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Objective To investigate the effect of nursing risk management on safety goals of cancer patients during the transition period after discharge from ICU. Methods A risk management team for cancer patients after discharge from ICU was set up. The high risk factors during the transition period after discharge from ICU were evaluated according to the practice guidance of patient safety goals. The high-risk screening system, detailed implementing rules, cost-effectiveness evaluation and quality control process were carried out. The nurses’ perception of risk and patients’ satisfaction with nursing risk management were evaluated. Results There was a significant increase in the ability of risk identification and self-evaluation after implementation of risk management (P

The purpose of this study was to determine the link between insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), progesterone (PROG), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and glucose (GLU) and pregnancy probability after the first artificial insemination (AI) and during the first 100 days in milk (DIM), during the critical transition period. We determined levels of serum IGF-1, PROG, NEFA, BHB, and GLU in Holstein dairy cows via ELISA, using blood samples collected 7 days before parturition (DAP) until 21 days postparturition (DPP). The group was split into cows diagnosed pregnant at 100 DIM (PREG) and those that did not conceive at 100 and 150 DIM (NPREG). Serum IGF-1 and PROG median levels at 7 DAP were significantly higher in PREG vs. NPREG (p = 0.029), the only statistically significant differences across the subgroups. At 7 DAP, IGF-1 levels within the initial group showed a strong negative correlation with PROG (r = −0.693; p = 0.006), while for the PREG subgroup, the IGF-1 levels exhibited a very strong positive correlation with GLU (r = 0.860; p = 0.011) and NEFA (r = 0.872; p = 0.013). IGF-1 and PROG levels detected at 7 DAP may be useful to predict pregnancy at 100 DIM. The positive correlation of NEFA and GLU levels during the transition period demonstrates that the initial group is not in NEB; thus, the NEFA level was not a decisive factor for reproduction success.

Background: Magnesium butyrate (MgB) supplementation of dairy cows during the three-week close-up period was tested for its effects on blood energy analytes, rumination time, inflammation, and lactation performance. Methods: Daily milk yield was recorded and weekly milk samples collected for the first 70 days of lactation from MgB supplemented (MgB, n = 34), and unsupplemented (Control, n = 31) multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows. During a period from week 3 to week 10 postpartum, blood samples were taken and analyzed for various parameters, and ruminant activity was measured. Results: The MgB group yielded 25.2% more milk than the Control during week 1, and had increased milk fat and protein concentrations over a longer duration. Somatic cell counts (SCC) were decreased in the MgB group independent of days in milk. No differences were observed between groups in terms of plasma non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, or blood iCa levels. The MgB group had lower haptoglobin (Hp) levels during lactation relative to the Control group. Time spent ruminating increased after calving with MgB due to a shorter post calving rumination delay relative to the Control group. Conclusions: Prepartum MgB supplementation improved lactation performance without affecting blood energy analytes. The basis by which MgB also improved rumination activity remains to be determined, as DMI could not be assessed. As MgB lowered SCC and Hp concentrations, it is speculated that MgB may help minimize postpartum inflammatory processes.

