Differences in the maturation of amplitude-integrated EEG signals in male and female preterm infants.

Background: The amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) is a valuable tool for monitoring brain function in preterm infants. Several studies have discussed sex-related differences regarding neonatal morbidity and mortality. To date, no study has been published specifically evaluating potential sex-related differences in aEEG parameters.

Complement, complement activation and anaphylatoxins in human ovarian follicular fluid.

Functionally active complement was sought and detected in human follicular fluids obtained during the pre-ovulatory period. All the functional complement activities tested, including total haemolytic complement, classical pathway activity and alternative pathway activity were present in nine fluids from four different donors with values within the normal serum range. The immunochemical analysis demonstrated the presence of complement factors from C1 to C9, of B and of C1 INH, H, I.