele Howard H. , Evan Andrew P.
Published: September 2009

Kidney slices of 7–17-week-old human fetuses were incubated for 90 min or less in Krebs-Ringer solution containing aminoisobutyric acid (AIB). Cell to medium ratios of AIB decrease with increasing fetal age. Uptake rate is slower than for mature human tissue. Both water content and extracellular space is high in embryonic tissue as compared to adult.
A Survey of X Chromatin in the Newborn
Authors: Petersen Kyle W. , Jacobson Cecil B. , Telford Ira R. , Petersen Del Var
Published: September 2009

Buccal smears were analyzed for X chromatin in 1,000 newborn infants. The mean percentage of X chromatin in the 506 female infants was 39.5 (range 19–61) and in the 494 males 0.13 (range 0–3.0). Evaluation of the data comparing the percentage of X chromatin with Caucasian and noncaucasian infants, the weight of the newborn, and the gestation time, indicated no significant differences within the male or female populations. A longitudinal study on 25 female infants for the first 4 days postpartum indicated a significant increase in the percentage of X chromatin in females.
Lack of Correlation between Clinical Data and Growth Hormone Concentrations in Cord Blood
Authors: von Mühlendahl K.E. , Pachaly J. , Schmidt-Gollwitzer M.
Published: September 2009

Growth hormone concentrations were measured in 182 umbilical cord blood samples taken at the time of birth. The mean value in 165 full-term, normal weight infants was 31.5 ± 25.9 ng/ml SD. 14 prematures had significantly higher levels (50.0 ± 38.4, p < 0.01). There were no statistically significant correlations to any of the following parameters: complication of pregnancy by toxaemia, duration of labour, presence of umbilical cord contortion, perinatal distress, Apgar index, mode of delivery, body weight, body length, ratio of weight to length, and blood glucose. There was a wide scatter of individual values in this study as well as in previous investigations. We think it unlikely that those variations are purely accidental. Hence, yet undefined factors must play a major role in the regulation of GH secretion in the perinatal period.
Glucagon Release in the Sheep Fetus
Authors: Alexander D.P. , Assan R. , Britton H.G. , Fenton E.. , Redstone D.
Published: September 2009

Arginine administered to the fetal sheep elicits a brisk transient increase in the glucagon concentration of peripheral fetal plasma. Neither direct elevation of the fetal plasma glucose level nor the induction of fetal hypoglycaemia by insulin infusion to the ewe result in significant changes in fetal plasma glucagon concentration over the short term, in the acutely exteriorised preparation. The results suggest that maturation of the various mechanisms stimulating glucagon secretion occurs at different stages of development.
Metabolic Response to Fasting in Experimental Intrauterine Growth Retardation
Authors: Levitsky Lynne L. , Speck Sarah M. , Shulman Ron
Published: September 2009

Experimental intrauterine growth retardation was produced in two groups of neonatal rats by maternal dietary restriction (DR) or by bilateral ligation of the uterine vessels (UVL). Both experimental groups of neonates had lower plasma glucose levels than controls at delivery. Newborns of DR animals showed appropriate suppression of insulin release and rapid recovery from hypoglycemia during an 8-hour fast. In contrast, neonates in the UVL group displayed persistently lower plasma glucose levels and inappropriate hyperinsulinemia. The metabolic effects of these two models of intrauterine growth retardation reflect the nature of the fetal insult and are not uniform.
Prolactin in the Sheep Fetus: Effect of Reserpine
Authors: Alexander D.P. , Britton H.G. , Buttle H.L.
Published: September 2009

The presence of prolactin, in quantities comparable with the adult, has been confirmed in the plasma of the fetal sheep a few days before term (140 and 144 days) but at 101 and 105 days only traces were occasionally found despite the presence of considerable quantities in the fetal pituitary. Prolactin was undetectable in the plasma of the young fetuses after administration of reserpine (2.5 mg i.v.) and the same dose of reserpine did not raise the plasma levels in the older fetuses. The only cardiovascular effect was a transient slight bradycardia. In all animals, however, the maternal plasma prolactin rose markedly after a short delay. A similar rise was seen in anoestrous ewes given the same dose intravenously. It is concluded (a) that reserpine is not an adequate stimulus for prolactin release in the sheep fetus although it is in the adult ewe and (b) reserpine rapidly crosses the ovine placenta from fetus to mother.
Glucose Homeostasis in the Developing Rat
Authors: Gain K. , Watts C.
Published: September 2009

