Time Of Birth Research Articles

Effects of extrinsic and intrinsic factors on parturition and reproductive output in wolverines

AbstractOne of the selective advantages of delayed implantation in carnivores is the flexibility to decouple the time between mating and parturition, allowing both to occur when conditions are most favorable. Terrestrial carnivores with delayed implantation have evolved reduced maternal energy expenditure through shorter gestation length, smaller neonates, and smaller litters, with a possible linkage between maternal body condition and time of birth or litter size. Using data on wolverine (Gulo gulo) females and cubs from management removals covering the entire latitudinal gradient of the Scandinavian population in 2001‐2022, I assessed the effect of extrinsic and intrinsic factors on variation in parturition date and litter size. Timing of parturition varied over 2 months, where 90% of the litters were born between 5 February and 11 March, with a birth peak on 23 February. Females living in winter grazing pastures of semi‐domestic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) gave birth earlier than those outside, and along an elevation gradient parturition date was delayed at higher altitudes. I did not find evidence of an effect of latitude on parturition date. Furthermore, older females had greater odds than younger females of having litters with 3 cubs rather than 1 cub. To minimize the risk of harvesting lactating females, management regulations should implement harvest seasons that extend no longer than the end of January.

Comparing cohort and period trends of early-onset colorectal cancer: a global analysis.

Incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) has increased globally in recent decades. We examined early-onset CRC incidence trends worldwide for potential cohort effects, defined as changes associated with time of birth (eg, early-life exposure to carcinogens), and period effects, defined as changes associated with calendar periods (eg, screening programs). We obtained long-term incidence data for early-onset CRC diagnosed in patients aged 20 to 49 years through the year 2012 for 35 countries in the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents database. We used a smoothing method to help compare cohort and period trends of early-onset CRC and used an age-period-cohort model to estimate cohort and period effects. Cohort effects had a more dominant role than period effects in the early-onset CRC incidence in Shanghai (China), the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, and Osaka (Japan). The smoothed trends show the specific birth cohorts when early-onset CRC began to increase: the 1940s-1950s birth cohorts in the United States; the 1950s-1960s birth cohorts in other Western countries; the 1960s birth cohorts in Osaka; and the 1970s-1980s birth cohorts in Shanghai. Such increases occurred earlier for early-onset cancers of the rectum than of the colon. For the other countries, the results were less clear. Recent birth cohorts may have been exposed to risk factors different from earlier cohorts, contributing to increased early-onset CRC incidence in several developed countries or regions in the West and Asia. Such increases began in earlier birth cohorts in Western countries than in developed regions of Asia.

Inconsistent reproductive cycles and postnatal growth between captive and wild Chinese pangolins and its conservation implications

Captive breeding and reintroduction are crucial to the conservation of endangered species and restoring their populations in the wild. Previous research has primarily focused on behavioral changes and adaptations in captive-bred animals prior to release; few studies have examined changes in reproductive traits and postnatal development in captivity. The Chinese pangolin, Manis pentadactyla, is Critically Endangered because its population has substantially declined in the wild due to poaching for sale in the traditional medicine and luxury food markets. Nevertheless, success in captive breeding in Taiwan may provide a pathway to the recovery of wild populations. This study combined records on captive individuals and field observations on wild Chinese pangolins over a period from 1997 to 2023 to determine (i) mating season, (ii) birth timing, (iii) body mass and total length of newborns, and (iv) postnatal growth patterns prior to weaning. The present study suggests that mating and birth timings for captive Chinese pangolins are not seasonal, as they are in the wild. Captive-born infants are significantly longer and heavier at birth than wild-born infants. Remarkably, captive-born pangolins also experience more rapid weight gain, nearly doubling in size compared with their wild counterparts by 25 weeks of age, even before they are weaned. This rapid growth is likely attributable to the high nutritional content of captive diets. This study suggests artificial feed formulas should be aligned more closely with wild pangolins’ diets to reduce the risk of obesity. Additionally, reproductive parameters and postnatal growth rates in Chinese pangolins cannot be based on observations of captive individuals alone; wild populations must also be considered. We conclude that Chinese pangolins exhibit physiological flexibility in reproduction and growth in response to environmental changes, providing insights for captive pangolin management and reintroduction programs.

