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.

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.

A benzoquinone-imidazole hybrid organic anolyte for aqueous redox flow batteries.

A benzoquinone derivative annelated by two imidazole rings was investigated as an organic anolyte of aqueous redox flow batteries. The anolyte showed a high solubility of 0.18 M in 1 M KOH aqueous solution and exhibited a one-step two-electron reversible redox wave with a half-wave potential of -0.59 V VS. SHE. An aqueous redox flow cell comprising the benzoquinone-imidazole hybrid as the anolyte and potassium ferrocyanide as the catholyte showed an operating voltage of ∼1.1 V and minimum capacity fading of over 220 cycles.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Weight Gain and Risk of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy among Women with Obesity: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study in Japan.

The relationship between weight gain during pregnancy and the onset of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in women with pre-pregnancy obesity remains unclear. We examined the effects of weight gain during pregnancy on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among women with pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25.0 kg/m2. This multicenter retrospective cohort study included nullipara women who delivered at two units in Japan between 1 January 2013, and 31 December 2020. Singleton primipara (n = 3040) were categorized into two pre-pregnancy BMI groups: 25.0-<30.0, and ≥30.0 kg/m2. Using multiple logistic regression analyses (reported as adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval), gestational weight gain effects on overall hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational hypertension, and pre-eclampsia were determined. Gestational weight gain increased hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (1.09, 1.03-1.16, p < 0.05) and pre-eclampsia risk (1.10, 1.01-1.20, p < 0.05) among the BMI 25.0-<30.0 kg/m2 group and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy risk among the ≥30.0 kg/m2 group (1.07, 1.00-1.05, p < 0.05). Using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses, among the BMI 25.0-<30.0 kg/m2 group, for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (area under the curve [AUC], 0.63, p < 0.05) and pre-eclampsia (AUC, 0.62; p < 0.05), the weight gain cut-off was 10.5 and 10.6 kg, with sensitivity/specificity of 0.47/0.73 and 0.50/0.73, respectively. For the BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2 group (AUC, 0.63, p < 0.05), the cut-off was 3.5 kg (sensitivity/specificity, 0.75/0.49). The optimal gestational weight gain for reducing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among women with a pre-pregnancy BMI > 25 kg/m2 may facilitate personalized pre-conception counseling among women with obesity.

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.

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.

Voltammetric and In Situ Spectroscopic Investigations on the Redox Processes of Trioxotriangulene Neutral Radicals on Graphite Electrodes.

To investigate the microscopic electrochemical dynamics of a stable trioxotriangulene (TOT) organic neutral π-radical on a graphite electrode surface, voltammetric and in situ infrared (IR) spectroelectrochemical studies were conducted using electrolyte solutions containing TOT monoanions. Upright columnar crystals (face-on alignment) of the TOT neutral radical were preferentially formed and dissolved in a rather reversible manner in the electrolyte with a low concentration of TOT monoanion under electrochemical conditions; however, more flat-lying columnar crystals (edge-on alignment) were formed in a higher concentration electrolyte. The flat-lying crystals remained on the graphite surface even at a fully reduced potential, owing to the lack of direct π-π interactions between the molecules and the graphite electrode. In situ IR attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy analyses successfully characterized the alignment of the columnar crystals of the TOT neutral radicals and their electrochemical behaviors, including the possible origins of the irreversible redox reaction of TOT on the graphite electrode.

Association of Maternal Asthma and Total Serum Immunoglobulin E levels with Obstetric Complications: The Japan Environment and Children's Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between maternal asthma (MA) and obstetric complications, while considering subdivided total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. METHODS: Data of the participants enrolled in the Japan Environment and Children's Study between 2011 and 2014 were analyzed. In total, 77,131 women with singleton live births at and after 22 weeks of gestation were included. MA was defined based on a self-administered questionnaire. Women with MA were stratified based on the quartile of total serum IgE levels during pregnancy as follows: low IgE levels (< 52.40 IU/mL), moderate IgE levels (52.40-331.00 IU/mL), and high IgE levels (> 331.00 IU/mL). The adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for preterm births (PTB), small for gestational age (SGA) infants, gestational diabetes mellitus, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) were calculated using multivariable logistic regression, while considering women without MA as reference and maternal socioeconomic factors as confounders. RESULTS: The aORs for SGA infants and HDP in women with MA and high total serum IgE levels were 1.26 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.50) and 1.33 (95% CI, 1.06-1.66), respectively. The aOR for SGA infants among women with MA and moderate total serum IgE levels was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.73-0.99). The aOR for PTB among women with MA and low total serum IgE levels was 1.26 (95% CI, 1.04-1.52). CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: MA with subdivided total serum IgE levels was associated with obstetric complications. Total serum IgE level may be a potential prognostic marker to predict obstetric complications in pregnancies with MA.

What is Already Known on this Subject? Maternal asthma (MA) is associated with several obstetric complications, including preterm births (PTB), small for gestational age (SGA) infants, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). Few studies with data from nationwide cohorts have elucidated the association between MA and obstetric complications comprehensively while accounting for the subdivided objective biomarkers of MA.What this Study Adds? MA with subdivided total serum IgE levels was associated with various obstetric complications. Total serum IgE level may be a potential prognostic marker for pregnant women with MA to predict the potential risk of PTB, SGA infants, and HDP.

Maternal triglyceride levels and neonatal outcomes: The Japan Environment and Children's Study.

BACKGROUND: Although maternal triglyceride (TG) is important for fetal growth, there are few large cohort studies investigating the relationships between maternal TG during pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between maternal TG during the second and third trimesters and neonatal outcomes including preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA). METHODS: This was a prospective birth cohort study using data of the Japan Environment and Children's Study included data of births from 2011-2014 in Japan including 79,519 pairs. Participants were divided into tertiles according to maternal TG in the second or third trimesters. Multiple logistic regression modeling was used to examine the risks of LBW, SGA, LGA and PTB in association with maternal TG levels in the second or third trimesters RESULTS: In the second trimester, compared with reference TG group (T2), women in higher TG group (T3) and lower TG group (T1) were also at increased risk of LGA (aOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.11-1.29) and SGA (aOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.10-1.41), respectively. In the third trimester, women in T3 and T1 were at increased risk of LGA (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.17-1.38) and SGA (aOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.02-1.34), respectively. CONCLUSION: In this study, higher maternal TG levels in the second or third trimesters were associated with risks of LGA, however, lower maternal TG levels in the second or third trimesters were conversely associated with risks of SGA.