Abnormalities In Newborns Research Articles

Prenatal Supplementation of Docosahexaenoic Acid for the Management of Preterm Births: Clinical Information for Practice.

Unhealthy pregnancy and the resultant abnormalities in newborns exhibit a significant drawback. Each year, an estimated 15 million babies are born prematurely, accounting for the majority of deaths among children under the age of 5. India accounts for about a quarter of all preterm birth (PTB) incidences, with few therapeutic options available. However, research shows that consuming more marine foods (rich in omega-3 fatty acids (Ω-3), particularly Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), helps to maintain a healthy pregnancy and can manage or prevent the onset of PTB and its accompanying difficulties. Present circumstances raise concerns about the use of DHA as a medication due to a lack of evidence on the dosage requirements, safety profile, molecular route, and commercially accessible strength for their therapeutic response. Several clinical experiments have been done over the last decade; however, the mixed outcomes have resulted in discrepancies. Most scientific organizations suggest a daily DHA consumption of 250-300 mg. However, this may differ from person to person. As a result, before prescribing a dosage, one should check the DHA concentrations in the individual's blood and then propose a dose that will benefit both the mother and the unborn. Thus, the review focuses on the favourable benefits of Ω-3, particularly DHA during pregnancy and postpartum, therapeutic dose recommendations, safety considerations, particularly during pregnancy, and the mechanistic pathway that might prevent or reduce the frequency of PTB accidents.

Sulforaphane Attenuates Ethanol-Induced Teratogenesis and Dysangiogenesis in Zebrafish Embryos.

Prenatal ethanol exposure can cause a broad range of abnormalities in newborns known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Despite significant progress in understanding the disease mechanisms of FASD, there remains a strong global need for effective therapies. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of sulforaphane (SFN), an active compound extracted from cruciferous vegetables, in preventing FASD, ethanol-exposed zebrafish embryos were pretreated, co-treated, or post-treated with various concentrations of SFN. The FASD-like morphological features, survival rate, hatching rate, and vascular development were then assessed in the zebrafish embryos. It was found that pretreatment with 2 μM SFN during 3-24 hpf had no noticeable protective effects against teratogenicity induced by subsequent 1.5% ethanol exposure during 24-48 hpf. In contrast, co-treatment with 2 μM SFN and 1.5% ethanol during 3-24 hpf significantly alleviated a range of ethanol-induced malformations, including reduced body length, small eyes, reduced brain size, small otic vesicle, small jaw, and pericardial edema. Post-treatment with 3 μM SFN for 4 days following 1.5% ethanol exposure during 3-24 hpf also significantly reduced the characteristic features of FASD, decreasing the mortality rate and restoring body length, eye size, brain size, and otic vesicle circumference. Moreover, we found that ethanol, even at a low dose (0.5%), causes vascular development deficit in the zebrafish embryos, which were also largely rescued by SFN treatment. These data indicated that SFN has great potential to be used in the prevention and treatment of FASD.

Malformaciones congénitas asociadas alSíndrome Down en recién nacidos de un hospitalde referencia nacional: Experiencia de un registrode defectos congénitos

Objective: Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal abnormality in newborns and the first genetic cause of intellectual disability. The objective of this study was to describe associated birth defects with Down syndrome in newborns at the Edgardo Rebagliati MartinsHospital (HNERM). Materials and methods: A descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectionalstudy was conducted. The study population consisted of 191 births diagnosed with Downsyndrome, during the period 2013-2017 of the registry of the Latin American Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations (ECLAMC) of the HNERM. Results: In the study period, a total of 191 newborns with suspected Down syndrome were reported, of which 180 wereconfirmed with karyotyping, out of a total of 34,326 live births. Free trisomy accounted for98.9%, while mosaicism and translocation trisomy occurred in 0.6% of newborns. The median maternal age was 39 years (range 20-46 years). Congenital heart disease was observed in 61.7%, gastrointestinal malformation 10%, craniofacial malformation 5%, genitourinary 3.9%, musculoskeletal malformation 1.7% and central nervous system malformation 1.7%. Conclusions: The birth prevalence rate of Down syndrome in the study period was 52.4 per 10,000 births. The most frequent malformations associated with Down syndrome are congenital heart disease and secondly malformations of the gastrointestinal tract. Other lessfrequently associated malformations are craniofacial, genitourinary, musculoskeletal and central nervous system malformations.

