Simplified HPLC-UV method for the determination of α-tocopherol in plasma

Vitamin E, known for its great nutritional importance, is normally included in animal diets as DL-α-tocopherol acetate.The authors propose a method that makes it possible to determine the concentration of vitamin E in plasma withoutsaponification. This method enable to avoid aggressive treatments on the analyte and complex procedures; it detectsvitamin E only in form of DL-α-tocopherol.Lipoproteins of analysed plasma were denaturised by methanol. Vitamin E was extracted by petroleum ether in presenceof NaCl. The extract was dried by rotavapor at 45 °C, solubilized by methanol and injected in HPLC (C18 column, reversedphase). The quantitative determination was carried out by UV detector settled on 294 nm.Tests of repeatability inter-analysis and intra-analysis gave coefficient of variability (CV%) respectively of 1.64 and2.41%. The mean recovery was 100%

Development of selective and eco-efficient synthetic processes promoted by heterogeneous catalysts or ionic liquids

The work has been focused on the development of selective and eco-efficient synthetic processes promoted by heterogeneous catalysts or ionic liquids. In particular, we prepared and studied immobilized catalysts able to activate hydrogen peroxide for selective oxidation processes and new chiral ionic liquids able to promote enantioselective oxidation reactions. Furthermore, a basic ionic liquid was supported and employed as catalyst for C-C bond formation reactions (Knoevenagel and Michael reactions). The Knoevenagel reaction was also investigated using commercial clay.Il lavoro di tesi è stato focalizzato sullo sviluppo di processi sintetici selettivi ed eco-efficienti promossi da catalizzatori eterogenei o liquidi ionici. In particolare abbiamo preparato e studiato l’attività di catalizzatori eterogenei in grado di attivare l’acqua ossigenata per reazioni di ossidazioni selettive e una nuova classe di liquidi ionici chirali in grado di promuovere reazioni di ossidazione enantioselettive. Si è inoltre supportato un liquido ionico basico che è stato utilizzato come catalizzatore per promuovere reazioni di Knoevenagel e di Michael. La reazione di Knoevenagel è stata inoltre studiata in presenza di clay commerciali

