Elective Termination Of Pregnancy Research Articles

Prenatal Opioid and Alcohol Exposures: Association with Altered Placental Serotonin Transporter Structure and/or Expression.

Fetal exposures to many drugs of abuse, e.g., opioids and alcohol (EtOH), are associated with adverse neurodevelopmental problems in early childhood, including abnormalities in activity of the serotonin (5HT) transporter (SERT), which transports 5HT across the placenta. Little is known about the effects of these drugs on SERT expression. Pregnant women who used EtOH or opioids were compared to gestational age-matched controls using a structured questionnaire to determine prenatal substance exposure. Following elective pregnancy termination, placental membranous vesicles and exosomes were prepared from first and second trimester human placentas. Changes in EtOH- or opioid-exposed placental SERT expression and modifications were assessed by quantitative western blot. Novel SERT isoforms were sequenced and analyzed. Opioid-exposed but not EtOH-exposed maternal placentas showed SERT cleavage and formation of new SERT fragments (isoforms). Alcohol-exposed cases showed reduced SERT levels. Antibodies to the N-terminal SERT region did not recognize either of the two cleavage products, while antibodies to the central and C-terminal regions recognized both bands. The secondary band seen in the opioid group may represent a hypophosphorylated SERT fragment. These changes in SERT modifications and expression may result in altered fetal brain serotonergic neurotransmission, which could have neurodevelopmental implications.

Casamassima-Morton-Nance Syndrome and Limb-Body Wall Defect: Presentation of the Second Case and Phenotypic Assessment.

Casamassima-Morton-Nance syndrome (CMNS) is a rare disorder characterized by spondylocostal dysostosis (SCD), anal atresia, and urogenital anomalies. We describe a fetus with CMNS associated with a limb-body wall defect (LBWD), the second such case in the literature. We compare the phenotypic differences with previously reported cases, including those with segmentation anomalies of the axial skeleton, body wall defects, or absent/abnormal genitalia, revealing the consistent presence of SCD in CMNS. However, as expected, a wide phenotypic spectrum emerges, providing useful observations for fetal/neonatal screening relevant to differential diagnoses. Advanced diagnostic methods using imaging and next-generation skeletal dysplasia multi-gene panels are advisable, as they enable timely, actionable, well-informed decisions for parental counseling, potential elective termination of pregnancy, and prenatal and/or postnatal care. Most reported cases do not mention the recurrence of these usually lethal anomalies.

Antioxidant Defenses, Oxidative Stress Responses, and Apoptosis Modulation in Spontaneous Abortion: An Immunohistochemistry Analysis of First-Trimester Chorionic Villi.

Oxidative stress (OS) and apoptosis are critical factors in placental development and function. Their interplay influences trophoblast proliferation, differentiation, and invasion, as well as vascular development. An imbalance between these processes can lead to pregnancy-related disorders such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and even spontaneous abortion. Our study seeks to elucidate the associations between preventive antioxidant/protective OS response factors-glutathione (GSH), MutT Homolog 1 (MTH1), and apoptotic regulation modulators-tumor protein p53 and B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2) transcripts, in the context of spontaneous abortion (30 samples) versus elective termination of pregnancy (20 samples), using immunohistochemistry (IHC) to determine their proteomic expression in chorionic villi within abortive fetal placenta tissue samples. Herein, comparative statistical analyses revealed that both OS response factors, GSH and MTH1, were significantly under-expressed in spontaneous abortion cases as compared to elective. Conversely, for apoptotic regulators, p53 expression was significantly higher in spontaneous abortion cases, whereas Bcl-2 expression was significantly lower in spontaneous abortion cases. These findings suggest that a strong pro-apoptotic signal is prevalent within spontaneous abortion samples, alongside reduced anti-apoptotic protection, depleted antioxidant defenses and compromised oxidative DNA damage prevention/repair, as compared to elective abortion controls. Herein, our hypothesis that OS and apoptosis are closely linked processes contributing to placental dysfunction and spontaneous abortion was thus seemingly corroborated. Our results further highlight the importance of maintaining redox homeostasis and apoptotic regulation for a successful pregnancy. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this interplay is essential for developing potential therapies to manage OS, promote placentation, and avoid unwanted apoptosis, ultimately improving pregnancy outcomes. Antioxidant supplementation, modulation of p53 activity, and the enhancement of DNA repair mechanisms may represent potential approaches to mitigate OS and apoptosis in the placenta. Further research is needed to explore these strategies and their efficacy in preventing spontaneous abortion.

