Concomitant AD pathology affects clinical manifestation and survival in dementia with Lewy bodies.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether concomitant Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, reflected by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, has an impact on dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) in terms of clinical presentation, cognitive decline, nursing home admittance and survival. PARTICIPANTS: We selected 111 patients with probable DLB and CSF available from the Amsterdam Dementia Cohort. On the basis of the AD biomarker profile (CSF tau/amyloid-ß 1-42 (Aß42) ratio >0.52), we divided patients into a DLB/AD+ and DLB/AD- group. Of the 111 patients, 42 (38%) had an AD CSF biomarker profile. We investigated differences between groups in memory, attention, executive functions, language and visuospatial functions. Difference in global cognitive decline (repeated Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)) was investigated using linear mixed models. Cox proportional hazard analyses were used to investigate the effects of the AD biomarker profile on time to nursing home admittance and time to death. RESULTS: Memory performance was worse in DLB/AD+ patients compared with DLB/AD- patients (p<0.01), also after correction for age and sex. Hallucinations were more frequent in DLB/AD+ (OR=3.34, 95% CI 1.22-9.18). There was no significant difference in the rate of cognitive decline. DLB/AD+ patients had a higher mortality risk (HR=3.13, 95% CI 1.57 to 6.24) and nursing home admittance risk (HR=11.70, 95% CI 3.74 to 36.55) compared with DLB/AD- patients. CONCLUSIONS: DLB-patients with a CSF AD profile have a more severe manifestation of the disease and a higher risk of institutionalisation and mortality. In clinical practice, CSF biomarkers may aid in predicting prognosis in DLB. In addition, DLB-patients with positive AD biomarkers could benefit from future treatment targeting AD pathology.

The clinical anatomy of the insertion of the rotator cuff tendons.

The rotator cuff (RC) insertions according to most anatomical texts are described as being separate from one another. However, clear fusion of the RC tendon fibres exists with prior studies showing this interdigitation forming a common, continuous insertion onto and around the lesser and greater tubercles (LT and GT) of the humerus. Current surgical repair methods (especially arthroscopic techniques) rarely mention or consider these connections during repair and suture anchor implantation. The general principles of RC surgery remain a controversial subject, due to various available techniques, surgeon experience and preference, and the contradicting success rates. This results from old-fashioned knowledge of the anatomy of the RC complex and its functional aspects. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to visualise and define the RC footprint and extension insertions with the aim of enhancing and improving knowledge of the basic anatomy in the hopes that this will be considered during orthopaedic repair. Twenty shoulders (16 cadaveric and 4 fresh) were used in the study. The fresh shoulders were received from the National Tissue Bank, and ethical clearance was obtained (239/2015). Reverse dissection was performed to better visualise the RC unit exposing the interdigitated rotator hood (extension insertions), as well as the complete RC unit (tendons + internal capsule) separated from the scapula and humerus. Once the insertions were exposed and documented, the RC muscle footprint (articular surface area) was measured and recorded, using AutoCAD 2016. No statistical significant difference between left and right (p = 0.424) was noted, but a significant difference between males and females (p = 0.000) was. Collectively, these findings indicate and strengthen evidence towards the notion that the RC muscles/tendons and the internal capsule are one complete and inseparable unit/complex. The fact that the RC unit is more complex in its structure and attachment places importance on the biomechanical stresses encountered after repair. Functions of one RC muscle are not necessarily isolated but instead can be influenced by surrounding muscles as well. In addition to providing greater understanding of the basic anatomy of the RC unit, these findings also provide clarity for surgeons with the goal of improving and enhancing surgical methods for better post-operative patient outcome.

Associations of infant feeding and timing of linear growth and relative weight gain during early life with childhood body composition.

