Eighth Month Of Gestation Research Articles

Early lactational performance and serum biochemical profile of crossbred cows supplemented with maize and soy lecithin during late gestation

A feeding experiment of 145 days was carried out in crossbred cows to assess the effect of supplementation of maize and soy lecithin during late gestation on early lactational performance and serum biochemical profile. Fifteen crossbred dairy cows in eighth month of pregnancy were selected from Cattle Breeding Farm, Thumburmuzhy. The animals were divided into three groups (T1, T2 and T3) of five animals each and were fed with concentrate mixture (CP- 20 per cent and TDN- 68 per cent) and green grass (ICAR, 2013) throughout the experimental period of 145 days. The T2 group was supplemented with maize (500 g/day) and T3 was supplemented with soy lecithin (210 g/day) from eighth month of gestation until the date of calving. The experimental diets offered to animals in T2 and T3 were isocaloric. Milk production was higher (P<0.05) in the group supplemented with maize (17.1 kg/d) compared to T1 (15.43 kg) and T3 (15.09 kg), while the milk composition remained similar in all the groups. Dietary treatments had no effect (P>0.05) on the serum biochemical parameters such as serum glucose, cholesterol, total protein, calcium and phosphorous. The study revealed that supplementation of energy in the form of ground maize during late gestation significantly improved the early lactational performance of crossbred cows. Keywords: Energy, maize, soy lecithin, milk production, serum biochemical parameters

Hydrallantois in a graded Murrah buffalo - A case report

A 8 years old graded Murrah buffalo during the eighth month of gestation was presented with the history of sudden, progressive and symmetrical distension of abdomen during the previous 10 to 12 days. The buffalo underwent a medical termination of pregnancy with Inj. Cloprostenol Sodium and Inj. Dexamethasone. At 96 h post-treatment, rupture of fetal membrane resulted in gushing out of more than 100 to 120 litres of amber coloured allantoic fluid from the uterus. A dead female fetus was delivered by gentle traction. The animal was treated with oral ecbolics and parenteral administration of fluids and antibiotics for 5 consecutive days. The buffalo had an uneventful recovery.

Early Appearance of Epicardial Adipose Tissue through Human Development.

Background: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a visceral fat depot with unique anatomic, biomolecular and genetic features. Due to its proximity to the coronary arteries and myocardium, dysfunctional EAT may contribute to the development and progression of cardiovascular and metabolic-related adiposity-based chronic diseases. The aim of this work was to describe, by morphological techniques, the early origin of EAT. Methods: EAT adipogenesis was studied in 41 embryos from 32 gestational days (GD) to 8 gestational weeks (GW) and in 23 fetuses until full term (from 9 to 36 GW). Results: This process comprises five stages. Stage 1 appears as mesenchyme at 33–35 GD. Stage 2 is characterized by angiogenesis at 42–45 GD. Stage 3 covers up to 34 GW with the appearance of small fibers in the extracellular matrix. Stage 4 is visible around the coronary arteries, as multilocular adipocytes in primitive fat lobules, and Stage 5 is present with unilocular adipocytes in the definitive fat lobules. EAT precursor tissue appears as early as the end of the first gestational month in the atrioventricular grooves. Unilocular adipocytes appear at the eighth gestational month. Conclusions: Due to its early origin, plasticity and clinical implications, factors such as maternal health and nutrition might influence EAT early development in consequence.

Prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency anemia in Chinese pregnant women (IRON WOMEN): a national cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThe current evidence about anemia and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) during pregnancy remains elusive in China. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of anemia and IDA and their risk factors in Chinese pregnant women.MethodsA nationwide cross-sectional survey of pregnant women was conducted during their antenatal visits. Using a multi-stage sampling method, 24 hospitals from 16 provinces across China were selected. Structured questionnaires were administered to collect information from participants and to extract clinical data from electronic medical records. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were performed to determine the risk factors associated with anemia and IDA.ResultsIn total, 12,403 pregnant women were enrolled, including 1018 (8.2%) at the first trimester, 3487 (28.1%) at the second, and 7898 (63.7%) at the third. Overall, 19.8% of women were diagnosed with anemia and 13.9% were diagnosed with IDA. The prevalence of anemia and IDA varied among regions and increased by gestational month, peaking at the eighth gestational month (24.0% for anemia and 17.8% for IDA). Pregnant women at advanced stage of gestation, non-local residents, multiple gestations, multiparity, pre-pregnancy underweight, and those experiencing severe nausea or vomiting during pregnancy, were associated with higher risks of anemia and IDA.ConclusionsThe prevalence of anemia and IDA during pregnancy are similar to those from developed countries and vary across regions in China.

