• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.70-73
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• 2022

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of subcutaneous granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for treating thin endometrium. Methods: Data from 88 infertile women with thin endometrium (<7 mm) aged 23 to 40 years were evaluated retrospectively over a period of 1 year. In group 1, subcutaneous infusion of G-CSF (300 ㎍/mL) was administered to 44 women along with other supplemental treatments. If the lining did not exceed 7 mm within 72 hours, a second infusion was administered. In group 2, which also had 44 women, only estradiol valerate and sildenafil were administered, while subcutaneous G-CSF infusion was not. Embryo transfers were performed once the lining exceeded 7.5 mm. The efficacy of G-CSF was evaluated by assessing the thickness of the endometrium before embryo transfer, pregnancy rates, and clinical pregnancy rates. Results: There were no differences between the groups regarding demographic variables, egg reserves, sperm parameters, the number of embryos transferred, and embryo quality. The pregnancy rate was significantly higher in group 1 (60%, 24 of 40 cases) than in group 2 (31%, 9 of 29 cases) (p<0.001). The clinical pregnancy rate was also significantly higher in group 1 (55%) than in group 2 (24%) (p<0.001). Conclusion: Subcutaneous G-CSF infusion improved the thickness of the endometrium when it was thin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented study to clearly demonstrate the benefits of subcutaneous G-CSF infusion for treating thin endometrium.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.625-632
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• 2024

The purpose of the study was to find out the novice mothers' perceptions, experiences, and need on healthy pregnancy. For the research purpose, we conducted the focus group interview with 10 novice mothers who were pregnant of their first child or raising first child under 12 months old. The results of the study were as follows. First, novice mothers recognized 'healthy pregnancies' as 'physically healthy pregnancies for mothers and fetuses,' 'pregnancies where mothers were mentally healthy and happy,' and 'pregnancy planned and prepared with husband together.' Second, novice mothers experienced 'examination of obstetrics and gynecology,' 'management of health and daily life,' and 'preparation of realistic conditions' to prepare for pregnancy and childbirth. Third, difficulties during pregnancy were due to 'sickness and physical changes' and 'psychological and emotional changes.' Fourth, the needs on support for healthy pregnancy were 'pre-education on mental and physical changes caused by pregnancy' and 'support for pregnancy and counseling in advance.'

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.385-390
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• 1997

Fifteen Ettawah-cross does were used to study maternal serum concentrations of total triiodothyronine ($T_3$), teraiodothyronine ($T_4$) and cortisol in different status of pregnancy (nonpregnant, aborted, single and twin-bearing does) during late pregnancy. Analysis of the data indicated that here was no significant changes in total $T_3$, $T_4$, and cortisol concentrations with the advance of pregnancy. Concentrations of $T_3$, $T_4$, and cortisol decreased by 38.9, 34.9, and 32.6%, and 12.0, 15.7 and 27.6%, and 41.6, 44.0, and 43.7% in the aborted, single and, twin-bearing, respectively, as compared to those nonpregnant does. These was no significant difference in concentrations of $T_3$ and cortisol between aborted, single and twin-bearing does, and in those of $T_4$ between aborted and single-bearing does. However, $T_4$ concentrations in twin-bearing were lower by 17.7 and 14.1% than those in aborted and single-bearing does, respectively. The decreased concentrations of thyroid hormones in pregnant does suggested that fetus could have increased iodine uptake from maternal circulation causing a decrease in the availability of this nutrient for synthesis of maternal thyroid hormones. The decreased concentrations of cortisol could have been associated with the increased metabolism of the hormone to regulate nutrients influx into the placenta of pregnant does.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.261-265
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• 2000

Objective: This study was performed to evaluate the influence of maternal age on embryo quality and the frequency of multiple pregnancy in IVF-ET program. Method: 86 conventional IVF-ET cycles were divided into three groups according to the age by 5 year (group A: 26-30, group B: 31-35, group C: 36-40 yrs). The in vitro fertilization and development outcome (fertilization, cleavage and high quality embryo rate) and the pregnancy outcome (pregnancy, implantation, G-sac/high quality embryo and multiple pregnancy rate) were examined. And then, these results were compared among the groups. Results: The rates of fertilization (62.7, 68.5 and 65.4%, respectively) and cleavage (95.6, 97.6 and 98.0%, respectively) were not different among the groups. And the high quality embryo (HQE) rate also was not different among the groups (61.8, 62.9 and 62.8%, respectively). The pregnancy rate of group C (23.3%) was significantly lower than that of group A (41.2%) and B (48.7%). And the implantation rate was significantly decreased with advance in maternal age (group A; 17.3%, B; 12.6% and C; 6.0%). The G-sac/high quality embryo rate was significantly higher in group A (70.8%) when compared to group B (32.2%) and C (40.0%). On the other hand, the multiple pregnancy rate was significantly lower in group C (14.3%) when compared to group A (71.4%) and B (36.8%). Conclusion: The pregnancy rate was significantly decreased over 35 years. The G-sac/HQE and multiple pregnancy rate were significantly high below 31 years. Thus, these results suggest that the number of high quality embryo transferred should be limited by the age and another criteria for embryo quality evaluation were required for single embryo transfer.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.157-163
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• 2016

