Search Results (111)

Adequate birth weight is essential for animal survival and subsequent growth. However, the mechanism by which placental DNA methylation influences fetal growth remains incompletely understood. This study employed whole-genome bi-sulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA sequencing to analyze placental tissues from two weak piglets and two normal piglets born to the same sow. Transcriptome analysis identified 1989 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) enriched in blood/immune processes. Additionally, differentially methylated regions linked to DEG repression were enriched in extracellular matrix (ECM) receptors and angiogenesis pathways. To investigate the role of DNA methylation in gene regulation, porcine trophoblast cells (PTr2) were treated with either DMSO (control) or the DNA methylation inhibitor 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-Aza). Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis demonstrated significant upregulation of PACC1, SLC7A1, and PKP1 gene expression in the 5-Aza-treated group compared to controls (p < 0.05). Furthermore, methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR) assays confirmed that the transcriptional activity of these genes is directly modulated by DNA methylation. These findings suggest that the dynamic regulation of DNA methylation in gene promoters may influence variations in placental morphology and birth weight in piglets, offering new insights into epigenetic regulation of fetal development, though larger studies are needed for validation. Full article

Optimising kid rearing is essential for sustainable dairy goat farming, yet validated parameters and practical benchmark data are lacking. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) for monitoring kid-rearing practices through a participatory approach. Researchers, veterinarians and five dairy goat farms participated developed a prototype set of KPIs covering birth, colostrum management, average daily gain (ADG), and mortality, which were stratified across four rearing phases: perinatal (first 48 h), postnatal (birth to weaning), postweaning (weaning to 12 weeks), and final rearing (12 weeks to mating). The set of KPIs was subsequently tested for its added value but also for its feasibility in practice on the five participating farms as proof of principle. On these farms, data were gathered over a six-month period (June 2020–January 2021), combining routine census data with on-farm records. Only three out of five farms returned complete datasets encompassing data from 715 kids. Results revealed significant variation in rearing outcomes across farms, particularly in birth weights and postweaning growth. Birth weight emerged as a key predictor for ADG, while differences in weaning strategies had the greatest impact on postweaning performance. Although the farmers acknowledged the added value of the developed KPIs, collection of these data during the kidding season was challenging and required further automation to simplify data collection on the farm. This study demonstrates the feasibility and value of individual-level data collection in dairy goat systems and underscores the need for practical tools to support routine monitoring and data-driven management. Full article

On rabbit farms, the mortality of rabbits born with a low weight is high, and there is a large variation in body weight, so the carcass and the cut carcass are not uniform. The experiment aimed to reduce the mortality of kits born with a low weight and to produce more-uniform slaughter animals. In the experiment, each rabbit doe in the Control group raised 10 newborn kits with low birth weights (S10, n = 100), 10 with medium birth weights (M10C, n = 100), or 10 with high birth weights (L10, n = 100). In the Experimental group, the rabbit does raised 9 newborn kits with low birth weights (S9, n = 90), 10 with medium birth weights (M10E, n = 100), or 11 with high birth weights (L11, n = 110). Compared with the S10 group, the mortality (between 0 and 7 days) in the S9 group was reduced (20.0% vs. 8.9%; p < 0.001). While the body weights of the S10, M10C, and L10 subgroups in the Control group increased at 84 days (2876 g, 2872 g, and 3047 g, respectively), there was no significant difference in the body weights of the three subgroups (S9, M10E, and L11) in the Experimental group. The new litter-equalization method was therefore suitable for reducing mortality and achieving a more-equal slaughter weight. At the same time, there was no difference between the groups in the dressing out percentage. The authors further suggest considering the teat number of the does and raising low-weight kits in litters of eight. Full article

