Pregnancy Status Research Articles

Unveiling User Perspectives: Exploring Themes in Femtech Mobile App Reviews for Enhanced Usability and Privacy

Femtech, a growing sector in mobile healthcare technology, caters to women's needs across various life stages with digital solutions like period tracking and pregnancy management apps. Maintaining robust data privacy is crucial due to the sensitive nature of the information involved, such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy status. Our research analyzes user feedback from platforms like the Apple App Store and Google Play Store to understand perceptions of femtech apps, covering accessibility, interface, features, and privacy concerns. Understanding user perspectives helps developers enhance usability and trust, driving further adoption. Prioritizing privacy also fosters industry advancement. This paper stresses the importance of dialogue among developers, users, and policymakers in femtech. Our findings aim to facilitate positive change within the femtech sector, leading to more inclusive, user-centric, and ethically driven advancements, benefiting both the industry and its users.

Improving iodine status in pregnancy: a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of milk provision for pregnant women in NI - bring back the milkman?

Improving iodine status in pregnancy: a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of milk provision for pregnant women in NI - bring back the milkman?

PSIV-29 Efficacy of a chute-side pregnancy test on early pregnancy determination in mature Rambouillet ewes

Abstract Distinguishing pregnant from non-pregnant ewes in early pregnancy allows for more efficient flock management by producers. While early pregnancy detection techniques like ultrasonography and hormone quantification are well established, these techniques are often not adaptable to field conditions or require specialized equipment and training. The objective of this study was to evaluate a validated bovine commercial on-farm pregnancy test on efficacy for detecting early pregnancy in distinct blood constituents of ewes. Rambouillet ewes [n = 30; average body weight (BW) = avg 60.9 ± 1.1 kg; age 2 to 8 yr) were estrous synchronized using a 5 d CIDR protocol followed by 2 injections of PGF2α at 0 and 4 h. A rattle-painted ram was subsequently placed with ewes for a 35-d breeding season. Blood constituents including whole blood (WB), plasma (PL), and serum (SE) were collected via jugular venipuncture prior to synchronization (d 0) and on d 20, 35, and 70 after breeding. Blood constituents were individually evaluated using the IDEXX Alertys OnFarm pregnancy test for pregnancy detection. Trans-abdominal ultrasonography was performed on d 35 and d 70 post-breeding. Serum progesterone (P4) was quantified on d 100 of gestation to confirm pregnancy status. Progesterone concentrations ≥ 4 ng/mL were considered pregnant. On d 20 of gestation, IDEXX tests agreed with P4 concentrations on d 100 (χ2 = 0.30) in WB, SE and PL at 35.7, 53.6, and 53.6%, respectively. Pregnancy detection accuracy increased on d 35 of gestation as IDEXX tests agreed with P4 at d 100 (χ2 = 1.00) in WB, SE, and PL at 60.7, 60.7 and 60.7% accuracy, respectively. On d 70 of gestation, IDEXX tests agreed with P4 at d 100 (χ2 = 0.81) in WB, SE, and PL at 90.7, 93.3 and 93.3% accuracy, respectively indicating similarity in pregnancy diagnosis in the two methods. Detection of pregnancy using ultrasonography at d 35 identified 33% of pregnant ewes, while d 70 ultrasound detected 93% of pregnant ewes when compared with d 100 serum P4. Results suggest that the IDEXX pregnancy test provides early diagnosis of pregnancy with d 70 results comparable to d 100 serum P4 quantification regardless of blood constituent type.

391 The impact of trace mineral source on systemic immunological status associated with early embryonic loss in lactating dairy cattle

