High Birth Rates Research Articles

Migrants remittances and fertility in the Post-Soviet states

ABSTRACT The demographic consequences of remittance flows to the developing countries have so far received scant attention. In this study, we examine the impact of migrants’ remittances on fertility by employing unbalanced panel data from Post-Soviet states. During the last three decades, these countries witnessed large-scale out-migration accompanied by high inflows of migrants’ remittances, and went from a high mortality – high birth rate to a low mortality – low birth rate regime. Employing standard panel estimation methods and instrumental variable (IV) approach, we find evidence for a significant negative association between remittances and fertility. These findings are robust to alternate measures and strategies. The impact of remittances is significant beyond a minimum threshold and has strengthened over time. The findings of the study highlight the remittances’ substitution effect contributing to the post-communist countries’ demographic transition.

Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth: a nested case–control study

BackgroundEach year, an estimated 15 million babies are born preterm. Micronutrient deficiencies, including vitamin D deficiency (VDD), are common in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and these conditions are often associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Bangladesh experiences a high prevalence of VDD. The country also has a high preterm birth (PTB) rate. Using data from a population-based pregnancy cohort, we estimated the burden of VDD during pregnancy and its association with PTB.MethodsPregnant women (N = 3,000) were enrolled after ultrasound confirmation of gestational age at 8–19 weeks of gestation. Trained health workers prospectively collected phenotypic and epidemiological data at scheduled home visits. Trained phlebotomists collected maternal blood samples at enrollment and 24 -28 weeks of gestation. Aliquots of serum were stored at -800 C. We conducted a nested case–control study with all PTB (n = 262) and a random sample of term births (n = 668). The outcome, PTB, was defined as live births < 37 weeks of gestation, based on ultrasound. The main exposure was vitamin D concentrations of 24–28 weeks maternal blood samples. The analysis was adjusted for other PTB risk factors. Women were categorized as VDD (lowest quartile of 25(OH)D; < = 30.25 nmol/L) or not deficient (upper-three quartiles of 25(OH)D; > 30.25 nmol/L). We used logistic regression to determine the association of VDD with PTB, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsThe median and interquartile range of serum 25(OH)D was 38.0 nmol/L; 30.18 to 48.52 (nmol/L). After adjusting for co-variates, VDD was significantly associated with PTB [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10 – 2.12]. The risk of PTB was also higher among women who were shorter (aOR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.27–2.57), primiparous (aOR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.12 – 2.12), passive smokers (aOR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.09 – 2.34), and those who received iron supplementation during pregnancy (aOR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.17, 2.37).ConclusionVDD is common in Bangladeshi pregnant women and is associated with an increased risk of PTB.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MOTIVATION AND COMPLIANCE OF NEWBORN MONITORING FORM

West Lombok is one of the districts with the third highest birth rate in the province of NTB, with 13,867 births. Health problems are often not realized by mothers and families so early detection of complications is often overlooked. Through the family-based newborn monitoring form, it is hoped that it can be used for early detection of newborn health conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between mother's motivation and adherence to filling out family-based newborn forms. This type of observational analytic research uses a cross-sectional design with a sample size of 72 respondents. The instrument used is a questionnaire. The resulting data were processed by bivariate analysis using the Chi-Square test. The results showed that out of a total of 72 respondents, it was found that 22 respondents (75. 9%) were motivated and obedient in filling out the family-based newborn monitoring form and those who were motivated but not 7 people (24.1%) obeyed in filling out the family-based newborn monitoring form, while 10 people (23.3%) had less motivation but were obedient in filling out the family-based newborn monitoring form. From the results of the Chi-Square test, it was found that there was a significant relationship between maternal motivation and adherence to filling out family-based newborn forms with a p-value of 0.0039 (p-value &lt;0.05). Conclusion: there is a relationship between maternal motivation and compliance filling out the family-based newborn form.

