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The anterior lateral plate mesoderm has the capacity to form distinct cardiomyogenic cell lineages soon after gastrulation. A minimal defined culture system in vitro is adequate to maintain the lineages' positionally dependent maturation. Cardiogenic mesoderm and endoderm were removed from the chicken embryo at Hamburger and Hamilton stages 4-8 to determine whether undifferentiated cardiogenic tissue could diversify into distinct anterior and posterior lineages before the heart was formed.

A study of the cellular sources of heart cells using the QCE-6 cell line isolated from a differentiating cardiomyogenic cell from avian cardiogenic mesoderm reveals that retinoic acid and growth factors added to the culture medium activate the expression of cardiac myogenic and endothelial cell phenotypes by QCE-6 cells at high frequency. Several cardiac- and muscle-specific proteins are expressed by the activated cardiomyogenic cells. Differentiation of QCE-6 cells is similar to the formation of an initially differentiated precontractile cardiac myocyte from cardiogenic mesoderm.

Analysis of cardiac myocyte progenitors' commitment during gastrulation reveals that pregastrulated cells undergo restricted cardiac myocyte differentiation and that postgastrulated anterior lateral-plate mesoderm consists of committed cardiac progenitors with unequal differentiating capability. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) fully inhibits the progenitor cell differentiation from the 4th and 5th stages but not from stages 7 and 8. The progenitors acquire BrdU resistance during their migration and postgastrulation.

Indirect histochemical analysis of an embryotic heart revealed the presence of DNA-binding proteins found exclusively in the nucleus of cardiac cells. Samples from different stages of development were immunoprecipitated and incubated to test for the presence and characteristics of the proteins. Data indicated that at least one protein occurs transiently through the various stages of heart cell development. Furthermore, this protein reacts with MyoD1 and myogenin.

Objective: To evaluate the time to full enteral feedings in preterm infants after a practice change from routine evaluation of gastric residual volume before each feeding to selective evaluation of gastric residual volume , and to evaluate the impact of this change on the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).Study Design: Data were collected on all gavage-fed infants born at ≤34 weeks gestational age (GA) for 2 years before (n = 239) and 2 years after the change (n = 233).Results: The median GA was 32.0 (IQR: 29.7-33.0) weeks before and 32.4 (30.4-33.4) weeks after the change (P = .02). Compared with historic controls, infants with selective evaluations of gastric residual volumes weaned from parenteral nutrition 1 day earlier (P < .001) and achieved full enteral feedings (150 cc/kg/day) 1 day earlier (P = .002). The time to full oral feedings and lengths of stay were similar. The rate of NEC (stage ≥ 2) was 1.7% in the selective gastric residual volume evaluation group compared with 3.3% in the historic control group (P = .4). Multiple regression analyses showed that the strongest predictor of time to full enteral feedings was GA. Routine evaluation of gastric residual volume and increasing time on noninvasive ventilation both prolonged the attainment of full enteral feedings. Findings were consistent in the subgroup with birth weights of <1500 g. Increased weight at discharge was most strongly associated with advancing postmenstrual, age but avoidance of routine evaluations of gastric residual volume also was a significant factor.Conclusions: Avoiding routine evaluation of gastric residual volume before every feeding was associated with earlier attainment of full enteral feedings without increasing risk for NEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-grade, sustained inflammation in white adipose tissue (WAT) characterizes obesity and coincides with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, pharmacological targeting of inflammation lacks durable therapeutic effects in insulin-resistant conditions. Through a computational screen, we discovered that the FDA-approved rheumatoid arthritis drug auranofin improved insulin sensitivity and normalized obesity-associated abnormalities, including hepatic steatosis and hyperinsulinemia in mouse models of T2DM. We also discovered that auranofin accumulation in WAT depleted inflammatory responses to a high-fat diet without altering body composition in obese wild-type mice. Surprisingly, elevated leptin levels and blunted beta-adrenergic receptor activity achieved by leptin receptor deletion abolished the antidiabetic effects