PSXIII-35 Relationship between early gestation maternal plasma progesterone concentrations and within-litter birth weight variation from Yorkshire sired litters

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine if maternal plasma progesterone (P4) during early gestation influences within-litter birth weight variation in pigs. White crossbred females (n = 589) of mixed parity (1–4) were bred at standing estrus designated as day 0 of pregnancy and again 24 h later using single-sire semen from commercial Yorkshire genetics. At day 7 of pregnancy, a single blood sample from each female was collected, processed for plasma and P4 was analyzed using a validated RIA for swine. Dams were allowed to farrow under normal management procedures and standard litter statistics (e.g., number born alive, piglet birth weight, etc.) were recorded. Within-litter birth weight variation (BWV) was determined for each litter using the coefficient of variation of birth weight. Pearson correlation analysis illustrated there was a low (r = 0.0967) but significant (P = 0.0191) positive correlation between P4 and BWV. Linear regression demonstrated that for every ng/ml increase in P4 during early gestation, BWV increased 0.11 ± 0.04%. For this population, the mean BWV was 19.4% with a SD of 7.8%. When analyzing P4 concentrations from extreme groups of females with high or low BWV [i.e. females with 1 SD above, high group (>27.2%; n = 100); or below, low group (< 11.6%; n = 106) the mean BWV] by GLM procedures, high BWV group females had increased (P = 0.0473) concentrations of P4 during early gestation compared to low BWV group (13.9 ± 1.4 vs. 9.0 ± 1.7 ng/ml, respectively). These data demonstrate a positive relationship for early gestation plasma P4 concentrations with greater BWV; thereby, illustrating that high concentrations of P4 during early gestation influence within-litter birth weight variation in pigs. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Effects of luteectomy on the maintenance of pregnancy, circulating progesterone concentrations and lambing performance in sheep

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rd99079 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 317 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

K. H. Al-Gubory ◽

A. Solari ◽

B. Mirman

Keyword(s):

Corpus Luteum ◽

Maternal Plasma ◽

Gestation Length ◽

Apparent Effect ◽

Plasma Progesterone ◽

Time Period ◽

Before And After ◽

The Mean

In sheep, there have been few and conflicting data regarding the necessity of the corpus luteum (CL) for the maintenance of pregnancy. The aims of the present study were to examine the effect of luteectomy on and after Day 50 of pregnancy on maternal plasma progesterone concentrations and the progression of pregnancy, to determine the minimum placental progesterone support required for the maintenance of pregnancy, and to evaluate the effect of luteectomy on lambing performance. In Experiment 1, four ewes luteectomized on Day 50 of pregnancy aborted 2–7 days after surgery, whereas pregnancy progressed and parturition occurred between Days 143 and 149, with live lambs, in three of four ewes and in four ewes luteectomized on Days 60 and 70 of pregnancy respectively. The mean ( SEM) progesterone concentrations on the day before and one day after luteectomy decreased from 4.87 0.85 to 0.42 0.06 ng mL –1 (P<0.01), from 4.57 0.51 to 0.80 0.12 ng mL –1 (P<0.02) and from 6.05 0.52 to 1.67 0.11 ng mL –1 (P<0.01), respectively, for the ewes luteectomized on Days 50, 60 and 70 of pregnancy. The fall in progesterone concentrations was 90%, 80% and 71%, respectively, for the ewes luteectomized on Days 50, 60 and 70 of pregnancy. In Experiment 2, pregnancy progressed in four ewes luteectomized on Day 70 and parturition occurred between Days 146 and 149, with live lambs. The mean progesterone concentrations declined (P<0.01) from 6.9 0.7 ng mL –1 on the day before luteectomy to 2.1 0.3 ng mL –1 the day after surgery. The concentrations of progesterone in blood collected every 3 h during a 24-h period were stable on Days 60 and 80 of pregnancy, but they were lower (P<0.03) on Day 80 than on Day 60 of pregnancy, for each time period examined. In Experiment 3, the gestation length and birthweights of single, twin and triplet lambs were not different between the control intact ewes (n = 111) and the ewes luteectomized on Days 70–80 of pregnancy (n = 71). Lamb mortality was not different between the two groups (7.2% v. 8.4%, control v. luteectomized). In conclusion, these results showed that (1) the sheep CL is necessary to maintain pregnancy until at least Day 60, (2) progesterone withdrawal induced by luteectomy on and after Day 50 of pregnancy must be of a critical magnitude to provoke abortion, (3) after Day 60 of pregnancy, the CL and the placenta together secrete more progesterone than required for pregnancy maintenance, (4) there is no apparent 24- hour rhythm in maternal plasma progesterone concentrations before and after luteectomy, and (5) luteectomy at mid pregnancy has no apparent effect on gestation length, lamb birthweight or lamb mortality.

