bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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.
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 P<sub>O2</sub> >20 mm Hg occurred in 5 of 6 cases within 30 min of commencing adenosine infusion. Individual maximal increases in PaO<sub>2</sub> 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 Amongst deaths, intensive support was withdrawn in a preterm neonate due to severe arthrogryposis/pulmonary hypoplasia.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.
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) <i>own mother</i>’s odor – presentation of a hospital gown worn by the baby’s mother, (2) <i>other mother</i>’s odor – presentation of a hospital gown of another newborn baby’s mother, (3) <i>clean gown</i> – presentation of a clean hospital gown and (4) <i>no gown</i> – no gown presented. The results indicated that crying babies stopped crying when either <i>own mother</i> or <i>other mother</i> 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 <i>own mother </i>odor increased mouthing. Thus, presentation of maternal odor may also be useful in enhancing nipple acceptance and feeding in newborns.
Impaired Chemical Coupling of Cerebral Blood Flow Is Compatible with Intact Neurological Outcome in Neonates with Perinatal Risk Factors
Authors: Baenziger Oskar , Moenkhoff Marion , Morales Cleo G. , Waldvogel Katharina , Wolf Martin , Bucher Hans-Ulrich , Fanconi Sergio 
Published: April 2003

Early detection of pathophysiological factors associated with permanent brain damage is a major issue in neonatal medicine. The aim of our study was to evaluate the significance of the CO<sub>2</sub> reactivity of cerebral blood flow (CBF) in neonates with perinatal risk factors. Fourteen ventilated neonates with perinatal risk factors (pathological cardiotocogramm, low cord pH, postpartal encephalopathy) were enrolled into this prospective study. The study was performed 18–123 h after birth. CBF was measured using the nonivasive intravenous <sup>133</sup>Xe method. Two measurements were taken with a minimal PaCO<sub>2</sub>-difference of 5 mm Hg. From the two CBF values the CO<sub>2</sub> reactivity was calculated. Outcome was evaluated 1 year after birth. The CBF values at a lower PaCO<sub>2</sub> ranged from 6.6 to 115.2 ml/100 g brain issue/min (median = 18.2) and at a higher PaCO<sub>2</sub> level from 7.1 to 125.7 ml/100 g brain tissue/min (median = 18.75). The calculated CO<sub>2</sub> reactivity ranged from –9.6 to 6.6% (median 1.1%) change in CBF/mm Hg change in PaCO<sub>2</sub>. CO<sub>2</sub> reactivity correlated with lowest pH (r<sup>2</sup> = 0.35, p = 0.02). Two infants died, one of neonatal sepsis, the other of heart failure. Neurological outcome at the age of 1 year was normal in 11 patients, 1 had severe cerebral palsy. From the 12 surviving patients the patient with severe neurological deficit showed
the highest CBF values (125.7 ml/100 g/min). Impaired chemical coupling of cerebral blood flow is compatible with intact neurological outcome in neonates with perinatal risk factors. CO<sub>2</sub> reactivity in these newborns correlates with the lowest pH and may reflect the severity of perinatal asphyxia.
Thrombopoietin Concentration in Umbilical Cord Blood of Healthy Term Newborns Is Higher than in Adult Controls
Authors: Walka M.M. , Sonntag J. , Dudenhausen J.W. , Obladen M. 
Published: April 2003

Thrombopoietin (TPO) concentrations were determined in umbilical cord plasma of 121 healthy term newborns. The lower detection limit of the enzyme immunoassay employed was 32.5 pg/ml. Median cord plasma TPO concentration was 78 (interquartile range 55–107) pg/ml. 95th percentile was 255 pg/ml. In only 8% (10/121), TPO was below the detection limit compared to 81% of healthy adults (25/31). In cord blood and adult controls, there were no significant correlations of TPO with platelet count or mass.
Sodium Nitroprusside Prevents Oxygen-Free-Radical-Induced Pulmonary Vasoconstriction in Newborn Piglets
Authors: Yu Xiang-Qing , Medbø Sverre , Saugstad OlaDidrik 
Published: April 2003

