Search

Introduction: Eventration is a fairly rare complication after laparotomy, which consists of postoperative wound dehiscence and protrusion of the viscera outside the abdominal cavity. This complication is associated with a higher mortality rate. The known risk factors for this condition include malnutrition and the coexistence of inflammation or cancer. Aim: The main aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the occurrence of eventration after laparotomy and the patient's nutritional status with the intensity of inflammatory processes, expressed using selected protein markers. Material and method: The study was based on the analysis of patients treated at our own center from January 2014 to December 2020. It included a group of patients who underwent laparotomy and who experienced eventration, as well as a control group of patients who underwent laparotomy but did not experience eventration after the procedure. Results: The analysis showed that a lower serum albumin concentration is associated with a greater risk of eventration in patients who have undergone laparotomy due to acute abdominal disease. The study group and the control group differed significantly in the levels of: Hgb, serum total protein, CRP, lymphocytes, albumin, PCT, NRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hardly published data are available to diagnose the failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) in calves affected by neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD). This study evaluated the diagnostic performance and differences among optical serum total protein (STP) concentration and gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT) activity for assessing FTPI in diarrheic Holstein Friesian calves. 72 diarrheic and 19 healthy Holstein Friesian calves aged 1 to 10 days were enrolled. Each calf underwent a complete clinical examination and dehydration assessment. The effect of dehydration status and age on the correlation between the two methods under study (STP and GGT) and the gold standard (Immunoglobulin G [IgG] measured with RID) was investigated with Spearman's correlation index R for ranks. Serum total protein concentration and GGT activity were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to identify the optimal cut-off point to distinguish between diarrheic calves with or without FTPI, also considering the effects of dehydration and age. The results show that GGT activity was affected by the age of calves, while STP was influenced by dehydration. The cut-offs to distinguish calves with IgG < 10 g/L were < 52 g/L of STP in normohydrated calves, < 58 g/L of STP in dehydrated calves, and < 124 IU/L of GGT in calves with aged between 3 and 10 days. In nondehydrated diarrheic calves, the STP refractometer showed better diagnostic accuracy. In dehydrated calves aged between 3 and 10 days, however, its accuracy drops, and it is advisable to use GGT activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the passive transfer of immunity in horse and donkey foals has been extensively studied, there is limited information for mule foals. Immunoglobulin type G (IgG) and serum total protein concentration (TP) were assessed at different sampling times to evaluate the correlation between serum radial immunodiffusion (SRID) with electrophoresis, refractometry, and dry chemistry analyzer (Biuret), and to estimate serum IgG concentrations using serum TP in mule foals. We analyzed a total of 30 samples collected at birth, and at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h of life from 6 mule foals by SRID, electrophoresis TP, biuret TP, and refractometry TP.The SRID IgG concentration significantly increased from birth until T6 (p

Background: School-aged children between 6-12 years are a vulnerable group that could be affected by malnutrition, which may cause growth failure and affect their school achievement. East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, is known as the province with the highest cases of malnutrition. Objective: This study aimed to determine serum total protein and albumin levels among malnourished elementary-aged children. Serum total protein and albumin are biochemical parameters that give valuable data due to malnutrition. Methods: This study employed a case-control design. Purposive sampling was used to select the samples with a total of 90 children aged 6 – 12 years, of which 45 were assigned to a case group and a control group. The children’s blood was collected and analyzed using Riele Photometer 5010. The Biuret method was applied for total protein and bromocresol green for albumin serum. Independent sample t-test with a significant value

ABSTRACT: High mortality and involuntary culling rates cause great economic losses to the worldwide dairy cattle industry. However, there is low emphasis on wellness traits in replacement animals (dairy calves and replacement heifers) during their development stages in modern dairy cattle breeding programs. Therefore, the main objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters of wellness traits in replacement cattle (replacement wellness traits) and obtain their genetic correlations with 12 cow health and longevity traits in the Chinese Holstein population. Seven replacement wellness traits were analyzed, including birth weight, survival from 3 to 60 d (Sur1), survival from 61 to 365 d (Sur2), survival from 366 d to the first calving (Sur3), calf diarrhea, calf pneumonia, and calf serum total protein (STP). Single and bivariate animal models were employed to estimate (co)variance components using the data from 189,980 Holstein cattle. The genetic correlations between replacement wellness traits and cow longevity, health traits were calculated by employing bivariate models, including 6 longevity traits and 6 health traits (clinical mastitis, metritis, ketosis, displaced abomasum, milk fever, and hoof health or hoof disease). The estimated heritabilities (± SE) were 0.335 (± 0.008), 0.088 (± 0.005), 0.166 (± 0.006), 0.102 (±0 .006), 0.048 (± 0.003), 0.063 (± 0.004), and 0.170 (± 0.019) for birth weight, Sur1, Sur2, Sur3, pneumonia, diarrhea, and STP, respectively. The majority of the genetic correlations among the 7 replacement wellness traits were negligible. The genetic correlations among Sur1, Sur2, and Sur3 ranged from 0.112 (Sur1 and Sur3) to 0.445 (Sur1 and Sur2) when fitting a linear model (estimates in the observed scale), and from 0.560 (Sur1 and Sur3) to 0.773 (Sur1 and Sur2) when fitting a threshold model (estimates in the liability scale). The genetic correlations between replacement wellness and cow longevity were low (absolute value lower than 0.30), but some of them were significantly different from zero. Compared with other replacement wellness traits, Sur3 and STP had relatively high genetic correlations with cow longevity. Replacement wellness traits are heritable and can be improved through direct genetic and genomic selection. The results from the current study will contribute for better balancing dairy cattle breeding goals to genetically improve dairy cattle wellness in the period from birth to first calving.

