Neurotrophic Factors in Human Milk in Early Lactation and the Effect of Holder and Microwave Pasteurization on Their Concentrations.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in human milk in the first 2 weeks of breast-feeding and compare the effects of Holder pasteurization (HoP, 62.5 °C, 30 minutes) and microwave pasteurization (MP) at constant temperature (62.5 °C) on the concentraion of both neurotrophic factors (NFs). METHODS: Concentration of NFs in human milk was determined using a commercially available ELISA assay. RESULTS: The average concentration of BDNF and GDNF in milk was 11 ±â€Š6 ng/mL and 336 ±â€Š238 pg/mL, respectively. There was a positive correlation between the concentrations of BDNF and GDNF in human milk and day of lactation (r = 0.441, P < 0.05 and r = 0.482, P < 0.05, respectively). In addition, there was a significant correlation between the levels of BDNF and GDNF (r = 0.366, P < 0.05). HoP and MP for 10 minutes affected both NF levels similarly, causing degradation of BDNF by about 24% and 17%, and GDNF by 47% and 45%, respectively. Use of MP for 5 minutes resulted in preservation of nearly 91% BDNF and 79% GDNF in human milk. CONCLUSIONS: In the pasteurization processes carried out, results showed that GDNF is more susceptible to degradation under the influence of high temperature. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the effects of HoP and MP at constant temperature on the concentration of NFs in human milk. It was found that the MP for 5 minutes is the optimal method.

Ion Chromatography with Pulsed Amperometric Detection for Determining Cyanide in Urine and Meconium Samples.

The parents' addictions and eating habits have a significant influence on the child's growth. The first stool of a newborn baby provides a large amount of information about xenobiotics transmitted by the mother's body. The analytical technique used in the study is ion chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (IC-PAD). The biological samples, which were obtained from women staying in a maternity ward and their partners, revealed cyanide concentrations in urine samples spanning 1.30-25.3 µg L-1. Meanwhile, the results of the meconium samples were in the range of 1.54 µg L-1 to 24.9 µg L-1. Under the optimized chromatographic conditions, the IC-PAD system exhibited satisfactory repeatability (R < 3%, n = 3) and good linearity in the range of 1-100 µg L-1. Thus, it proved to be an effective tool for monitoring trace cyanide concentration in a series of human body fluid matrices, including meconium. Based on the literature review, this is the first application of the IC-PAD analytical technique for the determination of cyanide ions in meconium samples.

Maternal plasma levels of oxytocin during physiological childbirth - a systematic review with implications for uterine contractions and central actions of oxytocin.

BACKGROUND: Oxytocin is a key hormone in childbirth, and synthetic oxytocin is widely administered to induce or speed labour. Due to lack of synthetized knowledge, we conducted a systematic review of maternal plasma levels of oxytocin during physiological childbirth, and in response to infusions of synthetic oxytocin, if reported in the included studies. METHODS: An a priori protocol was designed and a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO in October 2015. Search hits were screened on title and abstract after duplicates were removed (n = 4039), 69 articles were examined in full-text and 20 papers met inclusion criteria. As the articles differed in design and methodology used for analysis of oxytocin levels, a narrative synthesis was created and the material was categorised according to effects. RESULTS: Basal levels of oxytocin increased 3-4-fold during pregnancy. Pulses of oxytocin occurred with increasing frequency, duration, and amplitude, from late pregnancy through labour, reaching a maximum of 3 pulses/10 min towards the end of labour. There was a maximal 3- to 4-fold rise in oxytocin at birth. Oxytocin pulses also occurred in the third stage of labour associated with placental expulsion. Oxytocin peaks during labour did not correlate in time with individual uterine contractions, suggesting additional mechanisms in the control of contractions. Oxytocin levels were also raised in the cerebrospinal fluid during labour, indicating that oxytocin is released into the brain, as well as into the circulation. Oxytocin released into the brain induces beneficial adaptive effects during birth and postpartum. Oxytocin levels following infusion of synthetic oxytocin up to 10 mU/min were similar to oxytocin levels in physiological labour. Oxytocin levels doubled in response to doubling of the rate of infusion of synthetic oxytocin. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma oxytocin levels increase gradually during pregnancy, and during the first and second stages of labour, with increasing size and frequency of pulses of oxytocin. A large pulse of oxytocin occurs with birth. Oxytocin in the circulation stimulates uterine contractions and oxytocin released within the brain influences maternal physiology and behaviour during birth. Oxytocin given as an infusion does not cross into the mother's brain because of the blood brain barrier and does not influence brain function in the same way as oxytocin during normal labour does.

