Gestation Time Research Articles

Hubungan Kejadian Pandemi Covid 19 Dengan Kecemasan Ibu Hamil Trimester Tiga

Objective : Pregnancy is one of the crowning moments in the life of women (Yuniastari et al., 2014). according to the Federasi Obstetri Ginekologi Internasional, Pregnancy defined as fertilization or union of spermatozoa and ovum and followed by nidasi or implantation. If counted and fertilization to this baby, normal gestation time would be held for 40 week or 10 month or 9 moon rotate international calendar. at this time corona virus desease The case go global begins with pneumonia or chafe paru-paru mysterious 2019 on december. When that happens the pandemic covid 19 that directly impact to all indonesian people in general. In the world health of pregnant women also did not escape the effects of the pandemic covid 19 this.The number of pregnant women third trimester there dipustu arawa it makes it very anxious in dealing with the delivery processMetodhe : Methods used is Desain Observasional Deskriptif. In this study , researchers will assess the degree or rate of anxiety for pregnant women third trimesterResults: This study has been implemented in march - april 2021 at pustu arawa That is in the work area puskesmas lawawoi kabupaten sidrap with the total sample 48 respondents . The sample technique used is simple random sampling Pregnant women and patients who came third trimester pustu arawa in the work area puskesmas lawawoi kabupaten sidrap Selected at random. Conclusion: The research found that there was a correlation between the pandemic covid 19 with anxiety pregnant women got the third trimester p = 0.002 < 0,05

Molecular Targets of Phyto-bioactive Compounds in Female Reproductive System of Mammals: A Review

Phytochemicals present in the plants are divided into primary (Alcohol Amino acids, nucleotides. etc) and secondary metabolites (Alkaloids, Saponins etc.). Carotenoids (reduces reactive oxygen species formation, decreases apoptotic cells, restoration of actin capping expression proteins etc.), Phenolics (inhibits extracellular signal-regulated kinase signalling pathway), Isoflavones (inhibits tyrosine kinase pathway) and alkaloids (downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha messengers) are the major phytochemicals, having the potential effects towards ovarian function. Likewise, bioactive compounds are the chemicals that can interact with certain components of live tissue to exert their various effects (antioxidant, antineoplastic, receptor inhibition, gene expression etc.) respective to female fertility. Similarly, bioactive compounds: Kaempferol [phosphatidylinositol -3- kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway], Quercetin (controlling the release of 17β-estradiol etc.), Myricetin (PI3K/Akt and MAPK signalling pathway), Galngin (inhibition of angiogenesis via decreasing the VEGF and p-Akt) and Resveratrol (regulation of Foxo3a and SIRT1 genes etc.) shows its effects by targeting different molecules and/or pathways at the ovarian microenvironment. However, Genistein (binding to estrogen receptors: ESRα and ESRβ etc.) and Diadzein (disrupting the endocrines etc.) emphatically interfere with the ovarian functions. Besides this, molecular effects exerted by these phyto-bioactive compounds on the in vivo and/or in vitro ovarian culture systems entirely depend on their dosage: Kaempferol @10 μM increased the primordial follicle activation, Quercetin @4 µM improved the quality of oocytes whereas @8 µM reduced the quality), Resveratrol @ 2 µM increased the blastocyst formation, Myricetin @ 100 mg/kg/day feeding in rats induced estrogenic activity, Genistein, feeding in female mice @ 500 and 1000ppm increased the gestation time and Diazdein causes the inhibition of 3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase at 40 µM doses. The assessment was done via the systemic collection of literature from sources such as newspapers, conference papers, journals, theory and dissertation articles, electronic databases, manuals, encyclopedia and annual reviews, as well as e-books and reporting. As a result, the preceding discussion focuses on the key phyto-bioactive compounds and their molecular targets in female fertility. This will aid in the successful and secure application of plant bioactive compounds in the field of female reproductive health.

Maintenance of Maternal Breastfeeding up to 6 Months: Predictive Models.

