A Comparison between Late Preterm and Term Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Early-Onset Sepsis, and Neonatal Jaundice in Ecuadorian Newborns

Background: To examine the differences in prevalence of respiratory distress syndrome, early-onset sepsis and jaundice, between late preterm infants versus term infants in Ecuadorian newborns. Methods: Study design: Epidemiological, observational, and cross-sectional, with two cohorts of patients. Settings: IESS Quito Sur Hospital at Quito, Ecuador, from February to April of 2020. Participants: This study included 204 newborns, 102 preterm infants, 102 term infants. Results: There are significant differences between late preterm infants and term infants, with a p-value of 0.000 in the prevalence of early sepsis, 70.59% vs. 35.29%. In respiratory distress syndrome between late and term premature infants, significant differences were observed with a p-value of 0.000, the proportion being 55.58% vs. 24.51% respectively. The prevalence of jaundice is higher in term infants with a p value of 0.002, 72.55%, versus 51.96% in late preterm infants, and the mean value of bilirubins in mg/dL was higher in term infants 14.32 versus 12.33 in late preterm infants;this difference is statistically significant with a p value of 0.004. Admission to the NICU is more frequent in late preterm infants with a p-value of 0.000, being 42.16% for late preterm infants vs. 7.84% in term infants;the mean of the hospital days with p-value 0.005, was higher in late preterm infants 4.97 days vs. 3.55 days for term newborns. Conclusion: Due to the conditions of their immaturity, late preterm infants are 2.86 times more likely to present early sepsis than full-term newborns. It is shown that late preterm infants are 2.69 times more likely to have respiratory distress syndrome compared to term infants, therefore, late preterm infants have a longer hospital stay of 4.97 days versus 3.55 days in term infants. Jaundice and mean bilirubin levels are higher in term infants due to blood group incompatibility and insufficient breastfeeding.

Balloon dilation of congenital perforated duodenal web in newborns: Evaluation of short and long-term results

BACKGROUND Incomplete congenital duodenal obstruction(ICDO)is caused by a congenitally perforated duodenal web(CPDW).Currently,only six cases of balloon dilatation of the PDW in newborns have been described.AIM To present our experience of balloon dilatation of a perforated duodenal memb-rane in newborns with ICDO.METHODS Five newborns who underwent balloon dilatation of the CPDW along a prein-stalled guidewire between 2021 and 2023 were included.Nineteen newborns diagnosed with ICDO who underwent laparotomy were included in the control group.RESULTS In all cases,good anatomical and clinical results were obtained.In three cases,a follow-up study was conducted after 1 year.The average time to start enteral feeding per os was significantly earlier in the study group(4.4 d)than in the laparotomic group(21.2 days;P<0.0001).The time spent by patients in the intensive care unit and hospital after balloon dilatation was also significantly shorter.We determined the selection criteria for possible and effective CPDW balloon dilatation in newborns as follows:(1)Presence of dynamic radiographic signs of the passage of a radiopaque substance beyond the zone of narrowing or radiographic signs of pneumatisation of the duodenum and small bowel distal to the web;(2)presence of endoscopic signs of CPDW;(3)successful cannulation with a guidewire performed parallel to the endoscope,with holes in the congenital duodenal web;and(4)successful positioning of the balloon performed along a freestanding guidewire on the web.CONCLUSION Strictly following selection criteria for newborns with ICDO caused by CPDW ensures that endoscopic balloon dilatation using a pre-installed guidewire is safe and effective and shows good 1-year follow-up results.

CX3 chemokine receptor 1 deficiency leads to reduced dendritic complexity and delayed maturation of newborn neurons in the adult mouse hippocampus

Previous studies have shown that microglia impact the proliferation and differentiation of neu- rons during hippocampal neurogenesis via the fractalkine/CX3 chemokine receptor i （CX3CRI） signaling pathway. However, whether microglia can influence the maturation and dendritic growth of newborn neurons during hippocampal neurogenesis remains unclear. In the present study, we found that the number of doublecortin-positive cells in the hippocampus was decreased, and the dendritic length and number of intersections in newborn neurons in the hippocampus were reduced in transgenic adult mice with CX3CR1 deficiency （CX3CRl^GFP/GFe）. Furthermore, after experimental seizures were induced with kainic acid in these CX3CRl-deficient mice, the expression of c-fos, a marker of neuronal activity, was reduced compared with wild-type mice. Collectively, the experimental findings indicate that the functional maturation of newborn neu- rons during hippocampal neurogenesis in adult mice is delayed by CX3CR1 deficiency.

