Search

The development of Djelli cattle breeding in Niger remains a challenge due to prejudices about its productivity. The particularities of its production systems have not been sufficiently developed. The aim of this study is to develop a typology of local Djelli cattle production systems in six localities in the communes of Gothèye, Sinder and Say in Niger. A survey was carried out among 150 breeders. Discriminant factor analysis (DFA) and hierarchical ascending classification (HAC) were used to identify three types of production system: The first type is made up of transhumant herders whose main activity is livestock rearing and who belong to the Peulh ethnic group. This type is characterized by large herds (27 head). They have 3 breeding cows and 4 suckling cows for 16 breeding females. The second type is made up of sedentary breeders. Their main activities are fishing and trading, and they belong to the Sonrai socio-cultural ethnic group. Their herds are modest (17 head), comprising 2 breeding and 5 suckling cows for 11 breeding females. The third type is made up of semi-transhumant herders. Their main activity is farming, and they belong to the Sonrai socio-cultural ethnic group, with an equally modest herd size (18 head). The number of breeding cows is similar to that of the sedentary herders (2 head). However, the number of sucklers is reduced to 3 head for 10 breeding females. The daily intake of bran concentrate per suckling female is the highest (5 kg of bran concentrate per day). The ratio of lactating females to females of breeding age was r =0.45 in the sedentary group, compared with r =0.30 in the semi-transhumant group and r = 0.25 in the transhumant group. The results also showed that the rearing environment is dominated by a diet of rice straw (39%) and rice bran (49%). The most frequently vaccinated disease on the farms was pasteurellosis (87.3%), and the highest deworming rate was 40%. The environment also revealed a variation in lactating females for the riparian localities of Say and Yelwani (5.4±2.6b and 6.0±2.8b respectively), which are very significantly different (P<0.001) from the non-riparian localities of Koulbaga and Tassikoirey (2.9±1.2a and 2.8±1.20a respectively). In conclusion, sedentary farmers are the most productive in a food environment dominated by rice crop residues and diseases such as pasteurellosis and endoparasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2016 in France, 4.6% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 used natural family planning (NFP). A majority of them are dissatisfied with the listening and training of general practitioners on this subject. They feel judged, ill-informed and poorly supported by them. The effectiveness of NFP depends on the motivation of the couple as well as the support of a health professional. Objective: To assess the knowledge of general practitioners concerning NFPs, as well as their perception of their effectiveness, and their desire to improve and modify practices. Method: Cross-sectional observational study of general practitioners in the former Midi-Pyrénées region by questionnaire distributed online between 18 February 2022 and 1 April 2022. Results: 189 responses were received. The best-known NFPs were the Ogino, Billings, temperature and withdrawal methods. 46.5% of participants considered none of the NFPs to be effective. The more recent and more reliable methods such as the Sympto-Thermal Method (STM) or the Lactation-Amenorrhea Method (LAM) were less known and less considered effective. One in five doctors knew a network to which they could refer patients to and more than one in two were interested in learning about such network. 44 % of the doctors questioned were interested in taking training in NFP. The perception of a lack of effectiveness of these methods was one of the main reasons given by those not wishing to take training. Conclusion: NFPs are little known to general practitioners and perceived as ineffective. There are gaps in medical training regarding NFPs, and networks or tools around NFPs are little known and uncertain. Thus, an improvement in medical training, through the performance of rigorous studies on NFP, would allow a better knowledge of general practitioners and thus better quality support and care for users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the findings of narrative studies on the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It highlights the prevalent practical questions regarding vaccination during pregnancy and lactation and the need for reliable information. It emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making for healthcare providers and parents regarding vaccination.

