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Asthma, allergic rhinitis, chronic urticaria, and atopic dermatitis are common diseases that affect hundreds of thousands of pregnant women each year. The authors discuss the use of biologics in women who are pregnant or lactating, indications, available safety information, and knowledge gaps. There are pregnant patients for which standard treatment is either inadequate or contraindicated; in those cases, monoclonal antibodies (biologics) should be considered despite the unknown risk to the fetus. In severe asthma, omalizumab is the best studied with reassuring available safety data. Insufficient safety data exist on mepolizumab, reslizumab, benralizumab, dupilumab, and tezepelumab use during pregnancy and lactation.

To explore the perspectives of lactation support providers delivering breastfeeding education via in-person and telehealth consultations and assess the impact of COVID-19 on the provision of breastfeeding education.Qualitative descriptive study using purposive sampling.Massachusetts-based lactation support providers who provided in-person and/or telehealth consultations in various practice settings (e.g., inpatient; outpatient; private practice; and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children).Fourteen Massachusetts-based lactation support providers, ages 36 to 68 years.Participants completed an online demographic and employment characteristics survey and virtual key informant interviews, from which six main themes were defined.The six main themes included Common Questions Asked by Clients, Prenatal and Postpartum Consultation Topics, Facilitators for Telehealth Versus In-Person Consultations, Barriers for Telehealth Versus In-Person Consultations, Best Practices, and COVID-19 Adaptations. From participant interviews, common subthemes emerged. The primary adaptation due to COVID-19 was shifting to telehealth. Content in lactation consultations was similar via in-person and telehealth sessions. Typical content areas included breast pumping and mother's milk supply. A notable difference was the lack of physical examinations for women and newborns in telehealth sessions. Scheduling flexibility was a key facilitator of telehealth consultations, whereas the inability to provide hands-on assistance and chaotic home environments were common barriers. In-person facilitators included weighing newborns to assess feeding success and insurance billing coverage, whereas unsupportive family members were noted as a barrier. Diversity, equity, and inclusion-related barriers (e.g., language barriers, lack of reflective diversity, lack of stable Internet access) were observed in both settings. Best practices for in-person and telehealth consultations included meeting mothers where they are and focusing on mothers' goals.Practice adaptations adopted during the pandemic and best practice recommendations may be useful for lactation support providers and other health care professionals caring for breastfeeding dyads.

Evaluate the influence of maternal consumption of safflower oil on reflex maturation, memory and offspring hippocampal oxidative stress.Two groups were formed: control group (C), whose mothers received a standard diet, and Safflower group (SF), whose mothers received a normolipidic diet with safflower oil as lipid source. Treatment was given from the 14th day of gestation and throughout lactation. To evaluate newborn development, the reflex ontogeny indicators between the 1st and the 21st days of life were evaluated; to assess memory, from the 42nd day of life on these animals were examined on open field habituation and novel object recognition test. Following behavioral analysis, the animals were anesthetized and decapitated. Hippocampus was rapidly dissected. In the hippocampal tissues, we evaluated the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S transferase (GST) and reduced glutathione (GSH).SF offspring showed delayed maturation of reflexes and improvement of novel object recognition in short-term and long-term (p 0.05). Safflower oil decreases lipid peroxidation evaluated by MDA levels (p 0.001) and increases antioxidant defenses as shown by SOD, CAT, GST and GSH levels (p 0.05). In our study, the composition of flavonoids present in the oil was not evaluated. Furthermore, in a future study, the effect of maternal consumption on female offspring should be verified.Maternal intake of safflower oil could: (1) change neonate reflex parameters, (2) promote improvement of cognitive development in adolescence (3) improve antioxidant enzymatic and non-enzymatic defenses in the hippocampus.

Antibiotic administration is crucial to ensure the health and productivity of dairy cattle. Mastitis is a disease that is typically a result of an intramammary infection (IMI), and antibiotic regimens are implemented to aid in curing IMI. Diagnosis is usually by detection of elevated milk somatic cell counts (SCC) and/or presence of culturable pathogens in the milk. Antibiotic treatment success is associated with the SCC at the time of treatment, though this correlation is still poorly understood. The objective of this project was to evaluate pre-treatment SCC and its association with IMI cure incidence following a standard antibiotic treatment. We hypothesized that pre-treatment SCC would be significantly lower in cases where the IMI ultimately cured compared to cases where the IMI failed to cure. Milk samples were collected aseptically from lactating cow quarters experiencing clinical or subclinical mastitis (n = 52). Clinical mastitis was diagnosed by a trained milking technician and subclinical mastitis was diagnosed at the quarter level as a SCC 200,000 cells/mL and presence of bacterical growth in milk at time of treatment. After collection of the day 0 (D0) milk samples, the SCC was enumerated, and the milk sample cultured. Intramammary antibiotic therapy Cetftiofur hydrochloride (Spectramast® LC) was administered once/day for 5 days. Post-treatment samples were collected 14 d (D14) and 28 d (D28) later. A bacteriological cure was confirmed when both the D14 and D28 samples were free of culturable pathogens. The overall cure rate was 46.2%. Interestingly, the cure rates of antibiotic therapy decreased as pre-treatment SCC increased. Quarters that experienced bacteriological cure demonstrated a lower pre-treatment SCC (507,041 cells/mL ± 127.86 SEM, P = 0.01) compared to cows that did not cure, which had high pre-treatment SCC (1,640,392 cells/mL ± 333.28 SEM). Quarters that failed to cure had higher SCC values 28 days post-treatment in comparison to quarters that cured (P 0.001). Future studies should investigate whether we can develop unique SCC-dependent mastitis treatment protocols which increase mastitis cure rates and enhance overall mammary health.

This study evaluated the variations in fecal pH and particle size due to changes in dietary starch, and the potential of these variations as a tool to detect the risk of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in dairy cows. Nine ruminally cannulated, non-lactating, non-pregnant Holstein cows were used in two 6-week experimental periods. In each period, cows were first fed a forage diet for 1 wk., then transitioned over 1 wk. to a 65% concentrate ration, which they consumed for 4 wk. continuously. Measurements were conducted when cows consumed 17.3, 21.9 and 28.8% dietary starch. Fecal pH and particle size were measured at 0, 4, 8 and 12 h relative to feeding in days 7, 11, 21, 28, 35, and 42 of each period. Ruminal pH was measured every 15 min. Data were analyzed with SAS, the statistical model included concentrate level, time of sampling and period as fixed effects and cow was considered as random effect. Data showed an interaction between dietary starch level and time relative to feeding on fecal pH, with a shift in its pattern due to diet change. Specifically, during low starch feeding (17.3%), fecal pH was highest before feeding and decreased thereafter, reaching lowest value 12 h post-feeding (P 0.05). With the 21.9% starch diet, fecal pH did not change significantly after feeding. However, during high starch feeding (28.8%), fecal pH decreased, being lowest before feeding and increased (P 0.05) during the day reaching highest values at 8 and 12 h post-feeding. Fecal pH was lower (P 0.01) during the days of high starch feeding; though, it was maintained relatively stable through this timeframe. Increasing dietary starch decreased the proportion of small fecal particles (0.5 to 1.18 mm), but increased the proportion of large (1.18 mm) and soluble particles (0.5 mm). There were significant correlations among ruminal pH, fecal pH and fecal particle size of feces collected before feeding. For example, fecal pH was correlated with minimum and daily mean ruminal pH; the proportion of fecal particles 0.5 to 1.18 mm correlated with minimum and daily mean ruminal pH (P 0.01). Log-linear dependency analyses indicated a strong effect of starch intake on fecal pH so that for every kg increase in starch intake, there was a reduction in fecal pH by 0.38 units. In addition, regression analysis showed that the proportion of fecal particles between 0.5 and 1.18 mm showed strong dependency on the ratio dietary physically effective fiber to starch (P 0.01). Ruminal pH also correlated with fecal particle size of frozen/thawed samples, but with lower strength than fresh samples. Overall, evaluating variations of fecal pH and particle size holds potential as a non-invasive on-farm tool for assessing rumen pH and SARA risk.

The transition period in taurine dairy cows is widely reported in the literature. However, little is known about the metabolism of zebu animals and their crossbreeding with taurine breeds during this phase. Considering the importance of these breeds in tropical and subtropical regions, this study aimed to evaluate the feed intake, milk production and hepatic metabolism in Holstein, Gyr and Girolando-F1 (½ Holstein × ½ Gyr) heifers presenting high body condition score (BCS) during the transition period (prepartum weeks -2 and -1 and postpartum weeks +1 and + 3). Twelve heifers of each genetic group were used, totaling 36 animals. Variables considered were blood metabolites related to liver function, dry matter intake (DMI), body condition score (BCS), body weight (BW), milk yield (MY), and fat and protein concentrations in milk. Gyr heifers had the lowest concentrations of paraoxonase in weeks -2 (43.13 U/mL), -1 (62.10 U/mL) and + 3 (77.89 U/mL), albumin in week -1 (3.07 g/dL), and the highest concentration of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in weeks -2 (1.35 mmol/L) and -1 (1.19 mmol/L). β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and NEFA values were negatively correlated with prepartum DMI (-0.82 and -0.57, respectively), while paraoxonase was positively correlated to DMI (0.54). Gyr cows were more susceptible to inflammation despite having intermediate BCS and lower milk yield. Girolando-F1 animals showed the highest BCS among groups, although their hepatic metabolism had better results than Gyr cows. Holstein animals had lower lipomobilization and higher DMI and MY between breeds. These results suggest that the metabolism of zebu and crossbred cows does not react equally to the metabolism of Holstein cows concerning stress factors such as transition period and obesity. Therefore, the present study addresses an emerging theme that highlights the need for differentiated management during the transition period between the different breeds studied in order to ensure the maximum health and welfare of these animals.

Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) have an indispensable role in guiding the selection of various treatments for insomnia, however, little is known about the quality of released insomnia CPGs. This study aims to critically appraise the quality of existing insomnia CPGs and identify quality limitations.PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, China Biology Medicine disc, and 6 databases of international guideline developing institutions were systematically searched. CPGs on the diagnosis or treatment of insomnia were included. Reviewers independently extracted basic information and development methods, and assessed methodological quality and reporting quality using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II tool and Reporting Items for practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT) checklist respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to measure the agreement among reviewers and assess inter-rater reliability.Twenty-six CPGs were identified that focused on adults, children, or children with autistic spectrum disorder, patients in the intensive care unit, patients with cancer and pregnant, lactating or menopausal women. Twenty-two CPGs used nine grading systems to rate the level of evidence and strength of recommendation. 53.85% CPGs were classified as "recommended with modification" according to the AGREE II scores (ICC from 0.64 to 0.90), and 2 CPGs were "recommended". The "clarity of presentation" domain achieved the highest mean score (67.9% ± 11.04%) but the "applicability" domain (37.1% ± 12.67%) achieved the lowest. The average reporting rate of RIGHT items in all guidelines was 67.87%.The quality of guidelines varied substantially. Guideline developers should realize the importance of guideline applicability, patients' preferences and values.

Bovine mastitis, especially subclinical mastitis (SCM), is one of the most prevalent and economically costly diseases in the dairy industry worldwide. Understanding the prevalence and spatial distribution of bovine SCM and its associated risk factors will facilitate the prevention and control of the disease. We reviewed published studies pertaining to epidemiological surveys of SCM among dairy cows during the past decade (2012-2021) in China from inception to March 20, 2020, with PubMed, Clinical Trial, VIP, CNKI and databases being used to identify English and Chinese articles. Therefore, we retrieved 41 studies related to epidemiological surveys of SCM among dairy cows, using our eligibility criteria. We demonstrated that the prevalence of SCM in dairy cows was 37.7% during the selected periods, indicating a slight increase in the incidence of SCM in a comparison between 2012 and 2016 and 2017-2021. The estimated prevalence of SCM was 36.4%-50.2% in the seven regions, which was no statistically significant difference. The highest prevalence of SCM was 72% in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and the lowest prevalence was 19% in Hubei Province. The variation in diagnostic methods was not significant in the studies. Dairy cows' parity was a risk factor associated with the prevalence rate of SCM. Cow's age might affect the prevalence of SCM during the selected periods. This study may facilitate the control with specific strategies to reduce costs and antibiotics overuse, enhance food safety and public health.

The vaccine decision-making process of pregnant and lactating women is complex. Regarding COVID-19, pregnant women are at increased risk for severe disease and poor health outcomes. While pregnant and lactating women were excluded from COVID-19 vaccine trials, available evidence suggests that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and protective during pregnancy. In this study, we used a socio-ecological approach to explore factors influencing the decision-making process for COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant and lactating women in Kenya, for the purpose of informing demand generation strategies. As pregnant and lactating women are influenced by many factors, we conducted 84 in-depth interviews with a variety of stakeholders, including 31 pregnant or lactating women, 20 healthcare workers such as nurses, midwives, doctors, and frontline workers, 25 male family members of pregnant or lactating women, and 8 gatekeepers such as community leaders and faith-based leaders. These individuals were recruited from six communities in Kenya: three urban, and three rural. We applied a grounded theory approach to identify emerging themes and organized emerging themes using the SAGE Vaccine Hesitancy model, which includes three categories of determinants of vaccine acceptance, including contextual influences, individual and group influences, and vaccine and vaccination specific issues. Myths, interpersonal norms, and religion emerged as themes related to contextual influences. Safety, risk perception, and the role of the healthcare worker emerged as themes related to individual and group influences. For vaccine and vaccination specific issues, emerging themes included availability, accessibility, and eligibility. While maternal immunization can substantially reduce the effect of infectious diseases in mothers and infants, vaccine acceptance is critical. However, vaccines do not save lives; vaccination does. We hope the results of this study can be used to tailor communication efforts to increase vaccine demand among pregnant and lactating women.

In order to expand previous knowledge about the farrowing process of hyperprolific sows, the effect of calcium, magnesium and phosphor concentration in the blood and the importance of husbandry were examined. The study was performed in a small educational agriculture institution in Germany comprising 61 sows of a hyperprolific hybrid line (BHZP db.Viktoria). The sows were either kept in farrowing crates (n = 36) or pens (n = 25). Blood samples were taken every 30 min during the farrowing process, using a central venous catheter (Cavafix Certo®, 16G, 32 cm, B. Braun SE, Melsungen, Germany) placed in an ear vein. Samples for ionized calcium concentration (Ca

Ethiopian women have been reported to have low plasma 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol (25(OH)D) concentrations despite an abundance of sunshine. Low dietary vitamin D intake, limited skin exposure to sun, and genetics are among factors suggested to affect vitamin D status in this population. In this study (Clinical Trial NCT02210884), we hypothesized that polymorphisms in the vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) gene (rs7041, rs4588) are associated with reduced plasma 25(OH)D concentrations in Ethiopian women. Lactating Ethiopian women (n = 110) were randomly assigned to weekly administration of vitamin D3 (15,000 IU) or a placebo. Plasma 25(OH)D was measured at baseline (within 2 weeks of delivery, before supplementation) and at 3, 6, and 12 months after delivery. Associations between VDBP polymorphism status for rs7041 and rs4588 and plasma 25(OH)D were determined by analysis of variance and multiple linear and logistic regressions. Multiple linear regression with maternal age as a covariate revealed that rs7041 is associated with reduced plasma 25(OH)D (P = .021) and more risk alleles at rs7041 and rs4588 are associated with reduced plasma 25(OH)D (P = .017). Logistic regression models for vitamin D insufficiency showed that additional risk alleles for rs7041 and rs4588 are associated with increased odds ratios (OR = 1.66; 95% CI, 1.10-2.62; P = .019) for plasma 25(OH)D below 40 nmol/L. Supplementation increased plasma 25(OH)D at 3 months in women with fewer risk alleles and across all genotypes at 6 and 12 months. VDBP polymorphisms may contribute to vitamin D insufficiency in Ethiopian lactating women. Furthermore, VDBP polymorphisms may blunt short-term responses to vitamin D supplementation and require longer periods of intervention.

To describe lactation outcomes among of a cohort of mother-infant dyads in which the women had an individualized prenatal nutrition consultation intervention.Descriptive cohort study.A free-standing children's hospital with a center for fetal diagnosis and treatment and a specialized maternity unit.A total of 160 women who had prenatal nutrition consultations in 2014 to 2017 and gave birth to infants with known congenital anomalies and required intensive care after birth.We surveyed women regarding their lactation outcomes after the Breastfeeding Report Card metrics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and obtained permission to abstract demographic and clinical information from the setting's electronic health record. We analyzed data with standard descriptive statistics.Among the cohort, 86.9% (n = 139) of participants intended to provide human milk or combination feeding in the prenatal period. A total of 128 (92.1%) infants were first exposed to human milk enterally. At the time of discharge, 92.1% (n = 128) of the infants received human milk. The breastfeeding outcomes of the cohort significantly surpassed national data: initiation (98.1% vs. 84.1% national), breastfeeding at 3 months (89.4%), exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months (60% vs. 46.9% national), breastfeeding at 6 months (76.9% vs. 58.3% national), exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months (45% vs. 25.6% national), breastfeeding at 12 months (50.6% vs. 35.3% national), and breastfeeding beyond 12 months (34.4%).Lactation outcomes among women who had prenatal nutrition consultations far surpassed national data, and this intervention has implications for family-centered prenatal care, informed decision making, and improved breastfeeding outcomes in the hospital setting and postdischarge.

A severe negative energy balance and high circulating free fatty acids (FFA) in postpartum cows impair fertility. The lipotoxicity of FFA has been shown to decrease the quality of bovine oocytes in vitro. Therefore, excess FFA in cells is converted to triacylglycerol (TAG), a non-toxic form, to avoid lipotoxicity. We recently reported that the TAG content in oocytes was higher in postpartum lactating cows subjected to grazing management than in heifers (Theriogenology 176: 174-182, 2021). The present study investigated the compositions of the energy metabolism-related lipids, FFA and TAG, in the plasma and oocytes of cows at different lactation stages under indoor intensive feeding management in order to obtain insights into lipotoxicity in oocytes, particularly those in early postpartum cows. Blood and oocytes were collected from 20 lactating cows categorized into the following lactation groups: 20-30 days in milk (DIM) (n = 5), 40-50 DIM (n = 5), 60-80 DIM (n = 5), and 130-160 DIM (n = 5). Daily energy balance data were obtained for 3 weeks prior to oocyte collection using the ovum pick up (OPU) method. The contents and compositions of FFA and TAG in plasma and oocytes were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. As expected, plasma FFA was high at 20-30 DIM, decreased by 50 DIM, and was maintained at a low level for the remainder of the experimental period. Similar changes were observed in oocyte FFA and TAG with DIM as plasma FFA. Oocyte FFA positively correlated with plasma FFA (P 0.05), but negatively correlated with the mean energy balance 1 and 21 days before OPU (P 0.05). Relationships were noted between the composition and content of FFA in plasma and oocytes, with the FFA 16:1/16:0 and 18:1/18:0 ratios positively correlating with the total amount of FFA (P 0.05). Elevated oocyte FFA in cows in the early postpartum period under intensive feeding management suggested that oocytes were at a high risk of FFA lipotoxicity. Furthermore, the present results implied that the severe negative energy balance in the previous few weeks was closely related to increases in oocyte FFA, which supports the importance of long-term cow feeding management for preserving the quality of oocytes in the early postpartum period. The present results provide insights into the effects of high circulating FFA on the fertility of postpartum cows.

