Groups In Terms Research Articles

Early childhood development of visual texture segregation in full-term and preterm children

To date, very little is known about the normal development trajectory of visual texture segregation, or how it is affected by preterm birth. The goal of this study was to characterize the development of visual texture segregation using texture segregation visual evoked potentials (tsVEPs) in children born full-term and children born preterm without major neurological impairment. Forty-five full-term and 43 preterm children were tested at either 12, 24 or 36months of age (corrected age for prematurity at 12 and 24months old). VEPs were obtained using two lower-level stimuli defined by orientation (oriVEP) and two higher-level stimuli defined by texture (texVEP). TsVEP was obtained by dividing by two the subtraction of oriVEP from texVEP. Results show a clear maturation of the processes underlying visual texture segregation in the full-term group, with a significant N2 latency reduction between 12 and 36months of age for all conditions. Significant N2 amplitude reduction was observed for oriVEP between 12 and 24months, as well as for texVEP between 12 and 24months, and 12 and 36months. Comparison between full-term and preterm children indicated significantly lower N2 amplitude for the preterm group at 12months for oriVEP and texVEP. These differences were no longer apparent at 24months of age, suggesting that children born preterm catch up with their full-term counterparts somewhere between 12 and 24months of age. Our results appear to reflect a maturational delay in preterm children in both lower-level and higher-level visual processing during, at least, early childhood.

Observation of pulmonary function of tidal respiration in late preterm infants at corrected gestational age of full term

Objective To investigate pulmonary function of tidal respiration in late premature infants with non-mechanical ventilation treatment at corrected gestational age of full term. Methods A total of 26 late premature infants with non-mechanical ventilation treatment at corrected gestational age of full term were collected from Qingdao Women and Children′s Hospital between April and December 2013, and saved as the late premature infant group.Also, a total of 31 full term infants with hyperbilirubinemia or neonatal ABO hemolytic disease were recruited and treated as the full term group.Then the parameters of pulmonary function of tidal respiration were compared between the two groups.The late premature infant group was equally allocated into extrauterine growth retardation and non-extrauterine growth retardation groups according to the increase in weight and the ratio of time to peak tidal expiratory flow and total expiratory time(TPEF/TE) and the ratio of expiratory volume at peak tidal expiratory flow and total expiratory volume(VPEF/VE) were respectively compared in these two groups.Another correlation analysis between body weight and TPEF/TE was carried out in the non-extrauterine growth retardation group. Results (1)Gestational age difference had no significant significance between late premature infant group and full term group(P<0.05). The body weight[(2.39±0.44)kg vs.(3.21±0.43)kg] and height[(46.51±3.22)cm vs.(50.16±2.14)cm] in late premature infant group were still lag behind that in full term group and the difference had significant significance(P<0.05，respectively)．(2)The comparison of parameters of pulmonary function of tidal respiration：the TPEF/TE[(41.74±10.94)% vs.(48.17±11.79)%]，VPEF/VE[(42.66±9.66)% vs.(48.31±9.94)%]，VPEF[(8.02±2.85) ml vs.(10.23±3.56) ml] and minute ventilation[(0.76±0.23) L/min vs.(1.00±0.44) L/min] in late premature infant group were significantly lower than those in full term group(P<0.05，respectively)．(3)The TPEF/TE and VPEF/VE all had significant significance in both late premature infant group and full term group(late premature infant group：r＝0.958，P＝0.000; full term group：r＝0.950，P＝0.000)．(4)The TPEF/TE and VPEF/VE in non-extrauterine growth retardation group were closer to those in full term group.The TPEF/TE and VPEF/VE in extrauterine growth retardation group were lower than those in non-extrauterine growth retardation group(t＝－2.775，－2.109，P＝0.011，0.047)． Conclusion Airway(especially small airway) resistance of late preterm infant group is higher than that of term infants.Extrauterine growth retardation influences the airway(especially small airway) resistance. Key words: Premature infant; Tidal breath pulmonary function; Extrauterine growth retardation

Expression and significance of SATB1 and wnt/β-catenin signaling molecule in the placenta of preeclampsia

