Search

Aluminum is a neurotoxic element that enters the human body due to its widespread usage in daily life. It has the potential to affect the neurological development of the fetus and infant adversely. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between maternal and umbilical cord serum aluminum level and infant neurodevelopment. Over a period of March 2018 to September 2019, we conducted a prospective cohort study; 173 Mother-new-born pairs were enrolled. Aluminum levels were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The correlation with Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) -3rd edition score and maternal and cord serum aluminum were assessed via linear regression model. The mean concentration of maternal and cord serum aluminum was 2.58 ± 1.14 µg/dL and 1.44 ± 0.62 µg/dL, respectively. There was a significant correlation in aluminum level between maternal and umbilical cord serum (Pearson’s r = 0.591, p

To assess the effect of maternal occupational tobacco handling (bidi rolling) on cord serum leptin levels. We enrolled 64 neonates born to women who were bidi-rollers, and 64 small for gestational age (SGA) neonates and 57 term appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates born to mothers with no tobacco exposure. Cord blood leptin levels between the groups were compared. Adjusted mean difference in leptin was calculated using regression model. Cord leptin showed moderate correlation with birthweight (r=0.16; P=0.027) across the groups. Mean (SD) cord serum leptin levels (ng/mL) of study group was 19.79 (13.32), in comparison to 21.4 (13.4) of SGA (P=0.497), and 27.70 (13.96) of term AGA (P=0.002). Maternal occupational tobacco exposure contributed to significant decrease in cord leptin (adjusted mean difference (95%CI): −4.5 ng/mL (−8.82, −0.19); P=0.041). Maternal occupational tobacco exposure causes significant reduction in fetal leptin levels.

Both arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4 n-6) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA,22:6 n-3), long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), are involved in fetal development and, based on their percentage compositions, appear to be specifically accumulated in fetal circulation in a proposed phenomenon known as biomagnification. Discrepancies exist in the literature concerning the effect of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on circulating fatty acids. Our objective was to analyse individual fatty acid concentrations in a large cohort of maternal and cord paired serum samples from pregnant women with and without GDM.Overnight fasted maternal and cord blood paired samples from 84 women with GDM and well controlled blood glucose levels and 90 healthy pregnant women (controls) were drawn at term. Individual fatty acids within total serum lipids were analysed by gas chromatography and expressed both as concentrations of fatty acid (mmol/l) and as a percentage of total fatty acids.In the serum of overnight fasted pregnant women with GDM, the concentrations of most fatty acids were lower than in control women, except for AA and DHA, which remained the same. The concentrations of most fatty acids in cord serum were also lower in the GDM group than in the control group, except for α-linolenic acid (ALA,18:3 n-3), which was higher in the GDM group. In both groups, the concentrations of all fatty acids were lower in cord serum than in maternal serum. In GDM participants only, a positive and significant correlation between cord and maternal serum concentration of AA and DHA was observed.The expression of fatty acids in molar concentrations reveals that GDM decreases the concentration of most fatty acids in both maternal and cord serum. There is a high fetal dependence on maternal AA and DHA, but our findings do not support the existence of a fetal biomagnification of those two LCPUFA.

Background Recent studies have suggested that in utero exposure to environmental organic pollutants, such polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and bisphenol A may induce epigenetic alterations, specifically by modifying the patterns of DNA methylation. We investigated the relationship between PBDE exposure and BDNF DNA methylation. Methods We measured the levels of eight PBDE congeners in umbilical cord serum samples using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole cord blood samples. The methylation status of the BDNF gene was determined using methylation-specific PCR with primers specific for either methylated or unmethylated alleles. The unconditional logistic regression model was used to investigate the relationship between PBDE levels and BDNF DNA methylation. Results The total PBDE congener level (range) in cord serum samples was 23.17 (4.17–2459.46) ng/g lipid. After adjusting for potential confounders, the incidence of BDNF DNA methylation status may increase when cord serum BDE-28, BDE-47, BDE-99 and BDE-100 levels increased (OR = 3.32, 95% CI: 1.01, 10.85; OR = 7.89, 95% CI: 1.75, 35.66; OR = 7.34, 95% CI: 1.79, 30.09; OR = 3.96, 95% CI: 1.15, 13.68; respectively). Conclusions We found that the levels of BDE-28, -47, -99, and − 100 were positively associated with BDNF DNA hypermethylation. Changes in cord blood BDNF DNA methylation may be a part of the biological pathway underlying in utero PBDE exposure and adverse foetal growth.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been prohibited for two decades in Japan and Taiwan. The aim of this study was to compare the PCB congeners in maternal and cord serum between two countries. Our study subjects were 248 and 100 mother-child pairs in Japan and Taiwan. The measured levels of 23 serum PCB congeners between two countries were analyzed using gas chromatography–electron capture negative ionization quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-NICI-qMS). The statistical comparisons were conducted by Student's t-test and principal component analysis with further stratification by maternal age and parity. The maternal total PCBs levels in Japan (426 ± 244 pg/g wet wt) were significantly higher than those in Taiwan (254 ± 155 pg/g wet wt), and the similar results were found in cord total PCBs levels (97 ± 76 and 58 ± 87 pg/g wet wt). It showed different distributions of PCB congeners between two countries. Whether in maternal or cord serum, the CB138, CB153 and CB180 were the highest detectable congeners whether in Japan or Taiwan. And, the CB66, CB99, CB206 and CB209 were only detected in maternal serum of Taiwan. The women of advanced maternal age had higher levels of PCB congeners, especially in Taiwan, and the primiparous women had higher levels of PCB congeners in two countries. In summary, the PCB congeners in Japan's mother-child pairs were with higher levels and different distributions when compared to those in Taiwan, and the maternal age and parity were important factors associated with the PCB levels.

Information on placental transfer and adverse outcomes of short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFASs) is limited, and factors responsible for PFAS placental transfer are still unclear. In the present study, concentrations of 21 PFASs were analyzed in 132 paired maternal and cord serum samples collected from residents in Beijing, China, and the placental transfer efficiency (PTE) of each PFAS was calculated. PTEs of short-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), including PFBA (146%), PFBS (97%), PFPeA (118%), and PFHxA (110%), were first reported, and a complete U-shaped trend of PTEs from C4 to C13 of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) was obtained. Positive association between maternal weight and PTE of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) ( p < 0.05) and negative association between maternal PFBA concentration and birth length ( p < 0.01) were observed. Using in vitro experiments, we further determined equilibrium dissociation constants ( Kds) of human serum albumin (HSA)-PFAS complexes ( Kd-HP), serum proteins-PFAS complexes ( Kd-SP), and liver-fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP)-PFAS complexes ( Kd-LP) and found that they were all significantly correlated with PTEs of PFASs. The correlation coefficient was 0.92, 0.89, and 0.86, respectively ( p < 0.01 in all three tests), suggesting that Kds of protein (serum)-PFAS complexes can play an important role in trans-placental transfer of PFASs in human and Kd-HP plays a pivotal role.

