Cardiac autonomic responses to transrectal examination and parlor milking of lame and non-lame dairy cows

We studied the changes in the heart rate variability of lame and non-lame dairy cows in response to transrectal examination and parlor milking. We hypothesized that lame cows experience greater stress, manifested in heart rate variability parameters, which would serve as an argument to promote more caution in the everyday handling of lame animals. In the study, we selected 55 lame (with lesions on at least one hoof, otherwise clinically healthy, with locomotion scores 4 and 5 of 5 point scores) and 55 non-lame (clinically healthy, with locomotion scores 1 and 2 of 5 point scores) cows. The heart rate (HR), root mean square of successive beat-to-beat intervals (RMSSD), the normalized unit of the high-frequency component (HF) of the spectral analysis and Poincaré measures (SD2/SD1) were compared between lame and non-lame cows during five distinct stages of transrectal examination (TRE) and seven stages of parlor milking. HR, RMSSD, and SD2/SD1 showed similar patterns during TRE and milking, while HF remained fairly constant during the studied phases. No distinct RMSSD, HF or SD2/SD1 changes were observed during the phases expected to elicit a stress response. Between-group differences were only observed in terms of HF. Baseline HF was higher in lame cows than in non-lame ones, and such a difference in direction was observed throughout the whole procedure. During milking and TRE, the HR, RMSSD, and SD2/SD1 values showed temporal changes in times of higher physical activity: moving to and waiting in the holding pen and moving into the milking stalls in the parlor for preparation in both lame and non-lame cows. The differences in baseline HF (normalised units) between lame and non-lame cows can not be fully explained based on available information. The lack of a distinct, stress-related change in heart rate variability parameters in both groups can originate in methodological challenges inherent in animal heart rate variability measurements in field conditions.

Single-dose meloxicam treatment improves standing ability of low-vitality dairy calves

A promising strategy to improve newborn calf survival could be the administration of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) especially in cases of low vitality calves born from difficult calvings. The objective of this clinical trial was to determine the effect of a single-dose meloxicam treatment [target dosage = 0.5 mg/kg ad usum veterinarium (A.U.V.) injection] on parameters of lying behavior of Holstein-Friesian dairy calves (n = 180) born to eutocic (n = 98) compared with dystocic dams (n = 82). Animal-based measures included newborn calf vitality (low, 1-6 scores; normal, 7-12 scores, scored immediately after birth), calf sex and birth weight, parity of the dam, and early maternal behavior (the time spent licking the calf). Parameters of the complex lying behavior were recorded during the first 48 h after delivery and included (1) the time spent standing, (2) lying down frequency, (3) the longest standing bout, (4) the average duration of standing bouts, (5) the first successful standing, and (6) the first attempt to stand. None of the parameters related to lying behavior were influenced by the parity of the dam, calf sex, or birth weight and maternal grooming behavior. The latency and the first attempt to stand were not influenced by the NSAID treatment; however, the time spent standing, the longest standing bout, and the average duration of standing indicated increased standing ability of meloxicam-treated calves with low vitality, but not in normal-vitality calves. The latency to stand and first attempt to stand were both increased by dystocia. Based on the present findings, sensory measurement of parameters of lying behavior during the immediate neonatal period might be useful to evaluate the efficiency of NSAID protocols. A single-dose meloxicam treatment showed considerable promise for improving standing ability of low-vitality calves.

The effect of hutch compass direction on primary heat stress responses in dairy calves in a continental region

Heat stress reduction in hutch-reared dairy calves is overlooked on most dairy farms. We hypothesised that during summer, the microclimate within hutches is directly affected by compass direction as a result of differences in exposure to solar radiation. On a bright, midAugust day a number of behavioural and physiological heat stress response measures (respiratory rate, body posture, being in the shade or sun) were recorded in 20-min intervals from 0720–1900h on calves housed in hutches with entrances facing all four points of the compass. In conjunction with this, dry bulb (ambient) and black globe temperatures, and wind speed were recorded both inside the plastic hutches and at one sunny site at the exterior. Data were compared in terms of distinct periods of the day (0720–1100, 1120– 1500, 1520–1900h). Dry bulb temperatures were higher inside hutches compared to outside while for black globe temperatures the opposite was true. Daily average temperatures and respiratory rates did not differ between hutches facing different compass points. In the morning and afternoon, hutch temperature and calf respiratory rate differed relative to compass point. Calves in east- and northfacing hutches were seen more in the shade than those in south- and west-facing ones. Our conclusion was that in a continental region having hutch entrances face towards the east or north confers some advantages in mitigating severe solar heat load in summer.

OP0137 GENOME-WIDE WHOLE-BLOOD TRANSCRIPTOME PROFILING IN A LARGE EUROPEAN COHORT OF SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS PATIENTS

Background:

The analysis of annotated transcripts from genome-wide expression studies data is of paramount importance to understand the molecular phenomena underlying the occurrence of complex diseases, such as systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Objectives:

To perform whole-blood transcriptome and pathway analysis on whole-blood (WB) RNA collected in two cohorts of European SSc patients. Via a discovery and validation strategy we aimed at characterizing the molecular pathways that differentiate SSc from controls and that are reproducible in geographically diverse populations.