The newborn rat was investigated for the presence of hypoglycaemia during the first hours after birth. Animals were born naturally and were left with the mother until sampled. There was no evidence of hypoglycaemia at birth or over the next 6 h. There was a rise in the blood glucose in the first hour after birth and this was associated with the period of most rapid mobilization of liver glycogen. Plasma immunoreactive insulin (IRI) fell rapidly after birth to values seen in fed adult rats. In contrast to the results obtained from rats born prematurely by Caesarian section, the normal process of birth followed by a normal environment with the mother, allows the newborn rat to maintain its glucose homeostasis.
Energy Metabolism and Intravenous Nutrition of Premature Infants
Authors: Rubecz I. , Mestyán J.
Published: September 2009

Oxygen consumption, respiratory quotient, total heat production and the distribution of calories produced by fat, carbohydrate and protein oxidation in low-birth-weight infants intravenously fed by Intralipid + glucose have been investigated. The following observations were made: (1) Fat emulsion + glucose caused a variable individual increase in oxygen consumption. The average response (specific dynamic action) did not reach the level of significance. The mean percentage rise during the second half of the 6-hour Intralipid + glucose infusion period amounted to about 10–13%. (2) The response of respiratory quotient and metabolic pattern indicated an increase of fatty acid oxidation. (3) Intralipid infusion was also associated with an increased renal urea excretion rate suggesting enhanced hepatic glucose synthesis from amino acids in response to increased fatty acid oxidation.
Agar Ingestion Combined with Phototherapy in Jaundiced Newborn Infants
Authors: Ebbesen Finn , Møller Jørn
Published: September 2009

49 jaundiced, nonimmunized newborn infants with a birth weight of more than 2,000 g were given phototherapy with white light for more than 36 h. The average period of treatment was 61 h. 24 infants received 250 mg agar at the beginning of each meal at 3-hour intervals during phototherapy. 25 infants received phototherapy only. Serum bilirubin levels were decreased similarly in both groups. It is concluded that ingestion of agar does not supplement the effect of phototherapy.
Functional Autonomic Innervation of Mammalian Cardiac Pacemaker during the Perinatal Period
Authors: Vlk Jaroslav , Vincenzi Frank F.
Published: September 2009

Sinoatrial node pacemaker tissues from perinatal and adult rabbits, guinea pigs and rats were examined in vitro. Changes in spontaneous pacemaker rate produced by stimulation of intranodal vagal and sympathetic nerve endings, were taken as a measure of functional postganglionic innervation of the pacemaker. Results show marked species differences in the development of functional innervation of the cardiac pacemaker in the perinatal period.
Developmental Aspects of Amino Acid Transport
Authors: Bartsocas Christos S.
Published: September 2009

L-Lysine-14C uptake was studied in vitro in intestinal segments of rats, in various ages, ranging between 15-day fetuses and adults. L-Lysine in 0.065 mM concentrations was accumulated against a chemical concentration gradient by processes which obeyed saturation kinetics. There appeared to be two peaks of lysine uptake values, one in the fetus, diminishing by the 17th fetal day and another on the 2nd postnatal day. Fetal transport of lysine was not inhibited by anaerobic conditions and was not Na+ dependent, in contrast with increasing O2 and Na+ dependency postnatally. A series of amino acids including representatives of the neutral, imino acid and dibasic groups, failed to inhibit lysine uptake, with the exception of L-arginine, which was also antagonized by L-lysine. These findings suggest that in the rat intestine L-lysine is transported by at least two mechanisms, one fetal, not requiring O2 and Na+, and another developing postnatally with a peak during the 2nd day, which is Na-dependent and requires aerobic conditions.
Studies on the Regulation of Glycolysis in Isolated Fetal Rat Hepatocytes
Authors: Hommes F.A. , Luit-De Haan G.
Published: September 2009

The contribution to the glycolytic flux by glycogen breakdown versus glucose phosphorylation has been determined in isolated fetal rat hepatocytes, prepared in different media and subsequently incubated with different glucose concentrations. A high glucose concentration in cells prepared in a medium containing a high concentration of inorganic phosphate decreases the contribution to the glycolytic flux by glycogenolysis to less than 15%. It is suggested that one of the factors which initiate glycogenolysis in the living animal after birth is a lowered blood glucose concentration, independent of hormonal changes. Under conditions where glycogenolysis does not contribute the larger part to the glycolytic flux, the control of glycolysis is shifted from glycogen breakdown to the glucose phosphorylation step and phosphofructokinase.
Endocrine Studies in the Untreated F1 and F2 Progeny of Rats Treated Neonatally with Thyroxine
Authors: Bakke J.L. , Lawrence N.L. , Robinson S. , Bennett J.
Published: September 2009

