Background Undernutrition disrupts pregnant ewe's metabolic homeostasis and severely inhibits fetal growth and development.In this study,undernourished and nutrition-recovery pregnant sheep models and rumen epithe...Background Undernutrition disrupts pregnant ewe's metabolic homeostasis and severely inhibits fetal growth and development.In this study,undernourished and nutrition-recovery pregnant sheep models and rumen epithelial cells were utilized to investigate the mechanisms behind undernutrition-induced disruptions in male fetal rumen metabolism and development.Results Maternal undernutrition significantly reduced male fetal rumen weight and papilla length,width and surface area.Maternal undernutrition extremely suppressed nutrient metabolism and energy production in male fetal rumen via JAK3/STAT3 signaling to inhibit cell cycle progression and male fetal rumen development,while maternal nutritional recovery partially restored metabolic inhibition but failed to alleviate male fetal rumen development.Meanwhile,64 differentially expressed miRNAs(DEMs)were identified in male fetal rumen between undernourished ewes and controls.Novel miR-736 was overexpressed both in male fetal rumen of undernourished and nutrition-recovery models.E2F transcription factor 2(E2F2)and MYB proto-oncogene like 2(MYBL2)were the intersection of male fetal rumen differentially expressed genes(DEGs)and DEMs target genes integrated analysis and were predicted as novel miR-736 target genes.Further,we confirmed that novel miR-736 targeted and downregulated E2F2 and MYBL2 expression levels.Silencing E2F2 and MYBL2 promoted apoptosis and inhibited S-phase entry in rumen epithelial cells.Conclusions In summary,maternal undernutrition disrupted male fetal rumen metabolism and elevated novel miR-736,which targeted and downregulated E2F2 and MYBL2 to inhibit cell cycle progression and promote apoptosis,finally inhibited male fetal rumen development.This study provides new insights into the epigenetic mechanisms underlying maternal undernutrition-induced male fetal rumen developmental deficits.展开更多
Objectives:Loneliness among left-behind adolescents is the most frequently reported emotional problem because of parental neglect.The present study explored the relationship between maternal absence and adolescent lon...Objectives:Loneliness among left-behind adolescents is the most frequently reported emotional problem because of parental neglect.The present study explored the relationship between maternal absence and adolescent loneliness as well as its mechanisms.Methods:The study included 305 participants(Meanage=15.99±0.81,48.9%females)in southeast China,and constructed a chain mediation model to test the roles of rejection sensitivity and friendship quality.Parent absence types,rejection sensitivity,friendship quality,and adolescent loneliness were all assessed with questionnaires.Results:The results showed that adolescents with a mother absent(both-parent absent,mother-only absent)experienced higher levels of loneliness than those with a mother not absent(father-only absent,non-parent absent)(β=0.3137,95%CI[0.0849,0.5425],p<0.01).Besides,the mediating roles of rejection sensitivity(β=0.0344,95%CI[0.0020,0.0808])and friendship quality(β=0.1198,95%CI[0.0049,0.2428])and their chain mediating role were found significant between maternal absence and loneliness(β=0.0245,95%CI[0.0015,0.0575]).Conclusions:These findings have revealed the significant impact of maternal absence on adolescent loneliness and provide important practical implications for educators to reduce adolescent loneliness.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the efficacy and mechanism of Ditan Qingnao decoction(DTQND)in alleviating schizophrenia-like symptoms in a maternal immune activation(MIA)-induced rat model.Methods:DTQND components were anal...Objective:To investigate the efficacy and mechanism of Ditan Qingnao decoction(DTQND)in alleviating schizophrenia-like symptoms in a maternal immune activation(MIA)-induced rat model.Methods:DTQND components were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.An MIA-induced rat model was established by injecting Poly Ⅰ:C into pregnant dams on gestational day 9.Male offspring were administered DTQND(14.1 g/kg),risperidone(RIS;0.4 mg/kg),or distilled water,while the controls received only distilled water via gavage for 4 weeks.Behavioral assessments were conducted using the open-field,Y-maze,prepulse inhibition,and sucrose preference tests.Serum levels of interleukin(IL)-6,IL-18,IL-1β,and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were measured via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Hippocampal protein levels of nuclear factor kappa B p65(NF-κB p65),phospho-NF-κB p65(p-p65),inhibitor of kappa B-alpha(IκB-α),phospho-IκB-α(p-IκB-α),and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3)were assessed via western blots.Immunohistochemistry detected hippocampal expression of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1)and cluster of differentiation 68(CD68).Results:Multiple DTQND compounds were identified,including stachyose,β-syringin,and isofraxidin,among others.DTQND treatment considerably enhanced spontaneous activity,reduced anxiety,improved spatial working memory,and alleviated sensory gating defects in male offspring with MIA.The DTQND group showed significantly lower serum levels of IL-1β(P=.002)and IL-18(P=.046)than the model group,with no discernible variations in IL-6 or TNF-α levels.In the hippocampus,DTQND significantly suppressed the expression of p-p65(P<.001),p-IκB-α(P=.023),and NLRP3(P<.001)compared to the model group.Additionally,DTQND modulated microglial activation markers,decreasing CD68 expression(P=.004)without affecting Iba1 levels.Conclusions:DTQND alleviated schizophrenia-like behavioral deficits and cognitive impairment by inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway,supporting its potential as an alternative therapy for schizophrenia.展开更多
Background:The growing parenting stress among Chinese mothers in recent years raises concerns about its impact on adolescent internalizing problems.The purpose of this study was to examine the curvilinear relationship...Background:The growing parenting stress among Chinese mothers in recent years raises concerns about its impact on adolescent internalizing problems.The purpose of this study was to examine the curvilinear relationship between maternal parenting stress and internalizing problems in adolescents,and further explore the moderating effects of family socioeconomic status(SES)and adolescent gender.Methods:Data were collected from 405 mothers and adolescents(203 boys,Meanage=12.23)across five cities(Beijing,Hebei,Shanxi,Shenzhen,and Shandong)in China,who completed self-report measures of maternal parenting stress and internalizing problems.Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses were conducted using SPSS 27.0.Results:Multiple regression analyses indicated that the association between maternal parenting stress2 and adolescents’internalizing problems was moderated by the interaction between gender and SES(b=−0.03,p<0.01).Specifically,a significant U-shaped relationship was observed among high-SES boys(b=0.12,t=3.89,p<0.001),with internalizing problems peaking at both low and high levels of maternal parenting stress,whereas the moderating effect of SES was not significant among girls.Conclusion:The study highlights that moderate maternal parenting stress is associated with lower internalizing problems among adolescents,particularly among high-SES boys,indicating that interventions should consider the optimal balance of parental stress and account for family socioeconomic and adolescent gender differences.展开更多
Background:The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0(WHODAS 2.0)is a popular tool for eval-uating functioning and disability in a range of population demographics and medical situations.However,...Background:The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0(WHODAS 2.0)is a popular tool for eval-uating functioning and disability in a range of population demographics and medical situations.However,very little is known about the WHODAS 2.0's validity and reliability,particularly when dealing with potentially life-threatening maternal condi-tions(PLTCs).The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of the WHODAS 2.0 Tigrigna version.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted in Tigray,northern Ethiopia,from December 15 to 20,2023.Following translation and back translation,women who had experienced PLTCs during a recent pregnancy,childbirth,or postpartum period were administered the 36-item WHODAS 2.0 in Tigrigna version 6 months after the childbirth.In total,121 women with a history of PLTCs participated.Cronbach′sαwas used to evaluate internal consistency in all six WHODAS 2.0 domains,while Spearman′s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate convergent validity.With confirmatory factor analysis,construct validity was also examined.Results:All domain scores of the Tigrigna version of the WHODAS 2.0 indicated excellent internal consistency(α=0.917-0.978 for 36 items andα=0.874-0.940 for 12 items),while the Cronbach′sαcoefficients for the summary score were 0.981 and 0.952 for 36 and 12 items,respectively.The convergent validity between the 36-item and 12-item WHODAS 2.0 showed a strong correlation between similar constructs(r=0.909-0.981).Conclusion:Despite the small sample limitation,the WHODAS 2.0 tool adapted to the Tigrigna version indicated an acceptable reliability and validity and therefore could be applied to women with a history of PLTCs at 6 months postpartum.展开更多
