The importance of fetal placental macrophages (Hofbauer cell [HCs]) is underscored by their appearance 18 d postconception and maintenance through term; however, how human HCs evolve during healthy pregnancy and how microenvironment and ontogeny impact phenotype and function remain unknown. In this study, we comprehensively classify human HCs ex vivo, interrogate phenotypic plasticity, and characterize antiviral immune responses through gestation. Activated HCs were abundant in early pregnancy and decreased by term; molecular signatures emphasize inflammatory phenotypes early in gestation. Frequency of HCs with regulatory phenotypes remained high through term. Furthermore, term HCs exhibited blunted responses to stimulation, indicating reduced plasticity. IFN-l1 is a key placental IFN that appeared less protective than IFN-a, suggesting a potential weakness in antiviral immunity. Ligand-specific responses were temporally regulated: we noted an absence of inflammatory mediators and reduced antiviral gene transcription following RIG-I activation at term despite all HCs producing inflammatory mediators following IFN-g plus LPS stimulation. Collectively, we demonstrate sequential, evolving immunity as part of the natural history of HCs through gestation.

CREB1 interacts with, stimulates, and is necessary for estrogen receptor α activation by estrogen or cAMP signaling, and this cooperation may underlie their anti-apoptotic activities in breast cancer cells.

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Background: Women have been especially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to characterize women's adverse experiences related to their work lives, home lives and wellbeing during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and to describe demographic differences of those lived experiences. Methods: Using the validated Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory, we collected data from reproductive-aged women in the state of Georgia about their exposure to adverse events during the pandemic. A latent class analysis (LCA) was performed to identify subgroups of women with similar endorsement of adverse experiences and describe their sociodemographic/economic characteristics. An optional open-ended question yielded qualitative data that were analyzed and combined with subgroup findings. Data were collected from September 2020 to January 2021. Results: 423 women aged 18-49 completed the survey, with 314 (74.2%) providing qualitative responses. The LCA yielded 4 subgroups: (1) the largest subgroup (n=150, 35.5%) was characterized by relatively low probability of adverse experiences but high probability of negative changes in mental health and lifestyle; (2) a “caregiving stress” subgroup (n=104, 24.6%) had a high probability of challenges with home and work life, including increased conflict with a partner; (3) a “high exposure” subgroup (n=46, 10.9%) with high probability of experiencing multiple adversities across domains (e.g., financial insecurity, health challenges, barriers to access to healthcare, intimate partner violence (IPV), and loss of loved ones) and more likely to be racial/ethnic or sexual minority women; and (4) a “low exposure” subgroup (n=123, 29.1%) with relatively low probability of adverse experiences across domains. Individuals in subgroups 1 and 4, which had low probabilities of adverse experiences, were significantly more likely to be non-Hispanic white. Qualitative insights expanding upon experiences and provided greater context for pandemic-related adversity with dominant themes reflecting stress, family, mental health, financial impact, and adaptation/resilience. Conclusions: Though many individuals in our sample experienced hardship, minority populations were most impacted by pandemic-related adverse experiences in work life, home life, and wellbeing. Recovery and future emergency preparedness efforts in Georgia must incorporate support mechanisms for mental health and IPV, focusing especially on the complex needs of racial, ethnic, and sexual minorities.

Background Women have been especially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This exploratory study aimed to characterize women’s adverse experiences related to their work, home lives, and wellbeing during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and to describe demographic differences of those lived experiences. Methods Using the validated Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory, we collected data from reproductive-aged women in the state of Georgia about their exposure to adverse events during the pandemic. A latent class analysis (LCA) was performed to identify subgroups of women reporting similar adverse experiences and describe their sociodemographic characteristics. An optional open-ended question yielded qualitative data that were analyzed thematically and merged with subgroup findings. Data were collected from September 2020 to January 2021. Results 423 individuals aged 18–49 completed the survey with 314 (74.2%) providing qualitative responses. The LCA yielded 4 subgroups: (1) a “low exposure” subgroup (n = 123, 29.1%) with relatively low probability of adverse experiences across domains (e.g. financial insecurity, health challenges, barriers to access to healthcare, intimate partner violence (IPV)); (2) a “high exposure” subgroup (n = 46, 10.9%) with high probability of experiencing multiple adversities across domains including the loss of loved ones to COVID-19; (3) a “caregiving stress” subgroup (n = 104, 24.6%) with high probability of experiencing challenges with home and work life including increased partner conflict; and (4) a “mental health changes” subgroup (n = 150, 35.5%) characterized by relatively low probability of adverse experiences but high probability of negative changes in mental health and lifestyle. Individuals in subgroups 1 and 4, which had low probabilities of adverse experiences, were significantly more likely to be non-Hispanic white. Individuals in subgroup 2 were more likely to identify with a sexual or racial/ethnic minority population. Inductive coding of qualitative data yielded themes such as stress, mental health, financial impact, and adaptation/resilience, providing context for pandemic-related adversity. Conclusion Though many individuals in our sample experienced hardship, minority populations were unequally impacted by pandemic-related adversity in work life, home life, and wellbeing. Recovery and future emergency preparedness efforts in Georgia must incorporate support mechanisms for mental health and IPV, focusing especially on the intersectional needs of racial, ethnic, and sexual minorities.