Placenta abnormalities could be the reason for miscarriages, study suggests
A new study has found that placenta abnormalities could be the reason for miscarriages. In the United States, there are approximately 5 million pregnancies per year with 1 million ending in a miscarriage and over 20,000 ending in stillbirth, according to a paper published in the journal Reproductive Sciences. “To have a pregnancy loss is a tragedy. To be told there is no explanation adds tremendous pain for these loss families,” said senior author of the paper and research scientist at Yale School of Medicine, Dr Harvey Kliman “Our goal was to expand the current classification systems to decrease the number of cases that remained unspecified.” For the study, researchers worked to create a classification system for miscarriages based on a test that examines a sample of the body’s tissues – known as pathologic examination. The team looked at a series of 1,527 single-child pregnancies that ended in miscarriage, and the data was then sent to Yale for evaluation. After excluding cases without adequate material for examination, 1,256 placentas from 922 patients were examined. Of these, 70 per cent were miscarriages and 30 per cent were stillbirths. By adding the explicit categories of “placenta with abnormal development” (dysmorphic placentas) and “small placenta” (a placenta less than the 10th percentile for gestational age) to other incidents such as cord accident, abruption, thrombotic, and infection – researchers were able to determine the results of 91.6 per cent of the pregnancies, including 88.5 per cent of the miscarriages and 98.7 per cent of the stillbirths. The most common results for unexplained miscarriages were dysmorphic placentas (placenta with abnormal development) which was around 86.2 per cent. For stillbirths, there was 33.9 per cent due to a small placenta. “This work suggests that the over 7,000 small placentas per year associated with stillbirths could have been detected in utero — flagging those pregnancies as high risk prior to the loss,” said Dr Kliman. “Likewise, the identification of dysmorphic placentas may be one way to potentially identify genetic abnormalities in the almost 1 million miscarriages that occur in our country every year.” He said having a definite explanation “for a pregnancy loss helps the family understand that their loss was not their fault, allows them to start the healing process, and, when possible, prevent similar losses — especially stillbirths — from occurring in the future.” When asked what the most effective way might be to prevent stillbirths, Dr Kliman responded, “Measure the placenta!” Read More 'Please, keep beating little heart': Man gives raw account of wife's miscarriage and fears for new unborn child Woman who had six miscarriages celebrates pregnancy with rainbow baby photoshoot Miscarriage: The loneliest grief of all Nearly a fifth of parents fear children will ignore health issues while at university Brits feel their mental health declining due to cost of living crisis How often should you wash your pyjamas?
1970-01-01 08:00
Thieves stole nearly $200 million from Europe's largest copper producer
Fraudsters have robbed Europe's largest copper producer of €185 million ($198 million) worth of the metal, possibly with the help of insiders, the company said Tuesday.
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Ex-NFL player missing after mother found murdered
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1970-01-01 08:00
New Fortnite Birthday Reality Augments: Full List
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1970-01-01 08:00
When is the NBA All Star Game 2024? Location, date & how to watch
The NBA All-Star Game is the premier midseason event on the schedule, with the 73rd edition set for February. Find out the where and when for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game and how to watch.
