bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jung in Berlin
Authors: Springer Anne
Published: April 2003

Anlässlich des 20jährigen Bestehens des Berliner C.G. Jung-Instituts wird – ausgehend vom heutigen Stand – die Geschichte der Jung-Institute in Berlin in den letzten 66 Jahren erörtert unter besonderer Bezugnahme auf den Kontext der Beziehung von Freud und Jung und das Verständnis von Übertragung. Es wird versucht, die jetzige Gruppe der Berliner Jungianer zu verstehen mit Hilfe der Foulkes’schen Gruppenanalyse. In diesem Zusammenhang wird die Hypothese entwickelt, dass eine zentrale Gruppenphantasie existiert, die auf Freud, Jung und den Holocaust fokussiert und den unbewussten Wunsch nach Aufrechterhaltung der Verleugnung der Trennung von Freud und Jung zum Inhalt hat. Mögliche Auswirkungen des Durcharbeitens dieser Phantasie in bezug auf die Identitäten der Berliner jungianischen Analytiker (postjungianisch bzw. postfreudianisch) werden diskutiert.
Was lesen Jungianer in Berlin für das Examen?
Authors: von der Tann Matthias
Published: April 2003

Die Literaturverzeichnisse jungianischer Examensarbeiten in Berlin werden daraufhin untersucht, welche Autoren und Themen vornehmlich genannt werden. Veränderungen innerhalb von drei 5-Jahres-Zeiträumen werden dargestellt. An dem untersuchten Material lässt sich eine Einheitlichkeit der verwendeten Literatur in der mittleren Gruppe nachweisen, die danach wieder verloren geht. Eine Konstanz zeigen jungianische Themen, die sich der kulturell-geistigen Dimension der Analytischen Psychologie zuordnen lassen. Die Entstehungsbedingungen und Aussagekraft der Ergebnisse werden diskutiert.
Metapsychologie, Verdinglichung und die Vorstellungswelt von C.G. Jung1,2
Authors: Atwood, George E. , Stolorow Robert D.
Published: April 2003

Leider
besteht für diesen Artikel keine Zusammenfassung. Als Einstieg stellen wir den
Textanfang zur Verfügung. Mit der vorliegenden Studie wollen wir zu einem wachsenden Korpus von Versuchen beitragen, systematisch zu erforschen, auf welche Art und Weise Persönlichkeitstheorien von den herausragenden subjektiven Anliegen der Theoretiker geprägt werden [Atwood und Tomkins, 1976; Atwood und Stolorow, 1977; Stolorow und Atwood, 1976]. Im folgenden beschäftigen wir uns vor allem mit einer besonderen Facette der Subjektivität von Persönlichkeitstheorie, nämlich wie sich die Struktur einer Metapsychologie zum Wesen der Vorstellungswelt [Sandler und Rosenblatt, 1962] verhält, wie sie der Theoretiker selbst erfahren hat.
Die Wirklichkeit des Schattens
Authors: Spillmann Brigitte
Published: April 2003

Leider besteht für diesen Artikel keine Zusammenfassung. Als Einstieg stellen wir den Textanfang zur Verfügung.Es hat lange gedauert, bis wir in unserem Land so offen und heftig über die Vergangenheit streiten können wie heute. Der Anstoss kam von aussen und traf die meisten unvorbereitet. Fast über Nacht hatten sich dunkle Schatten auf unser liebevoll gepflegtes Geschichtsbild gelegt. Fragen nach unserer Schuld und Verantwortlichkeit wurden unerbittlich gestellt; und Vergangenheitsbewältigung ist nun plötzlich etwas, das nicht mehr nur unsere Nachbarn betrifft. Allmählich aber, so scheint es, haben wir uns im Laufe der letzten 3 Jahre an den Gedanken gewöhnt, dass wir uns erinnern müssen – ob wir wollen oder nicht. Über Scham, Kränkung und Wut finden wir dabei hoffentlich auch endlich zu jener Trauer, die der Verlust einer geliebten Person, einer Idee oder eines Ideals regelmässig auslöst.
Auf der Suche nach Heimat
Authors: Güç Fatih
Published: April 2003

Leider besteht für diesen Artikel keine Zusammenfassung. Als Einstieg stellen wir den Textanfang zur Verfügung.Wenn wir Migranten fragen, warum sie ihre Heimat verlassen haben, werden wir unterschiedliche Antworten bekommen. In meinen Fallbeispielen kommen folgende Antworten vor: «Ich wollte nur das Geld für 60 Schafe sparen, dann wollte ich wieder zurückkehren.» Oder «Ich wusste, dass ich unterdrückt wurde.» Diese Aussagen lassen sich auf eine Kernaussage bringen: Vordergründig waren die Migranten unzufrieden mit der Situation in ihrer Heimat, die ihnen zu wenig zum Leben geboten hat. In ihrer unbewussten Phantasie jedoch liegt oft eine Suche nach Wissen um sich selbst, die Suche nach Selbsterkenntnis und Selbstverwirklichung [vgl. Grinberg und Grinberg, 1990]. In diesem Sinne ist auch der Titel zu verstehen: Auf der Suche nach einer inneren Heimat, in der das Individuum sich geborgen, aufgehoben und zu Hause fühlt, sozusagen eine eigene Behausung, Beheimatung findet.
Parallel Processing in the Auditory Cortex of Primates
Authors: Rauschecker Josef P.
Published: April 2003

