Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Ana Espino, Hicham El Costa, Julie Tabiasco, Reem Al-Daccak, Nabila Jabrane-Ferrat
Summary: The placenta is crucial for nurturing the fetus and acting as a barrier against pathogens. Early pregnancy sees expansion of specific subsets of immune cells, which play an important role in placental and fetal development.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Cinzia Auriti, Silvia Bucci, Domenico Umberto De Rose, Luana Coltella, Alessandra Santisi, Ludovica Martini, Chiara Maddaloni, Iliana Bersani, Simona Lozzi, Francesca Campi, Concettina Pacifico, Martina Balestri, Daniela Longo, Teresa Grimaldi
Summary: This study aims to explore the association between symptoms and time of onset of long-term sequelae in infected children born from mothers who contracted an infection during pregnancy, through a long-term multidisciplinary follow-up. Cognitive, motor, audiological, visual, and language outcomes were evaluated in infants with symptomatic and asymptomatic congenital infections and in uninfected infants for up to 2-4 years.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yu Qi Lee, Eugenie R. Lumbers, Tracy L. Schumacher, Clare E. Collins, Kym M. Rae, Kirsty G. Pringle
Summary: Suboptimal nutrition during pregnancy is recognized as a significant modifiable factor in the development of chronic diseases in offspring. The study found that dietary intake of pregnant Indigenous Australian women did not meet national guidelines and that maternal nutrition during pregnancy can impact fetal growth but not fetal kidney growth. Urgent strategies are needed to support and optimize nutrient intake in Indigenous pregnant women.
Review
Reproductive Biology
Kelly J. Baines, Rachel C. West
Summary: Fetal sex influences the immune response of the fetal, placental, and maternal during pregnancy. Male and female have different immune responses, with males prioritizing growth and being more susceptible to adverse outcomes. Male placentas and fetuses also respond to infection and inflammation differently than females. These gender-specific differences in the immune response contribute to increased male perinatal morbidity and mortality. This review explores the genetic and hormonal contributions to the sexual dimorphism of fetal and placental immunity, as well as the impact on fetal and maternal health.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Caroline Charlier, Julia Dina, Francois Freymuth, Astrid Vabret, Olivier Lortholary, Denise Antona, Marc Lecuit
Summary: Research shows that measles virus can be detected in the saliva and blood of pregnant women, leading to transmission to the fetus during pregnancy, resulting in asymptomatic infection at birth. Despite severe peripartum congenital measles, asymptomatic vertical transmission of the measles virus can occur in early pregnancy.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Davell Carter, Marina Better, Saed Abbasi, Fareeha Zulfiqar, Rachel Shapiro, Laura M. Ensign
Summary: Conception, pregnancy, and childbirth are complex processes that have significant impact on both the mother and fetus. However, there is a lack of safe and effective treatment options in women's health and pregnancy. The physiological changes during menstrual cycle and pregnancy make drug administration and delivery more complicated, and overcoming physiological barriers is also challenging. Nanomedicine offers a unique opportunity to improve safety and minimize side effects by targeting drug delivery to the reproductive tract and other relevant organs in the mother and fetus, and has the potential to improve the management and treatment of infertility, obstetric complications, and fetal conditions.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Caitlyn E. Bowman, Zoltan Arany, Michael J. Wolfgang
Summary: Pregnancy is a nutritionally sensitive stage, and communication between mother and fetus through metabolites is crucial. Studies on humans and animals provide insights into the metabolic adaptations of the fetus, placenta, and mother during pregnancy. Understanding the dynamic nature of maternal-fetal metabolic communication may lead to the discovery of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for metabolic disorders in pregnancy.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Pediatrics
Nicolas Dauby, Veronique Flamand
Summary: In utero exposure to maternal infections can affect infants' immune responses and increase susceptibility to post-natal infections and vaccines. The maternal environment, including microbiota and exposure to environmental microbes, also influences the infant's immune response and clinical phenotype after birth.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Si-Jia Zhao, Kahindo P. Muyayalo, Jing Luo, Donghui Huang, Gil Mor, Ai-Hua Liao
Summary: This article reviews the latest research progress on immune checkpoint molecules in maternal-fetal immunity, discusses their immunoregulatory roles in maternal-fetal tolerance and pathological pregnancies, and proposes the potential impact of using immune checkpoint molecules in pregnancy complications and cancer treatments during pregnancy.
IMMUNOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alfred T. Harding, Marisa A. Goff, Heather M. Froggatt, Jean K. Lim, Nicholas S. Heaton
Summary: The activation of GPER1 during pregnancy is crucial in suppressing IFN signaling in reproductive and fetal tissues, with inactivation of GPER1 leading to fetal developmental arrest and demise in mice, particularly in the presence of maternal inflammation. GPER1 serves as a central regulator of IFN signaling during pregnancy, allowing for dynamic antiviral responses in maternal tissues while protecting fetal health.
Review
Immunology
Ellen Menkhorst, Nandor Gabor Than, Udo Jeschke, Gabriela Barrientos, Laszlo Szereday, Gabriela Dveksler, Sandra M. Blois
Summary: Lectin-glycan interactions, particularly those mediated by the galectin family, play crucial roles in regulating processes necessary for a successful pregnancy. Galectins specifically bind to intracellular and membrane bound carbohydrate ligands, influencing angiogenesis, immune-cell adaptations, and embryogenesis. They contribute to fetal development and placental health, with implications for pathological conditions like preeclampsia.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Juliette Krop, Anita van der Zwan, Marieke E. Ijsselsteijn, Hanneke Kapsenberg, Sietse J. Luk, Sanne H. Hendriks, Carin van der Keur, Lotte J. Verleng, Antonis Somarakis, Lotte van der Meeren, Geert Haasnoot, Manon Bos, Noel F. C. C. de Miranda, Susana M. Chuva de Sousa Lopes, Marie-Louise P. van der Hoorn, Frits Koning, Frans H. J. Claas, Sebastiaan Heidt, Michael Eikmans
Summary: This study highlights the dynamic role of myeloid cells at the human maternal-fetal interface throughout gestation.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chaoyu Liu, Eivind Ystrom, Tom A. Mcadams
Summary: The results of this large prospective cohort study suggest that postnatal SSRI treatment was associated with a reduced risk of postnatal depression-associated maternal mental health problems and child externalizing behaviors across early childhood years.
Article
Immunology
Michael M. Dagher, Emily M. Eichenberger, Kateena L. Addae-Konadu, Sarah K. Dotters-Katz, Celia L. Kohler, Vance G. Fowler, Jerome J. Federspiel
Summary: Maternity-associated IE does not appear to confer additional risk for adverse outcomes over nonmaternity-associated infection. Patients who deliver with IE have worse maternal and fetal outcomes than those whose deliveries are not complicated by IE.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Karina M. Shreffler, Tiffany N. Spierling, Jens E. Jespersen, Stacy Tiemeyer
Summary: This study found that pregnant women who perceived their pregnancies as unintended or unwanted had lower levels of maternal-infant bonding postnatally, while higher levels of prenatal maternal-fetal bonding were associated with higher levels of postnatal maternal-infant bonding. Prenatal bonding was found to be protective for postnatal bonding among women with unintended pregnancies.
INFANT MENTAL HEALTH JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Byron Brook, Frederick Schaltz-Buchholzer, Rym Ben-Othman, Tobias Kollmann, Nelly Amenyogbe
Summary: The BCG vaccine not only reduces the risk of tuberculosis but also has beneficial effects on reducing respiratory infectious diseases and clinical malaria. These effects are associated with increased neutrophils and modulated neutrophil function.
Article
Immunology
Pierre Verger, Lisa Fressard, Anna Soveri, Nicolas Dauby, Angelo Fasce, Linda Karlsson, Stephan Lewandowsky, Philipp Schmid, Eve Dube, Arnaud Gagneur
Summary: This study developed and validated the Pro-VC-Be instrument to measure vaccine confidence and other psychosocial determinants of HCPs' vaccination behavior among diverse HCPs in different countries, and assessed its impact on HCPs' vaccination behavior.
