Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are an important determinant of the birth weight of the baby. Studies have reported altered fatty acid desaturase indices (Δ5 and Δ6 desaturases) from early pregnancy in women with pregnancy complications. However, it remains unclear if these alterations are also observed in women who have no complications, yet delivering low birth weight (LBW) infants (birth weight below 2500 g regardless of gestational age). This study aims to longitudinally examine the maternal erythrocyte fatty acids levels in women delivering LBW babies (in women with pregnancy complications and without complications) and in women delivering normal birth weight babies (NBW). This study includes 1096 singleton pregnant women, out of which 181 delivered LBW babies. Maternal erythrocyte fatty acids were measured at 11-14 weeks, 18-22 weeks, and 26-28 weeks and at delivery using gas chromatography. Product-precursor ratios were used to represent enzyme indices: Δ5D index = arachidonic acid/dihomo-y-linolenic acid (DGLA), Δ6D index = DGLA/linoleic acid. Maternal age at the time of delivery was: NBW group: 28.74 ± 4.65; LBW group: 28.14 ± 4.61 and LBW without complications group: 26.99 ± 4.20. Birth weight of the baby was: NBW: 2978.69 ± 340.37; LBW: 2404.47 ± 262.85; LBW without complications group: 2308.02 ± 202.06. Higher Δ5 desaturase and lower Δ6 desaturase indices at 11-14 weeks of gestation were associated with higher risk of having LBW babies (p < 0.01 for both). This study reports that disrupted fatty acid metabolism in early pregnancy regardless of pregnancy complications is a risk factor for having LBW babies.

Foetal macrosomia is a significant obstetric problem that can lead to serious maternal/neonatal complications. The aim of this study was to determine which of the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) glucose values-fasting, first-hour, or second-hour-most strongly predicts foetal macrosomia in non-diabetic patients. This cross-sectional study prospectively screened 1,047 pregnant women who underwent a 75 g OGTT. Women with pregestational or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were excluded from the main analysis. A total of 185non-diabetic women were included. Among the included patients, those who delivered macrosomic foetuses constituted Group 1 (n=16), while those who delivered normal birth weight infants constituted Group 2 (n=169). Fasting, first-hour, and second-hour glucose values from the 75 g OGTT were compared between the groups. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of demographic variables (p>0.05). The mean fasting glucose values in Groups 1 and 2 were 77.75 and 76.11 mg/dL, respectively (p=0.42), the mean first-hour glucose values were 116.25 and 111.51 mg/dL, respectively (p=0.43), and the mean second-hour glucose values were 104.38 and 95.19 mg/dL, respectively (p=0.04). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed for the second-hour glucose concentration, with an AUC of 0.675, and a threshold of 99.5 mg/dL was established. The second-hour glucose value of the 75 g OGTT may be a marker for foetal macrosomia in nondiabetic patients. These findings suggest that when the second-hour glucose value exceeds 99.5 mg/dL, foetal macrosomia may develop.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with cryopreserved testicular spermatozoa retrieved via testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) or microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) is an effective treatment for azoospermia and cryptozoospermia. The current research on testicular sperm cryopreservation has primarily focused on comparing ICSI outcomes between fresh and frozen-thawed testicular spermatozoa. Another focus of these researches is evaluating treatment efficacy differences between ICSI using spermatozoa from patients with obstructive azoospermia (OA) versus non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). However, few studies have investigated ICSI outcomes among patients with OA, NOA, and cryptozoospermia. This retrospective cohort study analyzed the data from 688 patients at Sichuan Human Sperm Bank (Chengdu, China) between September 2021 and April 2024, comparing cryopreservation efficacy, sperm utilization rate, ICSI outcomes, and delivery outcomes of cryopreserved testicular sperm suspensions in OA group (n = 542), NOA group (n = 114), and cryptozoospermia group (n = 32). Post-thaw analysis revealed that the median sperm viability before and after freezing, as well as the viability ratio, did not differ among the three groups (all P > 0.05). Sperm utilization in NOA group (60.5%) was significantly higher (both P < 0.0001) compared with cryptozoospermia group (31.3%) and OA group (19.9%), while no significant difference was found between OA and cryptozoospermia groups (P > 0.05). Of 162 couples undergoing ICSI, there were no differences in fertilization, clinical pregnancy, delivery, and miscarriage rates among patients with OA, NOA, and cryptozoospermia (all P > 0.05). In the cryptozoospermia group with five newborns, all were full-term with normal birth weights, but this group had the highest maternal pregnancy complication rate.

