Early conception factor lateral flow assays for pregnancy in the mare.

The ECF lateral flow assay test is marketed to detect non-pregnancy in mares. The objectives of the present study were to determine the accuracy of the ECF test, the accuracy of the electronic reader accompanying the ECF test, and agreement between two human readers and the electronic reader. Serum samples were collected from anestrus, cycling but not inseminated, and inseminated mares, and were evaluated with the ECF test (EDP Biotech Company, Knoxville, TN, USA) at The Ohio State University and at the EDP Biotech Laboratory. Specificity ranged from 0.07 to 0.16, the negative predictive value ranged from 0.15 to 0.33, and accuracy ranged from 0.43 to 0.52. The electronic reader did not add improve the accuracy or predictive values of the test. Based on the electronic reader, 80.0% of the serum samples collected from the anestrus mares were false positives; Readers 1 and 2 had 60.0 and 33.3% false positives, respectively. For samples collected during the estrous cycle, 83.9% were false positives by the electronic reader, whereas Readers 1 and 2 had 43.7 and 26.4% false positives. We concluded that, regardless of whether the test strips were evaluated by a human or electronic reader, this assay was not accurate for determination of the non-pregnant mare.

A compact device for the deterministic generation of medium-sized bubbles.

The subject of the actual work is an experimental apparatus for the temporal reproducible production of gas bubbles within a condensed phase. The bubbles are produced by using a piston-cylinder system by means of gas displacement. The excitation of the piston is realized by an electromagnetic coil, which is operated by microprocessor controlled output stages. The existing modules are capable of producing variable-sized bubbles of 2 mm < d eq < 4 mm with frequencies of up to 70 Hz.

Homologous Plasmids from Soil Bacteria Encoding D,L-Halidohydrolases

We isolated and characterized D,L-halidohydrolases fromfive different soil bacteria. Three of these bacterial strains bear plasmidswith sizes of approximately 60 kb. Curing and mating experiments indicatedthat these three plasmids pFL160, pFL170, and pFL190 encoded a dehalogenase.Owing to their biochemical characterization, these halidohydrolases wereclosely related among each other and to the DhlIV halidohydrolase, encoded byplasmid pFL40 from Alcaligenes xylosoxidans ssp.denitrificans ABIV. Restriction enzyme patterns as well asDNA-hybridization experiments with an internal fragment of dhlIVrevealed a high degree of homology among each of these four plasmids andtheir dehalogenase genes.

Isolation and Characterization of Dehalogenases from2,2-Dichloropropionate-Degrading Soil Bacteria

Five bacterial strains were isolated from polluted soilscapable of degrading 2,2-dichloropropionate. In crude extracts, dehalogenaseactivity against haloacetates and longer-chained 2-haloalkanoic acids couldbe detected. Results from activity staining indicated that all bacterialstrains expressed a single dehalogenase. In further biochemicalcharacterization, two types of D,L-specific 2-haloalkanoic acid dehalogenaseswere described, which are different from each other not only in molecularweight and electrophoretic mobility, but also in sensitivity towards thiolreagents. Dehalogenases of these strains have been shown to be inducible andare catalyzing halide hydrolysis with inversion of product configuration.

Treatment of candidal infections with fluconazole in neonates and infants.

UNLABELLED: To study the therapy, efficacy and safety of fluconazole in candidal mycoses during neonatal phase and infancy a case review in 53 newborns and infants was performed. The majority of these patients were premature with a median birth weight of 1120 g and born within gestational week 23-38. The median age at the onset of fluconazole treatment was 5 weeks. All patients had underlying diseases and several risk factors, which favored the occurence of a systemic candidal mycosis. Systemic candidiasis was the most frequent diagnosis (75.5%). Fluconazole was administered at a daily dosage of 5-6 mg/kg for a median duration of 21 days. The hepatic, renal and hematologic functions were assessed before, one, two, and three weeks after start of treatment. Yeasts were identified in 37 patients. The most common fungus isolated at baseline was Candida albicans (68%). Clinical cure or improvement was reported in 31 out of 38 patients (81.6%). Mycological cure was achieved in 25 out of 32 newborns and infants. Despite the limited number of patients with outcome data, these preliminary results of a small cohort clearly indicate the effective antifungal therapy with fluconazole in neonates and infants. No serious side effects were observed in fluconazole-treated patients. Two patients with megaureter-megacystis-hydronephrosis syndrome and severe meningoencephalitis showed a mild increase in liver enzymes. - CONCLUSION: Fluconazole seems to be an effective therapy for systemic and other forms of candidiasis in infants including very low birth weight infants (VLBWI; <1500 g). These favorable safety and efficacy data are similar to results obtained with fluconazole in older children and adults. These findings, however, must be supported by larger trials. The recommended daily dose is 5 mg/kg body weight. Only in VLBWI the dosage interval within the first two weeks of life should be prolonged up to 3 days and fluconazole serum levels should be monitored.

