Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 121 in total

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  1. Yusoff NA, Abd Hamid Z, Budin SB, Taib IS
    Int J Mol Sci, 2023 Mar 28;24(7).
    PMID: 37047305 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076335
    Previous research reported that prolonged benzene exposure during in utero fetal development causes greater fetal abnormalities than in adult-stage exposure. This phenomenon increases the risk for disease development at the fetal stage, particularly carcinogenesis, which is mainly associated with hematological malignancies. Benzene has been reported to potentially act via multiple modes of action that target the hematopoietic stem cell (HSCs) niche, a complex microenvironment in which HSCs and multilineage hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) reside. Oxidative stress, chromosomal aberration and epigenetic modification are among the known mechanisms mediating benzene-induced genetic and epigenetic modification in fetal stem cells leading to in utero carcinogenesis. Hence, it is crucial to monitor exposure to carcinogenic benzene via environmental, occupational or lifestyle factors among pregnant women. Benzene is a well-known cause of adult leukemia. However, proof of benzene involvement with childhood leukemia remains scarce despite previously reported research linking incidences of hematological disorders and maternal benzene exposure. Furthermore, accumulating evidence has shown that maternal benzene exposure is able to alter the developmental and functional properties of HSPCs, leading to hematological disorders in fetus and children. Since HSPCs are parental blood cells that regulate hematopoiesis during the fetal and adult stages, benzene exposure that targets HSPCs may induce damage to the population and trigger the development of hematological diseases. Therefore, the mechanism of in utero carcinogenicity by benzene in targeting fetal HSPCs is the primary focus of this review.
    Matched MeSH terms: Fetus/pathology
  2. Kalinichenko LS, Smaga I, Filip M, Lenz B, Kornhuber J, Müller CP
    Behav Brain Res, 2023 Feb 15;439:114225.
    PMID: 36435218 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114225
    Prenatal stress is a critical life event often resulting in mental illnesses in the offspring. The critical developmental processes, which might trigger a cascade of molecular events resulting in mental disorders in adulthood, are still to be elucidated. Here we proposed that sex hormones, particularly testosterone, might determine the "developmental programming" of long-term consequences of prenatal stress in foetuses of both sexes. We observed that severe prenatal stress in the model of repeated corticosterone injections enhanced brain levels of corticosterone and testosterone in male foetuses. The expression of GluN1 and GluN2A, but not GluN2B NMDA receptor subunits were significantly reduced in the brain of stressed male foetuses. However, female foetuses were protected against stress effects on the brain corticosterone and testosterone levels. More moderate types of stress, such as repeated restraint stress and chronic unpredictable stress, did not induce an increase in brain corticosterone in dams and testosterone concentrations in foetuses of both sexes. Moreover, chronic unpredictable stress reduced brain testosterone concentration in male foetuses. Altogether, changes in brain testosterone level might be one of the crucial mechanisms determining the development of long-term consequences of severe prenatal stress in male, but not in female foetuses. Targeting this mechanism might allow to develop principally new prediction and therapeutic approaches for prenatal stress-associated psychiatric disorders.
    Matched MeSH terms: Fetus/metabolism
  3. Koh CP, Bahirvani AG, Wang CQ, Yokomizo T, Ng CEL, Du L, et al.
    Gene, 2023 Jan 30;851:147049.
    PMID: 36384171 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.147049
    A cis-regulatory genetic element which targets gene expression to stem cells, termed stem cell enhancer, serves as a molecular handle for stem cell-specific genetic engineering. Here we show the generation and characterization of a tamoxifen-inducible CreERT2 transgenic (Tg) mouse employing previously identified hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) enhancer for Runx1, eR1 (+24 m). Kinetic analysis of labeled cells after tamoxifen injection and transplantation assays revealed that eR1-driven CreERT2 activity marks dormant adult HSCs which slowly but steadily contribute to unperturbed hematopoiesis. Fetal and child HSCs that are uniformly or intermediately active were also efficiently targeted. Notably, a gene ablation at distinct developmental stages, enabled by this system, resulted in different phenotypes. Similarly, an oncogenic Kras induction at distinct ages caused different spectrums of malignant diseases. These results demonstrate that the eR1-CreERT2 Tg mouse serves as a powerful resource for the analyses of both normal and malignant HSCs at all developmental stages.
    Matched MeSH terms: Fetus
  4. Guo L, Liu X, Zhao C, Hu Z, Xu X, Cheng KK, et al.
    Anal Chem, 2022 Oct 25;94(42):14522-14529.
    PMID: 36223650 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c01456
    Spatial segmentation is a critical procedure in mass spectrometry imaging (MSI)-based biochemical analysis. However, the commonly used unsupervised MSI segmentation methods may lead to inappropriate segmentation results as the MSI data is characterized by high dimensionality and low signal-to-noise ratio. This process can be improved by the incorporation of precise prior knowledge, which is hard to obtain in most cases. In this study, we show that the incorporation of partial or coarse prior knowledge from different sources such as reference images or biological knowledge may also help to improve MSI segmentation results. Here, we propose a novel interactive segmentation strategy for MSI data called iSegMSI, which incorporates prior information in the form of scribble-regularization of the unsupervised model to fine-tune the segmentation results. By using two typical MSI data sets (including a whole-body mouse fetus and human thyroid cancer), the present results demonstrate the effectiveness of the iSegMSI strategy in improving the MSI segmentations. Specifically, the method can be used to subdivide a region into several subregions specified by the user-defined scribbles or to merge several subregions into a single region. Additionally, these fine-tuned results are highly tolerant to the imprecision of the scribbles. Our results suggest that the proposed iSegMSI method may be an effective preprocessing strategy to facilitate the analysis of MSI data.
    Matched MeSH terms: Fetus*
  5. Karanth L, Abas AB
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2021 Dec 09;12(12):CD011059.
    PMID: 34881425 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011059.pub4
    BACKGROUND: Bleeding disorders are uncommon but may pose significant bleeding complications during pregnancy, labour and following delivery for both the woman and the foetus. While many bleeding disorders in women tend to improve in pregnancy, thus decreasing the haemorrhagic risk to the mother at the time of delivery, some do not correct or return quite quickly to their pre-pregnancy levels in the postpartum period. Therefore, specific measures to prevent maternal bleeding and foetal complications during childbirth, are required. The safest method of delivery to reduce morbidity and mortality in these women is controversial. This is an update of a previously published review.