Abortion and uterine prolapse in a Thoroughbred mare with twin pregnancy: Clinical and laboratory findings and treatment approach.

ABSTRACTThis report presents a case of uterine prolapse in a Thoroughbred mare. The uterine prolapse occurred after abortion of twins in the eighth month of gestation. The prolapsed uterus was bleeding and congested but not damaged. The placenta was still attached to the endometrium. Blood samples were collected for hematology and for estimation of calcium, progesterone and estrogen. The cervix and clitoris were swabbed for bacteriology. The mare showed a decrease in the number of lymphocytes. The concentrations of estrogen and progesterone seemed normal compared with mares that foaled. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated. The prolapsed uterus was washed with warm normal saline, and the retained placenta was carefully removed. An antibiotic cream was spread on the prolapsed uterus before replacing it. Two-thirds of the upper vulva was transiently sutured. Systemic antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory were administrated for 5 days. After 24 hr, the sutures were removed, and uterine lavage was performed using warmed normal saline for three days. The mare received 20 IU of oxytocin twice a day for three days to aid uterine clearance. A local antibiotic was inserted into the uterus. After treatment, the mare did not show any health disorders. She entered estrus 9 days after abortion and again 10 days later. In conclusion, twin pregnancy in a mare is considered a critical condition that necessitates specific management during early and late pregnancy. Uterine prolapse is an emergency that should be treated in a skilled manner to protect the mare and her future fertility. Calcium deficiency might predispose mares to uterine prolapse.

Effect of Environmental Factors on Low Weight in Non-Premature Births: A Time Series Analysis.

ObjectiveExposure to pollutants during pregnancy has been related to adverse birth outcomes. LBW can give rise to lifelong impairments. Prematurity is the leading cause of LBW, yet few studies have attempted to analyse how environmental factors can influence LBW in infants who are not premature. This study therefore sought to analyse the influence of air pollution, noise levels and temperature on LBW in non-premature births in Madrid during the period 2001–2009.MethodsEcological time-series study to assess the impact of PM2.5, NO2 and O3 concentrations, noise levels, and temperatures on LBW among non-premature infants across the period 2001–2009. Our analysis extended to infants having birth weights of 1,500 g to 2,500 g (VLBW) and less than 1,500 g (ELBW). Environmental variables were lagged until 37 weeks with respect to the date of birth, and cross-correlation functions were used to identify explaining lags. Results were quantified using Poisson regression models.ResultsAcross the study period 298,705 births were registered in Madrid, 3,290 of which had LBW; of this latter total, 1,492 were non-premature. PM2.5 was the only pollutant to show an association with the three variables of LBW in non-premature births. This association occurred at around the third month of gestation for LBW and VLBW (LBW: lag 23 and VLBW: lag 25), and at around the eighth month of gestation for ELBW (lag 6). Leqd was linked to LBW at lag zero. The RR of PM2.5 on LBW was 1.01 (1.00 1.03). The RR of Leqd on LBW was 1.09 (0.99 1.19)(p<0.1).ConclusionsThe results obtained indicate that PM2.5 had influence on LBW. The adoption of measures aimed at reducing the number of vehicles would serve to lower pregnant women's exposure. In the case of noise should be limited the exposure to high levels during the final weeks of pregnancy.

