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Saudi Medical Journal Jul 2024To understand the prevalence and survival rates of preterm birth (PTB) is of utmost importance in informing healthcare planning, improving neonatal care, enhancing...
OBJECTIVES
To understand the prevalence and survival rates of preterm birth (PTB) is of utmost importance in informing healthcare planning, improving neonatal care, enhancing maternal and infant health, monitoring long-term outcomes, and guiding policy and advocacy efforts.
METHODS
The medical records of preterm infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with a diagnosis of prematurity at the Maternity and Children's Hospital (MCH), Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia, were reviewed between January 2018 and December 2022. Data were collected on birth weight (BW), gender, number of live births, gestational age, mortality, nationality, APGAR score, length of stay in the NICU, and maternal details.
RESULTS
A total of 9809 live births were identified between 2018 and 2022, of which 139 (3.9%) were born preterm. The overall mortality rate of the included sample was 7.19%, whereas the mortality rate according to BW was 38.4% of those born with extremely low birth weight (ELBW). The most common intrapartum complications were malpresentation (15.1%), placental complications (4.3%), and cord complications (3.6%).
CONCLUSION
This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of PTB in the country, particularly focusing on the vulnerability of extremely preterm babies.
Topics: Humans; Saudi Arabia; Female; Premature Birth; Infant, Newborn; Cross-Sectional Studies; Male; Incidence; Pregnancy; Gestational Age; Infant, Premature; Infant Mortality; Survival Rate; Birth Weight; Infant; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight; Apgar Score
PubMed: 38955439
DOI: 10.15537/smj.2024.45.7.20240194 -
Biology Letters Jun 2024Feather moulting is a crucial process in the avian life cycle, which evolved to maintain plumage functionality. However, moulting involves both energetic and functional...
Feather moulting is a crucial process in the avian life cycle, which evolved to maintain plumage functionality. However, moulting involves both energetic and functional costs. During moulting, plumage function temporarily decreases between the shedding of old feathers and the full growth of new ones. In flying taxa, a gradual and sequential replacement of flight feathers evolved to maintain aerodynamic capabilities during the moulting period. Little is known about the moult strategies of non-avian pennaraptoran dinosaurs and stem birds, before the emergence of crown lineage. Here, we report on two Early Cretaceous pygostylian birds from the Yixian Formation (125 mya), probably referable to Confuciusornithiformes, exhibiting morphological characteristics that suggest a gradual and sequential moult of wing flight feathers. Short primary feathers interpreted as immature are symmetrically present on both wings, as is typical among extant flying birds. Our survey of the enormous collection of the Tianyu Museum confirms previous findings that evidence of active moult in non-neornithine pennaraptorans is rare and likely indicates a moult cycle greater than one year. Documenting moult in Mesozoic feathered dinosaurs is critical for understanding their ecology, locomotor ability and the evolution of this important life-history process in birds.
Topics: Animals; Feathers; Fossils; Birds; Molting; Biological Evolution; Dinosaurs; Flight, Animal; China; Wings, Animal
PubMed: 38955226
DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2024.0106 -
Open Biology Jul 2024The vertebrate organizer plays a crucial role in building the main (antero-posterior) axis of the embryo: it neuralizes the surrounding ectoderm, and is the site of...
The vertebrate organizer plays a crucial role in building the main (antero-posterior) axis of the embryo: it neuralizes the surrounding ectoderm, and is the site of emigration for cells making axial and paraxial mesendoderm during elongation. The chick organizer becomes a stem zone at the onset of elongation; it stops recruiting cells from the neighbouring ectoderm and generates all its derivatives from the small number of resident cells it contains at the end of gastrulation stages. Nothing is known about the molecular identity of this stem zone. Here, we specifically labelled long-term resident cells of the organizer and compared their RNA-seq profile to that of the neighbouring cell populations. Screening by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and hybridization identified four genes (, , and ) that are upregulated only in the organizer region when it becomes a stem zone and remain expressed there during axial elongation. In experiments specifically labelling the resident cells of the mature organizer, we show that only these cells express these genes. These findings molecularly define the organizer as a stem zone and offer a key to understanding how this zone is set up, the molecular control of its cells' behaviour and the evolution of axial growth zones.