Bovine ischaemic teat necrosis (ITN) is an emerging disease of unknown aetiology affecting mostly dairy cows in the early stages of first lactation and a substantial welfare concern frequently leading to premature culling and economic losses. Specific diagnostic criteria are lacking. The aims of this study were to develop an appropriate ITN grading system, describe the histopathological changes and investigate the potential aetiological role of several pathogens in 47 cows with 73 ITN lesions from 28 farms. ITN lesions were allocated to one of three broad macroscopic categories: presence of a non-proliferative lesion on the teat (type 1); proliferative teat lesion with crusting (type 2); severe purulent to eosinophilic, ulcerative and necrotising dermatitis and sloughing or total absence of the teat (type 3). Lesions were mostly observed on the medial aspect of the teat but there was no anatomical predisposition as to which teats were more frequently affected. In approximately 50% of the ITN teats reviewed, the lesions were continuous with the skin of the udder and 34.2% of cases had sloughed or partially sloughed teats. The main histological findings were: focally extensive severe purulent to eosinophilic, ulcerative and necrotizing dermatitis; serocellular crust formation; and epidermal hyperplasia with dyskeratosis. Some lesions also had leucocytoclastic to eosinophilic vasculitis and thrombosis with ischaemic necrosis. Macroscopic and histological analyses confirmed the suspected ischaemic nature of the lesions but the specific aetiopathogenesis was elusive with a wide range of bacteria present, probably as opportunistic infections. However, Treponema spp and Orthopox virus were excluded as major aetiological agents. This study establishes a foundation for further investigations of the pathogenesis of bovine ITN and a basis for consistency in diagnosis and classification of the stage of disease. The findings are also key to further understanding disease progression and prognosis.

The variation of gestation length in sows leads to difficulties performing farrowing supervision. The present study was performed to investigate whether oral administration of altrenogest until 112 days of gestation and double administration of PGF2α at 113 days of gestation can synchronise the onset of parturition in sows and minimise deleterious effects on the incidence of stillbirths and colostrum quality. Additionally, the effects of synchronised farrowing on colostrum yield and piglet birth weight, colostrum intake and survival rate of piglets until seven days of postnatal life were also investigated. In total, 193 Landrace x Yorkshire crossbred sows were randomly allocated according to parity number into two groups, i.e. control (n = 95) and treatment (n = 98). The control sows were allowed to farrow naturally. The treatment sows were orally administered 20 mg per day of altrenogest for four days from 109 to 112 days of gestation and were administered PGF2α twice on day 113 of gestation. Individual body weight at birth and 24 h after birth of piglets in all litters were determined in both control (n = 1609) and treatment (n = 1707) groups. Colostrum consumption of all piglets, colostrum yield, colostrum IgG and serum progesterone of sows were determined. On average, the total number of piglets born per litter were 17.0 ± 3.1. The proportion of sows farrowed before 114 days of gestation was higher in the control than the treatment group (8.4% and 2.0%, respectively, P = 0.05) and 92.8% of sows in the treatment group farrowed on day 114 of gestation. The percentage of stillborn piglets per litter did not differ significantly between control and treatment groups (4.5% and 4.6%, respectively). Colostrum yield of sows did not differ between control and treatment groups (5.52 ± 0.13 and 5.28 ± 0.12 kg, respectively, P = 0.174). However, colostrum intake of piglets was lower in the treatment than the control group (354.7 ± 6.6 and 381.2 ± 7.0 g, respectively, P = 0.012). Colostrum IgG was higher in the control than the treatment group (41.2 ± 1.1 and 37.3 mg per ml, P = 0.013). In conclusion, altrenogest treatment from 109 to 112 days and double administrations of PGF2α on day 113 of gestation can control gestation length in sows. No deleterious effects of this protocol on the incidence of stillbirths and sow colostrum yield were detected. However, piglet colostrum intake and colostrum IgG were compromised. Thus, care of newborn piglets in the treatment group should be considered.

Hypocalcemia, defined as total blood calcium concentrations below 2.1 mM, has detrimental impacts on welfare, production and reproduction in dairy cattle. Yet, no cow-side test exists for testing total bovine blood calcium. Here, we modified the split trehalase complementation assay to detect total calcium in serum by incorporating calmodulin and the M13 peptide as fusion partners to the trehalase fragments. In the presence of calcium, calmodulin undergoes a conformation change and gains strong affinity for M13 peptide. A high reactive assay for calcium was developed with detection threshold of 10 uM and dynamic range between 1 uM and 1 mM. The addition of a specific concentration of calcium chelator, EDTA, in mild acidic conditions, shifted the dynamic range to physiological calcium concentrations and transformed the sensor from ionized calcium sensor to total calcium sensor. The sensor was validated on a collection of 213 bovine serum samples by comparison with quantitative colorimetric calcium test. A correlation coefficient of 0.81 was achieved and the accuracy of detecting subclinical hypocalcemia was 0.86 and specificity of 100%. The area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve was 0.93. The concordance correlation coefficient (0.80), Bland-Altman plot and weighted Kappa coefficient (0.71) demonstrated a substantial agreement between both methods. In conclusion, a novel total calcium test was developed that can be used as a convenient high throughput laboratory test and with potential to be incorporated into a version compatible with on-farm testing.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025, included guidelines for pregnancy, lactation, and children from birth to age 24 mo (B-24) to reflect the growing body of evidence about appropriate nutrition during the earliest stages of life. Guidelines were based on a thorough review of the existing scientific evidence by the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC). This study's objective was to enumerate early-life (pregnancy, lactation, and B-24) nutrition research needs that are already being addressed by the scientific community and to identify remaining research gaps. The Scientific Report of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee was reviewed, and 138 research gaps relevant to early life were identified. Research gaps were consolidated into 13 topic areas. A total of 1632 nutrition- and early-life–focused research projects funded by the NIH between 2018 and 2020 were manually coded using title, abstract, and public health relevance statement available on NIH RePORTER. Projects were coded as affirmative if they addressed a research gap within 1 of the 13 research gap topic areas. Of coded projects, 235 (14.4%) addressed any early-life nutrition research gap. Between fiscal years 2018 to 2020, total costs of projects addressing any gap represented only 15% of total costs for all projects reviewed. Complementary foods, breastfeeding (never vs. ever), and frequency of eating were research gap areas most frequently coded as being addressed by a funded project. Iron supplementation, seafood consumption, and maternal diet food allergens were research gap areas least frequently coded as being potentially addressed by a funded project. This analysis highlights opportunities for changes in the federal government investment in maternal and child nutrition research to support development of effective, evidence-based dietary guidelines for improvement in early-life nutrition practices and overall public health.

This study aimed to evaluate animal and ovarian parameters that affected fertilization and embryo development up to the morula stage. The data were combined from four studies in which cows were inseminated between 46 and 60 days in milk, following a synchronization protocol, and flushed for embryo collection five or six days later. Parity and body condition score on the day of insemination were recorded. Cyclicity, ovarian structures, and circulating hormone concentrations before and on the day of insemination were also assessed. The recovered structures were graded on a 5-point scale (excellent-good quality, fair quality, poor quality, degenerated, and not fertilized). For recovered embryos, the total number of blastomeres, the number of nonviable blastomeres, and the number of accessory spermatozoa were assessed by epifluorescence microscopy. The risk factors for fertilization and embryo quality were identified using cumulative link mixed models. A total of 418 structures from 389 lactating Holstein cows (34% primiparous and 66% multiparous) were recovered. Thirty-five percent of the recovered structures were excellent-good quality embryos, 21% were fair quality embryos, 11% were poor quality embryos, 16% were degenerated embryos, and 17% were unfertilized oocytes. Structures from primiparous cows, from those with greater progesterone concentration at insemination, and from cows with seven or less accessory spermatozoa were less likely to be fertilized or of better quality than structures from multiparous cows, from those with lower progesterone concentration in plasma, and from those with more than seven accessory spermatozoa, respectively. Embryos with more blastomeres or without nonviable blastomeres were more likely to be of better quality than embryos with fewer blastomeres or with nonviable blastomeres. The results of this analysis highlight the importance of low circulating concentrations of progesterone near artificial insemination and potential positive association with number of accessory spermatozoa reaching the embryo and improvement of embryo development up to the morula stage.

Vaccination is the best strategy against COVID-19. We aimed to determine antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in breastmilk and serum of mothers vaccinated with the mRNA vaccine.This prospective study included 18 lactating women vaccinated with the BNT162b2 vaccine. Serum and breastmilk were collected before the first dose (T0), at the second dose (T1), 3 weeks after the second dose (T2), and 6 months after the first dose (T3). Serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin A (IgA) were measured using a semi-quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and secretory antibody (s) IgG and IgA in breastmilk using quantitative analysis.We detected serum anti-S IgG and IgA in all women after vaccination. Specific IgG and IgA were higher at T1, T2, and T3 compared with T0 (P 0.0001). Higher antibody levels were observed at T2 and lower values at T3 versus T2 (P = 0.007). After 6 months, all patients had serum IgG, but three of 18 (16%) had serum IgA. In breastmilk, sIgA was present at T1 and T2 and decreased after 6 months at T3 (P = 0.002). Breastmilk sIgG levels increased at T1 and T2 and peaked at T3 (P = 0.008).Secretory antibodies were transmitted through breastmilk until 6 months after anti-COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. Protection of the newborn through breastfeeding needs to be addressed.