of auranofin. These experiments also revealed that the metabolic benefits of leptin reduction were superior to immune impacts of auranofin in WAT. Our studies uncover important metabolic properties of anti-inflammatory treatments and contribute to the notion that leptin reduction in the periphery can be accomplished to treat obesity and T2DM. [Display omitted] • The rheumatoid arthritis drug auranofin improves insulin sensitivity in obese mice • Auranofin accumulation in epididymal white fat drives whole-body glucose disposal • Metabolic benefits of auranofin require an intact leptin axis • Auranofin couples lipolytic competence to inhibition of leptin secretion The FDA-approved rheumatoid arthritis drug auranofin accumulates in white adipose tissue, improves insulin sensitivity, and normalizes fatty-liver disease in obesity. Beta-adrenergic receptor regulation of leptin secretion generates metabolic benefits superior to anti-inflammatory effects. Consequently, studies of auranofin reinforce that partial leptin reduction represents a relevant method for treating obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of graphs has become increasingly important to a wide range of applications. Graph analysis presents a number of unique challenges in the areas of (1) software complexity, (2) data complexity, (3) security, (4) mathematical complexity, (5) theoretical analysis, (6) serial performance, and (7) parallel performance. Implementing graph algorithms using matrix-based approaches provides a number of promising solutions to these challenges. The GraphBLAS standard ( istc-bigdata.org/GraphBlas ) is being developed to bring the potential of matrix based graph algorithms to the broadest possible audience. The GraphBLAS mathematically defines a core set of matrix-based graph operations that can be used to implement a wide class of graph algorithms in a wide range of programming environments. This paper provides an introduction to the GraphBLAS and describes how the GraphBLAS can be used to address many of the challenges associated with analysis of graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have used a subtractive method to clone novel messages enriched in the heart. Here we show that one such message, byes (blood vessel/epicardial substance) is a novel protein that is highly conserved between chicken and mouse. The byes message is detected at high levels in early chick hearts. Using anti-Byes antibodies, we show expression in cells of the proepicardial organ, migrating epicardium, epicardial-derived mesenchyme, and smooth muscle of the developing intracardiac arterial system, including the coronary arteries. Our data suggest that Bves is an early marker of developing vascular smooth muscle cells. In addition, the expression pattern of Bves protein reveals the patterning of intracardiac vascular smooth muscle and possible insights into the cellular regulation of smooth muscle differentiation during vasculogenesis.

Abstract: A fully coupled global simulation using the Community Climate System Model (CCSM) was configured using grid resolutions of 0.1° for the ocean and sea-ice, and 0.25° for the atmosphere and land, and was run under present-day greenhouse gas conditions for 20years. It represents one of the first efforts to simulate the planetary system at such high horizontal resolution. The climatology of the circulation of the atmosphere and the upper ocean were compared with observational data and reanalysis products to identify persistent mean climate biases. Intensified and contracted polar vortices, and too cold sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the subpolar and mid-latitude Northern Hemisphere were the dominant biases produced by the model. Intense category 4 cyclones formed spontaneously in the tropical North Pacific. A case study of the ocean response to one such event shows the realistic formation of a cold SST wake, mixed layer deepening, and warming below the mixed layer. Too many tropical cyclones formed in the North Pacific however, due to too high SSTs in the tropical eastern Pacific. In the North Atlantic anomalously low SSTs lead to a dearth of hurricanes. Agulhas eddy pathways are more realistic than in equivalent stand-alone ocean simulations forced with atmospheric reanalysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To assess the safety and prebiotic effects of lactulose in preterm infants. Study design: This was a prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, single-center study in 23- to 34-weeks premature infants. The study group received 1% lactulose, and control infants received 1% dextrose in all feeds (human milk or formula). Results: Twenty-eight infants participated (15 lactulose, 13 placebo). Small doses of lactulose appeared to be