Multiparous Females Research Articles

Molecular Evaluation of the Mating Dynamics of Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio) in the Eastern Bering Sea

ABSTRACTSnow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) in the eastern Bering Sea (EBS) supports a valuable crab fishery that harvests large males. To better understand the potential impact of the presence of snow‐Tanner hybrids (C. opilio × C. bairdi) on snow crab mating dynamics, the maternal lineage of hybrids was evaluated using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Contrary to results from a previous study that indicated hybrids result only from crosses between Tanner crab (C. bairdi) males and snow crab females, results from this study showed hybrids result from bidirectional parental crosses. SNP and microsatellite markers were used to evaluate the species and number of males detected as mates in female sperm reserves acquired during mating and as sires among embryos in brooded clutches. The incidence of interspecies mating between female snow crab and Tanner crab or hybrid males was low (2%), suggesting interspecies mating is not currently a pressing fishery management concern. Most females had stored sperm from either a single mate (59%) or two mates (32%), which reflects fewer mates than observed for other snow crab populations. Few females were observed with either no stored sperm (5%) or sperm from three to four mates (4%). Single (82%) or dual (18%) paternity was found among embryos in brooded clutches. Sperm from some mates appeared to be fully utilized for fertilization of the brooded clutch for 35% of females. In contrast to findings for other snow crab populations, no significant differences were detected in the numbers of mates or sires between primiparous and multiparous females. The low extent of polyandry observed may suggest that female snow crab in the EBS have limited mating opportunities, potentially leading to insufficient sperm reserves to fertilize subsequent clutches without remating.

Long-term effects of litter characteristics on reproduction in female cavies (Cavia aperea)

In mammals, birth mass is an important predictor of early growth and survival. Within litters, heavier siblings are usually able to outcompete smaller siblings and gain more resources, thereby often permanently shaping phenotypic development. Early body size and growth are particularly important for later fitness. Only few studies investigated if and how differences within the early family environment contribute to long-term variation in fitness among individuals. We quantified if initial differences in size translate to size differences in adulthood and whether birth mass, relative size within the litter, litter size or the litter sex-ratio affect maturation and reproductive output of female wild cavies (Cavia aperea). Initial differences in mass were maintained until animals reached maximum adult mass at two years of age. Heavier sisters matured earlier and invested more into their first litter than smaller sisters, presumably because smaller sisters invested more into their own growth during the first pregnancy. Growing up in mixed-sexed litters in comparison to female-only litters slowed down maturation in smaller but not the heaviest female within a litter and had no effect on female reproductive effort. Variation in reproduction of multiparous females was to a lesser extent explained by the initial relative size of siblings. Offspring survival to independence was high but slightly lower when mothers had been born as smaller sisters. Our results demonstrate that factors of the early family environment not only affect immediate offspring development but lead to long-term fitness consequences.

Spawning history, fecundity, and potential sperm limitation of female blue crabs in Chesapeake Bay

The blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) is an ecologically and economically important species in estuaries of the Western Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Given the importance of reproductive output and spawner demography on population dynamics, blue crab management may be improved if individual-based changes in egg production are identified and incorporated into management advice. We determined the spawning history, batch fecundity, and stored sperm quantity of 126 ovigerous blue crabs in 2022 to estimate the reproductive potential of female blue crabs in Chesapeake Bay. Our mean estimate of fecundity, 2.17 million eggs/female, is similar to a fecundity estimate from 1986 (2.6 million eggs/female), but lower than an estimate from 1987 (4.0 million eggs/female). The 1987 estimate was likely biased high due to methodological differences. In 2022, size-specific fecundity did not differ from that in 1986. Size-specific fecundity was lower by 0.28 million eggs in multiparous females (i.e., those that produced at least one previous egg mass) compared with primiparous females (i.e., those producing their first egg mass). Size-specific fecundity was also greater in July and August than in June, however, females in June had a greater capacity for future reproductive potential because their average stored sperm quantity was three times greater than that of females in July and August. Most females in June were primiparous and would become multiparous females in July and August with higher size-specific fecundity. Our study is the first to pair individual fecundity, stored sperm quantity, and spawning history for blue crabs, which allows for a robust assessment of reproductive potential. Generally, the reproductive potential of individual female blue crabs was high at the individual level, such that sperm limitation is unlikely at the population level. Population-level production may be increased by protecting primiparous spawners as these crabs have the highest capacity to contribute offspring to the population. Furthermore, fisheries management may be improved by using our updated estimate of size-specific fecundity (Fecundity = 268,337 × exp(0.015 × Carapace Width)) and incorporating month or spawner history in models of stock production.

