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Acta Veterinaria Hungarica Jun 2024In this study, we aimed to determine the quality of colostrum in sheep by using Brix refractometer. The research included 100 sheep of Merino X Kivircik crossbred. From...
In this study, we aimed to determine the quality of colostrum in sheep by using Brix refractometer. The research included 100 sheep of Merino X Kivircik crossbred. From each, we collected 15 mL of colostrum samples in falcon tubes within the first 8 h after delivery. Mean colostral IgG level of sheep was 156.68 ± 7.23 g L-1, optical and digital Brix refractometer values (%) were determined as 27.43 ± 0.53 and 27.69 ± 0.60, respectively. Ewes carrying twin lambs produced significantly higher quality colostrum than those carrying single lambs. However, parity did not affect the colostrum quality. Optical and digital Brix values were correlated with gold standard radial immunodiffusion (RID) colostral IgG level (r = 0.70 and r = 0.64, respectively). Also, optical and digital Brix refractometers were found to be highly correlated (r = 0.98, P < 0.001). While the optimal Brix value was 22% for the 50, 60 and 70 g L-1 IgG threshold values (by means of RID as the potential good quality threshold value for ewe colostrum quality), this value was 23% for 80 g L-1. We can conclude that Brix refractometers is a valuable tool for determining ewe colostrum quality. A cut point of 22% Brix for defining good quality colostrum in ewes was most appropriate for our data.
PubMed: 38935432
DOI: 10.1556/004.2024.00951 -
Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation Jun 2024Objectives The limited data regarding obstetrical outcomes in multiple pregnancies following both fresh embryo transfer and frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET), along...
Objectives The limited data regarding obstetrical outcomes in multiple pregnancies following both fresh embryo transfer and frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET), along with the association between multiple pregnancies and increased pregnancy complications compared to singleton pregnancies, highlights the need for research on this topic. Therefore, this study aimed to compare obstetrical and neonatal outcomes of twin pregnancies after fresh embryo transfer versus FET. Design A retrospective single-center study. Participants IVF dichorionic twin pregnancies ≥23 weeks of gestation during 2010-2022. Setting Galilee Medical Center, a tertiary-care university affiliated hospital, Israel. Methods We conducted a comparative analysis of obstetrical and neonatal outcomes between IVF dichorionic twin pregnancies after fresh embryo transfer and those after FET. This analysis included variables such as gestational age at delivery, birthweight, preterm birth rates, low birthweight rates, neonatal intensive care unit admissions and complications related to prematurity. Results The study included 389 IVF twin pregnancies: 253 after fresh embryo transfer and 136 after FET. Following fresh embryo transfer compared to FET, the mean gestational age at delivery was earlier (34.92 vs. 35.88 weeks, p=0.001) and the rate of preterm birth (<37 weeks) was higher (70.4% vs. 53.7%, p=0.001). This difference in gestational age at delivery remained significant after adjustment for maternal age, parity, and BMI (OR=2.11, 95% CI 2.11-3.27, p=0.001). Similarly, the difference in preterm birth rates remained significant after adjustment of the same variables (p=0.001). For the fresh embryo transfer compared to the FET group, the mean birthweight was lower (2179.72 vs. 2353.35 grams, p=0.003); and low birthweight and very low birthweight rates were higher (71.2% vs. 56.3%, p<0.001 and 13.5% vs. 6.7%, p=0.004, respectively). For the fresh embryo transfer compared to the FET group, the proportions were higher of neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (23.3% vs. 16.0%, p=0.019), of neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (10.5% vs. 5.9%, p=0.045) and those needing phototherapy (23.3% vs. 16.0%, p=0.019). Limitations Limitations of the study include its retrospective nature. Furthermore, we were unable to adjust for some confounders, such as the number of eggs retrieved, the number of embryos transferred, and methods for ovarian stimulation or preparation of the endometrium for embryo transfer. Conclusions Obstetrical and neonatal outcomes of twin pregnancies were worse after fresh embryo transfer than after FET. The findings support favorable fetal outcomes after FET and support the current trend of shifting from fresh embryo transfer to FET. Prospective studies are needed to support our results.
PubMed: 38934163
DOI: 10.1159/000539997 -
Advanced Science (Weinheim,... Jun 2024Lanthanide-based NIR-II-emitting materials (1000-1700 nm) show promise for optoelectronic devices, phototherapy, and bioimaging. However, one major bottleneck to...
