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Hong Kong Medical Journal = Xianggang... Jun 2024The level of amniotic fluid gamma-glutamyl transferase (AFGGT) may help identify biliary atresia (BA) in cases of non-visualisation of the fetal gallbladder (NVFGB)....
Amniotic fluid gamma-glutamyl transferase for prediction of biliary atresia in cases of non-visualisation of the fetal gallbladder: a retrospective study using a validated analytical platform and local reference range.
INTRODUCTION
The level of amniotic fluid gamma-glutamyl transferase (AFGGT) may help identify biliary atresia (BA) in cases of non-visualisation of the fetal gallbladder (NVFGB). This study aimed to validate a serum/plasma matrix-based gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) assay for amniotic fluid (AF) samples, establish a local gestational age-specific AFGGT reference range, and evaluate the efficacy of AFGGT for predicting fetal BA in pregnancies with NVFGB using the constructed reference range.
METHODS
The analytical performance of a serum/plasma matrix-based GGT assay on AF samples was evaluated using a Cobas c502 analyser. Amniotic fluid gamma-glutamyl transferase levels in confirmed euploid singleton pregnancies (16 to 22 weeks of gestation) were determined using the same analyser to establish a local gestational age-specific reference range (the 2.5th to 97.5th percentiles). This local reference range was used to determine the positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of AFGGT level <2.5th percentile for identifying fetal BA in euploid pregnancies with NVFGB.
RESULTS
The serum/plasma matrix-based GGT assay was able to reliably and accurately determine GGT levels in AF samples. Using the constructed local gestational age-specific AFGGT reference range, the NPV and PPV of AFGGT level <2.5th percentile for predicting fetal BA in pregnancies with NVFGB were 100% and 25% (95% confidence interval=0, 53), respectively.
CONCLUSION
In pregnancies with NVFGB, AFGGT level ≥2.5th percentile likely excludes fetal BA. Although AFGGT level <2.5th percentile is not diagnostic of fetal BA, fetuses with AFGGT below this level should be referred for early postnatal investigation.
Topics: Humans; gamma-Glutamyltransferase; Female; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Reference Values; Amniotic Fluid; Biliary Atresia; Gestational Age; Gallbladder; Predictive Value of Tests; Adult; Prenatal Diagnosis
PubMed: 38835098
DOI: 10.12809/hkmj2210567 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024The current practice of restoring the anatomical structure in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction includes implantation of synthetic sling, which carries potential...
The current practice of restoring the anatomical structure in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction includes implantation of synthetic sling, which carries potential complications. This study aimed to develop biological substitutes to improve tissue function using scaffolds as a support to the host cells, through formation of new tissue. Human amniotic fluid stem cells (hAFSCs) were seeded on synthetic mesh-scaffold of AlloDerm Regenerative Tissue Matrix (RTM), Poly-DL-lactico-glycolic acid (PLGA) mesh (VICRYL) and Polydioxanone (PDS) meshes. In vitro study evaluates the metabolic activity of hAFSCs seeded mesh-scaffolds. In vivo study involving Sprague-Dawley rats was performed by assigning into 7 groups of sham control with fascia operation, AlloDerm implant, PDS implant, PLGA implant, AlloDerm harvest with hAFSC (AlloDerm-SC), PDS harvest with hAFSC(PDS-SC) and PLGS harvest with hAFSC (PGLA-SC). In vitro study reveals cell viability and proliferation of hAFSC on mesh scaffolds varies between meshes, with AlloDerm growing the fastest. The biomechanical properties of tissue-mesh-complex tension strength declined over time, showing highest tension strength on week-1, deteriorated similar to control group on week-12. All hAFSC-seeded mesh provides higher tension strength, compared to without. This study shed the potential of synthetic mesh as a scaffold for hAFSC for the surgical treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction.
