Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Huifeng Shi, Yuanhui Jiang, Pengbo Yuan, Lian Chen, Xiaoli Gong, Yike Yang, Yuanyuan Wang, Hai Jiang, You Li, Mengxing Sun, Yangyu Zhao, Yuan Wei
Summary: This study revealed a non-linear association between vitamin E concentrations in the first trimester and gestational vitamin E change with pre-eclampsia. The findings showed that vitamin E concentrations below 7.3 mg/L and gestational decrease were associated with increased risk of pre-eclampsia.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Katrina Z. Freimane, Lauren Kerrigan, Kelly-Ann Eastwood, Chris J. Watson
Summary: This study aimed to identify the most promising biomarker candidates for clinical implementation in existing pre-eclampsia (PE) models among women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The study found that higher levels of HbA1c and urinary albumin in the first trimester were associated with an increased risk of PE development in women with T1DM. Additionally, urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and adipokines were identified as novel biomarkers with moderate predictive ability before 15 weeks of gestation. Furthermore, two T1DM-specific PE prediction models were proposed, which measured adipokines or urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin along with maternal clinical characteristics. Contradicting previous literature, the study found correlations between PE risk in women with T1DM and vitamin D levels and atherogenic lipid profile in the context of haptoglobin phenotype 2-2.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ilona Jaszczuk, Izabela Winkler, Dorota Koczkodaj, Maciej Skrzypczak, Agata Filip
Summary: This review article analyzes the role of C19MC miRNA in the development of pre-eclampsia and summarizes the current research data. The results indicate that C19MC miRNAs are significantly upregulated in placental tissue of pre-eclampsia patients and can be detected in high levels in the blood. Among them, miR-525-5p shows low expression in the plasma of the first trimester. By identifying these miRNAs, it may be possible to predict the development of pre-eclampsia before the onset of clinical symptoms, thereby avoiding serious complications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yanhua Liu, Shunping Ma, Xuemin Huang, Yacong Bo, Wenjun Fu, Yuan Cao, Dandan Duan, Weifeng Dou, Fangfang Zeng, Xinyi Wang, Meiyuan Gong, Xueyang Zhang, Quanjun Lyu, Xianlan Zhao
Summary: Many studies have indicated that the serum concentrations of vitamin A (VA) and vitamin E (VE) affect the risk of preeclampsia (PE) in pregnant women. However, there is limited research on the correlation between dietary intake and serum concentrations of VA and VE with PE risk. This study aimed to investigate the association between dietary intake and serum concentrations of VA and VE and the risk of PE in pregnant Chinese women, and found that dietary VA intake was negatively correlated with PE risk, while serum VA and VE concentrations were positively correlated with PE risk.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Claire L. Meek, Zoe A. Stewart, Denice S. Feig, Samuel Furse, Sandra L. Neoh, Albert Koulman, Helen R. Murphy
Summary: This study found that maternal hyperglycemia and offspring hyperinsulinism in women with type 1 diabetes during pregnancy are associated with perinatal complications and suboptimal pregnancy outcomes. Metabolomic analysis revealed distinct metabolite profiles for different complications, such as increased carnitines and lipid metabolites in large for gestational age infants, and changes in triacylglycerols or dietary phenols in neonatal hypoglycemia and offspring hyperinsulinism. Altered lipid metabolism is a key feature in type 1 diabetes pregnancy, suggesting the need for new strategies to optimize maternal diet and insulin dosing from the first trimester.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sammy Hermans, Jacob Pilon, Dennis Eschweiler, Johannes Stegmaier, Carmen A. H. Severens-Rijvers, Salwan Al-Nasiry, Marc van Zandvoort, Dimitrios Kapsokalyvas
Summary: Pre-eclampsia is a severe complication in pregnancy with limited diagnostic and therapeutic options, and there is controversy surrounding its etiology and phenotypes. Using multiphoton microscopy (MPM) imaging, the native placental three-dimensional morphology can be visualized with subcellular resolution, allowing for the identification of various imaging targets such as trophoblast organization, villous tree structure, syncytial knots, fibrosis, and vascular networks. Preliminary data suggests that pre-eclampsia is characterized by increased syncytial knot density, paddle-like villous sprouts, abnormal villous volume-to-surface ratio, and decreased vascular density. Quantifying 3D microscopic images shows potential for phenotyping pre-eclampsia in placental villous tissue.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Chiara Agostinis, Alessandro Mangogna, Andrea Balduit, Azin Aghamajidi, Giuseppe Ricci, Uday Kishore, Roberta Bulla
Summary: COVID-19 is characterized by multiple organ failure due to virus-induced injury, accompanied by inflammatory reactions and prothrombotic coagulopathy; pregnant women contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection are more vulnerable to developing pre-eclampsia (PE); C inhibitors targeting C3 or MASP-2 offer promising options for treating both COVID-19 and consequent PE.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Josephine Yu, Preeti Sharma, Christian M. Girgis, Jenny E. Gunton
