Orofacial characteristics of the very low-birth-weight preterm infants

miR-3202 inhibits bronchopulmonary dysplasia-mediated apoptosis and oxidative stress in bronchial epithelial cells via targeting RAG1

BACKGROUND

BPD is a refractory disease affecting preterm infants with alveolar dysplasia and declined pulmonary function. However, the molecular mechanism underlying BPD is largely unknown. To explore the pathogenic mechanism of BPD and to facilitate better diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

METHOD

The DEMs and DEGs in BPD vs. Control samples from the miRNA expression data in GSE108754 and mRNA expression data in the GSE108755 were screened, followed by the construction of the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. DEGs PPI network and hub DEGs analysis were constructed by using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses were then performed for these DEGs and DEMs based on the ClusterProfiler package in the R and the miRWalk database. The k-mean algorithm is used to perform clustering analysis of DEGs. Cellular experiments (flow cytometry, western blot, RT-PCR, dual-luciferase reporter assay) were used to validate the results of bioinformatics.

RESULTS

We obtained 20 DEMs and 262 DEGs. A 15 DEMs-11 DEGs regulatory network was constructed. miR-3202-RAG1 is a core sub-network. Hyperoxia induced a cell model of BPD. The upregulation of RAG1 and downregulation of miR-3202 were observed in BPD cells. Furthermore, siRNA targeting RAG1 was transfected into BEAS-2B cells to inhibit its expression and miR-3202 mimics was transfected into the cells to increase its expression. Inhibition of RAG1 and elevation of miR-3202 inhibit cell apoptosis and reduce ROS level caused by hyperoxia. A double-luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-3202 directly targets RAG1.

CONCLUSION

The miRNA-3202/RAG1 axis contributes into BPD-induced cell apoptosis and ROS production. The present study provides a probable target for the treatment of BPD.

Relationship between orofacial dysfunction and orofacial features, oral function, and eating performance among preschool children

Background/purpose

Orofacial (OF) development is influenced by multiple factors. This study aimed to explore the relationship between OF dysfunction (OFD) and OF features, oral function, and eating performance among preschool children.

Materials and methods

There were 243 preschool children and their parents who participated in this cross-sectional study. Participant demographic information and eating performance were obtained from questionnaires completed by their mothers. OF features and functions were assessed using oral examinations. OFD assessments were performed using Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S).

Results

Approximately 80% of participants had at least one domain of NOT-S affected. The main OFD in a structured interview was chewing and swallowing (64.61%). Dysarthria (40.38%), weak bite force (53.85%), inability to effectively chew (45.19%), and taking longer than 30 min to eat meals (75.00%) were significantly more prevalent among participants with OFD than among those without OFD (all P < 0.05). Also, compared with participants born full-term, those born prematurely and who had OFD had higher rates of V-shaped dental arch (42.11%), high-arched palate (31.58%), small mouth opening capacity (7.89%), dysarthria (65.79%), preference to eating soft-textured food (42.11%), and weak cough strength (21.05%). Taking longer than 30 min to eat meals (adjusted odds ratio (AOR = 8.87, P < 0.001) and not effectively chewing food (AOR = 8.81, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with OFD.

Conclusion

Chewing and swallowing and habits are common among preschool children and associated with OFD. OFD is associated with OF features, and presented in oral function and eating performance.

"Anatomical, behavioral, and physiological analyses of craniofacial development by cineradiographic imaging in marmosets"

BACKGROUND

Nonhuman primates are the closest animal models to humans regarding genetics, physiology, and behavior. Marmoset monkeys in particular are one of the most versatile species for biomedical research.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the craniofacial growth and development of the masticatory function in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), from birth to the fourth month of life through minimally invasive cineradiographic imaging.

METHODS

Ten individuals were followed-up from zero to four months of age regarding craniofacial growth and masticatory function assessed by cineradiography. For the experimental procedure, we used a microfocal x-ray source apparatus and a beryllium fast-response image-intensifier.

RESULTS

The duration of the masticatory cycles was stable across age groups. Chewing a very soft Castella cake or the slightly harder Marshmallow did not change the masticatory cycle in the time domain. On the other hand, linear and angular measurements of the jaw-opening movement showed a tendency for bigger movements at the latter stages of craniofacial growth. Qualitative analysis showed that marmosets had a small preference for Castella over Marshmallow, that they most often bit off pieces of food to chew with their posterior teeth, that they manipulated the food with their hands, and that they chewed the food continuously.

CONCLUSION

We observed critical developmental events during the first three months of life in marmosets. Cineradiographic imaging in marmosets may provide valuable information on craniofacial form and function for basic and preclinical research models.

Correlation of facial anthropometry data of late preterm newborns and oral feeding readiness

OBJECTIVE

To correlate nine facial anthropometric measurements with the readiness for oral feeding of late preterm newborns using an orogastric tube.

METHODS

Observational study, carried out in two institutions in Maceió, Alagoas. Fifty-two newborns participated. A single measuring of nine facial measurements and daily measuring of the interface area for fixing the tube was performed. For readiness assessment, the Premature Oral Feeding Readiness Assessment Scale was used.

RESULTS

An average readiness of 28.81 (± 3.18) was observed in the first evaluation and 30.65 (± 3.23) in the second. Most facial measurements are correlated with weight. There was a positive and slight correlation between glabella-subnasale distance and readiness. No correlation was observed between the area of the tube fixation interface and facial measurements.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that the glabella-subnasale measurement is positively correlated with the readiness for oral feeding in late preterm newborns who used an orogastric tube for feeding.