Atovaquone Inhibits Arbovirus Replication through the Depletion of Intracellular Nucleotides.

Arthropod-borne viruses represent a significant public health threat worldwide, yet there are few antiviral therapies or prophylaxes targeting these pathogens. In particular, the development of novel antivirals for high-risk populations such as pregnant women is essential to prevent devastating disease such as that which was experienced with the recent outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Americas. One potential avenue to identify new and pregnancy-acceptable antiviral compounds is to repurpose well-known and widely used FDA-approved drugs.

Dengue Virus Immunity Increases Zika Virus-Induced Damage during Pregnancy.

Zika virus (ZIKV) has recently been associated with birth defects and pregnancy loss after maternal infection. Because dengue virus (DENV) and ZIKV co-circulate, understanding the role of antibody-dependent enhancement in the context of pregnancy is critical. Here, we showed that the presence of DENV-specific antibodies in ZIKV-infected pregnant mice significantly increased placental damage, fetal growth restriction, and fetal resorption.

Distinct epigenetic programs regulate cardiac myocyte development and disease in the human heart in vivo.

Epigenetic mechanisms and transcription factor networks essential for differentiation of cardiac myocytes have been uncovered. However, reshaping of the epigenome of these terminally differentiated cells during fetal development, postnatal maturation, and in disease remains unknown. Here, we investigate the dynamics of the cardiac myocyte epigenome during development and in chronic heart failure.

Late termination of pregnancy for lethal fetal anomalies: a national survey of maternal-fetal medicine specialists.

Objective: The objective was to ascertain the practices and opinions of US maternal-fetal medicine specialists regarding termination of pregnancy as a management option following late diagnosis of lethal fetal anomalies.

Study Design: We conducted a cross-sectional mail survey of all US members of the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine to ascertain how they manage pregnancies diagnosed with lethal fetal anomalies after 24 weeks of gestation. We analyzed the proportion of respondents that discuss termination of pregnancy as a management option, barriers to offering or accessing late termination services, and respondents' opinions about what anomalies are lethal and when pregnancy termination should be permitted.

Safety of digoxin for fetal demise before second-trimester abortion by dilation and evacuation.

Background: Digoxin is used to induce fetal demise before dilation and evacuation (D&E) abortion. Published data on the safety of digoxin in abortion care are limited.

Study Design: We conducted a retrospective cohort study with historical controls at a large family planning center.

The safety of deep sedation without intubation for abortion in the outpatient setting.

Study Objective: To determine the rate of perioperative pulmonary aspiration in patients undergoing first and second-trimester surgical abortion during deep sedation with propofol, without intubation.

Design: Retrospective review of cases of surgical and anesthetic complications reported to the Office of Quality Management of the surgical facility between August 1, 2001 and April 30, 2008.

Setting: Large urban surgical abortion outpatient facility.

Genomic loss of imprinting in first-trimester human placenta.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate imprinting patterns in first-trimester human placentas.

Study Design: Using samples of 17 first-trimester and 14 term placentas from uncomplicated pregnancies, we assessed loss of imprinting (LOI) at the RNA level in a panel of 14 genes that are known to be imprinted in the placenta with the use of a quantitative allele-specific reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis of those genes that contained readout single nucleotide polymorphisms in their transcripts.

Results: There is significant LOI (ie, biallelic expression) in all 14 genes in first-trimester placentas.

Introducing abortion patients to a culture of support: a pilot study.

Currently in the United States, women who have abortions face a societal culture in which disapproval, stigma, and misinformation about the risks and sequelae of abortion are common. The purpose of this study is to pilot test an intervention that introduces abortion patients to a "culture of support" by providing validating messages and information about groups and services that support women in their reproductive decisions, addressing stigma, and providing information to help women identify and avoid sources of abortion misinformation. Twenty-two women who completed their post-operative exam after abortion were enrolled to take part in the study intervention.

Activation of CD8+ regulatory T cells by human placental trophoblasts.

The immunological basis by which a mother tolerates her semi-allogeneic fetus remains poorly understood. Several mechanisms are likely to contribute to this phenomenon including active immune regulation by regulatory T cells. In this article, we report that human placental trophoblasts activate a clonal population of CD8(+) T cells with regulatory function.