Gold nanoparticles are popularly used in biological and chemical sensors and their applications owing to their fascinating chemical, optical, and catalytic properties. Particularly, the use of gold ...nanoparticles is widespread in colorimetric assays because of their simple, cost-effective fabrication, and ease of use. More importantly, the gold nanoparticle sensor response is a visual change in color, which allows easy interpretation of results. Therefore, many studies of gold nanoparticle-based colorimetric methods have been reported, and some review articles published over the past years. Most reviews focus exclusively on a single gold nanoparticle-based colorimetric technique for one analyte of interest. In this review, we focus on the current developments in different colorimetric assay designs for the sensing of various chemical and biological samples. We summarize and classify the sensing strategies and mechanism analyses of gold nanoparticle-based detection. Additionally, typical examples of recently developed gold nanoparticle-based colorimetric methods and their applications in the detection of various analytes are presented and discussed comprehensively.
The combination of EGF, CHIR99021, A83-01, SB431542, VPA, and Y27632 (EGF/CASVY) facilitates the derivation of trophoblast stem (TS) cells from human blastocysts and first-trimester, but not term, ...cytotrophoblasts. The mechanism underlying this chemical induction of TS cells remains elusive. Here we demonstrate that the induction efficiency of cytotrophoblast is determined by functional antagonism of the placental transcription factor GCM1 and the stemness regulator ΔNp63α. ΔNp63α reduces GCM1 transcriptional activity, whereas GCM1 inhibits ΔNp63α oligomerization and autoregulation. EGF/CASVY cocktail activates ΔNp63α, thereby partially inhibiting GCM1 activity and reverting term cytotrophoblasts into stem cells. By applying hypoxia condition, we can further reduce GCM1 activity and successfully induce term cytotrophoblasts into TS cells. Consequently, we identify mitochondrial creatine kinase 1 (CKMT1) as a key GCM1 target crucial for syncytiotrophoblast differentiation and reveal decreased CKMT1 expression in preeclampsia. Our study delineates the molecular underpinnings of trophoblast stemness and differentiation and an efficient method to establish TS cells from term placentas.
Introduction
To investigate changes in first trimester cervical elastography, cervical length and endocervical canal width in pregnant women with a history of cervical insufficiency, and further ...discuss the possibility of using these markers as predictors of cervical insufficiency in early pregnancy.
Material and methods
This was an observational ultrasound study of first trimester cervical changes in singleton pregnancies between January 2016 and June 2018. Cervical elastography, cervical length and endocervical canal width were measured during the first trimester. Strain elastography was used to estimate the softness of anterior and posterior cervical lips and was expressed as percentages (strain rate).
Results
Of the 339 pregnant women enrolled, 24 had a history of cervical insufficiency. The anterior cervical lip was significantly softer in the cervical insufficiency group (strain rate: 0.19% ± 0.05% vs 0.11% ± 0.04%; P < .001). Cervical length was significantly shorter in the cervical insufficiency group (36.3 ± 4.8 mm vs 38.3 ± 3.8 mm; P = .014). Endocervical canal width was significantly wider in the cervical insufficiency group (5.7 ± 1.1 mm vs 5.2 ± 0.7 mm; P = .001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses revealed that the optimal cut‐off values of anterior cervical lip, cervical length and endocervical canal width to confirm the diagnosis of cervical insufficiency were 0.15%, 35.5 mm and 5.75 mm, respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, significant differences were still observed in anterior cervical strain rate (adjusted odds ratio OR 53.78, 95% confidence interval CI 11‐270; P < .001) and endocervical canal width (adjusted OR, 5.41, 95% CI,1.2‐24.7; P = .029).
Conclusions
First trimester cervical elastography is a valuable tool in the assessment of women with a history of cervical insufficiency. The anterior cervical lip was significantly softer in women with a history of cervical insufficiency, and the sensitivity and specificity of anterior cervical lip strain were better than that of cervical length and endocervical canal width.
Problem
Immune and inflammatory responses are known to be major causes of preterm birth (PTB). The maternal genetic background plays an important role in the development of PTB. Interferon‐stimulated ...gene 15 (ISG15) is an interferon‐induced protein which can modulate immune cell activation and function. We aim to study if polymorphisms in the ISG15 gene are associated with spontaneous PTB (sPTB) risk in Taiwanese women.
Method of study
ISG15 rs4615788 C/G, rs1921 G/A, and rs8997 A/G polymorphisms were genotyped in a hospital‐based study of 112 women with sPTB and 1120 term controls. The plasma concentrations of ISG15 were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.
Results
We found the ISG15 rs1921 G‐rs8997 A haplotype was associated with decreased risk for PTB (χ2 = 6.26, p = .01, pc = .04). The A/G genotype of ISG15 rs8997 polymorphism might have the potential to confer reduced risk of PTB women (χ2 = 4.09, p = .04, pc = .08). Spontaneous PTB women displayed higher plasma ISG15 levels compared to term controls (p < .001). The plasma ISG15 levels among pregnant women with rs8997 A/G genotype were found significantly lower compared to G/G genotype (p = .03).