Topics: Animals; Chick Embryo; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Organizers, Embryonic; Body Patterning; Gastrulation; Transcriptome; Gene Expression Profiling
PubMed: 38955223
DOI: 10.1098/rsob.240139 -
Molecular Cell Jun 2024During implantation, embryos undergo an unpolarized-to-polarized transition to initiate postimplantation morphogenesis. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is...
During implantation, embryos undergo an unpolarized-to-polarized transition to initiate postimplantation morphogenesis. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is unknown. Here, we identify a transient transcriptional activation governing embryonic morphogenesis and pluripotency transition during implantation. In naive pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs), which represent preimplantation embryos, we find that the microprocessor component DGCR8 can recognize stem-loop structures within nascent mRNAs to sequester transcriptional coactivator FLII to suppress transcription directly. When mESCs exit from naive pluripotency, the ERK/RSK/P70S6K pathway rapidly activates, leading to FLII phosphorylation and disruption of DGCR8/FLII interaction. Phosphorylated FLII can bind to transcription factor JUN, activating cell migration-related genes to establish poised pluripotency akin to implanting embryos. Resequestration of FLII by DGCR8 drives poised ESCs into formative pluripotency. In summary, we identify a DGCR8/FLII/JUN-mediated transient transcriptional activation mechanism. Disruption of this mechanism inhibits naive-poised-formative pluripotency transition and the corresponding unpolarized-to-polarized transition during embryo implantation, which are conserved in mice and humans.
PubMed: 38955180
DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.06.005 -
Proceedings of the National Academy of... Jul 2024The brain's neuroreparative capacity after injuries such as ischemic stroke is partly contained in the brain's neurogenic niches, primarily the subventricular zone...
The brain's neuroreparative capacity after injuries such as ischemic stroke is partly contained in the brain's neurogenic niches, primarily the subventricular zone (SVZ), which lies in close contact with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) produced by the choroid plexus (ChP). Despite the wide range of their proposed functions, the ChP/CSF remain among the most understudied compartments of the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we report a mouse genetic tool (the ROSA26iDTR mouse line) for noninvasive, specific, and temporally controllable ablation of CSF-producing ChP epithelial cells to assess the roles of the ChP and CSF in brain homeostasis and injury. Using this model, we demonstrate that ChP ablation causes rapid and permanent CSF volume loss in both aged and young adult brains, accompanied by disruption of ependymal cilia bundles. Surprisingly, ChP ablation did not result in overt neurological deficits at 1 mo postablation. However, we observed a pronounced decrease in the pool of SVZ neuroblasts (NBs) following ChP ablation, which occurs due to their enhanced migration into the olfactory bulb. In the middle cerebral artery occlusion model of ischemic stroke, NB migration into the lesion site was also reduced in the CSF-depleted mice. Thus, our study establishes an important role of ChP/CSF in regulating the regenerative capacity of the adult brain under normal conditions and after ischemic stroke.
Topics: Animals; Choroid Plexus; Neurogenesis; Mice; Lateral Ventricles; Neural Stem Cells; Stroke; Male; Cell Movement; Cerebral Ventricles
PubMed: 38954546
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2400213121 -
International Ophthalmology Jul 2024To compare the results of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) monotherapy and combined intravitreal bevacizumab and laser photocoagulation (LPC) therapies applied in the same... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Comparison of intravitreal bevacizumab monotherapy and combined laser photocoagulation and intravitreal bevacizumab therapy in the same session in the treatment of aggressive retinopathy of prematurity.
PURPOSE
To compare the results of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) monotherapy and combined intravitreal bevacizumab and laser photocoagulation (LPC) therapies applied in the same session to patients with aggressive retinopathy of prematurity (A-ROP) in our clinic.
