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2023 SEP 9 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- Current study results on Digestive System Diseases and Conditions - Ulcerative Colitis [...]

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajo.2009.07.035 Byline: Keegan S. Johnson, David S. Chu Abstract: To suggest that sub-Tenon triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injections may be a helpful supplement in patients with scleritis. Author Affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, New Jersey Medical School -- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey Article History: Accepted 28 July 2009

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajo.2008.09.011 Byline: Martin Roesel (a), Christoph Tappeiner (a)(b), Carsten Heinz (a), Joerg M. Koch (a), Arnd Heiligenhaus (a)(c) Abstract: To compare the effect of intravitreal and orbital floor triamcinolone acetonide (TA) on macular edema, visual outcome, and course of postoperative inflammation after cataract surgery in uveitis patients. Author Affiliation: (a) Department of Ophthalmology, St Franziskus-Hospital, Muenster, Germany (b) Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (c) University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Essen, Germany Article History: Accepted 5 September 2008

Abstract Background: It is unclear whether asthma is over-diagnosed in developed countries, particularly among obese individuals, who may be more likely than nonobese people to experience dyspnea. Methods: We conducted [...]

Science is built up with facts, as is a house with stones. But a collection of facts is no more a science than a heap of stones is a house. [...]

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2003.09.046 Byline: Juanita K Jellyman, David S Gardner, Abigail L Fowden, Dino A Giussani Keywords: Dexamethasone; uterine blood flow; umbilical blood flow Abstract: The purpose of the study was to test the hypotheses that maternal treatment with dexamethasone leads to a reduction in basal umbilical blood flow and diminishes the fetal umbilical hemodynamic response to acute hypoxemic stress in sheep. Author Affiliation: Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK Article History: Received 26 June 2003; Revised 10 September 2003; Accepted 15 September 2003 Article Note: (footnote) [star] Supported by Tommy's: The Baby Charity, United Kingdom. Dr Giussani is a Fellow of The Lister Institute for Preventive Medicine, United Kingdom.

Byline: Alan H. Jobe, John P. Newnham, Karen E. Willet, Peter Sly, M.Gore Ervin, Cindy Bachurski, Fred Possmayer, Mikko Hallman, Machiko Ikegami Keywords: Compliance; inflammation; lung maturation; respiratory distress syndrome; surfactant Abstract: Objective: We hypothesized that the proinflammatory response to intra-amniotic endotoxin would induce lung maturation in preterm lambs. Study Design: Ewes were randomly assigned to receive 20 mg Escherichia coli endotoxin by intra-amniotic injection, maternal betamethasone (0.5 mg/kg), or sodium chloride solution. Preterm lambs were delivered at 125 days' gestation and underwent ventilation to assess lung function. Lung gas volume, surfactant concentrations, and inflammation were subsequently evaluated, with data analyzed by analysis of variance. Results: Fetal endotoxin exposure 6 days before delivery increased compliance by 59%, increased lung gas volume 2.3-fold, increased concentrations of surfactant lipids, increased surfactant A and B protein levels, and increased messenger ribonucleic acid expressions for surfactant proteins (all P < .01, vs control group). Betamethasone exposure resulted in less consistent effects. White blood cell counts were increased in fetal membranes and lungs after endotoxin exposure, but there was no severe inflammation. Conclusion: A single fetal exposure to endotoxin resulted in large improvements in postnatal lung function and increases in surfactant concentrations after preterm delivery. These effects were qualitatively larger than those achieved with betamethasone. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:401-8.) Author Affiliation: Cincinnati, Ohio, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Perth, Western Australia, Australia, London, Ontario, Canada, and Oulu, Finland From the Division of Pulmonary Biology, Children's Hospital Medical Center,.sup.a the Department of Obstetrics, Women and Infants Research Foundation, University of Western Australia,.sup.b the Division of Clinical Science, TVW Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia,.sup.c the Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University,.sup.d the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Western Ontario,.sup.e and the Department of Pediatrics, Oulu University..sup.f Article History: Received 3 March 1999; Revised 25 June 1999; Accepted 31 August 1999 Article Note: (footnote) [star] Supported by grant HD-12714 from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the Women and Infants Research Foundation, Perth, Western Australia, Australia., [star][star] Reprint requests: Alan H. Jobe, MD, PhD, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Division of Pulmonary Biology, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039.

