Gestation Period Research Articles

Gestantes vivendo com HIV e crianças expostas ao HIV em Santa Catarina, dados epidemiológicos de 2015 a 2021

Vertical transmission is the transmission of an infection or disease from the mother to her fetus in the womb or newborn during childbirth. The main routes of contagion are pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. To prevent transmission, all pregnant women should be investigated and monitored during the gestational period, at the time of delivery and in the puerperium. The follow-up of pregnant women in prenatal care includes the performance of several laboratory tests to identify the presence of infectious agents of vertical transmission, such as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), guiding the treatment of the pregnant woman and avoiding infection of the fetus, also providing guidance on the possibilities of prevention. Considering the high number of HIV cases in the state of Santa Catarina, especially in the Alto Vale Itajaí region, the present study aims to present the epidemiological profile of HIV/AIDS indicators of the population of the state of Santa Catarina, specifically pregnant women and children exposed to HIV, in the period from 2015 to 2021. It is an epidemiological, retrospective, descriptive and analytical study of a historical series, also presenting information on the factors involved in vertical transmission of HIV and prevention strategies. The parameters evaluated in this study, collected from the Epidemiological Indicators Panel of the Department of Chronic Conditions Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Infections, were: number of children exposed to HIV, age of children exposed to HIV, number of HIV-infected pregnant women (GVHIV) and monitoring of these in relation to HIV viral load (CV) and CD4+ T lymphocyte count (CD4+) at the beginning of antiretroviral therapy. Although the systematization of the number of pregnant women with HIV and children exposed to the virus in the state of Santa Catarina shows annual differences in the period evaluated, the trend line referring to the number of GVHIV shows a small increase over the years, while the trend line for the number of children exposed to the virus reveals a slight decrease, which can be elucidated by the expansion of the health team and the improvement in surveillance in the prevention of vertical transmission of HIV that has occurred over the years. The percentage of pregnant women with HIV VC lower than 50 copies/mL showed a gradual increase in the years evaluated, while the percentage with VC greater than 50 copies/mL showed a decrease. During the period evaluated in this study, less than 50% of the GVHIV had a CD4+ count and, among these, approximately 20% had CD4+ less than 350 cells/mm³ at the beginning of antiretroviral therapy. Failure to perform CD4+ counts may be related to an increase in the number of pregnant women with a VC of less than 50 copies/mL. Thus, CD4+ counts would be performed primarily in pregnant women with VC greater than 50 copies/mL and part of them with greater depletion of this cell type. In summary, this study shows the evolution of the treatment and follow-up offered to GVHIV and, consequently, to their children. It also reinforces the importance of prevention, diagnosis, treatment and prenatal follow-up strategies.

Productive and metabolomic consequences of arginine supplementation in sows during different gestation periods in two different seasons

BackgroundThe prolificacy of sows (litter size at birth) has markedly increased, leading to higher post-natal mortality. Heat stress can exacerbate this issue. Arginine plays an important role in several physiological pathways; its effect on gestating sows can depend on the period of supplementation. This study evaluated the effects of arginine supplementation on the productive performance and physiological status of sows during different gestation periods and seasons, using a multi-omics approach.MethodsA total of 320 sows were divided into 4 groups over 2 seasons (warm/cold); a control group (CO) received a standard diet (including 16.5 g/d of arginine) and 3 other groups received the standard diet supplemented with 21.8 g/d of arginine (38.3 g/d of arginine) either during the first 35 d (Early35), the last 45 d (Late45) or throughout the entire gestation period (COM). The colostrum was analyzed for nutritional composition, immunoglobulins and metabolomic profile. Urine and feces were analyzed on d 35 and 106 for the metabolomic and microbial profiles. Piglet body weight and mortality were recorded at birth, d 6, d 26, and on d 14 post-weaning.ResultsInteractions between arginine and season were never significant. The Early35 group had a lower percentage of stillborn (P < 0.001), mummified (P = 0.002) and low birthweight (LBW) piglets (P = 0.02) than the CO group. The Late45 group had a lower percentage of stillborn piglets (P = 0.029) and a higher percentage of high birthweight piglets (HBW; P < 0.001) than the CO group. The COM group had a higher percentage of LBW (P = 0.004) and crushed piglets (P < 0.001) than the CO group. Arginine supplementation modifies the metabolome characterization of colostrum, urine, and feces. Creatine and nitric oxide pathways, as well as metabolites related to microbial activity, were influenced in all matrices. A slight trend in the beta diversity index was observed in the microbiome profile on d 35 (P = 0.064).ConclusionsArginine supplementation during early gestation reduced the percentage of stillborn and LBW piglets, while in the last third of pregnancy, it favored the percentage of HBW pigs and reduced the percentage of stillbirths, showing that arginine plays a significant role in the physiology of pregnant sows.

