Predicting mammographic density with linear ultrasound transducers.

Background: High mammographic density (MD) is a risk factor for the development of breast cancer (BC). Changes in MD are influenced by multiple factors such as age, BMI, number of full-term pregnancies and lactating periods. To learn more about MD, it is important to establish non-radiation-based, alternative examination methods to mammography such as ultrasound assessments.

Genetic variants in the genes of the sex steroid hormone metabolism and depressive symptoms during and after pregnancy.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to conduct an association analysis of depressive symptoms and polymorphisms in the ESR1, PGR, CYP19A1, and COMT genes in pregnant and postpartum women.

Methods: The Franconian Maternal Health Evaluation Study (FRAMES) recruited healthy pregnant women prospectively for assessment of maternal and fetal health. The German version of the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was completed at three time points in this prospective cohort study.

The association between prenatal alcohol consumption and preschool child stress system disturbance.

Background: Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is considered a risk factor for child development; however, child biomarkers of prenatal alcohol exposure have been rarely studied. We examined whether a meconium alcohol metabolite (ethyl glucuronide, EtG) was associated with child cortisol concentrations at primary school age.

Methods: For 137 children, prenatal alcohol exposure was operationalized by the meconium biomarker EtG and by maternal self-reports during pregnancy.

Genetic variations in estrogen and progesterone pathway genes in preeclampsia patients and controls in Bavaria.

Purpose: Hypertensive pregnancy disorders and preeclampsia are major causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Many different organs are involved in the diseases' clinical phenotype. The underlying mechanism is still unknown, with a possible genetic component.

Genetic variants in the glucocorticoid pathway genes and birth weight.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that tag genetic variation in the glucocorticoid pathways (particularly in maternal genes FKBP5, NR3C1, and CRHR1) and birth weight.

Methods: The Franconian Maternal Health Evaluation Study (FRAMES) recruited healthy pregnant women prospectively for the assessment of maternal and fetal health. Germline DNA was collected from 375 pregnant women.