Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
George K. Michalopoulos, Bharat Bhushan
Summary: The liver is a unique solid organ that uses regenerative mechanisms to maintain body homeostasis, unlike other solid organs that adjust to tissue loss but do not return to 100% of normal. This review discusses the regenerative pathways of the liver and the clinical implications of liver regeneration after injury.
NATURE REVIEWS GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Per Ashorn, Ulla Ashorn, Yvonne Muthiani, Samira Aboubaker, Sufia Askari, Rajiv Bahl, Robert E. Black, Nita Dalmiya, Christopher P. Duggan, G. Justus Hofmeyr, Stephen H. Kennedy, Nigel Klein, Joy E. Lawn, Jeremy Shiffman, Jonathon Simon, Marleen Temmerman
Summary: Despite progress in child survival, neonatal mortality remains high in some countries. Most neonatal deaths are caused by preterm birth, small for gestational age, or low birthweight. These conditions have short-term and long-term consequences and impact human capital. However, progress in preventing these issues has been slow due to lack of consensus and a suitable governance structure. A new definition and framework, called the small vulnerable newborn (SVN), is proposed to improve problem definition and prevention strategies. Interventions targeting SVN prevention would benefit live-born infants, reduce stillbirths, improve maternal health, and contribute to social and economic development.
Review
Physiology
Hiroki Ueharu, Yuji Mishina
Summary: Cranial neural crest cells (NCCs) are multipotent cells that give rise to various tissues in the face and head. Abnormalities in BMP signaling in NCCs have been reported as causative reasons for craniofacial anomalies (CFAs) in both mice and humans. Understanding the role of BMP signaling in CFAs is crucial for identifying, preventing, and treating these anomalies.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Lorena Suarez-Idueta, Judith Yargawa, Hannah Blencowe, Ellen Bradley, Yemisrach B. Okwaraji, Veronica Pingray, Luz Gibbons, Adrienne Gordon, Kara Warrilow, Enny S. Paixao, Ila Rocha Falcao, Sarka Lisonkova, Qi Wen, Francisco Mardones, Raul Caulier-Cisterna, Petr Velebil, Jitka Jirova, Erzsebet Horvath-Puho, Henrik Toft Sorensen, Luule Sakkeus, Lili Abuladze, Mika Gissler, Mohammad Heidarzadeh, Maziar Moradi-Lakeh, Khalid A. Yunis, Ayah Al Bizri, Shamala D. Karalasingam, Ravichandran Jeganathan, Arturo Barranco, Lisa Broeders, Aimee E. van Dijk, Luis Huicho, Hugo Guillermo Quezada-Pinedo, Kim Nail Cajachagua-Torres, Fawziya Alyafei, Mai AlQubaisi, Geum Joon Cho, Ho Yeon Kim, Neda Razaz, Jonas Soederling, Lucy K. Smith, Jennifer Kurinczuk, Estelle Lowry, Neil Rowland, Rachael Wood, Kirsten Monteath, Isabel Pereyra, Gabriella Pravia, Eric O. Ohuma, Joy E. Lawn
Summary: This study aims to examine the prevalence of novel newborn types among 165 million live births in 23 countries from 2000 to 2021. The distribution of newborn types varies across countries, with the highest prevalence of small newborn types in West Asian countries and large newborn types in European countries.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
D. J. Erchick, E. A. Hazel, J. Katz, A. C. C. Lee, M. Diaz, L. S. F. Wu, S. Yoshida, R. Bahl, C. Grandi, A. B. Labrique, M. Rashid, S. Ahmed, A. D. Roy, R. Haque, S. Shaikh, A. H. Baqui, S. K. Saha, R. Khanam, S. Rahman, R. Shapiro, R. Zash, M. F. Silveira, R. Buffarini, P. Kolsteren, C. Lachat, L. Huybregts, D. Roberfroid, L. Zeng, Z. Zhu, J. He, X. Qiu, S. H. Gebreyesus, K. Tesfamariam, D. Bekele, G. Chan, E. Baye, F. Workneh, K. P. Asante, E. B. Kaali, S. Adu-Afarwuah, K. G. Dewey, S. Gyaase, B. J. Wylie, B. R. Kirkwood, A. Manu, R. D. Thulasiraj, J. Tielsch, R. Chowdhury, S. Taneja, G. R. Babu, P. Shriyan, P. Ashorn, K. Maleta, U. Ashorn, C. Mangani, S. Acevedo-Gallegos, M. J. Rodriguez-Sibaja, S. K. Khatry, S. C. LeClerq, L. C. Mullany, F. Jehan, M. Ilyas, S. J. Rogerson, H. W. Unger, R. Ghosh, S. Musange, V. Ramokolo, W. Zembe-Mkabile, M. Lazzerini, M. Rishard, D. Wang, W. W. Fawzi, D. T. R. Minja, C. Schmiegelow, H. Masanja, E. Smith, J. P. A. Lusingu, O. A. Msemo, F. M. Kabole, S. N. Slim, P. Keentupthai, A. Mongkolchati, R. Kajubi, A. Kakuru, P. Waiswa, D. Walker, D. H. Hamer, K. E. A. Semrau, E. B. Chaponda, R. M. Chico, B. Banda, K. Musokotwane, A. Manasyan, J. M. Pry, B. Chasekwa, J. Humphrey, R. E. Black
Summary: The study aims to examine the prevalence of novel newborn types among 541,285 live births in 23 countries from 2000 to 2021. The results show variations in the prevalence of different newborn types across regions and studies, highlighting the need for further investigation into the mortality risks associated with these types and the implications for targeted interventions to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Lorena Suarez-Idueta, Hannah Blencowe, Yemisrach B. Okwaraji, Judith Yargawa, Ellen Bradley, Adrienne Gordon, Vicki S. Flenady, Enny L. Paixao, Mauricio Barreto, Sarka Lisonkova, Qi Wen, Petr Velebil, Jitka Jirova, Erzsebet Horvath-Puho, Henrik Toft Sorensen, Luule Sakkeus, Liili A. Abuladze, Khalid Yunis, Ayah Al Bizri, Arturo Barranco, Lisa Broeders, Aimee E. van Dijk, Fawziya O. Alyafei, Tawa Olukade, Neda Razaz, Jonas K. Soderling, Lucy S. Smith, Elizabeth Draper, Estelle Lowry, Neil Rowland, Rachael Wood, Kirsten Monteath, Isabel Pereyra, Gabriella O. Pravia, Eric E. Ohuma, Joy Lawn
Summary: A study compared neonatal mortality rates in 125.5 million live births across 15 countries from 2000 to 2020. The findings showed that preterm newborns with small size for gestational age had the highest mortality rates. At the population level, preterm newborns with appropriate size for gestational age contributed the most to neonatal deaths.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Ramon Larcade, Lise DeShea, Gillian A. Lang, Mauricio T. Caballero, Adrian Ferretti, William H. Beasley, Trent E. Tipple, Nestor Vain, Luis Prudent, Mark L. Lang, Fernando P. Polack, Gaston Ofman
Summary: This study examines the factors influencing maternal-fetal immune response to COVID-19 infection. The results indicate that the number of days between symptom onset and childbirth predicts the levels of virus-specific antibodies in both mothers and newborns, with higher levels associated with longer duration. A longer time between symptom onset and birth also predicts a higher transfer of maternal antibodies to the fetus. Older gestational age at birth is associated with a lower maternal to cord blood antibody ratio. Additionally, virus-specific IgA antibodies in breast milk are correlated with maternal IgG antibodies.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Yue Gao, Di Li, Jianwen Lin, Aline M. Thomas, Jianyu Miao, Dong Chen, Shen Li, Chengyan Chu
Summary: Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a group of cerebrovascular diseases that primarily affect small arteries, capillaries, arterioles, and venules. Neuroimaging can be used to diagnose CSVD by identifying small subcortical infarcts, lacunes, white matter hyperintensities, perivascular spaces, and microbleeds. It is the most common pathology of cognitive decline and dementia in the elderly, but there is currently no effective preventative or therapeutic approach. Mitigating vascular risk factors and adopting a healthier lifestyle are the most widely accepted treatments for CSVD. Further understanding of the underlying mechanisms may lead to more specific therapies.
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Esther lvarez-Silvares, Tania Fernandez-Cruz, Monica Bermudez-Gonzalez, Paula Rubio-Cid, Agostinho Almeida, Edgar Pinto, Teresa Seoane-Pillado, Elena Martinez-Carballo
Summary: Placental development plays a crucial role in the progression of pregnancy, and exposure to environmental toxicants, including metals, can have an impact on placenta and subsequently affect pregnancy outcomes. This study investigates the correlation between placental levels of 14 essential and non-essential elements and neonatal weight. The findings suggest that certain metal concentrations in the placenta may influence fetal growth, with cobalt and strontium associated with higher newborn weight, while lithium, molybdenum, and selenium associated with lower newborn weight.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bartosz Kamil Sobocki, Charbel A. Basset, Bozena Bruhn-Olszewska, Pawel Olszewski, Olga Szot, Karolina Kazmierczak-Siedlecka, Mateusz Guziak, Luigi Nibali, Angelo Leone
Summary: Periodontitis is a prevalent condition that affects half of the adult population and has been associated with an increased risk of cancer. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor development in periodontitis patients is of fundamental importance. This article presents literature and evidence on the involvement of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, two main oral pathogens in periodontitis, in promoting tumorigenesis. The potential links between the RANKL-RANK signaling axis, circulating cytokines/leukocytes, and carcinogenesis are also discussed. Clinical trials relevant to the topic are examined and their outcomes summarized.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Hematology
Gerard Pasterkamp, Hester M. den Ruijter, Chiara Giannarelli
Summary: Atherosclerosis is a complex disease with diverse morphological presentations. The diversity of molecular profiles in atherosclerotic lesions suggests that there is no unified model to fully describe the natural history of atherosclerosis.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Clara Marino, Camille Leclerc, Celine Bellard
Summary: The study found that some insular vertebrates are threatened by IAS, with threatened amphibians hosting 50% of functional richness and birds hosting up to 29%. Groups threatened by IAS have higher functional richness compared to those threatened by other threats. Birds, lizards, and mammals are more likely to be terrestrial foragers, while amphibians are more likely to have larval development.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lei Yang, Yu Wang, Yun Zhang, Wenwen Li, Shu Jiang, Dawei Qian, Jinao Duan
Summary: Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disease with unclear etiology. The interaction between intestinal flora and the host plays an important role in constipation. The application of multiomics technology can reveal the pathogenesis of constipation and provide new treatment strategies.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sewhareg Belay, Ayalew Astatkie, Sven Gudmund Hinderaker
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the impact of maternal exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy on birth weight in a community in southern Ethiopia. The study found that maternal exposure to IPV during pregnancy was associated with lower birth weights in newborns.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Jessica Honorato Ribeiro, Nazlican Altinisik, Nicholas Rajan, Mieke Verslegers, Sarah Baatout, Jay Gopalakrishnan, Roel Quintens
Summary: DNA-damaging agents and endogenous DNA damage continuously threaten genome integrity. The DNA damage response (DDR) mechanisms play a crucial role in repairing lesions and preventing mutations, especially in brain development. Defects in DNA repair pathways can lead to neurological disorders such as microcephaly. Genetic mutations, exposure to ionizing radiation, and intrauterine infections can cause microcephaly by impairing DNA repair pathways. This review discusses the importance of DDR in normal brain development and the mechanisms and exposures that can result in microcephaly.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Patricia J. Hunter, Yvonne Muthiani, Pieta K. Nasanen-Gilmore, Annariina M. Koivu, Pia Portfors, Kalpana Bastola, Raija Vimpeli, Juho Luoma, Ulla Ashorn, Per Ashorn
Summary: This systematic review examined the effects of seven antenatal nutritional interventions on the risks of adverse birth outcomes. The findings suggest that supplementation with balanced protein and energy, multiple micronutrients, and lipid-based nutrient supplements can reduce the risk of low birth weight and related outcomes in populations with undernutrition. Further investigation is needed to determine the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and calcium supplementation, as well as interventions for pregnant women not gaining weight.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Annariina M. Koivu, Pieta K. Nasanen-Gilmore, Patricia J. Hunter, Yvonne Muthiani, Jaana Isojarvi, Otto Heimonen, Kalpana Bastola, Leon Csonka, Per Ashorn, Ulla Ashorn
Summary: This systematic review examines the effect of eleven antenatal interventions on adverse birth outcomes. The study finds that psychosocial interventions for reducing smoking in pregnancy may reduce the risk of low birth weight, and professionally provided psychosocial support may reduce the risk of preterm birth. However, financial incentives, nicotine replacement therapy, and virtually delivered psychosocial support do not appear to reduce the risk of adverse birth outcomes.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yvonne Muthiani, Patricia J. Hunter, Pieta K. Nasanen-Gilmore, Annariina M. Koivu, Jaana Isojarvi, Juho Luoma, Meeri Salenius, Maryam Hadji, Ulla Ashorn, Per Ashorn
Summary: This article aims to summarize the evidence from published literature on the effect of key interventions targeting maternal infections on adverse birth outcomes. The results suggest that administering 3 or more doses of intermittent preventive treatment can reduce the risk of low birth weight. Providing insecticide-treated bed nets, periodontal treatment, and screening and treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria may also reduce the risk of low birth weight. However, there is limited evidence for other interventions in reducing adverse birth outcomes.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Lotta Hallamaa, Per Ashorn, Yin Bun Cheung, Mari Luntamo, Ulla Ashorn, Teija Kulmala, Kenneth Maleta, Charles Mangani, Yue-Mei Fan
Summary: Maternal malaria and infections during pregnancy are risk factors for fetal growth restriction. Preventive treatment with monthly sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine reduced malaria parasitemia in pregnant women in Malawi, and the addition of azithromycin did not provide additional antimalarial effect.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Anna Roca, Bully Camara, Joel D. Bognini, Usman N. Nakakana, Athasana M. Some, Nathalie Beloum, Toussaint Rouamba, Fatoumata Sillah, Madikoi Danso, Joquina C. Jones, Shashu Graves, Isatou Jagne, Pauline Getanda, Saffiatou Darboe, Marc C. Tahita, Ebrahim Ndure, Hien S. Franck, Sawadogo Y. Edmond, Bai L. Dondeh, Wilfried G. J. Nassa, Zakaria Garba, Abdoulie Bojang, Yusupha Njie, Christian Bottomley, Halidou Tinto, Umberto D'Alessandro
Summary: This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intrapartum azithromycin in reducing neonatal sepsis or mortality, as well as its impact on neonatal and maternal infections. The trial results showed that oral intrapartum azithromycin did not reduce the incidence of neonatal sepsis or mortality, suggesting it should not be routinely used for this purpose.
JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Per Ashorn, Ulla Ashorn, Yvonne Muthiani, Samira Aboubaker, Sufia Askari, Rajiv Bahl, Robert E. Black, Nita Dalmiya, Christopher P. Duggan, G. Justus Hofmeyr, Stephen H. Kennedy, Nigel Klein, Joy E. Lawn, Jeremy Shiffman, Jonathon Simon, Marleen Temmerman
Summary: Despite progress in child survival, neonatal mortality remains high in some countries. Most neonatal deaths are caused by preterm birth, small for gestational age, or low birthweight. These conditions have short-term and long-term consequences and impact human capital. However, progress in preventing these issues has been slow due to lack of consensus and a suitable governance structure. A new definition and framework, called the small vulnerable newborn (SVN), is proposed to improve problem definition and prevention strategies. Interventions targeting SVN prevention would benefit live-born infants, reduce stillbirths, improve maternal health, and contribute to social and economic development.
