Determining the Association of the Dry Period Duration with Dystocia and Stillbirths in Dairy Cows by Considering Parity, Season, and Gestation Length.

This study aimed to assess the relationship between the length of the dry period (DL) and the risks of dystocia and stillbirths in Holstein cows. A total of 1072 healthy cows in lactations 1 and ≥2 were categorized based on the DL (mean: 58.07 ± 0.33 days) into three groups: short DL (<40 days; 13.0% of cows), medium DL (40-70 days; 60.1%), and long DL (>70 days; 26.9%). Dystocia occurred in 12.4% of cows, while stillbirths accounted for 4.1% of calves. The medium DL group had the highest number of unassisted calvings. The dystocia rates were 11.4% for cows with gestation (GA) ≤ 274 days; 6.0% for cows with GA = 275-282 days; and 19.9% for cows with GA ≥ 283 days (p < 0.001). In season 1 (November-April), dystocia occurred in 15.0% of cases compared to 8.8% in season 2 (May-October) (p < 0.001). The stillbirth rates ranged from 3.6% to 4.0% for cows with medium and long DLs; while those with a short DL had 5.8% (p < 0.05). The stillbirth rates were 5.2% for cows with GA ≤ 274 days; 3.2% for cows with GA = 275-282 days; and 5.1% for cows with GA ≥ 283 days (p < 0.001). Season 1 had a stillbirth rate of 4.8%, while season 2 had a stillbirth rate of 3.3% (p < 0.001). This research provides insights that could assist the dairy industry in making informed decisions to reduce the incidence rates of dystocia and stillbirths in cows.

Polystyrene microplastics disturb maternal glucose homeostasis and induce adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Pregnant women are a special group that is sensitive to adverse external stimuli, causing metabolic abnormalities and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Microplastics (MPs), an environmental pollutant widely used in various fields, can induce a variety of toxic responses in mammals. Recent studies verified an association between MPs and metabolic disorders. Our research built a gestational mouse model in which polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) of 1 µm size were consumed at concentrations of 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/L during pregnancy. Results indicated that PS-MPs induced placental malfunction and fetal growth retardation. Significant glucose disorders, decreased liver function, hepatic inflammation, and oxidative stress were also observed after PS-MPs exposure. The hepatic SIRT1/IRS1/PI3K pathway was inhibited in the 10 mg/L PS-MPs exposure group. Our study found that PS-MPs activated inflammatory response and oxidative stress by increasing hepatic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) that inhibited the hepatic SIRT1/IRS1/PI3K pathway, ultimately leading to insulin resistance, glucose metabolism disorders, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study provides a basis for preventing environment-related gestational diabetes and concomitant adverse pregnancy outcomes.

The protective role of maternal genetic immunization on maternal-fetal health and welfare.

Pregnancy is a critical period associated with alterations in physiologic, biologic, and immunologic processes, which can affect maternal-fetal health through development of several infectious diseases. At birth, neonates have an immature immune system that makes them more susceptible to severe viral infections and diseases. For this reason, different maternal nutritional and immunization interventions have been used to improve the immune and health status of the mother and her neonate through passive immunity. Here, we reviewed the protective role of maternal immunization with different types of vaccines, especially genetic vaccines, during pregnancy in maternal-fetal health, immune response, colostrum quality, immune response, and anti-oxidative status. For this purpose, we have used different scientific databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) and other official web pages. We customized the search period range from the year 2000 to 2023 using the key words "maternal immunization" OR "gestation period/pregnancy" OR "genetic vaccination" OR "maternal-fetal health" OR "micronutrients" OR "neonatal immunity" "oxidative stress" OR "colostrum quality". The evidence demonstrated that inactivated or killed vaccines produced significant immune protection in the mother and fetus. Furthermore, most recent studies have suggested that the use of genetic vaccines (mRNA and DNA) during pregnancy is efficient at triggering the immune response in mother and neonate without the risk of undesired pregnancy outcomes. However, factors such as maternal redox balance, nutritional status, and the timing of immunization play essential roles in regulating immune response inflammatory status, antioxidant capacity, and the welfare of both the pregnant mother and her newborn.