Background: There is evidence of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) but maintaining EBF for the minimum recommended time of 6 months is challenging. Aims: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of breastfeeding types in a Spanish setting, explore the influencing factors, and analyze the relationships between the reasons for EBF cessation and the EBF durations achieved. Method: This longitudinal descriptive study included 236 healthy children with standard weight followed up by the public health system. A baseline survey and three telephone interviews (1, 3, and 6 months) were conducted. Results: The prevalence of EBF at 6 months was 19.49%. The mean age of the mothers was 32.3 (±5.3). The variables influencing EBF maintenance were the prior decision to practice EBF (p = 0.03), the belief that EBF is sufficient (p = 0.00), not offering water or fluid to the child (p = 0.04), delaying pacifier use (p < 0.001), a longer gestation time (p = 0.05), and previous experience with practicing EBF for more than 6 months (p = 0.00). The reason for the earliest EBF cessation (mean 52.63 ± 56.98 days) was the mother’s lack of self-efficacy (p = 0.05). Conclusion: Knowing the reasons for EBF cessation among mothers is important for helping mothers and preventing early weaning. A safe environment and support can prevent early weaning.

65 Evaluation of Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio in Spot Urine Samples as a Practical Method to Monitor Phosphorus Intake Adequacy in Sows

Abstract The reliability of spot urinary Ca to P ratio (uCa:P) to assess P intake adequacy in sows was evaluated. Thirty-six multiparous sows were fed one of six concentrations of dietary total P (0.40, 0.48, 0.56, 0.64, 0.72, and 0.80%), with a constant Ca to total P ratio (1.25:1), from day 7.5+1 after breeding until the end of lactation (day 26.6+1). Total 24-hour urine samples were collected in mid (day 77.1+2) and late gestation (day 112.4+1), and early (day 4.5+1 and late (day 18.2+1) lactation. In parallel to 24-hour collections, spot urine samples were collected at three times (early morning, late morning, and late afternoon) in late gestation and late lactation. Urine Ca and P concentrations were measured and uCa:P was calculated. Sows were classified as P-adequate or P-deficient according to dietary P intake. Sows fed P-deficient diets had greater uCa:P than sows fed P-adequate diets (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine cut-off values for uCa:P to predict P intake adequacy. The area under the ROC for uCa:P was 0.88 (95% CI 0.81–0.95). Best cut-off value of uCa:P was 1.5 (sensitivity 94% and specificity 68%) to identify sows fed P-deficient diets, and 0.5 for P-excessive diets (sensitivity 82% and specificity 82%). A strong relationship between uCa:P in 24-hour and spot urine samples was determined (r = 0.93, P &amp;lt; 0.01), independent of physiological state and collection time of spot samples (adjusted-R2 = 0.86, P &amp;lt; 0.01). The degree of agreement between spot and 24-hour urine for P intake adequacy, assessed by Cohen’s weighted kappa analysis, was substantial (0.78, 95% CI 0.69–0.88). Measurements of uCa:P in spot urine samples provide a reliable prediction of the adequacy of P intake in reproducing sows. Values of uCa:P &amp;gt; 1.5 were associated with P-deficient diets, whereas uCa:P &amp;lt; 0.5 reflected excessive P intake.

Thyroid Laboratory Testing and Management in Women on Thyroid Replacement Before Pregnancy and Associated Pregnancy Outcomes.

Background: Women with hypothyroidism before pregnancy often require an increase in their levothyroxine dosage to maintain a euthyroid state during pregnancy. The objectives of this study were to investigate: (i) the frequency and distribution of thyrotropin (TSH) testing and levothyroxine dosage adjustment by gestational age, (ii) the magnitude of levothyroxine increase by the underlying etiology of hypothyroidism, and (iii) the relationship of overtreatment or undertreatment during pregnancy with adverse pregnancy outcomes among women using thyroid replacement before pregnancy.Methods: A retrospective cohort study of pregnancies in women on thyroid replacement before pregnancy in Alberta, Canada, was performed. Women using thyroid replacement anytime during the two years before pregnancy who delivered between October 2014 and September 2017 were included. Delivery records, physician billing, and laboratory and pharmacy administrative data were linked. Outcomes included characteristics of TSH testing, levothyroxine dosing, and pregnancy outcomes. The frequency and gestational timing of TSH testing and levothyroxine adjustments were calculated. Multiple logistic regression was used to test whether pregnancies with TSH <0.10 mIU/L (overtreatment) or TSH ≥10.00 mIU/L (undertreatment) compared with control pregnancies (TSH 0.10–4.00 mIU/L) were associated with adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.Results: Of the 10,680 deliveries, 8774 (82.2%) underwent TSH testing at least once during pregnancy, at a median gestational age of six weeks. An adjustment of levothyroxine dosage was made for 4321 (43.7%) during pregnancy. TSH in pregnancy below 0.10 mIU/L increased the odds of preterm delivery when compared with control pregnancies (adjusted odds ratio, 2.14 [95% confidence interval 1.51–2.78]). TSH ≥10.00 mIU/L during pregnancy was not associated with any adverse pregnancy or neonatal outcomes in the multivariable analysis.Conclusions: Although most women on thyroid replacement before conception had TSH measured at some point during pregnancy, it is concerning that 17.8% did not. Levothyroxine overtreatment in pregnancy was associated with preterm delivery. These findings suggest that clinicians should be careful to avoid overtreatment with levothyroxine in pregnancy.

