Ethanol changes Nestin-promoter induced neural stem cells to disturb newborn dendritic spine remodeling in the hippocampus of mice

Adolescent binge drinking leads to long-lasting disorders of the adult central nervous system,particularly aberrant hippocampal neurogenesis.In this study,we applied in vivo fluorescent tracing using NestinCreERT2::Rosa26-tdTomato mice and analyzed the endogenous neurogenesis lineage progression of neural stem cells(NSCs)and dendritic spine formation of newborn neurons in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus.We found abnormal orientation of tamoxifen-induced tdTomato+(tdTom^(+))NSCs in adult mice 2 months after treatment with EtOH(5.0 g/kg,i.p.)for 7 consecutive days.EtOH markedly inhibited tdTom^(+)NSCs activation and hippocampal neurogenesis in mouse dentate gyrus from adolescence to adulthood.EtOH(100 mM)also significantly inhibited the proliferation to 39.2%and differentiation of primary NSCs in vitro.Adult mice exposed to EtOH also exhibited marked inhibitions in dendritic spine growth and newborn neuron maturation in the dentate gyrus,which was partially reversed by voluntary running or inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycinenhancer of zeste homolog 2 pathway.In vivo tracing revealed that EtOH induced abnormal orientation of tdTom+NSCs and spatial misposition defects of newborn neurons,thus causing the disturbance of hippocampal neurogenesis and dendritic spine remodeling in mice.

Prevalence and Predictors of Neonatal Sepsis among Neonates Admitted at the Newborn Unit of Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya

Background: Neonatal sepsis is one of the primary causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries. Despite the availability of different preventive interventions, in Kenya, the burden of neonatal sepsis remains critically high. Aim: To determine the prevalence and predictors of neonatal sepsis among newborns admitted at the newborn unit of Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya. Methods: This is a hospital-based, cross-sectional study design carried out among 196 neonates and their mothers at the new born unit of Kenyatta National Hospital. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the study subjects. Data on the possible contributing factors of neonatal sepsis was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using the statistical package for the Social Sciences (SPSS: version 22). Data were descriptively analyzed into frequencies and proportions. The chi-square test of independence and binary logistic regression were employed to determine associations between the dependent (neonatal sepsis) and various independents variables. A multiple logistic regression model was carried out to determine the variables independently contributed to the occurrence of neonatal sepsis. Results: Our study revealed that the prevalence of neonatal sepsis was 28.6%. Neonates born of single mothers (AOR = 5.454, p = 0.012), mothers with history of UTI (AOR = 2.969, p = 0.013), PROM (AOR = 6.124, p = 0.001) and anaemia (AOR = 3.379, p = 0.010) were at higher risk to develop neonatal sepsis. Prematurity (AOR = 6.402, p < 0.001), low Apgar score at 5th minutes (AOR = 8.212, p < 0.001) and history of invasive procedure (AOR = 2.464, p = 0.046) were the neonatal factors independently associated with neonatal sepsis. Conclusion and Recommendations: The prevalence of neonatal sepsis in Kenyatta National Hospital is high. This is another piece of evidence showing both maternal and neonatal-related factor had a significant effect on the risk of neonatal sepsis. Provision of community-based health education is highly recommended to increase awareness of women on the risk factors of neonatal sepsis and their preventive methods such as anaemia and UTI during pregnancy. Healthcare providers should exercise a high standard of care when handling premature and babies with low Apgar score to reduce the risks of neonatal sepsis.

Clinical profile and risk factors of symptomatic and asymptomatic hypoglycemia in neonates admitted to NICU in a tertiary care center: A cross-sectional study

Objective:To investigate the clinical profile and risk factors of symptomatic and asymptomatic hypoglycemia in neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit in a tertiary care center.Methods:The prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care center in the Specialty Department of Pediatric.196 Newborn babies with blood glucose levels<45 mg/dL were examined with a simple random sampling method between December 2019 and November 2021.Maternal and neonatal risk factors and clinical signs were recorded and compared between symptomatic and asymptomatic cases.Results:The proportion of symptomatic hypoglycemia neonates born to gestational diabetes mellitus mothers was significantly higher(23.4%vs.8.4%)(P<0.05).Small for gestational age,low birth weight,respiratory distress syndrome,hypothermia,and endocrine disorders were risk factors.The death rate in asymptomatic hypoglycemia neonates was significantly higher(58%vs.39%)(P<0.05).Conclusions:The study indicates that maternal gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with symptomatic hypoglycemia and asymptomatic hypoglycemia is associated with neonatal mortality.It is important to take vigilance and timely interventions to address associated symptoms,particularly poor feeding,in the management of neonatal hypoglycemia.

