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Darby JRT, Flouri D, Cho SKS, Williams GK, Holman SL, Meakin AS, Wiese MD, David AL, Macgowan CK, Seed M, Melbourne A, Morrison JL. Maternal tadalafil treatment does not increase uterine artery blood flow or oxygen delivery in the pregnant ewe. Exp Physiol 2024; 109:980-991. [PMID: 38606906 DOI: 10.1113/ep091593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Increasing placental perfusion (PP) could improve outcomes of growth-restricted fetuses. One way of increasing PP may be by using phosphodiesterase (PDE)-5 inhibitors, which induce vasodilatation of vascular beds. We used a combination of clinically relevant magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to characterize the impact that tadalafil infusion has on maternal, placental and fetal circulations. At 116-117 days' gestational age (dGA; term, 150 days), pregnant ewes (n = 6) underwent fetal catheterization surgery. At 120-123 dGA ewes were anaesthetized and MRI scans were performed during three acquisition windows: a basal state and then ∼15-75 min (TAD 1) and ∼75-135 min (TAD 2) post maternal administration (24 mg; intravenous bolus) of tadalafil. Phase contrast MRI and T2 oximetry were used to measure blood flow and oxygen delivery. Placental diffusion and PP were assessed using the Diffusion-Relaxation Combined Imaging for Detailed Placental Evaluation-'DECIDE' technique. Uterine artery (UtA) blood flow when normalized to maternal left ventricular cardiac output (LVCO) was reduced in both TAD periods. DECIDE imaging found no impact of tadalafil on placental diffusivity or fetoplacental blood volume fraction. Maternal-placental blood volume fraction was increased in the TAD 2 period. FetalD O 2 ${D_{{{\mathrm{O}}_2}}}$ andV ̇ O 2 ${\dot V_{{{\mathrm{O}}_2}}}$ were not affected by maternal tadalafil administration. Maternal tadalafil administration did not increase UtA blood flow and thus may not be an effective vasodilator at the level of the UtAs. The increased maternal-placental blood volume fraction may indicate local vasodilatation of the maternal intervillous space, which may have compensated for the reduced proportion of UtAD O 2 ${D_{{{\mathrm{O}}_2}}}$ .
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack R T Darby
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Dimitra Flouri
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Steven K S Cho
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Univeristy of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Georgia K Williams
- Preclinical, Imaging & Research Laboratories, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Stacey L Holman
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ashley S Meakin
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michael D Wiese
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Anna L David
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), University College London, Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | | | - Mike Seed
- Univeristy of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew Melbourne
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Janna L Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Univeristy of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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2
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Nüsken E, Appel S, Saschin L, Kuiper-Makris C, Oberholz L, Schömig C, Tauscher A, Dötsch J, Kribs A, Alejandre Alcazar MA, Nüsken KD. Intrauterine Growth Restriction: Need to Improve Diagnostic Accuracy and Evidence for a Key Role of Oxidative Stress in Neonatal and Long-Term Sequelae. Cells 2024; 13:501. [PMID: 38534344 PMCID: PMC10969486 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and being small for gestational age (SGA) are two distinct conditions with different implications for short- and long-term child development. SGA is present if the estimated fetal or birth weight is below the tenth percentile. IUGR can be identified by additional abnormalities (pathological Doppler sonography, oligohydramnion, lack of growth in the interval, estimated weight below the third percentile) and can also be present in fetuses and neonates with weights above the tenth percentile. There is a need to differentiate between IUGR and SGA whenever possible, as IUGR in particular is associated with greater perinatal morbidity, prematurity and mortality, as well as an increased risk for diseases in later life. Recognizing fetuses and newborns being "at risk" in order to monitor them accordingly and deliver them in good time, as well as to provide adequate follow up care to ameliorate adverse sequelae is still challenging. This review article discusses approaches to differentiate IUGR from SGA and further increase diagnostic accuracy. Since adverse prenatal influences increase but individually optimized further child development decreases the risk of later diseases, we also discuss the need for interdisciplinary follow-up strategies during childhood. Moreover, we present current concepts of pathophysiology, with a focus on oxidative stress and consecutive inflammatory and metabolic changes as key molecular mechanisms of adverse sequelae, and look at future scientific opportunities and challenges. Most importantly, awareness needs to be raised that pre- and postnatal care of IUGR neonates should be regarded as a continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Nüsken
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (E.N.)
| | - Sarah Appel
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (E.N.)
| | - Leon Saschin
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (E.N.)
| | - Celien Kuiper-Makris
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (E.N.)
| | - Laura Oberholz
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (E.N.)
| | - Charlotte Schömig
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (E.N.)
| | - Anne Tauscher
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jörg Dötsch
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (E.N.)
| | - Angela Kribs
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (E.N.)
| | - Miguel A. Alejandre Alcazar
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (E.N.)
- Institute for Lung Health (ILH), University of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC) and Cardiopulmonary Institute (CPI), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 35392 Giessen, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Kai-Dietrich Nüsken
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (E.N.)