Summary: This study compared two measurement methods to assess serum total protein (TP) concentration (refractometer and biuret reaction) in Warmblood foals on a farm with occurrence of equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE). The aim was to investigate the reliability of TP measurement by an automatic temperature compensated handheld refractometer in foals and its use as a diagnostic monitoring tool, for example in the context of a Lawsonia monitoring programme. In addition, the correlation between TP and albumin was investigated as well as the influence of the outdoor temperature on the measurement methods. Serum TP values by refractometry and by biuret reaction (n=772) were compared in healthy and sick foals (n=744), aged one to eight months. Additionally, the correlation between TP and albumin concentrations was analysed. The study results were assigned to one of two groups, group A or B. The samples from group A (outdoor temperatures ≤29°C) were taken over several weeks, whereas the samples of group B (outdoor temperature 33°C) were all collected on one hot day. In both groups, the measurements were compared based on one single sample per foal. In group A (outdoor temperatures ≤29°C), serum TP median value by refractometer was 61g/L (25% and 75% percentile: 58–64g/L) and 59.8g/L (25% and 75% percentile: 57–62.6g/L) by biuret reaction. The TP values of both measurement methods, refractometry and biuret reaction, correlated positively with each other (r=0.79). There was no significant difference (p=0.98) between the two methods. Albumin values correlated positively with TP values in this group (refractometer: r=0.19 and biuret reaction: r=0.27). In group B (outdoor temperature 33°C), serum TP median value by refractometry was 52g/L (25% and 75% percentile: 50–55g/L) and 59.9g/L (25% and 75% percentile: 57.2–62g/L) by biuret. The TP values of both methods correlated positively with each other (r=0.87). In this group, TP values measured by refractometry were significantly lower than by biuret reaction (p<.0001). Albumin values correlated positively with TP values (refractometer: r=0.14 and biuret reaction: r=0.18). Comparing TP values with a pooled reference range for foals aged one to nine months (50–73g/L), in group A (outdoor temperatures ≤29°C), 98.4% (1370/1392) of the values from both measurement methods were within the reference range, while 1.6% (22/1392) were outside. 0.9% (12/1392) of the values were in the range commonly observed in foals with Lawsonia intracellularis infection (<50g/L). In group B (outdoor temperature 33°C), 87.5% (133/152) of the values were within the reference range and 12.5% (19/152) were outside. 12.5% (19/152) of the values were in the range seen in foals with Lawsonia intracellularis infection (<50g/L). Group B (outdoor temperature of 33°C) differed from group A (outdoor temperatures ≤29°C) by noticeable deviating refractometrically measured TP values from chemically measured TP values. In general, the results of this study showed no significant difference between the two measurement methods. However, significant deviations occurred at outdoor temperature of 33°C. Therefore, when using the refractometer, it seems to be important that samples are taken at moderate outside temperatures (≤29°C) or analysed promptly or stored refrigerated. Since only a small number of TP values was <50g/L, a statement of the comparability of the two applied measuring methods in the measuring range of interest for Lawsonia intracellularis is limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High mortality and involuntary culling rates cause great economic losses to the worldwide dairy cattle industry. However, there is low emphasis on wellness traits in replacement animals (dairy calves and replacement heifers) during their development stages in modern dairy cattle breeding programs. Therefore, the main objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters of wellness traits in replacement cattle (replacement wellness traits) and obtain their genetic correlations with 12 cow health and longevity traits in the Chinese Holstein population. Seven replacement wellness traits were analyzed, including birth weight, survival from 3 to 60 d (Sur1), survival from 61 to 365 d (Sur2), survival from 366 d to the first calving (Sur3), calf diarrhea, calf pneumonia, and calf serum total protein (STP). Single and bivariate animal models were employed to estimate (co)variance components using the data from 189,980 Holstein cattle. The genetic correlations between replacement wellness traits and cow longevity, health traits were calculated by employing bivariate models, including 6 longevity traits and 6 health traits (clinical mastitis, metritis, ketosis, displaced abomasum, milk fever, and hoof health or hoof disease). The estimated heritabilities (± SE) were 0.335 (± 0.008), 0.088 (± 0.005), 0.166 (± 0.006), 0.102 (±0.006), 0.048 (± 0.003), 0.063 (± 0.004), and 0.170 (± 0.019) for birth weight, Sur1, Sur2, Sur3, pneumonia, diarrhea, and STP, respectively. The majority of the genetic correlations among the 7 replacement wellness traits were negligible. The genetic correlations among Sur1, Sur2, and Sur3 ranged from 0.112 (Sur1 and Sur3) to 0.445 (Sur1 and Sur2) when fitting a linear model (estimates in the observed scale), and from 0.560 (Sur1 and Sur3) to 0.773 (Sur1 and Sur2) when fitting a threshold model (estimates in the liability scale). The genetic correlations between replacement wellness and cow longevity were low (absolute value lower than 0.30), but some of them were significantly different from zero. Compared with other replacement wellness traits, Sur3 and STP had relatively high genetic correlations with cow longevity. Replacement wellness traits are heritable and can be improved through direct genetic and genomic selection. The results from the current study will contribute for better balancing dairy cattle breeding goals to genetically improve dairy cattle wellness in the period from birth to first calving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Failure of passive immunity transfer (FPIT) increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in dairy calves. The prevalence of FPIT in dairy calves has generally been reported to be high, with FPIT estimated to occur in 38%–42% of Australian dairy calves. However, the focus of previous studies has been on replacement heifer calves. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of FPIT in Victorian bobby calves (non‐replacement dairy calves). We collected blood samples from 3608 bobby calves at three abattoirs at exsanguination, and measured serum total protein as an indicator of passive transfer. We found that 36% of bobby calves showed evidence of FPIT (serum total protein ≤52 g/L), and 50% of calves had poor or fair passive transfer (<58 g/L). When a subset of calves (from farms with more than five calves in the dataset) was analysed using a linear mixed model, Jersey calves and crossbred/other calves had an estimated 5.3 g/L and 5.1 g/L higher serum total protein concentration, respectively, than Holstein‐Friesian calves (P < 0.001). Our results suggest that the prevalence of FPIT in bobby calves at abattoirs is similar to that reported in dairy heifer calves sampled on farms. A high prevalence of FPIT has implications for bobby calf morbidity and mortality, as well as calf viability and profitability for dairy‐beef production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cancer and its treatment using various chemotherapeutic agents can have many adverse side effects. These side effects often result in significant changes in haematological and biochemical composition of blood. As a result, the regular monitoring of serum biochemical and haematological changes plays an important role in management of disease. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between haematological and biochemical changes in neutropenic cancer patients following chemotherapy. Specifically we evaluated the association between neutrophil count and serum proteins and electrolytes. Methods: For this purpose we analysed retrospectively collected laboratory results from two independent patient cohorts. Each cohort was divided into a control group consisting of patients with normal haematological parameters and a study group which included patients with reduced neutrophil counts. Neutropenic patients (study group) were cancer patients on chemotherapy. Results and conclusion: Blood samples of cancer patients in study group showed reduction in haemoglobin, neutrophils and platelets. Neutropenic group showed a significant reduction in serum albumin, total protein, calcium, and potassium. Our results show that patients with severe neutropenia had pronounced changes in serum protein and electrolytes and increased incidence of abnormal serum protein and electrolyte level. The changes in the neutrophil counts showed a positive correlation with the changes in serum protein and electrolyte levels. A similar trend was seen in both the patient cohorts: the discovery set (176 patients) and the validation set (200 patients). Taken together our results suggest that chemotherapy-induced neutropenia is associated with dysregulation in haemoglobin, platelets, serum proteins and electrolytes.

Effects of synbiotic, probiotic and prebiotic supplementation on alterations in haematological parameters of broiler chickens infected with Eimeria tenella was understudied. Ninety-day-old broiler chicks divided into 6 groups (I, II, III, IV, V, VI) containing 15 chicks each were used for the study. Group I served as negative control (non-supplemented, unchallenged). Group II served as positive control (non-supplemented but challenged). Group III was supplemented with prebiotic (sugarcane molasses). Group IV was supplemented probiotic (Antox®). Group V was supplemented synbiotic (Enflorax®) whilst Group VI was given Amprolium prophylactic treatment. Birds were challenged at 21 days with 2.0 × 104 sporulated E. tenella oocysts/chick. Blood samples were taken on days 0, 4, 7, 11 and 14 post-challenge for haematology and serum total protein evaluation according to standard laboratory procedures. Results showed haematological alterations even 4 days post-challenge (dpc) in infected groups. Total leucocyte count rose 4 dpc and was significantly (P < 0.05) high 7 dpc. Heterophil/lymphocyte ratio was significantly high in the infected groups compared with negative control by 7 dpc. Relative monocyte and oesinophil counts also increased significantly (P < 0.05). Packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and total erythrocyte counts were significantly lower in infected groups 7 dpc. MCHC and MCV were also low. Serum total protein equally decreased 4 dpc and was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the infected groups compared with negative control 7 dpc. Supplementation with synbiotic, probiotic and prebiotic products amended haematological alterations associated with experimental Eimeria tenella infection more rapidly and lessened fatalities prompted by caecal coccidiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Refractometry is used to assess transfer of passive immunity (TPI), but studies evaluating different refractometers and appropriate thresholds for recommended target immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations for beef calves are limited. Objectives To evaluate test performance of digital (DSTP) and optical (OSTP) serum total protein (STP) refractometers and a digital Brix (DBRIX) refractometer for assessment of passive immunity in beef calves. Animals A total of 398 beef calves from 6 herds, 1 to 7 days of age. Methods Serum IgG concentration was estimated by DSTP, OSTP, and DBRIX, and measured by radial immunodiffusion (RID). Correlation coefficients (r) among results were calculated. Optimal STP and Brix thresholds for identification of IgG

There are few published data on the accurate on-farm diagnosis of failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) in beef–suckler calves. This observational study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance and differences among four types of refractometers for assessing FTPI in Chianina beef–suckler calves. Blood samples were collected from 85 Chianina calves aged 2–7 days. The serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration was measured using radial immunodiffusion (RID), digital and optical serum total protein (STP) refractometers, and digital and optical serum refractometers. The diagnostic performance of the refractometers was determined based on the serum IgG threshold of 16 g/L (measured by RID). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify the optimal cutoff values for all refractometers. The RID IgG concentration was positively correlated with all four refractometers (correlation coefficient: 0.75–0.84). ROC analysis yielded optimal cutoff values for predicting FTPI of 51 g/L (sensitivity (Se)=0.63 and specificity (Sp)=0.96) and 52 g/L (Se = 0.69 and Sp = 0.90) for the digital and optical STP refractometers, respectively. At the threshold of 8.3% Brix, the Se and Sp were 0.66 and 0.92 for the optical Brix and 0.77 and 0.92 for the digital Brix refractometer, respectively. All four refractometers were useful for assessing FTPI in Chianina calves. However, the digital Brix had the highest combined diagnostic accuracy for FTPI. The on-farm use of refractometers to assess FTPI can become part of routine monitoring of the colostrum management program in beef–suckler calf herds.Highlights The cutoff values were 51 and 52 g/L for the digital and optical serum total protein refractometers, respectively. The digital Brix refractometer was the most accurate for the detection of calves with inadequate transfer of passive immunity.