METHODS
The study included 67 eyes of 37 patients diagnosed with A-ROP and treated. Forty-nine eyes treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agent injection monotherapy for A-ROP treatment were included in the first group. The second group consisted of 18 eyes that received injection therapy and LPC treatment. The clinical findings of the two groups were investigated, and their treatment results were compared.
RESULTS
Recurrence was observed in 19 of the 49 (38%) eyes in the first group, but there was no recurrence in any of the cases in the second group. While only IVB was applied to eight cases with recurrence, the combination of LPC and IVB treatment was applied to 11 cases. A second recurrence was detected in two of the eight cases that had received IVB monotherapy as a treatment for recurrence and in three of the 11 cases that had received LPC and IVB. The treatment outcomes of the two groups did not statistically significantly differ (P = 0.181).
CONCLUSION
We consider that the combined simultaneous LPC and IVB treatment we applied in A-ROP cases is an effective approach, particularly for cases where there are concerns about the patient's ability to attend follow-up appointments.
Topics: Humans; Bevacizumab; Retinopathy of Prematurity; Intravitreal Injections; Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Laser Coagulation; Female; Male; Infant, Newborn; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Combined Modality Therapy; Gestational Age; Follow-Up Studies; Infant
PubMed: 38954120
DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03171-0 -
Applied and Environmental Microbiology Jul 2024Bacterial and fungal copper radical oxidases (CROs) from Auxiliary Activity Family 5 (AA5) are implicated in morphogenesis and pathogenesis. The unique catalytic...
Bacterial and fungal copper radical oxidases (CROs) from Auxiliary Activity Family 5 (AA5) are implicated in morphogenesis and pathogenesis. The unique catalytic properties of CROs also make these enzymes attractive biocatalysts for the transformation of small molecules and biopolymers. Despite a recent increase in the number of characterized AA5 members, especially from subfamily 2 (AA5_2), the catalytic diversity of the family as a whole remains underexplored. In the present study, phylogenetic analysis guided the selection of six AA5_2 members from diverse fungi for recombinant expression in (syn. ) and biochemical characterization . Five of the targets displayed predominant galactose 6-oxidase activity (EC 1.1.3.9), and one was a broad-specificity aryl alcohol oxidase (EC 1.1.3.7) with maximum activity on the platform chemical 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (EC 1.1.3.47). Sequence alignment comparing previously characterized AA5_2 members to those from this study indicated various amino acid substitutions at active site positions implicated in the modulation of specificity.IMPORTANCEEnzyme discovery and characterization underpin advances in microbial biology and the application of biocatalysts in industrial processes. On one hand, oxidative processes are central to fungal saprotrophy and pathogenesis. On the other hand, controlled oxidation of small molecules and (bio)polymers valorizes these compounds and introduces versatile functional groups for further modification. The biochemical characterization of six new copper radical oxidases further illuminates the catalytic diversity of these enzymes, which will inform future biological studies and biotechnological applications.
PubMed: 38953370
DOI: 10.1128/aem.01014-24 -
Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Xue Bao.... Jun 2024Thyroid carcinoma is a common endocrine malignancy,with most cases being indolent.Lymphatic metastasis as a representative metastasis type defines the clinical stage and... (Review)
Review
Thyroid carcinoma is a common endocrine malignancy,with most cases being indolent.Lymphatic metastasis as a representative metastasis type defines the clinical stage and prognosis of thyroid carcinoma.The mechanism of lymphatic metastasis in malignancies has been a research hotspot for years,and certain progress being achieved.This article reviews the molecular markers of lymphatic vessels and their application in diagnosis and treatment of neoplasms,the mechanism and role of lymphangiogenesis in lymphatic metastasis,the tracing methods for sentinel lymph nodes by lymphatic drainage,and the use of ultrasound in cervical lymph node metastasis of thyroid carcinoma.Especially,this paper details the application of conventional ultrasound,transvenous contrast-enhanced ultrasound,and trans-lymphatic contrast-enhanced ultrasound in cervical lymph node metastasis of thyroid carcinoma.
