Physiological Differences Research Articles

Paternal impact on the developmental programming of sexual dimorphism

Sexual dimorphism involves distinct anatomical, physiological, behavioral, and developmental differences between males and females of the same species, influenced by factors prior to conception and during early development. These sex-specific traits contribute to varied phenotypes and individual disease risks within and across generations and understanding them is essential in mammalian studies. Hormones, sex chromosomes, and imprinted genes drive this dimorphism, with over half of quantitative traits in wildtype mice showing sex-based variation. This review focuses on the impact of paternal non-genetic factors on sexual dimorphism. We synthesize current research on how paternal health before conception affects offspring phenotypes in a sex-specific manner, examining mechanisms such as DNA methylation, paternally imprinted genes, sperm RNA, and seminal plasma. Additionally, we explore how paternal influences indirectly shape offspring through maternal behavior, uterine environment, and placental changes, affecting males and females differently. We propose mechanisms modulating sexual dimorphism during development, underscoring the need for sex-specific documentation in animal studies.

Combining SNAC and C10 in oral tablet formulations for gastric peptide delivery: A preclinical and clinical study.

Current oral formulations of macromolecules including peptides typically rely on single permeation enhancer (PE) to promote absorption and thus bioavailability. In this work, we combined two PEs, namely sodium N-[8-(2-hydroxybenzoyl) amino] caprylate (SNAC) and sodium caprate (C10), in one tablet formulation to potentially gain a synergistic effect for enhanced gastric absorption of a GLP-1 analogue and a PCSK9 inhibitor. Permeability tests on a gastric organoids-based cell model showed that the combination of SNAC and C10 can significantly improve peptide permeability compared to either SNAC or C10 alone. Tablet formulations were then designed, adjusting the total PE amount, relative ratio between SNAC and C10, and the peptide dose. To facilitate drug and PE release, a diluent was added. Upon oral administration in beagle dogs, the lead formulations made of SNAC/C10/diluent demonstrated higher bioavailability than either SNAC, SNAC/diluent and C10/diluent formulations for both peptides. Finally, the SNAC/C10/diluent formulation with PCSK9 inhibitor was tested in human, where it displayed similar bioavailability to the SNAC/diluent reference, thereby suggesting a low translatability between pre-clinical and clinical data when C10 was involved. This may be attributed to the difference in physiology, gastric pH environment as well as C10 concentration and colloidal form in the gastric lumen between dogs and humans. Hence, additional studies are needed for a better understanding of the clinical translation of C10-based peptide formulations.

Myelin Imaging of the Spinal Cord in Animal Models and Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Using [11C]MeDAS PET: A Translational Study.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by demyelinated lesions in the brain and spinal cord. A few clinical studies using PET to image myelin in the brain have been performed, but none investigated the spinal cord. Because clinically relevant motor symptoms are primarily due to spinal cord damage, this translational study evaluated [11C]N-methyl-4,4'-diaminostilbene (MeDAS) as a PET tracer for myelin imaging in the rat and human spinal cord. Methods: [11C]MeDAS PET of the spinal cord was conducted in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, lysophosphatidylcholine, and spinal cord injury animal models of focal demyelination. Then, 6 healthy controls and 11 MS patients were subjected to MRI and [11C]MeDAS PET of the spinal cord between C5 and T6 vertebrae. Regions of interest covering 100%, 60%, and 40% of the diameter of the spinal canal were drawn, and tracer uptake was normalized to the activity in the blood pool, muscle, or injected dose per unit of body weight (SUV). Results: [11C]MeDAS uptake was significantly reduced in spinal cord lesions in all animal models. In humans, tracer uptake was significantly higher in the cervical than the thoracic spinal cord, which corresponds well with the known physiologic rostral-caudal gradient in myelin density. MS patients had significantly lower [11C]MeDAS uptake in the upper spinal cord (C5-T3) than did controls. The [11C]MeDAS PET signal was inversely correlated with the presence of MS lesions in specific sections of the spinal cord. The best differentiation among regions with different myelin density was obtained when the smallest region of interest was used and spinal cord uptake was expressed as SUV. Conclusion: [11C]MeDAS PET shows the potential to quantify myelin density in the spinal cord. It enables detection of physiologic differences in myelin density between spinal cord segments and between MS patients and healthy controls, which warrants further evaluation of this technique.