When neonatal rats are made hyperthyroid with large doses of thyroxine during the first 5 days of life, they develop hypothalamopituitary, thyroidal and gonadal abnormalities that persist through life. When female rats, which have been treated neonatally, are subsequently mated to normal males, their offspring show unexpected gonadal and thyroidal defects, such as reduced weaning weight and delayed vaginal opening and first estrus in females; males show a significant increase in relative thyroid weight and a significant decrease in ventral prostate weight. Cross-fostering was done to separate prenatal from postnatal influences. Even more surprising was the finding that when the untreated female F1 progeny were mated with normal males, the untreated F2 progeny showed more defects and to a greater degree than those present in the maternal parent.
Characteristics of Tryptophan Binding in the Serum of the Newborn Rat
Authors: Bourgoin S. , Faivre-Bauman A. , Hery F. , Ternaux J.-P. , Hamon M.
Published: September 2009

During the very first period of postnatal life, tryptophan is almost entirely free in the serum of rats. This situation is in sharp contrast with the well-known ability of serum albumin to bind the essential amino acid in the adult. Three main factors accounted for the relative lack of binding during the early postnatal life when compared to the adult: (1) the lower concentration of serum albumin, the binding protein; (2) the inhibition of binding by nonesterified fatty acids, which were at a high level in the serum of young rats until weaning, and (3) the decreased number of available binding sites for tryptophan on the defatted serum albumin, whereas the apparent association constant of tryptophan binding to serum albumin was similar in newborn and adult. Since immunological characterization of newborn and adult serum albumins did not reveal a specific fetal serum albumin, we suggest that discrete changes at the association site for tryptophan are sufficient to induce large alteration in the binding capacity of the protein. In contrast to the situation observed in adult rats, serotonin synthesis in the brain of newborn animals is therefore not dependent on the equilibrium between bound and free tryptophan in serum.
The Effect of Birth on the Maturation of Hepatic Cytochrome(s) P-450 Mono-Oxygenase and Tyrosine Aminotransferase Activities in the Guinea Pig
Authors: Manchester David K. , Neims Allen H.
Published: September 2009

Mixed coat guinea pigs delivered by Caesarian section 5 days before term were compared to spontaneously delivered full-term animals with respect to the postnatal maturation of hepatic mono-oxygenase activity in vitro toward aniline and p-chloro-N-methylaniline. Tyrosine aminotransferase activity was studied in the same preparations as a positive control for birth-related phenomena. Mono-oxygenase activities toward both substrates increased significantly in both premature and full-term animals during the first 3 postnatal days and approached adult values 72 h after birth. The maturation of tyrosine aminotransferase activity occurred in a qualitatively similar fashion. The mechanism through which birth initiates the maturation of drug oxidative capacity is unresolved; the gestational age at which competence to respond to the event of birth is acquired, remains undefined.
Role of Respiration in Effecting Placental Transfusion at Cesarean Section
Authors: Philip Alistair G.S. , Teng Stephen S.
Published: September 2009

The transfer of blood from placenta to baby (placental transfusion) was examined in 29 full-term babies delivered by elective Cesarean Section. Events surrounding the delivery were carefully monitored using a stopwatch. Residual placental blood volume (RPBV) and change in hematocrit (Hct) were measured. In 13 infants held above the level of the placenta, the mean RPBV was significantly greater, and the change in Hct significantly lower, than in 16 infants held below the level of the placenta. Increasing duration of respiration resulted in increasing amounts of placental transfusion, even in those babies held just above the placenta. These results indicate that there are separate effects of gravity and respiration which facilitate a placental transfusion at Cesarean Section.
Locomotor Behavior and Skeletal Morphology of the Odd-Nosed Monkeys
Authors: Su Denise F. , Jablonski Nina G.
Published: September 2009

