Objective:To summarize the application value of copy number variant sequencing(CNV-seq)in the detection of fetal chromosome and cytomegalovirus load.Methods:The study analyzed the clinical basic data,relevant laborato...Objective:To summarize the application value of copy number variant sequencing(CNV-seq)in the detection of fetal chromosome and cytomegalovirus load.Methods:The study analyzed the clinical basic data,relevant laboratory tests,treatment process,and outcomes of three patients with positive cytomegalovirus load detected by CNV-seq for fetal chromosomes and cytomegalovirus load,and literature review was done simutaneoubly.Results:In all three cases,the amniotic fluid cytomegalovirus load was less than 105 Copies/ml,and there were no significant neurological abnormalities observed during pregnancy or postpartum follow-up.There is no literature review on the application of CNV-seq technology in the detection of cytomegalovirus infection,only literature reports on genome analysis of CMV-DNA in confirmed patients were available.Conclusion:CNV-seq can be used to detect cytomegalovirus load,which may have a certain degree of predictive value for fetal outcome.CNV-seq can simultaneously detect fetal chromosomes and pathogenic microorganisms,which is of great significance for the prevention and control of birth defects.展开更多
The present study aimed to examine the value of ultrasonic soft markers in prenatal screening by analyzing the clinical outcome of fetuses with ultrasonic soft markers during the second trimester of pregnancy. A retro...The present study aimed to examine the value of ultrasonic soft markers in prenatal screening by analyzing the clinical outcome of fetuses with ultrasonic soft markers during the second trimester of pregnancy. A retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the outcome of 591 fetuses with ultrasonic soft markers from January 2015 to August 2016 in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, China. It was found that 591 fetuses showed ultrasonic soft markers in 4927 cases with the occurrence rate being 12.0%. Among them, 564 fetuses(95.4%) were delivered and the remaining 27 cases(4.6%) were aborted. Five hundred and sixty-seven cases had single ultrasonic soft marker, including echogenic intracardiac focus(n=343), mild renal pelvis dilatation(n=116), short long bones(n=72), single umbilical artery(n=31), mild lateral ventriculomegaly(n=21), choroid plexus cysts(n=19), and echogenic bowel(n=13), with the disappearing rates in pregnancy being 97.1%(333/343), 77.6%(90/116), 0%(0/72), 0%(0/31), 57.1%(12/21), 89.5%(17/19) and 61.5%(8/13) respectively. The rate of pregnancy termination due to single ultrasonic soft marker was 3.4%(19/567), and that was 33.3%(8/24) due to two ultrasonic soft markers with the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05). The reasons of pregnancy termination included malformations(polycystic kidney, cleft lip and palate, congenital heart diseases, pcromphalus, hypospadias, hydrocephalus), chromosome abnormality, and stillbirth. It was concluded that single ultrasonic soft marker is usually transient manifestation in pregnancy. Without the other structural defects, single ultrasonic soft marker usually disappears spontaneously with favorable prognosis in a low-risk population. It is suggested that ultrasonic soft markers should be appropriately interpreted to avoid unnecessary invasive examination.展开更多
Forty-eight cases of malposition of fetus were treated by electro-acupuncture, using Zhiyin (UB 67) points. 39 cases were corrected with a rate of 81.3%, the average session of treatment being 1.41. Two control groups...Forty-eight cases of malposition of fetus were treated by electro-acupuncture, using Zhiyin (UB 67) points. 39 cases were corrected with a rate of 81.3%, the average session of treatment being 1.41. Two control groups were set up: moxibustion and blank control group. Statistical analysis shows that efficacy of electro-acupuncture is markedly superior to that of the blank. Sessions of electro-acupuncture were less than that of moxibustion and the difference was statistically significant, though there is no significant difference of efficacy between the two groups.展开更多
Objective:To test the hypothesis that concentration of amniotic fluid alpha-fetal protein(AFAFP) is increased in thalassemia fetus.Methods:A total of 135 cases of amniocentesis admitted from July 2013 to December 2014...Objective:To test the hypothesis that concentration of amniotic fluid alpha-fetal protein(AFAFP) is increased in thalassemia fetus.Methods:A total of 135 cases of amniocentesis admitted from July 2013 to December 2014 were included in this study.Among them 98 cases of normal fetuses were assigned into control group and 37 cases of thalassemia fetus were included as thalassemia fetus group.Alpha-fetoprotein levels detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and the alpha-fetoprotein concentration were compared between the two groups.There is no significant difference in gestrational age between the two groups.Results:1.AFP concentration in thalassemia fetus group was significantly higher than that of normal control group [(1541.65±734.78) μg/mL vs.(2728.84± 1539.97) μg/mL ],and amniotic fluid AFP concentration was related to fetal thalassemia.2.AFAFP concentration in pureα-thalassemia fetus was higher than that of β thalassemia fetus or mixed αand was not significant.Conclusions:Concentration of a β thalassemia fetus,but the difference mniotic fluid alpha-fetal protein is increased in thalassemia fetus.AFP concentration inα-thalassemia fetus was higher than that of β thalassemia or mixed αand lore β thalassemia fetus but difference was not significance.Further studies are needed to exp the possible correlation between Down syndrome and biochemical markers of Thalassemia.展开更多