Background: Observational studies have suggested that better protein nutritional status may contribute to prevention of frailty.Objective: We sought to examine this hypothesis using a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.Methods: We conducted a two-sample MR study using GWAS summary statistics data of the UK Biobank. We applied genetically predicted serum albumin as a primary exposure measure and serum total protein as a secondary exposure measure. The outcome measure was the Rockwood frailty index (FI) based on 49 deficits from 356,432 individuals (53.3% of them were women, with a mean ± SD age of 56.7 ± 8.0 y. The association between serum protein measures and FI was mainly analyzed by use of the inverse variance weighted method.Results: A genetically predicted serum albumin concentration was not statistically significantly associated with FI in the full sample. However, in women, we observed a preventive association between genetically predicted serum albumin and FI (β = -0.172 per g/L; 95% CI: -0.336, -0.007; P = 0.041). In the full sample, genetically predicted serum total protein was inversely associated with FI (β: -0.153 per g/L; 95% CI: -0.251, -0.056; P = 0.002). In both women and men, higher serum total protein was significantly inversely associated with FI; regression coefficients were -0.148 per g/L (95% CI: -0.287, -0.009; P = 0.037) for women, -0.154 per g/L (95% CI: -0.290, -0.018; P = 0.027) for men.Conclusions: The present MR study implies that better protein nutritional status modestly contributes to reducing the risk of frailty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cell phone or smart phone abuse has become a daily phenomenon, many diseases are found to be associated with cell phone overuse, it also leads to mental anxiety, mood disorder etc., Aim: To study C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Serum Uric Acid (SUA) and Serum Total Protein (STP) in cell phone addiction and depression together in the medical college campus. Materials and Methods: The present study was a case-control study in which total 150 subjects with 75 cases of depression and cell phone addiction and 75 healthy controls were involved from medical college of Uttar Pradesh, India. The diagnosis of depression and cell phone addiction was done by (Hamilton, Smart phone Addiction Scale-Short Version) scales. CRP, SUA and STP were quantified using Chem-7 Erba analyser from fasting serum samples. Data was analysed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 17.0 software. Results: Significant correlation between depression and cell phone addiction was found (p=0.023). Significant difference between cases and controls (p

Introduction: Cell phone or smart phone abuse has become a daily phenomenon, many diseases are found to be associated with cell phone overuse, it also leads to mental anxiety, mood disorder etc., Aim: To study C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Serum Uric Acid (SUA) and Serum Total Protein (STP) in cell phone addiction and depression together in the medical college campus. Materials and Methods: The present study was a case-control study in which total 150 subjects with 75 cases of depression and cell phone addiction and 75 healthy controls were involved from medical college of Uttar Pradesh, India. The diagnosis of depression and cell phone addiction was done by (Hamilton, Smart phone Addiction Scale-Short Version) scales. CRP, SUA and STP were quantified using Chem-7 Erba analyser from fasting serum samples. Data was analysed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 17.0 software. Results: Significant correlation between depression and cell phone addiction was found (p=0.023). Significant difference between cases and controls (p<0.001) was found for age, depression score, cell phone addiction score but CRP, SUA and STP were insignificant. Conclusion: Present research acknowledges many vital observations between cell phone addiction and depression with biochemical trajectories, which is novelty of this study. Youngsters are tending towards addiction and depression, which is an alarm for society and policy makers to rethink about modern gadgets advancements. It is strongly recommended to do further research in this area with more subjects and biochemical markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Calfhood disease is an important problem in dairy farming that could cause significant effects on heifer survival and productivity and has economic and welfare effects. Total protein concentration in the blood serum could be one of the predictors of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in newborn calves. The number of active nucleolus organizers could be used to assess the viability of the protein synthesis system in cells and tissues. We aimed for a comparative assessment of the dynamics of the main indicators of protein metabolism and nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) activity in the lymphocytes of healthy calves (Group I) and calves with BRD (Group II) during the 1st month after birth. Materials and Methods: This study included 30 calves of the red-motley Holstein breed. Venous blood samples were taken from all calves on the 1st, 7th, 14th, and 28th days after birth. Quantitative analysis of total protein (Serum total protein [STP]), immune globulin (Serum immune globulin [SIg]), urea, and creatinine in serum and transcriptionally active chromosome NORs in the interphase nuclei of lymphocytes was conducted using receiver operating characteristic analysis and factor analysis. Results: In Group I, the STP levels decreased during the 1st month of life, and in Group II, the STP levels were variable. The STP levels in both groups remained within the reference intervals. During the first 2 weeks after birth, the calves' SIg fluctuated within the statistical error limits and did not significantly differ between the groups. On the 28th day, SIg increased in both the groups (by 42.8% for Group I and 33.7% for Group II). The creatinine concentration showed a decrease but did not go beyond the range of reference values. Urea concentration in Group I markedly decreased and remained below the reference values; it did not change in Group II over the entire observation period. The number of NORs in 1-day-old calves did not significantly differ between the groups and amounted to 2.43 in Group I and 2.59 in Group II. A significant increase in the number of active NORs was found in calves in both groups at the ages of 14 and 28 days. Early BRD predictors (at 1-14 days) could not be identified among the studied indicators. The urea and creatinine concentrations and the NOR activity on day 28 after birth could be late BRD predictors. Protein metabolism in the newborn calves' organisms is regulated by three types of factors: Maintenance of a constant protein concentration in the plasma, protein decomposition, and de novo synthesis. Conclusion: There were no observed significant differences in the protein metabolism values and dynamics of indicators between healthy calves and calves with developed BRD. Alterations in the studied characteristics are the result, but not the cause of BRD. The increase in active NORs under BRD could be a favorable forecasting indicator. Protection against foreign protein and genetic material is a more important task for the organism than ensuring growth processes during the neonatal period.

