Weeks Of Age Research Articles

Predicting pregnancy outcome by Doppler study evaluation of fetal middle cerebral artery, umbilical artery and ductus venosus

Objective: To investigate the sensitivity and specify of MCA, UA and DV Doppler pulsatility index as a diagnostic value for antepartum assessment of fetal wellbeing and prediction of adverse perinatal out come in both low and high-risk pregnancies. Patients and methods: Aprospective observational case control study conducted at Mansoura university hospitals from February 2018 through march 2019 and involved 100 pregnant ladies with a singleton pregnan- cy divided into two equal groups, G1 cases with high risk pregnancy, and G2 cases with low risk pregnancy as a control group. Both groups were matched for age, parity and gestational age. Results: The basic socio-demographic characteristics of the studied cases and controls were similar in age, gravidity, parity and body mass index (p> 0.05) but in G1 cases had significantly higher frequencies of mean systolic blood pressure, gestational hypertension, gestational DM, mild or severe PET, oligo- hydraminions, IUGR (p <0.001). De- spite there was no significant difference among cases and control as regard mean (SD) of gestational age in weeks, BPD (mm), UA PI (p >0.05), but there is a highly significant difference as regard FL (mm), AC (mm), MCA PI, DV PI (p values < 0.05). Also; there is a signif- icant difference regarding the reactivity of NST being more reactive in control than cases (35 vs 2, p <0.001). Again; there is a significant difference between cases and control regarding mean (SD) of gestation- al age at delivery (34±2 vs 39±1 in G2, p <0.001), Fetal weight (gm) (2255±1047 vs 2944±976, p <0.001), Agar score at 5 minutes (4.9±1.1 vs 8.3±1.4, p <0.001), occurrence of hypoxia (68% vs 2%, p <0.001), need for NICU admission (66% vs 2% p <0.001) and acidotic cord blood with PH < 7.2 (33 cases vs 1 case only, p <0.001). Logistic re- gression analysis revealed the cut off value MCA PI (1.62) had high sensitivity (82%), specificity (78%), PV(79%), NPV (81%) and a diag- nostic accuracy of (80%). Also, UA PI cut off value was found (1.12) with sensitivity (60%), specificity (68%), PPV(65%), NPV (63%) with a diagnostic accuracy of (64%). Regarding the best cut off value of DV study by the same method, DVPI cut off value was(0.77), with sensi- tivity (84%), specificity (80%), PPV(80%), NPV(83%) with diagnostic accuracy (82%). Conclusions: Doppler velocimetry studies of placental and fetal circu- lation can provide important information regarding fetal well-being thus yielding an opportunity to improve fetal and neonatal outcome

Effect of Plyometric Training on Vertical and Horizontal Jump in Recreational Athletes Indulging in Jumping Activities

Background: Plyometric training is effective to improve the performance of the athletes by increasing the speed power and ability to do the activity. Most of the recreational athletes have no idea about the proper training in the field and they are very prone to get injury. This study was designed to provide the proper training and prevent further injuries in the athletes. Objectives: To find out the effect of plyometric training on vertical jump height and horizontal jump height in recreational athletes indulging in jumping activities according to age, gender, body mass index and years of playing. Methodology: 61 subjects participated in this study according inclusion and exclusion criteria. Prior consent was taken. Pre and post assessment of the vertical and horizontal jump height was taken. The protocol was for 3 days per week for 6 weeks. Later evaluation and interpretation of data was done. Result: There is significant comparison between the pre and post treatment (p=&lt;0.0001) of horizontal and vertical jump height. Even there is positive correlation of years of playing in week 6(p=0.58) for horizontal jump height and in week 6 (p=0.43) for vertical jump height. There is negative correlation of age in week 6(p=0.002) of horizontal jump height in week 6(p=0.31) of vertical jump height . Conculsion: This study concluded that the effect of plyometric training was seen in recreational atheletes indulging in jumping activities.

UFLC-MS/MS Determination and Population Pharmacokinetic Study of Tanshinol, Ginsenoside Rb1 and Rg1 in Rat Plasma After Oral Administration of Compound Danshen Dripping Pills.

As a traditional Chinese Materia Medica(CMM), the Compound Danshen Dripping Pill (CDDP) is widely used for the treatments of cardiovascular diseases. In view of its undefined applicable population and dosage, a population pharmacokinetic (PPK) study is required.The objective of this study was toexplorethe feasibility of multi-componentCMMPPK in rat plasma after oral administration of CDDPbased on sparse sampling. In this research, a simple, rapid and highly sensitive UFLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of tanshinol (TSL), ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) and ginsenoside Rg1 (GRg1) has been successfully developed in rat plasma. Moreover, the validated method has been applied to a PPK study of CDDP based on sparse data. We established the PPK models for these three main active constituents using a nonlinear mixed-effects model, taking into account of factors such as gender, age in weeks and weight. The PPK models of TSL and GRb1 were best described by a one-compartment model with linear elimination and first-order absorption. The model of GRg1 was best described by a two-compartment model with first-order absorption. Bootstrap validation and a visual predictive check confirmed the predictive ability, the model stability and the precision of the parameter estimates from these models. As a preliminary exploration toward the clinical population pharmacokinetic research, this study provides a reference for the population pharmacokinetic study of traditional CMM.