Data on gestational exposure characteristics and transplacental transfer are quite limited for perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) isomers, especially those from large-scale comparative studies. To fill this gap, we examined isomers of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) in matched maternal and cord serum from Mianyang and Hangzhou, which are located in the upper and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China, respectively. These data were compared with those from our previous study on Wuhan in the middle reach. The average ΣPFAS concentration increased from upstream to downstream (Mianyang (4.44 ng/mL) < Wuhan (9.88 ng/mL) < Hangzhou (19.72 ng/mL)) and may be related to the per capita consumption expenditure of each city. The ln-transformed PFAS concentrations showed significant differences between Mianyang and Hangzhou after adjusting confounding factors (p < 0.05). The percentages of linear PFOS and PFOA in maternal and cord serum from these cities all exceeded those in electrochemical fluorination products. The isomer profiles of PFASs in maternal and cord serum might be greatly influenced by local production processes of PFASs and residents’ dietary habits. The transplacental transfer efficiencies decreased significantly with increasing concentrations in maternal serum for ΣPFAS, ΣPFOS, ΣPFOA, ΣPFHxS, n-PFOS, iso-PFOS, 4m-PFOS, 1m-PFOS, n-PFOA, n-PFHxS, and br-PFHxS (Spearman rank correlation coefficients (r) = 0.373–0.687, p < 0.01). These findings support an understanding of the regional characteristics in maternal exposure to PFASs along the Yangtze River, isomeric profiles of PFASs in these regions, and the transplacental transfer processes of PFAS isomers.

The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the fetal environment is a high-priority concern due to the fetus being more sensitive than adults to these ubiquitous xenobiotics. The aim of the present study was to compare the maternal and fetal serum levels of ΣPAHs and their effects on fetal growth in an industrial and an urban area in Southwest Iran. The industrial area was the petrochemical and gas area (PGA) of the Central District of Asaluyeh County and the urban area (UA) was the Central District of Bushehr County, Ninety-nine maternal serum (MS) and 99 cord serum (CS) samples from the PGA and 100 MS and 100 CS samples from the UA were collected during May 2018 to February 2019. The mean concentrations of ΣPAHs were significantly (p 0.05) higher in the PGA than the UA in both MS (157.71 vs. 93.56 μg/L) and CS (155.28 vs. 93.19 μg/L) samples. Naphthalene (NAP) was the predominant PAH detected in all the studied samples. Significant negative associations were found between birth weight and anthracene (ANT) level in MS (β = -22.917, p = 0.032; weight decrement = 22.917 g for a 1 μg/L increase in ANT); head circumference and chrysene (CHR) level in MS (β = -0.206, p = 0.023; head circumference decrement = 0.206 cm for a 1 μg/L increase in CHR); and birth height and NAP level in CS (β = -0.20, p = 0.005; height decrement = 0.20 cm for a 1 μg/L increase in NAP). Maternal diet had a significant effect on the serum levels of PAHs. The results of this study showed that transmission of PAHs from mother to fetus through the cord blood is an important issue and mothers who live in industrial areas and consume PAH-containing foodstuffs, and their fetuses, are more at risk than those living in a non-industrial urban area.

Benzophenone (BP)-type ultraviolet (UV) filters are widely used in personal care products. Some of them have been identified as endocrine disrupting chemicals. However, little is known about the occurrence of BP-type UV filters in paired maternal-fetal samples. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of eight BP-type UV filters in paired maternal-fetal samples collected from Southern China. Among target analytes, only benzophenone-3 (BP-3) was frequently (detection rate 80%) detected in maternal-fetal samples, i.e., maternal serum (MS), cord serum (CS), maternal urine (MU) and amniotic fluid (AF). BP-3 was the dominant compound in MS (median: 0.14 ng/mL), CS (0.16) and AF (0.12); whereas MU was dominated by benzophenone-1 (BP-1, 2.85). The median CS/MS ratios (i.e., placental transfer rates) of 4-hydroxy benzophenone (4-OH-BP, 2.35), BP-1 (1.52), benzophenone-4 (BP-4, 1.06), and BP-3 (1.03) were higher than 1.0, suggesting that exposure levels of these chemicals in fetuses were greater than those in mothers. Significant positive correlations (r = 0.667, p 0.001) of BP-3 concentrations were found between MS and CS, which suggested that MS could be an indicator of fetal exposure to BP-3. Furthermore, the CS/MS ratios of 4-OH-BP, BP-1, BP-3, and benzophenone-8 (BP-8) increased with decreasing molecular weight or log K

Exposure to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), ubiquitous and persistent environmental contaminants, could be associated with adverse health outcomes, but there are limited longitudinal data assessing patterns and predictors of exposure during childhood. We quantified concentrations of eight different PFAS in sera collected from women during pregnancy and children at delivery and ages 3 and 8 years in 367 mother-child pairs enrolled in a prospective cohort from 2003 to 2006. In general, median childhood PFAS concentrations increased from birth to age 3 and then decreased by age 8. Maternal serum PFAS concentrations during pregnancy were strongly correlated with cord serum concentrations (0.76 r 0.94), but were weakly correlated with childhood concentrations (0.12 r 0.30). Several sociodemographic factors were associated with maternal PFAS concentrations, including income, race, and parity. In children, serum PFAS concentrations were associated with maternal age at delivery, race, parity, and child age. Breastfeeding duration was positively associated with childhood PFAS concentrations at ages 3 and 8 years. In addition, stain repellant use was associated with higher perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid concentrations at age 8 years. Serum PFAS concentrations are higher during early childhood, a potentially sensitive period of development, and were highest among breastfed children.

Background Demand for measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) is growing and dried blood spot (DBS) sampling is attractive as samples are easier to collect, transport and store. Methods A 2D LC-MS/MS assay without derivatization was developed. DBS punches (3.2 mm) were ultrasonicated with d6-25OHD3 in 70% methanol followed by hexane extraction, dry-down and reconstitution. The assay was validated and applied to two studies comparing whole blood adult DBS with serum samples (n = 40) and neonatal whole blood DBS with cord serum samples (n = 80). Results The assay was validated in whole blood DBS over the range 13–106 nmol/L 25OHD3 and 11–91 nmol/L 25OHD2 with a limit of detection of 3 nmol/L. Intra- and inter-day imprecision was Conclusions Direct quantitation of 25OHD in DBS by 2D LC-MS/MS without derivatization was found to be an alternative to serum quantitation applicable to clinical research studies on adult DBS samples.

