Report
Periventricular Leukomalacia in Ulin General Hospital Banjarmasin: A Prevalence and Baseline Characteristics Study
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
43-48
Received:
3 January 2025
Accepted:
23 January 2025
Published:
27 August 2025
Abstract: Preterm neonates are at high risk of long-term neurodevelopmental morbidities. Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is the main form of brain injury and is mostly found in premature neonates. This study aims to discover the prevalence of PVL and provide baseline characteristics of PVL. The study included term and preterm neonates diagnosed with PVL, detected by head ultrasound, during hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or neonatology ward in Ulin General Hospital Banjarmasin from February 2021 to January 2023. Data were gathered from medical records. During the study, nineteen patients were enrolled, 18 preterm neonates (<37 weeks of gestation) and one full-term neonate. The mean gestational age was 32.3 + 2.5 weeks. The overall prevalence rate of PVL in preterm neonates was 4.4% (18/409), and in extremely preterm neonates was 5.7% (7/122). Diffuse PVL is the most common form of PVL (78.9%). The risk factors revealed were sepsis and respiratory distress. Blood transfusion was found in nearly all of the neonates. The prevalence of extremely preterm neonates with PVL was lower than previously reported due to limited resources (absence of bedside ultrasound). Diffuse (non-cystic) PVL was the predominant ultrasound finding. Common neonatal risk factors such as sepsis, respiratory distress, and blood transfusion could be related to PVL.
Abstract: Preterm neonates are at high risk of long-term neurodevelopmental morbidities. Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is the main form of brain injury and is mostly found in premature neonates. This study aims to discover the prevalence of PVL and provide baseline characteristics of PVL. The study included term and preterm neonates diagnosed with PVL, ...
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Review Article
Environmental Influences on Genetic Aging Processes: Experimental Evidence from Model Systems
Alebachew Molla*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
49-59
Received:
26 September 2025
Accepted:
14 October 2025
Published:
31 October 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ejcbs.20251104.12
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Views:
Abstract: Aging is a complex biological process influenced not only by genetic predispositions but also significantly shaped by environmental factors. This review synthesizes experimental evidence from model systems elucidating how environmental exposures modulate genetic aging processes. Studies in organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans, mice, and human cellular models demonstrate that external conditions including diet, psychosocial stress, pollutants, and physical activity interact dynamically with genetic and epigenetic regulators to influence lifespan and healthspan. Advances in molecular biology and omics technologies reveal mechanisms such as DNA methylation alterations, histone modifications, telomere attrition, oxidative stress, and cellular senescence as critical mediators of gene-environment crosstalk in aging. Genetic manipulation tools like CRISPR and RNA interference enable precise interrogation of genes implicated in environmental responses, deepening understanding of aging pathways. While model organisms provide invaluable platforms to dissect these interactions, challenges remain in translating findings to human aging due to complexity and heterogeneity. Future directions highlight emerging single-cell multiomics, organ-on-chip systems, and artificial intelligence integration to unravel aging's multifactorial nature. The review underscores the necessity of multidisciplinary approaches combining genetics, environmental sciences, and computational biology to develop therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating environmental factors to promote healthy aging. These insights pave the way for personalized interventions targeting both genetic susceptibilities and modifiable environmental risks, ultimately advancing longevity and well-being.
Abstract: Aging is a complex biological process influenced not only by genetic predispositions but also significantly shaped by environmental factors. This review synthesizes experimental evidence from model systems elucidating how environmental exposures modulate genetic aging processes. Studies in organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans, mice, and human c...
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