Spiritual issues, beliefs, needs, and resources in palliative healthcare providers: An Italian qualitative study

The significance of spirituality in navigating the meaning of illness and death has been well-established. However, healthcare professionals working with palliation also grapple with their own spiritual dimensions when confronted with these circumstances. This study aimed to explore spirituality from a subjective standpoint among a sample of palliative care professionals, investigating its role and associated needs. For the first time, the FICA Spiritual History Tool was applied in a focus group setting. The meetings were transcribed, and thematic analysis was performed. The findings underscore how spirituality is perceived as more relational than transcendent, potentially fostering connections between the self, patients, and colleagues, thereby enhancing resilience. Simultaneously, spirituality needs to be considered as a potential source of suffering that could impact both the quality of life and work of healthcare workers involved. This issue should be addressed through dedicated moments of shared reprocessing, with beneficial implications for public health.

Loss of Personal Autonomy and Dignity-Related Distress in End-Of-Life Cancer Patients

The objective of this cross-sectional study is to investigate Dignity-Related Loss of Personal Autonomy (DR-LPA) intended as loss of relational independence causing dignity-related distress. Moreover, it analyzes its possible relationships with demoralization, spirituality, quality of life, hope, and coping styles in a sample composed of 207 end-of-life cancer patients. These variables have been assessed through the following rating scales: Patient Dignity Inventory - Italian version, Demoralization Scale - Italian version, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale - General Measure, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Spiritual Well-Being, Brief Coping Orientation to Problem Experienced, and Herth Hope Index. The results have shown that most of the DR-LPA items were considered a problem by most patients. Functional, social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing, disheartenment, age, and sex emerged as significant predictors of DR-LPA. In conclusion, this study showed that DR-LPA can be a relevant concern for patients at the end-of-life and for this reason it becomes necessary for psychosocial provides to consider it to deliver better dignity conserving care.

Sensor-based behavioral patterns can identify heat-sensitive lactating dairy cows

Heat stress impairs the health and performance of dairy cows, yet only a few studies have investigated the diversity of cattle behavioral responses to heat waves. This research was conducted on an Italian Holstein dairy farm equipped with precision livestock farming sensors to assess potential different behavioral patterns of the animals. Three heat waves, defined as at least five consecutive days with mean daily temperature-humidity index higher than 72, were recorded in the farm area during the summer of 2021. Individual daily milk yield data of 102 cows were used to identify "heat-sensitive" animals, meaning the cows that, under a given heat wave, experienced a milk yield drop that was not linked with other health events (e.g., mastitis). Milk yield drops were detected as perturbations of the lactation curve estimated by iteratively using Wood's equation. Individual daily minutes of lying, chewing, and activity were retrieved from ear-tag-based accelerometer sensors. Semi-parametric generalized estimating equations models were used to assess behavioral deviations of heat-sensitive cows from the herd means under heat stress conditions. Heat waves were associated with an overall increase in the herd's chewing and activity times, along with an overall decrease of lying time. Heat-sensitive cows spent approximately 15 min/days more chewing and performing activities (p < 0.05). The findings of this research suggest that the information provided by high-frequency sensor data could assist farmers in identifying cows for which personalized interventions to alleviate heat stress are needed.

A Qualitative Study to Explore Healthcare Providers' Perspectives on End-of-Life Patients' Dignity. How Can Dignity Be Defined, and Which Strategies Exist to Maintain Dignity?

Dignity is a core topic within palliative care, and thus, it is important to get a detailed assessment of healthcare providers' (HCPs) perspectives on this subject. This study aimed to explore various HCPs' perspectives on end-of-life patients' dignity by collecting different testimonies about what dignity entails and which strategies HCPs use to maintain patients' dignity. A sample of 104 participants was interviewed using two open questions to collect qualitative data. Content analysis was performed to identify the central themes among answers. Regarding the first question ("What comes to your mind when I say "Dignity" in relation to your patients?"), nine themes emerged. The majority sampled stated that dignity means respecting the patient by considering him/her as a person in his/her entirety. Two other themes frequently emerged: "Respect the patient's will/wishes/needs" and "Self-determination/Self-expression." Concerning the second question ("Which strategies do you use to maintain patients' dignity?"), seven themes emerged. The "Caring skills" theme was most frequently identified, followed by "Empathic skills" and "Professional strategies." This study has enabled a better understanding of HCPs' perspectives on end-of-life patients' dignity. Through the interviews, HCPs were given an opportunity to reflect on dignity, possibly helping them improve their understanding of their patients' conditions and promote higher quality of care.

Personality Traits and Sense of Dignity in End-of-Life Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

CONTEXT

Patients' personality traits can play an important role in the end-of-life care process.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between personality traits and dignity in cancer patients nearing death. In addition, the associations between personality traits and physical, psychological symptoms, and coping strategies during the end-of-life stage were explored.