Background: The degree of adipose tissue development at birth may influence neonatal survival and subsequent health outcomes. Despite their lower birth weights, piglets from Meishan sows(a fat breed with excellent mat...Background: The degree of adipose tissue development at birth may influence neonatal survival and subsequent health outcomes. Despite their lower birth weights, piglets from Meishan sows(a fat breed with excellent maternal ability) have a higher survival rate than piglets from Large White sows(a lean breed). To identify the main pathways involved in subcutaneous adipose tissue maturation during the last month of gestation, we compared the proteome and the expression levels of some genes at d 90 and d 110 of gestation in purebred and crossbred Large White or Meishan fetuses gestated by sows of either breed.Results: A total of 52 proteins in fetal subcutaneous adipose tissue were identified as differential y expressed over the course of gestation. Many proteins involved in energy metabolism were more abundant, whereas some proteins participating in cytoskeleton organization were reduced in abundance on d 110 compared with d 90. Irrespective of age,24 proteins differed in abundance between fetal genotypes, and an interaction effect between fetal age and genotype was observed for 13 proteins. The abundance levels of proteins known to be responsive to nutrient levels such as aldolase and fatty acid binding proteins, as wel as the expression levels of FASN, a key lipogenic enzyme, and MLXIPL, a pivotal transcriptional mediator of glucose-related stimulation of lipogenic genes, were elevated in the adipose tissue of pure and crossbred fetuses from Meishan sows. These data suggested that the adipose tissue of these fetuses had superior metabolic functionality, whatever their paternal genes. Conversely, proteins participating in redox homeostasis and apoptotic cel clearance had a lower abundance in Meishan than in Large White fetuses. Time-course differences in adipose tissue protein abundance were revealed between fetal genotypes for a few secreted proteins participating in responses to organic substances, such as alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein, transferrin and albumin.Conclusions: These results underline the importance of not only fetal age but also maternal intrauterine environment in the regulation of several proteins in subcutaneous adipose tissue. These proteins may be used to estimate the maturity grade of piglet neonates.展开更多
On 80 patients with abnormal fetal position, we observed the effects of moxibustioncombined with Chinese herbs on the position of fetus. The results suggest this therapy is practical andeffective.
BACKGROUND We describe the treatment strategy for a patient who was found to have a partial hydatidiform mole and coexisting fetus(PHMCF)during the second trimester.The patient was a 38-year-old Chinese woman who had ...BACKGROUND We describe the treatment strategy for a patient who was found to have a partial hydatidiform mole and coexisting fetus(PHMCF)during the second trimester.The patient was a 38-year-old Chinese woman who had become pregnant following in vitro fertilization and embryo transplantation.We wanted to determine the safest therapeutic strategy to terminate the PHMCF during the second trimester.CASE SUMMARY In this case,we present a patient who was found to have a PHMCF complicated with serious continuous vaginal bleeding and pre-eclampsia during the second trimester.After careful evaluation,the pregnancy was considered to be unsustainable and was terminated via caesarean section(CS).An infant with weak vital signs and a partially cystic placenta measuring 110 mm×95 mm×35 mm were delivered by CS.The patient was discharged after 4 d.The serum levels ofβ-human chorionic gonadotropin decreased to within a normal range 5 wk after the operation,and no evidence of persistent trophoblastic disease or lung metastases was noticed at the 6-mo follow-up.CONCLUSION CS termination of PHMCF during the second trimester may be a relatively safe therapeutic strategy.展开更多
BACKGROUND Heart defects are the most common congenital malformations in fetuses.Fetal cardiac structure and function abnormalities lead to changes in ventricular volume.As ventricular volume is an important index for...BACKGROUND Heart defects are the most common congenital malformations in fetuses.Fetal cardiac structure and function abnormalities lead to changes in ventricular volume.As ventricular volume is an important index for evaluating fetal cardiovascular development,an effective and reliable method for measuring fetal ventricular volume and cardiac function is necessary for accurate ultrasonic diagnosis and effective clinical treatment.The new intelligent spatiotemporal image correlation(iSTIC)technology acquires high-resolution volumetric images.In this study,the iSTIC technique was used to measure right ventricular volume and to evaluate right ventricular systolic function to provide a more accurate and convenient evaluation of fetal heart function.AIM To investigate the value of iSTIC in evaluating right ventricular volume and systolic function in normal fetuses.METHODS Between October 2014 and September 2015,a total of 123 pregnant women received prenatal ultrasound examinations in our hospital.iSTIC technology was used to acquire the entire fetal cardiac volume with off-line analysis using QLAB software.Cardiac systolic and diastolic phases were defined by opening of the atrioventricular valve and the subsequent closure of the atrioventricular valve.The volumetric data of the two phases were measured by manual tracking and summation of multiple slices and recording of the right ventricular end-systolic volume and the right ventricular end-diastolic volume.The data were used to calculate the right stroke volume,the right cardiac output,and the right ejection fraction.The correlations of changes between the above-mentioned indices and gestational age were analyzed.The right ventricular volumes of 30 randomly selected cases were