Time Of Weaning Research Articles

A Western Diet Modifies the Activation Profile of Circulating Platelets

Background: While it is known that obesity increases the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), there has been no clear investigation into the effect an obesogenic diet exerts onto circulating platelets. As platelets are the critical actors in the formation of occlusive clots that manifest as a myocardial infarction or stroke, it is pertinent to establish any potential link between obesity and platelet activity. Methods: To examine the effect of a Western diet on baseline platelet activity, male C57BL6/J mice were fed either a control (10% fat, 7% sucrose, 0.3% salt Research Diets Inc. D12450J) or Western (40% fat, 30% sucrose, 8% salt Research Diets Inc. D06111701) diet ad libitum for 20 weeks beginning at the time of weaning. At 12, 16 and 20 weeks after beginning diet administration whole blood was collected via the retro-orbital sinus. Blood was used to generate platelet rich plasma (PRP) which was stimulated with collagen (20mg/ml) prior to staining for flow cytometry analysis. Flow cytometry staining utilized antibodies to recognize the platelet receptors GPIbα, P-Selectin and the activated form of integrin α IIb β 3 (JON/A). Additionally, body composition was likewise determined at these time points using Echo-MRI while bodyweight was measured weekly. Results: Western diet fed mice gained slightly more weight than control mice and had a higher percentage of body fat (measured by EchoMRI). Surprisingly, the two groups differed in GPIbα and activated α IIb β 3 expression on circulating platelets at all three observed time points. Specifically, platelets from control-fed mice displayed significantly higher GPIbα expression throughout the study while Western diet fed animals had higher levels of activated α IIb β 3 . There was no difference in platelet expression of P-Selectin between the groups at any time point. Conclusions: Platelet activation is not a binary process where platelets display a definitive “active” or “inactive” phenotype. Though terminal platelet activation elicits de-granulation and an increase in P-Selectin expression, the spectrum of platelet stimulation preceding this is marked by variable incidences of integrin activation and GPIbα shedding. Here we demonstrate proof of principle that dietary factors, such as the consumption of a Western diet, can facilitate early changes to the stimulation pattern of circulating platelets which is then maintained long-term. While the consequence of this altered platelet stimulation profile is unknown with regards to the pathways of hemostasis and thrombosis, further investigations of downstream signaling and amplification pathways are needed. Funding: Arkansas Children's Research Institute/Arkansas Bioscience Institute Postgraduate Fellowship: AWD-037176 This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Can the proximal humeral ossification system (PHOS) effectively guide brace weaning in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?

PurposeThe proximal humeral epiphyses can be conveniently viewed in routine spine radiographs. This study aimed to investigate whether the proximal humeral epiphyseal ossification system (PHOS) can be used to determine the timing of brace weaning in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), as assessed by the rate of curve progression after brace weaning.MethodsA total of 107 patients with AIS who had weaned brace-wear at Risser Stage ≥ 4, no bodily growth and post-menarche ≥ 2 years between 7/2014 and 2/2016 were studied. Increase in major curve Cobb angle > 5° between weaning and 2-year follow-up was considered curve progression. Skeletal maturity was assessed using the PHOS, distal radius and ulna (DRU) classification, Risser and Sanders staging. Curve progression rate per maturity grading at weaning was examined.ResultsAfter brace-wear weaning, 12.1% of the patients experienced curve progression. Curve progression rate for weaning at PHOS Stage 5 was 0% for curves < 40°, and 20.0% for curves ≥ 40°. No curve progression occurred when weaning at PHOS Stage 5 with radius grade of 10 for curves ≥ 40°. Factors associated with curve progression were: Months post-menarche (p = 0.021), weaning Cobb angle (p = 0.002), curves < 40° versus ≥ 40° (p = 0.009), radius (p = 0.006) and ulna (p = 0.025) grades, and Sanders stages (p = 0.025), but not PHOS stages (p = 0.454).ConclusionPHOS can be a useful maturity indicator for brace-wear weaning in AIS, with PHOS Stage 5 having no post-weaning curve progression in curves < 40°. For large curves ≥ 40°, PHOS Stage 5 is also effective in indicating the timing of weaning together with radius grade ≥ 10.

