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BackgroundThe loss of a close relative is one of the most stressful life events. In pregnancy, this experience has been associated with a higher risk of fetal death and under-five mortality, but little is known about potential effects on long-term mortality in offspring. We examined the association between prenatal maternal bereavement and mortality in a cohort of 5.3 million children followed until up to 37 years of age.MethodThe population-based cohort study included 5 253 508 live singleton births in Denmark (1973–2004) and Sweden (1973–2006). Children born to mothers who lost a child, spouse, sibling, or parent during or 1 year before pregnancy were categorized as exposed.ResultsPrenatal maternal bereavement was associated with a 10% increased all-cause mortality risk in offspring [mortality rate ratio (MRR) 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.18]. The association was the most pronounced for children of mothers who lost a child/spouse (MRR 1.28, 95% CI 1.14–1.44) and was stronger during the first 10 years of life. Prenatal maternal bereavement may have stronger effects on natural causes of death in offspring, including infectious/parasitic disease (MRR 1.86, 95% CI 1.07–3.23), endocrine/nutritional/metabolic diseases (MRR 3.23, 95% CI 2.02–5.17), diseases of nervous system (MRR 3.36, 95% CI 2.47–4.58), and congenital malformations (MRR 1.39, 95% CI 1.08–1.80). No excess mortality risk in offspring was observed for unnatural causes of death.ConclusionPrenatal maternal bereavement was associated with an increased long-term mortality risk in offspring, particularly for selected natural causes of diseases and medical conditions. Our results support the fetal programming hypothesis that prenatal stress may contribute to ill health from physical diseases later in life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We statistically study the physical properties of a sample of narrow absorption line (NAL) systems looking for empirical evidences to distinguish between intrinsic and interveningNALs without taking into account any a priori definition or velocity cut-off. We analyse the spectra of 100 quasars with 3.5 < zem < 4.5, observed with X-shooter/Very Large Telescope in the context of the XQ-100 Legacy Survey. We detect an ~8σ excess in the C IV number density within 10 000 km s-1 of the quasar emission redshift with respect to the random occurrence of NALs. This excess does not show a dependence on the quasar bolometric luminosity and it is not due to the redshift evolution of NALs. It extends far beyond the standard 5000 km s-1 cutoff traditionally defined for associated absorption lines.We propose to modify this definition, extending the threshold to 10 000 km s-1 when weak absorbers (equivalent width < 0.2Å) are also considered. We infer NV is the ion that better traces the effects of the quasar ionization field, offering the best statistical tool to identify intrinsic systems. Following this criterion, we estimate that the fraction of quasars in our sample hosting an intrinsic NAL system is 33 per cent. Lastly, we compare the properties of the material along the quasar line of sight, derived from our sample, with results based on close quasar pairs investigating the transverse direction. We find a deficiency of cool gas (traced by C II) along the line of sight connected to the quasar host galaxy, in contrast with what is observed in the transverse direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sub-population of quasars reddened by intrinsic or intervening clouds of dust are known to be underrepresented in optical quasar surveys. By defining a complete parent sample of the brightest and spatially unresolved quasars in the COSMOS field, we quantify to which extent this sub-population is fundamental to our understanding of the true population of quasars. By using the available multiwavelength data of various surveys in the COSMOS field, we built a parent sample of 33 quasars brighter than J = 20 mag, identified by reliable X-ray to radio wavelength selection techniques. Spectroscopic follow-up with the NOT/ALFOSC was carried out for four candidate quasars that had not been targeted previously to obtain a 100% redshift completeness of the sample. The population of high AV quasars (HAQs), a specific sub-population of quasars selected from optical/near-infrared photometry, some of which were shown to be missed in large optical surveys such as SDSS, is found to contribute 21%-5+9 of the parent sample. The full population of bright spatially unresolved quasars represented by our parent sample consists of 39%-8+9 reddened quasars defined by having AV > 0:1, and 21%-5+9 of the sample having E(B-V) > 0:1 assuming the extinction curve of the Small Magellanic Cloud. We show that the HAQ selection works well for selecting reddened quasars, but some are missed because their optical spectra are too blue to pass the g - r color cut in the HAQ selection. This is either due to a low degree of dust reddening or anomalous spectra. We find that the fraction of quasars with contributing light from the host galaxy, causing observed extended spatial morphology, is most dominant at z ≲ 1. At higher redshifts the population of spatially unresolved quasars selected by our parent sample is found to be representative of the full population of bright active galactic nuclei at J < 20 mag. This work quantifies the bias against reddened quasars in studies that are based solely on optical surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Early diagnosis is important for the course of