Análisis de la inmunidad de las mujeres infectadas por el virus del papiloma humano y su relación con la lesión intraepitelial cervical / Immunity analysis in women infected with human papillomavirus and its link with cervical intraepithelial lesion (IMVIR study)

Introducción: El objetivo principal es estudiar los marcadores de NK memoria presentes en sangre periférica en pacientes con lesiones cervicales intraepiteliales de alto grado CIN2/3 frente a mujeres sin lesiones o con lesiones de bajo grado. Los objetivos secundarios son estudiar la relación entre el perfil de las células NK memoria y la infección o no por VPH, así como la persistencia viral en las mujeres infectadas por VPH. Material y métodos: Se trata de un estudio observacional prospectivo de una cohorte de mujeres reclutadas desde el año 2019, durante un periodo de 2años, en la unidad del tracto genital inferior en las consultas de ginecología general del Instituto de Salud de la Mujer del Hospital Clínico San Carlos. Los grupos de pacientes incluidos en el estudio son el grupo de estudio: mujeres con infección por VPH y con lesión cervical de alto grado (CIN2+); el grupo control1: mujeres con infección por el VPH sin lesión cervical de alto grado, y el grupo control2: mujeres sin infección por el VPH y sin lesión. Resultados: Durante el estudio se han reclutado 115 pacientes. Nos encontramos con un mayor número de NK «memoria» en pacientes infectadas, tanto en el grupo control1 como en el grupo de estudio, en comparación con el grupo control2. Además, cuando se analizan las pacientes no fumadoras, la expresión de NKp30 es significativamente menor en el grupo control1. Conclusiones: Los resultados ponen de manifiesto una probable menor capacidad para desarrollar funciones adaptativas por parte de las células NK en estas pacientes fumadoras frente a las no fumadoras. Un mejor conocimiento de la biología de las células NK y su papel en la infección por el VPH podría permitir el desarrollo de estrategias para manipular su funcionamiento (inmunoterapias) con un propósito pronóstico y terapéutico.(AU)

Introduction: The main objective is to study the NK markers present in circulating blood in patients with high grade intraepithelial cervical lesions compared with women without lesions or low grade lesions. The secondary objectives of the study are to understand the relationship between the NK memory like cells and the infection with HPV, as well as the persistence of the infection. Methods and materials: It is an observational prospective study that studies women from 2019 for 2years seen in ginecology rooms in Hospital Clínico San Carlos. The group of patients studied are: women with infection by HPV and high grade lesions, women with infection by HPV but no lesion or low grade lesion and women without lesion or infection. Results: We have recruited 115 patients. We have found more memory like NK cells in patients infected by HPV. And when we analyze the non-smoking patients, the expression of NKp30 is lower in patients infected without lesion. Conclusions: The results show that there could be less capacity to generate an adaptative function by NK in smoking patients than in non-smoking. A better knowledge of the NK cells biology and its role in the infection by HPV could allow us to manipulate with a therapeutic and prognostic end.(AU)

Creating models for the prediction of colostrum quantity, quality, and immunoglobulin G yield in multiparous Jersey cows from performance in the previous lactation and environmental changes.

With multiparous Jersey cows, colostrum production seems to be variable. Due to this, we aimed to identify specific variables involved in colostrum production and quality. From 2021 to 2023, data from 28 US farms (415 multiparous Jersey cows) were used to investigate if colostrum yield, IgG concentration (g/L), and IgG yield (g) could be predicted by farm variables and transmitting abilities. With the data collected, multiple regression equations were developed to aid in predicting colostrum yield, IgG concentration, and IgG yield. Colostrum was weighed and sampled for IgG analysis. Dairy Herd Information (DHI), calving, diet, and management information data were compiled. Days below 5°C (D<), days above 23°C (D>), and days between 5 and 23°C (D) were recorded. We evaluated transmitting abilities for milk, fat, protein, and dollars; previous lactation milk yield, fat percent, fat yield, protein percent, protein yield, previous lactation somatic cell score, previous lactation days open, previous lactation days dry, previous lactation days in milk, and previous parity; and current lactation parity, days dry, and calving information, birth ordinal day, and latitude. Colostrum yield, IgG yield, and concentration had 1 added to correct for values = 0. After addition, values >0 were transformed to ln or log10. Nontransformed variables were also used to develop the model. Variance inflation factor analysis was conducted, followed by backward elimination. The log10 colostrum yield model (R2 = 0.55; ß in parentheses) included herd size (-0.0001), ordinal days (-0.001), ln ordinal days (0.07), latitude (-0.02), dry period length (0.004), D< (-0.005), D (-0.003), time to harvest (0.05), ln time to harvest (-0.35), IgG (-0.004), log10 IgG (0.46), feedings per day (0.06), ln pasture access (-0.13), and ln previous lactation days open (0.14). The model showed that previous lactation days open contributed the most toward increasing and latitude contributed the most toward decreasing colostrum yield. The IgG model (R2 = 0.21) included herd size (0.02), D> (0.38), ln time to harvest (-19.42), colostrum yield (-4.29), ln diet type (18.00), ln previous lactation fat percent (74.43), and previous parity (5.72). The model showed that previous lactation milkfat percent contributed the most toward increasing and time from parturition to colostrum harvest contributed the most toward decreasing colostrum IgG concentration. The log10 IgG yield model (R2 = 0.79) included ln ordinal days (0.03), time to harvest (-0.01), colostrum yield (-0.11), ln colostrum yield (1.20), ln pasture access (-0.09), ln previous lactation fat percent (0.53), and previous parity (0.02). The model showed that colostrum yield contributed the most toward increasing IgG yield, followed by previous lactation milkfat percentage. Pasture access contributed the most toward decreasing IgG yield, although the contribution was very small. These models were validated using 39 samples from 22 farms. Actual minus predicted colostrum yield and IgG concentration and yield were 0.89 kg, -21.10 g/L, and -65.15 g, respectively. These models indicate that dry period management and cow information can predict colostrum yield and IgG concentration and yield.

