Elective cesarean delivery affects gut maturation and delays microbial colonization but does not increase necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm pigs

Although preterm birth and formula feeding increase the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), the influences of cesarean section (CS) and vaginal delivery (VD) are unknown. Therefore, gut characteristics and NEC incidence and severity were evaluated in preterm pigs (92% gestation) delivered by CS or VD. An initial study showed that newborn CS pigs (n = 6) had decreased gastric acid secretion, absorption of intact proteins, activity of brush-border enzymes and pancreatic hydrolases, plasma cortisol, rectal temperature, and changes in blood chemistry, indicating impaired respiratory function, compared with VD littermates (n = 6). In a second experiment, preterm CS (n = 16) and VD (n = 16) pigs were given total parenteral nutrition (36 h) then fed porcine colostrum (VD-COL, n = 6; CS-COL, n = 6) or infant milk formula (VD-FORM, n = 10; CS-FORM, n = 10) for 2 days. Across delivery, FORM pigs showed significantly higher NEC incidence, tissue proinflammatory cytokines (IFN-gamma and IL-6), Clostridium colonization, and impaired intestinal function, compared with COL pigs. NEC incidence was equal for CS (6/16) and VD (6/16) pigs, CS pigs had decreased bacterial diversity and density, higher villus heights, and increased brush-border enzyme activities (lactase, aminopeptidases) compared with VD pigs. In particular, VD-FORM pigs showed reduced mucosal proportions, reduced lactase and aminopeptidases, and increased proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 compared with CS-FORM (P < 0.06). Despite the initial improvement of intestinal and metabolic functions following VD, gut function, and inflammation were similar, or more negatively affected in VD neonates than CS neonates. Both delivery modes exhibited positive and negative influences on the preterm gut, which may explain the similar NEC incidence.     

Supplementation of antioxidant micronutrients reduces stress and improves immune function/response in periparturient dairy cows and their calves

BackgroundPeriparturient period induces stress in cows which fluctuates hormonal and metabolic function and causes immune suppression. Apart from impairing the health, production, and reproduction of cows, it also influences the well-being of newborn calves by decreasing the colostrum quality. Micronutrients are known for optimal health and production and their effects on parturition stress, immune response in both cow and its calf need to be explored.AimThe aim of this study was to see the effect of oral supplementation of micronutrients during the prepartum period on the health status of crossbred dairy cows and subsequently on their newborn calves.MethodsA total of 42 healthy multiparous cows were selected and randomly divided into five groups with seven cows in each group, i.e. control (Basal Diet, BD), VA group (BD + vitamin A, 10⁵ IU), Zn group (BD + zinc sulphate, 60 ppm), VE group (BD + vitamin E, 2500 IU), and combined supplementation (CS) group (BD + combination of VA, Zn, and VE). The supplements were offered in compounded concentrate DM (100 g) to individual cows once daily before the morning feeding and the remaining portion was incorporated in the TMR. Feeding was started one month before the expected days of calving till calving. Blood samples were collected from cows at days -15, -7, -3, 0, +3, +7, and +15 relative to the day of calving. Blood samples from newborn calves and milk samples of cows were collected at days 0, +3, +7, and +15. Milk somatic cell counts (SCC) were estimated using a cell counter. Cortisol was estimated by ELISA kit in blood and milk plasma of cows and in the blood plasma of their calves. Total immunoglobulins (Ig) were estimated in milk of cows and serum of calves using zinc sulphate turbidity method. Blood neutrophils from cows and calves were studied for phagocytic activity (PA) using nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) assay.Data were analysed by repeated-measures two-way ANOVA using the mixed procedure of SAS, and the pairwise comparison was performed using a multiple comparison test (Tukey).ResultsCombined supplementation of micronutrients decreased (P < 0.05) maternal blood plasma (control vs. CS group, 5.98 ± 0.20 vs. 3.86 ± 0.23 ng/mL) and milk plasma (3.96 ± 0.13 vs. 2.71 ± 0.10 ng/mL) cortisol, milk SCC (3.05 ± 0.11 vs. 2.12 ± 0.10 × 10⁵ cells/mL) and increased (P < 0.05) total milk Ig concentration (18.80 ± 0.11 vs. 23.04 ± 0.57 mg/mL) and the PA of blood neutrophils (0.84 ± 0.03 vs. 1.07 ± 0.03). Similarly, lower blood cortisol concentration (9.69 ± 0.35 vs. 6.02 ± 0.18 ng/mL) and higher (P < 0.05) total Ig (23.26 ± 0.11 vs. 30.34 ± 0.70 mg/mL) and PA of blood neutrophils (0.37 ± 0.02 vs. 0.52 ± 0.02) were observed in the calves born to CS group of cows as compared to the control. Highest (P < 0.05) positive effects (lower stress levels and higher immune response) of treatment were noticed in CS group followed by VE group and then Zn group. However, VA group didn’t differ from the control group.ConclusionOur results indicate that micronutrient interventions during the prepartum period can improve the health status of dairy calves and subsequently the well-being of their calves.     

