Apneic oxygenation via nasal cannula for intubation of a premature neonate with multiple airway anomalies.

Intubating a neonate under non-emergent conditions may be quite stressful, even for experienced providers, due to the potential for rapid oxygen desaturation. Pulmonary physiology and increased metabolic oxygen demand in this patient population contribute to accelerated oxygen desaturation during induction of anaesthesia and intubation. Using a nasal cannula, placed prior to induction of anaesthesia and left in place until the airway is secured, is a simple and effective way to provide apneic oxygenation and may help maintain adequate oxygen saturation.

The role of folate metabolism in orofacial development and clefting.

Folate deficiency has been associated with numerous diseases and birth defects including orofacial defects. However, whether folate has a role in the face during early orofacial development has been unclear. The present study reveals that pharmacological and antisense oligonucleotide mediated inhibition of DHFR, an integral enzyme in the folate pathway, results in specific changes in the size and shape of the midface and embryonic mouth.