Effects of parity, seasonal heat stress, and colostrum collection time postpartum on colostrum quality of Holstein cattle in an arid region.

The aim of this study was to determine effects of parity (primiparous vs. multiparous), seasonal heat stress at calving (summer vs. winter), and time postpartum on some parameters associated with colostrum quality in Holstein cows reared in the Sonoran Desert ecosystem. Forty-seven cows (11 primiparous and 36 multiparous) expected to calve during summer, and 46 cows during winter (14 primiparous and 32 multiparous) were randomly selected. Management and feeding before and after parturition were similar for cows in both seasons. After parturition, colostrum from all cows was evaluated for volume, weight, temperature, density, and content of fat, protein, solids non-fat (SNF), and immunoglobulins (IGG). Data were analyzed with a model that included effects of parity status, calving season, and time postpartum, as well as all interactions. Colostrum produced in summer was warmer (P < 0.01) by almost 6 °C than winter colostrum, while colostrum from multiparous was warmer (P = 0.02) by 1.2 °C than that produced by primiparous cows. Colostrum volume and weight were not impacted by parity, calving season or time postpartum. Density, protein, and SNF content in colostrum were higher (P < 0.01) in multiparous vs. primiparous cows, as well as at parturition (0 h postpartum) than at 12 h postpartum (P < 0.01). At calving (0 h), spring colostrum had higher fat content (P < 0.01) and lower (P < 0.01) IGG concentration than that collected in summer, and no difference (P > 0.05) between seasons was observed for these components at 12 h postpartum. Multiparous cows produced colostrum with higher (P < 0.01) IGG concentrations than primiparous cows. In conclusion, only 0-h colostrum and that from multiparous cows was categorized as "Excellent," meanwhile the colostrum produced under summer heat stress was characterized as "Good" with reduced fat content. While the lacteal secretion collected at 12 post-partum still classified as colostrum, substantially lower contents of IGG, protein, fat, and SNF decreased its classification to "Poor" from the classification of "Excellent" at 0 h postpartum.

Climatic and calf-related risk factors associated with failure of transfer of passive immunity in Holstein calves in a hot environment.

This retrospective observational study aimed to assess the effect of temperature-humidity index (THI) at calving and in the last trimester of pregnancy and calve-related factors affecting passive transfer of maternal immunoglobulin using Brix refractometry in Holstein calves. Blood samples from 4411 Holstein calves from a single large dairy farm in spring 2022 were used. A subset of data containing 6318 calvings was used to determine the effect of climatic conditions on the occurrence of agammaglobulinemia. Risk factors predictive of failure of passive transfer (FPT) were calculated using multiple logistic models. Females were 1.4 times more likely not to have FPT (56%; Brix% > 8 equivalent to ≥ 10 g/L IgG) than males (47.2%). Calves born as singles increased the likelihood of not presenting FPT (52.6%) than calves born as twins (42.9%). Calves from cows with no dystocic delivery had a lower risk for FPT (odds ratio = 2.3) than calves from cows with dystocia. Agammaglobulinemia was 1.5 and 1.8 times more likely to occur in calves with THI ≥ 80 and ≥ 82 in the last trimester of gestation and at calving, respectively, than in calves not experiencing heat stress. Agammaglobulinemia was twice as likely to occur in male than in female calves. Calves with birth weight ≥ 37 kg and gestation length ≥ 275 kg were less likely to present agammaglobulinemia than lighter calves and calves with shorter gestation periods. This study raises questions for management practices in Holstein calves undergoing in utero heat stress and around calving to avoid agammaglobulinemia.

Respiratory syncytial virus outbreak during the COVID-19 pandemic. How has it changed?

