Fetal Viability
Pregnancy
Jurisprudence
Civil Rights
Abortion, Induced
Medical Device Legislation
Spouses
Orthopedics
Orthopedic Procedures
Shock, Septic
Risk Factors
The Caenorhabditis elegans mel-11 myosin phosphatase regulatory subunit affects tissue contraction in the somatic gonad and the embryonic epidermis and genetically interacts with the Rac signaling pathway. (1/189)
Caenorhabditis elegans embryonic elongation is driven by cell shape changes that cause a contraction of the epidermal cell layer enclosing the embryo. We have previously shown that this process requires a Rho-associated kinase (LET-502) and is opposed by the activity of a myosin phosphatase regulatory subunit (MEL-11). We now extend our characterization and show that mel-11 activity is required both in the epidermis during embryonic elongation and in the spermatheca of the adult somatic gonad. let-502 and mel-11 reporter gene constructs show reciprocal expression patterns in the embryonic epidermis and the spermatheca, and mutations of the two genes have opposite effects in these two tissues. These results are consistent with let-502 and mel-11 mediating tissue contraction and relaxation, respectively. We also find that mel-11 embryonic inviability is genetically enhanced by mutations in a Rac signaling pathway, suggesting that Rac potentiates or acts in parallel with the activity of the myosin phosphatase complex. Since Rho has been implicated in promoting cellular contraction, our results support a mechanism by which epithelial morphogenesis is regulated by the counteracting activities of Rho and Rac. (+info)Differential and inefficient splicing of a broadly expressed Drosophila erect wing transcript results in tissue-specific enrichment of the vital EWG protein isoform. (2/189)
In this report, we document an unusual mode of tissue-enriched gene expression that is primarily mediated by alternative and inefficient splicing. We have analyzed posttranscriptional regulation of the Drosophila erect wing gene, which provides a vital neuronal function and is essential for the formation of certain muscles. Its predominant protein product, the 116-kDa EWG protein, a putative transcriptional regulator, can provide all known erect wing-associated functions. Moreover, consistent with its function, the 116-kDa protein is highly enriched in neurons and is also observed transiently in migrating myoblasts. In contrast to the protein distribution, we observed that erect wing transcripts are present in comparable levels in neuron-enriched heads and neuron-poor bodies of adult Drosophila. Our analyses shows that erect wing transcript consists of 10 exons and is alternatively spliced and that a subset of introns are inefficiently spliced. We also show that the 116-kDa EWG protein-encoding splice isoform is head enriched. In contrast, bodies have lower levels of transcripts that can encode the 116-kDa protein and greater amounts of unprocessed erect wing RNA. Thus, the enrichment of the 116-kDa protein in heads is ensured by tissue-specific alternative and inefficient splicing and not by transcriptional regulation. Furthermore, this regulation is biologically important, as an increased level of the 116-kDa protein outside the nervous system is lethal. (+info)Interferon-gamma contributes to the normalcy of murine pregnancy. (3/189)
Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are transient, large, heavily granulated, maternal lymphocytes present on the mesometrial side of the pregnant mouse uterus. These cells contribute to normal implantation site development. Cytokine production, particularly interferon (IFN)-gamma, is a major function of most NK cell subsets. In this study, uNK cells were assessed for IFN-gamma production. Local concentrations of IFN-gamma were measured in the mesometrial regions of murine implantation sites between Days 6 and 16 of gestation. IFN-gamma was detected by ELISA at all days studied in a random-bred (CD1) and an inbred (BALB/c) strain of immune-competent mouse and in two immune-deficient strains, SCID (NK(+), T(-), B(-)) and tgepsilon26 (NK(-), T(-), B(+)). Concentrations of IFN-gamma per implantation site peaked at Day 10 of gestation in NK(+) strains but were low and relatively constant in NK(-) mice. To evaluate the functions of IFN-gamma at murine implantation sites, pregnancy was studied in homozygously mated IFN-gamma(-/-) and IFN-gammaRalpha(-/-) mice and their congenic controls. Primiparous but not multiparous IFN-gamma(-/-) mice experienced