A region within the third extracellular loop of rat Aquaporin 6 precludes trafficking to plasma membrane in a heterologous cell line.

The inability to over-express Aquaporin 6 (AQP6) in the plasma membrane of heterologous cells has hampered efforts to further characterize the function of this aquaglyceroporin membrane protein at atomic detail using crystallographic approaches. Using an Aquaporin 3-tGFP Reporter (AGR) system we have identified a region within loop C of AQP6 that is responsible for severely hampering plasma membrane expression. Serine substitution corroborated that amino acids present within AQP6194-213 of AQP6 loop C contribute to intracellular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention. This intracellular retention signal may preclude proper plasma membrane trafficking and severely curtail expression of AQP6 in heterologous expression systems.

Prevalence and economic impact of cystic echinococcosis and liver fluke infections in slaughtered sheep and goat in north-central Iran, 2008-2018.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) and liver fluke infections as important zoonotic infections impose a large socioeconomic impact on societies. As an endemic region for these infections, slaughterhouse inspections should be more considered in Iran. This study aimed to analyze the 11-year record of offal condemnation due to CE, fascioliasis, dicrocoeliasis infections in sheep and goat and its economic impact at Alborz slaughterhouse, north-central Iran. The prevalence rate was calculated as the infected organs (as nominator) divided by the slaughtered cases (as the denominator) in each year and month. The annual percent changes was used to determine trends of parasitic diseases over time. The relationship between metrological indexes and the prevalence of parasitic diseases was determined by the linear regression model. Statistical analyses were done using STATA software 14. For an estimate, the economic impact, the total numbers of offal condemnation were calculated. The overall prevalence rate of fascioliasis, dicrocoeliasis, and CE was 0.95%, 2.17%, and 12.74%, respectively. There was a declining trend in the prevalence of fascioliasis and dicrocoeliasis, whereas, the prevalence of CE increased from 7.57% in 2008 to 9.53% in 2018, representing an annual change of + 0.02%. The direct economic impact was estimated at US$ 1,670,977 and US$ 25,148 for liver and lung, respectively. The number of condemned organs due to these infections is noticeable in Alborz Province, north-central, Iran. The high economic impact of these infections showed the necessity of implementing a continuously infected animal's trace-back and disease control in the site of infection.

Generation of Flp-intm-ready DG44 and Lec 3.2.8.1 CHO cell lines for quick and easy constitutive protein expression.

The well-characterized cell line Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) has been used to produce numerous biopharmaceuticals and is an important tool for basic research. However, introducing foreign DNA into specially modified CHO cells such as DG44 and Lec 3.2.8.1 can sometimes be an arduous process. Here we show that the Flp-intm plasmid can be modified to produce a fluorescent tracer protein tag (mCherrytm) as a fusion reporter, to allow for the rapid selection of single-cell sorted, isogenic Flp-intm-ready DG44 and Lec 3.2.8.1 cell lines. These two cell lines are stable and viable and may be useful for applications such as antibody production and crystallographic studies. Here we provide key details on how the modified pFRT/CherryZeo plasmid may be used to incorporate Flp-intm technology into virtually any desired target cell line in a fast, safe and reliable manner.

High performance micro-flow cytometer based on optical fibres.

Flow cytometry is currently the gold standard for analysis of cells in the medical laboratory and biomedical research. Fuelled by the need of point-of-care diagnosis, a significant effort has been made to miniaturize and reduce cost of flow cytometers. However, despite recent advances, current microsystems remain less versatile and much slower than their large-scale counterparts. In this work, an all-silica fibre microflow cytometer is presented that measures fluorescence and scattering from particles and cells. It integrates cell transport in circular capillaries and light delivery by optical fibres. Single-stream cell focusing is performed by Elasto-inertial microfluidics to guarantee accurate and sensitive detection. The capability of this technique is extended to high flow rates (up to 800 µl/min), enabling a throughput of 2500 particles/s. The robust, portable and low-cost system described here could be the basis for a point-of-care flow cytometer with a performance comparable to commercial systems.

Broiler responses to digestible threonine at different ages: a neural networks approach.