Effect of troxerutin consumption during gestation period on reflexive motor behavior in mice offspring.

This study aimed to determine the effects of troxerutin consumption during gestation on reflexive motor behavior in mice offspring. Forty pregnant female mice were allocated into four groups. In the control group, mice received water, while in groups 2-4, female mice p.o. administered troxerutin (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg) at 5, 8, 11, 14, and 17 days of gestation (GD). Following delivery, pups were selected based on their experimental group, and reflexive motor behaviors were determined. Also, serum malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant status (TAS) were determined. Based on the findings, maternal exposure to troxerutin (100 and 150 mg/kg) increased ambulation scores in offspring's compared with control group (P < 0.05). Also, prenatal exposure to troxerutin increased front- and hind-limb suspension scores in newborns compared with control group (P < 0.05). Maternal exposure to troxerutin increased grip strength and negative geotaxis in newborns in comparison with control mice (P < 0.05). Prenatal exposure to troxerutin (100 and 150 mg/kg) decreased hind-limb foot angle and surface righting in pups compared with control group (P < 0.05). Maternal exposure to troxerutin decreased MDA production and increased SOD, GPx, and TAS levels in offspring (P < 0.05). These results suggested that prenatal consumption of the troxerutin improves reflexive motor behaviors in mice pups.

Association of pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain with macrosomia / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective:To analyze the association of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain with macrosomia.Methods:In this retrospective cohort study, data of all puerperae and newborns in the Obstetrics Center of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from July 2020 to June 2021 were collected, including basic maternal information, pregnancy complications and neonatal conditions. A total of 2 422 pregnant women with full-term singleton live birth and their newborns were included in the analysis. The incidence of macrosomia (≥4 000 g) was calculated according to the birth weight of the newborns. Logistic regression and heat map were used to analyze the associations of pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain with macrosomia.Results:The incidence of macrosomia was 4.00% (97/2 422) in full-term singleton live birth newborns. Pre-pregnancy body weight, pre-pregnancy BMI, pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity rate, pre-delivery body weight, total weight gain during pregnancy, mean weekly weight gain during pregnancy, the proportion of excessive weight gain during pregnancy, duration of pregnancy, and the proportion of primiparity and education level of junior college or below were all significantly higher in the puerperae of the macrosomia group than those in the non-macrosomia group [(63.87±8.27) vs (58.14±7.86) kg, (23.33±2.97) vs (21.60±2.72) kg/m2, 35.1% vs 17.3%, (77.48±9.11) vs (70.02±8.79) kg, (13.61±4.56) vs (11.88±4.40) kg, (0.34±0.11) vs (0.30±0.11) kg, 58.8% vs 31.1%, (280.47±7.79) vs (276.14±7.83) d, 34.1% vs 23.7%, 18.6% vs 7.5%] (all P<0.05). Pre-pregnancy BMI ( OR=1.227, 95% CI: 1.145-1.314), mean weekly weight gain during the whole pregnancy ( OR=33.453, 95% CI: 5.172-217.947), duration of pregnancy ( OR=1.083, 95% CI: 1.055-1.112), primiparity ( OR=1.969, 95% CI: 1.232-3.101) and education level of junior college or below ( OR=2.525, 95% CI: 1.325-4.668) were all positively associated with occurrence of macrosomia (all P<0.05). The incidence of macrosomia increased with the pre-pregnancy body mass index and mean weekly weight gain during the whole pregnancy. Conclusions:High pre-pregnancy BMI and mean weekly weight gain during the whole pregnancy are associated with the increased risk of macrosomia. Appropriate weight management during pregnancy may help to reduce the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Advances on associations of exposure to air pollutants during pregnancy with congenital heart disease in offspring / 环境与职业医学

