Interaction Of Day Research Articles

Thermoforming Vacuum Packaging Influences Fresh Pork Loin Chop Characteristics.

The storage duration of fresh meat products is a contributing factor leading to increased waste and loss at the retail counter. Losses of fresh pork can be linked to packaging methods that do not protect the attributes of color, taste, and odors consumers use in determining wholesome meat. Boneless pork loins (N = 63) were fabricated into 2.54-cm-thick chops and assigned to one of three vacuum treatments (VacA, VacB, VacC) or a fourth polyvinyl chloride overwrap (PVC) treatment to assess objective fresh color, cook loss, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), and lipid oxidation. Pork chops (n = 882) were evaluated at 5-day intervals (D 0, 5, 10, 15) in a randomized complete block design. Pork chop surface color was lighter (L*; p < 0.0001) when stored in a vacuum compared to PVC-packaged loin chops, regardless of storage duration. Redness (a*) values were greater (p < 0.0001) for loin chops stored in PVC than all other vacuum packaging treatments throughout the entire 15-day display period. Relative values for chroma on PVC-packaged loin chops were greater (p < 0.0001) throughout the simulated retail display period. An interaction of day and packaging treatment (p < 0.0343) occurred for WBSF. Lipid oxidation for pork chops packaged using PVC was significantly greater (p < 0.0001) from Day 10 through the completion of the storage period. Results indicate that vacuum packaging limits the deterioration of fresh pork loin chops, whereas traditional overwrapping expedites the color and lipid oxidation during refrigerated storage.

Relationship between Workload, Psychological State and Recovery in Female Soccer Athletes.

This study assessed the multifaceted relations between measures of workload, psychological state, and recovery throughout an entire soccer season in female collegiate soccer athletes (19.8±1.2 yrs, 132±12.3 lbs, 63±3.2 in). A prospective longitudinal study was utilized to measure workload (GPS training load, Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE), psychological state (mental stress, mental fatigue, and mood), and recovery (sleep duration, sleep quality, and soreness), during 90 observations (59 training sessions and 21 games). Separate linear-mixed effect models were used to assess outcomes of RPE, soreness, and sleep duration. A linear mixed-effects model explained 59% of the variance in RPE following each session. Specifically, each standard deviation increase in GPS load and mental stress in the morning prior to training increased RPE by 1.46 (SE=0.08) and 0.29 (SE=0.07), respectively, following that day's training. Furthermore, a significant interaction was found between several predictor variables and chronological day in the season while predicting RPE. Specifically, for each standard deviation increase in GPS load, RPE went up by 0.0055 per day during the season suggesting that load had a higher impact on RPE as the season progressed. In contrast, the interaction of day by mental stress, sleep duration, and soreness continued to be stronger as the season progressed. Each linear mixed-effect model predicted a larger amount of variance when accounting for individual variations in the random effects.

Characterization of spray-dried plasma-induced immune response in Salmonella-challenged broiler chicks

Spray-dried plasma (SDP) is a functional feed additive that has been established to improve performance and health of livestock. Understanding the effect of SDP in immune response modulation is essential to optimize its use for controlling Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) infection in chickens. This study was conducted to determine the levels of expression of selected cytokine genes in the ileum and cecal tonsil of SE-challenged broiler chicks. In a floor-pen housing, 320 broilers chicks were randomly assigned to 6 treatment groups: CX (unmedicated corn-soybean meal (SBM) basal without SDP), MX (unmedicated corn-SBM basal with antibiotic bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) added at 0.055g/kg diet), PCX (unmedicated corn-SBM basal with SDP added at 30g/kg diet). Treatments SE, MSE, and PSE consisted of chicks inoculated with 7.46 × 108 CFU SE /mL at 1 d of age and given diets similar to CX, MX, and PCX, respectively. Samples of cecal tonsils and ileum were collected on d 3, 7 and 14 post infection for qRT-PCR analysis to determine the expression levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-13, IL-17, IL-6, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β genes. In the ceca tonsils, expression of IFN-γ was not affected by the interaction of Day and Treatment (P > 0.05). The level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-13 was lower in MX and PCX on d 7 whereas high levels were expressed (P < 0.05) in MSE and PSE. In the ileum, expression of IL-17 and IFN-γ was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in PSE and MSE, but only PSE expressed lower IL-6 comparable to unchallenged treatments. On d 28 postchallenge, concentrations of anti-SE IgY and IL-6 protein were higher (P < 0.05) in the SE-challenged treatments compared to the unchallenged treatments. Overall, these results suggest that dietary SDP showed similar potency to BMD in modulating intestinal cytokine response against intestinal SE colonization in broiler chicks and therefore can be considered suitable alternative replacement for antibiotics in broiler production.

