Brain scarring in infants:immunological insights from a neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy model

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy(HIE)is a significant cause of disability in children.Improving brain function and accelerating neurological recovery may require a combination of neuroprotective and pro-regenerative treatments at different stages of HIE.While the first hours after the neonatal insult are the most critical period for neuroprotection,the existence of secondary and tertiary mechanisms of brain injury offers the possibility of preventing delayed neurodegeneration in the subsequent days,weeks,or months(Levison et al.,2022).

Study on the Effect of Early Oral Motor Intervention in Preterm Infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Objective:To study the effective value of introducing the concept of early oral exercise in the process of nursing intervention for preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit(NICU).Methods:96 cases of preterm infants diagnosed from January 2022 to August 2022 were selected and randomly divided into two groups:the general practice group(general nursing intervention),and the early practice group(early oral exercise intervention),and the effect of intervention on preterm infants in the two groups was observed.Results:After nursing care,the mean value of the non-nutritive sucking ability assessment(76.54±5.82),the mean value of the intellectual development degree assessment(104.57±8.45),the mean value of the psychomotor development degree assessment(102.33±6.74),and the mean value of behavioral neural reflexes ability assessment(38.71±2.40)in the early practice group were better than that as compared to the general practice group(P<0.05);the mean value of oral feeding start time of preterm infants in the early practice group(35.42±7.63)weeks,the mean value of all oral feeding time(34.12±5.28)weeks,and the mean time of hospital intervention(15.33±4.25)days were lesser than compared to those of the general practice group at 37.4±5.82 weeks,37.46±3.55 weeks,and 20.46±2.91 days,respectively(P<0.05);the rate of adverse reactions in preterm infants in the early practice group significantly lower than that of the general practice group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The introduction of the concept of early oral exercise intervention among NICU nurses improved the feeding effect,sucking ability of preterm infants,and intellectual development.Hence,early oral motor care should be popularized.

Research Progress on the Prevention of Premature Infant Lung Injury and Neonatal Respiratory Support

In the past 40 years,advances in neonatal intensive care unit(NICU)technology have enabled premature infants with lower birth weight and younger gestational age to survive.But with it comes an increase in the incidence of long-term respiratory dysfunction,mainly in the form of bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD).Preventing lung injury is crucial for preventing BPD and improving the long-term prognosis of premature infants.Therefore,how to avoid ventilator-associated lung injury has become a focus of clinical and scientific research in premature infants in recent years.This article will elaborate on the susceptibility and pathophysiology of premature infant lung injury,ventilation strategies for preventing lung injury,and new advances in neonatal respiratory support.

The trajectories of physical growth in 4 months postnatal corrected age among preterm infants discharged from neonatal intensive care units and associated factors: A prospective study

Objectives Growth retardation is a risk for premature infants.In addition to demographic and perinatal factors,preterm infants’physical growth may be affected by neonatal intensive care unit(NICU)stress,maternal postpartum depression,and mother-infant interaction.This study aimed to investigate the trajectories of physical growth in 4 months corrected age among preterm infants discharged from the NICU and the impactors on these trajectories.Methods A prospective study was conducted among 318 preterm infants from September 2019 to April 2021 in Shanghai,China.Latent growth modeling was applied to identify the weight,length,and head circumference growth trajectories in 4 months corrected age and explore the effects of demographic and medical characteristics,infant stress during NICU stay,maternal postpartum depression,and mother-infant interaction on each trajectory.Results Unconditional latent growth models showed curve trajectories with increasingly slower growth in weight,length,and head circumference until 4 months of corrected age.Conditional latent growth models showed that a longer length of stay in the NICU and more skin punctures were negatively associated with weight at 40 weeks corrected gestational age(β=−0.43 and−0.19,respectively,P<0.05).The maternal postpartum depression between 40 weeks corrected gestational age and 1 month corrected postnatal age was associated with a lower growth rate of length(β=−0.17,P=0.040),while between 2 and 3 months corrected postnatal age,there were lower growth rates of weight and head circumference(β=−0.15 and−0.19,respectively,P<0.05).The mother-infant interaction scores between 40 weeks corrected gestational age and 1 month corrected postnatal age negatively predicted the growth rate of weight(β=−0.19,P=0.020).Conclusion The physical growth trajectories of preterm infants discharged from the NICU were influenced by infant stress during the NICU stay,maternal postpartum depression and mother-infant interaction.