Association of days in close up, gestation length, and rumination around time of calving with disease and pregnancy outcomes in multiparous dairy cows

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of rumination times and days spent in a close-up group before calving (DCU) on early-lactation health and reproductive outcomes in dairy cows. Data were gathered for 719 cows located in a single herd. Herd management and reproductive records were analyzed for cows receiving treatment in the first 30 d of lactation (days in milk; DIM) for clinical mastitis, reproductive tract disease, ketosis, milk fever, and displaced abomasum. Rumination times for each cow were downloaded daily from the herd's automated collar system used to generate heat and health alerts for each cow beginning at 21 d precalving until 14 d postcalving. During the first 30 DIM, 121 cows (18%) developed at least 1 disease-any combination of ketosis (40 cows, 5.9% of total), mastitis (17 cows, 2.5%), metritis (75 cows, 11%), milk fever (17 cows, 2.5%), or displaced abomasum (28 cows, 4.1%); 305 cows (45%) were pregnant again at 100 DIM, and an additional 139 cows (20%) were pregnant at 150 DIM. Principal component analysis was used to determine the relationship between gestation length and DCU and their association with the odds of developing disease in early lactation. We did not find any significant association between precalving rumination time and disease within the first 30 DIM. Higher rumination time in the week before calving was shown to be strongly linked to a shorter time to subsequent pregnancy, whereas rumination times postcalving were not associated with changes in the time to pregnancy. Principal component analysis showed that a curvilinear combination of gestation length and DCU (principal component 1) was significantly associated with changes in disease incidence in the first 30 DIM. Gestation length and time spent in close up are important management factors in reducing the incidence of disease in early lactation, and rumination times around calving may help predict future reproductive outcomes.

Milk Volume Outcomes in Pump-Dependent Mothers of Critically Ill Infants.

Mother's own milk improves health outcomes in infants of all gestational ages. Although pump-dependent mothers of extremely premature infants are at risk of insufficient milk production, whether mother's milk production is impacted by gestational age and pump dependency in mothers of more mature critically ill infants is unknown. To determine whether there is a relationship between gestational age, milk production, and time to secretory activation in mothers delivering a critically ill infant. A convenience sample of 136 pump-dependent mothers whose infants were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit was enrolled between 2013 and 2016 as part of a quality improvement project. Group 1 (early preterm) delivered infants at 30 to 33 weeks of gestation (n = 41), group 2 (late preterm) 34 to 36 weeks (n = 48), and group 3 (term) 37 weeks and more (n = 47). Milk volume on days 1 to 7 was measured by weighing each vial of expressed milk and compared using general linear mixed-model analysis. Time to the onset of secretory activation was compared using censored regression analysis. Main effect for gestational age controlling for day was statistically significant (P = .0234). The early preterm group produced more milk over the 7-day study than the term (P = .01) and late preterm (P = .02) groups. The early preterm group achieved secretory activation earlier than the late preterm group (adjusted P = .039). Pump-dependent mothers of all infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit may be at risk of inadequate milk production and delayed secretory activation and may therefore benefit from early milk production monitoring and lactation support. Further studies should examine targeted interventions to increase milk production in pump-dependent mothers.

Deletion of the Imprinted Phlda2 Gene Increases Placental Passive Permeability in the Mouse.

