Serum from pregnant donors induces human beta cell proliferation.

Pancreatic beta cells are among the slowest replicating cells in the human body and have not been observed to increase in number except during the fetal and neonatal period, in cases of obesity, during puberty, as well as during pregnancy. Pregnancy is associated with increased beta cell mass to meet heightened insulin demands. This phenomenon raises the intriguing possibility that factors present in the serum of pregnant individuals may stimulate beta cell proliferation and offer insights into expansion of the beta cell mass for treatment and prevention of diabetes.

Serum from pregnant donors induces human beta cell proliferation and insulin secretion.

Pancreatic beta cells are among the slowest replicating cells in the human body. Human beta cells usually do not increase in number with exceptions being during the neonatal period, in cases of obesity, and during pregnancy. This project explored maternal serum for stimulatory potential on human beta cell proliferation and insulin output.

Perinatal Health Outcomes Across Rural and Nonrural Counties Within a Single Health System Catchment.

Background: Perinatal health outcomes are influenced by a variety of socioeconomic, behavioral, and economic factors that reduce access to health services. Despite these observations, rural communities continue to face barriers, including a lack of resources and the fragmentation of health services.

Objective: To evaluate patterns in health outcomes, health behaviors, socioeconomic vulnerability, and sociodemographic characteristics across rural and nonrural counties within a single health system catchment area.

Peripartum women's perspectives on research study participation in the OneFlorida Clinical Research Consortium during COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented need for population-level clinical trials focused on the discovery of life-saving therapies and treatments. However, there is limited information on perception of research participation among perinatal populations, a population of particular interest during the pandemic.

Methods: Eligible respondents were 18 years or older, were currently pregnant or had an infant (≤12 months old), and lived in Florida within 50 miles of sites participating in the OneFlorida Clinical Research Consortium.

Management of cauda equina syndrome during pregnancy and postpartum.

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare condition that occurs from multiple nerve root compression. It is considered a surgical emergency because it can lead to permanent neurological damage. There is limited literature regarding management and prognosis of CES for pregnant patients, leaving providers with many questions when encountering patients with this condition.

Outcomes of pregnancies at high-risk for placenta accreta spectrum following negative diagnostic imaging.

Objectives: To assess the pretest and negative post-test probability for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in a group of patients with high-risk clinical factors.

Methods: We included patients with suspected and/or confirmed PAS at our institution over 8 years. Sonography performed by maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and selected patients underwent MRI.

Improved management of placenta accreta spectrum disorders: experience from a single institution.

Objectives: To assess the applicability of a standardized multidisciplinary protocol for managing placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders and its impact on the outcomes.

Methods: We compared patients with PAS manage by a standardized multidisciplinary protocol (T2) to historic controls managed on a case-by-case basis by individual physicians between (T1). The primary outcome is composite maternal morbidity.

Perspectives of Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women on Participating in Longitudinal Mother-Baby Studies Involving Electronic Health Records: Qualitative Study.

Background: Electronic health records (EHRs) hold great potential for longitudinal mother-baby studies, ranging from assessing study feasibility to facilitating patient recruitment to streamlining study visits and data collection. Existing studies on the perspectives of pregnant and breastfeeding women on EHR use have been limited to the use of EHRs to engage in health care rather than to participate in research.

Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the perspectives of pregnant and breastfeeding women on releasing their own and their infants' EHR data for longitudinal research to identify factors affecting their willingness to participate in research.

Dyspnea in Pregnancy: A Case Report of a Third Trimester Mediastinal Mass in Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND Dyspnea in pregnancy is common and attributable to a variety of etiologies including normal physiology. The obstetric provider is challenged with distinguishing between physiologic versus pathologic dyspnea. CASE REPORT A 31-year-old G2 P1001 female at 34 weeks gestation presented with dyspnea, tachycardia, and inability to lie supine.

Infections in Pregnancy and the Role of Vaccines.

Pregnant women are at risk for infection and may have significant morbidity or mortality. Influenza, pertussis, zika, and cytomegalovirus produce mild or asymptomatic illness in the mother, but have profound implications for her fetus. Maternal immunization can prevent or mitigate infections in pregnant women and their infants.