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Objective The aim was to assess the contribution of placental examination in the etiologic investigation of stillbirth. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of stillbirths that occurred after 14 weeks gestation was conducted for a one-year period. Twin pregnancies and fetuses without placentas were excluded. According to the fetoplacental examination, stillbirths were classified into etiologic groups. Results: A total of 147 stillbirths were selected. They were associated with placental, materno-fetal, fetal and multiple causes in 89 cases (61%), 23 cases (16%), 14 cases (9%) and 13 cases (9%), respectively. Unexplained stillbirths were observed in 8 cases (5%). Placental abnormalities were identified in 132/147 cases (90%). They were consistent with vascular, inflammatory and developmental lesions in 82/132 cases (61%), 28/132 cases (21%) and 18/132 cases (13%), respectively. Conclusion: Placental lesions were the main causes of stillbirth and were predominantly of vascular type including chronic villous hypoxia-ischemia and funicular anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Iguaçu River basin, known for its rich endemic ichthyofauna, faces a significant threat from chemical pollution. The Jordão River, a major tributary, drains extensive agricultural and livestock areas and receives poorly treated domestic and industrial effluents before joining the Iguaçu River. This study investigated the pollution and toxic effects of water samples from the Iguaçu upstream (UI), Jordão (JR), and their confluence (DI) on Steindachneridion melanodermatum embryos and larvae. Chemical analyses of the water samples revealed that most contaminants were present at levels below detection limits or within the limits established by Brazilian legislation. However, cadmium in UI, aluminum in JR, and lead in DI exceeded the legal limits. Exposure up to 96 h post-fertilization revealed higher mortality and deformity rates in individuals exposed to water samples from UI and JR, despite JR having fewer detected pollutants. JR and DI samples induced increased superoxide dismutase activity, indicating activation of the antioxidant defense system due to xenobiotic exposure. Overall, the integrated biomarker response indexes showed that individuals exposed to JR water displayed the most significant variations in their responses compared to the control treatment, suggesting a higher level of contamination and toxicity. Although a direct link between water quality and toxicity in the Jordão and Iguaçu Rivers was inconclusive, the results confirmed pollution and risks to local wildlife. The study highlighted the harmful effects of pollutants, even at low concentrations. These findings underscore the need for conservation measures to safeguard endemic and endangered species in the Iguaçu River basin. Understanding pollutant effects on native species is crucial for effective mitigation strategies and ecological health preservation., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Linn Håkonsen Arendt,1– 3 Lars Henning Pedersen,1,4 Lars Pedersen,5 Per Glud Ovesen,1,6 Tine Brink Henriksen,7 Morten Søndergaard Lindhard,8 Jørn Olsen,2,5 Henrik Toft Sørensen,5 Cecilia Høst Ramlau-Hansen2 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; 2Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regional Hospital Horsens, Horsens, Denmark; 4Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; 5Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; 6Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; 7Department of Child and Adolescent Health, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; 8Department of Child and Adolescent Health, Regional Hospital Randers, Aarhus, DenmarkCorrespondence: Linn Håkonsen ArendtDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus, DenmarkTel +45 27 21 09 81Email lha@clin.au.dkPurpose: To study the occurrence of major congenital abnormalities in children of women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and investigate the association between glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and major congenital malformations according to type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes separately.Patients and methods: In this register-based study, all singletons born alive from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2015 in the North Denmark and Central Denmark regions of Denmark and their mothers were included. We used data from Danish health registers and the LABKA database. Logistic regression models were used to compute crude and adjusted prevalence odds ratios (cORs and aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for major congenital malformations overall and for subtypes, by type of maternal pre-existing diabetes and HbA1c levels.Results: Among 314,245 infants included, 2020 (0.64%) had mothers with type 1 diabetes and 498 (0.16%) had mothers with type 2 diabetes. We found an aOR of 2.9 (95% CI: 2.5, 3.5) and 1.9 (95% CI: 1.3; 2.8) for major malformations for type 1 and type 2 diabetes, respectively. The highest occurrence was seen for major congenital heart diseases, but we also observed higher occurrence of several other non-cardiac malformations. For both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, the prevalence of major congenital malformations increased with higher levels of maternal HbA1c with no safe threshold level. Mothers with type 1 diabetes had higher risks than those without diabetes irrespective of HbA1c, and women with HbA1c levels ≥ 9.5% had 8 times the odds of major congenital malformations [aOR 8.7 (95% CI: 5.4; 14.5)].Conclusions: The prevalence of major congenital malformations progressively increased with poorer glycemic control during pregnancy, with no obvious safe threshold level, for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.Keywords: congenital heart diseases, diabetes, epidemiology, malformations, pregnancy, register-based research

