Individual and community-level determinants of knowledge about fertile periods among adolescent girls and young women (10-24 years) in Sub-Saharan Africa: A multilevel mixed effect analysis of a recent demographic and health survey.

Background: Identifying fertility periods accurately will protect teenage girls and young women from unintended pregnancies and related complications. However, in Sub-Saharan Africa, knowledge of the fertile period among adolescent girls and young women is not well studied. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess adolescents' and young women's knowledge regarding fertility periods and its determinants in Sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: The most recent demographic and health surveys' data were used. The study had 140,064 participants in all. The data was analyzed using STATA/SE version 14. Using a multilevel logistic regression model, factors associated with knowledge of fertile periods have been determined. P-values <0.05 showed the significance of the factors associated with the outcome variable. The data were interpreted using the adjusted odds ratio and confidence interval. The best-fit model was determined to be the one with the highest logliklihood ratio and the lowest deviance. Results: One in five (20%) women between the ages of 10 and 24 had accurate knowledge about the fertile period. Age (AOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.40, 1.49), educational level (AOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.60, 1.77), knowledge of family planning (AOR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.27, 1.39), distance (AOR = 2.31, 95% CI: 2.02, 2.98), residence (AOR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.10), and low community poverty (AOR = 3.06, 95% CI: 3.01, 3.12) had higher odds of knowledge about fertile period. Conclusion: This research finds that adolescents and young women in sub-Saharan Africa have low knowledge of the reproductive period. It was discovered that factors at the individual and communal levels influence women's knowledge of the fertile period. While developing policies and strategies, the health ministries of Sub-Saharan African countries had to take into consideration input from women whose experiences indicated that obtaining reproductive health services was hindered by distance.

Vacuna contra la COVID-19 y menstruación, desde el desconocimiento a la información: revisión sistemática / Vaccine against COVID-19 and menstruation, from ignorance to information: a systematic review

La creación de una vacuna para enfrentar la pandemia de COVID-19 conllevó un vacío de información sobre las posibles alteraciones del ciclo menstrual. El objetivo fue verificar las posibles alteraciones que se pudiesen haber generado en el ciclo menstrual de las mujeres posterior a la inoculación de la vacuna contra la COVID-19. Se realizó una revisión sistemática en las bases bibliografías Medline, Medline Complete, LILACS, CINAHL y ScIELO, utilizando los descriptores “Women”, “Woman”, “Fertile period”, “Vaccination”, “Mass vaccination”, “Immunization”, “COVID-19 vaccines”, “SARS-CoV-2 infection”, “COVID-19”, “Menstrual cycle”, “Menstruation”, “Endometrial cycle”, “Dysmenorrhea” y “Menstruation disturbances”. Mediante la utilización del protocolo PRISMA, de los 319 artículos localizados, 17 fueron incluidos en el análisis. La mayoría de los estudios incluyeron, principalmente, las vacunas Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca y Johnson&Johnson/Janssen con una a tres dosis administradas. El porcentaje de ciclos menstruales alterados fue del 8,0% al 77,8%, y la alteración con mayor frecuencia referida fue la duración del ciclo menstrual, que fue desde 0,3 hasta 12 días de retraso de la menstruación. Todos los estudios refieren cambios en el ciclo menstrual con diversas prevalencias, con y sin significación estadística; sin embargo, también concluyen que estas alteraciones son reversibles y en un corto periodo de tiempo.

The creation of a vaccine to face the COVID-19 pandemic, led to an information gap on possible alterations of the menstrual cycle. The objective was to verify the possible alterations that could have been generated in the menstrual cycle of women, after the inoculation of the vaccine against COVID-19. A systematic review was carried out in the Medline, Medline Complete, LILACS, CINAHL and ScIELO bibliographic databases, using the descriptors “Women”, “Woman”, “Fertile period”, “Vaccination”, “Mass vaccination”, “Immunization”, “COVID-19 vaccines”, “SARS-CoV-2 infection”, “COVID-19”, “Menstrual cycle”, “Menstruation”, “Endometrial cycle”, “Dysmenorrhea” and “Menstruation disturbances”. Using the PRISMA protocol, of the 319 articles located, 17 were included in the analysis. Most of the studies mainly included the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson&Johnson/Janssen vaccines with one to three doses administered. The percentage of altered menstrual cycles ranged from 8.0% to 77.8%, and the most frequently reported alteration was the length of the menstrual cycle, which occurred from 0.3 to 12 days late in menstruation. All the studies refer to changes in the menstrual cycle with different prevalences, with and without statistical significance; however, the same studies also conclude that these alterations are reversible and in a short period of time.

