Cisternal milk in the dairy cow during lactation and after preceding teat stimulation

Experiments were designed to determine the cisternal milk during machine milking in unfamiliar surroundings, which has previously been shown to inhibit milking-related oxytocin (OT) release and milk ejection. The first experiment was performed with 22 cows in early, mid and late lactation. After cisternal milk was removed, 10 i.u. OT were twice injected intravenously to remove the remaining milk. Total milk yield, cisternal milk yield, cisternal milk fraction (17 and 12% in early and late lactation) and the milk yield obtained in response to the first OT injection significantly decreased from early to late lactation. Cisternal milk yield was similar in front and rear udder halves. However, owing to higher total yield, the cisternal milk fraction was lower in rear than in front halves. Cisternal milk yield and cisternal milk fraction were smaller in primiparous than in older cows. In a further experiment milk distribution in the bovine udder was evaluated after preceding teat stimulation and milk ejection. Teats of 12 cows were manually stimulated for 1 min at 15, 60 or 120 min before milking. Total milk yield was not significantly different with or without teat stimulation. However, cisternal milk yield and fraction were significantly higher in teat stimulated cows than in unstimulated controls but were similar whether cows were stimulated 15, 60 or 120 min before milkin

Milk yield, oxytocin and β-endorphin gradually normalize during repeated milking in unfamiliar surroundings

For six successive milkings, six dairy cows were relocated immediately before milking to an unfamiliar operating theatre, a procedure previously shown to inhibit oxytocin release and milk ejection. Two control milkings were performed in familiar surroundings. After milk flow had ceased, two i.v. injections of 1 i.u. oxytocin were given to remove the remaining milk. Milk flow was recorded continuously and blood samples were taken every minute during milking and 10 min after milking. During the first milking in unfamiliar surroundings, no oxytocin was released. Thereby, only 13% of the total milk yield, the cisternal milk, was available and the alveolar milk fraction could only be removed after injection of oxytocin. During subsequent relocations oxytocin release steadily increased toward the control level, although the timing of oxytocin release remained delayed as compared with controls. However, the milk fraction available before oxytocin injection increased with increasing number of removals, following an asymptotic approach to control levels. The concentrations of β-endorphin, cortisol (and perhaps also of prolactin) gradually declined with the number of times the animal was moved to unfamiliar surroundings, i.e. hormone concentrations gradually adjusted to control level. During milking, concentrations of prolactin and cortisol increased, while β-endorphin concentrations decreased (except for the first relocation). We conclude that milking-related oxytocin release and therefore milk ejection adapted gradually to repeated relocations to unfamiliar surroundings. This adaptation was inversely related to β-endorphin concentrations, so it is possible that oxytocin release was suppressed by high circulating β-endorphin concentration

Interruption of machine milking in dairy cows: effects on intramammary pressure and milking characteristics

Experiments were designed to test the hypothesis that milk ejection rate decreases during milking, thereby causing insufficient refill of the cistern and decreasing milk flow rate towards the end of milking. In a first series of experiments machine milking of the left front quarters of 11 cows was interrupted for 2 min after removal of 25, 50 or 75% of expected total milk yield, while milking was continued in the other three quarters. Milk flow was recorded during machine-on times. Intramammary pressure (IMP) was recorded during premilking teat stimulation and during interruption of milking. IMP during interruption of milking decreased with decreasing amounts of milk remaining in the udder. The IMP did not change during these interruptions when they occurred after 25 and 50% of expected total milk yield was removed. Thus, the ejection rate could keep up with the milk flow or removal rate. However, IMP increased during interruption of milking following removal of 75% of total yield, although significantly so only in cows with a high milk flow rate. Obviously, more milk was removed than was transported to the cisternal cavity. It is likely that a reduced ejection rate caused the decreased milk flow rate. In a second series of experiments the pulsation ratio of the milking machine was changed from the usual 70:30 to 50:50 with the aim of reducing the milk flow rate and thus adapting to the ejection rate at the end of milking. The changed pulsation ratio caused a reduced peak flow rate and a prolonged high milk flow period, whereas the main flow rate did not change significantl