Temporal Silencing of Purkinje Cell Neurotransmission Reveals a Dynamic Role for Cerebellar Function in Neurodevelopment (P10-9.006)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To determine whether differential timing of disrupted cerebellar function influences the nature and severity of associated neurodevelopmental outcomes. <h3>Background:</h3> Disruptions of cerebellar function have been increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of a wide array of neurodevelopmental disorders. While there has been increasing focus on genetically mediated etiologies of disrupted cerebellar function, less attention has been given to acquired etiologies although they underlie diseases with high incidence and prevalence, such as the neurodevelopmental disability associated with prematurity and autism spectrum disorders. The present study uses mouse transgenics to develop a synthetic model of cerebellar developmental dysfunction and interrogates the role of cerebellar neurotransmission in early brain development. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> Using inducible tissue specific Cre-mediated recombination the present model allows for spatial and temporal induction of cerebellar dysfunction through timed excision of the vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT) specifically in Purkinje cells. Using this line, Purkinje cell neurotransmission is silenced <i>in utero</i> (EarlyOff) or at time of weaning (LateOff), corresponding developmentally to the immature and mature cerebellum. Mouse behavior and the electrophysiologic profile of cerebellar nuclear neurons was then performed comparing EarlyOff, LateOff, and control animals at 8–10 weeks of life. <h3>Results:</h3> Compared to controls EarlyOFF showed significantly altered gross motor behavior (rotarod assay, footprinting), social behavior (3-chamber assay), and hyperactivity (open field assay). Compared to controls, LateOff had equivalent performance on gross motor assays but showed significant hyperactivity. Social tests are ongoing. Cerebellar nuclear electrophysiology from awake behaving animals revealed significantly different and divergent spike profiles between EarlyOff, LateOff, and controls. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> The developmental timing of cerebellar dysfunction leads to discrepant behavioral and electrophysiologic profiles. These findings underline that the disparate phenotypes of neurodevelopmental disability associated with prematurity and autism may nonetheless have shared cerebellar etiology, emphasize the necessity of understanding how cerebellar nuclear signaling influences broad cortical function, and reveal a potential target for neuromodulatory intervention. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Gill has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Expert Witness for Elite Medical Experts. The institution of Dr. Gill has received research support from NIH-NINDS. Miss Nguyen has nothing to disclose. Roy Sillitoe has nothing to disclose.

Commercial production of Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) larvae at low salinity induces variable changes in whole-larvae microbial diversity, gene expression, and gill histopathology

IntroductionSalinity presents economic and technical challenges in land-based recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) in the U.S. warm water marine finfish aquaculture industry. Many studies have shown euryhaline fish reared at salinities closer to their iso-osmotic salinity can yield enhanced production performance as well as potential reduced costs to farms. However, there is potential for osmotic stress in fish larvae to negatively impact larvae microbiome and innate immune system. Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) is a popular sportfish has been targeted for land-based RAS due to its impressive market value and euryhaline capacity. This study investigated the impacts of rearing Florida pompano larvae at salinities closer to their iso-osmotic salinity.Materials and methodsLarvae were cultured at 10, 20, and 30 ppt in triplicates, and larvae samples were collected for histopathology, microbiome, and whole transcriptomics analysis every three days from hatching until the time of weaning (24 days post hatch [DPH]). Water samples were also taken for microbiome analysis on every other larval sampling day. DiscussionThese changes were driven more by metamorphosis, causing an increase in expression of antioxidant genes (cat, gss, gsto1, and scara3) than by the presence of potentially pathogenic genera, which failed to induce an immune response (low or unchanged expression of downstream elements of the NOD1 or TLR5 pathways). These findings provide baseline information on Florida pompano low salinity tolerance in larviculture during early developmental stages. In addition, we have shown minimal effects on the immune system at salinities as low as 10 ppt. This work has important implications for larval health management and can be used to refine and direct future research regarding improving commercial production of warm water marine species

An Audit of Tracheostomy in Traumatic Brain Injury.

The timing of tracheostomy in traumatic brain injury is controversial. The benefits of early tracheostomy are early weaning from ventilation, and reduction in pneumonia. But some studies demonstrated increase in intracranial pressure during tracheostomy. The aims of the audit are to analyse the timing, benefits, complications, and the results of tracheostomy in patients with traumatic brain injury in the hospital in the period of 2012-2021. The number of patients was 34. The maximum number of tracheostomies(24) were between 6th to 14th days of admission. The complications were: worsening of Glasgow coma scale score - 3 (in the early group), bleeding - 2, subglottic stenosis-1, tracheocutaneous fistula-1. The main benefits obtained form tracheostomy were the easiness of weaning and tracheobronchial toilet. Twelve patients had pneumonia. Nine patients survived out of twelve. Six patients had acute respiratory distress syndrome. Five of them succumbed. The weaning time corresponded to the severity of injury and pulmonary status. The mortality according to the timing of tracheostomy were: 1/6(16.67%) in the group of first week, 9/19(47%) in the group of second week, and 3/8(37.5%) in the group of the third and fourth week. The mortality was less in the group of first week. The timing of tracheostomy in traumatic brain injury should be at the earliest after the control of raised intracranial tension. There was reversible worsening of Glasgow coma scale score for 2 points in 3 cases after early tracheostomy. Mortality was less in the group of early tracheostomy.