Genomic imprinting, an epigenetic phenomenon that causes the expression of a small set of genes in a parent-of-origin-specific manner, is thought to have co-evolved with placentation. Many imprinted genes are expressed in the placenta, where they play diverse roles related to development and nutrient supply function. However, only a small number of imprinted genes have been functionally tested for a role in nutrient transfer capacity in relation to the structural characteristics of the exchange labyrinthine zone. Here, we examine the transfer capacity in a mouse model deficient for the maternally expressed Phlda2 gene, which results in placental overgrowth and a transient reduction in fetal growth. Using stereology, we show that the morphology of the labyrinthine zone in Phlda2−/+ mutants is normal at E16 and E19. In vivo placental transfer of radiolabeled solutes 14C-methyl-D-glucose and 14C-MeAIB remains unaffected at both gestational time points. However, placental passive permeability, as measured using two inert hydrophilic solutes (14C-mannitol; 14C-inulin), is significantly higher in mutants. Importantly, this increase in passive permeability is associated with fetal catch-up growth. Our findings uncover a key role played by the imprinted Phlda2 gene in modifying placental passive permeability that may be important for determining fetal growth.

Prospective cohort study: Causes of stillbirth in Australia 2013-2018.

Stillbirth is a major public health problem that is slow to improve in Australia. Understanding the causes of stillbirth through appropriate investigation is the cornerstone of prevention and important for parents to understand why their baby died. The aim of this study is to assess compliance with the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand (PSANZ) Perinatal Mortality Clinical Practice Guidelines (2009) for stillbirths. This is a prospective multi-centred cohort study of stillbirths at participating hospitals (2013-2018). Data were recorded into a purpose-built database. The frequency of the recommended core investigations was calculated, and χ2 test was performed for subgroup analyses by gestational age groups and timing of fetal death. A 70% compliance threshold was defined for investigations. The cause of death categories was provided according to PSANZ Perinatal Death Classification. Among 697 reported total stillbirths, 562 (81%) were antepartum, and 101 (15%) were intrapartum. The most common cause of death categories were 'congenital abnormality' (12.5%), 'specific perinatal conditions' (12.2%) and 'unexplained antepartum death' (29%). According to 2009 guidelines, there were no stillbirths where all recommended investigations were performed (including or excluding autopsy). A compliance of 70% was observed for comprehensive history (82%), full blood count (94%), cytomegalovirus (71%), toxoplasmosis (70%), renal function (75%), liver function (79%), external examination (86%), post-mortem examination (84%) and placental histopathology (92%). The overall autopsy rate was 52%. Compliance with recommended investigations for stillbirth was suboptimal, and many stillbirths remain unexplained. Education on the value of investigations for stillbirth is needed. Future studies should focus on understanding the yield and value of investigations and service delivery gaps that impact compliance.

Insights Into Extracellular Vesicle/Exosome and miRNA Mediated Bi-Directional Communication During Porcine Pregnancy.

Spontaneous fetal loss is one of the most important challenges that commercial pig industry is still facing in North America. Research over the decade provided significant insights into some of the associated mechanisms including uterine capacity, placental efficiency, deficits in vasculature, and immune-inflammatory alterations at the maternal-fetal interface. Pigs have unique epitheliochorial placentation where maternal and fetal layers lay in opposition without any invasion. This has provided researchers opportunities to accurately tease out some of the mechanisms associated with maternal-fetal interface adaptations to the constantly evolving needs of a developing conceptus. Another unique feature of porcine pregnancy is the conceptus derived recruitment of immune cells during the window of conceptus attachment. These immune cells in turn participate in pregnancy associated vascular changes and contribute toward tolerance to the semi-allogeneic fetus. However, the precise mechanism of how maternal-fetal cells communicate during the critical times in gestation is not fully understood. Recently, it has been established that bi-directional communication between fetal trophoblasts and maternal cells/tissues is mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs) including exosomes. These EVs are detected in a variety of tissues and body fluids and their role has been described in modulating several physiological and pathological processes including vascularization, immune-modulation, and homeostasis. Recent literature also suggests that these EVs (exosomes) carry cargo (nucleic acids, protein, and lipids) as unique signatures associated with some of the pregnancy associated pathologies. In this review, we provide overview of important mechanisms in porcine pregnancy success and failure and summarize current knowledge about the unique cargo containing biomolecules in EVs. We also discuss how EVs (including exosomes) transfer their contents into other cells and regulate important biological pathways critical for pregnancy success.