Three experiments were conducted with broiler chickens to evaluate the effects of digestible threonine (DThr) and crude protein (CP) on their performance at three different phases of age: 1-14, 15-28 and 29-42 days. The measured traits included the following: average daily gain (ADG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass crude protein (CCP), body lipid (BL), feather weight gain (FWG), protein deposited in feather (FCP), carcass plus feather protein (CFCP), carcass Thr deposition (CDThr) and nitrogen excretion (NE). A dilution technique was used to create seven diets (with eight replicates) increasing the DThr content from 1.5 to 10 g/kg of diet for phase 1, 1.3-8.9 g/kg of diet for phase 2, and 1.2-8.2 g/kg of diet for phase 3. Data measured were imported into neural networks (NNs) to: (i) predict the measured traits in response to DThr and CP, (ii) rank the importance of DThr and CP on these traits through sensitivity analysis and (iii) find the optimal levels of DThr and CP that lead to the desired (maximum or minimum) responses. For each trait investigated, 50 different random groups of data were generated using a bootstrapping method. These 50 data groups were then used to develop 50 separate NNs which were subsequently combined to construct the final ensemble NN model. In general, accuracy of the models constructed was acceptable, although models of high (ADG, FCR, CFCP, BL, DThr and NE; 0.64 ≤ R(2)  ≤ 0.99) and low (CCP, FWG and FCP; 0.26 ≤ R(2)  ≤ 0.79) accuracy were obtained. All models developed showed the greatest sensitivity to DThr. This may be explained by the dilution technique diet preparation used in these experiments. Optimization results showed decreases in optimal values of DThr and CP with increasing age for all traits. The highest level of DThr was suggested for minimum BL, followed by minimum FCR, maximum ADG, maximum CFCP, minimum NE and maximum CCP respectively. Results showed that the optimal values of DThr for minimum FCR in phases 1-3 were 8.5, 7.4 and 6.4 g/kg of diet, while these values for maximum ADG were 8.2, 7.2 and 6.4 g/kg of diet respectively.

A meta-analysis of the effects of nonphytate phosphorus on broiler performance and tibia ash concentration.

Decreasing feed costs while maintaining broiler performance at a high level with minimal environmental pollution has become a major challenge for poultry nutritionists in recent years. In this regard, phosphorus (P) is a nutrient that is problematic. To overcome this, a comprehensive knowledge of the responses of broilers to P is needed and the factors that affect its utilization need better understanding. For this purpose, a meta-analysis was conducted using results published in the literature on the responses of broilers to different levels of nonphytate P (NPP), calcium (Ca), microbial phytase (MP), and vitamin D3 or its metabolites (VD). The effects of Ca, MP, and VD on NPP requirements were investigated. Results showed significant (P ≤ 0.0001) linear and quadratic effects of NPP on all the responses, viz. average daily gain (ADG), feed intake (FI), feed efficiency (FE), and tibia ash concentration (TA). Results showed the negative effect of high Ca levels on all investigated responses, although these deleterious effects were alleviated when levels of NPP were increased or MP and/or VD added. Synergistic effects of MP and VD on FI and TA were observed. Best performance for all responses was found when MP and VD were added to low or moderate levels of Ca and NPP. Optimization showed higher levels of NPP are required to maximize TA compared to ADG, FI, and FE. Based on our analysis, requirements for NPP were affected mostly by Ca (increased) and MP (decreased), and, to a lesser extent, VD (inconsistent).

Some novel growth functions and their application with reference to growth in ostrich.

Four novel growth functions, namely, Pareto, extreme value distribution (EVD), Lomolino, and cumulative ß-P distribution (CBP), are derived, and their ability to describe ostrich growth curves is evaluated. The functions were compared with standard growth equations, namely, the monomolecular, Michaelis-Menten (MM), Gompertz, Richards, and generalized MM (gMM). For this purpose, 2 separate comparisons were conducted. In the first, all the functions were fitted to 40 individual growth curves (5 males and 35 females) of ostriches using nonlinear regression. In the second, performance of the functions was assessed when data from 71 individuals were composited (570 data points). This comparison was undertaken using nonlinear mixed models and considering 3 approaches: 1) models with no random effect, 2) random effect incorporated as the intercept, and 3) random effect incorporated into the asymptotic weight parameter (Wf). The results from the first comparison showed that the functions generally gave acceptable values of R2 and residual variance. On the basis of the Akaike information criterion (AIC), CBP gave the best fit, whereas the Gompertz and Lomolino equations were the preferred functions on the basis of corrected AIC (AICc). Bias, accuracy factor, the Durbin-Watson statistic, and the number of runs of sign were used to analyze the residuals. CBP gave the best distribution of residuals but also produced more residual autocorrelation (significant Durbin-Watson statistic). The functions were applied to sample data for a more conventional farm species (2 breeds of cattle) to verify the results of the comparison of fit among functions and their applicability across species. In the second comparison, analysis of mixed models showed that incorporation of a random effect into Wf gave the best fit, resulting in smaller AIC and AIC values compared with those in the other 2 approaches. On the basis of AICc, best fit was achieved with CBP, followed by gMM, Lomolino, and Richards functions, respectively. The exponential, MM, Pareto, and EVD equations produced negative values for initial weight (W0) if left unconstrained. The Gompertz equation, in spite of having a fixed inflection point and therefore being less flexible, gave accurate estimates of both W0 and Wf and an acceptable goodness of fit favored by having fewer parameters than the other sigmoidal functions. Nevertheless, all the sigmoidal functions appeared appropriate in describing the growth trajectory of male and female ostriches to a reasonable level of accuracy.