BACKGROUND Paternal perinatal depression(PPD)is closely associated with maternal mental health challenges,marital strain,and adverse child developmental outcomes.Despite its significant impact,PPD remains under-recogn...BACKGROUND Paternal perinatal depression(PPD)is closely associated with maternal mental health challenges,marital strain,and adverse child developmental outcomes.Despite its significant impact,PPD remains under-recognized in family-centered clinical practice.Concurrently,against the backdrop of rising rates of delayed marriage and China’s Maternity Incentive Policy,the proportion of women giving birth at an advanced maternal age is increasing.Nevertheless,research specifically examining PPD among spouses of older mothers remains critically scarce,both in China and globally.AIM To investigate PPD and its influencing factors in Chinese advanced maternal age families.METHODS This cross-sectional study included 358 participants;it was conducted among fathers of pregnant women of advanced maternal age at five hospitals in the Pearl River Delta region of China from September 2023 to June 2024.Data were collected via a general information questionnaire,the Social Support Rating Scale,and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.Latent profile analysis and regression mixture models(RMMs)were adopted to analyze the latent PPD types and factors that influenced PPD.RESULTS The incidence of PPD was 16.48%,and three profiles were identified:Low-symptomatic(175 cases,48.89%),monophasic(140 cases,39.10%),and high-symptomatic(43 cases,12.01%).The RMM analysis revealed that first pregnancy,low income(<¥3000/month),part-time work,and a history of abnormal pregnancy were positively associated with the high-symptomatic type(P<0.05).Conversely,high subjective support and support utilization were negatively associated with the high-symptomatic type compared with the low-symptomatic type(P<0.05).Good couple relationships,high objective and subjective support,and high support utilization were negatively associated with monophasic disorder(P<0.05).CONCLUSION PPD incidence is high among Chinese fathers with advanced maternal age partners,and the characteristics of depression are varied.Healthcare practitioners should prioritize individuals with low levels of social support.展开更多
BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy is a rare but serious condition that can lead to high maternal mortality and fetal loss.Instances of pregnancy complicated by severe acute pancreatitis,particularly with subs...BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy is a rare but serious condition that can lead to high maternal mortality and fetal loss.Instances of pregnancy complicated by severe acute pancreatitis,particularly with subsequent respiratory and cardiac arrest,are rarely reported.CASE SUMMARY We present the case of a 35-year-old woman,at 36+5 weeks of gestation,who presented with paroxysmal epigastric pain accompanied by low back pain,nausea,and vomiting.According to the clinical symptoms,B-ultrasound imaging and biochemical indicators,the patient was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and initially managed conservatively.However,3 hours after admission,the patient experienced respiratory and cardiac arrest,and the fetus died.In this case,the adverse outcomes occurred due to the lack of aggressive fluid resuscitation and an active surgical intervention.CONCLUSION Implementing aggressive fluid resuscitation to sustain tissue perfusion,alongside the proactive evaluation of pharmacological agents that suppress gastric acid secretion and inhibit pancreatic enzyme activity,may be beneficial in mitigating the risk of a severely adverse prognosis.Effective management of acute pancreatitis during pregnancy requires careful timing of surgical intervention,a thorough evaluation of the risks and benefits regarding the continuation or termination of pregnancy,and a focus on safeguarding both maternal and fetal health.展开更多
Decidual natural killer(dNK)cells are believed to be critical for maintaining maternal/fetal tolerance and regulating placental vascular remodeling based upon their abundance and unique phenotype during early pregnanc...Decidual natural killer(dNK)cells are believed to be critical for maintaining maternal/fetal tolerance and regulating placental vascular remodeling based upon their abundance and unique phenotype during early pregnancy.However,the mechanism for how the dNK cells play such important roles in successful pregnancy remains undefined.Here,we identified a subtype of dNK cells characterized as having a CD3-CD56^brightCD25^+phenotype.We found that CD56^brightCD25^+NK cells preferentially localize to the maternal/fetal interface during early human pregnancy.CD25^+dNK cells account for approximately 75%of CD25-expressing decidual immune cells(DICs).However,less than 5%of CD25-positive peripheral blood mononuclear cells are CD25^+NK cells.Furthermore,CD25^+and CD25^-dNK cells exhibit distinct phenotypes:CD25^+dNK cells display a more activated phenotype and greater cytokine-secreting capacity.Interestingly,coculture of peripheral NK(pNK)cells with primary trophoblasts upregulates the percentage of CD25-expressing pNK cells,resulting in increased expression of activation markers and cytokine production by pNK cells.In addition,we demonstrated that the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis is crucial for the recruitment of CD25^+dNK cells and contributes to the accumulation of CD3^-CD56^brightCD25^+dNK cells at the maternal/fetal interface.Thus,our data reveal that the crosstalk between trophoblasts and pNK cells leads to the accumulation of CD3^-CD56^brightCD25^+dNK cells,which exert a regulating effect at the maternal/fetal interface.展开更多
The regulatory mechanism of Th2 bias at the maternal/fetal interface remains unclear. In this study, we characterized cytokine production in decidual stromal cells （DSCs）, decidual immune cells （DICs） and embryo-d...The regulatory mechanism of Th2 bias at the maternal/fetal interface remains unclear. In this study, we characterized cytokine production in decidual stromal cells （DSCs）, decidual immune cells （DICs） and embryo-derived trophoblast cells, and investigated the regulation of CXCL12/CXCR4 interaction on Th2 bias at the maternal/fetal interface in early human pregnancy. We found differential production of Th 1-type and Th2-type cytoki nes by trophoblasts, DSCs and DICs. The secretion of these cytokines varied in different cell cocultures, conduced to Th2 bias. Flow cytometry showed that coculture of trophoblasts with DSCs and DICs significantly increased IL-4 and IL-IO production in trophoblasts, and IL-IO production in DSCs. However, the coculture of trophoblasts with DSCs and DICs significantly increased interferon （IFN）-7 expression in DSCs, and tumor-necrosis factor （TNF）-a expression in DICs. No change was seen in Thl-type cytokine production in trophoblasts, and in Th2-type cytokine production in DICs in all cocultures. Furthermore, pre-treatment with anti-CXCR4 neutralizing antibody upregulated the production of the Thl-type cytokines IFN-y and TNF-a, and downregulated the production of the Th2-type cytokines IL-4 and IL-IO, in trophoblasts, DSCs, DICs or their cocultures. Interestingly, rhCXCL12 inhibited production of the Thl-type cytokine TNF-a and enhanced the expression of the Th2-type cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-IO in DICs; this effect was abrogated by anti-CXCR4 antibody. Our present study has elucidated the individual contributions of component cells to the shaping of Th2 bias, and uncovered a complicated cross-talk viathe CXCL12/CXCR4 signal at the maternal/fetal interface in early human pregnancy.展开更多