The aim of the present study was to test whether hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase (XO) induced a pulmonary vasoconstriction in newborn piglets, and whether this vasoconstriction could be attenuated or abolished by pretreatment of nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Twenty-five anesthetized newborn piglets (1–3 days old) were randomly assigned to the following four groups: the control group received saline intravenously only; the XO group received 0.1 mmol/kg of hypoxanthine subsequent with XO (1.5 U/kg); the SNP group received the same dosages of hypoxanthine/ XO together with SNP intravenously, allopurinol (ALP) group received ALP intravenously prior to hypoxanthine and XO injection. After giving XO, the pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) and vascular resistance (PVR) increased, while the cardiac index decreased significantly in the XO group. By contrast, these variables were not significantly modified by XO injection in the SNP and ALP groups. The data suggest that oxygen free radicals induce a pulmonary vasoconstriction in newborn piglets, and this vasoconstriction can be prevented by infusion of the NO donor SNP.
Characteristic Transfer of Colostral Components into Cerebrospinal Fluid via Serum in Neonatal Pigs
Authors: Harada Etsumori , Sugiyama Akihiko , Takeuchi Takashi , Sitizyo Kiitiro , Syuto Bunei , Yajima Takaji , Kuwata Tamotsu 
Published: April 2003

In order to evaluate the possibility of modification of brain function by colostral suckling, the characteristic transfer of colostral components into serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been studied by SDS electrophoresis, immunoblot and ELISA methods in nonsuckling pigs. Total protein concentrations in the serum increased immediately after oral administration of bovine colostrum, reaching a peak value (7.0 ± 0.7 g/dl) at 24 h after administration, corresponding to a 3-fold increase compared to preinfusion levels. IgG and other macromolecular components (MW 19,000–58,000) were recognized in serum by electrophoretic and ELISA analysis. Total protein concentrations in the CSF collected from the cisterna magna also increased steeply after colostral administration, reaching a maximal value (54.1 ± 5.0 mg/dl) at 4 h, corresponding to a 4-fold increase compared to preinfusion levels. Two colostral components (MW 19,000 and 31,000) in serum were confirmed to be present in the CSF by electrophoresis. The component of MW 19,000 was identified by immunoblot as β-lactoglobulin. IgG in serum transferred from colostrum could not be detected in the CSF by ELISA. Lactoferrin administered into the intestine was also detected in the CSF via serum. These results indicate that some components of colostrum can be transported into the CSF via the serum, suggesting the possibility of modification of immature brain functions by colostral suckling in neonatal pigs.
Effects of Caffeine on Heart Mitochondria in Newborn Rats
Authors: Wink Carole S. , Rossowska Magdalena J. , Joseph Jr. Fred , Yazdani Malektaj , Nakamoto Tetsuo 
Published: April 2003

