Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hannah C. Zierden, Rachel L. Shapiro, Kevin DeLong, Davell M. Carter, Laura M. Ensign
Summary: Preterm birth is defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, with 15 million infants born prematurely globally each year, increasing the risk of mortality and health challenges. While the only FDA approved therapy for preventing preterm birth in the U.S. has faced recent setbacks, interdisciplinary efforts are underway to develop next generation therapies to prevent preterm birth and save infant lives. This research aims to better identify women at risk for preterm birth, prevent premature labor, and ultimately improve outcomes for newborns.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Arash Derakhshan, Tuija Mannisto, Liangmiao Chen, Joris A. J. Osinga, Ghalia Ashoor, Xuemian Lu, Sofie Bliddal, Fang-Biao Tao, Suzanne J. Brown, Bijay Vaidya, Andrew T. Hattersley, Sachiko Itoh, Polina Popova, Ashraf Aminorroaya, Reiko Kishi, Maryam Kianpour, Elena A. Vasukova, Abel Lopez-Bermejo, Emily Oken, Leda Chatzi, Marina Vafeiadi, Wichor M. Bramer, Judit Bassols, Aitana Lertxundi, Ana Fernandez-Somoano, Paula Carrasco, Juha Auvinen, Kun Huang, Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen, Elena N. Grineva, Erik K. Alexander, Elizabeth N. Pearce, Layal Chaker, John P. Walsh, Robin P. Peeters, Monica Guxens, Eila Suvanto, Kypros H. Nicolaides, Tim I. M. Korevaar
Summary: This study explores the association between gestational FT3 and TT3 levels and adverse obstetric outcomes. The findings suggest that FT3 and TT3 levels have different associations with various adverse obstetric outcomes, with high TT3 associated with an increased risk of gestational hypertension and low TT3 associated with a higher risk of very preterm birth.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Weeberb J. Requia, Petros Koutrakis, Stefania Papatheodorou
Summary: This study examines the association between Low Birth Weight (LBW) and ambient temperature exposure in Brazil, the largest county in South America. The results indicate that there is a significant positive association between LBW and ambient temperature, specifically in the northern region where the Amazon is located.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Martina Ferrillo, Mario Migliario, Andrea Roccuzzo, Pedro Molinero-Mourelle, Giovanni Falcicchio, Giuseppina Rosaria Umano, Federica Pezzotti, Pier Luigi Foglio Bonda, Dario Calafiore, Alessandro de Sire
Summary: The study found a correlation between periodontal disease, low vitamin D levels, preterm birth, and low birth weight in pregnant women. Poor oral health and vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women were significantly associated with higher rates of preterm birth and low birth weight.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jovine Bachwenkizi, Cong Liu, Xia Meng, Lina Zhang, Weidong Wang, Aaron van Donkelaar, Randall Martin, Melanie S. Hammer, Renjie Chen, Haidong Kan
Summary: This multicountry study in Africa found significant associations between maternal exposure to PM2.5 and higher odds of low birth weight and preterm birth. These findings may contribute to the development of air quality control strategies to address adverse birth outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Charlotte Greer, Sarah L. Harris, Richard Troughton, Philip D. Adamson, John Horwood, Chris Frampton, Brian A. Darlow
Summary: Being born preterm and at very low birth weight is associated with increased cardiopulmonary disorders in childhood and potential late cardiac effects, including right ventricular remodeling and occult pulmonary hypertension as survivors age. In a population-based study, young adults born PT at VLBW exhibited smaller RV dimensions compared to normal-weight term-born controls, with slightly reduced RV function detected using strain imaging. Birth weight and gestational age were related to these differences, highlighting the potential importance of echocardiographic strain imaging in detecting RV function disparities in this population.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Mengting Sun, Senmao Zhang, Letao Chen, Yihuan Li, Jingyi Diao, Jinqi Li, Jianhui Wei, Xinli Song, Yiping Liu, Jing Shu, Tingting Wang, Ping Zhu, Jiabi Qin
Summary: Paternal pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity are associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight in their offspring.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Scott M. Sutherland, Alexis S. Davis, Diana Powell, Jennifer Tanaka, Mayna Woo, Shellie Josephs, Cynthia J. Wong
