Prognosis of 591 Fetuses with Ultrasonic Soft Markers during Mid-Term Pregnancy

The present study aimed to examine the value of ultrasonic soft markers in prenatal screening by analyzing the clinical outcome of fetuses with ultrasonic soft markers during the second trimester of pregnancy. A retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the outcome of 591 fetuses with ultrasonic soft markers from January 2015 to August 2016 in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, China. It was found that 591 fetuses showed ultrasonic soft markers in 4927 cases with the occurrence rate being 12.0%. Among them, 564 fetuses（95.4%） were delivered and the remaining 27 cases（4.6%） were aborted. Five hundred and sixty-seven cases had single ultrasonic soft marker, including echogenic intracardiac focus（n=343）, mild renal pelvis dilatation（n=116）, short long bones（n=72）, single umbilical artery（n=31）, mild lateral ventriculomegaly（n=21）, choroid plexus cysts（n=19）, and echogenic bowel（n=13）, with the disappearing rates in pregnancy being 97.1%（333/343）, 77.6%（90/116）, 0%（0/72）, 0%（0/31）, 57.1%（12/21）, 89.5%（17/19） and 61.5%（8/13） respectively. The rate of pregnancy termination due to single ultrasonic soft marker was 3.4%（19/567）, and that was 33.3%（8/24） due to two ultrasonic soft markers with the difference being statistically significant（P〈0.05）. The reasons of pregnancy termination included malformations（polycystic kidney, cleft lip and palate, congenital heart diseases, pcromphalus, hypospadias, hydrocephalus）, chromosome abnormality, and stillbirth. It was concluded that single ultrasonic soft marker is usually transient manifestation in pregnancy. Without the other structural defects, single ultrasonic soft marker usually disappears spontaneously with favorable prognosis in a low-risk population. It is suggested that ultrasonic soft markers should be appropriately interpreted to avoid unnecessary invasive examination.

Proteomic analysis of adipose tissue during the last weeks of gestation in pure and crossbred Large White or Meishan fetuses gestated by sows of either breed

Background: The degree of adipose tissue development at birth may influence neonatal survival and subsequent health outcomes. Despite their lower birth weights, piglets from Meishan sows(a fat breed with excellent maternal ability) have a higher survival rate than piglets from Large White sows(a lean breed). To identify the main pathways involved in subcutaneous adipose tissue maturation during the last month of gestation, we compared the proteome and the expression levels of some genes at d 90 and d 110 of gestation in purebred and crossbred Large White or Meishan fetuses gestated by sows of either breed.Results: A total of 52 proteins in fetal subcutaneous adipose tissue were identified as differential y expressed over the course of gestation. Many proteins involved in energy metabolism were more abundant, whereas some proteins participating in cytoskeleton organization were reduced in abundance on d 110 compared with d 90. Irrespective of age,24 proteins differed in abundance between fetal genotypes, and an interaction effect between fetal age and genotype was observed for 13 proteins. The abundance levels of proteins known to be responsive to nutrient levels such as aldolase and fatty acid binding proteins, as wel as the expression levels of FASN, a key lipogenic enzyme, and MLXIPL, a pivotal transcriptional mediator of glucose-related stimulation of lipogenic genes, were elevated in the adipose tissue of pure and crossbred fetuses from Meishan sows. These data suggested that the adipose tissue of these fetuses had superior metabolic functionality, whatever their paternal genes. Conversely, proteins participating in redox homeostasis and apoptotic cel clearance had a lower abundance in Meishan than in Large White fetuses. Time-course differences in adipose tissue protein abundance were revealed between fetal genotypes for a few secreted proteins participating in responses to organic substances, such as alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein, transferrin and albumin.Conclusions: These results underline the importance of not only fetal age but also maternal intrauterine environment in the regulation of several proteins in subcutaneous adipose tissue. These proteins may be used to estimate the maturity grade of piglet neonates.