Caffeine consumption has been implicated in the development of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, in the present study, litters of rats were combined upon birth, and 8 pups were randomly assigned to each dam. Dams with pups were divided into 2 groups: group 1 received a 20% protein diet as a control, and group 2 received the 20% protein diet supplemented with caffeine (4 mg/100 g body weight). Pups from both groups were killed on days 11 and 15. Transmission electron microscopy revealed swollen, disrupted, degenerating mitochondria and intracellular edema in the hearts of rats in the caffeine groups when compared with those of the controls. Plasma Cu concentration was significantly decreased. These results indicate that early exposure to caffeine through maternal milk adversely affects cardiac mitochondria of rat pups and may be associated with decreased plasma Cu levels. It is unclear whether these results apply to the human infant. Interspecies extrapolation from rat to human must be made with caution.
Functional and Antigenic Concentrations of Alpha-1-Proteinase Inhibitor after Administration for the Prevention of Chronic Lung Disease of Prematurity
Authors: Stiskal Joseph A. , Ito Shinya , Cox Diane W. , Shennan Andrew T. , O’Brien Karel K.E. , Kelly Edmond N. , Longley Teresa B. , Rabinovitch Marlene , Dunn Michael S. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective and Methods:</i> Alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor (A1PI) supplementation has been used in adults with inherited alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency to impede the development of emphysema. A1PI supplementation may also be useful for protecting premature neonates who receive mechanical ventilation from the development of chronic lung disease (CLD). However, the pharmacokinetics of exogenous A1PI in this population are unknown. We attempted to determine the disposition of A1PI in premature infants with birth weight 600–1,250 g who received 60 mg/kg on days 0, 4, 7 and 14 in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Functional and antigenic plasma concentrations of A1PI were measured at specified time points. <i>Results:</i> On both functional and antigenic assays, concentrations began in the normal adult range and rose from day 0 to 10 then fell slightly, but remained above initial values. The concentrations were not significantly different between the treatment and placebo groups. <i>Conclusions:</i> The results of this study indicate that neonatal pharmacokinetics of A1PI differ markedly from those of the adult. Total plasma clearance of exogenous A1PI seems high in the ventilated premature neonate. Higher or more frequent doses may be necessary to maintain A1PI plasma concentrations above baseline.
Effects of Ibuprofen and Indomethacin on the Regional Circulation in Newborn Piglets
Authors: Speziale Mark V. , Allen Robert G. , Henderson Christopher R. , Barrington Keith J. , Finer Neil N. 
Published: April 2003

We investigated the effects of clinically comparable doses of ibuprofen and indomethacin on renal, gastrointestinal and cerebral perfusion in newborn piglets, and hypothesized that ibuprofen would have less effect on regional circulation. Animals were randomly assigned to receive ibuprofen (20 mg/kg, n = 8), indomethacin (0.3 mg/kg, n = 7) or vehicle (n = 6). Fluorescent microspheres were injected prior to and at 20, 40, 60, 90 and 120 min after drug administration. Regional blood flow was measured and vascular resistances were calculated. Cardiovascular and respiratory variables were not significantly affected by either study drug or vehicle. Ibuprofen increased renal cortical and medullary resistance by 44 and 52% (p < 0.05). However, ibuprofen had no significant effects on gastrointestinal or cerebral resistance. Indomethacin raised renal cortical and medullary resistance by 66 and 71% at 60 min postinjection, respectively (p < 0.05). Indomethacin increased duodenojejunal, ileal and colon resistance by 97, 102 and 75% at 60 min, respectively (p < 0.05). Indomethacin increased cerebral cortical and cerebellar resistance by 92 and 86% at 90 min (p < 0.05). While indomethacin and, to a lesser extent, ibuprofen both increase renal vascular resistance, indomethacin vasoconstricts the gastrointestinal and cerebral circulations which are unaffected by ibuprofen.
Is a Standard Protocol Necessary for Oscillometric Blood Pressure Measurement in Term Newborns?
Authors: Sarıcı S. Ümit , Alpay Faruk , Okutan Vedat , Gökçay Erdal 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective: </i>The necessity of taking only one randomized blood pressure measurement or averaging three repeated measurements and, the effects of various stages of the restful state and body position on blood pressure measurements obtained with the oscillometric technique were investigated in 138 healthy term newborns. <i>Methods: </i>The Athena oscillometer was used to measure blood pressure. Three successive measurements with a 5-min interval were made in each of two positions, prone and supine, in random order 30 min after the last feeding if newborns were in very quiet or quiet sleep. During routine recording of vital signs, another (single) measurement was obtained before feeding the infant regardless of the body position of the newborn, provided that they were not struggling, crying or moving. <i>Results: </i>For all systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures measured, there were no significant differences among either prone, supine and single measurements or among three successive measurements in each position. <i>Conclusions: </i>We conclude that, in the routine care of term newborns, blood pressure measurements with the oscillometric technique may be made without the need of a special position or sleep state, provided that the measurements are made with an appropriate sized cuff in the absence of struggling, crying and movement of the newborn. Taking only one randomized measurement under these conditions would be enough and practical in daily newborn care practice instead of repeating and averaging many measurements.
Adenosine and ATP CauseNitric Oxide-Dependent PulmonaryVasodilation in Fetal Lambs
Authors: Konduri G. Ganesh , Mital Seema 
Published: April 2003