measured twice by the same sonographer,and the intraobserver agreement measurements were calculated.RESULTS Among the 123 normal fetuses,the mean right ventricular end-diastolic volume increased from 0.99±0.34 mL at 22 wk gestation to 3.69±0.36 mL at 35+6 wk gestation.The mean right ventricular end-systolic volume increased from 0.43±0.18 mL at 22 wk gestation to 1.36±0.22 mL at 35+6 wk gestation.The mean right stroke volume increased from 0.62±0.29 mL at 22 wk gestation to 2.33±0.18 mL at 35+6 wk gestation.The mean right cardiac output increased from 92.23±40.67 mL/min at 22 wk gestation to 335.83±32.75 mL/min at 35+6 wk gestation.Right ventricular end-diastolic volume,right ventricular end-systolic volume,right stroke volume,and right cardiac output all increased with gestational age and the correlations were linear(P<0.01).Right ejection fraction had no apparent correlation with gestational age(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Fetal right ventricular volume can be quantitatively measured using iSTIC technology with relative ease and high repeatability.iSTIC technology is expected to provide a new method for clinical evaluation of fetal cardiac function.展开更多
The micronucleus rate of PCE in bone marrow for 800mg/kg,50mg/kg TNT.positive and negative controlgroups were 4.8‰,2.4‰,4.4‰ and 1.3‰,respectively,The difference between higher dose group and negativecontrol group...The micronucleus rate of PCE in bone marrow for 800mg/kg,50mg/kg TNT.positive and negative controlgroups were 4.8‰,2.4‰,4.4‰ and 1.3‰,respectively,The difference between higher dose group and negativecontrol group had statistical significance(p【0.01).Themicronucleus rates of PCE in fetus liver were,展开更多
Forensic research requires the application of reliable identification methods for unidentified individuals, among which the dental analysis has prime importance. The most significant source of dental evidence is oral ...Forensic research requires the application of reliable identification methods for unidentified individuals, among which the dental analysis has prime importance. The most significant source of dental evidence is oral autopsy applications, which consist of an examination and evidence collection from the oral cavity of a deceased individual. Oral autopsies show variations depending on the age of the person due to rigor mortis. The oral autopsy of a child may require an easier operation than adults, and thus, the procedures are usually simpler for fetus or infant cases. The aim of this study is to propose the theoretical and experimental aspects of an oral autopsy protocol for a special age group of fetus or infant cases, which is a method for extracting tooth germs in their developmental stages for identification purposes and entitled by the authors’ names as the “Aka-Canturk Oral Autopsy Method”.展开更多
The developing sphenoid bone is considered to be a median cartilage mass(basilar sphenoid bone)with three cartilaginous processes(orbital wing or orbital pterygoid process,temporal wing and nasal pterygoid process).Th...The developing sphenoid bone is considered to be a median cartilage mass(basilar sphenoid bone)with three cartilaginous processes(orbital wing or orbital pterygoid process,temporal wing and nasal pterygoid process).The relationship between this initial morphology and adult morphology is difficult to determine because of extensive membranous ossification along the cartilaginous elements.We examined the sagittal sections of 25 embryos and fetuses aged 6-34 weeks,and compared them with the horizontal and frontal sections of the other 25 late fetuses(217-340 mm).At 7-8 weeks,the optic nerve was sandwiched between bars of the orbitosphenoid.The superior rectus originates from a bar different from the other three recti.展开更多
Fetus in fetu is an extremely rare condition embryologically arising in monozygotic diamniotic twins with an incidence of 1:500,000 births. To the best of our knowledge, number of reported cases should not be more tha...Fetus in fetu is an extremely rare condition embryologically arising in monozygotic diamniotic twins with an incidence of 1:500,000 births. To the best of our knowledge, number of reported cases should not be more than 100 with majority of cases presenting in post natal life with only 5 cases detected prenatally. We are presenting a case diagnosed at 24 weeks of gestation on ultrasound with presence of well formed skull, facial skeleton and bony orbit.展开更多
Purpose: Surfactant proteins exist in the digestive tract and may play an important role in the host defense. However, the expression of surfactant proteins in the premature digestive system remains unclear. The aim o...Purpose: Surfactant proteins exist in the digestive tract and may play an important role in the host defense. However, the expression of surfactant proteins in the premature digestive system remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of surfactant proteins in the intes-tines and pancreas of murine fetuses. Methods: Immunostaining for SP-A and SP-D was assessed in the small intestine and pancreas of ICR murine fetuses on days 15, 16, 17 and 18 of gestation (normal duration of pregnancy: 19 - 21 days). RT-PCR was performed to detect the expression of spa and spd mRNA in the small intestine and pancreas on day 16, 17 and 18 of gestation. Results: Immunoreactivity for SP-A and SP-D in the acinar cells of pancreas and intestinal mucosal surface were positive on day 16 of gestation onward. RT-PCR revealed that the expression of spa and spd mRNA was significant in the pancreas but weak in the small intestine. Conclusions: Our data revealed that surfactant proteins are present in the fetal intestines and pancreas and that a significant expression of spa and spd mRNA is detected in the fetal pancreas. Pancreas may be a possible organ involved in the synthesis and secretion of surfactant proteins into the intestinal lumen.展开更多