Evaluation of Maternal Ischemia-Modified Albumin Levels during Pregnancy and Their Effect on Fetal Birth Weight.

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of maternal ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels on pregnancy-related complications, fetal growth, and development over time. Materials and Methods: The prospective longitudinal and single-center study included 43 pregnant women ages 18 to 43. Routine pregnancy follow-up began at the first antenatal examination for all pregnant women before 14 weeks gestation, with IMA levels measured during the first, second, and third trimesters. The albumin cobalt binding test was used to determine the amount of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA). The patients' medical, sociodemographic, and nutritional data were analyzed. The primary outcome was to investigate how changes in maternal ischemia affected albumin levels during pregnancy and the relationship between these changes and newborn weight. Results: This study included 43 cases with a mean age of 28.5 ± 5.2 years and a mean gestation period of 39.2 ± 1.3 weeks. The mean IMA levels for cases in the first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester were 0.53 ± 0.06, 0.64 ± 0.11, and 0.64 ± 0.06, respectively. The second and third trimesters showed significantly higher levels of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) than the first trimester (p < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in IMA levels between the second and third trimesters (p = 1.000; p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant correlation between fetal birth and percentage changes in IMA measurements between the first and second trimesters, the first and third trimesters, or the second and third trimesters (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our study determined that maternal ischemia-modified albumin levels during pregnancy did not correlate with fetal birth weight. Our findings revealed that age, sociodemographic changes, BMI, weight gain, and pregnancy complications had no effect on the change in IMA levels during pregnancy. We believe that this result will serve as a benchmark for future studies on IMA levels during pregnancy.

Stereological study of cerebellar morphology in feline fetuses: Insights from the final gestational stage

This study aimed to conduct a morphoquantitative and stereological evaluation, analyzing the cerebellum of domestic cat fetuses in the latter third of the gestational period. Fetal samples were obtained from a neutering campaign conducted in the municipality of Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil. The procedures and protocols used in this work adhere to the guidelines established by the ethics committee of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science at the University of São Paulo (FMVZ/USP), under the number CEUA 1935251121. The five selected fetuses were fixed in 4 % formaldehyde, and their gestational age was determined by Crown Rump (CR) measurements, followed by an assessment of external characteristics. The cerebella were subjected to the evaluation of morphometric parameters and histological processing using stereology techniques. The obtained means for the cerebellar parameters were as follows: length: 1.0-centimeter, width: 0.54 centimeters, thickness: 0.44 centimeters, and weight: 0.84 g. Using stereology, the following parameters were determined: cerebellar volume, averaging 0.847 cm³; volume density of the cortex: 0.496 or 49 % (molecular layer), 0.0314 or 3.14 % (Purkinje cell layer), 0.232 or 23 % (granular layer), and 0.234 or 23 % (medullary white center). Consequently, the average total volume of the cerebellar cortex is 0.419 cm³ for the molecular layer, 0.026 cm³ for the Purkinje cell layer, 0.196 cm³ for the granular layer, and 0.196 cm³ for the medullary white center. The findings presented here have contributed to an in-depth discussion of the neuro-motor development and cerebellum of domestic cats.

Effects of Interactions between Feeding Patterns and the Gut Microbiota on Pig Reproductive Performance.

The feeding mode is an important factor affecting the reproductive performance of pigs. The composition and expression of the intestinal microbiota are closely related to the physiological and biochemical indicators of animals. Therefore, to explore the impact of different feeding patterns on the reproductive performance of pigs, this study collected reproductive performance data from 1607 Yorkshire pigs raised under different feeding patterns and conducted a fixed-effect variance analysis. Among them, 731 were in the artificial feeding (AM) group and 876 were in the feeding station feeding (SM) group. Additionally, 40 Yorkshire sows in the late gestation period were randomly selected from each feeding mode for intestinal microbiota analysis. The results of the analysis showed that, in the AM group, both the number of birth deformities (NBD) and the number of stillbirths (NSB) were significantly greater than they were in the SM group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the total number born (TNB) in the AM group was significantly lower than that in the SM group (p < 0.05). The results of the intestinal microbiota analysis revealed that at the phylum level, there were significant differences in nine bacterial taxa between the AM and SM groups (p < 0.05). At the genus level, the abundance of a variety of beneficial bacteria related to reproductive performance in the SM group was significantly greater than that in the AM group. Finally, fecal metabolomic analysis revealed that the contents of butyric acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, and isobutyric acid, which are associated with reproductive performance, in the feces of sows in the SM group were significantly higher than those in the AM group (p < 0.05). These results indicate that different feeding methods can affect the gut microbiota composition of Yorkshire pigs and further influence the reproductive performance of pigs through the gut microbiota-metabolic product pathway. The results of this study provide valuable insights for further exploring the relationships between feeding modes, intestinal microbial composition, and host phenotypes.

