Search Results (459)

Background/Objectives: Chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs) often present a preclinical phase influenced by genetic and environmental factors, including nutrition. Early dietary habits may modulate long-term health trajectories by shaping the intestinal microbiota. Previous work showed that weaning with fresh foods from the Mediterranean diet (MD) improved dietary habits and microbiota composition at 3 years of age. This study aimed to assess whether such benefits persist at 9 years. Methods: This long-term follow-up included 191 children (96 MD, 95 controls) from the original randomized cohort (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05297357). The primary endpoint was adherence to MD (KidMed score ≥ 8). Secondary endpoints included BMI, incidence of CID, maternal dietary adherence, and intestinal microbiota composition in a subset of 36 children. Results: At 9 years, no difference was found in overall MD adherence (27.4% controls vs. 27.1% MD; p > 0.99) or BMI (17.7 vs. 18.1 kg/m²; p = 0.384). However, children from the MD group reported higher daily vegetable intake (71.9% vs. 51.6%; p = 0.005). Microbiota analyses revealed persistent differences between groups, with higher alpha diversity in the MD group. Although not statistically significant, the MD group showed lower prevalence of atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, autism spectrum disorder, and ADHD. Maternal adherence to MD did not differ between groups. Conclusions: Early introduction of Mediterranean-style foods during weaning exerts lasting effects on dietary patterns and gut microbiota, with a potential protective trend against CID. While overall MD adherence converged between groups by 9 years, these findings suggest that early-life nutritional interventions may induce durable microbiome-mediated benefits and contribute to preventive strategies for chronic disease, warranting confirmation in larger, extended cohorts. Moreover, this study highlights the value of the collaboration between the Italian primary care pediatric system and the integration of the pediatric residency program, demonstrating a feasible and cost-effective methodology to generate large-scale prospective data within routine clinical practice. Larger studies and a longer follow-up period are necessary to confirm these results. Full article

Early-life socialization (comingling with other litters before weaning) may affect social behaviors in pigs, but whether the impacts are sex-dependent is unknown. We assessed the effects of early-life socialization on interactions and behavioral responses of female and male pigs in a controlled test setting. Piglets (N = 12 litters) were either comingled from 14 days of age till weaning (Socialized, SOC) or not (Control, CON). Pigs (n= 96) were weaned at 28 days of age and regrouped in mixed-sex groups of eight. At 40 days of age, pigs were individually placed in an arena with one pen mate and one unfamiliar pig of the same sex kept behind fences. Behaviors (exploring the environment, exploring the fences, social contact, aggression, etc.) were observed for 8 min. Generalized linear mixed models with treatment and sex as fixed and pen as random effects were used. Overall, males spent more time exploring the fences of conspecifics than females. Although aggression was displayed by only a small minority of pigs overall, it was more frequently directed towards unfamiliar pigs. Despite this low prevalence, SOC pigs (10.4%) were significantly less likely to show aggression towards strangers than CON pigs (27.7%) (p = 0.0217), with this effect observed irrespective of sex. Critically, a time-dependent treatment-by-sex interaction emerged for the time spent exploring the pen mate’s fence. While the interaction was only a trend over the full 8 min (p = 0.0889), it became statistically significant during the latter 4 min of the test (p = 0.049). This interaction was observed, with SOC-males spending more time on this behavior than SOC-females and all CON pigs, potentially indicating a time-specific and possible shift in social preference. General exploratory and locomotor behaviors (including walking, standing, and general exploration of the environment) were not or only minimally influenced by treatment or sex. In conclusion, early socialization has a significant impact on reducing aggression towards unfamiliar conspecifics. However, the effects on social preference and interactions appear sex-dependent, possibly indicating an enhanced preference for familiar pen mates in males under specific testing conditions. Full article

Food allergies are rising globally, posing a multifactorial public health challenge driven by complex interactions among diet, immune development, and environmental exposures. This review highlights emerging insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which specific dietary components, particularly vitamin A, fibre, indole compounds, and proteins, promote intestinal homeostasis. These nutrients act through both microbiota-dependent and -independent pathways, primarily in the small intestine, enhancing epithelial barrier integrity and supporting tolerogenic immune responses. Two key signalling axes, mediated by retinoic acid (RA) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands, converge to regulate RORγt-expressing immune cells, including group 3 innate lymphoid cells, TCRγδ⁺CD8αα⁺ intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), and Th17 cells, which are essential for secondary lymphoid organ development and barrier reinforcement. RA and AhR also guide the homing and specialization of diverse regulatory T cell subsets and CD4⁺ IELs, which collectively sustain peripheral tolerance to dietary antigens. Recent findings implicate RORγt⁺ antigen-presenting cells in the induction of peripheral Tregs during early life, particularly at weaning, underscoring a critical window for tolerance establishment. Microbial metabolites and commensal-derived signals further shape these immune pathways, reflecting the intricate interplay between host, diet, and microbiota in the regulation of oral tolerance. Full article

