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Share Cannabidiol Exposure During Gestation Leads To Adverse Cardiac Outcomes Early In Postnatal Life In Male Rat Offspring., Daniel B. Hardy, Steven R. Laviolette, Kendrick Lee, David Rc Natale Feb 2024

Share Cannabidiol Exposure During Gestation Leads To Adverse Cardiac Outcomes Early In Postnatal Life In Male Rat Offspring., Daniel B. Hardy, Steven R. Laviolette, Kendrick Lee, David Rc Natale

Physiology and Pharmacology Publications

Introduction: Studies indicate that *7% of pregnant individuals in North America consume cannabis in pregnancy. Pre-clinical studies have established that maternal exposure to D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; major psychoactive component in cannabis) leads to fetal growth restriction and impaired cardiac function in offspring. However, the effects of maternal exposure to cannabidiol (CBD; major non-euphoric constituent) on cardiac outcomes in offspring remain unknown. Therefore, our objective is to investigate the functional and underlying molecular impacts in the hearts of offspring exposed to CBD in pregnancy. Methods: Pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to either 3 or 30mg/kg CBD or vehicle control i.p. daily from …


Cannabidiol Exposure During Rat Pregnancy Leads To Labyrinth-Specific Vascular Defects In The Placenta And Reduced Fetal Growth, Daniel B. Hardy, David R C Natale, Kendrick Lee Feb 2024

Cannabidiol Exposure During Rat Pregnancy Leads To Labyrinth-Specific Vascular Defects In The Placenta And Reduced Fetal Growth, Daniel B. Hardy, David R C Natale, Kendrick Lee

Physiology and Pharmacology Publications

Introduction: Cannabis use is increasing among pregnant people, and cannabidiol (CBD), a constituent of cannabis, is often perceived as ‘‘natural’’ and ‘‘safe’’ as it is non-intoxicating. In utero, cannabis exposure is associated with negative health outcomes, including fetal growth restriction (FGR). The placenta supplies oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, and alterations in placental development can lead to FGR. While there has been some investigation into the effects of D9-THC, there has been limited investigation into the impacts of in utero gestational CBD exposure on the placenta. Methods: This study used histological and transcriptomic analysis of embryonic day (E)19.5 rat …


The Impact Of Maternal Diabetes On Birth To Placental Weight Ratio And Umbilical Cord Oxygen Values With Implications For Fetal-Placental Development, Sheryl Choo, Barbra De Vrijer, Timothy R H Regnault, Hilary K Brown, Larry Stitt, Bryan S Richardson May 2023

The Impact Of Maternal Diabetes On Birth To Placental Weight Ratio And Umbilical Cord Oxygen Values With Implications For Fetal-Placental Development, Sheryl Choo, Barbra De Vrijer, Timothy R H Regnault, Hilary K Brown, Larry Stitt, Bryan S Richardson

Obstetrics & Gynaecology Publications

Introduction

We determined the impact of gestational diabetes (GDM) and pre-existing diabetes (DM) on birth/placental weight and cord oxygen values with implications for placental efficiency and fetal-placental growth and development.

Methods

A hospital database was used to obtain birth/placental weight, cord PO2 and other information on patients delivering between Jan 1, 1990 and Jun 15, 2011 with GA >34 weeks (N = 69,854). Oxygen saturation was calculated from the cord PO2 and pH data, while fetal O2 extraction was calculated from the oxygen saturation data. The effect of diabetic status on birth/placental weight and cord oxygen values …


Expression And Localization Of Nrf2/Keap1 Signalling Pathway Genes In Mouse Preimplantation Embryos Exposed To Free Fatty Acids., Grace Dionne, Michele D. Calder, Dean H Betts, Basim Abu Rafea, Andrew J Watson Dec 2022

Expression And Localization Of Nrf2/Keap1 Signalling Pathway Genes In Mouse Preimplantation Embryos Exposed To Free Fatty Acids., Grace Dionne, Michele D. Calder, Dean H Betts, Basim Abu Rafea, Andrew J Watson