Serum total protein (STP) refractometry is a widely used indicator of failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI), defined as serum IgG concentrations of <10 mg/mL or STP levels <5.2 g/dL measured at 24 h of life. However, recent reports have demonstrated that refractometry could be inaccurate at estimating serum IgG concentrations and FTPI when calves are fed colostrum replacer (CR). The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of STP measurements to estimate FTPI in calves fed CR compared with calves fed maternal colostrum. Blood was collected from dairy calves fed maternal colostrum (n = 927) or colostrum-derived CR (n = 1,258) and analyzed for STP and serum IgG. Serum total protein was measured with a digital refractometer, whereas radial immunodiffusion was used to determine IgG concentrations. Calves fed maternal colostrum had a mean STP of 5.80 ± 0.72 (standard deviation) g/dL and a mean IgG concentration of 22.81 ± 10.14 mg/mL, respectively, whereas calves fed CR had a mean STP and IgG concentration of 5.14 ± 0.50 g/dL and 12.78 ± 4.60 mg/mL, respectively. Rates of FTPI for calves fed maternal colostrum or CR were 4.2% and 27.26%, respectively. Calves were considered to have FTPI if their IgG postcolostrum feeding was <10 mg/mL. Logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to determine cutoff points and existent relationships between STP and IgG. Serum total protein and IgG for calves fed maternal colostrum were highly correlated. In contrast, STP and IgG for calves fed CR were lowly correlated. A receiver operator characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that an STP cutoff point that could predict FTPI when calves are fed CR would be 4.9 g/dL (sensitivity = 0.68; specificity = 0.75). This study suggests that current cutoff points used for STP inflates the number of calves estimated to have FTPI when they are fed CR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive transfer of immunity is important for calf health and survival. The objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters for calf passive transfer of immunity through producer-recorded serum total protein (STP) and to determine associations with other routinely evaluated traits in organic Holstein calves (n = 16,725) that were born between July 2013 to June 2018; a restricted subset (n = 7,518) of calves with known Holstein maternal grandsires was analyzed separately. Producers measured STP on farm, and STP was extracted from farm management software. Failure of passive transfer of immunity (FPT) was declared for calves with STP ≤5.2 g/dL. Calves that had the opportunity to reach 1 yr of age were recorded as either staying in the herd or leaving the herd (STAY365). Univariate and threshold models were fitted for STP and FPT, respectively, and included the fixed effects of herd-year-month of birth, calf age in days at STP measurement, dam age in years, and random effects of animal and birthdate within herd. Model effects for STAY365 included the fixed effects of herd-year-month of birth and random effects of animal and birthdate within herd. Multivariate analyses of STP with FPT or STAY365 were conducted to determine the genetic correlation between traits and STP was also regressed on gestation length. Heritability estimates of STP were 0.06 and 0.08 for full and restricted data, respectively. Heritability estimates for FPT were 0.04 and 0.06 for full and restricted data, respectively. The genetic correlation between STP and FPT was near unity. Heritability estimates for STAY365 ranged from 0.08 to 0.11 with genetic correlation estimates between STP and STAY365 ranging from 0.19 and 0.25. Approximate genetic correlations were estimated for sires (n = 302 and n = 256 for full and restricted data, respectively) with at least 10 daughters for STP and predicted transmitting abilities for health, calving traits, and production. Positive approximate genetic correlations were estimated for STP with cow livability, productive life, net merit dollars, and milk yield; favorable approximate genetic correlations were observed for daughter and sire calving ease, and sire stillbirth. Longer gestation length was associated with reduced STP genetically and phenotypically. These results suggest that passive transfer as measured through STP is heritable and favorably correlated with current measures of health, calving, and production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few published data on the accurate on-farm diagnosis of failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) in beef–suckler calves. This observational study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance and differences among four types of refractometers for assessing FTPI in Chianina beef–suckler calves. Blood samples were collected from 85 Chianina calves aged 2–7 days. The serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration was measured using radial immunodiffusion (RID), digital and optical serum total protein (STP) refractometers, and digital and optical serum refractometers. The diagnostic performance of the refractometers was determined based on the serum IgG threshold of 16 g/L (measured by RID). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify the optimal cutoff values for all refractometers. The RID IgG concentration was positively correlated with all four refractometers (correlation coefficient: 0.75–0.84). ROC analysis yielded optimal cutoff values for predicting FTPI of 51 g/L (sensitivity (Se)=0.63 and specificity (Sp)=0.96) and 52 g/L (Se = 0.69 and Sp = 0.90) for the digital and optical STP refractometers, respectively. At the threshold of 8.3% Brix, the Se and Sp were 0.66 and 0.92 for the optical Brix and 0.77 and 0.92 for the digital Brix refractometer, respectively. All four refractometers were useful for assessing FTPI in Chianina calves. However, the digital Brix had the highest combined diagnostic accuracy for FTPI. The on-farm use of refractometers to assess FTPI can become part of routine monitoring of the colostrum management program in beef–suckler calf herds. The cutoff values were 51 and 52 g/L for the digital and optical serum total protein refractometers, respectively. The digital Brix refractometer was the most accurate for the detection of calves with inadequate transfer of passive immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Refractometry is used to assess transfer of passive immunity (TPI), but studies evaluating different refractometers and appropriate thresholds for recommended target immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations for beef calves are limited. Objectives: To evaluate test performance of digital (DSTP) and optical (OSTP) serum total protein (STP) refractometers and a digital Brix (DBRIX) refractometer for assessment of passive immunity in beef calves. Animals A total of 398 beef calves from 6 herds, 1 to 7 days of age. Methods: Serum IgG concentration was estimated by DSTP, OSTP, and DBRIX, and measured by radial immunodiffusion (RID). Correlation coefficients (r) among results were calculated. Optimal STP and Brix thresholds for identification of IgG <10, <16, and <24 g/L were determined using interval likelihood ratios. Refractometer performance and agreement were assessed using areas under the curve (AUC), diagnostic test characteristics, Cohen's kappa (κ), and Bland‐Altman analysis. Results: Refractometer results were highly correlated with RID (r = 0.82‐0.91) and with each other (r = 0.91‐0.95), and overall test performance was excellent (AUC = 0.93‐0.99). The STP concentrations of ≤5.1, ≤5.1, and ≤5.7 g/dL and Brix percentages of ≤7.9%, ≤8.3%, and ≤8.7% indicated IgG concentrations <10, <16, and <24 g/L, respectively. Agreement of refractometers with RID was variable (κ = 0.46‐0.80) and among refractometers was substantial (κ = 0.62‐0.89). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: All refractometers showed good utility as monitoring tools for assessment of TPI in beef calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) in dairy calves has substantial health consequences, but there have been no recently published estimates of the prevalence of FTPI on Ontario dairy farms. The major objectives of this cross-sectional study were to determine the level of FTPI in dairy calves across the province of Ontario and to determine colostrum management practices used. A convenience sample of 109 dairy farms in Ontario were visited from June to August 2019, along with 4 auction facilities from January to February 2019. At the single visit to each dairy farm, an in-person questionnaire was administered, and all calves between 24 h and 9 d of age had a blood sample collected to determine the levels of serum total protein (STP). At the auction facility, a blood sample was collected on all calves that arrived on the day of the visit. The dairy farms were distributed throughout Ontario, and the farms milked on average 151 dairy cows. Of the 444 calves sampled on Ontario dairy farms, 46% were male, 54% were female, and the mean weight and age at sampling were 46.3 kg and 4.4 d, respectively. The mean STP of calves sampled on the dairy farm was 5.69 g/dL (standard deviation = 0.78), and 107 calves (24%) had FTPI. The likelihood of FTPI was not associated with sex (female vs. male, risk ratio = 0.89, 95% confidence interval = 0.64–1.24), age (per day, risk ratio = 1.02, 95% confidence interval = 0.94–1.11), or weight (per kg, risk ratio = 0.98, 95% confidence interval = 0.96–1.01). In contrast, at the auction facilities, 386 male dairy calves were sampled and had a mean STP of 5.79 g/dL (standard deviation = 0.83). Using a cut point of ≥5.2 g/dL, 91 calves (24%) had FTPI. From the in-person questionnaire administered on the dairy farms, it was reported that the median time to first feeding of colostrum was 2.5 h (range = 0–12 h). The farms reported providing a mean of 3.3, 2.9, and 3.4 L of colostrum from 0 to 6 h after birth, 6 to 12 h after birth, and 12 to 24 h after birth, respectively. Ninety-one farms (83%) fed colostrum from the dam of the calf as their predominant source of colostrum. The most common method used to deliver the first feeding of colostrum was a nipple bottle (89 farms, 82%). Twenty-seven farms (25%) reported managing colostrum differently for male calves, which included a different colostrum source, use of poorer quality colostrum, a smaller quantity of colostrum, a longer time from birth to feeding, and generally having a lower focus on colostrum management for male calves. The prevalence of FTPI on Ontario dairy farms appears to have decreased since previous estimates, and substantial room for improvement remains. Although no overall differences were found in FTPI between male and female calves, differential reported colostrum management by sex indicates this may be a risk for male calves on a proportion of Ontario dairy farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the production of desalination plants, concentrated seawater is expelled to local marine environments, which may lead to hypersaline pollution. To assess environmental risk of hypersalinity, Crassostrea angulate, Scylla paramamosain and Epinephelus akaara were exposed to salinities of 30‰, 36‰ and 40‰, then changes of serum nonspecific immune indices were monitored for 96 hours, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and acid phosphatase (ACP) activity, and contents of serum total protein and albumin. Two-way ANONA revealed that salinity only affected contents of serum total protein and albumin in C. angulate, and content of serum albumin in S. paramamosain and content of serum total protein in E. akaara. Compared with the control, hypersaline treatments (36‰ and/or 40‰) first increased contents of serum total protein and albumin and then decreased them in C. angulate, suppressed content of serum albumin in S. paramamosain, and increased content of serum total protein in E. akaara. These results suggested that exposure to hypersalinity might enhance innate immunity of C. angulate and E. akaara, but suppressed it in S. paramamosain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective cross-sectional study was designed to identify risk factors associated with failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) and to determine differences in colostrum management between male and female dairy calves. Research technicians visited a total of 16 commercial dairy farms weekly. For each calf born on these farms, the farm personnel completed a birth record to document the colostrum management practices provided, level of calving assistance, calf sex, and time of birth. On the weekly visits to the farms, the technicians collected blood from calves that were 1 to 7 d of age. Serum was separated via centrifugation and the concentration of serum total protein (STP) was determined using a digital refractometer. Failed transfer of passive immunity was defined as calves having an STP of <5.2 g/dL. Data were available for 1,778 calves aged 1 to 7 d. Several differences were observed with respect to how male and female calves were managed. Male calves were more likely to receive a lower volume of colostrum, have colostrum delivered using a nipple bottle followed by an esophageal tube feeder, be fed pooled colostrum, and receive fresh colostrum rather than frozen colostrum relative to female calves. Serum total protein (STP) ranged from 3.6 to 9.7 g/dL with a mean of 5.7 g/dL (standard deviation, 0.7 g/dL) and 21.1% of the calves had FTPI. Using a mixed linear regression model, we identified that a calf being male (−0.14 g/dL), being delivered by a hard pull (−0.23 g/dL), and receiving the first feeding colostrum from a combination of a nipple bottle followed by an esophageal tube feeder (−0.12 g/dL) were associated with a lower concentration of STP. Feeding 6 L or more of colostrum in the first 24 h of life was associated with a 0.14 g/dL higher concentration of STP compared with feeding <3.9 L of colostrum. For FTPI, being delivered by a hard pull [odds ratio (OR) 2.21] and receiving the first feeding colostrum from a nipple bottle followed by an esophageal tube feeder (OR 1.83) were associated with higher odds of FTPI. Feeding >6 L of colostrum in the first 24 h of life was associated with a reduced odds (OR 0.65) of FTPI compared with feeding <3.9 L of colostrum. This study highlights the importance of certain management practices in reducing FTPI incidence and identifies discrepancies in colostrum management between male and female dairy calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infections with D. dendriticum are distributed worldwide and mostly associated with ruminant livestock. Depending on the length and strength of the infection it can be manifested with losses in milk production, reductions in milk and wool quality, decreased weight gains, reproductive performance and poor carcass quality. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of albendazole (ABZ) against the lancet liver fluke Dicrocoelium dendriticum in naturally infected sheep using parasitological methods. Twenty-four sheep were divided into four groups: two untreated control groups (C 1 , C 2) and two treated groups (T 1 , T 2), with six animals in each group. The sheep in the treated groups were administered a single oral dose (15 mg/kg bwt) of ABZ suspension. After ABZ treatment the animals were slaughtered on Day 14 (groups C 1 , T 1) and Day 30 (groups C 2 , T 2) and were necropsied. Coprological therapeutic ABZ efficacy reached 92.4% on Day 14 (P < 0.001) and 88.5% on Day 30 (P < 0.001). On Day 30, the serum activities of hepatic and cholestatic enzymes including serological analysis of total protein concentration (TP) and protein fractions were evaluated. Significant decrease of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P < 0.01) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) (P < 0.05) activity by 36.9% and 34.6%, respectively, were detected for sheep in T 2 group. These enzymes showed a strong positive correlation to fluke burden: AST (r = 0.654) and GGT (r = 0.768), respectively (P < 0.05). Additionally, the electrophoretic analysis of serum total protein and protein fraction concentrations revealed minimal hypoproteinemia and hyperalbuminemia after ABZ treatment. The decrease of liver enzyme activities and their correlation with fluke burden may indicate recovery of hepatocellular and biliary damage following the reduction of fluke burdens after ABZ therapy. A decline in AST and GGT activity could serve as a valuable adjunct bioindicator of liver damage and fluke reduction after treatment of dicrocoeliosis in naturally infected sheep. • Albendazole treatment with a single oral dose decreases sheep infection with Dicrocoelium dendriticum. • Alterations of biochemical parameters were observed in sheep after albendazole treatment. • Liver enzymes AST and GGT were identified as potential bioindicators of liver damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood serum proteins are significant indicators of animal health. Nevertheless, several factors should be considered to appropriately interpret their concentrations in blood. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (1) to assess the effect of herd productivity, breed, age and stage of lactation on serum proteins and (2) to investigate association between serum proteins and somatic cell count (SCC) in dairy cattle. Milk and blood samples were collected from 1508 cows of six different breeds (Holstein Friesian, Brown Swiss, Jersey, Simmental, Rendena and Alpine Grey) that were housed in 41 multi-breed herds. Milk samples were analyzed for composition and SCC, while blood samples were analyzed for serum proteins (i.e. total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin-to-globulin ratio (A : G)). Herds were classified as low or high production, according to the cow’s average daily milk energy yield adjusted for breed, days in milk (DIM) and parity. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model that included the fixed effects of DIM, parity, SCS, breed, herd productivity and the random effect of the Herd-test date within productivity level. Cows in high producing herds (characterized also by greater use of concentrates in the diet) had greater serum albumin concentrations. Breed differences were reported for all traits, highlighting a possible genetic mechanism. The specialized breed Jersey and the two dual-purpose local breeds (Alpine Grey and Rendena) had the lowest globulin concentration and greatest A : G. Changes in serum proteins were observed through lactation. Total protein reached the highest concentration during the 4th month of lactation. Blood albumin increased with DIM following a quadratic pattern, while globulin decreased linearly. As a consequence, A : G increased linearly during lactation. Older cows had greater total protein and globulin concentrations, while albumin concentration seemed to be not particularly affected by age. A linear relationship between serum proteins and SCS was observed. High milk SCS was associated with greater total protein and globulin concentrations in blood. The rise in globulin concentration, together with a decrease in albumin concentrations, resulted in a decline in A : G as SCS of milk increased. In conclusion, such non-genetic factors must be considered to appropriately interpret serum proteins as potential animal welfare indicator and their evaluation represents an important first-step for future analysis based on the integration of metabolomics, genetic and genomic information for improving the robustness of dairy cows.