Effects of prolonged lock-up time on milk production and health of dairy cattle.

Self-locking feed stanchions provide ease and reduce the amount of time spent handling cattle on free-stall dairy barns. These stanchions assist with routine farm activities such as pregnancy diagnosis, artificial insemination, and various health-related practices. 'Lock-up time' refers to the amount of time a cow is restrained in the barn within one day and the producers suggest to keep this duration of time as minimal as possible. This review paper looks at various effects of extended length of lock-up time with regards to milk production, reproductive performance, and dairy cattle health. The objective is to investigate potential effects of extended lock-up time and suggest optimal lock-up time as discussed in the literature. Authors have observed an average lockup time of approximately 1-4 hours per day in the farms in southwest USA. Restraint in self-locking head stanchions for extended period (> 4 h per day) could lead to multiple detrimental effects in dairy cow performance. The focus should be to manage the farm adequately by minimizing the restraint time to less than 4 hours per day, and avoid use of headlocks during late morning and afternoon hours of the summer months. Different studies infer that longer lock-up time presents animals with significant stress situations and represents one of the major issue in dairy industry that needs immediate attention.

Prospective study about orthopaedic treatment of fifth metacarpal neck fractures. / Estudio prospectivo sobre el tratamiento conservador de las fracturas de cuello de quinto metacarpiano.

INTRODUCTION: The fifth metacarpal neck fracture is traditionally treated with closed reduction and intrinsic plus cast immobilization. Another alternative and more functional treatment is the syndactylia. The aim of our study is to compare both treatments searching for any differences in their functional outcomes. METHOD: We did a prospective, controlled, masked, randomized cohort study with patients over 18 years old attended from May 2019 to May 2020 in Vigo's Sanitary Area with this injure and an angle below 40°. The collected data was: sex, age, fracture angle, range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal articulation (MCFA), grip strength, pain, fracture consolidation, Quick DASH and comfort 4 and 6 weeks after the injury. RESULTS: 39 men and 1 woman were included in the sample. 36.1 years old as the age average. 90% of the injuries affected the right hand, being all the patients right-handed, finding statistically significant differences in MCFA flexion within 4 weeks and in grade of discomfort, both in favour of the syndactylia (p<0.05). Any of the other collected data was statistically significant. Every fracture achieved consolidation at the end of the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Following the results, we consider both immobilizations good treatment options of these fractures; nevertheless, syndactylia has proven an earlier MCFA flexion recovery and a better tolerance.

Estudio prospectivo sobre el tratamiento conservador de las fracturas de cuello de quinto metacarpiano / Prospective study about orthopaedic treatment of fifth metacarpal neck fractures

Introducción: La fractura de cuello del quinto metacarpiano se trata tradicionalmente mediante la reducción cerrada e inmovilización con férula en intrínseco plus. Una alternativa es el tratamiento funcional mediante sindactilia. Nuestro objetivo es comparar ambos tratamientos buscando diferencias de resultado funcional entre ambas opciones. Método: Realizamos un estudio de cohortes prospectivo, controlado, enmascarado y aleatorizado con pacientes mayores de 18años con esta lesión y angulación<40°, atendidos entre mayo de 2019 y mayo de 2020 en el Área Sanitaria de Vigo. Se recogieron las variables: sexo, edad, lado, angulación de la fractura, movilidad de la articulación metacarpofalángica (MCF), fuerza de prensión, dolor, consolidación de la fractura, Quick DASH y grado de satisfacción y confort. Esta información fue recogida a las 4 y a las 6 semanas. Resultados: La muestra constó de 39 hombres y una mujer. La edad media fue de 36,1años. El 90% afectó a la mano derecha siendo todos los pacientes diestros, encontrando diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la flexión de la articulación MCF a las 4 semanas y en el grado de molestia de la inmovilización, ambos en favor de la sindactilia (p<0,05). El resto de variables recogidas no mostraron significación estadística. En todos los pacientes se consiguió la consolidación de la fractura. Conclusión: A raíz de los resultados obtenidos, consideramos que ambas inmovilizaciones pueden utilizarse en el tratamiento de estas fracturas; sin embargo, la sindactilia demuestra una movilidad en flexión de la articulación MCF más temprana y mejor tolerancia.(AU)

