Brown adipose tissue in the buccal fat pad during infancy.

BackgroundThe buccal fat pad (BFP) is an encapsulated mass of adipose tissue thought to enhance the sucking capabilities of the masticatory muscles during infancy. To date, no conclusive evidence has been provided as to the composition of the BFP in early postnatal life.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine whether the BFP of neonates and infants is primarily composed of white adipose tissue (WAT) or brown adipose tissue (BAT).Materials and methodsThe percentage of fat in the BFP in 32 full-term infants (16 boys and 16 girls), aged one day to 10.6 months, was measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) determinations of fat fraction.ResultsBFP fat fraction increased with age (r = 0.67; P<.0001) and neonates had significantly lower values when compared to older infants; 72.6 ± 9.6 vs. 91.8 ± 2.4, P<.0001. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the age-dependent relationship persisted after accounting for gender, gestational age, and weight percentile (P = .001). Two subjects (aged one and six days) depicted a change in the MRI characteristics of the BFP from primarily BAT to WAT at follow-up examinations two to six weeks later, respectively. Histological post-mortem studies of a 3 day and 1.1 month old revealed predominantly BAT and WAT in the BFP, respectively.ConclusionThe BFP is primarily composed of BAT during the first weeks of life, but of WAT thereafter. Studies are needed to investigate the contributions of BAT in the BFP to infant feeding and how it is altered by postnatal nutrition

Vertebral cross-sectional growth: A predictor of vertebral wedging in the immature skeleton.

The degree of vertebral wedging, a key structural characteristic of spinal curvatures, has recently been found to be negatively related to vertebral cross-sectional area (CSA). The purpose of this longitudinal study was to examine the relation between vertebral cross-sectional growth and vertebral wedging progression within the immature lumbar spine. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we analyzed the potential association between increases in lumbar vertebral CSA and changes in L5 vertebral wedging in 27 healthy adolescent girls (ages 9-13 years) twice within a two-year period. Vertebral CSA growth was negatively associated with changes in posteroanterior vertebral wedging (r = -0.61; p = 0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that this relation was independent of gains in age, height, and weight. When compared to the 14 girls whose vertebral wedging progressed, the 13 subjects whose vertebral wedging decreased had significantly greater vertebral cross-sectional growth (0.39 ± 0.25 vs. 0.75 ± 0.23 cm2; p = 0.001); in contrast, there were no significant differences in increases in age, height, or weight between the two groups. Changes in posteroanterior vertebral wedging and the degree of lumbar lordosis (LL) positively correlated (r = 0.56, p = 0.002)-an association that persisted even after adjusting for gains in age, height, and weight. We concluded that in the immature skeleton, vertebral cross-sectional growth is an important determinant of the plasticity of the vertebral body; regression of L5 vertebral wedging is associated with greater lumbar vertebral cross-sectional growth, while progression is the consequence of lesser cross-sectional growth

Sexual Dimorphism and the Origins of Human Spinal Health.

Recent observations indicate that the cross-sectional area (CSA) of vertebral bodies is on average 10% smaller in healthy newborn girls than in newborn boys, a striking difference that increases during infancy and puberty and is greatest by the time of sexual and skeletal maturity. The smaller CSA of female vertebrae is associated with greater spinal flexibility and could represent the human adaptation to fetal load in bipedal posture. Unfortunately, it also imparts a mechanical disadvantage that increases stress within the vertebrae for all physical activities. This review summarizes the potential endocrine, genetic, and environmental determinants of vertebral cross-sectional growth and current knowledge of the association between the small female vertebrae and greater risk for a broad array of spinal conditions across the lifespan

Brown adipose tissue in the buccal fat pad during infancy.

The buccal fat pad (BFP) is an encapsulated mass of adipose tissue thought to enhance the sucking capabilities of the masticatory muscles during infancy. To date, no conclusive evidence has been provided as to the composition of the BFP in early postnatal life.The purpose of this study was to examine whether the BFP of neonates and infants is primarily composed of white adipose tissue (WAT) or brown adipose tissue (BAT).The percentage of fat in the BFP in 32 full-term infants (16 boys and 16 girls), aged one day to 10.6 months, was measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) determinations of fat fraction.BFP fat fraction increased with age (r = 0.67; P<.0001) and neonates had significantly lower values when compared to older infants; 72.6 ± 9.6 vs. 91.8 ± 2.4, P<.0001. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the age-dependent relationship persisted after accounting for gender, gestational age, and weight percentile (P = .001). Two subjects (aged one and six days) depicted a change in the MRI characteristics of the BFP from primarily BAT to WAT at follow-up examinations two to six weeks later, respectively. Histological post-mortem studies of a 3 day and 1.1 month old revealed predominantly BAT and WAT in the BFP, respectively.The BFP is primarily composed of BAT during the first weeks of life, but of WAT thereafter. Studies are needed to investigate the contributions of BAT in the BFP to infant feeding and how it is altered by postnatal nutrition

Brown adipose tissue in the buccal fat pad during infancy.