Leptin and paraoxonase activity in cord blood from obese mothers

Objective: Obesity and/or psychopathological disorders of parents represent risk factors for childhood obesity. The aim of the study was to investigate the link between obesity in pregnancy and oxidative stress.Methods: Venous blood was collected from 37 women at the eighth month of gestation (19 obese and 28 normal weight). Cord blood was obtained at birth from newborns of obese mothers and controls. Cord blood and maternal blood was used to separate plasma to be used for the evaluation of leptin, oxidized LDL and paraoxonase (PON1) activity.Results: Higher levels of leptin were observed both in maternal blood and cord blood of children of obese women compared to normal-weight women. The data also showed lower levels of PON1 activity in plasma of obese women and in the cord blood of their children. Furthermore, a positive correlation was established between levels of PON1 activity in maternal blood and cord blood, suggesting a relationship between PON1 in maternal plasma and fetal cord blood.Conclusions: Essential obesity in pregnancy is associated with hyperleptinemia. PON1 exerts an antioxidant role; therefore, our results demonstrated that obesity exposes to an increased susceptibility to oxidative damage in both mothers and newborns.

Serum trace mineral variations in Nili-Ravi buffaloes suffering with prepartum vaginal prolapse in two different agro-ecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan

The present study was conducted during 2005 and 2006 on 200 Nili-Ravi buffaloes kept in two agroecological zones (irrigated [zone 1] and rain-fed [zone-2]) of Punjab, Pakistan, with the objective to determine the level of trace minerals (Cu, Fe, Zn, Se) in serum of the buffaloes suffering from vaginal prolapse and to compare them with their healthy counterparts. In each zone 50 buffaloes suffering from prepartum vaginal prolapse during their seventh month of gestation were identified through survey. Vaginal prolapse-affected buffaloes belonging to zone 1 were identified as group VPB1 (N = 50), whereas buffaloes belonging to zone 2 were recognized as VPB2 (N = 50). The buffaloes of control group in zone 1 and zone 2 were identified as NCB1 and NCB2, respectively. The blood samples in all four groups of buffaloes were collected three times, i.e., first when these animals were in the eighth month of gestation, second during the eighth to ninth month of gestation, and finally when these animals were in the ninth or later month of gestation. The mean serum copper concentrations in buffaloes of group VPB1 were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in comparison with NCB1 and NCB2, whereas there were nonsignificant differences (P > 0.05) in copper concentrations between VPB1 and VPB2. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) of iron concentration in VPB1 compared with NCB1 and NCB2. Similarly, VPB2 also had significantly lower (P < 0.05) iron concentrations compared with NCB1 and NCB2. Serum zinc concentrations were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in animals of the VPB1 group when compared with NCB1 and NCB2. Similarly, lower zinc concentrations were observed in VPB2 in comparison with NCB1 and NCB2. There was significantly lower (P < 0.05) zinc concentration in affected buffaloes (VPB1 and VPB2) from the ninth month of gestation to term when compared with those in the eighth to ninth mo of gestation, and with those not yet in the eighth month of gestation. Serum selenium concentration were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in control group buffaloes (NCB1 and NCB2) in comparison with vaginal prolapse-affected buffaloes (VPB1 and VPB2). During different stages of gestation, mean serum selenium concentrations varied nonsignificantly (P > 0.05) within each group of buffalo. Based on information obtained from this study, it was concluded that the low serum concentration of copper and selenium are linked to increased incidence of vaginal prolapse in buffaloes during the last trimester of gestation.

Endocrine changes during pregnancy, parturition and post-partum in guanacos ( Lama guanicoe)