Fluctuations in equine cutaneous pH and transepidermal water loss with time of day and ambient conditions

Cutaneous pH and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) are commonly utilized measures in dermatological research as they provide information concerning barrier function. The importance of dermal health has become more evident in recent years. Accordingly, the aim of this work was to identify natural fluctuations in the biophysical parameters of healthy equine skin. Cutaneous pH and TEWL was collected on nine mares at 6:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 6:00 PM daily for five days on the nose, withers, girth area, mid-back, and base of tail. Ambient temperature and humidity were measured at each collection. Statistical analysis was completed using SAS On Demand. Tests included repeated measures, ANOVA, and regression analysis. Mean cutaneous pH significantly differed by day (P = 0.0052) and time (P = 0.0073) but was unaffected by anatomical location (P = 0.2841). Interestingly, cutaneous pH had a significant interaction of day and location (P = 0.0004). Mean TEWL measures significantly differed by day (P < 0.0001), time (P < 0.0001), and anatomical location (P = 0.0231). Interaction of day and time had a significant effect on TEWL (P < 0.0001) and also resulted in a three-way interaction of day, time, and location (P = 0.0167). There were no significant associations of pH with temperature and humidity. All measures of TEWL across all locations were significantly correlated with temperature and humidity (P < 0.0001). Cutaneous pH and TEWL measures are affected by environmental conditions which should be considered in future models and work using dermal characteristics of horses.

432 Fluctuations in Equine Cutaneous Ph and Trans-Epidermal Water Loss Associated with Anatomical Location, Time, and Weather

Abstract Although skin health is of critical importance for all horse owners, understanding of cutaneous pH and trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and the normal ranges of these variables is lacking. Cutaneous pH and TEWL measures provide insight into the barrier function of the epidermis and have the potential to determine the resident dermal microbiota. However, these measures have been recorded to fluctuate due to a variety of factors such as environment and anatomical locations in other species. Accordingly, the objectives of this study were to identify the impacts of anatomical location, weather, and time of day on cutaneous pH and TEWL in equines. This study utilized nine (n = 9) stock type mares, group-housed in a pasture setting at Southern Illinois University Equine Center. Researchers measured cutaneous pH and TEWL three times (6:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM) daily across five anatomical locations (nose, whither, heart-girth, mid-back, and base of tail) for five consecutive days. All statistical analysis was conducted using SAS On Demand for Academics (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Analysis of changes in variables associated with time, anatomical location, and day were conducted utilizing a PROC GLM three-way repeated measures ANOVA utilizing a Greenhouse-Geiser correction. Cutaneous pH results displayed significant main effects of day (P = 0.0052) and time (P = 0.0073) as well as a significant interaction of day and location (P = 0.0004). Mean cutaneous pH fluctuated daily, however, certain anatomical locations fluctuated more than others each day. Additionally, pH was highest in the morning (mean of 7.28) and lowest in the evening (mean 7.011). However, the mean overall pH for the study is 7.14 which is congruent with other work. TEWL measurements had significant main effects of day (P &amp;lt; 0.0001), time (P &amp;lt; 0.0001), and location (P = 0.0231), as well as a significant interaction of day, time, and location (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). TEWL measurements fluctuated with day, likely a result of weather changes. Mean TEWL measurements were less in the morning (mean 24.68) and greatest in the afternoons (mean 38.52). Overall mean TEWL measurement was 30.25. The results of this work indicate fluctuations in dermal barrier variables are associated with day, anatomical location, and time of day. These findings may have implications for applications of dermal treatments for horses as well as catalog the natural fluctuations which may affect future research.

PSIV-20 The Effect of Silage Additives on Male Sterile Sorghum Fermentation Heat Production and Feed-Out Stability

Abstract The objective was to compare the effect of applying silage additives to male sterile sorghum hybrids on temperature production during ensiling time (30 d) and at feed-out period after 30 or 90 d of ensiling period. Two male-sterile sorghum hybrids; F430 and F465, with and without BMR12 trait, respectively (Richardson Seed Ltd.); were randomly allocated in plots blocked by irrigation section in a dairy farm in West Texas. During harvest, duplicate samples from each plot were obtained, placed on plastic trays, and transported to one of three stations to be treated with chemical silage preservative (SG, SiloGuard), heterofermentative bacteria inoculant with mold inhibitor solution (SM, Silage Maker 250) or distilled water (DW, control). Treatments were applied with spray bottles following a protocol that consisted of two sets of 5 sprays (1.1 mL each and 11 mL total) followed by mixing of the forage. Personnel applying the treatment were blind as to which treatment they were applying and all spray bottles, trays and tables from each station were color coded to prevent cross contamination. After treated, 3.63 kg of forage was packed in three consecutive steps using a manual press on 4.7L buckets (Uline) and a temperature data logger was placed in the center of each of the 30 d mini silos. The amount of material packed was estimated to achieve a 230 kg of DM/m3 compaction at 30% DM of the forage. At opening, the material from each silo was moved to a tray and mixed to be homogenized and exposed to oxygen. Then, the material was added back to its correspondent bucket until it filled up to the border without compressing. Heat production during the feed-out period and air-stability were assessed for both ensiling periods, whereas fermentation heat production during ensiling period was only assessed for 30 d silos. Statistical analysis was performed using mixed linear regression models (GLIMMIX procedure of SAS) with ensiling period, hybrid, treatment and the interaction of day and treatment included in the model as independent variables. Fourth root and natural log transformation were performed to obtain a normal distribution of residuals, back transformed LSM and 95% CI are reported in Table 1. Treatment effected the silage temperature during the feed-out period (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) and air-stability test (P = 0.02). Whereas a tendency was observed for daily heat production during the ensiled period (P = 0.07). Male-sterile sorghum silage treated with SG had the least temperature during the ensiling period and longer air-stability than SM.