Evaluation of right ventricular volume and systolic function in normal fetuses using intelligent spatiotemporal image correlation

BACKGROUND Heart defects are the most common congenital malformations in fetuses.Fetal cardiac structure and function abnormalities lead to changes in ventricular volume.As ventricular volume is an important index for evaluating fetal cardiovascular development,an effective and reliable method for measuring fetal ventricular volume and cardiac function is necessary for accurate ultrasonic diagnosis and effective clinical treatment.The new intelligent spatiotemporal image correlation(iSTIC)technology acquires high-resolution volumetric images.In this study,the iSTIC technique was used to measure right ventricular volume and to evaluate right ventricular systolic function to provide a more accurate and convenient evaluation of fetal heart function.AIM To investigate the value of iSTIC in evaluating right ventricular volume and systolic function in normal fetuses.METHODS Between October 2014 and September 2015,a total of 123 pregnant women received prenatal ultrasound examinations in our hospital.iSTIC technology was used to acquire the entire fetal cardiac volume with off-line analysis using QLAB software.Cardiac systolic and diastolic phases were defined by opening of the atrioventricular valve and the subsequent closure of the atrioventricular valve.The volumetric data of the two phases were measured by manual tracking and summation of multiple slices and recording of the right ventricular end-systolic volume and the right ventricular end-diastolic volume.The data were used to calculate the right stroke volume,the right cardiac output,and the right ejection fraction.The correlations of changes between the above-mentioned indices and gestational age were analyzed.The right ventricular volumes of 30 randomly selected cases were measured twice by the same sonographer,and the intraobserver agreement measurements were calculated.RESULTS Among the 123 normal fetuses,the mean right ventricular end-diastolic volume increased from 0.99±0.34 mL at 22 wk gestation to 3.69±0.36 mL at 35+6 wk gestation.The mean right ventricular end-systolic volume increased from 0.43±0.18 mL at 22 wk gestation to 1.36±0.22 mL at 35+6 wk gestation.The mean right stroke volume increased from 0.62±0.29 mL at 22 wk gestation to 2.33±0.18 mL at 35+6 wk gestation.The mean right cardiac output increased from 92.23±40.67 mL/min at 22 wk gestation to 335.83±32.75 mL/min at 35+6 wk gestation.Right ventricular end-diastolic volume,right ventricular end-systolic volume,right stroke volume,and right cardiac output all increased with gestational age and the correlations were linear(P<0.01).Right ejection fraction had no apparent correlation with gestational age(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Fetal right ventricular volume can be quantitatively measured using iSTIC technology with relative ease and high repeatability.iSTIC technology is expected to provide a new method for clinical evaluation of fetal cardiac function.

THE EFFECT OF HBsAg ANTIGENEMIA IN PREGNANT WOMEN ON FETUSES AND INFANTS

We followed up 1576 pennant women prospectively from less than 24 weeks of pregnancy,in order to investigate the effect of HBsAg antigenemia on fetuses and infants.The resultsshowed that there was no difference between HBsAg-positive and negative pregnant women in the incidence of fetal distress,Premature labor,asphyxia neonatorum, perinatal death,low birth weight,and congenital malformation,P= 0. 6035, 0.2177,0.8722,0.4673,0.9508,and 0.7892,respectively.

The Expression of Surfactant Proteins A and D in the Intestines and Pancreas of Murine Fetuses

Purpose: Surfactant proteins exist in the digestive tract and may play an important role in the host defense. However, the expression of surfactant proteins in the premature digestive system remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of surfactant proteins in the intes-tines and pancreas of murine fetuses. Methods: Immunostaining for SP-A and SP-D was assessed in the small intestine and pancreas of ICR murine fetuses on days 15, 16, 17 and 18 of gestation (normal duration of pregnancy: 19 - 21 days). RT-PCR was performed to detect the expression of spa and spd mRNA in the small intestine and pancreas on day 16, 17 and 18 of gestation. Results: Immunoreactivity for SP-A and SP-D in the acinar cells of pancreas and intestinal mucosal surface were positive on day 16 of gestation onward. RT-PCR revealed that the expression of spa and spd mRNA was significant in the pancreas but weak in the small intestine. Conclusions: Our data revealed that surfactant proteins are present in the fetal intestines and pancreas and that a significant expression of spa and spd mRNA is detected in the fetal pancreas. Pancreas may be a possible organ involved in the synthesis and secretion of surfactant proteins into the intestinal lumen.

