Fetal Growth Velocity-A Breakthrough in Intrauterine Growth Assessment?

The pursuit of assessing fetal well-being in obstetrical practice remains a central tenet, propelling ongoing endeavors to explore innovative markers and diagnostic methodologies aimed at prognosing potential perinatal adversities. Deviations from standard patterns of intrauterine growth, whether exhibiting excessive or insufficient trajectories, stand as pivotal indices hinting at underlying pathophysiological processes or heightened concurrent medical conditions. Initiatives like the Delphi consensus and the INTERGROWTH-21st project strive to refine diagnostic criteria and establish international standards for fetal growth assessment. This article aims to present the current knowledge regarding the assessment of abnormal growth, including novel methods such as growth velocity. Integrating fetal growth velocity assessment into perinatal care protocols holds promise in enhancing diagnostic precision. Growth velocity, involving changes in fetal size over a given period, offers insights into distinguishing between constitutional and pathological growth abnormalities. Various methodologies and models have been proposed to evaluate growth velocity, with notable advancements in understanding fetal growth patterns across different trimesters. It is believed that accelerated and reduced growth velocity may be a sensible parameter in the detection of fetal growth restriction (FGR), small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses, large-for-gestational-age (LGA) fetuses and macrosomic fetuses as well as appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) fetuses that encounter problems with growth continuation. Recent studies found that changes in growth velocity reflect the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes (APOs). Future directions in fetal health research aim to elucidate the long-term consequences of abnormal fetal growth velocity on neurodevelopmental outcomes, highlighting the critical role of early assessment and intervention.

Does Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution Affect Gestational Age and Newborn Weight?-A Systematic Review.

Current evidence suggests that airborne pollutants have a detrimental effect on fetal growth through the emergence of small for gestational age (SGA) or term low birth weight (TLBW). The study's objective was to critically evaluate the available literature on the association between environmental pollution and the incidence of SGA or TLBW occurrence. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across Pubmed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Google Scholar using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The methodology adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. The systematic review protocol was registered in PROSPERO with ID number: CRD42022329624. As a result, 69 selected papers described the influence of environmental pollutants on SGA and TLBW occurrence with an Odds Ratios (ORs) of 1.138 for particulate matter ≤ 10 µm (PM10), 1.338 for particulate matter ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5), 1.173 for ozone (O3), 1.287 for sulfur dioxide (SO2), and 1.226 for carbon monoxide (CO). All eight studies analyzed validated that exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a risk factor for SGA or TLBW. Pregnant women in the high-risk group of SGA occurrence, i.e., those living in urban areas or close to sources of pollution, are at an increased risk of complications. Understanding the exact exposure time of pregnant women could help improve prenatal care and timely intervention for fetuses with SGA. Nevertheless, the pervasive air pollution underscored in our findings suggests a pressing need for adaptive measures in everyday life to mitigate worldwide environmental pollution.

Wound Microbiota and Its Impact on Wound Healing.

Wound healing is a complex process influenced by age, systemic conditions, and local factors. The wound microbiota's crucial role in this process is gaining recognition. This concise review outlines wound microbiota impacts on healing, emphasizing distinct phases like hemostasis, inflammation, and cell proliferation. Inflammatory responses, orchestrated by growth factors and cytokines, recruit neutrophils and monocytes to eliminate pathogens and debris. Notably, microbiota alterations relate to changes in wound healing dynamics. Commensal bacteria influence immune responses, keratinocyte growth, and blood vessel development. For instance, Staphylococcus epidermidis aids keratinocyte progression, while Staphylococcus aureus colonization impedes healing. Other bacteria like Group A Streptococcus spp. And Pseudomonas affect wound healing as well. Clinical applications of microbiota-based wound care are promising, with probiotics and specific bacteria like Acinetobacter baumannii aiding tissue repair through molecule secretion. Understanding microbiota influence on wound healing offers therapeutic avenues. Tailored approaches, including probiotics, prebiotics, and antibiotics, can manipulate the microbiota to enhance immune modulation, tissue repair, and inflammation control. Despite progress, critical questions linger. Determining the ideal microbiota composition for optimal wound healing, elucidating precise influence mechanisms, devising effective manipulation strategies, and comprehending the intricate interplay between the microbiota, host, and other factors require further exploration.

Molecular Pathways of Altered Brain Development in Fetuses Exposed to Hypoxia.

Perinatal hypoxia is a major cause of neurodevelopmental impairment and subsequent motor and cognitive dysfunctions; it is associated with fetal growth restriction and uteroplacental dysfunction during pregnancy. This review aims to present the current knowledge on brain development resulting from perinatal asphyxia, including the causes, symptoms, and means of predicting the degree of brain damage. Furthermore, this review discusses the specificity of brain development in the growth-restricted fetus and how it is replicated and studied in animal models. Finally, this review aims at identifying the least understood and missing molecular pathways of abnormal brain development, especially with respect to potential treatment intervention.