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect and one of the major causes of neonatal death, with an average prevalence of 9.4‰ worldwide. We reviewed recent epidemiological studies and found that exposure to air pollutants is associated with increased CHD risks, but the associations are inconsistent between exposure to air pollutants and different subtypes of CHD due to developmental and etiological heterogeneity among different subtypes of CHD. It has been reported that air pollutants are associated with increased risks of ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonary stenosis, tetralogy of Fallot, and transposition of the great arteries. However, associations between maternal exposure to air pollutants and atrial septal defect (ASD) are contradictory, with significantly positive associations of inhalable particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide exposure, negative associations of fine particulate matter and carbon monoxide, and mixed associations of sulfur dioxide. Adverse effects of air pollutant on cardiac development cover a wide time window beyond 3-8 weeks during gestation; particulate matter and nitrogen oxide are more likely to affect fetal heart in early pregnancy, while the association strength of carbon monoxide shows a trough in early pregnancy, and sulfur dioxide and ozone affect cardiac health throughout pregnancy. In addition, we discussed the limitations of previous studies on the associations between maternal air pollutant exposure and CHD, and highlighted the application of precise assessment on exposure to air pollutants, the performance of prospective cohort studies and longitudinal studies, and the necessity of studies on CHD subtypes, in order to provide scientific evidence to control exposure to environmental pollutants and CHD occurrence.

Subclinical Mastitis Detected during the Last Gestation Period Can Increase the Risk of Stillbirth in Dairy Calves.

We hypothesized that subclinical mastitis detected during the last gestation period can increase the risk of stillbirth in dairy calves. The aim was to investigate the relation of subclinical mastitis detected during the last gestation period and its pathogens with the stillbirth of calves. Cows from the 210th day of pregnancy were selected for the study. They were divided into two groups: the first group-subclinical mastitis was confirmed on the farm by the California mastitis test (CMT); the second group of cows-mastitis was not confirmed by the CMT test. Groups of cows were compared according to the results of their calving-the number of stillborn calves. A stillborn calf was defined as a calf that dies at birth or within the first 24 h after calving, following a gestation period of 260 days. Our results suggest that decreasing the incidence of subclinical mastitis during the last gestation period (from the 210th day of pregnancy) can decrease the risk of stillbirth in dairy calves. Further, it is important to identify the pathogen because the highest risk of stillbirth was found in cows with mastitis caused by Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, pathogenic Staphylococci and other Streptococci. Cows at the first calving had a 1.38-1.65-times higher risk of having stillborn calves than cows of parity ≥ 2. From a practical point, veterinarians and farmers can consider the effect of subclinical mastitis during late gestation on the risk of stillbirth and it could help for strategies of optimizing reproductive performance in dairy cows.

Evolution of Reproductive Life History in Mammals and the Associated Change of Functional Constraints.

Phylogenetic trees based on multiple genomic loci enable us to estimate the evolution of functional constraints that operate on genes based on lineage-specific fluctuation of the evolutionary rate at particular gene loci, "gene-branch interactions". Using this information as predictors, our previous work inferred that the common ancestor of placental mammals was nocturnal, insectivorous, solitary, and bred seasonally. Here, we added seven new continuous traits including lifespan, bodyweight, and five reproduction-related traits and inferred the coevolution network of 14 core life history traits for 89 mammals. In this network, bodyweight and lifespan are not directly connected to each other; instead, their correlation is due to both of them coevolving with gestation period. Diurnal mammals are more likely to be monogamous than nocturnal mammals, while arboreal mammals tend to have a smaller litter size than terrestrial mammals. Coevolution between diet and the seasonal breeding behavior test shows that year-round breeding preceded the dietary change to omnivory, while seasonal breeding preceded the dietary change to carnivory. We also discuss the evolution of reproductive strategy of mammals. Genes selected as predictors were identified as well; for example, genes function as tumor suppressor were selected as predictors of weaning age.

