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Borrell A, Paz Y Miño MF, Pauta M, Meler E, Figueras F. Reply. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2023; 62:450-451. [PMID: 37647043 DOI: 10.1002/uog.26319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Borrell
- BCNatal - Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Clínic Barcelona and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Fetal i+D Fetal Medicine Research, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - M F Paz Y Miño
- BCNatal - Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Clínic Barcelona and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - M Pauta
- IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Fetal i+D Fetal Medicine Research, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - E Meler
- BCNatal - Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Clínic Barcelona and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - F Figueras
- BCNatal - Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Clínic Barcelona and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Fetal i+D Fetal Medicine Research, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Borrell A, Figueras F. Placental and genetic origins of fetal growth restriction are independent and may overlap. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2023; 62:317-319. [PMID: 37428946 DOI: 10.1002/uog.26304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Borrell
- BCNatal - Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - F Figueras
- BCNatal - Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Paz Y Miño MF, Pauta M, Meler E, Matas I, Mazarico E, Camacho A, Segura M, Figueras F, Borrell A. Postnatal genetic and neurodevelopmental assessment in infants born at term with severely low birth weight of non-placental origin. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2023; 62:361-368. [PMID: 36840980 DOI: 10.1002/uog.26188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency of genetic syndromes and childhood neurodevelopmental impairment in non-malformed infants born at term with severely low birth weight and no evidence of placental insufficiency. METHODS This case series was constructed from the data of infants delivered at term between 2013 and 2018 with severely low birth weight, defined as birth weight more than 2.5 SD below the mean, with normal maternal and fetal Doppler (umbilical artery, fetal middle cerebral artery, cerebroplacental ratio and uterine artery) and no maternal hypertensive disorder during pregnancy or fetal structural anomaly on prenatal ultrasound examination. Clinical exome sequencing and copy number variation (CNV) analysis were performed using DNA extracted from the children's saliva. Cognitive and psychomotor development was evaluated using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition or the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 5th edition tests, according to the child's age at testing. RESULTS Among the 36 405 infants born within the study period, 274 (0.75%) had a birth weight below -2.5 SD, of whom 98 met the inclusion criteria. Among the 63 families contacted, seven (11%) reported a postnatal diagnosis of a genetic syndrome and a further 18 consented to participate in the study. Median gestational age at delivery was 38.0 (interquartile range (IQR), 37.3-38.5) weeks and median birth weight was 2020 (IQR, 1908-2248) g. All 18 children showed a normal result on clinical exome sequencing and CNV analysis, but six (33%) obtained a low score on neurodevelopmental testing. CONCLUSION Non-malformed severely small term infants with no clinical or Doppler signs of placental insufficiency present a high rate of genetic syndromes and neurodevelopmental impairment during childhood. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Paz Y Miño
- BCNatal - Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Clínic Barcelona and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - M Pauta
- IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Fetal i+D Fetal Medicine Research, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - E Meler
- BCNatal - Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Clínic Barcelona and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - I Matas
- BCNatal - Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Clínic Barcelona and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - E Mazarico
- BCNatal - Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Clínic Barcelona and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - A Camacho
- Mental Health and Perinatal Nursing, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - M Segura
- qGenomics, Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
| | - F Figueras
- BCNatal - Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Clínic Barcelona and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Fetal i+D Fetal Medicine Research, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Departament de Cirurgia i Especialitats Medicoquirúrgiques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - A Borrell
- BCNatal - Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Clínic Barcelona and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Fetal i+D Fetal Medicine Research, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Departament de Cirurgia i Especialitats Medicoquirúrgiques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Borrell A, Garcia-Garin O, Aguilar A, Vighi M, Valdivia M, González EM, Páez-Rosas D, Drago M. High aluminum content in bone of marine mammals and its relation with source levels and origin. Environ Pollut 2023:121936. [PMID: 37263563 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Although aluminum is widely distributed in the earth's crust, its environmental availability and wildlife assimilation rates are only partially known. Here we analyze aluminum concentrations in bone from 10 species of marine mammals inhabiting 3 geographic areas subject to different aluminum inputs: the Río de la Plata estuary (Uruguay), the coastal waters of Mauritania and the Galapagos archipelago (Ecuador). Overall, concentrations were unusually high as compared to those of terrestrial animals, with lowest concentrations in the Galapagos archipelago, then the Río de la Plata estuary and finally Mauritania. The aluminum source varied between regions, prevailing anthropogenic sources in the Río de la Plata Estuary and natural sources (wind-blown dust) in Mauritanian waters. The type of source determined contamination levels: anthropogenic sources were most significant for coastal species and showed a decline with distance of habitat from shoreline, while natural sources had a higher influence on open waters because of the dearth of biogenic silica that eliminates aluminum from the water column. Since aluminum remains in bone for several decades, marine mammal bone reflects historical levels of aluminum and therefore is a good bioindicator of the aluminum concentration of the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Borrell
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain; Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain.
| | - O Garcia-Garin
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain; Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - A Aguilar
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain; Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - M Vighi
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain; Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - M Valdivia
- National Museum of Natural History (MNHN), 11000, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - E M González
- National Museum of Natural History (MNHN), 11000, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - D Páez-Rosas
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Galapagos Science Center, Isla San Cristóbal, EC200150, Islas Galápagos, Ecuador; Dirección Parque Nacional Galápagos, Unidad Técnica Operativa San Cristóbal, Isla San Cristóbal, EC200150, Islas Galápagos, Ecuador
| | - M Drago
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain; Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
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Zhi X, Hammer G, Borrell A, Tao Y, Wu A, Hunt C, van Oosterom E, Massey-Reed SR, Cruickshank A, Potgieter AB, Jordan D, Mace E, George-Jaeggli B. Genetic basis of sorghum leaf width and its potential as a surrogate for transpiration efficiency. Theor Appl Genet 2022; 135:3057-3071. [PMID: 35933636 PMCID: PMC9482571 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-022-04167-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Leaf width was correlated with plant-level transpiration efficiency and associated with 19 QTL in sorghum, suggesting it could be a surrogate for transpiration efficiency in large breeding program. Enhancing plant transpiration efficiency (TE) by reducing transpiration without compromising photosynthesis and yield is a desirable selection target in crop improvement programs. While narrow individual leaf width has been correlated with greater intrinsic water use efficiency in C4 species, the extent to which this translates to greater plant TE has not been investigated. The aims of this study were to evaluate the correlation of leaf width with TE at the whole-plant scale and investigate the genetic control of leaf width in sorghum. Two lysimetry experiments using 16 genotypes varying for stomatal conductance and three field trials using a large sorghum diversity panel (n = 701 lines) were conducted. Negative associations of leaf width with plant TE were found in the lysimetry experiments, suggesting narrow leaves may result in reduced plant transpiration without trade-offs in biomass accumulation. A wide range in width of the largest leaf was found in the sorghum diversity panel with consistent ranking among sorghum races, suggesting that environmental adaptation may have a role in modifying leaf width. Nineteen QTL were identified by genome-wide association studies on leaf width adjusted for flowering time. The QTL identified showed high levels of correspondence with those in maize and rice, suggesting similarities in the genetic control of leaf width across cereals. Three a priori candidate genes for leaf width, previously found to regulate dorsoventrality, were identified based on a 1-cM threshold. This study provides useful physiological and genetic insights for potential manipulation of leaf width to improve plant adaptation to diverse environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhi
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Centre for Crop Science, The University of Queensland, Warwick, QLD, Australia.
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Henan, China.
| | - Graeme Hammer
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Centre for Crop Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrew Borrell
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Centre for Crop Science, The University of Queensland, Warwick, QLD, Australia
| | - Yongfu Tao
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Centre for Crop Science, The University of Queensland, Warwick, QLD, Australia
| | - Alex Wu
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Centre for Crop Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Colleen Hunt
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Centre for Crop Science, The University of Queensland, Warwick, QLD, Australia
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), Hermitage Research Facility, Agri-Science Queensland, Warwick, QLD, Australia
| | - Erik van Oosterom
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Centre for Crop Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Sean Reynolds Massey-Reed
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Centre for Crop Science, The University of Queensland, Warwick, QLD, Australia
| | - Alan Cruickshank
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), Hermitage Research Facility, Agri-Science Queensland, Warwick, QLD, Australia
| | - Andries B Potgieter
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Centre for Crop Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia
| | - David Jordan
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Centre for Crop Science, The University of Queensland, Warwick, QLD, Australia.
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), Hermitage Research Facility, Agri-Science Queensland, Warwick, QLD, Australia.
| | - Emma Mace
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Centre for Crop Science, The University of Queensland, Warwick, QLD, Australia.
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), Hermitage Research Facility, Agri-Science Queensland, Warwick, QLD, Australia.
| | - Barbara George-Jaeggli
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Centre for Crop Science, The University of Queensland, Warwick, QLD, Australia.
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), Hermitage Research Facility, Agri-Science Queensland, Warwick, QLD, Australia.
