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Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024: Patients with liver pathology benefit from image-guided interventions. Training for interventional procedures is recommended to be performed on liver phantoms until a...
: Patients with liver pathology benefit from image-guided interventions. Training for interventional procedures is recommended to be performed on liver phantoms until a basic proficiency is reached. In the last 40 years, several attempts have been made to develop materials to mimic the imaging characteristics of the human liver in order to create liver phantoms. There is still a lack of accessible, reproducible and cost-effective soft liver phantoms for image-guided procedure training. : Starting from a CT-scan DICOM file, we created a 3D-printed liver mold using InVesalius (Centro de Tecnologia da informação Renato Archer CTI, InVesalius 3 open-source software, Campinas, Brazil) for segmentation, Autodesk Fusion 360 with Netfabb (Autodesk software company, Fusion 360 2.0.19426 with Autodesk Netfabb Premium 2023.0 64-Bit Edition, San Francisco, CA, USA) for 3D modeling and Stratasys Fortus 380 mc 3D printer (Stratasys 3D printing company, Fortus 380 mc 3D printer, Minneapolis, MN, USA). Using the 3D-printed mold, we created 14 gelatin-based liver phantoms with 14 different recipes, using water, cast sugar and dehydrated gelatin, 32% fat bovine milk cream with intravenous lipid solution and technical alcohol in different amounts. We tested all these phantoms as well as ex vivo pig liver and human normal, fatty and cirrhotic liver by measuring the elasticity, shear wave speed, ultrasound attenuation, CT-scan density, MRI signal intensity and fracture force. We assessed the results of the testing performed, as well as the optical appearance on ultrasound, CT and MRI, in order to find the best recipe for gelatin-based phantoms for image-guided procedure training. : After the assessment of all phantom recipes, we selected as the best recipe for transparent phantoms one with 14 g of gelatin/100 mL water and for opaque phantom, the recipes with 25% cream. : These liver gelatin-based phantom recipes are an inexpensive, reproducible and accessible alternative for training in image-guided and diagnostic procedures and will meet most requirements for valuable training.
PubMed: 38929969
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123440 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Jun 2024This study aims to bridge these gaps by utilizing data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2015), examining the nuanced associations...
This study aims to bridge these gaps by utilizing data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2015), examining the nuanced associations between milk consumption's quantity, frequency, and type and the prevalence of dental caries. Utilizing data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2015), this study explores the association between milk consumption and the prevalence of dental caries in a sample of 4843 subjects (weighted = 15,581), including 2856 males and 1987 females; weighted sample sizes were 6656 and 8925 for men and women, respectively. The prevalence of dental caries was assessed by evaluating the number of decayed, filled, and missing teeth. The analysis demonstrated a significant positive association between increased milk consumption and the risk of developing dental caries, with an overall odds ratio of 1.653 (95% CI: 1.153-2.370, < 0.05). The association was more pronounced in females, exhibiting an odds ratio of 1.865 (95% CI: 1.157-3.006, < 0.05), and age was identified as a significant variable, particularly among participants aged 50 and above. In contrast, the relationship among the male group, though positive (odds ratio: 1.613, 95% CI: 0.991-2.625), was not statistically significant ( = 0.054). These findings suggest that milk consumption may be a potential risk indicator for dental caries, particularly among women, emphasizing the need for targeted dietary recommendations in dental health practices.