Abstract Milk production has doubled from 1970 to 2009 but has been associated with a decline in fertility. Around 25% of failed pregnancies in dairy cattle are due to embryonic loss. Mineral bioavailability may affect embryonic retention, so we hypothesized that Zn, Cu, and Mn sources will influence systemic immunological status, which affects early embryonic retention. Holstein cows (n = 58) were randomly assigned to one of two daily oral drench trace mineral (Zn, Cu, and Mn) treatments 30 d before breeding (d -30): 1) Inorganic (ITM) or 2) Metal Methionine Hydroxy Analog Chelate (MMHAC). Before treatments began, cows were assigned to a semen type, beef vs. Holstein, equally, across treatments. All cows underwent a double Ovsynch protocol and were artificially inseminated on d 0. Humoral immunological status was assessed in serum samples taken on d 0 and d 7. Immune activity was quantified via a D2Dx systemic immunity score, which assesses samples for the presence of IgG, IgM, cytokines, and complement proteins. Ultrasonography was utilized for pregnancy confirmation on d 35, classifying cows as pregnant (P) or open. Progesterone analysis from d 21 plasma was used to categorize open cows as either non-pregnant (NP) or early embryonic loss (EEL). Statistical analyses in R Studio were completed, in two models based on pregnancy (P vs EEL and NP vs EEL), to determine the effects of mineral treatment, pregnancy status, semen type, and all interactions on humoral immune status. In the P vs EEL model, there were no effects (P > 0.30) of semen type, mineral treatment, pregnancy status, or any interactions on systemic immunity score on the day of breeding (d 0) or d 7. On d 0, cows provided MMHAC had a systemic immunity score of 0.073 ± 0.008 but were not different (P > 0.34) from ITM cows (0.063 ± 0.006). This trend continued on d 7 with systemic immunity scores of MMHAC cows not differing (P > 0.32) from ITM cows (0.055 ± 0.004 and 0.061 ± 0.003; respectively). There was a tendency (P = 0.10) for the three-way interaction of semen type x pregnancy x treatment to influence the immunity score change from d 0 to d 7. Pregnant cows on ITM treatment bred with beef semen had a positive change in immunity score (0.020 ± 0.0085). Whereas ITM cows bred with Holstein semen that underwent EEL had a negative change (-0.015 ± 0.0085); all other means were intermediate. In the NP vs EEL model, there were no effects (P > 0.14) of semen type, treatment, pregnancy status, or any interactions on systemic immunity score on d 0, d 7, or the change between d 0 and d 7. In summary, trace mineral bioavailability tended to affect systemic immunological status in P vs EEL cows but not in NP vs EEL cows, which may allow for the elucidation of immunological status differences during pregnancy establishment.

55 Establishing grain-based modified protocols for re-feeding malnourished horses

Abstract Increased feed costs, forage availability, and the increasing number of malnourished horses present major challenges to the equine industry. The goal of this project was to test an adapted refeeding protocol using Bermuda hay and two commercial grain products in severely malnourished horses. So, an 8-wk study from January to March 2023 was conducted to evaluate the effects of Total Equine in the refeeding of 10 emaciated horses. Horses were previously destined for slaughter and purchased from an auction with an average body condition score (BCS) of 2.01 (S.D. ± 0.69), then quarantined for 30 d before starting the study following recommended biosecurity protocols. During quarantine, horses were evaluated by a veterinarian and received treatment as needed, vaccinations, deworming, and mares were pregnancy checked. All horses were provided with ad libitum Bermuda hay and water. Upon completion of the quarantine period, horses were blocked into two groups based on age, BCS, pregnancy status, and gender and randomly assigned to a diet. The Control (Ctrl) diet consisted of a commercial grain diet recommended and used by five local West Texas horse rescue groups and the Treatment (Trt) diet consisted of Total Equine. Both diets included ad libitum access to water and Bermuda hay (TDN 56.5) offered twice daily in port-a-grazer tubs to control waste and the amount was adjusted daily to maintain a 3% refusal rate. Grain was offered at a rate of 0.005% BW + 227 kg per the manufacturer’s suggestion, divided into 2 equal feedings with amounts adjusted weekly. Individual horses were weighed weekly using an electronic scale and BCS was evaluated at wk 0, 4, and 8. All horses were allowed a 1-h turnout in a dry-pen per day for 6 d each week. Blood samples were collected at wk 0, 4, and 8 for analysis. Health parameters were measured weekly throughout the study. Samples (grain, hay, hay orts) were collected twice weekly for DM, NDF, ADF, EE, CP, and Ash analysis. Data was analyzed using Proc Mixed in SAS. Overall, there was no significant difference between DMI by diet (Ctrl 8.74 kg/d and Trt 9.44 kg/d). However, a tendency for increased ADG (P = 0.06) for the Trt diet (Ctrl 0.20 kg/d & Trt 1.34 kg/d) was noted. Efficiency calculated as (ADG/DMI) was significantly improved (P = 0.04) indicating an improvement in the efficiency of BW gain for the Trt diet compared with the Ctrl. Improved BW gain and efficiency of gain are of interest when rehabilitating malnourished horses. The establishment of accessible modified feeding protocols may improve efficiency and reduce the cost involved in the rehabilitation of malnourished horses and would be a step forward for the equine industry.