BACKGROUND: Growth and feeding during infancy have been associated with later life body mass index. However, the associations of infant feeding, linear growth and weight gain relative to linear growth with separate components of body composition remain unclear. METHODS: Of 5551 children with collected growth and infant-feeding data in a prospective cohort study (Amsterdam Born Children and their Development), body composition measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis at the age of 5-6 years was available for 2227 children. We assessed how feeding (duration of full breastfeeding and timing of introduction of complementary feeding) and conditional variables representing linear growth and relative weight gain were associated with childhood fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM). RESULTS: Birth weight was positively associated with both FFM and FM in childhood, and more strongly with FFM than FM. Faster linear growth and faster relative weight gain at all ages in infancy were positively associated with childhood FFM and FM. The associations with FM were stronger for relative weight gain than for linear growth (FM z score: ß coefficient 0.23 (95% con 0.19 to 0.26), P<0.001 and 0.14 (0.11 to 0.17), P<0.001 per s.d. change in relative weight gain and linear growth between 1 and 3 months, respectively). Compared with full breastfeeding <1 month, full breastfeeding >6 months was associated with lower FM (FM z score: -0.17 (-0.28 to -0.05), P=0.005) and lower FFM (FFM z score: -0.13 (-0.23 to -0.03), P=0.015), as was the introduction of complementary feeding >6 months (FM z score: -0.22 (-0.38 to -0.07), P=0.004), compared with <4 months. CONCLUSIONS: Faster infant weight gain is associated with a healthier childhood body composition when it is caused by faster linear growth. Full breastfeeding >6 months and introduction of complementary feeding >6 months are associated with lower childhood FM.

The perspectives of South African general surgeons regarding their postgraduate training.

Background. There is a perception among general surgeons that there are deficiencies in surgical training in South Africa (SA). Dependence on under-resourced state training institutions possibly plays a role. The opinions of qualified surgeons may make an invaluable contribution in this regard.Objectives. To canvass the perceptions of SA general surgeons regarding certain aspects of their training.Methods. An electronic postal survey was conducted. All general surgeons on the Association of Surgeons of South Africa database were requested to complete a structured questionnaire. Four Likert scale items were interrogated: knowledge acquisition, surgical skill, research, and practice management.Results. Eighty-eight surgeons responded. Knowledge acquisition and surgical skills development were regarded positively, except for a perceived deficiency in availability of newer technologies. Exposure to surgical research was viewed as beneficial and useful. However, the mandatory research project during training was not perceived as useful for current careers. Training in practice management was perceived as severely deficient.Conclusion. This survey highlights positive perceptions of general surgeons regarding the acquisition of knowledge and surgical skills during training in SA, but some negative views emerged regarding research, exposure to newer technology, and especially practice management training.

Amino acid requirements of broiler breeders at peak production for egg mass, body weight, and fertility.

Two trials were conducted to determine the amino acid and protein requirements of broiler breeders at peak production. In trial 1, 32-wk-old Cobb 500 broiler breeders with similar BW were selected to determine the digestible amino acid requirement for daily product output (g of egg mass + g of BW gain/b/d) and feed conversion (g of feed/g of product) for Met, Phe, Arg, Ile, Lys, and CP in a 42-d production study. In trial 2, 30-wk-old Cobb 500 broiler breeders were selected to determine the digestible requirement for Met, Lys, Ile, Arg, Cys, Val, Trp, and Thr in a 70-d production study. Breeders were given a corn-soy basal diet plus crystalline amino acids with 8 graded levels of amino acids (10 birds per level), representing 40 to 130% of the highest suggested requirements reported in the literature. All other amino acids were maintained at 100% of their suggested requirement level. All breeders were inseminated weekly and fertility was determined. A third trial consisted of 41-wk-old colostomized hens randomly assigned to 1 of 2 diets differing only in the amount of Ile. Urine was collected after a 6-wk feeding period. The average digestible requirements per breeder per day for both product and feed/product ratio from trials 1 and 2 for Met, Cys, TSAA, Phe, Phe + Tyr, Trp, Arg, Ile, Lys, Val, Thr, and CP were 424, 477, 901, 689, 997, 252, 1,026, 830, 916, 799, 613 mg/d, and 20.0 g/d, respectively. The ideal profile for digestible Met, Cys, TSAA, Phe, Phe + Tyr, Trp, Arg, Ile, Lys, Val, and Thr was 46, 52, 98, 76, 108, 28, 112.0, 91, 100.0, 87, and 67%, respectively. A significant decrease in fertility was noted with increasing levels of Ile and Lys. Urine pH was significantly more alkaline in hens fed the higher level of Ile. It is suggested that adequate dietary Lys and Ile should be provided for maximum hatching egg production but an excess may affect fertility.