Becoming a mother is a unique and multidimensional experience for the woman. However, it would be simplistic to state that motherhood affects her life as much as her body. This is why contemporary writers more and more often address in their novels the theme of matrescence and motherhood to show how the stage of becoming a mother changes the female life. Revealing this exceptional period, they look at the emotions and thoughts of a woman-mother as well as her relationships with others and the perception of her changing body. In their novels, Virginie Noar (Le corps d'après) and Françoise Guérin (Maternité) not only reveal the hidden emotions and thoughts of the woman-mother but also depict how the bodily changes influence her and her whole life. The article focuses on three significant stages of motherhood: pregnancy, giving birth, and lactation. Based on a feminist critical approach (Badinter, Froidevaux-Metterie, Irigaray) and on psychoanalytic theories (Bydlowski), the study presents how important the female body is to the motherwoman's identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The milk yield of Bushuev cattle bred in the extremely hot climate of Syrdarya region was 2742 kg in the first lactation, 3412 kg in the second lactation, and 3597 kg in the third lactation. According to the herd with high milk productivity in 4-6 months, in the III-lactation, 700 kg more milk was milked from dairy cattle than in the I and II-lactation. It was observed that the coefficient of milk production of cattle increases with the increase of lactation periods. The difference between them was 100-200 kg. The results of the analysis showed that the highest live weight was observed in the III-lactation group of cattle and was 468 kg. According to the results of the inspection carried out on the farm, the fat content of the milk of the cattle in the herd was 3.9-4.1%. The average fat content of milk was 113.4 -164.7 kg. Feed consumption of 1 liter of milk obtained from Bushuev dairy cattle was equal to 1.15 feed units. The average amount of milk milked from one head of cattle in the farm was 3572 kg. The unit of feed consumed during lactation was 4107 kg.

Divine Motherhood is an unfathomable mystery of the Catholic faith. Artists have always approached it with fear, modesty and delicacy. The representations of pregnant virgins are rare. Incontrast. Marian breastfeeding scenes have been widely disseminated in all countries of Christian culture. from Roman times to the sixteenth century. In the Middle Ages, Lorraine, a region in northern-east France, sheltered many workshops of famous sculptors. By taking into consideration some works preserved in the museum of La Cour d'Or in Metz. I will interpret from a medical and artistic point of view the ones that divine breasffeeding inspired artists from thefourteenth to the sixteenth century in France and Europe. Iii doing so, 1 will describe the path from the jigurative breastfeeding of the Son of God to the allegory of Virgin Mary as the nourisher of the whole hunian race. through the symbolic visions of "Lactation" of Saint Bernard and Saint Pierre Nolasco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is used to analyse stress levels before the method of measuring glucocorticoid levels in blood plasma exists. The study aims to determine the neutrophil to lymphocyte (N/L) ratio in Sapera goats during a clinically normal gestation and lactation period. The samples were obtained from 12 Sapera goats in three-month gestation period and 12 Sapera goats in three-month lactation period. Blood samples taken via jugular veins were used as the preparation of blood smears to calculate the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio. The average calculation result of theN/L ratio in the lactation group (0.47 ± 0.23) was higher (p