In the past 5 years, the time-lapse culture system (TLS) has gradually been applied to the field of assisted reproduction. However, there are few reports on the comparison between this system and the conventional culture system (CS) on the outcome of newborns. As a new model in embryo culture, we should pay attention to its neonatal outcomes. We examined 15,252 fresh transfer cycles processed between January 2016 and December 2019. After propensity score matching, embryos in two groups, TLS and CS, had similar rates of miscarriages, ectopic pregnancy, and live delivery (P > 0.05). Embryos in the TLS group achieved higher clinical pregnancy and implantation rates (P < 0.05). Of the perinatal and neonatal outcomes, singletons and twins were analyzed separately. No significant differences were observed in gestational age, preterm deliveries, birth weight, and sex ratio (P > 0.05). Incidences of malformations of babies delivered from CS and TLS groups were also similar between the two groups. Embryos cultured in a TLS are as safe as CS with regard to neonatal outcomes, including congenital malformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) malformations have varied short-term and long-term outcomes reported across various neonatal units in India. Methods: This descriptive study was done to study the clinical profile, outcomes and predictors of mortality in neonates operated for congenital GI malformations in a tertiary neonatal care unit in South India between years 2011 and 2020. Details were collected by retrospective review of the case sheets. Results: Total of 68 neonates were included with esophageal atresia (EA) in 10, infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) in 9, duodenal atresia (DA) in 10, ileal atresia in 8, jejunal atresia in 5, anorectal malformations (ARM) in 11, meconium ileus/peritonitis in 9, malrotation in 2, and Hirschsprung's disease (HD) in 4. Antenatal diagnosis was highest in DA (80%). Associated anomalies were maximum in EA (50%), the most common being vertebral, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheoesophageal fistula, renal and radial abnormalities, and limb abnormalities association (VACTERL). Overall mortality was 15%. IHPS, DA, Malrotation, HD and ARM had 100 % survival while ileal atresia had the least survival (38%). Gestational age <32 weeks (odds ratio [OR] 12.77 [1.96, 82.89]) and outborn babies (OR 5.55 [1.01, 30.33]) were significant predictors of mortality in babies operated for small intestinal anomalies. None of the surviving infants were moderately or severely underweight at follow-up. Conclusion: Overall survival of surgically correctable GI anomalies is good. Among the predictors for mortality, modifiable factors such as in-utero referral of antenatally diagnosed congenital anomalies need attention. One-fifth had associated anomalies highlighting the need to actively look for the same. Although these neonates are vulnerable for growth failure, they had optimal growth on follow-up possibly due to standardized total parenteral nutritional policy during neonatal intensive care unit stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visconti, G.; Scopelliti, G.; Caldareri, F.; Agate, M.; Cambera, I.; Sulli, A., and Arculeo, M., 2022. Hatching success of Caretta caretta on a Mediterranean volcanic beach: Impacts from environmental parameters and substrate composition. Journal of Coastal Research, 38(3), 603–612. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. New data on the potential impact of environmental parameters and the mineralogical nature of the substrate on the hatching success of the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta on a volcanic beach on Linosa Island in the central Mediterranean Sea are reported. During 2 years of investigation (2018–19), five nests were observed. The temperature and moisture of the nests were determined along with the grain size and mineralogical nature of the substrate. The temperature values of the nests recorded at depths of 5 and 35 cm showed an average temperature incubation of 32.2°C ± 1.4°C and 32.8°C ± 1.6°C, respectively, with peaks close to 37°C. The sedimentological analysis carried out on two cores revealed the prevalence of large sandy particle and sediment moisture of about 35% in the deeper layers. A total of 214 laid eggs were recorded in 2018 with only 44 emerged turtles, whereas 45 turtles emerged from 199 laid eggs in 2019. Both years showed a low hatching success (25%–30%) and a high frequency of anomalies (>60%), which were present in individuals as nonmodal scutes or bifid limbs. Results suggest that environmental parameters such as temperature, sand moisture, and the geological nature of the substrate seem to play an important role in the reproductive success of this species. Some aspects for improving the nesting site and egg development conditions are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral proliferative angiopathy (CPA) is an infrequent vascular malformation. It is composed of a nidus, arterial feeders, and venous drainage. Some special features differentiate it from the common arteriovenous malformations (AVM). The nidus has normal cerebral tissue intermingled and occupies a large portion of the brain. There is a frequent transdural arterial supply. Arterial feeders and draining veins are of small caliber concerning the nidus size. Ischemic strokes are the most common clinical event. Intracranial bleeding when occurs has a worse prognosis due to its high recurrence rate. We have presented two cases of CPA in pediatric patients who required surgical resolution of their acute episode [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Folic acid (vitamin B9) is a water-soluble vitamin, essential for the growth and development of the blood and immune systems. Its deficiency is a significant risk factor for fetal neural tube defects. The widespread implementation of drugs and food supplements containing folic acid in preparation for pregnancy and in its first trimester has significantly reduced the incidence of fetal neural tube defects.According to current recommendations, taking 0.4 mg of folic acid per day is indicated within 6 months before conception and in the first trimester of pregnancy. Taking folic acid at a dosage of 4 mg is indicated for patients with a history of a fetal neural tube defect.There are also other risk factors for developing fetal neural tube defects. These include family history, obesity, malabsorption syndrome, folate cycle gene polymorphisms, smoking, drug use, diabetes mellitus (pre-gestational), and other chronic diseases. Determination of the required dosage of folic acid in these categories of patients still requires discussion and clinical trials. Also, folic acid intake is associated with a decreased risk of esophageal atresia, conotruncal heart disease, cleft palate, urinary tract malformations, and omphalocele, reduces the incidence of some behavioral anomalies, in particular, hyperactivity, the need for planning a pregnancy.

