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JMIR AI Jun 2024Breastfeeding benefits both the mother and infant and is a topic of attention in public health. After childbirth, untreated medical conditions or lack of support lead...
BACKGROUND
Breastfeeding benefits both the mother and infant and is a topic of attention in public health. After childbirth, untreated medical conditions or lack of support lead many mothers to discontinue breastfeeding. For instance, nipple damage and mastitis affect 80% and 20% of US mothers, respectively. Lactation consultants (LCs) help mothers with breastfeeding, providing in-person, remote, and hybrid lactation support. LCs guide, encourage, and find ways for mothers to have a better experience breastfeeding. Current telehealth services help mothers seek LCs for breastfeeding support, where images help them identify and address many issues. Due to the disproportional ratio of LCs and mothers in need, these professionals are often overloaded and burned out.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of 5 distinct convolutional neural networks in detecting healthy lactating breasts and 6 breastfeeding-related issues by only using red, green, and blue images. Our goal was to assess the applicability of this algorithm as an auxiliary resource for LCs to identify painful breast conditions quickly, better manage their patients through triage, respond promptly to patient needs, and enhance the overall experience and care for breastfeeding mothers.
METHODS
We evaluated the potential for 5 classification models to detect breastfeeding-related conditions using 1078 breast and nipple images gathered from web-based and physical educational resources. We used the convolutional neural networks Resnet50, Visual Geometry Group model with 16 layers (VGG16), InceptionV3, EfficientNetV2, and DenseNet169 to classify the images across 7 classes: healthy, abscess, mastitis, nipple blebs, dermatosis, engorgement, and nipple damage by improper feeding or misuse of breast pumps. We also evaluated the models' ability to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy images. We present an analysis of the classification challenges, identifying image traits that may confound the detection model.
RESULTS
The best model achieves an average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.93 for all conditions after data augmentation for multiclass classification. For binary classification, we achieved, with the best model, an average area under the curve of 0.96 for all conditions after data augmentation. Several factors contributed to the misclassification of images, including similar visual features in the conditions that precede other conditions (such as the mastitis spectrum disorder), partially covered breasts or nipples, and images depicting multiple conditions in the same breast.
CONCLUSIONS
This vision-based automated detection technique offers an opportunity to enhance postpartum care for mothers and can potentially help alleviate the workload of LCs by expediting decision-making processes.
PubMed: 38913995
DOI: 10.2196/54798 -
Veterinary Research Communications Jun 2024Mastitis represents the biggest threat to the health and productivity of dairy cows, leading to substantial economic losses in milk production. It manifests in two...
Mastitis represents the biggest threat to the health and productivity of dairy cows, leading to substantial economic losses in milk production. It manifests in two forms: clinical mastitis, easily diagnosed by visible symptoms, and subclinical mastitis (SCM), which lacks overt clinical signs. SCM's elusive nature often results in it going undetected, thus facilitating the spread of the disease-causing agent due to lack of treatment. Finding a reliable biomarker for early SCM would reduce the possibility of mastitis spreading in the herd, reduce the need for antibiotic use and ultimately reduce milk losses for producers. Utilizing state-of-the-art proteomics techniques, 138 milk samples from dairy cows in continental Croatia underwent analysis. These samples were categorized into four groups based on the Zagreb Mastitis Test (ZMT) and microbiological analysis: lowSCC- (n = 20), lowSCC + (n = 20), medSCC + (n = 79), and highSCC + (n = 19). A total of 386 proteins were identified and quantified, with 76 proteins showing significant differential abundances among the groups. Many of these proteins are linked to the innate immune system, as well as neutrophil and platelet degranulation processes. Through fold changes observed between groups, 15 proteins exhibiting biomarker characteristics for subclinical mastitis (SCM) were identified. Among these, five proteins-cathelicidins (-1, -4, and -7), lactoferrin, and haptoglobin-showed particular promise.
PubMed: 38913241
DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10442-9 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024Mastitis is commonly recognized as a localized inflammatory udder disease induced by the infiltration of exogenous pathogens. In the present study, our objective was to...
Mastitis is commonly recognized as a localized inflammatory udder disease induced by the infiltration of exogenous pathogens. In the present study, our objective was to discern fecal and milk variations in both microbiota composition and metabolite profiles among three distinct groups of cows: healthy cows, cows with subclinical mastitis and cows with clinical mastitis. The fecal microbial community of cows with clinical mastitis was significantly less rich and diverse than the one harbored by healthy cows. In parallel, mastitis caused a strong disturbance in milk microbiota. Metabolomic profiles showed that eleven and twenty-eight molecules exhibited significant differences among the three groups in feces and milk, respectively. Similarly, to microbiota profile, milk metabolome was affected by mastitis more extensively than fecal metabolome, with particular reference to amino acids and sugars. Pathway analysis revealed that amino acids metabolism and energy metabolism could be considered as the main pathways altered by mastitis. These findings underscore the notable distinctions of fecal and milk samples among groups, from microbiome and metabolomic points of view. This observation stands to enhance our comprehension of mastitis in dairy cows.