Introduction: The fifth metacarpal neck fracture is traditionally treated with closed reduction and intrinsic plus cast immobilization. Another alternative and more functional treatment is the syndactylia. The aim of our study is to compare both treatments searching for any differences in their functional outcomes. Method: We did a prospective, controlled, masked, randomized cohort study with patients over 18 years old attended from May 2019 to May 2020 in Vigo's Sanitary Area with this injure and an angle below 40°. The collected data was: sex, age, fracture angle, range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal articulation (MCFA), grip strength, pain, fracture consolidation, Quick DASH and comfort 4 and 6 weeks after the injury. Results: 39 men and 1 woman were included in the sample. 36.1 years old as the age average. 90% of the injuries affected the right hand, being all the patients right-handed, finding statistically significant differences in MCFA flexion within 4 weeks and in grade of discomfort, both in favour of the syndactylia (p<0.05). Any of the other collected data was statistically significant. Every fracture achieved consolidation at the end of the follow-up. Conclusion: Following the results, we consider both immobilizations good treatment options of these fractures; nevertheless, syndactylia has proven an earlier MCFA flexion recovery and a better tolerance.(AU)

Prospective study about orthopaedic treatment of fifth metacarpal neck fractures / Estudio prospectivo sobre el tratamiento conservador de las fracturas de cuello de quinto metacarpiano

Introduction: The fifth metacarpal neck fracture is traditionally treated with closed reduction and intrinsic plus cast immobilization. Another alternative and more functional treatment is the syndactylia. The aim of our study is to compare both treatments searching for any differences in their functional outcomes. Method: We did a prospective, controlled, masked, randomized cohort study with patients over 18 years old attended from May 2019 to May 2020 in Vigo's Sanitary Area with this injure and an angle below 40°. The collected data was: sex, age, fracture angle, range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal articulation (MCFA), grip strength, pain, fracture consolidation, Quick DASH and comfort 4 and 6 weeks after the injury. Results: 39 men and 1 woman were included in the sample. 36.1 years old as the age average. 90% of the injuries affected the right hand, being all the patients right-handed, finding statistically significant differences in MCFA flexion within 4 weeks and in grade of discomfort, both in favour of the syndactylia (p<0.05). Any of the other collected data was statistically significant. Every fracture achieved consolidation at the end of the follow-up. Conclusion: Following the results, we consider both immobilizations good treatment options of these fractures; nevertheless, syndactylia has proven an earlier MCFA flexion recovery and a better tolerance.(AU)

Introducción: La fractura de cuello del quinto metacarpiano se trata tradicionalmente mediante la reducción cerrada e inmovilización con férula en intrínseco plus. Una alternativa es el tratamiento funcional mediante sindactilia. Nuestro objetivo es comparar ambos tratamientos buscando diferencias de resultado funcional entre ambas opciones. Método: Realizamos un estudio de cohortes prospectivo, controlado, enmascarado y aleatorizado con pacientes mayores de 18años con esta lesión y angulación<40°, atendidos entre mayo de 2019 y mayo de 2020 en el Área Sanitaria de Vigo. Se recogieron las variables: sexo, edad, lado, angulación de la fractura, movilidad de la articulación metacarpofalángica (MCF), fuerza de prensión, dolor, consolidación de la fractura, Quick DASH y grado de satisfacción y confort. Esta información fue recogida a las 4 y a las 6 semanas. Resultados: La muestra constó de 39 hombres y una mujer. La edad media fue de 36,1años. El 90% afectó a la mano derecha siendo todos los pacientes diestros, encontrando diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la flexión de la articulación MCF a las 4 semanas y en el grado de molestia de la inmovilización, ambos en favor de la sindactilia (p<0,05). El resto de variables recogidas no mostraron significación estadística. En todos los pacientes se consiguió la consolidación de la fractura. Conclusión: A raíz de los resultados obtenidos, consideramos que ambas inmovilizaciones pueden utilizarse en el tratamiento de estas fracturas; sin embargo, la sindactilia demuestra una movilidad en flexión de la articulación MCF más temprana y mejor tolerancia.(AU)

Quiste complejo de mama / Complex cyst of the breast

83-year-old woman with palpable lesion on the left breast. Mammography shows a single nodule with well-defined borders, and ultrasound a complex cyst with solid areas that biopsy resulted in an encapsulated papillary breast carcinoma. Two axillary lymph nodes were affected. (AU)

Heat stress during the transition period is associated with impaired production, reproduction, and survival in dairy cows.

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.

Use of critically important antimicrobial classes early in life may adversely impact bacterial resistance profiles during adult years: potential co-selection for plasmid-borne fluoroquinolone and macrolide resistance via extended-spectrum beta-lactam use in dairy cattle.

The transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes commonly occurs via vertical and horizontal gene transfer, as such genes are often found on the same mobile genetic element. This occurrence can lead to the co-selection of resistance to antimicrobials without their application. Dairy cattle located in the south-western United States were enrolled in a matched-pair longitudinal study to evaluate the effects of a two-dose ceftiofur treatment for metritis on levels of third-generation cephalosporin resistance among faecal Escherichia coli temporally. Escherichia coli chosen for further investigation were isolated on selective media, harboured extended-spectrum beta-lactam, fluoroquinolone and macrolide resistance genes. This combination has previously been unreported; importantly, it included genes encoding for resistance to antibiotics that can only be used in dairy cattle less than 20 months of age. Fluoroquinolones, macrolides and third and higher generation cephalosporins are considered critically important and highest priority for human medicine by the World Health Organization.