METHODS

The study is cross-sectional. The sample consisted of 210 participants with a Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) lower than 50 and a life expectancy of a few weeks. For each patient, personal and clinical data were collected and a set of validated rating scales, assessing personality, dignity, physical, psychological symptoms and coping strategies was administered during the first psychological consultation.

RESULTS

The results highlighted significant associations between personality traits and dignity. In particular, Conscientiousness was negatively correlated with Social Support and Extroversion was negatively associated with Loss of Purpose and Meaning. Neuroticism was related to all the dimensions of dignity and Extroversion was significantly associated with the physical and psychological symptoms. Regarding coping styles, active coping strategies were predictors of Extroversion and Agreeableness. Conversely, anxiety symptoms predicted the Neuroticism trait.

CONCLUSIONS

Personality traits seem to be actively involved into the loss of dignity. These findings highlighted the importance of including personality traits and dignity into the patient's care process. Exploring individual differences and coping mechanisms at the end-of-life could improve palliative care and lead to better patient-tailored psychological interventions.

Demoralization in End-of-Life Cancer Patients' Family Caregivers: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of demoralization in a sample of end-of-life cancer patients' family caregivers and investigate the association between demoralization and different factors, such as distress, hope, quality of life, and caregiver burden.

METHODS

The study used a cross-sectional design and 142 participants were sampled. Family caregivers were included if they were caring for a cancer patient in palliative care with a limited life expectancy.Socio-demographic data were gathered, and Italian versions of the following scales were administered: Demoralization Scale (DS), Herth Hope Index (HHI), Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA), Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36), and Distress Thermometer (DT).

RESULTS

The average total demoralization score was 29.04 (SD = 13.62). 19.50% of caregivers was the low scorers at DS (0-25th percentile), 27.50% was the middle scorers (25th-75th percentile), and 39.00% was the high scorers (75th-100 percentile). 19.50% of the caregivers showed mild demoralization, 27.50% moderate demoralization, and 39.00% showed severe demoralization. Strong Moderate correlations were found between the total DS score and the Temporality and Future HHI subscale (ρ = .520); the HHI total score (ρ = .528); the Social functioning (ρ = .536) and Mental health (ρ = .675) SF-36 subscales. The HHI total score and the Mental health SF-36 subscale emerged as the main predictors of demoralization.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that not only end-of-life patients but also family caregivers may experience demoralization. This demoralization seems to be more associated to spiritual and psychological suffering rather than difficulties relating to caregivers' personal time, social roles, physical states, and financial resources.

Prevalence of fibrinous pericarditis in heavy pigs (170 kg) and its association with other pluck lesions at slaughter inspection

This study determined the prevalence of fibrinous pericarditis and its correlation with other pluck lesions in 658 batches of pigs from 236 intensive farms located in Northern Italy over a 12-month period. All pigs were slaughtered at 170 kg, and a total 57,943 plucks (approximately 90 pigs/batch) were individually assessed for the presence of fibrinous pericarditis, pneumonia, pleuritis, and liver milk spots. There was no seasonal variation in the prevalence of plucks with fibrinous pericarditis and annual mean prevalence was 5.6% (range, 0-26.3% at batch level; median, 4.71%). Farm of origin, evaluated as a random effect, accounted for 17.7% batch variation. Batches with a high prevalence of fibrinous pericarditis (≥7.7%) had higher prevalences of pleural, pulmonary, and liver lesions than those with low-middle prevalence of pericarditis; high prevalence of pericarditis was predictive of pluck lesions (P < 0.001). There was a highly significant association between fibrinous pericarditis and severe pleuritis, and 55% of plucks with the highest score for pleuritis also had ongoing fibrinous pericarditis, with a positive correlation at batch level (r² = 0.52; P < 0.001). The co-existence of pericarditis and pleuritis (73.5% of all pericarditis cases) suggests that pleuritis plays a role in the pathogenesis of pericarditis. Based on the prevalence fibrinous pericarditis, and the role of pleuritis as a potential comorbidity, abattoir data on pluck lesions with accompanying farm history, could aid the interpretation and management of on-farm health problems, and inform diagnostic protocols.

A survey on sensor systems used in Italian dairy farms and comparison between performances of similar herds equipped or not equipped with sensors

