Factors Affecting the Perception and Practice of Iranian Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Pastoralists in Regard to Biosecurity Practices in Sheep and Goat Farms: A Cross-Sectional and Prospective Study

Preventing the spread of diseases between and within farms (biosecurity) is essential for minimizing animal mortality and morbidity, as well as for reducing the risk of spread of zoonotic diseases. These effects are even greater in countries such as Iran, which have to deal with multiple ongoing epidemics of infectious disease. However, there is currently no published information about biosecurity practices on sheep and goat farms in Iran in published research. The aim of this study was to collect such information and to identify some of the factors affecting biosecurity practices. Data were gathered using a checklist and in-depth interviews with 99 nomadic and semi-nomadic pastoralists. Regression analysis was used to identify the relationships between the collected variables and the biosecurity scores. The results showed that neither within- nor between-farm disease prevention measures were appropriately applied on most farms (median total score of total biosecurity was 37.3/90; Q1 = 29.0 and Q3 = 44.7). Almost all the farmers reported slaughtering animals on farms and nobody properly disposed of the bodies of the dead animals. Additionally, the majority of the participants did not disinfect the umbilical cords of newborns. Of the collected variables, the annual mortality rate was associated with most within-farm biosecurity practices. The increase in annual mortality rates was associated with the regular cleaning of troughs (p = 0.03), preventing feed and water from being contaminated by urine and feces (p = 0.02), providing a clean and dry place for animals to rest (p = 0.05) and disinfecting the navel cord (p = 0.03). The results of this survey suggest that there is a clear need for extension programs to enhance Iranian and sheep and goat farmers’ perceptions and practices regarding biosecurity measures.

Flesh and Blood

Normative understandings of Mongolian kinship have long revolved around metaphors of flesh, blood and bone, while substantive approaches have focused on materials such as umbilical cords and photographic montages. In this article, I argue that the flesh of livestock has been largely overlooked in considerations of Mongolian kinship, and I address the role of meat in making and maintaining relations, both among people and between people and their homelands (nutag). In pastoral Mongolia, herd animals enact and enable a wide range of social relations. However, in the ethnographic context discussed here – the Ulaanbaatar ger districts – urban-rural migrants live at a distance from animals. No longer herders, their access to nutag meat is reliant on their connections to countryside relatives, rendering meat a kinship-making substance in new ways. This paper begins the work of analysing the shift from animal to meat-based enactments of relatedness in the age of the market.

Biomarkers of Inflammation and Redox Imbalance in Umbilical Cord in Pregnancies with and without Preeclampsia and Consequent Perinatal Outcomes

Objective. To compare redox imbalance and inflammation biomarkers in umbilical cords from pregnancies with and without preeclampsia (PE) and to analyse their relationships with perinatal outcomes. Methods. A controlled cross-sectional study was conducted in Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil, that involved pregnant women with PE and a group of women without the disease, through the application of a standardized questionnaire. After delivery, umbilical cord samples were collected to measure antioxidant defense, products from oxidative damage, and inflammation biomarkers such as myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin- (IL-) 6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Statistical analyses were performed using Stata version 13.0 software and IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 20.0, adopting a 95% confidence level ( α = 0.05 ), with the chi-square test, the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test, and the multinomial and Poisson regression tests. Results. One hundred PE pregnant women and 50 women without the disease were studied. The umbilical cords from PE pregnancies showed higher levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) ( p ≤ 0.001 ), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) ( p = 0.016 ), and malondialdehyde (MDA) ( p = 0.028 ) and lower levels of IL-6 ( p = 0.030 ) and TNF-α ( p ≤ 0.001 ) than the other group, with some associations among these biomarkers with perinatal outcomes. Conclusion. The higher levels of GSH and GPx, in addition to the lower levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, found in the PE umbilical cord, may result from adaptive mechanisms to maintain the oxidative and inflammatory balance; however, despite these changes, the damage to the cell membranes was not minimized, as the MDA level was higher in women with PE than in women without the disease. This implies that a redox imbalance is present, confirming that other physiological and adaptive mechanisms are being activated to preserve foetal health. Therefore, the present work unveils an important role of the umbilical cord in controlling redox imbalance and inflammation in PE pregnancies. Our results reinforce the necessity for continuous research on GSH as a protective compound for the perinatal outcome, especially in PE women.