Association of prepartum lying time with nonesterified fatty acids and stillbirth in prepartum dairy heifers and cows.

The objective of the present study was to assess the association of prepartum lying time (LT) and the coefficient of variation (CV) of LT within 7 d before calving with prepartum serum nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentration at 7 ± 3 d prepartum (dpp) and stillbirth. Prepartum pregnant Holstein heifers and cows from 3 dairy herds were used (n = 1,044). Animals were housed in freestall barns using a prepartum pen 21 d before the expected calving date and were moved into a contiguous maternity pen at parturition. Monthly, cohorts of 20 to 36 animals (heifers and cows combined) were enrolled at each farm and electronic data loggers (IceQube, IceRobotics, Edinburgh, UK) were fitted to the hind leg of individual animals to assess their behavioral activity. Stillbirth was defined as a calf born dead or died during the first 24 h after parturition in dams with normal gestation length. The LT was recorded for the last 7 dpp to assess differences among dams with stillbirth versus those with a calf born alive. Mean LT within 7 d before blood NEFA collection was assessed to determine the association with prepartum serum NEFA at 7 ± 3 dpp. Blood samples for the assessment of serum NEFA concentration were collected from prepartum animals at 14 ± 3 and at 7 ± 3 dpp. Blood samples for total serum calcium concentration were collected from postpartum cows within 48 h after parturition to assess differences among cows with stillbirth versus those with a calf born alive. Data were analyzed using CORR, MIXED, or GLIMMIX procedures of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Dams experiencing dystocic births had a greater proportion of stillbirth, but herd, parity, and season did not have an effect. Dams with a stillborn calf had reduced LT and increased CV of LT within the last 7 dpp compared with dams with a calf born alive, regardless of parity. Multiparous cows with a stillborn calf had higher prepartum serum NEFA concentration compared with multiparous cows with a calf born alive, but this did not differ for first-calf heifers. Regardless of parity, the proportion of postpartum cows with hypocalcemia was higher for dams with a stillborn calf compared with those with a calf born alive. Regardless of parity, LT of prepartum dams was strongly correlated with the CV of LT (as LT increased, the CV decreased), and prepartum dams with a mean LT between 11 and 15 h/d had the lowest serum NEFA concentration compared with dams with LT of 8 to 10 or >16 h/d. Serum NEFA concentrations at 7 ± 3 dpp was positively correlated with the CV of LT within 7 d before blood sample. These results show that the dam's prepartum LT and its consistency over time are associated with prepartum serum NEFA and calf survival at calving.

Administration of acetylsalicylic acid after parturition in lactating dairy cows under certified organic management: Part I. Milk yield, milk components, activity patterns, fertility, and health.

Parturition is a natural process that gradually progresses from one stage to the next. However, around 5% of dairy cows will experience dystocia, which is considered to be a painful and stressful event. Studies have reported positive effects on cow performance and welfare after treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during the first postpartum days. The objectives were to assess the effects of acetylsalicylic acid administration after calving on (1) milk yield and components, (2) daily activity patterns, (3) reproductive performance, and (4) health in lactating dairy cows under certified organic management. Cows from 3 organic herds were enrolled. Within 12 h after parturition, cows were blocked by parity and calving ease and randomly assigned to 2 treatments: (1) aspirin (ASP; n = 278), in which cows received 4 consecutive treatments every 12 h with acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg/kg; 2 boluses) or (2) placebo (PLC, n = 285), in which cows received 4 treatments every 12 h with gelatin capsules (2 capsules) filled with water. Daily milk yield for the first 30 d in milk (DIM) and monthly milk yield, fat, protein, and somatic cell count (SCC) data from the first 5 Dairy Herd Improvement Association tests were collected. Activity patterns were measured using activity data loggers in the first 7 DIM. Clinical disease events (60 DIM) and fertility data were collected from on-farm computer records. Statistical analysis was performed using the MIXED (milk yield, components, and activity), LIFETEST (fertility), and GLIMMIX (health) procedures of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Overall, ASP cows produced 1.82 kg/d more milk than PLC cows during the first 30 DIM. Interestingly, cows that experienced dystocia and received ASP produced 4.48 kg/d more milk compared with cows in the PLC group that experienced dystocia. Cows treated with ASP had lower somatic cell count during the first 5 Dairy Herd Improvement Association tests. There were no differences in daily lying time, lying bouts, and lying bout duration between the ASP and PLC groups. However, cows in the ASP group had 587,64 steps/d more compared with PLC cows. In addition, ASP cows tended to require fewer days (ASP = 113.76 ± 4.99 d; PLC = 125.36 ± 4.74 d) and needed fewer services (ASP = 1.86 ± 0.21 services; PLC = 2.19 ± 0.24 services) to become pregnant compared with PLC cows. There were no differences in clinical disease events between treatments. Results from this study suggest that treating cows with ASP after calving may help improve milk yields and udder health, increase activity, and enhance fertility in dairy cattle under certified organic management.

