The role of nutrition in providing optimal broiler growth and intestinal health is essential, especially during stress or disease challenge. Feed enzymes are useful for improving performance of poultry, particularly when nutrition, management, or health status is not favorable. The objective of the following experiments was to evaluate the effect of dietary phytic acid (PA) and phytase on the performance and intestinal health of birds that were vaccinated with a live coccidial oocyst vaccine. For each experiment, half of the chicks were spray-vaccinated at day-of-hatch with Coccivac®-B and grown out in floor pens with ad libitum access to diets formulated to meet Cobb nutrient recommendations. In the first experiment, birds were given one of three diets that included different levels of a PA solution to obtain dietary PA levels of 0.74, 0.87, and 1.12% for low, medium, and high PA diets, respectively. In the second experiment, two levels of PA were included to obtain dietary PA levels of 0.75 and 1.05% for low and high PA diets, respectively. In addition, phytase was added over the top to half of the diets at 1000 FTU/kg, resulting in four diets: low PA without phytase, low PA with phytase, high PA without phytase, and high PA with phytase. Live performance parameters including body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, and mortality were measured as well as tibia ash (experiment 2) and indicators of small intestinal health including morphology, apparent ileal amino acid digestibility (IAAD), and pH (experiment 2). The results presented here indicated that giving broilers vaccinated against coccidiosis a medium level of PA was detrimental to feed intake, body weight gain, and it induced necrotic enteritis (P ≤ 0.05). Adding phytase on top of nutritionally adequate diets did not improve performance (P ≥ 0.05), but did improve (P ≤ 0.05) apparent IAAD and morphology of the small intestine, especially in younger birds. In addition, it has been determined that important considerations in diet formulation also can include the phytate: protein as well as calcium: total phosphorus ratios, as these may critically affect how phytate impacts bird health and performance. / Ph. D.

A soluble acid-heat extracted Brucella vaccine: Immunological and physiological studies in guinea pigs, rabbits and calves. 143 p. Dissertation. 1959. -- A soluble-type vaccine was prepared by the acid-heat extraction of Brucella abortus Strain 2 308 and its metabolic by-products in Stuart• s medium. A comparison was made, in guinea pigs, of 2-day-old and 13-day-old cultures for the preparation of the immunogenic agent. Further comparisons were made in guinea pigs and calves of the 13-day-old culture and cell-free 13-day-old culture vaccine. The agent made from the 2-day-old culture produced no significant protection against various challenge levels of virulent Br. abortus Strain 2308. The agent prepared from 13-day-old cultures not only produced significant protection against homologous strain challenge but, produced insignificant serum-agglutination titers at effective dosage levels. The 13-day-old whole and cell-free culture vaccines gave similar results in guinea pigs. In calves the 13-day-old whole-culture vaccine produced higher transient serum-agglutination titers than the 13-day-old cell-free culture vaccine. Protective studies in calves were inconclusive due to inadequate infection in the control animals. The vaccine was shown to be essentially protein in nature and contained two distinct fractions on paper electrophoretic examination. The less mobile fraction apparently contained the agglutinogenic material and the more mobile fraction apparently contained the immunogenic material. Removal of the Brucella cells, prior to acid-heat extraction, decreased the less mobile fraction by more than one-half. The degree of serum agglutinin titer response was apparently contingent on this fraction, which indicated the agglutinogens were an index of metabolic byproducts, but this did not imply that they were an index of protection. Paper electrophoretic serum-protein patterns of 15 male and 15 female rabbits were studied. It was determined that: the serum fraction percentages of normal rabbits showed little variation, with no differences between sex or breed. The various pathologic conditions were indicated first by serum-protein patterns, and later diagnosed by histopathological examination of necropsy material. An additional 14 rabbits with a natural Eimeria stiedae infection were also investigated. The use of paper electrophoresis as an aid in the selection of normal animals for experimental investigation was demonstrated. The 13-day-old whole culture vaccine was employed in rabbits to study serum-agglutinin titer response. The results indicated that the maximum gamma globulin response followed the peak agglutinin response by seven to twenty-one days, this indicated a secondary response the nature of which was not determined. Female rabbits responded to the vaccine with higher initial titers than males and the titer decline was one and one-half times more rapid in the males than. in the females. Sex was shown to be the most significant factor in this finding. Castration and ovario-hysterectomy indicated that the above results could be reversed when an estrogenic hormone was given to the castrates and when testosterone was given to the ovario-hysterectomized animals. Insufficient data was available to elucidate the role of steroid hormones in the serum-agglutinin titer response. / Ph. D.

