Second Trimester Of Gestation Research Articles

An investigation on infectious etiologies of bovine abortions in Northern Western Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh

This study was conducted to ascertain infectious etiologies of bovine abortions in Northern Western Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh. Overall, 16.77% (27/161) serum samples were positive for antibodies to at least one bovine abortion-causing pathogen. The overall prevalence was highest for BHV-1 (8.07%) followed by Chlamydia (3.11%), B. abortus (2.48%), T. gondii (1.86%), Leptospira (0.62%), and C. albicans (0.62%). None of the tested samples was positive for C. burnetii and Aspergillus. The occurrence of bovine abortions was higher (51.85%) in the second trimester of gestation followed by the third (44.44%) and first trimester (3.70%). In comparison to previous studies, we recorded a lower prevalence of infectious etiologies of bovine abortions. Hence, it is important to investigate the role of the non- infectious etiologies of bovine abortions such as hormonal (progesterone insufficiency), nutritional (negative energy balance, feedstuff containing anti-nutritional factors) and miscellaneous causes including poor animal management, toxin infestation, and twin pregnancies.

Association of maternal obesity with growth of fetal fractional limb volume

BackgroundMaternal obesity influences birth weight and newborn adiposity. Fetal fractional limb volume has recently been introduced as a useful parameter for the proxy of fetal adiposity. However, the association between maternal adiposity and the growth of fetal fractional limb volume has not been examined. AimsTo investigate the association of maternal pre-pregnancy BMI with the growth of fetal fractional limb volume. Study designProspective cohort study. SubjectsWomen with singleton uncomplicated pregnancies enrolled between July 2017 and June 2020. Outcome measuresFetal fractional limb volume was assessed between 20 and 40 weeks' gestation, measured as cylindrical limb volume based on 50 % of the total diaphysis length. The measured fractional limb volume at each gestational week were converted to z-scores based on a previous report. The association between pre-pregnancy BMI and fetal fractional limb volume was examined. Maternal age, parity, gestational weight gain and fetal sex were considered as potential confounding variables. ResultsUltrasound scans of 455 fractional arm volume and thigh volume were obtained. Fractional limb volume increased linearly until the second trimester of gestation, then increased exponentially in the third trimester. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was significantly correlated with z-scores of fractional arm volume and thigh volume across gestation. The post-hoc analysis showed the association between pre-pregnancy BMI and fractional arm volume was significant especially between 34 and 40 weeks. ConclusionsMaternal obesity influences the growth pattern of fetal fractional limb volume. Fractional arm volume may potentially provide a useful surrogate marker of fetal nutritional status in late gestation.

DOP80 Prevalence and factors associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) activity during pregnancy: updated data from the DUMBO Registry

Abstract Background IBD remission is key for pregnancy outcomes. Previous studies have suggested a disease recurrence risk of approximately 30% in patients in remission at conception, but this could be influenced by disease control in the periconceptional period and the discontinuation of treatments for IBD during pregnancy. Aim To provide updated data on the incidence of disease relapse during pregnancy in IBD patients and to identify predictive factors of relapse. Methods Pregnant patients with IBD from DUMBO registry were included. DUMBO is a prospective, observational, and multicentre registry, endorsed by GETECCU which enrols pregnant women with IBD over 5 years in 70 centres in Spain. Study protocol is summarized in figure 1a. Relapse was defined based on the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index and the Partial Mayo Score in Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), respectively. Only patients in clinical remission at conception were considered for the relapse risk analysis (Cox-regression analysis). Only serious adverse events (SAE) were recorded. Results 1,033 patients were available in DUMBO registry, 57 (5.5%) had active disease at conception. 830 patients had given birth (98% singleton), 69 had early termination (48 of them miscarriages), and 134 pregnancies were still ongoing. The probability of having active disease at each trimester was higher in patients with active disease at conception (table 1a). Seven patients underwent surgery due to IBD during pregnancy (3 abdominal and 4 perianal surgery); all of them were in remission at conception. The proportion of patients with severe infections during pregnancy was higher in patients with active disease during pregnancy (2.8% vs. 0.8%, p<0.05); there were no differences in other SAE based on the activity. 73 out of 976 patients in remission at conception relapsed throughout pregnancy or puerperium (figure 1b, table 1b). The proportion of patients who withdrew treatment during pregnancy, excepting mesalamine, was similar between relapsers and non-relapsers (table 1c). To have UC vs. CD (Hazard ratio=3, 95% confidence interval=1.8-5.3) was the only variable associated with the risk of relapse. Conclusion The risk of having active disease during pregnancy was higher in patients with activity at conception. The risk of relapse in patients in remission at conception was lower than previously described. The risk of relapse was 3-fold higher in UC than in CD. Since most relapses occur from the second trimester of gestation onwards, and serious complications (including surgery) can occur also in patients in remission at conception, monitoring IBD during this period should be closely conducted.

