Cognitive Development in Single-Suture Craniosynostosis - A Systematic Review

There is conflicting evidence whether single-suture craniosynostosis (SSC), is linked to adversities of cognitive development. To assess the evidence for a link between SSC and cognition, a systematic literature search was conducted and eligible studies assessed for inclusion by two independent readers. Forty-eight studies met inclusion criteria. Small to medium but persistent effects on both general and some specific cognitive functions across age bands were found in higher quality studies for SSC overall. There was limited evidence for effects related to surgical correction. Methodologies varied substantially and there was a lack of longitudinal studies using broad assessment batteries.

The effects of illness perceptions on health-related quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation

Background/Introduction

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is lower compared with the general population, healthy controls, and patients with other cardiovascular diseases. Many factors influence HRQoL in patients with AF negatively. Illness perceptions have been shown to be related to HRQoL in a number of diseases, but, the role of the effect of illness perception on HRQoL in patients with AF is lacking.

Purpose

The aim was to explore the relationship between illness perceptions and HRQoL in patients with AF.

Methods

The present study with a cross-sectional design included 167 patients with AF. Patients scheduled for cardioversion at a University hospital in Sweden, filled in self-reported, validated questionnaires. Illness perception was measured with the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-r) and HRQoL was measured with the Arrhythmia-Specific questionnaire in Tachycardia and Arrhythmias (ASTA). The illness perception part of IPQ-r consists of seven dimensions (Timeline acute/chronic, Consequences, Emotional Representations, Personal control, Treatment control, Illness coherence, and Timeline cyclic). Dimensions of the IPQ-R with significant correlations with HRQoL were included in a multiple regression model.

Results

The participants consisted of 69.5% men and the mean age for the group was 68,8±10,4. The correlations for the dimensions of illness perception are presented in Table 1. The multiple regression analysis (Table 2) showed that Consequences (p<0,001) and Emotional Representations (p=0,003) were significantly associated with and adversely affected HRQoL. The model explained 35% of the total variance in HRQoL (R2= 0,350, p=0,001).

Conclusion(s)

Emotional representations such as anger, anxiety, depression, and the consequences that patients experience that the condition has on daily life, negatively affect patients with AF. The relationship between illness perception and quality of life, indicates that efforts to change illness perceptions can be useful in improving HRQoL. In addition to information, patients need to be given the opportunity to talk about the disease, about their feelings, and about the consequences that the disease has on daily life. A challenge for healthcare will be to design support for each unique individual based on their illness perceptions.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Forskningslyftet, Umea UniversityStrategic Research Area Health Care Sience (SFO-V)

Methods for Social Media Monitoring Related to Vaccination: Systematic Scoping Review

Background

Social media has changed the communication landscape, exposing individuals to an ever-growing amount of information while also allowing them to create and share content. Although vaccine skepticism is not new, social media has amplified public concerns and facilitated their spread globally. Multiple studies have been conducted to monitor vaccination discussions on social media. However, there is currently insufficient evidence on the best methods to perform social media monitoring.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify the methods most commonly used for monitoring vaccination-related topics on different social media platforms, along with their effectiveness and limitations.

Methods

A systematic scoping review was conducted by applying a comprehensive search strategy to multiple databases in December 2018. The articles’ titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened by two reviewers using inclusion and exclusion criteria. After data extraction, a descriptive analysis was performed to summarize the methods used to monitor and analyze social media, including data extraction tools; ethical considerations; search strategies; periods monitored; geolocalization of content; and sentiments, content, and reach analyses.

Results

This review identified 86 articles on social media monitoring of vaccination, most of which were published after 2015. Although 35 out of the 86 studies used manual browser search tools to collect data from social media, this was time-consuming and only allowed for the analysis of small samples compared to social media application program interfaces or automated monitoring tools. Although simple search strategies were considered less precise, only 10 out of the 86 studies used comprehensive lists of keywords (eg, with hashtags or words related to specific events or concerns). Partly due to privacy settings, geolocalization of data was extremely difficult to obtain, limiting the possibility of performing country-specific analyses. Finally, 20 out of the 86 studies performed trend or content analyses, whereas most of the studies (70%, 60/86) analyzed sentiments toward vaccination. Automated sentiment analyses, performed using leverage, supervised machine learning, or automated software, were fast and provided strong and accurate results. Most studies focused on negative (n=33) and positive (n=31) sentiments toward vaccination, and may have failed to capture the nuances and complexity of emotions around vaccination. Finally, 49 out of the 86 studies determined the reach of social media posts by looking at numbers of followers and engagement (eg, retweets, shares, likes).

