Journal of Translational Medical Research

  The course of human development during intrauterine life, particularly during embryonic development is extremely complex. A huge number of biochemical, physical and organizational processes must be precisely coordinated to assure normal development. Many of these events are very critical due to their irreversible nature and their short duration besides, they may be sensitive to a lot of teratogens .These stages, which are called" critical developmental stages" have attracted special attention of the researchers to the effect of different teratogenic agents during the critical stages of conception. This paper reviews some molecular events of various stages in human development during embryonic as well as fetal development besides, critical periods, involved molecules in some body organs-including glycoconjugates, morphogens, etc. have also been explained. It is emphasized that identifying these critical processes would help our colleagues to offer the requisite points to pregnant women so that they would avoid undue taking of specific drugs and chemicals. This will hopefully prevent many of inborn teratogeneses.

  The etiology of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is still unclear. The case under study was a 28 day old boy apparently with Down syndrome who had been suffering from projectile vomiting for three days before admission without any defecation during this period. In physical examination, abdominal distention was observable but there was not a remarkable olive sign. Ultra-sonographic findings showed that pyloric channel length and muscle thickness were 28 mm and 4 mm respectively. For further evaluation, upper gastrointestinal radiography was done, which proved that there was a relative obstruction. Despite supportive treatment and complete resuscitation, vomiting did not stop. Since there was the clinical suspicion that the patient's problem was HPS, an operation was performed on him .In the operation it was found that annular pancreas coexisted with HPS. Pyloromyotomy Fredet-Ramstedt and pancreas bands release were performed. Three days after the surgery and following resuming oral feeding, the neonate was discharged in a good general condition. Occurrence of annular pancreas with HPS in the patient can suggest the existence of prenatal resistance to gastric emptying, as an etiologic factor in HPS. However, further study is needed to approve this hypothesis.

  Background and Aim: Studies have shown that probably there are compounds with protective effects on delivery channels and chorionic membranes which prevent the uterus and the embryo from bacterial contamination. The present study aimed to assess anti-bacterial properties of chorionic membranes in comparison with the effects of some common antibiotics .

  Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using chorionic membranes from 24 healthy pregnant women. After spreading plates by individual microbial suspensions of seven species, amniotic membranes and chorioamniotic membranes fragments were put on the plates. Besides, antibiogram disks-as positive control, and the cord tissue-as negative control were used. After 18-24 h incubation, the halo of growth around the membranes and antibiotic disks were studied .

  Results: Significant antibacterial effects were found as halo of lack of bacterial growth around amniotic and chorioamniotic membranes while antibacterial resistance was observed for the same strains in several cases . Most anti-bacterial effects were observed in Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. However, mean of halo of growth inhibition was observed for streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus which was much more around chorioamniotic membranes than the same bacteria around amniotic membranes. Statistical analysis using T-test revealed a signifi9cant difference (p≤0.005). Chorioamniotic membranes are significantly more than that found for amniotic membranes against Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus .

  Conclusion: The present study confirms antibacterial effects of chorionic membranes Therefore, the idea of using these membranes as a valuable supplement to antibiotic s in order to expedite the treatment of clinical infections and infected wounds is strongly suggestive .