Maternal fish oil consumption has a negative impact on mammary gland tumorigenesis in C3(1) Tag mice offspring.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce the incidence and slow the growth of mammary gland cancer in rodent models. Since exposure to dietary components during the critical developmental times of gestation and lactation may alter risk for mammary gland cancer in females, we tested whether exposure to increased levels of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils would be preventive or promotional to mammary gland cancer in the offspring. Normal SV129 female mice were fed AIN 76 diets containing either 10% corn oil (control, 50% omega 6, n-6) or 5% of an omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid concentrate (fish oil 60% n-3) + 5% canola oil (10% n-3 + 20% n-6). Females were then mated with C(3)1 TAg transgenic mice. At weaning (3weeks), pups were randomized to either the corn (C) or fish oil (F) diet, 15-17 mice per group. Four experimental groups were generated: FF, FC, CF and CC. Tumor incidence and multiplicity were assessed at the following time points 120, 130 and 140days of age. A panel of genes encoding signal transduction proteins were analyzed in mammary glands at 130days. Mice never exposed to fish oil (CC group) had a significantly higher incidence and multiplicity of mammary gland tumors than mice exposed to fish oil throughout life (FF group). Mice exposed to fish oil during a portion of life (CF or FC) had intermediate tumor incidences and multiplicities. Results also indicate that maternal consumption of fish oil increased the expression of genes associated with immune system activation (Ccl20, Cd5, Il2, Lef1, Lta). Adequate omega-3 fatty acids in the maternal diet may reduce the risk for mammary gland cancer in the offspring. If humans make dietary change by consuming more omega-3 fat instead of corn oil with 0% omega 3 fat, breast cancer may be reduced in the next generation.

VASCULAR STATUS AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PREGNANCY

Objective: Recently, there has been interest of researchers in assessing vascular stiffness in various complications of pregnancy (P). However, there is little data on profile of this parameter in healthy pregnants. Purpose: to assess the dynamics of the main indicators of vascular stiffness in physiological P. Design and method: Prospective longitudinal study was performed. 95 women with singleton pregnancies aged 18 to 23 years were examined. Exclusion criteria: BMI at beginning of pregnancy &gt;25 kg/ m2; any somatic disease, all variants of hypertension (including those developed during pregnancy), smoking, infectious diseases, multiple pregnancy, as well as pregnancy resulting from assisted reproductive technologies. The control group consisted of 45 healthy young non-pregnant women, comparable in age and anthropometric data. Non-invasive assessment of vascular stiffness was performed by oscillometric method on apparatus BpLab Vasotens (Peter Telegin, Russia). The device complies with international accuracy standards for oscillometric BP recorders and is recommended for use in pregnant women. Estimated parameters such as augmentation index in brachial artery (AIX,%), augmentation index in aorta (AIXao,%), pulse wave velocity in aorta (PWVao, m/s). Measurements were taken several times at different gestation periods. Results: Parameters of vascular stiffness in healthy pregnants differed significantly from those in control. Thus, AIX in the brachial artery during P had significantly lower values regardless of gestation. Its dynamics has following features: the decrease of this indicator from very beginning of the P, maximum decrease was recorded between 25 and 30 weeks, then its value increased, but did not reach the control values. AIXao in healthy pregnant women was also significantly lower. Maximum reduction occurred at same time as for peripheral AIX. In healthy P, there was a lower RWVao. Dynamics of this indicator had more complex picture: lowest value was observed between 15 and 20 weeks, then RWVao increased, reaching maximum by 35 weeks, followed by slight decrease. Conclusions: There is clear dependence of vascular stiffness on timing of gestation, which is due to a whole complex of physiological changes occurring in body of pregnants. Obtained data are useful for improving system of cardiovascular support for pregnants.