Conclusions

Social media monitoring still constitutes a new means to research and understand public sentiments around vaccination. A wide range of methods are currently used by researchers. Future research should focus on evaluating these methods to offer more evidence and support the development of social media monitoring as a valuable research design.

Relationship between urinary albumin and albumin/creatinine ratio during normal pregnancy and pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy and it is important to detect the condition as early as possible. Albuminuria is an important symptom of pre-eclampsia and repeated urine analyses to screen for the condition are part of the standard antenatal care. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether measurement of the urine albumin/creatinine ratio in spot samples could be a complement to the dipstick method and could reduce the need for 24-h urine collections. Urine samples were collected for 24 h in weeks 12, 24 and 36 of pregnancy from both normotensive women and women who developed hypertension or who had pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) when they entered the study. The 24-h albumin excretion was significantly correlated to the albumin/creatinine ratio in all measurements (Pearson correlation coefficient). In week 12, the values were: n = 44, r = 0.964, p < 0.001 (normotensive group) and in the PIH group: n = 8, r = 0.789, p < 0.05. In week 24, the correlation values were r = 1.0 and p < 0.001 in both the normotensive group (n = 41) and in the PIH group (n = 11). In week 36 the correlation values were r = 0.791 and p < 0.001 in the normotensive group (n = 39) and r = 1.0 and p < 0.001 in the PIH group (n = 16). Microalbuminuria was defined as urine albumin excretion higher than 30 mg/24 h and this corresponded to an albumin/creatinine ratio of 2.9. Microalbuminuria was found in three persons in the PIH group and in two persons in the normotensive group. Overt albuminuria (> 300 mg/24 h) was found in one of the 46 normotensive women (2%) and in 3 of the 19 PIH women (16%). In all these women the high albumin values had been detected by using the albumin/creatinine ratio method. In conclusion, it has been found that the albumin excretion in urine correlates significantly to the albumin/creatinine ratio during pregnancy. The urinary albumin/creatinine ratio appears to be a good alternative to the dipstick method and to 24-h urine collections.

THU0263 LUNG INVOLVEMENT IN PRIMARY SJÖGREN SYNDROME – AN UNDER-DIAGNOSED ENTITY

Background:

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) represents a frequent extra-glandular manifestation of primary Sjögren’s Syndrome (pSS). Limited published data regarding phenotyping and treatment exists. Advances in managing specific ILD phenotypes have not been comprehensively explored in patients with coexisting pSS.

Objectives:

This retrospective study aimed to phenotype lung diseases occurring in a well-described pSS cohort and describe treatment course and outcomes.

Methods:

Between April 2018 and September 2019, all pSS patients attending our Outpatient clinic were screened for possible lung involvement. Clinical, laboratory and computer tomography (CT) findings were analysed. Patients were classified according to CT findings into 5 groups: usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), desquamative interstitial pneumonia (DIP), combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) and unspecific-ILD.

Results:

Lung involvement was confirmed in 24/240 patients (10%). Clinically manifest pSS occurred later in patients with ILD vs. non-ILD (53.2 [42.0-61.7]vs.62.3 [55.6-68.8] years; p=0.0016). The commonest phenotype was UIP n=10 (41%), followed by NSIP n=7 (29%), DIP n=2 (8%), CPFE n=2 (8%) and unspecific-ILD n=3 (13%). Forced vital capacity (FVC) and carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO) appeared lower in UIP and DIP, without reaching a significant difference. Treatment focused universally on intensified immunosuppression, with 12/24 patients (50%) receiving cyclophosphamide. No anti-fibrotic treatments were used. Follow-up was median 13.2 [7.9-72.3] months, during which 6/24 (25%) patients exhibited a further decline in FVC. No deaths occurred.

Conclusion:

Lung involvement in pSS is heterogeneous. Better phenotyping and tailored treatment may improve outcomes and requires further evaluation in larger prospective studies.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Liquid Chromatographic Determination of the Glycoalkaloids α-Solanine and α-Chaconine in Potato Tubers: NMKL Interlaboratory Study

Twelve laboratories participated in a collaborative study to evaluate precision parameters of a liquid chromatographic method for analysis of the glycoalkaloids α-solanine and α-chaconine in potato tubers. Samples consisted of frozen potato tuber homogenates distributed as 3 blind duplicates and 3 split-level pairs. The analytical method included aqueous extraction, workup on disposable solidphase extraction cartridges, and reversed-phase chromatography with photometric detection at 202 nm. Results for α-solanine and α-chaconine were received from 10 and 9 laboratories, respectively. Relative standard deviations for reproducibilo ity for α-solanine and α-chaconine were similar, ranging from 8 to 13% in the applied concentration range of 12 to 260 mg/kg fresh weight.