First colostrum is an important source of nutrients and immune factors which are necessary for calves in the first weeks of life. Despite these benefits, colostrum can also represent one of the earliest potential exposures of dairy calves to infectious agents which these patogens can act directly on growth and cause diseases such as scours or septicemia. With recent increased interest in pasteurized milk feeding systems, producers have been curious to learn if there may also be benefits from feeding pasteurized colostrum. This study was realized to determine the effects of feeding heat-treated colostrum or unheated colostrum on passive transfer of immunity, immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration, total plate count, health and performance of neonatal dairy calves. First-milking colostrum was collected from Holstein cows and frozen at -20°C to accumulate a large batch. Pooled batches of colostrum were mixed and divided equally: One half was fed unheated colostrum; whereas the other half was fed after heat treatment at 60°C for 30 min. Forty newborn male Holstein dairy calves were fed either unheated (n = 20) and heat-treated colostrum (n = 20), 10% of their birth weight. Calves received 4 L within 1 to 2h after birth and residuals was fed 6h after birth. Serum samples collected from calves and were assayed for serum total protein (STP) and IgG. Feed intake recorded weekly and body weight and skeletal growth measures recorded at d 3 and d 63 (weaning). Every day, calves clinically diagnosed either as being healthy or suffering from respiratory disease and neonatal calf diarrhea. Heat-treated colostrum resulted in lower colostrum bacterial concentration (2.01 vs. 3.96 cfu mL-1). Calves fed heat treated colostrum had greater STP in 24, 72h and 23d, IgG concentrations at 24 and 72h plus unheated colostrum. Also weaning weight and average daily gain were greater in calves feed heated colostrum. There were no differences in starter intake and feed efficiency between two groups. Calves fed heat-treated colostrum had lower fecal scores, diarrhea and pneumonia incidence. There were not differences in skeletal growth measurements except body barrel. These results shows that feeding heated colostrum can provide better growth and health in neonatal calves.