Sensor systems (SS) were developed over the last few decades to help dairy farmers manage their herds. Such systems can provide both data and alerts to several productive, behavioral, and physiological indicators on individual cows. Currently, there is still a lack of knowledge on both the proportion of dairy farms that invested in SS and type of SS installed. Additionally, it is still unclear whether the performances of herds equipped with SS differ from those of similar herds managed without any technological aid. Therefore, the aims of this study were (1) to provide an insight into SS spread among Italian dairy farms and (2) to analyze the performances of similar herds equipped or not equipped with SS. To reach the former goal, a large survey was carried out on 964 dairy farms in the northeast of Italy. Farmers were interviewed by the technicians of the regional breeders association to collect information on the type of SS installed on farms and the main parameters recorded. Overall, 42% of the surveyed farms had at least 1 SS, and most of them (72%) reared more than 50 cows. Sensors for measuring individual cow milk yield were the most prevalent type installed (39% of the surveyed farms), whereas only 15% of farms had SS for estrus detection. More sophisticated parameters, such as rumination, were automatically monitored in less than 5% of the farms. To reach the latter goal of the study, a subset of 100 Holstein dairy farms with similar characteristics was selected: half of them were equipped with SS for monitoring at least individual milk yield and estrus, and the other half were managed without any SS. Average herd productive and reproductive data from official test days over 3 yr were analyzed. The outcomes of the comparison showed that farms with SS had higher mature-equivalent milk production. Further clustering analysis of the same 100 farms partitioned them into 3 clusters based on herd productive and reproductive data. Results of the Chi-squared test showed that the proportion of farms equipped with SS was greater in the cluster with the best performance (e.g., higher milk yield and shorter calving interval). However, the presence of a few farms equipped with SS in the least productive cluster for the same parameters pointed out that although the installation of SS may support farmers in time- and labor-saving or in data recording, it is not a guarantee of better herd performance.

Transfer of passive immunity in dairy calves: the effectiveness of providing a supplementary colostrum meal in addition to nursing from the dam

Failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) in dairy calves - which is often due to the low amount of colostrum provided within a few hours after birth - remains a crucial issue. Enabling dairy calves to nurse colostrum from their dams could be useful in increasing intake and thus avoiding FTPI, but further potential effects on the health and welfare of both calves and dams should also be considered. In this study, 107 calf-dam pairs from two Italian dairy farms were alternately assigned to one of the following colostrum provision methods (CPMs): 'hand-fed method' (HFM) - the calf was separated from the dam immediately after birth and colostrum was provided by nipple-bottle (n = 50); 'nursing method' (NM) - the calf nursed colostrum from the dam for the first 12 h of life without farmer assistance (n = 30); and 'mixed method' (MM) - the nursing calf received a supplementary colostrum meal by nipple-bottle (n = 27). Serum of calves (1 to 5 days of age) and samples of their first colostrum meal were analysed by electrophoresis to assess immunoglobulin (Ig) concentration. Additionally, behavioural indicators of separation distress (calf and dam vocalisations; calf refusal of the first meal after separation; undesirable dam behaviour at milking) in the following 24 h were recorded as binary variables (Yes/No), and the health status of calves (disease occurrence and mortality) and dams (postpartum disorders and mastitis occurrence) were monitored for the first 3 months of life and 7 days after parturition, respectively. The lowest FTPI occurrence (calf serum Ig concentration <10.0 g/l) was found in the MM (11.1%) and the HFM (22.0%) compared with the NM (60.0%) (P<0.05), and the highest percentage of calves with optimal transfer of passive immunity (serum Ig concentration ≥16.0 g/l) was observed in the MM (55.6%). The lowest calf-dam separation distress was observed in the HFM (P<0.05). The highest calf disease occurrence was recorded in the HFM (64.0%) and the lowest in the NM (33.3%), with an intermediate value for the MM (44.4%) (P<0.05). No effect of the CPM was observed on dam health or calf mortality (P>0.05). The results of this study indicated that providing calves with a supplementary colostrum meal in addition to nursing from the dam (MM) is truly effective in maximizing passive immunity transfer. Anyway, specific strategies should be studied to minimise calf-dam separation distress.

Health, behaviour and growth performance of Charolais and Limousin bulls fattened on different types of flooring

Intensive fattening of late-maturing breeds on concrete or rubberized slatted floors is the prevalent beef production system in mainland Europe. The rationale behind this study is that specific beef breeds with different slaughter weights might have a diverse response to different flooring systems. The study aimed at assessing whether growth performance, health, behaviour and claw condition of two beef breeds, Charolais (CH) and Limousine (LIM), would be affected by their housing on concrete (CS) or rubber-covered (RCS) fully slatted floor. A total of 228 CH (116 on CS; 112 on RCS) and 115 LIM (57 on CS; 58 on RCS) were housed in four and two commercial farms, respectively, in groups of 9.0 ± 2.1 animals/pen with an average space allowance of 3.1 ± 0.2 m2. Draining gaps of CS and RCS pens were 16.9 ± 1.7% and 11.6 ± 1.2% of the total surface, respectively. Bulls of both breeds had similar initial body weight (429.4 ± 31.5 kg for CH; 369.6 ± 31.7 kg for LIM), and they were slaughtered when they reached suitable finishing. Charolais had a higher final body weight (BW) than LIM (750.8 ± 8.6 v. 613.7 ± 10.9 kg; P < 0.01), and bulls of both breeds on RCS had higher average daily gain than on CS (1.47 ± 0.02 v. 1.39 ± 0.02 kg/day; P < 0.05). The percentage of bulls early culled or treated for locomotor disorders were reduced by RCS only for LIM, while RCS tended to prevent the occurrence of bursitis for both breeds. During two 8-h behavioural observations, bulls on RCS performed more head butt/displacements and chases than on CS, and they reduced the frequency of abnormal lying down events. The use of RCS increased mounts' frequency only in LIM, while its reduced drainage capacity impaired only the cleanliness of CH. Postmortem hoof inspection showed longer claw dorsal wall and diagonal lengths, and sharper toe angles for CH on RCS than LIM on both floors. Results of this study point out that fully slatted floors, regardless of being rubberized or not, are not suitable for bulls finished at a final BW above 700 kg due to their detrimental effects on health and welfare. The use of RCS could be recommended as an alternative to CS only if bulls are slaughtered at a lower final BW (around 600 kg), like in the case of LIM breed.