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Comparison between clinical estimated fetal weights (CEFW) Versus Ultrasonographic estimated fetal weight (UEFW) for co-relation with actual birth weight (ABW) in 3rd Trimester of Pregnancy

Annals of Gulf Medicine ◽

10.37978/gulf.v3i1.81 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. e1-e4

Author(s):

Rabia Razaq

Keyword(s):

Birth Weight ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Fetal Weight ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Positive Correlation ◽

Study Results ◽

The Mean ◽

Estimated Fetal Weight

Background: Accurate prenatal estimation of birth weight is useful in the management of labour and delivery. Objective: To determine the correlation between clinical estimated fetal weight with actual birth weight in 3rd trimester of pregnancy and to determine the correlation between Ultrasonographic fetal weight assessment with actual birth weight in 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Material & Methods: This cross sectional study with non-probability purposive sampling technique was conducted in three tertiary care hospitals of Punjab, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad, Lady Aitcheson Hospital Lahore and Lady Willington Hospital Lahore. Informed consent was obtained from each female to use their data for research purpose. Demographic details were also noted. Then females undergo CEFW was done by using Johnson’s formula. Then ultrasonography was done on every female by experienced radiologists to get UEFW. FW measurement was done by using Shepard formula. Then females were followed-up till delivery of fetus. Actual birth weight (ABW) was noted on birth. Pearson correlation was used to measure the correlation coefficient for CEFW and UEFW with ABW. P-value≤0.05 was taken as significant. Results: In our study the mean age of the patients was 29.60±6.23 years and the mean gestational age of 33.30±2.31 weeks. The mean BMI value of the patients was 23.08±1.26 Kg/m2, the mean CEFW value 2219.60±556.41 grams while the mean UEFW value of the patients was 2227.77±521.94 grams and the mean value of ABW of the patients was 2284.00±515.29 grams. In our study the positive correlation was found between the CEFW, UEFW with ABW of the baby. Conclusion: Our study results concluded that both the clinical estimation ultrasonography estimation showed the feasible and reliable results. Both showed positive correlation with actual birth weight.

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THE ONTOGENESIS OF HUMAN FOETAL HORMONES. II. LUTEINIZING HORMONE (LH) AND FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE (FSH)

Acta Endocrinologica ◽

10.1530/acta.0.0810808 ◽

1976 ◽

Vol 81 (4) ◽

pp. 808-829 ◽

Cited By ~ 64

Author(s):

Selna L. Kaplan ◽

Melvin M. Grumbach

Keyword(s):

Negative Correlation ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Sex Differentiation ◽

