Endocrine Profile and Reproductive Performance in Heifers Induced to Lactation

Background: Low reproductive efficiency has been one of the main factors that lead to dairy herd culling in the reproductive age. In multiparous animals, such inefficiency and culling can occur because of various factors and may be associated with occasional endocrine failures. To avoid revenue losses that incur due to lack of lactation, lactation is artificially induced in the animals that are not pregnant, using a defined protocol. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate and compare the reproductive performance of heifers submitted to the induction protocol with that of pregnant heifers during the transition period.Materials, Methods & Results: Sixty Holstein heifers, 32 ± 0.6 months of age, were divided into two groups: Control Group (Control, n = 30) comprising pregnant heifers that were accompanied since 21 days before the expected calving date until 224 days in milk (DIM) and an Induction Group (Induction, n = 30) comprising non-pregnant heifers submitted to a lactation induction protocol, accompanied from the beginning of the protocol until 224 DIM. For evaluation of the endocrine profile (progesterone and estradiol concentrations) of these animals, blood samples were collected at two periods: the pre-lactation (weeks -3, -2 and -1) and post-lactation (weeks 1 and 4). Heifers from both groups were submitted to weekly reproductive evaluations, from the beginning of lactation until 35 DIM. Uterine examinations were performed using ultrasonography and vaginoscopy to evaluate uterine content, cervical opening, and mucosal aspect. Females in good reproductive health were subjected to a hormonal protocol for timed artificial insemination (TAI). The pregnancy rate of heifers that could reproduce (Control, n = 13, and Induction, n = 20) were evaluated and inseminated until 49 DIM. Progesterone levels were similar (P > 0.05) in the two groups at both pre- and post-start of lactation. Estradiol concentrations were different (P < 0.01) among groups only in the pre-lactation period. Higher levels of progesterone (P = 0.06) were observed in the induced heifers (Induction Group = 1.07 ± 0.23 ng/mL and Control Group = 0.38 ± 0.28 ng/mL). Therefore, in the fourth week, induced heifers exhibited higher luteinic activity, the progesterone concentration was above 1 ng/mL in 42% of the animals, while just 12.5% of the Control heifers had it. The overall pregnancy rate was 47.75%. The pregnancy rate recorded for induced heifers and Control heifers was 40% and 55.55%, respectively.Discussion: Progesterone and estradiol evaluations were performed in the first week after the beginning of the lactation to evaluate the metabolism and physiological concentration of the hormones used during the protocol. The measurements were again performed in the fourth week to evaluate the return to cyclicity of the heifers in both groups. The high serum concentrations of estradiol attained during the induction, in the pre-lactation period, may have possible interfered with the uterine environment and follicular population of these animals. Furthermore, it is possible that the hormonal combination used has a central effect on the synthesis and release of gonadotrophins and/or an effect on the ovarian follicular population. Based on the hormonal profile evaluated, particularly the endocrine profile, and the reproductive performance of heifers, the results suggest that the protocol for induced lactation has a positive effect on fertility

Dermatitis Associated with the Intake of Defatted Rice Bran by Cattle in the Southern Region of the State of Rio Grande do Sul

Background: Dermatitis associated with defatted rice bran (DRB) seems to be an underdiagnosed disease in Brazilian confined herds, characterized by localized skin lesions that develop mainly on hind limbs, and can affect any animal category. In this context, the goal of the present study was to describe an outbreak of dermatitis associated with the consumption of defatted rice bran on a property in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, demonstrating the clinical, hematological and epidemiological characteristics of the animals, as well as alternatives for the definitive diagnosis.Cases: Clinical and epidemiological data were obtained by anamnesis with the technician responsible for the property. Aberdeen Angus and crossbred males, with 24 to 36 months of age, with an average of 413 kg, from a property in the interior of the state of Rio Grande do Sul were analyzed. From a batch of 45 cattle, from 24 to 36 months of age, 20 presented lesions on hind limbs 8-17 days after supplementation of a commercial feed containing defatted rice bran. To assist in the diagnosis, blood samples were drawn into vacuum tubes with 10% EDTA, for a complete blood count with the investigation of hemoparasites, and without anticoagulant, for liver function tests. In addition, lesion tissue samples were also collected for bacteriological, mycological and histopathological examination and the ration offered to the animals, for intradermal tests. There were no significant hematological and biochemical changes in animals that developed DRB dermatitis, except when they have an associated secondary infection. The fungal research was negative. The bacterial culture revealed a growth of Staphylococcus aureus, possibly due to secondary infection resulting from the lesions. In histopathological examination, lesions were characterized by areas of alopecia, thickening of the epidermis, forming dry, thick crusts, and some ulcerative and serosanguineous lesions. Histologically, lesions were characterized by marked hyperkeratosis, ulceration, and in the superficial dermis, intense inflammatory infiltrate of eosinophils and lymphocytes.Histologic changes, although not pathognomonic, are typically described in this disease. The intradermal test was performed to contribute to the diagnosis of the disease, where a significant increase in volume was found between measurements on animals that developed the disease. It is believed that the disease is produced due to a food hypersensitivity as a consequence of the high protein level in DRB. The results of the intradermal test indicate that the animals developed hypersensitivity and reaction to proteins, and further research is required to determine the protein fraction leading to hypersensitivity reactions.Discussion: In the present study, acute lesions in hind limbs in a significant number of animals of the same batch in a short period of time after supplementation with a diet containing defatted rice bran, enabled a clinical diagnosis suggestive of dermatitis associated with DRB consumption. Through epidemiological data, reactive intradermal test, associated with the findings of the histopathological exam, which showed characteristic lesions of the disease (alopecia, erythema, epidermis thickening, with the formation of thick crusts, usually on hind limbs in the region of the hoof coronary band, progressing to pastern and fetlock), it was possible to establish the clinical-pathological diagnosis of dermatitis associated with the consumption of defatted rice bran. Keywords: dermatitis, cattle, supplementation, defatted rice bran.Descritores: dermatite, bovinos, suplementação, farelo de arroz desengordurado.Título: Dermatite associada ao consumo de farelo de arroz desengorduradoem bovinos na região sul do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul.

