Article
Immunology
Nusrat Homaira, Wen-Qiang He, Jocelynne Mcrae, Kristine Macartney, Bette Liu
Summary: This study examined the uptake of influenza and pertussis vaccination during pregnancy among women giving birth in New South Wales, Australia. The findings showed that while the coverage of both vaccines has increased over time, there are disparities in coverage based on maternal characteristics such as age, socioeconomic status, and health-related factors.
Article
Immunology
Bing Wang, Rebecca Nolan, Helen Marshall
Summary: The study found that in Australia, people with low socioeconomic and education levels, non-English speaking backgrounds, and those who are parents are less willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Mandatory vaccination policies are not highly favored, but older respondents aged 70 and above are more supportive of various vaccination strategies.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Caroline G. Atyeo, Lydia L. Shook, Sara Brigida, Rose M. De Guzman, Stepan Demidkin, Cordelia Muir, Babatunde Akinwunmi, Arantxa Medina Baez, Erin McSweeney, Madeleine Burns, Ruhi Nayak, Maya K. Kumar, Chinmay D. Patel, Allison Fialkowski, Dana Cvrk, Ilona T. Goldfarb, Lael M. Yonker, Alessio Fasano, Alejandro B. Balazs, Michal A. Elovitz, Kathryn J. Gray, Galit Alter, Andrea G. Edlow
Summary: Pregnant individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 are at high risk of complications, but little is known about the immune response and antibody transfer from COVID-19 vaccines in different trimesters. This study characterizes the antibody response and transplacental transfer in pregnant individuals who received Ad26.COV2.S, mRNA-1273, or BNT162b2 vaccines. The findings show differences in vaccine-induced functions, receptor-binding, and efficacy against variants of concern. First and third trimester vaccination enhances maternal immune response and antibody transfer compared to the second trimester. These results provide valuable insights into the effect of vaccine platform and timing on maternal immune response and transplacental antibody transfer.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Lijiang Shen, Daniel Lee
Summary: This study investigates and compares the predictors of COVID-19 and influenza vaccination confidence and uptake, and examines the differences in predictors between the two diseases. The findings provide valuable insights for intervention strategies and message designs.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Heike Kluever, Felix Hartmann, Macartan Humphreys, Ferdinand Geissler, Johannes Giesecke
Summary: Recent evidence shows that vaccination hesitancy is too high in many countries to effectively control COVID-19. A study conducted in Germany involving 20,500 online respondents found that providing freedoms, financial remuneration, and local access to vaccination can increase vaccine uptake by 2-3 percentage points overall and up to 13 percentage points among undecided individuals. Different age groups responded differently to the strategies, with older cohorts preferring local access and younger cohorts favoring enhanced freedoms for vaccinated individuals.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Kavin M. Patel, Laia Vazquez Guillamet, Lauren Pischel, Mallory K. Ellingson, Azucena Bardaji, Saad B. Omer
Summary: Five successful interventions for improving pertussis vaccination uptake were identified: standing orders, opt-in orders, provider education, on-site vaccination, and interactive patient education. Three major knowledge gaps were identified for future research: lack of studies in low- and middle-income countries, lack of studies targeting midwives and/or home birth, and lack of studies on the process of vaccine communication.
EXPERT REVIEW OF VACCINES
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Michelle L. Giles, Kong Khai, Sushena Krishnaswamy, Karen Bellamy, Margaret Angliss, Christopher Smith, Olivia Fay, Paul Paddle, Beverley Vollenhoven
Summary: Maternal immunisation is crucial for improving health outcomes for pregnant women and newborns, but uptake of vaccines during pregnancy remains suboptimal. A study in Victoria, Australia, implemented different vaccine delivery models in maternity services, resulting in increased influenza vaccine coverage and cost savings per immunisation. The findings suggest that site-specific strategies can effectively enhance maternal vaccine coverage at a modest cost.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Alexander Karaivanov, Dongwoo Kim, Shih En Lu, Hitoshi Shigeoka
Summary: Proof-of-vaccination mandates for public venues and non-essential businesses significantly increased COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Canada, France, Italy, and Germany. The announcement of the mandate led to a rapid surge in new vaccinations, resulting in cumulative gains in vaccination rates.