There are turning points in every person's life, which are seen as the beginning of important events. We can list these as birth, circumcision, military service, marriage, and finally death. There are several practices applied by society during these events, each of which takes place in turn. The purpose of these practices is to ensure that the individual overcomes the turning points they have to reach in the healthiest way possible. Practices applied at birth are always aimed at protecting the mental and physical health of the mother and baby. It is expected that individuals whose marriage time has come, will have a happy marriage with the support of the society and family members so that they can establish a home. For people at the time of death, there are some practices that aim to transition of the soul of the deceased from the material realm to the spiritual realm and to ensure that they reach beautiful places. We come across transitional periods, which are called turning points of life, in every geography where people live. The subject of our research is the practices related to birth, marriage, and death in the Gülek District of Tarsus district of Mersin. In addition to the historical and strategic importance of the Gülek Strait and the Gülek Castle, it has been observed that the settlement here is an inseparable whole from the history of the strait and the castle. The information we obtained in the compilation activities we carried out in Gülek Strait and its surroundings was obtained by interview method and participatory observation techniques. The main purpose of this study to record the folk knowledge that is about to disappear and transfer it to the next generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residual feed intake (RFI) is a moderately heritable trait of feed efficiency in dairy cows. The main objective of the present study was to assess potential differences in the ruminal microbiome, milk fatty acid (FA) composition, and plasma concentrations of glucose, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and β-hydroxybutyrate between the most (M-EFF) and the least efficient (L-EFF) dairy cows during early lactation. Forty-seven multiparous Holstein dairy cows with daily ad libitum access to a total mixed ration from 30 d before calving to 30 d in milk were used. Cows were retrospectively classified into M-EFF (i.e., low RFI, n = 29) and L-EFF (high RFI, n = 18) based on a linear regression model. Ruminal digesta and milk samples were collected from each cow at 15 and 30 d in milk for microbiome analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Microbiome sequencing data were analyzed with the QIIME 2 platform (http://qiime.org/), whereas the microbiome statistical analyses and visual explorations were performed using the web-based MicrobiomeAnalyst platform. Milk FA composition was measured via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The statistical model used in SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc.) included RFI, time, and their interactions as fixed effects. The cor() function in R programming was used to determine Pearson correlations between relative abundance of significant bacteria and milk FA. Overall, daily milk yield did not differ due to RFI and averaged 42 ± 1.6 kg for L-EFF and 43 ± 1.3 kg for M-EFF cows. However, M-EFF cows had lower overall dry matter intake (14.9 ± 0.5 kg/d) compared with L-EFF cows (19.2 ± 0.6 kg/d). No incidence of clinical disease was recorded for cows in the study. Compared with L-EFF, overall glucose concentration was lower, whereas NEFA and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations were greater in M-EFF cows. Ruminal digesta from both RFI groups had similar bacterial composition, but differed in the relative abundance of some bacteria. Compared with L-EFF, M-EFF cows had greater relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae , Lachnoclostridium , Papillibacter , Desulfovibrio , Sphaerochaeta , Acetobacter , and Histophilus. In contrast, relative abundance of Bifidobacterium , Ruminiclostridium , Prevotellaceae , and Erysipelotrichaceae bacterium was lower in M-EFF cows. Compared with L-EFF, M-EFF cows had greater proportions of long-chain monounsaturated FA, including 16:1 trans -9, 16:1 cis -9, 17:1 trans -10, 17:1 cis -10, 18:1 cis -9, 18:1 cis -11, whereas proportions of medium-chain saturated and 16:0 were lower in M-EFF. Acetate-producing bacteria (Sphaerochaeta and Acetobacter) were positively and significantly correlated (r ≥ 0.24) with concentrations of 16:1 cis -9 and 17:1 cis -10, whereas Prevotellaceae was significantly and negatively correlated (r = −0.25) with these FA. Butyrate-producing bacterium (Papillibacter) had a significant negative correlation (r = −0.27) with concentration of 15:0. Overall, data suggested that feed-efficient cows have unique profiles of ruminal microbiota, some of which are correlated with concentrations of milk FA during early lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of injection of vitamin E and selenium, vitamin B12 and iron or their combination during the transition period on milk production and composition, body condition score (BCS) changes and serum metabolites of dairy cows. A total of 40 Holstein dairy cows (659±57.9 kg of body weight (BW)) were divided into four groups based on parity, BW and BCS and randomly assigned to experimental treatments. Experimental treatments were T1: injection of NaCl % 0.9 as control treatment (C), T2: injection of 3000 IU of vitamin E and 30 mg of selenium (ESe), T3: injection of 700 μg of vitamin B12 and 254 mg of iron (B12Fe) and T4: injection of 3000 IU of vitamin E and 30 mg of selenium plus 700 μg of vitamin B12 and 254 mg of iron (ESe+B12Fe). Injection of ESe, B12Fe or ESe + B12Fe had no effect on BCS and its changes (P>0.05). Milk production, 4% fat-corrected milk (FCM), energy-corrected milk (ECM) and milk fat, protein and lactose content and yield did not influence by injection of ESe, B12Fe or ESe + B12Fe (P>0.05). Experimental treatments had no effect on serum β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), glucose, total protein, triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDLcholesterol concentrations (P>0.05). It was concluded that injection of ESe, B12Fe or their combination during transition period had no effect on milk production and composition, BCS changes, and serum metabolites concentrations of Holstein dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Language & Literature / Keel ja Kirjandus is the property of SA Kultuurileht and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Phosphorus in bovine nutrition is under ongoing scrutiny because of concerns with excessive amounts of P excreted in manure contributing to environmental pollution. Feeding rations with excessive P content, however, still remains common practice, particularly during the transition period, as limited P supply in late gestation and early lactation is thought to present a risk for health and productivity of high-yielding dairy cows. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of restricted P supply during the last 4 wk of pregnancy on Ca and P homeostasis during the transition period in high-yielding dairy cows, and to identify possible effects on metabolism and productivity throughout the following lactation. Thirty late-pregnant multiparous dairy cows were randomly assigned to either a dry cow diet with low (LP) or adequate P (AP) content [0.16 and 0.30% P in dry matter (DM), respectively] to be fed in the 4 wk before calving. After calving all cows received the same ration with adequate P content (0.46% P in DM). Blood, milk, and liver tissue samples were obtained during the dry period and the following lactation, DM intake (DMI), body weight, milk production, and disease occurrence were monitored. Plasma was assayed for the concentrations of P, Ca, Na, and K, metabolic parameters, and liver enzyme activities. Liver tissue was analyzed for mineral, triglyceride, cholesterol, and water contents. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to identify treatment, time, and treatment × time interaction effects. Cows fed LP had lower plasma P concentrations ([Pi]) than AP cows during restricted P feeding, reaching a nadir of 1.1 mmol/L immediately before calving. After calving, plasma [Pi] of LP cows was at or above the level of AP cows and within the reference range for cattle. Symptoms assumed to be associated with hypophosphatemia were not observed, but plasma Ca was higher from 1 wk before to 1 wk after calving in LP cows, which was associated with a numerically lower incidence of clinical and subclinical hypocalcemia in LP cows. Both treatments had a similar 305-d milk yield (12,112 ± 1,298 kg for LP and 12,229 ± 1,758 kg for AP cows) and similar DMI. Plasma and liver tissue biochemical analysis did not reveal treatment effects on energy, protein, or lipid metabolism. The results reported here indicate that restricted dietary P supply during the dry period positively affected the Ca homeostasis of periparturient dairy cows but did not reveal negative effects on DMI, milk production, or metabolic activity in the following lactation. Restriction of P during the dry period was associated with hypophosphatemia antepartum but neither exacerbated postparturient hypophosphatemia, which is commonly observed in fresh cows, nor was associated with any clinical or subclinical indication of P deficiency in early lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives of this retrospective cohort study were to determine the association of heat stress (HS) exposure during the periparturient period with production, health, reproduction, and survival during the first 90 d postpartum in dairy cows. A total of 5,722 Holstein cows (2,324 nulliparous and 3,397 parous) were categorized into environmental condition groups based on average temperature-humidity index (THI) exposure as thermoneutral (TN) or HS during the prepartum (PRE) and early postpartum (POST) periods into TN-TN (THI: PRE = 57.9 and POST = 63.7), TN-HS (THI: PRE = 68.2 and POST = 72.0), HS-TN (THI: PRE = 71.4 and POST = 65.6), and HS-HS (THI PRE = 72.2 and POST = 72.7). Nulliparous and parous cows were analyzed separately. In nulliparous cows, exposure to HS during the PRE, POST, or both PRE and POST periods was associated with a 1.7 kg/cow per day reduction in milk yield compared with TN-TN. Postpartum HS was associated with increases of 4.4 percentage points in incidence of retained placenta, 18.1 percentage points in incidence of metritis, and 2.0 percentage points in incidence of mastitis, but a reduction of 5.3 percentage points in pregnancy at first AI, and an increase of 4.5 percentage points in pregnancy loss compared with POST TN. Exposure to HS during PRE and POST periods was associated with increased removal from the herd. In parous cows, exposure to HS during PRE, POST, or both PRE and POST was associated with a 2.4-kg/cow per day reduction in milk yield when compared with TN-TN. There was an interaction between HS exposure PRE and POST and incidence of retained placenta, because POST HS was associated with an increase in incidence of 5.8 percentage points within PRE HS cows, whereas no difference was found within PRE TN cows. Postpartum HS was associated with an increase of 6.3 percentage points in incidence of metritis and tended to be associated with an increase of 1.9 percentage points in mastitis incidence compared with POST TN. There was an interaction between HS exposure PRE and POST and pregnancy per AI because POST HS was associated with reduced pregnancy incidence by 10.6 percentage points within PRE TN cows, whereas no difference was found within PRE HS cows. Removal from the herd increased in cows exposed to HS during the PRE or POST or PRE and POST. These data suggest that POST HS is associated with performance losses to a greater extent than prepartum HS and that nulliparous and parous cows are prompt to losses associated with exposure to HS during the transition period. The results corroborate findings from manipulative experiments that showed improved milk production and reproduction in cows under HS provided with heat abatement but adds insights to the associations between HS and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objectives were (1) to determine whether increasing metabolizable protein (MP) supply above requirements in late-gestation cows would benefit health, milk production, and reproduction; (2) to determine whether an increased supply of MP postpartum affects production; and (3) to determine whether supply of MP prepartum interacts with MP supply postpartum. Pregnant nonlactating cows (n = 60) blocked by expected parturition date were assigned to 1 of 3 prepartum diets from 21 d prepartum to parturition: 12% crude protein (CP) soybean meal (SBM) supplement (LSB); 15% CP SBM supplement (HSB); and 15% CP SBM plus animal-marine protein supplement (HMP). Diets were formulated to supply an estimated 924, 988, and 1,111 g/d of MP, respectively, at 11.5 kg of dry matter intake (DMI). After parturition, cows received diets containing 18% CP, either from SBM (SB) or SBM plus animal-marine protein (AMP) supplements, that provided 2,056 (SB) or 2,293 g/d (AMP) of MP at 21 kg of DMI; thus, treatments were in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Milk production and DMI were recorded for 63 d postpartum. Prepartum DMI was lower at wk −3 for cows fed LSB compared with those fed HSB or HMP. Postpartum DMI did not differ significantly between cows fed SB and those fed AMP (20.8 vs. 19.6 kg/d). Milk production did not differ due to prepartum diets or postpartum diets. Milk fat and protein percentages were not affected by prepartum or postpartum diets. Cows fed AMP postpartum tended to produce more milk fat, but 4% fat-corrected milk (FCM) did not differ from SB-supplemented cows (33.6 kg/d vs. 32.2 kg/d). Gross feed efficiency (FCM/DMI) was greater for cows fed AMP postpartum (1.82 vs. 1.68). Prepartum concentrations of urea N in plasma were lower for LSB than for HSB and HMP, and HSB was greater than HMP. Postpartum concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate were greater for cows fed AMP postpartum than for those fed SB. Postpartum urea N was higher for SB than for AMP (14.4 vs. 12.5 mg/dL). Concentration of total protein in plasma was greater postpartum for cows fed HSB or HMP prepartum than for those fed LSB, and was greater postpartum for cows fed AMP than for those fed SB. Hepatic concentrations of total lipids and triglyceride did not differ among treatments. Hepatic glycogen was greater postpartum for cows fed SB postpartum. Feeding HSB or HMP increased the number of follicles 6 to 9 mm in diameter compared with LSB. The size of the largest follicle was increased by HMP compared with HSB. In conclusion, increasing the amount of MP fed to cows during the last 21 d prepartum did not affect milk production or BCS but increased plasma total protein concentration. Follicular dynamics were improved by increasing the amount of MP prepartum. Feeding HMP prepartum improved follicular dynamics prepartum and increased milk fat yield in wk 1. Feeding AMP postpartum increased efficiency of FCM production and plasma total protein. We found few interactions between prepartum and postpartum MP supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the effects of the timing of hyperketonemia (HYK) diagnosis during early lactation on milk yield and composition, reproductive performance, and herd removal. Plasma β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) was measured twice a week during the first 2 wk of lactation in 362 multiparous Holstein cows for the diagnosis of HYK. In each week, cows were diagnosed as HYK positive (HYK+) if the plasma BHB concentrations were ≥1.2 mmol/L in at least one of the tests for the week evaluated. Milk-related outcomes (first 10 monthly milk tests) included milk yield, milk fat and protein content, milk urea nitrogen (MUN), and linear score of somatic cell count. Other performance outcomes of interest included risk of pregnancy within 150 d in milk (DIM) and herd removal (i.e., culling or death) within 300 DIM. Statistical models were built separately for cows diagnosed with HYK during the first week of lactation (wk1) and for cows diagnosed during the second week of lactation (wk2). All models for wk2 were adjusted by HYK diagnosed in wk1, along with other potential confounder variables. The association between HYK in each week and milk-related outcomes was assessed using generalized estimated equation models that accounted for repeated measures. Time to pregnancy and time to herd removal were analyzed using Cox's proportional hazard regression models. Seventy-eight cows (21.5%) tested positive for HYK during wk1, 60 cows (16.6%) in wk2, and 29 cows (8.0%) in both weeks. Hyperketonemia during wk1 was associated with a milk yield reduction of 3.7 kg [95% confidence interval (CI): −6.67 to −0.76] per cow per day throughout the lactation. Meanwhile, we did not observe evidence of an association between HYK diagnosed during wk2 and milk yield. During the first 2 monthly milk tests, cows diagnosed as HYK+ in wk1 had greater fat (0.42%; 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.67) and MUN (0.75 mg/dL; 95% CI: 0.26 to 1.24) content in milk than HYK-negative (HYK−) cows. We did not detect any evidence of an association between HYK diagnosed in wk2 and these outcomes. The HYK+ cows in wk1 had a 30% [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.48 to 1.01] lower risk of pregnancy within 150 DIM and 2.48 times (95% CI: 1.63 to 2.89) higher risk of herd removal within 300 DIM than HYK− cows. Conversely, no evidence of association was observed between HYK+ cows in wk2 and risk of pregnancy by 150 DIM (HR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.64 to 1.51) or removal from the herd within 300 DIM (HR = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.52 to 1.60). Our findings indicate that HYK diagnosed during wk1 of lactation is associated with negative performance in terms of milk yield, reproduction, and herd removal. No evidence of association was found for the same outcomes when HYK was diagnosed in wk2. Our results suggest the need to consider the timing when HYK is diagnosed when investigating its association with performance outcomes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether oversupplying metabolizable protein (MP) during late gestation influences glucose and insulin concentrations, and insulin resistance (IR) in late gestation and early lactation. Crossbred Hereford, first-lactation heifers were individually fed diets to supply 133% (HMP, n = 11) or 100% (CON, n = 10) of their predicted MP requirements for 55 ± 4 d (mean ± SD) prior to calving. All heifers received a common lactation ration formulated to meet postpartum requirements (103% MP and 126% ME). After feed was withheld for 12 h, cattle underwent an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) on days −6.7 ± 0.9 and 14.3 ± 0.4 by infusing a 50% dextrose solution (1.36 g glucose/kg BW0.75) through a jugular catheter with plasma collected at −10, 0 (immediately after infusion), 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, and 120 min, respective to the infusion. Glucose and insulin concentrations were assessed. Insulin resistance indices (homeostasis model of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR], quantitative insulin sensitivity check index [QUICKI], revised quantitative insulin sensitivity check index [RQUICK], and RQUICKI incorporating serum beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations [RQUICKIBHB]) were calculated from measurements of serum non-esterified fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate and plasma glucose and insulin concentrations on days −34 ± 4, −15 ± 4, 7 ± 1, 28 ± 3, 70 ± 3, and 112 ± 3. Colostrum samples were collected within an hour of calving (prior to suckling) and analyzed for insulin concentration. Data were analyzed as a randomized block design using the PROC GLIMMIX of SAS, accounting for repeated measurements when necessary. Baseline (−10 min) plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were elevated (P ≤ 0.038) for HMP heifers during the antepartum IVGTT, but not (P ≥ 0.25) during the postpartum IVGTT. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations throughout the antepartum or postpartum IVGTT did not differ (P ≥ 0.18) by prepartum treatment, nor did other glucose and insulin IVGTT parameters (i.e. max concentration and time to reach max concentration, nadir values, clearance rates and half-lives, area-under-the-curve, and insulin sensitivity index; P ≥ 0.20). Antepartum IVGTT IR indices indicated that HMP heifers were more (P ≤ 0.011) IR than their counterparts. Similarly, the prepartum HOMA-IR was greater (P = 0.033) for HMP heifers, suggesting increased IR. Postpartum IR indices did not (P ≥ 0.25) indicate that prepartum MP consumption impacted postpartum IR. Colostrum insulin concentration was increased (P = 0.004) by nearly 2-fold for HMP relative to CON heifers. These data demonstrate that prepartum MP overfeeding alters baseline glucose-insulin concentrations in late-pregnant beef heifers and increases colostrum insulin content without having carry-over effects on postpartum glucose-insulin concentrations and IR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to present criminal law and criminal procedure in the medieval Bosnia and the Ottoman administration in Bosnia. The paper will refer to the classical period of Ottoman administration, so the development of law related to the period of reforms and the Tanzimat is not the subject of this paper. When we mention criminal law and criminal procedure, we think of sources of criminal law, types of criminal offenses and the procedure that was conducted in the courts. In addition, this paper will present a comparative analysis between medieval Bosnia and the Ottoman Empire in terms of the sources of criminal law, types of criminal offences and criminal procedure. The last chapter of this paper will present period of transition from one system to another. Author used dogmatic-normative, historical and comparative method in process of writing this paper. In addition to all these methods, author used method of classification and method of description. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Stratum Plus Journal is the property of P.P. Stratum plus and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

