Immunization Of Newborns Research Articles

Numerical investigation of fractional order SEIR models with newborn immunization using Vieta–Fibonacci wavelets

In this article, we investigate the dynamics of a fractional-order SEIR epidemic model with special emphasis on the vaccination of newborns. By incorporating vaccination directly into the SEIR framework, newborns bypass the susceptible stage and enter the immune class directly, which enhances herd immunity and contributes to the overall reduction in disease spread. A novel operational matrix method based on Vieta–Fibonacci wavelets is developed to approximate the fractional-order SEIR model that includes newborn immunization, where the fractional derivative is taken in the Caputo sense. To begin with, the operational matrices of fractional-order integration are obtained via block-pulse functions. These matrices convert the underlying model into a system of algebraic equations that can solved using any classical method, such as Newton’s iterative method, Broyden’s method, or fsolve command in MATLAB software. The Haar wavelet method is also discussed to show its applicability and efficiency. The obtained results lucidly illustrate the dynamics of susceptible, exposed, infected, and recovered populations during an infectious outbreak. The decline in susceptible and infected individuals reflects the disease’s progression, while vaccination significantly reduces infection peaks. Variations in the fractional parameter α and transmission factor β reveal the influence of these variables on the disease outbreak, with higher values of β leading to rapid transmission. The chaotic attractors of the fractional-order SEIR epidemic model with newborn immunization are graphically represented using Vieta–Fibonacci wavelets.

Maternal-Newborn ABO Blood Groups and Risk of Bacterial Infection in Newborns

Newborn immunity largely relies on maternal-fetal transfer of antibodies in utero. Incongruency in ABO blood groups between a mother and newborn may be associated with protection against serious infections, but data specific to newborn bacterial infections are lacking. To ascertain the association between maternal-newborn ABO blood group incongruence and lower risk of bacterial infection in newborns. This cohort study used linked patient-level datasets for all singleton live births between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2020, in hospitals and health centers in Ontario, Canada. The cohort comprised maternal-newborn pairs with known ABO blood groups. Data analysis was conducted between February and May 2024. Maternal-newborn ABO blood group incongruence vs congruence. The primary outcome was a bacterial infection arising in newborns within 30 days of birth. Bacterial infection was cultured from either blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, or lung specimen. Secondary outcomes were a bacterial infection with 7 days and 90 days of birth. Modified Poisson regression generated adjusted relative risks (ARRs) and 95% CIs, adjusted for neonatal sex and preterm birth. A total of 138 207 maternal-newborn pairs (maternal mean [SD] age, 31.8 [5.1] years among those with ABO blood group incongruency and 31.5 [5.1] years among those with ABO blood group congruency; newborn mean [SD] gestational age, 38.5 [2.3] weeks among those with incongruency and 38.4 [2.5] weeks among those with congruency; 19 475 males [51.3%] with incongruency and 52 041 males [51.9%] with congruency) were analyzed. Of these pairs, 37 953 (27.5%) had ABO blood group incongruency and 100 254 (72.5%) had ABO blood group congruency. Within 30 days of birth, 328 (8.6 per 1000) newborns in the incongruent group and 1029 (10.3 per 1000) newborns in the congruent group experienced a bacterial infection, corresponding to an ARR of 0.91 (95% CI, 0.81-1.03). The ARRs for bacterial infection within 7 days and 90 days of birth were 0.89 (95% CI, 0.73-1.09) and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.78-0.94), respectively. This cohort study found no association between maternal-newborn ABO blood group incongruence and risk of bacterial infection in newborns within 30 and 7 days of birth. However, incongruence was associated with a decreased risk of bacterial infection within 90 days of birth.

“Assess The Knowledge And Attitude Regarding Colostrum Feeding Among Antenatal Mothers In The I.G.M Hospital, Agartala, Tripura, With A View To Develop A Leaflet On Importance Of Colostrum’’-A Descriptive Study

Numerous cultural customs and beliefs that are common during the postpartum period suggest that some mothers could choose not to feed their new-born right away. They offer sugar water, plain water, honey, etc. in place of "COLOSTRUM," a method that suppresses lactating and depletes the newborn's immunity. For the baby, colostrum feeding works best. It is crucial in lowering new-born mortality and morbidity rates. Antenatal mothers should be knowledgeable about colostrum feeding and have a favourable outlook about it. Even Nevertheless, it is customary in hospitals to start right away after delivery. Thus, it is believed that breastfeeding should begin when colostrum is still being generated in order to reduce new-born mortality. Therefore, the purpose of the study to Identify the knowledge of antenatal mother’s regarding colostrum and willingness to practice of colostrum feeding among the antenatal mothers