Alternative growth functions for predicting body, carcass, and breast weight in ducks: Lomolino equation and extreme value function.

In this study, 2 alternative growth functions, the Lomolino and the extreme value function (EVF), are introduced and their ability to predict body, carcass, and breast weight in ducks evaluated. A comparative study was carried out of these equations with standard growth functions: Gompertz, exponential, Richards, and generalized Michaelis-Menten. Goodness of fit of the functions was evaluated using R(2), mean square error, Akaike information criterion, and Bayesian information criterion, whereas bias factor, accuracy factor, Durbin-Watson statistic, and number of runs of sign were the criteria used for analysis of residuals. Results showed that predictive performance of all functions was acceptable, though the Richards and exponential equations failed to converge in a few cases for both male and female ducks. Based on goodness-of-fit statistics, the Richards, Gompertz, and EVF were the best equations whereas the worst fits to the data were obtained with the exponential. Analysis of residuals indicated that, for the different traits investigated, the least biased and the most accurate equations were the Gompertz, EVF, Richards, and generalized Michaelis-Menten, whereas the exponential was the most biased and least accurate. Based on the Durbin-Watson statistic, all models generally behaved well and only the exponential showed evidence of autocorrelation for all 3 traits investigated. Results showed that with all functions, estimated final weights of males were higher than females for the body, carcass, and breast weight profiles. The alternative functions introduced here have desirable advantages including flexibility and a low number of parameters. However, because this is probably the first study to apply these functions to predict growth patterns in poultry or other animals, further analysis of these new models is suggested.

Study of broiler chicken responses to dietary protein and lysine using neural network and response surface models.

1. In this study, neural network (NN) and response surface (RS) models were developed to investigate the response [average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (FE)] of young broiler chickens to dietary protein and lysine. For this purpose, data on their responses to dietary protein and lysine were extracted from the literature and separate NN and RS models were constructed. 2. Comparison between the NN and RS models revealed higher accuracy of prediction with the NN models compared to the RS models. In terms of R (2) values, the NN models developed for both ADG (R (2) = 0.923) and FE (R (2) = 0.904) were far superior to the RS models (R (2) for ADG = 0.511; R (2) for FE = 0.67). This suggests that the NN models can serve as an alternative option to conventional regression approaches including use of RS models. 3. Optimisation of the NN models developed for response to protein and lysine showed that diets containing 220.7 (g/kg of diet) protein and 12.85 (g/kg of diet) lysine maximise ADG, whereas maximum FE is achieved with diets containing 241.3 and 13.12 (g/kg) protein and lysine, respectively. Based on the optimisation results, optimal dietary protein and lysine concentrations for maximum FE in broiler chickens during the starting period are higher than for ADG.

Biological Matrices and Synthetic Meshes Used in Implant-based Breast Reconstruction - a Review of Products Available in Germany.

While autologous breast reconstruction was considered the procedure of choice for immediate breast reconstruction, there has been a shift towards implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) in recent years. The proven safety of silicone breast implants and the development of biological matrices and synthetic meshes have contributed to the growing popularity of this approach. Although these different products are widely used, only limited clinical data are available with regard to breast surgery. The aim of this review was to give an overview of available biological matrices and synthetic meshes and discuss their use in clinical practice.

Predicting body and carcass characteristics of 2 broiler chicken strains using support vector regression and neural network models.