    OBJECTIVES: To assess the optimal mode of delivery in women with, or carriers of, bleeding disorders.

    SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Coagulopathies Trials Register, compiled from electronic database searches and handsearching of journals and conference abstract books. We also searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register as well as trials registries and the reference lists of relevant articles and reviews. Date of last search of the Group's Trials Registers: 21 June 2021.

    SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised controlled clinical trials investigating the optimal mode of delivery in women with, or carriers of, any type of bleeding disorder during pregnancy were eligible for the review.

    DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: No trials matching the selection criteria were eligible for inclusion.

    MAIN RESULTS: No trials matching the selection criteria were eligible for inclusion.

    AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The review did not identify any randomised controlled trials investigating the safest mode of delivery and associated maternal and foetal complications during delivery in women with, or carriers of, a bleeding disorder. In the absence of high quality evidence, clinicians need to use their clinical judgement and lower level evidence (e.g. from observational trials, case studies) to decide upon the optimal mode of delivery to ensure the safety of both mother and foetus. Given the ethical considerations, the rarity of the disorders and the low incidence of both maternal and foetal complications, future randomised controlled trials to find the optimal mode of delivery in this population are unlikely to be carried out. Other high quality controlled studies (such as risk allocation designs, sequential design, and parallel cohort design) are needed to investigate the risks and benefits of natural vaginal and caesarean section in this population or extrapolation from other clinical conditions that incur a haemorrhagic risk to the baby, such as platelet alloimmunisation.

    Matched MeSH terms: Fetus
  6. Mazlan M, Khairani-Bejo S, Hamzah H, Nasruddin NS, Salleh A, Zamri-Saad M
    Vet Q, 2021 Dec;41(1):36-49.
    PMID: 33349157 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2020.1867328
    BACKGROUND: Brucellosis of goats is caused by Brucella melitensis. It is a re-emerging zoonotic disease in many countries due to transmission from domestic animals and wildlife such as ibex, deer and wild buffaloes.

    OBJECTIVE: To describe the pathological changes, identification and distribution of B. melitensis in foetuses of experimentally infected does.

