Glycosylated fibronectin as a biomarker for preeclampsia and preeclampsia-related complications.

Objectives: To evaluate glycosylated fibronectin (GlyFn) as a novel biomarker for preeclampsia and preeclampsia-related complications, and to compare GlyFn to traditional biomarkers, including soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF).

Study Design: Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study (n = 524) with suspected preeclampsia (control), gestational hypertension (GH), or confirmed preeclampsia/hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets syndrome (PE/HELLP).

Main Outcome Measures: GlyFn levels in PE/HELLP versus control and GH.

Older Parents to an Adult Child With Intellectual Disability: Balancing Dependence With Separation.

This study focuses on the experiences of older parents who have an adult child with intellectual disabilities (ID), specifically exploring their overall experiences and relationships with their offspring. A qualitative methodology incorporating semi-structured interviews was employed. Participants comprised sixteen older parents to an adult child with mild to moderate ID living in a residential village.

Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor Use Increases Birthweight in Pregnant Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis Independently of the Soluble Fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase-1/Placental Growth Factor Ratio.

Background: To study whether the use of TNF (tumor necrosis factor) inhibitors (TNFi) by pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis affects sFlt-1 (soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1), PlGF (placental growth factor), or their impact on birthweight.

Methods And Results: sFlt-1 and PlGF were measured in all trimesters of pregnancy in the Preconception Counseling in Active Rheumatoid Arthritis study and were compared according to the use of TNFi. The association of sFlt-1 and PlGF with birthweight in relation to TNFi was determined.

Statins Prevent the Deleterious Consequences of Placental Chemerin Upregulation in Preeclampsia.

Background: Chemerin, an inflammatory adipokine, is upregulated in preeclampsia, and its placental overexpression results in preeclampsia-like symptoms in mice. Statins may lower chemerin.

Methods: Chemerin was determined in a prospective cohort study in women suspected of preeclampsia and evaluated as a predictor versus the sFlt-1 (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1)/PlGF (placental growth factor) ratio.

User-Centered Configuration of Soft Hip Flexion Exosuit Designs to Assist Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis Through Simulated Human-in-the-Loop Optimization.

Soft exosuits hold promise as assistive technology for people with gait deficits owing to a variety of causes. A key aspect of providing useful assistance is to keep the human user at the center of all considerations made in the design, configuration, and prescribed use of an assistive device. This work details a method for informing the configuration of a soft hip flexion exosuit by 1) modeling the user's shape and movements in order to simulate the mechanical interaction of the exosuit and user, 2) incorporating the mechanical effects of the exosuit into a muscle-driven musculoskeletal gait simulation, and 3) using the results of these simulations to define a cost function that is minimized via Bayesian optimization.