Introduction: Percutaneous fetoscopic endoluminal reversible tracheal occlusion (FETO) was developed to prevent the pulmonary complications of fetal congenital diaphragmatic herniation. There is an urgent need to establish the closest to human translational model of FETO in order to improve fetal outcomes and to determine new clinical approaches and applications. Material and Methods: Seven non-human primates underwent two subsequent surgeries: the first, the FETO in the experimental group (n = 3) or sham operation in the control animals (S-FETO, n = 4) at 132-142 days of gestation (dGA); the second, the reversal of occlusion or sham operation at 162 ± 5 dGA. Maternal stress axis, complete blood count, and biochemical parameters were evaluated and newborn tracheal radiography was performed. Results: The average pregnancy duration and neonatal weights in the FETO group did not differ from the animals in the S-FETO group. There was no bleeding or premature fetal membrane rupture during the procedures in any of the baboons. The maximal tracheal width was 7.02 ± 0.6 mm in the FETO versus 5.46 ± 0.6 mm in S-FETO group. Discussion: This is the very first report of a successful FETO model in non-human primates. Similarities to human tracheomegaly were for the first time documented in any model studied.
BackgroundConventional wisdom in Australia has been that high interest rates, through their impact on domestic demand, will reduce the current account deficit. However, a s interest rates were increased through 1988 and 1989, the current account deficit worsened rather than improved.Throughout this period the lack of success of the high interest rate policy in reducing the current account deficit has been blamed on extended lags between the tightening of monetary policy and the slowing of domestic demand. Blame has also been placed on the way in which monetary policy was tightened, by stealth rather than overt action. It is intriguing that the current account has only shown signs of improving after interest rates were eased.The view that higher interest rates were needed to stem an expanding current account deficit was held by most market economists and financial commentators. A June 1990 survey indicated that 55% of respondents believed that raising interest rates reduced the current account deficit. Only 27% of respondents thought that higher interest rates increased the current account deficit (see following chart).The following quotes from the Peasurer make clear the relationship he and many others expected to see between interest rates and the current account as interest rates were raised through 1988189:
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