Clinical, behavioral and biochemical alterations due to shearing stress in Ossimi sheep.

The effects of shearing on behavioral patterns, antioxidants, and inflammatory and stress biomarkers was investigated in Ossimi sheep. Clinical parameters and behavioral patterns were recorded, and serum samples were collected pre-shearing and 1, 5, 10 and 15 days post-shearing from 60 Ossimi sheep. The results revealed that grooming and standing idle frequencies were significantly (P<0.01) increased post-shearing. There were significant (P<0.01) increases in IL-6, cortisol, and MDA detected from the 1st to the 10th day post-shearing compared to pre-shearing values. IL-2 and TNF-α significantly (P<0.01) increased from the 1st until the 5th day post-shearing compared to pre-shearing values, while significant (P<0.01) decreases in the values of catalase from the 1st until the 5th day post-shearing compared to pre-shearing values were recorded. Regarding to glutathione reductase, there was a significant (P<0.01) decrease from the 1st until the 10th day post-shearing compared to pre-shearing values. Shearing leads to significant changes in antioxidants, inflammatory, stress biomarkers, and some behaviors in sheep.

C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 and cytokine expressions in cows of a dairy herd with high prevalence of calves persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus.

Animals persistently infected (PI) with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) play an important role in the spread of BVDV. Alteration of maternal C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) expression has been suspected as closely concerned with the production of PI calves. It is not clear what the influence of CXCR4 response to the prevalence of PI calves. We have previously reported a dairy herd with high prevalence of PI calves within a short period having a single origin of infection. CXCR4 and cytokine expressions in cows of this herd were investigated. There were no significant differences in CXCR4 and cytokine expressions between the dams of PI calves and the dams of non PI calves in the herd. In the comparison among the herds, CXCR4 expressions in the PI producing herds were significantly lower than the BVDV-free herd. Moreover, CXCR4 expressions in the high prevalence herd and the low prevalence herd were similar. These findings among herds corresponded with the previously reported experimental production of persistent infection with BVDV in cows. Based on the cytokine profile of these herds, IL-10 was significantly higher in the high prevalence herd and the BVDV-free herd. The combination of low expression of CXCR4 and high expression of IL-10 might be closely concerned with some bias for the production of PI calves.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus infection in a dairy herd with high prevalence of persistently infected calves.

A dairy herd including approximately 50 milking cows and 40 heifers and calves was investigated. This herd was detected with high prevalence of calves persistently infected (PI) with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). Nine PI animals including a milking cow and 8 newborn calves were detected in the herd within 4 months. Prevalence of PI animals in this herd was estimated 7.0% which was very high compared to that estimated in previous reports. All newborn PI calves were strongly suspected to have a single origin of infection as estimated from the homology of the virus genes. The cause of high prevalence could not be clarified. Removal of PI animals and continuous examination of newborn calves were important for the elimination of BVDV from the herd.

[Safety of Magnesium sulfate in severe preeclampsia]. / Sulfate de Magnésium au cours de la Préeclampsie Sévère : Innocuité d'utilisation ?

BACKGROUND: Several observational studies and randomized trials have described the use of various regimens of magnesium sulfate to prevent or reduce the rate of seizures and complications in women with severe preeclampsia. AIM: To assess the validity of a service protocol in the management of severe pre-eclampsia all specifying the benefits, complications and side effects of magnesium sulfate . METHODS: We have performed a retrospective descriptive study over two years (2009-2010) concerning 150 patients affected with severe preeclampsia in the department "B" of gynecology and obstetrics of the "Rabta" at the Centre of Maternity and Neonatology of Tunis (third level maternity). The protocol consisted in the administration of 3 grammes of magnesium sulfate followed by intravenous dose of 1 g/hour associated with an anti-hypertensive treatment. RESULTS: One hundred and forty patients (93%) had 2 or more criteria of severity associated. Seventy-eight (52 %) patients with severe preeclampsia have profited an anti-hypertensive treatment based on nicardipine associated with magnesium sulfate without notable secondary effects. In two cases (1.3 %) an eclampsia was noted with magnesium sulfate, 27.4 % of severe preeclampsia was noted at a term within 34 week of amenorrhea. Only one case of surdosage was noted in post partum. CONCLUSION: The use of magnesium sulfate in practice does not appear to increase the risk of complications or major side effects in the mother and fetus.

[Abruptio placentae]. / Le decollement premature du placenta.

UNLABELLED: Abruptio Placentae is one of the most typical obstetrical emergencies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present a retrospective study about 45 cases of placental abruption. The diagnosis was confirmed in all cases by both clinical and anatomopathological findings. OBJECTIVES: Study the epidemiological profile of the patient, the circumstances of diagnosis, the modes of delivery and the fetal morbidity. RESULTS: The prevalence of placental abruption was about 0.34%. Patients were primiparous in 40% of the cases. This problem occurred during the third trimester in 97.8% of the cases. Elevated blood pressure was found in 44.4% of the cases. The incomplete form represented 77.8% of cases. Blood clotting disorders were detected in 8 patients. Fetal death rate was 37.77%. CONCLUSION: This problem remains unpredictable and sudden. Both maternal morbidity and fetal mortality rates remain high.