Objective To evaluate the fetal cardiac function in gestational diabetes mellitus （GDM） pregnancies under different maternal glycemic controls. Methods Forty four GDM mothers received 78 fetal echocardiographic eval...Objective To evaluate the fetal cardiac function in gestational diabetes mellitus （GDM） pregnancies under different maternal glycemic controls. Methods Forty four GDM mothers received 78 fetal echocardiographic evaluations at three gestational periods （〈28, 28-34 and ≥34 weeks） and were divided into poorly-（DM1） and well-（DM2） controlled groups according to their glycemic control at examination. Seventy uncomplicated mothers were selected as controls. Parameters of fetal cardiac anatomy and function were measured and analyzed. Results GDM fetuses＇ cardiac ventricular walls were thicker than controls＇, and the differences between DM1 and DM2 were not significant except for end-diastolic left ventricular walls. In both GDM groups, the aortic flow velocities increased earlier than pulmonary artery and DM1 fetuses changed earlier than DM2 ones. GDM fetuses＇ left atrial shortening fraction was smaller than the controls＇ in the period of ≥34 weeks and negatively correlated with thicknesses of left ventricular walls and interventricular septum in DM1 fetuses （r=-0.438 and -0.506）. The right ventricular diastolic function in DM1 and DM2 fetuses decreased after the period of 28-34 weeks and in the period of ≥34 weeks respectively. Tel index of both left and right ventricles increased in DM1 group after the period of 〈28 weeks and in DM2 group only in the period of ≥ 34 weeks, with no significant differences between DM1 and DM2 groups in this period. Conclusion Fetuses of GDM mothers showed cardiac function impairments. Good maternal glycemic control may delay the impairments, but cannot reduce the degree. Some cardiac changes in GDM fetuses were similar to those in pregestational diabetic pregnancies except for several parameters and their changing time.展开更多
Over 1 billion people globally are estimated to be infected with Toxoplasma gondii with severe or unknown consequences and no safe and effective therapies are available against congenital or persistent chronic infecti...Over 1 billion people globally are estimated to be infected with Toxoplasma gondii with severe or unknown consequences and no safe and effective therapies are available against congenital or persistent chronic infection. We propose that atovaquone and diclazuril synergistically protect against fetal-maternal toxoplasmosis. Methods: Programmed pregnant mice were treated with atovaquone and diclazuril monotherapy, or combined (atovaquone + diclazuril) therapy and infected with tachyzoites (0, 300, 600) and the course of infection was studied. Results: Infected dams with low dose (300) developed moderate toxoplasmosis complications and treatments were similarly effective with minor differences between monotherapies. In contrast, major differences were observed amongst varied treatments during high-dose (600) infection and severe related-toxoplasmosis complications as follows. Dams developed hydrothorax, ascities and excess weight gain. Combined therapy (P < 0.01) and to a lesser extent diclazuril monotherapy (P 0.05) protected dams from excess weight, hydrothorax, and ascities. Infected dams exhibited splenomegaly, hepatomegaly and severe hepatitis. Combined therapy synergistically normalized pathology (P < 0.001) and to a lesser degree monotherapy (diclazuril P 0.01, and atovaquone P 0.05) protected dams from hepatitis and splemomegaly. Additionally, behavioral response to pain stimuli and fetal weight and fetal numbers were significantly preserved in treated dams. Conclusions: This is the first report describing combined atovaquone and diclazuril therapy a) to be safe in pregnancy, b) to exert novel synergistic effects, and c) to protect dams and their nested fetuses against adverse effects of severe toxoplasmosis.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Premature rupture of membrane(PROM) is linked to significant maternal prenatal mortalities and morbidity. In Ethiopia, where maternal mortality is still high, the maternal and fetal outcomes in PROM is ver...BACKGROUND: Premature rupture of membrane(PROM) is linked to significant maternal prenatal mortalities and morbidity. In Ethiopia, where maternal mortality is still high, the maternal and fetal outcomes in PROM is very important to decrease maternal and child mortality and for better management and prevention of complications. Thus, this study aimed to detect the maternal and fetal outcomes and associated factors in term PROM at Mizan-Aman General Hospital, south-west Ethiopia.METHODS: A retrospective cross sectional study was conducted using data available at MizanAman General Hospital during a period of 3 years(January 2011 to December 2013). We examined records of 4 525 women who gave birth in the hospital; out of these women, 185 were diagnosed with term PROM and all of them were included in the study. The data of these women were collected using a checklist based on registration books. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 statistical package. The association between independent and dependent variables was assessed by bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses. 95%CI and P value less than 0.05 were considered statistically signifi cant.RESULTS: Of the 4 525 women who gave birth in the hospital, 202 were complicated by term PROM. About 22.2% of the women showed unfavorable maternal outcomes. The most common cause of maternal morbidity and mortality was puerperal sepsis. About 33.5% of neonates experienced unfavorable outcomes. The duration of PROM >12 hours(AOR=5.6, 95%CI 1.3–24.1) latency >24 hours(AOR=2.8, 95%CI 1.7–11.8), residing in rural areas(AOR=4.2, 95%CI 3.96–29.4) and birth weight less than 2 500 g were associated with unfavorable outcomes.CONCLUSION: Women residing in rural areas, long latency, and neonates with birth weight less 2 500 g may have unfavorable outcomes. Therefore, optimum obstetric and medical care is essential for the reduction of the devastating complications related to disorders.展开更多
Objective To examine maternal and fetal exposure levels to four carcinogenic metals, arsenic （As）, cadmium （Cd）, nickel （Ni）, and beryllium （Be）, and to investigate their environmental influences. Methods Meta...Objective To examine maternal and fetal exposure levels to four carcinogenic metals, arsenic （As）, cadmium （Cd）, nickel （Ni）, and beryllium （Be）, and to investigate their environmental influences. Methods Metal concentrations in maternal and umbilical cord blood were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry （ICP-MS）. Environmental factors that might play a role in exposure were analyzed using Mann Whitney nonparametric U-tests and multiple linear regression. Results The concentrations of As, Cd, and Ni in umbilical cord blood （5.41, 0.87, and 139.54 gg/L） were significantly lower than those in maternal blood （6.91, 1.93, and 165.93 p.g/L）. There were significant positive correlations between the maternal and cord concentrations of each carcinogen. Our results showed that： （i） exposures to potentially harmful occupational factors during pregnancy were associated with high levels of maternal As, Cd, and Ni; （ii） living close to major transportation routes （〈500 m） or exposure to second-hand smoke during pregnancy increased the maternal Cd levels and （iii） living close to industrial chimneys induced high maternal Ni levels. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that these environmental factors remained significant in models of the influences of these four carcinogens. Conclusion Both mothers and fetuses had been exposed to As, Cd, Ni, and Be. The increased levels of these carcinogens in pregnant women were associated with some detrimental environmental factors, such as occupational exposure, contact with second-hand smoke and living close to major transportation routes or industrial chimneys.展开更多
This study examined the methylation difference in AIRE and RASSF1A between maternal and placental DNA, and the implication of this difference in the identification of free fetal DNA in maternal plasma and in prenatal ...This study examined the methylation difference in AIRE and RASSF1A between maternal and placental DNA, and the implication of this difference in the identification of free fetal DNA in maternal plasma and in prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21. Maternal plasma samples were collected from 388 singleton pregnancies, and placental or chorionic villus tissues from 112 of them. Methylation-specific PCR （MSP） and methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme digestion followed by fluorescent quantitative PCR （MSRE ＋ PCR） were employed to detect the maternal-fetal methylation difference in AIRE and RASSF1A. Diagnosis of trisomy 21 was established according to the ratio of fetal-specific AIRE to RASSF1A in maternal plasma. Both methods confirmed that AIRE and RASSF1A were hypomethylated in maternal blood cells but hypermethylated in placental or chorionic villus tissues. Moreover, the differential methylation for each locus could be seen during the whole pregnant period. The positive rates of fetal AIRE and RASSF1A in maternal plasma were found to be 78.1% and 82.1% by MSP and 94.8% and 96.9% by MSRE ＋ PCR. MSRE ＋ PCR was superior to MSP in the identification of fetal-specific hypermethylated sequences （P〈0.05）. Based on the data from 266 euploidy pregnancies, the 95% reference interval of the fetal AIRE/RASSF1A ratio in maternal plasma was 0.33-1.77, which was taken as the reference value for determining the numbers of fetal chromosome 21 in 102 pregnancies. The accu-racy rate in 98 euploidy pregnancies was 96.9% （95/98）. Three of the four trisomy 21 pregnancies were confirmed with this method. It was concluded that hypermethylated AIRE and RASSF1A may serve as fetal-specific markers for the identification of fetal DNA in maternal plasma and may be used for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21.展开更多