Topics: Animals; Tissue Scaffolds; Humans; Amniotic Fluid; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Stem Cells; Female; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Tissue Engineering; Surgical Mesh; Cell Proliferation; Pelvic Floor; Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
PubMed: 38830952
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63375-3 -
Frontiers in Physiology 2024In numerous medical conditions, including pregnancy, gravity and posture interact to impact physiology and pathophysiology. Recent investigations, for example,... (Review)
Review
In numerous medical conditions, including pregnancy, gravity and posture interact to impact physiology and pathophysiology. Recent investigations, for example, pertaining to maternal sleeping posture during the third trimester and possible impact on fetal growth and stillbirth risk highlight the importance and potential clinical implications of the subject. In this review, we provide an extensive discussion of the impact of maternal posture on fetal physiology from conception to the postpartum period in human pregnancy. We conducted a systematic literature search of the MEDLINE database and identified 242 studies from 1991 through 2021, inclusive, that met our inclusion criteria. Herein, we provide a synthesis of the resulting literature. In the first section of the review, we group the results by the impact of maternal posture at rest on the cervix, uterus, placenta, umbilical cord, amniotic fluid, and fetus. In the second section of the review, we address the impact on fetal-related outcomes of maternal posture during various maternal activities (e.g., sleep, work, exercise), medical procedures (e.g., fertility, imaging, surgery), and labor and birth. We present the published literature, highlight gaps and discrepancies, and suggest future research opportunities and clinical practice changes. In sum, we anticipate that this review will shed light on the impact of maternal posture on fetal physiology in a manner that lends utility to researchers and clinicians who are working to improve maternal, fetal, and child health.
PubMed: 38827993
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1394707 -
Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy May 2024Introduction Suture tensile properties have only been tested in extrauterine environments. Amniotic fluid (AF) is a complex milieu of enzymes and inflammatory factors....
Introduction Suture tensile properties have only been tested in extrauterine environments. Amniotic fluid (AF) is a complex milieu of enzymes and inflammatory factors. This study tested the mechanical properties of sutures with a variety of inherent properties, after exposure to AF from patients with conditions prompting fetal intervention. Methods AF was obtained from three patients with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), and three patients with neural tube defects (NTD). Six types of 2-0 sutures were placed on 1.2 N of tension to mimic placement in vivo, and incubated in AF at 37° C (98.6° F). These included ethylene terephthalate (Ethibond), glycomer 631 (V-Loc), poliglecaprone 25 (Monocryl), poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (Monomax), polydioxanone (PDS), and polyglactin 910 (Vicryl). Failure load, stress, strain, and initial modulus were tested after 24 hours of incubation and after 4 weeks, and compared with control (unincubated) sutures using t tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and stress-strain curves. Results Poliglecaprone 25 and polyglactin 910 dissolve more quickly in AF compared to outside the uterus, disintegrating at 4 weeks. Ethylene terephthalate and polydioxanone experienced little change across 4 weeks of incubation. Glycomer 631 and poly-4-hydroxybutyrate exhibited interesting behavior in AF: glycomer 631 became more deformable at 24 hours but later regained toughness by 4 weeks, while poly-4-hydroxybutyrate became tougher and in some cases stronger with time in AF. As a class, braided sutures act more like rigid materials, and monofilaments act like deformable plastics. Conclusion These findings along with other suture characteristics such as ease of handling and availability may inform fetal intervention teams as they optimize procedures in a relatively new surgical field.
PubMed: 38824911
DOI: 10.1159/000539561 -
BMJ Paediatrics Open May 2024Body temperature for a known ambient temperature is not known for infants born at term. We aimed to determine the normal range and the incidences of hypothermia and... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
OBJECTIVE
Body temperature for a known ambient temperature is not known for infants born at term. We aimed to determine the normal range and the incidences of hypothermia and hyperthermia during the first 24 hours of life in healthy term-born infants nursed according to WHO recommendations.
DESIGN
Prospective observational study.
SETTING
Norwegian single centre district hospital. Infants were observed during skin-to-skin care or when dressed in cots.
PARTICIPANTS
Convenience sample of 951 healthy infants born at term.
METHODS
Delivery room temperature was aimed at 26-30°C and rooming-in temperature at 24°C. We measured rectal and room temperatures at 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 hours of age.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Percentile curves for rectal temperature. Proportions and risk factors for hypothermia and hyperthermia.
RESULTS
The mean (SD) room temperature was 24.0°C (1.1), 23.8°C (1.0), 23.8°C (1.0)., 23.7°C (0.9) and 23.8°C (0.9). The median (2.5, 97.5 percentile) rectal temperature was 36.9°C (35.7-37.9), 36.8°C (35.9-37.5), 36.9°C (36.1-37.5), 37.0°C (36.4-37.7) and 37.1°C (36.5-37.7). Hypothermia (<36.5°C) occurred in 28% of the infants, 82% of incidents during the first 8 hours. Risk factors for hypothermia were low birth weight (OR 3.1 (95% CI, 2.0 to 4.6), per kg), male sex, being born at night and nursed in a cot versus skin to skin. Hyperthermia (>37.5°C) occurred in 12% and most commonly in large infants after 8 hours of life. Risk factors for hyperthermia were high birth weight (OR 2.2 (95% CI, 1.4 to 3.5), per kg), being awake, nursed skin to skin and being born through heavily stained amniotic fluid.
