Neurological development may be accelerated in growth-restricted fetuses: a 4D ultrasound study

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 429-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nobuhiro Mori ◽  
Kenji Kanenishi ◽  
Mohamed Ahmed Mostafa AboEllail ◽  
Emiko Nitta ◽  
Toshiyuki Hata
Keyword(s):  
Facial Expressions ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Neurological Development ◽  
4D Ultrasound ◽  
Ultrasound Study ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Appropriate For Gestational Age ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Larger Sample

Abstract Objective To assess whether neurological maturation and development are accelerated in fetal growth restriction (FGR) in utero using four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound. Methods The facial expressions of 50 appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) and 34 FGR fetuses aged between 28 and 35 gestational weeks were assessed using 4D ultrasound. Subsequently, they were differentiated into two gestational age groups (19 aged 28–31 weeks and 31 aged 32–35 weeks in AGA, and 15 aged 28–31 weeks and 19 aged 32–35 weeks in FGR). Fifteen-minute recordings were made, and the frequencies of seven facial expressions during that time were examined. Correlation analysis was conducted to assess the changing number of significant correlations with advancing gestation in each group. Results Out of 21 combinations of facial expressions at 28–31 and 32–35 gestational weeks in AGA fetuses, there was only three significant correlations. Similarly, only one was noted out of 21 combinations at 28–31 gestational weeks, but there were seven significant correlations in FGR fetuses at 32–35 weeks (P=0.018). However, there was no significant difference in the number of correlations of facial expressions between AGA (3/21) and FGR (7/21) fetuses at 32–35 weeks of gestation (P=0.147). Conclusion Our results suggest that the number of significant correlations of fetal facial expressions in FGR fetuses increases more compared with that in AGA fetuses at 32–35 weeks of gestation. Due to the acceleration of neurological maturation and development in FGR fetuses, the control of facial expressions by the brain may be more evident compared with AGA fetuses at 32–35 weeks of gestation. However, the data and their interpretation in the present study should be taken with some degree of caution because of the small number of subjects studied. Further studies involving a larger sample size are needed to obtain strong or additional evidence.

Ultrasound study of fetal movements in singleton and twin pregnancies at 12–19 weeks

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (8) ◽  
pp. 832-838 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Ahmed Mostafa AboEllail ◽  
Kenji Kanenishi ◽  
Nobuhiro Mori ◽  
Junko Noguchi ◽  
Genzo Marumo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Arm Movement ◽  
The Other ◽  
Behavioral Differences ◽  
4D Ultrasound ◽  
Ultrasound Study ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Fetal Movements ◽  
General Movement

Abstract Objective To evaluate fetal behavioral differences between singleton and twin fetuses before 20 weeks of gestation using four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound. Methods 4D ultrasound was used to examine fetal movements in 58 singleton and 48 twin normal fetuses at 12–19 weeks. The frequencies of eight fetal movements were assessed through 15-min recordings. The fetuses were divided into two gestational age groups (12–13 and 14–19 weeks) to evaluate the changes with advancing gestation in twin versus singleton fetuses. Results Arm and general movements were the most frequent movements in singleton fetuses, whereas only general movement was significantly more frequent than the other seven fetal movements in twin fetuses at 12–13 weeks. At 14–19 weeks, frequencies of arm and leg movements were significantly higher than those of the other six movements in singleton fetuses, while only arm movement was significantly more frequent than the other fetal movements in twin fetuses. Comparisons of fetal movements between singleton and twin fetuses revealed that only arm movement showed a significant difference at 12–13 weeks, while the frequencies of all movements in singleton fetuses were significantly higher than those in twin fetuses at 14–19 weeks. Conclusion Our results suggest that the limitation of available space and crowding of twin fetuses with advancing gestation may have a marked impact on twin fetal movements compared with singleton fetuses, even in the first half of pregnancy. Further studies are needed to assess whether decreased fetal movements in twin pregnancy can affect fetal and neonatal development and maturation before and after birth.

scholarly journals Quantifying myelin content in brain tissue using color Spatial Light Interference Microscopy (cSLIM)

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. e0241084
Author(s):  
Michael Fanous ◽  
Megan P. Caputo ◽  
Young Jae Lee ◽  
Laurie A. Rund ◽  
Catherine Best-Popescu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gestational Age ◽  
Internal Capsule ◽  
Interference Microscopy ◽  
Tissue Sections ◽  
Light Interference ◽  
Appropriate For Gestational Age ◽  
Tissue Lipids ◽  
High Risk Infants ◽  
Mri Study ◽  
The Brain