Knowledge of Periconceptional Folic-Acid among Women of Childbearing age Visiting Tertiary Care Hospital in Nepal

The value of periconceptional folic acid supplementation in reducing the incidence of neural tube abnormalities in newborns is widely known. Yet, Nepalese women of childbearing age are mainly ignorant of it. The current study examined different sociodemographic and health factors related to women’s level of knowledge about folic acid among women visiting Obstetrics and Gynaecology outpatients at a Tertiary Care Center in Nepal. It also evaluated the awareness and relevance of knowledge regarding folic acid and its periconceptional supplementation. 400 women aged 18 and 45 who sought Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient Services at the Tertiary Care Facility participated in this cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic information was gathered with the help of a self-report questionnaire and processed in IBM-SPSS software at a significance threshold of 0.05. Results of the studies showed that while 47.3% had heard of it, only 34.25% had adequate knowledge of periconceptional folic acid supplementation. Also, besides age (p=.493), knowledge of folic acid was significantly associated with factors including education(p=.026), ethnicity (p=<.001), income (p=.011), employment (p=.001), marital status (p=.007), past pregnancies (p=.031) and ANC visits (p=<.001). The study demonstrates the need for more public awareness to boost folic acid knowledge, adherence, and intake and ultimately lower the prevalence of related birth abnormalities. To quantify the hidden issue, further studies on the prevalence of NTDs in Nepalese society and the contribution of folic acid to their reduction are required.

A Study On The Screening Of Congenital Heart Disease Using Pulse Oximetry In Asymptomatic Newborns Delivered In Tertiary Care Centre

Introduction: Congenital Heart Disease is the most common congenital abnormality in newborns and has been recognized as one of the leading causes of death in the first year of life. The global incidence of CHD is estimated at 8 per 1000 live births. Using pulse oximetry critical and many of the asymptomatic CHD can be identified in the immediate post natal period. This strategy will help in early identification and its intervention. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of pulse oximetry as a screening tool for detection of CHD in asymptomatic newborn. Methods: It was a Hospital based Cross sectional study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, in collaboration with the Department of Paediatrics, of a tertiary hospital in North Eastern State from May 2022 to April 2024. Results: The mean birth weights of the neonates were2.93±0.29 Kg and the mean gestational age was 37.74±1.56 weeks. 4% of all neonates screened with pulse oximetry showed positive result. Among them 4 (2%) neonate were diagnosed with CHD. Out of the 4 neonates diagnosed with CHD, 3 were diagnosed with VSD and 1 with PDA. Conclusion: Eight (8) i.e 4% of the neonates were screened with positive pulse oximetry and out of which four (4) were diagnosed with CHD. Proportion of neonates who were screened positive in pulse oximetry with positive echocardiographic findings were significantly higher than those who screened negative (p value <0.001). Therefore, the pulse oximetry screening for detection of CHD among asymptomatic neonates in our study showed a moderate sensitivity (75%), high specificity (97.4%) and negative predictive value (99.47%) and a reasonably low positive predictive value (37.5%), respectively

Zika virus vertical transmission induces neuroinflammation and synapse impairment in brain cells derived from children born with Congenital Zika Syndrome

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection was first reported in 2015 in Brazil as causing microcephaly and other developmental abnormalities in newborns, leading to the identification of Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). Viral infections have been considered an environmental risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders outcome, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Moreover, not only the infection per se, but maternal immune system activation during pregnancy, has been linked to fetal neurodevelopmental disorders. To understand the impact of ZIKV vertical infection on brain development, we derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from Brazilian children born with CZS, some of the patients also being diagnosed with ASD. Comparing iPSC-derived neurons from CZS with a control group, we found lower levels of pre- and postsynaptic proteins and reduced functional synapses by puncta co-localization. Furthermore, neurons and astrocytes derived from the CZS group showed decreased glutamate levels. Additionally, the CZS group exhibited elevated levels of cytokine production, one of which being IL-6, already associated with the ASD phenotype. These preliminary findings suggest that ZIKV vertical infection may cause long-lasting disruptions in brain development during fetal stages, even in the absence of the virus after birth. These disruptions could contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders manifestations such as ASD. Our study contributes with novel knowledge of the CZS outcomes and paves the way for clinical validation and the development of potential interventions to mitigate the impact of ZIKV vertical infection on neurodevelopment.

