Maternal responsivity and oxytocin in opioid-dependent mothers.

Although prenatal opioid exposure and postnatal withdrawal (neonatal abstinence syndrome) are associated with infant neurobehavioral deficits, little is known about the impact of continued maternal opioid treatment in the postnatal period on maternal responsivity and relationship to mother's oxytocin release during dyadic interactions in the Still Face paradigm. Mother and infant dyads (N = 14) were recruited and comprised of mothers on opioid replacement throughout pregnancy and postpartum (opioid-exposed group, n = 7) and a demographically controlled, non-exposed group (n = 7). Salivary oxytocin was collected following 10 min of infant separation before and immediately after a 6-min Still Face paradigm. Oxytocin measures correlated strongly with sensitive and prosocial maternal behaviors in response to infant initiation. Opioid-exposed compared to non-exposed mothers had significantly lower pre-test to post-test rise in salivary oxytocin concentration level as well as fewer sensitive behaviors during the reunion condition of the Still Face paradigm. Maternal opioid dependence during early infancy may impair maternal responsivity and sensitivity through suppression of the oxytocin reflex to infant stimulation.

Polychlorinated biphenyls and omega-3 fatty acid exposure from fish consumption, and thyroid cancer among New York anglers.

Fish from the Great Lakes contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) which have been shown to disrupt endocrine function and mimic thyroid hormones, but they also contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids that may offer protection against endocrine cancers. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Lake Ontario fish consumption and the estimated consumption of PCBs and omega-3 fatty acids on the risk of thyroid cancer in a group of sport fishermen. Anglers from the New York State Angler Cohort Study were followed for cancer incidence from 1991-2008. Twenty-seven cases of incident thyroid cancer and 108 controls were included in the analyses. Total estimated fish consumption, estimated omega-3 fatty acid consumption, and estimated PCB consumption from Lake Ontario fish were examined for an association with the incidence of thyroid cancer, while matching on sex, and controlling for age and smoking status. Results from logistic regression indicate no significant associations between fish consumption, short-term estimated omega-3 fatty acids, or estimated PCB consumption from Great Lakes fish and the development of thyroid cancer, but it was suggested that long-term omega-3 fatty acid from Great Lakes fish may be protective of the development of thyroid cancer. In conclusion, fish consumption, with the possible concomitant PCBs, from the Great Lakes does not appear to increase the risk of thyroid cancer in New York anglers. Further research is needed in order to separate the individual health effects of PCBs from omega-3 fatty acids contained within the fish.

Considerations for selecting the correct animal model for dermal wound-healing studies.

An array of animal models has been described to elucidate wound-healing processes and access the impact of various therapies on healing. However, which model to use for different applications may not be immediately apparent. This article will highlight less frequently used animal models so as to illustrate their utility and increase their use. Selection of an animal model should include consideration of inter-species anatomical and physiological attributes that may confound data interpretation, differences in how different types of wounds heal, and sample size and analytical techniques to be applied. Importantly, the use of human beings should be considered, as techniques have been developed that allow for histological, biochemical and molecular analyses of healing parameters on a scale that could be used in humans.

Considerations for determining if a natural product is an effective wound-healing agent.

Many research groups are examining natural products for their vulnerary activity. On the basis of the countless years of folklore and clinical observations, these preparations are being fractionated and applied to wounds in a variety of animal species. Despite this work, the number of agents that have documented ability to enhance wound healing is minimal. This article provides a brief review of some of the major historical milestones in wound care and provides a framework for studying plant products so as to achieve statistically significant results in biologically important models of healing. Only with the use of reference standards, data from appropriate animal models, and human trials can we begin to mine the great potential of these natural products.

Management of infiltration injury in neonates using duoderm hydroactive gel.

Neonates are at increased risk of injury from infiltration of intravenous fluids because of small vessel size and immature skin structure. Until recently, hyaluronidase injection was used to prevent tissue injury following the infiltration of intravenous solutions in neonates. The production of hyaluronidase injection was discontinued in 2001. The alternative, compounded hyaluronidase injection is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is subject to variation in quality assurance practices. Amorphous hydrogels have been used as wound dressings for sloughy or necrotic wounds in a variety of clinical settings. Hydrogels facilitate autodebridement of the wound by rehydrating slough and enhancing the rate of autolysis. No adverse effects or increased infection rates have been associated with the use of hydrogel dressings. DuoDerm Hydroactive gel is a sterile, preservative-free, viscous, hydrating gel composed of natural hydrocolloids. We report our experience using DuoDerm Hydroactive gel for management of injury secondary to the infiltration of total parenteral nutrition solution and lipid emulsion in three neonates.