Background: Fluid accumulation syndrome (FAS) is a well-recognized predictor of adverse outcomes in critically ill patients, particularly in the context of sepsis and cardiorenal syndrome. However, extreme cases of fluid accumulation exceeding 60 L are rare and poorly described. We report a unique case of severe, multifactorial congestion and discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, including the role of bedside ultrasound and venous congestion assessment, as well as the importance of bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) for patient monitoring and follow-up. Case Presentation: We describe the clinical course of a 51-year-old male with dilated cardiomyopathy and infectious endocarditis who underwent tricuspid valve surgery complicated by cardiogenic and septic shock. The patient developed progressive congestion despite maximal medical management. Serial BIA and venous excess ultrasound (VExUS) assessments were used to monitor venous congestion and guide renal replacement therapy (RRT). A targeted literature review was performed to contextualize this case within current evidence on FAS and Compartment Balance Disorder in Intensive Care Units (CBD-ICUs). Results: The patient accumulated over 68 L of positive fluid balance due to prolonged vasopressor support, multiorgan failure, nutritional and infectious complications. Continuous and then intermittent hemodiafiltration, guided by point-of-care ultrasound and BIA, allowed gradual decongestion. Renal function recovered, and ventilator support was weaned after 120 days in intensive care. The literature review highlighted the prognostic relevance of FAS and emerging tools such as BIA and VExUS for individualized fluid management. Conclusions: Extreme FAS may reflect a failure of systemic and compartmental fluid regulation in critically ill patients (CBD-ICU). VExUS-guided decongestion, BIA and early RRT may improve outcomes in complex scenarios of overlapping cardiorenal and septic syndromes. Full article

Introduction: Although the incidence of mechanical complications of myocardial infarction is decreasing, the associated mortality rate remains high. Such complications require an early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management. In most cases, surgery is the only definitive treatment, despite it being associated with high peri-operative mortality and morbidity. An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) or Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) may also be required for unstable patients. After the employment of mechanical assistance, ultrasound and chemical parameters are associated with successful weaning, indicating adequate cardiac function, perfusion, and oxygen delivery. Case presentation: The aim of this case report is to describe the weaning from the extracorporeal support in a case of post-myocardial-infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD) and Left ventricle (LV) apical aneurysm. The patient underwent surgery for VSD closure and aneurysm exclusion. After the emergency surgery, the patient developed a severe post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock, which required veno-arterial femoral–femoral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ff-ECMO), IABP, and maximal pharmacologic support. During the ICU stay, we weaned the patient from the ECMO support based on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) imaging and pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) monitoring and quantified the shunt fraction. On the fifth post-operative day, we started the weaning trial. Hemodynamic and ultrasound monitoring showed an adequate cardiac function, and the shunt fraction calculated with both the ultrasound parameters and Fick’s law was acceptable. We removed the ECMO the day after, and the weaning was successful. Discussion: Data deriving from the Swan–Ganz catheter has been found to be important in guiding the process of weaning a patient from extracorporeal support. Nevertheless, the TEE played a pivotal role in the decision-making process and in clinical management. We reduced the ECMO blood flow following a real-time echocardiographic cardiac function assessment. Conclusions: Following the fundamental guides for both PAC monitoring and TEE imaging, we successfully removed the extracorporeal support, with a positive outcome. Full article

Bovine respiratory disease is a significant health concern in dairy calves, impacting short-term growth and potentially long-term productivity. While previous studies have linked early-life lung consolidation, often subclinical and diagnosed by lung ultrasonography, to reduced preweaning average daily gain, its extended effects on production and reproductive parameters remain less studied, particularly in specific geographical contexts. This study presents a follow-up analysis on a cohort of dairy calves originally monitored weekly from birth to weaning for lung consolidation via TUS in an Iranian dairy herd. Two years post-weaning, comprehensive production and reproduction data were collected and analyzed for these same animals. Our objective was to investigate the long-term associations between early-life lung consolidation and subsequent outcomes, including mature equivalent milk yield, corrected milk yield, culling risk before and during lactation, age at first breeding, age at first calving, and reproduction parameters such as services per conception and conception rate (the percentage of cows or heifers that become pregnant after a single insemination or breeding attempt). Data analysis, employing descriptive statistics, survival analysis, and non-parametric tests, revealed that while early-life lung consolidation (defined by ≥1 cm or ≥3 cm depth, and number of episodes) did not show significant associations with culling probability or mature equivalent milk yield, interesting numerical trends were observed. The study highlights the complexities of establishing clear long-term links, suggesting that while subclinical BRD can have immediate growth impacts, its chronic effects on later production and reproduction may be subtle and require larger cohorts or more targeted analysis to achieve statistical significance. The findings reinforce the need for cautious interpretation of p-values in the context of multiple comparisons and underscore the challenges in quantifying long-term economic consequences of early-life respiratory health. Full article