Host status of commercial mango cultivars to Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in South Africa.

The objective of this study was to determine the host status of commercially cultivated mango fruit, Mangifera indica L. (Anacardiaceae) to Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in South Africa. T. leucotreta was monitored with parapheromone traps in mango orchards in Limpopo and Mpumalanga from 2007 to 2010. Fruit were inspected for the presence of T leucotreta eggs in mango orchards. Mango fruit of the cultivars 'Tommy Atkins', 'Kent', 'Keitt', and 'Sensation' were artificially infested with T. leucotreta eggs on the tree to determine if the larvae were able to develop in fruit. Mature fruit of these cultivars were harvested and were then exposed to T leucotreta eggs and the larval development monitored. Before harvest, fruit were inspected for natural infestations and a packhouse survey was conducted during the 2009-2010 season to determine if any infested fruit were present. T. leucotreta was present in all mango orchards where monitoring was done with traps but no eggs were found on the fruit, which suggests the presence of antixenosis. Development occurred in mature harvested fruit of all cultivars that had been exposed to T. leucotreta eggs. Depending on the cultivar, between 0 and 5.05% of immature fruit on the tree supported development and demonstrate antibiosis. No naturally infested fruit were found in the orchards or during the packhouse survey. Mango in South Africa is not a natural host for T. leucotreta. Mature mango fruit is an acceptable host for T. leucotreta larval development under artificial conditions. The latex plays an important role in the resistance mechanism of mango fruit to T. leucotreta.

The dissolution characteristics of calcium sulfide and utilization as a precipitation agent in acidic wastewater effluent treatment.

The dissolution characteristics of CaS in the presence of CO2 has been investigated by monitoring sulfide speciation, solution conductivity and pH during dissolution. The sulfide speciation associated with CaS dissolution was utilized for metal precipitation from acidic wastewater effluents. The mechanism involved in the dissolution process was observed to be pH-dependent, characterized by increased solution conductivity as the HS(-) species becomes dominant in solution in the form of the Ca(HS)2 complex. The replacement of HS(-) by CO3(2-) in the Ca(HS)2 complex triggered CaCO3 precipitation and H2S stripping and this was characterized by decreased solution pH and conductivity. The sulfide to total metal molar ratio was observed to have an effect on the pH and therefore sulfide speciation as well as extent of metal removal. The utilization of CaS in the treatment of acidic wastewater effluents demonstrated complete metal removal, with the potential of a pH-controlled selective metal removal and recovery.

Molecular characterization and genotyping of human rotavirus strains in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.

In this study, we characterized human rotavirus strains recovered from infants and young children with acute diarrhea in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, during 2000-2004. In total, 719 fecal specimens were collected from children aged 1-60 months with acute infantile gastroenteritis. Examination with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed the presence of group A rotavirus antigen in 208 diarrheal specimens (28.9%). Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the RNA extracted from rotavirus-positive stools yielded a variety of "long" and "short" RNA electropherotypes, which were used to help select strains for VP4 and VP7 genotyping. VP7 genotype G1 strains were circulating most commonly during the study period (53%), followed by G2 (22%) and G3 (5%) strains. Strains with multiple VP7 genotype reactivity were observed in 7.6% of specimens, and a similar number (8%) could not be typed at all. VP4 P[6] and P[8] strains circulated at similar levels (33%). Strains demonstrating multiple VP4 types were quite common (9%); however, 20% of the strains were untypeable by the methods used. Rotavirus strain diversity in Cote d'Ivoire was similar to that observed in other West African countries.