To explore the role of specific AT rich sequence binding protein 1(SATB1) and wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways in the regulation of trophoblast invasion and its effect in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. From March 2013 to March 2014, 20 cases of human villous tissues (early pregnancy group) from women of 8-10 gestational weeks who received artificial abortion at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 18 cases of placental tissues (mid-pregnancy group) from women of 18-20 gestational weeks who had labor induction by water bag, 20 cases of placental tissues (normal full-term group) from healthy full-term pregnancy women and 20 cases of placental tissues (preeclamptic group) from women with preeclampsia who received elective c-section in were collected. Immunohistochemical SP method was utilized to determine the position of SATB1 and beta-catenin in villous tissues or placental tissues. Western blot was performed to analyze the expression level of SATB1 and beta-catenin in villous tissues or placental tissues. Immunofluorescence assay was used to determine the location of SATB1 and β-catenin in HTR8/SVneo cells. Western blot was performed to detect the expression level of SATB1 and beta-catenin in HTR8/SVneo cells cultured in normoxia and hypoxia reoxygenation (H/R) condition. Co-Immunoprecipitation detection was used to evaluate the interaction between SATB1 and β-catenin in placental tissues in preeclamptic group and HTR8/SVneo cells in H/R group. Gelatin zymography analysis was used to measure the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and 9 in placental tissues from preeclamptic group and HTR8/SVneo cells in H/R group. (1) In the normal full-term group, rare syncytiotrophoblastic nodule, less fibrinoid necrosis and abundant numbers of capillary could be observed in placental tissues. In comparison, there were obvious vacuolation in the cytoblast of syncytiotrophoblast, rich fibrinoid necrosis and poor numbers of villous capillary in placental tissues from preeclamptic group. (2) SATB1 could be found by immunochemical staining in placenta or villous tissues from all the groups. The staining intensity of SATB1 were more weakening in preeclamptic group than in the normal full-term group. (3) β-catenin could be found by immunochemical staining in placenta or villous tissues from all the groups. The staining intensity of β-catenin were more weakening in preeclamptic group than in the normal full-term group. (4) The protein expression levels of SATB1 in early pregnancy group, mid-pregnancy group, normal full-term group and preeclamptic group were 0.300 ± 0.009, 0.271±0.015, 0.238±0.018 and 0.153±0.007, respectively. The protein levels of β-catenin among the above groups were 0.743±0.041, 0.648±0.021, 0.549±0.069 and 0.269±0.047, respectively. Both the expression of SATB1 and β-catenin protein were significant decreased in placental tissues from preeclamptic group compared with the other three groups. (5) The SATB1 and β-catenin protein was located in nucleus of trophoblast and a small amount was in the cytoplasm. The fluorescence intensity of both SATB1 and β-catenin in the H/R group were significantly decreasing when compared to the normoxia group. (6) HTR8/SVneo cells in H/R group showed a significant decrease in both SATB1 and β-catenin protein levels when compared to the normoxia group. The protein level of SATB1 in the normoxia group was 0.213±0.005, while was 0.083±0.021 in the H/R group. The protein level of β-catenin in the normoxia group was 0.797±0.081, and was 0.543±0.131 in the H/R group. (7) There was an interaction between SATB1 and β-catenin in placental tissues from the preeclamptic group and HTR8/SVneo cells exposed by H/R. (8) The enzymatic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein were decreased significantly in placental tissues from the preeclamptic group (2.251±0.310, 1.447±0.102, respectively) when compared to the normal full-term group (7.098±0.451, 5.502±0.197, respectively). MMP-2 and MMP-9 were significantly decreased in the H/R group (0.471±0.104, 0.297±0.103, respectively) when compared to the normoxia group (0.842±0.209, 0.595±0.100, respectively). The expression of SATB1 decreased in the placenta of preeclampsia. This may influence the activity of MMP-2 and 9 by regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, affect trophoblast invasion and eventually result in preeclampsia.

Health-Related Quality of Life in the Early Childhood of Premature Children.

