• Animal cells and systems
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• v.1 no.3
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• pp.497-505
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• 1997

Dopamine plays diverse roles in the fetal brain development and differentiation. However, the development of the dopaminergic neurons and its receptors has not been fully understood. In our studies, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical methods were used to investigate the ontogeny of dopaminergic neurons and its receptor subtypes during the fetal development of the rat. In situ hybridization data showed that dopamine $D_1$ and $D_2$ receptor mRNAs were expressed in the ventricular and subventricular zones of ganglionic eminence, thalamus, hypothalamus, and cortical neuroepithelium on gestational day 13. Expression of dopamine $D_1$ and $D_2$ receptors during gestational days 17 and 19 reached the same or similar level of that in the adult brain. Expression of $D_1$ receptor mRNA preceded that of $D_2$ receptor mRNA in the early developmental stage, although this pattern was reversed with the sharp increase of $D_2$ receptor mRNA soon after. $D_2$ receptor mRNA was expressed in substantia nigra of mesencephalon of the fetal rat brain. However, $D_1$ receptor mRNA was not detected in substantia nigra. Our results indicate that dopamine might function in the fetal brain during the early gestational period.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.515-518
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• 2003

Six mature purebred Angus cows ($3.5{\pm}1.5$ years of age, $631.36{\pm}8.63kg$), three pregnant ($250{\pm}7$ days pregnant) and three non-pregnant and eight mature Suffolk ewes ($5{\pm}1.2$ years of age, $68.18{\pm}2.3kg$) four pregnant $115{\pm}5$ days pregnant) and four nonpregnant were utilized in a five-day metabolic trial to determine the effects of gestational status (pregnant vs. non-pregnant) on apparent absorption and retention of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). Animals were selected based on body weight, age, and gestational status, and randomly assigned to metabolic crates for total fecal and urine collection. Animals were allowed to acclimate to their new environment for seven days. Pregnant and non-pregnant cows and ewes were then paired (within a species) by body weight and pair-fed throughout the 5 day collection period. Copper and Zn intakes were similar for pregnant and non-pregnant animals within a species. Apparent absorption of Cu (p<0.06) and Zn (p<0.04) were higher in pregnant cows relative to non-pregnant cows. Pregnant cows also had a higher apparent retention of Cu (p<0.05) and Zn (p<0.06) relative to non-pregnant cows. Pregnant ewes had a higher (p<0.01) apparent absorption and retention of Zn compared to non-pregnant ewes. However, apparent absorption and retention of Cu were similar for pregnant and non-pregnant ewes. These data indicate that certain physiological and/or metabolic parameters are altered in pregnant cows and ewes consuming an alfalfa-based diet that enhance the apparent absorption and retention of certain trace minerals.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.510-519
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• 2006

Purpose: To develop and validate a scale suitable and efficient scale for use in clinical practice as to assess pain in premature infants. Method: Pain indicators identified by observation of preform infants. A cohort of preform infants was studied prospectively to determine the construct validity, inter-rater reliability, and internal consistency of the scale. The PIPS uses four indicators of pain: corrected gestational age, heart rate, oxygen saturation, behavioral state. The validation study included 45 premature infants with gestational age of 37 weeks or less. Results: The inter-rater reliability of the PIPS was acceptable, with Pearson correlations ranging from.720 to.970. Internal consistency was high: Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranged from.551 to.653. There was a strong correlation between the PIPS and PIPP scores (each researcher's r=.743, each indicator's r=.914). Although gestational age showed no association between these factors and the sum, the other variables were positively associated with the sum. Time needed to calculate PIPS scores is was less than Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) scores(p<.000). Conclusion: The validation data suggest that the PIPS is appropriate and efficient for assessing pain in premature infants. Further studies are required about to determine appropriate interventions for each pain score on the PIPS.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.102-108
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• 2018

Purpose: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is rare but potentially fatal. The overall outcome is highly variable. This study aimed to identify a simple and dynamic parameter that helps predict the mortality of CDH patients in real time, without invasive tests. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 59 CDH cases. Maternal and fetal information included the gestational age at diagnosis, site of defect, presence of liver herniation, and lung-to-head ratio (LHR) at 20 to 29 weeks of gestational age. Information regarding postnatal treatment, including the number of days until surgery, the need for inhaled nitric oxide (iNO), the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and survival, was collected. The highest respiratory severity score (RSS) within 24 hours after birth was also calculated. Results: Statistical analysis showed that a younger gestational age at the initial diagnosis (P<0.001), a lower LHR (P=0.001), and the presence of liver herniation (P=0.003) were prenatal risk factors for CDH mortality. The RSS and use of iNO and ECMO were significant factors affecting survival. In the multivariate analysis, the only remaining significant risk factor was the highest preoperative RSS within 24 hours after birth (P=0.002). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.9375, with a sensitivity of 91.67% and specificity of 83.87% at the RSS cut-off value of 5.2. The positive and negative predictive values were 82.14% and 92.86%, respectively. Conclusion: Using the RSS as a prognostic predictor with simple calculations will help clinicians plan CDH management.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.118-125
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• 2018