Hand anomalies encompass a wide spectrum of malformations. Ectrodactyly, defined as a complex congenital malformation in the child limbs, occurs in 1 in 8,500 to 25,000 newborns but with the use of sonography may be detected from the early stages of pregnancy. We present a case of a 25- year-old, unmarried woman in her first pregnancy, 13 weeks and 5 days, with no personal antecedents of interest or previous surgical interventions. At the transvaginal ultrasound examination, it appeared that the right hand was missing the second, third and fourth fingers, and there was an abnormal cleft between the first and fifth metacarpal bones, that raised the suspicion of ectrodactyly. After genetic counselling, the pregnant woman decided to terminate the pregnancy. The fetalautopsy confirmed the prenatal diagnosis. Congenital malformations of the extremities of the hands can be extremely disabling because they affect aesthetics and functionality, but, with laboratory analyses, timely diagnosis and, consequently, quality care and a correct diagnosis may come in time for the patient's decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital anomalies of the urethra are insufficiently covered in the literature, except for hypospadias and epispadias. Therefore, there is a significant gap in information on the diagnosis, classification and management of patients with such anomalies among practising physicians and researchers. Also, the urgency of studying this problem is due to the complexity of these malformations. This fact dictates the need for a very careful and correct approach to timely surgical treatment and subsequent rehabilitation, which will minimize the negative medical and social consequences of these anomalies. Taking these circumstances into account, key data on the most common congenital anomalies of the urethra were summarized in the form of a lecture material based on modern scientific advances. The following malformations of the urethra are considered as the main options: hypospadias; epispadias; urethral valves, obliterations, strictures, diverticula and cysts; Guerin's sinus; hypertrophy of verumontanum; agenesis of the urethra; urethral duplication; megalourethra; urethral fistulas; urethral polyp. Moreover, all types of anomalies are presented with illustrations of real clinical examples. The information from this study can be successfully used in the daily work for practising physicians of various profiles, scientific and pedagogical activities when teaching students at medical universities, residency training, postgraduate studies and in the courses of advanced training and professional retraining, as well as in conducting scientific research in this direction.

Permanent maxillary and mandibular first molars are the first permanent teeth to erupt into the oral cavity along with the mandibular incisors. It serves as an excellent record of maternal and fetal health, reflecting the prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal health and diseases. This review focuses on the molar morphogenesis, molar malformations, their etiopathogenesis, and pathologies causing specific pattern of molar malformations.