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are readily metabolized to phthalate metabolites (mPAEs) in the human body. The occurrence of mPAEs in adult human samples is well documented; however, the maternal-fetal transmission of mPAEs has seldom been studied. In this study, 78 paired maternal-fetal samples, including maternal urine (MU), maternal serum (MS), cord serum (CS), and amniotic fluid (AF), were collected from pregnant women in Tianjin, China. Seven mPAEs were detected in MS, CS, and AF, whereas all 11 investigated mPAEs were found in MU. The median concentration of ∑mPAEs was the highest in MU (128 ng/mL, with a range of 20.2-973 ng/mL), and proceeded in the order of CS (44.9, 13.9-315 ng/mL), MS (24.6, 3.75-156 ng/mL), and AF (10.4, 7.69-79.8 ng/mL). The values of ∑mPAEs and several individual mPAEs were significantly correlated between MU and MS, with generally higher concentrations in MU, which indicated that urinary mPAEs is a good indicator of PAEs' exposure in adults. Notably, the median CS:MS ratios of ∑mPAEs (1.58) were higher than 1, indicating that fetuses were exposed to mPAEs before birth. Significant correlations were also observed between MS and CS, which suggested that mPAEs in MS provide an indication of the fetal exposure. This study presents the first systematic analysis of the distribution and transmission of various mPAEs between mothers and fetuses.

Background Maternal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure has been associated with placental function and fetal growth measures. However, few studies have simultaneously investigated paternal and maternal exposure effects. Objectives We evaluated the associations of paternal or maternal PFAS levels with placental function and fetal growth measures. Methods We studied six PFAS measured in matched parental serums collected within 3 days before delivery in a birth cohort from LaiZhouWan, China. Outcomes evaluated include cord serum estradiol (n = 351), testosterone (n = 349), placental P450aromatase (n = 125), and birth weight (n = 369). Multiple linear regression was applied to estimate the associations for these outcomes according to paternal or maternal PFAS level after adjusting for socio-demographic confounders. Co-adjustment analysis of both paternal and maternal PFAS in the same model was performed. Results Maternal and paternal PFAS levels were correlated (Spearman's r = 0.23–0.45). Maternal PFAS were associated with increased estradiol (e.g., PFOA: β = 0.03, 95%CI: 0.00, 0.07), testosterone (e.g., PFUA: β = 0.14, 95%CI: 0.00, 0.27), and P450aromatase (e.g., PFOA: β = 0.13, 95%CI: 0.04, 0.22). Maternal PFAS were also associated with a lower mean of birth weight but the estimated 95% CI included the null. Paternal PFAS were not associated with any of the outcomes evaluated. Conclusions Several maternal PFAS were associated with fetal steroid hormones and placental enzymes. Despite a correlation of PFAS level within the couples, no association was found for paternal PFAS exposure on these outcomes. The findings suggest the intrauterine PFAS exposure effect on fetal endocrine hormones and growth is unlikely to be confounded by exposure sources or familial factors shared within the couples.

Currently, information regarding isomer-specific concentrations of PFHxS, PFOS, and PFOA in human placenta, and corresponding placental-maternal ratios (RPM) of these compounds does not exist. The objective of the present study was to assess the occurrence, and distribution of different PFHxS, PFOS, and PFOA isomers in maternal serum, umbilical cord serum, and placenta to gain a better understanding of transplacental transport efficiency and prenatal exposure risks. The study involved quantitative determination of isomer-specific concentrations of PFHxS, PFOS, and PFOA in samples of maternal serum (n = 32), cord serum (n = 32), and placenta (n = 32) from pregnant women in Wuhan, China. The results indicate that both linear and branched PFHxS, PFOS and PFOA can be efficiently transported across the placenta, with exposure levels ordered maternal serum > cord serum > placenta. For PFOS isomers, the concentration ratios between cord serum and maternal serum (RCM) were ordered n < iso < 4m < (3 + 5)m < 1m < ∑...

Prior investigations on the associations of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) with fetal growth are mixed. Moreover, little research has accrued pertaining to the association between isomers of PFASs with gestational age and birth weight. To address this gap and present novel information, we conducted a study including 321 pairs of mothers and their infants recruited from Guangzhou, China. High performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was utilized to analyze isomers of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) along with other PFAS levels in cord serum samples. Mothers' and infants' characteristics were gathered from medical records. The resulting data revealed that higher PFOS, PFOA and isomers of PFOS were associated with lower birth weight. Per ln-unit (ng/mL) increase in cord serum total branched PFOS isomers was associated with a 126.3 g (95% CI: −195.9, −56.8) reduction in the weight of infants at birth, while an ln-unit (ng/mL) increase of serum linear PFOS isomers (n-PFOS) was associated with a 57.2 g (95% CI: −103.1, −11.3) reduction in the weight of infants at birth upon the subsequent adjustment for potential confounding variables. Notably, the association between cord PFAS level and birth weight was more pronounced in male infants. Furthermore, a positive association among branched PFOS isomers (1m-PFOS and 3 + 4 + 5m-PFOS) and gestational age was found. No associations could be found among other PFASs in conjunction with gestational age or birth weight. In conclusion, this investigation suggests that higher PFAS concentrations are associated with lower birth weight, and branched PFOS isomers show greater impact on infant birth weight than linear PFOS. Keywords: Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), Isomers, Birth weight, Gestational age

Presently, knowledge on the partitioning of polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs) from mother to fetus and the relationship between PBDE exposure and the levels of thyroid hormones (THs) needs to be extended further. In the present study, we investigated the concentrations of PBDEs in paired mother-fetus samples from 72 pregnant women in Wenling, China. The detection of PBDE concentration suggested that the expectant women living in Wenling for over 20 years might be highly exposed to PBDEs, which is largely ascribed to e-waste recycling activities in the local environment. The median concentration ratios between paired cord serum and maternal serum for higher-brominated BDEs were smaller than those for lower-brominated BDEs (p 0.05). This result indicated that the placenta could hinder the transfer of PBDEs from mother to fetus, and the hindrance effect increased with higher-brominated congeners. Median ratios of paired placenta vs. maternal serum concentrations varied in a narrow range (0.15-0.25), with significantly lower value for BDE-209 than that for BDE-28 (p 0.01). The extent of transplacental transfer was larger than that of placental retention for eight BDE congeners (p 0.01). The concentration of BDE congeners among the paired samples could be fitted by equations, implying that their distribution could be predicted for each other (p 0.001). There was a significant association between BDE-153 and TT

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), a group of environmental pollutants, persistently exist in the environment. To investigate the associations between PFASs levels in cord serum and birth weight, birth length and ponderal index, we measured PFASs in cord serum samples from 170 infants from Feb. 2012 to Jun. 2012 in Beijing, China. The mean concentrations in cord serum samples for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA) were 1.285 ng/mL, 1.228 ng/mL, 0.230 ng/mL, 0.224 ng/mL, 0.100 ng/mL and 0.085 ng/mL, respectively. First-born children had slightly higher exposure levels of PFHxS (p < 0.001) and PFOA (p = 0.03) than second-born or third-born children. The spearman correlation coefficients with gestation time were individually 0.160 (p = 0.038) for PFHxS and 0.202 (p = 0.008) for PFOA. Both univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the exposure levels of PFASs had no statistically significant associations with birth weight, birth length or ponderal index in the present population. For male infants, we observed that PFHxS positively correlated with birth length, but the levels of PFUnA were negatively associated with birth length.

