Neuroendocrine Regulation of Metabolism

Given the current environment in most developed countries, it is a challenge to maintain a good balance between calories consumed and calories burned, although maintenance of metabolic balance is key to good health. Therefore, understanding how metabolic regulation is achieved and how the dysregulation of metabolism affects health is an area of intense research. Most studies focus on the hypothalamus, which is a brain area that acts as a key regulator of metabolism. Among the nuclei that comprise the hypothalamus, the arcuate nucleus is one of the major mediators in the regulation of food intake. The regulation of energy balance is also a key factor ensuring the maintenance of any species as a result of the dependence of reproduction on energy stores. Adequate levels of energy reserves are necessary for the proper functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This review discusses valuable data presented in the 2015 edition of the International Workshop of Neuroendocrinology concerning the fundamental nature of the hormonal regulation of the hypothalamus and the impact on energy balance and reproduction.Fil: Cornejo, María Paula. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular; ArgentinaFil: Hentges, S.T.. State University of Colorado - Fort Collins; Estados UnidosFil: Maliqueo, M.. Universidad de Chile; ChileFil: Coirini, Hector. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Fundación de Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Becu Villalobos, D.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Fundación de Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Elias, C. F.. University of Michigan; Estados Unido

Neuroendocrine Regulation of Metabolism

Given the current environment in most developed countries, it is a challenge to maintain a good balance between calories consumed and calories burned, although maintenance of metabolic balance is key to good health. Therefore, understanding how metabolic regulation is achieved and how the dysregulation of metabolism affects health is an area of intense research. Most studies focus on the hypothalamus, which is a brain area that acts as a key regulator of metabolism. Among the nuclei that comprise the hypothalamus, the arcuate nucleus is one of the major mediators in the regulation of food intake. The regulation of energy balance is also a key factor ensuring the maintenance of any species as a result of the dependence of reproduction on energy stores. Adequate levels of energy reserves are necessary for the proper functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This review discusses valuable data presented in the 2015 edition of the International Workshop of Neuroendocrinology concerning the fundamental nature of the hormonal regulation of the hypothalamus and the impact on energy balance and reproduction.Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología CelularConsejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnica

Metritis in dairy cows: Risk factors and reproductive performance

The objectives of this study were to assess the risk factors for metritis, its effects on milk yield and on reproductive performance, and the efficacy of ceftiofur therapy in Holstein dairy cows. Cows (n. =. 303) from a commercial dairy herd in Argentina were studied. Cows were scored for body condition, and blood samples were collected on d -14, 7, 21, 31, 41, and 50 relative to parturition. Cows having a watery, purulent, or brown, and fetid vaginal discharge (VD) and rectal temperature ≤39.2°C were diagnosed as having clinical metritis, and those having a similar VD and rectal temperature >39.2°C were diagnosed as having puerperal metritis. Both clinical and puerperal metritis cows were randomly assigned to control (no treatment) or ceftiofur group (2.2. mg/kg. ×. 3 consecutive days). Cure was declared if clear VD was observed at 21 d in milk (DIM). Blood samples were analyzed for nonesterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, and blood urea nitrogen using commercial kits, and for insulin-like growth factor-1, insulin, and leptin by RIA. Data were analyzed with PROC MIXED, GENMOD, PHREG, and LIFETEST from SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). The risk for metritis increased with dystocia, retained fetal membranes, and dead calf [AOR (adjusted odds ratio). =. 2.58, 95% CI: 1.189-5.559], and as prepartum nonesterified fatty acids levels increased (AOR. =. 1.001, 95% CI: 0.999-1.002). Conversely, risk decreased as prepartum insulin-like growth factor-1 increased (AOR. =. 0.65, 95% CI: 0.349-1.219). Cows having either clinical or puerperal metritis produced less milk by 90 DIM than did healthy cows (2,236. ±. 172 vs. 2,367. ±. 77 vs. 2,647. ±. 82 kg, respectively). Cows with puerperal metritis had lower risk for pregnancy by 100 DIM (AOR. =. 0.189, 95% CI: 0.070-0.479) and a lower hazard rate for pregnancy by 150 DIM (hazard rate: 0.753, 95% CI: 0.621-0.911), and took longer to get pregnant (129 vs. 111 vs. 109 d, for puerperal metritis, clinical metritis, and healthy cows, respectively). Ceftiofur treatment was not associated with cure rate or milk yield but was related to increased risk for pregnancy at timed artificial insemination (AOR. =. 2.688, 95% CI: 0.687-10.832), and for lower risk of reproductive cull (AOR. =. 0.121, 95% CI: 0.014-1.066). In conclusion, abnormal calving and negative energy balance are associated with increased risk for metritis. Metritis, especially puerperal metritis, correlates with reduced milk production and poor reproductive performance. Finally, the likelihood for having a normal VD (indicative of cure) increased 2.6% for every day of increase in postpartum time and was 2 times higher for cows with clinical metritis than for those with puerperal metritis.Facultad de Ciencias Veterinaria