We estimated genetic parameters for two in vivo embryo production-related superovulatory response traits-total number of embryos and oocytes (TNE) and number of good embryos (NGE)-in Japanese Black donor cows through Bayesian count regression analysis. We used 20,257 records of superovulation treatments from 1546 Japanese Black cows, with 1102 (5.4%) zero-count records for TNE and 3533 (17.4%) for NGE. Two generalized mixed linear models (MLMs; repeatability animal models)-Poisson (POI) and zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) regression models-were fitted to the untransformed phenotypic records. A Gaussian MLM was also fitted to untransformed phenotypic records (GAU), natural log-transformed records (LOG), and records with Anscombe's variance stabilizing transformation (ANS). The estimated heritabilities and repeatabilities of TNE were 0.30 and 0.43 by POI, 0.35 and 0.47 by ZIP, 0.27 and 0.36 by GAU, 0.21 and 0.31 by LOG, and 0.24 and 0.35 by ANS, respectively. Those of NGE were 0.29 and 0.36 by POI, 0.31 and 0.40 by ZIP, 0.18 and 0.25 by GAU, 0.19 and 0.24 by LOG, and 0.20 and 0.25 by ANS, respectively. Under the ZIP, the estimated heritabilities and repeatabilities of the probability of zero counts were 0.43 and 0.71 for TNE and 0.42 and 0.51 for NGE, respectively, and the rank correlations between estimated breeding values of the 1546 donor cows for superovulation response and those for the probability of zero count were around -0.40 for TNE and -0.50 for NGE.

Low vitamin A (VA) status is common among lactating women in low-income countries. Lactation has substantial effects on mother's metabolism and VA is required in multiple biological processes, including growth, vision, immunity, and reproduction. The objective of this pilot study was to use metabolomics profiling to conduct a broad, exploratory assessment of differences in plasma metabolites associated with low VA status versus VA adequacy in lactating women. Plasma samples from lactating women who participated in a survey in Samar, Philippines, were selected from a cross-sectional study based on plasma retinol concentrations indicating low (VA-; n = 5) or adequate (VA+; n = 5) VA status (plasma retinol0.8 or1.05 µmol/L). The plasma results collected from 6 metabolomics assays (oxylipins, endocannabinoids, bile acids, primary metabolomics, biogenic amines, and lipidomics) were compared by group using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Twenty-eight metabolites were altered in the VA- versus VA+ status groups, with 24 being lipid mediators (P.05). These lipid mediators included lower concentrations of arachidonic acid- and eicosapentaenoic acid-derived oxylipins, as well as lysophospholipids and sphingolipids, in the VA- group (P.05). Chemical similarity enrichment analysis identified hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acids, hydroxy-eicosapentaenoic acids, and dihydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acids as significantly altered oxylipin clusters (P.0001, false discovery rate [FDR] P.0001), as well as sphingomyelins, saturated lysophosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylcholines, and phosphatidylethanolamines (P.001, FDR P.01). The multiassay nutritional metabolomics profiling of low VA status compared with adequacy in lactating women was characterized by reduced lipid mediator concentrations. Future studies with stronger study designs and larger sample size are needed to confirm and validate these preliminary results.

Two experiments determined whether the addition of GnRH at the beginning of an estradiol (E2)/progesterone (P4)- based synchronization protocol and/or a second dose of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) the day before P4 device removal improves pregnancy rate in lactating dairy cows. On Day 0, all cows received a CIDR-B device and 2 mg i.m. estradiol benzoate, and half received 200 μg i.m. gonadorelin acetate (GnRH). On Day 7, cows were further subdivided to receive PGF2α (500 μg i.m. cloprostenol) or no PGF2α treatment. On Day 8, CIDR-B were removed, and all cows received PGF2α, 1 mg estradiol cypionate and 400 IU eCG i.m., and an estrus detection aid. Experiment 1 was designed to evaluate the effect of treatments on follicular development from P4 device removal to ovulation, expression of estrus, time of ovulation and serum P4 concentrations. Cows (n = 76) were examined by ultrasonography and bled for serum P4 determinations every 12 h from the time of P4 device removal but were not inseminated. In Experiment 2, all cows (n = 1036) were inseminated based on estrus detection using tail-paint. Cows with50% of the paint rubbed-off by 48 h after P4 device removal were inseminated at that time, whereas those not in estrus received 100 μg i.m. of GnRH and were inseminated 12 h later. In Experiment 1, the interval from P4 device removal to ovulation was 71.7 ± 1.5 h and did not differ among groups. However, cows that received 2 injections of PGF2α had a greater (P 0.01) estrus rate and lower (P 0.01) P4 concentrations at 48 h after P4 device removal than those that received 1 PGF2α (estrus rate: 86.8% vs 68.4% and P4 concentration: 0.12 ± 0.01 vs 0.36 ± 0.07, for 2 and 1 PGF2α, respectively). In Experiment 2, estrus rate was also influenced by the number of PGF2α treatments, regardless of whether cows received or did not receive GnRH on Day 0 (2 PGF2α: 84.7%, 438/517 vs 1 PGF2α: 65.7%, 341/519; P 0.01). Furthermore, there was a GnRH treatment by number of PGF2α treatments interaction (P 0.05) on P/AI that was attributed to greater (P 0.05) P/AI in cows that received GnRH on Day 0 and 2 PGF2α than in the other three treatment groups (EB+1 PGF2α: 45.2%, 119/263; EB+2 PGF2α: 45.8%, 119/260; EB + GnRH + 1 PGF2α: 45.7%, 117/256 and EB + GnRH + 2 PGF2α: 57.2%, 147/257). It was concluded that the addition of GnRH on Day 0 and a second dose of PGF2α the day before P4 device removal improves P/AI in lactating dairy cows synchronized with an estradiol/P4-based protocol.

Postpartum diseases (PD) in dairy cows cause serious concerns about economic losses worldwide. This study intended to investigate the relationship between PD susceptibility and counts of monocyte subgroup cells (MCC), in the blood samples taken from 27 German Holstein cows 42 and 14 days before the expected calving by adopting the Bayesian approach. The paper also aimed to discuss the prior selection problem in the Bayesian approach and to reveal the parameter estimation difference based on the available data. The parameters were estimated according to the models established at two different time points with eight different prior distributions. As a result of the study, all the models revealed strong evidence that cows with PD, compared to healthy cows, had a higher increase in MCC counts on Day 14. There was no difference between the models according to their WAIC and LOO values. In terms of the parameter estimates, the models produced identical results; however, the models with noninformative priors presented strong evidence for the absence of effects by Bayes factor but, provided evidence for the existence of the effect according to the credible interval. The models with weakly informative and shrinkage priors provided strong evidence for the presence of the effect. The findings suggest that MCC can be considered to serve as a prospective indicator for early detection of PD.

Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) are frequently determined in faeces, and widely used as biomarkers of gut-microbiota activity. However, collection of faeces samples from neonates is not straightforward, and to date levels of these metabolites in newborn's faeces and urine samples have not been described.A targeted gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method for the determination of SCFAs and BCAAs in both faeces and urine samples has been validated. The analysis of 210 urine and 137 faeces samples collected from preterm (PI), term infants (TI) and their mothers was used to report faecal and urinary SCFA and BCAA levels in adult and neonatal populations.A significant correlation among five SCFAs and BCAAs in faeces and urine samples was observed. Reference ranges of SCFAs and BCAAs in mothers, PI and TI were reported showing infant's lower concentrations in faeces and higher concentrations in urine.This method presents a non-invasive approach for the simultaneous assessment of SCFAs and BCAAs in faecal and urine samples and the results will serve as a knowledge base for future experiments that will focus on the study of the impact of nutrition on the microbiome of lactating mothers and their infants.

Background Many environmental factors are known to hinder breastfeeding, yet the role of the family living environment in this regard is still poorly understood. Objectives We used data from a large cohort to identify associations between neighborhood characteristics and breastfeeding behavior. Methods Our observational study included 11,038 children (0-2 years) from the Southwest Finland Birth Cohort. Participant information was obtained from the Medical Birth Register and municipal follow-up clinics. Neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage, greenness, and population density were measured for a period of 5 years prior to childbirth within the residential neighborhood on a 250 x 250-m grid. Any breastfeeding and breastfeeding at 6 months were the primary outcomes. Binary logistic regression models were adjusted for maternal health and socioeconomic factors. Results Adjusted analyses suggest that mothers living in less populated areas were less likely to display any breastfeeding (OR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.36, 0.59) and breastfeeding at 6 months (OR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.40). Mothers living in highly disadvantaged neighborhoods were less likely to display any breastfeeding if the neighborhood was less populated (OR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.95) but more likely to breastfeed at 6 months if the neighborhood was highly populated (OR: 3.74; 95% CI: 1.92, 7.29). Low greenness was associated with higher likelihood of any breastfeeding (OR: 3.82; 95% CI: 1.53, 9.55) and breastfeeding at 6 months (OR: 4.41; 95% CI: 3.44, 5). Conclusions Our results suggest that neighborhood characteristics are associated with breastfeeding behavior in Finland. Unravelling breastfeeding decisions linked to the living environment could help identify interventions that will allow the appropriate support for all mothers and infants across different environmental challenges.

Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic procedures in women. Despite the structural changes which occur during pregnancy and lactation have been extensively studied, there is no clarity in terms of the time required for the parenchymal angiogenic changes to regress or if these neovessels are preserved even years after the last lactating period. This study investigated whether these post-pregnancy structural changes on the breasts may influence the surgical efficiency, affect the rates of complications and have an impact on cost-effectiveness in primary breast augmentation.This study encompasses a retrospective review of all patients who underwent implant-based bilateral primary breast augmentation, through inframammary fold (IMF) incision under general anaesthetic, by a single surgeon. The age, height, weight and parity (nulliparous or multiparous status), characteristics of implants used and clinical outcomes after a minimum of 6-month post-operative follow-up were recorded. A further prospective comparative trial investigated the effects of parity in the surgical efficiency and cost-effectiveness in primary breast augmentation. The surgical efficiency (total operative time) and the immediate complications of 85 consecutive cohort of patients were recorded by an independent observer. Statistical correlation investigated the relevance of parity as predictors of surgical efficiency and cost-effectiveness.A total of 894 patients were included with a minimum of 6-month follow-up following implants-based primary breast augmentation. There were 445 (49.8%) nulliparous and 449 (50.2%) patients had at least one child at the time of surgery. The average parity index was calculated to be 1.05. The average body mass index (BMI) was 20.8 kg/mPrimary breast augmentation in parous women faces parenchymal and vascular histological breast tissue transformations which may not fully revert to the pre-pregnant state. These changes encountered during pocket dissection seem to have an impact on the operating time, cost-effectiveness and can therefore affect negatively surgical efficiency. Nevertheless, when surgical technique is based on sharp, precise dissection and proactive haemostasis, parity does not show to have an impact on the rates of complications, despite longer operation times.

