Repurposing the prostaglandin analogue treprostinil and the calcium-sensing receptor modulator cinacalcet to revive cord blood as an alternate source of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells for transplantation.

Objective: The expanding field of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for non-malignant diseases, including those amenable to gene therapy or gene editing, faces challenges due to limited donor availability and the toxicity associated with cell collection methods. Umbilical cord blood (CB) represents a readily accessible source of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs); however, the cell dose obtainable from a single cord blood unit is frequently insufficient. This limitation can be addressed by enhancing the potency of HSPCs, specifically their capacity to reconstitute hematopoiesis.

The Role of hCG and Histamine in Emesis Gravidarum and Use of a Chewing Gum Containing Vitamin C as a Treatment Option: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP), or emesis gravidarum, is a frequent complication of early gestation with unclear causes, suspected to involve genetic, hormonal, and gastrointestinal factors. Our study investigated the association of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), histamine, diamine oxidase (DAO), thyroxine and pyridoxine and the severity of NVP symptoms and assessed the efficacy of a vitamin C-containing chewing gum as a potential NVP treatment. In this prospective, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial, 111 participants were assigned to receive vitamin C-containing chewing gum, placebo gum, or no treatment at two follow-ups during early pregnancy.

Socioeconomic disparities in changes to preterm birth and stillbirth rates during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: a study of 21 European countries.

Background: Despite concerns about worsening pregnancy outcomes resulting from healthcare restrictions, economic difficulties and increased stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, preterm birth (PTB) rates declined in some countries in 2020, while stillbirth rates appeared stable. Like other shocks, the pandemic may have exacerbated existing socioeconomic disparities in pregnancy, but this remains to be established. Our objective was to investigate changes in PTB and stillbirth by socioeconomic status (SES) in European countries.

Kinase-inactivated CDK6 preserves the long-term functionality of adult hematopoietic stem cells.

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are characterized by the ability to self-renew and to replenish the hematopoietic system. The cell-cycle kinase cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) regulates transcription, whereby it has both kinase-dependent and kinase-independent functions. Herein, we describe the complex role of CDK6, balancing quiescence, proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation in activated HSCs.

Impact of a virtual reality-based simulation training for shoulder dystocia on human and technical skills among caregivers: a randomized-controlled trial.

This study analyzed the adherence to the modified Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) algorithm (HELP-RER) for handling shoulder dystocia (SD) using a virtual reality (VR) training modality. Secondary outcomes were improvements in the post-training diagnosis-to-delivery time, human skills factors (HuFSHI), and perceived task-load index (TLX). Prospective, case-control, single-blind, 1:1 randomized crossover study.

The maternal microbiome in pregnancy, delivery, and early-stage development of neonatal microbiome after cesarean section: A prospective longitudinal study.

Introduction: Changes within the maternal microbiome during the last trimester of pregnancy and the determinants of the subsequent neonatal microbiome establishment after delivery by elective cesarean section are described.

Material And Methods: Maternal vaginal and rectal microbiome samples were collected in the last trimester and before cesarean section; intrauterine cavity, placenta, neonatal buccal mucosa, skin, and meconium samples were obtained at birth; neonatal sample collection was repeated 2-3 days postnatally. Microbial community composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.

Maternal biomarkers in predicting neonatal sepsis after preterm premature rupture of membranes in preterm infants.

Aim: This retrospective cohort study aimed to assess the utility of maternal C-reactive protein (CRP) and leukocyte levels in predicting neonatal sepsis after preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study (2009-2021), encompassing preterm infants born ≤29 + 6 weeks of gestation following pPROM. The primary outcome was early-onset neonatal sepsis within the initial 72 h of life.

Dequalinium Chloride for the Treatment of Vulvovaginal Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective/purpose: Women at reproductive age frequently experience vulvovaginal infections and vaginitis. The most common etiologies are vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), bacterial vaginosis (BV), desquamative inflammatory vaginitis/aerobic vaginitis, and trichomoniasis. Various treatment options are available for these infections, such as specific antimicrobial or antiseptic agents.

Vaginal Microbial Colonization after Antibiotic Treatment in Women with Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes: An Observational Cohort Study.

Preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) stands as a primary contributor to preterm deliveries worldwide, closely linked to consequential infectious peripartum complications, including chorioamnionitis and early-onset neonatal sepsis. As a prophylactic measure, individuals following pPROM routinely undergo antibiotic treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the vaginal microbial colonization after antibiotic treatment following pPROM.

Intrauterine Detection of Ureaplasma Species after Vaginal Colonization in Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcome.

Introduction: Intrauterine infection with Ureaplasma species (U.spp.) is mostly a result of vaginal colonization with subsequent ascending infection and is associated with adverse pregnancy outcome.

Bacterial Vaginosis: Guideline of the DGGG, OEGGG and SGGG (S2k-Level, AWMF Registry No. 015/028, June 2023).

This official guideline was coordinated and published by the DGGG, OEGGG and SGGG with the involvement of additional professional societies. The aim of the guideline is to evaluate the relevant literature and use it to provide a consensus-based overview of the diagnosis and management of bacterial vaginosis. This S2k-guideline was developed by representative members from different medical professional societies on behalf of the guidelines commission of the above-listed societies using a structured consensus process.