Methods:

WB samples from 252 controls and 162 SSc patients were collected in RNA stabilizers. Patients were divided into a discovery (n=79; Southern Europe) and validation cohort (n=83; Central-Western Europe). RNA sequencing was performed by an Illumina assay. Functional annotations of Reactome pathways were performed with the FAIME algorithm. In parallel, a immunophenotyping analysis on 28 circulating cell populations was assessed. We then tested: the presence of differentially expressed genes or pathways and the correlation between absolute cell counts and RNA transcripts/FAIME scores in regression models. Results significant in both populations were considered as replicated.

Results:

A total of 15224 genes and 1277 related functional pathways were available for analysis. Among these, 99 genes and 225 pathways were significant in both sets. The heatmap in figure shows the relative expression of replicated pathways and the distribution of cases and controls (red and green bars). Among the significant pathways we found a deregulation in: type-I IFN, TLR-cascade and signalling, function of the tumor suppressor p53 protein, platelet degranulation and activation. Correlation analysis showed that the count of several cell subtypes is jointly associated with RNA transcripts or FAIME scores with strong differences in relation to the geographical origin of samples; neutrophils emerged as the major determinant of gene expression in SSc-whole-blood samples.

Conclusion:

We discovered a set of differentially expressed genes and pathways that could be validated in two independent sets of SSc patients highlighting a number of deregulated molecular processes that have relevance for the pathogenesis of autoimmunity and SSc.

Acknowledgments:

This work was supported by EU/EFPIA/Innovative Medicines Initiative Joint Undertaking PRECISESADS grant No. 115565.

Disclosure of Interests:

Lorenzo Beretta Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Guillermo Barturen: None declared, Barbara Vigone: None declared, Chiara Bellocchi: None declared, Nicolas Hunzelmann: None declared, Ellen Delanghe: None declared, László Kovács: None declared, Ricard Cervera: None declared, Maria Gerosa: None declared, Rafaela Ortega Castro: None declared, Isabel Almeida: None declared, Divi Cornec: None declared, Carlo Chizzolini Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, Roche, Jacques-Olivier Pers: None declared, Zuzanna Makowska Employee of: Bayer AG, Anne buttgereit Employee of: Bayer AG, Ralf Lesche Employee of: Bayer, Martin Kerick: None declared, Marta Alarcon-Riquelme: None declared, Javier Martin Ibanez: None declared

Cardiac vagal tone, plasma cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone response to an ACTH challenge in lame and nonlame dairy cows

We studied the adrenocortical and vagal tone responses to a single ACTH challenge in lame (n = 9) vs nonlame (n = 9) dairy cows. Cows were paired according to parity, days in milk, and milk yield. Plasma cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone concentrations and cardiac vagal tone response (high-frequency component of heart rate variability) were compared after intravenous ACTH administration. Baseline, minimum or maximum, amplitude of the response and area under the response curve were compared. No difference was detected between groups in the cortisol response. Dehydroepiandrosterone was irresponsive to ACTH treatment, and concentrations did not differ between lame and nonlame cows. Vagal tone decreased in response to the ACTH treatment. High frequency component of heart rate variability was lower in the lame group at all sampling times. Lameness was associated with delayed return to baseline. We concluded that the adrenal response capacity is not influenced by lameness, which supports the concept of lameness being a chronic intermittent rather than a chronically persistent stressor. Dehydroepiandrosterone concentrations were not proven to be useful indicators of hypothalamus-pituitary axis dysfunction in cattle. A decreased vagal contribution to heart rate variability-possibly coupled with increased sympathetic modulation-was observed in lame cows, which suggests that lameness affects the mechanisms underlying the action of ACTH on cardiovascular activity.

Short communication: Upper critical temperature-humidity index for dairy calves based on physiological stress variables

In this study, upper critical values of the temperature-humidity index (THI) were determined in Holstein bull calves (n = 16) based on noninvasive physiological variables. Meteorological and animal-based data were recorded for a 4-d period following a 24-h habituation. The estimated upper critical THI values based on the assessment of respiratory rate, rectal temperature, ear temperature, heart rate, and salivary cortisol concentrations were 82.4, 88.1, 83.0, 78.3, and 88.8, respectively. We inferred that welfare of young calves may be compromised above a THI of 78 and that calves experience significant heat stress above a THI of 88. Based on the present findings, upper critical THI should be considered to minimize the duration of impaired welfare during summer heat stress episodes.