Deficient myelination of the brain is associated with neurodevelopmental delays, particularly in high-risk infants, such as those born small in relation to their gestational age (SGA). New methods are needed to further study this condition. Here, we employ Color Spatial Light Interference Microscopy (cSLIM), which uses a brightfield objective and RGB camera to generate pathlength-maps with nanoscale sensitivity in conjunction with a regular brightfield image. Using tissue sections stained with Luxol Fast Blue, the myelin structures were segmented from a brightfield image. Using a binary mask, those portions were quantitatively analyzed in the corresponding phase maps. We first used the CLARITY method to remove tissue lipids and validate the sensitivity of cSLIM to lipid content. We then applied cSLIM to brain histology slices. These specimens are from a previous MRI study, which demonstrated that appropriate for gestational age (AGA) piglets have increased internal capsule myelination (ICM) compared to small for gestational age (SGA) piglets and that a hydrolyzed fat diet improved ICM in both. The identity of samples was blinded until after statistical analyses.

scholarly journals The Dynamics of Cullin-1 Expression in Preeclamptic Placenta and its Association with Pregnancy Termination Time

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (B) ◽  
pp. 210-215
Author(s):  
Makbruri Makbruri ◽  
Isabella Kurnia Liem ◽  
Ahmad Aulia Jusuf ◽  
Tantri Hellyanti
Keyword(s):  
Gestational Age ◽  
Pregnancy Termination ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Trophoblast Invasion ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Placental Development ◽  
Very Preterm ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Cellular Factors ◽  
Termination Time

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is a systemic syndrome occurring in 3–5% of pregnancies, caused by disorders of cellular factors resulting in the disruption of trophoblast differentiation and invasion which is important for the placental development and maintaining pregnancy. Cullin-1 is a protein that plays a role in the process of maintaining pregnancy, development, and trophoblast invasion in the placenta. Until now, there have been no studies linking the expression of cullin-1 in preeclamptic patients with the timing of pregnancy termination. AIM: This study analyzed cullin-1 expression in preeclamptic patients and their relationship to the timing of pregnancy termination was carried out. METHODS: Placental samples were taken from preeclampsia patients consisting of three gestational age groups, then immunohistochemical staining was performed to see the dynamics of expression and distribution in each age group of pregnancy and to find out their relationship with the timing of pregnancy termination. RESULTS: Cullin-1 was expressed in syncytiotrophoblasts and cytotrophoblasts. The lowest cullin-1 level was obtained in the very preterm age group, and the highest was found in the moderate preterm gestational age group. There was a significant difference between cullin-1 optical density (OD) expression and termination time of pregnancy, and there was a significant difference (OD) in cullin-1 preeclamptic patients with very preterm gestational age with moderate preterm gestational age. CONCLUSION: Cullin-1 was expressed both in syncytiotrophoblasts and cytotrophoblasts and was associated with the timing of pregnancy termination.

Behavior of fetal longitudinal myocardial fibers assessed by speckle tracking to obtain strain and strain rate values for low-risk pregnancies

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-152
Author(s):  
Mariana Biancardi ◽  
Renato Augusto Moreira de Sa
Keyword(s):  
Strain Rate ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Speckle Tracking ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Observer Agreement ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Strain And Strain Rate ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Myocardial Fibers

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze the behavior of fetal longitudinal myocardial fibers assessed by speckle tracking (STE) after fetal viability.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed in 156 women with normal singleton pregnancies from 22 to 31 weeks of gestation. Strain (S) and strain rate (SR) values were measured in both ventricles during the fetal cardiac cycle. The population was divided into five gestational age groups based on 2-week intervals. The correlations of maternal variables with the S and SR variables and intra-observer analysis were performed.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the S and SR values of the left ventricle (LV) among the gestational age groups (P = 0.007). Significantly higher S and SR values were observed in early age groups demonstrating reductions in LV S and SR values at 26 weeks, followed by stabilization. For the right ventricle (RV), there was no significant difference between gestational age groups. Significant intra-observer agreement was observed for S values of the RV (P = 0.008) and LV (P = 0.0004) and SR values of the RV (P = 0.0001) and LV (P = 0.015).ConclusionDecreases in the S and SR values of the LV occurred after 26 weeks, followed by stabilization. No significant difference was observed in the S or SR value of the RV among the gestational age groups, and no significant association of any maternal variable evaluated with S and SR values was observed. Significant intra-observer agreement was obtained among the results.

scholarly journals Assessment of Cognitive Reserve: a pilot study for Bulgarian Population