Importance of surface oxygen vacancies for ultrafast hot carrier relaxation and transport in Cu2_2O

Cu$_2$O has appealing properties as an electrode for photo-electrochemical water splitting, yet its practical performance is severely limited by inefficient charge extraction at the interface. Using hybrid DFT calculations, we investigate carrier capture processes by oxygen vacancies (V$_\mathrm{O}$) in the experimentally observed ($\sqrt{3} \times \sqrt{3}$)R30$^{\circ}$ reconstruction of the dominant (111) surface. Our results show that these V$_\mathrm{O}$ are doubly ionized and that associated defects states strongly suppress electron transport. In particular, the excited electronic state of a singly charged V$_\mathrm{O}$ plays a crucial role in the non-radiative electron capture process with a capture coefficient of about 10$^{-9}$~cm$^3$/s and a lifetime of 0.04~ps, explaining the experimentally observed ultrafast carrier relaxation. These results highlight that engineering the surface V$_\mathrm{O}$ chemistry will be a crucial step in optimizing Cu$_2$O for photoelectrode applications

Acceptance and timeliness of standard vaccination in children with chronic neurological deficits in north-western Switzerland

There are no special recommendations for basic vaccinations in patients with chronic neurological deficits distinct from the nationwide advocated schedule in Switzerland. Reports describing adverse neurological events possibly related to vaccinations have attracted public attention. It is unclear if patients with chronic neurological deficits are more reluctantly vaccinated compared to healthy children. We therefore investigated the acceptance of vaccinations in such patients and healthy controls in a retrospective case-control study. At the University Children's Hospital, Basel, Switzerland we investigated 100 patients with chronic neurological deficits and 200 age-matched healthy controls regarding the issue of vaccination rates and ages. The total number of administered vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), mumps, measles, rubella and hepatitis B were significantly lower in patients compared to healthy controls ( P <0.01 for each of the respective vaccines). Patients had an increased risk to receive the third pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus vaccinations (relative risks (RR) for late vaccination 1.53, 1.53, and 1.54 respectively, P <0.01 for all comparisons), the second (RR=1.60, P <0.05) and third Hib vaccinations (RR=1.52, P <0.05), and the third polio vaccination (RR=1.43, P <0.05) later than controls. Conclusion:Children with chronic neurological deficits received fewer vaccinations than healthy controls. In addition, patients received vaccinations later than healthy children. Hence, it may be assumed that children with chronic neurological deficits are at an increased risk to acquire preventable infections. Therefore, vaccination should be promoted as part of the consultation during a routine appointment with the specialis

Distribution and density of α- and β-adrenergic receptor binding sites in the bovine mammary gland

Radioreceptor binding studies were designed to localize and determine the number of α and β-adrenergic receptors in the mammary gland of lactating cows. 3H-prazosin, 3H-rauwolscine and 3H-dihydroalprenolol were used for the regional characterization of α1, α2- and β-adrenergic receptors by competitive inhibition of binding of 3H-ligands with unlabelled adrenergic agonists and antagonists. The α1-, α2- and β2-adrenergic receptor subtypes could thus be demonstrated in the regions of the teats, large mammary ducts and parenchyma. Tissues of the teat wall, of the large mammary ducts above the gland cistern and of the mammary parenchyma were prepared to determine the density of α1, α2- and β-receptors by saturation binding assays using 3H-prazosin, 3H-rauwolscine and 3H-dihydroalprenolol respectively. Binding to high affinity sites was reversible within minutes and saturable. Equilibrium was reached within minutes. The number of α1-and α2-adrenergic receptors decreased from the teat to the mammary ducts to the parenchyma. Most of the α1- and α2-adrenergic receptors were found in the teat wall, whereas in the parenchyma α-adrenergic receptors were absent or barely detectable. The density of β-adrenergic receptors was similar in the teat wall and the large mammary ducts, but much lower in the parenchyma. Thus, α1, α2- and β-adrenergic receptors were found mainly in the milk purging system and hardly at all in mammary parenchyma. Inhibition of milk removal by α-adrenergic stimulation is possibly due to constriction of teat wall and to constriction of the mammary ducts, whereas enhanced milk flow after β-adrenergic stimulation is possibly due to relaxation not only of the teat sphincter and teat wall, but probably also of the large mammary duct