Analysis of the immune response using FTIR spectroscopy in mothers and their newborns with different vaccination schemes for COVID-19

The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has provoked more than 6 million deaths worldwide. The scarcity of effective treatments and its virulence converted the vaccines into an essential tool to face it. The most used vaccines were the mRNA, adenovirus vector, and inactivated whole-virus. However, nowadays, infants aged < 6 months are not eligible for any vaccines against COVID-19, and their immunization relies on passive immunity. In this research, we investigated the humoral and cellular immune response generated on newborns of SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated mothers with mRNA or viral vector (VV) vaccine employing Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in saliva samples. For this purpose, saliva samples of newborns and their mothers were collected; the population was divided into two groups, VV and mRNA, which were subdivided into three subgroups: before pregnancy (BP), at the first (FTP) and second (STP) trimesters of pregnancy. The samples were analyzed using FTIR spectroscopy, and the bands associated with the humoral and cellular immune responses, such as IgG, IgA, and IFN-γ were analyzed. The integrated areas were calculated and compared to elucidate the quantity of those immunoglobins and the cytokine. Likewise, the correlation of the humoral and cellular immune response between the newborns and their mothers and the correlation between cellular and humoral immune response was also evaluated. The VV vaccine produced a significant humoral and cellular immune response in newborns and their mothers when they received it at the STP compared with the mRNA vaccine, evidencing statistical significance. However, no correlation was observed between newborns and their mothers when the vaccine was applied in this trimester of pregnancy. When administered BP, the mRNA vaccine generated more humoral immunity in newborns and their mothers. Nevertheless, compared with the VV vaccine, it only showed statistical significance in the mothers, highlighting that IgG showed a moderate positive correlation between the newborns and their mothers.

Enteral plasma feeding improves gut function and immunity in piglets after birth asphyxia.

Birth asphyxia may negatively affect gut function and immunity in newborns. Conversely, immunomodulatory milk diets may protect the gut and immune system against damage caused by asphyxia. Using caesarean-derived pigs as models, we hypothesised that enteral feeding with plasma improves gut and immune functions in asphyxiated newborns. Near-term pig fetuses (98% gestation,) were delivered by caesarean section after 8 min umbilical cord occlusion, leading to transient birth asphyxia (ASP, n = 75) and compared with non-occluded controls (CON, n = 69). Piglets were further randomised to supplementation with/without porcine plasma (plasma, PLA/vehicle, VEH), into bovine colostrum (first 24 h) or formula (until 72 h). Compared with CON, ASP piglets took longer to achieve stable respiration and showed reduced blood pH, weight gain and survival. Independent of asphyxia, plasma supplementation reduced gut haemorrhagic lesions, permeability and inflammatory cytokines together with improved villous morphology and brush-border enzyme activities. Asphyxia reduced blood cytokine responses to ex vivo bacterial stimulation, whereas plasma supplementation ameliorated this effect. Dietary plasma supplementation improves survival, gut functions and immunity in both normal and asphyxiated newborns. The components in plasma that mediate gut-protective effects in piglets remain to be identified, but may benefit also birth-compromised newborn infants. Complicated deliveries leading to birth asphyxia, may negatively affect gut, liver and immune adaptation in the first days after birth. Using a model of birth asphyxia in caesarean-derived piglets, we show that enteral feeding with maternal plasma exerts gut maturational and immunomodulatory effects in both control and asphyxiated animals in the first days of life. The mechanisms behind the gut-protective effects of plasma are unknown, but plasma components hold potential for new oral therapies for compromised newborn infants as well as piglets.

Inborn errors of immunity in Canadian First Nations and Nunavut Inuit Children: the tip of the iceberg

Abstract Objectives Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are a heterogeneous group of genetic diseases that impact normal immune development and function. Individual IEI are rare, but collectively, can represent an important health burden. Little is known about the types of IEI seen in Canadian First Nations (FN) and Inuit populations. We sought to understand the spectrum of serious IEI in FN and Nunavut Inuit children, as a starting point for improving the awareness of these conditions in the community and for health care workers. Methods A questionnaire was distributed to participating Canadian pediatric tertiary-care centers. Providers were asked to report cases of confirmed or suspected severe immunodeficiencies seen in FN and Nunavut Inuit children. Results From 2004 to 2022, IEI were reported in 63 FN and 21 Inuit children by 4 pediatric hospitals across 3 Canadian provinces. The majority of cases were immunodeficiencies affecting cellular and humoral immunity (62% of cases in FN and 57% in Inuit children). IKBKB deficiency, adenosine-deaminase severe combined immune deficiency (SCID), and chronic granulomatous disease were the most common IEI. A wide variety of other IEI was reported, many of which would not be detected by current newborn screening for SCID and for which live-attenuated vaccines would have been contraindicated. Conclusions IEI occur in FN and Inuit children and may be underrecognized. Better understanding the prevalence of these conditions in specific communities could help inform public health policies including newborn screening and immunization programs and ultimately improve the health of FN and Inuit children in Canada.

