Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jon G. Steller, Camille Driver, Diane Gumina, Emma Peek, Teresa Harper, John C. Hobbins, Henry L. Galan
Summary: This study examined the discrepancy in umbilical artery Dopplers between paired arteries in 425 growth-restricted fetuses and found that some cases exhibited discordant pulsatility indices. The results indicated that different sampling methods may affect the detection of abnormal pulsatility indices.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Georgios Moros, Theodora Boutsikou, Charalambos Fotakis, Zoe Iliodromiti, Rozeta Sokou, Theodora Katsila, Theodoros Xanthos, Nicoletta Iacovidou, Panagiotis Zoumpoulakis
Summary: The study found a clear association between altered metabolomic profiles in maternal and cord blood in IUGR pregnancies. Elevated levels of amino acids alanine, leucine, valine, isoleucine, and phenylalanine in IUGR pregnancies suggest a connection with impaired amino acid metabolism and transplacental flux. The increased levels of branched chain amino acids in intrauterine growth restricted pregnancies were linked with increased insulin resistance. Lower glycerol levels were attributed to imbalance between gluconeogenesis and glycolysis pathways, indicating poor glycolysis.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Acoustics
Odessa P. Hamidi, Camille Driver, Jon G. Steller, Emma E. Peek, Lorenzo Monasta, Tamara Stampalija, Diane L. Gumina, Greggory R. DeVore, John C. Hobbins, Henry L. Galan
Summary: This study compares the differences and abnormal rates of umbilical vein flow (UVF) between fetal growth restriction (FGR) fetuses meeting Delphi criteria (FGR-D), small-for-gestational age (SGA) fetuses, and appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) controls. The results show that absolute UVF is decreased in FGR-D, and the incidence of abnormal UVF is higher in late-onset FGR fetuses. UVF may provide additional diagnostic value for fetuses affected by growth restriction.
JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Acoustics
Wesley Lee, Lauren M. Mack, Roxanna Miremadi, Betul Yilmaz Furtun, Haleh Sangi-Haghpeykar, Greggory R. DeVore
Summary: The objective of this study was to investigate cardiac size, shape, and ventricular contractility in fetuses with estimated fetal weight (EFW) <10th centile at sea level. The results showed that fetuses with EFW <10th centile at sea level often had enlarged and globular-shaped hearts, with increased ventricular contractility. In comparison, fetuses at higher altitude had similar heart shape but a higher proportion with decreased ventricular contractility.
JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
A. Arias, J. A. Schander, M. Bariani, F. Correa, A. P. Dominguez Rubio, M. Cella, C. B. Cymeryng, M. L. Wolfson, A. M. Franchi, J. Aisemberg
Summary: Maternal dexamethasone administration during late gestation results in fetal and placental growth restriction, potentially due to altered placental angiogenesis.
MOLECULAR HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Acoustics
Sami R. Chmait, Martha A. Monson, Lisa M. Korst, Arlyn Llanes, Andrew H. Chon
Summary: In a retrospective study of sFGR Type III patients, meeting more stringent parameters of the consensus definition was not associated with disease progression or dual survivorship.
JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalia Yeste, Nestor Gomez, Marta Vazquez-Gomez, Consolacion Garcia-Contreras, Marti Pumarola, Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes, Anna Bassols
Summary: The study showed that under IUGR conditions, LBW fetuses had reduced numbers of mature neurons in the hippocampus and Dentate Gyrus regions, along with an increase in immature neurons and alterations in neuronal morphology. Additionally, LBW fetuses exhibited changes in neurotransmitter profiles, with an increase in the serotonin pathway. Supplementation with HTX was able to reverse these morphological and neurochemical changes in LBW fetuses.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Claire Stenhouse, Yennifer Cortes-Araya, F. Xavier Donadeu, Cheryl J. Ashworth
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the temporal changes in testicular gene expression during testes development in fetuses of different size. The results showed that testes weight and testes weight as a percentage of fetal weight were not associated with fetal size at gestational days 60 and 90. Fetal size was not associated with seminiferous tubule area and number, as well as the number of germ or Sertoli cells per tubule. The expression of DMRT1 and SPP1 mRNA was lower in testes associated with the lightest fetuses compared to the closest to mean litter weight fetuses at gestational day 90. These findings provide insights into the expression profiles of genes associated with testicular development and function.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Marta Meneghelli, Andrea Peruzzo, Elena Priante, Maria Elena Cavicchiolo, Luca Bonadies, Laura Moschino, Francesca De Terlizzi, Giovanna Verlato
Summary: There are differences in bone health between IUGR and non-IUGR preterm infants, and special nutritional care is needed for IUGR newborns to promote bone development.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Asghar Ali, Frieder Hadlich, Muhammad W. Abbas, Muhammad A. Iqbal, Dawit Tesfaye, Gerrit J. Bouma, Quinton A. Winger, Siriluck Ponsuksili
Summary: Dysregulation of miRNAs in the placenta can affect placental development and function, and potentially serve as diagnostic biomarkers for pregnancy complications. However, the differential expression of miRNAs in maternal circulation may not always reflect placental status, making it challenging to find a reliable biomarker for placental dysfunction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Elisa C. Cella, Julia Conte, Rafaela C. K. Stolte, Flaviano Lorenzo, Tamires Gregorio, Bruna B. Simas, Alex Rafacho, Fernanda B. Lima
Summary: Administration of dexamethasone (DEX) during late gestation can lead to behavioral changes in dams, impacting offspring survival. Adequate maternal care is crucial for pup's survival, and cross-fostering can improve the survival index of DEX offspring.
Article
Neurosciences
Ingrid Dudink, Petra S. Huppi, Stephane V. Sizonenko, Margie Castillo-Melendez, Amy E. Sutherland, Beth J. Allison, Suzanne L. Miller
Summary: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is mainly caused by suboptimal placental function, leading to limited nutrient and oxygen supply to the developing fetus, particularly affecting brain development. FGR results in altered brain morphology, disrupted connectivity, and region-specific brain network disturbances, which are associated with cognitive and behavioral impairments.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jara Pascual-Mancho, Pilar Pintado-Recarte, Carlos Romero-Roman, Jorge C. Morales-Camino, Concepcion Hernandez-Martin, Julia Bujan, Miguel A. Ortega, Juan De Leon-Luis
Summary: This study investigated the variation in Reelin levels in FGR newborns and their association with neurodevelopmental impairment. Results showed a significant association of elevated Reelin levels in FGR fetuses with cerebral blood redistribution compared to the normal weight group and the FGR with abnormal umbilical artery group. Future research should focus on expanding the knowledge of the relationship of Reelin and neurodevelopment impairment in FGR newborns.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
T. M. A. G. Hlongwane, T. Cronje, B. S. S. Nkosi, R. C. Pattinson
Summary: This study in South Africa found a high prevalence of abnormal umbilical resistance indices (RI) in low-risk pregnant women, with a significantly higher perinatal mortality rate in the abnormal RI group. Continuous wave Doppler ultrasound screening showed to be effective in detecting undiagnosed growth restricted babies.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Steven J. Korzeniewski, Elizabeth Sutton, Carlos Escudero, James M. Roberts
Summary: Preeclampsia is a maternal syndrome characterized by new onset hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation that may have long-term adverse effects on both mothers and their children, including cardiovascular, metabolic, cerebral, and cognitive complications.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Nuria Banos, Xavier P. Burgos-Artizzu, Brenda Valenzuela-Alcaraz, David Coronado-Gutierrez, Alvaro Perez-Moreno, Julia Ponce, Eduard Gratacos, Montse Palacio
Summary: This study evaluated the reproducibility of ultrasound cervical length (CL) measurement in the second trimester and found moderate agreement among intra- and inter-observers. However, wide disagreements were observed when using specific cutoffs to classify patients, highlighting the importance of training and quality assessments when considering the universal application of CL measurement for screening.