62 Relationship between feed efficiency and reproductive measures in beef heifers

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the influence of residual feed intake (RFI) classification on reproductive measures and pregnancy rates in beef heifers. During an 8-yr period, 1,090 heifers were tested for feed efficiency in 70-d trials using a GrowSafe system. Heifers had ad libitum access to water and diets designed to meet NRC requirements for 0.90 kg/d gain. Diets, fed as a total mixed ration, were 85% forage and 15% concentrate which included vitamin and mineral supplements. Heifers were weighed at weaning, the beginning of the RFI trial, at yearling, end of the RFI trial and at breeding. Residual feed intake values were calculated, and heifers were grouped into RFI categories of Average (AVG), Efficient (EFF) or Inefficient (INE). At 13 mo of age, reproductive tract scores (RTS) and pelvic areas were measured. In 5 of the years, heifers (n = 487) also had antral follicle counts (AFC) determined via transrectal ultrasonography. Heifers were estrous synchronized and artificially inseminated (AI) with AI bulls balanced across efficiency categories. Estrus response to synchronization was recorded at fixed-time AI. Pregnancy status and fetal age were determined via transrectal ultrasonography at 60 d and 100 d after AI. Records from 1,078 heifers were used in the analysis (AVG = 428; EFF = 317; INE = 333). Dry matter intake (DMI), body weights, average daily gain (ADG), RTS, and AFC were analyzed using Mixed procedures in SAS. Estrus response and pregnancy rates were evaluated using Logistic procedures. Differences among RFI categories (P < 0.0001) were a result of differences in DMI (P < 0.001) averaging 12.5, 11.5, and 10.2 kg/d (SE = 0.44 kg/d) for INE, AVG and EFF heifers, respectively. In addition, ADG was greater (P < 0.05) for AVG compared with INE heifers. Prior to RFI classification, birth weight was less (P < 0.03) in EFF compared with AVG heifers, and weaning weight (P < 0.01) greater in EFF compared with AVG or INE heifers. However, yearling weight and breeding weight were similar (P = 0.60) across RFI category. Indicators of reproductive development, RTS (P = 0.24) and AFC (P = 0.79) were not different among RFI category. Estrus response to synchronization increased (P < 0.04) for INE (77.3%) compared with AVG (69.1%) or EFF (70.1%) heifers. However, fixed-time AI and final pregnancy rates were similar (P > 0.69) among RFI categories and averaged 54.7%, 54.5%, 52.7% and 89.7%, 88.8%, 87.8% for AVG, EFF and INE heifers, respectively. In conclusion, differences in feed efficiency as indicated by RFI had limited influence on measures of reproductive development in beef heifers and did not alter pregnancy rates. Therefore, placing emphasis on feed efficiency in developing beef heifers should not alter reproductive performance.

145 Utilization of 16s sequencing data and physiological measurements to produce a comparative analysis of the equine microbiome

Abstract Rapid advancements in microbiome research, particularly in the technologies associated with next-generation sequencing have enabled unprecedented investigations into the composition of the equine microbiome. The large datasets produced from these studies often present challenges to researchers seeking to understand the applicability of these data to equine physiology. To that end, a multi-year project was conducted with the goal of determining the core bacterial population of the equine hindgut through analysis of rectal swabs collected from thousands of horses and applying logic to the association between these ecologies and equine health. Samples were obtained from horses that varied across a diverse range of considerations including location, breed, age, and diet, amongst other metadata points including disease state, health history, vaccination and deworming status, body condition, and pregnancy status. These data were used in the development of a comparative score, that authors defined as the Microbiome Quotient (MQ score). Rectal swabs were collected, and DNA was extracted using the Quick-DNA Fecal/Soil Microbe Miniprep kit (Zymo Research, Irvine, CA) and the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced by following the Illumina 16S Protocol (San Diego, CA). Sequences were denoised using DADA2 within the QIIME2 pipeline to obtain amplicon sequence variant composition. These data were filtered again in R (4.2.2) to remove samples with missing data and low sequencing depth. Sample metadata was used to classify samples as either typical or atypical. The MQ score was calculated by computing the Euclidean distance difference between a sample and the centroids representing typical and atypical microbial ecologies, and then subtracting these distances to obtain the individual score. This score quantifies how similar the microbiome in a sample is to those of typical and atypical horses. These scores were then categorized into tertiles, representing the status of the individual horse’s microbiome. These statuses indicate differences in bacterial ecology among samples and their subsequent relevance to the health of the horse. While a large portion of the equine fecal microbiome is conserved through homeostatic and other mechanisms, there remains a high degree of variability in the lesser abundant genera that may be responsible for the different physiological interactions between the microbes and their hosts. Utilizing this MQ score, feeding and management recommendations can be made, providing veterinarians and horse owners with a tool to support the health and performance of horses through modulation of the bacterial population and its functionality. Further research is necessary to fully elucidate the impact of the various metadata components on the bacterial ecology. Additionally, the function of the metagenome is a critical component of microbiome sciences. Prediction of metagenomic function is likely to provide insight into the regulation of physiological function by the microbial population residing within the host.

