Tripled yield in direct-drive laser fusion through statistical modelling.

Focusing laser light onto a very small target can produce the conditions for laboratory-scale nuclear fusion of hydrogen isotopes. The lack of accurate predictive models, which are essential for the design of high-performance laser-fusion experiments, is a major obstacle to achieving thermonuclear ignition. Here we report a statistical approach that was used to design and quantitatively predict the results of implosions of solid deuterium-tritium targets carried out with the 30-kilojoule OMEGA laser system, leading to tripling of the fusion yield to its highest value so far for direct-drive laser fusion. When scaled to the laser energies of the National Ignition Facility (1.9 megajoules), these targets are predicted to produce a fusion energy output of about 500 kilojoules-several times larger than the fusion yields currently achieved at that facility. This approach could guide the exploration of the vast parameter space of thermonuclear ignition conditions and enhance our understanding of laser-fusion physics.

Effects of dietary copper and zinc hydroxychloride supplementation on bone development, skin quality and hematological parameters of broilers chickens.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of supplementation with different levels of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), using two mineral sources (sulphate and hydroxy forms), on the bone characteristics, skin strength/elasticity, and haematological parameters of broilers. A total of 1792 1-day-old male Cobb-500 broiler chickens were randomly distributed among eight dietary treatments, using Cu sulphate (CSM) or hydroxychloride (CHC), and Zn sulphate (ZSM) or hydroxychloride (ZHC). The dietary treatments were as follows: (1) low-CSM/high-ZSM, (2) high-CSM/high-ZSM, (3) low-CHC/low-ZHC, (4) low-CHC/medium-ZHC, (5) low-CHC/high-ZHC, (6) high-CHC/low-ZHC, (7) high-CHC/medium-ZHC, and (8) high-CHC/high-ZHC. On Day 42, blood samples were collected from one bird/pen to analyze the haematological parameters. Finally, two birds/pen were slaughtered, and the tibia and femur were collected to analyze the quality of bone and skin. The means were subjected to ANOVA and, when significant, compared by Tukey's test (p < 0.05) or Dunnett's (p < 0.05) test. The haematological parameters were not influenced by mineral supplementation. However, the inclusion of low ZHC enhanced the skin strength compared to high ZHC (p = 0.046). Furthermore, the bone mineral density of the tibia proximal epiphysis, tibia ash and tibia mineral content were positively improved with supplementation of low-CHC/medium-ZHC compared to high-CHC/medium-ZHC. This study demonstrated that hydroxy compounds are potential alternatives for replacing sulphate supplements in broiler diets. Moreover, among the Cu and Zn levels, the low CHC (15 mg/kg) and medium ZHC (100 mg/kg) improved bone development and skin integrity, suggesting that the combination of Cu and Zn can be a nutritional strategy to prevent the incidence of leg disorders in broilers.

Experimentally Inferred Fusion Yield Dependencies of OMEGA Inertial Confinement Fusion Implosions.

Statistical modeling of experimental and simulation databases has enabled the development of an accurate predictive capability for deuterium-tritium layered cryogenic implosions at the OMEGA laser [V. Gopalaswamy et al.,Nature 565, 581 (2019)10.1038/s41586-019-0877-0]. In this letter, a physics-based statistical mapping framework is described and used to uncover the dependencies of the fusion yield. This model is used to identify and quantify the degradation mechanisms of the fusion yield in direct-drive implosions on OMEGA. The yield is found to be reduced by the ratio of laser beam to target radius, the asymmetry in inferred ion temperatures from the ℓ=1 mode, the time span over which tritium fuel has decayed, and parameters related to the implosion hydrodynamic stability. When adjusted for tritium decay and ℓ=1 mode, the highest yield in OMEGA cryogenic implosions is predicted to exceed 2×10^{14} fusion reactions.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Licochalcone A via Regulation of ORAI1 and K+ Channels in T-Lymphocytes.

