A pilot study to compare oxidative status between organically and conventionally managed dairy cattle during the transition period

NOTICE: This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Abuelo, A., Hernández, J., Benedito, J. and Castillo, C. (2015), A pilot study to compare oxidative status between organically and conventionally managed dairy cattle during the transition period. Reproduction in Domestic Animals. [doi: 10.1111/rda.12519]. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance With Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archivingThe aim of this study was to assess the redox balance of organically managed dairy cattle (OMC; n = 40) during the transition period and to compare this with conventionally managed cattle (CMC; n = 22). Serum samples of dairy cows from two organic and one conventional farm were taken. Markers of oxidants production [reactive oxygen species] and total serum antioxidant capacity were measured in four different production stages: (i) far-off dry (2 to 1 months before calving; 44 samples in CMC and 48 in OMC); (ii) close-up dry (1 month until 3 days before calving; 44 CMC; 54 OMC); (iii) fresh (3 days to +1 month after calving; 44 CMC; 49 OMC); and (iv) peak of lactation (+1 to +3 months; 71 CMC; 78 OMC). Values were compared between production stages and against a metabolic baseline status (4th–5th month of pregnancy; 40 CMC; 30 OMC). Our results indicated that throughout the periparturient period, OMC had lower concentrations of reactive oxygen species, but also a lower antioxidant capacity than CMC. Indeed, when the two components of the redox balance were assessed together through the Oxidative Stress index, the values of this parameter were higher for OMC than for CMC, thereby implying a higher risk of oxidative stress. Therefore, further larger studies are needed to confirm the current observations, as organically reared animals might be exposed to a lack of antioxidants supply.Xunta de Galicia e Ministerio de Educacio

Evaluación continua mediante exámenes clínicos estructurados por objetivos en Propedéutica Clínica Veterinaria