Influence of Pregnancy on Sexual Desire in Pregnant Women and Their Partners: Systematic Review.

Objectives: Pregnancy is a stage in which different physical and psychological changes take place that can affect the sexuality of the couple. The aim of the study is to identify how the physical and psychological changes derived from pregnancy affect the sexual desire of women and men. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was carried out in five databases, from which a total of 16,126 documents were obtained. After applying the PRISMA selection criteria, a total of 19 documents were selected. Results: Levels of sexual desire fluctuate during pregnancy, being the second trimester of gestation the period in which desire is at its highest and in which physical limitations and emotional changes decrease. Women have lower levels of sexual desire in the first trimester, while men have the lowest levels of desire in the third trimester. Conclusion: Pregnancy is a stage marked by physiological and psychological changes that modify several areas, including sexuality. Healthcare professionals should promote a healthy sexuality, avoiding the appearance of fears or sexual dysfunctions caused by the changes that occur during pregnancy.

Development of a fluorometric Cuboni test for the semi-quantitative measurement of urinary estrogen levels and pregnancy detection in mares.

The aim of the present study was to develop a semi-quantitative urine pregnancy test for mares based on the Cuboni reaction and to verify the reliability of this test. The urine specimens were hydrolyzed by heating in the presence of hydrochloric acid. The resulting free estrogens were extracted from the urine matrix using toluene. Sulfuric acid was added to the toluene extract and the mixture was heated again. The lower layer in the test tube containing sulfuric acid was used for fluorescence measurements with excitation at 355 nm and measurement at 535 nm. The fluorometric Cuboni test revealed that the fluorescence counts in urine samples collected after the second trimester of gestation were significantly higher than those obtained from barren mares. The levels of estrogens, including equilin, estrone and estardiol-17β exhibited a dose-dependent increase in fluorescence counts, whereas other steroids, such as progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol, did not affect fluorescence. Heat treatment of urine samples with hydrochloric acid significantly increased the fluorescence counts in those collected after the second trimester of gestation compared to non-pregnant samples, implying the presence of large amounts of conjugated estrogens in pregnant mare urine. Fluorescence counts in urine samples obtained during pregnancy showed a positive relationship with estrone concentrations as measured by enzyme immunoassay. The results of the present study showed that the fluorometric Cuboni test facilitates urine fluorescence counts depending on the urinary estrogen content and is capable of discriminating between pregnancy and non-pregnancy states beyond the second trimester of gestation in mares.

Prevalence of corpus callosum pathology in an unselected population. Should assessment of the corpus callosum be included in the routine 20weeks scan?

To determine the prevalence of abnormalities of the corpus callosum (AbnCC) in a non-selected population, to propose a systematic screening protocol for AbnCC in all populations through direct assessment, and to describe the follow-up and prognosis of all AbnCC cases diagnosed in our clinical setting. This was a retrospective review of the prevalence of AbnCC over 11years. We included a sagittal assessment of the corpus callosum (CC) in the second-trimester scan. AbnCC was classified into complete agenesis of CC (ACC) and dysgenesis of CC (DCC; including small, partial agenesis, thick and with lipoma). Of the 38,586 second-trimester scans performed during our screening, 43 cases of AbnCC were detected (prevalence of 0.8/1000). Of the AbnCC cases, 10 cases were identified as ACC (29.40%) and 24 as DCC (70.59%). Follow-up investigations showed that in the 43 cases with AbnCC, 76.5% had other associated ultrasound abnormalities, 26.5% had genetic abnormalities, 11.8% had other MRI abnormalities, and 25% of the children had neurodevelopmental delays (8.8% of the total), which were severe in only one case. AbnCC is found in approximately 0.8/1000 of cases in an unselected population. The findings suggest that systematic and direct assessment of the CC as part of screening ultrasound in the second trimester of gestation should be recommended as a routine practice.