Obstetrics & Gynaecology Publications

Obese women experience greater incidence of infertility, with reproductive tracts exposing preimplantation embryos to elevated free fatty acids (FFA) such as palmitic acid (PA) and oleic acid (OA). PA treatment impairs mouse preimplantation development in vitro, while OA co-treatment rescues blastocyst development of PA treated embryos. In the present study, we investigated the effects of PA and OA treatment on NRF2/Keap1 localization, and relative antioxidant enzyme (Glutathione peroxidase; Gpx1, Catalase; Cat, Superoxide dismutase; Sod1 and γ-Glutamylcysteine ligase catalytic unit; Gclc) mRNA levels, during in vitro mouse preimplantation embryo development. Female mice were superovulated, mated, and embryos cultured in the presence …


Transforming Possible Risk Into Certain Harm: A Critical Interpretive Synthesis Of The Literature On Perinatal Cannabis Use, Rachael Pack, Grace Hilton, Facundo Garcia-Bournissen, Taryn Taylor Dec 2022

Transforming Possible Risk Into Certain Harm: A Critical Interpretive Synthesis Of The Literature On Perinatal Cannabis Use, Rachael Pack, Grace Hilton, Facundo Garcia-Bournissen, Taryn Taylor

Obstetrics & Gynaecology Publications

Substance use in pregnancy has been a prominent public health concern for the last several decades. Since the legalization of cannabis in Canada and across several American states, cannabis use during pregnancy has gained considerable public health, scientific, and media attention. This critical interpretive synthesis explores how the problem of cannabis use in pregnancy is constructed in the scientific literature and illuminates clinical, social, and political responses this construction engenders. The state of empirical evidence regarding the impact of perinatal cannabis use is fraught; a number of studies, of variable quality, have found no associations between cannabis use and adverse …


Prenatal And Postpartum Maternal Mental Health And Neonatal Motor Outcomes During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Alissa Papadopoulos, Emily S. Nichols, Yalda Mohsenzadeh, Isabelle Giroux, Michelle F. Mottola, Ryan J. Van Lieshout, Emma G. Duerden Dec 2022

Prenatal And Postpartum Maternal Mental Health And Neonatal Motor Outcomes During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Alissa Papadopoulos, Emily S. Nichols, Yalda Mohsenzadeh, Isabelle Giroux, Michelle F. Mottola, Ryan J. Van Lieshout, Emma G. Duerden

Neuroscience Institute Publications

Background: Rates of prenatal and postpartum stress and depression in pregnant individuals have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Perinatal maternal mental health has been linked to worse motor development in offspring, with motor deficits appearing in infancy and early childhood. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between prenatal and postpartum stress and depression and motor outcome in infants born during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: One hundred and seventeen participants completed an online prospective survey study at two timepoints: during pregnancy and within 2 months postpartum. Depression was self-reported using the Edinburgh Perinatal/Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), and stress via the Perceived …


Highlighting The Mechanistic Relationship Between Perinatal Depression And Preeclampsia: A Scoping Review, Mei Yuan, Samantha Bedell, Barbra De Vrijer, Genevieve Eastabrook, Jefferson C. Frisbee, Stephanie J. Frisbee Oct 2022

Highlighting The Mechanistic Relationship Between Perinatal Depression And Preeclampsia: A Scoping Review, Mei Yuan, Samantha Bedell, Barbra De Vrijer, Genevieve Eastabrook, Jefferson C. Frisbee, Stephanie J. Frisbee

Obstetrics & Gynaecology Publications

Background: Although there is scientific literature supporting an association between depression and preeclampsia (PE), little is known about the underlying mechanistic pathways that may explain these observed associations. Thus, this study aimed to outline the relationship between depression and PE, and to highlight the underlying cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors that are common to both. Methods: A scoping review of the literature was conducted in Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science. Results: From 706 articles initially identified, 23 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Although some studies reported a positive association between PE and postpartum …


Sex Differences In The Behavioural Outcomes Of Prenatal Nicotine And Tobacco Exposure, Anita Sikic, Jude A. Frie, Jibran Y. Khokhar, Jennifer E. Murray Jul 2022

Sex Differences In The Behavioural Outcomes Of Prenatal Nicotine And Tobacco Exposure, Anita Sikic, Jude A. Frie, Jibran Y. Khokhar, Jennifer E. Murray

