Interactive effects of gestational diabetes and high pre-pregnancy body mass index on adverse growth patterns of offspring.

AIMS: To examine the independent and interactive effects of maternal gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and high pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) on the risk of offspring adverse growth patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One thousand six hundred and eighty one mother-child pairs were followed for 8 years in Tianjin, China. Group-based trajectory modelling was used to identify offspring growth patterns. Logistic regression was performed to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of GDM and high pre-pregnancy BMI for offspring adverse growth patterns. Restricted cubic spline was used to identify cut-off points. Additive interactions and multiplicative interactions were used to test interactive effects between GDM and high pre-pregnancy BMI for adverse growth patterns. RESULTS: Four distinct growth patterns were identified in offspring, including normal growth pattern, persistent lean growth pattern, late obesity growth pattern (LOGP), and persistent obesity growth pattern (POGP). Maternal high pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with LOGP and POGP (adjusted OR, 95% CI: 2.38, 1.74-3.25 & 4.92, 2.26-10.73). GDM greatly enhanced the adjusted OR of high pre-pregnancy BMI for LOGP up to 3.48 (95% CI: 2.25-5.38). Additive interactions and multiplicative interactions between both risk factors were significant for LOGP but not for POGP. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal high pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with increased risk of LOGP and POGP, whereas GDM greatly enhanced the risk of high pre-pregnancy BMI for LOGP.

Longitudinal Growth Trajectories in Children with Cow's Milk Allergy: Effects of Elimination Diet and Post-Termination Period.

INTRODUCTION: The primary dietary approach for managing cow's milk allergy (CMA) is the elimination diet. We aimed to compare the growth patterns of children with CMA during and after the elimination diet with healthy peers and identify influencing factors. METHODS: We compared 74 CMA children with age-matched healthy peers. Anthropometric data were collected during the third month of cow's milk elimination (CME) diet (T1), 3 months after diet cessation (T2), and after ≥3 months of normal diet (T3). Control group measurements coincided. Nutrient intake was assessed by a 3-day record, and patient laboratory results were noted at T3. RESULTS: CMA children had consistently lower weight-for-age (WFA) and height-for-age (HFA) z-scores than controls. WtHt z-score of patients was lower than those of the healthy group at T2. HC z-scores of patients were lower than those of the healthy group at T0, T2, and T3. At T3, the HFA z-score of the CME group demonstrated a negative correlation with the duration of the elimination diet (p = 0.045). Inadequate intake of energy, vitamins A, E, B1, B6, C, folic acid, magnesium, and iron was significantly higher in CMA children (p < 0.05). T3 WFA z-score correlated positively with fiber, vitamin B1, magnesium, and iron intake (p < 0.05). T3 WtHt showed a positive moderate correlation with energy, protein, vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium, phosphor, iron intake (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Post-elimination diet, children with CMA need sustained monitoring and potentially micronutrient supplementation to match healthy peers' growth.

Short communication: Differential expression of piwi1 and piwi2 genes in tissues of tambacu and zebrafish: A possible relationship with the indeterminate muscle growth.

Fish skeletal muscle is a component of the human diet, and understanding the mechanisms that control muscle growth can contribute to improving production in this sector and benefits the human health. In this sense, fish such as tambacu can represent a valuable source for exploring muscle growth regulators due to the indeterminate muscle growth pattern. In this context, the genes responsible for the indeterminate and determinate muscle growth pattern of fish are little explored, with piwi genes being possible candidates involved with these growth patterns. Piwi genes are associated with the proliferation and self-renewal of germ cells, and there are descriptions of these same functions in somatic cells from different tissues. However, little is known about the function of these genes in fish somatic cells. Considering this, our objective was to analyze the expression pattern of piwi 1 and 2 genes in cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle, liver, and gonad of zebrafish (species with determinate growth) and tambacu (species with indeterminate growth). We observed a distinct expression of piwi1 and piwi2 between tambacu and zebrafish, with both genes more expressed in tambacu in all tissues evaluated. Piwi genes can represent potential candidates involved with indeterminate muscle growth control.

The intrabulbar or extrabulbar growth pattern and its surgical outcomes of jugular foramen paragangliomas.

OBJECTIVE: This study is to define a subclassification system of jugular foramen paragangliomas (JFPs) and to demonstrate corresponding microsurgical outcomes of JFPs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: A single-center study. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the clinical data of 44 patients with JFPs who underwent surgical management. Extrabulbar(Be) tumor and intrabulbar(Bi) tumor are defined based on the growth patterns, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of the imaging profile were generated and was confirmed based on intraoperative findings. Area Under Curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for diagnostic imaging were revealed. We also compared the correlation between the two growth patterns with Fisch's classification, blood loss, lower cranial nerves (LCNs) deficit. RESULTS: There are 27 (69%) cases of Bi tumor and 17 (39%) cases of Be tumor. Significant radiomics features between the two growth patterns were demonstrated, ROC curves achieved excellent AUCs for MRI sequences (T1W1 MRI, MR contrast-enhanced sequence, MR complex sequences and MR complex + DSA by 0.833, 0.833, 0.875, 0.944) and had statistically significant in diagnosis of two growth patterns (P<0.05). There was no statistical correlation between growth patterns of JFPs and intra-operative blood loss. Preoperative LCNs deficits and Fisch's classification of tumors were correlated with the growth patterns of JFPs (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We proposetd two growth patterns of JFPs in term of the inferior petrous sinus involvement. Identification of Bi or Be growth patterns preoperatively is helpful to design optimal surgical strategies and minimize postoperative complications.

Basal and dentoalveolar transverse parameters in different sagittal and vertical malocclusions in adults: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to three-dimensionally (3D) evaluate the maxillomandibular basal bone and dentoalveolar widths using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans in adult Chinese populations with different vertical and sagittal facial skeletal patterns whilst no apparent posterior dental crossbite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective cross-sectional comparative study enrolled CBCT images of 259 adult patients (125 males and 134 females). The subjects were divided into the hyperdivergent(n = 82), hypodivergent(n = 88), and normodivergent(n = 89) groups based on the Jarabak ratio (S-GO/N-Me), which were further divided into three subgroups of skeletal Class I, II and III, based on both the ANB angle and AF-BF parameters. ANOVA was used to analyze the extracted data of the studied groups. The intra- and inter-observer reliability was analyzed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: In all three vertical facial skeletal patterns, the skeletal Class II had significantly smaller mandibular basal bone width compared to skeletal Class I and Class III, both at the first molar and first premolar levels. The skeletal Class III seemed to have smaller maxillary basal bone width compared to skeletal Class I and Class II malocclusions; however, a significant difference was found only in the normodivergent pattern. As for the dentoalveolar compensation, it was most notable that in the hypodivergent growth pattern, the skeletal Class II had significantly smaller maxillary dentoalveolar width compared to the Class I and Class III groups, both at the first molar and first premolar levels. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the sample in the present study, skeletal Class II has the narrowest mandibular basal bone regardless of the vertical facial skeletal pattern. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For Chinese adults with no apparent transverse discrepancy, the maxillomandibular basal bone and dentoalveolar widths are revealed in specific categories based on different vertical and sagittal facial skeletal patterns. In diagnosis and treatment planning, particular attention should be paid to skeletal Class II for possibly existing mandibular narrowing.

Analysis of MRI features and associated factors of the pituitary neuroendocrine tumor streaky sign.

OBJECTIVES: Observation of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors with streaky sign on MRI, analysis of their features on imaging and further investigation of the relationship between the direction of the streak sign and the direction of optimal tumor expansion. METHODS: The MR images of 237 patients with pituitary neuroendocrine tumors were retrospectively analyzed. The streaky-like high signal with a substantial length of more than 10 mm and obvious enhancement on T1WI was defined as the streaky sign. Finally, 66 patients were included in the study, comprising 33 patients with streaky sign pituitary neuroendocrine tumors and 33 randomly selected patients with non-streaky sign pituitary neuroendocrine tumors. The general condition of these 66 patients, the imaging features of the tumor, and the measurement and analysis of the direction of the streaky sign in relation to the direction of optimal tumor extension were observed and analyzed. RESULTS: On MRI, 85 streaky signs were observed. The average deviation between the direction angle of all the streaky signs and the optimal extension direction angle of the tumor was approximately 11°. The longest streaky sign angle was positively correlated with the optimal extension angle of the tumor, with a correlation coefficient of 0.967. CONCLUSION: The presence of a streaky sign of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors may indicate a dilated sinus or a small blood vessel. Its direction is highly consistent with the optimal extension direction of the tumor, which has a certain supporting effect on the long-distance growth of the tumor.

AgxZny Protective Coatings with Selective Zn2+/H+ Binding Enable Reversible Zn Anodes.

Zinc (Zn) metal anodes suffer from the dendrite growth and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in classical aqueous electrolytes, which severely limit their lifespan. We propose a rational design of AgxZny protective coatings with selective binding to Zn2+ against H+ to simultaneously regulate the Zn growth pattern and the HER kinetics. We further demonstrate that by tuning the composition of the AgxZny coating the Zn deposition behavior can be readily tuned from the conventional plating/stripping (on Zn-AgZn3 coating) to alloying/dealloying (on Ag-AgZn coating), resulting in precise control of the Zn growth pattern. Moreover, the synergy of Ag and Zn further suppresses the competitive HER. As a result, the modified Zn anodes possess a significantly enhanced lifespan. This work provides a new strategy for enhancing the stability of Zn and potentially other metal anodes by precisely manipulating the binding strength of protons and metal charge carriers in aqueous batteries.

Life-history parameters of adult females of Merluccius capensis (Gadidae) off the south coast of South Africa.

This study explores the life-history parameters of female Merluccius capensis off South Africa (N = 1819) during 2014-2016, including gonadosomatic index (GSI), length-at-maturity, length-weight relationships, and condition indices (relative condition [k] and Fulton's condition factor [K]). We detected weak indications of two peaks of spawning within the year, the first in austral autumn from March to May, whereas the other in austral spring around August. GSI was slightly higher in spring and autumn, though still low at all maturity stages (≤7%), though the opposite was true for the actively spawning stage (≥7%) as well as access to less such data during winter- and summertime. The length (L) at 50% maturity was around 38 cm (L50), though differences occurred between the two applied staging methods, histology and visual (macroscopic) classification, when L approached infinity. The latter method presented underestimated length at maturity values at the 75 and 95 percentiles (48 and 60 cm) compared to the corresponding percentiles given by histology (50 and 65 cm). There were trivial across-method differences in L50. However, we found a clear reduction in L50 in view of published information in prior years when this estimate was 48 (1985), 42 (2008), 53 (2011), and 24.8 (2015) cm. Overall, L explained 90% of the variation in whole body weight (W). As the bootstrapped, grand mean growth coefficient was b = 2.98, indicating a slight allometric growth function, there were no significant variations between years, though an isometric growth existed for 2016 with b = 3.0, whereas for 2014 and 2015 this b was 2.98 and 2.93, respectively. In terms of demography, females <60 cm generally showed isometric growth (b = 3) as opposed to allometric growth (b = 2.95) at >60 cm. The relative condition index (k = 1) exhibited higher values than Fulton's K, which was 0.80. Overall, the maternal stock of M. capensis along the south coast seems to be in good condition and likely spawns throughout the year, but we found that the macroscopic data tend to give biased maturity ogives.

Chloride Intracellular Channel Protein 1 Expression and Angiogenic Profile of Liver Metastasis of Digestive Origin.

Chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1) is involved in cell migration and metastasis. The histological growth patterns of liver metastasis are as follows: desmoplastic (d-HGP), replacement (r-HGP), pushing (p-HGP), and mixed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between HGP, angiogenesis, and CLIC1 expression. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 cases of primary tumors and their LM: d-HGP (12 cases), r-HGP (13 cases), and p-HGP (15 cases), were evaluated through simple and double immunostaining. CLIC1 assessment was conducted as follows: scores of 0 (less than 10% of positive cells), 1 (10-30%), 2 (30-50%), or 3 (more than 50%) were assigned. Heterogeneous CLIC1 expression was found. CLIC1 in primary tumors correlated with grade G for all cases of LM with a p-HGP (p = 0.004). The CLIC1 score for LMs with an r-HGP correlated with grade G of the corresponding primary tumor (p = 0.027). CLIC1 and CD34+/Ki67+ vessels (p = 0.006) correlated in primary tumors. CLIC1 in primary tumors correlated with CD34+/Ki67+ vessels of LMs with a d HGP (p = 0.024). Conclusions: The CLIC1 score may have prognostic value, mainly for LMs with a p-HGP and r-HGP, and therapeutic value for LMs with a d-HGP.

Growth pattern during early infancy, body mass index during childhood and childhood asthma.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of longitudinal studies of associations between growth from infancy to childhood and asthma development. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of weight change during infancy, body mass index (BMI) and the interaction of these factors on the risk of childhood asthma. METHODS: We enrolled children born in 2008 and 2009 at full-term and with normal birth weight. The weight change in infancy was grouped into slow, on-track and rapid. BMI status in childhood was stratified into low, normal and high groups and used as a time-varying variable. The outcome was asthma, defined as two or more diagnoses of asthma separated by at least 1 year after 2 years of age. The risk of asthma was assessed using Cox proportional hazard regression, with adjustment for sex, residence area at birth, economic status and feeding types in infancy. RESULTS: Of 917,707 children born in Korea in 2008 and 2009, 271,871 were eligible for analysis. The risk of asthma was greater in groups with low birth weight (aHR 1.06, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.08), rapid body weight change during early infancy (aHR 1.08, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.10) and high BMI during childhood (aHR 1.06, 95% CI 1.04-1.08). The interaction of weight change during early infancy with BMI during childhood was significant for asthma (p < .01). Rapid weight gain in infancy was associated with lower risk of asthma in those with low BMI during childhood; had no association with asthma in those with normal BMI during childhood; and was associated increased asthma risk in those with high BMI during childhood-aHR 1.26 (95% CI 1.19 to 1.33) and aHR 1.33 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.56) compared with on-track and slow infant weight gain, respectively. CONCLUSION: Low birth weight, high BMI during childhood and, in those with high childhood BMI, rapid weight gain during early infancy are associated with increased risk of childhood asthma.

Cell population growth kinetics in the presence of stochastic heterogeneity of cell phenotype.

Recent studies at individual cell resolution have revealed phenotypic heterogeneity in nominally clonal tumor cell populations. The heterogeneity affects cell growth behaviors, which can result in departure from the idealized uniform exponential growth of the cell population. Here we measured the stochastic time courses of growth of an ensemble of populations of HL60 leukemia cells in cultures, starting with distinct initial cell numbers to capture a departure from the uniform exponential growth model for the initial growth ("take-off"). Despite being derived from the same cell clone, we observed significant variations in the early growth patterns of individual cultures with statistically significant differences in growth dynamics, which could be explained by the presence of inter-converting subpopulations with different growth rates, and which could last for many generations. Based on the hypothesis of existence of multiple subpopulations, we developed a branching process model that was consistent with the experimental observations.

Is cribriform pattern in prostate biopsy a risk factor for metastatic disease on 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT?

INTRODUCTION: Cribriform growth pattern (CP) in prostate cancer (PCa) has been associated with different unfavourable oncological outcomes. This study addresses if CP in prostate biopsies is an independent risk factor for metastatic disease on PSMA PET/CT. METHODS: Treatment-naive patients with ISUP GG ≥ 2 staged with 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT diagnosed from 2020 to 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. To test if CP in biopsies was an independent risk factor for metastatic disease on 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT, regression analyses were performed. Secondary analyses were performed in different subgroups. RESULTS: A total of 401 patients were included. CP was reported in 252 (63%) patients. CP in biopsies was not an independent risk factor for metastatic disease on the 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT (p = 0.14). ISUP grade group (GG) 4 (p = 0.006), GG 5 (p = 0.003), higher PSA level groups per 10 ng/ml until > 50 (p-value between 0.02 and > 0.001) and clinical EPE (p > 0.001) were all independent risk factors. In the subgroups with GG 2 (n = 99), GG 3 (n = 110), intermediate-risk group (n = 129) or the high-risk group (n = 272), CP in biopsies was also not an independent risk factor for metastatic disease on 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT. If the EAU guideline recommendation for performing metastatic screening was applied as threshold for PSMA PET/CT imaging, in 9(2%) patients, metastatic disease was missed, and 18% fewer PSMA PET/CT would have been performed. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study found that CP in biopsies was not an independent risk factor for metastatic disease on 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT.

Quality assessment of Astragali Radix based on pseudo-targeted metabolomics and chemometric approach.

Astragali Radix is widely used because of its dual use in medicine and food, and its quality evaluation is of great importance. In this study, a pseudo-targeted metabolomics approach based on scheduled multiple reaction monitoring was developed, and a total of 114 compounds with good linearity, sensitivity, and reproducibility were selected for relative quantification, and the chemical differences between Astragali Radix of different growth patterns were further compared by chemometric analysis. With the help of multivariate and univariate analysis, 26 differential compounds between wild/semi-wild Astragali Radix and cultivated Astragali Radix were determined. Then five marker compounds were screened out by lasso regression, and further verified by systematic clustering, random forest, support vector machine, and logistic regression. In addition, malonyl-substituted flavonoids showed relatively higher content in wild/semi-wild Astragali Radix. Thus, the malonyl substitution was characteristic for flavonoids in wild/semi-wild Astragali Radix. In conclusion, the application of pseudo-targeted metabolomics and various statistical methods could offer multi-dimensional information for the holistic quality evaluation of Astragali Radix.

Prognostic implications of histologic growth patterns and tumor-infiltrating macrophages in colorectal liver metastases.

PURPOSE: Histopathologic patterns at the invasion fronts of tumors predict metastatic potential and prognosis in several cancers. We examined whether such patterns at the interface between colorectal liver metastases and hepatic parenchyma have similar prognostic value. METHODS: Microscopic growth patterns at edges of metastases including desmoplasia, pushing borders, and replacement of hepatocytes were retrospectively analyzed with respect to surgical outcomes in 142 patients who underwent hepatectomy for colorectal metastases. RESULTS: Patterns included desmoplasia in 58 patients (41%), hepatocyte replacement in 41 (29%), and pushing borders in 43 (30%). Maximum metastasis diameter and serum carcinoembryonic antigen concentration in patients showing desmoplastic tumor growth were lower than those in others (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). Disease-free survival and overall survival were better in patients showing desmoplastic growth, while a non-desmoplastic tumor growth pattern showed a negative influence. More cluster of differentiation (CD) 68-positive M1 macrophages and fewer CD206-positive M2 macrophages were demonstrated at interfaces of tumors with hepatic parenchyma when desmoplasia was present, although markers for proliferative activity (MIB1 index) and metastatic potential (E-cadherin expression) appeared uninfluenced by desmoplasia. CONCLUSION: Better long-term results were associated with metastatic tumors showing desmoplastic growth patterns at invasion fronts, which may reflect local immune state in a prognostically useful manner.

Intrauterine growth pattern in Butajira HDSS, Southern Ethiopia: BUNMAP pregnancy cohort.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal fetal growth pattern during pregnancy including excessive fetal size and intrauterine growth restrictions are the major determinants for perinatal outcomes and postnatal growth. Ultrasonography is a useful tool in monitoring fetal growth for appropriate care and interventions. However, there are few longitudinal studies using serial ultrasonography in low and middle-income countries. Moreover, the reference charts used for fetal growth monitoring in low-income countries comes from high income countries with distinct population features. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the intrauterine growth pattern of the fetus using serial ultrasonography. METHODS: We conducted a prospective community-based cohort study from March 2018 to December 2019. Pregnant women with gestational age of 24 weeks or below living in the Butajira HDSS were enrolled. We followed the pregnant women until delivery. Serial ultrasound measurements were taken, and fetal weight was estimated using the Hadlock algorithm based on biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length. The z-scores and percentiles of biometric measurements were calculated and compared to the INTERGROWTH-21st International Standards for Fetal Growth. RESULTS: We reviewed a total of 2055 ultrasound scans and 746 women who fulfill the inclusion criteria were involved". We found similar distribution patterns of biometric measurements and estimated fetal weight compared to the previous study done in Ethiopia, the WHO and INTERGROWTH-21st references. In our study, the 5th,50th and 95th percentiles of estimated fetal weight distribution have a similar pattern to the WHO and INTERGROWTH-21st charts. The 50th and 95th percentile had also a similar distribution pattern with the previous study conducted in Ethiopia. We found that 10% of the fetus were small for gestational age (below the 10th percentile) based on the Z-score of estimated fetal weight. CONCLUSION: Our study evaluated the fetal growth patterns in rural community of Ethiopia using serial ultrasound biometric measurements. We found similar IUG patterns to the WHO and INTERGROWTH-21st reference standards as well as the previous study conducted in Ethiopia.

Changes in relative peripheral refraction in children who switched from single-vision lenses to Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments lenses.

PURPOSE: To investigate changes in relative peripheral refraction (RPR) associated with myopia progression in children who wore single-vision (SV) lenses for 2 years and switched to Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) lenses in the third year versus children who wore DIMS lenses for 3 years. METHODS: In the first 2 years, children were allocated randomly to wear either DIMS or SV lenses. In the third year, children in the DIMS group continued to wear these lenses, while those in the SV group were switched to DIMS lenses (Control-to-DIMS group). Central and peripheral refraction and axial length were monitored every 6 months. RESULTS: Over 3 years, the DIMS group (n = 65) showed good myopia control and maintained a relatively constant and symmetrical RPR profile without significant changes. In the first 2 years, children who wore SV lenses (n = 55) showed asymmetrical RPR changes, with significant increases in hyperopic RPR at 20° nasal (N) (mean difference: 0.88 ± 1.06 D, p < 0.0001) and 30N (mean difference: 1.07 ± 1.09 D, p < 0.0001). The Control-to-DIMS group showed significant myopia retardation after wearing DIMS lenses in the third year. When compared with the RPR changes in the first 2 years, significant reductions in hyperopic RPR were observed at 20N (mean difference: -1.14 ± 1.93 D, p < 0.0001) and 30N (mean difference: -1.07 ± 1.17 D, p < 0.0001) in the third year. However, no significant difference between the RPR changes found in the nasal retina and temporal retina (p > 0.05) was noted in the third year. CONCLUSION: Symmetrical changes in RPR were found in children switching from SV to DIMS lenses, and a symmetrical pattern of RPR was noted in children who wore DIMS for 3 years. Myopia control using myopic defocus in the mid-periphery influenced the RPR changes and retarded myopia progression by altering the eye's growth pattern.

Developmental Process and Symmetry of Fetal Sulci in the Mesial Area Assessed by Ultrasound: A Cohort Study in Chinese Population.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the progression of cortical development in Chinese population and to determine the rate of isolated asymmetric cortical development. We also explored the outcomes of these fetuses and determined whether cortical asymmetry represents normal individual physiological variation. METHODS: Our observational cohort study included 456 healthy singleton pregnant women who visited Peking University First Hospital between September 2020 and December 2021. We evaluated the progression and symmetry of the parieto-occipital sulcus, calcarine sulcus, and cingulate sulcus using a scoring system during routine fetal ultrasound examinations. The outcomes of the included fetuses after birth were assessed using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition (ASQ-3). RESULTS: The median gestational ages at which the parieto-occipital, calcarine, and cingulate sulci reached grade 1 were 22, 22, and 26 weeks, respectively. Among 456 included fetuses, 426 showed symmetric cortical development and 30 showed asymmetric cortical development during ultrasound examination. Fetuses with asymmetric cortical development underwent 'catch-up growth' and developed to the same grade in 2-6 weeks. All fetuses with symmetric or asymmetric cortical development had normal neurodevelopment after birth according to ASQ-3 assessment. CONCLUSION: The gestational age at which the parieto-occipital, calcarine, and cingulate sulci can be detected using ultrasound varies in different studies. Racial differences may be present in cortical development. Normal fetuses may physiologically have mildly asymmetric cortical development in the mesial area.

Prognostic analysis of 2-5 cm diameter gastric stromal tumors with exogenous or endogenous growth.

BACKGROUND: There has been limited research on the prognosis differences in patients with gastric stromal tumor invasion of the plasma membrane surface. This study intended to investigate whether there is a difference in prognosis in patients with endogenous or exogenous 2-5 cm diameter GISTs. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological and follow-up data of gastric stromal tumor patients, all of whom underwent surgical resection for primary GIST at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from December 2010 to February 2022. We classified patients based on tumor growth patterns and then investigated the association between tumor growth patterns and clinical outcomes. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated by the Kaplan‒Meier method. RESULTS: A total of 496 gastric stromal tumor patients were enrolled in this study, among which 276 patients had tumors of 2-5 cm in diameter. Of these 276 patients, 193 had exogenous tumors, and 83 had endogenous tumors. Tumor growth patterns were significantly related to age, rupture status, resection style, tumor site, tumor size, and intraoperative bleeding. According to Kaplan‒Meier curve analysis, the tumor growth pattern among patients with 2-5 cm diameter tumors was significantly correlated with worse progression-free survival (PFS). Ultimately, multivariate analyses identified the Ki-67 index (P = 0.008), surgical history (P = 0.031), and resection style (P = 0.045) as independent prognostic markers for PFS. CONCLUSIONS: Although gastric stromal tumors with a diameter of 2-5 cm are classified as low risk, the prognosis is lower for exogenous tumors than for endogenous tumors, and exogenous gastric stromal tumors have a risk of recurrence. Consequently, clinicians should be vigilant regarding the prognosis of patients with this type of tumor.

Dentoskeletal features and growth pattern in Beckwith-Wiedemann spectrum: is surgical tongue reduction always necessary?

OBJECTIVES: The role of tongue reduction surgery (TRS) in preventing excessive mandibular growth and anterior open bite in children with Beckwith-Wiedemann Spectrum (BWSp) is still controversial. This cross-sectional study aimed at comparing craniofacial growth pattern in children affected by BWSp either treated or not treated with early TRS for severe macroglossia. Considering the invasive nature of such surgery, the present study could help in clarifying the need for TRS to reduce or prevent growth disturbances. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Orthopantomography and lateral skull x-ray images were taken either from surgically treated or non-surgically treated patients, aged 5 to 8 years, to compare dentoskeletal features and craniofacial growth by cephalometric analysis. Molecular testing results were collected from their medical records. RESULTS: Eighteen BWSp patients were consecutively recruited: 8 underwent TRS at 14.9 ± 2.2 months of age, while 10 did not. Anterior open bite and dental class III were more frequently observed in the surgically treated group, but none showed skeletal class III. No statistically significant differences were observed in growth pattern, but children treated with TRS showed a tendency towards both maxillary and mandibular prognathism with protruding lower lip. Growth pattern seemed to be not related to molecular subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data suggest that early TSR does not improve craniofacial growth pattern and dentoskeletal features in BWSp children. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Reductive glossectomy may not be justified for preventing or avoiding oro-facial deformities in BWSp; therefore, early monitoring of maxillofacial development of each affected child has a great clinical significance.

Genetic characteristics and growth patterns of the hybrid grouper derived from the hybridization of Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (female) × Epinephelus polyphekadion (male).

Hybridization is one of the primary methods used to cultivate farmed grouper species. The hybrid grouper derived from crossing Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (♀) and E. polyphekadion (♂) exhibits growth superiority over its parents. The genetic characteristics and growth patterns of the hybrid grouper have not yet been defined. This study confirms the ploidy level of the hybrid grouper (2n = 48) using chromosome count analysis and flow cytometry. The 5S rDNA family was used to evaluate genetic diversity. Only one 5S class (~400 bp) was detected in the hybrid grouper, which could be used to distinguish between two different types based on nucleotide sequences, likely representing homologous unit classes from the female and male parental species. Growth patterns of 5-8-month-old hybrid groupers were also monitored. In this phase, a positive allometric growth pattern in body mass with total length was found. Body height and body mass were significantly correlated based on correlation and path coefficient, suggesting that body height could serve as an excellent index to increase body mass. These results aid our understanding of the genetic evolution of the hybrid grouper and inform the development of improved rearing techniques.