-
Ghana Medical Journal Sep 2023To determine the relationship between postnatal foot lengths and estimated gestational age (EGA) in relation to intrauterine growth patterns determined at birth among...
OBJECTIVES
To determine the relationship between postnatal foot lengths and estimated gestational age (EGA) in relation to intrauterine growth patterns determined at birth among Nigerian neonates.
DESIGN
Hospital-based, cross-sectional.
SETTING
Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria.
PARTICIPANTS
260 neonates with EGA 30- 42 weeks within 48 hours of life.
INTERVENTIONS
Postnatal foot lengths (FL) were measured with Vernier digital calliper in millimetres. The intra-uterine growth pattern was determined using the Lubchenco chart. Pearson correlation and regression analysis tests were performed.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Postnatal foot length in relation to Intra-Uterine Growth Pattern.
RESULTS
The mean postnatal FL had a strong positive correlation with the EGA from 30 through 42 weeks (r = 0.855, p < 0.001). The overall mean foot length for preterm neonates was 65.44 (6.92) mm, while that of term neonates was 77.92 (4.24) mm. The linear regression equation was generated as: EGA = 9.43 + (0.37 × FL), p < 0.001. The EGA as measured by FL had the highest positive correlation with Small for Gestational Age (SGA) intra-uterine-growth pattern, followed by Appropriate for Gestational Age (AGA) and least by Large for Gestational Age (LGA) respectively (r = 0.936> 0.861 > 0.666).
CONCLUSION
The postnatal foot length correlated well with estimated gestational age, and the correlation was best among SGA infants.
FUNDING
None declared.
Topics: Humans; Infant, Newborn; Nigeria; Gestational Age; Foot; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Male; Fetal Development; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Infant, Premature; Pregnancy
PubMed: 38957677
DOI: 10.4314/gmj.v57i3.11 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Amphiregulin (AR) is a growth factor that resembles the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and serves various functions in different cells. However, no systematic studies or...
BACKGROUND
Amphiregulin (AR) is a growth factor that resembles the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and serves various functions in different cells. However, no systematic studies or reports on the role of AR in human oocytes have currently been performed or reported. This study aimed to explore the role of AR in human immature oocytes during maturation (IVM) and fertilization (IVF) in achieving better embryonic development and to provide a basis for the development of a pre-insemination culture medium specific for cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs).
METHODS
First, we examined the concentration of AR in the follicular fluid (FF) of patients who underwent routine IVF and explored the correlation between AR levels and oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development. Second, AR was added to the IVM medium to culture immature oocytes and investigate whether AR could improve the effects of IVM. Finally, we pioneered the use of a fertilization medium supplemented with AR for the pre-insemination culture of COCs to explore whether the involvement of AR can promote the maturation and fertilization of IVF oocytes, as well as subsequent embryonic development.
RESULTS
A total of 609 FF samples were examined, and a positive correlation between AR levels and blastocyst formation was observed. In our IVM study, the development potential and IVM rate of immature oocytes, as well as the fertilization rate of IVM oocytes in the AR-added groups, were ameliorated significantly compared to the control group (All P < 0.05). Only the IVM-50 group had a significantly higher blastocyst formation rate than the control group (P < 0.05). In the final IVF study, the maturation, fertilization, high-quality embryo, blastocyst formation, and high-quality blastocyst rates of the AR-added group were significantly higher than those of the control group (All P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
AR levels in the FF positively correlated with blastocyst formation, and AR involvement in pre-insemination cultures of COCs can effectively improve laboratory outcomes in IVF. Furthermore, AR can directly promote the maturation and developmental potential of human immature oocytes at an optimal concentration of 50 ng/ml.
Topics: Humans; Amphiregulin; Fertilization in Vitro; Female; Oocytes; In Vitro Oocyte Maturation Techniques; Adult; Cumulus Cells; Follicular Fluid; Embryonic Development; Pregnancy; Culture Media; Embryo Culture Techniques; Blastocyst
PubMed: 38957445
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1428147 -
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2024Salidroside (SAL) is the most effective component of , a traditional Chinese medicine. Cryptotanshinone (CT) is the main fat-soluble extract of , exhibiting considerable...