Neuroscience Institute Publications

Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. A combination of biological and environmental risk factors make women especially vulnerable to nicotine addiction, making it harder for them to quit smoking. Smoking during pregnancy, therefore, is still a major health concern, with epidemiological data suggesting a role for gestational nicotine exposure in the development of several behavioural disorders. Given there are significant sex-specific behavioural outcomes related to smoking in adolescence and adulthood, it is probable that the behavioural outcomes following gestational nicotine or tobacco exposure are similarly sex-dependent. This is an especially relevant topic as the current landscape of …


Be Healthy In Pregnancy (Bhip): A Randomized Controlled Trial Of Nutrition And Exercise Intervention From Early Pregnancy To Achieve Recommended Gestational Weight Gain, Stephanie A. Atkinson, Atherai Maran, Kendra Dempsey, Maude Perreault, Thuva Vanniyasingam, Stuart M. Phillips, Eileen K. Hutton, Michelle F. Mottola Feb 2022

Be Healthy In Pregnancy (Bhip): A Randomized Controlled Trial Of Nutrition And Exercise Intervention From Early Pregnancy To Achieve Recommended Gestational Weight Gain, Stephanie A. Atkinson, Atherai Maran, Kendra Dempsey, Maude Perreault, Thuva Vanniyasingam, Stuart M. Phillips, Eileen K. Hutton, Michelle F. Mottola

Paediatrics Publications

A randomized two-arm prospective superiority trial tested the efficacy of a novel structured and monitored nutrition (bi-weekly counselling for individualized energy and high dairy protein diet) and exercise program (walking goal of 10,000 steps/day) (intervention) compared to usual care (control) in pregnant women to achieve gestational weight gain (GWG) within current recommendations. Women recruited in communities in southern Ontario, Canada were randomized at 12–17 weeks gestation with stratification by site and pre-pregnancy BMI to intervention (n = 119) or control (n = 122). The primary outcome was the proportion of women who achieved GWG within the Institute of Medicine recommendations. …


Evaluating Evidence-Based Content, Features Of Exercise Instruction, And Expert Involvement In Physical Activity Apps For Pregnant Women: Systematic Search And Content Analysis, Melanie J. Hayman, Kristie Lee Alfrey, Kim Waters, Summer Cannon, Gregore I. Mielke, Shelley E. Keating, Gabriela P. Mena, Michelle F. Mottola, Kelly R. Plint Jan 2022

Evaluating Evidence-Based Content, Features Of Exercise Instruction, And Expert Involvement In Physical Activity Apps For Pregnant Women: Systematic Search And Content Analysis, Melanie J. Hayman, Kristie Lee Alfrey, Kim Waters, Summer Cannon, Gregore I. Mielke, Shelley E. Keating, Gabriela P. Mena, Michelle F. Mottola, Kelly R. Plint

Paediatrics Publications

Background: Guidelines for physical activity and exercise during pregnancy recommend that all women without contraindications engage in regular physical activity to improve both their own health and the health of their baby. Many women are uncertain how to safely engage in physical activity and exercise during this life stage and are increasingly using mobile apps to access health-relatedinformation. However, the extent to which apps that provide physical activity and exercise advice align with current evidence-based pregnancy recommendations is unclear. Objective: This study aims to conduct a systematic search and content analysis of apps that promote physical activity and exercise in …


Myasthenia Gravis In Pregnancy: Systematic Review And Case Series, Harrison Banner, Kirsten M. Niles, Michelle Ryu, Mathew Sermer, Vera Bril, Kellie E. Murphy Jan 2022

Myasthenia Gravis In Pregnancy: Systematic Review And Case Series, Harrison Banner, Kirsten M. Niles, Michelle Ryu, Mathew Sermer, Vera Bril, Kellie E. Murphy

Paediatrics Publications

Background: Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease which can impact pregnancy. Methods: Six databases were systematically searched for studies with at least five subjects reporting pregnancy outcomes for women with myasthenia gravis in pregnancy. Assessment of bias was performed for all included studies. Forty-eight cases from our own centre were also included in the analysis. Results: In total, 32 publications met inclusion criteria for systematic review, for a total of 33 unique data sets including 48 cases from our institution. Outcome data was available for 824 pregnancies. Spontaneous vaginal delivery occurred in 56.3% of pregnancies. Overall risk of myasthenia gravis …


Gestational Age Impacts Birth To Placental Weight Ratio And Umbilical Cord Oxygen Values With Implications For The Fetal Oxygen Margin Of Safety, Bryan S Richardson, Barbra De Vrijer, Hilary K Brown, Larry Stitt, Sheryl Choo, Timothy R H Regnault Jan 2022

