Neurodevelopmental outcome at 1 year in offspring of women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To study the metabolic derangements in the second half of pregnancy caused by gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM), on the short term neurodevelopment of infants. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study of 555 mother-child pairs were recruited, which included 177 GDM patients and 378 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance as controls. Clinical and demographic characteristics were obtained at enrollment, birth and follow-up. Neurodevelopment was examined with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development V.1 mental development index (MDI) and psychomotor development index (PDI). Fatty acids (FA) were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and triglyceride (TG). The scores of MDI and PDI of control group were higher than those of GDM group. The regression analysis showed that maternal age and saturated fatty acid (SFA) were independently associated with lower scores on the MDI whereas gestational age and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were associated with higher scores; in addition, lower scores on the PDI were associated with FPG and neonatal weigh associated with higher scores. CONCLUSION: SFA, DHA and FPG as indicators of lipid metabolism were associated with neurodevelopmental outcome at 1 year in offspring of women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Control the level of blood glucose and lipid during pregnancy and the appropriate supplementation of DHA during pregnancy in the second half of pregnancy may be beneficial to the neurodevelopment of infants.

Strain-induced tunable negative differential resistance in triangle graphene spirals.

Using non-equilibrium Green's function formalism combined with density functional theory calculations, we investigate the significant changes in electronic and transport properties of triangle graphene spirals (TGSs) in response to external strain. Tunable negative differential resistance (NDR) behavior is predicted. The NDR bias region, NDR width, and peak-to-valley ratio can be well tuned by external strain. Further analysis shows that these peculiar properties can be attributed to the dispersion widths of the p z orbitals. Moreover, the conductance of TGSs is very sensitive to the applied stress, which is promising for applications in nanosensor devices. Our findings reveal a novel approach to produce tunable electronic devices based on graphene spirals.

Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity and the risk of macrosomia: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of our meta-analysis was to explore whether pre-pregnancy obesity is regarded as an important risk factor for predicting macrosomia or not. METHODS: Three databases were systematically reviewed and reference lists of relevant articles were checked. Meta-analysis of published cohort studies comparing whether pre-pregnancy obesity was associated with macrosomia and adjusting for potential confounding factors. Calculations of pooled estimates were conducted in random-effect model. Heterogeneity was tested by using Chi-square test and I 2 statistics. Publication bias was estimated from Egger's test (linear regression method) and Begg's test (rank correlation method). RESULTS: Sixteen cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis showed that pre-pregnancy obesity was associated with macrosomia as an important risk factor. The adjusted odds ratio was 1.93, 95% CI (1.65, 2.27) in random-effect model, stratified analyses showed no differences regarding different quality grade, definition of macrosomia, location of study and number of confounding factors adjusted for. There was no indication of a publication bias either from the result of Egger's test or Begg's test. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that pre-pregnancy obesity should be considered as an important risk factor for macrosomia. The effect of pre-pregnancy obesity on macrosomia need to be carefully assessed and monitored.

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy and risk of macrosomia: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the relation between excessive gestational weight gain and macrosomia. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis by searching PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane library for English-language literature from inception to 1 October 2014. Studies assessing the relationship between excessive gestational weight gain and macrosomia were included. Characteristics including study design, country, sample size, definition of macrosomia, adjusted odds ratios, CIs and adjustment factors were extracted independently by two reviewers. Summary odds ratios were calculated by using a random-effects model meta-analysis. RESULTS: 15 relevant articles were eligible for the meta-analysis. Incorporated by random-effect model before the heterogeneity tests, the value of OR was 2.35 (95 % CI: 1.95, 2.85). Stratified analysis showed no differences regarding different study design, definition of macrosomia and location of study. There was no indication of a publication bias either from the result of Egger's test (P = 0.572) or Begg's test (P = 0.572). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis indicated that excessive gestational weight gain might increase the risk of macrosomia.

Breast-feeding and postpartum weight retention: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Weight gained during pregnancy and postpartum weight retention might contribute to obesity in women of childbearing age. Whether breast-feeding (BF) may decrease postpartum weight retention (PPWR) is still controversial. The purpose of our systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the relationship between BF and PPWR. DESIGN: Three databases were systematically reviewed and the reference lists of relevant articles were checked. Meta-analysis was performed to quantify the pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) of BF on PPWR by using a random-effect model. Heterogeneity was tested using the χ 2 test and I 2 statistics. Publication bias was estimated from Egger's test (linear regression method) or Begg's test (rank correlation method). RESULTS: Among 349 search hits, eleven studies met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. Seven studies were conducted in the USA, one in Brazil, one in France, one in Georgia and one in Croatia. Compared with formula-feeding, BF for 3 to ≤6 months seemed to have a negative influence on PPWR and if BF continued for >6 months had little or no influence on PPWR. In a subgroup meta-analysis, the results did not change substantially after the analysis had been classified by available confounding factors. There was no indication of a publication bias from the result of either Egger's test or Begg's test. CONCLUSIONS: Although the available evidence held belief that BF decreases PPWR, more robust studies are needed to reliably assess the impact of patterns and duration of BF on PPWR.