This research study aimed to explore the mitigating effects of humic acid and clay on the toxicity induced by three different phthalates (DBP, DEP, DEHP) on zebrafish larvae growth. Prolonged exposure to DBP resulted in a concerning 87.33% mortality rate, significantly reduced to 7.3% when co-administered with humic acid. A similar reduction in mortality was observed for the other two phthalates (DEP and DEHP). Additionally, the introduction of phthalates with humic acid, clay, or their combination led to a significant decrease in the malformation rate in larvae. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis of phthalates in treatments revealed a noteworthy decline in their concentration when combined with humic acid and clay. This suggests a reduced bioavailability of phthalates to larvae, aligning with diminished toxicity, lower mortality, fewer malformations, and improved organ development, as well as less oxidative stress. Furthermore, measurements of larval length and morphological scoring affirmed the protective role of humic acid and clay in promoting the normal growth of zebrafish. This study underscores the potential of environment modulators, such as humic acid and clay, as effective bioremediation agents against phthalate toxicity. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), indicative of oxidative stress, was markedly higher in larvae treated solely with phthalates compared to the control. Conversely, larvae treated with a combination of phthalates and humic acid or clay exhibited a significant decrease in ROS generation, signaling a decline in oxidative stress. Histopathological analysis of adult fish subjected to various treatments revealed significant damage to vital organs like the liver and intestine when treated with phthalates alone. However, when phthalates were introduced with humic acid, clay, or both, the morphology closely resembled that of the control, reinforcing the protective role of humic acid and clay in zebrafish development against administered phthalates. [Display omitted] • This study is focused on mitigating the toxic effect of phthalates using environmental modulators like Humic acid and Clay. • The humic acid, clay, and combination of both decreases the bioavailability of phthalates. • Humic acid and clay significantly reduce phthalates toxicity, promoting normal larval growth. Environmental ImplicationsThe findings of this research study show the application of humic acid and clay as potential bio remediators and possibly mitigate the toxicity effects of phthalates in the various aquatic ecosystems. These environment modulators reduce the bioavailability of the phthalates and subsequently diminish the toxic effects on zebrafish larvae. The implication of humic acid and clay for the bioremediation of phthalates can lead to ecosystem health and sustainable environmental practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leflunomide is contraindicated during pregnancy and treatment cessation is recommended two years before pregnancy. We aimed to describe leflunomide use in women of childbearing age in Germany, the occurrence of pregnancies in women using leflunomide and malformations among children possibly exposed in utero. Using the GePaRD database (claims data, ∼20% of the German population), we determined annual age-standardized prevalences of leflunomide use between 2004 and 2019 among females aged 13–49 years. Further, we estimated the number of exposed pregnancies by assessing whether the exposure window assigned to the last dispensation before pregnancy (days covered by the dispensation plus two years) overlapped the onset of pregnancy or whether there was a dispensation in the first eight weeks of pregnancy. For exposed live births, a mother-baby linkage was performed and the presence of congenital malformation was assessed. The age-standardized prevalence of leflunomide use ranged between 0.34 and 0.46 per 1000 females during the study period. About one third of the users were ≤40 years. We identified 205 leflunomide-exposed pregnancies ending during the study period. 71% of these pregnancies ended in a live birth (26% preterm) and 10% in an induced abortion. In 86% of the live births (n=125) the mother-baby linkage was successful. Among these 125 children, 13 children (10%) had congenital malformations. In conclusion, we observed a considerable number of pregnancies in women using leflunomide in the two years before or during early pregnancy. This highlights the importance of monitoring the implementation of existing risk minimization measures for leflunomide in Germany. • The prevalence of leflunomide use increased with female's age. • A considerable number of women were using leflunomide in the two years before or during early pregnancy despite the recommended risk-minimizing measures. • Of leflunomide-exposed pregnancies analyzed, 71% ended in live birth and 10% in an induced abortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Objective: This systematic review summarizes current knowledges about maternal and neonatal outcomes following COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and breastfeeding. (2) Study design: PubMed, Cochrane Library, and the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) were searched up to 27 October 2021. The primary outcome was to estimate how many pregnant and lactating women were reported to be vaccinated and had available maternal and neonatal outcomes. (3) Results: Forty-five studies sourcing data of 74,908 pregnant women and 5098 lactating women who received COVID-19 vaccination were considered as eligible. No major side-effects were reported, especially during the second and third trimester of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Conversely, available studies revealed that infants received specific SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after maternal vaccination. (4) Conclusions: Vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 virus should be recommended for pregnant women, after the pros and cons have been adequately explained. In particular, given the still limited evidence and considering that fever during the first months of gestation increases the possibility of congenital anomalies, they should be carefully counseled. The same considerations apply to breastfeeding women, also considering the immune responses that mRNA vaccines can generate in their human milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Congenital malformations are of major concern as they are cosmetically unacceptable, often associated with significant functional abnormalities and may sometimes even be life-threatening. Study was done to explore the outcome of surgical intervention in congenital anomalies in a tertiary care rural hospital. Material and Methods: A prospective observational longitudinal hospital based study conducted in rural based tertiary care centre in the department of pediatrics from May 2016 to July2018. All the newborns were examined throughly for minor and major anomalies. Printed proforma was filled for recording of clinical examination of newborn and relevant investigations. Statistical analysis was applied to the data to study the types and factors affecting congenital anomalies. Results : Total number of neonatal admissions during this period was 19600. Major anomalies were in 155 patients while minor anomalies were observed in 15 babies. 