556 Maternal Opioid Use Leads to Aberrant Maternal and Fetal Immunity

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Maternal opioid use disorder (OUD) is linked to poor fetal outcomes. While it has been established that opioids can cross from maternal to fetal circulation, the mechanisms underlying these adverse outcomes remain poorly defined. This study aims to uncover OUD-associated immunological changes in maternal and fetal circulation. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: To study the effect of maternal OUD on the maternal immune system at delivery, we collected maternal blood samples at delivery from healthy pregnant women (controls) and pregnant women with a diagnosis of severe OUD. To study the impact of maternal OUD on newborn immunity, we also collected umbilical cord blood (UCB) at delivery. Flow cytometry was used to determine the frequency and phenotype of circulating immune cell subsets and responses to stimulation. Isolated monocytes were stimulated with bacterial/viral agonist cocktails, while T and NK cells were stimulated with PMA/ionomycin. The impact of maternal OUD on circulating immune mediators was determined by Luminex and on monocyte activation markers sCD14 and CRP by ELISA. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: In maternal circulation, OUD was associated with a significant decrease in markers of inflammation, cell proliferation, and activation. Frequencies of immune cell subsets were impacted by OUD, shown by an expansion of CD8+ EMRA T cells, marginal-zone B cells, mDCs, non-classical monocytes, and CD16low NK cells. While no differences were seen in T and NK cell responses to stimulation, monocytes and pDCs had significantly lower responses to bacterial and viral agonist stimulation. Analysis of UCB revealed increased levels of pro-apoptotic/T cell exhaustion mediators and pro-inflammatory cytokines, albeit decreased levels of several chemokines and growth factors. The UCB immune landscape is altered with maternal OUD, as demonstrated by a shift from naive to memory CD8+ T cells and a decrease in pDC frequency. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: OUD dampens maternal peripheral immunity, possibly contributing to poor placental function or premature/delayed labor. Monocytes and pDCs lack antimicrobial functionality, suggesting increased infection susceptibility with OUD. Finally, these implications extend to the fetal compartment, shown by heightened immune activation in UCB.

Коклюш у детей раннего возраста: риски неблагоприятного течения и современные подходы к профилактике

Objective. To analyze the features of whooping cough in patients under 1 year of age and the state of transplacental protection in children under 1 month of age in modern conditions. Patients and methods. The clinical analysis of whooping cough features in children under 1 year of age is based on observations of 424 patients hospitalized in the Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases No 1 in the period of 2017–2019. To verify whooping cough, PCR and ELISA methods were used with the Ridascreen/Bordetella pertussis test system (R-biofarm AMG, Germany), which allows detecting antibodies of various classes (IgM, IgG, IgA). Serological screening to detect antibodies to pertussis antigens was carried out in 52 children under the age of 1 month, hospitalized in various hospitals for newborns in Moscow. Results. Analysis of clinical forms showed that among hospitalized patients, severe forms were observed much more often among children aged 1–3 months, accounting for 38.0 ± 3.8% (63 children) versus 7.0 ± 2.4% (8 children) aged 4–6 months (p &lt; 0.001) and 5.6 ± 1.9% (8 children) aged 7–12 months (p &lt; 0.001). In all age groups, moderate severity of the disease prevailed, occurring in 59.6 ± 3.8%, 86.8 ± 3.2%, and 90.3 ± 2.5% of children, respectively. Analysis of antibodies transplacental transfer in newborns showed that IgG antibodies were detected below the threshold level in 37 (71.1 ± 6.3%) blood serum samples, 3 (5.8 ± 3.2%) corresponded to the threshold values, and 12 (23.3 ± 5.8%) were above the threshold. The predominance of seronegative children proportion suggests a possible high risk of the disease in children of this age with severe forms of whooping cough. Conclusion. Given the severe course and the presence of fatal outcomes in children of the first months of life, it is advisable to vaccinate pregnant women to create passive immunity in newborns. Key words: whooping cough, clinical forms, antibodies, newborns, passive immunity

Regulatory T cell homing and activation is a signature of neonatal sepsis.