Characterization of human rotavirus recovered from children with acute diarrhea in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic Of Congo.

Between July and October of 2003, 2004, and 2005, outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis occurred among children <5 years of age in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Stool specimens (67 in 2003, 108 in 2004, and 116 in 2005) were collected and screened for rotaviruses using either latex agglutination (Diarlex LAA; Orion Diagnostics) or enzyme immunoassay (IDEIA; DakoCytomation). The molecular characteristics of the rotavirus strains were then determined. Group A rotavirus was detected in 195 (76%) of 258 stool specimens. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to observe the 11 rotavirus double-stranded RNA segments in 83% of the 195 rotavirus-positive specimens. Six rotavirus group A electropherotypic patterns were noted, predominantly within the short classic pattern (111 [69%]) and the long pattern (37 [23%]). Mixed patterns were noted in the 14 remaining specimens (9%). Of the 29 samples subjected to subgrouping VP6 enzyme immunoassay, subgroup I predominated. Some of the specimens collected in 2003 (n = 26), 2004 (n = 38), and 2005 (n = 52) were analyzed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, which showed that t G8P[6] and G8P[8] strains predominated in 2003, and G1P[6] strains with short electropherotypic patterns predominated in 2004 and 2005. The emergence in Kinshasa of G8 serotypes, unusually associated with the P[6] genotype, as well as uncommon G1 rotavirus strains showing a short RNA pattern, is significant in relation to the introduction of a rotavirus vaccine and underscores the need for continued rotavirus serotype surveillance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Comparison of 2 different regimens for reactogenicity, safety, and immunogenicity of the live attenuated oral rotavirus vaccine RIX4414 coadministered with oral polio vaccine in South African infants.

BACKGROUND: A phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in South Africa during 2003-2004 to evaluate the safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity of 2 regimens of the live attenuated oral human rotavirus vaccine RIX4414 when coadministered with the Expanded Program on Immunization childhood vaccines, including oral polio vaccine. METHODS: Healthy infants were randomized (2:2:1) to receive either 2 doses of RIX4414 (n = 190; at 10 and 14 weeks, with placebo at 6 weeks), 3 doses of RIX4414 (n = 189; at 6, 10, and 14 weeks), or 3 doses of placebo (n = 96), all with concomitant routine vaccinations. The antirotavirus IgA seroconversion rate was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at 2 months after the last dose of RIX4414 or placebo. Antipolio types 1, 2, and 3 antibodies were measured using a virus neutralization assay. Solicited symptoms were recorded for 15 days after each dose. RESULTS: The antirotavirus IgA seroconversion rates were similar in the RIX4414 2- and 3-dose groups (44.3% and 44.4%, respectively; P = .544, by 1-sided Fisher exact test) and antirotavirus IgA geometric mean concentrations were also comparable. Seroprotection rates for antipolio types 1, 2, and 3 antibodies were high (93%-100%) and were not significantly different among groups. Solicited symptoms reported within 15 days after vaccination were similar in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The immune seroconversion response to the RIX4414 vaccine with 3 doses was not superior to the 2-dose regimen. There was no interference by either regimen with antibody response to oral polio vaccine, and RIX4414 was well tolerated when given with routine vaccinations.

Developing a systems approach for Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) on 'Hass' avocado in South Africa.

Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is pest of the avocado, Persea americana (Mill.) (Lauraceae), in South Africa and is regarded as a phytosanitary threat. The objective of this study was to develop a systems approach for T. leucotreta on 'Hass' avocado that will mitigate the pest risk. T. leucotreta males were monitored with pheromone traps, and numbers declined during the winter. Field studies indicated that most of eggs were laid during January in the Deerpark area, and during harvest, only 0.029 lesions produced live larvae. Survival of larvae in fruit infested on the tree and left to develop after harvest varied and depended on the time of infestation before harvest. Fruit firmness was measured and fifth instars were only present in soft fruit. Fenpropathrin and a granulovirus were effective in reducing the infestation levels. Bags used to cover fruit also reduced infestation levels. Lesions caused by T. leucotreta were visible from two weeks after infestation and fruit with lesions can be sorted. The mean infestation rate per orchard was 0.003 lesions per fruit which makes T. leucotreta on Hass amenable to the alternative treatment efficacy approach and maximum pest limit. In the case of T. leucotreta on Hass, poor host status, production, preharvest and postharvest measures were studied and low infestation levels were observed; all these elements would make a systems approach an option. Furthermore, inspection and certification as well as shipping and distribution measures could be added.

The role of feeding regimens in regulating metabolism of sexually mature broiler breeders.

A trial was conducted to determine the effects of different rearing feed regimens on plasma hormone and metabolite levels and hepatic lipid metabolism and gene expression on sexually mature broiler breeders. Cobb 500 birds were divided into 2 groups at 4 wk and fed either an everyday (ED) or skip-a-day (SKP) regimen. At 24 wk of age, all birds were switched over to an ED regimen. At 26.4 wk, breeder hens were randomly selected and killed at intervals after feeding. Livers were sampled from 4 hens at 4-h intervals for 24 h for a total of 28 samples per treatment. Blood was sampled from 4 hens per sampling time; sampling times were 0, 30, and 60 min and 2 and 4 h after feeding and then every 4 h up to 24 h for a total of 36 samples per treatment. Main feeding regimen, time, and interaction effects were analyzed. Significant interaction effects were found between time and feeding regimen for acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase and malic enzyme mRNA expression. The peak for acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase expression was higher in ED-reared birds, whereas the peak for malic enzyme expression was higher in SKP-reared birds. Overall, plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor-II were higher in SKP-reared birds. Overall, plasma corticosterone levels were also higher in SKP-reared birds and significant interaction effects between time and feeding regimen were seen. The expression of apolipoprotein A1 was significantly higher in ED-reared birds: significant interaction effects were also noted. Other researchers also found some of the differences observed in the present study in 16-wk-old pullets. In summary, different feeding regimens alter metabolic responses, some of which carry over into sexual maturity.

The detection and molecular characterization of human G12 genotypes in South Africa.

The last decade has seen an increase in the detection of rotavirus strains other than G1-G4 emerging or even predominating in some settings. The performance of the current rotavirus vaccines against unusual or rare circulating rotavirus serotypes cannot be predicted and continuous monitoring of wild type rotaviruses will remain a priority. Routine molecular rotavirus surveillance conducted in the Gauteng Province, South Africa during 2004, resulted in the detection of strains that could not typed using standard G specific genotyping primers. Sequencing of the first round amplicons revealed 19 serotype G12P[6] strains and one G12P[8] strain. Phylogenetic analyses of the G12 strains indicated that these strains are probably a recent introduction into South Africa and emerged from a strain related to the Indian isolate ISO-5. The association of the South African G12s with the P[6] genotype may suggest a mechanism for unusual strains to become more ecologically suited to local population transmission dynamics. This is the first report of serotype G12 strains on the African continent and continued surveillance will be required to track the emergence of G12 strains in Africa.