97 Effect of psyllium husk supplementation on equine fecal nutrient composition and in vitro fermentation

Ingestion of sand by equids housed in areas with sandy soils can cause serious and potentially life-threatening issues. Feeding psyllium husk (Plantago ovata) is one of the most common treatments used within both the domestic horse and zoological communities for mitigating sand accumulation in the large intestine of hindgut fermenting species. The degree to which the large intestine microbiome adapts to addition of psyllium in the diet, thereby reducing its efficacy, remains unknown. The aim of this study was to identify the degree to which psyllium husk (PSY) degradation changed over a 14-d supplementation period, both in vivo and using an in vitro batch culture system. We hypothesized that the hindgut microbiome would adapt to PSY supplementation over time, altering fermentation patterns. Young Quarter Horse geldings (437 ± 48 kg, 20 ± 1 mo of age; mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to receive either PSY supplementation (n = 6) or no supplementation (control; n = 2) in a repeated measures design. Horses assigned to treatment received PSY mixed into their morning concentrate ration at a rate of 0.31g DM/kg BW on d 1–14. Fecal samples were collected from all horses at the time of the morning feeding on d 0–14. Fecal samples were analyzed for dry matter (DM), neutral detergentfiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and hemicellulose (HEM; calculated as NDF-ADF). Fecal samples collected on d 0, 7, and 14 from horses receiving PSY were used to create fecal inocula representing each individual horse to determine in vitro dry matter degradability (DMD) of PSY when included as a substrate for in vitro fermentation. Gas production was measured repeatedly over a 48-h period, while DMD was measured at 12, 24, and 48 h. Fecal composition data were analyzed as a linear mixed effects model, with main effects and interaction of treatment and day. In vitro gas production and DMD were analyzed with main effects and interaction of day and hour of fermentation. Fecal DM (P = 0.93) and HEM (P = 0.82) were not different on any day of the study. In vitro, gas production was greater (P < 0.05) for inocula created from d 7 and d 14 feces compared with d 0. In vitro DMD was also greater (P < 0.05) at 24 and 48 h on d 7 and 14 compared with d 0. Findings indicate that microbial degradation of PSY may increase as treatment duration is lengthened, which could reduce the potential efficacy of PSY over time.

Encapsulated pepper blend in the diet of confined Holstein bullocks: effect on ruminal volatile fatty acid profiles, growth performance, and animal health

Dairy bulls in feedlots have been a viable alternative for dairy producers to reinforce the family's income. Aspects such as balanced diets and proper management are essential for these animals to develop and allow an economic return fully. Plant extracts are performance enhancers and ruminal and intestinal health promoters. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate whether the addition of encapsulated pepper (EP) blend (Capsicum annuum, Capsicum frutescens, and Capsicum chinense - rich in capsaicin) interferes with the volatile fatty acid profile in the rumen and enhances the growth performance of Holstein bullocks in a feedlot. For the experiment, 24 whole bullocks were used, distributed into three treatments, with eight replicates per treatment (one animal as an experimental unit, kept in an individual stall): groups T0, T200, and T400, receiving 0 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg EP/kg of concentrate, respectively. Knowing the intake of concentrate and the average body weight during the experiment, we calculated the dose in mg/kg/day of the EP; that is, the T200 animals consumed 2.45 mg EP/kg (body weight -BW)/day; and T400 consumed 4.9 mg EP/kg BW/day. The animals from T400 presented a more significant weight gain between days 15 and 45 of confinement compared to T0 (P=0.05). This same treatment (T400) had a trend of lower weight gain between days 46 and 90 (P=0.09). Likewise, the T400 group had higher feed efficiency than T0 between days 15 and 45. Furthermore, the treatments affected the white blood cell count, with the T400 bullocks showing a higher number of neutrophils and lymphocytes. Higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in the serum of steers from both groups that consumed pepper (P<0.01). Interaction between treatment × day was observed for the activity of glutathione enzymes (GST and GPx) and levels of lipoperoxidation (LPO) (characterized by antioxidant stimulation) associated with the reduction in serum LPO; similar antioxidant enzymes behavior was observed in the liver. In the small intestine (jejunum), the activities of antioxidant enzymes (GST and GPx) were lower in the two groups of cattle that consumed EP, and LPO was lower. The treatments affected the concentration of acetic acid in the rumen fluid, presenting lower levels in T400 compared to T200 and similar T0 (P≤0.05). There was an interaction of day vs. treatment for propionic acid, presenting a higher concentration on day 45 at T400 than T0. These results, therefore, allow us to conclude that adding 400 mg of pepper extract can be an excellent additive for weight gain at the beginning of the experiment; however, over time, this dose of additive negatively affects weight gain. Both EP doses stimulated serum and tissue antioxidant responses, reducing lipoperoxidation. However, the 400 mg EP/kg concentrate suggests a pro-inflammatory response (leukocytosis and elevated CRP), s probably related to the high dose (i.e., between 1.7 and 2.4 g/animal/day).