safe and did not cause diarrhea. Premature infants on lactulose had more Lactobacilli-positive stool cultures that appeared earlier with larger number of colonies. The lactulose group tended to have less intolerance to enteral feedings, to reach full oral feeds earlier, and to be discharged home earlier. They also tended to have fewer episodes of late-onset sepsis, lower Bell stage necrotizing enterocolitis, and their nutritional laboratory indices were better, especially calcium and total protein. Conclusions: This pilot study supports the safety of supplementing preterm infants'' feeds with low doses of lactulose. It also demonstrated trends that may suggest positive prebiotic effects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To assess the reliability of visual assessment of bilirubin levels (BiliEye) in newborns as a screening tool to detect significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Study design: 5 neonatologists and 17 nurses estimated 3,532 BiliEye in 1,129 term and late preterm (≥35 weeks) infants before discharge from the nursery, at 62 ± 24 hours. Total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels were measured concomitantly. Results: Mean TSB and BiliEye were 6.7 ± 2.9 mg/dL (range, 0.4-18.2 mg/dL) and 6.6 ± 3.2 mg/dL (range, 0.0-17.2 mg/dL), respectively, with good correlation (Pearson''s r = 0.752, P < .0001), but other measures of agreement were poor. 61.5% of the 109 babies with TSB levels in high-risk zones were clinically misclassified. The area under curve (AUC) of the receiver-operating characteristics plotted for these high-risk zones was 0.825, but became low for early discharge (≤36 hours; AUC = 0.638) and late preterm (35-37 weeks; AUC = 0.613). There was significant interobserver variation (low weighted kappa, 0.363). Conclusions: Although there was good correlation between BiliEye and actual TSB level, visual assessment was unreliable as a screening tool to detect significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia before discharge. Babies with TSB levels within high-risk zones may be clinically misdiagnosed as low- risk, resulting in inadequate follow-up. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To evaluate whether nasal intermittent mandatory ventilation (NIMV) compared with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) would decrease the requirement for endotracheal ventilation in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants <35 weeks. Study design: Randomized, controlled, prospective, single-center study. Forty-one infants were randomized to NCPAP and 43 comparable infants to NIMV (birth weight 1533 ± 603 vs 1616 ± 494 g, gestational age 30.6 ± 3.0 vs 31.1 ± 2.3 weeks, P = .5, respectively). Results: Infants treated with NIMV and with NCPAP had comparable cardio-respiratory status at study entry. In the total cohort, infants treated initially with NIMV needed less endotracheal ventilation than infants treated with NCPAP (25% vs 49%, P < .05) with a similar trend in infants <1500 g; 31% vs 62%, P =. 06). When controlling for weight and gestational age, NIMV was more successful in preventing endotracheal ventilation (P < .05). Infants treated with NIMV had a decreased incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) compared with those treated with NCPAP (2% vs 17%, P <. 05, in the total cohort and 5% vs 33%, P <. 05, for infants <1500 g). Conclusions: NIMV compared with NCPAP decreased the requirement for endotracheal ventilation in premature infants with RDS. This was associated with a decreased incidence of BPD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background. – The mild errors or morphogenesis (MEMs) are well known and accepted markers of alterations in embryonic development with predictive value in identification of major malformations, specific genetic syndromes, metabolic and psychiatric disease and childhood malignancy.Objective. – The goal of this study was to assess the contribution of auricular MEMs as part of total MEMs in an effort to study the factors influencing the different potential informative value of different types of MEMs and their variability with perinatal factors.Method. – Three thousand one hundred and seven consecutive born neonates were screened for auricular and non-auricular MEMs, inregistered concomitantly with major malformations and postural defects. The study was accomplished by our specially designed computerized program in a relatively large nonhomogeneous ethnic population, in the metropolitan area of Haifa, Israel.Results. – The general prevalence of auricular MEMs was 43.1%; the most frequent pathogenetic type was the postural one. Significantly higher rates of auricular MEMs were associated with male sex, small- and large-for-gestational age, IVF pregnancy, triplet pregnancy, maternal diabetes and parental consanguinity.Conclusion. – We conclude that the presence, number, and association or concomitance of auricular MEMs in the same neonate may have important clinical, diagnostic, pathogenetic, screening, and therapeutic value. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We investigated the membrane topology of Bves/ Pop1A as a foundation to dissect the molecular basis and function of Bves/Pop1A trafficking during development. Bves contains two asparagine-linked glycosylation sites within the amino terminus and three putative membrane domains. Therefore, glycosylation assays were performed to determine if the amino terminus of Bves is delivered into the endoplasmic reticulum lumen and glycosylated. We establish that Bves from chick heart and transfected cells is glycosylated, implying that the amino terminus of cell surface molecules is extracellular. Three biochemically distinct approaches were utilized to determine the orientation of the carboxyl terminus of Bves. First, glycosylation of Byes at exogenous sites within the carboxyl terminus was only observed in a construct that lacked the third membrane domain, which presumably reversed the orientation of the carboxyl terminus. Second, co-expression of full-length Bves with soluble, carboxyl-terminal Byes constructs that reside in different subcellular compartments revealed that Bves-Bves interactions occur in the cytoplasm. Third, the immunoreactivity of endogenous Bves at the cell surface of epicardial cells was dramatically enhanced with detergent. These results suggest that the membrane topology of cell surface Bves/Pop1A is composed of an extracellular amino terminus, three transmembrane domains, and a cytoplasmic carboxyl terminus. We therefore hypothesize that the carboxyl terminus regulates the cellular distribution of Bves/ Pop1A during coronary vessel development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hole is a novel gene product isolated from a chick heart subtractive hybridization. Hole is a six-transmembrane protein (predicted size 311 and 317 amino acids in chick and mouse) expressed in the cardiac crescent and later in the myocardium of the developing chick heart, as well as in the fusing neural tube and ganglia. Mouse hole is not expressed in the developing heart, although it does share neural expression seen in the chick. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Studies the accuracy of a pretest questionnaire in exercise test protocol selection. Test's provision of an acceptable prediction of peak measured exercise capacity during exercise treadmill testing; Fundamental use of a pretest activity; Importance of individualizing an exercise test protocol to attain a test duration of six to 12 minutes.

Objective: To evaluate the recommendations based on the early-onset sepsis (EOS) calculator in the first 2 years of its implementation in Israel.Study Design: Prospective 2-year surveillance of a cohort of infants born at gestational age of ≥34 weeks in Bnai Zion Medical Center, who were evaluated using the EOS calculator because of peripartum risk factors.Results: We evaluate 1146 newborns with peripartum risk factors using the EOS calculator. The percentage of infants who had laboratory evaluation decreased to 4.6%, and the EOS calculator recommended empiric antibiotic therapy in only 2.2%. During the study period, there were 4 early-onset infections (EOS incidence of 0.6 in 1000 live births). Three had group B streptococcus (GBS) and one had Escherichia coli infection. Only 2 of these infants had perinatal risk factors and the EOS calculator identified them and recommended laboratory evaluation and empiric antibiotics. However, 2 infants with GBS EOS had no perinatal risk factors or clinical symptoms at delivery, and were discovered clinically at older ages.Conclusions: The Israeli EOS calculator-based guidelines seem to be appropriate and are associated with less laboratory evaluations, and little use of empiric antibiotics. Concerns are related to the current recommendation of no GBS universal screening in Israel, and the inability of the calculator-based approach to identify GBS EOS in infants born to mothers with unknown GBS who have no peripartum risk factors before presentation of clinical symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluates whether individualized ramp protocols may be better than step protocols in patients greater than 60 years of age. Benefits of exercise testing; Workrate increments; Peak cardiopulmonary responses.

Compares cardiopulmonary responses to ramp and step treadmill protocols among obese women. Mean time to reach fatigue; Mean treadmill time; Estimation of patients' functional capacity; Prediction of oxygen uptake.