Efeito da Aplicação de Flunixin Meglumine Sobre a Taxa de Gestação de Ovelhas Inseminadas via Transcervical

Background:  :  :  : In livestock animals, which artificial insemination (AI) is widely spread, a healthy uterine environment is an important factor that should be taken into account for an adequate fertilization and establishment and development of pregnancy. The main limitation to spread the frozen semen insemination in sheep is the high costs of the laparoscopy AI and the difficulty of traversing the cervix. To overcome problems associated with transcervical artificial insemination, new techniques and instruments have been proposed. The manipulation of cervix during transcervical artificial insemination in sheep can lead to a local inflammatory reaction that releases inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins and cytokines, that either can negatively affect the uterine environment and consequently, the conception. In this regard, the injection of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAI) at the moment of AI could reduce the secretion of inflammatory mediators, promoting a healthier uterine environment favorable to conception. The flunixin meglumine is a NSAI which reduces the synthesis of PGF2á by the inibition of the cyclooxigenase. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of flunixin meglumine (non-steroid antiinflammatory) injection on pregnancy rate of ewes inseminated by the transcervical technique. Materials, Methods & Results: In this experiment 69 pluriparous ewes were used, 29 in control group (CG) and 40 in flunixin meglumine group (FMG). The estrus detection was performed twice daily for 5 days. The ewes detected with paint in the low back were considered in estrus. The AI procedure was performed 8 hours after the estrus detection. At the AI time, the ewes were separated according to body condition score in two experimental groups. The ewes of the FM Group were injected with 1.1 mg/Kg of flunixin meglumine, im, 1 hour before the AI procedure. In order to locate the ostium, a vaginal speculum and a source of external light were used; whereas the fixation and traction of the ostium were performed with an Allis clamp, allowing the penetration of the semen applicator throw the vagina and cervix. The insemination procedure was performed 8 hours after estrous detection. There was no difference (P > 0.05) on the pregnancy rate between groups, whereas the Control group had 68.9% and the FM group had 60.0% of pregnancy. Discussion: The result demonstrates that the local inflammatory reaction caused by the traction of cervix was not detrimental to uterine environment and fertilization, since a high pregnancy rate was detected in both groups. Although the hypothesis of this study was not supported by the results, the high pregnancy rate detected in this experiment was higher than the results normally detected. Several studies have shown low pregnancy rates when transcervical artificial insemination with frozen semen is used associated to protocols of estrous synchronization. The flunixin meglumine did not improve the pregnancy rate, probably due to the insemination procedure adopted, since the traction of the cervix were performed gently, and consequently minimized the tissue damage. Thus, the inflammatory reaction may not have been sufficiently extensive as to lead to alteration of the uterine environment. These results suggested that flunixin meglumine injection did not influence the conception when was used prior to the transcervical insemination

The first 62 AGNs observed with SDSS-IV MaNGA : I. Their characterization and definition of a control sample

We report the characterization of the first 62 Mapping Nearby Galaxies at the Apache Point Observatory active galactic nuclei (AGNs) hosts and the definition of a control sample of non-active galaxies. This control sample was selected in order to match the AGN hosts in terms of stellar mass, redshift, visual morphology and inclination. The stellar masses are in the range 9.4 < log M/M < 11.5, and most objects have redshifts ≤0.08. The AGN sample is mostly comprised low-luminosity AGN, with only 17 ‘strong AGN’ with L([O III]λ5007 Å) ≥ 3.8 × 1040 erg s−1. The inner 1–3 kpc of the control sample galaxies are dominated by the oldest (≥ 4Gyr) component, with a small contribution of intermediate age and young stars (<940 Myr). Examining the relationship between the stellar population properties and L([O III]), we find that with increasing L([O III]), the AGN exhibit a decreasing contribution from the oldest stellar population relative to control galaxies and an increasing contribution from the younger components (∼40 Myr).We also find a correlation of the mean age differences (AGN–control) with L([O III]), in the sense that more luminous AGNs are younger than the control objects, while the low-luminosity AGNs are older. These results support a connection between the growth of the galaxy bulge via formation of new stars and the growth of the Supermassive Black Hole via accretion in the AGN phase

