Diaphragmatic clear cell carcinoma with Lynch syndrome after surgery for atypical endometrial hyperplasia and ovarian endometriosis: A case report

Clear cell carcinoma (CCC) of the diaphragm is rare, with an origin that is reported to be associated with malignant transformation of extraperitoneal endometriosis. Lynch syndrome (LS) is an autosomal dominant hereditary cancer syndrome caused by germline pathogenic variants in one of the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2. Women with LS have a significantly increased lifetime risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer. CCC is a common histology of endometriosis- and LS-associated malignancy. The present study describes the case of a 51-year-old woman with an intra-abdominal mass found during a routine physical examination. The patient had undergone total hysterectomy and bilateral adnexectomy for atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) and ovarian endometriosis, respectively, 3 years previously. Enhanced computed tomography showed a mass on the surface of the liver. Laparoscopic examination of the abdominal cavity revealed a tumor on the underside of the right diaphragm, which was then surgically excised. Pathological examination of the excised tumor, along with immunohistochemistry, led to a diagnosis of CCC. Since LS was suspected due to the genetic family history of the patient, microsatellite instability analysis was performed on the diaphragmatic tumor, and the results were positive. Immunohistochemistry was performed for MMR proteins in AEH and CCC cells, both of which revealed loss of MSH2 and MSH6 expression. Following detailed genetic counseling, genetic testing of MMR genes was performed, revealing a germline pathogenic variant in MSH2 (c.1000C>T, p.Gln344*), thus confirming the diagnosis of LS. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of concurrent diaphragmatic CCC and LS. Patients with LS and endometriosis are at risk of developing ovarian cancer or intra-abdominal malignant tumors. In addition, immunohistochemistry screening for MMR proteins should be considered in patients with AEH and a family history of LS-related cancer, to enable early clinical intervention in cases of endometrial cancer.

Gestational Age and Neurodevelopmental Delay in Term Births at 6 and 12 Months: The Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS)

BACKGROUND

In the recent years, a high risk of developmental delay not only in very low birth weight infants and late preterm infants but also in early term infants (37-38 weeks) have increasingly been reported. However, in Japan, there are virtually no studies regarding the development delays in early term infants.

METHODS

This study used the data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS), a birth cohort study conducted in Japan. Data were selected for analysis from the records of 104,065 fetal records. The risk of neurodevelopmental delays at 6 months and 12 months after birth was evaluated using multivariate analysis for infants of various gestational ages, using the 40th week of pregnancy as a reference value. Neurodevelopment was evaluated at 6 months and 12 months after birth using the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, Japanese translation (J-ASQ-3).

RESULTS

The proportion of infants born at a gestational age of 37 to 38 weeks who did not reach the J-ASQ-3 score cutoff value was significantly higher in all areas at both 6 months and 12 months after birth, when compared to that of infants born at 40 weeks. The odds ratio decreased at 12 months after birth compared to that at 6 months after birth.

CONCLUSION

Early term infants in Japan are at an increased risk of neurodevelopmental delay at 12 months after birth.

Risk of gestational diabetes in women with PCOS based on body mass index: The Japan Environment and Children's Study

CONTEXT

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, have a potentially increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

OBJECTIVE

To examine the impact of PCOS on GDM based on maternal body mass index (BMI) using data from a large birth cohort study in Japan.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study using data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS).

PARTICIPANTS

Singleton pregnancies in the JECS during 2011-2014 were included. Mothers with HbA1c levels of ≥6.5% in the first trimester and history of DM or steroid use during pregnancy were excluded.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Participants were categorized according to their pre-pregnancy BMIs: G1 (<18.5 kg/m2), G2 (18.5-19.99 kg/m2), G3 (20.0-22.99 kg/m2), G4 (23.0-24.99 kg/m2), and G5 (≥25.0 kg/m2). The impact of PCOS on early (Ed) and late-onset (Ld) GDM for each group was estimated using a multiple logistic regression model.

RESULTS

We included 92774 participants, comprising 2012 PCOS(+) cases. GDM occurrence was higher in women with PCOS (p<0.001). PCOS had no effect on GDM in G1, G2, and G3. In G4, PCOS increased the risk of Ed GDM (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29-8.29). In G5, PCOS increased the risk of both Ed (aOR: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.53-4.02) and Ld GDM (aOR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.23-3.07).

CONCLUSIONS

The impact of PCOS on GDM occurrence depended on the pre-pregnancy BMIs, which may facilitate personalized preconception counseling among women with PCOS.