Abnormal placental angiogenesis contributes significantly to fetal growth restriction (FGR) and related complications. Methionine adenosyl-transferase 2A (MAT2A) can regulate the process of embryonic development; however, the role of MAT2A in placental angiogenesis during fetal development remains poorly understood. In this study, placentas from paired normal birth weight (NBW) and FGR piglets were used to quantify placental vascular density and biochemical indexes, while porcine trophoblast cells (pTrs) and porcinevascular endothelial cells (PVECs) were used to investigate the regulatory mechanism of MAT2A on placental angiogenesis. Here, we found that FGR placentas exhibited reduced vascular density and increased glycogen levels. Moreover, FGR placentas showed reduced S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) levels and downregulated protein expression of MAT2A and CD31. Placental SAM levels were positively correlated with vascular density, while MAT2A expression was positively correlated with CD31 expression. Further study showed that MAT2A knockdown disrupted the metabolism of methionine, glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, and hindered protein synthesis, thereby impairing cell proliferation and migration in pTrs and/or PVECs, and inhibited angiogenesis in a co-culture system. In contrast, SAM supplementation promoted phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1), downstream of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 signalling pathway, and upregulated vascular endothelial growth factor-A protein expression, thereby increasing endothelial cell tube formation. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the potential of MAT2A in interventional therapy for placental development of FGR. KEY POINTS: Placental vascular density is correlated with decreased S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) levels caused by downregulated adenosyl-transferase 2A (MAT2A) expression. MAT2A regulates the placental mTORC1 signalling pathway and protein synthesis. MAT2A knockdown disrupts methionine metabolism, glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. MAT2A regulates the proliferation and migration capacity of placental trophoblast and endothelial cells. MAT2A regulates placental angiogenesis via the SAM-mTORC1-S6K1-VEGF-A signalling pathway.

The safe upper limits of weekly exercise participation during pregnancy, as well as the modifications active individuals make to their weekly exercise behaviours while pregnant, are unclear. This retrospective observational study aimed to determine how active individuals modify their training behaviours before, during, and after pregnancy. We analysed data from 21 participants (aged 26-41 at the time of survey completion) who were physically active prior to their most recent pregnancy. Participants shared the exercise data recorded using a fitness application or monitoring device before, during, and after pregnancy. Participants also completed surveys about maternal and neonatal health outcomes. We used mixed-effects models to analyse weekly changes in participants' total exercise duration, session duration, exercise frequency, and aerobic exercise intensity and volume. Most participants (n = 19) exercised above recommended weekly durations (i.e., > 300min.wk- 1) during at least one week of pregnancy. However, weekly exercise duration progressively decreased throughout the antenatal period, and increased during the first 12 weeks postpartum. All infants were born within the normal birthweight range (2500 to 4500g), and 14 were born at full term (early term n = 5, late preterm n = 2). Our findings highlight that active pregnant individuals exceed weekly exercise recommendations, yet adapt their training load throughout pregnancy. These findings emphasise the importance of considering physical activity recommendations as relative in nature, and interpreting them in the context of previous exercise behaviours. Exercise professionals should provide individualised support to active individuals in their pregnancy and postpartum journeys.

