From Stem Cells to Embryos, Congenital Anomalies and Epidemiology

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Epidemiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2024 | Viewed by 1839

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: histology; embryology; histopathology; cytology; cell culture
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54655 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: histology; embryology; histopathology (surgical anatomy)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54655 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: neuroscience; multiple sclerosis; experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis; intrathecal transplantation; stem cell differentiation; immunohistopathology; in situ hybridization; electron microscopy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This special issue explores the dynamic intersection of stem cell research, embryonic development, congenital anomalies, and their relationship with epidemiological factors. Stem cells, with their transformative potential, and the pathways of differentiation are central to understanding the earliest stages of human development. By investigating the intricacies of how stem cells differentiate and give rise to various cell types, researchers gain insights into the origins of congenital anomalies. Moreover, this special issue delves into the epidemiological factors that influence the prevalence and distribution of these anomalies. Globally, approximately 3% to 6% of newborns are affected by a significant birth defect each year. It's important to note that these statistics represent actual children and their families. Understanding how congenital anomalies affect different populations and how epidemiological factors play a role is essential for epidemiological surveillance, prediction and prevention through various measurements and prenatal screening of congenital anomalies and generally for tailored healthcare and intervention strategies.

Dr. Maria Eleni Manthou
Prof. Dr. Soultana Meditskou
Dr. Paschalis Theotokis
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Life is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • stem cell research
  • human embryonic development
  • birth defects epidemiology
  • birth defects prevalence
  • maternal and fetal medicine
  • congenital anomalies prevention
  • ultrasound evaluation
  • pre-birth assessment
  • prenatal screening
  • healthcare

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1303 KiB  
Article
Consequences of Maternal Vitamin D Deficiency on Newborn Health
by Ramona Elena Dragomir, Daniela Oana Toader, Daniela Elena Gheoca Mutu, Iulian Alexandru Dogaru, Laura Răducu, Laurențiu Cezar Tomescu, Lavinia Cristina Moleriu, Anca Bordianu, Ion Petre and Ruxandra Stănculescu
Life 2024, 14(6), 714; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14060714 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Maternal–fetal gestational pathology is one of the biggest challenges in the field of health at this moment. The current study is designed to determine the effects of vitamin D on pregnancy, starting with the idea that impairment of vitamin D [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Maternal–fetal gestational pathology is one of the biggest challenges in the field of health at this moment. The current study is designed to determine the effects of vitamin D on pregnancy, starting with the idea that impairment of vitamin D status is thought to be correlated with impairment of the newborn’s health. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, we tried to establish the link between vitamin D deficiency and maternal characteristics and also how it impacted the clinical status of the newborn. We analyzed a group of 260 patients: 130 pregnant women and 130 newborns, in whom vitamin D status was detected using the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-(OH)D). Results: The results showed that vitamin D deficiency has a high incidence among pregnant women, as was presented in many important international studies. Our study also showed a positive, direct correlation between the mother’s and newborn’s vitamin D status. Conclusions: Taking into consideration that vitamin D deficiency has been correlated with many complications, both in maternal and newborn health, a serum level determination of 25-(OH)D is necessary in the first trimester of pregnancy, and after that, adequate supplementation is necessary in order to prevent any negative effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Stem Cells to Embryos, Congenital Anomalies and Epidemiology)
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Review

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18 pages, 342 KiB  
Review
Gut Microbiota, Inflammation, and Probiotic Supplementation in Fetal Growth Restriction—A Comprehensive Review of Human and Animal Studies
by Naser A. Alsharairi and Li Li
Life 2023, 13(12), 2239; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13122239 - 21 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1602
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a pathological state that represents a fetus’s inability to achieve adequate growth during pregnancy. Several maternal, placental, and fetal factors are likely associated with FGR etiology. FGR is linked to severe fetal and neonatal complications, as well as [...] Read more.
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a pathological state that represents a fetus’s inability to achieve adequate growth during pregnancy. Several maternal, placental, and fetal factors are likely associated with FGR etiology. FGR is linked to severe fetal and neonatal complications, as well as adverse health consequences in adulthood. Numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated improved growth in FGR fetuses with promising treatment strategies such as maternal micronutrient, amino acid, and nitric oxide supplementation. Elevated inflammation in pregnant women diagnosed with FGR has been associated with an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Gut microbiota dysbiosis may result in increased FGR-related inflammation. Probiotic treatment may relieve FGR-induced inflammation and improve fetal growth. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the gut microbiota and inflammatory profiles associated with FGR and explore the potential of probiotics in treating FGR. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Stem Cells to Embryos, Congenital Anomalies and Epidemiology)
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