Anatomical and histochemical characterization of stem and leaves of Bauhinia pulchella Benth. (Fabaceae).

Bauhinia pulchella Benth. (Fabaceae), is native to Brazil and popularly known as pata-de-bode. In folk medicine, it is used to treat diabetes. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated different properties, such as cytotoxic and antioxidant, and different chemical constituents, such as essential oil, triterpenoids, steroids, among others. In order to highlight the morphological differences of the species B. pulchella from the others of the genus, and its pharmacological potential, the present study aimed to carry out the anatomical and histochemical characterization of the stem and leaves of B. pulchella. Usual methods in plant anatomy were used in the preparation of semi-permanent slides containing cross sections of the stem, petiole and leaf blade and paradermal sections of the leaf blade for analysis in light microscopy and polarized light. Histochemical tests were also performed to localize the metabolites in the stem and leaf blade. The stem of B. pulchella has a cylindrical outline, the bark is composed of 7-8 layers of cells and discontinuously distributed sclerenchyma; petiole presents flat convex contour, prominences in the adaxial region, concentric amphicrivral vascular bundle, surrounding a small concentric anfivasal intramedullary bundle, adaxially two accessory bundles and tector trichomes; leaf blade with anisocytic and tetracytic stomata on the adaxial surface and anisocytic, tetracytic and anomocytic on the abaxial surface; and midrib with plain-convex outline, 1-2 layers of collenchyma and covering trichomes. Characteristics that differ from other species of the genus Bauhinia. Alkaloids, phenolic compounds, lipophilic compounds, lignin, triterpenes, steroids and tannins were observed in the species. The results are fundamental for the pharmacobotanical standardization of the studied species.

Influence of host genetic polymorphisms involved in immune response and their role in the development of Chikungunya disease: a review.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes and can cause significant pathogenicity in humans. Moreover, its importance has increased in the Americas since 2013. The primary vectors for viral delivery are the mosquito species Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Several factors, including host genetic variations and immune response against CHIKV, influence the outcomes of Chikungunya disease. This work aimed to gather information about different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes that influence the host immune response during an infection by CHIKV. The viral characteristics, disease epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and immune response against CHIKV are also addressed. The main immune molecules related to this arboviral disease elucidated in this review are TLR3/7/8, DC-SIGN, HLA-DRB1/HLA-DQB1, TNF, IL1RN, OAS2/3, and CRP. Advances in knowledge about the genetic basis of the immune response during CHIKV infection are essential for expanding the understanding of disease pathophysiology, providing new genetic markers for prognosis, and identifying molecular targets for the development of new drug treatments.

Influence of host genetic polymorphisms involved in immune response and their role in the development of Chikungunya disease: a review

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes and can cause significant pathogenicity in humans. Moreover, its importance has increased in the Americas since 2013. The primary vectors for viral delivery are the mosquito species Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Several factors, including host genetic variations and immune response against CHIKV, influence the outcomes of Chikungunya disease. This work aimed to gather information about different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes that influence the host immune response during an infection by CHIKV. The viral characteristics, disease epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and immune response against CHIKV are also addressed. The main immune molecules related to this arboviral disease elucidated in this review are TLR3/7/8, DC-SIGN, HLA-DRB1/HLA-DQB1, TNF, IL1RN, OAS2/3, and CRP. Advances in knowledge about the genetic basis of the immune response during CHIKV infection are essential for expanding the understanding of disease pathophysiology, providing new genetic markers for prognosis, and identifying molecular targets for the development of new drug treatments.

Erratum to "Reproductive performance of early- and late-calving dairy cows artificially inseminated after ovulation synchronization and estrous resynchronization or artificially inseminated after observed estrus" (JDS Commun. 2:80-85).

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2020-0035.].

Hypogalactia in mammary quarters adjacent to lipopolysaccharide-infused quarters is associated with transcriptional changes in immune genes.