The health implications of birth by Caesarean section

Since the first mention of fetal programming of adult health and disease, a plethora of programming events in early life has been suggested. These have included intrauterine and postnatal events, but limited attention has been given to the potential contribution of the birth process to normal physiology and long‐term health. Over the last 30 years a growing number of studies have demonstrated that babies born at term by vaginal delivery (VD) have significantly different physiology at birth to those born by Caesarean section (CS), particularly when there has been no exposure to labour, i.e. pre‐labour CS (PLCS). This literature is reviewed here and the processes involved in VD that might programme post‐natal development are discussed. Some of the effects of CS are short term, but longer term problems are also apparent. We suggest that VD initiates important physiological trajectories and the absence of this stimulus in CS has implications for adult health. There are a number of factors that might plausibly contribute to this programming, one of which is the hormonal surge or “stress response” of VD. Given the increasing incidence of elective PLCS, an understanding of the effects of VD on normal development is crucial.     

Analysis of body measurements of newborn purebred Belgian Blue calves

At calving, purebred animals of the Belgian Blue (BB) breed are compromised by the incompatibility in size and shape of the dam and her calf, resulting in a very high incidence of dystocia problems. To clarify which body parts of the calf are of decisive importance to allow natural delivery and to investigate both the mean value as well as the variation among these body sizes within this breed (variation being an important condition for selection), measurements of nine body parts (body weight at birth (BW), body length (BL), length of the head (LH), shoulder width (SW), hip width (HW), heart girth (HG), withers height (WH) and the circumference of the fetlock of both the front (CFF) and the hind leg (CFH)) were assessed in 147 newborn purebred BB calves on 17 farms. Simple and partial correlations were assessed and we examined whether environmental factors (gender of the calf, parity of the cow, type of calving, season of birth and time of measurement after birth) were significantly associated with these specific calf measurements. The mean BW was 49.2 ± 7.1 kg. The average BL was 56.4 ± 4.5 cm and the mean LH was 24.4 ± 2.3 cm. Measurements obtained for SW and HW were 22.4 ± 2.2 and 22.9 ± 2.1 cm, respectively, whereas the mean WH was 71.1 ± 4.7 cm. Measurements of circumferences revealed a CFF of 17.9 ± 1.1 cm, a CFH of 18.0 ± 1.0 cm and a mean HG of 78.0 ± 5.4 cm. Partial correlations of the BW with eight body measurements were significant (P < 0.01) and ranged between 0.17 and 0.85; 0.42 and 0.88; and 0.24 and 0.88 when corrected for gender, parity and type of calving, respectively. BL (P < 0.01) and the CFF and CFH (P < 0.001) are larger in bull calves than in heifer calves. Calves born through caesarean section had broader SW (P < 0.01) and HW (P < 0.01) when compared with calves born after natural calving (defined as born per vaginam without assistance or with slight traction). Sizes of calves born out of multiparous cows were generally larger than of calves born out of heifers (SW: P < 0.001; HW: P < 0.05). As SW and HW are the broadest points of a BB calf, they are both candidates for being the limiting measures for calving ease, but the difference between HW and SW for the total data set was not different from zero (P > 0.05). In contrast to male calves in which no significant difference (between HW and SW) could be found, female calves show the difference between HW and SW that was significantly different from zero (P < 0.001); thus, in female calves, the HW is the most limiting factor of the calf's body. The significant variation in some body measures between the calves and the strong correlation within these sizes raises the possibility of selection towards smaller calves aiming to limit the dystocia problem in the BB breed. Furthermore, on the basis of our results, we were able to build equations for the farmer to use at the moment of calving containing the LH, the CF and the calf's gender to estimate SW and HW, the limiting body parts of the calf to be born naturally. Together with the knowledge of the pelvic size of the dam, this information gives the obstetrician or the farmer a more accurate prediction of the probability of natural calving at parturition.     