Mortality and decreased weight gain resulting from infection and disease in dairy calves is a problem within the dairy industry. Colostrum is the sole source of maternal immunity for the calf, having a substantial impact on health and survival. To date, colostrum quality is determined by concentration of antibodies. Colostrum also contains proteins and cells, which may enhance immune development in the neonate. Our goals were to determine the impact of colostral immune cells on (1) immune status during the first month of life and (2) immune development over time. To determine the impact of adoptively transferred colostral immune cells, calves were fed either whole colostrum (WC) or cell-free colostrum (CFC) at birth. During the first month of life, calves fed CFC had decreased numbers of CD4+ T cells when compared to WC-fed calves. However, CFC-fed calves had a greater percentage of monocytes during the first month of life. To determine the influence of colostral immune cells on immune development, cellular blood parameters were measured in response to two series of vaccinations (A and B). After vaccination series A, CFC-fed calves had decreased numbers of B cells when compared to WC-fed calves. After vaccination series B, CFC-fed calves had decreased levels of interleukin-2 gene expression and numbers of CD4+ and gamma delta T cells when compared to WC-fed calves. This study demonstrates that colostral immune cells impact immune status and development in dairy calves. / Master of Science

This dissertation examines the socio-behavioral determinants of vaccination and their impacts on public health, using a systems approach that emphasizes the interface between population health research, policy, and practice. First, we identify the facilitators and barriers of parental attitudes and beliefs toward school-located influenza vaccination in the United States. Next, we examine current vaccine sentiment on social media by constructing and analyzing semantic networks of vaccine information online. Finally, we estimate the health benefits, costs, and cost-effectiveness of influenza vaccination strategies in Seattle using a dynamic agent-based model. The underlying motivation for this research is to better inform public health policy by leveraging the facilitators and addressing potential barriers against vaccination; by understanding vaccine sentiment to improve health science communication; and by assessing potential vaccination strategies that may provide the greatest gains in health for a given cost in health resources. / PHD / Public health decisions are ultimately left to those in policy, however these decisions are often subjective and rarely informed by data. This dissertation comprises three studies that, individually, examine various public health aspects of vaccination, and collectively, aim to help inform decision makers by bridging the gaps that persist between scientific evidence and the implementation of relevant health policy. First, we identify the facilitators and barriers of parental attitudes and beliefs toward school-located influenza vaccination in the United States. Next, we examine current vaccine sentiment on social media by constructing and analyzing semantic networks of vaccine information online. Finally, we estimate the health benefits, costs, and cost-effectiveness of influenza vaccination strategies in Seattle using a dynamic agent-based model. The work presented here demonstrates a systems approach to public health by way of computational modeling and interdisciplinary perspectives that describe vaccination behavior at the intersection of public health research, policy, and practice. The motivation for this research is to better inform public health policy: by leveraging the facilitators and addressing potential barriers against vaccination; by understanding vaccine sentiment to improve health science communication; and by assessing potential vaccination strategies that may provide the greatest gains in health for a given cost in health resources.

No description available.