Introduction: Fetal malnutrition represents a distinct clinical entity that is not synonymous with small for gestational age or intrauterine growth retardation, as these conditions may occur independently of one another. The Clinical Assessment of Nutritional Status score provides a systematic method for evaluating fetal malnutrition and offers advantages over conventional anthropometric measures used to assess fetal growth. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study examined 100 full-term neonates at a tertiary care hospital over three months. Neonates were categorized as small for gestational age or appropriate for gestational age using Alexander growth curves. Fetal malnutrition was evaluated using the Clinical Assessment of Nutritional Status score as the reference standard and compared with weight for gestational age and Ponderal index measurements. A Clinical Assessment of Nutritional Status score of 24 or below was designated as indicating fetal malnutrition. Results: The Clinical Assessment of Nutritional Status score identified malnutrition in 16% of neonates while classifying 84% as well-nourished. Assessment based on weight for gestational age revealed that 63% of babies were small for gestational age while 37% were appropriate for gestational age. The Ponderal index classified 9% as malnourished. Among 63 small for gestational age babies, 43 were small but not malnourished, while 3 out of 37 appropriate for gestational age babies were malnourished. When the Clinical Assessment of Nutritional Status score served as the reference standard, weight for gestational age demonstrated sensitivity and specificity of 94.12% and 64.29% respectively, while Ponderal index showed sensitivity and specificity of 25% and 94% respectively. Discussion: These findings indicate that small for gestational age and intrauterine growth retardation are not synonymous with fetal malnutrition. The Clinical Assessment of Nutritional Status score can identify fetal malnourishment in neonates that other methods fail to detect, proving superior to weight-based classification and Ponderal index in accurately identifying fetally malnourished neonates, including those with normal birth weights. This has important clinical implications for recognizing at-risk infants who require enhanced monitoring and intervention.

Although polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are recognized for their carcinogenic, teratogenic, and genotoxic properties, there is a lack of scientific evidence detailing impact of in-utero exposure to PAHs on adverse birth outcomes. Present study is planned to fill this research gap by investigating placental levels of 16 USEPA Priority PAHs and associated health risks for infants. Placental tissue samples were collected from 200 pregnant population and infant anthropometric measures like birth height, weight and head circumference were collected from pediatrician records. Benzo(a)pyrene (23%) and Chrysene (16%) were two major PAHs detected in collected samples with dominance of high molecular weight PAHs compounds in compare to that of low molecular weight ones. In addition, all 16 PAHs were recorded higher (significantly higher levels of chrysene and benzo(k)fluoranthene) in placental tissues of mothers delivering low birth weight infants (<2500 g) than normal birth weight infants (≥2500 g). Results of multivariable regression analysis indicated inverse association between PAHs and birth height, weight, head circumference while positive association with cephalization index (p < 0.05). None of PAHs was found to be affecting ponderal index of infants. These results collectively imply that exposure to PAHs from environment is linked to inadequate fetal development and provide foundation for future studies exploring potential biological mechanisms by which PAHs mediate affect on infants’ anthropometric measures.