Determination of thiocyanate as a biomarker of tobacco smoke constituents in selected biological materials of human origin.

In order to protect human health, it is necessary to biomonitor toxic substances originating from tobacco smoke in biological materials sampled from persons with different exposures to tobacco smoke constituents. Thiocyanate anion is a biomarker of exposure to tobacco smoke components which is characterized by a relatively long half-life in the human body, i.e. 6 days. In this work, we present the results of thiocyanate determinations performed on samples of placenta, meconium, saliva, breast milk, sweat and blood. The placenta samples were subjected to accelerated solvent extraction with water. The thiocyanate concentrations were determined using ion chromatography. The analyzed biological materials were compared with regard to their applicability for biomonitoring toxic substances originating from tobacco smoke. The highest mean concentrations of thiocyanate were observed in the samples of biological materials collected from active smokers.

Psychosomatic symptoms of the Couvade syndrome in Finnish and Polish expectant fathers.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence of symptoms associated with the Couvade syndrome in two groups of men of Polish and Finnish nationality, and to perform a comparative analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in two groups of men (expectant fathers): 51 Poles and 40 Finns using a self-constructed questionnaire prepared in Polish and English languages. The statistical analysis was performed in Micro-soft Office Excel 2010 and Statistica 12. The Pearson's test was calculated, and the statistical significance level was p < 0.05. RESULTS: The most common physical symptoms reported by the Polish men were weight gain (78%) and gastric disorders (80%), whereas the Finns most frequently declared weight gain (60%). As for emotional symptoms, mood swings (p = 0.0001) and sleep disorders (p = 0.00004) were significantly more common in the Poles, whilst the Finns experienced frustration (p = 0.0403) and nervousness (p = 0.01579) significantly more frequently. The Finnish respondents more often used profes-sional forms of preparation for childbirth and parenthood (p = 0.00229). CONCLUSIONS: Psychosomatic symptoms of the Couvade syndrome are significantly more common in Polish than in Finnish expectant fathers. Compared with Polish fathers, Finns significantly more frequently attend ante-natal classes. Ante-natal care should encompass education of men as they do experience the symptoms of the Couvade syndrome during their wives'/partners' pregnancies.

The content of conjugated linoleic acid and vaccenic acid in the breast milk of women from Gdansk and the surrounding district, as well as in, infant formulas and follow-up formulas. nutritional recommendation for nursing women.

Fatty acids are some of the most important components of human milk. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential nutrients required for the optimal growth and development of infants, especially the central nervous system, brain and retina. AIM: To determine the conjugated linolenic acid (CLA) and vaccenic acid (VA) content of human breast milk from mothers consuming different diets, and to compare the results with CLA and VA levels in infant formulas (IF) and follow-up formulas (FF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty healthy mothers were classified according to their diet status into one of two groups: diet low in dairy products and conventional diet without limiting the intake of dairy products. Dietary intake of dairy fat was determined based on 3-day food diaries. Fatty acid (FA) composition in samples were analyzed by High Resolution Gas Chromatography (HR-GC). RESULTS: In the group of 20 mothers whose diets were deficient in dairy products, the average CLA content of breast milk fat was determined to be 0.27% of total FA, the VA 0.36%. In the group of 30 women consuming dairy products, the average content of CLA and VA in breast milk fat was statistically significantly higher: 0.49% and 0.69% of total FAs, respectively. In the fat of the IF and FF tested (n=11) only trace amounts of both FA were found. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that CLA and VA concentrations of human milk can be influenced by diet. It is recommended that the source of these FAs in the diet of breastfeeding women are natural products and not dietary supplements. The majority of commercially available IF and FF do not contain sufficient amounts of CLA and VA, and that their FA composition is deficient in comparison with breast milk fat.

[DNA profiling as a method of zygosity determination in multiple pregnancy]. / Profilowanie DNA jako metoda okreslania zygotycznosci w ciazy wieloraczej.