Surgical Repair of Ventricular Septal Defect in Neonates: Indications and Outcomes

Background:The optimal surgical timing and clinical outcomes of ventricular septal defect(VSD)closure in neo-nates remain unclear.We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of VSD closure in neonates(age≤30 days).Methods:We retrospectively reviewed 50 consecutive neonates who underwent VSD closure for isolated VSDs between August 2003 and June 2021.Indications for the procedure included congestive heart failure/failure to thrive and pulmonary hypertension.Major adverse events(MAEs)were defined as the composite of all-cause mortality,reoperation,persistent atrioventricular block,and significant(≥grade 2)valvular dysfunction.Results:The median age and body weight at operation were 26.0 days(interquartile range[IQR],18.8–28.3)and 3.7 kg(IQR,3.3–4.2),respectively.The median follow-up duration was 110.4 months(IQR,56.8–165.0).Seven patients required preoperative respiratory support,andfive had significant(≥grade 2)preoperative valvular dysfunction.One early mortality occurred due to irreversible cardiogenic shock;no late mortality was observed.One reopera-tion was due to hemodynamically significant residual VSD at 103.8 months postoperatively.The overall survival,freedom from reoperation,and freedom from MAE at 15-years were 98.0%,96.3%,and 94.4%,respectively.Pre-operative mechanical ventilation was associated with a longer duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation(p<0.001)and a longer length of intensive care unit stay(p<0.001).Conclusions:VSD closure with favorable outcomes without morbidities is feasible even in neonates.However,neonates requiring preoperative respiratory support may require careful postoperative management considering the long-term postoperative risks.Overall,surgical VSD closure might be indicated earlier in neonates with respiratory compromise.

Prevalence and outcomes of neonates with severe COVID-19:An observational study at Children’s Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City,Vietnam

Objective:To evaluate the impact of the severe COVID-19 pandemic on neonates and develop strategies to improve their outcomes.Methods:We conducted an observational cross-sectional study at Children's Hospital 1(CH1)from July 25,2021,to May 31,2022.All neonates who had fever or respiratory symptoms or were born from mothers with COVID-19 and had a positive RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 result would be included.We classified neonates with COVID-19 into 2 groups:mild/moderate and severe for analysis.Differences between groups were analyzed using Fisher's exact test/Chi-square test for categorical variables and Student's t-test/Wilcoxon Rank Sum test for continuous variables.Results:This study included 88 newborns who had positive RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 results.The severity COVID-19 rate among neonatal cases was found to be 13.6%(12/88),with a corresponding mortality rate of 1.1%(1/88).All severe cases showed lung abnormalities as evident on chest X-ray images.In addition to respiratory symptoms,a higher incidence of gastrointestinal manifestations,such as vomiting and diarrhea,was observed in the severe group,indicating a compelling association.The administration of anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory drugs in the study group resulted in a satisfactory outcome with no significant complications.Conclusions:The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the well-being of neonates.The management of COVID-19 in this population presents significant challenges.

