Maternal Grand Research Articles

Gatekeeping girls’ access to education: an exploration of matrilineal relationships, gatekeepers, and contentions at the micro-household-level

The lack of attention to micro-politics at the household-level makes us miss the gatekeeping strategies that family members at the micro household-level employ to enable, and or hinder education access for children, especially girls. In this paper, I draw on qualitative interviews and autobiographical narratives of 15 women from matrilineal societies to explore answers to the question: How did gatekeeping shape gendered pathways to education access for women born between 1917 and 1957? Examining this demography is essential as it addresses the often-overlooked education access dynamics among women born within this specific timeframe in education research. This paper makes the case that a complex web of gatekeeping systems regarding access to education existed at the micro household family-levels in Ghana. Particularly in matrilineal societies, maternal uncles, maternal grand uncles, and fathers collectively acted as gatekeepers regulating girls’ access to education. The findings underscore the role of cultural resources in facilitating men’s control over family finances, breadwinning roles, and decision-making processes, thereby acting as gatekeepers limiting girls’ access to education. Gatekeeping access created two pathways, non-access, and access with conditions. Access with conditions explain how girls were restricted to reading courses typical to their gender and attending schools of the gatekeeper’s choice. These gatekeeping practices shaped the education access and life outcomes of Ghana’s pioneering generation of educated women.

Innovating Maternal and Child Health: Incentive Prizes to Improve Early Childhood Development.

Protecting and advancing maternal and child health is a critical goal to both society and to the economy, given that their health is a predictor of the next generation's health. Yet despite this recognition, many of the communities aiming to improve maternal and child health still problem-solve in silos: age silos, disease silos, organizational silos, disciplinary silos, data silos, and communication silos, often created or exacerbated by the disconnected approaches to research, funding, and reporting. These silos limit discovery and spread of new solutions to important maternal and child health problems. In this paper, we will discuss federal incentive prizes as a tool to break down silos and to engineer cognitive diversity and transdisciplinary collaboration. In 2018, the United States Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau (HRSA MCHB) launched the "Maternal and Child Health Bureau Grand Challenges," a suite of four prize competitions totaling $1.5 million addressing critical issues in maternal and child health. These included federal challenges designed to (1) prevent childhood obesity in low-income communities, (2) improve the remote monitoring of pregnancy, (3) improve care coordination and planning for children with special health care needs, and (4) prevent opioid misuse among pregnant women and new mothers. The ability to incentivize innovation to address critical public health issues cannot rest in the private sector alone. Complementing other investments, the Challenge mechanism's power to catalyze the rapid development of innovative solutions can improve how we address barriers to achieve optimal maternal and child health for the families that we serve.

Maternal grand multiparity and intention to use modern contraceptives in Nigeria

BackgroundGrand multiparity and low contraceptive prevalence are dominant among Nigerian women. These elevate the risk of unintended pregnancies, high-risk fertility and adverse maternal and child health outcomes among women in the country, particularly grand multiparous women. Studies have examined predictors of intention to use modern contraceptives among women of reproductive age. However, these studies did not ascertain the extent to which grand multiparity is associated with intention to use modern contraceptives. This study examined association between grand multiparity and intention to use modern contraceptives in Nigeria.MethodsThe study pooled data from 2003 to 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys. The weighted sample size analysed was 34,302 women. The outcome variable was intention to use contraceptive. The main explanatory variable was parity with specific attention to grand multiparity. Unadjusted multinomial logistic regression coefficients were used to examine association between specific explanatory or control variables and intention to use contraceptives while the adjusted multinomial logistic regression was applied to further examine associated factors of intention to use contraceptives relative to being uncertain about future contraceptive use. Four multinomial logistic regression models were fitted using Stata 14.ResultsMore than half of respondents do not intend to use contraceptives, while less than one-fifth of respondents intend to use contraceptives in the future. Across the four fitted models, the relative risks of intention to use compared with being uncertain about future contraceptive use were significantly lower among grand multiparous women. Results further revealed pregnancy termination, fertility planning status, exposure to mass media family planning messages, knowledge of modern contraceptives, ideal family size, remarriage, household power relations, and maternal education as other key factors influencing expected risk of intention to use contraceptives relative to being uncertain about future contraceptive use.ConclusionMaternal grand multiparity is significantly associated with intention to use contraceptives among women in Nigeria. The development of a specific population and health programme to target grand multiparous women is imperative in the country. Such programme could be integrated into existing national family planning programme through specific contraceptive education, counselling and information for high parous women.

