Birth Period Research Articles

Outcomes and challenges in adolescents living with HIV in France: a nationwide cohort study over 35 years (1985-2020).

Most data published on adolescents living with HIV (ALH) have been collected before the large diffusion of second-generation integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTI) among the pediatric population. We analyzed the nationwide ANRS-MIE CO10 Pediatric cohort to assess the changes over time in health and social outcomes of French ALH. The cohort enrolled children born in France since 1985 and, from 2005, children diagnosed with HIV at ≤13 years, including those born abroad if antiretroviral-naive at first medical care in France. Adolescents aged ≥10 years at their last visit were included in this analysis. Their characteristics were compared between three periods of birth (1985-1993, 1994-1999, 2000-2010). Overall, 529 ALH were included. Their median age at first HAART initiation decreased from 94 to 29 months (p < 0·0001). At the last evaluation, the proportions of ALH receiving HAART, receiving INSTI, having HIV-RNA < 50 copies/mL and having CD4 count ≥500/μL increased over time (p < 0.0001), reaching 98·7%, 53·3%, 81·3% and 85·0%, respectively, for those born in 2000-2010. The proportion of maternal and paternal orphans decreased until 14·4% and 11·0%, respectively, for ALH born recently. Compared to middle adolescents (15-17 years) born in 1994-1999, those born in 2000-2010 demonstrated higher academic success (69·2% versus 42·3%) and less frequent academic failure (4·6% versus 6·2%). Despite spectacular improvement in their health and immunovirological status, ALH remain vulnerable compared to other French adolescents, with a higher risk of being orphan and/or experiencing academic failure. Specific interventions are required to improve their global quality of life.

What makes a city breastfeeding friendly? A qualitative analysis of interviews with breastfeeding women from Europe and Asia.

The warm chain of support is the continuous enabling environment from the mother's first contact with healthcare professionals during early pregnancy, birth and immediate post-partum period, her transition from healthcare facility to home, through to work and the community at large. A breastfeeding-friendly city should be able to support a breastfeeding journey across the warm chain. To determine breastfeeding women's perspective of an ideal breastfeeding-friendly city. Between September 2021 and January 2022, twenty-two women who were breastfeeding or had ever breastfed in the last 5 years from Ireland and Malaysia were interviewed. A set of selection criteria was applied to ensure representation of a range of the characteristics known to be associated with breastfeeding success: diverse age groups, birth and breastfeeding experiences, culture and socioeconomical background. One-on-one semi-structured online interviews were conducted by the first author. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's Thematic Analysis framework. One overarching theme of breastfeeding at the front and centre of the city, and three major themes were developed: 1. mothers feel supported when breastfeeding is prioritised; 2. when breastfeeding is visible in the environment, it becomes normalized; 3. there is a need to have seamless breastfeeding support across the continuum of the warm chain, and at all levels of society. The findings demonstrated the importance of prioritized, and continuous support throughout the breastfeeding journey. The hopes and aspirations of a breastfeeding-friendly city expressed here would be useful for cities to consider when developing or implementing breastfeeding support programmes as well as guide development of indicators of a breastfeeding-friendly city.

Hospital Discharge Codes and Overestimating Severe Maternal Morbidity During Delivery Hospitalization

(Obstet Gynecol. 2024;143(4):582–584. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000005537) Administrative data play a crucial role in understanding severe maternal morbidity (SMM) events, yet their interpretation heavily relies on coding quality. Overestimation of SMM during birth hospitalizations might occur due to International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes being carried forward from predelivery events. This study aimed to describe SMM distribution across the antepartum, birth, and postpartum periods and to assess the potential false discovery rate of SMM events, hypothesizing that some events are subject to carry-forward coding. Following IRB approval and data-use agreements, a shared, deidentified database was created using the PCORnet Common Data Model at the University of North Carolina and Duke University.