Multi-omics integrative analysis to access role of coiled-coil domain-containing 80 in lipid metabolism

Coiled-coil domain-containing 80 (Ccdc80) is closely linked to energy homeostasis. However, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to uncover the potential mechanism of Ccdc80 in modulating lipid metabolism by accessing the metabolic and transcriptional consequences of removing Ccdc80. We established a Ccdc80 knockout model (Ccdc80−/−) in C57BL/6 mouse. Serum and liver samples from Ccdc80+/+ (n = 8) and Ccdc80−/− (n = 8) male mice were obtained at the age of week 10. The serum metabolites and lipids were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, respectively. RNA expression microarray was performed in the livers of the same mice. Results showed that a total of 58 metabolites and 30 lipids were altered between the Ccdc80+/+ and Ccdc80−/− mice. A total of 873 hepatic differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The enrichment analysis of discriminant metabolites and lipids reflected alterations in α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid metabolism. Reactome pathway analysis of DEGs revealed a decreased hydroxylation of arachidonic acid in Ccdc80−/− mice. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway result suggested a decrease of PPAR signaling and fatty acid degradation by Ccdc80-knockout. The joint pathway analysis integrating metabolomics, lipidomics and transcriptomics indicated that Ccdc80-knockout could down-regulate arachidonic acid and α-linolenic acid metabolism. These results provide new insights into the role of Ccdc80 in fatty acid metabolism.

Sex‐Specific Protein Expression Differences in Peri‐Lymphatic Adipose of Obese and Lean Zucker Rats.

Lymphatic abnormalities have been reported to accompany obesity, however little is understood about the mechanisms that lead to these changes. To gain novel insight, we performed a proteomic study of the adipose tissue surrounding mesenteric lymphatic vessels in obese and lean Zucker rats of both sexes in combination of a study of passive wall mechanics of isolated mesenteric collecting lymphatic vessels. At 12‐weeks of age, body weights were recorded and the rats were euthanized for collection of mesetneric lymphatic vessels for study plus blood via cardiac puncture and peri‐lymphatic adipose tissue (PLAT) from the mesentery for proteomic analysis. Mesenteric collecting lymphatic vessels were mounted on a pressure myograph and wall thickness and diameter were measured across a physiological pressure range (1–5 cm water). Serum and protein lysate from the adipose were were then analyzed through the RayBiotech Rat Cytokine Array Q67 testing service. The cohort for study included ten obese and ten lean Zucker rats, with equal numbers of males and females in each group. The mean body weights of this cohort were: lean males 275.8 ± 17.9 g; lean females 190.8 ± 6.3 g; obese males 458.4 ± 11.8 g; and obese females 440.0 ± 6.2 g. (P&lt;0.0001). Across both sexes, the lymphatic vessels from obese rats had a significantly greater wall thickness compared to vessels from lean rats. In the proteomic study of PLAT, 5 targets were significantly elevated in obese rats of both sexes (CCL2, galectin‐1, galectin‐3, neuropilin‐1, and PPBP). Additionally, there were 11 targets were elevated in obese males, but not females (b‐NGF, CINC‐3, fractalkine, IL‐6, IL‐13, PDGF‐AA, prolactin receptor, RAGE, TIMP‐1, VEGF‐A, FGF‐BP), and 24 targets that were elevated in obese females, but not males (4‐1BB, adiponectin, B7‐1, CTACK, EphA5, Flt‐3L, Gas‐1, GFR alpha‐1, IL‐1ra, IL‐7, IL‐17F, IL‐22, JAM‐A, neuropilin‐2, NOPE, Notch‐1, Notch‐2, P‐cadherin, prolactin, RANTES, SCF, TIMP‐2, and TWEAK receptor). In serum from obese males, there were 4 targets that were increased (JAM‐A, GM‐CSF, ICAM‐1, neuropilin‐2) and 2 targets decreased (GP130, Ppbp) compared to lean males. In serum from obese females, 1 target was significantly increased (CCL2) and 4 targets were decreased (decorin, fractalkine, NOPE, prolactin) compared to lean females. There were also four targets that were different across the sexes regardless of lean/obese status (FLT‐3L, Gas‐1, GFR‐alpha‐1, TIMP‐1). Analysis of the targets elevated in the PLAT in both males and females with the STRING database revealed that the elevated proteins belong to clusters pertaining to VEGF signaling, positive regulation of cell adhesion, regulation of angiogenesis, and response to stress. Collectively, the results suggest that in addition to some common signaling proteins that are elevated in the PLAT of obese Zucker rats compared to lean counterparts, there are also several differential signals across the sexes. Future studies that may reveal differences in lymphatic function or dysfunction across the sexes are warranted.Support or Funding InformationSupported by NIH R01GM120774 and L40HL097863.