Estimation of genetic trends from 1977 to 1998 of body composition and physiological state of Large White pigs at birth

Genetic trends for body composition and blood plasma parameters of newborn piglets were estimated through the comparison of two groups of pigs (G77 and G98, respectively) produced by inseminating Large White (LW) sows with semen from LW boars born either in 1977 or in 1998. Random samples of 18 G77 and 19 G98 newborn piglets were used for whole carcass and tissue sampling. Plasma concentrations of glucose, albumin and IGF-1 were determined on 75 G77 and 90 G98 piglets from 18 litters. The G98 piglets had less carcass dry matter, protein and energy (P < 0.01) than their G77 counterparts. When expressed in g/kg birth weight, livers were lighter (P < 0.001) and contained less glycogen (P < 0.01) in G98 piglets, with no difference in the activity of the hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase between G98 and G77 piglets. Concentrations of protein, DNA, RNA in longissimus dorsi muscle were unaffected by selection. Plasma concentrations of glucose (P < 0.05) and IGF-1 (P < 0.01) were lower in G98 than in G77 piglets. On the whole, the results suggest that the improvement in lean growth rate and in sow prolificacy from 1977 to 1998 has resulted in a lower maturity of piglets at birth.     

Serum amyloid-A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) plasma concentrations in newborn calves

The concentrations of 2 major bovine acute-phase proteins, haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid-A (SAA), were measured in plasma obtained shortly after birth from 22 healthy calves. In a separate group of diseased calves (n = 8), Hp and SAA concentrations were measured to determine whether newborn calves (up to 4 d old) are able to produce SAA and Hp. In blood samples taken directly after birth, the Hp plasma concentrations were all below the limit of detection. The mean SAA concentration was independent of weight (r = 0.063), degree of acidosis (r = -0.125), sex (p > 0.05), and were not different in calves born after different types of obstetrical help (p > 0.05). In the group of diseased calves, an increased Hp concentration was measured in only 2 of 8 animals, whereas the mean SAA concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in the healthy newborn calves. These data suggest that prenatal stress due to parturition does not form a stimulus for the production of acute-phase proteins in the fetal calf. The low Hp plasma concentrations might indicate that either it takes a few days to establish a detectable concentration of this protein, or that Hp production is not fully developed in newborn calves.     

Birth of large calves that developed from in vitro-derived bovine embryos

High birth weights were observed in calves that developed from bovine embryos produced by in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. After IVM and IVF, embryos were either co-cultured in vitro with oviductal epithelial cells or transferred into the sheep oviduct for development to the blastocyst stage. Blastocysts were transferred to the reproductive tracts of recipient heifers and cows for development to term. Birth weights and gestation periods were compared between calves that developed from in vitro-derived embryos and calves born after artificial insemination (AI) of cows in the herd from which recipient females were selected. Gestation periods were not different among the groups (P > 0.05), but calves that developed from IVM/IVF-derived embryos co-cultured in vitro were larger at birth than calves born from IVM/IVF-derived embryos that developed into blastocysts in the sheep oviduct and calves born from AI (P < 0.001). Dystocia and calf mortality were associated with large calf size at birth. These data were collected from an experiment designed for other purposes, and confounding variables and small sample size could have influenced the observed differences in birth weights. Nevertheless, the extreme birth weights of some calves suggest that abnormal prenatal growth occurs in some IVM/IVF-derived bovine embryos and that conditions for co-culture to the blastocyst stage may exacerbate the problem.     

Short- and long-term effects of temporary early cow–calf separation or restricted suckling on well-being and performance in zebu cattle

Information on weaning techniques in the tropics is scarce, particularly regarding the long-term effect of temporary early cow–calf separation or restricted suckling. Therefore, we studied the effects of these two handling practices on well-being and performance at 150 days postpartum in fifteen zebu cow–calf pairs randomly assigned to three treatments. Continuous suckling (CS) where calves remained with their dams from birth to weaning; restricted suckling (RS) calves were allowed to suckle 30 min/day from Day 34 until weaning at Day 150 and kept separated the rest of the time; temporary separation (TS) calves were separated for 72 h from their dams from Day 33 to 36 but remained with their dams the rest of the time. Blood samples and behavioral data were collected on Days 32–36 (1st period) and 149–153 (2nd period). In the 1st period, a greater percentage of RS and TS calves were observed close to the fence line (< 10 m) that separated them from their dams (P < 0.0001) and vocalized more than CS calves (P < 0.0001), while in the 2nd period, RS calves had the highest cortisol concentration and vocalization rate (P < 0.05). Similarly, during the 1st period, a greater percentage of RS and TS cows were observed close to the fence line than CS cows (P < 0.0001), with TS cows vocalizing the most (P = 0.001). In the 2nd period, RS cows had greater cortisol concentration than TS (P = 0.037) and CS cows (P = 0.003). More TS and CS cows than RS were observed close to the fence line (P = 0.03 and P = 0.05). On Day 150, TS calves and cows vocalized more than RS and CS animals (P < 0.0001). Before calf–cow separation, 27 out of 45 cows were cycling (CS = 10; RS = 6; TS = 11). After separation, 12 of the remaining 18 cows resumed ovarian activity (CS = 3; RS = 5; TS = 4), and all cows were cycling after estrous synchronization treatment. The pregnancy rate was similar between CS, RS, and TS (60, 53, and 60% respectively). In conclusion, temporary separation increased calf distress response to definitive weaning even four months later, while restricted suckling seemed to reduce it.     

