Weak calf syndrome (WCS) produces "dummy calves" that are weak and unable to stand or nurse. The causes of WCS are not well understood and often attributed to hypoxic and ischemic injury without confirmation. Recent research in other species has pointed to an alternative mechanism behind neonatal syndromes comparable to WCS. This involves the persistence of progesterone metabolites in the neonatal brain resulting in symptoms consistent with WCS. One specific progesterone metabolite, allopregnanolone, may be a significant contributor to WCS pathogenesis, which this study intended to demonstrate.

Background: This longitudinal study examines the effect of protein intake on markers of HIV disease progression. Methods: In a secondary analysis of data from 267 HIV+ patients on ART over a period of 6 months, we estimated protein intake from 24‐hour recalls and obtained CD4 cell counts and viral load from medical records. Multiple Linear Regressions and Mixed Models were used for over time analyses. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Participants mean age was 49±5 years, 62% were male and 71.3% were African Americans. Mean protein intake was 111±87 g/day (1.8 times the RDA for age and gender), mean CD4 cell count was 516.7±342 cells/μL and viral load 2.5±1.5 log10. Protein intake (g/day) was associated with decreased CD4 cell counts (β=‐0.68, p=0.05) and increased viral loads (β=51.27, p<0.01) over time. This adverse relationship remained significant (β=44.4, p<0.01), after adjusting for age and gender. Conclusion: The results suggest a detrimental relationship of excessive protein consumption with disease progression over time in HIV‐infected patients on ART. Grant Funding Source: NIDA

Background: This longitudinal study examines the relationship between FM%, an indicator for higher caloric intake and markers of disease progression (CD4 cell counts and viral loads). Methods: A secondary analysis was done on data gathered from an observational study on HIV infected patients. FM% was obtained from bio impedance analysis and CD4 cell counts and viral loads were obtained from medical charts. A total of 267 participants were included. Multiple Linear Regressions were used for cross‐sectional analysis and Mixed Models were used for overtime analysis. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Mean age was 49.41±5.61 years, 62.1% were males and 71% were African Americans. The mean baseline CD4 counts were 516.71± 342.39 cells/mm3 and viral loads were 2.5±1.1 log10 copies/μL. FM% was associated with higher CD4 cell counts (β=‐5.39, p=0.019) at baseline and this association strengthened by controlling for age, gender, ART and BMI (β=‐5.72, p=0.013). FM% was also associated with higher CD4 cell counts over six months (β=4.619, p=0.016). Conclusion: Higher FM % measured cross‐sectionally and over time predicted improved markers of HIV disease progression. Grant Funding Source: NIDA