Effect of different ambient temperatures on reproductive outcome and wellbeing of lactating females in two mouse strains

Ambient temperature is an important non-biotic environmental factor influencing immunological and oncological parameters in laboratory mice. It is under discussion which temperature is more appropriate and whether the commonly used room temperature in rodent facilities of about 21°C represents a chronic cold stress or the 30°C of the thermoneutral zone constitutes heat stress for the animals. In this study we selected the physiological challenging period of lactation to investigate the influence of a cage temperature of 20°C, 25°C, and 30°C, respectively, on reproductive performance and stress hormone levels in two frequently used mouse strains. We found that more pups were weaned from B6D2F1 hybrids compared to C57BL/6N mothers and that the number of weaned pups was strongly reduced if mothers of both strains were kept at 30°C. Furthermore, at 30°C mothers and pups showed reduced body weight at weaning and offspring had longer tails. Despite pronounced temperature effects on reproductive parameters, we did not find any impact on adrenocortical activity in breeding and control mice. Independent of the ambient temperature however, we found that females raising pups showed elevated levels of fecal corticosterone metabolites (FCMs) compared to controls. Increased levels of stress hormone metabolites were measured specially around birth and during the third week of lactation. Our results provide no evidence for reduced or improved wellbeing of lactating mice at different ambient temperatures, but we found that a 30°C cage temperature impairs reproductive performance.

Differences in Diet and Gut Microbiota Between Lactating and Non-lactating Asian Particolored Bats (Vespertilio sinensis): Implication for a Connection Between Diet and Gut Microbiota

In mammals, lactation is considered the most energetically costly phase for females. To meet nutritional and energy demands, lactating females usually change feeding patterns by eating food that is higher in protein and calories. Their gut microbes respond accordingly to help adapt to the changes in diet. In this study, we examined differences in diet and gut microbial composition between lactating and non-lactating Asian particolored bats (Vespertilio sinensis) using COI and 16S amplicon sequencing. When compared with non-lactating bats, we found that the diversity and composition of lactating bats’ diets differed; the proportion of Diptera increased and Coleoptera and Orthoptera decreased significantly. This could be attributed to the easy availability and high protein content of Diptera. Comparative analysis of the gut microbiota of lactating and non-lactating females showed that although the diversity of gut microbiota did not change, the relative abundance of specific gut microbiota associated with a particular diet did change. For example, when the consumption of Coleoptera decreased in lactating bats, the relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae was also reduced. Lactobacillaceae are thought to be involved in the digestion of Coleopteran exoskeletons. This study suggests that during lactation, Asian particolored bats eat a diet that yields higher levels of protein, and at the same time, the abundance of specific gut microbes change to help their hosts adapt to these changes in diet.

C - REACTIVE PROTEIN AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH SERUM URIC ACID AND BICARBONATE LEVEL IN COPD

AIM: The study was planned to evaluate the association of C - reactive protein with Serum Uric Acid and Bicarbonate Level in COPD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the present study total 100 (n=100) patients diagnosed for COPD, were enrolled for the study. Patients with neoplastic pathologies, pneumonia and Liver or renal diseases, pregnant and lactating females were excluded from the study. RESULT: The mean level of Serum Bicarbonate, C-reactive protein and uric acid were signicantly higher in COPD patients. A signicant association was observed (p ≤ 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In the present study higher bicarbonate levels that could be the individual biomarker which can assess the respiratory acidosis and CRP and Uric Acid levels judges the severity the disease.

Mycophagy of White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann) in the Boreal Forest

Mushrooms are a little known source of food for large herbivores, but are of high quality because of their high protein content and digestibility. Approximately 50 epigeous and hypogeous mushroom and lichen species have been identified in the diet of cervids so far using macro remains. Our main objective was to determine which mushroom species are consumed by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann) using a molecular approach. We collected 114 fecal samples from deer harvested in 2014 and 2015 on Anticosti Island (Québec, Canada), extracted total DNA from feces, and amplified fungal DNA specifically via polymerase chain reaction. Amplified fungi DNA was then sequenced with the Illumina method to identify mushroom species consumed by deer. Our results revealed that deer harvested consumed up to 4979 fungal species, including 580 species that appeared to be consumed directly. Adults tended to consume a higher mushroom diversity than juveniles, and mushroom diversity consumed by deer was much higher in 2015 than 2014. Adult females consumed a higher mushroom diversity than males, especially lactating females. Our results contribute to the understanding of the role of mushrooms and their large diversity in white-tailed deer diet.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Excimer Light 308 nm Wavelength Versus Low Level Laser in Treatment of Alopecia Areata