Objective: The decision to use in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), or split insemination (IVF-ICSI) in the first cycle is based on the number of motile sperm. Hence, total fertilization failure (TFF) often occurs during IVF cycles, despite normozoospermia. To investigate whether the cumulative motile swim-up spermatozoa percentage at 22 hours post-insemination (MSPPI) is an indicator for ICSI, we analyzed TFF, fertilization, blastocyst development, chemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates. Methods: This prospective study was performed using data obtained from 260 IVF cycles. At 22 hours after insemination, the remaining swim-up spermatozoa were observed and divided into six groups according to MSPPI (<10%, 10% to <30%, 30% to <50%, 50% to <70%, 70% to <90%, and 90% to 100%). Results: Regardless of the ejaculated motile sperm concentration ($0.6-280{\times}10^6/mL$ motile spermatozoa), the incidence of TFF significantly increased when MSPPI was <10%, and the fertilization rate significantly decreased when MSPPI was <30%. We found that cumulative MSPPI correlated with the cumulative fertilization rate (Spearman correlation, 0.508, p<0.001). Regarding embryo development, we observed no significant differences in the rates of blastocyst development, chemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, or live birth among all groups. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that MSPPI is a viable indicator for split IVF-ICSI and ICSI. Taken together, by employing the MSPPI test in advance before IVF, ICSI, or split IVF-ICSI cycles, unnecessary split IVF-ICSI and ICSI may be avoided.

• Archives of design research
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• v.20 no.2 s.70
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• pp.41-52
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• 2007

Today, many pregnant women also advance up the business ladder and remain very active. They are consequently increasingly aware of the clothes they can wear. Despite these social changes, maternity wear has not been specially designed to satisfy the consumer's demands. From this, the purposes of this study are to investigate the current status of maternity wear and the apparent buying trends of pregnant women through a customers' opinion survey and interviews for the future maternity markets. In summary, the survey and interviews illustrate some important points which are that: Firstly, not all pregnant women buy maternity wear. Some pregnant women said they couldn't find enough difference in maternity wear prices even though they would like to buy some, commenting that maternity clothes were too expensive for such a short period of time. Also some already had maternity wear from a previous pregnancy, or had been passed on from friends and family. Secondly, on the other hand, many respondents were strongly concerned with style and quality rather than price because they agreed that there were not enough suitable maternity clothes for work and special occasions. Therefore some respondents would buy a maternity outfit for a special occasion. It also indicates that for a particular time, place or occasion like a party, wedding or other celebration, some respondents would buy a special outfit to make themselves feel good. Finally, according to the survey, the most important design concept is for wearable designs which change with the body during pregnancy; followed closely by designs which are able to be re-used when the pregnancy has finished. Nowadays, as recycling and saving resources are the biggest issues, if maternity manufacturers are encouraged to develop new products incorporating these new design concepts, more maternity markets will be developed to buy maternity wear.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.37-49
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• 2015

During pregnancy, the maternal body undergoes significant physiological changes. The present study assessed the changes on calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na) and potassium (K) metabolism in singleton and twin-pregnant dairy goats. The 42 goats used ($49.5kg{\pm}7.6$ body weight [BW]) were assigned at random to treatments that were factorially arranged to account for 2 breeds (Oberhasli and Saanen), 2 pregnancy types (singleton and twin) and 3 gestation periods (80, 110, and 140 days). Digestibility trials were performed at 80, 110, and 140 days of gestation. Mineral retention during pregnancy was determined in the maternal body, femur, uterus, mammary gland, fetus and fetal fluid. Blood samples were taken during pregnancy before and after a meal, and Ca, P, Mg, Na, K ions and alkaline phosphatase activity determined in serum. Bone mineral density was determined in the right femur. Statistical analyses were performed using the SAS MIXED procedure. Dry matter intake decreased linearly up to 140 days of gestation. Maternal BW gain, and Ca, P, and Mg retention (g/kg) decreased linearly with the advance of gestation days. Macromineral retention in maternal body (g/kg) was greater in Oberhasli than Saanen goats, and their fetuses had higher Ca, P, and Mg deposition (mg/g). Mineral retention (mg/g) increased in fetuses according to pregnancy development, with no differences between singleton and twin pregnancy. In the mammary gland, the retention of all minerals (g) increased with the days of pregnancy. In conclusion, related to Ca, P, and Mg metabolism can be divided into two stages. Up to 80 days of gestation, was characterized by the preparation of the maternal body reserves for future mineral demands. From 80 days of gestation onward, was characterized by the transfer of maternal body reserves for fetal development and colostrum production. Na and K supply was provided by adjustments in endogenous excretion and an increase in intestinal absorption. Finally, mineral metabolism was specific to each genotype and, except for Na, was not affected by the number of fetuses.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.255-265
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of emergency contraceptive pill on adolescent sexuality and contraceptive behaviors through a meta - analysis of intervention studies on advance provision of emergency contraceptives. This study aimed to provide objective data on the transition of general medicines to be discussed in relation to the reclassification of emergency contraceptive pills. Methods: Using electronic database, 1,820 studies written in Korean or English without limitation of the year were reviewed and for analysis, 5 studies were selected, in which emergency contraceptives were provided to adolescents. Results: The advance provision of emergency contraceptives has increased their use and shortened the time it takes to take contraceptive pills after unprotected sex. There was no change in the frequency of engaging in sexual intercourse and unprotected sex or in existing contraceptive behavior, pregnancy rates decreased, but there was no increase in sexually transmitted infection. Conclusion: The results of this study provide objective grounds for the reclassification of emergency contraceptive pills and propose effective interventional programs on contraceptive education, such as on efficacy and side effects of the contraceptive drug and its proper use among the youth who engage in sexual activity, to improve their reproductive health.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.825-830
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• 2006