Morbidity and Mortality of Newborns in a Context of Limited Resources in Tombouctou, Mali

Introduction: Worldwide, 2.3 million children died in the first 20 days after birth in 2022, according to the WHO. In Mali, according to the sixth Demographic and Health Survey, the neonatal mortality rate was estimated at 33% live births in 2018. The Timbuktu region had the highest neonatal mortality rate in the country with 44%. The objective of this work was to study the causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality and related factors in the paediatrics department of Timbuktu hospital. Materials and method: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted from 1 January to 31 December 2023 in the neonatology unit of the paediatrics department of Timbuktu hospital, including all newborns admitted to hospital. Results: Our study took place over 12 months, during which 618 admissions were made to the paediatric ward, including 244 newborns, i.e. 39.48%. The majority of newborns (86.5%) were admitted in the first week of life. The mean age was 3 days, with a sex ratio of 1.1 for males. Weight under 2500 g was 54.1% for an average weight of 2372 g. The main mode of admission was transfer from the hospital maternity unit (62%). The main reasons for admission were acute foetal distress (27.9%) and prematurity (26.2%). The average age of the mothers was 24, with extremes of 15 and 49. The mothers were housewives (87.3%), uneducated and primiparous (59% and 36.5% respectively);only 40.2% had made more than 3 antenatal care visits. Newborns born by vaginal delivery accounted for 80.7% and those born by caesarean section for 19.3%. The risk of infection was present in 52.5% of cases. The three leading causes of hospitalisation were birth asphyxia (40.2%), neonatal infection (32.4%) and prematurity (25%). The mortality rate was 21.7%. The main causes of death were prematurity (39.6%), birth asphyxia (32.1%) and neonatal infection (24.5%). Conclusion: Neonatal morbidity and mortality remain a concern in Timbuktu. Despite the unfavourable security situation, morbidity and mortality indicators are close to those in some hospitals in Mali. The correct application of Essential Newborn Care and antenatal care remains a major challenge for the hospital and the Timbuktu region.

Epidemiological and Clinical Profile and Immediate Outcome of Neonates Transferred from the Maternity Unit to the Neonatology Unit of the CSREF in Commune V of Bamako District, Mali

Introduction: Neonatal mortality remains a major public health concern. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the number of newborns dying each year has fallen from 5 million in 1990 to 2.4 million in 2019. The aim of our study was to describe the main morbid conditions and their lethality in newborns admitted to the paediatric ward of the CSREF in Commune V. Methodology: We conducted a 12-month prospective descriptive and analytical study from August 2020 to July 2021. Results: During the 12 months of the study, out of 2654 neonates admitted to hospital, 216 met our inclusion criteria, i.e. 8%. Newborns admitted in the first few hours of life represented 99.54% of cases. Full-term newborns accounted for 65.74% of the total. Forty-eight percent of newborns had hypothermia on admission. The most common diagnosis was asphyxia in 55.56% of cases, followed by neonatal infection in 27.78% and prematurity in 10.65%. Death was recorded in 22.2% of cases. Asphyxia was the main cause of neonatal death, followed by prematurity in our context. Conclusion: Improving the prognosis of newborn babies will require a thorough understanding of neonatal pathologies and the implementation of a pre- and perinatal prevention policy.

Analysis of TORCH results of retinal exudative changes in neonates

AIM:To explore the relationship between retinal exudative changes in neonates and perinatal toxoplasmosis,others,rubella,cytomegalovirus,and herpes simplex virus(TORCH)infections,as well as the characteristics of TORCH infection in neonates with retinal exudative changes.METHODS:Retrospective study.A total of 612 neonates with retinal exudative changes detected during ophthalmic screening in our hospital from May 2019 to March 2023 were selected.TORCH tests were performed on these neonates,and the results were subjected to statistical analysis to determine the infection characteristics.The neonates with retinal exudative changes were grouped by sex and age,the characteristics of TORCH infection were analyzed,and the positive rates were compared.RESULTS:Among the 612 neonates with retinal exudative changes,the highest positive rate was observed for cytomegalovirus(CMV-IgG)(96.7%),followed by rubella virus(RV-IgG)(73.9%).Mixed infections with two or three viruses were also observed,with the highest positive rate for mixed infection of RV-IgG and CMV-IgG reaching 71.2%.There was no statistically significant difference in TORCH infection among neonates of different sex(P>0.05).However,there were statistically significant differences in RV-IgG and CMV-IgM infections with retinal exudative changes among neonates of different age groups(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Perinatal TORCH infection may be an important factor causing retinal exudative changes in neonates.The differences in various infections are not related to sex but are related to different age groups.