Plasma concentrations of progesterone (P4), estradiol-17β (E2), estrone (E1) and estrone sulfate (E1S) were measured during gestation in eight guanacos kept in captivity. Gestational length was 346.1 ± 9.8 days. P4 plasma concentrations increased after ovulation and remained elevated until parturition. However, during the last 4 weeks of gestation, a gradual decrease from 4.17 × 1.17 ±1 nmol/L to 2.02 × 1.95 ±1 nmol/L on day 5 before parturition was observed, followed by a more abrupt final decline to baseline concentrations which were reached on the day after parturition. Mean E2 plasma concentrations started to increase during the eighth month of gestation, and were significantly elevated up to maximum concentrations of 484.7 × 1.21 ±1 pmol/L during the last 2 months of pregnancy. Concentrations returned to baseline during the last 2 days of gestation. An increase of E1S concentrations ( p < 0.01) was observed in the eleventh month of gestation. Mean E1S concentrations remained rather constant during the last 3 weeks of gestation between 4 to 8 nmol/L until parturition, when a steep precipitous decline was observed. E1 concentrations were slightly elevated during the last 4 weeks of gestation, however, maximum concentrations did not exceed 1.5 nmol/L. The results show distinct species specific features of gestational steroid hormone profiles in the guanaco in comparison to domestic South American camelids, such as a more pronounced gradual prepartal decrease of P4 concentrations prior to the final decline to baseline, and clearly lesser E1S concentrations during the last 4 weeks of gestation, which lack a continuous prepartal increase.

Compound Heterozygous Mutations in the Thyroglobulin Gene (1143delC and 6725G→A [R2223H]) Resulting in Fetal Goitrous Hypothyroidism

In a 22-yr-old healthy woman, a fetal goiter was diagnosed coincidentally by ultrasound during the sixth month of gestation, and hypothyroidism was affirmed by a high TSH (336 mU/liter) concentration after cordocentesis. A second ultrasound examination at 27 wk gestation showed further enlargement of the goiter (34/21 mm). Two intraamniotic injections of 200 microg levothyroxine were performed during the seventh month of pregnancy. Ultrasound studies revealed a fetal goiter size of 30/18 mm during the eighth month of gestation. The woman delivered at term a female infant with an Apgar score of 10 at 1 and 5 min. Cord blood analysis indicated elevated TSH (284 mU/liter) and low free T(4) (5.5 pmol/liter) levels. The serum thyroglobulin (Tg) concentration was low (0.8 ng/ml), whereas ultrasound of the neonate indicated an enlarged thyroid gland (32/15/14 mm). During the second pregnancy, ultrasound examination revealed a goiter, and fetal hypothyroidism was also confirmed after umbilical vein blood sampling (TSH, 472 mU/liter). After two intraamniotic injections of 500 microg levothyroxine, the woman delivered a male infant at 37 wk of pregnancy. In cord blood the serum TSH concentration was 39 mU/liter, and the serum Tg level was low (0.7 ng/ml). The parents were nonconsanguineous. After birth of the two affected siblings, genomic DNA sequencing identified the presence of compound heterozygous mutations of the Tg gene: the paternal mutation consists of a cytosine deletion at nucleotide 1143 in exon 9 (1143delC), resulting in a frameshift that generates a stop codon at position 382, and the maternal mutation is a guanine to adenine substitution at position 6725 in exon 38, creating the R2223H missense mutation in the acetylcholinesterase homology domain of Tg. In conclusion, we report two siblings with congenital goiter and hypothyroidism caused by compound heterozygous mutations of the Tg gene.

Interferon-γ and Interleukin-4 mRNA expression by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from pregnant and non-pregnant cattle seropositive for bovine viral diarrhea virus

The acceptance of the fetal allograft by pregnant women and mice seems to be associated with a shift from a Th 1 dominated to a Th 2 dominated immune response to certain infectious agents. The goal of this study was to examine cytokine expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from cattle immune to bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) to determine whether pregnancy also has an influence on the type of immune response in this species. Forty-six heifers and cows between 14 months and 13 years of age were included in this study. Twenty-four were seropositive and 22 seronegative for BVDV. Eleven of the seropositive animals and 11 of the seronegative animals were in the eighth month of gestation, the remaining animals were virgin heifers. PBMC from these animals were analyzed for Interferon (IFN)-γ and Interleukin (IL)-4 mRNA expression by real-time RT-PCR after stimulation with a non-cytopathic strain of BVDV. Additionally, an ELISA was performed to measure IFN-γ in the supernatants of stimulated cell cultures. In BVDV seropositive animals, IFN-γ mRNA levels were significantly higher than in BVDV seronegative animals and there was a significant positive correlation between the changes in IFN-γ and IL-4 mRNA expression. There was, however, no significant difference in IFN-γ and IL-4 mRNA levels between pregnant and non-pregnant animals. These results are inconsistent with BVDV inducing a Th1 or Th2 biased immune response. Furthermore, a shift in the cytokine pattern during bovine pregnancy was not evident.