[EN] This study aimed to evaluate the attitude of veterinary students to the use of Objective Structured  Clinical  Examination  (OSCE) as a method for continuous assessment of the acquisition of clinical skills related to the physical examination of animals. Students  undertook  fortnightly  two OSCEs throughout a semester, after which an  anonymous  electronic  survey  was distributed before the final written exam. The results of the questionnaire indicated that  students  display  a  good  attitude to being assessed frequently by OSCEs; furthermore,  it  also  helped  them  not only to study and practice more regularly, but as they were told in advance what they would be assessed on, it also helped them to be more focused during teaching time. Furthermore, they encouraged the maintenance of the assessment method for the following year and also provided some suggestions for improvement. It is therefore concluded that students display a positive attitude to continuous assessment by OSCE, w[ES] El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la actitud de los estudiantes de veterinaria hacia  el  uso  de  exámenes  clínicos estructurados por objetivos (OSCE) como un método para la evaluación continua de la adquisición de las habilidades clínicas relacionadas  con  el  examen  físico  de los animales. Los estudiantes realizaron quincenalmente dos OSCE a lo largo de un semestre, después de lo cual contestaron voluntariamente  a  una  encuesta electrónica de forma anónima antes del examen final escrito. Los resultados del cuestionario indican que los estudiantes mostraron  una  buena  actitud  hacia  la evaluación frecuente mediante OSCE; por otra parte, esta metodología también les ayudó no sólo a estudiar y practicar con más regularidad, pero como se les facilitó de  antemano  el  listado  de  habilidades del que iban a ser evaluados, también les ayudó a centrarse más durante el tiempo de docencia presencial. Además, alentaron el mantenimiento del método de evaluación para  los  cursoAbuelo Sebio, Á.; Hernández Bermúdez, J.; Benedito Castellote, JL.; Castillo Rodríguez, C. (2015). Continuous Assessment through Objective Structured Clinical Examinations in Veterinary Clinical Propaedeutics. REDU. Revista de Docencia Universitaria. 13(3):189-202. https://doi.org/10.4995/redu.2015.5458OJS189202133Barman, A. (2005). Critiques on the objective structured clinical examination. Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore, 34(8), 478-482.Bateman, K., Menzies, P., Sandals, D., Duffield, T., LeBlanc, S., Leslie, K., . . . Swackhammer, R. (2008). Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) as a summative evaluation tool in a ruminant health management rotation for final-year DVM students. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 35(3), 382-388. https://doi.org/10.3138/jvme.35.3.382Cruickshank, J.K., Barritt, P.W., McBesag, F., Waterhouse, N., Goldman, L.H. (1975). Student views on continuous assessment at Birmingham University Medical School. British Medical Journal, 4(5991), 265-267. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.4.5991.265Davis, M.H., Ponnamperuma, G.G., McAleer, S., Dale, V.H.M. (2006). The objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) as a determinant of veterinary clinical skills. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 33(4), 578-587. https://doi.org/10.3138/jvme.33.4.578Frederiksen, N. (1984). The real test bias: Influences of testing on teaching and learning. The American Psychologist, 39(3), 193-202. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.39.3.193Fuentealba, C. (2011). The role of assessment in the student learning process. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 38(2), 157-162. https://doi.org/10.3138/jvme.38.2.157Hammond, J. (2009). Survey of current practice in OSCE assessment in UK clinical education. Retrieved from http://www.medev.ac.uk/static/uploads/resources/miniproject_reports/Project%20436%20report%20FINAL%2009_09.pdfHarden, R.M., Gleeson, F. A. (1979). Assessment of clinical competence using an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Medical Education, 13(1), 41-54. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2923.1979.tb00918.xHarden, R.M., Stevenson, M., Downie, W. W., Wilson, G. M. (1975). Assessment of clinical competence using objective structured examination. British Medical Journal, 1(5955), 447-451. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.1.5955.447Hecker, K., Read, E.K., Vallevand, A., Krebs, G., Donszelmann, D., Muelling, C.K., Freeman, S.L. (2010). Assessment of first-year veterinary students' clinical skills using objective structured clinical examinations. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 37(4), 395-402. https://doi.org/10.3138/jvme.37.4.395Hodges, B.D. (2006). The objective structured clinical examination: Three decades of development. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 33(4), 571-577 https://doi.org/10.3138/jvme.33.4.571Joint Declaration of the European Ministers of Education convened in Bologna on the 19 June 1999. (1999). Retrieved from http://www.ond.vlaanderen.be/hogeronderwijs/bologna/documents/MDC/BOLOGNA_DECLARATION1.pdfMajor, D.A. (2005). OSCEs - Seven years on the bandwagon: The progress of an objective structured clinical evaluation programme. Nurse Education Today, 25(6), 442-454. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2005.03.010Manogue, M., Brown, G. (1998). Developing and implementing an OSCE in dentistry. European Journal of Dental Education, 2(2), 51-57. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0579.1998.tb00039.xMiller, G.E. (1990). The assessment of clinical skills/competence/performance. Academic medicine: Journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges, 65(9 Suppl), S63-67. https://doi.org/10.1097/00001888-199009000-00045Muzyamba, M.C., Goode, N., Kilyon, M., Brodbelt, D. (2012). Predictors of success in a UK veterinary medical undergraduate course. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 39(4), 380-388. https://doi.org/10.3138/jvme.1011.103R1Nayer, M. (1993). An overview of the objective structured clinical examination. Physiotherapy Canada. Physiothérapie Canada, 45(3), 171-178.Newble, D. (2004). Techniques for measuring clinical competence: Objective structured clinical examinations. Medical Education, 38(2), 199-203. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2923.2004.01755.xNewble, D.I., Jaeger, K. (1983). The effect of assessments and examinations on the learning of medical students. Medical Education, 17(3), 165-171. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2923.1983.tb00657.xNorcini, J.J., Blank, L.L., Duffy, F.D., Fortna, G.S. (2003). The mini-CEX: A method for assessing clinical skills. Annals of Internal Medicine, 138(6), 476-481. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-138-6-200303180-00012Resolution of February 17th, 2011, from the University of Santiago de Compostela, which publishes the curriculum of the Degree in Veterinary Medicine, (2011). Boletín Oficial del Estado núm. 53 del 3 de marzo de 2011. 24422-24428. Retrieved from: http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2011/03/03/pdfs/BOE-A-2011-4081.pdfSchuwirth, L.W.T., van der Vleuten, C.P.M. (2010). How to design a useful test: The principles of assessment. In T. Swanwick (Ed.), Understanding medical education(pp. 195-207). John Wiley & Sons Ltd: Chichester, United Kindom: .Seibu, M.J., Biju, I., Yakub, S. (2006). Impact on student learning from traditional continuous assessment and an e-assessment proposal. Paper presented at the The Tenth Pacific Asia Conference on Information Systems. Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia.Sibbald, D., Regehr, G. (2003). Impact on the psychometric properties of a pharmacy OSCE: Using 1st-year students as standardized patients. Teaching and Learning in Medicine, 15(3), 180-185. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15328015TLM1503_06The Bologna Process: Setting up the European Higher Education Area. (2010). Retrieved from http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/education_training_youth/lifelong_learning/c11088_en.htmvan der Vleuten, C. (2000). Validity of final examinations in undergraduate medical training. British Medical Journal, 321(7270), 1217-1219 https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.321.7270.121