Survival analysis of productive life in Brazilian holstein using a piecewise Weibull proportional hazard model

The objectives of this study were to assess the most important factors that influence productive life (PL) of Brazilian Holstein cows and to estimate genetic parameters for PL using a piecewise Weibull proportional hazard model. Records of PL from first calving to last recording (culling) of 132,922 cows coming from 945 herds were used. They had to have their first calving occurring between 1989 and 2013 and they were daughters of 6,804 sires. The model included the time-dependent effects of region within year, class of milk production within herd-year, class of milk production within lactation number, class of fat and protein contents within herd and (variation in) herd size as well as the time-independent fixed effect of age at first calving, the random effects of herd-year, sire and maternal grand sire. All fixed effects had a significant effect on PL (P<0.001). The relative risk (RR) for within herd class of milk yield varied from 3.16 for the worst 20% class to 0.41 for the best 20% class. RR also increased as protein and fat decreased, but to a lesser extent compared to milk yield. Significant effects on PL were found for region-year, with large yearly changes in some cases. RR increased with age at first calving and with herd size but lower risks were observed when herd size was increasing or decreasing, compared to stable herds. The Weibull shape parameters (and therefore RR) increased with lactation number and with stage of lactation. The sire genetic variance estimate was 0.030±0.002 which corresponds to an equivalent heritability estimate of 6.1% accounting for censoring. A positive genetic trend of PL was observed. These results may contribute to the development of a routine genetic evaluation necessary to improve PL of Brazilian Holsteins.

Maternal Grand Multiparity and the Risk of Severe Mental Disorders in Adult Offspring.

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that maternal grand multiparity may predict an increased risk of mental disorders in young adult offspring, but whether such effects persist throughout adulthood remains unknown. The current study examined if maternal grand multiparity predicts the risks of severe mental disorders, suicides, suicide attempts and dementias throughout adult life.MethodsOur study sample comprised 13243 Helsinki Birth Cohort Study 1934–1944 participants (6905 men and 6338 women). According to hospital birth records, 341 offspring were born to grand multiparous mothers. From Finnish national hospital discharge and causes of death registers, we identified 1682 participants diagnosed with mental disorders during 1969–2010.ResultsMaternal grand multiparity predicted significantly increased risks of mood disorders (Hazard Ratio = 1.64, p = 0.03), non-psychotic mood disorders (Hazard Ratio = 2.02, p = 0.002), and suicide attempts (Hazard Ratio = 3.94, p = 0.01) in adult offspring. Furthermore, women born to grand multiparous mothers had significantly increased risks of any severe mental disorder (Hazard Ratio = 1.79, p = 0.01), non-psychotic substance use disorders (Hazard Ratio = 2.77, p = 0.02) schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders (Hazard Ratio = 2.40, p = 0.02), mood disorders (Hazard Ratio = 2.40, p = 0.002), non-psychotic mood disorders (Hazard Ratio = 2.91, p<0.001), and suicide attempts (Hazard Ratio = 5.05, p = 0.01) in adulthood. The effects of maternal grand multiparity on offspring psychopathology risk were independent of maternal age and body mass index at childbirth, and of year of birth, sex, childhood socioeconomic position, and birth weight of the offspring. In contrast, no significant effects were found among men.ConclusionsWomen born to grand multiparous mothers are at an increased risk of severe mental disorders and suicide attempts across adulthood. Our findings may inform the development of preventive interventions for mental disorders.