395 Maternal Supplementation with Different Sources of Trace Minerals and Its Effects on the Offspring

Abstract This experiment evaluated the effects of supplementing three sources of trace minerals to late-gestating beef cows and its impact on offspring productivity. Seventy-two pregnant cows were sorted by BW and BCS in three treatments at Red Bluff Ranch (Norris, MT). Seventy-two non-lactating, pregnant Angus cows [initial body weight (BW) = 637 ± 13 kg; body condition score (BCS) = 5.5 ± 0.07; and age = 6.1 ± 0.57; exposed to AI = 54 and Bull = 18] were selected and assigned to this experiment at the end of their second trimester of gestation. Before beginning treatment application (d-10), cows were ranked by BW and BCS and allocated (d 0) to 1,000 acres pasture. At this time, cows were assigned to receive supplements containing 1 of 3 treatments: 1) Cu, Mn, and Zn sulfate trace mineral source (INR; n = 24), 2) Cu, Mn, and Zn organic trace mineral source (ORG; n = 24), and 3) Cu, Mn, and Zn hydroxychloride trace mineral source (HXD; n= 24). Cows were fed individually three times a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Cow full BW and BCS were recorded before the beginning of the experiment (d -11 and -10). On d -10 and at birth, liver biopsies were performed in all cows and calves via needle biopsy. After calving, cow-calf pairs were assigned to the general herd management, including inorganic mineral supplementation. Calves were weaned at 6 months of age and backgrounded for 85 d. No differences were detected (P ≥ 0.17) among HDX, INR, and ORG cows for initial liver concentrations of trace minerals. At calving, no differences were observed (P ≥ 0.25) in liver concentrations of Se, Co, Cu, Mn, and Zn. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.81) in calf birth BW, crow to rump, and hearth girth measurements between treatments. No treatment effect was observed (P ≥ 0.35) on the liver concentration of calves born to cows receiving treatment. At weaning, no treatment differences were detected (P ≥ 0.25) weaning BW and ADG from birth to weaning. Supplementing different sources of trace minerals to beef cows during the last trimester of gestation yielded similar cow-calf productive responses until weaning and backgrounding program.

Metabolic rates in female guinea pigs during different reproductive stages

Reproduction in female mammals is characterized by major changes in steroid hormone concentrations, which can be linked to fluctuations in energy expenditure (EE). Estradiol and cortisol can increase EE and metabolic rates (MRs), but knowledge on MR changes during the estrous cycle and gestation is scarce for many species. This also applies to the domestic guinea pig, a species exhibiting an exceptional estrous cycle among rodents. In this study, MRs were measured through oxygen (O2) consumption in female guinea pigs during different reproductive stages. Mean O2 consumption over 2.5 h, resting metabolic rate (RMR, lowest and most stable O2 consumption over 3 min), body mass, fecal estrogen and progesterone, and saliva cortisol concentrations were measured in twelve female guinea pigs in a repeated measurements design during diestrus, estrus, and the second trimester of gestation. In estrus, body mass was significantly lower and estrogen and cortisol concentrations were significantly higher compared to diestrus and gestation. Mean O2 consumption and RMR both were significantly increased in estrus compared to diestrus. Additionally, a positive effect of body mass on MRs detected during diestrus and gestation was not found during estrus. Mean O2 consumption was also higher during gestation compared to diestrus, and a significant increase in cortisol concentrations during the 2.5-h MR measurement was recorded. The results indicate that estrus in guinea pigs is energetically demanding, which probably reflects catabolic effects of estrogens and cortisol that uncoupled MRs from body mass. Knowledge on the energetic requirements associated with different reproductive stages is important for future physiological and behavioral studies on female guinea pigs.