NATURE HUMAN BEHAVIOUR
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Soumya Hunagund, Yarden Golan, Ifeyinwa V. Asiodu, Mary Prahl, Stephanie L. Gaw
Summary: Human milk contains antibodies that protect breastfed infants from respiratory illnesses. Vaccination during pregnancy and lactation induces immune responses in human milk against specific pathogens.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Andrew M. Parker, Samer Atshan, Matthew M. Walsh, Courtney A. Gidengil, Raffaele Vardavas
Summary: This survey study examines the differences in COVID-19 vaccination based on previous influenza vaccination patterns and investigates whether influenza vaccination changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Article
Immunology
Michelle L. Giles, Mary-Ann Davey, Euan M. Wallace
Summary: Stillbirth and preterm birth are important challenges in modern pregnancy care, requiring effective interventions. This study found that maternal immunization during pregnancy against influenza and pertussis was associated with a lower risk of stillbirth and preterm birth.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Ashley Moreland, Christina Gillezeau, Naomi Alpert, Emanuela Taioli
Summary: Vaccination campaigns targeting influenza are effective in reaching those most vulnerable to serious COVID-19, and if implemented, may help reach more vulnerable individuals who have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nursing
Kate Mi Ralph, Robert B. Dorey, Rebecca Rowe, Christine E. Jones
Summary: The uptake of pertussis and influenza vaccines in pregnant women was evaluated in a midwife-led immunisation clinic in the UK. The study found that the vaccine uptake was higher than the national or regional average. Factors influencing the decision to accept vaccination included healthcare professional recommendation, perceived susceptibility and risk of infection, and previous experience with vaccination and vaccine-preventable disease. The model of vaccine delivery was associated with high levels of satisfaction and could be implemented elsewhere to increase vaccine uptake, including for COVID-19 vaccines in the future.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Deshayne B. Fell, Tavleen Dhinsa, Gillian D. Alton, Eszter Torok, Sheryll Dimanlig-Cruz, Annette K. Regan, Ann E. Sprague, Sarah A. Buchan, Jeffrey C. Kwong, Sarah E. Wilson, Siri E. Haberg, Christopher A. Gravel, Kumanan Wilson, Darine El-Chaar, Mark C. Walker, Jon Barrett, Shannon E. MacDonald, Nannette Okun, Prakesh S. Shah, Shelley D. Dougan, Sandra Dunn, Lise Bisnaire
Summary: A population-based cohort study in Ontario, Canada found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy was not significantly associated with an increased risk of adverse peripartum outcomes compared to vaccination after pregnancy or no vaccination.
JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Elena Marban-Castro, Ivana Nedic, Mara Ferrari, Esther Crespo-Mirasol, Laia Ferrer, Berta Noya, Anna Marin, Victoria Fumado, Marta Lopez, Clara Menendez, Cristina Martinez Bueno, Anna Llupia, Anna Gonce, Azucena Bardaji
Summary: This study investigates the perceptions of pregnant women and healthcare workers regarding COVID-19 vaccination. Most participants were aware of the existence of COVID-19 maternal vaccines, and the recommendation by healthcare workers was identified as the greatest facilitator for vaccination. However, the fear of harming the fetus was reported as the most significant barrier to vaccination.
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)
Review
Acoustics
S. Sorrenti, D. Di Mascio, A. Khalil, N. Persico, F. D'antonio, F. Zullo, V. D'ambrosio, G. Greenberg, J. Hasson, F. Vena, L. Muzii, R. Brunelli, A. Giancotti
Summary: This study evaluated outcomes of dichorionic twin pregnancies undergoing early vs late selective termination of pregnancy. The results showed that the risk of pregnancy loss prior to 24 weeks was lower in the early-ST group, and the risks of preterm birth and low birth weight were also lower. Therefore, the importance of early diagnosis of fetal anomalies in twin pregnancies was highlighted.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Acoustics
F. D'Antonio, P. O'Brien, H. Blakeway, D. Buca, S. Prasad, A. Khalil
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Acoustics
B. Poljak, U. Agarwal, Z. Alfirevic, S. Allen, N. Canham, J. Higgs, A. Kaelin Agten, A. Khalil, D. Roberts, F. Mone, K. Navaratnam
Summary: This study examines the utilization and diagnostic yield of prenatal exome sequencing (pES) in a UK fetal medicine unit, as well as its impact on perinatal outcomes. The results show a diagnostic yield of 23.4% for pES, and the detection of causative variants significantly increases the rate of late termination of pregnancy (TOP).
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Acoustics
F. D'Antonio, D. Marinceu, S. Prasad, A. Khalil
Summary: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the safety and effectiveness of prenatal valacyclovir therapy in pregnancies with maternal CMV infection. The findings suggest that valacyclovir therapy can reduce the risk of congenital CMV infection. However, further research is needed to determine the impact of valacyclovir on the course of infection in the fetus and the risk of symptomatic fetal or neonatal infection.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jose Morales-Rosello, Rohan Bhate, Nashwa Eltaweel, Asma Khalil
Summary: This study compared the accuracy of the ductus venosus pulsatility index (DV PI) and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes. The results showed that CPR was a better predictor than DV PI for adverse perinatal outcomes.