Investigating maternal effects on production traits in Duroc pigs using animal and sire models

Variance components for production traits were estimated using different models to evaluate maternal effects. Data analysed were records from the South African pig performance testing scheme on 22224 pigs from 18 herds, tested between 1990 and 2008. The traits analysed were backfat thickness (BFAT), test period weight gain (TPG), lifetime weight gain (LTG), test period feed conversion ratio (FCR) and age at slaughter (AGES). Data analyses were performed by REML procedures in ASREML, where random effects were successively fitted into animal and sire models to produce different models. The first animal model had one random effect, the direct genetic effects, while the additional random effects were maternal genetic and maternal permanent environmental effects. In the sire model, the random effects fitted were sire and maternal grand sire effects. The best model considered the covariance between direct and maternal genetic effects or between sire and maternal grand sire effects. Fitting maternal genetic effects into the animal model reduced total additive variance, while the total additive variance increased when maternal grand sire effects were fitted into the sire model. The correlations between direct and maternal genetic effects were all negative, indicating antagonism between these effects, hence the need to consider both effects in selection programmes. Direct genetic correlations were higher than other correlations, except for maternal genetic correlations of FCR with TPG, LTG and AGES. There has been direct genetic improvement and almost constant maternal ability in production traits as shown by trends for estimated (EBVs) and maternal breeding values (MBVs), while phenotypic trends were similar to those for EBVs. These results suggest that maternal genetic effects should be included in selection programmes for these production traits. Therefore, the animal-maternal model may be the most appropriate model to use when estimating genetic parameters for production traits in this population.

The potential impact of family history of metabolic syndrome and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: In a highly endogamous population.

Aim:This study aims to determine the potential impact of positive family history of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) among two generations, on developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and the potential relation of consanguineous marriage among patients with MetS to the risk of developing T2DM among a sample of Qataris.Design:A cross-sectional study.Setting:Primary healthcare (PHC) centers.Materials and Methods:The survey and measurement were conducted from April 2011 to December 2012 among Qatari nationals above 20 years of age. Of the 2,182 subjects, who were approached to participate in the study, 1,552 (71%) gave their consent. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire followed by anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests. Metabolic syndrome was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program-Third Adult Treatment Panel (ATP III) as well as International Diabetes Federation (IDF).Results:Overall, the prevalence of MetS was 26.2% according to ATP III and 36.9% according to IDF (P < 0.0001). The mean age of MetS patients with T2DM was significantly higher than those without T2DM (Mean 48 ± 9.9 vs. 42.5 ± 9.2; P < 0.001). The proportion of females was higher among MetS patients with T2DM as compared to those without T2DM (61% vs. 51%; P = 0.053). In addition, there were significant differences between MetS patients with and without DM in terms of co-morbidities of hypertension, coronary heart disease, and high cholesterol. The proportion of MetS patients with positive family history for MetS was significantly higher in MetS patients with T2DM as compared to those without T2DM (46.7% vs. 33.8%; P = 0.009). The proportion of positive family history of MetS among fathers (35% vs. 21.9%; P = 0.005), mothers (30.5% vs. 18.8%; P = 0.008), maternal aunt (18.3% vs. 11.2%; P = 0.055), and maternal grand father (19.5% vs. 10%; P = 0.010) were significantly higher in MetS patients with T2DM as compared to the counterpart. The proportion of consanguineous marriages was almost two times higher among MetS patients with T2DM as compared to those without T2DM (80.9% vs. 41.9%; P < 0.001). The proportion of MetS patients with T2DM was lower than MetS patients without DM below 45 years, but after 45 years, the proportion of MetS patients with T2DM remained higher than their counterparts.Conclusion:Family history of MetS among parents, maternal aunt, maternal grandfather, and consanguineous marriages among patients of MetS are significantly associated with the development of T2DM in Qatar. These results support the necessity of earlier screening for T2DM among MetS patients with positive family history of MetS.

A new mutation in the C-SH2 domain of PTPN11 causes Noonan syndrome with multiple giant cell lesions

Noonan syndrome (NS), an autosomal dominant multisystem disorder, is caused by the dysregulation of the RAS-MAPK pathway and is characterized by short stature, heart defects, pectus excavatum, webbed neck, learning problems, cryptorchidism and facial dysmorphism. We here present the clinical and molecular characterization of a family with NS and multiple giant cell lesions (MGCLs). The proband is a 12-year-old girl with NS and MGCL. Her mother shows typical NS without MGCL. Whole-exome sequencing of the girl, her mother and her healthy maternal grand parents revealed a previously unobserved mutation in exon 5 of the PTPN11 gene (c.598 A>T; p.N200Y), transmitted from the mother to the proband. As no other modification in the RAS-MAPK pathway genes as related to Rasopathies was detected in the proband, this report demonstrates for the first time that a unique mutation affecting this, otherwise unaffected signaling route, can cause both NS and NS/MGCL in the same family. This observation further confirms that NS/MGCL is not a distinct entity but rather that MGCL represents a rare complication of NS. Moreover, the localization of the p.N200Y mutation suggests an alternative molecular mechanism for the excessive phosphatase activity of the PTPN11-encoded protein.