É Astrologia MA non É Astrologo: John Aubrey's Brief Lives and Astrology

This article explores John Aubrey's (1627–1697) extensive use of astrology in his biographical collection Brief Lives (1680–1681), which has been widely celebrated for its vivid portrayal of seventeenth-century English culture and society. Aubrey's life writing was not only informed by his antiquarian pursuits, the vibrant coffee house culture of his time and his lively scientific community, but also by the practice of astrology. Through Aubrey's horoscope collection, Collectio geniturarum (1674–1690), and his correspondence with a wide astrological network, this article traces his deep engagement with the practice. In squarely focusing on these two sources, I argue that Aubrey greatly relied on astrological methods to inform his life writing. In making his collection of horoscopes, Aubrey drew on a long tradition of astrological data gathering. Aubrey's careful collation and calculation of data to verify birth times, identify major life events and determine ‘ingenious’ traits also contributed to a wider effort to reform astrology considering the nascent experimental philosophy. By examining Aubrey's multifaceted astrological writings, this article clarifies one of Aubrey's key techniques used in his early sketches of Brief Lives . More broadly, it further complicates the historical narrative that astrology was largely marginalized in late seventeenth-century English intellectual and scientific communities.

Prevalence of bradycardia in 4876 newborns in the first minute after birth and association with positive pressure ventilation: a population-based cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of bradycardia in the first minute after birth and association with positive pressure ventilation (PPV).MethodA population-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2019 to December 2021...

Perbedaan Efektivitas Pemberian Putih Telur Dan Ikan Gabus Terhadap Penyembuhan Luka Perineum Ibu Nifas

Introduction: Perineal rupture is an injury to the birth canal that occurs at the time of the baby's birth either using a tool or not using a tool. Wounds on the perineum due to tears or lacerations are areas that are not easy to keep clean and dry. Wound healing processes that are not handled properly can lead to imperfect wound healing. This can cause bleeding not to stop properly or cause infection which can eventually cause death to the mother. Methods: Quasy-experimental two groups pre-test-post-test research design. The population in this study were all post-partum women who experienced perineal injuries at the Cempaka Medical Center Maternity Clinic in April 2023 as many as 30 people (15 people treated with egg whites and 15 treated for snakehead fish), using a total sampling technique, namely the sampling method to distinguish certain. The research material uses observation sheets and stationery while the instrument used is a questionnaire sheet. Results: The data analysis using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test obtained a value of Z = -3,669 value: 0,000 where < 0,05 means H0 is rejected and H1 is accepted. In post-partum women with perineal wounds before being given egg white and snakehead fish, all respondents (100%) had bad perineal wounds. After giving egg whites it was not good (20,0%); moderate (30,0%); good (0%); and giving snakehead fish was not good (3,3%); moderate (13.3%); good (33,3%). Discussion: Giving egg whites and fish cork can heal perineal wounds. It is hoped that health workers can be used as additional KIE which is of great concern so that post-partum mothers can consume egg whites and fish cork to accelerate perineal wound healing.

The acceptability of group B streptococcal bacteria (GBS) testing to women, including self-swabbing procedures: A qualitative study

BackgroundGroup B streptococcus (GBS) is a bacterium carried by 20–25 % of pregnant women in the UK, which can be transmitted from pregnant women to their babies at the time of birth. Women can be tested for GBS in pregnancy using a vaginal-rectal swab, however, this testing is currently not routinely offered in the UK. A large clinical trial is underway to determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of routine testing (ISRCTN reference number ISRCTN49639731). A crucial part of understanding whether this type of test should be implemented is women's views on the acceptability of being offered GBS tests, their preferences towards testing procedures and their willingness to receive these tests. AimTo explore women's views on the acceptability of different methods of Group B streptococcal bacteria (GBS) testing in pregnancy, including self-swabbing procedures. MethodsA convenience sample of 19 women (5 pregnant and 14 postpartum) were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using systematic thematic analysis. ResultsFindings show that many of the women interviewed were not concerned about being offered a GBS test, were willing to provide a sample and felt positive towards samples being taken to detect GBS. Women varied in their preferences on the best time for sampling. Some thought being approached during pregnancy gave them time to understand the purpose of testing, prepare for what may happen next and ask questions about potential treatment if needed. Others thought labour was a good time to provide accurate results on GBS carriage at birth and reduce unnecessary worry during pregnancy. However, women were concerned that they may be unable to make an informed decision in labour due to time, pain and the prospect of birthing quickly. Women perceived clinician swabbing as more accurate than self-sampling; however, many thought clinician swabbing might be embarrassing so self-swabs should be available to increase uptake for some women. ConclusionsOverall, women thought both pregnancy and labour were acceptable times to test for GBS. The majority found both clinician and self-swabbing procedures acceptable; however, many had a preferred swabbing option and thought women should be given the choice of the swabbing procedure most acceptable to them. It is important that women are given information about GBS testing and its procedures in pregnancy regardless of when the GBS swabbing is performed.