115 Effects of Probiotic and Heat-Killed Probiotic Supplementation on Systemic Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation and Fermentative end Products of Adult Cats

Abstract Probiotics and heat-killed probiotics (postbiotic) have been linked with enhancement of the intestinal barrier function and mucosal immunity, anti-inflammatory properties, as well as production of fermentative end-products including short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which may confer benefits to the gut microbiome and health. This study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal effects of daily supplementation of pro- and post-biotics on oxidative stress biomarkers such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), inflammatory biomarkers from a panel of 19 cytokines and chemokines, the hormone leptin, as well as the fecal metabolites, such as phenol and indole, SCFA, and ammonia, of adult cats. The study was a complete randomized design with 36 cats divided into 3 treatments (n=12/treatment). Animals were fed a standard extruded commercial diet. The treatments used were control diet + placebo (maltodextrin carrier; CON), control diet + Probiotic (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis CECT8145; daily dosage: 109CFU/cat; PRO), and control diet + postbiotic (Heat-killed Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT8145; daily dosage: 109CFU/cat; PST). Test articles were supplied by ADM Biopolis (Valencia, Spain). Longitudinal analyses were performed every 30 days for a total of 90 days. No interaction of day by treatment (P &amp;gt;0.05) was observed for any of the variables evaluated. For fecal metabolites, there was a main effect of treatment for butyrate concentration, PST was greater (P&amp;lt; 0.05) than PRO. It was also observed a main effect of treatment for some cytokines and chemokines, cats on CON had reduced (P&amp;lt; 0.05) GM-CSF, KC, and SDF-1, when compared with PST, PRO, and both PST and PRO respectively. Whilst for RANTES and IL-12(p40), cats on CON had greater concentration (P&amp;lt; 0.05) when compared with cats on PST and PRO, and PST, respectively. Overall, the supplementation of the probiotic and postbiotic showed no detrimental effects on oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers, and fermentative end-products in adult cats.

Impact of late sowing on morphological and yield traits in 40s bread wheat

The unpredictability and large fluctuation of the climatic conditions in rainfed regions influences spring wheat yield and grain quality. These variations offer the opportunity for the production of better quality wheat. The effect of late sowing on wheat morphology and grain yield was studied in different 40s bread wheat at the research farm of PBG, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan during 2013-14. Forty wheat genotypes were tested under normal and late sowing in 5 × 8 alpha lattice design with three replicates. Combined analysis of variance exhibited significant genotype by environment interactions for days to heading, flag leaf area, days to maturity, plant height, spikes m-2, grains spike-1,1000-grain weight, biomass yield, grain yield and harvest index. Days to emergence, headings, maturity ranged from 9 to 12, 111 to 121 and 155 to 164 days under normal while under late planting it ranged from 25 to 29, 95 to107 and 137 to 143 days. Mean data under normal planting ranged between 77 to 125cm; 25 to 41cm2; 99 to 199; 10 to 13 cm 32 to 49; 52 to 88g; 8533 to 13667 kg, 1869 to 4681 kg; 21 to 35% whereas under late planting its range was 63 to 91 cm, 18 to 37 cm2, 57 to 137, 8 to 12 cm, 22 to 52, 36 to 75g, 2400 to 7933 kg, 540 to 2739 kg and 20 to 42% for plant height, flag leaf area, spikes m-2, spike length, grains spike-1, 1000-grain weight, biomass, grain yield and harvest index, respectively. Wheat genotypes planted at late condition took maximum days to emergence, while less number of days were reacquired for wheat genotypes planted at normal sowing date to get mature. Late planting negatively affected all yield contributing traits like; spikes m-2 (29%), grains spike-1 (18%) 1000-grain weight (29 %), biomass (55%) and grain yield (50 %). On the basis of the current exploration, it is obtained that genotype SRN 19111 was identified superior for 1000-grain weight, biomass yield and grain yield under normal planting, while genotype PR-107 exhibited higher grain yield under late planting. Therefore, these genotypes are recommended for further extensive testing.

