Effects of supplementing a CP-reduced diet with rumen-protected methionine on Fleckvieh bull fattening.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing a CP-reduced diet with rumen-protected methionine on growth performance of Fleckvieh bulls. A total of 69 bulls (367 ±â€¯25 kg BW) were assigned to three feeding groups (n = 23 per group). The control (CON) diet contained 13.7% CP and 2.11 g methionine/kg diet (both DM basis) and was set as positive control. The diet reduced in CP (nitrogen) (RED) diet as negative control and the experimental RED + rumen-protected methionine (MET) diet were characterised by deficient CP concentrations (both 9.04% CP). The RED + MET diet differed from the RED diet in methionine concentration (2.54 g/kg DM vs. 1.56 g/kg DM, respectively) due to supplementation of rumen-protected methionine. Rumen-protected lysine was added to both RED and RED + MET at 2.7 g/kg DM to ensure a sufficient lysine supply relative to total and metabolisable protein intake. Metabolisable energy (ME) and nutrient composition were similar for CON, RED, and RED + MET. Bulls were fed for 105 days (d) on average. Individual feed intake was recorded daily; individual BW was recorded at the beginning of the experiment, once per month, and directly before slaughter. At slaughter, blood samples were collected and carcass traits were assessed. Reduction in dietary CP concentration reduced feed intake, and in combination with lower dietary CP concentration, daily intake of CP for RED and RED + MET was lower compared with CON (P < 0.01). Daily ME intake was reduced in RED and RED + MET compared with CON (P < 0.01). Consequently growth performance and carcass weights were reduced (both P < 0.01) in both RED and RED + MET compared with CON. Supplemental rumen-protected methionine was reflected in increased serum methionine concentration in RED + MET (P < 0.05) as compared to RED but it did not affect growth performance, carcass traits and serum amino acid (AA) concentrations, except for lysine which was reduced (P < 0.01) compared to CON and RED. In conclusion, bulls fed RED or RED + MET diets were exposed to a ruminal CP deficit and subsequently a deficit of prececal digestible protein, but methionine did not appear to be the first-limiting essential AA for growth under the respective experimental conditions.

[Improving Structures for Healthy and Self-Determined Ageing in an Urban District]. / Quartiersstrukturen für Gesundheit und Selbstbestimmung im höheren Lebensalter verbessern.

Between 2007 and 2010 the Institut für Gerontologische Forschung e.V. investigated the "Primary Prevention Effects of the Märkisches Viertel Network" in the Berlin district "Märkisches Viertel". The study integrates, amongst others, various participatory methods to investigate the health promotion effects of the volunteer Märkisches Viertel Network, an organisation that brings together different local actors working to assist and encourage older people to live independent lives. Sustained active collaboration by a heterogeneous mixture of actors in a spatially defined quarter, engagement by the local housing association, and increasing acknowledgement of and participation by older residents were identified as success factors for a change in local structures.

Measles outbreak spreading from the community to an anthroposophic school, Berlin, 2011.

Between April and July 2011 there was an outbreak of measles virus, genotype D4, in Berlin, Germany. We identified 73 case-patients from the community and among students of an anthroposophic school, who participated in a 4-day school trip, as well as their family and friends. Overall, 27% were aged ≥ 20 years, 57% were female and 15% were hospitalized. Of 39 community case-patients, 38% were aged ≥ 20 years, 67% were female and 63% required hospitalization. Unvaccinated students returning from the school trip were excluded from school, limiting transmission. Within the group of 55 school-trip participants, including 20 measles case-patients, a measles vaccine effectiveness of 97.1% (95% confidence interval 83.4-100) for two doses was estimated using exact Poisson regression. Our findings support school exclusions and the recommendation of one-dose catch-up vaccination for everyone born after 1970 with incomplete or unknown vaccination status, in addition to the two-dose routine childhood immunization recommendation.

Influence of a rumen-protected conjugated linoleic acid mixture on carcass traits and meat quality in young Simmental heifers.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of feeding rumen-protected CLA during the early growing period on physical and chemical beef properties in young Simmental heifers. A total of 36 heifers (5 mo old; initial BW 185 ± 21 kg) were fed 250 g of different rumen-protected fats daily for 16 wk in 1 of 3 treatment groups: 250 g of a CLA-free control fat; 100 g of a CLA fat containing 2.4% of cis-9,trans-11 CLA and 2.1% of trans-10,cis-12 CLA and 150 g control fat; or 250 g of the CLA fat. Heifer growth performance variables as well as carcass weight, classification (conformation and fatness), and weights of organs and fat depots were not affected (P > 0.05) by CLA supplementation. Concentration of trans-10,cis-12 CLA in tissues (LM and subcutaneous fat) was dose-dependently increased (P < 0.01) by CLA supplementation, whereas that of cis-9,trans-11 CLA in these tissues did not differ (P > 0.05) between groups. The ratio of SFA to MUFA was increased (P < 0.01) in tissues of CLA-fed heifers compared with control heifers. Concentration of α-tocopherol in LM was greater (P = 0.01) in heifers of the 2 CLA groups than in control heifers. Other quality characteristics such as drip loss during storage, cooking loss, intramuscular fat content, and color variables in LM did not differ (P > 0.05) between groups. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that feeding rumen-protected CLA during the early growing period changes tissue fatty acid composition but does not influence beef quality variables. Performance variables and carcass traits in young heifers, unlike in pigs and laboratory animals, are not influenced by CLA feeding.