Surgical treatment of obesity in the presence of abdominal wall eventrations

Spitalul Clinic Militar Central al Armatei Naționale, Chişinău, Al XI-lea Congres al Asociației Chirurgilor „Nicolae Anestiadi” din Republica Moldova și cea de-a XXXIII-a Reuniune a Chirurgilor din Moldova „Iacomi-Răzeșu” 27-30 septembrie 2011Actualitatea temei: țesutul adipos pe peretele abdomenului cu herniile peretelui abdominal sau chiar fiind un factor etiologic în apariția lor necesită o conduită chirurgicală modernă nu doar etio-patogenetică ci şi estetică. Materiale şi metode: S-au luat în calcul datele activitătii chirurgicale de 4 ani. Procedeele de hernioplastii utilizate: cu plasă sintetică, cu țesuturi proprii , dermolipectomii şi abdomenoplastii. Rezultate obținute: Între 2008-2011 în secția chirurgie generală a SCMC s-au tratat- 130 pacienți cu obezitate: supraponderali cu indicele de masă corporală-27- 30kgmp-80(61%); obezitate moderată-30-40kgmp- 30(23%); şi obezitate morbidă peste- 40kgmp-20(15%) pacienți. Bărbați-55(42%), femei-75(57%). Vîrsta medie-65 ani.Cu hernii ale peretelui abdominal-68(52%) pacienți. Eventrații postoperatorii-45(34%). La acest lot s-a efectuat şi hernioplastia cu utilizarea meşelor sintetice. Asocierea herniilor ombelicale cu sau fără diastaza recților abdominali s-a înregistrat în-23(17,6%) cazuri. În-15(11,5%) cazuri s-a efectuat hernioplastia cu țesuturi proprii. Hernioplastia cu plasă de prolen a fost executată în 53(39,2%) cazuri.În toate cele-68(52%) cazuri s-a efectuat corecția cosmetică a peretelui abdominal. În-24(18,4%) cazuri s-a efectuat dermolipectomia- îndepărtarea excesului cutanat şi a țesutului adipos subiacent. În-20(15,3%) cazuri s-a executat abdomenoplastia, adică corectarea peretelui anterior prin înlăturarea lamboului cutaneo adipos, menajarea ombilicului şi omfaloplastia. În-24(18,4%) cazuri la pacienții cu flaciditate cutanată extremă „abdomen ptozat” s-a efectuat dermolipectomia cu omfalectomia. Anestezia generală s-a utilizat în-58(%) cazuri, în rest peridurală şi intravenoasă. Complicații majore nu s-au înregistrat, doar-7 cazuri cu seroame între 7-20 de zile. Cazuri de liposucțiune nu au fost.Concluzii:Operațiile cu scop estetic şi reparator ale peretelui abdominal sunt practicate de chirurgi pregătiți cu echipament corespunzător. Procedeele de abdominoplastie, dermolipectomie cu reinserția ombilicului sînt indicate candidaților cu o stare bună de sănătate.Novelty: The fat tissue on the abdominal wall with abdominal wall hernias being an etiological factor in their occurrence requires modern surgical management both etiopathogenetic and aesthetic. Materials and methods: Data within 4 years of surgical activity have been analyzed. The following procedures of hernioplasties were used: synthetic mesh, the body proper tissues, dermolipectomies, and abdomenoplasties. Results: 130 patients suffering from obesity were treated in the Department of General Surgery of SCMC between 2008-2011. Categories of patients included: overweight patients with body mass index-27-30 kgmp - 80(61%); moderate obesity 30-40 kgmp - 30(23%); morbid obesity over 40 kgmp - 20 (15%) patients. There were 55 (42%) men and 75 (57%) women. The average age was 65 years. Abdominal wall hernias were revealed in 68 (52%) patients. Postoperative eventrations were recorded in 45 (34%) patients. This lot underwent hernioplasty using synthetic mesh. Association of umbilical hernias with or without diastase of the abdominal recti was revealed in-23 (17.6%) cases. Hernioplasty using the body proper tissues was performed in 15 (11.5%) cases. Hernioplasty with mesh was performed in 53 (39.2%) cases. In all 68 (52%) cases cosmetic correction of the abdominal wall was performed. Dermolipectomy-removal of excess skin and underlying fat tissue was performed in 24 (18.4%) cases. In 20 (15.3%) cases abdominoplasty, i.e. correction of the anterior wall by removing the cutaneous fat flap, taking care of the navel, and omphalloplasty, was performed. In 24 (18.4%) cases in patients with extreme skin flaccidity “ abdomen ptosis “was performed dermolipectomy with omphalectomy. General anesthesia was used in 58 (%) cases, otherwise epidural and intravenous ones. No major complications were recorded, only 7 cases with seromas between 7-20 days. There were no cases of liposuction. Conclusions: Aesthetic and repairing surgeries are performed by well-trained and experienced surgeons with appropriate equipment to restore the abdominal wall. Abdominoplasty procedures, dermolipectomy with navel reinsertion are indicated to patients in good health