Association between maternal blood lipid level during pregnancy and risk of small-for-gestational-age infants / 预防医学

@#Small for gestational age ( SGA ),one of the major adverse pregnancy outcomes, significantly increases the risk of perinatal death and metabolic diseases in adulthood. It is of great significance to strengthen early surveillance and intervention for SGA prevention. Dyslipidemia during pregnancy, as a common metabolic disorder, has been considered to correlate with the increased risk of SGA; however, the epidemiological evidence is still controversial. We have systematically reviewed the recent studies related to the association between serum lipid level during pregnancy and the risk of SGA, so as to provide reference for prevention and intervention of SGA.

Effect of Dietary Folic Acid Supplementation during Pregnancy on Blood Characteristics and Milk Composition of Ewes.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the dynamic change of serum parameters and milk composition by dietary FA supplementation with ewes with different litter size from mating to lambing. The ewes were divided into six treatments (TW-CON, TW-F16, TW-F32, TR-CON, TR-F16, TR-F32) according to dietary FA levels (control, CON; 16 or 32 mg·kg-1 rumen-protect-FA supplementation, F16 and F32) and litter size (twin born, TW; and triplet born, TR). In serum, the concentration of folate increased linearly with dietary FA supplementation (P < 0.05), regardless of the litter size, they showed a quadratic response to gestation progression (P < 0.05). With dietary FA addition, IGFI-I levels significant increased from late gestation to after lambing (P < 0.05), and linearly increased immunoglobulin during the perinatal period (P < 0.05). In colostrum and milk at d 15, the content of folate, lactoferrin, and IgG were affected positively by FA supplementation (P < 0.05). IgG was higher in the TW group than TR in colostrum (P < 0.05), and lactoferrin in TW was lower than TR in milk of d 15 (P < 0.05). FA supplementation increased protein content in colostrum (P < 0.05), while it had no effect on the fat, lactose, and BUN of colostrum and milk of d 15 (P > 0.05). These results suggest that FA supplementation during gestation could regulate maternal blood metabolism and contribute to milk immune composition.

Achieving sustainable agricultural production under farmer conditions in maize-gliricidia intercropping in Salima District, central Malawi.

Smallholder farmers in Malawi are faced with limited options for climate smart agriculture that would restore soil fertility and increase maize yield. Ten plots of maize intercropped with Gliricidia sepium (MIG) and 10 traditional sole-maize (TSM) plots (0.2 ha each) were studied under farmer conditions from 2013/14 to 2017/18 in Salima District, central Malawi. The aim was to assess performance of MIG on soil fertility restoration and maize yield in degraded agricultural land. G. sepium trimmings were incorporated in MIG in October, January and September of every season. A total of 92 kg N ha-1 was applied in both treatments. Soil and maize yield measurements were done from 10 m x 10 ridges centre of each plot and a paired t-test in R Statistical Software was used for data analysis. Organic matter (p < 0.001) and nitrogen (p < 0.011) were significantly higher in MIG than in TSM while bulk density was significantly lower (p < 0.006) in MIG than in TSM. Higher maize yield was achieved in MIG (5.52 t/ha) than in TSM (1.48 t ha-1) (p < 0.001). Nonsignificant differences between MIG and TSM fields for potassium (p > 0.678) and phosphorus (p > 0.149) suggests that the nutrients were not affected by presence or absence of G. sepium and may not have contributed to differences in yields. Effective gestation period for maize-gliricidia intercropping was at least two years where significant maize yields were first achieved. The findings in MIG provide farmers with sustainable agricultural option for soil health renewal and maize yield increase in central Malawi.