56 Impact of Electronically-Controlled Cooling Pads on Physiological Signs of Heat Stress in Early Lactation Sows

Abstract The study objective was to evaluate the impact of electronically controlled cooling pads on physiological measurements of heat stress during early lactation. Twelve sows (d 3 to 11 of lactation) were provided with a specially designed cooling pad. Sows randomly received no cooling (CONTROL, n=6) or pads set to flush 2L cool water every 30s when aluminum plate reached 29.5°C (TREAT, n=6). Respiration rates (RR), rectal temperatures (RT) and skin temperatures (ST, 15 cm posterior to the ear) were recorded daily (0700 and 1500 h) for seven days of early lactation. Feed intake (DFI) was measured daily at 0700 h. RR, RT, and ST were fitted to a model that included the effects of day, time, parity, cooling pad treatment, and interactions. DFI was fitted to the same model, excluding time of day. For RR: treatment, day, time, treatment by day, treatment by time, and day by time interactions were significant (P&amp;lt; 0.0004, CONTROL=49, TREAT= 30). Pad treatment had greater impact on RR during the first two days of the trial when the temperature was greater (32°C maximum CONTROL mean=66 vs. TREAT mean=30) than the following five days: 42, and 30 respectively). There was greater treatment impact on RR at 1500 versus 0700 h (0700 h: CONTROL= 35, TREAT= 25; 1500 h: CONTROL= 61, TREAT= 36). For RT: treatment, day, time, parity and interaction of day by time were significant (P&amp;lt; 0.01, CONTROL= 37, treat= 35.). For ST: treatment, day, time, parity and the interactions of time by parity, treatment by time, and day by time were significant (P&amp;lt; 0.0006, mean CONTROL=36.5, TREAT= 35.1). For DFI: day and the interaction of day by treatment were significant. The difference in feed intake between treatments increased as day increased. The use of electronically controlled cooling pads reduced measures of heat stress in early lactating sows.

PSV-2 An exploration of sociality among pre-weaned beef calves

Abstract Preferential relationships have been reported between individual cows within a herd. However, less is known about the ontogeny of preferential relationships between calves and subsequent bonding behavior. The objective of this study was to characterize these relationships in pre-weaned beef calves, with the hypothesis that calves form preferential relationships with one another prior to weaning. Ten weeks prior to commencing formal observations, forty mature Angus cows and their calves were randomly selected from a research herd, balanced for calf sex and allocated to one of two grazing paddocks approximately 12 acres in size. Two weeks prior to weaning, direct observations of calf behavior were performed over period of 12 days, using instantaneous scan sampling between 0700-1230h or 1300-1830h, resulting in 6 scans per calf/day X 12 days (72 scans/calf). For each calf, the identity and proximity (in calf lengths) of the calf in closest proximity (aka nearest neighbor) was noted, as well as behavior. The ethogram included calf behavior (grazing, nursing, lying, drinking, locomotion, social contact and standing idle), and sociality was categorized as being within 5 calf lengths of another calf. Sociality was observed in 60% of all scans, and sociality of individual calves ranged from 47% to 72% of the scans observed (72 scans/calf). The statistical model investigating sociality included calf sex and the interaction of day and paddock. Sociality was equally likely in bulls and heifers (0.59 +/- 0.1; p=0.80). A significant day by paddock interaction was also identified (p=0.001), but no obvious trends were apparent. In conclusion, preliminary results provide support for individual differences in sociality of pre-weaned beef calves prior to weaning. Further analysis will explore if preferential relationships exist between individual calves, and how these might be associated with different behavioral states.

Training Skills in Minimally Invasive, Robotic and Open Surgery: Brain Activation as an Opportunity for Learning

Introduction: The advantages of the robotic approach in surgery are undisputed. However, during surgical training, how this technique influences the learning curve has not been described. We provide a tentative model for analyzing the learning curves associated with observation and active participation in learning different surgical techniques, using functional imaging. Methods: Forty medical students were enrolled and assigned to 4 groups who underwent training in robotic (ROB), laparoscopic (LAP), or open (OPEN) surgery, and a control group that performed motor training without surgical instruments. Surgical/motor training included six 1-h sessions completed over 6 days of the same week. All subjects underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning sessions, before and after surgical training during. Results: Twenty-three participants completed the study. The 3 surgical groups exhibited different learning curves during training. The main effects of the day of training (p < 0.01) and the group (p < 0.01) as well as a significant interaction of day of training group (p < 0.01) were observed. The performance increased in the first 4 days, reaching a peak at day 4, when all groups were considered together. The OPEN group showed the best performance compared to all other groups (p < 0.04). The OPEN group showed a rapid improvement in performance, which peaked at day 4 and decreased on the last day. Similarly, the LAP group showed a steady increase in the number of exercises they completed, which continued for the entire training period and reached a peak on the last day. However, the participants training in ROB surgery, after a performance initially indistinguishable from that of the LAP group, had a dip in their performance, quickly followed by an improvement and reaching a plateau on day 4. fMRI analysis documented the different involvement of the cortical and subcortical areas based on the type of training. Surgical training modified the activation of some brain regions during both observation and the execution of tasks. Conclusions: Differences in the learning curves of the 3 surgical groups were noted. Functional brain activity represents an interesting starting point to guide training programs.