Calf welfare is critically influenced by early-life husbandry practices and health conditions. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on key management practices affecting calf welfare, including calving, colostrum intake, milk feeding, water provision, weaning, housing, mutilations, and transport. A structured literature search was conducted in Web of Science and Scopus using general and topic-specific keywords, complemented by expert opinions from EFSA. Evidence-based recommendations are presented to improve calf welfare, emphasizing timely colostrum administration, biologically appropriate milk volumes, access to clean water from birth, gradual weaning, and stable social housing. Pain mitigation during disbudding and castration, along with strict biosecurity and hygiene, are essential to reduce disease risk. Despite advancements, significant knowledge gaps persist, including practical tools for on-farm colostrum assessment, optimal weaning protocols, the long-term impacts of early-life pain, and alternatives to current transport practices. The review highlights the need for standardized protocols, validated technologies, and enhanced training for farmers and veterinarians. Improving husbandry practices based on scientific evidence is essential to enhance calf health, productivity, and ethical sustainability in modern rearing systems. Full article

Weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is a key element in the management of critically ill patients, encompassing the entire process of discontinuing IMV. Despite its importance, considerable uncertainties remain regarding the optimal strategies to achieve successful weaning. Early weaning is crucial, as IMV is associated with complications related to high mortality rates, such as prolonged weaning and intubation-associated pneumonia (IAP). This review aims to highlight the role of non-invasive respiratory supports (NIRSs), including non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and high-flow nasal cannulas (HFNCs), as a therapeutic bridge between IMV dependency and spontaneous breathing. NIV and HFNCs are recommended to prevent post-extubation respiratory failure (PERF) in high-risk and low-risk patients, respectively, and their combination appears effective in high-risk populations. On the other hand, NIV is not advised in established non-hypercapnic PERF, as it may increase mortality by delaying intubation; however, it can facilitate extubation in patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure. NIRSs may also benefit patients at high risk of post-operative pulmonary complications such as acute respiratory failure (ARF), with either NIV or HFNCs being appropriate. In light of this evidence, appropriate NIRSs selection and application may be pivotal in achieving successful weaning and better outcomes in critically ill patients. Full article

Early prediction of weaning outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients has significant potential to influence the duration of treatment as well as associated morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the utility of signal analysis using electromyographic diaphragm (EMG) and electrocardiography (ECG) signals to classify the success or failure of weaning in mechanically ventilated patients. Electromyographic signals of 40 subjects were recorded using 5-channel surface electrodes placed around the diaphragm muscle, along with an ECG recording through a 3-lead Holter system during extubation. EMG and ECG signals were recorded from mechanically ventilated patients undergoing weaning trials. Linear and nonlinear signal analysis techniques were used to assess the interaction between diaphragm muscle activity and cardiac activity. Supervised machine learning algorithms were then used to classify the weaning outcomes. The study revealed clear differences in diaphragmatic and cardiac patterns between patients who succeeded and failed in the weaning trials. Successful weaning was characterised by a higher ECG-derived respiration amplitude, whereas failed weaning was characterised by an elevated EMG amplitude. Furthermore, successful weaning exhibited greater oscillations in diaphragmatic muscle activity. Spectral analysis and parameter extraction identified 320 parameters, of which 43 were significant predictors of weaning outcomes. Using seven of these parameters, the Naive Bayes classifier demonstrated high accuracy in classifying weaning outcomes. Surface electromyographic and electrocardiographic signal analyses can predict weaning outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients. This approach could facilitate the early identification of patients at risk of weaning failure, allowing for improved clinical management. Full article