Factors associated with passive immunity transfer in dairy calves: combined effect of delivery time,amount and quality of the first colostrum meal

Despite the well-known importance of an adequate colostral immunoglobulin (Ig) transfer to calf health and survival, failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) remains a widespread problem in dairy farming. The aim of this study was to investigate the management factors associated with FTPI in newborn calves, evaluating particularly the combined effect of delivery time, amount and quality of the first colostrum meal. The study was conducted from March to August 2014 on 21 Italian dairy farms. Farmers were asked as first to answer a farm-level questionnaire on calf management. Blood sampling was then performed on overall 244 calves (1 to 5 days of age) born from Holstein cows, and a sample of the first colostrum meal of each calf was collected. Individual information on calves and the respective colostrum management were recorded. Serum and colostrum Ig concentrations were assessed by electrophoresis. A mixed effects multivariable logistic regression model was used to investigate the association of the variables obtained from both the management questionnaire and the individual calf data with FTPI (calf serum Ig concentration <10.0 g/l). A cumulative colostrum management score (CMS) that considered delivery time, amount and quality of the first colostrum meal was generated for 236 calves, with higher values indicating better colostrum management. Overall, 41.0% of the calves were found having FTPI, and within-farm percentage of FTPI was over 20.0% in 71.4% of the farms. The risk of having FTPI was higher both for Holstein purebred calves compared with Holstein-beef crossbreds and for females compared with males. Moreover, it increased by 13% with every hour of delay of the first colostrum meal provision since birth, whereas it decreased by 59% and 3%, respectively, with every additional liter of colostrum given and every additional gram of Ig per liter contained in the colostrum fed. Calf serum Ig concentration varied significantly according to the CMS, increasing by 1.53 g/l with every additional CMS point. In order to completely avoid FTPI, calves should receive at least 2.5 l of high-quality colostrum (Ig concentration >87.6 g/l) within 1.0 h from birth. Considerable improvements are still needed about colostrum management for newborn calves in dairy farms. The results of this study will help in developing farm-specific programs for reducing the occurrence of FTPI.     

Influence of weaning regimen on intake,growth characteristics and plasma blood metabolites in male buffalo calves

Experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of weaning age on growth performance, feed intake, feed efficiency (FE) and blood metabolites in Nili-Ravi male buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves. Twenty-four male buffalo calves were assigned to one of the three treatment groups: continuous milk feeding (CMF), limited milk feeding (LMF) and early weaning (EW), and weaned off milk at 12, 10 and 8 weeks of age, respectively. For the first 3 days after birth, calves in all three treatments were fed colostrum, and were then moved to individual milk feeding at 10% of BW for the next 6 weeks. Thereafter, the provision of milk to the CMF group was gradually tapered to zero through week 12, using week 6 intakes as a base. The LMF calves were fed milk at 7.5%, 5.0%, 3.5%, and 1.5% of BW during weeks 7 to 10, respectively. Lastly, calves in the EW group were fed milk at 5.0% and 2.5% of BW at weeks 7 and 8, respectively. Calf starter (CS) feed was also provided ad libitum from weeks 2 to 12 and individual intakes were recorded on a daily basis. Blood samples were taken from weeks 6 to 12, on a weekly basis; whereas, the BW, heart girth, withers height and hip width were measured at the start of experiment and later on a weekly basis. Weight gain, average daily gain, and body measurements were the same across all three groups. Milk intake was lower (P < 0.05), whereas CS intake was greater (P < 0.05) in the EW calves compared with the other treatment groups. Dry matter intake was greater (P < 0.05) in the EW and LMF calves compared with the CMF calves. The FE was greater (P < 0.05) in the CMF calves compared with the LMF and EW treatment groups. Blood glucose concentration was similar among the treatments; however, blood urea nitrogen was greater (P < 0.05) in the EW calves compared with the CMF and LMF groups. Plasma concentration of non-esterified fatty acids was higher (P < 0.05) in the EW calves compared with the CMF calves. In light of these results, it is evident that buffalo calves can be successfully weaned as early as 8 weeks of age without negatively affecting their growth performance.     