Regulatory T cells (Treg) play a prominent role in utero tolerating non-inherited maternal antigens and in regulating immune responses against pathogens at birth. This study investigates Treg immunity in newborns in West Africa, where sepsis remains a major public health problem. Treg phenotypes on neonates subgroups with early-onset sepsis (EOS), presumed sepsis, and healthy newborn with and without prenatal risk factors were evaluated. Treg phenotypes varied according to prenatal conditions, with increase in Treg frequency and Foxp3 expression in healthy newborns with prenatal risk factors compared to those with none risk. Compared to healthy newborns with prenatal risk factors, EOS neonates had a significantly reduced frequency of Treg and Foxp3 expression. In the Treg pool, higher frequency of activated Treg was observed in EOS neonates, suggesting an in-utero activation upstream of the sepsis onset. Their migration to the infection site may explain the reduced frequency of circulating Integrin α4β1+ Treg suggestive of homing to the endothelial tissue. EOS neonates show increases expression of CTLA-4, PD-1 and CD39 on Treg, which negatively regulate the activation of effector T cells (Teff) corroborating by the lower frequency of Teff in EOS neonates. The higher frequency of CD39+ Treg and the lower frequency of integrinα4β1+ Treg in EOS non-survivor suggests that Treg exhaustement and endothelial homing are associated with outcome severity. Neonates developing EOS are born with an altered Treg phenotypic profile. Treg expression of CTLA-4, PD-1, CD39, and integrinα4β1 cell markers can be considered as early warning or diagnostic markers of EOS.

Lactoferrin Supplementation Induced Awassi Lambs Production with High Immunity and Iron Levels

Background: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports indicate an increasing demand for animal products in the Near East and North Africa, surpassing production rates. This necessitates a focus on enhancing animal production, particularly sheep breeding, which is prevalent in the region. Newborn lamb morbidity and mortality are significant economic losses for sheep farms, attributed to deficiencies in immunoglobulins at birth. Colostrum intake is crucial for newborn immunity and growth, containing vital immunoglobulins and antibodies. Lactoferrin, a key component in colostrum, plays a role in boosting the immune system and nutrient absorption. Methods: This study was conducted at the Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tikrit, from November 1, 2023, to February 1, 2024. Fifteen Awassi lambs were divided into three groups: control (no lactoferrin), 1 g/day lactoferrin, and 3 g/day lactoferrin. Blood samples were collected at 30, 60, and 90 days of age to measure concentrations of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA), iron, transferrin, and transferrin saturation. The analysis was performed using radial immunodiffusion, Cobas C6000 automatic analyzer, and Alisa (Stat Fax 2400). Results: At 30 days, the lambs receiving lactoferrin showed significantly higher IgG levels compared to the control group. IgG concentrations were 13.20 ± 0.1 mg/ml (3 g lactoferrin) and 10.40 ± 0.3 mg/ml (1 g lactoferrin), compared to 9.30 ± 2.1 mg/ml in the control group. No significant differences were observed in IgM and IgA levels among the groups. Iron concentrations showed no significant differences at 30 days, but transferrin levels were significantly lower in the 3 g lactoferrin group (2.10 ± 0.30 mg/ml) compared to the control (2.90 ± 0.12 mg/ml) and 1 g lactoferrin (2.80 ± 0.16 mg/ml) groups. At 60 and 90 days, iron concentrations were significantly higher in the lactoferrin groups compared to the control. Conclusion: The administration of lactoferrin significantly enhances the concentration of immunoglobulins and iron in the blood of newborn Awassi lambs, indicating improved immune function and nutrient absorption.

Features of the functioning of the natural defense mechanisms of piglets under the influence of immunotropic substances