PubMed: 38912351
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1374911 -
Veterinary World May 2024is one of the most common causes of clinical and asymptomatic mastitis in dairy cattle, as well as in milk and dairy products that affect milk quality. Mastitis caused...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
is one of the most common causes of clinical and asymptomatic mastitis in dairy cattle, as well as in milk and dairy products that affect milk quality. Mastitis caused by is even more serious due to its poor response to antibiotic therapy. The aim of this study was to detect and identify the presence of in milk and dairy products produced in Libya.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 234 samples were randomly collected from various locations in Libya. Samples were examined for the presence of using conventional cultural techniques, including cultivation in violet red bile agar plus 4-methylumbelliferyl-ß-D-glucuronide broth and CHROM agar, followed by polymerase chain reaction identification and partial sequencing of 16S rRNA.
RESULTS
Of the 234 samples of milk and dairy products collected, 16 (6.8%) isolates revealed mucoid colonies on agar media that were phenotypically suggested to be . Identification of isolates was confirmed using molecular techniques (16S rRNA). Among the examined samples, was recovered from camel's milk, raw cow's milk, raw fermented milk, Maasora cheese, Ricotta cheese, soft cheese, full cream milk powder, milk powder infant formula, cereal baby food, and growing-up formula. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on 12 of the 16 isolates, and the results showed that isolates were resistant to more than eight antibiotics; interestingly, two isolates showed metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) production.
CONCLUSION
is considered a risk to human health because many of these products do not comply with the microbiological criteria of international and/or Libyan standards. This study emphasized the relationship between and raw milk, cheese, milk powder, and infant milk retailed in Libya. There is a need to take the necessary measures to ensure effective hygiene practices during production in dairy factories, handling, and distribution on the market, in particular at a small local production scale.
PubMed: 38911073
DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.1168-1176 -
Journal of Veterinary Science May 2024Bovine mastitis, predominantly associated with gram-positive , poses a significant threat to dairy cows, leading to a decline in milk quality and volume with substantial...
IMPORTANCE
Bovine mastitis, predominantly associated with gram-positive , poses a significant threat to dairy cows, leading to a decline in milk quality and volume with substantial economic implications.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the incidence, virulence, and antibiotic resistance of associated with mastitis in dairy cows.
METHODS
Fifty milk-productive cows underwent a subclinical mastitis diagnosis, and the strains were isolated. Genomic DNA extraction, sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis were performed, supplemented by including 124 genomes from cows with subclinical mastitis to enhance the overall analysis.
RESULTS
The results revealed a 42% prevalence of subclinical mastitis among the cows tested. Genomic analysis identified 26 sequence types (STs) for all isolates, with Mexican STs belonging primarily to CC1 and CC97. The analyzed genomes exhibited multidrug resistance to phenicol, fluoroquinolone, tetracycline, and cephalosporine, which are commonly used as the first line of treatment. Furthermore, a similar genomic virulence repertoire was observed across the genomes, encompassing the genes related to invasion, survival, pathogenesis, and iron uptake. In particular, the toxic shock syndrome toxin () was found predominantly in the genomes isolated in this study, posing potential health risks, particularly in children.
CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE
These findings underscore the broad capacity for antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity by , compromising the integrity of milk and dairy products. The study emphasizes the need to evaluate the effectiveness of antibiotics in combating infections.
PubMed: 38910306
DOI: 10.4142/jvs.23286 -
Journal of Dairy Science Jun 2024The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of puerperal metritis (PM) diagnosed and treated during the early postpartum period of the first lactation on...