Impact of parity on prepartum activities and behaviour in dromedary camels under farm conditions.

This study was conducted to assess the disparities in camel activities such as eating, drinking, sitting, standing, and sleeping between primiparous and multiparous females before parturition using computer vision. Also, any extraordinary behaviours during the final 2 h before parturition and the necessary manual interventions were meticulously recorded. Five primiparous (age: 4.5-7 years) and 7 multiparous (age: 8-14 years; parity: 2.1 ± 1.5) dromedary camels, were included in this study. Pre-partum females were housed double in a parturition pen provided with two Reolink RLC-810A cameras and the data were collected and recorded for each female. Two primiparous and 1 multiparous female required assistance in pulling the calf from both forelimbs to complete their parturition (27.3%). The drinking and sleeping activities were similar in primiparous and multiparous females during the recorded 32 h leading up to calving. Only eating activity exhibited a longer period in primiparous females compared to multiparous females specifically during the 12-h before calving. Sitting activity was longer, and standing activity was shorter in multiparous than in primiparous females during the 24, 12, and 6 h before calving. All parturient camels, whether primiparous or multiparous, exhibited signs of distress. Some extraordinary behaviours were observed, such as two multiparous females attempting to deter their primiparous counterparts from eating. Additionally, three females displayed a distinctive standing position on their knees while their hind limbs were in a complete standing position for 3-5 min before transitioning to sitting or standing positions. Furthermore, one primiparous female stood while the head and forelimbs of the calf partially protruded from her vulva. In conclusion, the application of computer vision and deep learning technology proves valuable for observing prepartum camels under farm conditions, potentially reducing economic losses stemming from delayed human intervention in dystocia cases.

Differential ovulation responses in nulliparous and multiparous rabbit females: A cannula-mediated study

In order to explore a less stressful and hormone-independent insemination method in rabbits, we aimed to evaluate the influence of a new insemination cannula on reproductive performance. Two assays were conducted. In the first, 136 nulliparous and multiparous females were treated with 12.5 IU of eCG to improve their receptivity and divided into four stimulation groups (aGnRHControl, Extender, Seminal and Sperm) to test ovulation frequency and rate. The control group received 1 µg of buserelin acetate intramuscularly to induce ovulation. The other groups used a 3D printed cannula to introduce 0.5 ml of extender, undiluted seminal plasma or resuspended sperm into the vagina. After six days, laparoscopy was performed to assess ovulation frequency and rate. Results showed that nulliparous does exhibited higher ovulation frequencies compared to multiparous does, regardless of the stimulation group.In the second assay, reproductive performance (delivery rate and litter size at birth) of 109 females treated with 12.5 IU of eCG to improve their receptivity was studied after insemination with a seminal dose using the 3D printed cannula. Forty-nine of them were induced to ovulate with buserelin acetate as a control. The results confirmed previous findings, as cannula stimulation allowed better delivery rates in receptive nulliparous than multiparous does. Differential response to multiparous does to the physical stimulus of the cannula could be supported by the histological changes and loss of contractile response that occur after multiple births. Litter sizes at birth were similar between experimental groups.In conclusion, the 3D designed cannula showed promising results in nulliparous does in ovulating frequency, and further refinement is needed to enhance its effectiveness, particularly in multiparous rabbits.

Sexually inexperienced bucks, photostimulated or not, showed increased plasma testosterone and sexual behaviors with nulliparous and multiparous goats outside of breeding season