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Pauta M, Martinez-Portilla RJ, Borrell A. Diagnostic yield of exome sequencing in fetuses with multisystem malformations: systematic review and meta-analysis. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2022; 59:715-722. [PMID: 35041238 DOI: 10.1002/uog.24862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the diagnostic yield of exome sequencing (ES) above that of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) or karyotyping in fetuses with multisystem structural anomalies (at least two major anomalies in different anatomical systems). METHOD This was a systematic review conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Searching PubMed, Web of Knowledge and Cochrane database, we identified studies describing ES, whole-genome and/or next-generation sequencing in fetuses with multisystem malformations. Included were observational studies involving five or more eligible fetuses. A fetus was eligible for inclusion if it had at least two major anomalies of different anatomical systems and a negative CMA or karyotyping result. Only positive variants classified as likely pathogenic or pathogenic determined to be causative of the fetal phenotype were considered. A negative CMA or karyotype result was treated as the reference standard. The diagnostic yield of the primary outcome was calculated by single-proportion analysis using random-effects modeling. A subgroup analysis was performed to compare the diagnostic yield of the solo approach (fetus alone sequenced) with that of the trio approach (fetus and both parents sequenced). RESULTS Seventeen articles with data on ES diagnostic yield, including 694 individuals with multisystem malformations, were identified. Overall, a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant potentially causative of the fetal phenotype was found in 213 fetuses, giving a 33% (95% CI, 27-40%) incremental yield of ES. A stratified analysis showed similar diagnostic yields of ES using the solo approach (30%; 95% CI, 11-52%) and the trio approach (35%; 95% CI, 26-44%). CONCLUSIONS ES applied in fetuses with multisystem structural anomalies was able to identify a potentially causative gene when CMA or karyotyping had failed to do so in an additional one-third of cases. No differences were observed between the solo and trio approaches for ES. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pauta
- BCNatal, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - R J Martinez-Portilla
- Clinical Research Division, Evidence-Based Medicine Department, National Institute of Perinatology, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - A Borrell
- BCNatal, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Barcelona Centre for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (BCNatal), Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Pan L, George-Jaeggli B, Borrell A, Jordan D, Koller F, Al-Salman Y, Ghannoum O, Cano FJ. Coordination of stomata and vein patterns with leaf width underpins water-use efficiency in a C 4 crop. Plant Cell Environ 2022; 45:1612-1630. [PMID: 34773276 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite its importance for crop water use and productivity, especially in drought-affected environments, the underlying mechanisms of variation in intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE = net photosynthesis/stomatal conductance for water vapour, gsw ) are not well understood, especially in C4 plants. Recently, we discovered that leaf width (LW) correlated negatively with iWUE and positively with gsw across several C4 grasses. Here, we confirmed these relationships within 48 field-grown genotypes differing in LW in Sorghum bicolor, a C4 crop adapted to dry and hot conditions. We measured leaf gas exchange and modelled leaf energy balance three times a day, alongside anatomical traits as potential predictors of iWUE. LW correlated negatively with iWUE and stomatal density, but positively with gsw , interveinal distance of longitudinal veins, and the percentage of stomatal aperture relative to maximum. Energy balance modelling showed that wider leaves needed to open their stomata more to generate a more negative leaf-to-air temperature difference, especially at midday when air temperatures exceeded 40°C. These results highlight the important role that LW plays in shaping iWUE through coordination of vein and stomatal traits and by affecting stomatal aperture. Therefore, LW could be used as a predictor of higher iWUE among sorghum genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Pan
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Grassland Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- College of Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Barbara George-Jaeggli
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Australia
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Hermitage Research Facility, The University of Queensland, Warwick, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Agri-Science Queensland, Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew Borrell
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Australia
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Hermitage Research Facility, The University of Queensland, Warwick, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Jordan
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Australia
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Hermitage Research Facility, The University of Queensland, Warwick, Queensland, Australia
| | - Fiona Koller
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yazen Al-Salman
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Oula Ghannoum
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Francisco J Cano
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
- Centro de Investigación Forestal (CIFOR), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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Pan L, George-Jaeggli B, Borrell A, Jordan D, Koller F, Al-Salman Y, Ghannoum O, Cano FJ. Coordination of stomata and vein patterns with leaf width underpins water-use efficiency in a C 4 crop. Plant Cell Environ 2022. [PMID: 34773276 DOI: 10.22541/au.162009415.55042548/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite its importance for crop water use and productivity, especially in drought-affected environments, the underlying mechanisms of variation in intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE = net photosynthesis/stomatal conductance for water vapour, gsw ) are not well understood, especially in C4 plants. Recently, we discovered that leaf width (LW) correlated negatively with iWUE and positively with gsw across several C4 grasses. Here, we confirmed these relationships within 48 field-grown genotypes differing in LW in Sorghum bicolor, a C4 crop adapted to dry and hot conditions. We measured leaf gas exchange and modelled leaf energy balance three times a day, alongside anatomical traits as potential predictors of iWUE. LW correlated negatively with iWUE and stomatal density, but positively with gsw , interveinal distance of longitudinal veins, and the percentage of stomatal aperture relative to maximum. Energy balance modelling showed that wider leaves needed to open their stomata more to generate a more negative leaf-to-air temperature difference, especially at midday when air temperatures exceeded 40°C. These results highlight the important role that LW plays in shaping iWUE through coordination of vein and stomatal traits and by affecting stomatal aperture. Therefore, LW could be used as a predictor of higher iWUE among sorghum genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Pan
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Grassland Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- College of Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Barbara George-Jaeggli
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Australia
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Hermitage Research Facility, The University of Queensland, Warwick, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Agri-Science Queensland, Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew Borrell
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Australia
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Hermitage Research Facility, The University of Queensland, Warwick, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Jordan
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Australia
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Hermitage Research Facility, The University of Queensland, Warwick, Queensland, Australia
| | - Fiona Koller
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yazen Al-Salman
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Oula Ghannoum
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Francisco J Cano
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
- Centro de Investigación Forestal (CIFOR), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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Zhi X, Tao Y, Jordan D, Borrell A, Hunt C, Cruickshank A, Potgieter A, Wu A, Hammer G, George-Jaeggli B, Mace E. Genetic control of leaf angle in sorghum and its effect on light interception. J Exp Bot 2022; 73:801-816. [PMID: 34698817 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Developing sorghum genotypes adapted to different light environments requires understanding of a plant's ability to capture light, determined through leaf angle specifically. This study dissected the genetic basis of leaf angle in 3 year field trials at two sites, using a sorghum diversity panel (729 accessions). A wide range of variation in leaf angle with medium heritability was observed. Leaf angle explained 36% variation in canopy light extinction coefficient, highlighting the extent to which variation in leaf angle influences light interception at the whole-canopy level. This study also found that the sorghum races of Guinea and Durra consistently having the largest and smallest leaf angle, respectively, highlighting the potential role of leaf angle in adaptation to distinct environments. The genome-wide association study detected 33 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with leaf angle. Strong synteny was observed with previously detected leaf angle QTLs in maize (70%) and rice (40%) within 10 cM, among which the overlap was significantly enriched according to χ2 tests, suggesting a highly consistent genetic control in grasses. A priori leaf angle candidate genes identified in maize and rice were found to be enriched within a 1-cM window around the sorghum leaf angle QTLs. Additionally, protein domain analysis identified the WD40 protein domain as being enriched within a 1-cM window around the QTLs. These outcomes show that there is sufficient heritability and natural variation in the angle of upper leaves in sorghum which may be exploited to change light interception and optimize crop canopies for different contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhi
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, QLD, Australia
| | - Yongfu Tao
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, QLD, Australia
| | - David Jordan
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrew Borrell
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, QLD, Australia
| | - Colleen Hunt
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, QLD, Australia
- Agri-Science Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, QLD, Australia
| | - Alan Cruickshank
- Agri-Science Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, QLD, Australia
| | - Andries Potgieter
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia
| | - Alex Wu
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Graeme Hammer
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Barbara George-Jaeggli
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, QLD, Australia
- Agri-Science Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, QLD, Australia
| | - Emma Mace
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, QLD, Australia
- Agri-Science Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, QLD, Australia
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Zhi X, Massey-Reed SR, Wu A, Potgieter A, Borrell A, Hunt C, Jordan D, Zhao Y, Chapman S, Hammer G, George-Jaeggli B. Estimating Photosynthetic Attributes from High-Throughput Canopy Hyperspectral Sensing in Sorghum. Plant Phenomics 2022; 2022:9768502. [PMID: 35498954 PMCID: PMC9013486 DOI: 10.34133/2022/9768502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Sorghum, a genetically diverse C4 cereal, is an ideal model to study natural variation in photosynthetic capacity. Specific leaf nitrogen (SLN) and leaf mass per leaf area (LMA), as well as, maximal rates of Rubisco carboxylation (V cmax), phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxylation (V pmax), and electron transport (J max), quantified using a C4 photosynthesis model, were evaluated in two field-grown training sets (n = 169 plots including 124 genotypes) in 2019 and 2020. Partial least square regression (PLSR) was used to predict V cmax (R 2 = 0.83), V pmax (R 2 = 0.93), J max (R 2 = 0.76), SLN (R 2 = 0.82), and LMA (R 2 = 0.68) from tractor-based hyperspectral sensing. Further assessments of the capability of the PLSR models for V cmax, V pmax, J max, SLN, and LMA were conducted by extrapolating these models to two trials of genome-wide association studies adjacent to the training sets in 2019 (n = 875 plots including 650 genotypes) and 2020 (n = 912 plots with 634 genotypes). The predicted traits showed medium to high heritability and genome-wide association studies using the predicted values identified four QTL for V cmax and two QTL for J max. Candidate genes within 200 kb of the V cmax QTL were involved in nitrogen storage, which is closely associated with Rubisco, while not directly associated with Rubisco activity per se. J max QTL was enriched for candidate genes involved in electron transport. These outcomes suggest the methods here are of great promise to effectively screen large germplasm collections for enhanced photosynthetic capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhi
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, QLD, Australia
| | - Sean Reynolds Massey-Reed
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, QLD, Australia
| | - Alex Wu
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Andries Potgieter
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Gatton, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrew Borrell
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, QLD, Australia
| | - Colleen Hunt
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, QLD, Australia
- Agri-Science Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, QLD, Australia
| | - David Jordan
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, QLD, Australia
| | - Yan Zhao
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Gatton, QLD, Australia
| | - Scott Chapman
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia
| | - Graeme Hammer
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Barbara George-Jaeggli
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, QLD, Australia
- Agri-Science Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, QLD, Australia
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Pauta M, Martinez-Portilla RJ, Borrell A. Diagnostic yield of next-generation sequencing in fetuses with isolated increased nuchal translucency: systematic review and meta-analysis. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2022; 59:26-32. [PMID: 34309942 DOI: 10.1002/uog.23746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the diagnostic yield of exome or genome sequencing (ES/GS) over chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in fetuses with increased nuchal translucency (NT) and no concomitant anomalies. METHODS This systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for studies describing ES/GS in fetuses with isolated increased NT. Inclusion criteria were: (1) study written in English; (2) more than two fetuses with increased NT > 99th percentile and no concomitant anomalies; and (3) a negative CMA result considered as the reference standard. Only positive variants identified on ES/GS that were classified as likely pathogenic or pathogenic and determined to be causative of the fetal phenotype were considered. Risk was assessed as the pooled effect size by single-proportion analysis using random-effects modeling (weighted by inverse of variance). RESULTS Eleven studies reporting on the diagnostic yield of ES/GS in fetuses with isolated increased NT > 99th percentile were identified and included 309 cases. All studies were high quality according to Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy. Overall, a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant was identified on ES/GS in 15 fetuses, resulting in a pooled incremental yield of 4% (95% CI, 2-6%). Six (40%) of these fetuses had NT of 5 mm or more. The observed inheritance pattern was autosomal dominant in 12 cases, including four fetuses with Noonan syndrome, autosomal recessive in two cases and X-linked in one case. CONCLUSIONS There is a 4% incremental diagnostic yield of ES/GS over CMA in fetuses with increased NT > 99th percentile without a concomitant anomaly. It is unclear whether a NT cut-off higher than 3.5 mm may be more useful in case selection for ES/GS. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pauta