George Otto Gey was a pioneer in tissue culture, having introduced the roller drum, the HeLa cell line, and the use of human fetal cord serum and beef embryo extract. During his career (1920s-1960s), the field of tissue culture was in its infancy and not yet dependent upon commercial biological supply houses. While the early techniques of cell culture have been greatly improved upon, of historical interest may be personal observations of the Gey Tissue Culture Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Medical School, as recalled by a medical student working there in the 1950s. Dr. Gey served as a founding member and executive of the Tissue Culture Commission (TCC) and became the first president of the Tissue Culture Association (TCA).

This study aimed to examine the potential association between low-level prenatal manganese (Mn) exposure and 1-year-old children's neurodevelopment quotient (DQ) by using the Gesell Developmental Inventory (GDI) (motor, adaptive, language, and social domains) and explored the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in Mn-induced cognitive impairments. A total of 377 mothers were recruited from a prospective birth cohort in rural northern China. Cord serum concentrations of Mn and BDNF were measured and children's DQ was evaluated. The median serum Mn concentration was 3.4 μg/L. After adjusting for confounding factors, Mn level was significantly associated with gross motor scores (β = −6.0, 95% CI: −11.8 to −0.2, p < 0.05) and personal–social scores (β = −4.2, 95% CI: −8.4 to 0.1, p < 0.05). BDNF level was positively correlated with personal–social score (β = 0.7, 95% CI: 0–1.4, p < 0.05). A significant correlation was found between Mn and BDNF (r = −0.13, 95% CI: −0.23 to −0.03, p < 0.01). Furthermore, the interaction between cord serum Mn and BDNF was significant (p < 0.001). In conclusion, elevated low-level prenatal Mn exposure impaired infant's neurodevelopment, and BDNF plays an important role in cognitive impairment, especially in the personal–social ability.

Introduction Neonatal jaundice affects nearly 60% of term and 80% of preterm neonates during the first week of life. Although early discharge of healthy term newborns is a common practice, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NH) is the most common cause for readmission during the early neonatal period. Objective To determine the association of cord serum albumin with serum bilirubin levels and whether it can be used as a risk indicator for the development of NH. Method In this observational study, cord blood was collected from healthy term newborns for serum albumin level measurements. Total serum bilirubin and direct serum bilirubin were measured during 72–96 h of life. Newborns were clinically assessed daily for NH or for any other complication during the study period. Result Among the study cohort of 300 babies, 35 had a total serum bilirubin level of ≥17 mg/dl after 72 h and were considered to have NH. They were grouped as Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 according to the cord serum albumin level ≤2.8 g/dl, 2.9–3.3 g/dl, and ≥3.4 g/dl, respectively. Statistical analysis was conducted to assess the correlation of cord serum albumin with NH. The results showed that a cord serum albumin level ≤2.8 g/dl is critical, as it was seen in 95% of term newborns who developed NH. In the group where cord serum albumin was ≥3.4 g/dl, none of the term newborns developed NH. Conclusion Term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia with a total serum bilirubin level ≥17 mg/dl had levels of cord serum albumin of ≤2.8 g/dl, and this can be used as a risk indicator to predict the development of NH.

There has been substantial evidence showing the adverse effects of organochlorine pesticide (OCP) exposure on human, but studies focused on the prenatal exposure effects at low OCP levels on infant birth size were scarce and controversial. In this study, cord serum samples were collected at the delivery from 1028 pairs of mothers and newborns in Wuhan, China and investigated the associations of prenatal exposure to OCPs and birth size. The prenatal exposure of hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), p,p′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p′-DDT) and its metabolites were analyzed. The associations between birth size and prenatal OCP exposure were examined by multiple linear regressions. A sex-specific relationship between the OCP exposure and birth size was observed. β-HCH was negatively associated with birth weight and ponderal index for boys [adjusted β = −28.61; 95% confidence interval (CI): −54.84, −4.37 and adjusted β = −0.17; 95% CI: −0.32, −0.01, respectively], whilst no significant associations with prenatal exposure of OCPs were found among girls. The inverse association of prenatal exposure to low levels of β-HCH was shown sex-specific difference, which was only observed significantly in boys. The findings strengthened the evidence that the fetal development was influenced by prenatal exposure to certain OCPs and the effects might be different in the newborn sex.

Nicotine is a major constituent of cigarette smoke. Its primary metabolite in maternal and cord sera, cotinine, is considered a biomarker of prenatal smoking. Nicotine and cotinine half-lives are decreased in pregnancy due to their increased rate of metabolism and conversion to downstream metabolites such as norcotinine and 3-hydroxycotinine. Hence, downstream metabolites of nicotine may provide informative biomarkers of prenatal smoking. In this study of three generations (F0-mothers, F1-offspring who became mothers, and F2-offspring), we present a biochemical assessment of prenatal smoking exposure based on maternal and cord sera levels of nicotine, cotinine, norcotinine, and 3-hydroxycotinine. As potential markers of early effects of prenatal smoking, associations with differential DNA methylation (DNAm) in the F1- and F2-offspring were assessed. All metabolites in maternal and cord sera were associated with self-reported prenatal smoking, except for nicotine. We compared maternal self-report of smoking in pregnancy to biochemical evidence of prenatal smoking exposure. Self-report of F0-mothers of F1 in 1989&ndash, 1990 had more accuracy identifying prenatal smoking related to maternal metabolites in maternal serum (sensitivity = 94.6%, specificity = 86.9%) compared to self-reports of F1-mothers of F2 (2010&ndash, 2016) associated with cord serum markers (sensitivity = 66.7%, specificity = 78.8%). Nicotine levels in sera showed no significant association with any DNAm site previously linked to maternal smoking. Its downstream metabolites, however, were associated with DNAm sites located on the MYO1G, AHRR, and GFI1 genes. In conclusion, cotinine, norcotinine, and 3-hydroxycotinine in maternal and cord sera provide informative biomarkers and should be considered when assessing prenatal smoking. The observed association of offspring DNAm with metabolites, except for nicotine, may imply that the toxic effects of prenatal nicotine exposure are exerted by downstream metabolites, rather than nicotine. If differential DNA methylation on the MYO1G, AHRR, and GFI1 genes transmit adverse effects of prenatal nicotine exposure to the child, there is a need to investigate whether preventing changes in DNA methylation by reducing the metabolic rate of nicotine and conversion to harmful metabolites may protect exposed children.