Introduction: The epidemiology of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our objectives were to describe the RSV epidemic in 2021 and compare it with the previous years to the pandemic. Methods: Retrospective study performed in Madrid (Spain) in a large pediatric hospital comparing the epidemiology and clinical data of RSV admissions during 2021 and the two previous seasons. Results: 899 children were admitted for RSV infection during the study period. During 2021, the outbreak peaked in June and the last cases were identified in July. Previous seasons were detected in autumn-winter. The number of admissions in 2021 was significantly lower than in previous seasons. There were no differences between seasons regarding age, sex or disease severity. Conclusion: RSV hospitalizations during 2021 in Spain moved to summer with no cases in autumn and winter 2020-2021. Unlike other countries, clinical data were similar between epidemics.

Introducción: La epidemiología de la infección por virus respiratorio sincitial (VRS) ha cambiado durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Nuestros objetivos fueron describir la epidemia de VRS en 2021 y compararla con las de los años previos a la pandemia. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo realizado en Madrid (España), en un hospital pediátrico terciario, que compara los datos epidemiológicos y clínicos de los ingresos por VRS durante 2021 y las 2 temporadas anteriores. Resultados: Ingresaron 899 niños por infección por VRS en el período de estudio. Durante 2021, el brote alcanzó su punto máximo en junio y los últimos casos se identificaron en julio. En las temporadas anteriores se detectaron en otoño-invierno. El número de hospitalizaciones en 2021 fue significativamente menor que en temporadas anteriores. No hubo diferencias entre temporadas en cuanto a edad, sexo o gravedad de la enfermedad. Conclusión: Las hospitalizaciones por VRS durante 2021 en España se trasladaron a verano, sin casos en otoño e invierno 2020-2021. A diferencia de otros países, los datos clínicos fueron similares entre epidemias.

Holstein heifers in desert climate: effect of coat color on physiological variables and prediction of rectal temperature.

Two hundred Holstein heifers were divided by hair coat color in black (n1 = 60), white (n2 = 62), and mixed (n3 = 78) to accomplish two objectives: (1) to compare physiological variables using an analysis of variance, and (2) to construct regression equations to predict rectal temperature. In each heifer, rectal temperature (RT), respiration frequency (RF), and body surface temperatures (obtained with infrared thermography in eye, nose, forehead, head, neck, ear, shoulder, flank, belly, leg, loin, rump, and vulva) were measured. Black heifers had more RF and RT (P < 0.01) than mixed and white coat heifers; white heifers had similar RT than mixed color heifers, but they exhibited less RF (P < 0.05). In general, black and mixed coat color heifers had higher BST (P < 0.01) than white heifers in the majority of the anatomical regions measured. For black coat heifers, the best regression model to predict RT included three predictor variables: [RT = 35.59 - 0.013 (RH) + 0.045 (RF) + 0.019 (TEar); R2 = 71%]. For white coat heifers, the best model included two predictor variables: [RT = 35.29 + 0.035 (RF) + 0.033 (TForehead); R2 = 71%]; and for mixed coat color heifers, the best model included two predictor variables: [RT = 35.07 + 0.022 (RF) + 0.038 (THead); R2 = 44%]. Heifers with dark hair coat color showed higher physiological constants than white heifers; the prediction of rectal temperature was more precise in heifers with well-defined hair coat color. Physiological and climatic variables, along with infrared thermography, represent an appropriate combination to predict rectal temperature in Holstein heifers with predominant white or black hair coat color.

Seasonal prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) in northern Mexico.

This study aimed to describe the shedding pattern of gastrointestinal parasite eggs by a wild population of desert bighorn sheep (DBS; Ovis canadensis) in northern Mexico. Seventy-five fresh faecal samples were collected from the ground in each season within an hour after being expelled by these animals. The generalized linear mixed model showed that eggs per gram of faeces were highest in winter (577 ± 399) and lowest in summer (260 ± 198). Generalized linear models revealed that Strongyloides spp. predominated during most seasons with a peak in summer (85% of faecal samples analysed) and the absence of this helminth in winter. Nematodirus spp. was another helminth present in three seasons, with the presence of this nematode in 35% of the faecal samples in spring and 0% in summer. Other parasites in DBS faeces included Bunostomun spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Cooperia spp., Mecistocirrus digitatus, Haemonchus contortus, Chabertia ovina and Eimeria ovinoidalis. There were differences among seasons in the percentage of these helminths and coccidia in faecal samples for all these parasites. It was concluded that helminths egg output in DBS in a semi-arid rangeland is lowest in summer and spring and highest in autumn and winter. Furthermore, it was shown that DBS in the study site do not suffer from severe parasite burden. Therefore, this nematode parasite burden is compatible with the conservation and well-being of this particular population.