Neonatal and Young Infant Sepsis in a Regional Hospital in Ghana

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a global health problem that mainly affects low- and middle-income countries. We have previously shown that early neonatal mortality is high at the Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH) of Ghana. We sought to determine the prevalence of neonatal sepsis, sepsis-related mortality, and bacterial species patterns in neonatal and young infant sepsis in this hospital. Methods: A hospital-based study was conducted in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from March to June 2018. Blood samples from 96 babies clinically diagnosed with or at risk of sepsis were cultured using the BACTEC 9050® machine. Clinical data including gravida, parity and antibiotic medication before delivery of mother and delivery type, gestation, birth weight and antibiotic medication status were collected for analysis. MALDI-TOF MS identified bacterial isolates, and their identities were confirmed via tuf gene sequence typing. The data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism 8.0.2. Results: Blood cultures were positive in 28 of the babies, with 14 and 12 representing early-onset and late-onset neonatal sepsis, respectively, and two cases of unknown sepsis type. Of the bacterial species that caused sepsis in the babies, coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS) was the most prevalent isolate in 22 cases, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae in two and Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, the Acinetobacter species, and Escherichia coli in the rest (one each). Of the CoNS, S. haemolyticus and S. epidermidis were the most prevalent species, found in eight and six cases, respectively. Thirteen neonates died, of whom seven had positive blood cultures, and two were referred. A case fatality rate of 7/26 was estimated. Neonatal mortality caused by Gram-negative bacterial infection was higher than that caused by Gram-positive bacteria. Conclusions: These data suggest a significant burden of sepsis among neonates and young infants and are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality at the HTH. There is a need to investigate risk factors associated with the increased sepsis rate in this hospital to inform measures to reduce the neonatal sepsis rate.

Neonatal Intestinal Obstruction in Acute Renal Failure in Premature Infant: A Case Report

Introduction: Intestinal obstruction is a common cause of abdominal surgery in the neonate. Diagnosis is straightforward using standard radiology, and surgical technique depends on the underlying anatomical lesion. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an effective, albeit invasive, therapy for neonatal renal failure. We report a case of neonatal obstruction with severe renal failure treated by PD to highlight our hospital practice and possible remedies in a context of limited resources. Case Presentation: This was a female neonate of moderate prematurity admitted on day 4 of life for management of a flat neonatal obstruction. Radiological diagnosis suggested small bowel atresia. Biological tests revealed severe renal failure with creatinine levels of 416 micromoles per liter and blood urea of 27.1 micromoles per liter. Management consisted of preoperative peritoneal dialysis for 48 hours followed by laparotomy. The intraoperative diagnosis was GROSFELD type IIIa digestive atresia. The postoperative course was favourable, transit was resumed on day 5 and the patient returned home on day 12. Progress at 3 months was satisfactory. Conclusion: Neonatal intestinal obstruction with renal failure in premature infants is associated with a poor prognosis, even more so if there is a delay in treatment. Peritoneal dialysis seems to be a suitable alternative for this management in our working conditions with limited resources.