Prenatal exposure to PM2.5 led to impaired respiratory function in adult mice

BackgroundPM2.5 is a complex mixture, with water-soluble inorganic ions (WSII), mainly NH4+, SO42−, and NO3−, constituting major components. Early-life PM2.5 exposure has been shown to induce adverse health consequence but it is difficult to determine whether such an effect occurs prenatally (preconception, gestational) or postnatally in human studies. MethodsFour groups of C57BL/6 J mice were assigned to four exposure conditions: PM2.5 NO3−, PM2.5 SO42−, PM2.5 NH4+ and clean air, and exposure started at 4 weeks old. At 8 weeks old, mice bred within group. The exposure continued during gestation. After delivery, both the maternal and F1 mice (offspring) were kept in clean air without exposure to PM2.5. Respiratory function and pulmonary pathology were assessed in offspring mice at 8 weeks of age. In parallel, placenta tissue was collected for transcriptome profiling and mechanistic investigation. ResultsF1 mice in PM2.5 NH4+, SO42- and NO3− groups had 32.2 % (p=6.0e-10), 30.3 % (p=3.8e-10) and 16.9 % (p=5.7e-8) lower peak expiratory flow (PEF) than the clean air group. Importantly, the exposure-induced lung function decline was greater in male than female offspring. Moreover, exposure to PM2.5 WSII before conception and during gestation was linked to increased airway wall thickness and elevated pulmonary neutrophil and macrophage counts in the offspring mice. At the molecular level, the exposure significantly disrupted gene expression in the placenta, affecting crucial functional pathways related to sex hormone response and inflammation. ConclusionsPM2.5 WSII exposure during preconception and gestational period alone without post-natal exposure substantially impacted offspring’s respiratory function as measured at adolescent age. Our results support the paradigm of fetal origin of environmentally associated chronic lung disease and highlight sex differences in susceptibility to air pollution exposure.

Pathomorphological Changes of the Placenta in Antenatal Asphyxia of the Fetus Associated with the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Pregnant Women

Сoronavirus disease (COVID 19) in a pregnant woman remains a risk factor for perinatal losses despite the barrier function of the placenta. This prompted us to do some research. Objective — to determine the pathomorphological changes of the placenta and fetus during antenatal asphyxia in the acute period of COVID-19 in a pregnant woman. Materials and methods. We studied placentas and fetuses in case of antenatal asphyxia (n = 16) in the acute period of the COVID-19 in a pregnant woman, confirmed by a positive PCR test (determination of SARS-CoV-2 RNA). The duration of the post-COVID interval (time from the diagnosis of COVID-19 to delivery) was 1—3 weeks. Results and discussion. Intrauterine death of the fetus occurred at different gestational period: from 26 to 38 weeks (median 33). At the same time, the woman fell ill with COVID-19 between 18 and 35 weeks of gestation (median 31). Hemorrhages in the right atrium and auricle of the heart were observed in fetuses — 93.8 % (95 % CI: 75.4—100); dark blood clots in the chambers of the heart; hemorrhages under the periosteum of the bones of the skull, stasis in the veins of the brain — 81.3 % (95 % CI: 57.1—96.7), hemorrhages in the scrotum, spermatic cord — 6.3 % (95 % CI: 0.0—24.6) and kidney hemorrhages — 62.5 % (95 % CI: 36.2—85.4). When examined macroscopically, the placenta was characterized by a flabby or dense consistency; diffuse hemorrhages or local blood clots in numerous cysts; areas of abruption, thrombosis of umbilical cord vessels. Microscopic examination of the placenta revealed chorioamnionitis — 81.3 % (95 % CI: 57.1—96.7 %), intervillositis — 93.8 % (95 % CI: 75.4—100), acute villitis — 56.3 % (95 % CI: 30.2—80.6). Basal deciduitis was detected in all observations in 100 % (95 % CI: 88.8—100). Disorders of blood circulation were found in the placentas: stasis, thrombosis, hemorrhages; and necrosis of the arteriole endothelium — 100 % (95 % CI: 88.8—100 %). Conclusions. COVID-19 in a pregnant woman from 18 to 35 weeks of gestation (median 31) is a risk factor for perinatal losses. No significant differences were found between the severity of the course of COVID-19 in the mother and the morphological changes of the placenta. Pathognomonic changes in the fetus with COVID-19 in the mother in the acute period: «porphyry lung», hemorrhages in the right atrium, under the periosteum of the bones of the skull, spermatic cord, kidneys, blood clots in the chambers of the heart. The cause of antenatal death of the fetus in the acute period of COVID-19 in a pregnant woman is acute placental insufficiency associated with disorder of placental-fetal blood circulation, due to manifestations of the exudative phase of inflammation: placentitis (focal chorioamnionitis, acute villitis, intervilositis, basal deciduitis) and disorder of blood rheology, which was manifested by thrombosis, hemorrhages in the intervillous space, detachment of the placenta.