Effect of co-positivity for brucellosis and tuberculosis on milk yield and fertility of Holstein cows.

This study aimed to determine whether cows detected as tuberculosis (bTB) reactors and seropositive to brucellosis (bBR), as well as co-positive to bBR and bTB (bBR-bTB) and with a complete lactation before slaughter, were associated with reduced milk production and fertility. A total of 8068 productive and reproductive records of high-yielding Holstein cows from a single large dairy herd with a high prevalence of bTB and bBR were collected from 2012 to 2015. Lactation derived either from calving (n = 6019) or hormonally induced lactation (n = 2049), and all cows received growth hormone throughout lactation. For cows not induced into lactation, pregnancy rate to first service for healthy cows (C; 26.6%) was higher (P < 0.01) than bBR (15.2%), bTB (15.8%), and bBR-bTB (1.3%) cows. For induced cows, pregnancy rate to first service did not differ significantly among C, bBR, and bTB (14.5-17.3%) cows, but the percentage success of first service was extremely low (1.3%; P < 0.01) in bBR-bTB cows. Services per pregnancy (only pregnant cows) were lowest for C (3.3 ± 2.9; P < 0.01) and highest (6.4 ± 3.4) for bBR-bTB non-induced cows. This variable was lowest for C (2.9 ± 2.5; P < 0.01) and highest for bBR-bTB non-induced cows (6.3 ± 3.1). Pregnancy rate to all services did not differed for C (79.5%), bBR (76.7%), and bTB (75.9%) but was lower (58.9%; P < 0.01) for bBR-bTB non-induced cows. For induced cows this variable was highest for bBR (53.3%) and lowest for bBR-bTB (34.1%; P < 0.01) non-induced cows. 305-d milk production was increased by 4%, and total milk yield by 7% in TB-positive cows compared to that of the negative cows non-induced hormonally into lactation. This study showed the negative impact of the co-positivity for bTB and bBR on the reproductive efficiency of Holstein cows, although positive bTB and bBR tests enhanced milk yield.

Permanence time in the herd and milk production of Holstein cows with up to five successive extended lactations.

A total of 1338 high-yielding cows with five lactations from a large well-managed commercial dairy operation in a hot environment of northern Mexico were used to evaluate milk yield and reproductive performance of cows undergoing unplanned extended lactations (EL; > 450 days). The null hypothesis that cumulative milk yield during five consecutive lactations is the same in cows not having unplanned EL and cows with several EL was tested. All EL resulted from cows failing to become pregnant with ≥ 4 services. Cows were allocated to 1 of 6 groups according to the number of EL (EL0 for cows with no EL to EL5 for cows with 5 EL). Cumulative milk yield was highest (P < 0.01) for EL5 cows (95,499 kg) and lowest for EL0 cows (56,236 kg). Likewise, cumulative days in milk were greatest (P < 0.01) in EL5 (2968 days) and lowest in EL0 (1857 days) cows. Mean milk yield per lactation increased linearly with the increase in the number of extended lactations with a maximum of 19,099 kg of milk/lactation for EL5 cows. Mean daily milk yield/productive life was lowest (P < 0.01) for EL0 (30.2 kg) and highest for EL5 (32.1 kg). The percentage of days in milk relative to days from birth to the end of the fifth lactation was highest for EL5 (78.1%) and lowest for EL0 (59.6%), with EL2 to EL4 cows intermediate. Length of calving interval was longest (P < 0.01) for EL5 (24.7 months) and shortest for EL0 (15.5 months) cows. It was concluded that it is worthwhile maintaining high-yielding cows incapable to conceive before 230 days in milk because they did conceive again and produced considerable amounts of milk during their productive life, which substantially prolonged their permanence time in the herd.