STUDY OF INFANT WEANING PRACTICES IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Background: Complementary feeding is extremely essential from six months of age, while continuing breastfeeding, to meet the nutritional demands of the growing baby. Hence this study was intended to determine various factors inuencing weaning in infants. Objectives: 1. To study weaning practices in infants of age between six to twelve months. To know the status of nutrition of the child in relation to weaning practices and socio-demographic prole. 2. To know the age of weaning and its impact on a child's growth. Materials and methods: Data was collected using a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire with the mothers regarding practices of weaning.200 mothers were interviewed with infants, 6-12 months of age attending OPD in Narayana medical college and hospital, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. Participants: Mothers with infants of age 6 months to 12 months who were attending OPD for minor illness or immunisation. Results: Among 200 mothers, practices of weaning were evaluated. seven months is the average age of weaning. Only a small number of health professionals had accurate information. 40% of mothers started on processed foods. Weaning is more likely to occur later in female children, mothers who lack literacy, people from lower socioeconomic status. There is no relationship between parity, occupation and residence(p&gt;0.05). Children that were underweight, stunted, or wasted made up 46.7%, 43.4%, and 36.6% of the population. There is a strong correlation between a child's malnutrition and delayed weaning. Conclusions: Most of the mothers were unaware of current standards regarding weaning time. Due to incorrect knowledge, wrong ideas and attitudes, illiteracy, low socioeconomic position, the average age of weaning is delayed, which causes the infant to become malnourished. Therefore, in order to prevent malnutrition and enhance the health of the children, proper information and education about timely weaning, weaning foods, preparation, and practices should be provided to mothers and caregivers

Host metabolome and faecal microbiome shows potential interactions impacted by age and weaning times in calves

BackgroundCalves undergo nutritional, metabolic, and behavioural changes from birth to the entire weaning period. An appropriate selection of weaning age is essential to reduce the negative effects caused by weaning-related dietary transitions. This study monitored the faecal microbiome and plasma metabolome of 59 female Holstein calves during different developmental stages and weaning times (early vs. late) and identified the potential associations of the measured parameters over an experimental period of 140 days.ResultsA progressive development of the microbiome and metabolome was observed with significant differences according to the weaning groups (weaned at 7 or 17 weeks of age). Faecal samples of young calves were dominated by bifidobacterial and lactobacilli species, while their respective plasma samples showed high concentrations of amino acids (AAs) and biogenic amines (BAs). However, as the calves matured, the abundances of potential fiber-degrading bacteria and the plasma concentrations of sphingomyelins (SMs), few BAs and acylcarnitines (ACs) were increased. Early-weaning at 7 weeks significantly restructured the microbiome towards potential fiber-degrading bacteria and decreased plasma concentrations of most of the AAs and SMs, few BAs and ACs compared to the late-weaning event. Strong associations between faecal microbes, plasma metabolites and calf growth parameters were observed during days 42–98, where the abundances of Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Blautia were positively correlated with the plasma concentrations of AAs, BAs and SMs as well as the live weight gain or average daily gain in calves.ConclusionThe present study reported that weaning at 17 weeks of age was beneficial due to higher growth rate of late-weaned calves during days 42–98 and a quick adaptability of microbiota to weaning-related dietary changes during day 112, suggesting an age-dependent maturation of the gastrointestinal tract. However, the respective plasma samples of late-weaned calves contained several metabolites with differential concentrations to the early-weaned group, suggesting a less abrupt but more-persistent effect of dietary changes on host metabolome compared to the microbiome.

The amicable rabbit – interactions between pet rabbits and their caregivers based on a questionnaire survey

As the popularity of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) kept as pets is steadily growing, the applied aspects of rabbit-human interactions draws increased attention. Factors, such as human-directed aggression and friendliness, are important from the aspect of animal welfare and owner satisfaction. In an online questionnaire for Hungarian pet rabbit owners (N = 1039 entries), we targeted the interactions between rabbits and their owners as well as interactions with strangers. The sex, reproductive status, breed, origin, keeping conditions of the rabbit, diet, and the owners’ knowledge about sensitive period treatment, were asked in the questionnaire. Principal Component Analysis yielded three behavioral dimensions (explaining the 63.5% of total variance) – which, based on the encompassed items, were named ‘Amicable’, ‘Aggression towards strangers’ and ‘Aggression towards the owner’. In the next step we looked for significant associations between the three behavioral components and the aforementioned fixed factors. We found that ‘Amicable’ had higher scores in the case of male rabbits (vs. females, P < 0.001), intact rabbits (vs. spayed/neutered, P < 0.05), and dwarf pet rabbit breeds (vs. large traditional meat rabbits, P < 0.001). Low ‘Amicable’ scores were given to rabbits that were adopted from shelters (P < 0.01), and also to those that were never let out from their cages/pens (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the owners who knew about the importance of the early socialization period, had the most ‘Amicable’ rabbits (P < 0.05). Finally, individually kept rabbits and those that received the longest time of maternal care (kept with the mother even after weaning), were considered as more ‘Amicable’ than those rabbits that had other rabbit companions (P < 0.05); or were separated from their mother before normal weaning time (P < 0.05). We found similarly detailed results regarding the associations between the independent variables and the two ‘Aggression’ components. We also found more unique associations, for example between the type of food and aggressiveness; rabbits fed with muesli-type feed reportedly behaved more aggressively with humans (P < 0.05) than those that were fed mainly pellets with additional hay. Understandably, there are also limitations as we could not establish causality from these results and also the distribution of the subjects among the various categories was sometimes far from balanced, which may lessen the representativity of the results in particular cases.