This study looked at predictors of exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) with a focus on dietary and household-level factors. Concentrations of BDE-47, -99, -153, and -209 and their sum (∑PBDEs) were measured in cord serum. Spanish women (n = 541) completed two semiquantitative food frequency questionnaires during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. The daily mean intake (grams) of eggs, dairy products, meat, cereals and pasta, vegetables and pulses, fruits, shellfish and cephalopods, and fish, and the weekly mean intake (servings) of lean, large oily, other oily, and other fish from both questionnaires were averaged. Information on house size, curtains and carpets at home, mattress type, housekeeping frequency, and television use was also collected later in gestation. Multivariate censored regression was used to assess the association between PBDE concentration (log2 transformed) and potential predictors. BDE-47, -99, -209 and ∑PBDE concentrations increased by 13.6%(95% CI:0.0, 29.0%), 21.1%(2.3, 43.5%), 21.7%(0.4, 47.5%) and 11.5%(2.2, 21.7%), respectively, per interquartile range increment in daily intake of shellfish and cephalopods. Fish intake was associated with BDE-99 (20.8%[1.7, 43.4%]). When fish was disaggregated by types, BDE-99 and ∑PBDEs increased by 13.8%(4.0, 24.7%) and 5.7%(0.8, 10.8%), respectively, per 1-serving/week increment in large oily fish intake. BDE-153 was associated with higher housekeeping frequency (35.9%[0.4, 83.9%]) and BDE-209 with foam mattress use (48.9%[5.8, 109.7%]). In conclusion, seafood consumption, higher housekeeping frequency, and foam mattress were associated with prenatal PBDE exposure.

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) precursors, the indirect source of PFAA exposure, have been observed in environmental and human samples. However, the maternal-fetal transfer of these chemicals has not been well examined. In this study, 50 paired maternal and cord serum samples collected in Jiangsu province of China were analyzed for fifteen PFAA precursors. Among the detected PFAAs, 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS), N-methyl- and N-ethyl-perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetates had comparable detection rate in both maternal and cord sera, while the mean concentrations and detection rates of 8:2 FTS and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA) were higher in maternal sera compared to cord sera (Mann-Whitney U test, P < 0.05). Analysis of variance and least significant difference tests showed that the youngest maternal age group (21-24 years old) had the highest concentration of 6:2 FTS in cord sera. Maternal serum PFOSA was found significantly correlated with the cord serum perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) (Spearman test, r = 0.361, P = 0.010), indicating that maternal serum PFOSA might be an indirect source of PFOS in fetuses. The obtained results suggested the potential prenatal exposure and human placental transfer of perfluoroalkyl acid precursors.

One major concern regarding perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) is their potential role in onset of health troubles consecutive to early exposure during the perinatal period. In the present work, the internal exposure levels of 18 targeted PFAAs were determined in ca. 100 mother–newborn pairs recruited in France between 2010 and 2013. In serum, the cumulated concentrations of the 7 most frequently detected compounds were 5.70 ng/mL and 2.83 ng/mL (median values) in maternal and cord serum, respectively. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexylesulfonic acid (PFHxS) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) contributed to around 90% of the total PFAAs contamination, with concentration levels and contamination profiles in accordance with other published work in Europe. Levels measured in breast milk were far lower (20 to 150 fold) than those determined in serum. Associations between the different monitored substances as well as between levels determined in the different investigated biological matrices mostly do not appear statistically significant. The estimated materno-foetal transfer would be thus substance-dependant, mainly driven by the physico-chemical properties of the different PFAAs (nature of polar group and length of alkylated side chain). We conclude that trans-placental passage and breastfeeding are both significant routes of human exposure to PFAAs. Keywords: Perfluoroalkyl substances, Endocrine disruptors, Perinatal exposure, Biomonitoring, Profiling

Background: NH affects nearly 60% of term and 80% of preterm neonates during first week of life. 6.1% of well term newborn have a serum bilirubin over 12.9 mg%. Serum bilirubin over 15 mg% is found in 3% of normal term newborns. Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia (NH) is a cause of concern for the parents as well as for the paediatricians. Aim of study to find out the association between various levels of cord serum albumin (CSA) and significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia requiring interventions like phototherapy or exchange transfusion and whether it can be used as a risk indicator for subsequent development of significant jaundice.Methods: The present study was conducted on 150 randomly selected eligible term neonates delivered at Department of Pediatrics, Rajkiya Mahila Chikitsalaya, JLN Medical College and Associated Group of Hospitals, Ajmer, India.Results: Authors conducted a prospective study on 150sequentially born term babies. Cord blood was collected at birth and cord serum albumin estimation was done within 4-6 hours of collection of the blood. Cohort was grouped into Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3 based on CSA level ≤ 2.8g/dl, 2.9-3.3g/dl and ≥ 3.4 g/dl respectively. Knowledge of risk factors of NH in neonates could influence decision of early discharge vs. prolonged observation cord serum albumin level of ≤ 2.8g/dl has a correlation with incidence of significant hyperbilirubinemia in term newborns. So this ≤ 2.8g/dl of cord serum albumin level can be used as risk indicator to predict the development of significant hyperbilirubinemia. Whereas cord serum albumin level ≥3.4g/dl is considered safe.Conclusions: Term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia with a total serum bilirubin level ≥17 mg/dl had levels of cord serum albumin of ≤ 2.8 g/dl, and this can be used as a risk indicator to predict the development of NH.

