Publications by authors named "B M Mercer"

Preeclampsia is a severe obstetrical syndrome which contributes to 10-15% of all maternal deaths. Although the mechanisms underlying systemic damage in preeclampsia-such as impaired placentation, endothelial dysfunction, and immune dysregulation-are well studied, the initial triggers of the condition remain largely unknown. Furthermore, although the pathogenesis of preeclampsia begins early in pregnancy, there are no early diagnostics for this life-threatening syndrome, which is typically diagnosed much later, after systemic damage has already manifested.

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Article Synopsis
  • A study examined how inflammatory diets impact cardiovascular health, particularly in relation to adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) like preterm birth and gestational diabetes.
  • Data from over 3,200 pregnant individuals showed that higher inflammatory diet scores correlated with increased body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, and insulin levels, along with lower good cholesterol levels.
  • The study found that the negative impact of inflammatory diets on cardiometabolic health was more pronounced in individuals who experienced APOs during pregnancy.
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Background: Implications of lifelong, perceived discrimination on nutrient intake during the preconception period are unclear.

Objective: The objective was to identify associations between perceived discrimination and consumption of specific nutrients associated with risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Design: This is a secondary data analysis of the prospective Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-Be cohort.

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Background: Perinatal depression has been suggested to adversely impact child neurodevelopment. However, the complexity of the early childhood environment challenges conclusive findings.

Objective: To evaluate whether there is an association between perinatal depressive symptoms and child intelligence quotient (IQ) at 5 years of age.

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