ABSTRACTVeterinarians should be vigilant in limiting embryonic, foetal and neonatal losses through appropriate reproductive programs and management strategies following natural mating and artificial insemination, especially after embryo transfer (ET) procedures, due to their high associated costs in Elite Hanwoo breeding programs. To establish a breeding population of Hanwoo cows with top 1% genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) for carcass weight and compare reproductive outcomes between OPU‐IVF and MOET. Elite donor cows were assigned to either OPU‐IVF or MOET groups, and the resulting embryos were transferred to synchronized recipient cows. Pregnancy rate, calving success, abortion, birth weight, sex ratio and dystocia were evaluated. The MOET group showed 100% calving success with no abortions; the OPU group had a 68.2% calving rate and 31.8% abortion rate. The sex ratio of the resulting offspring was similar between the groups, with female calves accounting for 37.5%–40.0% and male calves for 60.0%–62.5% of total calves. While the mean birth weights of female calves did not significantly differ between the groups (32.0–32.8 kg), male calves from the OPU group exhibited a significantly higher average birth weight (36.9 kg) than those from the MOET group, with a mean difference of 4.9 kg (p < 0.05). Spontaneous calving was more frequent in MOET (62.5%), while induced parturition was common in OPU (56.7%). Dystocia incidence was higher in OPU, especially with early induction. OPU‐IVF was linked to higher abortion and dystocia risks, while MOET showed more favourable calving outcomes. Appropriate embryo production strategy and careful periparturient management are crucial for successful Hanwoo reproduction.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a crucial role in successful pregnancy as molecular regulatory factors of the developing organism. Additional studies focusing on MMPs activity and function in fetal growth retardation (FGR) may help in the search for diagnostic markers of this pregnancy complication. To study the association of MMPs gene polymorphisms with the development of FGR. This case-control study included 122 pregnant women with FGR and 243 pregnant women with normal birth weight. We studied polymorphic loci of metalloproteinase genes: rs1799750 of MMP-1, rs243865 of MMP-2, rs3025058 of MMP-3, rs11568819 of MMP-7, rs17577 of MMP-9. The polymorphism study was performed by TaqMan probe detection using real-time precipitation reaction. The logistic regression method was used to analyze the association of polymorphisms with FGR. The T allelic variant rs243865 of the MMP-2 gene was found to be associated with the development of FGR under allelic (odds ratio [OR] = 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-2.24, pperm = 0.016), additive (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.07-2.18, pperm = 0.015) and dominant (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.03-2.50, pperm = 0.027) models. The FGR-causative locus rs243865 of MMP-2 is located in the enhancer region in the amnion and placenta tissues, affects epigenetic modifications in FGR-significant cell/organ cultures both in the embryo/fetus in the maternal body and in the mother's body, changes deoxyribonucleic acid binding affinity to the myogenic factor transcription, transcriptional activity of RP11-212I21.2 gene in arteries. The T allele rs243865 of the MMP-2 gene was found to be a risk factor for the development of FGR.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is the leading cause of childhood blindness worldwide. While choroidal involution has been described in animal models, choroidal perfusion in premature infants remains poorly characterized because of limited use of intravenous fluorescein angiography (IVFA). This retrospective study systematically analyzed IVFAs performed post-treatment in patients with ROP at the Hospital for Sick Children between 2011 and 2020. Eligible patients had received intravitreal bevacizumab or laser photocoagulation, and only transiting eyes were included to allow complete IVFA phase analysis. Three independent experts graded each IVFA for image quality, presence of delayed choroidal perfusion during the arteriovenous phase, and its location (central, peripheral, or multifocal). Inter-rater reliability was assessed using Fleiss's κ. Of 79 IVFAs reviewed, 74 met quality criteria. The cohort had an average birth weight of 602.6 g and a gestational age of 24.0 weeks. Most (63.5%) had zone I, stage 3+ ROP. IVFAs were conducted at a corrected age of 7.5 months. Delayed choroidal perfusion was found in 64 eyes (86.5%), predominantly multifocal. Only 2 eyes had normal perfusion. Inter-rater agreement was high (κ = 0.85). Delayed choroidal perfusion is common and persistent in treated ROP patients. To our knowledge, this is the largest IVFA series that systematically describes this underrecognized feature with implications for long-term vision.

To identify key placental intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MRI parameters and maternal factors associated with low birth weight (LBW), and develop a prenatal predictive model for LBW risk assessment. This retrospective study analyzed 113 term neonates (January 2023-December 2024), categorized as LBW or normal birth weight. Twenty-one antenatal metrics, including maternal characteristics and region-specific placental IVIM MRI parameters (perfusion fraction [f], true diffusion coefficient [D], pseudo-diffusion coefficient [D*]), were evaluated. Feature importance was ranked using Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) analysis in a Random Forest algorithm. Key predictors were used to build a multivariable logistic regression nomogram. Discrimination (ROC-AUC), calibration, and clinical utility (DCA) were assessed. Internal validation employed bootstrap resampling (1000 iterations). SHAP identified f values from maximal placental section (f_MPS), central zone (f_CPZ), and fetal side (f_FS) as top predictors. The nomogram showed good discrimination (AUC=0.86, 95% CI: 0.74-0.98). Bootstrap validation yielded an AUC of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.61-0.98), with high sensitivity and specificity. The calibration curve showed good model fit. DCA demonstrated considerable clinical benefit. Placental IVIM MRI f values from distinct placental regions are significant LBW predictors. The model provides accurate prenatal risk assessment, guiding early interventions to optimize perinatal outcomes.