Distribution and density of α– and β–adrenergic receptor binding sites in the bovine mammary gland

Radioreceptor binding studies were designed to localize and determine the number of α and β-adrenergic receptors in the mammary gland of lactating cows. 3H-prazosin, 3H-rauwolscine and 3H-dihydroalprenolol were used for the regional characterization of α1, α2- and β-adrenergic receptors by competitive inhibition of binding of 3H-ligands with unlabelled adrenergic agonists and antagonists. The α1-, α2- and β2-adrenergic receptor subtypes could thus be demonstrated in the regions of the teats, large mammary ducts and parenchyma. Tissues of the teat wall, of the large mammary ducts above the gland cistern and of the mammary parenchyma were prepared to determine the density of α1, α2- and β-receptors by saturation binding assays using 3H-prazosin, 3H-rauwolscine and 3H-dihydroalprenolol respectively. Binding to high affinity sites was reversible within minutes and saturable. Equilibrium was reached within minutes. The number of α1-and α2-adrenergic receptors decreased from the teat to the mammary ducts to the parenchyma. Most of the α1- and α2-adrenergic receptors were found in the teat wall, whereas in the parenchyma α-adrenergic receptors were absent or barely detectable. The density of β-adrenergic receptors was similar in the teat wall and the large mammary ducts, but much lower in the parenchyma. Thus, α1, α2- and β-adrenergic receptors were found mainly in the milk purging system and hardly at all in mammary parenchyma. Inhibition of milk removal by α-adrenergic stimulation is possibly due to constriction of teat wall and to constriction of the mammary ducts, whereas enhanced milk flow after β-adrenergic stimulation is possibly due to relaxation not only of the teat sphincter and teat wall, but probably also of the large mammary ducts

Modified ultrafiltration lowers adhesion molecule and cytokine levels after cardiopulmonary bypass without clinical relevance in adults

Objective: Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) results in expression of cytokines and adhesion molecules (AM) with subsequent inflammatory response. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical impact of modified ultrafiltration (MUF) and its efficacy in reducing cytokines and AM following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in adults. Methods: A prospective randomized study of 97 patients undergoing elective CABG was designed. Fifty patients were operated on using normothermic and 47 patients using hypothermic CPB. The normothermic group was subdivided into a group with modified ultrafiltration (n=30) and a group without MUF (n=20). In the hypothermic group 30 patients received MUF compared to 17 patients serving as controls. MUF was instituted after CPB for 15 min through the arterial and venous bypass circuit lines. Cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IL-2R) and adhesion molecules (sE-selectin, sICAM-1) were measured preoperatively, pre-MUF, in the ultrafiltrate, 24 h, 48 h and 6 days after surgery by chemiluminescent enzyme immunometric assay or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical parameters were collected prospectively until discharge. Results: In all patients AM and cytokines were significantly elevated after normothermic and hypothemic CPB. AM and cytokines were significantly higher in hypothermia compared to normothermia. In hypothermic CPB sE-selectin was decreased after 24 h by 37% (P<0.0063) and by 40% (P<0.0027) after 48 h postoperatively. ICAM-1 was reduced by 43% (P<0.0001) after 24 h and by 60% (P<0.0001) after 6 days. Similar results were seen in cytokines with reduction up to 60% after 24 h. Changes after 48 h were noticeable but not significant. Reduction of AM and cytokines after normothermic CPB was minimal. Neither in normothermia, nor in hypothermia has sIL-2R been effectively removed from the circulation. There were no significant differences in the clinical variables between the patients with or without MUF. Conclusion: AM and cytokines are significantly elevated after hypothermic CPB compared to normothermic CPB. MUF led to a significant reduction in cytokine and AM levels after hypothermic CPB, except for IL-2R. MUF showed minimal effect in normothermia. We conclude that MUF is an efficient way to remove cytokines and AM. However, we were unable to demonstrate any significant impact of MUF in outcome of adults after elective CAB

