Mitochondrial DNA Levels in Trophectodermal Cells Show No Association with Blastocyst Development and Pregnancy Outcomes.

Background: In patients undergoing assisted reproduction, levels of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the trophectodermal cells of the developing blastocyst are suggested to be associated with its ability to implant. However, discrepancies exist regarding the use of mtDNA levels as a reliable biomarker to predict outcomes of assisted reproduction. Aims: The aim of the study is to explore the association of trophectodermal mtDNA levels to determine blastocyst quality, implantation potential of blastocyst and clinical outcomes in couples who have undergone pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). Study Setting: Private fertility centre. Study Design: Retrospective analysis. Materials and Methods: We analysed mtDNA levels in the trophectodermal cells of 287 blastocysts from 61 couples undergoing PGT-A. The levels of mtDNA were estimated by next-generation sequencing method. mtDNA levels were correlated with maternal age, blastocyst morphology, ploidy status, implantation rates, miscarriage rate and live birth rate. Statistical Analysis Used: Linear regression and one-way ANOVA with Tukey's all column comparison test. Results: The trophectodermal mtDNA levels did not correlate with maternal age. There were no significant differences in their levels in grade 1 and grade 2 blastocysts. No significant differences were seen between mtDNA levels of implanted and non-implanted blastocysts or those blastocysts that resulted in miscarriage or live birth. However, significantly lower amounts of mtDNA were seen in euploid blastocysts as compared to that in aneuploid blastocysts. Conclusion: mtDNA levels in the trophectodermal cells of the blastocyst do not associate with blastocyst quality (grade 1 and grade 2), implantation potential and clinical outcomes but can differentiate between aneuploid and euploid blastocysts. Our study does not support the use of trophectodermal mtDNA levels as a biomarker for blastocyst quality and predictor of clinical outcomes.

Mode of Delivery and Its Influence on the Acquisition of Streptococcus mutans in Infants.

INTRODUCTION: Dental caries pose distinct challenges when it comes to determining their microbial etymology. Streptococcus mutans play an important role in dental caries. The aim of the present study was to compare oral microbiota in infants delivered by these different routes. A study was conducted on 40 infants. Swab sample collection was done for the detection of S. mutans. Our study indicated no differences in oral microbiota in infants due to mode of delivery. AIM: To assess whether infants born through cesarean section delivery or infants born through normal delivery influence the initial acquisition of S. mutans in infants. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study was carried out on the premises of Bharati Hospital, Pune, wherein 40 infants (3-36 months) were enrolled for the study. Two groups were designed. Group I: Infants born with cesarean section delivery Group II: Infants born with normal section delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bacterial swab sampling was done in the participants for the detection of S. mutans. Colony-forming units on each plate were determined for the estimation of S. mutans level in oral cavity. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Bar diagram analysis and chi-square test were performed to derive p-value. RESULTS: The p value derived at the end of the study was 0.52. Hence, analysis of data demonstrates no significant influence of cesarean section delivery and normal delivery on oral microbiota development in infants. CONCLUSION: Initial acquisition of oral S. mutans in infants is not dependent on the mode of delivery. KEY MESSAGES: Initial acquisition of S. mutans, Mode of delivery. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Ubeja RG, Bhat C. Mode of Delivery and Its Influence on the Acquisition of Streptococcus mutans in Infants. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(4):326-329.

Treatment of cardiomyopathy with PAP therapy in a patient with severe obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea is common in patients with heart failure. This case illustrates that treatment with PAP therapy can improve cardiac function in patients with both conditions. CPAP-emergent central apnea, as seen in this patient, has multiple etiologies. It is commonly seen in patients with severe sleep apnea, usually resolves over time, and does not need treatment with adaptive servoventilation.

Construction of synthetic immunogens: use of T- and B-cell epitopes of CS and RESA proteins of Plasmodium falciparum.

An invariant T-helper epitope of the sequence ENDIEKKICKMEKCSSVFNV (residue no. 376-395) from the circumsporozoite (CS) protein was coupled chemically with the repeat sequences, namely (EENV)2, EENVEHDA and DDEHVEEPTVA, of ring-infected erythrocyte surface antigen (RESA) protein of Plasmodium falciparum. The CS sequence was tested for helper and proliferative activity in five inbred strains of mice of different haplotypes. The CS peptide showed dose-dependent lymphocyte proliferative response in all the strains tested. On the other hand, no proliferative response was observed with the dimers of the three RESA repeat sequences. The antibody levels in these strains immunized with RESA-CS hybrid structures showed high titres and a booster effect during subsequent immunization. Such a phenomenon was not observed with RESA peptides alone. The above CS sequence could be an ideal T-helper epitope which can be linked to hydrophilic B-cell epitopes of the RESA sequence to overcome major histocompatibility complex restriction in the host.