Universal newborn hearing screening program in Saudi Arabia: Current insight

Newborn hearing screening(NHS) programs are essential to identify hearing loss early in life and to improve outcomes in children. In Saudi Arabia, the national NHS program has been operational since 2016;however, few studies have evaluated its status, and none have covered all provinces across the country. This cross-sectional retrospective study provides an overview of the program's status across all provinces, focusing on screening coverage rates, referral/fail rates, and follow-up procedures. In 2021, 199,034 newborns were screened, with a coverage rate of 92.6% and an overall referral/fail rate of 1.87%. These performance measures provide a foundation for future progress and improvements. This study highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance the program's effectiveness and sustainability.

Draft of an Anthropometric Reference System for Full-Term Cameroonian Newborns: Prospective Study with Analytical Aim in the Maternity Wards of Douala

Introduction: Anthropometry applied to newborns is a reliable indicator of the quality of fetal growth. The latter is influenced by genetic, racial and nutritional factors varying from one population to another, explaining why a standard cannot be applied to all populations. Research question: should the Caucasian frame of reference be dogmatically applied in our African context? Multicenter studies are therefore necessary;hence the interest of this work, the main objective of which was to describe the anthropometric profile of full-term newborns in the city of Douala. Methodology: We carried out a cross-sectional study with an analytical aim and prospective data collection in the maternity wards of the Douala General Hospital, Laquintinie Hospital, District hospitals of Deido, Nylon and Bonassama over a period of 4 months (January to April 2020). We were interested in any newborn, born alive, vaginally or by cesarean section, seen in the first 24 hours from a full-term single-fetal pregnancy whose mother had given consent. We excluded newborns whose term was unclear and those with congenital malformations or signs of embryo-foetopathy. Data collection was done using structured and pre-tested survey sheets. The study variables were obstetric and anthropometric. Statistical analyzes were carried out with CS Pro 7.3 and SPSS version 25.0 software. The Student, Chi-square and Fischer tests were used to compare the means of the variables, the percentages with a significance threshold P value Results: During the study period, 305 full-term newborns were included, divided into 172 boys and 133 girls. The average anthropometric parameters of the full-term newborn in the city of Douala were: average weight: 3305 grams, average height: 49.8 centimeters, average head circumference: 34.6 centimeters, average upper arm circumference: 11.3 centimeters, circumference average thoracic: 32.8 centimeters. The percentile distribution showed a 10th percentile at 2656 grams and a 90th percentile at 3966 grams for weight defining the limits for small-for-gestational-age neonates and macrosomes. Conclusion: The anthropometric data of the full-term newborn in the city of Douala were: an average weight of 3305.4 grams, an average height of 49.8 centimeters, an average head circumference of 34.2 centimeters, an average upper arm circumference of 11.3 centimeters, and an average thoracic circumference of 32.8 centimeters with higher valuesin male newborns.

Evaluation of Procedural Pain in Neonates in Cameroon

Introduction: Acute pain associated with caregiving is a major cause of pain among neonates. Left untreated, it can lead to long-term neurosensory and psychoaffective consequences. In Cameroon, this subject has been scarcely explored, thus constituting an impediment to the management of care-induced pain. Objective: Assess procedural pain in neonates in Yaoundé. Material and Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study with prospective data collection over a period of eight months (October 2022 to May 2023) in three hospitals. We included neonates who were being cared for and were not crying prior to the onset of healthcare, whose parents consented to the study. Assessments were done using the DAN scale, which is specific to care-induced pain. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS 23.0 software. Results: A total of 161 newborns were included. The hospital prevalence of care-induced pain in neonates was 85%. Neonatal sepsis was the main cause for admission (96.6%). The most common procedures were venous blood sampling (94.4%) and insertion of peripheral venous lines (93.8%). The pain intensity for these procedures was severe (83.9%). The most painful procedure was lumbar tap, followed by venous access procedures. Conclusion: Neonates in hospitals are subjected to many painful procedures. The pain experienced during these procedures is severe. The most nociceptive procedure is a lumbar puncture.