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of puerperal metritis (PM) diagnosed and treated during the early postpartum period of the first lactation on transition cow health, milk production, reproduction, and culling of dairy cows in their second lactation. Diagnosis of PM was based on fetid watery red-brown uterine discharge and rectal temperature above 39.5°C. Two farms were enrolled in this retrospective observational cohort study (Farm A and B). In both farms, the following diseases were recorded during the first 30 DIM in lactation 1 and 2: clinical hypocalcemia (CH), retained fetal membrane (RFM), PM, hyperketonemia (KET), left displaced abomasum (LDA) and clinical mastitis (MAST). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS for Windows separately for each farm. Linear and logistic regression models were used for continuous (e.g., milk yield) and binary (e.g., disease, pregnancy per AI, pregnancy loss) outcomes, respectively. Cox proportional hazard regression models were calculated to model the time to event outcomes for culling or death during the first 60 DIM and for pregnancy within 250 d of the second lactation. The initial models contained the following variables: year of calving, month of calving, calving ease, stillbirth, twins, days open in lactation 1, 305 d milk yield in lactation 1, PM in lactation 1, and PM in lactation 2 as explanatory variables. A total of 4,834 cows (Farm A) and 4,238 cows (Farm B) in the second lactation were considered for statistical analyses. On farm A, the incidence of PM in lactation 1 and 2 was 20.1% and 11.2%, respectively. On farm B, the incidence of PM in lactation 1 and 2 was 14.4% and 8.5%, respectively. On both farms, cows with PM in their first lactation had greater odds for RFM and PM in their second lactation, while there was no association of PM in the first lactation with any other non-uterine diseases (i.e., CH, KET, LDA, and MAST) in the second lactation. Cows with PM in lactation 2 had reduced milk yield. The reduction in milk yield in second lactation was greater for cows that already experienced PM in lactation 1. On Farm A, cows with PM in their first lactation had a greater hazard for culling within 60 DIM of the second lactation; however, the same association was not present on Farm B. Cows with PM in lactation 1 had reduced pregnancy per AI at first service in the second lactation only on farm B. Cows with PM in lactation 2 had reduced pregnancy per AI at first service in the second lactation on both farms. Pregnancy loss in lactation 2 was only associated with PM in lactation 2 but not with PM in lactation 1. On both farms, cows had a reduced hazard for pregnancy in their second lactation within 250 DIM when they experienced PM in either lactation. In conclusion, PM in the first lactation had long-lasting negative consequences (i.e., risk of uterine disease and lower reproductive performance) for cows in their next lactation.
PubMed: 38908710
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-24699 -
Journal of Dairy Science Jun 2024Mastitis is one of the most common diseases of dairy cattle. It has a high impact on farm economy, farmers' working time, and antimicrobial usage (AMU). Selective dry...
Mastitis is one of the most common diseases of dairy cattle. It has a high impact on farm economy, farmers' working time, and antimicrobial usage (AMU). Selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) is an effective means of reducing AMU without negatively affecting udder health. The objective of our study was to evaluate the impact of SDCT implementation on farmer's income, working time, and AMU, using a bioeconomic model. A stochastic dairy simulation model (DairyHealthSim) based on a weekly model was used to simulate herd dynamics, reproduction, milk production, culling decisions, health outcomes, and the management of health events. A specific module was developed for the simulation of quarter-level intramammary infection (IMI) acquisition and elimination during the lactation and dry-off periods, and 25 different farm settings were defined to represent herds with various udder health situations. We then defined 20 scenarios of SDCT by combining both the use of different thresholds of somatic cell count and milk bacteriology for treatment allocation and the use of internal teat sealant (ITS). All SDCT protocols had a low impact on farmer's income, and we identified some protocols with a positive farm gross margin (up to 15.83 CA$/dried- cow). We also found that adding an ITS to all cows led to greater economic gain. The application of SDCT had a low impact on farmers' working time, except when milk bacteriology was used for decision-making. Antimicrobial treatment to all cows above 200,000 cells/mL at last control, with the use of ITS on all cows, seems a good choice in most dairy farms. These findings could be used to convince farmers to adopt this strategy at dry-off.
PubMed: 38908700
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24407 -
Journal of Dairy Science Jun 2024Selective treatment of clinical mastitis (STCM) potentially reduces antimicrobial use without negative implications on cow's milk production or health. However, this...
Selective treatment of clinical mastitis (STCM) potentially reduces antimicrobial use without negative implications on cow's milk production or health. However, this approach comes with additional costs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the net cash impact (NCI) of implementing STCM compared with blanket treatment of clinical mastitis (BTCM) under different diagnostic-test turnaround times (24 h, 14 h, and 8 h) using a stochastic partial budget analysis with Monte Carlo simulation. The target population was European commercial dairy herds; therefore, the model inputs were primarily from European sources. Additionally, variables associated with dairy management programs were obtained from USDA sources, worldwide multisite clinical trials, and expert opinion. The output was calculated by subtracting the cost of STCM from the cost of BTCM and it represented the expected NCI if a herd switched from BTCM to STCM. Depending on the time-to-treatment efficiency and diagnostic-test turnaround time, the expected mean NCI, assuming that STCM has no impact on the cow's future health or production, ranged from +€8.7 to +€12.4 per case with 72.4% to 84.8% of the iterations being ≥ €0. Moreover, using the numerically favorable health and production effects of STCM reported in the literature, the expected mean NCI ranged from +€44.5 to +€48.1 per case with 93.6% to 95.4% of the iterations being ≥ €0. The variables with the greatest contribution to NCI variance were proportion of gram-positive cases (39.2% of the variance) and days out of the tank for treated cows (22.0%). However, if future cow's health and production were accounted for, culling risk (24.6%), recurrence risk (19.4%), and milk yield (10.6%) would have the greatest contribution to NCI. The sensitivity analysis indicated that farms with high clinical mastitis incidence, low proportion of gram-positive cases, large number of days out of the tank for treated cows, higher milking frequency or using automatic milking systems, not using the highest priced diagnostic tests, and having high antimicrobial treatment costs are the best candidates for STCM. Improving time-to-treatment efficiency, for example, by using a rapid diagnostic test, leads to a favorable NCI, while high daily milk yield and milk price enhances the NCI in already positive scenarios. Finally, the cash flow entirely depends on future cow's health and milk yield. In conclusion, results indicate that overall, STCM is a practice that positively impacts the NCI of many herds.