Structural basis of Zika virus NS1 multimerization and human antibody recognition

Zika virus (ZIKV) belongs to the Flavivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family along with the four serotypes of dengue virus (DENV1–4). The recent global outbreaks of contemporary ZIKV strains demonstrated that infection can lead to neurological sequelae in adults and severe abnormalities in newborns that were previously unreported with ancestral strains. As such, there remains an unmet need for efficacious vaccines and antiviral agents against ZIKV. The non-structural protein 1 (NS1) is secreted from the infected cell and is thought to be associated with disease severity besides its proven usefulness for differential diagnoses. However, its physiologically relevant structure and pathogenesis mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we present high-resolution cryoEM structures of ZIKV recombinant secreted NS1 (rsNS1) and its complexes with three human monoclonal antibodies (AA12, EB9, GB5), as well as evidence for ZIKV infection-derived secreted NS1 (isNS1) binding to High Density Lipoprotein (HDL). We show that ZIKV rsNS1 forms tetramers and filamentous repeats of tetramers. We also observed that antibody binding did not disrupt the ZIKV NS1 tetramers as they bound to the wing and connector subdomain of the β-ladder. Our study reveals new insights into NS1 multimerization, highlights the need to distinguish the polymorphic nature of rsNS1 and isNS1, and expands the mechanistic basis of the protection conferred by antibodies targeting NS1.

Polymers as candidates for broad‐spectrum antivirals—in vitro inhibition of Zika virus with sodium polyanethole sulfonate

AbstractZika virus (ZIKV), belonging to the family of flaviviruses, is an emerging mosquito‐borne pathogen causing microcephaly and other congenital abnormalities in newborns as well as various neurologic pathologies in adults. The climate change and the lifestyle of current societies, involving global mobility, result in a rapid broadening of ZIKV geographic distribution. There are no vaccines or drugs available to protect against or cure the diseases caused by that virus. Our in vitro studies have demonstrated that sodium polyanethole sulfonate (PASNa), a degradable polymer used in various biomedical applications, acts as an efficient ZIKV inhibitor, both in animal and human cells. The mechanistic studies indicated that PASNa bound to the ZIKV particles thus hindering their attachment to the host cells and also interfered in the late steps of viral replication. PASNa is characterized by very low cytotoxicity and its antiviral activity can be achieved at a concentration much lower than that at which its anticoagulant activity has to be considered. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) studies have shown that the interaction of PASNa with human serum albumin (HSA), the most abundant blood protein, is the endothermic, entropy‐driven process resulting in the formation of stoichiometric (1:1) PASNa‐HSA complexes with a hydrodynamic diameter of 8.8 ± 0.8 nm and zeta potential (ζ) equal to −21.3 mV. The analysis of CD spectra indicated that PASNa did not significantly affect the HSA secondary structure on binding to that protein.