schizophrenia. Aim To investigate whether prodromal symptoms of schizophrenia lead to increased use of primary care. Method A register-based cohort study of 21 894 cases with incident schizophrenia and 437 880 matched controls. Results Cases used daytime primary care 43% more than controls during the 6 years before diagnosis ( IRR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.39; 1.48) and 132% more during the last 2 months ( IRR = 2.32; 95% CI: 2.27; 2.37), and 34% ( IRR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.23; 1.48) vs. 374% more for out-of-hours services ( IRR = 3.74; 95% CI: 3.52; 3.98). Six years before index diagnosis, 30% of cases had at least one psychiatric contact without being diagnosed with schizophrenia, increasing to 75% 1 month before diagnosis. Conclusion Increased help-seeking behaviour was seen at least 6 years before index diagnosis, suggesting a 'window' for earlier diagnosis of prodromal schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundMaternal stress during pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm delivery (PD), but the associations between stress and subtypes of PD are not clear. We investigated maternal loss of a close relative and risks of very and moderately PD (<32 and 32–36 weeks, respectively) and spontaneous and medically indicated PD.MethodWe studied 4 940 764 live singleton births in Denmark (1978–2008) and Sweden (1973–2006). We retrieved information on death of women's family members (children, partner, siblings, parents), birth outcomes and maternal characteristics from nationwide registries.ResultsOverall, the death of a close family member the year before pregnancy or in the first 36 weeks of pregnancy was associated with a 7% increased risk of PD [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–1.10]. The highest hazard ratios (HR) for PD were found for death of an older child [HR (95% CI) 1.20 (1.10–1.31)] and for death of a partner [HR (95% CI) 1.31 (1.03–1.66)]. These losses were associated with higher risks of very preterm [HR (95% CI) 1.61 (1.29–2.01) and 2.07 (1.15–3.74), respectively] than of moderately preterm [HR (95% CI) 1.14 (1.03–1.26) and 1.22 (0.94–1.58), respectively] delivery. There were no substantial differences in the association between death of a child or partner and the risk of spontaneous v. medically indicated PD.ConclusionsDeath of a close family member the year before or during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of PD, especially very PD. Possible mechanisms include both spontaneous and medically indicated preterm birth. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Cows managed for extended lactation go through several estruses before rebreeding. The aims of this study were (1) to quantify the effect of the first 8 estruses after calving on milk yield, milking frequency, and estrous behavioral activity, and (2) to determine the effects of early lactation live weight gain (LWG) as an indication of energy balance on milk yield, plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) concentration, estrous behavioral activity, interval from calving to first estrus, between-estrus intervals, and pregnancy risk. Milk yield, live weight, and estrous behavioral activity were measured daily in 62 Holstein cows, 17 primiparous and 45 multiparous, managed for an 18-mo calving interval. Blood plasma obtained at wk 3, 5, 12, and 24 after calving was analyzed for IGF-1. Estrus was detected by use of milk progesterone profiles combined with visual observations (i.e., mounting behavior and other). The cows were divided into 2 groups: the cows having a negative LWG in each of the first 5 wk post-partum and the cows having a positive LWG in at least 1 of the first 5 wk after calving. The results indicate a similar decrease of 0.56 kg of milk per day of estrus during each of the 8 consecutive estruses. The activity level was 17 ± 1 movements per hour higher during the 8 estruses compared with the basic activity level. More cows expressed mounting behavior at estrus 8 than at estrus 2 (63.3 and 45.9%, respectively). The negative LWG cows had lower IGF-1 and higher milk production than the positive LWG cows. Both LWG groups had similar interval from calving to first estrus, on average 55 d. To conclude, the decrease in milk yield during estrus is marginal and similar in consecutive estruses. Moreover, estrous behavior is more highly expressed in the later estruses compared with the earlier estruses. Reproductive parameters (frequency of mounting, pregnancy risk, interval to first estrus, and between-estrus intervals) were not influenced by the live weight change during early lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic diseases and multimorbidity are common in western countries and associated with increased breast cancer mortality. This study aims to investigate non-participation in breast cancer screening among women with chronic diseases and multimorbidity and the role of time in this association.Method: This population-based cohort study used regional and national registries. Women who were invited to the first breast cancer screening round in the Central Denmark Region in 2008-09 were included (n = 149,234). Selected chronic diseases and multimorbidity were assessed up to 10 years before the screening date. Prevalence ratios (PR) were used as an association measure.Results: The results indicated that women with at least one chronic condition were significantly more likely not to participate in breast cancer screening. In adjusted analysis, a significantly higher likelihood of non-participation was found for women with