Performance, carcass characteristics and chemical composition of beef affected by lupine seed, rapeseed meal and soybean meal.

To test the effects of different protein sources and levels on performance, carcass characteristics and beef chemical composition, concentrates with three protein sources [Lupine seed (L), Rapeseed meal (R) and Soybean meal (S)] and two protein levels ['normal protein' (NP) or 'high protein' (HP)] were fed to 36 Simmental calves. Calves initially weighed 276 +/- 3.9 kg and averaged 6 months of age and were randomly allocated to the six treatments. Maize silage was offered ad libitum and supplemented with increasing amounts of concentrates (wheat, maize grain, protein sources, vitamin-mineral mix). Normal protein and HP diets were formulated to contain 12.4% and 14.0% crude protein (CP) dry matter (DM) respectively. At the end of the fattening period of 278 days, the final live weight averaged 683 +/- 14.7 kg. Neither level of protein nor its interaction with protein sources had any effects on most of the traits studied. Feeding the R diet significantly increased final weight, average daily gain (ADG), DM intake and CP intake in relation to the L diet; no differences were observed between the L and S diets for these measures. No differences were observed between the R and S groups in final weight or ADG, but the calves fed the R diet consumed more DM and CP than the calves fed the S diet. Bulls fed R diet had higher carcass weight and dressing percentage than the L groups, and no significant differences were detected between the S and L groups. Chemical composition of the Musculus longissimus dorsi was not significantly affected by source of protein. Also, the major saturated fatty acid (SFA) (C16:0 and C18:0) did not significantly differ among the three treatments. Samples from R group had significantly higher proportions of C16:1 t9, C18:1 c11, C18:2 c9 t11, C18:3 c9, 12, 15 and SigmaC18:1 t fatty acids in relation to L and S groups. Although polyunsaturated fatty acid/SFA ratio was similar for the three dietary groups, n-6/n-3 ratio and Sigman-3 fatty acids content were significantly greater for bulls fed R diet in relation to those fed L and S diets.

Preparation and characterization of Pd/Al2O3 and Pd nanoparticles as standardized test material for chemical and biochemical studies of traffic related emissions.

Palladium model particles similar to those emitted from catalytic car exhaust converters were prepared and characterized with the intention of providing a standardized material for investigations of the chemical behavior and bioavailability of traffic related Pd emissions. Two series of Pd particles were prepared and characterized in detail: Pd nanoparticles (2-4 nm) dispersed on aluminum oxide particles of a diameter range between 0.1 to 30 microm and "Pd-only" nanoparticles of 5-10 nm in diameter. The Pd/alpha-Al2O3 particles are very similar to particles emitted from catalytic converters by mechanical abrasion. The Pd-only particles are useful e.g. for exposure studies in which the presence of aluminum could lead to interferences when studying biological and biochemical effects. The sample preparation procedure of both series was optimized in order to achieve elemental particles with proper sizes and a narrow size distribution. The obtained particles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), selective area diffraction (SAD), laser granulometry and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) for the measurement of Pd concentrations.