Mutations of ABCD1 gene and phenotype of Vietnamese patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD)

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is caused by a defect in the gene ABCD1, which maps to Xq28 and codes for a peroxisomal membrane protein that is a member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter superfamily. X-ALD is panethnic and affects approximately 1:20,000 males. This disease characterized by progressive neurologic dysfunction, occasionally associated with adrenal insufficiency. We aim to describe the clinical, laboratory and cerebral MRI characteristics of Vietnamese patients with X-ALD and to identify mutations of ABCD1 in these cases. Clinical features, biochemical finding and cerebral MRI lesions of 9 cases from 7 unrelated familes were studied. Genomic DNA from these patients was extracted using standard procedures from the peripheral blood leukocytes. Mutation analysis of ABCD1 was performed using Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA direct sequencing. Among these patients, two families had two children with X-ALD, the others were unrelated but one case had family history of X-ALD (his maternal grand mother has a sister whose two sons having paralysis for more than 1 year, hyper-pigmentation and died at the age of 7 and 12 yrs). Endocrinology symptoms of adrenal insufficiency were observed in 8/9 cases; 7/9 cases showed neurological symptoms of cerebral ALD or adrenomyeloneuropathy; 2/9 cases had only symptoms of chronic adrenal insufficiency and no neurological symptoms until 12 and 5 years of age, respectively. 8/9 cases had serum cortisole and ACTH measured confirmed adrenal insufficiency. 8/8 cases showed increased plasma VLCFA. Neuroimaging studies (cerebral MRI) showed classical posterior pattern in 7 cases who had neurological symptoms and normal pattern in 2 cases without neurological manifestations. We identified 7 different mutations of ABCD1 in 9 patients. Of which, four novel mutations [c.1202G>T (p.Arg401Trp); c.1208T>A (p.Met403Lys); IVS8+28-551bp del; and the extent of deletion included between IVS1+505 and IVS2+1501, containing whole the exon 2 (4243bp), plus insertion of 79bp from BAP31 and 8bp from unknown origin in this deleted region] were identified in four unrelated patients with neurological symptoms. The reported mutation c.1628C>T (p.Pro543Leu) was identified in two cases (sibling: elder had no neurological symptoms and younger had progressive neurological disability). The reported mutation c.1553G>A (p.Arg518Gln) was found in a boy without neurogical symptoms at 5 years of age. The reported mutation c.1552 C>T (p.Arg518Trp) was identified in two cases (sibling: both have adrenal insufficiency and neurogical symptoms). For the first time, mutations in ABCD1 are identified in X-ALD Vietnamese patients. Despite many mutations having been identified in patients with these clinical phenotypes, the genotype-phenotype correlations have not been clarified.

Genetic analysis of body weight in South African Angora kids and young goats

The data used for this study consisted of 27 485 kid records, the progeny of 599 sires and 10 077 dams, and were collected on the 2000- to 2009-born kids of 11 Angora goat studs. Variance and covariance components and ratios pertaining to direct additive genetic variation, maternal additive genetic variation, maternal permanent environmental variation, and the relationship between direct and maternal effects for birth weight (BW; kg), weaning weight (WW; kg) and body weight at 8, 12 and 16 months (W8, W12 and W16; kg) were estimated with the ASReml program. Direct additive heritability estimates of 0.22, 0.20, 0.12, 0.34 and 0.58 were obtained for BW, WW, W8, W12 and W16, respectively. Maternal heritabilities were 0.10, 0.09, 0.03 and 0.06 for BW, WW, W8 and W12, respectively, while maternal environmental effects of 0.13, 0.11, 0.06 and 0.04 were estimated for the latter traits, respectively. An unfavourable correlation of &#8211;0.38 was obtained between direct and maternal genetic effects for BW. Low to medium positive direct genetic correlations were estimated between birth weight and body weights recorded at a later stage in life. High positive direct genetic correlations were estimated among WW, W8, W12 and W16. The maternal genetic correlations obtained between birth weight and the other body weights were medium to high. Phenotypic correlations among the traits ranged from low to high. Genetic trends of body weight at different ages indicate that although not many breeders use objective measurement as a selection tool, body weight increased slightly in the 11 studs over the 10-year study period. Since reproduction and body weight should be included in a selection programme for Angora goats, the relationship between the direct and maternal additive effects should be clarified. The importance of a sufficiently structured and related pedigree, especially on the part of the dams and maternal grand dams, has been highlighted in this study. As this is one of the constraints of this data set, data collection in the Angora goat industry should continue until a suitably structured data set has been built up that could be used to estimate multi-trait breeding values for the industry.Keywords: Birth weight, genetic parameters, maternal effects, weaning weight