Alternative Splicing in the Heart: The Therapeutic Potential of Regulating the Regulators

Alternative splicing allows a single gene to produce a variety of protein isoforms. Changes in splicing isoform usage characterize virtually every stage of the differentiation process and define the physiological differences between cardiomyocytes with different function, at different stages of development, and pathological function. Recent identification of cardiac splicing factors provided insights into the mechanisms underlying alternative splicing and revealed how these splicing factors impact functional properties of the heart. Alterations of the splicing of sarcomeric genes, cell signaling proteins, and ion channels have been associated with the development of pathological conditions such as cardiomyopathy and arrhythmia. RBM20, RBM24, PTBP1, RBFOX, and QKI play key roles in cardiac development and pathology. A better understanding of their regulation will yield insights into healthy cardiac development and inform the development of molecular therapeutics.

Evaluation of leg symmetry in muscle oxygen saturation during submaximal to maximal cycling exercise.

It is unclear whether physiological responses, such as muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2), can be considered symmetrical during cycling. This knowledge has important practical implications for both training and performance assessment. The aim of this study was to determine whether oxygenation profiles in the three active muscles of both legs were symmetrical during cycling at different intensities. Twenty-six trained cyclists and triathletes completed a graded exercise test (GXT) and an 8-min functional threshold power estimation test (8MTT) on a cycle ergometer over two nonconsecutive days. SmO2 was bilaterally assessed using NIRS technology in the vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius medialis, and tibialis anterior. Symmetry was compared between legs in both tests, and reliability and agreement between the measurements were quantified. The main results were that SmO2 in the three muscles assessed did not differ between legs during the GXT and 8MTT (p>0.05). Reliability of the measures was poor to good in the vastus lateralis (ICC=0.83-0.37), moderate to excellent in the tibialis anterior (ICC=0.92-0.73), and poor to good for the gastrocnemius medialis (ICC=0.80-0.24). Overall, the group variability in SmO2 showed a narrower distribution at lower intensities, with data dispersion increasing at higher intensities. In conclusion, the SmO2 was similar and showed symmetrical responses in both the preferred and nonpreferred limb in different muscles assessed during cycling at different intensities within a range of 10%-20%. Although individual physiological differences that might be relevant in some clinical/performance settings should not be disregarded, these findings indicate that measuring a single lower limb provides an accurate approximation of the responses in both lower limbs.

Genetic Diversity Analysis and Polyploid Induction Identification of Idesia polycarpa

Idesia polycarpa from Sichuan is a valuable germplasm with high economic potential, but it faces variety scarcity. To address this, this study collected 16 varieties (lines), identifying IpHT1 as a promising parent due to its high oil content (38.5%) and red fruits. Polyploid induction via adding 0.50% colchicine to Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium yielded 520 IpHT1 mutagenized seedlings. Subsequently, flow cytometry (FCM) was performed on 401 morphologically variant seedlings which had been initially screened, resulting in the identification of 15 suspected triploids, 35 suspected tetraploids, and 3 chimeras. Furthermore, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis found that the probe (AG3T3)3 had terminal signals at both ends of each chromosome, allowing for the counting of 42 chromosomes in diploids and 84 in tetraploids. The probe 5S rDNA showed 2, 3, and 4 hybridization signals in the interphase nuclei of diploid, triploid, and tetraploid cells, respectively, but the probe (GAA)6 failed to produce any signal on I. polycarpa chromosomes. Ultimately, 18 polyploids were selected, including 7 triploids and 11 tetraploids. Triploids and tetraploids showed significant leaf morphological and physiological differences from diploids. Consequently, this study successfully established a polyploid breeding system for I. polycarpa, thereby enhancing its genetic diversity and breeding potential.

