Comparison of cerebral tissue oxygenation values in full term and preterm newborns by the simultaneous use of two near-infrared spectroscopy devices: an absolute and a relative trending oximeter.

The aim of this study is to compare a two-wavelength light emitting diode-based tissue oximeter (INVOS), which is designed to show trends in tissue oxygenation, with a four-wavelength laser-based oximeter (FORE-SIGHT), designed to deliver absolute values of tissue oxygenation. Simultaneous values of cerebral tissue oxygenation (StO2) are measured using both devices in 15 term and 15 preterm clinically stable newborns on the first and third day of life. Values are recorded simultaneously in two periods between which oximeter sensor positions are switched to the contralateral side.

[Evaluation of stress responses in parents of newborns hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit].

Aim: To analyze the results of an investigation about the influence of newborn hospitalization at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on emotional status of the parents.

Material And Methods: The survey was conducted among 98 parents of the newborns hospitalized in the NICU with the use of the PPS-NICU questionnaire. The questionnaire included potential stress factors such as ward environment, treatment procedures as well as the role of the parents in such circumstances.

Mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2) in a large cohort of neonates and its clinical associations.

One collectin (mannan-binding lectin, MBL) and three ficolins (M-ficolin/ficolin-1, L-ficolin/ficolin-2 and H-ficolin/ficolin-3) share the capability to activate complement via the lectin pathway. This property depends on the ability of these lectins to form complexes with MBL-associated serine proteases (MASPs), particularly MASP-2. We report the results of an investigation of cord blood MASP-2 concentrations in a large, ethnically homogeneous cohort (n=1788) of neonates.

Mannan-binding lectin genotypes and genotype-phenotype relationships in a large cohort of Polish neonates.

Circulating mannan (or mannose)-binding lectin (MBL) is genetically determined. Low MBL concentrations are associated with certain point mutations in the human MBL2 gene. Here we report the full MBL2 genotypes of 1800 Polish neonates and relate individual genotypes to serum MBL and MBL-dependent activity of the lectin pathway of complement activation.

Two factors of the lectin pathway of complement, l-ficolin and mannan-binding lectin, and their associations with prematurity, low birthweight and infections in a large cohort of Polish neonates.

Ficolins and one collectin, mannan-binding lectin (MBL), are the only factors known to activate the lectin pathway (LP) of complement. There is considerable circumstantial evidence that MBL insufficiency can increase susceptibility to various infections and influence the course of several non-infectious diseases complicated by infections. Much less information is available concerning l-ficolin.

Effects of IL-12 and IL-18 on HBcAg-specific cytokine production by CD4 T lymphocytes of children with chronic hepatitis B infection.

The influence of IL-12 and IL-18 was evaluated on hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg)-specific cytokine production (IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10) by CD4 T lymphocytes isolated from peripheral blood of children with chronic hepatitis B. CD4 T cells were isolated from peripheral blood of 20 children with chronic active hepatitis B, cultured for 48h in presence of rHBcAg and of co-stimulators, IL-12 or IL-18 or IL-12+IL-18 or in their absence (control). Production of studied cytokines was examined using the ELISPOT assay.

HBcAg-specific cytokine production by CD4 T lymphocytes of children with acute and chronic hepatitis B.

In the presented studies HBcAg-specific cytokine production (IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10) was evaluated, by Th lymphocytes isolated from peripheral blood of children with acute or chronic B hepatitis. Moreover, effect of IL-10 neutralization was examined on HBcAg-induced secretory response of Th lymphocytes obtained from children with chronic B hepatitis. The studies were performed on 12 children with acute self-limited B hepatitis and 20 children with chronic active B hepatitis.