As a new modeling method, support vector regression (SVR) has been regarded as the state-of-the-art technique for regression and approximation. In this study, the SVR models had been introduced and developed to predict body and carcass-related characteristics of 2 strains of broiler chicken. To evaluate the prediction ability of SVR models, we compared their performance with that of neural network (NN) models. Evaluation of the prediction accuracy of models was based on the R(2), MS error, and bias. The variables of interest as model output were BW, empty BW, carcass, breast, drumstick, thigh, and wing weight in 2 strains of Ross and Cobb chickens based on intake dietary nutrients, including ME (kcal/bird per week), CP, TSAA, and Lys, all as grams per bird per week. A data set composed of 64 measurements taken from each strain were used for this analysis, where 44 data lines were used for model training, whereas the remaining 20 lines were used to test the created models. The results of this study revealed that it is possible to satisfactorily estimate the BW and carcass parts of the broiler chickens via their dietary nutrient intake. Through statistical criteria used to evaluate the performance of the SVR and NN models, the overall results demonstrate that the discussed models can be effective for accurate prediction of the body and carcass-related characteristics investigated here. However, the SVR method achieved better accuracy and generalization than the NN method. This indicates that the new data mining technique (SVR model) can be used as an alternative modeling tool for NN models. However, further reevaluation of this algorithm in the future is suggested.

Use of neural network models to estimate early egg production in broiler breeder hens through dietary nutrient intake.

In this study, neural network (NN) models were constructed to predict early egg production in broiler breeder hens. By breaking down the early egg production data collected from 98 breeder houses into weekly intervals, 5 NN-based models were developed for 25 to 29 wk of age. Starting with 98 data lines for each week, the NN models were trained by 69 data lines and the remainder (n = 29) were considered as the testing set. The variables of interest for developing the models were ME (kcal/bird per day) and CP, TSAA, Lys, Ca, and available P (g/bird per day). The constructed models were subjected to an optimization algorithm. Therefore, the optimal values for the input variables to maximize early egg production in broiler breeder hens were obtained. Based on the considered criteria to evaluate the goodness of fit, the efficiency of NN-based models to estimate early egg production was confirmed. The optimization results revealed that the breeder hens consuming 407, 457, 470, 486, and 487 kcal of ME/bird per day showed the highest egg production during 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29 wk of age, respectively. Moreover, optimal performance of hens required the intake (g/bird per day) of the following during 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29 wk of age, respectively: CP: 20.3, 22.6, 25, 25.8, and 26; TSAA: 0.88, 1.02, 1.06, 1.07, and 1.07; Lys: 0.98, 1.0, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.32; Ca: 4.5, 4.6, 5.3, 5.0, and 5.4; and available P: 0.48, 0.55, 0.6, 0.61, and 0.62. Although the results showed that the energy and other nutrient requirements of broiler breeder hens during early egg production do not change in parallel with age, it seems that the company recommendations underestimated the nutrient requirements of hens during these weeks.

Narushin-Takma models as flexible alternatives for describing economic traits in broiler breeder flocks.

Three Narushin-Takma (NT) models (NT1, NT2, and NT3) were examined for their ability to describe different curves obtained from broiler breeder flocks. The models NT1, NT2, and NT3 comprise 3 flexible mathematical functions (rational polynomial functions) with 5, 6, and 7 parameters, respectively. The characteristics fitted were BW, egg production, egg mass, egg weight, first- and second-grade eggs, hatchability, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. To evaluate the ability of these NT models to fit the different curves, comparisons were made with more commonly fitted functions (Gompertz, modified compartmental, Richards, Adams-Bell, and Lokhorst). Comparisons revealed a higher accuracy of fit with the NT models, proving their general flexibility. This study likely represents the first time a generic model has been demonstrated to fit all these characteristics satisfactorily. Results showed that in most cases, NT3, because of its greater number of parameters, gave the highest accuracy of prediction. The NT models are likely to fit most curves and are therefore advocated for accurate prediction of other traits with a minimum of mathematical complexity.

Predicting caloric and feed efficiency in turkeys using the group method of data handling-type neural networks.

Neural networks (NN) are a relatively new option to model growth in animal production systems. One self-organizing submodel of artificial NN is the group method of data handling (GMDH)-type NN. The use of such self-organizing networks has led to successful application of the GMDH algorithm over a broad range of areas in engineering, science, and economics. The present study aimed to apply the GMDH-type NN to predict caloric efficiency (CE, g of gain/kcal of caloric intake) and feed efficiency (FE, kg of gain/kg of feed intake) in tom and hen turkeys fed diets containing different energy and amino acid levels. Involved effective input parameters in prediction of CE and FE were age, dietary ME, CP, Met, and Lys. Quantitative examination of the goodness of fit for the predictive models was made using R2 and error measurement indices commonly used to evaluate forecasting models. Statistical performance of the developed GMDH-type NN models revealed close agreement between observed and predicted values of CE and FE. In conclusion, using such powerful models can enhance our ability to predict economic traits, make precise prediction of nutrition requirements, and achieve optimal performance in poultry production.