PURPOSE: In this study, a comparison was done of the extent of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for preterm and fullterm children during early childhood, and factors affecting HRQoL in the early childhood of premature children were analyzed.METHODS: Eighty mothers of children born prematurely and 83 mothers of children born at fullterm listed on two Internet cafes were sampled for this study. The major instrument used for the study was the TNO-AZL Preschool Quality Of Life (TAPQOL) questionnaire.RESULTS: Total score for HRQoL in the premature group was 80.5 (+/-9.9) and for the full term group, 85.0 (+/-8.3), on a 100-point scale. A comparison of the premature group and full term group showed that the domains which scored relatively lower with respect to HRQoL included the stomach, motor function, anxiety, liveliness and communication. Among the factors that have an impact on HRQoL were 'length of stay in neonatal intensive care unit (&gt; or =7 days)' and 'birth weight (&lt;1,000 gm)'. The explanation power of the model was 17%, which was statistically significant.CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that a differentiated premature infant follow-up program for children who are hospitalized over 7 days in NICU or weighed under 1,000 g at birth is urgently needed.

Effects of Late Preterm Birth on the Incidence of Developmental Delays among Children at 3 Years of Age: A Matched-Pair Case-Control Study

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between preterm delivery and developmental outcomes in children born at 34 - 36 weeks of gestation (late preterm period). Methods: This study reviewed the cases of singleton late preterm children and full-term (38 - 40 weeks of gestation) children born at Showa University Hospital. The developmental outcomes at 3 years of age were assessed based on the results of questionnaires sent to the families by mail. In addition, the incidence of developmental delays was compared between the late preterm and full-term children. In the full-term control group, perinatal characteristics (neonatal gender, Apgar score, Cesarean delivery, birth weight t-test was applied. A p-value of

Histopathological Evidence for Irradiation Angiopathy in Head and Neck Cancer

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of cervical angiopathy caused by radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Methods: Segments of 57 cervical arteries were obtained during surgery for head and neck malignant tumors and divided into two groups (irradiated group and non-irradiated group) based on the treatment prior to vascular resection. In order to evaluate vascular injury after radiation therapy, we examined the degree of medial atrophy, medial fibrosis, smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation in the media and intima, intimal hyperplasia and endothelial cell (EC) injury. Sections of arterial segments were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Elastica van Gieson and Masson’s trichrome, and immunohistochemistry for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), smoothelin, S100A4 and CD31 in the resected vessels was conducted. Results: The median interval between the completion of radiation therapy and vascular resection was nine months. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of medial atrophy, medial fibrosis and intimal hyperplasia. The ratio of the smoothelin-positive area per α-SMA-positive area in the media and the S100A4-positive proportion in the intima, indicating the degree of differentiation of the medial SMC and dedifferentiation of the intimal SMC, respectively, showed no significant differences, despite the tendency toward a lower smoothelin-positive area per α-SMA-positive area in the media of the irradiated arteries. The EC coverage revealed on CD31 immunohistochemistry was significantly decreased, with mural thrombus adhesion, in the irradiated group. Conclusions: The ECs of small arteries are damaged by irradiation. Although we did not confirm the statistical significance of medial SMC dedifferentiation, a decreased expression of smoothelin tended to be observed in the media of the irradiated arteries. Our findings provide histopathological evidence of irradiation angiopathy in head and neck cancer and may help to improve the surgical safety of microvascular anastomosis and determine the treatment strategy for head and neck tumors.

Visual Development and Neuropsychological Profile in Preterm Children from 6 Months to School Age.

The aim of this semilongitudinal study was to investigate the development of central visual pathways in children born preterm but without major neurologic impairments and to establish their cognitive and behavioral profile at school age. Ten children born preterm were assessed at 6 months and at school age, using visual evoked potentials at both time points and cognitive and behavioral tests at school age. We also tested 10 age-matched children born full-term. At 6 months' corrected age, we found no significant differences between preterm and full-term groups for either amplitude or latency of N1 and P1 components. At school age, the preterm group manifested significantly higher N1 amplitudes and tended to show higher P1 amplitudes than the full-term group. We found no significant differences in cognitive and behavioral measures at school age. These results suggest that preterm birth affects visual pathways development, yet the children born preterm did not manifest cognitive problems.

