Atomic force microscopy for characterization of decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) based materials.

In live organisms, cells are embedded in tissue-specific extracellular matrix (ECM), which provides chemical and mechanical signals important for cell differentiation, migration, and overall functionality. Careful reproduction of ECM properties in artificial cell scaffolds is necessary to get physiologically relevant results of in vitro studies and produce robust materials for cell and tissue engineering. Nanoarchitectonics is a contemporary way to building complex materials from nano-scale objects of artificial and biological origin.

Xylazine Positivity in Opioid-Positive Drug Screens on an Inpatient Labor Unit.

Objective: Untreated opioid use disorder (OUD) is associated with significant morbidity in pregnancy. Recent reports have highlighted the rise of xylazine in the nonprescribed fentanyl supply. The frequency with which pregnant people with OUD are exposed to xylazine has not been characterized.

Biologics-based technologies for highly efficient and targeted RNA delivery.

The demand for RNA-based therapeutics is increasing globally. However, their use is hampered by the lack of safe and effective delivery vehicles. Here, we developed technologies for highly efficient delivery of RNA cargo into programmable extracellular vesicle-mimetic nanovesicles (EMNVs) by fabricating hybrid EMNV-liposomes (Hybs).

The association between first trimester physical activity levels and perinatal outcomes.

Objective: Physical activity in pregnancy decreases the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study evaluates the association between first trimester physical activity, assessed by Kaiser Physical Activity Survey (KPAS) scores, and adverse perinatal outcomes.

Study Design: This is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study in which patients were administered the KPAS in each trimester.

Senescent Syncytiotrophoblast Secretion During Early Onset Preeclampsia.

Background: Preeclampsia is a severe hypertensive disorder in pregnancy that causes preterm delivery, maternal and fetal morbidity, mortality, and life-long sequelae. Understanding the pathogenesis of preeclampsia is a critical first step toward protecting mother and child from this syndrome and increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. However, effective early predictive tests and therapies for preeclampsia are scarce.