Vetrabutine clorhydrate use in dystocic farrowings minimizes hemodynamic sequels in piglets

The objective was to measure the effects of VC (a uterotonic drug with vasodilator effects) in eutocic and dystocic sows, on the acid-base balance and some vitality traits of piglets at birth. Farrowing was induced with prostaglandin F2α. Four groups of sows (20 sows/group) were monitored; Groups 1 and 2 were eutocic sows, whereas Groups 3 and 4 were dam-fetal dystocic sows. Groups 1 and 3 (control) were given saline, whereas Groups 2 and 4 were given VC im (1.66 mg/kg of body weight) after the first piglet was born. Piglets' physio-metabolic performance was monitored peripartum. Treatment with VC reduced (P < 0.0001) the percentage of intrapartum stillbirths in sows either with eutocic (5.2 vs. 10.0%) and dystocic (7.6 vs. 16.7%) farrowings and increased (P < 0.0001) the number of pigs born alive without any evidence of AFS (89.9 vs. 79.9%, eutocic and 81.6 vs. 65.2%, dystocic). In addition, for the group of pigs with no acute fetal suffering (AFS), VC treatment enhanced survival responses with a half point grater vitality score in Group 4; it also reduced the latency to first teat contact by 6 min (P < 0.05) in both treated groups compared to controls; and it improved the condition of the pigs' umbilical cord, with more adhered (98 vs. 86% in eutocic and 88 vs. 80% in dystocic; P < 0.05) and less ruptured cords. Moreover, VC reduced the severity of adverse physio-metabolic indicators and the acid-base balance of piglets with AFS at birth by lowering blood lactate (89.8 vs. 93.5 mmol/L in eutocic groups and 94.6 vs. 100.2 mmol/L in dystocic groups; P < 0.05), P_aco₂ and Ca²⁺, and by increasing blood pH, HCO₃ and P_ao₂ levels (P < 0.05).     

Production of cloned calves by combination treatment of both donor cells and early cloned embryos with 5-aza-2/-deoxycytidine and trichostatin A

We previously reported that treatment of both donor cells and early cloned embryos with a combination of 0.01 μM 5-aza-2^/-Deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) and 0.05 μM trichostatin A (TSA) significantly improved development of cloned bovine embryos in vitro. In the present study, we investigated the effect of this combination treatment on the in vivo development potency and postnatal survivability of cloned calves. Blastocysts (77 and 82 blastocysts derived from untreated (control) and treated groups, respectively) were individually transferred to recipient cows. Relative to the control group, the combination treatment of both donor cells and early embryos with 5-aza-dC and TSA dramatically increased the cleavage rate (49.2 vs 63.6%, P < 0.05) at 24 h of culture, and blastocyst development rate on Days 6 and 7 of culture (18.8 vs 33.9% and 27.1 vs 38.5% respectively, P < 0.05). Although pregnancy rate did not differ 40 d after transfer, it was lower in the treated than control group 90 d after transfer (7.8 vs 29.3%, P < 0.05). In the control group, there were three calves born to 77 recipients (only two survived beyond 60 d), whereas in the treated group, 17 calves were born to 82 recipients, and 11 survived beyond 60 d. In conclusion, a combination treatment of donor cells and early cloned embryos with 5-aza-dC and TSA significantly enhanced development of somatic cell cloned bovine embryos in vivo; cloning efficiency (number of surviving calves at 60 d of birth/number of recipient cows) was increased from 2.6 to 13.4%.     