Risk for post-thrombotic syndrome after lower-limb deep vein thrombosis: location of the thrombus or residual thrombi? / Risk razvitiia posttromboflebiticheskogo sindroma posle tromboza glubokikh ven nizhnikh konechnostei: lokalizatsiia tromba ili rezidual'nyi tromboz?

BACKGROUND: Many works aimed to determine factors that influence the onset of postthrombotic syndrome after an acute episode of deep venous thrombosis. We aimed to compare the prognostic value of the most proximal extent of thrombus (proximal and distal DVT) versus the residual thrombosis as identified by venous ultrasonography performed during follow-up. METHOD: We conducted a retrospective study of prospectively collected 1183 consecutive cohort patients in the RIETE registry after a first episode of deep venous thrombosis and assessed for postthrombotic syndrome after 12 months. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis revealed that: residual thrombosis (OR 1.40; 95% CI 0,88-2,21), the presence of cancer (OR 1.38; 95% CI: 0,64-2,97), immobility (OR 1.31; 95% CI 0,70-2,43) and estrogen-containing drugs use (OR 2.08, 95% CI 0,63-6,83), all had a predictive value for the occurrence of PTS. CONCLUSION: Our study results revealed that ultrasound finding of residual thrombosis is more predictive than proximal location of thrombus for postthrombotic syndrome after episode of deep venous thrombosis. Real life data from a large group of patients from the RIETE registry substantiates that.

Immunogenicity of a new allergoid from Felis domesticus.

BACKGROUND: The chemical modification of allergens with glutaraldehyde improves safety while maintaining clinical efficacy, which permits the administration of higher doses of immunotherapy, reducing the risk of adverse reactions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the immunogenic capacity of a new cat dander polymer by immunizing mice and quantifying immunoglobulins in serum, in comparison with the non-modified allergen. METHODS: The study consists of the immunization of three mice groups with the polymerized and the native extract, together with a negative control group. The immunoglobulin levels in serum have been measured by indirect ELISA. By means of the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test, it was determined if there were significant differences in the values of specific antibodies between groups. RESULTS: The group immunized with the allergoid showed significantly higher specific IgG and IgG1 values to dander allergens and specific IgG to the major allergen Fel d 1, while there were no significant changes in IgG2a and IgE values. These results could be due to a higher immunization dose. The vaccine formulation was based on the optimal defined dose for clinical efficacy of allergen immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: This preclinical study carried out with the present assay has established that the allergoid of cat dander extract, as designed for its optimal use in allergen immunotherapy, produces a higher specific IgG than the native extract, in addition to showing significantly higher specific IgG1 levels, evidencing a greater effectiveness in immunization.

Milk yield and composition and body weight of offsprings of mixed-breed goats on semi-arid rangelands with different rainfall.

The objective was to characterize milk yield and composition from mixed-breed goats kidding in winter and grazing rangelands with 221 (n = 15), 334 (n = 20), or 441 (n = 12) mm of annual rainfall in northern Mexico (22-25°N). Weekly milk yield and composition were recorded and progeny growth performance assessed. Body weight loss during lactation was the highest (6.4 kg) for goats on rangeland with 441 mm of rainfall than goats on 221 mm (1.6 kg), or 334 mm (1.8 kg; P < 0.01). The highest daily milk yield was for goats on 221 mm (498 mL; P < 0.01). There was not an evident peak of lactation and milk yield increased uninterruptedly at the end of lactation. Milk fat was negatively related to milk yield and goats on rangeland with 334 mm had the greatest milk fat content (P < 0.001). Milk protein and lactose content were higher in goats on rangeland with 221 mm (P < 0.01). Goat kids on rangelands with 221 and 441 mm grew faster and were heavier (P < 0.001) at weaning than kids reared in other rangelands. Weaning weight was positively related to milk yield (P < 0.001); but not milk components (P > 0.05). In conclusion, moderate milk yield of mixed-breed goats on rangeland is feasible with parturitions in winter, and milk yield is not affected by reduced annual precipitation in rangelands of northern Mexico. Offspring growth performance depends on maternal milk yield, but not milk composition. Nevertheless, slow growth to weaning of offspring had adverse effects on time to reach adequate market weight.