Various aspects of hearing loss in newborns:A narrative review

Hearing loss is considered the most common birth defect.The estimated prevalence of moderate and severe hearing loss in a normal newborn is 0.1%-0.3%,while the prevalence is 2%-4%in newborns admitted to the newborn intensive care unit.Neonatal hearing loss can be congenital(syndromic or nonsyndromic)or acquired such as ototoxicity.In addition,the types of hearing loss can be conductive,sensorineural,or mixed.Hearing is vital for the acquisition of language and learning.Therefore,early detection and prompt treatment are of utmost importance in preventing the unwanted sequel of hearing loss.The hearing screening program is mandatory in many nations,especially for high-risk newborns.An automated auditory brainstem response test is used as a screening tool in newborns admitted to the newborn intensive care unit.Moreover,genetic testing and screening for cytomegalovirus in newborns are essential in identifying the cause of hearing loss,particularly,mild and delayed onset types of hearing loss.We aimed to update the knowledge on the various aspects of hearing loss in newborns with regard to the epidemiology,risk factors,causes,screening program,investigations,and different modalities of treatment.

Practices of Maternity’s Care Providers in the Municipality of Kozah 1 Regarding the Administration of Vitamin K1, Eye Care, and Umbilical Cord Care in Immediate Postpartum Newborns

Background: Neonatal mortality is a real public health problem in the world and particularly in countries with limited resources. Essential care remains an effective means of reducing this mortality. Objective: To evaluate the practice of administering of vitamin K1, ocular and cord care in maternity wards in the Kozah 1 municipality. Method: This is a cross-sectional study conducted from March 1st to June 30th, 2022 in all maternity wards in the Kozah 1 municipality. Socioprofessional aspects of providers and those related to the administration of vitamin K1, ocular and cord care were studied. Results: Eighty-five (85) maternity providers were included in this study. The average age of the providers was 36.2 years with extremes of 21 and 55 years. Providers were midwives (51.8%), childbirth attendants (35.3%), and matrons (12.9%). The average length of practice was 9.5 years with extremes of 1 and 28 years. For three out of four providers (75.3%), the postpartum period was defined as a period of 02 hours following delivery. The importance of cord, ocular care, and administration of vitamin K1 in postpartum was known respectively by 84.7%, 98.8%, and 92.9% of the providers. Chlorhexidine gel was used by 81.2% of providers for umbilical cord care. For ocular disinfection, more than half of the providers (52.9%) reported using half-diluted povidone iodine. No center had displayed care protocol. Conclusion: This study highlighted the level of knowledge and practice of three essential postpartum care practices. The products used for the different care practices are consistent with recommendations but vary according to the care providers.

Environmental enrichment promotes neural remodeling in newborn rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage

We evaluated the effect of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage and treatment with early environmental enrichment intervention on development of newborn rats, as evaluated by light and electron microscopy and morphometry. Early intervention with environmental enrichment intelligence training attenuated brain edema and neuronal injury, promoted neuronal repair, and increased neuronal plasticity in the frontal lobe cortex of the newborn rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage.