During the transition period, dairy cows often experience negative energy balance, which induces metabolic and immunological disturbances. Our previous work has shown a relationship between the inhibition of immune functions and increased blood nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels. In this study, we evaluated the effect of 11 fatty acids (palmitoleic, myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, docosahexaenoic, conjugated linoleic, lauric, eicosapentaenoic, and linolenic acids) as well as a mix that represented the NEFA profile observed during the transition period at different concentrations (0, 50, 100, and 250 µ M) on proliferation and cytokines secretion of lymphocytes. To assess lymphoproliferation, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) from 5 healthy cows (166–189 d in milk) were isolated, stimulated with the mitogenic lectin concanavalin A (ConA), incubated for 72 h with or without fatty acids, and subjected to flow cytometry analysis. Our results showed that all fatty acids, except lauric acid, significantly reduced proliferation of PBMC in a dose-dependent manner. The most detrimental effect was observed with conjugated linoleic and stearic acids, where proliferation of PBMC was already inhibited at the lowest dose (50 µ M). For cytokine secretion, we found that levels of IL-4 in culture supernatant of ConA-stimulated PBMC were reduced after a 24-h exposure to the lowest dose (50 µ M) of oleic and palmitoleic acids. A dose of 100 µ M of eicosapentaenoic acid, NEFA mixture, and myristic acid was necessary to observe a reduction in IL-4 levels. The PBMC also showed a decrease in the secretion of IFN-γ in response to lauric, linolenic, palmitoleic, and stearic acids at 50 µ M and myristic acid at 100 µ M. Overall, polyunsaturated fatty acids were more potent inhibitors of cytokine secretions than saturated fatty acids. In addition, we detected an inverse relationship between the melting points of fatty acids and their ability to inhibit IL-4 and IFN-γ secretions, as evidenced by greater inhibition with low–melting point fatty acids. Overall, our study confirmed that NEFA have a negative effect on some lymphocyte functions, and that their inhibitory effect on cytokine secretions increases with the degree of unsaturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adipose tissue (AT) is a central reservoir of energy stored in the form of lipids. In addition, AT has been recognized as an immunologically and endocrinologically active tissue of dairy cattle. The recent literature on AT biology of transition dairy cows has often focused on the possible negative effects that originate from excessive body fat. However, the highly efficient energy-storage capability of this tissue is also vital to the adaptability of dairy cattle to the change in nutrient availability, and to support lactation and reproduction. An excessive degree of mobilization of this tissue, however, is associated with high circulating fatty acid concentrations, and this may have direct and indirect negative effects on reproductive health, productivity, and disease risk. Furthermore, rapid lipolysis may be associated with postpartum inflammation. Research on the role of AT is complicated by the greater difficulty of accessing and measuring visceral AT compared with subcutaneous AT. The objective of this review is to provide a transition cow–centric summary of AT biology with a focus on reviewing methods of measuring AT mass as well as to describe the importance for production, health, and reproductive success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lipid mobilization increases significantly in cows around the time of calving; a correlation between excessive blood NEFA concentrations, oxidative stress, and impaired health status in transition dairy cattle was observed. Aims: The relationship between serum thyroxin (T4) values and energy indices and lipid profile in all cows, non-fat cows (NFCs), fat cows (FCs), healthy, and diseased animals were estimated in the present study. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from fifty multiparous cows on -14, +10, +20, and +30 days relative to parturition. They had similar diets and were kept under the same management conditions. Results: NEFA and BHBA values increased significantly on the 10th day of calving. Inversely, glucose, T4, triglyceride, LDL-C, and VLDLC decreased significantly ten days after calving. There was a significant negative correlation between serum T4 and NEFA for all cows and FCs. Serum T4 and BHBA values had a significant negative correlation in NFCs, FCs, healthy, and diseased cows. In addition, serum T4 and fructosamine had a significant negative relationship in FCs and a significant positive correlation in diseased cows. Serum T4 values had a significant negative correlation with cholesterol, HDL-C, and a positive correlation with triglyceride and VLDL-C for all cows, NFCs, FCs, and healthy cows. Conclusion: The data emphasized the effects of negative energy balance during the transition period on serum lipids profile and thyroid function. In addition, the correlation between T4 and energy and lipids indices may indicate a possible effect of health and body condition status on thyroid responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), magnesium (Mg2+), calcium (Ca2+) and lactate as biological tests for the detection of some metabolic diseases during transition period in selected dairy farms located in Aydın province. Cow-side analysis with body condition score evalutation were performed weekly in at least 12 dairy cattle from each farm from prepartum week 2 to postpartum week 2. According to the prepartum NEFA ≥0.4 mmol/L, postpartum BHBA ≥1.4 mmol/L and Ca2+ ≤ 2.0 mmol/L at parturition (day 0) in herd-based evalua-tion, it was observed that all farms were positively evaluated for negative energy balance and also at risk for subclinical hypocalcaemia. Regarding the threshold value of Mg2+

