Effect of seminal plasma cholesterol and triacylglycerides concentrations and sperm morphology on semen freezability in domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus).

There is scarce information about the effect of sperm morphology and seminal plasma composition on cat semen freezability. Thus, this study aims to assess the effect of cat sperm morphology and seminal plasma cholesterol (CHOL) and triacylglyceride (TAG) concentrations on sperm post-thaw survival. Ejaculates (n = 49) were evaluated, and seminal plasma was separated and frozen until CHOL and TAG concentrations were measured.

Trisomy 22: First and Second Trimester Cytogenetic Analysis and Phenotypic Presentation in a Series of Seven Cases.

Introduction: Trisomy 22 is a chromosomal disorder rarely encountered prenatally. Even fewer live births are observed and generally correspond to confined placental mosaic trisomy 22, or even more uncommonly, to true fetal mosaic trisomy 22.

Case Presentation: We examine and describe a series of seven cases of trisomy 22 encountered prenatally in terms of their cytogenetic and phenotypic presentations and discuss their interrelationships along with case management and outcomes.

Immunocontraception of male domestic cats using GnRH vaccine Improvac.

The domestic cat is a highly prolific species; thus, reproductive control is crucial to reducing feral cat overpopulation. This study aimed to assess the effect of a commercially-available GnRH vaccine for swine on suppressing sperm production in male cats. Twelve sexually mature tomcats were randomly divided into two groups.

Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of genetic diseases induced by triplet repeat expansion by linked read haplotyping and Bayesian approach.

The field of noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) has undergone significant progress over the last decade. Direct haplotyping has been successfully applied for NIPD of few single-gene disorders. However, technical issues remain for triplet-repeat expansions.

Electronic structures of the MoS/TiO (anatase) heterojunction: influence of physical and chemical modifications at the 2D- or 1D-interfaces.

To tackle the challenge of CO photoreduction, semiconducting layered transition metal dichalcogenides like MoS have attracted much attention due to their tunable 2D nano-structures. By using advanced periodic density functional theory calculations (HSE06 functional), we provide a systematic quantification of the optoelectronic properties of various interfacial heterostructures composed of 2H-MoS and anatase TiO. We systematically determine the band gaps, and conduction band (CB) and valence band (VB) positions to figure out the nature of the heterojunction.

Management of Complicated Monochorionic Twin Gestations: An Evidence-Based Protocol.

Importance: Monochorionic (MC) twins are hemodynamically connected by vascular anastomoses within the single shared placenta. The transfer of fluid or blood from one fetus to the other may result in development of pathologic complications, such as twin-twin transfusion syndrome, twin anemia polycythemia sequence, selective intrauterine growth restriction, and twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence. Monoamniotic gestations, which comprise a small fraction of MC pregnancies, can also present with unique challenges, particularly antepartum umbilical cord entanglement.

Evaluation of Sequential Urine Analysis when Selecting Candidates for Vesicoamniotic Shunting in Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction.

Objective: The objective of our study was to assess the utility of sequential fetal urine analysis in severe lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) when selecting cases suitable for vesicoamniotic shunting.

Material And Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of cases of severe LUTO treated in our fetal medicine center from 1994 to 2013. Two fetal bladder samples were taken 24-48 h apart to assess renal function.

Announcing fetal pathology: Challenges encountered by physicians and potential role of simulation in training for breaking bad news.

Background: Informing couples about the diagnosis of severe fetal pathologies is part of the daily routine in fetal medicine. This situation is usually complex and can put untrained professionals in an uncomfortable position. The aim of this study was to assess the perception of health care professionals when faced with the need to announce a fetal pathology in order to target their training gaps in this domain.

Fetoscopic Release of Amniotic Band Syndrome: An Update.

Amniotic band syndrome is a rare condition. There have been few cases reported of fetoscopic band dissection. The aim of this case series is to report 3 cases of fetoscopic treatment for amniotic band syndrome, including indication for surgery, technical aspects, complications and outcomes.

Amniotic fluid peptides predict postnatal kidney survival in developmental kidney disease.

Although a rare disease, bilateral congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are the leading cause of end stage kidney disease in children. Ultrasound-based prenatal prediction of postnatal kidney survival in CAKUT pregnancies is far from accurate. To improve prediction, we conducted a prospective multicenter peptidome analysis of amniotic fluid spanning 140 evaluable fetuses with CAKUT.

New device permitting non-invasive reversal of fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion: ex-vivo and in-vivo study.