Assessment of knowledge, awareness, and attitude about the current treatment protocols for newborns with cleft lip and palate among obstetrician-gynecologists and radiologists – A questionnaire survey

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, awareness, and attitudes of Obstetricians-gynaecologists and radiologists regarding current treatment regimens for CLP and their perspectives on elective termination of pregnancy for the same cause. A 15-question survey was conducted among 68 gynaecologists and 52 radiologists who were registered with the Medical Council of India. The questionnaire, distributed via social network, contained 19 questions, including knowledge, awareness, and attitude regarding CLP, presurgical orthopaedics, and pregnancy termination. Spearman rank correlation was used to assess construct validity, and a Chi-square test with a significance level of 0.05 was used to compare the responses between both groups. The study showed that about 89% of gynaecologists and 92.3% of radiologists can identify CLP during the initial assessment of the foetus using ultrasound technique, whereas 30.90% of gynaecologists and 36.50% of radiologists have encountered elective termination of pregnancy due to CLP. While 89.70% of gynaecologists and 88.50% of radiologists do not know pre-surgical orthopaedic procedures for CLP. No statistically significant difference existed in the knowledge level about CLP and its treatment regimens among both groups. The awareness and attitude among the OB-GYNs, and radiologists on prenatal detection of CLP was found to be highly significant. At the same time, there was limited knowledge among these specialists about CLP and its management.

Effectiveness of Misoprostol Versus Manual Vacuum Aspiration for the Treatment of the First Trimester Pregnancy Termination

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of misoprostol versus manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) in the treatment of pregnancy termination at first 12 weeks of pregnancy, evaluating the outcomes among women undergoing these procedures. Methodology: A comparative analysis was carried out at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department of Bakhtawar Amin Hospital, Multan from January 2023 to December 2023, included pregnant women presented with age of gestation age up to 12 weeks, open cervical os and indication for elective termination of pregnancy. Participants were randomized into two groups. Misoprostol group received 400 mcg of misoprostol intravaginally every 4 hours for up to three doses for softening cervix, its dilatation, and uterine contractions, with starting oxytocin infusion after 6 hours. While manual vacuum aspiration group underwent the procedure under general anesthesia without receiving any uterotonics. Patients were followed up on the 7th day post-procedure, undergoing ultrasonography to measure endometrial thickness for efficacy assessment based on complete abortion. Results: A total of 126 patients were comparatively studied; 63 in each group with mean age in the Misoprostol group was 33.45±3.11 years, and was slightly lower the MVA group as30.22±4.76 years. The average gestational age at the time of treatment was almost similar between the groups, 8.33 ±1.29 weeks for Misoprostol group and 7.99±2.56 weeks for the MVA group. The Misoprostol group exhibited an efficacy rate of 95.20% among patients, compared to 90.50% in the MVA group (P=0.148). Furthermore, the efficacy between Misoprostol and MVA across different age groups, gestational ages, and parity, was statistically insignificant (p->0.05). Conclusion: Basis on the study findings, the efficacy of misoprostol for first trimester termination of pregnancy was observed to be 95.20%, slightly higher than the 90.50% with manual vacuum aspiration (MVA).

Prevalence of fetal anomalies, stillbirth, neonatal morbidity, or mortality in pregnancies complicated by placenta accreta spectrum disorders.

Placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PAS) lead to major complications in pregnancy. While the maternal morbidity associated with PAS is well known, there is less information regarding neonatal morbidity in this setting. The aim of this study is to describe the neonatal outcomes (fetal malformations, neonatal morbidity, twin births, stillbirth, and neonatal death), using an international multicenter database of PAS cases. This was a prospective, multicenter cohort study based on prospectively collected cases, using the international multicenter database of the International Society for PAS, carried out between January 2020 and June 2022 by 23 centers with experience in PAS care. All PAS cases were included, regardless of whether singleton or multiple pregnancies and were managed in each center according to their own protocols. Data were collected via chart review. Local Ethical Committee approval and Data Use Agreements were obtained according to local policies. There were 315 pregnancies eligible for inclusion, with 12 twin pregnancies, comprising 329 fetuses/newborns; 2 cases were excluded due to inconsistency of data regarding fetal abnormalities. For the calculation of neonatal morbidity and mortality, all elective pregnancy terminations were excluded, hence 311 pregnancies with 323 newborns were analyzed. In our cohort, 3 neonates (0.93%) were stillborn; of the 320 newborns delivered, there were 10 cases (3.13%) of neonatal death. The prevalence of major congenital malformations was 4.64% (15/323 newborns), most commonly, cardiovascular, central nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract malformations. The overall prevalence of major neonatal morbidity in pregnancies complicated by PAS was 47/311 (15.1%). There were no stillbirths, neonatal deaths, or fetal malformations in reported twin gestations. Although some outcomes may be too rare to detect within our cohort and data should be interpreted with caution, our observational data supports reassuring neonatal outcomes for women with PAS.

P-782 Are pregnancy complications associated with the method of conception in female same-sex couples? Results of a retrospective, matched cohort study comparing ROPA and IUI

Abstract Study question Are pregnancies in female same-sex couples at a higher risk when using reception of oocytes from partner (ROPA) compared to those following intrauterine insemination (IUI)? Summary answer In female same-sex couples, pregnancies following ROPA demonstrated a higher incidence of preterm birth and first-trimester bleeding. What is known already Reception of Oocytes from PArtner (ROPA) enables both partners to contribute biologically to the desired pregnancy. However, oocyte donation, often performed in case of (premature) ovarian failure, is associated with an increased risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy/preeclampsia. Female same-sex couples typically comprising healthy, young women without underlying subfertility problems, are a priori at low absolute risk for pregnancy complications. Few studies have investigated the incidence of pregnancy complications and/or obstetrical outcomes in this specific group of women. Further insights and formal data could guide clinicians and patients in making informed decisions regarding the preferred method of conception. Study design, size, duration A retrospective, single-center, matched cohort study was performed including 577 unique female same-sex couples using donor semen who became pregnant after reproductive treatment (88 pregnancies following ROPA and 489 following IUI). None of the patients who opted for ROPA had (failed) IUI before. The study covered the period from January 2015 to January 2023. Participants/materials, setting, methods Pregnancies following ROPA were matched with pregnancies following IUI for age (+/-4 years), BMI (+/-4 kg/m2), parity (nulliparous vs multiparous) and date of embryo transfer/IUI (+/-1year) in a 1:1 ratio. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) v26.0 was used for statistical analysis. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to evaluate the normal distribution of continuous variables. Normally distributed data were analyzed with the student t-test and categorical variables were analyzed with the chi-square test. Main results and the role of chance After matching, 154 pregnancies (77 ROPA versus 77 IUI) were eligible for the study. Age (mean age 31.4±4.0 for ROPA versus 31.2±4.3 years for IUI, p = 0.48) and BMI (24.5±3.9 kg/m2 versus 25.2±4.4 kg/m2, for respectively ROPA versus IUI, p = 0.32) were comparable between groups after matching. Two ROPA pregnancies were excluded from further analysis due to elective termination of pregnancy (radiusaplasia and trisomy 21). Both groups experienced two stillbirths (two unexplained mors in utero, one chorioamnionitis and one intrapartum death). No significant difference in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) (10.7% (8/75) versus 13.7% (10/73) for ROPA and IUI respectively, p = 0.53) or preeclampsia rates (11.0% (8/73) and 6.7% (5/75) for ROPA and IUI respectively, p = 0.33) was observed. ROPA-associated preeclampsia cases were often preterm (<37weeks’ gestation) compared to IUI (5/8 versus 1/5). ROPA pregnancies had a higher incidence of preterm birth (15.1% vs 1.3%,p<0.002) and first trimester bleeding was significantly more frequent (12.3% vs 0%,p<0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed between groups in neonatal weight, fetal structural malformations and cesarean section delivery rates. Limitations, reasons for caution The study is limited by its retrospective design and inherent bias. Despite reducing the sample size, matching enhanced study robustness. Recognized risk factors for hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, like the use of donor sperm, may mitigate differences associated with conception methods in this population. Wider implications of the findings The study points out potentially increased obstetrical risks following ROPA. These data are crucial to counsel and guide female same-sex couples in their decision regarding the method of conception. The risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, specifically preterm preeclampsia, associated with ROPA warrants further attention, urging larger prospective studies. Trial registration number not applicable

Prevalence of congenital anomalies and prenatal diagnosis by birth institution (public vs. non-public): indicators of inequality in access to elective termination of pregnancy for fetal anomalies.