Blood collection has negligible impact on scoring temperament in Angus-based weaned calves

Temperament scoring typically occurs at the same time as vaccinations, germplasm collection, or both. Little is known about the impact of these procedures with scoring temperament. The objective was to determine the impact of blood collection (jugular venipuncture), representing a momentarily painful procedure, on different measures of temperament in weaning age calves. The hypothesis is blood collection will have little to no impact on temperament assessment. Calves of weaning age (n == 420) were sired by Angus bulls and out of Angus-influenced commercial cows. Subjective methods included temperament score (1 to 5 scale, with 3 removed; 1 calm or docile and 5 wild or aggressive) and qualitative behavior assessment attributes of active, agitated, apathetic, attentive, calm, curious, distressed, fearful, happy, irritated, positively occupied, and relaxed (each scored on a 136 mm horizontal line with left equal to no expression and right equal to full expression). Objective scoring was captured by recording multiple weights on a four-platform standing scale with the standard deviation of weight over a specific time interval and its coefficient of variation as measures of temperament. During collection, calves were randomly assigned into before (scored before blood draw) and after (scored after blood draw) groups in sets of 5 as they came through the working facility. Traits were modeled using fixed effects of evaluation day (n == 2), blood collection group (BCG; n == 2), interaction of day and BCG (n == 4), sex of calf (n == 2), and evaluator (n == 4 per method; subjective methods only) using an animal model based on pedigree and accounting for repeated measures using permanent environment variance method. The use of sequence of evaluation nested within day (SEQ) or age of calf (in days) were also assessed as covariates. Age at scoring was not impactful for modeling temperament traits and was not included in further analyses. Inclusion of the SEQ covariate was significant for 11 of 16 scoring methods (68.75%). Its inclusion resulted in lower estimates of additive genetic variation for 10 of 16 traits, suggesting it may be a temperament trait confounded with those analyzed and was excluded from the final model. The BCG main effect and its interaction with evaluation day were not significant for any temperament scoring method (P > 0.05). For this reason, it is reasonable to collect germplasm, give vaccines or both and score temperament in the same processing time frame to reduce handling needs.

Neutrophil β-defensin gene expression of postpartum dairy cows is altered by prepartum dietary cation-anion difference

The objective of this study was to evaluate expression of a cluster of genes encoding β-defensin antimicrobial peptides in neutrophils of postpartum cows in relation to prepartum dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD), vitamin D, and postpartum disease. Pregnant dry Holstein cows (28 nulliparous and 51 parous) at 255 d gestation were blocked by parity and randomly assigned to 4 prepartum diets of positive (+130 mEq/kg) or negative (-130 mEq/kg) DCAD and either 3 mg vitamin D3 or 3 mg of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 per 11 kg of dry matter/d. Treatment diets were fed from 255 d of gestation until calving. Peripheral blood neutrophils of 35 parous cows were collected at 0 and 3 d after calving and stimulated with 0 or 100 ng/mL of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Furthermore, serum Ca and incidences of postpartum diseases were recorded for all cows. The mRNA transcripts of β-defensin genes were quantified by real-time PCR, and data were analyzed with a general linear mixed model to test for fixed effects and interactions of day, level of DCAD, source of vitamin D, and incidence of disease. Effects of DCAD and vitamin D on neutrophil oxidative burst and phagocytosis were previously reported but were analyzed for effects of disease in the present study. Transcripts for DEFB1, DEFB3, DEFB4, DEFB5, DEFB7, DEFB10, and lingual antimicrobial peptide (LAP) in neutrophils were upregulated by LPS at 0 d but not at 3 d. Transcripts for DEFB4 and DEFB7 in LPS-stimulated neutrophils were greater in cows fed negative DCAD diets compared with positive DCAD. Source of vitamin D (vitamin D3 vs. 25-hydroxyvitamin D3) did not affect expression of β-defensins in neutrophils. Cows with postpartum subclinical hypocalcemia (serum Ca <2.0 mM) had decreased DEFB3, DEFB4, DEFB6, DEFB7, DEFB10, and LAP expression in LPS-stimulated neutrophils compared with cows that did not experience subclinical hypocalcemia. Likewise, DEFB4, DEFB6, DEFB7, DEFB10, and LAP in LPS-stimulated neutrophils at 3 d postpartum were positively associated with serum Ca at 0 d postpartum. Transcripts for DEFB7, DEFB10 and LAP also were less abundant in neutrophils from cows with metritis compared with healthy cows. In conclusion, feeding a prepartum negative DCAD to improve postpartum serum Ca resulted in greater neutrophil β-defensin expression, and greater neutrophil β-defensin expression was positively associated with postpartum health.