Dropout from Maternity Continuum of Care and Associated Factors Among Mothers Who Gave Birth After War in Adigrat Town, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia 2024

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Background: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;Maternity continuum of care is the continuity of maternal health care services given to mothers during antenatal period, child birth and post natal period. It is one of the strategic programs meant to lower the death rates of mothers, newborns, and children. In spite of this, a large number of moms discontinue their participation in maternal continuum care. Dropout from the maternity continuum of care is prevalent public health issue in underdeveloped nations, such as Ethiopia. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Methods: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;Community based quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out among 357 mothers who gave birth in the 12 months in Adigrat town. Systematic sampling method was used to obtain study participants. Data was collected using pretested, semi- structured and face to face interviewer administered questioner. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model was fitted. Variables having p-value less than 0.2 in bivariable analysis was entered to multivariable logistic regression model. In multivariable logistic regression adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to determine strength and direction of the association between dependent and independent variables. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Results:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; The overall magnitude of drop out from the maternity continuum of care was 237 (66.4%) [95%CI (61.3-70.9)], 60.6% drop out from ANC visit, 5.6% drop out from skill birth attendant and 58.9% drop out from PNC. Mothers never heard on maternal health care service (AOR=4.179 (1.107, 15.783), service out of health facility (AOR =5.136 (1.988, 13.267) noabortionhistory (AOR=1.424 (1.113, 12.133), unplannedpregnancy (AOR=5.478 (1.902, 15.777), less than 4 ANC visit (AOR= 5.583 (2.598, 11. 997) and mothers attitude (AOR=15.049 (2.489, 32.997) were statically significant factors associated with drop out from maternity continuum of care. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion and discussion: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;This study showed that magnitude of drop out from maternity continuum of care was high as compared to WHO recommendations. As a result concerned stakeholders and policy makers should initiate more than four ANC visit, create awareness on harmful traditional practice, bad pregnancy history, support mothers to use family planning to prevent unplanned pregnancy, and work on attitude change of the community.

Bayesian Evaluation of Growth Rates and Kleiber's Ratios in Harnali Sheep: Dissecting Maternal and Additive Genetic Contributions.

Understanding the genetic basis of growth and metabolic traits in sheep is crucial for improving production efficiency and sustainability. The current study aimed to estimate the genetic influences, both direct and maternal, on growth rate and Kleiber's ratio traits in Harnali sheep using pedigree data under Bayesian inference. The data pertained to 2404 animals spanned over 24 years (1998-2021). Fixed factors such as birth period, lamb sex and dam's weight at lambing were considered. The traits studied included average daily gains (ADGs) categorised into ADG1 (birth to weaning age), ADG2 (weaning to 6 months of age) and ADG3 (6-12 months of age), as well as corresponding Kleiber's ratios (KR1, KR2 and KR3). Six single-trait animal models were employed to estimate covariance components and heritabilities, integrating direct additive and maternal effects alongside significant fixed factors using THRGIBBS1F90 and POSTGIBBSF90 programmes. Direct heritability estimates were obtained for ADG1 (0.11 ± 0.05), ADG2 (0.06 ± 0.03), ADG3 (0.03 ± 0.03), KR1 (0.07 ± 0.03), KR2 (0.06 ± 0.03) and KR3 (0.05 ± 0.03). Maternal genetic effects have contributed significant particularly to pre-weaning traits. The study identified an antagonistic relationship between direct additive and maternal genetic effects. Positive genetic and phenotypic correlations emphasised the intricate relationship between growth and metabolic efficiency in Harnali sheep. The current study offers critical insights into the genetic basis of growth and metabolic traits in Harnali sheep, ultimately contributing to more efficient and sustainable sheep production systems.