Metritis in dairy cows: Risk factors and reproductive performance

The objectives of this study were to assess the risk factors for metritis, its effects on milk yield and on reproductive performance, and the efficacy of ceftiofur therapy in Holstein dairy cows. Cows (n. =. 303) from a commercial dairy herd in Argentina were studied. Cows were scored for body condition, and blood samples were collected on d -14, 7, 21, 31, 41, and 50 relative to parturition. Cows having a watery, purulent, or brown, and fetid vaginal discharge (VD) and rectal temperature ≤39.2°C were diagnosed as having clinical metritis, and those having a similar VD and rectal temperature >39.2°C were diagnosed as having puerperal metritis. Both clinical and puerperal metritis cows were randomly assigned to control (no treatment) or ceftiofur group (2.2. mg/kg. ×. 3 consecutive days). Cure was declared if clear VD was observed at 21 d in milk (DIM). Blood samples were analyzed for nonesterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, and blood urea nitrogen using commercial kits, and for insulin-like growth factor-1, insulin, and leptin by RIA. Data were analyzed with PROC MIXED, GENMOD, PHREG, and LIFETEST from SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). The risk for metritis increased with dystocia, retained fetal membranes, and dead calf [AOR (adjusted odds ratio). =. 2.58, 95% CI: 1.189-5.559], and as prepartum nonesterified fatty acids levels increased (AOR. =. 1.001, 95% CI: 0.999-1.002). Conversely, risk decreased as prepartum insulin-like growth factor-1 increased (AOR. =. 0.65, 95% CI: 0.349-1.219). Cows having either clinical or puerperal metritis produced less milk by 90 DIM than did healthy cows (2,236. ±. 172 vs. 2,367. ±. 77 vs. 2,647. ±. 82 kg, respectively). Cows with puerperal metritis had lower risk for pregnancy by 100 DIM (AOR. =. 0.189, 95% CI: 0.070-0.479) and a lower hazard rate for pregnancy by 150 DIM (hazard rate: 0.753, 95% CI: 0.621-0.911), and took longer to get pregnant (129 vs. 111 vs. 109 d, for puerperal metritis, clinical metritis, and healthy cows, respectively). Ceftiofur treatment was not associated with cure rate or milk yield but was related to increased risk for pregnancy at timed artificial insemination (AOR. =. 2.688, 95% CI: 0.687-10.832), and for lower risk of reproductive cull (AOR. =. 0.121, 95% CI: 0.014-1.066). In conclusion, abnormal calving and negative energy balance are associated with increased risk for metritis. Metritis, especially puerperal metritis, correlates with reduced milk production and poor reproductive performance. Finally, the likelihood for having a normal VD (indicative of cure) increased 2.6% for every day of increase in postpartum time and was 2 times higher for cows with clinical metritis than for those with puerperal metritis.Facultad de Ciencias Veterinaria

Combining exploratory scenarios and participatory backcasting: using an agent-based model in participatory policy design for a multi-functional landscape

While the merits of local participatory policy design are widely recognised, limited use is made of model-based scenario results to inform such stakeholder involvement. In this paper we present the findings of a study using an agent based model to help stakeholders consider, discuss and incorporate spatial and temporal processes in a backcasting exercise for rural development. The study is carried out in the Dutch region called the Achterhoek. Region-specific scenarios were constructed based on interviews with local experts. The scenarios are simulated in an agent based model incorporating rural residents and farmer characteristics, the environment and different policy interventions for realistic projection of landscape evolution. Results of the model simulations were presented to stakeholders representing different rural sectors at a workshop. The results indicate that illustration of the spatial configuration of landscape changes is appreciated by stakeholders. Testing stakeholders' solutions by way of model simulations revealed that the effectiveness of local interventions is strongly related to exogenous processes such as market competition and endogenous processes like local willingness to engage in multifunctional activities. The integration of multi-agent modelling and participatory backcasting is effective as it offers a possibility to initiate discussion between experts and stakeholders bringing together different expertise. © 2012 The Author(s)