Longitudinal assessment of coagulation potential before, during, and following an in vitro fertilization cycle.

Introduction: The association between estrogen and hypercoagulability is well-established but little is known about coagulation dynamics during IVF. Our goal was to measure coagulation potential prior to, during, and following an IVF cycle and to investigate differences by conception outcome.

Materials And Methods: Patients undergoing IVF with fresh embryo transfer at a single academic center using oral contraceptive pills for cycle batching underwent evaluation of thrombin generation using the calibrated automated thrombogram at multiple points during the IVF cycle.

Estradiol associations with brain functional connectivity in postmenopausal women.

Objective: Previous studies have found that estrogens play a role in functional connectivity in the brain; however, little research has been done regarding how estradiol is associated with functional connectivity in postmenopausal women. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between estradiol and functional connectivity in postmenopausal women.

Methods: Structural and blood oxygenation level-dependent resting-state magnetic resonance imaging scans of 88 cognitively healthy postmenopausal individuals were obtained along with blood samples collected the same day as the magnetic resonance imaging to assess hormone levels.

Choline kinase alpha genotype is related to hippocampal brain volume and cognition in postmenopausal women.

This study examined how single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to choline synthesis and metabolism, processes largely regulated by estrogen, influenced hippocampal volume and neuropsychological function following menopause. We investigated the effect of choline kinase alpha (CHKA) genotype on brain volume and neuropsychological performance in postmenopausal women. The effect alleles of certain CHKA SNPs ( T, A) are associated with varied responses to choline deficiency and delegation of choline to physiological pathways.

AKAP13 Enhances CREB1 Activation by FSH in Granulosa Cells.

Granulosa cells (GCs) must respond appropriately to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) for proper follicle maturation. FSH activates protein kinase A (PKA) leading to phosphorylation of the cyclic AMP response element binding protein-1 (CREB1). We identified a unique A-kinase anchoring protein (AKAP13) containing a Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (RhoGEF) region that was induced in GCs during folliculogenesis.

Delivery of systemic anti-cancer therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Ireland was on February 29th 2020. From March until late April, the number of cases increased exponentially. The delivery of anti-cancer therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic was extremely challenging.

Correction to: Trial of healthy relationship initiatives for the very early years (THRIVE), evaluating Enhanced Triple P for Baby and Mellow Bumps for those with additional social and care needs during pregnancy and their infants who are at higher risk of maltreatment: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Following publication of the original article [1], it has been brought to our attention that an error was slipped into the article's title.

Trial of healthy relationship initiatives for the very early years (THRIVE), evaluating Enhanced Triple P for Baby and Mellow Bumps additional social and care needs during pregnancy and their infants who are at higher risk of maltreatment: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Growing evidence suggests that experiences in the early years play a major role in children's development in terms of health, wellbeing and educational attainment. The Trial of healthy relationship initiatives for the very early years (THRIVE) aims to evaluate two antenatal group interventions, Enhanced Triple P for Baby and Mellow Bumps, designed for those with additional health or social care needs in pregnancy. As both interventions aim to improve maternal mental health and parenting skills, we hypothesise that in the longer term, participation may lead to an improvement in children's life trajectories.

A realist process evaluation of Enhanced Triple P for Baby and Mellow Bumps, within a Trial of Healthy Relationship Initiatives for the Very Early years (THRIVE): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: THRIVE is a three-arm randomised controlled trial (RCT) that aims to evaluate whether antenatal and early postnatal interventions, Enhanced Triple B for Baby (ETPB) plus care as usual (CAU) or Mellow Bumps (MB) plus CAU (versus CAU alone), can: 1) improve the mental health and well-being of pregnant women with complex health and social care needs; 2) improve mother-infant bonding and interaction; 3) reduce child maltreatment; and 4) improve child language acquisition. This paper focuses on THRIVE's realist process evaluation, which is carefully monitoring what is happening in the RCT.

Methods: Realistic evaluation provides the theoretical rationale for the process evaluation.

Effectiveness of shortened time interval to postpartum visit in improving postpartum attendance: Design and rationale for a randomized controlled trial.

Background/aims: Recent evidence suggests that there are numerous benefits to scheduling postpartum visits as early as 3 weeks post-delivery. However, findings are not conclusive due to methodological limitations. This report discusses the unique aspects of a randomized controlled trial's (RCT) design, intervention, and strategies to maintain participant retention.

Dopamine-dependent cognitive processes after menopause: the relationship between COMT genotype, estradiol, and working memory.

The present study examined how a gene related to functioning of the dopaminergic system, catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), and estradiol were related to brain functioning in healthy postmenopausal women. Participants were 118 healthy, cognitively normal postmenopausal women between the ages of 50-60 years. All women provided a blood sample for COMT and estradiol analyses and underwent a magnetic resonance imaging scan.

Correlates of Postpartum Visits Among Medicaid Recipients: An Analysis Using Claims Data from a Managed Care Organization.

Background: The postpartum care visit (PPCV) plays an important role in ensuring the well-being of mother and infant. This study sought to assess correlates of PPCV attendance among women who are at high risk of nonattendance.