Early Intratracheal Administration of Corticosteroid and Pulmonary Surfactant for Preventing Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants with Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Meta-analysis

There is uncertain result with regard to the use of inhalation or instillation steroids to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants. This meta-analysis was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of early airway administration (within 2 days after birth) of corticosteroids and pulmonary surfactant (PS) for preventing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). The related studies were retrieved in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Clinical Trial, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP Database from inception to August 2018. Two reviewers independently screened the studies to ensure that all patients with diagnosis of NRDS were enrolled to studies within 1 day after birth, assessed the quality of included studies by GRADEpro system and extracted the data for review. The meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.2 software. A subgroup analysis about inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) delivery method was made between ICS inhalation subgroup [inhalation of ICS by nebulizer or metered dose inhaler (MDI)] and ICS intratracheal instillation subgroup (PS used as a vehicle). Eight randomized controlled trials were enrolled in the meta-analysis, 5 trials of which stated the randomized method, grouping and blinded method, and the follow-up procedures were reported. GRADEpro system showed high quality of 4 trials (5 articles), and the rest 4 trials had moderate quality. Meta-analysis showed that the incidence of BPD was decreased in ICS group, the relative risk (RR) was 0.56 (95% CI: 0.42-0.76), and similar trends were found in ICS inhalation subgroup and ICS intratracheal instillation subgroup, with the corresponding RR being 0.58 (95% CI: 0.41-0.82) and 0.47 (95% CI: 0.24-0.95) respectively. ICS could also significantly reduce the mortality risk as compared with placebo control group (RR: 0.67;95% CI: 0.45-0.99), with RR of ICS inhalation subgroup and ICS intratracheal instillation subgroup being 0.81 (95% CI: 0.34-1.94) and 0.64 (95% CI: 0.41-0.99) respectively. Moreover, the percentage of infants using PS more than one time was lower in ICS group than in the placebo control group, with the RR and 95% CI being 0.55 (95% CI: 0.45-0.67), and that in ICS intratracheal instillation subgroup lower than in ICS inhalation subgroup (RR: 0.56;95% CI: 0.45-0.69, and RR: 0.35;95% CI:0.08-1.52 respectively). There was no significant difference in the incidence of infection or retinopathy of prematurity and neuro-motor system impairment between ICS group and placebo control group, with the corresponding RR being 0.95 (95% CI:0.59-1.52), 0.92 (95% CI: 0.62-1.38) and 1.13 (95% CI: 0.92-1.39), respectively. It was concluded that early administration of ICS and PS is an effective and safe option for preterm infants with NRDS in preventing BPD and reducing mortality, decreasing the additional PS usage, especially for the ICS intratracheal instillation subgroup. Furthermore, the appropriate dose and duration of ICS, combined use of inhalation or instillation of ICS with PS and the long-term safety of airway administration of corticosteroids need to be assessed in large trials.

The Incidence of Respiratory Distress Syndrome among Preterm Infants Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Study

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or hyaline membrane disease (HMD) is the most common cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. We aimed to determine the frequency of RDS among 3 groups of preterm infants and the value of some related factors. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive analytical investigation was carried out in the NICU ward of Akbarabadi Hospital (Tehran-Iran) during spring 2011. Newborns’ data were collected and assessed by using their hospital medical records. Seventy-three preterm infants with gestational age < 34 weeks were hospitalized in the NICU. All participants were divided into 3 groups: extremely preterm (<28 weeks), very preterm (28 to <32 weeks) and moderate preterm (32 to 34 weeks). Frequency of RDS and some related factors were compared among 3 groups. Results: RDS was observed in 65.6% of all participants;however frequency of RDS was not different between three groups. An inversely correlation was found between gestational age and mortality rate (p = 0.05). In regard to Betamethasone administration prior to birth, this interval was significantly longer in alive neonates in comparison to infants who died (p < 0.05). Conclusion: RDS was frequent in preterm neonates with gestational age < 32 weeks. Time of Betamethasone administration prior to birth can significantly influence on neonatal mortality rate.

