Article
Environmental Sciences
Isabelle Enderle, Virginie De Lauzun, Marie Astrid Metten, Marion Monperrus, Fleur Delva, Pauline Blanc-Petitjean, Brigitte Dananche, Christophe Paris, Cecile Zaros, Maela Le Lous, Remi Beranger, Ronan Garlantezec
Summary: In developed countries, about 15% of women are occupationally exposed to solvents. This study investigated the associations between maternal occupational exposure to solvents, by solvent family, and the risk of neonates born small for gestational age (SGA), or with low birthweight, or with small head circumference (HC). The results showed that pregnant women exposed to petroleum solvents had a higher risk of SGA newborns, and those exposed to oxygenated solvents in the third trimester had a higher risk of SGA newborns, as well as lower birthweight and HC.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Meseret Belete Fite, Abera Kenay Tura, Tesfaye Assebe Yadeta, Lemessa Oljira, Kedir Teji Roba
Summary: This study assessed undernutrition and associated factors among pregnant women in Haramaya district, Eastern Ethiopia. The prevalence of undernutrition among pregnant women was 47.9%, with higher rates among those with larger families, lower dietary diversity, and anemia. Improving dietary diversity, providing family planning services, supplementation of iron and folic acid, and early detection and treatment of anemia are crucial for addressing undernutrition among pregnant women.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Liu Yang, Lufang Feng, Lijuan Huang, Xuejiao Li, Wenwen Qiu, Kehu Yang, Jie Qiu, Haihong Li
Summary: This study conducted a meta-analysis to identify the association between maternal factors and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), and found that smoking, primiparity, prepregnancy BMI < 18.5, poor gestational weight gain, pregnancy-induced hypertension, anemia, and hypoproteinemia were associated with IUGR. These findings could contribute to the development of risk prediction models and improve management and education for child-bearing or early pregnant women.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Noha Fadl, Gillian H. Ice, Zelalem T. Haile
Summary: In reproductive-age women in Ethiopia, there is a significant association between maternal high-risk factors and anemia, with place of residence moderating this relationship. Women exposed to multiple high-risk factors have a higher risk of anemia. Context-specific strategies and interventions are needed to address anemia in this population.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Baoting He, Man Ki Kwok, Io Ieong Chan, C. Mary Schooling
Summary: The study found a positive association between maternal lung function, especially lung capacity, and maternally-driven birthweight, highlighting the importance of maternal respiratory health in fetal growth.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Maria Luisa Ojeda, Fatima Nogales, Ines Romero-Herrera, Olimpia Carreras
Summary: Nutrient intake of selenium by mothers during pregnancy and lactation can have a significant impact on infant tissue development. Low selenium supply may lead to oxidative stress affecting pregnancy and fetal development negatively, associated with metabolic imbalance and growth retardation in offspring.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Aikaterini Apostolopoulou, Antigoni Tranidou, Violeta Chroni, Ioannis Tsakiridis, Emmanuella Magriplis, Themistoklis Dagklis, Michail Chourdakis
Summary: This study examined the relationship between maternal nutrition during pre-pregnancy and early pregnancy and the incidence of small-for-gestational-age neonates in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. The findings suggest that higher fat intake and lower intake of carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, and copper during early pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of small-for-gestational-age neonates. These results emphasize the importance of assessing and modifying maternal nutrition in reducing the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus and its associated complications.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Changlin Liu, Yuanfeng Li, Haiyan Li, Yachao Wang, Kui Zhao
Summary: The study found that adding nano-selenium and Macleaya cordata extracts to sow diets can improve the antioxidant capacity and immune function of IUGR offspring, alleviating oxidative stress.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pengxia Yu, Jin Zhou, Caiyun Ge, Man Fang, Yuanzhen Zhang, Hui Wang
Summary: This study demonstrates that high maternal glucocorticoids can regulate the expression of placental 11β-HSD2 in a sex-specific manner, resulting in differences in placental and fetal development.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ameer Muhammad, Zoha Zahid Fazal, Benazir Baloch, Imran Nisar, Fyezah Jehan, Yasir Shafiq
Summary: This paper presents the protocol of a trial conducted in an urban slum of Karachi, Pakistan. The trial aims to investigate the effects of fortified balanced energy protein (BEP) supplementation during pregnancy on maternal and infant health outcomes. The pregnant women will be randomly allocated to four intervention arms and will be observed and assessed.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Lotta Immeli, Ulla Sankilampi, Pauliina M. Makela, Markus Leskinen, Reijo Sund, Sture Andersson, Paivi Luukkainen
Summary: This study found that in VLBW infants, the length of the transition phase is negatively associated with macronutrient intake and growth from birth to term equivalent age. Infants with a longer transition phase showed significantly lower weight and head circumference growth compared to those with a shorter transition phase.