Objective: One of the drawbacks of fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) for congenital diaphragmatic hernia is the need for a second invasive intervention to re-establish airway patency. The 'Smart-TO' device is a new balloon for FETO that deflates spontaneously when placed in a strong magnetic field, therefore overcoming the need for a second procedure. The safety and efficacy of this device have not yet been demonstrated.

Single Circulating Fetal Trophoblastic Cells Eligible for Non Invasive Prenatal Diagnosis: the Exception Rather than the Rule.

Non-Invasive Prenatal Diagnosis (NIPD), based on the analysis of circulating cell-free fetal DNA (cff-DNA), is successfully implemented for an increasing number of monogenic diseases. However, technical issues related to cff-DNA characteristics remain, and not all mutations can be screened with this method, particularly triplet expansion mutations that frequently concern prenatal diagnosis requests. The objective of this study was to develop an approach to isolate and analyze Circulating Trophoblastic Fetal Cells (CFTCs) for NIPD of monogenic diseases caused by triplet repeat expansion or point mutations.

Rapid screening of COVID-19 patients using white blood cell scattergrams, a study on 381 patients.

Complementary tools are warranted to increase the sensitivity of the initial testing for COVID-19. We identified a specific 'sandglass' aspect on the white blood cell scattergram of COVID-19 patients reflecting the presence of circulating plasmacytoid lymphocytes. Patients were dichotomized as COVID-19-positive or -negative based on reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and chest computed tomography (CT) scan results.

Post-Laser Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence: Diagnosis, Management, and Outcome in an International Cohort of 164 Cases.

The aim of this study was to investigate the management and outcome in the post-laser twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS). Data of the international TAPS Registry, collected between 2014 and 2019, were used for this study. The primary outcomes were perinatal mortality and severe neonatal morbidity.

[Evaluation of a measurement tool with real-time display of the standard value for fetal biometrics].

Objectives: Most of the ultrasound machines include a tool allowing real-time display of the standard value of the biometric measurement being taken. Our hypothesis was that this tool influences the sonographer as measurements are taken, by inducing a normalization, thus a tendency towards the 50th percentile. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a real-time display of the standard value in prenatal ultrasound screening.

Prenatal diagnosis of cerebro-oculo-facio-skeletal syndrome: Report of three fetuses and review of the literature.

Cerebro-oculo-facio-skeletal syndrome (COFS) is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease belonging to the family of DNA repair disorders, characterized by microcephaly, congenital cataracts, facial dysmorphism and arthrogryposis. Here, we describe the detailed morphological and microscopic phenotype of three fetuses from two families harboring ERCC5/XPG likely pathogenic variants, and review the five previously reported fetal cases. In addition to the classical features of COFS, the fetuses display thymus hyperplasia, splenomegaly and increased hematopoiesis.

Evaluation of a new balloon for fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion in the nonhuman primate model.

Objective: We developed a new balloon called "Smart-TO," which allows noninvasive and easy unplugging, thanks to a magnetic valve actuated by the magnetic fringe field of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. The objective of this feasibility study was to evaluate the operation of this new balloon in a nonhuman primate model.

Methods: Four pregnant rhesus monkeys underwent fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion using the "Smart-TO" balloon.

Urine biochemistry to predict long-term outcomes in fetuses with posterior urethral valves.

Objective: Because the literature on the predictive value of fetal urinalysis is controversial in fetuses with lower urinary tract obstruction, we determined the best model of fetal urine biochemical markers correlated with long-term postnatal renal function based on glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Method: This retrospective study concerned 89 fetuses with lower urinary tract obstruction and their renal function after 10 years of age. We correlated fetal urine biochemical markers (total protein, β2-microglobulin, sodium, chloride, glucose, calcium, and phosphorus) with GFR at 10 to 30 years of age in 89 patients with posterior urethral valves.

Comparison of biochemical analysis of fetal serum and fetal urine in the prediction of postnatal renal outcome in lower urinary tract obstruction.

Objectives: To compare the prognostic value of fetal serum biochemistry and fetal urine biochemistry in predicting renal outcome in lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO).

Methods: We retrospectively studied renal outcome following a prenatal diagnosis of LUTO in cases for which both fetal blood and fetal urine were sampled. We classified the renal outcome as either "favorable," when postnatal renal function was normal, or "adverse," in the case of postnatal chronic renal failure or when renal histological lesions were present at autopsy in the case of termination of pregnancy.