The number of studies related to detailed characteristics of immune system development in early stages of ontogenesis are directed to expansion of concepts of mechanisms of inherent and adaptive immunity in premature newborns. However, discrepancy in publication data and absence of clear conceptions about unique features of immune system in newborn piglets for different gestation periods have significant actuality for further investigation. The study was carried out to establish characteristics of phenotypic and functional characteristics of the immune cells and establishment of adaptive immunity in piglets. The antibody repertoire of sow has interested immunologists for decades, in part because of the ease with which large quantities of high affinity antibodies can be observed in serum, and into other fluids because of the presence of genetic variants for both light and heavy chain of all known immunoglobulin types. The integrative analysis of the cellular and humoral immunity in piglets during early ontogenesis carried out to clarify the exact mechanisms of the immune response modulation. Effectiveness and selectivity of the immunotropic chemicals application to regulate immune cell populations in piglets is presented. The progress in immune cell populations is regulated by the various cytokines production in the universal concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, the development of the immune functions cross reacts with innate immunity mechanisms including anti-bacterial enzymes, epithelial barrier integrity in the both skin and intestine. The interaction between multiple components of innate immunity is a critic initiator of the dynamic changes in adaptive immunity. The natural resistance targets to the establishment of infection root and delays disease progression. The duration of the exposure to colostrum in important role in the dynamics of immune response as well as its efficacy. The chapter discusses the plural mechanisms so far proposed to be responsible for the modulation natural resistance.

I-MoMCARE: Innovative Mobile Technology for Maternal and Child Health Care in Cambodia—study protocol of a cluster randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe Government of Cambodia established the village health support groups (VHSGs) in 2003 to facilitate primary healthcare activities, including maternal and child health (MCH) services. However, VHSGs face several challenges that hinder them from performing optimally, including a lack of regular structured training and remuneration and limited and inconsistent support and supervision from the health centers (HCs). This implementation research aims to develop, implement, and evaluate a digital health intervention to improve the performance of VHSGs through better support and supervision and increase the MCH service coverage in rural Cambodia.Methodsi-MoMCARE, a two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial, will be conducted between 2022 and 2025. Five operational districts (ODs) have been randomized to an intervention arm and the other five ODs to the control arm. The intervention will last for 24 months. Around 200 VHSGs in the intervention arm will be equipped with a mobile application as a job aid and 20 HC staff with a web interface to improve support and supervision of VHSGs. The potential beneficiaries will include pregnant women, mothers, and children under 2 years old. We will measure the outcomes at baseline and endline. The primary outcomes will consist of a composite MCH index constructed from maternal and newborn care indicators, child immunization, and treatment of under-two children. Secondary outcomes will include coverage of selected MCH services. We will conduct the intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses. We will conduct qualitative interviews with selected beneficiaries and stakeholders to evaluate the intervention’s acceptability, feasibility, and scalability. We will also conduct a cost-effective analysis using decision-analytic modeling incorporating a societal perspective that explores different time horizons, intervention effects, and when scaled up to the national level.Discussioni-MoMCARE is expected to increase MCH service access and coverage in rural Cambodia. It will contribute to advancing digital health use in primary healthcare interventions, which remains in its infancy in the country. Furthermore, the study findings will be a valuable addition to a growing body of literature on the effectiveness and feasibility of mobile health to improve coverage of MCH services in rural low- and middle-income country settings.Trial registrationClinicalTrial.gov NCT05639595. Registered on 06 December 2022.

Mid-infrared spectroscopy for large-scale phenotyping of bovine colostrum gross composition and immunoglobulin concentration

Immunoglobulin G is the fundamental antibody for acquisition of passive transfer of immunity in ruminant newborns. Colostrum, in fact, must be administered as soon as possible after birth to ensure a successful transfer of IgG from the dam to the calf. Assessment of colostrum Ig concentration and gross composition via gold standards is expensive, time consuming, and hardly implementable for large-scale investigations. Therefore, in the present study we evaluated the predictive ability of mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIRS) as an indirect determination method. A total of 714 colostrum samples collected within 6 h from parturition from Italian Holstein cows, 30% primiparous and 70% pluriparous, were scanned using a benchtop spectrometer after dilution in pure water. The prediction models were developed by correlating spectral information with the reference measurements: IgG concentration (93.54 ± 33.87 g/L), total Ig concentrations (102.82 ± 35.04 g/L), and content of protein (14.71 ± 3.51%), fat (4.61 ± 3.04%), and lactose (2.36 ± 0.51 mg/100 mg). We found a good to excellent performance in prediction of colostrum IgG concentration and traditional composition traits in cross-validation (R2CV ≥ 0.92) and a promising and good predictive ability in external validation with R2V equal to 0.84, 0.89, and 0.74 for IgG, protein, and fat, respectively. In the case of IgG and protein content, for example, the coefficient of determination in external validation was greater than 0.84. The other Ig fractions, A and M, presented insufficient prediction accuracy likely due to their extremely low concentration compared with IgG (4.56 and 5.06 g/L vs. 93.54 g/L). The discriminant ability of MIRS-predicted IgG and protein content was outstanding when trying to classify samples according to the quality level (i.e., low vs. high concentration of IgG). In particular, the cut-off that better discriminate low- from high-quality colostrum was 75.40 g/L in the case of the MIRS-predicted IgG and 13.32% for the MIRS-predicted protein content. Therefore, MIRS is proposed as a rapid and cheap tool for large-scale punctual IgG, protein, and lactose quantification and for the screening of low-quality samples. From a practical perspective, there is the possibility to install colostrum models in the MIRS benchtop machineries already present in laboratories in charge of official milk testing. Colostrum phenotypes collected on an individual basis will be useful to breeders for the definition of specific selection strategies and to farmers for management scopes. Finally, our findings may be relevant for other stakeholders, given the fact that colostrum is an emerging ingredient for the animal and human food and pharmaceutical industry.