Gestational Age Impacts Birth To Placental Weight Ratio And Umbilical Cord Oxygen Values With Implications For The Fetal Oxygen Margin Of Safety, Bryan S Richardson, Barbra De Vrijer, Hilary K Brown, Larry Stitt, Sheryl Choo, Timothy R H Regnault

Obstetrics & Gynaecology Publications

Background: We determined the impact of gestational age (GA) from near term to term to post-term on birth/placental weight ratio and cord oxygen values with implications for placental transport efficiency for oxygen, fetal O2 consumption relative to delivery or fractional O2 extraction, and oxygen margin of safety.

Materials and methods: A hospital database was used to obtain birth/placental weight ratios, cord PO2 and other information on patients delivering between Jan 1, 1990 and Jun 15, 2011 with GA > 34 completed weeks (N=69,852). Oxygen saturation was calculated from the cord PO2 and pH data, while fractional O2 extraction was calculated from …


Acetone Ingestion Mimics A Fasting State To Improve Glucose Tolerance In A Mouse Model Of Gestational Hyperglycemia, Sandra Szlapinski, Brenda Strutt, Madeline Deane, Edith Arany, Jamie Bennett, David J. Hill Dec 2021

Acetone Ingestion Mimics A Fasting State To Improve Glucose Tolerance In A Mouse Model Of Gestational Hyperglycemia, Sandra Szlapinski, Brenda Strutt, Madeline Deane, Edith Arany, Jamie Bennett, David J. Hill

Paediatrics Publications

Gestational diabetes mellitus results, in part, from a sub‐optimal β‐cell mass (BCM) during pregnancy. Artemisinins were reported to increase BCM in models of diabetes by α‐ to β‐cell conversion leading to enhanced glucose tolerance. We used a mouse model of gestational glucose intolerance to compare the effects of an artemisinin (artesunate) on glycemia of pregnant mice with vehicle treatment (acetone) or no treatment. Animals were treated daily from gestational days (GD) 0.5 to 6.5. An intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test was performed prior to euthanasia at GD18.5 or post‐partum. Glucose tolerance was significantly improved in both pregnant and non‐pregnant mice with …


A Case Report Of A Severe Neonatal Systemic Vasculitis On The First Day Of Life, Stephanie Wong, Erkan Demirkaya, Roberta Berard Dec 2021

A Case Report Of A Severe Neonatal Systemic Vasculitis On The First Day Of Life, Stephanie Wong, Erkan Demirkaya, Roberta Berard

Paediatrics Publications

Background: Neonatal systemic vasculitis syndromes have been reported in infants born to mothers with systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome, Behҫet’s disease, cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitides. Here we report a novel association of a case of new-onset maternal seronegative inflammatory arthritis associated with a transient systemic vasculitis in a neonate. Case presentation: In the first 24 h of life, a preterm Caucasian baby boy was noted to have blue discoloration to all four extremities. Despite antibiotics, fresh frozen plasma and anticoagulation, the discoloration remained, particularly in the left index finger. This was associated with fever and a …


Influence Of A Virtual Exercise Program Throughout Pregnancy During The Covid-19 Pandemic On Perineal Tears And Episiotomy Rates: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Cristina Silva-Jose, Miguel Sánchez-Polán, Ángeles Díaz-Blanco, Tirso Pérez-Medina, Vanessa Carrero Martínez, Irune Alzola, Rubén Barakat, Ignacio Refoyo, Michelle F. Ferlisi, Naveen Poonai Nov 2021

Influence Of A Virtual Exercise Program Throughout Pregnancy During The Covid-19 Pandemic On Perineal Tears And Episiotomy Rates: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Cristina Silva-Jose, Miguel Sánchez-Polán, Ángeles Díaz-Blanco, Tirso Pérez-Medina, Vanessa Carrero Martínez, Irune Alzola, Rubén Barakat, Ignacio Refoyo, Michelle F. Ferlisi, Naveen Poonai