Modest sex differences in the test of basic auditory capabilities (TBAC)

The Test of Basic Auditory Capabilities (TBAC) consists of 19 discrimination and identification tasks selected to study individual differences in audition. In one TBAC study, performance was measured for 340 normal-hearing subjects, but no investigation into possible sex differences was undertaken. That dataset now has been re-analyzed by sex. An effect size for sex difference was calculated for each subtest, and a resampling technique was used to estimate an implied significance for each of those effect sizes. Because almost all the differences observed were small, only the basic outcomes are described here, with more detail provided in Supplementary material. Peripheral physiological measures such as otoacoustic emissions exhibit larger auditory sex differences than do auditory behavioral measures, revealing that those peripheral physiological differences do not propagate simply up the auditory chain.

Nanomedicine for pediatric healthcare: A review of the current state and future prospectives.

Nanomedicine has emerged as a valuable treatment and diagnosis option, due to its ability not only to address formulation challenges associated with new therapeutic moieties, but also to improve the existing drugs efficacy. Nanomedicine provides appealing advantages such as increased drug payload, enhanced stability, tailored drug release profile, improved bioavailability and targeted drug delivery, etc. Tremendous research and regulatory efforts have been made in the past decades to advance nanomedicine from the benchtop to clinic. Numerous nanotechnology-based formulation approaches have been seen succeeding in commercialization. Despite the progress in nanomedicine use in adults, the advancement in pediatric population has been much slower. Clearly the treatment of disease in children cannot be simplified by dose adjustment based on body weight or surface, due to the significant differences in physiology thus the drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and transport (ADMET), between children and adults. This inherent variable among others poses much more challenges when developing pediatric-specific nanomedicine or translating adult nanodrug to pediatric indication. This review therefore intends to highlight the physiological differences between children and adult, and the common pediatric diseases which are good candidates for nanomedicine. The formulation approaches utilized in the marketed nanomedicine with pediatric indications, including liposomes, nanocrystals, polymeric nanoparticles and lipid nanoemulsions are elaborated. Finally, the challenges and gaps in pediatric nanomedicine development and commercialization, and the future prospectives are discussed.

Effects of education given in the menopausal period on the day-to-day impact of vaginal aging, self-efficacy in sexual abstinence and sexual distress: A randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT Despite physiological differences, women have to struggle with many problems related to menopause. It is the responsibility of nurses to provide women with the information and guidance they need during this period. Study was carried out to investigate the effects of education given in the menopausal period on the day-to-day impact of vaginal aging, self-efficacy in sexual abstinence, and sexual distress. This randomized controlled study was conducted at a center operated by a local municipality that provides services only to women, between 01.09.2023–10.12.2023 with 62 women (experimental:31, control:31). The data were collected using a “Personal Information Form,” the “Day-to-Day Impact of Vaginal Aging Questionnaire-DIVA,” the “Self-Efficacy Scale for Sexual Abstinence-SESSA,” and the “Female Sexual Distress Scale-FSDS.” ANOVA, independent-samples t-tests, paired-samples t-tests, and regression analyses were used to analyze the data. After the pretest, the experimental group were given education by the researcher in weekly sessions lasting 50/min. each for 5 weeks. In the posttest, the forms were administered 45 days after the last education session. There were significant differences between the experimental group in terms of their mean posttest DIVA (11.10 ± 2.65; 8.94 ± 1.65), FSDS (39.11 ± 9.07; 31.48 ± 10.27) and SESSA (17.85 ± 5.36; 21.25 ± 10.49 total scores (p < .001), while there was no significant difference between the pre-posttest of the control group (p < .05). Additionally, age was found to be a significant predictor of DIVA, whereas education level and marital satisfaction status were significant predictors of their SESSA. Education provided to women reduced the day-to-day impact of vaginal aging and sexual distress levels of the women and increased their self-efficacy in sexual abstinence.