This work examines the evaluation of both the quantitative and qualitative dairy performance of Sicilo-Sarde ewes from dairy controls, and udder health from direct cellular screening by Individual Cell Count (CCI) and indirect testing by the Californian Mastitis Test (CMT). This study focused on a sample of 48 sheep, representing about 15% of the total number of animals, in the UCPA Gnadil in the Beja region of northern Tunisia. Ewes were milked twice daily by a mechanical pot machine. The average of milk yield during a 175-day milking period was 133 ± 43 l after a lactation phase that lasted an average of 56 days (± 6.6). At the end of lactation, exactly at the 25th and 29th weeks of lactation, the qualitative analyzes of the milk essentially revealed that the average values of the fat, protein, lactose and total dry extract were respectively 8, 5, 6.0, 4.6 and 19.9%. The results of the CMT test recorded the occurrence of some cases of subclinical mastitis of the order of 3%, while the average CCI increased from 463400 cells / ml to reach 788100 cells / ml at the end of lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of Panicum maximum Jacq. Associated with Euphorbia heterophylla (L.) Klotz. & Garcke on Productivity of Females (Cavia porcellus L) During the Reproductive Cycle. In Ivory Coast, Guinea pigs reared for meat (Cavia porcellus L.) are mainly fed with Panicum maximum Jacq. The association of this forage with Euphorbia heterophylla (L.) Klotz. & Garcke improves the organic matter digestibility of the mixed diet compared to P. maximum distributed alone in growing male guinea pigs. In order to determine the effect of this diet during gestation and lactation in female guinea pigs, three diets: P. maximum (PAN) basic diet; P. maximum associated to E. heterophylla (PANEUPH) and P. maximum associated to pellets for rabbit (PANGRAN), were distributed ad libitum to multiparous guinea pigs (604.9 ± 40.8 g). The daily ingestion during gestation and lactation were 59.8±11.2 and 53.2±8.5; 61.5±5.2 and 72.9±16.4; 83.1±12.9 and 111.3±13.9 g DM.d-1 respectively for PAN, PANEUPH and PANGRAN. Similarly, the rates of fecundity were 111.1±0.9; 188.9±0.6 and 244.4±0.5% respectively for PAN, PANEUPH and PANGRAN. The individual birth weight and weight gain during lactation of the piglets were 58.7±12.4, 75.6±16.2 and 102.5±12 g and 2.4±0.6; 4.1±0.9 and 6.5±1.2 g.d-1 respectively for PAN, PANEUPH, and PANGRAN. In conclusion, the association of P. maximum and E. heterophylla significantly improves ingestion, digestibility, fecundity, birth weight and weaning weight in guinea pigs in comparison to Panicum maximum used as a sole diet.

Competing Interests: Intérêts concurrents: Aucun déclaré.

Résumé Objectifs Évaluer la durée de l’allaitement maternel exclusif au niveau national et régional et identifier ses déterminants. Méthodes Enquête observationnelle transversale conduite en pratique pédiatrique. Chaque médecin incluait les 5 premières mères souhaitant ou devant arrêter l’allaitement maternel exclusif de leur enfant. Résultats Sept cent quarante-sept médecins ont inclus 2773 mères âgées de 30,6 ± 4,5 ans. La durée moyenne de l’allaitement exclusif est de 11,3 ± 7,7 semaines et varie de 13,8 en Bourgogne à 9,9 en Normandie. Les raisons de l’arrêt sont la reprise du travail (45,6 %), les problèmes de santé (24,6 %) et les problèmes de lactation (15,8 %). Les déterminants d’un allaitement > 4 mois sont le plaisir d’allaiter (OR : 5,2 [2,2 ; 12,2] ; p < 0,0001), les difficultés financières (OR : 2,8 [1,2 ; 6,3] ; p = 0,0142), un âge > 35 ans (OR : 2,4 [1,5 ; 4,0] ; p = 0,0006), la capacité de la femme à allaiter dans un lieu public (OR : 2,2 [1,8 ; 2,8] ; p < 0,0001), l’absence d’activité professionnelle (OR : 2,0 [1,4 ; 2,8] ; p < 0,0001), l’absence de tabagisme (OR : 1,8 [1,2 ; 2,8] ; p = 0,0066). Le manque de soutien de l’entreprise est stigmatisé de manière importante : 64,1 % jugent ce soutien pas du tout satisfaisant et 16,0 % peu satisfaisant. Conclusion Au regard des études antérieures, cette enquête fait apparaître une durée d’allaitement maternel exclusif qui témoigne du peu de progrès obtenus durant ces dernières années. Ceci souligne la