Effects of Calving Body Condition Score on Blood Acid–Base Balance of Primiparous Holstein-Friesian Dairy Cows in a Commercial Dairy Farm: A Case Study

The study was carried out on 27 healthy primiparous Holstein heifers (620 ± 50 kg) kept in a commercial dairy herd. The animals were divided into two groups taking into account the body condition score (BCS) index: BCS 3.5 n = 15. The study period started one month before calving (BC), and ran until one month after calving (AC). Venous blood samples were collected 1 month and 1 week BC, and 1 week and 1 month AC. This study had two objectives: (i) to assess whether a higher or lower BCS affected total milk production and its quality; (ii) to assess changes in the internal fluid (venous pH; partial pressure of CO2, ppCO2; bicarbonate; total CO2, TCO2; base excess, BE; electrolytes Na+, K+, Cl−; and anion gap, AG) that occur during this phase depending on the BCS. We can conclude that the BCS at calving does not affect the productive status during lactation, both in terms of the quantity and quality of milk produced. The excess of crude protein (CP) added through the ration in the lactation phase can trigger a tendency to an alkalotic state, in this case compensated by respiratory buffering mechanisms, as reflected by the TCO2. The changes in electrolytes are a reflection of the movement of free water for milk production, where a balance between measurable anions and cations is observedThis study was financed in part by Proxectos Plan Galego IDT (Code 2017-PG138) de la Consellería de Medio Rural de la Xunta de Galicia (Proyects Galician IDT Plan of the Ministry of Rural Environment of Xunta de Galicia) (FEADER 2017/057B). The title of the project was: “Sistema de control y valoración de la eficiencia de las explotaciones ganaderas para la producción sostenible de leche” (System of control and evaluation of the efficiency of livestock farms for the sustainable production of milk)S

Effect of Theobroma cacao flavonoids on immune activation of a lymphoid cell line

We analysed the effect of (-)-epicatechin and cocoa extract on the activation of a lymphoid cell line. Particularly the expression of IL-2 receptor alpha (IL-2Ralpha or CD25) and, the secretion of IL-2 and IL-4 were established after flavonoid treatment. Two media culture conditions (1 and 10 % of fetal calf serum supplementation) and the different moments of flavonoid addition (simultaneously or 2 h before cell-activation) were compared. IL-2Ralpha (CD25) expression on activated cells was significantly reduced by epicatechin and cocoa extract in a dose-dependent manner, achieving the highest inhibition of about 50 % when flavonoids were added 2 h before stimulation. IL-2 secretion was also inhibited by the presence of both epicatechin and cocoa extract, displaying 60 and 75 % of inhibition, respectively. Cocoa flavonoids were also able to enhance 3-4.5-fold IL-4 release. In summary, cocoa extract down-modulated T lymphocyte activation and therefore the acquired immune response. This fact could be important in some states of the immune system hyperactivity such as autoimmune or chronic inflammatory diseases

