Assessment of the Placental Cord Insertion Using 3‐Dimensional Ultrasound at the Time of the Structural Fetal Survey

Objectives The influence of placental morphologic characteristics on pregnancy outcomes is poorly understood. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship of the distance of the placental cord insertion from the placental edge (PCI‐D) with associated placental characteristics as well as birth outcomes. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of nulliparous women with singleton gestations undergoing obstetric ultrasound examinations between 14 and 23 weeks’ gestation with a cervical length of greater than 3.0 cm who delivered between 24 and 42 weeks. A 3‐dimensional volume of the placenta was evaluated. The PCI‐D was obtained with Virtual Organ computer‐aided analysis software (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI). Generalized linear regression and generalized additive models were fitted to explore the associations between the PCI‐D in relation to demographic and clinical characteristics. Results A total of 216 pregnancies were included in the analysis. The PCI‐D did not correlate with maternal age, gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, or 5‐minute Apgar score. Although not statistically significant, the birth weight z score (P = .09) was associated with a longer PCI‐D, and gravidity was associated with a shorter PCI‐D (P = .10). A low‐lying placenta or placenta previa was associated with a longer PCI‐D (P = .03). Conclusions The PCI‐D is associated with a low placental position in the second trimester. These data are helpful for understanding placental development. The PCI‐D may be associated with pregnancy‐related factors such as birth weight and multigravidity. More research is required to evaluate the effects of pregnancy‐related factors on the PCI‐D and the effect of the PCI‐D on pregnancy outcomes

Principles of Biology I (Valdosta State University)

This Grants Collection uses the grant-supported lecture slides to Principles of Biology I from Valdosta State University: http://oer.galileo.usg.edu/biology-ancillary/1/ This Grants Collection for Principles of Biology I was created under a Round Two ALG Textbook Transformation Grant. Affordable Learning Georgia Grants Collections are intended to provide faculty with the frameworks to quickly implement or revise the same materials as a Textbook Transformation Grants team, along with the aims and lessons learned from project teams during the implementation process. Documents are in .pdf format, with a separate .docx (Word) version available for download. Each collection contains the following materials: Linked Syllabus Initial Proposal Final Reporthttps://oer.galileo.usg.edu/biology-collections/1007/thumbnail.jp

Phenylheptatriyne variation in bidens alba var. radiata leaves

Variation of phenylheptatriyne (PHT) concentrations in leaves of Bidens alba (Linn.) var. radiata (Schultz-Bip.) was investigated across it\u27s Florida range, throughout the year and in response to photoenvironment. Natural surveys of PHT concentrations in B. alba leaves were done at 13 sites in Florida and three sites throughout the year. PHT concentrations were significantly different between populations (p\u3c0.001) but showed little relationship with latitude (R2 =0.024) and none with longitude. Concentrations in leaves fluctuated throughout the year (p\u3c0.001). They were highest in October, followed by June and lowest in January and April. Photoenvironmental influences were experimentally tested. PHT concentrations decreased under low R/FR treatments and increased under filtered UV treatments. Low light quantity did not significantly influence PHT concentrations but decreased PHT levels and leaf biomass. The results suggests that PHT concentrations in B. alba leaves vary in nature and that light quality, R/FR and UV, may effect PHT biosynthesis

Inflammatory and oxidative stress markers associated with decreased cervical length in pregnancy

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/134275/1/aji12545_am.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/134275/2/aji12545.pd

Associations between repeated ultrasound measures of fetal growth and biomarkers of maternal oxidative stress and inflammation in pregnancy

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/146468/1/aji13017_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/146468/2/aji13017.pd

Foetal ultrasound measurement imputations based on growth curves versus multiple imputation chained equation (MICE)

BackgroundUltrasound measures are valuable for epidemiologic studies of risk factors for growth restriction. Longitudinal measurements enable investigation of rates of change and identification of windows where growth is impacted more acutely. However, missing data can be problematic in these studies, limiting sample size, ability to characterise windows of vulnerability, and in some instances creating bias. We sought to compare a parametric linear mixed model (LMM) approach to multiple imputation in this setting with multiple imputation by chained equation (MICE) methodology.MethodsUltrasound scans performed for clinical purposes were abstracted from women in the LIFECODES birth cohort (n = 1003) if they were close in time to three study visits (median 18, 26, and 35 weeks’ gestation). We created imputed datasets using LMM and MICE and calculated associations between demographic factors and ultrasound parameters cross‐sectionally and longitudinally. Results were compared with a complete‐case analysis.ResultsMost participants had ultrasounds at 18 weeks’ gestation, and ~50% had measurements at 26 and 35 weeks; 100% had birthweight. Associations between demographic factors and ultrasound measures were similar in magnitude, but more precise, when either imputed datasets were used, compared with a complete‐case analysis, in both the cross‐sectional or longitudinal analyses.ConclusionsMICE, though ignoring the non‐linear features of the trajectory and within subject correlation, is able to provide reasonable imputation of foetal growth data when compared to LMM. Because it simultaneously imputes missing covariate data and does not require specification of variance structure as in LMM, MICE may be preferable for imputation in this setting.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/146300/1/ppe12486_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/146300/2/ppe12486.pd

First draft genome and transcriptome of \u3ci\u3eCercosporidium personatum\u3c/i\u3e, causal agent of late leaf spot disease of peanut