Evidence from anatomical tracer studies as well as lesions of the primary auditory cortex (AI) indicate that the principal relay nucleus of the auditory thalamus, the ventral part of the medial geniculate (MGv), projects in parallel to AI and the rostral area on the supratemporal plane of the macaque monkey. The caudomedial area, by contrast, receives input from MGv only indirectly via AI, and neurons in this area are often tuned to the spatial location of a complex sound. The belt areas on the lateral surface of the superior temporal gyrus receive input from the primary areas. Neurons in these areas respond better to more complex stimuli, such as band-pass noise pulses of frequency-modulated sweeps, than to pure tones. Often neurons in the lateral belt respond well to species-specific communication calls. The hypothesis is put forward that the central auditory pathways in the macaque monkey are organized into parallel streams, similar to the visual system, one for the processing of spatial information, the other for the processing of auditory ‘patterns’. Evidence from neuroimaging studies in humans with MRI and PET are consistent with this hypothesis. Virtual auditory space stimuli lead to selective activation of an inferior parietal region, whereas speech-like stimuli activate superior temporal regions.
Regenerated Hair Cells Become Functional during Continuous Administration of Kanamycin
Authors: Trautwein Patricia G. , Hashino Eri , Salvi Richard J.
Published: April 2003

The compound action potential (CAP) was used to assess the functional status of regenerated hair cells in the chick cochlea during prolonged administration of kanamycin (KM). Immediately after 10 days of KM treatment, the CAP thresholds were elevated by 6–54 dB above those from age-matched control animals. The frequencies with the greatest threshold shifts (>1 kHz) corresponded to the hair cell lesion in the basal 40% of the basilar papilla. After 20 days of KM, the CAP thresholds at 3 and 4 kHz were significantly lower than those after 10 days of KM treatment, but virtually the same as those after 10 days of KM plus 10 days of recovery. Similarly, the CAP amplitudes at frequencies higher than 1.5 kHz were significantly greater in animals that received KM for 20 days than in animals that received KM for 10 days. The threshold as well as amplitude improvement between 10 days and 20 days of KM treatment was associated with the morphological maturation of the regenerated hair cells in the basal 25% of the cochlea. In addition, the rapid functional recovery seen at high frequencies coincided with the base-to-apex gradient of morphological recovery in the basilar papilla. These results suggest that the process of hair cell maturation is not suppressed by the presence of aminoglycosides in the extracellular environment.
Binaural Interaction in the Human Frequency-Following Response: Effects of Interaural Intensity Difference
Authors: Krishnan Ananthanarayan , McDaniel Stacy S.
Published: April 2003

The binaural interaction component (BIC) of the 500-Hz human frequency-following response (FFR) was evaluated as a function of interaural intensity difference (IID) using a lateralization paradigm. The robust FFR interaction component (FFR-BIC) was shown to decrease systematically with increasing IID with no discernible FFR-BIC for IID values larger than about 20 dB. These findings are similar to that observed for the high-frequency auditory brainstem response interaction component (ABR-BIC). Thus, like the ABR-BIC, the FFR-BIC may be correlated with binaural fusion and the perceived location of the fused image of the sound. These results taken together suggest that the binaural neurons in the brainstem are able to utilize IID cues presented in both low-frequency and high-frequency sounds.
Objective Response Detection in the Frequency Domain: Comparison of Several q-Sample Tests
Authors: Stürzebecher Ekkehard , Cebulla Mario , Wernecke K.-D.
Published: April 2003

The objective assessment of the hearing threshold requires a suitable statistical test for response detection. For checking the q spectral lines of an auditory-evoked potential spectrum in the frequency domain, a q-sample test seems to be more favourable compared to q applications of a one-sample test. The response detection performance of three q-sample tests (q-sample analogue of Watsons U2 test, q-sample uniform scores test and a modified q-sample uniform scores test) has been checked by extensive Monte Carlo simulations. To compare the performance of the three test statistics, sensitivity was calculated and receiver-operating characteristics were constructed from the probability density functions estimated by the Monte Carlo simulations. In addition, a comparison on the basis of real near-threshold auditory brainstem response data was carried out. The modified q-sample uniform scores test appeared to be the most powerful test. Some aspects of the practical application of this test are discussed in this paper.
The Use of a 56-Stimulus Train for the Rapid Acquisition of Auditory Brainstem Responses
Authors: Mitchell Curtin R. , Kempton Julia B. , Creedon Thomas A. , Trune Dennis R.
Published: April 2003

To further develop a multiple stimulus method for the rapid acquisition of auditory brainstem responses (ABRs), a 56-stimulus train was tested in mice. Stimuli in the train were tone bursts spaced at 0.5-octave intervals from 4 to 32 kHz. ABR thresholds, latency-intensity and amplitude-intensity functions were obtained using stimuli presented singly (one at a time) and using the 56-stimulus train. Responses from stimuli presented singly and those obtained using the 56-stimulus train were compared. There were no significant differences in thresholds (0.01 level) and very small differences in response latencies and amplitudes. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of multiple stimulus trains for the rapid acquisition of ABRs.
Measurements of Middle-Ear Function in the Mongolian Gerbil, a Specialized Mammalian Ear
Authors: Rosowski John J. , Ravicz Michael E. , Teoh Su Wooi , Flandermeyer Deborah
Published: April 2003