Objective To explore the effects of prenatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers(PBDEs)on placental size and birth outcomes.Methods Based on the perspective Wenzhou Birth Cohort,this nested case-control study i...Objective To explore the effects of prenatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers(PBDEs)on placental size and birth outcomes.Methods Based on the perspective Wenzhou Birth Cohort,this nested case-control study included 101 fetal growth restriction(FGR)and 101 healthy newborns.Maternal serum samples were collected during the third trimester and measured for PBDEs by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.The basic information of mother-newborn pairs was collected from questionnaires,whereas the placental size and birth outcomes of newborns were obtained from hospital records.Results A total of 19 brominated diphenyle ether(BDE)congeners were detected in maternal serum samples.Higher concentrations of BDE-207,-208,-209,and∑19PBDEs were detected in FGR cases than in controls.Increased BDE-207,-208,-209,and∑19PBDEs levels in maternal serum were related to decreased placental length,breadth,surface area,birth weight,birth length,gestational age,and Quetelet index of newborns.After adjusting for confounders,BDE-207 and∑19PBDE concentrations in maternal serum were significantly associated with an increased risk of FGR.Conclusion A negative association was found between PBDE levels in maternal serum and placental size and birth outcomes.Prenatal PBDE exposure may be associated with elevated risk of the incidence of FGR birth.展开更多
To investigate the feasibility of using free fetal DNA from maternal plasma as the source of fetal material in non invasive prenatal diagnosis, SRY gene of free DNA in maternal blood of 65 samples were analyzed by us...To investigate the feasibility of using free fetal DNA from maternal plasma as the source of fetal material in non invasive prenatal diagnosis, SRY gene of free DNA in maternal blood of 65 samples were analyzed by using primer extension preamplication (PEP) and probe microplate hybridization techniques. The results showed that the detection rate of SRY gene in maternal blood from women carrying male fetuses detected by probe microplate hybridization alone and probe microplate hybridization with PEP were 76.09 % (35/46) and 95.65 % (44/46) respectively, and there was a significant difference between them. The non detection rate of SRY gene in blood samples from women carrying female fetus was 100 % (19/19). It is indicated that probe microplate hybridization was an effective method in detecting trace fetal DNA from maternal plasma and the sensitivity could be substantially improved by combined use of the two techniques. Analysis of fetal DNA in maternal plasma can serve as an alternative for non invasive prenatal diagnosis.展开更多
BACKGROUND Primiparas are usually at high risk of experiencing perinatal depression,which may cause prolonged labor,increased blood loss,and intensified pain,affecting maternal and fetal outcomes.Therefore,interventio...BACKGROUND Primiparas are usually at high risk of experiencing perinatal depression,which may cause prolonged labor,increased blood loss,and intensified pain,affecting maternal and fetal outcomes.Therefore,interventions are necessary to improve maternal and fetal outcomes and alleviate primiparas’negative emotions(NEs).AIM To discusses the impact of nursing responsibility in midwifery and postural and psychological interventions on maternal and fetal outcomes as well as primiparas’NEs.METHODS As participants,115 primiparas admitted to Quanzhou Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital between May 2020 and May 2022 were selected.Among them,56 primiparas(control group,Con)were subjected to conventional midwifery and routine nursing.The remaining 59(research group,Res)were subjected to the nursing model of midwifery and postural and psychological interventions.Both groups were comparatively analyzed from the perspectives of delivery mode(cesarean,natural,or forceps-assisted),maternal and fetal outcomes(uterine inertia,postpartum hemorrhage,placental abruption,neonatal pulmonary injury,and neonatal asphyxia),NEs(Hamilton Anxiety/Depressionrating Scale,HAMA/HAMD),labor duration,and nursing satisfaction.RESULTS The Res exhibited a markedly higher natural delivery rate and nursing satisfaction than the Con.Additionally,the Res indicated a lower incidence of adverse events(e.g.,uterine inertia,postpartum hemorrhage,placental abruption,neonatal lung injury,and neonatal asphyxia)and shortened duration of various stages of labor.It also showed statistically lower post-interventional HAMA and HAMD scores than the Con and pre-interventional values.CONCLUSION The nursing model of midwifery and postural and psychological interventions increase the natural delivery rate and reduce the duration of each labor stage.These are also conducive to improving maternal and fetal outcomes and mitigating primiparas’NEs and thus deserve popularity in clinical practice.展开更多
Fetal cell microchimerism refers to the persistence of fetal cells in the maternal tissues following pregnancy. It has been detected in peripheral organs and the brain, but its existence in the spinal cord has not bee...Fetal cell microchimerism refers to the persistence of fetal cells in the maternal tissues following pregnancy. It has been detected in peripheral organs and the brain, but its existence in the spinal cord has not been reported. Our aim was to detect fetal cell microchimerism in the spinal cord of maternal mice. C57BL/6 female mice were crossed with GFP transgenic male mice and sacrificed after their first or third delivery. GFP-positive cells, which were presumably from fetuses whose fathers were GFP transgenic, were detected in the spinal cord by fluorescence microscopy and immunohistochemistry. PCR was also performed to detect GFP DNA, which must come from GFP hemizygous fetuses. We found GFP-positive cells and detectable GFP DNA in most of the maternal spinal cords. Twenty percent （1/5） of the mice that were only pregnant once had detectable fetal cells, while 80% （4/5） of those that were pregnant three times had detectable fetal cells. Some fetal cells, which not only emitted green fluorescence but also expressed NeuN, were detected in the spinal cords from maternal mice. These results indicate that fetal cells migrate into the spinal cord of a maternal mouse during and/or after the gestational period, and the fetal cells may differentiate into neurons in the spinal cord.展开更多
In this study, the expression of IL-24 at maternal-fetal interface and the roles in extravillous trophoblast （the TEV-1 cell line） invasion were examined. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of IL...In this study, the expression of IL-24 at maternal-fetal interface and the roles in extravillous trophoblast （the TEV-1 cell line） invasion were examined. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of IL-24 in villi and decidual tissue. The proliferation of TEV-1 cells under the effect of IL-24 was measured by MTT assay. The invasiveness of TEV-1 cells under the effect of recombinant IL-24 （rhIL-24） was examined by transwell system. Immunohistochemical detection showed that IL-24 was expressed in the villi and decidual tissue, and distributed in villous column, trophoblasts, stroma and blood vessels. The proliferation of TEV-1 cells was not inhibited by rhIL-24 of various concentrations. The examination of invasion in vitro showed that rhIL-24 could inhibit the invasion of TEV-1 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The results suggested IL-24 could inhibit the invasion of TEV-1 cells. Therefore, IL-24 produced by maternal-fetal interface in human first trimester pregnancy may influence the invasion of trophoblasts and is involved in normal pregnancy.展开更多