PubMed: 38908694
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24341 -
Journal of Dairy Science Jun 2024The primary objective of this cross-sectional observational study was to determine whether bulk tank milk quality, udder health, udder hygiene and milk production...
The primary objective of this cross-sectional observational study was to determine whether bulk tank milk quality, udder health, udder hygiene and milk production outcomes were associated with facility type on organic dairies. A secondary objective was to identify other management-related risk factors associated with bulk tank milk quality, udder health, udder hygiene, and milk production on organic dairy herds in Vermont. We aimed to enroll 40 farms, to compare herds using the 2 most common systems (freestalls, tiestalls) for housing organic dairy cattle in the state with those using a bedded pack during the non-grazing season (typically November-May). Two general styles of bedded packs were observed: cultivated bedded packs and untilled deep bedded packs. Due to the limited number of herds using bedded packs to house lactating dairy cattle in Vermont, we combined untilled and cultivated bedded packs to describe udder hygiene, milk quality, and udder health on these loose-housing systems deeply-bedded with organic material. The study was completed on 21 farms (5 bedded packs, 6 freestalls, 10 tiestalls) before interruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data captured from Dairy Herd Improvement Association records from the test closest to the date of the farm visit included average somatic cell score (SCS), standardized 150-d milk (pounds), % cows with current high SCS (SCS ≥ 4.0), % cows with newly elevated SCS (previous SCS < 4.0 to current ≥ 4.0), and % cows with chronically elevated SCS (SCS ≥ 4.0 last 2 tests). Multivariable linear regression models were used to describe outcomes by facility type, but suffered from limited statistical power due to small group sample sizes. Unconditional comparisons failed to find statistically significant differences between farms grouped by facility type in metrics captured from Dairy Herd Improvement Association test data, bulk tank milk somatic cell count (BTSCC) and aerobic culture data, or udder hygiene scores. A secondary analysis was conducted using univariate linear regression to identify associations between herd management factors and outcomes for all 21 farms combined. Although not all differences found were statistically significant in this secondary analysis combining all farms, numeric differences that may be biologically important are reported showing farms with deeper bedding had a lower BTSCC, lower newly elevated SCS, lower chronically elevated SCS, lower elevated current SCS, lower average SCS, and better udder hygiene metrics. Farms with lower mean udder hygiene scores had numerically lower chronically elevated SCS, lower elevated current SCS, and lower average SCS. We could not reject the null hypothesis that milk quality and udder health outcomes did not differ by facility type, and this does not preclude the existence of biological differences in these outcomes between facility types. The current study provides insight on factors affecting bulk tank milk quality, udder health and hygiene measures on organic dairy farms in Vermont. Bedded packs may be a viable option for confinement housing during the winter non-grazing season for pasture-based herds interested in a loose-housing system in the Northeastern US, but more research such as longitudinal studies with a larger sample size is needed to test this hypothesis.
PubMed: 38908690
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24576 -
Radiology Case Reports Aug 2024Primary breast tuberculosis is a rare disease under extrapulmonary tuberculosis category. It tends to affect females of reproductive age rather than postmenopausal women...
Primary breast tuberculosis is a rare disease under extrapulmonary tuberculosis category. It tends to affect females of reproductive age rather than postmenopausal women or prepubescent girls. This rare form of disease poses a challenge in diagnosing as imaging can mimic the appearance of both benign and malignant breast lesions. We describe a case of primary breast tuberculosis in a young female who presented with a persistent left breast lump. and was diagnosed with chronic left breast abscess. Histopathological examination of the lesion was consistent with granulomatous mastitis, secondary to mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. The patient was treated with a 6-month course of anti-tuberculosis drug with complete resolution of the symptoms and the left breast lesion on serial ultrasound imaging.
PubMed: 38903610
DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2024.05.041