Genetic evaluation for calving ease trait using linear and threshold models in first parity dairy cows

Calving ease (CE) is a categorical trait which can be analyzed by both linear and threshold models. Though it has been assumed that threshold models qualify to be the best procedure for analyzing categorical traits, its efficiency with field data has not been clearly confirmed. This study was aimed at comparing linear and threshold models for estimation of CE genetic parameters. Data consisted of 10,575 first parturition CE records collected from 1985 to 2006 in Isfahan, Iran. CE scores were classified into 5 categories depending upon parturition situation. A sire-maternal grand sire model, consisting of birth herd-year-season and sex-age as fixed effects and parturition herd-season, sire and maternal grand sire additive genetic values as random effects, was applied in MATVEC software. Mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, skewness, and kurtosis for first parity CE records were 0.233, 0.644, 276.640, 2.950, and 8.097, respectively. CE scores varied from 0 (86%) to 4 (0.1%). CE means for males (0.285) and female calves (0.190) were significantly different. Parturitions during winter and summer were associated with the highest and lowest calving difficulties, respectively. Estimations for direct and maternal heritability were 0.1082, 0.0486 using linear model and 0.0689, 0.0100 using threshold model, respectively. Even though departure from normal distribution was expected to favour the threshold model, implementation of this model in field data analysis did not eventuate to better genetic estimations. Key words: Calving ease, Holstein, Sire-MGS, threshold, genetic parameters.

Maternal Grand Mal Seizure Leads to a Surprising Diagnosis of Dandy‐Walker Variant

Pregnant women may present with abnormal symptoms that are assumed to be related to the pregnancy. The purpose of this case study is to examine an obstetric case that provides a wider view of a grand mal seizure in a perinatal patient with previously undiagnosed Dandy-Walker Variant. When a pregnant or newly postpartum woman has seizures, eclampsia may be the most the most likely diagnosis, but it may not be accurate.

Gene flow in a national cross-breeding beef population

Future progress in genetic improvement and the monitoring of genetic resources in beef cattle requires a detailed understanding of the population under selection. This study examines the gene flow in the UK beef population with an uncommon breeding structure involving interaction between the beef and dairy populations. British Cattle Movement Service records were used as the primary source of information, and these data were triangulated with UK government statistics, other industry information sources and existing literature to build up a profile of the UK beef industry. Estimates were made of the breed composition of suckler cows, breeding bulls and the prime slaughter population. Cross-bred animals made up 85% and 94%, respectively, of the commercial beef breeding cow and prime slaughter populations. Holstein/Friesian (through cross-breeding) made up the largest proportion of genes in both these populations with 33% and 28%, respectively. The next five most popular breeds were specialist beef breeds: Limousin (22% and 18%), Charolais (11% and 6%), Simmental (9% and 11%), Angus (7% and 8%) and Belgian Blue (6% and 6%). Combined, the top seven beef breeds accounted for 94% of beef genetics in the prime slaughter population, and 80% of this came from non-native breeds. The influence of dairy breeds in the commercial beef breeding population was highlighted by the fact that 44% of replacement commercial beef breeding females were sourced from beef-sired crosses in the dairy herd, and in total 74% of all maternal grand dams of prime slaughter animals were Holstein/Friesian. The use of selection index technology was also investigated by analysing breeding bull sale results, with the correlation between the terminal sire index and sale price of young breeding bulls being generally moderate but significant, ranging from 0.21 to 0.38 across the major beef breeds. The most influential source of genetics in the commercial suckler beef herd was natural service breeding bulls. These were mostly sourced from pedigree breeders, and accounted for 47.8% of the genetics in the prime beef population. Artificial insemination sires were responsible for 16.6% of prime beef genetics, with the remaining 35.6% coming from dairy breeds, 95% of which was Holstein/Friesian.