MP06-07 CHRONIC EXPOSURE TO MICROCYSTIN-LEUCINE-ARGININE PROMOTED PROLIFERATION OF PROSTATE EPITHELIAL CELLS RESULTING IN BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

You have accessJournal of UrologyBenign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Basic Research & Pathophysiology (MP06)1 Apr 2020MP06-07 CHRONIC EXPOSURE TO MICROCYSTIN-LEUCINE-ARGININE PROMOTED PROLIFERATION OF PROSTATE EPITHELIAL CELLS RESULTING IN BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA Haixiang Qin*, Chun Pan, Xiaodong Han, and Hongqian Guo Haixiang Qin*Haixiang Qin* More articles by this author , Chun PanChun Pan More articles by this author , Xiaodong HanXiaodong Han More articles by this author , and Hongqian GuoHongqian Guo More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000000820.07AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: With a combination of factors including global warming and lake eutrophication, mass proliferation of cyanobacteria and release of cyanotoxins including Microcystins (MCs), have drawn a growing public concern. MC-leucine-arginine (MC-LR), as the most common and deleterious variant among all structural analogues of MCs, has been reported to cause male reproductive dysfunction. However, its toxic effects on prostate, which is the largest accessory organs in adult male and plays a pivotal role in reproductive systems, have not been investigated in detail, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: Herein, we investigated the toxic effects of chronic exposure to low-dose of MC-LR on the structure and function of prostate in vivo. Male BALB/c mice aged 6-weeks were divided into 10 groups with 10 mice in each group. The experiment groups were given drinking water containing 1 μg/L, 10 μg/L, 20 μg/L, or 30 μg/L MC-LR for 90 or 180 consecutive days. In addition, an immortalized prostate epithelial cell line, RWPE-1, was also applied to investigate the toxic effects and the molecular mechanisms of MC-LR exposure to the prostate epithelial in vitro. RESULTS: We observed that MC-LR dissolved in drinking water could be transported into the stromal and epithelial cells of mouse prostate. Following exposure to low-dose of MC-LR for 90 days or 180 days, focal hyperplasia as well as prostate inflammation were observed in the mouse prostate. Moreover, increased levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) and prostate acid phosphatase (PAP) in the serum of mice following chronic exposure to MC-LR were detected. Mechanistically, treatment with MC-LR at low levels induced upregulation of forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) in RWPE-1 cells, which then resulted in PSA elevation. Furthermore, MC-LR also increased the expression of CyclinD1 via FOXM1/Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the epithelial cells, promoting cell proliferation and resulting in prostate hyperplasia. As a foreign substance, MC-LR was also found to induce immune reaction by promoting production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines mediated via NF-κB pathway. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to illustrate that chronic exposure to low dose of MC-LR could induce prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis in mice. Our work involving the regulatory mechanisms may provide a new perspective in developing new diagnosis and treatment strategies for MC-LR-induced prostatic toxicity. Source of Funding: This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (31370524, 21377052, and 31670519) and Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (021414380332). © 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 203Issue Supplement 4April 2020Page: e53-e53 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Haixiang Qin* More articles by this author Chun Pan More articles by this author Xiaodong Han More articles by this author Hongqian Guo More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Characterization on gut microbiome of PCOS rats and its further design by shifts in high-fat diet and dihydrotestosterone induction in PCOS rats.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with gut microbiota disturbance. Emerging evidence has shown that gut microbiota plays a major role in the development of PCOS. To better understand how the gut microbiota contributes to the development of PCOS, we investigated the influences of high-fat diet and hyperandrogenism, independently or synergistically, have on the gut microbiota in rats. Furthermore, we explored the associations between gut microbiota and hyperandrogenism or other hallmarks of PCOS. Twenty female SD rats were randomized at aged 3weeks into 4 groups (n = 5, each); HA: PCOS rats fed with ordinary diet; HF: rats with high-fat diet (HFD); HA-HF: PCOS rats fed with HFD; and C: control rats with ordinary diet. PCOS rat model was induced by 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) injection for 6weeks. The fasting blood glucose (FBG), plasma insulin, testosterone, free testosterone, TNF-α, MDA, SOD, LPS, TLR4, TG, TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels were measured. The molecular ecology of the fecal gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that rats in the HA and HA-HF group displayed abnormal estrous cycles with increasing androgen level and exhibited multiple large cysts with diminished granulosa layers in ovarian tissues. Compare with the C group, relative abundance of the Bacteroidetes phylum decreased significantly in the other groups (P < 0.05). The Chao1 was the highest in the group C and significantly higher than the HA-HF group (P < 0.05). T, FT, insulin, MDA, LPS, and TNF-α levels had the negative correlation with the richness of community (Chao1 index) in the gut. The rats in the HF and HA-HF groups tended to have lower Shannon and Simpson indices than the C group (P < 0.01, respectively). However, there were no significant differences between C group and the HA group in the Shannon and Simpson values. Beta diversity analysis was then performed based on a weighted UniFrac analysis. The PCoA plots showed a clear separation of the C group from the other groups. ANOSIM analysis of variance confirmed that there were statistically significant separations between the C group and the HA, HA-HF, and HF groups (P < 0.01, respectively). These results showed that DHT with HFD could lower diversity of the gut microbial community. Both HFD and DHT could shift the overall gut microbial composition and change the composition of the microbial community in gut. Furthermore, our analyses demonstrated that the levels of TG, MDA, TNF-α, LPS, TLR4, T, FT, FINS, and HDL-C were correlated with the changes of in the gut microbiome. HFD and DHT were associated with the development and pathology of PCOS by shaping gut microbial communities.