significant fetal loss. Primiparous IFN-gammaRalpha(-/-) carried full litters to term. Implantation site pathology was demonstrated in both strains of gene-deleted mice by light microscopy and ultrastructurally. This included elevated numbers of uNK cells that contained fewer and smaller granules and, after Day 10 of gestation, progressive necrosis and loss of decidua. The presence of a fetus able to produce IFN-gamma did not modify the phenotype of pregnant IFN-gamma(-/-) mice. This study indicates that during murine pregnancy, uNK cells are the main source of IFN-gamma on the mesometrial side of the uterus and that IFN-gamma contributes to normal health of the midgestational decidua. Furthermore, evidence is presented that IFN-gamma-producing cells exist in mesometrial regions of implantation sites that are neither NK nor T cells. (+info)Expression of the insulin-like growth factor-1 gene and its receptor in preimplantation mouse embryos; is it a marker of embryo viability? (4/189)
Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of insulin-like growth factors (IGF) in mouse preimplantation development. We examined IGF-1 and IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) gene expression in a single blastomere of an early mouse embryo and compared it with subsequent embryo development in culture. Fertilized eggs and 2-cell embryos were obtained by tubal flushing in superovulated and mated female mice. Single cells were removed from embryos at cleavage stage between 3 and 8 cells using the standard embryo biopsy techniques. Individual blastomeres from each embryo were then assayed for the presence of IGF-1 and IGF-1R mRNA using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The biopsied embryos were washed in medium and placed in co-culture with murine endometrial cells. Embryonic development in culture was assessed and blastocyst grading was performed. IGF-1 gene expression was then examined for an association with in-vitro development. Eighty-seven embryos were biopsied. IGF-1R gene expression was detected in the majority of embryos tested and IGF-1 gene expression was detected in 34 of 81 (42%) embryos. A significant association between IGF-1 expression and blastocyst formation in vitro was found (P < 0.01). There was no association between IGF-1R expression and subsequent embryo development. We conclude that IGF-1 gene expression could potentially be used as a marker of embryo quality. (+info)Drosophila myc regulates cellular growth during development. (5/189)
Transcription factors of the Myc proto-oncogene family promote cell division, but how they do this is poorly understood. Here we address the functions of Drosophila Myc (dMyc) during development. Using mosaic analysis in the fly wing, we show that loss of dMyc retards cellular growth (accumulation of cell mass) and reduces cell size, whereas dMyc overproduction increases growth rates and cell size. dMyc-induced growth promotes G1/S progression but fails to accelerate cell division because G2/M progression is independently controlled by Cdc25/String. We also show that the secreted signal Wingless patterns growth in the wing primordium by modulating dMyc expression. Our results indicate that dMyc links patterning signals to cell division by regulating primary targets involved in cellular growth and metabolism. (+info)PPAR gamma is required for placental, cardiac, and adipose tissue development. (6/189)
The nuclear hormone receptor PPAR gamma promotes adipogenesis and macrophage differentiation and is a primary pharmacological target in the treatment of type II diabetes. Here, we show that PPAR gamma gene knockout results in two independent lethal phases. Initially, PPAR gamma deficiency interferes with terminal differentiation of the trophoblast and placental vascularization, leading to severe myocardial thinning and death by E10.0. Supplementing PPAR gamma null embryos with wild-type placentas via aggregation with tetraploid embryos corrects the cardiac defect, implicating a previously unrecognized dependence of the developing heart on a functional placenta. A tetraploid-rescued mutant surviving to term exhibited another lethal combination of pathologies, including lipodystrophy and multiple hemorrhages. These findings both confirm and expand the current known spectrum of physiological functions regulated by PPAR gamma. (+info)PPAR gamma mediates high-fat diet-induced adipocyte hypertrophy and insulin resistance. (7/189)
