Ion exchange membrane-assisted electro-activation of aqueous solutions: Effect of the operating parameters on solutions properties and system electric resistance

The properties of electro-activated (EA) aqueous solutions as well as the dynamics of their changes were considered in the current study using aqueous solutions of NaCl and NaHCO₃. The concentrations of the salt solutions were 0.5, 0.25, 0.125 and 0.05 M. The tests were performed at the DC current densities of 25, 37.5, and 50 Å/m². The electro-activation reactor consisted of three individual cells assembled together and separated by anion-exchange (AEM) and cation-exchange (CEM) membranes. During the experiments, four configurations of the membrane placements and solutions concentrations were studied. The obtained results showed the dynamics of the electro-activation process that allows obtaining electro-activated solutions with targeted properties such as pH and oxydo-reduction potential (ORP). It was possible to obtain electro-activated solutions at the anodic side (acid anolyte) with pH of 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 and ORP of +1100 ± 15 mV when NaCl solution was used as electrolyte. Furthermore, several types of electro-activated solutions with high redox potential (ORP = +921 ± 12 mV) and neutral pH (6.48 ± 0.05) were obtained on the anode side when sodium carbonate was used. At the same time, two types of solutions, one with acid pH (2.14 ± 0.14) and the other one with alkaline pH (10.46 ± 0.03) with ORP = +689 ± 10 and 110 ± 21 mV, respectively, were obtained in the central compartment which considered as electro-activated solutions obtained by means of noncontact electro-activation.     

Prenatal diagnosis and fetal pathology of partial trisomy 20p–monosomy 4p resulting from paternal translocation

Amniocentesis was performed in view of a paternal balanced chromosomal rearrangement t(4;20)(p16;p12), inv(18)(p11q11). The pregnancy was complicated by severe oligohydramnios. The fetal karyotype was unbalanced: 46XX, der(4), t(4;20)(p16;p12), inv(18) (p11q11)pat., thus resulting in partial trisomy 2Op and monosomy 4p. In addition, the amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) became increasingly elevated with gestational age. The pregnancy was terminated at 25 weeks. The fetus presented with typical facial dysmorphic features, unilateral cleft lip and palate, severe renal hypoplasia, consistent with the 4p- (Wolf-Hirschhorn) syndrome.     

Aseptically collected calf serum as an effective alternative to fetal calf serum in the culture of amniotic fluid cells

The growth-promoting activities of three different bovine sera have been compared in primary and secondary amniotic fluid cell cultures. In secondary amniotic fluid cell micro- cultures, aseptically collected calf serum (CS) was slightly, though not significantly more effective than fetal calf serum (FCS) in promoting DNA synthesis, while newborn calf serum (NCS) was significantly less effective than either CS or FCS. All three sera were optimally effective at concentrations of 10 per cent (v/v). Significant variation in quality occurred within four batches of each of CS and FCS, but not within four batches of NCS. A selected batch of CS was significantly more effective in promoting the growth of primary amniotic fluid cell cultures than were a number of batches of FCS then in routine laboratory use. It is suggested that CS may serve as an effective and economical alternative to FCS in the culture of amniotic fluid cells, thereby expanding the scope of serum batch testing. A possible explanation for the varying growth-promoting activities of different sera is discussed.     

Fetal blood sampling via the umbilical cord using a needle guided by ultrasound report of 66 cases

Pure fetal blood has been aspirated in utero from the umbilical vein near the placental insertion of the cord using a twenty gauge needle under ultrasound guidance. Sixty-six samples were taken on 63 pregnancies between 17 and 32 weeks of gestation. One to two millilitres of blood can be obtained easily without amniotic fluid dilution or contamination by maternal blood, as confirmed by the measurements of the mean corpuscular volume, the histogram distribution of the red blood cells and the hematocrit. In all cases the Kleihauer test and isoelectrofocusing of the hemoglobins were performed. Coagulation factors were also studied in 60 cases. In 17 cases a medical abortion was voluntarily induced after the procedure, and the follow-up was normal during the observation period after sampling. In the other cases, pregnancies have continued normally and twelve healthy babies have already been born.     