Summary: Managing newborns with kidney failure is a complex task. This study presents a successful case series of 7 preterm, low birth weight neonates with end-stage kidney disease who were effectively managed using an innovative approach to kidney replacement therapy.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Manuel S. Vidal, Ryan C. V. Lintao, Mary Elise L. Severino, Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco, Ramkumar Menon
Summary: Survivors of preterm birth face various disabilities, and addressing the rates of low birth weight, neonatal and maternal morbidities and mortalities is crucial. Research has provided theories on risk factors and clinical manifestations, but there is a lack of biomarkers for early diagnosis. To overcome current limitations, an integrated approach studying the network interaction between different tissues and organs is needed.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
R. Deepa, Siddhartha Mandal, Onno C. P. Van Schayck, Giridhara R. R. Babu
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the status of B6, B12, and folate levels in pregnancy and their associations with low birth weight and preterm delivery. The results showed that a large proportion of pregnant women had low levels of B12, folate, and B6. Moreover, low B6 levels and impaired folate status were significantly associated with low birth weight.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yu Zheng, Biao Chen, Jun Dai, Bei Xu, Jihui Ai, Lei Jin, Xiyuan Dong
Summary: A thin endometrium may be associated with a higher incidence of preterm birth, low birth weight, and miscarriage.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Andrew W. Manigault, Stephen J. Sheinkopf, Brian S. Carter, Jennifer Check, Jennifer Helderman, Julie A. Hofheimer, Elisabeth C. McGowan, Charles R. Neal, Michael O'Shea, Steven Pastyrnak, Lynne M. Smith, Todd M. Everson, Carmen J. Marsit, Lynne M. Dansereau, Sheri A. DellaGrotta, Barry M. Lester
Summary: This study examined the association between acoustic cry characteristics at neonatal intensive care unit discharge and behavioral and developmental outcomes at age 2 years in very preterm infants. The findings suggest that acoustic cry characteristics are associated with developmental and behavioral outcomes at age 2 years. Therefore, acoustic cry characteristics may be used for early identification of risk for long-term developmental and behavioral deficits in children.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Malgorzata Lewandowska
Summary: The study found that maternal pre-pregnancy obesity is associated with an increased risk of low birth weight, fetal growth restriction, and macrosomia in newborns. Additionally, the risk of macrosomia was three times higher for obese mothers, while the risk of low birth weight was 17 times higher, particularly in the subgroup of normal gestational weight gain. The risk profile showed that higher BMI values were associated with a higher risk of these outcomes, with specific threshold BMI values identified.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Tiechao Ruan, Yan Yue, Wenting Lu, Ruixi Zhou, Tao Xiong, Yin Jiang, Junjie Ying, Jun Tang, Jing Shi, Hua Wang, Guoguang Xiao, Jinhui Li, Yi Qu, Dezhi Mu
Summary: Exposure to low ambient temperature during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. Pregnant women in late pregnancy and those exposed to extremely low temperatures are more likely to experience preterm births. Pregnant women living in medium or hot areas and Asians and Blacks are more susceptible to the effects of low ambient temperature than those in cold areas and Caucasians.
CHINESE MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Abdulrahman K. K. Ahmed, Victor Coll Sijercic, Reem Sayad, Gregory R. R. Ruthig, Sayed F. F. Abdelwahab, Mohamed A. A. El-Mokhtar, Ibrahim M. M. Sayed
Summary: The study aimed to summarize the existing literature on the effects of COVID-19 on pregnant women, preterm babies, and the incidence of preterm birth (PTB). Contradictory results were found regarding the prevalence of PTB during the pandemic compared to previous years, with some studies showing an increase and others showing a decline. COVID-19 infection during pregnancy can lead to complications such as cesarean section, stillbirth, ICU admission, preeclampsia/eclampsia, and higher mortality rates. Vaccination for COVID-19 in pregnant and lactating women was found to stimulate immune responses without notable negative reactions or outcomes for the mother or baby.