A Comparison of Turnaround-Times for Two Popular Specimen Types Used for Newborn Toxicology: Meconium and Umbilical Cord Tissue

Background: Prenatal exposure to illicit substances is responsible for several long-term negative health consequences. It is critical for healthcare professionals to know the extent and scope of prenatal substance exposure in their cases. Several studies exist with mixed results comparing the effectiveness of umbilical cord tissue (UCT) and meconium (MEC) as toxicology specimen types. The specific aim of this study is to compare the use of UCT and MEC regarding the time interval between the birth of the neonate, receipt of the specimen at the laboratory, and the hospital’s receipt of the final toxicology report. Method: The study queried de-identified results of 5358 consecutive UCT and 706 MEC from our laboratory. Results: The mean time from birth to receipt of the specimen at the laboratory for MEC and UCT was 4.5 days ± 2.9 days and 2.8 days ± 1.9 days, respectively. The mean time from birth to final report for MEC was 6.9 days ± 3.8 days, 5.7 days ± 3.3 days, and 8.4 days ± 3.8 days for all MEC specimens, negative MEC, and positive MEC, respectively. The mean time from birth to final report for UCT was 4.3 days ± 2.4 days, 3.5 days ± 2.2 days, and 5.4 days ± 2.2 days for all UCT, negative UCT and positive UCT, respectively. Discussion/Conclusion: Receipt of drug test results of the neonate prior to release from the hospital is critical. This study shows that UCT offers an advantage when results are needed quickly to make informed decisions about the health and well-being of newborns.

Respiratory Distress in Neonates at the Teaching Hospitals of Lomé, Togo

Introduction: Respiratory distress in neonates is a neonatal emergency that can lead to serious complications if not treated appropriately. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology, the diagnostic, and the outcomes of neonatal respiratory distress. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in the pediatric wards of Lomé Teaching Hospitals (CHU Sylvanus Olympio and CHU Campus), including neonates treated for respiratory distress (dyspnea associated with the use of accessory muscles of respiration, noisy breathing and with or without cyanosis) from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. Data were entered using Epi Data 3.1 and SPSS software version 12.0. Results: The total number of neonates hospitalized for respiratory distress was 353, with a frequency of 12.5% and a sex ratio of 1.5. The mean age was 0.82 ± 3.20 days;the 0 - 6-day age group accounted for 92.4% of cases. Neonates had been resuscitated at birth in 46.7% of cases. Dyspnea was tachypnea in 94% of cases and bradypnea in 6%. Dyspnea was associated with cyanosis in 21.5% of cases. The severity of the respiratory distress was moderate in 64.9% of cases. Perinatal asphyxia (49.1%), inhalation pneumonitis (17.1%) and neonatal bacterial infection (14.1%) were the main etiologies. The mortality rate was 20.4%. Age greater than or equal to seven days, no neonatal resuscitation were protective factors against death. Prematurity, no antenatal consultations follow up, neonatal resuscitation, severe respiratory distress were risk factors of death. Conclusion: Neonatal respiratory distress was common in the early neonatal period and its mortality was high.

Gestational PFAS exposure and newborn size:The modifying effect of cord blood fatty acids

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFASs)can disrupt lipid metabolism,and changes in cord blood fatty acid composition have been observed in small newborns.Emerging evidence suggests that exposure to PFASs during pregnancy is linked to decreased newborn size,although the evidence is not consistent.The modifying effect of fatty acids on the associations of gestational PFAS exposure with newborn size is still unknown.Here we show that the nutritional status of the fetus,as indicated by the level of fatty acids in the cord blood,mitigates the adverse effects of gestational PFAS exposure on the size of the newborn.Our study confirms the adverse developmental effects of PFASs and identifies emerging short-chain PFASs as the primary drivers of reduced newborn size,despite their lower exposure burden compared to legacy PFASs.Additionally,we find the protective role of cord blood fatty acids,suggesting potential strategies for mitigating the detrimental effects of emerging environmental exposures on human health.Our findings provide new evidence of the potential toxicity of emerging PFASs and call for further toxicity evaluations of these pollutants for regulatory purposes.Future studies should consider the complex interaction between exposure and nutrition within the human body,particularly during the first thousand days of life,to promote lifelong health.