Changes in the blood flow in the uterine and umbilical arteries during the second trimester of pregnancy in exacerbation of bronchial asthma associated with reactivation of cytomegalovirus infection

Aim. To evaluate changes in blood flow in the uterine and umbilical arteries in the second trimester of gestation in women with exacerbation of bronchial asthma associated with reactivation of cytomegalovirus infection (CMVI).Materials and methods. Using Doppler analysis, 115 patients were examined at 21-24 weeks of pregnancy, uncomplicated and complicated by exacerbation of mild to moderate asthma of cytomegalovirus etiology. The first group was represented by 30 seronegative women with uncomplicated pregnancy. The second group included 30 patients with mild asthma in the stage of exacerbation associated with CMVI, leading to chronic compensated placental insufficiency. The third group consisted of 30 patients with exacerbation of moderate asthma caused by CMVI reactivation, which initiated the development of chronic compensated placental insufficiency. The fourth group consisted of 25 women with moderate asthma in the acute stage against the background of the acute phase of CMVI, leading to the formation of chronic subcompensated placental insufficiency.Results. In women in the second group, in comparison with the first group, the following changes were determined: in the right uterine artery, the systolic-diastolic ratio (SDR) was, respectively, 2.75±0.07 and 2.04±0.03 rel. units (р<0.001), pulsation index (PI) – 1.15±0.04 and 0.76±0.02 rel. units (p<0.001), resistance index (RI) – 0.63±0.01 and 0.51±0.01 rel. units (p<0.001); in the left uterine artery, SDR was, respectively, 2.84±0.09 and 1.98±0.05 rel. units (p<0.001), PI – 1.20±0.05 and 0.74±0.03 rel. units (p<0.001), RI – 0.64±0.01 and 0.49±0.01 rel. units (p<0.001); in the absence of statistically significant differences in the indicators of SDR in the umbilical artery – 3.62±0.09 and 3.41±0.06 rel. units, respectively (р>0.05), PI – 1.23±0.03 and 1.19±0.03 rel. units (p>0.05) and RI – 0.73±0.01 and 0.70±0.01 rel. units (p>0.05). In the third group, in comparison with the second one, vascular resistance did not differ significantly in the right, left uterine arteries and the umbilical cord artery. In patients of the fourth group, in contrast to the third one, higher values of resistance to blood flow were observed: in the right uterine artery – SDR (3.41±0.07 and 2.87±0.07 rel. units, p<0.001), PI (1.48±0.07 and 1.18±0.03 rel. units, p<0.001), RI (0.70±0.01 and 0.65±0.01 relative units, p<0.001); in the left uterine artery – SDR (3.33±0.11 and 2.88±0.09 rel. units, p<0.01), PI (1.45±0.05 and 1.19±0.05 rel. units, p<0.001), RI (0.70±0.01 and 0.68±0.01 rel. units, p<0.01); and also in the umbilical artery – SDR (4.39±0.13 and 3.65±0.12 rel. units, p<0.001), PI (1.45±0.04 and 1.24±0.03 rel. units, p<0.001), RI (0.79±0.01 and 0.72±0.01 rel. units, p<0.001).Conclusion. In the pathogenesis of reduced blood flow in the basin of the uterine and umbilical arteries in women with exacerbation of moderately severe asthma of cytomegalovirus etiology, leading to the development of chronic subcompensated placental insufficiency, compared with uterine cord hemodynamics in asthma in the acute stage, caused by reactivation of CMVI in the second trimester of gestation, which initiates the formation of a chronic compensated form of placental dysfunction in the third trimester of pregnancy, an important role is played by viral stimulation of vasoconstrictor responses.

Etiology of placental insufficiency in women in the second trimester of gestation during the epidemic of influenza A(H3N2) and pandemic influenza(H1N1)pdm

