Stage Of Parturition Research Articles

Analgesia during Parturition in Domestic Animals: Perspectives and Controversies on Its Use.

Simple SummaryAlthough the pain associated with parturition performs the primary physiological function of maintaining frequent, strong myometrial contractions, its biological consequences can affect the health of both mother and fetus. Whilst analgesic therapy may be recommended to avoid pain, the evidence indicates that the mechanisms of some analgesic drugs can interfere with the biological process of labor. Opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown to indirectly inhibit myometrial contractions by decreasing oxytocin secretion, while local analgesics decrease the number of contractions, although its intensity increases, improving maternal performance. This article analyzes the physiological role of pain during labor and the use and efficacy of opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and local analgesics in treatments to manage parturition in domestic mammals.This article analyzes the physiological role of pain during parturition in domestic animals, discusses the controversies surrounding the use of opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and local analgesics as treatments during labor, and presents the advantages and disadvantages for mother and offspring. Labor is a potentially stressful and painful event, due to the contractions that promote expulsion of the fetus. During labor, neurotransmitters such as the prostaglandins contribute to the sensitization of oxytocin receptors in the myometrium and the activation of nociceptive fibers, thus supporting the physiological role of pain. Endogenously, the body secretes opioid peptides that modulate harmful stimuli and, at the same time, can inhibit oxytocin’s action in the myometrium. Treating pain during the different stages of parturition is an option that can help prevent such consequences as tachycardia, changes in breathing patterns, and respiratory acidosis, all of which can harm the wellbeing of offspring. However, studies have found that some analgesics can promote myometrial contractility, increase expulsion time, affect fetal circulation, and alter mother–offspring recognition due to hypnotic effects. Other data, however, indicate that reducing the number of uterine contractions with analgesics increases their potency, thus improving maternal performance. Managing pain during labor requires understanding the tocolytic properties of analgesics and their advantages in preventing the consequences of pain.

Effect of Epidural Bolus Levobupivacaine and Lignocaine in Late Second Stage of Parturition in Combined Spinal Epidural Labor Analgesia

Background: Use of minimum local analgesic concentration in the epidural component of combined spinal epidural (CSE) effectively maintains analgesia in the first stage of labor. However, local anesthetic concentration needs to increase to achieve effective analgesia in the second stage as there are more recruitment of A-δ fiber occurs. This study compared the effect of epidural bolus of Levobupivacaine and Lignocaine in the late second stage of parturition in combined spinal epidural labor analgesia.Methods: This multicenterd, open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted under supervision of Department of Anesthesia, Analgesia, and Intensive Care Medicine of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University from July 2019 to June 2020 including 80 parturients of 18-35 years old, ASA status I and II, full-term, primiparous, who were randomized into two groups to receive either 10ml bolus of 0.0625% levobupivacaine with fentanyl 2μg/ml or 10ml bolus of 0.5% lignocaine with fentanyl 2μg/ml after CSE analgesia at first stage of labor. Level of analgesia, duration of second stage of labor, quality of pain relief, maternal satisfaction, mode of delivery and APGAR score of neonate were evaluated.Results: During delivery, levobupivacaine group had a lower intensity of pain compared to lignocaine group (VAS score 1.89±0.67 vs 2.64±0.92, p = 0.001). Duration of second stage of labor in levobupivacaine group was significantly shorter compared to lignocaine group (48.4±16 minutes vs 63.5±28.4, p-value 0.007). Besides, quality of pain relief and maternal satisfaction were better in levobupivacaine group compared to lignocaine group. Moreover, instrumental delivery rate was high in lignocaine group. Fetal outcome measured as APGAR score was similar in both groups.Conclusion: Epidural bolus of levobupivacaine-fentanyl produces more adequate analgesia than lignocaine-fentanyl in late second stage of labor and does not increase instrumental delivery rate with similar fetal outcome.