The objectives of this study were to determine whether sexually inexperienced photostimulated and nonphotostimulated males had increased plasma testosterone levels and sexual behaviors during their first contact with nulliparous (N) and multiparous (M) females and whether these males could induce sexual responses in females outside of breeding season. Six photostimulated (PH) males were artificially subjected to long days (16 h/light/day/2.5 months), and six nonphotostimulated (NO) males were exposed to the natural photoperiod. Three PH males were exposed to N females (n = 30), and three PH males were exposed to M females (n = 30). Three NO males were exposed to N females (n = 30), and three were exposed to M females (n = 30). In spring (March-April), the males and females remained together for 15 days. The PH males had increased plasma testosterone levels compared to baseline levels during first contact with the N (10.8 ± 2.6 ng/mL) and M females (9.3 ± 1.9 ng/mL) (P < 0.001). Similarly, the NO males had increased plasma testosterone levels during their first contact with N (11.4 ± 1.1 ng/mL) and M females (11.0 ± 0.6 ng/mL) (P < 0.001). Nudging, anogenital sniffing, and mounting attempts varied between the PH and NO males (P < 0.001), whereas mounting with intromission did not differ (P > 0.05). Estrous behavior and ovulation did not differ between N and M females in contact with PH males or between M females in contact with NO males (P > 0.05), whereas the N females in contact with NO males had the lowest response (P < 0.05). We conclude that sexually inexperienced photostimulated and nonphotostimulated males exhibit increased plasma testosterone levels; exhibit sexual behaviors during their first contact with nulliparous and multiparous females; and can stimulate sexual activity in females outside of breeding season.

Maternal HLA class II alleles and haplotypes associated with altered risk of recurrent pregnancy loss: A case‐control study

AbstractProblemThis study analyzed the contribution of DRB1, DQB1, and DPB1 HLA class II alleles and resulting 3‐locus haplotypes to the overall risk of idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).Method of studyThe study participants included 188 Tunisian participants comprising 84 women with established diagnoses of RPL, and 104 matched multiparous females as controls. Genotyping of HLA alleles was done by PCR‐SSP.ResultsThe allelic frequencies of DPB1, DRB1, and DQB1 were consistent with Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium among control subjects. Among class II alleles, DRB1*04:01:01 (p = .03), DRB1*08:01:01 (p = .04), and DPB1*01:01:01 (p = .04) were positively associated, whereas DPB1*04:01:01 (p = .012) and DPB1*14:01:01 (p = .006) were negatively associated with risk of RPL. The association of DRB1 and DPB1 alleles with RPL was lost after correction for multiple comparisons. The prevalence of the seven determined DQB1 alleles was not significantly different among case and control groups. Higher prevalence of DRB1*07:01:01∼ DQB1*02:01:01∼DPB1*04:01:01 (0.0417 vs. 0.000; p = .049) coupled with lower prevalence of DRB1*13:01:01∼DQB1*06:01:01∼DPB1*02:01:01 (0.0167 vs. 0.1000; p = .014) haplotypes was noted in women with RPL, thus could be considered as an RPL at‐risk and RPL‐protective haplotype, respectively.ConclusionThe study establishes weak/no contribution of class II alleles and corresponding 3‐locus haplotypes to the altered risk of RPL among Tunisian women and does not confirm previous findings on other Arab‐speaking populations of an HLA association with RPL.

Alteration in Effects of Endometriosis on Fecundity According to Pregnancy Experience in Mouse Model.

This study is aimed at identifying variations in the effect of endometriosis on fecundity in a mouse model based on prior pregnancy experience. Endometriosis is one of the most prevalent gynecological diseases and is known to impact female fecundity adversely. In this study, an endometriosis mouse model was established by allografting uterine horn tissue using Pelch's method. The effect of endometriosis on fecundity was confirmed in primiparous and multiparous female mice. As fecundity indicators, the pregnancy rate, number of litters, pregnancy period, and survival rate of the pups were investigated. As a result of the experiment, the pregnancy rate decreased, and the pregnancy period tended to be shorter in primiparous female mice. However, there was no significant change in the multiparous mice. In addition, it has been established that correlations exist between the size of lesions and certain fecundity indicators of the lesion, even among primiparous and multiparous females with endometriosis. The study attempted to demonstrate a link between pregnancy experience and fecundity changes caused by endometriosis by experimentally reproducing clinical results using mouse models. These results suggest strategies for identifying several pathophysiological characteristics of endometriosis.