Conditioned medium derived from bovine umbilical mesenchymal stem cells as an alternative source of cell-free therapy

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells are an important source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). It is known that the umbilical cord is rich in hematopoietic stem cells, which influenced research on ontogeny and transplantation (allogeneic transplantation). In recent years, stem cell research has emerged as an area of major interest due to its prospective applications in various aspects of both human and veterinary medicine. Moreover, it is known that the application of MSCs has several weaknesses. The use of these cells has limitations in terms of tumorigenesis effect, delivery, safety, and variability of therapeutic response, which led to the use of secretomes as an alternative to cell-free therapy. The main obstacle in its use is the availability of human UCB as an origin of MSCs and MSCs' secretomes, which are often difficult to obtain. Ethical issues regarding the use of stem cells based on human origin are another challenge, so an alternative is needed. Several studies have demonstrated that MSCs obtained from bovine umbilical cords have the same properties and express the same surface markers as MSCs obtained from human umbilical cords. Therefore, secretomes from MSCs derived from domestic animals (bovine) can possibly be used in human and veterinary medicine. This finding would contribute significantly to improve cell-free therapy. At present, the use of UCB MSCs derived from domestic animals, especially bovines, is very restricted, and only limited data about bovine UCB are available. Therefore, the aim of this review was to provide an updated overview of cell-free therapy and discuss the new possibilities introduced by the generation of this therapy derived from bovine umbilical MSCs as a promising tool in developing modern and efficient treatment strategies.

Septostomy during laser surgery for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

Aim. To assess the perinatal outcomes of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) pregnancy after fetoscopic laser coagulation of anastomoses (FLCA) performed for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), accompanied by induced or unintentional septostomy, and to identify the factors leading to septostomy. Materials and methods. The retrospective study included 231 cases of FLCA performed in pregnant women with TTTS: in 19 cases septostomy was performed, and in 212 cases intertwin membrane remained intact. Results. The incidence of septostomy during FLCA for TTTS was 8.2%. In 47.3% the rupture of the intertwin membrane occurred during trocar insertion (unintentional septostomy); in 42.1% septostomy was needed to perform laser coagulation of anastomoses located on the placental surface in the donor's amnion (forced septostomy). The placenta was located on the anterior uterine wall in 78.9% in the septostomy group and in 47.6% with an intact intertwin membrane (p=0.01). Anastomoses were located on the donor half of the placenta significantly more often when septostomy was needed to perform selective coagulation of anastomoses located far from the intertwin membrane and obstructed by the body of the donor fetus (42.1%). In 15.8% of patients with septostomy and 2.4% with intact intertwin membrane, umbilical cords of the donor and the recipient fetus were attached closer than 2 cm to each other (p=0.003). In the septostomy group premature rupture of membranes was more frequent (42.1% vs 18.4%, p=0.03) and a delivery time was shorter [26.3 (18.0, 37.0) vs 34.4 (20.3, 40.0) weeks, respectively, p=0.01] than in patients with an intact intertwin membrane. The survival rate after FLCA was lower after septostomy compared to intact intertwin membrane: at least one of the twins survived in 47.4% vs 80.7%, respectively (p=0.002), both fetuses survived in 36.8% vs 75.0%, respectively (p=0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed increased risk of septostomy in patients with the anastomoses located on the donor half of the placenta and when the donor and the recipient umbilical cords are attached close to each other, regardless of the localization of the placenta, gestational age and the stage of TTTS. Conclusion. Lower incidence of unintentional septostomy during FLCA achieved by using modern equipment and surgical techniques will lead to better perinatal outcomes in patients with MCDA twins with TTTS.

The Role of IL-37 and IL-38 in Obstetrics Abnormalities

There are two fairly common complications during pregnancy, i.e., gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pre-eclampsia, which are independent, but are also closely linked in prevalence in pregnant women, with potential serious adverse consequences. IL-37 and IL-38, which belong to the IL-1 superfamily, participate in anti-inflammatory responses. Dysregulation of IL-37 and IL-38 has been observed in many auto-immune diseases. IL-37 is substantially reduced in the umbilical cords and placentas of GDM subjects, but IL-37 is significantly induced in the placentas of pre-eclampsia patients, suggesting there are differential regulatory roles of IL-37 in obstetrics, despite IL-37 being an anti-inflammatory mediator. Furthermore, IL-38 is substantially increased in the umbilical cords and placentas of GDM subjects, but minimal difference is observed in the placentas from pre-eclampsia patients. These data imply that IL-38 is also regulated independently within the diseased placentas. This review provides some insight for both basic scientists and medical practitioners to manage these patients effectively.