Lanthanide-based NIR-II-emitting materials (1000-1700 nm) show promise for optoelectronic devices, phototherapy, and bioimaging. However, one major bottleneck to prevent their widespread use lies in low quantum efficiencies, which are significantly constrained by various quenching effects. Here, a highly oriented (222) facet is achieved via facet engineering for CsNaErCl double perovskites, enabling near-complete suppression of NIR-II luminescence quenching. The optimally (222)-oriented CsAgNaErCl microcrystals emit Er 1540 nm light with unprecedented high quantum efficiencies of 90 ± 6% under 379 nm UV excitation (ultralarge Stokes shift >1000 nm), and a record near-unity quantum yield of 98.6% is also obtained for (222)-based CsNaYbErCl microcrystallites under 980 nm excitation. With combined experimental and theoretical studies, the underlying mechanism of facet-dependent Er 1540 nm emissions is revealed, which can contribute to surface asymmetry-induced breakdown of parity-forbidden transition and suppression of undesired non-radiative processes. Further, the role of surface quenching is reexamined by molecular dynamics based on two facets, highlighting the drastic two-phonon coupling effect of a hydroxyl group to I level of Er. Surface-functionalized facets will provide new insights for tunable luminescence in double perovskites, and open up a new avenue for developing highly efficient NIR-II emitters toward broad applications.
PubMed: 38932471
DOI: 10.1002/advs.202403198 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine Jun 2024A cesarean section for intrapartum fetal compromise (IFC) is performed to avoid potential damage to the newborn. It is, therefore, crucial to develop an accurate...
OBJECTIVE
A cesarean section for intrapartum fetal compromise (IFC) is performed to avoid potential damage to the newborn. It is, therefore, crucial to develop an accurate prediction model that can anticipate, prior to labor, which fetus may be at risk of presenting this condition.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
To calculate a prediction model for IFC, the clinical, epidemiological, and ultrasonographic variables of 538 patients admitted to the maternity of La Fe Hospital were studied and evaluated using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis, using the area under the curve (AUC) and the Akaike Information Criteria (AIC).
RESULTS
In the univariable analysis, CPR MoM was the best single parameter for the prediction of CS for IFC (OR 0.043, < 0.0001; AUC 0.72, < 0.0001). Concerning the multivariable analysis, for the general population, the best prediction model (lower AIC) included the CPR multiples of the median (MoM), the maternal age, height, and parity, the smoking habits, and the type of labor onset (spontaneous or induction) (AUC 0.80, < 0.0001). In contrast, for the pregnancies undergoing labor induction, the best prediction model included the CPR MoM, the maternal height and parity, and the smoking habits (AUC 0.80, < 0.0001). None of the models included estimated fetal weight (EFW).
CONCLUSIONS
CS for IFC can be moderately predicted prior to labor using maternal characteristics and CPR MoM. A validation study is pending to apply these models in daily clinical practice.
PubMed: 38929879
DOI: 10.3390/jpm14060658 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Jun 2024: One of the most significant psychiatric problems in women is depression related to the perinatal period. Our study aims to determine the frequency and course of... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
: One of the most significant psychiatric problems in women is depression related to the perinatal period. Our study aims to determine the frequency and course of depressive symptomatology in the perinatal period with particular reference to objective rate and outcome of postpartum depression. : One hundred and eighty-eight pregnant/postnatal women were included in a prospective, longitudinal, observational study during which the depressive symptomatology was estimated at the third trimester of pregnancy, and the first, sixth, and twelfth month' postpartum. All participants completed a semi-structured sociodemographic questionnaire constructed for research purposes, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and The Mood Disorder Questionnaire at each time point. Postpartum depression diagnosis was confirmed by a trained and certified psychiatrist with long-standing experience. For a better understanding of the trajectory of depressive symptomatology and genuine postpartum depression, we classified depression into those with new-onset and those left over from the previous observation period. In general, 48.9% of participants in the study were depressed at some point during the investigation. A total of 10.6% of women were depressed in the third trimester. The highest percentage of new-onset depression (25%) was in the first month after giving birth and was maintained for up to six months, after which the appearance was sporadic. Most of the postpartum depression resolved in the period from the first month to the sixth month after childbirth (20.7%). The episodes mainly had characteristics of unipolar depression. Our results imply that a new onset of depression is most intensive during the first six months, and after that, it is sporadic. Further studies are needed to explore whether all depressive symptomatology in the postnatal period is the same, or perhaps postpartum depression, classified in this way, has specific characteristics, etiology, and consequently different treatment and preventive options.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Adult; Prospective Studies; Depression, Postpartum; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Longitudinal Studies; Depression; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Parity; Surveys and Questionnaires; Mothers; Postpartum Period
PubMed: 38929587
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60060970 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2024In most current farm operations, lactating sows need to overcome reproductive and environmental stresses that have resulted in poor sow production performance and piglet...