The odd-nosed monkeys are different from other Old World monkeys in having suspensory and vertical climbing behaviors as a significant portion of their locomotor and positional behaviors. This study examined the relationship between their unique locomotor behaviors and skeletal morphology. The results indicated that odd-nosed monkeys differed from other Old World monkeys in aspects of their forelimb morphology and intermembral index, approaching the conditions seen in apes and overlapping with those of atelines. Rhinopithecus was also shown to be different from other odd-nosed monkeys in its skeletal morphology.
Feeding outside the Forest: The Importance of Crop Raiding and an Invasive Weed in the Diet of Gallery Forest Ring-Tailed Lemurs (Lemur catta) following a Cyclone at the Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve, Madagascar
Authors: LaFleur M. , Gould L.
Published: September 2009

In January 2005, a cyclone hit southern Madagascar, including the Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve, disrupting the flowering/fruiting cycle of Tamarindus indica, leaving Lemur catta without its major food resource during reproductive periods. We studied two adjacent groups of L. catta during the late gestation period, and both groups ventured outside the reserve to feed. The Red group (RG) fed daily on cultivated sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) leaves in a nearby field, and both groups consumed leaves and stems of the invasive terrestrial flowering herb Mexican prickly poppy (Argemone mexicana), growing outside the reserve. The Green group (GG) spent significantly more time feeding than did RG, and more time feeding inside the forest compared to outside. The members of RG spent half of their time feeding in the crops, and nearly half of their diet consisted of easy-to-process sweet potato leaves. Additionally, RG defended and restricted GG’s access to the crop territory. Of the two non-forest foods, A. mexicana leaves were higher in protein and most minerals (P, Mg, K and Na, but not Ca) and lower in fiber than sweet potato leaves, but sweet potato leaves were preferred by RG. L. catta is a markedly flexible primate with respect to diet, and switches to fallback foods from outside the forest during periods of low food availability. In the highly seasonal and unpredictable climate of southern Madagascar, such behavioral adaptations are important to the survival of this species.
Oxypurine Excretion in Normal Newborn Infants
Authors: Jensen M.H. , Jørgensen S.
Published: September 2009

Hypoxanthine, xanthine, uric acid, 6-hydroxypurine, 2,6-hydroxypurine and 2,6,8-hydroxypurine, respectively, are the catabolic products of purine-containing compounds in the human body. Each of the compounds was determined, by enzymatic spectrophotometry, in the 24-hour urine samples of 23 newborn infants. The hypoxanthine excretions on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd days were 1.1 (0.7–1.6), 0.9 (0.1–1.4) and 0.7 (0.1–1.5) μmol/24 h/kg body weight. The xanthine excretion in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd days was: 0.5 (0.3–1.2), 0.6 (0.3–2.0) and 1.2 (0.4–1.9) μmol/24 h/kg body weight. The uric acid excretion in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd days was: 61 (33–150), 61 (20–142) and 76 (40–127) μmol/24 h/kg. All the values are given as median and 10% percentiles. The hypoxanthine excretion decreased significantly (p < 0.05) and the xanthine increased correspondingly throughout the 3 days (p < 0.05). The excretion of hypoxanthine plus xanthine showed no significant change throughout the 3 days, and comprised approximately 2.5% of the total oxypurine excretion.
Fetal Growth Retardation following Maternal Morphine Administration: Nutritional or Drug Effect?
Authors: Raye John R. , Dubin Joseph W. , Blechner Jack N.
Published: September 2009

The effects of maternal morphine administration on maternal nutrition and on fetal growth have been systematically examined in a rabbit model. Significant alterations in maternal food intake occurred during morphine exposure. These nutritional changes did not result in fetal growth retardation. Fetal morphine exposure was associated with significant reductions in fetal weight, length, placental weight and in the weights of most organs including the brain. When organ weight was considered as a fraction of total fetal weight morphine exposure was associated with a significant increase in the relative weight of the brain and a significant decrease in the relative weight of liver and kidneys. These narcotic effects were dose dependent.
Postnatal Changes in Plasma and Renal Renin of the Rat
Authors: Solomon S. , Iaina A. , Eliahou H. , Serban I.
Published: September 2009

Plasma renin activity (PRA) of infant rats is high until some time between the 3rd and 4th week after birth. Mothers, however, return PRA to normal by 2 weeks post partum. The rate of disappearance of endogenous PRA of nephrectomized rats is slower in those animals having high PRA than in mature rats. Disappearance curves of endogenous PRA of mothers post partum is also the same as that of normal mature females. Part of the high PRA of the neonate can thereby be related to the lower rate of destruction. Total kidney renin content increases with age. Renal renin activity (RRA) is low only during the 1st postnatal week when expressed in terms of whole kidney weight and compared to later postnatal times. Although there are some slight differences in the means in older animals, none are statistically significant.
Ontogeny of Adenylate Cyclase and Phosphodiesterase Activities in Swine Tissues
Authors: Mersmann H.J. , Phinney G. , Brown L.J. , Steffen D.G.
Published: September 2009