Infusion of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) into a mammary gland can provoke inflammatory responses and impair lactation in both the infused gland and neighboring glands. To gain insight into the mechanisms controlling the spatiotemporal response to localized mastitis in lactating dairy cows, we performed RNA sequencing on mammary tissue from quarters infused with LPS, neighboring quarters in the same animals, and control quarters from untreated animals at 3 and 12 h postinfusion. Differences in gene expression were annotated to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Comparing mammary transcriptomes from all 3 treatments revealed 3,088 and 1,644 differentially expressed (DE) genes at 3 and 12 h, respectively. Of these genes, >95% were DE only in LPS-infused quarters and represented classical responses to LPS: inflammation, apoptosis, tissue remodeling, and altered cell signaling and metabolism. Although relatively few genes were DE in neighboring quarters (56 at 3 h; 74 at 12 h), these represented several common pathways. At 3 h, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), nuclear factor-κB, and nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor signaling pathways were identified by the upregulation of anti-inflammatory (NFKBIA, TNFAIP3) and cell adhesion molecule (VCAM1, ICAM1) genes in neighboring glands. Additionally, at 12 h, several genes linked to 1-carbon and serine metabolism were upregulated. Some responses were also regulated over time. The proinflammatory response in LPS-infused glands diminished between 3 and 12 h, indicating tight control over transcription to re-establish homeostasis. In contrast, 2 glucocorticoid-responsive genes, FKBP5 and ZBTB16, were among the top DE genes upregulated in neighboring quarters at both time points, indicating potential regulation by glucocorticoids. We conclude that a transient, systemic immune response was sufficient to disrupt lactation in neighboring glands. This response may be mediated directly by proinflammatory factors from the LPS-infused gland or indirectly by secondary factors released in response to systemic inflammatory signals.

Reproductive performance of early- and late-calving dairy cows artificially inseminated after ovulation synchronization and estrous resynchronization or artificially inseminated after observed estrus.

Within seasonal dairy systems, cows that calve late in the calving season are less likely to become pregnant and maintain a yearly calving interval. Very few studies have examined effective strategies for reproductive management of these late-calving cows. The objectives were to evaluate the reproductive performance of early- and late-calving dairy cows that were either inseminated after observed estrus (control) or enrolled in a timed AI and resynchronization protocol [progesterone (P4) Ovsynch Resynch)]. Early-calving cows calved during the first week of the calving season, whereas late-calving cows calved after 6 wk but were at least 10 d in milk at study commencement. Three dairy herds participated in the study with 391 cows total. Within each calving group, cows were randomly assigned to P4 Ovsynch Resynch or control (no treatment) in a 2 × 2 experimental design. Artificial insemination continued for 6 wk after mating start date (MSD) and was followed by 6 wk of natural service. The interval from MSD to AI was shorter (11.7 vs. 14.7 d) and the 3-wk pregnancy rate (49.5 vs. 21.2%) and the 6-wk pregnancy rate (60.8 vs. 42.4%) were greater in the early-calving compared with the late-calving control cows. By design, synchronized cows received timed AI on MSD and were not included in the statistical analysis of submission rate and interval from MSD to AI. The proportion of cows that received a second AI was not increased by the progesterone-based resynchronization strategy but was greater in early-calving compared with late-calving cows. The 12-wk pregnancy rate was greater (64.5 vs. 45.0%) in the early-calving synchronized cows compared with the late-calving synchronized cows. The interval from MSD to pregnancy was 6 and 12.6 d shorter for synchronized compared with control cows in the early- and late-calving groups, respectively. The results demonstrated reduced reproductive performance of late-calving cows compared with early-calving cows. Nonetheless, a major improvement to reproductive performance was achieved by targeting late-calving cows with a synchronization program, even when cows were only 20 to 50 DIM at first AI. Resynchronization of estrus with a progesterone device only, however, was not sufficient to increase the proportion of nonpregnant cows that received a second AI.

Lymphocyte proliferative responses in dairy cows supplemented with an immunomodulatory feed additive and administered polyvalent vaccination / [Proliferação de linfócitos em vacas leiteiras suplementadas com um aditivo alimentar imunomodulador e vacinadas com vacina polivalente]

O presente estudo avaliou o efeito da suplementação com OmniGen-AF® na proliferação de linfócitos e títulos de anticorpos após vacinação em bovinos leiteiros. Amostras de sangue periférico foram coletadas de 32 vacas leiteiras para quantificação dos títulos de anticorpos anti-Leptospira, e amostras de sangue periférico de 16 vacas leiteiras foram também coletadas para avaliação da proliferação de linfócitos. Observou-se que a suplementação com OmniGen-AF® aumentou a proliferação basal de linfócitos (sem estímulos) 21 dias após a vacinação (P=0,03), apesar de reduzir a proliferação de linfócitos B quando estimulada com Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo inativada pelo calor (P=0,03). Ademais, nenhum efeito da suplementação sobre a proliferação de linfócitos no momento imediatamente anterior à vacinação e nos títulos de anticorpos anti-Leptospira foi encontrado. Além disso, a proliferação de linfócitos estimulada com lipopolissacarídeos foi maior em vacas multíparas que em primíparas 21 dias após a vacinação (P=0,03). Desse modo, o presente estudo demonstra que a suplementação com OmniGen-AF® não afetou de forma robusta a proliferação de linfócitos e os títulos de anticorpos anti-Leptospira após vacinação em vacas leiteiras sadias.(AU)

