High Folic Acid Intake during Pregnancy Lowers Body Weight and Reduces Femoral Area and Strength in Female Rat Offspring

Rats fed gestational diets high in multivitamin or folate produce offspring of altered phenotypes. We hypothesized that female rat offspring born to dams fed a gestational diet high in folic acid (HFol) have compromised bone health and that feeding the offspring the same HFol diet attenuates these effects. Pregnant rats were fed diets with either recommended folic acid (RFol) or 10-fold higher folic acid (HFol) amounts. Female offspring were weaned to either the RFol or HFol diet for 17 weeks. HFol maternal diet resulted in lower offspring body weights (6%, P=0.03) and, after adjusting for body weight and femoral length, smaller femoral area (2%, P=0.03), compared to control diet. After adjustments, HFol pup diet resulted in lower mineral content (7%, P=0.01) and density (4%, P=0.002) of lumbar vertebra 4 without differences in strength. An interaction between folate content of the dam and pup diets revealed that a mismatch resulted in lower femoral peak load strength (P=0.01) and stiffness (P=0.002). However, the match in folate content failed to prevent lower weight gain. In conclusion, HFol diets fed to rat dams and their offspring affect area and strength of femurs and mineral quantity but not strength of lumbar vertebrae in the offspring

High Folic Acid Intake during Pregnancy Lowers Body Weight and Reduces Femoral Area and Strength in Female Rat Offspring

Rats fed gestational diets high in multivitamin or folate produce offspring of altered phenotypes. We hypothesized that female rat offspring born to dams fed a gestational diet high in folic acid (HFol) have compromised bone health and that feeding the offspring the same HFol diet attenuates these effects. Pregnant rats were fed diets with either recommended folic acid (RFol) or 10-fold higher folic acid (HFol) amounts. Female offspring were weaned to either the RFol or HFol diet for 17 weeks. HFol maternal diet resulted in lower offspring body weights (6%, ) and, after adjusting for body weight and femoral length, smaller femoral area (2%, ), compared to control diet. After adjustments, HFol pup diet resulted in lower mineral content (7%, ) and density (4%, ) of lumbar vertebra 4 without differences in strength. An interaction between folate content of the dam and pup diets revealed that a mismatch resulted in lower femoral peak load strength () and stiffness (). However, the match in folate content failed to prevent lower weight gain. In conclusion, HFol diets fed to rat dams and their offspring affect area and strength of femurs and mineral quantity but not strength of lumbar vertebrae in the offspring.Peer Reviewe

A do it yourself (DIY) point-of-care wrist ultrasound phantom for joint access training

Abstract Background Joint access is essential for arthrocentesis, or joint aspiration of fluids. Joint treatments that are not performed properly can result in avoidable patient issues such as damage to the muscles, tendons, and blood vessels surrounding the joint. The use of ultrasound has become the gold standard for this procedure and proven to be a support in the skill learning process. However, success with this equipment, particularly in small joints like the wrist, depends on a clinician's capacity to recognize the crucial landmarks that guide these procedures. Prior to executing on a real patient, task trainers have proven to be an effective way for doctors to practice and prepare for procedures. However, shortcomings of current solutions include high purchase costs, incompatibility with ultrasound imaging, and low reusability. In addition, since this is a procedure that is not performed frequently, there may not be space or resources available in healthcare facilities to accommodate one at the point of care. This study aimed to close the existing gap by developing a DIY ultrasound compatible task trainer for wrist joint access training. Results We developed a novel ultrasound compatible wrist joint model that can be made from sustainable materials and reusable parts, thus reducing the costs for acquisition and environmental impact. Our model, which was produced utilizing small-batch production methods, is made up of 3D-printed bones enclosed in an ultrasound-compatible gelatin mixture. It can be easily remade after each practice session, removing needle tracks that are visible under ultrasound for conventional phantoms. The ultrasonic properties of this model were tested through pixel brightness analysis and visual inspection of simulated anatomical structures. Conclusion Our results report the advantages and limitations of the proposed model regarding production, practice, and ultrasound compatibility. While future work entails the transfer to patients of the same skill, this reusable and replicable model has proven, when presented to experts, to be successful in representing the physical characteristics and ultrasound profile of significant anatomical structures. This novel DIY product could be an effective alternative to teach procedures in the context of resource-restrained clinical simulation centers