Effect of PEEP and suction via chest drain on functional residual capacity and lung compliance after surgical repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: preliminary observations in 5 patients.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is associated with pulmonary hypoplasia that limits survival. The authors' knowledge on lung mechanics and lung volumes in these patients with hypoplastic lungs is still limited. Therefore, the authors performed measurements of functional residual capacity (FRC), compliance of the respiratory system (CRS), and tidal volume in 5 full-term infants (gestational age, 38 to 40 weeks; birth weight, 2,800 to 3,530 g) before and after surgical repair of neonatal CDH. METHODS: The authors studied the influence of different levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and suction via inserted ipsilateral chest tube connected to a water seal on lung volume and lung mechanics. A computerized tracer gas (SF6) washout method was used for serial measurements of FRC. Compliance of the respiratory system was determined according to insufflatory method. RESULTS: The authors found a preoperative compliance between 1.5 and 3.9 mL/kPa/kg and a preoperative FRC between 9.1 and 12.9 mL/kg indicating severe hypoplasia of the lungs in all patients. Immediately after surgical repair of CDH, compliance decreased to 85% (78% to 91%) of preoperative value, and FRC increased to 132% (110% to 150%) of preoperative value under mechanical ventilation while at 4 cm of water of PEEP and at -10 cm of water of suction via chest drain with the need of high fraction of inspired oxygen. After reduction of PEEP from 4 to 2 or 1 cm of water and lowering suction from -10 cm of water to -2 or 0 cm of water FRC decreased to 103% (80% to 122%) of preoperative value and compliance, and tidal volume improved to 135% (110% to 147%) of preoperative value resulting in increased alveolar ventilation, correction of acidosis and improvement in oxygenation. During the first days after surgery inadequate high PEEP or strong suction via chest tube drainage resulted in increase in FRC paralleled by decrease in compliance indicating overdistension of these hypoplastic lungs. CONCLUSIONS: The data show that overdistension of hypoplastic lungs in infants with CDH can be detected and excluded by repeated measurements of FRC and compliance in these critical ill infants. These data might help setting appropriate ventilator parameters, adequate suction via chest drain, and thereby improve gas exchange and outcome.

[Candida infections in infancy and early childhood]. / Candida-Infektionen im Säuglings- und Kleinkindesalter.

Candida infections in infancy can manifest themselves as skin, mucosal or systemic candidiasis. Eighty to nintey percent of all candida infections in this age group are caused by Candida albicans. Whereas in neonates, infections mostly occur sub partu, in older children predisposing underlying diseases get an increasing etiological importance. The diagnosis is based on microscopic and cultural detection of yeast as well as on the course of the titers of Candida antigen and antibodies. For topical antifungal treatment of skin and mucosa infections, different preparations of the polyenes nystatin and amphotericin B have been proven to be most effective. In systemic candidiasis the combination of amphotericin B and 5-flucytosin is the treatment of choice. In view of the potential severe side effects of this combination therapy, fluconazol as a sole treatment represents an effective alternative. Prophylaxis against Candida infections comprises sticking to hygienic regimes, mycological surveillance of risk groups and oral application of antimycotics.

[Noninvasive ventilation of a 4-year-old boy with severe central late onset hypoventilation syndrome]. / Nichtinvasive Beatmung bei einem vierjährigen Jungen mit schwerem zentralen "late onset"-Hypoventilationssyndrom.

BACKGROUND: In the literature we found only five reports about noninvasive ventilation in cases with central hypoventilation syndrome. PATIENT AND METHOD: We report about a 4-year-old boy with severe late onset hypoventilation syndrome. During an interval of 3 months with nasal mask ventilation during sleep he showed an excellent cognitive and statomotoric development. After this time, he needed a noninvasive ventilation with a negative pressure system. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: In our opinion, noninvasive nasal mask ventilation is a modern method in the treatment of patients with central hypoventilation syndrome. Tracheotomy is only necessary during the first year of life.