Abstract Dairy cattle undergo dramatic metabolic, endocrine, physiologic and immune changes during the peripartal period largely due to combined increases in energy requirements for fetal growth and development, milk production, and decreased dry matter intake. The negative nutrient balance that develops results in body fat mobilization, subsequently leading to triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation in the liver along with reductions in liver function, immune dysfunction and a state of inflammation and oxidative stress. Mobilization of muscle and gluconeogenesis are also enhanced, while intake of vitamins and minerals is decreased, contributing to metabolic and immune dysfunction and oxidative stress. Enhancing post-ruminal supply of methyl donors is one approach that may improve immunometabolism and production synergistically in peripartal cows. At the cellular level, methyl donors (e.g. methionine, choline, betaine and folic acid) interact through one-carbon metabolism to modulate metabolism, immune responses and epigenetic events. By modulating those pathways, methyl donors may help increase the export of very low-density lipoproteins to reduce liver TAG and contribute to antioxidant synthesis to alleviate oxidative stress. Thus, altering one-carbon metabolism through methyl donor supplementation is a viable option to modulate immunometabolism during the peripartal period. This review explores available data on the regulation of one-carbon metabolism pathways in dairy cows in the context of enzyme regulation, cellular sensors and signaling mechanisms that might respond to increased dietary supply of specific methyl donors. Effects of methyl donors beyond the one-carbon metabolism pathways, including production performance, immune cell function, mechanistic target or rapamycin signaling, and fatty acid oxidation will also be highlighted. Furthermore, the effects of body condition and feeding system (total mixed ration vs. pasture) on one-carbon metabolism pathways are explored. Potential effects of methyl donor supply during the pepartum period on dairy calf growth and development also are discussed. Lastly, practical nutritional recommendations related to methyl donor metabolism during the peripartal period are presented. Nutritional management during the peripartal period is a fertile area of research, hence, underscoring the importance for developing a systems understanding of the potential immunometabolic role that dietary methyl donors play during this period to promote health and performance.

ABSTRACT: In this study we evaluated the effects of the prepartum anionic diet on the electrolyte balance and calcemia of high producing dairy cows in the first days of lactation, and investigated the impact on the frequency of subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH). Sixty healthy Holstein cows, producing 30 kg of milk/day, handled in intensive system (compost barn), were distributed in groups (n=15) according to lactation order: first, second, third, and fourth to sixth. In the last three weeks before calving they received a diet with negative DCAD (-6mEq/100g DM) and high chloride content. After calving, they received a diet with positive DCAD (18mEq/100g DM). Urine pH was measured before calving. Serum Na+, Cl-, K+, and total Ca concentrations, and the strong ion difference (SID3) were determined in samples taken soon after calving (0h), 24, 48, 72 and 96h after. The frequencies of SCH were determined considering the critical value of 2.125mmol/L (8.5mg/dL). Two-way repeated measures ANOVA and chi-square test were used for comparisons. The cows eliminated acidic urine before calving. Na+, K+, Cl-, and SID3 values did not differ between groups. Na+ and K+ did not vary between days; Cl- was elevated at calving and decreased until 72h; and SID3 was reduced at calving and increased up to 48h. The Ca levels were reduced until 24h and increased up to 72h. Cows of third and fourth to sixth lactations presented lower values up to 24h. SCH was observed in almost half of the cows (43.3% to 55%) until 48h. The maintenance of hypocalcemia for three or more consecutive days occurred in 53.3% of third and fourth to sixth lactations cows. Ingestion of a high chloride prepartum anionic diet led to hyperchloremic acidosis and this imbalance was reversed on the second postpartum day. The induced effects on electrolyte and acid-base balances were not able to prevent the occurrence of SCH in the first days of lactation.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of rumen-protected methionine (RPM) supplementation during early lactation on performance and metabolic parameters of dairy cows. Forty-two Holstein cows were blocked by parity (22 primiparous and 20 multiparous) and calving date, then randomly assigned to two groups, Control and RPM. From calving through 29 ± 8 d in milk, cows received an early lactation diet [1.59 Mcal/kg of DM, 10.7% rumen-degradable protein and 6.5% rumen-undegradable protein] with no added methionine (Control, n = 21) or with supplementation of Smartamine M (RPM, Adisseo Inc, n = 21). RPM cows were supplemented with 12 g/day Smartamine M (7.2 g of metabolizable methionine), individually top-dressed over the total mixed ration. Blood and milk samples were collected during the first two weeks of lactation and milk yield recorded until 30 days in milk. No differences in milk yield or blood metabolites were observed. Cows supplemented with RPM increased milk fat and total solids contents and fat-to-protein ratio by 0.48% units, 0.66% units, and 0.09 units, while tended to increase milk total protein content by 0.13% units, respectively. This study showed beneficial effects of early postpartum RPM supplementation on milk composition of dairy cows.

This study aimed to evaluate differences in productive performance between primiparous and multiparous Murrah buffaloes and the interrelationships between metabolic traits during the transition period and early lactation. Thirty pregnant buffaloes were monitored during the transition period and at the beginning of the lactation. Animals were randomly assigned within the two experimental groups considering the calving number and the estimated calving date: primiparous (n = 15) and multiparous buffaloes (n = 15). The buffaloes were monitored every week during the last 30 days of pregnancy, and the first 63 days postpartum. Buffaloes were kept in the same environment condition, and management practices. Multiparous buffaloes, at the postpartum period, showed higher milk fat, protein, lactose, total dry extract production, non-fat dry extract contents, and higher milk urea nitrogen and casein contents than primiparous buffaloes. Primiparous buffaloes showed higher urine pH and hematocrit concentration than the multiparous group at the prepartum period and higher leukocyte and lymphocytes concentrations at the postpartum. During the transition period, primiparous buffaloes exhibited negative interrelationships between metabolic traits and productive performance related to variations in their metabolic status. These results may indicate that multiparous buffaloes fewer sensitive to variations of metabolic status during the transition period.

An unsupervised machine learning approach (ML) of rumination time (RT) data was used to evaluate metabolic and lactation performance in a cohort of Simmental dairy cows (29) around parturition. The k-means clustering (unsupervised ML) was used to generate clusters based on RT (Hr-Tags; SCR by Allflex) over 24 h from 1 to 7-d post-calving. Two large clusters were obtained: high (High-RT, n = 13) and low (Low-RT, n = 12). Milk production was recorded until 42 d in lactation and milk samples collected weekly. Blood samples were collected from −21 to +28 d relative to calving. Data were subjected to PROC MIXED of SAS. Compared with Low-RT, High-RT cows had lower plasma BHB (3, 7, and 14 d), haptoglobin (3 and 7 d), and non-esterified fatty acids (1 and 3 d). High-RT cows had greater tocopherol from 3 to 28 d, fructosamine and albumin at 7 d, and retinol at 3 and 7 d after calving than Low-RT cows. Compared with multiparous Low-RT, milk production was greater in multiparous High-RT cows, but no differences were detected for primiparous. Only for multiparous, High-RT cows displayed a greater LFI than Low-Rt cows. The close relationship between RT and the physiological state at the onset of lactation supports the use of RT as an indicator of metabolic and inflammatory adaptations to the negative energy balance of cows after parturition. At the farm level, these outcomes provide information to farmers that can be helpful in management decisions for cow health, complementing traditional methods.HIGHLIGHTS The unsupervised ML applied was able to group cows with different RT increase rates after calving based on differences in plasma biomarkers of energy metabolism, inflammatory response, and liver functionality, particularly in multiparous cows. A quicker increase in RT after calving was associated with a lower inflammatory response, lower lipid mobilisation, and greater milk production. At the farm level, the fine-tuning of specific algorithm in the actual sensors considering the rate of increase of RT after calving can be helpful in management decisions for cow health, complementing traditional methods to better monitor early lactation dairy cows.