Relationships between monounsaturated fatty acids of marbling flecks and image analysis traits in longissimus muscle for Japanese Black steers1

The percentage of MUFA to total fatty acids of beef differs among intermuscular, intramuscular, and subcutaneous fat even within an individual cow. Our objective was to investigate the variation of the percentage of MUFA by geometric and sectional change of marbling flecks in rib eye. Longissimus muscles of 8 Japanese Black steers from a common sire and a common maternal grand sire were used. Three slices (1 from rib roast and 2 from sirloin) from each animal were selected for analysis. Five marbling flecks from each slice were randomly taken to obtain the percentage of MUFA using gas chromatography. High-quality digital images of all slices were taken with a mirror-type camera. The area and location of each marbling fleck were calculated by image analysis. The marbling flecks were categorized by area [small <0.4 cm(2), medium 0.4 to 2.0 cm(2), large >2.0 cm(2)], by location (dorsal and ventral), and by slice section through the LM (front, middle, and back). The effects of classification according to the area, location, and slice section were statistically significant (P < 0.05) for the percentage of MUFA. Least squares means of the percentage of MUFA for marbling flecks of sizes small, medium, and large were 56.8, 58.4, and 60.2%, respectively, indicating that larger marbling flecks had greater MUFA (P < 0.05). Those of dorsal, ventral, front, middle, and back were 59.1, 57.8, 55.4, 59.9, and 60.1%, respectively. The percentages of MUFA of the marbling flecks located in the dorsal part were greater than those in the ventral part (P < 0.05). The percentages of MUFA from middle and back were greater than those from front (P < 0.01). We suggest that the area, location, and slice section of marbling would be the determining factors for the percentage of MUFA of marbling.

A novel mutation of the familial Mediterranean fever gene in a Greek family related to a non-classical, variably expressed FMF phenotype

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a hereditary autoinXammatory disorder characterized by fever, arthritis, serosal inXammation and often secondary amyloidosis. It most commonly aVects people of Armenian, Turkish, Jewish and Arab origin and its mode of inheritance is mainly recessive connected with the MEFV gene [1, 2]. The MEFV gene, codes for the 781 amino-acid protein pyrin/marenostrin that is predominantly expressed in polymorphonuclear cells as well as in cytokine activated monocytes. It seems that pyrin acts as an anti-inXammatory molecule by inhibiting interleukin-1 (IL-1) processing and permitting macrophage apoptosis [3, 4]. At least 120 mutations or polymorphisms of the MEFV gene have been identiWed, although Wve mutations account for almost 95% of the reported cases, especially in classically aVected populations. In the current report, a novel mutation of the MEFV gene in a young woman presenting with an episode of protracted polyserositis, fever, and a signiWcant family history of recurrent fevers of unknown etiology is presented. In detail, a 20-year-old Greek female was investigated for an episode of prolonged fever and pleural, pericardial and ascitic eVusions starting approximately 4 months prior to admission. System review and physical examination were unrevealing for stigmata of autoimmune disorders including Raynaud’s phenomenon, rashes, musculoskeletal complaints, oral ulcers or renal or nervous system involvement. Her past medical history was unremarkable. However, her family medical history was signiWcant for unexplained febrile episodes during summer months of 2– 3 weeks duration of her paternal grandmother. An extensive workup for an infectious etiology, including tuberculosis, was unrevealing. Laboratory evaluation revealed elevated inXammatory markers and a positive antinuclear antibody titer (1/320, diVuse pattern), while test for antibodies against extractable nuclear antigens and double stranded antibodies was negative. A preliminary diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was presumed and an oral prednisolone regimen at a dose of 1 mg/kg was started resulting in signiWcant improvement in clinical and laboratory terms (resolution of fevers and eVusions, abatement of inXammatory markers). However, given the complete lack of other concomitant features supporting the diagnosis of SLE, the Mediterranean origin of the patient and the history of recurrent unexplained fevers of the maternal grand mother, DNA analysis including tests for both FMF and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) mutations, as well as determination of IgD levels was performed. Of interest, DNA analysis disclosed a previously unreported heterozygous mutation of the exon 2 of the MEFV gene. Testing for TRAPS mutations was unrevealing and IgD levels were within normal limits. Prednisolone was tapered and colchicine at a dose of 0.5 mg bid was instituted; no symptom recurrence was noted over 2 years of follow-up. Dimitrios Zonios and Clio P. Mavragani have equally contributed.