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Slator PJ, Cromb D, Jackson LH, Ho A, Counsell SJ, Story L, Chappell LC, Rutherford M, Hajnal JV, Hutter J, Alexander DC. Non-invasive mapping of human placenta microenvironments throughout pregnancy with diffusion-relaxation MRI. Placenta 2023; 144:29-37. [PMID: 37952367 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In-vivo measurements of placental structure and function have the potential to improve prediction, diagnosis, and treatment planning for a wide range of pregnancy complications, such as fetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia, and hence inform clinical decision making, ultimately improving patient outcomes. MRI is emerging as a technique with increased sensitivity to placental structure and function compared to the current clinical standard, ultrasound. METHODS We demonstrate and evaluate a combined diffusion-relaxation MRI acquisition and analysis pipeline on a sizable cohort of 78 normal pregnancies with gestational ages ranging from 15 + 5 to 38 + 4 weeks. Our acquisition comprises a combined T2*-diffusion MRI acquisition sequence - which is simultaneously sensitive to oxygenation, microstructure and microcirculation. We analyse our scans with a data-driven unsupervised machine learning technique, InSpect, that parsimoniously identifies distinct components in the data. RESULTS We identify and map seven potential placental microenvironments and reveal detailed insights into multiple microstructural and microcirculatory features of the placenta, and assess their trends across gestation. DISCUSSION By demonstrating direct observation of micro-scale placental structure and function, and revealing clear trends across pregnancy, our work contributes towards the development of robust imaging biomarkers for pregnancy complications and the ultimate goal of a normative model of placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paddy J Slator
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre, School of Psychology, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK; School of Computer Science and Informatics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Centre for Medical Image Computing and Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Daniel Cromb
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Laurence H Jackson
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK; Biomedical Engineering Department, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Alison Ho
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Serena J Counsell
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Lisa Story
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Lucy C Chappell
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mary Rutherford
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Joseph V Hajnal
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK; Biomedical Engineering Department, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jana Hutter
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK; Biomedical Engineering Department, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Daniel C Alexander
- Centre for Medical Image Computing and Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK
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Gowland PA. The Potential of Low-Field-Strength MRI for Simpler Fetal Scanning. Radiology 2023; 309:e232579. [PMID: 37847132 PMCID: PMC10623202 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.232579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Penny A. Gowland
- From the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, School of Physics and
Astronomy and Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham,
University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, England
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Lu T, Wang Y, Deng Y, Wu C, Li X, Wang G. Diffusion and perfusion MRI parameters in the evaluation of placenta accreta spectrum disorders in patients with placenta previa. MAGMA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 35:1009-1020. [PMID: 35802217 DOI: 10.1007/s10334-022-01023-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the placental function by monoexponential, biexponential, and diffusion kurtosis MR imaging (MRI) in patients with placenta previa. METHODS A total of 62 patients with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders and 11 patients with normal placentas were retrospectively enrolled, who underwent conventional diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI). The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and exponential ADC (eADC) from standard DWI, mean kurtosis (MK), and diffusion coefficient (MD) from DKI, and pure diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) from IVIM were measured and compared from the volumetric analysis. RESULTS Comparisons between patients with PAS disorders and patients with normal placentas demonstrated that MD mean, D mean, and D* mean values in patients with PAS disorders were significantly higher than those in patients with normal placentas (p < 0.05). Comparisons between patients with accreta, increta, and percreta, and patients with normal placentas showed that the D mean was significantly higher in patients with placenta increta and percreta than in patients with normal placentas (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The accreta lesions in PAS disorders had deceased cellularity and increased blood movement. The alteration of placental cellularity was more prominent in placenta increta and percreta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Lu
- Department of Radiology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 32 West Second Section, First Ring Road, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Yishuang Wang
- Department of Radiology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 32 West Second Section, First Ring Road, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Yan Deng
- Department of Radiology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 32 West Second Section, First Ring Road, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Chengqian Wu
- Department of Radiology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 32 West Second Section, First Ring Road, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Xiangqi Li
- Department of Radiology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 32 West Second Section, First Ring Road, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Guotai Wang
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 2006 Xiyuan Avenue, West Hi-tech Zone, Chengdu, 611731, China.