Agonist-induced activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) is known to cause adipocyte differentiation and insulin sensitivity. The biological role of PPAR gamma was investigated by gene targeting. Homozygous PPAR gamma-deficient embryos died at 10.5-11.5 dpc due to placental dysfunction. Quite unexpectedly, heterozygous PPAR gamma-deficient mice were protected from the development of insulin resistance due to adipocyte hypertrophy under a high-fat diet. These phenotypes were abrogated by PPAR gamma agonist treatment. Heterozygous PPAR gamma-deficient mice showed overexpression and hypersecretion of leptin despite the smaller size of adipocytes and decreased fat mass, which may explain these phenotypes at least in part. This study reveals a hitherto unpredicted role for PPAR gamma in high-fat diet-induced obesity due to adipocyte hypertrophy and insulin resistance, which requires both alleles of PPAR gamma. (+info)Developmental toxicity studies in rats and rabbits with 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol, the major metabolite of chlorpyrifos. (8/189)
3,5,6-Trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP), the primary metabolite of chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl, was evaluated for potential developmental toxicity. Groups of 32-34 bred female Fischer 344 rats were given 0, 50, 100, or 150 mg TCP/kg/day by gavage on gestation days 6-15; the fetuses were evaluated on gestation day 21. Similarly, groups of 16 inseminated female New Zealand White rabbits were given 0, 25, 100, or 250 mg TCP/kg/day by gavage on gestation days 7-19, and fetuses were evaluated on gestation day 28. No clinical signs of toxicity attributed to TCP were noted in either species. In rats, at 150 mg/kg/day, maternal effects included slight decreases in feed consumption, significantly depressed body weight gain (25% relative to controls) resulting in significantly lower maternal terminal body weights, and increased relative liver weight. At 100 mg/kg/day, maternal body weight gain in rats was depressed approximately 22%. Among rabbits, maternal effects were limited to the group given 250 mg/kg/day, which lost an average of approximately 70 g during the treatment period (vs. 140 g in the controls). There were no effects on fetal weight or viability, nor were there significant increases in any fetal alteration in either species. A slightly higher (not statistically significant) than usual incidence of central nervous system anomalies occurred in rabbits, but these anomalies were found in both treated and control groups in this study as well as contemporaneous studies of unrelated compounds. This, and the fact that these anomalies were not seen with the parent compound, chlorpyrifos, suggest that their origin was spontaneous. Thus, TCP was not considered fetotoxic or teratogenic in either rats or rabbits, even at dose levels that produced maternal toxicity. (+info)Fetal viability is the point in pregnancy at which a fetus is considered capable of surviving outside the uterus, given appropriate medical support. Although there is no precise gestational age that defines fetal viability, it is generally considered to occur between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. At this stage, the fetus has developed sufficient lung maturity and body weight, and the risk of neonatal mortality and morbidity significantly decreases. However, the exact definition of fetal viability may vary depending on regional standards, medical facilities, and individual clinical assessments.
Pregnancy is a physiological state or condition where a fertilized egg (zygote) successfully implants and grows in the uterus of a woman, leading to the development of an embryo and finally a fetus. This process typically spans approximately 40 weeks, divided into three trimesters, and culminates in childbirth. Throughout this period, numerous hormonal and physical changes occur to support the growing offspring, including uterine enlargement, breast development, and various maternal adaptations to ensure the fetus's optimal growth and well-being.
'Supreme Court Decisions' refer to the legal rulings made by the Supreme Court of the United States, which is the highest court in the federal judiciary of the US. These decisions are the final word on matters of federal law, including constitutional interpretation, and they establish precedents that guide future decision-making in federal and state courts. They can have significant impacts on various aspects of American society, politics, and law.