Fetal Alcohol Exposure Alters Mammary Epithelial Cell Subpopulations and Promotes Tumorigenesis.

Fetal alcohol exposure (FAE) increases the risk of mammary tumorigenesis in adult offspring; however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. This study tested the hypothesis that FAE shifts the mammary epithelial cell (MEC) composition toward one that promotes tumorigenesis. Pregnant Friend Virus BNIH Jacksondams bred to MMTV-Wnt1 male mice were given ad libitum access to 5% alcohol in 0.2% saccharin solution from GD9-10 and 10% alcohol in 0.2% saccharin from GD11-GD19 or 0.2% saccharin solution from GD9-GD19. Thoracic and inguinal mammary glands from wild-type (WT) and transgenic (Tg) female offspring were harvested at 5 and 10weeks of age and dissociated to yield a single cell suspension enriched for MECs for flow cytometry, mammosphere assay, and gene analysis. A subset of Tg offspring was followed for tumor formation. WT glands of FAE animals exhibited a decreased basal cell population and increased luminal: basal ratio at 10weeks of age. qRT-PCR analysis of total MECs found that Hey1 mRNA expression was increased in the WT FAE group at 10weeks of age. In Tg glands, FAE increased the luminal progenitor cell population at 5weeks of age but did not alter MEC composition at 10weeks of age. Tertiary mammosphere-forming efficiency was greater in the WT glands of FAE animals at 10weeks of age. Tumor latency was decreased in the FAE group. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that FAE females developed tumors with an increased basal cell population. These data indicate that FAE can shift MEC subpopulations, increasing the proportion of cells that are potentially vulnerable to transformation and affecting cancer risk.

Modeling Mixed Vascular and Alzheimer's Dementia Using Focal Subcortical Ischemic Stroke in Human ApoE4-TR:5XFAD Transgenic Mice.

Subcortical white matter ischemic lesions are increasingly recognized to have pathologic overlap in individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The interaction of white matter ischemic lesions with amyloid pathology seen in AD is poorly characterized. We designed a novel mouse model of subcortical white matter ischemic stroke and AD that can inform our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of mixed vascular and AD dementia. Subcortical white matter ischemic stroke underlying forelimb motor cortex was induced by local stereotactic injection of an irreversible eNOS inhibitor. Subcortical white matter ischemic stroke or sham procedures were performed on human ApoE4-targeted-replacement (TR):5XFAD mice at 8weeks of age. Behavioral tests were done at 7, 10, 15, and 20weeks. A subset of animals underwent 18FDG-PET/CT. At 20weeks of age, brain tissue was examined for amyloid plaque accumulation and cellular changes. Compared with sham E4-TR:5XFAD mice, those with an early subcortical ischemic stroke showed a significant reduction in amyloid plaque burden in the region of cortex overlying the subcortical stroke. Cognitive performance was improved in E4-TR:5XFAD mice with stroke compared with sham E4-TR:5XFAD animals. Iba-1+ microglial cells in the region of cortex overlying the subcortical stroke were increased in number and morphologic complexity compared with sham E4-TR:5XFAD mice, suggesting that amyloid clearance may be promoted by an interaction between activated microglia and cortical neurons in response to subcortical stroke. This novel approach to modeling mixed vascular and AD dementia provides a valuable tool for dissecting the molecular interactions between these two common pathologies.