Paediatrics Publications

The complications associated with COVID-19 confinement (impossibility of grouping, reduced mobility, distance between people, etc.) influence the lifestyle of pregnant women with important associated complications regarding pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, perineal traumas are the most common obstetric complications during childbirth. The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of a supervised virtual exercise program throughout pregnancy on perineal injury and episiotomy rates during childbirth. A randomized clinical trial design (NCT04563065) was used. Data were collected from 98 pregnant women without obstetric contraindications who attended their prenatal medical consultations. Women were randomly assigned to the intervention (IG, N = …


Roles Of Two Small Leucine-Rich Proteoglycans Decorin And Biglycan In Pregnancy And Pregnancy-Associated Diseases, Chidambra D. Halari, Michael Zheng, Peeyush K. Lala Oct 2021

Roles Of Two Small Leucine-Rich Proteoglycans Decorin And Biglycan In Pregnancy And Pregnancy-Associated Diseases, Chidambra D. Halari, Michael Zheng, Peeyush K. Lala

Paediatrics Publications

Two small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRP), decorin and biglycan, play important roles in structural–functional integrity of the placenta and fetal membranes, and their alterations can result in several pregnancy-associated diseases. In this review, we briefly discuss normal placental structure and functions, define and classify SLRPs, and then focus on two SLRPs, decorin (DCN) and biglycan (BGN). We discuss the consequences of deletions/mutations of DCN and BGN. We then summarize DCN and BGN expression in the pregnant uterus, myometrium, decidua, pla-centa, and fetal membranes. Actions of these SLRPs as ligands are then discussed in the context of multiple binding partners in the …


Do Women Empowerment Indicators Predict Receipt Of Quality Antenatal Care In Cameroon? Evidence From A Nationwide Survey, Edward Kwabena Ameyaw, Kwamena Sekyi Dickson, Kenneth Setorwu Adde, Obidimma Ezezika Sep 2021

Do Women Empowerment Indicators Predict Receipt Of Quality Antenatal Care In Cameroon? Evidence From A Nationwide Survey, Edward Kwabena Ameyaw, Kwamena Sekyi Dickson, Kenneth Setorwu Adde, Obidimma Ezezika

Health Studies Publications

Background

World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends quality antenatal care (ANC) for all pregnant women, as one of the strategies for achieving targets 3.1 and 3.2 of the sustainable development goals. Maternal mortality ratio remains high in Cameroon (782 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births). Extant literature suggest a positive association between women empowerment indicators and maternal healthcare utilisation in general. In Cameroon, this association has not received scholarly attention. To fill this knowledge gap, we investigated the association between women empowerment indicators and quality ANC in Cameroon.

Methods

Data of 4615 women of reproductive age were analysed from the women’s …


Translating Developmental Origins Of Health And Disease In Practice: Health Care Providers' Perspectives., Monica L Molinaro, Marilyn Evans, Timothy Regnault, Barbra De Vrijer Jun 2021

Translating Developmental Origins Of Health And Disease In Practice: Health Care Providers' Perspectives., Monica L Molinaro, Marilyn Evans, Timothy Regnault, Barbra De Vrijer

Paediatrics Publications

Currently, there is limited knowledge on how health care providers perceive and understand the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD), which may impact how they inform patients and their families throughout the perinatal period. This qualitative descriptive study explored if and how health care providers counsel on in utero programming and future health outcomes with parents, both preconception and during pregnancy. One-on-one, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 health care providers from varying health disciplines including obstetrics and gynaecology, midwifery, paediatrics, endocrinology and internal medicine. Audiotaped interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Three themes were …


Water-Fat Magnetic Resonance Imaging Of Adipose Tissue Compartments In The Normal Third Trimester Fetus, Stephanie A Giza, Tianna L Koreman, Simran Sethi, Michael R Miller, Debbie A Penava, Genevieve D Eastabrook, Charles A Mckenzie, Barbra De Vrijer Jun 2021

Water-Fat Magnetic Resonance Imaging Of Adipose Tissue Compartments In The Normal Third Trimester Fetus, Stephanie A Giza, Tianna L Koreman, Simran Sethi, Michael R Miller, Debbie A Penava, Genevieve D Eastabrook, Charles A Mckenzie, Barbra De Vrijer

Obstetrics & Gynaecology Publications

BACKGROUND: Assessment of fetal adipose tissue gives information about the future metabolic health of an individual, with evidence that the development of this tissue has regional heterogeneity.