Incidence of pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome with advancement of parity

Background: Pregnant women are at a risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). It is the most common mononeuropathy of the median nerve which is at risk of compression due to its location. The median nerve is present in the carpal tunnel at the wrist joint level. The median nerve gets compressed which leads to its hampered conduction, affecting the conduction velocity and latency of the nerve adversely as recorded by the electrodiagnostic technique. The chances of compression of the nerve are increased with the number of pregnancies a female goes through in the reproductive span of her life. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyze any positive association between parity status and incidence of pregnancy-related CTS (PRCTS) in pregnant women. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 75 pregnant females, recruited from the obstetrics ANC clinic JNMCH, AMU were screened for PRCTS through the electrodiagnostic technique in the neurophysiology laboratory, Department of Physiology, JNMCH, AMU. Out of these 75 pregnant females, 36 (48%) were found to be positive for PRCTS. Results: Among the 36 PRCTS-positive pregnant females, 26 were found to be multiparous, whereas 10 were primiparous. Conclusion: The study found a very strong association (statistically significant) of multiparous pregnant females with PRCTS.

Does COVID-19 Infection during Pregnancy Increase the Appearance of Congenital Gastrointestinal Malformations in Neonates?

COVID-19 was an infection that was capable of bringing the entire world to a standstill position within a period of days to months. Despite the advancements in the medical sector, the contagion was difficult to control and costed the lives of millions of people worldwide. Many short- and long-term effects are witnessed even to date in people that contracted the disease. Pregnant females had to suffer not only the devastating effects of the virus, but also the psycho-social impact of the lockdown. The impact of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy causing decreased antenatal care or hypoxemic episodes due to severe respiratory distress and whether it could lead to the appearance of congenital gastrointestinal malformation in neonates is still unclear. The aim of our study was to analyze if COVID-19 infection during pregnancy could increase the incidence of gastric malformations in neonates born from these women. We sifted the files of all neonates admitted into our hospital between January 2022 and December 2022, and based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, we included the cases having gastrointestinal congenital malformations during the COVID-19 pandemic. We performed a single-center, retrospective, observational descriptive study. We further divided the patients based on the anatomical location of the malformation. We also took down details of the evolution of pregnancy and whether the mother had contracted a SARS-CoV-2 infection during the pregnancy. Details regarding the Apgar score, days of intensive care admission, sex, and nutrition were the key findings studied. A total of 47 neonates were found to have digestive anomalies, among which, based on the anatomical locations, the number of malformation cases found at the level of the esophagus were 15, while 16 occurred at the level of the pylorus; we found 12 cases of malformation of the duodenum, and four cases had malformation of the rectum. Out of these 47 neonates, 38.3% were females and 61.7% were males. A total of 58% were preemies, among which 9% had intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR), and 42% were full-term newborns, among which 4% had intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR). A total of 45% of the births were primiparous pregnancies and 55% were from multiparous females. A total of 14 mothers were found to have tested positive for COVID-19 during the course of pregnancy (p-value = 0.23); many had mild symptoms but were not tested. COVID-19 can affect the wellbeing of the pregnant female and their fetus. Larger studies can help gain extensive knowledge as to whether COVID-19 also has the potential to result in congenital gastrointestinal anomalies in children born from COVID-19 positive mothers. In our study, only a few infants born with this pathology were found to be born from COVID-19 positive mothers. Hence, it is difficult to conclude or exclude a direct correlation between the infection and the congenital malformations.

Clinical and Radiological Evaluation of Onlay Mesh Abdominoplasty in Obese Multiparous Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Rectus Diastasis.

Women with multiple pregnancies often experience abdominal protrusion and/or a lax abdominal wall. Various open surgical techniques have been developed to address rectus diastasis in abdominoplasty, ranging from suture plication to mesh reinforcement. This study aims to compare the clinical and radiological changes between traditional abdominal plication and the addition of non-absorbable mesh for rectus muscle (RM) diastasis repair in terms of function, postoperative outcome, and recurrence. This prospective retrospective study involved 63 women who underwent cosmetic tummy tuck surgery and met certain eligibility criteria. Patients with only mild diastasis recti, midline hernia, contraindications for major surgery, recent smoking history, or refusal of mesh augmentation were excluded. Clinical examination for abdominal protrusion or bulging and CT imaging was performed to check for recurrence of diastasis recti. The study included 33 patients who underwent mesh repair and 30 who underwent traditional abdominal plication. Follow-up was conducted after 1year using CT and a questionnaire to assess various factors compared to preoperative measurements, with overall satisfaction rated on a 10-point Likert scale. There was no significant difference in demographic data between the two groups. Patients who underwent mesh repair had a slightly longer hospital stay and drain duration. The average waist circumference decreased in both groups without any statistically significant difference. Objective CT showed significant reductions in both groups in inter-rectus distance, RM width and circumference, and intra-abdominal circumference compared to preoperative values. All patients expressed satisfaction with scar quality and umbilicus aesthetics, and no recurrence was detected either clinically or radiologically during the follow-up period. Comprehensive preoperative assessment and imaging techniques like ultrasound and CT scans allow surgeons to detect postpartum changes in the abdominal wall. Mesh reinforcement may be indicated for diastasis above 4 cm in obese multiparous females. Thorough preoperative evaluation permits customized surgical plans to optimally restore abdominal wall anatomy and function. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors at www.springer.com/00266 .