Analysis of local complications following explantation of silicone breast implants.

A study was undertaken to analyse local complications in patients with breast implants and the total number of implant-related interventions when silicone breast implants were explanted. We studied 53 patients who had received breast implants for cosmetic augmentation or breast reconstruction following surgery for breast cancer at the time of explantation. The clinical records of all these patients were analysed, and clinical information on reason for implantation, implant properties, number and kind of implant-related interventions and reason for explantation was elicited. A complication was defined as a surgical procedure performed for any of the following reasons: capsular contracture, loss of implant integrity, haematoma or seroma, infection of the implant site, extrusion or wound dehiscence, and dissatisfaction with the result. The mean numbers of implant-related operations were 3.1 in patients who had undergone breast reconstruction and 2.3 in patients who had cosmetic augmentation (P < 0.03). We found a total of 35 complications in 28 patients, 21 patients (75%) each had one complication, five patients (18%) had two and two patients (7%) had three complications. A significantly higher incidence of early complications in patients who had undergone breast reconstruction (P < 0.03) marks the difference from complications in the cosmetic group, most of which arose after a longer time (P < 0.02). A complication analysis is presented. At the time of explantation, 78% of the patients decided to have a new implant, while 12% requested permanent removal of the implant without replacement. In the present study we saw no patients with connective tissue or other autoimmune disorders. When breast reconstruction or augmentation with silicone devices is considered, patients must be informed of the possible complications and of the potential choices in later implant-related revision surgery.

In vitro analysis of modified surfaces of silicone breast implants.

BACKGROUND: Although silicone breast implants are well tolerated, local complications such as capsular contracture occur because of insufficient integration with surrounding tissues. In this study, cell behaviour on hydrophilized silicone breast implant foils was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively under in vitro conditions in order to provoke the desired responses in a defined environment. METHODS: Silicone breast implant foils with different surface modifications were tested after 24 hours, 5 days and 7 days. The following modifications of silicone implant foils were tested: Unmodified silicone, silicone after-graft polymerisation for polyacrylic acid (pAAc), silicone-pAAc-fibronectin adsorptive, silicone-pAAC-fibronectin covalent, positive and negative controls. Experiments were conducted using cell culture with murine mouse fibroblasts L-929. Cytotoxicity assays were carried out in direct and indirect contact with cells grown on the material. For the viability test and qualitative analysis of cell proliferation on different foils, both fluoresceine-diacetate and ethidiumbromide were used and in addition the morphologic description of hemalaun-stained cells were used. Quantitative cell analysis was carried out using XTT after resuspension. RESULTS: Toxic influence on cell cultures could be excluded for coated and uncoated surfaces in contact with dissolved biomaterials. Unmodified silicone surfaces showed poor cell growth in direct contact. We found a gradual improvement of cell morphology, with the spread and proliferation depending on the type of surface modification. Better results were achieved with covalently coupled fibronectin and GRGDS than with pAAc. CONCLUSION: Covalent immobilisation of hydrophobic silicone rubber can improve the initial cell-biomaterial interactions that are required to aid the successful development of tissue-like structures.

Childbirth and incontinence: a prospective study on anal sphincter morphology and function before and early after vaginal delivery.

PURPOSE: Disturbance of anal continence is a well-known problem after vaginal delivery. However, only few and incongruent data on the incidence and pathogenesis of postpartum incontinence are available. This study examined the effects of vaginal delivery on anal continence prospectively. METHODS: In 42 unselected women anal vector manometry and endoanal ultrasonography were performed, and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency (PNTML) and rectal sensibility were measured in the 32th week of pregnancy and 6 weeks after delivery. Continence was evaluated according to the Kelly-Holschneider score. Patients with occult sphincter defects were additionally followed-up 12 weeks after vaginal delivery. To exclude any effect of pregnancy alone ten patients with elective cesarian section served as controls. RESULTS: Overall continence after vaginal delivery did not differ significantly from that before delivery, there was a significant reduction in postpartum anal squeeze and resting pressures in all patients. Obstetric tears of grade III or IV occurred in 9% of the patients. Endosonography revealed occult lesions of the internal and external anal sphincter in an additional 19% of women who clinically seemed to have an intact sphincter. Manometric results and continence in these women did not differ significantly from those with intact sphincter and remained unchanged after 12 weeks. PNTML and rectal sensibility were not affected by vaginal delivery. After cesarian section there were no changes in continence, anal pressures, rectal sensibility, or PNTML. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal delivery leads to direct mechanical trauma to the anal sphincters, while stretch and distension of the pudendal nerve seem to be of minor importance. Only endoanal ultrasonography is suitable for detection of occult sphincter lesions.

