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Objective: To evaluate the performance of maternal factors, biophysical and biochemical markers at 11–13 + 6 weeks’ gestation in the prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus with or without large for gestational age (GDM ± LGA) fetus and great obstetrical syndromes (GOS) among singleton pregnancy following in-vitro fertilisation (IVF)/embryo transfer (ET). Materials and methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted between December 2017 and January 2020 including patients who underwent IVF/ET. Maternal mean arterial pressure (MAP), ultrasound markers including placental volume, vascularisation index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularisation flow index (VFI), mean uterine artery pulsatility index (mUtPI) and biochemical markers including placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) were measured at 11–13 + 6 weeks’ gestation. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the significant predictors of complications. Results: Among 123 included pregnancies, 38 (30.9%) had GDM ± LGA fetus and 28 (22.8%) had GOS. The median maternal height and body mass index were significantly higher in women with GDM ± LGA fetus. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that in the prediction of GDM ± LGA fetus and GOS, there were significant independent contributions from FI MoM (area under curve (AUROC) of 0.610, 95% CI 0.492–0.727; p = 0.062) and MAP MoM (AUROC of 0.645, 95% CI 0.510–0.779; p = 0.026), respectively. Conclusion: FI and MAP are independent predictors for GDM ± LGA fetus and GOS, respectively. However, they have low predictive value. There is a need to identify more specific novel biomarkers in differentiating IVF/ET pregnancies that are at a higher risk of developing complications.

Abstract Background Preterm labor is caused by multiple etiologies, including intra-amniotic infection and/or intra-amniotic inflammation, vascular disorders, cervical disease, decidual senescence, and breakdown of maternal–fetal tolerance. Accumulating evidence in vivo and in vitro has shown that an allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, can induce preterm uterine contractions. This report describes a case of a pregnant woman who developed anaphylaxis and regular uterine contractions after the ingestion of a strawberry-coated biscuit. We also review the mechanism of allergic reaction (hypersensitivity)-induced preterm labor. Case presentation A 31-year-old woman (gravida 1, para 0) at 30+2 weeks of gestation was admitted to the labor and delivery unit with regular uterine contractions and anaphylactic symptoms after she ingested a strawberry-coated biscuit as a snack. The uterine contractions resolved after the treatment of anaphylaxis by administering antihistamines and epinephrine. The patient subsequently delivered at 39+3 weeks of gestation. The amniotic fluid profile showed no infection or inflammation. A postpartum skin-prick test confirmed a positive type 1 hypersensitivity reaction to the strawberry-coated biscuit. Conclusions We report a case of anaphylaxis-induced uterine contractility in which uterine contractions subsided after the treatment of anaphylaxis. The absence of intra-amniotic infection and/or intra-amniotic inflammation and the cause of the anaphylaxis were confirmed. Our findings indicate that maternal allergic reactions may be one of the mechanisms of preterm labor.

Abstract The aim of this study is to probe for the discursive construction of shared beliefs about capital punishment. Drawing upon a specialized corpus of execution news, the study explores representational practices, including social actor naming, action description, and incorporation of voices, and compares respective lexico-grammatical choices that are orchestrated to reconstruct the events of executions in Thailand from 1997 to 2017. The findings reveal that these discursive choices purify state killing and hide the violence of state killing. While representation choices become less overtly negative over time, the underlying ideological position of the press has not changed. Throughout these periods, executions are represented as a routine procedure by minimizing and/or concealing state agency and as a commensurate punishment for the executed individuals, while the law enforcement and justice systems in place are intertextually framed as unproblematic and effective in deterring crime, based on the perspectives of few elite sources. By way of demystifying subtle linguistic choices, this study makes transparent the way in which the press endorses, normalizes, and perpetuates favorable stances toward death penalty in a democratic society.

