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Journal of Animal Science Jan 2024Diets that provide a negative dietary anion cation difference (DCAD) and supplement with a vitamin D metabolite 25-OH-D3 (calcidiol) may increase calcium availability at...
Diets that provide a negative dietary anion cation difference (DCAD) and supplement with a vitamin D metabolite 25-OH-D3 (calcidiol) may increase calcium availability at parturition, and enhance piglet survival and performance. This factorial study assessed the effects of DCAD, calcidiol (50 µg/kg), and parity (parity 1 or >1) and their interactions. Large White and Landrace sows (n = 328), parity 1 to 8 were randomly allocated in blocks to treatment diets from day 103 of gestation until day 3 postfarrow: 1) negative DCAD without calcidiol (negative DCAD + no CA), n = 84, 2) negative DCAD with calcidiol (negative DCAD + CA) n = 84, 3) positive DCAD without calcidiol (negative DCAD + no CA), n = 81, and 4) positive DCAD with calcidiol (positive DCAD + CA), n = 79. Negative DCAD diets were acidified with an anionic feed (2 kg/t) and magnesium sulfate (2 kg/t). All treatment diets contained cholecalciferol at 1,000 IU/kg. Dry sow diets contained 14.8% crude protein (CP), 5.4% crude fiber (CF), 0.8% Ca, and 83 mEq/kg DCAD. Treatment diets 1 and 2 contained 17.5% CP, 7.3% CF, 0.8% Ca, and -2 mEq/kg DCAD. Treatment diets 3 and 4 contained 17.4% CP, 7.4% CF, 0.8% Ca, and 68 mEq/kg DCAD. Before farrowing, all negative DCAD sows had lower urine pH than all sows fed a positive DCAD (5.66 ± 0.05 and 6.29 ± 0.05, respectively; P < 0.01); urinary pH was acidified for both DCAD treatments indicating metabolic acidification. The percentage of sows with stillborn piglets was not affected by DCAD, calcidiol, or parity alone but sows fed the negative DCAD + CA diet had a 28% reduction in odds of stillbirth compared to the negative DCAD + no CA diet and even lesser odds to the positive DCAD + CA diet. At day 1 after farrowing, blood gas, and mineral and metabolite concentrations were consistent with feeding a negative DCAD diet and that negative DCAD diets influence energy metabolism, as indicated by increased glucose, cholesterol, and osteocalcin concentrations and reduced nonesterified free fatty acids and 3-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. In the subsequent litter, total piglets born and born alive (14.7 ± 0.3 and 13.8 ± 0.3 piglets, respectively; P = 0.029) was greater for positive DCAD diets compared to negative DCAD diets; and there was an interaction between DCAD, calcidiol, and parity (P = 0.002). Feeding a negative DCAD diet influenced stillbirth, subsequent litter size, and metabolic responses at farrowing. More studies are needed to define optimal diets prefarrowing for sows.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Animals; Swine; Calcifediol; Stillbirth; Lactation; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Anions; Cations; Animal Feed; Swine Diseases
PubMed: 38285624
DOI: 10.1093/jas/skae027 -
The Veterinary Clinics of North... Apr 2024"Fescue toxicosis" and reproductive ergotism present identical toxidromes in late-gestational mares and, likely, other equids. Both toxic syndromes are caused by... (Review)
Review
"Fescue toxicosis" and reproductive ergotism present identical toxidromes in late-gestational mares and, likely, other equids. Both toxic syndromes are caused by ergopeptine alkaloids (EPAs) of fungal origin, and they are collectively referred to as equine ergopeptine alkaloid toxicosis (EEPAT). EPAs are produced by either a toxigenic endophyte (Epichloë coenophiala) in tall fescue and/or a nonendophytic fungus (Claviceps purpurea), infecting small grains and grasses. EEPAT can cause hypoprolactinemia-induced agalactia/dysgalactia, prolonged gestation, dystocia, and other reproductive abnormalities in mares, as well as failure of passive transfer in their frequently dysmature/overmature/postmature foals. Prevention relies on eliminating exposures and/or reversing hypoprolactinemia.
Topics: Animals; Horses; Female; Pregnancy; Ergot Alkaloids; Endophytes; Horse Diseases; Festuca; Poaceae
PubMed: 38281896
DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2024.01.001 -
Veterinary Journal (London, England :... Apr 2024Schistosoma reflexum (SR) is a lethal congenital syndrome characterized by U-shaped dorsal retroflexion of the spine and exposure of abdominal viscera. SR is usually...