Conclusions
Women with the ISG15 rs1921 G‐rs8997 A haplotype may associate with spontaneous PTB. These findings provide new insights into the etiology of preterm birth.
Objective
To evaluate the influence of maternal pre‐eclampsia on neurodevelopmental outcome in very‐low‐birth‐weight (VLBW) infants at 6, 12, and 24 months of corrected age.
Methods
We conducted a ...retrospective cohort study of singleton VLBW infants between 2011 and 2018. The participants were divided into three groups: (1) mothers without pre‐eclampsia, (2) pre‐eclampsia without severe features, and (3) pre‐eclampsia with severe features. The Bayley Scales of Infant Development third edition (BSID‐III) was used to assess the neurodevelopment of participants. A BSID‐III score < 85 was defined as neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI).
Results
Overall, 482 VLBW infants born to 482 mothers were enrolled, of whom 327 mothers did not have pre‐eclampsia and 155 mothers had pre‐eclampsia (58 without and 97 with severe features). The infants born to mothers with pre‐eclampsia with severe features had the lowest BSID‐III scores at 6, 12, and 24 months. After adjustments, maternal pre‐eclampsia with severe features was significantly associated with cognitive NDI in their infants (adjusted odds ratio aOR 4.14) and language NDI (aOR 3.37) at 2 years of corrected age.
Conclusions
VLBW fetuses born to mothers with pre‐eclampsia with severe features have poorer 2‐year neurodevelopmental outcome, which mainly manifests in the cognitive and language domains.
Synopsis
Very‐low‐birth‐weight infants born to mothers with pre‐eclampsia with severe features have poorer 2‐year neurodevelopmental outcomes, mainly in the cognitive and language domains.
Abstract Introduction The effects of nanoparticles on pregnancy remain unclear. In this study, we investigate whether nanoparticles of a specific size can cross the placenta and affect trophoblast ...function. Methods Fluorescently labelled carboxylate-modified polystyrene beads with diameters of 20, 40, 100, 200, and 500 nm were chosen as model particles. In vitro, trophoblast cell line (3A-Sub-E) or primary culture of term trophoblasts was used for nanoparticle uptake analysis using flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, BrdU proliferation assay and analysis of cell apoptosis using Western blot. Intravenous injection of nanoparticles into pregnant mice at embryonic day 17 was used to study whether nanoparticles can cross the placenta. The mouse placentas were collected and quantitatively analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography for nanoparticle uptake. Results Fluorescent polystyrene particles with diameters of up to 500 nm were taken up by the placenta and were able to cross the placental barrier. The fluorescent polystyrene particles were observed in various organs of fetuses after 4 h of administration to pregnant mice. The nanoparticle uptake by placental tissue was significantly increased in nanoparticles with a diameter of 40 nm. No linear association was evident between nanoparticle size and uptake. Nanoparticles with diameters of 20 nm (200 μg/ml) and 40 nm (500 μg/ml) could induce trophoblast cell apoptosis with increased cleaved caspase 3 and reduced cell proliferation. Discussion Our findings suggest that nanoparticles can cross the placenta and be taken up by fetal organs. Certain concentrations of carboxylate-modified polystyrene nanoparticles may be cytotoxic to trophoblasts, which could alter placental function.
Objective: Postpartum depression (PPD) can occur in women soon after childbirth. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk and protective factors for immediate PPD in a baby-friendly ...hospital. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study of singleton term pregnancies was performed at MacKay Memorial Hospital in Taiwan from January to September 2019. The enrolled women completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) within 48 h after childbirth. Maternal characteristics, pregnancy and delivery factors, maternal comorbidities, supportive and childbirth factors, and neonatal outcomes were investigated. Results: Of the 1197 enrolled women, 1104 (92.23%) were at low risk (EPDS score ≤9), 66 (5.51%) were at moderate risk (EPDS score 10 to 12), and 27 (2.26%) were at high risk (EPDS score ≥13) of PPD. Significant independent risk factors for immediate PPD included the number of miscarriages (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.72, p = 0.031) and intermediate care nursery (ICN) or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (aOR 2.29, 95% CI 1.13–4.64, p = 0.022). Significant independent protective factors included planned pregnancy (aOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.28–0.92, p = 0.026), husband accompanying his wife (aOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.22–0.75, p = 0.004), early mother and newborn skin-to-skin contact (aOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.24–0.84, p = 0.012), and breastfeeding (aOR 0.23, 95% CI 0.08–0.71, p = 0.010). Conclusion: The number of miscarriages and ICN or NICU admission were independent risk factors for immediate PPD. Planned pregnancy, husband accompanying his wife, early skin-to-skin contact, and breastfeeding were independent protective factors for immediate PPD. Health care providers should pay attention to the risk factors and promote the protective factors into hospital policies to prevent the consequences of PPD.