CONCLUSIONS
Term-born infants were at risk of hypothermia during the first hours after birth even when nursed in an assumed adequate thermal environment and at risk of hyperthermia after 8 hours of age.
Topics: Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Female; Risk Factors; Hypothermia; Prospective Studies; Body Temperature; Hyperthermia; Norway; Reference Values; Term Birth; Delivery Rooms; Fever; Kangaroo-Mother Care Method
PubMed: 38823799
DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2024-002596 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... May 2024Our objective was to investigate the association between the presence of placental anastomoses and intertwin differences in renin-angiotensin-aldosterone activation in...
Intertwin discordance of aldosterone levels in amniotic fluid with placental anastomoses in monochorionic twins: Insight into the pathophysiology of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.
INTRODUCTION
Our objective was to investigate the association between the presence of placental anastomoses and intertwin differences in renin-angiotensin-aldosterone activation in monochorionic twins using amniotic fluid aldosterone (AF-ALD) levels. In addition, this study also examined the association between AF-ALD and the ALD levels in the umbilical cord blood (UCB-ALD) in monochorionic twins.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This prospective study included monochorionic diamniotic (MD) twin pregnancies that were not complicated by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) at delivery. Amniotic fluid and umbilical cord vein blood samples were collected from each twin at delivery, and the ALD levels were measured subsequently. The MD twins were divided into two groups: those with placental anastomoses and those without anastomoses owing to fetoscopic laser surgery. The differences in the AF-ALD levels between the larger and smaller twins were analyzed.
RESULTS
The AF-ALD levels showed a strong and significant positive correlation with UCB-ALD levels in 131 MD twins (r = 0.804, p < 0.001). Intertwin differences were examined in 41 and 28 pairs of MD twins with and without placental anastomoses, respectively. The AF-ALD levels in the smaller twins were significantly higher than those in the larger twins among the pairs of MD twins with placental anastomoses (p = 0.003); however, no statistically significant intertwin differences were observed among the twins without placental anastomoses (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The AF-ALD levels reflect the UCB-ALD levels in MD twins. The presence of placental anastomoses led to intertwin discordance in the ALD levels in MD twins even uncomplicated with TTTS. It was considered that monochorionic twins have this clinical background, and it leads to the development of TTTS.
PubMed: 38822529
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14859 -
Journal of Perinatology : Official... May 2024We aim to describe neonatal respiratory outcomes following previable preterm premature rupture of membranes(PPROM) when gentle ventilation is utilized. We also report...
OBJECTIVE
We aim to describe neonatal respiratory outcomes following previable preterm premature rupture of membranes(PPROM) when gentle ventilation is utilized. We also report maternal morbidity and mortality.
STUDY DESIGN
This is a retrospective single-center cohort study of infants delivered between 2016 and 2020 that included infants born at ≥23 weeks without major congenital anomaly after a pregnancy complicated with PPROM before 23 weeks gestation. Statistical analysis utilized unpaired Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test when appropriate.
RESULTS
35 infants from 33 pregnancies were included. 91.4% of infants survived until discharge and 12.1% developed Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD). Those who developed BPD had significantly lower amniotic fluid levels prior to delivery (p < 0.05). There was no significant maternal morbidity or mortality in this cohort.
CONCLUSION
This cohort had high survival and low rates of respiratory morbidities. This suggests the use of gentle ventilation might be the optimal strategy for patients born after previable PPROM.
PubMed: 38822149
DOI: 10.1038/s41372-024-02014-1 -
Zhonghua Yi Xue Yi Chuan Xue Za Zhi =... Jun 2024To carry out genetic analysis on two families with carriers of small terminal translocations using karyotyping analysis and genomic copy number variation sequencing...
OBJECTIVE
To carry out genetic analysis on two families with carriers of small terminal translocations using karyotyping analysis and genomic copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq).
METHODS
Two couples undergoing prenatal diagnosis at the Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology respectively on April 12, 2020 and December 17, 2021 were selected as the study subjects. With informed consent, amniotic fluid and peripheral blood samples were collected and subjected to conventional karyotyping and CNV-seq analysis for the detection of chromosomal microdeletion/duplications.
