LGA Group Research Articles

The mGlu5 receptor negative allosteric modulator mavoglurant reduces escalated cocaine self-administration in male and female rats

RationaleCocaine use disorder (CUD) is a brain disorder for which there is no Food and Drug Administration-approved pharmacological treatment. Evidence suggests that glutamate and metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGlu5) play critical roles in synaptic plasticity, neuronal development, and psychiatric disorders.ObjectiveIn the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the mGlu5 receptor is functionally involved in intravenous cocaine self-administration and assessed the effects of sex and cocaine exposure history.MethodsWe used a preclinical model of CUD in rats that were allowed long access (LgA; 6 h/day) or short access (ShA; 1 h/day) to intravenous cocaine (750 µg/kg/infusion [0.1 ml]) self-administration. Rats received acute intraperitoneal or oral administration of the mGlu5 receptor negative allosteric modulator mavoglurant (1, 3, and 10 mg/kg) or vehicle.ResultsBoth intraperitoneal and oral mavoglurant administration dose-dependently reduced intravenous cocaine self-administration in the first hour and in the entire 6 h session in rats in the LgA group, with no effect on locomotion. In the ShA group, mavoglurant decreased locomotion but had no effects on cocaine self-administration. We did not observe significant sex × treatment interactions.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the mGlu5 receptor is involved in escalated cocaine self-administration. These findings support the development of clinical trials of mavoglurant to evaluate its potential therapeutic benefits for CUD.

A study of correlation between foot length and gestational maturity and anthropometric measurements in neonates

Background: This pinnacle’s the importance for alternative measurements which predicts birth weight and gestational age (GA). Foot length is a simple measure and does not require expertise. The aim of this study was to study correlation of foot length and GA among preterm, term and post-term neonates. Methods: This study was a prospective observational study done in 155 babies. Anthropometric measurements were taken within the first 24 hours of life. GA estimation was done using modified Ballard score. Foot length, head circumference and chest circumference were measured and noted. Weight of the baby was recorded using electronic weighing scale. Results: Foot length statistically correlated (p<0.05) with GA assessment using NBS, weight, length, head circumference and chest circumference. The highest correlation of foot length in term SGA and term AGA babies for foot length was with head circumference (r=0.74 and 0.64 respectively). In pre-terms, foot length correlated well with head circumference and birth weight (r=0.92, 0.84 and 0.92 respectively). There were no babies in preterm LGA group and post term SGA and LGA group. Conclusions: Foot length also statistically correlated with other parameters like birth weight, length, head circumference and chest circumference.

The association between plasma angiopoietin-like protein 4, glucose and lipid metabolism during pregnancy, placental function, and risk of delivering large-for-gestational-age neonates

BackgroundLarge-for-gestational-age (LGA) neonates have increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and adult metabolic diseases. We aimed to investigate the relationship between plasma angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4), a protein involved in lipid and glucose metabolism during pregnancy, placental function, growth factors, and the risk of LGA. MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study and recruited women with singleton pregnancies at the National Taiwan University Hospital between 2013 and 2018. First trimester maternal plasma ANGPTL4 concentrations were measured. ResultsAmong 353 pregnant women recruited, the LGA group had higher first trimester plasma ANGPTL4 concentrations than the appropriate-for-gestational-age group. Plasma ANGPTL4 was associated with hemoglobin A1c, post-load plasma glucose, plasma triglyceride, plasma free fatty acid concentrations, plasma growth hormone variant (GH-V), and birth weight, but was not associated with cord blood growth factors. After adjusting for age, body mass index, hemoglobin A1c, and plasma triglyceride concentrations, plasma ANGPTL4 concentrations were significantly associated with LGA risk, and its predictive performance, as measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, outperformed traditional risk factors for LGA. ConclusionsPlasma ANGPTL4 is associated with glucose and lipid metabolism during pregnancy, plasma GH-V, and birth weight, and is an early biomarker for predicting the risk of LGA.

The effect of maternal weight on neonatal cardiac functions following diabetic and non-diabetic pregnancies.