Feedback System ◽

Significant Negative Correlation ◽

Maternal Plasma ◽

Serum Lh ◽

Pituitary Glands ◽

The Mean ◽

High Concentrations

ABSTRACT The content and concentrations of immunoreactive LH (LER-960) and FSH (LER-869) were determined in 79 human foetal pituitary glands from 68 days of gestation to term, and in the pituitary glands of 3 anencephalic infants, 10 infants and children 2 weeks to 7 years of age, and 4 adults. In addition, the concentration of immunoreactive serum LH, FSH, LH-HCG, and HCG was determined in 48 foetuses and 6 anencephalic infants. The mean content of LH in the pituitary glands of the female foetuses increased sharply from 88.2 ± 44.2 ng at 10 to 14 weeks to 4983.8 ± 1128.4 ng at 25 to 29 weeks of gestation. In the male foetuses, the mean content of pituitary LH rose from levels of 21.0 ± 11.6 ng to peak levels of 114.5 ± 57.1 ng at 20 to 24 weeks of gestation. The concentration of LH in the pituitary glands of the children was comparable to that of foetuses at mid-gestation. The mean content of FSH in pituitary glands of female foetuses rose from 7.4 ± 5.2 ng at 10 to 14 weeks to 4788.6 ± 1460.7 ng at 25 to 29 weeks of gestation. In the male foetuses the pituitary content rose from 1.8 ± 0.7 ng at 10 to 14 weeks to 149.5 ± 69.1 ng at 25 to 29 weeks of gestation. The differences in pituitary content of LH and FSH between the male and female foetuses were highly significant from 15 to 29 weeks of gestation. The correlation of the incremental changes in the pituitary content of LH and FSH with gestational age was significant (P < 0.02). Immunoreactive serum FSH was detected as early as 84 days of gestation at a concentration of 11.0 ng/ml (LER-869). Serum FSH rose to peak levels (18.2 ± 3.6 ng/ml) at 20 to 25 weeks in a range comparable to that of castrate adults. A decrease was noted by 30 to 34 weeks to levels of 1.7 ± 0.05 ng/ml, comparable to that in cord samples at term (1.8 ± 0.2 ng/ml). A significant negative correlation with gestational age was shown after the mid-gestational period (P < 0.01). Immunoreactive LH, measured by a specific LH assay, was unaffected by levels of HCG present in the foetus. Immunoreactive LH was present in high concentrations by 99 days of gestation (21.5 ng/ml LER-960). Peak levels were attained by 100 to 180 days of gestation with a decrease at them to less than 1.0 ng/ml. A significant negative correlation was noted between serum LH and gestational age. Serum HCG quantified in a βHCG radioimmunoassay decreased from the relatively high levels in foetuses at 90 to 120 days gestational age to term. The mean concentration in umbilical cord sera was 268.5 ± 161 mIU/ml in contrast to 5400 ± 200 mIU/ml in maternal plasma at term. These data suggest a sex difference in the synthesis and secretion of FSH and LH by the pituitary gland in the human foetus. This sequential pattern of change in the concentration of both serum and pituitary LH and FSH is consistent with the development of a functional hypothalamic pituitary gonadal negative feedback system during foetal life. While the foetal pituitary gonadotrophins do not seem to play a role in the sex differentiation of somatic sex structures in man, the evidence supports an effect on the development of the gonads in females and males and of the differentiated genital tract in the male.

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Correlation of Maternal Hemoglobin with Birth Weight: A Hospital Based Study

Journal of Bahria University Medical and Dental College ◽

10.51985/mzmi4908 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (01) ◽

pp. 13-16

Author(s):

Hamzullah Khan ◽

Khalid Khan ◽

Neelum Shehzadi ◽

Huma Riaz

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Birth Weight ◽

Standard Deviation ◽

Low Birth Weight ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Hemoglobin Concentration ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Low Birth Weight Babies ◽

The Mean

Objectives: To determine the correlation of maternal Hemoglobin concentration in labor with birth weight. Study design and setting: This was cross sectional study conducted in Qazi Hussain Ahmed Medical Complex, (QHAMC) Medical Teaching Institution Nowshera, from 20th April 2019 to 31st Jan 2020. Methodology: A total of 254 deliveries were assessed. All pregnant ladies in labor, presenting to labor room of QHAMC Nowshera, irrespective of age were included. The weight of babies was recorded at birth. Pearson correlation and logistic regression and relative risk analysis were used to show the relationship and probability of occurrence of low birth weight babies in anemic and non anemic patients. Results: The mean with standard deviation of hemoglobin in mothers was 10.76+1.63 g/dl. The mean with standard deviation of birth weight was 2.71+0.6 kg. The frequency of low birth weight babies was 68(26.77%) with weight less than 2500g at birth. A positive linear correlation of birth weight with level of hemoglobin of mother in labor was statistically significant (p=0.001, r=0.35). Using logistic regression analysis, it was observed that the probability of LBW in pregnant women with hemoglobin<11g/dl was 3.31 times higher (p= 0.001, OR=3.31). Conclusion: The frequency of LBW is 26.7% markedly higher and maternal anemia is