Effects of intrauterine exposure to thyroid dysfunction on the development of brain neurons in neonatal rats / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To investigate the expression of MCT8, DCX, SHH and ARC/ARG3. 1 in brain neurons of neonatal rats exposed to thyroid dysfunction in uterus. Methods Wistar pregnant rats were randomly divided into control group and experimental groups that rats were drunk water with 1, 3, or 5 ppm propylthiouracil ( PTU). The thyroid function and morphological changes of PND1 and PND7 were detected. The expression of MCT8, DCX, SHH, ARC/ARG3. 1 protein in cerebral cortex and hippocampus were detected by Western blot or immunohistochemistry. Results (1) The levels of TT4 decreased significantly in PND1 pups of PTU 3 ppm and 5 ppm groups (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). The TSH levels significantly increased while FT4 levels significantly decreased in pups of PTU 5 ppm group on PND7 ( P＜0. 05). ( 2) The number NV, V, S, and cross-sectional area of thyroid follicles in offspring of PTU groups were significantly higher than those in the control group on postnatal day 1 and 7 (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01, respectively). (3) The expression of MCT8 in cortex and hippocampus gradually increased with the increase dose of PTU on two postnatal days, but there was significant change in PTU 5 ppm group on PND1 ( P＜0.05). The expression of SHH in pup cortex decreased with the increase of PTU exposure dose on PND7. DCX protein expression in the pup cortex on two postnatal days showed an uptrend with the increase of PTU exposure dose. ARC/ARG3.1 protein levels in hippocampal CA1 area of the pups increased significantly in PTU 1 ppm group on PND1 than that in the same-day control group ( P＜0. 05). Conclusion The damaged neurons of neonatal rats exposed to hypothyroidism in utero can be improved with the gradual recovery of thyroid function, but can not be completely restored to normal level.

Association between human papillomavirus infection and adverse pregnancy outcome / 预防医学

Objective To investigate the infection rate of human papillomavirus(HPV)among pregnant women, and to explore the effect of HPV infection on adverse pregnancy outcome. Methods A total of 1 679 pregnant women in hospital were collected for the research. The flow-through hybridization and genechip(HybriMax)method was used to detect the infection of HPV. Univariate analysis was used to analyze the factors affecting HPV infection in pregnant women. The binary logistic analysis was used to analyze risk factors affecting adverse pregnancy outcome. Results HPV infection rate was 31.39%(527/1 679), including 14.23%(239/1 679)of HR-HPV, 15.54%(261/1 679)of LR-HPV and 1.61%(27/1 679)of mixed of HR-HPV and LR-HPV. Univariate analysis showed that there was significant difference in initial sex age, education level and smoking history between infection group and non-infection group, with statistical difference(P<0.05). The incidence rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes in infection group(31.50%) was significant higher than that of non-infection group(9.81%), with statistical difference(P<0.01). The incidence rate of premature rupture of fetal membranes, newborn respiratory papillomatosis and other adverse pregnancy outcomes among HR-HPV group, LR-HPV group and mixed group had no significant difference (P>0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed HR-HPV infection(OR=4.194, 95% CI: 3.099-5.675), LR-HPV infection(OR=1.771, 95%CI: 1.288-2.434)and mixed type infection(OR= 3.350, 95%CI: 1.630-7.735)were the risk factors affecting adverse pregnancy outcome(P<0.01), however, age and times of gestation had no statistical significance in the binary logistic analysis(P>0.05). Conclusion HPV infection was the risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcome, which indicated that screening work in pre-pregnancy and pregnancy, and persisting in early prevention, early detection and early treatment could reduce the incidence rate of adverse pregnancy outcome.

