Actions of Bisphenol A on Different Feto-Maternal Compartments Contributing to Preterm Birth.

Preterm birth remains to be one of the most prevalent obstetric complications worldwide. Since there are multiple etiological factors associated with this disease process, an integrative literature search in PubMed and Scopus databases on possible mechanism of action and effect of bisphenols on exposure on human or animal placental samples in preterm birth was conducted. From 2332 articles on initial literature search, 63 studies were included for full data extraction. Altogether, several pathways were shown to be possibly affected by bisphenols, leading to dysregulations in structural and endocrine foundation in the placenta, potential induction of senescence and failure of decidualization in the decidua, and possible propagation of inflammation in the fetal membranes. Combined, these actions may eventually counteract bisphenol-induced relaxation of the myometrium and promote contractility alongside fetal membrane weakening. In totality, these individual impairments in gestation-critical processes may lead to failure of maintenance of pregnancy, and thus effecting preterm birth.

G-Protein Coupled Receptor Dysregulation May Play Roles in Severe Preeclampsia-A Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis of Placental Gene Expression Profile.

Preeclampsia is one of the major hypertensive diseases of pregnancy. Genetic factors contribute to abnormal placentation. The inadequate transformation of cytotrophoblasts causes failure of maternal spiral arteries' remodeling and results in narrow, atherotic-prone vessels, leading to relative placental ischemia. This study aims to explore the possibility of identifying dysregulated gene networks that may offer a potential target in the possible prevention of preeclampsia. We performed a weighted gene correlated network analysis (WGCNA) on a subset of gene expression profiles of placental tissues from severe preeclamptic pregnancies. We identified a gene module (number of genes = 402, GS = 0.35, p = 0.02) enriched for several G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-related genes with significant protein-protein molecular interaction (number of genes = 38, FDR = 0.0007) that may play key roles in preeclampsia. Some genes are noted to play key roles in preeclampsia, including LPAR4/5, CRLR, NPY, TACR1/2, and SFRP4/5, whose functions generally relate to angiogenesis and vasodilation or vasoconstriction. Other upregulated genes, including olfactory and orexigenic genes, serve limited functions in the disease pathogenesis. Altogether, this study shows the utility of WGCNA in exploring possible new gene targets, and additionally reinforces the feasibility of targeting GPCRs that may offer intervention against development and disease progression among severe preeclampsia patients.

Environmental Toxicants and Preterm Birth: A Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends and Output.

Preterm birth remains a problem globally, as multiple factors contribute to its etiology and pathogenesis. One such factor is the exposure to environmental toxicants, in which recent literature has described contributory roles in disease progression. This study aims to show research trends and collaborations in papers related to environmental toxicants and preterm birth through a bibliometric analysis to determine hot spots for research as well as to identify already established themes that can point to policy making and development. Using the Scopus database, we were able to identify 956 original research articles from 72 countries between 1955 and 2021; bibliographic information was exported, analyzed, and visualized using Bibliometrix and VOSviewer. There was an annual growth of research and reporting in this area, which significantly increased within the last two decades. The top countries that have published on this topic include the USA (n = 343), China (n = 103), and Australia (n = 43), with strong international collaboration in reports from China. Top journals for publication include Environmental Research (n = 53), Environmental Health Perspectives (n = 47), and Environment International (n = 46). Previous literature focused on establishing toxicants that are significantly associated with preterm birth, with current research focusing on molecular mechanisms of environmental toxicants. Overall, our bibliometric analysis gives a scoping view of the existing research landscape in terms of environmental health and preterm birth.

Harnessing interdisciplinary education in biochemistry and molecular biology: A report on the IUBMB/PSBMB 2019 "harnessing interdisciplinary education in biochemistry and molecular biology" conference.

The "Harnessing Interdisciplinary Education in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology" education conference was held on November 13-15, 2019 in Manila, Philippines. The conference was sponsored by the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular (IUBMB). With over 400 attendees from 22 countries themes discussed by the speakers and enthusiastic participants ranged from teaching biochemistry and molecular biology at all levels and to students in a range of disciplines.

Continuing education in biochemistry and molecular biology in industry: A parallel session at the IUBMB/PSBMB 2019 "Harnessing Interdisciplinary Education in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology" conference.

Science requires that we are always current with research, techniques, and tools but what are the best approaches for continuing education? The presenters in this session described a range of approaches used in universities, government bodies, and industry.

Publishing in education: A parallel session at the IUBMB/PSBMB 2019 "Harnessing Interdisciplinary Education in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology" conference.

Ensuring currency with trends, knowledge, and understanding of teaching and learning is essential for all educators. Researching learning and teaching is an enormous field which can range from examining the practical impact of new classes to research into the processes of learning. The "Publishing in Education" conference session discussed some of the approaches and outcomes of researching and publishing in education.

Biochemistry and molecular biology in health science education: A parallel session at the IUBMB/PSBMB 2019 "Harnessing Interdisciplinary Education in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology" conference.

In many health-related programs biochemistry and molecular biology are core subjects, but these subjects are often not the students main focus. This challenges educators to develop curriculum that demonstrates the relevance of biochemistry and molecular biology and engages these students. This conference session discussed the value of biochemistry and molecular biology education in the health sciences and the methodologies which can be implemented.

Tools for teaching biochemistry and molecular biology: A parallel session at the IUBMB/PSBMB 2019 "Harnessing Interdisciplinary Education in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology" conference.

Approaches to learning and teaching have been undergoing massive changes. Technology has enabled many innovations while other methods have embedded authentic research approaches or looked to other disciplines. The tools in education session of the conference looked at tools being used to teach biochemistry and molecular biology ranging from online platforms, authentic research experiences to the use of music.

Postgraduate programs in biochemistry and molecular biology: A parallel session at the IUBMB/PSBMB 2019 "Harnessing Interdisciplinary Education in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology" conference.

The conference session on Postgraduate Education in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology consisted of wide-ranging presentations and discussions. Approaches, issues, and solutions for postgraduate education and training in countries ranging from the Philippines to Mongolia and the United States were covered.

Undergraduate education in biochemistry and molecular biology: A parallel session at the IUBMB/PSBMB 2019 "Harnessing Interdisciplinary Education in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology" conference.

Although science education, including biochemistry and molecular biology education, starts before students commence university, for many students, undergraduate programs are their first real introduction to biochemistry and molecular biology. Students often report that biochemistry and molecular biology are relatively difficult topics hence the use of varied and well-thought-out approaches are critical to fully engage students. This session provided insights into undergraduate curriculum design.

Laboratory classes in biochemistry and molecular biology: A parallel session at the IUBMB/PSBMB 2019 "Harnessing Interdisciplinary Education in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology" conference.

Laboratory classes are a central element of all biochemistry and molecular biology programs. These play a role in developing students' hands-on and technical skills and also offer much more. The design of laboratory classes depends on many factors including the programs the students are enrolled in, the level they are at, employment destinations, and learning outcomes. This conference session considered the design and outcomes of laboratory experiences for undergraduate students.

K-12 education in biochemistry and molecular biology: A parallel session at the IUBMB/PSBMB 2019 "Harnessing Interdisciplinary Education in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology" conference.

Biochemistry and molecular biology education starts before our students get to university. From a very early age, they start learning informally about science beginning with the basics of science and as they progress through their school years they should be exposed to more advanced topics such as biochemistry and molecular biology. This session at the conference focused on three very different examples of engaging school students with biochemistry and molecular biology.