Topics: Humans; Dental Caries; Male; Republic of Korea; Female; Nutrition Surveys; Milk; Middle Aged; Adult; Animals; Prevalence; Sex Factors; Aged; Odds Ratio
PubMed: 38929584
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60060967 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2024The aim of this review was to analyse the health problem of lameness in dairy cows by assessing the health and economic losses. This review also presents in detail the... (Review)
Review
The aim of this review was to analyse the health problem of lameness in dairy cows by assessing the health and economic losses. This review also presents in detail the etiopathogenesis of lameness in dairy cattle and examples of its treatment and prevention. This work is based on a review of available publications. In selecting articles for the manuscript, the authors focused on issues observed in cattle herds during their clinical work. Lameness in dairy cattle is a serious health and economic problem around the world. Production losses result from reduced milk yield, reduced feed intake, reproductive disorders, treatment costs, and costs associated with early culling. A significant difficulty in the control and treatment of lameness is the multifactorial nature of the disease; causes may be individual or species-specific and may be associated with the environment, nutrition, or the presence of concomitant diseases. An important role is ascribed to infectious agents of both systemic and local infections, which can cause problems with movement in animals. It is also worth noting the long treatment process, which can last up to several months, thus significantly affecting yield and production. Given the high economic losses resulting from lameness in dairy cows, reaching even >40% (depending on the scale of production), there seems to be a need to implement extensive preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of limb infections in animals. The most important effective preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of limb diseases with symptoms of lameness are periodic hoof examinations and correction, nutritional control, and bathing with disinfectants. A clean and dry environment for cows should also be a priority.
PubMed: 38929454
DOI: 10.3390/ani14121836 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2024The advancement of technology has significantly transformed the livestock landscape, particularly in the management of dairy cattle, through the incorporation of digital...
The advancement of technology has significantly transformed the livestock landscape, particularly in the management of dairy cattle, through the incorporation of digital and precision approaches. This study presents a bibliometric analysis focused on these technologies involving dairy farming to explore and map the extent of research in the scientific literature. Through this review, it was possible to investigate academic production related to digital and precision livestock farming and identify emerging patterns, main research themes, and author collaborations. To carry out this investigation in the literature, the entire timeline was considered, finding works from 2008 to November 2023 in the scientific databases Scopus and Web of Science. Next, the Bibliometrix (version 4.1.3) package in R (version 4.3.1) and its Biblioshiny software extension (version 4.1.3) were used as a graphical interface, in addition to the VOSviewer (version 1.6.19) software, focusing on filtering and creating graphs and thematic maps to analyze the temporal evolution of 198 works identified and classified for this research. The results indicate that the main journals of interest for publications with identified affiliations are "Computers and Electronics in Agriculture" and "Journal of Dairy Science". It has been observed that the authors focus on emerging technologies such as machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision for behavioral monitoring, dairy cattle identification, and management of thermal stress in these animals. These technologies are crucial for making decisions that enhance health and efficiency in milk production, contributing to more sustainable practices. This work highlights the evolution of precision livestock farming and introduces the concept of digital livestock farming, demonstrating how the adoption of advanced digital tools can transform dairy herd management. Digital livestock farming not only boosts productivity but also redefines cattle management through technological innovations, emphasizing the significant impact of these trends on the sustainability and efficiency of dairy production.
PubMed: 38929450
DOI: 10.3390/ani14121832 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2024The primary objective was to investigate the association between delayed milk ejection (DME) and the average milk flow rate, milking unit-on time, and duration in a low...
The primary objective was to investigate the association between delayed milk ejection (DME) and the average milk flow rate, milking unit-on time, and duration in a low milk flow rate in Holstein dairy cows in a large dairy herd with suboptimal premilking teat stimulation. Our second objective was to study the association between peak lactation milk yield and the occurrence of DME. This longitudinal field study was conducted at a 4300-cow dairy farm with a thrice-daily milking schedule over a 1-week period. We analyzed data from 61,677 cow milking observations from 2937 cows. Delayed milk ejection was defined as present if the 30-60 s milk flow rate was ≤3.1 kg/min. The mean average milk flow rate (MAMF, kg/min), mean milking unit-on time (MMUT, s), and mean duration of a low milk flow rate (MLMF, s) were calculated as the mean values from the 21 milking observations. General linear multivariable models revealed associations of DME with MAMF, MMUT, and MLMF. A multivariable ordinal logistic regression model revealed an association between peak lactation milk yield and DME. Cows with lower peak lactation milk yield had greater odds of exhibiting a higher frequency level of DME. The observed associations between DME and milking performance indices suggest that DME can negatively affect milking and parlor efficiency. Peak lactation milk yield may serve as a proxy to estimate cows' risk of recurrent DME. Future research is warranted to test if alleviating DME through, for example, a modified milking routine influences the milking performance indices described herein.