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Yaneva ◽  
R Massaldjieva ◽  
N Mateva ◽  
D Bakova
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Human Aging ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cognitive Dysfunctions ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Bulgarian Population ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Brain

Abstract Background The Cognitive Reserve (CR) is a concept used to represent the individual differences in processing cognitive tasks, allowing to cope with the pathology of the brain. CR describes the individual brain potential as a result of various activities during the lifespan. The study of this construct could open one more “door” on the path to the prevention of diseases associated with cognitive dysfunctions in human aging. The objective of this pilot study was to assess the CR as a part of a project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of various options for stimulating active aging. Methods The Cognitive Reserve Index Questionnaire (CRIq) was translated into Bulgarian and was administered to 114 healthy participants (84,2% female and 15,8% male), aged 23 to 84 years (M = 52,40 SD = 16.81), divided into three age groups (up to 44, 45- 69 and over 70 years old). An individual CRI-level was calculated based on the subscores for education, working activity and leisure time. Non-parametric tests (Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Kruskal-Wallis test) were used for statistical analysis. Findings The CRI-level depends significantly on age (χ2=31.834, (df = 6), p < 0.001) but does not depend on gender (p = 0.257). Significant difference was found in three age groups for the total CRI-score (p < 0.001), CRI-Education (p < 0.001) and CRI-WorkingActivity (p < 0.001) except for CRI-LeisureTime score (p = 0.547). The total CRI-score significantly correlate with CRI-Education (r = 0.863), CRI-WorkingActivity (r = 0.809) and CRI-LeaisureTime (r = 0.414). Key messages The CRIq is an easy to administer instrument that could help the assessment of the cognitive reserve in Bulgarian population. The cognitive reserve depends on human behavior through the life span and this fact gives new opportunities for prevention of diseases associated with cognitive dysfunctions in human aging.

scholarly journals Characterization of the motor performance of newborns in a neonatal unit of tertiary level

2016 ◽  
Vol 62 (6) ◽  
pp. 553-560
Author(s):  
Luciana Giachetta ◽  
Carla Marques Nicolau ◽  
Regina Célia Turola Passos Juliani ◽  
Werther Brunow de Carvalho ◽  
Vera Lúcia Jornada Krebs
Keyword(s):  
Reference Values ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Motor Performance ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Neonatal Unit ◽  
Tertiary Level ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Performance Results

Summary Objective: To characterize the motor performance of newborns in a neonatal unit of tertiary level and compare the results to the values recommended by the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP). Method: Newborns between 34 and 416/7 weeks of corrected gestational age, breathing spontaneously and presenting state of consciousness 4 or 5, according to Brazelton, were included. TIMP was used to evaluate the motor performance. Results: The age groups of 34-35 and 36-37 weeks showed on average TIMP scores similar to the reference values (p>0.05), while in the age groups of 38-39 weeks and 40-41 weeks TIMP scores were statistically lower than the reference values (p<0.001 and p=0.018, respectively). The 34-35 and 36-37 week groups were rated as average, while the 38-39 and 40-41 week groups were defined as low average. Classifications below average and very below average were not observed. Conclusion: The newborns showed average scores compared to the TIMP reference values; however, there were two groups whose performances were within the low average. There was no significant difference in motor performance of newborns in the age groups of 38-39 and 40-41 weeks. This behavior suggests that the sample studied has special features that possibly negatively influenced their motor performance. The results showed that the TIMP is a very useful tool and can be used safely in tertiary neonatal units.

scholarly journals Serum creatinine levels to estimate kidney function in small-for-gestational age and appropriate-for-gestational age newborns

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 305-11
Author(s):  
Indra Sandinirwan ◽  
Aris Primadi ◽  
Dany Hilmanto
Keyword(s):  
Glomerular Filtration Rate ◽  
Serum Creatinine ◽  
Glomerular Filtration ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Small For Gestational Age ◽  
Filtration Rate ◽  
Kidney Development ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Appropriate For Gestational Age