Influence of males of the paternal line with different weight index on the productivity of rabbits of the maternal form of the Hyla Cross

The maternal form of modern rabbit crosses is obtained by crossing ancestral lines. Therefore it is relevant to investigate the effect of using males of the parental line of the Hyla cross with different weight indices on the performance of the main breeding traits of the female rabbits of the parental form of the cross. The purpose of the study was to investigate the level of productivity of rabbits of the maternal form of cross by reproduction signs and to consider the dynamics of the main breeding traits for a number of births. The experiments used 223 rabbits of the maternal form of the Hyla cross, which came from males with different weight indices. To achieve this goal, groups of rabbits were formed, depending on the value of their father's weight Index – Group 1 – ≤ 100 units, Group 2 – from 100 to 120 units, Group 3 – ≥ 120 units. The live weight of rabbits after kindling, multiparity, the weight of newborn rabbits, milk yield, and the live weight of rabbits at the time of weaning were determined. Female rabbits that came from males with a high weight index at first kindling significantly outnumbered their peers in multiparity by 1.16-1.23 animal units (p ≤ 0.05), and in milk yield – by 6-6.5%. Rabbits whose parents were males with a high weight index according to the results of the 3rd kindling prevailed over their peers from other males in multiparity (p ≤ 0.05), milk yield (p ≤ 0.05), and also had significantly higher values of complex indices (p≤0.05). From the 1st to the 3rd kindling, the multiparity of rabbits increases, on average, by 6.5%. Live weight at birth of rabbits in Groups 2 and 3 had a positive trend and increased by 3.2% and 4.2%, respectively. On average, the milk yield of rabbits increased by 38.6% from the first to the third kindling. The practical significance of the results lies in the fact that to obtain highly productive rabbits of the maternal cross form, it is advisable to use males of the ancestral form with a weight index ≥ 120 units

Pharmacopuncture with a low dosage of B complex vitamins in the Da Zhui acupoint (Governing Vessel 14) for controlling gastrointestinal parasitism in periparturient ewes

Gastrointestinal parasites are a significant challenge in sheep farming, and periparturient ewes are one of the most susceptible categories in sheep flocks. This study aimed to verify whether the injection of B vitamins at the acupuncture point governing vessel 14 (GV14) can influence the parasitic load or host parasite interaction in naturally infected ewes during the peripartum period. Four weeks before parturition, 25 ewes were divided into five treatment groups: (1) Dose Control: 0.2 mL of B complex via IM; (2) Drug Control: 2 mL Complex B via IM; (3) Acupoint Control: 0.2 mL of Water at GV14 point; (4) Control; (5) Test group: 0.2 mL of B complex at the GV14 point. Treatments were performed at weeks -3, -1, 2, 4, and 6 about the parturition time. Fecal samples to estimate the parasitic load by fecal egg counts (FEC) and total blood samples for hemogram examination were performed seven days after the treatment, coinciding with weeks -2, 3, 5, and 7 about the parturition time. The number of peripheral eosinophils was higher in group 3 than in group 1 (p &lt;0.05). Although groups 3 and 5 had lower mean values of FEC and higher hematological values at the time of weaning, these differences were not statistically significant (p&gt; 0.05) according to the F test. However, all animals in groups 3 and 5 maintained low parasitism levels until the end of the experiment. Further studies should be performed with larger sample sizes and minor changes to the experimental protocol to elucidate the role of GV14 acupoint stimulation in the host-parasite relationship.

