Pearson correlation coefficients (r) between maternal parameters and offspring behavioral outcomes.
| Maternal parameter | Y-maze alternation (%) (working memory) | EPM open-arm time (s) (anxiety-like behavior) | Open Field distance traveled (cm) (locomotor activity) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gestational food intake (g/day, avg) | r = 0.12 (p = 0.48) | r = –0.34 (p = 0.06) | r = –0.28 (p = 0.12) |
| Gestational body weight gain (g) | r = 0.09 (p = 0.61) | r = –0.31 (p = 0.08) | r = –0.25 (p = 0.18) |
| Lactational food intake (g/day, avg) | r = 0.08 (p = 0.65) | r = –0.19 (p = 0.32) | r = –0.15 (p = 0.44) |
Correlations calculated across all groups (n ≈ 36–40 pups with maternal data). Negative r values indicate that lower maternal intake/weight gain was associated with more open-arm time (reduced anxiety-like behavior) and increased locomotor activity. No correlations reached statistical significance (all p > 0.05), but trends were observed for gestational parameters and EPM/Open Field outcomes.
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The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by the University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi, Government of India. The authors also thank National College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli, the Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, National College, Tiruchirappalli, and Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, for providing the laboratory facilities and infrastructure necessary to carry out this research. The authors further appreciate the valuable contributions and dedication of all members of the research team involved in this study.
PGJ: Conceptualization, Methodology, Investigation, Formal analysis, Data curation, Writing—original draft, Writing—review & editing, Supervision. GA: Investigation, Formal analysis, Writing—review & editing. PAP: Methodology, Investigation, Data curation. RP: Formal analysis, Validation, Data curation. MH: Formal analysis, Validation, Data curation. MMJ: Conceptualization, Methodology, Resources, Funding acquisition, Supervision, Project administration, Writing—review & editing. All authors read and approved the submitted version of the manuscript.
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.
The animal study was approved by the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee of National College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli, India (CPCSEA Approval No. 1941/GO/RE/S/17/CPCSEA).
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
The datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are partly included in this published article. Additional data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
This work was supported by the University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi, Government of India [F.No. 43-557/2014(SR)]. The funding agency had no role in the design of the study, collection, analysis, or interpretation of data; writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to submit the article for publication.
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