Effects of parental involvement in infant care in neonatal intensive care units:a meta-analysis

Objective： This meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of parental involvement in infant care in neonatal intensive care units （NlCUs）. Methods： PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI）, Wanfang database, and VIP database were searched till November 2017. Randomized controlled trials （RCTs） and controlled clinical trials （CCTs） examining the effect of parental involvement in the NICU were considered for inclusion. Resulls： We included 10 studies （three RCTs, seven CCTs） with a total of 1,851 participants. The meta-analysis demonstrated that there were no statistically significant differences on nosocomial infection between two groups （risk ratio [RR] = 0.90, 95% CI 0.63-1.30, P = 0.58）. Compared with no parental involvement groups, parental involvement groups showed more weight gain （mean difference [MD] = 1.47, 95% CI 0.65-2.29, P 〈 0.05）, higher breast-feeding rate （RR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.25-1.53, P 〈 0.05）, lower readmission rate （RR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.15-0.80, P 〈 0.05）, and higher satisfaction rate （RR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.02-1.16, P 〈 0.05）.Conclusions： Parentaiinvolvement in the NICU interventions could not increase the rate of nosocomial infection of neonates, but could improve their weight gain, breast-feeding and parental satisfaction and decrease their readmission. However, since the conclusion of this meta-analysis was drawn based on the limited number of high-quality RCTs, more hioh-quality studies should be conducted in the future to confirm its positive intervention effects.

The Indonesian version of the Premature Infant Pain Profile-Revised:Translation and adaptation of a neonatal pain assessment

Purpose: Pain assessment is a key component of good pain management in hospitalized infants.This study aimed to translate and adapt a version of pain measurement in infants,the Premature Infant Pain Profile Revised (PIPP-R) into Indonesian.Method: The adaptation process of the measuring instrument used a modified Brislin method which included forward translation,back translation 1,group discussion 1,back translation 2,group discussion 2,and pilot testing on neonatal nurses: feasibility test,inter-rater reliability using intraclass correlation (ICC),and internal consistency using Cronbach's α coefficient.Results: The PIPP-R version in English has been translated into Indonesian.In general,nurses assessed this measuring instrument as feasible.The inter-rater reliability showed a high agreement (ICC =0.968,P=0.001) and this measuring instrument had good internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.856).Conclusion: The Indonesian version of PIPP-R is easy to use and shows good psychometric properties.The use of this measuring instrument will help nurses and researchers obtain accurate infant pain intensity measurement values.

Neonatal hemorrhage stroke and severe coagulopathy in a late preterm infant after receiving umbilical cord milking:A case report

BACKGROUND Umbilical cord milking(UCM)is an alternative placental transfusion method for delayed umbilical cord clamping in routine obstetric practice,allowing prompt resuscitation of an infant.Thus,UCM has been adopted at some tertiary neonatal centers for preterm infants to enhance placental-to-fetal transfusion.It is not suggested for babies less than 28 wk of gestational age because it is associated with severe brain hemorrhage.For late preterm or term infants who do not require resuscitation,cord management is recommended to increase iron levels and prevent the development of iron deficiency anemia,which is associated with impaired motor development,behavioral problems,and cognitive delays.Concerns remain about whether UCM increases the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage.However,there are very few reports of late preterm infants presenting with neonatal hemorrhage stroke(NHS)and severe coagulopathy after receiving UCM.Here,we report a case of a late preterm infant born at 34 wk of gestation.She abruptly deteriorated,exhibiting signs and symptoms of NHS and severe coagulopathy after receiving UCM on the first day of life.CASE SUMMARY A female preterm infant born at 34 wk of gestation received UCM after birth.She was small for her gestational age and described as vigorous with Apgar scores of 9 and 10 at one minute and five minutes of life,respectively.After hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit,she showed hypoglycemia and metabolic acidosis.The baby was administered glucose and sodium bicarbonate infusions.Intramuscular vitamin K1 was also used to prevent vitamin K deficiency.The baby developed umbilical cord bleeding and gastric bleeding on day 1 of life;a physical examination showed bilateral conjunctival hemorrhage,and a blood test showed thrombocytopenia,prolonged prothrombin time,prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time,low fibrinogen,raised D-dimer levels and anemia.A subsequent cranial ultrasound and computed tomography scan showed a left parenchymal brain hemorrhage with extension into the ventricular and subarachnoid spaces.The patient was diagnosed with NHS in addition to disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC).Fresh frozen plasma(FFP)and prothrombin complex concentrate were given for coagulopathy.Red blood cell and platelet transfusions were provided for thrombocytopenia and anemia.A bolus of midazolam,intravenous calcium and phenobarbital sodium were administered to control seizures.The baby’s clinical condition improved on day 5 of life,and the baby was hospitalized for 46 d and recovered well without seizure recurrence.Our case report suggests that preterm infants who receive UCM should undergo careful clinical assessment for intracranial hemorrhage,NHS and severe coagulopathy that may develop under certain circumstances.Supportive management,such as intensive care,FFP and blood transfusion,is recommended when the development of massive NHS and associated DIC is suspected.CONCLUSION Our case report suggests that for late preterm infants who are small for gestational age and who receive UCM for alternative placental transfusion,neonatal health care professionals should be cautious in assessing the development of NHS and severe coagulopathy.Neonatal health care professionals should also be more cautious in assessing the complications of late preterm infants after they receive UCM.