Congenital anomalies (CA) encompass all morphological or functional alterations originating prenatally and present at birth. The prenatal diagnosis of these anomalies can significantly impact the overall health of the pregnant individual and may influence her decision regarding the continuation of the pregnancy. In contexts where safe pregnancy termination is not guaranteed by the state, it can lead to unsafe procedures with severe consequences. In our research, we analyzed epidemiological information on CA to develop potential indicators of inequity in access to safe abortion prior to the legalization of legal termination of pregnancy in Argentina. We included cases from 13 public hospitals and 9 non-public subsector hospitals, from the period 2013-2020. Two groups of specific CA were selected: 1) CA capable of being prenatally diagnosed, and 2) CA related to vascular disruptive events. 10/18 of the selected CA capable of being prenatally diagnosed had a significantly higher prevalence in public hospitals (anencephaly, encephalocele, spina bifida, microcephaly, hydrocephalus, holoprosencephaly, hydranencephaly, diaphragmatic hernia, gastroschisis, bilateral renal agenesis). Non public hospitals had higher prenatal detection. Birth prevalence of CA related with vascular disruptive events (limb reduction, Moebius syndrome, amniotic band sequence) were significantly higher in public hospitals. These results suggest disparities in access to prenatal diagnosis and safe abortion based on socioeconomic status. There was a significant gap in access to prenatal diagnosis for CA and possibly to safe elective abortion depending on the type of institution (public vs. non-public).

Maternal obesity: sex-specific in utero changes in fetal brain autophagy and mTOR.

Maternal obesity affects 39.7% of reproductive-age women in the United States. Emerging research has suggested that in utero exposure to maternal obesity is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, but knowledge of underlying mechanisms in human samples is lacking. A matched case-control study was performed in women with singleton fetuses who were undergoing elective pregnancy termination at gestational ages 15 to 21 weeks. Maternal adiponectin levels from plasma were measured using ELISA kits. RNA was extracted from fetal brain tissue using RNeasy Mini Kit (QIAGEN). mRNA expression from ADIPOR1, ADIPOR2, MTOR, ATG5, ATG7, BECN1, and MAP1LC3B was quantified through the ΔΔCt method and using GAPDH as a housekeeping gene. We have identified transcription patterns associated with inhibition of autophagy in male fetal brain tissue exposed to maternal obesity (↑MTOR, ↓ATG5, ↓ATG7, and ↓MAP1LC3B), with female fetuses demonstrating either no change in transcription or nonsignificant changes associated with increased autophagy. There was significant downregulation of the autophagy-associated gene BECN1 in both male and female individuals who were exposed to obesity in utero. We present novel evidence suggesting that in utero exposure to maternal obesity in humans may significantly affect neurodevelopment, especially in male fetuses, through alterations in normal autophagy molecular mechanisms and with adiponectin as a potential mediator.

Roe v. Wade Overturned: The Association of Acculturation with Interest in and Awareness of Hospital Services for Family Planning Among Hispanic Women.

Introduction: The overturning of Roe v. Wade impacted family planning services in many areas of the United States (US). Our study investigates the association of acculturation with interest in and awareness of family planning hospital services of contraception and elective termination of pregnancy among Hispanic women. Methods: We surveyed 306 Hispanic women at a public hospital in a Long Island suburb of New York City. Predictor variables were acculturation (language, media, ethnic social relations) measured by the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics and years lived in the US. Outcome variables were interest in and awareness of hospital services of family planning for elective abortion and non-elective non-abortion family planning methods. Results: For interest in hospital services, both language and ethnic social relations acculturation were significantly positively associated with almost all family planning methods whether abortion or non-abortion. However, media acculturation and years lived in the US were significantly positively associated with abortion but not the non-abortion methods. For awareness of hospital services, only language acculturation was significantly positively associated with abortion and some nonelective non-abortion family planning methods. Conclusion: We recommend that healthcare providers and hospitals should be aware of acculturation levels when providing counseling and information about family planning methods to Hispanic women.