Identifying foetal forebrain interneurons as a target for monogenic autism risk factors and the polygenic 16p11.2 microdeletion

BackgroundAutism spectrum condition or ‘autism’ is associated with numerous genetic risk factors including the polygenic 16p11.2 microdeletion. The balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the cerebral cortex is hypothesised to be critical for the aetiology of autism making improved understanding of how risk factors impact on the development of these cells an important area of research. In the current study we aim to combine bioinformatics analysis of human foetal cerebral cortex gene expression data with anatomical and electrophysiological analysis of a 16p11.2+/- rat model to investigate how genetic risk factors impact on inhibitory neuron development.MethodsWe performed bioinformatics analysis of single cell transcriptomes from gestational week (GW) 8–26 human foetal prefrontal cortex and anatomical and electrophysiological analysis of 16p11.2+/- rat cerebral cortex and hippocampus at post-natal day (P) 21.ResultsWe identified a subset of human interneurons (INs) first appearing at GW23 with enriched expression of a large fraction of risk factor transcripts including those expressed from the 16p11.2 locus. This suggests the hypothesis that these foetal INs are vulnerable to mutations causing autism. We investigated this in a rat model of the 16p11.2 microdeletion. We found no change in the numbers or position of either excitatory or inhibitory neurons in the somatosensory cortex or CA1 of 16p11.2+/- rats but found that CA1 Sst INs were hyperexcitable with an enlarged axon initial segment, which was not the case for CA1 pyramidal cells.LimitationsThe human foetal gene expression data was acquired from cerebral cortex between gestational week (GW) 8 to 26. We cannot draw inferences about potential vulnerabilities to genetic autism risk factors for cells not present in the developing cerebral cortex at these stages. The analysis 16p11.2+/- rat phenotypes reported in the current study was restricted to 3-week old (P21) animals around the time of weaning and to a single interneuron cell-type while in human 16p11.2 microdeletion carriers symptoms likely involve multiple cell types and manifest in the first few years of life and on into adulthood.ConclusionsWe have identified developing interneurons in human foetal cerebral cortex as potentially vulnerable to monogenic autism risk factors and the 16p11.2 microdeletion and report interneuron phenotypes in post-natal 16p11.2+/- rats.

Comparison of efficacy of needle-free injection versus injection by needle for iron supplementation of piglets: a double blind randomized controlled trial

BackgroundIn pig husbandry, most piglets receive an intramuscular injection with iron around three days of age for the prevention of hypochromic, microcytic anaemia. In recent years an increased interest is noted for needle-free injections, because of efficiency and safety for man and animal. This study aims to support the evidence on efficacy to extent the registration of a commercial iron supplement with a needle-free administration application. To this aim the study has two objectives: 1) to determine the effect of needle-free injection of the iron supplement on the mean blood Haemoglobin level at weaning, as primary outcome, and mean Haematocrit and mean Body weight of pigs at weaning as secondary outcome compared to no treatment, as main determinant of iron deficiency anaemia in piglets at time of weaning; 2) to compare the effects of needle-free administration of the iron supplement with regular injection by needle, with regard to the course over time of Haemoglobin, Haematocrit, piglet growth and the differentiated haematological and serum iron parameters.MethodsA double blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with 72 piglets, 8 piglets per litter from 9 litters. At three days of age pigs were selected, based on body weight, and random allocated to three study groups: a) control non-treated group (2 pigs per litter, 18 in total), b) a group with regular iron injection by needle injection (3 pigs per litter, 27 in total), c) a group that received iron by needle-free injection (3 pigs per litter, 27 in total). At four points in time (day 3, 14, 26 and 40) piglets were weighed and bled to analyse the dynamics of red blood counts and haematological parameters as well as serum iron parameters. The primary outcome parameter was the Haemoglobin (Hb) level on day 26. Of secondary importance were Haematocrit (Ht) and body weight (BW) at weaning and parameters with tertiary importance were the course of Hb, Ht and differentiated red blood cell parameters, serum iron, iron binding capacity and iron saturation. In the statistical analyses, linear mixed effect regression modelling was used to account for repeated measures within litters and pigs.ResultsThe analyses showed that needle-free administration was as efficacious to prevent iron deficiency anaemia at day 26 as administration using regular needle injection, compared to the control group. The mean level of Hb and Ht of pigs in the needle and needle-free group did not differ significantly. No side effects were observed.ConclusionIt is concluded that needle-free iron administration of the tested product is as efficacious as regular administration by needle injection.