Objective: To compare the time spent within a predefined safe range of CO2 (30-60 mmHg) during conventional ventilation between infants who were monitored with distal end-tidal CO2 (dETCO2, or capnography) and those who were not.Study Design: For this randomized, controlled multicenter study, ventilated infants with a double-lumen endotracheal tube were randomized to 1 of 2 groups: the open (monitored) group, in which data from the capnograph were recorded, displayed to the medical team, and used for patient care, and the masked group, in which data from the capnograph were recorded. However, the measurements were masked and not available for patient care. dETCO2 was compared with PaCO2 measurements recorded for patient care.Results: Fifty-five infants (25 open, 30 masked) participated in the study (median gestational age, 28.6 weeks; range, 23.5-39.0 weeks). The 2 groups were comparable. dETCO2 was in good correlation (r = 0.73; P < .001) and adequate agreement (mean ± SD of the difference, 3.0 ± 8.5 mmHg) with PaCO2. Compared with infants in the masked group, those in the monitored group had significantly (P = .03) less time with an unsafe dETCO2 level (high: 3.8% vs 8.8% or low: 3.8% vs 8.9%). The prevalence of intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia rate was lower in the monitored group (P = .02) and was significantly (P < .05) associated with the independent factors dETCO2 monitoring and gestational age.Conclusion: Continuous dETCO2 monitoring improved control of CO2 levels within a safe range during conventional ventilation in a neonatal intensive care unit.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01572272. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acquisition of beige adipocyte features by white fat cells corresponds to protection against obesity-induced metabolic diseases in humans and animal models of type 2 diabetes. In adipose tissue, expression of the E2 small ubiquitin-like modifier ligase ubiquitin carrier protein 9 (Ubc9) is positively correlated with markers of insulin resistance and corresponds with impaired browning of human white adipocytes. However, the molecular regulation of Ubc9 expression in adipocytes and other cells remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that the mRNA and protein expression of Ubc9 are regulated by the microRNA miRNA-30a (miR-30a) in human subcutaneous adipocytes. Ubc9 and miR-30a exhibit inverse expression in adipose tissue, with miR-30a robustly elevated in brown fat. Depletion of Ubc9 by siRNA or enforced expression of a miR-30a mimic augments mitochondrial volume and respiration in human white adipocytes, reflecting features of brown fat cells. Furthermore, Ubc9 depletion induces a brown fat gene program in human subcutaneous adipocytes. Induction of the beige-selective gene program corresponds to stabilization of the PR domain-containing 16 (PRDM16) protein, an obligate transcriptional regulator of the brown/beige fat metabolic program in white adipocytes that interacts with Ubc9. Taken together, our data demonstrate a previously unappreciated molecular axis that controls browning of human white adipocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To characterize the occurrence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and its association with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Study design: This study involved an evaluation of G6PD data for 2656 newborns from a universal newborn screening program. Results: Mean G6PD activity was 14.2 ± 3.3 U/g Hb. Some 2.71% of the newborns were G6PD-deficient, and 1.77% had borderline G6PD activity, with male and female predominance, respectively. G6PD deficiency was more prevalent in newborns of Sephardic Jew and Muslim Arab backgrounds. The infants with G6PD deficiency had higher bilirubin levels at the time of discharge from the nursery. Infants with low and borderline G6PD activity were more likely to require phototherapy (22.2% and 25.5%, respectively, vs 7.6% of infants with normal G6PD activity; P < .005) and to have more referrals for exacerbation of jaundice (15.3% and 14.9%, respectively, vs 6.1%; P < .005). Mean G6PD activity was higher in preterm infants born at 27-34 weeks gestational age compared with those born later (16.3 ± 1.8 U/g Hb vs 14.8 ± 2.0 U/g Hb). Based on sex distribution and theoretical genetic calculations for the rate of heterozygous females, we propose that the range of borderline G6PD activity should be 2-10 U/g Hb rather than the currently accepted range of 2-7 U/g Hb. Conclusions: There is association between G6PD deficiency and significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Increased risk is also associated with borderline G6PD activity. The suggested new range for borderline G6PD activity should enhance the identification of females at risk. G6PD activity is higher in preterm infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNA (miRNA) deregulation in prostate cancer (PCa) contributes to PCa initiation and metastatic progression. To comprehensively define the cancer-associated changes in miRNA targeting and function in commonly studied models of PCa, we performed photoactivatable ribonucleoside-enhanced cross-linking immunoprecipitation of the Argonaute protein in a panel of PCa cell lines modeling different stages of PCa progression. Using this comprehensive catalogue of miRNA targets, we analyzed miRNA targeting on known drivers of PCa and examined tissue-specific and stage-specific pathway targeting by miRNAs. We found that androgen receptor is the most frequently targeted