Immunisation of migrants in EU/EEA countries: Policies and practices

In recent years various EU/EEA countries have experienced an influx of migrants from low and middle-income countries. In 2018, the "Vaccine European New Integrated Collaboration Effort (VENICE)" survey group conducted a survey among 30 EU/EEA countries to investigate immunisation policies and practices targeting irregular migrants, refugees and asylum seekers (later called "migrants" in this report). Twenty-nine countries participated in the survey. Twenty-eight countries reported having national policies targeting children/adolescent and adult migrants, however vaccinations offered to adult migrants are limited to specific conditions in seven countries. All the vaccinations included in the National Immunisation Programme (NIP) are offered to children/adolescents in 27/28 countries and to adults in 13/28 countries. In the 15 countries offering only certain vaccinations to adults, priority is given to diphtheria-tetanus, measles-mumps-rubella and polio vaccinations. Information about the vaccines given to child/adolescent migrants is recorded in 22 countries and to adult migrants in 19 countries with a large variation in recording methods found across countries. Individual and aggregated data are reportedly not shared with other centres/institutions in 13 and 15 countries, respectively. Twenty countries reported not collecting data on vaccination uptake among migrants; only three countries have these data at the national level. Procedures to guarantee migrants' access to vaccinations at the community level are available in 13 countries. In conclusion, although diversified, strategies for migrant vaccination are in place in all countries except for one, and the strategies are generally in line with international recommendations. Efforts are needed to strengthen partnerships and implement initiatives across countries of origin, transit and destination to develop and better share documentation in order to guarantee a completion of vaccination series and to avoid unnecessary re-vaccination. Development of migrant-friendly strategies to facilitate migrants' access to vaccination and collection of vaccination uptake data among migrants is needed to meet existing gaps.

High doses of anti-inflammatory drugs compromise muscle strength and hypertrophic adaptations to resistance training in young adults

AIMS

This study tested the hypothesis that high doses of anti-inflammatory drugs would attenuate the adaptive response to resistance training compared with low doses.

METHODS

Healthy men and women (aged 18-35 years) were randomly assigned to daily consumption of ibuprofen (IBU; 1200 mg; n = 15) or acetylsalicylic acid (ASA; 75 mg; n = 16) for 8 weeks. During this period, subjects completed supervised knee-extensor resistance training where one leg was subjected to training with maximal volitional effort in each repetition using a flywheel ergometer (FW), while the other leg performed conventional (work-matched across groups) weight-stack training (WS). Before and after training, muscle volume (MRI) and strength were assessed, and muscle biopsies were analysed for gene and protein expression of muscle growth regulators.

RESULTS

The increase in m. quadriceps volume was similar between FW and WS, yet was (averaged across legs) greater in ASA (7.5%) compared with IBU (3.7%, group difference 34 cm³ ; P = 0.029). In the WS leg, muscle strength improved similarly (11-20%) across groups. In the FW leg, increases (10-23%) in muscle strength were evident in both groups yet they were generally greater (interaction effects P < 0.05) for ASA compared with IBU. While our molecular analysis revealed several training effects, the only group interaction (P < 0.0001) arose from a downregulated mRNA expression of IL-6 in IBU.

CONCLUSION

Maximal over-the-counter doses of ibuprofen attenuate strength and muscle hypertrophic adaptations to 8 weeks of resistance training in young adults. Thus, young individuals using resistance training to maximize muscle growth or strength should avoid excessive intake of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Immunisation Information Systems - useful tools for monitoring vaccination programmes in EU/EEA countries, 2016

Immunisation Information Systems (IIS) are computerised confidential population based-systems containing individual-level information on vaccines received in a given area. They benefit individuals directly by ensuring vaccination according to the schedule and they provide information to vaccine providers and public health authorities responsible for the delivery and monitoring of an immunisation programme. In 2016, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) conducted a survey on the level of implementation and functionalities of IIS in 30 European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries. It explored the governance and financial support for the systems, IIS software, system characteristics in terms of population, identification of immunisation recipients, vaccinations received, and integration with other health record systems, the use of the systems for surveillance and programme management as well as the challenges involved with implementation. The survey was answered by 27 of the 30 EU/EEA countries having either a system in production at national or subnational levels (n = 16), or being piloted (n = 5) or with plans for setting up a system in the future (n = 6). The results demonstrate the added-value of IIS in a number of areas of vaccination programme monitoring such as monitoring vaccine coverage at local geographical levels, linking individual immunisation history with health outcome data for safety investigations, monitoring vaccine effectiveness and failures and as an educational tool for both vaccine providers and vaccine recipients. IIS represent a significant way forward for life-long vaccination programme monitoring.