The impact of hair coat color on physiological variables, reproductive performance and milk yield of Holstein cows in a hot environment.

Vulnerable animals to heat stress have been described as ones with dark or black hides due to increasing absorption of solar radiation. The effect of coat color in pluriparous contemporary Holstein cows in a hot environment (mean annual temperature 24.6 °C), on body surface temperature (infrared thermography), physiological and hematological variables as well as milk yield and reproductive performance was assessed using 178 Holstein pluriparous cows (74 predominantly white and 104 predominantly black). Data were collected in the morning and afternoon in July (mean temperature-humidity index 82 units). Body condition score at mid-lactation (128 ±â€¯32 days in milk at the start of the experiment) was higher (P < 0.01) in predominantly white than in black cows (3.3 vs. 3.2). Respiration rate did not differ between groups (72 ±â€¯23 vs. 73 ±â€¯20 breaths/min for white and black cows, respectively, sampling time combined). In contrast, rectal temperature of black cows was 0.1 °C higher (P ≤ 0.01) than white cows, regardless of sampling time. The only significant hematologic change was a slight increase in mean corpuscular volume in black cows (54.7 fL, P < 0.01) compared to white cows (53.8 fL), but it remained within the reference range. Differences due to coat color did not alter body surface temperatures at any time of the day. Conception rates, services per conception, calving intervals and fetal losses were not associated with hair coat color, but cows with predominantly white coat produced 394 kg more (P < 0.01) fat-corrected milk in 305 days compared to cows with predominantly black coat. It was concluded that in this hot-arid environment with cows housed in facilities with extensive cooling, black hair coat moderately reduces 305-d milk yield without affecting milk composition, body surface temperature, and reproductive performance.

Relationships of body surface thermography with core temperature, birth weight and climatic variables in neonatal lambs born during early spring in an arid region.

The main cause of death in newborn lambs is hypothermia, so is necessary to identify the factors affecting variations in body surface temperatures of sheep neonates because approximately 60% of their body heat losses occur through the skin. This study aimed to establish relationships among body surface thermography from different regions with rectal temperature (RT), birth weight (BW) and climatic variables in hair breed newborn lambs during early spring in an arid region. Data of body surface temperatures measured by infrared thermography (entire head, eye, muzzle, ear, entire body, shoulder, rump, loin, right flank, belly and leg), RT and BW were collected at 0, 12 and 24 h post-lambing in 85 lambs born in early spring. Relative humidity [RH], temperature [Te] and temperature-humidity index [THI] were also recorded. RT was not correlated with surface temperatures at 0 and 24 h, but it was at 12 h with all of them (0.36 ≤ r ≤ 0.44). BW and some surface temperatures were negatively correlated at 0 and 24 h (-0.24 ≤ r ≤ -0.30), but positively at 12 h (0.25 ≤ r ≤ 0.27). All surface temperatures were positively correlated (0.51 ≤ r ≤ 0.85) with Te and THI in the three sampling times. Principal component (PC) analysis showed that PC1 explained the majority of the variance (71-72%), followed by PC2 (8-9%) at 0, 12 and 24 h. Body surface temperatures increased as Te and THI also increased, but decreased with the increase in HR. In conclusion, under early spring environment (predominantly cold), the variations in body surface temperatures of hair sheep neonates were more closely related to climatic variables than to RT and BW. Thermography proved to be an effective tool to determine body heat loss by radiation in skin of neonate lambs.

