Rapid identification of material colonization with group B streptococci by use of fluorescent antibody.

To identify women colonized with group B streptococci during parturition, we used pooled type-specific fluorescent antibody to examine vaginal swabs enriched by preincubation in selective broth medium. In preliminary experiments, group B streptococcus strain III-Bell was reliably detectable with fluorescent antibody at concentrations of greater than 10(5) colony-forming units per ml, achieved after 6 h of incubation of small inocula (18 to 26 colony-forming units). Of the vaginal swabs from 924 parturient women examined prospectively by both fluorescent antibody and selective bacteriology techniques, group B streptococci were isolated in 154.

Lack of relationship between prolactin and adrenal steroidogenesis in the ovine fetus.

The role of fetal prolactin (PRL) as a fetal adrenotropic hormone was investigated in eight chronically catheterized fetal lambs. Catheters were placed for measurement of plasma prolactin (PRL), cortisol (F), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and androstenedione (A). Daily (9 AM) samples were obtained until the onset of labor.

Uterine contractility and oxytocin sensitivity in preterm, term, and postterm pregnancy.

The records of 117 patients who had serial nonstress tests (N = 285) and oxytocin challenge tests (N = 268) were analyzed to determine whether baseline uterine contractility and/or oxytocin sensitivity changed with increasing gestational age. The results obtained in patients who were delivered before, at, and after term were compared. Uterine contractility and oxytocin sensitivity increased in all groups as gestational age progressed.

Neonatal acid-base balance in spontaneous and instrumental vaginal deliveries.

The acid-base balances of 63 neonates delivered either spontaneously or by the vacuum extractor or low forceps were compared. The outcome was similar in neonates delivered by vacuum extractor or forceps. However, significant differences were noted in the pH and base deficit of infants born by instrumental versus spontaneous delivery.

The relationship of changes in mammary blood flow and plasma progesterone at the time of parturition in the ewe.

Previous studies indicate that there is a fall in maternal plasma progesterone and a marked increase in mammary blood flow (MBF) at the time of parturition in ewes. In this experiment the role of progesterone as a cause of this increase in MBF was investigated. Progesterone was infused (9.

Fetus papyraceus in twin pregnancy.

Three cases of fetus papyraceus in twin pregnancy were seen over a 4-month period. They were associated with an antepartum stillbirth and intrauterine growth retardation of the larger twin. Two of the 3 mothers exhibited hypertension.

The relationship of mammary temperature to parturition in human subjects.

Four hundred and seventy thermography studies were performed on 210 women to measure mammary temperature prior to, during, and immediately following pregnancy. Mean mammary temperature of 33.3 +/- 0.

Mammary blood flow and endocrine changes during parturition in the ewe.

The temporal relationship between changes in mammary blood flow (MBF) and changes in the concentration of plasma prolactin, progesterone, estradiol-17beta, and cortisol, was examined in chronic sheep preparations undergoing spontaneous labor (Group I) or labor induced by an infusion of dexamethasone (1 mg/24 h) to the fetus (Group II). In Group I, an increase in prolactin (45 to 489 ng/ml), a decrease in progesterone (15 to 4 ng/ml), and an increase in MBF (97 to 365 ml/min) occurred at about the same time, whereas increases in estradiol-17beta (80 to 211 pg/ml) and cortisol (9 to 39 ng/ml) followed the change in MBF. A similar pattern of changes in MBF and hormonal concentrations occurred over a shorter period when premature labor was induced in the animals in Group II.

Relationship of mammary blood flow to parturition in the ewe.

Mammary blood flow was measured in conscious, unanesthetized ewes with electromagnetic flow probes prior to spontaneous labor (four animals) or during the induction of premature labor (four animals) by administration of dexamethasone, 1 mg/24 h, to the fetus. In all animals an increase in mammary blood flow was noted prior to delivery. Dexamethasone administered to one mother in the same dose did not induce labor or produce an increase in mammary blood flow.

Cerebral metabolism in sheep: a comparative study of the adult, the lamb, and the fetus.

The cerebral uptakes of glucose, oxygen, lactate, pyruvate, acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate were compared in the adult, the fetal, and the newborn sheep. Beginning 1-2 days after surgery, we withdrew samples simultaneously from an artery and from the sagittal sinus for up to 2 wk. At all ages glucose was the only substrate taken up in significant quantity relative to oxygen.

Failure of association of premature rupture of membranes with respiratory-distress syndrome.

Records on 16,458 consecutive births were examined to determine associations between the respiratory-distress syndrome of the newborn and cesarean section, maternal diabetes, ante-partum hemorrhage, toxemia of pregnancy, low one-minute Apgar scores and prolonged rupture of fetal membranes. Groups of infants were compared by four-week gestational age blocks. One-minute Apgar scores of less than 5 and of less than 8 were associated with a significant ( less than 0.