Background: Insulin resistance during early lactation in goats has been a topic of interest for researchers, as addressing this issue can significantly improve their metabolic health., Objectives: To investigate the potential of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin in controlling insulin resistance, we conducted a study with the hypothesis that this combination may mitigate insulin resistance in dairy goats., Methods: Ten adult goats were divided equally into two groups: Ctrl and B+C. The Ctrl group received 6 mL of normal saline, while the second group was administered 6 mL of 10% butaphosphan and 0.005% cyanocobalamin on days 21, 20, 19, and 12, 11, 10, and 3, 2, 1 before parturition. On the 10th and 20th days after parturition, blood samples were gathered to analyze the levels of different metabolites and evaluate insulin resistance/sensitivity through an intravenous glucose tolerance test and surrogate indices. Body condition scores, milk production, and weight gain of the kids were also recorded during the study., Results: Although the B+C group showed slightly higher insulin responsiveness than the Ctrl group in the intravenous glucose tolerance test, but the difference was insignificant. Comparably, no significant differences were noticed in the remaining metabolic indicators amidst the Ctrl and B+C groups., Conclusions: The lack of substantial differences can be attributed to the limited sample size and the prescribed drug dosage. Further investigations with higher doses exceeding 6 mL are warranted to explore potential effects. Additionally, species-specific differences in ruminants might exist, and caprine metabolism of the compound might differ from that of bovine and ovine. Consequently, we recommend conducting more studies in this field., (© 2024 The Author(s). Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