Human Capital in Territories with Different Level of Socio-Economic Well-Being: Assessment and Influence

Introduction. In modern foreign policy problems of Russia’s development, the need to implement the formation and preservation of the human capital of the population is increasing. Formation and effective use of human capital influences the creation of new technologies and products. At the same time, for many less developed regions – the so-called depressed territories – their socio-economic condition is associated with a low level of reproduction and implementation of the human capital of the population. The accumulation of human capital can have a beneficial effect on the development of depressed territories. The purpose of the article is to assess the human capital of municipalities with different levels of socio-economic status. Materials and Methods. The study has used a database of statistical indicators of municipalities of the Perm region. To assess the human capital of the population, we have used the index method, in which statistical indicators are combined into blocks: demography, education, health and sports, economics, culture. Results. A correlation between the values of the educational and demographic indices has been revealed. We have found a relationship between the level of socio-economic status of the territory and the educational index. Territories develop most rapidly in the presence of not only the necessary infrastructure for the formation of human capital, but also a developed economy. None of the development indices of the quality of human capital (education, health and sports, culture) have a direct impact on the economic growth of territories. In some depressed municipalities, there is a high birth rate of the population in the presence of social infrastructure and the quality of human resources necessary for the development of human capital. Discussion and Conclusion. The practical significance of the study is determined by the need to influence the regional policy of human capital management in peripheral and depressed territories. It is proposed to adopt at the legislative level mechanisms for identifying depressed areas and measures to support them. This article can be used in public administration to create a strategy for the spatial development of the country.

Analysis of factors affecting fertility rate in China

Fertility is an important factor that determines the trend of population development in China. In recent decades, Chinas fertility rate is declining. Nevertheless, the formation mechanism and influence behind it are still lack of unified explanation. Hence, this article researches and analyzes the reasons of the decrease of Chinas fertility rate through factor analysis and cluster analysis based on the data collected in the past two decades since 2002. On the basis of this article, the per capita disposable income of residents, the crude divorce rate, the number of divorce registrations, the urban population ratio, and the high school enrollment rate have a prominent relevance with the fertility rate. In addition, the fertility rate alters in the past 20 years in this paper can be divided into three categories: the fertility rate was relatively stable from 2002 to 2011, the fertility rate increased significantly and fluctuated slightly from 2012 to 2015, and the fertility rate decreased rapidly from 2016 to 2021. If the government hopes to maintain a high birth rate, it can achieve this by easing the birth policy and improving the divorce calm down period system.

COMPARISON OF RURAL POPULATION BURDEN BETWEEN CHINA AND UKRAINE

In order to deeply understand the burden of rural population in China and Ukraine, adjust the structure of rural human resources and better promote the effective implementation of rural human resources management in both countries. This study reviewed the China Statistical Yearbook and the Ukraine Demographic Yearbook to measure the rural population burden in China and Ukraine in terms of three indicators: rural population size, natural population growth rate, and population migration rate, using 2011-2020 as the time period. The results show that both China and Ukraine are facing serious population burden, but the manifestations of population burden are completely different. China's rural population burden is characterized by overpopulation, which is manifested as a large number of rural population, a high birth rate and a large surplus rural labor force. The rural population burden of Ukraine is characterized by insufficient population, which is manifested by low natural growth rate of population and natural growth rate of immigration, more and more rural population moving out of the countryside, and continuous negative growth of rural population.On the basis of this, two suggestions are put forward. On the one hand, China should pay attention to improving the carrying capacity of rural population, strengthen the primary industry, develop the tertiary industry, improve the ability of rural residents to start their own businesses, and reduce the surplus rural labor force as far as possible. On the other hand, Ukraine should adjust its population policy, take various measures to encourage birth and strive to increase the birth rate.At the same time, the income level and employment rate of the rural population should be increased, social welfare security should be strengthened, and the attractiveness of rural areas should be enhanced to balance the social pressure brought by the shortage of rural labor force.This study is of great significance for relieving the pressure of rural population, optimizing the structure of rural human resources and improving the management level of rural human resources in both countries.