292 Tandem Administration of Prostaglandin F2α and Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone in Beef Heifers and Cows as a Convergent Presynchronization Method in the 7 & 7 Synch Protocol

Abstract An experiment was designed to evaluate modifications to the 7 & 7 synch protocol with the hypothesis that tandem administration of prostaglandin F2α (PG) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) during the presynchronization portion of the protocol would generate a convergent ovarian response among anestrous and estrous cycling females. Nulliparous (n = 153), primiparous (n = 92), and multiparous (n = 413) Angus-cross females across four locations were blocked based on parity and pre-treatment cyclicity status (presence or absence of a corpus luteum) as assessed via transrectal ovarian ultrasonography. Within block, females were randomly assigned to one of three treatments. Females assigned to the 7 & 7 Synch treatment received an intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert (CIDR) and administration of PG on day 0, administration of GnRH on day 7, and administration of PG coincident with CIDR removal on day 14. Females assigned to 7 & 7 Synch + G received the same treatment schedule with the modification that GnRH was administered in tandem with the PG on day 0. Females assigned to 7 & 7 Synch + G + P received GnRH in tandem with PG on both day 0 and day 7 of the treatment schedule. Fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) was performed at 54 h after CIDR removal for nulliparous females and at 66 h for primiparous and multiparous females. Transrectal ovarian ultrasonography was performed on day 7 and day 14 to characterize the largest follicle diameter (LFD) as well as the presence/absence and number of corpora lutea (CL). Expression of estrus before FTAI was characterized in three locations using estrus detection patches (Estrotect. Approximately 75 to 90 days after FTAI, pregnancy status was determined via transrectal ultrasonography. Day 7 CL status was affected by treatment (P = 0.002), with a greater proportion of females presenting with CL on Day 7 when treated with the modified treatments (64%) as compared with the 7 & 7 Synch treatment (31%). Day 14 LFD was affected by treatment (P = 0.002), with a larger average LFD among females treated with 7 & 7 Synch + G + P (12.0 mm) as compared with 7 & 7 Synch (11.4 mm) or 7 & 7 + G (10.7 mm). Pregnancy rate to FTAI was affected by pre-treatment cyclicity status (P < 0.0001) and semen type (P = 0.0003) and tended to be affected by treatment (P = 0.09) with 7 & 7 Synch + G + P tending to result in a greater proportion pregnant (58.86%) as compared with 7 & 7 Synch (49.17%) and 7 & 7 Synch + G (48.79%). Tandem administration of GnRH and PG on days 0 and 7 of the 7 & 7 Synch protocol effectively generated a convergent ovarian response among anestrous and estrous cycling beef females and tended to result in increased pregnancy rates to FTAI.

Gender Disparities in Allograft Access Due to HLA-Sensitization in Multiparous Women: Implications for Evaluation of Female Patients for Alternative Donor Transplantation