Aim. To study the etiology of placental insufficiency in women in the second trimester of gestation during the influenza A(H3N2) epidemic and the A(H1N1)pdm pandemic.Materials and methods. In 1865 patients in the second trimester of pregnancy, uncomplicated and complicated by exacerbation of chronic ENT pathology leading to the development of placental insufficiency, using laboratory methods in the blood, nasal epithelium and biological fluids, pathogens of monoand mixed infections (influenza A(H1N1)pdm), A(H3N2), influenza B, parainfluenza type 1-3, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RS), cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 (HSV-1,2 type), candida infection (Candida albicans), chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis), mycoplasmosis (Mycoplasma hominis) and ureaplasmosis (Ureaplasma urealyticum) were detected. The first group consisted of 873 women with placental insufficiency diagnosed during the influenza A(H3N2) epidemic, the second group consisted of 890 patients with placental insufficiency diagnosed during circulation of the influenza A(H1N1)pdm in the population. The control group were 42 women without ENT diseases and placental insufficiency caused by monoand mixed viral infections during influenza A(H3N2) and 60 women with similar somatic, infectious and obstetric status, examined during pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm.Results. With the development of placental insufficiency in women of the second group, compared with the first one, mono-influenza B and parainfluenza types 1-3 are diagnosed less frequently, as well as a combination of influenza A(H1N1) pdm and influenza B; influenza A(H1N1)pdm and parainfluenza types 1-3; influenza A(H1N1)pdm and RS virus; CMV and Chlamydia trachomatis; Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum; HSV-1,2 type, Candida albicans and Chlamydia trachomatis; as well as HSV-1,2 type, Candida albicans and Ureaplasma urealyticum. At the same time, exacerbations of mono-CMV, mono-HSV-1,2 type and Candida albicans are more common, as well as combinations of CMV+HSV-1,2 type; CMV+Candida albicans; CMV+Ureaplasma urealyticum; and CMV+Mycoplasma hominis; CMV+HSV-1,2 type+Candida albicans.Conclusion. In the etiology of placental insufficiency in acute diseases of the ENT organs in women in the second trimester of gestation against the background of circulation of the A(H1N1)pdm influenza in the population, compared with placental dysfunction in pregnant women with a similar ENT pathology during the influenza A(H3N2) epidemic, there is an increase in the proportion of monocytomegalovirus, herpesvirus and candida infections, as well as mixed cytomegalovirus infection, the reactivation of which may be due to more pronounced virusinduced immunosuppression and hormonal status disorders, leading to local dysbiosis.

Developmental programming of production and reproduction in dairy cows: II. Association of gestational stage of maternal exposure to heat stress with offspring's birth weight, milk yield, reproductive performance and AMH concentration during the first lactation period

Although the negative effect of maternal exposure to heat stress on production and reproduction of offspring has been reported, there are some discrepancies among various studies about which gestational stage is more critical in this regard. Therefore, the present research was conducted to identify during which stage(s) of pregnancy maternal exposure to heat stress would lead to more dramatic decrease in productive and reproductive performance of offspring. To this end, offspring were classified based on the gestational stage they were in utero exposed to heat stress into four categories, including heat stress exposure (HSE) during only the first trimester of gestation (HSE1), HSE during the first and second trimester of gestation (HSE2), HSE during the second and third trimester of gestation (HSE3) and HSE during only the third trimester of gestation (HSE4). In study I, data of birth weight, milk yield and reproductive variables of 11,788 offspring and data of the month they were conceived were retrieved. In study II, blood samples (n = 521) were collected from offspring in various categories of HSE for measurement of serum AMH. Offspring in HSE1 and HSE2 categories were heavier than offspring in HSE3 and HSE4 categories (P < 0.0001). Offspring in HSE1 and HSE3 categories had the lowest and highest milk production, respectively (P < 0.05). First service conception rate was the greatest and worst in HSE1 and HSE4 categories, respectively (P < 0.05). Service per conception and calving to conception interval were greater in HSE2 than HSE4 category (P < 0.05). Concentration of AMH was lower in HSE1 than HSE4 category (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the present study indicated that the early stage of gestation could be a more critical period for the negative impact of in utero heat stress on developmental programming of milk production and ovarian reserves. Yet an evident temporal pattern for the adverse effect of maternal heat stress on developmental programming of reproductive performance in offspring was not found.

Mapping microRNA expression quantitative trait loci in the prenatal human brain implicates miR-1908-5p expression in bipolar disorder and other brain-related traits.