We aimed to study myocardial functions of infants appropriate and large for gestational age (IDM-AGA, IDM-LGA) of diabetic mothers (IDM) and AGA and LGA infants of non-diabetic mothers comparatively. Newborns were assessed between 24 and 72 h. M-Mode, pulsed wave, and tissue Doppler echocardiography were performed. A negative correlation was found between shortening fraction and maternal weight at delivery in the LGA group (p=0.009, r=-0.58). E/Early diastolic (E') ratio and deceleration time were increased in IDM-AGA than AGA group (p=0.02, p=0.02). There was a negative correlation between maternal blood glucose and E/A ratio (p=0.015 r=-0.63), a positive correlation between maternal blood glucose and mitral A, late diastolic (A') wave in IDM-AGA (p=0.014 r=0.63, p=0.016 r=0.62). Maternal weight gain during pregnancy was in correlation with measured and tei index in IDM-AGA group (p=0.008 r=0.72). Maternal age, pre-pregnancy weight, and weight at delivery and mitral E were higher in IDM-LGA group than IDM-AGA (p=0.03, p=0.01, p=0.003, p=0.012). We found that maternal weight has a negative effect on myocardial function in LGA newborns. Diastolic functions were found impaired in IDM-AGA infants and in infants of mothers with high blood glucose. Maternal weight gain during pregnancy has a negative effect on myocardial functions.

Clinical factors associated with birth weight of infants born to pregnant women with diabetes.

We aimed to examine the clinical factors associated with the birth weight of infants born to Japanese pregnant women with diabetes. This retrospective observational study enrolled 204 Japanese women with singleton pregnancies with type 1 diabetes (n = 135) or type 2 diabetes (n = 69). We used multiple regression analyses to examine factors associated with birth weight standard deviation (SD) scores. In addition, we compared the clinical findings among the groups of mothers who gave birth to appropriate for gestational age infants (AGA group), large for gestational age infants (LGA group), and small for gestational age infants (SGA group). Multiple regression analyses showed that the birth weight SD score was positively associated with type 2 diabetes. In women with type 1 diabetes, the birth weight SD score was positively associated with glycated albumin levels and gestational weight gain and negatively associated with pre-pregnancy underweight. Only gestational weight gain was positively associated with birth weight SD scores in women with type 2 diabetes. Glycated hemoglobin levels, gestational weight gain, and triglyceride levels were significantly higher in the LGA group than in the AGA group. The SGA group showed significantly lower gestational weight gain and triglyceride levels than the AGA group. These results suggest that it is important to manage not only blood glucose levels but also pre-pregnancy body weight and gestational weight gain for appropriate fetal growth. The effects of clinical factors on infant birth weight may differ between patients with type 1 and those with type 2 diabetes.

Extended access to fentanyl vapor self-administration leads to addiction-like behaviors in mice: Blood chemokine/cytokine levels as potential biomarkers

Rodent models are useful for understanding the mechanisms that underlie opioid addiction, but most preclinical studies have focused on rewarding and consummatory aspects of opioids without components of dependence-induced escalation of drug taking or seeking. We characterized several opioid-related behaviors in mice using a model of vaporized fentanyl self-administration. Male and female C57BL/6J mice were assigned to short-access (ShA; 1 h, nondependent) or long-access (LgA; 6 h, dependent) fentanyl vapor self-administration and subsequently tested in a battery of behavioral tests, followed by blood collection during withdrawal. Compared with mice in the ShA group, mice in the LgA group escalated their fentanyl intake, were more motivated to work to obtain the drug, exhibited greater hyperalgesia, and exhibited greater signs of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal. Principal component analysis indicated the emergence of two independent behavioral constructs: “intake/motivation” and “hyperalgesia/punished seeking.” In mice in the LgA condition only, “hyperalgesia/punished seeking” was associated with plasma levels of proinflammatory interleukin-17 (IL-17), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 4 (CCL-4), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Overall, the results suggest that extended access to opioids leads to addiction-like behavior, and some constructs that are associated with addiction-like behavior may be associated with levels of the proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines IL-17, TNF-α, and CCL-4 in blood.

