The latest medical research on Pregnancy
The research magnet gathers the latest research from around the web, based on your specialty area. Below you will find a sample of some of the most recent articles from reputable medical journals about pregnancy gathered by our medical AI research bot.
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Request AccessCharacterization of Ovarian Progenitor Cells for Their Potentials to Generate Steroidogenic Theca Cells in Vitro.
ReproductionAdult mammalian ovaries contain stem/progenitor cells necessary for folliculogenesis and ovulation-related tissue rupture repair. Theca cells are recruited and developed from progenitors during the folliculogenesis. Theca cell progenitors were not well-defined. The aim of current study is to compare the potential of four ovarian progenitors with defined markers (LY6A, EPCR, LGR5and PDGFRA) to form steroidogenic theca cells in vitro.
Ovarian progenitors were identified by the above four makers reported previously. The location of the cells was determined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining of ovarian sections of adult mice. Different progenitor populations were purified by magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) and/or fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) techniques from ovarian cell preparation and were tested for their abilities to generate steroidogenic theca cells in vitro. The cells were differentiated with a medium containing LH, ITS and DHH agonist for 12 days.
EPCR+ and LGR5+ cells primarily distributed along ovarian surface epitheliums (OSE), while LY6A+ cells distributed in both OSE and parenchyma. However, PDGFRA+ cells were exclusively located in interstitial compartment. When the progenitors were purified by these markers and differentiated in vitro, LY6A+ and PDGFRA+ cells formed steroidogenic cells expressing both CYP11A1 and CYP17A1 and primarily producing androgens, showing characteristics of theca-like cells, while LGR5+ cells generated steroidogenic cells devoid of CYP17A1 expression and androgen production, showing a characteristic of progesterone-producing cells (granulosa- or lutea-like cells).
Progenitors from both OSE and parenchyma of adult mice are capable of generating steroidogenic cells with different steroidogenic capacities, showing a possible lineage preference.
Metabolic contribution to age-related chromosome missegregation in mammalian oocytes.
ReproductionAdvanced maternal age is a major cause of infertility, miscarriage, and congenital abnormalities. This is principally caused by a decrease in oocyt...
MATERNAL LIFESTYLE AND PRENATAL RISK FACTORS FOR CHILDHOOD LEUKEMIA: A REVIEW OF THE EXISTING EVIDENCE.
Fetal Diagnosis TherapyAcute leukemia is the most common pediatric cancer, with an incidence peak at 2-5 years of age. Despite the medical advances improving survival rat...
More than Cramps in Scrubs: Exploring Dysmenorrhea among Women Healthcare Workers.
International Journal of EpidemiologyThough understudied, dysmenorrhea, a painful cramping sensation occurring near and during menses, is the most prevalent gynecological disorder amon...
Stromal B Lymphocytes Affecting Prognosis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Opal/TSA Multiplexed Immunofluorescence.
International Journal of EpidemiologyImmune cells play a key role in tumor microenvironment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the infiltration and clinical indication of immune cells including their combined prognostic value in microenvironment of triple negative breast cancer.
We investigated 100 patients with triple negative breast cancer by Opal/Tyramide Signal Amplification multispectral immunofluorescence between 2003 and 2017 at Zhejiang Provincial people's Hospital. Intratumoral and stromal immune cells of triple negative breast cancer were classified and quantitatively analyzed. Survival outcomes were compared using the Kaplan-Meier method and further analyzed with multivariate analysis.
Infiltration level of stromal B lymphocytes, stromal and intratumoral CD8+ T cells, stromal CD4+ T cells, stromal PD-L1 and intratumoral tumor associated macrophages 2 cells were shown as independent factors affecting disease-free survival and overall survival in univariate analysis. Stromal B lymphocytes, T stage, N stage and pathological type were independent predictive factors for both DFS and OS in multivariate analysis. We firstly found that patients with B lymphocytes-enriched subtypes have a better prognosis than those with T lymphocytes-enriched subtypes and tumor-associated macrophage-enriched subtypes.
The present study identified a bunch of immune targets and subtypes, which could be exploited in future combined immunotherapy/chemotherapy strategies for triple negative breast cancer patients.
Causal Relationship Between Endometriosis and Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases: Mendelian Randomization Study.
International Journal of EpidemiologyThis study explores the causal relationship between endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID).
The study utilized genome-wide association study (GWAS) datasets for endometriosis ("finn-b-N14_ENDOMETRIOSIS") and PID ("finn-b-N14_OTHFEMPELINF"). Subsequently, two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted using inverse variance weighting (IVW), Egger regression (MR-Egger), and weighted median (WM) methods. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran's Q test, and in case of detected outliers, they were removed for re-evaluation of MR causality.
From the endometriosis GWAS dataset, 33 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected as instrumental variables. All three methods, IVW (OR = 1.39, P < 1×10-8), MR-Egger (OR = 1.41, P = 0.003), and WM (OR = 1.37, P = 1.16×10-5) confirmed a causal relationship between endometriosis and PID. The association between endometriosis and pelvic inflammation remained unaffected by the exclusion of individual SNPs. Lastly, Cochran's Q test and funnel plots showed no evidence of SNP asymmetry.
The results of the MR analysis support a potential causal relationship between endometriosis and an increased risk of PID.
Utilization of Antenatal Care Services Within the Context of COVID-19, Security Challenges, and an Unstable Healthcare System at Primary Health Care Centers.
International Journal of EpidemiologyUtilizing antenatal care (ANC) is vital for maternal and neonatal well-being, especially in low-resource settings with healthcare challenges. Identifying factors impacting antenatal care this context, t of current situation in Sudan is crucial for developing strategies to improve maternal care. This study explores ANC utilization amidst COVID-19, security issues, and healthcare instability in primary health care centers in a resource-constrained environment, aiming to enhance maternal care access and quality.