Quality of life and stimulation of weight gain after treatment with megestrol acetate: correlation between cytokine levels and nutritional status, appetite in geriatric patients with wasting syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The geriatric wasting syndrome (GWS) has been associated with proinflammatory cytokines, depression and progressive decline in quality of life (QOL). The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the changes in cytokine levels and appetite, nutritional markers, and QOL in geriatric patients with GWS following a randomized clinical trial of megestrol acetate (MA) versus placebo. METHODS: This was a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. We evaluated 69 predominantly male (3 females) nursing home residents with weight loss of > or =5% of their usual body weight over the past three months or body weight 20% below their ideal body weight. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or megestrol acetate (MA) oral suspension (O.S.) 800 mg/day for 12 weeks and were then followed for 13 weeks off treatment. Data on appetite, weight, nutritional status, QOL and cytokine levels were collected at baseline and week 12. The correlation between appetite, weight, nutritional status, sense of well being and cytokine level changes in response to MA treatment was examined at week 12. RESULTS: Appetite, sense of well being, and QOL assessed by an "enjoyment list" significantly improved in the MA arm. Rising prealbumin showed a negative correlation with decreasing IL-6 (r = -0.51), TNFR-p 55 (r = -0.49) and sIL-2R (r = -0.38). There was also an improvement in prealbumin and a decrease in IL-6 and TNFR-p55 in the MA-arm (p < 0.01). A correlation between a decrease in the IL-6 levels and improvement in depression (r = 0.50) was seen in the MA arm as well. Improvement in appetite positively correlated with increased enjoyment of life (r = -0.41), less depression (r = -0.34), improved sense of well being (r = 0.36), prealbumin gain (r = 0.30), and weight gain (r = 0.38) by 12 weeks. Also, improvement in appetite positively correlated with improvement in nutritional parameters such as prealbumin, albumin, fat free mass and weight in the MA arm. CONCLUSIONS: In a geriatric nursing home population with weight loss, reduction in cytokine levels after MA treatment correlates with improvement in appetite, prealbumin, albumin, and improvement in quality of life.

[Multi-sequential arterial chemoembolization of advanced hepatocellular carcinomas: computerized tomography follow-up parameters for evaluating effectiveness of therapy]. / Multisequentielle arterielle Chemoembolisation fortgeschrittener hepatozellulärer Karzinome: Computertomographische Verlaufsparameter zur Beurteilung des Ansprechens auf die Therapie.

PURPOSE: An evaluation of clinical and computed tomography parameters for the transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retro- and prospective analysis of 123 TACE procedures in 37 patients (mean age: 63.3 years). RESULTS: Overall mean survival rate for all treated patients was 785 days with a mean value of 387 days. The 1 year survival rate was 62%. Quantitative tumor volumetry revealed a significant difference in survival rate with a mean value of 678 days for patients with a reduction of tumor volume between 0 and 50%, 976 days for a volume reduction of 51-100% and 277 days for an increase in tumor volume during therapy. Patients with a high lipiodol retention presented improved survival data (902 days) versus patients with a low lipiodol retention (513 days). Homogeneous retention of lipiodol was a positive factor on survival as compared to an inhomogenous form of retention. CONCLUSION: In patients with a positive therapy response after TACE the prognosis can be improved by repeated embolization.

Collaboration between pharmacy and osteopathic medicine to teach via the Internet.

This article describes the results of a survey from graduate pharmacy students who completed a neurology/psychiatry course taught by a pharmacist and an osteopathic physician via the Internet. Seventeen practicing pharmacists completed the 11-week course, and thirteen students completed the survey provided at the end of the course. Results indicated that students were pleased with the course. Mean evaluation scores ranged from 4.31 to 4.77 on a five-point scale. Additionally, students indicated that the collaboration of medicine and pharmacy provided an educational model that should be duplicated for future courses.

Adsorption of ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol and zearalenonein vitro at different pH and adsorbents.

The adsorption of standards of 100 µg/kg Ochratoxin A (OTA), 30 mg/kg Deoxynivalenol (DON) and 30 mg/kg Zearalenone (ZEA) from 2.5 ml phosphate buffer (pH 3.0 and pH 7.0) and pure destilled water were studiedin vitro after addition of 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.5 % (w/v) activated charcoal and four adsorbents (A I-A IV). Adsorbent A I was 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 % modified yeast cell wall+vitamin mixture+plant oil refined. A II was modified yeast cell wall. A III was bentonite+enzymes+modified yeast cell wall+vitamin E+trace elements. A IV was bentonite. The adsorption for OTA and ZEA were 100 % by 0.1 % activated charcoal, but DON adsorption ranged from 47 to 99 % depending on the concentration of charcoal and pH value. However, adsorption of DON by 0.5, 1.0 and 2.5 % charcoal did not differ significantly by different pH buffers. Adsorption of OTA by A I, A II and A III (1.0 and 2.5 %) was higher in pH 7.0 buffer and pure destilled water compared to pH 3.0 buffer. A IV and 5.0 % A II showed an opposite trend. However, adsorption of OTA was by A II>A III>A IV (at pH 7.0 and water). The overall means of adsorption were higher by A II>A III>A IV>A I. Generally, the adsorption ranged from 15 to 60 % depending on kind and concentration of adsorbents and pH values. DON adsorption (30, 16 and 5 mg/kg) was not affected by A I, A II, A III and A IV. Adsorption of ZEA was highest by A I, and the lowest by A III. The means of adsorption at different pH were by A I>A II>A IV (2.5 and 5.0 %)>A III. The overall means show the same trend. Generally, the adsorption ranged from 13 to 57 %.

Solvent production by Clostridium beijerinckii NRRL B592 growing on different potato media.