Background:Liver has important immune function during fetal development and after birth.However,the effect of maternal malnutrition on immune function of the fetal liver is rarely reported.In this study,twelve pregnan...Background:Liver has important immune function during fetal development and after birth.However,the effect of maternal malnutrition on immune function of the fetal liver is rarely reported.In this study,twelve pregnant goats(Xiangdong black goat,at d 45 of gestation)were assigned to the control group(fed 100%of nutritional requirements)and the restriction group(fed 60%of the intake of the control group)during gestation from d 55 to100.Fetal goats were harvested at d 100 of gestation and immune indexes and amino acid profiles of the umbilical cord blood and liver Toll-like receptors(TLRs)signaling pathways were measured.Results:Maternal body weight in the restriction group was lower than the control group(P<0.05).Maternal feed intake restriction decreased(P<0.05)heart weight,heart index,alkaline phosphatase and serum amyloid protein A in the umbilical cord blood(UCB).Moreover,only histidine was decreased in the restricted group(P=0.084),and there were no differences in other amino acids contents in the UCB between the two groups(P>0.05).The TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA expression in the fetal liver in the restriction group was greater(P<0.05)than that in the control group.Furthermore,the mRNA expression levels of myeloid differentiation primary response 88(MyD88),TNF receptor associated factor 6,nuclear factor kappa B subunit 1,NFKB inhibitor alpha,IFN-β,TGF-β,TNF-αand IL-1βin the restricted group were upregulated(P<0.05),and the expression of TLR3(P=0.099)tended to be higher in the restricted group.However,protein levels of TLR2,TLR4,IκBα,phosphorylated IκBα,phosphorylated IκBα/total IκBα,TRIF and MyD88 were not affected(P>0.05)by maternal intake restriction.Conclusions:These results revealed that the restriction of maternal feed intake influenced the development of heart and hepatic protein synthesis at the acute phase of fetal goats and upregulated the mRNA expression of genes involved in MyD88-dependent signaling pathways and of target cytokines.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32402767)National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFD1301102)+3 种基金Anhui Province Natural Science Foundation Youth Project(2308085QC104)AAU Introduction of High-level Talent Funds(RC392107)Key Laboratory of Utilization of Livestock and Forage Resources in Circum-Tarim Region(Co-construction by Ministry and Province),Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs(BSGJSYS202502)the China Agriculture Research System(CARS-38)。
文摘Background Undernutrition disrupts pregnant ewe's metabolic homeostasis and severely inhibits fetal growth and development.In this study,undernourished and nutrition-recovery pregnant sheep models and rumen epithelial cells were utilized to investigate the mechanisms behind undernutrition-induced disruptions in male fetal rumen metabolism and development.Results Maternal undernutrition significantly reduced male fetal rumen weight and papilla length,width and surface area.Maternal undernutrition extremely suppressed nutrient metabolism and energy production in male fetal rumen via JAK3/STAT3 signaling to inhibit cell cycle progression and male fetal rumen development,while maternal nutritional recovery partially restored metabolic inhibition but failed to alleviate male fetal rumen development.Meanwhile,64 differentially expressed miRNAs(DEMs)were identified in male fetal rumen between undernourished ewes and controls.Novel miR-736 was overexpressed both in male fetal rumen of undernourished and nutrition-recovery models.E2F transcription factor 2(E2F2)and MYB proto-oncogene like 2(MYBL2)were the intersection of male fetal rumen differentially expressed genes(DEGs)and DEMs target genes integrated analysis and were predicted as novel miR-736 target genes.Further,we confirmed that novel miR-736 targeted and downregulated E2F2 and MYBL2 expression levels.Silencing E2F2 and MYBL2 promoted apoptosis and inhibited S-phase entry in rumen epithelial cells.Conclusions In summary,maternal undernutrition disrupted male fetal rumen metabolism and elevated novel miR-736,which targeted and downregulated E2F2 and MYBL2 to inhibit cell cycle progression and promote apoptosis,finally inhibited male fetal rumen development.This study provides new insights into the epigenetic mechanisms underlying maternal undernutrition-induced male fetal rumen developmental deficits.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32171069).
文摘Objectives:Loneliness among left-behind adolescents is the most frequently reported emotional problem because of parental neglect.The present study explored the relationship between maternal absence and adolescent loneliness as well as its mechanisms.Methods:The study included 305 participants(Meanage=15.99±0.81,48.9%females)in southeast China,and constructed a chain mediation model to test the roles of rejection sensitivity and friendship quality.Parent absence types,rejection sensitivity,friendship quality,and adolescent loneliness were all assessed with questionnaires.Results:The results showed that adolescents with a mother absent(both-parent absent,mother-only absent)experienced higher levels of loneliness than those with a mother not absent(father-only absent,non-parent absent)(β=0.3137,95%CI[0.0849,0.5425],p<0.01).Besides,the mediating roles of rejection sensitivity(β=0.0344,95%CI[0.0020,0.0808])and friendship quality(β=0.1198,95%CI[0.0049,0.2428])and their chain mediating role were found significant between maternal absence and loneliness(β=0.0245,95%CI[0.0015,0.0575]).Conclusions:These findings have revealed the significant impact of maternal absence on adolescent loneliness and provide important practical implications for educators to reduce adolescent loneliness.
基金supported by the Beijing Natural Science Foundation(7222274)the Fifth Batch of National Outstanding Talents in Clinical Chinese Medicine(20221)。
文摘Objective:To investigate the efficacy and mechanism of Ditan Qingnao decoction(DTQND)in alleviating schizophrenia-like symptoms in a maternal immune activation(MIA)-induced rat model.Methods:DTQND components were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.An MIA-induced rat model was established by injecting Poly Ⅰ:C into pregnant dams on gestational day 9.Male offspring were administered DTQND(14.1 g/kg),risperidone(RIS;0.4 mg/kg),or distilled water,while the controls received only distilled water via gavage for 4 weeks.Behavioral assessments were conducted using the open-field,Y-maze,prepulse inhibition,and sucrose preference tests.Serum levels of interleukin(IL)-6,IL-18,IL-1β,and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were measured via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Hippocampal protein levels of nuclear factor kappa B p65(NF-κB p65),phospho-NF-κB p65(p-p65),inhibitor of kappa B-alpha(IκB-α),phospho-IκB-α(p-IκB-α),and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3)were assessed via western blots.Immunohistochemistry detected hippocampal expression of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1)and cluster of differentiation 68(CD68).Results:Multiple DTQND compounds were identified,including stachyose,β-syringin,and isofraxidin,among others.DTQND treatment considerably enhanced spontaneous activity,reduced anxiety,improved spatial working memory,and alleviated sensory gating defects in male offspring with MIA.The DTQND group showed significantly lower serum levels of IL-1β(P=.002)and IL-18(P=.046)than the model group,with no discernible variations in IL-6 or TNF-α levels.In the hippocampus,DTQND significantly suppressed the expression of p-p65(P<.001),p-IκB-α(P=.023),and NLRP3(P<.001)compared to the model group.Additionally,DTQND modulated microglial activation markers,decreasing CD68 expression(P=.004)without affecting Iba1 levels.Conclusions:DTQND alleviated schizophrenia-like behavioral deficits and cognitive impairment by inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway,supporting its potential as an alternative therapy for schizophrenia.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32171069).
文摘Background:The growing parenting stress among Chinese mothers in recent years raises concerns about its impact on adolescent internalizing problems.The purpose of this study was to examine the curvilinear relationship between maternal parenting stress and internalizing problems in adolescents,and further explore the moderating effects of family socioeconomic status(SES)and adolescent gender.Methods:Data were collected from 405 mothers and adolescents(203 boys,Meanage=12.23)across five cities(Beijing,Hebei,Shanxi,Shenzhen,and Shandong)in China,who completed self-report measures of maternal parenting stress and internalizing problems.Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses were conducted using SPSS 27.0.Results:Multiple regression analyses indicated that the association between maternal parenting stress2 and adolescents’internalizing problems was moderated by the interaction between gender and SES(b=−0.03,p<0.01).Specifically,a significant U-shaped relationship was observed among high-SES boys(b=0.12,t=3.89,p<0.001),with internalizing problems peaking at both low and high levels of maternal parenting stress,whereas the moderating effect of SES was not significant among girls.Conclusion:The study highlights that moderate maternal parenting stress is associated with lower internalizing problems among adolescents,particularly among high-SES boys,indicating that interventions should consider the optimal balance of parental stress and account for family socioeconomic and adolescent gender differences.