Evaluation of Selenium,Redox Status and Their Association with Plasma Amyloid/Tau in Alzheimer’s Disease

The aim of the study was to evaluate blood selenium and antioxidants as possible oxidative stress markers in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) along with amyloid β42 (Aβ42) and tau by comparing them with vascular dementia (VD) and age-matched healthy controls. Selenium, total tau, Aβ42, glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the activities of antioxidant enzymes were analysed in the blood of AD patients (n?=?30), VD patients (n?=?35) and controls (n?=?40) from South India. Plasma Aβ42 level was significantly higher (P?<?0.001) in both AD and VD compared to controls. Total tau and tau-to-amyloid ratio were significantly lower in both AD and VD (P?<?0.001), compared to controls, and a significant difference (P?<?0.01 and P?<?0.05, respectively) was also observed between AD and VD. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve-derived cutoff values of <3.5 for tau-to-Aβ42 ratio and <520 pg/ml for total tau showed sensitivity and specificity of around 67–72 % for differentiating AD from VD and around 90 % for AD from controls, indicating that they could serve as reliable AD-specific markers. The MDA levels were significantly higher (P?<?0.001) in both dementia groups along with a significant decrease (P?<?0.001) in reduced GSH levels, indicating elevated oxidative stress and altered redox status in both forms of dementia. Selenium levels did not vary significantly between the three groups. The activity of glutathione peroxidase increased in both AD and VD compared to controls, with a concomitant decrease in glutathione reductase and glucose-6-phospate dehydrogenase (P?<?0.001) activity. The activity of thioredoxin reductase was significantly lower in both patient groups (P?<?0.001) compared to healthy controls. No correlation was observed between selenium and activities of selenoenzymes, tau, Aβ42 or tau-to-Aβ42 ratio, when analysing independently, indicating that blood selenium may not be directly involved in Aβ production and in regulating tau/Aβ42-mediated mechanism in AD. The present study emphasizes the enhanced oxidative stress in AD pathology and plasma tau and tau-to-amyloid ratio as possible markers to differentiate AD from VD. The study also points that blood selenium may not be involved in regulating oxidative stress in AD, and a longitudinal study correlating plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) selenium and selenoprotein levels is warranted.     

Lack of effect of maternal body mass index on anthropometric characteristics of newborns in twin gestations

We examined the correlation between maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and newborn weight, length, BMI, and gestational order, in singleton and twin births. The sample comprised 381 mothers of multiple babies (562 twins), and 7979 singleton pregnancies, used as controls. The Mann-Whitney non-parametric test was used to compare the values between the two groups, and the Spearman's correlation test (rS) was applied to the quantitative variables. A significant positive correlation was found with singleton baby variables: the higher the maternal BMI, the higher the newborn's BMI, weight, length, and gestational order. However, no significant correlation was found between maternal BMI and any of these variables in twins. Maternal weight gain, in the twin group, showed a significant positive correlation with the newborn gestational order (rS = 0.154; P = 0.002), weight (rS = 0.493; P < 0.001), length (rS = 0.469; P < 0.001), and BMI (rS = 0.418; P < 0.001). In singletons, the correlation was positive with all the variables, except for the gestational order. The newborn BMI was significantly higher in twins born by C-section than those born by vaginal birth (Z = -4.974; P < 0.001). Mothers of singletons delivered by C-section had a significantly higher BMI than those of singletons born by vaginal birth (Z = -1.642; P < 0.001); however, no significant differences were observed in mothers of twins. Prepregnancy maternal BMI in twin births would not be predictive of newborns weight, length and BMI in this population. Maternal weight gain during pregnancy proved to be the most adequate for predicting the weight, length and BMI of twins delivered by C-section.     

Variability of uterine blood flow in lactating cows during the second half of gestation

The main goal of the present study was to measure uterine blood flow volume (BFV) in the second half of gestation in lactating German Holstein cows. Furthermore, it was investigated, if there are individual variations in uterine blood flow and correlations between uterine blood flow and maternal weight and the birth weight of the calf. Forty-four cows were examined via color Doppler sonography in gestation weeks (GW) 21, 25, 29, 33, 37 and 39. The cows were allocated in groups based on the following variables: body weight (light ≤ 575 kg, heavy > 575 kg) and birth weight of the calf (light ≤ 42 kg, heavy > 42 kg). The BFV was measured via transrectal Doppler sonography of both uterine arteries. There was a linear increase in uterine BFV throughout the study period from 3053 ± 1143 ml/min to 16912 ± 5793 ml/min. Variation coefficients for inter-individual variations ranged from 34 to 37%. There was a moderate correlation between uterine BFV and birth weight of the calf in weeks 21 to 37 (0.30 ≤ r < 0.49; P < 0.05) and a good correlation in week 39 (r = 0.60; P < 0.0001). Uterine BFV in week 21 was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in heavy cows (3394 ± 1119 ml/min) than in light cows (2658 ± 1064 ml/min). Compared with light cows, the increase in uterine BFV was 32% higher in heavy cows during the study period. In week 21, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in uterine BFV between cows carrying a heavy calf (3351 ± 1130 ml/min) and those carrying a light calf (2796 ± 1115 ml/min). Thereafter, the increase of BFV was 43% higher in cows with a heavy calf than in those carrying a light calf. Cows with different body weights, but same birth weight of calf showed no differences (P > 0.05) in the increase of BFV, while in cows with the same body weight the rise in BFV was higher (P < 0.05) in those cows producing a heavy calf compared to cows carrying calves with light birth weights. In conclusion, there was a linear increase in uterine BFV in lactating Holstein cows during the second half of pregnancy with marked individual variations. Differences in the rise of BFV were more caused by the fetus than by body weight of cows.     