Under intensive farming systems and the global ban on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs), early-weaned piglets exhibit incomplete physiological development, increasing their susceptibility to stress-related liver dysfunction and growth performance impairments. This study first investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with 0.2% tributyrin on the growth performance of 21-day-old weaned piglets over a 28-day period. Subsequently, on the final day, we examined its influence on antioxidant capacity, immune responses, and liver macrophage polarization using a 2 × 2 factorial challenge model, with the factors being diet (basal or tributyrin-supplemented) and immunological challenge (saline or lipopolysaccharide). The experimental results indicated that tributyrin had a significant enhancement on the average daily gain (ADG) of weaned piglets within the 0–14-day period (p < 0.05). Under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge, tributyrin significantly increased the levels of catalase (CAT) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) while reducing the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in both serum and liver. Additionally, it significantly increased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-pX) activity in the serum and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in the liver, and also decreased the serum level of interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Tributyrin downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression while upregulating anti-inflammatory cytokine expression (p < 0.05). Furthermore, tributyrin significantly inhibited the expression of M1 macrophage polarization markers while enhancing those of M2 polarization (p < 0.05). Additionally, tributyrin suppressed SIRT1/NF-κB signaling pathway activation and promoted JAK2/STAT6 signaling pathway activation (p < 0.05). These findings exhibit that tributyrin alters the polarization of liver macrophages by regulating the SIRT1/NF-κB and JAK2/STAT6 signaling pathways, enhances antioxidant and immune functions, reduces LPS-induced liver inflammatory damage, and improves the growth performance of weaned piglets. Full article

Hyperprolific genetic lines achieve large litters but are at increased risk of metabolic stress, impaired sow condition, and reduced piglet viability. This study aimed to evaluate whether a phase-specific feeding program from service to weaning improves sow metabolic status and body condition, and enhances offspring performance, compared with a standard program. Sixty gilts and 268 multiparous sows were randomly allocated to a control group (standard commercial diets; C) or a treatment group (phase-specific diet; T) covering early and late gestation, peripartum, and lactation. Compared to a commercial feeding strategy, four custom-made, phase-specific diets were fed as follows: for early gestation (greater amount of essential aa and fat content), late gestation (higher amount of CP and essential aa), peripartum (improved nutrient profile at lower fat and fiber content), and lactation (higher essential aa and calorie content). On gestation day 113, T gilts had greater backfat thickness (BFT) and lower blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) than C. T multiparous sows showed greater BFT and longissimus muscle depth (LMD) and lower BHBA on day 113, fewer stillborn piglets, lower incidences of neonatal diarrhea, and fewer negative lactation curves and postpartum hypophagia. On day 28 of lactation, T litters had heavier piglets, and LMD remained higher in T sows. The phase-specific feeding program improved the metabolic state, body condition, and reproductive outcomes in hyperprolific sows and enhanced offspring growth through weaning. Full article

This pilot study evaluated the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) oil supplementation on growth performance, stress biomarkers, and haematological profiles in dairy calves undergoing the weaning transition. Nineteen Holstein calves were divided into two paternal-sibling groups: a CBD-supplemented experimental group (n = 10) and a CON-control group (n = 9). The CBD group received 5 mL/head/day of CBD oil for the first two days (pre-weaning), followed by 10 mL/head/day for three consecutive days post-weaning. Body weight increased significantly over time in both groups (p = 0.000); nevertheless, no significant differences were observed between groups (p = 0.173) or for the group × time interaction (p = 0.929), indicating that CBD did not affect overall growth trajectory. However, a significant group × time interaction (p = 0.006) for average daily gains in the CBD group was observed. Serum cortisol concentrations were significantly lower in CBD-supplemented calves at Day 0 and +2 days, compared to the CON group, indicating a transient anti-stress effect (p = 0.043 for group effect). At +5 days, cortisol levels in the CBD group increased, surpassing control values, though this difference was not significant. A trend-level group × time interaction (p = 0.067) suggested a distinct temporal cortisol response in CBD-treated calves. Immune cell counts (LYM, MON, NEU) showed no significant differences, though monocyte levels trended lower in CBD calves at early time points. Platelet indices revealed a significant reduction in mean platelet volume (p = 0.047) and stable PDWc and plateletcrit values in the CBD group, suggesting modulation of inflammatory status. Alanine aminotransferase levels increased over time with a significant group effect (p = 0.014), indicating a mild hepatic response, while glucose and alkaline phosphatase remained within physiological ranges. These findings suggest that short-term CBD supplementation may transiently modulate stress and inflammatory responses during weaning, with potential benefits for physiological resilience. However, rebound endocrine effects and hepatic sensitivity highlight the need for further research to refine dosing strategies and assess long-term safety in dairy production systems. Full article