    METHODS: Twelve female goats of approximately 90 days pregnant were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 was exposed intra-conjunctival to 100 µL of sterile PBS while goats of Groups 2, 3 and 4 were similarly exposed to 100 µL of an inoculum containing 109 CFU/mL of live B. melitensis. Goats of these groups were killed at 15, 30 and 60 days post-inoculation, respectively. Foetal fluid and tissues were collected for bacterial identification (using direct bacterial culture, PCR and immuno-peroxidase staining) and histopathological examination.

    RESULTS: Bilateral intra-conjunctival exposure of pregnant does resulted in in-utero infection of the foetuses. All full-term foetuses of group 4 were either aborted or stillborn, showing petechiations of the skin or absence of hair coat with subcutaneous oedema. The internal organs showed most severe lesions. Immune-peroxidase staining revealed antigen distribution in all organs that became most extensive in group 4. Brucella melitensis was successfully isolated from the stomach content, foetal fluid and various other organs.

    CONCLUSION: Vertical transmission of caprine brucellosis was evident causing mild to moderate lesions in different organs. The samples of choice for isolation and identification of B. melitensis are stomach content as well as liver and spleen tissue.

    Matched MeSH terms: Fetus/microbiology*; Fetus/pathology
  7. Tan CY, Lin CN, Ooi PT
    Transbound Emerg Dis, 2021 Nov;68(6):2915-2935.
    PMID: 34110095 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14185
    Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3) was first discovered in 2016, almost concomitantly by two groups of researchers in the United States. The novel case was reported in a group of sows with chronic reproductive problems with clinical presentation alike porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS), where metagenomic sequencing revealed a genetically divergent porcine circovirus designated PCV3. The discovery of PCV3 in a PDNS case, which used to be considered as part of PCVAD attributed to PCV2 (porcine circovirus 2), has garnered attention and effort in further research of the novel virus. Just when an infectious molecular DNA clone of PCV3 has been developed and successfully used in an in vivo pathogenicity study, yet another novel PCV strain surfaced, designated PCV4 (porcine circovirus 4). So far, PCV3 has been reported in domestic swine population globally at low to moderate prevalence, from almost all sample types including organ tissues, faecal, semen and colostrum samples. PCV3 has been associated with a myriad of clinical presentations, from PDNS to porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC). This review paper summarizes the studies on PCV3 to date, with focus on diagnosis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Fetus
  8. Yang CY, Hoong MF, Li CS, Li WF, You SH, Lee YC, et al.
    Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol, 2021 May;60(3):517-522.
    PMID: 33966739 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2021.03.023
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and the incidence of fetuses with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and Hemodynamically significant PDA (Hs-PDA) in dichorionic twins (DC) with selective IUGR.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an observational cohort study and retrospective case assessment, involved twins born at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan between 2013 and 2018. DC twins with selective IUGR (sIUGR) were defined as the presence of a birth weight discordance of >25% and a smaller twin with a birth weight below the tenth percentile. PDA was diagnosed using echocardiography between postnatal day 3 and 7. Hs-PDA was defined as PDA plus increased pulmonary circulation, poor systemic perfusion, cardiomegaly, pulmonary edema, or hypotension requiring pharmacotherapeutic intervention.

    RESULT: A total of 1187 twins were delivered during the study period, and 53 DC twins with selective IUGR were included in this study. DC twins with PDA have higher rate of preterm birth, lower gestational age of delivery, and lower mean birth weight of both twins compared with DC twins without PDA. In a comparison of the sIUGR twin with the appropriate for gestational age co-twin, both the incidences of PDA (28.30% vs. 7.55%, respectively; P = 0.003) and Hs-PDA (24.53% vs. 5.66%, respectively; P = 0.002) were higher in sIUGR fetuses than in the appropriate for gestational age co-twins. Small gestational age of delivery was the only variable to predict PDA and Hs-PDA [p = 0.002, Odds ratio = 0.57 (0.39-0.82), p = 0.009, Odds ratio = 0.71 (0.55-0.92), respectively].

    CONCLUSION: An analysis of dichorionic twins with sIUGR indicated that IUGR increased the risk of PDA and hemodynamically significant PDA.