Invasion of the four kingdoms: the parasite journey across plant and non‐plant hosts

ABSTRACTParasites have a rich and long natural history among biological entities, and it has been suggested that parasites are one of the most significant factors in the evolution of their hosts. However, it has been emphasized less frequently how co‐evolution has undoubtedly also shaped the paths of parasites. It may seem safe to assume that specific differences among the array of potential hosts for particular parasites have restricted and diversified their evolutionary pathways and strategies for survival. Nevertheless, if one looks closely enough at host and parasite, one finds commonalities, both in terms of host defences and parasite strategies to out‐manoeuvre them. While such analyses have been the source of numerous reviews, they are generally limited to interactions between, at most, one kingdom of parasite with two kingdoms of host (e.g. similarities in animal and plant host responses against fungi). With the aim of extending this view, we herein critically evaluate the similarities and differences across all four eukaryotic host kingdoms (plants, animals, fungi, and protists) and their parasites. In doing so, we show that hosts tend to share common strategies for defence, including both physical and behavioural barriers, and highly evolved immune responses, in particular innate immunity. Parasites have, similarly, evolved convergent strategies to counter these defences, including mechanisms of active penetration, and evading the host's innate and/or adaptive immune responses. Moreover, just as hosts have evolved behaviours to avoid parasites, many parasites have adaptations to manipulate host phenotype, physiologically, reproductively, and in terms of behaviour. Many of these strategies overlap in the host and parasite, even across wide phylogenetic expanses. That said, specific differences in host physiology and immune responses often necessitate different adaptations for parasites exploiting fundamentally different hosts. Taken together, this review facilitates hypothesis‐driven investigations of parasite–host interactions that transcend the traditional kingdom‐based research fields.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the lncRNA-mRNA Co-expression Network Regulating the Aestivation of Sea Cucumber.

LncRNAs are long non-coding RNAs that are widely recognized as crucial regulators of gene expression and metabolic control, involved in numerous dormancy-related processes. Aestivation is a common hypometabolism strategy of sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) in response to high-temperature conditions and is typically characterized by the degradation of the intestine and respiratory tree. Although the aestivation process has been extensively studied in sea cucumbers, the role of lncRNAs in the context of aestivation states remains a conspicuous knowledge gap. Here, we identified and characterized 14,711 lncRNAs in A. japonicus and analyzed their differential expression patterns during the aestivation process in the intestine and respiratory tree. The results revealed the physiological differences, especially the metabolic processes, between the intestine and respiratory tree during the aestivation. The co-expression network of lncRNA-mRNA suggested the dominant role of lncRNA in regulating the differential response of the intestine and respiratory trees. Differentially co-expressed factors were significantly enriched in the deep-aestivation stage-specific modules. Conserved co-expressed factors included several transcription factors known to be involved in rhythm regulation, such as Klf2 and Egr1. Furthermore, a specific trans-acting lncRNA (lncrna.1393.1) was identified as a potential regulator of Klf2 and Egr1. Overall, the systematic identification, characterization, and expression analysis of lncRNAs in A. japonicus enhanced our knowledge of long non-coding regulation of aestivation in sea cucumber and provided new clues for understanding the common "toolkit" of dormancy regulatory mechanisms.

Unravelling age-related gait decline in cerebral palsy: insights into physiological changes and functional implications through an observational study—a French study protocol in a laboratory setting

IntroductionCerebral palsy (CP) presents a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with a spectrum of motor impairments stemming from early brain injury. Whereas CP is traditionally viewed as a non-progressive condition, emerging evidence...