The basic rhythms of nature that left their imprint on the existence of all living organism on the Earth, arose under the influence of the Earth’s rotation relative to the Sun, the Moon and other planets and stars of...The basic rhythms of nature that left their imprint on the existence of all living organism on the Earth, arose under the influence of the Earth’s rotation relative to the Sun, the Moon and other planets and stars of the Universe. This periodicity gave rise to the rhythm that has become essential for their life. Life is a continual chemical process of building up and breaking down of organic substances, which results from the substance exchange between an organism and the environment. This makes it impossible for a living organism to exist without the external environment. Since 1978-1979 we have been carrying out a task-oriented research with the aim to approximate the moment when we are able to answer all these questions. Daily fluctuations of cardiac and motor activity of the fetus have been studied (uninterrupted daily recording of fetal ECG);polysomnography of nocturnal sleep was recorded;daily fluctuations of endocrine system activity in the pregnant were studied. A correlation was made between the functional state of maternal sleep-wakefulness biological rhythm, biological clock of the human fetus and the “light-darkness” cycle of a 24-hour solar day. In the process of the study we have developed an original method of day-to-day analysis of maternal and fetal ECGs. It has been established that a healthy fetus has distinct, diurnal variations of physiological functions. The fetal biorhythms coordinate with the status of the maternal organism being, however, in an opposite phase. The curve of the dynamics of fetal physiological system functioning shows a biphasic nature (one-phase in adults). “Active” and “quiet” (sleep-like) periods have been singled out in the human fetus. No reaction is observed in “quiet” periods. However, the “zero”-type fetal reaction recorded by us within the period from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. does not indicate unsatisfactory condition of the fetus but rather is suggestive of a definite reduction of functional levels of the fetal physiological systems, which is necessary for vital activity. Although conventionally recognized as an indicator of poor state of the fetus, this type only calls for precise attention when recorded in fetal “active” hours. The present study has been the first in the world’s medicine and biorhythmology to detect and establish the daily rhythms of cardiac and motor activity in the human fetus.展开更多
Objective:In order to reveal the relationship between cord blood leptin,adiponectin and insulin-like growth factor-I(IGF-I)and the fetus growth and development,and discuss the interaction and clinical significance on ...Objective:In order to reveal the relationship between cord blood leptin,adiponectin and insulin-like growth factor-I(IGF-I)and the fetus growth and development,and discuss the interaction and clinical significance on fetus growth and development.Methods:The levels of cord blood leptin,adiponectin,IGF-I in 86 newborns were examined by radio immunoassay,according to gestation age and birth weight percentile relation,the objects were divided into the SGA group(n=16),the AGA group(n=41),the LGA group(n=29),meanwhile,neonatal birth weight,body length,head circumference,foot length,and placental weight were measured,and body mass index(BMI)was computed.Dependability analysis was taken.Results:The levels of cord blood leptin,adiponectin and IGF-I were as follows:LGA group>AGA group>SGA group.The level of cord blood adiponectin was positively correlated with birth weight,placental weight and BMI(p<.05).Cord blood leptin and IGF-I concentrations were positively correlated with their birth weight,body length,head circumference,foot length,placental weight and BMI,respectively(p<.01),cord blood leptin was positively correlated with adiponectin and IGF-I(p<.01).The levels of cord blood leptin and adiponectin had no statistical significance with neonatal sexuality and deliver style(p>.05);the levels of cord blood IGF-I had no statistical significance with neonatal sexuality(p>.05),but had statistical significance with deliver style(p<.05).Conclusions:Cord blood leptin,adiponectin and IGF-I played an important part in adjusting fetus growth and development as well as participating in the process of fetus growth and development,and could be regarded as one of the clinical indexes to evaluate fetus growth and development or state of nutrition.The abnormal level of cord blood leptin and IGF-I might be one of the reasons to cause intrauterine growth retardation and fetal macrosomia.展开更多
BACKGROUND Umbilical artery thrombosis(UAT)is extremely uncommon and leads to adverse perinatal outcomes.Hypercoagulation of blood in pregnant women is suspected to be an important risk for UAT.Ultrasound is an effect...BACKGROUND Umbilical artery thrombosis(UAT)is extremely uncommon and leads to adverse perinatal outcomes.Hypercoagulation of blood in pregnant women is suspected to be an important risk for UAT.Ultrasound is an effective way to detect thrombosis.The mother can monitor her own fetal health using ultrasound,which enables her to take preventative action in case of emergency.AIM To investigate ultrasonic blood signal after UAT in the umbilical artery,and evaluate the relationship between hypercoagulability and UAT.METHODS We described a case of a newly formed UAT with markedly altered ultrasonic indices of umbilical artery blood flow,and retrospectively studied it with 18 UAT patients confirmed by histopathology from October 2019 and March 2023 in Xiamen Women and Children's Hospital.Patients’information was collected from medical archives,including maternal clinical data,neonatal outcomes,pathological findings and ultrasonic indices of umbilical artery blood flow,such as systolic-diastolic duration ratio(S/D),resistance