The ontogenic patterns of the basal- and fluoride-stimulated adenylate cyclase and the cAMP phosphodiesterase activities as well as the tissue levels of cAMP were assessed in swine adipose tissue, heart, skeletal muscle, and liver. The developmental patterns were complex. However, there was a general tendency in all tissues toward lower enzyme activities in the oldest animals (150 days) for both enzymes. In adipose tissue, the decreased enzyme levels could partially be attributed to an increase in adipocyte size.
Distribution of Label in Maternal Plasma, Placenta, Fetal Plasma and Tissues after Injection of 14C-Palmitate into the Circulation of 21- and 28-Day-Pregnant Rabbits
Authors: Hudson D.G. , Elphick M.C. , Hull D.
Published: September 2009

Tissue and plasma samples were obtained from fetuses removed 1–20 min after injection of 14C-palmitate into the doe at day 21 or day 28 of gestation. Specific activity of maternal plasma free fatty acids (FFA) was higher, but that of fetal plasma FFA lower in 21- than 28-day-pregnant rabbits. In 21-day fetuses, total radioactivity in the liver never exceeded that in the placenta; in 28-day fetuses, the liver radioactivity exceeded that in the placenta after 3 min. Total radioactivity in the fetal brown adipose tissue (BAT) never exceeded that in the placenta. Most of the placental radioactivity was initially in the FFA, but at later time intervals the majority of the label was in the phospholipids. The fetal liver and BAT rapidly esterified label into triglycerides. It is concluded that transport of FFA across the placenta is greater at 28 days than at 21 days gestation. The evidence suggests that a pool of placental FFA, which equilibrates rapidly with the maternal plasma FFA, is a possible source of fetal plasma FFA. The rapidity and quantity of label appearing in the fetal liver suggest that fatty acids may first be processed by the liver before transport to extrahepatic tissues.
Effects of Maternal Dodecanoic or Laurie Acid (C12:0) Feeding on Milk Fatty Acid Secretion and Lipogenesis in the Suckling Rat
Authors: Demarne Y. , Epo N. , Lecourtier M.J. , Flanzy J.
Published: September 2009

Laurie acid feeding induced large alterations in mammary gland fatty acid secretion. It was highly incorported in milk triglycerides, suggesting that mammary gland was not able to efficiently regulate the qualitative aspects of medium-chain fatty acid secretion. These modifications in milk fatty acid secretion did not alter pup growth, lipogenesis balance or the classic parameters of the pup liver during the suckling period. Nevertheless, maternal lauric acid feeding induced important alterations in the qualitative aspects of pup lipogenesis before weaning.
Effect of Postnatal Age and Clinical Status of Newborn Infants on Bilirubin-Binding Capacity
Authors: Cashore William J. , Horwich Arthur , Laterra John , Oh William
Published: September 2009

Serial determinations of bilirubin-binding capacity were performed in 61 newborn infants during the first 10 days of life. 27 infants were classified as term (gestational age ≥ 36 weeks) and 34 as preterm (gestational age ≤ 33 weeks); 34 were classified as ‘sick’ and 27 as ‘well’. Bilirubin-binding capacity was measured by Sephadex gel filtration. In relation to postnatal age, total bilirubin-binding capacity (TBBC) remained stable in well term and preterm infants, decreased slightly in sick preterm infants, and decreased significantly in sick term infants. TBBC, serum albumin, and molar binding ratio (B/A) were significantly higher in well than in sick infants in both term and preterm groups; there were no significant differences between sick term and sick preterm infants. Clinical recovery in 16 infants was associated with a significant rise in TBBC and in B/A. The data suggest that in healthy infants, the serum bilirubin-binding capacity remains relatively unchanged during the first 10 days of life. Clinically ill infants show wide patient-to-patient variability in TBBC. Because of the tendency of TBBC to decrease with postnatal age in sick infants, repeated determinations of TBBC may be indicated for the management of sick jaundiced newborns.
Postnatal Maldevelopment of the Retina
Authors: Amemiya Tsugio
Published: September 2009