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - R J Martinez-Portilla
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Borrell
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Centre for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (BCNatal), Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Miranda J, Paz Y Miño F, Borobio V, Badenas C, Rodriguez-Revenga L, Pauta M, Borrell A. Should cell-free DNA testing be used in pregnancy with increased fetal nuchal translucency? Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2020; 55:645-651. [PMID: 31301176 DOI: 10.1002/uog.20397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the frequency of atypical chromosomal and submicroscopic anomalies, as well as fetal structural abnormalities, observed on first-trimester ultrasound scan in fetuses with nuchal translucency (NT) thickness > 99th centile, in order to evaluate the suitability of using standard cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing as the sole screening test in these pregnancies. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of 226 fetuses with NT > 99th centile at 11-14 weeks' gestation, between January 2013 and December 2017, in a clinical setting in which greater than 95% of pregnant women receive first-trimester combined screening. All patients underwent genetic testing by means of quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction and chromosomal microarray analysis, mainly in chorionic villus samples. We assessed the theoretical yield of two cfDNA testing models, targeted cfDNA (chromosomes 21, 18 and 13) and extended cfDNA (chromosomes 21, 18, 13 and sex chromosomes), and compared it with that of cytogenetic testing and ultrasound assessment in the first and second or third trimesters. RESULTS In the 226 fetuses analyzed, cytogenetic testing revealed 84 (37%) anomalies, including 68 typical aneuploidies (involving chromosomes 13, 18 or 21), six sex chromosome aneuploidies (four cases of monosomy X and two of trisomy X), three clinically relevant atypical chromosomal anomalies (one trisomy 22, one trisomy 21 mosaicism and one unbalanced translocation), five submicroscopic pathogenic variants and two cases with Noonan syndrome. Targeted and extended cfDNA testing would miss at least 12% (10/84) and 19% (16/84), respectively, of genetic anomalies, accounting for 4.4% and 7.1% of the fetuses with an increased NT, respectively. Finally, of the 142 fetuses with no identified genetic anomaly, a major fetal malformation was observed in 15 (10.6%) fetuses at the early anomaly scan, and in 19 (13.4%) in the second or third trimester. CONCLUSIONS cfDNA does not appear to be the appropriate genetic test in fetuses with NT > 99th centile, given that it would miss 12-19% of genetic anomalies in this group. Additionally, first-trimester ultrasound will identify a major structural abnormality in 11% of the fetuses with NT > 99th centile and no genetic anomaly. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Miranda
- Fetal i+D Fetal Medicine Research, BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Madrid, Spain
| | - F Paz Y Miño
- Fetal i+D Fetal Medicine Research, BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Madrid, Spain
| | - V Borobio
- Fetal i+D Fetal Medicine Research, BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Madrid, Spain
| | - C Badenas
- Biomedical Diagnostic Center, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - L Rodriguez-Revenga
- Biomedical Diagnostic Center, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Pauta
- BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - A Borrell
- Fetal i+D Fetal Medicine Research, BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Miranda J, Borrell A. Reply. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2020; 55:698-699. [PMID: 32356931 DOI: 10.1002/uog.22033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J Miranda
- Fetal i+D Fetal Medicine Research, BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - A Borrell
- Fetal i+D Fetal Medicine Research, BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Martinez-Portilla RJ, Lopez-Felix J, Hawkins-Villareal A, Villafan-Bernal JR, Paz Y Miño F, Figueras F, Borrell A. Performance of fetal middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity for prediction of anemia in untransfused and transfused fetuses: systematic review and meta-analysis. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2019; 54:722-731. [PMID: 30932276 DOI: 10.1002/uog.20273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the performance of fetal middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV) ≥ 1.5 multiples of the median (MoM) for the prediction of moderate-severe anemia, in untransfused and transfused fetuses. METHODS A systematic search was performed to identify relevant observational studies reported in the period 2008-2018 that evaluated the performance of MCA-PSV, using a threshold of 1.5 MoM for the prediction of fetal anemia. Diagnosis of fetal anemia by blood sampling was the reference standard. A hierarchical summary receiver-operating characteristics (hSROC) curve was constructed using random-effects modeling. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses, according to the number of previous intrauterine transfusions, were performed. RESULTS Twelve studies and 696 fetuses were included in the meta-analysis. The area under the hSROC curve (AUC) for moderate-severe anemia was 83%. Pooled sensitivity and specificity (95% CI) were 79% (70-86%) and 73% (62-82%), respectively, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were 2.94 (95% CI, 2.13-4.00) and 0.272 (95% CI, 0.188-0.371). When considering only untransfused fetuses, prediction improved, achieving an AUC of 87%, sensitivity of 86% (95% CI, 75-93%) and specificity of 71% (95% CI, 49-87%). A decline in sensitivity for the prediction of moderate-severe anemia by MCA-PSV ≥1.5 MoM was observed (estimate, -5.5% (95% CI, -10.7 to -0.3%), P = 0.039) as the number of previous transfusions increased. CONCLUSIONS MCA-PSV ≥ 1.5 MoM for the prediction of moderate-severe anemia in untransfused fetuses shows moderate accuracy (86% sensitivity and 71% specificity), which declines with increasing number of intrauterine transfusions. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Martinez-Portilla
- Fetal Medicine Research Center, BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu), Institut Clínic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Therapy Research Center, Evidence-Based Health Care Department, on behalf of the Iberoamerican Research Network in Translational, Molecular and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Mexico City, Mexico
- CIMeTA Research Unit-ISSEA, Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - J Lopez-Felix
- Maternal-Fetal Center Hospital Ángeles Lomas, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - A Hawkins-Villareal
- Fetal Medicine Research Center, BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu), Institut Clínic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - J R Villafan-Bernal
- Mexican Consortium of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Health Dissemination-Consortium BIO2-DIS, Mexico
- CONACYT Researcher, Department of Surgery, Health Science Center, Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico
- Center for Health Sciences, Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - F Paz Y Miño
- Fetal Medicine Research Center, BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu), Institut Clínic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - F Figueras
- Fetal Medicine Research Center, BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu), Institut Clínic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Madrid, Spain
| | - A Borrell
- Prenatal Diagnosis Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Gil-Flores L, Salvador MD, Penaranda-Foix FL, Dalmau A, Fernández A, Borrell A. Tribological and wear behaviour of alumina toughened zirconia nanocomposites obtained by pressureless rapid microwave sintering. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2019; 101:103415. [PMID: 31494446 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2019.103415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Dense alumina toughened zirconia nanocomposites (ATZ, 3Y-TZP with 20 wt% Al2O3) were densified by non-conventional microwave sintering technology at relatively low temperatures (1200 and 1300 °C). The sintering method and its effect on densification, microstructure, mechanical properties and tribological behaviour were investigated. The outcomes demonstrated that the density rose as the sintering temperature was higher, and therefore the mechanical properties were enhanced, reaching a maximum hardness (18.4 ± 0.4 GPa) and fracture toughness (5.7 ± 0.3MPa· m1/2). In addition, the samples were subjected to a tribological test in dry and wet conditions, using artificial saliva. In both cases, the coefficient of friction and wear volume for samples obtained by microwave sintering are lower than conventional samples, with the wear volume being two times higher in dry conditions than in wet conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Gil-Flores
- Instituto de Tecnología de Materiales, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/N, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
| | - M D Salvador
- Instituto de Tecnología de Materiales, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/N, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - F L Penaranda-Foix
- Instituto de Aplicaciones de Las Tecnologías de La Información y de Las Comunicaciones Avanzadas (ITACA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/N, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - A Dalmau
- Instituto Universitario de Seguridad Industrial, Radiofísica y Medioambiental (ISIRYM) Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/N, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - A Fernández
- Centro de Investigación en Nanomateriales y Nanotecnología (CINN) (CSIC-UO-PA), Avenida de La Vega 4-6, 33940, El Entrego (Asturias), Spain
| | - A Borrell
- Instituto de Tecnología de Materiales, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/N, 46022, Valencia, Spain
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Martinez-Portilla RJ, Pauta M, Hawkins-Villarreal A, Rial-Crestelo M, Paz Y Miño F, Madrigal I, Figueras F, Borrell A. Added value of chromosomal microarray analysis over conventional karyotyping in stillbirth work-up: systematic review and meta-analysis. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2019; 53:590-597. [PMID: 30549343 DOI: 10.1002/uog.20198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the added value of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) over conventional karyotyping to assess the genetic causes in stillbirth. METHODS To identify relevant studies, published in English or Spanish and without publication time restrictions, we performed a systematic search of PubMed, SCOPUS and ISI Web of Science databases, The Cochrane Library and the PROSPERO register of systematic reviews, for case series of fetal loss ≥ 20 weeks of gestation, with normal or suspected normal karyotype, undergoing CMA and with at least five subjects analyzed. To investigate quality, two reviewers evaluated independently the risk of bias using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. For the meta-analysis, the incremental yield of CMA over karyotyping was assessed by single-proportion analysis using a random-effects model (weighting by inverse variance). We assessed heterogeneity between studies and performed a sensitivity analysis and a subgroup analysis of structurally abnormal (malformed or growth-restricted) and normal fetuses. RESULTS Included in the meta-analysis were seven studies involving 903 stillborn fetuses which had normal karyotype. The test success rate achieved by conventional cytogenetic analysis was 75%, while that for CMA was 90%. The incremental yield of CMA over conventional karyotyping based on the random-effects model was 4% (95% CI, 3-5%) for pathogenic copy-number variants (pCNVs) and 8% (95% CI, 4-17%) for variants of unknown significance. Subgroup analysis showed a 6% (95% CI, 4-10%) incremental yield of CMA for pCNVs in structurally abnormal fetuses and 3% (95% CI, 1-5%) incremental yield for those in structurally normal fetuses. The pCNV found most commonly was del22q11.21. CONCLUSIONS CMA, incorporated into the stillbirth work-up, improves both the test success rate and the detection of genetic anomalies compared with conventional karyotyping. To achieve a genetic diagnosis in stillbirth is particularly relevant for the purpose of counseling regarding future pregnancies. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Martinez-Portilla
- BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu), Institut Clínic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia Fetal i+D Fetal Medicine Research Center, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Fetal Medicine and Therapy Research Center Mexico, on behalf of the Iberoamerican Research Network in Translational, Molecular and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Mexico
- IDIBAPS, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Center of Biomedical Diagnosis, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - M Pauta
- BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu), Institut Clínic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia Fetal i+D Fetal Medicine Research Center, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- IDIBAPS, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Center of Biomedical Diagnosis, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - A Hawkins-Villarreal
- BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu), Institut Clínic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia Fetal i+D Fetal Medicine Research Center, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- IDIBAPS, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Center of Biomedical Diagnosis, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - M Rial-Crestelo
- BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu), Institut Clínic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia Fetal i+D Fetal Medicine Research Center, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- IDIBAPS, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Center of Biomedical Diagnosis, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - F Paz Y Miño
- BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu), Institut Clínic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia Fetal i+D Fetal Medicine Research Center, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- IDIBAPS, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Center of Biomedical Diagnosis, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - I Madrigal
- BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu), Institut Clínic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia Fetal i+D Fetal Medicine Research Center, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- IDIBAPS, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Center of Biomedical Diagnosis, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - F Figueras
- BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu), Institut Clínic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia Fetal i+D Fetal Medicine Research Center, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- IDIBAPS, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Center of Biomedical Diagnosis, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Madrid, Spain