Characteristic Sizes of Life in the Oceans, from Bacteria to Whales

The size of an individual organism is a key trait to characterize its physiology and feeding ecology. Size-based scaling laws may have a limited size range of validity or undergo a transition from one scaling exponent to another at some characteristic size. We collate and review data on size-based scaling laws for resource acquisition, mobility, sensory range, and progeny size for all pelagic marine life, from bacteria to whales. Further, we review and develop simple theoretical arguments for observed scaling laws and the characteristic sizes of a change or breakdown of power laws. We divide life in the ocean into seven major realms based on trophic strategy, physiology, and life history strategy. Such a categorization represents a move away from a taxonomically oriented description toward a trait-based description of life in the oceans. Finally, we discuss life forms that transgress the simple size-based rules and identify unanswered questions.

Disruption of the 5S RNP-Mdm2 interaction significantly improves the erythroid defect in a mouse model for Diamond-Blackfan anemia

Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a congenital erythroid hypoplasia caused by haploinsufficiency of genes encoding ribosomal proteins (RPs). Perturbed ribosome biogenesis in DBA has been shown to induce a p53-mediated ribosomal stress response. However, the mechanisms of p53 activation and its relevance for the erythroid defect remain elusive. Previous studies have indicated that activation of p53 is caused by the inhibition of mouse double minute 2 (Mdm2), the main negative regulator of p53, by the 5S ribonucleoprotein particle (RNP). Meanwhile, it is not clear whether this mechanism solely mediates the p53-dependent component found in DBA. To approach this question, we crossed our mouse model for RPS19-deficient DBA with Mdm2(C305F) knock-in mice that have a disrupted 5S RNP-Mdm2 interaction. Upon induction of the Rps19 deficiency, Mdm2(C305F) reversed the p53 response and improved expansion of hematopoietic progenitors in vitro, and ameliorated the anemia in vivo. Unexpectedly, disruption of the 5S RNP-Mdm2 interaction also led to selective defect in erythropoiesis. Our findings highlight the sensitivity of erythroid progenitor cells to aberrations in p53 homeostasis mediated by the 5S RNP-Mdm2 interaction. Finally, we provide evidence indicating that physiological activation of the 5S RNP-Mdm2-p53 pathway may contribute to functional decline of the hematopoietic system in a cell-autonomous manner over time.

Comparison of Rosco Neo-Sensitabs with Oxoid paper disks in EUCAST disk diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility testing on Mueller-Hinton agar

This study compared Neo-Sensitabs with Oxoid paper disks using the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) disk diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility test on Mueller-Hinton agar. The EUCAST-recommended quality control strains (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212) (Part I) and clinical isolates (Part II) were investigated. In Part I of the study, 27 combinations of antimicrobial agents were tested on four quality control strains repeatedly up to 60 times and zone diameters of tablets and disks were compared. In Part II of the study, 351 clinical isolates were included to cover a broad range of species, as well as resistance mechanisms. In Part I, four major deviations (>1 mm outside quality control ranges) were observed with Neo-Sensitabs. In one case with P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (meropenem), there was a corresponding major deviation (2 mm) with the Oxoid disk. The three remaining major deviations with Neo-Sensitabs were observed with meropenem (2 mm) in E. coli ATCC 25922 and with ciprofloxacin (2 mm) and gentamicin (3 mm) in P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853. For Oxoid disks, there were only minor deviations (=1 mm outside quality control ranges) in these three cases. In Part II, there were six discrepancies, susceptible versus resistant, in 3,533 comparisons between the two methods with the clinical isolates. The Rosco Neo-Sensitabs appear to be a possible alternative to Oxoid paper disks for EUCAST disk diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility testing on Mueller-Hinton agar.

Crystal structure of the native plasminogen reveals an activation-resistant compact conformation

BACKGROUND

Plasminogen is the zymogen form of plasmin and the precursor of angiostatin. It has been implicated in a variety of disease states, including thrombosis, bleeding and cancers. The native plasminogen, known as Glu-plasminogen, contains seven domains comprising the N-terminal peptide domain (NTP), five kringle domains (K1-K5) and the C-terminal serine protease domain (SP). Previous studies have established that the lysine binding site (LBS) of the conserved kringle domains plays a crucial role in mediating the regulation of plasminogen function. However, details of the related conformational mechanism are unknown.