Definition of a Good Death, Attitudes Toward Death, and Feelings of Interconnectedness Among People Taking Care of Terminally ill Patients With Cancer: An Exploratory Study

The concept of a good death is crucial in palliative care, but its relationship with attitudes toward death and feelings of interconnectedness needs to be further deepened. The first aim of this study was to explore the concept of good death, attitudes toward death, and feelings of interconnectedness among family caregivers (FCs) and health-care providers (HCPs) of terminally ill patients with cancer. The second aim was to analyze associations of good death concept with attitudes toward death and feelings of interconnectedness. Participants were asked to assess the importance of features that characterize a good death. To explore each person’s attitude toward death and feelings of interconnectedness, 3 open questions were used. The sample consisted of 49 participants: 24 (48.98%) FCs and 25 (51.02%) HCPs. Nine good death features were considered essential by more than 70% of participants. These referred to the physical (eg, symptoms control), social (eg, loved ones’ presence), emotional (eg, sharing emotions), and spiritual (eg, inner peace) dimensions. Importance attributed to components of a good death such as patient’s awareness and acceptance of death, meaning, respect for the patient’s wishes, and inner peace were found to be associated with lack of avoidance and acceptance toward death and feelings of interconnectedness. Given the importance of FCs and HCPs in providing care and their impact on the patients’ dying process, it is necessary to reflect upon how their personal attitudes and previous experiences influence the care of dying patients.

Risk factors associated with beef cattle losses on intensive fattening farms in Austria, Germany and Italy

The aim of this study was to investigate management and feeding practices associated with on-farm loss rate (mortality) on 63 beef cattle farms in Austria, Germany and Italy with housing systems other than fully slatted pens. Information on mortality and 56 categorised factors relating to the cleanliness of animal facilities, health and feeding management, animal-human interaction, cattle transport and origin were gathered during on-farm visits. Samples of total mixed rations (TMRs) were collected and analysed for chemical composition and particle size distribution. Twenty-eight categorised factors were removed from the initial 56 due to exclusion criteria (missing data≥20% and/or monolevel factors with≥80% answers in one category). Mortality was the response variable in the risk factor analysis and the remaining 10 continuous covariates from TMR analyses and 28 categorised factors were independent predictors. Mean (±standard deviation) mortality, representing the proportion of dead, euthanased and early culled animals over the total number of animals bought in or reared in the previous year, was 2.8±3.5%. Fourteen factors were significantly associated with mortality in the bivariable analyses; seven factors were not considered further in the multivariable analysis due to collinearity. None of the factors related to TMR were associated with mortality. Four categorical factors, referring to biosecurity measures and management, were retained in the final multivariable model, with country effect. Buying cattle from only one farm, no mixing of animals during transport, presence of a dedicated sick pen and keeping production records were associated with lower percentage mortality.

Pain alleviation during castration of piglets: a comparative study of different farm options

Pain alleviation associated with castration of piglets is an important welfare issue. The present study compares the effect of different approaches and products suitable for farmer use, with the aim to alleviate pain due to castration in piglets. A randomized within-litter design, with 28 replicate litters, compared 7 treatments: handling () restraint of the piglet and manipulation of the scrotum, castration without pain relief (), 2 treatments (, ) with different concentrations of tetracaine (2 and 6%) applied topically 10 min before and immediately post-surgery, and 3 treatments with i.m. injection of different nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs () 10 min prior to surgery (-meloxicam, -ketoprofen, -tolfenamic acid). Efficacy of pain relief was assessed during a 300 min period after castration by serum cortisol, behavior (walking, lying, suckling, in the nest, isolated and pain related: tremors, rubbing the rear, hunching, wagging of the tail), facial expression and scrotal skin pressure sensitivity. C pigs had greater serum cortisol concentration than all other groups at 60 min post-surgery ( < 0.001), while H pigs had lower concentrations than pigs given topical anesthesia ( < 0.001) though not injected analgesia. No treatment differences were significant at 180 min, but at 300 min cortisol concentration was greater in T2 and T6 piglets than those given NSAIDs ( = 0.03). These treatment differences were mirrored by the pressure sensitivity of the scrotum; in comparison with C piglets, those given NSAIDs showed a reduced sensitivity ( 0.003) but those given local anesthesia did not ( = 0.15). C pigs showed increased frequency of pain-related behavior in the first 30 min in comparison with all other treatments, more time isolated than H or NSAID treatments, and more time standing inactive than H or K treatments. No behavioral differences were apparent after 60 min. No differences in facial expressions were observed among treatments. In conclusion, on-farm methods for pain relief can provide some, though not complete, pain alleviation in the hours after castration. The use of topical anesthesia gave only minor benefit in comparison to NSAID agents injected prior to castration. Since the main differences in indicators of pain between positive and negative controls were observed within the first h after castration, it is important to select drugs that act quickly after administration to facilitate practical processing schedules on farm.