An Imperative Role of Fetal Autopsy in Previable Fetuses-Amniotic Deformity Adhesions,Mutilations Complex

Objective:To identify the occurrence of the amniotic deformity adhesions,mutilation(ADAM)complex and imperative role of fetal autopsy in diagnosing this condition.Methods:A retrospective descriptive study spanning nine years,from January 2014 to January 2022,was conducted at the Department of Pathology within a tertiary care hospital in South India.The study focused on analyzing the clinical presentation,prenatal ultrasonogram,and morphological features of fetuses with the ADAM complex,limb body wall complex,or amniotic bands.Results:Among the 438 fetuses assessed during the study period,five fetuses showed features of the ADAM complex(0.01%).The most frequent gestational age observed was 12–18 weeks andmost fetuseswere female.The common anomaly encountered was limb defects,followed by abdominal and cranial anomalies.Conclusion:The diagnosis of the ADAM complex relies primarily on fetal autopsy to differentiate it from similar conditions like anencephaly or body-stalk anomalies.The pathologist plays a crucial role in understanding the complexities of the ADAM complex.Advanced antenatal imaging and therapies offer potential for prevention through improved counseling.

Evidence supporting the relationship between maternal asthma and risk for autism spectrum disorders

During pregnancy,maternal immune activation(MIA),due to infection,chronic inflammatory disorders,or toxic exposures,can result in lasting health impacts on the developing fetus.MIA has been associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders,such as autism spectrum disorder(ASD)in the offspring.ASD is characterized by increased repetitive and stereotyped behaviors and decreased sociability.As of 2020,1 in 36 children are diagnosed with ASD by the age of 8 years,with ASD rates continuing to increase in prevalence in USA(Tamayo et al.,2023).Post-mortem brain studies,biomarker and transcriptomic studies,and epidemiology studies have provided compelling evidence of immune dysregulation in the circulation and brain of individuals diagnosed with ASD.Currently,the etiology of ASD is largely unknown,however,genetic components and environmental factors can contribute to increased susceptibility.Maternal allergic asthma(MAA),a form of MIA,has been identified as a potential risk factor for developing neurodevelopmental disorders(Patel et al.,2020).Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition driven by a T-helper type(TH)2 immune response.

Deformation of the left and right ventricular longitudinal myocardium in fetuses with umbilical cord around neck

Background Umbilical cord around neck, a common obstetric complication, affects fetal hemodynamics. Does it influence fetal cardiac functions？ The purpose of this study was to investigate the left and right ventricular systolic and diastolic functions of fetuses with umbilical cord around neck in the third trimester by applying velocity vector imaging （VVI）. Methods Thirty-five cases of fetuses with umbilical cord around neck whose gestational ages from 35 to 40 weeks were selected, including 20 cases of umbilical artery ratio of the highest systolic velocity （S） to the lowest diastolic velocity （D） （S/D） 〈3.0 and 15 cases of umbilical artery S/D ≥3.0, while 20 cases of normal fetuses of 35–40 gestational weeks were selected as the control group. The changes in longitudinal velocity, strain, and strain rate of fetal left and right ventricle in systole and diastole in two groups, and the changes in fetal cardiac function under the situation of umbilical cord around neck were analyzed.Results Longitudinal strain and strain rate overall of fetal left and right ventricle in systole and diastole were less in fetuses with umbilical artery S/D 33.0 and umbilical cord around neck than those in fetuses with umbilical artery S/D 〈3.0 and those in control group （P 〈0.05）; there was no significant difference （P 〉0.05） in longitudinal strain and strain rate overall of fetal left and right ventricle in systole and diastole between fetuses with umbilical artery S/D 〈3.0 and those in control group.Conclusions Left and right ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction was detected in fetuses with umbilical cord around neck and umbilical artery S/D 33.0. VVI could sensitively respond to cardiac function changes in fetuses with umbilical cord around neck, which provides another valuable method in the evaluation of fetal cardiac function.