Intramammary lipopolysaccharide infusion induces local and systemic effects on milk components in lactating bovine mammary glands.

Each quarter of the bovine mammary gland is an anatomically and functionally distinct gland. However, mastitis in one quarter may affect function of adjacent, uninfected glands. To investigate the mechanisms and potential mediators of these effects, we quantified early responses of the mammary gland to intramammary lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge, distinguishing between local and systemic effects. Ten multiparous cows over 70 d in milk were blocked into pairs by breed, cow-level somatic cell count (SCC), and milk yield. Within block, one cow was assigned to LPS treatment (T) such that both the front and the rear quarter of a randomly selected udder half received an infusion of 50 µg of LPS in 10 mL of saline (T-L); the contralateral quarters received only 10 mL of saline (T-S). Similarly, each paired control cow (C) received either 10 mL of saline (C-S) or no infusion (C-N) into udder halves. Cows were quarter milked twice daily, with foremilk samples (∼30 mL, front quarters) taken at -24, 0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h relative to infusions. At 24 h, average milk yield in T-L and T-S quarters fell to 23 and 32% of pre-infusion levels, respectively. For T cows, systemic effects were observed by 3 h post-infusion as rectal temperature was elevated and foremilk fat concentration was reduced in both T-L and T-S. However, SCC and concentrations of l-lactate and total protein in foremilk indicated a local response to LPS: protein was transiently higher at 3 h, whereas SCC and lactate were higher at 6 h in T-L compared with T-S. Lactose concentration showed a local effect at 6 h, being lower in T-L than in T-S, and then a systemic effect at 12 h, being lower in both T-L and T-S than C quarters. Concomitant with changes in milk, systemic effects were also observed in blood. Plasma antioxidant potential and glucose concentration were lower in T cows than in C cows at 6 or 12 h, respectively, although neither variable remained different at 24 h. In summary, unilateral LPS infusion induced distinct, time-dependent effects on each milk component. Depending on the component, effects were local, systemic, or both, suggesting involvement of multiple different mediators that collectively result in systemic inhibition of milk production.

Feed additives containing sequestrant clay minerals and inactivated yeast reduce aflatoxin excretion in milk of dairy cows.

The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of 2 dietary mycotoxin sequestrants, Toxy-Nil (TN) or Unike Plus (UP), in reducing aflatoxin (AF) M1 concentrations in milk of dairy cows challenged with dietary AF. Thirty-two mid-lactation Holstein cows were blocked by parity, days in milk, and milk yield and were randomly assigned within block to receive one of the following treatments: (1) 2.8 mg of AF/cow per d (positive control, PC), (2) 2.8 mg of AF + 100 g of TN/cow per d, (3) 2.8 mg of AF + 100 g of UP/cow per d, or (4) no AF and no additives (negative control, NC). For 7 d, treatments, dispersed in 150 g of sweet feed carrier, were top-dressed twice daily by mixing into the top portion of the TMR at each feeding. After the experimental period, cows were fed the NC diet and clearance of AFM1 via milk was monitored for 7 d. Feed and water were available ad libitum throughout the trial. Treatments had no effect on feed intake, milk yield, milk composition, or milk somatic cell count. Relative intake of AF was similar among PC, TN, and UP, averaging 106.5, 107.6, and 102.5 ± 2.9 µg/kg of diet dry matter, respectively. Relative intake of mycotoxin sequestrants was similar between TN and UP, averaging 0.4 and 0.4 ± 0.1% of diet dry matter, respectively. Concentration and mass of AFM1 secreted in milk and in urine were similar between TN and UP, but were lower than PC; concentrations in milk averaged 0.2, 0.3, and 0.6 ± 0.1 µg/kg, respectively, and mass secreted in milk averaged 8.1, 9.8, and 20.5 ± 1.7 µg/d. Concentrations in urine averaged 6.9, 7.4, and 14.2 ± 1.5 µg/L, respectively, and mass secreted in urine averaged 225.7, 250.8, and 521.6 ± 53.1 µg/d. Likewise, concentration and mass of free AF excreted in feces were similar between TN and UP, but were lower than PC; concentrations averaged 7.7, 8.9, and 12.4 ± 0.6 µg/kg, respectively, and mass excreted averaged 57.8, 69.6, and 95.6 ± 4.8 µg/d. Transfer of AF from feed to AFM1 in milk was reduced by 63 and 52%, and in urine, by 57 and 52% for TN and UP, respectively. Transfer of AF from feed to free AF in feces was reduced by 38 and 26% for TN and UP, respectively. The clearance rate of AFM1 in milk did not differ among PC, TN, and UP (46.1, 66.5, and 50.0 ± 6.7%/d, respectively). Results indicate that dietary inclusion of 100 g of TN or UP significantly reduced AFM1 in milk of cows consuming TMR containing approximately 105 µg of AF/kg of diet dry matter. Results also suggest that both TN and UP reduced absorption of AF.