A Comparison between Late Preterm and Term Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Early-Onset Sepsis, and Neonatal Jaundice in Ecuadorian Newborns

Background: To examine the differences in prevalence of respiratory distress syndrome, early-onset sepsis and jaundice, between late preterm infants versus term infants in Ecuadorian newborns. Methods: Study design: Epidemiological, observational, and cross-sectional, with two cohorts of patients. Settings: IESS Quito Sur Hospital at Quito, Ecuador, from February to April of 2020. Participants: This study included 204 newborns, 102 preterm infants, 102 term infants. Results: There are significant differences between late preterm infants and term infants, with a p-value of 0.000 in the prevalence of early sepsis, 70.59% vs. 35.29%. In respiratory distress syndrome between late and term premature infants, significant differences were observed with a p-value of 0.000, the proportion being 55.58% vs. 24.51% respectively. The prevalence of jaundice is higher in term infants with a p value of 0.002, 72.55%, versus 51.96% in late preterm infants, and the mean value of bilirubins in mg/dL was higher in term infants 14.32 versus 12.33 in late preterm infants;this difference is statistically significant with a p value of 0.004. Admission to the NICU is more frequent in late preterm infants with a p-value of 0.000, being 42.16% for late preterm infants vs. 7.84% in term infants;the mean of the hospital days with p-value 0.005, was higher in late preterm infants 4.97 days vs. 3.55 days for term newborns. Conclusion: Due to the conditions of their immaturity, late preterm infants are 2.86 times more likely to present early sepsis than full-term newborns. It is shown that late preterm infants are 2.69 times more likely to have respiratory distress syndrome compared to term infants, therefore, late preterm infants have a longer hospital stay of 4.97 days versus 3.55 days in term infants. Jaundice and mean bilirubin levels are higher in term infants due to blood group incompatibility and insufficient breastfeeding.

Detection of LAMA2 c.715C>G:p.R239G mutation in a newborn with raised creatine kinase: A case report

BACKGROUND We report a rare case of primary clinical presentation featuring elevated creatine kinase(CK)levels in a neonate,which is associated with the LAMA2 gene.In this case,a heterozygous mutation in exon5 of the LAMA2 gene,c.715C>G(resulting in a change of nucleotide number 715 in the coding region from cytosine to gua-nine),induced an amino acid alteration p.R239G(No.239)in the patient,repre-senting a missense mutation.This observation may be elucidated by the neonatal creatine monitoring mechanism,a phenomenon not previously reported.CASE SUMMARY We analysed the case of a neonate presenting solely with elevated CK levels who was eventually discharged after supportive treatment.The chief complaint was identification of increased CK levels for 15 d and higher CK values for 1 d.Ad-mission occurred at 18 d of age,and despite prolonged treatment with creatine and vitamin C,the elevated CK levels showed limited improvement.Whole exo-me sequencing revealed the presence of a c.715C>G mutation in LAMA2 in the newborn,correlating with a clinical phenotype.However,the available informa-tion offers insufficient evidence for clinical pathogenicity.CONCLUSION Mutations in LAMA2 are associated with the clinical phenotype of increased neonatal CK levels,for which no specific treatment exists.Whole genome sequen-cing facilitates early diagnosis.

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.

Balloon dilation of congenital perforated duodenal web in newborns: Evaluation of short and long-term results

BACKGROUND Incomplete congenital duodenal obstruction(ICDO)is caused by a congenitally perforated duodenal web(CPDW).Currently,only six cases of balloon dilatation of the PDW in newborns have been described.AIM To present our experience of balloon dilatation of a perforated duodenal memb-rane in newborns with ICDO.METHODS Five newborns who underwent balloon dilatation of the CPDW along a prein-stalled guidewire between 2021 and 2023 were included.Nineteen newborns diagnosed with ICDO who underwent laparotomy were included in the control group.RESULTS In all cases,good anatomical and clinical results were obtained.In three cases,a follow-up study was conducted after 1 year.The average time to start enteral feeding per os was significantly earlier in the study group(4.4 d)than in the laparotomic group(21.2 days;P<0.0001).The time spent by patients in the intensive care unit and hospital after balloon dilatation was also significantly shorter.We determined the selection criteria for possible and effective CPDW balloon dilatation in newborns as follows:(1)Presence of dynamic radiographic signs of the passage of a radiopaque substance beyond the zone of narrowing or radiographic signs of pneumatisation of the duodenum and small bowel distal to the web;(2)presence of endoscopic signs of CPDW;(3)successful cannulation with a guidewire performed parallel to the endoscope,with holes in the congenital duodenal web;and(4)successful positioning of the balloon performed along a freestanding guidewire on the web.CONCLUSION Strictly following selection criteria for newborns with ICDO caused by CPDW ensures that endoscopic balloon dilatation using a pre-installed guidewire is safe and effective and shows good 1-year follow-up results.