While the passive transfer of immunity in horse and donkey foals has been extensively studied, there is limited information for mule foals. Immunoglobulin type G (IgG) and serum total protein concentration (TP) were assessed at different sampling times to evaluate the correlation between serum radial immunodiffusion (SRID) with electrophoresis, refractometry, and dry chemistry analyzer (Biuret), and to estimate serum IgG concentrations using serum TP in mule foals. We analyzed a total of 30 samples collected at birth, and at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h of life from 6 mule foals by SRID, electrophoresis TP, biuret TP, and refractometry TP. The SRID IgG concentration significantly increased from birth until T6 (p < 0.001). Serum TP analyzed with refractometry revealed differences between T0 and T12, T24 and T48 (p < 0.05), while a significant difference was observed with the biuret method between T0 and all the other sampling times (p < 0.001). A strong correlation was found between IgG SRID and biuret TP (r = 0.69, p < 0.001), and a good correlation existed between IgG SRID, refractometry TP, and electrophoresis TP (r = 0.44, p < 0.01 and r = 0.39, p < 0.05, respectively). All methods can be used to estimate the passive transfer of immunity in mule foals. TP refractometry and biuret TP values can be used to determine serum IgG concentrations in the blood of mule foals on their first day of life through the application of a specific equation., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the correlation between IgG Serum Radial Immunodiffusion (SRID), Electrophoresis Gamma Globulins (EGG), Electrophoresis Total Protein (ETP) and the serum total protein (TP) analyzed by refractometry and by a dry chemistry analyzer (Biuret) and to estimate serum IgG concentrations using serum TP. A total of 36 samples collected at four different times (birth, 6, 12, 24 h after birth) from nine Amiata donkey foals were evaluated with SRID, EGG, ETP, serum TP Biuret and refractometry. SRID IgG concentration increased significantly over time until T12. Serum TP analyzed with refractometry, electrophoresis and Biuret showed a statistically significant difference between T0 and T6 vs. T12 and T24. A good or strong correlation was found between different tests performed. Equations to quantify serum IgG were created and can be used for estimating the donkey foals’ serum IgG in the first day of life. Serum TP refractometry showed a high correlation with SRID IgG (0.91) which may be a particularly useful and economic instrument to estimate the transfer of immunity in donkey foals during the first day of life. Further studies evaluating a high number of animals are needed in order to set specific cut-off values.

The aim of this study was to determine the quality of colostrum in Holstein cattle and factors affecting serum total protein and immunoglobulin levels of calves. In the study colostrum samples taken from 334 Holstein cows in the first milking and serum samples collected from 354 calves born to these cows were evaluated using a digital refractometer. The minimum, maximum, mean and standard error values were 14.4%, 40.6% and 27.9±0.2%, respectively, for the colostrum Brix and they were 19.7 mg/ml, 168.1 mg/ml and 95.9±1.4 mg/ml, respectively, for colostrum immunoglobulin. The same values were 3.9 g/dL, 10.9 g/dL and 6.5±0.1 g/dL, respectively, for the serum total protein and 2.2 mg/ml, 37.7 mg/ml and 13.6±0.3 mg/ml, respectively, for immunoglobulin. The share of the colostrum samples below Brix 22% was 8.2% and that of the samples with immunoglobulin levels below 50 mg/ml was 3%. The percentage share of calves with a serum total protein level below 5.5 g/dL was found to be 15%, while the percentage of the immunoglobulin levels below 10 mg/ml was found to be approximately 30%. Birth season, lactation number, birth type and body condition score were found to have significant effects on colostrum quality (P<0.05). The serum total protein and immunoglobulin levels of female calves born in spring-summer to cows in their 4th and successive lactation and consuming at least 3 L colostrum Brix 30% in the first feeding were higher than in the others. Colostrum quality of cows and serum characteristics of calves should be evaluated in dairy farms. This is especially important for farms where calf deaths are more prevalent. Because of varying absorption ability, it may be advisable to give Holstein calves 3 L colostrum including IgG with min. Brix 23% or min. 80 mg/ml in the first feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

&lt;b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Introduction:&lt;/b&gt; Eventration is a fairly rare complication after laparotomy, which consists of postoperative wound dehiscence and protrusion of the viscera outside the abdominal cavity. This complication is associated with a higher mortality rate. The known risk factors for this condition include malnutrition and the coexistence of inflammation or cancer.&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Aim:&lt;/b&gt; The main aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the occurrence of eventration after laparotomy and the patient&apos;s nutritional status with the intensity of inflammatory processes, expressed using selected protein markers.&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Material and method:&lt;/b&gt; The study was based on the analysis of patients treated at our own center from January 2014 to December 2020. It included a group of patients who underwent laparotomy and who experienced eventration, as well as a control group of patients who underwent laparotomy but did not experience eventration after the procedure.&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The analysis showed that a lower serum albumin concentration is associated with a greater risk of eventration in patients who have undergone laparotomy due to acute abdominal disease. The study group and the control group differed significantly in the levels of: Hgb, serum total protein, CRP, lymphocytes, albumin, PCT, NRS.&lt;/br&gt.

Serum total protein refers to the sum of all proteins in the serum, and its content determination is relevant to human health monitoring and disease diagnosis. However, existing detection techniques present a number of limitations; for example, the Kjeldahl method suffers from the negative effects of interfering substances such as non-protein nitrogen (NPN). Although the electrophoresis titration (ET) method has solved interference problems to some extent, the current ET technique relies on optical detection methods, which increases the tediousness of the operation. This study addresses the challenge of accurate serum total protein detection by combining the traditional ET technique with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C 4 D). The research contributions of this work are multifold. First, it presents the first development of an ET-C 4 D detection system, which consists of six components: an ET power module, an ET chip, a C 4 D sensing module, a detection module, a data acquisition card, and software. The developed system can capture the conductivity of substances in the channel using the software developed by our laboratory during ET. The detection system can be used to quantify the total protein content in human serum without the addition of specific labeling reagents or using optical detection equipment, and its running time is approximately 300 s. Second, this research proposes the corresponding principle of the system. Under an electric field, ion migration results in different pH levels before and after the boundary, leading to a protein surface charge difference. The maintenance of the electrical neutrality of the substances in the detection channel is related to the protein surface charge; therefore, the ion concentration distribution of the substances in the detection channel changes as the protein surface charge varies. A plot of conductivity as a function of running time showed an "inverted clock shape", first falling and then rising. Owing to the addition of different types and concentrations of proteins, the microenvironment of the entire system changes, resulting in different changes in conductivity. Third, the performance of the detection system was tested using human serum albumin (HSA) standard protein, which was mixed with polyacrylamide gel (PAG) mother liquor, riboflavin, etc., and irradiated under ultraviolet light for 10 min to form a gel. The ET experiments were then carried out. The shape of the conductivity curve was consistent with the proposed principle, and the higher the HSA concentration, the lower the conductivity curve trough, followed by a lagged time of the trough. Quantitative analysis of the conductivity signals showed that the linear range was 0.25-3.00 g/L, with a linearity of up to 0.98. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.01 g/L, the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 1.90%, and the relative error of the test values was <7.20%, indicating the good detection stability and sensitivity of the system. Clinical samples collected from healthy volunteers were used as target blood samples for serum total protein content measurement using our detection system. Blood samples from a volunteer were used to obtain a standard curve, and the serum samples of other four volunteers were selected for ET-C 4 D and biuret detection. The results showed that the relative errors between the two methods were within 4.43%, indicating the accuracy and reliability of the detection system. The advantages of the ET-C 4 D detection system proposed in this paper are as follows: (i) ET-C 4 D realizes the rapid detection of total serum protein content based on the ET technique; (ii) compared with the traditional protein ET technique, the ET-C 4 D method does not rely on specific labeling components or optical detection equipment, thereby reducing the complexity of the operation; and (iii) the output signal of ET-C 4 D can be used for quantitative analysis with excellent analytical performance and high accuracy. These merits highlight the potential of the developed system for clinical application and biochemical analysis.