[Noninvasive nocturnal nasal mask ventilation (NIPPV) in childhood and adolescence. Dresden experiences with 11 patients]. / Nichtinvasive nächtliche nasale Maskenbeatmung (NIPPV) im Kindes- und Jugendalter. Dresdener Erfahrungen mit elf Patienten.

BACKGROUND: There are only small experiences with mechanical ventilation via nasal mask in childhood. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eleven patients using NIPPV (9 patients aged 4 to 18 years and 2 patients with cystic fibrosis aged 20 and 25 years). RESULTS: NIPPV was effective in all 11 patients. Seven patients needed supplemental oxygen. Theophyllin, Almitrin and Salbutamol could support the nasal ventilation in special conditions. CONCLUSION: Intermittent ventilation via nasal mask is a noninvasive and effective treatment of chronic respiratory failure in childhood. Monitoring with continuous pulse-oximetry is necessary.

Short-term outcome in infants with a birthweight less than 501 grams.

AIM: To report survival and morbidity until discharge in preterm infants <501 g with life support started immediately after birth. METHODS/STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study of all preterm infants with birthweights < 501 g born in three tertiary perinatal centres between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2001 (gestational age (GA) 25.2 [21.0-30.7] wk; birthweight 435 [290-500] g; median [range]). RESULTS: A total of 107 infants with birthweights <501 g were born. Twenty-nine were stillborn. A prenatal decision to initiate life support immediately after birth was reached in 9/37 (24%) infants <24.0 wk GA and in 39/42 (93%) infants > or =24.0 wk GA. Survival was 3/37 (8%) and 26/41 (63%) in infants <24 wk GA and > or =24.0 wk GA, respectively. Twenty-nine of the 48 infants with immediate life support (60%) survived (95% CI: 46-75%). Forty-two of these 48 (88%) infants were small for gestational age. No infant without immediate life support survived (0/30). Twenty-three (79%) survivors developed chronic lung disease (CLD) and eight (28%) received photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). CONCLUSION: In this population of extremely low birthweight infants, survival was higher than in previous studies when life support was provided immediately after birth. Short-term morbidity was similar to other studies. The presented data on survival support our concept to offer immediate life support after birth in preterm infants with birthweights <501 g. The long-term outcome of these infants needs to be assessed urgently.

[Amphotericin B level in feces and serum during oral administration in newborns at risk]. / Amphotericin B-Spiegel in Faeces und Serum während oraler Verabreichung bei Risikoneugeborenen.

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of orally administered amphotericin B (Ampho B) on the elimination and suppression of yeasts in the orointestinal tract and on the clinical success regarding the Ampho B concentrations in faeces and serum. A total of 23 newborns at risk suffering from oral and/or cutaneous candidosis and massive colonization of yeasts in the orointestinal tract received Ampho-Moronal suspension (Squibb-Heyden, München) for 10 days: newborns < 1500 g 4 x 20 mg Ampho B/d and newborns > 1500 g 4 x 40 mg/d. Ampho B was detected in concentrations between 0.6 and 20 micrograms/g in the faeces of all patients 24 hours after beginning and 2-6 days after the end of the application. During this time Ampho B concentrations between 0.06 and 0.58 microgram/ml were also detected in the serum of the newborns. During the administration of Ampho-Moronal suspension for 10 days the initial available yeasts were eliminated in 18 patients (78%) out of the faeces. In 7 out of 17 patients (41%) the oral and cutaneous candidosis was cured. After finishing the administration of Ampho-Moronal Candida albicans was isolated again from the faeces during the following 5 days in half of the newborns who had reached negative mycological findings during the prophylaxis. For that reason Ampho-Moronal should be prophylactically administered for a longer time during the period of increased risk for systemic mycosis.

[Mycologic monitoring of newborn infants at risk during preventive administration of nystatin]. / Mykologische Uberwachung von Risikoneugeborenen während der prophylaktischen Verabreichung von Nystatin.

Altogether 80 newborns at risk were prophylactically treated with 3 x 150,000 IU nystatin/d per os for 14-21 d respectively on every second day for 14-21 d. The content of yeasts in the faeces was determined. In preterm infants with birth-weight below 1500 g the intestinal yeasts--especially Candida albicans--persisted much longer during nystatin application than in infants with higher birthweight and longer gestation-time. In newborns at risk, daily nystatin doses of 3 x 150,000 IU/d are recommended for the duration of disposition for systemic candidosis.

Radiological changes after therapeutic use of surfactant in infants with respiratory distress syndrome.