cancer (PR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.40-1.60), mental illness (PR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.42-1.60), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (PR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.42-1.62), neurological disorders (PR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.12-1.37) and kidney disease (PR = 1.70, 95% CI 1.49-1.94), whereas women with chronic bowel disease (PR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.65-0.88) were more likely to participate than women without these disease. Multimorbidity was associated with increased non-participation likelihood. E.g. having 3 or more diseases was associated with 58% increased non-participation likelihood (95% CI: 27-96%). Higher non-participation was also observed for women with severe multimorbidity (PR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.23-1.90) and mental-physical multimorbidity (PR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.36-1.75).Conclusion: In conclusion, we found a strong association between non-participation in breast cancer screening for some chronic diseases and for multimorbidity. The highest propensity not to participate was observed for women with hospital contacts related to the chronic disease in the period closest to the screening date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to define and describe typical beef production systems in Denmark and Sweden and estimate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions including contribution from soil carbon changes and land use change (LUC) in a life cycle perspective (LCA). Five typical Danish (DK) and four typical Swedish (SE) systems were identified; hereof three systems with beef from beef breed cattle and six systems with beef from bull calves derived from dairy production system (including steers). The beef breed systems include an extensive system (DK) and two intensive systems (SE, DK). In the systems with beef from dairy bull calves, the bull calves were slaughtered at different ages; 9.0 months (SE), 9.4 months (DK), 11.5 months (DK), 19.0 months (SE) and at 25.0 months in the two systems with steers (DK, SE). Feed use and carbon footprint (CF) per kg meat were positively correlated. Beef from dairy bull calves slaughtered between 9.0 and 19.0 months had the lowest CF (8.9–11.5 kg CO 2 /kg carcass) and feed use (7.3–11.1 kg DM/kg carcass). The steer systems had a CF of 16.6–17.0 kg CO 2 /kg carcass and feed use of 13.2–15.5 kg DM/kg carcass. The highest CF and feed use were seen for beef breed systems at 23.1–29.7 kg CO 2 /kg carcass and 20.9–29.8 kg DM/kg carcass, respectively. The GHG contribution from LUC was positively correlated to the use of arable land. Beef from dairy bull calves had the lowest LUC contribution (1.3–1.6 kg CO 2 /kg carcass) from a land use of 9.4–11.5 m 2 /kg carcass. The highest LUC contribution (2.5–3.5 kg CO 2 /kg carcass) and land use of 17.3–24.7 m 2 /kg carcass was seen for beef from beef breed systems, the Swedish dairy bull calf slaughtered at 19 month, and the Danish steer. Besides arable land, the beef breed systems also used permanent pastures that were assumed not to contribute to LUC. Carbon (C) sequestration from crop residues and use of manure had a mitigating effect on GHG emission in all beef systems. The lowest C sequestration was seen for systems with beef from dairy bull calves slaughtered between 9 and 19 months, making up 0.2–0.9 kg CO 2 /kg carcass, and the highest C sequestration was for the steer production and the beef breed systems, contributing between 2.3 and 4.8 kg CO 2 /kg carcass. The present study supports the hypothesis that feed use per kg carcass weight is a main driver for variation in greenhouse gas emission, land use change and soil carbon changes for beef meat sourced from different beef production systems. For the carbon footprint per kg carcass there was a positive correlation with feed use and therefore also the lowest carbon footprint per kg carcass in systems with the lowest feed intake, such as bull calves from dairy production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundPersons with severe mental illness (SMI) have excess mortality, which may partly be explained by their high prevalence of diabetes.MethodWe compared the overall and cause-specific mortality in persons with SMI and diabetes with that of the general Danish population between 1997 and 2009 by linking data from Danish national registries.ResultsThe cohort counted 4 734 703 persons, and during follow-up 651 080 persons died of whom 1083 persons had SMI and diabetes. Compared with the background population, the overall mortality rate ratios (MRRs) for persons with SMI and diabetes were 4.14 [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.81–4.51] for men and 3.13 (95% CI 2.88–3.40) for women. The cause-specific MRRs for persons with SMI and diabetes were lowest for malignant neoplasms (women: MRR = 1.98, 95% CI 1.64–2.39; men: MRR = 2.08, 95% CI 1.69–2.56) and highest for unnatural causes of death (women: MRR = 12.31, 95% CI 6.80–22.28; men: MRR = 7.89, 95% CI 5.51–11.29). The cumulative risks of death within 7 years of diabetes diagnosis for persons with SMI and diabetes were 15.0% (95% CI 12.4–17.6%) for those younger than 50 years, 30.7% (95% CI 27.8–33.4%) for those aged 50–69 years, and 63.8% (95% CI 58.9–68.2%) for those aged 70 years or older. Among persons suffering from both diseases, 33.4% of natural deaths were attributed to diabetes and 14% of natural deaths were attributed to the interaction between diabetes and SMI.ConclusionsLong-term