Trend and forecast analysis of the changing disease burden of pancreatic cancer attributable to high fasting glucose in China, 1990-2021.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignant tumour with poor prognosis and high mortality, and high fasting plasma glucose (HFPG) is considered to be one of its important risk factors. PC disease burden data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021) database. Annual percent change (APC), average APC (AAPC), and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were analysed using joinpoint linkpoint regression models to assess the trend of PC burden of disease between 1990 and 2021. An age-period-cohort model was used to estimate the independent effects of age, period, and cohort on PC burden, and data on PC mortality attributable to HFPG in China from 2022 to 2032 were analysed on the basis of a Bayesian age-period-cohort model projection. The number of Pc deaths due to HFPG continue to rise in China from 1990 to 2021, with age-standardised mortality (ASMR) and age-standardised disability-adjusted life-year rates with increasing AAPC values of 1.12% (95% CI, 0.73-1.52) and 1.00% (95% CI, 0.63-1.37), respectively. Throughout the study, we found that the overall level of PC disease burden was significantly higher in men than that in women. In age-period-cohort analyses, the age effect of PC showed an increasing and then decreasing trend, the period effect showed an overall increasing trend during the study period, and the cohort effect showed an overall slow decreasing trend. In addition, the BAPC model predicted that ASMR is expected to decline significantly in both men and women from 2022 to 2032. It was found that PC attributable to HFPG was generally on the rise in China from 1990 to 2021 and has been on the decline in recent years, and projections suggest that the country's future PC disease burden will continue to show a downward trend. Age and period of birth are the main factors affecting the disease burden, especially in men and older age groups. Early prevention, regular screening, and research into the pathogenesis of PC have, therefore, become particularly important.

Prenatal exposure to hypoxic risk conditions in autistic and neurotypical youth: Associated ventricular differences, sleep disturbance, and sensory processing.

There is a growing body of research that suggests conditions during the period of pregnancy and birth can affect how autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents itself. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of oxygen deprivation during this period known as prenatal and perinatal hypoxic risk (HR) conditions in ASD compared with neurotypical control (NTC) youth. We also examined ventricular morphology variations associated with HR exposure, and to evaluate associations with clinical symptoms. Results from a cohort of 104 youth revealed a higher incidence of exposure to prenatal hypoxic conditions in the ASD group. Additionally, ASD individuals with prenatal hypoxic exposure (ASD + HR) demonstrated larger third ventricle volumes compared with both ASD and NTC individuals without such exposure (ASD-HR and NTC-HR, respectively). Furthermore, associations were identified between prenatal hypoxic exposure, third ventricle volume, sensory dysfunction, and severity of sleep disturbances. These findings suggest exposure to prenatal hypoxic risk conditions may exacerbate or modify the neurodevelopmental trajectory and symptom severity in ASD, emphasizing the need for better prenatal care and specific interventions to reduce these risks.

Childbirth Fear and Birth-Related Mindset of First-Time Mothers Who Registered for Antenatal Care in Public Hospitals in Nigeria

INTRODUCTION:Globally, studies have reported that many pregnant women often dread the childbirth experience. Its prevalence is higher in developing countries than in the developed countries. It is a problem more common among primigravid women, with consequences for their health and implications for their labor, birth, and postpartum period. Hence, there is a need to assess the level of childbirth fear and birth-related mindset among primigravida attending antenatal clinics in selected hospitals in Ibadan.METHODOLOGY:This study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design. Two hundred and four primigravid women were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected with the aid of a questionnaire, and the result was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0.RESULTS:Findings of the study revealed that slightly above half (55.9%) of the respondents had a high level of childbirth fear. Also, majority (52%) of the respondents had a natural birth-related mindset. It further revealed that there is a significant association between age and childbirth fear with apvalue of &lt;.001. Also, there is a significant association between childbirth fear and birth-related mindset with ap-value of &lt;.001.CONCLUSION:The study concluded that there is a high level of childbirth fear among primigravida. It is recommended that there should be an increased focus on the fears of women of all ages toward childbirth. This should include providing tailored sensitive interpersonal care to them at all levels of care.

