End Of Weaning Research Articles

Effects of weaning strategies on health, hematology, and productivity in Holstein dairy calves

Weaning strategies in dairy calves vary considerably, though the effect on animal health is unclear. This study examined the effects of calf weaning age (6 vs. 8 wk) and pace (abrupt vs. gradual) on performance, blood, and health parameters in dairy calves. The experiment consisted of a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, where the factors included weaning age (early vs. late) and weaning pace (abrupt vs. gradual). Holstein calves (n = 72), blocked by sex and birth weight, were randomly assigned to one of 4 treatments (n = 18 per treatment): early-abrupt (EA), early-gradual (EG), late-abrupt (LA), and late-gradual (LG). Milk replacer (24% crude protein, 17% fat; up to 1,200 g/d) was fed twice daily; water, calf starter (18% crude protein), and chopped alfalfa hay were fed ad libitum. Daily intakes of milk replacer, calf starter, and forage were recorded from birth until end of weaning. Body weight, selected health measures, blood hematology, and fecal scores were obtained 1 d preweaning and 1 d postweaning. Calves were orally bolused with a rumen pH logger for the last 3 d of the weaning transition and rumen pH was measured continuously. Data were analyzed with age, pace, age × pace interaction, birthweight, and sex as fixed effects, and starting date as a random effect. Greater age at weaning increased respiration, whereas gradual-weaned calves had lower respiration rate. Heart rate was lower in gradual than in abrupt weaned groups. Fecal score had a marginal increase in late-weaned groups and significantly increased in gradually weaned groups. No difference was detected in body core temperature by age, pace, or interaction. During the weaning transition, average daily gain was lower in LA than EA and gradually weaned groups had an increased average daily gain. Change in grain intake, but not forage intake, was greater in gradually weaned groups. Mean rumen pH marginally increased from EG to LG and from LA to LG. No difference was detected among treatments in red or white blood cell counts, and hemoglobin. Procalcitonin was marginally highest in the LA group, while blood hematocrit increased in abruptly weaned groups. Overall, calf health is affected by both age and pace of weaning, though the health parameters affected by age and pace differ.

Effects of yeast-derived postbiotic supplementation in late gestation and lactation diets on performance, milk quality, and immune function in lactating sows.

This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of yeast-derived postbiotic (YDP) supplementation in sow diets during late gestation and lactation on the performance of sows and their offspring. At 90-d gestation, 150 sows (Landrace × Large White, parity: 3.93 ± 0.11) were allocated to three dietary treatments (n = 50 per treatment): 1) basal diet (control [CON]), 2) basal diet with 1.25 g/kg YDP (0.125 group), and 3) basal diet with 2.00 g/kg YDP (0.200 group). The experiment continued until the end of weaning (day 21 of lactation). Supplementation with YDP resulted in greater deposition of backfat in sows during late gestation and an increasing trend in average weaning weight of piglets than observed in the CON group (P < 0.01, P = 0.05). Supplementation with YDP decreased piglet mortality and diarrhea index in piglets (P < 0.05). In farrowing sows' serum, the glutathione peroxide content in the YDP group was lower than that in the CON group (P < 0.05); the content of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the 0.200 group or YDP group was higher than that in the CON group (P < 0.05). In lactating sows' serum, malondialdehyde content was higher in the YDP group (P < 0.05). In day 3 milk of sows, the 0.200 group tended to increase the lactose content (P = 0.07), and tended to decrease the secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) content (P = 0.06) with respect to that in the CON group. The sIgA content in the YDP group was lower than that in the CON group (P < 0.05). In the milk of sows, the 0.200 group tended to increase the lactose content with respect to that in the CON group (P = 0.08); the immunoglobulin G (IgG) content in the 0.125 group or YDP group was higher than that in the CON group (P < 0.05). YDP supplementation increased the IgA content in the milk (P < 0.01). In sow placenta, the content of total anti-oxidant capacity in the YDP group was higher than that in the CON group (P = 0.05); and the content of transforming growth factor-β in the YDP group was higher than that in the CON group (P < 0.05). In piglet serum, the content of IgG and immunoglobulin M in the 0.125 group was higher than that in the CON and 0.200 groups (P < 0.05). In summary, this study indicated that feeding sows diets supplemented with YDP from late gestation through lactation increased sows' backfat deposition in late gestation and piglets' weaning weight; decreased piglet mortality and diarrhea index in piglets; and improved maternal and offspring immunity.