Adolescent pregnancy, maternal and child anaemia: Empirical analysis from India, Bangladesh, and Nigeria.

Early childbearing poses several potential risks to maternal and child health. This paper empirically analyses the association between teenage pregnancy and child nutritional status, maternal and child anaemia in three countries (Nigeria, India and Bangladesh) that account for the highest proportion of teenage births and/or total number of malnourished teenage mothers and children. Data were sourced from nine waves of Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in Bangladesh, India, and Nigeria from 2005-2018, covering a sample of 27,705 children from Bangladesh, 266,308 children from India and 54,719 children from Nigeria. Our outcome measures of maternal and child nutrition include (i) a composite measure of anthropometric failure for children (CIAF), (ii) maternal anaemia, (iii) childhood anaemia, and (iv) anaemia in maternal-child pairs. Using multivariate regression analysis, we examine the associations between early childbirth, child nutrition, and maternal and child anaemia, controlling for an array of household-level socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Across all three countries, the prevalence of CIAF (childhood anthropometric failure) is significantly higher among children born to women aged below 17 at first birth. We further find that early pregnancy and childbearing are associated with significantly higher rates of severe/moderate anaemia among both mothers and children in Bangladesh and Nigeria. In the three countries studied, the proportions of teenage mothers with vulnerable socioeconomic status and suboptimal pre-conception care are relatively high, which raises the risk of maternal and child morbidity as well as mortality.

288 Maternal fatty acid supplementation and its impact on dam and offspring performance

Abstract Fatty acid supplementation has multiple benefits to the offspring when supplemented to the dam during pregnancy; limited to no benefits to the dam have been documented. We hypothesized that maternal fatty acid supplementation during pregnancy would result in improved body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) in the ewes and improve lamb growth until weaning and male offspring growth following weaning when ewes were supplemented fatty acids. On d -8 of the study (35 d of gestation), all ewes were weighed, BCS was collected, and pregnancy status determined. Pregnant Targhee ewes (n = 83) were assigned to a treatment group based on age, BW, and BCS, to one of four treatment gr: 1) 22 g/ewe daily of Ca salts of saturated and monosaturated fatty acids based on palmitic and oleic acids (CON; EnerGII, Virtus Nutrition, LLC, Corcoran, CA); 2) 22 g/ewe daily of Ca salts of PUFA based on eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids (ɷ-3, Strata; Virtus Nutrition LLC); 3) 22 g/ewe daily of Ca salts of PUFA based on linoleic acids (ɷ-6, Prequel; Virtus Nutrition LLC); or 4) 11 g/ewe of Ca-salts enriched with EPA+DHA (Strata) and 11 g/ewe of Ca-salts enriched with linoleic acid (Strata) daily (ɷ-3 + 6; Virtus Nutrition LLC). Fatty acid supplementation occurred from d 0 until d 88 of the study, and all ewes were fed grass hay. Ewe BW and BCS were recorded at d -8, 51, 93, and 240 of the study. Twenty-four hours after birth, lamb sex was identified and weighed (n = 136 lamb; CON = 33; ɷ-3 = 32; ɷ-6 = 36; ɷ-3 + 6 = 35). Lambs were weighed at d 175 and 240 (weaning) of the study (n = 86; CON = 22; ɷ-3 = 22; ɷ-6 = 21; ɷ-3 + 6 = 21). Body weight, BCS, and scrotal circumference (SC) were collected on all ram lambs at d 352, 380, and 408. No differences were observed in ewe BW or BCS at d -8, 51, or 93 of the study (P ≥ 0.26) between the treatment groups (Table 1). A treatment × day interaction was observed at d 240 of the study when ɷ-6 ewes had a greater (P = 0.03) BCS compared with group cohorts. No differences in lamb birth weight, lamb weight or average daily gain at d 175 or 240 of the study between treatment groups (P ≥ 0.25; Table 2). No differences were reported in ram lamb BW, BCS, or SC at d 352, 380, and 408 (P ≥ 0.31; Table 3). These results indicate that maternal fatty acid supplementation alters ewe BCS at the time of weaning; however, supplementation does not impact lamb growth from birth until weaning or ram lamb growth and scrotal circumference.

Беременность как социально значимое состояние

The article is devoted to the consideration of a woman's pregnancy status in the context of the grounds and prospects of social protection and social security. Based on the results of the analysis of the current sectoral legal regulation and based on the results of research in the field of medicine, psychology, and sociology, it is proposed to understand pregnancy as an independent fact-the basis of social security. This proposal is formulated on the basis of finding the process and result of pregnancy, its well-being in the field of both individual and public interests.