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a non-scaring alopecia which can affect any body hairy area. Excimer light 308 nm is a UVB irradiation with immunosuppressive effects. Low level light therapy (LLLT) emits low energy visible and infrared irradiation to modulate biological processes in cell. This study aimed to evaluate efficacy and safety of excimer light 308 nm versus LLLT in treatment of AA. Methods: Thirty patients with multilocular AA of the scalp were collected after excluding those with alopecia totalis, universalis, AA in other body sites than scalp, those with other systemic or dermatological diseases, those received topical therapy in the last 2 weeks or systemic therapy for AA in the last three months, pregnant and lactating females. Patients were distributed into two equal groups; group A was treated by excimer lamp and group B was treated by LLLT. Sessions were repeated twice weekly for 3 months and patients were followed for 3 months. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by severity of alopecia tool score (SALT score) and Dermoscopy; at baseline, at end of sessions and at follow up. Results: A statistically significant improvement was detected in treated patches of both groups than control patches at end of sessions and only in group A at follow up. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups according to short vellus hair and regrowing hair at end of sessions and at follow up in dermoscopy. Side effects reported were minimal and transient in both groups. Conclusion: Both excimer light and LLLT are safe and effective in treatment of AA. Apart from its relatively higher cost, Excimer light induced better and more sustained improvement than LLLT.

The effect of reproductive state on activity budget, feeding behavior, and urinary C-peptide levels in wild female Assamese macaques

The source of maternal energy supporting reproduction (i.e., stored or incoming) is an important factor determining different breeding strategies (capital, income or mixed) in female mammals. Key periods of energy storage and allocation might induce behavioral and physiological shifts in females, and investigating their distribution throughout reproduction helps in determining vulnerable phases shaping female reproductive success. Here, we examined the effects of reproductive state on activity budget, feeding behavior, and urinary C-peptide (uCP) levels, a physiological marker of energy balance, in 43 wild female Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis). Over a 13-month study period, we collected 96,266 instantaneous records of activity and 905 urine samples. We found that early lactating females and non-gestating–non-lactating females follow an energy-saving strategy consisting of resting more at the expense of feeding and consuming mostly fruits which contributed to enhancing their energy intake and feeding efficiency. We found an opposite pattern in gestating and late lactating females who feed more at the expense of resting and consume mostly seeds, providing a fiber-rich diet. Storing food into cheek pouches increased throughout gestation while it decreased all along with lactation. Lastly, we found the highest uCP levels during late gestation. Our results reflect different feeding adaptations in response to the energetic costs of reproduction and suggest a critical role of fat accumulation before conception and metabolizing fat during gestation and lactation. Overall, our study provides an integrative picture of the energetics of reproduction in a seasonal species and contributes to our understanding of the diversity of behavioral and physiological adaptations shaping female reproductive success. Significance statement To offset their substantial energetic investment in reproduction, mammalian females may modify their behavior and the way they extract energy from their environment. In addition, as a result of heightened energy expenditure, female reproduction might trigger physiological shifts. To date, most studies investigated the energetic costs of female reproduction using either a behavioral or a physiological approach. To arrive at a more comprehensive picture, we combined behavioral data with a physiological marker of energy balance, i.e., urinary C-peptide, in a seasonal primate species in its natural habitat. Our results indicate that throughout the reproductive cycle, behavioral and physiological adaptations operate concomitantly, inducing modifications in female activity budget, feeding behavior, and suggesting shifts in fat use. Overall, our results illustrate the relevance of combining data on behavior and hormones to investigate breeding strategies in coping with the energetic costs of reproduction.

Allo-suckling occurrence and its effect on lactation and nursing duration in harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) in Orkney, Scotland

Fostering and allo-suckling are widespread among pinnipeds, and several hypotheses have been formulated to explain their occurrence. Here, we describe the occurrence of allo-suckling in harbour seals from photo-identification data of females and pups in Orkney (Scotland) during the pupping seasons between 2016 and 2019. We used a generalised linear model framework to investigate the effect of allo-suckling on the duration of lactation (females) and of nursing period (pups). A generalised additive model framework was used to explore how the probability of allo-suckling varied throughout the pupping season, and with changes in mother-pup separation time. Allo-suckling was observed in 31 females, at higher rates (18–37% of lactating females and 18–47% of the pups every year) than those observed in other phocid populations, with 13 females allo-suckling in multiple years. The duration of the pups’ nursing period was not affected by allo-suckling occurrence. However, females in mother-pup pairs where both mother and pup allo-suckled had longer lactation duration than when only the pup allo-suckled, or than in pairs where no allo-suckling was observed. The probability of allo-suckling increased during the pupping season and with increased mother-pup separation time. However, the proximate causes and the consequences on future reproductive output and pup survival remain unknown.Significance statementAllo-suckling, where females nurse others’ young, is widespread in pinnipeds, particularly among true seals. Given the high costs of lactation in pinnipeds, allo-suckling is a puzzling behaviour. Using photo-identification and field observations, we examined the occurrence of allo-suckling in harbour seals at a colony in Orkney, Scotland. We found that allo-suckling is common among seals at the study site, and at rates higher than reported elsewhere. Our results show that allo-suckling does not appear to affect the duration of the pups’ nursing period but does increase the lactation duration of females who suckle other pups and whose own pups also allo-suckle. This study highlights an area which requires further investigation as the energetic costs and benefits of allo-suckling remain poorly understood.