Recent studies suggest that perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and PFAS alternatives can cross the placental barrier. However, little is known on the differential patterns of trans-placental transfer (TPT) among conventional PFAS and PFAS alternatives in epidemiological study.We aimed to characterize comprehensive TPT patterns in conventional PFAS and PFAS alternatives using matched maternal-cord blood serum from a birth cohort.A total of 424 mother-fetus pairs were recruited from the Maoming Birth Cohort during 2015-2018. We detected 20 PFAS in cord and maternal serum using an ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). TPT of PFAS was calculated via cord to maternal serum concentration ratios.Both of PFOS alternatives (chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonates, Cl-PFESAs) and PFOA short-chain alternative (perfluorobutanoic acid, PFBA) were widely detected in the cord and maternal serum. In cord serum, the predominant PFAS was PFOS (1.93 ng/mL), followed by PFBA (1.45 ng/mL), PFOA (0.75 ng/mL) and 6:2 Cl-PFESA (0.32 ng/mL). We found that the PFAS alternatives had higher TPT than PFOS and PFOA, such as PFBA vs. PFOA (median: 1.41 vs. 0.73, P 0.001) and 8:2 Cl-PFESA vs. PFOS (median: 0.98 vs. 0.42, P 0.001). Moreover, the TPT of 8:2 Cl-PFESA was higher than the precursor, linear and isomeric PFOS, respectively (P 0.01). Furthermore, we found a U-shaped pattern for TPT in perfluorocarboxylic acid compounds (PFCAs) across different length of carbon chain.Our findings suggest that PFAS alternatives may be more easily across the placenta than conventional PFAS. Given the widespread usage of PFAS alternatives, our results indicate that more research is needed to assess the potential health risks of prenatal exposure to PFAS alternatives in children.

Objective: 1.Measuring the Cord Serum Albumin level (CSA) in predicting neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Method: Prospective study was performed on 100 healthy term neonates. Relevant maternal history is collected. Cord blood was collected from the healthy term neonates at birth, CSA measured. Neonate was assessed clinically every day. Total Serum Bilirubin (TSB) and blood group were assessed in neonate during 7296 hours of life. TSB value ≥15mg/dl is considered Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia (NH) which requires intervention like phototherapy (PT) or Exchange transfusion (ExT). Result: Study cohort is grouped in Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3 based on Cord Serum Albumin level ≤2.8g/dl, 2.9-3.3g/dl and ≥3.4g/dl, respectively. Statistical analysis was done for correlation of CSA with NH. It showed that cord serum albumin level ≤2.8g/dl is critical, as it was seen in 90% of neonates who developed neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Conclusion: There is a correlation between Cord serum albumin level and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Cord serum albumin level of ≤2.8 g/dl is a risk indicator in predicting the development of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia at birth.

Ritodrine 0·05 mg/min gave a mean scrum level of 3·6ng/ml and 0·55mg/min gave a mean level of 204 ng/ml, when infused intravenously into women in spontaneous preterm labour. Oral administration of ritodrine, 5 mg 3 hourly, gave a mean serum level of 0·3ng/ml; 10 mg 2 hourly gave 1·3ng/ml. The drug crosses the placenta and umbilical vein cord serum levels were higher than maternal levels when it was continued until delivery. Ritodrine was detected in such a baby 24 hours after birth.

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) had been widely used in China before they were banned decades ago due to the concern of the toxicology to human. Previous reports showed that OCPs were still often detectable in human bodies. However, there is limited study concerning the body burden of OCPs in infants and fetus in China. In this study, the prenatal exposure to OCPs was evaluated by measuring OCPs in cord serum. A total of 1046 cord serum samples were collected in Wuhan during 2014 and 2015, and analyzed for the concentrations of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethanes (DDDs) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylenes (DDEs) by using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The median levels of ∑HCHs and ∑DDTs were 10.1 ng/g lipid (with the range fromLOD to 1910 ng/g lipid) and 35.5 ng/g lipid (with the range from 0.18 to 11,100 ng/g lipid), respectively. β-HCH and p,p'-DDE were found to be the major OCPs presenting in the cord serum samples. A minor positive association between the serum levels of α-HCH and β-HCH was observed, and the concentrations of o,p'- and p,p'-DDT isomers were found positively associated. The OCP exposure levels obtained in this study were comparable to those data from other areas in China and much lower than some of highly polluted countries. The prenatal exposure to OCPs would be of concern since fetuses were more vulnerable than adults and the cord serum is an accurate non-invasive matrix for monitoring of prenatal exposure.

Background: Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been widely detected in different populations. However, limited data is available about exposure among family members. Objectives: To investigate the PFASs levels in parents and their newborns and to understand their correlation and health implications of in utero exposure to PFASs. Methods: Ten PFASs were measured in matched parental and cord serum (N = 369 families) from a birth cohort in Shandong, one of the regions seriously polluted by PFASs in China. The correlation of PFASs levels within families was examined. A questionnaire survey on maternal factors and risk assessment using the hazard quotients (HQs) approach based on maternal PFASs levels was conducted. Results: Within a family, the father had the highest levels of all PFASs. Among the 10 PFASs, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was the highest, with 103.38, 42.83, and 34.67 ng/ml in paternal, maternal and cord serum, respectively. PFASs levels were positively correlated among family members (r = 0.14–0.91, p

Human studies show associations between maternal bisphenol A (BPA) exposure and developmental effects in children, yet biomonitoring of BPA metabolites in maternal and fetal serum remains limited, and less is known for BPA alternatives. BPA-glucuronide, BPA-sulfate, and bisphenol S (BPS) were quantified in 61 pairs of maternal and cord sera from Chinese participants. Total BPS was only detectable in four maternal (0.03-0.07 ng/mL) and seven cord sera (0.03-0.12 ng/mL), indicating low exposure but providing the first evidence that BPS crosses the human placenta. Total BPA metabolites in cord serum were significantly higher than in maternal serum (p0.05), suggesting that these may be formed in the fetus or cleared more slowly from the fetoplacental compartment. Unlike the pharmacokinetic results from controlled oral exposure studies in which BPA-glucuronide is the major BPA metabolite, here, BPA-sulfate was the dominant metabolite (GM: 0.06 and 0.08 ng/mL), significantly higher than BPA-glucuronide (GM: 0.02 and 0.04 ng/mL) (p0.01) in both maternal and cord sera. Moreover, the proportion of BPA-sulfate increased with total BPA. These are the first human data for BPA metabolites in paired maternal and cord serum, and results suggest that the human fetus and pregnant mother have unique exposure to BPA metabolites. Direct analysis of BPA metabolites in serum provides complementary information for evaluating early life-stage exposure and risks of BPA.