The efficacy of calorimetry-based nutritional support versus recommended dietary intake-based nutritional support in the successful weaning of chronically ventilated patients: A study protocol for a double blind randomized controlled trial

Mechanically ventilated patients are weaned during acute care hospitalization when it is determined that they are ready for withdrawal. If weaning fails, patients are admitted to a rehabilitation medical center for continued supportive care and additional weaning attempts. This study's objective is to increase the success rate of weaning from prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV), and to shorten the overall weaning period by tailoring the patient's caloric intake according to their individually measured energy needs. We designed a randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial to be conducted among PMV patients undergoing routine ventilation-weaning attempts. Patients in the intervention arm will be fed according to energy needs determined by calorimetry. Patients in the control arm will be fed according to the standard of care, namely the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) guidelines. Each patient will undergo up to five weaning attempts. Study outcomes will include successful weaning rate, time to successful weaning, and 3-12 months survival rate. This trial aims to examine the safety and efficacy of a nutritional diet based on an individual's measured caloric needs in terms of weaning rates and weaning time. We hypothesize that calorimetry-based nutrition plan will prove to be superior in both success rate and time to successful weaning compared to the standard nutrition plan based on the resting energy expenditure (REE) formula during the weaning process. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04825717.

Effects of injectable vitamin C at weaning and prior to transit on growth performance of early-weaned beef steers

This study investigated the effects of injectable vitamin C (VC) at weaning and prior to transit on growth performance and immune function in early-weaned beef steers. On day 0, 91 Angus × Simmental steers (92 ± 4 kg) were weaned (65 ± 11 d of age), given vaccination boosters, blocked by age, and randomly assigned to weaning (WEAN) treatments: intramuscular injections (20 mL per steer) of VC (250-mg sodium ascorbate per mL; 5 g per steer) or saline (SAL). From days 0 to 48, steers were housed at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center (Simpson, IL) in pens (six pens; N = 14 to 16 steers per pen) equipped with two to three Vytelle bunks to measure individual daily feed disappearance. On day 49, half of the steers in each WEAN treatment were randomly assigned to an additional injection treatment (20 mL per steer) of VC or SAL prior to transport (TRANS). After administering pretransit injections, all steers were loaded onto a commercial livestock trailer with equal representation of treatments across compartments. Steers were transported for 6 h (approximately 480 km) to the Illinois Beef and Sheep Field Laboratory (Urbana, IL). Upon arrival, steers were sorted into pens (six pens; N = 13 to 17 steers per pen) with 2 Vytelle bunks per pen. Steers were weighed on days 0, 1, 14, 48, 49, 64, 78, 106, and 107. Blood was collected (WEAN = 24 steers per treatment; TRANS = 12 steers per treatment) on days 0, 1, 2, 14, 49 (pre- and posttransit), 50, and 51. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 with fixed effects of age block, WEAN, TRANS, and WEAN × TRANS. Plasma ascorbate concentrations were greater (WEAN × time P < 0.01) on days 1 and 2 for steers that received VC at weaning. Similarly, for steers that received VC on day 49 pretransit, ascorbate concentrations were greater (TRANS × time P = 0.04) on days 49 posttransit, 50, and 51. Treatments did not affect (P ≥ 0.13) body weight, average daily gain, or gain to feed throughout the trial. Serum Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus type 1 and 2 antibody titers on days 14 and 51 were not affected (P ≥ 0.32) by treatment. Injectable VC administered to early-weaned beef steers at the time of weaning or pretransit increased plasma ascorbate concentrations but did not improve growth performance or antibody response to vaccination booster.

BEST LINEAR UNBIASED PREDICTION INDEX: SELECTION CRITERIA AND ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF THE USE OF SOWS OF DIFFERENT BREEDING VALUE

Purpose. To study indexes of own productivity of repair pigs and reproductive qualities of sows of different intrabreed differentiation according to the BLUP index, as well as to determine criteria for selecting highly productive animals for further use in the controlled population. Methods. Zootechnical, statistical, purebred breeding. The object of the study were repair pigs and sows of the Large White breed. The breeding value of animals of the specified production group was determined by the BLUP index, evaluation of young pigs according to their own productivity indexes, sows - according to reproductive qualities, was carried out taking into account the following characteristics: age of reaching live weight of 100 kg, days; fat thickness at the level of the 6th-7th thoracic vertebra, mm; the thickness of the fat in the middle point of the back between the withers and the sacrum, mm; thickness of lard on sacrum, mm; body length, cm; multifertility, head; milk yield, kg, number of piglets at the time of weaning, head; weight of the nest at the time of weaning at the age of 28 days, kg, preservation, %. Comprehensive evaluation of sows was carried out according to the index of M. D. Berezovskyi (cited by Vashchenko, 2019), the alignment of the sow's litter according to the live weight of piglets at the time of their birth - according to the method of V. I. Khalak (2012). Biometric processing of the research results was carried out according to generally accepted methods (V. P. Kovalenko et al, 2010). Results. Based on the results of the research, it was determined that repair pigs of the Large White breed, based on their own productivity (age of reaching 100 kg live weight, days; lard thickness at the level of 6-7 thoracic vertebrae, mm) belong to the elite class. The maximum indexes of multifertility (12.8+0.21 head), milk yield (62.8+1.46 kg), the number of piglets at the time of weaning (10.9+0.20 head) and litter weight at the time of weaning at the age of 28 days (85.6+1.54 kg) are characterized by sows of the I experimental group (BLUP index = 109.78-123.14); the index of M. D. Berezovskyi is 41.86+0.593 points. The coefficient of variation (Сv, %) of the reproductive qualities of sows of the Large White breed of different breeding value, evaluated according to the BLUP index (maternal line) ranges from 4.79 to 18.59 %. Conclusions. Coefficient of pairwise correlation (r) between indexes of reproductive qualities, BLUP index (maternal line) and index of M. D. Berezovskyi varies from -0.292 (tr=3.72) to + 0.978 (tr=262.05); the relationship between the specified mathematical models and the signs of own productivity is weak and unreliable (r= -0.050 - +0.007). The use of sows of high breeding value (BLUP index = 109.78-123.14) provides additional production at the level o f+13.20 %, and its value is +431.77 UAH./head/farrowing. Key words: sow, breed, own productivity, reproductive qualities, BLUP index, breeding value, variability, correlation.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ ВОСПРОИЗВОДСТВА И ПРОДУКТИВНОСТЬ СВИНОМАТОК ПРИ ПРОМЫШЛЕННОМ СКРЕЩИВАНИИ