PubMed: 38929447
DOI: 10.3390/ani14121828 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2024This study investigated the effects of rumen-protected L-tryptophan or L-ascorbic acid supplementation on the productivity of lactating Holstein cows during a...
This study investigated the effects of rumen-protected L-tryptophan or L-ascorbic acid supplementation on the productivity of lactating Holstein cows during a high-temperature period. Thirty cows were assigned to three dietary groups: control (CON), treatment 1 (TRT 1; rumen-protected L-tryptophan, 20 g/cow/d), and treatment 2 (TRT 2; rumen-protected L-ascorbic acid, 20 g/cow/d). As the high-temperature period progressed, the decrease in milk yield and dry matter intake (DMI) in the TRT 1 and TRT 2 groups was lower than that in the CON group. The total protein level in the plasma of the TRT 1 group was higher than that in the CON group ( < 0.05). Milk melatonin concentration was higher in the TRT 1 group than in the CON and TRT 2 groups ( < 0.05). Thus, the present results indicate that rumen-protected L-tryptophan or L-ascorbic acid has positive effects in preventing declines in DMI and milk yield by reducing heat stress in Holstein cows. In particular, rumen-protected L-tryptophan is considered effective in increasing the melatonin concentration in milk.
PubMed: 38929439
DOI: 10.3390/ani14121820 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2024Careful cleaning of a milking parlour and its equipment is fundamental to guarantee good raw milk quality and prevent the dissemination of bacteria and improve animal...
Careful cleaning of a milking parlour and its equipment is fundamental to guarantee good raw milk quality and prevent the dissemination of bacteria and improve animal welfare. This study aimed to investigate, using an ATP-bioluminescence assay and bacteriological analysis, the bacterial contamination of milking parlours on milking parlour surfaces of buffalo farms in the Campania Region, evaluating the seasonal dynamics during the year 2022. Eight farms were selected by the Italian ClassyFarm system, which assesses the level of animal welfare and biosecurity according to risk analysis. Before sampling, all dairy farm owners filled out a questionnaire on milking management, animal hygiene, and health. The questionnaires evidenced similar cleaning procedures but an absence of a standardised cleaning protocol among the different farms. ATP bioluminescence results evidenced similar levels of contamination in all the selected buffalo farms, and the season comparison showed no significant differences. A variation in the percentages of bacterial isolates during the different seasons was observed, with a higher prevalence of (38%) in summer. A small number of samples exhibited an absence of bacterial growth. Identifying bacteria is crucial for understanding the microorganisms present in the milking parlour, yet employing ATP luminometry could offer broad and accurate applications in buffalo milking parlours. In conclusion, the use of ATP bioluminescence for evaluating the hygiene of a buffalo milking parlour could represent a further important advancement in dairy farming technology.
PubMed: 38929424
DOI: 10.3390/ani14121805 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2024Red pandas evolved from carnivores to herbivores and are unique within Carnivora. Red pandas and carnivorous mammals consume milk during the suckling period, while they...
Red pandas evolved from carnivores to herbivores and are unique within Carnivora. Red pandas and carnivorous mammals consume milk during the suckling period, while they consume bamboo and meat during the adult period, respectively. Red pandas and carnivorous mammal ferrets have a close phylogenetic relationship. To further investigate the molecular mechanisms of dietary changes and nutrient utilization in red pandas from suckling to adult, comparative analysis of the whole transcriptome was performed on stomach tissues from red pandas and ferrets during the suckling and adult periods. The main results are as follows: (1) we identified ncRNAs for the first time in stomach tissues of both species, and found significant expression changes of 109 lncRNAs and 106 miRNAs in red pandas and 756 lncRNAs and 109 miRNAs in ferrets between the two periods; (2) up-regulated genes related to amino acid transport regulated by lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks may efficiently utilize limited bamboo amino acids in adult red pandas, while up-regulated genes related to amino acid degradation regulated by lncRNAs may maintain the balance of amino acid metabolism due to larger daily intakes in adult ferrets; and (3) some up-regulated genes related to lipid digestion may contribute to the utilization of rich nutrients in milk for the rapid growth and development of suckling red pandas, while up-regulated genes associated with linoleic acid metabolism regulated by lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks may promote cholesterol decomposition to reduce health risks for carnivorous adult ferrets. Collectively, our study offers evidence of gene expression adaptation and ncRNA regulation in response to specific dietary changes and nutrient utilization in red pandas during suckling and adult periods.