MicroRNA (miRNA) are small non-coding RNA involved in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Given their known involvement in early neurodevelopment processes, we here sought to identify common genetic variants associated with altered miRNA expression in the prenatal human brain. We performed small RNA sequencing on brain tissue from 112 genome-wide genotyped fetuses from the second trimester of gestation, identifying high-confidence (false discovery rate < 0.05) expression quantitative trait loci for 30 mature miRNA. Integrating our findings with genome-wide association study data for brain-related disorders, we implicate increased prenatal expression of miR-1908-5p as a risk mechanism for bipolar disorder and find that predicted mRNA targets of miR-1908-5p that are expressed in the fetal brain are enriched for common variant genetic association with the condition. Extending these analyses to other brain-related traits, we find that common genetic variation associated with increased miR-1908-5p expression in fetal brain is additionally associated with depressive symptoms, irritability, increased right cerebellum exterior volume and increased sleep duration in the general population. Our findings provide support to the view that altered miRNA expression can influence susceptibility to neuropsychiatric illness and suggest an early neurodevelopmental risk mechanism for bipolar disorder.

Anatomical patterns of the sural nerve: a meta-analysis with clinical and surgical considerations.

The sural nerve (SN) supplies the posterolateral aspect of the leg and the lateral aspects of the ankle and foot and descends through the gastrocnemius muscle along the lower third of leg. Because in-depth knowledge about SN anatomy is essential for clinical and surgical approaches, our study aims to review SN anatomical patterns. We searched the PubMed, Lilacs, Web of Science, and SpringerLink databases to find relevant articles for meta-analysis. We assessed the quality of the studies using the Anatomical Quality Assessment tool. We used proportion meta-analysis to analyze the SN morphological variables and simple mean meta-analysis to analyze the SN morphometric variables (nerve length and distance to anatomical landmarks). Thirty-six studies comprised this meta-analysis. Overall, Type 2A (63.68% [95% CI 42.36-82.64]), Type 1A (51.17% [95% CI 33.16-69.04]) and Type 1B (32.19% [95% CI 17.83-48.38]) were the most common SN formation patterns. The lower third of leg (42.40% [95% CI 32.24-52.86]) and middle third of leg (40.00% [95% CI 25.21-53.48]) were the most common SN formation sites. The pooled SN length from nerve formation to the lateral malleolus was 144.54mm (95% CI 123.23-169.53) in adults, whereas the SN length was 25.10mm (95% CI 23.20-27.16) in fetuses in the second trimester of gestation and 34.88mm (95% CI 32.86-37.02) in fetuses in the third trimester of gestation. The most prevalent SN formation pattern was the union of the medial sural cutaneous nerve with the lateral sural cutaneous nerve. We found differences regarding geographical subgroup and subject age. The most common SN formation sites were the lower and middle thirds of the leg.

The abundances of LTF and SOD2 in amniotic fluid are potential biomarkers of gestational age and preterm birth

Neonates who are born preterm (PT) are usually characterized by immature physiological development, and preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality if intensive medical care is not available to PTB neonates. Early prediction of a PTB enables medical personnel to make preparations in advance, protecting the neonate from the subsequent health risks. Therefore, many studies have worked on identifying invasive or noninvasive PT biomarkers. In this study, we collected amniocentesis-derived (at the second trimester of gestation) amniotic fluid (AF) samples. At delivery, AF samples were classified into PTB or full-term birth (FTB). We first applied protein mass spectrometry technology to globally screen AF proteins, followed by specific protein validation with ELISA. We identified four protein biomarkers of PTB, including lactotransferrin (LTF), glutathione-disulfide reductase (GSR), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2). Further analyses demonstrated that their abundances were negatively correlated with neonatal weight and gestational age. In addition, by mimicking survival rate analysis widely used in tumor biology, we found that LTF and SOD2 were prognostic factors of gestational age, with higher levels denoting shorter gestational age. Finally, using the abundances of the four protein biomarkers, we developed a prediction model of PTB with an auROC value of 0.935 (sensitivity = 0.94, specificity = 0.89, p value = 0.0001). This study demonstrated that the abundances of specific proteins in amniotic fluid were not only the prognostic factors of gestational age but also the predictive biomarkers of PTB. These four AF proteins enable identification of PTB early in the second trimester of gestation, facilitating medical intervention to be applied in advance.