Byline: William A. Block, Michael L. Draper, James C. Rose, Jeffrey Schwartz Keywords: Fetal development; adrenal gland; steroidogenesis; ovine Abstract: Objective: Adrenal steroidogenesis is important for maturation of fetal organ systems and plays a role in triggering parturition in ovine pregnancies. Studies have suggested a differential increase in baseline cortisol between twin gestations near term. Our aim was to further delineate the mechanisms responsible for the differences between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axes of twin fetuses in vivo. Study Design: Surgery was performed on pregnant ewes (n = 6) with twin gestations to implant fetal vascular catheters. After recovery but while the subjects were resting, plasma cortisol concentrations were similar in both fetuses. Fetuses received, intravenously, boluses of adrenocorticotropic hormone at 2 doses, and plasma samples were obtained for analysis of the cortisol response. This stimulation by adrenocorticotropic hormone was then repeated in the same fetuses approximately 4 days later, after the increase of resting daily cortisol values in one but not the other fetus. Results: Cortisol responses to adrenocorticotropic hormone before changes in daily resting cortisol concentrations were indistinguishable between twins. However, after separation of daily resting cortisol values, fetuses in group A (elevated resting cortisol concentration) demonstrated a significantly increased response to stimulation by adrenocorticotropic hormone. Conclusion: These results suggest a differential development in response to stimulation by adrenocorticotropic hormone between twin fetuses in vivo as the mechanism responsible for the asynchronous elevation of one twin's resting plasma cortisol concentration. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;181:498-502.) Article History: Received 10 December 1998; Revised 24 February 1999; Accepted 31 March 1999 Article Note: (footnote) [star] From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, and the Perinatal Research Laboratories, Wake Forest University School of Medicine., [star][star] Supported by National Institutes of Health grant HD11210-20., a Reprint requests: William A. Block, Jr, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614., aa 0002-9378/99 $8.00 + 0 6/1/98995

Byline: Xiao Hong Ma, Wen Xuan Wu, Peter W. Nathanielsz Keywords: Cytochrome 17 [alpha]-hydroxylase; glucocorticoids; placenta; sheep Abstract: Objective: Our purpose was to determine differential effects of natural and synthetic glucocorticoids on cytochrome 17[alpha]-hydroxylase and cytochrome P-450 side-chain cleavage messenger ribonucleic acid in the sheep placenta and to determine whether feed-forward effects during labor are involved in further inducing placental cytochrome 17[alpha]-hydroxylase. Study Design: Sheep underwent placement of myometrial electromyogram electrodes while they were under general anesthesia at 117 days' gestation. At 125 days' gestation either saline solution (early control animals not in labor, n = 5), 0.48 mg betamethasone during 48 hours (n = 7), 0.48 mg dexamethasone during 48 hours (n = 7), or 55 mg cortisol during a maximum of 96 hours (n = 4) was directly administered intravenously to the fetus. Necropsies were performed at 127 to 129 days' gestation. We also studied 6 ewes in spontaneous term labor at 143-147 days' gestation, 6 term control animals not in labor at 140 to 147 days' gestation, and 6 sheep in which myometrial activity was inhibited by intravenous infusion to the ewe of the selective cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor nimesulide 9 hours after the onset of labor beginning at 147 to 148 days' gestation. Total fetal placental ribonucleic acid was analyzed by Northern blot with complementary deoxyribonucleic acid probes for cytochrome 17[alpha]-hydroxylase, cytochrome P-450 side-chain cleavage, and 18S ribosomal ribonucleic acid to correct for loading. Results: Placental cytochrome 17[alpha]-hydroxylase messenger ribonucleic acid was detectable neither in term control animals not in labor nor in early control animals not in labor. Placental cytochrome 17[alpha]-hydroxylase messenger ribonucleic acid was induced in spontaneous term labor and all cortisol-infused sheep in labor with respect to term control animals not in labor and early control animals not in labor (P < .01). All betamethasone-infused sheep had myometrial contraction activity; however, only 4 of 7 had detectable placental cytochrome 17[alpha]-hydroxylase messenger ribonucleic acid. Placental cytochrome 17[alpha]-hydroxylase messenger ribonucleic acid was not detected in dexamethasone-infused sheep, even the 2 that had myometrial contractions. After reversal of the progression of spontaneous labor with nimesulide placental cytochrome 17[alpha]-hydroxylase messenger ribonucleic acid was significantly lower than the spontaneous term labor group (without nimesulide treatment). The placentas from all animals expressed cytochrome P-450 side-chain cleavage messenger ribonucleic acid, but no changes were associated with either gestational age studied (130 versus > 140 days' gestation) or glucocorticoid-induced premature labor and spontaneous term labor. Conclusions: (1) In sheep the expression of placental cytochrome 17[alpha]-hydroxylase is tightly associated with spontaneous term labor, and active synthesis of placental cytochrome 17[alpha]-hydroxylase is required during the progression of labor. (2) Cortisol is a more potent stimulator of placental cytochrome 17[alpha]-hydroxylase messenger ribonucleic acid in sheep than are synthetic glucocorticoids. (3) Betamethasone has a greater effect in inducing labor in sheep than does dexamethasone, possibly mediated through placental cytochrome 17[alpha]-hydroxylase. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:1215-21.) Author Affiliation: Laboratory for Pregnancy and Newborn Research, Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University. Ithaca, New York Article History: Received 29 July 1998; Revised 15 October 1998; Accepted 15 December 1998 Article Note: (footnote) [star] Supported by National Institutes of Health grant HD 21350., [star][star] Reprint requests: Peter W. Nathanielsz, MD, PhD, ScD, Laboratory for Pregnancy and Newborn Research, Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-6401., a 0002-9378/99 $8.00 + 0 6/1/96580