The effect of certain factors on the early postnatal development of the retina was studied by electron microscopy. Although the retina of developing rats injected with sodium iodate on the 1st and 7th postnatal days showed no retardation of development of photoreceptor outer segment, it began to degenerate about 3 weeks after birth. The retina of developing rats exposed to strong light from the 1st to 5 th postnatal day revealed slight developmental retardation of the photoreceptor outer segment, and the photoreceptor outer segment began to degenerate about 3 weeks after birth. The vitamin A deficient developing rat showed developmental retardation of the photoreceptor outer segment and it began to degenerate nearly 3 weeks after birth. In spite of induction of developmental retardation of the photoreceptor outer segment of the retina, development of the photoreceptor outer segment was not completely inhibited by moderately acting factors. However, 3 weeks after birth, the photoreceptor outer segments began to degenerate. Therefore, some factors during the early postnatal period can cause the late appearance of degeneration of the retina. The characteristics of retinal degeneration are the same as those found in the retinas of adult rats which are affected by each factor. These degenerations later recover morphologically.
Calcium and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 Binding Proteins in Human Placenta
Authors: Fowler Sara Arnold , Williams Mary E. , Gray Kenney
Published: September 2009

The placental translocation of calcium is a well-known process, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Placental cytoplasmic proteins capable of binding calcium and the active metabolites of vitamin D3 were sought in these studies. Cytosol from full-term human placenta was prepared by ultracentrifugation of homogenates and tested for binding. Partial purification by column chromatography revealed the presence of two discrete proteins which bound specifically 45Ca and 3H-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and having approximate molecular weights of 12,000 and 67,000, respectively. These placental proteins may be intermediaries in the process of placental calcium translocation.
Sephadex-Gel Filtration (SGF) in Infant and Adult Gunn Rats
Authors: Ballowitz L. , Hanefeld F. , Jerofke R. , Keller P. , Korn J. , Schweitzer U.
Published: September 2009

SGF was compared in infant and adult homozygous Gunn rats. Without any drug application, the test was negative in the adult animals, whereas a remarkable percentage of positive SGF was obtained in 5–7-day-old rats, especially in those undernourished and/or intensely icteric. Unexpectedly, in infant rats the rate of positive SGF after sulfadimethoxine injection was lower than in the untreated control group. Moreover, in 9–10-day-old animals who had positive SGF before the injection, the test became negative 15–20 min after sulfadimethoxine application in vivo. No convincing explanation could be given, but drug interference with the binding capacities of the Sephadex column could be excluded by appropriate in vitro tests.
Postnatal Changes in Blood S-Adenosylmethionine Concentration
Authors: Rubaltelli Firmino F. , Stramentinoli Giorgio , Chiozza Laura , Saia Sergio , Cantarutti Felice
Published: September 2009

The blood concentration of S-adenosylmethionine in 18 premature neonates affected by hyaline membrane disease did not differ from that found in a control group of healthy premature newborns. However, these values are higher than those found in full-term infants: this fact suggests that the methionine cycle is active in both the fetus and premature neonate with consequent conservation of homocysteine sulfur. These data provide ancillary evidence in support of the hypothesis that in premature babies cyst(e)ine is an essential amino acid. The concentration of S-adenosylmethionine reaches its lowest level 30 days after birth and then stabilizes at the age of 2–5 months with blood levels similar to those of the normal adult.
The Effects of Aflatoxin B1 on Rat Fetal Lung Lipids
Authors: Das Salil K. , Nair Rajagopalan C. , Patthey Henry L. , Mgbodile Marcel U.K.
Published: September 2009

The administration of aflatoxin B1 to rats on days 17 and 19 of pregnancy caused increased synthesis of the total lipids and the fatty acids, and decreased synthesis of the phosphatidyl choline in 21-day-old fetal lung. Aflatoxin B1 caused toxicity in the fetal lung as evidenced by the excessive accumulation of the lamellar bodies and the osmiophilic spheroids in the type II cells and the alveolar lumen, respectively. The rearrangement of the lamellar form to the continuous sheet-like tubular myelin form was reduced in the alveolar lumen of the treated lung.
Effects of Administration of Hydrocortisone, Actinomycin D and Puromycin on Carbamoylphosphate Synthetase-I and Ornithine Carbamoyltransferase Activities in Fetal Rat Liver
Authors: Gautier C. , Vaillant R.
Published: September 2009