Materials And Methods: This study used deidentified medical claims data from Virginia Premier-a nonprofit Managed Care Organization that provides health insurance for Medicaid beneficiaries.

Of lemurs and louse flies: The biogeochemical and biotic effects of forest disturbance on Propithecus edwardsi and its obligate ectoparasite Allobosca crassipes in Ranomafana National Park, southeastern Madagascar.

From alleles to ecosystems and landscapes, anthropogenic activity continues to affect the environment, with particularly adverse effects on biodiversity hotspots such as Madagascar. Selective logging has been proposed as a "win-win" conservation strategy, yet its effects on different components of biodiversity are still not fully understood. Here we examine biotic factors (i.

Postpartum Visit Attendance Increases the Use of Modern Contraceptives.

Delays in postpartum contraceptive use may increase risk for unintended or rapid repeat pregnancies. The postpartum care visit (PPCV) is a good opportunity for women to discuss family planning options with their health care providers. This study examined the association between PPCV attendance and modern contraceptive use using data from a managed care organization.

Sex Differences and Drug Dose Influence the Role of the α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor in the Mouse Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis Model.

Introduction: α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play an important role in vagus nerve-based cholinergic anti-inflammatory effects. This study was designed to assess the role of α7 nAChRs in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in male and female mouse. We first compared disease activity and pathogenesis of colitis in α7 knockout and wild-type mice.

Regulators of ovarian preantral follicle development.

Preantral follicle development has become an increasingly recognized area of study in the last two decades. Factors that regulate the growth survival and differentiation of these small, yet complex structures have been identified. The field of fertility preservation and a need for increased numbers of mature oocytes for stem cell research revealed how little we knew of how follicles got from the primordial stage to the antral stage with a healthy and competent oocyte inside.

The association between social capital and mental health and behavioural problems in children and adolescents: an integrative systematic review.

Background: Mental health is an important component of overall health and wellbeing and crucial for a happy and meaningful life. The prevalence of mental health problems amongst children and adolescent is high; with estimates suggesting 10-20% suffer from mental health problems at any given time. These mental health problems include internalising (e.

Unique cytokine signature in the plasma of patients with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a chronic pain syndrome with a complex but poorly understood pathogenesis affecting approximately 10 million adults in the United States. The lack of a clear etiology of FMS has limited the effective diagnosis and treatment of this debilitating condition. The objective of this secondary data analysis was to examine plasma cytokine levels in women with FMS using the Bio-Plex Human Cytokine 17-plex Assay.

The association between family and community social capital and health risk behaviours in young people: an integrative review.

Background: Health risk behaviours known to result in poorer outcomes in adulthood are generally established in late childhood and adolescence. These 'risky' behaviours include smoking, alcohol and illicit drug use and sexual risk taking. While the role of social capital in the establishment of health risk behaviours in young people has been explored, to date, no attempt has been made to consolidate the evidence in the form of a review.

Activation of the LH receptor up regulates the type 2 adiponectin receptor in human granulosa cells.

Purpose: Adiponectin is a predominantly adipocyte-derived hormone which influences insulin sensitivity and energy homeostasis through at least two receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2. In animal models, adiponectin may regulate ovarian steroidogenesis, folliculogenesis, and ovulation. The receptors AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 are present in the human ovary, but their regulation is unknown.

Smad7 is a transforming growth factor-beta-inducible mediator of apoptosis in granulosa cells.

Objective: To determine the functional role of Smad7 in granulosa cells.

Design: Granulosa cell culture and molecular biological techniques were used to investigate regulation and function of Smad7.

Setting: Research laboratory.

Mediating influences of negative affect and risk perception on the relationship between sensation seeking and adolescent cigarette smoking.

Introduction: A substantial number of adolescents are current and regular cigarette smokers, and there is a need to better understand factors that contribute to smoking behavior during these years. Sensation seeking (SS) is one factor that has consistently been associated with smoking, but less is known about mechanisms that may explain this relationship.

Methods: The present study tested the hypothesis that high school students high in SS would report heavier cigarette smoking and that this relationship would be mediated by negative affect and by perceptions about the risks of smoking.

Cervical cancer and risk for delivery of small-for-gestational age neonates.

Objective: To determine if cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN-3) and cervical cancer are associated with adverse obstetrical outcomes.

Methods: Women with diagnoses of CIN-3 and cervical cancer were first identified from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Network Cancer Registry by using respective ICD-3 codes. Identified records were then linked to the Magee Obstetrical Maternal and Infant (MOMI) database to identify women who subsequently delivered pregnancies at Magee-Womens Hospital.

Dynamic oxygen enhances oocyte maturation in long-term follicle culture.

Traditionally, follicles have been grown in standard incubators with atmospheric oxygen concentration. However, preantral follicles exist in the avascular cortex of the ovary. This study examines the effectiveness of an oxygen delivery protocol that more closely mimics the in vivo environment of the ovary on oocyte viability, maturation, parthenogenetic activation, and fertilization from in vitro cultured rat preantral follicles.