RESULTS
Both couples had given births to children with chromosomal aberrations previously, and both fetuses were found to have abnormal karyotypes. CNV-seq showed that they had harbored microdeletion/duplications, and their mothers had both carried balanced translocations involving terminal fragments of chromosomes.
CONCLUSION
For fetuses with small chromosomal segmental abnormalities, their parental origin should be traced, and the diagnosis should be confirmed with combined genetic techniques.
Topics: Humans; Prenatal Diagnosis; Female; Pregnancy; Karyotyping; DNA Copy Number Variations; Male; Adult; Chromosome Aberrations; Translocation, Genetic; Genetic Testing; Chromosome Deletion
PubMed: 38818564
DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn511374-20220411-00242 -
World Journal of Stem Cells May 2024Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical syndrome with high morbidity and mortality rates. The use of pluripotent stem cells holds great promise for the treatment...
BACKGROUND
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical syndrome with high morbidity and mortality rates. The use of pluripotent stem cells holds great promise for the treatment of AKI. Urine-derived stem cells (USCs) are a novel and versatile cell source in cell-based therapy and regenerative medicine that provide advantages of a noninvasive, simple, and low-cost approach and are induced with high multidifferentiation potential. Whether these cells could serve as a potential stem cell source for the treatment of AKI has not been determined.
AIM
To investigate whether USCs can serve as a potential stem cell source to improve renal function and histological structure after experimental AKI.
METHODS
Stem cell markers with multidifferentiation potential were isolated from human amniotic fluid. AKI severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) mice models were induced by means of an intramuscular injection with glycerol. USCs isolated from human-voided urine were administered tail veins. The functional changes in the kidney were assessed by the levels of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. The histologic changes were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining and transferase dUTP nick-end labeling staining. Meanwhile, we compared the regenerative potential of USCs with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
RESULTS
Treatment with USCs significantly alleviated histological destruction and functional decline. The renal function was rapidly restored after intravenous injection of 5 × 10 human USCs into SCID mice with glycerol-induced AKI compared with injection of saline. Results from secretion assays conducted demonstrated that both stem cell varieties released a wide array of cytokines and growth factors. This suggests that a mixture of various mediators closely interacts with their biochemical functions. Two types of stem cells showed enhanced tubular cell proliferation and decreased tubular cell apoptosis, although USC treatment was not more effective than MSC treatment. We found that USC therapy significantly improved renal function and histological damage, inhibited inflammation and apoptosis processes in the kidney, and promoted tubular epithelial proliferation.
CONCLUSION
Our study demonstrated the potential of USCs for the treatment of AKI, representing a new clinical therapeutic strategy.
PubMed: 38817335
DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v16.i5.525 -
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics May 2024To explore the association between the concentration of maternal serum biomarkers and the risk of fetal carrying chromosome copy number variants (CNVs).
OBJECTIVE
To explore the association between the concentration of maternal serum biomarkers and the risk of fetal carrying chromosome copy number variants (CNVs).
METHODS
Pregnant women identified as high risk in the second-trimester serological triple screening and underwent traditional amniotic fluid karyotype analysis, along with comparative genomic hybridization array (aCGH)/copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq), were included in the study. We divided the concentration of serum biomarkers, free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (fβ-hCG), alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and unconjugated estriol (uE3), into three levels: abnormally low, normal and abnormally high. The prevalence of abnormally low, normal and abnormally high serum fβ-hCG, AFP and uE3 levels in pregnant women with aberrant aCGH/CNV-seq results and normal controls was calculated.
RESULTS
Among the 2877 cases with high risk in the second-trimester serological triple screening, there were 98 chromosome abnormalities revealed by karyotype analysis, while 209 abnormalities were detected by aCGH/CNVseq (P<0.001) . The carrying rate of aberrant CNVs increased significantly when the maternal serum uE3 level was less than 0.4 multiple of median (MoM) of corresponding gestational weeks compared to normal controls, while the carrying rate of aberrant CNVs decreased significantly when the maternal serum fβ-hCG level was greater than 2.5 MoM compared to normal controls. No significant difference was found in the AFP group.
CONCLUSION
Low serum uE3 level (<0.4 MoM) was associated with an increased risk of aberrant CNVs.
PubMed: 38814455
DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07514-1