The effect of stocking density on sterlet Acipenser ruthenus (Linnaeus, 1758) larvae in the recirculating aquaculture system

Increasing the number of fish stocked might optimize the efficiency of intensive aquaculture systems however at the same time might have a negative impact on fish welfare and growth parameters. In the current study, three different stocking densities were evaluated in duplicated tanks to investigate the effect of different stocking densities on the survival and growth of sterlet larvae from hatching until the end of weaning, during the 30-day trial. Tested densities were 5, 10, and 20 larvae L−1 in the low (L), medium (M), and high (H) density group, respectively. Freshly hatched larvae (1250, 2500, 5000 larvae per duplicated tanks) were divided into three treatment groups in 250 L raceway larval rearing tanks. The fish biomass gain was significantly higher in each group of higher stocking densities (0.2 ± 0.0 g L−1; 0.4 ± 0.0 g L−1 and 0.8 ± 0.1 g L−1 respectively, r = .990, p < .001). The L group showed a tendency towards better growth during the first 3 weeks, however, at the end of the trial, no significant differences were observed. The highest mortality at the start of exogenous feeding was noticed in group H (12.77% ± 1.3%) and was significantly different from the two lower density groups (5.16% ± 1.3% in L, 7.94% ± 1.3% in M), however, the overall mortality at the end of the trial did not differ among groups. Results on both growth and mortality during the later periods are suggesting the adaptability of sterlet larvae to the more intensive rearing conditions. Thus, it can be stated that the application of a stocking density of 20 larvae L−1 is appropriate in the initial period of larval rearing in the sterlet.

Maternal vitamin D deficiency affects the morphology and function of glycolytic muscle in adult offspring rats.

BackgroundFetal stage is a critical developmental window for the skeletal muscle, but little information is available about the impact of maternal vitamin D (Vit. D) deficiency (VDD) on offspring lean mass development in the adult life of male and female animals.MethodsFemale rats (Wistar Hannover) were fed either a control (1000 IU Vit. D3/kg) or a VDD diet (0 IU Vit. D3/kg) for 6 weeks and during gestation and lactation. At weaning, male and female offspring were randomly separated and received a standard diet up to 180 days old.ResultsVitamin D deficiency induced muscle atrophy in the male (M‐VDD) offspring at the end of weaning, an effect that was reverted along the time. Following 180 days, fast‐twitch skeletal muscles [extensor digitorum longus (EDL)] from the M‐VDD showed a decrease (20%; P < 0.05) in the number of total fibres but an increase in the cross‐sectional area of IIB (17%; P < 0.05), IIA (19%; P < 0.05) and IIAX (21%; P < 0.05) fibres. The fibre hypertrophy was associated with the higher protein levels of MyoD (73%; P < 0.05) and myogenin (55% %; P < 0.05) and in the number of satellite cells (128.8 ± 14 vs. 91 ± 7.6 nuclei Pax7 + in the M‐CTRL; P < 0.05). M‐VDD increased time to fatigue during ex vivo contractions of EDL muscles and showed an increase in the phosphorylation levels of IGF‐1/insulin receptor and their downstream targets related to anabolic processes and myogenic activation, including Ser 473Akt and Ser 21/9GSK‐3β. In such muscles, maternal VDD induced a compensatory increase in the content of calcitriol (two‐fold; P < 0.05) and CYP27B1 (58%; P < 0.05), a metabolizing enzyme that converts calcidiol to calcitriol. Interestingly, most morphological and biochemical changes found in EDL were not observed in slow‐twitch skeletal muscles (soleus) from the M‐VDD group as well as in both EDL and soleus muscles from the female offspring.ConclusionsThese data show that maternal VDD selectively affects the development of type‐II muscle fibres in male offspring rats but not in female offspring rats and suggest that the enhancement of their size and fatigue resistance in fast‐twitch skeletal muscle (EDL) is probably due to a compensatory increase in the muscle content of Vit. D in the adult age.

Prenatal Low-Protein Diet Affects Mitochondrial Structure and Function in the Skeletal Muscle of Adult Female Offspring.

Gestational low-protein (LP) diet leads to glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in adult offspring. We had earlier demonstrated that LP programming affects glucose disposal in females. Mitochondrial health is crucial for normal glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle. In this study, we sought to analyze mitochondrial structure, function, and associated genes in skeletal muscles to explore the molecular mechanism of insulin resistance LP-programmed female offspring. On day four of pregnancy, rats were assigned to a control diet containing 20% protein or an isocaloric 6% protein-containing diet. Standard laboratory diet was given to the dams after delivery until the end of weaning and to pups after weaning. Gestational LP diet led to changes in mitochondrial ultrastructure in the gastrocnemius muscles, including a nine-fold increase in the presence of giant mitochondria along with unevenly formed cristae. Further, functional analysis showed that LP programming caused impaired mitochondrial functions. Although the mitochondrial copy number did not show significant changes, key genes involved in mitochondrial structure and function such as Fis1, Opa1, Mfn2, Nrf1, Nrf2, Pgc1b, Cox4b, Esrra, and Vdac were dysregulated. Our study shows that prenatal LP programming induced disruption in mitochondrial ultrastructure and function in the skeletal muscle of female offspring.