ANATOMICAL MODELING OF THE SUPERFICIAL MUSCLES OF NECK IN PERINATAL PERIOD OF ONTOGENESIS

The analysis of the literature indicates the high interest of not only domestic, but also foreign scientists in the anatomy and topography of the neck muscles at various stages of ontogenesis for adequate surgical correction of abnormalities in newborns and young children. The study was performed on 63 objects of human fetuses aged from 4 to 10 months and 7 newborns (in particular, 5 isolated organ complexes). For create anatomical models of the surface muscles of the neck, muscle parameters and commonly known neck sizes were determined in all age groups. The length of the muscles was determined from the place of its beginning to the place of attachment, the width – at the level of its widest part, that is, at the level of the anatomical diameter. Statistical analysis of the obtained data was performed using the licensed program RStudio. For the morphometric parameters of the sternocleidomastoid and scapulohyoid muscles during the perinatal period of development, periods of accelerated development are characteristic, for the length of the sternocleidomastoid muscle – from the 5th to the 9th month, for the length scapular- hyoid muscle – from the 4th to the 6th month of intrauterine development. For width of the right and left sternocleidomastoid muscle has two periods of the most intense increase: during 5-6 and 8-10 months of development, while the width of the right and left scapulohyoid muscle increases gradually during this period of development. The created anatomical model based on the morphometric parameters of the surface muscles of the neck is a template for all age groups during the perinatal period of ontogenesis with the aim of establishing typical and variant anatomy with the subsequent prediction of developmental abnormalities or congenital pathology. The established correlation relationships between the morphometric parameters of the sternoclavicular mastoid and scapular- hyoid muscles during the perinatal period of development testify to their synchronous and harmonious development.

Evaluation of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection in Pregnant Women Admitted to a University Hospital in Istanbul.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can cause serious complications in immunocompromised individuals and fetuses with congenital infections. These can include neurodevelopmental impairments and congenital abnormalities in newborns. This paper emphasizes the importance of concurrently evaluating ultrasonography findings and laboratory parameters in diagnosing congenital CMV infection. To examine the prenatal characteristics of CMV DNA-positive patients, we assessed serum and amniotic fluid from 141 pregnant women aged 19-45 years, each with fetal anomalies. ELISA and PCR tests, conducted in response to these amniocentesis findings, were performed at an average gestational age of 25 weeks. Serological tests revealed that all 141 women were CMV IgG-positive, and 2 (1.41%) had low-avidity CMV IgG, suggesting a recent infection. CMV DNA was detected in 17 (12.05%) amniotic fluid samples using quantitative PCR. Of these, 82% exhibited central nervous system abnormalities. Given that most infections in pregnant women are undetectable and indicators non-specific, diagnosing primary CMV in pregnant women using clinical findings alone is challenging. We contend that serological tests should not be the sole means of diagnosing congenital CMV infection during pregnancy.

Transforming growth factor beta signaling and craniofacial development: modeling human diseases in zebrafish.

Humans and other jawed vertebrates rely heavily on their craniofacial skeleton for eating, breathing, and communicating. As such, it is vital that the elements of the craniofacial skeleton develop properly during embryogenesis to ensure a high quality of life and evolutionary fitness. Indeed, craniofacial abnormalities, including cleft palate and craniosynostosis, represent some of the most common congenital abnormalities in newborns. Like many other organ systems, the development of the craniofacial skeleton is complex, relying on specification and migration of the neural crest, patterning of the pharyngeal arches, and morphogenesis of each skeletal element into its final form. These processes must be carefully coordinated and integrated. One way this is achieved is through the spatial and temporal deployment of cell signaling pathways. Recent studies conducted using the zebrafish model underscore the importance of the Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) and Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) pathways in craniofacial development. Although both pathways contain similar components, each pathway results in unique outcomes on a cellular level. In this review, we will cover studies conducted using zebrafish that show the necessity of these pathways in each stage of craniofacial development, starting with the induction of the neural crest, and ending with the morphogenesis of craniofacial elements. We will also cover human skeletal and craniofacial diseases and malformations caused by mutations in the components of these pathways (e.g., cleft palate, craniosynostosis, etc.) and the potential utility of zebrafish in studying the etiology of these diseases. We will also briefly cover the utility of the zebrafish model in joint development and biology and discuss the role of TGF-β/BMP signaling in these processes and the diseases that result from aberrancies in these pathways, including osteoarthritis and multiple synostoses syndrome. Overall, this review will demonstrate the critical roles of TGF-β/BMP signaling in craniofacial development and show the utility of the zebrafish model in development and disease.

Ulcerative Colitis in Pregnancy: A Japanese Multicenter Cohort Study Focusing on Their Mutual Influence.