Mutations of connexin43 in fetuses with congenital heart malformations

Background Gap junction channels formed by connexin43 (Cx43) protein are important in cardiac morphogenesis, and Cx43 gene is thought to be associated with congenital heart malformation (CHM). This study was undertaken to detect the mutations of Cx43 in fetuses with CHM.Methods Cx43 extron DNA was amplified by PCR from 16 fetuses with a variety of CHM. The PCR products were analyzed by SSCP and DNA sequencing. Thirty children who had no CHM were selected as controls. Results Eight homozygous mutations of Cx43 were observed in a fetus with double outlet right ventricule (DORV), five of the 8 mutations were missense mutations including Arg239Trp, Ser251Thr, Ala253Pro, Pro283Leu and Thr290Asn, and the remaining 3 were silent polymorphisms including Gly252Gly, Pro256Pro and Thr275Thr. No mutations were found in other fetuses and the control group.Conclusions Mutations of Cx43 may be associated with congenital conotruncal anomalies. PCR-SSCP is an effective method for screening the mutations of Cx43.

Stem/progenitor cells in fetuses and newborns:overview of immunohistochemical markers

Microanatomy of the vast majority of human organs at birth is characterized by marked differences as compared toadult organs, regarding their architecture and the cell types detectable at histology. In preterm neonates, thesedifferences are even more evident, due to the lower level of organ maturation and to ongoing cell differentiation.One of the most remarkable finding in preterm tissues is the presence of huge amounts of stem/progenitor cells inmultiple organs, including kidney, brain, heart, adrenals, and lungs. In other organs, such as liver, the completelydifferent burden of cell types in preterm infants is mainly related to the different function of the liver duringgestation, mainly focused on hematopoiesis, a function that is taken by bone marrow after birth. Our preliminarystudies showed that the antigens expressed by stem/progenitors differ significantly from one organ to the next.Moreover, within each developing human tissue, reactivity for different stem cell markers also changes duringgestation, according with the multiple differentiation steps encountered by each progenitor during development. Abetter knowledge of stem/progenitor cells of preterms will allow neonatologists to boost preterm organmaturation, favoring the differentiation of the multiple cells types that characterize each organ in at term neonates.