It has been established that the breeding stock of swine on the farm complex is competed with the purebred Yorkshire animals, crossbreeds (Yorkshire × Landrace), for insemination of which the sperm production of boars of the Yorkshire, Landrace, Duroc breeds is used. The average fertilization rate of sows in the herd was 83.6%, including the combinations: Y × Y – 84.3%, Y × L – 84.6, YL × Y – 82.9 and YL × D – 81.2%. The highest prolificacy rate (12.43 heads) and the greatest number of piglets by the weaning time (10.81 heads) was in purebred sows of the Yorkshire breed when crossed with boars of the Landrace breed. The greatest weight of the litter at weaning (82.4 kg) and the safety rate of suckling piglets (92%) were in the crossbred (Yorkshire × Landrace) sows when crossed with the Duroc.

PERCUTANEOUS DILATATIONAL TRACHEOSTOMY IN COVID-19 PATIENTS IN THE COVID HOSPITAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT: THE UNIVERSITY CLINICAL CENTER OF VOJVODINA EXPERIENCE.

Patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19 require intensive care unit (ICU) admission with consecutive endotracheal intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation. In patients with long-term mechanical ventilation, percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) may be considered. This retrospective analysis includes clinical data on patients treated at the ICUs of the COVID Hospital of the Clinical Center of Vojvodina in the period from September 3, 2021 to May 1, 2022, and underwent PDT. Patients were predominantly male (n=48; 65.8%). Weaning from mechanical ventilation was achieved in 31 (42.5%) and decannulation in 25 (34.2%) patients. The mean time from polymerase chain reaction SARS CoV-2 positivity until PDT was 15.59±6.85 days. The mean time of endotracheal intubation before the PDT procedure was 7.37±4.89 days. The mean weaning time from mechanical ventilation was 10.45±7.92 days. Twenty-five (34.2%) patients were decannulated at the mean time of 19.60±11.81 days. The complications were tracheostomy related bleeding (2 patients), pneumothorax (4 patients), subcutaneous emphysema (1 patient) and cricoid cartilage injury (1 patient). PDT is a simple, safe, and effective procedure performed in COVID-19 patients in the ICU.

REPRODUCTIVE QUALITIES OF SOWS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF ADAPTATION AND THE LEVEL OF THEIR PHENOTYPE CONSOLIDATION