A Study on Oestrus and Parturition Behaviour of Manipuri Pony Mares

Background: The aim of this research was to study the behavioural signs exhibited during the different phases of oestrus and parturition in Manipuri pony mares. Methods: A total of ten each for oestrus and pregnant female Manipuri Ponies were selected for the behavioural signs study and a total data of 30 numbers of set questionnaires were analysed for studying the oestrus and foaling during various seasons and months of Manipuri Pony mares. Result: The behavioural oestrus signs observed in female Manipuri pony were raised tail, vulva swelling, vaginal mucous secretion, stallion seeking, inappetance and male acceptance. Pre-partum sign includes swelling of vulva, waxing, udder development, teats engorgement with milk discharges. Restlessness, isolation from human and herd mates, abdominal straining were shown during first stage of parturition. Abdominal straining with expulsion of fetus was displayed in the second stage followed placenta expulsion at the third stage of parturition. The occurrences of timing of birth were lesser between 6 pm and midnight (20.00%). The highest occurrence of oestrus was recorded during spring season (46.67%, 56.67%) respectively and in months it occurred highest during March to June (16.67%).

Female White‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Behavior During Pregnancy, Parturition, and Lactation in 2 Contrasting Ecoregions

ABSTRACTLate gestation, parturition, and lactation are the most metabolically expensive periods for female ungulates, often requiring them to make trade‐offs between acquiring sufficient forage and reducing predation risk to neonates. Females alter movements and resource use depending on the stage of parturition; however, little is known about the influence of habitat type and fragmentation on parturition behavior. We evaluated how land use and habitat fragmentation affected white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) space use, movements, and resource selection before, during, and after parturition in the highly fragmented glaciated plains (GP) and the more‐contiguous forested Ozark (OZ) ecoregions of Missouri, USA. We captured 127 pregnant female deer from January–March 2015–2017 and fitted them with global positioning system radio‐collars. We examined weekly home range sizes, space use shifts, movement speeds, and resource selection. Females in both study areas maintained stable movement speeds until the week of parturition when crepuscular movement speeds decreased significantly. Home range sizes were ≥150% smaller during the week of parturition compared to the third week before parturition in both study areas. Females shifted their space use 144 m (95% confidence interval [CI] = 830–252 m) in the GP and 162 m (95% CI 103–256 m) in the OZ between the week before parturition and the week of parturition. Females in both study areas exhibited similar patterns of resource selection before, during, and after parturition. Females consistently selected for Conservation Reserve Program grasslands in the GP and deciduous forests in the OZ, which could provide suitable forage for the female and adequate cover for the neonate. The similarity in movements and resource selection surrounding parturition in both areas, despite marked differences in land use and levels of fragmentation, suggests that the physiological cues of pregnancy and lactation may have the greatest influence on maternal behavior. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.