Trends in caesarean section rates in Europe from 2015 to 2019 using Robson's Ten Group Classification System: A Euro-Peristat study.

Objective: To assess changes in caesarean section (CS) rates in Europe from 2015 to 2019 and utilise the Robson Ten Group Classification System (TGCS) to evaluate the contribution of different obstetric populations to overall CS rates and trends.

Design: Observational study utilising routine birth registry data.

Setting: A total of 28 European countries.

Polymicrogyria in a patient after twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

This case report presents a patient with a monochorionic twin pregnancy, development of twin-twin transfusion-syndrome (TTTS) and polymicrogyria (PMG) of one fetus. Due to TTTS grade 3, fetoscopic laser ablation was performed at gestational week 16+1. Sonographic follow-up showed a cortical malformation of the right parietal lobe in the former donor, which was identified as PMG by MRI scans.

Successful delayed interval delivery of a triplet pregnancy using conservative management.

Preterm birth is a significant cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality, especially in multiple pregnancies. Delayed interval delivery can prolong pregnancy for the remaining fetus(es) in an imminent stillbirth or extremely preterm birth of the first fetus, improving the lastborn's outcomes. We present a case of delayed interval delivery of a triplet pregnancy following preterm prelabour rupture of membranes and progressive cervical insufficiency.

Peripartum Maternal Admission to the Intensive Care Unit: An Observational Study over a 15-Year Period at a Tertiary Center in Austria.

Peripartum maternal admission to the intensive care unit is challenging for anesthesiologists, obstetricians, and all personnel involved. An understanding of altered maternal physiology, fetal considerations, and acute peripartum emergencies is required to ensure adequate maternal and neonatal outcomes. In this study, we analyzed data of peripartum maternal admissions to the intensive care unit at our large tertiary referral center in order to define trends and changes over time.

Quality of life in women with chronic recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis: A sub-analysis of the prospective multicentre phase IIb/III Prof-001 study.

Background: Chronic recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis (RVVC), defined as three or more episodes of vulvovaginal candidosis per year, significantly impairs quality of life (QoL) and sexual health.

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to assess health-related QoL in women with RVVC using validated questionnaires before and after treatment. The secondary objective was to analyse the effect of RVVC on women's sexual health.

Effect of vaginal probiotics containing Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus (Lcr regenerans) on vaginal dysbiotic microbiota and pregnancy outcome, prospective, randomized study.

The intermediate bacterial microbiota is a heterogeneous group that varies in the severity of the dysbiosis, from minor deficiency to total absence of vaginal Lactobacillus spp. We treated women with this vaginal dysbiosis in the first trimester of pregnancy using a vaginally applied lactobacilli preparation to restore the normal microbiota in order to delay the preterm delivery rate. Pregnant women with intermediate microbiota of the vagina and a Nugent score of 4 were enrolled in two groups: intermediate vaginal microbiota and a Nugent score of 4 with lactobacilli (IMLN4) and intermediate vaginal microbiota and a Nugent score of 4 without lactobacilli (IM0N4), with and without vaginal lactobacilli at baseline, respectively.

The impact of pandemic restrictive visiting policies on infant wellbeing in a NICU.

Background: Given the countrywide lockdown in the first pandemic period and the respective Hospital restrictive policies, we aimed to investigate if the SARS-COV-2 pandemic was associated to a reduced parental presence in the NICU and in which form this had an impact on infant wellbeing.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study about altered NICUs parental presence (measured by number of visits and kangaroo care time) due to pandemic restrictive policies and its impact on infant wellbeing (measured through The Neonatal Pain Agitation and Sedation scale and nurses' descriptive documentation).

Results: Presence of both parents at the same time was significantly lower during pandemic.

Written Briefing and Oral Counseling Increase the Willingness to Receive the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination among Women in Puerperium: A Qualitative Prospective Cohort Study.

(1) Background: Vaccination rates for severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) are low in Austria. International obstetric societies recommend the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination for women in puerperium. (2) Methods: A prospective two-stage cohort study was conducted at the Medical University of Vienna between October 2022 and December 2022.

Risk of fetal malformation, spontaneous abortion, and adverse pregnancy outcomes after gestational terbinafine exposure: a systematic review.

Fungal skin and nail infections are common health issues affecting an estimated 10%-20% of the world's population. The antifungal agent terbinafine shows broad-spectrum activity against a wide range of fungal species and is commonly prescribed as a first-line treatment for dermatomycoses and onychomycoses. However, owing to insufficient data regarding embryotoxicity and adverse pregnancy outcomes, treatment with terbinafine is currently not recommended in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Saliva Sampling for Prospective SARS-CoV-2 Screening of Healthcare Professionals.

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the feasibility and acceptance of a non-invasive, daily and proactive screening program for SARS-CoV-2 infection employing serial saliva testing, in combination with a digital questionnaire among healthcare providers (HCPs) in a multi-professional setting.

Design: This was a prospective cohort study involving HCPs from different units at a single tertiary care center, over a pilot phase of 4 weeks during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic from April 18th to June 6th, 2020.

Setting: Pediatric tertiary patient care units, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna.

Current Challenges and Advances in Preterm Birth.

As the Guest Editor of this Special Issue, I would like to express my gratitude to all the authors who have contributed [...