Avaliação clínica do equilíbrio ácido-básico em coelhos Anã Holandês

Pet rabbits have increased their popularity in a lot of countries. However, most of the laboratory profiles in rabbit medicine come from the observations made in rabbit as biomodels or meat production. So that further researches are necessary to obtain reference values for hematology and biochemical profiles in pet rabbits and the different breeds, especially, in relation to acid-base balance. The aim of this report was to offer the mean values of the main parameters connected with acid-base profile in Netherland Dwarf breed. Thirty-five healthy rabbits (15 males and 20 females) were studied. Venous blood sample from lateral saphenous vein was analyzed to measure: haematocrit, haemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, blood pH, partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2), total CO2, ions bicarbonate, chloride, sodium, potassium, base excess and anion Gap. Results showed a shorter range that those reported by different researchers. Moreover, differences between genders were showed in pCO2, its values were higher in males. It may be associated with a greater cellular metabolism. Values obtained in this research should be taken into account by veterinary clinicians for this breed in their clinical assessments. Besides, these values provide new results in parameters with few reference valuesA popularidade de coelhos como animais de estimação aumentou em muitos países. No entanto, a maioria dos perfis de laboratório em medicina de coelhos advém das observações de biomodelos animais ou da produção de carne. Assim, são necessárias pesquisas adicionais para obter valores de referência para hematologia e perfis bioquímicos em coelhos de estimação, e das diferentes raças, especialmente, em relação ao equilíbrio ácido-base. O objetivo deste relatório foi oferecer os valores médios dos principais parâmetros ligados ao perfil ácido-base na raça Anã Holandês. Trinta e cinco coelhos saudáveis ​​(15 machos e 20 fêmeas) foram estudados. A amostra de sangue venoso da veia safena lateral foi analisada para mensuração: hematócrito, hemoglobina, nitrogênio ureico sanguíneo, glicose, pH sanguíneo, pressão parcial de CO2 (pCO2), CO2 total, íons bicarbonato, cloreto, sódio, potássio, excesso de base e ânion Gap. Os resultados apresentaram um intervalo menor do que aqueles relatados por diferentes pesquisadores. Além disso, as diferenças entre os gêneros foram mostradas na pCO2, seus valores foram maiores no sexo masculino. Pode estar associado a um maior metabolismo celular. Os valores obtidos nesta pesquisa devem ser levados em consideração pelos clínicos veterinários para esta raça em suas avaliações clínicas. Além disso, esses valores fornecem novos resultados em parâmetros com poucos valores de referenciaS

Effect of cocoa-enriched diets on lymphocytes involved in adjuvant arthritis in rats

Cocoa and its flavonoids have potential anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in acute inflammation models in vivo. The aim of the present study was to ascertain the effects of two cocoa-enriched diets on adjuvant arthritis (AA) in rats, considering not only clinical and biochemical inflammatory indices, but also antibody response and lymphocyte composition. Female Wistar rats were fed with a 5 or 10 % cocoa-enriched diet beginning 2 weeks before arthritis induction and until the end of the study. AA was induced by an intradermal injection of heat-killed Mycobacterium butyricum suspension. The hind-paw swelling (plethysmometry), serum anti-mycobacterial antibody concentration (ELISA), blood and inguinal lymph node lymphocyte subset percentage (flow cytometry), and IL-2, interferon γ and PGE2 released from splenocytes (ELISA) were assessed. Although the cocoa diets had no significant effect on hind-paw swelling, a tendency to reduce it was observed at the end of the study. Cocoa-enriched diets were able to decrease the serum anti-mycobacterial antibody concentration and the splenocyte PGE2 production, as well as the proportion of T-helper (Th) lymphocytes in blood and regional lymph nodes, which probably includes cells responsible for the arthritic process. The cocoa diets prevented a decrease in the proportion of regulatory T-cells in blood and a disequilibrium between inguinal lymph node natural killer (NK) CD8+ and NK CD8− subsets. In conclusion, the cocoa-enriched diets during AA were not able to significantly decrease joint inflammation but modified Th-cell proportions and prevented specific antibody synthesis

Activitats d'aprenentatge basades en l'estudi de casos i aplicades en l'avaluació d'estudiants de postgrau

L'objectiu del projecte 2010PID-UB/38, ha consistit en fomentar l'autoaprenentatge i l'aplicació dels coneixements mitjançant la implementació d'activitats avaluatives de comprensió i estudi de casos en estudiants de postgrau. Els estudiants van ser avaluats després de la lectura d'un text, van elaborar un informe escrit a partir d'un cas clínic i, posteriorment, van ser avaluats dels coneixements adquirits. Es va recollir l'opinió anònima dels estudiants. En conclusió, les activitats plantejades han repercutit positivament en la formació dels estudiants, el projecte ha demostrat ser factible a través del CV, i les activitats han estat valorades molt positivament pels estudiants