Diagnostic significance of serum levels of serum amyloid A,procalcitonin,and high-mobility group box 1 in identifying necrotising enterocolitis in newborns

BACKGROUND Necrotising enterocolitis(NEC)is a critical gastrointestinal emergency affecting premature and low-birth-weight neonates.Serum amyloid A(SAA),procalcitonin(PCT),and high-mobility group box 1(HMGB1)have emerged as potential biomarkers for NEC due to their roles in inflammatory response,tissue damage,and immune regulation.AIM To evaluate the diagnostic value of SAA,PCT,and HMGB1 in the context of NEC in newborns.METHODS The study retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 48 newborns diagnosed with NEC and 50 healthy newborns admitted to the hospital.Clinical,radiological,and laboratory findings,including serum SAA,PCT,and HMGB1 Levels,were collected,and specific detection methods were used.The diagnostic value of the biomarkers was evaluated through statistical analysis,which was performed using chi-square test,t-test,correlation analysis,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analysis.RESULTS The study demonstrated significantly elevated levels of serum SAA,PCT,and HMGB1 Levels in newborns diagnosed with NEC compared with healthy controls.The correlation analysis indicated strong positive correlations among serum SAA,PCT,and HMGB1 Levels and the presence of NEC.ROC analysis revealed promising sensitivity and specificity for serum SAA,PCT,and HMGB1 Levels as potential diagnostic markers.The combined model of the three biomarkers demonstrating an extremely high area under the curve(0.908).CONCLUSION The diagnostic value of serum SAA,PCT,and HMGB1 Levels in NEC was highlighted.These biomarkers potentially improve the early detection,risk stratification,and clinical management of critical conditions.The findings suggest that these biomarkers may aid in timely intervention and the enhancement of outcomes for neonates affected by NEC.

A core scientific problem in the treatment of central nervous system diseases:newborn neurons

It has long been asserted that failure to recover from central nervous system diseases is due to the system's intricate structure and the regenerative incapacity of adult neurons.Yet over recent decades,numerous studies have established that endogenous neurogenesis occurs in the adult central nervous system,including humans'.This has challenged the long-held scientific consensus that the number of adult neurons remains constant,and that new central nervous system neurons cannot be created or renewed.Herein,we present a comprehensive overview of the alterations and regulatory mechanisms of endogenous neurogenesis following central nervous system injury,and describe novel treatment strategies that to rget endogenous neurogenesis and newborn neurons in the treatment of central nervous system injury.Central nervous system injury frequently results in alterations of endogenous neurogenesis,encompassing the activation,proliferation,ectopic migration,diffe rentiation,and functional integration of endogenous neural stem cells.Because of the unfavorable local microenvironment,most activated neural stem cells diffe rentiate into glial cells rather than neurons.Consequently,the injury-induced endogenous neurogenesis response is inadequate for repairing impaired neural function.Scientists have attempted to enhance endogenous neurogenesis using various strategies,including using neurotrophic factors,bioactive materials,and cell reprogramming techniques.Used alone or in combination,these therapeutic strategies can promote targeted migration of neural stem cells to an injured area,ensure their survival and diffe rentiation into mature functional neurons,and facilitate their integration into the neural circuit.Thus can integration re plenish lost neurons after central nervous system injury,by improving the local microenvironment.By regulating each phase of endogenous neurogenesis,endogenous neural stem cells can be harnessed to promote effective regeneration of newborn neurons.This offers a novel approach for treating central nervous system injury.