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Abdu Mohiddin, Katherine E. A. Semrau, Jonathon Simon, Etienne Langlois, Jeremy Shiffman, Helen Nabwera, G. Justus Hofmeyr, Joy E. Lawn, Robert E. Black, Sufia Askari, Nigel Klein, Ulla Ashorn, Per Ashorn, Marleen Temmerman
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mwayiwawo Madanitsa, Hellen C. Barsosio, Daniel T. R. Minja, George Mtove, Reginald A. Kavishe, James Dodd, Queen Saidi, Eric Onyango, Kephas Otieno, Duolao Wang, Ulla Ashorn, Jenny Hill, Crispin Mukerebe, Samwel Gesase, Omari A. Msemo, Victor Mwapasa, Kamija S. Phiri, Kenneth Maleta, Nigel Klein, Pascal Magnussen, John P. A. Lusingu, Simon Kariuki, Jacklin F. Mosha, Michael Alifrangis, Helle Hansson, Christentze Schmiegelow, Julie R. Gutman, R. Matthew Chico, Feiko O. ter Kuile
Summary: This study evaluates the efficacy of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine compared to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in high-resistance areas in East Africa. The results demonstrate that IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine and its combination with azithromycin lead to more adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. This suggests that combining sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine for IPTp should be considered.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
G. Justus Hofmeyr, Robert E. Black, Ewelina Rogozinska, Austin Heuer, Neff Walker, Per Ashorn, Ulla Ashorn, Nita Bhandari, Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, Annariina Koivu, Somesh Kumar, Joy E. Lawn, Stephen Munjanja, Pieta Nasanen-Gilmore, Doreen Ramogola-Masire, Marleen Temmerman
Summary: The World Health Organization recommends a package of care for all pregnant women within eight scheduled antenatal care contacts. Additional effective measures are needed to reduce and manage the outcomes for small vulnerable newborns. Evidence-based antenatal and intrapartum interventions are summarized to prevent vulnerable births or improve outcomes. Implementing eight proven preventive interventions and two intrapartum interventions could prevent millions of neonatal deaths per year.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Sumire Sorano, Georgia Gore-Langton, Charles Opondo, Chris Smith, Mitsuaki Matsui, Enesia Banda Chaponda, Daniel Chandramohan, R. Matthew Chico
Summary: The aim of this systematic review is to estimate the prevalence of malaria and curable sexually transmitted infections and reproductive tract infections (STIs/RTIs) coinfection during pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa, and to assess the risk factors and adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with coinfection.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Andrew Matchado, Joshua W. Smith, Kerry J. Schulze, John D. Groopman, Emma Kortekangas, David Chaima, Charles D. Arnold, Kenneth Maleta, Ulla Ashorn, Per Ashorn, Kathryn G. Dewey, Christine P. Stewart
Summary: This study evaluated the relationship between aflatoxin (AF) exposure and child growth in the first 30 months of life. The results showed that child AF exposure was associated with impaired growth, but maternal AF exposure was not. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms through which AF affects child growth.
CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Anna Maria van Eijk, Kasia Stepniewska, Jenny Hill, Steve M. Taylor, Stephen J. Rogerson, Gilles Cottrell, R. Matthew Chico, Julie R. Gutman, Halidou Tinto, Holger W. Unger, Stephanie K. Yanow, Steven R. Meshnick, Feiko O. ter Kuile, Alfredo Mayor, Subpatent Malaria Pregnancy Grp
Summary: This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of submicroscopic malaria infections in pregnant women in Asia, the Americas, and Africa. It found that submicroscopic infections were more common than microscopic infections during pregnancy, and were associated with fever in Africa. Therefore, malaria control in pregnancy should target both microscopic and submicroscopic infections.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
George Mtove, R. Matthew Chico, Mwayiwawo Madanitsa, Hellen C. Barsosio, Omari Abdul Msemo, Queen Saidi, Georgia R. Gore-Langton, Daniel T. R. Minja, Crispin Mukerebe, Samwel Gesase, Victor Mwapasa, Kamija S. Phiri, Helle Hansson, James Dodd, Pascal Magnussen, Reginald A. Kavishe, Franklin Mosha, Simon Kariuki, John P. A. Lusingu, Julie R. Gutman, Michael Alifrangis, Feiko O. ter Kuile, Christentze Schmiegelow
Summary: This study conducted in Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi found that malaria and curable STIs/RTIs have a negative impact on fetal growth, with a greater effect on primigravidae.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)