Evaluation of Sonographic Measurement of Umbilical Cord Coiling Index in the Second Trimester and Its Correlation to Perinatal Outcome

The umbilical cord represents a unique lifeline between the fetus and mother and contains two arteries and one vein wrapped up in Wharton’s jelly with moderate twists. Umbilical coiling abnormalities can result in fetal growth restriction, fetal distress, or intrauterine fetal death. Hypocoiled umbilical cords are associated with intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), fetal growth restriction, fetal distress, low Apgar scores, fetal congenital anomalies, and abnormal insertion of the umbilical cord. Hypercoiled umbilical cords are associated with IUFD, fetal distress, asphyxia, fetal congenital anomalies, and the presence of a single umbilical artery. The aim of this work is to determine if the umbilical Cord coiling index measurement during second trimester ultrasound scan can predict perinatal outcome. Seventy eight healthy uncomplicated pregnant women who regularly attended the antenatal care clinic for antenatal care and to do anomaly ultrasound scan on her baby in 2nd trimester. All participants were informed about the aims and the procedures of the study and signed an informed consent form prior to beginning. Regular antenatal cThe umbilical cord represents a unique lifeline between the fetus andmother and contains two arteries and one vein wrapped up in Wharton’s jelly with moderate twists. Umbilical coiling abnormalities canresult in fetal growth restriction, fetal distress, or intrauterine fetal death. Hypocoiled umbilical cords are associated with intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), fetal growth restriction, fetal distress, low Apgar scores, fetal congenital anomalies, and abnormal insertion of the umbilical cord. Hypercoiled umbilical cords are associated with IUFD, fetal distress, asphyxia, fetal congenital anomalies, and the presence of a single umbilical artery. The aim of this work is to determine if the umbilical Cord coiling index measurement during second trimester ultrasound scan can predict perinatal outcome. Seventy eight healthy uncomplicated pregnant women who regularly attended the antenatal care clinic for antenatal care and to do anomaly ultrasound scan on her baby in 2nd trimester. All participants were informed about the aims and the procedures of the study and signed an informed consent form prior to beginning. Regular antenatal care visit was done every two weeks till delivery with assessment of perinatal outcomes regarding: gestational age at delivery, fetal monitoring by CTG, method of delivery, meconium staining amniotic fluid or not, examination by apgar score at 1stand 5th minute, birth weight, admission to NICU or not and perinatal death. According to umbilical cord index, of total 78 pregnant women who completed the study 62 (79.2%) were having normal UC coiling, 10 of cases (12.8%) were having hypocoiling and 6 (7.7%) were having hypercoiling. Our results showed that hypo- and hyper-coiling were associated with increased incidence of preterm labor (32-36 weeks) “22.2%and 40% respectively” while normo-coiling was associated with lesser incidence “2%”. Both hypocoiling “10%” and hypercoiling “16.7%”groups showed higher incidence of IUGR when compared with the normocoiling group “1.6%”. APGAR score at minute one was significantly lower in the both hypocoiling and hypercoiling groups than the normocoiling group with p- value: 0.005. While at minute five, there was no significant difference between the three groups of the study. Conclusion: The abnormal umbilical coiling index “< 10th percentile or > 90th percentile” is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Therefore, early evaluation on Umbilical cord Index in the 2nd trimester can identify fetuses who are at risk and thus help in further management.are visit was done every two weeks till delivery with assessment of perinatal outcomes regarding: gestational age at delivery, fetal monitoring by CTG, method of delivery, meconium staining amniotic fluid or not, examination by apgar score at 1stand 5th minute, birth weight, admission to NICU or not and perinatal death. According to umbilical cord index, of total 78 pregnant women who completed the study 62 (79.2%) were having normal UC coiling, 10 of cases (12.8%) were having hypocoiling and 6 (7.7%) were having hypercoiling. Our results showed that hypo- and hyper-coiling were associated with increased incidence of preterm labor (32-36 weeks) “22.2%and 40% respectively” while normo-coiling was associated with lesser incidence “2%”. Both hypocoiling “10%” and hypercoiling “16.7%”groups showed higher incidence of IUGR when compared with the normocoiling group “1.6%”. APGAR score at minute one was significantly lower in the both hypocoiling and hypercoiling groups than the normocoiling group with p- value: 0.005. While at minute five, there was no significant difference between the three groups of the study. Conclusion: The abnormal umbilical coiling index “< 10th percentile or > 90th percentile” is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Therefore, early evaluation on Umbilical cord Index in the 2nd trimester can identify fetuses who are at risk and thus help in further management.