Frequency of tail lesions and risk factors for tail biting in heavy pig production from weaning to 170 kg live weight

Tail biting lesions have a negative effect on both the welfare of pigs and on the revenue of the pig farm. Due to the multifactorial nature of this abnormal behaviour and its sporadic onset, an epidemiological approach was adopted to identify the management and housing factors influencing the occurrence of tail biting and the frequency of bitten pigs in the weaning and fattening phases up to 170 kg live weight in heavy pig production. Data were collected from a sample of 67 commercial pig farms via an on-farm visit and a questionnaire to the farmer. Data collected included general farm information, hygiene and herd health, prevention, management, climate control, feeding and production traits. In the weaning phase, the occurrence of tail biting was increased by a factor of 16.64 for tipped vs. short-docked tails, by a factor of 68.09 when the observer detected poor air quality, and by a factor of 14.44 when the feeding time was variable. In fattening pigs, a high stocking density increased the risk of tail biting by a factor of 18.00. The frequency of lesions in weaners was greater in pigs with tipped tails (0.29 vs. 0.03%; P = 0.034), whereas in fatteners the frequency of lesions was greater when drinkers were not present in the lying area (0.71 vs. 0.05%; P = 0.009) and when air turnover was not detected in the barn (0.70 vs. 0.07%; P = 0.005). There was also a trend for increased tail biting when the stocking density was high (1.06 vs. 0.33%; P = 0.057). Many of the risk factors that emerged for heavy pigs in the present study could be easily managed to reduce the risk of tail biting and the frequency of tail lesions through the systematic evaluation and control of stocking density, climate, and feed and water management.

Short communication: Reference limits for blood analytes in Holstein late-pregnant heifers and dry cows: Effects of parity, days relative to calving, and season

Reference limits for metabolic profiles in Holstein late-pregnant heifers and dry cows were determined considering the effects of parity, days relative to calving, and season. Blood samples were collected from 104 pregnant heifers and 186 dry cows (68 primiparous and 118 pluriparous) from 60 to 10 d before the expected calving date in 31 dairy farms in northeastern Italy. Sampling was performed during summer (182 samples) and the following winter (108 samples). All the animals were judged as clinically healthy at a veterinary visit before sampling. Outliers were removed from data of each blood analyte, and variables that were not normally distributed were log transformed. A mixed model was used to test the fixed effects of parity (late-pregnant heifers, primiparous or pluriparous dry cows), class of days relative to calving (60-41 d, 40-21 d, 20-10 d), season (summer or winter), and the interactions between parity and class of days relative to calving and between parity and season, with farm as random effect. Single general reference limits and 95% confidence intervals were generated for analytes that did not vary according to fixed effects. Whenever a fixed effect included in the model significantly affected a given analyte, specific reference limits and 95% confidence intervals were generated for each of its levels. Albumin, urea, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine kinase, conjugated bilirubin, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, chloride, zinc, copper, and iron concentrations were not influenced by any of the fixed effects. Total protein, globulins, creatinine, glucose, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyltransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and sodium plasma concentrations were affected by parity. The class of days relative to calving had a significant effect on the concentrations of total protein, globulins, fatty acids, cholesterol, total bilirubin, and sodium. Season affected plasma concentrations of creatinine, glucose, fatty acids, lactate dehydrogenase, and sodium. Interactions between parity and class of days relative to calving and between parity and season did not significantly affect any of the blood analytes tested. The reference limits and the 95% confidence intervals for blood analytes determined in the study could help dairy practitioners to improve the accuracy of metabolic profile interpretation in Holstein late-pregnant cattle.