Pregnancy and fetal outcomes following paternal exposure to glatiramer acetate

Objectives This study aimed to examine pregnancy and fetal outcomes following paternal exposure to glatiramer acetate (GA). Methods Pregnancy reports of paternal GA-exposure at time of conception from 2001 to 2022 were extracted from Teva Global Pharmacovigilance database. Pregnancy reports obtained prior to (prospective) or after (retrospective) knowledge of the pregnancy outcome were included. The primary endpoint was major congenital malformation (MCM) in the offspring according to the US Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program (MACDP) and European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies and Twins (EUROCAT) classification. Other pregnancy and fetal outcomes, including spontaneous abortion, pregnancy termination, fetal death, preterm birth, and low birth weight, were assessed. Results A total of 466 paternal GA-exposed pregnancies were retrieved, 232 prospective cases and 234 retrospective cases. Of 349 (74.9%) pregnancies with known outcomes, 316 (90.5%) were live births, 28 (8.0%) were spontaneous abortions, 3 (0.9%) were elective pregnancy terminations, and 2 (0.6%) were stillbirths. In prospective live birth cases, there were 7/111 (6.3%) preterm births and 5/115 (4.3%) neonates with a low birth weight. The prevalence of total MCM among prospective cases was 1.7% (2 cases of 116 live births and fetal death/stillbirth), which is slightly lower than the background rates from MACDP (3%) and EUROCAT (2.1%). Conclusions This study did not indicate an increase in the rate of adverse pregnancy and fetal outcomes after paternal exposure to GA. These results provide additional information regarding pregnancy outcomes following paternal exposure to GA for healthcare professionals, male patients and their female partners who are considering pregnancy while their male partner is using GA.

Folic Acid–Fortified Iodized Salt and Serum Folate Levels in Reproductive-Aged Women of Rural India

India has a disproportionately high prevalence of neural tube defects, including spina bifida and anencephaly (SBA), causing a high number of stillbirths, elective pregnancy terminations, and child mortality; India contributes a large proportion of the global burden of SBA. Thirty years after folic acid was shown to be effective in reducing SBA prevalence, only about one-quarter of such births are prevented globally through cereal grain fortification. To determine the association of folic acid-fortified iodized salt with serum folate concentrations among nonpregnant and nonlactating women of reproductive age. This nonrandomized controlled trial using a preintervention and postintervention design was conducted in 4 rural villages in Southern India from July 1 to November 30, 2022. All households in the villages agreed to participate in the study. Preintervention and postintervention serum folate levels were analyzed among study participants at baseline and after 4 months, respectively. Consumption of approximately 300 µg/d of folic acid using double fortified salt (folic acid plus iodine). Median serum folate concentrations were assessed at baseline and 4 months. Change in median serum folate levels between baseline and study end point as the primary outcome of the study. A total of 83 nonpregnant nonlactating women aged 20 to 44 years (mean [SD] age, 30.9 [5.1] years) were eligible for the study and provided serum samples for analysis at baseline and the end point of the intervention. The median serum folate concentration increased from 14.6 (IQR, 11.2-20.6) nmol/L at baseline to 54.4 (IQR, 43.5-54.4) nmol/L at end of study, a 3.7-fold increase from baseline to study end point. Two-tailed Wilcoxon signed rank test showed the median difference in preintervention and postintervention serum folate concentrations to be highly significant (P < .001). The participants found the salt acceptable in color and taste. Use of folic acid-fortified iodized salt was associated with increased serum folate concentrations in women of reproductive age. This novel evidence can inform public health policy to accelerate SBA prevention. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06174883.

Decreased Expression of Placental Proteins in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Functional Relevance and Diagnostic Value.