Assessment of hospitalizations of patients after intoxication with organophosphates used in agriculture.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical manifestation of organophosphates toxicity may be differentiate and include cholinergic toxidrome, intermediate syndrome, OP-induced delayed polyneuropathy to chronic OP-induced neuropsychiatric disorder (OPIDN). Patients symptoms, along with decrease in cholinesterase serum level, determines the possible diagnosis of organophosphate poisoning. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to present the clinical manifestation and cholinesterase level changes in intoxication with organophosphorus compounds in patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A data base was created by analysis of the hospital documents of 34 patients hospitalized due to organophosphate intoxication. Statistical analysis involved frequency tables with percentage values, the application of non-parametric Chi-square test and parametric t-Student test (with homogeneity of variance Levine test). The level of static significance was set to p=0.05. RESULTS: In fatal hospitalizations (20.6%), cholinesterase level was significantly lower (265.87 U/l) than in other patients (4254.78 U/l; p<0.05). Similarly, levels of cholinesterase were decreased in group of patients with acute respiratory failure (999.79 U/l vs 4943.86 U/l in other patients; p<0.05), patients with multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (244.13 U/l vs 4914.89 U/l in other patients; p<0.05) and those with cardiac arrest (547 U/l vs 4636.25 U/l in other patients). A statistically significant difference was also observed in cholinesterase level of patients who required mechanical ventilation (548.17 U/l vs 5219.71 U/l in other group). The study revealed that 29.4% of poisonings were suicidal. CONCLUSIONS: The management of a patient with organophosphate poisoning remains challenging and requires continuous control. A significant step in the diagnostic process is the assessment changes in both the clinical picture and cholinesterase level.

Severe carbamates intoxication of 43-year-old farmer - case report.

INTRODUCTION: Carbamate insecticides are methyl carbamic acid esters and reversible cholinesterase inhibitors. In contrast to the long-term action of organophosphate insecticides, this complex undergoes rapid hydrolysis. CASE REPORT: A suicidal poisoning by exposure to carbofuran in a 43-year-old farmer is reported. The patient had a sudden respiratory and cardiac arrest in the mechanism of bradycardia asystole. He was additionally diagnosed with metabolic acidosis and massive aspiration pneumonia. After applied treatment, the patient's general condition improved - alignment of efficiency of both respiratory and circulatory efficiency were reached. CONCLUSION: Carbofuran is one of the most toxic carbamate insecticides. It is therefore important to react quickly and choose the right treatment. Differentiation between organophosphate and carbamate intoxication is essential.

Comparison of the clinical differences between COVID-19, SARS, influenza, and the common cold: A systematic literature review.

BACKGROUND: This review focuses on the frequency of symptoms in COVID-19 in comparison to SARS, influenza and common cold. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the knowledge about the clinical features, symptoms and differences between patients with COVID-19, SARS, influenza, and common cold. The research can help ear, nose and throat specialists and other health practitioners manage patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The biomedical databases used in the study included PubMed and MEDLINE. Statistical analysis using the Z-score test assessed which symptoms were more characteristic of COVID-19 than other viral diseases. RESULTS: Among individuals with COVID-19, the most frequently reported symptoms were cough (70%), fever (45%), muscular pain (29%), and headache (21%), whereas sore throat (12%), and rhinorrhea (4%) were observed at lower rates. Fever was identified as most frequent in COVID-19 (74%), appearing at a higher rate in those cases than in influenza (68%) or the common cold (40%) (p < 0.05). In comparison to other viral diseases, sore throat was rarely reported in COVID-19 and SARS (12% and 18%, respectively) (p < 0.05). In influenza and common cold, a cough was identified in 93% and 80% of cases (p < 0.05). Headache, rhinorrhea, muscular pain, and sore throat were more common in influenza (91%, 91%, 94%, and 84%, respectively) and common cold (89%, 81%, 94%, and 84%, respectively) than in COVID-19 (21%, 4%, 29%, and 12%, respectively) and SARS (45%, 12%, 55%, and 18%, respectively) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of the analysis show that a greater number of general symptoms should lead to a diagnosis of influenza or common cold rather than COVID-19.

Teicoplanin-Modified HPLC Column as a Source of Experimental Parameters for Prediction of the Anticonvulsant Activity of 1,2,4-Triazole-3-Thiones by the Regression Models.