mortality is high for persons with SMI and diabetes. This calls for effective intervention from a coordinated and collaborating healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate whether future measurements of high-redshift standard candles will be a powerful probe of dark energy, when compared to other types of planned dark energy measurements. Active galactic nuclei, gamma-ray bursts, and certain types of core collapse supernova have been proposed as potential candidates of such a standard candle. Due to their high luminosity, they can be used to probe unexplored regions in the expansion history of the Universe. Information from these regions can help constrain the properties of dark energy, and in particular, whether it varies over time. We consider both linear and piecewise parameterizations of the dark energy equation of state, w(z), and assess the optimal redshift distribution that a high-redshift standard-candle survey could take to constrain these models. The more general the form of the dark energy equation of state w(z) being tested, the more useful high-redshift standard candles become. For a linear parametrization of w(z), they give only small improvements over planned supernova and baryon acoustic oscillation measurements; a wide redshift range with many low-redshift points is optimal to constrain this linear model. However, to constrain a general, and thus potentially more informative, form of w(z), having many high-redshift standard candles can significantly improve limits on the nature of dark energy, even compared to dark energy experiments currently only in the planning stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundMaternal stress during pregnancy is associated with a modestly increased risk of fetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia. Since placental abruption shares similar pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors with fetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia, we hypothesized that maternal stress may be implicated in abruption risk. We investigated the association between maternal bereavement during pregnancy and placental abruption.MethodWe studied singleton births in Denmark (1978–2008) and Sweden (1973–2006) (n = 5 103 272). In nationwide registries, we obtained data on death of women's close family members (older children, siblings, parents, and partners), abruption and potential confounders.ResultsA total of 30 312 (6/1000) pregnancies in the cohort were diagnosed with placental abruption. Among normotensive women, death of a child the year before or during pregnancy was associated with a 54% increased odds of abruption [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.30–1.82]; the increased odds were restricted to women who lost a child the year before or during the first trimester in pregnancy. In the group with chronic hypertension, death of a child the year before or in the first trimester of pregnancy was associated with eight-fold increased odds of abruption (odds ratio 8.17, 95% CI 3.17–21.10). Death of other relatives was not associated with abruption risk.ConclusionsLoss of a child the year before or in the first trimester of pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of abruption, especially among women with chronic hypertension. Studies are needed to investigate the effect of less severe, but more frequent, sources of stress on placental abruption risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The narrow [O III] λλ4959, 5007 emission-line fluxes in the spectrum of the well-studied Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 5548 are shown to vary with time. From this we show that the narrow-line-emitting region has a radius of only 1-3 pc and is denser (ne ∼ 105 cm–3) than previously supposed. The [O III] line width is consistent with virial motions at this radius given previous determinations of the black hole mass. Since the [O III] emission-line flux is usually assumed to be constant and is therefore used to calibrate spectroscopic monitoring data, the variability has ramifications for the long-term secular variations of continuum and emission-line fluxes, though it has no effect on shorter-term reverberation studies. We present corrected optical continuum and broad Hβ emission-line light curves for the period 1988-2008. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We studied the association between maternal epilepsy, antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment, and behavioral problems in preschool children. In the Danish National Birth Cohort, we identified 4- to 5-year-old children whose mothers had epilepsy and received AED treatment (n=133) or not (n=304) during pregnancy and compared them with randomly selected children whose mothers did not have epilepsy (n=1193). The children's behavioral problems were assessed by the use of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Children prenatally exposed to AEDs more often had an abnormal total SDQ score as compared with children of women without epilepsy (odds ratio (OR)=4.8 (95% CI: 1.9–12.1)) and as compared with children of women with epilepsy who were not treated with AEDs during their pregnancy (OR=4.0 (95% CI: 1.3–12.8)). In conclusion, prenatal AED exposure may increase the risk of behavioral problems in preschool children even after adjustments for potential confounders and maternal epilepsy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Twelve heifers were assigned to either a control diet (CON) with 26 g fat per kg dry matter (DM) or a supplemented diet (FAT) with crushed rapeseed with 53 g fat per kg DM. Methane (CH4) emission was measured by open-circuit indirect calorimetry for four days when the heifers weighed approximately 300 kg. Dry matter intake (DMI;P=0.01) and daily CH4emission (P=0.002) were lowest on the FAT. However, CH4emission per kg DMI (P=0.21) or per kg weight gain (P=0.44) was not different. The loss of CH4as a percentage of gross energy intake tended to be lower on FAT (6.4%) than on CON (6.8%;P=0.08). It is concluded that the FAT may have potential to reduce CH4emission from heifers, but further studies are warranted to document this effect. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives: Identification of antimicrobial resistance genes is important for understanding the underlying mechanisms and the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance. As the costs of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) continue to decline, it becomes increasingly available in routine diagnostic laboratories and is anticipated to substitute traditional methods for resistance gene identification. Thus, the current challenge is to extract the relevant information from the large amount of generated data.Methods: We developed a web-based method, ResFinder that uses BLAST for identification of acquired antimicrobial resistance genes in whole-genome data. As input, the method can use both pre-assembled, complete or partial genomes, and short sequence reads from four different sequencing platforms. The method was evaluated on 1862 GenBank files containing 1411 different resistance genes, as well as on 23 de-novo-sequenced isolates.Results: When testing the 1862 GenBank files, the method identified the resistance genes with an ID = 100% (100% identity) to the genes in ResFinder. Agreement between in silico predictions and phenotypic testing was found when the method was further tested on 23 isolates of five different bacterial species, with available phenotypes. Furthermore, ResFinder was evaluated on WGS chromosomes and plasmids of 30 isolates. Seven of these isolates were annotated to have antimicrobial resistance, and in all cases, annotations were compatible with the ResFinder results.Conclusions: A web server providing a convenient way of identifying acquired antimicrobial resistance genes in completely sequenced isolates was created. ResFinder can be accessed at www.genomicepidemiology.org. ResFinder will continuously be updated as new resistance genes are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional starch-rich concentrates for milk-fed calves induces an acidotic ruminal environment even with small daily intakes. A new feeding regimen including use of low-starch concentrate was formulated and tested for impact on ruminal environment and -development in 2 to 10 wk old calves. Eight Holstein calves (48 ± 1 kg BW at birth) implanted with ruminal cannulaes (20 mm ID) at d 7 ± 1 of age were allocated to one of two feeding regimens. Calves on control treatment (CON) had free access to a barley-based concentrate (319 g starch/kg) from wk 1. Calves on alternative treatment (ALT) had no access to concentrate until wk 4 when they got free access to a low-starch concentrate (68 g starch/kg). All calves had free access to artificiallydried grass hay, and water and were fed skim-milk-based milk-replacer (4.6 L/d in wk 1 to 2, 6.4 L/d in wk 2 to 7, and 3.2 L/d in wk 7 to 8). Every wk, 8 ruminal samples/calf were collected from 0730 to 2400. There were no treatment effects on ADG (802 ± 35 g/d) or total solid feed DMI (concentrate + hay; 78 ± 4 kg). On ALT compared with CON, average ruminal pH was higher (6.39 vs. 6.04 ± 0.09, P < 0.05) and minimum ruminal pH was higher (6.14 vs. 5.57 ± 0.09, P < 0.01). A relatively large treatment x wk interaction was found for all VFA data. Especially from wk 2 to 4 the butyrate profile and the ruminal butyrate concentration was smaller (P < 0.001) for ALT (1 to 3 ± 1 mmol/L) compared with CON (6 to 9 ± 1 mmol/L). However, when concentrate was introduced to ALT calves ruminal butyrate increased to a higher (P < 0.001) level (12 to 19 ± 1 mmol/L) compared with CON (8 to 13 ± 1 mmol/L). No differences between treatments in ruminal mass, length, shape and aggregation of ruminal papillae were detected at wk 10. Our results show that it is possible to formulate rumen-friendly low-starch concentrates without compromising growth or ruminal development in milk-fed calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the association of asphyxia-related conditions (reducing blood flow or blood oxygen levels in the fetus) with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) considering different gestational age groups and the timing of risk. Design Population-based case–control study. Setting Danish Cerebral Palsy Register in eastern Denmark and Danish Medical Birth Register. Population or Sample 271 singletons with spastic CP and 217 singleton controls, frequency matched by gestational age group, born 1982–1990 in eastern Denmark. Methods Data were abstracted from medical records, and a priori asphyxia-related conditions and other risk factors were selected for analysis. Each factor was classified according to the time at which it was likely to first be present. Main outcome measures Spastic CP. Results Placental and cord complications accounted for the majority of asphyxia conditions. In multivariate analysis, placental infarction was significantly associated with a four-fold increased risk for spastic quadriplegia and cord around the neck was significantly associated with a three-fold increased risk for spastic CP overall. The combination of placental infarction and being small for