Miscarriages affect 50-70% of all conceptions and 15-20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL, ≥2 miscarriages) affects 1-5% of recognized pregnancies. Nevertheless, our knowledge about the etiologies and pathophysiology of RPL is incomplete, and thus, reliable diagnostic/preventive tools are not yet available. Here, we aimed to define the diagnostic value of three placental proteins for RPL: human chorionic gonadotropin free beta-subunit (free-β-hCG), pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), and placental growth factor (PlGF). Blood samples were collected from women with RPL (n = 14) and controls undergoing elective termination of pregnancy (n = 30) at the time of surgery. Maternal serum protein concentrations were measured by BRAHMS KRYPTOR Analyzer. Daily multiple of median (dMoM) values were calculated for gestational age-specific normalization. To obtain classifiers, logistic regression analysis was performed, and ROC curves were calculated. There were differences in changes of maternal serum protein concentrations with advancing healthy gestation. Between 6 and 13 weeks, women with RPL had lower concentrations and dMoMs of free β-hCG, PAPP-A, and PlGF than controls. PAPP-A dMoM had the best discriminative properties (AUC = 0.880). Between 9 and 13 weeks, discriminative properties of all protein dMoMs were excellent (free β-hCG: AUC = 0.975; PAPP-A: AUC = 0.998; PlGF: AUC = 0.924). In conclusion, free-β-hCG and PAPP-A are valuable biomarkers for RPL, especially between 9 and 13 weeks. Their decreased concentrations indicate the deterioration of placental functions, while lower PlGF levels indicate problems with placental angiogenesis after 9 weeks.

Visual identification of three kinds of human decidual tissues from elective termination of pregnancy

IntroductionThe decidua can be classified into the decidua basalis, decidua capsularis and decidua parietalis. This study aimed to visually identify these three kinds of decidual tissues from fresh samples obtained in early pregnancy based on their macroscopic appearances, which can be discerned visually. MethodsDecidual samples were collected from 15 pregnant women between 6 and 8 weeks of gestation after elective termination of pregnancy. We identified the three different kinds of fresh decidual tissues in early pregnancy according to their different macroscopic appearances by only the naked eye. H&E staining, in situ immunofluorescence and flow cytometry were performed to confirm the accuracy of this method. ResultsWe developed a method to discern the three different kinds of decidual tissues according to their individual macroscopic features. We found that the decidua parietalis was a thick tissue with less blood, with one side being intact epidermis and the other side being rough tissue. The decidua basalis had rough surfaces, a dense texture and high blood content. The decidua capsularis was a thin membrane tissue with or without blood clots. CK+/HLA-G+ extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs) and heme oxygenase-1+ (HMOX1+) decidual macrophages were present in large quantities in the decidua basalis and decidua capsularis but were nearly undetectable in the decidua parietalis. We also found a wide distribution of endovascular extravillous trophoblast cells (enEVTs), which participate in spiral artery remodelling in the decidua basalis. DiscussionWe successfully identified three kinds of human decidual tissues from early pregnancy with the naked eye for the first time. This breakthrough method will greatly assist studies related to decidua during early pregnancy.

In utero exposures to perfluoroalkyl substances and the human fetal liver metabolome in Scotland: a cross-sectional study