The aim with this study was to use interdisciplinary techniques and visions in order to identify the modulating effect of tannins on adaptive factors in lactating goats with different genetic patterns, through the assessment of digestibility and nutrient intake, ingestive behavior and rumen metagenome. We used in this study 8 of the Repartida ecotype and 6 of the Canindé breed goats, on average five years old, distributed in a completely randomized design, in a 2 × 2 factorial design, with two genetic groups and two diets. The applied diets were: basal diet and inclusion of 5% commercial tannin extract in basal diet. Intake and apparent digestibility of nutrients were evaluated, based on the quantification of the offered feed and refusals, and bromatological evaluation of samples of the offered feed, refusals and feces. Behavioral data were collected in 24-h continuous visual observations. The ruminal fluid was collected and DNA extraction, sequencing, and evaluation of relative abundance of the rumen microbiome were performed. The data obtained were analyzed statistically, through analysis of variance with 5% significance and, when necessary, a comparison of means test was applied. In this preliminary findings was observed that the genetic group factor caused changes in the number of chews and the relative abundance of microorganisms (P = 0.0290 and P = 0.0051). The diet factor influenced digestibility, which better values were observed for the tannin diet (P = 0.0049), in addition, it promoted changes in the rumen microbiota, with a beneficial modulatory characteristic. The inclusion of 5% tannin extract from Acacia mearnsii modulates the rumen microbiome, improving the apparent digestibility of nutrients without affecting the feed intake of goats from the Repartida and Canindé genetic groups.

This study was designed to identify the factors affecting reproductive outcomes in lactating dairy cows undergoing Presynchronization-Ovsynch and successive resynchronization programs. Data were collected from 1,458 cows on 11 dairy farms, regarding nutrition, health, reproduction, and specifically reproductive programs used for the first timed artificial insemination (TAI; Modified Presynch-Ovsynch or Modified Double-Ovsynch) and for re-inseminations (Ovsynch or PreGnRH-Ovsynch); as well as the weather. Body condition score (BCS) and timing of TAI affected (P 0.01) the probability of pregnancy per AI after first TAI. Cows with a BCS ≥3.25 were more likely (P 0.01) to be pregnant at 31 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.85) and 49 (OR: 1.93) days after the first TAI than cows with BCS ≤2.75. Cows inseminated during months of heat stress (June to September) were less likely (P 0.01) to be pregnant at 31 (OR: 0.74) and 49 (OR: 0.68) days after first TAI than those inseminated during months of no heat stress (October to May). Cows that had a pre- or postpartum disorder were more likely to lose their pregnancy (OR: 2.17, P 0.01) than those that did not. Cows inseminated ≥76 days after calving (OR: 1.67, P 0.1) or during the months of heat stress (OR: 2.02, P 0.05) were also more likely to lose pregnancy than cows inseminated ≤75 days after calving or during the months of no heat stress. Following successive resynchronizations, cows with a third (OR: 1.32, P 0.1) or fourth (OR: 1.68, P 0.05) TAI were more likely to be pregnant than those with a second TAI. Cows with BCS ≥3.25 at the beginning of resynchronization were more likely (OR: 1.49, P 0.05) to be pregnant than cows with BCS ≤2.75. Finally, the likelihood of being pregnant by 210 days postpartum was positively associated with a favorable BCS, but negatively associated with the presence of a pre- or postpartum disorder and a larger number of days to first TAI following calving (≥76 vs. ≤75 days). In conclusion, high BCS has beneficial effects during the entire reproductive period, whereas TAI during heat stress, the presence of a pre- or postpartum disorder, a larger number of days to first TAI following calving, and TAI number (second or ≥ fifth) adversely affects the outcomes associated with pregnancy during the early or later breeding periods in lactating dairy cows undergoing Presynchronization-Ovsynch and successive resynchronization programs.

The intestinal microbiota is involved in many physiological processes. However, the effects of microbiota in metabolic programming still unknow. We evaluated whether the transplantation of fecal microbiota during early life can program health or disease during adulthood in a model of lean and obese male and female Wistar rats.Parental obesity were induced using a small litter (SL, 3 pups/dam) model. At 90 d old, normal litter (NL, 9 pups/dam) and SL males and females (parents) from different litters were mated: NL male vs. NL female; SL male vs. SL female. After birth, male and female offspring rats were also standardized in normal litters or small litters . From the 10NLM male rats transplanted with obese microbiota showed increased body weight, and fat pad deposition, hyperinsulinemia, glucose intolerance and dyslipidemia. SLM male rats transplanted with lean microbiota had decreased retroperitoneal and mesenteric fat, triglycerides and VLDL levels and improvement of glucose tolerance. Despite SLM female rats showed higher visceral fat, microbiota transplantation in female rats caused no changes in these parameters compared with control groups.Fecal microbiota transplantation during lactation induces long-term effects on the metabolism of male Wistar rats. However, female rats were resistant to metabolic alterations caused by the treatment.

There are several work-related barriers to breastfeeding among physician mothers including: lack of appropriate place for breastmilk expression, unpredictable and inflexible schedules, and lack of time to breastfeed or express milk. In a survey of physician mothers, those who were in surgical and procedural subspecialties, including anesthesiology, reported a lack of lactation facilities in close proximity to the operating room as a barrier to breastfeeding. Unlike other physicians and clinicians in different health care environments, anesthesiology is unique in that there is often no built-in time for breaks or a predictable end time to the operating room schedule. A break system is typically established, within an institution, for meal break relief for trainees, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, and Anesthesia Assistants. This system for breaks may not be sufficient to accommodate the frequency or length required for lactation sessions. In addition, these break systems do not typically provide relief for supervising anesthesiologists for meals or lactation sessions. A study of physician mothers across specialties identified anesthesiologists as significantly more likely than women of other medical specialties to self-report maternal discrimination. The study defined maternal discrimination as discrimination based on pregnancy, maternity leave, or breastfeeding. As a workforce and specialty, we must support our breastfeeding anesthesiologists and facilitate lactation needs on return to the workplace.

Women of reproductive age (WRA) are at increased risk for anemia and iron deficiency. However, there is limited population-level data in India, which could help inform evidence-based recommendations and policy.To conduct a population-based biomarker survey of anemia, iron deficiency, and inflammation in WRA in Southern India.Participants were WRA (15-40 y) who were not pregnant or lactating. Blood samples (n = 979) were collected and analyzed for hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin (SF), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP). Anemia and severe anemia were defined as Hb 12.0 and 8.0 g/dL. Serum ferritin was adjusted for inflammation using BRINDA methods. Iron deficiency was defined as SF 15.0 μg/L, iron insufficiency was defined as SF 20.0 and 25.0 μg/L, and iron deficiency anemia was defined as Hb 12.0 g/dL and SF 15.0 μg/L. Inflammation was defined as CRP5.0 mg/L or AGP1.0 g/L. Restricted cubic spline regression models were also used to determine if alternative SF thresholds should be used t to classify iron deficiency.A total of 41.5% of WRA had anemia, and 3.0% had severe anemia. Findings from spline analyses suggested a SF cut-off of15.0 μg/L, consistent with conventional cut-offs for iron deficiency. 46.3% of WRA had SF 15.0 μg/L (BRINDA-adjusted: 61.5%), 55.0% had SF 20.0 μg/L (72.7%), 61.8% had SF 25.0 μg/L (81.0%), and 30.0% had IDA (34.5%). 17.3% of WRA had CRP5.0 mg/L and 22.2% had AGP1.0 g/L. The prevalence of ID (rural vs. urban: 49.1% vs. 34.9%; p = 0.0004), iron insufficiency (57.8% vs. 43.8%; p = 0.0005), and IDA (31.8% vs. 22.4%; p = 0.01) were significantly higher in rural areas, although CRP levels were lower and there were no differences in elevated CRP or AGP.The burden of anemia and iron deficiency in this population was substantial, and increased after adjusting for inflammation, suggesting potential to benefit from screening and interventions.NCT04048330.

Lanthanum, a major rare earth element, can exert detrimental effects on the adult immune system, but its developmental immunotoxicity (DIT) remains obscure. This study was designed to evaluate the DIT of lanthanum nitrate (LN) and the self-recovery of LN-induced DIT 21 days following cessation of exposure. BALB/c pregnant dams were exposed to 0, 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg body weight/day LN by gavage during gestation and lactation. Results showed that in male offspring, LN markedly inhibited the adaptive immunity at postanal day 21 (PND21) and the inhibitory effect on cellular immunity continued to PND42 (after three weeks of self-recovery). In female offspring, LN suppressed cellular immunity at both PND21 and PND42. Moreover, decreased relative organ weight of thymus, humoral immunity and proportion of double-positive T cells in thymus were also observed at PND42. Bcl-xl protein level decreased in thymus of female at PND42, while the level of β-catenin increased. These changes might contribute to accelerating the degeneration and weight loss of thymus. Overall, in-utero and postanal exposure to LN could induce impairments of immunity in offspring, especially the female, and adaptive immunosuppression would persist throughout development into adulthood. The LOAEL of LN for DIT should be 1 mg/kg.