Lactobacillus gasseri RW2014 Ameliorates Hyperlipidemia by Modulating Bile Acid Metabolism and Gut Microbiota Composition in Rats

Hyperlipidemia is a leading risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Dietary supplementation with probiotics has been suggested as an alternative intervention to lower cholesterol. In the current study, we isolated a strain of Lactobacillus gasseri RW2014 (LGA) from the feces of a healthy infant fed with breast milk, and it displayed bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity. Using this strain we determined its cholesterol-lowering and fatty liver-improving functions. SD rats were randomly divided into four groups. The control rats were fed a commercial chow diet and the other three groups were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for a 7-week experiment period. After two weeks of feeding, the rats in PBS, simvastin, and LGA group were daily administered through oral gavage with 2 mL PBS, simvastin (1 mg/mL), and 2 × 109 CFU/mouse live LGA in PBS, respectively. After five weeks of such treatment, the rats were euthanized and tissue samples were collected. Blood lipid and inflammatory factors were measured by ELISA, gut microbiota was determined by 16S rRNA sequencing, and bile acids profiles were detected by metabolomics. We found that LGA group had lower levels of blood cholesterol and liver steatosis compared to the simvastin group. LGA also significantly reducedthe levels of inflammatory factors in the serum, including TNFα, IL-1β, MCP-1, IL-6, and exotoxin (ET), and increased the levels of short-chain fatty acids in feces, including isobutyric acid, butyric acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, and hexanoic acid. In addition, LGA altered the compositions of gut microbiota as manifested by the increased ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroides and the relative abundance of Blautia genus. Targeted metabolomics results showed that bile acids, especially free bile acids and secondary bile acids in feces, were increased in LGA rats compared with the control rats. Accordingly, the rats administrated with LGA also had a higher abundance of serum bile acids, including 23-norcholic acid, 7-ketolithocholic acid, β-muricholic acid, cholic acid, and deoxycholic acid. Together, this study suggests that LGA may exert a cholesterol-lowering effect by modulating the metabolism of bile acids and the composition of gut microbiota.

Combining Awake Anesthesia with Minimal Invasive Surgery Optimizes Intraoperative Surgical Spinal Cord Stimulation Lead Placement.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an effective and validated treatment to address chronic refractory neuropathic pain in persistent spinal pain syndrome-type 2 (PSPS-T2) patients. Surgical SCS lead placement is traditionally performed under general anesthesia due to its invasiveness. In parallel, recent works have suggested that awake anesthesia (AA), consisting of target controlled intra-venous anesthesia (TCIVA), could be an interesting tool to optimize lead anatomical placement using patient intra-operative feedback. We hypothesized that combining AA with minimal invasive surgery (MIS) could improve SCS outcomes. The goal of this study was to evaluate SCS lead performance (defined by the area of pain adequately covered by paraesthesia generated via SCS), using an intraoperative objective quantitative mapping tool, and secondarily, to assess pain relief, functional improvement and change in quality of life with a composite score. We analyzed data from a prospective multicenter study (ESTIMET) to compare the outcomes of 115 patients implanted with MIS under AA (MISAA group) or general anesthesia (MISGA group), or by laminectomy under general anesthesia (LGA group). All in all, awake surgery appears to show significantly better performance than general anesthesia in terms of patient pain coverage (65% vs. 34–62%), pain surface (50–76% vs. 50–61%) and pain intensity (65% vs. 35–40%), as well as improved secondary outcomes (quality of life, functional disability and depression). One step further, our results suggest that MISAA combined with intra-operative hypnosis could potentialize patient intraoperative cooperation and could be proposed as a personalized package offered to PSPS-T2 patients eligible for SCS implantation in highly dedicated neuromodulation centers.

Does low gonial angle affect the Amount of Bone Loss Around implant in the posterior mandible?

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there is a role of the low gonial angle on marginal bone resorption around the implants placed in the posterior mandible. Methods: This retrospective study, including 20 patients with 46 implants followed 36 months were inserted in the toothless posterior area. Patients without systemic disease were included in this study. The gonial angle was measured on a panoramic x-ray; Patients with a gonial angle of more than 1250were classified as high gonial angle, and those with less than 1200 were classified as a low gonial angle group. Mesial and distal marginal bone resorption and implant angulation with the occlusal plane were measured via Image J software (National Institutes of Health; version 1.5i, USA). Independent samples t-test was used to compare measured variables between high and low gonial angle groups. Results: The mean marginal bone resorption (MBL) was 0.27±0.16 mm for the mesial side and 0.27±0.13mm for the distal side in the LGA group. In the HGA group, MBL was 0.77±0.28mm for the mesial side and 0.71±0.27mm for the distal side. There was no statistical significance between HGA and LGA groups regarding marginal bone resorption. However, implant angulation with the occlusal plane was correlated with marginal bone resorption in the HGA group. Conclusion: The result of this study is that a low gonial angle is not directly a risk factor for marginal bone resorption around the dental implant. However, implants should be placed perpendicular to the occlusal plane as possible in the HGA group.