Estimating the transpiration of kiwifruit using an optimized canopy resistance model based on the synthesis of sunlit and shaded leaves

Accurate estimation of transpiration (T) in kiwifruit trees is essential for effective irrigation and water management. Canopy resistance (rc) is crucial for estimating T, but existing models do not fully consider the unique canopy structure and microclimate variations in kiwifruit trees. This study established a rc estimation model based on a synthesis of sunlit and shaded leaves (SSL) and optimized it using Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), and Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA). Using the rc value inverted by the Penman-Monteith model as a standard, we compared the simulation accuracy of the SSL and Jarvis models to identify the optimal model for accurate T estimation under various data availability conditions. The results indicated significant physiological differences between sunlit and shaded leaves, with shaded leaves showing lower net photosynthetic rates and higher stomatal resistance. The optimization SSL model demonstrated improved accuracy over the Jarvis model. The simulation accuracy of the SSL model optimized by the WOA algorithm was the highest, yielding R2, RRMSE, and MAE of rc and T are 0.83, 0.12, 82.55 s m−1, and 0.81, 0.09, 0.23 mm d−1, respectively. In the Jarvis model with different restriction functions the highest accuracy for rc and T, achieved after optimizing by ACO algorithm, yielded R2, RRMSE, and MAE of 0.71, 0.33, 305.94 s m−1, and 0.72, 0.23, 0.65 mm d−1, respectively. Therefore, the SSL model can more accurately estimate the rc and T, and it provides a valuable way for scientific water use and precise irrigation in kiwifruit orchards.

Effects of small-sided game training on lower limb explosive strength in handball players: a single-arm meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis systematically evaluates the influence of small-sided game (SSG) on the counter-movement jump (CMJ) height and 20-meter sprint capabilities of handball players. Systematic searches of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI) databases were performed up to February 2024. A total of 8 studies with 184 participants were included. Meta-analysis demonstrated significant improvements in CMJ (cm) in handball players (Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) = -1.06, 95% CI[-1.99, -0.12], Z = 2.22, P = 0.03). For the 20 m sprint capability, the results were WMD = -0.07, 95% CI[-0.14, 0.01], Z = 1.82, P = 0.07. Subgroup analysis by age: ≥19 years old WMD = -0.02, 95% CI[-0.08, 0.03], and <19 years old WMD = -0.10, 95% CI[-0.21, 0.00], indicating no significant impact on the 20-m (s) performance improvement. Gender subgroup analysis showed male WMD = -0.01, 95% CI[-0.08,0.07] and female WMD = -0.11, 95%CI[-0.19, -0.03; P < 0.05], suggesting better improvement in females. The present study reveals that SSG training has varying impacts on 20 m sprint performance among handball players of different ages and genders. Specifically, there is no significant improvement in the 20 m sprint performance between players aged <19 and ≥19, while female players show greater improvement in the 20-m (s) compared to male players. These differences could be attributed to the physiological, psychological, and adaptive training differences between athletes of different ages and genders. Although SSG plays an essential role in training handball players, particularly in enhancing lower limb explosive strength and overall game performance, it is recommended to combine SSG with other targeted strength and explosive power training to maximize the enhancement of lower limb explosive power in handball players. Comprehensive training can effectively improve the lower limb explosive strength of athletes while also addressing the development of other key athletic qualities to achieve the best training outcomes. Therefore, coaches should fully consider the individual differences and training needs of athletes when designing training plans, and reasonably allocate the proportion and sequence of SSG with other training methods to maximize training effectiveness.