Administration of acetylsalicylic acid after parturition in lactating dairy cows under certified organic management: Part II. Biomarkers of nociception, inflammation, and stress.

The objective was to assess the effect of oral administration of acetylsalicylic acid after calving on the concentrations of substance P (SP), haptoglobin (HP), and cortisol in lactating dairy cows. Holstein dairy cows (n = 152) from 3 organic herds were included. At parturition, cows were blocked by parity [multiparous (MULT) and primiparous (PRIM)] and calving ease [eutocia (EUT) and dystocia (DYS)] and were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups: aspirin (ASP; n = 76), in which within 12 h after parturition cows received 4 treatments with acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg/kg; 2 boluses) at 12-h intervals, or placebo (PLC; n = 76), in which within 12 h after parturition cows received 4 consecutive treatments with gelatin capsules (2 capsules) containing water 12 h apart. Blood samples were collected immediately before treatment and at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 168 h (7 DIM) for assessment of circulating concentration of SP, HP, and cortisol. Based on farm records, cows were classified in the following clinical disease categories: no clinical disease event (NO-EVT), a single clinical disease event (SI-EVT), and more than 1 clinical disease event (MU-EVT). The study data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design using mixed multiple linear and logistic regression models. With regard to HP, there was a tendency for an interaction between treatment and parity, where MULT cows treated with ASP had lower concentration of HP compared with MULT cows treated with PLC (ASP = 124.33 ± 6.83 µg/mL; PLC = 143.9 ± 7.24 µg/mL). Analysis by calving ease showed that cows with DYS had higher concentrations of HP (DYS = 159.17 ± 5.97 µg/mL; EUT = 138.72 ± 6.22 µg/mL) and SP (only at 168 h; DYS = 64.99 pg/mL, 95% confidence interval, CI: 2.68-2.81; EUT = 60.33 pg/mL, 95% CI: 2.91-3.06) after calving compared with EUT cows. Regardless of treatment, PRIM cows had higher concentrations of SP (MULT = 55.11 pg/mL, 95% CI: 1.27-1.30; PRIM = 57.62 pg/mL, 95% CI: 1.99-2.06), HP (MULT = 134.14 ± 4.96 µg/mL; PRIM = 163.75 ± 7.76 µg/mL), and cortisol (MULT = 18.65 µg/mL, 95% CI: 1.02-1.05; PRIM = 21.92 µg/mL, 95% CI: 1.67-1.74) compared with MULT cows. In addition, cows that experienced SI-EVT or MU-EVT had higher concentrations of HP (NO-EVT = 134.13 ± 5.95 µg/mL; SI-EVT = 142.68 ± 7.32 µg/mL; MU-EVT = 170.03 ± 9.42 µg/mL) and cortisol (NO-EVT = 17.86 µg/mL, 95% CI: 1.20-1.24; SI-EVT = 21.01 µg/mL, 95% CI: 1.61-1.67; MU-EVT = 22.01 µg/mL, 95% CI: 2.08-2.18) compared with cows with NO-EVT recorded. Results from this study suggest that a short-duration anti-inflammatory therapy after calving reduced HP in MULT cows but may not have effects on SP and cortisol concentrations. Calving ease and parity affected the concentrations of markers of inflammation, nociception, and stress regardless of treatment. Further research is warranted to assess anti-inflammatory strategies aimed at decreasing inflammation and stress in DYS and PRIM cows and therefore improve welfare and performance of these high-priority groups.

Topsoil microstructure changes after a shrubland prescribed burn (Central Pyrenees, NE Spain).

The dense thicket Echinospartum horridum (Vahl, Rothm) is expanded in secondary pastures of the Central Pyrenees (NE-Spain). The control of this grassland encroachment is attempted through prescribed burnings, trying to minimize its direct effects on the soil. But the structural changes on the new soil surface, burned and bare, are unknown in the medium-term. To check it, soil aggregate stability (SAS), mean weight diameter of the aggregates (MWD), water repellency (WR), unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (k), and soil organic carbon (SOC) were measured in the surface (at 0-1, 1-2, 2-3, and 3-5 cm) in both unburned and 1-yr burned soils, after verifying that it suffered no direct damage. We also used the digital images of thin sections, obtained from undisturbed and oriented topsoil samples, to detect potential changes in soil microstructure. No significant changes were found in SAS, MWD and SOC for any thickness of soil studied. Nevertheless the WR, which was high before and just after burning, decreased significantly in the upper soil cm after 1-yr burning. WR decrease coincides with the 6-fold increase of the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (k) and the presence of cappings on the burned topsoil. Cappings are coatings poor in organic matter and composed by fine sand-sized particles of angular quartz, mixed with charcoal, covering irregularly the original topsoil. The formation of cappings seems to derive from the impact of raindrops on the bare soil surface, hence its irregular spatial distribution. Summarizing, removing bushes by means of a low-intensity fast-moving prescribed burning caused the formation of discontinuous cappings without worsening significantly the rest of the measured properties.