Newborn DNA methylation age differentiates long-term weight trajectories: the Boston Birth Cohort

BackgroundGestational age (GEAA) estimated by newborn DNA methylation (GAmAge) is associated with maternal prenatal exposures and immediate birth outcomes. However, the association of GAmAge with long-term overweight or obesity (OWO) trajectories is yet to be determined.MethodsGAmAge was calculated for 831 children from a US predominantly urban, low-income, multi-ethnic birth cohort based on cord blood DNA methylation profile using Illumina EPIC array. Repeated anthropometric measurements aligned with pediatric primary care schedule allowed us to calculate body-mass-index percentiles (BMIPCT) at specific age and to define long-term weight trajectories from birth to 18 years.ResultsGAmAge was associated with BMIPCT trajectories, defined by 4 groups: stable (consistent OWO: “early OWO”; constant normal weight: “NW”) or non-stable (OWO by year 1 of follow-up: “late OWO”; OWO by year 6 of follow-up: “NW to very late OWO”). GAmAge differentiated between the group with consistently normal BMIPCT pattern and the non-stable groups with late and very late OWO development. Such differentiation was observed in the age periods of birth to 1year, 3years, 6years, 10years, and 14years (p < 0.05 for all). The findings persisted after adjusting for GEAA, maternal smoking, delivery method, and child’s sex in multivariate models. Birth weight was a mediator for the GAmAge effect on OWO status for specific groups at multiple age periods.ConclusionsGAmAge is associated with BMIPCT trajectories from birth to age 18 years, independent of GEAA and birth weight. If further confirmed, GAmAge may serve as an early biomarker for predicting BMI trajectory to inform early risk assessment and prevention of OWO.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03228875).

Bayesian estimates of genetic parameters for growth traits in Harnali sheep.

The objective of the study was to estimate genetic parameters of the growth traits under Bayesian inference in Harnali sheep. The information of pedigree and targeted traits of 2404 Harnali animals born to 159 sires and 695 dams was collected for the period from 1998 to 2021. The growth traits included weight at birth (BWT), 3 (WWT), 6 (6WT) and 12 (YWT) months of age. The genetic evaluation was carried out using six univariate animal models comprising direct and maternal effects using THRGIBBS1F90 and POSTGIBBSF90 programs. The fixed factors adjusted in the analysis were period of birth, sex of lamb and dam's weight at lambing. Bayesian estimates of direct heritability under best model for BWT, WWT, 6WT and YWT traits were 0.16 ± 0.04, 0.10 ± 0.04, 0.18 ± 0.04, and 0.05 ± 0.03, respectively. The significant maternal influences observed for BWT and WWT traits with 9% and 8% contribution to total phenotypic variances, respectively. Additionally, maternal permanent environmental influences were observed to BWT (4%) and YWT trait (3%). The genetic and phenotypic correlations among studied traits were high and positive. The genetic changes were positive and significant for WWT only. It was concluded that the weight at 6 months of age can be continued as selection criterion for further genetic improvement through selection. Also, maternal effects should be considered in breeding programme for enhancing early growth performance in Harnali sheep.

Thyroid cancer incidence in cohorts exposed in childhood to 131I released during the Windscale nuclear reactor accident at Sellafield, England, in 1957

A fire in one of the Windscale nuclear reactors at Sellafield (Cumbria, England) in October 1957 released 1,800 TBq of 131I (half-life, 8 days) to atmosphere. Measurements of 131I activity in thyroids of exposed children showed typical thyroid doses of tens of milligray, but with some exceeding 100 mGy. Radiation exposure in childhood is known to increase the risk of thyroid cancer. Consequently, an investigation was conducted into whether raised numbers of thyroid cancer cases occurred in those exposed to 131I as young children in Cumbria. A database of Cumbrian births from 1950 onwards allowed cohorts of 56,086 births during 1950–1958 and 137,444 births during 1959–1980 to be constructed, periods including children potentially exposed and unexposed, respectively, to 131I. Three areas of Cumbria with different 131I contamination levels were identified from monitoring data, and births assigned to these three areas for the two periods of birth. Members of these six sub-cohorts were linked to incident thyroid cancer cases in Great Britain during 1981–2020 using national cancer registration databases, providing thyroid cancer incidence rates. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs), with the lowest contamination area as a reference, were computed. No IRR differed discernibly from unity. For births during 1950–1958, the IRR for the combined highest and intermediate 131I contamination areas was 0.68 (95% confidence interval: 0.24, 1.56), and no case of thyroid cancer was found in the small cohort born in the highest contamination area. In conclusion, no increased risk of thyroid cancer in those exposed to 131I as young children in Cumbria in 1957 was detected. This study adds to the evidence on the long-term risk of thyroid cancer following childhood exposure to low and moderate levels of 131I, such as occurred following the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011.