文摘Background:The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0(WHODAS 2.0)is a popular tool for eval-uating functioning and disability in a range of population demographics and medical situations.However,very little is known about the WHODAS 2.0's validity and reliability,particularly when dealing with potentially life-threatening maternal condi-tions(PLTCs).The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of the WHODAS 2.0 Tigrigna version.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted in Tigray,northern Ethiopia,from December 15 to 20,2023.Following translation and back translation,women who had experienced PLTCs during a recent pregnancy,childbirth,or postpartum period were administered the 36-item WHODAS 2.0 in Tigrigna version 6 months after the childbirth.In total,121 women with a history of PLTCs participated.Cronbach′sαwas used to evaluate internal consistency in all six WHODAS 2.0 domains,while Spearman′s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate convergent validity.With confirmatory factor analysis,construct validity was also examined.Results:All domain scores of the Tigrigna version of the WHODAS 2.0 indicated excellent internal consistency(α=0.917-0.978 for 36 items andα=0.874-0.940 for 12 items),while the Cronbach′sαcoefficients for the summary score were 0.981 and 0.952 for 36 and 12 items,respectively.The convergent validity between the 36-item and 12-item WHODAS 2.0 showed a strong correlation between similar constructs(r=0.909-0.981).Conclusion:Despite the small sample limitation,the WHODAS 2.0 tool adapted to the Tigrigna version indicated an acceptable reliability and validity and therefore could be applied to women with a history of PLTCs at 6 months postpartum.
基金Supported by High-level Professional Groups in Gangdong Province,No.GSPZYQ2020101Guangdong Province Educational Research Planning Project,No.2024GXJK742。
文摘BACKGROUND Paternal perinatal depression(PPD)is closely associated with maternal mental health challenges,marital strain,and adverse child developmental outcomes.Despite its significant impact,PPD remains under-recognized in family-centered clinical practice.Concurrently,against the backdrop of rising rates of delayed marriage and China’s Maternity Incentive Policy,the proportion of women giving birth at an advanced maternal age is increasing.Nevertheless,research specifically examining PPD among spouses of older mothers remains critically scarce,both in China and globally.AIM To investigate PPD and its influencing factors in Chinese advanced maternal age families.METHODS This cross-sectional study included 358 participants;it was conducted among fathers of pregnant women of advanced maternal age at five hospitals in the Pearl River Delta region of China from September 2023 to June 2024.Data were collected via a general information questionnaire,the Social Support Rating Scale,and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.Latent profile analysis and regression mixture models(RMMs)were adopted to analyze the latent PPD types and factors that influenced PPD.RESULTS The incidence of PPD was 16.48%,and three profiles were identified:Low-symptomatic(175 cases,48.89%),monophasic(140 cases,39.10%),and high-symptomatic(43 cases,12.01%).The RMM analysis revealed that first pregnancy,low income(<¥3000/month),part-time work,and a history of abnormal pregnancy were positively associated with the high-symptomatic type(P<0.05).Conversely,high subjective support and support utilization were negatively associated with the high-symptomatic type compared with the low-symptomatic type(P<0.05).Good couple relationships,high objective and subjective support,and high support utilization were negatively associated with monophasic disorder(P<0.05).CONCLUSION PPD incidence is high among Chinese fathers with advanced maternal age partners,and the characteristics of depression are varied.Healthcare practitioners should prioritize individuals with low levels of social support.
文摘BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy is a rare but serious condition that can lead to high maternal mortality and fetal loss.Instances of pregnancy complicated by severe acute pancreatitis,particularly with subsequent respiratory and cardiac arrest,are rarely reported.CASE SUMMARY We present the case of a 35-year-old woman,at 36+5 weeks of gestation,who presented with paroxysmal epigastric pain accompanied by low back pain,nausea,and vomiting.According to the clinical symptoms,B-ultrasound imaging and biochemical indicators,the patient was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and initially managed conservatively.However,3 hours after admission,the patient experienced respiratory and cardiac arrest,and the fetus died.In this case,the adverse outcomes occurred due to the lack of aggressive fluid resuscitation and an active surgical intervention.CONCLUSION Implementing aggressive fluid resuscitation to sustain tissue perfusion,alongside the proactive evaluation of pharmacological agents that suppress gastric acid secretion and inhibit pancreatic enzyme activity,may be beneficial in mitigating the risk of a severely adverse prognosis.Effective management of acute pancreatitis during pregnancy requires careful timing of surgical intervention,a thorough evaluation of the risks and benefits regarding the continuation or termination of pregnancy,and a focus on safeguarding both maternal and fetal health.
基金This work was supported by the Key Project of Shanghai Basic Research from Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission(STCSM)(12JC1401600 to DJL)the Key Project of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission(MECSM)(14ZZ013 to MRD)+1 种基金the Nature Science Foundation from National Nature Science Foundation of China(NSFC)(NSFC31270969 to DJLNSFC81070537,NSFC31171437 and NSFC81370770 to MRD,NSFC31300751 to HLP,NSFC81370730 to QF).
文摘Decidual natural killer(dNK)cells are believed to be critical for maintaining maternal/fetal tolerance and regulating placental vascular remodeling based upon their abundance and unique phenotype during early pregnancy.However,the mechanism for how the dNK cells play such important roles in successful pregnancy remains undefined.Here,we identified a subtype of dNK cells characterized as having a CD3-CD56^brightCD25^+phenotype.We found that CD56^brightCD25^+NK cells preferentially localize to the maternal/fetal interface during early human pregnancy.CD25^+dNK cells account for approximately 75%of CD25-expressing decidual immune cells(DICs).However,less than 5%of CD25-positive peripheral blood mononuclear cells are CD25^+NK cells.Furthermore,CD25^+and CD25^-dNK cells exhibit distinct phenotypes:CD25^+dNK cells display a more activated phenotype and greater cytokine-secreting capacity.Interestingly,coculture of peripheral NK(pNK)cells with primary trophoblasts upregulates the percentage of CD25-expressing pNK cells,resulting in increased expression of activation markers and cytokine production by pNK cells.In addition,we demonstrated that the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis is crucial for the recruitment of CD25^+dNK cells and contributes to the accumulation of CD3^-CD56^brightCD25^+dNK cells at the maternal/fetal interface.Thus,our data reveal that the crosstalk between trophoblasts and pNK cells leads to the accumulation of CD3^-CD56^brightCD25^+dNK cells,which exert a regulating effect at the maternal/fetal interface.
文摘The regulatory mechanism of Th2 bias at the maternal/fetal interface remains unclear. In this study, we characterized cytokine production in decidual stromal cells （DSCs）, decidual immune cells （DICs） and embryo-derived trophoblast cells, and investigated the regulation of CXCL12/CXCR4 interaction on Th2 bias at the maternal/fetal interface in early human pregnancy. We found differential production of Th 1-type and Th2-type cytoki nes by trophoblasts, DSCs and DICs. The secretion of these cytokines varied in different cell cocultures, conduced to Th2 bias. Flow cytometry showed that coculture of trophoblasts with DSCs and DICs significantly increased IL-4 and IL-IO production in trophoblasts, and IL-IO production in DSCs. However, the coculture of trophoblasts with DSCs and DICs significantly increased interferon （IFN）-7 expression in DSCs, and tumor-necrosis factor （TNF）-a expression in DICs. No change was seen in Thl-type cytokine production in trophoblasts, and in Th2-type cytokine production in DICs in all cocultures. Furthermore, pre-treatment with anti-CXCR4 neutralizing antibody upregulated the production of the Thl-type cytokines IFN-y and TNF-a, and downregulated the production of the Th2-type cytokines IL-4 and IL-IO, in trophoblasts, DSCs, DICs or their cocultures. Interestingly, rhCXCL12 inhibited production of the Thl-type cytokine TNF-a and enhanced the expression of the Th2-type cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-IO in DICs; this effect was abrogated by anti-CXCR4 antibody. Our present study has elucidated the individual contributions of component cells to the shaping of Th2 bias, and uncovered a complicated cross-talk viathe CXCL12/CXCR4 signal at the maternal/fetal interface in early human pregnancy.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81001228)National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (863 Program)(2007AA02Z442)
文摘Objective To evaluate the fetal cardiac function in gestational diabetes mellitus （GDM） pregnancies under different maternal glycemic controls. Methods Forty four GDM mothers received 78 fetal echocardiographic evaluations at three gestational periods （〈28, 28-34 and ≥34 weeks） and were divided into poorly-（DM1） and well-（DM2） controlled groups according to their glycemic control at examination. Seventy uncomplicated mothers were selected as controls. Parameters of fetal cardiac anatomy and function were measured and analyzed. Results GDM fetuses＇ cardiac ventricular walls were thicker than controls＇, and the differences between DM1 and DM2 were not significant except for end-diastolic left ventricular walls. In both GDM groups, the aortic flow velocities increased earlier than pulmonary artery and DM1 fetuses changed earlier than DM2 ones. GDM fetuses＇ left atrial shortening fraction was smaller than the controls＇ in the period of ≥34 weeks and negatively correlated with thicknesses of left ventricular walls and interventricular septum in DM1 fetuses （r=-0.438 and -0.506）. The right ventricular diastolic function in DM1 and DM2 fetuses decreased after the period of 28-34 weeks and in the period of ≥34 weeks respectively. Tel index of both left and right ventricles increased in DM1 group after the period of 〈28 weeks and in DM2 group only in the period of ≥ 34 weeks, with no significant differences between DM1 and DM2 groups in this period. Conclusion Fetuses of GDM mothers showed cardiac function impairments. Good maternal glycemic control may delay the impairments, but cannot reduce the degree. Some cardiac changes in GDM fetuses were similar to those in pregestational diabetic pregnancies except for several parameters and their changing time.