Article
Pediatrics
Ting Zhao, Hui-Ming Feng, Bayier Caicike, Yan-Ping Zhu
Summary: This study revealed a high incidence of EUGR in preterm infants with a gestational age of <34 weeks, which is mainly influenced by factors such as gestational age, birth weight, IUGR, respiratory distress syndrome, and necrotizing enterocolitis.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Yang Liu, Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Sujuan Ding, Qian Zhu, Francois Blachier, Zugong Yu, Haijun Gao, Xiangfeng Kong
Summary: This study investigated the effects of dietary bile acid (BA) supplementation on the growth performance and colonic development, function, microbiota, and metabolites in piglets with normal birth weight (NBW) and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). The results showed that BA supplementation increased colon length and weight, decreased plasma DAO concentration in NBW piglets, and decreased plasma concentrations of D-lactate and endotoxin and colonic DAO and endotoxin in IUGR piglets. Additionally, BA supplementation increased the abundance of potentially beneficial bacteria and metabolites, and upregulated the expressions of antioxidative and immune-related genes in colonic mucosa.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Rajendra Prasad Anne, Venkateshwarlu Vardhelli, Srinivas Murki, Sai Kiran Deshabhotla, Tejo Pratap Oleti
Summary: Growth charts are useful in identifying at-risk neonates. The study found that INTERGROWTH-21(st) charts were more sensitive in identifying neonates developing complications, while population-based charts were more specific, accurate, and precise in differentiating neonates developing complications from those who did not.
INDIAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Georgios Moros, Theodora Boutsikou, Charalambos Fotakis, Zoe Iliodromiti, Rozeta Sokou, Theodora Katsila, Theodoros Xanthos, Nicoletta Iacovidou, Panagiotis Zoumpoulakis
Summary: The study found a clear association between altered metabolomic profiles in maternal and cord blood in IUGR pregnancies. Elevated levels of amino acids alanine, leucine, valine, isoleucine, and phenylalanine in IUGR pregnancies suggest a connection with impaired amino acid metabolism and transplacental flux. The increased levels of branched chain amino acids in intrauterine growth restricted pregnancies were linked with increased insulin resistance. Lower glycerol levels were attributed to imbalance between gluconeogenesis and glycolysis pathways, indicating poor glycolysis.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Kebede Haile Misgina, Henk Groen, Afework Mulugeta Bezabih, Hendrika Marike Boezen, Eline M. van der Beek
Summary: This study assessed postpartum weight change and its associated factors. The findings suggest that in low-income settings, higher weight gain during pregnancy and better mental health may help women achieve better nutritional status in the postpartum period.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Gebretsadkan Gebremedhin Gebretsadik, Amaha Kahsay Adhanu, Afework Mulugeta
Summary: Undernutrition has negative effects on the physical and cognitive development of children. A study in Ethiopia found that only nearly half of children aged 6-23 months consume any type of animal source foods (ASFs). Factors such as religion, child age, household assets, livestock ownership, and ownership of land usable for agriculture were found to be significant determinants of ASF consumption.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Kebede Eyasu, Lemlem Weledegerima Gebremariam, Freweini Gebrearegay, Zinabu Hadush, Afework Mulugeta
Summary: This study qualitatively assessed community food beliefs during pregnancy in rural kebeles of Ofla Woreda, Northern Ethiopia. It found that consumption of animal source foods such as eggs was discouraged, but locally produced alcoholic drinks were encouraged. Avoidance of animal source foods and meal skipping during religious fasting were common practices among pregnant mothers in the area.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alem Desta Wuneh, Afework Mulugeta Bezabih, Yemisrach Behailu Okwaraji, Lars Ake Persson, Araya Abrha Medhanyie
Summary: This study aimed to examine the association between household wealth, maternal education, and the interplay between these in utilization of maternal and child health services. The results showed the importance of poverty alleviation and girls' education for universal health coverage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fisseha Ashebir Gebregizabher, Araya Abrha Medhanyie, Afework Mulugeta Bezabih, Lars Ake Persson, Della Berhanu Abegaz
Summary: This study aims to assess the association between engagement in women's groups and the utilization of maternal and neonatal health services. The results indicate that pregnant women who had contact with women's groups were more likely to utilize maternal and neonatal health services, but there was no significant impact on facility delivery and postnatal care utilization. Therefore, there is a need to improve the organization and management of the women's development group program and strengthen the engagement of group leaders to promote the utilization of maternal and neonatal health services.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Kidane Tadesse Gebremariam, Afework Mulugeta, Danielle Gallegos
Summary: This study assessed the effectiveness of an SMS-based mHealth intervention targeting fathers and mothers in improving exclusive breastfeeding at three months in a low-income country. The results showed that both the mothers-and-fathers intervention group and the mothers-only intervention group had significantly higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding at three months compared to the control group. This study highlights the potential of SMS-based interventions in improving exclusive breastfeeding in low-income countries.