This is a mixed-methods study. Quantitative data were collected through a retrospective analysis of ANC attendance records before and during the pandemic. Demographic variables were analyzed for their association with ANC utilization. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data from pregnant women and healthcare providers. These interviews focused on capturing the experiences, perceptions, and obstacles associated with antenatal care services during the pandemic and within the healthcare system challenges.
Preliminary quantitative analysis revealed a significant decline in ANC utilization during the pandemic. Fear of COVID-19 infection, disrupted transportation, and resource constraints have emerged as significant barriers to ANC attendance. The qualitative findings highlighted the impact of security challenges on healthcare access and the adaptation strategies employed, including mobile ANC clinics and telehealth consultations.
This study illuminates the intricate landscape of ANC utilization in the face of a pandemic, security instability, and healthcare system vulnerability. Policymakers and stakeholders should collaborate to strengthen healthcare systems and ensure the continued provision of essential maternal health services during challenging times.
Association Between Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index and the Risk of Endometriosis-Related Rheumatoid Arthritis in Women of Childbearing Age: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Database.
International Journal of EpidemiologyTo evaluate the association between Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) and the risk of endometriosis (EM)-related rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in women of childbearing age.
Using the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database, this cross-sectional study included women of childbearing age. The CDAI was obtained by summing the standardized Z-values of the dietary intakes. EM was diagnosed based on a questionnaire-based survey. The outcome of this study was the presence of RA, which was defined by a questionnaire. The associations of CDAI and EM with the risk of RA were determined using weighted logistic analysis. Additive interaction was evaluated using the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), the attributable proportion due to interaction (AP), and the synergy index (S).
In total, 3803 patients were included, of which 74 patients (1.99%) were with RA. A lower CDAI [odds ratio (OR): 1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12 to 3.04, P= 0.015] and the presence of EM (OR: 3.05, 95% CI: 1.19 to 7.81, P= 0.023) was associated with the risk of RA. The result demonstrated an additive interaction of a lower CDAI and the presence of EM on the risk of RA (OR: 6.19, 95% CI: 2.33 to 16.43, P <0.001, P of trend =0.007). Nevertheless, there was no significant additive interaction after being assessed by the RERI, AP, and S. However, a joint effect of a lower CDAI and EM on the risk of RA (OR: 3.94, 95% CI: 1.35 to 11.51, P= 0.013) was observed.
Our study identified EM, and lower CDAI, was related to the risk of RA. Lower CDAI score was also associated with the risk of EM-related RA. This study indicates the importance of antioxidant intake in daily diet for the management of EM-related RA.
Prevalence, Characteristics, and Treatment Pattern of Menstrual-Related Headache Among Undergraduate Health Sciences Students at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.
International Journal of EpidemiologyMenstrual-related headache (MRH) is the most prevalent health condition among young females that limits productivity and social life. However, the magnitude of the problem and its characteristics have not been studied in Ethiopia.
This study aimed to assess the prevalence, characteristics, and treatment of MRH among undergraduate female students at the College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.
A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate female students from May to June 2023. A random sample of 1000 females were approached who fulfilled the eligibility criteria using the online electronic method. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the severity of pain. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Of the 1000 students who approached online, 757 were included in the final analyses. The prevalence of MRH was (86, 11.4%) and 32.6% of them has experienced the headache before two to three days of menses. The median number of days of missed social activities and reduced productivity was three and one day, respectively. Being single was 6.24 times more likely to have severe MRH (AOR = 6.24, 95% CI: 2.73-14.26, p=0.001) and pharmacy students were less likely (AOR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.16-0.61, p = 0.001) to have severe pain.
Our findings illustrated that MRH among young female students adversely affects students' productivity and social life. This demands interventions to reduce the impact and should pay attention in the future, particularly to create awareness to enhance screening and rendering various treatment options for the target population.
Patient experience and decision-making process for laser photocoagulation for monochorionic twin pregnancy: A qualitative exploration.
Fetal Diagnosis TherapyTo explore patients' perspectives on diagnosis and treatment options for complicated monochorionic multiple gestations, and experiences with fetoscopic laser photocoagulation.
This is a prospective cohort study of patients undergoing laser photocoagulation. Participants were interviewed during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Qualitative analysis was performed.
27 patients who were candidates for laser photocoagulation were included. All elected to have laser photocoagulation. Patients chose surgery with goals of improving survival, decreasing the risk of preterm delivery, and improving the long-term health of their fetuses. They demonstrated accurate knowledge of the risks and benefits of treatment. Most (74%) felt that laser photocoagulation represented their only viable clinical option. Few seriously considered pregnancy termination or selective reduction (7% and 11% respectively). Postpartum, patients expressed no regrets about their decisions for surgery, but many felt unprepared for the challenges of preterm delivery.
Participants weighed treatment options similarly to fetal specialists. They acknowledged but did not seriously consider treatments other than fetoscopic laser photocoagulation, and were highly motivated to do whatever they could to improve outcomes for their fetuses.
NSUN5 is essential for proper cell proliferation and differentiation of mouse preimplantation embryos.
ReproductionNOL1/NOP2/Sun domain family, member 5 (NSUN5) is an enzyme belonging to the 5-methylcytosine (m5C) writer family that modifies rRNA and mRNA. Our d...
TGFβ1 Stimulates the Proliferation of Quiescent Oogonial Stem Cells in Chicken.
ReproductionOogonial stem cells (OSCs) are a type of germ stem cell present in the adult ovary. They have the ability to self-renew through mitosis and differe...