Nerve protective effect of Baicalin on newborn HIBD rats

Objetive:To investigate the nerve protective effect and mechanism of baicalin on newborn rats with hypoxic ischemic brain damage(HIBD).Methods:A total of 64 SD newborn rats were randomlu divided into control group.model group.nerve growth factor group and baicalin group.with 16 in each group.Left carotid artery ligation method was adopted to establish the HIBD model except fou in control group,which was treatde with intraperitoneal injection of salin e10mL/kg for 3 d.After oxygen recovery on hypoxia ischemia rats.intraperitoneal injectionof salin 10mL/kg was adopted in model group for 3 d.Intraperitoneal injection of nerve growth factor injection50μg/kg per day was adopted in nerve growth factor group for 3 d:intraperitoneal injection of radix scutellariae 16mg/kg per day was adopted in baicalin group for 3 d after modeeling.Four rats of each group were sacrificed at Day 1,2,3,7 for microscopic observation of pathological morphological changes in brain tissus aften HE staining,S-P immunohistochemical method was used for observation of Fas and FasL expression in brain cells.Results:Neat structure of cells was observed in control group;edema cells in disordered arrangement was observed in model group,with some cells necrosis and cavity change;tissue injury in nerve growth factor group and baicalin group was significantly lighter than that in model group;Fas and FasL expression in model group,nerve growth factor group and baicalin group were significantiy higher than that in control group at different time points(P<0.05):Fas and FasL expression in nerve growth factor group and baicalin group were significantly lower than that in model group at different time points(P<0.05):There was no statistical diggerence of Fas,FasL expression at each time point between nerve growth factor group and baicalin group(P>0.05).Conclusions:Baicalin can reduce expression of Fas and FasL in HIBD rats,inhibit apoptosis of nerve cells,thus achieve the protective effect on HIBD rat nerves.

Culture of Motor Neurons from Newborn Rat Spinal Cord

A protocol for the isolation, purification and culture of motor neurons from newborn rat spinal cord was described and the effect of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor （GDNF） on the growth of neurite of motor neurons was investigated in vitro. Spinal motor neurons （SMNs） were dissociated from ventral spinal cord of postnatal day 1 rats. The culture system for SMNs was established by density gradient centrifugation, differential adhesion, and use of serum-free defined media and addition of exogenous GDNF. After 72-h culture, the cells displayed the characteristic morphology of motor neurons, exhibited extensive neuritic processes and were positive for choline acetyl- transferase （CHAT） expression. The neurite length of SMNs in GDNF groups was significantly longer than that in control group （P〈0.05）. This protocol can be adapted for various postnatal motor neurons studies.

Expression of Clock genes in the pineal glands of newborn rats with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

Clock genes are involved in circadian rhythm regulation, and surviving newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy may present with sleep-wake cycle reversal. This study aimed to determine the expression of the clock genes Clock and Bmall, in the pineal gland of rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. Results showed that levels of Clock mRNA v^re not significantly changed within 48 hours after cerebral hypoxia and ischemia. Expression levels of CLOCK and BMAL1 protein were significantly higher after 48 hours. The levels of Bmall mRNA reached a peak at 36 hours, but were significantly reduced at 48 hours. Experimental findings indicate that Clock and Bmall genes were indeed expressed in the pineal glands of neonatal rats. At the initial stage （within 36 hours） of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage, only slight changes in the expression levels of these two genes were detected, followed by significant changes at 36-48 hours. These changes may be associated with circadian rhythm disorder induced by hypoxic-ischemic brain damage.

Association between Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring during Labor and Neonatal Acidosis in Full-Term Newborns: A Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study

Introduction: Fetal heart rate monitoring during labor is used to study fetal well-being and predict neonatal acidosis of newborn. Fetal heart rate monitoring is analyzed by the obstetrical team and categorized according to the FIGO guidelines. An important limitation of this diagnostic tool is an inter- and intra-observer variability, leading to subjective cardiotocography interpretation and classification. Our objective was to study the association between the categories of fetal heart rate analysis (according to FIGO classification) and neonatal acidosis of full-term newborns. Study design: This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study conducted between 2014 and 2018 in the Grand-Est region. We searched and included retrospectively children hospitalized in a pediatric intensive care unit in one of the participating hospitals with an ICD-10 coding type “P91.6” corresponding to “Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy”. Maternal, pregnancy, delivery, and newborn characteristics were collected and compared by univariate logistic regression with multiple imputation. Odds Ratio and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using the model and presented. Multiple imputation with m = 100 imputations was tested, using Rubin rules to combine the results. Results: 55 patients were included in the study. Fetal heart rate tracings classified in Category 3 as “pathological” according to FIGO guidelines were significantly associated with an increased risk of severe neonatal acidosis. Late decelerations and bradycardia during labor were associated with severe neonatal acidosis. Conclusion: Severe neonatal acidosis may be suspected by interpretation of fetal heart rate during labor. Fetal bradycardia and late decelerations are predictive of the severity of neonatal acidosis. This study emphasizes the need to screen severe neonatal acidosis and allows the identification of populations most at risk. Repeated team training and upgrading of fetal heart rate study would further reduce the incidence of neonatal acidosis.