Calcium signaling plays a vital role in the regulation of various cellular processes, including activation, proliferation, and differentiation of T-lymphocytes, which is mediated by ORAI1 and potassium (K+) channels. These channels have also been identified as highly attractive therapeutic targets for immune-related diseases. Licochalcone A is a licorice-derived chalconoid known for its multifaceted beneficial effects in pharmacological treatments, including its anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumorigenic properties. However, its anti-inflammatory effects involving ion channels in lymphocytes remain unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate whether licochalcone A inhibits ORAI1 and K+ channels in T-lymphocytes. Our results indicated that licochalcone A suppressed all three channels (ORAI1, Kv1.3, and KCa3.1) in a concentration-dependent matter, with IC50 values of 2.97 ± 1.217 µM, 0.83 ± 1.222 µM, and 11.21 ± 1.07 µM, respectively. Of note, licochalcone A exerted its suppressive effects on the IL-2 secretion and proliferation in CD3 and CD28 antibody-induced T-cells. These results indicate that the use of licochalcone A may provide an effective treatment strategy for inflammation-related immune diseases.

PIN1 is a new therapeutic target of craniosynostosis.

Gain-of-function mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) cause congenital skeletal anomalies, including craniosynostosis (CS), which is characterized by the premature closure of craniofacial sutures. Apert syndrome (AS) is one of the severest forms of CS, and the only treatment is surgical expansion of prematurely fused sutures in infants. Previously, we demonstrated that the prolyl isomerase peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase interacting 1 (PIN1) plays a critical role in mediating FGFR signaling and that Pin1+/- mice exhibit delayed closure of cranial sutures. In this study, using both genetic and pharmacological approaches, we tested whether PIN1 modulation could be used as a therapeutic regimen against AS. In the genetic approach, we crossbred Fgfr2S252W/+, a mouse model of AS, and Pin1+/- mice. Downregulation of Pin1 gene dosage attenuated premature cranial suture closure and other phenotypes of AS in Fgfr2S252W/+ mutant mice. In the pharmacological approach, we intraperitoneally administered juglone, a PIN1 enzyme inhibitor, to pregnant Fgfr2S252W/+ mutant mice and found that this treatment successfully interrupted fetal development of AS phenotypes. Primary cultured osteoblasts from Fgfr2S252W/+ mutant mice expressed high levels of FGFR2 downstream target genes, but this phenotype was attenuated by PIN1 inhibition. Post-translational stabilization and activation of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) in Fgfr2S252W/+ osteoblasts were also attenuated by PIN1 inhibition. Based on these observations, we conclude that PIN1 enzyme activity is important for FGFR2-induced RUNX2 activation and craniofacial suture morphogenesis. Moreover, these findings highlight that juglone or other PIN1 inhibitors represent viable alternatives to surgical intervention for treatment of CS and other hyperostotic diseases.

Standardizing the classification of skin tears: validity and reliability testing of the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel Classification System in 44 countries.

BACKGROUND: Skin tears are acute wounds that are frequently misdiagnosed and under-reported. A standardized and globally adopted skin tear classification system with supporting evidence for diagnostic validity and reliability is required to allow assessment and reporting in a consistent way. OBJECTIVES: To measure the validity and reliability of the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP) Classification System internationally. METHODS: A multicountry study was set up to validate the content of the ISTAP Classification System through expert consultation in a two-round Delphi procedure involving 17 experts from 11 countries. An online survey including 24 skin tear photographs was conducted in a convenience sample of 1601 healthcare professionals from 44 countries to measure diagnostic accuracy, agreement, inter-rater reliability and intrarater reliability of the instrument. RESULTS: A definition for the concept of a 'skin flap' in the area of skin tears was developed and added to the initial ISTAP Classification System consisting of three skin tear types. The overall agreement with the reference standard was 0·79 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·79-0·80] and sensitivity ranged from 0·74 (95% CI 0·73-0·75) to 0·88 (95% CI 0·87-0·88). The inter-rater reliability was 0·57 (95% CI 0·57-0·57). The Cohen's Kappa measuring intrarater reliability was 0·74 (95% CI 0·73-0·75). CONCLUSIONS: The ISTAP Classification System is supported by evidence for validity and reliability. The ISTAP Classification System should be used for systematic assessment and reporting of skin tears in clinical practice and research globally. What's already known about this topic? Skin tears are common acute wounds that are misdiagnosed and under-reported too often. A skin tear classification system is needed to standardize documentation and description for clinical practice, audit and research. What does this study add? The International Skin Tear Advisory Panel Classification System was psychometrically tested in 1601 healthcare professionals from 44 countries. Diagnostic accuracy was high when differentiating between type 1, 2 and 3 skin tears using a set of validated photographs.