JOURNAL OF MATERNAL-FETAL & NEONATAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Acoustics
L. Garcia-Otero, I Soveral, A. Sepulveda-Martinez, M. Rodriguez-Lopez, X. Torres, L. Guirado, L. Nogue, B. Valenzuela-Alcaraz, J. M. Martinez, E. Gratacos, O. Gomez, F. Crispi
Summary: The study successfully constructed nomograms for fetal cardiac, ventricular, and atrial relative size and geometry parameters from 18 to 41 weeks' gestation using a low-risk population of singleton pregnancies. The results showed regular patterns of changes in these parameters throughout pregnancy.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Iolanda Jordan, Mariona Fernandez de Sevilla, Victoria Fumado, Quique Bassat, Elisenda Bonet-Carne, Claudia Fortuny, Aleix Garcia-Miquel, Cristina Jou, Cristina Adroher, Maria Mele Casas, Monica Girona-Alarcon, Maria Hernandez Garcia, Gemma Pons Tomas, Sara Ajanovic, Sara Arias, Nuria Balanza, Barbara Baro, Pere Millat-Martinez, Rosauro Varo, Sergio Alonso, Enric Alvarez-Lacalle, Daniel Lopez, Joana Claverol, Marta Cubells, Pedro Brotons, Anna Codina, Daniel Cuadras, Patricia Bruijning-Verhagen, Saul Faust, Alasdair Munro, Carmen Munoz-Almagro, Marti Catala, Clara Prats, Juan Jose Garcia-Garcia, Eduard Gratacos
Summary: The transmission rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection among children and adult staff in summer schools in Barcelona was lower than the general population, indicating that schools under strict preventive measures are unlikely to be significant sources of transmission.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Acoustics
M. Perez-Cruz, O. Gomez, M. Gibert, N. Masoller, E. Marimon, D. Lip-Sosa, M. Bennasar, E. Bonet-Carne, M. D. Gomez-Roig, J. M. Martinez-Crespo, E. Gratacos, E. Eixarch
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate corpus callosum size in fetuses with isolated major congenital heart defects using neurosonography. Findings revealed that fetuses with major CHD had a smaller corpus callosum compared to controls, particularly in the subgroup with expected poorer brain oxygen supply. This suggests sonographic corpus callosum size could serve as a clinically feasible marker of abnormal white matter development in congenital heart defects.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xavier P. Burgos-Artizzu, Nuria Banos, David Coronado-Gutierrez, Julia Ponce, Brenda Valenzuela-Alcaraz, Ana L. Moreno-Espinosa, Laia Grau, Alvaro Perez-Moreno, Eduard Gratacos, Montse Palacio
Summary: This study evaluated a novel automated test based on ultrasound cervical texture analysis for predicting spontaneous Preterm Birth (sPTB) and found that combining texture analysis with Cervical Length (CL) significantly improved prediction performance compared to using CL alone.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Rebecca N. Spencer, Kurt Hecher, Gill Norman, Karel Marsal, Jan Deprest, Alan Flake, Francesc Figueras, Christoph Lees, Steve Thornton, Kathleen Beach, Marcy Powell, Fatima Crispi, Anke Diemert, Neil Marlow, Donald M. Peebles, Magnus Westgren, Helena Gardiner, Eduard Gratacos, Jana Brodszki, Albert Batista, Helen Turier, Mehali Patel, Beverley Power, James Power, Gillian Yaz, Anna L. David
Summary: This study aimed to improve safety monitoring for developing pregnancy drugs, devices, and interventions by creating AE terminology. An international multidisciplinary group filled gaps in definitions and severity grading through a modified Delphi process, allowing systematic consistent AE assessment in pregnancy trials.
PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Lennart Van der Veeken, Francesca M. Russo, Ewelina Litwinska, Olga Gomez, Doaa Emam, Liesbeth Lewi, David Basurto, Stephen Van der Veeken, Luc De Catte, Eduard Gratacos, Elisenda Eixarch, Kypros Nicolaides, Jan Deprest
Summary: Fetuses with isolated left-sided CDH exhibit a small cerebellum and reduced MCA peak systolic velocity. Disease severity is correlated to changes in TCD and MCA Doppler values. Follow-up studies are needed to determine the impact of these changes on neurodevelopment.
PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Francesca Crovetto, Fatima Crispi, Roger Borras, Cristina Paules, Rosa Casas, Andres Martin-Asuero, Angela Arranz, Eduard Vieta, Ramon Estruch, Eduard Gratacos
Summary: This study is the first randomized trial evaluating the impact of maternal lifestyle interventions during pregnancy on perinatal outcomes. The interventions focus on promoting Mediterranean diet and stress reduction using mindfulness techniques, aiming to reduce the prevalence of FGR and improve neurodevelopment and cardiovascular profile in children. Compliance to the interventions will be evaluated with biomarkers to ensure their effectiveness.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Ben Van Calster, Alexandra Benachi, Kypros H. Nicolaides, Eduard Gratacos, Christoph Berg, Nicola Persico, Glenn J. Gardener, Michael Belfort, Yves Ville, Greg Ryan, Anthony Johnson, Haruhiko Sago, Przemyslaw Kosinski, Pietro Bagolan, Tim Van Mieghem, Philip L. J. DeKoninck, Francesca M. Russo, Stuart B. Hooper, Jan A. Deprest
Summary: This analysis suggests that fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion improves survival in cases of moderate and severe lung hypoplasia. The timing of balloon insertion may impact the treatment effect, but further research is needed to determine its precise influence due to the limited sample size and confounding factors. In particular, early insertion of the balloon greatly increases the risk of preterm delivery.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sergio Alonso, Marti Catala, Daniel Lopez, Enric Alvarez-Lacalle, Iolanda Jordan, Juan Jose Garcia-Garcia, Victoria Fumado, Carmen Munoz-Almagro, Eduard Gratacos, Nuria Balanza, Rosauro Varo, Pere Millat, Barbara Baro, Sara Ajanovic, Sara Arias, Joana Claverol, Mariona Fernandez de Sevilla, Elisenda Bonet-Carne, Aleix Garcia-Miquel, Ermengol Coma, Manuel Medina-Peralta, Francesc Fina, Clara Prats, Quique Bassat
Summary: The reopening of schools in Catalonia appeared to be safe and the preventive measures in place were effective in detecting and containing transmission. The risk of transmission within schools was found to be relatively low.
Letter
Acoustics
E. Eixarch, E. Gratacos
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xavier P. Burgos-Artizzu, David Coronado-Gutierrez, Brenda Valenzuela-Alcaraz, Elisenda Bonet-Carne, Elisenda Eixarch, Fatima Crispi, Eduard Gratacos
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Carlota Dobano, Selena Alonso, Marta Vidal, Alfons Jimenez, Rocio Rubio, Rebeca Santano, Diana Barrios, Gemma Pons Tomas, Maria Mele Casas, Maria Hernandez Garcia, Monica Girona-Alarcon, Laura Puyol, Barbara Baro, Pere Millat-Martinez, Sara Ajanovic, Nuria Balanza, Sara Arias, Natalia Rodrigo Melero, Carlo Carolis, Aleix Garcia-Miquel, Elisenda Bonet-Carne, Joana Claverol, Marta Cubells, Claudia Fortuny, Victoria Fumado, Anna Codina, Quique Bassat, Carmen Munoz-Almagro, Mariona Fernandez de Sevilla, Eduard Gratacos, Luis Izquierdo, Juan Jose Garcia-Garcia, Ruth Aguilar, Iolanda Jordan, Gemma Moncunill
Summary: COVID-19 has a lesser impact on children compared to adults, but they can still get infected and transmit the virus. A study evaluated the use of high-throughput Luminex assays to measure SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in saliva and compared them to serum/plasma samples in infected children and adults. The results showed a correlation between saliva and serum/plasma antibody levels, and infected children had higher antibody levels, suggesting stronger clinical immunity. Therefore, measuring saliva antibodies could be a useful tool to determine COVID-19 prevalence and transmission in pediatric populations.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Lina Youssef, Francesca Crovetto, Rui Vasco Simoes, Jezid Miranda, Cristina Paules, Miquel Blasco, Marta Palomo, Hector Garcia-Caldero, Olga Tura-Ceide, Ana Paula Dantas, Virginia Hernandez-Gea, Pol Herrero, Nuria Canela, Josep Maria Campistol, Joan Carles Garcia-Pagan, Maribel Diaz-Ricart, Eduard Gratacos, Fatima Crispi
Summary: This study utilized metabolomic analysis to investigate the pathophysiological pathways involved in early-onset severe preeclampsia, revealing six altered metabolic pathways that may play a role in the development of this condition.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Laura Nogue, Olga Gomez, Nora Izquierdo, Cristina Mula, Narcis Masoller, Josep M. Martinez, Eduard Gratacos, Greggory Devore, Fatima Crispi, Mar Bennasar
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility and reproducibility of 4D-STIC speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) using FetalHQ(R), and compared it to 2D STE. The results showed that 4D-STIC is feasible and reproducible for assessing cardiac morphometry and function.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)