Anesthetic safety evaluation of Enflurane on pregnant dogs and their fetuses

The safety and feasibility of anesthesia during pregnancy are the public concern to human and veterinary medicines,respiratory and cardiac suppression is the most serious side effect of anesthetic. In order to evaluate the effects of Enflurane on pregnant dogs their fetuses,we established the animal model of the artery catheterization,and investigated the maternal and fetal anesthetic concentrations as well as blood gases in the pregnant dogs anesthetized by inhalation of Enflurane. In this experiment,the femoral artery catheterization of 12 pregnant dogs and their 12 fetuses were performed through the anterior tibia artery by using 17 G and 18 G arterial puncture needle,4F expanded tube,3 F induction tube and the C-arm monitoring system. The results showed that the fetuses survived in uterus for 36 h (two cases),4 ~ 5 d (two cases),6 ~7 d (three cases),8 ~10 d (three cases) and 12 ~14 d (two cases) after operation,respectively. 10 fetuses that survived over 4 days in uterus after the operation were successfully delivered. The fetuses were healthy and their catheters were kept well,the other two pregnant dogs aborted their fetuses. After establishing the model successfully,Atropine sulfate in dose of 0. 04 mg/kg bw were injected into cutaneous muscle of dogs in right clinostatism. 15 minutes later after application of Atropine sulfate,the induced anesthesia was carried out by vein injection of 2. 5% Pentothal sodium (10 mg/kg/bw). The tracheal cannula was performed and the dogs were anesthetized for 10 min by Enflurane inhalation from anesthetic machine. Subsequently,the respiratory rate of experimental animals was controlled to 20-22 times/min by a mechanical ventilator,and the tidal volume was 13 ~ 15 mL/kg/bw. The maternal and fetal arterial anesthetic concentrations and blood gases including pH,PO 2,PCO 2,TCO 2,HCO 3-,SB,BEb and Sat. O 2 were measured after Enflurane inhalation anesthesia. The results showed Enflurane can cross placenta and reach fetal blood. The arterial anesthetic concentrations in fetuses were lower than that in their mothers,but the changes of anesthetic concentrations in fetuses were very similar to their mothers. The pH and BEb in the maternal and fetal blood were significantly lower (P 【 0. 01 or 0. 05),PO 2,PCO 2,and Sat. O 2 were significantly higher (P 【 0. 01 or 0. 05),compared to the prior anesthesia. SB decreased,HCO 3-and T-CO 2 increased (P 】 0. 05) in the early stage of anesthesia,but there were no significant difference after and before anesthesia. These results indicated that Enflurane crosses the placenta very quickly in dogs and is characterized by the quick induction anesthesia and elimination in the body. There were slight respiratory and metabolic acidosis in the period of anesthesia in both pregnant dogs and their fetus and the state were gradually restored to normal with the elimination of the Enflurane in blood. Taken together,Enfluence should be considerated the candidate for the induction and maintenance anesthesia for veterinary and human medicine.

Changes in sexual activity in young women during pregnancy

Objective:To conduct changes in sexual activity during pregnancy and its related factors in pregnant women.Methods:The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 on pregnant women who referred to the women's clinic of Afzalipour Hospital in the southeast of Iran.Participants were included in the study through convenient sampling.The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of two parts of personal social information of the couple and questions to measure the level of sexual activity and the attitude of the subjects during pregnancy compared to before pregnancy.Results:201 Pregnant women were included.The average age of pregnant women was(27.3±6.1)years and their average gestational age was(24.7±11.8)years.More than 62%of women had decreased sexual activity.There was a significant relationship between the amount of changes in sexual activity and delivery time(P=0.013),abortion history(P=0.001)and premature birth history(P=0.002).Most pregnant women believed that sex during pregnancy caused damage to the fetus(67.7%).A decrease in the intensity of sexual desire was reported in 63%of pregnant women.More than 60%of the subjects did not consult with doctors and midwives with regards to sexual issues(63.5%).The most common reason for not consulting was not feeling the need(32%).Most women experienced back pain during(42.8%)and after(39.8%)intercourse.Conclusions:Changes in sex life during pregnancy are often caused by the lack of sexual knowledge and the increase in misconceptions among couples,which can affect the quality of relationships.The role of education is essential.Therefore,it is suggested that by including sexual counseling along with pregnancy care,wrong beliefs and information among women will be corrected.