BACKGROUND
Salidroside (SAL) is the most effective component of , a traditional Chinese medicine. Cryptotanshinone (CT) is the main fat-soluble extract of , exhibiting considerable potential for application in osteogenesis. Herein, a polycaprolactone/gelatin nanofiber membrane loaded with CT and SAL (PSGC membrane) was successfully fabricated via coaxial electrospinning and characterized.
METHODS AND RESULTS
This membrane capable of sustained and controlled drug release was employed in this study. Co-culturing the membrane with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells revealed excellent biocompatibility and demonstrated osteogenic and angiogenic capabilities. Furthermore, drug release from the PSGC membrane activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and promoted osteogenic differentiation and vascularization. Evaluation of the membrane's vascularization and osteogenic capacities involved transplantation onto a rat's subcutaneous area and assessing rat cranium defects for bone regeneration, respectively. Microcomputed tomography, histological tests, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining confirmed the membrane's outstanding angiogenic capacity two weeks post-operation, with a higher incidence of osteogenesis observed in rat cranial defects eight weeks post-surgery.
CONCLUSION
Overall, the SAL- and CT-loaded coaxial electrospun nanofiber membrane synergistically enhances bone repair and regeneration.
Topics: Osteogenesis; Animals; Nanofibers; Gelatin; Polyesters; Glucosides; Phenols; Phenanthrenes; Humans; Neovascularization, Physiologic; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Rats; Male; Bone Regeneration; Membranes, Artificial; Coculture Techniques; Drug Liberation; Cell Differentiation
PubMed: 38957181
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S461141 -
The Journal of Contemporary Dental... Apr 2024This study aims to assess the synergistic effect of utilizing a bioceramic sealer, NeoPutty, with photobiomodulation (PBM) on dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) for...
AIMS
This study aims to assess the synergistic effect of utilizing a bioceramic sealer, NeoPutty, with photobiomodulation (PBM) on dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) for odontogenesis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Dental pulp stem cells were collected from 10 premolars extracted from healthy individuals. Dental pulp stem cells were characterized using an inverted-phase microscope to detect cell shape and flow cytometry to detect stem cell-specific surface antigens. Three experimental groups were examined: the NP group, the PBM group, and the combined NP and PBM group. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) experiment was conducted to assess the viability of DPSCs. The odontogenic differentiation potential was analyzed using Alizarin red staining, RT-qPCR analysis of odontogenic genes DMP-1, DSPP, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and western blot analysis for detecting BMP-2 and RUNX-2 protein expression. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by a -test was employed to examine and compare the mean values of the results.
RESULTS
The study showed a notable rise in cell viability when NP and PBM were used together. Odontogenic gene expression and the protein expression of BMP-2 and RUNX-2 were notably increased in the combined group. The combined effect of NeoPutty and PBM was significant in enhancing the odontogenic differentiation capability of DPSCs.
CONCLUSION
The synergistic effect of NeoPutty and PBM produced the most positive effect on the cytocompatibility and odontogenic differentiation potential of DPSCs.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Creating innovative regenerative treatments to efficiently and durably repair injured dental tissues. How to cite this article: Alshawkani HA, Mansy M, Al Ankily M, . Regenerative Potential of Dental Pulp Stem Cells in Response to a Bioceramic Dental Sealer and Photobiomodulation: An Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(4):313-319.
Topics: Dental Pulp; Humans; Stem Cells; Low-Level Light Therapy; Cell Differentiation; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2; Odontogenesis; Root Canal Filling Materials; Alkaline Phosphatase; In Vitro Techniques; Cell Survival; Regeneration; Ceramics; Extracellular Matrix Proteins; Cells, Cultured; Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit; Sialoglycoproteins; Phosphoproteins
PubMed: 38956844
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10024-3676 -
Epigenetics Dec 2024Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), with the ability to differentiate into osteoblasts, adipocytes, or chondrocytes, show evidence that the donor cell's metabolic type...