Interventional effect of laser acupoint radiation on the expression of Nissl body and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in newborn rat models with ischemic/hypoxic cerebral injury

BACKGROUND： Some researches report that He-Ne laser can activate function of erythrocytes and increase content of blood and oxygen via bio-stimulating effect; therefore, it suspects that laser radiation at Baihui and Dazhui can partially increase blood circulation for oxygen-supplying content of brain and improve functional status of neurons. OBJECTIVE： To verify the effects of laser radiation at Baihui and Dazhui on the expression of Nissl body of brain tissue neurons and brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） in newborn rats with ischemic/hypoxic cerebral injury. DESIGN： Randomized controlled animal study. SETTING： Department of Neurological Histochemistry, Xianning University. MATERIALS： Forty Wistar rats of 7 - 8 days old, weighing 15 - 20 g and of both genders, were selected from Wuhan Experimental Animal Center. All the rats were randomly divided into sham operation group （n =8）, model group （n =16） and radiation group （n = 16）. The experimental animals were disposed according to ethical criteria. BDNF kit was provided by Wuhan Boster Bioengineering Co., Ltd. METHODS： The experiment was carried out in the Department of Neurological Histochemistry, Xianning University from April 2005 to October 2006. Rats in the radiation group and model group were performed with ligation of left common carotid artery, recovered at room temperature for 1 - 6 days, maintained in self-made hypoxic cabin under normal pressure and injected mixture gas （0.05 volume fraction of 02 and 0.92 volume fraction of N2） for 2 hours. In addition, rats in the sham operation group were treated with separation of left common carotid artery but not ligation and hypoxia. Rats in the model group were not given any treatment; while, rats in the radiation group were exposed with He-Ne laser of 63.28 nm in the wave length at Baihui and Dazhui acupoints on the second day after ischemia-hypoxia. The radiation was given for 10 minutes per day and once a day. Ten days were regarded as a course and the rats were exposed for 2 courses in total. At 20 days after routine breeding, left hemisphere tissues of rats in the three groups were collected for staining of Nissl body and immunohistochemistry of BDNF. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Nissl body staining in left hemisphere tissue and expression of immune positive cells of BDNF. RESULTS： All 40 rats were involved in the final analysis. （1） Nissl body staining： Neuronal cytoplasm of brain tissue was full of blue granule Nissl bodies in the sham operation group; while, Nissl body in neuronal cytoplasm in the model group was stained slightly and had a certain degree of degeneration; meanwhile, there were a lot of blank area in ischemic region. Nissl body in neuron cytoplasm was gradually recovered in the radiation group and relieved as compared with that in the model group. （2） Positive cells of BDNF： Number of immune positive cells of BDNF which were ligated in lateral cerebral hemisphere of rats in the model group was higher than that in the sham operation group （P 〈 0.05）; while, BDNF expression in the radiation group was increased as compared with that in the model group （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： After laser acupoint radiation, Nissl body is increased and BDNF expression is also increased. This suggests that laser acupoint radiation has neuroprotective effect on brain tissue after ischemia-hypoxia injury.