The middle ear of the Mongolian gerbil is thought to be specialized so that it can hear the 3,000-Hz and lower sounds produced by approaching predators. Evidence in the literature suggests several specializations: (1) an effect of the large middle-ear air spaces in the gerbil is to increase the sensitivity of this ear to sounds of 3,000 Hz and lower in frequency; (2) the combined action of the middle-ear cavity and the significant pars flaccida of the tympanic membrane in the gerbil ear reduces the sensitivity to sounds of frequencies below 500 Hz. This paper describes anatomical and functional measurements of stapes motion and suggests that the stiffness of the gerbil ossicular system also acts to reduce sensitivity to low-frequency sounds. The primary conclusion is that the frequency dependence of the gerbil middle ear is the result of the interaction of multiple factors, thereby complicating the relationship between single structural specializations and overall function.
Dynamics of Middle Ear Prostheses – Simulations and Measurements
Authors: Eiber Albrecht , Freitag Hans-Georg , Burkhardt Claus , Hemmert Werner , Maassen Marcus , Rodriguez Jorge Jesus , Zenner Hans-Peter
Published: April 2003

The efficient and systematic development of a middle ear prosthesis necessitates the use of computer models for the prosthesis itself and the reconstructed middle ear. The structure and parameters of the computer model have to be verified by specific measurements of the implant and the reconstructed ear. To obtain a realistic model of a reconstructed ear, three steps of modeling and measurements have been carried out. To get a first approach of the coupling elements a mechanical test rig representing a simplified reconstructed middle ear was built. The velocity of the stapedial footplate was measured with a laser Doppler vibrometer. The corresponding computer model was formulated, and the respective parameters were determined using the measured dynamical transfer functions. In the second step, a prosthesis was implanted into a human temporal bone without inner ear. Exciting this system with noise, the velocity of the stapes footplate was measured with the laser Doppler vibrometer. Based on the multibody system approach, a mechanical computer model was generated to describe the spatial motions of the reconstructed ossicular chain. Varying some significant parameters, simulations have been carried out. To describe the dynamical behavior of the system consisting of middle and inner ear, the computer model used in the second step has been enlarged by adding a simplified structure of the inner ear. The results were compared with in situ measurements taken from living humans.
Cochlear Model with Three-Dimensional Fluid, Inner Sulcus and Feed-Forward Mechanism
Authors: Steele Charles R. , Lim Kian-Meng
Published: April 2003

A three-dimensional model of the guinea pig cochlea using the phase-integral method is presented. This model incorporates the viscous fluid effects in the cochlea, dimensional and material property variation along the cochlear duct and the active feed-forward mechanism of the outer hair cells. Two degrees of freedom of the basilar membrane are considered, which results in two traveling waves propagating along the duct for a given frequency. Basilar membrane response with the active feed-forward mechanism compares favorably with published experimental measurements.
Aminoglycoside Antibiotics
Authors: Forge Andrew , Schacht Jochen
Published: April 2003

In the 50 years since their discovery, the aminoglycoside antibiotics have seen unprecedented use. Discovered in the 1940s, they were the long-sought remedy for tuberculosis and other serious bacterial infections. The side effects of renal and auditory toxicity, however, led to a decline of their use in most countries in the 1970s and 1980s. Nevertheless, today the aminoglycosides are still the most commonly used antibiotics worldwide thanks to the combination of their high efficacy with low cost. This review first summarizes the history, chemistry, antibacterial actions and acute side effects of the drugs. It then details the pathophysiology of aminoglycoside ototoxicity including experimental and clinical observations, risk factors and incidence. Pharmacokinetics, cellular actions and our current understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of ototoxicity are discussed at length. The review concludes with recent advances towards therapeutic intervention to prevent aminoglycoside ototoxicity.
Mismatch Negativity: Different Water in the Same River
Authors: Picton Terence W. , Alain Claude , Otten Leun , Ritter Walter , Achim André
Published: April 2003

The mismatch negativity (MMN) is a frontal negative deflection in the human event-related potential that typically occurs when a repeating auditory stimulus changes in some manner. The MMN can be elicited by many kinds of stimulus change, varying from simple changes in a single stimulus feature to abstract changes in the relationship between stimuli. The main intracerebral sources for the MMN are located in the auditory cortices of the temporal lobe. Since it occurs whether or not stimuli are being attended, the MMN represents an automatic cerebral process for detecting change. The MMN is clinically helpful in terms of demonstrating disordered sensory processing or disordered memory in groups of patients. Improvements in the techniques for measuring the MMN and in the paradigms for eliciting it will be needed before the MMN can become clinically useful as an objective measurement of such disorders in individual patients.
Passive Transfer of Experimental Autoimmune Labyrinthitis
Authors: Ikezono Tetsuo , Tomiyama Shunichi , Pawankar Ruby , Jinnouchi Ken , Suzuki Yutaka , Yagi Toshiaki
Published: April 2003

The aim of the present study was to establish an animal model of autoimmune labyrinthitis using heterologous inner ear antigen (IEAg) and to elucidate whether the experimentally induced labyrinthitis could be passively transferred. Cochlear and vestibular membranous labyrinthine tissues from bovine temporal bones were used as IEAg. Donor mice were inoculated intracutaneously at multiple sites with an emulsion consisting of equal parts of IEAg and complete Freund’s adjuvant. After 10 days, mononuclear cells were collected from lymph nodes, spleen and blood of the donor mice and injected intravenously into naive recipient mice. Cellular infiltration was observed in the perilymphatic space of the cochlea of all donor and recipient mice. Endolymphatic hydrops was also observed in 63% of donor and 42% of recipient mice. These findings suggest that the experimentally induced labyrinthitis observed in this animal model was probably due to an autoimmune reaction to the IEAg and was passively transferred by a cell-mediated immune raction.
Oxidation Products of Uric Acid and Ascorbic Acid in Preterm Infants with Chronic Lung Disease
Authors: Ogihara Tohru , Kim Han-Suk , Hirano Kazuya , Imanishi Miho , Ogihara Hiromi , Tamai Hiroshi , Okamoto Ryozo , Mino Makoto
Published: April 2003