文摘Over 1 billion people globally are estimated to be infected with Toxoplasma gondii with severe or unknown consequences and no safe and effective therapies are available against congenital or persistent chronic infection. We propose that atovaquone and diclazuril synergistically protect against fetal-maternal toxoplasmosis. Methods: Programmed pregnant mice were treated with atovaquone and diclazuril monotherapy, or combined (atovaquone + diclazuril) therapy and infected with tachyzoites (0, 300, 600) and the course of infection was studied. Results: Infected dams with low dose (300) developed moderate toxoplasmosis complications and treatments were similarly effective with minor differences between monotherapies. In contrast, major differences were observed amongst varied treatments during high-dose (600) infection and severe related-toxoplasmosis complications as follows. Dams developed hydrothorax, ascities and excess weight gain. Combined therapy (P < 0.01) and to a lesser extent diclazuril monotherapy (P 0.05) protected dams from excess weight, hydrothorax, and ascities. Infected dams exhibited splenomegaly, hepatomegaly and severe hepatitis. Combined therapy synergistically normalized pathology (P < 0.001) and to a lesser degree monotherapy (diclazuril P 0.01, and atovaquone P 0.05) protected dams from hepatitis and splemomegaly. Additionally, behavioral response to pain stimuli and fetal weight and fetal numbers were significantly preserved in treated dams. Conclusions: This is the first report describing combined atovaquone and diclazuril therapy a) to be safe in pregnancy, b) to exert novel synergistic effects, and c) to protect dams and their nested fetuses against adverse effects of severe toxoplasmosis.
文摘BACKGROUND: Premature rupture of membrane(PROM) is linked to significant maternal prenatal mortalities and morbidity. In Ethiopia, where maternal mortality is still high, the maternal and fetal outcomes in PROM is very important to decrease maternal and child mortality and for better management and prevention of complications. Thus, this study aimed to detect the maternal and fetal outcomes and associated factors in term PROM at Mizan-Aman General Hospital, south-west Ethiopia.METHODS: A retrospective cross sectional study was conducted using data available at MizanAman General Hospital during a period of 3 years(January 2011 to December 2013). We examined records of 4 525 women who gave birth in the hospital; out of these women, 185 were diagnosed with term PROM and all of them were included in the study. The data of these women were collected using a checklist based on registration books. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 statistical package. The association between independent and dependent variables was assessed by bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses. 95%CI and P value less than 0.05 were considered statistically signifi cant.RESULTS: Of the 4 525 women who gave birth in the hospital, 202 were complicated by term PROM. About 22.2% of the women showed unfavorable maternal outcomes. The most common cause of maternal morbidity and mortality was puerperal sepsis. About 33.5% of neonates experienced unfavorable outcomes. The duration of PROM >12 hours(AOR=5.6, 95%CI 1.3–24.1) latency >24 hours(AOR=2.8, 95%CI 1.7–11.8), residing in rural areas(AOR=4.2, 95%CI 3.96–29.4) and birth weight less than 2 500 g were associated with unfavorable outcomes.CONCLUSION: Women residing in rural areas, long latency, and neonates with birth weight less 2 500 g may have unfavorable outcomes. Therefore, optimum obstetric and medical care is essential for the reduction of the devastating complications related to disorders.
基金supported by a Grant-in Aid for Scientific Research from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (Grant No.18406026)by the foundation for Scientific Research and Technology,Health Bureau of Dalian(Grant No. 2007-73)
文摘Objective To examine maternal and fetal exposure levels to four carcinogenic metals, arsenic （As）, cadmium （Cd）, nickel （Ni）, and beryllium （Be）, and to investigate their environmental influences. Methods Metal concentrations in maternal and umbilical cord blood were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry （ICP-MS）. Environmental factors that might play a role in exposure were analyzed using Mann Whitney nonparametric U-tests and multiple linear regression. Results The concentrations of As, Cd, and Ni in umbilical cord blood （5.41, 0.87, and 139.54 gg/L） were significantly lower than those in maternal blood （6.91, 1.93, and 165.93 p.g/L）. There were significant positive correlations between the maternal and cord concentrations of each carcinogen. Our results showed that： （i） exposures to potentially harmful occupational factors during pregnancy were associated with high levels of maternal As, Cd, and Ni; （ii） living close to major transportation routes （〈500 m） or exposure to second-hand smoke during pregnancy increased the maternal Cd levels and （iii） living close to industrial chimneys induced high maternal Ni levels. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that these environmental factors remained significant in models of the influences of these four carcinogens. Conclusion Both mothers and fetuses had been exposed to As, Cd, Ni, and Be. The increased levels of these carcinogens in pregnant women were associated with some detrimental environmental factors, such as occupational exposure, contact with second-hand smoke and living close to major transportation routes or industrial chimneys.
基金supported by grants from Health Department of Hubei Province (No. QJX2008-28)Science and Technology Bureau of Wuhan (No. 200760423158)Population and Family Planning Commission of Wuhan, China (No. WRJK0906)
文摘This study examined the methylation difference in AIRE and RASSF1A between maternal and placental DNA, and the implication of this difference in the identification of free fetal DNA in maternal plasma and in prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21. Maternal plasma samples were collected from 388 singleton pregnancies, and placental or chorionic villus tissues from 112 of them. Methylation-specific PCR （MSP） and methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme digestion followed by fluorescent quantitative PCR （MSRE ＋ PCR） were employed to detect the maternal-fetal methylation difference in AIRE and RASSF1A. Diagnosis of trisomy 21 was established according to the ratio of fetal-specific AIRE to RASSF1A in maternal plasma. Both methods confirmed that AIRE and RASSF1A were hypomethylated in maternal blood cells but hypermethylated in placental or chorionic villus tissues. Moreover, the differential methylation for each locus could be seen during the whole pregnant period. The positive rates of fetal AIRE and RASSF1A in maternal plasma were found to be 78.1% and 82.1% by MSP and 94.8% and 96.9% by MSRE ＋ PCR. MSRE ＋ PCR was superior to MSP in the identification of fetal-specific hypermethylated sequences （P〈0.05）. Based on the data from 266 euploidy pregnancies, the 95% reference interval of the fetal AIRE/RASSF1A ratio in maternal plasma was 0.33-1.77, which was taken as the reference value for determining the numbers of fetal chromosome 21 in 102 pregnancies. The accu-racy rate in 98 euploidy pregnancies was 96.9% （95/98）. Three of the four trisomy 21 pregnancies were confirmed with this method. It was concluded that hypermethylated AIRE and RASSF1A may serve as fetal-specific markers for the identification of fetal DNA in maternal plasma and may be used for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China[No.21577026]。
文摘Objective To explore the effects of prenatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers(PBDEs)on placental size and birth outcomes.Methods Based on the perspective Wenzhou Birth Cohort,this nested case-control study included 101 fetal growth restriction(FGR)and 101 healthy newborns.Maternal serum samples were collected during the third trimester and measured for PBDEs by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.The basic information of mother-newborn pairs was collected from questionnaires,whereas the placental size and birth outcomes of newborns were obtained from hospital records.Results A total of 19 brominated diphenyle ether(BDE)congeners were detected in maternal serum samples.Higher concentrations of BDE-207,-208,-209,and∑19PBDEs were detected in FGR cases than in controls.Increased BDE-207,-208,-209,and∑19PBDEs levels in maternal serum were related to decreased placental length,breadth,surface area,birth weight,birth length,gestational age,and Quetelet index of newborns.After adjusting for confounders,BDE-207 and∑19PBDE concentrations in maternal serum were significantly associated with an increased risk of FGR.Conclusion A negative association was found between PBDE levels in maternal serum and placental size and birth outcomes.Prenatal PBDE exposure may be associated with elevated risk of the incidence of FGR birth.