INTERNATIONAL BREASTFEEDING JOURNAL
(2023)
Letter
Obstetrics & Gynecology
H. E. Abraha, M. M. Ebrahim, H. Teka, A. Yemane, A. Mulugeta
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medical Informatics
Kidane Tadesse Gebremariam, Afework Mulugeta, Danielle Gallegos
Summary: This study designed an SMS intervention targeting parents in Tigray, Ethiopia, and found that sending SMS messages related to infant feeding can effectively improve exclusive breastfeeding rates.
BMC MEDICAL INFORMATICS AND DECISION MAKING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hale Teka, Awol Yemane, Hiluf Ebuy Abraha, Ephrem Berhe, Habtom Tadesse, Fanos Gebru, Mohammedtahir Yahya, Ytbarek Tadesse, Daniel Gebre, Marta Abrha, Bisrat Tesfay, Ashenafi Tekle, Tsega Gebremariam, Birhane Amare, Mohamedawel Mohamedniguss Ebrahim, Yibrah Berhe Zelelow, Afework Mulugeta
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the clinical presentation and maternal-fetal and neonatal outcomes of early and late onset preeclampsia. The results showed that women with early onset disease had unfavorable maternal outcomes, such as severe preeclampsia with severity features, liver dysfunction, uncontrolled diastolic blood pressure, and prolonged hospitalization. They also had increased unfavorable perinatal outcomes, including low APGAR score at the 5th minute, low birth weight, and neonatal death.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Akeza Awealom Asgedom, Birhanu Tewoldemedhin Abirha, Askual Girmay Tesfay, Kelali Kaleaye Gebreyowhannes, Hayelom Birhanu Abraha, Gessessew Bugssa Hailu, Mesele Bahre Abrha, Mache Tsadik, Tesfay Gebregziabher Gebrehiwet, Aregawi Gebreyesus, Tilahun Desalew, Yibrah Alemayehu, Afework Mulugeta
Summary: Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is a global public health problem that is particularly severe in conflict-affected areas. This study aimed to investigate the sources of WASH during the war in Tigray and the incidence of diarrhoeal diseases among children.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Aregawi Weldegebreal Weldegiargis, Haftom Temesgen Abebe, Hiluf Ebuy Abraha, Meron Micheale Abrha, Tsegay Berihu Tesfay, Rieye Esayas Belay, Alemnesh Abraha Araya, Mengish Bahresilassie Gebregziabher, Hagos Godefay, Afework Mulugeta
Summary: The objective of this study was to determine the status of household food insecurity in the armed conflict affected communities of Tigray. The results showed that the levels of household food insecurity and hunger were unacceptably high, indicating a significant negative effect of the armed conflict on food security in Tigray. It is recommended to take measures to protect these communities from the immediate and long-term consequences of conflict-induced household food insecurity.
CONFLICT AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Gebretsadkan Gebremedhin Gebretsadik, Mahlet Abraha, Tedros Bereket, Ferehiwot Hailemariam, Freweini Gebrearegay, Tigist Hagos, Mizan Assefa, Kidanemaryam Berhe, Hadush Gebregziabher, Amaha Kahsay Adhanu, Mekonnen Haileselassie, Mulugeta Gebregziabher, Afework Mulugeta
Summary: Armed conflict in Tigray, Ethiopia has led to acute malnutrition among children, with factors such as age, gender, vitamin A supplementation, diarrhea history, and poor water, toilet, and food security conditions significantly associated with the condition. Immediate international intervention is required to alleviate the problem.
CONFLICT AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Gebretsadkan Gebremedhin Gebretsadik, Zuriyash Tadesse, Tesfay Yohannes Ambese, Afework Mulugeta
Summary: Despite an increasing trend, the consumption of animal source foods among children in Tigrai is not statistically significant. The study found that the age of the child, religion, maternal education, household assets, and livestock count were predictors of animal source foods consumption.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mussie Alemayehu, Araya Abrha Medhanyie, Elizabeth Reed, Znabu Hadush Kahsay, Mebrhatu Kalayu, Afework Mulugeta
Summary: This study examines the effect of continuum care for maternal health service utilisation on intention to use family planning among the pastoralist community in Ethiopia. The results indicate that intention to use family planning would increase by 12.2% if all married pastoralist women received continuum of care for maternal health service utilisation. Factors such as discussion about family planning with their husband, possession of electronic devices, and unmet need for family planning were associated with higher intention to use family planning, while being in a polygamous marriage was associated with lower intention. Attitude towards family planning, subjective norm, and perceived control over family planning were positively associated with intention to use family planning.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kebede Haile Misgina, Lindsay Levine, H. Marike Boezen, Afework Mulugeta Bezabih, Eline M. van der Beek, Henk Groen
Summary: In low-income countries, perinatal distress, including anxiety, depression, and stress during pregnancy, is associated with adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight and small for gestational age birth. This study found that perinatal distress acts as a mediator between socioeconomic adversity and adverse birth outcomes.