The performance of high-yielding sows is directly related to the productivity of pig farming. Fetal development mainly occurs during the last month of pregnancy, and the aggressive metabolic burden of sows during this stage eventually leads to systemic oxidative stress. When affected by oxidative stress, sows exhibit adverse symptoms such as reduced feed intake, hindered fetal development, and even abortion. In addition, milk synthesis during the lactation period causes a severe metabolic burden. The biological response to oxidative stress during this period is associated with a decrease in milk production, which further affects the growth of piglets. Understanding the nutritional strategies to alleviate oxidative stress in sows is crucial to maintain their reproduction and lactation performance. Recently, advances have been made in the field of nutrition to relieve oxidative stress in sows during late pregnancy and lactation. This review highlights the nutritional strategies to relieve oxidative stress in sows reported within the last 20 years.

In a randomized trial of DHA supplementation to lactating mothers who delivered preterm, there were significant increases in DHA status in the mother and her infant.Our objective here was to characterize the mammary gland transcriptomes from the above study. We hypothesized that proinflammatory gene expression would be attenuated in the increased DHA group compared with the standard DHA group.In the original trial, mothers delivering at 29 wk gestation at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and intending to express their milk were randomly assigned to supplementation with 200 mg/d DHA (standard group: STD) or 1000 mg/d DHA (experimental group: EXP) within 7 d of delivery. Here, we conducted RNA-seq transcriptome analysis of n = 5 EXP and n = 4 STD extracellular mammary mRNA samples extracted from the fat layer of milk samples obtained 4 wk postenrollment. Transcripts were assessed for differential expression (false discovery rate adjusted P value 0.05) and clustering between EXP compared with STD groups. Ontological analysis of all differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was performed with Toppcluster.There were 409 DEGs. We observed 5 main groups of biological processes that were upregulated, including those associated with improved immune regulation and management of oxidative stress; and 3 main groups of biological processes that were downregulated, including 1 associated with immune dysregulation. For example, we observed upregulation of inflammation-inhibiting genes including NFKB inhibitor alpha (NFKBIA; fold-change (FC), adjusted P value: FC = 1.70, P = 0.007) and interleukin-18 binding protein (IL18BP: FC = 2.2, adjusted P = 0.02); and downregulation of proinflammatory genes including interleukin 7 receptor (IL7R: FC = -1.9, adjusted P = 0.02) and interleukin 1 receptor like 1 (IL1RL1: FC = -13.0, adjusted P = 0.02).Increased DHA supplementation during lactation can modulate the expression of inflammation-related genes within the mammary gland. This might translate to milk composition with a more optimal inflammasome profile. Future research with a larger clinical trial and greater interrogation of clinical outcomes is warranted.

Most pregnant or lactating women in Canada will not meet iodine requirements without iodine supplementation.To assess the iodine status of 132 mother-infant pairs based on secondary analyses of a vitamin D supplementation trial in breastfed infants from Montréal, Canada.Maternal iodine status was assessed using the breastmilk iodine concentration (BMIC). Singleton, term-born infants were studied from 1-36 months of age. Usual (adjusted for within-person variation) iodine intakes were estimated from urinary iodine and creatinine concentrations. Iodine status was assessed using median urinary iodine concentrations (UICs) and by estimating inadequate intakes by the cut-point method using a proposed Estimated Average Requirement for infants 0-6 months of age (72 μg/d).At 1, 3, and 6 months of age, 70%, 63%, and 3% of infants, respectively, were exclusively breastfed. From 1-36 months of age (n = 82-129), the median UICs were ≥100 μg/L (range, 246-403 μg/L), which is the cutoff for adequate intakes set by the WHO for children2 years. Almost all (98%-99%) infants at 1 and 2 months, 2 and 3 months, and 3 and 6 months of age had usual creatinine-adjusted iodine intakes ≥ 72 μg/d. The median BMIC was higher (P 0.001) at 1 month compared to 6 months of lactation [1 month, 198 μg/kg (IQR, 124-274; n = 105) and 6 months, 109 μg/kg (IQR, 67-168; n = 78)]. At 1 and 6 months, 96% and 79% of mothers, respectively, had a BMIC ≥ 60 μg/kg, the lower limit of a normal reference range. The percentages of mothers that used a multivitamin-mineral (MVM) supplement containing iodine were 90% in pregnancy and 79% and 59% at 1 and 6 months of lactation, respectively.The iodine status of infants was adequate throughout infancy. These results support a recommendation that all women who could become pregnant, who are pregnant, or who are breastfeeding take a daily MVM supplement containing iodine.

Background We evaluated our SARS-CoV-2 prefusion spike recombinant protein vaccine (CoV2 preS dTM) with different adjuvants, unadjuvanted, and in a one-injection and two-injection dosing schedule in a previous phase 1–2 study. Based on interim results from that study, we selected a two-injection schedule and the AS03 adjuvant for further clinical development. However, lower than expected antibody responses, particularly in older adults, and higher than expected reactogenicity after the second vaccination were observed. In the current study, we evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of an optimised formulation of CoV2 preS dTM adjuvanted with AS03 to inform progression to phase 3 clinical trial. Methods This phase 2, randomised, parallel-group, dose-ranging study was done in adults (≥18 years old), including those with pre-existing medical conditions, those who were immunocompromised (except those with recent organ transplant or chemotherapy) and those with a potentially increased risk for severe COVID-19, at 20 clinical research centres in the USA and Honduras. Women who were pregnant or lactating or, for those of childbearing potential, not using an effective method of contraception or abstinence, and those who had received a COVID-19 vaccine, were excluded. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1) using an interactive response technology system, with stratification by age (18–59 years and ≥60 years), rapid serodiagnostic test result (positive or negative), and high-risk medical conditions (yes or no), to receive two injections (day 1 and day 22) of 5 7mu;g (low dose), 10 7mu;g (medium dose), or 15 7mu;g (high dose) CoV2 preS dTM antigen with fixed AS03 content. All participants and outcome assessors were masked to group assignment; unmasked study staff involved in vaccine preparation were not involved in safety outcome assessments. All laboratory staff performing the assays were masked to treatment. The primary safety objective was to describe the safety profile in all participants, for each candidate vaccine formulation. Safety endpoints were evaluated for all randomised participants who received at least one dose of the study vaccine (safety analysis set), and are presented here for the interim study period (up to day 43). The primary immunogenicity objective was to describe the neutralising antibody titres to the D614G variant 14 days after the second vaccination (day 36) in participants who were SARS-CoV-2 naive who received both injections, provided samples at day 1 and day 36, did not have protocol deviations, and did not receive an authorised COVID-19 vaccine before day 36. Neutralising antibodies were measured using a pseudovirus neutralisation assay and are presented here up to 14 days after the second dose. As a secondary immunogenicity objective, we assessed neutralising antibodies in non-naive participants. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04762680) and is closed to new participants for the cohort reported here. Findings Of 722 participants enrolled and randomly assigned between Feb 24, 2021, and March 8, 2021, 721 received at least one injection (low dose=240, medium dose=239, and high dose=242). The proportion of participants reporting at least one solicited adverse reaction (injection site or systemic) in the first 7 days after any vaccination was similar between treatment groups (217 [91%] of 238 in the low-dose group, 213 [90%] of 237 in the medium-dose group, and 218 [91%] of 239 in the high-dose group); these adverse reactions were transient, were mostly mild to moderate in intensity, and occurred at a higher frequency and intensity after the second vaccination. Four participants reported immediate unsolicited adverse events; two (one each in the low-dose group and medium-dose group) were considered by the investigators to be vaccine related and two (one each in the low-dose and high-dose groups) were considered unrelated. Five participants reported seven vaccine-related medically attended adverse events (two in the low-dose group, one in the medium-dose group, and four in the high-dose group). No vaccine-related serious adverse events and no adverse events of special interest were reported. Among participants naive to SARS-CoV-2 at day 36, 158 (98%) of 162 in the low-dose group, 166 (99%) of 168 in the medium-dose group, and 163 (98%) of 166 in the high-dose group had at least a two-fold increase in neutralising antibody titres to the D614G variant from baseline. Neutralising antibody geometric mean titres (GMTs) at day 36 for participants who were naive were 2189 (95% CI 1744–2746) for the low-dose group, 2269 (1792–2873) for the medium-dose group, and 2895 (2294–3654) for the high-dose group. GMT ratios (day 36: day 1) were 107 (95% CI 85–135) in the low-dose group, 110 (87–140) in the medium-dose group, and 141 (111–179) in the high-dose group. Neutralising antibody titres in non-naive adults 21 days after one injection tended to be higher than titres after two injections in adults who were naive, with GMTs 21 days after one injection for participants who were non-naive being 3143 (95% CI 836–11 815) in the low-dose group, 2338 (593–9226) in the medium-dose group, and 7069 (1361–36 725) in the high-dose group. Interpretation Two injections of CoV2 preS dTM-AS03 showed acceptable safety and reactogenicity, and robust immunogenicity in adults who were SARS-CoV-2 naive and non-naive. These results supported progression to phase 3 evaluation of the 10 7mu;g antigen dose for primary vaccination and a 5 7mu;g antigen dose for booster vaccination. Funding Sanofi Pasteur and Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.