Schistosoma reflexum (SR) is a lethal congenital syndrome characterized by U-shaped dorsal retroflexion of the spine and exposure of abdominal viscera. SR is usually associated with severe dystocia. The syndrome is thought to be inherited as a Mendelian trait. We collected a series of 23 SR-affected calves from four breeds (20 Holstein, one Red Danish, one Limousin, one Romagnola) and performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS). WGS was performed on 51 cattle, including 14 cases with parents (trio-based; Group 1) and nine single cases (solo-based; Group 2). Sequencing-based genome-wide association studies with 20 Holstein cases and 154 controls showed no association (above Bonferroni threshold; P-value<3 ×10). Assuming a monogenic recessive inheritance, no region of shared homozygosity was observed, suggesting heterogeneity. Alternatively, the presence of possible dominant acting de novo mutations were assessed. In Group 1, heterozygous private variants, absent in both parents, were found in seven cases. These involved the ACTL6A, FLNA, GLG1, IQSEC2, MAST3, MBTPS2, and MLLT1 genes. In addition, heterozygous private variants affecting the genes DYNC1LI1, PPP2R2B, SCAF8, SUGP1, and UBP1 were identified in five cases from Group 2. The detected frameshift and missense variants are predicted to cause haploinsufficiency. Each of these 12 affected genes belong to the class of haploinsufficient loss-of-function genes or are involved in embryonic and pre-weaning lethality or are known to be associated with severe malformation syndromes in humans and/or mice. This study presents for the first time a detailed genomic evaluation of bovine SR, suggesting that independent de novo mutations may explain the sporadic occurrence of SR in cattle.
Topics: Humans; Cattle; Animals; Mice; Genome-Wide Association Study; Pedigree; Syndrome; Phenotype; Mutation; Actins; Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone; DNA-Binding Proteins; Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors; Cytoplasmic Dyneins; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Cattle Diseases; Rodent Diseases
PubMed: 38281659
DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106069 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Jan 2024Shoulder dystocia is a severe obstetric emergency that can cause substantial neonatal and maternal complications. This study aims to assess the performed obstetric...
INTRODUCTION
Shoulder dystocia is a severe obstetric emergency that can cause substantial neonatal and maternal complications. This study aims to assess the performed obstetric maneuvers and their frequency, success, and association with maternal and neonatal complication rates.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The study population was collected among all deliveries in the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa between 2006 and 2015 (n = 181 352) by searching for ICD-10 codes for shoulder dystocia, brachial plexus injury and clavicle fracture. Shoulder dystocia cases (n = 537) were identified by reviewing the medical records. Shoulder dystocia cases treated with one or two maneuvers were compared with those treated with at least three. Medical records of a matched control group constituting of 566 parturients without any of the forementioned ICD-10 codes were also scrutinized.
RESULTS
Using the four most common obstetric maneuvers (McRoberts maneuver, suprapubic pressure, rotational maneuvers, the delivery of the posterior arm) significantly increased during the study period with individual success rates of 61.0%, 71.9%, 68.1% and 84.8%, respectively. Concurrently, the rate of brachial plexus injury and combined neonatal morbidity significantly declined from 50% to 24.2% (p = 0.02) and from 91.4% to 48.5% (p < 0.001). Approximately 75% of shoulder dystocia cases treated with maneuvers were resolved by the McRoberts maneuver and/or suprapubic pressure, but each of the four most performed maneuvers significantly increased the cumulative success rate individually and statistically (p < 0.001). The rates of brachial plexus injury and combined neonatal morbidity were at their highest (52.9% and 97.8%) when none of the maneuvers were performed and at their lowest when two maneuvers were performed (43.0% and 65.4%). The increasing number (≥3) of maneuvers did not affect the combined maternal or neonatal morbidity or brachial plexus injury but increased the risk for third- or fourth-degree lacerations (odds ratio 2.91, 95% confidence interval 1.17 to 7.24).
CONCLUSIONS
The increased use of obstetric maneuvers during the study period was associated with decreasing rates of neonatal complications; conversely, the lack of obstetric maneuvers was associated with the highest rate of neonatal complications. These emphasize the importance of education, maneuver training and urgently performing shoulder dystocia maneuvers according to the international protocol guidelines.
PubMed: 38276972
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14780 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Jan 2024: Every surgical procedure has the possible risk of complications, and caesarean sections (CSs) are no exception. As CS rates are increasing worldwide, being familiar...