Mothers’ Knowledge of Health Caring for Premature Infants after Discharge from Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the Gaza Strip, Palestine

Background: Preterm labor is one of the most public health problems related to neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Poor knowledge among mothers about the care requirements of a preterm neonate is immediate cause for post-discharge medical problems in premature and neonates readmission to NICU. Hence, this study aims to evaluate mothers’ knowledge of caring for premature infants post-discharge from Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the Gaza strip. Methods: A Quantitative-based cross-sectional designs study was used to survey 120 mothers of preterm neonates at the time of preterm neonates discharge by face-to-face interview at Al-Shifa medical complex and Nasser hospital between February and June 2018. Results: The results showed that only about 58.4% of mothers of premature babies had good knowledge about health care needed for premature infants after discharge from NICU. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference between the level of knowledge and mother’s sociodemographic characteristics (P-values > 0.05). Conclusion: Mothers’ knowledge of premature infants care was not at the optimal level, which might put the newborns at risk. Therefore, the study emphasizes the necessity of thoughtful exchange of health information between team members and mothers and establishing pre- and post-discharge plans with mothers to start their healthy transition of preterm neonate to home and to ameliorate family concerns.

Impact of nurse staffing on reducing infant, neonatal and perinatal mortality rates: Evidence from panel data analysis in 35 OECD countries

Objectives:To investigate the magnitude of effect nurse staffing had on decreasing the newborn mortality rates in member countries of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD).Methods:The statistical technique of panel data analysis was applied to explore the possibility of association between the number of nurses'density per 1,000 population and infant,neonatal and perinatal mortality rates(IMR,NMR and PMR)per 1000 births.The observations of 35 OECD countries were collected over the period of 2000 through 2016.Results:There were significant associations between nurse staffing and IMR,NMR and PMR i.e.a 1%increase in nurse-staffing level reduced IMR,NMR and PMR by 0.98%,0.97%and 0.96%,respectively.Furthermore,the role of nursing-related services in declining the average of newborn mortality rates were investigated at the highest level in Slovenia(-5.50),Sweden(-3.34),Iceland(-2.51),Czech Republic(-1.86),Japan(-1.64)and Finland(-1.64).Moreover,if the current relationship between nursestaffing level and newborn mortality rates are disturbed with nursing shortage(e.g.in Slovak Republic and Israel),then it takes about 17 years for the mortality rates to reduce and restore back to the previous equilibrium.Conclusions:A higher proportion of nurses'density per 1,000 population is associated with lower newborn mortality rates.In addition,the nursing-related services of Slovenia,Sweden,Iceland,Czech Republic,Japan and Finland with the highest impact on improving the health level of newborns would be good patterns for other developed countries in maternity and child health care.