Associations of pre- and postpartum lying time with metabolic, inflammation, and health status of lactating dairy cows.

The objective was to evaluate the associations of pre- and postpartum lying time (LT) with serum total calcium (Ca), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and haptoglobin concentrations, hemogram, and health status of dairy cows. A total of 1,052 Holstein cattle (401 nulliparous heifers and 651 parous cows) from 3 commercial dairy farms were fitted with electronic data loggers (IceQube, IceRobotics, Edinburgh, UK) on a hind leg 14 ± 3 d before parturition (dpp) and removed at 14 ± 3 d in milk (DIM) to assess their LT. Lying time data were summarized and reported daily (min/d or h/d). Serum concentrations of NEFA (at 14 ± 3 and 7 ± 3 dpp), total serum calcium within 48 h after calving, and BHB (at 7 ± 3 and 14 ± 3 DIM) were determined. Serum concentration of haptoglobin was determined and a hemogram was performed on a subsample of 577 cows (237 primiparous and 340 multiparous) at 7 ± 3 DIM. Cases of milk fever, retained placenta, metritis, mastitis, pneumonia, and digestive disorders within 30 DIM were recorded and cows were categorized into 1 of 4 groups: (1) nondiseased (ND, n = 613; cows without ketosis and any other health conditions); (2) cows with only ketosis (KET, n = 152); (3) sick cows experiencing ≥1 health conditions, but without ketosis (SICK, n = 198); or (4) cows with ketosis plus at least one other health condition (KET+, n = 61). Data were analyzed using mixed linear regression models or logistic regression (MIXED or GLIMMIX procedures). Lying time within 14 dpp had a significant positive quadratic association with serum NEFA concentrations at 14 ± 3 and 7 ± 3 dpp but was not significantly associated with serum Ca concentration within 48 h after calving. Lying time during the first 14 DIM after parturition had a significant linear association with the risk of ketosis within 14 DIM. For every 1-h increment in mean LT (from 8 to 15 h/d) within the first 14 DIM after calving, the risk of diagnosis with ketosis within 14 DIM increased by 3.7 percentage points. Regardless of parity, a greater proportion of KET and KET+ groups had increased serum prepartum NEFA concentration (≥400 µEq/L) and increased body condition loss from 14 dpp to 28 DIM compared with SICK and ND cows. A greater proportion of multiparous KET and KET+ cows had hypocalcemia within 48 h after calving compared with ND and SICK cows, but we did not detect a significant association between hypocalcemia and health status on primiparous cows. Multiparous KET+ cows had significantly reduced neutrophils and white blood cell count compared with ND cows, but lymphocytes did not differ. Regardless of parity, KET+ and SICK cows had significantly higher concentrations of serum haptoglobin compared with ND cows. These results suggest that LT along with energy and Ca balance are critical for transition cow health.

Associations of postpartum lying time with culling, milk yield, cyclicity, and reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows.

The objectives were to evaluate the associations of lying time (LT) during the first 14 d in milk (DIM) with milk yield, cyclicity (CYC), culling within 60 DIM (CULL), and reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows. A total of 1,052 Holstein cattle (401 nulliparous heifers and 651 parous cows) from 3 commercial dairy farms had electronic data loggers (IceQube, IceRobotics, Edinburgh, UK) placed on a hind leg 14 ± 3 d before the expected parturition date and removed at 14 ± 3 DIM to assess their LT. Serum concentrations of ß-hydroxybutyrate were determined at 7 ± 3 and 14 ± 3 DIM. Cases of retained placenta, metritis, mastitis, pneumonia, and digestive disorders within 30 DIM were recorded and lactating cows were categorized into 1 of 4 groups: (1) nondiseased (ND, n = 613; cows without ketosis or any other diagnosed health condition); (2) cows with only ketosis (KET, n = 152); (3) sick cows experiencing ≥1 health conditions but without ketosis (SICK, n = 198); or (4) cows with ketosis plus ≥1 health condition (KET+, n = 61). Ultrasound was performed at 28 ± 3 and 42 ± 3 DIM to assess ovarian cyclicity (presence or absence of corpus luteum). Milk yield at first Dairy Herd Improvement Association test was not associated with LT during the first 14 DIM, but it was negatively correlated with the coefficient of variation of LT during the first 14 DIM. Lactating dairy cows experiencing KET+ had the lowest milk yield compared with ND, regardless of parity. Parity, health status, and season were significantly associated with CYC and CULL. Lying time had a significantly linear association with the risk of being culled: for every 1-h increment of LT during 0 to 14 DIM, the risk of culling within 60 DIM increased by 1 percentage point. Lying time had a negative quadratic association with cyclicity at 42 DIM. Multiparous cows with a LT of 9 to 13 h/d had a significantly greater probability of pregnancy up to 300 DIM compared with cows with a LT >13 h/d. Regardless of parity, KET+ cows had significantly higher proportion of culling within 60 DIM and decreased probability of pregnancy up to 300 DIM compared with ND cows. These findings suggest that there is an optimum daily LT range for early postpartum cows housed in freestall barns, different from that reported for mid-lactation cows, with the potential for improved survival, health, and the overall performance (milk yield and reproduction).