1970-01-01 08:00
H&M starts charging shoppers £1.99 for online returns
High street fashion retailer H&M has joined other companies in charging shoppers who return items purchased online. Customers must now pay £1.99 to return parcels either in store or online, with the cost of the return being deducted from their refund. Rival high street stores including Zara, Boohoo, Uniqlo and Next already charge for online returns, with retail experts predicting that even more are likely to follow suit. During the pandemic, when online shopping inevitably soared in popularity, customers became increasingly more reliant on returning items when they did not fit. However, this also led to a rise in people buying items in bulk and returning almost all those items, some of them worn. While most online and high street retailers do not formally announce the move to charge for returns, many have introduced the change under the radar, with H&M implementing the return fee this summer. Business analysts have told the BBC that other retailers are likely to do the same. "It’s interesting that companies seem to be doing it by stealth, but it’s a sensible thing to be doing," retail expert Jonathan De Mello told the outlet. "It makes economic sense, as it discourages shoppers from bulk buying online products and then returning the majority of them. That’s been a real problem for companies." While H&M shoppers might be disappointed in the extra returns fee, added De Mello, most might understand why a company would need to make this decision, especially when it comes to the environment. Many shoppers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of deliveries and returns, from courier vans to wasted packaging. Retail expert and analyst Natalie Berg wrote on Twitter/X that retailers have “created a monster” with free returns. “​​H&M charging for returns. Retailers have created a monster with free returns. It makes financial and environmental sense to put an end to this ‘buy to try’ mentality.” But Berg pointed out that customers who have signed up to H&M membership would be exempt from the extra fee for returning items. “This is actually a really delicate way to tier your customers,” Berg said of the membership scheme. “Slowly climb down from costly promises by limiting those benefits to loyalty members. Retailers have become too generous over the past decade. Save that generosity for your most valuable customers.” Read More Inside London’s first Vogue World: Thong leotards and Anna Wintour’s VIP assembly line Voguewashing London Fashion Week won’t pay the wages of Britain’s young fashion designers Bridesmaid who “didn’t love” her dress spends 35 years wearing it around the world Meghan Markle praised for mixing high-fashion with affordable pieces Vogue World wowed but won’t pay the wages of young fashion designers Ukrainian designers prove beauty can come from darkness at London Fashion Week
1970-01-01 08:00
Bill Belichick vs. Bill O'Brien: Patriots at odds over coaching strategy
Bill O'Brien is trying to run an offense for the New England Patriots that doesn't match what head coach Bill Belichick is trying to do.
1970-01-01 08:00
Brits struggle with mental health due to cost of living crisis
People in Edinburgh, Leicester and Glasgow are struggling the most with their mental health - due to the cost of living crisis. A poll of 2,000 adults found 27 per cent have really taken a hit when it comes to their wellbeing, because of a lack of finances. Newcastle, London and Leeds are other key cities where people are most affected. Cutting down on socialising, gym memberships and nutritious food to save money are reasons why so many feel disheartened and worried about their mental wellbeing. And 40 per cent are dreading the winter as they are unsure if they will be able to afford energy bills to heat their home. The survey was commissioned by British Gas, which is working with Professor Green to raise awareness of the struggles so many are facing and highlight the free support available in the new phase of the British Gas Post Office Pop-Ups. The musician and mental health advocate said: “As a parent your first instinct is to protect and provide, and when you’re doing everything you can, and that’s still not enough, it has a profound impact on your mental health. “Shame, stigma and fear can keep people from speaking up for help, but it’s the best thing you can do – for yourself, your family and your community. “Stress and anxiety breed in uncertainty so I really encourage you to visit a British Gas Post Office Pop-Up or contact the British Gas Energy Trust to help you gain confidence in, and control of, your future.“ The research found 14 per cent of adults are cutting back on how often they shower to lower their bills, and 21 per cent aren’t buying birthday gifts for loved ones. One in 20 (five per cent) say their kids are missing out on new toys. Just over half (55 per cent) believe their mental health would definitely improve if they were more financially stable. People in Manchester were found to be most likely to skip using heat or electricity to keep their homes warm. But those in Edinburgh were most likely to report that they have had issues with money that have led to incurring additional debt, like credit cards. Only 27 per cent of all adults polled via OnePoll are confident they are accessing all the benefits they may be entitled to when it comes to support with their energy bills. One in 10 also believe the rising cost of energy has caused them a great deal of additional stress. And 25 per cent baldly state they are expecting to struggle to pay their energy bills through the rest of the year. Nearly the same amount (24 per cent) said the current cost of living crisis has been just as bad for their mental health as the Covid-19 pandemic. British Gas Energy Trust CEO Jessica Taplin said: “Debt and money stresses are debilitating, which is why we are delighted to be offering money and energy advisors funded by us in Post Offices across the country. “Working with an artist like Professor Green can really help raise awareness, and let people know it’s good to talk about the things that are worrying them.” Read More Voguewashing London Fashion Week won’t pay the wages of Britain’s young fashion designers What is happening to local government finances and why are councils struggling? ‘School staff seeing more students who do not have enough dinner money’ Nearly a fifth of parents fear children will ignore health issues while at university How often should you wash your pyjamas? ‘My baby’s blue eyes drew praise – but their colour was a warning sign’
1970-01-01 08:00
UAW president has some harsh words for Trump
The head of the United Auto Workers union is publicly denouncing former President Donald Trump ahead of his visit next week to Detroit as part of a plea to current and former union members.