Uso de anticonceptivos y conocimiento del periodo fértil del ciclo menstrual en adolescentes

Introducción: La comprensión de los cambios fisiológicos que se presentan en las mujeres adolescentes son fundamentales para el cuidado de su salud sexual. Esto favorece un comportamiento anticonceptivo orientado a la elección de métodos seguros y eficaces. Objetivo: Establecer la asociación entre el uso de métodos anticonceptivos y el conocimiento del periodo fértil del ciclo menstrual en adolescentes peruanas. Métodos: Estudio transversal basado en el análisis secundario de la Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar del año 2021. La muestra fue de 717 de mujeres adolescentes con registro completo en las bases de datos. Se calcularon recuentos ponderados, no ponderados y se aplicó la prueba ji cuadrado con un 95 % de nivel de confianza. Resultados: El 19 % de las adolescentes reconocen el periodo fértil del ciclo menstrual y 6,3 % refirió que este periodo sucede durante la menstruación. El 80,8 % de las mujeres que cursan la adolescencia temprana, no conocen el momento del periodo. Respecto al uso de anticonceptivos, el 21,5 % era usuaria de preservativos y 16,3 % de inyectables; no obstante, 47 % señaló que no utilizaban ningún anticonceptivo. El 53,5 % de las adolescentes en etapa tardía indicaron que sí utilizan anticonceptivos. Entre las que son usuarias de estos métodos, 86,3 % no reconocen el periodo fértil. Conclusiones: En las adolescentes, el uso de métodos anticonceptivos no se asocia de manera significativa con el conocimiento que tienen acerca del periodo fértil del ciclo menstrual.

Introduction: The understanding of the physiological changes that occur in adolescent women are essential for the care of their sexual health. Thus, this favors a contraceptive behavior oriented to the choice of safe and effective methods. Objective: To establish the association between the use of contraceptive methods and the knowledge of the fertile period of the menstrual cycle in Peruvian adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional study based on the secondary analysis of the 2021 Demographic and Family Health Survey. The sample consisted of 717 adolescent women with complete registration in the databases. Weighted and unweighted counts were calculated; and the Chi square test was applied at a 95% confidence level. Results: 19% of adolescents recognize the fertile period of the menstrual cycle and 6.3% reported that this period occurs during menstruation. In addition, 80.8% of women in early adolescence do not know the time of their period. Regarding the use of contraceptives, 21.5% were users of condoms and 16.3% of injectables; however, 47% indicated that they did not use any contraceptive. 53.5% of late-stage adolescents indicated that they do use contraceptives. Among those who are users of these methods, 86.3% do not recognize the fertile period. Conclusions: In adolescents, the use of contraceptive methods is not significantly associated with the knowledge they have about the fertile period of the menstrual cycle.

Prevalence of vitamin B complex deficiencies in women in reproductive age, pregnant, or lactating woman in Brazil: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin B deficiencies are involved with several outcomes in fertility and pregnancy. In Brazil, the national prevalence rates of these micronutrient deficiencies in women of reproductive age were not known. This study aims to systematically identify, select, evaluate, analyze, and report the prevalence rates of vitamin B complex deficiencies in women of reproductive age in Brazil and identify variables that may modify the outcome rates. METHODS: A systematic review will be conducted guided by the following question: "What is the prevalence of vitamin B deficiencies in women of reproductive age in Brazil?". The studies will be identified and selected from a literature search using electronic databases, consultation with researchers/specialists, and reference lists of eligible studies and reviews on the topic. Major eligibility criteria include observational cross-sectional and cohort studies carried out in Brazil and performed in women 10-49 years old, or pregnant and lactating mothers, and investigated the deficiency of vitamin B complex by laboratory test. Two reviewers independently will perform the screening and selection of the studies, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. For the data report, a narrative approach will be used to present the characteristics of the included studies and individual findings. A random meta-analysis model will be implemented to summarize the individual prevalence rates in a global value if the studies are sufficiently homogeneous. DISCUSSION: This study aims to identify the national and regional prevalence rates of vitamin B complex deficiencies in women of reproductive age; allow the policymakers discuss, plan, and implement public policies to screen; and prevent and/or treat these malnutrition conditions. This also aims to know the rates of nutritional deficiencies over the years, serving as an indirect indicator of the socioeconomic and dietary patterns of the population. Specifically for folate, this study allows to compare the prevalence rates of deficiency of this vitamin before and after the mandatory fortification of wheat and corn flours implemented since 2004 in Brazil, in this specific population. The evidence gathered may highlight the need for population-based studies to investigate the deficiency of these vitamins. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42020188474.