Effect of dietary supplementation of 2 forms of a B vitamin and choline blend on the performance of Holstein calves during the transition and postweaning phase

The transition from a liquid- to a solid-based diet involves several adaptations in calves. Development of ruminal function is likely to alter B vitamin and choline supply, although little is known about the extent of these changes relative to the calf's requirements and consequences for the calf around weaning. Moreover, literature data are equivocal concerning the need to supplement B vitamins and choline through weaning and transition phase of the dairy calf. To evaluate the effect of increasing B vitamin and choline supply on performance, 61 Holstein calves were individually housed and raised from birth to 13 wk of age. Calves were fed milk replacer (28% crude protein, 15% fat) up to 1.6 kg of dry matter (DM)/d at 15% solids (3 times/d) from birth to 4 wk of age. At that time, calves were randomly assigned to one of 3 treatments: a rumen-protected blend of B vitamins and choline (RPBV); a 30:70 mix of a nonprotected blend of B vitamins and choline and fat (UPBV); or fat only, used as control (CTRL). Calves were maintained on milk replacer and offered ad libitum quantities of a starter grain (25.5% crude protein) specifically formulated to supply all essential amino acids with no added B vitamins or choline. The supplements were provided in gel capsules and administered once a day to each calf in quantities corresponding to 0.39 and 0.28% of the previous day's starter DM intake for the vitamin blends and control, respectively. Calves were weaned gradually from d 49 to 63. Body weight and stature were measured, and blood was collected and analyzed for hematocrit, plasma urea nitrogen, β-hydroxybutyrate, folates, and vitamin B12. Body weight and stature were similar among treatments. Overall gain (0.99 kg/d), DM intake (1.90 kg of DM/d), and feed efficiency (0.52) were not affected by vitamin supplementation. Plasma vitamin B12 concentrations were not different between RPBV and UPBV but tended to be higher at the end of weaning and were greater postweaning in RPBV and UPBV treatments compared with CTRL. Both forms of the vitamin blend effectively improved vitamin B12 status postweaning with no effect on folate status. No differences were observed in other blood measurements. Under conditions of this study, additional B vitamins and choline did not improve calf performance before, during, or after weaning.

Mechanical power normalized to lung-thorax compliance predicts prolonged ventilation weaning failure: a prospective study

BackgroundMechanical power (MP) of artificial ventilation, the energy transferred to the respiratory system, is a chief determinant of adequate oxygenation and decarboxylation. Calculated MP, the product of applied airway pressure and minute ventilation, may serve as an estimate of respiratory muscle workload when switching to spontaneous breathing. The aim of the study was to assess MP’s discriminatory performance in predicting successful weaning from prolonged tracheostomy ventilation.MethodsProspective, observational study in 130 prolonged mechanically ventilated, tracheotomized patients in a specialized weaning center. Predictive weaning outcome ability of arterial blood gas analyses and indices derived from calculated MP at beginning and end of weaning was determined in terms of area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and measures derived from k-fold cross-validation (likelihood ratios, diagnostic odds ratio, F1 score, and Matthews correlation coefficient [MCC]).ResultsForty-four (33.8%) patients experienced weaning failure. Absolute MP showed poor discrimination in predicting outcome; whereas specific MP (MP normalized to dynamic lung-thorax compliance, LTCdyn-MP) had moderate diagnostic accuracy (MCC 0.38; AUROC 0.79, 95%CI [0.71‒0.86], p < 0.001), further improved by correction for corresponding mechanical ventilation PaCO2 (termed the power index of the respiratory system [PIrs]: MCC 0.52; AUROC 0.86 [0.79‒0.92], p < 0.001). Diagnostic performance of MP indices increased over the course of weaning, with maximum accuracy immediately before completion (LTCdyn-MP: MCC 0.49; AUROC 0.86 [0.78‒0.91], p < 0.001; PIrs: MCC 0.68; AUROC 0.92 [0.86‒0.96], p < 0.001).ConclusionsMP normalized to dynamic lung-thorax compliance, a surrogate for applied power per unit of ventilated lung volume, accurately discriminated between low and high risk for weaning failure following prolonged mechanical ventilation.