Effects of nonyphenol exposure during pregnant and lactation period on expressions of CYP2E1 mRNA and protein of hepatic tissues in offspring rats / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate the effects of nonyphenol (NP)exposure during pregnant and lactation period on expression of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) mRNA and protein of hepatic tissues in offspring rats.Methods Pregnant rats were assigned to four groups:the exposure groups received gavage with NP at dose levels of 50 mg · kg-1 · d-1 (low dose group),100 mg · kg-1 · d-1 (medium dose group),200 mg · kg-1 · d-1 (high dose group) and the control group was treated with corn oil alone,NP exposure time was limited from gestational day 6 to postnatal day 21.The newborn rats were sacrificed at 90 days after birth,followed by blood collection and serum separation.Then,serum biochemical indicators of liver function and lipid levels were detected.Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX),superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities,malondialdehyde (MDA) level and CYP2E1 mRNA and protein levels were determined in hepatic tissues.Pathologic changes in hepatic tissues were observed with HE staining.Results Compared with the control group,the aspartate aminotransferase (ALT),alanine aminotransferase (AST) levels and AST/ALT ratio of offspring rats in exposure groups were increased in a dose-dependent manner (P＜0.05),as well as serum TG,TC and LDL-C levels were increased (P＜0.05).The liver tissue structure of the control group was normal.The hepatic sinus of the medium dose group was showed mild expansion and inflammatory cellular infiltration.Otherwise,the liver of high dose group had a large amount of lipid droplets.Compared with the control group,SOD and GSH-PX activities were obviously decreased,while MDA level was significantly decreased in each exposure group (P＜0.05).CYP2E1 mRNA and protein expression levels of medium and high dose groups were higher than those in the control group (P＜0.05).Conclusion Exposure to NP during gestation and lactation period can induce lipid metabolism disorders and inflammatory lesions in hepatic tissues of offspring rats,and it maybe associated With up-regulation of CYP2E1 expression.

Effects of nonyphenol exposure during pregnant and lactation period on expressions of CYP2E1 mRNA and protein of hepatic tissues in offspring rats / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate the effects of nonyphenol (NP)exposure during pregnant and lactation period on expression of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) mRNA and protein of hepatic tissues in offspring rats.Methods Pregnant rats were assigned to four groups:the exposure groups received gavage with NP at dose levels of 50 mg · kg-1 · d-1 (low dose group),100 mg · kg-1 · d-1 (medium dose group),200 mg · kg-1 · d-1 (high dose group) and the control group was treated with corn oil alone,NP exposure time was limited from gestational day 6 to postnatal day 21.The newborn rats were sacrificed at 90 days after birth,followed by blood collection and serum separation.Then,serum biochemical indicators of liver function and lipid levels were detected.Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX),superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities,malondialdehyde (MDA) level and CYP2E1 mRNA and protein levels were determined in hepatic tissues.Pathologic changes in hepatic tissues were observed with HE staining.Results Compared with the control group,the aspartate aminotransferase (ALT),alanine aminotransferase (AST) levels and AST/ALT ratio of offspring rats in exposure groups were increased in a dose-dependent manner (P＜0.05),as well as serum TG,TC and LDL-C levels were increased (P＜0.05).The liver tissue structure of the control group was normal.The hepatic sinus of the medium dose group was showed mild expansion and inflammatory cellular infiltration.Otherwise,the liver of high dose group had a large amount of lipid droplets.Compared with the control group,SOD and GSH-PX activities were obviously decreased,while MDA level was significantly decreased in each exposure group (P＜0.05).CYP2E1 mRNA and protein expression levels of medium and high dose groups were higher than those in the control group (P＜0.05).Conclusion Exposure to NP during gestation and lactation period can induce lipid metabolism disorders and inflammatory lesions in hepatic tissues of offspring rats,and it maybe associated With up-regulation of CYP2E1 expression.

A note on captive breeding and reproductive parameters of the Chinese pangolin, Manis pentadactyla Linnaeus, 1758.

The Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla Linnaeus, 1758) is a critically endangered species, and documents on its captive breeding and reproductive parameters are scarce. MP8, kept in the Pangolin Research Base for Artificial Rescue and Conservation Breeding of South China Normal University (the PRB-SCNU), gave birth to a male offspring (MP86) on 19 October 2011. The baby pangolin was well developed, with a weight of 120 g and a total length of 23.2 cm. The gestation length of MP8 was estimated to be from 182 to 225d. Reproductive parameters of the Chinese pangolin are discussed based on collected data about this species. The Chinese pangolin has an obvious reproductive seasonality and its gestation length is typically six to seven months. In this observation, estrus and mating principally occurred in a one-year period from February to July. Parturition principally took place from September to February of the next year. Chinese pangolins usually give birth to one offspring at a time (n = 27). Sex ratio at birth was 0.71:1 (♀:♂, n = 12). Average weight for the reproducible females was 3.57 ± 1.38 kg (2.14-6.8 kg, n = 15). We estimated that Chinese pangolins could reach sexual maturity before they were one year old.