The effect of maternal anxiety during pregnancy on the social emotional development among toddlers / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the impact of maternal anxiety during pregnancy on social emotional development of toddlers aged 1-3 year old, so as to provide references for scientific early parenting and early intervention for toddlers with social emotional difficulties.@*Methods@#From September 2022 to March 2023, a total of 815 toddlers aged 1-3 who underwent physical examinations and their mothers at Nantong Maternal and Child Health Hospital were enrolled. The Chinese Infant Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (CITSEA) was used to evaluate the social emotional ability among toddlers. Maternal anxiety evaluated using the Self rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) during prenatal visit was collected.@*Results@#The average scores on the externalizing, internalizing, dysregulation and competence domains of the CITSEA were (49.40±9.48,47.42±9.60,48.67± 10.15 , 50.07± 10.20), respectively. Among boys, the score of externalizing domain (50.89±9.45) was higher than that of girls (48.76± 9.50 ), while the score of competence domain (49.22±10.30) was lower than that of girls (51.17±9.84), and the differences were statistically significant( t =2.10, -3.03, P <0.05). The detection rates of abnormalities in the externalizing, internalizing, dysregulation, and competence domains were 7.36%, 7.12%, 7.61%, and 7.24%, respectively. Among them, boys (8.43%,6.32%, 7.96 %,7.49%) and girls (6.19%, 7.99 %,7.22%,6.96%) showed no statistical differences ( χ 2=1.50, 0.85, 0.16, 0.09, P >0.05). There were significant differences in externalizing domain scores（47.77±9.52，49.56±8.95，52.51±9.77） and competence domain scores（51.70±10.38，49.65±10.05，46.68±10.03） among toddlers of different maternal anxiety（normal, mild, moderate to severe） （ F =7.05,7.10, P <0.01）. There were significant differences in the abnormal detection rate of externalizing domain （4.81%，7.54%，11.17%） and competence domain（4.81%，6.96%，11.73%）（ χ 2=6.60，7.98， P ＜0.05）.@*Conclusion@#Maternal anxiety during pregnancy has a negative impact on the social emotional development among toddlers. In order to improve social emotional development of toddlers, multidimensional social support and education during pregnancy should be carried out.

[The effect of pregnant rats exposed to radio frequency electromagnetic field on the hippocampal morphology and nerve growth factor of offspring rats].

Objective: To explore the effects of exposure of pregnant rats to radio frequency electromagnetic field on the ultrastructure of hippocampus and the levels of obesity related protein (FTO) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in offspring rats. Methods: In September 2019, 36 healthy 7-week-old Wistar rats were selected, including 24 female rats (150-200 g) and 12 male rats (200-250 g) . The male and female mice were mated in the cage at 2: 1 ratio at 18: 00 every night. The smear results showed that the sperm was positive and the mating was successful. The day was regarded as the 0 day of pregnancy. Pregnant rats were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups and 3 control groups, with 4 rats in each group. The experimental group was exposed to 1 800 MHz, Wi-Fi and 1 800 MHz+Wi-Fi respectively, and the three control groups were exposed to virtual exposure. 12 hours a day for 21 days in three batches. After the end of exposure, the offspring of each group were raised for 7 weeks. The ultrastructural changes of the hippocampus were observed by transmission electron microscopy, the FTO level in the hippocampus was determined by Western blot, and the NGF level in the brain tissue was determined by ELISA. Results: Transmission electron microscopy showed that the nuclei of hippocampal tissue of female and male rats in the 1800 MHz group were slightly contracted, the cytoplasm was slightly edema, and the nuclei of male rats were obviously irregular. In the offspring of male and female rats in the Wi-Fi group, the nucleus of hippocampal tissue contracted seriously, the cell membrane was irregular, and the cytoplasm appeared obvious edema. In the 1800 MHz+Wi-Fi group, the nuclei of hippocampal tissue of both male and female offspring rats were severely contracted, the nuclear membrane was irregular, and the cytoplasm was severely edema. there was no significant difference in FTO level among the groups (P>0.05) . Compared with other groups, NGF content in hippocampus of offspring rats in the 1800 MHz+Wi-Fi group was significantly higher (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields will damage the morphological structure of hippocampal tissue of offspring and stimulate the increase of NGF expression in the hippocampus.

Knowledge of Fertile Period and Its Determinants Among Women of Childbearing age in Ethiopia: A Multilevel Analysis Based on 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey.

Background: The knowledge of the fertile period is one of the science techniques used to delay pregnancy. Although it is a highly effective method, most women lack correct knowledge about it and end up with unintended pregnancies and undergo through unsafe abortion, which is among the leading factors for maternal death. Therefore, this study is aimed to assess the knowledge about fertile period and its determinant factors among reproductive age women in Ethiopia. Methods: The data were extracted from the 2016 national cross-sectional Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. The data were collected using a two-stage cluster design. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the study findings. The determinants of knowledge about fertile period were analyzed using a multilevel binary logistic regression model. Results: A total of 15,683 women were included. From this, 23.6% (95% CI: 23-24) had knowledge about fertile period. Age group of 20-24 years, 25-29 years, 30-34 years, 35-39 years, 40-44 years, and 45-49 years; accomplishment of primary education, secondary education, and higher education; partner high level of education; wealth status of poorer, middle, richer, and richest; a person listened to radio < once a week; and a person who watch TV at least once in a week and who ever heard about family planning; internet usage in the last 12 months, being protestant religion follower; and community family planning message exposure were significantly associated with knowledge about fertile period. Conclusion: The number of reproductive age women who know about fertile period is low in Ethiopia. Age above 19 years, respondent's education attainment from primary to higher education, partner high level of education, being from poorer to richest wealth status, listening to radio, watching TV, ever heard of FP, internet usage in the last 12 months, being protestant religion follower, and community family planning exposure were significantly associated with good knowledge about fertile period.

Minimum sperm dose for optimal fertility after artificial insemination in ostriches.

Artificial insemination (AI) in ostriches may present potential solutions to high proportions of infertile eggs commonly recorded on commercial farms and assist in reducing the number of males for breeding purposes thereby leading to a more economical and efficient farming system. Although non-invasive methods to collect semen and to artificially inseminate female ostriches have been developed, the insemination dose for maximum fertility of eggs remains unknown. This study was thus conducted to determine the minimum sperm dose that would promote fertility of eggs following AI in female ostriches. A total of 22 South African black ostriches (7 males and 15 females) aged between 2 and 9 years old were used. Semen samples were collected using the dummy female method and diluted 1:4 (semen: diluent) with an ostrich specific semen diluent. Females were inseminated with various sperm doses of diluted semen from the same male three times a week, every second day resulting in a total sperm dose of A: <2.5 × 109, B: 2.5-5 × 109, C: 5-7.5 × 109 and D: 7.5-9.6 × 109 sperm/week. Eggs produced after insemination were opened to determine the fertilization status of the germinal disc (GD) with an unaided eye. The fertile period was then calculated as the number of days fertilized eggs were laid after the last AI. Furthermore, the number of sperm trapped in the outer perivitelline membrane (spermOPVL) above the GD region was counted under fluorescent light, following staining with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole to determine the rate of sperm loss and the number of days up to when the last egg containing sperm was laid. On average, a mean (±sd) of 35.34 ± 25.72% eggs produced after AI were fertilized. Fertility was lower (mean ± se) when sperm dose A was used (6.71 ± 9.40%), as compared to sperm dose B (46.01 ± 6.71%), C (37.34 ± 6.60%) and D (37.75 ± 8.36%) (P < 0.05). No significant difference was recorded in the latter three doses (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the length of the fertile period and the rate of sperm loss did not differ significantly between sperm doses (P > 0.05). Hence, a sperm dose of between 2.5 and 5 × 109 sperm/week is recommended to optimize fertility after AI in ostriches, as increasing the sperm dose would not benefit fertility. Further studies are, however, needed to determine the frequency of insemination that would maintain fertility throughout the breeding season as well as hatchability of eggs laid after AI.

The 4-month effect of Vitex agnus-castus plant on sexual function of women of reproductive age: A clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Sexual dysfunction in women is a common disorder. Yet, there is no consensus on its treatment. Few studies have shown that Vitex agnus-castus improves sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women; the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of V. agnus-castus on the female sexual function in the reproductive age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a double-blinded randomized control clinical trial on the women of reproductive age referred to the gynecology clinic of Al-Zahra Medical Center in Rasht, Iran, from February 2018 to December 2019. The intervention group received Agnugol tablet containing 3.2-4.8 mg dried extract V. agnus-castus (51 participants) and the control group received a placebo tablet (51 participants). All participants received one tablet daily for 16 weeks. The participants were asked to complete the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire at the beginning of the study and after 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks. Data were analyzed in SPSS statistics (version 21) using Chi-square test, t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, analysis of variance, and mixed model to examine the differences between the groups. RESULTS: The results showed that the difference between the two groups was not significant in each domain, but there was a significant difference in the overall sexual function mean score so that the intervention group had a higher score than the placebo group after 16 weeks (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the present study, it was observed that the consumption of V. agnus-castus during 16 weeks was more effective than the placebo in improving sexual dysfunction. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to be able to decide on the prescription of this drug in the clinics.

Evaluation of the tear parameters of ovulation induction patients in a short time period with anterior segment optical coherence tomography / Avaliação dos parâmetros lacrimais de pacientes submetidas à indução de ovulação por curto período pela tomografia de coerência óptica do segmento anterior

ABSTRACT Purpose: The effects of sex steroid hormones on tearparameters are known. Theaim of this studywas to examine the effects on tear parameters during exposure to high-dose sex steroids in a short period of time. Methods: Forty patients who were admitted to the infertility clinic of our hospital and planned to undergo ovulation induction with exogenous gonadotropins were included in our study. Prior tothe initiation of ovulation induction, the basal levels of estradiol were measured on day 3 of the menstrual cycle and ophthalmologic examinations were performed by the ophthalmology department of our hospital. The estradiol levels were-measured on the day ofovulation induction usinghuman chorionic gonadotropin and compared with basal estra­diol; eye examinations were also repeated. Result: Forty women with reproductive period and average age of 33.3 ± 4.2 years were included in this study. Basal levels of estradiol were significantly (p<0.001) higher after ovulation induction than before induction. The scores in the break-up timeand after induction were 6.2 ± 2.8 sn and 8.4 ± 1.4 sn, respectively. The values of Schirmer's test were 14.3 ± 7.1 mm and 20.6 ± 6.2 mm before and after induction, respectively. Both values were significantly higher after ovulation induction (p<0.001; p=0.001, respectively). Conclusion: We observed impro­vemet in tear function tests following the use of estradiol even for a limited time.The use of estradiol during menopause may improve dry eye symptoms in patients.