2D shear wave liver elastography by Aixplorer to detect portal hypertension in cirrhosis: An individual patient data meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Liver stiffness measured with 2-dimensional shear wave elastography by Supersonic Imagine (2DSWE-SSI) is well-established for fibrosis diagnostics, but non-conclusive for portal hypertension. METHODS: We performed an individual patient data meta-analysis of 2DSWE-SSI to identify clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH), severe portal hypertension and large varices in cirrhosis patients, using hepatic venous pressure gradient and upper endoscopy as reference. We used meta-analytical integration of diagnostic accuracies with optimized rule-out (sensitivity-90%) and rule-in (specificity-90%) cut-offs. RESULTS: Five studies from seven centres shared data on 519 patients. After exclusion, we included 328 patients. Eighty-nine (27%) were compensated and 286 (87%) had CSPH. 2DSWE-SSI < 14 kPa ruled out CSPH with a summary AUROC (sROC), sensitivity and specificity of 0.88, 91% and 37%, and correctly classified 85% of patients, with minimal between-study heterogeneity. The false negative rate was 60%, of which decompensated patients accounted for 78%. 2DSWE-SSI ≥ 32 kPa ruled in CSPH with sROC, sensitivity, specificity and correct classifications of 0.83, 47%, 89% and 55%. In a subgroup analysis, the 14 kPa cut-off showed consistent sensitivity and higher specificity for patients with compensated cirrhosis, without ascites, viral aetiology or BMI < 25 kg/m2 . 2DSWE-SSI ruled out severe portal hypertension and large varices with fewer correctly classified and lower sROC, and with minimal benefit for ruling in. CONCLUSION: Liver stiffness using 2-dimensional shear wave elastography below 14 kPa may be used to rule out clinically significant portal hypertension in cirrhosis patients, but this would need validation in populations of compensated liver disease. 2DSWE-SSI cannot predict varices needing treatment.

The effects of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity after pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with pancreatic head cancer.

BACKGROUND: Recently, several studies have reported that sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity (SO) could worsen postoperative complications after PD. This study aims to evaluate the effects of preoperative sarcopenia and SO following PD in pancreatic head cancer (PHD). METHODS: Preoperative sarcopenia and SO were assessed in 548 patients undergoing PD for PHC at Samsung Medical Centre between 2007 and 2016. The visceral adipose tissue-to-skeletal muscle ratio was calculated from cross-sectional visceral fat and muscle areas on preoperative CT images. The overall survival (OS) and rate of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) among postoperative complications were extracted from prospectively maintained databases. RESULTS: Preoperative sarcopenia was present in 252 patients (45.9%). The 5-year survival rates of patients with non-sarcopenia and sarcopenia were 28.4% and 23.4% (p = 0.046). Preoperative SO was present in 202 patients (36.9%). After multivariable analysis, the presence of SO was the only independent risk factor for CR-POPF (p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia can be a risk factor affecting decreased OS after PD in patients with PHC. SO is the only predictive factor for CR-POPF after PD in patients with PHC. More observational studies are needed to evaluate the effects of sarcopenia and SO on survival after PD.

Towards an international language for incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD): design and evaluation of psychometric properties of the Ghent Global IAD Categorization Tool (GLOBIAD) in 30 countries.