BackgroundThe buccal fat pad (BFP) is an encapsulated mass of adipose tissue thought to enhance the sucking capabilities of the masticatory muscles during infancy. To date, no conclusive evidence has been provided as to the composition of the BFP in early postnatal life.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine whether the BFP of neonates and infants is primarily composed of white adipose tissue (WAT) or brown adipose tissue (BAT).Materials and methodsThe percentage of fat in the BFP in 32 full-term infants (16 boys and 16 girls), aged one day to 10.6 months, was measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) determinations of fat fraction.ResultsBFP fat fraction increased with age (r = 0.67; P&lt;.0001) and neonates had significantly lower values when compared to older infants; 72.6 ± 9.6 vs. 91.8 ± 2.4, P&lt;.0001. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the age-dependent relationship persisted after accounting for gender, gestational age, and weight percentile (P = .001). Two subjects (aged one and six days) depicted a change in the MRI characteristics of the BFP from primarily BAT to WAT at follow-up examinations two to six weeks later, respectively. Histological post-mortem studies of a 3 day and 1.1 month old revealed predominantly BAT and WAT in the BFP, respectively.ConclusionThe BFP is primarily composed of BAT during the first weeks of life, but of WAT thereafter. Studies are needed to investigate the contributions of BAT in the BFP to infant feeding and how it is altered by postnatal nutrition

A new MRI tag-based method to non-invasively visualize cerebrospinal fluid flow

PURPOSE: Abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics can produce a number of significant clinical problems to include hydrocephalus, loculated areas within the ventricles or subarachnoid spaces as well as impairment of normal CSF movement between the cranial and spinal compartments that can result in a cerebellar ectopia and hydrosyringomyelia. Thus, assessing the patency of fluid flow between adjacent CSF compartments non-invasively by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has definite clinical value. Our objective was to demonstrate that a novel tag-based CSF imaging methodology offers improved contrast when compared with a commercially available application. METHODS: In a prospective study, ten normal healthy adult subjects were examined on 3T magnets with time-spatial labeling inversion pulse (Time-SLIP) and a new tag-based flow technique-time static tagging and mono-contrast preservation (Time-STAMP). The image contrast was calculated for dark-untagged CSF and bright-flowing CSF. We tested the results with the D\u27Agostino and Pearson normality test and Friedman\u27s test with Dunn\u27s multiple comparison correction for significance. Separately 96 pediatric patients were evaluated using the Time-STAMP method. RESULTS: In healthy adults, contrasts were consistently higher with Time-STAMP than Time-SLIP (p \u3c 0.0001, in all ROI comparisons). The contrast between untagged CSF and flowing tagged CSF improved by 15 to 34%. In both healthy adults and pediatric patients, CSF flow between adjacent fluid compartments was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: Time-STAMP provided images with higher contrast than Time-SLIP, without diminishing the ability to visualize qualitative CSF movement and between adjacent fluid compartments

Impact of COVID-19 Related Maternal Stress on Fetal Brain Development: A Multimodal MRI Study

Background: Disruptions in perinatal care and support due to the COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented but significant stressor among pregnant women. Various neurostructural differences have been re-ported among fetuses and infants born during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic counterparts. The relationship between maternal stress due to pandemic related disruptions and fetal brain is yet unexamined. Methods: Pregnant participants with healthy pregnancies were prospectively recruited in 2020–2022 in the greater Los Angeles Area. Participants completed multiple self-report assessments for experiences of pandemic related disruptions, perceived stress, and coping behaviors and underwent fetal MRI. Maternal perceived stress exposures were correlated with quantitative multimodal MRI measures of fetal brain development using multivariate models. Results: Increased maternal perception of pandemic related stress positively correlated with normalized fetal brainstem volume (suggesting accelerated brainstem maturation). In contrast, increased maternal perception of pandemic related stress correlated with reduced global fetal brain temporal functional variance (suggesting reduced functional connectivity). Conclusions: We report alterations in fetal brainstem structure and global functional fetal brain activity associated with increased maternal stress due to pandemic related disruptions, suggesting altered fetal programming. Long term follow-up studies are required to better understand the sequalae of these early multi-modal brain disruptions among infants born during the COVID-19 pandemic

Sexual Dimorphism in Newborn Vertebrae and Its Potential Implications

ObjectiveTo examine whether the sex-related differences in vertebral cross-sectional area (CSA) found in children and at the timing of peak bone mass-a major determinant of osteoporosis and future fracture risk-are also present at birth.Study designVertebral CSA, vertebral height, and intervertebral disc height were measured using magnetic resonance imaging in 70 healthy full-term newborns (35 males and 35 females). The length and CSA of the humerus, musculature, and adiposity were measured as well.ResultsWeight, body length, and head and waist circumferences did not differ significantly between males and females (P ≥ .06 for all). Compared with newborn boys, girls had significantly smaller mean vertebral cross-sectional dimensions (1.47 ± 0.11 vs 1.31 ± 0.12; P &lt; .0001). Multiple linear regression analysis identified sex as a predictor of vertebral CSA independent of gestational age, birth weight, and body length. In contrast, the sexes were monomorphic with regard to vertebral height, intervertebral disc height, and spinal length (P ≥ .11 for all). There were also no sex differences in the length or cross-sectional dimensions of the humerus or in measures of musculature and adiposity (P ≥ .10 for all).ConclusionFactors related to sex influence fetal development of the axial skeleton. The smaller vertebral CSA in females is associated with greater flexibility of the spine, which could represent the human adaptation to fetal load. Unfortunately, it also imparts a mechanical disadvantage that increases stress within the vertebrae for all physical activities and increases the susceptibility to fragility fractures later in life