PO-0418 Brain Processing Of Music In The Newborns

In newborns, some basic music processing seems to be present few days after birth (1). Neonatal intensive care units are willing to use music to enrich preterm infant environment. Indeed, researches in neonatal intensive care units showed music impacts on physiological and behavioural responses, caloric intake, and energy expenditure of premature babies (2). The aim of this study is to understand how music is processed in newborns and if premature birth impacts on this processing. Twenty-four healthy newborns (14 preterm scanned at term equivalent age and 10 full-term infants) have been recruited. Infants underwent functional MRI (fMRI) at 3T during natural sleep or while resting quietly in the scanner without any sedation. FMRI data were realigned; coregistered; normalised to a T2 neonatal template; and smoothed. Random-effect analyses have been done to observe the group activation on all newborns and to compare term and preterm newborns. At the group level, we observed bilateral activation of auditory regions. At the cluster level, the right auditory cortex (p = 0.028, corrected for multiple comparison, extent = 70 voxels) was more activated than the left auditory cortex (p = 0.067, corrected for multiple comparison, extent = 52 voxels) during music. Furthermore, no difference was found between full-term and premature groups. Our preliminary results show functional asymmetry in auditory cortex already present at 40weeks gestational age. Those results corroborate with those found in adults (3), in processing pitch changes in 3-to-6 month’s old children (4) and in full-term newborns (1). More analyses are needed to explore further music processing differences in these two populations.

Salivary antibody response to streptococci in preterm and fullterm children: A prospective study

ObjectivesSecretory immunoglobulins present in mucosa surfaces represent the first line of defense of the adaptive immune system against infectious challenges. Preterm (PT) neonates’ humoral immunity is diminished compared to full-term (FT) newborns. The identification of important antigens (Ags) of virulence of oral species may help in the investigation of the mechanisms of antigenic stimulation and the development of the mucosal immune response. In the present study, we measured saliva levels of immunoglobulins A (IgA) and M (IgM) and characterized the specificity of IgA against Ags of several streptococcal species found early in life. MethodsThis was a prospective observational study. Salivary IgA (sIgA) antibody responses to bacterial species that are prototypes of pioneer (Streptococcus mitis, S. sanguinis, S. gordonii) and pathogenic (Streptococcus mutans) microorganisms of the oral cavity were studied in FT and PT children in two visits: at birth (T0) and at 3 months of age (T3). Salivas from 123 infants (72 FT and 51 PT) were collected during the first 10h after birth (T0) and again at 3 months of age (T3). Salivary levels of IgA and IgM antibodies were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A subgroup of 26 FT and 24 PT children were compared with respect to patterns of antibody specificities against different streptococci Ags using Western blot assays. ResultsNo significant differences (P>0.05) in salivary levels of IgA and IgM between FT and PT babies were found at birth. At T3, mean sIgA values were similar between groups and sIgM levels were significantly higher in PT than FT (P<0.05). Western blot assays identified positive IgA response to streptococci in the majority of children, especially in the FT group. There were some differences between groups in relation to the frequency of children with positive response to Ags and intensity of IgA response. In general, oral streptococci Ags were more frequently detected and bands were more intense in FT than in PT, especially in T3. Prospective analysis of patterns of sIgA against Ags of different streptococcal species revealed an increase in complexity of the sIgA antibody response from the first day of birth (T0) to T3 in PT and FT. ConclusionThe patterns of sIgA response to streptococci Ags appear to be influenced by the gestational age, which might reflect the level of immunological maturity of the mucosal immune system.

Differences between late preterm and full-term infants: comparing effects of a short bout of practice on early reaching behavior.

This study compared the effects of a short bout of practice on reaching behavior between late preterm and full-term infants at the onset of goal-directed reaching. Twelve late preterm infants and twelve full-term infants received reaching practice based on a serial schedule. Late preterm and full-term infants were assessed in 3.3±1.4 and 2.6±1.0 days after the onset of goal-directed reaching in two measures in a single day: immediately before practice (pre-test) and immediately after practice (post-test). During the assessments, the infants were placed in a baby chair and a rubber toy was presented at their midline within reaching distance for 2 min. Between assessments, the infants received practice of toy-oriented reaching in 3 activities repeated for approximately 4 min. The activities were elicited in a pre-established serial sequence and were applied by a physical therapist. During the pre-test, late preterm infants presented lower range of proximal adjustments, greater proportion of reaches with semi-open hand, and greater proportion of reaches without grasping than the full-term infants. During the post-test, late preterm infants presented greater motor variability of proximal adjustments, but explored and selected distal control and grasping outcomes less compared to the full-term group. Differences in reaching and gross motor behavior between late preterm and full-term infants can be found at the age of reaching onset. Practice provided new opportunities for late preterm infants to improve perception-action coupling to reach; however, relative to full-terms, they seemed less advanced in benefiting from the experience for more refined manual tasks.