Abstract Background Preterm labor syndrome is associated with high perinatal morbidity and mortality, and intra-amniotic infection is a cause of preterm labor. The standard identification of causative microorganisms is based on the use of biochemical phenotypes, together with broth dilution-based antibiotic susceptibility from organisms grown in culture. However, such methods could not provide an accurate epidemiological aspect and a genetic basis of antimicrobial resistance leading to an inappropriate antibiotic administration. Hybrid genome assembly is a combination of short- and long-read sequencing, which provides better genomic resolution and completeness for genotypic identification and characterization. Herein, we performed a hybrid whole genome assembly sequencing of a pathogen associated with acute histologic chorioamnionitis in women presenting with PPROM. Results We identified Enterococcus faecium, namely E. faecium strain RAOG174, with several antibiotic resistance genes, including vancomycin and aminoglycoside. Virulence-associated genes and potential bacteriophage were also identified in this genome. Conclusion We report herein the first study demonstrating the use of hybrid genome assembly and genomic analysis to identify E. faecium ST17 as a pathogen associated with acute histologic chorioamnionitis. The analysis provided several antibiotic resistance-associated genes/mutations and mobile genetic elements. The occurrence of E. faecium ST17 raised the awareness of the colonization of clinically relevant E. faecium and the carrying of antibiotic resistance. This finding has brought the advantages of genomic approach in the identification of the bacterial species and antibiotic resistance gene for E. faecium for appropriate antibiotic use to improve maternal and neonatal care.

Abstract Preterm birth, the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality, is associated with increased risk of short- and long-term adverse outcomes. For women identified as at risk for preterm birth attributable to a sonographic short cervix, the determination of imminent delivery is crucial for patient management. The current study aimed to identify amniotic fluid (AF) proteins that could predict imminent delivery in asymptomatic patients with a short cervix. This retrospective cohort study included women enrolled between May 2002 and September 2015 who were diagnosed with a sonographic short cervix ( 1.5 for each). The sensitivity at a 10% false-positive rate for the prediction of imminent delivery by a quantitative cervical length alone was 38%, yet it increased to 79% when combined with the abundance of four AF proteins (CXCL8, SNAP25, PTPN11, and MMP8). Neutrophil-mediated immunity, neutrophil activation, granulocyte activation, myeloid leukocyte activation, and myeloid leukocyte-mediated immunity were biological processes impacted by protein dysregulation in women destined to deliver within two weeks of diagnosis. The combination of AF protein abundance and quantitative cervical length improves prediction of the timing of delivery compared to cervical length alone, among women with a sonographic short cervix.

Abstract Background Intra-amniotic infection has a strong causal association with spontaneous preterm birth and preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM). The most common route of intra-amniotic infection is the ascending pathway in which microorganisms from the vagina gain access to the amniotic cavity. Distant microorganisms such as those from the oral cavity have been reported in intra-amniotic infection through hematogenous spreading. Case presentation A 31-year-old gravida 1, para 0 Thai woman at 33+6 weeks’ gestation presented with leakage of vaginal fluid and irregular uterine contraction. She developed fever at 4 h after admission and was later diagnosed with acute chorioamnionitis. A Cesarean section was performed to terminate pregnancy. In addition to a blood culture, the cultures of amniotic fluid, vaginal and chorioamniotic membrane swabs were positive for Streptococcus mitis with identical susceptibility profiles. After the delivery and antibiotic prescription, oral examination showed dental caries and chronic periodontitis. Conclusions This is the first case report demonstrating maternal septicemia and intra-amniotic infection caused by S. mitis which might be attributed to periodontitis in women presenting with preterm PROM. We highlighted the association of periodontal disease and preterm labor/PROM syndrome. Oral cavity examination should be included in the prenatal care to ensure good dental hygiene.

[Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study critically scrutinizes the discursive practice of state killing in capital trials. The quantitative and qualitative analysis compares the experientiallyconstitutive roles of lexico-grammatical choices in attributing agency to the actions of the defendant and victims in lawyers’ opening and closing speech in the penalty phase of a high-profile capital trial. Integrating Van Leeuwen’s social actor representation framework (2008) into Halliday’s transitivity analysis (1994), the study identifies the prosecution’s and defense’s polarized referential practice for the defendant and victims as well as descriptions of their actions. It is argued that, rather than existing as facts outside the trial discourse, aggravating and mitigating factors are morally and normatively constructed in real-time discursive interaction through these extreme, and at times disturbing, reference and transitivity choices, potentially leading to a death recommendation.

To compare the whole genomic microRNA (miRNA) between the selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) twin and the normally growing (control) co-twin in monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancies. MC twin pregnancies with or without sFGR were recruited, and their placental miRNAs were profiled by microarray. The ratio of the placental miRNA of the sFGR twin to that of the normally larger co-twin were calculated and compared to that of the control twin pairs. The miRNA microarray intensity amongst normal and sFGR large and small twins are shown. The expression data presented here will facilitate other researchers who are working on placental regulation and mechanism in pregnancy complicated by fetal growth restriction.The dataset supports the research article entitle “Whole genome miRNA profiling revealed miR-199a as potential placental pathogenesis of selective fetal growth restriction in monochorionic twin pregnancies” [1].