Ultrasound blood flow characteristics changes in fetal umbilical artery thrombosis:A retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND Umbilical artery thrombosis(UAT)is extremely uncommon and leads to adverse perinatal outcomes.Hypercoagulation of blood in pregnant women is suspected to be an important risk for UAT.Ultrasound is an effective way to detect thrombosis.The mother can monitor her own fetal health using ultrasound,which enables her to take preventative action in case of emergency.AIM To investigate ultrasonic blood signal after UAT in the umbilical artery,and evaluate the relationship between hypercoagulability and UAT.METHODS We described a case of a newly formed UAT with markedly altered ultrasonic indices of umbilical artery blood flow,and retrospectively studied it with 18 UAT patients confirmed by histopathology from October 2019 and March 2023 in Xiamen Women and Children's Hospital.Patients’information was collected from medical archives,including maternal clinical data,neonatal outcomes,pathological findings and ultrasonic indices of umbilical artery blood flow,such as systolic-diastolic duration ratio(S/D),resistance index(RI),pulsatility index(PI)and peak systolic velocity(PSV).Ultrasound and coagulation indices were analyzed with matched samples t-test and Wilcoxon rank sum test using the statistical packages in R(version 4.2.1)including car(version 3.1-0)and stats(version 4.2.1),and visualized by ggplot2 package(version 3.3.6).RESULTS A patient with normal findings in second and third-trimester routine ultrasound scan developed UAT with severe changes in ultrasonic indices of umbilical artery blood flow(within 2.5th of reference ranges)in a short period of time.Statistical analysis of umbilical artery blood flow ultrasound indices for 19 patients with UAT showed that the decrease in S/D,RI,and PI and increase of PSV during the disease process was greater than that of non-UAT.All 18 patients delivered in our hospital showed characteristic manifestations of UAT on histological examination after delivery,most of which(16/18)showed umbilical cord abnormalities,with 15 umbilical cord torsion and 1 pseudoknot.Coagulation parameters were not significantly changed in UAT patients compared with normal pregnancy women.CONCLUSION Significant changes in ultrasound indicators after UAT were demonstrated.PSV can play important roles in the diagnosis of UAT.Hypercoagulability alone is not sufficient for the occurrence of UAT.

Assessment of Awareness and Understanding of Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn in the Beninese Population

Background: Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN) arises from blood group incompatibility, especially the RhD antigen. In Benin, systematic ABO RhD blood grouping is poorly understood by many midwives and nurses. Nearly one in ten women risk having children with HDFN. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge of the Beninese population on HDFN. Methods: Data were collected from June 2023 to March 2024. Participants completed a Kobotoolbox questionnaire on WhatsApp, with in-person assistance for illiterate participants. The study involved 521 participants from across Benin. Data were analyzed using SigmaPlot version 14.0. Results: Among the 521 participants, 298 were women (57.20%) aged 18 to 77 years. The majority (40.69%) were aged 26 - 35. Over a third (35.51%) did not know their RhD blood group. Most (59.12%) were unaware of the risks for RhD discordant couples. Among those with a partner, 25.16% were in at-risk couples for HDFN, and over half (59.12%) were unaware of this risk. There was no significant association between being in a high-risk union and knowledge of the risk or education level. Conclusion: Only 40.88% of the Beninese population are aware of HDFN, indicating a low level of knowledge.

胎儿弯杆菌病TaqMan实时荧光定量PCR检测方法的建立

为建立胎儿弯杆菌(C.fetus)定量检测方法,本研究根据C.fetus毒力因子表面蛋白(SapA)的基因序列设计引物和一条特异的TaqMan水解探针,建立了一种敏感、特异、重复性好的快速检测C.fetus的TaqMan荧光定量PCR方法。对该方法的特异性与敏感性研究,结果显示,该方法检测C.fetus结果均为阳性,而非C.fetus均为阴性;对带有SapA基因的阳性质粒的检测敏感性为108拷贝～102拷贝/μL范围内具有良好的线性关系,可敏感地检测到模板中13个拷贝的细菌DNA,其灵敏度是常规PCR方法的100倍。该方法具有简便、快速、特异性强、敏感性高等特点。该方法为C.fetus快速检测试剂盒的研制打下了良好的基础。

Usefulness of prenatal magnetic resonance imaging in differential diagnosis of fetal congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation and bronchopulmonary sequestration