Differentiation of ovarian serous carcinoma from ovarian clear cell carcinoma using a 10-gene signature selected by comprehensive gene expression analysis

AIM

Ovarian serous carcinoma (OSC) and ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) are two major histological types of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC), each with different biological features and clinical behaviors. Although immunostaining is commonly used for differential diagnosis between OSC and OCCC, correct identification of EOC with mixed-type histology is sometimes a diagnostic challenge. The aim of the present study was to explore candidate genes as potential diagnostic biomarkers that distinguish OSC from OCCC.

METHODS

A total of 57 surgical specimens were obtained from EOC patients who had previously undergone primary debulking surgery. Total RNAs were extracted from fresh-frozen tissues of EOC patients, and were used for comprehensive gene expression analysis using DNA microarray technology.

RESULTS

Ten candidate genes, FXYD2, TMEM101, GABARAPL1, ARG2, GLRX, RBPMS, GDF15, PPP1R3B, TOB1, and GSTM3 were up-regulated in OCCC compared to OSC. All EOC patients were divided into two groups according to hierarchical clustering using a 10-gene signature.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that the 10 candidate genes would be an excellent marker for distinguishing OSC from OCCC. Furthermore, the molecular signatures of the 10 genes may enlighten us on the differences in carcinogenesis, and provide a theoretical basis for OCCC's resistance to chemotherapy in the future.

Nonreassuring fetal status during labor and offspring's childhood neurodevelopment at 3 years of age: The Japan Environment and Children's Study

OBJECTIVE

Although prior attempts have failed to identify the beneficial effects of intensive fetal monitoring on cerebral palsy, the association between nonreassuring fetal status (NRFS) during labor and the incidence of long-term neurodevelopmental delays in offspring remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate this association using a nationwide birth cohort.

METHODS

Data from 72 869 women with singleton deliveries at and after 37 weeks of gestation from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (2011-2014) were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the odds ratios (ORs) for neurodevelopmental delays using the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (Third Edition) in offspring aged 3 years.

RESULTS

The adjusted ORs for personal-social problems were 1.52 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-2.16) for offspring delivered vaginally by nulliparous mothers and 1.51 (95% CI, 1.05-2.18) (for males, 1.70 [95% CI, 1.15-2.50]) for those delivered via cesarean section. No significant changes in adjusted ORs for neurodevelopmental delays were observed among participants without neonatal Apgar scores (ASs) <7 and without umbilical arterial pH (UmA-pH) <7.20.

CONCLUSION

NRFS during labor was associated with an increased incidence of personal-social problems in offspring aged 3 years. However, this association was not confirmed after excluding participants with neonatal ASs <7 and UmA-pH <7.20. The association between NRFS and offspring's neurodevelopmental delays might vary based on delivery settings, offspring sex, and short-term neonatal outcomes.

Double-Filtration Plasmapheresis and High-Dose Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy in a Case of Anti-M Alloimmunization

Hemolytic disease is a common cause of fetal morbidity and mortality. The anti-M blood cell alloantibodies are one of the most severe causes of fetal anemia and intrauterine death. Since no standard treatment method has been established for pregnant women, the management of this pathology is through conventional methods used for treating Rh blood-type alloimmunization. For the first time, we report a unique case wherein a pregnant woman who had intrauterine fetal death in two previous pregnancies with very low titers of anti-M antibodies had negative effects during very early pregnancy, which were successfully managed in her third pregnancy with a novel protocol. We aggressively managed the blood type (anti-M antibody) and blood platelet incompatibilities (anti-HPA-4b antibody) through combination therapy twice a week (46 cycles between 12 and 34 weeks) of double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) and high-dose γ-globulin (20-40 g/wk). An elective cesarean section was performed at 34 weeks, and a healthy neonate was born without detection of alloantibodies in the umbilical cord blood. Our report suggests that the combination of DFPP and intravenous immunoglobulin should be considered for the treatment of anti-M alloimmunization in pregnant women.