Three-dimensional development of bovine reticular cell (Cellula reticuli).

This paper describes the three-dimensional construction of the reticular cell, cellula reticuli, in bovine reticulum and its ontogenetic development. Reticular cells of fetal suckling calf and adult tissues were investigated both at the surface of intact mucosa and macerated samples using scanning electron microscopy. At the third month of gestation, the formation of the reticular cells on the mucosal surface started from the center of the cell and just above the reticular crest. The reticular crests were observed on the surface of the macerated sample at an earlier period of gestation (third month). In the eighth month of gestation, primary, secondary and tertiary reticular crests and papillae could be observed from the mucosal surface. Macerated samples showed that those structures were already formed completely under the epithelium by the first half of the seventh month of gestation. It is suggested that the development of the reticular papillae starts from the lower to the upper parts of the reticular cell.

わが国の戦後の婚姻，離婚，嫡出・非嫡出別出生，嫡出・非嫡出別死産の動向に関する一考察

The purpose of this study is to re-evaluate population dynamics, especially marriage, divorce, and live birth and stillbirth by legitimacy, in Japan for the period after World War II, between 1947 and 1994 in particular, following our previous report on the similarly designed analyses for the period before World War II. Marriage rate between 1947 and 1949 was estimated at around 70 to 80 per 1, 000 unmarried women over age 15. In 1950's, the rate suddenly dropped, and then gradually increased until early 1970's. Form mid-1970's to late 1980's the rate constantly decreased and recently it has reached around 35. Estimated divorce rate showed a clear decrease from about five to three per 1, 000 married women from 1947 to 1963. Then, it raised again to around six in 1994. Estimated illegitimate birth rate showed a clear decrease from around nine to less than one per 1, 000 unmarried women over age 15 in the study period. Ratio of illegitimate births to all births once clearly decreased until mid-1960's and then turned to increase. Sex ratio of illegitimate births was smaller than that of legitimate births in the bulk of the study period. It was considered that the trends of marriage, divorce and birth by legitimacy were affected by Japanese old marriage registration custom. Estimated illegitimate stillbirth rate (after the eighth month of gestation) was much higher than legitimate stillbirth rate over the observation period . The former increased from 1951 to about 1960 and then turned to decrease whereas the latter was almost constant until about 1960 and then turned to decrease. It was suspected that these trends of stillbirth rates in 1950's were partly caused by some deaths of infants being registered as stillbirth.

Tubular Krukenberg tumor in pregnancy with virilization

A case of tubular Krukenberg tumor in pregnancy with virilization is presented. The pathology is reviewed. This rare tumor must be distinguished from a Sertoli-Leydig tumor. The index case adds to the previously recorded eight cases. All nine cases reviewed presented with progressive virilization between the third and eighth month of gestation, which regressed after surgery. The fetal outcomes of seven cases have been recorded. The fetuses were all female and of these five were virilized. A gastric primary was found in five cases. A primary breast carcinoma was postulated in another. In the remaining cases either no autopsy was performed or no primary tumor was found.