Purpose: The pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) is associated with adverse neonatal outcomes. However, studies on very low birth weight (VLBW) infants are rare. This study aimed to investigate the effect of maternal pre-pregnancy BMI on VLBW infants. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated singleton VLBW infants born at the CHA Gangnam Medical Center from 2006 to 2016. The neonates were classified into three groups according to the maternal pre-pregnancy BMI: underweight (<$18.5kg/m^2$), normal weight (${\geq}18.5$ to <$23kg/m^2$), and overweight or obese (${\geq}23kg/m^2$). Clinical characteristics and morbidities of mothers and infants were analyzed. Results: A total of 181 infants belonging to underweight (16.6%), normal weight (58.6%), and overweight or obese (24.8%) groups were enrolled. The pre-pregnancy BMI had a significant negative correlation with gestational age (r=-0.198, P=0.001) and a significant positive correlation with the z-score of the birth weight (r=0.078, P=0.001) and body length (r=0.067, P=0.008). The number of extremely preterm infants was significantly higher in the overweight or obese group. The proportion of risk of small for gestational age infants was higher in the underweight group (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.958; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.113 to 7.864), whereas that of infants with severe retinopathy of prematurity was higher in the overweight or obese group (adjusted OR, 9.546; 95% CI, 1.230 to 74.109). Conclusion: In our population of VLBW infants, the pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with gestational age, intrauterine growth, and adverse neonatal outcomes. Therefore, proper weight control before pregnancy is important.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society for Noise and Vibration Engineering Conference
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• 2007.11a
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• pp.760-763
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• 2007

We studied how linear and nonlinear heart rate dynamics differ between normal fetuses and uncomplicated small-forgestational age (SGA) fetuses, aged 32-40 weeks' gestation. We analyzed each fetal heart rate time series for 20 min and quantified the complexity (nonlinear dynamics) of each fetal heart rate (FHR) time series by approximate entropy (ApEn) and correlation dimension (CD). The linear dynamics were analyzed by canonical correlation analysis (CCA). The ApEn and CD of the uncomplicated SGA fetuses were significantly lower than that of the normal fetuses in all three gestational periods (32-34, 35-37, 38-40 weeks). Canonical correlation ensemble in SGA fetuses is slightly higher than normal ones in all three gestational periods, especially at 35-37 weeks. Irregularity and complexity of the heart rate dynamics of SGA fetuses are lower than that of normal ones. Also, canonical ensemble in SGA fetuses is higher than in normal ones, suggesting that the FHR control system has multiple complex interactions. Along with the clear difference between the two groups' non-linear chaotic dynamics in FHR patterns, we clarified the hidden subtle differences in linearity (e.g. canonical ensemble). The decrease in non-linear dynamics may contribute to the increase in linear dynamics. The present statistical methodology can be readily and routinely utilized in Obstetrics and Gynecologic fields.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.116-122
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• 2013

Purpose: Preterm infants on parenteral nutrition are at a relatively high risk for hypertriglyceridemia because they have immature lipoprotein lipase activity. The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical factors affecting lipid metabolism in preterm infants receiving parenteral nutrition and to evaluate the influence of intravenous heparin on serum triglycerides to determine the adequate heparin dose to prevent hypertriglyceridemia in preterm infants. Methods: A single-center retrospective review was conducted among preterm infants receiving parenteral nutrition between January 2006 and February 2011. In 75 patients, 110 determinations were performed within 28 days postnatal age. Demographic and clinical data, including laboratory parameters, the dose and the duration of lipid administration, and the amount of intravenous heparin, were analyzed. Results: Serum triglycerides were higher in the small for gestational age (SGA) infants than in the appropriate for gestational age infants ($185.5{\pm}134.9$ mg/dL vs. $126.9{\pm}101.9$ mg/dL, p=0.019). Birth weight, gestational age, and body weight were negatively correlated with serum triglyceride level (r=-0.289, p=0.002; r=-0.208, p=0.029; r=-0.287, p=0.002, respectively). The serum triglyceride level was statistically lower in preterm infants receiving 1 U/mL of heparin than in those receiving 0.5 U/mL heparin or no heparin. Conclusion: Preterm infants receiving parenteral nutrition, particularly SGA and extremely low birth weight infants, tend to have hypertriglyceridemia. Thus, administration of 1 U/mL of heparin rather than 0.5 U/mL or none may be helpful to prevent hypertriglyceridemia in preterm infants.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.263-273
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• 2018