Simple linear regression between changes in vertebral CSA and vertebral wedging (<i>r</i> = -0.611; <i>p</i> = 0.001).

<p>Simple linear regression between changes in vertebral CSA and vertebral wedging (<i>r</i> = -0.611; <i>p</i> = 0.001).</p

Parametric Mapping of Oxygen Activity in Human Placenta across Gestation using in utero BOLD imaging

International audienceSynopsis We present here, for the rst time, parametric maps of oxygen activity in normal human placenta using in utero functional MR imaging. Our method highlights anatomical and gestational age dependent patterns in placental activity. These maps can be used to gain insight into normative placental function and identifying insuucient or abnormal placental functioning at various points in gestation. Introduction Our current understanding of placental development and function is based on animal imaging and ex-vivo studies of placenta obtained after delivery or interrupted pregnancies. Previous human imaging studies were restricted to understanding hyperoxygentation or adverse developmental conditions such as fetal growth restriction (FGR), placental previa, placenta accrete, etc.. These studies strongly indicate that improved in-vivo delineation of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis of the placenta has the potential to provide better insight into the pathogenesis of placental dysfunction. By leveraging non-invasive, high-resolution imaging capabilities of in utero fetal MRI, we present a spatiotemporal analysis of normative fetoplacental oxygenation patterns at various time points in gestation. We hypothesize that (a) spatial variance of BOLD placental signal would age-dependent , and (b) that serial parametric maps of BOLD signal would reveal important anatomic insights about the feto-placental and maternal circulation. Methods We conducted a prospective two-site study of placental development in which 20 maternal subjects with normal pregnancies were recruited between 26-37 gestational weeks (GW). Images were acquired using 3T Philips Ingenia or Siemens Skyra machines. Over a 5-10 minute total acquisition time, BOLD images (1.5 mm x 1.5 mm x 4 mm) were acquired using an EPI sequence in blocks of 60 images with TR/TE = 3000/35 ms, ip angle = 90°. In addition, a high resolution T2 weighted images (1 mm x 1 mm x 3 mm) were acquired using a 3D FFE sequence (TR/TE = 3.1/1.6 ms, ip angle = 75°). BOLD images were processed using the "Functional MRI of the Brain" Software Library (FSL). The BOLD signal was motion corrected, co registered to the T2 images and ltered to remove physiological noise such as cardiac, breathing and metabolic uctuations. An F test was used to test the relationship between spatial signal variations and gestational age. To compare oxygenation levels within the placenta, we computed the normalized BOLD values after averaging the amplitude of the BOLD signal over the duration of the study for each time point. Results We found that the spatial variance of the BOLD signal was age dependent (F= 2.25, p<0.001). We then generated parametric maps of oxygen activity in a subset of fetuses at various gestational ages. Figure 1 shows the mean BOLD signal values across the placenta between 26 and 36 GW. The parametric mapping delineates two distinct regions of high oxygenation activity, corresponding to the fetal side (adjacent to the site of umbilical cord attachment) and the maternal side (along the uterine wall). The regions of high activity also occurred in speciic clusters. The size and number if these high-activity regions increased from 26 to 28 GW. We then observed a drop in the number and size of these regions at 29 GW with a further decrease at 36 GW. Discussion Our results clearly indicate that oxygenation is spatially heterogenous across the placenta with oxygen activity concentrated at speciic anatomical locations. The spatial variance in oxygen activity is also age-dependent. The reduction in size and number of high activity clusters at 29 GW and beyond correlates with the involution of the placenta in the third trimester leading to birth. Lower BOLD signal values in the middle of the placenta could correspond to the lack of deoxyhemoglobin as these regions only transport oxygen to the umbilical cord. The oxygenation maps provide a baseline for how oxygen activity occurs and changes over gestation giving us a better understanding of fetoplacental haemodynamics and placental transfer. They may also be used to identify abnormal oxygenation patterns in a placenta thereby acting as a marker for early detection of FGR or insuucient placental function. Conclusion There are age-dependent, spatial variances of BOLD signal in the placenta which may correlate with angiogenesis. Using parametric mapping of placental BOLD signal, we have demonstrated that placental oxygenation activity is concentrated at speciic anatomical locations associated with feto-maternal oxygen exchange. The non-invasive and repeatable methods presented here may facilitate better predictions of placental dysfunction in high-risk pregnancies and inform perinatal care