Beneficial and limiting factors affecting return to work after total knee and hip arthroplasty: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: A large number of patients undergoing total knee (TKA) and hip (THA) arthroplasties are of working age at the time these procedures are performed. The objective of this study was to systematically review literature on the beneficial and limiting factors affecting return to work in patients undergoing TKA or THA. METHOD: Pubmed and Embase were systematically searched to find studies that described factors that influence return to work (RTW) after surgery. The following inclusion criteria had to be met: (1) inclusion of patients with primary or revision TKA or THA; (2) description of return to work after surgery or employment status; and (3) description of a beneficial or restricting factor affecting return to work. RESULTS: Only three studies were found that fulfilled the three inclusion criteria. Three factors were discussed: (1) the mini-posterior approach compared to the two-incision approach; (2) patient movement restrictions after surgery compared to no restrictions; and (3) patient discharge based on guidelines compared to discharge without guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review revealed that knowledge is sparse regarding beneficial or limiting factors affecting return to work after TKA or THA. Despite that, the results suggests that the two-incision approach is beneficial, patient movement restrictions are limiting, and patient discharge guidelines have no effect on the time patients take to RTW.

Serum Amyloid A Contributes to Chronic Apical Periodontitis via TLR2 and TLR4.

In the current concept of bacterial infections, pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) derived from pathogens and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) released from damaged/necrotic host cells are crucial factors in induction of innate immune responses. However, the implication of DAMPs in apical and marginal periodontitis is unknown. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is a DAMP that is involved in the development of various chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. In the present study, we tested whether SAA is involved in the pathogenesis of periapical lesions, using human periapical surgical specimens and mice deficient in SAA and Toll-like receptors (TLR). SAA1/2 was locally expressed in human periapical lesions at the mRNA and protein levels. The level of SAA protein appeared to be positively associated with the inflammatory status of the lesions. In the development of mouse periapical inflammation, SAA1.1/2.1 was elevated locally and systemically in wild-type (WT) mice. Although SAA1.1/2.1 double-knockout and SAA3 knockout mice had redundant attenuation of the extent of periapical lesions, these animals showed strikingly improved inflammatory cell infiltration versus WT. Recombinant human SAA1 (rhSAA1) directly induced chemotaxis of WT neutrophils in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. In addition, rhSAA1 stimulation significantly prolonged the survival of WT neutrophils as compared with nonstimulated neutrophils. Furthermore, rhSAA1 activated the NF-κB pathway and subsequent IL-1α production in macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. However, TLR2/TLR4 double deficiency substantially diminished these SAA-mediated proinflammatory responses. Taken together, the SAA-TLR axis plays an important role in the chronicity of periapical inflammation via induction of inflammatory cell infiltration and prolonged cell survival. The interactions of PAMPs and DAMPs require further investigation in dental/oral inflammation.

An examination of the role of feeding regimens in regulating metabolism during the broiler breeder grower period. 2. Plasma hormones and metabolites.

A trial was conducted to determine the effects of different feeding regimens on plasma hormone and metabolite levels in 16-wk-old broiler breeder pullets. A flock of 350 Cobb 500 breeder pullets was divided in 2 at 28 d of age and fed either every day (ED, 5 pens of 35 birds) or skip-a-day (SKIP, 5 pens of 35 birds) from 28 to 112 d of age. Total feed intake did not differ between the 2 groups. At 112 d, 52 randomly selected pullets from the larger flock of ED-fed pullets, and 76 from the SKIP-fed pullets were individually caged and fed a meal of 74 g (ED) or 148 g (SKIP). Blood samples were collected from 4 pullets in each group by cardiac puncture at intervals after feeding. Plasma was analyzed for insulin, glucagon, insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin-like growth factor-II, triiodothyronine and thyroxine, corticosterone, leptin, glucose, nonesterified fatty acids, triglycerides, and uric acid. Feed retention in the crop was also noted at each interval. In ED birds, the crop was empty by 12 h and in SKIP birds, the crop was empty by 24 h after feeding. The physiological responses to fasting, such as increased glucagon and corticosterone and reduced plasma triglyceride, occurred at times coincidental with crop emptying in both ED and SKIP birds. Overall, mean insulin-like growth factor-I levels were higher (P < 0.05) in ED birds. Triiodothyronine was higher (P = 0.09) in SKIP birds. Overall mean plasma corticosterone was 2-fold higher in SKIP-fed birds, which may be related to the increased length of fasting periods, hunger, and stress. Plasma leptin was consistently higher in ED-fed birds, which was indicative of their more consistent food supply and more stable energy status. In summary, the experiment reported here shows that different feeding regimens can alter hormone and metabolite profiles, in spite of total feed intakes being equal.