基金This project was supported by a grant from ScienceFoundation of Health Ministry(No.96 .2 - 112 ) and HubeiProvincial Natural Science Foundation(No.96 J0 6 8)
文摘To investigate the feasibility of using free fetal DNA from maternal plasma as the source of fetal material in non invasive prenatal diagnosis, SRY gene of free DNA in maternal blood of 65 samples were analyzed by using primer extension preamplication (PEP) and probe microplate hybridization techniques. The results showed that the detection rate of SRY gene in maternal blood from women carrying male fetuses detected by probe microplate hybridization alone and probe microplate hybridization with PEP were 76.09 % (35/46) and 95.65 % (44/46) respectively, and there was a significant difference between them. The non detection rate of SRY gene in blood samples from women carrying female fetus was 100 % (19/19). It is indicated that probe microplate hybridization was an effective method in detecting trace fetal DNA from maternal plasma and the sensitivity could be substantially improved by combined use of the two techniques. Analysis of fetal DNA in maternal plasma can serve as an alternative for non invasive prenatal diagnosis.
文摘BACKGROUND Primiparas are usually at high risk of experiencing perinatal depression,which may cause prolonged labor,increased blood loss,and intensified pain,affecting maternal and fetal outcomes.Therefore,interventions are necessary to improve maternal and fetal outcomes and alleviate primiparas’negative emotions(NEs).AIM To discusses the impact of nursing responsibility in midwifery and postural and psychological interventions on maternal and fetal outcomes as well as primiparas’NEs.METHODS As participants,115 primiparas admitted to Quanzhou Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital between May 2020 and May 2022 were selected.Among them,56 primiparas(control group,Con)were subjected to conventional midwifery and routine nursing.The remaining 59(research group,Res)were subjected to the nursing model of midwifery and postural and psychological interventions.Both groups were comparatively analyzed from the perspectives of delivery mode(cesarean,natural,or forceps-assisted),maternal and fetal outcomes(uterine inertia,postpartum hemorrhage,placental abruption,neonatal pulmonary injury,and neonatal asphyxia),NEs(Hamilton Anxiety/Depressionrating Scale,HAMA/HAMD),labor duration,and nursing satisfaction.RESULTS The Res exhibited a markedly higher natural delivery rate and nursing satisfaction than the Con.Additionally,the Res indicated a lower incidence of adverse events(e.g.,uterine inertia,postpartum hemorrhage,placental abruption,neonatal lung injury,and neonatal asphyxia)and shortened duration of various stages of labor.It also showed statistically lower post-interventional HAMA and HAMD scores than the Con and pre-interventional values.CONCLUSION The nursing model of midwifery and postural and psychological interventions increase the natural delivery rate and reduce the duration of each labor stage.These are also conducive to improving maternal and fetal outcomes and mitigating primiparas’NEs and thus deserve popularity in clinical practice.
基金supported by the Manitoba Health Research Council(MHRC)the Canadian Institutes for Health Research(CIHR)
文摘Fetal cell microchimerism refers to the persistence of fetal cells in the maternal tissues following pregnancy. It has been detected in peripheral organs and the brain, but its existence in the spinal cord has not been reported. Our aim was to detect fetal cell microchimerism in the spinal cord of maternal mice. C57BL/6 female mice were crossed with GFP transgenic male mice and sacrificed after their first or third delivery. GFP-positive cells, which were presumably from fetuses whose fathers were GFP transgenic, were detected in the spinal cord by fluorescence microscopy and immunohistochemistry. PCR was also performed to detect GFP DNA, which must come from GFP hemizygous fetuses. We found GFP-positive cells and detectable GFP DNA in most of the maternal spinal cords. Twenty percent （1/5） of the mice that were only pregnant once had detectable fetal cells, while 80% （4/5） of those that were pregnant three times had detectable fetal cells. Some fetal cells, which not only emitted green fluorescence but also expressed NeuN, were detected in the spinal cords from maternal mice. These results indicate that fetal cells migrate into the spinal cord of a maternal mouse during and/or after the gestational period, and the fetal cells may differentiate into neurons in the spinal cord.
基金the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei province (No. 2005ABA149)
文摘In this study, the expression of IL-24 at maternal-fetal interface and the roles in extravillous trophoblast （the TEV-1 cell line） invasion were examined. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of IL-24 in villi and decidual tissue. The proliferation of TEV-1 cells under the effect of IL-24 was measured by MTT assay. The invasiveness of TEV-1 cells under the effect of recombinant IL-24 （rhIL-24） was examined by transwell system. Immunohistochemical detection showed that IL-24 was expressed in the villi and decidual tissue, and distributed in villous column, trophoblasts, stroma and blood vessels. The proliferation of TEV-1 cells was not inhibited by rhIL-24 of various concentrations. The examination of invasion in vitro showed that rhIL-24 could inhibit the invasion of TEV-1 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The results suggested IL-24 could inhibit the invasion of TEV-1 cells. Therefore, IL-24 produced by maternal-fetal interface in human first trimester pregnancy may influence the invasion of trophoblasts and is involved in normal pregnancy.
基金jointly supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.31760678,31730092)Youth Innovation Team Project of ISA,CAS(2017QNCXTD_ZCS)
文摘Background:Liver has important immune function during fetal development and after birth.However,the effect of maternal malnutrition on immune function of the fetal liver is rarely reported.In this study,twelve pregnant goats(Xiangdong black goat,at d 45 of gestation)were assigned to the control group(fed 100%of nutritional requirements)and the restriction group(fed 60%of the intake of the control group)during gestation from d 55 to100.Fetal goats were harvested at d 100 of gestation and immune indexes and amino acid profiles of the umbilical cord blood and liver Toll-like receptors(TLRs)signaling pathways were measured.Results:Maternal body weight in the restriction group was lower than the control group(P<0.05).Maternal feed intake restriction decreased(P<0.05)heart weight,heart index,alkaline phosphatase and serum amyloid protein A in the umbilical cord blood(UCB).Moreover,only histidine was decreased in the restricted group(P=0.084),and there were no differences in other amino acids contents in the UCB between the two groups(P>0.05).The TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA expression in the fetal liver in the restriction group was greater(P<0.05)than that in the control group.Furthermore,the mRNA expression levels of myeloid differentiation primary response 88(MyD88),TNF receptor associated factor 6,nuclear factor kappa B subunit 1,NFKB inhibitor alpha,IFN-β,TGF-β,TNF-αand IL-1βin the restricted group were upregulated(P<0.05),and the expression of TLR3(P=0.099)tended to be higher in the restricted group.However,protein levels of TLR2,TLR4,IκBα,phosphorylated IκBα,phosphorylated IκBα/total IκBα,TRIF and MyD88 were not affected(P>0.05)by maternal intake restriction.Conclusions:These results revealed that the restriction of maternal feed intake influenced the development of heart and hepatic protein synthesis at the acute phase of fetal goats and upregulated the mRNA expression of genes involved in MyD88-dependent signaling pathways and of target cytokines.
