Evaluation of the blend of organic acids and medium-chain fatty acids in matrix coating as antibiotic growth promoter alternative on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, excreta microflora, and carcass quality in broilers.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the blend of organic acids (OAs) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in broiler chickens. A total of 816 1-d-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens (35 ± 0.44 g) were randomly allocated into 1 of the following 6 dietary treatments (17 broilers per pen with 8 pens per treatment): dietary treatments consisted of corn-soybean meal-based basal diet and the basal diet supplemented with 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.06% blend of OAs and MCFAs. The study lasted 5 wk during which growth performance was determined. In the current study, the inclusion of 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.06% blend of OAs and MCFAs in the basal diet linearly increased (P < 0.05) body weight gain and improved feed conversion ratio (P < 0.0001) on day 7 to 14, day 14 to 35, as well as overall. Increasing inclusion of the blend of OAs and MCFAs levels in the diets also linearly increased (P = 0.001) the digestibility of dry matter on day 35. Broilers fed with different levels of the blend of OAs and MCFAs showed a linear increment (P = 0.042) in Lactobacillus concentration and decrease (P = 0.002) in Escherichia coli concentration. With regard to relative organ weight, a trend of linear reduction (P = 0.052) in bursa of Fabricius weight of broilers fed the blend of OAs and MCFAs was observed. There was a significant linear improvement (P = 0.011) in the IgG concentration associated with the inclusion of the blend of OAs and MCFAs levels in the diets. In conclusion, the blend of OAs and MCFAs supplementation positively influenced growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and excreta microflora in broiler chickens.

Fiducial marker implantation in prostate radiation therapy: complication rates and technique.

PURPOSE: This study aims to report the complication rate from the transrectal ultrasound-guided implantation of gold seed markers in prostate radiotherapy, as well as describing the technique used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2010 and December 2012, 169 patients with localized prostate cancer had an intraprostatic fiducial marker implantation under transrectal ultrasound guidance. The procedure included prophylactic antibiotic therapy, fleet enema, implantation performed by trained radiation oncologists at our center prior to image-guided radiotherapy. Toxicity occurring between implantation and subsequent radiotherapy start date was assessed. The following parameters were analyzed via medical chart review: antibiotic therapy, anticoagulant interruption, bleeding, pain, prostate volume, number of markers implanted, post-implantation complications and delay before starting radiotherapy. RESULTS: Of the 169 men, 119 (70.4%) underwent insertion of 4 fiducial markers and the other 50 (29.6%) had 3. The procedure was well-tolerated. There was no interruption of the implantation with regards to pain or hemorrhage. No grade 3 or 4 complications were observed. Seed migration rate was 0.32%, for the migration of 2 markers on 626 implanted. Mean prostate volume was 38 cm(3) (range: 10-150 cm(3)). Two patients (1.18%) developed a urinary tract infection following the procedure: prostate volume of 25 and 65 cm(3), four gold seed markers implanted, urinary tract infection resistant to prophylactic antibiotherapy, and treated with antibiotics specific to their infection as determined on urine culture. CONCLUSION: Transrectal fiducial marker implantation for image-guided radiotherapy in prostate cancer is a well-tolerated procedure without major associated complications.

Laser and light-based treatment of Keloids--a review.

BACKGROUND: Keloids are an overgrowth of fibrotic tissue outside the original boundaries of an injury and occur secondary to defective wound healing. Keloids often have a functional, aesthetic, or psychosocial impact on patients as highlighted by quality-of-life studies. OBJECTIVES: Our goal is to provide clinicians and scientists an overview of the data available on laser and light-based therapies for treatment of keloids, and highlight emerging light-based therapeutic technologies and the evidence available to support their use. METHODS: We employed the following search strategy to identify the clinical evidence reported in the biomedical literature: in November 2012, we searched PubMed.gov, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Reviews (1980-present) for published randomized clinical trials, clinical studies, case series and case reports related to the treatment of keloids. The search terms we utilized were 'keloid(s)' AND 'laser' OR 'light-emitting diode' (LED) OR 'photodynamic therapy' (PDT) OR 'intense pulsed light' OR 'low level light' OR 'phototherapy.' RESULTS: Our search yielded 347 unique articles. Of these, 33 articles met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. CONCLUSION: We qualitatively conclude that laser and light-based treatment modalities may achieve favourable patient outcomes. Clinical studies using CO2 laser are more prevalent in current literature and a combination regimen may be an adequate ablative approach. Adding light-based treatments, such as LED phototherapy or PDT, to laser treatment regimens may enhance patient outcomes. Lasers and other light-based technology have introduced new ways to manage keloids that may result in improved aesthetic and symptomatic outcomes and decreased keloid recurrence.

Macro- and trace element concentrations in blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of dairy cows exposed to electric and magnetic fields.

Eight multiparous, nonlactating pregnant Holstein cows (at 198 +/- 35 days of gestation and weighing 608 + 24 kg) and seven nonlactating nonpregnant ovariectomized heifers (weighing 370 + 29 kg) were confined to wooden metabolism crates in an electric and magnetic field chamber. Subarachnoidal catheters were inserted before the activation of the electric and magnetic fields. For 30 days, cows and heifers were continuously exposed in separate trials to electric and magnetic fields (60 Hz, 10 kV/m, and 30 microT). Blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected for 3 consecutive days before the exposure period, the last 3 days of the exposure period, and for 3 days starting 5 days after the exposure period. Concentrations of Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Na, P, and K in blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid were determined. Exposure to electric and magnetic fields resulted in decreased concentrations of Mg in blood plasma and in increased concentrations of Ca and P and decreased concentrations of Fe and Mn in cerebrospinal fluid.

Intraoperative cardiovascular collapse secondary to latex allergy.

An apparent allergic reaction has been noted in children undergoing open urological surgery. This condition is characterized by precipitous hypotension, tachycardia and upper body flushing, and it often causes termination of the procedure. Latex allergy has been identified as the possible inciting event. Contact of latex rubber gloves with intra-abdominal structures (handling bowel) appears to be the most dramatic trigger mechanism for this reaction. We report on 10 patients with latex allergy, 6 of whom have myelomeningocele, who have undergone reconstructive surgery. Severe anaphylactic shock developed intraoperatively in 5 patients and during a barium enema performed with a latex catheter in 1 patient. These 6 patients had previous allergic reactions to latex material, which was not detected preoperatively. In the remaining 4 patients latex allergy was diagnosed preoperatively. A total of 6 patients agreed to a skin prick test to liquid latex. Three patients reacted with a wheal size greater than or equal to a histamine control at a dilution of 1:1,000 and 3 patients at 1:100. In contrast, none of the 5 normal controls reacted to any of the concentrations including full strength latex. A history of exposure to latex products (balloons, surgical gloves, catheters, condoms and so forth) with allergic reactions should heighten surgeon awareness of a potentially severe intraoperative reaction. Furthermore, a skin prick test may be used to screen high risk patients such as those with myelomeningocele. A protocol involving preoperative corticosteroid and antihistamine therapy is recommended.

Prevention and treatment of trachoma and the anti-blindness program.

The author considers the main causes of blindness in VIETNAM which are a little different from the studies of W.H.O. These are: 1. Trachoma. 2. Avitaminosis A. 3. Senile cataract. 4. Glaucoma. 5. Eye injuries in workers and in current life. For each cause, the author considers the efforts. Which are already made and which be made in the future. In case of trachoma, the author hopes that it will be eradicated in the year of 2000.