An accurate evaluation of comprehensive effectiveness can greatly contribute to promoting human settlements and sustainable development in rural areas. The purpose of this study was to clarify the basic connotation of rural comprehensive effectiveness, in order to obtain the maximum value with the minimum investment in the mining villages in the transition period using the shortage of mineral, land, and environmental resources. The concept of "comprehensive effectiveness" was introduced to establish the evaluation system, where the input indicators were the capital, labor and land, whereas, the output indicators were the economy, society and ecology in the rural areas. The field investigation, super-efficiency DEA, Malmquist index, and obstacle factor were used to analyze the dynamic change and obstacles of rural comprehensive effectiveness in Miaofengshan of Mentougou District, Beijing, China, from 2010 to 2020. The results showed that: 1) There was an increasing trend in the comprehensive effectiveness level, indicating the significant spatial differentiation of rural comprehensive effectiveness. There was a low overall effectiveness level with the distribution pattern of high in the north and south, and low in the middle. The high-value areas were mainly concentrated in Jiangou, Shangweidian, and Longjiazhuang villages, while the low-value areas were mainly distributed in Dingjiatan, Dagou, and Nanzhuang villages. The large lower and lowest comprehensive effectiveness levels were the key villages of primary concern in the process of industrial transformation. 2) The Malmquist index showed that the Total Factor Productivity (TFP) of comprehensive effectiveness was greater than 1, and the mean Technology Change (TC) was less than 1, where the TFP showed an increasing trend, while there was no significant contribution of technological progress to rural comprehensive effectiveness. Among them, more than 50% villages of total factor productivity showed an improvement trend, only 47.06% of which made technological progress in improving comprehensive effectiveness. There were little differences and fluctuations in the change index of pure technical efficiency. More than half of rural pure technical efficiency showed a downward trend, where the technical efficiency change and scale efficiency change were greater than 1 in most rural areas. Three villages with the highest growth rates were Tanchang, Jiangou and Longjiazhuang villages. 3) The obstacle factors of the comprehensive effectiveness were changed from the restriction of rural infrastructure construction to the transformation investment of mining rural enterprises. There were outstanding regional similarity and spatial heterogeneity in the obstacle factors. The main obstacle factors restricting the comprehensive effectiveness of villages were the investment in the transformation and ecological restoration of mining enterprises, proportion of mining land transformation area, per capita area of cultural facilities, and utilization level of abandoned land in mining areas. The research revealed the distribution pattern and obstacle factors of the comprehensive effectiveness of mining villages in the transition period. The finding can provide a strong reference to formulate the promotion strategies of differentiated comprehensive effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition period (three weeks before calving and the first three weeks of lactation) is an intensive changes in the organism of cow which have to be accompanied by changes in feeding. One of the most important metabolic diseases of the periparturient and early lactation periods is hypocalcemia leading to postpartum paralysis. Among its many causes, there is high content of calcium in the feed ration during the dry period and the excess of cations, especially Na+ and K+, in relation to anions (Cl- and S2-) in the feed. It results in too high blood pH, which impairs the activity of parathyroid hormone. Research results show that feeding negative cation-anion difference (DCAD - Dietary Cation-Anion Difference) ration reduces hypocalcaemia in cows in the postpartum period. In this review factors affecting DCAD values in the feed ration and possibilities of its optimization in the transition period has been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many studies in dairy cows are towards calcium homeostasis and there is a lack of knowledge about the effect of vitamin D in preventing insulin resistance and improving energy balance in the transition period of dairy cows. Methods: The trial was conducted in a commercial dairy farm with about 1500 lactating cows in Tehran province, Iran. Twenty‐four Holstein cows had been randomly selected and divided into control and treatment groups. In the treatment group, 12 cows, received a single dose of 8,000,000 IU vitamin D3 intramuscularly and in the control group, 12 cows were injected placebo (distilled water) 2–8 days before the expected calving time. Blood samples were collected between 8 and 10 AM 2 h after feeding on 21 and 7 days before calving and 1,3,7,15 and 30 days after calving. 25(OH)vitamin D, insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1), insulin, nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), β‐hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), albumin, total protein, glucose, urea, triglyceride, cholesterol and aspartate amino transferase (AST) were measured by commercially available kits. The insulin resistance index was calculated. Results: Vitamin D3 injection significantly affected the amounts of 25(OH) vitamin D, urea, insulin and insulin resistance index (p ≤ 0.05). On the other hand, the amounts of glucose, NEFA, BHBA concentration and AST activity were higher in control group (p ≤ 0.05). Time had a significant effect on the amounts of most measured variables except IGF‐1 and insulin. There were no group and time interactions for measured variables. Conclusion: It seems that injection of vitamin D3 in close up period influenced lipolysis potentially modifying energy metabolism and resulted in reducing insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the relationship between family resilience, coping styles, and self-care among Chinese adolescents with epilepsy. A total of 1238 adolescents with epilepsy in nine tertiary hospitals in China participated in a cross-sectional survey conducted from May 2018 to March 2020. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the mediating effect. The total scores for family resilience and coping styles were positively correlated with the total self-care status score of adolescents with epilepsy during their transition (r = 0.209, 0.202, P < 0.01). Family resilience was positively correlated with coping style (r = 0.450, P < 0.01). The modified model's fit index included χ2/df = 1.970, P = 0.001, RMSEA = 0.054, TLI = 0.973, CFI = 0.978, GFI = 0.941, AGFI = 0.917, NFI = 0.956, and IFI = 0.978. The confidence interval (CI) was 0.004–0.140 for the indirect effect and 0.033–0.306 for the direct effect. The self-care status of adolescents with epilepsy during the transitional period is closely related to coping style and family resilience. Coping style mediates family resilience and self-care status. Healthcare teams should pay attention to the coping ability of adolescents with epilepsy to help them transition smoothly and to improve family functioning. This study provides a theoretical basis for establishing transitional care programs for adolescents with chronic illnesses. The significant mediating effect of coping style should be emphasized in modalities of healthcare that include patient participation. • The sample included 1238 adolescent patients with epilepsy from 9 hospitals in China. • The score of family resilience, coping styles, and self-care status are presented. • Family resilience was positively correlated with Self-care for adolescents with epilepsy. • The coping styles is positively correlated with the total score of self-care. • The family function and coping styles of adolescents are stressed in transitional care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the developed world, studies on transition of adolescent renal transplant patients have noted high rates of rejection, non‐adherence and graft loss. There is a paucity of data in developing countries and none from South Africa. Methods: We evaluated patient and graft outcomes during adolescence (10–19 years), of patients who received a renal transplant over a 20‐year period (1990–2010), at a tertiary hospital in Johannesburg. Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan‐Meier curves were used to analyse graft and patient survival. Results: A total of 213 kidney transplants were done in 162 patients during the study period, 165 transplants occurred during the adolescent period. Factors associated with graft failure on multivariate analysis included non‐white race, transplant during the adolescent period ([aHR] 3.94; 95% [CI], 2.25–6.91), non‐compliance with follow‐up (aHR 3.89; 95% CI, 1.76–8.60) and receipt of a DD graft (aHR 2.10; 95% CI, 1.27–3.48). Patient survival rates at 1‐, 3‐, 5‐ and 10‐years were 98.8%, 97.6%, 95.1% and 93.9% respectively. Conclusion: High rates of graft rejection and loss occurred in South African renal transplant recipients in the adolescent period, especially in those retained in paediatric care. Establishment of transition clinics may improve the graft outcomes of this vulnerable group and warrant further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the effects of selenium (Se) and vitamin E (vitE) supplementation on blood cell counts and blood metabolite concentrations in goats and their kids. Fifteen Saanen goats (average age 6 years of age; average initial body weight of 70 ± 10 kg) and 21 ½ Saanen × ½ Pardo Alpine crossbred goat kids (average body weight of 3.70 ± 0.64 kg) were used. Animals were distributed in a completely randomized design with five replicates per diet for mother goats and seven for goat kids and randomly assigned into three groups in the following diets: CON, control basal diet; Se, inclusion of 3.2 mg of Se/kg DM; SevitE, inclusion of 3.2 mg Se/kg DM and 1145 IU/day vitE/kg DM. Effects of time were observed on red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin in goats and goat kids. Effects of time were observed on differential counts of leucocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes in goat kids. Interaction was observed for high-density lipoprotein and total protein in goats and for triglycerides, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) in goat kids. Effects of time were observed on low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, glucose, lactate, BHBA, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), creatinine, aspartate-aminotransferase, and GGT in goats and all blood metabolites in goat kids. Selenium, vitE, or association in the evaluated levels are not sufficient to change blood cell counts when supplied in diets for goats or goat kids. However, the effect of time or interaction between time and diets change the blood metabolite concentrations in the animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of present study was to evaluate the effect of dry period length (56 vs. 28 days) on plasma minerals, albumin, total protein and globulin, oxidative status, and milk production in high-producing dairy cows (13,500 ± 1800 kg milk in previous 305-day lactation). A total of 120 multiparous Holstein cows were used in a repeated measurement mixed model (animal was considered random effect) with two experimental groups and 60 replicates each: 1-long dry period (LDP, 56-day dry period) and 2-short dry period (SDP, 28-day dry period). While LDP cows received two different rations in far-off and close-up periods (DCAD = 189 and − 130 Meq/Kg, respectively), the SDP cows received only the close-up ration (− 130 Meq/Kg) without passing the far-off stage. Blood samples for minerals, oxidative stress, and metabolites (albumin, total protein) were collected on calving day, 24 and 48 h after parturition. Milk samples of all cows in each group were collected monthly (four months from parturition to 120 DIM) and analyzed for milk fat, protein, and somatic cell count (SCC). Results showed that SDP had no effect on plasma calcium (Ca), ionized calcium (iCa), magnesium (Mg), and phosphorus (iP). Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the SDP cows was higher (P < 0.05) than the LDP cows. The treatment had no significant effect on plasma concentration of total protein, albumin, globulin, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. A positive significant (P < 0.05) correlation was observed between plasma Mg and TAC in SDP group. Short dry period reduced (P < 0.05) milk production (48.39 vs. 51.95 kg/day; about 7%) during the first 120 days in milk. However, SDP cows had higher (P < 0.05) milk protein content compared to LDP group. The log-transformed of somatic cell count (LnSCC) was not affected by the treatment. It was concluded that a short dry period (28 days) had no negative effect on plasma Ca, iCa, Mg, and iP and even could improve TAC in high-producing Holstein cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to assess the counts, viability, and functionality of circulating and endometrial polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) isolated from fourteen clinically and metabolically healthy multiparous dairy cows in the peripartum period. For this, blood samples were collected at −5, +9, +21 and + 37 days (d) relative to calving. Cytology samples were collected from the vagina, cervix, and uterus at +9, +21 and + 37 d, using the cytobrush technique. Additional vaginal samples were collected at −5 d. Cytology smears were prepared and the PMN-to-all nucleated cell proportions (PMN%) were calculated. The endometrial cytobrush samples were also used for flow cytometric assessment of endometrial PMN (ePMN) viability and functionality. Functionality tests for circulating PMN (cPMN) included phagocytosis (PC), oxidative burst, and intracellular proteolytic degradation. For ePMN, we evaluated PC only. The effect of day relative to calving on PMN viability and functionality were fitted in linear regression models, accounting for repeated measures. The endometrial PMN% were higher at +9 d (23.5 ± 0.4%; least-squares means ± standard error) and +21 d (8.5 ± 0.3%) than at +37 d (1.4 ± 0.3%). No changes in PMN% were found on either vaginal or cervical cytology along the peripartum period. The cPMN counts were higher pre- (6.2 ± 0.4 x 106/mL) than postpartum (4.9 ± 0.4 x 106/mL). Upon viability analysis, only the percentage of viable cPMN tended to be lower at −5 d (90.1 ± 1.5%) than at +37 d (94.1 ± 1.4%), and no other changes in the percentage of apoptotic and necrotic cPMN, nor in their functionality were found during the peripartum period. Analysis of ePMN viability showed that the percentage of viable ePMN did not change over time. In marked contrast, the percentage of apoptotic ePMN was higher at +9 d (37.8 ± 5.1%) than at +21 d (20.9 ± 5.1%) and +37 d (11.9 ± 5.3%), while the percentage of necrotic ePMN was lower at +9 d (27.0 ± 6.3%) than at +37 d (54.9 ± 6.6%). The percentage of ePMN PC was higher at +9 d (27.5 ± 3.4%) than at +37 d (13.3 ± 4.9%). In conclusion, during the peripartum period ePMN in the healthy postpartum uterus are highly dynamic in terms of counts, viability, and functionality compared to their circulating counterparts. • The cytological uterine PMN% was higher at 9 d and 21 d than at 37 d postpartum. • Endometrial PMN viability was remarkably dynamic during the early postpartum. • The percentage of phagocytosing endometrial PMN declines after 3 weeks postpartum. • The percentage of viable circulating PMN tended to be lower pre-than postpartum. • No changes in circulating PMN function were observed during the peripartum period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the stages of the life path - life story - is obtaining education. The formation of the intelligentsia in Latvia is peculiar: even though the representatives of the intelligentsia of Latvian origin can be found before the national awakening in the middle of the 19th century, the stratum of national intelligentsia emerged only, when in the second half of the 19th century, the socio-political and economic situation in the Baltics had changed, characterized by both the creative energy of the society and economic prosperity, as well as moments of crisis in the mutual relations between the strata of the society. Andrievs Niedra studied theology in Tartu (Dorpat) from 1891 to 1899. University of Dorpat became the birthplace of Latvian academic intellectuals and the national awakening, as two significant 19th century movements in Latvia history were formed there - Neo-Latvians and adherents to the New Current. Nevertheless, A. Niedra created another current in literature - Neo-Nationalism. In A. Niedra's prose fiction, one of the most established characters is an intellectual, who has a background of a peasant, has obtained the sectoral higher education diploma and knowledge of an engineer, teacher, lawyer, theologist, etc., and is trying to return to the previous life. However, it is difficult. In the intellectual's shape of the transition era, there is not only a chain of positive qualities; A. Niedra also reveals the negative features of intelligentsia, such as the lack of perseverance, which is especially characteristic of feeble souls, one-sidedness, fanaticism (Vilis and Kārlis Strautmaļi in the novel Līduma dūmos (In the Smoke of Clearance)), careerism (the overseer in the story Nespēcīgā dvēsele (The Feeble Soul)), ostentatiousness and arrogance (the lawyer in the story Bābu vaina (The Old Woman's Fault)), soullessness (the doctor in the literary tale Zemnieka dēls (The Farmer's Son)). According to A. Niedra, each era creates its own personalities - in a uniform era, these are strong, united-volition people, but the time of changes and contradictions also awakens contradictory abilities in people. Persons of a transition era do not have unbroken souls, because in such time, different forces are equally active in a person - the dying and sprouting ones, the departing and arriving ones. To be active or passive, full of self-sacrifice or isolated from the outside world - it largely depends on the individual's reciprocation towards the society and the era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The project aims to read and analyze the works written by Isabelo de los Reyes during the transition period from the Spanish to the American colonial era (1897-1912). It also retraces the period's socio-historical contexts and events to understand de los Reyes's imagination of the country and the Filipino community. This project highlights the unchartered chapters of the Ilocano polymath's life during the American era in the Philippines. There are four sections in this paper: 1) the West's notion of "nation" and the national culture of "bayan" in de los Reyes's land of birth, 2) some works of de los Reyes during the transition period, 3) prevalent themes and discourses from de los Reyes's works, and 4) conclusion. More than any other time, de los Reyes wrote during this period to forge insights that made his mark in history. In spite of the socio-political challenges he faced, the Ilocano polymath created opportunities to make possible what he dreamed for the Philippines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Background Transition period (TP) is characterised by physiological and metabolic changes contributing to immunodysregulation. Since knowledge about this period in sheep is scarce, we analysed changes in selected immune variables during the TP in ewes and whether dietary magnesium (Mg) supplementation could modulate these immune variables. Pregnant ewes (2nd and 3rd lactation) were divided into a control group (CONT, n = 9) and a Mg group (MAG, n = 10) supplemented with Mg oxide resulting in a daily Mg intake of approximately 0.30 and 0.38% (MAG) of dry matter during ante- (a.p.) and post-partum (p.p.) periods, respectively. Blood samples were collected between days (d) 30 a.p. and d 30 p.p.. Whole blood neutrophil phagocytic activity, monocyte subset (classical cM, intermediate intM, non-classical ncM) composition and the proliferative capacity of lymphocytes were determined flow cytometrically. At d 14 a.p., all ewes were vaccinated against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). Results Both groups showed a sharp increase in the total leukocyte counts (TLC) and neutrophil counts (P < 0.0001), at d 1 p.p., while, monocytes and their subpopulations displayed the highest values at d 30 p.p. (P ≤ 0.05). At d 1 p.p. the neutrophil phagocytic activity was higher (P < 0.05) in MAG ewes. Throughout the TP, the proliferative response of CD4+ cells was significantly higher in the MAG group (P < 0.05). Ewes in both groups responded with an increase in the TLC, neutrophil numbers (P ≤ 0.05) and ncM (P