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), with the ability to differentiate into osteoblasts, adipocytes, or chondrocytes, show evidence that the donor cell's metabolic type influences the osteogenic process. Limited knowledge exists on DNA methylation changes during osteogenic differentiation and the impact of diverse donor genetic backgrounds on MSC differentiation. In this study, synovial membrane mesenchymal stem cells (SMSCs) from two pig breeds (Angeln Saddleback, AS; German Landrace, DL) with distinct metabolic phenotypes were isolated, and the methylation pattern of SMSCs during osteogenic induction was investigated. Results showed that most differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were hypomethylated in osteogenic-induced SMSC group. These DMRs were enriched with genes of different osteogenic signalling pathways at different time points including Wnt, ECM, TGFB and BMP signalling pathways. AS pigs consistently exhibited a higher number of hypermethylated DMRs than DL pigs, particularly during the peak of osteogenesis (day 21). Predicting transcription factor motifs in regions of DMRs linked to osteogenic processes and donor breeds revealed influential motifs, including , and . These findings contribute to understanding the pattern of methylation changes promoting osteogenic differentiation, emphasizing the substantial role of donor the metabolic type and epigenetic memory of different donors on SMSC differentiation.
Topics: Animals; DNA Methylation; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Osteogenesis; Cell Differentiation; Swine; Synovial Membrane; Cells, Cultured; Epigenesis, Genetic
PubMed: 38956836
DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2024.2375011 -
Stem Cell Research & Therapy Jul 2024Repairation of bone defects remains a major clinical problem. Constructing bone tissue engineering containing growth factors, stem cells, and material scaffolds to...
BACKGROUND
Repairation of bone defects remains a major clinical problem. Constructing bone tissue engineering containing growth factors, stem cells, and material scaffolds to repair bone defects has recently become a hot research topic. Nerve growth factor (NGF) can promote osteogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), but the low survival rate of the BMSCs during transplantation remains an unresolved issue. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of BMSCs overexpression of NGF on bone defect by inhibiting pyroptosis.
METHODS
The relationship between the low survival rate and pyroptosis of BMSCs overexpressing NGF in localized inflammation of fractures was explored by detecting pyroptosis protein levels. Then, the NGF/BMSCs-NSA-Sca bone tissue engineering was constructed by seeding BMSCs overexpressing NGF on the allograft bone scaffold and adding the pyroptosis inhibitor necrosulfonamide(NSA). The femoral condylar defect model in the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat was studied by micro-CT, histological, WB and PCR analyses in vitro and in vivo to evaluate the regenerative effect of bone repair.
RESULTS
The pyroptosis that occurs in BMSCs overexpressing NGF is associated with the nerve growth factor receptor (P75NTR) during osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, NSA can block pyroptosis in BMSCs overexpression NGF. Notably, the analyses using the critical-size femoral condylar defect model indicated that the NGF/BMSCs-NSA-Sca group inhibited pyroptosis significantly and had higher osteogenesis in defects.
CONCLUSION
NGF/BMSCs-NSA had strong osteogenic properties in repairing bone defects. Moreover, NGF/BMSCs-NSA-Sca mixture developed in this study opens new horizons for developing novel tissue engineering constructs.
Topics: Animals; Nerve Growth Factor; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Rats; Tissue Scaffolds; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Osteogenesis; Bone Regeneration; Allografts; Male; Tissue Engineering; Pyroptosis; Sulfonamides; Cell Differentiation; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Bone Transplantation
PubMed: 38956719
DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03807-z -
Trials Jul 2024Surfactant is a well-established therapy for preterm neonates affected by respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The goals of different methods of surfactant... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Surfactant is a well-established therapy for preterm neonates affected by respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The goals of different methods of surfactant administration are to reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation and the severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD); however, the optimal administration method remains unknown. This study compares the effectiveness of the INtubate-RECruit-SURfactant-Extubate (IN-REC-SUR-E) technique with the less-invasive surfactant administration (LISA) technique, in increasing BPD-free survival of preterm infants. This is an international unblinded multicenter randomized controlled study in which preterm infants will be randomized into two groups to receive IN-REC-SUR-E or LISA surfactant administration.