150 babies with major anomalies also had minor anomalies. Out of 170 patients 57 underwent surgical procedure. Outcome was favourable in 42 cases while 15 died in post operative period due to various reasons. Conclusion: Management of these congenital anomalies as well as the associated morbidity and mortality constitute a significant healthcare problem. There is need to improve health care in tertiary area. Early diagnosis and surgrical intervention for major anomalies helps in preventing morbidity and mortality in neonatal period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysplenia syndrome mainly described in pediatrics; rarely and incidentally in adulthood. Most patients had their diagnosis done during childhood due to the frequent association to cardiac anomalies that speak for themselves earlier in life. Multiple spleens, cardiac defect and vascular malformation of the inferior vena cava with azygos or hemiazygos continuation are the most frequent observed malformations. Our patient was one this rarest adulthood incidental diagnosis, who presented in the emergency department for nephritic colic, and while imaging for this, multiples spleens and other visceral malformations were diagnosed. Hopefully, cardiac ultrasound hadn't showed any cardiac malformation and the patient was discharged aware of this condition. Through this publication we report the possible incidental diagnosis of polysplenia condition and highlight the fact that people with such important malformation can lead a normal life, and only awareness should be given for future surgeries, instrumental treatment or else. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an antimalarial drug containing a 4-aminoquinoline radical, with immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and vascular protective effects, which is widely used in the treatment of various rheumatological conditions and is also compatible with pregnancy. It is well known that hydroxychloroquine crosses the placental barrier and hence it can protect against adverse perinatal outcomes, such as congenital heart block in fetuses of anti-SSA/ Ro positive mothers. When it is administered at daily doses inferior or equal to 400 mg, HCQ is not associated with augmented risk of perinatal morbidity and it has also been found to prevent disease flares among pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA), improving maternal outcomes and being protective toward fetal health as well. However, the concerns about its safety in pregnancy are still present because studies on the risks of perinatal defects associated with HCQ administration arise sparse and have controversial results. The purpose of the current article is to make a review of the medical literature concerning the safety of HCQ in pregnancy. For this purpose, scientific research in online medical publications such as Elsevier, PubMed, and The Lancet, was conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present four cases of rare developmental anomalies in the smooth snake Coronella austriaca Laurenti, 1768 from western Poland. These include brachycephaly, lordosis, a supernumerary row of 'ventral' scales, and the third reported case of dicephalism in snakes from Poland. All the cases are supported by X-ray radiography. One of the possible explanations for these anomalies is a low genetic variation in populations from western Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anne Broe,1,2 Per Damkier,1,2 Anton Pottegård,3 Jesper Hallas,1,3 Mette Bliddal3,4 1Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; 2Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; 3Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy, and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; 4Department of Clinical Research, Open Patient Data Explorative Network, University of Southern Denmark and Odense University Hospital, Odense, DenmarkCorrespondence: Anne BroeDepartment of Clinical Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, JB Winsløwsvej 19, 2, Odense 5000 Odense C, DenmarkEmail anbroe@health.sdu.dkBackground: Danish health registers are used widely to examine associations between specific risk factors and congenital malformations. Various overall prevalence rates of malformations have been reported in Denmark indicating differences in the underlying data sources or malformation definitions. We described trends in registration of malformations in Denmark 1997– 2017 and identified potential caveats for the use of Danish health registries in epidemiological studies. We composed a Danish adaptation of EUROCATs definition of malformations.Methods: Using nationwide Danish health registries, we identified all recorded pregnancies and followed livebirths for up to 5 years. We described the different data sources, ways to identify malformations, the overall rate of malformations over time, and identified the 10 most common major malformations.Results: A total of 1,340,774 foetuses and infants from 1,313,281 pregnancies among 747,144 women from 1997 to 2017 were analysed. Using primary and secondary diagnoses from all available sources and restricting hip malformations to diagnoses after 6 weeks postpartum, we found that 65,411 (49/1000) foetuses or infants had at least one major malformation defined by our Danish translation of EUROCATs definition of malformations. The prevalence of major malformations increased over time from 39/1000 in 1997 to 53/1000 in 2017. The most common specific malformations were malformations of cardiac septa (Q21) and great arteries (Q25) with a peak of 10 and 6/1000 births in 2010 and 2009, respectively.Conclusion: Malformations should be identified using primary and secondary diagnoses from the Birth register, the Patient register, and the Cause of Death register. To increase transparency and external validity, classification of major malformations should be based on the Danish adaptation of EUROCATs classification of malformations.Keywords: malformations, anomalies, health registries, epidemiology, EUROCAT

Background: Uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are extremely rare entities, with less than 100 cases reported in the literature. Synonyms for AVM are arteriovenous fistula, branched aneurysm, hemangioma, pulsating angioma, and cavernous angioma. Incidence of uterine AVM according to the studies of O´Brien et al., who identified uterine AVM in 21 women based on 464 pelvic ultrasound examinations for uterine bleeding, reported an incidence of 4.5%. However, Yazawa et al. examined 959 patients prospectively and observed an incidence of 0.6% of uterine vascular malformation on ultrasound examination The etiology of uterine AVM can be congenital or acquired. The purpose of the study was to raise awareness on the existence of these injuries and understanding their risk factors, to study different treatment methods, especially conservative or minimally invasive ones, as well as methods for diagnosing of these malformations. The following key words were used as a search engine: uterine arteriovenous malformation, uterine malformation, circoid aneurysm. Only full-text articles were analyzed. Conclusions: Uterine AVM is a rare cause of uterine bleeding. However, it is a potentially life-threatening disorder in which patients present with vaginal bleeding that may be profuse and cause hemodynamic instability.