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different pre-calving body conditions on some metabolic indices, health status and reproductive disorders in dairy cows. The study was conducted on a dairy farm in Eastern Slovakia during the pre-partum period (–1 to –10 DIM) and post-partum period (1 to 14 DIM). Total of 84 cows allotted in 3 groups were submitted to clinical examination and body condition score (BCS) evaluation. At the same intervals blood samples were collected for determination of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and calcium levels. During the postpartum period the incidence of reproductive diseases, such as metritis, retained placenta, meta-bolic disorders, such as milk fever, left displacement of abomasum and orthopaedic disorders were recorded. The strongest lipid mobilisation (NEFA elevation), ketone body production, and blood calcium drop were determined in postpartum dairy cows with the highest prepartum body condition score. In conclusion, the dairy cows with different BCS hade a different metabolic response during the postpartum period. The overcondition was connected with stronger lipid mobilisation and calcium drop after calving. Moreover, the higher BCS could contribute to higher incidence of production diseases.

This study aims to determine the academic hardiness of new students and use a model that integrates transformational coping, social support, and psychological well-being. As individuals undergoing a period of educational transition, new students need to adapt to the requirements and academic tasks that are different from schooling and insist on them to demonstrate their strong persistence personalities and develop their psychological well-being. This study uses a non-experimental cross-sectional research design. A total of 237 participants filled out the academic hardiness, skills, and psychological well-being questionnaire, and the data were analyzed with SEM version 8.80. The test results show that academic hardiness plays a direct role in developing participant's psychological well-being. Even though academic hardiness plays a role in developing transformational coping and social support skills, both skills do not play a role in fostering psychological well-being. These results indicate that commitment - control - and challenges that reveal participants' ability to adapt to the new academic demands can improve their individual ability to demonstrate their fully functioning self or fully functioning person in completing academic demands and tolerating pressures. However, a similar role does not find transformational coping skills and social support skills as the product of academic hardiness. The skill level does not determine the development of the participant's psychological well-being.

To explore the resilience experience of new nurses and how new nurses develop and apply resilience strategies to cope with the difficulties during the transition period.

The relevance. Functioning of mining operations in modern conditions is characterized by the active influence of external and internal factors. In the conditions of the unstable external environment, upon transition from one development stage to another, subsystems of mining operations have to submit to the purpose of ensuring steady functioning of the enterprise – providing output streams with the set parameters. During this period stability of mining and technical systems changes that have an impact on a condition of economic and social subsystems of mining operations, and also on the state of environment caused by changes in parameters of technology and engineering procedures. It demands the development of the new approaches and the management principles of work of the mining operations based on coordination of economic targets with the purposes in the field of ecology and social development. The main aim of the research is to form sustainable development concept of mining and technical systems in transitional periods of open pit mining based on systematization of the existing principles of sustainable development in the mining industry. Objects: mining operations, mining and technical systems, opening-up system of opencast. Methods: literature review, structural and functional analysis, system analysis. Results. The paper substantiates the key role of the opening-up system of opencast in the structure of the mining and technical systems for achieving sustainable development goals of the mining operations. The systematization of the sustainable functioning and development principles of the mining operations and their systems were carried out, four groups of principles were highlighted: system-wide principles of management, development principles of the mining operations, development principles of mining and technical systems, development principles of the subsystems of mining and technical systems. The idea of consecutive transformation of the subsystems of mining and technical systems at all design stages and operation considering economic, social and ecological aspects for ensuring the established parameters of functioning of the mining operations is the basis for the offered system of the principles. The authors proposed the concept of sustainable development of mining and technical systems in transitional periods of open pit mining. The use of the proposed approach during transition from open pit mining to the open-underground mining allows us to improve the economic, environmental and social indicators of the functioning of the mining operations systems.

Abstract Background In seasonal, pasture-based, dairy production systems, cows must recover from calving and become pregnant within two to 3 months. To achieve this, the uterus must involute and ovulation must occur and continue at regular intervals. As these processes are affected by the cows’ nutritional or metabolic status post-calving, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of cow feeding strategies on uterine health, the length of postpartum anestrous interval, and reproductive outcomes. The treatments consisted of two feeding strategies during late-lactation and early dry period (far-off period; starting 4-month pre-calving) and three close-up dry period feeding regimes (1-month pre-calving) in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. We randomly assigned 150 cows to one of two far-off treatments. During late lactation, the herds (n = 75 cows per herd) were either control-fed (Controlfed) or over-fed (Overfed) to achieve a low or high body condition score (4-month pre-calving; BCS; ~ 4.25 and ~ 4.75; 10-point scale) at cessation of lactation. Within each of these treatments, three feeding levels were applied during the close-up period (1-month pre-calving): ~ 65% (Feed65), ~ 90% (Feed90), or ~ 120% (Feed120) of metabolizable energy (ME) intakes relative to pre-calving requirements. Results Uterine health improved (i.e. polymorphonucleated (PMN) cells declined) with increased feeding during the close-up period for cows in the Overfed group. The reverse was evident for the Controlfed group with the greatest PMN at the highest intakes during the close-up period. The postpartum anoestrous interval (PPAI) was shorter in cows from the Overfed group when moderately fed (Feed90) during the close-up period; in comparison, the PPAI was shorter in the Controlfed group, when those cows were overfed in the close-up period (Feed120). The cows in the Overfed treatment had greater conception and pregnancy rates if cows had moderate dry matter intakes (Feed90) during the close-up period; these reproductive variables were less under excessive feed intakes (Feed120); yet, close-up dry matter intake had little effect on conception and pregnancy rates for the Controlfed group. Conclusions The far-off feeding strategies increased early reproductive outcomes at 3 weeks of mating. Additionally, the interaction between far-off and close-up feeding strategies resulted in high six-week pregnancy rate with a slight restriction during the close-up period but only in the far-off Overfed group. Thus, our hypothesis is supported under these conditions.

The article describes negotiations in the EU on the draft of a new seven-year budget cycle, a multiannual financial framework for 2021–2027. The author analyses various versions, from the original proposal of the Juncker Commission (May 2018) to the last but not the final one presented at the summit in February 2020. Based on the of the summit materials, the author demonstrates disagreement between «net donors», who do not wish to increase the EU budget and «net recipients», who are fiercely opposed to cuts in the Common agricultural and cohesion policy. The arguments of the «frugal group», on the one hand, and «friends of cohesion», on the other, are re- vealed. The particular difficulty in approving a modern budget plan is underlined, as Brexit forces the EU to decide how to close the resulting budget gap, and, in addition, how to get rid of the dis- count system for national contributions for a number of countries, which the UK once insisted on. The author notes in conclusion that the European Council’s real mission is to determine the strate- gic priorities of the EU policy. Instead, it is engaged in calculations and levelling out the differences among member states, while there is less and less time to decide, and the coronovirus epidemic may make its own adjustments to the budget plans of the European Union.