Reducing prepartum urine pH by supplementing anionic feed ingredients: Effects on physiological and productive responses of Holstein × Gir cows.

This study compared physiological and productive parameters in 3/4 Holstein × 1/4 Gir dairy cows receiving a prepartum concentrate containing ammonium chloride to reduce urine pH near 7.0 (CON; n = 17), or a commercial anionic supplement to reduce urine pH near 6.0 (SUPP; n = 17). Nonlactating, multiparous, pregnant cows were assigned to receive SUPP or CON beginning 21 d before expected date of calving. Cows were maintained in a single drylot pen with ad libitum access to corn silage, and individually received their prepartum concentrate once daily (0800 h) before calving. Cows from both treatments completely consumed their concentrate allocation within 30 min after feeding. Cow body weight and body condition score were recorded once weekly, urine pH measured every 3 d, and blood samples collected on d -21, -14, -9, -6, and -3 relative to expected calving date. After calving (d 0), cows were moved to an adjacent drylot pen with ad libitum access to water and a total mixed ration, and were milked twice daily (0600 and 1700 h). Cow body weight and body condition score were recorded once weekly and individual milk production was recorded daily until 30 d in milk (DIM). Blood samples were collected before each milking during the first 5 DIM, as well as at 6, 9, 16, 23, and 30 DIM before the morning milking. Based on actual calving dates, cows received SUPP or CON for (mean ± standard error) 19.2 ± 1.2 and 19.0 ± 0.9 d before calving, respectively. Urine pH was less in SUPP versus CON cows during the last 15 d of gestation (6.12 vs. 7.15, respectively). Milk yield during the first 5 DIM and throughout the experimental period was greater in SUPP versus CON cows (by 20 and 14%, respectively), whereas serum Ca concentrations did not differ between treatments during the first 5 DIM. Serum concentrations of fatty acids were greater in SUPP versus CON cows 3 d before and at calving (by 52 and 22%, respectively), whereas SUPP cows had lower serum glucose and cortisol concentration at calving (by 23 and 27%, respectively). Hence, the SUPP treatment decreased prepartum urine pH near 6.0 in Holstein × Gir dairy cows without depressing concentrate intake compared with CON, although total dry matter intake was not evaluated to fully investigate feed intake responses. Moreover, the SUPP treatment transiently affected serum glucose, fatty acids, and cortisol concentrations near the time of calving, and resulted in greater milk yield during the initial 30 DIM compared with CON.

Tuberculosis in Southern Brazilian wild boars (Sus scrofa): First epidemiological findings.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a zoonosis caused mainly by Mycobacterium bovis that affects domestic and wild animals. In Brazil, there are no epidemiological studies on tuberculosis in wild animal populations and their possible role in the disease maintenance in cattle herds; thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of tuberculosis in wild boars in Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Tissue samples of animals hunted under government consent were submitted to histopathology and M. bovis polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as screening tests; the positive samples were subsequently submitted to bacterial isolation, the gold standard diagnosis. Eighty animals were evaluated, of which 27.9% and 31.3% showed histopathological changes and M. bovis genome presence, respectively. Moreover, 23.8% of the animals had at least one organ with isolates classified as Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC). Three hunting points were risk factors for positive results on screening tests. This study shows the occurrence of tuberculosis in a wild boars' population, and raise the possibility of these animals to play a role as disease reservoirs in southern Brazil. These results may help to improve the Brazilian tuberculosis control programme, as well as elucidate the circulation of mycobacteria in this country.