Development and characterization of an allergoid of cat dander for immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Allergy to cats is a frequent cause of sensitization to indoor allergens and currently there are few alternatives to specific immunotherapy with cat native extracts. The objective is to develop and characterize a new allergoid to increase the tools available for use in clinical practice. METHODS: The allergoid cat dander extract (ACD) was developed from a native cat dander extract (NCD) by modification with glutaraldehyde, and the optimal process control was determined by SDS-PAGE, DOT BLOT and determination of free amine groups. The ACD was characterized in protein profile by SDS-PAGE, size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and peptide footprint. The allergenic profile of ACD was determined by immunoblot, IgE CAP inhibition and IgG competition ELISA. The major allergen content in NCD was obtained by the ELISA sandwich protocol and was extrapolated to ACD. RESULTS: The control process determined the optimal development of the allergoid. The ACD obtained contains 182.28µg/mg of protein and 11.90µg/mg of Fel d 1. SDS-PAGE and SEC confirmed the presence of high molecular weight proteins in ACD, and the peptide footprint showed the presence of Fel d 1 and Fel d 7. The high degree of polymerization was evidenced with the determination of the reduction of lysine residues in the allergoid, resulting 91.96%. The ACD showed a significant loss of allergenicity respect to NCD, while the IgG-binding capacity was maintained. CONCLUSIONS: The ACD obtained presents a good safety profile, so would be a good alternative for treatment of cat allergy.

Thermoregulatory response to outdoor heat stress of hair sheep females at different physiological state.

Forty Dorper × Pelibuey sheep females were used to evaluate the effects of physiological state on physiological variables and serum concentrations of metabolites, thyroid hormones, and electrolytes under outdoor heat stress conditions. Females were selected as follows (n = 10 per group): weaning ewe lambs (WEL; 3 months old), replacement nulliparous ewes (RNE; 8 months old), non-pregnant and non-lactating multiparous ewes (NME; 3-4 years old) and lactating multiparous ewes (LME; 3-4 years old). While physiological variables were measured both morning and afternoon, blood samples were collected before feeding in the morning to determine all blood components. Three contrasts were constructed: (1) WEL vs. older ewes, (2) RNE vs. multiparous ewes, and (3) NME vs. LME. Compared with older ewes, WEL had higher (P < 0.01) rectal temperature (RT) and hair coat temperatures through the day, and also higher (P < 0.01) respiratory rate (RR) only in the afternoon. Serum levels of glucose and cholesterol were lower (P ≤ 0.02) in WEL than in older ewes. Nulliparous ewes compared with multiparous had always similar RT but higher (P ≤ 0.05) hair coat temperatures in most of the body regions by the morning and higher (P < 0.01) RR, without difference for hair coat temperatures in the afternoon. Only serum glucose (P = 0.07) and urea nitrogen (P < 0.01) levels were affected by parturition number, being lower in multiparous ewes. Regarding the effect of lactation, while RR was unaffected, afternoon RT and hair coat temperatures in most of the body regions through the day were higher (P ≤ 0.03) in lactating ewes. In addition, LME had lower (P < 0.01) serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, and urea nitrogen, but higher (P = 0.02) triiodothyronine levels than NME. In conclusion, ewe lambs and lactating ewes were less tolerant to heat stress, while nulliparous and multiparous ewes showed similar thermoregulatory ability.