Neonatal Nutrition and Later Outcomes of Very Low Birth Weight and Preterm Infants <32 Gestational Age at a Tertiary Care Hospital of Portugal

Premature infants, especially those born with less than 1500 g, often exhibit slow overall growth. Lack of early nutritional support is an important element. The present authors describe parenteral nutritional practices in a tertiary hospital and evaluate postnatal growth of preterm infants under 32 weeks of gestational age or with a birth weight < 1500 g. For population study, we examined 431 newborn files. Their median gestational age was 29.7 weeks. Of them, 25.4% were small for gestational age (SGA). 77.5% received parenteral nutrition (PN), 54.5% of which was provided on the first day. The average time was 14.7 days. The average weight gain by the 30th day was 425 g. At discharge, 37% were rd month 20% had their weight under P3, decreasing to 10% by the 12th month. Children who initiated PN in the first 24 hours of life had significantly better weight on the 30th day of their life (p th month of corrected age (p = 0.038). And they had better Body Mass Index (BMI) in the 3rd (p = 0.012) and 12th (p = 0.023) months. Despite better feeding practices, there is still significant failure in post natal growth. Early introduction of PN was associated with an improved weight gain, which suggests that nutrition that included amino acids may be critical during the first 24 hours of life.

汉化版Neonatal/Infant Braden Q Scale在NICU新生儿压力性损伤风险评估中的应用

目的:引进翻译美国Neonatal/Infant Braden Q Scale(N/I Braden Q量表)并检验量表信效度。方法:根据Brislin翻译模型对N/I Braden Q量表进行翻译、回译,通过专家咨询对量表进行文化调适。再将量表应用于浙江省某三级甲等医院NICU住院新生儿进行皮肤评估,检验中文版N/I Braden Q量表的信效度。结果:中文版N/I Braden Q量表的评定者间信度系数ICC为0.908(P<0.001);量表的全体一致性S-CVI为0.75,均值S-CVI为0.9583,各条目的内容效度指数为0.83~1;量表的预测临界值为20分,其灵敏度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值、约登指数分别为75.00%、74.16%、28.13%、95.62%、0.4916,ROC曲线下面积是0.815(95%CI:0.684~0.945)(P<0.001)。结论:中文版N/I Braden Q量表具有良好的信效度,对新生儿压力性损伤发生有早期预警作用,可作为临床护士对患儿进行皮肤评估的结构化指导工具。

THE EFFECTS OF INFANT TOUCH ON NEONATAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT: A MULTICENTER CLINICAL TRIAL

Objective :To investigate the effects of different infant massages on early growth and development in preterm and term neonates. Methods 405 randomly selected normal and sick term and preterm neonates were clinically trailed in 6 neonatal care centers. Different massages including current overseas touch method (COT), modified domestic simpler touch (MDST), and MDST plus acupoint with collateral massages (MDSTAC) were applied for 10d after birth to trailed neonates. Anthropometric measurements, Hb status, selected 6 developmental items based on neonatal behavior and neurological assessment (NBNA ), and daily energy, protein and milk intakes were compared between the massaged and control infants before, 10, and 42d after trails. Results Daily weight increment,some of the anthropometrics and 6 developmental items were significantly better in the infants received COT and MDSTAC compared with controls. NO significant differences were found from the most of compared items between the MDST massaged infants and controls. Conclusion The COT and MDSTAC are useful to facilitate the early growth and development for infants.

