Effects of overconditioning on pancreatic insulin secretory capacity, fat infiltration, and the number and size of islets in dairy cows at the end of the dry period.

In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that overconditioning in dairy cows at the end of the dry period leads to infiltration of fat and alterations of the insulin secretory capacity of the pancreas. Pregnant Holstein Friesian dairy cows were selected based on body condition score (BCS) at the start of the dry period. Body condition score varied between cows to have optimal conditioned (2.

Insulin response of the glucose and fatty acid metabolism in dry dairy cows across a range of body condition scores.

The objective of the present research was to determine the insulin response of the glucose and fatty acid metabolism in dry dairy cows with a variable body condition score (BCS). Ten pregnant Holstein Friesian dairy cows (upcoming parity 2 to 5) were selected based on BCS at the beginning of the study (2mo before expected parturition date). During the study, animals were monitored weekly for BCS and backfat thickness and in the last 2wk, blood samples were taken for determination of serum nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentration.

Environmental factors and dam characteristics associated with insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in newborn Holstein calves.

The objective of the present retrospective cohort study was to evaluate potential associations between environmental factors and dam characteristics, including level of milk production during gestation, and insulin traits in newborn Holstein calves. Birth weight and gestational age of the calves at delivery were determined. On the next day, heart girth, wither height and diagonal length of both the calves and their dams were measured.

A web- and case-based learning program for postgraduate students in occupational medicine.

Many Belgian postgraduate students in occupational medicine already work in the field although they have had little training or experience. To direct their learning in line with professional needs, an interactive web-based program was developed and evaluated. On-line multiple-choice questions and real-life cases were used as an add-on to the master course in occupational medicine.

Cellular immunity in adolescents and adults following acellular pertussis vaccine administration.

Cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses to an acellular pertussis vaccine administered to 49 subjects, a subset of participants in the National Institutes of Health-funded adult acellular pertussis vaccine efficacy trial, were evaluated and compared with antibody responses to vaccine antigens. Levels of proliferation of and cytokine secretion from lymphocytes cultured in the presence of pertussis toxin, filamentous hemagglutinin, or pertactin were measured before vaccination and 1 month and 1 year after vaccination. Statistically significant increases in lymphocyte stimulation indices and cytokine secretion were noted at both 1 month and 1 year after vaccination.