Is gestational diabetes mellitus an independent risk factor for macrosomia: a meta-analysis?

PURPOSE: The aim of our meta-analysis was to explore whether gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an independent risk factor for macrosomia or not. METHODS: Three databases were systematically reviewed and reference lists of relevant articles were checked. Meta-analysis of published epidemiological studies (cohort and case-control studies) comparing whether GDM was associated with macrosomia. Calculations of pooled estimates were conducted in random-effect models. Heterogeneity was tested by using Chi square test and I (2) statistics. Publication bias was estimated from Egger's test (linear regression method) and Begg's test (rank correlation method). RESULTS: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, including five cohort studies and seven case-control studies. The meta-analysis showed that GDM was associated with macrosomia independent of other risk factors. The adjusted odds ratio was 1.71, 95% CI (1.52, 1.94) in random-effect model, stratified analyses showed no differences regarding different study design, quality grade, definition of macrosomia, location of study and number of confounding factors adjusted for. There was no indication of a publication bias either from the result of Egger's test or Begg's test. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that GDM should be considered as an independent risk factor for newborn macrosomia. To adequately evaluate the clinical evolution of GDM need to be carefully assessed and monitored.

The association between gestational weight gain and substantial weight retention 1-year postpartum.

PURPOSE: Postpartum weight retention contributes to obesity development of women in their reproductive age. The studies about the association between gestational weight gain (GWG) and substantial weight retention are lacking. This study examined the association between GWG and substantial postpartum weight retention (SPPWR). METHODS: The participants (n = 1,122) in the study were healthy, mature and fed their infants whose ages were 3, 6, 9, 12 months (2010-2012), respectively. They self-reported their socio-demographic, clinical prenatal and behaviors characteristics via questionnaires. We collected their weight data including pre-pregnancy and prior to delivery, as well as weight at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postpartum. The major outcomes included weight retention and substantial weight gain 1 year postpartum. RESULTS: Of the 1,122 women, the median weight retention was 3.0 (IQR = 5.5) kg 12 months postpartum. 35.7 % of them reported substantial weight retention (≥4.55 kg). GWG categories were established as follows: inadequate weight gain (n = 366, 33 %), adequate weight gain (n = 596, 53 %), and excessive weight gain (n = 160, 14 %). Adjusted odds ratios of SPPWR were 0.59 (95 % CI 0.43, 0.81) for inadequate weight gain and 4.05 (95 % CI 2.75, 5.95) for excessive weight gain versus adequate weight gain (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Excessive GWG would increase the risk of substantial weight retention 1-year postpartum. The interventions to prevent postpartum obesity should consider the strategies how to attain optimal maternal GWG.

[Impact of maternal weight gain during pregnancy on the risk of infant obesity].

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of maternal weight gain during pregnancy on the risk of infant obesity within 1 year old. METHODS: A total of 785 infants who were born in Hefei and participated children medical care in one district health center and their mothers were chosen as the research subjects from September 2010 to September 2011. Three groups were classified by weight gain during pregnancy according to the percentiles: excessive pregnancy weight gain group of 126 pairs, adequate pregnancy weight gain group of 542 pairs and inadequate pregnancy weight gain group of 117 pairs. Mother's general demographic information was collected. The height and weight were measured when the infant was 42 days, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of physical examination. Z score was calculated. The differences of Z score in different groups were compared and the RR values of different weight gain during pregnancy on infant obesity were computed. RESULTS: The weight-for-age Z score (WAZ) of infant at 42 days 3, 6, 9 and 12 months in excessive pregnancy weight gain group were 0.23 ± 0.93, 0.25 ± 1.03, 0.23 ± 0.99, 0.28 ± 1.09, 0.26 ± 1.14, respectively, all higher than that of the corresponding age in adequate pregnancy weight gain group (-0.04 ± 1.02, -0.07 ± 0.99, -0.05 ± 0.98, -0.06 ± 0.97, -0.07 ± 0.95, respectively). The differences were statistically significant (all P values < 0.05). In excessive pregnancy weight gain group, infant body mass index (BMI) at 9 months ((18.01 ± 0.15) kg/m(2)) and 12 months ((17.66 ± 0.15) kg/m(2)) were higher than that of adequate pregnancy weight gain group ((17.63 ± 0.13) and (17.22 ± 0.15) kg/m(2), respectively). The differences were statistically significant (all P values < 0.05). Differences of infant Height-for-age Z score (HAZ) among three groups were not statistically significant (all P values > 0.05). Compared to adequate pregnancy weight gain group, RR (95%CI) value of infant obesity in excessive pregnancy weight gain group was 1.86 (1.14 - 3.03). CONCLUSION: Excessive maternal weight gain during pregnancy increased the risk of infant obesity within 1 year old.