In most current farm operations, lactating sows need to overcome reproductive and environmental stresses that have resulted in poor sow production performance and piglet growth. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of in-feed supplementation of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in sows during late gestation lactation in regard to litter performance. The study subjects were 12 multi-parity sows (Landrace × Large White), farrowing sows with an average parity of four (three with three parities, seven with four parities, and two with five parities). They were randomly divided into the following two diet groups: the basal diet as a control (CON) group based on corn and soybean meal; and the basal diet + 2% MSG group. The experimental time ranged from 109 days before delivery to 21 days after delivery. There were six sows in each group, and each sow served as the experimental unit. There were no significant differences ( > 0.05) in body weight (BW), back fat (BF) thickness and estrus interval between sows supplemented with 2% MSG in their diets before and after farrowing and during weaning ( > 0.05). However, MSG-treated sows tended to increase BW loss at farrowing more than the CON group ( = 0.093) but lost less weight during lactation than the CON group ( = 0.019). There were no significant differences in the body condition scores (BCSs) and BF loss of the two groups of sows before and after farrowing and at weaning ( > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the weight of newborn piglets between the two groups of sows ( > 0.05). The weaning weight ( = 0.020) and average daily gain (ADG) ( = 0.045) of suckling piglets were higher in the MSG treated group compared to the CON group. The daily milk production of sows in the MSG treatment group was higher compared to the CON group ( = 0.045). The protein concentration of milk at week 3 ( = 0.060) and fat concentration of milk at week 5 ( = 0.095) of the MSG-supplemented sows tended to increase more than the CON group. In summary, the dietary inclusion of MSG supplementation had a beneficial effect on the late gestating sows and their piglet's growth and milk production. Our research has shown that the addition of 2% MSG in late gestation and lactation diet would be beneficial for both sow and piglet production.
PubMed: 38929333
DOI: 10.3390/ani14121714 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Oxidative stress damage in periparturient cows decreases both production and their health; supplementation with complex additives during the periparturient period has...
Oxidative stress damage in periparturient cows decreases both production and their health; supplementation with complex additives during the periparturient period has been used as an important strategy to enhance the antioxidant status and production of dairy cows. The periparturient cows not only risk a negative energy balance due to reduced dry matter intake but also represent a sensitive period for oxidative stress. Therefore, we have developed an immunomodulatory and nutritional regulation combined additive (INC) that hopefully can improve the immune status and production of cows during the periparturient period and their offspring health and growth by improving their antioxidant stress status. The INC comprised a diverse array of additives, including water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins, Selenomethionine, and active dry Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Forty-five multiparous Holstein cows were randomly assigned to three treatments: CON (no INC supplementation, = 15), INC30 (30 g/d INC supplementation, = 15), and INC60 (60 g/d INC supplementation, = 15) based on last lactation milk yield, body condition score, and parity. Newborn calves were administered 4 L of maternal colostrum originating from the corresponding treatment and categorized based on the treatment received by their respective dams. The INC not only served to maintain the antioxidative stress system of dairy cows during the periparturient period but also showed a tendency to improve the immune response (lower tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-6) during the perinatal period. A linear decrease in concentrations of alkaline phosphatase postpartum and β-hydroxybutyrate was observed with INC supplementation. Milk fat yield, milk protein yield, and energy-corrected milk yield were also increased linearly with increasing additive supplementation. Calves in the INC30 group exhibited greater wither height and chest girth but no significant effect on average daily gain or body weight. The diarrhea frequency was linearly decreased with the incremental level of INC. Results indicate that supplementation with INC in peripartum dairy cows could be a major strategy to improve immune response, decrease inflammation, maintain antioxidant stress status in transition dairy cows, and have merit in their calves. In conclusion, this study underlines the benefits of INC supplementation during the transition period, as it improved anti-inflammatory capacity, could positively impact antioxidative stress capacity, and eventually enhanced the production performance of dairy cows and the health and growth of calves.
PubMed: 38929089
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060650 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Yak milk, known as the "liquid gold", is a nutritious food with extensive consumption. Compared with cow milk, yak milk contains higher levels of nutrients such as dry...