Short communication: Heart rate variability, step, and rumination behavior of dairy cows milked in a rotary milking system

Step behavior, heart rate (HR), the high-frequency (HF) component of heart rate variability (HRV), the ratio of the low-frequency (LF) and HF components (LF/HF ratio) as well as rumination behavior during milking were investigated in dairy cows milked in a high-capacity rotary milking system (n = 49) to study animals' stress responses to the milking process. Cardiac parameters were analyzed for undisturbed standing (baseline) and for the stages of the morning, afternoon, and evening milking processes (i.e., driving animals from the barn to the pre-milking holding pen, pre-milking holding pen, preparation, milking, and waiting after milking in the milking stall). During driving, HR was greater than during all other stages. After driving, a gradual decrease in HR was observed. The HF decreased during driving, indicating a decrease in vagal tone compared with baseline. When animals were in the holding pen, vagal tone decreased, whereas sympathetic tone increased with lower values than recorded for baseline and driving. During preparation, HF values were still lower than those recorded for baseline. The recovery of the autonomic activity was observed following preparation as indicated by increased HF and decreased LF/HF ratio during milking and waiting stages. During milking, 53.1% of the animals ruminated. The frequency of steps was greater during preparation (3.7 ± 1.8 steps/min) than during milking (0.7 ± 0.4 steps/min) and waiting after milking (1.6 ± 1.0 steps/min). Our results suggest that being in the holding pen is stressful for cows; however, vagal predominance from the onset of milking, the low frequency of steps, and the high prevalence of rumination during milking suggest a possible welfare benefit of the investigated rotary milking system.

Effect of artificial shade on saliva cortisol concentrations of heat-stressed dairy calves

Responses to heat stress have not been evaluated in dairy cattle by noninvasive techniques such as analysis of saliva cortisol concentrations. The aim of the present study was the assessment of saliva cortisol levels in Holstein bull calves with (n = 8) or without supplemental shade (n = 8) in response to acute heat stress. Measurements were carried out during a 5-d period [temperature, average/max (°C); day 1 (control, all calves shaded): 22.9/29.4, day 2 (heat stress day): 28.3/38.8, day 3: 26.2/33.5, day 4: 23.7/28.7, and day 5: 21.2/24.7]. The level of thermal stress was characterized with a temperature-humidity index (THI). Saliva cortisol levels did not differ between groups during the control day. On the heat stress day, saliva cortisol levels increased from 8:00 to 12:00 by 51% and 342% in shaded and nonshaded calves, respectively, and nonshaded calves showed higher cortisol concentrations at 12:00, 16:00, and 24:00. Saliva cortisol levels peaked at 12:00 on day 3 in both groups. On days 4 and 5, saliva cortisol did not show significant daytime elevations in either group; however, group differences remained significant until 20:00 on day 4. Based on our results, measurement of saliva cortisol concentrations is a promising approach to detect acute heat stress in dairy calves, which could be reduced by artificial shading.

Association between human and animal thermal comfort indices and physiological heat stress indicators in dairy calves

Warm summer episodes have a significant effect on the overall health and well-being of young cattle; however, it is not known which temperature measure should be used for estimating heat stress in dairy calves. In this study, generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate the relationships between thermal comfort indices and animal-based heat stress indicators in sixteen Holstein bull calves that were housed in individual calf hutches. Data were collected under continental weather characteristics over a 5-day period: day 1 (lower-temperature day), days 2 and 3 (heat stress days), and a 2-day post-stress period. Relative humidity, ambient temperature, the heat index, the humidex and five different temperature-humidity indices (THI) were used as thermal indices. Physiological variables monitored included respiratory rate, rectal temperature, ear skin temperature and heart rate. The heat index and the humidex measuring human thermal comfort were more closely associated with physiological measures than were the ambient temperature or the THIs (in case of heat index: R² = 0.87 for respiratory rate, R² = 0.63 for rectal temperature, R² = 0.70 for ear skin temperature, and R² = 0.78 for heart rate, respectively; in case of humidex: R² = 0.85 for respiratory rate, R² = 0.60 for rectal temperature, R² = 0.68 for ear skin temperature, and R² = 0.75 for heart rate, respectively). Based on our results, parameters of human outdoor comfort seem better to estimate heat stress in dairy calves in a continental region than those of THIs or ambient temperature.

Fetal metacarpal/metatarsal bone thickness as possible predictor of dystocia in Holstein cows