Allantoin, the oxidation product of uric acid (UA), can be used as an in vivo marker of free radical generation. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the allantoin changes in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as well as to examine plasma levels of ascorbic acid (AA) and its oxidation product, dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA), in infants with or without chronic lung disease (CLD) during the first week of life. The study population was 20 infants of 24–30 weeks gestation, comprising 10 who subsequently developed CLD and 10 without CLD. In the CLD infants, the plasma allantoin/UA ratio showed a significant increase after day 1 and continued to increase gradually to reach a peak on day 6 (6.5 ± 4.1% for CLD and 2.1 ± 0.9% for non-CLD infants). The allantoin/UA ratio in BALF was also higher in CLD infants and the difference reached significance on days 4–6 (41.2 ± 15.8% for CLD and 11.7 ± 9.9% for non-CLD infants). In contrast to allantoin, the plasma DHAA/AA ratio did not differ between the 2 groups throughout the study period. Our findings that the allantoin/UA ratios were significantly higher in CLD than non-CLD infants not only in plasma but also in BALF, and that the intergroup differences of this ratio in both plasma and BALF was more prominent in the latter half of the first week of life further confirm our previous speculation that oxygen radicals are involved in the development of neonatal CLD.
A Comparison of Underwater Bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure with Ventilator-Derived Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Premature Neonates Ready for Extubation
Authors: Lee Kyong-Soon , Dunn Michael S. , Fenwick Marsha , Shennan Andrew T.
Published: April 2003

Objective and methods: As the result of vigorous bubbling, infants receiving continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) by an underwater seal (bubble CPAP) were observed to have vibrations of their chests at frequencies similar to high-frequency ventilation (HFV). We performed a randomized crossover study in 10 premature infants ready for extubation to test whether bubble CPAP contributes to gas exchange compared to conventional ventilator-derived CPAP. Measurements of tidal volume and minute volume were made using the Bear Cub neonatal volume monitor, and gas exchange was measured using an oxygen saturation monitor and a transcutaneous carbon dioxide (tcpCO2) monitor. Results: There was a 39% reduction in minute volume (p < 0.001) and a 7% reduction in respiratory rate (p = 0.004) with no change in tcpCO2 or O2 saturation for infants supported with bubble versus ventilator-derived CPAP. Conclusions: The lack of difference in blood gas parameters associated with a decrease in the infant’s minute volume and respiratory rate with bubble CPAP compared with ventilator-derived CPAP suggests that the chest vibrations produced with bubble CPAP may have contributed to gas exchange. Bubble CPAP may offer an effective and inexpensive option for providing respiratory support to premature infants.
Changes in the Kinetic Properties of Renal Arachidonoyl-CoA Synthetase during Development in the Rat
Authors: D’Antuono Cecilia L. , Kahane Verónica L. , Sterin-Speziale Norma
Published: April 2003

Changes in endogenous levels of phospholipid arachidonic acid and in its radioactive incorporation can be detected in the rat kidney medulla during maturation. In an effort to explain this phenomenon, the arachidonoyl-CoA synthetase activity in the neonatal (10 days of age) and adult kidney (70-day-old rats) were studied. The neonatal kidney enzyme showed greater affinity, but less capacity than the adult enzyme to incorporate arachidonic acid into the membrane. The apparent Km values were 27.8 and 73.9 µM while the vmax was 3.68 and 15.7 nmol/min/mg protein, for 10 and 70 days of age, respectively. Affinity for ATP was found to be almost 7-fold greater in adults when compared to neonates. The vmax for ATP also increased during development, with values of 1.04 and 2.87 at 10 and 70 days of age, respectively. Affinity for coenzyme A did not vary between the two stages studied, though the vmax increased 10-fold from 10 to 70 days of age. Since arachidonic acid availability is low in the perinatal stage because of its restricted endogenous synthesis, the higher enzyme affinity for this fatty acid at 10 days of age described here, could be of great importance in helping to capture the low but indispensable amount of arachidonic acid present in maternal milk during lactation.
Cardiac Troponin T in Newborn Infants with Transient Myocardial Ischemia
Authors: Trevisanuto Daniele , Lachin Mattia , Zaninotto Martina , Pellegrino PierAndrea , Plebani Mario , Cantarutti Felice , Zanardo Vincenzo
Published: April 2003

Cardiac troponin T (TnT) is a regulatory contractile protein whose detection in the circulation has been shown to be a specific and sensitive marker for ischemic myocardial cell injury both in adult and pediatric populations. We measured serum cardiac TnT in 15 consecutive full-term neonates presenting with bradycardia and electrocardiographic features of transient myocardial ischemia. Their median TnT concentrations (0.5 µg/l, range 0.01–0.37) were statistically comparable to our laboratory reference values for healthy term newborns (median 0.17 µg/l, range 0.01–0.42) (p = NS), but significantly higher with respect to our reference limits for healthy adults (median 0.01 µg/l, range 0.01–0.1) (p < 0.05). Our data demonstrate high TnT levels in neonates during the first days of life with respect to adults and similar TnT concentrations in term infants with and without TMI.
Effects of a Continuous Epinephrine Infusion on Regional Blood Flow in Awake Newborn Piglets
Authors: Bigam D.L. , Barrington K.J. , Jirsch D.W. , Cheung P.-Y.
Published: April 2003