index(RI),pulsatility index(PI)and peak systolic velocity(PSV).Ultrasound and coagulation indices were analyzed with matched samples t-test and Wilcoxon rank sum test using the statistical packages in R(version 4.2.1)including car(version 3.1-0)and stats(version 4.2.1),and visualized by ggplot2 package(version 3.3.6).RESULTS A patient with normal findings in second and third-trimester routine ultrasound scan developed UAT with severe changes in ultrasonic indices of umbilical artery blood flow(within 2.5th of reference ranges)in a short period of time.Statistical analysis of umbilical artery blood flow ultrasound indices for 19 patients with UAT showed that the decrease in S/D,RI,and PI and increase of PSV during the disease process was greater than that of non-UAT.All 18 patients delivered in our hospital showed characteristic manifestations of UAT on histological examination after delivery,most of which(16/18)showed umbilical cord abnormalities,with 15 umbilical cord torsion and 1 pseudoknot.Coagulation parameters were not significantly changed in UAT patients compared with normal pregnancy women.CONCLUSION Significant changes in ultrasound indicators after UAT were demonstrated.PSV can play important roles in the diagnosis of UAT.Hypercoagulability alone is not sufficient for the occurrence of UAT.展开更多
Superior mesenteric ganglia of six fetuses (35-40 weeks old) were investigated by histochemical fluorescent method. In addition to solitary SIF cells and clusters of SIF cells reported previously, a new structure of S...Superior mesenteric ganglia of six fetuses (35-40 weeks old) were investigated by histochemical fluorescent method. In addition to solitary SIF cells and clusters of SIF cells reported previously, a new structure of SIF cells was found and named ' SIF-cell nodule'. The SIF-cell nodule was composed of a large number of SIF cells and was encapsulated by dense connective tissue. Some blood vessels and nerve fibers entered the nodule. Based on the morphology, we speculated that SIF-cell nodule might be an endocrine gland.展开更多
基金Hainan Natural Science Foundation(821RC699)Hainan Natural Science Foundation(822RC825)+1 种基金Hainan Provincial Health Industry Research Project(22A200242)Key R&D Plan of Hainan Province(ZDYF2020225)。
文摘Objective:To summarize the application value of copy number variant sequencing(CNV-seq)in the detection of fetal chromosome and cytomegalovirus load.Methods:The study analyzed the clinical basic data,relevant laboratory tests,treatment process,and outcomes of three patients with positive cytomegalovirus load detected by CNV-seq for fetal chromosomes and cytomegalovirus load,and literature review was done simutaneoubly.Results:In all three cases,the amniotic fluid cytomegalovirus load was less than 105 Copies/ml,and there were no significant neurological abnormalities observed during pregnancy or postpartum follow-up.There is no literature review on the application of CNV-seq technology in the detection of cytomegalovirus infection,only literature reports on genome analysis of CMV-DNA in confirmed patients were available.Conclusion:CNV-seq can be used to detect cytomegalovirus load,which may have a certain degree of predictive value for fetal outcome.CNV-seq can simultaneously detect fetal chromosomes and pathogenic microorganisms,which is of great significance for the prevention and control of birth defects.
基金supported by the Innovation Platform Project of Science and Technology of Hubei Province(No.WJ2017H0003)
文摘The present study aimed to examine the value of ultrasonic soft markers in prenatal screening by analyzing the clinical outcome of fetuses with ultrasonic soft markers during the second trimester of pregnancy. A retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the outcome of 591 fetuses with ultrasonic soft markers from January 2015 to August 2016 in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, China. It was found that 591 fetuses showed ultrasonic soft markers in 4927 cases with the occurrence rate being 12.0%. Among them, 564 fetuses(95.4%) were delivered and the remaining 27 cases(4.6%) were aborted. Five hundred and sixty-seven cases had single ultrasonic soft marker, including echogenic intracardiac focus(n=343), mild renal pelvis dilatation(n=116), short long bones(n=72), single umbilical artery(n=31), mild lateral ventriculomegaly(n=21), choroid plexus cysts(n=19), and echogenic bowel(n=13), with the disappearing rates in pregnancy being 97.1%(333/343), 77.6%(90/116), 0%(0/72), 0%(0/31), 57.1%(12/21), 89.5%(17/19) and 61.5%(8/13) respectively. The rate of pregnancy termination due to single ultrasonic soft marker was 3.4%(19/567), and that was 33.3%(8/24) due to two ultrasonic soft markers with the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05). The reasons of pregnancy termination included malformations(polycystic kidney, cleft lip and palate, congenital heart diseases, pcromphalus, hypospadias, hydrocephalus), chromosome abnormality, and stillbirth. It was concluded that single ultrasonic soft marker is usually transient manifestation in pregnancy. Without the other structural defects, single ultrasonic soft marker usually disappears spontaneously with favorable prognosis in a low-risk population. It is suggested that ultrasonic soft markers should be appropriately interpreted to avoid unnecessary invasive examination.
文摘Forty-eight cases of malposition of fetus were treated by electro-acupuncture, using Zhiyin (UB 67) points. 39 cases were corrected with a rate of 81.3%, the average session of treatment being 1.41. Two control groups were set up: moxibustion and blank control group. Statistical analysis shows that efficacy of electro-acupuncture is markedly superior to that of the blank. Sessions of electro-acupuncture were less than that of moxibustion and the difference was statistically significant, though there is no significant difference of efficacy between the two groups.