Evaluation of third-trimester neutrophil-lymphocyte and platelet-lymphocyte ratios and their correlation with birth weight

Background/Aim: Fetal development is affected by the maternal environment and one of the environment determinants is inflammation. Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been used as markers of inflammation in many disciplines. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the value of these easily accessible markers in the 3rd trimester and birth weight, which is the result of fetal development. Methods: This retrospective cohort study comprised 442 pregnant women who delivered within the last 2 years and met the inclusion criteria. As a result of a percentile adjustment made according to the Alexander growth curves, pregnant women were grouped according to the birth weight of their neonates, as normal birth weight (AGA) and large birth weight (LGA). Statistical analyses were conducted using the birth weights and hemogram parameters between the groups. Results: There was no significant difference in hemoglobin, neutrophil, platelet, NLR and PLR levels (P>0.05 for each) between the groups; however, a negative correlation was observed between lymphocyte and gestational weight (P=0.014). When comparing hemogram parameters between the groups, hemoglobin, neutrophil, platelet, NLR, and PLR counts were similar (P>0.05 for each). We observed that the lymphocyte counts were lower in the LGA group (P=0.019). There was no significant relationship between birth weight, and NLR and PLR counts during the third trimester (P=0.100, P=0.997, respectively). Conclusion: NLR and PLR counts are used in many disciplines as indicators of inflammation and have been used to predict many perinatal complications during pregnancy. In the present study, no relationship was found between fetal weight and third trimester NLR and PLR counts.

Time-dependent regulation of perineuronal nets in the cerebellar cortex during abstinence of cocaine-self administration.

The probability of structural remodeling in brain circuits may be modulated by molecules of perineuronal nets (PNNs) that restrict neuronal plasticity to stabilize circuits. Animal research demonstrates that addictive drugs can remodel PNNs in different brain regions, including the cerebellum. This study aimed to investigate the effects of short versus extended access to cocaine self-administration on PNN expression around Golgi interneurons in the cerebellar cortex after different periods of abstinence. After 1week of training (2h/day), Sprague-Dawley rats self-administered cocaine daily for 20days under short (ShA) or extended (LgA) access. PNN expression in the cerebellum was assessed after 1day, 7days, and 28days of forced abstinence. PNNs were immunolabeled using Wisteria floribunda agglutinin (WFA) and captured by confocal microscopy. WFA intensity increased in PNN-bearing Golgi neurons over the abstinence period and a higher proportion of more intense PNNs were formed throughout the first month of abstinence. After the first 24h of cocaine abstinence, however, we found a reduction in WFA intensity in the cerebellar cortex of rats with ShA to cocaine as compared to naïve animals. When comparing with naïve rats, LgA rats showed consistent PNN upregulation at 28days of cocaine abstinence. Our results suggest that cocaine self-administration produces modifications in PNN that enhance conditions for synaptic plasticity in the cerebellar cortex. These modifications are revealed shortly after the cessation of drug intake but PNNs become more intense during protracted abstinence in the LgA group, pointing to the stabilization of drug-induced synaptic changes. These findings indicate that extended access to cocaine self-administration dynamically regulates conditions for plasticity in the cerebellum during abstinence.

Alkaline Phosphatase Levels in Pregnancy and Its Association With Birth Weight: Prospective Cohort [03O

INTRODUCTION: Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is produced by placental syncytiotrophoblasts and levels are normally increased in pregnancy. The aim was to determine if total ALP level between 24–28 weeks could be used as a screening tool in healthy singleton pregnancies as a predictor for low birth weight. METHODS: An IRB approved prospective study with total ALP serum levels collected from women with a singleton pregnancy between 24–28 weeks gestation. Pregnancies complicated by conditions that could affect ALP levels or fetal growth were ineligible. Pregnancy and birth data was abstracted from the patient's chart. Infants were classified as SGA, AGA and LGA by gestational age at birth and gender. RESULTS: 255 patients had complete ALP level and delivery outcome data. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline maternal demographic characteristics noted between groups. Mean gestational age at delivery was 39.1 weeks. ALP levels in the SGA group, 83 (±35) IU/L, were not significantly higher when compared to the AGA group, 69 (±21) (P=.062), and LGA group was 78 (± 21) IU/L. Mean birth weights for SGA, AGA and LGA were 2609 (±282), 3247 (±486), and 4118 (±290) gm. Mothers of SGA infants had lower GCT results at 94.9 (±23.4) mg/dL as compared to mothers of AGA infants 107.6 (±25.5), P=.016. Patients who developed gestational hypertension were more likely to have ALP levels >75th% (P=.002). CONCLUSION: There was only a weak association noted between ALP levels at 24 to 28 weeks gestation in healthy singleton pregnancies and birthweight. Therefore, ALP performs poorly as a way to screen for SGA growth in newborns.