Exploring societal solidarity in the context of extreme prematurity

QUESTION: Extreme prematurity can result in long-term disabilities. Its impact on society is often not taken into account and deemed controversial. Our study examined attitudes of the Swiss population regarding extreme prematurity and people’s perspectives regarding the question of solidarity with disabled people. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide representative anonymous telephone survey with 1210 Swiss residents aged 18 years or older. We asked how people estimate their own personal solidarity, the solidarity of their social environment and the solidarity across the country with disabled persons. Spearman’s correlation calculations were used to assess if a correlation exists between solidarity and setting financial limits to intensive care and between solidarity and withholding neonatal intensive care. RESULTS: According to 36.0% of the respondents intensive medical care should not be withheld from extremely preterm infants, even if their chances for an acceptable quality of life were poor. For 28.8%, intensive care should be withheld from these infants, and 26.9% held an intermediate position depending on the situation. A total of 31.5% were against setting a financial limit to treatment of extremely preterm newborns with an uncertain future quality of life, 34.2% were in favour and 26.9% were deliberating. A majority (88.8%) considered their solidarity toward disabled people as substantial; the solidarity of their personal environment and of the society at large was estimated as high by 79.1% and 48.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Swiss population expressed a high level of solidarity which may alleviate some pressure on parents and health care providers in the decision-making process in neonatal intensive care units. In addition, there was no relationship between solidarity and people’s willingness to pay for the care or withholding treatment of extremely preterm babies

Ex Vivo Pulmonary Oedema after In Vivo Blast-Induced Rat Lung Injury: Time Dependency, Blast Intensity and Beta-2 Adrenergic Receptor Role.

Objective: Current treatments for blast-induced lung injury are limited to supportive procedures including mechanical ventilation. The study aimed to investigate the role of post-trauma-induced oedema generation in the function of time and trauma intensity and the probable role of beta 2-adrenergic receptors (β2-ARs) agonists on pulmonary oedema. The study is conducted using an ex vivo model after an experimental in vivo blast-induced thorax trauma in rats. Methods: Rats were randomised and divided into two groups, blast and sham. The blast group were anaesthetised and exposed to the blast wave (3.16 ± 0.43 bar) at a distance of 3.5 cm from the thorax level. The rats were sacrificed 10 min after the blast, the lungs explanted and treated with terbutaline, formoterol, propranolol or amiloride to assess the involvement of sodium transport. Other groups of rats were exposed to distances of 5 and 7 cm from the thorax to reduce the intensity of the injury. Further, one group of rats was studied after 180 min and one after 360 min after a 3.5 cm blast injury. Sham controls were exposed to identical procedures except for receiving blast overpressure. Results: Lung injury and oedema generation depended on time after injury and injury intensity. Perfusion with amiloride resulted in a further increase in oedema formation as indicated by weight gain (p &lt; 0.001), diminished tidal volume (Tv) (p &lt; 0.001), and increased airway resistance (p &lt; 0.001). Formoterol caused a significant increase in the Tv (p &lt; 0.001) and a significant decrease in the airway resistance (p &lt; 0.01), while the lung weight was not influenced. Trauma-related oedema was significantly reduced by terbutaline in terms of lung weight gain (p &lt; 0.01), Tv (p &lt; 0.001), and airway resistance (p &lt; 0.01) compared to control blast-injured lungs. Terbutaline-induced effects were completely blocked by the β-receptor antagonist propranolol (p &lt; 0.05). Similarly, amiloride, which was added to terbutaline perfusion, reversed terbutaline-induced weight gain reduction (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: β2-adrenoceptor stimulation had a beneficial impact by amiloride-dependent sodium and therefore, fluid transport mechanisms on the short-term ex vivo oedema generation in a trauma-induced in vivo lung injury of rats