gestational age (SGA) afforded an especially high risk for spastic quadriplegia. Placental and cord complications were present in 21% of cases and 12% of controls. Conclusions The risk for spastic quadriplegia from placental infarction may be linked in some cases with abnormal fetal growth (17% of all children with spastic quadriplegia and 3% of control children both had an infarction and were SGA)—suggesting an aetiologic pathway that encompasses both factors. The risk for spastic CP from cord around the neck is not accounted for by other prepartum or intrapartum factors we examined. Considering the relative timing of risk factors provides a useful framework for studies of CP aetiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Seaweeds contain low levels of digestible nutrients for non-ruminants. • High ash and fiber concentrations in intact seaweeds may limit inclusion in feed. • Seaweeds may provide essential minerals. • Protein and fat fraction contain high EAA and EFA proportions. • Diverse monosaccharides in seaweed fibers indicate varying bioactive potential. This study aimed to discuss the chemical composition of three seaweed species commonly found in Nordic countries and its potential use in feed rations for pigs and calves. Two brown seaweeds Ascophyllum nodosum , Saccharina lastissima and a green seaweed Ulva sp. harvested from Danish and Icelandic waters were analyzed for proximate, amino acids, minerals, fatty acids and non-starch polysaccharides composition. All studied seaweeds contained low protein concentrations (i.e. 11.4–15.9 g/100 g DM). The ratio of essential amino acids (EAA) to non-essential amino acids (NEAA) was similar in all studied seaweeds (0.81−0.87). Ulva sp. had the highest ash concentration (48.2–54.4 g/100 g DM), followed by S. latissima (39.9 g/100 g DM) and A. nodosum (29.5 g/100 g DM). The most abundant macrominerals in the seaweeds were Ca, K and Na. Iodine was the most abundant micromineral in brown seaweeds (1.4–2.1 g/kg DM). Moreover, Ulva sp. had the highest Fe (5.1–8.0 g/kg DM), Mn (10.5 g/kg DM) and inorganic As (0.008 g/kg DM) concentrations. Ascophyllum nodosum had the highest crude fat concentration (3 g/100 g DM) and the highest concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (FAs) (37.9 g/100 g FA). Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) concentration was the highest in A. nodosum (7 g/100 g FA) followed by S. latissima (5 g/100 g FA) and Ulva sp. (2 g/100 g FA). Furthermore, concentration of α-linolenic acid, a precursor for EPA, was the highest in Ulva sp. (6.2–14.6 g/100 g FA). Total dietary fiber concentration was higher in the brown seaweeds (27.8–42.6 g/100 g DM) compared to the green seaweeds (17.9–21.5 g/100 g DM), where S. latissima had the highest soluble dietary fiber concentration. The high concentrations of ash and fiber may limit inclusion levels of the analyzed whole seaweeds in feed rations, mainly due to dilution of other nutrients in the feed, reduced digestibility of the feed and possible toxicities (i.e. high inorganic As). On the other hand, high concentrations of essential and valuable microminerals including I, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se were also detected in the studied seaweeds. High soluble dietary fiber concentration in S. latissima can be of interest as a fermentable substrate for probiotic bacteria. The easily digestible nutrients including, crude protein and fat were low in the seaweeds. However, the protein, fat, ash and dietary fiber fractions of the studied seaweeds were characterized by high concentrations of EAA, EFA, essential microminerals and interesting monomers of functional polysaccharides, respectively; which indicate possibilities for future use of seaweed-extracts in feed rations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate whether folic acid supplementation in early pregnancy modifies the association between the prevalence of congenital abnormalities in the offspring and maternal use of carbamazepine (CBZ), phenobarbital (PB), phenytoin (PHT), and primidone (PRI). Design A population-based case–control study. Setting The Hungarian Case–Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities (HCCSCA) (1980–1996) and its information on children from the Hungarian Congenital Abnormality Registry and the Hungarian National Birth Registry. Population Children with congenital abnormalities (cases; n= 20 792, of whom 148 had been exposed to antiepileptic drugs [AEDs]) and unaffected children (controls; n= 38 151, of whom 184 had been exposed to AEDs). Methods Information on drug exposure and background variables for the mothers were collected from antenatal logbooks, discharge summaries, and structured questionnaires completed by the mothers at the time of HCCSCA registration. Main outcome measures Congenital abnormalities detected at termination of pregnancy, at birth or until 3 months of age according to CBZ, PB, PHT, or PRI exposure at 5–12 weeks from first day of the last menstrual period (LMP), stratified by folic acid supplementation. Results Compared with children unexposed to AEDs and folic acid, the odds ratio of congenital abnormalities was 1.47 (95% CI 1.13–1.90) in children exposed to AEDs without folic acid supplementation and 1.27 (95% CI 0.85–1.89) for children exposed to AEDs with folic acid supplementation. Conclusion The results indicate that the risk of congenital abnormalities in children exposed in utero to CBZ, PB, PHT, and PRI is reduced but not eliminated by folic acid supplementation at 5–12 weeks from LMP. The statistical precision in our study is limited due to rarity of the exposures, and further studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies whether the combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccination is associated with autism. Design of the study; Setting; Participants; Assessment of risk factors; Main outcome measures; Lack of evidence that the combined vaccination is associated with the development of autism.