Although the production and use of some persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been banned or highly restricted, human exposure remains a subject of investigation due to their environmental persistence. Physiological changes during pregnancy may affect the disposition of POPs in the mother’s body, and thus fetal exposure. Changes in serum concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) across pregnancy trimesters, and trans-placental transfer to the fetus were investigated. Seventy-nine pregnant women in Trujillo, Peru were recruited in the first trimester of pregnancy, and provided blood samples for the analysis of 35 PCB congeners, 9 OCPs, and 11 polybrominated biphenyl diethers (PBDEs). Subsequently, maternal blood samples were collected in the second (n = 64) and third trimesters (n = 59), and cord blood samples (n = 50) were collected at delivery. There were statistically significant changes across trimesters (p 60% of cord serum samples. Intra-individual correlations in maternal serum concentrations were high for most of the POPs (ρ = 0.62–0.99; p

OBJECTIVE To evaluate epidermal growth factor (EGF) levels in cord blood as a possible marker for predicting the subsequent development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 241 VLBW infants (38 infants developed NEC and 203 had no NEC) were enrolled. EGF concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS VLBW infants who subsequently developed NEC had significantly lower cord serum concentrations of EGF than those who did not (p < 0.0001). Moreover, cord blood concentrations of EGF were significantly lower in infants with stage III than those with stage II or I NEC (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that low cord blood EGF was independently associated with the subsequent risk of NEC (OR = 0.978 [95% CI: 0.959-0.997]; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION Low cord blood EGF concentrations may predict the subsequent development of NEC in VLBW infants.

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of widely used chemicals that have been detected in the environment and general population. However, the isomer patterns in human are poorly characterized. Previous studies observed the isomer-specific maternal-fetal transfer of PFASs in human. In our current study, we first examined the profile of PFASs and isomers, including 17 linear PFASs and 10 branched PFOS/PFOA isomers by using isotopic internal standards in umbilical cord serum samples from Guangzhou, China. We collected a total of 321 of cord blood serum samples from July to October in 2013, and analyzed the PFASs concentration with isomer-specific PFASs analysis method. The results showed that 9 out of 17 PFASs (linear PFASs) were detected (>50% detection rate). Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS, median 3.87 ng/mL) was the predominant, followed by total PFOS (median 2.99 ng/mL) and total PFOA (median 1.23 ng/mL) in cord serum. In addition, 1m-, iso-, ∑3+4+5m-PFOS and iso-PFOA were the branched PFASs detected in the current study. The proportion of linear PFOS (n-PFOS) was 75.16% of ∑PFOS which was similar to the proportion of electrochemical fluorination that produces ca. 70% linear PFOS and 30% branched. On the contrary, linear PFOA (n-PFOA) accounted for 98.69% ∑PFOA in cord serum samples. Our finding indicates distinct PFASs and PFOS/PFOA isomer profile in cord serum, suggesting there might be a different exposure pathway and metabolism of PFASs.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been used as flame retardants. Although many reports have indicated an association between exposure to PBDEs and developmental neurotoxicity, the relative contributions of different sources of dust PBDE congeners to the levels in various tissues of mother–baby pairs is not well understood. The aims of this study were thus to measure the quantitative relationship between the level of PBDEs in house dust and tissues of mother-neonate pairs, and to investigate the chemical sources of the PBDEs. Forty-one mother-neonate pairs were recruited and provided samples of maternal serum (n = 29), umbilical cord serum (n = 25), breast milk (n = 50), and house dust (n = 41), where PBDEs were determined with high-resolution gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. While deca- (e.g., BDE 209, detected 100%), nona- (BDE 206/207, 95.1%), octa- (BDE 183, 100%), penta- (BDE 99/153, 100%, 98%) and tetra-BDEs (BDE 47, 100%) were detected abundantly in dust, penta- (BDE 99, 76%, 92%) and tetra-BDEs (BDE 47, 84%, 98%) were detected abundantly in umbilical cord serum and breast milk, respectively; tetra-BDEs (BDE 47, 86%) were detected more often relative to other congeners in maternal serum. Spearman’s pairwise comparison showed that the levels of BDE 47 (ρ = 0.52, p < 0.001) and −99 (ρ = 0.64, p < 0.01) in umbilical cord serum were associated with BDE 209 levels in dust; BDE 47 in maternal serum also showed correlation with BDE 99 in cord serum (ρ = 0.48, p < 0.01) but there was no significant correlation between maternal BDE 47 and dust BDE 209. On the other hand, a comparison of the distribution among congeners suggested probable associations of BDE 47 in maternal serum, breast milk, and umbilical cord serum with BDE 209 in dust; and of BDE 99 in maternal and umbilical cord serum, breast milk, and dust with BDE 209 in dust. Although further studies are needed, a radar chart-based distributional comparison among congeners supported associations between BDE 47 or −99 in human tissues and BDE 209 in dust.

Background: The roles of adiponectin and leptin in the early stages of life are poorly understood. We previously studied longitudinal changes in these adipocytokines from birth to 12 months of age. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the correlation between cord serum adipocytokine levels and postnatal growth by 3 years of age. Methods: A questionnaire was sent to obtain the general physical measurements of 3-year-olds from 56 healthy newborn infants born at a gestational age of 35 weeks or more; 45 valid responses were obtained. The correlations between variables, including cord serum adipocytokine levels at birth and general physical measurements at 3 years, were investigated. Results: Body mass index (BMI) Z-score gain from birth to 3 years was negatively correlated with birthweight SD scores (β=−0.395, P= 0.019) and gestational age (β=−0.557, P= 0.016), and positively correlated with cord serum adiponectin levels (β= 0.253, P= 0.043). BMI Z-score gain from birth to 6 months was negatively correlated with only birthweight SD score (β=−0.442, P= 0.017). Cord serum leptin levels were not a significant predictor of BMI Z-scores gain in our subjects. BMI Z-scores at 6 months, 12 months, and 3 years of age were not related to cord serum adiponectin or leptin levels. Conclusions: Birthweight SD score, gestational age, and cord serum adiponectin levels are significant predictors of BMI Z-score gain from birth to 3 years of age in Japanese infants.

Problem This study investigates whether affectivity differs between mothers delivering preterm and term and whether maternal and umbilical cord serum cytokines differ between these groups. Further, ...

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are persistent organic pollutants ubiquitously distributed in the environment and human populations. Here we report PFC concentrations in the residents of Wenzhou City, which is characterized as the 'Footwear Capital' of China. Specifically, fifty serum samples collected from workers in a leather factory, fifty-five umbilical cord serum samples and fifteen serum samples from infertile men were analyzed. PFOS was one of the most frequently detected PFCs and showed the highest level. The mean serum levels of PFOS and PFOA of workers and infertile males were higher than the cord serum. PFOS concentration in cord serum increased with increase in age of the mother. Gender differences were significant both in worker serum samples and umbilical cord samples with higher levels found in males/male fetuses. Our findings suggested that PFOS, PFOA and PFHxS were widely distributed in Wenzhou residents, but occupational exposure was not the main source for workers.