    Matched MeSH terms: Fetus
  9. Mohd Kasim NA, Al-Khateeb A, Chua YA, Sanusi AR, Mohd Nawawi H
    Malays J Pathol, 2021 Apr;43(1):87-93.
    PMID: 33903311
    Homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HoFH) is a rare genetic disorder of lipoprotein metabolism mainly due to mutation of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-receptor gene (LDLR). It is a life-threatening disease that causes accelerated, multi-vessel atherosclerosis presented in early childhood. Pregnancy in HoFH may pose early coronary morbidity and mortality to both the foetus and mother. The combination of HoFH and pregnancy can be a fatal condition. While statins are very effective in lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, they are generally contraindicated during pregnancy, thus their use during pregnancy is uncommon. On the other hand, lipid apheresis (LA) has turned into an effective treatment to control cholesterol level amid pregnancy. However, the procedure is not widely available in our region. To date, there are scarcely documented case reports of HoFH in pregnancy in which the majority of them underwent LA to keep LDL-C at a low level. We report a rare case of successful pregnancy outcome of HoFH patient treated with lipid-lowering drugs including statin without LA therapy. Apart from that, we also discussed the genetic findings of the proband and all screened family members in which to the best of our knowledge, the first study using the whole-exome sequencing technique to identify the causative gene mutations for familial hypercholesterolaemia among the Malaysian population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Fetus
  10. Senik MH, Abu IF, Fadhullah W
    Malays J Med Sci, 2021 Feb;28(1):15-26.
    PMID: 33679216 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2021.28.1.3
    Background: Kainic acid (KA)-induced seizures may be a valuable tool in the assessment of anti-epileptic drug efficacy in complex partial seizures. This study investigated the effects of KA on ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels opening probability (NPo), which plays a crucial role in neuronal activities.

    Methods: For the optimisation and validation protocol, β-cells were plated onto 35 mm plastic petri dishes and maintained in RPMI-1640 media supplemented with 10 mM glucose, 10% FCS and 25 mM of N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N-ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES). The treatment effects of 10 mM glucose and 30 μM fluoxetine on KATP channels NPo of β-cells were assessed via cell-attached patch-clamp recordings. For hippocampus cell experiments, hippocampi were harvested from day 17 of maternal Lister-hooded rat foetus, and then transferred to a Ca2+ and Mg2+-free HEPES-buffered Hank's salt solution (HHSS). The dissociated cells were cultured and plated onto a 25 mm round cover glasses coated with poly-d-lysine (0.1 mg/mL) in a petri dish. The KATP channels NPo of hippocampus cells when perfused with 1 mM and 10 mM of KA were determined.

    Results: NPo of β-cells showed significant decreasing patterns (P < 0.001) when treated with 10 mM glucose 0.048 (0.027) as well as 30 μM fluoxetine 0.190 (0.141) as compared to basal counterpart. In hippocampus cell experiment, a significant increase (P < 0.001) in mean NPo 2.148 (0.175) of neurons when applied with 1 mM of KA as compared to basal was observed.

    Conclusion: The two concentrations of KA used in the study exerted contrasting effects toward the mean of NPo. It is hypothesised that KA at lower concentration (1 mM) opens more KATP channels, leading to hyperpolarisation of the neurons, which may prevent neuronal hyper excitability. No effect was shown in 10 mM KA treatment, suggesting that only lower than 10 mM KA produced significant changes in KATP channels. This implies further validation of KA concentration to be used in the future.

    Matched MeSH terms: Fetus
  11. Tee YN, Kumar PV, Maki MAA, Elumalai M, Rahman SAKMEH, Cheah SC
    Curr Pharm Biotechnol, 2021;22(7):969-982.
    PMID: 33342408 DOI: 10.2174/1389201021666201218124450
    BACKGROUND: Recombinant Keratinocyte Growth Factor (rHuKGF) is a therapeutic protein used widely in oral mucositis after chemotherapy in various cancers, stimulating lung morphogenesis and gastrointestinal tract cell proliferation. In this research study, chitosan-rHuKGF polymeric complex was implemented to improve the stability of rHuKGF and used as rejuvenation therapy for the treatment of oral mucositis in cancer patients.

    OBJECTIVE: Complexation of rHuKGF with mucoadhesive low molecular weight chitosan to protect rHuKGF from proteolysis and investigate the effect of chitosan-rHuKGF complex on the proliferation rate of FHs 74 Int cells.