Aim: To study the effect of supplementation of different levels of selenium as nanoparticles/sodium selenite on blood biochemical profile and humoral immunity in male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: The experimental research was conducted at Division of Animal Nutrition, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar. 63 male Wistar rats were divided into 9 equal groups on the basis of their mean body weight (BW) (124.3±3.1 g BW) following completely randomized design. Experimental feeding was similar in all the groups except for the source and level of selenium (Se) in the diet. While Group 1 (control) was fed a basal diet with no Se supplementation, in Groups 2 and 3, 150 ppb Se was supplemented either as sodium selenite or Se nanoparticles, respectively. In Groups 4, 5, 6 and 7, Se was supplemented as its nanoparticles at 50%, 25%, 12.5% and 6.25% levels respectively i.e. at 75 ppb, 37.5 ppb, 18.75 ppb and 9.375 ppb levels respectively. In Groups 8 and 9, 300 ppb Se was supplemented either as Se nanoparticles or sodium selenite, respectively. Experimental feeding was conducted for a period of 91 days. At the end of the experimental trial, blood samples were collected to analyze the blood serum biochemical profile (serum glucose, serum total protein (TP), serum albumin, serum globulin, serum albumin: globulin ratio [A:G ratio], serum total cholesterol) and humoral immunity. Results: The levels of serum glucose, serum TP and serum albumin were comparable (p>0.05) among the nine groups of male Wistar rats. The mean serum total cholesterol was significantly (p