ACTA OBSTETRICIA ET GYNECOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
E. Kalafat, B. Liu, I. Barratt, R. Bhate, A. Papageorghiou, A. Khalil
Summary: This study investigated the perinatal outcomes of dichorionic twin pregnancies complicated by selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR). The umbilical artery Z-scores were found to be associated with both intrauterine death and adverse perinatal outcomes.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Acoustics
A. R. Anness, M. Nath, M. W. Osman, D. Webb, T. Robinson, A. Khalil, H. A. Mousa
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the difference in arterial stiffness (AS) between women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and healthy women, as well as the impact of different treatment modalities. The results showed that regardless of the treatment modality, pregnant women with GDM had significantly higher AS compared to low-risk pregnancies. The findings provide the basis for further research on the association between metformin therapy, changes in AS, and the risk of placenta-mediated diseases.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Laura A. Magee, Erika Molteni, Vicky Bowyer, Jeffrey N. Bone, Harriet Boulding, Asma Khalil, Hiten D. Mistry, Lucilla Poston, Sergio A. Silverio, Ingrid Wolfe, Emma L. Duncan, Peter von Dadelszen
Summary: Among women of reproductive age, older age, White ethnicity, and being in the least-deprived index of multiple deprivation are independently associated with higher vaccine uptake. Ethnicity has the strongest influence, while multiple deprivation has the weakest. These findings are crucial for informing future vaccination policies and public messaging.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Samantha Knights, Smriti Prasad, Erkan Kalafat, Anahita Dadali, Pam Sizer, Francoise Harlow, Asma Khalil
Summary: This study demonstrates that routine third trimester ultrasound or point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is associated with a reduction in undiagnosed term breech presentations and improved neonatal outcomes.
Article
Cell Biology
Clara Apicella, Camino S. M. Ruano, Basky Thilaganathan, Asma Khalil, Veronica Giorgione, Geraldine Gascoin, Louis Marcellin, Cassandra Gaspar, Sebastien Jacques, Colin E. Murdoch, Francisco Miralles, Celine Mehats, Daniel Vaiman
Summary: In this study, we aimed to identify genetic variants affecting gene expression in the human placenta, specifically in normal and pathological situations. The analysis was constrained by the fact that placental tissue samples from diseased individuals are typically obtained at an earlier gestational age compared to control samples, leading to confounding factors in transcriptome regulation. To address this issue, we implemented a novel approach that accounted for gestational age and identified disease-specific cis-eQTLs. Through statistical correction and analysis, we identified a list of e-genes that significantly influenced expression levels, demonstrating the validity of our methodology for future research purposes.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Hiba J. Mustafa, Enaja Sambatur, Julie P. Barbera, Giorgio Pagani, Yuval Yaron, Caitlin D. Baptiste, Ronald J. Wapner, Asma Khalil
Summary: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic yield of prenatal exome sequencing after negative chromosomal microarray analysis in cases of prenatally diagnosed bilateral severe ventriculomegaly or hydrocephalus. The study identified relevant studies published until June 2022 and included studies in English reporting on the diagnostic yield of exome sequencing following negative chromosomal microarray analysis in cases of prenatally diagnosed bilateral severe ventriculomegaly. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to assess the incremental diagnostic yield of exome sequencing.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY MFM
(2023)
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Laura A. Magee, Erika Molteni, Vicky Bowyer, Jeffrey N. Bone, Harriet Boulding, Asma Khalil, Hiten D. Mistry, Lucilla Poston, Sergio A. Silverio, Ingrid Wolfe, Emma L. Duncan, Peter von Dadelszen, Debra Bick
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Francesco D'Antonio, Nashwa Eltaweel, Smriti C. Prasad, Maria Elena C. Flacco, Lamberto C. Manzoli, Asma C. Khalil
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the role of cervical cerclage in preventing preterm birth and adverse outcomes in twin pregnancies. The findings suggest that cervical cerclage in twin pregnancies with short cervical length or cervical dilatation is associated with a reduced risk of preterm birth and improved neonatal outcomes. However, confirmation of these findings in large and well-designed randomized controlled trials is needed for stronger evidence.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Nawa Schirwani-Hartl, Pilar Palmrich, Christina Haberl, Nicole Perkmann-Nagele, Herbert Kiss, Angelika Berger, Judith Rittenschober-Bohm, Gregor Kasprian, Patric Kienast, Asma Khalil, Julia Binder
Summary: This retrospective analysis investigated the efficacy of administering hyperimmune globulin (HIG) therapy every 2 weeks compared to every 4 weeks in pregnant women with primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. The study found no significant difference in congenital CMV rates or fetal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) anomalies between the two groups. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the impact of administering HIG every 2 weeks on maternal-fetal transmission rates.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Anna Collins, Annie Jacob, Esther Moss
Summary: This article reviews the current evidence on minimally-invasive surgery in high-risk endometrial cancer patients and identifies areas that require further research.
BEST PRACTICE & RESEARCH CLINICAL OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
(2024)
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Thomas D'Hooghe
BEST PRACTICE & RESEARCH CLINICAL OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
(2024)
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Thomas M. D'Hooghe
BEST PRACTICE & RESEARCH CLINICAL OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Lina Youssef, Lea Testa, Francesca Crovetto, Fatima Crispi
Summary: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disease with an unknown precise cause. Multi-omics approaches have been used to study the molecular mechanisms of preeclampsia, and various genetic variants, altered gene expressions, potential biomarkers, and metabolic changes have been identified. Microbiomics studies have also found dysbiosis in the microbiota of pregnant women with preeclampsia. Further research is needed to integrate and translate these findings into clinical practice.
BEST PRACTICE & RESEARCH CLINICAL OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
(2024)