Objective To investigate the clinical course of ulcerative colitis (UC) during pregnancy, focusing on their mutual influence. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 58 patients with UC who had 73 pregnancies and 3 patients with newly developed UC during pregnancy. We recorded the rate of relapse of UC; the relationship between medication use and UC relapse during pregnancy; treatment for relapse; and the incidence of pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn abnormalities. Results UC was in remission at conception in 78% of the patients. The relapse rate during pregnancy was 27.3%, with most relapses occurring during the second and third trimesters. The relapse rate in patients in whom any UC drug had been discontinued was 50%, a rate significantly higher than the 20.5% of patients for whom all medications were continued (p = 0.016). Thiopurine was discontinued in 60% (6/10) of patients at conception, and the disease relapsed in 50% (3/6) of the patients. Most relapses were successfully treated with 5-aminosalicylic acid or corticosteroids. UC relapse occurred in 26.1% (18/70) of the patients after delivery, mostly within 2 months. Pregnancy, delivery, or neonatal abnormalities occurred in 23.3% (17/73) of patients. In two of the three patients with new-onset UC, UC was severe and required intensive care; however, the pregnancies continued uneventfully. Conclusion Although the progress of pregnancies complicated by UC was mostly uneventful, discontinuing medication carries the risk of UC relapse. Thus, appropriate management of medical treatments for UC during pregnancy is important.

Clinical outcomes of vanishing twin syndrome and selective fetal reduction after double embryos transferred in IVF pregnancy: A propensity score matching study

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of early vanishing twin syndrome (VTS) and selective fetal reduction (SEFR) on surviving singleton births in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy. MethodsWe collected patients who conceived through IVF and delivered singletons over the past six years. The VT group (n = 194) and SEFR group (n = 144) had underwent double embryos transferred (DET) and only one fetus was born, due to the subsequent one birth reduction. The SET group had one embryo transferred (SET) and gave birth to singleton. Using the propensity score matching (PSM) method to reduce confounding, the VT group and SEFR group were matched and compared with 570 and 576 singleton controls, respectively (SET-I/II group). Obstetric complications and neonatal outcomes were compared. In addition, quantity and quality of transferred embryos of VT (n = 194) and singleton groups (born with singleton after DET and matched with VT group by PSM, n = 554) were compared. ResultsCompared with the SET-I group, VT group had increased incidence of severe obstetric complications, including severe preeclampsia (p = 0.031), oligohydramnios (p = 0.038) and polyhydramnios (p = 0.015). VT group was more likely to show more frequent small for gestational age (SGA) (p = 0.046) and very small for gestational age (VSGA) (p = 0.031). Newborns in the SEFR group had a significantly lower birth weight (p = 0.005) and were more likely to manifest as low birthweight (LBW) (p = 0.009) and very low birthweight (VLBW, birth weight < 1500 g) (p = 0.012), and the incidence of very large for gestational age (VLGA) was lower (p = 0.030), compared with the control group. There were more developmental abnormalities in newborns of VTS, for decreased incidence of SGA (OR 0.156, 95% CI 0.036–0.669), VSGA (OR 0.057, 95% CI 0.006–0.553) and VLGA (OR 0.415, 95% CI 0.212–0.815) in SEFR group. The good quality embryo rate was higher in VT group (72.7% vs. 63.3%, p = 0.001) compared with the singleton group. ConclusionsDET with subsequent VTS/SEFR carried a higher rate of adverse clinical outcomes, and the VTS group had worse perinatal outcome compared with SEFR. Therefore, we recommend SET in ART.