BACKGROUND: Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a specific type of irritant contact dermatitis with different severity levels. An internationally accepted instrument to assess the severity of IAD in adults, with established diagnostic accuracy, agreement and reliability, is needed to support clinical practice and research. OBJECTIVES: To design the Ghent Global IAD Categorization Tool (GLOBIAD) and evaluate its psychometric properties. METHODS: The design was based on expert consultation using a three-round Delphi procedure with 34 experts from 13 countries. The instrument was tested using IAD photographs, which reflected different severity levels, in a sample of 823 healthcare professionals from 30 countries. Measures for diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity), agreement, interrater reliability (multirater Fleiss kappa) and intrarater reliability (Cohen's kappa) were assessed. RESULTS: The GLOBIAD consists of two categories based on the presence of persistent redness (category 1) and skin loss (category 2), both of which are subdivided based on the presence of clinical signs of infection. The agreement for differentiating between category 1 and category 2 was 0·86 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·86-0·87], with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 84%. The overall agreement was 0·55 (95% CI 0·55-0·56). The Fleiss kappa for differentiating between category 1 and category 2 was 0·65 (95% CI 0·65-0·65). The overall Fleiss kappa was 0·41 (95% CI 0·41-0·41). The Cohen's kappa for differentiating between category 1 and category 2 was 0·76 (95% CI 0·75-0·77). The overall Cohen's kappa was 0·61 (95% CI 0·59-0·62). CONCLUSIONS: The development of the GLOBIAD is a major step towards a better systematic assessment of IAD in clinical practice and research worldwide. However, further validation is needed.

Electron Shock Ignition of Inertial Fusion Targets.

It is shown that inertial confinement fusion targets designed with low implosion velocities can be shock-ignited using laser-plasma interaction generated hot electrons (hot-e's) to obtain high energy gains. These designs are robust to multimode asymmetries and are predicted to ignite even for significantly distorted implosions. Electron shock ignition requires tens of kilojoules of hot-e's which can be produced only at a large laser facility like the National Ignition Facility, with the laser-to-hot-e conversion efficiency greater than 10% at laser intensities ∼10^{16} W/cm^{2}.

Navigation programs, are they helpful for perioperative care with thyroid cancer patients?

The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a navigation program for patients with thyroid cancer. The navigation program was developed following an analysis of the unmet needs of patients who underwent surgery for thyroid cancer. Ninety-nine patients in the control group received usual care, and 95 in the navigation group were managed with a navigation program during the perioperative period. The effectiveness of the navigation program was assessed by administering a questionnaire to both groups. Overall satisfaction scores were significantly higher in the navigation than in the control group (p = .025), as were satisfaction scores on the continuity of information (p < .001), the continuity of management (p = .002), the continuity of relationships with healthcare providers (p<.001), and patient empowerment (p < .001). The newly developed navigation program for patients with thyroid cancer was effective in raising satisfaction levels and in actively managing the disease during the perioperative period.

Patients' and clinicians' experiences of wound care in Canada: a descriptive qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to explore patients' and clinicians' perceptions and experiences with the provision of standard care by a home care nurse alone or by a multidisciplinary wound care team. METHOD: The interviews were conducted using an in-depth semi structured format; following a funnel idea of starting out broad and narrowing down, ensuring that all the necessary topics were covered by the end of the interview. RESULTS: A purposive sample of 16 patients with different wound types were interviewed to ensure that the data would reflect the range and diversity of treatment and care experience. To reflect the diversity of experiences 12 clinicians from various clinical backgrounds were interviewed. Based on the analysis of the interviews, there are four overarching themes: wound care expertise is required across health-care sectors, psychosocial needs of patients with chronic wounds are key barriers to treatment concordance, structured training, and a well-coordinated multidisciplinary team approach. CONCLUSION: Results of this qualitative study identified different barriers and facilitators that affect the experiences of community-based wound care.