BACKGROUND: Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are an abundant class of compounds found in human milk and have been linked to the development of the infant, and specifically the brain, immune system, and gut microbiome. OBJECTIVES: Advanced analytical methods were used to obtain relative quantitation of many structures in approximately 2000 samples from over 1000 mothers in urban, semirural, and rural sites across geographically diverse countries. METHODS: LC-MS−based analytical methods were used to profile the compounds with broad structural coverage and quantitative information. The profiles revealed their structural heterogeneity and their potential biological roles. Comparisons of HMO compositions were made between mothers of different age groups, lactation periods, infant sexes, and residing geographical locations. RESULTS: A common behavior found among all sites was a decrease in HMO abundances during lactation until approximately postnatal month 6, where they remained relatively constant. The greatest variations in structural abundances were associated with the presence of α(1,2)-fucosylated species. Genomic analyses of the mothers were not performed; instead, milk was phenotyped according to the abundances of α(1,2)-fucosylated structures. Mothers from the South American sites tended to have higher proportions of phenotypic secretors [mothers with relatively high concentrations of α(1,2)-fucosylated structures] in their populations compared to the rest of the globe, with Bolivia at ∼100% secretors, Peru at ∼97%, Brazil at ∼90%, and Argentina at ∼85%. Conversely, the cohort sampled in Africa manifested the lowest proportion of secretors (South Africa ∼ 63%, the Gambia ∼ 64%, and Malawi ∼ 75%). Furthermore, we compared total abundances of HMOs in secretors compared with nonsecretors and found that nonsecretors have lower abundances of HMOs compared to secretors, regardless of geographical location. We also observed compositional differences of the 50+ most abundant HMOs between milk types and geographical locations. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the largest structural HMO study to date and reveals the general behavior of HMOs during lactation among different populations.

The optimal management of vulvar high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (vHSILs) is challenging. Surgery is the standard treatment, but recurrences are observed in half of patients. Medical treatment with imiquimod is an effective alternative, but the two modalities have not been compared in a randomised trial. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical effectiveness, histological response, human papillomavirus (HPV) clearance, acceptance, and psychosexual morbidity of primary imiquimod treatment versus surgical treatment in women with vHSIL.This study was a multicentre, randomised, phase 3, non-inferiority clinical trial done by the Austrian Gynaecological Oncology group at six hospitals in Austria. We recruited female patients aged 18-90 years with histologically confirmed vHSIL with visible unifocal or multifocal lesions. Main exclusion criteria were clinical suspicion of invasion, a history of vulvar cancer or severe inflammatory dermatosis of the vulva, and any active treatment for vHSIL within the previous 3 months. Women with known immunodeficiency, who were pregnant, or who were lactating were excluded. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) by block randomisation to imiquimod or surgery, and stratified by unifocal or multifocal disease. Treatment with imiquimod was self-administered in a slowly escalating dosage scheme up to three times per week for a period of 4-6 months. Surgery consisted of excision or ablation. Patients were assessed with vulvoscopy, vulvar biopsy, HPV tests, and patient-reported outcomes at baseline and after 6 months and 12 months. The primary endpoint was complete clinical response (CCR) at 6 months after local imiquimod treatment or one surgical intervention. Primary analysis was per protocol with a non-inferiority margin of 20%. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01861535.110 patients with vHSIL (78% with unifocal vHSIL and 22% with multifocal vHSIL) were randomly assigned between June 7, 2013, and Jan 8, 2020. Clinical response to treatment could be assessed in 107 patients (54 in the imiquimod group and 53 in the surgery group), and 98 patients (46 in the imiquimod group and 52 in the surgery group) completed the study per protocol. 37 (80%) of 46 patients using imiquimod had CCR, compared with 41 (79%) of 52 patients after one surgical intervention, showing non-inferiority of the new treatment (difference in proportion -0·016, 95% CI -0·15 to -0·18; p=0·0056). Invasive disease was found in five patients at primary or secondary surgery, but not in patients with per-protocol imiquimod treatment. There was no significant difference in HPV clearance, adverse events, and treatment satisfaction between study groups.Imiquimod is a safe, effective, and well accepted alternative to surgery for women with vHSIL and can be considered as first-line treatment.Austrian Science Fund and Austrian Gynaecological Oncology group.

INTRODUCTION: The effects on offspring craniofacial bone morphology and accretion because of altered maternal exposure to dietary components such as calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) are unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the changes in offspring skull morphology and tissue mineral density (TMD), including sex-specific changes, with exposure to a maternal diet high in Ca-to-P levels during gestation and lactation in mice. METHODS: Time-mated FVB wild-type mice were fed a normal or experimental diet during gestation until weaning. The experimental diet contained a 3-fold increase in Ca and a 3-fold decrease in P (Ca:P molar ratio, 10.5) compared with normal mouse chow (Ca:P molar ratio, 1.5). The heads of 6-week-old control and experimental offspring mice were collected and scanned using microcomputed tomography. Three-dimensional geometric morphometric analysis was performed to analyze changes in craniofacial morphology. TMD measurements were also analyzed. RESULTS: We observed subtle changes and no significant differences between offspring control and experimental skulls when we compared all samples. However, when we separated skulls by sex, we discovered significant differences in craniofacial morphology and TMD. Experimental female offspring possessed skulls that were smaller, narrower transversely, taller vertically, and decreased in TMD. Experimental male offspring possessed skulls that were larger, wider transversely, shorter vertically, and increased in TMD. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal exposure to diet and increased Ca:P molar ratio during gestation and lactation led to significant, sex-specific morphologic and TMD changes in 6-week-old mouse skulls.

The present work aims to identify the minimum threshold of serum calcium (SC) values in cows during the first week postpartum and evaluate their relationship with the presentation of endometritis in housed dairy cows. In this prospective longitudinal observational study, 467 cows from 3 farms in Lima-Peru were studied. Blood samples were collected from cows during the first week postpartum. Endometritis was diagnosed on day 35 ± 3 days postpartum by evaluation of vaginal discharge samples. The samples were obtained using the MetricheckTM device (Simcro, New Zealand). Two cut-off points were used to diagnose endometritis: a) endometritis metricheck score ≥ 3, and b) endometritis metricheck score ≥ 2. In the univariate model that considers a SC threshold of 5.25 to 8.75 mg/dL (1.31 to 2.18 mmol/L), a significant relationship (p 0.05) was found for endometritis metricheck score ≥ 3, while no significant relationship was found (p = 0.12) with endometritis metricheck score ≥ 2. In both cases, the optimal SC threshold for the appearance of endometritis was determined to be a value ≥7.0 mg/dL (≥1.75 mmol/L). In the logistic regression models (parity, calving season, calcium level, and their interaction), only two variables were retained, parity and calcium level (p 0.10). It was found that the probability of having endometritis metricheck score ≥ 3 was 1.9 (95% CI: 1.1 to 3.1), whereas the probability of having endometritis metricheck score ≥ 2 was 1.5 (95% CI: 1.0 to 2.5) in cows with calcium levels7.0 mg/dL (1.75 mmol/L). In conclusion, cows with calcium levels7.0 mg/dL (1.75 mmol/L) have a 1.9-fold greater risk of developing endometritis metricheck score ≥ 3 in the first week postpartum.

Most women in the United States do not meet the recommendations for healthful nutrition and weight before and during pregnancy. Women and providers often ask what a healthy diet for a pregnant woman should look like. The message should be “eat better, not more.” This can be achieved by basing diet on a variety of nutrient-dense, whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, healthy fats with omega-3 fatty acids that include nuts and seeds, and fish, in place of poorer quality highly processed foods. Such a diet embodies nutritional density and is less likely to be accompanied by excessive energy intake than the standard American diet consisting of increased intakes of processed foods, fatty red meat, and sweetened foods and beverages. Women who report “prudent” or “health-conscious” eating patterns before and/or during pregnancy may have fewer pregnancy complications and adverse child health outcomes. Comprehensive nutritional supplementation (multiple micronutrients plus balanced protein energy) among women with inadequate nutrition has been associated with improved birth outcomes, including decreased rates of low birthweight. A diet that severely restricts any macronutrient class should be avoided, specifically the ketogenic diet that lacks carbohydrates, the Paleo diet because of dairy restriction, and any diet characterized by excess saturated fats. User-friendly tools to facilitate a quick evaluation of dietary patterns with clear guidance on how to address dietary inadequacies and embedded support from trained healthcare providers are urgently needed.\ud \ud Recent evidence has shown that although excessive gestational weight gain predicts adverse perinatal outcomes among women with normal weight, the degree of prepregnancy obesity predicts adverse perinatal outcomes to a greater degree than gestational weight gain among women with obesity. Furthermore, low body mass index and insufficient gestational weight gain are associated with poor perinatal outcomes. Observational data have shown that first-trimester gain is the strongest predictor of adverse outcomes. Interventions beginning in early pregnancy or preconception are needed to prevent downstream complications for mothers and their children. For neonates, human milk provides personalized nutrition and is associated with short- and long-term health benefits for infants and mothers. Eating a healthy diet is a way for lactating mothers to support optimal health for themselves and their infants.

Recent position papers and guidelines encourage women with epilepsy (WWE) to exclusively breastfeed their infants because the benefits to their infants outweigh the potential adverse effects caused by exposure to antiseizure medications (ASMs).The objectives of this review were: to evaluate concentrations of ASMs in breastmilk of lactating WWE, qualitatively synthesize evidence that can be used to estimate theoretical doses as estimated daily intake (EDI) and relative infant dose (RID) of ASMs, and to evaluate potential risks to infants as a result of exposure to ASMs from breastmilk.This systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) as CRD42020223645. The databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL/EBSCO, COCHRANE, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect, Summon, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and SCOPUS were systematically searched. A qualitative synthesis was adopted in this study.A total of 15 records were included in this systematic review. The included studies reported levels of 8 ASMs in the breastmilk of WWE. The highest RIDs of carbamazepine, lamotrigine, primidone, phenobarbital, gabapentin, valproic acid, ethosuximide, levetiracetam, and topiramate were 3.70%, 36.33%, 4.96%, 3.15%, 4.37%, 1.90%, 31.49%, 12.50%, and 12.18%, respectively. Breastfeeding might be limited or even discontinued when signs of excessive sedation/drowsiness and/or poor weight gain are evident on infants exposed to primidone and phenobarbital, ethosuximide/primidone, or ethosuximide/phenobarbital.Concentrations of ASMs can be detected in breastmilk of WWE and plasma/serum of infants exposed via breastmilk. Healthcare providers and WWE might use the findings of this study to make informed decisions on the safety of breastfeeding while taking ASMs.