Human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs), a source of cell therapy, have received a great deal of attention due to their homing or migrating ability in response ...to signals emanating from damaged sites. It has been found that IL-1β possesses the ability to induce the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in bone marrow MSCs. MMP-3 is involved in cell migration in various types of cells, including glioblastoma, vascular smooth muscle, and adult neural progenitor cells. In this study, we proposed that IL-1β influences hUCMSCs migration involving MMP-3. The expression level of MMP-3 in IL-1β-induced hUCMSCs was verified using cDNA microarray analysis, quantitative real-time PCR, ELISA and Western blot. Wound-healing and trans-well assay were used to investigate the cell migration and invasion ability of IL-1β-treated hUCMSCs. In addition, we pre-treated hUCMSCs with interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, MMP-3 inhibitors (ALX-260-165, UK 356618), or transfected with MMP-3 siRNA to confirm the role of MMP3 in IL-1β-induced cell migration. Our results showed that IL-1β induced MMP-3 expression is related to the migration of hUCMSCs. Moreover, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2
(
ERK1/2) inhibitor U0126, p38 inhibitor SB205380, JNK inhibitor SP600125 and Akt inhibitor GSK 690693 decreased IL-1β-induced MMP-3 mRNA and protein expression. The migration and invasion ability analyses showed that these inhibitors attenuated the IL-1β-induced migration and invasion ability of hUCMSCs. In conclusion, we have found that IL-1β induces the expression of MMP-3 through ERK1/2, JNK, p38 MAPK and Akt signaling pathways to enhance the migration of hUCMSCs. These results provide further understanding of the mechanisms in IL-1β-induced hUCMSCs migration to injury sites.
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome are two uncommon disorders that mimic each other clinically, but are distinct ...pathophysiologically. This study aimed to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes between AFLP and HELLP syndrome.
This retrospective cohort study was performed at a tertiary referral center in Taiwan between June 2004 and April 2020. We used the Swansea Criteria to diagnose AFLP, and the Tennessee Classification System to diagnose HELLP syndrome. Maternal characteristics, laboratory data, complications, and neonatal outcomes were compared. We analyzed the categorical variables with Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test and continuous variables with Student's t test or Mann-Whitney U test. Subsequent logistic regression analyses adjusting by potential confounding factors with significant difference were analyzed.
During the study period, 21 women had AFLP and 80 women had HELLP syndrome. There was a higher rate of preeclampsia (95.0 % versus 23.8 %) in the HELLP syndrome group compared to the AFLP group. However, the AFLP group had more other maternal complications including jaundice (85.7 % versus 13.8 %), acute kidney injury (61.9 % versus 15.0 %), disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (66.7 % versus 8.8 %), and sepsis (47.6 % versus 10.0 %) compared to the HELLP syndrome group. Nevertheless, higher rates of small for gestational age neonates (57.1 % versus 33.3 %), neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (39.2 % versus 8.3 %) and neonatal sepsis (34.2 % versus 12.5 %) were noted in the HELLP syndrome group.
AFLP is associated with a higher rate of multiple organ dysfunction in mothers, whereas HELLP syndrome is associated with a higher rate of neonatal morbidity.
Abstract
Background
Prenatal infection has been implicated in the development of neuropsychiatric disorders in children. We hypothesised that exposure to lipopolysaccharide during prenatal ...development could induce anxiety-like behaviour and sensorineural hearing loss in offspring, as well as disrupt neural differentiation during embryonic neural development.
Methods
We simulated prenatal infection in FVB mice and mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) lines, specifically 46C and E14Tg2a, through lipopolysaccharide treatment. Gene expression profiling analyses and behavioural tests were utilized to study the effects of lipopolysaccharide on the offspring and alterations in toll-like receptor (TLR) 2-positive and TLR4-positive cells during neural differentiation in the ESCs.
Results
Exposure to lipopolysaccharide (25 µg/kg) on gestation day 9 resulted in anxiety-like behaviour specifically in male offspring, while no effects were detected in female offspring. We also found significant increases in the expression of GFAP and CNPase, as well as higher numbers of GFAP + astrocytes and O4+ oligodendrocytes in the prefrontal cortex of male offspring. Furthermore, increased scores for genes related to oligodendrocyte and lipid metabolism, particularly
ApoE
, were observed in the prefrontal cortex regions. Upon exposure to lipopolysaccharide during the ESC-to-neural stem cell (NSC) transition,
Tuj1
,
Map2
,
Gfap
,
O4
, and
Oligo2
mRNA levels increased in the differentiated neural cells on day 14. In vitro experiments demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide exposure induced inflammatory responses, as evidenced by increased expression of
IL1b
and
ApoB
mRNA.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that prenatal infection at different stages of neural differentiation may result in distinct disturbances in neural differentiation during ESC—NSC transitions. Furthermore, early prenatal challenges with lipopolysaccharide selectively induce anxiety-like behaviour in male offspring. This behaviour may be attributed to the abnormal differentiation of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in the brain, potentially mediated by ApoB/E signalling pathways in response to inflammatory stimuli.