Opportunities for predicting cesarean scar insufficiency

Objective. The study aimed to compare the diagnostic value of different methods of assessing the condition of the scar on the uterus after a cesarean section.Materials and methods. A comparative analysis of the diagnostic value of assessing the validity of the scar on the uterus in the pre-graviridar period and during pregnancy ultrasound (ultrasound) investigation with dopplerometry (DM), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and microwave radiothermometry (RTM). The study included fertile patients after delivery by cesarean section (n = 56), at the planning stage, during pregnancy and after delivery, both through natural birth pathways and by re-cesarean section.Results. A comparative analysis of the assessment of the scar in the uterus by the mentioned methods revealed the comparable diagnostic value of these methods during the planning phase of pregnancy and in gestation time 11–12 and 20 –21 weeks, while at the period of 37–38 weeks, the sensitivity of RTM was significantly (1.6 times) higher than ultrasound investigation.Conclusions. Despite the high diagnostic effectiveness of all three methods of assessing the condition of the uterine scar after cesarean section, the method of microwave radiothermometry has advantages in the simplicity of the method, lack of need for expensive equipment, and specialized qualifications of the doctor.

Prenatal exposure to criteria air pollutants and associations with congenital anomalies: A Lebanese national study

Maternal exposure to air pollution has been associated with a higher birth defect (BD) risk. Previous studies suffer from inaccurate exposure assessment methods, confounding individual-level variations, and classical analytical modelling. This study aimed to examine the association between maternal exposure to criteria air pollutants and BD risk. A total of 553 cases and 10,214 controls were identified from private and public databases. Two subgroups were then formed: one for a matched case-control design, and another for Feature Selection (FS) analysis. Exposure assessment was based on the mean air pollutant-specific levels in the mother’s residential area during the specific BD gestational time window of risk (GTWR) and other time intervals. Multivariate regression models outcomes consistently showed a significant protective effect for folic acid intake and highlighted parental consanguinity as a strong BD risk factor. After adjusting for these putative risk factors and other covariates, results show that maternal exposure to PM2.5 during the first trimester is significantly associated with a higher overall BD risk (OR:1.05, 95%CI:1.01–1.09), and with a higher risk of genitourinary defects (GUD) (OR:1.06, 95%CI:1.01–1.11) and neural tube defects (NTD) (OR:1.10, 95%CI:1.03–1.17) during specific GTWRs. Maternal exposure to NO2 during GTWR exhibited a significant protective effect for NTD (OR:0.94, 95%CI:0.90–0.99), while all other examined associations were not statistically significant. Additionally, maternal exposure to SO2 during GTWR showed a significant association with a higher GUD risk (OR:1.17, 95%CI:1.08–1.26). When limiting selection to designated monitor coverage radiuses, PM2.5 maintained significance with BD risk and showed a significant gene-environment interaction for GUD (p = 0.018), while NO2 protective effect expanded to other subtypes. On the other hand, FS analysis confirmed maternal exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 as important features for GUD, CHD, and NTD. Our findings, set the basis for building a novel BD risk prediction model.

Early or Late Gestational Exposure to Maternal Immune Activation Alters Neurodevelopmental Trajectories in Mice: An Integrated Neuroimaging, Behavioral, and Transcriptional Study

BackgroundExposure to maternal immune activation (MIA) in utero is a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders later in life. The impact of the gestational timing of MIA exposure on downstream development remains unclear. MethodsWe characterized neurodevelopmental trajectories of mice exposed to the viral mimetic poly I:C (polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid) either on gestational day 9 (early) or on day 17 (late) using longitudinal structural magnetic resonance imaging from weaning to adulthood. Using multivariate methods, we related neuroimaging and behavioral variables for the time of greatest alteration (adolescence/early adulthood) and identified regions for further investigation using RNA sequencing. ResultsEarly MIA exposure was associated with accelerated brain volume increases in adolescence/early adulthood that normalized in later adulthood in the striatum, hippocampus, and cingulate cortex. Similarly, alterations in anxiety-like, stereotypic, and sensorimotor gating behaviors observed in adolescence normalized in adulthood. MIA exposure in late gestation had less impact on anatomical and behavioral profiles. Multivariate maps associated anxiety-like, social, and sensorimotor gating deficits with volume of the dorsal and ventral hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex, among others. The most transcriptional changes were observed in the dorsal hippocampus, with genes enriched for fibroblast growth factor regulation, autistic behaviors, inflammatory pathways, and microRNA regulation. ConclusionsLeveraging an integrated hypothesis- and data-driven approach linking brain-behavior alterations to the transcriptome, we found that MIA timing differentially affects offspring development. Exposure in late gestation leads to subthreshold deficits, whereas exposure in early gestation perturbs brain development mechanisms implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders.