OBJECTIVES

We aim to understand in more detail the conformational mechanism of plasminogen activation involving the kringles.

METHODS

We crystallized the native plasminogen under physiologically relevant conditions and determined the structure at 3.5 Å resolution. We performed structural analyses and related these to the literature data to gain critical understanding of the plasminogen activation.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The structure reveals the precise architecture of the quaternary complex. It shows that the Glu-plasminogen renders its compact form as an activation-resistant conformation for the proteolytic activation. The LBSs of all kringles, except K1, are engaged in intra-molecular interactions while only K1-LBS is readily available for ligand binding or receptor anchorage. The structure also provides insights into the interactions between plasminogen and α2-antiplasmin, the primary physiological inhibitor of plasmin. Furthermore, the data presented explain why a conformational transition to the open form is necessary for plasminogen activation as well as angiostatin generation, and provide a rationale for the functional hierarchy of the different kringles.

The prognostic impact of follow-up assessments in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension

Current guidelines for the treatment of patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) recommend basing therapeutic decision-making on haemodynamic, functional and biochemical variables. Most of these parameters have been evaluated as risk predictors at the time of diagnosis. The aim of the present study was to assess the prognostic impact of changes in these parameters after initiation of targeted therapy. A cohort of 109 patients with IPAH who had undergone haemodynamic, functional and biochemical assessments at baseline and 3-12 months after initiation of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-targeted therapy, were followed for a median 38 months in order to determine predictors of mortality at baseline and during the course of their disease. Within the observation period, 53 (48.6%) patients died and four (3.7%) underwent lung transplantation. Kaplan-Meier estimates for transplantation-free survival were 92%, 67%, and 51% at 1, 3, and 5 yrs, respectively. Among baseline variables, 6-min walk distance, right atrial pressure, cardiac index, mixed-venous oxygen saturation (S(v,O(2))) and N-terminal-pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were independent predictors of survival. During follow-up, changes in World Health Organization functional class, cardiac index, S(v,O(2)) and NT-proBNP proved significant predictors of outcome. When assigned to prognostic groups, improvements as well as deteriorations in these parameters after initiation of PAH-targeted therapy had a strong impact on survival. Measurements obtained at follow-up had a higher predictive value than variables obtained at baseline. Changes in established predictors of outcome during the course of the disease provide important prognostic information in patients with IPAH.

High levels of the adhesion molecule CD44 on leukemic cells generate acute myeloid leukemia relapse after withdrawal of the initial transforming event

Multiple genetic hits are detected in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To investigate this further, we developed a tetracycline-inducible mouse model of AML, in which the initial transforming event, overexpression of HOXA10, can be eliminated. Continuous overexpression of HOXA10 is required to generate AML in primary recipient mice, but is not essential for maintenance of the leukemia. Transplantation of AML to secondary recipients showed that in established leukemias, ∼80% of the leukemia-initiating cells (LICs) in bone marrow stopped proliferating upon withdrawal of HOXA10 overexpression. However, the population of LICs in primary recipients is heterogeneous, as ∼20% of the LICs induce leukemia in secondary recipients despite elimination of HOXA10-induced overexpression. Intrinsic genetic activation of several proto-oncogenes was observed in leukemic cells resistant to inactivation of the initial transformation event. Interestingly, high levels of the adhesion molecule CD44 on leukemic cells are essential to generate leukemia after removal of the primary event. This suggests that extrinsic niche-dependent factors are also involved in the host-dependent outgrowth of leukemias after withdrawal of HOXA10 overexpression event that initiates the leukemia.