Ease of calving, blood chemistry, insulin and bovine growth hormone of newborn calves derived from embryos produced in vitro in culture systems with serum and co-culture or with PVA

Blood chemistry (pH, pCO2, pO2, glucose, lactate) as well as plasma insulin and growth hormone of calves derived from embryos produced under 2 different in vitro culture systems (modified SOFaa with 20% serum and co-culture with bovine oviduct epithelial cells [IVP serum, n=8] or with 3 mg/mL PVA [IVPdefined, n=6]) were compared with those of calves derived from AI (n=5). Calvings were classified according to the ease (unassisted, light traction, heavy traction). Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein of calves at 5, 15, 30 and 60 min, and at 2, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h after delivery, then daily for 6 d. At the second day of life after 4 feedings and a 4-h fasting period, a glucose tolerance test was performed to evaluate glucose metabolism and insulin secretion. Calves in the IVP serum group had higher birth weights than AI calves (LS mean +/- SEM, IVP serum: 45.2 +/- 1.4 kg vs AI: 40.4 +/- 1.7 kg; P < 0.05), while the birth weights of calves in the IVP defined group were in between (IVPdefined: 41.9 +/- 1.6 kg). More IVP serum calves (75%) needed assistance than IVP defined (33%) or AI (40%) calves. The effect of ease of calving vs the effect of embryo culture was compared in relation to blood parameters at birth. There was an effect of ease of calving but not of embryo culture conditions on blood pH, lactate and PCO2. Calves requiring heavy traction had lower pH during the first 3 h after calving, a higher lactate during the first 60 min after calving and a higher pCO2 the first 2 h after calving than calves born unassisted. Calves requiring heavy traction also had lower pH the first 2 h and higher lactate the first 3 h after calving than calves born by light traction. IVP defined calves had lower lactate than IVP serum calves the first 60 min after calving. At 6 h after delivery, all blood parameters had stabilized. There was no effect of either embryo culture or ease of calving on basal insulin and growth hormone level, or the ability of the calves to handle glucose postnatally and during a glucose tolerance test.     

Effect of ambient air PM2.5-bound heavy metals on blood metal(loid)s and children’s asthma and allergy pro-inflammatory (IgE,IL-4 and IL-13) biomarkers

BackgroundWe investigated the concentrations of metals in fine particulate matter PM_2.5 in the outdoor air around the home sites of 123 male children from Ahvaz, average age 7.56, along with their blood samples to measure pro-inflammatory responses (Immunoglobulin E and cytokines: IgE, IL-4 and IL-13).MethodsWe measured 6 metals (As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni and Pb) in three Ahvaz’s regions including industrial (Padad), vehicle traffic (Golestan) and control (Kianpars).ResultsThe higher concentrations of metals in the Padad as the industrial ambient air i.e., arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury and nickel coincided with the higher concentrations of those metals in exposed children (P < 0.05) versus the controls. Children in Golestan, the high traffic air pollution area had the highest lead concentrations (p < 0.05). Also a significant association was shown in Padad between blood arsenic and IgE (β = 26.59, P < 0.001), IL-4 (β = 172.1, P < 0.001) and IL-13 (β = 14.84, P < 0.001), blood chromium and IgE (β = 10.38, P < 0.001), IL-4 (β = 75.27, P < 0.001) and IL-13 (β = 5.27, P < 0.001) and blood mercury and IgE (β = 13.11, P < 0.001), IL-4 (β = 108.09, P < 0.001) and IL-13 (β = 7.96, P < 0.001) and blood lead and IgE(β = 0.92, P = 0.025), IL-4(β = 7.16, P < 0.001) and IL-13(β = 0.58, P = 0.003). However, no significant relation was found for Cadmium, Nickel in blood with IgE, IL-4 and IL-13 levels. Moreover, children from industrial areas showed significantly higher concentrations of IgE (mean = 146.44 pg/200landa, P < 0.001), IL-4 (mean = 548.23 pg/200landa, P < 0.001) and IL-13 (mean = 52.93 pg/200landa, P < 0.001) versus Golestan and Kianpars.ConclusionChildren residing in an industrial area with high concentrations of metals in PM_2.5 had high metals in blood and high production of IgE, IL-4 and IL-13, reflecting an immune dysregulation and brisk inflammatory responses.     