Byline: Andrew J. Lodge, Paul J. Chai, C.William Daggett, Ross M. Ungerleider, James Jaggers Abstract: Introduction: Cardiopulmonary bypass produces an inflammatory response that can cause significant postoperative pulmonary dysfunction and total body edema. This study evaluates the efficacy of preoperative methylprednisolone administration in limiting this injury in neonates and compares the effect of giving methylprednisolone 8 hours before an operation to the common practice of adding methylprednisolone to the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit prime. Methods: A control group of neonatal pigs (control; n = 6) received no preoperative medication. One experimental group (n = 6) received methylprednisolone sodium succinate (30 mg/kg) both 8 and 1.5 hours before the operation. A second experimental group received no preoperative treatment, but methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg) was added to the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit prime. All animals underwent cardiopulmonary bypass and 45 minutes of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Hemodynamic and pulmonary function data were acquired before cardiopulmonary bypass and at 30 and 60 minutes after bypass. Results: In the control group, pulmonary compliance, alveolar-arterial gradient, and pulmonary vascular resistance were significantly impaired after bypass (P < .01 for each by analysis of variance). In the group that received methylprednisolone, compliance (P = .02), alveolar-arterial gradient (P = .0003), pulmonary vascular resistance (P = .007), and extracellular fluid accumulation (P = .003) were significantly better after bypass when compared with the control group. Results for the group that received no preoperative treatment fell between the control group and the group that received methylprednisolone. Conclusions: When given 8 hours and immediately before the operation, methylprednisolone improves pulmonary compliance after bypass, alveolar-arterial gradient, and pulmonary vascular resistance compared with no treatment. The addition of methylprednisolone to the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit prime is beneficial but inferior to preoperative administration. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1999;117:515-22) Author Affiliation: Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Article History: Received 6 April 1998; Revised 9 July 1998; Revised 7 October 1998; Accepted 6 November 1998 Article Note: (footnote) [star] Address for reprints: James Jaggers, MD, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Box 3474, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710., [star][star] 12/6/95759