Very good solvent formation rates were observed when Clostridium beijerinckii NRRL B592 was cultivated on different whole potato media. The increase in whole potato concentration contributed to the increased final solvent concentrations, while the addition of yeast extract or mineral salts gave negative effects. To obtain good solvent productivities and high final solvent concentrations during batch fermentation, no enzymatic hydrolysis of the potato starch was necessary, indicating high activity of the clostridial amylases produced by the strain applied.

African American mothers in south central Los Angeles. Their fears for their newborn's future.

OBJECTIVE: To determine what African American mothers in a low-income community fear for their newborn's future. DESIGN: An interview survey was conducted with mothers of recently born infants randomly sampled from birth certificate records in the spring of 1994 in 10 postal codes in the Compton Health District in south central Los Angeles, Calif, with high concentrations of low-income African American children. Among 522 eligible mothers, 419 (80%) were interviewed. Children were an average of 17.7 days old at the time of the interview. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The open-ended survey item, "What is your biggest fear for [child's name] growing up?" Mothers were prompted to give more than 1 answer. Responses were classified into 16 categories. RESULTS: Thirty-nine percent of the mothers reported a fear of gangs, violence, or both. The largest other response categories included disease, illness, and health problems (17%); drugs and alcohol (15%); growing up in the local environment (10%); and society and the world in general (6%). Fifty percent of the mothers of boys reported a fear of gangs, violence, or both compared with 28% of the mothers of girls (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: More than half the fears are in the medical and public health domains. Some involve traditional health concerns (e.g., disease), while others are problems that the health professions have been addressing more recently (e.g., violence). The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended counseling families about violence prevention and the prevention of firearm injuries. While this study shows that many mothers are concerned about these subjects, we need a greater understanding of what role physicians can play in helping their patients (and their patients' families) address violence in their lives.

Mechanisms of constipation in older persons and effects of fiber compared with placebo.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanisms of constipation and the effect of fiber supplementation on physiology, mechanisms, stool parameters, and colonic transit times in a group of constipated older patients. DESIGN: Single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled fiber intervention with crossover. SETTING: A university-based outpatient center. PATIENTS: Ten community-living older men and women, healthy except for chronic constipation. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were given either 24 g psyllium fiber or placebo fiber daily for 1 month, then crossed over to the other arm for an additional month. Structured testing, including total gut transit time and rectal and colonic manometry, was performed at the end of each intervention month. Patients recorded stool frequency, consistency, and weights daily. RESULTS: The predominant mechanism for constipation in these patients was outlet delay caused by pelvic dyssynergia. Fiber decreased total gut transit time from 53.9 hours (placebo condition) to 30.0 hours (P < .05). Stool weights and consistency were not significantly improved by fiber, though there was a trend toward an increase in stool frequency (1.3 vs 0.8 bowel movements per day.) Pelvic floor dyssynergia was not remedied by fiber, even when constipation was clinically improved. CONCLUSIONS: Fiber supplementation appeared to benefit constipated older patients clinically, and it improved colonic transit time, but it did not rectify the most frequent underlying abnormality, pelvic floor dyssynergia.

Physiological tests to predict long-term outcome of total abdominal colectomy for intractable constipation.

OBJECTIVE: Total abdominal colectomy (TAC) for intractable constipation has a variable reported success rate that decreases to 50% beyond 2 yr. We hypothesize that this inconsistent outcome can be explained by a more extensive intestinal involvement in some patients. DESIGN: A consecutive sample of patients with intractable constipation had preoperative evaluations that included both upper and lower GI studies. Stool frequency, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and laxative or enema requirements were compared before and after operation. The study took place in an academic referral center and included 37 consecutive referred patients with severe intractable constipation and colonic dysmotility documented by radiopaque marker studies. INTERVENTIONS: TAC, with ileoproctostomy in 34 patients and ileostomy in three. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients with motility abnormalities only of the lower GI tract were diagnosed as having colonic inertia (CI). Those with motility disorders of both the upper and the lower GI tracts were considered to have generalized intestinal dysmotility (GID) with colon predominance. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients had CI, and 16 had GID. Ninety percent of CI patients undergoing TAC had a successful outcome with a mean of 23 bowel movements (BMs)/wk at a mean follow-up of 7.5 yr. Although 88% of GID patients had initial improvement, with a mean of 19 BMs/wk at 6 months, only 13% had prolonged relief. After 2 yr, nine of the GID patients had recurrent constipation, and three had severe diarrhea. CONCLUSIONS: This study has identified two distinct types of colonic dysmotility, CI and GID. It has demonstrated the long-term success of TAC for CI and the importance of upper GI physiological studies to identify colon-predominant GID, which has a poor long-term response to TAC.