Can the social and emotional skills that underpin effective teamwork be taught to undergraduate midwifery students?

To determine the actual incidence of prostate cancer (PC) in the healthcare areas of Castilla–Leon in 2014.A multicentre study was conducted with the participation of 7 of the 9 healthcare areas of Castilla–Leon. We collected retrospective data that included 87.8% of the target population (men diagnosed with PC with histopathological confirmation in 2014). We calculated the raw and age-adjusted incidence rates based on the direct method and consulted the community and national epidemiological data in the Spanish National Institute of Statistics.A total of 1198 new cases of PC were diagnosed, with a raw incidence rate in the community of 109.54 cases per 100,000 men. The adjusted rates for the Spanish and European populations were 115.41 and 110.07, respectively. The age group with the highest diagnostic concentration was the 60–70-year group, with 41.97% of the diagnoses. The group with the highest incidence was the 70–80-year group, with 438.87 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. There were differences in the raw and age-adjusted incidence rates and in the age at diagnosis among the various included healthcare areas.The community raw incidence rate was higher than most existing data. We observed significant differences among the various geographical areas, which could be explained mainly by the age distribution and the opportunistic screening policies for each area.Conocer la incidencia real de cáncer de próstata (CP) en las áreas sanitarias de Castilla y León en el año 2014.Estudio multicéntrico en el que participan 7 de las 9 áreas sanitarias de Castilla y León. Se recogen datos con carácter retrospectivo que incluyen el 87,8% de la población diana (varones diagnosticados de CP con confirmación histopatológica en el año 2014). Se calculan incidencias brutas e incidencias ajustadas por edad según el método directo. Los datos epidemiológicos comunitarios y nacionales son consultados en el Instituto Nacional de Estadística.Se diagnosticaron 1.198 nuevos casos de CP. La tasa de incidencia bruta comunitaria es 109,54 casos por 100.000 varones. Las tasas ajustadas a población española y europea resultan en 115,41 y 110,07, respectivamente. El grupo etario de mayor concentración diagnóstica fue el de 60-70 años, con el 41,97% de los diagnósticos, y el que mostró mayor incidencia fue el comprendido entre 70 y 80 años, con 438,87 casos por 100.000 habitantes. Se objetivan diferencias en las incidencias brutas y ajustadas por grupo de edad, así como en el factor edad al diagnóstico entre las diferentes áreas sanitarias incluidas.La tasa de incidencia bruta comunitaria resultó ser mayor que la mayoría de datos existentes previamente. Se aprecian importantes diferencias entre las distintas áreas geográficas que pueden ser explicadas principalmente por la distribución del factor edad y las políticas de cribado oportunista en cada una de ellas.

Maternal nutrition and stage of early pregnancy in beef heifers: Impacts on expression of glucose, fructose, and cationic amino acid transporters in utero-placental tissues.

We hypothesized that maternal nutrition and day of gestation would impact utero-placental mRNA expression of the nutrient transporters , , , , and in beef heifers. Crossbred Angus heifers (n = 49) were estrous synchronized, bred via AI, assigned to nutritional treatment (CON = 100% of NRC requirements for 0.45 kg/d gain and RES = 60% of CON) and ovariohysterectomized on d 16, 34, or 50 of gestation (n = 6 to 9/d); Non-bred, non-pregnant (NB-NP) controls were fed the CON diet, not bred, and were ovariohysterectomized on d 16 of the synchronized estrous cycle = 6). The resulting arrangement of treatments was a 2 × 3 factorial + 1 (CON vs. RES × d 16, 34, or 50 + NB-NP controls). Caruncle (CAR), intercaruncular endometrium (ICAR), and fetal membranes (FM [chorioallantois]), were obtained from the pregnant uterine horn (the uterine horn containing the conceptus) immediately after ovariohysterectomy. On d 50 cotyledons (COT), intercotyledonary placenta (ICOT) and amnion (AMN) were also collected. Relative expression of nutrient transporters was determined for each tissue utilizing NB-NP-CAR and NB-NP-ICAR tissues as the baseline. For FM, NB-NP endometrium served as the baseline. There was no interaction of day × treatment ( ≥ 0.20) for any genes in CAR. However, CAR expression of was greater ( < 0.01) on d 16 compared with d 34 and 50, and , , and were greater ( ≤ 0.05) on d 34 compared with d 16 and 50. In ICAR, was the only gene to be influenced by the day × treatment interaction ( = 0.01), being greater in d 50 CON compared with d 34 CON and d 16 and 50 RES. In ICAR, expression of was greater ( < 0.01) on d 16 compared with d 34, and expression of was greater ( < 0.01) on d 34 and 50 compared with d 16. In FM, expression of was greater ( = 0.04) on d 16 compared with d 50 of gestation, and expression of was greater ( < 0.01) on d 34 and 50 compared with d 16. On d 50, expression of , , and expression were all greater ( < 0.05) in AMN compared with COT and ICOT, and expression of was greater ( < 0.01) in ICOT compared with COT and AMN. These data indicate that day was a more influential factor for mRNA expression of utero-placental glucose and cationic AA transporters than maternal nutritional status in heifers during early pregnancy.