A Matched Case Control Study of Surgically and Non-surgically Treated Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Extremely Pre-term Infants.

Introduction: There are still uncertainties about the timing and indication for surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in pre-term infants, where lower gestational age (GA) usually is predictive for surgical treatment.Objective: Our aim was to assess differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes between surgically treated and matched non-surgically treated PDA in extremely pre-term infants.Methods: All extremely pre-term infants born 2010–2016 with surgically treated PDA (Ligated group; n = 44) were compared to non-surgically treated infants (Control group; n = 44) matched for gestational age (+/−1 week) and time of birth (+/−1 month). Perinatal parameters, echocardiographic variables, details of pharmacological PDA treatment, morbidity, and mortality were assessed.Result: Mean GA and birthweight were similar between the Ligated group (24+5 ± 1+3 weeks and 668 ± 170 g) and the Control group (24+5 ± 1+3 weeks and 704 ± 166 g; p = 1.000 and p = 0.319, respectively). Infants in the Ligated group had larger ductal diameters prior to pharmacological treatment, and lack of diameter decrease and PDA closure after treatment (p = 0.022, p = 0.043 and 0.006, respectively). Transfusions, post-natal steroids and invasive respiratory support were more common in the Ligated group. Except for a higher incidence of severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in the Ligated group there were no other differences in outcomes or mortality between the groups.Conclusion: Early large ductal diameter and reduced responsiveness to pharmacological treatment predicted the need for future surgical ligation in this matched cohort study of extremely pre-term infants where the effect of GA and differences in treatment strategies were excluded. Besides an increased incidence of severe BPD in the Ligated group, no other differences in morbidity or mortality were detected.

Blood pressure in the chronically hypoxaemic fetus is regulated by α-adrenergic receptors on the peripheral vasculature.

Blood pressure in the chronically hypoxaemic fetus is regulated by α-adrenergic receptors on the peripheral vasculature.

Application of Ultrasonographic Imaging in Fetal Thyroid Function Measurement of Amniotic Hormone Concentration

Objective: To investigate the fetal thyroid function using ultrasound imaging combined with amniotic fluid hormone concentration. Method: 380 pregnant women who did pregnancy test in our hospital from August 2015 to August 2017 were selected as the subjects. 260 of them had normal fetal growth indicators, all of them were singletons, with a gestational time of 18–41 weeks. 120 pregnant women underwent cesarean section, parturition, and amniocentesis. All pregnant women had no thyroid related diseases, hypertension, or autoimmune diseases. 3DUS (Three-dimensional ultrasound) and 2DUS (two-dimensional ultrasound) were used to measure the size of fetal thyroid gland, and the amniotic hormone content was measured. Result: The repeatability and consistency of the 3DUS-VOCAL (Voual organ computerized analysis) technique were superior to 2DUS in the measurement of fetal thyroid volume in 20 cases. There were 243 fetal thyroid size-related data collected from 260 fetuses at 18 weeks and 41 weeks of pregnancy. Amniotic fluid FT3, T3 had a certain correlation with gestational age, but amniotic fluid FT4, T4, TSH had no significant correlation with gestational age. 4 cases of fetal hypothyroidism were screened by ultrasound combined with amniotic fluid hormone measurement. Conclusion: The volume of fetal thyroid measured by 3DUS-VOCAL is better than that of 2DUS. Ultrasound combined with amniotic fluid thyroid associated hormone detection is helpful to evaluate fetal thyroid function.

Development of a putative adverse outcome pathway network for male rat reproductive tract abnormalities with specific considerations for the androgen sensitive window of development

