Racial and Environmental Influences on Fetal Lung Maturation

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 68 (6) ◽  
pp. 790-795
Author(s):  
Samuel Ross ◽  
Richard L. Naeye
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Fetal Lung ◽  
Hyaline Membrane Disease ◽  
The United States ◽  
African Women ◽  
The South ◽  
Lung Maturation ◽  
The Us ◽  
Hyaline Membrane ◽  
Fetal Lung Maturation

Claims that fetal lung maturation is more rapid in blacks than in whites were investigated. Histologic measurements of lung maturation and the frequency of hyaline membrane disease were compared in four groups of neonates: 490 South African blacks, 841 Ethiopians, 767 US blacks, and 560 US whites. Lungs matured much more rapidly in the Ethiopian and more slowly in the South African than in the US fetuses. The rate of maturation was about the same in US blacks and whites. Hyaline membrane disease was more frequent in the South Africans and less frequent in the Ethiopians than in either US group. Environmental factors in the mother may explain some of these differences. Lungs matured more rapidly in the fetuses of cigarette smokers than in fetuses of nonsmokers. Half of the US mothers but almost none of the South African mothers smoked during pregnancy. The rate of lung maturation had an inverse correlation with maternal body weights. The South African women were heavier and the Ethiopians lighter than women in the United States.

Hyaline membrane disease in black newborns: does fetal lung maturation occur earlier?

1994 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 157-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre-Yves Robillard ◽  
Thomas C. Hulsey ◽  
Greg R. Alexander ◽  
Marie-Pierre Sergent ◽  
François de Caunes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fetal Lung ◽  
Hyaline Membrane Disease ◽  
Lung Maturation ◽  
Hyaline Membrane ◽  
Fetal Lung Maturation

Fetal lung maturity in complicated pregnancy, as predicted from microviscosity of amniotic fluid.

1982 ◽  
Vol 28 (8) ◽  
pp. 1754-1757 ◽  
Author(s):  
N V Simon ◽  
W A Hohman ◽  
R C Elser ◽  
J S Levisky ◽  
M J Carp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Fetal Lung ◽  
Hyaline Membrane Disease ◽  
Lung Maturation ◽  
Class D ◽  
Hyaline Membrane ◽  
Induced Hypertension ◽  
Complicated Pregnancy ◽  
Fetal Lung Maturation ◽  
Lung Maturity

Abstract We measured the microviscosity of amniotic fluid between 28 and 40 weeks of gestation in 252 normal pregnancies and in 172 pregnancies complicated by factors known to influence fetal lung maturation, including chronic high blood pressure, pregnancy-induced hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and therapy with betamethasone. Comparison of the microviscosity value distributions and regression analysis indicated significantly lower microviscosity values in hypertensive disorders, in Class D and Classes F or R diabetes, and after 48 h of treatment with betamethasone. Few changes were observed in Classes A, B, or C diabetes. These observations are consistent with the accelerated maturation of surfactant observed in chronic intrauterine stress and the lower incidence of hyaline membrane disease reported after glucocorticoids.

scholarly journals Modelling Financial Contagion in the South African Equity Markets Following the Subprime Crisis

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (6A) ◽  
pp. 164-176
Author(s):  
Olivier Niyitegeka ◽  
Dev D. Tewari
Keyword(s):  
Wavelet Analysis ◽  
South African ◽  
Cross Correlation ◽  
The United States ◽  
Equity Market ◽  
Financial Contagion ◽  
Conditional Heteroskedasticity ◽  
Subprime Crisis ◽  
The South ◽  
The Us

This paper used wavelet analysis and Dynamic Conditional Correlations model derived from the Multivariate Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (MGARCH-DCC) to investigate the possible presence of financial contagion in the South African equity market in the wake of the subprime crisis that occurred in the United States. The study uses Dornbusch, Park and Claessens’s (2000) broader definition which asserts that financial contagion only takes place if cross-correlation between two markets is relatively low during the tranquil period, and that a crisis in one market results in a substantial increase cross-market correlation. Using wavelet analysis, the study found high levels of correlation during the subprime financial crisis in both smaller and longer timescales. In the former, high correlation was identified as financial contagion, whereas in the latter it was found to indicate co-movement due to financial fundamentals. The high correlation was identified for small scales 3, 4 and 5 that range from a week to one month indicates the presence of contagion. The study also used the MGARCH-DCC model to compare the cross-market correlation between the SA and the US markets, during a ‘pre-crisis’ and ‘crisis’ period. The study used data for the period between January 2005 and December 2007 for the ‘pre-crisis’ period and that for the period from January 2008 to December 2014 for the ‘crisis’ period. The results indicate cross-market linkages only during the crisis period; hence, it was concluded that cross-market correlation during the period of financial turmoil in the US was the result of financial contagion.