    METHODS: The interaction between chitosan and rHuKGF was studied by molecular docking. Malvern ZetaSizer Nano Zs and Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tests were carried out to characterize the chitosan-rHuKGF complex. In addition, SDS-PAGE was performed to investigate the interaction between chitosan-rHuKGF complex and pepsin. The effect of chitosan-rHuKGF complex on the proliferation rate of FHs 74 Int cells was studied by MTT assay.

    RESULTS: Chitosan-rHuKGF complex was formed through the hydrogen bonding proven by the docking studies. A stable chitosan-rHuKGF complex was formed at pH 4.5 and was protected from proteolysis and assessed by SDS PAGE. According to the MTT assay results, chitosan-rHuKGF complex increased the cell proliferation rate of FHs 74 Int cells.

    CONCLUSION: The developed complex improved the stability and the biological function of rHuKGF.

    Matched MeSH terms: Fetus
  12. Anwar F, Saleem U, Rehman AU, Ahmad B, Froeyen M, Mirza MU, et al.
    Front Pharmacol, 2021;12:607026.
    PMID: 34040515 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.607026
    The presented study was designed to probe the toxicity potential of newly identified compound naphthalen-2-yl 3,5-dinitrobenzoate (SF1). Acute, subacute toxicity and teratogenicity studies were performed as per Organization of economic cooperation and development (OECD) 425, 407, and 414 test guidelines, respectively. An oral dose of 2000 mg/kg to rats for acute toxicity. Furthermore, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg doses were administered once daily for 28 days in subacute toxicity study. Teratogenicity study was performed with 40 mg/kg due to its excellent anti-Alzheimer results at this dose. SF1 induced a significant rise in Alkaline Phosphatases (ALP), bilirubin, white blood cells (WBC), and lymphocyte levels with a decrease in platelet count. Furthermore, the reduction in urea, uric acid, and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels and an increase in total protein levels were measured in subacute toxicity. SF1 increased spermatogenesis at 5 and 10 mg/kg doses. Teratogenicity study depicted no resorptions, early abortions, cleft palate, spina bifida and any skeletal abnormalities in the fetuses. Oxidative stress markers (Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) were increased in all the experiments, whereas the effect on melanoaldehyde Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels was variable. Histopathology further corroborated these results with no change in the architectures of selected organs. Consequently, a 2000 mg/kg dose of SF1 tends to induce minor liver dysfunction along with immunomodulation, and it is well below its LD
    50
    . Moreover, it can be safely used in pregnancy owing to its no detectable teratogenicity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Fetus
  13. Mohd Fuad SK, Adznan N, Hayati AR, Virasamy V, Rahim NS
    Malays J Pathol, 2020 Dec;42(3):439-444.
    PMID: 33361726
    INTRODUCTION: Chronic histiocytic intervillositis (CHI) is a rare placental lesion strongly associated with recurrent miscarriages and fetal losses. It requires histopathological diagnosis and can only be made after delivery of the products of conception (POC). We describe a case of CHI in a 41-yearold lady with a 16-year history of thirteen recurrent consecutive first trimester miscarriages.

    CASE REPORT: The patient is a 41-year-old lady who suffered first trimester miscarriages in all her thirteen pregnancies. The relevant clinical investigations revealed neither significant nor helpful findings in determining the cause of recurrent miscarriages. Histological findings in each except one of the submitted conceptual tissue showed similar features of histiocytic aggregates primarily within the intervillous spaces, a characteristic description of CHI. One of the samples showed degenerative changes.

    DISCUSSION: Practicing pathologists are not familiar with the histological features of CHI and this may be a potential pitfall in routine examination of POCs. Recognising this entity allows for accurate diagnosis and hence better management. The aetiology remains unclear, although an immunopathological basis are being explored.