Summary: The prevalence of type 1 diabetes is rising steadily and vitamin D may contribute to this increase. This systematic review examined studies on vitamin D and type 1 diabetes, finding strong associations between low vitamin D levels and type 1 diabetes. Animal studies and human trials also suggest that vitamin D treatment or supplementation can be beneficial in reducing the risk of type 1 diabetes. Maintaining optimal circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels may help to prevent or delay the development of type 1 diabetes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jean Claude Katte, Timothy J. McDonald, Eugene Sobngwi, Angus G. Jones
Summary: The phenotype of type 1 diabetes in Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa, is poorly understood. Previous studies have suggested differences in phenotype from the classical form of the disease described in western literature. Accurate diagnosis is challenging due to atypical diabetes forms and limited resources. The age of onset seems to be later in sub-Saharan Africa.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
K. Hilden, A. Magnuson, S. Montgomery, E. Schwarcz, U. Hanson, D. Simmons, H. Backman
Summary: This study investigates the associations between pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The results show that both pre-eclampsia and GDM are independent risk factors for later CVD. The association between pre-eclampsia and CVD is not modified by body mass index (BMI). Effective CVD preventive programs for high-risk women are urgently needed.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yanyu Gao, Dan Luo, Qiong Wang, Juan Lin
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of calcium and vitamin D supplementation initiated at early pregnancy in high-risk women on reduction of preeclampsia risk. The results showed that supplementation did not demonstrate any significant reduction in pre-eclampsia, suggesting a need for larger, high-quality studies to further investigate the impact of calcium and vitamin D on preeclampsia.
TROPICAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shmuel Somer, Andrew P. Levy
Summary: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals with diabetes mellitus, likely due to oxidative stress and hyperglycemia. Clinical trials involving high doses of vitamin E or strict glycemic control in DM patients have not shown significant reduction of CVD. Proper patient selection based on haptoglobin genotype may be crucial in achieving better outcomes in preventing complications in diabetes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Markus Mattila, Leena Hakola, Sari Niinisto, Heli Tapanainen, Hanna-Mari Takkinen, Suvi Ahonen, Jorma Ilonen, Jorma Toppari, Riitta Veijola, Mikael Knip, Suvi M. Virtanen
Summary: The study found no association between maternal intake of vitamin C or iron during pregnancy and the risk of offspring developing islet autoimmunity or type 1 diabetes.
Article
Hematology
Viktoria Bitsadze, Sylvie Bouvier, Jamilya Khizroeva, Eva Cochery-Nouvellon, Eric Mercier, Antonia Perez-Martin, Alexander Makatsariya, Jean-Christophe Gris
Summary: This study found that ADAMTS13 activity, antibodies, and antigen levels in newly pregnant women with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (oAPS) are associated with the occurrence of pre-eclampsia (PEcl). These markers serve as significant risk factors for PEcl and its subgroups, exhibiting acceptable discrimination power in predicting clinical events. ADAMTS13 may help identify pregnant women with oAPS who do not require escalated treatment strategies to prevent PEcl.
THROMBOSIS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Anna Aulitzky, Julia Lanbach, Sophie Falkensteiner, Sarah Maier, Hanno Ulmer, Bettina Toth, Beata Seeber
Summary: This retrospective cohort study investigates the relationship between outlier high values of HCG following embryo transfer and pregnancy complications, specifically pre-eclampsia. The study finds that women with the highest HCG concentrations have a lower incidence of pre-eclampsia. This is the first known report linking high first-measured HCG after SET to an adverse pregnancy outcome.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2023)
Letter
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tracey Weissgerber, Nico Riedel, Halil Kilicoglu, Cyril Labbe, Peter Eckmann, Gerben ter Riet, Jennifer Byrne, Guillaume Cabanac, Amanda Capes-Davis, Bertrand Favier, Shyam Saladi, Peter Grabitz, Alexandra Bannach-Brown, Robert Schulz, Sarah McCann, Rene Bernard, Anita Bandrowski
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Vedrana Pavlovic, Tracey Weissgerber, Dejana Stanisavljevic, Tatjana Pekmezovic, Ognjen Milicevic, Jelena Milin Lazovic, Andja Cirkovic, Marko Savic, Nina Rajovic, Pavle Piperac, Nemanja Djuric, Petar Madzarevic, Ana Dimitrijevic, Simona Randjelovic, Emilija Nestorovic, Remi Akinyombo, Andrija Pavlovic, Ranine Ghamrawi, Vesna Garovic, Natasa Milic
Summary: Citations are crucial in scientific papers, but inaccuracies are common, with the most frequent problems being citation of non-existent findings and incorrect interpretation of results. Involving authors in verifying citation accuracy and proposing actions to reduce inaccuracies are potential solutions to this issue.