Measurement of transfer of colostral passive immunity in dairy calves

Submitted 2020-07-03 | Accepted 2020-09-08 | Available 2020-12-01https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2020.23.mi-fpap.190-196The administration of high quality colostrum reduces preweaning morbidity, mortality and, therefore, economic losses related to replacement animals. It also stimulates and improves calf growth, increasing milk production and longevity of the future dairy cows. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of breed and parity of the dam on colostrum quality, and of breed and gender of the calf, and time from calf birth to the administration of the first colostrum meal on the transfer of passive immunity to the calf by the field test of the Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT) on calf serum. A further objective was to improve the diagnostic accuracy of the field FPT test through a second laboratory phase improving the turbidity evaluation. The amount of IgG fed to calves (IgG concentration multiplied by the volume of colostrum administered) was influenced by dam parity as significant differences (P 50 mg/ml) between 5 and 9 h of life was able to reduce the risk of FPT more effectively than the administration performed within the first 4 h of life. However, further studies on larger sample size is needed to confirm the present findings. The spectrophotometric measurements confirmed the results obtained by the field turbidity test at 14% sodium sulphite dilution. It would be interesting in future to expand the dataset and validate the spectrophometric method.Keywords: Failure of Passive Transfer, colostrum, immunoglobulin, breed, genderReferencesATKISON, D. J., VON KEYSERLINGK, M. A. G. and WEARY, D. M. (2017). Benchmarking passive transfer of immunity and growth in dairy calves. Journal of Dairy Science, 100(5), 3773-3782. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2016-11800BESSER, T. E. and GAY, C. C. (1994). The importance of colostrum to the health of the neonatal calf. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Food animal practice, 10(1), 107-117. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0749-0720(15)30591-0COLEMAN, L. W. et al. (2015). Colostral immunoglobulin G as a predictor for serum immunoglobulin G concentration in dairy calves. Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, 75, 3-8.CONNELLY, M. et al. (2013). Factors associated with the concentration of immunoglobulin G in the colostrum of dairy cows. Animal, 7(11), 1824-1832. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731113001444DEWELL, R. D. et al. (2006). Association of neonatal serum immunoglobulin G1 concentration with health and performance in beef calves. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 228(6), 914–921. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.228.6.914DONOVAN, G. A. et al. (1998). Associations between passive immunity and morbidity and mortality in dairy heifers in Florida, USA. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 34(1), 31-46. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-5877(97)00060-3GODDEN, S. (2008). Colostrum management for dairy calves. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Food animal practice, 24(1), 19-39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2007.10.005GULLIKSEN, S. M. et al. (2008). Risk factors associated with colostrum quality in Norwegian dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 91(2), 704-712. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2007-0450HANG, B. P. T. et al. (2017). Colostrum quality, IgG absorption and daily weight gain of calves in small-scale dairy production systems in Southern Vietnam. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 49(6), 1143-1147. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-017-1308-6HOPKINS, F. M., DEAN, D. F. and GREEN, W. (1984). Failure of passive transfer: comparison of field diagnosis methods. Modern Veterinary Practice, 65, 625-628.JASTER E. H. (2005). Evaluation of quality, quantity and timing of colostrum feeding on immunoglobulin G1 absorption in Jersey calves. Journal of Dairy Science, 88(1), 296-302. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(05)72687-4MALTECCA, C. et al. (2007). Estimation of genetic parameters for perinatal sucking behavior of Italian Brown Swiss calves. Journal of Dairy Science, 90, 4814–4820. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2007-0183MCGRATH, B. A., et al. (2016). Composition and properties of bovine colostrum: a review. Dairy Science & Technology, 96, 133-158. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13594-015-0258-xMCGUIRK, S. M. (2005). Herd-based testing for young stock. Proceedings of 38th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners pp. 146-148.MIYAZAKI, T., OKADA, K. and MIYAZAKI, M. (2017). Short communication: Neonatal calves coagulate first-milking colostrum and produce a large curd for efficient absorption of immunoglobulins after first ingestion. Journal of Dairy Science, 100(9), 7262-7270. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2017-12808MOORE, M. et al. (2005). Effect of delayed colostrum collection on colostral IgG concentration in dairy cows. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 226(8), 1375–1377. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2005.226.1375MULLER, L. D. and ELLINGER, P. K. (1981). Colostral immunoglobulin concentrations among breeds of dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science, 64(8), 1727-1730. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(81)82754-3NONNECKE, B. J. et al. (2003). Composition and functional capacity of blood mononuclear leukocyte populations from neonatal calves on standard and intensified milk replacer diets. Journal of Dairy Science, 86, 3592-3604. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(03)73965-4PARRISH, D. B. and FOUNTAINE, F. C. (1952). Contents of the alimentary tract of calves at birth. Journal of Dairy Science, 35, 839-845. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(52)93765-XQUIGLEY, J. D. and DREWRY, J. J. (1998). Nutrient and immunity transfer from cow to calf pre and postcalving. Journal of Dairy Science, 81, 2779-2790. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(98)75836-9RABOISSON, D., TRILLAT, P. and CAHUZAC, C. (2016). Failure of passive immune transfer in calves: A meta-analysis on the consequences and assessment of the economic impact. PLoS ONE, 11, e0150452. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0150452ROBISON, J. D., STOTT, G. and DENISE, S. (1988). Effects of passive immunity on growth and survival in the dairy heifer. Journal of Dairy Science, 71, 1283-1287. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(88)79684-8ROGERS, G. M. and CAPUCILLE, D. J. (2004). L’impiego del colostro per mantenere vivi e produttivi i vitelli da carne. Large Animals Review, 106, 19-25.SAVINI, E. (1946). Chimica ed analisi del latte e dei latticini. Edizione Hoepli, Milano.SEDLINSKA, M., KREJCI, J. and VYSKOCIL, M. (2005). Evaluation of field methods for determining immunoglobulins in sucking foals. Acta Veterinaria, 74, 51-58. https://doi.org/10.2754/avb200574010051TURINI, L. et al. (2020). The relationship between colostrum quality, passive transfer of immunity and birth and weaning weight in neonatal calves. Livestock Science, 238, 104033. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2020.104033TYLER, J .W. et al. (1996). Evaluation of 3 assays for failure of passive transfer in calves. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 10(5), 304-307. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.1996.tb02067.xWEAVER, D. M. et al. (2000). Passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins in calves. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 14, 569-577. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2000.tb02278.xWOODING, F. B. P. (1992). Current topic: the synepitheliochorial placenta of ruminants: binucleate cell fusion and hormone production. Placenta, 13(2), 101-113. https://doi.org/10.1892/0891-6640(2000)0142.3.co;2ZAREI, S. et al. (2017). The impact of season, parity, and volume of colostrum on Holstein dairy cows colostrum composition. Agricultural Sciences, 8, 572-581. https://doi.org/10.4236/as.2017.8704