A criminal abortion is an illegal abortion, which is a procedure performed with the intent to induce the termination of a pregnancy, carried out in violation of the law. In many jurisdictions, criminal abortions are defined as those performed outside of the legal parameters set forth by the relevant regulations, such as those that require the procedure to be performed by a licensed medical professional, within certain timeframes, and/or for specific reasons.
Criminal abortions may be motivated by various factors, including financial constraints, social stigma, or fear of repercussions. Engaging in criminal abortion practices can result in severe legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and in some cases, loss of medical license. It's important to note that the legality and accessibility of abortion vary significantly across different countries and regions, with varying restrictions and requirements.
If you require assistance or advice related to pregnancy termination, it is crucial to consult a licensed healthcare professional or a trusted reproductive health organization in your area to ensure that you receive accurate information and safe care within the legal framework of your jurisdiction.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Jurisprudence" is not a term typically used in medical definitions. Jurisprudence refers to the theory and philosophy of law, or the study of legal systems, principles, and practices. It is a subject that falls under the purview of lawyers, judges, and scholars of law. If you have any questions about medical terminology, I'd be happy to help with those!
Civil rights are a group of rights and protections that guarantee equal treatment to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other characteristics. These rights are enshrined in the laws and constitutions of various countries and include freedoms such as the right to vote, the right to a fair trial, the right to equal protection under the law, and the right to freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.
In the United States, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark piece of legislation that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in employment, education, and access to public accommodations. Other important civil rights laws in the U.S. include the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which protects the right to vote, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities.
Violations of civil rights can take many forms, including discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and violence. Those whose civil rights have been violated may be entitled to legal remedies, such as damages, injunctions, or orders for relief.
Induced abortion is a medical procedure that intentionally terminates a pregnancy before the fetus can survive outside the womb. It can be performed either surgically or medically through the use of medications. The timing of an induced abortion is typically based on the gestational age of the pregnancy, with different methods used at different stages.
The most common surgical procedure for induced abortion is vacuum aspiration, which is usually performed during the first trimester (up to 12-13 weeks of gestation). This procedure involves dilating the cervix and using a vacuum device to remove the pregnancy tissue from the uterus. Other surgical procedures, such as dilation and evacuation (D&E), may be used in later stages of pregnancy.
Medical abortion involves the use of medications to induce the termination of a pregnancy. The most common regimen involves the use of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone works by blocking the action of progesterone, a hormone necessary for maintaining pregnancy. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue. This method is typically used during the first 10 weeks of gestation.
Induced abortion is a safe and common medical procedure, with low rates of complications when performed by trained healthcare providers in appropriate settings. Access to induced abortion varies widely around the world, with some countries restricting or prohibiting the practice entirely.
Medical Device Legislation refers to the laws, regulations, and guidelines that govern the development, manufacturing, marketing, distribution, use, and post-market surveillance of medical devices. These laws aim to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of medical devices, as well as to protect public health. They cover various aspects such as:
1. Classification of medical devices based on risk levels
2. Clinical evaluation, performance testing, and technical documentation requirements for device approval or clearance
3. Quality management systems and good manufacturing practices for device manufacturers
4. Labeling, advertising, and promotion restrictions to prevent false or misleading claims
5. Post-market surveillance, vigilance, and incident reporting obligations for manufacturers and regulatory authorities
6. Importation, distribution, and sales controls to prevent unauthorized devices from entering the market
7. Penalties and sanctions for non-compliance with medical device regulations
Medical Device Legislation varies across different countries and regions, reflecting national healthcare priorities, risk tolerance, and legal frameworks. Examples of prominent medical device legislations include the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, the European Union Medical Device Regulation (EU MDR), and the Japanese Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) guidelines.
I apologize for any confusion, but "spouses" is not a term that has a medical definition. In general, a spouse refers to a person who is united to another in a marriage contract. The term can refer to either a husband or a wife. If you have any questions related to medicine or healthcare, I would be happy to try and help answer those for you.