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Plasma concentrations of progesterone, oestradiol-17β and 13,14-dihydro-15-oxo-prostaglandin F2α in the pregnant wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus rufogriseus)

Journal of Endocrinology ◽

10.1677/joe.0.0970369 ◽

1983 ◽

Vol 97 (3) ◽

pp. 369-377 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

M. T. Walker ◽

R. T. Gemmell

Keyword(s):

Plasma Concentrations ◽

Prostaglandin F2α ◽

Maternal Plasma ◽

Gestation Length ◽

Birth Process ◽

Plasma Progesterone ◽

Prostaglandin F ◽

The Mean ◽

Uterine Secretions ◽

Mean Concentration

The concentrations of progesterone and oestradiol-17β in the maternal plasma of Bennett's wallaby, Macropus rufogriseus rufogriseus, were measured daily throughout gestation after reactivation of the diapausing corpus luteum by removal of the suckling pouch young (RPY). Progesterone increased from mean concentrations of 382–424 pmol/l (120–133 pg/ml) during lactation to reach peak concentrations of 908 ± 172 (s.e.m.) pmol/l (285 ± 54 pg/ml) (n = 8) 4 days after RPY and 971 ± 220 and 971 ± 229 pmol/l (305 ± 69 and 305 ± 72 pg/ml) (n = 7) 24 and 25 days after RPY respectively. The mean gestation length (RPY to birth) was 26·8 ± 0·6 (s.d.) days (n = 6, range 25·75–27·50 days). Immediately after birth the plasma progesterone concentration declined to 299 ± 51 (s.e.m.) pmol/l (94 ± 16 pg/ml) (n=6). Oestradiol-17β increased from mean concentrations of 291–553 pmol/l (80–152 pg/ml) during lactation to reach a peak concentration of 967 ± 331 pmol/l (266 ± 91 pg/ml) (n = 9) 1 day after RPY. The concentration declined from 7 days after RPY and fluctuated between mean concentrations of 273 and 480 pmol/l before reaching a minimum of 207 ± 69 pmol/l (57 ± 19 pg/ml) (n = 6) 19 days after RPY. A transient increase to 542 ± 207 pmol/l (n = 7) occurred at 22 days after RPY. Plasma concentrations declined to a low of 156 ± 55 pmol/l (43 ± 15 pg/ml) (n = 6) 5 days after parturition. The mean concentration of plasma 13,14-dihydro-15-oxo-prostaglandin F2α was less than 2·8 nmol/l (1 ng/ml) for all samples from 13 days after RPY until 4 days after parturition. The results suggest that oestradiol-17β may be important in the early stages of blastocyst reactivation to synergize with progesterone in stimulating uterine secretions. 13,14-Dihydro-15-oxo-prostaglandin F2α is unlikely to be involved in the birth process and any luteolytic effect is likely to be from a local production of PGF2α.

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Correlation of Ultrasonographic Estimation of Fetal Weight with Actual Birth Weight as Seen in a Private Specialist Hospital in South East Nigeria

International Journal of Reproductive Medicine ◽

10.1155/2019/3693797 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-4

Author(s):

Chisolum Ogechukwu Okafor ◽

Charles Ikechukwu Okafor ◽

Ikechukwu Innocent Mbachu ◽

Izuchukwu Christian Obionwu ◽

Michael Echeta Aronu

Keyword(s):

Birth Weight ◽

Mean Absolute Error ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Absolute Error ◽