RESUMO Objetivo: Os efeitos dos hormônios esteróides se­xuais nos parâmetros lacrimais são conhecidos. O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar como os efeitos nos parâmetros lacrimais durante a exposição a altas doses de esteróides sexuais em um curto período de tempo. Métodos: Quarenta pacientes que foram admitidas na clínica de infertilidade do nosso hospital e planejavam a indução de ovulação por gonadotropinas exógenas. Antes do início da indução da ovulação, os níveis basais de estradiol foram medidos no terceiro dia do ciclo menstrual e os exames oftalmológicos foram efetuados pelo Departamento de Oftalmologia do nosso hospital. Os níveis de estradiol foram medidos no dia da indução da ovulação usando gonadotrofina coriónica humana e comparados aos estradiol basal; exames oftalmológicos também foram repetidos. Resultado: Quarenta mulheres com período reprodutivo e idade média de 33,3 ± 4,2 anos foram incluídas neste estudo. Os níveis basais de estradiol foram significativamente maiores (p<0,001) após a indução da ovulação do que antes desta. Os resultados dos testes de ruptura do filme lacrimal e após a indução foi de 6,2 ± 2,8 s e 8,4 ± 1,4 s respectivamente. Os valores do teste de Schirmer foram 14,3 ± 7,1 mm e 20,6 ± 6,2 mm, respectivamente antes e depois da indução. Ambos os valores foram significativamente maiores após a indução da ovulação (p<0,001; p=0,001 respectivamente). Conclusão: Observamos uma melhora nos testes de função lacrimal após o uso de estradiol, mesmo por tempo limitado. O uso de estradiol durante a menopausa poderá melhorar os sintomas do olho seco em pacientes.

Association Between High FSH, Low Progesterone, and Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Women of Reproductive Age.

BACKGROUND: While sex differences characterize susceptibility and severity of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), our understanding of the relationship between levels of gonadotropins and sex hormones in fertile women and the disease is limited. We aimed to investigate whether gonadotropin and sex hormone levels in women of reproductive age were associated with risk and mortality of IPAH. METHODS: We did a matched case-control study. Cases were reproductive female patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension admitted in Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital (Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China) during 2008-2014. Healthy controls were matched on age and body mass index. We also did a prospective cohort study to assess the effects of hormone levels on mortality in IPAH fertile female patients. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-four cases and 133 controls were included. After adjustment for age and body mass index, the odds ratios of having IPAH for follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, and progesterone as expressed on natural log scale were 1.51 (95% confidence interval: 1.06, 2.16), 0.42 (0.31-0.57), and 0.52 (0.43-0.63), respectively. In the cohort study with a median follow-up of 77 months, the hazard ratios for dying after adjustment for baseline characteristics and treatments among IPAH patients were 2.01 (95% confidence interval: 1.22-3.30) and 0.78 (95% confidence interval: 0.62-0.98) for follicle-stimulating hormone and progesterone in natural log scale, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In reproductive women with IPAH, high follicle-stimulating hormone and low progesterone tended to be associated with high risk of IPAH and mortality among patients.

Neonatal umbilical cord blood vitamin D status and related factors / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective To study neonatal umbilical cord blood vitamin D status and related factors.Method From January to March 2016,pregnant mothers and their neonates admitted to our hospital were enrolled.According to maternal intake of vitamin D in the third trimester,they were assigned into non supplement group,＜ 400 IU/d group and ≥ 400 IU/d group.Binary Logistic regression was used to examine factors related to neonatal umbilical cord blood vitamin D status.The predictive value of maternal third trimester vitamin D intaken and umbilical cord blood vitamin D level were determined using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve.Result A total of 109 newborns were enrolled in the study.The median concentration of 25 (OH)D in the umbilical cord blood was (17.5 ± 7.7) ng/ml.The incidences of 25 (OH) D sufficiency,insufficiency and deficiency was 33.9％ (37/109),22.0％ (24/109) and 39.4％(43/109),and 4 cases(4.6％) had serious deficiency.The median concentration of 25 (OH)D were (12.9 ± 6.5),(18.2 ± 6.9),(21.7 ± 8.4) ng/ml in the non-supplementation group,＜ 400 IU/d intake group and ≥400 IU/d intake group,respectively,with statistically significant differences(P ＜ 0.05).The three groups had similar birth weight,height,bregma and head circumference (P ＞ 0.05).25 (OH) D level in neonatal umbilical cord blood was positively correlated with the amount of maternal third trimester vitamin D supplementation (P ＜ 0.05).The Youden index was highest (0.403) when vitamin D supplement was 187 IU/d,the corresponding sensitivity was 0.514,the specificity was 0.889 and the area under the ROC curve was 0.777 (95％ CI 0.685 ～ 0.870).Conclusion Vitamin D insufficiency is common in neonatal umbilical cord blood among our patients.The maternal third trimester vitamin D supplementation dosage is related to the neonatal umbilical cord blood vitamin D level,which has a certain predictive value for vitamin D level in newborn.