Influence of a single osteopathic procedure on the regulatory processes of the body of premature infants (pilot study)

Introduction. The number of children born early in gestation and with low body weight and associated health disorders require the search for effective methods of rehabilitation treatment. The development of new effective non-invasive methods of rehabilitation/rehabilitation of premature infants is one of the priority tasks of national health care.Aims — to evaluate the effect of a single osteopathic procedure on the regulatory processes of the body (an indicator of the activity of regulatory systems and an index of nervous system tension) in premature infants.Materials and methods. In the clinic 30 premature infants with a gestation period of 24 to 37 weeks were monitored on the terms of voluntary written informed consent (the average gestation period was 31,35±0,45 weeks). The children were aged from 2 to 12 months (the average age was 4,93±0,45 months), of which 53,3 % (16 people) were boys and 46,6 % (14 people) were girls. On admission, parents most often complained about sleep disorders: sleep is not long, the child often wakes up at night or cries in his sleep, often sleeps only in the arms of his mother. It is difficult to feed the child, he does not eat the daily norm of food. During wakefulness, the child is restless, and when crying, calms down only in the arms. Osteopathic examination and correction were performed according to the clinical recommendations «Somatic Dysfunctions» and patent № 2739128 «Method of treatment of pain syndrome on the background of somatic dysfunctions in newborns». The procedures are carried out, as a rule, in the first half of the day, lasting 20 minutes. A methodical technique in the form of a single osteopathic procedure was used, when first the patient is examined, immediately after that the procedure and again the examination. The state of nervous system tension was assessed using cardiointervalography, the index of activity of the body′s regulatory systems and the index of tension of the autonomic nervous system were evaluated. The FLACC-SS pain assessment scale for infants, which we modified, was used to assess pain. Psychomotor development was assessed using the Griffiths developmental scale. The Statistica-10 software package was used for statistical analysis of the obtained data.Results. Upon admission, the pain level on the FLACC-SS scale was 2,35±1,35 points, which indicates, on average, moderate pain intensity in children. The Griffiths score was 31,64±3,57 points, which indicates a delay in psychomotor development in children. In the study of CIG before osteopathic correction, the IN was 597,77±89,99 units, and the PARS was 5,10±0,85 points. This is a pronounced functional stress of the body and is characterized by a decrease in its functional reserves and an inadequate response to environmental factors. During the initial osteopathic examination, somatic dysfunctions were detected mainly at the global level (changes in skeletal muscle tone, changes in cranial, cardiac and respiratory rhythms). After a single osteopathic correction procedure, the tension index decreased statistically significantly, and there was also a tendency to decrease the level of tension of regulatory systems. The pain level in children decreased to 0,16 points, which means.Conclusion. Somatic dysfunctions play an important role in the development of disorders of body regulation and pain syndrome. Correction of somatic dysfunctions in premature infants by osteopathy methods helps to reduce pain syndrome and improve the adaptive mechanisms of the body. Thus helps to prevent energy-consuming increased work of regulatory mechanisms, to adjust sleep and wakefulness, to improve appetite and, ultimately, the quality of life of the infant and the whole family. Restoring the energy balance of the child′s body, optimizing the work of regulatory systems, reducing the intensity of pain syndrome makes it possible to start early rehabilitation of premature infants.

Involvement of public health nurses in supporting mothers after maternity health checkups

Objectives This study aimed to analyze and clarify the role of public health nurses (PHNs) in assisting mothers who need assistance during antenatal checkups.Methods This study was conducted in core city, A. The study participants were PHNs who experienced supporting at least three mothers who required support during maternity health checkups. We interviewed the respondents about their observations, decision points, difficulties in coordination, and other aspects of support. Data were extracted from verbatim transcripts and analyzed inductively.Results Sixteen PHNs participants had an average of 9.3 years of experience. The analysis included 10 categories, 43 subcategories, and four themes. PHNs connected with mothers early depending on the mothers' wants, based on information gathered during the gestational period (theme 1). PHNs make early telephone visits to mothers based on information obtained during the gestational period. If the mother did not respond to the initial visit, the PHNs attempted to establish contact through other means.PHNs carefully observed and assessed mothers' childcare routines and mental and physical conditions (theme 2). To assess the mothers' mental health status, they were interviewed in detail using the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale. Determining the mother's condition was challenging; therefore, several PHNs conducted multiple visits and repeated the observations to achieve accurate assessments.The PHNs stayed close to their mothers and carefully supported them toward independence while assessing their progress (theme 3). PHNs established trusting relationships with mothers.PHNs served as coordinators in resolving problems and provided ongoing support in cooperation with medical institutions and related organizations (theme 4). The PHNs carefully coordinated consultations and encouraged mothers to consult psychiatrists if appropriate. Conclusion Although PHNs provided attentive care to mothers requiring assistance, difficulties arise in accurately diagnosing postpartum depression and connecting mothers to psychiatric services. Guidelines that standardize the assessment of and responses to mental health issues are required. It is necessary to organize the problems faced by mothers and develop a system of cooperation among various organizations.