Correlation between lactoferrin and beneficial microbiota in breast milk and infant's feces.

Lactoferrin (LF) is a natural component of human milk with antimicrobial, immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory properties. Several in vitro studies suggest that LF could promote an environment in the gut of neonates that favors colonization with beneficial bacteria. However, clinical studies on the correlation between the concentration of LF in breast milk and feces of infants and the gut microbiota in infants are lacking. In our study we analyzed the content of LF and the microbiota of breast milk and feces of infants of 48 mother-infant pairs (34 full-term and 14 pre-term infants) at birth and 30days after delivery. In the term group, a significant decrease of mean LF concentration between colostrum (7.0±5.1mg/ml) and mature milk (2.3±0.4mg/ml) was observed. In pre-term group, breast milk LF levels were similar to those observed in full-term group. Fecal LF concentration of healthy infants was extremely high both in term and pre-term infants, higher than the amount reported in healthy children and adults. In term infants mean fecal LF levels significantly increased from birth (994±1,828μg/ml) to 1month of age (3,052±4,323μg/ml). The amount of LF in the feces of 30day-old term infants was significantly associated with maternal mature milk LF concentration (p=0.030) confirming that breast milk represents the main source of LF found in the gut of infants. A linear positive correlation between colostrum and mature milk LF concentration was observed (p=0.008) indicating that milk LF levels reflect individual characteristics. In pre-term infants higher mean concentrations of fecal LF at birth (1,631±2,206μg/ml) and 30days after delivery (7,633±9,960μg/ml) were observed in comparison to full-term infants. The amount of fecal bifidobacteria and lactobacilli resulted associated with the concentration of fecal LF 3days after delivery (p=0.017 and p=0.026, respectively). These results suggest that high levels of fecal LF in neonates, particularly in the first days of life, could represent an important factor in the initiation, development and/or composition of the neonatal gut microbiota. Since early host-microbe interaction is a crucial component of healthy immune and metabolic programming, high levels of fecal LF in neonates may beneficially contribute to the immunologic maturation and well-being of the newborn, especially in pre-term infants.

Phenotypic differences in leucocyte populations among healthy preterm and full-term newborns.

The immune system of neonates has been considered functionally immature, and due to their high susceptibility to infections, the aim of this study was to analyse the phenotypic differences in leucocyte populations in healthy preterm and full-term newborns. We evaluated the absolute numbers and frequencies of dendritic cells (DCs) and DC subsets, monocytes and T and B lymphocytes and subsets in the cord blood of healthy moderate and very preterm (Group 1), late preterm (Group 2) and full-term (Group 3) newborns and in healthy adults, as controls, by flow cytometry. The analyses revealed statistically higher absolute cell numbers in neonates compared with adults due to the characteristic leucocytosis of neonates. We observed a lower frequency of CD80(+) myeloid and plasmacytoid DCs in Group 1 and reduced expression of TLR-4 on myeloid DCs in all neonates compared with adults. TLR-2(+) monocytes were reduced in Group 1 compared with Groups 2 and 3, and TLR-4(+) monocytes were reduced in Groups 1 and 2 compared with Group 3. The frequencies and numbers of naïve CD4(+) T and CD19(+) B cells were higher in the three groups of neonates compared with adults, while CD4(+) effector and effector memory T cells and CD19(+) memory B cells were elevated in adults compared with neonates, as expected. Our study provides reference values for leucocytes in cord blood from term and preterm newborns, which may facilitate the identification of immunological deficiencies in protection against extracellular pathogens.

Longitudinal growth and morphology of the hippocampus through childhood: Impact of prematurity and implications for memory and learning.