Copy number variation (CNV) serves as a crucial contributor to genetic diversity, exerting a profound influence on phenotypic diversity, traits of economic significance, and the evolutionary trajectory of livestock species. This study aimed to dissect the genome-wide CNV landscape of the Nanyang cattle line (Nanyang, Pinnan, and Xianan cattle) to identify functionally relevant CNVs associated with key economic traits and breed differentiation. In this study, 27 resequencing datasets were utilized to analyze the genome-wide distribution of CNVs in three breeds of Nanyang cattle (Nanyang cattle, Pinnan cattle, and Xianan cattle) based on the latest reference genome ARS-UCD2.0. This study identified a total of 97,564 CNVs, and after merging CNVs with overlapping genomic positions, we obtained 10,349 CNV regions (CNVRs), accounting for 1.48% of the reference genome. Functional enrichment analysis showed that CNVR genes were mainly involved in organ development, neural regulation, immune regulation, and metabolism. In addition, 131 CNVRs overlapped with 81 quantitative trait loci (QTLs), such as growth and carcass QTL, multiple birth QTL, tenderness score QTL, and antal follicle number QTL. Additionally, AOX1, KRT72, and ZBTB7C were found to overlap with body weight QTLs. Furthermore, a selective sweep analysis of CNVR revealed that numerous genes (KIF26A, SPINT4, OR5W1, etc.) exhibited divergent copy numbers between breeds. Conclusively, this study facilitates comprehension of the genetic characteristics of the Nanyang cattle line at the CNV level and furnishes valuable information for the advancement of the Nanyang cattle line breeding system. Full article

Human populations are scattered worldwide and live under widely different climates. Like other mammals, humans respond to climatic influences through various processes involving behavior, physiology, and various forms of adaptation. Human populations can be explored in investigating patterns of adaptation because many of their biological attributes have been monitored for over a century. Here, we evaluated the association between several thermal indices and human birth weight (BW) and offered some initial observations on the temporal integration of thermal cues associated with pregnancy outcomes. We compiled three datasets: (1) a dataset with global coverage of recent BWs; (2) an extended time series for seven European countries; and (3) a time series for four countries in equatorial Africa. Each dataset was analyzed for associations between BW and mean annual temperature, as well as seasonal and daily amplitudes. Mean annual temperatures, as well as seasonal and daily amplitudes, delivered consistent and comparable impacts in our analyses. The thermal indices can explain approx. 80% of the global variation in BW and 25–50% of the BW variation in time series covering the last 70 to 120 years. Mean BW in larger aggregates of humans (i.e., millions) is associated with several thermal indices, likely associated with systematic differences in proximate factors (e.g., maternal height, weight, food intake) between populations. This study underlines the diverse impact of the thermal environment on human reproduction, but it also underscores that this impact is less pronounced for differences in mean BW with respect to different communities, and it is possibly undetectable and/or irrelevant with respect to differences between individuals. Full article

Neonicotinoids (NEOs) are widely used neuroactive insecticides with several adverse effects on human health. This study examined 186 colostrum samples collected at three time points between 2007 and 2019 from Shanghai, China to investigate the distribution and temporal variations of NEOs. The median total concentration (ΣNEOs) was 136 ng/L, with the imidacloprid equivalent concentration (IMIeq) of 249 ng/L. N-desmethyl-acetamiprid (DM-ACE) had the highest median level at 49.6 ng/L, accounting for 43.9% of ΣNEOs, followed by imidacloprid (IMI) (20.1 ng/L and 22.1%). Thiamethoxam (THM), clothianidin, and acetamiprid were also identified as important parent compounds (p-NEOs). Temporal variations suggested a decrease in ΣNEOs, IMIeq, and DM-ACE concentrations from 2013 to 2019; however, the total concentrations of p-NEOs remained comparable. Distinct trends were also observed in the concentrations of dinotefuran and IMI. Maternal body mass index and weight changes, which reflect the dietary habits of mothers, appeared to influence IMI and THM levels. No statistically significant relationships were found between colostrum concentrations and birth parameters using full-term birth data in 2019. The estimated hazard quotients (≤0.003), which were far below the risk threshold of 1, generally indicated negligible health risks for breastfeeding neonates. Nevertheless, the substantial contribution from several p-NEOs warrants further investigation. Full article