scholarly journals Antenatal corticosteroids: a reappraisal of the drug formulation and dose

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan H. Jobe ◽  
Matthew Kemp ◽  
Augusto Schmidt ◽  
Tsukasa Takahashi ◽  
John Newnham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perinatal Care ◽  
Fetal Lung ◽  
The United States ◽  
Drug Formulation ◽  
List Type ◽  
Continuous Exposure ◽  
Fetal Exposure ◽  
Antenatal Corticosteroids ◽  
Lung Maturation ◽  
Fetal Lung Maturation

Abstract We review the history of antenatal corticosteroid therapy (ACS) and present recent experimental data to demonstrate that this, one of the pillars of perinatal care, has been inadequately evaluated to minimize fetal exposure to these powerful medications. There have been concerns since 1972 that fetal exposures to ACS convey risk. However, this developmental modulator, with its multiple widespread biologic effects, has not been evaluated for drug choice, dose, or duration of treatment, despite over 30 randomized trials. The treatment used in the United States is two intramuscular doses of a mixture of 6 mg betamethasone phosphate (Beta P) and 6 mg betamethasone acetate (Beta Ac). To optimize outcomes with ACS, the goal should be to minimize fetal drug exposure. We have determined that the minimum exposure needed for fetal lung maturation in sheep, monkeys, and humans (based on published cord blood corticosteroid concentrations) is about 1 ng/ml for a 48-h continuous exposure, far lower than the concentration reached by the current dosing. Because the slowly released Beta Ac results in prolonged fetal exposure, a drug containing Beta Ac is not ideal for ACS use. Impact Using sheep and monkey models, we have defined the minimum corticosteroid exposure for a fetal lung maturation. These results should generate new clinical trials of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) at much lower fetal exposures to ACS, possibly given orally, with fewer risks for the fetus.

In Quest of the Prevention of Hyaline Membrane Disease

1977 ◽  
Vol 86 (5) ◽  
pp. 573-576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Ellen Avery
Keyword(s):  
Fetal Lung ◽  
Hyaline Membrane Disease ◽  
Maternal Diabetes ◽  
Lung Maturation ◽  
Familial Predisposition ◽  
Surfactant Synthesis ◽  
Elective Delivery ◽  
Hyaline Membrane ◽  
Specific Receptors ◽  
Prematurely Born Infants

Hyaline membrane disease or respiratory distress syndrome of prematurely born infants is more common in males, in Caucasians, has a familial predisposition, and is associated with maternal diabetes and delivery by cesarean section before the onset of labor. Now known to be the sequel of surfactant deficiency, it can be predicted prenatally by assay of amniotic liquid for surface active materials produced by the fetal lung. Deficiency of adequate surfactant synthesis or secretion can result in low levels of lecithins and other phospholipids in amniotic liquid. Lung maturation can be accelerated if labor or elective delivery can be deferred at least 24 hours. Glucocorticoids given to the mother cross the placenta and enter fetal lung tissues; specific receptors exist in the lung which permit glucocorticoids to promote cell differentiation and surfactant synthesis precociously. Clinical trials support the efficacy and lack of short-term toxicity of glucocorticoids in human pregnancy after 28 weeks gestation in the event of premature onset of labor. Maternal toxemia, infection or illness which may be aggravated by glucocorticoids may contraindicate prenatal treatment. Postnatally endogenous glucocorticoids accelerate lung maturation, and further administration confers no additional benefit.