Immune subset-committed proliferating cells populate the human foetal intestine throughout the second trimester of gestation

The intestine represents the largest immune compartment in the human body, yet its development and organisation during human foetal development is largely unknown. Here we show the immune subset composition of this organ during development, by longitudinal spectral flow cytometry analysis of human foetal intestinal samples between 14 and 22 weeks of gestation. At 14 weeks, the foetal intestine is mainly populated by myeloid cells and three distinct CD3–CD7+ ILC, followed by rapid appearance of adaptive CD4+, CD8+ T and B cell subsets. Imaging mass cytometry identifies lymphoid follicles from week 16 onwards in a villus-like structure covered by epithelium and confirms the presence of Ki-67+ cells in situ within all CD3–CD7+ ILC, T, B and myeloid cell subsets. Foetal intestinal lymphoid subsets are capable of spontaneous proliferation in vitro. IL-7 mRNA is detected within both the lamina propria and the epithelium and IL-7 enhances proliferation of several subsets in vitro. Overall, these observations demonstrate the presence of immune subset-committed cells capable of local proliferation in the developing human foetal intestine, likely contributing to the development and growth of organized immune structures throughout most of the 2nd trimester, which might influence microbial colonization upon birth.

Levels of Neutralizing Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in Mothers and Neonates after Vaccination during Pregnancy

Maternal vaccination is safe and provides protection against COVID-19 in mothers and neonates, and it is necessary to evaluate its effect on the induction of immune responses through the levels of neutralizing antibodies present in maternal and neonatal blood. An observational study with transversal analysis was carried out. Included in the research were neonates (<1 month) whose mothers had been immunized whilst pregnant with at least one dose of the vaccine BNT16b and had not shown any symptoms of COVID-19. The blood of the mothers and newborns was collected during the Guthrie test and sent to the laboratory for the detection of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. A total of 162 pairs of mothers and neonates were analyzed with an average age of 26.3 ± 5.97 years and 13.4 ± 6.90 days, respectively. All samples collected present neutralizing antibodies with an average percentage of 91% in the mothers and 92% in the neonates. The most satisfactory immune response was observed in neonates and mothers vaccinated during the second trimester of gestation. The vaccination of expectant mothers with the immunizer BNT162b2 has promoted a robust immunological response in both the mothers and the neonates.

Iodine status in pregnant women in northern Spain. Effect of iodised salt and iodine supplements on thyroid function

IntroductionIodine deficiency is linked to thyroid dysfunction, particularly in pregnant women. The objective of this study was to ascertain the iodine levels of women in the second trimester of pregnancy, analysing the influence of iodine ingestion on urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and maternal thyroid function. MethodsA prospective observational study of pregnant women from Health Area IV of Asturias (northern Spain) recruited before 13 weeks of gestation between May and June 2017. A questionnaire on iodine intake was completed at the first visit, and urine and serum samples were collected at baseline and again during the second trimester. UIC, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) obtained in the second trimester of gestation were analysed and related to iodine intake. Thyroid autoimmunity was also analysed in half of the pregnant women at baseline. ResultsA total of 241 pregnant women were studied. Of these, 56.7% used iodised salt, 46.7% consumed ≥2 servings of dairy products daily and 88.1% took iodine supplements. Median UIC was 191μg/l (135.3–294μg/l), with 68.1% of the women having UIC ≥150μg/l. Only iodised salt consumption provided protection against iodine deficiency (odds ratio 0.35 [0.20–0.63], p=0.001). In women with no autoimmune thyroid disease (n=88), mean levels of TSH were lower in those that consumed iodised salt than in those that did not (respectively, 2.08±0.89mIU/l vs. 2.56±1.02mIU/l, p=0.025). In women with autoimmune thyroid disease (n=30), mean levels of TSH were higher in those that took iodine supplements than in those that did not (respectively, 2.97±1.25mIU/l vs. 1.16±0.41mIU/l, p=0.002). ConclusionsThe pregnant women studied from Health Area IV in Asturias maintain adequate nutritional iodine status in the second trimester of gestation. In our sample, only the consumption of iodised salt was associated with adequate iodine nutrition, without affecting maternal thyroid function. Most of the women used iodine supplements, which was linked to higher levels of TSH in pregnant women with autoimmune thyroid disease.