基金supported by the National Key Developing Project for Basic Research 2012CB966502Hainan Provencial Research Project(10086)+1 种基金Hainan Provencial Key Research Project(ZDXM 20130063)National University Student’s Independent Innovative Project(201411810048)
文摘Objective:To test the hypothesis that concentration of amniotic fluid alpha-fetal protein(AFAFP) is increased in thalassemia fetus.Methods:A total of 135 cases of amniocentesis admitted from July 2013 to December 2014 were included in this study.Among them 98 cases of normal fetuses were assigned into control group and 37 cases of thalassemia fetus were included as thalassemia fetus group.Alpha-fetoprotein levels detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and the alpha-fetoprotein concentration were compared between the two groups.There is no significant difference in gestrational age between the two groups.Results:1.AFP concentration in thalassemia fetus group was significantly higher than that of normal control group [(1541.65±734.78) μg/mL vs.(2728.84± 1539.97) μg/mL ],and amniotic fluid AFP concentration was related to fetal thalassemia.2.AFAFP concentration in pureα-thalassemia fetus was higher than that of β thalassemia fetus or mixed αand was not significant.Conclusions:Concentration of a β thalassemia fetus,but the difference mniotic fluid alpha-fetal protein is increased in thalassemia fetus.AFP concentration inα-thalassemia fetus was higher than that of β thalassemia or mixed αand lore β thalassemia fetus but difference was not significance.Further studies are needed to exp the possible correlation between Down syndrome and biochemical markers of Thalassemia.
基金financial support from the French National Agency for Research(PORCINET project,ANR-09-GENMOO5)supported by grants from Biogenouest,IBi SA and Conseil Regional de Bretagne(France)
文摘Background: The degree of adipose tissue development at birth may influence neonatal survival and subsequent health outcomes. Despite their lower birth weights, piglets from Meishan sows(a fat breed with excellent maternal ability) have a higher survival rate than piglets from Large White sows(a lean breed). To identify the main pathways involved in subcutaneous adipose tissue maturation during the last month of gestation, we compared the proteome and the expression levels of some genes at d 90 and d 110 of gestation in purebred and crossbred Large White or Meishan fetuses gestated by sows of either breed.Results: A total of 52 proteins in fetal subcutaneous adipose tissue were identified as differential y expressed over the course of gestation. Many proteins involved in energy metabolism were more abundant, whereas some proteins participating in cytoskeleton organization were reduced in abundance on d 110 compared with d 90. Irrespective of age,24 proteins differed in abundance between fetal genotypes, and an interaction effect between fetal age and genotype was observed for 13 proteins. The abundance levels of proteins known to be responsive to nutrient levels such as aldolase and fatty acid binding proteins, as wel as the expression levels of FASN, a key lipogenic enzyme, and MLXIPL, a pivotal transcriptional mediator of glucose-related stimulation of lipogenic genes, were elevated in the adipose tissue of pure and crossbred fetuses from Meishan sows. These data suggested that the adipose tissue of these fetuses had superior metabolic functionality, whatever their paternal genes. Conversely, proteins participating in redox homeostasis and apoptotic cel clearance had a lower abundance in Meishan than in Large White fetuses. Time-course differences in adipose tissue protein abundance were revealed between fetal genotypes for a few secreted proteins participating in responses to organic substances, such as alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein, transferrin and albumin.Conclusions: These results underline the importance of not only fetal age but also maternal intrauterine environment in the regulation of several proteins in subcutaneous adipose tissue. These proteins may be used to estimate the maturity grade of piglet neonates.
文摘On 80 patients with abnormal fetal position, we observed the effects of moxibustioncombined with Chinese herbs on the position of fetus. The results suggest this therapy is practical andeffective.
文摘BACKGROUND We describe the treatment strategy for a patient who was found to have a partial hydatidiform mole and coexisting fetus(PHMCF)during the second trimester.The patient was a 38-year-old Chinese woman who had become pregnant following in vitro fertilization and embryo transplantation.We wanted to determine the safest therapeutic strategy to terminate the PHMCF during the second trimester.CASE SUMMARY In this case,we present a patient who was found to have a PHMCF complicated with serious continuous vaginal bleeding and pre-eclampsia during the second trimester.After careful evaluation,the pregnancy was considered to be unsustainable and was terminated via caesarean section(CS).An infant with weak vital signs and a partially cystic placenta measuring 110 mm×95 mm×35 mm were delivered by CS.The patient was discharged after 4 d.The serum levels ofβ-human chorionic gonadotropin decreased to within a normal range 5 wk after the operation,and no evidence of persistent trophoblastic disease or lung metastases was noticed at the 6-mo follow-up.CONCLUSION CS termination of PHMCF during the second trimester may be a relatively safe therapeutic strategy.
文摘BACKGROUND Heart defects are the most common congenital malformations in fetuses.Fetal cardiac structure and function abnormalities lead to changes in ventricular volume.As ventricular volume is an important index for evaluating fetal cardiovascular development,an effective and reliable method for measuring fetal ventricular volume and cardiac function is necessary for accurate ultrasonic diagnosis and effective clinical treatment.The new intelligent spatiotemporal image correlation(iSTIC)technology acquires high-resolution volumetric images.In this study,the iSTIC technique was used to measure right ventricular volume and to evaluate right ventricular systolic function to provide a more accurate and convenient evaluation of fetal heart function.AIM To investigate the value of iSTIC in evaluating right ventricular volume and systolic function in normal fetuses.METHODS Between October 2014 and September 2015,a total of 123 pregnant women received prenatal ultrasound examinations in our hospital.iSTIC technology was used to acquire the entire fetal cardiac volume with off-line analysis using QLAB software.Cardiac systolic and diastolic phases were defined by opening of the atrioventricular valve and the subsequent closure of the atrioventricular valve.The volumetric data of the two phases were measured by manual tracking and summation of multiple slices and recording of the right ventricular end-systolic volume and the right ventricular end-diastolic volume.The data were used to calculate the right stroke volume,the right cardiac output,and the right ejection fraction.The correlations of changes between the above-mentioned indices and gestational age were analyzed.The right ventricular volumes of 30 randomly selected cases were measured twice by the same sonographer,and the intraobserver agreement measurements were calculated.RESULTS Among the 123 normal fetuses,the mean right ventricular end-diastolic volume increased from 0.99±0.34 mL at 22 wk gestation to 3.69±0.36 mL at 35+6 wk gestation.The mean right ventricular end-systolic volume increased from 0.43±0.18 mL at 22 wk gestation to 1.36±0.22 mL at 35+6 wk gestation.The mean right stroke volume increased from 0.62±0.29 mL at 22 wk gestation to 2.33±0.18 mL at 35+6 wk gestation.The mean right cardiac output increased from 92.23±40.67 mL/min at 22 wk gestation to 335.83±32.75 mL/min at 35+6 wk gestation.Right ventricular end-diastolic volume,right ventricular end-systolic volume,right stroke volume,and right cardiac output all increased with gestational age and the correlations were linear(P<0.01).Right ejection fraction had no apparent correlation with gestational age(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Fetal right ventricular volume can be quantitatively measured using iSTIC technology with relative ease and high repeatability.iSTIC technology is expected to provide a new method for clinical evaluation of fetal cardiac function.