Prevalence of respiratory disorders in veal calves and potential risk factors

The study aimed to assess the in vivo and postmortem prevalence of respiratory disorders in veal calves and investigate risk factors associated with them. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 174 farms in the 3 major veal meat-producing countries in Europe (50 in France, 100 in the Netherlands, and 24 in Italy). Trained veterinarians visually evaluated individual calves of 1 batch per farm at 3 and 13 wk after arrival and at 2 wk before slaughter to assess the prevalence of hampered respiration, nasal discharge, and coughing. A random sample of lungs belonging to calves of the same batch was monitored at the slaughterhouse for mild to moderate or severe signs of pneumonia, and presence of pleuritis. Data regarding veal calf housing, feeding, and management and specific characteristics of the batch were collected through an interview with the stockperson, and the potential of these as respiratory disease risk factors was assessed. Regardless of the stage of fattening, the prevalence of in vivo signs of respiratory disorders in calves was always <7%. This low prevalence was likely the outcome of the general implementation by veal producers of standardized practices such as prophylaxis, all-in/all-out, and individual daily checks of the calves, which are recognized tools for effective disease prevention and management. However, at postmortem inspection, 13.9% and 7.7% of lungs showed mild to moderate and severe signs of pneumonia, respectively, and 21.4% of the inspected lungs had pleuritis. Thus, even mild clinical signs of respiratory disorder in calves at specific time points during the fattening period may be associated with high prevalence of lungs with lesions at slaughter. Alternatively, clinical symptoms recorded during routine visual inspections of veal calves on-farm may be poor predictors of the true prevalence of respiratory disease in calves. Among all potential risk factors considered, those concerning the characteristics of the batch were predominant but factors related to housing, management and feeding equipment were also relevant. Different risk factors were involved at different stages of the fattening period. Therefore, to overcome respiratory disorders in veal calves, different solutions may apply to different stages of the fattening period.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders recorded at postmortem inspection in white veal calves and associated risk factors

The study aimed at assessing the prevalence of poor rumen development, presence of rumen plaques, rumen papillae hyperkeratinization, and abomasal lesions in veal calves and to investigate risk factors for their occurrence at the farm level. Within a wide cross-sectional study, a sample of 170 veal farms representative of the European veal meat production systems was considered in the 3 major producing countries (99 in the Netherlands, 47 in France, and 24 in Italy). An average of 59 ± 10 (SD) rumens and abomasa belonging to calves from a single batch per farm were inspected at the abattoir by trained observers to assess the incidence of these gastrointestinal disorders. Potential risk factors for their occurrence related to farm management, housing, and to the feeding plan were obtained by a questionnaire submitted to the stockperson. Prevalence of poor rumen development (almost no papillae present), rumen plaques, and hyperkeratinization were 60.4, 31.4, and 6.1% of rumens, respectively, whereas abomasal lesions in the pyloric area were recorded in 74.1% of abomasa. Independent variables related to the feeding system confirmed to be the main risk factors for the occurrence of gastrointestinal disorders in veal calves. However, additional risk sources for each given problem were identified among housing and management variables. The provision of a low amount of solid feed (≤ 50kg of dry matter/head per cycle) was a relevant risk for rumen underdevelopment. Rumen wall alterations (plaques and hyperkeratinization) and abomasal lesions were instead associated with the administration of large quantities of solids (151-300 kg of dry matter/head per cycle) in calves receiving milk replacer during the entire fattening cycle. Among the types of solid feed, cereal grain acted as a preventive measure for low rumen development, whereas it was a risk factor for the occurrence of rumen plaques, papillae hyperkeratinization, and abomasal lesions. Some housing and management options adopted to improve veal calf welfare (i.e., higher space allowance and use of heating) were associated with lower risk for gastrointestinal disorders.

Expression profiling of skeletal muscle in young bulls treated with steroidal growth promoters

Dexamethasone (Dex), alone or in association with estrogens, is often illegally administered per os at very low dosage as a growth promoter in beef cattle, with effects that are opposite to the muscle wasting and atrophy induced by repeated administration at therapeutic dosages. In vitro and in vivo studies have investigated the catabolic effects of Dex at therapeutic doses on skeletal muscle, demonstrating an increase in the expression of GDF8 (myostatin) gene, a well-known negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass, in a dose-dependent way. This suggested a direct role of myostatin in Dex-induced muscle wasting. In the present study, an oligonucleotide microarray platform was used to compare expression profiles of beef cattle muscle in animals treated with either Dex or Dex plus 17-beta estradiol (Estr) administered at subtherapeutic dosage, against untreated controls. Data analysis demonstrates that the expression profiles were strongly affected by Dex treatment with hundreds of genes upregulated with relevant fold-change, whereas seven genes were downregulated including the myostatin gene. On the contrary, the number of differentially regulated genes was lower in response to the addition of Estr to the Dex treatment. Differentially regulated genes were analyzed to describe the effects of these treatments on muscle physiology, highlighting the importance of specific pathways (e.g., Wnt or cytokine signaling) and cellular processes (e.g., cell shape and motility). Finally, the observed differences in the expression profile will allow the development of indirect bio-markers to detect illegal Dex treatments in beef cattle using quantitative RT-PCR.