Clinical chorioamnionitis, the most common infection-related diagnosis in labor and delivery units, is an antecedent of puerperal infection and neonatal sepsis. The condition is suspected when intrapartum fever is associated with two other maternal and fetal signs of local or systemic inflammation (eg, maternal tachycardia, uterine tenderness, maternal leukocytosis, malodorous vaginal discharge or amniotic fluid, and fetal tachycardia). Clinical chorioamnionitis is a syndrome caused by intraamniotic infection, sterile intraamniotic inflammation (inflammation without bacteria), or systemic maternal inflammation induced by epidural analgesia. In cases of uncertainty, a definitive diagnosis can be made by analyzing amniotic fluid with methods to detect bacteria (Gram stain, culture, or microbial nucleic acid) and inflammation (white blood cell count, glucose concentration, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, matrix metalloproteinase-8). The most common microorganisms are Ureaplasma species, and polymicrobial infections occur in 70% of cases. The fetal attack rate is low, and the rate of positive neonatal blood cultures ranges between 0.2% and 4%. Intrapartum antibiotic administration is the standard treatment to reduce neonatal sepsis. Treatment with ampicillin and gentamicin have been recommended by professional societies, although other antibiotic regimens, eg, cephalosporins, have been used. Given the importance of Ureaplasma species as a cause of intraamniotic infection, consideration needs to be given to the administration of antimicrobial agents effective against these microorganisms such as azithromycin or clarithromycin. We have used the combination of ceftriaxone, clarithromycin, and metronidazole, which has been shown to eradicate intraamniotic infection with microbiologic studies. Routine testing of neonates born to affected mothers for genital mycoplasmas could improve the detection of neonatal sepsis. Clinical chorioamnionitis is associated with decreased uterine activity, failure to progress in labor, and postpartum hemorrhage; however, clinical chorioamnionitis by itself is not an indication for cesarean delivery. Oxytocin is often administered for labor augmentation, and it is prudent to have uterotonic agents at hand to manage postpartum hemorrhage. Infants born to mothers with clinical chorioamnionitis near term are at risk for early-onset neonatal sepsis and for long-term disability such as cerebral palsy. A frontier is the noninvasive assessment of amniotic fluid to diagnose intraamniotic inflammation with a transcervical amniotic fluid collector and a rapid bedside test for IL-8 for patients with ruptured membranes. This approach promises to improve diagnostic accuracy and to provide a basis for antimicrobial administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To demonstrate prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy outcomes in Thai pregnant women without antenatal care (ANC) who delivered at Siriraj Hospital. Methods: Medical charts of pregnant women without ANC who delivered at Siriraj Hospital during 2010-2014 were reviewed. Data of all deliveries during the same time period were used for the comparison. Results: During 2010-2014, out of 46,486 deliveries, 1,057 had no ANC, ranging from 197 to 229 / year. The average age was 25.5 ± 6.5 years and 85% were married. Prevalence of HIV infection, hepatitis B and other STIs in patients without ANC were 5.9% (62/1,057), 3.3% (35/1,057) and 1.4% (15/1,057), respectively. One third had consumed recreational drugs and urine amphetamine was positive in 20.8% of patients. The frequency of current smokers and current alcohol consumers were 14.6% (154/1,057) and 3.8% (40/1,057). Compared with all deliveries, those without ANC had significantly higher adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth (39.1% vs 14.0%, RR 2.29, 95%CI 2.10-2.49), birthweight < 2,500 gms (25.9% vs 12.6%, RR 1.84, 95%CI 1.65-2.05) and birthweight < 1,500 gms (4.1% vs 1.3%, RR 3.08, 95%CI 2.28-4.18). Teenage pregnancy significantly increased risk of preterm birth (aOR 1.86, 95%CI 1.36-2.55) and being separate doubled the risk of birthweight < 1,500 gms (aOR 2.13, 95%CI 1.02-4.46) after adjusting for history of recreational drug use, urine amphetamine, smoking, marital status, maternal age and concurrent STIs. Conclusion: STIs and adverse pregnancy outcomes were highly prevalent among deliveries without ANC. Teenage pregnancy and lack of family support appears to increase the risk of poor pregnancy outcomes.

