The Selective Loss of Purkinje Cells Induces Specific Peripheral Immune Alterations

The progression of neurodegenerative diseases is reciprocally associated with impairments in peripheral immune responses. We investigated different contexts of selective neurodegeneration to identify specific alterations of peripheral immune cells and, at the same time, discover potential biomarkers associated to this pathological condition. Consequently, a model of human cerebellar degeneration and ataxia -the Purkinje Cell Degeneration (PCD) mouse- has been employed, as it allows the study of different processes of selective neuronal death in the same animal, i.e., Purkinje cells in the cerebellum and mitral cells in the olfactory bulb. Infiltrated leukocytes were studied in both brain areas and compared with those from other standardized neuroinflammatory models obtained by administering either gamma radiation or lipopolysaccharide. Moreover, both myeloid and lymphoid splenic populations were analyzed by flow cytometry, focusing on markers of functional maturity and antigen presentation. The severity and type of neural damage and inflammation affected immune cell infiltration. Leukocytes were more numerous in the cerebellum of PCD mice, being located predominantly within those cerebellar layers mostly affected by neurodegeneration, in a completely different manner than the typical models of induced neuroinflammation. Furthermore, the milder degeneration of the olfactory bulb did not foster leukocyte attraction. Concerning the splenic analysis, in PCD mice we found: (1) a decreased percentage of several myeloid cell subsets, and (2) a reduced mean fluorescence intensity in those myeloid markers related to both antigen presentation and functional maturity. In conclusion, the selective degeneration of Purkinje cells triggers a specific effect on peripheral immune cells, fostering both attraction and functional changes. This fact endorses the employment of peripheral immune cell populations as concrete biomarkers for monitoring different neuronal death processes.

Amniotic fluid optical density at spontaneous onset of labour and it’s correlation with gestational age, birth weight and functional maturity of newborn

Background: Respiratory distress is the common cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Babies born even at 40 weeks of gestation developed respiratory distress. The maturity of newborn is independent of gestational age and birth weight of newborn. In this study amniotic fluid optical density (AFOD) is correlated with the functional maturity of newborn.Methods: In this study, hundred singleton pregnant women who underwent first trimester scan and crown rump length estimation, and who were on spontaneous labor were selected for this observational study. Under aseptic precautions AF samples were collected while doing amniotomy with 2 ml disposable syringe, also collected during caesarean section after careful hysterotomy from the bulging membranes. Amniotic fluid optical density studied with spectrometer at 650 nm. Birth weights were recorded for all the babies. Babies are also looked for the respiratory distress, NICU admission.Results: In this study, respiratory distress was reported in 28% of newborns whereas 72% of newborns did not have distress. In the present study, 27% of newborns were admitted in NICU where as 73% of the newborns were on mother’s side following delivery. Babies with AFOD 0.98±0.27 were functionally mature, skin was pleased brown in colour with little vernix, none of them had respiratory distress. Amniotic fluid optical density <0.4 developed respiratory distress.Conclusions: Amniotic fluid optical density is a simple method to assess the functional maturity of newborn.

The influence of maternal ethnicity on neonatal respiratory outcome

ObjectiveHigher rates of neonatal morbidity and mortality at term combined with earlier spontaneous delivery have led to the hypothesis that babies born to South Asian born (SA-born) women may mature earlier and/or their placental function decreases earlier than babies born to Australian and New Zealand born (Aus/NZ-born) women. Whether babies born to SA-born women do better in the preterm period, however, has yet to be evaluated. In this study we investigated respiratory outcomes, indicative of functional maturity, of preterm babies born to SA-born women compared with those of Aus/NZ-born women to explore this hypothesis further.Study design and settingThis retrospective cohort study was conducted at Monash Health.PatientsData were collected from neonatal and birth records of moderate-late preterm (32–36 weeks) infants born between 2012 and 2015 to SA-born and Aus/NZ-born women.Outcome measuresRates of nursery admissions and neonatal respiratory outcomes were compared.ResultsBabies born to Aus/NZ-born women were more likely to be admitted to a nursery (80%) compared with SA-born babies (72%, p=0.004). Babies born to SA-born mothers experienced significantly less hyaline membrane disease (7.8%), required less resuscitation at birth (28.6%) and were less likely to require ventilation (20%) than babies born to Aus/NZ-born mothers (18%, 42.2%, 34.6%; p<0.001). There was no difference in the duration of ventilation or length of stay in hospital.ConclusionsModerate-late preterm babies born to SA-born women appear to have earlier functional maturity, as indicated by respiratory outcomes, than Aus/NZ-born babies. Our findings support the hypothesis of earlier fetal maturation in SA-born women.

New estimates and complications in the assessment of female functional maturity for the European lobster (Homarus gammarus) on the Yorkshire Coast (UK)

New estimates of female Homarus gammarus functional maturity were developed from targeted offshore and quayside based industry surveys in the Yorkshire Coast fishery. Offshore surveys also provided the first stock specific quantification of pre-recruit contributions. A contrast in results identified a new complication in estimating functional maturity attributed to ‘soft’ animal exploitation which is reviewed and assessed.