METHODS
In this study, 382 infants born at 24-27 weeks' gestation, not intubated in the delivery room and failing nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) or nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) during the first 24 h of life, will be randomized 1:1 to receive IN-REC-SUR-E or LISA surfactant administration. The primary outcome is a composite outcome of death or BPD at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age. The secondary outcomes are BPD at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age; death; pulse oximetry/fraction of inspired oxygen; severe intraventricular hemorrhage; pneumothorax; duration of respiratory support and oxygen therapy; pulmonary hemorrhage; patent ductus arteriosus undergoing treatment; percentage of infants receiving more doses of surfactant; periventricular leukomalacia, severe retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis; total in-hospital stay; systemic postnatal steroids; neurodevelopmental outcomes; and respiratory function testing at 24 months of age. Randomization will be centrally provided using both stratification and permuted blocks with random block sizes and block order. Stratification factors will include center and gestational age (24 to 25 weeks or 26 to 27 weeks). Analyses will be conducted in both intention-to-treat and per-protocol populations, utilizing a log-binomial regression model that corrects for stratification factors to estimate the adjusted relative risk (RR).
DISCUSSION
This trial is designed to provide robust data on the best method of surfactant administration in spontaneously breathing preterm infants born at 24-27 weeks' gestation affected by RDS and failing nCPAP or NIPPV during the first 24 h of life, comparing IN-REC-SUR-E to LISA technique, in increasing BPD-free survival at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age of life.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05711966. Registered on February 3, 2023.
Topics: Humans; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn; Infant, Newborn; Pulmonary Surfactants; Infant, Premature; Treatment Outcome; Gestational Age; Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Time Factors; Airway Extubation; Intubation, Intratracheal; Female
PubMed: 38956676
DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08240-4 -
International Breastfeeding Journal Jul 2024Limited research has explored the associations of gestational age (GA) and breastfeeding practices with growth and nutrition in term infants.
BACKGROUND
Limited research has explored the associations of gestational age (GA) and breastfeeding practices with growth and nutrition in term infants.
METHODS
This multicenter cross-sectional study recruited 7299 singleton term infants from well-child visits in Shandong, China, between March 2021 and November 2022. Data on GA, gender, ethnicity, birth weight, parental heights, gestational diabetes and hypertension, age at visit, breastfeeding practices (point-in-time data at visit for infants < 6 months and retrospective data at 6 months for infants ≥ 6 months), complementary foods introduction, infant length and weight, were collected. 7270 infants were included in the analysis after excluding outliers with Z-scores of length (LAZ), weight or weight for length (WLZ) <-4 or > 4. Linear regression models adjused for covariates explored the impact of GA and breastfeeding practices on LAZ and WLZ, while logistic regression models evaluated their effect on the likelihood of moderate and severe stunting (MSS, LAZ<-2), moderate and severe acute malnutrition (MSAM, WLZ<-2) and overweight/obesity (WLZ > 2). Sensitivity analysis was conducted on normal birth weight infants (2.5-4.0 kg).
RESULTS
Infants born early-term and exclusively breastfed accounted for 31.1% and 66.4% of the sample, respectively. Early-term birth related to higher WLZ (< 6 months: β = 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.16, 0.29; ≥6 months: β = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.20) and an increased risk of overweight/obesity throughout infancy (< 6 months: OR: 1.41, 95% CI 1.08, 1.84; ≥6 months: OR: 1.35, 95% CI 1.03, 1.79). Before 6 months, early-term birth correlated with lower LAZ (β=-0.16, 95% CI: -0.21, -0.11) and an increased risk of MSS (OR: 1.01, 95%CI 1.00, 1.02); Compared to exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive formula-feeding and mixed feeding linked to lower WLZ (β=-0.15, 95%CI -0.30, 0.00 and β=-0.12, 95%CI -0.19, -0.05, respectively) and increased risks of MSAM (OR: 5.57, 95%CI 1.95, 15.88 and OR: 3.19, 95%CI 1.64, 6.19, respectively). Sensitivity analyses confirmed these findings.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings emphasize the health risks of early-term birth and the protective effect of exclusive breastfeeding in singleton term infants, underscoring the avoidance of nonmedically indicated delivery before 39 weeks and promoting exclusive breastfeeding before 6 months.
Topics: Humans; Breast Feeding; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Male; Infant, Newborn; Infant; China; Gestational Age; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Term Birth; Retrospective Studies; Adult; Nutritional Status
PubMed: 38956574
DOI: 10.1186/s13006-024-00653-w -
BMC Genomics Jul 2024Oil bodies or lipid droplets (LDs) in the cytosol are the subcellular storage compartments of seeds and the sites of lipid metabolism providing energy to the germinating...