Objective: To determine the effects of a continuous epinephrine infusion on renal and mesenteric blood flow in both healthy newborn piglets and animals subjected to hemorrhagic shock. Methods: Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and left renal artery ultrasonic flow probes were implanted into 16 1- to 3-day-old piglets. Two days later, the effects of epinephrine on SMA and renal blood flow, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and central venous pressure were measured in conscious, non-sedated normovolemic piglets. Epinephrine doses of 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6 and 3.2 µg/kg·min were used in random order. Piglets were subsequently hemorrhaged (20 ml/kg) to mild hypotension and again received epinephrine infusion in the same doses. Results: Doses of epinephrine less than 3.2 µg/kg·min had no significant effects on renal or mesenteric arterial flow. At 3.2 µg/kg·min of epinephrine during normovolemia, there was a significant decrease in SMA blood flow (34% [SD 42], p < 0.05) and increase in SMA vascular resistance (147% [SD 114], p < 0.05). Similar results were shown during hypovolemia, SMA flow decreased by 32% (SD 33), and SMA vascular resistance increased by 220.3% (SD 177). At 3.2 µg/kg·min renal artery flow decreased by 43% (SD 21) during normovolemia and a similar decrease occurred during hypovolemia, 37% (SD 31). Renal vascular resistance increased by about 200% at this dose (normovolemia 211% [SD 185], hypovolemia 186% [SD 150], p < 0.01). Low-to-moderate dose epinephrine caused no significant change in SMA or renal blood flow. During hypovolemia low dose epinephrine infusion was associated with a trend to increased SMA blood flow. Conclusion: Low-dose epinephrine does not cause vasoconstriction in the renal or mesenteric circulations during normovolemia or hypovolemia. High doses of epinephrine above 1.6 µg/kg·min may cause renal or mesenteric ischemia, in either the normovolemic or hypovolemic neonate.
Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy Is Associated with Regional Changes in Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity and Alterations in Cardiovascular Function
Authors: Bennhagen Rolf G. , Weintraub Robert G. , Lundström Nils-Rune , Svenningsen Nils W.
Published: April 2003

Doppler-derived indices of cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) and echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular function were measured in 18 patients with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy HIE (group I) and in 28 normal controls (group II). Group-I infants had a subnormal distribution of CBFV values increasing over the first 85 h postnatally. CBFV values were constantly higher in the internal carotid than in the anterior cerebral artery. During the first 24 h postnatally, pulsatility and resistance indices of cerebral blood flow were significantly higher in group-I patients. From 30 to 85 h after birth, resistance indices were lower in group-I infants with severe HIE. Depressed left ventricular function and/or hypotension was documented in 50% of group-I patients.
Effect of Age on Furosemide-Induced Nephrocalcinosis in the Rat
Authors: Osorio Alexies V. , Alon Michale M. , Nichols Michael A. , Alon Uri S.
Published: April 2003

Furosemide (F)-induced nephrocalcinosis (NC) has been traditionally described in low birth weight premature infants. To investigate the role of age on F-induced nephrocalcinosis we studied 24 Sprague-Dawley male rats grouped by age and F therapy vs. control as follows: A (4-week-old control), B (4-week-old + F), C (6-week-old control), D (6-week-old + F), E (10-week-old control), F (10-week-old + F). The rats were placed in metabolic cages for measurement of urine output, food and water intake. At day 14 they were anesthetized, exsanguinated and their kidneys harvested. Renal calcium deposition was assessed using NC score (scale 0–4) and quantitative calcium analysis in the contralateral kidney. Treated animals gained less weight and had higher urine output and fluid intake than the age-matched controls demonstrating the diuretic effect of furosemide. Control groups A, C, and E scored 0 histologically compared with B 2.75 ± 0.50, D 2.00 ± 0.58, and F 3.00 ± 0.82 (p < 0.05 in all three paired groups). Kidney calcium content (µg/g dry weight) in B was 2,815.68 ± 1,553.77 vs. A 202.58 ± 32.02 (p = 0.04); D 1,574.05 ± 540.21 vs. C 212.22 ± 30.91 (p = 0.02); F 2,591.40 ± 1,269.80 vs. E 210.38 ± 26.79 (p = 0.02). There was no difference in the magnitude of NC among the three treated groups themselves. To determine the possible effect of age on timing of onset of NC additional 30 4-week-old and 30 10-week-old rats were studied. All 60 rats received furosemide. Six rats from each group were sacrificed on days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 11. In both groups, significant calcifications were seen already on day 3 and maximum calcification noted between days 3 and 5. We conclude that in this model the development of NC occurs within a few days of furosemide administration and that this phenomenon is not age dependent but rather reflects a property of the loop diuretic itself.
Endogenous Bradykinin Regulates Renal Function in the Newborn Rabbit
Authors: Tóth-Heyn Péter , Guignard Jean-Pierre
Published: April 2003