Association Between Age at First Birth and Long-Term Dental Caries Experience Among Women in the United States.

Background: Pregnant women are at a higher risk of caries compared to nonpregnant women, and higher parity is a risk factor for untreated caries and tooth loss. However, it is unknown whether the timing of birth is associated with dental caries experience over time. Materials and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2011-2018. The study population included nonpregnant women 20 years of age or older, who had available data on the oral health examination and age at first birth (AFB). Dental caries experience was defined as the DMFT score (sum of the number of decayed, missing due to caries, and filled permanent teeth). The associations between AFB and DMFT scores were assessed using Poisson regression to compute incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and the associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: This study included 6,553 women (mean age 53.4 years, SD 15.7). The mean DMFT index score was 13.1 ± 7.4, with younger AFB groups generally having higher mean scores. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, time since last dental visit, and reproductive health factors, women with an AFB of <18 years (IRR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01-1.21) or 18-20 years (IRR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01-1.21) had significantly higher DMFT index scores compared to those with an AFB of 30-32 years. Conclusions: This study suggests that younger maternal AFB may be associated with greater dental caries experience. More rigorous studies are necessary to determine how to improve oral health outcomes during pregnancy and postpartum.

Delivery room and early postnatal management of neonates with congenital heart disease.

Advancements in prenatal detection have improved postnatal outcomes for patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Detailed diagnosis during pregnancy allows for preparation for the delivery and immediate postnatal care for the newborns with CHD. Most CHDs do not result in hemodynamic instability at the time of birth and can be stabilized following the guidelines of the neonatal resuscitation program (NRP). Critical CHD that requires intervention immediately after birth is recommended to be delivered in facilities where immediate neonatal and cardiology care can be provided. Postnatal stabilization and resuscitation for these defects warrant deviation from the standardized NRP. For neonatal providers, knowing the diagnosis of fetal CHD allows for preparation for the anticipated instability in the delivery room. Prenatal detection fosters collaboration between fetal cardiology, cardiology specialists, obstetrics, and neonatology, improving outcomes for neonates with critical CHD.

The laminar position, morphology, and gene expression profiles of cortical astrocytes are influenced by time of birth from ventricular/subventricular progenitors.

Astrocytes that reside in superficial (SL) and deep cortical layers have distinct molecular profiles and morphologies, which may underlie specific functions. Here, we demonstrate that the production of SL and deep layer (DL) astrocyte populations from neural progenitor cells in the mouse is temporally regulated. Lineage tracking following in utero and postnatal electroporation with PiggyBac (PB) EGFP and birth dating with EdU and FlashTag, showed that apical progenitors produce astrocytes during late embryogenesis (E16.5) that are biased to the SL, while postnatally labeled (P0) astrocytes are biased to the DL. In contrast, astrocytes born during the predominantly neurogenic window (E14.5) showed a random distribution in the SL and DL. Of interest, E13.5 astrocytes birth dated at E13.5 with EdU showed a lower layer bias, while FT labeling of apical progenitors showed no bias. Finally, examination of the morphologies of "biased" E16.5- and P0-labeled astrocytes demonstrated that E16.5-labeled astrocytes exhibit different morphologies in different layers, while P0-labeled astrocytes do not. Differences based on time of birth are also observed in the molecular profiles of E16.5 versus P0-labeled astrocytes. Altogether, these results suggest that the morphological, molecular, and positional diversity of cortical astrocytes is related to their time of birth from ventricular/subventricular zone progenitors.

Sex-specific associations of adolescent motherhood with cognitive function, behavioral problems, and autistic-like traits in offspring and the mediating roles of family conflict and altered brain structure

BackgroundPrevious studies have linked adolescent motherhood to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring, yet the sex-specific effect and underlying mechanisms remain unclear.MethodsThis study included 6952 children aged 9–11 from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study. The exposed group consisted of children of mothers < 20 years at the time of birth, while the unexposed group was composed of children of mothers aged 20–35 at birth. We employed a generalized linear mixed model to investigate the associations of adolescent motherhood with cognitive, behavioral, and autistic-like traits in offspring. We applied an inverse-probability-weighted marginal structural model to examine the potential mediating factors including adverse perinatal outcomes, family conflict, and brain structure alterations.ResultsOur results revealed that children of adolescent mothers had significantly lower cognitive scores (β, − 2.11, 95% CI, − 2.90 to − 1.31), increased externalizing problems in male offspring (mean ratio, 1.28, 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.52), and elevated internalizing problems (mean ratio, 1.14, 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.33) and autistic-like traits (mean ratio, 1.22, 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.47) in female. A stressful family environment mediated ~ 70% of the association with internalizing problems in females, ~ 30% with autistic-like traits in females, and ~ 20% with externalizing problems in males. Despite observable brain morphometric changes related to adolescent motherhood, these did not act as mediating factors in our analysis, after adjusting for family environment. No elevated rate of adverse perinatal outcomes was observed in the offspring of adolescent mothers in this study.ConclusionsOur results reveal distinct sex-specific neurodevelopmental outcomes impacts of being born to adolescent mothers, with a substantial mediating effect of family environment on behavioral outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of developing sex-tailored interventions and support the hypothesis that family environment significantly impacts the neurodevelopmental consequences of adolescent motherhood.