nécessité de continuer les efforts d’information sur les bénéfices pour l’enfant de l’allaitement maternel et d’accroître les mesures socioéconomiques de soutien à l’allaitement maternel en entreprise. Summary Objectives To evaluate the mean duration of exclusive maternal breastfeeding nationally and regionally and to identify its clinical and socioeconomic determinants. Methods Cross-sectional observational survey in everyday pediatric practice. Each doctor included in the survey the first five mothers attending consultations who wanted or had to discontinue exclusive breastfeeding of her infant. Results Seven hundred and forty-seven doctors enrolled 2773 mothers aged of 30.6 ± 4.5. The mean duration of exclusive breastfeeding was 11.3 ± 7.7 weeks and varied among regions from 13.8 weeks in Burgundy to 9.9 weeks in Normandy. Main reasons for discontinuing were returning to work (45.6%), health problems for the mother (24.6%) and lactation problems (15.8%). The main determinants of a breastfeeding period exceeding four months were the mother enjoying breastfeeding (OR: 5.2 [2.2; 12.2]; P < 0.0001), financial difficulties (OR: 2.8 [1.2; 6.3]; P = 0.0142), being aged over 35 years (OR: 2.4 [1.5; 4.0]; P = 0.0006), the mother's ability to breastfeed her baby in a public place (OR: 2.2 [1.8; 2.8]; P < 0.0001), the mother not going out to work (OR: 2.0 [1.4; 2.8]; P < 0.0001), the mother being a non-smoker (OR: 1.8 [1.2; 2.8]; P = 0.0066). The lack of support from employers was criticised with 64.1% of women judging the support not at all satisfactory and 16.0% unsatisfactory. Conclusion In the light of earlier studies, the duration of exclusive maternal breastfeeding of 11 weeks attests to a lack of progress over recent years. This underscores the need to continue efforts to inform mothers about the benefits of maternal breastfeeding for infants but also to increase socioeconomic measures to support breastfeeding especially in the workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After intraperitoneal administration of a soluble solution of aluminum nitrate to lactating Wistar rats, the subcellular behavior of this element was investigated through two sensitive techniques of observation and analysis namely TEM and EPMA. The Ultrastructural study of ultrathin glandular mammary sections of treated rats allowed the presence of electron dense deposits within the lysosomes of this variety of cells. In fact, aluminum toxicity associated to suffering mitochondria was also reported. However, no loaded down lysosomes were identified in glandular mammary sections of control rats. The microanalytical study showed that aluminum was concentrated in the lysosomes of mammary glands as insoluble phosphate salt like it was demonstrated for gallium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical milk composition and its coagulation properties varies due to many factors related to the animal or environment. Among these factors the lactation stage, parity, and breed were studied on two lots of cows : Montbelairde and prim'Holstein investigated in real production conditions in two different farms located in plains of high cheliff. The results indicated that the lactation stage has a more significant effect that the parity on milk composition (content fat and proteins) and coagulation properties, using in our tests the rough extract coagulant sheep in comparison with the rennet reference. Our observation have also shown that increasing of the useful materials during lactation was progressive and parallel to the decrease of the quantity of the milk produced and the fat content which is much more sensitive to other factors such as the feed. Moreover the correlation study between production factors and physic-chemical and technological milk variables has confirmed that there are significant and negative correlations confirming the well- known factors for the two breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Ivory Coast, Guinea pigs reared for meat (Cavia porcellus