109 Is the equine gut colonised in utero by amniotic bacteria?

Until very recently it was believed that the uterus was sterile, with microbial colonisation of the foal's gastrointestinal tract (GIT) commencing at birth. GIT colonisation is an integral developmental process, critical for an optimal functioning immune system and ongoing health of the foal. The in utero colonisation paradigm has now challenged this concept, indicating that the amniotic fluid (AF) composition contains non-pathogenic microbiota that potentially commence colonisation of the GIT during the process of fetal swallowing. In turn, preparing the foal for life outside the womb. This study examined the presence of microbiota in the AF of healthy pregnant mares, identifying microorganisms that have the potential to colonise the fetal GIT in utero. AF samples were obtained from 14 healthy mares in the second stage of parturition, before the rupture of the amnion. When the amnion was clearly visible, the surface was seared with a sterile spatula and AF extracted with a sterile needle and syringe. The sample had no contact with any other surface of the mare and was immediately snap-frozen and stored at −80°C for microbiota analysis. Genomic DNA was extracted and processed for 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, followed by bioinformatic analysis of the results using QIIME2 and CalypsoV8.84 software packages. Microbiota was detected in all AF samples. Communities were of low diversity, as indicated by the α diversity parameters Chao1, Evenness, Richness and Simpson's Index. Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) of the top 20 taxa showed some host variation. The most abundant OTUs across the majority of samples were classified to the phyla Opisthokonta (100% of samples), Bacteroidetes (79%), Actinobacteria (57%) and Firmicutes (57%). At the family level, Staphylococcacea (79%) and Microbacteriaceae (71%) were the most abundant. These microbes have been previously detected across other locations of the equine microbiome, including the oral, esophageal, distal GIT and vaginal ecosystems. Our results have demonstrated the presence of a complex microbial ecosystem of low diversity in the AF of healthy equine pregnancies, likely of maternal origin. The environmental and gastrointestinal microbes detected in the AF displayed similarities to other equine ecosystems, suggesting microbial translocation from the mare to the AF. Further research would be required to determine if these AF microbes are being ingested by the fetus, thus commencing GIT colonisation in utero . Deciphering microbial colonisation of the foal's GIT has important implications for maternal management before parturition and could lead to the development of strategies to enhance foal health outcomes.

Atypical Intrapartum Maternal Heart Rate Pattern in a Woman with Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia

Pregnant women show characteristic hemodynamics, and their heart rates ordinarily increase with uterine contractions during labor. Conversely, uterine contraction-associated decelerations of maternal heart rate (MHR) are rare. We present a pregnant woman with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) who exhibited intrapartum MHR deceleration pattern. We performed simultaneous fetal heart rate monitoring with an external ultrasound transducer and MHR monitoring with a tocogram during her parturition. She developed a PSVT exacerbation in the second stage of parturition. As revealed by cardiotocography, the MHR baseline abruptly declined at onset of uterine contractions during the active phase of labor. Recovery followed, and the contraction resolved. The tachycardia got prolonged as the labor advanced. Our patient exhibited the unusual, up-and-down changes of the MHR pattern associated with labor contractions. The etiology of the occurrence of uterine contraction-associated MHR decelerations was unclear in the present case. Continuous tracing to visually inspect MHR patterns during parturition is a simple method for examining real-time MHR status of patients treated within obstetric practice settings.

Study on parturition of beef cattle in small holder farm: stage, placental weight, and placentomes

Scientific data on the length of parturition stage, placental weight, and the number of placentomes in Ongole (PO), Simental Ongole (SimPO), Limosin and Ongole (LimPO) breeds in Yogyakarta Province are not yet known. This research aimed to study parturition stage, placental weight, and placentomes number on beef catlle in small holder farm. This research was carried out on small farmers in the Special Region of Yogyakarta Province. There were 22 PO, 7 simpo, and 4 limpo cattle. The first study determined length stage of parturition. The second study determined the weight of the placenta and the number of placentomes. Data collected were analyzed descriptively. The results of first stage in PO, SimPO, and LimPO cattle were 73.7, 44.5, and 62. 9 hours. The duration of second stage in PO, SimPO, and LimPO cattles were 58.1, 78.7, and 24.5 minutes. The duration of third stage in PO, SimPO, and LimPO cattle were 4.3, 4.8, and 3.5 hours. The placenta weight in PO and SimPO cattle showed that the average of placenta weight was 4.1 and 3.6 Kg. The number of placentomes in PO, SimPO, dan LimPO cattle were 92.5, 92.8, and 102.6. This research showed that the average of stage I in PO was longer than SimPO and LimPO, stage II and stage III in SimPO was longer than PO and LimPO. In addition, the average of placenta weight in PO was heavier than SimPO and LimPO cows. The average number of placentomes in LimPO was higher than PO and SimPO cattle.