Presepsin as a New Marker for Early Detection Neonatal Sepsis in Al-Quwayiyah General Hospital Riyadh, KSA

Background: Early detection and start of antibiotic therapy neonatal sepsis (N.S) dramatically improves outcomes, so it is important to perform fast, reliable and specific early laboratory biomarkers.&#x0D; Aim: This study aimed to detect the prevelance, the risk factors, hematology profile, microbial profile of neonatal sepsis patients and also investigate the value of PCT and CRP, in comparison to presepsin in establishing the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.&#x0D; Methods: A cross sectional study was performed from March to September 2019 in Al Quwayiyah General hospital involving 120 neonates who were classified into 3 groups. The patients groups were: Proved N.S, suspected N.S and control healthy neonates, classified depending on Tollner score. Haematology profile and blood culture for each neonate were done. CRP, PCT and presepsin values were analyzed, compared, and their effectiveness as diagnostic markers was determined. Sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values of the markers were calculated. Results: The prevelance of neonatal sepsis was 20.8%. 75 neonates were males and 45 neonates were females. 74 neonates were preterm, while 46 were full term. Gestational age in weeks was 31.1±5.9w for neonates with proved sepsis, 32.4±6.7w for neonates with suspected sepsis and 36.4±4.4w for control group. The mean birth weight was 1740±105.3 g for neonates with proved sepsis, 32.4±6.7 g for neonates with suspected sepsis, 2.650±205.2 g for control group. 36 babies suffered from respiratory distress syndrome, 10 had jaundice, 8 had cough, 28 had fever and 8 complained of other symptoms. Blood cultures were positive for all patients of proved sepsis. The identified bacteria included Gram positive bacteria 22(55%) which were Coagulase negative staph. 13(32.5%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus 4(10%) while Gram negative bacteria 15(37.5%) which were E. coli 5(12.5%) followed by Klebsiella peumoniae and also fungal infection (Candida species) detected in 3(7.5%) cases. There was significant difference between the mean and standared deviation of CRP, PCT and presepsin levels in proved and suspected N.S. groups when compared with healthy controls (P&lt; 0.05). CRP sensitivity and specificity (72%, 61% respectively) which were less useful in diagnosis of neonatal sepsis compared to presepsin which has the highest sensitivity and specificity (95%, 81% respectively) followed by procalcitonin with sensitivity and specificity (90%, 69% respectively).&#x0D; Conclusion: The prevalence of neonatal sepsis among all admitted neonates in Al-Quwayiyah general hospital was 20.8%. Our results also detected higher sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values for presepsin more than and PCT CRP in the diagnosis of NS.

Simvastatin alleviated diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction in rats by enhancing AMPK pathway-induced autophagy.

Diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction is a common diabetic complication, and new therapeutics and the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction need to be investigated. The aim was to investigate the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction and the pharmacological mechanism of simvastatin treatment in diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction model rats. A total of 86 male Sprague Dawley rats aged 8weeks old were used in this study. The rats were divided into three groups: control (normal), diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction (streptozotocin-injected), and diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction+simvastatin (sim). Each group was subdivided into two subgroups for in vitro and in vivo analyses. A bioinformatics method was used to detect differences in gene expression in the corpus cavernosum between normal and diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction rats. Erectile function was measured by a cavernous nerve electrostimulation test. Corpus cavernosum fibrosis was assessed by Masson staining and Western blotting. Immunofluorescence and Western blotting were performed to explore the differential expression of autophagy-related genes and the AMPK-SKP2-CARM1 pathway genes in rat cavernous smooth muscle cells and the corpus cavernosum. The autophagosomes of the corpus cavernosum tissue were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Autophagy-related genes and pathways (the AMPK and FoxO pathway) were identified by bioinformatics analysis and confirmed at the protein level. Simvastatin, an AMPK agonist, was used to treat diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction rats for 8weeks, demonstrating that erectile function was improved for 80.5% (P<.05) of rats. Corpus cavernosum fibrosis was alleviated (P<.05), and autophagy was further enhanced (P<.05); these results might be partially caused by AMPK-SKP2-CARM1 pathway activation (P<.05). Simvastatin could enhance protective autophagy by activating the AMPK-SKP2-CARM1 pathway to improve erectile function in diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction rats.

To Study the Anthropometric Measurements of the Neonates between 28 to 42 Weeks of Gestational Age at the Tertiary Health Care Center, Bhavnagar, Gujarat