Introduction: The relationship between allograft patient (pt) demographics & HLA-antibody (HLA-Ab) burden, & the degree to which HLA-Ab burden impacts donor type received in the current era of “donors for all”, is not established. Methods: We examined associations between pt sex/ parity, ancestry, & HLA-Ab burden in consecutive adult allograft recipients (excluding HLA-identical siblings) with acute leukemia, MDS, or MPN, transplanted 1/2018-12/2022. We also assessed the impact of HLA-Ab burden on donor type received. We classified HLA-Ab burden by the number & intensity of class I (HLA-A, B, -C) & II (HLA-DR, -DQ, -DP) HLA-Abs. A mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) > 1,000 defined a positive HLA-Ab. Pts were classified as broadly sensitized (more than the median number of class I/ II HLA-Abs among Ab positive pts) &/or highly sensitized (MFI > 10,000 for ≥ 1 HLA-Ab). For pts with > 1 screen, the one closest to transplant was used. We hypothesized that multiparous females have the greatest HLA-Ab burden, limiting provision of haploidentical (haplo) grafts in these pts due to the rejection risk. Results: Of 672 pts [median age 60 yrs (range 29-79), 419/672 (62%) with acute leukemia, 472/672 (70%) with European ancestry], 278/672 (41%) were female of whom 54/278 (19%) were nulliparous, 52/278 (19%) uniparous & 172/278 (62%) multiparous. Overall, 367/672 (55%) received 8/8 unrelated donor (URD) & 305/672 (45%) HLA-disparate grafts [137 cord blood (CB), 88 haplo, & 80 5-7/8 URD (mmURD)]. As expected, non-European pts received 2x the proportion of HLA-disparate grafts [165/472 (35%) vs 141/200 (70%), p < .001]. Pt ancestry was not associated with HLA-Ab burden. Pt sex/ parity & HLA-Ab burden associations are shown in Table 1A & Fig. 1. Over one third [254/672 (38%)] of pts had a positive screen for class I/ II HLA-abs (median of 8 HLA-Abs of positive pts, range 1-113). In the 254 positive pts, 3,563 Abs were detected with the MFI distribution being 1,001-4,000 in 1,340/3,563 (38%), 4,001-10,000 in 874/3,563 (25%) & > 10,000 in 1,349/3,563 (38%). Of the total pt cohort, 140/672 (21%) pts were broadly &/or highly sensitized with 90/672 (13%) being both broadly & highly sensitized. Compared with males & nulliparous females, uni- & multi-parous female pts had over 2x the proportion of positive screens [117/448 (26%) vs 137/224 (61%), p < .001]. They also had more than 8x the proportion broadly & highly sensitized [17/448 (4%) vs 73/224 (33%), p < .001]. HLA-Ab burden by donor type is shown in Table 1B. Among HLA-disparate graft recipients, compared with recipients of CB & mmURDs, fewer haplo recipients had positive screens [96/217 (44%)CB/ mmURD vs 27/88 (31%) haplo, p = .029]. Less than half the proportion were broadly & highly sensitized [37/217 (17%) CB/ mmURD vs 7/88 (8%) haplo, p = .041]. Also, haplo recipients included the fewest multiparous females [16/88 (18%)] compared with making up over one quarter of 8/8 URD [98/367 (27%)], CB [36/137 (26%)], or mmURD [22/80 (28%)] transplants. Conclusion: Over 10% of transplanted pts were broadly & highly sensitized to HLA. The HLA-Ab burden was predominantly in parous females (33% of our pt cohort), most of whom had HLA-Abs with one-third of this group being both broadly & highly sensitized. Moreover, pts with a high HLA-Ab burden were the least likely to receive haplos, & thus these transplants were less common in multiparous females. These data have immediate implications for alternative donor transplant evaluations of female patients: given that HLA-Abs should be expected among parous females, in the absence of a matched adult donor, mmURD or CB may need to be considered over haplo grafts. This could compound allograft access for multiparous female pts of non-European heritage, given many will lack a fully matched adult donor & non-European pts have greatly decreased URD availability (Fingrut et al., ASH 2023). These challenges are under-appreciated in the transplant field. At initial allograft evaluation, transplant centers should obtain ancestry & parity histories & screen for HLA-Abs. In the absence of a suitable HLA-identical sibling donor, this information, together with the URD search prognosis (ie Davis et al., TCT 2023), should then guide triage to alternative donor allografts. Finally, prospective analysis of the impact of donor-specific HLA-Abs on donor selection & transplant outcomes as well as development of effective HLA de-sensitization strategies are urgently needed.