Byline: Robert S. Egerman, Brian M. Mercer, Jennifer L. Doss, Baha M. Sibai Keywords: Antenatal; dexamethasone; glucocorticoids; oral; respiratory distress syndrome Abstract: Objective: The study's objective was to compare the efficacies of oral and intramuscular antenatal administration of dexamethasone in reducing neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Study Design: Subjects at high risk for preterm delivery between 24 and 33 weeks' gestation were prospectively randomly assigned to receive either 6 mg intramuscular dexamethasone or 8 mg oral dexamethasone every 12 hours for 4 doses. The regimen was repeated weekly until 34 weeks' gestation if delivery had not yet occurred. A blinded data review was performed. The primary outcome of the trial was respiratory distress syndrome. Data were analyzed in an intent to treat fashion. Comparisons were made with an unpaired t test, I.sup.2 or Fisher exact test, and survival analysis. P < .05 was considered significant. Results: The study was discontinued at 39% enrollment after a blinded review of available outcomes. A total of 170 women with 188 fetuses were randomly assigned. The oral and intramuscular groups had similar mean gestational ages at enrollment (29.9 weeks vs 29.2 weeks) and similar median latencies (9.5 vs 10 days). No difference in the frequency of respiratory distress syndrome was found between the oral and intramuscular groups, (34.3% vs 29.8%). Neonatal sepsis (10.1% vs 1.2%, P = .01) and intraventricular hemorrhage (10.1% vs 2.4%, P = .04) were significantly higher in the oral group. There were no statistical differences in the frequencies of necrotizing enterocolitis or neonatal death. A subgroup analysis of 112 patients who were delivered at Author Affiliation: Memphis, Tennessee Article Note: (footnote) [star] From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee, Memphis., [star][star] Reprint requests: Robert S. Egerman, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee, Memphis, 853 Jefferson, Suite E 102, Memphis, TN 38103., a 0002-9378/98 $5.00 + 0 6/6/93262

Byline: Emanuela Marinoni, Claudia Korebrits, Romolo Di Iorio, Ermelando V. Cosmi, John R.G. Challis Keywords: Corticotropin-releasing hormone; pregnancy; placenta; betamethasone Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine the effects of in vivo administration of prenatal betamethasone in patients at 26 to 35 weeks' gestation on corticotropin-releasing hormone concentrations in maternal and fetal plasma and amniotic fluid, and on corticotropin-releasing hormone localization in placenta and fetal membranes. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 49 pregnant women at risk for preterm delivery between 26 and 35 weeks' gestation were studied. Twenty-six patients received betamethasone (12 mg intramuscularly) for stimulation of fetal lung maturity. Cord blood, amniotic fluid, placental tissue, and fetal membranes were obtained from 22 of these patients at delivery by elective cesarean section at 33.8 [+ or -] 2.4 weeks' gestation. In control patients (n = 23) at comparable gestational age, blood samples were taken for hormone analysis (n = 8), and cord blood, amniotic fluid, and tissues were collected at elective cesarean section at 34.1 [+ or -] 2.3 weeks' gestation. Concentrations of corticotropin-releasing hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and cortisol were determined by radioimmunoassay. Localization of tissue immunoreactive corticotropin-releasing hormone was assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Betamethasone caused approximately 90% reduction in maternal cortisol and 50% reduction in maternal plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone. In patients at >30 weeks' gestation, there was a significant increase in maternal plasma corticotropin-releasing hormone concentrations after betamethasone; maternal corticotropin-releasing hormone was not altered significantly in untreated patients. Corticotropin-releasing hormone levels were raised in umbilical cord blood by 48 hours and in amniotic fluid 1 week after betamethasone administration. There was increased immunohistochemical staining for corticotropin-releasing hormone in placental syncytiotrophoblast and in fetal membranes of patients treated with betamethasone. CONCLUSIONS: These studies provide the first evidence for in vivo stimulation of plasma corticotropin-releasing hormone, likely of placental origin, by glucocorticoids in third trimester human pregnancy. The results suggest that increases in endogenous cortisol during normal gestation may contribute to placental corticotropin-releasing hormone output and to the rise in maternal plasma corticotropin-releasing hormone concentrations during late pregnancy. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998;178:770-8.) Author Affiliation: Rome, Italy, and Toronto, Ontario, Canada Article History: Received 23 June 1997; Revised 2 September 1997; Accepted 9 October 1997 Article Note: (footnote) [star] From the 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University 'La Sapienza,'a and Departments of Physiology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto.b , [star][star] Supported by the Italian National Council of Research (CNR) and The Medical Research Council of Canada., a Reprint requests: Dr. John R.G. Challis, Department of Physiology, Medical Sciences Building, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1A8., aa 6/1/86762