Effect of Retinoic acid on Platelet-derived Growth Factorand Lung Development in Newborn Rats

Summary: The influence of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) on lung development in newborn rats and the effect of retinoic acid (RA) on PDGF in lung development were investigated. Newborn Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to two groups: control group and RA group. The rats in RA group was intraperitoneally injected with all trans-retinoic acid (500 μg/kg every day) for consecutive 3 days after birth, while those in the control group were not subjected to intervention. Immunohistochemical assay was performed to locate the expression of PDGF. mRNA levels of PDGF were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at age of 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21 days. The method of radial alveolar counts (RAC) was used to measure the amount of the alveoli of the lungs. It was found that with increasing days, levels of PDGF-A and PDGF-B changed to verying degrees. RA could elevate significantly the expression levels of PDGF-A mRNA and protein (P<0.01), but not affect the expression levels of PDGF-B mRNA and protein markedly (P>0.05). It is suggested that PDGF might play an important role in lung development. RA can stimulate lung development through increasing the expression levels of PDGF-A mRNA and protein.

Engrafted newborn neurons could functionally integrate into the host neuronal network

The limited capability to regenerate new neurons following injuries of the central neural system（CNS）still remains a major challenge for basic and clinical neuroscience.Neural stem cells（NSCs）could nearly have the potential to differentiate into all kinds of neural cells in vitro.

Changes in hippocampal neurons and memory function during the developmental stage of newborn rats with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

BACKGROUND: Under the normal circumstance, there exist some synapses with inactive functions in central nervous system (CNS), but these functions are activated following nerve injury. At the early stage of brain injury, the abnormal functions of brain are varied, and they have very strong plasticity and are corrected easily. OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes of neuronal morphology in hippocampal CA1 region and memory function in newborn rats with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy(HIE) from ischemia 6 hours to adult. DESIGN: Completely randomized grouping, controlled experiment. SETTING: Taian Health Center for Women and Children; Taishan Medical College. MATERIALS: Altogether 120 seven-day-old Wistar rats, of clean grade, were provided by the Experimental Animal Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Synaptophysin (SYN) polyclonal antibody was provided by Maixin Biological Company, Fuzhou. METHODS: This experiment was carried out in the Laboratory of Morphology, Taishan Medical College between October 2000 and December 2003. ① The newborn rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: model group and control group, 60 rats in each group. Five rats were chosen from each group at postoperative 6 hours, 24 hours, 72 hours, 7 days, 2 weeks and 3 weeks separately for immunohistochemical staining. Fifteen newborn rats were chosen from each group at postoperative 4 weeks and 2 months separately for testing memory ability (After test, 5 rats from each group were sacrificed and used for immunohistochemical staining)② The right common carotid artery of newborn rats of model group was ligated under the anesthetized status. After two hours of incubation, the rats were placed for 2 hours in a container filled with nitrogen oxygen atmosphere containing 0.08 volume fraction of oxygen, thus, HIE models were created; As for the newborn rats in the control group, only blood vessels were isolated, and they were not ligated and hypoxia-treated. ③ Thalamencephal tissue sections of newborn rats of two groups were performed DAB developing and haematoxylin slight staining. Cells with normal nucleous in 250 μm-long granular layer which started from hippocampal CA1 region were counted with image analysis system under high-fold optical microscope (×600), and the thickness of granular layer was measured. The absorbance (A) of positive reactant of SYN in immunohistochemically-stained CA1 region was measured. Learning and memory ability were measured with step through test 3 times successively. ④ t test and paired t test were used for comparing intergroup and intragroup difference of measurement data respectively, and Chi-square for comparing the difference of enumeration data. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparison of cytological changes in hippocampal CA1 region and memory ability at different postoperative time points between two groups. RESULTS: Totally 120 newborn rats were involved in the result analysis. ① Cell morphological changes in hippocampal CA1 region: In the control group, with aging, perikaryon, nucleus and nucleolus in cortex of parietal lobe were significantly increased, Nissl body was compacted, the amount of neurons was declined, but the A of SYN positive reactant was relatively increased. In the model group, at postoperative each time point, neurons were seriously shrunk and dark-stained, nucleus was contracted, chromatin was condensed, nucleolus was unclear, even cells disappeared, especially the cells in 6 hours and 24 hours groups. The amount of neurons with normal morphology in hippocampal CA1 region and granular layer thickness in the model group at postoperative each time point were significantly less or smaller than those in the control group at postoperative 6 hours respectively (t =3.002-1.254, P < 0.01). The A value of SYN positive reactant at postoperative 2, 3 and 4 weeks was significantly higher than that at previous time point (t =2.011-2.716,P < 0.05-0.01). ② Test results of learning and memory ability: In the first test, there was no significant difference in the ratio of rats which kept memory ability between two groups (P > 0.05); In the third test, the ratio of rats which kept memory ability in the model group was significantly lower than that in the control group at postoperative 4 weeks and 2 months[53%(8/15),100%(15/15);60%(9/15),93%(14/15),χ 2=2.863,2.901,P < 0.01]. CONCLUSION: The destroyed hippocampal structure induces the decrease of learning and memory ability of developmental rats. Early interference can increase the quality of neurons and also promote functional development of the nervous system.