EXPERT REVIEW OF VACCINES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
V Dirix, N. Dauby, M. Hites, E. Watelet, A. Van Praet, A. Godefroid, E. Petit, M. Singh, C. Locht, F. Mascart, V Corbiere
Summary: Optimal detection of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is crucial for achieving tuberculosis elimination. A user-friendly whole-blood interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) was developed to improve the detection of LTBI. Clinical evaluation showed a sensitivity of 93% for detecting LTBI among asymptomatic individuals. Individuals with responses to both antigens are likely at risk for reactivating the infection and should be prioritized for prophylactic treatment.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Frederik Schaltz-Buchholzer, Peter Aaby, Isaquel Silva, Ivan Monteiro, Tobias R. Kollmann, Nelly Amenyogbe, Morten Bjerregaard-Andersen, Christine Stabell Benn
Summary: This study suggests that maternal BCG vaccine may be associated with reduced overall NICU mortality rate in newborns.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
R. Cupaiolo, S. Cherkaoui, G. Serrano, N. Dauby, A. Georgala, S. Blumental, E. Maillart, M. Hites, M. Hallin, D. Martiny
Summary: This study confirmed that Alfred 60/AST provides reliable and timely AST results, especially for Enterobacterales and enterococci. AST results for positive blood cultures can be obtained on the same day.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGICAL METHODS
(2022)
Article
Otorhinolaryngology
Alberto Maria Saibene, Fabiana Allevi, Christian Calvo-Henriquez, Nicolas Dauby, Daniele Dondossola, Remi Hervochon, Jerome R. Lechien, David Lobo-Duro, Luca Giovanni Locatello, Antonino Maniaci, Giuditta Mannelli, Miguel Mayo-Yanez, Juan Maza-Solano, Thomas Radulesco, Neil Tan, Camilla Tincati, Manuel Tucciarone, Luigi Angelo Vaira, Leigh Sowerby
INTERNATIONAL FORUM OF ALLERGY & RHINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Goran Bencina, Andre Bento-Abreu, Ugne Sabale, Eleana Tsoumani, Valerie Laigle, Nicolas Dauby, Olivier Ethgen, Stina Salomonsson
Summary: The study aimed to estimate the individual lifetime cost of vaccination in 23 European countries, assuming full compliance with national immunization programs. The results showed that the individual lifetime cost of vaccination ranged from 592-3,504 euros for healthy individuals (median: 1,663 euros; 13-20 diseases), to 744-9,081 euros for individuals with underlying conditions (median: 2,992 euros; 13-21 diseases), and 1,225-4,832 euros in the scenario analysis (median: 2,565 euros; 21-22 diseases). The study suggests that the maximum potential cost of vaccination is relatively low with full compliance.
EXPERT REVIEW OF VACCINES
(2023)
Review
Parasitology
Wenna Lee, Amanda D. Barbosa, Peter J. Irwin, Andrew Currie, Tobias R. Kollmann, Miles Beaman, Amy H. Lee, Charlotte L. Oskam
Summary: Tick-borne diseases pose a growing global health concern, and the immunological responses and inter-individual variations after tick bite remain unclear. By integrating clinical metadata and biological host data using advanced computational tools, we can gain a better understanding of tick-associated illnesses. This review emphasizes the importance of integrative system biology approaches for comprehending the complex pathobiology of tick-borne diseases.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Charlotte Martin, Emmanuel Bottieau, Marc Delforge, Nicolas Dauby
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the self-reported travel patterns and advice-seeking behavior among people living with HIV (PLWH) followed up at the HIV Reference Centre (HRC) of Saint-Pierre Hospital, Brussels. The results showed that a substantial number of PLWH were involved in visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel in low-resource countries, and 65% sought pre-travel advice before traveling: if not, it was because they did not know it was necessary.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Natalie Fischer, Sarah Moreels, Nicolas Dauby, Marijke Reynders, Evelyn Petit, Michele Gerard, Patrick Lacor, Siel Daelemans, Benedicte Lissoir, Xavier Holemans, Koen Magerman, Door Jouck, Marc Bourgeois, Benedicte Delaere, Sophie Quoilin, Steven Van Gucht, Isabelle Thomas, Nathalie Bossuyt, Cyril Barbezange
Summary: This observational study aimed to describe the burden of influenza viruses vs other respiratory viruses in children hospitalized with severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) in Belgium. The study analyzed data from routine national sentinel SARI surveillance and tested respiratory specimens collected during winter seasons from 2011 to 2020 using multiplex real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The results showed that children infected with non-influenza respiratory viruses had a higher risk of complications compared to children with influenza only.