Lifestyle and dietary habits according to extent and purpose of Brazilian pregnant women: Vigitel epidemiological survey

During pregnancy, food consumption is of utmost importance for the health of both the mother and the baby. A diet based on fresh and minimally processed foods, as opposed to ultra-processed foods, is essential to ensure health during pregnancy and postpartum. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between lifestyle habits and food consumption among pregnant Brazilian women. This is a cross-sectional study using data from pregnant women included in the Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance System via Telephone Survey (Vigitel) in 2021. Food consumption, considered the outcome variable, was assessed through a food frequency questionnaire, focusing on consumption from the previous day. The NOVA classification was used to categorize foods as fresh or ultra-processed. The Shapiro-Wilk test was conducted to verify normality, and the Pearson Chi-square test was applied. A significance level of p &lt; 0.05 was adopted. The sample consisted of 90 pregnant women. The analysis revealed a greater association with the consumption of ultra-processed foods among younger pregnant women compared to older age groups (p=0.020), as well as lower consumption of fresh foods (p=0.044). In conclusion, differences in food consumption were evident among pregnant women of different age groups. However, in order to understand the dietary patterns of pregnant women by regions of Brazil, it is necessary to conduct further studies to support programs aimed at the gestational period, reducing adverse effects and promoting maternal and child health.

270 Prenatal stress programming: Impact on dam and offspring immune phenotype and performance

Abstract Maternal stress during critical periods of fetal development is linked to the modified expression of several physiological processes. Despite attempts to minimize chronic stress and enhance sow well-being, some animals still experience stress, which can have short and long-term effects on future progeny. Therefore, we evaluated the impact of maternal stress on the immune phenotype and performance of pregnant gilts who had experienced pre- and post-natal stress and whether their offspring were affected. A total of 11 primiparous females (201.32 ± 17.18 kg at farrowing) clustered into treatment groups based on the treatment of their dams were used in this study. Their dams had been randomly allotted to receive either a placebo (CON) or Hydrocortisone Acetate capsules twice per day for 21 d during either mid (MID; d 51 to 72) or late (LATE; d 81 to 102) gestation. Prenatally stressed dams were sampled on gestational d 45, 60, 75, and 105 to determine descriptive and functional immune analysis. Productivity measures were assessed, including farrowing duration and the interval between piglets. Blood samples were taken from a subset of piglets born to these dams on d 7, 14, and 21 of lactation and then 24 h, 7, and 14 d post-wean. Data were analyzed using the Mixed procedure of SAS with repeated measures. Numbers of lymphocytes were elevated in gilts from LATE-treated dams compared with those from MID or CON dams for the entire study period (P &amp;lt; 0.05). All other descriptive immune measures, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, were not different between groups during the gestational period. Mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation did not differ across treatments for prenatally stressed dams. No maternal treatment effects for any litter traits, farrowing duration, or interval between each piglet, but there was a tendency (P &amp;lt; 0.10) for piglets born to MID-stressed dams to be heavier than those born to CON dams. Total lymphocyte numbers were least in the progeny of MID-treated dams compared with piglets from LATE and CON dams for the entire lactation period. Over time, progeny from LATE-treated gilts had a more stimulated B-cell proliferation index during lactation (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Conversely, Concanavalin-A-induced lymphocyte proliferation tended to be least in offspring from MID-treated dams compared with CON. They also tended to have less percentage and numbers of lymphocytes than offspring from LATE and CON dams for the entire post-wean period. The offspring from MID-treated dams also had the greatest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio for the entire period. While prenatal stress had minimal impact on the immune expression of the dam, its influence was evident in their progeny, particularly with MID. Results indicate that the programming effects may only be apparent in later generations. The study also suggests that mid-gestation is a more sensitive period for maternal stress in fetal development.