Infrared thermometry for detecting estrus and pregnancy in Holstein cows

Efficient reproductive management is paramount in enhancing the productivity and welfare of dairy cows. This study investigates the effects of pregnancy status, seasonal variations, and diurnal shifts on the body temperature of different body parts in dairy cows. Using a structured approach, cows were categorized based on pregnancy status (pregnant vs. control) or estrous status (estrous vs. control), season (winter, spring, summer), and time of day (morning, noon, evening). The analysis revealed that pregnancy and estrous statuses significantly affect the body temperature, with pregnant and estrous cows displaying higher temperatures (39.0 ± 0.03 and 38.0 ± 0.06 °C, respectively) than controls (37.1 ± 0.06 °C; p < 0.01). Seasonal impacts were also notable, with the highest temperatures observed in summer (38.3 ± 0.07 °C) followed by spring (38.1 ± 0.09 °C) and winter (37.7 ± 0.06 °C; p < 0.01), indicating a strong environmental influence on physiological responses. Furthermore, diurnal analysis indicated temperature fluctuations throughout the day, peaking at noon (38.1 ± 0.09 °C; p < 0.05) compared to morning and evening. High positive correlations were observed between the measured temperatures in different areas and rectal and vaginal temperatures, suggesting the skin surface is ideal for assessing thermal changes. These findings underscore the critical interplay between an animal's physiological state and external environmental factors in managing dairy cow health and reproduction. The study highlights the potential of non-invasive temperature monitoring as a tool for optimizing reproductive management and underscores the necessity of accounting for environmental and physiological variations in dairy management practices.

EP360 - Pitfalls in the management of transgender patients: a case report and discussion

Abstract Introduction There has been an increase in the number of transgender individuals in the population. In a clinical setting, this introduces potential patient safety issues from misidentification of biological sex, particularly in emergency scenarios. We report one such patient. Case report A 21-year-old ‘male’ patient presented with right iliac fossa pain. No surgical history was reported by the patient or GP records. Repeat medication included Testosterone gel. Bloods showed raised amylase though the clinical picture suggested appendicitis so a CT scan was done. This was reported normal but also identified normal sized uterus/ovaries! Following a sensitive discussion with the patient, ‘they’ revealed that ‘they’ were born biologically female and were on gender-affirming hormone-therapy. The patient was successfully managed conservatively. Discussion Our case report highlights the potential risks of misidentification of biological sex in an acute-abdomen scenario. Misdiagnosis is most critical - all gynaecological causes of abdominal pain (e.g. PID/ life- threatening ectopic-pregnancy) were missed. Due to the risk of ionizing radiation to unborn children, CT require the pregnancy status of patients with childbearing capacity, prior to the scan: this therefore should include transgender ‘males’ who have not undergone sex-reassignment surgery. There are also patient safety/ comfort issues with admission in single- sex wards. Conclusion It is important to identify transgender patients in order to avoid misdiagnosis and hence mismanagement. Taking detailed history including medication will help with this, as some transgender individuals may not volunteer details regarding their biological sex. Sensitive communication is vital to avoid any feeling of discrimination/stigmatisation.

The associations between social support and mental health among Chinese immigrant pregnant and parenting women

BackgroundWhile it is recognized that social support can alleviate mental health symptoms, this relationship is not well-understood among Chinese pregnant and parenting immigrants in the United States. This study aims to bridge this gap by exploring the relationships between different types of social support and women’s anxiety and depression, and examining how these associations vary with pregnancy status.MethodsData were obtained from a cross-sectional survey conducted in Simplified Chinese or Mandarin between March-June 2021 among 526 women who were pregnant and/or parenting a child under five years. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Anxiety, Depression, and Social Support scales were used to measure anxiety, depression, and social support levels. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square tests, and Pearson’s correlations were employed for analysis. Hierarchical regression was conducted to investigate the main and interaction effects of social support types and pregnancy status on mental health outcomes.ResultsCompared to non-pregnant women, pregnant women reported higher mean scores for anxiety (non-pregnant: 55, pregnant: 59, p < 0.01) and depression (non-pregnant: 54, pregnant: 56, p = 0.02). Instrumental support displayed a significant main effect in relation to anxiety (β=-0.13, p = 0.01) and depression (β=-0.16, p < 0.01); emotional support exhibited a significant main effect solely on depression (β=-0.13, p = 0.01). Notably, the interaction effects between pregnancy status and both instrumental (β=-0.28, p = 0.01) and emotional support (β=-0.42, p < 0.01) were significant for anxiety. In contrast, informational support did not exhibit a significant impact on either anxiety or depression.ConclusionsThe findings indicate that tailoring support to the cultural context is crucial, especially for pregnant women in this Chinese immigrant community, with instrumental and emotional support being particularly beneficial in mitigating maternal anxiety.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus markers of infection and immunity among people living in Libreville, Gabon