Byline: Jeffrey D. Stewart, Christina L. Gonzalez, H.Dix Christensen, William F. Rayburn Keywords: Betamethasone; multidose; dose comparison; growth; development; mouse Abstract: Objective: Our purpose was to determine in a randomized, placebo-controlled manner whether multiple antenatal doses of betamethasone affect long-term growth and development of exposed mouse offspring. Study Design: Sixty pregnant CD-1 mice received either two, four, or eight antepartum doses of 0.1 mg betamethasone or placebo. Perinatal outcomes, growth, and development of the offspring were compared in a blinded manner. Variables were compared by analysis of variance or I.sup.2 testing. Results: Betamethasone-exposed subjects gained less weight during pregnancy and were delivered of fewer live pups, with fewer male survivors and lower birth weights. These trends were dose related. Growth measurements were similar after the neonatal period. No differences in functional development and physical maturation in the offspring were noted. The reproductive capability, perinatal outcomes, and growth and development of the second-generation offspring were unaffected by betamethasone exposure. Conclusion: Multiple antenatal dosings of betamethasone, reaching toxic levels, did not have an impact on the long-term growth and development of the surviving mouse offspring. Author Affiliation: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Article Note: (footnote) [star] From the Section of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,a and the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology,b University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center., [star][star] Supported by the J.W. Records Perinatal Research Fund., a Reprint requests: Jeffrey D. Stewart, MD, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, P.O. Box 26901, 4SP710, Oklahoma City, OK 73190., aa 0002-9378/97 $5.00 + 0 6/6/84564

Byline: Gary E. Hill, Anselmo Alonso, John R. Spurzem, Alfred H. Stammers, Richard A. Robbins Abstract: Cardiopulmonary bypass induces an inflammatory state characterized by tumor necrosis factor-[alpha] release. Integrin CD11b is a neutrophil surface adhesive glycoprotein integrin that is rapidly and permanently unregulated by tumor necrosis factor-[alpha] exposure. The CD11b integrin is known to be the primary neutrophil integrin responsible for neutrophil lung and myocardial entrapment after cardiopulmonary bypass and subsequent reperfusion injury. Twenty-four adults admitted to the hospital for myocardial revascularization were equally randomized to one of three groups: group A (control), group B (methylprednisolone before cardiopulmonary bypass), and group C (low-dose aprotinin protocol). Blood was collected at three times: (1) baseline, (2) 50 minutes of cardiopulmonary bypass duration, and (3) 30 minutes after cardiopulmonary bypass termination. Neutrophil CD11b integrin expression was measured by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis and plasma tumor necrosis factor-[alpha]levels measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Group A demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) increases in CD11b expression at times 2 and 3 when results were compared with those of the same group baseline and with those of groups B and C at similar times. No significant changes were noted between groups B and C at any time. Group A demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) increase in levels of tumor necrosis factor-[alpha] at time 3 when results were compared with those of the same group baseline and of groups B and C at the same time. No significant changes were noted between groups B and C at any time. These results demonstrate low-dose aprotinin has a similar antiinflammatory effect to that of methylprednisolone in blunting cardiopulmonary bypass-induced systemic tumor necrosis factor-[alpha] release and neutrophil integrin CD11b upregulation. (J THORAC CARDIOVASC SURG 1995;110:1658-62) Author Affiliation: Omaha, Neb Article History: Received 28 February 1995; Accepted 6 April 1995 Article Note: (footnote) [star] From the Departments of Internal Medicine,b Anesthesiology, a Surgery, c and Perfusion Sciences Education, d University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Neb., [star][star] Address for reprints: Gary E. Hill, MD, FCCM, Department of Anesthesiology and Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 600 S. 42 St., Box 984455, Omaha, NE 68198-4455., a 0022-5223/95 $5.00 + 0, aa 12/1/65323

By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Women's Health Weekly -- A new study on Cardiovascular Diseases is now available. According to news reporting originating from Boston, Massachusetts, by NewsRx [...]