Aims: To study the anthropometric measurements of the neonates between 28 to 42 weeks of gestational age. To express them as smoothed percentiles and obtain their correlation with the constant. Comparing the data trend with the Shah Study conducted twelve years ago in the same institute.&#x0D; Study Design: Cross-sectional observational study of 500 (selected out of 1223 by convenience sampling) live new-borns, 28 to 42 weeks gestational age (confirmed by Ballard score) was conducted in NICU and post-natal ward, Sir-T hospital, Bhavnagar. Infantometer and non-stretchable measuring tape were used for measurements.&#x0D; Results: Demographic data- female, male: [247 (49.4%), 253 (50.6%)]. The newborns weighing &lt; 2.499 kg were n= 193(38.6%), 2.500- 3.00 kg n=247(49.4%) and &gt; 3.00 kg n= 60(12%). 244 newborns were &lt;37 weeks old (48.8%) and 256 were 37- 42 weeks old (51.2%), with 37 weeks old contributing n=167(33.4%). The male newborn had higher anthropometric variable than female: Weight, Crown Heel Length, Head Circumference, Chest Circumference, Ponderal Index, Thigh Circumference, Mid Arm Circumference, Foot Length were 2.500, 46.73, 31.65, 29.69, 2.38, 12.06, 8.4, 6.79 of female and 2.595, 47.43, 32.08, 29.95, 2.39, 12.19, 8.2, 7.13 of male respectively, except in MAC.&#x0D; By comparing the mean of the parameters of 34 to 38 week newborns, the mean of TC and MAC of the present study was found to be increased than in Shah Study. Similarly, the mean of weight in 34, 36, 37 and 38, CHL in 36 and 38, the HC in 36, 37 and 38, the CC in 34, 35, 36 and 37, the FL in 35 and 37, and the Ponderal Index in 34, 35 and 38 week newborns, of present study was increased, as compared to Shah Study. By Pearson’s correlation, the maximum association was found with TC (r 0.934), followed by PI (0.868) and HC (0.844) in the present study and with TC (0.966) in Shah Study. The intrauterine growth curves were constructed by plotting percentile values of each anthropometric parameter against gestational age in weeks.&#x0D; Conclusion: The nutrition has improved in the near term and full-term neonates. The percentile charts constructed in accordance with current data trends thus can be utilised regionally.

Morphological alterations of the reticular thalamic nucleus in Engrailed-2 knockout mice.

The reticular thalamic nucleus (Rt) is a sheet of neurons that surrounds the dorsal thalamus laterally, along its dorso-ventral and rostro-caudal axes. It consists of inhibitory neurons releasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This nucleus participates in the circuitry between the thalamus and the cerebral cortex, and its impairment is associated with neuro-psychiatric disorders. In this study, we investigated the Rt anatomy of Engrailed-2 knockout mice (En2-/- ), a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), using parvalbumin as an immunohistochemical marker. We compared 4- and 6-week-old wild type (WT) and En2-/- mice using various morphometric parameters: cell area, shape factor, circularity and cell density. Significant differences were present in 6-week-old male mice with different genetic background (WT vs. En2-/- ): the Rt neurons of En2-/- mice showed a bigger cell area, shape factor and circularity when compared with WT. Age (4weeks vs. 6weeks) influenced the shape factor of WT females, the circularity and cell density of En2-/- males, and the shape factor and circularity of En2-/- females. Gender affected cell density in 4-week-old WT mice, shape factor and cellularity of 6-week-old WT mice, and cell area, shape factor and cell density of En2-/- at 6weeks. Intrasubject (left-right) asymmetry of Rt was never observed. These results show for the first time that sex- and age-related changes occur in the Rt GABAergic neurons of the En2-/- ASD mouse model.

Efficacy and Timing of Neonatal Ear Correction Molding.

Given the incidence of congenital auricular anomalies varies racially, this study aimed to investigate the efficacy and timing of ear correction molding in infants with auricular anomalies. A total of 141 auricular anomalies of 100 infants less than 4months of age were treated using the Earlimn molding system. Treatment outcomes were graded (three categories) in terms of auricular morphology. The efficacies and outcomes of modeling were evaluated in infants according to age and anomaly type. The mean age at which correction was initiated was 35.13days of life, and the average treatment duration was 17.81days. Of all anomalies, 86% were corrected. Both deformations and certain malformations were satisfactorily corrected. The outcomes of children with conchal crura and mixed anomalies were relatively poor. Although no differences in treatment efficiency were evident among the three age groups, infants < 3weeks old required shorter treatment courses than those > 6weeks old. The only complications were mild skin ulcers. Ear correction molding is remarkably effective for infants with auricular deformations/malformations. Molding efficacy depends on the type of anomaly. Initiation of molding at less than 6weeks of age is essential to minimize treatment duration. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Treatment of congenital cytomegalovirus beyond the neonatal period: an observational study.

Recently, valganciclovir treatment of symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) disease, commenced during the neonatal period (≤ 4weeks), was found to improve hearing and developmental outcome. However, many children (symptomatic or asymptomatic at birth) present only after 4weeks of age. The purpose of this observational retrospective study was to describe the outcome and safety of valganciclovir therapy in infants with cCMV who started treatment > 4weeks of life. Of the 91children who started antiviral treatment > 4weeks of age, 66/298 (22.2%) were symptomatic at birth; 25/217 (11.5%) were asymptomatic at birth. Treatment was initiated on average at 14weeks of age (range 5-77weeks) and at 53.3weeks (range 12-156weeks), respectively. Of the 45 affected ears in the symptomatic group, 30 (66.7%) improved and only 2 (4.4%) deteriorated, with most of the improved ears (27/30, 90%) returning to normal. In the asymptomatic group, late-onset treatment was initiated and out of the 42 deteriorated ears, 38 (90.5%) improved after at least 1year of follow-up. Hematological adverse events, i.e., neutropenia, were noted in a minority of cases (4.4%).Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the benefits and safety aspects of treating symptomatic and asymptomatic children with cCMV even beyond the recommended neonatal period.What is Known:• Valganciclovir treatment of symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) disease, commenced during the neonatal period, is beneficial in improving hearing and developmental outcome.• However, data of treatment started beyond the neonatal period is lacking.What is New:• Our study demonstrates the benefits of treating symptomatic children with cCMV as well as asymptomatic children that develop late-onset hearing loss even beyond the recommended neonatal period.• This was true for symptomatic children who presented > 4weeks as well as to those were asymptomatic at birth but experienced late hearing deterioration.