BACKGROUND Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation(CCAM)and bronchopulmonary sequestration(BPS)are the most common lung diseases in fetuses.There are differences in the prognosis and treatment of CCAM and BPS,and the clinical diagnosis and treatment plan is usually prepared prior to birth.Therefore,it is quite necessary to make a clear diagnosis before delivery.CCAM and BPS have similar imaging features,and the differentiation mainly relies on the difference in supply vessels.However,it is hard to distinguish them due to invisible supplying vessels on some images.AIM To explore the application value of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)in the differential diagnosis of fetal CCAM and BPS.METHODS Data analysis for 32 fetuses with CCAM and 14 with BPS diagnosed by prenatal MRI at Huzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital and Anhui Provincial Children’s Hospital from January 2017 to January 2020 was performed to observe the source blood vessels of lesions and their direction.Pathological confirmation was completed through CT examination and/or operations after birth.RESULTS After birth,31 cases after birth were confirmed to be CCAM,and 15 were confirmed to be BPS.The CCAM group consisted of 21 macrocystic cases and 10 microcystic cases.In 18 cases,blood vessels were visible in lesions.Blood supply of the pulmonary artery could be traced in eight cases,and in 10 cases,only vessels running from the midline to the lateral down direction were observed.No lesions were found in four macrocystic cases and one microcystic case with CCAM through CT after birth;two were misdiagnosed by MRI,and three were misdiagnosed by prenatal ultrasonography.The BPS group consisted of 12 intralobar cases and three extralobar cases.Blood vessels were visible in lesions of nine cases,in four of which,the systemic circulation blood supply could be traced,and in five of which,only vessels running from the midline to the lateral up direction were observed.Three were misdiagnosed by MRI,and four were misdiagnosed by prenatal ultrasonography.CONCLUSION CCAM and BPS can be clearly diagnosed based on the origin of blood vessels,and correct diagnosis can be made according to the difference in the direction of the blood vessels,but it is hard distinguish microcystic CCAM and BPS without supplying vessels.In some CCAM cases,mainly the macrocystic ones,the lesions may disappear after birth.

Effects of the hydro-ethanolic extract of Marrubium vulgare in female rats

Objective:To evaluate the effects of ethanol–water(80:20) extract of Marrubium vulgare(M.vulgare) on the hematological parameters,macroscopic and histological aspects of the uterus and fetus in non-pregnant and pregnant rats.Methods:Female rats were divided into 4 equal groups(n = 9),group N(normal rats) and group G(pregnant rats) considered as control groups,group NE(normal rats treated with the ethanol–water(80:20,v/v) extract of M.vulgare) and group GE(pregnant rats treated with the extract).The ethanol–water(80:20) plant extract was administered in a single daily dose 1 g/kg at the morning,during 19 d.On the 19 day of the experiment,animals were sacrificed,the uterus and fetuses were removed for the morphological and histological studies and the blood was collected in EDTA tubes for the measurement of hematological parameters with the use of an automate ‘HORIBA ABX Micros 60 Hematology Analyzer'.Results:Our results showed,in group NE and GE,a significant decrease on hematological parameters:red blood cells(NE:18.6%;GE:38.4%),hematocrit(NE:13.8%;GE:20.4%),hemoglobin(NE:12.1%;GE:8.3%) and mean corpuscular volume(NE:6.4%;GE:2%) with P more less a 0.05.Indeed,the extract of M.vulgare caused a significant decrease on the mean implantations of fetuses(82.5%,P<0.001) and their size(47.2%,P< 0.01).As for the macroscopic and histological appearance of uterus,our data showed no change in normal treated rats.In contrast,the treated pregnant rats showed a severe histological change characterized by the existence of location of stopped gestation.Furthermore,it was also found in the uterus of these rat lyses placental and embryo tissue.Conclusions:All these results support the hypothesis of an abortifacient effect of M.vulgare.