The Interplay Between Non-Esterified Fatty Acids and Bovine Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors: Results of an In Vivo-In Vitro Hybrid Approach

Abstract Objectives Metabolic stressors and energy deficiency related to parturition induce lipolysis in dairy cows with a subsequent increase in circulating non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). We hypothesized that circulating NEFA directly activate the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPAR), a transcription factor with known nutrigenomics response to fatty acids, in a dose-dependent manner. Methods Whole-blood samples were collected from five cows at different times between −40 and +10 days relative to parturition to isolate serum. NEFA were extracted from said samples through solid-phase extraction. A bioluminescent reported, bound to a PPAR response element, was used to assess PPAR activation in response to the treatments. To estimate individual PPAR isotype activation, PPAR isotype-specific antagonists were used, along with the treatments. Results Isolated NEFA activate PPAR linearly up to 400 μM, with a decrease in their effect when albumin is introduced. A hybrid approach, treating cells with bovine serum from different stages of parturition, revealed that much of the PPAR activation can be explained by the amount of NEFA in the serum, and that its activation follows a quadratic tendency (calculated maximum activation at 1.47 mM NEFA of 4.8-fold vs. DMEM control, R2 = 0.91). Further analysis of the effect of serum NEFA on PPAR revealed that they mostly activate PPARδ and PPARγ, but not PPARα. However, addition of palmitic acid to the media activate PPARδ and PPARα, but not PPARγ, and only when circulating NEFA are low (0.16 mM, prepartum), while additional palmitate did not increase PPAR activation in serum with high NEFA (0.71 mM, postpartum). Finally, the addition of lipoprotein lipase to the serum, in order to mimic release of NEFA from VLDL, increased PPAR activation, recapitulating the role of dietary lipids in the regulation of PPAR. Conclusions Taken together, our results support the activation of PPAR by NEFA, helping to explain prior observations on PPAR activation in peripartum cows. Additionally, we outlined the role of dietary fatty acids in activating PPAR and their interaction with serum NEFA. Our results aid in setting the foundation for nutrigenomics approaches in ruminant nutrition. Funding Sources This study was funded by the Oregon Beef Council.

Management of dystocia due to faulty fetal disposition complicated with vaginal prolapse in a 2-year-old Yankasa ewe

Dystocia in small ruminants mostly occurs when the first or second stage of parturition is delayed. It may occur when the first stage could not progress to the second stage within 30 minutes. In this report, a 2-year-old Yankasa ewe weighing 40 kg was presented at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Sokoto with complaints of straining and protruded mass around the vulva which was noticed 12 hours prior to presentation. Clinical examination revealed dullness, straining, a pinkish protruded mass through the vulva and pregnancy in the last trimester. Laboratory results indicated no parasite, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, eosinophilia and bandemia. Manual obstetrical maneuvers were applied to deliver the fetuses but failed. The lambs were delivered through cesarean section and the prolapsed vagina was surgically managed. The dystocia was strongly believed to have occurred in this case due to faulty fetal disposition which subsequently led to vaginal prolapse as a result of unsuccessful straining in attempt to deliver. This case report indicated that vaginal prolapse may occur as a sequela to prolonged unsuccessful straining. The conditions were managed successfully without intra and postoperative complications and relapse.

Surgical Management of Secondary Uterine Inertia in Two Bitches

Primary or secondary uterine inertia is due to lack of normal physiological uterine contraction during or after parturition. Secondary uterine inertia is commonly observed in bovine, however, it is comparatively less reported in canine. In certain breeds of dog such as the Scotch terrier or Dachshund secondary uterine inertia may occur spontaneously early in the second stage of parturition. Usually, one or two fetuses are expelled normally and then labor ceases even though more fetuses are present in the uterus (Roberts, 1982). The present report places on record the difficult whelping due to secondary uterine inertia and its radiographic diagnosis and successful surgical management in 2 bitches.