Myelomeningocele is a primary defect of the most common neural tube, this defect is one of the most serious congenital malformations in newborns, since the central nervous system starts in a tube that develops in the most complex structures of the human body. The defect can occur in its cranial portion, resulting in malformations such as anencephaly and encephalocele, or in the caudal portion, resulting in malformations that, in group, are known as spina bifida. Myelomeningocele is classified as open spina bifida and occurs within the first four weeks of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to identify maternal factors associated with the onset of myelomeningocele in the literature. Data collection was carried out from October to November 2021, in the SciELO, Google Academic and BVS – Brazil databases using the keywords: “myelomeningocele”, “neural tube malformation” and “maternal factors”, also requiring the research in specific books, constituting a sample of 13 publications. Folic acid deficiency stood out as the main maternal factor associated with the occurrence of myelomeningocele; in addition to maternal intake of anticonvulsants, intake of drugs that are antagonists to folic acid, diseases such as diabetes and obesity, zinc deficiency, low socioeconomic conditions and disturbing influences such as radiation and maternal hyperthermia. It is concluded that public measures to combat preventable maternal factors are necessary, since myelomeningocele is a limiting and complex pathology, with an impact on the quality of life of patients and their families, in addition to requiring a specialized and multidisciplinary team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the marine turtle conservation program in Boca de Tomates, Jalisco, Mexico, all nests are relocated to fenced-off beach hatchery or polystyrene boxes due to illegal egg collection, predation, erosion, and high sand temperatures. For both methods we evaluated the following nest viability and hatchling quality parameters: hatching success, nest temperatures, incubation duration, and hatchling quality (locomotor performance, morphometrics, weight, and congenital malformations). Hatching success was significantly higher in the beach hatchery (mean 77.4%, n = 1,368) than in boxes (average 59.91%, n = 1,160) (P < 0.001). The beach hatchery nests hatched in less time (hatchery = 46 d, boxes = 51 d) (P < 0.001) due to the significantly higher mean temperature (hatchery = 32.62 °C, boxes 30.58 °C) (P < 0.001). The hatchery was exposed to less temperature variability per day (hatchery = 1.46 °C, boxes = 2.69 °C) (P < 0.001). To test hatchling quality, 10 hatchlings were randomly selected from each nest (n = 254). The weight, size, and locomotor performance (righting response and time to crawl 3 m) of these organisms were recorded. Live and dead neonates were carefully inspected for malformations (n = 2,000). No significant difference was found between incubation methods in any hatchling quality parameter (P > 0.050). The malformations at this site have low prevalence (hatchery = 1.35%, boxes = 1.89%) and low intensity index per organism (hatchery = 1.52, boxes = 1.89) compared to other studies and species. This is the first study, to our knowledge, that compares hatchling quality from 2 ex situ incubation methods in a single species (Lepidochelys olivacea), at the same location, and during the same period of time. Carrying out studies such as this one is important, since the quality of hatchlings can contribute to their ability to survive and reproduce in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Documentation of malformed trilobites has presented invaluable insight into the palaeobiology of a wholly extinct euarthropod group. Although the northern hemisphere record is relatively well documented, examples of abnormal trilobites from Australia are limited. Furthermore, most recorded specimens are from Cambrian-aged rocks. To extend this limited record, we document five new examples of malformed Australian trilobites from the Middle and Late Silurian (Wenlock and Ludlow) deposits of the Yarralumla Formation of the Australian Capital Territory and Yarwood Siltstone Member, Black Bog Shale in New South Wales. We record the first examples of abnormal pygidial and thoracic nodes and present new evidence for bifurcating pygidial ribs. These abnormal features are considered teratological morphologies. The aberrant nodes likely arose through developmental malfunctions, while the bifurcating ribs represent either similar defects, or an injury that developed into a teratological feature. Explanations for the limited record of malformed Australian trilobites and for the decrease in injured trilobites after the end-Ordovician are presented. Further documentation of malformed Australian trilobites from the middle-to-late Paleozoic will undoubtedly paint a more complete picture of how Gondwanan taxa recovered from injuries or unfortunate developmental complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the teratogenicity of tenofovir, a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drug similar to remdesivir that is currently being evaluated for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Using US Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX) claims data (2000–2014), we identified a population-based pregnancy cohort of women with HIV who filled at least 1 prescription for antiretroviral therapies (ART) during the first trimester. Women on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) were compared with women receiving ART without TDF. Major malformations were identified by International Classification of Diseases , Ninth Revision , codes using validated algorithms. Relative risks and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using propensity score stratification to control for potential confounders. We incorporated the results into prior knowledge by conducting a systematic literature review and a meta-analysis. Major congenital malformations were diagnosed in 37 out of 866 (4.27%) infants exposed to TDF and 38 out of 1,020 (3.73%) infants exposed to ART other than TDF; the adjusted relative risk was 1.21 (95% confidence interval: 0.77, 1.90). Estimates for specific malformations were imprecise. The pooled relative risk from the meta-analysis with 6 prior studies was 0.88 (95% confidence interval: 0.75, 1.03). Based on evidence accumulated in patients with HIV, first-trimester TDF use does not increase the risk of major congenital malformations overall in the newborn compared with other ART. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retrospective analysis of the course of pregnancy and childbirth during the birth of a child with a congenital pathology «ichthyosis» was carried out. This clinical case is interesting because fetal ichthyosis was not diagnosed during pregnancy, but all the signs of this disease were revealed in the newborn after the birth.