Yak milk, known as the "liquid gold", is a nutritious food with extensive consumption. Compared with cow milk, yak milk contains higher levels of nutrients such as dry matter, milk fat, and milk protein, which demonstrates great potential for exploitation and utilization. Protein kinase cGMP-dependent 1 () is an important functional molecule in the cGMP signaling pathway, and its significant influence on milk fatty acids has been discovered. The aim of this study is to explore the correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene and the quality traits of Gannan yak milk in order to identify candidate molecular markers for Gannan yak breeding. In this study, genotyping was performed on 172 healthy, 4-5-year-old lactating Gannan yaks with similar body types, naturally grazed, and two to three parity. Three SNPs (g.404195C>T, g.404213C>T, and g.760138T>C) were detected in the gene of Gannan yaks, which were uniformly distributed in the yak population. Linkage disequilibrium analysis was conducted, revealing complete linkage disequilibrium between g.404195C>T and g.404213C>T. After conducting a correlation analysis between SNPs in the gene and milk quality in Gannan yaks, we found that SNPs significantly increased the content of casein, protein, and SNFs in yak milk. Among them, the TT homozygous genotype at the g.404195C>T loci exhibited higher casein and protein contents compared to the CC and CT genotypes ( < 0.05). The SNP g.760138T>C locus was associated with casein, protein, SNFs, and TS traits ( < 0.05). The CC genotype had higher casein and protein contents than the TT and TA genotypes ( < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in milk fat, lactose, and acidity among the three genotypes ( > 0.05). In summary, gene polymorphism can serve as a candidate molecular marker for improving milk quality in Gannan yaks.
PubMed: 38928854
DOI: 10.3390/foods13121913 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Lead-free halide double perovskite CsAgInCl has been extensively studied in recent years due to the lead toxicity and poor stability of common lead halide perovskites....
Lead-free halide double perovskite CsAgInCl has been extensively studied in recent years due to the lead toxicity and poor stability of common lead halide perovskites. In this study, sodium (Na) and bismuth (Bi) doped into CsAgInCl double perovskite, then CsAgNaInBiCl films with broadband warm-yellow emissions were achieved by the blade coating method. Herein, Na and Bi content were changed as variables at a series of parameter optimization experiments, respectively. In the CsAgNaInBiCl systems, Na broke the parity-forbidden transition of CsAgInCl, and Bi suppressed non-radiative recombination. The partial replacement of Ag with Na ions and doping with Bi cations were crucial for increasing the intensity of the PL emission. The experimental results showed that the photoluminescence quantum yield of the CsAgNaInBiCl film was 66.38%, which was the highest data among all samples. It demonstrated remarkable stability under heat and ultraviolet conditions. After five thermal cycles, the PL intensity of the CsAgNaInBiCl film is only reduced to approximately 5.7% of the initial value. After 720 h continuous ultraviolet irradiation, there occurred 31.9% emission decay of the film.
PubMed: 38926459
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65492-5 -
Journal of Biomedical Informatics Jun 2024Despite increased availability of methodologies to identify algorithmic bias, the operationalization of bias evaluation for healthcare predictive models is still...
OBJECTIVE
Despite increased availability of methodologies to identify algorithmic bias, the operationalization of bias evaluation for healthcare predictive models is still limited. Therefore, this study proposes a process for bias evaluation through an empirical assessment of common hospital readmission models. The process includes selecting bias measures, interpretation, determining disparity impact and potential mitigations.
METHODS
This retrospective analysis evaluated racial bias of four common models predicting 30-day unplanned readmission (i.e., LACE Index, HOSPITAL Score, and the CMS readmission measure applied as is and retrained). The models were assessed using 2.4 million adult inpatient discharges in Maryland from 2016 to 2019. Fairness metrics that are model-agnostic, easy to compute, and interpretable were implemented and apprised to select the most appropriate bias measures. The impact of changing model's risk thresholds on these measures was further assessed to guide the selection of optimal thresholds to control and mitigate bias.
RESULTS
Four bias measures were selected for the predictive task: zero-one-loss difference, false negative rate (FNR) parity, false positive rate (FPR) parity, and generalized entropy index. Based on these measures, the HOSPITAL score and the retrained CMS measure demonstrated the lowest racial bias. White patients showed a higher FNR while Black patients resulted in a higher FPR and zero-one-loss. As the models' risk threshold changed, trade-offs between models' fairness and overall performance were observed, and the assessment showed all models' default thresholds were reasonable for balancing accuracy and bias.
CONCLUSIONS
This study proposes an Applied Framework to Assess Fairness of Predictive Models (AFAFPM) and demonstrates the process using 30-day hospital readmission model as the example. It suggests the feasibility of applying algorithmic bias assessment to determine optimized risk thresholds so that predictive models can be used more equitably and accurately. It is evident that a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods and a multidisciplinary team are necessary to identify, understand and respond to algorithm bias in real-world healthcare settings. Users should also apply multiple bias measures to ensure a more comprehensive, tailored, and balanced view. The results of bias measures, however, must be interpreted with caution and consider the larger operational, clinical, and policy context.
PubMed: 38925281
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbi.2024.104683