    Matched MeSH terms: Aborted Fetus/pathology*
  14. Iberahim S, Aizuddin MJ, Kadir NA, Rameli N, Adzahar S, Noor NHM, et al.
    Oman Med J, 2020 Nov;35(6):e206.
    PMID: 33335745 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2020.135
    The majority of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) reported in the literature is due to ABO and rhesus incompatibility. However, there are also other minor blood groups that have been identified as a cause of HDFN, although the occurrence is much rarer. The antibody screening program for D negative mother and the anti-D immunoglobulin treatment showed a significant reduction of the occurrence of HDFN secondary to anti-D. In a developed country, the screening for red blood cell antibody in the pregnant mother other than anti-D reduced the possibility of HDFN occurrence hence reduced the fetal morbidity and subsequently increased the fetal well being during pregnancy and after the postnatal period. In this case report, we discuss HDFN in a primigravida patient secondary to multiple alloantibodies (anti-Jka and anti-E). The baby developed jaundice with bilirubin levels approaching the exchange transfusion level. However, with extensive phototherapy and immunoglobulin treatment, the child did not require exchange transfusion. We also included the importance of the routine antenatal antibody screening program. This practice will help the transfusion center to find the antigen negative blood in a timely manner and reduce the morbidities and mortalities of HDFN among the newborns.
    Matched MeSH terms: Fetus
  15. Tan LP, Megat Abd Rani PA, Sharma RSK, Syed Hussain SS, Watanabe M
    Trop Biomed, 2020 Sep 01;37(3):756-762.
    PMID: 33612788 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.3.756
    Tritrichomonas foetus is known to cause chronic diarrhea in the feline species in many different regions of the world. However, there is a paucity of information on T. foetus among cats in Malaysia. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Tritrichomonas foetus in the pet and stray cat population in Klang Valley, Malaysia. A total of 201 pet and stray cats' fecal samples were collected in Klang Valley. 24 samples were cultured in the InPouch® TF Feline to observe for motile trophozoites. A nested PCR protocol was used to screen for T. foetus in the collected samples. The prevalence of T. foetus in the cat population in Klang Valley was 33%. There was no association between Tritrichomonas infection and age, sex, breed or management of the cats. However, statistical analysis revealed that stray cats were more likely to be infected with T. foetus compared to pet cats. This study confirmed for the first time the presence of T. foetus among the cat population in Klang Valley, Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Fetus
  16. Bibbo D, Klinkovsky T, Penhaker M, Kudrna P, Peter L, Augustynek M, et al.
    Sensors (Basel), 2020 Jul 25;20(15).
    PMID: 32722397 DOI: 10.3390/s20154139
    In this paper, a new approach for the periodical testing and the functionality evaluation of a fetal heart rate monitor device based on ultrasound principle is proposed. The design and realization of the device are presented, together with the description of its features and functioning tests. In the designed device, a relay element, driven by an electric signal that allows switching at two specific frequencies, is used to simulate the fetus and the mother's heartbeat. The simulator was designed to be compliant with the standard requirements for accurate assessment and measurement of medical devices. The accuracy of the simulated signals was evaluated, and it resulted to be stable and reliable. The generated frequencies show an error of about 0.5% with respect to the nominal one while the accuracy of the test equipment was within ±3% of the test signal set frequency. This value complies with the technical standard for the accuracy of fetal heart rate monitor devices. Moreover, the performed tests and measurements show the correct functionality of the developed simulator. The proposed equipment and testing respect the technical requirements for medical devices. The features of the proposed device make it simple and quick in testing a fetal heart rate monitor, thus providing an efficient way to evaluate and test the correlation capabilities of commercial apparatuses.
    Matched MeSH terms: Fetus*
  17. Hii LY, Sung CA, Shaw SW
    Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol, 2020 04;32(2):147-151.
    PMID: 32004173 DOI: 10.1097/GCO.0000000000000614
    PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the advance of maternal--fetal surgery, the research of stem cell transplantation and tissue engineering in prenatal management of fetal meningomyelocele (fMMC).

    RECENT FINDINGS: Advance in the imaging study provides more accurate assessment of fMMC in utero. Prenatal maternal--fetal surgery in fMMC demonstrates favourable postnatal outcome. Minimally invasive fetal surgery minimizes uterine wall disruption. Endoscopic fetal surgery is performed via laparotomy-assisted or entirely percutaneous approach. The postnatal outcome for open and endoscopic fetal surgery shares no difference. Single layer closure during repair of fMMC is preferred to reduce postnatal surgical intervention. All maternal--fetal surgeries impose anesthetic and obstetric risk to pregnant woman. Ruptured of membrane and preterm delivery are common complications. Trans-amniotic stem cell therapy (TRASCET) showed potential tissue regeneration in animal models. Fetal tissue engineering with growth factors and dura substitutes with biosynthetic materials promote spinal cord regeneration. This will overcome the challenge of closure in large fMMC. Planning of the maternal--fetal surgery should adhere to ethical framework to minimize morbidity to both fetus and mother.