Predicting indirect effects of rotavirus vaccination programs on rotavirus mortality among children in 112 countries

Rotavirus is a leading cause of diarrhea deaths in children, particularly in low-to-middle income countries (LMICs). Licensed rotavirus vaccines provide strong direct protection, but their indirect effect—the protection due to reduced transmission—is not fully understood. We aimed to quantify the population-level effects of rotavirus vaccination and identify factors that drive indirect protection. We used an SIR-like transmission model to estimate the indirect effects of vaccination on rotavirus deaths in 112 LMICs. We performed a regression analysis to identify predictors of indirect effect magnitude (linear regression) and the occurrence of negative indirect effects (logistic regression). Indirect effects contributed to vaccine impacts in all regions, with effect sizes 8-years post-vaccine introduction ranging from 16.9% in the WHO European region to 1.0% in the Western Pacific region. Indirect effect estimates were higher in countries with higher under-5 mortality, higher vaccine coverage, and lower birth rates. Of the 112 countries analyzed, 18 (16%) had at least 1 year with a predicted negative indirect effect. Negative indirect effects were more common in countries with higher birth rate, lower under-5 mortality and lower vaccine coverage. Rotavirus vaccination may have a larger impact than would be expected from direct effects alone, but the impact of these indirect effects is expected to vary by country.

Relationship of Increasing Food Production to Social Welfare and Health

The threat of an economic recession in 2023 raises concerns. Farmers, as the main supporters of food production, also feel that rice, the main food of the Indonesian people, must always be available in sufficient quantities. The population explosion during the pandemic was caused by high birth rates. Population growth must coincide with adequate food security so that there will be no famine and other chaos as a follow-up impact. The success of farmers in increasing agricultural output should be enjoyed in the form of social welfare and health. This study aims to see the relationship between increasing food production and social welfare and health. This research uses quantitative methods. Data collection using questionnaires Analysis of the study's results using linear regression It was found that there was a significant relationship between increased food production and farmers' social welfare and health. This research can be a reference for continuing to increase food production through the opening of new agricultural land. Another option is to reduce the conversion of agricultural land into settlements or offices. Thus, farmers have the opportunity to continue to maintain their food production numbers

A comparative study of OAE (OTO acoustic emission) and BERA (brainstem evoked response audiometry) / ASSR (auditory steady state response) as a screening of hearing loss among the children (&amp;lt;12 years of age) for hearing assessment in ENT OPD

Normal speech and language development depend upon a child’s ability to hear spoken language. The most important period for language and speech development is generally regarded as the first 3 years of life. Pediatric hearing loss is a major concern in India due to high incidence of hearing loss in this age, high birth rate, lack of facilities and awareness for early diagnosis. Therefore, early detection and early identification of hearing loss is very important. The study was carried out in ENT Department, Sir T Hospital, Bhavnagar. A total of 100 children &amp;#60;12 years of age with hearing loss who were screened with OAE (OTO acoustic emission) and BERA (brainstem evoked response audiometry). Among 100 children (&amp;#60;12 years of age), majority of the cases were in age group of 6 to 12 yrs. Male patients are predominantly affected than other patients. The earlier intervention, better were results. It is important to have more awareness programs focusing on importance of early hearing screening in children. This current study indicated the importance of screening for hearing loss among children.

Blocker displacement amplification-based genetic diagnosis for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and the clinical outcomes of preimplantation genetic testing.

Given that the molecular diagnosis of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is complicated, we aim to apply blocker displacement amplification (BDA) on the mutational screening of PKD1 and PKD2. A total of 35 unrelated families with ADPKD were recruited from the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (Chongqing, China), from October 2018 to October 2021. Long-range PCR followed by next-generation sequencing were applied for resequencing of PKD1 and PKD2, and the putatively disease-causative variants were verified with BDA. The effects of ADPKD on male and female infertility and the factors influencing the clinical outcomes of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for ADPKD were investigated. A total of 26 PKD1 variants and 5 PKD2 variants were identified, of which 13 were newly discovered. The BDA system worked effectively for eliminating the interference of pseudogenes in genetic testing of PKD1 (1-33 exons) with different concentrations of genome DNA. The females with ADPKD have no specific infertility factors, while 68.2% of the affected men were with abnormal sperm concentration and/or motility with an indefinite genotype-phenotype relationship. As for PGT, the fertilization rate of couples with the male partner having ADPKD was relatively lower compared to those with the female partner being affected. The ADPKD patients receiving PGT usually achieved high rates of live births. These findings expanded the variant spectrum of PKD genes and emphasized the application prospect of blocker displacement amplification on PKD1-related genetic diagnosis.