To analyse the birth characteristics and maternal risk factors associated with preterm infants. The retrospective study was conducted at the Jinshan Branch of Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, China, and comprised data related to mothers and their preterm infants delivered between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2020. Information on maternal age, pregnancy complications, number of births, gestational age at delivery and neonatal outcomes was collected from hospital records to assess risk factors for preterm birth. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. Among 9,953 total births, 454 (4.56%) were preterm. Of these, 57 (12.56%) were early preterm and 397 (87.44%) were late preterm. The mean gestational age was 34.97±1.60 weeks and the average birth weight was 2,596.87 ± 502.28 g. Independent risk factors included gestational hypertension 56 (12.30%), cholestasis 17 (3.74%), premature rupture of membranes (PROM) 134 (29.52%), hormone use during pregnancy 105 (23.13%), and twin pregnancies 80 (17.62%) (p<0.01). Key maternal risk factors included gestational hypertension, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, premature rupture of membranes, and multiple gestations.

Abstract A small for gestational age (SGA) newborn is a clinical finding during pregnancy resulting from various underlying conditions, such as placental pathology, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and maternal obesity. SGA is usually suspected when the fetal weight falls below the 10th centile for gestational age and must be distinguished from fetal growth restriction. Aims To evaluate the influence of prepregnancy BMI on the prevalence of SGA and fetal macrosomia at term in singleton pregnancies within a non-selected population of Bulgarian women. Materials and Methods A total of 199 overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m²) and 198 obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) women were compared with a control group of 459 women with normal prepregnancy BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m²). Birthweight categories included: normal for gestational age (10th-90th percentile), low for gestational age (below 10th per-centile), and large for gestational age (above 90th percentile). SGA was further classified into moderate (3rd-10th percentile) and severe (below 3rd percentile). Results Results indicated a statistically significant lower percentage of normal birth weight in the overweight group (76.88%) compared to the control group (82.57%, p = 0.044). Overweight women had a higher incidence of large for gestational age newborns (17.59%) compared to the control group (10%, p = 0.03). No significant differences were found in low birthweight or moderate SGA between groups. However, severe SGA was significantly less common in the overweight group (1%) compared to the obese group (3.54%, p = 0.0045). Macrosomia (birth weight ≥ 4000 g) was more prevalent in overweight women (10.3%) than in those with a normal BMI (5.82%, p = 0.037). Relative risk analysis showed increased risks for large for gestational age and macrosomia in overweight and obese women. Conclusions The study emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions to control and regulate maternal weight to minimize the risk of adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes.

Maternal Race and Ethnicity and Mortality Differences Among Infants with Birth Defects: A Statewide Cohort Analysis in Texas.

Stunting is a chronic nutritional problem that has a long-term impact on the quality of human resources and needs to be prevented from the beginning of life. The delivery process is a crucial phase in determining the baby's initial condition through the quality of intranatal care, the prevention of complications, and the success of early breastfeeding initiation (IMD). However, the practice of intranatal care in health care facilities still faces obstacles in the form of suboptimal collaboration between professions and the use of digital technology. This study aims to analyze the influence of the TECH4HEALTH Digital Technology-Based Collaborative Intranatal Care Model on the optimization of healthy births in stunting prevention. This study uses a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest with control group. The sample consisted of 80 maternity mothers who were divided into an intervention group (n=40) and a control group (n=40). The intervention group received collaborative intranatal care based on digital TECH4HEALTH technology involving midwives, doctors, nurses, and nutritionists, while the control group received conventional intranatal care. The research variables included the quality of intranatal care, the success of IMD, the incidence of asphyxia, the baby's birth weight, and the level of maternal understanding of stunting prevention. The results showed a significant improvement in the quality of intranatal care in the intervention group with an average score increasing from 72.4 to 88.6 (p&lt;0.001), while the control group only increased from 73.1 to 76.5. The success of IMD in the intervention group reached 87.5% compared to 62.5% in the control group. The incidence of asphyxia decreased to 5% in the intervention group compared to 17.5% in the control group, and the proportion of infants with normal birth weight was higher (92.5% vs. 77.5%). The level of maternal understanding of stunting prevention increased significantly (p&lt;0.001) after the application of the TECH4HEALTH model.