Structured approaches like the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework offer great potential for depicting complex toxicological processes in a manner that can facilitate informed integration of mechanistic information in regulatory decisions. While this concept provides a structure for organizing evidence and facilitates consistency in evidence integration; the process, inputs, and manner in which AOPs and AOP networks are developed is still evolving. Following the OECD guiding principles of AOP development, we propose three AOPs for male reproductive tract abnormalities and derive a putative AOP network. The AOPs were developed using a fundamental understanding of the developmental biology of the organs of interest, paying close attention to the gestational timing of key events (KEs) to very specifically inform the domain of life stage applicability for the key event relationships (KERs). Chemical stressor data primarily from studies on low molecular weight phthalates (LMWPs) served to ‘bound’ the pathways of focus in this dynamic period of development and were integrated with the developmental biology data through an iterative process to define KEs and conclude on the extent of evidence in support of the KERs. The AOPs developed describe the linkage between 1) a decrease in Insl3 gene expression and cryptorchidism, 2) the sustained expression of Coup-tfII and hypospadias and 3) the sustained expression of Coup-tfII and altered Wolffian duct development/ epididymal agenesis. A putative AOP network linking AOP2 and AOP3 through decreased steroidogenic biosynthetic protein expression and converging of all AOPS at the population level impaired fertility adverse outcome is proposed. The network depiction specifies and displays the KEs aligned with their occurrence in gestational time. The pathways and network described herein are intended to catalyze collaborative initiatives for expansion into a larger network to enable effective data collection and inform alternative approaches for identifying stressors impacting this sensitive period of male reproductive tract development.

48 Timing of luteolysis and conceptus expulsion after induced pregnancy loss at three different timepoints after maternal recognition of pregnancy in cattle

Results from previous research indicate that induced pregnancy loss (IPL) on Day 36 of gestation in cattle resulted in luteolysis by gestation Day ∼45. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that IPL at 25, 35, or 55 days of gestation will result in luteolysis and whether the interval between IPL and luteolysis is positively associated with days of gestation at time of treatment. Pregnant non-lactating beef cows were randomly assigned to undergo IPL, consisting of an intrauterine infusion of 120mL of hypertonic saline (7.2%), at Day 25 (IPL25, n=15), Day 35 (IPL35, n=14), or Day 55 (IPL55, n=14). Corpus luteum (CL) volume and embryo/fetal viability were evaluated by transrectal B-mode ultrasonography daily for 19 days following treatment and every other day subsequently until luteolysis was identified or gestation Day 91. Blood flow through the CL was evaluated using colour-Doppler ultrasonography, and luteolysis was defined as the day when &amp;lt;25% of the CL was represented with colour pixels. Conceptus expulsion was defined as the absence of a conceptus and fluid accumulation in the uterus was &amp;lt;25%. Data were analysed using Proc Mixed in SAS (v9.4; SAS Institute Inc.). Cessation of conceptus heartbeat occurred in all animals within 24h of administration of treatment. Day of luteolysis occurred earlier (P&amp;lt;0.01) in IPL25 (5.3±0.4d) than IPL55 (8.9±1.4d) cows, and luteolysis tended (P=0.07) to occur earlier in IPL35 (6.6±0.6d) than IPL55 cows; however, values for this variable in IPL25 and IPL35 cows were similar (P&amp;gt;0.2). The variance in timing of luteolysis was greater for IPL55 than for IPL35 cows, whereas variance for IPL35 was greater than that for IPL25 (P&amp;lt;0.05) cows. Conceptus expulsion was detected earlier (P&amp;lt;0.01) in IPL25 (Day 4.2±0.4) and IPL35 (Day 5.8±0.5) than IPL55 (Day 10.4±1.4) cows; however, IPL25 and IPL35 cows had similar (P&amp;gt;0.1) values for this variable. Values for luteolysis and conceptus expulsion were correlated in IPL35 (r=0.84; P&amp;lt;0.01) and IPL55 (r=0.88; P&amp;lt;0.01) cows, whereas there was no correlation among values for these variables in IPL25 (r=0.31; P=0.3) cows. There were effects of treatment (P&amp;lt;0.01), time (P&amp;lt;0.01), and treatment by time interaction (P&amp;lt;0.01) on CL volume. Volume of the CL was less (P&amp;lt;0.04) in IPL25-treated cows by treatment day 5 compared with that in IPL55-treated cows. Additionally, CL volume was less (P&amp;lt;0.03) in IPL25 by treatment day 6 than in IPL35 cows, and IPL35 cows had a lesser (P&amp;lt;0.01) CL volume starting on treatment day 10 than IPL55 cows. Induction of pregnancy loss at different times of gestation resulted in luteolysis; however, the interval between treatment and luteolysis tended to increase as gestation days increased. Furthermore, the variability in the timing of luteolysis increased as gestation days increased. Results from the present study support the working hypothesis of presence of a continuous mechanism for CL maintenance during pregnancy beyond the classical maternal recognition period in cattle.