We now know that asthma risk begins in utero during rapid lung morphogenesis, when the developing fetus is particularly vulnerable to toxic insults due to immature immune, neuroendocrine and antioxidant defences. A meta-analysis published in a recent issue of the European Respiratory Journal (ERJ) [1] builds on substantial evidence highlighting psychological stress as a critical toxic exposure ...

ROBERT, DONALD CATON, Luls B, &RET, CARLYLE LEON MANN, AND DONALD H. BARRON. Fetal brainmaternal aorta tm~erature d@erences in sheep. Am. J, Physiol. 2 17(6) : I6 194622, I969.-Thermocouples were implanted chronically in the fetal brain and maternal aorta respectively of 1 I pregnant Dorset and Columbian ewes, at stages between the 122nd and 139th days of gestation. In six apparently unstressed...

Marijuana is currently the most commonly abused illicit drug. According to recent studies, cannabinoid use occurring prior to pregnancy can impact brain plasticity and behavior in future generations. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether adolescent exposure of female rats to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) induces transgenerational effects on the reward-facilitating effects...

The placenta is a distinctive, endocrine organ, which facilitates the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus through placental microcirculation. Placenta is a window providing insight vision for understanding maternal dysfunction and its impacts on fetal well-being. So it is an effective index by examination of which we can predict the status of fetus in utero as well as in neonatal life. ...

We study whether the relationship between the state unemployment rate at the time of conception and infant health, infant mortality and maternal characteristics in the United States has changed over the years 1980-2004. We use microdata on births and deaths for years 1980-2004 and find that the relationship between the state unemployment rate at the time of conception and infant mortality and b...

In mammals, the intrauterine condition has an important role in the development of fetal physiological systems in later life. Suboptimal maternal environment can alter the regulatory pathways that determine the normal development of the fetus in utero, which in post-natal life may render the individual more susceptible to cardiovascular or metabolic adult-life diseases. Changes in the intrauter...

Hippocampi are asymmetrical in children and adults, where the right hippocampus is larger. To date, no literature has confirmed that hippocampal asymmetry is evident at birth. Furthermore, gender differences have been observed in normal hippocampal asymmetry, but this has not been examined in neonates. Stress, injury, and lower IQ have been associated with alterations to hippocampal asymmetry. ...

Two cases of fetal abdominal masses were discovered in utero by real-time ultrasound. They were diagnosed as follicle ovarian cysts and multicystic kidney in the early days of life. Ultrasound should be used on all pregnant women in the second trimester, not only for assessment of fetal growth and placental position, but also for prenatal diagnosis of fetal malformation and fetal abdominal mass...