Evaluation of the relationship between birth weight percentiles and perinatal outcomes in uncomplicated term pregnant women with large birth weight according to gestational age

Amaç: Çalışmanın amacı büyük doğum ağırlığı (LGA) olan (gebelik yaşına göre doğum ağırlığı >%90) ve doğum ağırlığı 90 persentile yakın ancak altında (%90-80) olan olguların başta ölü doğum olmak üzere perinatal sonuçlarını araştırarak, bu verileri ülkemiz literatürüne kazandırmaktır.Gereç ve Yöntem: Tersiyer bir merkezde bir yıllık sürede toplam 7800 doğum yapan hasta ve bebek dosyaları incelenerek yapılmıştır. Toplam 3 grup oluşturuldu. 1) doğum ağırlığı > %90 olanlar (LGA grubu), 2) doğum ağırlığı %90-%80 olanlar 3) doğum ağırlığı %79-%10 (kontrol grubu). Gruplar arasında maternal ve yenidoğan kötü sonuçları açısından karşılaştırma yapıldı.Bulgular: Çalışmaya dışlanma kriterlerine göre hastalar seçildikten sonra toplam 4286 hasta dahil edildi. Hastaların 234’ü LGA, 356’sı %80-90 persentil grubunda ve 3696’sı kontrol grubundaydı. Maternal yaş ve sezaryen doğum oranı LGA grubunda en yüksekti. Yenidoğan ünitesine başvuru oranı LGA ve 80-90 persentil grubunda benzer olmak üzere kontrol grubundan çok daha yüksek idi. Mekanik ventilasyon LGA ve 80-90 persentil grubunda kontrol grubuna göre daha yüksekti. Yenidoğan sepsisi, RDS ve klavikula kırık oranları LGA ve 80-90 persentil grubunda kontrol grubuna göre hafif daha yüksekti fakat bu fark istatistiksel olarak anlamlı değildi. Sonuç: Bu çalışma ile doğum kilosuna göre 80-90 persentil arasında olan yenidoğanlarında morbiditesinin yüksek olduğu ve yenidoğan yoğun bakım ihtiyacının fazla olduğu bulunmuştur.

Fetal front-abdominal wall thickness in the second trimester as a predictor of abnormal fetal growth

Objectives Worldwide, approximately 9% of infants have a birth weight ≥4000 g, who are defined as fetal macrosomia, with wide variations between countries. Another form of abnormal fetal growth is fetal growth restriction. Infants with low birth weight (LBW) for their gestational age are primarily categorized as either small for gestational age (SGA) or fetal (intrauterine) growth restriction (FGR). All forms of abnormal fetal growth have high morbidity rates of neonatal. Therefore, diagnosis of abnormal fetal growth as early as possible is crucial for optimal clinical care. The measurement of fetal front-abdominal wall thickness (FAWT) is an easy examination. We conducted this study, wondering whether FAWT can predict birth weight or can determine LGA/macrosomia and/or LBW infants in advance. Methods This longitudinal cohort study was done in a tertiary center between September 2016 and September 2019. In total, 768 pregnant women with who attended our clinic for oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) screening between the 26th and 28th weeks of gestation were included in this study. A total of 768 patients were evaluated in the present study. However, 186 of them were excluded in the follow-up of the study because they met the exclusion criteria or they gave birth in another hospital. Eventually, 582 pregnant women were included, with 57 in the LBW group, 461 in the AGA group, and 64 in the LGA group. In addition, 55 fetuses in the LGA group were determined to be macrosomic (birth weight > 4000 g). The FAWT and classic fetal biometric measurements, such as BPD, AC, FL, and EFW, were compared between the AGA group and the macrosomic infants. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the AGA group and the macrosomic infants group. There were no macrosomic infants in the AGA group, so this was used as the control group. Results There were no significant differences between the groups for maternal age, gravidity, parity, gestational age on the day of the examination, and gestational age at birth. The mean FAWT was significantly thinner in the SGA group than in the appropriate for gestational age (AGA) group (3.4 versus 3.9 mm, respectively, p < .001), while it was significantly thicker in the LGA group than in the AGA group (4.1 versus 3.9 mm, respectively, p < .001). Conclusion FAWT measurement can provide more information and may be more sensitive toward fetal nutrition and growth than the AC value during the second trimester. Some benefits can be gained through the measurement of FAWT at the end of the second trimester. FAWT measurements can be used in obstetrical practice with a similar performance in predicting the LGA and macrosomic infant like AC and EFW.

