Bile Acids to Predict the Developments of Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis

This honors thesis analyzes the methodology and results of ongoing research on the potential use of bile acid concentrations in neonatal stool to be used as an indicator for the onset of the disease necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). NEC is a serious complication in a premature infant with the potential for death. Twenty-two patients were enrolled in the study over the period of eight months, however, no patient developed NEC. Control patients were analyzed for trends in bile acid concentrations. Elevation of in bile acid concentration were seen following each feeding. Previous inclinations were also proven in regards to that mother's milk is more easily digested and remains a more nutritionally sound form of feeding than formula milk

Elevated Coefficient of Variation in Total Fecal Bile Acids Precedes Diagnosis of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Accumulation of bile acids (BAs) may mediate development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Serial fecal samples were collected from premature infants with birth weight (BW) = II NEC were matched with control infants based on BW, EGA, day of life (DOL) enteral feeding was initiated and DOL of the first sample. From each subject, five samples matched by DOL collected were analyzed for BA levels and composition. Fifteen individual BA species were measured via LC-MS/MS and total BA levels were measured using the Diazyme Total Bile Acid Assay kit. No statistically significant differences in composition were observed between control and NEC at the level of individual species (p = 0.1133) or grouped BAs (p = 0.0742). However, there was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.000012) in the mean coefficient of variation (CV) between the two groups with infants developing NEC having more than four-fold higher mean CV than controls. Importantly, these variations occurred prior to NEC diagnosis. These data suggest fluctuations in total fecal BA levels could provide the basis for the first predictive clinical test for NEC.Open access journalThis item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

Environmental and Social Impacts of Hydroelectric Dams in Brazilian Amazonia: Implications for the Aluminum Industry

Aluminum smelting consumes large amounts of electricity and helps drive dam-building worldwide. Brazil plans to build dozens of hydroelectric dams in its Amazon region and in neighboring countries. Benefits are much less than is portrayed, partly because electricity is exported in electro-intensive products such as aluminum, creating little employment in Brazil. Dams perversely affect politics and social policies. Aluminum export offers an example of how a rethinking of energy use needs to be the starting point for revising energy policy. Dam impacts have been systematically underestimated, including population displacement and loss of livelihood (especially fisheries), biodiversity loss, and greenhouse-gas emissions. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd