Graphene Oxide Coating Improves the Mechanical and Biological Properties of Decellularized Umbilical Cord Arteries.

The lack of small-diameter vascular grafts (inner diameter <5 mm) to substitute autologous grafts in arterial bypass surgeries has a massive impact on the prognosis and progression of cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death globally. Decellularized arteries from different sources have been proposed as an alternative, but their poor mechanical performance and high collagen exposure, which promotes platelet and bacteria adhesion, limit their successful application. In this study, these limitations were surpassed for decellularized umbilical cord arteries through the coating of their lumen with graphene oxide (GO). Placental and umbilical cord arteries were decellularized and perfused with a suspension of GO (C/O ratio 2:1) with ∼1.5 µm lateral size. A homogeneous GO coating that completely covered the collagen fibers was obtained for both arteries, with improvement of mechanical properties being achieved for umbilical cord decellularized arteries. GO coating increased the maximum force in 27%, the burst pressure in 29%, the strain in 25%, and the compliance in 10%, compared to umbilical cord decellularized arteries. The achieved theoretical burst pressure (1960 mmHg) and compliance (13.9%/100 mmHg) are similar to the human saphenous vein and mammary artery, respectively, which are used nowadays as the gold standard in coronary and peripheral artery bypass surgeries. Furthermore, and very importantly, coatings with GO did not compromise the endothelial cell adhesion but decreased platelet and bacteria adhesion to decellularized arteries, which will impact on the prevention of thrombosis and infection, until full re-endothetialization is achieved. Overall, our results reveal that GO coating has an effective role in the improvement of decellularized umbilical cord artery performance, which is a huge step toward their application as a small-diameter vascular graft.

Acute ambient air pollution exposure and placental Doppler results in the NICHD fetal growth studies - Singleton cohort.

BACKGROUND: Increased placental vascular resistance is a proposed mechanism by which air pollution exposure during pregnancy lowers birth weight and increases pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders. OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of acute air pollution exposure during pregnancy on uterine and umbilical artery Doppler indicators of placental vascular resistance. METHODS: After a first ultrasound to confirm gestational age, 2562 pregnant women recruited in 12 clinics throughout the United States underwent up to five standardized ultrasounds with Doppler measurements. Exposures to 11 air pollutants were estimated for the hour of ultrasound and each of the 2 h prior to ultrasound at the clinics using the National Air Quality Forecast Capability reanalysis products. We used mixed logistic regression to study the longitudinal odds ratio (OR) of any, uni- or bi-lateral systolic and diastolic uterine artery notching compared to no notching and the longitudinal OR of abnormal end diastolic flow of the umbilical artery compared to forward flow. Uterine and umbilical artery resistance indexes were studied using linear mixed models. RESULTS: Each inter-quartile range (IQR) increase of particulate matter < 2.5 µm, nitrate, ammonium, primary organic matter (POM) and nitrogen dioxide during the hour of ultrasound was associated with a decreased risk of unilateral systolic notch and with increased resistance index of the left uterine artery. For the umbilical artery, each IQR increase in ozone was associated with decreased resistance index (b: -0.26, 95 % CI: -0.52, -0.01) and with a decreased risk of abnormal end diastolic flow (OR: 0.36, 95 % CI: 0.14, 0.94); while each IQR increase of elemental carbon and POM was associated with increased risk of abnormal end diastolic flow (OR: 1.47, 95 % CI: 1.02, 2.13 and OR: 1.67, 95 % CI: 1.17, 2.39, respectively). DISCUSSION: Our results suggest acute air pollution exposure may influence placental vascular resistance.

Association of cord blood ischemia-modified albumin level with abnormal foetal Doppler parameters in intrauterine growth-restricted foetuses.

Objective: To investigate cord blood ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels in pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and to determine its association with abnormal fetal Doppler findings.Methods: Umbilical cord IMA levels were assessed in 34 pregnant women with IUGR and 32 pregnancies with normal fetal development. Associations of IMA with abnormal umbilical artery Doppler findings, preeclampsia, and oligohydramnios were investigated. IMA was measured using a colorimetric test based on a decrease in cobalt binding.Results: No significant between group differences in maternal age, body mass index, gravida, and parity were identified. The mean gestational age at delivery was earlier in the IUGR group than in the control group (35.7 ± 3.2 versus 38.4 ± 1.2, respectively). The mean cord blood IMA values for the IUGR group were significantly increased compared to those in the control group (0.565 ± 0.22 versus 0.250 ± 0.12, respectively, p = .001). There was a significant positive correlation between umbilical artery pulsatility index and IMA levels in the IUGR group. Patients with preeclampsia, oligohydramnios, and abnormal nonstress test results in the IUGR group had significantly higher IMA levels. Patients with systolic to diastolic ratios >3 and pulsatility index (PI) above the 95th percentile in the IUGR group had significantly higher cord blood IMA levels (p = .001 and p = .007, respectively).Conclusions: Cord blood IMA values may be a useful marker for perinatal asphyxia. Abnormal Doppler findings are associated with increased IMA levels in complicated pregnancies with IUGR.

Intrapartum zigzag pattern of fetal heart rate is an early sign of fetal hypoxia: A large obstetric retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to identify possible associations of fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns during the last 2 hours of labor with fetal asphyxia expressed by umbilical artery acidemia at birth and with neonatal complications in a large obstetric cohort. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cardiotocographic recordings from 4988 singleton term childbirths over 1 year were evaluated retrospectively and blinded to the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in a university teaching hospital in Helsinki, Finland. Umbilical artery pH, base excess and pO2 , low Apgar scores at 5 minutes, need for intubation and resuscitation, early neonatal hypoglycemia, and neonatal encephalopathy were used as outcome variables. According to the severity of the neonatal complications at birth, the cohort was divided into three groups: no complications (Group 1), moderate complications (Group 2) and severe complications (Group 3). RESULTS: Of the 4988 deliveries, the ZigZag pattern (FHR baseline amplitude changes of >25 bpm with a duration of 2-30 minutes) occurred in 11.7%, late decelerations in 41.0%, bradycardia episodes in 52.9%, reduced variability in 36.7%, tachycardia episodes in 13.9% and uterine tachysystole in 4.6%. No case of saltatory pattern (baseline amplitude changes of >25 bpm with a duration of >30 minutes) was observed. The presence of the ZigZag pattern or late decelerations, or both, was associated with cord blood acidemia (odds ratio [OR] 3.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.3-4.7) and severe neonatal complications (Group 3) (OR 3.3, 95% CI 2.4-4.9). In contrast, no significant associations existed between the other FHR patterns and severe neonatal complications. ZigZag pattern preceded late decelerations in 88.7% of the cases. A normal FHR preceded the ZigZag pattern in 90.4% of the cases, whereas after ZigZag episodes, a normal FHR pattern was observed in only 0.9%. CONCLUSIONS: ZigZag pattern and late decelerations during the last 2 hours of labor are significantly associated with cord blood acidemia at birth and neonatal complications. The ZigZag pattern precedes late decelerations, and the fact that normal FHR pattern precedes the ZigZag pattern in the majority of the cases suggests that the ZigZag pattern is an early sign of fetal hypoxia, which emphasizes its clinical importance.

Plasma amino acid pools in the umbilical cord artery show lower 15N natural isotope abundance relative to the maternal venous pools.

15N natural isotope abundance (NIA) is systematically higher in infants' hair than in that of their mothers at birth. This study aimed to investigate this difference in plasma pools. We compared 15N NIA values for plasma amino acid (AA) pools (free + protein-bound) in the umbilical cord artery (UCA) and vein (UCV) and in the maternal vein (MV) at birth. This preliminary study included 7 mother-infant dyads. Whole plasma was treated (HCl) to hydrolyze protein. Following derivatization, AAs were separated using gas chromatography and compound-specific 15N NIA values were measured on-line using an isotope ratio monitoring mass spectrometer. 15N NIA plasma AA pools in the UCA and UCV were highly correlated to the MV, r 2 > 0.89 and r 2 > 0.88 (both P < 10-4) respectively. The full model found a significant effect of sampling compartment (P = 0.02) and AA type (P < 0.0001) on 15N NIA plasma AA values. 15N NIA plasma AA was 0.74 ‰ higher (P = 0.01) in the MV than in the UCA. This study indicates that a decrease in 15N NIA for plasma AA pools occurs in the fetal-placental unit. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00607061.

Developmental programming: gestational testosterone excess disrupts LH secretion in the female sheep fetus.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal testosterone (T) excess results in reproductive and metabolic perturbations in female sheep that closely recapitulate those seen in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). At the neuroendocrine level, prenatal T-treated sheep manifest increased pituitary sensitivity to GnRH and subsequent LH hypersecretion. In this study, we investigated the early effects of gestational T-treatment on LH secretion and pituitary function in the female sheep fetus. Additionally, because prenatal T effects can be mediated via the androgen receptor or due to changes in insulin homeostasis, prenatal co-treatment with an androgen antagonist (flutamide) or an insulin sensitizer (rosiglitazone) were tested. METHODS: Pregnant sheep were treated from gestational day (GD) 30 to 90 with either: 1) vehicle (control); 2) T-propionate (~ 1.2 mg/kg); 3) T-propionate and flutamide (15 mg/kg/day); and 4) T-propionate and rosiglitazone (8 mg/day). At GD 90, LH concentrations were determined in the uterine artery (maternal) and umbilical artery (fetal), and female fetuses were euthanized. Pituitary glands were collected, weighed, and protein level of several key regulators of LH secretion was determined. RESULTS: Fetal pituitary weight was significantly reduced by prenatal T-treatment. Flutamide completely prevented the reduction in pituitary weight, while rosiglitazone only partially prevented this reduction. Prenatal T markedly reduced fetal LH concentrations and flutamide co-treatment partially restored LH to control levels. Prenatal T resulted in a marked reduction in LH-ß protein level, which was associated with a reduction in GnRH receptor and estrogen receptor-α levels and an increase in androgen receptor. With the exception of androgen receptor, flutamide co-treatment completely prevented these alterations in the fetal pituitary, while rosiglitazone largely failed to prevent these changes. Prenatal T-treatment did not alter the protein levels of insulin receptor-ß and activation (phosphorylation) of the insulin signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that prenatal T-treatment results in reduced fetal LH secretion, reduced fetal pituitary weight, and altered protein levels of several regulators of gonadotropin secretion. The observations that flutamide co-treatment prevented these changes suggest that programming during fetal development likely occurs via direct androgen actions.

Norepinephrine or phenylephrine during spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean delivery: a randomised double-blind pragmatic non-inferiority study of neonatal outcome.

BACKGROUND: Norepinephrine is an effective vasopressor during spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean delivery. However, before it can be fully recommended, possible adverse effects on neonatal outcome should be excluded. We aimed to test the hypothesis that umbilical arterial cord pH is at least as good (non-inferior) when norepinephrine is used compared with phenylephrine for treatment of hypotension. METHODS: We enrolled 668 subjects having elective and non-elective Caesarean delivery under spinal or combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia in this randomised, double-blind, two-arm parallel, non-inferiority clinical trial. Arterial blood pressure was maintained using norepinephrine 6 µg ml-1 or phenylephrine 100 µg ml-1 according to the practice of the anaesthetist, either prophylactically or therapeutically, as an infusion or bolus. The primary outcome was umbilical arterial pH with a chosen non-inferiority margin of 0.01 units. RESULTS: Of 664 subjects (531 elective and 133 non-elective) who completed the study, umbilical arterial cord blood was analysed for 351 samples from 332 subjects in the norepinephrine group and 343 samples from 332 subjects in the phenylephrine group. Umbilical arterial pH was non-inferior in the norepinephrine group (mean, 7.289; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.284-7.294) compared with the phenylephrine group (mean, 7.287; 95% CI, 7.281-7.292) (mean difference between groups, 0.002; 95% CI, -0.005 to 0.009; P=0.017). Subgroup analysis confirmed the non-inferiority of norepinephrine for elective cases but was inconclusive for non-elective cases. CONCLUSIONS: Norepinephrine was non-inferior to phenylephrine for neonatal outcome assessed by umbilical arterial pH. These results provide high-quality evidence supporting the fetal safety of norepinephrine in obstetric anaesthesia. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR-IPR-15006235.

Intrapartum hypoxia and sexual dimorphism in adverse perinatal outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether markers of intrapartum hypoxia differ according to sex, and if this could explain the increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes in males. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective observational cohort study of non-anomalous, singleton deliveries >36 completed weeks' gestation at a UK teaching hospital over a 4.5 year period. Absent or incomplete cord gas results were excluded and the remaining data were validated according to an established method. The relations between sex and both arterial pH and a composite variable, 'fetal distress' (cases in which operative delivery or caesarean section were undertaken for presumed fetal compromise), were examined using independent samples t-test and Chi-square test. Odds ratios with 95 % confidence intervals were calculated to describe the relation between fetal sex and intermediate-term adverse outcomes. Binary logistic regression was performed to generate odds ratios (with 95 % confidence intervals) adjusted for arterial pH and fetal distress. This was repeated to adjust for labor and induction of labor. RESULTS: There were eligible 8758 cases, of which 4655 were male and 4103 female, from a total of 39,148 deliveries during the study period. Neonatal unit admission (OR 1.54, 95 % CI; 1.31-1.80), renal impairment (OR 1.63, 95 % CI; 1.15-2.32), neurological impairment (OR 1.73, 95 % CI; 1.06-2.84) and a composite adverse outcome (OR 1.73, 95 % CI; 1.29-2.33) were all more likely in males, even after adjusting for labor and induction of labor, both of which were more likely males. The mean cord arterial pH of males was lower (7.23 vs 7.24, P = 0.019) although they were not more likely to be acidemic with a pH <7.0 (males 43 (0.92 %) vs females 41 (1.00 %), P = 0.717), and males were also more likely to have fetal distress (834 (17.9 %) vs 588 (14.3 %), P = <0.001). Being male remained associated with adverse outcomes despite adjustment for arterial pH and fetal distress. CONCLUSION: Despite a lower mean cord arterial pH and greater incidence of fetal distress in males, intrapartum hypoxia does not account for their worse neonatal outcomes.

Correlation between umbilical arterial pH values and fetal vertebral artery Doppler waveforms at the beginning of the second stage of labor: a pilot prospective study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between umbilical arterial pH and fetal vertebral artery Doppler velocimetry waveforms measured at the beginning of the second stage of labor in physiological term pregnancies. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of 250 pregnancies. The resistance index, pulsatility index, and peak systolic velocity were measured. The relationship between the fetal Doppler and the umbilical arterial pH was evaluated. A simple linear regression and a general linear model were used to explore possible correlations of Doppler parameters with fetal and neonatal outcome adjusted for confundents. Results: Umbilical arterial pH values were directly associated with vertebral artery pulsatility index. Fetuses with lower pulsatility index values were at increased risk of a subsequent diagnosis of pathological fetal heart rate tracing patterns (presence of decelerations or reduced variability according to FIGO criteria during the second stage of labor). We estimated a decrease in pulsatility index of 10% in those fetuses destined to show a pathological fetal heart rate tracing. Conclusion: Vertebral artery Doppler waveforms correlates with umbilical pH in normal pregnancies and is also a function of fetal heart rate patterns. If this proportional association would be demonstrated also for abnormal pH values, vertebral artery pulsatility index might be useful to evaluate fetal wellbeing in those cases of suspected hypoxia/academia.

Short-term outcome of the second twin during vaginal delivery is dependent on delivery time interval but not chorionicity.

The decrease in pH in monochorionic (MC) second twin may exceed that of dichorionic (DC) second twin during vaginal twin delivery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chorionicity on the umbilical artery pH of the second twin in relation to increased twin-to-twin delivery time interval (DTI) from 30 weeks of gestation. A hospital based cohort of all twin deliveries after 30 completed weeks of gestation with the first twin delivered vaginally between 2007 and 2012 in four delivery units in Stockholm county was conducted. The changes of umbilical pH in MC twins compared to DC twins in relation to twin-to-twin DTI was studied using linear regression. The predictors for acidosis (pH ≤ 7.10) in the second twin were studied by logistic regression. The cohort included 681 DC and 186 MC twin pairs. There was a correlation between the umbilical pH and the twin-to-twin DTI but independent of the chorionicity, the pH decreased in average by 0.0012 units/min (p < .001). Twin-to twin DTI was a predictor for acidosis of the second twin (p < .01). IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Vaginal twin deliveries are a major obstetrical challenge because of the increased risk for the second twin after the delivery of the first twin, and are suggested to increase among premature second twins. Previous studies report a continuous decline in the pH of the second twin during the second stage of labour, with an increased risk for acidosis (pH < 7.10) and Apgar scores <7 for twin-to-twin delivery time interval (DTI) as short as 15-30 min. Major studies have not discriminated between MC and DC vaginally delivered twins and the question rise if there is a reason for different delivery guidelines for MC diamniotic second twin compared to DC second twin. What do the results of this study add? The results of the present study show a correlation between umbilical pH and twin-to-twin DTI, but independent of chorionicity, from gestational week 30 to term. A main predictor for acidosis (pH ≤ 7.10) is the twin-to-twin DTI. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or future research? In cases of uneventful MC pregnancies, we find no support to suggest different vaginal delivery guidelines for MC diamniotic twins compared to DC twins. The risk for acidosis in the second twin increased with 1%/min during the second stage. Active management may be recommended after 15-30 min.

Recellularization potential of small diameter vascular grafts derived from human umbilical artery.

BACKGROUND: The primary therapeutic strategy in cardiovascular disease is the coronary artery bypass surgery, which in- volves the use of small diameter vascular grafts (<6 mm). Human umbilical arteries could be used as a source for the development of these grafts. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was the decellularization of human umbilical arteries and the evaluation of their re- cellularization potential. METHODS: Decellularization of human umbilical arteries was performed with a detergent based protocol. Histological analysis was performed in order to determine the effect of decellularization. Then, recellularization was performed by using two different approaches. The first approach was the dynamic seeding of human umbilical arteries with Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and the second approach involved the recellularization by using a bioreactor system. RESULTS: Histological analysis showed the successful removal of cellular and nuclear materials from the umbilical arteries. In addition, successful recellularization of the vessels was observed with both approaches. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that human umbilical arteries could serve as an alternative material for the proper development of small diameter vascular grafts.

Point-of-care umbilical arterial lactate and newborn outcomes in a low resource setting: cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Birth asphyxia contributes substantially to the burden of intrapartum stillbirth and neonatal mortality in resource limited countries. We investigated clinical correlates and neonatal outcomes of lactate analysis of umbilical arterial cord blood in a large referral maternity unit in Malawi using a point-of-care test (Lactate Xpress, Nova Biomedical, Runcorn, UK) and examined maternal and neonatal characteristics and outcomes. RESULTS: There were 389 live births and 12 intrapartum stillbirths during the study. The median umbilical arterial lactate concentration was 3.4 mmol/L (interquartile range 2.6-4.9). Umbilical arterial lactate concentrations among the 45 babies admitted for special neonatal care were above 5 mmol/L in 16/45 (36%) of cases, with no fatality below 13 mmol/L. A positive malaria rapid diagnostic test was associated with hyperlactatemia (p < 0.05). In receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) analysis using a lactate cutoff of 5 mmol/L, areas under the curve were 0.72 (95% CI 0.66-0.79) and 0.64 (95% CI 0.58-0.69) for the Apgar score at 1 and 5 min respectively. This approach can identify safely those newborns that are unlikely to require additional monitoring. Scale-up implementation research in low resource country referral units is needed. The influence of malaria on neonatal hyperlactatemia requires further exploration.

Higher Cord Blood Levels of Fatty Acids in Pregnant Women With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

Context: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with a disturbance of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Objective: To determine whether T1DM alters maternal and neonatal fatty acid (FA) levels. Design: Observational study. Setting: Academic hospital. Patients: Sixty pregnant women (30 women with T1DM with good glycemic control and 30 healthy women) were included in the study. Maternal blood, umbilical vein, and artery blood samples were collected immediately upon delivery. Following lipid extraction, the FA profiles of the total FA pool of maternal serum and umbilical vein and artery serum were determined by gas chromatography. Results: Total FA concentration in maternal serum did not differ between the study groups; it was significantly higher in umbilical vein serum of the T1DM group compared with that in the control group [median (interquartile range)]: T1DM 2126.2 (1446.4 to 3181.3) and control 1073.8 (657.5 to 2226.0; P < 0.001), and in umbilical artery vein serum: T1DM 1805.7 (1393.1 to 2125.0) and control 990.0 (643.3 to 1668.0; P < 0.001). Composition of FAs in umbilical vein serum showed significantly higher concentrations of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated FAs (SFAs, MUFAs, and PUFAs, respectively) in the T1DM group than compared with those in the control group (P = 0.001). Furthermore, cord blood levels of leptin (P < 0.001), C-peptide (P < 0.001), and insulin resistance (P = 0.015) were higher in the T1DM group compared with controls. Conclusion: The neonates born to mothers with T1DM had higher concentrations of total FAs, SFAs and MUFAs, as well as PUFAs, compared with control newborns.

Particulate matter (PM10) exposure, birth and fetal-placental weight and umbilical arterial pH: results from a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective study aims to analyze the relation between particulate matter (PM10) exposure during pregnancy and birth weight (BW), placental weight (PW) and umbilical artery PH (UAPH). STUDY DESIGN: Population included 3614 women born in Italy, living in Lombardia Region, consecutively admitted to the Clinica Mangiagalli for an elective cesarean section from January 2004 through December 2006. Outdoor air quality data were provided by the Department of the Regional Environmental Protection Agency and obtained by a network of fixed monitoring stations representatively distributed in eight geographical areas. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Birth weight was negatively associated with exposure to PM10 concentration during the first trimester of pregnancy (mean change -22.2 g, 95%CI -8.7 to -35.7, p = 0.0013). Placental weight and umbilical artery PH were not associated with exposure to PM10 concentration. Fetal weight was negatively associated with exposure to PM10 concentration during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Neonatal outcomes of deliveries in occiput posterior position when delayed pushing is practiced: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: To examine the impact of occiput posterior position, compared to occiput anterior position, on neonatal outcomes in a setting where delayed pushing is practiced. The specific aim was to estimate the risk of acidaemia. METHODS: Cohort study from a university hospital in Sweden between 2004 and 2012. Information was collected from a local database of 35,546 births. Umbilical artery sampling was routine. Outcomes were: umbilical artery pH < 7.00 and <7.10 and short-term neonatal morbidity. The association between occiput posterior position and neonatal outcomes was examined using logistic regression analysis, presented as adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Of 27,648 attempted vaginal births, 1292 (4.7%) had occiput posterior position. Compared with occiput anterior, there was no difference in pH < 7.00 (0.4% vs. 0.5%) but a higher rate of pH < 7.10 in occiput posterior births (3.8 vs. 5.5%). Logistic regression analysis showed no increased risk of pH < 7.10 (AOR 1.28 95% CI 0.93-1.74) when occiput posterior was compared with occiput anterior births but, an increased risk of Apgar score < 7 at 5 min (AOR 1.84, 95% CI 1.11-3.05); neonatal care admission (AOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.17-2.42) and composite morbidity (AOR 1.66, 95% CI 1.19-2.31). CONCLUSIONS: With delayed pushing, birth in occiput posterior compared with anterior position is not associated with acidaemia. The higher risk of neonatal morbidity is of concern and any long-term consequences need to be investigated in future studies.

Stem cells cardiac patch from decellularized umbilical artery improved heart function after myocardium infarction.

The construction of the high biocompatible biomaterials pretreated with MSC offers a promising strategy to improve the effects of stem cell therapy for the myocardial infarction (MI). However, assembling vascularized three-dimensional (3-D) myocardial tissues remains an enormous challenge. In this study, we optimized the decellularization protocol with the umbilical artery to construct microporous 3-D scaffold which is suitable for the stem cells (SC) proliferation. The SD rats underwent proximal left coronary ligation and a 5-mm diameter microporous SC patch was implanted directly on the infarct area (SC patch group). The LV contractile function, regional myocardial wall compliance, and tissue histology were assessed 4 weeks after patch implantation. The MSC patch integrated to the local heart tissue and the neo-vessels have been observed in the MSC patch. The vessels in the MSC patch were positive for the CD31 (marker for the mature endothelial cells). The left ventricle wall was thicker in the MSC patch group than the control group (p<0.05 vs. empty patch group). And the LVEF has been improved in the MSC patch group than empty patch group (59±6.7% vs. 31±4.5%, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that the implantation of the MSC patch improved cardiac contractile function in heart infarction rat model. The construction of artificial tissue from the decellularized umbilical artery and the MSC may open a promising perspective for the tissue therapy for MI.

The effect of maternal low flow oxygen administration during the second stage of labour on umbilical cord artery pH: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of maternal low flow oxygen administration during the second stage of labour on umbilical cord artery pH. DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial. SETTING: A tertiary teaching hospital in China. POPULATION: Women in the second stage of labour with no complications. METHODS: About 443 women were randomly allocated to receive either supplemental oxygen at a flow rate of 2 l/min or a sham supplementation by nasal cannula. Healthcare providers, women and outcome assessors were blinded to allocation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Umbilical cord artery pH and fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the umbilical cord artery pH [median 7.261, interquartile range (IQR) 7.228-7.295 versus 7.266 (IQR 7.232-7.297), P = 0.64], the proportion with pH less than 7.2 [30/219 versus 34/224, P = 0.66, RR (relative risk) 0.9, 95% CI 0.57-1.42], and the proportion with normal FHR pattern (147/219 versus 153/224, P = 0.79, RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.86-1.12). Maternal partial pressure of dissolved oxygen was significantly higher in the oxygen group than in the sham group [median 150.0 mmHg (IQR 142.6-156.7) versus 112.0 (IQR 104.8-118.3), P < 0.001], whereas carbon dioxide was significantly lower in the oxygen group than in the sham group (mean difference -1.1, 95% CI -2.1 to -0.1, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The use of 2 l/min maternal oxygen during the second stage of labour did not adversely affect either the umbilical artery pH or the FHR pattern distribution. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: No difference in abnormal fetal acid base or normal heart rate if maternal O2 given, randomised trial finds.

A randomized trial comparing prophylactic phenylephrine and ephedrine infusion during spinal anesthesia for emergency cesarean delivery in cases of acute fetal compromise.

BACKGROUND: Previous evidence showed that use of phenylephrine was associated with higher umbilical artery pH (UA pH) than ephedrine after elective cesarean delivery (CD). However, the best choice of vasopressor and its effect on funic gases in cases of acute fetal compromise require additional studies. METHODS: Ninety parturients showing acute fetal compromise during intrapartum period and taken up for CD (category II) under spinal anesthesia were randomized to receive prophylactic infusion of ephedrine 2.5mg/min or phenylephrine 30µg/min. Systolic blood pressure was targeted between 90% and 110% of baseline. Incidence of fetal acidosis (UA pH <7.2 and/or base deficit >12mmol/L) was recorded. Other parameters of cord gases, Apgar score, need for immediate resuscitation, maternal hemodynamics, and adverse events were also compared. RESULTS: Number of neonates showing acidosis with ephedrine or phenylephrine was comparable (P=.22). Of these, newborns with base deficit >12mmol had low 1-minute Apgar scores (n=15/23). The ephedrine group had higher oxygen content in UA (P=.03). There was no adverse neonatal outcome during the period of observation. Incidence of maternal nausea and vomiting was higher with ephedrine than with phenylephrine (22.2% vs 4.4%; P=.02). Maternal bradycardia was observed with phenylephrine (P=.02). CONCLUSION: Our data report similar fetal acidosis with either phenylephrine or ephedrine administered during spinal anesthesia for treating maternal hypotension in cases of emergency CD.

Neonatal fatty acid status and cardiometabolic health at 9years.

BACKGROUND: Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) status is associated with risk of cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. We previously demonstrated no effect of LCPUFA supplementation after birth on BP and anthropometrics. Little is known about the association between fatty acid status at birth and cardiometabolic health at older ages. AIM: To evaluate associations between docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) levels in the umbilical cord and blood pressure (BP) and anthropometrics at 9years. STUDY DESIGN: Observational follow-up study. Multivariable analyses were carried out to adjust for potential confounders. SUBJECTS: 229 children who took part in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) on the effects of LCPUFA formula supplementation. OUTCOME MEASURES: BP was chosen as primary outcome; heart rate and anthropometrics as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: AA levels in the wall of the umbilical vein and artery were negatively associated with diastolic BP (B: vein -0.831, 95% CI: -1.578; -0.083, p=0.030; artery: -0.605, 95% CI: -1.200; -0.010, p=0.046). AA was not associated with systolic BP; DHA not with diastolic nor systolic BP. The AA:DHA ratio in the umbilical vein was negatively associated with diastolic BP (B: -1.738, 95% CI: -3.141; -0.335, p=0.015). Heart rate and anthropometrics were not associated with neonatal LCPUFA status. CONCLUSIONS: Higher AA levels and a higher AA:DHA ratio at birth are associated with lower diastolic BP at age 9. This suggests that the effect of LCPUFAs at early age is different from that in adults, where DHA is regarded anti-adipogenic and AA as adipogenic.