Introduction. The intensification of the breeding process in pig breeding involves, along with the introduction of modern methods of assessing the breeding value of animals, the use of pigs of foreign breeding. At the same time, it is important to study their adaptive and productive qualities in the conditions of industrial maintenance technology and the steppe zone of Ukraine (Topikha V. S., 2009, Khalak V. I., 2009, 2020, 2022, Kislyns’ka A. I. and others, 2012, Dudka O. I., 2020). The paper presents the results of the study of the reproductive qualities of sows of super-adaptive and minus-adaptive types, as well as the coefficients of phenotypic consolidation (К1, К2) of the main traits and the economic efficiency of the use of animals in experimental groups are calculated. The research was carried out in the agricultural formations of the Dnipropetrovsk region and the animal husbandry laboratory of the State Institution "Institute of Grain Crops of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine". The work was carried out in accordance with the program of scientific research № 31 "Genetic improvement of agricultural animals, their reproduction and preservation of biodiversity (Genetics, preservation and reproduction of biological resources in animal husbandry)", the task – "Determine adaptive features and the nature of inheritance of polygenic and hereditary traits of pigs of different genotypes and develop an integrated a system of creating a highly productive population".&#x0D; Materials and methods of research. The object of the study were sows of the large white breed of Hungarian origin. Based on the results of own research and data of primary zootechnical records (form 2-SV "Card of breeding sow", form 4-SV "Accounting journal of mating (insemination) of pig breeding stock", form 5-SV "Accounting journal of farrowings of sows and offspring piglets" (Instructions on the grading of pigs, 2003) the following quantitative characteristics were investigated: sow life expectancy, months; duration of breeding use of the sow, months; farrowings obtained; total live piglets obtained, head; fertility, head; nest weight at the time of weaning at the age of 30 days, kg, preservation of piglets until weaning, %.&#x0D; A comprehensive evaluation of sows for reproductive qualities was carried out according to M. D. Berezovsky’s index (cited by P. A. Vashchenko, 2019), the “level of adaptation” index was calculated according to the method of V. S. Smirnov (2003), phenotypic consolidation coefficients (К1, К2) of the main quantitative characteristics - according to the methods – by Yu. P. Polupan (1996, 2005). Biometric processing of research results was carried out according to the methods of V. P. Kovalenko. etc. (2010).&#x0D; Research results. It was established that the life expectancy of sows of the controlled population is 50.1 months (Сv = 35.97%), the duration of breeding use is 40.9 months (Сv = 42.24%), the "adaptation level" index is 10.56 points (Сv = 32.77%). During the breeding period, sows produced 7.0 farrowings (Сv = 44.10%), a total of 77.8 live piglets (Сv = 46.46%). The average rate of multiple fertility is 11.1 piglets per farrowing (Сv = 10.08%), the weight of the litter at the time of weaning at the age of 30 days is 76.1 kg (Сv = 14.10%), the weight of the nest at the time of weaning at the age 60 days – 181.5 kg (Сv = 9.35%), survival of piglets before weaning – 91.6 ± 0.50%. The index of M. D. Berezovs’ky in sows of the controlled population ranges from 33.00 to 50.83 points. Taking into account the intrabreed differentiation of sows according to the type of adaptation, it was established that animals of the super-adaptive type prevailed over the animals of the minus-adaptive type in terms of life expectancy, duration of breeding use, total farrowings, total live piglets, fertility and litter weight at the time of weaning at the age of 30 days by an average of 37.96%. Coefficients of pair correlation between traits characterizing the level of adaptation of sows and their reproductive qualities range from –0.704 to +0.982. Coefficients of phenotypic consolidation of reproductive qualities of sows of different types of adaptation range from –0.082 to +0.682.&#x0D; Conclusions. Studies show that sows of the super-adaptive type (the "adaptation level" index ranges from 5.48 to 8.20 points) outweigh the animals of the controlled population by litter weight at the time of weaning at the age of 30 days +4.63%. The cost of additional products obtained from the sow of the specified group is UAH 125.52.

ANEMIA IN CHILDREN AGED 12-59 MONTHS PRESENTING WITH HISTORY OF PICA

Background: Anemia, being a major public health problem has affected both developed and underdeveloped countries. Pica is common presentation of iron deficiency anemia.&#x0D; Objective: To determine the frequency of iron deficiency anemia in children with pica&#x0D; Methodology: This was a cross sectional study conducted at RHC Kot Qazi, Tehsil Lawa, District Chakwal, Punjab, and Pediatrics department, Sahara Medical College, Narowal over a 4-month period. After taking ethical approval, sample size of 277 children aged up to 59 months were enrolled. Preschoolers and school going children of either gender coming to outdoor patient department of Rural Health Centre, Kot Qazi and Pediatrics department, Sahara Medical College, Narowal with history of pica were included. Information gathered included duration of pica, substances consumed and perceived as pica, a detailed dietary history inclusive of age at the time of weaning and amount of milk consumed per day. One cc of heparinized blood sample was collected and sent to laboratory for complete blood count. Data was entered in SPSS and presented as frequency and percentages.&#x0D; Results: Of the 277 children with history of pica, 153 (55.2%) were male and 124 (44.82%) were females. The overall mean age of the sample was 47.23 ± 6.169 months. Out of 219 children, 76 (35.15 %) were mildly anemic, 99 (45.60%) were moderately anemic, 32 (14.86%) were severely anemic, while 12 (4.39%) were non anemic. 58 (21.48%) patients didn’t show up with their Hb results.&#x0D; Conclusion: Moderate Iron deficiency anemia is found in pre-school children with history of pica.

Closed-loop oxygen control for patients with hypoxaemia during hospitalisation: a living systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

IntroductionOxygen is the most common drug used in critical care patients to correct episodes of hypoxaemia. The adoption of new technologies in clinical practice, such as closed-loop systems for an...