Plasma Proteomics Characteristics of Subclinical Vitamin E Deficiency of Dairy Cows During Early Lactation

Vitamin E (VE) is an essential fat-soluble nutrient for dairy cows. Vitamin E deficiency leads to immune suppression and oxidative stress and increases the susceptibility of cows to reproductive disorders in the early post-partum period. However, studies on plasma proteomics of VE deficiency have not been reported so far. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand the changes of blood protein profile in cows with subclinical VE deficiency in the early post-partum period. In this study, plasma protein levels of 14 healthy cows (>4 μg/ml α-tocopherol) and 13 subclinical VE-deficient cows (2–3 μg/ml α-tocopherol) were analyzed by tandem mass tag (TMT). The results showed that there were 26 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the plasma of cows with subclinical VE deficiency compared with healthy controls. Twenty-one kinds of proteins were downregulated, and five kinds were upregulated, among which eight proteins in protein–protein interactions (PPI) network had direct interaction. These proteins are mainly involved in the MAPK signaling pathway, pantothenic acid and coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis, PPAR signaling pathway, and glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor biosynthesis. The top four DEPs in PPI (APOC3, APOC4, SAA4, PHLD) and one important protein (VNN1) by literature review were further verified by ELISA and Western blot. The expression levels of APOC3, VNN1, and SAA4 were significantly lower than those of healthy controls by ELISA. VNN1 was significantly lower than those of healthy controls by Western blot. VNN1 is closely related to dairy cow subclinical VE deficiency and can be a potential biomarker. It lays a foundation for further research on the lack of pathological mechanism and antioxidative stress of VE.

Thalamus Atrophy in the Peri-Pregnancy Period in Clinically Stable Multiple Sclerosis Patients: Preliminary Results

Radiological activity in the post-partum period in MS patients is a well-known phenomenon, but there is no data concerning the influence of pregnancy on regional brain atrophy. The aim of this article was to investigate local brain atrophy in the peri-pregnancy period (PPP) in patients with MS. Thalamic volume (TV); corpus callosum volume (CCV) and classical MRI activity (new gadolinium enhancing lesions (Gd+), new T2 lesions, T1 lesions volume (T1LV) and T2 lesions volume (T2LV)) were analyzed in 12 clinically stable women with relapsing–remitting MS and with MRI performed in the PPP. We showed that there was a significant decrease in TV (p = 0.021) in the PPP. We also observed a significant increase in the T1 lesion volume (p = 0.028), new gadolinium-enhanced and new T2 lesions (in 46% and 77% of the scans, respectively) in the post-partum period. Our results suggest that the PPP in MS may be associated not only with classical MRI activity but, also, with regional brain atrophy.

Levetiracetam, lamotrigine and carbamazepine: which monotherapy during pregnancy?

Objective Epilepsy treatment during pregnancy is still challenging. The study is aimed at comparing the efficacy and safety of carbamazepine (CBZ), lamotrigine (LTG) and levetiracetam (LEV) monotherapies during pregnancy in women with focal (FE) or generalized (GE) epilepsy. Methods A multicentre retrospective study was conducted to evaluate seizures frequency and seizure freedom (SF) rate during 3 months before pregnancy, each trimester of gestation and post-partum period in women on monotherapy with CBZ, LTG and LEV. Results Fifty-seven pregnancies (45 FE, 12 GE) on monotherapy (29 CBZ, 11 LTG, 17 LEV) were included. A significant reduction of seizure frequency was found in the first trimester of pregnancy as compared with that one before pregnancy (p = 0.004), more evident in GE (p = 0.003) and in LEV group (p = 0.004). The SF rate significantly increased in the first trimester in comparison to that one before pregnancy and persisted in the post-partum period in the whole sample (p < 0.001) and in women on LEV (p = 0.004). Besides, 88.57% of SF women before pregnancy remained unchanged during gestation and the post-partum period. One major heart malformation in CBZ and no major malformations in LTG and LEV groups were found. Conclusions A better clinical outcome during pregnancy emerged since the first trimester in comparison to the before-pregnancy period, mostly evident in women with GE and LEV therapy, reinforcing the hypothesis of a protective role of pregnancy versus seizures. SF before pregnancy represents a significant predictive factor of good clinical outcome during gestation and the post-partum period. Compared to CBZ, LTG and LEV showed a better safety profile.