Topics: Humans; Thyroid Neoplasms; Lymphangiogenesis; Lymphatic Metastasis
PubMed: 38953265
DOI: 10.3881/j.issn.1000-503X.15694 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024This study illustrates a vital role for ankyrin-B in lens architecture, growth and function through its involvement in membrane protein and spectrin-actin cytoskeletal...
This study illustrates a vital role for ankyrin-B in lens architecture, growth and function through its involvement in membrane protein and spectrin-actin cytoskeletal organization and stability The transparent ocular lens is essential for vision by focusing light onto the retina. Despite recognizing the importance of its unique cellular architecture and mechanical properties, the molecular mechanisms governing these attributes remain elusive. This study aims to elucidate the role of ankyrin-B (AnkB), a membrane scaffolding protein, in lens cytoarchitecture, growth and function using a conditional knockout (cKO) mouse model. AnkB cKO mouse has no defects in lens morphogenesis, but exhibited changes that supported a global role for AnkB in maintenance of lens clarity, size, cytoarchitecture, and stiffness. Notably, absence of AnkB led to nuclear cataract formation, evident from P16. AnkB cKO lens fibers exhibit progressive disruption in membrane organization of the spectrin-actin cytoskeleton, channel proteins, cell-cell adhesion, shape change, loss and degradation of several membrane proteins (e.g., NrCAM. N-cadherin and aquaporin-0) along with a disorganized plasma membrane and impaired ball-and-socket membrane interdigitations. Furthermore, absence of AnkB led to decreased lens stiffness. Collectively, these results illustrate the essential role for AnkB in lens architecture, growth and function through its involvement in membrane protein and cytoskeletal organization.
PubMed: 38952798
DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.12.598702 -
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2024Implants are widely used in the field of orthopedics and dental sciences. Titanium (TI) and its alloys have become the most widely used implant materials, but...
BACKGROUND
Implants are widely used in the field of orthopedics and dental sciences. Titanium (TI) and its alloys have become the most widely used implant materials, but implant-associated infection remains a common and serious complication after implant surgery. In addition, titanium exhibits biological inertness, which prevents implants and bone tissue from binding strongly and may cause implants to loosen and fall out. Therefore, preventing implant infection and improving their bone induction ability are important goals.
PURPOSE
To study the antibacterial activity and bone induction ability of titanium-copper alloy implants coated with nanosilver/poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (NSPTICU) and provide a new approach for inhibiting implant-associated infection and promoting bone integration.
METHODS
We first examined the in vitro osteogenic ability of NSPTICU implants by studying the proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. Furthermore, the ability of NSPTICU implants to induce osteogenic activity in SD rats was studied by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, masson staining, immunohistochemistry and van gieson (VG) staining. The antibacterial activity of NSPTICU in vitro was studied with gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. was used as the test bacterium, and the antibacterial ability of NSPTICU implanted in rats was studied by gross view specimen collection, bacterial colony counting, HE staining and Giemsa staining.
RESULTS
Alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot analysis showed that NSPTICU promoted the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. The in vitro antimicrobial results showed that the NSPTICU implants exhibited better antibacterial properties. Animal experiments showed that NSPTICU can inhibit inflammation and promote the repair of bone defects.
CONCLUSION
NSPTICU has excellent antibacterial and bone induction ability, and has broad application prospects in the treatment of bone defects related to orthopedics and dental sciences.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Osteogenesis; Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; Mice; Staphylococcus aureus; Coated Materials, Biocompatible; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Escherichia coli; Cell Differentiation; Prostheses and Implants; Alloys; Rats; Titanium; Silver; Cell Proliferation; Copper; Male; X-Ray Microtomography; Cell Line; Metal Nanoparticles
PubMed: 38952675
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S456906