he state of health of the dento-maxillary apparatus presupposes the morpho-functional integrity and the harmonious, proportional development of all the component elements, so that the relations between teeth, between arches and jaws are within the limits of phylogenetic variables, and their functioning is coordinated, automated through an integrated adjustment system that stimulates the consolidation of shapes. The ideal in orthodontics is to obtain an optimal morpho-functional function of the dento-maxillary apparatus. In order to better understand and be able to explain some aspects of intrauterine development, growth and differentiation, modern physiology has sought to decipher the most intimate aspects of the plantar filter, the way through which all the influences of the external environment, represented by the mother’s body, are transmitted to the fetus. Malformation is invalidated by its consequences on multiple levels: aesthetic, psychological, speech, nutrition, associated malformations. Material and method: The study includes 54 cases of cleft lip and palate: 36 are male and 18 are female. Results and discussions: The causal factors act in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy in the organogenesis phase of the embryo, when the structures of the middle part of the face are formed. The condition can be diagnosed from the fifth month of pregnancy, by ultrasound examination, but this is not always possible, depending on the position of the fetus, but also on the performance of the device, as well as the experience of the doctor performing ultrasound. Conclusions: Risk of splitting labiale- maxillo-palatine, is approximately equal for untreated maternal epilepsy or under treatment. Regarding maternal age, the study revealed a maximum risk in young mothers.

In this work, we report and describe evidence of an anomaly in the tragus of an individual of Artibeus lituratus, captured in the Central Andes of Colombia. During field work in the Department of Caldas, municipality of Aranzazu, one individual of A. lituratus with unusual tragus form was trapped. This individual had a tragus with cylindrical shape and asymmetry. The individual was collected and deposited at the Museum of Natural History of the University of Caldas (MHN-UCa). A literature review was conducted to find similar cases using searching engines, but no previous reports of the anomaly were find. Furthermore, we reviewed the tragus of vouchers at the MHN-UCa and none of these had similar malformations. We concluded that this anomaly has not previously registered in Chiroptera.

Introduction. Esophageal atresia (EA), typically occurring with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), is one of the most common digestive malformations; 50% of the esophageal atresia cases associate other malformations, syndromes or association of congenital abnormalities. EA is also met in patients with Edwards syndrome, Down syndrome, Di George syndrome and Pierre Robin syndrome. Delayed diagnosis of EA associated anomalies leads to increased morbidity and mortality, especially in patients with two or more associated abnormalities. Our study aims to highlight EA associated anomalies and to evaluate their impact on mortality. Materials and methods. We conducted a retrospective study of all newborns admitted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of “Grigore Alexandrescu” Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, with the diagnosis of esophageal atresia/ tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), between January 2013 and December 2018; we evaluated demographic information, clinical manifestation, the ultrasound and radiological results. Our study aimed to highlight AE associated anomalies and to evaluate their impact on mortality. Results. 56 newborns with esophageal atresia/ tracheoesophageal fistula diagnosis were identified. 31 of them were boys, and 22 patients had gestational age (GA) between 32 and 36 weeks. Five newborns came from twin pregnancies. EA/ TEF associated anomalies were identified in 35 patients; the most frequent of those were cardiac anomalies (identified in 25 patients). The association of 3 anomalies from VACTERL spectrum (vertebral, anorectal, cardiac, EA/ TEF, renal and urinary, and limb lesions) was seen in 11 newborns. The estimated risk of death was lightly increased in females and in patients from urban area; the patients with limb anomalies had an estimated risk of death 5 times higher (p = 0.043). Conclusions. EA is a complex pathology both by the malformations and genetic syndromes that can be associated with it, and by the complications that occur in evolution. Antenatal diagnosis of EA and of the associated anomalies, along with multidisciplinary care, represent important measures in order to avoid underdiagnosis of associated problems.