The use of coarse maize silage as a dietary source of roughage for finishing Limousin bulls: effects on growth performance, feeding behaviour and meat quality

Two isonitrogenous, isocaloric and isofibrous diets for finishing beef cattle differing only in their roughage constituents were compared in a feeding trial with Limousin bulls. A control maize silage (chop length = 9 mm) and wheat straw were the roughage sources of the former diet representing 0·23 and 0·09 of the dietary dry matter (DM) respectively. These roughage sources were fully replaced in the latter by the inclusion of a coarsely chopped maize silage (19 mm) at a level of 0·45 of the total dietary DM. Two balanced groups of 20 Limousin bulls (425·8 ± 20·3 kg live weight) each allotted in four pens were given the two diets ad libitum for a finishing period of 138 days. The different dietary roughages did not affect either bull growth performance (average daily gain = 1·39 ± 0·25 kg/day) or food conversion ratio. However, the diet containing the coarse silage significantly (P < 0·05) reduced the intake of both DM (8·30 v. 9·02 kg/day) and neutral-detergent fibre (NDF) (2·64 v. 2·92 kg/day). Although total ruminating time was similar for both diets, bulls given the coarse maize silage diet spent more time ruminating 1 kg of DM or NDF, probably due to the higher percentage of dietary forage NDF. No food selection activity towards specific chemical constituents was observed in either diet. Slaughter measurements and meat quality were satisfactory and unaffected by the type of dietary roughage. Based on cattle growth performance, feeding behaviour, and meat quality, the use of coarse maize silage as a dietary source of roughage can be considered a feasible alternative in beef cattle finishing.

Molecular genetics of prostate cancer: clinical translational opportunities

Prostate cancer (PC) development reflects a complex sequence of biologic and molecular events. Several inheritable and somatic genetic changes have been identified. The knowledge of the molecular basis of PC can improve our understanding of the causes of this common cancer and provide information on prognosis and treatment. To date, however, no molecular studies have yet yielded consistent information that is ready to be incorporated into clinical practice. We reviewed the current literature on the molecular biology of prostate cancer and analyzed different potential tumor markers according to the classical concepts of oncogenes, suppressor genes, and the more modern concepts of genes involved in detoxification or inflammatory pathways of cancer progression. This review aims to identify trends in PC research and suggests potential clinical applications for diagnosis, prognosis, prevention and treatment.

Milk represents an important source of iodine in schoolchildren of the Veneto region, Italy

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the relationships between urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and the intake of milk and other foods, in a group of school children of the Veneto region, in North East Italy. A questionnaire, concerning the daily intake of milk, yoghurt, cheese and other animal foodstuffs, was distributed to 233 schoolchildren aged between 11 and 15 yr. The use of iodized salt was also investigated. UIC was measured in a casual urine sample of all children investigated. The iodine content of 28 samples of milk and of 13 samples of yoghurt, bought during the summer in shops of the same area, was measured. UIC values ranged between 25 and 436 microg/l, median value was 140 microg/l, mean value 149+/-78 microg/l. The median iodine content of milk and yoghurt were 278 microg/l and 216 microg/l, respectively. With regard to dietary habits, about 70% of the children took 200 ml of milk or more per day, which corresponds to a daily intake of iodine ranging between 50 and 100 microg a day. About 30% of schoolchildren used iodized salt. A highly significant correlation between UIC and milk intake was observed (p=0.0005), while the relationship was poor or absent in the case of both intake of other foodstuffs and use of iodized salt (p=0.38). In conclusion, the results of the study document the very important role of cows' milk as a source of iodine in childhood in the Veneto region, Italy.

The provision of drinking water to veal calves for welfare purposes

Growth performance, behavior, physiology, forestomach development, abomasal lesions, and meat quality of veal calves fed a milk-replacer diet (No Water) were compared to those obtained from calves fed the same diet and provided with increasing amounts of drinking water (Water). Two groups of 69 Polish Friesian calves, balanced according to initial BW, were assigned to two water treatments in a 3 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement that provided solid feed in addition to the milk-replacer diet (No solid feed, 250 g x calf(-1) x d(-1) of wheat straw or the same amount of beet pulp), and the adoption of two housing systems (individual stall vs group pen). The fattening trial lasted 160 d, and calves received drinking water starting from the 2nd wk of the study. The amount of drinking water was progressively increased from 3 to 8 L x cal(-1) x d(-1). Although not dehydrated, as shown by hematocrit and Na, K, and total protein hemoconcentration, calves consumed almost all the offered amount of water throughout the fattening period. Therefore, the water provided by the milk replacer alone, which ranged between 6 to 16 L calf d(-1), was not sufficient to satisfy the need of the animal. Drinking water did not affect the calves' growth performance but it reduced nonnutritive oral behavior throughout the fattening period. Based on these results, drinking water did not cover a shortage in the calves' water requirement but it played a role in environmental enrichment. Health status was similar between treatments, although water provision reduced the episodes of feed refusal. The measurement of chronic stress by ACTH challenge showed that the administration of drinking water would be advisable when calves are fed with small amounts of solid feed for well-being. Feces consistency and animal cleanliness were not affected by drinking water. At slaughter, forestomach development was similar between treatments, and drinking water did not affect the number of calves showing rumen hair-balls and abomasal lesions. No differences in color and other meat quality traits were observed between Water and No Water calves. Despite the lack of direct effects on productive traits, when water was available, the calves drank it, and positive effects were noticed on their nonnutritive oral behaviors and chronic stress indicators.