Computer-assisted analysis of fetal behavioural states

A computerized system which simultaneously acquires and quantifies several ultrasonically detected fetal activities, including gross body movements, breathing movements, and eye movements, was developed in order to obtain additional quantitative data on fetal behaviour. Movements were automatically related to fetal heart rate allowing computation of their mean incidence, duration, lag time and percentage time spent moving during different heart rate patterns. The incidence of various behavioural states was also calculated. The study of 15 healthy fetuses near term revealed the existence of statistically significant differences in these parameters between low and high variability patterns of fetal heart rate suggesting a quantitative modulation of fetal movements by behavioural states.     

Unexpected structural chromosome rearrangements in prenatal diagnosis

Among 5315 prenatal diagnoses performed for various indications (maternal age, neural tube defect, metabolic diseases, X-linked diseases, pathologic pregnancies) 29 unexpected structural chromosome rearrangements were found in fetal cells. Fourteen were de novo chromosome rearrangements, six unbalanced, and eight balanced. Fifteen were inherited and balanced rearrangements. This high frequency of structural anomalies is discussed.     

The psychosocial sequelae of a second-trimester termination of pregnancy for fetal abnormality

A retrospective study to investigate the psychosocial sequelae of a second-trimester termination of pregnancy (TOP) for fetal abnormality (FA) is described. After appropriate consent was obtained, 84 women and 68 spouses were visited 2 years after the event and asked to complete an extensive questionnaire. Most couples reported a state of emotional turmoil after the TOP. There were differences in the way couples coped with this confusion of feelings. After 2 years about 20 per cent of the women still complained of regular bouts of crying, sadness, and irritability. Husbands reported increased listlessness, loss of concentration, and irritability for up to 12 months after the TOP. In the same period, there was increased marital disharmony in which 12 per cent of the couples separated for a while and one couple obtained a divorce. These problems could be attributed to a lack of synchrony in the grieving process. Confusing and conflicting feelings led to social isolation and lack of communication. Difficulties in coming to terms with the fetal loss were not found to be linked to the type of fetal abnormality or religious beliefs but were related to parental immaturity, inability to communicate needs, a deep-rooted lack of self-esteem before the pregnancy, lack of supporting relationships, and secondary infertility. Suggestions for improved management are given.     

Prenatal diagnosis of congenital cystic adenomatoid lung malformation: A report of seven cases

Six cases of macrocystic and one case of microcystic congenital adenomatoid lung malformation were diagnosed by ultrasound between 20 and 31 weeks of gestation. Combined polyhydramnios and fetal hydrops was present in three cases, polyhydramnios alone in one case, and isolated fetal hydrops also in one case. In the remaining two cases, both polyhydramnios and fetal hydrops were absent. Fetal outcome was poor, i.e., two terminations of pregnancy, three early neonatal deaths, and two survivors.     

Prenatal karyotyping in malformed fetuses

Experience with prenatal karyotyping of 237 fetuses with sonographic evidence of malformation is reported. Abnormal karyotype was found in 40 cases (16-8 per cent): chromosomal aberrations were found in 19 of the 178 fetuses with an isolated structural anomaly (10-6 per cent) and in 21 of the 59 fetuses with multiple malformations (35-6 per cent). Detailed cytogenetic and morphological information concerning fetuses affected by omphalocele, duodenal atresia, hydrocephalus, multicystic kidney, unilateral hydronephrosis and cystic hygroma is reported. The need for a very careful ultrasound evaluation of fetal anatomy in these pregnancies is stressed, as the risk of a chromosomal anomaly depends mainly on the existence of more than one ultrasonically diagnosed structural defect.     

Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein and fetal triploidy

Fetal triploidy is commonly found in early pregnancy. The majority of these pregnancies spontaneously abort in the first trimester. Occasionally, the pregnancy progresses to the second and third trimesters. We reviewed the maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP), amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), amniotic fluid acetylcholinesterase (ACHE), fetal pathology, and placental pathology in sex second-trimester pregnancies complicated by fetal triploidy. Four of these patients had MSAFP values greater than 7.5 multiples of the median (MoM). Five of six pregnancies had MSAFP values greater than 2.25 MoM. All five of these patients had a partial mole. Four patients had amniotic fluid AFP values greater than 2.0 MoM. Two fetuses had associated neural tube defects. These were the only patients with positive amniotic fluid ACHE. None of the other patients had fetuses with anomalies that are known to be associated with an elevated MSAFP. The elevated MSAFP appeared to be related to the presence of a partial mole. Two of the five cases with an MSAFP greater than 2.25 MoM did not have sonographic evidence of a significant anomaly. Therefore, karyotyping can be of benefit in evaluating patients with elevated MSAFP.