The cell membrane is a complex system that consists of lipids, proteins, polysaccharides, and amphiphilic phospholipids. It plays an important role in ADME processes that are responsible for the final pharmaceutical effects of xenobiotics (bioavailability, activity). To study drug-membrane interaction at the molecular level, several high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) membrane model systems have been proposed which are mimicking mainly its lipid character. The aim of this work was to study interactions of new synthesized antiepileptic compounds of 4-alkyl-5-(3-chlorophenyl)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione derivatives with Chirobiotic column containing glycoprotein ligand attached to the silica matrix. The affinity of the analytes to immobilized glycoprotein ligand was examined chromatographically in reversed-phase mode. The thermodynamics of interactions between bioactive compounds and teicoplanin was studied in terms of the van't Hoff linear relationship ln k vs. 1/T in the range of 5-45 °C. Change in enthalpy (ΔH°), change in entropy (ΔS°) and change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG°) were estimated utilizing graphical extrapolation and interpolation methods. The density functional theory (DFT) approach and docking simulations were used to get the molecular interpretation and prove the obtained experimental results. Cross-correlations of chromatographic and thermodynamic parameters with non-empirical topological and quantum chemical indices suggest that the polarizability of analytes appears to be responsible for the interactions of the tested molecules with teicoplanin and, ultimately, their retention on the column. Experimental and theoretical parameters were subjected to statistical analysis using regression models. Partial least squares (PLS) regression model showed the usefulness of the experimentally measured parameter φ0 (MeOH) to discriminate between anticonvulsant active and inactive 1,2,4-triazole-3-thione derivatives. Obtained results point out the usefulness of interaction of potential anticonvulsants with glycoprotein class of compounds to anticipate their activity.

Paternal age is affected by genetic abnormalities, perinatal complications and mental health of the offspring.

Infertility and fecundity problems concern 10-18% of partners in their reproductive years compromising around one million females and males in Poland. Research and analysis of factors that affect male fertility are limited, especially, regarding the age of the father and determining the age at which quality of semen decreases. Age of the father has greater impact than maternal age, on cases of sporadic autosomal dominant congenital diseases such as Apert, Crouzon, Pfeiffer, Noonan and Costello syndromes, multiple endocrine neoplasia (types 2A and 2B) and achondroplasia. However, there are only a few reports taking paternal advanced age into consideration for pre-mature birth, low Apgar scores or admission to a neonatal intensive care department. Paternal age increases the frequency of congenital diseases such as heart malformations as well as oral, palate and lip cleft. Moreover, mental disorders (autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, low IQ level as well as ADHD) also occur more frequently in advanced father's age. Advanced paternal age is defined differently in every research. It depends on disorders in offspring we are talking about. Paternal age has an impact on child's health and development and it is as significant as maternal age, when it comes to reproductive matters.

[Public knowledge of the infertility and legal aspects of infertility treatment in Poland].

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: The awareness of infertility is limited in Polish society despite the fact that this problem affects around one million couples in our country. Some of them decide to undergo specialistic treatment. Issues pertaining techniques of contributed reproduction are strictly regulated by Polish law. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Material and methods: The study was conducted among the residents of Lublin in the period from October 1, 2017 to May 1, 2018. The research tool was an original, anonymous questionnaire containing 24 questions. The study group consisted of 164 people. Statistical analysis was performed using T-student test for non-parametric variables. RESULTS: Results: The majority of the examined group were people who worked the medical profession (71%). It is significant that as much as 79.3% of respondents are religious. Only 8,5% of respondents know that the Polish law on infertility treatment is regulated in Act on the treatment of infertility of 25 June 2015. Almost half of the respondents (44.2%) answered correctly to the question regarding the treatment of infertility according to the binding Act. Only 28,5% of respondents were able to give the definition of embryo included in the Act. Moreover, almost all respondents (92.1%) never met with lectures about legal aspects in the treatment of infertility. Half of the respondents (47.3%) correctly indicated the most common cause of female infertility, the reason of men infertility was correctly indicated more respondents (65.5%). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The respondents knowledge of infertility is more extensive than their knowledge of the legal regulations about infertility treatment. Respondents asked about regulations included in the Act on the treatment of infertility of June 25, 2015 mostly did not answer questions or gave wrong answers. The respondents whose field of study was related to medicine gave more correct answers compared to people who study non-medical fields. Practicing Catholic (45%) more often gave wrong answers.

[testicles self examination - knowledge and abilities - survey study].

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: Testicle cancer is a common malignant cancer among young men (20 to 44 years). In 90% of cases we can feel nodule or change of consistency, which means during testicles self examination we can quickly discover cancer. The aim: To estimate the level of knowledge about testicles self examination among men and also medical stuff and students. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: We gathered the data through the internet questionnaire, which contained of 13 questions. There were 204 respondents (53% women and 47% men). 93% were related with medicine. Average age was 23,5 years old. The participation in the study was voluntary and annonymous. RESULTS: Results: Only 41% of our respondents perform self examination. When asked if They every had Their testicles checked by a doctor only 33% responded positively. Most of the respondents almost correctly point out symtpoms and risk factors of testicles cancer. Only 22% of medical related respondents feel confident while performing testicles examination with the patient and just 12% of them had a chance to do it during studies. We also asked our respondents if They have ever seen a social campaign about priopriate testicles self exmiantion and 80% of them respondet negatively. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The level of education about testicles examination is on low level. Men are usually aware of the risk, but They neglect it. In most cases doctors do not examine testicles and are not confident about it. We have to put more concern to that case.