Standardized Endoscopic Swallowing Evaluation for Tracheostomy Decannulation in Critically Ill Neurologic Patients \u2013 a prospective evaluation

BackgroundRemoval of a tracheostomy tube in critically ill neurologic patients is a critical issue during intensive care treatment, particularly due to severe dysphagia and insufficient airway protection. The “Standardized Endoscopic Evaluation for Tracheostomy Decannulation in Critically Ill Neurologic Patients” (SESETD) is an objective measure of readiness for decannulation. This protocol includes the stepwise evaluation of secretion management, spontaneous swallowing, and laryngeal sensitivity during fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Here, we first evaluated safety and secondly effectiveness of the protocol and sought to identify predictors of decannulation success and decannulation failure.MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted in the neurological intensive care unit at Münster University Hospital, Germany between January 2013 and December 2017. Three hundred and seventy-seven tracheostomized patients with an acute neurologic disease completely weaned from mechanical ventilation were included, all of whom were examined by FEES within 72 h from end of mechanical ventilation. Using regression analysis, predictors of successful decannulation, as well as decannulation failure were investigated.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty-seven patients (60.2%) could be decannulated during their stay according to the protocol, 59 of whom within 24 h from the initial FEES after completed weaning. 3.5% of patients had to be recannulated due to severe dysphagia or related complications. Prolonged mechanical ventilation showed to be a significant predictor of decannulation failure. Lower age was identified to be a significant predictor of early decannulation after end of weaning. Transforming the binary SESETD into a 4-point scale helped predicting decannulation success in patients not immediately ready for decannulation after the end of respiratory weaning (optimal cutoff ≥1; sensitivity: 64%, specifity: 66%).ConclusionsThe SESETD showed to be a safe and efficient tool to evaluate readiness for decannulation in our patient collective of critically ill neurologic patients.

Atresia Ani (Imperforated Anus) in Calves: Clinical, Surgical and Pathological Aspects

Background: Anal atresia is a congenital malformation, which often affects calves, and is related to the imperforation of the membrane that separates the endoderm of the posterior intestine from the ectodermal anal membrane. It is commonly associated with other congenital malformations and skeletal anomalies. The clinical signs generally appear in the first days of the animal's life, due to a retention of feces. The diagnosis is clinical and is based on observation, anamnesis and a physical examination of the animal. The only viable treatment is surgical. This paper aims to report 6 cases of anal atresia in bovine calves, 4 males and 2 females that were successfully treated surgically. Cases: This work reports 6 cases of anal atresia in 4 male calves and 2 female calves. Three presented total atresia (type II), one partial (type I) and in both female calves, anal atresia and rectovaginal fistula (type IV) were observed. The animals were all of undefined race. Five of the cases were from northern Tocantins, 4 males and 1 female (anal atresia with rectovaginal fistula), and 1 female (anal atresia with rectovaginal fistula) was from Valença, RJ. All animals were born active, by eutocic/natural birth, and assumed a quadrupedal position followed by the first feeding as normal. They were aged between 2 days and 6 months, and had a clinical history of abdominal distention and difficulty or inability defecating, and the females both also had a rectovaginal fistula, all cases compatible with anal atresia. Based on the patient's history and clinical examination, surgical treatment for anal reconstruction was decided upon. Postoperative treatment consisted of enrofloxacin [2.5 mg/kg - intramuscularly (IM), once daily (SID), for 5 days] and fluxinin meglumine [1.1 mg/kg - IM, SID, for 3 days] ; as well as a healing ointment which was applied to the area of the surgical wound, every 12 h, for 7 days. There were no trans-surgical complications. The animals showed progressive recovery after anal reconstruction and the stitches were removed in all cases on the 10th postoperative day, with no postoperative complications and no recurrence of any clinical signs from that moment on.Discussion: The study of congenital and hereditary changes enables the identification of their origins, can help prevent new cases and, some of them, are open to economically viable treatment and/or correction that can improve the well-being of the animal and prevent economic losses due to death or animal sacrifice, as reported in the present study. Anal atresia is the most common congenital defect of the lower gastrointestinal tract in calves, being an isolated abnormality, or associated with other malformations, especially of the distal spinal column such as the absence of a tail (perosumus acaudato), as one of the animals in this study. The clinical signs and physical examination are sufficient to establish the diagnosis, as demonstrated in this report, which is usually made in newborn animals, due to the lack or difficulty in defecation associated with no anal orifice and/or swelling in the perineal region. The treatment of choice for anal atresia is surgical, in order to construct an anal neo-orifice and thus avoid endotoxemic shock as well as providing relief and well-being for the animals. As observed in this study, when anal atresia is diagnosed early, and surgical treatment is properly instituted, the prognosis is favorable. The surgery is considered of low complexity, quick and it can be carried out in the field. Thus, from a commercial point of view, considering the costs of the procedures and the value of the calf at the end of weaning, such treatments are beneficial to the owners. In addition, the surgical treatment is essential for animal health and welfare in cases of anal atresia.Keywords: cattle, congenital defects, hereditary pathology, perosomus acaudato, surgery.