ObjectivesIn Gabon, data on hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are limited to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) detection among specific populations and rural regions. This is the first study aimed at determining the seroprevalence of HBV markers among the Gabonese population. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted from January 2002 through December 2022. All patients who requested HBV marker screening (HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, anti-HBe, hepatitis B e antigen) were included in this study. ResultsA total of 496 people were included in this study. The prevalence of HBV exposure was high (59.5%) and significantly associated with age, sex, pregnancy status, and social status. Among individuals with evidence of HBV exposure, only 89 (33.7%) had effectively cleared the virus. Overall, HBsAg was detected in 108 of the 496 (21.8%) people included in the study. HBsAg infection was more common among individuals in the 16-25 (35.1%) and 26-35-year (30.6%) age groups. Moreover, most of HBsAg-infected patients were health care workers (HCWs) (P = 0.0096). Among the 496 individuals included in this study, 126 (25.4%) were still susceptible to HBV. Most of the susceptible female patients were pregnant (P <0.0001). HCWs had a significantly lower probability of being naïve to HBV infection (P = 0.0001). There was a similar prevalence of susceptibility in male and female patients (50 [24.5%] male and 76 [26.0%] female patients). Only 15.1% of the studied population was vaccinated. ConclusionsOur findings revealed a high seroprevalence of HBV infection in the study area and very low HBV immunization coverage. Additional care and resources should be provided to promote HBV vaccination and block vertical HBV transmission.

Incidence and timing of pregnancy loss following timed artificial insemination or timed embryo transfer with a fresh or frozen in vitro-produced embryo

The aim of this study was to characterize the incidence and timing of pregnancy loss from service event (timed artificial insemination or timed embryo transfer) to parturition. Lactating Holstein-Friesian cows were randomly assigned to receive either artificial insemination (AI, n = 243) or embryo transfer (ET, n = 863) with a fresh or frozen in vitro-produced blastocyst derived from oocytes collected from the ovaries of elite dairy donors (n = 14 Holstein Friesian and n = 8 Jersey) and elite beef donors (n = 21 Angus) using transvaginal ovum pick-up. In addition, oocytes were collected from the ovaries of beef heifers of known pedigree following slaughter at a commercial abattoir (n = 119). Blood samples were collected on d 7 from all cows to determine progesterone concentration and from subsets of cows on d 18 (n = 524) and d 25 (n = 378) to determine mRNA abundance of interferon-stimulated gene-15 and pregnancy-specific protein B concentration, respectively, to provide an early pregnancy diagnosis. Transrectal ultrasonography was conducted to determine pregnancy status on d 32, d 62 and d 125 after synchronized ovulation. Parturition date was recorded for all cows that reached a term delivery. The predicted probability of pregnancy (%) varied at each time point (d7, 18, 25, 32, 62, 125, parturition) depending on treatment (AI: 77.0, 60.2, 52.3, 48.8, 47.0, 44.6, 44.0; fresh ET: 100.0, 69.5, 60.3, 56.1, 48.4, 46.8, 45.5; frozen ET: 100.0, 61.7, 52.2, 41.6, 32.9, 31.8, 30.2). Irrespective of treatment, the largest proportion of pregnancy loss occurred in the period from service event (AI on d 0 or ET on d 7) to d 18, with minimal loss occurring between d 62 and parturition (AI: 1.8%, fresh ET: 1.9%, frozen ET: 3.5%). Treatment differences in the predicted probability of pregnancy per service event were detected between fresh ET vs frozen ET on d 32 and both AI and fresh ET vs frozen ET on d 62, 125 and at parturition. There was greater probability of pregnancy loss between d 32 and 62 following ET (Fresh: 11.3%, Frozen: 18.0%) than AI (4.0%). The percentage of cows that calved following transfer of a fresh embryo (45.5%) was similar to AI (44.0%), but less when a frozen embryo was transferred (30.2%). In conclusion, AI and fresh ET led to a greater probability of a cow becoming pregnant and maintaining the pregnancy to term than frozen ET. Cows that were still pregnant on d 62 had a very strong likelihood of maintaining the pregnancy to full-term parturition, irrespective of treatment. Further work is required to improve the likelihood of pregnancy establishment and reduce embryonic and fetal mortality following transfer of a cryopreserved in vitro-produced embryo.