Objective Two main fungal leaf spot diseases occur in peanut, namely early leaf spot (ELS) and late leaf spot (LLS), these cause a yearly average of $44 million losses. Limited genetic information, 3534 bp of sequencing, exists about the causal agent of LLS, Cercosporidium personatum (syn. Nothopassalora personata, syn. Phaeoisariopsis personata). The extremely slow growth of this fungus, approximately 1 cm colony in 6 months, and challenges in nucleic acid extractions have hindered research on LLS. Our goal in this work is to provide a reference genome for research on this pathogen. Results Whole genome and transcriptome sequencing of the LLS fungus were obtained. A total of 233,542,110 reads of the genome were de novo assembled resulting in 1061 scaffolds, and estimated genome size 27,597,787 bp. RNA sequencing resulted in 11,848,198 reads that were de novo assembled into 13,343 contigs. Genome annotation resulted in 10,703 putative genes. BUSCO analysis of the genome and annotation resulted in 91.1% and 89.5% completeness, respectively. Phylogenetic dendrograms for 5442 bp and 4401 bp of RNA Polymerase II largest and second largest subunits, and for 5474 bp of the ribosomal RNA cistron of C. personatum are presented in relation to closely related fungi

Results of a Fall and Spring BioBlitz at Grassy Pond Recreational Area, Lowndes County, Georgia.

Two 24 h BioBlitzes were conducted in September, 2018, and April, 2019, at Grassy Pond Recreational Area in Lowndes County, Georgia. Teams of scientists, students, and public participants surveyed plants, insects, amphibians and reptiles, birds, mammals, fungi, lichens, and aquatic microorganisms. Both events included educational programs with informational walks and activities targeted to youth. In the fall, 654 species and 55 additional genera were recorded. In the spring, there were 581 species and 54 additional genera recorded. Two fungi and 38 lichens were first reports for Lowndes County; one fungus was a first for Georgia. One lichen may be a first for North America. One snake and 5 bat species were notably first reports for Grassy Pond Recreational Area

Association between Prenatal Lead Exposure and Blood Pressure in Children

Background: Lead exposure in adults is associated with hypertension. Altered prenatal nutrition is associated with subsequent risks of adult hypertension, but little is known about whether prenatal exposure to toxicants, such as lead, may also confer such risks. Objectives: We investigated the relationship of prenatal lead exposure and blood pressure (BP) in 7- to 15-year-old boys and girls. Methods: We evaluated 457 mother–child pairs, originally recruited for an environmental birth cohort study between 1994 and 2003 in Mexico City, at a follow-up visit in 2008–2010. Prenatal lead exposure was assessed by measurement of maternal tibia and patella lead using in vivo K-shell X-ray fluorescence and cord blood lead using atomic absorption spectrometry. BP was measured by mercury sphygmomanometer with appropriate-size cuffs. Results: Adjusting for relevant covariates, maternal tibia lead was significantly associated with increases in systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) in girls but not in boys (p-interaction with sex = 0.025 and 0.007 for SBP and DBP, respectively). Among girls, an interquartile range increase in tibia lead (13 $\mu$g/g) was associated with 2.11-mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.69, 3.52] and 1.60-mmHg (95% CI: 0.28, 2.91) increases in SBP and DBP, respectively. Neither patella nor cord lead was associated with child BP. Conclusions: Maternal tibia lead, which reflects cumulative environmental lead exposure and a source of exposure to the fetus, is a predisposing factor to higher BP in girls but not boys. Sex-specific adaptive responses to lead toxicity during early-life development may explain these differences

Urinary biomarkers of exposure to insecticides, herbicides, and one insect repellent among pregnant women in Puerto Rico

Abstract Background There are potential adverse health risks to the mother and fetus from exposure to pesticides. Thus, studies of exposure to pesticides among pregnant women are of interest as they will assist with understanding the potential burden of exposure globally, identifying sources of exposure, and designing epidemiology studies. Methods We measured urinary concentrations of the insect repellent N-N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) and two of its metabolites [3-diethyl-carbamoyl benzoic acid (DCBA) and N,N-diethyl-3-hydroxymethylbenzamide (DHMB)], four pyrethroid insecticide metabolites [4-fluoro-3-phenoxybenzoic acid (4-F-3-PBA); 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA); trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (trans-DCCA); and cis-3-(2,2-dibromovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (cis-DBCA)], and two chlorophenoxy herbicides [2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T)] in 54 pregnant women from Puerto Rico at three separate time points (20 ± 2 weeks, 24 ± 2 weeks, and 28 ± 2 weeks of gestation). We calculated the distributions of the biomarker concentrations and compared them to those of women of reproductive age from the general U.S. population where available, and estimated the within-subject temporal variability of these repeated measurements. We also collected questionnaire data on demographics, consumption of select fruits, vegetables, and legumes in the past 48-hr, and pest-related issues, and associations between these variables and biomarker concentrations were examined. Results We found that 95th percentile urinary concentrations of DEET, 3-PBA, trans-DCCA, and 2,4-D were lower than women of reproductive age on the U.S. mainland, whereas 95th percentile urinary concentrations of 4-F-3-PBA, cis-DBCA, and 2,4,5-T were similar. DCBA, the only urinary biomarker detected in >50% of the samples, showed fair to good reproducibility across pregnancy (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.60). Women were more likely (p <0.05) to have greater urinary concentrations of pesticide biomarkers if they were less educated (DCBA and trans-DCCA), unemployed (DHMB), or married (2,4-D), had consumed collards or spinach in past 48-hr (2,4-D) or had been using insect repellent since becoming pregnant (DCBA), or were involved with residential applications of pesticides (trans-DCCA). Conclusions We identified concentrations and predictors of several pesticides among pregnant women in Puerto Rico. Further research is needed to understand what aspects of the predictors identified lead to greater exposure, and whether exposure during pregnancy is associated with adverse health.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/109451/1/12940_2014_Article_800.pd