The provision of solid feeds to veal calves: II. Behavior, physiology, and abomasal damage

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the addition of two roughage sources (wheat straw and beet pulp) to the milk replacer diet of veal calves, in order to reduce stress and improve animal welfare. We allocated 138 Polish Friesian male calves to three different feeding plans: a milk replacer diet (Control), 250 g/d of wheat straw in addition to the milk replacer, or 250 g/d of dried beet pulp in addition to the milk replacer. Within each feeding treatment, 16 calves were individually housed and 30 were kept in group pens (five calves/pen). Several behavioral, physiological, and health welfare indicators were monitored throughout the fattening period, which lasted for 160 d. Abnormal oral behavior around the meals was higher in Control calves (P < 0.01), while its lowest level was observed in straw-fed calves. At the beginning of the trial, chewing was higher in calves receiving solid feeds (P < 0.001), but the difference from the Control gradually decreased and disappeared at wk 13 for calves fed beet pulp and at wk 17 for those fed wheat straw. At the end of the fattening period, no differences among treatments were found in the frequency of chewing. Regardless of the diet, self-grooming decreased with age and no relationship was observed between this behavior and the presence of rumen hairballs. Cross-sucking was performed with low frequencies (from 4.70% at wk 2 to 1.05% at wk 23 around the meals, and even lower far from the meals) and was not affected by the provision of roughage. The time in contact with the bucket during the whole day was higher in Controls, whereas calves fed wheat straw maintained a lower level of this activity until the end of the trial (P < 0.01). The calves fed wheat straw spent more time in contact with the feed trough (P < 0.001) than those fed beet pulp and Control calves. No differences were found in cortisol curves due to the feeding treatment. In calves fed beet pulp, most hematological measures statistically differed from the other treatments, possibly in response to the higher iron intake and(or) to the higher hemoconcentration, probably due to the administration of beet pulp as dried feed. The incidence of abomasal ulcers and erosions was increased by the provision of the solid feeds, particularly by a structured fiber source such as straw. A roughage source able to satisfy calves' behavioral needs and to improve digestive processes without damaging the digestive apparatus still has to be identified.

The provision of solid feeds to veal calves: I. Growth performance, forestomach development, and carcass and meat quality

Growth performance, forestomach development, and carcass and meat quality of veal calves fed a milk replacer diet (Control) were compared to those obtained from calves fed the same liquid diet plus 250 g x calf(-1) x d(-1) of dried beet pulp or wheat straw. Three groups of 46 Polish Friesian calves, balanced according to initial BW, were assigned to the three dietary treatments in a fattening trial, which lasted 160 d. The provision of either solid feed did not affect the milk replacer intake. However, calves' ADG was increased (P < 0.01) only by feeding the beet pulp diet. The administration of both solid feeds improved calves' health status; calves fed solid feeds required fewer iron treatments for low hemoglobin and needed less medical treatments for respiratory or gastrointestinal diseases. In comparison to the Control calves, the provision of wheat straw and beet pulp increased iron intake throughout the fattening period by 41 and 130%, respectively. However, only calves fed beet pulp showed higher levels of hemoglobin and plasma iron concentrations (P < 0.05), whereas the same blood parameters were similar between Control calves and those fed wheat straw. At slaughter, both solid feeds led to empty forestomach weights heavier than those of Controls without reducing dressing percentage. The reticulorumen was heaviest in calves fed beet pulp, whereas wheat straw promoted omasal development. The administration of beet pulp resulted in a better carcass conformation than did the Control diet or wheat straw, but it had a detrimental effect on carcass color, which was graded as the darkest (P < 0.001). Consistent with this result, meat color of calves fed beet pulp was darker than that of Control calves and those fed wheat straw, because of the higher hematin concentration measured at the muscle level. No differences in carcass and meat color were observed between Control calves and calves fed wheat straw. The administration of solid feeds for welfare purposes does not always prevent the production of veal meat fulfilling the color standards required by the market. There is not a straight-forward relationship between a solid feed's iron content and the "redness" of veal meat, which should be related to the capability of the calves to use the iron provided by the roughage.