PIP, Not FiO₂Regulates Expression of MMP-9 in the Newborn Rabbit VILI with Different Mechanical Ventilation Strategies

Background: Results from experimental and clinical studies have shown that mechanical ventilation or/and hyperoxia may aggravate a pre-existing lung injury or even cause lung injury in healthy lungs by affecting the expression of MMP-9, but the MMP-9 effects are controversial. How are MMP-9 regulated when multicausative factors of injury such as different FiO2, PIP, and respiratory time (RT) impose simultaneously on lungs? Methods: Newborn New Zealand white rabbits were randomly allocated to an unventilated air control group or to one of the 2 × 3 × 3 ventilation strategies by using a factorial design, with different FiO2, PIP, and RT. Then, lung wet-to-dry ratio (W/D), lung histopathology scores, transmission electron microscope, and cells in BALF were analyzed in these different groups. MMP-9 levels were studied by immunohistochemistry and ELISA. Results: MMP-9 levels were significantly different among 3 PIP ventilation regimes (F = 7.215) and MPIP group was the highest among 3 PIP groups. The lung histopathology score in 100% oxygen was significantly higher than in 45% oxygen group (F = 9.037) and MPIP group was the lowest among 3 PIP groups (F = 57.515) and RT 6 h was more serious than RT 1 h. MMP-9 positively correlated with monocytes, but negatively correlated with neutrophils and lung injury histopathology scores. Conclusions: Different PIP and FiO2 exert simultaneously on newborn lung in newborn rabbits ventilation, only mechanical stretch stimulation affects MMP-9 synthesis. Advisable mechanical stretch can promote MMP-9 expression and has protective role in lung in VILI. HPIP causes barotraumas and LPIP induces atelectrauma.

Perioperative nursing of a newborn with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome

Objective:To explore the perioperative nursing of a newborn with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.Methods:We observed the blood glucose of the child and prevent infection of omphalocele before transpor tation and before the operation;after the operation,we performed airway nursing,blood glucose monitoring,urination observation,and tumor marker monitoring;finally,at the time of discharge from the hospital,we provided health education.Results:After a series of perioperative nursing measures,the child was discharged smoothly from hospital 34 d after operation.Conclusions:Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome is a rare congenital malformation.Timely and accurate observation and evaluation of the child during perioperative period and targeted nursing measures can effectively reduce or avoid the occurrence of postoperative complications.

Effects of alprostadil on respiratory parameters and hemodynamics of newborns with persistent pulmonary hypertension

Objective: To investigate the effects of alprostadil on respiratory parameters and hemodynamics of newborns with persistent pulmonary hypertension. Methods: According to random data table method, 80 newborns of pulmonary hypertension were randomly divided into the control group (n=40) and observation group (n=40), patients in the control group were given normal frequency ventilation, on the basis of the treatment of the control group, the observation group received alprostadil. The changes of respiratory parameters and hemodynamics were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results:The levels of respiratory parameters (SaO2, PaO2, PaCO2) and hemodynamics (PA, PVR, SVR) in the two groups before treatment were not statistically significant. After treatment, The levels of SaO2, PaO2in the two groups were significantly higher than those in the same group before treatment, and the observation group levels were (90.71±8.92)%, (85.27±8.23) mmHg, which were significantly higher than those in the control group after treatment;The levels of PaCO2, PA, PVR and SVR in the two groups after treatment were significantly lower than those in the same group before treatment, and the observation group were (35.22±3.46) mmHg, (26.95±3.78) mmHg, (725.71±108.82) dyns/cm5, (1 125.27±152.23) dyns/cm5, which were significantly lower than that of the control group. Conclusion: Adding alprostadil based on conventional frequent ventilation thraphy can effectively improve blood pressure and oxygen saturation, and improve hemodynamics of newborns with persistent pulmonary hypertension, which has important clinical value.