The developmental changes in the activity of the renal kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) are related to the hemodynamic changes occurring in the neonatal kidney. In order to clarify the functional importance of the renal KKS in the developing kidney, the effect of the bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist HOE-140 was investigated in newborn rabbits. Effective blockade of bradykinin effect by HOE-140 was demonstrated in 10 rabbits. In 10 additional animals the subcutaneous injection of 300 µg/kg HOE-140 resulted in an increase in renal vascular resistance with a consequent decrease in renal blood flow. Glomerular filtration rate did not change significantly, while the filtration fraction rose, indicating preferential efferent arteriolar constriction. Urine flow rate increased as well as the fractional excretion of potassium. No change in sodium excretion was observed. The present data suggest a regulatory role for the renal KKS in the immature kidney under basal conditions. By inducing predominant efferent arteriolar vasodilation, the KKS appears to play a key role in regulating the neonatal glomerular microcirculation. This is in sharp contrast with the mature kidney, where the KKS predominantly acts on tubular function as a diuretic-natriuretic factor.
Possible Protection by Breast-Feeding against Severe Esophageal and Gastric Lesions in the Neonate
Authors: Benhamou P.-H. , Cheikh A. , Francoual C. , Kalach N. , De Boissieu D. , Dupont C.
Published: April 2003

The development of safe fiberoptic endoscopy in neonates led to the identification of the occurrence of severe esophageal and gastric lesions (EGL) in the first days of life. The cause of these early acute lesions, which are associated most of the time with severe clinical symptoms, remains unknown. 34 neonates with EGL were compared with controls born in the same maternity unit immediately after those enrolled in the EGL series. Clinical and obstetric data were not different in the 2 groups. Breast-feeding was less frequent (p < 0.01) and given later (p = 0.0001) in babies with EGL. This retrospective analysis yielded no indication relative to the causative phenomenon leading to such mucosal alterations. In contrast, it provides the first evidence of a possible protective role of breast-feeding.
Maturation of Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Secretion in Fetal Sheep
Authors: Aldoretta Peter W. , Carver Thomas D. , Hay Jr. William W.
Published: April 2003

To determine the gestational maturation of fetal insulin response to glucose and arginine and the effects of sustained hyperglycemia on these processes, we measured insulin secretion in different groups of fetal sheep at 75, 100, 122, and 137 days of gestation (50, 67, 81, and 91% of term gestation, respectively). The basal glucose concentration decreased progressively from 1.36 ± 0.16 mM at 75 days to 1.00 ± 0.07 mM at 137 days (p < 0.05). The fetal plasma insulin concentration did not change (54 ± 11 pM at 75 days, 68 ± 8 pM at 137 days), but there was a significant increase in the increment in plasma insulin concentration in response to a hyperglycemic clamp over this same period (ΔI pM/ΔG mM) from 20 ± 3 at 75 days to 105 ± 8 at 137 days (p < 0.001). The ΔI (pM) in response to arginine also increased from 129 ± 17 pM at 75 days to 635 ± 103 pM at 137 days (p < 0.001). Sustained hyperglycemia from 90 to 100 days reduced the ΔI (pM)/ΔG (mM) to glucose (13 ± 2, p < 0.01) and the ΔI pM to arginine (369 ± 86, p < 0.05) to values less than those found in euglycemic animals (ΔI/ΔG = 58 ± 4 to glucose, ΔI = 525 ± 71 to arginine). Thus, glucose and arginine stimulate insulin secretion at midgestation at 20% of the rate near term, and there is a consistently positive developmental pattern of insulin secretion to these secretagogues over the second half of gestation. Furthermore, chronic, high, relatively constant hyperglycemia blunts insulin secretion to glucose and arginine close to midgestation, similar to the effect seen near term. Such developmental and adaptive capacities may account for an important part of the variability in fetal glucose metabolism observed in animal models and human cases of diabetes during pregnancy.
Effects of Prenatal Maternal TRH Stimulation on the Postnatal Ability of Neonatal Piglets to Cope with a Cold Challenge
Authors: Finsten A. , Donald A. , Bate L.A.
Published: April 2003

The effect of administering thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) before farrowing on the ability of their newborn piglets to withstand a cold challenge was studied. Sows received intravenous infusions of TRH (5 µg kg–1; TRH group) or physiological saline (0.9% NaCl; control group) from day 105 of gestation until farrowing. The plasma concentrations of thyroxine and triiodothyronine increased in sows treated with TRH. There were no differences in thyroxine and triiodothyronine between pigs born to sows in the TRH group and those of the control group. The rectal temperature of piglets born to TRH-treated sows decreased less than that of piglets born to controls as a consequence of a 1-hour cold challenge. Piglets born to sows in the TRH group had higher body weights at birth, and by day 28 they were an average 600 g heavier than those born to sows in the control group. Summarizing, prenatal maternal treatment with TRH appears to increase piglets’ resistance to cold as well as to have beneficial effects on birth and weaning weights.
Epidemiology of Neonatal Acute Respiratory Disorders
Authors: Rubaltelli Firmino F. , Bonafè Luisa , Tangucci Massimo , Spagnolo Amedeo , Dani Carlo
Published: April 2003

A prospective 3-month survey of neonatal respiratory disorders in 17,192 Italian infants born in 65 hospitals, located in 17 Italian regions representative of northern, central and southern Italy, was performed to evaluate the incidence of neonatal acute respiratory disorders and their risk factors. The prematurity rate was 7.3%, while the extremely low birth weight (<1,000 g) and very low birth weight (<1,500 g) rates were 0.58% and 0.99%, respectively. Four hundred and ninety-one infants (2.8%) developed respiratory signs. Lethality or specific fatality rate (SFR) for acute respiratory disorders with regard to the overall study population was 0.45%. The male/female ratio of affected infants was 1.3:1. Among affected newborns the case fatality rate (CFR) for respiratory disorders was 15.88% (78/491) and was higher in males than in females (2:1), in infants with a gestational age of ≤28 weeks (60%) and birth weights of <1,000 g (50%). Moreover, the SFR was higher (p < 0.05) in the infants of mothers older than 34 years. SFR was 3.0% in intrauterine growth-retarded infants, 3.6% in the first twin and 3.2% in the second twin. An Apgar score of ≤3 at 5 min was strongly related to the incidence of respiratory disorders (47.1%). The antenatal prevention of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome with maternal corticosteroid treatment was performed in 84% of newborns (<32 weeks) with respiratory problems in northern Italy, and about 25% and 38% in central and southern Italy, respectively. The CFR was double in southern Italy as compared with northern and central Italy. Prematurity, low birth weight and a low Apgar score (≤3) at 1 and 5 min as well as a maternal age of >34 years are risk factors for acute respiratory disorders.
Different Patterns of Sighs in Neonates and Young Infants
Authors: Hoch B. , Bernhard M. , Hinsch A.
Published: April 2003