Article
Immunology
Sophie Marbaix, Nicolas Dauby, Joaquin Mould-Quevedo
Summary: This study compared the cost-effectiveness of the adjuvanted quadrivalent influenza vaccine (aQIV) with the standard (SD-QIV) and high-dose (HD-QIV) vaccines in elderly Belgians. The results showed that vaccinating older adults with aQIV instead of SD-QIV would decrease hospitalizations and deaths. Additionally, aQIV was found to be cost-saving compared to HD-QIV in a subgroup of institutionalized elderly adults. Therefore, a cost-effective vaccine like aQIV can reduce influenza-related hospitalizations and premature deaths in older adults.
EXPERT REVIEW OF VACCINES
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Nicolas Dauby, Christian Motet, Agnes Libois, Charlotte Martin
Summary: This article reviews the incidence and impact of herpes zoster among people living with HIV and the potential impact of recombinant zoster vaccine for people aging with HIV. The study found that although antiretroviral therapy has reduced the risk of herpes zoster among HIV patients, they still face a higher risk compared to the general population. Herpes zoster is associated with complications such as sight-threatening conditions, disseminated diseases, and stroke. The recombinant zoster vaccine has shown high efficacy in preventing herpes zoster and its complications. However, high vaccine price, vaccine hesitancy, and limited awareness pose challenges for vaccine uptake among aging HIV patients.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Laure F. Pittet, Cecilia L. Moore, Ellie McDonald, Simone Barry, Marc Bonten, John Campbell, Julio Croda, Margareth Dalcolmo, Andrew Davidson, Mark W. Douglas, Kaya Gardiner, Amanda Gwee, Bruno Jardim, Marcus V. G. Lacerda, Michaela Lucas, David J. Lynn, Laurens Manning, Roberto D. de Oliveira, Kirsten P. Perrett, Cristina Prat-Aymerich, Peter C. Richmond, Jorge L. Rocha, Jesus Rodriguez-Bano, Adilia Warris, Nicholas J. Woods, Nicole L. Messina, Nigel Curtis
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine on cold sore recurrences. The results showed that BCG vaccination could delay the recurrence of cold sores, especially in males with frequent recurrences. However, BCG vaccination also increased the risk of a first episode of cold sore.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Romain Mahieu, Melody Yannart, Nicolas Dauby, Boudewijn Catry, Sam Newton
Summary: This study examined time trends of hospital-associated infections (HAIs) in the Brussels-Capital Region and evaluated their consequences for hospitals and long-term care facilities. The results showed changes in the prevalence of HAIs over time, with a decrease from 2012 to 2014 and an increase from 2019 to 2020. A significant proportion of patients with HAIs were discharged to LTCFs and experienced early readmission. Longer hospital stays were associated with higher odds of LTCF discharge but lower odds of early readmission.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Nicole L. Messina, Susie Germano, Rebecca McElroy, Rajeev Rudraraju, Rhian Bonnici, Laure F. Pittet, Melanie R. Neeland, Suellen Nicholson, Kanta Subbarao, Nigel Curtis
Summary: BCG vaccination has immunomodulatory effects on SARS-CoV-2 and reduces the secretion of cytokines associated with severe COVID-19. In addition, BCG vaccination promotes specific T cell immune responses and activates eosinophils.
CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