Scientific Evidence about the Assistance Provided to the Newborn with Meconium Elimination:Integrative Literature Review

The Meconial Aspiration Syndrome (MAS) is a complication caused by the presence of meconium amniotic fluid with consequent aspiration, being responsible for important rates of perinatal morbidity and mortality. This study aims to analyze the bibliographical production on newborn care with meconium elimination in the delivery room. It was a literature integrative review electronically based. Most of the studies referred to tracheal intubation and exogenous surfactant ministration as main care methods. The Meconium Aspiration Syndrome is presented as main theme. It is understood that health care professionals must develop knowledge, skills and actions, showing conduct based on scientific, critical and reflexive knowledge with purposeful interventions directed to the patient’s needs.

Chemokine platelet factor 4 accelerates peripheral nerve regeneration by regulating Schwann cell activation and axon elongation

Schwann cells in peripheral nerves react to traumatic nerve injury by attempting to grow and regenerate.Howeve r,it is unclear what factors play a role in this process.In this study,we searched a GEO database and found that expression of platelet factor 4 was markedly up-regulated after sciatic nerve injury.Platelet factor is an important molecule in cell apoptosis,diffe rentiation,survival,and proliferation.Further,polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the change in platelet factor 4 in the sciatic nerve at different time points after injury.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed that platelet factor 4 was secreted by Schwann cells.We also found that silencing platelet factor 4 decreased the proliferation and migration of primary cultured Schwann cells,while exogenously applied platelet factor 4 stimulated Schwann cell prolife ration and migration and neuronal axon growth.Furthermore,knocking out platelet factor 4 inhibited the prolife ration of Schwann cells in injured rat sciatic nerve.These findings suggest that Schwann cell-secreted platelet factor 4 may facilitate peripheral nerve repair and regeneration by regulating Schwann cell activation and axon growth.Thus,platelet factor 4 may be a potential therapeutic target for traumatic peripheral nerve injury.

Relationship between Notch Receptors and Hyperoxia-induced Lung Injury in Newborn Rats

Summary: To investigate role of Notch1-3 in hyperoxia-induced lung injury in newborn rat exposed to 85% O 2, SD rat litters born on the 22th day were randomly divided into two groups: room air group and hyperoxia group. The animals were sacrificed 1, 4, 7, 10, 14 and 21 days after continued exposure to oxygen (n=40, oxygen>0.85) or room air (n=40). 6 rats each group were used to assess lung histological changes by HE staining and expression of Notch in lungs by immunohistochemistry. Total RNA was extracted by Trizol reagent from frozen lung tissues. Notch mRNA were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Our results showed that 7, 14 and 21 days after O 2 exposure, hyperoxia group showed lung injury characterized by pulmonary edema, hemorrhage and lung development arrest. Positive staining for Notch1, Notch 2 in hyperoxia group was much lower than those in room air group at all time points (P<0.01, P<0.05), but compared with the controls, the hyperoxia group showed higher expression of Notch3 (P>0.05). Immunostained cells were typically airways epithelia, alveolar epithelial and inflammatory cells, and fibroblasts in hyperoxia group (P<0.01). Notch mRNA levels showed similar change as protein level (P< 0.01). It is concluded that the prolonged exposure to 85 % O 2 resulted in abnormal expression of Notch receptors, which might contribute to the pathogenesis of hyperoxia-induced lung injury in newborn rats. The decreased inhibition of Notch1 might be one of the protective reaction and major mechanisms for proliferation/differentiation of type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells. The up-regulation of Notch3 activity might result in the lung development arrest of the newborn rats.