Multiple trauma, also known as polytrauma, is a medical term used to describe severe injuries to the body that are sustained in more than one place or region. It often involves damage to multiple organ systems and can be caused by various incidents such as traffic accidents, falls from significant heights, high-energy collisions, or violent acts.
The injuries sustained in multiple trauma may include fractures, head injuries, internal bleeding, chest and abdominal injuries, and soft tissue injuries. These injuries can lead to a complex medical situation requiring immediate and ongoing care from a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including emergency physicians, trauma surgeons, critical care specialists, nurses, rehabilitation therapists, and mental health providers.
Multiple trauma is a serious condition that can result in long-term disability or even death if not treated promptly and effectively.
Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. The goal of orthopedic care is to help patients maintain or restore their mobility, function, and quality of life through a variety of treatments, including medication, physical therapy, bracing, and surgery. Orthopedic surgeons are medical doctors who have completed additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, and they may specialize in specific areas such as sports medicine, spine care, joint replacement, or pediatric orthopedics.
Orthopedic procedures are surgical or nonsurgical methods used to treat musculoskeletal conditions, including injuries, deformities, or diseases of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These procedures can range from simple splinting or casting to complex surgeries such as joint replacements, spinal fusions, or osteotomies (cutting and repositioning bones). The primary goal of orthopedic procedures is to restore function, reduce pain, and improve the quality of life for patients.
Septic shock is a serious condition that occurs as a complication of an infection that has spread throughout the body. It's characterized by a severe drop in blood pressure and abnormalities in cellular metabolism, which can lead to organ failure and death if not promptly treated.
In septic shock, the immune system overreacts to an infection, releasing an overwhelming amount of inflammatory chemicals into the bloodstream. This leads to widespread inflammation, blood vessel dilation, and leaky blood vessels, which can cause fluid to leak out of the blood vessels and into surrounding tissues. As a result, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to vital organs, leading to organ failure.
Septic shock is often caused by bacterial infections, but it can also be caused by fungal or viral infections. It's most commonly seen in people with weakened immune systems, such as those who have recently undergone surgery, have chronic medical conditions, or are taking medications that suppress the immune system.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment of septic shock is critical to prevent long-term complications and improve outcomes. Treatment typically involves aggressive antibiotic therapy, intravenous fluids, vasopressors to maintain blood pressure, and supportive care in an intensive care unit (ICU).
In medical terms, shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow or when the circulatory system is not functioning properly to distribute oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and organs. This results in a state of hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and cellular dysfunction, which can lead to multiple organ failure and death if left untreated.
Shock can be caused by various factors such as severe blood loss, infection, trauma, heart failure, allergic reactions, and severe burns. The symptoms of shock include low blood pressure, rapid pulse, cool and clammy skin, rapid and shallow breathing, confusion, weakness, and a bluish color to the lips and nails. Immediate medical attention is required for proper diagnosis and treatment of shock.
Medical Definition:
"Risk factors" are any attribute, characteristic or exposure of an individual that increases the likelihood of developing a disease or injury. They can be divided into modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Modifiable risk factors are those that can be changed through lifestyle choices or medical treatment, while non-modifiable risk factors are inherent traits such as age, gender, or genetic predisposition. Examples of modifiable risk factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet, while non-modifiable risk factors include age, sex, and family history. It is important to note that having a risk factor does not guarantee that a person will develop the disease, but rather indicates an increased susceptibility.
Health surveys are research studies that collect data from a sample population to describe the current health status, health behaviors, and healthcare utilization of a particular group or community. These surveys may include questions about various aspects of health such as physical health, mental health, chronic conditions, lifestyle habits, access to healthcare services, and demographic information. The data collected from health surveys can be used to monitor trends in health over time, identify disparities in health outcomes, develop and evaluate public health programs and policies, and inform resource allocation decisions. Examples of national health surveys include the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).