Analysis of amino acids and acylcarnitines profiles in small, appropriate, and large for gestational age neonates

Objective To identify the amino acid (AA) and acylcarnitines (ACs) profiles in dry blood spot (DBS) of small, appropriate and large for gestational age neonates, and to investigate the difference AA and AC profiles in groups. Methods Eight thousand nine hundred and fourteen healthy singleton newborns were divided into three groups: small for gestational age (SGA) (n = 713), appropriate for gestational age (AGA) (n = 7866), and LGA (n = 335). Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry was taken to evaluate the concentrations of 11 AAs and 31 ACs in DBS specimens obtained from all enrolled neonates. Results Compared with the AGA neonates, except propionylcarnitine, the concentrations of SGA neonatal most AAs and AC in the newborn were higher, while those of the newborns in the LGA group were lower. Conclusion Different concentrations of AAs and ACs in the three groups suggest that SGA may be associated with under anabolic metabolism, while LGA may be associated with over anabolic metabolism.

Perinatal Risk Factor and Morbidity in Term Large-for-Gestational-Age Infants according to Classification by Ponderal Index

Objective: Large-for-gestational-age (LGA, birth weight ≥90th percentile) infants have increased risks of adverse perinatal outcomes. Further classification within the LGA group enables identification of infants at highest risk for neonatal morbidity. The objective of the study is to investigate the difference of perinatal risk factors and morbidity in LGA infants born at 37-41 weeks of gestation according to classification by the ponderal index (PI). Methods: 195 LGA infants between January 2016 and December 2018, were enrolled in this retrospective study. They were divided into two groups base on PI; symmetric LGA (PI ≤90th percentile) and asymmetric LGA (PI >90th percentile). Neonatal and maternal demographics with clinical characteristics, and neonatal morbidity were compared between two groups. Results: The gestational age of term LGA infants was 38.6±1.2 weeks and birth weight was 3,963±326 g. Maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index was 25.8±6.6 kg/m2 and diabetes mellitus was 23.6%. Maternal diabetes mellitus and placental infarction were also significantly higher in the asymmetric LGA infants. Asymmetric LGA infants had higher incidence of hypoglycemia, clavicle or humerus fracture and had higher initial hemoglobin and hematocrit levels than the symmetric LGA infants. Conclusion: In the asymmetric LGA group, maternal diabetes and neonatal morbidity such as clavicle or humerus fracture and hypoglycemia were higher than in the symmetric group. Early identification of fetuses for being the asymmetric LGA gives a chance to optimize management of these newborns associated with increased morbidity. Thus, the combination of birth weight and PI helps a more appropriate parameter than birth weight alone.

Third Trimester Umbilical Artery Doppler in Low-Risk Pregnancies and its Correlation to Estimated Fetal Weight and Birthweight.

Purpose This study investigated the correlation between the umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index (PI) and the estimated fetal weight percentile and birthweight (BW) percentile, respectively. Materials and Methods We included low-risk pregnancies, in which UA Doppler investigations after 28 weeks were performed. Cases were allocated according to BW percentiles: small for gestational age (SGA) with BW 90th percentile. We analyzed differences in the mean UA-PI and UA-PI z-score for gestational age according to the three groups. Linear regression was performed to evaluate any relationship between Doppler indices and BW percentiles. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent association of UA-PI with LGA babies. In a second step, we considered data on estimated fetal weight (EFW) percentiles and performed the same analysis. Results We analyzed 14 554 pregnancies from 2004 to 2015. The mean UA-PI and mean UA-PI z-scores in the LGA group were lower than in the AGA and SGA groups (p Conclusion The higher the EFW and BW percentiles, the lower the UA-PI. However, reference ranges for UA Doppler are only based on gestation weeks. Further studies are needed to clarify whether customized reference ranges based on EFW percentiles are more appropriate for the evaluation of fetal wellbeing in the third trimester.