文摘The micronucleus rate of PCE in bone marrow for 800mg/kg,50mg/kg TNT.positive and negative controlgroups were 4.8‰,2.4‰,4.4‰ and 1.3‰,respectively,The difference between higher dose group and negativecontrol group had statistical significance(p【0.01).Themicronucleus rates of PCE in fetus liver were,
文摘Forensic research requires the application of reliable identification methods for unidentified individuals, among which the dental analysis has prime importance. The most significant source of dental evidence is oral autopsy applications, which consist of an examination and evidence collection from the oral cavity of a deceased individual. Oral autopsies show variations depending on the age of the person due to rigor mortis. The oral autopsy of a child may require an easier operation than adults, and thus, the procedures are usually simpler for fetus or infant cases. The aim of this study is to propose the theoretical and experimental aspects of an oral autopsy protocol for a special age group of fetus or infant cases, which is a method for extracting tooth germs in their developmental stages for identification purposes and entitled by the authors’ names as the “Aka-Canturk Oral Autopsy Method”.
文摘The developing sphenoid bone is considered to be a median cartilage mass(basilar sphenoid bone)with three cartilaginous processes(orbital wing or orbital pterygoid process,temporal wing and nasal pterygoid process).The relationship between this initial morphology and adult morphology is difficult to determine because of extensive membranous ossification along the cartilaginous elements.We examined the sagittal sections of 25 embryos and fetuses aged 6-34 weeks,and compared them with the horizontal and frontal sections of the other 25 late fetuses(217-340 mm).At 7-8 weeks,the optic nerve was sandwiched between bars of the orbitosphenoid.The superior rectus originates from a bar different from the other three recti.
文摘Fetus in fetu is an extremely rare condition embryologically arising in monozygotic diamniotic twins with an incidence of 1:500,000 births. To the best of our knowledge, number of reported cases should not be more than 100 with majority of cases presenting in post natal life with only 5 cases detected prenatally. We are presenting a case diagnosed at 24 weeks of gestation on ultrasound with presence of well formed skull, facial skeleton and bony orbit.
文摘Purpose: Surfactant proteins exist in the digestive tract and may play an important role in the host defense. However, the expression of surfactant proteins in the premature digestive system remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of surfactant proteins in the intes-tines and pancreas of murine fetuses. Methods: Immunostaining for SP-A and SP-D was assessed in the small intestine and pancreas of ICR murine fetuses on days 15, 16, 17 and 18 of gestation (normal duration of pregnancy: 19 - 21 days). RT-PCR was performed to detect the expression of spa and spd mRNA in the small intestine and pancreas on day 16, 17 and 18 of gestation. Results: Immunoreactivity for SP-A and SP-D in the acinar cells of pancreas and intestinal mucosal surface were positive on day 16 of gestation onward. RT-PCR revealed that the expression of spa and spd mRNA was significant in the pancreas but weak in the small intestine. Conclusions: Our data revealed that surfactant proteins are present in the fetal intestines and pancreas and that a significant expression of spa and spd mRNA is detected in the fetal pancreas. Pancreas may be a possible organ involved in the synthesis and secretion of surfactant proteins into the intestinal lumen.
文摘The basic rhythms of nature that left their imprint on the existence of all living organism on the Earth, arose under the influence of the Earth’s rotation relative to the Sun, the Moon and other planets and stars of the Universe. This periodicity gave rise to the rhythm that has become essential for their life. Life is a continual chemical process of building up and breaking down of organic substances, which results from the substance exchange between an organism and the environment. This makes it impossible for a living organism to exist without the external environment. Since 1978-1979 we have been carrying out a task-oriented research with the aim to approximate the moment when we are able to answer all these questions. Daily fluctuations of cardiac and motor activity of the fetus have been studied (uninterrupted daily recording of fetal ECG);polysomnography of nocturnal sleep was recorded;daily fluctuations of endocrine system activity in the pregnant were studied. A correlation was made between the functional state of maternal sleep-wakefulness biological rhythm, biological clock of the human fetus and the “light-darkness” cycle of a 24-hour solar day. In the process of the study we have developed an original method of day-to-day analysis of maternal and fetal ECGs. It has been established that a healthy fetus has distinct, diurnal variations of physiological functions. The fetal biorhythms coordinate with the status of the maternal organism being, however, in an opposite phase. The curve of the dynamics of fetal physiological system functioning shows a biphasic nature (one-phase in adults). “Active” and “quiet” (sleep-like) periods have been singled out in the human fetus. No reaction is observed in “quiet” periods. However, the “zero”-type fetal reaction recorded by us within the period from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. does not indicate unsatisfactory condition of the fetus but rather is suggestive of a definite reduction of functional levels of the fetal physiological systems, which is necessary for vital activity. Although conventionally recognized as an indicator of poor state of the fetus, this type only calls for precise attention when recorded in fetal “active” hours. The present study has been the first in the world’s medicine and biorhythmology to detect and establish the daily rhythms of cardiac and motor activity in the human fetus.