Little information is available regarding the calcium (Ca) dynamics and how its concentration is influenced following the Ca treatment (injection or bolus) after calving in dairy cows. To evaluate the short- and long-term effects of different sources of Ca supplement to animals fed anionic diets during the pre-partum period, 36 multiparous Holstein cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: (1) control group without Ca supplement (CON); (2) subcutaneous injection of 500 ml of 40% w/v Ca borogluconate immediately post-calving (SUB) and (3) oral supplement of Ca bolus containing 45 g Ca immediately and 24 h post-calving (BOL). Serum concentrations of Ca, P and Mg were measured. Serum concentration of Ca was affected by treatments at 48 h of post-calving (P < 0.01). The mean Ca at 6 h was greater in SUB compared to CON group (2.34 v. 2.01 mmol/l; P < 0.002). The lowest Ca concentration at 12 h was related to CON cows compared with BOL and SUB cows (1.90, 2.16 and 2.14 mmol/l, respectively; P < 0.02); a similar trend was observed 24 h post-calving (P < 0.02). Serum concentrations of P and Mg were not influenced by treatments. Yield of milk, milk protein and fat-corrected milk were lowest (P < 0.05) in SUB cows within 3 weeks of lactation in comparison with CON and BOL cows. However, milk yield and milk composition did not show any difference among treatments throughout the first 3 months post-calving. In general, under conditions of this experiment, Ca supplements to fresh cows as an oral bolus are recommended in comparison with subcutaneous injection.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) controls feed intake and energy balance in nonruminants. Recent studies suggested that dietary management alters the expression of members of the ECS in the liver and endometrium of dairy cows. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between body condition score (BCS) loss and the mRNA abundance of genes related to fatty acid metabolism and the ECS in the subcutaneous adipose tissue (AT) of dairy cows. The BCS was determined in multiparous (3.2 ± 0.5 lactations) Holstein cows at −21 and 42 days relative to calving (designated as d = 0). Cows were grouped into three categories according to BCS loss between both assessments as follows: (1) lost ≤0.25 unit (n = 8, low BCS loss (LBL)), (2) lost between 0.5 and 0.75 units (n = 8, moderate BCS loss (MBL)) and (3) lost ≥1 unit (n = 8, high BCS loss (HBL)). Concentrations of haptoglobin and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) were determined in plasma. Real-time PCR was used to determine mRNA abundance of key genes related to fatty acid metabolism, inflammation and ECS in AT. Milk yield (kg/day) between week 2 and 6 post-calving was greater in the LBL group (49.4 ± 0.75) compared to MBL (47.9 ± 0.56) and HBL (47.4 ± 0.62) groups (P < 0.05). The overall mean plasma haptoglobin and NEFA concentrations were greater in MBL and HBL groups compared with the LBL group (P < 0.05). The mRNA abundance of TNF-α, Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β was greatest at 21 and 42 days post-calving in HBL, intermediate in MBL and lowest in LBL groups, respectively. Cows in the HBL group had the greatest AT gene expression for carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A, hormone sensitive lipase and adipose triglyceride lipase at 21 and 42 days post-calving (P < 0.05). Overall, mRNA abundance for very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, which are related to NEFA oxidation, were greater in MBL and HBL groups compared to the LBL group at 42 days post-calving. However, mRNA abundance of fatty acid amide hydrolase was lower at 21 and 42 days post-calving in HBL cows than in LBL cows (P < 0.05). In summary, results showed a positive association between increased degree of BCS loss, inflammation and activation of the ECS network in AT of dairy cows. Findings suggest that the ECS might play an important role in fatty acid metabolism, development of inflammation and cow’s adaptation to onset of lactation.

Calcium homeostasis is crucial for the normal function of the organism. Parathyroid hormone, calcitriol and calcitonin play critical roles in the homeostatic regulation of calcium. Serotonin and prolactin have also been shown to be involved in the regulation of calcium homeostasis. In modern dairy cows, the endocrine pathways controlling calcium homeostasis during non-lactating and non-pregnant physiological states are unable to fully support the increased demand of calcium required for milk synthesis at the onset of lactation. This review describes different endocrine systems associated with the regulation of calcium homeostasis in mammalian species around parturition with special focus on dairy cows. Additionally, classic and novel strategies to reduce the incidence of hypocalcemia in parturient dairy cows are discussed.

There is a coupling mechanism among geohazards, rural settlements, and cultivated land in mountainous areas in the upper reaches of the Min River by analyzing geohazards data, settlements data and cultivated land data. Geohazards change the landform and provide material basis and space for the occurrence and development of cultivated land and settlements. However, human production and life are not only stressed by geohazards, but also one of the main factors inducing geohazards. The Settlements in the upper reaches of the Min River can be categorized into production-stressed settlements and life-stressed settlements. With the transformation of the social economy and society’s attention to the ecological function of the region, geohazards risk management of life-stressed settlements is of more importance. The “two-wheel-drive” strategy of new urbanization and rural revitalization provides opportunities for rural development in mountainous areas and also changes the role of land in human-land relationships. To fully consider natural capital in the sustainable livelihoods of farmers, it is necessary to evaluate the risk degree of geohazards in settlements at the small catchment scale and improving the external connectivity of the settlements, which is the key for promoting the optimization of natural environmental assets in these mountain settlements.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of body condition score (BCS) at calving, parity, and the calving season on the performance of dairy cows and their offspring. Data from 521 Holstein cows that calved a female calf and had their BCS evaluated at calving from a single commercial farm located in Southern Brazil were used. Cows were categorized into five BCS classes: class 1: n = 19), class 2: 3.0–3.25 (n = 134), class 3: 3.5–3.75 (n = 160), class 4: 4.0–4.25 (n = 142), and class 5: >4.25 (n = 66). Data were also categorized by calving order (primiparous and multiparous dams) and by calving season. The study was designed as a prospective cohort study. Variables with normal distribution were analyzed by the MIXED procedure of SAS, while binary outcomes were analyzed by the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Daughters from primiparous dams were born lighter (39.1 ± 0.42 vs. 41.4 ± 0.29 kg, p < 0.01), but they had the same weights as the daughters from multiparous cows at weaning (121.5 ± 1.67 vs. 120.4 ± 1.58 kg, p = 0.20). As expected, primiparous cows showed lower (p < 0.01) 305-day milk yields than multiparous ones: 8633 ± 363 vs. 10,761 ± 249 kg, respectively. Regarding the calving season, cows that calved in the winter were the most productive ones, and those that calved in the fall had lower milk yields (p = 0.01). Calves born in the winter were heavier at birth (p < 0.01), calved younger (p = 0.04), and produced more milk at first lactation (p = 0.03). The BCS class had an impact (p < 0.01) on calf birth weights; daughters from Class 1 cows (BCS < 3.0) were lighter (38.0 ± 1.0 kg) than the calves from Class 5 cows with a BCS > 4.25 (41.9 ± 0.57 kg). Calves from dams with a BCS < 3 (Class 1) had a 31.8% culling rate until weaning, while calves from cows with a BCS of 3.0–3.25 (Class 2) had a 9.6% culling rate (p = 0.12). These results suggest that maternal and environmental factors, such as calving season and parity, in addition to the dams’ body condition score at calving, are associated with different offspring performances.

This study evaluated the effects of feeding a commercial yeast culture on blood biomarkers and polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) gene expression in dairy cows during the transition period until 50 d postpartum. Forty Holstein dairy cows were used in a randomized complete block design from −30 to 50 d. At −30 d, cows were assigned to a basal diet plus 114 g/d of top-dressed ground corn (control; n = 20) or 100 g/d of ground corn and 14 g/d of a yeast culture product (YC; n = 20). Blood samples were collected at various time points from −30 to 30 DIM to evaluate blood biomarkers and PMNL gene expression related to inflammation, liver function, and immune response. Liver function biomarkers, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and albumin were greater and lower, respectively, in YC cows in comparison to control. However, these biomarkers remained within physiological levels, indicating an active inflammatory process. Genes in PMNL expression related to inflammation (NFKB1, TNFA, TRAF6), anti-inflammation (IL10), and cell membrane receptors (SELL) were upregulated in the YC group in comparison to control. These results suggest that YC could stimulate a more active inflammatory response with signs of a resolution of inflammation in transition cows.