Genetic relationships among calving ease, calving interval, birth weight, and weaning weight in the Asturiana de los Valles beef cattle breed1

The aim of this paper was to estimate direct and maternal genetic parameters for calving ease (CE), birth weight (BrW), weaning weight (WW), and calving interval (CI) to assess the possibility of including this information in beef cattle improvement programs. Field data, including a total of 59,813 animals (1,390 sires and 1,147 maternal grand sires) from the Asturiana de los Valles beef cattle breed, were analyzed with a multivariate linear model. Estimates of heritability for direct genetic effects (CED, CID, BrWD, and WWD) were 0.191 +/- 0.019, 0.121 +/- 0.013, 0.390 +/- 0.030, and 0.453 +/- 0.035, respectively, whereas those for maternal genetic effects (CEM, BrWM, and WWM) were 0.140 +/- 0.015, 0.208 +/- 0.020, and 0.138 +/- 0.022, respectively. Genetic correlations between direct or maternal genetic effects across traits were, in general, positive and moderate to low. However, genetic correlation for the pair CED-BrWD was positive and high (0.604 +/- 0.064). Genetic correlations between the direct and maternal genetic effects within a trait were negative and moderate (-0.219 +/- 0.097 for CE, -0.337 +/- 0.080 for BrW, and -0.440 +/- 0.102 for WW). Genetic correlations for CED-BrWM and CED-WWM were -0.121 +/- 0.090 and -0.097 +/- 0.113, respectively. The genetic correlation for CEM-CID was unfavorable (0.485 +/- 0.078), and those for CEM-BrWD (-0.094 +/- 0.079) and CEM-WWD (-0.125 +/- 0.082) were low and negative. The genetic correlation between CID and WWM was favorable (-0.148 +/- 0.106). Overall, the data presented here support the hypothesis that maternal effects for CE and BrW are not the same and that the genetic relationships between CI and maternal effects for WW in beef cattle follow a similar pattern to that reported between CI and milk yield in dairy cattle. Moreover, the need to include direct and maternal breeding values in beef cattle selection programs is suggested.

Genetic evaluation of crossbred lamb production. 3. Growth and carcass performance of second-cross lambs

This study evaluated the growth and carcass performance of second-cross lambs that were the progeny of common terminal sires and a range of first-cross ewes. The first-cross ewes were the progeny of 91 industry sires from several maternal breeds including the Border Leicester, East Friesian, Finnsheep, Coopworth, White Suffolk, Corriedale, and Booroola Leicester breeds. The first-cross ewes were generated at 3 sites over 3 years, and 3 common maternal sires were used at each site and each year to provide genetic links for combined analysis. The 2726 first-cross ewes were mated naturally to common terminal sires for 3 years at each site to quantify the variation in maternal genetics on the performance of 11 341 second-cross cross lambs. The birthweight, weaning weight (at an average age of 100 days) and post-weaning weight (at an average age of 200 days) of the second-cross lambs were analysed using mixed-model procedures. The lambs were slaughtered (n = 8878) at an average target carcass weight of 22 kg and dressing yield, carcass fat, muscle, meat colour, and meat pH were analysed. Crossbred ewe breed (the maternal grand sire breed) was significant for birthweight (range of 0.9 kg), weaning weight (range 4.4 kg) and post-weaning weight (range 4.6 kg). Type of birth and rearing, age of dam, and sex effects were significant for all liveweights. Ewe breed was significant for hot carcass weight, carcass fat levels, and muscle dimensions, but not for meat colour and ultimate meat pH. There was a significant difference between wether and ewe lamb carcasses for most traits, with other fixed effects generally being small when carcass weight was included as a covariate. Lamb carcasses from East Friesian-cross ewes were very lean compared with carcasses from all other ewe breeds (~2 mm lower fat depth at the GR site at 22 kg carcass weight). This comprehensive study of maternal sire breeds provides an opportunity to exploit between-breed variation for some maternal growth and carcass traits. There was, however, considerable overlap among breeds and opportunities exist for additional improvement by exploiting between-maternal sire genetic variance. The role of improved growth and carcass performance in profitability of prime lamb enterprises is discussed.