Maternal obesity is an escalating public health concern that adversely affects pregnancy outcomes. Adipokines play a key role in regulating metabolism and fetal development, but their dynamic changes during pregnancy remain inadequately understood. Objective: This study investigates maternal and fetal adipokine variations throughout pregnancy and their associations with maternal body mass index (BMI), abdominal wall thickness, and neonatal outcomes. Methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted involving 74 pregnant women categorized by BMI. Maternal blood samples were collected at mid-pregnancy and delivery, and additional analysis of umbilical-cord blood was performed. Clinical parameters such as BMI, abdominal wall thickness, and fetal growth metrics were also recorded. Results: Adiponectin levels were significantly lower in obese pregnancies, whereas leptin and visfatin levels increased with higher maternal BMI. Umbilical-cord blood leptin levels correlated positively with maternal BMI and neonatal birth weight, while ghrelin levels were reduced in neonates born to obese mothers. Significant adipokine fluctuations were observed between mid-pregnancy and delivery. Conclusions: Maternal obesity is associated with distinct alterations in adipokine profiles. These findings highlight the potential of maternal adipokines, given their links to maternal adiposity, as predictive biomarkers for adverse pregnancy outcomes and long-term metabolic risks in offspring. Further interventional research is warranted to evaluate targeted strategies aimed at improving perinatal metabolic health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe, potentially fatal gastrointestinal disease that primarily affects preterm neonates, especially those with very low birth weight (<1500 g). Despite extensive research, its pathophysiology remains unclear, with NEC considered a spectrum of disorders driven by systemic inflammation, microbiota dysregulation, and intestinal hypoxic injury. Diagnosis is challenging due to its subtle presentation and reliance on clinical and radiographic findings, underscoring the urgent need for reliable early biomarkers. Complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most frequently performed laboratory tests in neonatal care, providing valuable insights associated with hematologic alterations associated with NEC. Given its cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and rapid turnaround time, CBC parameters have been increasingly investigated for their diagnostic and prognostic potential in NEC. This systematic review consolidates existing evidence on the diagnostic and prognostic utility of CBC parameters in NEC, examining their association with disease onset, progression, and outcomes. Methods: A systematic review of the literature in PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted, between February 25 and December 2024. Results: Following a PRISMA-compliant search strategy, 77 eligible studies were included, analyzing data from 295,195 neonates, of whom 14,570 had NEC. Among the 77 studies, 17 examined NEC-associated mortality as a primary outcome, while 13 studies focused on the development of predictive models incorporating CBC parameters alongside other clinical and laboratory data to assess NEC severity and prognosis in neonates. The findings highlight the potential of CBC-derived markers to facilitate early NEC detection and risk stratification. However, variations in study design and diagnostic criteria highlight the need for prospective studies to validate their clinical use. Conclusions: Despite advancements in understanding NEC, its diagnosis remains challenging due to the absence of fully reliable biomarkers. CBC parameters show promise in offering early diagnostic and prognostic insights. However, further validation is needed for their routine integration into NICU practice. Given the persistent challenges in NEC diagnosis and management, our findings highlight the necessity for integrated scoring systems that combine hematologic, clinical, and radiologic data to enhance early detection and optimize neonatal care. Further research is essential to refine these predictive models, enabling timely interventions and improving survival rates in NEC-affected neonates. Full article

Background: In recent years, progress in the field of care has made prematurity an increasingly frequent phenomenon. The premature newborn, due to incompetence, is often subjected to parenteral nutrition (PN) for prolonged periods, and there may be several complications associated with it, first and foremost metabolic complications. Methods: In particular, the aim of this study was to evaluate how specific risk factors and/or auxological parameters influenced plasma variations in calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels. This is because, although little analyzed in the past, these electrolytes are essential for limiting the onset of unfavorable outcomes in neonatal age. This retrospective observational study was conducted by accessing the site intranet of the University Hospital “P. Giaccone” of Palermo, recruiting all newborns with PN necessities (106 in a total of 191), admitted to NICU in the period between 1 January 2020 and 1 January 2023. Infants undergoing PN through a central venous catheter (CVC), who remained in situ for a period ≥ 72 h, admitted to the NICU for the first time, were included. Infants with congenital malformations and/or deceased and/or transferred and/or without CVC or with CVC who remained in situ for a period < 72 h were excluded. We thus obtained 35 newborns in 2020, 33 newborns in 2021, and 38 newborns in 2022. Results: Hypophosphatemia was associated with a lower weight percentile (average 34.8 °C vs. 50.8 °C; p = 0.02) and a longer duration of PN (average 34.6 days vs. 17.3 days; p = 0.002). Newborns with hypercalcemia had, on average, lower gestational age (average 31.6 weeks vs. 35.7 weeks; p = 0.049) and weight at birth (average 1586 g vs. 2520 g; p = 0.038). Newborns with hypermagnesemia had, on average, higher weight and length (average weight percentile 62.1 °C vs. 42.7 °C; p = 0.038; average length percentile 66.7 °C vs. 44.4 °C; p = 0.003). Among the risk factors, cesarean section and undergoing surgery most influence the serum trend of the analyzed electrolytes. Conclusions: Although our results are partial and preliminary and have not always reached statistical significance, it is clear that dyselectrolytemias, in the context of metabolic complications PN-related, must be re-evaluated and carefully examined by the clinician. Prospective and controlled trials are needed to confirm our data, i.e., that the “calcium-phosphorus-magnesium axis” no longer plays only the niche role that was previously believed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Various factors influence intrauterine growth and birth weight. We investigated the possible association between first-trimester pregnancy thyroid functions and birth weight. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted from 31 March 2021 to 30 September 2022. Ninety-eight low-risk pregnant women were evaluated. To obtain a homogeneous population, we included only patients with no maternal or fetal comorbidities. TSH, FT3, and FT4 levels in the first trimester and birth weight were recorded and analyzed. Results: The average maternal age was 33.37 years (IQR = 8.67), with a median BMI of 24.98 kg/m² (IQR = 5.66). The average gestational week of pregnancy was 39.40 weeks (IQR = 2.10). Linear regression for birth weight according to TSH effects adjusted by sociodemographic and clinical factors did not show any associations between birth weight and TSH, age, ethnicity, BMI, smoking, or weight gain. Pregnancy duration was associated with birth weight: β = 172.027, p-value < 0.001. A negative significant correlation between FT3 and birth weight was found (beta = −118.901 95% CI: −222.942 to −14.859, p = 0.026). Age, ethnicity, BMI, smoking, and weight showed non-significant associations with birth weight. The FT3 scatterplot showed a negative correlation of FT3 levels with birth weight. Higher values of FT3 were associated with a low birth weight (R = −0.22, p = 0.029). Conclusions: Our study, focused on the first trimester, found a negative correlation between FT3 variations and birth weight. Full article