Providing a sufficient quantity of high-quality colostrum to male and female calves soon after birth is critical to reduce the risk of disease and mortality. Practical tests have not been validated to determine failed passive transfer of immunity upon arrival at veal facilities. There are many challenges to validation, including the lack of information on the age of the calf and the high prevalence of dehydration. The objective of this study was to validate a semiquantitative IgG antibody test using whole blood and a digital refractometer using serum to determine passive transfer of immunity status. A total of 149 Holstein calves were evaluated upon arrival at a milk-fed veal facility for dehydration status and had blood drawn to evaluate passive transfer of immunity. Serum IgG determined by radial immunodiffusion was used as the gold standard for the validation of the tests, and a cut-off point of <1,000 mg/dL of IgG was used to indicate failed passive transfer of immunity. Serum total protein (STP) was evaluated using a digital refractometer (Misco Palm Abbe no. PA202x, Misco, Solon, OH), and a semiquantitative test (ZAPvet Bovine IgG test, NOWDiagnostics, Toronto, Ontario, Canada) was used on whole blood. A nonparametric receiver operating characteristic curve was generated to compare STP and IgG levels. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values were calculated for STP and the semiquantitative IgG test. A total of 31 calves (21%) had serum IgG <1,000 mg/dL. Twelve percent of calves were showing signs of clinical dehydration when assessed upon arrival. The serum total protein (STP) was very well correlated with the concentration of IgG (R2 = 0.75). The STP cut point to determine passive transfer was ≥5.1 g/dL, yielding a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 90%. The semiquantitative antibody test on whole blood performed poorly, with a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 44%. This study demonstrates that serum total protein is a reliable measure for evaluating passive transfer of immunity and can be used despite a high prevalence of dehydration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood serum proteins are significant indicators of animal health. Nevertheless, several factors should be considered to appropriately interpret their concentrations in blood. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (1) to assess the effect of herd productivity, breed, age and stage of lactation on serum proteins and (2) to investigate association between serum proteins and somatic cell count (SCC) in dairy cattle. Milk and blood samples were collected from 1508 cows of six different breeds (Holstein Friesian, Brown Swiss, Jersey, Simmental, Rendena and Alpine Grey) that were housed in 41 multi-breed herds. Milk samples were analyzed for composition and SCC, while blood samples were analyzed for serum proteins (i.e. total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin-to-globulin ratio (A : G)). Herds were classified as low or high production, according to the cow’s average daily milk energy yield adjusted for breed, days in milk (DIM) and parity. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model that included the fixed effects of DIM, parity, SCS, breed, herd productivity and the random effect of the Herd-test date within productivity level. Cows in high producing herds (characterized also by greater use of concentrates in the diet) had greater serum albumin concentrations. Breed differences were reported for all traits, highlighting a possible genetic mechanism. The specialized breed Jersey and the two dual-purpose local breeds (Alpine Grey and Rendena) had the lowest globulin concentration and greatest A : G. Changes in serum proteins were observed through lactation. Total protein reached the highest concentration during the 4th month of lactation. Blood albumin increased with DIM following a quadratic pattern, while globulin decreased linearly. As a consequence, A : G increased linearly during lactation. Older cows had greater total protein and globulin concentrations, while albumin concentration seemed to be not particularly affected by age. A linear relationship between serum proteins and SCS was observed. High milk SCS was associated with greater total protein and globulin concentrations in blood. The rise in globulin concentration, together with a decrease in albumin concentrations, resulted in a decline in A : G as SCS of milk increased. In conclusion, such non-genetic factors must be considered to appropriately interpret serum proteins as potential animal welfare indicator and their evaluation represents an important first-step for future analysis based on the integration of metabolomics, genetic and genomic information for improving the robustness of dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Inadequate transfer of passive immunity (ITPI) is major risk for mortality, morbidity and decreased growth performance in dairy and beef calves. Refractometry method is used in estimating ITPI in dairy and beef calves but studies evaluating refractometers for Simmental dairy calves are limited. The objectives of this study were determining the accuracy of digital serum total protein refractometer (STP-REF) and digital Brix refractometer (BRIX-REF) in the estimating of different passive immunity status (<10, <18, <25 and <32 g/L) in Simmental dairy calves. Serum samples were collected from apparently healthy Simmental dairy calves aged 1–8 days (n = 291). Serum total solid percentages were measured using BRIX-REF, serum total protein concentrations were measured using STP-REF and serum IgG concentrations were measured using radial immunodiffusion (RID) assay as a reference test. Correlation coefficients were calculated between RID test and refractometers results, and each other. The diagnostic test performance of the refractometers at IgG concentrations of < 10, < 18, < 25 and < 32 g/L was measured by performing a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. The optimal thresholds of the refractometers were determined based on Youden's J statistics and after accounting for different costs between false positive and false negative cases using misclassification cost term analysis. The overall test performance and the agreement of the refractometers were assessed using area under the ROC curve and Cohen's kappa analysis. Optimal thresholds were determined as < 7.9, < 8.3, < 8.7, < 9.4% for the BRIX-REF, and < 4.6, < 5.2, < 5.4, < 5.8 g/dL for the STP-REF in estimating IgG concentrations of < 10, < 18, < 25, < 32 g/L, respectively. Se and Sp of BRIX-REF were 88.8% and 89.1% for < 7.9% Brix, 81.6% and 94.2% for < 8.3% Brix, 77.9% and 97.4% for < 8.7% Brix and 81.7% and 91.2% for < 9.4% Brix, respectively. Se and Sp of STP-REF 92.5% and 88.2% for < 4.6 g/dL; 92.1% and 87.1% for < 5.2 g/dL; 81.7% and 93.6% for < 5.4 g/dL; 79.0% and 94.1% for < 5.8 g/dL, respectively. Both, digital Brix and STP refractometers performed well to estimate the status of passive immunity in dairy Simmental calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the accuracy of the digital Brix and serum total protein (TP) refractometers for estimating different passive immunity status in neonatal foals. In total, 18- to 40-h old purebred Arabian foals (n = 185) were used. Serum TP concentrations, total solid percentages and IgG concentrations were measured with a digital serum TP refractometer, digital Brix refractometer and the gold standard radial immunodiffusion (RID) assay, respectively. Correlation coefficients were calculated between the refractometer and RID assay results. A receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to select the optimal cut-offs for both refractometers. Test performance and agreement were evaluated using diagnostic test characteristics at optimal thresholds and areas under the ROC curve, and by calculating Cohen's kappa coefficient. The sensitivity and specificity of the digital Brix refractometer at optimal cut-offs (≤7.8%, ≤7.9%, ≤8.2%, ≤8.3%, ≤9.0%) were 100 and 69.3%; 100% and 68.5%; 70.5% and 71.0%; 88.3% and 85.5%; 88.1% and 76% to estimate RID-IgG of <400 mg/dL, <800 mg/dL, <1500 mg/dL, <2500 mg/dL and < 3000 mg/dL, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the digital serum TP refractometer at optimal cut-off (≤4.6 g/dL, ≤4.6 g/dL, ≤4.8 g/dL, ≤5.0 g/dL, ≤5.4 g/dL) were 100 and 69.3%; 100% and 72.8%; 90% and 72.8%; 72.9% and 83.9%; 84.4% and 88% to estimate RID-IgG of <400 mg/dL, <800 mg/dL, <1500 mg/dL, <2500 mg/dL and < 3000 mg/dL, respectively. In conclusion, the refractometers showed a good potential as screening tools for the estimation of different IgG concentrations in neonatal foals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastitis in bitch is in general superficially researched and evaluated. Data regarding blood tests during bitch glandular tissue inflammation is scarcely documented, therefore this paper aims to assess blood response in such cases. A total of 74 blood samples were obtained from lactating dams. These included females with Lactatio sine graviditate, with or without overt signs of mammary gland illness and with or without other signs of disease. Routine complete blood count and serum total proteins were evaluated. Complete blood count and total serum protein levels showed great flexibility, thus making it very difficult to establish and describe a clear and common haematological and biochemical pathway during mastitis inflammatory response. Clincians shoulds not relay only on blood tests whenever dealing with such pathology. Complete blood count and total serum protein levels should only be used as complementary tests, alongside other assays such as milk microbiology or cytology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of trials were conducted to evaluate Brix refractometry (Brix %) for the assessment of failure of passive transfer (FPT) in dairy calves compared to: (1) serum IgG (reference standard) when measured by radial immunodiffusion (RID) or a turbidometric immunoassay (TIA), and (2) serum total protein refractometry (STP). For the serum samples tested with TIA, STP, and Brix % ( n  = 310; Holstein calves), the median concentrations were 21.3 g/L IgG, 58 g/L STP, and 9.2%, respectively. For the serum samples tested with RID, STP and Brix % ( n  = 112; Jersey calves), the mean concentrations were 38 g/L IgG, 68 g/L STP, and 10.2%, respectively. For samples tested with only Brix % and STP ( n  = 265; Holstein calves), median STP and Brix % were 50 g/L STP and 8.5%, respectively. Correlations between Brix % and RID, and between Brix % and TIA were equal ( r  = 0.79, respectively). Brix % and STP were positively correlated ( r  = 0.99). Brix % estimated serum IgG concentrations determined by TIA and RID ( r 2  = 0.63, 0.62, respectively). When FPT was defined as serum IgG < 10 g/L, Brix % ≤ 8.5% showed optimal sensitivity (100%) and specificity (89.2%) to predict FPT. At the same IgG cut-point, an STP value of ≤ 52 g/L showed a similar sensitivity (100%) and specificity (80.4%) to predict FPT. Brix refractometry predicted successful transfer of passive immunity in dairy calves, but further evaluation as a diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of FPT is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Failure of transfer of passive immunity ( FTPI) is the underlying predisposing risk factor for most early losses in dairy calves. Refractometers, either optical or digital, can be used to assess FTPI as a part of calf health monitoring program on dairy operations. Objectives To evaluate the performance of and differences between digital Brix and optical refractometers for assessing FTPI in dairy calves. Animals Two hundred Holstein calves from 1 to 11 days of age. Methods A cross-sectional study was designed to measure serum Ig G concentration by radial immunodiffusion ( RID) assay, digital Brix and optical refractometers. The correlation coefficients ( r) between the 2 refractometers were plotted against each other and against the measured Ig G concentration from RID. The Se, Sp, and accuracy of digital Brix and optical refractometers for assessing FTPI using previously recommended cut-offs were calculated. A receiver operating characteristic curve was created and used to identify the optimal cut-off for this dataset. Results The RID Ig G concentration was positively correlated with digital Brix ( r = 0.79) and optical ( r = 0.74) refractometers. The best combination of Se (85.5%), Sp (82.8%), and accuracy (83.5%) of digital Brix refractometer was at 8.3% Brix. For optical refractometer, the best combination of Se (80%), Sp (80.7%), and accuracy (80.5%) was at 5.5 g/dL. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Both refractometers exhibited utility in assessing FTPI in dairy calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To study the effect of supplementation of different levels of selenium as nanoparticles/sodium selenite on blood biochemical profile and humoral immunity in male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: The experimental research was conducted at Division of Animal Nutrition, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar. 63 male Wistar rats were divided into 9 equal groups on the basis of their mean body weight (BW) (124.3±3.1 g BW) following completely randomized design. Experimental feeding was similar in all the groups except for the source and level of selenium (Se) in the diet. While Group 1 (control) was fed a basal diet with no Se supplementation, in Groups 2 and 3, 150 ppb Se was supplemented either as sodium selenite or Se nanoparticles, respectively. In Groups 4, 5, 6 and 7, Se was supplemented as its nanoparticles at 50%, 25%, 12.5% and 6.25% levels respectively i.e. at 75 ppb, 37.5 ppb, 18.75 ppb and 9.375 ppb levels respectively. In Groups 8 and 9, 300 ppb Se was supplemented either as Se nanoparticles or sodium selenite, respectively. Experimental feeding was conducted for a period of 91 days. At the end of the experimental trial, blood samples were collected to analyze the blood serum biochemical profile (serum glucose, serum total protein (TP), serum albumin, serum globulin, serum albumin: globulin ratio [A:G ratio], serum total cholesterol) and humoral immunity. Results: The levels of serum glucose, serum TP and serum albumin were comparable (p>0.05) among the nine groups of male Wistar rats. The mean serum total cholesterol was significantly (p<0.001) lowered in all the Se supplemented Wistar rats compared to the control group. The mean serum globulin level was significantly (p<0.05) higher and A:G ratio was significantly (p<0.05) lowered in Group 3 (supplemented with 150 ppb selenium nanoparticles) followed by Groups 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9 as compared to the control group. The mean serum antibody titer was significantly (p<0.001) higher in all the Se supplemented groups with the highest value in Group 3 (supplemented with 150 ppb selenium nanoparticles) followed by Groups 4, 5, 8 and 9 compared to the control group. Conclusion: Supplementation of selenium nanoparticles at the level of 150 ppb gave the best performance in terms of increased serum globulin level, reduced A:G ratio, and improved humoral immune status in male Wistar rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of digital serum total protein (TP) and digital Brix refractometers in estimating different passive immunity levels (<10, <18, <25 mg/mL) in dairy calves. Blood samples were collected from 260 apparently healthy Holstein calves, aged 2–7 days. Serum IgG concentrations were measured using digital Brix and TP refractometers and the radial immunodiffusion (RID) assay, as the gold standard. Data were analyzed by a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, the area under the ROC curves (AUC) and Cohen's kappa (κ). Optimal thresholds were determined as < 8.4, < 9.0 and < 9.4% for the digital Brix refractometer, and < 5.0, < 5.4 and < 5.8 g/dL for the serum TP refractometer in estimating IgG concentrations of < 10, < 18, < 25 mg/mL, respectively. The sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the Brix refractometer were 96.3% and 88.8% for < 8.4% Brix, 97.0% and 83.4% for < 9.0% Brix, and 85.5% and 77.8% for < 9.4% Brix, respectively. The Se and Sp of the serum TP refractometer were 96.3% and 90.1% for < 5.0 g/dL, 91.0% and 89.6% for < 5.4 g/dL, 79.6% and 85.2% for < 5.8 g/dL, respectively. The discriminant ability of the refractometers was moderately accurate in estimating IgG concentrations of < 10 and < 18 mg/mL, and highly accurate in estimating IgG concentrations of < 25 mg/mL. Both refractometers substantially agreed with RID-IgG results and almost perfectly agreed with each other. In conclusion, the digital Brix and digital serum TP refractometers offer a good utility for determining different passive immunity levels in dairy calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]