Pregnancy outcomes following recurrent miscarriage.

Recurrent miscarriage affects 1-2% of the population, and the literature has focussed on causes, treatment, and live birth rate. This study aimed to assess the reproductive outcomes for patients who attended a specialist recurrent miscarriage clinic for investigation and treatment. Prospective analysis of all patients who attended a recurrent miscarriage clinic from January 2014 to January 2021. Of the 488 patients who attended a specialist clinic, 318 had a further pregnancy with 299 included in this study. The median age was 37years, with 55.6% having a previous live birth. The subsequent live birth rate was 75.3%, 22.0% had a further pregnancy loss, 1.7% had an ongoing pregnancy, and 1% attended another institution after the second trimester. The rate of preeclampsia was 2.2%, pregnancy-induced hypertension was 2.2%, fetal growth restriction was 5.3%, preterm birth ≤ 34weeks was 1.8%, and preterm birth > 34weeks < 37weeks was 6.6%. Patients who attend a dedicated recurrent miscarriage clinic for investigation and treatment have a high live birth rate in a subsequent pregnancy. A subsequent pregnancy following recurrent pregnancy loss does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Je me souviens, j’imagine: essais historiques et littéraires sur la culture québécoise. Sous la direction d’Anne Caumartin, Julien Goyette, Karine Hébert et Martine-Emmanuelle Lapointe

‘Je me souviens’ is the motto of Quebec province, and it is inscribed on the coat of arms on the Parliament Building in Quebec City (inaugurated in 1884). In this context it urged the Québécois to remember their history, embodied in the statues of key historical figures (founders, explorers, military, religious and political figures, and anonymous representatives of the indigenous population) which decorate the building. But in its more familiar context today — on the province’s car licence plates — the motto has lost its context and the population no longer makes the automatic connection between it and the collective identity it once invoked. The sense of historical continuity, which had been integral to the ideology of ‘survivance’ in Quebec from the nineteenth to mid-twentieth century, no longer holds. The break with the traditionalist, Catholic past, which culminated in the Révolution tranquille in the 1960s, coincided with a questioning of the reliability of history and of collective memory. Across twenty-two essays by historians and literary and cultural scholars, the current volume addresses this rupture between a people and its history. Inspired by Pierre Nora’s concept of the lieu de mémoire, it offers analyses of key topoi of Quebec history and culture as they have been represented within the collective imaginary. Some contributions focus on a significant historical moment or emblematic location (for example, La Conquête, or Le Forum de Montréal, home of the Canadiens ice-hockey team, 1926–96), but more frequently the chapters take up commonplace figures such as the porteur d’eau or the coureur de bois, or choose a broader topic (the myth of Quebec as a matriarchal society; the high birth rate in francophone Canada; the shifting meanings of the term ‘colonisation’; attitudes towards the French language in Quebec), in order to revisit them, undermining stereotypes and analysing their transformations, and, in some cases, their relevance in Quebec today. The chosen sites of memory relate mostly to francophone (rather than anglophone or allophone) experience in Quebec, in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Essays dealing with various figures of the Other study images, clichés, and stereotypes as they function and shift within the collective (francophone) memory. These include contributions devoted to: the place of the indigenous voice, focusing on the earliest contact under French colonization; les maudits Français and the ambivalence of their presence in the Québécois sense of identity; and the place of l’Anglais in the imagination of (francophone) Quebec. The essay on the migrant Other focuses on one of the most problematic objects of memorialization. Migration (inward and outward, forced or voluntary) is central to what it is to become or to have been Québécois. But to attempt to memorialize the passage of migrants within or beyond Quebec is to attempt to capture a process of flight, of transition, of adaptation or exclusion. Accordingly, the essays in this wide-ranging volume engage the reader in what is both a reconfiguration but also a fundamental questioning of what its authors term ‘les contours d’un Québec évanescent’ (p. 18).