Fetal Weight ◽

Percentage Error ◽

Mean Error ◽

The Mean ◽

Route Of Delivery ◽

Private Specialist

Background. Ultrasound estimation of fetal weight at term provides vital information for the skilled birth attendants to make decisions on the possible best route of delivery of the fetus. This is more pertinent in a setting where women book late for antenatal care. Aim and Objectives. The study evaluated the accuracy of estimation of fetal weight with ultrasound machine at term. Methods. This was a cross sectional study conducted at a private specialist hospital in Nigeria. A coded questionnaire was used to retrieve relevant information which included the last menstrual period, gestational age, parity, and birth weight. Other information obtained includes Ultrasound-delivery interval, maternal weight, and route of delivery. The ultrasound was used to estimate the fetal weight. The actual birth weight was determined using a digital baby weighing scale. The data were inputted into Microsoft excel and analyzed using STATA version 14. Statistical significance was considered at p-values less than 0.05. Measures of accuracy evaluated in the statistical analysis included mean error, mean absolute error, mean percentage error, and mean absolute percentage error. Pearson correlation was done between the estimated ultrasound fetal weight and the actual birth weight. The proportion of estimates within ±10% of actual birth weight was also determined. Result.A total of 170 pregnant women participated in the study. The mean maternal age was 30.77 years ± 5.54. The mean birth weight was 3.47 kg ± 0.47, while the mean estimated ultrasound weight was 3.43 kg ± 0.8. There was positive correlation between the ultrasound estimated weight and the actual birth weight. The mean ultrasound scan to delivery interval was 0.8 days (with range of 0–2 days). The study recorded a mean error of estimation of 41.17 grams and mean absolute error of 258.22 grams. The mean percentage error was 0.65%, while the mean absolute error of estimation was 7.56%. About 72.54% of the estimated weights were within 10% of the actual birth weight. Conclusion. The ultrasound estimated fetal weight correlated with the actual birth weight. Ultrasound estimation of fetal weight should be done when indicated to aid the clinician in making decisions concerning routes of delivery.

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PROGESTERONE IN THE HUMAN PERIPHERAL BLOOD IN THE PREOVULATORY PERIOD OF THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

Acta Endocrinologica ◽

10.1530/acta.0.0550091 ◽

1967 ◽

Vol 55 (1) ◽

pp. 91-96 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Benno Runnebaum ◽

Josef Zander

Keyword(s):

Menstrual Cycle ◽

Corpus Luteum ◽

Peripheral Blood ◽

Human Peripheral Blood ◽

Progesterone Concentration ◽

Plasma Progesterone ◽

Progesterone Secretion ◽

Graafian Follicle ◽

The Mean ◽

Mean Concentration

ABSTRACT Progesterone was determined and identified in human peripheral blood during the preovulatory period of the menstrual cycle, by combined isotope derivative and recrystallization analysis. The mean concentration of progesterone in 1.095 ml of plasma obtained 9 days before ovulation was 0.084 μg/100 ml. However, the mean concentration of progesterone in 1.122 ml of plasma obtained 4 days before ovulation was 0.279 μg/100 ml. These data demonstrate a source of progesterone secretion other than the corpus luteum. The higher plasma-progesterone concentration 4 days before ovulation may indicate progesterone secretion of the ripening Graafian follicle of the ovary.

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Studies of the oestrous cycle, oestrus and pregnancy in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

Reproduction ◽

10.1530/reprod/120.1.49 ◽

2000 ◽

pp. 49-57 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

SD Johnston ◽

MR McGowan ◽

P O'Callaghan ◽

R Cox ◽

V Nicolson

Keyword(s):

Luteal Phase ◽

Post Partum ◽

Plasma Concentrations ◽

External Genitalia ◽

Oestrous Cycle ◽

Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽

Pregnant Females ◽

Peripheral Plasma ◽

The Mean ◽

High Concentrations

As an integral part of the development of an artificial insemination programme in the captive koala, female reproductive physiology and behaviour were studied. The oestrous cycle in non-mated and mated koalas was characterized by means of behavioural oestrus, morphology of external genitalia and changes in the peripheral plasma concentrations of oestradiol and progestogen. The mean (+/- SEM) duration of the non-mated oestrous cycle and duration of oestrus in 12 koalas was 32.9 +/- 1.1 (n = 22) and 10.3 +/- 0.9 (n = 24) days, respectively. Although the commencement of oestrous behaviour was associated with increasing or high concentrations of oestradiol, there were no consistent changes in the morphology or appearance of the clitoris, pericloacal region, pouch or mammary teats that could be used to characterize the non-mated cycle. As progestogen concentrations remained at basal values throughout the interoestrous period, non-mated cycles were considered non-luteal and presumed anovulatory. After mating of the 12 koalas, six females gave birth with a mean (+/- SEM) gestation of 34.8 +/- 0.3 days, whereas the remaining six non-parturient females returned to oestrus 49.5 +/- 1. 0 days later. After mating, oestrous behaviour ceased and the progestogen profile showed a significant increase in both pregnant and non-parturient females, indicating that a luteal phase had been induced by the physical act of mating. Progestogen concentrations throughout the luteal phase of the pregnant females were significantly higher than those of non-parturient females. Parturition was associated with a decreasing concentration of progestogen, which was increased above that of basal concentrations until 7 days post partum.