A test of macromolecular crystallization in microgravity: large well ordered insulin crystals.

Crystals of insulin grown in microgravity on Space Shuttle Mission STS-95 were extremely well ordered and unusually large (many >2 mm). The physical characteristics of six microgravity and six earth-grown crystals were examined by X-ray analysis employing superfine phi slicing and unfocused synchrotron radiation. This experimental setup allowed hundreds of reflections to be precisely examined from each crystal in a short period of time. The microgravity crystals were on average 34 times larger, had sevenfold lower mosaicity, had 54-fold higher reflection peak heights and diffracted to significantly higher resolution than their earth-grown counterparts. A single mosaic domain model could account for the observed reflection profiles in microgravity crystals, whereas data from earth crystals required a model with multiple mosaic domains. This statistically significant and unbiased characterization indicates that the microgravity environment was useful for the improvement of crystal growth and the resultant diffraction quality in insulin crystals and may be similarly useful for macromolecular crystals in general.

[Differential diagnosis of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy]. / Differentialdiagnose der Thrombozytopenien in der Schwangerschaft.

Thrombocytopenia (< 150,000/microliter) is a common finding, occurring in 7-8% of pregnancies. Some conditions, such as gestational thrombocytopenia pose no maternal or fetal risks. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an acquired haematologic disorder, common among children and adults, with unknown etiology and autoimmune pathogenesis. The incidence of severe fetal and neonatal thrombocytopenia is very rare, and neonatal intracranial hemorrhage is unlikely to be related to the mode of delivery. Alloimmune thrombocytopenia occurs with an incidence of 1/1,000 livebirths and is induced by a maternal alloimmunization against fetal platelet antigens. The incidence of intracranial haemorrhage in the fetus and neonate is the highest for any immune thrombocytopenia. The HELLP syndrome is a severe, unpredictable and life-threatening complication of preeclampsia, characterized by a triad of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet counts. HELLP syndrome develops in the third trimester but can occur postpartum. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) are syndromes of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and thrombocytopenia. During pregnancy, TTP usually presents in the second trimester, whereas HUS develops in the postpartum period. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia type II is a serious, immune-mediated complication of heparin therapy.

Neonatal platelet activation in preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is associated with an increased platelet activation; however, there are few studies concerning platelet activation of the newborn. The aim of our study was to compare platelet activation in newborns of preeclamptic mothers to newborns of healthy mothers by using whole blood flow cytometry. Blood samples were obtained from 20 newborns (10 healthy controls, 10 cases of preeclampsia/HELLP [hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count] syndrome) during cesarean section. Antibodies against the following antigens were used as markers for platelet activation: CD 41, CD62P, CD 63, and platelet-bound fibrinogen. In addition to the basal platelet activation, the ability of platelets to undergo activation as a result of in vitro incubation with a weak agonist (adenosine diphosphate) was evaluated. A significant difference between the groups concerning basal platelet activation could only be seen for platelet-bound fibrinogen; the control group showed a higher extent of platelet activation (16.6 +/- 11.3 vs. 6.1 +/- 4.9; p = 0.03). Incubation with adenosine diphosphate in the control group resulted in minor increases of platelet activation, which was significant only for platelet-bound fibrinogen (16.6 +/- 11.3 vs. 42.5 +/- 22.1; p = 0.02). However, the preeclamptic group showed significantly increased levels of platelet activation for all used markers after in vitro activation (CD 41: 115.6 +/- 18.2 vs. 163.2 +/- 29.6; p = 0.002; CD62P: 2.4 +/- 0.4 vs. 3.9 +/- 0.3; p < 0.001; CD 63: 2.7 +/- 0.5 vs. 3.7 +/- 0.6; p = 0.002; platelet-bound fibrinogen: 6.1 +/- 4.9 vs. 55.1 +/- 9.1; p < 0.001). Preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome is therefore associated with an increased susceptibility to neonatal platelets, even against weak activators such as adenosine diphosphate. Whether this results from peculiarities in the fetal vascular environment or maternal influences is yet uncertain.