Breastfeeding and Infections in Early Childhood: A Cohort Study

Studies on the association between breastfeeding and infections in children beyond the first year of life reveal conflicting results. In a population-based birth cohort, we investigated whether the duration of breastfeeding was associated with the number of hospitalizations due to infection and symptoms of infection at home. In the Odense Child Cohort, text message questionnaires were used to register information on breastfeeding (weekly until end of weaning) and symptoms of infection (biweekly; 12-36 months of age). Hospitalization data were obtained from the Danish National Patient Registry. Of the 1087 invited, 815 mother-infant pairs were included. The median duration of any breastfeeding was 7.6 (interquartile range: 3.5-10.4) months and of exclusive breastfeeding was 2.1 (interquartile range: 0.7-4.4) months. Hospitalization due to infection was seen in 207 (25.4%) infants during the first 3 years of life. The adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) for hospitalization due to any infection decreased with a longer duration of any breastfeeding (adjusted IRR: 0.96; 95% confidence interval 0.93-0.99; P < .001). The strongest associations between the duration of any breastfeeding and hospitalizations due to infection were found within the first year of life, for lower respiratory tract infections, and other infections (P ≤ .05). For infants exclusively breastfed, the adjusted IRR for hospitalization was 0.88 (95% confidence interval: 0.80-0.96; P = .006). No protective associations were present between breastfeeding and infection symptoms registered at home from ages 12 to 36 months. The results suggest that increased duration of breastfeeding, especially exclusive breastfeeding, protects against infections requiring hospitalization in the first year of life but not hospitalizations or symptoms of infection at home beyond the first year.

Long-term results after brace treatment with Progressive Action Short Brace in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

In the literature, there are few papers on long-term results after brace treatment and there is no consensus on whether scoliotic curves stop progressing at skeletal maturity. To date the factors that could influence curve behaviour following bracing have not been fully determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results and the loss of the scoliotic curve correction in a cohort of patients treated with Progressive Action Short Brace (PASB) brace during adolescence and to compare patient outcomes of under and over 30 Cobb degrees 10 years after brace removal. This is an observational controlled cohort study nested in a prospective clinical on-going database including 1536 patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Inpatients and outpatients in Rome. The study enrolled 163 patients with idiopathic adolescent scoliosis who had been treated with the PASB brace at a 10 years minimum long-term follow-up examination. One hundred sixty-three (female) patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) treated with the Progressive Action Short Brace (PASB) at a mean age of 13.4 years (range 10-34) had accepted to undergo long-term follow-up examination. All patients had clinical and radiological examinations, but only 62 replied to some simple questions (including work status, pregnancy and pain) the population was divided into two groups based on Cobb degrees (< 30° and ≥ 30°). Statistical analysis was applied to test the efficacy of our hypothesis. The patients underwent a long-term follow-up after brace removal at a mean age of 13.46 years (±3.4). The prebrace mean curve was 28.98° (±7.918); after treatment, the mean was 13.88° and increased to a minimum of 15.35° in the 10 years following brace removal. However, there was no significant difference between the mean Cobb angle at the end of weaning and the mean Cobb angle at long-term follow-up. The curve angle at baseline of patients who were treated with a brace was reduced by 15° during the treatment, but at follow-up the curve size was found to have lost 2°. The over 30° group showed a prebrace scoliotic mean curve of 37.26°; at the end of weaning, the mean curve angle was 22.98° which increased to a mean of 25.07° at follow-up. The <30° group showed a prebrace scoliotic mean curve of 24.40° which, at the end of weaning, had reduced to a mean of 8.69°, increasing to 9.98° at follow-up. There was no significant difference in the mean progression of curve magnitude between the ˂ 30° and ≥ 30° groups at the long-term follow-up. Work status was 62% full-time and 11% part-time. 24% had given birth. Three percent presented back pain related to instability of the spine. No patients underwent surgery after maturity but one patient had indication to surgical treatment. The PASB brace is effective for the treatment of lumbar and thoracolumbar scoliosis and is characterized by positive long-term outcomes, including in patients demonstrating moderate curves. In both groups, at 10-years minimum follow-up after bracing, scoliotic curves did not deteriorate beyond their original curve size after bracing in both groups at the 10-years minimum follow-ups. At 10 years follow-up after bracing, scoliotic curves had not deteriorated beyond their original curve size.

An obesogenic maternal environment impairs mouse growth patterns, satellite cell activation, and markers of postnatal myogenesis.