Conversion of steroids in bovine blood in vitro

Blood samples collected from eight Braunvieh cows between the sixth and eighth month of gestation were allowed to stand with and without anticoagulant at 20°C and 0°C for different time periods. In these samples the degree of in vitro conversion of gestagens, androgens and estrogens was investigated. The concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. After 24 h at 20°C, the levels of pregnenolone, progesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone and estrone decreased to 62, 29, 25, 10, 34 and 44%, respectively, of the initial value and those of 17α, 20β-dihydroxyprogesterone, epitestosterone and estradiol-17α increased to 385, 800 and 852%, respectively. The conversion was slower in clotted blood. The concentrations of testosterone and estradiol-17β were consistent over the 24 h period. There was no marked decrease of the steroid concentration after 24 h of incubation of whole blood at 0°C and of plasma at 20°C. After the addition of 3H-steroids, conversion could be demonstrated by thin-layer chromatography and autoradiography. These results demonstrate that all investigated hormones except testosterone and estradiol-17β were metabolized by bovine blood cells.

Acute glomerulonephritis during the third trimester of pregnancy

We report a very rare case of acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) occurring in the eighth gestational month. The pregnancy succeeded despite initially severe nephrotic syndrome, and after delivery there was a complete recovery to normal renal function. Fetal prognosis was also good. The diagnosis of PSGN was made based on serological examinations and postpartum renal biopsy. Light and electron microscopic findings showed that the glomerular lesions were different from those of typical pre-eclampsia.

Serum total and HDL cholesterols according to reproductive status in Japanese females

In order to observe variations according to reproductive status, serum total cholesterol (TC) and HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) were investigated in 153 pregnant, in 153 age-adjusted non-pregnant females, in 787 females aged 45–54 years living in a northern suburb of Tokyo, and in 150 12-year-old girls from a private junior high school in a southern suburb of Tokyo. Non-menstruating (non-menarcheal, postmenopausal) females had significantly higher TC and significantly lower HDL-C/TC than menstruating (menarcheal, premenopausal) females did in both the age groups of 12 and 45–54 years, although no significant difference of HDL-C was found between them. The menstruating females tended to be more overweight in Quetelet's index and had thicker skinfolds. Pregnant females at the eighth month of gestation revealed a significantly high value of both TC and HDL-C vs age-adjusted non-pregnant females, while at the fourth month of gestation only HDL-C was high.

Fine structure of developing gastric parietal cells in the bovine abomasum

Developmental changes in the fine structure of gastric parietal cells were studied in bovine fetuses and neonates. Definitive parietal cells first appeared as non-granular light cells at five months of fetal age (in a 48 cm long fetus). At this age they had a microvillous apical surface and cytoplasmic vesicles which accumulated at the apex. Intracellular canaliculi appeared with an increase in mitochondria at six to seven months of fetal age. Fully differentiated parietal cells were present from the eighth month of gestation. At birth they were similar in appearance to those of the adult abomasum.

Virilization during pregnancy: Case report and review of literature

A twenty-one year old woman who became markedly virilized during the eighth month of gestation is described. The virilizing syndrome was due to a mucinous cystadenoma of the ovary which contained stromal Leydig cells. A marked difference in plasma testosterone concentration between simultaneously obtained tumor-ovarian venous and peripheral venous plasma samples at surgery was demonstrated, indicating testosterone secretion by the neoplasm. Virilization regressed completely by the fifth postoperative month. The literature on virilization during pregnancy is reviewed. Evidence is presented which suggests that some ovarian tumors may modify the functional state of the stromal compartment, particularly under the gonadotropin stimulus of pregnancy, resulting in an over-production of androgenic steroids.

Rh Factors and Pregnancy

To the Editor:— The father is A Rh-positive. The mother is O Rh-negative, healthy, in her mid-20's, has had one previous, uncomplicated pregnancy, of which the child, now 2 years old, is healthy. There have been no previous blood transfusions, miscarriages, etc. The present (second) pregnancy, now in the eighth month of gestation, has been uncomplicated. Rh antibody titer, first reading, now is 1:4. Should this pregnancy be allowed to go to full term and exchange transfusions instituted for the baby then, if necessary, or is an early vaginal delivery indicated, possibly with exchange transfusions? Is there not a greater danger of kernicterus and mental deficiencies in an early delivery, despite exchange transfusions, since the liver of a premature baby cannot handle bilirubin well? Is it better to risk a full-term gestation (with a very slim chance of a stillbirth) than to risk the early delivery of a premature baby,