Gastrointestinal tolerability of organic infant formula compared to traditional infant formula: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Infants'nutrition significantly influences their growth,development,and overall well-being.With the increasing demand for organic infant formula driven by the perception of health benefits and growing awareness of natural feeding options,it is crucial to conduct a comparative analysis of the gastrointestinal tolerability between organic and traditional infant formulas.AIM To provide a concise and precise analysis of the gastrointestinal tolerability of organic infant formula compared to traditional infant formula.Due to limited direct comparisons,the review synthesizes available literature on each formula type,presenting insights into their potential effects on infants'digestive health.METHODS An extensive literature search was conducted,compiling studies on organic and traditional infant formulas,their compositions,and reported effects on gastrointestinal tolerability.We searched academic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar and specialized nutrition,paediatrics,and infant health journals using relevant keywords till October 1,2023.RESULTS Although specific comparative studies are scarce and formula heterogeneity is a significant limitation,this systematic review provides an in-depth understanding of organic infant formulas'composition and potential benefits.While scientific evidence directly comparing gastrointestinal tolerability is limited,organic formulas strive to use carefully selected organic ingredients to imitate breast milk composition.Potential benefits include improved lipid profiles,higher methionine content,and decreased antibiotic-resistant bacteria levels.Understanding the gastrointestinal tolerability of organic and traditional infant formulas is crucial for parents and healthcare providers to make informed decisions.CONCLUSION Despite limitations in direct comparisons,this systematic review provides insights into the composition and potential benefits of organic infant formulas.It emphasizes the need for further research to elucidate their gastrointestinal effects comprehensively.

Effect of foot reflexology on an infant with sensorineural hearing loss:A case report

BACKGROUND Our study contributes to the further understanding of the mechanism of foot reflexology.Foot reflexology has been reported to affect hearing recovery,but no physiological evidence has been provided.This lack of evidence hampers the acceptance of the technique in clinical practice.CASE SUMMARY A girl was taken to North Sichuan Medical University Affiliated Hospital for a hearing screen by her parents.Her parents reported that her hearing level was the same as when she was born.The girl was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss(SNHL)by a doctor in the otolaryngology department.After we introduced the foot reflexology project,the parents agreed to participate in the experiment.After 6 months of foot reflexology treatment,the hearing threshold of the girl recovered to a normal level,below 30 dB.CONCLUSION Foot reflexology should be encouraged in clinical practice and for families of infants with SNHL.

Astrocyte syncytium:from neonatal genesis to aging degeneration

Modern neuroscience began from all reaching and fierce conflict between“neuronismo and reticulismo”——between neuronal and reticular theories of the organization of the nervous system;the conflict culminated in December of 1906 in Stockholm where Santiago Ramon y Cajal(the proponent of the neuronal doctrine)and Camillo Golgi(who advocated the syncytial reticular organization of neural networks)delivered their Noble prize lectures(Verkhratsky,2009).

Development of a chronic compression spinal cord injury model in neonatal and adult rats

Background:Spinal cord injury presents a significant burden globally,with traumatic spinal cord injury being the predominant cause historically.However,nontraumatic spinal cord injury(NTSCI)is emerging as a significant contributor,particularly in devel-oped nations,yet it remains poorly understood due to underreporting and misclassifi-cation.NTSCI,spanning various etiologies such as bony growths,vascular conditions,infections,neoplastic conditions,and immune disorders,poses unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment,often resulting in lifelong morbidity.This study addresses the lack of suitable animal models for NTSCI research,especially in neonatal animals.Methods:Utilizing a solid spacer approach,we developed a compression NTSCI model applicable to both neonatal and adult Sprague-Dawley rats.Results:Through anatomical measurements and in vivo experiments,we confirmed the feasibility and safety of the spacer insertion procedure and observed no acute off-target effects.Conclusion:The versatility of this model lies in its adaptability to different ages of rats,offering a cost-effective and reproducible means to induce graded injuries.Moreover,behavioral assessments demonstrated observable hindlimb function,validating the model's utility for studying functional outcomes.Although challenges persist,par-ticularly in accounting for spinal column growth in neonatal animals,this model fills a crucial gap in pediatric NTSCI research.By providing a platform to investigate patho-physiological mechanisms and test potential treatments,it offers promising avenues for advancing our understanding and management of pediatric NTSCI.