The Inner Mongolia cashmere goat is a local breed valued for both its cashmere and meat production. Early growth traits include birth weight and weaning weight. Generally, cashmere goats with higher birth and weaning weights tend to exhibit a higher carcass weight at slaughter. Consequently, exploring the genetic variation associated with these early growth traits is crucial in enhancing the meat production performance of Inner Mongolia cashmere goats. For this study, we performed genome-wide association analysis and haplotype analysis on the early growth traits of 212 Inner Mongolia cashmere goats (72 rams, 140 ewes) to identify molecular markers and haplotypes significantly associated with birth and weaning weights. Through genome-wide association analysis and gene annotation, we identified 21 SNPs and 117 candidate genes linked to early growth traits. Notably, genes such as RUNX1T1, ERBIN, MYO15B, NT5C, GRB2, ITGB4, and GALK emerged as significant factors influencing the early growth of Inner Mongolia cashmere goats. Additionally, nine haplotype blocks related to early growth traits were constructed, resulting in eight haplotype combinations. In conclusion, the haplotype combinations A1A1, C1C1, and D1D1 were found to be beneficial for the genetic improvement of early growth traits in Inner Mongolia cashmere goats. Full article

Caffeine is commonly used to excess by the general public, and most pregnant women drink caffeine on a daily basis, which can become a habit. Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy is associated with severe gestational outcomes. Due to its lipophilic nature, caffeine can cross the blood–brain barrier, placental barrier, and even amniotic fluid. It can be found in substantive amounts in breast milk and semen. There has been a reported drop in neonatal anthropometric measurements with increased caffeine consumption in some cohort studies. This narrative review using literature titles and abstracts from the electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus investigates the data linking maternal caffeine use to unfavorable pregnancy outcomes. It also evaluates the validity of the recommendations made by health professionals on caffeine consumption by mothers from the available literature. The results of our comprehensive literature search of case–control studies, cohort studies, randomized control trials, and meta-analyses, imply that caffeine use during pregnancy is linked to miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight, and babies that are small for gestational age. It was also found that there may be effects on the neurodevelopment of the child and links to obesity and acute leukemia. These effects can even be seen at doses well below the daily advised limit of 200 mg. The genetic variations in caffeine metabolism and epigenetic changes may play a role in the differential response to caffeine doses. It is crucial that women obtain solid, evidence-based guidance regarding the possible risks associated with caffeine. Full article