Temporal trends of ischemic stroke attributable to high fasting plasma glucose in China from the global burden of disease study 2019.

Currently ischemic stroke poses a serious disease burden globally, and high fasting plasma glucose is one of the important risk factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the disease burden of ischemic stroke due to fasting glucose during 1990-2019 in China, to estimate the effect of age, period, and cohort on the trend of ischemic stroke disease burden, and to predict the disease burden of ischemic stroke in 2020-2030. Ischemic stroke burden data were obtained by screening from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019) database for high-risk populations in China. Annual average percentage change (AAPC) was calculated using the Joinpoint regression model to assess the trend of ischemic stroke burden between 1990 and 2019. Age-period-cohort models were introduced to estimate the independent effects of age, period, and cohort on ischemic stroke burden, and to predict the ischemic stroke burden in 2020-2030 based on Bayesian age-period-cohort models. From 1990 to 2019, the number of ischemic stroke deaths due to high fasting plasma glucose in China continued to increase with an AAPC of 3.61. Trends in age-standardized incidence rates did not show statistical significance. In the age-period-cohort analysis, the age effect of ischemic stroke burden showed a continuously increasing trend over the study period. The period effect showed an overall favorable trend over the study period. The overall and cohort effects for males showed an overall increasing trend, whereas the cohort effect for females showed a decreasing trend after a decreasing trend for the 1945 birth cohort. This study found that ischemic stroke due to high fasting plasma glucose in China has generally fluctuated between 1990 and 2019, with a decreasing trend in recent years, and projections also suggest that it will continue to show a decreasing trend in the future. Age and period of birth were the main elements influencing the burden of disease, especially among the elderly and men. Policies should be used to promote the prevention of known risk factors and to strengthen health management for key populations.

Secular trends in incidence and mortality of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in China, 1990-2019, and predictions to 2030: Outlook for the future burden of disease.

The aim of this study was to analyze the trend of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma incidence and mortality in China from 1990 to 2019, along with assessing the effects of age, period, and cohort, as well as to predict future trends. Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 we calculated the estimated annual percentage changes in the incidence and mortality of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Age-period-cohort analysis was used to assess the independent effects of these elements. Incidence and mortality until 2030 were predicted using a Bayesian age-period-cohort approach. During 1990-2019, there was a significant increase in the age-standardized incidence and mortality rate in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Strong effects of birth cohort and period on non-Hodgkin's lymphoma incidence and mortality were observed. In terms of prediction, future non-Hodgkin's lymphoma incidence and mortality in China will continue to increase, while the mortality rate will decrease; for women, both the rates are projected to rise, but they will remain lower than men. Currently, the non-Hodgkin's lymphoma burden is high in China, and it is expected to continue increasing in the future. Policymakers need to prioritize addressing the factors contributing to sex differences in disease burden, including variations in environmental exposures and lifestyles among men and women.

Women’s Experiences With a Pregnancy Relapse Prevention Plan to Prevent Mental Health Symptom Relapse

ObjectiveTo describe the experiences of women with a mental health diagnosis with making and using a pregnancy relapse prevention plan (PRPP) in an effort to prevent mental health symptom relapse during the period of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. DesignQualitative design with a phenomenological approach. SettingParticipants were recruited from an outpatient clinic within a “psychiatry and pregnancy” mental health institute in the Netherlands. ParticipantsTwelve women with a mental health diagnosis who gave birth. MeasurementsData were collected by individual semistructured interviews supported by a topic list. ResultsFour categories/themes of findings emerged from the data: Making and Advantage of the PRPP, Using the PRPP, Cooperation, and Care After Childbirth. ConclusionMaking and using a PRPP provided pregnant women with overview, predictability, and feelings of tranquility on all aspects related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Participants appreciated the support and recognition the PRPP provided. The signal function of the PRPP for all who were involved (professional and nonprofessional caregivers) was described as an added value. Involvement of women’s partners and caretakers was essential. An evaluation afterward is recommended.