Association between daily breakfast habit during pregnancy and neurodevelopment in 3-year-old offspring: The Japan Environment and Children's Study

The association between daily breakfast habits during pregnancy and offspring neurodevelopment remains unknown. We evaluated the association between breakfast habits during pregnancy and offspring neurodevelopment. Data of 72,260 women with singleton deliveries at and after 37 weeks of gestation enrolled during 2011-2014 in the Japan Environment and Children's Study were analysed. Offspring neurodevelopmental delays at 3 years of age were evaluated using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition (ASQ-3). Participants were stratified by tertiles of maternal daily energy intake (DEI) (Groups 1, 2, and 3:< 1400, 1400-1799, and ≥ 1800 kcal, respectively) during pregnancy and by offspring sex. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for abnormality in communication among participants with daily breakfast consumption habit was 0.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.80-0.96). A stratified analysis based on total DEI showed no significant differences in the neurodevelopment of Group 1 offspring. The aOR for abnormality in communication was 0.80 (95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.94) in Group 2. The aOR for abnormality in personal-social characteristics was 0.84 (95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.99) in Group 3. Maternal daily breakfast habits are associated with offspring neurodevelopment at 3 years of age, with the association influenced by maternal DEI and offspring sex.

Association between Preconception Dietary Fiber Intake and Preterm Birth: The Japan Environment and Children's Study

Preterm birth (PTB) is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether preconception dietary fiber intake is associated with PTB. This was a prospective cohort Japan Environmental and Children's Study (JECS). The study population comprised 85,116 singleton live-birth pregnancies from the JECS database delivered between 2011 and 2014. The participants were categorized into five groups based on their preconception dietary fiber intake quintiles (Q1 and Q5 were the lowest and highest groups, respectively). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between preconception dietary fiber intake and PTB. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk for PTB before 34 weeks was lower in the Q3, Q4, and Q5 groups than in the Q1 group (Q3: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62-0.997; Q4: aOR 0.74, 95% CI 0.57-0.95; Q5: aOR 0.68, 95% CI 0.50-0.92). However, there was no significant difference between preconception dietary fiber intake and PTB before 37 weeks. In conclusion, higher preconception dietary fiber intake correlated with a reduced the risk for PTB before 34 weeks. Therefore, new recommendations on dietary fiber intake as part of preconception care should be considered.

Association of cesarean section and infectious outcomes among infants at 1 year of age: Logistic regression analysis using data of 104,065 records from the Japan Environment and Children's Study

BACKGROUND

There has been a recent decrease in the prevalence of infectious diseases in children worldwide due to the usage of vaccines. However, the association between cesarean delivery and infectious diseases remains unclear. Here, we aimed to clarify the association between cesarean delivery and the development of infectious diseases.

METHODS

This study is a cross-sectional study. We used data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study, which is a prospective, nationwide, government-funded birth cohort study. The data of 104,065 records were included. Information about the mode of delivery, central nervous system infection (CNSI), otitis media (OM), upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), gastrointestinal infection (GI), and urinary tract infection (UTI) was obtained from questionnaires and medical records transcripts. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between cesarean delivery and CNSI, OM, URTI, LRTI, GI, and UTI risk.

RESULTS

We included a total of 74,477 subjects in this study, of which 18.4% underwent cesarean deliveries. After adjusting for the perinatal, socioeconomic, and postnatal confounding factors, children born by cesarean delivery did not have an increased risk of developing CNSI (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.46-1.35), OM (95% CI 0.99-1.12), URTI (95% CI 0.97-1.06), LRTI (95% CI 0.98-1.15), GI (95% CI 0.98-1.11), or UTI (95% CI 0.95-1.45).

CONCLUSIONS

This nationwide cohort study did not find an association between cesarean delivery and CNSI, OM, URTI, LRTI, GI, and UTI. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the role of cesarean delivery in the development of infectious diseases.

Urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels and preterm births: a prospective cohort study from the Japan Environment and Children's Study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association between urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (U8-OHdG) level-a marker of oxidative stress-and the incidence of preterm births (PTBs).

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

The Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS).

PARTICIPANTS

Data from 92 715 women with singleton pregnancies at and after 22 weeks of gestation who were enrolled in the JECS, a nationwide birth cohort study, between 2011 and 2014 were analysed. U8-OHdG levels were assessed once in the second/third trimester using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Participants were categorised into the following three or five groups: low (<1.95 ng/mg urinary creatinine (Cre)), moderate (1.95-2.94 ng/mg Cre) and high (≥2.95 ng/mg Cre) U8-OHdG groups, or groups with <1.87, 1.87-2.20, 2.21-2.57, 2.58-3.11 and ≥3.12 ng/mg Cre. For stratification, participants with representative causes for artificial PTB were excluded.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Adjusted OR (aOR) for PTB before 37 and 34 weeks of gestation were calculated using a multivariable logistic regression model while adjusting for confounding factors; the moderate or lowest U8-OHdG group was used as the reference, respectively.