The administration of hydrocortisone (0.1 mg) to intact fetuses in utero on day 16.5, 17.5 and 18.5 caused a marked increase in the activity of carbamoylphosphate synthetase-I 48 h later. This increase can be abolished 48 h later by simultaneous administration of actinomycin D (2 μg). No change in the activity of ornithine carbamoyltransferase was found with administration of hydrocortisone in utero during the same period. The normal increase of the activity of carbamoylphosphate synthetase-I during the late fetal period is not abolished by administration of actinomycin D, while this treatment on day 18.5 in utero stimulates the activity of ornithine carbamoyltransferase. The normal increase of carbamoylphosphate synthetase-I activity during the late fetal period is not associated with an enzyme synthesis, while its hydrocortisone-induced increase seems to be due to an enzyme synthesis. The nature of the increase in ornithine carbamoyltransferase activity with actinomycin D remains to be identified.
Effect of Lipid Loading on Fetal Uptake of Free Fatty Acids, Glycerol, and β-Hydroxybutyrate
Authors: Rubaltelli Firmino F. , Enzi Giuliano , De Biasi Flora , Bondio Mario , Rondinelli Mario
Published: September 2009

The possibility of influencing the fetal uptake of free fatty acids (FFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (β-OH), and glycerol was demonstrated by enhancing the maternal blood level of these substances by means of 10% intralipid infusions to the mothers during delivery. The FFA uptake, which was not significant in fetuses of control mothers, became positive in fetuses born after maternal infusion with intralipid. The uptake of β-OH and glycerol, which were positive in normal conditions, increased in fetuses from intralipid-infused mothers. These studies demonstrate that, after intralipid infusions to the mothers, the fetal FFA uptake could be correlated with the FFA concentration difference between maternal arterial, and fetal umbilical arterial blood. Since the fetal uptake of FFA subsequent to intralipid infusions is not negligible, we consider the possibility that lipid infusions to the mothers could be an approach to the treatment of the fetus with poor intrauterine growth.
Cortical Activation during a Pitch Discrimination Task in Tinnitus Patients and Controls – An fMRI Study
Authors: Wunderlich Arthur Peter , Schönfeldt-Lecuona Carlos , Wolf Robert Christian , Dorn Kristina , Bachor Edgar , Freund Wolfgang
Published: September 2009

Chronic subjective tinnitus has been associated with aberrant activation of cortical areas involved in the perception of auditory information. This leads to the hypothesis that neural correlates of altered auditory perception may be found in tinnitus patients using functional magnetic resonance imaging. To study brain activation patterns due to acoustic stimulation in a pitch discrimination task, 6 tinnitus patients and 6 age-matched controls were investigated. Tones were presented binaurally at 5 beeps/s with three different frequencies in a block design. Using Statistical Parametrical Mapping, we found activation of secondary auditory areas in both groups. Furthermore, controls showed activation of the right-hemispheric anterior insula, whereas the middle frontal gyrus, putamen and left-hemispheric insula were activated in tinnitus patients. In the between-group analysis, activation of the caudate nucleus, superior frontal gyrus (Brodmann area 8) and cingular cortex was more pronounced in patients than in controls suggesting the perception of auditory inputs in a more emotional context in our patient group compared to controls.
Inner Ear Function following Underlay Myringoplasty
Authors: Redaelli de Zinis L.O. , Cottelli M. , Koka M.
Published: September 2009

Introduction: Inner ear function can be modified by middle ear surgery. Objectives: This study aimed to describe bone threshold conduction changes after myringoplasty. Design: Prospective study. Materials and Methods: Determination of preoperative and 6- to 12-month postoperative bone conduction thresholds for patients consecutively treated by primary underlay myringoplasty. Results: The mean bone conduction threshold improvement was 1 ± 6 dB (p = 0.006). There were significant differences in bone conduction threshold changes by surgical approach and for patients with tympanosclerosis. There were no ‘dead ears’ following intervention, and only a 1% risk of impairment. Conclusions: Anatomically successful myringoplasty can partially improve bone conduction with minimal risk of impairment.
Serum Alphafetoprotein in Multiple Pregnancy
Authors: Bryan Elizabeth M. , Thorp R.W. , Nicholson Elizabeth
Published: September 2009