The effect of dietary copper (Cu) supplementation with Cu-Sulfate (CuSO₄) or Cu-Lysine (CuLy) on Cu status and bovine monocyte function was evaluated through a series of experiments. Initially, two in vitro techniques, immunomagnetic (IM) and culture flask adherence (CF), were compared for isolation of a viable, homogeneous monocyte population. The CF technique for monocyte isolation resulted in both a greater number of cells exhibiting phagocytic activity, as well as, an increased phagocytic capacity compared to monocytes recovered by the IM technique. Culture flask adherence appears to be an efficient technique for isolation of a viable, homogeneous population of bovine monocytes. Copper status and monocyte function were evaluated in beef calves supplemented with Cu over a 2 year study period. Fifty-four weaned calves were allotted to one of three Cu treatment groups in a 150 d feeding trial, Plasma Cu concentration was increased in CuLy-supplemented calves over controls and CuSO₄-supplemented calves on d 42, 84, and 126. Calves supplemented with Cu had increased ceruloplasmin activity on d 84, 126, and 150 as compared to controls. Hepatic Cu measured on d 150 was decreased in controls compared to Cu-supplemented calves. Monocyte cell number and function from CuLy-supplemented calves showed increased phagocytosis on d 84 and 126 and increased oxidative burst on d 42 and 126 compared to controls. Dietary Cu supplementation was repeated using 45 calves in a 120 d study. CuLy-supplemented heifers had increased major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II expression on d 68, 82 and 110 compared to CuSO₄-supplemented and control group heifers. Heifers supplemented with Cu had increased plasma Cu concentrations on d 82 and 110 compared to controls. The effect of vaccination on monocyte function was evaluated in Cu-supplemented beef heifers. Vaccination with B. abortus Strain 19 increased monocyte oxidative burst, phagocytic activity, and MHC class II expression in heifers. Copper supplementation and source of Cu supplement influenced monocyte response to vaccination. Monocyte response appeared to be higher in CuLy-supplemented heifers after vaccination compared to CuSO₄-supplemented and control heifers. / Ph. D.

À l’automne 2010, le Québec a réalisé une campagne de vaccination de masse contre la grippe pandémique A(H1N1) en utilisant presque exclusivement un nouveau vaccin adjuvanté à l’AS03 (Arepanrix, GlaxoSmithKline). Les données de surveillance recueillies durant la campagne de vaccination ont montré que le taux de déclaration d’anaphylaxie, une réaction systémique sévère souvent attribuable à l’allergie, s’est avéré être supérieur à celui historiquement observé avec les vaccins contre la grippe saisonnière (8 contre < 1 cas par million de doses, respectivement). De plus, l’évaluation systématique des déclarations de manifestations cliniques inhabituelles (MCI) d’allure allergique a démontré que l’anaphylaxie avait été sous-diagnostiquée parmi les cas déclarés. Plus du deux tiers des MCI d’allure allergique observées durant la campagne de vaccination contre la grippe pandémique sont survenues chez des femmes. En tenant compte du nombre de doses administrées, les femmes avaient un risque deux fois plus élevé que les hommes. De plus, ce risque était plus important durant les années de vie reproductive, soit entre l’âge de 20 et 49 ans. Notre étude cas-témoin appariée a identifié certains facteurs de risque dont l’histoire personnelle et familiale d’allergie, la présence d’une infection respiratoire et la prise de médicaments pour l’asthme dans les jours précédant la vaccination, le statut de travailleur de la santé, et une vaccination dans les 4 premières semaines de campagne. Toutefois, aucun de ces facteurs n’expliquait une grande partie des anaphylaxies ou des MCI d’allure allergique. La présence d’une allergie aux œufs ou au poisson, deux composantes potentiellement allergènes du vaccin, ne s’est pas avéré être un facteur de risque significatif de MCI d’allure allergique. Nous avons aussi réalisé une étude clinique en allergie auprès d’une centaine de cas déclarés durant la campagne de vaccination contre la grippe pandémique qui a montré que peu de ces événements pouvaient être attribuables à une allergie IgE-dépendante au vaccin ou à ses composantes. Cette recherche a mis en évidence le risque plus élevé d’anaphylaxie et de MCI d’allure allergique chez les femmes en âge reproducteur mais n’a pas réussi à identifier d’autres facteurs de risque majeurs. Elle a toutefois démontré que le mécanisme habituellement évoqué pour les expliquer soit la présence d’IgE ciblant une des composantes du vaccin semble jouer un rôle très mineur.

Thesis (M.S.)--Boston University / PLEASE NOTE: Boston University Libraries did not receive an Authorization To Manage form for this thesis or dissertation. It is therefore not openly accessible, though it may be available by request. If you are the author or principal advisor of this work and would like to request open access for it, please contact us at open-help@bu.edu. Thank you. / 2999-01-01