Byline: Robert S. Egerman, Rebecca A. Walker, Brian M. Mercer, Jennifer L. Doss, Baha M. Sibai, Richard A. Andersen Keywords: Antenatal; glucocorticoids; oral; dexamethasone; unconjugated estriol Abstract: Objectives : Unconjugated estriol production depends on fetal adrenal androgen precursors. Fetal exposure to exogenous glucocorticoids results in adrenal suppression with a subsequent decrease in maternal serum unconjugated estriol levels. We compared the efficacy between oral and intramuscular dexamethasone in maternal serum unconjugated estriol suppression at 48 hours after the initial dose among women at risk for preterm delivery. Study Design: Twenty-four gravidas at risk for preterm delivery were randomized to receive either 6 mg intramuscular or 8 mg oral dexamethasone every 12 hours for a total of 4 doses. Blood samples (9 mL) were obtained before the initial dexamethasone administration and again after the fourth dose. Serum was separated and frozen at -70[degrees]C and subsequently underwent batch analysis. Unconjugated estriol levels were determined by radioimmunoassay with intra-assay and interassay coefficients of variation of 7.9% and 5.5%, respectively. All values are reported as mean [+ or -] SD. The primary statistical analysis was a t test, with P < .05 considered significant. Results: At the time of dexamethasone administration, gestational ages in both groups were similar. Predexamethasone and postdexamethasone unconjugated estriol levels were also similar between the intramuscular and oral groups (5.39 [+ or -] 3.99 vs 1.80 [+ or -] 2.49 ng/mL and 6.05 [+ or -] 3.00 vs 1.61 [+ or -] 1.03 ng/mL, respectively, P > .05). No difference in percent decrease in unconjugated estriol levels was found between the intramuscular (0.67 [+ or -] 0.24) and oral (0.65 [+ or -] 0.39) groups. Conclusion: Oral dexamethasone (8 mg) produces similar maternal serum unconjugated estriol suppression compared with intramuscular dexamethasone (6 mg) when evaluated 48 hours after administration. Author Affiliation: Memphis, Tennessee Article Note: (footnote) [star] From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee, Memphis., [star][star] Reprint requests: Robert S. Egerman, MD, University of Tennessee, Memphis, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 853 Jefferson Ave, Suite E102, Memphis, TN 38103., a 0002-9378/98 $5.00 + 0 6/6/92576

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2009.09.033 Byline: Matthias Loehle (a), Matthias Schwab (a), Susan Kadner (b), Kristal M. Maner (c), Jeffrey S. Gilbert (d), J. Thomas Brenna (c), Stephen P. Ford (e), Peter W. Nathanielsz (d), Mark J. Nijland (d) Keywords: antenatal glucocorticoids; glucocorticoid formulation; lung maturation Abstract: Glucocorticoid administration to women in preterm labor improves neonatal mortality and morbidity. Fetal exposure to glucocorticoid levels higher than those appropriate to the current gestational stage has multiple organ system effects. Some, eg, fetal hypertension, are maximal at lower than the clinical dose. We hypothesized that the clinical dose has supramaximal lung maturational effects. Author Affiliation: (a) Department of Neurology, University of Jena, Jena, Germany (b) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY (c) Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (d) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX (e) Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY Article History: Received 14 January 2009; Revised 11 June 2009; Accepted 28 September 2009 Article Note: (footnote) This study was supported by Grant NIH Heart Lung Blood Institute 068649, NHLBI, NIH, HHS., Reprints not available from the authors., Cite this article as: Loehle M, Schwab M, Kadner S, et al. Dose-response effects of betamethasone on maturation of the fetal sheep lung. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2010;202:186.e1-7.

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajo.2008.12.006 Byline: Ian L. McAllister, Sarojini Vijayasekaran, Simon D. Chen, Dao-Yi Yu Abstract: To investigate the molecular mechanism by which triamcinolone acetonide (TA) may reduce edema in a porcine model of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Author Affiliation: Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia Article History: Accepted 3 December 2008

Effects of a New Aldosterone Blocker in Patients with Myocardial Infarction Abstract & Commentary Synopsis: The addition of eplerenone to optimal medical therapy reduces morbidity and mortality among patients with [...]

Effects of Inhaled Glucocorticoids on Bone Density in Premenopausal Women Abstract & Commentary Synopsis: This study concludes that inhaled glucocorticoids lead to a dose-related loss of bone at the hip [...]

Effects of Inhaled Glucocorticoids on Bone Density in Premenopausal Women Abstract & Commentary Synopsis: Inhaled glucocorticoid therapy was associated with a dose-related decline in hip bone density in premenopausal women. [...]

Aldosterone antagonists improve ejection fraction and functional capacity in patients with heart failure irrespective of baseline functional class, a meta-analysis has shown. This trial, published in Heart, was a meta-analysis [...]