PECULIARITIES OF THE COURSE OF THE DISEASE IN WOMEN WITH COVID-19

One of the most crucial topics at the moment is the viral infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which has acquired not only medical, but also, of course, social significance. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged healthcare systems around the world.Pregnant women are the most vulnerable category of people, along with the elderly. Due to low immune reactivity, they are more susceptible to severe complications than others, which makes the problem of pregnancy in patients with COVID-19 a pressing issue.A successful pregnancy requires changes in the immune system of the pregnant woman to tolerate a genetically foreign fetus. These changes in the immune system, as well as in the cardiac, pulmonary, and other systems, can lead to increased susceptibility or increased morbidity and mortality due to infection during pregnancy. Considering the physiological adaptations associated with pregnancy, we found that the high metabolic demand to maintain normal intrauterine development increases the burden of oxidative stress during pregnancy. Intracellular redox changes associated with acute phase reactions at the maternal-fetal interface may be enhanced during pregnancy. Notably, mother-to-fetal transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has not been detected in most COVID-19 pregnancies. This relative absence of vertical transmission may be due to the presence of lactoferrin in the placenta, amniotic fluid, and breast secretions. However, the cytokine storm induced during COVID-19-associated pregnancies can cause severe inflammatory damage to the fetus and, if left uncontrolled, can subsequently lead to autism spectrum disorders and brain developmental abnormalities in newborns. Given this serious health threat to a child's growth and development, preventing COVID-19 during pregnancy should be a priority.We aimed to study risk factors and assess the course of pregnancy in women with COVID-19.The study was carried out within the framework of the research work "Clinical and pathogenetic substantiation of differentiated treatment of combined pathology of internal organs" (№0122U002209).

Pregnancy Outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Cycle Complicated by Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): Case Series Study.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a frequent, potentially lethal side effect of assisted reproductive technology (ART), distinguished by symptoms such as ovarian enlargement, ascites, and pleural effusion. This study is designed to study the effect of assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle complicated by OHSS on pregnancy outcomes. A case series study at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was executed to examine the pregnancy outcomes in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. Fifteen patients were admitted to the IVF unit between January 2015 and December 2021. Data were retrieved from patients' medical records, and descriptive statistical methods were employed to analyze participants' data. The study assessed pregnancy outcomes for 15 female participants (mean age=31.1 years, SD=3.46) with a BMI range of 20-40 (mean BMI=29.6, SD=6.4), of whom 33.3% were classified as obese. The primary factor of infertility was anovulation (66.7%), followed by male factors (20%). About 26.7% of those affected by OHSS had moderate OHSS, and 73.3% had severe OHSS, with 100% of those with severe OHSS having undergone three embryo transfers. None of the participants developed gestational diabetes mellitus (DM), but one participant had high blood sugar levels (6.67% of total participants), with a mean glucose of 6.3±2.0. There were no instances of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, abnormal placentas, or congenital abnormalities in newborns among the participants. Preterm deliveries were common, with 33.3% delivering between 32 and 37 weeks, 6.7% before 28 weeks, and 33.3% within 28-32 weeks. Overall, 73.3% of the participants experienced pregnancy, and the birth mode was almost evenly split between vaginal and cesarean birth. In conclusion, this research provides an exploration into the outcomes of pregnancies in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatments complicated by ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. It shows anovulation as a prevalent cause of infertility and a noteworthy incidence of severe OHSS. Despite these challenges, a significant number of women were able to experience pregnancy, although preterm deliveries and abortions were common. The delivery methods were fairly balanced between vaginal birth and cesarean section. These findings underscore the necessity for more effective strategies to manage OHSS and improve pregnancy outcomes in ART procedures.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a series of new anthraquinone derivatives as anti-ZIKV agents

The major severe complications linked to Zika virus (ZIKV) cause the global public health problems, including microcephaly and other congenital abnormalities in newborns, and Guillain-Barré syndrome, meningoencephalitis, multi-organ failure in adults. However, neither approved vaccines nor drugs are available for ZIKV. In this study, we describe the design, synthesis and the anti-ZIKV activities of a series of anthraquinone analogs. Most of the newly synthesized compounds demonstrated moderate to excellent potency against ZIKV. Among all, compound 22, showed the most potent anti-ZIKV activity (EC50 value from 1.33 μM to 5.72 μM) with low cytotoxicity (CC50＞50 μM) in multiple cellular model. Importantly, 22 significantly improved the survival of ZIKV-infected mice (Ifnar1−/−), alleviated ZIKV-associated pathological damages and suppressed the excessive inflammatory response and pyroptosis induced by ZIKV in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, the molecular docking simulation analysis and the surface plasmon resonance results demonstrated the direct binding between 22 and ZIKV RdRp, and the mechanistic study revealed that 22 suppressed viral RNA synthesis by ZIKV NS5 in cells. Taken together, this study highlights that 22 may be a novel anti-ZIKV drug candidate and provides treatment options for ZIKV-associated diseases.