Skeletal muscle is sensitive to environmental cues that are first present in utero. Maternal overnutrition is a model of impaired muscle development leading to structural and metabolic dysfunction in adult life. In this study, we investigated the effect of an obesogenic maternal environment on growth and postnatal myogenesis in the offspring. Male C57BL/6J mice born to chow- or high-fat-diet-fed mothers were allocated to four different groups at the end of weaning. For the following 10 wk, half of the pups were maintained on the same diet as their mother and half of the pups were switched to the other diet (chow or high-fat). At 12 wk of age, muscle injury was induced using an intramuscular injection of barium chloride. Seven days later, mice were humanely killed and muscle tissue was harvested. A high-fat maternal diet impaired offspring growth patterns and downregulated satellite cell activation and markers of postnatal myogenesis 7 days after injury without altering the number of newly synthetized fibers over the whole 7-day period. Importantly, a healthy postnatal diet could not reverse any of these effects. In addition, we demonstrated that postnatal myogenesis was associated with a diet-independent upregulation of three miRNAs, mmu-miR-31-5p, mmu-miR-136-5p, and mmu-miR-296-5p. Furthermore, in vitro analysis confirmed the role of these miRNAs in myocyte proliferation. Our findings are the first to demonstrate that maternal overnutrition impairs markers of postnatal myogenesis in the offspring and are particularly relevant to today's society where the incidence of overweight/obesity in women of childbearing age is increasing.

Immunosuppression Withdrawal in Liver Transplant Recipients on Sirolimus.

As conversion from calcineurin inhibitor to sirolimus (SRL), a mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitor (mTOR-I), has been shown to enhance immunoregulatory profiles in liver transplant (LT) recipients (LTRs), mTOR-I therapy might allow for increased success of immunosuppression (IS) withdrawal. Our aim was to determine if operational tolerance could be observed in LTRs withdrawn from SRL and if blood/graft tolerance biomarkers were predictive of successful withdrawal. We performed a prospective trial of SRL monotherapy withdrawal in nonimmune, nonviremic LTRs > 3 years post-LT. SRL was weaned over ~6 months, and biopsies were performed 12 months postweaning or at concern for acute rejection. Twenty-one LTRs consented; 6 were excluded due to subclinical acute rejection on baseline biopsy or other reasons, and 15 underwent weaning (age 61.3±8.8years; LT to SRL weaning 6.7±3years). Eight (53%) achieved operational tolerance (TOL). Of the 7 who were nontolerant (non-TOL), 6 had mild acute rejection on biopsy near the end of weaning or at study end; 1 was removed from the trial due to liver cancer recurrence. At baseline preweaning, there were statistically increased blood tolerogenic dendritic cells and cell phenotypes correlating with chronic antigen presentation in the TOL versus non-TOL groups. A previously identified biopsy gene signature accurately predicted TOL versus non-TOL in 12/14 LTRs before weaning. At study end, biopsy staining revealed statistically significant increases in antigen-presenting cell:leukocyte pairings, FOXP3+ /CD4+ T cells, Tbet+ /CD8+ T cells, and lobular dendritic cells in the non-TOL group. This study evaluated IS withdrawal directly from mTOR-I therapy in LTRs and achieved > 50% operational tolerance. Preweaning gene expression and peripheral blood mononuclear cell profiling may be useful as predictors of successful mTOR-I therapy withdrawal. NCT02062944.

Temporal variation in foraging activity and grouping patterns in a mountain-dwelling herbivore: Environmental and endogenous drivers

In temperate ecosystems, seasonality influences animal behaviour. Food availability, weather, photoperiod and endogenous factors relevant to the biological cycle of individuals have been shown as major drivers of temporal changes in activity rhythms and group size/structure of herbivorous species. We evaluated how diurnal female foraging activity and grouping patterns of a mountain herbivore, the Apennine chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata, varied during a decreasing gradient of pasture availability along the summer-autumn progression (July–October), a crucial period for the life cycle of mountain ungulates.Females increased diurnal foraging activity, possibly because of constrains elicited by variation in environmental factors. Size of mixed groups did not vary, in contrast with the hypothesis that groups should be smaller when pasture availability is lower. Proportion of females in groups increased, possibly suggesting that they concentrated on patchily distributed nutritious forbs. Occurrence of yearlings in groups decreased, which may have depended on dispersal of chamois in this age class. Presence of kids in groups did not show variation through summer-autumn, suggesting a close mother-juvenile relationship even at the end of weaning and/or, possibly, low summer mortality. Both endogenous and environmental factors contribute to shape variation in foraging activity and grouping behaviour in mountain-dwelling herbivores.

