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M Spear

Publications and source records attributed to M Spear.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

Leptin levels in preterm human breast milk and infant formula.

OBJECTIVE: Leptin, a hormone present in breast milk, is involved in energy regulation and metabolism. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether leptin is present in either preterm breast milk (PBM) or preterm formula (PF). The effects of delivery methods and pasteurization on leptin levels also were evaluated. METHODS: PBM samples were obtained from 29 mothers who delivered infants at between 23 and 34 weeks' gestation. Leptin levels were measured in PBM and PF with the use of a radioimmunoassay specific for human and bovine leptin, respectively. Milk samples were pasteurized by fast- and slow-heating methods. PBM and PF spiked with human leptin were delivered through catheters by bolus and continuous administration to determine the effects of delivery method on recoverable leptin levels. RESULTS: Median PBM leptin concentration was 5.28 ng/mL (intraquartile range: 24.79). Birth gestational age, birth weight, and gender of the infant did not significantly influence PBM leptin levels. Neither bolus nor continuous feeding practices affected leptin levels in PBM or spiked PF. However, pasteurization significantly reduced the amount of detectable leptin in PBM. CONCLUSIONS: PBM leptin levels were highly variable and similar to levels reported for term breast milk. There was no effect of postnatal age on PBM leptin concentrations. Sterilization decreased detectable leptin levels, whereas feeding practices had no adverse effect on the quantity of leptin delivered. Although no infant formula contained leptin, leptin could be added to formula and delivered through various feeding methods without loss.

Blotting, Western↗

Growth in human milk-Fed very low birth weight infants receiving a new human milk fortifier.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Human milk fortification has been advocated to enhance premature infants' growth. We, therefore, undertook this study of a new human milk fortifier containing more protein than a reference one. METHODS: Open, randomized, controlled, multiclinic trial, with weekly growth parameters and safety evaluations in premature infants <1,500 g. RESULTS: The 2 groups did not differ in demographic and baseline characteristics. The adjusted daily milk intake was significantly higher in the infants fed reference human milk fortifier (n = 29; 154.2 +/- 2.1 vs. 144.4 +/- 2.5 ml/kg/day, mean +/- SE; p < 0.05). Both human milk fortifiers produced increases over baseline in weight, length, and head circumference, with greater gains observed in the new human milk fortifier-fed infants for the former two parameters (weight gain 26.8 +/- 1.3 and 20.4 +/- 1.2 g/day, p < 0.05; head circumference 1.0 +/- 0.1 and 0.8 +/- 0.1 cm/week; length 0.9 +/- 0.1 and 0.8 +/- 0.1 cm/week, respectively). Serum chemistries were normal and acceptable for age. Study events were typical for premature infants and similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: This new human milk fortifier had comparable safety to the reference human milk fortifier and promoted faster weight gain and head circumference growth.

Body Height↗

Mapping the in vivo distribution of herpes simplex virions.

We describe a method for labeling enveloped viral particles with a radiotracer, indium-111, allowing labeled viruses to be traced in vivo by nuclear imaging. After initial optimization experiments, a labeling efficiency of 83% (incorporation yield) was achieved for herpes simplex virus (HSV), resulting in a specific activity of 30 microCi/10(9) PFU. The labeling procedure did not significantly reduce the infectivity of the labeled virus and the virus did not release any significant amounts of the radionuclide within 12 hr after labeling. Sequential imaging of animals after intravenous administration of the labeled virus showed fast accumulation in the liver and redistribution from the blood pool (immediately after injection) to liver and spleen (12-24 hr after injection). At 12 hr after injection 7% of the virus-associated (111)In had been eliminated from the body and the remaining organ distribution of the virus was as follows: spleen 2.87 +/- 0.54% ID/g; liver, 2.60 +/- 0.51% ID/g; kidney, 0.98 +/- 0.31% ID/g; lung, 0.57 +/- 0.10% ID/g; [corrected] and lower amounts in other organs. Our results indicate that the described method allows qualitative and quantitative assessment of viral biodistribution in vivo by nuclear imaging.

Animals↗

Heterotopic gastric mucosa of the esophagus.

We have described three patients with heterotopic gastric mucosa of the proximal esophagus, which has been recognized by pathologists since the early 19th century. In contrast to Barrett's esophagus, which is now known as an acquired metaplastic lesion of the esophagus, this mucosa is believed to be a remnant of incomplete epithelialization of the esophagus during fetal life. It has little clinical significance because of the small size of the mucosal patch and the neutralization of the acid by saliva.

Biopsy↗

Acquired double pylorus.

We have reported two cases of double pylorus or duplicated pyloric channel as an unusual complication of peptic ulcer disease. It is usually noted as an incidental finding on x-ray films or at endoscopy. Double pylorus seems to be an acquired lesion arising from gastric ulceration and does not necessarily require surgical correction.

Aged↗

Effect of fat infusions on platelet concentration in premature infants.

Critically ill premature infants often require lipid emulsions with parenteral nutrition until enteral feedings can be safely initiated. Because thrombocytopenia has been listed as a potential side effect of fat emulsions, we examined the effect of varying doses of intravenous fat infusions on platelet concentrations in premature infants. An initial validation study demonstrated no artifactual effect of fat infusions on the electronic cell counter method of platelet enumeration. We observed no adverse effect of fat emulsions administered at doses of 0.8 to 3.3 g/kg/day on platelet concentration either during short-term (48 hr) or long-term study periods (4 weeks).

Blood Platelets↗

Charting how-to's.

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Confidentiality↗