Cardiac and obstetric outcomes of pregnancies for women after cardiotoxic therapy in childhood: a single center observational study

BackgroundChildhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at increased risk of cardiomyopathy during pregnancy if they have prior cardiotoxic exposure. Currently, there is no consensus on the necessity, timing and modality of cardiac monitoring during and after pregnancy. Therefore, we examined cardiac function using contemporary echocardiographic parameters during pregnancy in CCS with cardiotoxic treatment exposure, and we observed obstetric outcomes in CCS, including in women without previous cardiotoxic treatment exposure.MethodA single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted among 39 women enrolled in our institution’s cancer survivorship outpatient clinic. Information on potential cardiotoxic exposure in childhood, cancer diagnosis and outcomes of all pregnancies were collected through interviews and review of health records. Echocardiographic exams before and during pregnancy were retrospectively analyzed for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) if available. The primary outcomes were (i) left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) during pregnancy, defined as LVEF < 50% or a decline of ≥ 10% in LVEF below normal (< 54%), and (ii) symptomatic heart failure (HF). Rate of obstetric and fetal complications was compared to the general population through the national perinatal registry (PERINED).ResultsAll pregnancies (91) of 39 women were included in this study. The most common malignancy was leukemia (N = 17, 43.6%). In 22 patients, echocardiograms were retrospectively analyzed. LVEFbaseline was 55.4 ± 1.2% and pre-existing subnormal LVEF was common (7/22, 31.8/%). The minimum value of LVEF during pregnancy was 3.8% lower than baseline (p = 0.002). LVD occurred in 9/22 (40.9%) patients and HF was not observed. When GLS was normal at baseline (< -18.0%; N = 12), none of the women developed LVD. Nine of out ten women with abnormal GLS at baseline developed LVD later in pregnancy. In our cohort, the obstetric outcomes seemed comparable with the general population unless patients underwent abdominal irradiation (N = 5), where high rates of preterm birth (only 5/18 born at term) and miscarriage (6/18 pregnancies) were observed.ConclusionOur study suggests that women with prior cardiotoxic treatment have a low risk of LVD during pregnancy if GLS at baseline was normal. Pregnancy outcomes are similar to the healthy population except when patients underwent abdominal irradiation.

Postpartum Depression Symptoms in Various Sects of Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel.

Ultra-Orthodox society in Israel is characterized by a higher birth rate than Israeli Jewish society. This study investigated the association of reproductive experiences among different sects of 254 ultra-Orthodox women with symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) and general depression, controlling for demographic features. PPD symptoms were found among 22% of the participants, with Sephardic women with higher rates of symptoms (34%) than women from the Lithuanian sect (16%) and Hasidic women (14%), and those who were formerly secular also had higher rates of PPD (33%) compared to 19% among those born ultra-Orthodox. Implications for health care practitioners are discussed.

Copenhagen index (CPH-I) is more favorable than CA125, HE4, and riskof ovarian malignancy algorithm (ROMA): Nomogram prediction models with clinical-ultrasonographic feature for diagnosing ovarian neoplasms.

