Research Article
Open Access
Analysis of cervical length and amniotic fluids with ultrasound for predicting delivery latency in preterm premature rupture of membranes
Pages 51 - 56
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Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of maternal and neonatal outcomes with respect to cervical length (CL), amniotic fluid volume, and latency in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Methodology: The present study was conducted as a prospective observational investigation. All female admitted to the hospital got transabdominal ultrasonography to assess their amniotic fluid index. A minimum of three measurements were obtained, and the measurement with the shortest length was documented. The procedure of cervical measurement entails the insertion of callipers into the space between the external and internal cervical Os. Female admitted patients were given expectant management, which involves the provision of antibiotics and steroids. Resuls: The study population consisted of 90 women with singleton pregnancies at gestational ages ranging from 28 to 36 weeks. Patients in gestational duration of 24 to 28 weeks having cervical index of ≤ 2.5 cm reported the low mean latency duration of 8.95 ± 1.86 days as compared to the cases having >2.5 cm index among the same group. This low gestational group reported high incidence of Chorioamniionitis (10% and 63.3% in cervical index of ≤ 2.5 cm and >2 cm respectively), 1 min APGAR <7 (26.6% and 73.3%), high incidence of NICU admission (23.3% and 63.3%) and early neonatal death (13.3% and 60%) than the other gestational age groups. Significant differences of <0.0001 was reported between groups (Table 1). Meanwhile, regarding amniotic fluid index the average latency rate in ≤5 cm was reported as 7.43 ± 1.83, 5.12 ± 1.06 and 1.33 ± 0.23 in gestational duration of 24 to 28, 28 to 32 and 32 to 36 weeks. Meanwhile the the high latency rate was observed in all three groups when comparing the amniotic fluid index of >5cm. Conclusion: The latency period is negatively correlated with gestational duration, meaning that a shorter gestational duration is followed by a longer latency period. An raised amniotic fluid index, which is linked to a higher incidence of chorioamnionitis and neonatal difficulties and is probably caused by a prolonged period of latency, is positively correlated with an extended cervical length.
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Research Article
Open Access
Recent Improvements in In Vitro Angiogenesis Assays
Pages 41 - 50
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Abstract
Angiogenesis research has grown extensively over the past few decades with the recognition that angiogenesis plays a key role in embryonic development, wound healing, and also pathological conditions such as tumor metastasis. Numerous in vitro angiogenesis assays have been designed to mimic in vivo angiogenesis process. The in vitro assays are quick, simple, quantitative, and cost-effective, and have thereby played valuable roles in evaluation of the effects of test compounds on angiogenesis. However, each in vitro assay represents an individual step of a complex angiogenic cascade. Furthermore, significant diversities exist within endothelial cell types and within basement membrane extracts used in the assays. Thus, choosing appropriate cell types and assay conditions that most closely resemble the disease-specific angiogenesis being studied is essential to obtain meaningful results. Performing multiple in vitro assays together should also be considered to get data that is translatable from the preclinical to the clinical stage. For these reasons, increasing our understanding of in vitro assays is necessary for proper assay performance as well as correct interpretation of the results. Here we discuss two main critical factors regarding endothelial cell types and basement membrane extracts that are known to largely affect in vitro angiogenesis assays. We also introduce recent improvements in the most widely-used in vitro angiogenesis assays, which are 2-dimensional (2D) tube formation assays and 3-dimensional (3D) spheroid angiogenesis assay.
Research Article
Open Access
Development & Validation of a Bilingual Psychometric Instrument for Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, Self- care Practice and Health-related Quality of Life (KAPQ- HF) among Heart Failure Patients
Pages 31 - 40
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Abstract
Objective: This study was conducted to develop and determine the validity and reliability of a bilingual psychometric instrument for assessment of knowledge, attitude, self-care practice and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (KAPQ-HF) among Malaysian heart failure (HF) patients.
Research Article
Open Access
An overview of lymphatic vessels and their emerging role in cardiovascular disease
Pages 21 - 30
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Abstract
Over the past decade, molecular details of lymphatic vessels (lymphatics) have been rapidly acquired due to the identification of lymphatic endothelial-specific markers. Separate from the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system is also an elaborate network of vessels that are important in normal physiology. Lymphatic vessels have the unique task to regulate fluid homeostasis, assist in immune surveillance, and transport dietary lipids. However, dysfunctional lymphatic vessels can cause pathology, while normal lymphatics can exacerbate pathology. This review summarizes the development and growth of lymphatic vessels in addition to highlighting their critical roles in physiology and pathology. Also, we discuss recent work that suggests a connection between lymphatic dysfunction and cardiovascular disease.
Research Article
Open Access
The role of RhoA/Rho kinase pathway in endothelial dysfunction
Pages 11 - 20
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Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is a key event in the development of vascular disease, and it precedes clinically obvious vascular pathology. Abnormal activation of the RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) pathway has been found to elevate vascular tone through unbalancing the production of vasodilating and vasoconstricting substances. Inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK pathway can prevent endothelial dysfunction in a variety of pathological conditions. This review, based on recent molecular, cellular, and animal studies, focuses on the current understanding of the ROCK pathway and its roles in endothelial dysfunction.
Research Article
Open Access
Normal Echocardiographic Measurements in Uncomplicated Pregnancy, a Single Center Experience
Pages 1 - 10
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