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are classed as endocrine disrupting compounds but continue to be used in many products such as firefighting foams, flame retardants, utensil coatings, and waterproofing of food packaging. Perfluoroalkyl exposure aberrantly modulates lipid, metabolite, and bile acid levels, increasing susceptibility to onset and severity of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. To date, most studies in humans have focused on perfluoroalkyl-exposure effects in adults. In this study we aimed to show if perfluoroalkyls are present in the human fetal liver and if they have metabolic consequences for the human fetus. In this cross-sectional study, human fetal livers from elective termination of pregnancies at the Aberdeen Pregnancy Counselling Service, Aberdeen, UK, were analysed by both targeted (bile acids and perfluoroalkyl substances) and combined targeted and untargeted (lipids and polar metabolites) mass spectrometry based metabolomic analyses, as well as with RNA-Seq. Only fetuses from normally progressing pregnancies (determined at ultrasound scan before termination), terminated for non-medical reasons, from women older than 16 years, fluent in English, and between 11 and 21 weeks of gestation were collected. Women exhibiting considerable emotional distress or whose fetuses had anomalies identified at ultrasound scan were excluded. Stringent bioinformatic and statistical methods such as partial correlation network analysis, linear regression, and pathway analysis were applied to this data to investigate the association of perfluoroalkyl exposure with hepatic metabolic pathways. Fetuses included in this study were collected between Dec 2, 2004, and Oct 27, 2014. 78 fetuses were included in the study: all 78 fetuses were included in the metabolomics analysis (40 female and 38 male) and 57 fetuses were included in the RNA-Seq analysis (28 female and 29 male). Metabolites associated with perfluoroalkyl were identified in the fetal liver and these varied with gestational age. Conjugated bile acids were markedly positively associated with fetal age. 23 amino acids, fatty acids, and sugar derivatives in fetal livers were inversely associated with perfluoroalkyl exposure, and the bile acid glycolithocholic acid was markedly positively associated with all quantified perfluoroalkyl. Furthermore, 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one, a marker of bile acid synthesis rate, was strongly positively associated with perfluoroalkyl levels and was detectable as early as gestational week 12. Our study shows direct evidence for the in utero effects of perfluoroalkyl exposure on specific key hepatic products. Our results provide evidence that perfluoroalkyl exposure, with potential future consequences, manifests in the human fetus as early as the first trimester of gestation. Furthermore, the profiles of metabolic changes resemble those observed in perinatal perfluoroalkyl exposures. Such exposures are already linked with susceptibility, initiation, progression, and exacerbation of a wide range of metabolic diseases. UK Medical Research Council, Horizon Europe Program of the European Union, Seventh Framework Programme of the European Union, NHS Grampian Endowments grants, European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals, Swedish Research Council, Formas, Novo Nordisk Foundation, and the Academy of Finland.

#Feminazis on Instagram : Hate Speech and Misinformation, the Ongoing Discourse for Enlarging the Manosphere

Social media platforms have become spaces for the viralisation of hate speech and misinformation. Paradoxically, tools that were once used for activism and conversation on behalf of vulnerable communities, nowadays work to gather and reproduce analogous worldviews on polarising issues. This research analyses the behaviour of the protagonists of the conversation around #feminazis on Instagram, as well as the characteristics of the content and the degree of interaction they generate. For this purpose, computational and qualitative social science methods have been applied to a sample of 9,300 posts published between 2021 and 2023. The results show disorderly participation by anonymous accounts, women and self-described feminists, social organisations, and pseudo-media. Content opposed to elective termination of pregnancy, and misogynistic messages lead the conversation, but there are also publications that attack other progressive ideologies. Disinformative content is linked to decontextualisation and manipulation of information to go viral, transnationalising hate speech towards feminism and their supporters, framed as a homogeneous group. It is concluded that this space, created by the platform itself, contributes to the enlargement and institutionalisation of the manosphere.

Post abortion contraceptive uptake and continuation rates at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana

Introduction: The tragedy of unsafe abortion is that it is one of the easily preventable causes of maternal death. In Ghana, the maternal mortality ratio was 319/100,000 live births. (WHO, 2015) of which 11% of these were abortion related. 13% of abortions had complications including chronic pelvic pain, offensive discharge and uterine perforation In spite of the above, this study sought to find out factors that affect uptake and continuation rates of post abortion contraception at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Methods: This was a longitudinal study using interviewer administered questionnaire of women reporting for elective termination of pregnancy or for uterine evacuation for incomplete abortion either induced or spontaneous. Participants were followed up by telephone calls at end of 1, 3 and 6 months. Simple proportions was calculated for post-abortion contraception uptake and continuation rates. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with uptake and continuation rates. A p-value of less than or equal to 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The study included 338 participants. The overall uptake was 132 (39.1%). Eighty-seven (25.7%) on discharge and 45 (13.4%) additional uptake within one month of the follow-up. Continuation rate at 6 months was 68.9%. Significantly associated factors were educational level, employment and marital status, gravidity/parity and previous contraceptive use. Conclusion: Post-abortion contraception uptake of 39.1% with 68.9% continuation rate at 6 months found in this study is low. This implies high unmet need for post-abortion contraception that needs to be addressed urgently.

DNA analysis of partial hydatidiform mole revealing triandric monogynic tetraploidy.