Dens invaginatus (dens in dente) is a frequent malformation of the hard tissues of the tooth the maxilar permanent lateral incisors. This anomaly is often not identified by the dentist during examinations and are not correctly diagnosed in the treatment. On the basis of a clinical case of chronic periodontitis of the tooth 1.2, which was specified malformation in combination with the wrong early diagnosis, developed perspective of the phenomenon in relation to the upper second incisors. Recommended x-ray diagnostics of all lateral upper incisors, visually discovered a blind fissure. Also discusses the use of the material Biodentine as an alternative to endodontic treatment in the case of extensive destruction of dens invaginatus malformation.

Vascular anomalies are a heterogeneous group of congenital disorders with abnormal vascular development. Vascular anomalies are classified into vascular tumors and malformations. Vascular malformations are resulted from abnormal vessel development and morphogenesis. Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the head and neck accounts to 0.1%, which is persistent, progressive in nature and might represent a lethal benign disease. Here, we present a case report of a 32-year-old female with AVM involving the left side of the face.

Background An increased number of congenital Zika virus infections with neurological and musculoskeletal malformations have been diagnosed worldwide, however, there are still several gaps in the knowledge about this infection, its associated mechanism, timing of transmission, and description of throughout findings of signs and symptoms, which is described in this paper. The purpose of this study is to describe aspects of congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) beyond the central nervous system comprising detailed delineation of all the other clinical findings. Methods A retrospective research developed using electronic medical records. We analyzed the files of 69 children with an initial diagnosis of microcephaly by Zika vírus who were born in 2015, 2016 and 2017, treated during the period from 2016 to 2017. Results The newborns presented several neurological and musculoskeletal malformations, eye damage, hearing impairment and other malformations. Conclusions The present study has significant impact for health care teams following lactents with Congenital Zika Syndrome.

There is much debate about continuing antipsychotic medication in patients who need it when they become pregnant because benefits must be weighed against potential teratogenic and malformation effects related to antipsychotics themselves. To address this, we conducted a systematic review on the PubMed, PsycINFO and CINHAL databases and the ClinicalTrials.gov register using the following strategy: (toxicity OR teratogenicity OR malformation* OR "birth defect*" OR "congenital abnormality" OR "congenital abnormalities" OR "brain changes" OR "behavioral abnormalities" OR "behavioral abnormalities") AND antipsychotic* AND (pregnancy OR pregnant OR lactation OR delivery OR prenatal OR perinatal OR post-natal OR puerperium) on September 27, 2023. We found 38 studies to be eligible. The oldest was published in 1976, while most articles were recent. Most studies concluded that the antipsychotics, especially the second-generation antipsychotics, were devoid of teratogenic potential, while few studies were inconclusive and recommended replication. Most authoritative articles were from the Boston area, where large databases were implemented to study the malformation potential of psychiatric drugs. Other reliable databases are from Northern European registers. Overall conclusions are that antipsychotics are no more related to malformations than the disorders themselves; most studies recommend that there are no reasons to discontinue antipsychotic medications in pregnancy., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

The visceral vasculature is inextricably intertwined with abdominopelvic disease staging, spread, and management in routine and emergent cases. Comprehensive evaluation requires specialized imaging techniques for abnormality detection and characterization. Vascular pathology is often encountered on nondedicated routine imaging examinations, which may obscure, mimic, or confound many vascular diagnoses. This review highlights normal arterial, portal venous, and systemic venous anatomy and clinically relevant variants; diagnostic pitfalls related to image-acquisition technique and disease mimics; and characteristics of common and rare vascular diseases to empower radiologists to confidently interpret the vascular findings and avoid misdiagnosis., Competing Interests: Disclosure Dr T.T. Pierce discloses equity and a consultant agreement with AutonomUS Medical Technologies Inc.; ongoing research support from General Electric, United States, the US Department of Defense, United States, and the National Institutes of Health, United States; prior research support from the Society of Abdominal Radiology, United States and American Roentgen Ray Society, United States; honoraria from the Massachusetts Society of Radiologic Technologists and Zhejiang Medical Association; and royalties from Elsevier Inc. No funding was received to assist with the preparation of the article. Dr V. Prabhu, Dr V. Baliyan, and Dr S. Hedgire have nothing to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Synopsis: Both use and cessation of semaglutide constitutes problems prior to and during pregnancy. More problems are expected with increasing use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Hortícolas is the property of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Horticolas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)