Women's experiences with the post-placental intrauterine device: a qualitative study.

To explore women's experiences with postpartum intrauterine device (PPIUD) insertion and the decision-making process in the postpartum period. A qualitative design was employed with face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured script of open questions. The sample was intentionally selected using the concept of theoretical information saturation. Interviews were conducted (1) in the immediate postpartum period, and (2) in the postpartum appointment. 25 women (N = 25) over 18 years old who had a birth followed by PPIUD insertion were interviewed between October 2021 and June 2022. Three categories were constructed: (1) Choice process, (2) Relationship with the health team at the time of birth and the postpartum period, and (3) To know or not to know about contraception, that is the question. Professionals' communication management, popular knowledge, advantages of the PPIUD and the moment PPIUD is offered play a fundamental role in the construction of knowledge about the IUD. Choice process did not end in the insertion.

Rising caesarean section rates and factors affecting women’s decision-making about mode of birth in Indonesia: a longitudinal qualitative study

IntroductionCaesarean section (CS) rates in Indonesia are increasing rapidly. Understanding women’s preferences about mode of birth is important to help contextualise these rising rates and can help develop interventions to...

Baby bump? Birth month, family income, and early childhood development

Federal and state laws in the U.S. provide families with babies born just before the end of the year with thousands of dollars in tax savings. Because this income windfall is realized during the first few months of a newborn’s life, we assess whether babies born in December experience developmental advantages in early childhood compared to those born right after the New Year. Using data from the Child Development Supplement of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and the Children of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, we implement a regression discontinuity design that exploits variation in birth timing. We first illustrate that the tax savings received by families with end of year babies are substantial. We then show that while children born in December have a weight disadvantage at birth compared to those born in January, they have an average weight-gain advantage of between 0.7 and 1.5 pounds (0.08–0.17 standard deviations) during subsequent follow-up interviews. We also find that end-of-year babies reach early developmental milestones faster, but exhibit no advantage in memory, word recognition, or applied problem solving. This end-of-year birth developmental advantage is consistent with the identified tax savings from end-of-year births.

Timing patterns of initial respiratory syncytial virus infection and factors influencing disease severity in hospitalized infants with different health status.

This study aimed to determine the timing patterns of the initial respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and to identify the factors influencing disease severity in infants of varying health status. A retrospective study was conducted at the Affiliated Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from 2012 to 2022. The timing of the first RSV infection was estimated in infants with differing health status using correlation analysis, considering their birth time. Logistic regression was utilized to identify factors influencing severe RSV infection in these infants.RSV detection primarily occurred in the winter and spring. Epidemic season and peak timing of RSV were not significantly affected by health status or the COVID-19 pandemic. A strong positive correlation was observed between the age at RSV infection and the interval from birth to the RSV peak season. Infants born during the RSV epidemic season exhibited a higher likelihood of infection within the first 2 months postbirth. In contrast, those born outside the RSV epidemic season were more susceptible to infection during the subsequent peak. Notably, infants with pre-existing health conditions contracted RSV at an earlier age compared to their healthy counterparts. Among healthy infants, severe RSV infection was associated with sex, age, and timing of infection. For infants with underlying conditions, severe RSV infection was primarily related to age and timing of infection. The initial timing of RSV infection in infants varied depending on their health status. Young age and infection timing during the RSV epidemic season were significant risk factors for severe RSV infection. These findings provide a theoretical basis for optimizing immunization strategies for infants with diverse health conditions.