This study seeks to examine how the use of names serves to accomplish the process of identity construction in institutional discourse. Drawing upon six opening addresses from three high-profile trials, the study analyzes the forms, functions, and frequency of names that lawyers use to refer to defendants and victims in their narratives. The quantitative and qualitative analysis reveals that the prosecution and the defense differ starkly in how they use names to construct the identities of the characters. Such systematic differences contribute to ascribing polarized identities to the characters, which in effect negotiates reality by (de)legitimizing guilt and responsibility claims and mediating jurors’ perceptions.

This study presents a comparative examination of interpersonal negotiation in two monologic courtroom genres: the opening statement and closing argument. Drawing upon a corpus of three high-profile American trials, the quantitative and qualitative analysis identifies the traces and degree of the jury’s presence through lexico-grammatical resources, and reveals distinct interactional patterns, which are indicative of the interactive goals of the two speech genres. Such relational practice does not merely “oil the wheels” of courtroom communication, but also constitutes a key way in the meaning-making process of these genres. The findings attest to the centrality of relational work in accomplishing transactional goals in institutional discourses.

Clinical chorioamnionitis at term (TCC) is the most common obstetrical infliction diagnosed in labor and delivery units worldwide and is associated with a substantial increase in maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. This obstetrical complication is a heterogeneous condition, as only half of patients have detectable microorganisms in the amniotic cavity. Because bioactive lipids play a key role in the initiation and resolution of an inflammatory response, we aimed to characterize the amniotic fluid lipidome in patients with TCC. We studied the amniotic fluid of patients in the following groups: 1) spontaneous labor at term without clinical chorioamnionitis (TLB) and 2) spontaneous labor at term with clinical chorioamnionitis (TCC). The TCC group was subdivided into a) those with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (TCC-MIAC) and b) those without microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (TCC-noMIAC). The amniotic fluid concentration of proinflammatory lipid mediators did not differ between patients in TLB with TCC. In contrast, concentration of lipids with anti-inflammatory/proresolution properties was significantly lower in all patients with TCC than in those with TLB. These results suggest that while proinflammatory lipid mediators are involved in infection-driven intra-amniotic inflammation, a relative deficiency of anti-inflammatory/proresolution lipid mediator biosynthesis is a characteristic of TCC.