The increasing prevalence of cancer in the elderly: An investigation of epidemiological trends

AbstractCancer poses a significant health threat to the elderly, accounting for a substantial proportion of cancer patients aged 65 and above. As life expectancy continues to rise and the population ages, the incidence of cancer in the elderly is expected to increase further. Age is a major risk factor for the majority of common cancers, with the incidence and prevalence rising as individuals grow older. Factors such as chemoprevention and environmental carcinogen elimination may influence the process of carcinogenesis. Studies reveal that the incidence and mortality rates of various cancers in the elderly and extremely old individuals are on the rise worldwide, with most types peaking around the age of 75 to 90, followed by a sharp decline. Birth cohort and period effects also play a complex role in the connection between aging and cancer risk. Clinical trials often exclude older individuals, limiting our understanding of cancer treatments' effects on this particular age group. More research is needed to focus on the unique requirements of older adults with cancer.

Genetic Analysis of Calf Survivability in Gir Crossbreds

Data of Gir crossbred calves, maintained at Research cum Development Project on Cattle, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, for a period from 2005 to 2019 was collected to study effect of genetic and non-genetic factors on survivability traits of calf. The traits studied were cumulative survivability within 0 to 15 days, 0 to 30 days, 0 to 90 days, 0 to 180 days and 0 to 365 days. The least square means of cumulative survivability per cent of Gir crossbred calves at 0 to 15, 0 to 30, 0 to 90, 0 to 180 and 0 to 365 days were 83.27±2.16, 75.40±2.57, 62.29±2.99, 53.96±3.16 and 52.16±3.17, respectively. The period of birth had significant (P&lt;0.05) effect on cumulative survivability trait at ages viz., D 0-30, D 0-90, D 0- 180 and D 0-365. Parity of dam and season of birth had non-significant effect on cumulative calf survivability traits. Significant (P&lt;0.05) effect of calves’ sex on survivability traits was recorded at 0- 15, 0-30, 0-90, 0-180 and 0-365 days. Birth weight of calf had significant (P&lt;0.01) effect on cumulative calf survivability at 0-15 and 0-30 days after birth. The paternal half sib method was use to estimate heritability for cumulative survivability traits the values were low in magnitude, ranged from 0.06 to 0.113. The genetic correlation between cumulative survivability traits ranges between 0.38 to 0.95. Survivability patterns of calves with different genetic groups in Gir crossbred calves showed non significant effect.

Food and beverage rituals at the period of birth, marriage, and death in Shamanist Turks and its modern reflections

It is known that the Turks have adopted many religions in history. Shamanism is also among the ancient beliefs of the Turks. Shamanism; Tengrism is also known by names such as the religion of the Sky God. This study examines the food and drink habits of Turks who believe in Shamanism during the mythological rituals they perform on the occasions of birth, marriage, and death. It also investigates how food and beverages were consumed during these occasions in Turkish mythology. The study emphasizes the reflections of the eating and drinking rituals in Turkish mythology to the present day. . In this context, a compilation article was made by using the literature review method, one of the qualitative research methods, by making use of secondary data sources. Various Turkic peoples and Turkic tribes were examined by scanning the relevant academic literature, and a conceptual framework was tried to be created. The research shows that Turks often use plant foods (barley, wheat, and oats) grown in their geographical area and horse meat in their rituals because it has an essential function in their lives. In addition, milk has an important place and is often consumed.

Genetic parameters of body weight traits in Mithun (Bos frontalis) using animal model.