Long-Run Effects of Incentivizing Work after Childbirth

This paper identifies the impact of increasing post-childbirth work incentives on mothers’ long-run careers. We exploit variation in work incentives across mothers based on the timing of a first birth and eligibility for the 1993 expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit. Ten to nineteen years after a first birth, single mothers who were exposed to the expansion immediately after birth (“early”), rather than 3–6 years later (“late”), have 0.62 more years of work experience and 4.2 percent higher earnings conditional on working. We show that higher earnings are primarily explained by improved wages due to greater work experience. (JEL H24, H31, J16, J22, J31)

Effects of the 2001 draft suspension in Spain on educational attainment

Following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War, multiple European countries abolished compulsive military service to opt for a professional military. These reforms may have positive or negative effects on young men's educational attainment. On one hand, these individuals may have more time to pursue their education without the interruption caused by compulsive military service. On the other, if young men were using their education as a way to delay or prevent compulsive military service, then they may pursue less education in the absence of such an incentive. In this study, we ask how the 2001 reform to abolish compulsive military service in Spain affected educational attainment of young men. Using a difference-in-differences approach along time and gender, we find that there was a significant increase in university education and a significant decrease in secondary education after the reform. Next, we use a triple difference model along time, gender and a binary variable indicating whether both of the young man's parents were low educated in order to analyze the potential heterogenous effects of the reform depending on the education level of an individual. We find that an average young man born after 1982 was 7.6% more likely to obtain university education and 9.7% less likely to obtain secondary education after the reform. Finally, we control for time, year, and province of birth fixed effects to mitigate omitted variable bias. Our results remain similar except that the positive effect of the reform on university education becomes marginally significant.

What does your partner want? Using a gender equality lens to assess partner support and involvement in family planning in Uganda.

It is unclear if there are any differences in the ways men and women perceive partner support in the context of family planning. The USAID-funded Social and Behavior Change Activity (SBCA) in Uganda explored male versus female priorities in the decision-making considerations and preferred measures of partner support related to family planning. Data were from a cross -sectional nationally representative telephone survey of 1177 men and women aged 18-49 years old in sexual partnerships. Key measures included current family planning use (Are you or your partner currently doing anything to prevent or delay becoming pregnant?); family planning decision-making considerations (In your experience, which of the following are the three most important considerations as you make family planning decisions?); and preferred partner support (What level of involvement would you like to see from your partner in your family planning decisions?). Multivariable logistic regressions explored factors associated with decision-making priorities and preferred partner support, adjusting for sociodemographic confounders. Two-thirds (66%) of men and women wanted a high level of involvement from their partner, which was associated with higher odds of using family planning (aOR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.87-3.24). Specific ways partners could be involved included accompanying them to health services (39%), permitting them to get family planning services (26%), and jointly discussing family planning options (23%). Of note, more women wanted their partner to accompany them (45%) than men (33%) while more men (29%) wanted to jointly discuss options than women (15%). Social and behavior change interventions should operationalize partner support differently for men and women. Study findings were used to implement a health campaign that explicitly encouraged partner dialogue and support across the various life stages; empowering women with knowledge and skills to have honest conversations with their partners about birth spacing and timing.

Structural and Functional Effects of C5aR1 Antagonism in a Rat Model of Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

Plain Language SummaryIn this study, we tested a new treatment for a disease in babies called hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). HIE is caused by restricted oxygen and blood flow around the time of birth, and most damage is caused when blood flow is restored. One reason for this is excess inflammation, which happens because a large amount of specific proteins and chemicals are released. Some inflammation is protective, but excessive inflammation injures healthy tissue, and in HIE this contributes to lifelong physical and mental disabilities, even death. The only treatment for HIE is cooling therapy, but even with this treatment many infants still do not survive or live with permanent disability. We mimicked the disease in rats and then gave them a drug that prevents excess inflammation by binding and disabling specific proteins. We measured improvement by comparing physical and mental abilities and brain damage in the treated rats to untreated and normal rats. Overall, the drug improved many but not all skills and parts of the brain harmed by the disease. More testing needs to be done to determine the optimal dose and if there is additional benefit when the drug is combined with cooling therapy. In closing, our results show this treatment warrants further development and could help infants grow up with less hardship and lead better, healthier lives.

State of the Art: Intrapartum Antibiotics in Cesarean Section—The Infant Microbiota and Allergic Diseases

(Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2023;102:811–820) Recent changes in guidelines for administering maternal antibiotics for cesarean deliveries (CD) have increased neonatal exposure to antibiotics. Potential long-term effects of this exposure are relatively unknown; recent evidence in other fields has indicated a long-lasting impact of antibiotic exposure on gut microbiota composition, which raises concerns about the effects of antibiotics on the fragile and new gut microbiota of neonates around the time of birth. This review assessed the current guidelines and applications for CD antibiotics, as well as discussed the importance of neonatal intestinal microbiota and the potential consequences of antibiotic prophylaxis in the development of the neonatal immune system and allergic disease.