RESULTS

The aORs for PTB before 37 weeks of gestation in the high U8-OHdG group were 1.13 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.22) and 1.13 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.23) after stratification. The aOR for PTB before 37 weeks in the fourth group was 0.90 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.99). After stratification, the aORs for PTB before 37 and 34 weeks in the fifth group were 1.15 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.29) and 1.46 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.97), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

High U8-OHdG levels were associated with increased PTB incidence, especially in participants without representative causes for artificial PTB. Our results can help identify the mechanisms leading to PTB, considering the variable aetiologies of this condition; further validation is needed to clarify clinical impacts.

Association of Preconception or Antepartum Maternal Intimate Partner Violence with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 3-Year-Old Offspring: The Japan Environment and Children's Study

Objective: We investigated the association between maternal antepartum intimate partner violence (IPV) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 3-year-old offspring. Materials and Methods: Secondary analysis of the Japan Environment and Children's Study, a nationwide prospective birth-cohort study, for preconceptional and antepartum psychological/physical IPV against mothers was undertaken based on data obtained from a maternal self-report questionnaire. Subgroup analysis by four-level IPV frequency versus no IPV was conducted, and the incidence of ASD diagnosed during ages 2-3 years was estimated using self-reported questionnaire data of participants from when the child was 3 years old. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association of preconceptional/antepartum IPV with ASD in 3-year-old offspring. Results: Among 79,324 offspring, 355 (0.45%) had ASD; preconceptionally and prenatally, 1,504 (1.9%) and 839 (1.1%) mothers were exposed to physical IPV whereas 9,162 (11.6%) and 10,240 (12.9%) mothers were exposed to psychological IPV, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression revealed a significant association of preconceptional physical IPV with ASD in offspring (adjusted odds ratio, 3.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-8.31), but not for antepartum physical IPV and preconceptional and antepartum psychological IPV. Conclusion: Preconceptional, but not antepartum, physical IPV was associated with ASD in 3-year-old offspring. Preconceptional and antepartum psychological IPV was unassociated with ASD in 3-year-old offspring. Preconceptional care through prevention of preconceptional physical IPV is important for neurodevelopment in offspring, and the mechanisms underlying the effects of IPV among nonpregnant individuals on ASD development in offspring should be elucidated.

Maternal magnesium intake and childhood wheezing in offspring at 3 years of age: the Japan Environment and Children's Study

This study evaluated the association between maternal magnesium intake (MMI) and childhood wheezing incidence in 3-year-old offspring. We hypothesised that higher MMI imparts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that decrease childhood wheezing incidence in offspring. Data of 79 907 women (singleton pregnancy, ≥ 22 weeks) from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (enrolled between 2011 and 2014) were analysed. Participants were categorised into quintiles of MMI (< 148·00, 148·00-187·99, 188·00-228·99, 229·00-289·99 and ≥ 290·00 mg/d), quintiles of adjusted MMI for daily energy intake (aMMI) (< 0·107, 0·107-0·119, 0·120-0·132, 0·133-0·149 and ≥ 0·150 mg/kcal) and MMI levels either below or above the ideal value (< 310·00 or ≥ 310·00 mg/d). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate OR for the incidence of childhood wheezing in offspring among participants in each MMI category, with the lowest MMI group considered the reference group. Maternal demographic, socio-economic, medical and other nutrient intake backgrounds were considered potential confounding factors. The adjusted OR (aOR) for childhood wheezing in the offspring of women with the highest MMI was 1·09 (95 % CI, 1·00, 1·20), whereas that calculated based on aMMI categories and offspring of women with above-ideal MMI levels remained unchanged. The highest MMI was associated with slightly increased childhood wheezing incidence in the offspring. MMI during pregnancy had an insignificant clinical impact on this incidence; moreover, modifying MMI would not significantly improve childhood wheezing incidence in offspring. Therefore, further studies should clarify the association between other prenatal factors and childhood wheezing incidence in offspring.