Status of blood minerals and their absorption by neonate calves as influenced by fat soluble vitamins supplementation in their respective mothers, mineral supplementation in calves themselves has been evaluated. The objective was to know the impact of antioxidant vitamin supplementation to advance pregnant buffaloes, on enhanced acquired immunity during first few hours after birth, in relation to weight gain in buffalo calves. Advance pregnant buffaloes (n = 30) consisting of average body weight of $550{\pm}15$ kg and of 4-6 parity were fed on 25 kg green (green Jawar-Sorghum bicolor), 2-3 kg wheat straw and 3-4 kg concentrate mixture individually per day. Intramuscular injections of vitamin triplex A $D_3$ E consisting of -2,500,000 IU of vit A -Palmitate; 2,500,000 IU of vitamin $D_3$ and 1,000 IU of vit E (dl-alpha tocopherol acetate) were given per dose, a month prior to parturition, twice at 15 days interval to 15 dams. Rest of the 15 pregnant buffaloes served as negative controls. Secretion of immune proteins, immunoglobulin (Ig) enhanced by 80% in colostrum. The blood serum levels of Zn, Cu, Ca, Mg were measured from birth to 90 days in calves. A significant (p<0.05) difference between the blood serum Zn levels of calves born to vitamin supplemented and non-supplemented dams was measured and a positive correlation between blood serum Zn levels and injections of vitamins was identified. Association of Zn and Cu with passive immunity status has been identified in these calves. A significant positive correlation between Zn and Cu was also identified which showed a change under the impact of vitamin supplementation in buffaloes. The study signifies the role of micronutrients supplementation in dams prior to parturition, in calf immunity development. The study indicates significant mineral - vitamins interactions during this process.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.13 no.10
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• pp.1359-1366
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• 2000

An experiment was carried out to study plasma levels of hormones and metabolites of crossbred Holstein cattle during late pregnancy (28 days pre partum), early lactation (30 days post partum), mid-lactation (120 days post partum) and late lactation (210 days post partum). Two breed types of Holstein $Friesian{\times}Red$ Sindhi (50:50 = 50%HF) and Holstein $Friesian{\times}Red$ Sindhi (87.5:12.5 = 87.5%HF) were divided into four groups of four animals each. Two groups of each breed were fed with either rice straw treated with 5% urea or pangola hay (Digitaria decumbens) as the source of roughage throughout the experiments. There were a substantial increases in the mean levels of total triiodothyronine ($T_3$), insulin and glucagon at the onset of lactation, and maintained in a high levels during lactation advance for all groups of experiments. The mean levels of prolactin and thyroxine ($T_4$) were not significantly different among groups of animals, but the plasma cortisol concentration was slightly higher in both groups of 50%HF in comparison with those of 87.5%HF animals. The mean levels of plasma growth hormone (GH) of both groups of 87.5%HF animals feeding on either hay or urea treated rice straw markedly rose in the early period of lactation and markedly reduced in mid- and late lactation. These changes were accompanied with changes of milk yield. In contrast to 50%HF animals, plasma GH levels were considerably higher in the late pregnant period than in the early period of lactation and it remained constant as its value at the early lactation throughout the experimental period. The high levels of both plasma progesterone and estradiol concentration significantly declined after parturition and remained low through lactating period. The plasma glucose level in the 50%HF animals feeding on either hay or urea treated rice straw was higher than the 87.5%HF animals in all periods of experiments. Changes in plasma FFA levels of both types of crossbred animals were depended on the endocrine status during late pregnancy and lactation. The levels of plasma FFA of 50%HF animals were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those of 87.5%HF animals during late pregnancy. Both plasma ${\beta}$-hydroxybutyrate and lactate concentrations were not affected by feeding on either hay or urea treated rice straw during late pregnancy and lactation. These data demonstrate that there were no differences in the physiological performances in the same crossbred animals fed either hay or urea treated rice straw. The 87.5%HF animal has the genetic potential for a high milk yield and homeorhetic adaptation for mammary function differed from 50%HF animals during periods of lactation. Altering lactation persistency in 87.5%HF is regulated mainly by chronically acting growth hormones through the period of lactation.