The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of typical chest radiography findings - (1) uniform improvement, (2) asymmetrical improvement, (3) no improvement or (4) interstitial emphysema - after therapeutic use of surfactant and to analyse clinical course and outcome. Chest radiographs of 138 infants of very low birth weight treated with surfactant were analysed. Twenty-eight infants with a diagnosis other than typical respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), i. e., sepsis, congenital pneumonia and congenital malformation, were excluded. In 110 patients with clinical and radiological evidence of typical RDS (median gestational age 28 weeks, median birth weight 1070 g) adequate chest radiographs from before and within 72 h after surfactant treatment were available. The time of surfactant application ranged between 1 and 12 h after birth. The most common finding after surfactant treatment was uniform or asymmetrical improvement of pulmonary aeration (80 of 110 patients). Patients with uniform clearing had the best long-term outcome. Asymmetrical clearance was often localised on the right side or in central regions of the lung, and usually disappeared after retreatment with surfactant without clinical significance. In 11 patients no change in aeration was found and retreatment was absolutely ineffective. Development of pulmonary inter- stitial emphysema after surfactant treatment was a grave prognostic sign: 73 % of these infants died within the first 2 weeks of life compared with 10 % of those with uniform or asymmetrical improvement of ventilation.

[Use of fluconazole in children less than 1 year old: review]. / Anwendung von Fluconazol bei Kindern < 1 Jahr: Ubersicht.

For this review, 78 publications for use of fluconazole in children below 1 year of age were evaluated with a total of 726 patients. The range of fluconazole dosage was 2-50 mg/kg/day with 162 days as maximum duration of treatment. According to the present experience, fluconazole seems to be an efficacious and well tolerated therapy against systemic candidosis and candidemia in children below 1 year of age, including neonates and very low birth-weight infants (VLBWI). The recommended daily dosage is 6 mg/kg. In patients with impaired renal function, the daily dose should be reduced in accordance with the guidelines given for adults. In neonates during the first two weeks of life, this dosage should be administered only every 72 hours. In weeks two to four of life, the same dose should be given every 48 hours. After that daily dosing is appropriate. This posology is derived from the age-related pharmacokinetics of fluconazole with a higher volume of distribution and a prolonged plasma elimination half life especially during the first month of life. Drug monitoring during treatment should be performed to ensure therapeutic plasma concentrations of fluconazole within a range between 4 and 20 micrograms/ml. The benefit of fluconazole should be investigated in prospective studies for treatment of systemic candidosis with administration of higher dosages as well as for early empiric therapy in VLBWI.

Administration of fluconazole in children below 1 year of age.

For this review, 78 studies regarding the use of fluconazole in a total of 726 children below 1 year of age were evaluated. The range of fluconazole dosage was 2-50 mg kg-1 day-1, with 162 days being the maximum duration of treatment. According to current experience, fluconazole seems to be well tolerated and efficacious against systemic candidosis and candidaemia in children below 1 year of age, including neonates and very low-birthweight infants (VLBWIs). The recommended daily dosage is 6 mg kg-1. (In Germany, fluconazole is approved for children between 1 and 16 years in cases in which there is no therapeutic alternative for treatment of systemic infections caused by Candida spp. and Cryptococcus neoformans in a dosage of 3-6 mg kg-1 day-1 and for superficial Candida infections in a dosage of 1-2 mg kg-1 day-1.) In patients with impaired renal function, the daily dose should be reduced in accordance with the guidelines given for adults. In neonates during the first 2 weeks of life, this dosage should be administered only every 72 h. In weeks 2-4 of life, the same dose should be given every 48 h, following which daily dosing is appropriate. This posology is derived from the age-related pharmacokinetics of fluconazole, with a higher volume of distribution and a prolonged plasma elimination half-life, especially during the first month of life. Drug monitoring during treatment should be performed to ensure therapeutic plasma concentrations of fluconazole within a range between 4 and 20 micrograms ml-1. The benefit of fluconazole should be investigated in prospective studies for treatment of systemic candidosis with administration of higher dosages as well as for early empiric therapy in VLBWIs.

[Endophlebitis hepatica obliterans. Unusual cause of liver insufficiency in early childhood in a dizygotic twin]. / Endophlebitis hepatica obliterans. Ungewöhnliche Ursache einer Leberinsuffizienz im frühen Kindesalter bei einem zweieiigen Zwilling.