Goat Milk Whey Improves Nutritional Status, Fecal Microbial Composition and Intestinal Morphology in Female Rats Fed a Westernized Diet and Their Offspring

This study evaluated whether supplementation with goat milk whey (GMW) affects the nutritional status, intestinal histology and intestinal microbial composition of female rats fed a westernized diet from gestation to lactation, as well as whether changes can be replicated in the offspring at the end of weaning and at 45 days of life. Pregnant female rats were randomized into four groups: control group (CSAL), control group supplemented with GMW (CGOAT), westernized group (WSAL) or westernized group supplemented with GMW (WGOAT). After weaning, half of offspring were euthanized and the rest of the offspring were maintained under the same treatment applied to dams, up to 45 days of life. Body weight, food intake, intestinal histology and counting of fecal microbial groups were determined in both female rats and offspring. The offspring supplemented with GMW showed decreased body weight at weaning. After weaning, groups supplemented with GMW showed reduced body weight and visceral fat, increased fecal lactobacilli counts in rats and offspring and attenuation of damages induced by the westernized diet on intestinal epithelial cells. GMW supplementation caused a positive effect on fecal microbial composition, intestinal morphology and induced reduction in weight gain and visceral fat in female rats and offspring fed westernized diet. These effects appear to be dependent on the animal’s age and period time of GMW supplementation.

Assessing the association between subsistence strategies and the timing of weaning among indigenous archaeological populations of the Caribbean

AbstractHuman breastfeeding is a biocultural process shaped by the interaction of numerous biological, cultural, economic, and social factors. Although previous studies have found that a society's subsistence economy alone does not determine weaning timing, subsistence may still have a profound effect on weaning food choices. This paper analyses nitrogen and carbon stable isotopes in bone collagen and apatite of individuals from six precolonial Caribbean sites grouped into four subsistence categories: Hunter‐Fisher‐Gatherers (Cueva del Perico I and Cueva Calero, Cuba), Horticulturalists (Canímar Abajo, Cuba), Agriculturalists from the Antilles (Paso del Indio, Puerto Rico), and Agriculturalists of Mesoamerica (Marco Gonzalez and San Pedro, Belize) in order to explore how subsistence economy affected the different groups' breastfeeding and weaning practices. Ages for the start and the end of weaning, and the isotopic characteristics of possible food sources used as supplements during the weaning process, were assessed using the Bayesian probability model “Weaning Age Reconstruction with Nitrogen isotopes.” Model results indicate (a) a major dietary change around 2 years of age for most of the study populations, (b) that supplements seem to have been introduced into nonadults diet at earlier ages than has been observed in ethnographic populations of the area, (c) no direct correlation between the start of weaning and the availability of cultigens, but (d) that groups that had access to cultigens would appear to have weaned their children using foods with lower nitrogen isotope values, suggesting that plants (likely domesticates) may have had an important role as weaning foods.

Dietary administration of the probiotic Shewanella putrefaciens Pdp11 promotes transcriptional changes of genes involved in growth and immunity in Solea senegalensis larvae

Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) has been proposed as a high-potential species for aquaculture diversification in Southern Europe. It has been demonstrated that a proper feeding regimen during the first life stages influences larval growth and survival, as well as fry and juvenile quality. The bacterial strain Shewanella putrefaciens Pdp11 (SpPdp11) has shown very good probiotic properties in Senegalese sole, but information is scarce about its effect in the earliest stages of sole development. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SpPdp11, bioencapsulated in live diet, administered during metamorphosis (10–21 dph) or from the first exogenous feeding of Senegalese sole (2–21 dph). To evaluate the persistence of the probiotic effect, we sampled sole specimens from metamorphosis until the end of weaning (from 23 to 73 dph). This study demonstrated that probiotic administration from the first exogenous feeding produced beneficial effects on Senegalese sole larval development, given that specimens fed this diet exhibited higher and less dispersed weight, as well as increases in both total protein concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity, and in non-specific immune response. Moreover, real-time PCR documented changes in the expression of a set of genes involved in central metabolic functions including genes related to growth, genes coding for proteases (including several digestive enzymes), and genes implicated in the response to stress and in immunity. Overall, these results support the application of SpPdp11 in the first life stages of S. senegalensis as an effective tool with the clear potential to benefit sole aquaculture.

EDC IMPACT: Reduced sperm counts in rats exposed to human relevant mixtures of endocrine disrupters.