| | - A Borrell
- BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu), Institut Clínic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia Fetal i+D Fetal Medicine Research Center, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- IDIBAPS, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Center of Biomedical Diagnosis, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Vighi M, Borrell A, Víkingsson G, Gunnlaugsson T, Aguilar A. Strontium in fin whale baleen: A potential tracer of mysticete movements across the oceans? Sci Total Environ 2019; 650:1224-1230. [PMID: 30308810 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Strontium is a metal broadly distributed in oceanic waters, where its concentrations follow gradients mainly driven by oceanographic and biological factors. Studies on terrestrial vertebrates show that Sr can accumulate in mammalian hair in amounts mainly related to the external environment, a property that has been scarcely investigated in aquatic mammals. Cetaceans are marine mammals whose skin is generally hairless, but the species belonging to the mysticete group feed through a filtering apparatus made of keratinous baleen plates that, like hair, grow continuously. During their annual latitudinal migrations, mysticetes cross water masses with variable chemo-physical characteristics that may be reflected in these tissues. In the present study, baleen plates were sampled from 10 fin whales obtained from NW Spain (N = 5) and SW Iceland (N = 5) to investigate Sr concentrations along the plates growth axis. Samples were taken longitudinally at regular 1 cm-intervals on each plate. Sr concentrations, determined through mass spectrometry, ranged from 5 to 40 mg kg-1 and increased from proximal to distal positions along plates. These results suggest a progressive adsorption of Sr on the plate surface, a process that also occurs in mammalian hair. Increasing trends were similar in the two regions but overall concentrations were significantly higher in NW Spain, reflecting different Sr baseline concentrations in the two areas and indicating isolation between the two whale populations. Some oscillations in Sr longitudinal trends were also detected, likely indicating that whales migrate across water masses with different Sr baselines. These results suggest that Sr concentrations in keratinous tissues of marine mammals can be used as ecological tracers of their migrations and habitat use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgana Vighi
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences; IRBio, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - A Borrell
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences; IRBio, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - G Víkingsson
- Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, Skúlagata 4, 121 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Th Gunnlaugsson
- Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, Skúlagata 4, 121 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - A Aguilar
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences; IRBio, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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Borrell A. A new comprehensive paradigm for prenatal diagnosis: seeing the forest through the trees. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2018; 52:563-568. [PMID: 29484739 DOI: 10.1002/uog.19035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Borrell
- Barcelona Center for Maternofetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Richard C, Christopher J, Chenu K, Borrell A, Christopher M, Hickey L. Selection in Early Generations to Shift Allele Frequency for Seminal Root Angle in Wheat. Plant Genome 2018; 11:170071. [PMID: 30025018 DOI: 10.3835/plantgenome2017.08.0071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
A current challenge for plant breeders is the limited ability to phenotype and select for root characteristics to enhance crop productivity. The development of a high-throughput phenotyping method has recently offered new opportunities for the selection of root characteristics in breeding programs. Here, we investigated prospects for phenotypic and molecular selection for seminal root angle (SRA), a key trait associated with mature root system architecture in wheat ( L.). We first investigated genetic diversity for this trait in a panel of 22 wheat lines adapted to Australian environments. The angle between the first pair of seminal roots ranged from 72 to 106°. We then evaluated selection gain via direct phenotypic selection in early generations by comparing the resulting shift in population distribution in tail populations selected for "narrow" and "wide" root angle. Overall, two rounds of selection significantly shifted the mean root angle as much as 10°. Furthermore, comparison of allele frequencies in the tail populations revealed genomic regions under selection, for which marker-assisted selection appeared to be successful. By combining efficient phenotyping and rapid generation advance, lines enriched with alleles for either narrow or wide SRA were developed within only 18 mo. These results suggest that there is a valuable source of allelic variation for SRA that can be harnessed and rapidly introgressed into elite wheat lines.
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Borrell A, Saiz L, Víkingsson GA, Gaufier P, López Fernández A, Aguilar A. Fin whales as bioindicators of multi-decadal change in carbon and oxygen stable isotope shifts in the North Atlantic. Mar Environ Res 2018; 138:129-134. [PMID: 29724493 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Global changes, and particularly the massive release of CO2 to the atmosphere and subsequent global warming, have altered the baselines of carbon and oxygen stable isotopic ratios. Temporal shifts in these baselines can be advantageously monitored through cetacean skin samples because these animals are highly mobile and therefore integrate in their tissues the heterogeneity of local environmental signals. In this study, we examine variation of δ13C and δ18O values in the skin of fin whales sampled over three decades in two different North Atlantic feeding grounds: west Iceland and northwest Spain. These locations are situated about 2700 km apart and thus represent a wide latitudinal range within the North Atlantic Ocean. The δ13C decrease in both areas is attributed to the burning of fossil fuels and increased deforestation worldwide, the so-called Suess effect. The dissimilarity in the magnitude of the shift between the two areas is coincidental with previous information on local shifts and lies within the ranges of variation observed. δ18O values experienced a minimal, yet significant change in fin whales from W Iceland (a decline of -0.44‰ between 1986 and 2013) but not in those from NW Spain. This is in concordance with a higher rise in temperatures in the former area than in the latter. The study validates the use of cetacean skin to monitor temporal and geographical shifts in stable isotopic values and alerts that, when applying this tool to ecological research, comparisons between sample sets should take into account temporal and latitudinal scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Borrell
- Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio), Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - L Saiz
- Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio), Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - G A Víkingsson
- Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, P. O. Box 1390, Skúlagata 4, 121 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - P Gaufier
- Conservation, Information and Research on Cetaceans (CIRCE), Cabeza de Manzaneda, 3, 11390 Pelayo-Algeciras (Cadiz), Spain
| | - A López Fernández
- Coordinadora para o Estudo dos Mamíferos Mariños (CEMMA), P.O. Box 15, 36380 Pontevedra, Gondomar, Spain
| | - A Aguilar
- Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio), Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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Pauta M, Grande M, Rodriguez-Revenga L, Kolomietz E, Borrell A. Added value of chromosomal microarray analysis over karyotyping in early pregnancy loss: systematic review and meta-analysis. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2018; 51:453-462. [PMID: 29055063 DOI: 10.1002/uog.18929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the increased test success rate and incremental yield of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) over conventional karyotyping in detection of pathogenic copy number variants (CNVs) and variants of unknown significance (VOUS) in early pregnancy loss. METHOD This was a systematic review conducted in accordance with PRISMA criteria. All articles identified in PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE and Web of Science, between January 2000 and April 2017, that described CNVs in early pregnancy losses (up to 20 weeks) were included. Risk differences were pooled to estimate the incremental yield of CMA over karyotyping overall, and after stratification. In addition, test success rate, defined as the proportion of informative results, was compared in series in which CMA and karyotyping were performed concurrently. RESULTS Twenty-three studies, reporting on 5507 pregnancy losses up to 20 weeks with full data available, met the inclusion criteria for analysis. In the series in which CMA and karyotyping were performed concurrently, CMA showed a significant improvement in success rate, providing informative results in 95% (95% CI, 94-96%) of cases compared with karyotyping in which informative results were provided in 68% (95% CI, 66-70%) of cases. Combined data from reviewed studies revealed that incremental yields of CMA over karyotyping were 2% (95% CI, 1-2%) for pathogenic CNVs and 4% (95% CI, 3-6%) for VOUS. The most common pathogenic CNVs reported were 22q11.21 and 1p36.33 deletion. CONCLUSION In comparison with conventional karyotyping, CMA provides a significant increase in test success rate and incremental diagnostic yield in early pregnancy loss. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pauta
- BCNatal Hospital Clínic Barcelona and IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Grande
- BCNatal Hospital Clínic Barcelona and IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Rodriguez-Revenga
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona and IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Kolomietz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - A Borrell
- BCNatal Hospital Clínic Barcelona and IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
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Coelho Neto MA, Ludwin A, Borrell A, Benacerraf B, Dewailly D, da Silva Costa F, Condous G, Alcazar JL, Jokubkiene L, Guerriero S, Van den Bosch T, Martins WP. Counting ovarian antral follicles by ultrasound: a practical guide. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2018; 51:10-20. [PMID: 29080259 DOI: 10.1002/uog.18945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 09/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This Consensus Opinion summarizes the main aspects of several techniques for performing ovarian antral follicle count (AFC), proposes a standardized report and provides recommendations for future research. AFC should be performed using a transvaginal ultrasound (US) probe with frequency ≥ 7 MHz. For training, we suggest a minimum of 20-40 supervised examinations. The operator should be able to adjust the machine settings in order to achieve the best contrast between follicular fluid and ovarian stroma. AFC may be evaluated using real-time two-dimensional (2D) US, stored 2D-US cine-loops and stored three-dimensional (3D) US datasets. Real-time 2D-US has the advantage of permitting additional maneuvers to determine whether an anechoic structure is a follicle, but may require a longer scanning time, particularly when there is a large number of follicles, resulting in more discomfort to the patient. 2D-US cine-loops have the advantages of reduced scanning time and the possibility for other observers to perform the count. The 3D-US technique requires US machines with 3D capability and the operators to receive additional training for acquisition/analysis, but has the same advantages as cine-loop and also allows application of different imaging techniques, such as volume contrast imaging, inversion mode and semi-automated techniques such as sonography-based automated volume calculation. In this Consensus Opinion, we make certain recommendations based on the available evidence. However, there is no strong evidence that any one method is better than another; the operator should choose the best method for counting ovarian follicles based on availability of resources and on their own preference and skill. More studies evaluating how to improve the reliability of AFC should be encouraged. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Coelho Neto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - A Ludwin
- Department of Gynecology and Oncology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - A Borrell
- BCNatal, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - B Benacerraf
- Department of Radiology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - D Dewailly
- CHU Lille, Department of Endocrine Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hospital Jeanne de Flandre, Lille, France
| | - F da Silva Costa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University and Monash Ultrasound for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - G Condous
- Acute Gynaecology, Early Pregnancy and Advanced Endosurgery Unit, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney; and Nepean Hospital, Penrith, Australia
| | - J L Alcazar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - L Jokubkiene
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmo, Sweden
| | - S Guerriero
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - T Van den Bosch
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - W P Martins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- SEMEAR Fertilidade, Reproductive Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Borrell
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI); Hermitage Research Facility; University of Queensland; Warwick Queensland 4370 Australia
| | - Matthew Reynolds
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre CIMMYT; Int. Apdo. Postal 6-641 06600 Mexico Mexico
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Robinson H, Hickey L, Richard C, Mace E, Kelly A, Borrell A, Franckowiak J, Fox G. Genomic Regions Influencing Seminal Root Traits in Barley. Plant Genome 2016; 9. [PMID: 27898766 DOI: 10.3835/plantgenome2015.03.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Water availability is a major limiting factor for crop production, making drought adaptation and its many component traits a desirable attribute of plant cultivars. Previous studies in cereal crops indicate that root traits expressed at early plant developmental stages, such as seminal root angle and root number, are associated with water extraction at different depths. Here, we conducted the first study to map seminal root traits in barley ( L.). Using a recently developed high-throughput phenotyping method, a panel of 30 barley genotypes and a doubled-haploid (DH) population (ND24260 × 'Flagship') comprising 330 lines genotyped with diversity array technology (DArT) markers were evaluated for seminal root angle (deviation from vertical) and root number under controlled environmental conditions. A high degree of phenotypic variation was observed in the panel of 30 genotypes: 13.5 to 82.2 and 3.6 to 6.9° for root angle and root number, respectively. A similar range was observed in the DH population: 16.4 to 70.5 and 3.6 to 6.5° for root angle and number, respectively. Seven quantitative trait loci (QTL) for seminal root traits (root angle, two QTL; root number, five QTL) were detected in the DH population. A major QTL influencing both root angle and root number (/) was positioned on chromosome 5HL. Across-species analysis identified 10 common genes underlying root trait QTL in barley, wheat ( L.), and sorghum [ (L.) Moench]. Here, we provide insight into seminal root phenotypes and provide a first look at the genetics controlling these traits in barley.