Supplementing an immunomodulatory feed ingredient to modulate thermoregulation, physiologic, and production responses in lactating dairy cows under heat stress conditions.

This study compared vaginal temperature, physiologic, and productive parameters in lactating dairy cows supplemented or not with Omnigen-AF (Phibro Animal Health, Teaneck, NJ) during the summer months in a tropical environment. Thirty-two lactating, primiparous (n = 16) and multiparous (n = 16) pregnant Holstein × Gir cows were ranked by parity, days in milk, body weight, and body condition score (BCS), and assigned to receive (SUPP; n = 16) or not (CON; n = 16) Omnigen-AF (Phibro Animal Health, Teaneck, NJ) at 56 g/cow daily (as-fed basis). During the experimental period (d -6 to 56), cows were maintained in a single drylot pen with ad libitum access to water and a total mixed ration, and milked twice daily. Cows received Omnigen-AF mixed with 200 g of corn (as-fed basis) after the daily morning milking through self-locking head gates, whereas CON cows concurrently received 56 g of kaolin mixed with 200 g of corn. For feed intake evaluation, cows from both treatments were randomly divided in 4 groups of 8 cows each, and allocated to 8 individual feeding stations for 3 d. Intake was evaluated 4 times per group from d 1 to 56. From d -6 to 0, d 15 to 28, and d 43 to 56, cow vaginal temperature was recorded hourly. Environmental temperature-humidity index (THI) was also recorded hourly from d 15 to 28 and d 43 to 56. Cows were evaluated for body weight and BCS on d -6 and 56, individual milk production was recorded daily from d -6 to 56, and milk samples were collected on d -6, 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, and 56 for analyses of somatic cell count and milk components. Blood samples were collected on d -6, -3, 0, 9, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 36, 45, 48, 51, 54, and 56. Results from samples or observations collected from d -6 to 0 were included as an independent covariate in each respective analysis. Environmental THI was 74.2 ± 0.5 and cows were exposed to THI >68 for 633 h within a total of 672 h of evaluation. Cows assigned to CON had greater vaginal temperature on d 28, 43, 45, and from d 48 to 55 (by 0.38 to 0.52%), as well as greater mean somatic cell count (by 97%) and serum haptoglobin concentrations (by 89%) compared with SUPP cows. Cows assigned to SUPP had greater mean dry matter intake (by 7%), BCS on d 56 (by 11%), and mean serum insulin concentrations (by 35%) compared with CON cows. Hence, SUPP ameliorated hyperthermia, improved nutritional status, and modulated systemic and mammary gland immune parameters in lactating dairy cows exposed to heat stress conditions.

Effects of concentrate type and chromium propionate on insulin sensitivity, productive and reproductive parameters of lactating dairy cows consuming excessive energy.

This experiment compared insulin sensitivity parameters, milk production and reproductive outcomes in lactating dairy cows consuming excessive energy, and receiving in a 2×2 factorial arrangement design: (1) concentrate based on ground corn (CRN; n=13) or citrus pulp (PLP; n=13), and (2) supplemented (n=14) or not (n=12) with 2.5 g/day of chromium (Cr)-propionate. During the experiment (day 0 to 182), 26 multiparous, non-pregnant, lactating Gir×Holstein cows (initial days in milk=80±2) were offered corn silage for ad libitum consumption, and individually received concentrate formulated to allow diets to provide 160% of their daily requirements of net energy for lactation. Cow BW and body condition score (BCS) were recorded weekly. Milk production was recorded daily and milk samples collected weekly. Blood samples were collected weekly before the morning concentrate feeding. Glucose tolerance tests (GTT; 0.5 g of glucose/kg of BW) were performed on days -3, 60, 120 and 180. Follicle aspiration for in vitro embryo production was performed via transvaginal ovum pick-up on days -1, 82 and 162. No treatment differences were detected (P⩾0.25) for BW and BCS change during the experiment. Within weekly blood samples, concentrations of serum insulin and glucose, as well as insulin : glucose ratio were similar among treatments (P⩾0.19), whereas CRN had less (P<0.01) non-esterified fatty acid concentrations compared with PLP (0.177 v. 0.215 mmol/l; SEM=0.009). During the GTT, no treatment differences were detected (P⩾0.16) for serum glucose concentration, glucose clearance rate, glucose half-life and insulin : glucose ratio. Serum insulin concentrations were less (P=0.04) in CRN supplemented with Cr-propionate compared with non-supplemented CRN (8.2 v. 13.5 µIU/ml, respectively; SEM=1.7), whereas Cr-propionate supplementation did not impact (P=0.70) serum insulin within PLP cows. Milk production, milk fat and solid concentrations were similar (P⩾0.48) between treatments. However, CRN had greater (P<0.01) milk protein concentration compared with PLP (3.54% v. 3.14%, respectively; SEM=0.08). No treatment differences were detected (P⩾0.35) on number of viable oocytes collected and embryos produced within each aspiration. In summary, feeding a citrus pulp-based concentrate to lactating dairy cows consuming excessive energy did not improve insulin sensitivity, milk production and reproductive outcomes, whereas Cr-propionate supplementation only enhanced insulin sensitivity in cows receiving a corn-based concentrate during a GTT.