Background: Icterus neonatorum is the most common neonatal illness occurring in the first 7 days of life. It is the most important cause for hospital readmissions during the early neonatal period and also the cause for neonatal morbidity. In this study our main objective is, to find out that whether detecting umbilical cord blood bilirubin levels soon after birth, will help to identify the development of significant jaundice in early neonatal period which requires immediate interventionMethods: This was a prospective observational study carried out among 150 term and preterm babies. Their cord bilirubin level were estimated. Jaundice was determined by using yellowish appearance of eyes, skin and Kramer score. Statistics employed include Chi-square test and receiver operator characteristic curveResults: Study participants enrolled into the study was 150. Cord serum bilirubin was significantly associated with Kramer score and yellowish discoloration of eyes and skin and not significantly associated with sex, mode of delivery, gestational age and birth weight. When cord serum bilirubin was compared against the occurrence of clinical jaundice, sensitivity was found to be 58.33%, specificity was 96.49% positive predictive value was 84% and negative predictive value was 88%. Receiver operator characteristics curve indicated that the area below the curve was 0.842.Conclusions: Cord serum bilirubin can be used as a screening tool to identify the neonatal jaundice in both term and late preterm babies. Present study has shown increased specificity than sensitivity which warrants further exploration.

To characterize the matched maternal and cord plasma and the amniotic fluid concentrations of iodide in preterm and term human pregnancies.Specimens were collected at the delivery of 121 singleton pregnancies (92 at term, 29 preterm) with no pre-existing medical complications. Plasma unbound iodide concentrations were measured by the difference between the protein bound iodine and the total iodine measured spectrophotometrically. Total iodide was measured in amniotic fluid.Maternal plasma iodide concentrations were 1.6 +/- 0.4 mcg/dL (mean +/- S.D.) for preterm deliveries and 1.5+/ -0.5 mcg/dL for term deliveries. Cord plasma iodide concentrations were 1.4 +/- 0.5 mcg/dL for preterm deliveries and 1.7 +/- 0.7 mcg/dL for term deliveries. Cord plasma iodide concentrations at birth correlated highly with maternal levels (p0.001). The cord:maternal plasma iodide ratio for all pairs was 1.2+/- 0.7. The average cord:maternal plasma iodide ratio was not significantly different between the preterm (0.9+/- 0.4) and term (1.3+/- 0.8) deliveries. Amniotic fluid iodide concentrations did not correlate significantly with cord plasma concentrations.Cord plasma concentrations of iodide correlate with paired maternal levels, indicating that, unlike the rabbit and other species, the human conceptus does not highly concentrate iodide.

Lipid metabolism has an important role in fetal development during the late stage of gestation, including growth and fat accretion in utero, increasing amniotic fluid lecithin levels with maturation of pulmonary function and changes in the levels of minor phospholipids in amniotic fluid.The aim of this study was to compare the maternal and cord lipid profiles of preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and a control group without RDS.The study groups consisted of 166 preterm infants with gestational ages ranging from 25 to 36 weeks, and birth weights ranging from 748 to 2495 g. Of these infants, 57 developed RDS and 109 infants served as controls. The infants were divided into four gestational age groups (34 to 36, 31 to 33, 28 to 30 and 25 to 27 weeks). Stepwise linear regression analyses were performed to determine independent contribution of each lipid parameter of the infants to their characteristics and mothers' variables.Total cholesterol, high-density and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterols levels were lower in infants with RDS and in their mothers than in controls, and maternal lipid profile was related to those of their infants (P0.05). Pregravid body mass index (BMI) was related to triglyceride levels of the infants, and weight gain during pregnancy was related to LDL cholesterol levels of the infants (P0.05).RDS is accompanied with lipid alteration in infants and their mothers. Pregravid BMI and weight gain during pregnancy might have a prognostic significance in the prediction of respiratory distress in early neonatal period.

Background Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are food-chain contaminants that have been shown to contaminate foods worldwide. The newborn are exposed to these organochlorine compounds across the placenta and through breastfeeding. They are proven to be carcinogenic and may contribute to congenital malformation etiology. Methods This study examined levels of five PCB congeners (28, 52, 138, 153 and 180) in umbilical cord serum samples from 148 newborns from Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Serum concentrations of PCBs were analyzed by gas chromatography with electron capture detection and mass spectrometry. Results Levels of ∑ PCBs ranged from 0.35 to 55.17 ng/ml in umbilical cord serum positive samples, and PCB 138 was the most prevalent congener. Only 7.4% of samples presented no PCB congener. Conclusions Some PCB congener cord serum levels were related to the locale of the mothers' residence, smoking and drinking habits, fruit consumption, and congenital malformation.

To investigate the effects of an electromagnetic field (EMF) on limb bud development in vitro, an organ culture system was applied.Three test groups of amputated mouse limb buds included the experimental (E) group which received EMF (50 Hz/13.1 mT, for 2 h), a sham (Sh) group exposed to no EMF treatment and the control (C) group. The limb buds of E and Sh groups (n = 20 per group) were amputated from mouse embryos on day 11.5 of development and cultured in minimum essential medium Eagle (MEM Eagle), supplemented with 15% human embryo cord serum, for 2 days, while those of group C (n = 20) were removed on day 13.5 of development. All samples were fixed in Bouin's fluid, embedded in paraffin, serially sectioned (5 microm thick) and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Limb bud measurements were performed using a scaled graticule.Morphological and histological examinations showed significant changes in the experimental limb bud group as compared with the sham and control groups. The growth rate in both fore and hindlimb buds in proximal-distal (P-D) and anterior-posterior (A-P) axes were significantly increased. Chondrocyte counts and mitotic figures of mesenchymal and red blood cells were significantly increased as compared with those of sham and control groups. There was also a significant reduction of mesenchymal cell counts, while no significant difference was observed in the degenerated cell counts among the three groups.These findings suggest that EMF, under the conditions applied, has progressive effects on the limb bud development and that both proliferation and differentiation can be stimulated in vitro.

BACKGROUND: BPA is an endocrine disrupting chemical ubiquitously detected in human samples. However, maternal-fetal transfer of free and conjugated BPA has not been well examined, and the presence ...

Cord serum thyrotropin (CST) was estimated in the blood of 1295 neonates randomly selected of 25 000 live births from various hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan, during the period of 1998-2002. Data obtained were used to assess the degree of iodine-deficiency disorder (IDD) in the local population. In iodine-sufficient areas, the percentage of neonates with CST value of >10 mIU/L is less than 3%. A frequency of 3% to 19.9% indicates mild IDD. Frequencies of 20% to 39.9% and >40% indicate moderate and severe IDD, respectively. Results indicated that on average, 13.5% of the neonates had a CST level >10 mIU/L, which indicate the existence of a mild degree of IDD. Statistically, there was no difference in the percentage of neonates with this level of CST for the 5-year study. It was observed that iodized salt has not been widely accepted despite the lack of difference in the price of iodized and noniodized salt.