Putting them on a strong spiritual path: Indigenous doulas responding to the needs of Indigenous mothers and communities

Objective In the past few years, increasing numbers of Indigenous doula collectives have been forming across Canada. Indigenous doulas provide continuous, culturally appropriate support to Indigenous women during pregnancy, birth, and the post-partum period. This support is critical to counter systemic medical racism and socioeconomic barriers that Indigenous families disproportionately face. This paper analyzes interviews with members of five Indigenous doula collectives to demonstrate their shared challenges, strategies, and missions. Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted with members of five Indigenous doula collectives across Canada in 2020. Interviews were transcribed and returned to participants for their approval. Approved transcripts were then coded by all members of the research team to ascertain the dominant themes emerging across the interviews. Results Two prominent themes emerged in the interviews. The first theme is “Indigenous doulas responding to community needs.” Participants indicated that responding to community needs involves harm reduction and trauma-informed care, supporting cultural aspects of birthing and family, and helping clients navigate socioeconomic barriers. The second theme is “Indigenous doulas building connections with mothers.” Participants’ comments on providing care to mothers emphasize the importance of advocacy in healthcare systems, boosting their clients’ confidence and skills, and being the “right” doula for their clients. These two inter-related themes stem from Indigenous doulas’ efforts to counter dynamics in healthcare and social services that can be harmful to Indigenous families, while also integrating cultural teachings and practices. Conclusion This paper illustrates that Indigenous doula care responds to a wide range of issues that affect Indigenous women’s experiences of pregnancy, birth, and the post-partum period. Through building strong, trusting, and non-judgemental connections with mothers and responding to community needs, Indigenous doulas play a critical role in countering medical racism in hospital settings and advancing the resurgence of Indigenous birthing sovereignty.

HAEMATOLOGICAL AND BLOOD BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF PRE - AND POST LAMBING PERIODS FOR IRAQI NUAEMIE EWES

The present study designed to investigate the hematological and blood biochemical changes in pre and post lambing periods in Iraqi Nuaemie ewes. Ten Nuaemie ewes weighed 35-45 kg and aged between 2-3 years were reared in animal's house of Veterinary College / Tikrit University from October-2018 to March-2019, Ten ml of blood samples were collected from each animal during the periods of last gestation month, at lambing and 2 weeks thereafter, Two and half ml of blood samples were collected in EDTA- containing tubes to determine the hematological parameters and the remaining was used to separate serum and stored at -20 °c for blood biochemical assessment. The results revealed decreased in total red blood cells, haemoglobin and packed cell volume during post lambing period. The total white blood cells count and neutrophils were decreased during the post-partum period, while the lymphocyte was decreased at the day of lambing (50±5.8%). The biochemical parameters exhibited lesser total protein concentrations at the day of lambing (6.5± 1.85 g/dl ) while greater glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations during post-partum period. The concentration of urea and creatinine increased during the pre-partum period whereas, LDL and HDL concentrations increased in post- lambing period. The minerals concentrations revealed lesser concentrations of Zink and iron during the post-partum period while, copper concentration was greater during similar period. In conclusion, the physiological status of animals have clearly effects on the haematological and biochemical parameters in Iraqi Nuaemie ewes.

PERSISTÊNCIA HIPERGLICÊMICA NO PÓS PARTO

Introdução: analisar a persistência de hiperglicemia no pós parto em pacientes com histórico de diabetes mellitus gestacional. Metodologia: Revisão sistemática no Pubmed e Scopus, usando ensaios clínicos randomizados, dos últimos 10 anos (Pubmed), 20 anos (Scopus) em inglês. Com descritores: Post partum period AND Diabetes mellitus, gestational AND Hyperglicemia e Diabetes AND Mellitus AND Gestation AND Puerperium AND Hyperglicemia. Resultados: Os estudos demonstraram a importância de se utilizar mais de um método diagnóstico para DMG. As medidas não farmacológicas de mudanças de estilo de vida se mostram suficientes na maioria das pacientes. Discussão: Outros estudos levantaram questões como a necessidade de utilização de mais de um teste para diagnosticar tais condições patológicas, níveis elevados de proteína C reativa, hiperglicemia gestacional, níveis elevados de triglicerídeos, fatores étnicos, histórico familiar, tratamento e ganho excessivo de peso, sendo alguns consoantes e outros dissonantes em relação aos resultados dos estudos selecionados pelo presente artigo. Conclusão: Faz-se necessário uma padronização de um diagnóstico eficaz e propostas de intervenção com melhor evolução para a paciente, além de realizar avaliação individual, nos quesitos ambientais étnicos, história pregressa do paciente e histórico familiar da doença, a fim de predizer as suas chances de cursar com doença gestacional.