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Flouri D, Darby JRT, Holman SL, Cho SKS, Dimasi CG, Perumal SR, Ourselin S, Aughwane R, Mufti N, Macgowan CK, Seed M, David AL, Melbourne A, Morrison JL. Placental MRI Predicts Fetal Oxygenation and Growth Rates in Sheep and Human Pregnancy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2203738. [PMID: 36031385 PMCID: PMC9596844 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202203738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of fetal blood oxygen saturation (SO2 ) can transform the clinical management of high-risk pregnancies affected by fetal growth restriction (FGR). Here, a novel MRI method assesses the feasibility of identifying normally grown and FGR fetuses in sheep and is then applied to humans. MRI scans are performed in pregnant ewes at 110 and 140 days (term = 150d) gestation and in pregnant women at 28+3 ± 2+5 weeks to measure feto-placental SO2 . Birth weight is collected and, in sheep, fetal blood SO2 is measured with a blood gas analyzer (BGA). Fetal arterial SO2 measured by BGA predicts fetal birth weight in sheep and distinguishes between fetuses that are normally grown, small for gestational age, and FGR. MRI feto-placental SO2 in late gestation is related to fetal blood SO2 measured by BGA and body weight. In sheep, MRI feto-placental SO2 in mid-gestation is related to fetal SO2 later in gestation. MRI feto-placental SO2 distinguishes between normally grown and FGR fetuses, as well as distinguishing FGR fetuses with and without normal Doppler in humans. Thus, a multi-compartment placental MRI model detects low placental SO2 and distinguishes between small hypoxemic fetuses and normally grown fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra Flouri
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging SciencesKing's College LondonLondonSE1 7EUUK
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonWC1E 6BTUK
| | - Jack R. T. Darby
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research GroupHealth and Biomedical InnovationUniSA Clinical and Health SciencesUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSA 5001Australia
| | - Stacey L. Holman
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research GroupHealth and Biomedical InnovationUniSA Clinical and Health SciencesUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSA 5001Australia
| | - Steven K. S. Cho
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research GroupHealth and Biomedical InnovationUniSA Clinical and Health SciencesUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSA 5001Australia
- Department of PhysiologyThe Hospital for Sick ChildrenUniversity of TorontoTorontoON M5G 1X8Canada
| | - Catherine G. Dimasi
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research GroupHealth and Biomedical InnovationUniSA Clinical and Health SciencesUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSA 5001Australia
| | - Sunthara R. Perumal
- South Australian Health & Medical Research InstitutePreclinicalImaging & Research LaboratoriesAdelaideSA 5001Australia
| | - Sebastien Ourselin
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging SciencesKing's College LondonLondonSE1 7EUUK
| | - Rosalind Aughwane
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonWC1E 6BTUK
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's HealthUniversity College LondonLondonWC1E 6AUUK
| | - Nada Mufti
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonWC1E 6BTUK
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's HealthUniversity College LondonLondonWC1E 6AUUK
| | - Christopher K. Macgowan
- Division of Translational MedicineThe Hospital for Sick ChildrenUniversity of TorontoTorontoON M5G 1X8Canada
- Department of Medical BiophysicsUniversity of TorontoTorontoON M5S 1A1Canada
| | - Mike Seed
- Department of PaediatricsDivision of CardiologyThe Hospital for Sick ChildrenUniversity of TorontoTorontoON M5G 1X8Canada
- Department of Diagnostic ImagingThe Hospital for Sick ChildrenUniversity of TorontoTorontoON M5G 1X8Canada
| | - Anna L. David
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's HealthUniversity College LondonLondonWC1E 6AUUK
- NIHR Biomedical Research CentreUniversity College London HospitalsLondonW1T 7DNUK
| | - Andrew Melbourne
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging SciencesKing's College LondonLondonSE1 7EUUK
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonWC1E 6BTUK
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research GroupHealth and Biomedical InnovationUniSA Clinical and Health SciencesUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSA 5001Australia
| | - Janna L. Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research GroupHealth and Biomedical InnovationUniSA Clinical and Health SciencesUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSA 5001Australia
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King VJ, Bennet L, Stone PR, Clark A, Gunn AJ, Dhillon SK. Fetal growth restriction and stillbirth: Biomarkers for identifying at risk fetuses. Front Physiol 2022; 13:959750. [PMID: 36060697 PMCID: PMC9437293 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.959750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major cause of stillbirth, prematurity and impaired neurodevelopment. Its etiology is multifactorial, but many cases are related to impaired placental development and dysfunction, with reduced nutrient and oxygen supply. The fetus has a remarkable ability to respond to hypoxic challenges and mounts protective adaptations to match growth to reduced nutrient availability. However, with progressive placental dysfunction, chronic hypoxia may progress to a level where fetus can no longer adapt, or there may be superimposed acute hypoxic events. Improving detection and effective monitoring of progression is critical for the management of complicated pregnancies to balance the risk of worsening fetal oxygen deprivation in utero, against the consequences of iatrogenic preterm birth. Current surveillance modalities include frequent fetal Doppler ultrasound, and fetal heart rate monitoring. However, nearly half of FGR cases are not detected in utero, and conventional surveillance does not prevent a high proportion of stillbirths. We review diagnostic challenges and limitations in current screening and monitoring practices and discuss potential ways to better identify FGR, and, critically, to identify the “tipping point” when a chronically hypoxic fetus is at risk of progressive acidosis and stillbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria J. King
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Laura Bennet
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter R. Stone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alys Clark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Biomedical Engineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alistair J. Gunn
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Simerdeep K. Dhillon
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- *Correspondence: Simerdeep K. Dhillon,
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