Activitats d'aprenentatge basades en l'estudi de casos i aplicades en l'avaluació d'estudiants de postgrau

L'objectiu del projecte 2010PID-UB/38, ha consistit en fomentar l'autoaprenentatge i l'aplicació dels coneixements mitjançant la implementació d'activitats avaluatives de comprensió i estudi de casos en estudiants de postgrau. Els estudiants van ser avaluats després de la lectura d'un text, van elaborar un informe escrit a partir d'un cas clínic i, posteriorment, van ser avaluats dels coneixements adquirits. Es va recollir l'opinió anònima dels estudiants. En conclusió, les activitats plantejades han repercutit positivament en la formació dels estudiants, el projecte ha demostrat ser factible a través del CV, i les activitats han estat valorades molt positivament pels estudiants

Effect of Parenteral Antioxidant Supplementation During the Dry Period on Postpartum Glucose Tolerance in Dairy Cows

Background Exacerbated postparturient insulin resistance (IR) has been associated with several pathologic conditions in dairy cattle. Oxidative stress (OS) plays a causative role in IR in humans, and an association, but not direct relationship, between OS and IR recently has been reported in transition dairy cattle. Hypothesis Supplementation with antioxidants shortly before calving improves glucose tolerance after parturition in dairy cattle. Animals Ten late-pregnant Holstein cows entering their 2nd to 5th lactation. Methods Randomized placebo-controlled trial: 15 ± 2 days before expected calving, the treatment group received an injection of DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate at a dosage of 6 mg/kg body weight (BW) and 0.06 mg/kg BW of sodium selenite, and the control group was injected with isotonic saline. During the first week after calving, both groups underwent glucose tolerance testing (0.25 g glucose/kg BW). Commercial assays were used to quantify the concentrations of glucose, insulin, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate, and markers of redox status in blood. Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U-test (α = 0.05). Results Supplemented cows showed a lower risk for OS, as reflected by a lower OS index (P = .036), different areas under the curve for the concentrations of glucose (P < .01), insulin (P = .043), and NEFA (P = .041), more rapid elimination rates (P = .080, <.01 and .047 respectively), and shorter half-lives (P = .040, <.01 and .032) of these metabolites. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Supplementation with antioxidants before calving resulted in greater insulin sensitivity after calving, thereby suggesting the role of OS in the development of IR in cattle and the potential benefits of antioxidant supplementation in minimizing the consequences of negative energy balanceFunded by British Society for Animal Science Spanish Ministry of Education. Grant Number: AP2010-0013S

Mayor producción de inmunoglobulina en ratas suplementadas con ácido linoleico conjugado durante la gestación y la lactancia

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been reported to exert beneficial physiological effects on body composition and the immune system. However, little information is available on the influence of CLA on immune function during early life periods. The present study evaluates the effect of feeding an 80:20 mixture of cis-9, trans-11- and trans-10, cis-12-CLA isomers during gestation and suckling on the systemic immune response of weaned Wistar rats. Pups received dietary CLA from dams through the placental barrier and during suckling by breast milk (group A) or by oral administration (group B). Pups from group C only received CLA during suckling by oral administration. Group D constituted the reference group. Milk from dams fed the CLA diet had a high content of CLA and higher IgA and IgG concentrations than rats fed the standard diet. The plasma of pups from groups A, B and C showed six, twelve and nine times higher content of the cis-9, trans-11-CLA isomer than that of the group D pups. Rats from group A exhibited higher serum IgG concentrations than rats from the rest of the groups (22·14 (sem 2·14) v. about 5 mg/ml; P < 0·05), whereas rats from groups A and B showed approximately 2-fold higher splenocyte IgM production than rats from groups C and D. However, CLA supplementation did not influence significantly the splenocyte proliferative response or cytokine secretion. Supplementation during gestation and suckling with an 80:20 cis-9, trans-11–trans-10, cis-12 CLA mix enhances the production of the main in vivo and in vitro Ig isotypes in Wistar rats