Aeromonas salmonicida ssp. salmonicida est l'agent étiologique de la furonculose chez les salmonidés, spécialement les poissons d'élevage. Les pertes économiques pour l'aquaculture au Québec liées à cette maladie sont considérables. En raison des traitements par antibiotiques, on observe une émergence de souches d'A. salmonicida ssp. salmonicida résistantes aux antibiotiques. C'est pourquoi différentes alternatives, dont la vaccination, sont étudiées afin de prévenir la furonculose. Généralement, les vaccins utilisés injectent des bactéries mortes. En revanche cette méthode peut être laborieuse et inefficace. Ce projet s'intéresse au développement de souches vivantes atténuées qui pourraient être utilisées comme vaccin dans les piscicultures. Des études antérieures ont démontré que la virulence de la bactérie pouvait être atténuée lorsqu'exposée à un stress. Cela est expliqué par la perte des gènes du système de sécrétion de type trois (SSTT), qui ont un rôle essentiel dans la virulence de la bactérie. Cependant, le mécanisme reste encore inconnu et conséquemment, ce projet avait comme principal objectif d'identifier et caractériser les différents éléments génomiques pouvant contribuer à l'instabilité du SSTT. Tout d'abord, plusieurs souches d'A. salmonicida ssp. salmonicida ont été cultivées à 25 °C, ce qui est supérieur à leur température optimale de 18 °C. Les résultats ont révélé que certaines souches pouvaient perdre leur SSTT, mais que d'autres étaient réfractaires à la délétion des gènes malgré leur exposition à un stress. Une analyse génomique de ces différentes souches a permis d'identifier la présence d'un regroupement de gènes qui semble jouer un rôle dans l'instabilité du SSTT. Ces gènes sont retrouvés en majorité chez les souches sensibles et ils sont absents pour les souches réfractaires. Ce regroupement de gènes sera étudié en vue de créer des souches atténuées à partir de souches réfractaires. Ces souches seront ensuite testées sur les poissons pour déterminer l'efficacité de cette approche vaccinale contre la furonculose. / Aeromonas salmonicida ssp. salmonicida is the causative agent of furunculosis in salmonids, especially in farmed fish. The economic losses for aquaculture in Quebec related to this disease are considerable. As a result of antibiotic treatments, there is the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of Aeromonas salmonicida ssp. salmonicida. This is why different alternatives, including vaccination, are being studied to prevent furunculosis. Historically, the vaccines used are composed of dead bacteria. However, this method can be laborious and inefficient. This project is interested in the development of live attenuated strains that could be used as a vaccine in fish farms. Previous studies have shown that the virulence of the bacteria can be reduced when exposed to stress. This is explained by the loss of the genes of the type three secretion system (TTSS), which is essential in the virulence of the bacteria. However, the mechanism is still not fully understood and consequently the main objective of this project was to identify and characterize the different genomic elements that can contribute to the instability of TTSS. First, several strains of A. salmonicida ssp. salmonicida were grown at 25 °C, which is above their optimum temperature of 18 °C. The results revealed that some strains could lose their TTSS, but others were resistant to gene deletion despite their exposure to stress. Genomic analysis of these different strains identified the presence of a cluster of genes that appears to play a role in the instability of TTSS. These genes are found mostly in sensitive strains and they are absent in refractory strains. This cluster of genes will be studied to create attenuated strains from refractory strains. These strains will then be tested on fish to determine the effectiveness of these strains as a vaccine approach against furunculosis.

Background: In child health care immunization is a common task for the child health nurse. Often children are unprepared, afraid and preoccupied with pain in the vaccination situation. Most children experience the presence of the parents as important during the procedure. Parents who prepare their child reduce the child's stress during the vaccination situation. An interaction occurs between the child health nurse and the child where participation is a prerequisite for the experience to be a positive outcome. Aim: The aim of the study was to describe the child health nurses' experiences of vaccinating children aged 0-6 years.Method: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were performed with twelve child health nurses. Data was analyzed using a content analysis focusing in manifest content. Results: Child health nurses' experiences of vaccinating commuted between the sense of power and confident. The crucial experience was the support and cooperation that the child health nurses experienced with the parents. It emerged a theme: Participation, three main categories: Sense of power, sense of confidence and cooperation with parents and six subcategories: Abuse, powerlessness, experiences, strategies, common goals and approaches and different goals and approaches. Conclusion: The result indicates that the parents have a dominant role in the vaccination situations with the ability to affect the health nurse's experience. Child health nurse, child and parents must cooperate to vaccinations to be carried out and be perceived in a positive way