PubMed: 38929414
DOI: 10.3390/ani14121795 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2024Although both L-glutamate (Glu) and L-glutamine (Gln) have long been considered nutritionally nonessential in ruminants, these two amino acids have enormous nutritional... (Review)
Review
Although both L-glutamate (Glu) and L-glutamine (Gln) have long been considered nutritionally nonessential in ruminants, these two amino acids have enormous nutritional and physiological importance. Results of recent studies revealed that extracellular Gln is extensively degraded by ruminal microbes, but extracellular Glu undergoes little catabolism by these cells due to the near absence of its uptake. Ruminal bacteria hydrolyze Gln to Glu plus ammonia and, intracellularly, use both amino acids for protein synthesis. Microbial proteins and dietary Glu enter the small intestine in ruminants. Both Glu and Gln are the major metabolic fuels and building blocks of proteins, as well as substrates for the syntheses of glutathione and amino acids (alanine, ornithine, citrulline, arginine, proline, and aspartate) in the intestinal mucosa. In addition, Gln and aspartate are essential for purine and pyrimidine syntheses, whereas arginine and proline are necessary for the production of nitric oxide (a major vasodilator) and collagen (the most abundant protein in the body), respectively. Under normal feeding conditions, all diet- and rumen-derived Glu and Gln are extensively utilized by the small intestine and do not enter the portal circulation. Thus, de novo synthesis (e.g., from branched-chain amino acids and α-ketoglutarate) plays a crucial role in the homeostasis of Glu and Gln in the whole body but may be insufficient for maximal growth performance, production (e.g., lactation and pregnancy), and optimal health (particularly intestinal health) in ruminants. This applies to all types of feeding systems used around the world (e.g., rearing on a milk replacer before weaning, pasture-based production, and total mixed rations). Dietary supplementation with the appropriate doses of Glu or Gln [e.g., 0.5 or 1 g/kg body weight (BW)/day, respectively] can safely improve the digestive, endocrine, and reproduction functions of ruminants to enhance their productivity. Both Glu and Gln are truly functional amino acids in the nutrition of ruminants and hold great promise for improving their health and productivity.
PubMed: 38929408
DOI: 10.3390/ani14121788 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2024Mobility scoring data can be used to estimate the prevalence, incidence, and duration of lameness in dairy herds. Mobility scoring is often performed infrequently with...
Using Object-Oriented Simulation to Assess the Impact of the Frequency and Accuracy of Mobility Scoring on the Estimation of Epidemiological Parameters for Lameness in Dairy Herds.
Mobility scoring data can be used to estimate the prevalence, incidence, and duration of lameness in dairy herds. Mobility scoring is often performed infrequently with variable sensitivity, but how this impacts the estimation of lameness parameters is largely unknown. We developed a simulation model to investigate the impact of the frequency and accuracy of mobility scoring on the estimation of lameness parameters for different herd scenarios. Herds with a varying prevalence (10, 30, or 50%) and duration (distributed around median days 18, 36, 54, 72, or 108) of lameness were simulated at daily time steps for five years. The lameness parameters investigated were prevalence, duration, new case rate, time to first lameness, and probability of remaining sound in the first year. True parameters were calculated from daily data and compared to those calculated when replicating different frequencies (weekly, two-weekly, monthly, quarterly), sensitivities (60-100%), and specificities (95-100%) of mobility scoring. Our results showed that over-estimation of incidence and under-estimation of duration can occur when the sensitivity and specificity of mobility scoring are <100%. This effect increases with more frequent scoring. Lameness prevalence was the only parameter that could be estimated with reasonable accuracy when simulating quarterly mobility scoring. These findings can help inform mobility scoring practices and the interpretation of mobility scoring data.
PubMed: 38929379
DOI: 10.3390/ani14121760