Studies across multiple organisms reveal considerable phenotypic variation in reproductive tactics. In some species, this variation is associated with maternal effects in which variation in maternal investment results in stable individual differences in reproductive function. Recent studies with the rat suggest that maternal effects can alter the function of neuroendocrine systems associated with female sexual behaviour as well as maternal behaviour. These maternal effects appear to be mediated by epigenetic modifications at the promoter for oestrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and subsequent effects on gene expression. The tissue-specific nature of such effects may underlie the co-ordinated variation in multiple forms of reproductive function, resulting in distinct reproductive strategies.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2826.2008.01725.x | DOI Listing |
Front Cell Infect Microbiol
January 2025
Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
Introduction: For years, the placenta was believed to be sterile, but recent studies reveal it hosts a unique microbiome. Despite these findings, significant questions remain about the origins of the placental microbiome and its effects on pregnancy and fetal health. Some studies suggest it may originate from the vaginal tract, while others indicate that oral bacteria can enter the maternal bloodstream and seed the placenta.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEClinicalMedicine
February 2025
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Prenatal and intrapartum invasive tests are possible mechanisms of mother to child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV). The viral activity can affect the MTCT risk after invasive tests, but the evidence is scarce. This scoping review discussed the effects of prenatal or intrapartum invasive tests on the risk of HBV MTCT.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMC Pregnancy Childbirth
January 2025
Research Center for Social Determinants of Health, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.
Background: Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy is associated with serious and irreversible maternal and fetal detrimental consequences. Also, different seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnancy is reported in many countries. The present systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to determine the global seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMC Med Genomics
January 2025
Ultrasound Diagnosis Department, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430070, China.
Background: The clinical manifestations of PI4KA-related disorders are characterized by considerable variability, predominantly featuring neurological impairments, gastrointestinal symptoms, and a combined immunodeficiency. The aim of this study was to delineate the novel spectrum of PI4KA variants detected prenatally and to assess their influence on fetal development.
Methods: A thorough fetal ultrasound screening was conducted, supplemented by both antenatal and post-abortion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies.
BMC Pediatr
January 2025
Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia.
Background: Breastfeeding is the cornerstone of a newborn's nutrition, containing crucial nutritional components. While a substantial body of research focuses on mothers, there is limited understanding regarding effective strategies to engage fathers in promoting breastfeeding practices. Therefore, this quasi-experimental study investigated a community-based intervention to improve breastfeeding exclusivity and initiation rates by targeting fathers in breastfeeding education.
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