Relationship of goat milk flow emission variables with milking routine, milking parameters, milking machine characteristics and goat physiology

The aim of this paper was to study the relationship between milk flow emission variables recorded during milking of dairy goats with variables related to milking routine, goat physiology, milking parameters and milking machine characteristics, to determine the variables affecting milking performance and help the goat industry pinpoint farm and milking practices that improve milking performance. In total, 19 farms were visited once during the evening milking. Milking parameters (vacuum level (VL), pulsation ratio and pulsation rate, vacuum drop), milk emission flow variables (milking time, milk yield, maximum milk flow (MMF), average milk flow (AVMF), time until 500 g/min milk flow is established (TS500)), doe characteristics of 8 to 10 goats/farm (breed, days in milk and parity), milking practices (overmilking, overstripping, pre-lag time) and milking machine characteristics (line height, presence of claw) were recorded on every farm. The relationships between recorded variables and farm were analysed by a one-way ANOVA analysis. The relationships of milk yield, MMF, milking time and TS500 with goat physiology, milking routine, milking parameters and milking machine design were analysed using a linear mixed model, considering the farm as the random effect. Farm was significant (P<0.05) in all the studied variables. Milk emission flow variables were similar to those recommended in scientific studies. Milking parameters were adequate in most of the farms, being similar to those recommended in scientific studies. Few milking parameters and milking machine characteristics affected the tested variables: average vacuum level only showed tendency on MMF, and milk pipeline height on TS500. Milk yield (MY) was mainly affected by parity, as the interaction of days in milk with parity was also significant. Milking time was mainly affected by milk yield and breed. Also significant were parity, the interaction of days in milk with parity and overstripping, whereas overmilking showed a slight tendency. We concluded that most of the studied variables were mainly related to goat physiology characteristics, as the effects of milking parameters and milking machine characteristics were scarce.

How common knowledge is constructed and why it matters in collaboration between professionals and clients

Professionals are increasingly called upon to work with clients. We employ cultural-historical concepts to reveal how professionals and clients accomplish joint work on problems in services for families with young children. Professional–client interactions in day stay and home visiting services are considered, first focusing on how matters of concern are worked into departures of significance (employing ‘D-analysis’), then conceptualising joint professional–parent work in terms of common knowledge and the object of activity. The importance of motives and their alignment is revealed. We show the value of D-analysis in elucidating how common knowledge can be constructed and why this process may be problematic. Finally, we reflect on the fluid and situated nature of this kind of collaborative work.

Changes in acyl and total ghrelin concentrations and their association with dry matter intake, average daily gain, and feed efficiency of finishing beef steers and heifers

Ghrelin is a peptide hormone produced in the gut that is implicated in signaling appetite and regulating dry matter intake (DMI). The objective of this experiment was to determine the change in acyl ghrelin, total ghrelin, and the ghrelin ratio (acyl ghrelin/total ghrelin) over an 84-d DMI and average daily BW gain (ADG) measurement period and to determine the association of those ghrelin measurements with DMI, ADG, ADG:DMI ratio (G:F), and residual feed intake in finishing beef steers and heifers. Blood samples were collected on day 0 and day 83 before feeding and between 0730 h and 1130 h. Samples were analyzed for acyl and total ghrelin using commercially available RIA. DMI in steers was greater during the last 35-d period of the experiment compared with the first 35 d (P < 0.01) and was greater than heifers regardless of period (P < 0.01). Steers had greater acyl ghrelin concentrations on day 0 than heifers, but concentrations decreased by day 83 to equal concentrations in heifers (P < 0.01). Total ghrelin concentrations were lower on day 0 in heifers but increased by day 83 and did not differ from steers on day 83 (P < 0.01). A mixed model analysis was used to determine the association of ghrelin concentrations and ratio with production traits, independent of breed and sire effects. There was an interaction of day 0 acyl ghrelin concentrations with time of sample collection for 84-d DMI (P < 0.01), ADG (P < 0.01), and G:F (P = 0.09), indicating a general positive association of acyl ghrelin with production traits, but the association weakened as time of sample collection increased. The mean ghrelin ratio tended (P = 0.08) to be positively associated with DMI in the last 35-d period. The ghrelin ratio on day 0 interacted with time of sample collection for ADG and G:F (P < 0.05), indicating an overall positive association of the ghrelin ratio with ADG and G:F. Results indicate that ghrelin is associated with DMI, ADG, and feed efficiency of finishing beef cattle, and data lend more evidence that ghrelin is involved in appetite regulation of ad libitum fed cattle.