L.) are mainly fed with Panicum maximum. The association of this forage with Euphorbia heterophylla (L.) Klotz. & Garcke improves the organic matter digestibility of the mixed diet compared to P. maximum distributed alone in growing male guinea pigs. In order to determine the effect of this diet during gestation and lactation in female guinea pigs, three diets: P. maximum (PAN) basic diet; P. maximum associated to E. heterophylla (PANEUPH) and P. maximum associated to pellets for rabbit (PANGRAN), were distributed ad libitum to multiparous guinea pigs (604.9 ± 40.8 g). The daily ingestion during gestation and lactation were 59.8±11.2 and 53.2±8.5; 61.5±5.2 and 72.9±16.4; 83.1±12.9 and 111.3±13.9 g DM.d-1 respectively for PAN, PANEUPH and PANGRAN. Similarly, the rates of fecundity were 111.1±0.9; 188.9±0.6 and 244.4±0.5% respectively for PAN, PANEUPH and PANGRAN. The individual birth weight and weight gain during lactation of the piglets were 58.7±12.4, 75.6±16.2 and 102.5±12 g and 2.4±0.6; 4.1±0.9 and 6.5±1.2 g.d-1 respectively for PAN, PANEUPH and PANGRAN. In conclusion, the association of P. maximum and E. heterophylla significantly improves ingestion, digestibility, fecundity, birth weight and weaning weight in guinea pigs in comparison to Panicum maximum used as a sole diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Resource allocation patterns, as quantified by residual food intake (RFI), and the consequences for offspring development were investigated during lactation in 96 females of a mouse line selected for 104 generations for high litter size at birth (S-line) and in 87 females of a non-selected control line (C-line). Litters of 45 C-line dams (Cs) and 48 S-line dams (Ss) were standardised (s) at birth; other dams (ns) supported total number of pups born (Cns and Sns, respectively). RFI during lactation was significantly lower in Sns-dams than in C-line dams and Sns-dams. After weaning Sns-dams seemed to be able to restore the negative resource situation. Sns-pups were about 25% less mature than Cns-pups at all times. Maturity was similar for Cs- and Ss-pups from 2 d in lactation on, and about 18% and 53% higher than Cns- and Sns-pups. The pre-weaning mortality rate was significantly higher in Sns-litters (35.6 ± 2.76) than in Cns-litters (4.95 ± 2.23). The results suggest that S-line dams allocated considerably more resources to maintenance of offspring than C-line dams. This was insufficient to provide the offspring with an adequate amount of resources, resulting in reduced pup development and increased pre-weaning mortality rates.

Quarter-milk samples (n = 828) from 207 traditionally managed lactating camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Borena (Southwestern Ethiopia) were examined to determine the occurrence and bacterial causes of mastitis in the camel. The California mastitis test (CMT) was used as a screening test and bacteriological examinations were carried out to identify the mastitis pathogens involved. Somatic cell counts (SCC) of camel milk samples were also determined. Out of 828 camel quarters examined 25 (12.1%) teats were blind. An agreement of 100% was found for CMT scores of 3+ and 2+ and bacteriological results, while 35, 71 and 85% agreements were observed for CMT scores of 0, trace and 1+, respectively. A significant association was observed between CMT positive scores and the presence of major pathogens in camel milk samples. SCC ranged from 3 x 105 to 1.5 x 107 leukocytes/ml of milk. An increasing number in the mean values of somatic cell counts was obtained for increasing scores of CMT using ANOVA. Four (1.9%) of the lactating camels examined were detected as clinical cases of mastitis. Among the CMT positive quarter-milk samples examined, 171 (74%) yielded pathogenic bacteria. The major mastitis pathogens isolated included species of Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Micrococcus, Corynebacterium and Bacillus, and Actinomyces pyogenes, Escherichia coli and Pasteurella haemolytica.