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Borrell A, Gómez-Campos E, Aguilar A. Influence of Reproduction on Stable-Isotope Ratios: Nitrogen and Carbon Isotope Discrimination between Mothers, Fetuses, and Milk in the Fin Whale, a Capital Breeder. Physiol Biochem Zool 2015; 89:41-50. [PMID: 27082523 DOI: 10.1086/684632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, the influence of gestation and lactation on the tissue stable-isotope ratios of females, fetuses, and milk remains poorly understood. Here we investigate the incidence of these events on δ(13)C and δ(15)N values in fin whales sampled off northwestern Spain between 1983 and 1985. The effect of gestation on tissue stable-isotope ratios was examined in the muscle of pregnant females (n = 13) and their fetuses (n = 10) and that of lactation in the muscle of nursing females (n = 21) and their milk (n = 25). Results suggest that fetuses are enriched compared to their mothers in both (15)N (Δ(15)N = 1.5‰) and (13)C (Δ(13)C =1.1‰), while, compared to muscle, milk is enriched in (15)N (Δ(15)N = 0.3‰) but depleted in (13)C (Δ(13)C = -0.62‰). This pattern is consistent with that previously observed for other species that, like the fin whale, rely on endogenous energy during reproduction, and it substantiates a general difference in the physiological processing of nitrogen and carbon balances between income and capital breeders. These findings are relevant to the understanding of the energetic balance of mammals during gestation and lactation and are central when inferences on trophic ecology are drawn from isotopic values of reproductive females.
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Grande M, Jansen FAR, Blumenfeld YJ, Fisher A, Odibo AO, Haak MC, Borrell A. Genomic microarray in fetuses with increased nuchal translucency and normal karyotype: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2015; 46:650-658. [PMID: 25900824 DOI: 10.1002/uog.14880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the incremental yield of detecting copy number variants (CNVs) by genomic microarray over karyotyping in fetuses with increased nuchal translucency (NT) diagnosed by first-trimester ultrasound. METHODS This was a systematic review conducted in accordance with PRISMA criteria. We searched PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE and Web of Science for studies published between January 2009 and January 2015 that described CNVs in fetuses with increased NT, usually defined as ≥ 3.5 mm, and normal karyotype. Search terms included: fetal or prenatal, nuchal translucency or cystic hygroma or ultrasound anomaly, array comparative genomic hybridization or copy number variants, with related search terms. Risk differences were pooled to estimate the overall and stratified microarray incremental yield using RevMan. Quality assessment of included studies was performed using the Quality Assessment tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) checklist. RESULTS Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Meta-analysis indicated an incremental yield of 5.0% (95% CI, 2.0-8.0%) for the detection of CNVs using microarray when pooling results. Stratified analysis of microarray results demonstrated a 4.0% (95% CI, 2.0-7.0%) incremental yield in cases of isolated NT and 7.0% (95% CI, 2.0-12.0%) when other malformations were present. The most common pathogenic CNVs reported were 22q11.2 deletion, 22q11.2 duplication, 10q26.12q26.3 deletion and 12q21q22 deletion. The pooled prevalence for variants of uncertain significance was 1%. CONCLUSION The use of genomic microarray provides a 5.0% incremental yield of detecting CNVs in fetuses with increased NT and normal karyotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Grande
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - F A R Jansen
- Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Y J Blumenfeld
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - A Fisher
- Elliot Health System, Manchester, NH, USA
| | - A O Odibo
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - M C Haak
- Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - A Borrell
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Pinela AM, Borrell A, Aguilar A. Variation in δ15 N and δ13 C stable isotope values in common dolphins (Delphinus spp.) worldwide, with particular emphasis on the eastern North Atlantic populations. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2015; 29:855-863. [PMID: 26377013 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.7173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Distinguishing population units of small cetaceans continuously distributed in a widespread area is challenging but critical for their conservation and management. The use of chemical markers allows the investigation of foraging ecology and inter-specific variability, in order to detect population structure and niche segregation in the common dolphin (Delphinus spp.). METHODS The stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ(13)C values) and nitrogen (δ(15)N values) were measured in the bone tissue of common dolphins accidentally by-caught or stranded along the north-eastern and eastern Subtropical Atlantic Ocean, by means of continuous flow elemental analyser/isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Trophic positions were determined and compared, taking into account the local ecosystem trophic baseline for each study area. Data obtained for the study areas were qualitatively compared with those for common dolphin species/populations distributed worldwide. RESULTS The δ(13)C and δ(15)N values were higher in the eastern Subtropical Atlantic as a consequence of the coexistence in the area of the common dolphin short- and long-beaked morphotypes. Individuals from the north-eastern Atlantic displayed lower δ(15)N values, reflecting dissimilarities in diet and variation in local isotopic baselines. Comparisons with other areas around the world suggest that the species is extremely adaptive and feeds at different trophic levels to adapt to local variations. CONCLUSIONS Stable isotopes are a useful tool to investigate population structure and trophic niche segregation. The trophic behaviour of worldwide populations of common dolphins was fruitfully analysed and revealed substantial differences, probably reflective of both adaptive strategies of the genus and dissimilarities in the structure of the ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Pinela
- Department of Animal Biology and Biodiversity Research Institute (IrBio), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Borrell
- Department of Animal Biology and Biodiversity Research Institute (IrBio), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Aguilar
- Department of Animal Biology and Biodiversity Research Institute (IrBio), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Borrell A, Stergiotou I. Cell-free DNA testing: inadequate implementation of an outstanding technique. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2015; 45:508-511. [PMID: 25612166 DOI: 10.1002/uog.14795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Borrell
- Maternal Fetal Department, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Vighi M, García-Nisa I, Borrell A, Aguilar A. The fin whale, a marine top consumer, exposes strengths and weaknesses of the use of fluoride as ecological tracer. Chemosphere 2015; 127:229-237. [PMID: 25746921 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Fluoride is retained in bone tissues of animals and its availability in the environment varies between regions according to natural and anthropogenic sources. These properties suggest this element as a suitable tracer of origin, distribution or movements of animals. In marine environments, krill builds-up fluoride concentrations that are transferred to its predators. In this study we examine the ability of bone fluoride concentrations to discriminate two separate populations of a krill consumer, the fin whale. Background levels of the sampling areas (Western Iceland and North-Western Spain) were determined through the analysis of krill samples. As expected, due to the high load of volcanic-derived fluoride in Icelandic waters, krill from W Iceland showed much higher fluoride concentrations than that from NW Spain. Concentrations in whales' bone were correlated with sex and age, increasing linearly with age in females and showing significantly lower values and a different age-related pattern of accumulation in males. Fluoride concentrations in whales' bone were much higher than in krill, indicating accumulation of the element but, rather unexpectedly, the area of origin had no influence on concentrations. This apparent contradiction may be explained either by the integration in bone of food consumed in other areas, or by the activation of homeostatic responses at very high levels of fluoride exposure. It is concluded that fluoride can be a useful tracer only if age and sex data are integrated into the analysis, year-round information on diet is available and/or the investigated population is exposed to mild levels of this element.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgana Vighi
- Department of Animal Biology and Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - I García-Nisa
- Department of Animal Biology and Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Borrell
- Department of Animal Biology and Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Aguilar
- Department of Animal Biology and Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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Borrell A, Clusa M, Aguilar A, Drago M. Use of epidermis for the monitoring of tissular trace elements in Mediterranean striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba). Chemosphere 2015; 122:288-294. [PMID: 25532773 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.10.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Revised: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Trace elements accumulate in epidermis, liver, kidney and muscle tissues in cetaceans. However, contrarily to internal tissues, epidermis can be sampled using minimally-invasive techniques. We investigate the patterns of trace element tissue concentrations in relation to individual sex and length and the degree of inter-tissue equilibrium between epidermis and the main internal organs of the Mediterranean striped dolphin. With it, we aim to test whether epidermis is a suitable tissue to predict trace element concentrations of internal tissues in cetaceans. We focused on trace elements with high potential toxicity (mercury and cadmium) or biological significance (zinc, copper and selenium). In contrast to what was found for Cu and Zn, the concentrations of Hg, Cd and Se in epidermis were positively correlated with the levels found in the internal tissues sampled probably due to their capacity to bioaccumulate. Thus, we conclude that sampling and analysing epidermis is appropriate to monitor and predict the concentrations of Hg, Cd and Se in internal tissues but not for Cu and Zn.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Borrell
- Department of Animal Biology and Biodiversity Research Institute (IrBio), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - M Clusa
- Department of Animal Biology and Biodiversity Research Institute (IrBio), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Aguilar
- Department of Animal Biology and Biodiversity Research Institute (IrBio), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Drago
- Department of Animal Biology and Biodiversity Research Institute (IrBio), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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Mula R, Grande M, Bennasar M, Crispi F, Borobio V, Martinez JM, Gratacos E, Borrell A. Further insights into diastolic dysfunction in first-trimester trisomy-21 fetuses. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2015; 45:205-210. [PMID: 24706444 DOI: 10.1002/uog.13380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Revised: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess fetal cardiac function in first-trimester trisomy-21 fetuses as compared with fetuses with other aneuploidies, euploid fetuses with cardiac defects or isolated increased nuchal translucency (NT) and controls. METHODS During a 2.5-year period, NT, ductus venosus (DV) blood flow, diastolic filling time, early filling time, tricuspid flow, tricuspid and mitral valve E/A velocity ratios, left ventricle shortening fraction, left myocardial performance index and fetal heart rate were assessed in fetuses with a crown-rump length between 45 and 84 mm undergoing chorionic villus sampling at our center. Cardiac parameters among study groups were compared with the use of 95% CIs. RESULTS The study population comprised 28 fetuses with trisomy 21, 25 with other aneuploidies, 94 euploid fetuses with abnormal findings (27 with cardiac defects, 31 with other structural anomalies and 36 with isolated increased NT) and 271 controls. Trisomy-21 fetuses showed signs of diastolic dysfunction such as increased DV pulsatility index and E/A ratios together with a higher prevalence of tricuspid regurgitation. However, no differences were found in euploid fetuses with cardiac defects or isolated increased NT. CONCLUSIONS No signs of cardiac dysfunction were observed in euploid fetuses with increased NT or cardiac defects, while in trisomy-21 fetuses signs of diastolic dysfunction could be potentially attributed to volume overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mula