Expression of integrin β3 in the endometrial implantation window of patients with cesarean section scar infertility and its correlation with endometrial receptivity / 中国基层医药

Objective@#To investigate the expression of integrin β3 in the endometrial implantation window of patients with cesarean scar and infertility, and its correlation with endometrial receptivity.@*Methods@#A total of 40 patients with previous cesarean scar defect (PCSD) secondary infertility treated in Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from April 2018 to December 2019 were enrolled as the observation group.The natural cycle of 40 normal women who were examined in our hospital at the same time were selected as the control group.The two groups were enrolled in the endometrium of the glandular epithelial cells for MMP-9, TIMP-1 and LIF immunohistochemical staining, and statistical analysis was performed.The serum E2 and P levels of the implantation group were compared.The E2/P ratio was measured and compared, and the expression level of integrin β3 endometrial planting window was compared.@*Results@#The MMP-9, TIMP-1 and LIF in the observation group [(175.31±56.36), (201.46±51.34), (209.23±45.23)] were significantly lower than those in the control group [(252.35±78.43), (257.23±74.13), (298.34±72.35)] (t=5.334, 5.766, 6.023, all P<0.05), but the E2, P and E2/P in the observation group [(515.31±56.36)pmol/L, (53.71±8.34)pmol/L, (13.23±5.23)] were higher than those in the control group[(352.35±78.43)pmol/L, (33.13±4.13)pmol/L, (8.17±2.91)] (t=7.334, 4.251, 3.241, all P<0.05). The level of beta 3 in the observation group (0.163±0.013) was significantly lower than that in the control group (0.253±0.031) (t=4.342, P<0.05). The thickness of endometrium in the observation group [(9.12±2.03)mm] was significantly thinner than that in the control group [(12.24±2.45)mm] (t=3.226, P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#The expression of integrin β3 in the endometrial implantation window of patients with cesarean section scar infertility has a certain influence on endometrial receptivity.

Hormonal contraceptive affects heterosexual but not homosexual behavior in free-ranging female Japanese macaques over 17 mating seasons.

We assessed the effect of a progestin-based contraceptive treatment (chlormadinone acetate) on female heterosexual and homosexual behaviors in a free-ranging group of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) living at Arashiyama-Kyoto, Central Japan. The data included estimated intensity of fertility cues, sexual solicitations and mounting behaviors collected daily during 17 consecutive mating seasons (1995-2012) from 159 females. Females that were on contraception: (1) exhibited less intense cues of putative fertility and for shorter periods; (2) were solicited by fewer males, and those males that did solicit them did so less often (i.e., lower heterosexual attractivity); (3) solicited fewer males and when they did perform sexual solicitations they did so less often (i.e., lower heterosexual proceptivity); (4) engaged in shorter heterosexual consortships with fewer male partners (i.e., lower heterosexual receptivity), compared with females that were not on contraception. In contrast, contraceptive treatment had no significant effect on the prevalence, occurrence, frequency, or duration of female homosexual behaviors. Even though heterosexual and homosexual behaviors can both be considered sexual in character and under hormonal control, our results suggested they are, to some extent, dissociable. Because females engaging in homosexual interactions showed less intense cues of putative fertility than those engaging in heterosexual interactions, regardless of contraceptive treatment, we argued that the hormonal threshold required for the expression of heterosexual behavior by females was associated with elevated sex hormones levels compared to homosexual behavior. We discussed the hormonal correlates of sexual behavior and partner preferences in Japanese macaques.

Zika knowledge and preventive practices among reproductive-age women from Lambayeque, Peru.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the knowledge and preventive practices on Zika among reproductive-age women in Lambayeque, Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in three districts of Lambayeque, Peru. A representative sample of the reproductive-age women was obtained for each district by means of a multi-stage, stratified, conglomerate based sampling method. We applied a modified version of the World Health Organization (WHO) Questionnaire about Zika. The statistical package STATA v13.0 was used for the analysis. RESULTS: We surveyed 388 reproductive-age women. The 88.4% recognized the mosquito as the main transmitting agent and more than 50% recognized fever, headache and arthralgia as the main symptoms. Similarly, the practices significantly more frequent were going to their antenatal-care and check-ups, the household use of temephos (Abate), the use of clothes that cover most of the body and the washing and covering the water containers. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is adequate knowledge, incorrect ideas still persist and more than half of the surveyed population reported not feeling sufficiently informed. Preventive practices, in general terms, are found in acceptable compliance percentages, but they should still be improved.