Hormonal concentrations in bitches with primary uterine inertia

Normal labor is accompanied by sequential changes in blood concentrations of prostaglandin F2alpha (measured as 15-ketodihydro-PGF2 alpha=PGFM), progesterone, estradiol, oxytocin, vasopressin, and of elevated cortisol levels. The aim of this study was to investigate hormone concentrations in dogs diagnosed with primary uterine inertia before and during treatment by cesarean section. The hypothesis was the dogs would have abnormally low plasma concentrations in one or several of the hormones involved in parturition. The study comprised seven bitches with total primary uterine inertia (dystocia group) treated with cesarean section and six healthy bitches (control group) subjected to planned cesarean section. Blood samples were taken before anesthesia, before surgery started, on delivery of the first puppy and on delivery of the last puppy. The progesterone:PGFM ratio in plasma was higher in the dystocia group than in the control group, but the serum estradiol concentration did not differ between groups. The plasma concentrations of oxytocin and vasopressin increased in both groups when the first puppies were delivered, but both hormones were more elevated in the control group than in the dystocia group on delivery of the last puppies. The plasma cortisol concentration increased to the same level in both groups. In conclusion, the ratio between progesterone and PGFM was higher and the oxytocin and vasopressin concentrations lower in the dystocia dogs than in the control dogs. The findings indicate that these hormones are involved in the pathophysiology of total primary uterine inertia in bitches.

Training methods for horses: habituation to a frightening stimulus

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY

Responses of horses in frightening situations are important for both equine and human safety. Considerable scientific interest has been shown in development of reactivity tests, but little effort has been dedicated to the development of appropriate training methods for reducing fearfulness.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate which of 3 different training methods (habituation, desensitisation and counter-conditioning) was most effective in teaching horses to react calmly in a potentially frightening situation.

HYPOTHESES

1) Horses are able to generalise about the test stimulus such that, once familiar with the test stimulus in one situation, it appears less frightening and elicits a reduced response even when the stimulus intensity is increased or the stimulus is presented differently; and 2) alternative methods such as desensitisation and counter-conditioning would be more efficient than a classic habituation approach.

METHODS

Twenty-seven naive 2-year-old Danish Warmblood stallions were trained according to 3 different methods, based on classical learning theory: 1) horses (n = 9) were exposed to the full stimulus (a moving, white nylon bag, 1.2 x 0.75 m) in 5 daily training sessions until they met a predefined habituation criterion (habituation); 2) horses (n = 9) were introduced gradually to the stimulus and habituated to each step before the full stimulus was applied (desensitisation); 3) horses (n = 9) were trained to associate the stimulus with a positive reward before being exposed to the full stimulus (counter-conditioning). Each horse received 5 training sessions of 3 min per day. Heart rate and behavioural responses were recorded.

RESULTS

Horses trained with the desensitisation method showed fewer flight responses in total and needed fewer training sessions to learn to react calmly to test stimuli. Variations in heart rate persisted even when behavioural responses had ceased. In addition, all horses on the desensitisation method eventually habituated to the test stimulus whereas some horses on the other methods did not.

CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE

Desensitisation appeared to be the most effective training method for horses in frightening situations. Further research is needed in order to investigate the role of positive reinforcement, such as offering food, in the training of horses.

Clinical pharmacology of buprenorphine in healthy, lactating goats

The pharmacokinetics and the effects of the opioid buprenorphine on behavior, cardiovascular parameters, plasma concentrations of cortisol and vasopressin were studied in the goat. After intravenous injection at a dosage of 0.02 mg/kg bw, the terminal half-life was 73.8+/-19.9 min (mean+/-SD), the apparent volume of distribution 5.22+/-1.01 L/kg, and total body clearance 79.1+/-18.5 mL/min/kg. After intramuscular administration of buprenorphine at the same dosage, bioavailability was complete and clearance was 54.7+/-16.6 mL/min/kg. Heart rate, blood pressure and concentrations of cortisol and vasopressin in plasma increased after drug administration. The goats became agitated and stopped ruminating. The effects were more pronounced the first time the animals received the drug, especially the influence on the hormone levels. The concentrations of cortisol and vasopressin in plasma remained unaffected after the second dose despite a wash-out period of 3-6 weeks. Buprenorphine may be an unsuitable drug in goats because of the profound inhibition of rumination and the agitation it causes. The short half-life of buprenorphine may limit its use if long-term analgesia is required but be advantageous if a short acting drug is desirable.

Primary uterine inertia in 27 bitches: aetiology and treatment

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate two treatment methods in bitches with primary uterine inertia in relation to blood concentrations of oxytocin, calcium and glucose.

METHODS

A prospective study where 27 bitches with primary inertia were randomly allocated to treatment groups I and II. Blood samples were collected before and after treatment. Group I was treated with a combination of intravenous calcium solutions and oxytocin and group II with oxytocin only. If unsuccessful, caesarean sections or additional medical treatment was pursued.