Maternal prenatal and postnatal psychological distress trajectories and impact on cognitive development in 4-year-old children: the Japan Environment and Children's Study

Maternal prenatal and postnatal psychological distress, including depression and anxiety, may affect children's cognitive development. However, the findings have been inconsistent. We aimed to use the dataset from the Japan Environment and Children's Study, a nationwide prospective birth cohort study, to examine this association. We evaluated the relationship between the maternal six-item version of the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) scores and cognitive development among children aged 4 years. K6 was administered twice during pregnancy (M-T1; first half of pregnancy, M-T2; second half of pregnancy) and 1 year postpartum (C-1y). Cognitive development was assessed by trained testers, using the Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development 2001. Multiple regression analysis was performed with the group with a K6 score ≤ 4 for both M-T1 and M-T2 and C-1y as a reference. Records from 1,630 boys and 1,657 girls were analyzed. In the group with K6 scores ≥ 5 in both M-T1 and M-T2 and C-1Y groups, boys had significantly lower developmental quotients (DQ) in the language-social developmental (L-S) area (partial regression coefficient: -4.09, 95% confidence interval: -6.88 - -1.31), while girls did not differ significantly in DQ for the L-S area. Among boys and girls, those with K6 scores ≤ 4 at any one or two periods during M-T1, M-T2, or C-1y did not have significantly lower DQ for the L-S area. Persistent maternal psychological distress from the first half of pregnancy to 1 year postpartum had a disadvantageous association with verbal cognitive development in boys, but not in girls aged 4 years.

Prevention of fetal brain injury in category II tracings

INTRODUCTION

With category II fetal heart rate tracings, the preferred timing of interventions to prevent fetal hypoxic brain damage while limiting operative interventions remains unclear. We aimed to estimate fetal extracellular base deficit (BDecf ) during labor with category II tracings to quantify the timing of potential interventions to prevent severe fetal metabolic acidemia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A longitudinal study was conducted using the database of the Recurrence Prevention Committee, Japan Obstetric Compensation System for Cerebral Palsy, including infants with severe cerebral palsy born at ≥34 weeks' gestation between 2009 and 2014. Cases included those presumed to have an intrapartum onset of hypoxic-ischemic insult based on the fetal heart rate pattern evolution from reassuring to an abnormal pattern during delivery, in association with category II tracings marked by recurrent decelerations and an umbilical arterial BDecf  ≥ 12 mEq/L. BDecf changes during labor were estimated based on stages of labor and the frequency/severity of fetal heart rate decelerations using the algorithm of Ross and Gala. The times from the onset of recurrent decelerations to BDecf 8 and 12 mEq/L (Decels-to-BD8, Decels-to-BD12) and to delivery were determined. Cases were divided into two groups (rapid and slow progression) based upon the rate of progression of acidosis from onset of decelerations to BDecf 12 mEq/L, determined by a finite-mixture model.

RESULTS

The median Decels-to-BD8 (28 vs. 144 min, p < 0.01) and Decels-to-BD12 (46 vs. 177 min, p < 0.01) times were significantly shorter in the rapid vs slow progression. In rapid progression cases, physicians' decisions to deliver the fetus occurred at ~BDecf 8 mEq/L, whereas the "decisions" did not occur until BDecf reached 12 mEq/L in slow progression cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Fetal BDecf reached 12 mEq/L within 1 h of recurrent fetal heart rate decelerations in the rapid progression group and within 3 h in the slow progression group. These findings suggest that cases with category II tracings marked by recurrent decelerations (i.e., slow progression) may benefit from operative intervention if persisting for longer than 2 h. In contrast, cases with sudden bradycardia (i.e., rapid progression) represent a challenge to prevent severe acidosis and hypoxic brain injury due to the limited time opportunity for emergent delivery.

Prophylactic resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta use during cesarean hysterectomy for placenta accreta spectrum: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta for placenta accreta spectrum is used to control maternal hemorrhage during cesarean hysterectomy. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta for placenta accreta spectrum by examines the change in the quantitative blood loss after applying resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included patients with placenta accreta spectrum who required cesarean hysterectomy (n = 37) between 2003 and 2022 at a tertiary care center. Patients were divided into two groups (with resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta, n = 13; without resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta, n = 24). The quantitative blood loss was compared between the groups. Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine changes in quantitative blood loss during cesarean hysterectomy after resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta was applied. The operating surgeon was set as the random effect.

RESULTS

Operation time did not differ significantly between the groups (p = .09). The quantitative blood loss was significantly higher in patients who did not undergo resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (2160 g) than in patients who did (1110 g; p < .01). Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta significantly decreased the quantitative blood loss during cesarean hysterectomy (partial regression coefficient, 2312; 95% confidence interval, 49-4577; p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta decreased the quantitative blood loss during cesarean hysterectomy in patients with placenta accreta spectrum without significantly increasing the operation time. This suggests that resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta is effective in patients with placenta accreta spectrum.

Changes in fetal baroreceptor sensitivity during intrauterine inflammation in preterm fetal sheep

OBJECTIVE

Baroreflex is a regulatory mechanism that slows the fetal heart rate. This study aimed to investigate the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia on fetal baroreceptor sensitivity in preterm fetal sheep.