Computed Tomographic Features of Thymus in Dogs: Correlation with Age, Gender, Breed and Body Fat Content.

The thymus is the first lymphoid organ formed to regulate a newborn's immunity. It reaches its maximum size during puberty, after which it undergoes an atrophic procedure called involution, but its ability to grow again in response to some stresses, such as infections, neoplasia, surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy is maintained. There is no comprehensive study on computed tomographic features of thymus in dogs. So, the goal of the present study is to gain better insight into the thymus using computed tomography as a non-invasive method. One hundred and fifty dogs classified in five age groups and five breed groups were recruited to this study and the thymus was evaluated using a 2-slice computed tomography machine. The inclusion criteria for the present study were having a normal complete blood count, plain and post-contrast CT scan examination of the thoracic region and no history of neoplasia, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The visibility, density, enhancement, grade, size, volume, shape, borders and lateralization of the thymus were evaluated and statistical analysis was performed. The effect of obesity on thymic grade and volume was also investigated. The visibility, density, dorsal length, volume and grade decreased with increasing age. The thymic shape and lateralization were mostly wedge shaped and left sided, respectively. The borders became concave with aging and increasing body fat content caused an increase in the fatty degeneration of the thymus. Declining thymic density, grade, size and volume with aging are related to thymic involution and fatty degeneration was accelerated by increasing body fat content. Females and males were different only in thymic shape and small and large breeds were different only in thymic volume. The thymus was visible in some geriatric dogs with no underlying disease. We expect that the present work can be used by radiologists in reading thoracic computed tomography but investigation of thymic characteristics in dogs with neoplasia and history of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and thoracic surgeries can complete this study.

Differential average daily gain of pregnant Holstein × Gyr dairy heifers causes placental adaptations to support fetal growth and development

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of differential average daily gain targets of dairy heifers throughout gestation on placental hemodynamics, uterine involution, colostrum production of the heifers, and effects on newborn calf weight and immunity transfer. Fourteen Holstein × Gyr heifers with an average body weight of 446 ± 46.7 kg and age of 25 ± 3.9 mo were randomly assigned to the following treatments: moderate body weight gain (MOD, n = 7), where heifers were fed to achieve 0.50 kg/d; and high body weight gain (HIG, n = 7), where heifers were fed to achieve 0.75 kg/d. Target average daily gains were established based on common tropical dairy production systems. The heifers received a total mixed ration feed twice daily starting at 70 d of gestation. Placentome vascularization was assessed using a color Doppler ultrasound at 180, 210, and 240 d of gestation. After calving, cotyledons were counted and sampled to analyze the mRNA expression of placental angiogenesis markers. After birth, calves were weighed and fed colostrum, and transfer of passive immunity efficiency was assessed. A significant increase in cotyledons was detected for MOD placenta soon after expulsion (81.5 ± 12.91 vs. 63.6 ± 10.52). Placentome vascularization at the final third of gestation increased for MOD heifers compared with HIG. Greater mRNA expression after membrane expulsion of VEGFB and IGFR1 in cotyledons and a greater estradiol concentration in circulation 1 d before calving was found for MOD heifers compared with HIG heifers; however, uterine involution postpartum was not different between treatment groups. Greater colostrum production was observed in HIG heifers (3.9 ± 1.05 vs. 2.2 ± 1.57 L) but with lower quality (25.2 ± 0.51 vs. 29.5 ± 0.65 Brix). No differences were observed in birth weight or transfer of passive immunity efficiency between treatments; however, HIG calves had significantly greater vitality scores than MOD calves. The results of this study indicate that a moderate feeding regimen enhances placental blood flow by increasing angiogenesis, which suggests improved nutrient transfer to the fetus without major effects on its development during the neonatal stage, colostrum production, or uterine involution in the heifers.

RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS PATHOLOGY, TREATMENT AND POSSIBILITY OF PROPHYLAXIS BY VACCINATION

Background: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality among children under one year old, in the context of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) of viral etiology. RSV belongs to the family Pneumoviridae, order Mononegavirales and is a filamentous enveloped virus in the genus Orthopneumovirus. Methods: We screened PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC), ScienceDirect and Google Scholar clinical trials in different phases and several national and international guidelines on the subject of treatment and prevention of RSV infections, using specific keywords. Results: Several methods have been tried over time to achieve primary prophylaxis in the case of RSV. Longacting monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), active immunization of children and passive immunization of newborns through maternal immunization were among the tested methods. For the geriatric and immunocompromised patients, three approaches were used in the search for a vaccine: nucleic acids, subunits of the nucleic acids and other vectors to create a safe and efficient product. For the groups at risk, RSV immunization would be the most efficient form of prevention. As a result, understanding the viral structure and its interaction at the cellular level is critical. The virus can connect to a variety of receptors, demonstrating the complexity of the pathogenic process by which it expresses itself, CX3 chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1), annexin II and Toll-like receptors being among the most well-known. Conclusions: Although multiple vaccines are being tested in clinical trials for neonates, geriatric patients and patients with comorbidities, none is currently licensed. Palivizumab, a monoclonal antibody authorized in 1998, is now used for prophylaxis.

The content of leukocytes with sex chromatin in the blood and bone marrow of newborn mice

In the colostrum period, in the formation of immunity in newborns, a significant role belongs to colostrum cells, namely, lymphocytes. The synthesis of colostrum by the mammary gland is an important component for the further growth and development of offspring. Lymphocytes, getting into the body of a newborn with colostrum, activate the system of cellular immunity. In newborns, leukocytes with Barr bodies are found in the blood and bone marrow and, therefore, are maternal leukocytes transferred to the newborn along with colostrum. Sex chromatin (or Barr's body) is found in the cells of females only. Given this fact, it was interesting for us to detect the presence of leukocytes with Barra bodies in the blood and red bone marrow of newborn male mice. The aim of our study was to identify the presence of leukocytes with sex chromatin in the blood and bone marrow of newborn mice. The blood and bone marrow of newborn male mice of the colostrum period were used for the study. Prepared blood and red bone marrow preparations were examined using immersion optics. The study of the leukogram showed that in 3-day-old male mice there is a change in the blood profile from neutrophilic to lymphocytic. The ratio of lymphocytes and segmented neutrophils was 62,44±1,73 % and 42,34±1,56 %, respectively. At the same time, sex chromatin was found in 4,13± 1,35 % lymphoid cells, while in the red bone marrow of newborn male mice, 13,26±1,84 % lymphocytes were cells of maternal origin (p&lt;0,001). Lymphocytes with maternal sex chromosomes penetrate into the central organs of the immune system of the newborn male mouse. In the colostrum, the content of lymphoid cells in the secretion of the mammary gland increases. The transfer, with colostrum, of immunity from the mother to the newborn is not only passive, but also the foundation is laid for the normal functioning of the immune system in the future. Colostrum cells are the basis of colostral cellular immunity. As a result, the newborn establishes a stable and long-term immunity.

The Pregnancy, Arsenic, and Immune Response (PAIR) Study in rural northern Bangladesh.

Arsenic exposure and micronutrient deficiencies may alter immune reactivity to influenza vaccination in pregnant women, transplacental transfer of maternal antibodies to the foetus, and maternal and infant acute morbidity. The Pregnancy, Arsenic, and Immune Response (PAIR) Study was designed to assess whether arsenic exposure and micronutrient deficiencies alter maternal and newborn immunity and acute morbidity following maternal seasonal influenza vaccination during pregnancy. The PAIR Study recruited pregnant women across a large rural study area in Gaibandha District, northern Bangladesh, 2018-2019. Prospective, longitudinal pregnancy and birth cohort. We conducted home visits to enrol pregnant women in the late first or early second trimester (11-17 weeks of gestational age). Women received a quadrivalent seasonal inactivated influenza vaccine at enrolment. Follow-up included up to 13 visits between enrolment and 3 months postpartum. Arsenic was measured in drinking water and maternal urine. Micronutrient deficiencies were assessed using plasma biomarkers. Vaccine-specific antibody titres were measured in maternal and infant serum. Weekly telephone surveillance ascertained acute morbidity symptoms in women and infants. We enrolled 784 pregnant women between October 2018 and March 2019. Of 784 women who enrolled, 736 (93.9%) delivered live births and 551 (70.3%) completed follow-up visits to 3 months postpartum. Arsenic was detected (≥0.02 μg/L) in 99.7% of water specimens collected from participants at enrolment. The medians (interquartile ranges) of water and urinary arsenic at enrolment were 5.1 (0.5, 25.1)μg/L and 33.1 (19.6, 56.5)μg/L, respectively. Water and urinary arsenic were strongly correlated (Spearman's ⍴=0.72) among women with water arsenic ≥ median but weakly correlated (⍴=0.17) among women with water arsenic < median. The PAIR Study is well positioned to examine the effects of low-moderate arsenic exposure and micronutrient deficiencies on immune outcomes in women and infants. NCT03930017.