RESULTS

Plasma oxytocin concentrations were 35+/-15 pmol/l in group I and 30+/-15 pmol/l in group II. Before treatment, the total serum calcium concentrations were 2.1+/-0.2 mmol/l in both the groups, and blood glucose values were 7.0+/-0.5 mmol/l (group I) and 7.3+/-1.4 mmol/l (group II). The number of bitches subjected to caesarean sections and the number of puppies born did not differ between the two groups.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This study indicates that low plasma oxytocin levels is a cause of primary inertia in bitches with normal serum calcium concentrations and aggravates the condition in bitches with low calcium levels. Hypoglycaemia was not observed. The outcome of labour did not differ between groups I and II.

Activity and heart rate in semi-domesticated reindeer during adaptation to emergency feeding

Although reindeer are well adapted to limited food resources during winter, semi-domesticated reindeer are regularly fed when snow conditions are bad in order to prevent starvation. Feeding sometimes results in health problems and loss of animals. This study was made to assess if activity pattern in reindeer could be used as a tool for the reindeer herder in early detection of animals that are not adapting to feeding. The frequency of 10 behavioural categories was recorded in five groups of penned, eight-month-old, female semi-domesticated reindeer. Three reindeer per group were fitted with heart rate monitors. Lying was the most frequent behaviour, whilst there were few cases of agonistic behaviour. Heart rate varied during the day, with peaks during feeding and low heart rates in the early morning. Restricted feed intake resulted in more locomotion and seeking but less ruminating compared to feeding ad libitum. This was followed by a generally lower heart rate in reindeer in the restricted groups compared to controls. Subsequent feeding with different combinations of lichens, silage and pellets ad libitum resulted initially in significantly more of the animals lying curled up, compared to controls, combined with increased heart rates. As the experiment continued the general activity pattern, as well as the heart rate, gradually became more similar in all groups. Lying curled was the behavioural indicator most consistently affected by feed deprivation and adaptation to feeding and may thus be a useful indicator to distinguish individual reindeer that are not adjusting to feeding.

Endocrinology of milk production

The physiology of lactation includes development of the mammary gland from the foetal to the adult stage, further development during pregnancy and onset of lactation, with the accompanying metabolic and behavioural adaptation. At the onset of pregnancy the endocrine system undergoes dramatic changes. The growth of the mammary gland is stimulated by growth hormone and prolactin, adrenocortical steroids, oestrogens and progesterone, and that of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract by gastrin, CCK and secretin. The onset of lactation is accompanied by increases in the blood volume, cardiac output, mammary blood flow and blood flow through the GI-tract and liver, aiming to provide the udder with nutrients and hormones for regulation of milk synthesis. Food intake and distribution of nutrients to the mammary gland are partially regulated by hormones as well as the repartitioning of nutrients away from body stores towards the udder. To improve milk production, administration of growth hormone has been practised, but also much discussed. Besides central mechanisms, local mechanisms within the mammary gland regulate initiation of lactation, maintenance, regulation of blood flow and mammary gland cell apoptosis. Most of the milk in a filled dairy cow udder is stored in the alveolar compartments. The milk ejection reflex must be activated to gain access to the udder milk, i.e. oxytocin contracts the myoepithelial cells. Recent studies show that vasopressin may also elicit milk ejection. More efficient oxytocin release is achieved if the cows are fed during milking. Beyond milk let down, oxytocin influences maternal behaviour and metabolism. Furthermore, it has been indicated that suckling or milking activates a vagal reflex, which may link the milk production to the endocrine system of the GI-tract. The question has been raised whether the mammary gland is a supporting or consuming organ.

Change of diurnal heart rate patterns during pregnancy and lactation in dogs (Canis familiaris)

Pregnancy and lactation involve great demands on the cardiovascular system. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the heart rate and diurnal heart rate pattern change when dogs become pregnant or lactate. Five clinically healthy female beagle dogs were mated, and delivered three to seven healthy puppies. The heart rate was investigated with 24-h ECG (Holter) once during anoestrus, at 3, 5, 7 and 9 weeks of pregnancy, and at week 4 postpartum (lactation). However, at 9 weeks, the ECG could not be recorded for the fully 24 h in 4 of 5 dogs, because labour started and the dogs then appeared disturbed by the recordings. The results at this date are not included in the statistical comparison. The heart rate increased progressively during pregnancy and was still elevated at 4 weeks of lactation. During late pregnancy the difference in heart rates between daytime and nighttime became smaller, but the heart rate was significantly higher in daytime in all periods. In conclusion, the increased heart rates during pregnancy and lactation reflect increased demands on the cardiovascular system and may be important to consider in clinical practice.