To examine the prevalence and clinical assessment of sighs in neonates, we observed three different patterns of sighs: (A) sighs in the absence of apneic pause; (B) sighs with instantly following apneic pause >2 s, and (C) sighs with apneic pause >2 s following 1–3 normal breaths. We investigated preterm and term infants with 12 h nocturnal polygraphic recording. Sighs were more frequent in preterm than in term infants and more so during REM sleep than non-REM sleep. The part of sighs B of total number of sighs increased with gestational age. During REM sleep sighs without apnea were predominant, whereas apnea-associated sighs were mainly found during non-REM sleep.
Nitric Oxide Modulates Premature Renal Circulation in Hypoxic Newborn Piglets
Authors: Morikawa Ikuko , Togari Hajime , Hyodo Junzo , Suzuki Toshihiro
Published: April 2003

We studied the role of nitric oxide (NO) on the regulation of blood flow in the immature kidney during hypoxia, resuscitation and the recovery period using the NO inhibitor Nω-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) in a newborn piglet model, and the possibility of urinary cGMP as an index of renal function. After administration of L-NNA, the blood flow in both the cortex and medulla significantly decreased, indicating that NO is constantly released to maintain renal circulation. During hypoxia, the renal blood flow fell remarkably, and there were no differences between the control and L-NNA groups. During the post-resuscitation period, the recovery of renal blood flow was significantly suppressed in L-NNA administration, and it was speculated that NO might be an important factor for recovery of circulation from vasoconstriction due to hypoxemia. Urinary cGMP/cr was significantly increased on recovery from hypoxemia and was suppressed by L-NNA administration. This result suggested that the change in cGMP/cr represents renal blood flow change. We conclude that NO may play an important role in maintaining basal hemodynamics, and may also be a crucial factor for recovery from post-hypoxic vasoconstriction in premature kidneys. Urinary cGMP/cr might serve as one of the indices for assessment of premature renal circulation.
Fetal and Placental Cyclic Inositol Phosphohydrolase in Normoxia and Hypoxia
Authors: Tan Sidhartha , Sekar M. Chandra
Published: April 2003

Cyclic inositol phosphohydrolase (cIPH) converts cyclic inositol monophosphate (cIP), a putative modulator of cell growth, into inositol monophosphate. We hypothesized that hypoxic-ischemic injury alters cIPH activity in the placenta. On the 29th day of gestation pregnant rabbits were randomized to either 50 min of uterine ischemia (hypoxia) or no ischemia (controls). The activity of cIPH was measured by incubating with [3H]cIP and determining the release of [3H]inositol. Although no cIPH has been demonstrated in blood previously, cIPH activity was found in both fetal and maternal blood. cIPH activity was higher on the fetal side of the placenta than on the maternal side and was also higher in fetal blood compared to maternal blood. Hypoxia-ischemia failed to alter the cIPH activity in fetal blood and fetal and maternal placenta. Since cIPH activity is higher in the fetus and is retained even after major ischemia, modulation of cIP may be important in early development.
Positive Relationship of Cortisol Concentrations and Oral Nutrition to Epidermal Growth Factor Concentrations in Preterm Infants
Authors: Scott Susan M. , Watterberg Kristi , Rogers Cathy , Hartenberger Carol , Merker Lisa , Gifford Kathleen L.
Published: April 2003

We have suggested from previous studies that increases in early neonatal epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentrations were dependent on adequate glucocorticoid hormone concentrations. In order to examine this relationship, matched values for cortisol and EGF in 193 preterm infants on days 2 and 6 were compared. Gestational age had a significant positive effect on EGF concentrations for those infants receiving oral nutrition and there was also a positive relationship between nutrition and cortisol concentration. Cortisol was then used as an independent factor and was significantly (p = 0.01) related to EGF values such that as cortisol concentrations increased, EGF values also increased. In summary, we suggest that these results are consistent with a role for cortisol in the control of the EGF pattern in the newborn period.
Gut Hypertrophy in Response to the Ratios of Casein and Whey Protein in Milk Formulas in Artificially Reared Rat Pups
Authors: Yajima Takaji , Kanno Takahiro , Katoku Youli , Kuwata Tamotsu
Published: April 2003

