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Recently, poorer executive function and behaviour in childhood is related to prenatal and early-life exposure to paracetamol. There is a paucity of the histologic effect of paracetamol on the cerebral cortex, especially in postnatal periods. The current study aims to identify whether paracetamol induces changes in the cerebral cortex histology when administered postnatally from PND7-PND14. Twenty healthy male albino pups were used in this work. Pups were categorized into 2 groups, Group 1 (control group): includes 10 pups that received distilled water subcutaneously/daily from PND 7-PND14. Group 2 (paracetamol group): Includes pups that received a daily subcutaneous dose of 60mg/kg of paracetamol from PND 7-PND14. At the end of the experiment, euthanization with ether was performed, and the brain was carefully dissected out and left immersed in the fixative, then the samples were submitted to tissue processing and staining with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Light microscopic evaluation of sections of the frontal cortex of rats of paracetamol group exhibited a spectrum of histological changes in comparison with those of controls as the presence of vacuoles, some pyramidal cells were showed an irregularity in shape and possessed deeply stained nuclei with surrounding halos. Deeply stained neuroglial cells were noticed. Few of the granular cells were exhibited shrinkage, with deep staining. The presence of a dilated blood vessel was seen also. In addition, the appearance of double nuclei was noticed. Some pyramidal cells showed karyolysis with increased microglia often seen, vacuolated glial cells with fibrillary materials. Some degenerated granular cells are present. Moreover, features of necrosis often seen with the presence of degenerated glial cells with surrounding dead neurons. In Conclusion, the paracetamol induces moderate changes in the cerebral cortex histology when administered postnatally from PND7-PND14 indicated its adverse effects on the brain. The use of paracetamol should be under control especially for neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prenatal effect of manganese sulfate on the behavioral parameters of the body and the concentration of acetylcholinesterase in the blood serum was studied. For this purpose, female Wistar rats received manganese sulfate at a daily dose of 2/3LD50 in addition to the main diet for 28 days before and during pregnancy (20-26 days). Young offspring were tested for the detection of behavioral disorders using standardized behavioral tests. According to the results of the tests, males with the greatest deviations were selected. The animals of this group were hyperactive. On reaching 18 weeks of age, blood was collected from the selected male rats to determine the level of acetylcholinesterase. The effect of oral exposure to manganese on the body of female mothers was also evaluated. The study showed that the serum of female rats exposed to direct exposure to manganese sulfate tended to have higher levels of acetylcholinesterase. Statistically significant changes in the level of this enzyme were observed in animals of the first generation: the Q25 value of the first experimental group was more than the Q75 of the group that was not exposed to prenatal exposure by 22% (p = 0.012). The study therefore demonstrated that prenatal exposure to manganese sulfate can affect the behavior and concentration of acetylcholinesterase in offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Smoking during pregnancy is the leading cause of prenatal morbidity. Women who smoke during pregnancy do not only increase the risks to develop serious adverse health events but also put their child at considerable risk. The purpose of this study was to assess the demographic factors and to evaluate smoking behavior in a group of pregnant women, contributing to the existing literature in order to improve maternal and child health care. Methods: A questionnaire conceived by a pulmonologist that assessed multiple risks factors during pregnancy was applied to all pregnant women, current smokers with pregnancy in evolution. Demographic factors, maternal prenatal smoking behavior and prenatal complications in infant were assessed. Results: The majority of the women were from the urban area, were married, employed and had a high school degree. When finding out that they are pregnant they either reduced the number of cigarettes (57%) or stopped smoking (16%). Nevertheless a significant percentage (27%) continued smoking during pregnancy. One baby was born prematurely and 3 had congenital malformations (hemangiomas, pigmented nevi and hydroceles). Conclusion: Tobacco dependence among pregnant women is a real public health problem and active anti-smoking counseling is required. Smoking cessation advices should be given to pregnant women on a regular basis, by every physician that attends them during pregnancy, emphasizing the risk that is includes not only her, but also her baby. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]