Human semen quality is declining in many parts of the world, but the causes are ill defined. In rodents, impaired sperm production can be seen with early life exposure to certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals, but the effects of combined exposures are not properly investigated. In this study, we examined the effects of early exposure to the painkiller paracetamol and mixtures of human relevant endocrine-disrupting chemicals in rats. One mixture contained four estrogenic compounds; another contained eight anti-androgenic environmental chemicals and a third mixture contained estrogens, anti-androgens and paracetamol. All exposures were administered by oral gavage to time-mated Wistar dams rats (n = 16–20) throughout gestation and lactation. In the postnatal period, testicular histology was affected by the total mixture, and at the end of weaning, male testis weights were significantly increased by paracetamol and the high doses of the total and the anti-androgenic mixture, compared to controls. In all dose groups, epididymal sperm counts were reduced several months after end of exposure, i.e. at 10 months of age. Interestingly, the same pattern of effects was seen for paracetamol as for mixtures with diverse modes of action. Reduced sperm count was seen at a dose level reflecting human therapeutic exposure to paracetamol. Environmental chemical mixtures affected sperm count at the lowest mixture dose indicating an insufficient margin of safety for the most exposed humans. This causes concern for exposure of pregnant women to paracetamol as well as environmental endocrine disrupters.

Curve progression after long-term brace treatment in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: comparative results between over and under 30 Cobb degrees - SOSORT 2017 award winner

BackgroundThe factors influencing curve behavior following bracing are incompletely understood and there is no agreement if scoliotic curves stop progressing with skeletal maturity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the loss of the scoliotic curve correction in patients treated with bracing during adolescence and to compare patient outcomes of under and over 30 Cobb degrees, 10 years after brace removal.MethodsWe reviewed 93 (87 female) of 200 and nine patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who were treated with the Lyon or PASB brace at a mean of 15 years (range 10–35). All patients answered a simple questionnaire (including work status, pregnancy, and pain) and underwent clinical and radiological examination. The population was divided into two groups based on Cobb degrees (< 30° and > 30°). Statistical analysis was performed to test the efficacy of our hypothesis.ResultsThe patients underwent a long-term follow-up at a mean age of 184.1 months (±72.60) after brace removal. The pre-brace scoliotic mean curve was 32.28° (± 9.4°); after treatment, the mean was 19.35° and increased to a minimum of 22.12° in the 10 years following brace removal. However, there was no significant difference in the mean Cobb angle between the end of weaning and long term follow-up period (p = 0.105). The curve angle of patients who were treated with a brace from the beginning was reduced by 13° during the treatment, but the curve size lost 3° at the follow-up period.The groups over 30° showed a pre-brace scoliotic mean curve of 41.15°; at the end of weaning, the mean curve angle was 25.85° and increased to a mean of 29.73° at follow-up; instead, the groups measuring ≤ 30° showed a pre-brace scoliotic mean curve of 25.58°; at the end of weaning, it was reduced to a mean of 14.24° and it increased to 16.38° at follow-up.There was no significant difference in the mean progression of curve magnitude between the ≤ 30° and > 30° groups at the long-term follow-up.ConclusionsScoliotic curves did not deteriorate beyond their original curve size after bracing in both groups at the 15-year follow-ups. These results are in contrast with the history of this pathology that normally shows a progressive and lowly increment of the curve at skeletal maturity. Bracing is an effective treatment method characterized by positive long-term outcomes, including for patients demonstrating moderate curves.

Isotopic reconstruction of the weaning process in the archaeological population of Canímar Abajo, Cuba: A Bayesian probability mixing model approach.

The general lack of well-preserved juvenile skeletal remains from Caribbean archaeological sites has, in the past, prevented evaluations of juvenile dietary changes. Canímar Abajo (Cuba), with a large number of well-preserved juvenile and adult skeletal remains, provided a unique opportunity to fully assess juvenile paleodiets from an ancient Caribbean population. Ages for the start and the end of weaning and possible food sources used for weaning were inferred by combining the results of two Bayesian probability models that help to reduce some of the uncertainties inherent to bone collagen isotope based paleodiet reconstructions. Bone collagen (31 juveniles, 18 adult females) was used for carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses. The isotope results were assessed using two Bayesian probability models: Weaning Ages Reconstruction with Nitrogen isotopes and Stable Isotope Analyses in R. Breast milk seems to have been the most important protein source until two years of age with some supplementary food such as tropical fruits and root cultigens likely introduced earlier. After two, juvenile diets were likely continuously supplemented by starch rich foods such as root cultigens and legumes. By the age of three, the model results suggest that the weaning process was completed. Additional indications suggest that animal marine/riverine protein and maize, while part of the Canímar Abajo female diets, were likely not used to supplement juvenile diets. The combined use of both models here provided a more complete assessment of the weaning process for an ancient Caribbean population, indicating not only the start and end ages of weaning but also the relative importance of different food sources for different age juveniles.