Dystocia and perinatal calf mortality cause significant economic losses in the dairy cattle industry. Despite advanced ultrasound examination procedures, there is no reliable method to estimate the birth weight of calves in order to predict, prepartum, the risk of dystocia. The aim of this study was to predict calf birth weight and dystocia based on transrectal ultrasonographic (TRUS) examinations in late-term Holstein heifers and cows. Therefore, TRUS examination was performed on 128 animals that were between 265 and 282 d of gestation to measure the bone thickness of the fetal metacarpus (MC) or metatarsus (MT). Fetal TRUS measurements were successful in 104 cases. Excluding twin deliveries, 97 fetal MC/MT bone thicknesses were measured and the mean (±SD) MC/MT thickness was 2.54 ± 0.37 cm. A novel index, the metacarpal/metatarsal index [MCTI = maternal body weight (kg)/fetal MC or MT thickness (cm)], was also calculated to study its association with calving ease. The average MCTI was 257.3 kg/cm in the studied population. A lower MCTI was associated with the risk of dystocia with an odds ratio of 2.074 that was not significantly different from 1 (95% confidence interval: 0.002-11.104). Fetal presentation, fetal age, fetal sex, body condition score of the dam, age of dam, and intercoxal and interischiadic distances were not related to dystocia. A fair phenotypic correlation (0.226) was found between MC/MT thickness and calf birth weight. The genetic correlation between MC/MT thickness and calf birth weight was 0.235. Our results indicate that late-term measurement of the fetal MC/MT bone thickness by means of TRUS examination augmented with the MCTI may have clinical significance in the prediction of dystocia in Holstein cattle. Because the odds ratio for dystocia based on MCTI determination was not significant, the applied technique should be improved based on further studies on prepartum TRUS examinations combined with dam pelvic measurements.

Systemic lupus erythematosus in the light of the regulatory effects of galectin-1 on T-cell function

Galectin-1 is an endogenous immunoregulatory lectin-type protein. Its most important effects are the inhibition of the differentiation and cytokine production of Th1 and Th17 cells, and the induction of apoptosis of activated T-cells. Galectin-1 has been identified as a key molecule in antitumor immune surveillance, and data are accumulating about the pathogenic role of its deficiency, and the beneficial effects of its administration in various autoimmune disease models. Initial animal and human studies strongly suggest deficiencies in both galectin-1 production and responsiveness in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) T-cells. Since lupus features widespread abnormalities in T-cell activation, differentiation and viability, in this review the authors wished to highlight potential points in T-cell signalling processes that may be influenced by galectin-1. These points include GM-1 ganglioside-mediated lipid raft aggregation, early activation signalling steps involving p56Lck, the exchange of the CD3 ζ-ZAP-70 to the FcRγ-Syk pathway, defective mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway activation, impaired regulatory T-cell function, the failure to suppress the activity of interleukin 17 (IL-17) producing T-cells, and decreased suppression of the PI3K-mTOR pathway by phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). These findings place galectin-1 into the group of potential pathogenic molecules in SLE.

Pilot Study of the Occurrence of Somatic Mutations in Ciliary Signalling Pathways as a Contribution Factor to Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Development

Autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is an inherited disease that results in multiple kidney cysts, and it is a common cause of end-stage renal disease. Recent studies have shown that disease progression can be slowed by simultaneous disruption of the primary cilium and polycystins. The exact genetic mechanism of this process is still unknown. The aim of the present study was to characterize the mutation profile of ciliary signalling pathways in the renal epithelial cells of ADPKD patients. In our study, we performed an analysis of 110 genes encoding the components of Sonic Hedgehog, Hippo, Notch, Wnt and planar cell polarity signalling (PCP) by targeted next-generation sequencing. We analysed 10 formalin-fixed, paraffinembedded (FFPE) tissue samples of patients with ADPKD. We identified a unique mutation profile in each of the analysed ADPKD samples, which was characterized by the presence of pathogenic variants in eight to 11 genes involved in different signalling pathways. Despite the significant genetic heterogeneity of ADPKD, we detected five genes whose genetic variants affected most ADPKD samples. The pathogenic variants in NCOR2 and LRP2 genes were present in all analysed samples of ADPKD. In addition, eight out of 10 samples showed a pathogenic variant in the MAML2 and FAT4 genes, and six out of 10 samples in the CELSR1 gene. In our study, we identified the signalling molecules that may contribute to the cystogenesis and may represent potential targets for the development of new ADPKD treatments.

Effect of calving process on the outcomes of delivery and postpartum health of dairy cows with unassisted and assisted calvings

Welfare aspects of obstetrical assistance were studied in multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows (n=176) with (1) unassisted calving in an individual pen (UCIP; n=42), (2) unassisted calving in a group pen (UCG; n=48), (3) assisted calving with appropriately timed obstetrical assistance (ACAP; n=50), and (4) assisted calving with inappropriately timed (premature) obstetrical assistance (ACIN; n=36). Duration of the stages of calving, the prevalence and the degree of dystocia, stillbirth ratio, newborn calf vitality, and the occurrence of postpartum health problems (i.e., retained placenta and vulvovaginal laceration) were recorded. The time from amniotic sac and hooves appearance to birth and the total duration of calving (from the onset of calving restlessness to delivery) were shorter for UCG cows than for any other groups. The overall incidence of dystocia was 31.3% in the calvings studied. The prevalence of dystocia was below 10% in cases of unassisted calvings. The proportion of severe dystocia was higher in ACIN cows than in ACAP cows (47.2 vs. 12.0%, respectively). The prevalence of stillbirths was the highest in ACIN calvings (22.2%), followed by ACAP, UCI, and UCG cows (8.0, 4.8, and 0.0%, respectively). The ACIN calves had lower vitality scores than calves born from ACAP, UCG, and UCIP dams immediately after delivery and 24h after birth. Although ACAP calves had lower vitality scores than UCG and UCIP calves at birth, a delayed recovery of vitality was mirrored by satisfactory vitality scores 24h after birth. Retained placenta and vulvovaginal laceration occurred more often with assisted dams (i.e., ACAP and ACIN animals) compared with UCIP cows with the highest prevalence in ACIN cows. In UCG cows, no injuries occurred in the vulva or vagina, and we noted only 4 cases of retained placenta (8.3%), proportions lower than in cows with unassisted calving in the maternity pen. Our results suggest that calving in a group might have benefits over calving in an individual pen in terms of calving ease, duration of the delivery process, and postpartum health of the dam vitality of her offspring. Premature obstetrical assistance leads to a high prevalence of dystocia, impairs postpartum health of the dam, and poses a potential risk to calf survival.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and cardiac autonomic responses to transrectal examination differ with behavioral reactivity in dairy cows