OBJECTIVE: To assess differences in the proton density fat fraction (PDFF) between fetal adipose tissue compartments in the third trimester using water-fat magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Water-fat MRI was performed in a 1.5-T scanner. Fetal adipose tissue was segmented into cheeks, thorax, abdomen, upper arms, forearms, thighs and lower legs. PDFF and R2* values were measured in each compartment.

RESULTS: Twenty-eight women with singleton pregnancies were imaged between 28 and …


Quality, Features, And Presence Of Behavior Change Techniques In Mobile Apps Designed To Improve Physical Activity In Pregnant Women: Systematic Search And Content Analysis, Melanie Hayman, Kristie Lee Alfrey, Summer Cannon, Stephanie Alley, Amanda L. Rebar, Susan Williams, Camille E. Short, Abby Altazan Apr 2021

Quality, Features, And Presence Of Behavior Change Techniques In Mobile Apps Designed To Improve Physical Activity In Pregnant Women: Systematic Search And Content Analysis, Melanie Hayman, Kristie Lee Alfrey, Summer Cannon, Stephanie Alley, Amanda L. Rebar, Susan Williams, Camille E. Short, Abby Altazan

Paediatrics Publications

Background: Physical activity during pregnancy is associated with several health benefits for the mother and child. However, very few women participate in regular physical activity during pregnancy. eHealth platforms (internet and mobile apps) have become an important information source for pregnant women. Although the use of pregnancy-related apps has significantly increased among pregnant women, very little is known about their theoretical underpinnings, including their utilization of behavior change techniques (BCTs). This is despite research suggesting that inclusion of BCTs in eHealth interventions are important for promoting healthy behaviors, including physical activity. Objective: The aim of this study was to conduct …


The Application Of In Utero Magnetic Resonance Imaging In The Study Of The Metabolic And Cardiovascular Consequences Of The Developmental Origins Of Health And Disease, Stephanie A. Giza, Simran Sethi, Lauren M. Smith, Mary Ellen E.T. Empey, Lindsay E. Morris, Charles A. Mckenzie Apr 2021

The Application Of In Utero Magnetic Resonance Imaging In The Study Of The Metabolic And Cardiovascular Consequences Of The Developmental Origins Of Health And Disease, Stephanie A. Giza, Simran Sethi, Lauren M. Smith, Mary Ellen E.T. Empey, Lindsay E. Morris, Charles A. Mckenzie

Paediatrics Publications

Observing fetal development in utero is vital to further the understanding of later-life diseases. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers a tool for obtaining a wealth of information about fetal growth, development, and programming not previously available using other methods. This review provides an overview of MRI techniques used to investigate the metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis. These methods add to the understanding of the developing fetus by examining fetal growth and organ development, adipose tissue and body composition, fetal oximetry, placental microstructure, diffusion, perfusion, flow, and metabolism. MRI assessment of fetal …


Maternal And Cord Blood Hemoglobin As Determinants Of Placental Weight: A Cross-Sectional Study, Ferrante S. Gragasin, Maria B. Ospina, Jesus Serrano-Lomelin, Su Hwan Kim, Matthew Kokotilo, Andrew G. Woodman, Stephen J. Renaud, Stephane L. Bourque Mar 2021

Maternal And Cord Blood Hemoglobin As Determinants Of Placental Weight: A Cross-Sectional Study, Ferrante S. Gragasin, Maria B. Ospina, Jesus Serrano-Lomelin, Su Hwan Kim, Matthew Kokotilo, Andrew G. Woodman, Stephen J. Renaud, Stephane L. Bourque

Paediatrics Publications

Background: Both high and low placental weights are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Maternal hemoglobin levels can influence placental weight, but the evidence is conflicting. Since maternal hemoglobin does not invariably correlate with fetal/neonatal blood hemoglobin levels, we sought to determine whether cord blood hemoglobin or maternal hemoglobin status more closely associates with placental weight in women undergoing elective cesarean section at term. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, Canada, involving 202 women with term singleton pregnancies undergoing elective cesarean section. Maternal blood and mixed cord blood hemoglobin levels were analyzed using a …


Increased Alpha And Beta Cell Mass During Mouse Pregnancy Is Not Dependent On Transdifferentiation, Sandra K. Szlapinski, Jamie Bennett, Brenda J. Strutt, David J. Hill Mar 2021