Factors associated with rhinostomy shape after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors associated with rhinostomy shape after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study. SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and two cases in 70 patients were included in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: All cases were classified into three groups according to the healed appearance of the rhinostomy: flat, ladle and ice scoop type. The flat shape was characterised by an opening with a flat surrounding and no clear border between the lacrimal sac and the nasal mucosa. The ladle shape had a depressed base without markings of a lacrimal sac. The ice scoop shape had a depressed base with a clear border between the lacrimal sac and the nasal mucosa. Anatomic success was defined as patency with syringing and endoscopic evidence of ostial patency. Functional success was defined as visualisation of fluorescein dye at the ostium and relief from epiphora. Clinical information and intra- and postoperative endoscopic video findings were compared between the three groups. RESULTS: Of the 102 cases, 19 flat, 37 ladle and 46 ice scoop type rhinostomies were observed during the follow-up examinations. Among the variables studied, patient demographics and rhinostomy size and location did not differ between the three groups. However, intraoperative lacrimal sac findings (sac size, wall thickness and mobility), postoperative ostial shrinkage and rhinostomy movement were associated with postoperative rhinostomy shape (all P < 0.05). With regard to surgical outcomes, there were no differences in anatomical patency between the three groups. However, the flat group had a worse functional success rate (73.7%) than the ladle (91.9%) and ice scoop (97.8%) groups (P = 0.008). A higher degree of ostial shrinkage and poor rhinostomy movement was observed with the flat shape appearance, which had a small, thick and poorly mobile lacrimal sac. CONCLUSIONS: Lacrimal sac characteristics play a prominent role in determining rhinostomy shape after endoscopic DCR. The rhinostomy shape, along with the degree of ostial shrinkage and rhinostomy movement, is predictive of functional success after endoscopic DCR.

Effect of low levels of dietary available phosphorus on phosphorus utilization, bone mineralization, phosphorus transporter mRNA expression and performance in growing pigs.

A study was conducted to examine the effects of different dietary levels of available phosphorus (aP) on P excretion, bone mineralization, performance and the mRNA expression of sodium-dependent P transporters in growing pigs. Sixty-day old growing pigs (n = 54) with an average initial BW of 19.50 ± 1.11 kg were randomly allocated to a control diet (C) containing 0.23% available phosphorus (aP), T1 containing 0.17% aP and T2 containing 0.11% aP. There were 6 pens per treatment with 3 pigs per pen. Body weight and feed intake were measured weekly. At the end of each week, one pig from each pen was housed in a metabolic crate for 24 h to collect fecal and urine samples and then sacrificed to obtain third metacarpal (MC3) bones and jejunal and kidney samples. Bones were scanned by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). Fecal and urine samples were sub-sampled and analyzed for P content. The expression of P transporter mRNA in jejunum and kidney samples was measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Data were analyzed using GLM procedure of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS Institute version 9.2). Pigs fed the T2 diet had reduced (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and gain to feed (G:F) compared to those fed the C diet during week 2. Overall, ADG and G:F were also reduced (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the T2 diet compared to those fed the C and T1 diets. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were reduced (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the T2 diet compared to those fed the C diet throughout the experiment. At week 1, jejunal mRNA expression of Na (+)-dependent phosphate transporter 2 (SLC34A2) was increased (P < 0.01) in pigs fed the T2 diet compared to C diet. Renal mRNA expression of Na(+)-dependent phosphate transporter 1 (SLC34A1) and SLC34A3 were increased (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the T2 diet compared to those fed the C diet at week 2 and was accompanied by lower (P < 0.05) urinary P in pigs fed the T2 diet during week 2 and week 3. In conclusion, growing pigs are highly sensitive to low dietary P as shown by reduced ADG, bone mineralization and urinary P level, but moderate reduction in dietary P up to 0.17% aP in the diet has the potential to reduce environmental pollution by reducing P concentration in swine manure and without compromising performance.

Clinical outcomes with pemetrexed-based systemic therapies in RET-rearranged lung cancers.

BACKGROUND: RET rearrangements are targetable, oncogenic lung cancer drivers. While previous series have shown durable clinical benefit with pemetrexed-based therapies in ALK- and ROS1-rearranged lung cancers, the benefits of pemetrexed-based treatments in patients with RET-rearranged lung cancers relative to other genomic subsets have not previously been explored. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with pathologically confirmed stage IIIB/IV lung adenocarcinomas and evidence of a RET, ROS1, or ALK rearrangement, or a KRAS mutation was conducted. Patients were eligible if they received treatment with pemetrexed alone or in combination. The primary outcome of progression-free survival (PFS), and secondary outcomes of overall response rate (ORR, RECIST v1.1), time to progression (TTP), and time to treatment discontinuation were compared between RET-rearranged and groups of ROS1-rearranged, ALK-rearranged, and KRAS-mutant lung cancers. RESULTS: We evaluated 104 patients. Patients with RET-rearranged lung cancers (n = 18) had a median PFS of 19 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 12-not reached (NR)] that was comparable with patients with ROS1- (23 months, 95% CI 14-NR, n = 10) and ALK-rearranged (19 months, 95% CI 15-36, n = 36) lung cancers, and significantly improved compared with patients with KRAS-mutant lung cancers (6 months, 95% CI 5-9, P < 0.001, n = 40). ORR (45%), median TTP (20 months, 95% CI 17-NR), and median time to treatment discontinuation (21 months, 95% CI 6-NR) in patients with RET-rearranged lung cancers were not significantly different compared with patients with ALK- and ROS1-rearranged lung cancers, and improved compared with patients with KRAS-mutant lung cancers. CONCLUSION: Durable benefits with pemetrexed-based therapies in RET-rearranged lung cancers are comparable with ALK- and ROS1-rearranged lung cancers. When selecting therapies for patients with RET-rearranged lung cancers, pemetrexed-containing regimens should be considered.