Aquaporin (AQP) 3, a facilitated transporter of water and glycerol, expresses in placenta and fetal membranes, but the detailed localization and function of AQP3 in placenta remain unclear. To elucidate a role of AQP3 in placenta, we defined the expression and cellular localization of AQP3 in placenta and fetal membranes, and investigated the structural and functional differences between wild-type and AQP3 null mice. Gestational sacs were removed during mid-gestational period and amniotic fluid was aspirated for measurements of volume and composition. Fetuses with attached placenta and fetal membranes were weighed and processed for histological assessment. AQP3 strongly expressed in basolateral membrane of visceral yolk sac cells of fetal membrane, the syncytiotrophoblasts of the labyrinthine placenta and fetal nucleated red blood cell membrane. Mice lacking AQP3 did not exhibit a significant defect in differentiation of trophoblast stem cells and normal placentation. However, AQP3 null fetuses were smaller than their control litter mates in spite of a decrease in litter size. The total amniotic fluid volume per gestational sac was reduced, but the amniotic fluid-to-fetal weight ratio was increased in AQP3 null mice compared with wild-type mice. Glycerol, free fatty acid and triglyceride levels in amniotic fluid of AQP3 null mice were significantly reduced, whereas lactate level increased when compared to those of wild-type mice. These results suggest a role for AQP3 in supplying nutrients from yolk sac and maternal blood to developing fetus by facilitating transport of glycerol in addition to water, and its implication for the fetal growth in utero.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.477-492
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• 2000

The purposes of this study were 1) to identify incidence, severity and duration of morning sickness; 2) to explore the diet relieving nausea; and 3) the demographic factors related to morning sickness. The data were collected on 281 pregnant women by the questionnaire comprized of demographic variables, obstetric characteristics, and pattern of morning sickness from 6 weeks gestational period to 30 weeks, who visited prenatal clinic of three general hospitals and a public health center in Seoul. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and $x^2$ test, using the program of SPSS/WIN 8.0. The results were as follows; 1. Incidence of morning sickness comprised of 72.3% pregnant women. Occurrence of morning sickness was gestational mean of 5.93 weeks, and morning sickness ceased after gestational mean of 14.62 weeks. 2. Of those women who experienced morning sickness 27.9% had morning sickness in the morning and 19.7% in the afternoon, and 45.3% had morning sickness for 1 hour in duration and 19.2% throughout the entire day. 3. Of those pregnant women 51.2% had moderate discomfort and 33.5% had severe discomfort in morning sickness. The situations that triggered morning sickness were 'hunger' for 32.9%, 'smell' for 30.3%, and 'cooking' for 23.3%. 4. The affects of morning sickness to lifestyle were 'moderate change' for 39.9%, 'mild change' for 33.5%, and 'much change' for 23.6%. 5. To remedy morning sickness 34.6% of pregnant women tried to eat fruits, and 14.8% tried to drink carbonated beverage. The effective foods relieving morning sickness were fruits for 38.4%, carbonated beverage for 15.6% and dry carbohydrate for 12.0% of pregnant women. The ineffective foods relieving it were milk for 31.0% and dry carbohydrate for 23.7% of pregnant women. 6. The level of relieving of morning sickness by diet were 'mild' for 55.7%, 'no change' for 21.7%, and 'moderate' for 17.7% of pregnant women. 7. There was a significant association with morning sickness and age, but no significant associations with morning sickness and parity, educational level, occupation, type of marriage, and type of family.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.52-59
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate how advanced maternal age influences lifestyle, nutrient intake, iron status, and pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women. The subjects of this study were 112 pregnant women who were receiving prenatal care at gynecologists located in Seoul. The subjects were divided into two groups according to their ages: those over age 35 were the advanced age group of pregnant women (AP) and those under age 35 were the young age group of pregnant women (YP). General factors, nutrient intakes, iron status, and pregnancy outcomes of the two groups were then compared. It was found that 72.5% of the YP group and 51.2% of the AP group had pre-pregnancy alcohol drinking experience; indicating that the YP group had more pre-pregnancy alcohol consumption than the AP group (P<0.05). The only difference found in nutrient intake between the two groups was their niacin intakes which were $16.83{\pm}8.20\;mg$/day and $13.76{\pm}5.28\;mg$/day, respectively. When gestational age was shorter than 38.7 weeks, the average infant birth weight was $2.95{\pm}0.08\;kg$, and when gestational age was longer than 40 weeks, it averaged at about $3.42{\pm}0.08\;kg$. In other words, as gestational age increased, infant birth weight increased (P<0.0001), and when maternal weight increased more than 15 kg, the infant birth weight increased significantly (P<0.05). In conclusion, in order to secure healthy human resources, with respect to advanced aged women, it is necessary to intervene by promoting daily habits that consist of strategic increases in folate and calcium intake along with appropriate amounts of exercise.