Against Slave Power? Slavery and Runaway Slaves in Mexico-United States Relations, 1821–1857

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-170
Author(s):  
Gerardo Gurza-Lavalle
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Foreign Policy ◽  
The United States ◽  
The South ◽  
Runaway Slaves ◽  
The Us ◽  
El Alto ◽  
Upper South ◽  
Lower South

This work analyses the diplomatic conflicts that slavery and the problem of runaway slaves provoked in relations between Mexico and the United States from 1821 to 1857. Slavery became a source of conflict after the colonization of Texas. Later, after the US-Mexico War, slaves ran away into Mexican territory, and therefore slaveholders and politicians in Texas wanted a treaty of extradition that included a stipulation for the return of fugitives. This article contests recent historiography that considers the South (as a region) and southern politicians as strongly influential in the design of foreign policy, putting into question the actual power not only of the South but also of the United States as a whole. The problem of slavery divided the United States and rendered the pursuit of a proslavery foreign policy increasingly difficult. In addition, the South never acted as a unified bloc; there were considerable differences between the upper South and the lower South. These differences are noticeable in the fact that southerners in Congress never sought with enough energy a treaty of extradition with Mexico. The article also argues that Mexico found the necessary leeway to defend its own interests, even with the stark differential of wealth and resources existing between the two countries. El presente trabajo analiza los conflictos diplomáticos entre México y Estados Unidos que fueron provocados por la esclavitud y el problema de los esclavos fugitivos entre 1821 y 1857. La esclavitud se convirtió en fuente de conflicto tras la colonización de Texas. Más tarde, después de la guerra Mexico-Estados Unidos, algunos esclavos se fugaron al territorio mexicano y por lo tanto dueños y políticos solicitaron un tratado de extradición que incluyera una estipulación para el retorno de los fugitivos. Este artículo disputa la idea de la historiografía reciente que considera al Sur (en cuanto región), así como a los políticos sureños, como grandes influencias en el diseño de la política exterior, y pone en tela de juicio el verdadero poder no sólo del Sur sino de Estados Unidos en su conjunto. El problema de la esclavitud dividió a Estados Unidos y dificultó cada vez más el impulso de una política exterior que favoreciera la esclavitud. Además, el Sur jamás operó como unidad: había diferencias marcadas entre el Alto Sur y el Bajo Sur. Estas diferencias se observan en el hecho de que los sureños en el Congreso jamás se esforzaron en buscar con suficiente energía un tratado de extradición con México. El artículo también sostiene que México halló el margen de maniobra necesario para defender sus propios intereses, pese a los fuertes contrastes de riqueza y recursos entre los dos países.

The Nexus Between Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the United States Unemployment Rate Announcement: An Impulse Response Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3(J)) ◽  
pp. 160-168
Author(s):  
Misheck Mutize ◽  
Victor Virimai Mugobo
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
South African ◽  
Impulse Response ◽  
Unemployment Rate ◽  
Stock Prices ◽  
Stock Exchange ◽  
The United States ◽  
Response Analysis ◽  
Johannesburg Stock Exchange ◽  
The Us

The study explores the relationship between the unemployment rate in the United States and South Africa’s stock prices from the beginning of 2013 to the last day 2017. The objective of this paper is to examine the impact of the US unemployment rate announcement on the South African financial market. Results of Impulse Response analysis show that there is a very minimal impact from the US unemployment announcement to South Africa’s stock prices which disappears within two days of the announcement. In addition, the Johannesburg stock exchange index marginally responds to own shocks, which marginally fades away within two days. These findings imply that the changes in the US employment policies have a direct ripple effect on the South African macroeconomic environment, its investing public sentiments and corporate confidence on the future prospects of businesses.

scholarly journals A Comparative Discussion of the Judicial Disqualification of Directors under the South African Companies Act

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Rehana Cassim
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
South African ◽  
United States Of America ◽  
The United States ◽  
The South ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Locus Standi

Abstract Section 162 of the South African Companies Act 71 of 2008 empowers courts to declare directors delinquent and hence to disqualify them from office. This article compares the judicial disqualification of directors under this section with the equivalent provisions in the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States of America, which have all influenced the South African act. The article compares the classes of persons who have locus standi to apply to court to disqualify a director from holding office, as well as the grounds for the judicial disqualification of a director, the duration of the disqualification, the application of a prescription period and the discretion conferred on courts to disqualify directors from office. It contends that, in empowering courts to disqualify directors from holding office, section 162 of the South African Companies Act goes too far in certain respects.

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