Blood interleukin-6, interleukin-8 and metal matrix protease-9 in neonatal rat lung injury caused by intrauterine infection / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective To investigate the significance of interleukin-6 IL-6),interleukin-8 (IL-8) and metal matrix protease-9 (MMP-9) in lung injury caused by intrauterine infection in ueonatal rats.Method Eighteen 18-day-old SD pregnant rats were selected and randomly assigned into 0.6,0.7,0.8,0.9,1.0 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) groups and control group.Rats of LPS group were injected intraperitoneally with LPS 0.6.0.7,0.8,0.9,1.0 mg/kg,those of control group was injected with equal volume of sterile saline.After 24 hours of injection,one pregnant rat from each group underwent cesarean seetion and placentae were collected for pathological evaluation.The other pregnant rats delivered spontaneously.When the neonatal rats came to 1,3,and 7 days of age,8 rats were randomly selected from each group.The respiratory frequency,body weight,lung weight,and blood samples for detecting inflammatory factors using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were measured among 3-day-old neonatal rats.Lung tissue for hematoxylin-eosin staining and lung pathology score were taken in the 1,3 and 7-day-old neonatal rats.Result (1) The mortality rate of neonatal rats increased gradually with the increasing dose of LPS injection.The mortality rate of neonatal rats in the LPS 1.0 mg/kg group was 20％.The placental pathology score and the frequency of 3-day-old neonatal rats in LPS 0.8,0.9,and 1.0 mg/kg groups were higher than control group and other LPS groups (P ＜ 0.05).(2) The histopathological scores of the neonatal rats in the control group and LPS 0.6,0.7,0.8,0.9,1.0 mg/kg groups on the first day after birth were (0.08±0.08),(0.17±0.11),(1.33±0.19),(1.75±0.33),(1.92±0.36),(2.67±0.14),respectively,and that of the third day after birth were (0.00 ± 0.00),(0.50 ± 0.15),(0.67 ±0.19),(1.33 ±0.36),(2.17 ±0.21),(2.92 ±0.08),respectively.LPS 1.0 mg/kg group on the 1st and 3rd day after birth were significantly different from the other groups (P ＜0.05),LPS 0.8 mg/kg group on the 1st and 3rd day after birth were significantly different from the control group and LPS 0.6 mg/kg group (P ＜ 0.05),and there was significant difference among the LPS 0.9 mg/kg group and the other groups on the 3rd day after birth (P ＜ 0.05).When the concentration of LPS was less than 0.8 mg/kg,there was no significant difference in the pathological scores of the lung tissues between each group (P ＞0.05).(3) The concentrations of IL-6,IL-8,and MMP-9 in the neonatal rats of LPS 0.7,0.8,0.9,and 1.0 mg/kg groups were significantly higher than those in the control group at 3 days of age,and the difference among LPS groups were statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The intraperitoneal injection of LPS in rats 18 days after gestation can lead to lung injury,pulmonary edema,and increasing level of blood IL-6,IL-8,and MMP-9 in the neonatal rats,and this damage lasts until 7 days after birth which suggests the important meaning for lung diseases caused by intrauterine infection.

Nested case-control study on the relationship between risk factors of pregnancy and infantile eczema in Uygur and Han ethnic / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To investigate the prevalence of infantile eczema in Uygur and Han nationalities and the relationship between pregnancy factors and 0-6 months infant eczema, so as to provide a scientific basis for formulating preventive strategies. Methods From January-August 2016 in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region People's Hospital of obstetric and follow-up to fill out the questionnaire in 570 pregnant women and their babies as the research object to establish the baseline survey cohort, pregnancy related information to pregnant women, and 6 months (January, March, on maternal June) follow-up, observe the occurrence of infantile eczema a total of 502, successful follow-up to maternal and child. Using nested case-control study, the cohort occurred in 182 cases of infant eczema as case group, will be in the queue without eczema in 320 infants as control group, using multivariate logistic regression analysis of risk factors during pregnancy baby eczema. Results 0-6 months infant eczema incidence rate was 36.25％, the incidence of Uygur infant eczema (20.43％) was significantly lower than that of Han nationality infant eczema incidence (50.19％) (OR=0.45,95％CI:0.35-0.69) P<0.01). Social and economic factors affecting the occurrence of infantile eczema comparison results showed that the ethnic factors and infant eczema, and more prone to eczema than that of Uygur nationality; and Uygur compared mothers influence allergic history of Han infantile eczema more (χ2=7.09, P=0.008). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the mother has a history of atopy (OR=7.17,95％CI:4.15-12.37), mother′s education level (OR=1.91,95％CI:1.51-2.74), the higher the monthly income (OR=2.68,95％CI:2.17-3.33), maternal smoking during pregnancy (secondhand smoke) (OR=2.42,95％CI:1.96-2.97), frequently eating spicy spicy foods during pregnancy (OR=1.94,95％CI: 1.41-2.68) will increase the risk of infant eczema Supplementation of probiotics (OR=0.13,95％CI:0.07-0.25) and vitamin D (OR=0.13,95％CI:0.06-0.26) during pregnancy is a protective factor in the development of infantile eczema. Conclusions Compared to Uygur, Han Chinese infants are more likely occur eczema, and family history of allergies, education, economic income, pregnancy dietand smoking are risk factors for infant eczema. The same risk factors among Uygur and Han ethnic ,but it had a different results. Compared to Han, Uygur pregnant women eating spicy food caused the risk of infant eczema occurrence is higher, but the short period of housing renovation caused the risk of infant eczema occurrence is lower. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen nutrition andmonitor living environment during pregnancy. Avoiding to eat spicy food and supplying probiotics and vitamin D, it can prevent or reduce the occurrence of infantile eczema.