The effects of prematurity on hippocampal development through early childhood are largely unknown. The aims of this study were to (1) compare the shape of the very preterm (VPT) hippocampus to that of full-term (FT) children at 7 years of age, and determine if hippocampal shape is associated with memory and learning impairment in VPT children, (2) compare change in shape and volume of the hippocampi from term-equivalent to 7 years of age between VPT and FT children, and determine if development of the hippocampi over time predicts memory and learning impairment in VPT children. T1 and T2 magnetic resonance images were acquired at both term equivalent and 7 years of age in 125 VPT and 25 FT children. Hippocampi were manually segmented and shape was characterized by boundary point distribution models at both time-points. Memory and learning outcomes were measured at 7 years of age. The VPT group demonstrated less hippocampal infolding than the FT group at 7 years. Hippocampal growth between infancy and 7 years was less in the VPT compared with the FT group, but the change in shape was similar between groups. There was little evidence that the measures of hippocampal development were related to memory and learning impairments in the VPT group. This study suggests that the developmental trajectory of the human hippocampus is altered in VPT children, but this does not predict memory and learning impairment. Further research is required to elucidate the mechanisms for memory and learning difficulties in VPT children.

Assisting the development of infants born prematurely using a self-regulation framework and relationship-based intervention process

Purpose: An intervention for improving the self-regulatory abilities of preterm babies over the first year at home is described and evaluated. Motor control was addressed as a significant aspect of regulatory competence. Parent concerns were addressed using video replay to establish parents’ interpretation of infant behaviour. Methods: LBW infants (< 32weeks; < 1500 gms) were randomly assigned into one of 4 blocks (control-intervention- control-intervention) along with a full term control group. Independent outcomes were conducted at 12 months. Results: Preterm intervention (N = 24) scored significantly higher ( p < .001) on Mental and Psychomotor Bayley Scales than preterm control infants (N = 22) though not as high as the full-term control group (N = 23). In motor development the largest gains were made by the most premature infants. The preterm intervention and full-term groups scored significantly higher on the HOME than the preterm control group ( p < .007). Conclusions: This model has implications for cost-effective practice by using key times for home visiting or community nursing to assist parents at home.

Epidemiological investigation of physique situation for birth high-risk children aged 9-15 years in Chengdu, Southwest China

Background: As the intrauterine environment can effect children's growth and development, this study aimed to explore the relationship between birth high-risk and physique situation of 9 to 15-year-old children by cross-sectional investigation, and to provide clues for the monitoring, prevention, and treatment of growth deviation in children. Materials and Methods: This study recruited 7,194 students aged 9 to 15 years in primary and junior schools. Their parents were asked to complete the birth situation questionnaire. Measurements included height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). Birth high-risk infant was defined according to the gestational age and birth weight. Growth deviation was classified as underweight, short stature, overweight, and obesity. Results: The prevalence of all kinds of growth deviations in preterm, full-term, and post-term birth groups were similar, the same as the physique situation at school age among both sexes. The incidence of small for gestational age (SGA) was 6.23%, when at school age, part of SGA had catch-up growth. However, the prevalence of underweight and short stature for SGA was highest in three groups. The weight and height at school age in SGA group was less than that in appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and large for gestational age (LGA) groups. The prevalence of overweight and obesity for LGA and macrosomia were highest in three groups. At school age, the weight in macrosomia and LGA groups was higher than that in the other groups. Conclusions: Longitudinal height and weight development and growth of children with birth high-risk are different from normal children. In order to improve healthy situation, more attention should be paid to height and weight development of those children with birth high-risk at school age, even in pre-school age. Prevention may already begin during pregnancy.

Assessment of the central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure in premature and full-term newborns.