Supplementation of nitrocompounds in broiler diets: Effects on bird performance, ammonia volatilization and nitrogen retention in broiler manure.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary nitrocompounds on bird performance, ammonia volatilization, and changes in manure nitrogen (N). A total of 200 one-day-old male chicks (Cobb 500) were used for this study. The chicks were raised in electrically heated battery brooders for 18 days. On day 1, birds were allocated into five treatment groups with four replicated pens: (T1) control, a corn and soybean meal diet (3,100 kcal kg-1 metabolizable energy (ME) and 21% Crude Protein (CP)); (T2) 16.7 mg kg-1 nitroethanol (NEL); (T3) 33.3 mg kg-1 NEL; (T4) 16.7 mg kg-1 nitropropanol (NPL); and (T5) 33.3 mg kg-1 NPL. The body weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency were measured on days 7, 14 and 18. Volatized ammonia (VA) and other N forms were measured at collection and following 2 weeks of incubation at 30°C. Broiler growth was not adversely affected by the nitrocompounds at concentrations up to 33.3 mg kg-1. The results show that initial manure pH was reduced by adding nitroethanol (NEL) and nitropropanol (NPL) to the diet by 0.2 and 0.5 pH units, respectively. Total VA after 2 weeks was unaffected by dietary treatment. The amounts of uric acid decomposed and ammonia produced were closely balanced in the control sample. However, this balance was significantly different among the manures produced by birds receiving nitrocompound treatments. The inclusion of NEL and NPL resulted in the presence of measurable amounts of Xanthine not found in the control group. This study indicates that supplementation of nitroethanol or nitropropanol into broiler diets up to 33.3 mg kg-1 influences uric acid degradation and ammonia production in broiler manure while maintaining optimal growth performance.

Reduction of nitrogen excretion and emission in poultry: A review for organic poultry.

Organic poultry is an alternative to conventional poultry which is rapidly developing as a response to customers' demand for better food and a cleaner environment. Although organic poultry manure can partially be utilized by organic horticultural producers, litter accumulation as well as excessive nitrogen still remains a challenge to maintain environment pureness, animal, and human health. Compared to conventional poultry, diet formulation without nitrogen overloading in organic poultry is even more complicated due to specific standards and regulations which limit the application of some supplements and imposes specific criteria to the ingredients in use. This is especially valid for methionine provision which supplementation as a crystalline form is only temporarily allowed. This review is focused on the utilization of various protein sources in the preparation of a diet composed of 100% organic ingredients which meet the avian physiology need for methionine, while avoiding protein overload. The potential to use unconventional protein sources such as invertebrates and microbial proteins to achieve optimal amino acid provision is also discussed.

Alpha Heating and Burning Plasmas in Inertial Confinement Fusion.

Estimating the level of alpha heating and determining the onset of the burning plasma regime is essential to finding the path towards thermonuclear ignition. In a burning plasma, the alpha heating exceeds the external input energy to the plasma. Using a simple model of the implosion, it is shown that a general relation can be derived, connecting the burning plasma regime to the yield enhancement due to alpha heating and to experimentally measurable parameters such as the Lawson ignition parameter. A general alpha-heating curve is found, independent of the target and suitable to assess the performance of all laser fusion experiments whether direct or indirect drive. The onset of the burning plasma regime inside the hot spot of current implosions on the National Ignition Facility requires a fusion yield of about 50 kJ.