The effect of different feed restriction programs on reproductive performance, efficiency, frame size, and uniformity in broiler breeder hens.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of feed restriction programs on breeder reproductive performance. In experiment 1, every day (ED), skip-a-day (SK), 4-3, and 5-2 programs were compared. Diets did not differ, and feed intake was identical in all groups. Four hundred twenty pullets were reared on each program. At 21 wk, 80 breeders from each program were individually housed to record performance parameters. Body weight and frame size were larger in ED pullets than SK, 4-3, or 5-2 despite equal intakes. Hens fed ED reached sexual maturity at a younger age than other groups. Hens fed ED also produced more total and settable eggs than SK hens. Egg weight was heavier in 5-2 hens than in ED with 4-3 and SK intermediate. Efficiency of feed utilization was best in ED hens. In experiment 2 the same programs were tested, but pullets were reared to reach equal BW. One hundred seventy-five pullets were reared on each program, of which 60 were housed. Feed intake was greater for SK, 4-3, and 5-2 than ED pullets to reach the same BW. Frame size did not differ, indicating that BW was the cause of differences in experiment 1. In experiment 2, differences in performance were attenuated but not eliminated by feeding to reach equal BW, suggesting that metabolic factors aside from BW are altered by feeding programs. The 5-2 produced larger eggs than ED with the trend among programs being identical to that in experiment 1. These results suggest that metabolic changes such as increased lipogenesis or alterations in body composition may result in larger eggs in feeding programs that include off-feed days. Mortality, fertility, and hatchability were not affected by feeding programs in either experiment. Body composition analysis indicated the importance of total lean protein mass as a threshold for the onset of sexual maturity. Programs like SK are less efficient than ED and may result in reduced performance.

An examination of the role of feeding regimens in regulating metabolism during the broiler breeder grower period. 1. Hepatic lipid metabolism.

A trial was conducted to determine the effects of feeding regimens on hepatic lipid metabolism in 16-wk-old broiler breeder pullets. A flock of 350 Cobb 500 breeder pullets was divided into 2 at 4 wk of age and fed either every day (ED) or skip-a-day (SKIP) from 4 to 16 wk of age. Total feed intake did not differ between the 2 groups. At 112 d, 52 randomly selected ED-fed pullets, and 76 SKIP-fed pullets were individually caged and fed a 74-g (ED) or 148-g (SKIP) meal. Four pullets from each group were killed at intervals after feeding and livers were collected, weighed, and snap-frozen for determination of lipogenic gene expression. Total RNA was isolated from livers using Trizol reagent and then quantitatively measured by noting the optical density 260:280 ratio and qualitatively measured by gel electrophoresis. The expression of certain regulatory genes in metabolism [acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase; fatty acid synthase; malic enzyme (MAE); isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH); and aspartate aminotransferase (AAT)] were determined by real-time reverse-transcription PCR. Remaining liver portions were analyzed for enzyme activity of MAE, ICDH, and AAT as well as glycogen and lipid contents. Liver weight was higher in SKIP than in ED birds. Feeding caused dramatic increases in liver weight, glycogen, and lipids of SKIP birds. Expression of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase, FAS, and MAE genes were increased in SKIP birds 12 and 24 h after feeding, with the increases in MAE expression from 0 to 24 h after feeding being of the greatest magnitude. In contrast, SKIP decreased ICDH and AAT gene expression, which parallels findings noted in fasting-refeeding experiments conducted with much younger birds. Skip-a-day feeding resulted in far greater changes in gene expression compared with ED, which was indicative of the inconsistent supply of nutrients in such regimens. Enzyme activity of MAE, ICDH, and AAT was reflective of noted changes in gene expression. In summary, the feeding regimen greatly affected hepatic gene expression in breeder pullets.