Findings recorded from obliterative hepatic endophlebitis are described in this paper and are compared with international literature. They had been obtained from a male twin who had died with clinical symptoms of hepatic failure. Differential diagnosis of liver insufficiency in early childhood is discussed in some detail. Also recorded was obliterative angiitis of intramural blood vessels in the ileum. Systemic vasculitis is postulated, possibly developed on the basis of an immunological reaction. Intra-uterine infection had probably been the most likely cause.

[Pneumothorax and subvesical urinary tract obstruction in newborn infants--a pathogenically related symptom complex]. / Pneumothorax und subvesikale Harnwegsobstruktion beim Neugeborenen--ein ursächlich im Zusammenhang stehender Symptomenkomplex.

Within a period of 3 years 4 mature male neonates were observed with an unusual complex of symptoms: subvesical obstruction (valve) with spontaneous pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum. All infants showed immediately postnatal respiratory insufficiency. There are pathogenetical relations between renal and urinary tract malformations and pulmonary changes, which are recognized in Potter's sequence with pulmonary hypoplasia. The authors postulate a deranged dynamic of pulmonary fluid by oligohydramnios, causing increased vulnerable lungs also in such cases without typical x-ray signs of pulmonary hypoplasia. A spontaneous pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum in newborn infants should be the sign to perform nephro-urologic (sonographic) examination.

Perinatal listeriosis in Dresden 1981-1986: clinical and microbiological findings in 18 cases.

Between 1981 and 1986 Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from blood cultures, CSF, meconium/stools or external swabs from 18 newborn infants of two neonatal intensive care units (ICU) in adjacent pediatric clinics of Dresden. The epidemiological and clinical data of infants and their mothers, as well as microbiological and laboratory, x-ray, EEG and ultrasonic findings, are presented. All infants had an early onset of their disease. Cases were classified as granulomatosis infantiseptica (three cases), sepsis (three cases), meningitis (eight cases) and listerial infection without distinct organ manifestations (four cases), respectively. As far as the predominant symptoms at admission were concerned, no typical clinical signs of neonatal listeriosis could be evaluated. Cases with manifest clinical infections had an overall mortality rate of 21% (3/14) despite the immediate initiation of antibiotic therapy; at discharge, a further five patients showed neurological residuals. Serotyping and phagetyping have proved to be methods for recognition or exclusion of epidemiological relationships.

Effect of positive end expiratory pressure on functional residual capacity and compliance in surfactant-treated preterm infants.

UNLABELLED: Positive end expiratory pressure is routinely used when ventilating preterm infants. Elevation of PEEP increases lung volume, as does surfactant treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of various levels of PEEP within the range of 0.2 to 0.4 kPa on lung volume, compliance and gas exchange. We measured functional residual capacity, compliance of the respiratory system and arterial blood gases in 20 infants (median birth weight 1240 g, range 660-1690 g; median gestational age 28 weeks, range 24-32 weeks; postnatal age 3-4 days). The infants were studied at 72 hours after their last dose of natural surfactant. At this time the patients were routinely nursed at 0.3 kPa of PEEP, the PEEP level was lowered to 0.2 kPa or raised to 0.4 kPa in random order. The PEEP level was then changed to the third level 0.4 kPa or 0.2 kPa. Each new setting was maintained for 20 min before FRC, compliance and blood gases were measured. FRC was assessed using SF6 washout technique. Increasing PEEP from 0.2 to 0.3 to 0.4 kPa resulted in increases in FRC (p < 0.01) and oxygenation (ns) in all infants. In 16 infants compliance decreased and paCO2 increased with elevation of PEEP. Only in 4 infants compliance increased and CO2 fell. CONCLUSION: In the majority of our infants reduction of PEEP from 0.4 to 0.2 kPa resulted in increases in compliance and CO2 reduction. Our results might suggest that relatively low levels of PEEP < 0.3 kPa may be appropriate at 72 hours after surfactant replacement. Furthermore, these results underline the importance of PEEP test in clinical practice.

[Intestinal excretion of nystatin during and after oral administration to newborn infants at risk]. / Zur intestinalen Ausscheidung von Nystatin während und nach oraler Applikation bei Risikoneugeborenen.

The concentrations of nystatin excreted with faeces during and after oral application of 3 x 150,000 IU/d, either continuously for 14-21 days or every second day were determined in 42 newborns at risk by means of a bioassay (agar diffusion test). Results indicate that nystatin is distributed heterogeneously in the gastrointestinal tract. The excretion occurs discontinuously. 24 to 48 h after beginning of therapy there were effective concentrations of nystatin in the faeces. The daily application of 3 x 150,000 IU nystatin is recommended.