Low birth weight (LBW), a key indicator of impaired fetal growth, is strongly associated with infant morbidity, mortality, and long-term health problems, particularly in developing countries such as Bangladesh. LBW reflects complex public health challenges shaped by interlinked factors across health, education, and socioeconomic sectors, where low maternal education, limited household income, poor nutrition, inadequate healthcare access, and insufficient antenatal care contribute to adverse birth outcomes. Understanding these multilevel determinants is essential for designing effective public health interventions. This study examined the prevalence and determinants of LBW in Bangladesh while accounting for both individual- and community-level factors using data from the 2022 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. The analysis included 5,342 newborns with recorded birth weights from births occurring within the five years preceding the survey. Birth weight was classified as LBW, defined as less than 2,500 grams, or normal birth weight of at least 2,500 grams. Binary logistic regression was applied to identify associated risk factors, and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were reported using a significance level of p < 0.05. Multilevel logistic regression models were additionally employed to capture community-level variation and improve model fit and predictive performance. The prevalence of LBW was 9.15%, with significant associations observed for administrative division, place of residence, household wealth index, mode of delivery, number of antenatal care visits, and place of delivery. Random-effects estimates showed reduced cluster-level variability across models, with the intraclass correlation coefficient declining from 10.65% to 6.66% and the median odds ratio decreasing from 1.81 to 1.58, indicating improved explanatory power after adjustment. Overall, LBW in Bangladesh is influenced by maternal characteristics, socioeconomic conditions, healthcare utilization, and contextual factors, underscoring the need for targeted interventions that strengthen maternal healthcare services, expand antenatal care coverage, and address socioeconomic disparities to reduce LBW prevalence and related risks.

Low birth weight (LBW), a key indicator of impaired fetal growth, is strongly associated with infant morbidity, mortality, and long-term health problems, particularly in developing countries such as Bangladesh. LBW reflects complex public health challenges shaped by interlinked factors across health, education, and socioeconomic sectors, where low maternal education, limited household income, poor nutrition, inadequate healthcare access, and insufficient antenatal care contribute to adverse birth outcomes. Understanding these multilevel determinants is essential for designing effective public health interventions. This study examined the prevalence and determinants of LBW in Bangladesh while accounting for both individual- and community-level factors using data from the 2022 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. The analysis included 5,342 newborns with recorded birth weights from births occurring within the five years preceding the survey. Birth weight was classified as LBW, defined as less than 2,500 grams, or normal birth weight of at least 2,500 grams. Binary logistic regression was applied to identify associated risk factors, and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were reported using a significance level of p < 0.05. Multilevel logistic regression models were additionally employed to capture community-level variation and improve model fit and predictive performance. The prevalence of LBW was 9.15%, with significant associations observed for administrative division, place of residence, household wealth index, mode of delivery, number of antenatal care visits, and place of delivery. Random-effects estimates showed reduced cluster-level variability across models, with the intraclass correlation coefficient declining from 10.65% to 6.66% and the median odds ratio decreasing from 1.81 to 1.58, indicating improved explanatory power after adjustment. Overall, LBW in Bangladesh is influenced by maternal characteristics, socioeconomic conditions, healthcare utilization, and contextual factors, underscoring the need for targeted interventions that strengthen maternal healthcare services, expand antenatal care coverage, and address socioeconomic disparities to reduce LBW prevalence and related risks.