: Every surgical procedure has the possible risk of complications, and caesarean sections (CSs) are no exception. As CS rates are increasing worldwide, being familiar with rare but possible complications has become extremely important. : We present a case of 25-year-old nulliparous patient who came to our hospital with twin pregnancy for a scheduled induction of labour. An urgent CS was performed due to labour dystocia. On the second postoperative day, the patient started to complain about pain in the epigastrium, but initially showed no signs of bowel obstruction, passing gas, and stools, and could tolerate oral intake. After a thorough examination, an early postoperative complication-small-bowel strangulation at the incision site-was diagnosed. Small bowels protruded in between sutured rectus abdominis muscle causing a strangulation which led to re-laparotomy. During the surgery, there was no necrosis of intestines, bowel resection was not needed, and abdominal wall repair was performed. After re-laparotomy, the patient recovered with no further complications. : Although there are discussions about CS techniques, most guidelines recommend leaving rectus muscle unsutured. This case demonstrates a complication which most likely could have been avoided if the rectus muscle had not been re-approximated.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Adult; Cesarean Section; Intestinal Obstruction; Pregnancy, Twin; Dystocia; Postoperative Complications; Surgical Wound
PubMed: 38276068
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60010190 -
European Journal of Obstetrics &... Mar 2024The uterus is a highly innervated organ, and during labor, this innervation is at its highest level. Oxytocinergic fibers play an important role in labor and delivery...
The uterus is a highly innervated organ, and during labor, this innervation is at its highest level. Oxytocinergic fibers play an important role in labor and delivery and, in particular, the Lower Uterine Segment, cervix, and fundus are all controlled by motor neurofibers. Oxytocin is a neurohormone that acts on receptors located on the membrane of the smooth cells of the myometrium. During the stages of labor and delivery, its binding causes myofibers to contract, which enables the fundus of the uterus to act as a mediator. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of oxytocinergic fibers in prolonged and non-prolonged dystocic delivery in a cohort of 90 patients, evaluated during the first and second stages of labor. Myometrial tissue samples were collected and evaluated by electron microscopy, in order to quantify differences in neurofibers concentrations between the investigated and control cohorts of patients. The authors of this experiment showed that the concentration of oxytocinergic fibers differs between non-prolonged and prolonged dystocic delivery. In particular, in prolonged dystocic delivery, compared to non-prolonged dystocic delivery, there is a lower amount of oxytocin fiber. The increase in oxytocin appeared to be ineffective in patients who experienced prolonged dystocic delivery, since the dystocic labor ended as a result of the altered presence of oxytocinergic fibers detected in this group of patients.
PubMed: 38274243
DOI: 10.1016/j.eurox.2023.100273 -
Journal of Healthcare Informatics... Mar 2024Although most pregnancies result in a good outcome, complications are not uncommon and can be associated with serious implications for mothers and babies. Predictive...
Although most pregnancies result in a good outcome, complications are not uncommon and can be associated with serious implications for mothers and babies. Predictive modeling has the potential to improve outcomes through a better understanding of risk factors, heightened surveillance for high-risk patients, and more timely and appropriate interventions, thereby helping obstetricians deliver better care. We identify and study the most important risk factors for four types of pregnancy complications: (i) severe maternal morbidity, (ii) shoulder dystocia, (iii) preterm preeclampsia, and (iv) antepartum stillbirth. We use an Explainable Boosting Machine (EBM), a high-accuracy glass-box learning method, for the prediction and identification of important risk factors. We undertake external validation and perform an extensive robustness analysis of the EBM models. EBMs match the accuracy of other black-box ML methods, such as deep neural networks and random forests, and outperform logistic regression, while being more interpretable. EBMs prove to be robust. The interpretability of the EBM models reveal surprising insights into the features contributing to risk (e.g., maternal height is the second most important feature for shoulder dystocia) and may have potential for clinical application in the prediction and prevention of serious complications in pregnancy.
PubMed: 38273984
DOI: 10.1007/s41666-023-00151-4 -
Tropical Animal Health and Production Jan 2024This retrospective observational study aimed to assess the effect of temperature-humidity index (THI) at calving and in the last trimester of pregnancy and calve-related...