Behavior, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity were evaluated in response to transrectal examination in nonlactating Holstein-Friesian cows with different behavioral reactivity. According to behavioral reactions shown to the procedure of fixing the heart rate (HR) monitors, the 20 cows with the highest and the 20 cows with the lowest behavioral reactivity were involved in the study (high responder, n=20; and low responder, n=20, respectively). Activity of the ANS was assessed by HR and HR variability parameters. Blood and saliva were collected at 5 min before (baseline) and 0, 5 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 60, and 120 min after the examination to determine cortisol concentrations. The examination lasted for 5 min. Cardiac parameters included HR, the root mean square of successive differences between the consecutive interbeat intervals, the high frequency (HF) component of heart rate variability, and the ratio between the low frequency (LF) and HF parameter (LF/HF). Following the examination, peak plasma and saliva cortisol levels and the amplitude of the plasma and saliva cortisol response were higher in high responder cows than in low responders. Areas under the plasma and saliva cortisol response curves were greater in high responder cows. Plasma and salivary cortisol levels correlated significantly at baseline (r=0.91), right after examination (r=0.98), and at peak levels (r=0.96). Area under the HR response curve was higher in low responder cows; however, maximum HR and the amplitude of the HR response showed no differences between groups. Minimum values of both parameters calculated for the examination were higher in high responders. Following the examination, response parameters of root mean square of successive differences and HF did not differ between groups. The maximum and the amplitude of LF/HF response and area under the LF/HF response curve were lower in low responder cows, suggesting a lower sympathetic activation of the ANS. Although changes in behaviors indicated that the procedure was painful for the animals, no differences were observed either in vocalization or in attendant behavior between groups during the examination. Our results demonstrate that behaviorally more reactive animals exhibit increased plasma and salivary cortisol concentrations and higher cardiac autonomic responsiveness to transrectal examination than less reactive cows. Salivary cortisol may substitute for plasma cortisol when assessing response of cattle to stress.

New Mutations Associated with Rasopathies in a Central European Population and Genotype-Phenotype Correlations

We performed the genetic analysis of Rasopathy syndromes in patients from Central European by direct sequencing followed by next generation sequencing of genes associated with Rasopathies. All 51 patients harboured the typical features of Rasopathy syndromes. Thirty-five mutations were identified in the examined patients (22 in PTPN11, two in SOS1, one in RIT1, one in SHOC2, two in HRAS, three in BRAF, two in MAP2K1 and two in the NF1 gene). Two of them (p.Gly392Glu in the BRAF gene and p.Gln164Lys in the MAP2K1 gene) were novel with a potentially pathogenic effect on the structure of these proteins. Statistically significant differences in the presence of pulmonary stenosis (63.64% vs. 23.81%, P = 0.013897) and cryptorchidism (76.47% vs. 30%, P = 0.040224) were identified as the result of comparison of the prevalence of phenotypic features in patients with the phenotype of Noonan syndrome and mutation in the PTPN11 gene, with the prevalence of the same features in patients without PTPN11 mutation. Cryptorchidism as a statistically significant feature in our patients with PTPN11 mutation was not reported as significant in other European countries (Germany, Italy and Greece). The majority of mutations were clustered in exons 3 (45.45%), 8 (22.73%), and 13 (22.73%) of the PTPN11 gene.