This study aimed to: (1) identify all relevant studies reporting on the diagnostic accuracy of maternal circulating placental growth factor) alone or as a ratio with soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1), and of placental growth factor-based models (placental growth factor combined with maternal factors±other biomarkers) in the second or third trimester to predict subsequent development of preeclampsia in asymptomatic women; (2) estimate a hierarchical summary receiver-operating characteristic curve for studies reporting on the same test but different thresholds, gestational ages, and populations; and (3) select the best method to screen for preeclampsia in asymptomatic women during the second and third trimester of pregnancy by comparing the diagnostic accuracy of each method. A systematic search was performed through MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov , and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform databases from January 1, 1985 to April 15, 2021. Studies including asymptomatic singleton pregnant women at >18 weeks' gestation with risk of developing preeclampsia were evaluated. We included only cohort or cross-sectional test accuracy studies reporting on preeclampsia outcome, allowing tabulation of 2×2 tables, with follow-up available for >85%, and evaluating performance of placental growth factor alone, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1– placental growth factor ratio, or placental growth factor-based models. The study protocol was registered on the International Prospective Register Of Systematic Reviews (CRD 42020162460). Because of considerable intra- and interstudy heterogeneity, we computed the hierarchical summary receiver-operating characteristic plots and derived diagnostic odds ratios, β, θ i , and Λ for each method to compare performances. The quality of the included studies was evaluated by the QUADAS-2 tool. The search identified 2028 citations, from which we selected 474 studies for detailed assessment of the full texts. Finally, 100 published studies met the eligibility criteria for qualitative and 32 for quantitative syntheses. Twenty-three studies reported on performance of placental growth factor testing for the prediction of preeclampsia in the second trimester, including 16 (with 27 entries) that reported on placental growth factor test alone, 9 (with 19 entries) that reported on the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1–placental growth factor ratio, and 6 (16 entries) that reported on placental growth factor-based models. Fourteen studies reported on performance of placental growth factor testing for the prediction of preeclampsia in the third trimester, including 10 (with 18 entries) that reported on placental growth factor test alone, 8 (with 12 entries) that reported on soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1–placental growth factor ratio, and 7 (with 12 entries) that reported on placental growth factor-based models. For the second trimester, Placental growth factor-based models achieved the highest diagnostic odds ratio for the prediction of early preeclampsia in the total population compared with placental growth factor alone and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1–placental growth factor ratio (placental growth factor-based models, 63.20; 95% confidence interval, 37.62–106.16 vs soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1–placental growth factor ratio, 6.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.76–27.61 vs placental growth factor alone, 5.62; 95% confidence interval, 3.04–10.38); placental growth factor-based models had higher diagnostic odds ratio than placental growth factor alone for the identification of any-onset preeclampsia in the unselected population (28.45; 95% confidence interval, 13.52–59.85 vs 7.09; 95% confidence interval, 3.74–13.41). For the third trimester, Placental growth factor-based models achieved prediction for any-onset preeclampsia that was significantly better than that of placental growth factor alone but similar to that of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1–placental growth factor ratio (placental growth factor-based models, 27.12; 95% confidence interval, 21.67–33.94 vs placental growth factor alone, 10.31; 95% confidence interval, 7.41–14.35 vs soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1–placental growth factor ratio, 14.94; 95% confidence interval, 9.42–23.70). Placental growth factor with maternal factors ± other biomarkers determined in the second trimester achieved the best predictive performance for early preeclampsia in the total population. However, in the third trimester, placental growth factor-based models had predictive performance for any-onset preeclampsia that was better than that of placental growth factor alone but similar to that of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1–placental growth factor ratio. Through this meta-analysis, we have identified a large number of very heterogeneous studies. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop standardized research using the same models that combine serum placental growth factor with maternal factors ± other biomarkers to accurately predict preeclampsia. Identification of patients at risk might be beneficial for intensive monitoring and timing delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundLate-onset preeclampsia is the most prevalent phenotype of this syndrome; nevertheless, only a few biomarkers for its early diagnosis have been reported. We sought to correct this deficiency using a high through-put proteomic platform.MethodsA case-control longitudinal study was conducted, including 90 patients with normal pregnancies and 76 patients with late-onset preeclampsia (diagnosed at ≥34 weeks of gestation). Maternal plasma samples were collected throughout gestation (normal pregnancy: 2-6 samples per patient, median of 2; late-onset preeclampsia: 2-6, median of 5). The abundance of 1,125 proteins was measured using an aptamers-based proteomics technique. Protein abundance in normal pregnancies was modeled using linear mixed-effects models to estimate mean abundance as a function of gestational age. Data was then expressed as multiples of-the-mean (MoM) values in normal pregnancies. Multi-marker prediction models were built using data from one of five gestational age intervals (8-16, 16.1-22, 22.1-28, 28.1-32, 32.1-36 weeks of gestation). The predictive performance of the best combination of proteins was compared to placental growth factor (PIGF) using bootstrap.Results1) At 8-16 weeks of gestation, the best prediction model included only one protein, matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP-7), that had a sensitivity of 69% at a false positive rate (FPR) of 20% (AUC = 0.76); 2) at 16.1-22 weeks of gestation, MMP-7 was the single best predictor of late-onset preeclampsia with a sensitivity of 70% at a FPR of 20% (AUC = 0.82); 3) after 22 weeks of gestation, PlGF was the best predictor of late-onset preeclampsia, identifying 1/3 to 1/2 of the patients destined to develop this syndrome (FPR = 20%); 4) 36 proteins were associated with late-onset preeclampsia in at least one interval of gestation (after adjustment for covariates); 5) several biological processes, such as positive regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor signaling pathway, were perturbed; and 6) from 22.1 weeks of gestation onward, the set of proteins most predictive of severe preeclampsia was different from the set most predictive of the mild form of this syndrome.ConclusionsElevated MMP-7 early in gestation (8-22 weeks) and low PlGF later in gestation (after 22 weeks) are the strongest predictors for the subsequent development of late-onset preeclampsia, suggesting that the optimal identification of patients at risk may involve a two-step diagnostic process.

Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is the leading identifiable cause of preterm birth with ~ 40% of preterm births being associated with PPROM and occurs in 1% - 2% of all pregnancies. We hypothesized that multiple rare variants in fetal genes involved in extracellular matrix synthesis would associate with PPROM, based on the assumption that impaired elaboration of matrix proteins would reduce fetal membrane tensile strength, predisposing to unscheduled rupture. We performed whole exome sequencing (WES) on neonatal DNA derived from pregnancies complicated by PPROM (49 cases) and healthy term deliveries (20 controls) to identify candidate mutations/variants. Genotyping for selected variants from the WES study was carried out on an additional 188 PPROM cases and 175 controls. All mothers were self-reported African Americans, and a panel of ancestry informative markers was used to control for genetic ancestry in all genetic association tests. In support of the primary hypothesis, a statistically significant genetic burden (all samples combined, SKAT-O p-value = 0.0225) of damaging/potentially damaging rare variants was identified in the genes of interest-fibrillar collagen genes, which contribute to fetal membrane strength and integrity. These findings suggest that the fetal contribution to PPROM is polygenic, and driven by an increased burden of rare variants that may also contribute to the disparities in rates of preterm birth among African Americans.

Midkine (MDK) and pleiotrophin (PTN) are heparin-binding growth factors that, in rodents, are highly expressed in early life and decrease to undetectable levels by adulthood. The potential roles of MDK and PTN in human growth and development are not completely elucidated.To delineate the role of MDK and PTN in human development, we developed high sensitivity assays to measure their concentrations in amniotic fluid (AF) at various gestational ages in both healthy and complicated pregnancies. We found that both of these growth factors could be readily measured in AF and that the concentrations were higher than most cytokines previously reported in AF.The concentration of MDK but not that of PTN declined with gestational age. Both MDK and PTN concentrations were found to be lower in pregnancies that were complicated by chorioamnionitis at term, raising the possibility that these growth factors might be useful as markers for infection.

Preterm birth is a major cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity. It is also the main directed cause of neonatal death globally(1). Preterm birth is responsible for more than 80% of neonatal deaths and 50% of long term morbidity in the surviving infants(1-3). Preterm birth rates have been rising over the past 3 decades. The worldwide incidence of preterm birth is 9.6 % with the highest rate occurs in the least developed regions(4). The increase in assisted reproductive technologies, labor induction or elective cesarean section during preterm period may be responsible for these high rates(2). Various risk factors are associated with preterm birth but only half of them can be identified(5). Although there are many interventions to prevent or treat preterm births, none of them appears to be efficacious(6). Recent evidences showed that progesterone supplementations are helpful to prevent preterm birth. This article pays attention to the role of progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth.

This article discusses a case study of a 35-year-old woman who presented with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and was diagnosed with intra-amniotic infection caused by Group B Streptococcus (GBS). The patient opted for antibiotic treatment and underwent repeat amniocentesis, which showed the elimination of GBS infection. The administration of antibiotics successfully resolved the infection and prolonged the pregnancy. The study highlights the potential benefits of antibiotic treatment in cases of GBS intra-amniotic infection in women with preterm PROM. [Extracted from the article]

This article, titled "EP19.10: Cervical length changes prior to the onset of spontaneous labour at term: a longitudinal study," discusses the use of cervical sonography to assess cervical length changes before the onset of spontaneous labor at term. The study involved 46 participants with uncomplicated pregnancies, and cervical length was measured every 2-3 days starting at the 37th week. The findings showed that cervical length shortening can be detected 3 weeks before labor begins, and the rate of cervical length reduction differs based on parity status. The authors suggest that cervical length measurement could be used as an indicator of labor onset at term. [Extracted from the article]

This article, titled "EP01.32: Brain signal for spontaneous onset of labour at term: a CSF proteomics study," explores the brain signal for the spontaneous onset of labor in women at term gestation. The study involved 10 women, with 5 experiencing spontaneous labor and 5 without labor onset. The researchers analyzed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteomics profiles using mass spectrometry and protein bioinformatic analyses. They found that 12 CSF protein analytes were more abundant in women with spontaneous labor, with the most upregulated protein being centrosome-associated protein ALMS1. The proteins changing with labor were associated with biological processes such as protein phosphorylation, insulin-growth factor transport, lipid remodeling, and platelet degranulation. The study suggests that the CSF proteome increases during labor and that intersecting the maternal plasma and CSF proteome could potentially identify biomarkers for diagnosing labor. [Extracted from the article]