To elucidate the mechanism of gut hypertrophy observed in rats artificially reared (AR) on milk formulas, the effects of four refined formulas with different ratios of casein (C) and whey protein (W), CW 2:8, CW 4:6, CW 6:4 and CW 8:2, on the gut growth of AR rats were examined. Four groups of pups were infused with each formula through an intragastric cannula from age 5 to 15 days. Each of the four milk formulas showed a different character in the stomach, such as no curd, very soft curd, soft curd and hard curd, in response to an increasing ratio of C:W. There were no significant differences in body weight gain among the AR groups and mother-reared (MR) controls. The stomach growth, in weight, of AR rats increased in response to the increasing ratios of C:W. In comparison with MR controls, hypertrophy of the stomach of AR rats appeared within the formulas with higher proportions of casein than whey protein (CW 6:4 and CW 8:2), but not those with lower proportions (CW 2:8 and CW 4:6). The growth of the small intestine was also related to the increasing ratio of C:W in the formulas. A similar pattern of hypertrophy in the hindgut was seen in AR rats. There was no association between hypertrophy of the gut in AR rats and plasma triiodothyronine. The present results clearly demonstrated that the gut growth of AR rat pups was directly influenced by the diet but not by AR per se, and that hard casein-curd in the stomach might be one cause of gut hypertrophy.
Improved Oxygenation following Adenosine Infusion in Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn
Authors: Patole Sanjay , Lee Jacinta , Buettner P. , Whitehall John
Published: April 2003

Six consecutive cases of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) were treated with adenosine following failure of conventional therapy, excluding inhaled nitric oxide. A rise in arterial PO2 >20 mm Hg occurred in 5 of 6 cases within 30 min of commencing adenosine infusion. Individual maximal increases in PaO2 ranged from 31 to 131 mm Hg. Three neonates survived and 3 died. Amongst deaths, intensive support was withdrawn in a preterm neonate due to severe arthrogryposis/pulmonary hypoplasia. Of the remaining 2, the improvement in oxygenation persisted until death occurred from causes unrelated to adenosine. Side effects related to adenosine (bradycardia, hypotension, prolonged bleeding time) did not occur. Due to its ease of availability, administration and extremely short half-life, adenosine may be an important therapeutic option in PPHN.
The Fetal Glycoprotein, Fetuin, Counteracts Ill-Effects of the Bacterial Endotoxin, Lipopolysaccharide, in Pregnancy
Authors: Dziegielewska K.M. , Andersen N.A.
Published: April 2003

We show that fetuin, a fetal glycoprotein present in fetal plasma in concentrations substantially higher than in the adult, can exert a protective function against ill-effects of the bacterial endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), in pregnancy. The concentration of fetuin in plasma of pregnant rats (E17 gestation) was artificially increased by repeated intraperitoneal administration of this protein. This was followed by an injection of a standard dose of LPS, a dose that produced in control animals (no additional fetuin) nearly 50% abortions and 40% maternal deaths. None of the females exposed to increased fetuin died following LPS injection. Nine out of 10 multigravida animals carried their pregnancy to full term but all primagravidas aborted.
Correlation of Near Infrared Spectroscopy Cerebral Blood Flow Estimations and Microsphere Quantitations in Newborn Piglets
Authors: Goddard-Finegold Jan , Louis Penelope T. , Rodriguez Diana L. , David Yadin , Contant Charles F. , Rolfe Peter
Published: April 2003

We compared cerebral blood flow (CBF) estimated using transmission mode near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and a modification of the Fick principle with CBF quantitations by radioactive microspheres (MSs) in newborn piglets. Thirteen piglets were studied during steady state, ischemia, and during two reflow periods. NIRS and MS flows were not significantly different during any measurement period. NIRS flows were compared to total brain blood flows and to regional brain blood flows quantitated with MSs and correlated best with temporal cortical flows. Linear regression analysis of the NIRS flows plotted against MS-quantitated temporal cortical flows showed r = 0.71. Thus, CBFs obtained with NIRS were not significantly different from, showed the same directional changes, and correlated acceptably with flows quantitated by MSs.
Management of Fetal and Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Forestier F. , Hohlfeld P.
Published: April 2003

Fetal and neonatal thrombocytopenia can be induced by a maternal alloimmunization against fetal platelet antigens. Alloimmune thrombocytopenia occurs with an incidence of 1/1,000 livebirths and may present either with evidence of damage from a prenatal hemorrhage such as porencephaly or intrauterine death, or with active life-threatening bleeding during the neonatal period. It is due to the destruction of fetal platelets by alloantibodies reacting on specific antigenic sites. In Caucasians, the human platelet antigen 1a (HPA-1a) is the most frequently involved in alloimmune thrombocytopenias, accounting for 80–90% of the cases. Anti-HPA-5b is responsible for a further 5–15% of the cases. This article reviews the clinical aspects, the biological diagnosis and the management, including prenatal sampling and maternal therapy.
Clinical Usefulness of Maternal Odor in Newborns: Soothing and Feeding Preparatory Responses
Authors: Sullivan Regina M. , Toubas Paul
Published: April 2003

This study assessed the responsiveness of newborn breast- and bottle-fed infants to presentations of maternal odor. Maternal odor was presented for 1 min to crying, sleeping or awake newborns. The odors were: (1) own mother’s odor – presentation of a hospital gown worn by the baby’s mother, (2) other mother’s odor – presentation of a hospital gown of another newborn baby’s mother, (3) clean gown – presentation of a clean hospital gown and (4) no gown – no gown presented. The results indicated that crying babies stopped crying when either own mother or other mother odor was presented. Awake babies responded specifically to their own mother’s odor by increasing mouthing. These results suggest that the practice of presenting the mother’s odor to a distressed infant is of clinical usefulness since it was capable of attenuating crying. The results also characterized a role for maternal odor with respect to feeding since presentation of the infant’s own mother odor increased mouthing. Thus, presentation of maternal odor may also be useful in enhancing nipple acceptance and feeding in newborns.