METHODS

The changes in fetal baroreceptor sensitivity were measured in seven chronically instrumented preterm fetal sheep. Fetal baroreceptor sensitivity was measured in three phases: (A) control phase, defined as the 24 h before the first injection of LPS; (B) acute phase, defined as the 24 h between the first and second injections of LPS; and (C) fetal acidosis phase, defined as the time from the second LPS injection until intrauterine fetal death. Histological examinations of the fetal membrane and umbilical cord were also conducted.

RESULTS

Each fetus developed metabolic acidosis after the second injection of LPS. The fetuses died 24.7 (SD = 6.1) hours after the second injection of LPS. Both the umbilical cord and fetal membranes showed histological evidence of severe inflammation. In total, 163 fetal baroreceptor measurements were performed in this experiment (A, n = 77 times; B, n = 60 times; C, n = 26 times). Fetal baroreceptor sensitivity showed significant differences in all three phases (A: 2.7 [SD = 0.2]; B: 2.5 [SD = 0.2]; and C: 1.5 [SD = 0.2]). Post hoc tests showed that baroreceptor sensitivity in the acidosis phase had decreased significantly compared to that in the control and acute phases (p<.001 and p=.002, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Fetal baroreceptor sensitivity decreased during fetal acidosis induced by LPSs.

A case of delayed postoperative bleeding after excision of endometrial polyp using resectoscope in an infertile woman with von Willebrand disease:a case report and literature review

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a bleeding disorder caused by a congenital quantitative reduction, deficiency, or qualitative abnormality of the von Willebrand factor (VWF). Here, we report a case of delayed postoperative bleeding in an infertile woman with endometrial polyps complicated by VWD. The patient was a 39-year-old infertile woman with type 2A VWD. At 38 years of age, she was referred to our hospital for infertility and heavy menstrual bleeding. Hysteroscopy revealed a 15-mm polyp lesion in the uterus. The patient was scheduled for transcervical resection (TCR) of the endometrial polyp. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists were preoperatively administered to prevent menstruation. The VWF-containing concentrate was administered for 3 days according to guidelines. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 3 after confirming the absence of uterine bleeding. Uterine bleeding began on postoperative day 6. The patient was readmitted on postoperative day 7 and treated with VWF-containing concentrate for 5 days, after which hemostasis was confirmed. TCR surgery for endometrial lesions is classified as a minor surgery, and guidelines recommend short-term VWF-containing concentrate replacement. However, it should be kept in mind that only short-term VWF-containing concentrate replacement may cause rebleeding postoperatively.

Maternal septic shock due to Acinetobacter lwoffii infection:a case report

The incidence of Acinetobacter infections has increased in recent years. Acinetobacter infections are resistant to most antibiotics and can be found in hospitalized patients. Pregnancies complicated by severe sepsis or septic shock are associated with a higher rate of preterm labor and delivery, fetal infection, and operative delivery. This case report describes septic shock due to Acinetobacter lwoffii infection in the 31st week of gestation. A 47-year-old woman, with a gestation of 31 weeks and one day, presented with a fever, and signs of bacterial infection on laboratory tests. Although the patient was started on tazobactam/piperacillin, she went into septic shock, and was transferred to our hospital. Cesarean section was performed at a gestation of 31 weeks and 4 days because of severe maternal pneumonia and non-reassuring fetal status. A. lwoffii was detected in blood cultures collected at the previous hospital, and susceptibility to piperacillin and meropenem to A. lwoffii was confirmed. The pneumonia responded to antibiotic treatment and there were no findings of infection in the neonate. Maternal sepsis is an infrequent but important complication, causing significant maternal and fetal morbidity and fetal and neonatal mortality; therefore, early antibiotic therapy is required to improve the clinical outcome.