ГЕНДЕРНІ ВІДМІННОСТІ У ФІТНЕСІ: ВАЖЛИВІ СКЛАДОВІ СПОРТИВНОГО ЖИТТЯ

The article analyzes that fitness is an important part of a healthy lifestyle for people of any gender. However, gender differences can affect the approach to training, the physiological reactions of the body and the final results. Understanding these differences is a key to designing effective training programs and achieving optimal results. Men usually have more muscle mass and higher levels of testosterone, which helps increase muscle strength and size. This means that men can achieve greater results in strength training in less time compared to women. Women, on the other hand, usually have less muscle mass, but that doesn't mean they can't be strong or fit. They may simply take longer to achieve similar results. Given the physiological and psychological differences, training programs should be individualized for men and women. For example, women may benefit from incorporating more aerobic exercise to increase endurance and burn fat, while men may be advised to do more intense strength training to increase muscle mass. Gender differences in fitness have been proven to be an important aspect to consider when designing training programs and approaches to sports. Understanding the physiological and psychological differences between men and women helps create effective, individualized programs that promote optimal results and maintain a healthy lifestyle. An individual approach to each person, regardless of gender, taking into account their unique needs and goals, is highlighted. The article aims to help readers better understand how gender differences can affect physical activity and how this knowledge can be used to improve their own training programs. Inadequate consideration of gender differences in fitness creates a number of problems that can negatively affect health and training effectiveness. Understanding and accounting for these differences is key to developing individualized programs to help people achieve their fitness goals without compromising health. It will also help reduce gender stereotypes and improve the overall quality of life. Gender differences in fitness are a complex and multifaceted issue that requires further research and innovative approaches to ensure the health and well-being of all people, regardless of their gender.

Influence of photothermal quotient in the critical period on yield potential of cereals–A comparison of wheat and barley

ContextResearch in grain crops has focused on understanding the critical period (CP) for yield formation to develop genetic and agronomic options that minimize stress or resource limitation during this time. While the link between the photothermal quotient (PTQ) in the CP and yield potential is known for wheat, it needs re-evaluation with current genetics and agronomy, and is less explored in barley, especially in high productivity areas. ObjectiveOur aim was to determine if a) the PTQ-yield relationship in wheat has evolved with new cultivars and agronomic practices, and b) if barley shares similar CP timing and duration with wheat or requires species-specific adjustments in high production zones. MethodsFrom trials In the Australian high production zones, we compiled a dataset (25 site-years) of high-yielding wheat and barley from carefully managed field experiments. The sites analysed had barley and wheat varying in genetics and management across different photothermal environments and where seasonal water supply exceeded 400 mm, and were not constrained by nutrients, allowing us to evaluate the sensitivity to relationship between radiation and temperature during the CP on yield potential. ResultsWe created a new PTQ-based yield potential frontier for wheat and barley, measuring yield increase per PTQ unit. The best model used PTQ data from 20 days before to 10 days after flowering. In barley, changes in the CP timing and length didn't affect the results as expected. The slope of the relationship was lower for barley, indicating lower yields at higher PTQ compared to wheat, highlighting their physiological differences. ConclusionsOur study shows Australia's wheat and barley yields, over 15 Mg ha−1 in wheat and >12 Mg ha−1 in barley respectively, are more influenced by PTQ during the CP than by seasonal water when water supply estimates exceed 400 mm in Australia. We present a simple, physiologically sound PTQ equation as a yield benchmark for wheat (WPYptq= 10.62PTQ-2.85) and barley (BPYptq= 6.73PTQ+1.65). ImplicationsEfforts in agronomy and breeding should aim at enhancing resource availability and partitioning during the CP and aligning the CP with environmental conditions. The straightforward PTQ model for predicting yield potential in Australia's higher production areas matches complex simulations well, aiding in optimizing production systems and guiding future yield potential research.

Time-series dynamics in symbiont communities of acroporid corals undergoing cold stress in winter

The bleaching of corals due to cold stress has been seldom studied compared with bleaching events resulting from heat stress. In this study, using a camera connected to an observatory system, we discovered an Acropora cytherea-like coral colony that underwent cold bleaching in winter at a depth of approximately 20 m in Okinawa, Japan. This main colony and 8 nearby colonies with similar morphological traits were selected for study, and their genetic lineages were identified. The dynamics in the symbiont communities associated with the coral colonies during 2015 and 2016 were determined by metabarcoding. Bleaching in the winter of 2015-2016 was less severe than that in the winters of 2013-2014 and 2014-2015, and water temperatures were higher in the winter of 2015-2016. Analyses of genetic markers revealed that the 9 studied colonies were A. cytherea and A. hyacinthus species complexes with multiple genetic lineages. The symbionts in the 9 colonies included 2 major defining intragenomic variants, C50a and C50c, which are related to Cladocopium C3. The ratio of symbiont genotypes in the 8 nearby colonies remained largely unaltered throughout the sampling period. Although the ratio changed continually in the bleached colony, the alterations were not related to the seasonal fluctuations in temperature. This study revealed that certain C3 strains can endure low temperatures in winter and suggests that different genetic strains within the same genus can exhibit physiological differences.

