The Role of the Kynurenine Pathway in the (Patho) physiology of Maternal Pregnancy and Fetal Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Tryptophan is the precursor of kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolites which regulate immune tolerance, energy metabolism, and vascular tone. Since these processes are important during pregnancy, changes in KP metabolite concentrations may play a role in the pathophysiology of pregnancy complications. We hypothesize that KP metabolites can serve as novel biomarkers and preventive therapeutic targets.

Predictive Intelligent Control of Oxygenation (PRICO) in preterm infants on high flow nasal cannula support: a randomised cross-over study.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of automated control of inspired oxygen (FiO2) by Predictive Intelligent Control of Oxygenation (PRICO) on the Fabian ventilator in maintaining oxygen saturation (SpO2) in preterm infants on high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) support.

Design: Single-centre randomised two-period crossover study.

Setting: Tertiary neonatal intensive care unit.

Parental psychological distress during pregnancy and the risk of childhood lower lung function and asthma: a population-based prospective cohort study.

Background: Although maternal psychological distress during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of respiratory morbidity in preschool children, it is unknown whether this association persists into later childhood.

Objective: To examine the association between parental psychological distress during pregnancy and lung function and asthma in children of school age.

Methods: This study of 4231 children was embedded in a population-based prospective cohort.

The significance of circadian rhythms and dysrhythmias in critical illness.

Many physiological and cellular processes cycle with time, with the period between one peak and the next being roughly equal to 24 h. These circadian rhythms underlie 'permissive homeostasis', whereby anticipation of periods of increased energy demand or stress may enhance the function of individual cells, organ systems or whole organisms. Many physiological variables related to survival during critical illness have a circadian rhythm, including the sleep/wake cycle, haemodynamic and respiratory indices, immunity and coagulation, but their clinical significance remains underappreciated.