Heart rate and heart rate variability in multiparous dairy cows with unassisted calvings in the periparturient period

Behavioural changes before calving can be monitored on farms; however, predicting the onset of calving is sometimes difficult based only on clinical signs. Heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) as non-invasive measures of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity were investigated in Holstein-Friesian cows (N=20) with unassisted calvings in the periparturient period to predict the onset of calving and assess the stress associated with calving. R-R-intervals were analysed in 5-min time windows during the following three main periods of measurement: 1) between 0 and 96 h before the onset of calving restlessness (prepartum period); 2) during four stages of calving: (I) early first stage; between the onset of calving restlessness and the first abdominal contractions; (II) late first stage (between the first abdominal contractions and the appearance of the amniotic sac); (III) early second stage (between the appearance of the amniotic sac and the appearance of the foetal hooves); (IV) late second stage (between the appearance of the foetal hooves and delivery of the calf), and 3) over 48 h following calving (postpartum period). Data collected between 72 and 96 h before calving restlessness was used as baseline. Besides HR, Poincaré measures [standard deviation 1 (SD1) and 2 (SD2) and SD2/SD1 ratio], the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) in R-R intervals, the high-frequency (HF) component of HRV and the ratio between the low-frequency (LF) and the HF components (LF/HF ratio) were calculated. Heart rate increased only following the onset of the behavioural signs, peaked before delivery of the calf, then decreased immediately after calving. Parasympathetic indices of HRV (RMSSD, HFnorm and SD1) decreased, whereas sympathovagal indices (LF/HF ratio and SD2/SD1 ratio) increased significantly from baseline between 12 and 24 before the onset of calving restlessness. The same pattern was observed between 0 and 1h before calving restlessness. Following the onset of behavioural signs, parasympathetic activity increased gradually with a parallel shift in sympathovagal balance towards parasympathetic tone, which was possibly a consequence of oxytocin release, which induces an increase in vagus nerve activity. Parasympathetic activity decreased rapidly between 0 and 0.5h following calving and was lower than measured during all other stages of the study, while sympathetic activity peaked during this stage and was higher than measured during any other stages. Between 0 and 4h after calving vagal tone was lower than baseline, whereas sympathovagal balance was higher, reflecting a prolonged physiological challenge caused by calving. Vagal activity decreased, whereas sympathovagal balance shifted towards sympathetic tone with increased live body weight of the calf during the late second stage of calving, suggesting higher levels of stress associated with the higher body weight of calves. All HRV indices, measured either at the late second stage of calving and between 12 and 24h after calving, were affected by the duration of calving. Our results indicate that ANS activity measured by HRV indices is a more immediate indicator of the onset of calving than behaviour or HR, as it changed earlier than when restlessness or elevation in HR could be observed. However, because of the possible effects of other physiological mechanisms (e.g. oxytocin release) on ANS activity it seems to be difficult to measure stress associated with calving by means of HRV between the onset of calving restlessness and delivery. Further research is needed to enable more precise interpretation of the prepartum changes in HR and HRV in dairy cattle.

Cardiac responses to palpation per rectum in lactating and nonlactating dairy cows

Interest in the monitoring of heart rate variability (HRV) has increased recently, as it gives more detailed and immediate information about the level of stress than traditional behavioral or hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal measures. In this study, we evaluated heart rate (HR) and parasympathetic HRV parameters to monitor cardiac stress responses to palpation per rectum (PPR) in lactating (LACT; n = 11) and nonlactating (NLACT; n = 12) dairy cows. Heart rate and HRV were recorded from 40 min before PPR until 120 min after it was completed. Heart rate, the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), and the high-frequency component (HF) of HRV were analyzed by examining 5-min time windows. To compare cardiac responses to PPR between groups, changes in HR and HRV parameters were calculated as area under the curve (AUC) for LACT and NLACT cows. An immediate increase in HR was detected during PPR in both LACT (+21.4 ± 2.4 beats/min) and NLACT cows (+20.6 ± 2.3 beats/min); however, no differences were found between groups on the basis of parameters of AUC. The increase in HR in both groups along with a parallel decrease in RMSSD (LACT cows: -5.2 ± 0.4 ms; NLACT cows: -5.1 ± 0.4 ms) and HF [LACT cows: -10.1 ± 0.8 nu (where nu = normalized units); NLACT cows: -16.9 ± 1.2 nu] during PPR indicate an increase in the sympathetic, and a decrease in the parasympathetic tone of the autonomic nervous system. The increase in RMSSD (LACT cows: +7.3 ± 0.7 ms; NL cows: +17.8 ± 2.2 ms) and in HF (LACT cows: +24.3 ± 2.6 nu; NLACT cows: +32.7 ± 3.5 nu) immediately after PPR indicated a rapid increase in parasympathetic activity, which decreased under the baseline values 10 min following PPR. The amplitude and the maximum RMSSD and HF values were greater in NLACT cows than in LACT animals, suggesting a higher short-term cardiac responsiveness of NLACT cows. However, the magnitude and the duration of the stress response were greater in LACT cows, as indicated by the analysis of AUC parameters (area under the HRV response curve and time to return to baseline). Cow response to the PPR was more prominent in parasympathetic HRV measures than in HR. Based on our results, the effect of PPR on the cows' cardiac stress responses may have an impact on animal welfare on dairy farms, and investigating the effect of lactation on the cardiac stress reactions could prove useful in modeling bovine stress sensitivity. Further research is needed to find out whether the differences due to lactation are physiological or management related.