Parturition behavior of Swamp buffalo cows (Bubalus bubalis) under organized system of rearing

ABSTRACT The present study was conducted on 30 Swamp buffalo cows maintained at Network Project on Buffalo improvement (Swamp), College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam from September 2016 to March 2017 to accumulate data on parturition behavior. Parturition behavior was studied based on direct observations on 30 parturient cows. Restlessness, reduced interest in food and water, lying down and getting up, abdominal straining with arching of the back and frequent urination were the behavioral signs exhibited by all Swamp buffalo cows at first stage of parturition, which continued in the second stage. Licking of the newborn and interest in food and water were exhibited by all cows at the third stage of parturition. Total time required for expulsion of the fetus was 29.00 ± 4.06 min. Lochial discharge was free-flowing in quantity and dark yellow in color and ceased from 9 days of parturition. The weight of placenta and the total number of cotyledons in Swamp buffalo averaged 4.20 ± 0.10 kg and 111.60 ± 2.77, respectively.

The Effect of Two-Staged Warm Compress on the Pain Duration of First and Second Labor Stages and Apgar Score in Prim Gravida Women: a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of two-stage warm compress technique on the pain duration of the first and second labor stages and neonatal outcomes. Methods: The clinical trial was done on 150 women (75 subjects in each groups) in Shiraz-affiliated hospitals in 2012 A two-staged warm compress was done for 15-20 minutes in the first and second labor phase (cervical dilatation of 7 and 10 cm with zero status) while the control group received hospital routine care. The duration of labor and Apgar score were evaluated. Results: According to t-test, the average of labor duration was lower in the intervention group compared to the control group at the second stage. However, there was no significant difference for labor duration at the first stage and the first and fifth minute Apgar score. Conclusion: According to the result, this intervention seems a good method for decreasing labor duration at the second stage of parturition.

Manual Reposition of Uterine Inversion with Hemorrhagic Shock in Minimal Facilities Situation

Objective: Reporting management of acute uterine inversion with hemorrhagic shock in minimal facilities situation.
 
 Method: Case report.
 
 Results: Manual reposition in acute uterine inversion was a lifesaving treatment. The decision to do manual reposition with minimal sedation and without any tocolytic could be done in this case, due to minimal facilities situation where there is no operating theater available for ideal uterine reposition.
 
 Conclusion: Uterine inversion can be promptly recognized in the third stage of parturition. Manual manipulation aided by tocolytic with or without anesthetic agents is often successful in correcting the inversion. Shock condition that accompanied the inversion must be vigorously treated, as it would lead to serious maternal morbidity and mortality. Management of acute uterine inversion seems to be depended on the clinical situation and clinical judgment which is very important in every emergency case.
 [Indones J Obstet Gynecol 2012; 36-1:48-51]
 
 Keywords: hemorrhagic shock, manual reposition, minimal facilities situation, obstetric complications, uterine inversion

Systematic early obstetrical assistance at calving: I. Effects on dairy calf stillbirth, vigor, and passive immunity transfer

A critical time for dairy cattle is the perinatal period. Good calving management is critical to reduce periparturient losses and ensure the health of the offspring. Generally, it has been recommended that cows be allowed to calve unassisted when possible, but very few studies have been published that support or refute this general guideline. To investigate the effect of early assistance, a clinical trial enrolled 257 Holstein cows that were observed through the second stage of calving and assigned randomly to 1 of 2 calving interventions: not assisted (NA) or early assistance (EA) during the second stage of parturition. Early assistance was given 15min after the first sight of both front hooves of the calf and done using only human force. After calving, the animals were classified into 4 actual calving intervention groups: too quick to be assisted (TQ), NA, EA, and late assistance (LA; for cows in the NA group that did not calve unassisted within the 1h maximum time frame allowed). Giving early assistance to cows during calving as a routine management practice (assigned intervention) did not negatively influence calves’ stillbirth risk, vigor at birth, or transfer of passive immunity. Calves in the LA intervention group had significantly greater odds of stillbirth than calves in the NA and EA groups, respectively. Calves in the LA group also had significantly worse vigor at birth than calves in the TQ, NA, or EA groups. Early assistance given at calving to cows that did not present signs of calving difficulties did not adversely affect calves’ likelihood of being stillborn, vigor at birth, or transfer of passive immunity.