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Hajrunisa Cubro, Karl A. Nath, Sonja Suvakov, Oscar Garcia-Valencia, Santosh Parashuram, Wendy M. White, Tracey L. Weissgerber, Meryl C. Nath, Natasa M. Milic, Fernando Sontag, Livius D'Uscio, Yi Zhu, James L. Kirkland, Tamar Tchkonia, Mariam P. Alexander, Reade A. Quinton, Zvonimir S. Katusic, Joseph P. Grande, Vesna D. Garovic
Summary: In the IL-10-/-sPE murine model, aortic contractions to phenylephrine were significantly augmented compared to wild type normotensive mice, indicating impaired endothelium-dependent and to a lesser extent, endothelium-independent relaxation. The results highlight the role of IL-10 deficiency in dysregulation of the cyclooxygenase pathway and vascular dysfunction in the IL-10-/-sPE murine model of preeclampsia, suggesting a possible contribution of nitric oxide dysregulation.
KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tracey L. Weissgerber
Summary: Meta-research, or the science of science, is a powerful technique that scientists can use to improve science. However, most scientists are unaware of its existence. This initiative demonstrates the feasibility of a participant-guided learn by doing approach through collaborating to design, conduct and publish a meta-research study.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Helena Jambor, Alberto Antonietti, Bradly Alicea, Tracy L. Audisio, Susann Auer, Vivek Bhardwaj, Steven J. Burgess, Iuliia Ferling, Malgorzata Anna Gazda, Luke H. Hoeppner, Vinodh Ilangovan, Hung Lo, Mischa Olson, Salem Yousef Mohamed, Sarvenaz Sarabipour, Aalok Varma, Kaivalya Walavalkar, Erin M. Wissink, Tracey L. Weissgerber
Summary: While many resources discuss fraudulent image manipulation and technical specifications for image acquisition, data on the legibility and interpretability of images are scarce, and common problems still exist in non-blot images published in three fields, such as missing scale bars and misplaced or poorly marked insets.
Editorial Material
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Tracey L. Weissgerber
Summary: Clinical Science proudly launches a new translational meta-research collection that applies the scientific method to study science itself. The collection aims to improve the quality and credibility of biomedical research by addressing issues such as transparency, rigor, and reproducibility through science of science studies.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tracey L. Weissgerber
Summary: Concerns about statistical analyses and the shift towards big data have led to calls for improvements in statistics education among researchers. A recent study in PLOS Biology examines changes in data analysis techniques over time to identify the skills that young scientists may require.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Alyson J. Hill, C. C. Patterson, I. S. Young, V. A. Holmes, D. R. McCance
Summary: This study explored the relationships between carbohydrate intake, BMI, and glycaemic control in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. The findings suggest that the average quantity of dietary carbohydrate influences HbA1c, while BMI has less impact. Additionally, differences were observed in fibre and glycaemic index in relation to glycaemic control.
JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Robert Schulz, Georg Langen, Robert Prill, Michael Cassel, Tracey L. Weissgerber
Summary: This study examined the reporting and transparency practices in clinical trials in sports medicine and orthopaedics. The findings showed that while most trials mentioned scientific rigour criteria, important details were often missing. There is a need for greater adoption of open science practices such as pre-registration and open data.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Brianne A. Kent, Constance Holman, Emmanuella Amoako, Alberto Antonietti, James M. Azam, Hanne Ballhausen, Yaw Bediako, Anat M. Belasen, Clarissa F. D. Carneiro, Yen-Chung Chen, Ewoud B. Compeer, Chelsea A. C. Connor, Sophia Cruwell, Humberto Debat, Emma Dorris, Hedyeh Ebrahimi, Jeffrey C. Erlich, Florencia Fernandez-Chiappe, Felix Fischer, Malgorzata Anna Gazda, Toivo Glatz, Peter Grabitz, Verena Heise, David G. Kent, Hung Lo, Gary McDowell, Devang Mehta, Wolf-Julian Neumann, Kleber Neves, Mark Patterson, Naomi C. Penfold, Sophie K. Piper, Iratxe Puebla, Peter K. Quashie, Carolina Paz Quezada, Julia L. Riley, Jessica L. Rohmann, Shyam Saladi, Benjamin Schwessinger, Bob Siegerink, Paulina Stehlik, Alexandra Tzilivaki, Kate D. L. Umbers, Aalok Varma, Kaivalya Walavalkar, Charlotte M. de Winde, Cecilia Zaza, Tracey L. Weissgerber
Summary: This study summarizes the outputs of a virtual unconventional conference that gathered experts with experience in ECR initiatives to improve the culture and practice of science. The recommendations highlight the need to incentivize and provide resources for ECRs involved in systemic science improvement, involve ECRs in decision-making processes, and address barriers to participation for marginalized groups.
Editorial Material
Biology
Robert Schulz, Adrian Barnett, Rene Bernard, Nicholas J. L. Brown, Jennifer A. Byrne, Peter Eckmann, Malgorzata A. Gazda, Halil Kilicoglu, Eric M. Prager, Maia Salholz-Hillel, Gerben ter Riet, Timothy Vines, Colby J. Vorland, Han Zhuang, Anita Bandrowski, Tracey L. Weissgerber
Summary: The traditional peer review system is under strain due to the increasing number of preprints and publications. While automated screening tools can assist in improving peer review, they cannot replace human evaluation.
BMC RESEARCH NOTES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristina Kroon, Larissa Breuer, Lydia Jones, Jeehye An, Ayca Akan, Elkhansa Ahmed Mohamed Ali, Felix Busch, Marinus Fislage, Biswajit Ghosh, Max Hellrigel-Holderbaum, Vartan Kazezian, Alina Koppold, Cesar Alberto Moreira Restrepo, Nico Riedel, Lea Scherschinski, Fernando Raul Urrutia Gonzalez, Tracey L. Weissgerber
Summary: This article examines publication practices of Western blot images and finds that most published Western blots are cropped and source data are not provided to readers. The methods sections of Western blot articles often lack important information. The authors provide detailed descriptions and visual examples, as well as additional resources to help scientists improve Western blot figures and methods.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ulrich Mansmann, Clara Locher, Fabian Prasser, Tracey Weissgerber, Ulrich Sax, Martin Posch, Evelyne Decullier, Ioana A. A. Cristea, Thomas P. A. Debray, Leonhard Held, David Moher, John P. A. Ioannidis, Joseph S. S. Ross, Christian Ohmann, Florian Naudet
Summary: Data sharing improves the value of medical research and promotes trust in clinical trials, but more biomedical researchers need training in approaches such as meta-research, data science, and ethical, legal, and social issues.
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Verena Heise, Constance Holman, Hung Lo, Ekaterini Maria Lyras, Mark Christopher Adkins, Maria Raisa Jessica Aquino, Konstantinos I. Bougioukas, Katherine O. Bray, Martyna Gajos, Xuanzong Guo, Corinna Hartling, Rodrigo Huerta-Gutierrez, Miroslava Jindrova, Joanne P. M. Kenney, Adrianna P. Kepinska, Laura Kneller, Elena Lopez-Rodriguez, Felix Muehlensiepen, Angela Richards, Gareth Richards, Maximilian Siebert, James A. Smith, Natalie Smith, Nicolai Stransky, Sirpa Tarvainen, Daniela Sofia Valdes, Kayleigh L. Warrington, Nina-Maria Wilpert, Disa Witkowska, Mirela Zaneva, Jeanette Zanker, Tracey L. Weissgerber
Summary: Open, reproducible, and replicable research practices are crucial in scientific research. Grassroots-level training, often conducted by early career researchers for early career researchers, can provide a platform for learning new practices. This study outlines ten simple rules for participants of such training courses to implement robust research practices in their own projects. These rules include prioritizing and planning the implementation process, managing implementation problems, and integrating reproducible research and open science practices into future research careers. Strategies for course organizers to prepare and support participants during the implementation process are also discussed.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