PCa oncogene and that miR-148a targets the largest number of known PCa drivers. Globally, tissue-specific and stage-specific changes in miRNA targeting are driven by homeostatic response to active oncogenic pathways. Our findings indicate that, even in advanced PCa, the miRNA pool adapts to regulate continuing alterations in the cancer genome to balance oncogenic molecular changes. These findings are important because they are the first to globally characterize miRNA changes in PCa and demonstrate how the miRNA target spectrum responds to staged tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global expression analyses demonstrate that alterations in miRNA levels correlate with various metabolic diseases. miRNAs regulate central metabolic pathways and thus play vital roles in maintaining organismal energy balance and metabolic homeostasis. Here we highlight novel sequencing technologies used to comprehensively define the target spectrum of miRNAs in metabolic disease that complement recent literature reporting physiologic roles for miRNAs in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism in peripheral tissues of animal models of metabolic dysfunction. These emerging technologies help decipher the complexity of the miRNA interactome and enrich our understanding of how miRNAs mediate physiologic effects by targeting a spectrum of gene transcripts simultaneously. miRNA-based therapeutics emerge as a viable strategy for treating metabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerobic exercise training improves endothelial vasomotor function in the coronary circulation of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), an effect that has been attributed to local repetitive increases in shear stress on the endothelium. To study the effects of exercise on endothelial function in the peripheral circulation, we used vascular ultrasound to examine flow-mediated dilation and nitroglycerin-mediated dilation in the brachial and posterior tibial arteries of 58 subjects with CAD. Studies were performed at baseline and after 10 weeks in 40 subjects (aged 59 ± 10 years) who participated in a supervised cardiac rehabilitation program that predominantly involved moderate intensity leg exercise (three 30-minute sessions/week), and 18 matched patients who did not exercise and maintained a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise was associated with a 29% increase in functional capacity (7.3 ± 2.2 vs 9.4 ± 2.7 METs, p <0.001), and significant improvement in endothelium-dependent, flow-mediated dilation in a conduit artery of the leg, but not the arm. Nitroglycerin-mediated dilation in the upper arm and lower extremity was unaffected. These findings suggest that exercise improves endothelial function in peripheral conduit arteries of patients with CAD and that the beneficial effect may be more marked in the vascular beds of the exercised limbs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend Tdap immunization during pregnancy, preferably at 27–36 weeks. Aim To ascertain whether there is a preferential period of maternal Tdap immunization during pregnancy that provides the highest concentration of pertussis-specific antibodies to the newborn. Methods This prospective study measured pertussis-specific antibodies in paired maternal-cord sera of women immunized with Tdap after the 20th week of their pregnancy ( n = 61). Results The geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) to pertussis toxin (PT) were higher in the newborns’ cord sera when women were immunized at 27–30 +6 weeks ( n = 21) compared with 31–36 weeks ( n = 30) and >36 weeks ( n = 7), 46.04 international units/milliliter (IU/mL) (95% CI, 24.29–87.30) vs. 8.69 IU/mL (95% CI, 3.66–20.63) and 21.12 IU/mL (95% CI, 7.93–56.22), p < 0.02, respectively. The umbilical cord GMCs of IgG to filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) were higher in the newborns’ cord sera when women were immunized at 27–30 +6 weeks compared with 31–36 weeks and >36 weeks, 225.86 IU/mL (95% CI, 182.34–279.76) vs. 178.31 IU/mL (95% CI, 134.59–237.03) and 138.03 IU/mL (95% CI, 97.61–195.16), p < 0.02, respectively. Conclusions Immunization of pregnant women with Tdap between 27–30 +6 weeks was associated with the highest umbilical cord GMCs of IgG to PT and FHA compared with immunization beyond 31 weeks gestation. Further research should be conducted to reaffirm these finding in order to promote an optimal pertussis controlling policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination of pregnant women with tetanus–diphtheria–acellular pertussis (Tdap). Aim To measure pertussis specific antibodies, total protein and their ratio in breast milk following gestational Tdap vaccination. Methods Women who received Tdap after the 20th week of pregnancy were recruited and unvaccinated women served as controls. Breast milk total protein, immunoglobulin A (IgA) to pertussis toxin (PT), filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) to PT, FHA and pertactin (PRN) were measured. To overcome the dilution that occurs in the transition from colostrum to mature breast milk, we calculated pertussis specific antibody to total protein ratio. Results Pertussis specific IgA was the predominant pertussis immunoglobulin in the colostrum of Tdap vaccinated women with the geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) of IgA to FHA higher than for IgA to PT, 24.12 ELISA units/milliliter (EU/mL) vs. 8.18 EU/mL, respectively, p < 0.004. There were differences between the vaccinated women and controls in the GMCs