The safety of pneumococcal vaccines at the time of sequential schedule: data from surveillance of adverse events following 13-valent conjugated pneumococcal and 23-valent polysaccharidic pneumococcal vaccines in newborns and the elderly, in Puglia (Italy), 2013-2020.

Nowadays, two types of anti-pneumococcal vaccine are available: pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV13), first licensed in the United States (US) in 2013, and pneumococcal 23-valent polysaccaridic vaccine (PPSV23), first licensed in the US in 1999. These vaccines are recommended in Italy for the immunization of newborns and of the elderly, using a combined sequential schedule for the latter. This report aims to describe the PCV13- and PPSV23-related AEFIs notified in Puglia in 2013-2020, in order to design these products' safety profile in a real-life scenario, three years after the official recommendation about the sequential schedule for people over 60 years of age. This is a retrospective observational study. Data were gathered from the list of AEFIs notified following PCV13 and PPSV23 administration in Puglia in 2013-2020. The number of administered vaccine doses was obtained from the regional immunization database. AEFIs were classified according to WHO's algorithm, and causality assessment was carried out in case of serious AEFIs. From January 2013 to December 2020, 764,183 doses of PCV13 and 40,382 doses of PPSV23 were administered in Puglia. In the same period, 71 PCV13 AEFIs (Reporting Rate: 9.29 x100,000 doses) and 5 PPSV23 AEFIs (Reporting Rate: 12.4 x100,000 doses) were reported. The overall male/female ratio in AEFIs was 0.85. The majority of AEFIs occurred in subjects aged less than 2 (64/76, 84.2%), while 10 out of 76 (13.2%) occurred in patients aged 60 or older. 22 AEFIs were classified as serious and for 12 (54.5%) causality assessment showed a consistent relationship with immunization. The most commonly reported symptoms were fever (Reporting Rate: 4.72 x100,000 doses) and neurological symptoms (Reporting Rate: 3.23 x100,000 doses). Only one death was notified, classified as non-vaccine-related. The benefit of pneumococcal vaccination appears to be greater than the risk of AEFIs for both PCV13 and PPSV23. In fact, AEFIs occur in less than 0.1‰ of patients and the majority of AEFIs are mild and self-limiting.

The utilization of systematic review evidence in formulating India's National Health Programme guidelines between 2007 and 2021.

Evidence-informed policymaking integrates the best available evidence on programme outcomes to guide decisions at all stages of the policy process and its importance becomes more pronounced in resource-constrained settings. In this paper, we have reviewed the use of systematic review evidence in framing National Health Programme (NHP) guidelines in India. We searched official websites of the different NHPs, linked to the main website of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), in December 2020 and January 2021. NHP guideline documents with systematic review evidence were identified and information on the use of this evidence was extracted. We classified the identified systematic review evidence according to its use in the guideline documents and analysed the data to provide information on the different factors and patterns linked to the use of systematic review evidence in these documents. Systematic reviews were mostly visible in guideline documents addressing maternal and newborn health, communicable diseases and immunization. These systematic reviews were cited in the guidelines to justify the need for action, to justify recommendations for action and opportunities for local adaptation, and to highlight implementation challenges and justify implementation strategies. Guideline documents addressing implementation cited systematic reviews about the problems and policy options more often than citing systematic reviews about implementation. Systematic reviews were linked directly to support statements in few guideline documents, and sometimes the reviews were not appropriately cited. Most of the systematic reviews providing information on the nature and scale of the policy problem included Indian data. It was seen that since 2014, India has been increasingly using systematic review evidence for public health policymaking, particularly for some of its high-priority NHPs. This complements the increasing investment in research synthesis centres and procedures to support evidence-informed decision making, demonstrating the continued evolution of India's evidence policy system.