Evaluation of the oxidative status of periparturient mares supplemented with high amount of α-tocopherol

Aim of the study was to investigate the oxidative status during peripartum period in mares fed high amount of dietary α-tocopherol. α-Tocopherol, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) levels were measured in blood samples from 17 Thoroughbred mares at three intervals: (1) 20 days before the expected foaling date; (2) 12 h following parturition; (3) 7 days post-partum. The levels of α-tocopherol, d-ROMs and FRAP were retrospectively analysed in relation to the number of insemination services (Ins) after foaling performed per conception. The parameters α-tocopherol and d-ROMs evidenced minimal fluctuations during peripartum period while FRAP levels showed a linear decrease. The α-tocopherol did not show significant variations and was numerically higher in mares >10 years old while FRAP levels were significantly higher in older mares in the post-partum. Mares receiving three natural insemination services showed higher levels of FRAP in the pre-partum period (p = .009) and lower values of α-tocopherol (p = .015) in the postpartum compared to mares receiving one service. No d-ROMs level differences appeared among service classes. Oxidative stress is not present in periparturient mares fed 2.750 IU of supplementary α-tocopherol. Differences in redox metabolism are detectable between young and old mares. Plasma antioxidant potential is higher in older mares particularly in the post-partum period.Highlights Oxidative stress is not present in periparturient mares fed 2.750 IU of supplementary α-tocopherol. Antioxidant potential of plasma is higher in mares older than 10 years compared to younger mares. The increased plasma antioxidant potential seems related to an increase in services per conception

Adding monoglycerides containing short and medium chain fatty acids to milk replacer: effects on health and performance of preweaned calves

The aim of this trial was to investigate the effects of a blend of monoglycerides of short- and medium-chain fatty acids (SMCFA) on health status and growth of preweaned male calves from 16 to 72 days of age. The in vivo study was conducted as a complete randomised block design. Twenty Italian Holstein calves received starter administered ad libitum and 6 L of milk replacer/ day (12% powder concentration) and were divided into treated (T) and control (C) groups. A preliminary in vitro antibiotic activity test of SMCFA was performed on several bacterial strains showing a minimum inhibiting concentration ranging from 0.8 to 12.5%. The group T received SMCFA (11 g/day) within the milk replacer while, to obtain isoenergetic liquid diets, the group C received additional 18 g/day of milk replacer powder. Body weight and morphological measurements of the calves were performed weekly. Health scores were checked daily. Faecal and blood samples were collected every two weeks for routine clinical investigations including serum concentration of non-esterified fatty acids and b-Hydroxybutyric acid. At the end of the trial calves were slaughtered and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) organs weighed. The group T reported a better health status and did not require Ab therapy. No differences in biometrical measurements, feed efficiency, blood parameters, and GIT measures were found between the two groups. At 44 days of age, group T showed higher b-Hydroxybutyric acid concentration compared to group C (p<.05). The SMCFA improved the calf health status avoiding the use of antimicrobics

Adding monoglycerides containing short and medium chain fatty acids to milk replacer: effects on health and performance of preweaned calves