The article presents the study "A Population-Based Study of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccination and Autism" by K. M. Madsen and colleagues. It examines the association of MMR vaccine to autism in children in a population-based cohort study in Denmark. It indicates that MMR vaccination is not associated with autistic spectrum disorder in children.

The aim of the present experiment was to test the hypothesis that a barley-based concentrate would induce an acidic ruminal environment in young calves and that increased milk allowance would alleviate this condition. Eight Holstein calves ruminally cannulated at d 7 ± 1 of age were used to study the effect of variation in barley-based starter concentrate intake induced by 4 different milk allowances (3.10, 4.84, 6.60, and 8.34 kg of milk replacer/d; 123 g of dry matter/kg of milk) on the ruminal environment, blood variables, and fore-stomach development from wk 2 to 5 of age. Twelve ruminal fluid samples were collected during a weekly 24-h sampling in 4 consecutive weeks. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture between 1200 and 1300 h on ruminal sampling days. Rumen papillae development and visceral organ mass were recorded at slaughter. A linear treatment x week effect was observed for concentrate intake, with the calves fed the lowest milk allowance having the fastest increase in concentrate intake whereby these calves reached the same ME intake in wk 5 compared with calves with the highest milk allowance. Effects on ruminal variables were dominated by week of sampling, with minor differences among treatments. Ruminal pH was below 5.5 for 5 to 13 h/d and all calves with concentrate intake above 20 g of dry matter/d were observed to have a daily ruminal pH minimum at pH 5.5 or lower. The ruminal concentration of total volatile fatty acids (VFA) increased from 71 to 133 ± 9 mmol/L in wk 2 to 5 and was characterized by a relatively high molar proportion of propionate, increasing from 34 to 40 mol/100 mol of VFA in wk 2 to 5. In addition, the presence of ethanol and propanol as well as numerous VFA esters points to a ruminal environment with a relatively high hydrogen pressure. Plasma glucose and insulin responded to the highest milk allowance in wk 2 to 4. Plasma VFA and ketone bodies increased with the lowest milk allowance in wk 4 to 5. At slaughter, empty wet weights of the rumen + reticulum and omasum as well as mass of digesta in these compartments were found to decrease linearly and perirenal fat was found to increase linearly with milk allowance, indicating that the milk allowance changed the body composition of the calves. Lengths of ruminal papillae in the atrium and ventral ruminal sac were not affected by treatment. We concluded that the ruminal environment of young calves fed a barley-based starter concentrate was characterized by a low ruminal pH and high VFA concentration regardless of the milk allowance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Duroc and Landrace pigs as well as primary myotubes from these breeds were used to investigate mechanisms behind differences in their response to creatine monohydrate (CMH). Pigs were supplemented with 0, 12.5, 25 or 50g CMH/d for 5 days (n =10 per treatment and breed). Plasma levels of creatine increased dose-dependently in both breeds, while muscle-creatine phosphate content increased only in the Duroc pigs. 1H NMR metabolic profiling showed a tendency towards clustering according to CMH supplementation only among Duroc pigs, revealing a stronger response compared to Landrace pigs. The abundance of insulin-like growth factor I and myostatin mRNA was decreased by CMH supplementation while that of type 1 IGF-receptor and creatine transporter was unaffected. Protein synthesis, increased in the myotubes from both breeds, indicating protein accretion, but no effect was observed on the mRNA abundance of IGF-I, type 1 IGF-receptor, myostatin or the creatine transporter in myotubes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Milk yield of the dairy cow follows a pattern termed the lactation curve. We have investigated the cellular background for this pattern. Seven mammary biopsies were obtained from each of 10 cows: at the end of lactation (d 347, equal to d 77 before next parturition); during the dry period at d 48 (4 d after dry off); 16 d before parturition; and during lactation at d 14, 42, 88, and 172. The fraction of proliferating (staining positive for Ki-67) alveolar cells was higher during the dry period (8.6%) than during lactation (0.5%). The fraction of apoptotic (staining positive by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling) alveolar cells was higher immediately after dry off (0.37%) and in early lactation (0.76%) than during other periods (0.15%). The enzyme activities of fatty acid synthetase, acetyl CoA-carboxylase, and galactosyl transferase were approximately 12-, 11-, and 4-fold higher, respectively, during lactation than during the dry period. In conclusion, mammary cell proliferation is substantial in a period near parturition but otherwise low, and apoptosis is elevated at dry off and in early lactation. The increase in apoptosis in early lactation may be due to discarding nonfunctional