Increased plasma concentrations of vasopressin, oxytocin, cortisol and the prostaglandin F2alpha metabolite during labour in the dog

AIM

This study investigated if the plasma vasopressin concentration increases during labour in the dog and whether the change in vasopressin correlates with that of oxytocin, 15-ketodihydro-PGF2alpha and cortisol.

METHODS

Five beagle dogs each delivered three to seven puppies. Blood samples were taken from a catheter inserted into the cephalic vein during labour and by venepuncture during the other periods.

RESULTS

Vasopressin concentration increased from 2 +/- 0 pmol L-1 (anoestrus) to 26 +/- 11 pmol L-1 at the birth of the first puppy, remained high at the birth of the second puppy and then decreased. Oxytocin increased from 63 +/- 5 pmol L-1 (anoestrus) to 166 +/- 19 pmol L-1 at the birth of the first puppy and remained elevated throughout labour. The PGF2alpha metabolite concentration increased from 0.2 +/- 0.0 nmol L-1 (anoestrus) to 66 +/- 17 nmol L-1 at the birth of the first puppy and remained elevated 1 h after the completion of parturition. The cortisol concentration increased from 49 +/- 9 nmol L-1 (anoestrus) to 242 +/- 35 nmol L-1 at the birth of the first puppy, remained high during the birth of the second puppy and then declined.

CONCLUSIONS

The plasma level of vasopressin was strongly correlated with that of cortisol but less with that of the PGF2alpha metabolite, and not significantly with the concentration of oxytocin. This indicates that the four hormones play different roles during labour in the dog.

Vasopressin increases milk flow and milk fat concentration in the goat

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate whether physiological doses of vasopressin affect milk flow and milk composition in goats.

METHODS

Six goats were given vasopressin intravenously at doses of 0.1 ng kg(-1) min(-1) (a low dose, VL), 0.3 ng kg(-1) min(-1) (a medium dose, VM) and 1.0 ng kg(-1) min(-1) (a high dose, VH), oxytocin at 10 ng kg(-1) min(-1) and 0.15 m NaCl during 90 min at random.

RESULTS

Milk flow increased from 1.3 +/- 0.2 to 3.5 +/- 1.0 g min(-1) (VL), from 1.8 +/- 0.4 to 4.3 +/- 0.6 g min(-1) (VM) and from 1.5 +/- 0.2 to 7.9 +/- 0.9 g min(-1) (VH) during the first 30-min infusions (all P < 0.001), respectively, and then declined. The response to oxytocin corresponded to that of VH. Milk fat concentration increased from 2.1 +/- 0.1 to 3.3 +/- 0.4% during VH and from 2.8 +/- 0.6 to 4.1 +/- 0.6% during oxytocin (both P < 0.001), and tended to increase during VM and VL. The mammary blood flow of four goats was studied with ultrasound during VH and oxytocin infusion. Milk flow increased from 1.8 +/- 0.4 to 4.7 +/- 1.0 g min(-1) during VH and from 1.9 +/- 0.3 to 12.4 +/- 2.4 g min(-1) during oxytocin (both P < 0.001). Mammary blood flow decreased from 262 +/- 37 to 53 +/- 7 mL min(-1) (P < 0.001) during VH, but did not change during oxytocin.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that vasopressin increases milk flow and milk fat concentration and suggest that vasopressin, like oxytocin, acts on the myoepithelial cells.

Wet belly in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) in relation to body condition, body temperature and blood constituents

Wet belly, when the reindeer becomes wet over the lower parts of the thorax and abdomen, sometimes occurs in reindeer during feeding. In a feeding experiment, 11 out of 69 reindeer were affected by wet belly. The problem was first observed in 7 animals during a period of restricted feed intake. When the animals were then fed standard rations, 3 additional animals fed only silage, and 1 fed pellets and silage, became wet. Four animals died and 1 had to be euthanized. To investigate why reindeer developed wet belly, we compared data from healthy reindeer and reindeer affected by wet belly. Urea, plasma protein, glucose, insulin and cortisol were affected by restricted feed intake or by diet but did not generally differ between healthy reindeer and those with wet belly. The wet animals had low body temperature and the deaths occurred during a period of especially cold weather. Animals that died were emaciated and showed different signs of infections and stress. In a second experiment, with 20 reindeer, the feeding procedure of the most affected group in the first experiment was repeated, but none of the reindeer showed any signs of wet belly. The study shows that wet belly is not induced by any specific diet and may affect also lichen-fed reindeer. The fluid making the fur wet was proven to be of internal origin. Mortality was caused by emaciation, probably secondary to reduced energy intake caused by diseases and/or unsuitable feed.