Performance of Intergrowth 21st Growth Charts in the Diagnosis of Small and Large for Gestational Age in Term and Preterm Newborns.

Birth weight is a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality and is associated with chronic diseases in adulthood.This study aimed to evaluate the use of Intergrowth 21st instead of the Fenton & Kim 2013 growth charts in the diagnosis of smalland large for gestational age in a group of Portuguese newborns. We conducted an analytical and retrospective study to evaluate birth weight of term and preterm newbornsusing both growth charts. Groups studied: 'Term-weeks' and 'Term-days' (term newborns with gestational age in weeks and days, respectively),'Preterm-weeks' and 'Preterm-days' (preterm newborns with gestational age in weeks and days, respectively). A total of 14 056 newborns were included, 6% preterm. Using the Intergrowth 21st growth charts, the groups 'Term-weeks'(n = 12 081), 'Term-days' (n = 1118), 'Preterm-weeks' (n = 617) and 'Preterm-days' (n = 240), classified as small for gestational ageaccording to the Fenton & Kim 2013 growth charts were adequate for gestational age in 52.8%, 57.8%, 37.7% and 9.3% respectively;and 9.2%, 9.2%, 5.9% and 0.6% of adequate for gestational age newborns were large for gestational age, respectively. In the 'Pretermdays'group, 7.9% of adequate for gestational age newborns were small for gestational age and 22.2% of large for gestational agenewborns were adequate for gestational age, all with gestational age below 231 days. The use of the Intergrowth 21st growth charts in this sample resulted in a lower number of newborns being classified assmall for gestational age, except in very preterm newborns. Considering the results obtained, we suggest that Portuguese maternity hospitals use the Intergrowth 21st instead of theFenton & Kim 2013 growth charts. However, more studies are needed to confirm these results.

Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation on growth performance, plasma metabolites and hormones, and rumen fermentation in Holstein calves during pre- and post-weaning periods.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) during the pre- and post-weaning periods on growth, metabolic and hormonal responses, and rumen fermentation in calves. Three-week-old Holstein calves were assigned to either control (n=12) or SC group (n=12), the latter of which received 2×109 cfu/day of SC. The experiment was conducted over a period of 7weeks around weaning. Daily gain (DG) in the SC group was higher (p<.05) than that in the control group. In the SC group, plasma glucose, insulin, and growth hormone (GH) concentrations were higher (p<.05) and concentrations of glucagon and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) tended to be higher (p<.1) than in the control group. Proportion of rumen propionate and concentration of rumen ammonia nitrogen at 10weeks of age were greater (p<.05) in the SC group than that in the control group. Supplementation of SC around weaning may improve dietary nutrient and energy availability and increase plasma GH and IGF-1 concentrations. These changes observed in SC-supplemented calves could be closely related to the improvement of DG.

Is ponseti casting effective in neuromuscular clubfoot? A university hospital experience from eastern province in Saudi Arabia

Objectives: Clubfoot deformity occurs in approximately one in 1000 newborns. In patients with neuromuscular disease, the clubfoot deformity differs markedly from that in idiopathic clubfoot with respect to its severity and higher rate of complications. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of the Ponseti serial casting technique in treating idiopathic and neuromuscular clubfoot. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of patients with clubfoot identified from a pediatric orthopedic clinic database, who were treated at our hospital from 2004 to 2018. The follow-up period for patients in both groups ranged from 8 to 12 years. The information obtained included age at presentation and number of casts required for deformity correction. We measured the severity of the clubfoot using the modified Pirani score before and after Ponseti treatment. Results: The initial number of participants was 117; upon applying our inclusion and exclusion criteria, only 39 patients from the idiopathic group and 10 from the neuromuscular disease-associated clubfoot group were included. The average age in weeks of the participants in the idiopathic group and the neuromuscular disease-associated clubfoot group at diagnosis was 1.79 and 1.80, respectively. Both groups had a similar mean modified Pirani score before and after the Ponseti treatment. Conclusions: Ponseti casting is an effective primary modality of management for clubfoot associated with neuromuscular diseases, as it is in idiopathic clubfoot, to achieve functional pain-free feet and reduce the number of surgical interventions needed.