Effects of antenatal exercise in overweight and obese pregnant women on maternal and perinatal outcomes: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether antenatal exercise in overweight/obese women would improve maternal and perinatal outcomes. DESIGN: Two-arm parallel randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Home-based intervention in Auckland, New Zealand. POPULATION AND SAMPLE: Pregnant women with body mass index ≥25 kg/m(2) . METHODS: Participants were randomised to a 16-week moderate-intensity stationary cycling programme from 20 weeks of gestation, or to a control group with no exercise intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was offspring birthweight. Perinatal and maternal outcomes were assessed, with the latter including weight gain, aerobic fitness, quality of life, pregnancy outcomes, and postnatal body composition. Exercise compliance was recorded with heart rate monitors. RESULTS: Seventy-five participants were randomised in the study (intervention 38, control 37). Offspring birthweight (adjusted mean difference 104 g; P = 0.35) and perinatal outcomes were similar between groups. Aerobic fitness improved in the intervention group compared with controls (48.0-second improvement in test time to target heart rate; P = 0.019). There was no difference in weight gain, quality of life, pregnancy outcomes or postnatal maternal body composition between groups. However, compliance with exercise protocol was poor, with an average of 33% of exercise sessions completed. Sensitivity analyses showed that greater compliance was associated with improved fitness (increased test time (P = 0.002), greater VO2 peak (P = 0.015), and lower resting heart rate (P = 0.014)), reduced postnatal adiposity (reduced fat mass (P = 0.007) and body mass index (P = 0.035)) and better physical quality of life (P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal non-weight-bearing moderate-intensity exercise in pregnancy improved fitness but did not affect birthweight or clinical outcomes. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Moderate-intensity exercise in overweight/obese pregnant women improved fitness but had no clinical effects.

Prevalence and spatial analysis of antileptospiral agglutinins in dairy cattle - Microregion of Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais, 2009/2010 / Prevalência e análise espacial de aglutininas antileptospira em gado leiteiro - Microrregião de Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais, 2009/2010

The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in the dairy herds from Minas Gerais, Brazil, during the years 2009 and 2010. A total of 2,915 serum samples were collected from the lactating cows of 151 properties in eleven municipalities located in the Sete Lagoas region. The Microscopic Agglutination Test was used to detect antileptospiral agglutinins. An individual animal prevalence of 20.7 percent (95 percent CI = 17.1 percent - 24.3 percent) and a herd prevalence of 80.8 percent (95 percent CI = 73.8 percent = 87.7 percent) were determined. The most prevalent serovars were hardjoprajitno at 19.4 percent; hardjoprajitno strain Norma at 17.4 percent; and hardjo-bovis at 17.4 percent. These results show the significance of the hardjo serovar in bovine leptospirosis cases in Minas Gerais...

Avaliou-se a prevalência de aglutininas antileptospira em rebanhos leiteiros durante os anos de 2009 e 2010. Foram coletadas 2.915 amostras de soro de vacas lactantes de 151 propriedades localizadas na região de Sete Lagoas - MG. Foi utilizado o teste de aglutinação microscópica (MAT) para detecção de aglutininas antileptospira. Prevalência animal de 20,7 por cento (95 por cento CI = 17,1 por cento-24,3 por cento) e prevalência de rebanho de 80,8 por cento (95 por cento CI = 73,8 por cento = 87,7 por cento) foram reportadas. Os sorotipos mais prevalentes no estudo foram hardjoprajitno (19,4 por cento); hardjoprajitno estirpe Norma (17,4 por cento) e hardjo-bovis (17,4 por cento). Estes resultados demostram a importância da sorovariedade hardjo nos casos de leptospirose bovina do estado de Minas Gerais...