文摘Objective:In order to reveal the relationship between cord blood leptin,adiponectin and insulin-like growth factor-I(IGF-I)and the fetus growth and development,and discuss the interaction and clinical significance on fetus growth and development.Methods:The levels of cord blood leptin,adiponectin,IGF-I in 86 newborns were examined by radio immunoassay,according to gestation age and birth weight percentile relation,the objects were divided into the SGA group(n=16),the AGA group(n=41),the LGA group(n=29),meanwhile,neonatal birth weight,body length,head circumference,foot length,and placental weight were measured,and body mass index(BMI)was computed.Dependability analysis was taken.Results:The levels of cord blood leptin,adiponectin and IGF-I were as follows:LGA group>AGA group>SGA group.The level of cord blood adiponectin was positively correlated with birth weight,placental weight and BMI(p<.05).Cord blood leptin and IGF-I concentrations were positively correlated with their birth weight,body length,head circumference,foot length,placental weight and BMI,respectively(p<.01),cord blood leptin was positively correlated with adiponectin and IGF-I(p<.01).The levels of cord blood leptin and adiponectin had no statistical significance with neonatal sexuality and deliver style(p>.05);the levels of cord blood IGF-I had no statistical significance with neonatal sexuality(p>.05),but had statistical significance with deliver style(p<.05).Conclusions:Cord blood leptin,adiponectin and IGF-I played an important part in adjusting fetus growth and development as well as participating in the process of fetus growth and development,and could be regarded as one of the clinical indexes to evaluate fetus growth and development or state of nutrition.The abnormal level of cord blood leptin and IGF-I might be one of the reasons to cause intrauterine growth retardation and fetal macrosomia.
基金Natural Science Foundation of Xiamen,No.3502Z202373120and National Key R&D Program of China,No.2022YFF0606301.
文摘BACKGROUND Umbilical artery thrombosis(UAT)is extremely uncommon and leads to adverse perinatal outcomes.Hypercoagulation of blood in pregnant women is suspected to be an important risk for UAT.Ultrasound is an effective way to detect thrombosis.The mother can monitor her own fetal health using ultrasound,which enables her to take preventative action in case of emergency.AIM To investigate ultrasonic blood signal after UAT in the umbilical artery,and evaluate the relationship between hypercoagulability and UAT.METHODS We described a case of a newly formed UAT with markedly altered ultrasonic indices of umbilical artery blood flow,and retrospectively studied it with 18 UAT patients confirmed by histopathology from October 2019 and March 2023 in Xiamen Women and Children's Hospital.Patients’information was collected from medical archives,including maternal clinical data,neonatal outcomes,pathological findings and ultrasonic indices of umbilical artery blood flow,such as systolic-diastolic duration ratio(S/D),resistance index(RI),pulsatility index(PI)and peak systolic velocity(PSV).Ultrasound and coagulation indices were analyzed with matched samples t-test and Wilcoxon rank sum test using the statistical packages in R(version 4.2.1)including car(version 3.1-0)and stats(version 4.2.1),and visualized by ggplot2 package(version 3.3.6).RESULTS A patient with normal findings in second and third-trimester routine ultrasound scan developed UAT with severe changes in ultrasonic indices of umbilical artery blood flow(within 2.5th of reference ranges)in a short period of time.Statistical analysis of umbilical artery blood flow ultrasound indices for 19 patients with UAT showed that the decrease in S/D,RI,and PI and increase of PSV during the disease process was greater than that of non-UAT.All 18 patients delivered in our hospital showed characteristic manifestations of UAT on histological examination after delivery,most of which(16/18)showed umbilical cord abnormalities,with 15 umbilical cord torsion and 1 pseudoknot.Coagulation parameters were not significantly changed in UAT patients compared with normal pregnancy women.CONCLUSION Significant changes in ultrasound indicators after UAT were demonstrated.PSV can play important roles in the diagnosis of UAT.Hypercoagulability alone is not sufficient for the occurrence of UAT.
文摘Superior mesenteric ganglia of six fetuses (35-40 weeks old) were investigated by histochemical fluorescent method. In addition to solitary SIF cells and clusters of SIF cells reported previously, a new structure of SIF cells was found and named ' SIF-cell nodule'. The SIF-cell nodule was composed of a large number of SIF cells and was encapsulated by dense connective tissue. Some blood vessels and nerve fibers entered the nodule. Based on the morphology, we speculated that SIF-cell nodule might be an endocrine gland.