Systematic early obstetrical assistance at calving: II. Effects on dairy heifer calf growth, health, and survival to weaning

Good calving management should not only ease the transition of cows into lactation, but also contribute to providing healthy replacement animals for the herd. Difficulty during parturition has been found to be detrimental to the offspring. Because of the association of obstetrical intervention with undesirable outcomes, the general management recommendation for calving is to let cows give birth unassisted whenever possible. Unfortunately, very few studies have investigated the effects of planned early assistance during calving, regardless of whether or not another problem exists. To investigate the effects of early assistance during apparently normal calvings, a clinical trial was conducted on 257 Holstein cows. They were observed through the second stage of calving, and before calving they were divided randomly between 2 assigned interventions: not assisted or early assistance during the second stage of parturition. After calving, the animals were classified into 4 actual calving intervention groups: too quick to be assisted, not assisted, early assistance, and late assistance (for cows in the not assisted group that did not calve unassisted within the 1 h maximum time allowed). Early assistance was given 15 min after first sight of both front hooves of the calf and done using human force only. Heifer calves (n=129) born from enrolled dams were followed until weaning to assess the effect of assigned and actual calving interventions on their growth, health, and survival. Heifer calves’ weight at birth was positively associated with weight at 7 wk, but the effect varied by assigned and actual intervention. As a routine management practice, giving early assistance during calving to dairy cows did not influence average daily gain, health, or survival in dairy heifer calves up to weaning at 7 wk of age.

Elevated glucose levels in early puerperium, and association with high cortisol levels during parturition

Background Gestational diabetes is one of the commonest metabolic problems associated with pregnancy and an accurate diagnosis is critical for the care. Research has shown that pregnant women have high levels of cortisol during the last stage of parturition. As cortisol is a diabetogenic hormone causing increased glucose levels, we wanted to study the association between cortisol and glucose levels during parturition. Materials and methods Glucose and cortisol were analyzed during parturition in 50 females divided according to slow (n = 11) and normal labors (n = 39). Blood samples were analyzed three times during the parturition and four times in the first day after delivery. Glucose levels were also measured once in each trimester. Results In the normal group, the glucose concentration increased from 6.2 (IQR 5.6–8.0) mmol/L in the latency phase to 11.6 (10.0–13.3) mmol/L at aftercare (p < 0.05). After parturition the glucose concentrations decreased gradually. There were significant Spearman rank correlations between glucose and cortisol values. Conclusions The changes associated with birth cause significant elevations of cortisol and glucose around parturition.

The Androgen Receptor Is a Key Component of Myometrium Phenotype Programming During Pregnancy

The economic burden associated with preterm birth is significant to our society. While research efforts on preterm birth over past decades had been directed toward understanding the late stage of parturition, recent discoveries have indicated that the timing of labour is delicately programmed as early as the initiation of pregnancy. We have proposed that there exists a myometrium phenotype programming during pregnancy consisting three characteristic stages referred to as the early proliferative, the midterm hypertrophic and the late contractile stages. This remarkable plasticity of myometrium allows it not only provides containment for fetus to be fully developed within the womb during pregnancy, but also performs coordinate contractions at the onset of labor to expel the fetus into extrauterine environment. Our two recent studies further demonstrate that the androgen receptor is a key component of myometrium phenotype programming. Here we summarize our endeavor in characterizing the androgen receptor signaling in myometrial smooth muscle cells.

ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF SOME ENTEROPATHOGENIC BACTERIA IN SHEEP WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS AND THEIR SUSCEPTIBILITY TO DIFFERENT ANTIMICROBIALS AND GARLIC OIL

Sheep and lambs are threatened by a number of infectious diseases, among which enterotoxaemia that caused by Clostridium perfringens and other aerobic bacteria. A total of 54 faecal swabs (10 diarrhoeic, 44 apparently healthy) were collected from sheep of different ages in different localities in Alexandria governorate and examined bacteriologically. The results revealed that Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa could be isolated in a percentage of 44.5, 31.5, 11.1 and 9.3% respectively. Pathogenicity tests were carried out for aerobic bacteria and toxigenic typing of C. perfringens by multiplex PCR was performed which revealed that 25% of isolated C. perfringens were type A. An in vitro sensitivity test of C. perfringens type A was carried out against different antimicrobials and garlic oil, the results showed that it was sensitive to Ciprofloxacin (5µg), Amoxicillin/Clavulaniacid (10µg), Erythromycin (15 µg), Flumequine (30µg), Gentamycin (10µg), Chlormphenicol (30µg), Vancomycin (µg); Nitrofurantoin (300µg), intermediately sensitive to tetracycline (30µg), Enerofloxacin (5µg), and resistant to Amoxicillin (10µg), Neomycin (30µg) Streptomycin (10µg), Trimethoprim / sulfamethoxazole (25µg) and garlic oil. Proper hygienic measures in the sheep farms, Vaccination of dams at last stage of parturition against Clostridium perfringen type A for control of enterotoxaemia in sheep, feeding animals with balanced ration are recommended to avoid the infection of sheep with such enteropathogens.

Abdomen and Pelvis Interactive Learning Objects (Out of Print)

OPEN ACCESSOctober 26, 2011Abdomen and Pelvis Interactive Learning Objects (Out of Print) Holly Ressetar, PhD, Edwin Allen, MA, Elizabeth Walker, PhD, Barbara Kraszpulska, PhD, Heather Billings, PhD Holly Ressetar, PhD West Virginia University School of Medicine Google Scholar More articles by this author , Edwin Allen, MA West Virginia University School of Medicine Google Scholar More articles by this author , Elizabeth Walker, PhD West Virginia University School of Medicine Google Scholar More articles by this author , Barbara Kraszpulska, PhD Wright State University Google Scholar More articles by this author , Heather Billings, PhD West Virginia University School of Medicine Google Scholar More articles by this author https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.7866 SectionsAbout ToolsDownload Citations ShareFacebookTwitterEmail Abstract Introduction: This is a collection of 34 self-test exercises related to the anatomy of the abdomen, urinary, and reproductive systems. All learning objects are interactive, requiring learners to process information and make decisions. These are intended to accompany undergraduate anatomy courses and be used by instructors and students in premedical, predental, nursing, and other healthcare-related curricula. Methods: For each area of anatomy, students may select from a range of exercises including short-answer, matching, and multiple-choice questions. The modules use Flash software to enable a high level of learner interaction with the content, such as the ability to drag-and-drop anatomical structures on line drawings, and checkboxes with structure names for anatomical structure identification on dissected cadavers. In addition, learners may navigate through an abdomen and pelvic case study that requires student feedback in order to progress through the cases. Immediate feedback is provided to the learner upon selection of a structure in order to reinforce the learning. Results: Although no formal study of effectiveness has been conducted, anecdotal evidence indicates that students value and appreciate the interactive learning modules. Discussion: The module successfully achieves true interactivity in the educational context, as it both challenges learners to cognitively process basic science information in order to make a decision, and provides immediate feedback about that decision. The Adobe Flash plug-in was chosen as the deployment tool because it was ubiquitous across computer platforms, suitable for the development task, and the necessary expertise was available. Educational Objectives By the reviewing these modules, learners will be able to: Understand the structures of the digestive system and its relationships among the organs.Understand the structures of the urinary system and its relationships to other abdominal and pelvic organs.Understand the structure of reproductive organs, including prenatal development and positions of gonads, pregnancy-related anatomical changes, stages of parturition, as well as normal adult structures. Sign up for the latest publications from MedEdPORTAL Add your email below FILES INCLUDEDReferencesRelatedDetails FILES INCLUDED Included in this publication: Abdomen & Pelvis Learning Objects folder To view all publication components, extract (i.e., unzip) them from the downloaded .zip file. Download editor’s noteThis publication may contain technology or a display format that is no longer in use. CitationRessetar H, Allen E, Walker E, Kraszpulska B, Billings H. Abdomen and Pelvis Interactive Learning Objects (Out of Print). MedEdPORTAL. 2011;7:7866. https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.7866 Related Abdomen and Pelvis Interactive Learning Objects (Out of Print) Thorax Interactive Learning Objects (Out of Print) Upper Limbs Interactive Learning Objects (Out of Print) Copyright & Permissions© 2011 Ressetar et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivatives license.KeywordsPregnancyDigestionParturitionPrenatal DevelopmentPelvisAbdomenGonadsAbdominal Cavity Disclosures None to report. Funding/Support None to report. Prior Presentations Walker E, Kraszpulska B, Allen E, Gomes A. Health sciences e-education: teaching virtual anatomy labs. Peer reviewed and presented at: Fourth Pan Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning; October 30 - Novevmber 3, 2006; Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Walker ER, Kraszpulska B, Altemus J, Allen E, Klinkhachorn P, Ressetar H, Beresford W. Virtual anatomy labs for pre-professional health sciences students. Poster presented at: American Association of Anatomists; April 2007; Washington, DC. Loading ...