Abstract 69: Female Blood Pressure High 5 Mice Display Cerebral Hypoperfusion In the Non-Pregnant and Late Pregnant State

The rates of hypertensive pregnancy disorders such as gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (PE/E), and chronic hypertension with or without superimposed PE have increased in recent years. Cerebrovascular disorders in the antenatal and postpartum period are common complications of hypertensive pregnancy disorders. Chronic hypertension is linked to cerebrovascular rarefaction, decreased regional perfusion, and cognitive decline later in life. The blood pressure high 5 (BPH/5) mouse has been characterized as a model of superimposed PE; however, cerebrovascular changes have not been described. We hypothesized that BPH/5 mice will display reduced regional cerebral perfusion regardless of pregnancy status. To test this, we used non-pregnant and timed-pregnant BPH5 mice and control SMA-GFP mice (C57/BL6 background) (n=3-4 per group). On gestational day 18.5, cerebral perfusion was measured using laser speckle imaging in different brain regions, along with general physiological characteristics (heart rate and oxygen saturation), body, heart, and brain weight, and the number and weight of live fetuses. There was a main effect of pregnancy to increase body weight (p&lt;0.01), hematocrit (p=0.04), and sPO2 (p=0.02). There was a strain effect on sPO2 (p&lt;0.01), heart rate (p&lt;0.01), perfusion of right parietal cortex (p=0.02), whole brain (p&lt;0.01), prefrontal cortex (p&lt;0.01), with significant decreases in pregnant BPH5 compared to pregnant SMA-GFP mice (p&lt;0.05). There was no difference in number (8±1 vs 6±2) and mean body weight (1021±24 vs 883±160 mg) of live fetuses between control vs. BPH5 mice (Mean ± SD). These results support the hypothesis chronic hypertension and superimposed PE lead to reduced cerebral perfusion. Future studies will determine whether reduced cerebral perfusion is associated with cerebrovascular rarefaction and whether these are blood pressure dependent.

Iodine supply and thyroid function in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a cohort study.

Maternal urinary iodine concentration and blood neonatal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration reflect iodine status in pregnancy and serve as markers of iodine deficiency. As dietary measures in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) could affect iodine intake, our study aimed to investigate iodine supply in women with GDM compared to healthy pregnant women and to evaluate its relationship to maternal and neonatal thyroid function. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and serum TSH, free thyroxine (FT4), and autoantibodies against thyroid peroxidase (TPOAb) were analyzed in 195 women with GDM and 88 healthy pregnant women in the second trimester. Subsequently, neonatal TSH concentrations measured 72 h after delivery in a subgroup of 154 newborns (115 of mothers with GDM and 39 controls) from the national register were analyzed. Median UIC was significantly lower in women with GDM compared to controls (89.50 µg/L vs. 150.05 µg/L; P < 0.001). Optimal iodine intake was found only in nine women with GDM (4.6%) and 33 healthy pregnant women (37.5%) (P < 0.001). Most pregnant women with GDM (88.7%) compared to one half of controls (50%) had iodine deficiency (P < 0.001). Although serum TSH and the prevalence of hypothyroidism (TSH > 4.0 mIU/L) were not different in both groups, hypothyroxinaemia was more prevalent in GDM compared to controls (12.3% vs 3.4%, P = 0.032). Consistently, neonatal TSH > 5.0 mIU/L indicating iodine deficiency, was found in 6 (5.2%) newborns of women with GDM as compared to none in controls. In women with GDM, the prevalence of perinatal complications was significantly lower in those who were taking dietary iodine supplements compared to those who were not (3/39 (7.69%) vs 46/156 (28.85%), P <0.001). In the multiple logistic and linear regression models in women with GDM, hypothyroxinaemia was associated with preterm births, and a negative association of serum FT4 and HbA1c was found. Iodine deficiency in pregnancy was more prevalent among women with GDM compared to healthy pregnant controls. Serum FT4 negatively correlated with HbA1c, and hypothyroxinaemia was associated with preterm births in women with GDM. Conversely, women with GDM who used dietary iodine supplements had a lower risk of perinatal complications.

Impact of food price inflation on stunting in under five aged children in Bangladesh