Effect of Production Systems and Dietary Interventions on Growth Performance, Morphometrics, Physiological Response and Behaviour of the Naked Neck Chickens

The present study was planned to evaluate the growth performance, morphometrics, physiological and behavioral response of Naked Neck chicken under different production systems and nutritional regimens. For this, a total of 900 Naked Neck chickens of 6-weeks of age were used; the birds were divided into 10 treatment groups consisting of 5 replicates of 18 birds each. A 2×5 factorial arrangement of treatment was employed under Completely Randomized Design. Treatments were consisted of two production systems (intensive and free range) and five nutritional regimens (100% commercial feed, 75% commercial feed +25% kitchen waste, 50% commercial feed +50% kitchen waste, 25% commercial feed +75% kitchen waste and 100% kitchen waste). Body weight, heartbeat and respiration rate were higher in birds reared under intensive system and spent most of their time sitting whereas higher feed intake and increased pecking behavior were noted in birds reared under free range system. Regarding feeding regimens, higher feed intake, cloacal temperature, body and neck length were observed in birds fed with 100% kitchen waste whereas higher drumstick, shank and wing spread were observed in birds fed under 100% commercial feed. Furthermore, higher shank and neck length were observed in birds fed 75% kitchen waste and higher body weight was observed in birds fed 50% kitchen waste. Significant interactions were also observed regarding feed intake, cloacal temperature, drumstick circumference, shank length, feeding, sitting and walking behavior. In conclusion, Naked Neck chicken perform better in free range system whereas feeding kitchen waste up to 50% may enhance growth, morphometric, physiological traits and improve behavioral response.

A mouse model of endometriosis mimicking the natural spread of invasive endometrium.

Is it possible to establish a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) of endometriosis that mimics the natural spread of invasive endometrium? Endometriosis occurs in an ARID1A (AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A) and PIK3CA (phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit alpha) mutant GEMM of endometrial dysfunction following salpingectomy. Although mouse models of endometriosis have long been established, most models rely on intraperitoneal injection of uterine fragments, steroid hormone treatments or the use of immune-compromised mice. Mice harboring the lactotransferrin-Cre (LtfCre0/+), Arid1afl, (Gt)R26Pik3ca*H1047R and (Gt)R26mTmG alleles were subject to unilateral salpingectomies at 6weeks of age. Control (n = 9), LtfCre0/+; (Gt)R26Pik3ca*H1047R; Arid1afl/+ (n = 8) and LtfCre0/+; (Gt)R26Pik3ca*H1047R; Arid1afl/fl (n = 9) were used for the study. The (Gt)R26mTmG allele was used for the purpose of fluorescent lineage tracing of endometrial epithelium. LtfCre0/+; (Gt)R26mTmG (n = 3) and LtfCre0/+; (Gt)R26Pik3ca*H1047R/mTmG; Arid1afl/fl (n = 4) were used for this purpose. Mice were followed until the endpoint of vaginal bleeding at an average time of 17weeks of age. At 6weeks of age, mice were subjected to salpingectomy surgery. Mice were followed until the time point of vaginal bleeding (average 17weeks), or aged for 1year in the case of control mice. At time of sacrifice, endometriotic lesions, ovaries and uterus were collected for the purpose of histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses. Samples were analyzed for markers of the endometriotic tissue and other relevant biomarkers. Following salpingectomy, LtfCre0/+; (Gt)R26Pik3ca*H1047R/mTmG; Arid1afl/fl mice developed endometriotic lesions, including lesions on the ovary, omentum and abdominal wall. Epithelial glands within lesions were negative for ARID1A and positive for phospho-S6 staining, indicating ARID1A-PIK3CA co-mutation status, and expressed EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein), indicating endometrial origins. N/A. LtfCre0/+; (Gt)R26Pik3ca*H1047R; Arid1afl/fl mice develop vaginal bleeding as a result of endometrial dysfunction at an average age of 17weeks and must be sacrificed. Furthermore, while this model mimics the natural spread of endometriotic tissue directly from the uterus to the peritoneum, the data presented do not reject current hypotheses on endometriosis pathogenesis. The idea that endometriosis is the result of abnormal endometrial tissue colonizing the peritoneum via retrograde menstruation has gained widespread support over the past century. However, most models of endometriosis take for granted this possibility, relying on the surgical removal of bulk uterine tissue and subsequent transplantation into the peritoneum. Growing evidence suggests that somatic mutations in ARID1A and PIK3CA are present in the endometrial epithelium. The establishment of a GEMM which mimics the natural spread of endometrium and subsequent lesion formation supports the hypothesis that endometriosis is derived from mutant endometrial epithelium with invasive properties. This research was supported by the American Cancer Society PF-17-163-02-DDC (M.R.W.), the Mary Kay Foundation 026-16 (R.L.C.) and the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance 457446 (R.L.C.). The authors declare no competing interests.