The effect of prostaglandin induced labor and selected factors on the occurrence and extent of birth-canal injuries.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of labor induction using prostaglandin, gestation period and delivery type on the cause and extent of birth-canal injuries. METHODS: A retrospective study based on the records of II. GPK UNB Ruzinov. The total set (n = 1377) consisted of patients who went into labor in second half of the year 2014 at this clinic. The research used categorical data divided into groups of factors (induction, week of delivery, type of delivery) and birth injuries. Using the chi-square test and Fisher's test we evaluated individual statistical dependences. The results with the highest level of significance are expressed through contingency tests (Phi coefficient, contingency coefficient, Cramer's V). Finally, because of the highest level of significance we have done a cohort study to express the incidence of relationship between non-operative delivery per vaginam and 1st degree ruptura perieni. RESULTS: Labor induction with prostaglandins has a positive impact on the cause and extent of birth-canal injuries, namely the increased risk of vaginal walls tearing and uterine ruptures. We confirmed that the induction of labor using PG carries a demonstrable risk of pregnancy termination by cesarean section (p = 6.17x10-9). Birth-canal injuries are also affected by the type of delivery. Non-operative vaginal delivery is a significant risk factor for first-degree perineal tear (RR = 25.52 95% CI 10.58, 61.60, OR = 33.06 95% CI 13.51, 80.90). Significant risk factors for third-grade perineal tear during vaginal delivery are forceps (p = 0.005534) / vacuum extractor (p = 0.03554). CONCLUSION: In a group of 1377 patients we have demonstrated that the labor induction with prostaglandins, gestation period and type of delivery significantly influence the occurrence and extent of birth-canal injuries (Tab. 3, Ref. 9).

Effects of pre- and postnatal exposure to 1880-1900MHz DECT base radiation on development in the rat.

In the present study, to evaluate the effects of wireless 1880-1900MHz Digital Enhanced Communication Telephony (DECT) base radiation on fetal and postnatal development, Wistar rats were exposed at an average electric field intensity of 3.7V/m, 12h/day, during pregnancy. After parturition, a group of dams and offspring were similarly exposed for another 22days. Controls were sham-exposed. The data showed that DECT base radiation exposure caused heart rate increase in the embryos on the 17th day of pregnancy. Moreover, significant changes on the newborns' somatometric characteristics were noticed. Pyramidal cell loss and glia fibrilliary acidic protein (GFAP) over-expression were detected in the CA4 region of the hippocampus of the 22-day old pups that were irradiated either during prenatal life or both pre- and postnatally. Changes in the integrity of the brain in the 22-day old pups could potentially be related to developmental behavioral changes during the fetal period.

1H NMR-based metabolomics study on the physiological variations during the rat pregnancy process.

In this study, NMR-based metabolomics in combination with multivariate pattern recognition technologies were employed to evaluate the physiological variations in the Wistar rats' plasma that are induced by pregnancy on the gestational days (GDs) 11, 14, 17 and 20. Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed some possible mechanism of physiological effects for healthy pregnancies and showed a metabolic trajectory during pregnancy process. The levels of 24 metabolites were found to change significantly throughout pregnancy in maternal plasma. These metabolite changes involved in varied kinds of metabolic pathways including synthesis of biological substances, microbial metabolism in diverse environments, protein digestion and absorption, carbohydrate metabolism, digestion and absorption, mineral absorption, and ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)-binding cassette transporters (ABC transporters). The substantial cores of all the metabolic pathways are promoting fetal growth and development and regulating maternal physiological state. This work showed relevant metabolic pathways perturbation in the maternal plasma due to normal pregnancy and provided the physical basis of time-dependent metabolic trajectory against which disease-related maternal physiological responses may be better understood in future studies.