Landscape of somatic mutated genes and inherited susceptibility genes in gynecological cancer

Traditionally, gynecological cancers have been classified based on histology. Since remarkable advancements in next-generation sequencing technology have enabled the exploration of somatic mutations in various cancer types, comprehensive sequencing efforts have revealed the genomic landscapes of some common forms of human cancer. The genomic features of various gynecological malignancies have been reported by several studies of large-scale genomic cohorts, including The Cancer Genome Atlas. Although recent comprehensive genomic profiling tests, which can detect hundreds of genetic mutations at a time from cancer tissues or blood samples, have been increasingly used as diagnostic clinical biomarkers and in therapeutic management decisions, germline pathogenic variants associated with hereditary cancers can also be detected using this test. Gynecological cancers are closely related to genetic factors, with approximately 5% of endometrial cancer cases and 20% of ovarian cancer cases being caused by germline pathogenic variants. Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome and Lynch syndrome are the two major cancer susceptibility syndromes among gynecological cancers. In addition, several other hereditary syndromes have been reported to be associated with gynecological cancers. In this review, we highlight the genes for somatic mutation and germline pathogenic variants commonly seen in gynecological cancers. We first describe the relationship between clinicopathological attributes and somatic mutated genes. Subsequently, we discuss the characteristics and clinical management of inherited cancer syndromes resulting from pathogenic germline variants in gynecological malignancies.

Tocolytic treatment and maternal characteristics, obstetric outcomes, and offspring childhood outcomes among births at and after 37 weeks of gestation: the Japan environment and children's study

PURPOSE

To evaluate differences in maternal characteristics and obstetric and offspring childhood outcomes between births at and after 37 weeks of gestation (referred to as term and post-term births) according to the use of tocolytic treatment.

METHODS

Data for 63,409 women with singleton births at and after 37 weeks of gestation were analyzed using data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). We compared maternal characteristics, obstetric outcomes, and offspring childhood outcomes between term and post-term births exposed and not exposed to tocolytic treatment. Additionally, multivariable logistic regression models were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios for offspring childhood outcomes with significant between-group differences in the univariable analysis, with term and post-term births without tocolytic agents as the reference group.

RESULTS

We observed differences in maternal characteristics and obstetric outcomes between term and post-term births exposed and not exposed to tocolytic treatment. The incidence of offspring childhood developmental disorders showed no significant between-group differences. However, participants exposed to tocolytic agents had higher incidence of offspring childhood allergic disorders. The adjusted odds ratio for any of the offspring childhood allergic disorders in term and post-term births with tocolytic agents was 1.08 (95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.13).

CONCLUSION

This study found no significant difference in the incidence of offspring developmental disorders between term and post-term births exposed and not exposed to tocolytic treatment. However, tocolytic treatment was associated with differences in maternal characteristics and obstetric outcomes, along with a marginal increase in the incidence of childhood allergic disorders in offspring.

Tobacco Exposure During Pregnancy and Infections in Infants up to 1 Year of Age: The Japan Environment and Children's Study

BACKGROUND

Tobacco exposure during pregnancy is associated with several adverse outcomes in infants. We investigated the association between tobacco exposure during pregnancy (both active and second-hand) and various infections in infants up to 1 year.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study used a fixed dataset (jecs-an-20180131) from the Japan Environment and Children's Study of registered births in Japan during 2011-2014 that included 104,065 fetal records from enrolled pregnant women. Based on the participants' responses to the questionnaire on smoking status, mothers were first divided into "never smoked," "quit smoking," and "current smoker" groups and then into "no second-hand smoking (SHS)" and "SHS" groups. Infectious diseases included central nervous system infection, otitis media (OM), upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), gastroenteritis (GI), and urinary tract infection. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using logistic regression analysis and adjusted for maternal, socioeconomic, and postnatal confounding factors.

RESULTS

Among the 73,205 newborns enrolled, multivariable analysis revealed that the aOR of LRTI and GI was 1.20 (95% CI, 1.07-1.33) and 1.18 (95% CI, 1.04-1.35), respectively, for the "current smoker with/without SHS" group compared with the "never smoked without SHS" group. "Quit smoking without SHS" was not associated with the risk of LRTI. SHS was associated with an increased risk of OM, URTI, LRTI, and GI, especially with LRTI and GI.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of OM, URTI, LRTI, and GI in infants during their first year of life.

Cord blood triglyceride and total cholesterol in preterm and term neonates: reference values and associated factors from the Japan Environment and Children's Study