[Epidemiological and virological aspects Rotavirus diarrhoea in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (1997-2000)]. / Aspects épidémiologiques et virologiques des diarrhées dues aux Rotavirus à Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (1997-2000).

Viruses, mainly rotaviruses are aetiological agents in more than 80% of the cases of acute diarrhoea in children. In order to determine the epidemiological characteristics and genotypes of human rotaviruses involved in gastroenteritis in diarrheic children aged from 0 to 5 years old in Abidjan, 642 specimens of stools were collected between 1997 and 2000 in the urban health centres and University Teaching Hospitals in Abidjan. The antigenic detection of rotaviruses carried out by ELISA test was followed by the antigenic (VP6 sub-groups) and molecular characterization: polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and genetic typing. The general prevalence of Rotavirus diarrhoea was 27.9%. Among the children who were found positive, those whose age ranged from 0 to 11 months old accounted for 45.8% against 41.3% and 12.9% for those whose age ranged from 1 to 2 and 3 to 5 years old respectively proving thus the precocity of rotavirus infection. From an electrophoretypical and antigenic point of view 74.5% of 141 extracts of RNA had a "long" profile and belonged to the VP6 II sub-group against 24.8% of "short" profile belonging to sub-group I. The electrophoretypes with short profile were identified in majority in infants whose age ranged from 0 to 2 years old. Out of the P genotypes identified, the P [8] genotype (59.6%) was predominant followed by the P [6] genotype (26.2%), P [4] (2.8%) and one mosaic genotype P[6,8] which represented 11.4%. These results will need to be completed by the determination of VP7 genotypes in order to provide interesting information on rotaviruses before the introduction of anti-Rotavirus vaccines in the country.

Adenovirus infection in children with diarrhea disease in Northwestern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Adenoviruses, particularly enteric adenoviruses (EAds) type 40 (Ad40) and type 41(Ad41), can cause acute and severe diarrhea in young children worldwide. This study was conducted to delineate the epidemiological features of adenoviruses identified in children with gastroenteritis in Northwestern Nigeria. METHODS: All 282 specimens comprising 248 diarrheic and 34 non-diarrheic stools were randomly selected from 1063 stools previously analyzed for rotaviruses. These specimens were collected between July 2002 and July 2004 from children < 5 years of age. The specimens were screened for the presence of adenoviruses using monoclonal antibody-based Enzyme Immuno Assay (EIA), (Adenovirus RIDASCREEN r-Biopharm, UK) and the positive specimens were further examined for Ad40 and Ad41 using Premier Adenoclone -Type 40/41 EIA (Meridian Biosciences, USA). Negative staining electron microscopy was performed on selected specimens to confirm the presence of adenovirus particles. RESULTS: Adenovirus antigen was detected in 63/282 (23%) of the diarrheic diarrheic and in 6/34 (17.6%) of the non-diarrheic specimens. Adenoviruses were detected throughout the study period with most patients infected in the age group 25-36 months. The male-to-female ratio was 2.2:1 (43/20). Clinical features included fever (60%: 38/63), vomiting (56%: 35/63), mild dehydration (49%: 31/63), symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection (13%: 8/63) and abdominal pain (5%: 3/63). Analysis of stool specimen in adenovirus infected patients showed watery diarrhea in 87% (55/63), diarrhea with mucus in 19% (12/63) and diarrhea with mucus and blood in 3% (2/63). Ten (10) percent of the children were hospitalized due to gastroenteritis while 9 patients (14.3%) had co-infections with rotavirus. Human EAds were detected in 8% of specimens mainly in the dry season and among children older than 2 years. The principal symptoms were diarrhea (100%), dehydration (80%) and fever (80%). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that adenoviruses are important etiologic agents of gastroenteritis in Northwestern Nigerian children.