The concentration of α-fetoprotein (AFP) was determined in paired umbilical cord and maternal sera in 42 multiple pregnancies. No concentrations above 1.4 μg/ml were detected in maternal sera. Although there was a significant inverse correlation between cord AFP levels and gestational age, large intrapair discrepancies were common and these were not influenced by birth order, weight, or malformations. Intrapair AFP ratios were higher amongst dizygotic (DZ) than monozygotic (MZ) twins. In a pair discordant for neonatal hepatitis, the affected twin had the lower level of AFP in cord serum, but AFP was still detectable at 55 days.
Perinatal Methadone Exposure in Rats
Authors: McLaughlin Patricia J. , Zagon Ian S. , White William J.
Published: September 2009

The effects of maternal methadone (5 mg/kg methadone-HCl) administration during gestation and/or lactation on gross body measurements, absolute organ weights, dry weights, and tissue water content were studied in 21-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats. Offspring perinatally exposed to methadone had significantly lower body weights, crown to rump lengths, tail lengths and head diameters. In contrast to age-control values, absolute organ weights of the adrenals, brain, heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, muscle, and testes were reduced in all drug-treated groups; the spleen, thymus, and ovaries of some methadone groups were also lighter in weight. Organ:body weight ratios revealed fewer significant differences than recorded for absolute weights. Dry weights and tissue water content of the kidneys, liver and muscle were affected in all drug-treated animals; other organs were markedly affected by at least one schedule of methadone administration. These results suggest that perinatal methadone exposure has detrimental effects on preweaning organ and body development that may be of long-term functional consequence to the animal.
Effect of Hypoxia on Monoamine Synthesis in Brains of Developing Rats
Authors: Hedner T. , Lundborg P. , Engel J.
Published: September 2009

1-, 4-, 14- and 28-day-old rats were exposed to a hypoxic environment of 5.9, 8.0 or 12.0% O2 during a period of 30 min. In the brain, tyrosine hydroxylase and tryptophan hydroxy-lase activity was studied in vivo by measuring the accumulation of dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), respectively, after inhibition of L-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase with NSD 1015. Tyrosine and tryptophan levels in the brain were measured simultaneously. The brain tyrosine and tryptophan levels were generally not influenced either by age or hypoxic levels. Tyrosine and tryptophan hydroxylase activity decreased to about the same extent during the various hypoxic levels at all ages studied. It is concluded that the first, rate-limiting, step in the synthesis of the monoamine neurotransmittors dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NA) and 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HT) is affected during moderate as well as severe hypoxia at all stages of development.
Relationship of Incorporation of Radioprecursors into Protein and Phospholipids of the Plasmalemma of Guinea Pig (Neonate) Intestinal Epithelium and the Cessation of Uptake of Macromolecules (Closure)
Authors: Rundell J.O. , Lecce J.G.
Published: September 2009

The incorporation of radioprecursors into intestinal epithelial cell proteins and phospholipids was studied to assess the role of protein and phospholipid synthesis and/or turnover in the cessation of the absorption of macromolecules (closure). Radiophosphorus incorporation into cellular phospholipids was enhanced when pinocytosis was stimulated. The specific activity of cellular and brush border phospholipids and specific phosphatides increased during the period of active endocytosis. No alteration in specific phosphatide percent composition was observed. Radioamino acid incorporation into cellular protein was not influenced by age. These data are consistent with the idea that the period of active macromolecule absorption by the guinea pig intestinal epithelium is defined by the exhaustion of membrane available for endocytosis.
Thermic Effects of Glucose, Amino Acid and Lipid in the Term Newborn
Authors: Salomon J.W. , Swyer P.R. , Jéquier E.
Published: September 2009

The thermic effect in term infants of intragastric isocaloric amounts of glucose, lipid and amino acid have been compared with control infants given water on the third to fifth days of life. In contrast with adults, the thermic effect of glucose was found to be non-existent and for lipids weak and ill-sustained. These results suggest that these nutrients are mainly oxidised and that processes involving an elevated metabolic cost, such as lipid synthesis, play a minor role. The ingestion of an isocaloric load of amino acids induced a small thermic effect (4.4% of the energy content of the load in 2 h). This effect is probably related to a low rate of protein synthesis or amino acid catabolism and an absence of tissue deposition. The small thermic effect observed suggests that a significant part of the load is not metabolised or channeled into protein synthesis. In term infants the weak thermic effect after amino acid and the failure of glucose and lipid to stimulate metabolism may possibly be analogous to the lack of post-prandial thermic effect reported in non-growing children suffering from malnutrition. It can be hypothesised that in both cases the energy storage related to lipid and protein synthesis is absent or minimal. Therefore, there is no stimulation of energy expenditure to produce a thermic effect.