This retrospective observational study aimed to assess the effect of temperature-humidity index (THI) at calving and in the last trimester of pregnancy and calve-related factors affecting passive transfer of maternal immunoglobulin using Brix refractometry in Holstein calves. Blood samples from 4411 Holstein calves from a single large dairy farm in spring 2022 were used. A subset of data containing 6318 calvings was used to determine the effect of climatic conditions on the occurrence of agammaglobulinemia. Risk factors predictive of failure of passive transfer (FPT) were calculated using multiple logistic models. Females were 1.4 times more likely not to have FPT (56%; Brix% > 8 equivalent to ≥ 10 g/L IgG) than males (47.2%). Calves born as singles increased the likelihood of not presenting FPT (52.6%) than calves born as twins (42.9%). Calves from cows with no dystocic delivery had a lower risk for FPT (odds ratio = 2.3) than calves from cows with dystocia. Agammaglobulinemia was 1.5 and 1.8 times more likely to occur in calves with THI ≥ 80 and ≥ 82 in the last trimester of gestation and at calving, respectively, than in calves not experiencing heat stress. Agammaglobulinemia was twice as likely to occur in male than in female calves. Calves with birth weight ≥ 37 kg and gestation length ≥ 275 kg were less likely to present agammaglobulinemia than lighter calves and calves with shorter gestation periods. This study raises questions for management practices in Holstein calves undergoing in utero heat stress and around calving to avoid agammaglobulinemia.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Female; Male; Pregnancy; Agammaglobulinemia; Antibodies; Birth Weight; Cattle Diseases; Dystocia; Risk Factors; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 38265480
DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-03900-8 -
The Pan African Medical Journal 2023We here report a retrospective analysis of 30 years´ experience with 39 female patients suffering from suburethral diverticula. The average age of patients was 37 years...
We here report a retrospective analysis of 30 years´ experience with 39 female patients suffering from suburethral diverticula. The average age of patients was 37 years of age (24-56 years). The average parity was 2 (1-7); 65% of deliveries were complicated by dystocia, with forceps used in 43% of cases. All patients had a history of urological or gynaecological infections. The revealing symptoms were heterogeneous but recurrent urinary tract infections (26 cases), pollakiuria (23 cases), post-micturition urethral discharge (21 cases), vaginal pain (17 cases) and a sensation of vaginal bulge (15 cases) were mostly reported. Radiological assessment were performed, including intravenous urography, retrograde and micturition urethrography, ultrasound, or MRI. Transvaginal diverticulectomy was the treatment of choice for all patients, with no reported intraoperative complications. At 4 years of follow up outcome was satisfactory. Four patients developed recurrence of diverticulitis. These data provide important information about clinical features, diagnostic results and long-term outcomes of transvaginal diverticulectomy, enabling better management of this rare condition.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adult; Young Adult; Middle Aged; Urethral Diseases; Retrospective Studies; Radiography; Urinary Tract Infections; Diverticulum
PubMed: 38223879
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.46.51.41246 -
JDS Communications Jan 2024Although interest in beef-on-dairy breeding strategies is intensifying, little is actually known of the performance differences between beef-sired male and female...
Although interest in beef-on-dairy breeding strategies is intensifying, little is actually known of the performance differences between beef-sired male and female progeny of dairy cows. The objective was therefore to use a large cross-sectional database of up to 1,389,670 animals to investigate if performance differences existed between male and female progeny generated from beef-on-dairy matings; the focus was on characteristics of interest to both the dairy producer (i.e., gestation length, calving performance, perinatal mortality, and calf sale value) and the beef producer (i.e., slaughter-related traits). While statistical differences existed between both sexes, the observed differences were not always biologically large, with some favoring females (e.g., calving traits and age at slaughter) and some favoring males (i.e., carcass weight). Beef-sired male calves had, on average, a 0.8 d longer gestation than their female counterparts; the sex difference in dairy-sired calves was, on average, 1.1 d, with the advantage to females. The odds of a difficult calving was 2.2 times greater for beef-sired male calves relative to beef-sired female calves; this translated to a difference in predicted probability of dystocia between the sexes of 1.8 percentage units. Male beef-sired calves sold at auctions <42 d of age were worth, on average, €32.40 more than beef-sired female calves. Focusing just on beef-sired progeny, relative to heifer carcasses (mean weight of 280.0 kg), the carcasses of steers (mean weight of 336.9 kg) and bulls (mean weight of 335.4) were 55.4 to 56.9 kg heavier. Based on a 15-point conformation scale, the carcasses of bulls were 1 unit superior to heifers, with the carcasses of the latter being 0.06 units better than steers. Heifers were slaughtered, on average, 79.1 d younger than steers although heifers were slaughtered, on average, 93.8 d older than bulls, the latter generally being finished on a more intensive diet relative to steers and heifers in Ireland. In conclusion, many benefits exist for beef-sired heifer calves in that they had, on average, shorter gestations with less expected assistance required at calving and, although their calf value was less and their carcasses were lighter than their male counterparts, they were slaughtered several months younger than steers.
PubMed: 38223378
DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2023-0395