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Department, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Peng L, Adler M, Demogines A, Borrell A, Liu H, Tao L, Tepp WH, Zhang SC, Johnson EA, Sawyer SL, Dong M. 157. Variations in VAMP1 across vertebrates suggest a potential selective pressure from botulinum neurotoxins. Toxicon 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.11.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Jansen FAR, Blumenfeld YJ, Fisher A, Cobben JM, Odibo AO, Borrell A, Haak MC. Array comparative genomic hybridization and fetal congenital heart defects: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2015; 45:27-35. [PMID: 25319878 DOI: 10.1002/uog.14695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) is a molecular cytogenetic technique that is able to detect the presence of copy number variants (CNVs) within the genome. The detection rate of imbalances by aCGH compared to standard karyotyping and 22q11 microdeletion analysis by fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), in the setting of prenatally-diagnosed cardiac malformations, has been reported in several studies. The objective of our study was to perform a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to document the additional diagnostic gain of using aCGH in cases of congenital heart disease (CHD) diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound examination, with the aim of assisting clinicians to determine whether aCGH analysis is warranted when an ultrasonographic diagnosis of CHD is made, and to guide counseling in this setting. METHODS Articles in PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases from January 2007 to September 2014 describing CNVs in prenatal cases of CHD were included. Search terms were: 'array comparative genomic hybridization', 'copy number variants' and 'fetal congenital heart defects'. Articles regarding karyotyping or 22q11 deletion only were excluded. RESULTS Thirteen publications (including 1131 cases of CHD) met the inclusion criteria for the analysis. Meta-analysis indicated an incremental yield of 7.0% (95% CI, 5.3-8.6%) for the detection of CNVs using aCGH, excluding aneuploidy and 22q11 microdeletion cases. Subgroup results showed a 3.4% (95% CI, 0.3-6.6%) incremental yield in isolated CHD cases, and 9.3% (95% CI, 6.6-12%) when extracardiac malformations were present. Overall, an incremental yield of 12% (95% CI, 7.6-16%) was found when 22q11 deletion cases were included. There was an additional yield of 3.4% (95% CI, 2.1-4.6%) for detecting variants of unknown significance (VOUS). CONCLUSIONS In this review we provide an overview of published data and discuss the benefits and limitations of using aCGH. If karyotyping and 22q11 microdeletion analysis by FISH are normal, using aCGH has additional value, detecting pathogenic CNVs in 7.0% of prenatally diagnosed CHD, with a 3.4% additional yield of detecting VOUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- F A R Jansen
- Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Cruz-Lemini M, Parra-Saavedra M, Borobio V, Bennasar M, Goncé A, Martínez JM, Borrell A. How to perform an amniocentesis. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014; 44:727-731. [PMID: 25449117 DOI: 10.1002/uog.14680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M Cruz-Lemini
- Prenatal Diagnosis Unit, Institut Clínic de Ginecología, Obstetricia i Neonatología (ICGON), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Peng L, Adler M, Demogines A, Borrell A, Liu H, Tao L, Tepp WH, Zhang SC, Johnson EA, Sawyer SL, Dong M. Widespread sequence variations in VAMP1 across vertebrates suggest a potential selective pressure from botulinum neurotoxins. PLoS Pathog 2014; 10:e1004177. [PMID: 25010769 PMCID: PMC4092145 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 04/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT/A-G), the most potent toxins known, act by cleaving three SNARE proteins required for synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Previous studies on BoNTs have generally utilized the major SNARE homologues expressed in brain (VAMP2, syntaxin 1, and SNAP-25). However, BoNTs target peripheral motor neurons and cause death by paralyzing respiratory muscles such as the diaphragm. Here we report that VAMP1, but not VAMP2, is the SNARE homologue predominantly expressed in adult rodent diaphragm motor nerve terminals and in differentiated human motor neurons. In contrast to the highly conserved VAMP2, BoNT-resistant variations in VAMP1 are widespread across vertebrates. In particular, we identified a polymorphism at position 48 of VAMP1 in rats, which renders VAMP1 either resistant (I48) or sensitive (M48) to BoNT/D. Taking advantage of this finding, we showed that rat diaphragms with I48 in VAMP1 are insensitive to BoNT/D compared to rat diaphragms with M48 in VAMP1. This unique intra-species comparison establishes VAMP1 as a physiological toxin target in diaphragm motor nerve terminals, and demonstrates that the resistance of VAMP1 to BoNTs can underlie the insensitivity of a species to members of BoNTs. Consistently, human VAMP1 contains I48, which may explain why humans are insensitive to BoNT/D. Finally, we report that residue 48 of VAMP1 varies frequently between M and I across seventeen closely related primate species, suggesting a potential selective pressure from members of BoNTs for resistance in vertebrates. Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) target peripheral motor neurons and act by cleaving SNARE proteins, which are essential for neurotransmitter release from nerve terminals. SNARE proteins occur in multiple homologues and it has been difficult to determine which one is the physiologically relevant toxin target in motor nerve terminals among closely related SNARE homologues such as VAMP1 and VAMP2. Here we report that, in contrast to the highly conserved VAMP2, sequence variations in VAMP1 that confer resistance to BoNTs are widespread across vertebrates. In particular, residue 48 of VAMP1 is polymorphic between BoNT/D-sensitive residue M and BoNT/D-resistant residue I in rats. Taking advantage of this finding, we carried out an intra-species comparison, which showed that diaphragm motor nerve terminals from rats with I48 in VAMP1 were insensitive to BoNT/D as compared to those with M48. Since VAMP2 is conserved in rats, these data demonstrate that VAMP1 is the physiologically relevant toxin target in motor neurons. Interestingly, human VAMP1 encodes the BoNT/D-resistant residue I48, which may explain why humans are insensitive to BoNT/D. Finally, we found that residue 48 of VAMP1 switches frequently between M and I among 17 primate species, suggesting a potential selective pressure from BoNT/D for resistance in primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisheng Peng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School and Division of Neuroscience, New England Primate Research Center, Southborough, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Michael Adler
- Neurobehavioral Toxicology Branch, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Aberdeen, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MA); (SLS); (MD)
| | - Ann Demogines
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Andrew Borrell
- Neurobehavioral Toxicology Branch, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Aberdeen, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Huisheng Liu
- Waisman Center, Department of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Liang Tao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School and Division of Neuroscience, New England Primate Research Center, Southborough, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - William H. Tepp
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Su-Chun Zhang
- Waisman Center, Department of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Eric A. Johnson
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Sara L. Sawyer
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MA); (SLS); (MD)
| | - Min Dong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School and Division of Neuroscience, New England Primate Research Center, Southborough, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MA); (SLS); (MD)
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Borrell A, Aguilar A, Tornero V, Drago M. Concentrations of mercury in tissues of striped dolphins suggest decline of pollution in Mediterranean open waters. Chemosphere 2014; 107:319-323. [PMID: 24461428 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.12.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Revised: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/29/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The Mediterranean is a semi-enclosed sea subject to high mercury (Hg) pollution from both natural and anthropogenic sources. With the objective of discerning temporal changes in marine Hg pollution in the oceanic waters of the northwestern Mediterranean Sea, we analysed liver and kidney from striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) collected during 2007-2009 and compared them with previous results from a similar sample from 1990-1993. The effect of body length and sex on tissue Hg concentrations was investigated to ensure an unbiased comparison between the periods. The Hg concentrations did not show significant sex-related differences in any tissue or period but were correlated positively with body length. Using body length as a covariate, Hg concentrations in liver and kidney were higher in 1990-1993 than in 2007-2009. This result suggests that measures to reduce emissions in Western European countries have been effective in reducing mercury pollution in Mediterranean open waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Borrell
- Department of Animal Biology and Institute of Biodiversity (IRBIO), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - A Aguilar
- Department of Animal Biology and Institute of Biodiversity (IRBIO), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, Spain
| | - V Tornero
- Department of Animal Biology and Institute of Biodiversity (IRBIO), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Drago
- Department of Animal Biology and Institute of Biodiversity (IRBIO), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, Spain
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Grande M, Solernou R, Ferrer L, Borobio V, Jimenez JM, Bennasar M, Soler A, Borrell A. Is nuchal translucency a useful aneuploidy marker in fetuses with crown-rump length of 28-44 mm? Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014; 43:520-524. [PMID: 24006271 DOI: 10.1002/uog.13203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2012] [Revised: 01/22/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether increased nuchal translucency (NT) in fetuses with a crown-rump length (CRL) below 45 mm needs to be re-evaluated at a later stage, or whether the early NT measurement can be used effectively as an aneuploidy marker. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study including all singleton fetuses with a CRL between 28 and 44 mm, scanned in our center during 2002-2012. The CRL, NT, fetal karyotype (when available) and pregnancy outcome were recorded. NT reference ranges were constructed using the Lambda-Mu-Sigma (LMS) method in non-referred pregnancies after exclusion of chromosomal anomalies. The 95(th) percentile was used to calculate detection rates for chromosomally abnormal fetuses. RESULTS NT was successfully measured in 643 of 672 fetuses with a CRL of 28-44 mm. Subsequent cytogenetic analysis revealed 11 cases of trisomy 21, 14 cases of trisomy 13 or 18, three cases of monosomy X, three sex trisomies, three triploidies and 12 balanced anomalies. NT was above the 95(th) percentile in 64% of the fetuses with trisomy 21, in 71% with trisomy 13 or 18 and in all three cases of monosomy X. CONCLUSION NT appears to be useful as a marker for the early detection of fetal trisomies at 9-10 weeks' gestation (28-44 mm CRL).