Graded levels of Eimeria infection linearly reduced the growth performance, altered the intestinal health, and delayed the onset of egg production of Hy-Line W-36 laying hens when infected at the prelay stage.

The aim of this experiment was to investigate how different levels of Eimeria infection affect the performance, intestinal health, oxidative status, and egg production of Hy-Line W-36 pullets and laying hens. Three hundred and sixty Hy-Line W-36 pullets, aged 15 wk, were randomly distributed into 5 treatment groups, each comprising 6 replicates and a nonchallenged control. At 15 wk, pullets were inoculated with different levels of mixed Eimeria species as high-dose, medium-high, medium-low, and low-dose treatments. The growth performance and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were measured from 0- to 18-days postinoculation (DPI), whereas hen day egg production (HDEP) was recorded from wk 19. The markers of gastrointestinal health and oxidative status were measured at 6 DPI, 14 DPI, and 23 wk of age. The findings revealed a significant linear reduction in growth performance in response to increased Eimeria challenge dosage on 6 and 14 DPI (P < 0.0001, P-L < 0.0001). An interaction between the graded level of Eimeria infection and DPI was observed for ADFI. The challenged pullets showed a reduction in ADFI starting at 4 DPI, which persisted until 14 DPI, when ADFI recovered back to normal. The most significant drop in feed intake was observed in 6 DPI in all the Eimeria-infected groups. The markers of gastrointestinal health (gastrointestinal permeability and tight junction proteins) were upregulated in challenged pullets because of infection, whereas the relative mRNA expression of key nutrient transporters was downregulated following infection on 6 and 14 DPI (P < 0.05). As a result of an infection on 6 DPI, the oxidative equilibrium was shifted toward the oxidative stress, and at the same time, upregulation of proinflammatory and inflammatory cytokines was observed (P < 0.05). An interaction between the Eimeria challenge dosage and bird age was observed for HDEP (P = 0.0427). The pullets infected with Eimeria started to lay eggs later than the Control birds. However, the HDEP of the challenged groups became similar to Control only at wk 22, 3 wk after laying eggs. In conclusion, coccidiosis reduced growth performance, altered gastrointestinal health, induced oxidative stress, and delayed egg production when infected at the prelay stage of pullets and negatively impacted the laying hens' overall performance.

Utilizing 3-dimensional models to assess keel bone damage in laying hens throughout the lay cycle.

The global egg industry is rapidly transitioning to cage-free egg production from conventional cages. Hens housed in cage-free systems have an increased prevalence of keel damage that could lead to reduced egg production and compromised well-being. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of n-3 fatty acids and vitamin D3 on keel damage in hens housed in multi-tier aviary systems (AV). Brown hens were placed in 4 AV system rooms after rearing at 17 wk of age (woa) with each room containing 576 birds. At 12 woa, rooms were randomly assigned to a dietary treatment of flaxseed oil, fish oil, vitamin D3, or control. Focal birds (36 per treatment) were longitudinally examined for keel damage using quantitative computed tomography (QCT) at nine timepoints from 16 to 52 woa. Three-dimensional digital twins of the keels were created from the QCT scans and visually assessed for damage. An overall keel severity score was recorded as well as the location, direction, and severity of each deviation or fracture. Severity was ranked on a 0 to 5 scale with 0 being no damage and 5 being severe. Damage scores were analyzed utilizing odds ratios with main effects of age and treatment. At 16 woa, 80% of hens had overall keel scores of 0 and 20% had scores of 1. At 52 woa, all hens had damage, with 31% having a score of 1, 61% scored 2 to 3, and 8% scored 4 to 5. Most fractures were not observed until peak lay. Dietary treatments did not affect likelihood of fracture incidences, but younger birds had lower odds of incurring keel fractures than older birds (P < 0.0001). The initial incidences of keel deviations occurred earlier than fractures, with most birds obtaining a keel deviation by 28 woa. Keel damage was not able to be prevented, but the age at which keel fractures and deviations initiate appear to be different, with deviations occurring during growth and fractures during lay.