Patterns and Barriers of Breast Feeding among Lactating Females in Kafr Esam Rural Health Unit

Background: Breastfeeding is considered as one of the major public health strategies for improving infant and child morbidity and mortality, as well as decreasing maternal morbidity because of the wide range of benefits of exclusive breastfeeding to the mother and infant. The aim of the work was to identify the frequency of exclusive breastfeeding, patterns and barriers of breastfeeding. Methodology: A cross- sectional study was carried out on 400 lactating women from July 2019 up to Sep. 2020 at Kafr Esam Rural Health Unit in Gharbia Governorate, Egypt. Data were collected by a self-administrated questionnaire. Results: The frequency of exclusively breastfeeding women was 44.75%, while 30.25% were mixed breastfeeding and formula and 25% were using formula only. The barriers of exclusive breastfeeding were: had low breast milk supply (20.25%), mothers work related (9.5%), infant illness (9.25%), mother illness (8%), sore and cracked nipples (7%), easier bottle feeding (6.5%), more than one problem (6.25%), mother on medication (4.75%), 4.5% had baby crying too much, 2.25% had breast infection, 2.25% didn’t like breastfeeding, 1.25% had pressure from family, 0.75% were fasting in Ramadan and no patient said that husband didn’t support breastfeeding. Conclusions: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of infant’s life was accepted (44.75%) but needs more improvement and multiple barriers were present. Management of breastfeeding barriers and their problems. Encourage pregnant women for vaginal delivery. Initiate and support breastfeeding campaigns by mass media annually define a national day for breastfeeding. Further studies are needed.

MANAGEMENT OF HUMUZAT-E-MEDA (HYPERACIDITY) WITH JAWARISH AMLA & HABB-E-PAPITA- A MULTI CENTRIC STUDY

Background – Hyperacidity is one of the most common diseases seen in all ages. Hyperacidity simply means an increased level of acid in the stomach. Unani system of medicine has a treasure of formulations for the treatment of hyperacidity. Methods- Present open labeled,multi-centric, single arm validation was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Unani pharmacopeial drug Jawarish Amla and Habb-e-Papita in Humuzat-e-Meda (Hyperacidity). Patients with symptoms of hyperacidity like retro-sternal burning,epigastric pain with retro-sternal heaviness,acidic brash,anorexia, nausea and vomiting were included. Patients with known duodenal ulcers, peptic ulcer, gastric surgery gastric carcinoma, Crohn's Diseases, Zollinger Ellison Syndrome, cardiac disorders, respiratory ailments, Diabetes Mellitus, pregnant and lactating females were excluded. Unani formulations,Jawarish Amla 10 g and Habb e Papita 2 tablets were given twice daily after meals for 6 weeks. Clinical & haematological parameters were assessed before and after the treatment to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the drug. Results– No significant changes are observed after 28 days and 84 days during the therapy in the safety profiles of laboratory investigations such as complete haemogram, LFT, KFT. There is significant improvement in the sign and symptoms associated withHumuzat-e-Meda (Hyperacidity). Conclusion- Unani compound formulations Jawarish Amla and Habb-e-Papita are safe and effective in the management ofHumuzat-e-Meda (Hyperacidity).

INCIDENCE OF BREAST CARCINOMA IN PREGNANT AND LACTATING WOMEN

INTRODUCTION: Breast lumps are a common problem encountered in pregnancy and lactation. These lumps are generally benign like broadenoma, lactating adenoma, mastitis and galactocele. Although rare the possibility of breast cancer (Pregnancy Associated Breast Cancer) should be considered, which is increasing in incidence nowadays. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective study for 18 months was conducted on pregnant and lactating females for evaluating the role of cytology in interpretation of breast cancers. Clinical details, imaging ndings and histopathological correlation (wherever available) was also analyzed. RESULT: 85 breast lumps were identied and benign lesions were the most common etiology seen. Three cases were identied as pregnancy associated breast carcinoma (PABC) constituting 3.5% of all breast lumps. CONCLUSION: Cytology was an effective tool with minimal surgical intervention in identifying the etiology of breast masses in pregnancy and lactation. However, the cytopathologists must be aware of the characteristic patterns seen in breast FNAC smears during pregnancy and lactation and the associated atypia seen in glandular epithelium during this period. Breast carcinoma is the most common malignancy associated with pregnancy. The incidence is low but increasing due to late childbirth. Breast cancer during pregnancy has a similar prognosis to that of breast cancer in young.