Genetic Influences of the Combination of Boars and Maternal Grand Sires (MGS) upon the Carcass Traits in Berkshire

Genetic Influences of the Combination of Boars and Maternal Grand Sires (MGS) upon the Carcass Traits in Berkshire

Sire-maternal Grandsire Model and Sire Model in Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Average Daily Gain and Carcass Traits of Japanese Black Cattle

The objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters and sire breeding values for average daily gain (ADG) and carcass traits using sire-maternal grandsire model with REML approach, sire model with REML approach, sire model without relationships among sires and with REML and ANOVA approach, and to investigate advantages and disadvantages of these methods. Data were collected from 42,325 Japanese Black steers and heifers finished and slaughtered from 1991 to 2004. Traits analyzed in this study were average daily gain (ADG) during the fattening period, live weight at slaughter (LW), cold carcass weight (CW), estimated lean yield percentage (LYE), longissimus muscle area (LMA), subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), rib thickness (RT), and marbling score (BMS). Bivariate analyses were also performed to obtain genetic and phenotypic correlation coefficients among traits. Estimated breeding values were obtained from each model, and simple and rank correlations among breeding values from each model were calculated. Estimates of heritability using the four models ranged from 0.25 to 0.31 in ADG, from 0.21 to 0.24 in LW, from 0.23 to 0.27 in CW, from 0.10 to 0.17 in DP, from 0.40 to 0.42 in LYE, from 0.19 to 0.31 in LMA, from 0.31 to 0.34 in SFT, from 0.26 to 0.33 in RT, and from 0.18 to 0.44 in BMS. The differences in heritability estimates using the four models seemed to be feasible in ADG, CW, DP, LMA, RT, and BMS. Genetic correlation coefficients of ADG with CW, SFT, RT and BMS were moderate to high and positive while the genetic correlation coefficients between ADG and LYE was low and negative. Correlation coefficients of BMS with SFT were negligible for both genetic and phenotypic correlations. The correlations of estimates evaluated from sire models with those from sire-maternal grandsire model were not large enough to convincing that breeding values using a sire model were corresponding to those using a sire-maternal grand sire model. If information of maternal grand sires are not available, the sire model with incomplete pedigree information included only sire of sire (Model 2) is optimal among the sire models evaluated in this study.

Predicting breeding values and accuracies from group in comparison to individual observations

Individual observations are routinely used in livestock evaluations. In some cases, pooled data representing the joint but not individual performance of a group of animals may be available. For example, pooled feed intake may be measured on a pen of livestock. The usual mixed model approach to genetic evaluation can still be applied as an exact method in this setting, provided incidence and residual variance-covariance matrices are suitably modified to account for the pooling. Approximate evaluations may be achieved by treating average performance as if it pertained to each individual in the pool. Theoretical accuracies can be obtained as a function of elements of the inverse coefficient matrix. A 3-generation data set representing 1,000 animals with feed intake observations from 49 sires and 200 maternal grand sires was simulated with heritability of 0.34. Individual records were pooled to represent circumstances in which animals with records were collectively measured. Animals were allocated into pens at random, by sire, or by maternal grand sire. Simulation was replicated with unique fixed effects for each pen. Following evaluation from each method, the empirical accuracy or product-moment correlation between true (simulated) and estimated merit could be quantified. The analysis of individual observations resulted in empirical accuracy of 0.63 for animals on test and 0.77 for their sires. Pooling the observations in pens of 2, 4, or 12 animals reduced empirical accuracies for animals on test to 0.50, 0.41, and 0.21 when pooling was at random and 0.53, 0.47, and 0.34 when pooling was by sire. Simulating a fixed pen effect representing 10% phenotypic variation, but ignoring that effect in the evaluation minimally reduced empirical accuracies to 0.52, 0.46, and 0.33 when pooling by sire. Theoretical accuracies were in close agreement with empirical accuracies when the exact method was used. The approximate method that treated averages of pooled data as if they were individually observed overstated accuracy and should not be used. Selection on the basis of pooled observations can be almost as effective as using individual observations when pool sizes are small. The exact method to account for pooled data is no more complex than conventional procedures.