The aim of this trial was to investigate the effects of a blend of monoglycerides of short- and medium-chain fatty acids (SMCFA) on health status and growth of preweaned male calves from 16 to 72 days of age. The in vivo study was conducted as a complete randomised block design. Twenty Italian Holstein calves received starter administered ad libitum and 6 L of milk replacer/day (12% powder concentration) and were divided into treated (T) and control (C) groups. A preliminary in vitro antibiotic activity test of SMCFA was performed on several bacterial strains showing a minimum inhibiting concentration ranging from 0.8 to 12.5%. The group T received SMCFA (11 g/day) within the milk replacer while, to obtain isoenergetic liquid diets, the group C received additional 18 g/day of milk replacer powder. Body weight and morphological measurements of the calves were performed weekly. Health scores were checked daily. Faecal and blood samples were collected every two weeks for routine clinical investigations including serum concentration of non-esterified fatty acids and β-Hydroxybutyric acid. At the end of the trial calves were slaughtered and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) organs weighed. The group T reported a better health status and did not require Ab therapy. No differences in biometrical measurements, feed efficiency, blood parameters, and GIT measures were found between the two groups. At 44 days of age, group T showed higher β-Hydroxybutyric acid concentration compared to group C (p < .05). The SMCFA improved the calf health status avoiding the use of antimicrobics.HIGHLIGHTS The monoglycerides of short and medium chain fatty acids improve calf health status. The monoglycerides of short and medium chain fatty acids reduce the need for antibiotic treatment. The monoglycerides of short and medium chain fatty acids reduce the negative impact of enteropathogens

Immunometabolic profiling of patients with multiple sclerosis identifies new biomarkers to predict disease activity during treatment with interferon beta-1a

Reliable immunologic biomarkers able to monitor disease course during multiple sclerosis (MS) are still missing. We aimed at identifying possible immunometabolic biomarkers able to predict the clinical outcome in MS patients during treatment with interferon (IFN)-beta-1a. We measured in 45 relapsing-remitting (RR) MS patients, blood circulating levels of several immunometabolic markers, at enrolment, and correlated their levels to disease activity and progression over time. Higher levels of interleukin (IL)-6, soluble-CD40-ligand (sCD40L) and leptin at baseline associated with a higher relapse rate and a greater risk of experiencing at least one relapse in the following year. Higher values of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (sTNF-R) and leptin at baseline were predictive of a higher number of lesions in the following one-year of follow up. Our data suggest that an immunometabolic screening measuring IL-6, sCD40L, leptin and sTNF-R at baseline, before starting IFN-beta-1a, is able to predict a poor response to treatment

Effects of Bacille Calmette-Guérin after the first demyelinating event in the CNS

Objective: To evaluate Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) effects after clinically isolated syndromes (CIS). Methods: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, participants were randomly assigned to receive BCG or placebo and monitored monthly with brain MRI (6 scans). Both groups then entered a preplanned phase with IM interferon-β-1a for 12 months. From month 18 onward, the patients took the disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) that their neurologist considered indicated in an open-label extension phase lasting up to 60 months. Results: Of 82 randomized subjects, 73 completed the study (33 vaccinated and 40 placebo). During the initial 6 months, the number of cumulative lesions was significantly lower in vaccinated people. The relative risks were 0.541 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.308-0.956; p = 0.03) for gadolinium-enhancing lesions (the primary endpoint), 0.364 (95% CI 0.207-0.639; p = 0.001) for new and enlarging T2-hyperintense lesions, and 0.149 (95%CI 0.046-0.416; p = 0.001) for new T1-hypointense lesions. The number of total T1-hypointense lesions was lower in the BCG group at months 6, 12, and 18: mean changes from baseline were - 0.09 ± 0.72 vs 0.75 ± 1.81 (p = 0.01), 0.0 ± 0.83 vs 0.88 ± 2.21 (p = 0.08), and -0.21 ± 1.03 vs 1.00 ± 2.49 (p = 0.02). After 60 months, the cumulative probability of clinically definite multiple sclerosis was lower in the BCG 1 DMT arm (hazard ratio = 0.52, 95% CI 0.27-0.99; p &lt; 0.05), and more vaccinated people remained DMT-free (odds ratio = 0.20, 95% CI 0.04-0.93; p = 0.04). Conclusions: Early BCG may benefit CIS and affect its long-term course. Classification of evidence: BCG, as compared to placebo, was associated with significantly reduced development of gadolinium-enhancing lesions in people with CIS for a 6-month period before starting immunomodulating therapy (Class I evidence). © 2013 American Academy of Neurology