Senecavirus A (SVA) is an emerging threat to swine populations due to its potential to cause vesicular lesions, which are difficult to differentiate from other vesicular diseases of swine such as foot and mouth disease (FMD), requiring significant resources for differential diagnosis. The first Taiwanese isolate of SVA was identified in 2006, although the first clinical case was not reported until 2012. The genetic characteristics and seroprevalence of SVA in Taiwan remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence and genetic diversity of SVA in nursery/weaned swine and finisher swine on Taiwanese pig farms. Phylogenetic analysis of seven Taiwanese SVA isolates revealed clustering into groups I and II. The 2006 and 2012 isolates shared 95.5% and 95.7% identity, respectively, with an early USA strain (MT360258), while more recent strains collected between 2018 and 2022 exhibited 95.7–98.8% identity with a 2020 USA strain (MZ733977). Serological analysis of swine from 300 farms showed significantly higher herd-level seroprevalence in nursery/weaned swine (53%) than finisher swine (6.7%). Furthermore, comparative analysis of nine known B cell epitopes showed high sequence conservation across Taiwanese and global strains. These findings provide important baseline data on the genetic diversity and seroprevalence of SVA in Taiwan and support the development of improved surveillance strategies for this emerging swine pathogen. Full article

Considering the increased risk of cognitive deficits and mood disorders programming associated with bisphenol exposure, we used a preclinical model to identify short- and long-term effects of early exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) and its replacement, Bisphenol S (BPS), on the central cholinergic and serotonergic systems. Wistar female and male rats born to dams exposed to BPA or BPS (both at 10 μg/kg/day or 50 μg/kg/day) during pregnancy and lactation were euthanized at weaning or adulthood. Cholinergic and serotonergic biomarkers were assessed in the frontal cortex and pons + medulla oblongata. BPA and BPS disrupted these systems, with outcomes depending on the specific bisphenol, biomarker, and time point. Effects also varied across brain regions and between sexes. The nicotinic cholinergic receptor showed more pronounced alterations than the presynaptic choline transporter. Both serotonergic receptors—5-HT1AR and 5-HT2R—were affected; however, the serotonergic transporter remained unchanged. Increased binding was the predominant effect for both systems. Maternal exposure to BPA, even at low doses, induces sex-dependent short- and long-term changes in the cholinergic and serotonergic systems of the progeny. BPS affects these same neurotransmitter systems, although leading to compound-specific outcomes. These results pose both BPA and BPS as neurotoxicants that compromise neurodevelopment and program disorders later in life. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of supplementing dairy calves with Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation-derived postbiotics (SCFP) on growth, metabolism, immune status, and first lactation performance. Eighteen Holstein heifer calves were blocked by birth body weight and serum total protein and randomly assigned to control (CTR; n = 9; no supplementation) or SCFP (n = 9; 1 g/d SmartCare^® in milk replacer until weaning plus 5 g/d NutriTek^® until 70 d; Diamond V™, USA). Calves were weaned at 60 d and monitored until 160 d. Feed intake did not differ between groups. SCFP calves had greater post-weaning average daily gain from 71 to 100 d (0.93 vs. 0.60 kg/d, SCFP and CTR, respectively) and body weight from 100 to 160 d. They tended to have greater plasma β-hydroxybutyrate at 60 (0.32 vs. 0.27 mmol/L, SCFP and CTR, respectively) and 70 d (0.46 vs. 0.42, SCFP and CTR, respectively) and urea at 70 d (4.89 vs. 4.33 mmol/L, SCFP and CTR, respectively) and had greater acetate (515 vs. 384 μmol/L, SCFP and CTR, respectively) and propionate (33.13 vs. 22.4 ± 4.86 μmol/L, SCFP and CTR, respectively) at 60 d. SCFP calves also had lower nonesterified fatty acids at 21 d (0.23 vs. 0.38 mmol/L, SCFP and CTR, respectively), suggesting reduced energy mobilization during the most critical pre-weaning stage. Plasma myeloperoxidase was greater at 70 d (340 vs. 262 U/L, SCFP and CTR, respectively), as was phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear neutrophils at 60 (+10.4%) and 70 d (+8.2%). Feeding SCFP increased rumen activity and plasma volatile fatty acid concentrations, likely due to enhanced nutrient absorption and reduced weaning stress. SCFP calves exhibited a better immune response to lipopolysaccharide stimulation, as indicated by leukocyte gene expression, MPO, and PMN phagocytosis. Metagenomic analyses showed minor but significant changes in early-life microbiota composition at 7, 21, and 42 d. During first lactation, SCFP cows produced 2.1 kg/d more milk in the first 100 days in milk compared with CTR. In conclusion, early supplementation with SCFP supported rumen development, improved metabolic and immune function, and may enhance future productivity in dairy cows. Full article