Heat- and light-induced detachment of the light-harvesting antenna complexes of photosystem I in isolated stroma thylakoid membranes

The multisubunit pigment-protein complex of photosystem I (PSI) consists of a core and peripheral light-harvesting antenna (LHCI). PSI is thought to be a rather rigid system and very little is known about its structural and functional flexibility. Recent data, however, suggest LHCI detachment from the PSI supercomplex upon heat and light treatments. Furthermore, it was suggested that the splitting off of LHCI acts as a safety valve for PSI core upon photoinhibition (Alboresi et al., 2009). In this work we analyzed the heat- and light-induced reorganizations in isolated PSI vesicles (stroma membrane vesicles enriched in PSI). Using differential scanning calorimetry we revealed a stepwise disassembly of PSI supercomplex above 50°C. Circular dichroism, sucrose gradient centrifugation and 77K fluorescence experiments identified the sequence of events of PSI destabilization: 3min heating at 60°C or 40min white light illumination at 25°C resulted in pronounced Lhca1/4 detachment from the PSI supercomplex, which is then followed by the degradation of Lhca2/3. The similarity of the main structural effects due to heat and light treatments supports the notion that thermo-optic mechanism, structural changes induced by ultrafast local thermal transients, which has earlier been shown to be responsible for structural changes in the antenna system of photosystem II, can also regulate the assembly and functioning of PSI antenna.

Non-thromboembolic risk in systemic lupus erythematosus associated with antiphospholipid syndrome

Objectives

We investigated the impact of secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) positivity on the non-thromboembolic clinical manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

In total, 224 patients with SLE were studied, of whom 105 were aPL-positive; 52 fulfilled the criteria for APS. SLE- and APS-related clinical and laboratory features were assesed: SLE patients with aPL or APS were compared with those without these features.

Results

Not only thromboembolic events, but also Coombs-positive haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia and endocarditis occurred significantly more frequently in the aPL-positive than in the aPL-negative patients. In the APS + SLE subgroup, several non-thromboembolic symptoms occurred more often than in the absence of APS: pleuritis, interstitial lung disease, myocarditis, nephritis and organic brain syndrome. The mean number of major organ manifestations (1.2 vs. 0.5) and the overall number of organ manifestations (8.1 vs. 6.9) were higher in the APS + SLE patients than in those without APS ( p < 0.05). The APS + SLE subgroup more frequently required intensive immunosuppressive treatment than did the APS-negative patients ( p < 0.05).

Conclusions

SLE patients with aPL positivity or secondary APS also have a higher risk to develop non-thromboembolic disease manifestations in addition to the aPL-related symptoms, and are predisposed to more severe SLE manifestations.

The ultrastructure and flexibility of thylakoid membranes in leaves and isolated chloroplasts as revealed by small-angle neutron scattering

We studied the periodicity of the multilamellar membrane system of granal chloroplasts in different isolated plant thylakoid membranes, using different suspension media, as well as on different detached leaves and isolated protoplasts-using small-angle neutron scattering. Freshly isolated thylakoid membranes suspended in isotonic or hypertonic media, containing sorbitol supplemented with cations, displayed Bragg peaks typically between 0.019 and 0.023Å(-1), corresponding to spatially and statistically averaged repeat distance values of about 275-330 Å⁻¹. Similar data obtained earlier led us in previous work to propose an origin from the periodicity of stroma thylakoid membranes. However, detached leaves, of eleven different species, infiltrated with or soaked in D2O in dim laboratory light or transpired with D2O prior to measurements, exhibited considerably smaller repeat distances, typically between 210 and 230 Å⁻¹, ruling out a stromal membrane origin. Similar values were obtained on isolated tobacco and spinach protoplasts. When NaCl was used as osmoticum, the Bragg peaks of isolated thylakoid membranes almost coincided with those in the same batch of leaves and the repeat distances were very close to the electron microscopically determined values in the grana. Although neutron scattering and electron microscopy yield somewhat different values, which is not fully understood, we can conclude that small-angle neutron scattering is a suitable technique to study the periodic organization of granal thylakoid membranes in intact leaves under physiological conditions and with a time resolution of minutes or shorter. We also show here, for the first time on leaves, that the periodicity of thylakoid membranes in situ responds dynamically to moderately strong illumination. This article is part of a special issue entitled: photosynthesis research for sustainability: keys to produce clean energy.

Effect of natural polyphenols (Pycnogenol) on oxidative stress markers in children suffering from Crohn's disease--a pilot study

Crohn's disease (CD) is a nonspecific, chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. It is supposed that in etiopathogenesis oxidative stress (OS) plays a role. However, its precise role in the active and non-active states of disease is not known yet. We conducted a pilot study focusing on the relationship between OS of CD in remission and the possibility to influence clinical parameters and markers of OS by polyphenolic extract, Pycnogenol® (Pyc). Compared to 15 healthy controls 15 pediatric CD patients (all were in remission according to their disease activity index - PCDAI) had reduced the activity of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) and increased the oxidative damage to proteins. We found negative correlations between markers of inflammation (calprotectin, CRP) as well as between PCDAI and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Activities of antioxidant enzymes, SOD, and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) negatively correlated with calprotectin and PCDAI. Pyc (2 mg/kg) positively influenced the parameters of OS in CD patients after 10 weeks of administration.