Variability of birth rates of fur seal females from different generations

Purpose: аssessment of individual and long-term variability of birth rates in female fur seals and their impact on the population size. Method: analysis of materials of long-term reading of tags on female fur seals tagged with metal tags in 1964–1997. Novelty: for the first time, birth rates in females from the generations of 1964–1997 were calculated. throughout their entire life cycle. Results: birth rate during the life cycle in females from generations 1964–1997 was estimated, which varied from 0.5 to 3.3 pups per 1 female (including nulliparous females). Significant individual variability of birth rates was established: along with nulliparous females, there were females in generations who gave birth during their lifetime from 1 to 11 puppies. Analysis of the data showed that about a quarter of the females do not participate in reproduction; a third of females give birth to 1 puppy in the life cycle; about a third of the females give birth to 2–4 puppies. Only 8.6 % of females give birth to 5 puppies or more, however, these multiparous females give birth to more than a third of puppies (34.1 %) of the total number of puppies. The contribution to the reproduction of the population in females who gave birth to 1–3 puppies is approximately equal — they give birth to 18–20 % of puppies; it slightly decreases in females who have given birth to 4 puppies (14.5 %). Average population birth rates by years, calculated as the arithmetic mean of generations of females breeding in the corresponding years, significantly correlated with the total number of puppies born in these years (r = 0.64; p < 0.001).

Family first! Influence of parental investment in Guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) prosocial choices.

Literature often assumed that prosocial behaviours (behaviours that benefit others with or without a cost for the actor) would have evolved many species to improve the effectiveness of parental care (Decety and Cowell 2014). While this hypothesis is rarely questioned at a phylogenetic scale, it was never tested at an individual scale to the best of our knowledge. Therefore, we chose to study the impact of effective parental care on prosociality by comparing the prosocial tendencies of Guinea pigs before mating, during mating and after parturition. We conducted Prosocial Choice Tests on three groups of Guinea pigs (males, multiparous females, and nulliparous females). Subjects had to choose between three options: a prosocial option (subject and recipient being rewarded), a selfish option (only subject was rewarded), and a null option (no reward). Our results showed high prosociality towards their mating partner and their young both in male and in female subjects. Males became selfish towards other males after parturition. Among other interesting results, we found a direct reciprocity phenomenon. We also highlighted an ability in our subjects to consider both the identity and relationship shared with the recipient, such as tolerance (enhancing prosociality), dominance rank (being tested with a dominant recipient increasing selfish responses), and its behaviour (begging calls eliciting prosociality, while threatening ones decreasing it), to choose an option. These findings suggested that prosociality could be modulated by many factors and that the constraints and stakes induced by breeding would highly influence prosocial strategies.

Prevalence of Diastasis Recti Abdominis in a Gynecological Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Diastasis recti is the divarication of rectus abdominal muscles due to the splitting of the mid-line collagen structure called the linea alba. It results in poor body biomechanics and alteration in the center of gravity of the body. It occurs mostly in multiparous females and in those who have poorly toned abdominal musculature. Physical activity and maternal care are significant to resolve this condition. Objective: The purpose of the study is to substantiate the prevalence of diastasis recti in a sample of immediate post-partum females attended by the Allied Hospital of Faisalabad. The aim is to create awareness of DRAM in clinical settings and the general population. Study design: This is a cross-sectional study that included 90 samples of females in the immediate postpartum period. Methodology: Specific assessment was done by finger-width method manually and confirmed the presence of DRAM. The umbilical region was the set point from which measurements were taken. Results and Conclusions: The separation was present and mostly affected the multiparous females. The study showed 63.3% prevalence and normal rectus abdominis is 36.7%. It also verified that 42.2% of females suffered from DRAM above the navel out of 63.3% and the rest are below the umbilicus. DRAM was prevalent to be in the majority of post-partum females. It was more present in the supra-umbilical region. Keywords: Pregnancy, rectus abdominis, multiparous, primiparous, physiotherapy.

Examination of female energy dynamics and larval quality in the southern king crab, Lithodes santolla: Annual and interannual variability

The southern king crab, Lithodes santolla, constitutes one of the most important fishery resources in the Beagle Channel. In this study, we considered that Lithodes santolla females showing better physiological conditions may produce larvae with higher survival rates. To determine whether this quality may be useful for the enhancement of natural crab stocks, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate several biochemical parameters considering the size and ovigerous condition of the female parent. Primiparous (<80 mm CL) and multiparous (>80 mm CL) females, as well as ovigerous and non-ovigerous females, were evaluated. The patterns of accumulation or use of several macromolecules (glycogen, lipids and proteins) in different organs and development stages (midgut gland, ovary, eggs, larval stages and first crabs) were also evaluated along two reproductive seasons. The possibility that some females could be producing larvae with high survival was evaluated through the relationship between the female midgut gland and ovarian quality and the larvae. The results obtained indicate that the energy content of L. santolla females is highly variable according to the year, season, and month, and between primiparous and multiparous females. We hypothesized that this variability in the energetic quality is explained by differences in the female's diet: food availability or food quality during ovary maturation. Most of the energy reserves of the ovary are transferred to the offspring. The only female parent-brood connection is through the energy reserves transferred to the eggs 10 months earlier, and we hypothesize that this depends on the previous environmental and female feeding conditions during ovarian development. Moreover, zoea I larvae showed high variability in survival, not influenced by their own energy reserves or by the reserves of the eggs or the ovary. The physiological variables here analyzed did not allow identifying better females that can produce larvae with higher survival.