Scutellaria baicalensis root possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, along with its ability to stimulate mammary cells, thereby enhancing milk yield. The present study investigated the effect of SB supplementation in lactation diet on colostrum and milk production, litter survival and growth, oxidative status, and inflammation in lactating sows. On day 108 of gestation, 24 sows were assigned to either a control group (CON; n = 12) that were fed according to the Danish nutrient standard or a CON diet supplemented with Scutellaria baicalensis root (SB; n = 12) and fed the diet until day 28 of lactation. Piglets were individually weighed at birth and weekly during lactation. Colostrum was sampled during farrowing, while milk was collected weekly during lactation. Blood samples were collected on day 112 of gestation, day of farrowing, day 3, 10, and 17 of lactation and analyzed for oxidative and inflammation biomarkers. Supplementation with SB did not affect litter number at birth but increased average birth weight of the piglet (P = 0.002). Litter weight was greater in SB supplemented sows (P < 0.05) during lactation. Colostrum concentration of lactose increased (P < 0.01) but that of protein and solid-not-fat (both P < 0.01) decreased with SB supplementation. Total daily protein secretion in milk increased (P = 0.02), while lactose (P = 0.09) and solid-not-fat (P = 0.07) tended to increase with SB supplementation. Supplementation with SB tended to increase milk yield (P = 0.06), litter number in lactation (P = 0.08), and litter survival (P = 0.10) compared to non-supplemented sows. Supplementation with SB affected neither oxidative stress nor inflammation status biomarkers. In conclusion, SB supplementation increased piglet birth weight, sow milk production, and litter growth performance during lactation, but did not influence oxidative status and inflammation.

Background: Zinc is an essential micronutrient involved in cellular growth, protein synthesis, and immune regulation. During pregnancy, maternal zinc requirements increase, and deficiency has been implicated in adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight (LBW). LBW remains a major public health concern in Bangladesh, where maternal malnutrition is prevalent. Objective: To investigate the association between maternal serum zinc levels and neonatal birth weight in term deliveries. Methods: This case-control study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Medical College &amp; Hospital, Bangladesh between July 2024 and June 2025. A total of 130 term pregnant women were enrolled, comprising 65 cases (mothers of LBW neonates &lt;2500 g) and 65 controls (mothers of normal birth weight neonates ≥2500 g). Maternal demographic and obstetric data were collected, and serum zinc levels were measured immediately after delivery. Neonatal anthropometric parameters were assessed within 24 hours of birth. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25, with chi-square and t-tests applied for group comparisons, and Pearson’s correlation used to assess associations. Results: The mean maternal age was significantly higher in the case group compared to controls (30.89±6.10 vs. 27.03±5.33 years, p&lt;0.001). No significant differences were observed regarding parity and mode of delivery between groups. Neonates of LBW mothers had significantly lower crown-heel length, head circumference, and ponderal index (all p&lt;0.001). Zinc deficiency (&lt;60 µg/dL) was markedly more prevalent in the case group (72.3%) than in controls (24.6%) (p&lt;0.001). A positive correlation was observed between maternal serum zinc levels and neonatal birth weight (r=0.551, p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Maternal zinc deficiency and advanced maternal age were significantly associated with LBW in term neonates, whereas parity and mode of delivery showed no independent effect. These findings underscore th

The model for Moo Lat native pig production under the natural raising system (free-range) was developed to evaluate the productivity of Moo Lat native pig in Laos. Modeling was done with the use of software, structural thinking, and a real system (Survey Data) with Animation (STELLA) Research Version 9.0.2 for the window. The model used started breeding at 9 gilts/sows, and in the real system was conducted interviewed 27 respondents from two villages, such as Nongphue and Nongseng. The predicted population of Native pig from the model in the period of two years, from 9 sows as initial, and then in two years, is 55.07 sows were farrowed at the final, and the total number of pigs at weaning is 385.40 piglets, a total of finishing pig 177.39, and total sold 141.91 heads and replacement 35.48 heads. The results from the respondents have interviewed the first mating of gilts is at the age of 8.31±0.97 months old, and the first mating of boars is at the age of 7.65±0.95 months old. As regards the timeline of the sow’s pregnancy period observed that the Moo Lat native pig was at 115.44±2.97 days. The respondents observed that their sows’ first farrowing was at the age of 12.02±0.89 months old. On litter size of Moo Lat sows provided 7.85±1.30 piglets. The average birth weight of the native pigs in the study sites is 0.78±0.07 kg. The average body weight of the piglets after weaning is 7.96±0.62 kg, and the average percent mortality of piglets is 9.81 ±1.93. This model is not sensitive to the mortality rates of piglets when compared with ±15% of pigs’ mortality rate, but it is important for pig production. After the sensitivity test was conducted, a management intervention, P-value &gt; 0.05, and the model used was also validated when compared between the assumption and the real system of the number of piglets.