We investigated the hypothesis that the purine nucleotide ATP and its nucleoside adenosine cause pulmonary vasodilation in fetal lambs by the release of nitric oxide (NO). We also investigated the potential role of K<sup>+</sup><sub>ATP</sub> channels in mediating the effects of ATP and adenosine on NO. We surgically prepared 28 fetal lambs to measure pulmonary and systemic pressures and pulmonary flow. We investigated the effects of glibenclamide and pinacidil (inhibitor and agonist, respectively, for K<sup>+</sup><sub>ATP</sub> channels), N-nitro-<i>L</i>-arginine (N-LA) and its methyl ester, N-nitro-<i>L</i>-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (inhibitors of endothelium-derived NO synthesis), and U46619 (a thromboxane mimetic) on pulmonary vasodilation caused by adenosine and ATP. Adenosine decreased the pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) at doses of 0.08–2.5 μ<i>M</i>/kg/min and increased the left pulmonary flow at doses of 0.3–2.5 μ<i>M</i>/kg/min in control experiments. N-LA, L-NAME and glibenclamide attenuated the effects of adenosine at doses of < 2.5 μ<i>M</i>/ kg/min and pinacidil potentiated its effects. ATP decreased the pulmonary artery pressure and PVR and increased the pulmonary flow at doses of 0.15–2.5 μ<i>M</i>/kg/min in control experiments. N-LA and L-NAME attenuated the effects of ATP at doses of < 2.5 μ<i>M</i>/kg/min, whereas glibenclamide and pinacidil had no effect on the response to ATP. U46619 increased the basal pulmonary vascular tone, but did not significantly alter the vasodilative responses to ATP and adenosine. In conclusion, adenosine and ATP cause NO-dependent pulmonary vasodilation in fetal lambs. The activation of K<sup>+</sup><sub>ATP</sub> channels plays a role in adenosine-induced pulmonary vasodilation. The mechanism by which ATP causes NO release and pulmonary vasodilation requires further investigation.
Effects of Treatment of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism on the Lipid Profile in Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Lim Paik-Seong , Hung Tung-Shiao , Yeh Chi-Hsiang , Yu Mei-Huri 
Published: April 2003

Abnormalities in circulating lipoprotein concentrations are a characteristic finding in patients undergoing dialytic therapy. A substantial number of these patients display type IV hyperlipoproteinemia. Certain data suggest that secondary hyperparathyroidism may induce disturbances in lipid metabolism. To evaluate the effects of pulse calcitriol therapy on the lipid profile in these patients, we undertook a prospective study in 12 patients on stable bicarbonate hemodialysis. Lipid parameters comprising cholesterol and the low- as well as the high-density lipoprotein subfractions, triglycerides, apolipoproteins A and B, serum parathyroid hormones (iPTH), alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphorus, hematocrit, and blood urea were obtained prior to commencement of pulse calcitriol therapy and again 8–10 weeks later. Calcitriol therapy was associated with a decrease in serum iPTH levels (701 ± 103.9 vs. 220.3 ± 50.5 pmol/l; p < 0.001). Significant increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (32.8 ± 2.7 vs. 38.8 ± 2.3 mmol/l; p < 0.05) and apolipoprotein A-I (107.8 ± 6.1 vs. 121.8 ± 5.8 g/l; p < 0.05) were noted during the course of the study. Moreover, serum iPTH correlated inversely with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I. There were no changes in other lipid parameters except for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol which showed a tendency to increase. We conclude that in short-term study, pulse oral calcitriol therapy is associated with an improvement in the lipid profile in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. However, it remains to be established whether ameliorating the uremic dyslipidemia results in any long-term clinical benefits.
Heparin and Vasoactive Peptides in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Hegbrant Jörgen , Ekman Rolf , Thysell Hans 
Published: April 2003