Effects of body weight loss on serum progesterone concentrations of non-lactating dairy cows.

The objective was to evaluate serum concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), cortisol, insulin, and progesterone (P4) of dairy cows maintaining or mobilizing body weight (BW). Eleven non-lactating, non-pregnant, and ovariectomized Gir × Holstein cows were stratified by BW and body condition score (BCS), and randomly assigned to: 1) BW loss (six cows; LOSS) and 2) BW maintenance (five cows; MAINT). Treatments were achieved through a grazing schedule using three pastures. From Days -7 to 1 of the study, all cows were maintained in Pasture A (12 kg of dry matter/cow daily). From Days 2 to 30, LOSS cows were maintained in Pasture B (less than 1.0 kg of dry matter/cow daily), whereas MAINT cows were maintained in Pasture C (12 kg of dry matter/cow daily). However, from Days 3 to 30 of the study, cows from both treatments were regrouped daily into Pasture A from 0600 to 1200 h to allow LOSS cows to consume, on average, 4.5 kg/d of forage dry matter. On Day -66 of the study, all cows received an intravaginal drug releasing device containing 1.9 g of P4 (replaced every 14 d and removed on Day 3). Cow BW and BCS were assessed on Day 0 and 30 and blood samples were collected daily from Days 0 to 30 at 0600 and 1200 h. Changes in BW and BCS were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in LOSS cows compared to MAINT cows. Within samples collected at 0600 h, serum NEFA concentrations were often greater (P < 0.05) in LOSS cows compared to MAINT after Day 14. Serum P4 concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) on Days 21 and 22, and tended (P < 0.10) to be greater on Days 16, 23, and 24 of the study in LOSS cows compared to MAINT. In conclusion, BW loss was associated with increased circulating concentrations of P4 in non-lactating ovariectomized dairy cows; this was mainly attributed to fat mobilization and consequent release of P4 stored in adipose tissues.

Caracterização da movimentação de bovinos com o uso de um modelo tipo centro-periferia / Characterization of the bovine movement using a core-periphery model

Verificou-se a influência da movimentação de bovinos na configuração de uma estrutura do tipo centro-periferia. Foram aplicadas técnicas das redes sociais - modelo centro/periferia (C/P) contínuo - para inferir sobre a semelhança entre os padrões de movimentação registrados no estudo com uma estrutura C/P perfeita. Os resultados mostram alta correlação, e o poder discriminatório do algoritmo permite identificar a existência de uma estrutura tipo C/P. Este resultado perfila a metodologia proposta como uma ferramenta analítica nos processos de caracterização produtiva e a regionalização de medidas de intervenção sanitária. O trabalho considera a aplicação de conceitos intuitivos sobre a definição de estruturas C/P condizentes com os determinantes de circuitos pecuários.

A degree in which bovine movement patterns configures a core-periphery structure was studied. Social networks analysis was used - a core-periphery (C/P) continuous model - estimating high correlation and an identification of a core with a discrimination power that outline this model as a tool for the characterization of livestock forms of production and regionalization of measures of sanitary intervention in animal health. This work considers an application of intuitive concepts about the definition of C/P structures that are according to the determinants of the livestock market circuits.

Freqüência de aglutininas anti-Leptospira interrogans em eqüídeos, em Minas Gerais, 2003 a 2004 / Frequency of anti-Leptospira interrogans agglutinins in equidae in Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 2003 to 2004

The goal of this research was to find the frequency and spatial distribution of infection caused by Leptospira interrogans in equidae in Minas Gerais State from September 2003 to March 2004. Samples of blood serum (6,475) were analyzed by microscopic agglutination test. From the total, 381 samples were positive (5.9 percent), with title equal or superior to 1:200 for one or more serovars of leptospira. The most frequent serovars were Hardjo (Norma), Pomona, Bratislava, and Batavie. The higher frequency of equidae reagents were recorded at the North and Northeast region of Minas Gerais, followed by Triângulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaíba, then Central, West, Metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, and South/Southwest.