A graded neonatal mouse model of necrotizing enterocolitis demonstrates that mild enterocolitis is sufficient to activate microglia and increase cerebral cytokine expression.

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an inflammatory gastrointestinal process that afflicts approximately 10% of preterm infants born in the United States each year, with a mortality rate of 30%. NEC severity is graded using Bell's classification system, from stage I mild NEC to stage III severe NEC. Over half of NEC survivors present with neurodevelopmental impairment during adolescence, a long-term complication that is poorly understood but can occur even after mild NEC.

Approach to hyperuniformity of steady states of facilitated exclusion processes.

We consider the fluctuations in the number of particles in a box of sizeinZd,d⩾1, in the (infinite volume) translation invariant stationary states of the facilitated exclusion process, also called the conserved lattice gas model. When started in a Bernoulli (product) measure at density, these systems approach, ast→∞, a 'frozen' state forρ⩽ρc, withρc=1/2for = 1 andρc<1/2ford⩾2. Atρ=ρcthe limiting state is, as observed by Hexner and Levine, hyperuniform, that is, the variance of the number of particles in the box grows slower than.

The state and future of pediatric research-an introductory overview : The state and future of pediatric research series.

This is an introduction to an article series devoted to the current state and future of pediatric research. The role of public-private partnerships, influencing factors, challenges, and recent trends in pediatric research are described, with emphasis on funding, drug and device development, physician-scientist training, and diversity. Potential solutions and advocacy opportunities are discussed.

A Neonatal Murine Sepsis Model Demonstrates That Adjunctive Pentoxifylline Enhances the Ratio of Anti- vs. Pro-inflammatory Cytokines in Blood and Organ Tissues.

Neonatal sepsis triggers an inflammatory response that contributes to mortality and multiple organ injury. Pentoxifylline (PTX), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor which suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines, is a candidate adjunctive therapy for newborn sepsis. We hypothesized that administration of PTX in addition to antibiotics decreases live bacteria-induced pro-inflammatory and/or enhances anti-inflammatory cytokine production in septic neonatal mice without augmenting bacterial growth.

Pentoxifylline Alone or in Combination with Gentamicin or Vancomycin Inhibits Live Microbe-Induced Proinflammatory Cytokine Production in Human Cord Blood and Cord Blood Monocytes .

Neonatal sepsis and its accompanying inflammatory response contribute to substantial morbidity and mortality. Pentoxifylline (PTX), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor which suppresses transcription and production of proinflammatory cytokines, is a candidate adjunctive therapy for newborn sepsis. We hypothesized that PTX decreases live microbe-induced inflammatory cytokine production in newborn blood.