Preterm birth is a leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality worldwide, but current
interventions to prevent prematurity are largely ineffective. Preterm birth is increasingly …

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of gene expression stability
implicated in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and development, whereas their altered …

Objective: To determine the frequency and clinical significance of sterile and microbial-
associated intra-amniotic inflammation in asymptomatic patients with a sonographic short …

Background Infections during pregnancy have the potential to adversely impact birth
outcomes. We evaluated the association between receipt of inactivated influenza vaccine …

Problem The diagnosis of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) has been
traditionally performed using traditional cultivation techniques, which require growth of …

Impaired vitamin D status is common to many populations around the world. However, data
suggest that this is a particular problem for specific groups such as pregnant women. This …

Mechanisms underlying the initiation of parturition remain unclear. Throughout most of
pregnancy, uterine quiescence is maintained by elevated progesterone acting through …

BACKGROUND Understanding the physiology of pregnancy enables effective management
of pregnancy complications that could otherwise be life threatening for both mother and …

The vitamin D-activating enzyme 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) and vitamin D receptor (VDR)
support anti-inflammatory responses to vitamin D in many tissues. Given the high basal …

Objective. Preterm parturition is a syndrome caused by multiple etiologies. Although intra-
amniotic infection is causally linked with intrauterine inflammation and the onset of preterm …