Assessment of daily activity patterns and biomarkers of pain, inflammation, and stress in lactating dairy cows diagnosed with clinical metritis.

The objectives of the present case-control study were to assess (1) daily activity patterns (lying time, number of steps, number of lying bouts, and lying bout duration), and (2) circulating concentrations of biomarkers of pain (substance P), inflammation (haptoglobin), and stress (cortisol) in lactating dairy cows diagnosed with clinical metritis. Lactating dairy cows (n = 200) from 2 commercial dairy herds were enrolled in the present study. Cows diagnosed with clinical metritis (n = 100) at 7 ± 3 d in milk were matched according to lactation and days in milk to cows without clinical metritis (NO-CM; n = 100). On study d 1, clinical metritis was diagnosed (using a Metricheck device, Simcro Tech Ltd., Hamilton, New Zealand) by the presence of watery, reddish, or brownish foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and blood samples were collected for assessment of circulating concentration of substance P, haptoglobin, cortisol, total calcium, ß-hydroxybutyrate, and blood cells. In addition, on study d 1 body condition of cows was visually assessed, and activity monitors were placed on the hind leg of a subset of cows (CM, n = 56; CON, n = 56) and were kept until study d 7. Cows showing any other signs of other diseases were not included in the study. Cows with clinical metritis tended to spend more time lying (CM = 628.92 min/d; NO-CM = 591.23 min/d) compared with NO-CM cows. Activity analysis by parity revealed that primiparous cows with clinical metritis spent more time lying compared with primiparous cows without clinical metritis. However, no differences in daily lying time were observed between multiparous cows with and without clinical metritis. Furthermore, cows in the CM group had a higher circulating concentration of substance P (CM = 47.15 pg/mL; NO-CM = 37.73 pg/mL) and haptoglobin (CM = 233.00 µg/mL; NO-CM = 99.98 µg/mL) when compared with NO-CM cows. Cows with clinical metritis had lower body condition score, and a greater proportion of cows in this group had hypocalcemia when compared with cows without clinical metritis. The circulating concentration of leukocytes and erythrocytes were decreased in cows with clinical metritis compared with cows without clinical metritis. Results from this study showed that concentrations of markers of inflammation, stress, pain, and activity were affected in cows diagnosed with clinical metritis; thus, strategies aimed to minimize the negative effects associated with clinical metritis may be required to improve the welfare of dairy cows.

Lactoferrin reduces mortality in preweaned calves with diarrhea.

Calf diarrhea is the most common reason for mortality and antimicrobial therapy in preweaned calves on dairy farms in the United States. Conventional and organic livestock producers require alternative therapies for calf diarrhea to reduce the necessity of conventional antimicrobials. Alternatives administered for mild cases or early in the disease course may be useful to mitigate disease progression and reduce the likelihood of septicemia and negative sequelae. Lactoferrin is a bioactive protein naturally found in colostrum that has been shown to prevent septicemia in high-risk infants. Among organic producers, garlic extract is widely used for the treatment of disease and perceived to be efficacious. The objectives of the study were to determine the effectiveness of lactoferrin and garlic extract to reduce mortality and culling, improve weight gain, and reduce the duration of disease in preweaned calves with the first diagnosis of diarrhea. In total, 628 calves with diarrhea from a single commercial dairy were enrolled in a blinded, randomized field trial. Calves diagnosed with diarrhea (fecal score ≥3), were randomized to 3 consecutive days of oral garlic extract, lactoferrin, or water (control). Calves were clinically evaluated for up to 10 d. Body weight was measured at enrollment and 10 d later. For calves receiving garlic extract, the risk of death or culling was not significantly different than calves in the control group; however, calves that received lactoferrin had approximately half the risk of death or culling in the 120 d following diagnosis. Additionally, the relative risk of death or culling in the 60 d following diagnosis was significantly lower for the subset of calves with severe diarrhea at enrollment. Neither garlic nor lactoferrin had a significant effect on disease duration or average weight gain during the 10-d period. Lactoferrin significantly reduced mortality and culling when administered to preweaned calves with the first diagnosis of diarrhea; however, additional studies conducted across multiple farms are necessary to corroborate the observed reduction in mortality and culling. If the results are confirmed, lactoferrin may become an important tool to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the necessity of antimicrobials.

Retrospective study of various conservative treatment options with bacille Calmette-Guérin in bladder urothelial carcinoma T1G3: Maintenance therapy. / Estudio retrospectivo de diferentes opciones de tratamiento conservador con Bacilo de Calmette-Guèrin en el carcinoma urotelial vesical T1G3: terapia de mantenimiento.