10 Awardee Talk: Pregnancy losses in Bos indicus-influenced cowherds

Abstract Pregnancy loss is recognized as a major reproductive challenge in beef cattle operations. Most pregnancy losses are associated with early embryonic mortality, but limited research evaluated pregnancy losses throughout the gestation period. Research is warranted to address this gap in knowledge, particularly fetal losses in Bos indicus-influenced females. This subspecies predominates in tropical regions of the planet, which contain more than 80% of the world’s cattle population and supply a major portion of the global demand for beef products. Our group recently evaluated pregnancy losses from d 30 of gestation to calving in 4,926 Nelore females assigned to an ovulation synchronization + fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol. Pregnancy loss was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) from d 60 to 150 of gestation (10.2%) compared with d 30 to 60 of gestation (6.0%) and with d 150 of gestation to calving (7.4%) and differed (P = 0.04) between these latter two periods. Pregnancy loss from d 30 to 60 of gestation did not differ (P = 0.26) among cow parities (nulliparous, primiparous, and multiparous), whereas total pregnancy losses (d 30 to calving) were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in precocious (28.4%) and conventional (27.1%) heifers compared with primiparous (16.4%) and multiparous (13.0%) cows. In a second experiment, pregnancy losses from fixed-time embryo transfer (FTET) to calving were evaluated in 4,366 FTET events using Nelore × Angus recipient heifers. Pregnancy losses were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) from FTET to d 32 of gestation compared with d 32 to 100 and with d 100 to calving (58.7, 39.5, and 36.7%, respectively), and did not differ (P = 0.56) between these latter periods. Recipients that lost the pregnancy from FTET to d 32 gained less (P &amp;lt; 0.01) body condition score after FTET compared with recipients that maintained the pregnancy. Pregnancy losses from d 32 to calving were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in recipients reared in drylots and moved to pastures on d 32 compared with recipients reared on pasture. Collectively, these results provide novel information about pregnancy losses in Bos indicus females, with a substantial proportion of losses occurring as fetal mortality.

A pathway to improved maternity research in Northern Ireland? Novel linkage of Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study and Northern Ireland Maternity Services System

ObjectiveOur primary objective was to determine the social and demographic determinants of interpregnancy weight change. A secondary aim is to highlight the novel linkage of two data resources in Northern Ireland (NI) and the potential for transformative research in maternal health. ApproachWe piloted a process to link two datasets in a safe, legal and ethical manner. The NI Maternity Services System (NIMATS) provides access to biological variables collected during the gestational period. The NI Longitudinal Study (NILS) is a rich source of Census information providing a demographic, social and economic background we would not otherwise obtain from NIMATS alone. ResultsThe linkage of these two datasets has allowed us to link pregnancies to the same mother, enabling exploration of weight changes during the interpregnancy period(s). In NI, just over half of women giving birth (52%) were overweight. This is the highest in the UK. Descriptive statistics provided further insight into the current situation together with logistic regression which identified socio-economic and demographic correlates of interpregnancy weight changes. Conclusion &amp; ImplicationsObservation of women during pregnancy, linked with longitudinal, administrative data has provided valuable insights into the important public health issue of maternal obesity and into which socio-economic groups are most vulnerable to weight gain between pregnancies. Further research in maternal health has the potential to be facilitated by the unique linkage of NILS and NIMATS. This is important given the rise in complicated pregnancies during recent years and changes in maternal socio-demographic profiles.

Behavioral Interactions and Mate Compatibility Influence the Reproductive Success of New England Cottontails (Sylvilagus transitionalis) in a Conservation Breeding Program

Wild populations of New England cottontails (NECs, Sylvilagus transitionalis) are declining and occupy a small proportion of their historic range. To conserve this species, wild-caught cottontails participate in a reintroduction breeding program. To increase the program’s productivity, this study described breeding behavior in pairings with (n = 3 pairings) and without (n = 9 pairings) reproductive success. Females were paired with two males consecutively and behaviors were recorded using 24 h continuous video footage. Activity peaked between 19:00 and 06:00. Copulation was only observed in successful pairings, and the gestation period was 31 days. Successful pairings had a significantly higher rate of follows (p &lt; 0.001) and a lower rate of dashes (p &lt; 0.0001) compared to unsuccessful pairings. Females had significantly higher rates of charge (p &lt; 0.0005), chase (p &lt; 0.0003), and dash (p &lt; 0.0016) than males. Males had higher rates of follow (p &lt; 0.005) than females. Males and females altered their behavior in the presence of different potential mates, suggesting that mate compatibility may influence breeding program productivity. This study significantly expands the understanding of NEC breeding behavior and is applicable to the management of this imperiled species living at low densities in fragmented landscapes.

Comparison of the Fetomaternal Outcome in Women With Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes on Expectant Management Versus Delivery at 34 Weeks.

This study aimed to study feto-maternal outcomes in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PTPROM) on expectant management versus delivery at 34 weeks of gestation and correlate the period of latency and inflammatory markers with delivery outcomes. We have chosen this research topic as there is a paucity of specific guidelines regarding the optimal period of gestation for delivering women with PTPROM. The study correlated the feto-maternal outcomes in women with PTPROM on expectant management till 37 weeks versus delivery at 34 weeks with a period of latency and maternal inflammatory markers. This was a prospective observational study conducted on 262 women with PTPROM from 28-33+6 weeks of gestation. Women were monitored till 37 weeks with biweekly total leukocyte count and weekly C-reactive protein, urine routine microscopy, urine culture, high vaginal culturesensitivity, and ultrasound. Women were monitored expectantly till 37 weeks. However, intervention was done at any time during the feto-maternal compromise. There were 52 women who delivered <34 weeks and 210 women who delivered ≥34 weeks. Feto-maternal outcomes were documented. Group A was assigned to women who delivered before 34 weeks and Group B was assigned to women who delivered after 34 weeks. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software.A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Amongthe study group, 238 (90.8%) women were managed expectantly while 24(9.1%) required intervention. A latency of 3-4 weeks was observed in 131(50%) women.Chorioamnionitis developed in 7 women (4.4%) in group A and 13 women (4.9%) in group B. Neonates developed sepsis in 5.7% in group A and 5.8 % in group B and were comparable in both the groups (p=1.000). Early neonatal death (END) occurred in 10 (3.8%) amongwhich seven died because of low birth weight (LBW), two due to sepsis, and one due to respiratory distress. LBW was significantly associated with END (p<0.001) Conclusion: Expectant management beyond 34 weeks with close monitoring can improve neonatal outcomes without increasing maternal morbidity in women with PTPROM.