The authors present a case of a partial hydatidiform mole where DNA analysis (STR - short tandem repeat genotyping) showed a triandric monogynic tetraploid genome composition with a XXXY gonosomal complement. This genetic finding clinicopathologically correlates with a partial hydatidiform mole, although it is rare in comparison with the typical, diandric monogynic triploid partial moles. The genetic analysis definitively confirmed the suspected diagnosis of a partial mole. To exclude the possibility that molar pregnancy represented retained products of conception after elective pregnancy termination, STR profiles from molar pregnancy and previous products of conception were compared. Short tandem repeats genotyping is a useful molecular genetic method in the differential diagnosis of partial hydatidiform moles, where clinical-pathological findings are frequently ambiguous.

Effects of maternal modafinil treatment on fetal development and neonatal growth parameters - a multicenter case series of the European Network of Teratology Information Services (ENTIS).

In recent years, safety concerns about modafinil exposure during pregnancy have emerged. In particular, increased risks for major congenital anomalies (MCA) and impaired fetal growth were reported, although study results were conflicting. Our investigation aims to examine previously reported safety signals. Multicenter case series based on data from 18 Teratology Information Services from 12 countries. Modafinil exposed pregnancies with an estimated date of birth before August 2019 were included in this study. For prospectively ascertained pregnancies, cumulative incidences of pregnancy outcomes, rate of nonchromosomal MCA in first trimester exposed pregnancies and percentiles of neonatal/infant weight and head circumference (HC) were calculated. Potential dose-dependent effects on fetal growth were explored by linear regression models. Retrospectively ascertained cases were screened for pattern of MCA and other adverse events. One hundred and seventy-five prospectively ascertained cases were included, of which 173 were exposed at least during the first trimester. Cumulative incidences for live birth, spontaneous abortion and elective termination of pregnancy were 76.9% (95% CI, 68.0%-84.8%), 9.3% (95% CI, 5.0%-16.9%), and 13.9% (95% CI, 8.1%-23.1%), respectively. Nonchromosomal MCA was present in 3/150 live births, corresponding to an MCA rate of 2.0% (95%CI, 0.6%-6.1%), none were reported in pregnancy losses. Compared to reference standards, birth weight (BW) tended to be lower and neonatal HC to be smaller in exposed newborns (data available for 144 and 73 of 153 live births, respectively). In nonadjusted linear regression models, each 100 mg increase of average dosage per pregnancy day was associated with a decrease in standard deviation score (SDS) of -0.28 SDS (95% CI, -0.45 to -0.10) for BW and of -0.28 SDS (95% CI, -0.56 to 0.01) for HC. Screening of 22 retrospectively reported cases did not reveal any specific pattern of MCA or other adverse outcomes. The results do not indicate an increased risk of MCA after in utero exposure to modafinil, but a tendency toward lower BW and reduced neonatal HC. However, these findings should be regarded as preliminary. Until further studies allow for a definite conclusion, modafinil should not be used during pregnancy.

Correlation between Pulmonary Artery Doppler with Neonatal Outcome in Patients with Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders

Objective: The purpose of this study was to correlate fetal main pulmonary artery (PA) Doppler indices with the neonatal outcome in the late preterm and early term pregnancies in placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) patients Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 71 patients with PAS disorders singleton pregnancies undergoing elective or emergency termination of pregnancy under general anesthesia at or after 34 weeks. A full obstetrics ultrasound scan was performed within 24 hours before delivery and after corticosteroids administration to confirm the eligibility criteria and to measure PA Doppler indices in the main PA (pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), systolic to diastolic (S/D) ratio, peak systolic velocity (PSV) and acceleration to ejection time (At/Et) ratio). Results: Twenty-three neonates needed respiratory support and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Fetuses that needed respiratory support had a significantly lower gestational age at delivery (36±1.2 versus 36.8±0.5), lower estimated fetal weight (EFW) (2770±475 versus 3096±328), lower birth weight (2782±595 versus 3152±337) and also lower Apgar score than those who did not need. None of the PA Doppler parameters correlated with the neonatal need for respiratory support. The need for respiratory support was more in the neonates who were terminated on emergency basis (39.1% versus 60.9%). The depth of placental invasion correlated with maternal morbidity. Conclusions: PA Doppler parameters do not correlate with the need for respiratory support in patient with PAS disorders.