Frequency of True and False Umbilical Cord Knots and their Relation Maternal Age and Parity

Background: Umbilical Cord Knots both true and false are common abnormalities whichobstruct the blood flow and oxygen supply to the fetus and are frequently associated with advanced age and high parity of the mother. Aim: To find the frequency of true and falseumbilical cord knots in 100 samples of placentae (with attached umbilical cords ) and their relation to maternal age and parity. Study design: Descriptive cross sectional study. Place of study: Anatomy Department of (BMSI) Basic Medical Science Institute, JPMC Karachi. Methodology: 100 normal vaginally delivered full term placentae with attached umbilical cords were studied with direct Visual examination of the cords. The study included frequency, type and location of the knots and their relation with maternal age and parity. Data collected was analyzed by SPSS version 23 and presented in the form of tables and figures, cross tabulations of umbilical cord knots with age of mother and parity was done. Chi square test was used as test of significance asvariablesunder study are qualitative in nature. Results: This study showed that frequency of umbilical cord knots in 100 samples of placentae was 14% out of which 10(72%) were false knot and 4(28%) were true knot. Bothtrue and false knots were more frequent in male babies. There was statistically significant relation of knots with advanced maternal age (>30) and high parity (>5). Conclusion: Frequency of true umbilical cord knots is 4%. Most of knots are found in male babies and there is statistically significant relation of umbilical cord knots with advanced maternal age and high parity. Keywords: Umbilical cord, true knots, false knots, fetus.

Vitelline Vessel Remnant-Derived Funisitis Is a Sensitive and Specific Predictor of Histological Evidence of Amniotic Fluid Infection

Background 4-11% of umbilical cords contain vitelline vessel remnants (VVRs). A recent study has described neutrophilic inflammation arising from VVRs and suggested an association with amniotic fluid infection (AFI). Methods During routine placental pathology sign-out over a six month period, we identified 70 cords with VVRs. HE-stained sections were re-examined for “VVR-derived funisitis,” which was classified as low or high grade/stage based upon whether neutrophils were present only in Wharton’s jelly near the VVRs or whether neutrophils were also present near the cord’s amniotic surface. The same placentas were also examined for histologic evidence of AFI (maternal response = acute chorionitis or chorioamnionitis vs. fetal response = chorionic vasculitis, umbilical vasculitis, or funisitis vs. both). Results Neutrophilic inflammation arising from VVRs was present in 54.3% (38/70); 15 and 23 lesions were low and high grade/stage, respectively. “VVR-derived funisitis” was strongly associated with histological evidence of AFI elsewhere in the placenta. Its overall sensitivity and specificity were 0.94 and 0.88; when VVR-derived funisitis was high grade/stage or diagnosed in the third trimester, specificity rose to 1.0. Conclusion “VVR-derived funisitis” has a strong association with histological evidence of AFI.

Amniotic band syndrome in a monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy after rupture of the dividing membrane in the early second trimester: A case report

Background Amniotic band syndrome is a rare phenomenon, but it can result in serious complications. We report herein our experience of amniotic band syndrome in a monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy where rupture of the dividing membrane occurred early in the second trimester. Case Presentation A 29-year-old nulliparous woman was referred to us for management of her monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy at 10 weeks of gestation. When we were unable to identify a dividing membrane at 15 weeks of gestation using two-dimensional ultrasonography, we used three-dimensional ultrasonography to confirm its absence. Both modalities showed that the left arm of baby B was swollen and attached to a membranous structure originating from the placenta at 18 weeks of gestation. Tangled umbilical cords were noted on magnetic resonance imaging at 18 weeks of gestation. Emergency cesarean delivery was performed at 30 weeks of gestation because of the nonreassuring fetal status of baby A. The left arm of baby B had a constrictive ring with a skin defect. Both neonates had an uncomplicated postnatal course and were discharged around 2 months after delivery. Conclusions Attention should be paid to the potential for amniotic band syndrome if rupture of the dividing membrane between twins is noted during early gestation.