Young women who have malformative breasts logically ask themselves the question of the functionality of their mammary gland and future breastfeeding. Several surgical techniques are possible and the ones that seem to hinder breastfeeding the most are breast reduction and breast prosthesis. Insufficient lactation is a quantitative milk disorder where the mother is unable to ensure sufficient milk production or transfer. It's clear that the calculation of its rate is today the best indicator to evaluate the lactation function. There are still very few studies using this criterion, but their results confirm an alteration in lactation whether after reduction or augmentation breast surgery. It's important to inform patients of the difficulties they may encounter, a high probability of mixed breastfeeding and a shorter duration. But also on the effects that a pregnancy can have on the aesthetic result: decrease of firmness, ptosis, modification of the volume., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Résumé: Objectifs: Les mastectomies partielles, les chirurgies d’augmentation et de réduction mammaire sont effectuées sur des femmes qui n’ont souvent pas de préoccupations pour un potentiel allaitement. Les objectifs de cette étude étaient d’évaluer l’information délivrée avant l’acte chirurgical et de décrire les difficultés d’allaitement auxquelles sont confrontées les mères ayant subi une chirurgie mammaire afin de créer une fiche d’information de référence sur l’allaitement pour les patientes qui bénéficieront dans le futur de ce type de chirurgie. Matériel et méthodes: Pour cela nous avons effectué un état des lieux concernant les pratiques des chirurgiens sur l’Île de la Réunion, puis nous avons mené une étude rétrospective descriptive concernant les patientes. Résultats: Cette étude a révélé que les patientes sont peu demandeuses d’information mais également que peu de chirurgiens informent systématiquement les femmes en âge de procréer des conséquences sur la lactation, encore moins en cas de mastectomie partielle. Les répercussions de la chirurgie sur la lactation sont fonction du type d’intervention et de la technique opératoire. La lactation reste possible mais la durée moyenne d’allaitement est plus courte après chirurgie et l’insuffisance lactée est la difficulté la plus fréquemment rencontrée. Les éléments de mauvais pronostic sont le recours à une chirurgie de réduction mammaire, une incision péri-aréolaire et l’apparition d’une hypoesthésie mamelonnaire post-opératoire. Discussion et conclusion: Le document d’information que nous avons établi concernant l’allaitement après mastectomie partielle, plastie d’augmentation et de réduction, permet de pallier au manque d’information des patientes et résume toutes les complications décrites dans notre étude et dans la littérature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As in most other species of lemurs, the period of infant care in Verreaux's sifakas (Propithecus verreauxi) coincides with the ecologically unfavourable period of the year. Lactation, in particular, occurs during a period of low food availability so that females are presumably more stressed by the high energetic costs of infant care. We compared the prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites in P. verreauxi at Kirindy forest CNFEREF Morondava before and after the birth season to test the prediction that parasite burden increases with this energetic stress. A total of 112 fecal samples were collected (56 before and 56 after the birth season) from known individuals to assess the parasite species richness of this lemur species. Fecal samples were processed using a modified version of formalin-ethyl-acetate sedimentation. Propithecus verreauxi were found to harbor three species of intestinal parasites. All parasites observed were nematodes, belonging either to the Trichostrongylides (Pararhabdonema sp. and Trichostrongylus sp.) or Strongylides (Strongyloides sp.). Of all individuals tested, 93% were infested with one or several nematode species. The energetic costs of reproduction apparently compromised female immune defense because their parasite intensity, but not that of males, increased significantly after giving birth. Some plants consumed by sifaka, including Tamarindus indica, Poivrea coccinea and Cedrelopsis greveii, have known anti-parasitic properties, suggesting that rates of parasitism might be lowered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé: Même si le nombre de femmes choisissant d’allaiter a augmenté en France, les taux d’allaitement baissent très rapidement au cours du premier mois. Le manque de soutien de la part des professionnels de santé est régulièrement montré du doigt, car avec un accompagnement adapté de nombreux problèmes pourraient être évités. La recherche dans le domaine de la physiologie de la lactation met en évidence l’existence d’une très grande variabilité individuelle dans les caractéristiques anatomiques et physiologiques maternelles ainsi que dans les modalités pratiques de l’allaitement normal. La compréhension de la physiologie de la lactation contribue à améliorer la qualité de l’accompagnement et les chances de réussite de l’allaitement ; elle permet aux professionnels de santé d’aider les mères à résoudre leurs difficultés en se fondant sur des connaissances actualisées. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: This study assesses the management of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS (PMTCT) at Bè Hospital of Lomé, national reference centre in PMTCT. Patients and method: A longitudinal study, cohort type, was conducted from January2004 to December2007 on 322 children following the PMTCT to collect the characteristics of these children and their parents. Results: The average mothers’ age was 28.5. Fathers’ serological status was unknown in 51.5%, serodifferents in 10.9% couples. The nevirapine prophylaxis was administered to 96.3% mothers and 99,4% new-borne babies; the early rupture of membranes was the primary risk factor for MTCT (34.6%) among mothers. Exclusive breastfeeding with ablactation for 4months has been achieved in 41% of children. Only 4.7% of the artificial feeding have been completed on the 58.7% mothers who opted for it at birth. Acute respiratory infections (38.5%), malaria (36.9%) and oral candidiasis (12.4%) have been the major diseases observed in the follow-up. MTCT of HIV1 at 18months old was 9% (14.58% for breastfed children, 5.85% for children fed artificially, P <0.03). Conclusion: The effectiveness of the national strategy of PMTCT is based on the observance of its protocol. Crossing however to triprophylaxis, early diagnosis and infant food safety will help reduce this MTCT of HIV/AIDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and partial breastfeeding until 2 years and beyond. Nowadays, there are important disparities in breastfeeding prevalence among European countries. The authors of this article review the literature on factors associated to breastfeeding duration of more than 3 months. The literature enables them to highlight four interdependent levels in an ecosystemic framework: the mother and her baby (microsystem), the social support and relationships (mesosystem), the health system (exosystem) and the health policies (macrosystem). In order to reach the WHO recommendations, one must act at each level. Work can be done to increase mothers’ information, to get the father more involved, or to improve the formation of health care providers on breastfeeding. After discharge from the hospital, mothers with risk factors must get support in order to improve breastfeeding duration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: Numerous maternal lipophilic compounds are eliminated into milk during lactation, their concentrations reflecting fetal in utero exposure. Some of them are endocrine disruptors. Their role in the occurrence of genital malformation, dysfunction or cancer has been suggested. We wanted to study the exposure of our population and its potential association with cryptorchidism, as few clinical studies are available. Patients and methods: Over three years, we screened for cryptorchidism all boys born alive at or above 34 weeks of gestational age, in two maternity wards (CHU Nice, CHG Grasse). Cryptorchid boys were matched with two controls. Nursing mothers provided a colostrum sample that was screened for 15 compounds known for their antiandrogenic and/or anti estrogenic properties, including dichloro-diphenyl-trichloro-ethylene (DDE), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dibutylphthalate (DBP) (& metabolite monobutylphthalate-mBP) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB). Results: Out of 6246 boys, 102 were cryptorchid (1.6%). All available colostrums (56 for cryptorchid and 69 for controls) were contaminated. Median concentrations of DDE, PCBs, HCB and phthalates were higher though not significantly in cryptorchid versus controls. Cryptorchid boys were more likely to be classified in the most contaminated groups for DDE and ΣPCBs, with a trend for mBP. Odds ratio (OR) for cryptorchidism was increased for the highest score of ΣPCB, with a trend only for DDE versus the lowest score of those components. Our results are similar to those of a Scandinavian study with comparable design. Discussion and conclusions: Our results show the universal contamination of milk with endocrine disruptors in our area, and support the association between congenital cryptorchidism and fetal exposure to PCBs and possibly DDE, alone or in association with other chemicals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The main objective of this study was to better define awareness surrounding milk banks in the female French population. An additional objective was to establish the criteria justifying or discouraging milk donation in these populations. Knowledge of milk banks (existence, role, services) as well as motivation to donate breast milk were evaluated in 3 groups of females: 50 students, 47 breastfeeding mothers and 19 milk donor mothers. The results show that mothers appear well informed about the existence of milk banks whereas students are not. The major motivations to donate milk are altruistic or beliefs about milk production. Not donating milk is justified through a fear about breastfeeding difficulties as well as beliefs relative to the milk quantity and quality. The results indicate the need for diffusing better information about the existence and role of milk banks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: To identify the incidence and risk factors of breastfeeding difficulties in maternity using 3 indicators: excess neonatal weight loss in maternity (EWL≥10%), delayed onset of lactation (DOL≥72 h) and suboptimal infant breastfeeding behaviour (SIBB=IBFAT score≤10). Methods: Descriptive and prospective survey from January 1st to March 15th of 2005. Mothers who gave birth to a healthy, single and term infant were included. Every day, the data were collected in maternity by nursing staff. Analysis of correlation by Spearman''s coefficient or Fischer''s test, bivariate and multivariate analysis of risk factors with logistic regression model. Results: One hundred and eighteen dyads were included. Incidence of breastfeeding difficulties indicators was variable: SIBB day 0: 33.9%, SIBB day 3: 7.6%, DOL: 50%, EWL: 6.8%. Significant correlations between DOL and EWL (correlation coefficient [cc]<0.6; P <0.0043); between SIBB on day 0 and SIBB day 3 (cc=0.289; P =0.0015); between EWL and SIBB day 3 (cc=–0.187; P =0.0418). In multiple logistic regression, significant association between SIBB day 0 and nipple type (OR=15), between DOL and lack of previous breastfeeding experience (OR=2.53), between EWL and elevated neonatal weight (OR=1.22) and use of non breastmilk fluids>60 ml (OR=2.36). Conclusion: Difficulties in the breastfeeding initiation are not uncommon. Influencing factors are not always modifiable. Breastfeeding couples considered at risk should be recognized and should benefit from a special lactation guidance in maternity and from a post-discharge follow-up. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Iodine intakes in humans are variable with age and physiologic status: in pregnant and lactating women, recommended iodine intakes are from 200 to 300 μg/day. Epidemiological studies in France demonstrate the presence of moderate iodine deficiency in the majority of pregnant and lactating women. This iodine deficiency induces maternal thyroid hyperplasia and then development of goiter in women, as well as impaired thyroid parameters. Maternal hypothyroxinemia during the first trimester of pregnancy can be associated with abnormal cognitive development and intellectual outcomes in the newborn and the children. According to the recent recommendations for the prevention and control of iodine deficiency in pregnant and lactating women from the World Health Organization, systematic iodine prophylaxis is indicated in France: 100 μg/day for women of reproductive age and 200 μg/day for pregnant and lactating women in order to eradicate iodine deficiency during pregnancy and lactation, and to prevent their maternal and fetal consequences. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The national data show a receding of the child percentage nursed exclusively to the breast and the length of the breastfeeding. This study is a prospective, descriptive and analytic survey of 211 couples mother–newborn child hospitalised in the Souissi maternity hospital of Rabat in order to describe factors associated with a receding of breastfeeding. We excluded from this study the mothers having been confined by caesarean, those hospitalized in reanimation and those whose newborn baby is deceased. The mean mothers'' age was 29.3±6.7 years. 32% were illiterate and 90% were housewives. 49% of the mothers were primiparas. The difficulties noticed during a previous breastfeeding were mostly due to an insufficient lactation chaps (80%). 70.6% had no idea about the value of the colostrums. Only 22.3% were informed about breastfeeding. Concerning the practices in maternity, 91% of the mothers breastfed their child. The first breastfeeding was given after the first 6 hours of life in 52%. The introduction of the vebena and sugar was noticed in 45.5%. The duration under consideration of breastfeeding was less than 6 months in 30%. Finally, there is still a lack of knowledge about the promotion of breastfeeding in the hospital, particularly in the field of the communication between the women and the health professionals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of EMC-Endocrinologie is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of EMC-Medecine is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose – The aim of this study was to understand the women’s motivations and hindrances for choosing and keeping on with breast-feeding.Population and methods – The survey was conducted in a group of 308 women chosen at random at least three months after their delivery. Practitioners and midwives submitted to them a self-questionnaire.Results – The survey showed that breast-feeding was chosen only in 51% of the cases and that the average duration was of two months. Women who breast-fed were more than 35 years old, multiparous, having personal history of breast-feeding and having followed the courses of preparation for the delivery. The fear of mammary disease (22%) and the constraints of availability (50%) seem to influence the women towards an artificial feeding.Conclusion – The reflation of breast feeding should have financial and social incentive measures. The frame of breast feeding women should be improved notably by a better training of health professionals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]