    SUMMARY: Combination of endoscopic fetal surgery with TRASCET or tissue engineering will be a new vision to achieve to improve the outcome of prenatal intervention in fMMC.

    Matched MeSH terms: Fetus
  18. Khan AH, Noordin R
    Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 2020 Jan;39(1):19-30.
    PMID: 31428897 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-019-03680-2
    Infection by Toxoplasma gondii is prevalent worldwide. The parasite can infect a broad spectrum of vertebrate hosts, but infection of fetuses and immunocompromised patients is of particular concern. Easy-to-perform, robust, and highly sensitive and specific methods to detect Toxoplasma infection are important for the treatment and management of patients. Rapid diagnostic methods that do not sacrifice the accuracy of the assay and give reproducible results in a short time are highly desirable. In this context, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), especially with point-of-care (POC) features, are promising diagnostic methods in clinical microbiology laboratories, especially in areas with minimal laboratory facilities. More advanced methods using microfluidics and sensor technology will be the future trend. In this review, we discuss serological and molecular-based rapid diagnostic tests for detecting Toxoplasma infection in humans as well as animals.
    Matched MeSH terms: Fetus
  19. Umi Nadrah Amran, Farah Wahida Ahmad Zaiki
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Doppler mode ultrasound is widely used in prenatal scanning and known to produce a higher acoustic
    output which later leads to higher heat energy conversion compared to other ultrasound modes. It has been reported
    that the use of Doppler imaging might increase the temperature of tissues, thus, when Doppler is used in combination with 2D ultrasound, the risks of bioeffects tend to increase more. It is also known that prolonged exposure to
    ultrasound during pregnancy can cause irreversible biological destructions to the fetus. Despite the benefits of using
    Doppler ultrasound, its potential adverse effects have received scant attention in the research literature. Therefore,
    this study aimed to examine a correlation between gestational stages (GS) and newborn rabbit’s body weight at different prenatal Doppler ultrasound exposure durations. Methods: Twelve pregnant New Zealand white rabbits (NZWR)
    were exposed once using three different Doppler ultrasound exposure durations (30, 60, 90 minutes exposure) at
    three different GSs (1st, 2nd, and 3rd GS). After delivery, the mean weights of the 62 newborns were statistically analysed. Results: Strong negative and positive correlation between newborn’s body weight at different GSs and Doppler
    ultrasound exposure durations with a significant result found in 60 minutes exposure (p =
    Matched MeSH terms: Fetus
  20. Khaleel, Aliyu Garba, Nasir, Mudassir, Salisu, Nasiru, Abdullahi, Auwalu Yusuf, Saidu, Sulaiman Shehu, Saleh, Ahmadu, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Nigeria is naturally blessed with wide diversity of native animal genetic resources. Indigenous ruminant livestock such as cattle, camel, donkey, sheep and goat contributes largely in both protein supply, revenue generation and national economy. In Nigeria, these animal resources are mismanaged and undermined through the indiscriminate slaughter of pregnant animals and foetal losses in abattoirs. This unethical practice resulted in the loss of genetic diversity, preferred traits and superior females ruminant animals. The current research focus on reported incidences across abattoirs, which is a centre where such practice is highly occurs within the country. Lack of modern facilities, law enforcement, poor management and animal welfare in abattoirs to protect pregnant animals are among few factors responsible for an increase in incidences. It is unprofitable to continue the tradition of pregnant animal slaughter that causes foetal losses. This is a condition that significantly threatens the animal genetic resources and general livestock industry in Nigeria. This practice must be discard with a proper conservation and documentation of these valuable animal genetic resources. Both long and short terms conservation programs must aim for substantial benefits of these resources. Laws must be enforced with strict penalties to those involved in pregnant animal slaughter. Genetic resources of these species and meat industry future could be safe with proper implementation of these laws and conservation measures.
    Matched MeSH terms: Fetus
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