Timing of fertile period for successful pregnancy in American Bully dogs.

Determination of the timing of the estrus cycle is essential for fertile mating. There are physiological variations among breeds, between bitches, and between cycles of the same bitch. If serial monitoring and many tools are applied, the exact moment of ovulation could be pin-pointed. However, it leads to time and costly difficulties. Progesterone concentrations during estrus cycles follow a specific pattern, and it is largely used in timing of fertile period. Although it has similar pattern in general, it is likely that breed-specific differences exist. The aim of this study was to investigate the way of timing the fertile period for successful pregnancy in American Bully dogs based on vaginal cytology and progesterone assay with minimized cost. To identify the empirical relations among reproductive characteristics, we performed statistical analyses on data from proestrus-to-estrus 27 American Bully dogs referred for 7 months. We found the significant correlations between the cyclic changes of vaginal cytology and progesterone assay. The relationship of serum progesterone concentrations with the days from vaginal discharge onset was analyzed through linear regression assay. In conclusion, we addressed two standards in the timing of fertile period with a minimal number of progesterone assays in the breeding management of American Bully dogs.

[Prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution and congenital heart disease: a Meta-analysis].

Objective: To explore the association between exposure to ambient air pollution during pregnancy and congenital heart disease so as to provide evidence for primary prevention of congenital heart disease. Methods: Epidemiologic studies on ambient air pollution and congenital heart diseases were reviewed. Summary risk estimates were calculated at high versus low exposure levels and risk per-unit-increase in continuous pollutant concentration. Meta-analysis was conducted with Stata 12.0 software. Results: A total of 20 articles in English were qualified for inclusion. Results from Meta-analysis showed that CO exposures were related to the increase on the risk of tetralogy of fallot (high versus low exposure level OR=1.22, 95%CI: 1.03-1.44), while the exposures to NO(2) were related to the increase on risk of coarctation of aorta (per 10 mm(3)/m(3) OR=1.01, 95%CI: 1.01-1.20). Exposures to O(3) were related to the increase on risk of atrial septal defect (per 10 mm(3)/m(3) OR=1.14, 95%CI: 1.03-1.26), and PM(10) exposures were related to the increase on risk of atrial septal defect (per 10 µg/m(3) OR=1.10, 95%CI: 1.03-1.19). In addition, there were inverse associations between CO and atrial septal defect and between PM(10) and ventricular septal defect. Conclusion: Exposures to CO, NO(2), O(3), PM(10) during pregnancy seemed to be associated with congenital heart diseases.

Knowledge and attitudes of female university students on menstrual cycle and contraception.

Socioeconomic changes, as well as the development of new contraceptive modalities may influence women's preferences in the selection of a method of contraception. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, opinions and attitudes of female university students regarding the menstrual cycle, sexual health and contraception. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 2572 female university students in Hungary, Romania and Serbia, between November 2009 and January 2011. A higher proportion of students of health sciences than students of other faculties had appropriate knowledge of the fertile period within a menstrual cycle: 86.0%, 71.5% (p = .02) and 61.1% vs. 71.9% (p < .001), 59.8% and 43.2% (p < .001) in Hungary, Romania and Serbia, respectively. Overall, more than 69% of the female university students believed in the need for monthly menstruation in order to be healthy; however, merely 30 to 40% of them wished to have monthly bleeding. In general, the respondents were aware of the importance of menstruation in relation to sexual health; however, they wished to suppress the menstruation-related symptoms. Differences in the knowledge and attitudes of female university students of the three assessed countries may be explained in part by cultural differences, and in part by the nature of their studies.