Retinal neurodevelopment, vascularization, homeostasis, and stress response are influenced by factors such as nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and erythropoietin (EPO). As retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a neurovascular retinal disease, this study analyzed the contributions of NGF (rs6330), BDNF (rs7934165), TH (rs10770141), and EPO (rs507392) genetic functional polymorphisms to the modulation of hematological and biochemical parameters of the first week of life and their association with ROP development. A multicenter cohort of 396 preterm infants (gestational age < 32 weeks or birth weight < 1500 g) was genotyped using MicroChip DNA and iPlex MassARRAY^® platform. Multivariate regression followed univariate assessment of ROP risk factors. NGF (GG) genotype was associated with a higher ROP risk (OR = 1.79), which increased further (OR = 2.38) when epistatic interactions with TH (allele C) and BDNF (allele G) were present. Significant circulating biomarker differences, including bilirubin, erythrocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelet markers, were found between ROP and non-ROP groups, with variations depending on the polymorphism. These findings suggest that NGF (rs6330) and its interactions with related genes contribute to ROP risk, providing valuable insights into the genetic and biological mechanisms underlying the disease and identifying potential predictive biomarkers. Full article

Fifty-eight litters (16 from primiparous gilts and 42 from multiparous sows) were used, with a total number of 750 piglets involved in the study. Birth weight was stratified into three groups: low (<1.02 kg; LBW), normal (1.02–1.62 kg; NBW), and high (>1.62 kg; HBW). A creep feeding diet was offered to piglets in a creep feeder in 29 litters from day 7 until their weaning. Piglet mortality was recorded daily. Traceability was ensured up to the point of carcass splitting and subsequent meat analysis. Each carcass was eviscerated and weighed individually. Sixty-nine piglets were selected for the microbiome analysis (35 from the control group and 34 from the creep feeding group). Feces samples from the rectum were obtained at three time points (three days prior weaning, a week after weaning, and before the slaughtering of the pigs). Mortality during lactation was influenced by birth weight, with LBW piglets exhibiting a six-fold higher mortality rate than HBW. Creep feeding did not impact piglet mortality. Heavier piglets demonstrated greater weight gain when subjected to creep feeding, while the growth potential of lighter piglets was reduced. Variation in creep feeding consumption based on birth weight also affected microbiome composition, with high-birth-weight piglets displaying higher alpha diversity than low- and normal-birth-weight piglets seven days after lactation. Alpha diversity is indicative of gut health, with higher values suggesting greater stability and adaptability to different feed sources. In conclusion, the immediate impacts of creep feeding appear to be most prominent during lactation and potentially early postweaning. These short-term effects are modulated by birth weight, with HBW piglets demonstrating the greatest benefits from the implementation of creep-feeding practices. Full article

Background and Objectives: This study investigated and compared with European literature data the incidence, severity, and perinatal risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants admitted to the Premature Department of Mureş County Clinical Hospital over a two-year period (January 2022–December 2023). Materials and Methods: ROP screening was performed in 96 infants (76.8%) according to professional guidelines. A literature review was conducted to compare our findings with national and European data. Significant differences were identified in comparisons with studies from Cluj-Napoca (p = 0.0125), Timișoara, and Bucharest (p < 0.0074), as well as Serbia and Croatia when stratified by gestational age limits. The variations in GA thresholds (32 vs. 34 weeks) between studies required stratified analyses to ensure meaningful comparisons. The included European studies provided data on screening criteria, prevalence, and associated risk factors, offering a comprehensive perspective on screening effectiveness. Results: Among the 149 admitted patients, 125 were preterm (n = 125). Of the screened patients, 20 (20.83%) infants were diagnosed with ROP, including 13 boys (65%) and 7 girls (35%), all requiring prolonged respiratory support, and 55% of them needed blood transfusion. The average birth weight of affected infants was 1030.5 g (550–1700 g ), and the mean gestational age was 28.3 weeks (25–34 weeks). In those found to have stage 2 and 3 ROP in zone II with plus disease (n = 6), intravitreal anti-VEGF injections and/or retinal laser treatments were performed. Notably, no cases of ROP-related blindness were recorded. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare ROP prevalence and screening outcomes across Romanian national centers. Identified risk factors in this cohort, such as respiratory distress syndrome, oxygen therapy, blood transfusion, and intraventricular hemorrhage, are consistent with the existing literature data. These findings underscore the importance of standardized screening criteria and effective management protocols to prevent ROP-related blindness. The comparative approach of this study highlights the necessity of harmonized internationally applied criteria to facilitate robust comparisons and, more importantly, improve patient care outcomes. Full article