Desensitization and belatacept-based maintenance therapy in pregnancy-sensitized monkeys receiving a kidney transplant.

Among sensitized patients awaiting a transplant, females are disproportionately represented, partly because of pregnancy-induced sensitization. Using female NHPs sensitized by pregnancy alone, we examined the efficacy of costimulation blockade and proteasome inhibition for desensitization. Three animals received no desensitization (control), and seven animals received weekly carfilzomib (27 mg/m2) and belatacept (20 mg/kg) before kidney transplantation. All animals received renal allografts from crossmatch-positive/maximally MHC-mismatched donors. Controls and three desensitized animals received tacrolimus-based immunosuppression. Four desensitized animals received additional belatacept with tacrolimus-based immunosuppression. Multiparous females had less circulating donor-specific antibody when compared to skin-sensitized males before transplantation. While females receiving desensitization showed only a marginal survival benefit over control females (MST = 11 days versus 63 days), additional belatacept to posttransplant maintenance significantly prolonged graft survival (MST > 164 days) and suppressed posttransplant DSA and circulating follicular helper T-like cells. This combination of therapies demonstrates great potential to reduce antibody-mediated rejection in sensitized recipients.

Assessment of the Sustainable Amazonian Sheep Module Using Production Efficiency Indicators

The objective was to evaluate a Sustainable Amazonian Sheep Module (MOAS by its Spanish acronym) through productive efficiency indicators with two breeds adapted to the Ecuadorian Amazon. The Sustainable Amazonian Sheep Module (MOAS) was implemented at the Center for Amazonian Research, Postgraduate and Conservation (CIPCA) Equator. The work was carried out between October 2018 and October 2019. A total of 33 multiparous females from 36 to 60 months of age were used—of the Blackbelly breed (Group BB): 2 males and 18 females, with an average weight and standard deviation of 30 ± 1.8 kg; and of the Pelibuey breed (Group P): 15 females and 1 male, with an average weight and standard deviation of 40 ± 2 kg. Each breed occupied one hectare where they rotated throughout the evaluated year. The results obtained showed that Group BB maintained an average annual stocking rate of 20 animals and 541.1 kg ha-1, produced 176.8 kg of sheep meat/ha/year, with a stocking efficiency of 27.4%. Group P had an average annual stocking rate of 16 animals and 605.40 kg, produced 219.3 kg of sheep meat/ha/year, with a stocking efficiency of 35.5%. It is concluded that the Sustainable Amazonian Sheep Module evaluated through productive efficiency indicators was shown to be a promising complementary system to be replicated within the Amazonian agricultural systems of Ecuador.

Retinal Venule Coverage by Pericytes Decreases in Multiparous Mice in a Time-Dependent Manner Post-Delivery.

Structural changes in the retinal vasculature have been linked to increased cardiovascular risks and also change as a function of age. Because multiparity has been associated with poorer cardiovascular health scores, we hypothesized that changes in retinal vascular caliber would be observed in multiparous, compared to nulliparous, females and retired breeder males. Age-matched nulliparous (n = 6) and multiparous (n = 11, retired breeder females with 4 ± 1 litters), and male breeder (n = 7) SMA-GFP reporter mice were included for assessment of retinal vascular structure. Multiparous females had higher body mass, heart weight, and kidney weight compared to nulliparous mice, with lower kidney and higher brain weight compared to male breeders. There was no difference in number of retinal arterioles or venules, or arteriole or venule diameter among groups; however, venous pericyte density (number per venule area) decreased in multiparous vs. nulliparous mice and was negatively associated with the time since last litter and with age. Our results suggest that the time elapsed since delivery is an important factor to be considered in multiparity studies. Taken together, changes in vascular structure and potentially function, are time- and age-dependent. Ongoing and future work will determine whether structural changes are associated with functional consequences at the blood-retinal barrier.