Pervasive gaps in Amazonian ecological research

Biodiversity loss is one of the main challenges of our time,1,2 and attempts to address it require a clear un derstanding of how ecological communities respond to environmental change across time and space.3,4 While the increasing availability of global databases on ecological communities has advanced our knowledge of biodiversity sensitivity to environmental changes,5–7 vast areas of the tropics remain understudied.8–11 In the American tropics, Amazonia stands out as the world’s most diverse rainforest and the primary source of Neotropical biodiversity,12 but it remains among the least known forests in America and is often underrepre sented in biodiversity databases.13–15 To worsen this situation, human-induced modifications16,17 may elim inate pieces of the Amazon’s biodiversity puzzle before we can use them to understand how ecological com munities are responding. To increase generalization and applicability of biodiversity knowledge,18,19 it is thus crucial to reduce biases in ecological research, particularly in regions projected to face the most pronounced environmental changes. We integrate ecological community metadata of 7,694 sampling sites for multiple or ganism groups in a machine learning model framework to map the research probability across the Brazilian Amazonia, while identifying the region’s vulnerability to environmental change. 15%–18% of the most ne glected areas in ecological research are expected to experience severe climate or land use changes by 2050. This means that unless we take immediate action, we will not be able to establish their current status, much less monitor how it is changing and what is being lostinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Updated cardiovascular prevention guideline of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology: 2019

Sem informação113478788

Rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high in-hospital mortality. Alveolar recruitment followed by ventilation at optimal titrated PEEP may reduce ventilator-induced lung injury and improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS, but the effects on mortality and other clinical outcomes remain unknown. This article reports the rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART). Methods/Design: ART is a pragmatic, multicenter, randomized (concealed), controlled trial, which aims to determine if maximum stepwise alveolar recruitment associated with PEEP titration is able to increase 28-day survival in patients with ARDS compared to conventional treatment (ARDSNet strategy). We will enroll adult patients with ARDS of less than 72 h duration. The intervention group will receive an alveolar recruitment maneuver, with stepwise increases of PEEP achieving 45 cmH(2)O and peak pressure of 60 cmH2O, followed by ventilation with optimal PEEP titrated according to the static compliance of the respiratory system. In the control group, mechanical ventilation will follow a conventional protocol (ARDSNet). In both groups, we will use controlled volume mode with low tidal volumes (4 to 6 mL/kg of predicted body weight) and targeting plateau pressure &lt;= 30 cmH2O. The primary outcome is 28-day survival, and the secondary outcomes are: length of ICU stay; length of hospital stay; pneumothorax requiring chest tube during first 7 days; barotrauma during first 7 days; mechanical ventilation-free days from days 1 to 28; ICU, in-hospital, and 6-month survival. ART is an event-guided trial planned to last until 520 events (deaths within 28 days) are observed. These events allow detection of a hazard ratio of 0.75, with 90% power and two-tailed type I error of 5%. All analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: If the ART strategy with maximum recruitment and PEEP titration improves 28-day survival, this will represent a notable advance to the care of ARDS patients. Conversely, if the ART strategy is similar or inferior to the current evidence-based strategy (ARDSNet), this should also change current practice as many institutions routinely employ recruitment maneuvers and set PEEP levels according to some titration method.Hospital do Coracao (HCor) as part of the Program 'Hospitais de Excelencia a Servico do SUS (PROADI-SUS)'Brazilian Ministry of Healt

Pervasive gaps in Amazonian ecological research

Biodiversity loss is one of the main challenges of our time,1,2 and attempts to address it require a clear understanding of how ecological communities respond to environmental change across time and space.3,4 While the increasing availability of global databases on ecological communities has advanced our knowledge of biodiversity sensitivity to environmental changes,5,6,7 vast areas of the tropics remain understudied.8,9,10,11 In the American tropics, Amazonia stands out as the world's most diverse rainforest and the primary source of Neotropical biodiversity,12 but it remains among the least known forests in America and is often underrepresented in biodiversity databases.13,14,15 To worsen this situation, human-induced modifications16,17 may eliminate pieces of the Amazon's biodiversity puzzle before we can use them to understand how ecological communities are responding. To increase generalization and applicability of biodiversity knowledge,18,19 it is thus crucial to reduce biases in ecological research, particularly in regions projected to face the most pronounced environmental changes. We integrate ecological community metadata of 7,694 sampling sites for multiple organism groups in a machine learning model framework to map the research probability across the Brazilian Amazonia, while identifying the region's vulnerability to environmental change. 15%–18% of the most neglected areas in ecological research are expected to experience severe climate or land use changes by 2050. This means that unless we take immediate action, we will not be able to establish their current status, much less monitor how it is changing and what is being lost