An inadequate uterine involution can lead to postpartal disorders in sows and thereby negatively affects the reproductive cycle and performance of the animals. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the farrowing process and different sow and piglet traits on the uterine involution in a free farrowing system. In total three data sets of 48 crossbred sows (Large White x Landrace) from the peripartal period were synthesised and analysed. The uterine diameter of three uterine horns per sow was measured daily during the first two weeks postpartum using ultrasonography and then the uterine regression was calculated. Furthermore, the following sow and piglet traits before and during parturition were assessed: parity, body condition score, backfat thickness, gestation length, number of live born piglets, number of stillborn piglets, farrowing duration, duration of placenta expulsion, litter weight, placenta weight, number of placenta parts, faecal score, and birth induction. In addition, the following parameters were recorded five days after farrowing: body temperature, severity and amount of vaginal discharge, pathological colour of vaginal discharge, and lack of appetite. Spearman's correlation test was used to examine the association between the parameters within the group and uterine regression. In addition, a linear multiple regression was used to model the relationship between the uterine involution and explanatory variables from the peripartal period. The mean diameter of the uterus decreased from 32.5��mm on day 2 post-partum to 11.4��mm on day 12 post-partum, which is a relative regression of 66%. In the linear multiple regression model, a significant influence of the body condition score (p��=��0.046) and the presence of high body temperature (p��=��0.022) on uterine involution was detected. When the BCS increases by one unit (from BCS 3 to 4), the relative regression of the uterine involution decreases by approximately 8% and when fever is present, uterine involution is almost 6% slower. Furthermore, a significant correlation between the gestation length and the uterine involution (r��=��0.31; p��=��0.035) was identified. However, no correlation between the farrowing process and piglets' traits on the uterine involution was detected. This study showed that the body condition score, the gestation length and fever in the first five days after farrowing had significant effects on uterine involution in sows in a free farrowing system. Therefore, these parameters should be routinely monitored in the farrowing management to assess reproductive health post-partum and warrant early intervention.

Maternity transforms body, brain and behavior. A new study analyzing the activity of oxytocin neurons across birth and lactation revealed strengthening of suckling responses in mice. Although this did not involve major rewiring of inputs to oxytocin neurons, inhibition from the stria terminalis was found to pattern the suckling responses.

A retrospective study was conducted to determine if postpartum health, milk yield, and reproductive traits in addition to peripartum daily physical activities (resting, eating, active time, and rumination) differ in dairy cows having greater or lesser ear-surface temperatures during late gestation (Days 230-239) compared with contemporary herd mates within season. Herd records collected from Holstein heifers (n = 348) and dry cows (n = 503; second through seventh lactations) were fitted with SensOor ear tags to collect hourly ear-surface temperatures. Mean temperatures were calculated from 240 hourly measures during Days 230-239 of gestation and cows within season were grouped into two median temperature groups. On Days 230-239 of gestation during May through September (hotter months) cows with high (H, range of 33.67-38.89 °C, mean ± SEM = 32.9 ± 0.2 °C) or medium high (MH, 25.06-31.66 °C, 29.4 ± 0.2 °C) temperatures were grouped together (n = 209 per group). For comparable gestational days during October through April (colder months), cows with medium low (ML, 17.82-25.00 °C, 21.1 ± 0.2 °C) and low (L, -0.70 to 17.80 °C, 13.4 ± 0.2 °C) temperatures were grouped together (n = 216 per group). Prepartum traits including mean ear temperature, gestation length, days in milk at dry-off, days in close-up pen, previous 305-d milk yield, proportion of heifer calves born, and cow PTA for milk differed (P 0.05) between seasons, but not between temperature groups within season, except predicted transmitting ability for milk was greater (P = 0.02) for ML than L cows. Postpartum treatment with antimicrobials occurred more (P = 0.02) often in H than MH cows, whereas more (P = 0.04) lameness and greater (P = 0.05) projected 305-d mature equivalent milk yield was observed in ML vs. L cows. No other health or reproductive traits were associated with temperature group, but many seasonal effects were observed across temperature groups. Less (P = 0.04) prepartum eating time during the last 10 d before calving was detected in L than in ML cows, less (P = 0.06) rumination time in ML than L cows, and more (P = 0.03) activity time was observed in H than MH cows. After calving, H cows were more (P = 0.03) active than MH cows and ML cows tended (P = 0.07) to be more active than L cows. In conclusion, late gestational ear-surface temperatures were associated with some postpartum health disorders and modifications in daily eating, ruminating, and active times during the transition period of gravid heifers and dry cows.

To study breastfeeding initiation and continuation rates and identify clinical predictors of breastfeeding initiation related to maternal epilepsy and the newborn's condition among women with epilepsy (WWE).Data on a cohort of 1195 pregnant WWE from an epilepsy center in Poland from 2000 to 2019 were prospectively collected. Mann-Whitney U and ch2 tests -based comparisons between lactating and non-lactating WWE according to age, week of delivery, Apgar score, birth weight, type of epilepsy, seizure control, major congenital malformation (MCM), mode of delivery, type and dose of antiseizure medication (ASM) were performed. A logistic regression model was constructed to identify predictors of breastfeeding initiation.Among 921 WWE, who gave birth to a living child, 709 (77%) initiated breastfeeding. The annual rate did not significantly change over the study period. Higher breastfeeding initiation rates were associated with vaginal birth (OR = 0.66) and lack of MCM (OR = 0.23). Breastfeeding initiation was less frequent with old-generation ASM monotherapy (OR = 0.36) or polytherapy (OR = 0.33) compared to no ASM treatment. The rate of breastfeeding initiation was positively associated with gestational week and the newborn's condition. At 6 months, about 1/3 of WWE maintained lactation.Approximately ¾ of the WWE cohort initiated breastfeeding. Breastfeeding initiation was associated with delivery mode, treatment type, and the newborn's condition but was not associated with seizures during pregnancy or the individual ASM dose. Further studies are needed to identify additional factors that may negatively affect breastfeeding.

We investigated the effects of 2 diet energy densities [normal lactation diet (NORM) vs. energy-reduced diet (REDU), both fed for ad libitum intake] and 2 daily milking frequencies [twice (2×) vs. once (1×)] during 1 week before the dry-off day, as well as effects of an injection of either a dopamine agonist [cabergoline (CAB); Velactis, Ceva Santé Animale, Libourne, France; labelled for use only with abrupt dry-off, e.g. no reduction in diet energy density or milking frequency before the last milking] or saline (SAL) following the last milking, on clinical udder characteristics of Holstein cows. During a week before and after the last milking, the following measures were recorded: palpation-based udder firmness and soreness; image-based hock-hock distance; responsiveness to mechanical udder stimulation and degree of udder fill measured with a dynamometer. Before the last milking, REDU cows displayed lower odds of having a firm udder and lower degree of udder fill, as well as lower responsiveness to mechanical udder stimulation, than NORM cows. After the last milking, REDU cows displayed shorter hock-hock distance compared with NORM cows. The effects of milking frequency on the clinical udder characteristics were unclear. Within 24 h following injection, CAB cows showed lower odds of having a firm udder, shorter hock-hock distance, and lower degree of udder fill than SAL cows, irrespective of treatment group before dry-off. In this study, reducing diet energy density prior to dry-off, and to some extent administering the dopamine agonist cabergoline after the last milking, resulted in fewest clinical udder changes.

Estimation of co-variance components and genetic parameters of fertility and production traits will help to find out the relative importance of genetic and environmental components of each trait and to develop a genetic evaluation system for overall improvement in performances of crossbred cattle of Kerala. In the present study, major fertility trait considered was daughters pregnancy rate (DPR), measures the percentage of non-pregnant animals that become pregnant during each oestrous cycle. Data pertaining to 1180 crossbred cattle sired by 208 Frieswal bulls, spread over a period of 16 years from 2003 to 2019, maintained at different farms of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University and field centres of ICAR- Filed Progeny Testing Scheme were analysed in the study. Estimates of covariance components and genetic parameters were obtained using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) approach using average information (AI) algorithm. It was observed that DPR had low heritability (0.092 ± 0.03), compared to 305 days milk yield (MY) (0.170 ± 0.094) and fat percent (FP) (0.173 ± 0.072). Phenotypic (r

The present study was conducted to evaluate the applicability of corpus luteum (CL) morphology and blood flow for early pregnancy diagnosis on Days 17-21 post-artificial insemination (AI) in Japanese Black (JB) cattle. Ultrasound examinations were performed on 230 inseminated JB cattle (202 cows and 28 heifers) to evaluate CL morphological characteristics [CL area, CL tissue area, presence/absence of a central cavity, and central cavity area (CCA)] and blood flow area (BFA) on Days 17 (n = 46), 18 (n = 45), 19 (n = 46), 20 (n = 47), and 21 (n = 46) (Day 0 = the day of AI). Pregnancy was confirmed using brightness-mode ultrasonography on Day 30. In pregnant group (n = 141), CL area and CL tissue area were greater (P 0.001) than those in non-pregnant group (n = 89) on and after Day 19. Moreover, BFA was greater (P 0.05) in pregnant group on and after Day 18. The overall central cavity incidence was lower (P 0.001) and CCA was smaller (P 0.001) in pregnant group. Logistic regression analyses revealed that the best single predictor for pregnancy diagnosis was BFA on Days 17-20 (sensitivity = 69%-100% and specificity = 65%-91%). On Day 21, CL area or CL tissue area was the most accurate predictor (cutoff value = 267.78 mm