Background The main parameter used to determine renal function in newborns is serum creatinine. Fetal growth restriction during pregnancy can cause the baby to be born small-for-gestational age. Serum creatinine levels in newborns are affected by muscle mass, gestational age, as well as the number of nephrons and kidney development. Objective To determine the usefulness of serum creatinine levels as an estimate of glomerular filtration rate in small-for-gestational age and appropriate-for-gestational age newborns. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in May-June 2018. The subjects were full term newborn infants consisting of small-for-gestational age and appropriate-for-gestational age groups (16 subjects each), born in Bandung City Regional Public Hospital. Serum creatinine level was tested by the Jaffe method. The estimated glomerular filtration rate was calculated based on serum creatinine, infant height, and a proportionality constant using the original Schwartz method, eGFR = [k * height]/SCr. Results Of 32 subjects, there were 17 spontaneous deliveries, 14 males, and 18 females. Mean serum creatinine levels in the small-for-gestational age and appropriate-for-gestational age groups were 0.94 (SD 0.36; 95%CI 0.75 to 1.14) mg/dL and 0.69 (SD 0.18; 95%CI 0.60 to 0.79) mg/dL (mean difference 0.25; 95%CI 0.05 to 0.46; P=0.009), respectively. The median estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) in the small-for-gestational age and appropriate-for-gestational age groups were 25.69 mL/min/1.73m2 and 30.10 mL/min/1.73m2 (median difference 4.42; 95%CI 2.04 to 15.8; P=0.008), respectively. There was a weak negative correlation between serum creatinine and birth weight (r=–0.344; P=0.027). Conclusion Serum creatinine levels in small-for-gestational age newborns are significantly higher than in appropriate-for-gestational age newborns.

Change in fetal behavior in response to vibroacoustic stimulation

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 558-563
Author(s):  
Kaoru Ogo ◽  
Kenji Kanenishi ◽  
Nobuhiro Mori ◽  
Mohamed Ahmed Mostafa AboEllail ◽  
Toshiyuki Hata
Keyword(s):  
Gestational Age ◽  
System Development ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Arm Movement ◽  
Nervous System Development ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Age Group ◽  
4D Ultrasound ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Fetal Movements

Abstract Objective To assess fetal behavioral changes in response to vibroacoustic stimulation (VAS) in normal singleton pregnancies using four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound. Methods Ten types of fetal movements and facial expressions in 68 healthy pregnant women between 24 and 40 weeks were studied using 4D ultrasound for 3 min before and after 3-s VAS. The frequencies of mouthing, yawning, tongue expulsion, back arch, jerky arm movement, startle movement, smiling, scowling, hand-to-face movement, and blinking were evaluated. The fetuses were subdivided into four gestational age groups (24–27, 28–31, 32–35, and ≥36 weeks). Comparison of the frequencies of the fetal behaviors before and after the stimulation in each gestational age group was conducted to detect the response to stimulation with advancing gestation. Results There were no significant differences in the frequency of each fetal behavior before and after VAS at 24–27, 28–31, and 32–35 weeks of gestation. However, the frequencies of blinking and startle movements were significantly higher after VAS in the 36–40 gestational age group (P < 0.05). Conclusion The age of 36 weeks of gestation might represent an advanced stage of brain and central nervous system development and maturation as the response to stimuli is prominent at this age compared with earlier gestation.

scholarly journals Sonographic Transformation of Acrania to Anencephaly

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 189-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Syed Amar Gilani ◽  
Iqra Manzoor
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mechanical Trauma ◽  
Continuous Exposure ◽  
Third Trimester ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Brain

ABSTRACT Objective To ascertain that acrania can lead to anencephaly Materials and methods We commenced a cross-sectional study for a period of 41 months from 2013 to 2017. During routine ultrasound examination, we observed multiple cases of acrania in second trimester and third trimester. We followed 26 cases who failed to terminate their pregnancies and visited for reexamination. Changes in the brain matter, amniotic fluid volume, and echogenicity of the acrania fetuses were recorded and compared with the previous examination. Development of anencephaly was correlated with maternal age and advancement of gestational age. All the patients were examined transabdominally according to the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) guidelines for obstetrical ultrasound. Data were collected from the previous report and recent examination, by evaluating data with the help of IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 package, and the results were summarized. Results Pregnant women with diagnosed acrania fetus visited second time with a lapse of more than 4 weeks and were enrolled with mean age 25.73 ± 8.80. We observed 4 (15.4%) acrania patients developed into anencephaly. Development of anencephaly was observed to be correlated with the advancement of gestational age. It was observed that acrania is more common in below 20 and above 30 age groups. Haziness of amniotic fluid is also observed to be related with acrania. Conclusion Anencephaly could be caused by multiple factors but acrania can lead to anencephaly with continuous exposure of brain matter and meninges to mechanical trauma and chemical activities of the amniotic fluid. Clinical significance To test the hypothesis of acrania to anencephaly and make a roadmap for upcoming researches on association of acrania with physical, environmental, and genetical factors. How to cite this article Bacha R, Gilani SA, Manzoor I. Sonographic Transformation of Acrania to Anencephaly. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2017;11(3):189-196.

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