We aimed to analyze the benign and malignant identification efficiency of CA125, HE4, risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm (ROMA), Copenhagen Index (CPH-I) in ovarian neoplasms and establish a nomogram to improve the preoperative evaluation value of ovarian neoplasms. A total of 3,042 patients with ovarian neoplasms were retrospectively classified according to postoperative pathological diagnosis [benign, n = 2389; epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), n = 653]. The patients were randomly divided into training and test cohorts at a ratio of 7:3. Using CA125, HE4, ROMA, and CPH-I, Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves corresponding to different truncation values were calculated and compared, and optimal truncation values were selected. Clinical and imaging risk factors were calculated using univariate regression, and significant variables were selected for multivariate regression analysis combined with ROMA and CPH-I. Nomograms were constructed to predict the occurrence of EOC, and the accuracy was assessed by external validation. When the cutoff value of CA125, HE4, ROMA, and CPH-I was 100 U/ml, 70 pmol/L, 12.5/14.4% (premenopausal/postmenopausal) and 5%, respectively, the AUC was 0.674, 0.721, 0.750 and 0.769, respectively. From univariate regression, the clinical risk factors were older age, menopausal status, higher birth rate, hypertension, and diabetes; imaging risk factors were multilocular tumors, solid nodules, bilateral tumors, larger tumor diameter, and ascites. The AUC of the nomogram containing ROMA and CPH-I was 0.8914 and 0.9114, respectively, which was better than the prediction accuracies of CA125, HE4, ROMA, and CPH-I alone. The nomogram with CPH-I was significantly better than that with ROMA (P < 0.001), and a nomogram decision curve analysis (DCA) containing CPH-I seemed to have better clinical benefits than ROMA. For external validation of this nomogram containing ROMA and CPH-I, the C-indices were 0.889 and 0.900, and the calibration curves were close to 45°, showing good agreement with the predicted values. We conclude that CPH-I and ROMA have higher diagnostic values in the preoperative diagnosis of EOC than other single tumor markers like CA125 or HE4. A nomogram based on CPH-I and ROMA with clinical and ultrasonic indicators had a better diagnostic value, and the CPH-I nomogram had the highest diagnostic efficacy.

MHealth in Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe: Context of current health, healthcare status, and demographic structure.

The advent of digital systems and global mobile phone availability presents an opportunity for better healthcare access and equity. However, the disparity in the usage and availability of mHealth systems between Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has not been explored in relation to current health, healthcare status, and demographics. This study aimed to compare mHealth system availability and use in SSA and Europe in the above-mentioned context. The study analyzed health, healthcare status, and demographics in both regions. It assessed mortality, disease burden, and universal health coverage. A systematic narrative review was conducted to thoroughly assess available data on mHealth availability and use, guiding future research in the field. SSA is on the verge of stages 2 and 3 in the demographic transition with a youthful population and high birth rate. Communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases contribute to high mortality and disease burden, including child mortality. Europe is on the verge of stages 4 and 5 in the demographic transition with low birth and death rates. Europe's population is old, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose major health challenges. The mHealth literature adequately covers cardiovascular disease/heart failure, and cancer. However, it lacks approaches for respiratory/enteric infections, malaria, and NCDs. mHealth systems in SSA are underutilized than in Europe, despite alignment with the region's demographics and major health issues. Most initiatives in SSA lack implementation depth, with only pilot tests or small-scale implementations. Europe's reported cases highlight actual implementation and acceptability, indicating a strong implementation depth of mHealth systems.

Qualitative Study of Community Participation Behavior in the Family Planning Program at the Kajuara Community Health Center, Bone District, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Background: The high birth rate is the main reason for the need for family planning services. Many women experience difficulties in determining the choice of type of contraception. This is not only because of the limited available methods but also because of their ignorance to make the right choice according to age, number of children and the side effects that often arise. This study aimed to obtain in-depth information about the behavior of community participation in the family planning program at the Kajuara Community Health Center, Bone Regency. Subjects and Method: The type of research used is descriptive qualitative research. The number of informants in this study was 7 people. The variables of this study are people's behavior, knowledge, attitudes, and actions. These research variables in a qualitative approach are referred to as the research focus. Data collection was done through in-depth interviews. Data analysis using "content analysis". While the technique of testing the validity of the data using data triangulation. Results: The results showed that basically, the community at the Kajuara Community Health Center knew about the Family Planning program, its benefits, and objectives, but the information obtained about the Family Planning program was not fully obtained. The attitude of the people who are less responsive to participation in the Family Planning program does not mean they are afraid of not having children but are afraid of the effects of these contraceptives. The actions of people who do not participate in the Family Planning program are due to information from other people regarding the effects of contraceptives which makes people not want to participate in the Family Planning program. Conclusion: This study concludes that there is a need to increase public knowledge about the Family Planning program through intensive counselling in the community by health workers. It is recommended that the community at the Kajuara Community Health Center support the Family Planning program that has been programmed by the government by participating in the program. It is hoped that mothers will not be influenced by information from other people about the effects of family planning and seek information about family planning programs from health workers. Keywords: participation behavior, family planning program, knowledge, attitudes, actions.

