Journal of Developmental Biology

The epithelial egg tooth is used by birds to open the eggshell for hatching. This ectodermal structure consists of a multilayered periderm and a hard cornified portion, the caruncle or actual egg tooth. Here, we determined the protein composition of the egg tooth of the chicken and compared the proteins to markers of other epithelia identified in previous studies. The egg tooth and the upper beak of chicken embryos of Hamburger and Hamilton (HH) stage 44 were subjected to mass spectrometry-based proteomics. We found that scaffoldin, a marker of the embryonic periderm and the feather sheath, was enriched in the egg tooth relative to the beak. Likewise, Epidermal Differentiation protein containing DPCC Motifs (EDDM) and Epidermal Differentiation protein starting with a MTF motif and rich in Histidine (EDMTFH), which had previously been characterized as markers of the subperiderm on embryonic scutate scales and the barbs of feathers, were also enriched in the egg tooth. The expression of EDDM and EDMTFH was confirmed RT-PCR analysis. Our data suggest that the epithelial egg tooth is related to the subperiderm and feathers, a hypothesis with potentially important implications for the evolution of the avian integument.

Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) disorders, including placenta accreta, increta, and percreta, are serious obstetric conditions characterized by abnormal placental adherence to the uterine wall. With increasing incidence, PAS poses significant risks, primarily through massive hemorrhage during or after delivery, often necessitating hysterectomy. Key risk factors include prior cesarean sections, uterine surgery, and placenta previa diagnosis. In this review, we will examine the pathophysiology of PAS, with a focus on the mechanisms underlying abnormal trophoblast invasion and defective decidualization. We will highlight the role of uterine scarring, extracellular matrix remodeling, dysregulated signaling pathways, and immune and vascular alterations in disrupting the maternal-fetal interface, ultimately predisposing to morbid placentation and delivery complications. We will also discuss the life-threatening complications of PAS, such as shock and multi-organ failure, which require urgent multidisciplinary intensive care, as well as the optimization of management through preoperative planning and intraoperative blood loss control to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.

Background. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) induces maternal hyperglycemia, which may alter fetal cardiac structure and function, increasing short- and long-term cardiovascular risks. Purpose. To systematically review the evidence on the fetal cardiac structural and functional effects of GDM, to explore the diagnostic role of novel imaging and biochemical biomarkers, and to summarize the long-term cardiovascular complications associated with GDM. Materials and Methods. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. All studies comparing cardiac outcomes in GDM and non-GDM pregnancies were included. Data on myocardial hypertrophy, diastolic and systolic function, imaging modalities, and biomarkers were extracted and qualitatively synthesized. Results. A total of twelve eligible studies were identified. Fetal cardiac hypertrophy and diastolic and early systolic dysfunction are common among GDM pregnancies and can be detected by dual-gate Doppler and speckle-tracking echocardiography. Abnormalities are observed in indices such as the myocardial performance index, E/A, E/e′ ratios, and global longitudinal and circumferential strain in fetuses and may persist in the neonatal period. Alterations may be more pronounced for the right ventricle compared to the left. Septal hypertrophy is associated with elevated umbilical cord pro-brain natriuretic peptide. The risk of early-onset cardiovascular disease in the progeny of diabetic mothers is 29% higher, as evidenced by population-based cohort data. Conclusions. GDM is linked to fetal cardiac remodeling and an increased long-term cardiovascular risk. Early detection and customized interventions to reduce adverse outcomes may be achieved by integrating advanced echocardiographic techniques and biomarkers into prenatal surveillance.