The aim of the report was to present a method of zygosity determination in multiple pregnancy. The study wascarried out on same-sex neonates born as a result of spontaneous quadruplet pregnancy. Zygosity was determinedby DNA profiling. The pregnancy was confirmed to be polyzygotic. DNA profiling may be used as a method ofzygosity determination in multiple pregnancy.

Temperament and the mother-infant dyad: associations with breastfeeding and formula feeding with a bottle.

Breastfeeding supports the formation of an emotional bond between mothers and their children. The feeding method is associated with both the child's temperament and the mother's perception of herself and the child. Therefore, the present study focuses on the feeding method, mothers' reaction during feeding, and infants' temperament traits. Ninety-eight mothers with children aged 3 to 5 months participated in the study. Children were assessed with the Children Development Scale (A. Matczak et al., 2007) to measure their temperament. Mothers completed the Mother and Baby Scale (D. Wolke & I. St James-Roberts, 1987, as cited in T.B. Brazelton & K. Nugent, 1995), which measures mothers' evaluation of their children's behaviors during feeding and their overall experiences with their children's care. The results show that breastfed newborns, as compared to bottle-fed newborns, demonstrate higher vigor, which includes activity and the intensity of reaction. Bottle-fed children demonstrate higher regularity than do breastfed children. Mothers who bottle-feed their children perceive themselves to be less confident in the feeding domain than do mothers who breastfeed. Our results indicate that children's temperament might be an important factor in the decision regarding the feeding method. The study supports the idea of promoting knowledge of children's behaviors during feeding among mothers even before their children are born, such as during antenatal classes.

Couvade syndrome among Polish expectant fathers.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the conducted study was to analyze the phenomenon of Couvade Syndrome amongst fathers expecting their children in Poland. The authors examined the frequency of couvade symptoms in male subjects as well as their associations with male empathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research involved 143 expectant fathers. All subjects attended antenatal classes, and their female partners were in their third trimester. Before the start of classes, participants were asked to fill in the following questionnaires: a survey for measurement of Couvade Syndrome (which includes a set of 16 symptoms identified by Lipkin and Lamb (19) and translated into Polish), and the Empathic Sensitiveness Scale (SWE). Although participants, on average, did not experience Couvade Syndrome, they did experience symptoms that are commonly linked with the syndrome, namely those related to weight (weight gain, changes in appetite and flatulence). RESULTS: The results indicate that expectant fathers experience couvade symptoms related to weight (weight gain, changes in appetite and flatulence). The only empathic component that positively correlates with Couvade Syndrome is personal distress, i.e. the tendency to take on the negative emotions of others. Demographic characteristics are not associated with Couvade Syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of couvade symptoms in male subjects is associated with male empathy. In other words, men who are emotionally sensitive or prone to distress may physiologically experience the pregnancy of their female partners, which can be interpreted as compathy.

Effect of convection and microwave heating on the retention of bioactive components in human milk.

Bioactive substances are very important components of human milk (HM), especially for premature newborns. The effects of convection (CH) and microwave heating (MWH) at 62.5 and 66 °C, on the level of selected bioactive components of HM: lysozyme (LZ), lactoferrin (LF), secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), basal lipase (BL), cytokine TGF-2, vitamin C and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was compared. Regardless of the used heating methods the TAC of HM, determined by TEAC and ORAC-FL assay, proved to be insensitive to temperature pasteurization, in contrary to BL. MWH in the conditions of 62.5 for 5 min and 66 °C for 3 min are ensuring microbiological safety with a higher retention of most of the tested active HM proteins compared to CH. Only in the case of LZ the MWH had a more degradative effect on its concentration. Controlled conditions of MWH preserve the bioactive components of the HM better than CH.

Effect of microwave and convection heating on selected nutrients of human milk.

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the microwave heating method (MWH) on selected determinants of the nutritional value of human milk (HM) and compare to the effect exerted by the standard convection heating (CH) method, including holder pasteurization (HoP). It was showed that using MWH under conditions assumed to ensure microbiological safety, changes in the level of the nutrients were not observed. In these conditions concentration of fatty acids (FAs), lipid peroxides (LP) and α-lactalbumin (α-La) were on a similar level as in raw milk, and furosine was not formed. MWH treatment of HM led to slight increase in the malonaldehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls (PC) content. However, MDA content in HM as a result of MWH was lower than after application CH.