or senescent cells or to removal of a surplus of newly synthesized cells. The activity of selected enzymes central for milk synthesis is probably not limiting for milk production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mammary gland of prepubertal dairy heifers consists of parenchyma expanding into the stroma, a matrix of connective and adipose tissue. High planes of nutrition increase stromal mass, but inhibit growth of parenchyma. The parenchyma consists of epithelial cells proliferating in response to growth factors such as insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-I). These observations have led to the hypothesis that elevated planes of nutrition increase leptin production, which in turn inhibits IGF-I-mediated epithelial cell proliferation. To assess this possibility, heifers were offered planes of nutrition sustaining average daily gains of 715 g/d (normal; NP) or 1,202 g/d (high; HP) from 42 d of age until slaughter at 240 kg. At slaughter, HP heifers had 2-fold greater plasma leptin concentration and 3-fold greater leptin mRNA abundance in mammary stroma and parenchyma. To assess the causal nature between leptin and parenchymal development, the induction of signaling events and functional responses in the MAC-T cell line and in primary mammary epithelial cells by leptin was examined. Leptin did not induce phosphorylation of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)3, STATS, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), or AKT/Protein kinase B. Consistent with its inability to signal, leptin did not alter basal- or IGF-I-stimulated thymidine incorporation or increase suppressors of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) expression in these cells. Transcripts corresponding to the short leptin receptor form were present in mammary tissue, but those corresponding to the long signaling form were not detected in either mammary tissue or cells. In conclusion, elevated planes of nutrition increase leptin synthesis in mammary stroma, but leptin does not act directly on bovine mammary epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of energy density in the diet [low = 0.86 SFU/kg dry matter (DM) or high = 1.06 SFU/kg DM] and daily milking frequency (two or three times) in early lactation on plasma concentrations of metabolites and hormones were evaluated in 40 Holstein dairy cows arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial block design. The four treatment combinations were L2, L3, H2 and H3, and the experimental period comprised the first 8 weeks of lactation. Plasma glucose, insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I concentrations were on average 8 (3.43 versus 3.19 mmol/l), 114 (41.6 versus 19.4 pmol/l) and 60% (91.9 versus 57.4 ng/ml) higher, whereas β-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB), plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) and growth hormone (GH) concentrations were on average 18 (0.73 versus 0.89 mmol/l ), 14 (7.18 versus 8.35 mmol/l), and 63% (1.0 versus 2.6 ng/ml ) lower for cows fed diet H than for cows fed diet L. Cows milked three times daily had a 6% (3.20 versus 3.42 mmol/l) lower plasma glucose concentration and a 19% (0.88 versus 0.74 mmol/l ) higher plasma concentration of BOHB compared with cows milked two times daily. Plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentration was not affected by either treatment. Overall, it is concluded that increasing the daily milking frequency creates a higher metabolic imbalance in early lactation. Cows in early lactation will benefit from receiving a high energy density diet and thereby avoid a too high metabolic imbalance when mobilizing body tissue in support of milk production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight Holstein calves (44 ± 1 kg BW at birth) implanted with ruminal cannulaes (20 mm ID) at d 7 ± 1 after birth were used to investigate the effects of milk allowance on concentrate intake and ruminal fermentation patterns. Calves were allocated to one of four treatments (3.0, 4.7, 6.4 or 8.1 L skim-milk-based milk-replacer/d; 130 g solids/L milk). All calves had free access to a barley-based starter concentrate (319 g starch/kg), artificially-dried hay, and water. Ruminal samples were collected every 2 h for 24 h at wk 2, 3, 4, and 5. Ruminal pH was measured immediately and ruminal fluid was stabilized with metaphosphoric acid for later analysis. Concentrate intake was affected by a treatment times wk interaction (P < 0.01). The smallest concentrate intake was found with 6.4 L milk/d (17 g/d in wk 2 increasing to 389 g/d in wk 5) and the greatest concentrate intake was found with 3.0 L milk/d (310 g/d in wk 2 increasing to 1,601 g/d in wk 5 [SEM = 150]). Daily gain from wk 2 to 5 (714 ± 35 g/d) was not affected (P = 0.49) by treatment. The average (5.8 ± 0.1) and the minimum (5.4 ± 0.1) ruminal pH within a sampling period were not affected (P > 0.24) by treatment or wk. Hours/d with ruminal pH below 6.2 (18 ± 2 h/d), 5.8 (14 ± 2 h/d), and 5.4 (6 ± h/d) were not affected (P > 0.18) by treatment or wk. The total VFA concentration was affected by week (P < 0.01) and increased from 71 ± 9 mmol/L in wk 2 to 133 ± 9 mmol/L in wk 5. All data for calves with concentrate intakes above 25 g/d showed no relationship between concentrate intake level and severity of ruminal environment. The implication is that starch-based concentrates in general might be harmful to the juvenile rumen of milk-fed calves and more attention should be paid to formulating rumen-friendly starter concentrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]