OBJECTIVE: To compare various conservative treatment options for high-grade T1 nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the preferred intravesical treatment for high-grade T1 tumours; however, a number of experts still question the need for maintenance BCG. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed data from 1039 patients with primary and recurrent T1G3 NMIBC. All patients underwent complete transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TURBT), with muscle in the sample and multiple bladder biopsies. The patients were treated with the following: only one initial TURBT (n=108), re-TURBT (n=153), induction with 27mg of BCG (Connaught strain) (n=87), induction with 81mg of BCG (n=489) or induction with 81mg of BCG+maintenance (n=202). The time to first recurrence, progression (to T2 or greater or to metastatic disease) and specific mortality of the disease was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier survival function and were compared using the log-rank test and the Cox multivariate regression model of proportional risks. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 62±39 months. The risk of recurrence was significantly lower for the patients treated with maintenance therapy of 81mg of BCG than in the other treatment groups (P<.001). The risk of tumour progression was also significantly lower for the patients treated with maintenance BCG than for the patients treated only with one TURBT, re-TURBT and with induction therapy with 27mg of BCG (P=.0003). The specific disease mortality was significantly lower with BCG maintenance (9.4%) than with only one TURBT (27.8%; P=.003). CONCLUSIONS: In the case of T1G3 NMIBC, a complete dose of BCG with maintenance is associated with better recurrence results than are other conservative treatment modalities. The results of progression and survival specific to the disease were also better with induction BCG, with or without maintenance.

The effect of climate manipulations on the herbivory of the pest slug Deroceras reticulatum (Müller, 1774) (Pulmonata: Agriolimacidae).

The pestiferous status of the terrestrial slug Deroceras reticulatum and the strong dependence of its biology and ecology on climatic factors have driven research on the potential responses of the slug to predicted scenarios of climate change. Here, we report two short-term experiments performed outdoors, under seminatural conditions, to assess the behavioural response of D. reticulatum to different climate manipulations in terms of herbivory, by measuring over 7 days the damage inflicted by slug populations to lettuce seedlings. The climate manipulations tested emulate predicted climatic conditions for northwest Spain, specifically winter warming and increased summer rainfall, in contrast respectively with normal winter conditions and summer without rain conditions. In a winter experiment, we compared a normal winter treatment with a winter warming treatment; with respect to the normal winter treatment, the winter warming treatment was characterised by higher temperature, lower relative humidity and the absence of rainfall. In a summer experiment, we compared a summer drought treatment with an increased summer rainfall treatment; with respect to the summer drought treatment, the increased summer rainfall treatment was characterised by the presence of rainfall, while the conditions of temperature and relative humidity were similar in both treatments. Neither winter warming nor increased summer rainfall did lead to a significant increase on the number of seedlings damaged by the slugs. However, with both treatments, we found a moderate increase on the amount of damage suffered by the seedlings. The results are discussed in the context of the potential responses of D. reticulatum to future climatic conditions.

Effect of intrauterine infusion of an organic-certified product on uterine health, survival, and fertility of dairy cows with toxic puerperal metritis.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of intrauterine infusion of an organic certified product (Optimum UterFlush, Van Beek Natural Science, Orange City, IA) on uterine health, survival, and fertility of cows affected with toxic puerperal metritis (TPM) in an organic dairy farm. Cows with TPM were defined as having an abnormally enlarged uterus and a fetid watery red-brown vaginal discharge, associated with systemic illness and fever (rectal temperature ≥39.5°C), within 12 d postpartum. Cows diagnosed with TPM (n=220; study d 0) were blocked by parity (1 and ≥2) and randomly assigned into 1 of 2 intrauterine treatments applied every other day for a total of 3 applications: (1) control (CON)=200mL of povidone iodine diluted in 2L of distilled water (n=113); (2) Optimum UterFlush (UF)=3.75mL diluted in 117mL of distilled water (n=107). All enrolled cows received hypertonic saline solution (500mL 7.2% i.v.), dextrose (500mL 50% i.v.), and oral aspirin (5 boluses/d). Outcome variables for treatment efficacy included fever and presence of fetid vaginal discharge at study d 6 and 14, survival at study d 6 and 14 and at 30 and 100 DIM, and reproductive performance. Control variables were parity, BCS at enrollment, calving season, and milk yield. Occurrence of fever at d 6 and 14 was not different between the 2 treatment groups. Presence of fetid vaginal discharge at d 6 and 14 was lower in cows treated with UF compared with cows in the CON group (10.7 vs. 28% and 1.1 vs. 9.1%). The odds (95% confidence interval) for survival and remaining in the farm at study d 6 and 14 and at 30 and 100 DIM for cows in the UF treatment were 4.67 (1.38-15.8), 2.77 (1.25-6.10), 3.13 (1.22-8.02), and 2.82 (1.38-5.71) times the odds of cows in the CON group, respectively. The odds of AI until 150 DIM and the interval from calving to first AI were not different between the 2 treatments. However, pregnancy was affected by treatment; the odds (95% confidence interval) of pregnancy at the first AI, 150 DIM, and 300 DIM for cows treated with UF were 2.15 (1.05-4.40), 1.81 (1.04-3.15), and 1.92 (1.09-3.38) times the odds of cows in the CON group, respectively. Days to pregnancy were similar in both treatment groups, but the number of artificial inseminations per pregnancy were different (2.69 vs. 2.02 for cows in the CON and UF treatments). Results indicate that cows with TPM administered intrauterine infusion of Optimum UterFlush had higher odds of recovering and improved reproductive performance compared with cows treated with povidone iodine.