1970-01-01 08:00
Top international cuisines Brits are keen to try
Food from the Philippines, Brazil and Vietnam have topped a list of the 20 international cuisines Brits are keen to try. Sri Lankan, Scandinavian and South Korean feasts were also included in the list of the most-desired international dishes. A poll of 2,000 adults found on average, adults cook seven different foreign cuisines at home each year. And eight in 10 consider themselves ‘adventurous’ with their eating. Of more familiar foods, Greek, Indian, Spanish and Japanese featured in the top 20 most loved plates - with Gen Z tucking into sushi multiple times each month. With 43 per cent of the younger generation who have made international dishes before having sought inspiration from social media. The study, commissioned by Jongga, found over half (54 per cent) of adults want to travel more, to experience authentic international foods from different countries. But 27 per cent find it hard to get enough time off work, while 17 per cent don’t have anyone to go with. The biggest problem however, shared by 54 per cent, is finding the spare money during the cost-of-living crisis and this rises to almost two thirds (62 per cent) for Gen Zs. Jennifer Lee, head of Global Food Business Unit, Daesang at Jongga, said: “When you see the data and globetrotting nature of the nation’s tastebuds, it is impressive. “Unfortunately for many, the current financial climate means it can be tricky to jet away and try as many international cuisines as they’d like. “Fortunately for them, many UK supermarkets – not to mention specialist shops – sell ingredients that in the past you’d have had to travel thousands of miles to find.” The research found more than one in five adults (21 per cent) would want to try Kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented food – or try it again if they’ve already had a go. And Gen Z are most likely to eat it – with 29 per cent tucking in at least once every two weeks. Exactly a third would travel to another country to experience more authentic international cuisine – most true of Gen Z and Millennials. Around four in 10 (38 per cent) admit to being impressed when they find authentic international food in the UK. And a quarter (25 per cent) prefer other cuisines to traditional English foods like a roast dinner or fish and chips, according to the OnePoll.com figures. When people go abroad, the number one thing they love doing is taking a tour of the local areas (47 per cent) – followed by eating in local-recommended restaurants (45 per cent). Just over four in 10 (41 per cent) like finding hidden spots such as lakes, fields or beaches, and 36 per cent enjoy sampling local wines or beers. Knowing travel may be off the agenda for many Brits, Jongga is bringing a slice of Seoul to the UK, with a free, three-week pop-up, launching on Saturday 16 September in Covent Garden, London Jennifer Lee added: “Trying new foods is one of the most exciting parts about being away, and a key driver for travel. “It’s fun to be able to tell people that you’ve eaten something they may have never even heard of, let alone tried in the past. “Seoul’s food and flavours attract many to the city every year, and it was interesting to note that almost a quarter of the UK population wanted to try Kimchi or try it again if they’ve already sampled it. “It’s all about being adventurous – if you’re not sure, just close your eyes, hold your breath and give it a try – you might find a new favourite.” Top 20 cuisines Brits want to try: 1. Filipino 2. Brazilian 3. Vietnamese 4. Sri Lankan 5. Scandinavian 6. Caribbean 7. South Korean 8. African 9. Malaysian 10. Israeli 11. Lebanese 12. Australian 13. Polish 14. Ukraine 15. Moroccan 16. Turkish 17. Russian 18. Japanese 19. German 20. Thai Top 20 favourite international cuisines: 1. Italian 2. Chinese 3. Indian 4. Mexican 5. Spanish 6. Greek 7. American 8. Thai 9. French 10. Japanese 11. Turkish 12. Caribbean 13. Moroccan 14. German 15. Vietnamese 16. Lebanese 17. Malaysian 18. South Korean 19. African 20. Brazilian Read More Five easy recipes to cook with your kids The dish that defines me: Rosie Grant’s gravestone recipes Courgette season is nearly over – here’s three ways to make the most of them How to cook to keep your gut healthy The symbolic foods that are eaten on the Jewish New Year ‘Fried rice syndrome’: Dietitians warn against eating food left at room temperature
1970-01-01 08:00
Julie Chen Moonves says she felt forced out of 'The Talk' following husband Les Moonves' scandal
Julie Chen Moonves says leaving "The Talk" was not her choice.
1970-01-01 08:00
3 outside-the-box replacements for ousted Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker
Michigan State will be looking for a long-term replacement for Mel Tucker and they may need to get creative to find the right fit. These names could be the difference.
1970-01-01 08:00