Polwarth and Texel ewe parturition duration and its association with lamb birth asphyxia12

The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that parturition duration is related to birth asphyxia in lambs and that asphyxia affects newborn lamb viability and vigor. Two sire and dam genotypes (Texel: TX; Polwarth: PW) and their crosses were represented in the study. Eighty lambs (25 PW sire × PW dam, 13 TX × TX, 25 TX × PW, and 17 PW × TX) born to 69 grazing ewes were used. At birth, the log₁₀ length of the second stage of parturition, birth weight, placental weight, and several body measurements were recorded on all lambs, and jugular blood samples were analyzed with the i-Stat Portable Clinical Analyzer (Abbott, Montevideo, Uruguay). A modified Apgar viability score at birth and lamb behavior during their first hour of life were recorded. Brain weight, muscle:bone ratio, and bone density were recorded in 20 male lambs (5 from each breed group) that were euthanized and dissected 24 h after birth. Data were analyzed by linear regression, least squares ANOVA, and ordinal and binary logistic regressions. Mean blood gas and acid-base variables were 7.21 ± 0.09 for pH, 18.4 ± 9.8 mmHg for partial pressure of oxygen, 53 ± 12.5 mmHg for partial pressure of carbon dioxide, and -4 ± 5.1 mmol/L for extracellular fluid base excess. Parturition duration increased with birth weight (P < 0.001) and was shorter in TX ewes (P < 0.001), female lambs (P < 0.05), twins (P < 0.09), and twin females (sex × litter size interaction, P < 0.02). Twenty-six (32.9%) lambs were born asphyxiated (pO₂ < 10 mmHg or pH <7.1). Parturition duration increased the risk of asphyxia (P < 0.001), decreased the viability score (P < 0.001), and increased the latency to suckle the udder (P < 0.05). Twin-born lambs presented at birth a 16-fold greater risk of asphyxia (P < 0.01) and reduced placental efficiency (P < 0.05). Texel-sired lambs appeared immature at birth, with less bone density (P < 0.05), smaller brain (P < 0.05), shorter forelimbs (P < 0.05), greater anterior (P < 0.001) and posterior (P < 0.05) neck circumference, and greater muscle:bone ratio (P < 0.05). Immaturity may explain greater TX biotype survival. Together these results demonstrate that a relationship exists between parturition duration, neonatal viability and behavior, and acid-base balance values in single- and twin-born lambs, suggesting that birth asphyxia is an important risk factor in perinatal lamb mortality.