Purpose:To assess the central corneal thickness (CCT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) in premature and full-term newborns.Materials and Methods:In this study, we evaluated measurements of CCT and IOP in 45 premature and 45 full-term newborns. IOP was determined with topical anesthesia using a Tono-Pen AVIA, applanation tonometer and a wire lid retractor in premature newborns undergoing screening for retinopathy. Full-term newborns were used as a control group. CCT was determined with a portable pachymeter after IOP measurements had been made in both groups. Because there was high correlation of CCT and IOP between right and left eyes, only the right eye data were used for further analyses.Results:The mean gestational age was 31.5 ± 2.7 weeks (ranging 25-35 weeks) and the mean age at measurement after birth was respectively 36.3 ± 0.9 weeks (ranging 33-37 weeks) in premature newborns and 38.2 ± 0.7 weeks (ranging 38-41 weeks) and 42 ± 2.2 weeks (ranging 39-46 weeks) in full-term newborns. The mean IOP was 16.2 ± 2.7 mmHg (ranging 10-22 mmHg) in premature and 16.6 ± 2.3 mmHg (ranging 10-22 mmHg) in full-term newborns. The mean CCT was found 600 ± 50 μm (ranging 515-790 μm) in the premature group and 586 ± 48 μm (ranging 475-730 μm) in the full-term group. Mean CCT was greater in premature newborns than in full-term newborns, but the difference between groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.7). Mean IOP measurement in two groups was found very similar and the difference also was not statistically significant (P = 0.27). There was no correlation between IOP and CCT, gestational age, gestational weight, age at measurement, weight at measurement neither right nor left eye in both groups in multiple regression analysis.Conclusion:We found that premature infants have slightly thicker corneas but no high IOP measurements than full-term newborns. It could be concluded that in premature at the mean gestational age of 36 weeks CCT is not different from that of full-term newborns.

Relationship between pregnancy rate and serum progesterone concentration in cases of porcine embryo transfer

The level of P4 at the time of embryo transfer (ET) is important. P4 concentrations and numbers of corpora lutea for 126 recipients were evaluated. Nuclear transfer embryos were transferred into 126 surrogates. 11 maintained their pregnancy until full-term delivery, 17 miscarried, and implantation failed in 98 animals. P4 levels in the full-term group were significantly different from those of the pigs that aborted or in which implantation failed (p < 0.05). However, the numbers of corpora lutea were not significantly different. These findings indicate that the concentration of progesterone can be an important factor for successful ET in pigs.

Weight Gain in Malnourished Children after 5 Months Food Supplementation in a Slum Setting in Bangladesh

We examined the rate of weight gain and absolute weight gain of underweight children (weight- for-age Z score Pushti packet which was recommended in the National Nutritional Program. No food supplementation was provided to control children. All children received vitamin A as part of the six-monthly national program, albendazole for deworming, immunization, and health and nutrition education. Multiple micronutrient powder (MNP) was provided only to Pushti packet and control children. The rate of weight gain on RUTF was 1.69 g/kg/day during the first month and gradually declined to 0.9 g/kg/day at the final month of the trial, whereas, the rate of weight gain on Pushti packet was 0.77 g/kg/day during the first month declining to 0.70 g/kg/day at the end of the trial. Rate of weight gain in the control group was steady between 0.47 - 0.50 g/kg/day. Absolute weight gains of 1085 g, 790 g and 730 g were observed in the RUTF, Pushti packet and the control groups, respectively which were significantly higher in the RUTF group. There was no statistically significant difference between the RUTF and Pushti packet groups in terms of rate of weight gain. Overall, weight gain was unsatisfactory for both supplementation groups. Better absolute weight gain was observed with RUTF supplementation compared to Pushti packet which prevented further deterioration in weight among the malnourished children.

Persisting hypoxaemia is an insufficient measure of adverse lung function in very immature infants

BackgroundBronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), defined as protracted neonatal hypoxaemia, is considered a risk factor for respiratory disease in adulthood. The relationship between this diagnosis and the actual lung injury appearing in...

English

OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in preterm labour and to investigate its association as one of the causative factors of preterm labour. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty women who presented with preterm labour (study group) and fifty women in labour at term (control group) admitted to a teaching hospital from November 2009 to May 2011 were examined for bacterial vaginosis using Nugent score. All the statistical methods were carried out through SPSS for windows (version 16.0), STUDY DESIGN: A comparative study. RESULTS: The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among preterm labour group was 22% and its prevalence among full term group was 4%. There was statistically significant association of BV with preterm labor when compared to term labor (p=.007). Bacterial Vaginosis was strongly associated with very preterm delivery (<34 weeks) (p=.050). Bacterial vaginosis was significantly associated with lesser gestational age at delivery and low birth weight. CONCLUSION: Bacterial vaginosis is significantly associated with preterm labour and is one of the probable causative factors of preterm labour.