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Affiliation(s)
- M Grande
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
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Grande M, Borobio V, Jimenez JM, Bennasar M, Stergiotou I, Penarrubia J, Borrell A. Antral follicle count as a marker of ovarian biological age to reflect the background risk of fetal aneuploidy. Hum Reprod 2014; 29:1337-43. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Lowery CA, Adler M, Borrell A, Janda KD. Scorpion toxins for the reversal of BoNT-induced paralysis. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2013; 23:6743-6. [PMID: 24252544 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2013.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Revised: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The botulinum neurotoxins, characterized by their neuromuscular paralytic effects, are the most toxic proteins known to man. Due to their extreme potency, ease of production, and duration of activity, the BoNT proteins have been classified by the Centers for Disease Control as high threat agents for bioterrorism. In an attempt to discover effective BoNT therapeutics, we have pursued a strategy in which we leverage the blockade of K(+) channels that ultimately results in the reversal of neuromuscular paralysis. Towards this end, we utilized peptides derived from scorpion venom that are highly potent K(+) channel blockers. Herein, we report the synthesis of charybdotoxin, a 37 amino acid peptide, and detail its activity, along with iberiotoxin and margatoxin, in a mouse phrenic nerve hemidiaphragm assay in the absence and the presence of BoNT/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin A Lowery
- Department of Chemistry, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Department of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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Borrell A, Stergiotou I. Miscarriage in contemporary maternal-fetal medicine: targeting clinical dilemmas. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2013; 42:491-497. [PMID: 23436575 DOI: 10.1002/uog.12442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2012] [Revised: 02/04/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Borrell
- Prenatal Diagnosis Unit, Maternal Fetal Department, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Maternitat Campus, Sabino Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Borrell A, Grande M, Bennasar M, Borobio V, Jimenez JM, Stergiotou I, Martinez JM, Cuckle H. First-trimester detection of major cardiac defects with the use of ductus venosus blood flow. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2013; 42:51-57. [PMID: 23152003 DOI: 10.1002/uog.12349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Revised: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the best method of combining fetal nuchal translucency (NT) and ductus venosus (DV) blood flow measurements in the detection of major cardiac defects in chromosomally normal fetuses during the first-trimester scan. METHODS During an 8-year period NT and DV blood flow were routinely assessed at 11-14 weeks' gestation. Only chromosomally normal singleton pregnancies were included in the study. When a cardiac defect was suspected, or when increased fetal NT and/or absent or reversed (AR) A-wave in the DV was observed, early fetal echocardiography was offered. Data on routine second- and third-trimester scans, neonatal follow-up or postmortem examination were obtained from hospital records. The detection and false-positive rates for all major cardiac defects were calculated for several screening strategies, including: NT or DV pulsatility index for veins (DV-PIV) above a fixed normal centile; AR A-wave; risk based on NT and DV-PIV or A-wave velocity above a fixed normal centile; and combinations of these strategies. RESULTS The study population included 37 chromosomally normal fetuses with a major cardiac defect and 12 799 unaffected pregnancies. Fetal NT above the 95(th) or the 99(th) centile and AR A-wave was observed in 40, 27 and 39% of the fetuses with major cardiac defects, respectively. A 47% detection rate with a 2.7% false-positive rate was obtained when AR A-wave or NT above the 99(th) centile was used as the selection criterion. CONCLUSIONS Half of major fetal cardiac defects could be detected in the first trimester if NT and DV Doppler are used to select 2.7% of the general pregnant population for extended fetal echocardiography.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Borrell
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Christopher J, Christopher M, Jennings R, Jones S, Fletcher S, Borrell A, Manschadi AM, Jordan D, Mace E, Hammer G. QTL for root angle and number in a population developed from bread wheats (Triticum aestivum) with contrasting adaptation to water-limited environments. Theor Appl Genet 2013; 126:1563-74. [PMID: 23525632 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-013-2074-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 02/23/2013] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Root architecture traits in wheat are important in deep soil moisture acquisition and may be used to improve adaptation to water-limited environments. The genetic architecture of two root traits, seminal root angle and seminal root number, were investigated using a doubled haploid population derived from SeriM82 and Hartog. Multiple novel quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified, each one having a modest effect. For seminal root angle, four QTL (-log10(P) >3) were identified on 2A, 3D, 6A and 6B, and two suggestive QTL (-log10(P) >2) on 5D and 6B. For root number, two QTL were identified on 4A and 6A with four suggestive QTL on 1B, 3A, 3B and 4A. QTL for root angle and root number did not co-locate. Transgressive segregation was found for both traits. Known major height and phenology loci appear to have little effect on root angle and number. Presence or absence of the T1BL.1RS translocation did not significantly influence root angle. Broad sense heritability (h (2)) was estimated as 50 % for root angle and 31 % for root number. Root angle QTL were found to be segregating between wheat cultivars adapted to the target production region indicating potential to select for root angle in breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Christopher
- University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Leslie Research Facility, PO Box 2282, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia.
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Garcia-Posada R, Eixarch E, Sanz M, Puerto B, Figueras F, Borrell A. Cisterna magna width at 11-13 weeks in the detection of posterior fossa anomalies. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2013; 41:515-520. [PMID: 22991053 DOI: 10.1002/uog.12302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/07/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To construct reference ranges for cisterna magna (CM) width at 11-13 weeks' gestation in healthy fetuses and determine whether open spina bifida and posterior fossa anomalies could be diagnosed in the first trimester. METHODS This was a retrospective study. CM width reference ranges were constructed based on the measurements obtained from 80 healthy fetuses with normal postnatal outcome undergoing routine first-trimester ultrasound at 11-13 weeks, using the Lambda-Mu-Sigma method. CM was measured in the fetal mid-sagittal view, as routinely used for nuchal translucency assessment. In addition, first-trimester ultrasound images in 11 fetuses with open spina bifida or posterior fossa anomalies, most of which were diagnosed later in pregnancy, were retrospectively reviewed, and CM measurements were compared against reference ranges. RESULTS CM width was noted to increase with gestational age in normal fetuses. The anomalies in the 11 fetuses we reviewed were: open spina bifida (n = 5), megacisterna magna (n = 3), Blake's pouch cyst (n = 2) and posterior fossa arachnoid cyst (n = 1). All fetuses with open spina bifida had a CM width below the 5(th) percentile. In the two fetuses with Blake's pouch cyst and in two with megacisterna magna, CM width was above the 95(th) percentile. In one of the fetuses with a megacisterna magna and the one with an arachnoid cyst, CM width was within normal range. CONCLUSION We have constructed reference ranges for CM width at 11-13 weeks using the mid-sagittal view. It appears that first-trimester CM width can be used as a marker for the early detection of open spina bifida. However, our findings need to be confirmed in prospective large series.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Garcia-Posada
- Maternal-Fetal Department, Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, IDIBAPS Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona Medical School, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Grande M, Ordoñez E, Cirigliano V, Cid J, Grau E, Pericot A, Teixido I, Marin JL, Borrell A. Clinical application of midtrimester non-invasive fetal RHD genotyping and identification of RHD variants in a mixed-ethnic population. Prenat Diagn 2012; 33:173-8. [PMID: 23280558 DOI: 10.1002/pd.4035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the suitability of non-invasive prenatal RHD genotyping in non-immunized midtrimester pregnant women from a mixed ethnic population, to prevent unnecessary anti-D immunoglobulin prophylaxis and to identify RHD variants METHODS Rhesus D-negative pregnant women were offered fetal RHD genotyping at 24 gestational weeks. A total of 284 samples were tested for RHD status using multiplex rt-PCR amplification of exons 5 and 7 of the RHD gene and exons 6 and 10 in selected cases. Women carrying RHD-negative fetuses were counseled about their option to avoid routine antenatal anti-D immunoglobulin administration. Diagnostic accuracy of RHD genotyping was compared with postnatal Rhesus D serotyping. RESULTS A total of 184 positives (65%), 91 negatives (32%) and 7 cases (2.5%) compatibles with RHD variants were detected by RHD genotyping. No false negative results were found, and a single false positive was observed in a twin pregnancy. Genotyping was accepted when offered by 94% of women (284/302), and anti-D immunoglobulin was avoided in 95% (90/95) of RHD-negative fetuses. CONCLUSIONS Non-invasive routine antenatal RHD genotyping at 24 weeks of pregnancy is a highly accurate method, resulting in the avoidance of 95% of unnecessary administrations of anti-D immunoglobulin, with no false negative results.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Grande
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Institute Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Borrell A, Abad-Oliva N, Gómez-Campos E, Giménez J, Aguilar A. Discrimination of stable isotopes in fin whale tissues and application to diet assessment in cetaceans. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2012; 26:1596-602. [PMID: 22693115 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.6267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE In stable isotope research, the use of accurate, species-specific diet-tissue discrimination factors (i.e., Δ(13)C and Δ(15)N) is central to the estimation of trophic position relative to primary consumers and to the identification of the dietary sources of an individual. Previous research suggested that the diet of fin whales from the waters off northwestern Spain is overwhelmingly based on krill, thus permitting reliable calculation of discrimination values in this wild population. METHODS After confirming that the stable isotope ratios (δ(13)C and δ(15)N values) in muscle from 65 aged fin whales remained constant through age classes (4-65 years), the signatures were determined in muscle, bone protein, skin, liver, kidney, baleen plates and brain, as well as food (krill), from a subset of individuals to calculate discrimination factors. Signatures were determined by means of elemental analysis isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA-IRMS) using a ThermoFinnigan Flash 1112. RESULTS The isotopic values remained constant regardless of age. The mean Δ(15)N values between krill and whale tissues ranged from 2.04 in bone protein to 4.27‰ in brain, and those of Δ(13)C ranged from 1.28 in skin to 3.11‰ in bone protein. This variation was consistent with that found in other groups of mammals, and is attributed to variation in tissue composition and physiology. CONCLUSIONS Because discrimination factors are relatively constant between taxonomically close species, the results here obtained may be reliably extrapolated to other cetaceans to improve dietary reconstructions. The skin discrimination factors are of particular relevance to monitoring diet through biopsies or other non-destructive sampling methods. The large difference in bone protein discrimination factors from those of other tissues should be taken into consideration when bone collagen is used to determine trophic level or to assess diet in paleodietary isotopic reconstructions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Borrell