Mithun (Bos frontalis), a domestically raised herbivore, holds significant economic importance for the farming community of Northeast India. This study aimed to elucidate the genetic parameters governing Mithun body weight traits across different ages using data from the sole organized semi-intensive Mithun farm in India. Information was gathered from 110 Mithuns born over a period spanning from 2011 to 2022. Body weight taken at week 1(W1), 1-month(M1), 3-months (M3), 6-months (M6), 9-months (M9), 12-months (M12), 30-months (M30) and 45-months (M45) were considered for the study. The genetic parameters estimation employed the BLUPF90 suite of programs, incorporating univariate Gibbs sampler animal model with fixed effects; season and period of birth, and sex of the animal. Variance and covariance components, including direct additive genetic effects, were estimated. Heritability estimates for the eight body weight traits ranged from 0.47 ± 0.0050 to 0.50 ± 0.0043, indicating varying genetic influence across growth stages. Results revealed that Mithun herd has a substantial genetic variability for growth traits and therefore there is ample scope to select for a better growth rate. Here, we conclude that Month 12(M12) and Month 9(M9) body weights exhibit higher heritability, indicating potential for genetic improvement through selective breeding.

Effect of non-genetic factors on reproductive efficiency of Mehsana buffaloes maintained at organized farm

The present investigation included the data pertaining to lactation records of 301 Mehsana buffaloes, spread over a period of 30 years (1991 to 2020), collected from the records maintained at Livestock Research Station, SDAU, Sardarkrushinagar, District Banaskantha, Gujarat; to evaluate the reproduction performance of Mehsana buffaloes. The data pertaining to different performance traits was collected from the records of the farm and analysed to know the effects of non-genetic factors like- period of calving, season of calving, parity and age at first calving group on these performance traits. The LSM of AFC have been observed 1295.54±11.80 days (N=301), but it was significantly (P≤0.01) affected by the period of birth. Similarly, LSM for SP was calculated 145.72±4.98 days (N=1038) and it was significantly (P≤0.01) affected by period of calving, season of calving and parity, but AFC group did not have any effect on this trait. The LSM of DP was estimated as 213.69±9.17 days (N=869), while it was significantly (P≤0.05) affected by period of calving, but effect of season of calving and parity on this trait was highly significant (P≤0.01). Similarly, LSM of CI was observed 451.97±4.97 days (N=1054), which was significantly (P≤0.01) affected by the period of calving, season of calving and parity. Therefore, based on these observations it was concluded that significant effect of non-genetic factors play an important role to improve the reproduction performance of the Mehsana buffalo herd, therefore emphasis must be given on nutrition, management and health cover practices to improve the performance of the indigenous breed on the farm.

Trends in gestational diabetes in Iceland before and after guideline changes in 2012: a nationwide study from 1997 to 2020.

Internationally accepted diagnostic criteria recommendations for gestational diabetes (GDM) in 2010 resulted in a rise in global prevalence of GDM. Our aim was to describe the trends in GDM before and after Icelandic guideline changes in 2012 and the trends in pregestational diabetes (PGDM). The study included all singleton births (N = 101 093) in Iceland during 1997-2020. Modified Poisson regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for risk of GDM overall and by maternal age group, as well as overall risk of PGDM, according to time period of birth. The overall prevalence of GDM by time period of birth ranged from 0.6% (N = 101) in 1997-2000 to 16.2% (N = 2720) in 2017-2020, and the prevalence of PGDM ranged from 0.4% (N = 57) in 1997-2000 to 0.7% (N = 120) in 2017-2020. The overall relative GDM prevalence rate difference before and after 2012 was 380%, and the largest difference was found among women aged <25 years at 473%. Risk of GDM increased in 2017-2020 (PR 14.21, CI 11.45, 17.64) compared to 1997-2000 and was highest among women aged >34 years with PR 19.46 (CI 12.36, 30.63) in 2017-2020. Prevalence rates of GDM and PGDM increased during the study period. An accelerated rate of increase in GDM was found after 2012, overall, and among all maternal age groups. Women aged >34 years had the greatest risk of GDM throughout all time periods, while women aged <25 years appear to have a higher relative rate difference after 2012.