Plasma concentrations of vasoactive peptides have been reported to be influenced by various procedural features of hemodialysis (HD), such as ultrafiltration and isovolemic diffusion, dialysate buffer and dialysate temperature, but also by sham HD thus reflecting an effect of the extracorporeal circulation per se. In the present study the effect of heparin administration was investigated in 9 stable HD patients, and compared with that of saline. Blood samples were taken from the arteriovenous fistula before and 45 min after the administration of heparin or saline. After an interval of 2 weeks, the procedure was repeated with the exception that the patients who received heparin on the first occasion were given saline and vice versa. Plasma concentrations of the vasoactive peptides were measured by radioimmunoassay. Regardless of whether heparin was given or not, the plasma concentrations of the vasodilators atrial natriuretic peptide, β-endorphin and vasoactive intestinal peptide did not change, nor did the concentration of the vasoconstrictor neuropeptide Y. The plasma motilin concentration decreased significantly when heparin was given, and that of substance P increased, both these peptides being vasodilators. Mean arterial blood pressure decreased regardless of whether heparin was given or not, and no difference between the two regimens was noted. Heart rate was unchanged with both regimens. To sum up, administration of heparin but not of saline affected the plasma concentrations of motilin and substance P. However, the decrease in blood pressure during the procedure seemed not to be related to the changes in these peptides, as it also occurred in the absence of heparin.
Impact of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Treatment on Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Cardiac Function in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Massimetti Carlo , Pontillo Daniele , Feriozzi Sandro , Costantini Stefano , Capezzuto Aldo , Ancarani Enzo 
Published: April 2003

The results of anemia correction by recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) therapy with regard to cardiac function and left ventricular hypertrophy in dialysis patients are controversially discussed. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of therapy rHuEPO on cardiac morphology and function in dialysis patients. We studied 11 clinically stable hemodialysis patients with severe renal anemia (hematocrit <27%) and increased left ventricular mass index (LVMi) with no history of coronary or valvular heart disease, systemic disease, severe hyperparathyroidism, hypertension stage 2 or higher, transfusion-dependent anemia, and concurrent rHuEPO treatment. The patients were treated with rHuEPO administered subcutaneously once or twice weekly at a mean dose of 80 ± 31 IU/kg week until the hematocrit was >30% and underwent a complete Doppler echocardiographic study at baseline and at follow-up (after 12.2 ± 2.9 months). At follow-up, ejection fraction and fractional shortening significantly increased from 62.7 ± 13.8 to 67.8 ± 9.7% (p < 0.05) and from 35.5 ± 9.8 to 39.4 ± 7.1% (p < 0.05), respectively, whereas mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening demonstrated a trend towards amelioration from 1.18 ± 0.23 to 1.27 ± 0.27 circ/s (n.s.). LVMi and morphological data remained unchanged throughout the study. Nevertheless, LVMi changes showed two different behaviors with respect to baseline values: in 6 patients with higher baseline values, LVMi decreased from 229 ± 36 to 191 ± 45 g/m<sup>2</sup> (p < 0.05), while it worsened in 5 patients with less marked LVMi, increasing from 141 ± 32 to 186 ± 40 g/m<sup>2</sup> (p < 0.05). Our data demonstrate that partial correction of renal anemia with rHuEPO therapy seems to improve cardiac performance and to induce a regression of left ventricular hypertrophy, particularly in patients with greater baseline hypertrophy, ultimately confirming the multifactorial pathogenesis of left ventricular hypertrophy.