of IgA to FHA and IgG to PRN in the colostrum, 24.12 EU/mL vs. 6.52 EU/mL, p = 0.01 and 2.46 EU/mL vs. <0.6 EU/mL, p = 0.03, respectively. The GMCs of total protein showed significant decline over 8 weeks in the vaccinated women and controls, p < 0.004. Among vaccinated women, there was significant decline in the GMCs of IgA to PT and FHA over 8 weeks, p < 0.001. The geometric mean ratio of IgA to FHA to total protein also declined significantly over 8 weeks in the vaccinated women, p < 0.01, demonstrating a true decrease, however, pertussis IgA was measurable at 8 weeks. Conclusions Select colostrum pertussis antibody levels were significantly higher among women vaccinated with Tdap during pregnancy compared with unvaccinated women. Among vaccinated women, maximal levels of pertussis specific IgA were in the colostrum but still detected at 8 weeks. Lactation may augment infant's protection against pertussis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Study Objective: To assess the rate of restoration of gastrointestinal (GI) function following combined spinal-epidural (CSE) anesthesia compared with general anesthesia in young infants undergoing elective intestinal surgery. Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled study. Setting: Operating room and neonatal intensive care unit of a university hospital. Subjects: 50 young infants undergoing elective intestinal surgery. Interventions and Measurements: 50 young infants were randomly allocated to two groups of 25 patients each, a general anesthesia group and a CSE anesthesia group. The two groups were further divided into two subgroups according to whether the surgical procedure was performed on the small or large intestine. The main outcome of this study was to measure the recovery times of GI function by determining the time to the first postoperative stool, duration of nasogastric feeding, and onset time of full enteral nutrition. The secondary outcome was to detect adverse events postoperatively. Main Results: Recovery of intestinal function was faster (P < 0.0001) and the frequencies of postoperative abdominal distension and pneumonia were less (P < 0.04) in infants who were anesthetized with CSE anesthesia than general anesthesia. Conclusions: Combined spinal-epidural anesthesia leads to faster restoration of GI function while reducing adverse events in infants who require elective intestinal surgery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

LEK1, a member of the LEK family of proteins, is ubiquitously expressed in developing murine tissues. Our current studies are aimed at identifying the role of LEK1 during cell growth and differentiation. Little is known about the function of LEK proteins. Recent studies in our laboratory have focused on the characterization of the LEK1 atypical Rb-binding domain that is conserved among all LEK proteins. Our findings suggest that LEK1 potentially functions as a universal regulator of pocket protein activity. Pocket proteins exhibit distinct expression patterns during development and function to regulate cell cycle, apoptosis, and tissue-specific gene expression. We show that LEK1 interacts with all three pocket proteins, p107, p130, and pRb. Additionally, this interaction occurs specifically between the LEK1 Rb-binding motif and the "pocket domain" of Rb proteins responsible for Rb association with other targets. Analyses of the effects of disruption of LEK1 protein expression by morpholino oligomers demonstrate that LEK1 depletion decreases cell proliferation, disrupts cell cycle progression, and induces apoptosis. Given its expression in developing cells, its association with pocket proteins, and its effects on proliferation, cell cycie, and viability of cells, we suggest that LEK1 functions in a similar manner to phosphorylation to disrupt association of Rb proteins with appropriate binding targets. Thus, the LEK1/Rb interaction serves to retain cells in a pre-differentiative, actively proliferative state despite the presence of Rb proteins during development. Our data suggest that LEK1 is unique among LEK family members in that it specifically functions during murine development to regulate the activity of Rb proteins during cell division and proliferation. Furthermore, we discuss the distinct possibility that a yet unidentified splice variant of the closely related human CENP-F, serves a similar function to LEK1 in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mild errors of morphogenesis (MEMs) are findings of great importance in multiple fields because of their predictive value in identification of major malformations, specific genetic syndromes, mental retardation and childhood malignancy. In order to evaluate the contribution of auricular MEMs, we constructed a computerized program, especially designed for the recording of auricular MEMs in connection with nonauricular MEMs, personal data, family, pregnancy and birth history, presence of major malformation and postural defects. The program is easy to use and delivers, at request, immediate information regarding prevalence of each auricular MEM and percentage associations between all variables. In the period from January 1, 1999 to December 31, 1999, we screened 3107 consecutively born neonates and recorded auricular and nonauricular MEMs, detected by surface examination. The general prevalence of auricular MEMs was 43.2% and the most frequent MEMs and their associates were of postural-type. This computerized program offers many advantages for the study of ear MEMs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]