This study aimed to investigate the associations between cord serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG)levels and perinatal factors and determine the reference levels of cord blood TC and TG in Japanese neonates. This was a prospective birth cohort study using data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study, which included data on births from 2011 to 2014 in Japan. TC and TG levels were determined in cord blood samples. A total of 70,535 pairs of neonates (male: 36,001, female: 34,524) and mothers were included. The mean cord blood TC and TG levels were 72.2 mg/dL and 24.4 mg/dL, respectively. Multiple regression analyses revealed that gestational age and birth weight were significantly associated with cord blood TC (coefficient -2.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] -2.40 - -2.22 and coefficient 0.002, 95% CI 0.002-0.003, respectively) and TG (coefficient 3.09, 95% CI 3.01-3.17 and coefficient - 0.009, 95% CI - 0.009-0.008, respectively) levels. Mean cord blood TG and TC levels decreased over the preterm period; however, these parameters increased during the term. Furthermore, the mean cord blood TC and TG levels decreased over the entire range of birth weight categories.    Conclusion: Mean cord blood TG and TC levels decreased over the preterm period; however, these parameters increased during the term. Furthermore, the mean cord blood TC and TG levels decreased over the entire range of birth weight categories in Japanese newborns. Maternal complications such as maternal parity, HDP, PROM, maternal obesity and income level were associated with cord TC and TG levels. What is Known: • No studies have ascertained the reference levels of cord blood lipid levels in Japan. What is New: • Mean cord blood TG and TC levels decreased over the preterm period; however, these parameters increased during the term.

Association between gestational age at threatened preterm birth diagnosis and incidence of preterm birth: the Japan Environment and Children's Study

We evaluated the association between gestational age at threatened preterm birth (TPTB) diagnosis and preterm birth (PTB) incidence using a nationwide birth cohort. Data of 94,236 women with singleton deliveries from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (enrolled between 2011 and 2014) were analysed. Participants were divided based on parity and gestational age at TPTB diagnosis (22-24, 25-27, 28-30, 31-33, and 34-36 weeks). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) for PTB before 37 and 34 weeks in women from all groups, using participants without TPTB as the reference. The adjusted ORs for PTB before 37 weeks were the highest in the latest gestational age group in nulliparous and multiparous women without previous PTB, while those before 34 weeks were the highest in the earliest and latest gestational age group in multiparous women without previous PTB and in the earliest gestational age group in multiparous women with previous PTB. The association between gestational age at TPTB diagnosis and PTB incidence varies based on maternal parity and PTB before 37 or 34 weeks. Further studies with detailed clinical data and a unified TPTB diagnosis protocol are necessary to clarify this association.

Eight-Year Trends in the Effect of the Great East Japan Earthquake on Obstetrics Outcomes: A Study from the Fukushima Health Management Survey

Information regarding the longitudinal effects of natural/environmental disasters on obstetrics outcomes is limited. This study aimed to analyze the longitudinal changes in obstetrics outcomes over 8 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima power plant accident. We used data from the first 8 years of the Pregnancy and Birth Survey by the Fukushima prefectural government, launched in 2011. We compared data on obstetrics outcomes by year and divided Fukushima Prefecture into six districts based on administrative districts. Longitudinal changes in the occurrence of preterm birth before 37 gestational weeks, low birth weight, and anomalies in newborns were accessed using the Mantel-Haenszel test for trends in all six districts. Overall, 57,537 participants were included. In 8 years, maternal age, conception rate after sterility treatment, and cesarean section delivery incidence increased. Although significant differences were observed in preterm birth and low birth weight occurrence among districts, there was no significant trend in the occurrence of preterm birth, low birth weight, and anomalies in newborns in all six districts of Fukushima Prefecture. The Great East Japan Earthquake and Fukushima power plant accident were associated with increased cesarean section delivery incidence but had no significant adverse effects on obstetrics outcomes.

Prenatal folic acid supplement/dietary folate and cognitive development in 4-year-old offspring from the Japan Environment and Children's Study

We evaluated the association between maternal prenatal folic acid supplement use/dietary folate intake and cognitive development in 4-year-old offspring (N = 3445) using data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Cognitive development was evaluated using the Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development 2001. Multiple regression analysis revealed that offspring of mothers who started using folic acid supplements pre-conception had a significantly higher language-social developmental quotient (DQ) (partial regression coefficient 1.981, 95% confidence interval 0.091 to 3.872) than offspring of mothers who did not use such supplements at any time throughout their pregnancy (non-users). Offspring of mothers who started using folic acid supplements within 12 weeks of gestation had a significantly higher cognitive-adaptive (1.489, 0.312 to 2.667) and language-social (1.873, 0.586 to 3.159) DQ than offspring of non-users. Regarding daily dietary folate intake from preconception to early pregnancy, multiple regression analysis revealed that there was no significant association with any DQ area in the 200 to < 400 µg and the ≥ 400 µg groups compared with the < 200 µg group. Maternal prenatal folic acid supplementation starting within 12 weeks of gestation (but not adequate dietary folate intake from preconception to early pregnancy) is positively associated with cognitive development in 4-year-old offspring.