Impact of paternal presence and parental social-demographic characteristics on birth outcomes

Objectives Maternal race, marital status, and social environment impact risk of preterm delivery and size for gestational age. Although some paternal characteristics such as age are associated with pregnancy outcomes, the influence of the paternal presence, race/ethnicity and adverse life events is not well known. The objective of the study was to assess birth outcomes in mothers with a paternal presence compared to those without during the post-partum period. The secondary aim was to determine whether paternal race is associated with birth outcomes. Methods This was a cross-sectional study using parental surveys linked with birth certificate data from 2016 to 2018. Adverse birth composite outcomes (ABCO) including small for gestational age (SGA), prematurity or neonatal intensive care unit admission (NICU) were assessed. Results A total of 695 parents were analyzed (239 single mothers and 228 mother-father pairs). Compared to mothers with a father present, mothers without a father present exhibited increased odds of ABCO, prematurity and NICU. Non-Hispanic Black fathers had increased odds of ABCO and NICU compared to Non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). Hispanic fathers had increased odds of NICU compared to NHW. Conclusions Paternal absence in the post-partum period and paternal race were both independently associated with ABCO and NICU. Assessment of paternal presence and paternal race in clinical practice may help identify opportunities for additional support necessary to optimize birth outcomes.

Effect of Conventional Abdominal Binder on Diastasis Recti Abdominis in Post-Partum Women

BACKGROUND Pregnancy creates a radical change in a woman’s life. The physical, hormonal, and psychosocial changes during pregnancy affect the quality of life in post pregnancy phase. Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is one of the most common problems seen in post-partum period. DRA is a separation between two bellies of the rectus abdominis muscle connected by the linea alba. A significant DRA, if left untreated at the right time can lead to delirious complications. Prior researches have shown that diastasis recti abdominis is a very common condition seen in the post-partum period. Previous studies have shown that DRA can be reduced with help of an abdominal binder but have very less recorded data. Fewer studies have been conducted showing the combined effect of use of abdominal binder with core strengthening exercises in reduction of DRA. The purpose of this study was to find out the effect of a conventional abdominal binder on diastasis recti abdominis in post-partum women and determine the effect of a conventional abdominal binder on diastasis recti abdominis in post-partum women. METHODS This experimental study included 9 post-partum women with significant DRA. Their age ranged from 25 - 30 years, body mass index (BMI) less than 40 kg/m2. The outcome measures included DRA, lumbar lordosis measurement, low back pain and disability in post-partum period. The subjects were instructed to use an abdominal binder and were taught core strengthening exercises up to 3 months post-partum. RESULTS The obtained results show that there is statistically significant reduction in DRA after use of conventional abdominal binder and exercises. The before treatment values for mean and standard deviation at, above and below umbilicus were 59.39 ± 14.24, 51.87 ± 12.37, 38.15 ± 12.13 respectively which reduced to 41.19 ± 12.21, 37.76 ± 12.98, 30.76 ± 8.94 respectively after using conventional binder with exercises for 3 months. The P value at all three levels of measurements namely - at, above and below umbilicus was < 0.0001 which is statistically considered to be extremely significant. The study duration was of 3 months. CONCLUSIONS The findings conclude that the mean value of DRA decreases with the help of abdominal binder and core strengthening exercise regime. Hence, the abdominal binder and core strengthening exercises were effective in reducing the DRA. KEY WORDS Abdominal Binder, Diastasis Recti Abdominis, Rectus Abdominis, Core Strengthening, Post-Partum