Генетическая дивергенция в системе смежных популяций при плотностно-зависимом лимитировании гаметопродукции

The paper studies the mechanisms leading to the emergence of genetic divergence (stable genetic differences) between two populations coupled by migration. We considered the classical system of panmictic populations with Mendelian rules of inheritance and monolocus selection directed against heterozygotes. In order to limit the growth of populations, we propose to assume that gamete production and total fertility (birth) decreases with population growth due to limited resources. We have proposed a non-linear discrete time model that describes the concentration dynamics of one of the alleles and each population abundance. To calculate the coordinates of all fixed points corresponding to different types of the limiting genetic structure and the abundance ratio, we have proposed a method for calculating their coordinates. It is shown that with a density-dependent birth limitation in the model, a set of fixed points corresponding to a homogeneous and heterogeneous distribution is possible. At a homogeneous distribution, both populations are monomorphic, with individuals belonging to only one genotype. At this, the limiting values of population abundance do not always coincide. With a non-homogeneous distribution, adjacent populations are polymorphic with individuals of different genotypes, but they differ significantly in the frequencies of alternative alleles and asymptotic population abundance. Bifurcations of the fixed points birth corresponding to heterogeneous distribution and genetic divergence are described. It is found that the movement towards one of the possible limiting genetic structures is accompanied by a change in the reproductive capabilities of populations.It is shown that a reduced fitness of heterozygotes in monomorphic populations results in a higher birth rate as compared to polymorphic populations obviously containing individuals with different reproductive capabilities. As a result, monomorphic and polymorphic populations correspond to different limiting abundances and cycles with different periods and oscillation phases after the loss of stability, even if the populations are completely identical.

Swollen Ampulla as an Indicator of Successful Pregnancy in B6C3F1 Recipient Mice used for Assisted Reproduction.

In vitro fertilization (IVF), embryo cryopreservation, and embryo transfer (ET) are assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) that are used extensively for the maintenance of mouse models in animal research. Inbred mouse strains with different genetic backgrounds vary in their reproductive performance. Cryopreservation can affect embryo quality and viability, and the genetic background of ET recipients can influence the ET result. In this retrospective study, we analyzed the out- comes of ETs performed in our facility during the last 6 y. We found that B6C3F1 mice with swollen ampullae show almost 3-fold higher pregnancy rates than mice with nonswollen ampullae when either freshly isolated or frozen-thawed embryos are implanted. Implantation of freshly collected embryos in recipients with swollen ampullae led to significantly higher pregnancy rates in comparison to implantation of frozen-thawed embryos, regardless of whether the latter were fertilized in vivo or in vitro. Moreover, we found a significant effect of genetic background on the birth rate; C57BL/6J mice and mice with a mixed genetic background had 34% higher birth rates than did C57BL/6N mice. Within the C57BL/6J group, the birth rates were significantly higher when using fresh in vivo-fertilized embryos, and cryopreservation negatively affected both in vivo- and in vitro-fertilized embryos. The success rate of obtaining one living pup was not significantly different between frozen-thawed and fresh embryos. Overall, a swollen ampulla is a strong indicator for a successful pregnancy, together with the embryo manipulation and genetic background. A better understanding of the factors that affect the reproductive outcome might lead to optimization of the ART protocols and contribute to a reduction in the number of mice used for these procedures.

Contextualizing disparities in NTSV cesarean rates with county-level data

The rate of cesarean births among nulliparous women with a term singleton fetus in vertex presentation (NTSV) is a quality indicator for perinatal care. Black women are disproportionately affected by high rates of unplanned cesarean birth and are at increased risk for the associated complications. We sought to describe disparities in the county-level NTSV cesarean birth rate in the United States to understand how cesarean disparities vary by place.