BACKGROUND
Oil bodies or lipid droplets (LDs) in the cytosol are the subcellular storage compartments of seeds and the sites of lipid metabolism providing energy to the germinating seeds. Major LD-associated proteins are lipoxygenases, phospholipaseD, oleosins, TAG-lipases, steroleosins, caleosins and SEIPINs; involved in facilitating germination and enhancing peroxidation resulting in off-flavours. However, how natural selection is balancing contradictory processes in lipid-rich seeds remains evasive. The present study was aimed at the prediction of selection signatures among orthologous clades in major oilseeds and the correlation of selection effect with gene expression.
RESULTS
The LD-associated genes from the major oil-bearing crops were analyzed to predict natural selection signatures in phylogenetically close-knit ortholog clusters to understand adaptive evolution. Positive selection was the major force driving the evolution and diversification of orthologs in a lineage-specific manner. Significant positive selection effects were found in 94 genes particularly in oleosin and TAG-lipases, purifying with excess of non-synonymous substitution in 44 genes while 35 genes were neutral to selection effects. No significant selection impact was noticed in Brassicaceae as against LOX genes of oil palm. A heavy load of deleterious mutations affecting selection signatures was detected in T-lineage oleosins and LOX genes of Arachis hypogaea. The T-lineage oleosin genes were involved in mainly anther, tapetum and anther wall morphogenesis. In Ricinus communis and Sesamum indicum > 85% of PLD genes were under selection whereas selection pressures were low in Brassica juncea and Helianthus annuus. Steroleosin, caleosin and SEIPINs with large roles in lipid droplet organization expressed mostly in seeds and were under considerable positive selection pressures. Expression divergence was evident among paralogs and homeologs with one gene attaining functional superiority compared to the other. The LOX gene Glyma.13g347500 associated with off-flavor was not expressed during germination, rather its paralog Glyma.13g347600 showed expression in Glycine max. PLD-α genes were expressed on all the tissues except the seed,δ genes in seed and meristem while β and γ genes expressed in the leaf.
CONCLUSIONS
The genes involved in seed germination and lipid metabolism were under strong positive selection, although species differences were discernable. The present study identifies suitable candidate genes enhancing seed oil content and germination wherein directional selection can become more fruitful.
Topics: Selection, Genetic; Lipid Droplets; Evolution, Molecular; Crops, Agricultural; Phylogeny; Plant Proteins; Plant Oils; Seeds; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
PubMed: 38956471
DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10527-4 -
Scientific Reports Jul 2024Environmental temperature strongly influences the adaptation dynamics of amphibians, whose limited regulation capabilities render them susceptible to thermal...
Environmental temperature strongly influences the adaptation dynamics of amphibians, whose limited regulation capabilities render them susceptible to thermal oscillations. A central element of the adaptive strategies is the transcription factors (TFs), which act as master regulators that orchestrate stress responses, enabling species to navigate the fluctuations of their environment skillfully. Our study delves into the intricate relationship between TF expression and thermal adaptation mechanisms in the Rhinella spinulosa populations. We sought to elucidate the dynamic modulations of TF expression in prometamorphic and metamorphic tadpoles that inhabit two thermally contrasting environments (Catarpe and El Tatio Geyser, Chile) and which were exposed to two thermal treatments (25 °C vs. 20 °C). Our findings unravel an intriguing dichotomy in response strategies between these populations. First, results evidence the expression of 1374 transcription factors. Regarding the temperature shift, the Catarpe tadpoles show a multifaceted approach by up-regulating crucial TFs, including fosB, atf7, and the androgen receptor. These dynamic regulatory responses likely underpin the population's ability to navigate thermal fluctuations effectively. In stark contrast, the El Tatio tadpoles exhibit a more targeted response, primarily up-regulating foxc1. This differential expression suggests a distinct focus on specific TFs to mitigate the effects of temperature variations. Our study contributes to understanding the molecular mechanisms governing thermal adaptation responses and highlights the resilience and adaptability of amphibians in the face of ever-changing environmental conditions.
Topics: Animals; Transcription Factors; Temperature; Larva; Adaptation, Physiological; Bufonidae; Anura; Acclimatization; Chile
PubMed: 38956427
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66127-5