The content of conjugated linoleic acid and vaccenic acid in the breast milk of women from Gdansk and the surrounding district, as well as in, infant formulas and follow-up formulas. nutritional recommendation for nursing women.

INTRODUCTION: Fatty acids are some of the most important components of human milk. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential nutrients required for the optimal growth and development of infants, especially the central nervous system, brain and retina. AIM: To determine the conjugated linolenic acid (CLA) and vaccenic acid (VA) content of human breast milk from mothers consuming different diets, and to compare the results with CLA and VA levels in infant formulas (IF) and follow-up formulas (FF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty healthy mothers were classified according to their diet status into one of two groups: diet low in dairy products and conventional diet without limiting the intake of dairy products. Dietary intake of dairy fat was determined based on 3-day food diaries. Fatty acid (FA) composition in samples were analyzed by High Resolution Gas Chromatography (HR-GC). RESULTS: In the group of 20 mothers whose diets were deficient in dairy products, the average CLA content of breast milk fat was determined to be 0.27% of total FA, the VA 0.36%. In the group of 30 women consuming dairy products, the average content of CLA and VA in breast milk fat was statistically significantly higher: 0.49% and 0.69% of total FAs, respectively. In the fat of the IF and FF tested (n=11) only trace amounts of both FA were found. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that CLA and VA concentrations of human milk can be influenced by diet. It is recommended that the source of these FAs in the diet of breastfeeding women are natural products and not dietary supplements. The majority of commercially available IF and FF do not contain sufficient amounts of CLA and VA, and that their FA composition is deficient in comparison with breast milk fat.

Empathy and Hormonal Changes as Predictors of Sensitive Responsiveness towards Infant Crying: A Study Protocol.

Sensitive responsiveness refers to parents' ability to recognize and respond to infants' cues and has been linked to parental empathy. Additionally, oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are hormones important for sensitivity and empathy. The aim of this study is to test the links between dispositional empathy along with changing OT and AVP levels and responsiveness to a life-like doll in couples and to verify whether these factors are predictors of responsiveness to a child's cues. Exploratory analyses include predictors of sensitive responsiveness: polymorphisms of OXTR, AVPR1a and CD38 genes, personal characteristics and relational factors. The project employs standardized experimental settings that can be used with non-parents and the assessment of parental sensitive responsiveness towards their child. The participants are couples expecting their first child (111) and childless couples (110). The procedure involves caretaking of a life-like doll. Salivary samples and questionnaire data are collected in a planned manner. In the second part, the expectant couples are invited for the assessment of their sensitivity to their own child (Free Play episodes). Parental sensitivity is assessed using the Ainsworth Sensitivity Scale. This paper presents an interdisciplinary research project that reaches beyond the questionnaire measurement, considering many factors influencing the dynamics of adult-infant interaction.

Parents' personality and maternal experiences in childcare as predictors of postpartum depression in couples in transition to parenthood. / Osobowosc rodziców i doswiadczenia matek w opiece nad dzieckiem jako predyktory depresji poporodowej u par w okresie przejscia do rodzicielstwa.

OBJECTIVES: Analysis of interrelationships between the five global personality dimensions of both parents and mothers' experiences regarding feeding the baby/childcare, as well as determining their role as predictors of postpartum depression. METHODS: 223 first-time expectant couples participated in the study (I stage), and 143 couples from this group were examined about five months after the childbirth (II stage). The following questionnaires were used:the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Mother and Baby Scale (MBAS). RESULTS: EPDS scores were interrelated in couples. Both parents' Neuroticism measured before the childbirth was associated with higher levels of self-assessed and partner's postpartum depression. Mothers'Neuroticism negatively correlated with global confidence regarding childcare and the child's positive alertness during feeding (which was also associated with a higher female Extraversion). Maternal global confidence in childcare negatively correlated with postpartum depression in both partners. Perceived child's alertness and mother's global confidence significantly mediated the relationship between mothers' Neuroticism (and their Extraversion in the case of child's alertness), and theEPDS scorein women. Partners' similarity in Neuroticism was associated with worse functioning of mothers (higher EPDS scores, lack of confidence), whereas similarity in Openness to experience negatively correlated with fathers' EPDS score, and positively with mothers' global confidence. CONCLUSIONS: Complex associations between postpartum depression scores and personality dimensions of men and women, and mother's experiences indicate the need to include fathers and couples in studies. Offering the possibility to meet with lactation consultants might be an essential element of support system for new parents.