The Effect of Aqueous Extract of Cecropia glazioui Snethlage (Embauba) in the Rat Fetal Development

The effect of aqueous extract of Cecropia glazioui Snethlage (Embauba) in the rat fetal development. This study was to complement previous assays on the physical and neurobehavioral development of rats resulted from oral administration of 1 g/kg/day Cecropia glazioui Snethlage (C. glazioui) aqueous extract (LD50 > 5 g·kg-1in pregnant rats (peri- and post-natal studies). In the present study, the effect of 2.5 g/kg/week C. glazioui aqueous extract, administered to pregnant rats during 15 days, was verified in the rat offspring development. No acute or chronic toxicity (no effects on mortality or weight average daily gain) were observed. In addition, no effects on reproductive parameters (offspring vitality, placenta and fetus weight, number of corpora lutea on each ovary, pre- and post-implantation loss) and on offspring external morphology were found. We concluded that C. glazioui aqueous extract administered during pregnancy did not cause abnormalities in rat offspring.

人胎视皮质皮质下层NPY－IR神经元的发育

本文用免疫组化方法研究了１６周至足月人胎视皮质皮质下层ＮＰＹ－ＩＲ神经元的发育。各胎龄视皮质ＳＰ层内均有ＮＰＹ－ＩＲ神经元分布。从１６周至２６周，ＮＰＹ－ＩＲ神经元密度逐渐增高并于２６周达高峰；３２周以后阳性神经元密度随胎龄增长而下降。人胎视皮质ＳＰ层ＮＰＹ－ＩＲ神经元形态也随胎龄而变化；２０周以前，ＮＰＹ－ＩＲ神经元大多是胞体较小，突起短而少的未分化神经元、ＳＰ层内ＮＰＹ－ＩＲ纤维少。２０周以后，ＮＰＹ－ＩＲ神经元胞体增大，突起增多、变长；多极和双极、双簇神经元随胎龄增长而增多；ＳＰ层内的ＮＰＹ－ＩＲ纤维大量增加，部分纤维穿入皮质板。３２周以后，多极ＮＰＹ－ＩＲ神经元逐渐减少，双极双簇神经元所占比例相对增高。ＮＰＹ免疫组化结合ＮＡＤＰＨ－ｄ组化显示人胎视皮质ＳＰ层大多数ＮＰＹ－ＩＲ神经元同时呈ＮＯＳ阳性。本研究观察到人胎视皮质ＳＰ层内ＮＰＹ－ＩＲ神经元发育可分为发生、成熟和退化三个阶段。

Nestin-positive progenitor cells isolated from human fetal pancreas have phenotypic markers identical to mesenchymal stem cells

AIM: To isolate nestin-positive progenitor cells from human fetal pancreas and to detect their surface markers and their capability of proliferation and differentiation into pancreatic islet endocrine cells in vitro.METHODS: Islet-like cell clusters (ICCs) were isolated from human fetal pancreas by using collagenase digestion. The free-floating ICCs were handpicked and cultured in a new dish. After the ICCs developed into monolayer epithelium-like cells, they were passaged and induced for differentiation. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunofluorescence stain, fluorescenceactivated cell sorting (FACS) and radioimmunoassay (RIA)were used to detect the expression of cell markers. RESULTS: (1) The monolayer epithelium-like cells had highly proliferative potential and could be passaged more than 16 timesin vitro; (2) RT-PCR analysis and immunofluorescence stain showed that these cells expressed both nestin and ABCG2, two of stem cellmarkers; (3) FACS analysis revealed that CD44, CD90and CD147 were positive, whereas CD34, CD38, CD45, CD71, CD117, CD133 and HLA-DR were negative on the nestin-positive cells; (4) RT-PCR analysis showed that the mRNA expression of insulin, glucagon and pancreaticduodenal homeobox gene-1 was detected, whereas the expression of nestin and neurogenin 3 disappeared in these cells treated with serum-free media supplemented with the cocktail of growth factors. Furthermore, the intracellular insulin content was detected by RIA after the induction culture.CONCLUSION: Nestin-positive cells isolated from human fetal pancreas possess the characteristics of pancreatic progenitor cells since they have highly proliferative potential and the capability of differentiation into insulinproducing cells in vitro. Interestingly, the nestin-positive pancreatic progenitor cells share many phenotypic markers with mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow.