Development and cross-sectional morphology of the recurrent laryngeal nerves in human fetuses.

The recurrent laryngeal nerve is a bilateral branch of the vagus nerve that is mainly associated with the motor innervation of the intrinsic muscles of the larynx. Despite its bilateral distribution, the right and left recurrent laryngeal nerves display unequal length due to embryological processes related to the development of the aortic arches. This length asymmetry leads to theories about morphological compensations to provide symmetrical functions to the intrinsic muscles of the larynx. In this study we investigated the developmental and cross-sectional morphometrics of the recurrent laryngeal nerves in human fetuses. Fifteen stillbirth fetuses donated to anatomical and medical research were used for investigation. Fetuses had intrauterine age ranging from 30 to 40 weeks estimated by biometry methods. Specialized anatomical dissection of the visceral block of the neck was performed to prepare histological samples of the recurrent laryngeal nerves in its point of contact with the larynx, and morpho-quantitative techniques were applied to evaluate the epineurium and perineural space of the recurrent laryngeal nerves. No statistical difference in the cross-sectional morphology of the epineurium and perineural space between right and left recurrent laryngeal nerves intra-individually was confirmed, however, we found evidence that these structures are under greater development in the left recurrent laryngeal nerve during 30 to 40 weeks of intrauterine life. Our data suggest that the nerves are under morphological development that possibly set the stage for accommodation of larger diameter and myelinization of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve during post-natal life.

Does the use of bisphosphonates during pregnancy affect fetal outcomes? A systematic review.

PURPOSE: This systematic review aimed to determine the effects of maternal exposure to bisphosphonates (BPs) during pregnancy on neonatal outcomes. It aimed to disclosfe the impact of BPs on neonates and identify aspects that require further investigation. METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Science Direct, LILACS, EMBASE, and Web of Science was conducted until August 2022, with no time restrictions. The selection criteria included studies published in English that evaluated pregnant women who were exposed to BPs. RESULTS: From an initial pool of 2169 studies, 13 met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. These studies collectively included 106 women (108 pregnancies) who were exposed to BPs either before orduring pregnancy. A summary of the key characteristics of the selected studies and the risk of bias assessment are provided. Exposure to BPs occurs at various stages of pregnancy, with different indications for BP treatment. The most frequently reported neonatal outcomes were spontaneous abortion, congenital malformations, hypocalcemia, preterm birth, and low birth weight. CONCLUSION: Although previous reports have linked BPs before or during pregnancy with adverse neonatal outcomes, these associations should be interpreted with caution. Given the complexity of these findings, further research is necessary to provide more definitive insights to guide clinical decisions regarding the use of BPs in pregnant women.

Desarrollo embriológico e importancia clínica de la membrana amniótica: revisión narrativa de literatura / Embryological development and clinical significance of the amniotic membrane: narrative literature review

La membrana amniótica (MA), ubicada en el lado interno de la placenta fetal, ha sido objeto de múltiples investigaciones para intentar dilucidar su papel embriológico y su potencial celular terapéutico. Actualmente las limitaciones del estudio en fetos humanos hacen que parte de su funcionamiento sea una incógnita, sin embargo algunos estudios clínicos y básicos nos dan luz sobre su papel en la médica moderna. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de la literatura desde 1960 hasta 2022, empleando bases de datos como PubMed, SciELO y Scopus, siendo incluidos un total de 50 artículos y dos textos de embriología. El objetivo de esta revisión narrativa fue sintetizar la información sobre la angiogénesis y su importancia clínica. La información recopilada permitió evidenciar que las propiedades de curación de la piel del feto se deben a factores intrínsecos del feto, y a que las células epiteliales amnióticas humanas poseen una diferenciación similar a las células madre embrionarias, con la capacidad de diferenciación similar al de las células mesenquimales, resaltando su importancia clínica por sus características regenerativas. En conclusión, el desarrollo embrionario humano sigue siendo relativamente inexplicable, pero su conocimiento ha permitido grandes avances, que podrían ser útiles en terapias de regeneración, reparación de tejidos y órganos lesionados.

The amniotic membrane, located on the inner side of the fetal placenta, has been the subject of multiple investigations to try to elucidate its embryological role and its therapeutic cellular potential. Currently, the limitations of the study in human fetuses mean that part of its functioning is unknown, however, some clinical and basic studies shed light on its role in modern medicine. A bibliographic review of the literature was carried out from 1960 to 2022, using databases such as PubMed, SciELO and Scopus, including a total of 50 articles and two embryology texts. The objective of this narrative review was to synthesize information on angiogenesis and its clinical importance. The information collected made it possible to show that the healing properties of the fetal skin are due to intrinsic factors of the fetus, and that human amniotic epithelial cells have a differentiation similar to embryonic stem cells, with the differentiation capacity similar to that of mesenchymal cells, highlighting their clinical importance due to their regenerative characteristics. In conclusion, human embryonic development remains relatively inexplicable, but its knowledge has allowed great advances, which could be useful in regeneration therapies, repair of injured tissues and organs.

Nutrition during pregnancy: Influence on the gut microbiome and fetal development.

Pregnancy is a finely tuned process, with the health and well-being of the developing fetus determined by the metabolic status and dietary intake of the mother. The maternal gut microbiome is remodeled during pregnancy, and this, coupled with the maternal nutrient intake during gestation shapes the production of metabolites that can cross the placenta and affect fetal development. As posited by the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Hypothesis, such environmental influences can have major effects on the developing organ systems. When occurring at particularly sensitive gestational time points, these developmental programming events can have long lasting effects on offspring adaptation to the postnatal environment, and major health implications later in life. This review will summarize current knowledge on how pregnancy and maternal dietary intake intrinsically and extrinsically modify maternal gut microbiota composition and metabolite production. Further, we will assess how these factors shape the fetal landscape and ultimately contribute to offspring health. DOHaD, fetal development, metabolites, microbiome, nutrition, pregnancy, short-chain fatty acids.

Declaración de la Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría sobre la prevención de enfermedades no transmisibles: la necesidad de fortalecer conocimientos y reforzar estrategias / Statement of the Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría on the prevention of noncommunicable diseases: the need to strengthen knowledge and reinforce strategies

Investigaciones de las últimas décadas revelaron que un ambiente adverso en la etapa de desarrollo puede producir una mayor susceptibilidad hacia fenotipos relacionados con enfermedad cardiovascular, diabetes, hipertensión, trastornos neuroconductuales y otras enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. Estas enfermedades, cuyo aumento ocurre especialmente en países con alta vulnerabilidad social, provocan muertes prematuras y constituyen la primera causa de muerte en la vida adulta, además de un elevado costo para la salud pública. Consciente de la necesidad de prevenir estas enfermedades desde los primeros mil días de vida, la Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría creó la Subcomisión DOHaD y formuló una declaración para la prevención de enfermedades no transmisibles a la que adhirieron otros países de Latinoamérica. La aplicación de las estrategias declaradas con acciones interdisciplinarias e intersectoriales sostenidas en el tiempo contribuirá a construir salud, a disminuir la carga de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles y al mayor bienestar y productividad para los pueblos.

Research in recent decades has revealed that an adverse environment in the developmental stage can produce a greater susceptibility to phenotypes related to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, or neurobehavioral disorders, among other chronic noncommunicable diseases. These diseases, whose tendency is increasing especially in countries with high social vulnerability, cause premature deaths and constitute the first cause of death in adult life as well as a great cost to public health. Aware of the need to prevent these diseases from the first thousand days of life, the Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría created the DOHaD Committee and formulated a statement for the prevention of NCDs, to which Latin American countries also adhered. We believe that the application of the declared strategies with interdisciplinary and intersectoral actions sustained over time will contribute to building health, reducing the burden of NCDs, and to greater wellbeing and productivity for the people

[Statement of the Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría on the prevention of non-communicable diseases: the need to strengthen knowledge and reinforce strategies]. / Declaración de la Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría sobre la prevención de enfermedades no transmisibles: la necesidad de fortalecer conocimientos y reforzar estrategias.

Research in recent decades has revealed that an adverse environment in the developmental stage can produce a greater susceptibility to phenotypes related to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, or neurobehavioral disorders, among other chronic noncommunicable diseases. These diseases, whose tendency is increasing especially in countries with high social vulnerability, cause premature deaths and constitute the first cause of death in adult life as well as a great cost to public health. Aware of the need to prevent these diseases from the first thousand days of life, the Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría created the DOHaD Committee and formulated a statement for the prevention of NCDs, to which Latin American countries also adhered. We believe that the application of the declared strategies with interdisciplinary and intersectoral actions sustained over time will contribute to building health, reducing the burden of NCDs, and to greater wellbeing and productivity for the people.

Investigaciones de las últimas décadas revelaron que un ambiente adverso en la etapa de desarrollo puede producir una mayor susceptibilidad hacia fenotipos relacionados con enfermedad cardiovascular, diabetes, hipertensión, trastornos neuroconductuales y otras enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. Estas enfermedades, cuyo aumento ocurre especialmente en países con alta vulnerabilidad social, provocan muertes prematuras y constituyen la primera causa de muerte en la vida adulta, además de un elevado costo para la salud pública. Consciente de la necesidad de prevenir estas enfermedades desde los primeros mil días de vida, la Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría creó la Subcomisión DOHaD y formuló una declaración para la prevención de enfermedades no transmisibles a la que adhirieron otros países de Latinoamérica. La aplicación de las estrategias declaradas con acciones interdisciplinarias e intersectoriales sostenidas en el tiempo contribuirá a construir salud, a disminuir la carga de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles y al mayor bienestar y productividad para los pueblos.

Relación entre biometría fetal, producto de acumulación de los lípidos y condición trófica al nacer / Relationship between fetal biometry, lipid accumulation product and the trophic condition at birth

Fundamento: Las alteraciones del estado nutricional materno generalmente se relacionan con desviaciones del crecimiento fetal, que pueden detectarse por los parámetros biofísicos fetales e identifican la posible condición trófica al nacer. Objetivo: Determinar la posible relación entre los parámetros biométricos fetales, la condición trófica al nacer y el producto de acumulación de los lípidos. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio transversal en el Policlínico Chiqui Gómez Lubian del municipio Santa Clara, durante el año 2019, en una población de 253 gestantes normopeso supuestamente sanas al inicio de la gestación. La muestra no probabilística fue de 144 gestantes. Las variables de estudio fueron: producto de acumulación de los lípidos, biometría fetal y condición trófica al nacer. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos, empíricos y estadísticos. Resultados: En el segundo trimestre ningún parámetro biométrico coincidió con la condición al nacer de pequeño, mientras que para el grande coincidieron las circunferencias cefálica y abdominal. En el tercer trimestre la longitud del fémur y la circunferencia abdominal coinciden en la identificación del pequeño y del grande. El PAL se correlacionó con la circunferencia abdominal del tercer trimestre y con el peso al nacer; presentando mayor frecuencia de valores en el tercer tertil para los nacimientos grandes. Conclusiones: La circunferencia abdominal fue el parámetro biométrico con mayor coincidencia con la condición trófica al nacer, la que se asoció con valores en el tercer tertil del PAL para la detección de nacimientos grandes, relacionándose el fenotipo normopeso metabólicamente obeso con el crecimiento fetal por exceso.

Background: Maternal nutritional status disorders are usually related to fetal growth deviations, which can be detected by fetal biophysical parameters and identify the possible trophic condition at birth. Objective: To determine the possible relationship between fetal biometric parameters, the birth trophic state and lipid accumulation product. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Chiqui Gómez Lubian Polyclinic in Santa Clara municipality, during 2019, in a population of 253 normal-weight pregnant women who were apparently healthy at the beginning of their gestation. The non-probability sample was made up of 144 pregnant women. Study variables were: lipid accumulation product, fetal biometry and trophic condition at birth. Theoretical, empirical and statistical methods were used. Results: In the second trimester, none of the biometric parameters matched the condition at birth as a small child, while in the large one the head and abdominal circumferences matched. In the third trimester, femoral length and abdominal circumference coincide in identifying the small one and the large one. LAP correlated with third trimester abdominal circumference and birth weight, presenting higher frequency of values in the third tertile for large births. Conclusions: Abdominal circumference was the biometric parameter with the highest coincidence with trophic condition at birth, associated with values in the third tertile of the LAP for detecting large births, relating the metabolically obese normal weight phenotype with excessive fetal growth.

Linoleic and arachidonic fatty acids and their potential relationship with inflammation, pregnancy, and fetal development.

BACKGROUND: A healthy maternal diet must consider an appropriate supply of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) precursors to ensure adequate growth and development of the fetus. In this regard, n-6 PUFAs, predominantly linoleic (C18:2 n-6, LA) and arachidonic acid (C20:4 n-6), have a central role in the development of the central nervous system because they are part of the membrane structure and participate in the metabolism and signal transduction of cells. Nevertheless, they can also be transformed into inflammatory metabolites promoting the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. In modern westernized societies, there is a high dietary consumption of foods rich in n-6 PUFAs which could have detrimental consequences for the fetus and neonate due to excessive exposure to these fatty acids (FAs). OBJECTIVE: To summarize the evidence of maternal, placental, and fetal alterations that an excessive intake of n-6 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs), LA, and AA), could produce during pregnancy. METHODS: A thorough review of the literature regarding the effects of n-6 PUFAs during pregnancy and lactation including in vivo and in vitro models, was carried out using the PubMed database from the National Library of Medicine-National Institutes of Health. RESULTS: An elevated intake of n-6 PUFA, specifically LA, during pregnancy influences children's motor, cognitive, and verbal development during infancy and early childhood. Similarly, they could harm the placenta and the development of other fetal organs such as the fat tissue, liver, and cardiovascular system. CONCLUSION: Maternal diet, specifically LA intake, could have significant repercussions on fetal development and long-term consequences in the offspring, including the possibility of future metabolic and mental diseases. It would be necessary to focus on the prevention of these alterations through timely dietary interventions in the target population.

Manejo de Disminución de Movimientos Fetales en pacientes del Área de Urgencias Obstétricas / Management of Decreased Fetal Movements in patients in the Obstetric Emergency Area

Los movimientos fetales son uno de los primeros signos de vitalidad fetal. Durante la gestación, éstos van apareciendo progresivamente. La adecuada adquisición y mantenimiento de los mismos durante la gestación indica un correcto desarrollo neuromuscular, así como de bienestar fetal1. La percepción materna de una Disminución de los Movimientos Fetales (DMF) constituye un motivo de consulta frecuente en los Servicios de Urgencias Obstétricas; toda paciente embarazada debe vigilar los movimientos fetales, mediante un conteo subjetivo de los movimientos del feto, a partir de las 24 semanas de gestación. La DMF constituye el 5 ­ 15% de motivos de consulta en los servicios de Urgencias en el tercer trimestre del embarazo. Hasta un 25% de fetos que presentan una DMF presentarán alguna complicación perinatal (malformaciones, retraso de crecimiento, parto prematuro, hemorragia fetomaterna, y éxitus fetal) incluso en población de bajo riesgo. El manejo inadecuado de la DMF representa un 10-15% de las muertes evitables a término1-3. Es por esto que ninguna paciente que consulte por Disminución de Movimientos Fetales debe ser dada de alta sin asegurarse del adecuado bienestar fetal.

Fetal movements are one of the first signs of fetal vitality. During gestation, they appear progressively. Adequate acquisition and maintenance of fetal movements during gestation indicates correct neuromuscular development, as well as fetal well-being1. Maternal perception of decreased fetal movements (DMP) is a frequent reason for consultation in Obstetric Emergency Departments; every pregnant patient should monitor fetal movements by subjectively counting fetal movements, starting at 24 weeks of gestation. FMD constitutes 5-15% of the reasons for consultation in the emergency department in the third trimester of pregnancy. Up to 25% of fetuses with FMD will present some perinatal complication (malformations, growth retardation, premature delivery, fetomaternal hemorrhage, and fetal death) even in low-risk populations. Inadequate management of FMD accounts for 10-15% of preventable deaths at term1-3. This is why no patient who consults for decreased fetal movements should be discharged without ensuring adequate fetal well-being.

Utilidad de la longitud renal fetal en la predicción de la edad gestacional

Objetivo. Establecer la utilidad de la medición de la longitud del riñón fetal en la predicción de la edad gestacional. Diseño. Estudio de cohortes, prospectivo y longitudinal. Institución. Hospital Central "Dr. Urquinaona", Maracaibo, Venezuela. Participantes. Mujeres con embarazos simples de riesgo bajo, entre 18 y 40 semanas de gestación. Métodos. Se midieron los valores de diámetro biparietal, circunferencia abdominal, longitud del fémur y longitud del riñón fetal durante la duración del embarazo. Principales medidas de resultado. Predicción de la edad gestacional por medición de la longitud del riñón fetal. Resultados. Se seleccionó los datos de 215 gestantes. Se realizaron un total de 3,291 evaluaciones, siendo el menor número de evaluaciones a las 31 semanas con 128, y el mayor número 157, a las 28 semanas. La longitud del riñón fetal presentó correlaciones fuertes, positivas y significativas con la edad gestacional por fecha de última menstruación y por las mediciones ecográficas (p < 0,001). El modelo de edad gestacional predicha por el diámetro transverso del cerebelo alcanzó un valor del coeficiente de determinación de 0,682. La correlación entre la edad gestacional por fecha de última menstruación y la predicha por el modelo alcanzó un valor de r = 0,826 (p < 0,001). Conclusión. La medición de la longitud del riñón fetal es útil para predecir la edad gestacional y junto a otras mediciones ecográficas rutinarias puede mejorar la capacidad de los modelos de predicción actuales.

Objective: To establish the usefulness of fetal kidney length measurement in the prediction of gestational age. Design: Prospective, longitudinal cohort study. Institution: Hospital Central "Dr. Urquinaona", Maracaibo, Venezuela. Participants: Women with low-risk singleton pregnancies, between 18 and 40 weeks of gestation. Methods: Biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, femur length, and fetal kidney length were measured during the duration of pregnancy. Main outcome measures: Prediction of gestational age by measurement of fetal kidney length. Results: Data from 215 pregnant women was selected. A total of 3,291 total evaluations were performed, with the lowest number of evaluations at 31 weeks (128), and the highest number (157) at 28 weeks. Fetal kidney length presented strong, positive and significant correlations with gestational age by date of last menstrual period and by ultrasound measurements (p < 0.001). The model of gestational age predicted by the transverse diameter of the cerebellum reached a value of the coefficient of determination of 0.682. The correlation between gestational age by date of last menstrual period and that predicted by the model reached a value of r = 0.826 (p< 0.001). Conclusion: Measurement of fetal kidney length is useful for predicting gestational age and together with other routine ultrasound measurements may improve the ability of current prediction models.

A Systematic Review of Benefits and Risks of Fetal Surgery for Congenital Cardiac Defects Such as Pulmonary Valve Stenosis and Critical Aortic Stenosis.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) constitute the most prevalent congenital pathology, and they are a consequence of structural and functional abnormalities during fetal development. The etiology of CHD involves the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Fetal cardiac surgery aims at preventing natural pathways of CHD in utero, mitigating progression to more complex abnormalities. The goal of this review was to demonstrate the benefits and risks of fetal interventions in the two most prevalent CHDs, pulmonary stenosis and pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septum, but also critical aortic stenosis and hypoplastic left heart syndrome. METHODS: Original and relevant articles were selected by meta-aggregation to perform a qualitative analysis of fetal cardiac interventions for pulmonary stenosis and critical aortic stenosis. The Joanna Briggs Institute's Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (or JBI-QARI) was used for data quality appraisal. RESULTS: Of 61 potential articles, 13 were selected, and nine were finally included. Discussion: The present review demonstrated that fetal cardiac surgery increases right ventricular growth and hemodynamic flow in pulmonary stenosis, whereas in critical aortic stenosis it enables growth of the left ventricle and increases left ventricular pressure. However, it has a high complication rate, along with considerable morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSION: The benefits of fetal cardiac surgery for pulmonary stenosis and critical aortic stenosis are well-described in the literature; however, there is a significant risk of complications which can be reduced by the surgeon's technical expertise and well-structured hospital facilities.

Utilidad de la medición del diámetro transversal del cerebelo fetal para la predicción de la edad gestacional

Objetivo: Establecer la utilidad de la medición del diámetro transversal del cerebelo fetal para la predicción de la edad gestacional. Diseño : Estudio de cohortes, prospectivo y longitudinal. Institución. Hospital Central "Dr. Urquinaona", Maracaibo, Venezuela. Participantes : Mujeres con embarazos simples de bajo riesgo, entre las 14 y las 40 semanas de gestación. Métodos : Se midieron los valores de diámetro biparietal, circunferencia abdominal, longitud del fémur y diámetro transverso del cerebelo fetal durante la duración del embarazo. Principales medidas de resultado. Predicción de la edad gestacional por medición de diámetro transverso del cerebelo. Resultados : Fueron seleccionados los datos de 215 embarazadas. Se realizaron un total de 3,858 evaluaciones totales, siendo el menor número de evaluaciones 131 a las 18 semanas y el mayor número 157 a las 28 semanas. El diámetro transversal del cerebelo presentó correlaciones fuertes, positivas y significativas con la edad gestacional por fecha de última menstruación y las mediciones ecográficas (p < 0,001). El modelo de edad gestacional predicha por el diámetro transverso del cerebelo alcanzó un valor del coeficiente de determinación de 0,908. La correlación entre la edad gestacional por fecha de última menstruación y la predicha por el modelo alcanzó un valor de r = 0,953 (p < 0,001). Conclusión : La medición del diámetro transversal del cerebelo es un parámetro útil para predecir la edad gestacional en embarazadas sanas.

Objective : To establish the usefulness of fetal cerebellar transverse diameter measurement for the prediction of gestational age. Design : Prospective, longitudinal, cohort study. Institution: Hospital Central "Dr. Urquinaona", Maracaibo, Venezuela. Participants : Women with low-risk singleton pregnancies, between 14 and 40 weeks of gestation. Methods : Biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, femur length, and transverse diameter of the fetal cerebellum were measured during the duration of pregnancy. Main outcome measures: Prediction of gestational age by measurement of the transverse diameter of the cerebellum. Results : Data from 215 pregnant women were selected. A total of 3,858 total evaluations were performed, with the lowest number of evaluations 131 at 18 weeks and the highest number 157 at 28 weeks. The transverse diameter of the cerebellum presented strong, positive, and significant correlations with gestational age by date of last menstrual period and ultrasound measurements (p < 0.001). The model of gestational age predicted by the transverse diameter of the cerebellum reached a value of the coefficient of determination of 0.908. The correlation between gestational age by date of last menstrual period and that predicted by the model reached a value of r = 0.953 (p < 0.001). Conclusion : Measurement of the transverse diameter of the cerebellum is a useful parameter for predicting gestational age in healthy pregnant women.

Estudo topográfico dos giros e sulcos e do nervo facial em cadáveres de fetos humanos / Topographic study of gyri, sulci and facial nerve in human fetus corps / Estudio topográfico de giros, surcos y nervios faciales en cadáveres de fetos humanos

Introdução: Durante o desenvolvimento do encéfalo há formação de sulcos e giros que podem sofrer alterações morfológicas similarmente ao nervo facial (NC VII) que possui funções sensitivas e motoras e sua lesão pode gerar prejuízos clínicos e estéticos. Na literatura há informações sobre essas estruturas em adultos, porém pouco definidas em fetos. Objetivo: Descrever os giros e sulcos e o trajeto do NC VII em cadáveres de fetos humanos. Métodos: Selecionou-se sete fetos humanos, de ambos os sexos, do acervo do Laboratório de Anatomia da UFMS CPTL. Realizou-se três etapas: avaliação da idade fetal, dissecação e descrição anatômica. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa, CAEE: 75069617.5.0000.5386 2022. Resultados: observou-se na face dorsolateral sulcos frontal superior e médio e pós-central, temporal superior e inferior, circular da ínsula e central da ínsula. Há giro pré-central, pós-central, temporais, superior inferior e médio. Na face medial há sulco do cíngulo duplo, paracentral, parieto occipital e giro frontal superior. Em todos os fetos, há o tronco do NC VII e seus ramos perfurando o parênquima da glândula parótida na região infratemporal antes da divisão em ramos pela face Conclusão: A topografia dos giros e sulcos dos fetos é fundamental para identificar precocemente malformações corticais. Somado a isso, o estudo morfológico do NC VII poderá fomentar estudos futuros, haja vista que são poucos os registros a respeito das características deste nervo em fetos.

Introduction: In the development of the brain there are grooves and gyri that undergo morphological changes, similarly the facial nerve (CN VII) has sensory and motor functions and its injury generates clinical and aesthetic damage. In the literature there is information about these structures in adults, but little defined in fetuses. Objective: To describe the gyri and sulci and the course of CN VII in fetal cadavers. Methods: Seven human fetuses of both sexes were selected from the collection of the Anatomy Laboratory of the UFMS CPTL. Three steps were performed: assessment of fetal age, dissection and anatomical description. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee, CAEE 75069617.5.0000.5386. Results: in the studied brains, superior and medium frontal and postcentral, superior and inferior temporal, insula circular and insula central grooves were observed on the dorsolateral surface. There are precentral, postcentral, temporal, superior, inferior, and middle gyrus. On the medial surface there is the double cingulate sulcus, paracentral, parieto occipital and superior frontal gyrus. In all fetuses, there is the trunk of CN VII and its branches piercing the parotid gland parenchyma in the infratemporal region before dividing into branches across the face. Conclusion: The topography of the gyri and sulcus of fetuses is essential for early identification of cortical malformations. Added to this, the morphological study of CN VII may encourage future studies, given that there are few records regarding the characteristics of this nerve in fetuses.

Introducción: En el desarrollo del cerebro existen surcos y circunvoluciones que sufren cambios morfológicos, de igual manera el nervio facial (NC VII) tiene funciones sensoriales y motoras y su lesión genera daño clínico y estético. En la literatura existe información sobre estas estructuras en adultos, pero poco definidas en fetos. Objetivo: Describir las circunvoluciones y surcos y el curso del NC VII en cadáveres fetales. Métodos: Siete fetos humanos, de ambos sexos, fueron seleccionados de la colección del Laboratorio de Anatomía de la UFMS CPTL. Se realizaron tres pasos: evaluación de la edad fetal, disección y descripción anatómica. El estudio fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación, CAEE 75069617.5.0000.5386. Resultados: en los cerebros estudiados, se observaron surcos en la superficie dorsolateral frontal superior y medio y poscentral, temporal superior e inferior, insular circular e insular central. Hay circunvolución precentral, poscentral, temporal, superior, inferior y media. En la superficie medial se encuentra el doble surco cingulado, paracentral, parieto occipital y giro frontal superior. En todos los fetos, el tronco del NC VII y sus ramas perforan el parénquima de la glándula parótida en la región infratemporal antes de dividirse en ramas a lo largo de la cara. Conclusión: La topografía de las circunvoluciones y surcos de los fetos es fundamental para la identificación temprana de malformaciones corticales. Sumado a esto, el estudio morfológico del NC VII puede alentar futuros estudios, dado que existen pocos registros sobre las características de este nervio en fetos.

Restrição intrauterina de crescimento: conhecendo seus efeitos sobre o plantel de reprodução / Intrauterine growth restriction: knowing its effects on the breeding herd

A restrição intrauterina de crescimento (RIUC) é a condição na qual o feto não expressa o seu potencial de crescimento de acordo com a idade gestacional. Tal condição ocorre naturalmente na espécie suína, no entanto apresenta forma muito severa, trazendo sérios prejuízos à cadeia suinícola. Os efeitos deletérios da RIUC sobre parâmetros zootécnicos estão bem estabelecidos. No entanto, o conhecimento de tais efeitos sobre parâmetros reprodutivos em machos e fêmeas ainda é limitado. Portanto, a presente revisão tem por objetivo compilar os estudos sobre efeitos da RIUC em parâmetros reprodutivos em machos e fêmeas, bem como intervenções propostas para a diminuição da incidência da condição e de seus efeitos. Achados nesse assunto fornecerão informações valiosas acerca da morfofisiologia reprodutiva de suínos RIUC, estabelecendo estratégias para minimizar as perdas econômicas para o sistema de produção.(AU)

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is the condition in which the fetus does not express its growth potential according to the gestational age. This condition naturally occurs in the swine species. However, it is very severe and can cause serious losses to the swine production chain. The deleterious effects of IUGR on zootechnical parameters are well established. However, the knowledge of such effects on reproductive parameters in males and females is still limited. Therefore, the present review aims to compile the studies on the effects of IUGR on reproductive parameters in males and females, as well as proposed interventions to decrease the incidence of the condition and its effects. Findings on this issue will provide valuable information about the reproductive morphophysiology of IUGR pigs, establishing strategies to minimize economic losses to the production system.(AU)

From gut to placenta: understanding how the maternal microbiome models life-long conditions.

The microbiome -defined as the microbiota (bacteria, archaea, lower and higher eukaryotes), their genomes, and the surrounding environmental conditions- has a well-described range of physiological functions. Thus, an imbalance of the microbiota composition -dysbiosis- has been associated with pregnancy complications or adverse fetal outcomes. Although there is controversy about the existence or absence of a microbiome in the placenta and fetus during healthy pregnancy, it is known that gut microbiota can produce bioactive metabolites that can enter the maternal circulation and may be actively or passively transferred through the placenta. Furthermore, the evidence suggests that such metabolites have some effect on the fetus. Since the microbiome can influence the epigenome, and modifications of the epigenome could be responsible for fetal programming, it can be experimentally supported that the maternal microbiome and its metabolites could be involved in fetal programming. The developmental origin of health and disease (DOHaD) approach looks to understand how exposure to environmental factors during periods of high plasticity in the early stages of life (e.g., gestational period) influences the program for disease risk in the progeny. Therefore, according to the DOHaD approach, the influence of maternal microbiota in disease development must be explored. Here, we described some of the diseases of adulthood that could be related to alterations in the maternal microbiota. In summary, this review aims to highlight the influence of maternal microbiota on both fetal development and postnatal life, suggesting that dysbiosis on this microbiota could be related to adulthood morbidity.

A Systematic Review of Benefits and Risks of Fetal Surgery for Congenital Cardiac Defects Such as Pulmonary Valve Stenosis and Critical Aortic Stenosis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) constitute the most prevalent congenital pathology, and they are a consequence of structural and functional abnormalities during fetal development. The etiology of CHD involves the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Fetal cardiac surgery aims at preventing natural pathways of CHD in utero, mitigating progression to more complex abnormalities. The goal of this review was to demonstrate the benefits and risks of fetal interventions in the two most prevalent CHDs, pulmonary stenosis and pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septum, but also critical aortic stenosis and hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Methods: Original and relevant articles were selected by meta-aggregation to perform a qualitative analysis of fetal cardiac interventions for pulmonary stenosis and critical aortic stenosis. The Joanna Briggs Institute's Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (or JBI-QARI) was used for data quality appraisal. Results: Of 61 potential articles, 13 were selected, and nine were finally included. Discussion: The present review demonstrated that fetal cardiac surgery increases right ventricular growth and hemodynamic flow in pulmonary stenosis, whereas in critical aortic stenosis it enables growth of the left ventricle and increases left ventricular pressure. However, it has a high complication rate, along with considerable morbidity and mortality. Conclusion: The benefits of fetal cardiac surgery for pulmonary stenosis and critical aortic stenosis are well-described in the literature; however, there is a significant risk of complications which can be reduced by the surgeon's technical expertise and well-structured hospital facilities.

Avaliação da etapa final do sinal insulínico, via inflamatória, estresse oxidativo, mecanismo epigenético por metilação do DNA e expressão de GLUT4 no músculo gastrocnêmio de ratos adultos, proles de ratas com periodontite apical / Assessment of insulin signaling and inflammatory pathways in skeletal muscle and adipose tissues of adult rats, offspring of the rats with periapical lesion

A programação fetal sugere que estímulos adversos quando aplicados durante o início do desenvolvimento fetal podem alterar o metabolismo da prole, aumentando o risco de doenças na sua vida adulta. A metilação do DNA é um dos mecanismos epigenéticos envolvida nesta programação e regula a expressão gênica. Estudos anteriores verificaram que a periodontite apical (AP) materna em ratas promove em sua prole adulta: resistência insulínica (RI), alteração na etapa inicial do sinal insulínico (SI) no músculo gastrocnêmio (MG) e aumento na concentração plasmática de fator de necrose tumoral-α (TNF-α). O TNF-α pode ativar o fator de transcrição nuclear kappa B (NF-kB) que diminui a expressão gênica do transportador de glicose GLUT4. Nesse contexto, mais estudos são necessários para investigar se as alterações no SI observadas em ratos adultos, proles de ratas com AP também estão presentes na continuidade da cascata insulínica. Ademais, sabendo-se que o estresse oxidativo tem sido implicado como fator contribuinte tanto para o início quanto para a progressão do diabetes, torna-se fundamental verificar o grau de estresse oxidativo tecidual nesta prole adulta. Em vista disso, os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar a RI, estresse oxidativo, etapa final do SI e via inflamatória no MG de ratos adultos, proles de ratas com AP. Para tanto, as 21 ratas Wistar (2 meses de idade) foram distribuídas em 3 grupos: 1) ratas controle; 2) ratas com 1 AP induzida em 1º molar superior direito; 3) ratas com 4 APs induzidas em 1os e 2os molares superiores e inferiores do lado direito. A AP foi induzida empregandose broca em aço carbono dotada de esfera de 0,1 mm na extremidade. Após 30 dias da exposição pulpar, as ratas de todos os grupos foram colocadas para acasalamento. Quando os filhotes machos de todas as ratas completaram 75 dias de idade, foram realizadas as seguintes análises plasmáticas: 1) glicemia; 2) insulinemia; 3) RI. Ademais, foram realizados os seguintes experimentos no MG: 1) grau de fosforilação em serina/treonina da Akt, após o estímulo insulínico; 2) conteúdo proteico de GLUT4; 3) grau de metilação do DNA na região promotora do gene do GLUT4; 4) expressão gênica do GLUT4 e TNF-α; 5) conteúdo proteico de TNF-α e PGC-1α; 6) grau de fosforilação de NF-kB p50 e NF-kB p65; 7) estresse oxidativo (superóxido dismutase ­ SOD e espécies reativas ao tiobarbitúrico ­ TBARS). A análise estatística foi realizada pela análise de variância, seguida do teste de Tukey. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Os resultados mostraram que AP materna (tanto 1 foco de infecção como 4 focos de infecções) promoveu hiperinsulinemia, RI e diminuição na atividade antioxidante da SOD e na concentração de TBARS no MG de sua prole adulta. Entretanto, somente a AP materna em quatro dentes promoveu aumento na massa corpórea, na ingestão alimentar e no grau de fosforilação das subunidades p50 e p65 do NF-kB no MG de proles adultas. Ademais, houve diminuição no grau de fosforilação em serina e treonina da Akt (após estímulo insulínico) e na expressão gênica e conteúdo proteico de GLUT4 no MG em proles adultas de ratas com 4APs. A AP materna não promoveu alteração na glicemia de jejum, conteúdo de PGC-1α, grau de metilação do DNA na região promotora do gene do GLUT4 e expressão gênica e conteúdo proteico de TNF-α no MG de proles adultas. Esses resultados revelam o impacto que a AP materna tem em longo prazo na predisposição às alterações metabólicas na fase adulta da prole. Isso reforça a importância que a manutenção da saúde bucal materna tem sobre a saúde geral da prole(AU)

Fetal programming suggests that adverse stimuli when applied during early fetal development may alter metabolism of offspring, increasing the risk of disease in adulthood. DNA methylation is one of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in this programming and regulates gene expression. Previous studies have shown that maternal apical periodontitis (AP) in rats promotes in their adult offspring: insulin resistance (IR), alteration in the initial steps of the insulin signaling (IS) in the gastrocnemius muscle (GM) and increase in plasma concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). TNF-α can activate nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-kB) thus decreasing gene expression of the GLUT4 glucose transporter. In this context, more studies are needed to investigate whether changes in IS observed in adult rats, offspring of rats with AP are also present in the continuity of the insulin cascade. In addition, since oxidative stress has been implicated as a contributing factor for both the onset and progression of diabetes, it is essential to verify the degree of tissue oxidative stress in this adult offspring. Therefore, the aims of this study were to evaluate IR, oxidative stress, final steps of IS and inflammatory pathway in the GM of adult rats, offspring of rats with AP. For this purpose, 21 female Wistar rats (2 months of age) were distributed into three groups: 1) control rats (CN); 2) group with one AP induced in the upper right first molar (1AP); 3) group with four APs induced in the first and second upper and lower right molars (4AP). AP was induced using a surgical round bur measuring 0.1 mm in diameter. After 30 days of pulp exposure, female rats of all groups were placed for mating. Pregnant rats were separated into individual cages. When the male offspring of all rats reached 75 days of age, the following plasma analyzes were performed: 1) glycemia; 2) insulinemia; 3) IR. Furthermore, the following analyzes were performed in the GM: 1) Akt serine/threonine phosphorylation status, after insulin stimulation; 2) GLUT4 content; 3) degree of DNA methylation in the proximal promoter region of the GLUT4 gene; 4) GLUT4 and TNF- α gene expression; 5) TNF-α and PGC-1α content; 6) p50 and p65 subunits of NF-kB phosphorylation status; 7) oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase ­ SOD and thiobarbiturate reactive species ­ TBARS). Statistical analyzes were performed by analysis of variance, followed by the Tukey test. The level of significance adopted was 5%. Results showed that maternal AP (both 1 infection focus and 4 infection focus) promoted hyperinsulinemia, IR and decrease in SOD antioxidant activity and TBARS concentration in the GM of their adult offspring. However, only maternal AP in four teeth promoted an increase in body weight, food intake and p50 and p65 subunits of NF-kB phosphorylation status in the GM of adult offspring. Furthermore, there was a decrease in Akt serine and threonine phosphorylation status (after insulin stimulation) and in gene expression and protein content of GLUT4 in the GM in adult offspring of rats with 4APs. Maternal AP did not change fasting glycemia, PGC-1α content, degree of DNA methylation in the proximal promoter region of GLUT4, gene expression and protein content of TNF-α in the GM of adult offspring. These results demonstrate that maternal AP is associated with IR and promotes important alterations in IS and inflammation pathways in adult offspring. This reinforces the importance of maternal oral health on the overall health of offspring(AU)

Neutrophil depletion in the pre-implantation phase impairs pregnancy index, placenta and fetus development.

Maternal neutrophils cells are players in gestational tolerance and fetus delivery. Nonetheless, their actions in each phase of the pregnancy are unknown. We here investigated the role of maternal neutrophil depletion before the blastocyst implantation phase and outcomes in the pregnancy index, placenta, and fetus development. Neutrophils were pharmacologically depleted by i.p. injection of anti-Gr1 (anti-neutrophils; 200 µg) 24 hours after plug visualization in allogeneic-mated C57BL/6/BALB/c mice. Depletion of peripheral neutrophils lasted until 48 hours after anti-Gr1 injection (gestational day 1.5-3.5). On gestational day 5.5, neutrophil depletion impaired the blastocyst implantation, as 50% of pregnant mice presented reduced implantation sites. On gestational day 18.5, neutrophil depletion reduced the pregnancy rate and index, altered the placenta disposition in the uterine horns, and modified the structure of the placenta, detected by reduced junctional zone, associated with decreased numbers of giant trophoblast cells, spongiotrophoblast. Reduced number of placenta cells labeled for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1), and intercellular cell adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), important markers of angiogenesis and adhesiveness, were detected in neutrophil depleted mice. Furthermore, neutrophil depletion promoted a higher frequency of monocytes, natural killers, and T regulatory cells, and lower frequency of cytotoxic T cells in the blood, and abnormal development of offspring. Associated data obtained herein highlight the pivotal role of neutrophils actions in the early stages of pregnancy, and address further investigations on the imbricating signaling evoked by neutrophils in the trophoblastic interaction with uterine epithelium.