Stress-related hormonal alterations, growth and pelleted starter intake in pre-weaning Holstein calves in response to thermal stress.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of heat stress and month of birth on growth performance, pelleted starter intake, and stress-related hormones in Holstein calves. Birth weight and growth records, representing 4735 Holstein calves from a large commercial dairy herd in northern Mexico (25° N; 22.3 °C mean annual temperature) from 2013 to 2015, were analyzed. Temperature-humidity index (THI) at calving, season of birth, and month of birth were the independent variables, whereas growth traits were the dependent variables. Increased THI at birth from < 65 to > 85 units was associated with a decrease in birth weight from 39.3 to 38.7 kg. Calves subjected to high THI (> 75 units) at calving showed lesser (P < 0.01) pre-weaning gains (405 ± 97 g/calf/day), whereas those calves born with THI < 70 units presented the highest gains (466 ± 112 g/calf/day). Birth during the fall months reduced (P < 0.01) weaning weight by about 5 kg compared with winter months. Also, the pre-weaning average daily gain for calves born in the fall was about 70 g less (P < 0.01) than calves delivered in winter months. Plasma triiodothyronine and tetraiodothyronine levels were lower (1.02 ± 0.21 and 48 ± 7.9 ng/mL, respectively; P < 0.01) in summer and highest in winter (1.64 ± 0.48 and 66 ± 11 ng/mL, respectively). Mean plasma cortisol concentration was higher in heat-stressed calves born in summer (59 ± 40 ng/mL) than calves born in winter (20 ± 28 ng/mL). Pelleted starter intake 1 week before weaning was lowest (P < 0.01) in the fall (0.82 ± 0.26 kg/calf/day; mean ± SD) and highest in spring (1.26 ± 0.43 kg/calf/day). It was concluded that in this particular environment, heat stress affects birth weight and growth rate of Holstein calves. Thus, environmental management of the newborn calf during hot spring and summer months is warranted to optimize pelleted starter intake and calf growth rates.

Risk factors for clinical ketosis and association with milk production and reproduction variables in dairy cows in a hot environment.

The aims of the present study were to investigate (1) the risk factors that influence the occurrence of clinical ketosis (CK; blood ß-hydroxybutyrate > 3.0 mmol/L) and (2) to determine the influence of subclinical ketosis (SCK; 1.2 ≤ ß-hydroxybutyrate ≤ 2.9 mmol/L) and CK on reproductive performance and milk yield in high-yielding Holstein cows in a hot environment. Cows (n = 345) were blood sampled from 6 to 15 days postpartum for ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) determination with a hand-held meter. Cows calving in spring had 3.7 increased odds of having CK (20.7% incidence) than cows calving in summer (3.9% incidence) and autumn (9.4% incidence). Temperature-humidity index < 83 was associated with 1.6 times higher risk for CK compared with cows calving in warmer days. First-service conception rate was 12 and 16 percentage point higher (P < 0.05) in nonketotic cows compared with cows with SCK and CK, respectively. Actual 305-day milk yields for healthy, SCK, and CK cows were 9991 ± 1411, 10,123 ± 1442, and 10,386 ± 1435 kg (mean ± SD), respectively, with no difference (P > 0.05) between groups. In conclusion, this study documented that ketosis was seasonal with lower incidence of this metabolic disease during hot seasons and with increased ambient temperature at calving. Also, 305-day milk yield of Holstein cows was not related to blood BHB content early in lactation in this hot environment. However, elevated circulating BHB was negatively associated with conception rate at first service and fetal losses.

Anemia Increases Mortality After Open or Endovascular Treatment in Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia: A Retrospective Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Pre-operative anemia has been associated with increased post-operative morbidity and mortality in elective cardiac surgery, but its association with post-operative mortality after open or endovascular surgery for critical limb ischemia (CLI) is not well established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between pre-operative anemia and mortality in surgery for CLI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 403 consecutive patients (mean age = 73; 73% male) undergoing open (n = 191, 47%) or endovascular (n = 212, 53%) surgery for CLI between 2005 and 2013 was performed. Neither redo revascularization procedures (ipsilateral or contralateral) nor acute limb ischemia patients were included as new cases. RESULTS: The best cut off (receiver operating characteristic curve) that related pre-operative hemoglobin to mortality was 10 g/dL. The immediate (in hospital or < 30 days) mortality rate was 8% (32 patients), with no significant differences between open and endovascular surgery. Patients with a pre-operative hemoglobin <10 g/dl had a higher immediate mortality rate (17.7% vs. 5.1%), with a risk (OR), adjusted by age and prior myocardial infarction, of 3.9, 95% CI 1.8-8.4 (p = 0.001). The mean follow up of the cohort was 30 months (97% complete). Similarly, a pre-operative hemoglobin <10 g/dL was significantly associated with a lower 1 year (55 vs. 83%) and 5 year survival rate (21 vs. 53%) with an associated risk (HR) of 2.5, 95% CI 1.8-3.4 (p < 0.001) adjusted by age, previous myocardial infarction, chronic renal failure, stroke, diabetes mellitus, and ischemic ulcers. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative anemia is a risk factor for immediate and late mortality among patients with CLI, regardless of other risk factors and the type of revascularization technique. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate the potential effect of its treatment on survival outcomes.

