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Select summaries of research interests

Research focus for Xanthi Couroucli, M.D., is exploring the in-depth molecular mechanisms by which hyperoxia and inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) modulate the expression and molecular imprinting of CYP enzymes and their role in the acute and long-term lung and other organ pathologies, from the newborn through adult life. Her ultimate goal is to improve the health of premature and sick infants.

Chantal Lau, Ph.D., is researching issues dealing with 1) oral feeding in infants including a) understanding the development of sucking behavior in premature infants and those with oral feeding difficulties and b) developing interventions to enhance oral feeding skills of infants such as sucking, swallowing, and swallow-respiration interaction, and 2) lactation and stress including the areas of a) understanding the type(s) of stress that interferes with lactation performance as well as b) developing interventions to alleviate the effect(s) of these negative stimuli on lactation.

Michael E. Speer, M.D., is currently involved in a multicenter, multinational, randomized, double-blind trial of MEDI-524 vs Palivizumab (Synagis) titled "A Pivotal Phase 3 Study of MEDI-524 (NUMAX), an Enhanced Potency Humanized Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Monoclonal Antibody, For The Prophylaxis of Serious RSV Disease in High-risk Children." (Synagis is a registered trademark of MedImmune, Inc., Gaithersburg, MD).

Research of Leonard E. Weisman, M.D., involves laboratory and clinical studies related to neonatal immunity and infection. Laboratory studies encompass the effects of neonatal neutrophil, immunoglobulin (parenteral, enteral, or transplacental), antibiotic, or immune modulator function on common infectious agents (eg, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Ureaplasma bacteria, respiratory syncytial virus, and fungi). Current clinical studies include: determining protective levels of maternal antibody against early-onset invasive streptococcal disease in neonates (multicenter); evaluating the effectiveness of anti-staphylococcal antibodies (multicenter); staphylococcal infections (multi-center); ureaplasma infections; fungal infections, 6) measures of neonatal outcome (actuarial survival) and/or cost-effectiveness.

For more information about our neonatal researchers projects visit us on the Web.