- Biodiversity Research Institute (IrBio) and Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Adler M, Deshpande SS, Apland JP, Murray B, Borrell A. Reversal of BoNT/A-mediated inhibition of muscle paralysis by 3,4-diaminopyridine and roscovitine in mouse phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparations. Neurochem Int 2012; 61:866-73. [PMID: 22841859 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2012.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2012] [Revised: 07/02/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) comprise a family of neurotoxic proteins synthesized by anaerobic bacteria of the genus Clostridium. Each neurotoxin consists of two polypeptide chains: a 100kDa heavy chain, responsible for binding and internalization into the nerve terminal of cholinergic motoneurons and a 50kDa light chain that mediates cleavage of specific synaptic proteins in the host nerve terminal. Exposure to BoNT leads to cessation of voltage- and Ca(2+)-dependent acetylcholine (ACh) release, resulting in flaccid paralysis which may be protracted and potentially fatal. There are no approved therapies for BoNT intoxication once symptoms appear, and specific inhibitors of the light chain developed to date have not been able to reverse the consequences of BoNT intoxication. An alternative approach for treatment of botulism is to focus on compounds that act by enhancing ACh release. To this end, we examined the action of the K(+) channel blocker 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP) in isolated mouse hemidiaphragm muscles intoxicated with 5pM BoNT/A. 3,4-DAP restored tension within 1-3min of application, and was effective even in totally paralyzed muscle. The Ca(2+) channel activator (R)-roscovitine (Ros) potentiated the action of 3,4-DAP, allowing for use of lower concentrations of the K(+) channel blocker. In the absence of 3,4-DAP, Ros was unable to augment tension in BoNT/A-intoxicated muscle. This is the first report demonstrating the efficacy of the combination of 3,4-DAP and Ros for the potential treatment of BoNT/A-mediated muscle paralysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Adler
- Neurobehavioral Toxicology Branch, Analytical Toxicology Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, 3100 Ricketts Point Road, APG, MD 21010-5400, USA.
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Muñoz-Cortes M, Arigita M, Falguera G, Seres A, Guix D, Baldrich E, Acera A, Torrent A, Rodriguez-Veret A, Lopez-Quesada E, Garcia-Moreno R, Gonce A, Borobio V, Borrell A. Contingent screening for Down syndrome completed in the first trimester: a multicenter study. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2012; 39:396-400. [PMID: 21674658 DOI: 10.1002/uog.9075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess a new contingent screening strategy for Down syndrome completed in the first trimester. METHODS First-trimester screening combining nuchal translucency thickness measurement and assessment of serum analytes (combined test) was offered to pregnant women who presented for prenatal care during the first trimester to nine health centers and community hospitals in the area served by the Catalan Public Health Service. If an intermediate risk (1/101-1/1000) for Down syndrome was identified, women were referred to the Hospital Clinic Barcelona for risk reassessment that included the use of secondary ultrasound markers (nasal bone, ductus venosus blood flow and tricuspid flow). Intermediate-risk women were divided into two subgroups for further analysis: high-intermediate risk (1/101-1/250) and low-intermediate risk (1/251-1/1000). We compared feasibility and efficacy of both combined and contingent screening strategies. RESULTS The combined test, the first screening stage, was performed in 16 001 pregnant women, of whom 1617 (10.1%) were found to have an intermediate risk. Further division of this group showed that 1.8% (n = 289) of women were at high-intermediate risk and 8.3% (n = 1328) at low-intermediate risk. The contingent screening strategy significantly reduced the false-positive rate, from 3.0% to 1.3-1.8% (P < 0.001), without affecting the detection rate (which was 75-79% and 76%, with and without the contingent screening strategy, respectively). However, only 45% of intermediate-risk patients underwent the second screening step due to a preference among high-intermediate-risk (1/101-1/250) women for invasive testing and to low uptake among low-intermediate-risk (1/251-1/1000) women. CONCLUSIONS The proposed first-trimester contingent strategy reduces the screen false-positive rate without impacting on the detection rate of Down syndrome. The low compliance observed in our study may prevent its use in certain populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Muñoz-Cortes
- Prenatal Diagnosis Unit, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Grande M, Arigita M, Borobio V, Jimenez JM, Fernandez S, Borrell A. First-trimester detection of structural abnormalities and the role of aneuploidy markers. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2012; 39:157-163. [PMID: 21845742 DOI: 10.1002/uog.10070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the sensitivity of first-trimester ultrasound for diagnosing different structural anomalies in chromosomally normal pregnancies, and to establish the role of aneuploidy markers in the detection of abnormalities. METHODS This was a retrospective study of chromosomally normal singleton pregnancies with an 11-14-week scan performed in our center during 2002-2009. The ultrasound examination included an early fetal anatomy survey and assessment of nuchal translucency, ductus venosus blood flow and nasal bone. RESULTS Among 13 723 scanned first-trimester pregnancies with no genetic anomalies and complete follow-up, 439 fetuses (3.2%) were found to present with structural anomalies (194 with major anomalies and 245 with only minor anomalies). Forty-nine per cent of major structural anomalies were detected during the first-trimester scan, the highest rates corresponding to acrania (17/17), holoprosencephaly (three of three), hypoplastic left heart syndrome (10/10), omphalocele (six of six), megacystis (seven of eight) and hydrops (eight of nine). Higher than expected detection rates were obtained for skeletal (69%) and cardiac (57%) defects, coincidentally showing the highest presence of an increased nuchal translucency or abnormal ductus venosus blood flow (38% and 52%, respectively). The finding of an absent nasal bone did not appear to be associated with structural defects. CONCLUSION About half of major structural abnormalities can be diagnosed in the first trimester. Increased nuchal translucency or abnormal ductus venosus blood flow appear to be associated with cardiac and skeletal defects and may facilitate early detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Grande
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Mula R, Goncé A, Bennásar M, Arigita M, Meler E, Nadal A, Sánchez A, Botet F, Borrell A. Increased nuchal translucency and normal karyotype: perinatal and pediatric outcomes at 2 years of age. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2012; 39:34-41. [PMID: 21837766 DOI: 10.1002/uog.10059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the perinatal and pediatric outcomes up to 2 years of age in singleton karyotypically normal fetuses with increased nuchal translucency (NT) above the 99(th) percentile. METHODS Singleton fetuses with NT above the 99(th) percentile and normal karyotype scanned in our center from 2002 to 2006 were included. Work-up included first- and second-trimester anomaly scan, first- and second-trimester fetal echocardiography, and in selected cases infection screening and genetic testing. Among survivors, a pediatric follow-up up to 2 years of age was undertaken. RESULTS During this 4-year period, 171 singleton fetuses with NT above the 99(th) percentile and normal karyotype were included in the study. There were seven spontaneous fetal losses, 38 terminations of pregnancy and two postnatal deaths. Among the 124 (72.5%) survivors, 12 (9.7%) were born with structural abnormalities. Neurodevelopmental follow-up was completed in 108 (87.1%) of the 124 survivors and four (3.7%) showed moderate to severe impairment. Overall, a structural abnormality or genetic syndrome was diagnosed in 50 fetuses/newborns. Prenatal diagnosis was achieved for 83.8% (31/37) of the structural abnormalities and 69.2% (9/13) of the genetic syndromes. Interestingly, a single umbilical artery was found in six fetuses with no structural defects at birth, five of which had a long-term favorable outcome (4.5%), and in one 22q11 microdeletion syndrome was diagnosed at 2 years of age. CONCLUSION Singleton fetuses with an increased NT above the 99(th) percentile and normal karyotype showed a 63% intact survival. Long-term neurodevelopmental outcome among survivors did not appear to differ from that reported for the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mula
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Sabrià J, Barceló-Vidal C, Arigita M, Jimenez JM, Puerto B, Borrell A. The CUSUM test applied in prospective nuchal translucency quality review. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2011; 37:582-587. [PMID: 21520314 DOI: 10.1002/uog.8860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To design a cumulative sum (CUSUM) test for prospective nuchal translucency (NT) measurement quality review that is as stringent as the retrospective quality review methods based on distribution parameters currently in use. METHODS The database including all fetal NT measurements obtained during a 2-year period in a single center was reviewed, and measurements obtained by sonologists who measured fewer than 100 cases were excluded. The NT distribution parameters proposed by The Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) and the Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island (WIHRI) were assessed in the whole NT series and in sonologist-specific distributions. A previously described CUSUM model was adapted to fulfil our objective. RESULTS Two thousand four hundred and seventy-five NT measurements were obtained by seven sonologists during the study period (January 2007-December 2008). In the assessment of sonologist-specific NT distributions, two sonologists fulfilled all the FMF and WIHRI criteria, one showed NT overestimation and four failed due to NT underestimation. Our new CUSUM test model, based on multiples of the median deviations, showed good agreement with the FMF and WIHRI methods in the assessment of sonologist-specific performance. CONCLUSIONS Our CUSUM test model showed close agreement with the retrospective quality review methods based on distribution parameters currently in use, but with the advantage that it can be applied prospectively, allowing for earlier correction of deviations from target performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Sabrià
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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