Blood-brain barrier breach after acute cerebral hypoxia in infants

Background. Neuronal lesion, including hypoxic-ischemic damage to the central nervous system (CNS) in perinatal period, leads to the release of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) into peripheral bloodstream. Consequently, NSE can be considered as a biological marker of nervous system injury. Based on NSE level analysis, timely rehabilitation for newborns can be provided, thereby reducing the likelihood of complications associated with CNS injury.Objective: retrospective assessment of NSE level in peripheral blood over a 24-week period in infants of different gestational age with perinatal hypoxic-ischemic CNS damage.Material and methods. The study included 49 newborns who had suffered perinatal hypoxic-ischemic CNS lesion. Gestation period differed from 32 to 41 weeks. The control group consisted of 28 healthy full-term infants. NSE levels were measured using enzyme immunoassay. Patients of the main group were additionally divided into subgroups depending on Apgar scores at the 1st minute after birth, gestational age, as well as predominant CNS lesion – hemorrhagic with intraventricular hemorrhages or ischemic with periventricular leukomalacia.Results. Throughout the observation period, NSE concentrations were inversely correlated with Apgar scores: lower Apgar indicators were associated with higher NSE levels. In addition, the subgroup of 32–33-week gestational age had significantly higher NSE concentrations compared with 34–36-week, 37–41-week subgroups, and control group. NSE levels in infants with periventricular leukomalacia were consistently lower than those in newbornes with intraventricular hemorrhage starting from the 1st week. Notably, a delayed increase in serum NSE concentrations was observed at the 4th week.Conclusion. The obtained data indicate that blood-brain barrier permeability for NSE is preserved during perinatal hypoxicischemic CNS injury. Serum NSE concentration measurement can serve as a valuable tool in clinical practice for assessing the effectiveness of therapy at the stages of treatment and rehabilitation.

Genome-wide discovery of selection signatures in four Anatolian sheep breeds revealed by ddRADseq

High-density genomic data analyzed by accurate statistical methods are of potential to enlighten past breeding practices such as selection by unraveling fixed regions. In this study, four native Turkish sheep breeds (80 samples) were genotyped via 296.097 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) detected by double-digest restriction site-associated DNA (ddRADseq) library preparation combined with the Illumina HiSeq X Ten instrument in order to identify genes under selection pressure. A total of 32, 136, 133, and 119 protein-coding genes were detected under selection pressure by runs of homozygosity (ROH), integrated haplotype score (iHS), the ratio of extended haplotype homozygosity (Rsb), and fixation index (FST) approaches, respectively. Of these, a total of 129 genes were identified by at least two statistical models which overlapped with a total of 52 quantitative trait loci (QTL)-associated SNPs, known to be related to fiber diameter, milk content, body weight, carcass traits, some blood parameters, and entropion. A total of six genes under selection pressure were validated by three statistical approaches five of which are of potential to be integrated into animal breeding since they were associated with wool fiber diameter (ZNF208B), behaviors related to neurocognitive development (CBX1 and NFE2L1), adaptation to high-altitude (SDK1), and anxiety causing internal stress (GSG1L). The sixth gene (COPZ1) turned out to play an important role in coping with different types of cancer in mammals. In particular, ROH analysis uncovered significant findings that the Güney Karaman (GKR) had experienced different selection practices than the Akkaraman (AKR) breed. Moreover, some genes specifically under selection in the GKR breed turned out to be associated with olfaction (OR6K6, OR6N1, OR6N2, and OR4C16), survival during the gestation period (PRR15L), and heat stress (CDK5RAP9). The results of this study imply that GKR may become genetically different from the AKR breed at the genome level due to most probably experiencing different adaptation processes occurring in raised climatic conditions. These differences should be conserved to face future challenges, while other native Turkish sheep breeds could be monitored via genome-wide high-density SNP data to obtain deeper knowledge about the effects of natural selection.