Dorsolateral striatal miR-134 modulates excessive methamphetamine intake in self-administering rats.

Increasing evidence indicates that excessive drug consumption is sufficient for the transition from recreational and controlled drug use to uncontrolled use and addiction. However, the underlying mechanisms are debated. Some neurobehavioral and neuroimaging evidence indicates that dorsolateral striatum (dlStr)-dependent habit learning plays a key role in excessive drug intake and the transition to addiction, but little is known about the molecular events. The present study investigated whether dlStr miR-134, an important regulator of synaptic transmission and plasticity, is involved in excessive methamphetamine intake. We established excessive and uncontrolled methamphetamine self-administration model in rats by permitting animals extended access to drug (6h/session/d, LgA group), whereas animals that were limited to access to drug (2h/session/d, ShA group) exhibited low and controlled self-administration. miR-134 expression in dlStr was significantly increased and its target LIMK1 expression was decreased in the LgA group, but not in the ShA group, compared with the saline control group. However, passive methamphetamine exposure did not alter miR-134 and LIMK1 levels in dlStr. We also found that down-regulation of miR-134 in dlStr through local microinjection of a lentivirus carrying miR-134 sponge (LV-miR-134-Sil) significantly reduced methamphetamine infusions and excessive consumption in LgA group, rather than ShA group. These results indicated that dlStr miR-134, perhaps via its target LIMK1, contributed to excessive and uncontrolled methamphetamine intake, supporting the hypothesis that stimulus-response habit formation is an important mechanism underlying the transition from controlled drug use to uncontrolled drug use and addiction.

Imaging study on relationship between the location of lingula and the Gonial angle in a Chinese population.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the Gonial angle in relation to the position of the lingula using computerized image analysis to guide the oral surgeons to prevent injury to the inferior alveolar nerve and peripheral blood vessels during surgery. We measured Gonial angle sizes of bilateral rami and the distances from the lingula tip to the mandibular notch (LN), the anterior (LA) and posterior (LP) margin of the mandibular ramus, the mandibular base (LB) and the occlusive plane (h) in 407 Chinese adults with CBCT. In males, the mean distance of LN was 17.64mm in the low Gonial angle group while 16.76mm in the high Gonial angle group, which was significantly different between two groups (P < 0.001). The distance of LA in LGA group was obviously longer than that in HGA group (P < 0.001). The mean distance LP of men was 17.94mm in LGA group while 16.9mm in HGA group (P < 0.001). In females, the mean distance of LB in LGA group was 33.32mm and 32.37mm in HGA group (P < 0.01). We discovered that the segment of the mandibular branch, between the mandibular lingula and the mandibular angle, was obviously smaller in the HGA group than that in the LGA group.

The Role of Umbilical Cord Blood Concentration of IGF-I, IGF-II, Leptin, Adiponectin, Ghrelin, Resistin, and Visfatin in Fetal Growth.

Herein, we measured the concentration of insulinlike growth factor I (IGF-I), IGF-II, leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin, resistin, and visfatin in the umbilical cord blood of newborns categorized as "small for gestational age" (SGA), "appropriate for gestational age" (AGA), and "large for gestational age" (LGA). Our aim was to elucidate the link between the levels of these proteins and fetal growth. A total of 96 term infants were included and categorized into three weight categories. Their venous cord blood samples were collected to measure the levels of IGF-I, IGF-II, leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin, resistin, and visfatin. IGF-I, visfatin, and leptin levels showed significant differences among the groups. Pairwise comparisons showed that adiponectin (p = 0.023), resistin (p = 0.025), and ghrelin (p = 0.005) levels were significantly lower in the SGA group than in the LGA group. Correlation analyses showed a strong association of IGF-1, IGF-II, and leptin levels with birth weight (r = 0.644, p < 0.001; r = 0.441, p < 0.001; and r = 0.404, p < 0.001, respectively). SGA newborns showed a significantly higher visfatin concentration and lower ghrelin, leptin, resistin, and adiponectin levels than the AGA and LGA newborns did.