Cerebral microvascular physiology associated with white matter lesion burden differs by level of vascular risk in typically aging older adults.

White matter lesions (WMLs) are prevalent with aging, and higher WML burden has been observed in older adults with vascular diseases. While the physiology underlying the formation of WMLs is not known, various risk factors are associated with high WML burden. Here, we investigated the relationship between vascular risk factors and microvascular physiology (i.e., oxygen supply and oxygen extraction fraction [OEF]) and their association with WML burden. Forty-one typically aging adults (60-80 years) were classified into high or low vascular risk based on common modifiable vascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and overweight). These groups were subdivided into high or low WML burden. Differences in microvascular physiology (oxygen supply and OEF) were then compared between and within groups. Overall, OEF was significantly higher in the high vascular risk group compared to the low vascular risk group (p < 0.01). In the low vascular risk subgroup, OEF was uniquely lower in the individuals with high WML versus low WML burden (p = 0.02), despite no differences in oxygen supply between these subgroups (p = 0.87). The coupling of impaired OEF with the absence of compensatory physiology, such as elevated oxygen supply, may represent an important mechanism underlying WML burden in individuals with low vascular risk factors.

Use of mucolytics and inhaled antibiotics in the NICU.

Clearance of airway secretions and treatment of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are two common problems caregivers face in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Mucolytics degrade crosslinks in mucus gel, reducing mucus viscosity and facilitating their removal by cough or endotracheal suctioning. While such medications have been studied in older children and adults, their use is not as well described in the NICU. For RTIs, systemic antibiotics are usually prescribed, although their use is often associated with adverse effects. Inhaled antibiotics may provide increased drug concentrations to the infected airways while minimizing systemic toxicity. The use of inhaled antibiotics in the NICU has been described in small case series. As underlying physiologic differences will lend to inaccuracies when extrapolating data obtained from older children, there is an urgent need to determine the safety, efficacy, and optimal dosing of inhaled mucolytics and antibiotics in infants of varying gestational and post-natal ages.

Non-Nutritive Suck and Parent Report of Feeding Skills in Infants Born With Cleft Lip and/or Palate

Objective To compare non-nutritive sucking (NNS) and caregiver-reported feeding skills in infants with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) to a control group of typically developing infants without CL/P. To examine differences in NNS patterns and feeding behavior between cleft phenotypes. Design Prospective, cross-sectional study comparing infants born with CL/P to an age-matched control group with no congenital anomalies. Setting Urban, academic, tertiary care children's hospital and academic department of speech-language pathology. Patients, Participants Forty-two infants (21 with CL/P; 21 without CL/P), 6 months of age and younger were included. Infants with syndromes or who underwent cleft repair were excluded. Main Outcome Measures A 5min NNS sample was collected from the infant sucking on the lab's custom research pacifier. The infant's caregiver completed the Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool (NeoEAT) bottle-feeding section about their infant's feeding behaviors. Results Infants with CL/P demonstrated slower NNS frequency ( P = .04) and reduced suck amplitude ( P = .04) compared to the control group. Caregivers of infants with CL/P reported a higher incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms ( P = .04) and overall feeding difficulties ( P = .03) relative to the control group. There were no significant differences between CL/P phenotypes for NNS or caregiver reported outcomes. Conclusions Infants with CL/P demonstrate differences in NNS physiology and caregiver report measures of feeding compared to age-matched controls. These findings support the need for interventions to optimize sucking and feeding skill development in infants with CL/P.