Dairy calves are exposed to isoflavones during the developmentally most sensitive period of their life

Isoflavones represent a class of phytoestrogens present in plants. In dairy cows, dietary isoflavones have been shown to negatively affect reproductive performance. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have yet been conducted to determine if calves are pre- or neonatally confronted with isoflavones and their metabolites. In the present study, we hypothesize that isoflavones are passed on from the dam to the offspring in utero. Twenty-three pregnant Holstein Friesian dams and their calves, originating from three commercial dairy farms in Belgium, were included. Heparin blood samples were collected during the first, second, and third trimester of gestation from all pregnant dams. Heparin blood and hair samples were obtained from the offspring within 24 h after parturition. Colostrum samples were collected from a subset of eight dams to determine the concentration of isoflavones and their metabolites. During the first and second trimester of gestation, the dams were fed either a youngstock (nulliparous dams) or a lactation (multiparous dams) diet. During the third trimester, both groups received a similar dry cow diet. Genistein and daidzein levels were unaffected by diet type, while their metabolite [equol, dihydrodaidzein (DHD), and o-desmethylangolensin (ODMA)] concentrations were significantly higher in the lactation group. Furthermore, metabolite concentrations decreased significantly during gestation. Isoflavones and their metabolites were detected in all colostrum samples. No correlation could be found between levels in colostrum and blood of pregnant dams or calves. Peripheral levels of isoflavones and their metabolites were significantly lower in newborn calves in comparison to their dams. Genistein and daidzein concentrations were found to be significantly higher in the calves' hair versus blood samples, suggesting prenatal exposure to isoflavones for an extended period of time. In contrast, no isoflavone metabolites were detected in the calves’ hair samples. This is the first study to demonstrate that dairy calves are exposed to isoflavones during the developmentally most sensitive period of their lives. Results obtained pave the way for more extensive research to examine which effects isoflavones might have on developing organ systems like the reproductive system.

Prenatal diagnosis at different gestational times and clinical features of choledochal cysts: a single tertiary center report.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of prenatal diagnosis at different gestational times on the clinical features of patients with choledochal cysts (CDCs). Medical records of patients with prenatally diagnosed CDCs admitted to our hospital (April 2013-April 2018) were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical characteristics and pathological CDC features were analyzed. Two hundred eighteen cases were included. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 and group 2 had a prenatal diagnosis at ≤ 27weeks of gestation (second trimester of gestation, n = 157) and > 27weeks (third trimester of gestation, n = 61), respectively. The incidence of jaundice and the TBIL, IBIL and GGT levels were higher in Group 1 (P = 0.021, P = 0.029, P = 0.042, P = 0.007, respectively). The maximum cyst diameter at the time of surgery was larger in Group 1 (P = 0.015). An association study showed that the time of prenatal diagnosis was negatively correlated with the maximum cyst diameter both postnatally (r = -0.223, P = 0.001) and at the time of surgery (r = -0.268, P < 0.001). Unlike patients diagnosed at a late prenatal age, patients diagnosed at an early prenatal age tend to present clinical symptoms (jaundice, manifested as high indirect bilirubin), hepatic function damage, and large cysts at the time of surgery.

An enlarged fetal thymus may be the initial response to intrauterine inflammation in pregnant women at risk for preterm birth

Fetal thymus involvement in prematurity has been studied, and this study aimed to evaluate its relationship with short cervix and amniotic fluid sludge in the second trimester of pregnancy. In this prospective cross-sectional study, 79 pregnant women (19+0 to 24+6 weeks) were included, and cervical length and the presence or absence of amniotic fluid sludge were evaluated. In the three-vessel view of the fetal thorax, the thymus was identified, and its perimeter and transverse diameter were measured and transformed to a zeta score based on gestational age. Data from 22 women with short cervix (<25 mm) and 57 patients with normal cervix (≥25 mm) were analyzed. The transverse diameter of the fetal thymus was significantly greater in the short cervix group compared to that of the normal cervix group (z-score 2.708 vs. -0.043, p=0.003). There were no significant differences in the perimeter (z-score -0.039 vs. -0.071, p=0.890) or the transverse diameter (z-score 1.297 vs. -0.004, p=0.091) of the fetal thymus associated with the presence (n=21) or absence of sludge (n=58). A short cervix is associated with an increased transverse diameter of the fetal thymus during the second trimester of gestation.