Macroscopic and Microscopic Development of the Stomach in Hamdani Crossbred Sheep Fetuses (Ovis aries)

The ruminant stomach is a critical digestive department in terms of converting low-quality feed into high nutrient-value substances. In these animals, there is a compound stomach structure with 4 compartments. Understanding the developmental structure of the stomach at macroscopic and microscopic levels is especially important in terms of nutrition. Türkiye can be considered one of the leading countries in the world in terms of sheep breeding. Our study aimed to investigate macroscopically and microscopically the developmental structures of the stomach of Hamdani crossbred sheep fetuses collected at different gestation periods. For this purpose, a total of 15 fetuses, 5 fetuses each from 3 different periods of pregnancy, were included in the study. The stomachs of the fetuses were dissected simultaneously and their topographic and macroscopic features were determined. After routine histological procedures, the stomachs separated from the body cavities were stained with Hematoxylin &amp;amp; Eosin and Masson Trichrome stains. As a result of the study, macroscopic and microscopic information about fetal development of the stomach was obtained. It was revealed macroscopically and microscopically that the rumen was the largest part of the stomach until the middle of the 2nd period of gestation, and that the abomasum grew rapidly at the end of this period and showed similar characteristics to the adult sheep stomach. The data of the study will contribute to macroscopic, microscopic, and ultrasonographic studies on the stomach in ruminant animals.

Cooperation of aquaporin 5 and the adrenergic system in the initiation of birth in rat model

Aquaporins (AQPs) are involved in the process of implantation, regulate myometrial contractions and cervical ripening, and maintain appropriate placental functioning. The molecular mechanism of these functions is not fully understood. Our study aimed to investigate the physiological significance of AQP5 during pregnancy and to determine the cooperation between the adrenergic system and the AQP5 in uterine contraction in the late-pregnant rat uterus.After administering AQP5 siRNA intraperitoneally to Sprague-Dawley rats, the length of the gestational period was determined and the changes in uterine contractions were measured in an isolated organ bath system. Pharmacological influence on AQP5 expression and uterine contraction was investigated by treatment with terbutaline (10 mg/kg, subcutaneously) and doxazosin (5 mg/kg, orally) in vivo; and mercuric chloride (HgCl2), in vitro. Moreover, the levels of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) were measured in the uterus by an ELISA kit.The gestational period became shorter, AQP5 expression significantly decreased and rat uterus contraction increased after AQP5 siRNA treatment compared to the control. Treatment with terbutaline significantly increased AQP5 mRNA and protein expression after 30 min and continuously reduced it until 90 min, whereas doxazosin treatment did not significantly alter AQP5 expression. Treatment with the AQP5 antagonist HgCl2 increased spontaneous uterus contraction and decreased norepinephrine-induced uterus contraction with decreasing AQP5 expression in pregnant rat uterus. Moreover, the tocolytic effect through the adrenergic system was amplified in the presence of an AQP5 antagonist, presumably via the changes in cAMP level.In conclusion, our findings elucidate the collaborative role of aquaporin 5 (AQP5) and adrenergic systems in the regulation of uterine contractions in late-pregnant rats. Our findings suggest this may be a good starting point for developing a new tocolytic therapy.

The influence of environmental factors related to Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM), its course and refractoriness to treatment

ObjectiveTo evaluate the influence of environmental factors and prematurity relating to juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), its course and refractoriness to treatment.MethodsA case-control study with 35 patients followed up at a tertiary hospital and 124 healthy controls, all residents of São Paulo. Patients were classified according to monocyclic, polycyclic or chronic disease courses and refractoriness to treatment. The daily concentrations of pollutants (inhalable particulate matter-PM10, sulfur dioxide-SO2, nitrogen dioxide-NO2, ozone-O3 and carbon monoxide-CO) were provided by the Environmental Company of São Paulo. Data from the population were obtained through a questionnaire.ResultsFifteen patients had monocyclic courses, and 19 polycyclic/chronic courses. Eighteen patients were refractory to treatment. Maternal occupational exposure to inhalable agents (OR = 17.88; IC 95% 2.15–148.16, p = 0.01) and exposure to O3 in the fifth year of life (third tertile > 86.28µg/m3; OR = 6.53, IC95% 1.60–26.77, p = 0.01) were risk factors for JDM in the multivariate logistic regression model. The presence of a factory/quarry at a distance farther than 200 meters from daycare/school (OR = 0.22; IC 95% 0.06–0.77; p = 0.02) was a protective factor in the same analysis. Prematurity, exposure to air pollutants/cigarette smoke/sources of inhalable pollutants in the mother’s places of residence and work during the gestational period were not associated with JDM. Prematurity, maternal exposure to occupational pollutants during pregnancy as well as patient’s exposure to ground-level pollutants up to the fifth year of life were not associated with disease course and treatment refractoriness.ConclusionRisk factors for JDM were maternal occupational exposure and exposure to O3 in the fifth year of life.