BackgroundCurrently, food price inflation is a widespread issue in Bangladesh as well as the rest of the world. Malnutrition is a common issue among children that can have long-lasting effects on their development and overall health. There have been lots of studies conducted to identify the factors responsible for child malnutrition, but inflation is rarely considered a factor in child malnutrition. We aimed to determine the relationship between food price inflation and stunting (Height-for-Age Z-score (HAZ)) in children under five years of age in Bangladesh.MethodThe study utilized food price data from the World Food Programme database and malnutrition (stunting) information from the 2014 and 2017-18 Bangladesh Demographic Health Surveys (BDHS). This includes the total study period from 2009 to 2018. Food prices were linked to the BDHS dataset using each child’s birth month. For each child, the average food prices from 9 months prior to 5 months post-birth, including their birth month, were recorded to calculate month-to-month inflation. This inflation was computed for rice (coarse), oil, wheat flour, and lentils by comparing the price sum of each item from one month to the previous month and dividing by the total price of the preceding month. A generalized linear regression model was used to assess the relationship between food price inflation and stunting, with stunting as the dependent variable. Other explanatory variables included wealth index, sex of the child, height, weight, mother’s education, respondent’s current pregnancy, and breastfeeding status.ResultsOur study has revealed that food price inflation has a significant negative effect on stunting, with a coefficient of -0.127 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, we have identified several other factors that have also significantly negative associations with stunting, including the wealth index (p < 0.001), mother’s education level (p < 0.001), mother’s pregnancy status (p < 0.001), breastfeeding (p < 0.001), child’s age (p < 0.001). child’s weight (p < 0.001) has significantly positive effect on stunting. However, we did not find any significant differences in stunting between boys and girls.ConclusionIn conclusion, the findings of this study underscore the significant negative impact of food price inflation on child stunting, emphasizing the need to acknowledge this factor alongside others. These results highlight the critical role of addressing food price inflation as a key determinant of stunting, in conjunction with various other contributing factors, in efforts to combat childhood malnutrition.

Effects of parity and early pregnancy on peripheral blood leukocytes in dairy cattle

Subfertility remains a major problem in the dairy industry. Only 35-40% of high-yielding dairy cows and 55-65% of nonlactating heifers become pregnant after their first service. The immune system plays a critical role in the establishment of pregnancy. However, it can also create challenges for embryo survival and contribute to reduced fertility. We conducted 2 separate experiments to characterize changes in subsets of peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) and their phenotype over the estrous cycle and early pregnancy in heifers and cows. We used flow cytometry and RT-qPCR to assess protein and mRNA expression of molecules important for immune function. We observed that CD14+ monocytes and CD3+ T cells tended to be affected by pregnancy status in heifers, whereas CD8B+ lymphocytes and NCR1+ natural killer (NK) cells were affected during early pregnancy in cows. Changes in expression of immune function proteins appeared to be greater in heifers than cows. To compare the most striking differences between heifers and cows observed in the initial experiments, we conducted a third experiment where PBL sampled from heifers and cows were simultaneously collected and analyzed under the same experimental conditions. Our results indicate that, compared with heifers, cows had greater mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IFNG and IL6) and AHR protein along with greater percentage of MM20A+ neutrophils and myeloid cells expressing SIRPA, ITGAM and ITGAX. Moreover, animals that failed to become pregnant showed altered expression of anti-inflammatory molecules compared with cyclic and pregnant animals. Overall, these findings support the hypothesis that early pregnancy signaling alters the phenotype of immune cells in the peripheral blood and that there are differences in the peripheral immune response to pregnancy between cows and heifers. Because cows have lower conception rates than heifers, it is possible that a more proinflammatory immune status in peripheral blood may play a role in embryo loss.

Maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy and birth weight: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundExisting data on maternal dietary patterns and birth weight remains limited and inconsistent, especially in non-Western populations. We aimed to examine the relationship between maternal dietary patterns and birth weight among a cohort of Chinese.MethodsIn this study, 4,184 mother-child pairs were included from the Iodine Status in Pregnancy and Offspring Health Cohort. Maternal diet during pregnancy was evaluated using a self-administered food frequency questionnaire with 69 food items. Principal component analysis was used to identify dietary patterns. Information on birth weight and gestational age was obtained through medical records. Adverse outcomes of birth weight were defined according to standard clinical cutoffs, including low birth weight, macrosomia, small for gestational age, and large for gestational age.ResultsThree maternal dietary patterns were identified: plant-based, animal-based, and processed food and beverage dietary patterns, which explained 23.7% variance in the diet. In the multivariate-adjusted model, women with higher adherence to the plant-based dietary patten had a significantly higher risk of macrosomia (middle tertile vs. low tertile: odds ratio (OR) 1.45, 95% CI 1.00-2.10; high tertile vs. low tertile: OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.03–2.34; P-trend = 0.039). For individual food groups, potato intake showed positive association with macrosomia (high tertile vs. low tertile: OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.20–2.47; P-trend = 0.002). Excluding potatoes from the plant-based dietary pattern attenuated its association with macrosomia risk. No significant associations was observed for the animal-based or processed food and beverage dietary pattern with birth weight outcomes.ConclusionsAdherence to a plant-based diet high in carbohydrate intake was associated with higher macrosomia risk among Chinese women. Future studies are required to replicate these findings and explore the potential mechanisms involved.