Neural tube defects among new borns: a cross-sectional study.

Neural tube defects are a major public health issue that contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality, particularly in low-income countries such as Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, particularly in the study setting, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence, magnitude, and associated factors of neural tube defects. As a result, the purpose of this study was to evaluate neural tube defects and associated factors in JUMC. This study was an institution-based cross-sectional study conducted from June to September 2021. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from previous literature. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 software. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between dependent and independent variables. Independent variables with a p-value < 0.05 were taken as statistically significant with neural tube defects. The prevalence of NTDs in this study was 3.6%. Preterm newborns with GA < 34 AOR 2.9(1.2-9.7), newborns with birth weight b/n 1,000-1,499 AOR 5.2(1.1-9.4), born with weight b/n 1,500-2,499 AOR 2.1(1.3-8.7), exposure to smoke AOR 2.1(1.2-8.8), radiation AOR 6.8(1.3-14.5), at least one history of abortion AOR 10.1(7.2-21.0) and mothers with AED intake AOR 5.7(2.3-18.4) were found to be associated significantly. The results indicated a significant frequency of neural tube abnormalities in newborns. The use of AEDs, abortion, and radiation have all been linked to those NTD cases. Pregnant women are advised to learn more about the need of beginning prenatal care as soon as possible because the aforementioned issues will be addressed during this treatment.

Immune Recognition versus Immune Evasion Systems in Zika Virus Infection

The reemergence of the Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in recent years has posed a serious threat to global health. Despite being asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic in a majority of infected individuals, ZIKV infection can result in severe manifestations including neurological complications in adults and congenital abnormalities in newborns. In a human host, ZIKV is primarily recognized by RIG-like receptors and Toll-like receptors that elicit anti-viral immunity through the secretion of type I interferon (IFN) to limit viral survival, replication, and pathogenesis. Intriguingly, ZIKV evades its host immune system through various immune evasion strategies, including suppressing the innate immune receptors and signaling pathways, mutation of viral structural and non-structural proteins, RNA modulation, or alteration of cellular pathways. Here, we present an overview of ZIKV recognition by the host immune system and the evasion strategies employed by ZIKV. Characterization of the host-viral interaction and viral disease mechanism provide a platform for the rational design of novel prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against ZIKV infection.

Stratum corneum lipid biomarkers at two months of age predict future onset of atopic dermatitis

It has been hypothesized that skin barrier function in early human life determines the onset of atopic dermatitis (AD) and atopic march. Finding early signs of skin abnormalities in newborns before the onset of AD may identify infants at risk to develop AD who can benefit from skin barrier enhancing therapies.

Incidence of Natal Teeth and Cleft Lip and Palate among the Newborns in Kerman: A Retrospective Study

Background: Natal teeth and cleft lip and palate are orofacial malformations and important health problems in children. These abnormalities are major causes of parental worry and childhood complications. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of natal teeth and cleft lip and palate as well as other facial and cranial abnormalities in newborns in Afzalipour hospital in Kerman, Iran. Methods: All newborns who were born from 2020 to 2021 in Afzalipour Hospital were reviewed and their oral, facial, and cranial abnormalities were recorded in a checklist. The information in the checklist consisted of two parts. The first part contained information about the mother including age, maternal health status before delivery, and type of delivery. The second part included information about the newborn (sex, weight, type of abnormality, and health status of the newborn at birth). The results were analyzed by SPSS 21 software. Results: In this study, 6225 newborns were reviewed, of whom 3015 were born by normal delivery (48.4%) and 3210 by cesarean section (51.6%). Head, cranial, and neck abnormalities and deformities were present in 3 newborns (0.05%), cleft lip and/or palate was present in 3 newborns (0.05%), and natal teeth was present in 2 newborns (0.03%). Three newborns (0.05%) had facial asymmetry. Newborn’s gender, mother’s systemic diseases, and mother’s age were not related with anomalies in the newborn, but newborns with anomalies were significantly heavier than healthy newborns. Conclusion: The prevalence of natal teeth and cleft lip and/or palate is not high in Kerman.