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The relation between second-trimester placental elasticity and poor obstetric outcomes in low-risk pregnancies

Journal of Perinatal Medicine ◽

10.1515/jpm-2020-0464 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Murat Akbas ◽

Faik Mumtaz Koyuncu ◽

Burcu Artunç-Ülkümen ◽

Gökce Akbas

Keyword(s):

Birth Weight ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Value Added ◽

Shear Wave Elastography ◽

Multiple Regression Model ◽

Low Risk ◽

Obstetric Outcomes ◽

Second Trimester ◽

The Mean ◽

Random Measurements

AbstractObjectivesIncreased placental stiffness is associated with various pathological conditions. Our objective was to evaluate the relation between the second-trimester placental elasticity value in low-risk pregnant women and poor obstetric outcomes.MethodsA total of 143 pregnant women were enrolled. Placental elasticity values were measured using the transabdominal point shear wave elastography method. 10 random measurements were obtained from different areas of the placenta. The mean was accepted as the mean placental elasticity value. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent variables associated with obstetric outcomes.ResultsSecond-trimester placental elasticity value was significantly and positively associated with the poor obstetric outcomes (p=0.038). We could predict a poor outcome with 69.2% sensitivity and 60.7% specificity if we defined the placental elasticity cut-off as 3.19 kPa. Furthermore, in the multiple regression model, the placental elasticity value added significantly to the prediction of birth weight (p=0.043).ConclusionsOur results showed that the pregnancies with a stiffer placenta in the second trimester were associated with an increased likelihood of exhibiting poor obstetric outcomes. Also, placental elasticity was independently associated with birth weight.

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Towards Understanding Variability in Droughts in Response to Extreme Climate Conditions over the Different Agro-Ecological Zones of Pakistan

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13126910 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. 6910

Author(s):

Adil Dilawar ◽

Baozhang Chen ◽

Arfan Arshad ◽

Lifeng Guo ◽

Muhammad Irfan Ehsan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pearson Correlation ◽

Principal Component ◽

Mitigation Strategies ◽

Precipitation Extremes ◽

Climate Mitigation ◽

Mean Annual Temperature ◽

Climate Extreme ◽

Ecological Zones ◽

The Mean ◽

Agro Ecological Zones

Here, we provided a comprehensive analysis of long-term drought and climate extreme patterns in the agro ecological zones (AEZs) of Pakistan during 1980–2019. Drought trends were investigated using the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) at various timescales (SPEI-1, SPEI-3, SPEI-6, and SPEI-12). The results showed that droughts (seasonal and annual) were more persistent and severe in the southern, southwestern, southeastern, and central parts of the region. Drought exacerbated with slopes of −0.02, −0.07, −0.08, −0.01, and −0.02 per year. Drought prevailed in all AEZs in the spring season. The majority of AEZs in Pakistan’s southern, middle, and southwestern regions had experienced substantial warming. The mean annual temperature minimum (Tmin) increased faster than the mean annual temperature maximum (Tmax) in all zones. Precipitation decreased in the southern, northern, central, and southwestern parts of the region. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a robust increase in temperature extremes with a variance of 76% and a decrease in precipitation extremes with a variance of 91% in the region. Temperature and precipitation extremes indices had a strong Pearson correlation with drought events. Higher temperatures resulted in extreme drought (dry conditions), while higher precipitation levels resulted in wetting conditions (no drought) in different AEZs. In most AEZs, drought occurrences were more responsive to precipitation. The current findings are helpful for climate mitigation strategies and specific zonal efforts are needed to alleviate the environmental and societal impacts of drought.

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