Increased Alpha And Beta Cell Mass During Mouse Pregnancy Is Not Dependent On Transdifferentiation, Sandra K. Szlapinski, Jamie Bennett, Brenda J. Strutt, David J. Hill

Paediatrics Publications

Maternal pancreatic beta-cell mass (BCM) increases during pregnancy to compensate for relative insulin resistance. If BCM expansion is suboptimal, gestational diabetes mellitus can develop. Alpha-cell mass (ACM) also changes during pregnancy, but there is a lack of information about α-cell plasticity in pregnancy and whether α- to β-cell transdifferentiation can occur. To investigate this, we used a mouse model of gestational glucose intolerance induced by feeding low-protein (LP) diet from conception until weaning and compared pregnant female offspring to control diet-fed animals. Control and LP pancreata were collected for immunohistochemical analysis and serum glucagon levels were measured. In order to …


Long-Term Cardiovascular Outcomes After Pregnancy In Women With Heart Disease, Samuel C. Siu, Douglas S. Lee, Mohammed Rashid, Jiming Fang, Peter C. Austin, Candice K. Silversides Jan 2021

Long-Term Cardiovascular Outcomes After Pregnancy In Women With Heart Disease, Samuel C. Siu, Douglas S. Lee, Mohammed Rashid, Jiming Fang, Peter C. Austin, Candice K. Silversides

Paediatrics Publications

BACKGROUND: Women with heart disease are at risk for pregnancy complications, but their long-term cardiovascular outcomes after pregnancy are not known. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined long-term cardiovascular outcomes after pregnancy in 1014 consecutive women with heart disease and a matched group of 2028 women without heart disease. The primary outcome was a composite of mortality, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, myocardial infarction, or arrhythmia. Secondary outcomes included cardiac procedures and new hypertension or diabetes mellitus. We compared the rates of these outcomes between women with and without heart disease and adjusted for maternal and pregnancy characteristics. We also determined …


Effects Of Maternal Obesity And Gestational Diabetes Mellitus On The Placenta: Current Knowledge And Targets For Therapeutic Interventions, Samantha Bedell, Janine Hutson, Barbra De Vrijer, Genevieve Eastabrook Jan 2021

Effects Of Maternal Obesity And Gestational Diabetes Mellitus On The Placenta: Current Knowledge And Targets For Therapeutic Interventions, Samantha Bedell, Janine Hutson, Barbra De Vrijer, Genevieve Eastabrook

Obstetrics & Gynaecology Publications

Obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are becoming more common among pregnant women worldwide and are individually associated with a number of placenta-mediated obstetric complications, including preeclampsia, macrosomia, intrauterine growth restriction and stillbirth. The placenta serves several functions throughout pregnancy and is the main exchange site for the transfer of nutrients and gas from mother to fetus. In pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity or GDM, the placenta is exposed to environmental changes, such as increased inflammation and oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and altered hormone levels. These changes can affect placental development and function and lead to abnormal fetal growth and development …


Drug Therapy During Pregnancy., Dongmei Sun, Janine R. Hutson, Facundo Garcia-Bournissen Md Phd Nov 2020

Drug Therapy During Pregnancy., Dongmei Sun, Janine R. Hutson, Facundo Garcia-Bournissen Md Phd

Paediatrics Publications

No abstract provided.


Developing And Implementing A Novel Mentorship Model (4+ 1) For Maternal, Newborn And Child Health In Rwanda, Anaclet Ngabonzima, Cynthia Kenyon, Celestin Hategeka, Aimee Josephine Utuza, Paulin Ruhato Banguti, Isaac Luginaah, David F Cechetto Oct 2020

Developing And Implementing A Novel Mentorship Model (4+ 1) For Maternal, Newborn And Child Health In Rwanda, Anaclet Ngabonzima, Cynthia Kenyon, Celestin Hategeka, Aimee Josephine Utuza, Paulin Ruhato Banguti, Isaac Luginaah, David F Cechetto

Paediatrics Publications

BACKGROUND: There are a number of factors that may contribute to high mortality and morbidity of women and newborns in low-income countries. These include a shortage of competent health care providers (HCP) and a lack of sufficient continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities. Strengthening the skills and building the capacity of HCP involved in the provision of maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) is essential to ensure quality care for mothers, newborns and children. To address this challenge in Rwanda, mentorship of HCPs was identified as an approach that could help build capacity, improve the provision of care and accelerate the …