Infrared thermography – a non-invasive tool to evaluate thermal status of neonatal pigs based on surface temperature

Hypothermia is a major cause of mortality in neonatal pigs. Infrared (IR) thermography is a promising non-invasive method to assess thermal status, but has not been evaluated for use on neonatal pigs from birth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of IR thermography as a non-invasive tool to estimate body temperature and assess the thermal status in newborn pigs by (1) estimating the relationship between surface temperature and rectal temperature (RT) in neonatal pigs; and (2) estimating the influence of air temperature (AT), birth weight and the time from birth on the relationship between surface temperature and RT. The method was evaluated on the basis of 1695 thermograms and 915 RTs on 91 neonatal pigs born in loose farrowing pens with floor heating at 34°C, and three different ATs (15°C, 20°C and 25°C). Full-body thermograms of the back and the side of the pigs and RT were acquired at 11 sampling times between birth and 48 h after birth. The maximum (IR_max), minimum, average of the full body and ear minimum IR surface temperatures were derived from the thermograms. IR_max had the highest correlation with RT (0.82) and was therefore used in the statistical analysis. The relation of RT by IR_max depended on time at: 0 h (slope: 0.20°C, P<0.001), 0.25 h (slope: 0.42°C, P<0.01), and 0.5 and 1 h after birth (slope: 0.68°C, P<0.001). After the 1st hour (1.5 to 48 h) the relation of RT by IR_max was no longer affected by time (slope: 0.63°C, P<0.001). The agreement between RT and IR_max was improved (P<0.001) after the 1st hour (RT−IR_max 0 to 1 h: 2.02 (1.44)°C; 1.5 to 48 h: 0.95 (0.85)°C). IR_max below 30°C was indicative of piglets having RT<32°C (91.3%). The location of IR_max was identified predominantly at the base of the ears (27/50), other sites in the region of the head (12/50) and the axilla area (8/50). There was a small but significant effect of the angle as IR_max_side–IR_max_back: mean 0.20°C (P<0.001). On the basis of the low difference between IR_max from back and side view thermograms, and the location of IR_max, the angle seems less important and thus the method has the potential to be used without the need for manual restraint of the pigs. On the basis of the results of this study, we propose that IR_max temperature from full-body thermograms has implication as a valid tool to assess the thermal status in neonatal piglets but not as an identical substitute for RT.     

影响脐带血采集质量的相关性因素分析

目的回顾性分析影响脐带血采集质量的母婴因素和采集处理因素。 方法记录389份脐带血的采集量、母亲年龄、孕龄、新生儿体重、分娩方式、新生儿性别、胎次及脐带血采集至计数间隔以及采集方式。用KX-21型全自动血液分析仪进行细胞计数并计算有核细胞总数（TNC）。采用Pearson相关和Spearman秩相关进行相关性分析,采用t检验、Mann-Whitney U检验、方差分析及Kruskal-Wallis H检验进行分组比较,分析影响脐带血采集量和TNC的相关因素。? 结果脐带血采集量与TNC显著相关（r = 0.723,P < 0.001）,脐带血采集量大于80 ml时的TNC显著高于低体积者。在母婴因素中,母亲年龄与采集量及TNC差异均无统计学意义;孕龄与采集量负相关（r = -0.119,P = 0.019）,而与TNC正相关（r = 0.138,P = 0.007）,足月儿脐带血的TNC显著高于早产儿（P = 0.038）;婴儿出生体重与采集量及TNC均正相关（r = 0.236,P < 0.001;r = 0.275,P < 0.001）,体重较大婴儿脐带血的采集量和TNC均显著高于体重较小者（P?< 0.001）;剖宫产的脐带血采集量虽高于阴道分娩（P < 0.001）,但其TNC不及阴道分娩;男婴与女婴在脐带血采集量和TNC之间无显著差异。在采集处理因素中,脐带血采集至计数的时间间隔与采集量及TNC均无显著相关。 结论为提高脐带血的保存质量,应侧重选择胎儿体重较大、经阴道分娩的产妇作为脐带血供者,实验室应首先处理采集量较大的脐带血。