Article
Acoustics
Filomena Giulia Sileo, Gianluigi Pilu, Daniela Prayer, Giuseppe Rizzo, Asma Khalil, Lucia Managanaro, Paolo Volpe, Tim Van Mieghem, Emma Bertucci, Jose Morales Rosello, Fabio Facchinetti, Daniele Di Mascio, Tamara Stampalija, Danilo Buca, Sara Tinari, Ludovica Oronzi, Giada Ercolani, Alice D'Amico, Barbara Matarrelli, Chiara Cerra, Ilaria Fantasia, Lucia Pasquini, Giulia Masini, Claudiana Olivieri, Tullio Ghi, Tiziana Frusca, Andrea Dall'Asta, Silvia Visentin, Erich Cosmi, Ignazio D'Errico, Cecilia Villalain, Olivia Mendez Quintero, Antonella Giancotti, Valentina D'Ambrosio, Amanda Antonelli, Massimo Caulo, Valentina Panara, Marco De Santis, Ilenia Mappa, Federico Prefumo, Lorenzo Pinelli, Gabriela Loscalzo, Gabriella Bracalente, Marco Liberati, Elisa Filippi, Elena Trincia, Petra Pateisky, Herbert Kiss, Joana Curado, Marta Almeida, Antonia Santos, Alberto Galindo, Francesco D'Antonio
Summary: In fetuses with isolated anomaly of the CC diagnosed on antenatal neurosonography, MRI can identify a small proportion of additional anomalies, mainly malformations of cortical development, which are not detected on ultrasound.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Danilo Buonsenso, Davide Pata, Arianna Turriziani Colonna, Mariella Iademarco, Marco De Santis, Lucia Masini, Guido Conti, Fernando Molle, Antonio Baldascino, Anna Acampora, Rita Luciano, Francesca Gallini, Piero Valentini
Summary: A retrospective study compared the efficacy of three different treatment regimens for preventing mother-to-fetus transmission of Toxoplasma gondii infection. The combination of Spiramicyn with Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (Spy+TMP-SMX) was found to be more effective in reducing transmission risk compared to Spiramicyn alone, and it was not inferior to the standard-of-care treatment Pyrimethamine-Sulfadiazine (P/S).
PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE JOURNAL
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Asher Ornoy, Liza Weinstein-Fudim, Maria Becker
Summary: In this review, the functions and effects of three agents that induce epigenetic modifications were discussed. Valproic acid, S-adenosylmethionine, and choline have the ability to modify gene expression and potentially alleviate neurobehavioral changes in disorders with epigenetic origins. While valproic acid is a teratogen and should be avoided during pregnancy, additional studies are needed to explore the potential therapeutic use of these substances for epigenetic human diseases.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Miri Tal-Saban, Asher Ornoy, Shula Parush
Summary: The study aimed to describe and assess the functioning of young adults with DCD in the Israel Defense Forces. Participants with probable DCD reported more difficulties in their military service. Significant differences were found between DCD groups and the control group in understanding of learning materials, forgetting belongings, and success in the army.
MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Maria Becker, Karin Abaev, Albert Pinhasov, Asher Ornoy
Summary: Epigenetic changes play a significant role in various diseases, including psychiatric disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and depression. Treatment with S-Adenosyl-Methionine (SAMe) during pregnancy improved depressive-like behavior and normalized gene expression related to depression in a mouse model. Gender differences were observed, which may explain the differences in clinical presentation of depression and treatment response between genders.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Giulia Bonanni, Valentina Trevisan, Marcella Zollino, Marco De Santis, Federica Romanzi, Antonio Lanzone, Elisa Bevilacqua
Summary: Since the introduction of cell-free (cf) DNA analysis, Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) underwent a deep revolution. However, the use of NIPT in clinical practice is still not devoid of discordant results.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Becker, Karin Abaev, Elena Shmerkin, Liza Weinstein-Fudim, Albert Pinhasov, Asher Ornoy
Summary: This study found that SAMe treatment increased serotonin levels in the prefrontal cortex of female Sub mice and increased dopamine and DOPAC levels in both males and females. SAMe also changed the expression of genes related to monoamine metabolism. These effects may explain the alleviation of depressive symptoms and suggest the beneficial effects of SAMe as an epigenetic modulator in the treatment of depression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Acoustics
D. Di Mascio, G. Rizzo, A. Khalil, F. D'Antonio
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the role of fetal brain MRI in detecting associated anomalies in fetuses with congenital CMV infection and normal neurosonography. The results showed that fetal brain MRI can detect additional anomalies in fetuses with congenital CMV infection and negative neurosonography, and the viral load in the amniotic fluid is an independent predictor of the risk of associated anomalies in these fetuses.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Guillaume Favre, Eva Gerbier, Emeline Maisonneuve, Leo Pomar, Ursula Winterfeld, Karine Lepigeon, Kitty W. M. Bloemenkamp, Odette de Bruin, Eimir Hurley, Hedvig Nordeng, Satu J. Siiskonen, Miriam C. J. M. Sturkenboom, David Baud, Alice Panchaud
Summary: This study aimed to describe the use of COVID-19-related medicines during pregnancy and how it evolved between the early and late periods of the pandemic. The results showed that the proportion of pregnant women who used COVID-19-related medicines increased with disease severity. The use of antibiotics, antivirals, and hydroxychloroquine was lower during the late period of the pandemic.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Eias Kassem, Wasef Na'amnih, Maanit Shapira, Asher Ornoy, Khitam Muhsen
Summary: Research has shown that overweight and obese children have worse metabolic and nutritional status, suggesting that metabolic syndrome may start in childhood.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Asher Ornoy, Denis Gorobets, Liza Weinstein-Fudim, Maria Becker
Summary: The etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors. ASD is more common in males and there are distinct clinical, molecular, electrophysiological, and pathophysiological differences between sexes. Females with ASD exhibit fewer severe communication problems but more internalizing problems compared to males. There are also sex differences in brain structure, connectivity, and electrophysiology, and animal models suggest neurobehavioral differences between male and female animals. The mechanisms underlying these sex differences are not fully understood.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Letter
Acoustics
M. De Santis, T. G. Vitelli, R. Santangelo, A. Lanzone, S. Tartaglia
Summary: This article comments on the study by D'Antonio et al. Click the link to view the original article.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Developmental Biology
Asher Ornoy, Richard K. Miller
Summary: During early embryonic development, the yolk sac plays a crucial role in hematopoiesis and nutrition supply to the embryo/fetus. Damage to the yolk sac function can lead to embryonic malformations or even death. In rodents, various agents have been found to damage the yolk sac, affecting the development of the embryo/fetus. In humans, changes in yolk sac diameter have been associated with diabetic pregnancies and pregnancy loss, indicating the importance of the yolk sac in embryonic well-being.
BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Giacomo Avesani, Alessio Perazzolo, Lorenzo Elia, Andrea Giovanni Anghelone, Simona Gaudino, Luca Russo, Enza Genco, Valerio Di Paola, Luca Massimi, Marco De Santis, Gianpiero Tamburrini, Riccardo Manfredi
Summary: Fetal MRI plays an important role in fetal surgery for open neural tube defects (NTDs). Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria can be adequately studied using fetal MRI. This review discusses the significance of fetal MRI in supporting pre-surgery treatment decisions and post-surgical effectiveness assessment.
Meeting Abstract
Developmental Biology
A. Ornoy
BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH
(2022)