Maternal Obesity Reduces Placental Autophagy Marker Expression In Uncomplicated Pregnancies, Matthew Cohen, Emily Guo, Aidan Pucchio, Barbra De Vrijer, Trevor G Shepherd, Genevieve Eastabrook Aug 2020

Maternal Obesity Reduces Placental Autophagy Marker Expression In Uncomplicated Pregnancies, Matthew Cohen, Emily Guo, Aidan Pucchio, Barbra De Vrijer, Trevor G Shepherd, Genevieve Eastabrook

Obstetrics & Gynaecology Publications

AIM: Obesity has been associated with changes in autophagy and its increasing prevalence among pregnant women is implicated in higher rates of placental-mediated complications of pregnancy such as pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Autophagy is involved in normal placentation, thus changes in autophagy may lead to impaired placental function and development. The aim of this study was to investigate the connection between obesity and autophagy in the placenta in otherwise uncomplicated pregnancies.

METHODS: Immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis were done on placental and omental samples from obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m

RESULTS: As pre-pregnancy BMI increased, there was …


Temporal Relationships Between Maternal Metabolic Parameters With Neonatal Adiposity In Women With Obesity Differ By Neonatal Sex: Secondary Analysis Of The Dali Study, Rodrigo A. Lima, Gernot Desoye, David Simmons, Roland Devlieger, Sander Galjaard, Rosa Corcoy, Juan M. Adelantado, Fidelma Dunne Jul 2020

Temporal Relationships Between Maternal Metabolic Parameters With Neonatal Adiposity In Women With Obesity Differ By Neonatal Sex: Secondary Analysis Of The Dali Study, Rodrigo A. Lima, Gernot Desoye, David Simmons, Roland Devlieger, Sander Galjaard, Rosa Corcoy, Juan M. Adelantado, Fidelma Dunne

Paediatrics Publications

Objectives: To investigate the importance of time in pregnancy and neonatal sex on the association between maternal metabolic parameters and neonatal sum of skinfolds. Methods: This was a longitudinal, secondary analysis of the vitamin D and lifestyle intervention for gestational diabetes mellitus study, conducted in nine European countries during 2012 to 2015. Pregnant women with a pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) of ≥29 kg/m2 were invited to participate. We measured 14 maternal metabolic parameters at three times during pregnancy: <20 weeks, 24 to 28 weeks, and 35 to 37 weeks of gestation. The sum of four skinfolds assessed within 2 days after birth was the measure of neonatal adiposity. Results: In total, 458 mother-infant pairs (50.2% female infants) were included. Insulin resistance (fasting insulin and HOMA-index of insulin resistance) in early pregnancy was an important predictor for boys' sum of skinfolds, in addition to fasting glucose and maternal adiposity (leptin, BMI and neck circumference) throughout pregnancy. In girls, maternal lipids (triglycerides and fatty acids) in the first half of pregnancy were important predictors of sum of skinfolds, as well as fasting glucose in the second half of pregnancy. Conclusions: Associations between maternal metabolic parameters and neonatal adiposity vary between different periods during pregnancy. This time-dependency is different between sexes, suggesting different growth strategies.


Transient Hyponatremia Of Prematurity Caused By Mild Bartter Syndrome Type Ii: A Case Report., Subhrata Verma, Rahul Chanchlani, Victoria Mok Siu, Guido Filler Jun 2020

Transient Hyponatremia Of Prematurity Caused By Mild Bartter Syndrome Type Ii: A Case Report., Subhrata Verma, Rahul Chanchlani, Victoria Mok Siu, Guido Filler

Paediatrics Publications

BACKGROUND: Bartter syndrome subtypes are a group of rare renal tubular diseases characterized by impaired salt reabsorption in the tubule, specifically the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop. Clinically, they are characterized by the association of hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, hypercalciuria, nephrocalcinosis, increased levels of plasma renin and aldosterone, low blood pressure and vascular resistance to angiotensin II. Bartter syndrome type II is caused by mutations in the renal outer medullary potassium channel (ROMK) gene (KCNJ1), can present in the newborn period and typically requires lifelong therapy.

CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of a prematurely born female infant presenting with …