Hybrid density functional study of band alignment in ZnO-GaN and ZnO-(Ga(1-x)Zn(x))(N(1-x)O(x))-GaN heterostructures.

The band alignment in ZnO-GaN and related heterostructures is crucial for uses in solar harvesting technology. Here, we report our density functional calculations of the band alignment and optical properties of ZnO-GaN and ZnO-(Ga(1-x)Zn(x))(N(1-x)O(x))-GaN heterostructures using a Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerhof (HSE) hybrid functional. We found that the conventional GGA functionals underestimate not only the band gap but also the band offset of these heterostructures. Using the hybrid functional calculations, we show that the (Ga(1-x)Zn(x))(N(1-x)O(x)) solid solution has a direct band gap of about 2.608 eV, in good agreement with the experimental data. More importantly, this solid solution forms type-II band alignment with the host materials. A GaN-(Ga(1-x)Zn(x))(N(1-x)O(x))-ZnO core-shell solar cell model is presented to improve the visible light absorption ability and carrier collection efficiency.

Maternal prepregnancy overweight and obesity and the risk of preeclampsia: A meta-analysis of cohort studies.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our meta-analysis was to explore whether overweight and obesity was associated with preeclampsia or not. DESIGN: Three databases were systematically reviewed and reference lists of relevant articles were checked. Meta-analysis of published cohort studies comparing whether overweight and obesity was associated with preeclampsia and adjusting for potential confounding factors. Calculations of pooled estimates were conducted in random-effects models. Heterogeneity was tested by using Chi-square test with Cochrane and heterogeneity was explored with meta-regression. Publication bias was estimated from Egger's test (linear regression method) and Begg's test (rank correlation method). RESULTS: Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis showed that overweight and obesity was associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. The aOR calculated for 13 studies (compared overweight to normal weight) was 1.71, 95% CI (1.52, 1.91) for random-effects models and 19 studies (compared obesity to normal weight) was 2.48, 95% CI (2.05, 2.90) for random-effects models, stratified analyses showed no differences regarding quality grade, location of study and period of anthropometric measurement. There was no indication of a publication bias either from the result of Egger's test or Begg's test. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that prepregnancy maternal overweight and obesity are significantly associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia.

The Association between Advanced Maternal Age and Macrosomia: A Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of our meta-analysis was to explore whether advanced maternal age (AMA) is regarded as an important risk factor for predicting macrosomia or not. METHODS: Three databases were systematically reviewed and reference lists of relevant articles were checked. Meta-analysis of published cohort studies was done comparing whether AMA was associated with macrosomia and adjusting for potential confounding factors. Calculations of pooled estimates were conducted in random-effects models. Heterogeneity was tested by using chi-square test and I2 statistics. Publication bias was estimated from Egger's test (linear regression method) and Begg's test (rank correlation method). RESULTS: Twelve cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis showed that AMA was associated with macrosomia as an important risk factor. The adjusted odds ratio calculated for 12 studies (compared aged 35-39 years to aged <30 years) was 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.25-1.60) for random-effect model and 6 studies (compared aged ≥40 years to aged <30 years) was 1.40, 95% CI (1.02-1.78) for random-effect model. There was no indication of a publication bias either from the result of Egger's test or Begg's test. CONCLUSION: Regardless of the underlying mechanism, our finding indicated that AMA should be considered as an important risk factor for macrosomia. To adequately evaluate the clinical evolution of AMA, the effect of AMA on macrosomia need to be carefully assessed and monitored.

Downregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma in the placenta correlates to hyperglycemia in offspring at young adulthood after exposure to gestational diabetes mellitus.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Children who are exposed to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in utero are at high risk of developing related illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus in young adulthood, but the underlying mechanism and related predictive biomarkers are not known. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study identified the related biomarkers of hyperglycemia in young adults from the relationship between fetal blood glucose and placental lipid transporters at messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression levels. We recruited patients from a prospective cohort, and determined the mRNA and protein levels of placental fatty acid transporters. Diet-induced mouse models of GDM were established, and the mRNA and protein levels of the same transporters in placentas were validated. RESULTS: Only the mRNA levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma correlated with the levels of neonatal blood glucose in GDM patients using linear regression and Spearman's correlation analyses (r = 0.774, P = 0.001). The mRNA levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and fatty acid transport protein-6 correlated with blood glucose levels in mouse offspring (r = 0.82, P = 0.001, r = 0.737, P = 0.006 and r = -0.891, P = 0.001, respectively) at young adulthood using the same analyses. Notably, we observed significantly higher blood glucose levels in GDM offspring at 12 weeks-of-age compared with the control and rosiglitazone-supplemented groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The downregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma in the placenta might predict hyperglycemia in offspring at young adulthood.