Genetic association of miRNA-146a with systemic lupus erythematosus in Europeans through decreased expression of the gene

A recent genome-wide association study revealed a variant (rs2431697) in an intergenic region, between the pituitary tumor-transforming 1 (PTTG1) and microRNA (miR-146a) genes, associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) susceptibility. Here, we analyzed with a case-control design this variant and other candidate polymorphisms in this region together with expression analysis in order to clarify to which gene this association is related. The single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs2431697, rs2910164 and rs2277920 were genotyped by TaqMan assays in 1324 SLE patients and 1453 healthy controls of European ancestry. Genetic association was statistically analyzed using Unphased. Gene expression of PTTG1, the miRNAs miR-3142 and primary and mature forms of miR-146a in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. Of the three variants analyzed, only rs2431697 was genetically associated with SLE in Europeans. Gene expression analysis revealed that this SNP was not associated with PTTG1 expression levels, but with the microRNA-146a, where the risk allele correlates with lower expression of the miRNA. We replicated the genetic association of rs2341697 with SLE in a case-control study in Europeans and demonstrated that the risk allele of this SNP correlates with a downregulation of the miRNA 146a, potentially important in SLE etiology.

[Clinical dysmorphic syndromes with tumorigenesis]

Genetic alterations cause predisposition to malignancy by increased cancer risk related to constitutional mutations in growth-regulating or DNA repair genes. Some pediatric malignancies are associated with dysmorphic features in several body areas. Through physical examination, we recognise characteristic signs of genetic dysmorphic disorders, such as somatic overgrowth, undergrowth, macrocephaly, microcephaly and dysmorphic changes of the face, eyes, mouth and lips, heart, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, genitalia and skeleton. Recognition of a cancer-associated dysmorphic syndrome allows intensive cancer screening and genetic counseling. Therefore, it is recommended that every child with cancer should be examined by a clinical geneticist. Molecular diagnostics of germinal mutations may very effectively detect families at high risk of malignancy and help provide primary prevention. This work presents clinical syndromes with genetic background and cancer screening recommendations for 18 syndromes with increased cancer risk.

[Clinical condition of patients with neural tube defects]

INTRODUCTION

Neural tube defects are the most common congenital anomalies of central nervous system. Their onset is at the embryonic age of 21 to 28 days. Periconceptional administration of folic acid may reduce the occurrence of neural tube defects up to 70%. Clinical features depend on localization of the defect and malformation of central nervous system, as well as on intensive multidisciplinary care in early stages of development. Open defects (meningomyelocele) present with more severe neurological deficiency early after birth. Closed defect manifestation occurs usually later in life with tethered cord syndrome.

PURPOSE

This study evaluates clinical status of the patients with neural tube defects, who are followed in the Children's Faculty Hospital in Bratislava.

METHODS

Cross-sectional and also retrospective study was conducted by questionnaire that was given to mothers of children with neural tube defect. Data about perinatal and family history, occurrence of hydrocephalus, scoliosis, joint deformities, dysfunction of urinary system and bowel, as well as social care, were collected. Clinical features were statistically evaluated depending on beginning of the defect or locomotion status.

RESULTS

94 patients with mean age of 12.7 years +/- 6.59 SD were included in the study. Patients with open defects had more severe neurological deficiency with hydrocephalus, more common epilepsy, skeleton deformities, wheelchair-dependency, and dysfunction of urinary tract and bowel. Scoliosis and ability of locomotion significantly correlated with higher lever of defect, while hydrocephalus, continence, urinary infections, clean intermittent catheterization, constipation, scoliosis and joint deformities significantly correlated with the ability of locomotion (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

For patients with neural tube defects, the level of neurological deficiency is the most important prognostic factor for many other clinical characteristics.

IS THERE A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CELL PHONE USE AND SEMEN QUALITY?

This study was conducted to determine a possible relationship between regular cell phone use and different human semen attributes. The history-taking of men in our university clinic was supplemented with questions concerning cell phone use habits, including possession, daily standby position and daily transmission times. Semen analyses were performed by conventional methods. Statistics were calculated with SPSS statistical software. A total of 371 were included in the study. The duration of possession and the daily transmission time correlated negatively with the proportion of rapid progressive motile sperm (r = -0.12 and r = -0.19, respectively), and positively with the proportion of slow progressive motile sperm (r = 0.12 and r = 0.28, respectively). The low and high transmitter groups also differed in the proportion of rapid progressive motile sperm (48.7% vs. 40.6%). The prolonged use of cell phones may have negative effects on the sperm motility characteristics.