Effects of seasonal ambient heat stress (spring vs. summer) on physiological and metabolic variables in hair sheep located in an arid region.

Twenty Dorper × Pelibuey primiparous ewes were used to evaluate effects of seasonal ambient heat stress (i.e., spring vs. summer) on physiological and metabolic responses under production conditions in an arid region. Ten ewes experiencing summer heat stress (i.e., temperature = 34.8 ± 4.6 °C; THI = 81.6 ± 3.2 units) and 10 under spring thermoneutral conditions (temperature = 24.2 ± 5.4 °C; THI = 68.0 ± 4.8 units) were corralled together to measure rectal temperature, respiratory frequency, and skin temperatures at 0600, 1200, 1800, and 2400 h on four occasions over 40 days. Blood metabolite and electrolyte concentrations were also measured at 0600 and 1800 hours. Data were analyzed with a completely randomized design using repeated measurements in time. Rectal and skin temperatures, as well as respiratory frequency, were higher (P < 0.01) in summer than spring at all measured days. Blood serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and chlorine concentrations were lower (P < 0.01) in summer than spring at 0800 and 1800 hours. In contrast, summer heat stress increased (P < 0.01) blood urea and potassium concentrations at 0800 and 1800 hours. Compared with spring thermoneutral conditions, summer heat stress affected the physiological and metabolic status of hair breed ewes in an arid region, which included blood metabolite and electrolyte adjustments to efficiently cope with summer heat stress.

Thermoregulation of nutrient-restricted hair ewes subjected to heat stress during late pregnancy.

In summers with severe hot environmental temperatures, thermoregulation is expected to be critical during the last third of gestation of hair ewes, and this effect can be overstated by suboptimal feeding conditions. Twenty-four multiparous hair sheep ewes with approximately 100d of pregnancy were randomly assigned to two treatments to evaluate the effects of nutritional restriction (NR) during late gestation on some serum metabolites, physiological variables, and thyroid hormone concentrations under intense heat load (maximum temperature 42-45°C). Treatments were as follows: (1) control, ewes fed free choice wheat straw plus a concentrate at a rate of 500g/d, and (2) nutritionally-restricted (NR) ewes, which were offered wheat straw only ad libitum. Body weight of NR ewes dropped 5.1kg (P<0.05), while control ewes gained 4.7kg during the study period. Rectal temperature was not affected (P>0.05) by feeding regime either in the morning or afternoon hours. Respiration rate was greater (P<0.05) in control ewes (20 and 40breaths/min higher in the day and night, respectively) on d 130 and 145 of pregnancy compared to NR ewes. Skin temperatures during the morning and afternoon were affected (P<0.05) by feeding regime at d 130 and 145 of pregnancy. In the morning, NR ewes presented greater (P<0.05) head and rump temperature at day 145 of gestation, and lower (P<0.05) udder temperatures at d 130 and 145 than control ewes. In the afternoon, skin temperatures of NR ewes were higher (P<0.05) in head and right flank on d 130 and 145 of pregnancy, and in udder at day 145 compared to control ewes. Serum glucose was higher (P<0.05) in NR ewes than control animals at day 145 of pregnancy. Serum cholesterol, triglyceride and thyroid hormones were not affected by nutritional restriction. Overall, it was found that nutritionally restricted ewes were less affected by intense heat loads than well-fed ewes, apparently due to the lower metabolic heat produced by this underfed animals. Also, it was apparent that the lower respiration rate of NR ewes was compensated by a greater body surface temperature.