Antimicrobial protein and Peptide concentrations and activity in human breast milk consumed by preterm infants at risk of late-onset neonatal sepsis

Objective: We investigated the levels and antimicrobial activity of antimicrobial proteins and peptides (AMPs) in breast milk consumed by preterm infants, and whether deficiencies of these factors were associated with late-onset neonatal sepsis (LOS), a bacterial infection that frequently occurs in preterm infants in the neonatal period. Study design: Breast milk from mothers of preterm infants (≤32 weeks gestation) was collected on days 7 (n = 88) and 21 (n = 77) postpartum. Concentrations of lactoferrin, LL-37, beta-defensins 1 and 2, and alpha-defensin 5 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The antimicrobial activity of breast milk samples against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus agalactiae was compared to the activity of infant formula, alone or supplemented with physiological levels of AMPs. Samples of breast milk fed to infants with and without subsequent LOS were compared for levels of AMPs and inhibition of bacterial growth. Results: Levels of most AMPs and antibacterial activity in preterm breast milk were higher at day 7 than at day 21. Lactoferrin was the only AMP that limited pathogen growth >50% when added to formula at a concentration equivalent to that present in breast milk. Levels of AMPs were similar in the breast milk fed to infants with and without LOS, however, infants who developed LOS consumed significantly less breast milk and lower doses of milk AMPs than those who were free from LOS. Conclusions: The concentrations of lactoferrin and defensins in preterm breast milk have antimicrobial activity against common neonatal pathogens

Untersuchung der Orientierung und Assoziatbildung von elastischen und 'starren' Polymerloesungen in Scher- und Dehnstroemungen mit Hilfe der Methode der Neutronenkleinwinkelstreuung Schlussbericht

SIGLEAvailable from TIB Hannover: DtF QN1(52,49) / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische InformationsbibliothekBundesministerium fuer Bildung, Wissenschaft, Forschung und Technologie, Bonn (Germany)DEGerman

Introducing a new method to record injuries during military training: a prospective study among 296 young Norwegian conscripts

IntroductionMost epidemiological studies in the field of military medicine have been based on data from medical records and registries. The aims of this study were to test a self-reporting injury surveillance system commonly used in sports medicine in a military setting, and to describe the injury pattern among Norwegian army conscripts during a period of military training.MethodA total of 296 conscripts in His Majesty the King’s Guard were asked to report all injuries each week for 12 weeks, using a modification of the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on Health Problems (OSTRC-H2). We recorded all injuries irrespective of their need for medical attention or consequences for military participation. In addition, we retrieved data on injuries recorded by military physicians in the medical record from the Norwegian Armed Forces Health Register.ResultsThe mean weekly response rate was 74%. A total of 357 injuries were recorded, of which 82% were only captured through the OSTRC-H2 and 3% only in the medical records. The average weekly prevalence of injury was 28% (95% CI: 25% to 31%), and 10% (95% CI: 8% to 12%) experienced injuries with a substantial negative impact on training and performance. The greatest injury burden was caused by lower limb injuries, with knee and foot injuries as the predominant injury locations.ConclusionThe OSTRC-H2 is suitable for use in a military setting and records substantially more injuries than the standard medical record. The prevalence of injuries among conscripts is high and comparable with many elite sports.</jats:sec

Pitfalls and Complications of Epiretinal Membrane Peeling in Eyes with Comorbid Subretinal Drusenoid Deposits: A Report of Five Cases

Background: Idiopathic epiretinal membranes (ERM) are common with potential for severe visual loss. Surgical outcomes are excellent but predominantly reported from healthy eye studies rather than those with co-morbidities. We report a series of patients with subretinal drusenoid deposits (SRDD) and comorbid ERM with post-operative complications or poor outcomes, describing potential pitfalls to avoid. Case Presentation: This is a case series illustrating the poor functional and morphological outcomes following ERM surgery in five eyes with SRDD. These eyes appear at risk of geographic atrophy (GA), choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) formation (pre-and post-operatively) and outer retinal atrophy (ORA), all of which can limit outcomes. Conclusion: ERM surgery in eyes with SRDD presents specific challenges. Assessment of outer retinal changes can be challenging pre-operatively, particularly with significant oedema. Identification of patients with SRDD in ERM eyes often relies on examination of the contralateral eye. Appropriate listing is paramount, with care taken to rule out pre-existing GA or CNVM through use of fundus fluorescein angiography. Patients should be given a guarded prognosis during the consenting process if the outer retina is poorly visualized. </jats:p