Application of ion chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection for the determination of trace cyanide in biological samples, including breast milk.

Cyanide (CN) is the biomarker of exposure to the components of tobacco smoke, although its presence in biological samples is also due to the consumption of products containing cyanogenic glycosides. In this work, we determine the concentration of the free cyanide in urine, saliva and breast milk matrices, using ion chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (IC-PAD). IC-PAD is an emerging method, with only few documented applications in urine and saliva, and the presented determination in breast milk is its first published report for any method. The biological samples, which were obtained from women staying in a maternity ward, showed cyanide concentrations spanning 1.82-98.47 µg L-1. Under the optimized chromatographic conditions, the IC-PAD system exhibited satisfactory repeatability (R < 3%, n = 3) and good linearity in the range of 1-100 µg L-1. Thus, it proved to be an effective tool for monitoring trace cyanide concentration in a series of human body fluid matrices, including breast milk. This last matrix is especially important due to the possible effect on infant health related to the mothers' smoking habits.

Association between uridin diphosphate glucuronosylotransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) gene polymorphism and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of UGT1A1*28 and UGT1A1*60 polymorphisms of UGT1A1 gene and their association with hyperbilirubinemia. STUDY DESIGN: The study was performed at a single centre - at the Department of Obstetrics of the Medical University of Gdansk in Poland. DNA was isolated from Guthrie cards of 171 infants. Only full term newborns (gestational age 38-42 weeks) were included in the study. Fluorescent molecular probes were used for UGT1A1 promoter variation analysis. The presence of UGT1A1*28 polymorphism was detected with a dual-probe system, and UGT1A1*60 with a SimpleProbe™. RESULT: Homozygous UGT1A1*28 and UGT1A1*60 genotypes were detected in 14.6% and 20.5% of the newborns, respectively. Homozygous (G/G) genotypes of UGT1A1*60 polymorphism were found in all of the UGT1A1*28 (i.e. (TA)7/(TA)7) homozygotes. More than 80% (55/66) of the children with "wild" type UGT1A1*28 genotype (where no polymorphism was detected) (i.e. (TA)6/(TA)6) carried the "wild" (T/T) genotype of UGT1A1*60 as well. The UGT1A1*28 polymorphism was detected more often among neonates with elevated bilirubin. Hyperbilirubinemia was diagnosed more frequently in boys. CONCLUSION: Polymorphisms of the UGT1A1 gene frequently co-exist in neonates. The presence of UGT1A1*28 polymorphism and male gender seem to predispose to neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Meconium samples used to assess infant exposure to the components of ETS during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to use meconium samples to assess fetal exposure to compounds present in environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In order to assess fetal exposure to toxic tobacco smoke compounds, samples of meconium from the offspring of women with different levels of tobacco smoke exposure, and the samples of saliva from the mothers were analyzed. Thiocyanate ion as a biomarker of tobacco smoke exposure, and other ions that are indices of such exposure were determined by means of ion chromatography. RESULTS: The results of ion chromatography analysis of the meconium and maternal saliva samples for the presence of cations and anions (including thiocyanate ion) indicate that the concentration level of specific ions depends on the intensity of environmental tobacco smoke exposure of pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, it can be concluded that meconium samples can be used to determine the substances from tobacco smoke. The results confirm the effect of smoking during pregnancy on the presence and content of substances from tobacco smoke.

Application of ion chromatography for the determination of inorganic ions, especially thiocyanates, in human semen samples as biomarkers of environmental tobacco smoke exposure.

Tobacco smoking constitutes a significant source of indoor air pollution. Various chemical compounds that are emitted during tobacco smoking can have a direct cytotoxic effect on spermatozoa by damaging DNA. There is some evidence that tobacco smoking in men could affect male fertility. The goals of this study were to find relationships between thiocyanates (as biomarkers of environmental tobacco smoke exposure) and other inorganic ions in human semen samples and present the effectiveness of the proposed sample preparation procedure combined with ion chromatography technique for the determination of inorganic ions, especially thiocyanates, in human semen samples collected from heavy, moderate, and passive smokers, as well as nonsmoking individuals.