Tracking individual broilers on video in terms of time and distance.

Tracking group-housed individual broilers using video can provide valuable information on their health, welfare, and performance, allowing breeders to identify novel or indicator traits that aid genetic improvement. However, their similar appearances make tracking individual broilers in a group-housed setting challenging. This study aimed to analyze broiler tracking on video (number of ID-switches, tracking time and distance) and examined potential tracking errors (ID-losses - location, proximity, kinematics) in an experimental pen to enable broiler locomotion phenotyping. This comprehensive analysis provided insights into the potential and challenges of tracking group-housed broilers on video with regards to phenotyping broiler locomotion. Thirty-nine broilers, of which 35 noncolor marked, were housed in an experimental pen (1.80 × 2.61 m), and only data at 18 d of age were used. A YOLOv7-tiny model was trained (n = 140), validated (n = 30), and tested (n = 30) on 200 annotated frames to detect the broilers. On the test set, YOLOv7-tiny had a precision, recall, and average precision (@0.5 - Intersection over Union threshold) of 0.99. A multi-object tracker (SORT) was implemented and evaluated on ground-truth trajectories of thirteen white broilers based on 136 min of video data (1-min intervals). The number of ID-switches varied from 5 to 20 (mean: 9.92) per ground-truth trajectory, tracking times ranged from 1 (by definition) to 51 min (mean: 12.36), and tracking distances ranged from 0.01 to 17.07 meters (mean: 1.89) per tracklet. Tracking errors primarily occurred when broilers were occluded by the drinker, and relatively frequently when broilers were in close proximity (within 10 cm), with velocity and acceleration appearing to have a lesser impact on tracking errors. The study establishes a 'baseline' for future research and identified the potential and challenges of tracking group-housed individual broilers. The results highlighted the importance of addressing ID-switches, identified potential tracking algorithm improvements, and emphasized the need for an external animal identification system to enable objective, simultaneous and semi-continuous locomotion phenotyping of group-housed individual broilers.

Passive radio frequency identification and video tracking for the determination of location and movement of broilers.

Phenotypes on individual animals are required for breeding programs to be able to select for traits. However, phenotyping individual animals can be difficult and time-consuming, especially for traits related to health, welfare, and performance. Individual broiler behavior could serve as a proxy for these traits when recorded automatically and reliably on many animals. Sensors could record individual broiler behavior, yet different sensors can differ in their assessment. In this study a comparison was made between a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) system (grid of antennas underneath the pen) and video tracking for the determination of location and movement of 3 color-marked broilers at d 18. Furthermore, a systems comparison of derived behavioral metrics such as space usage, locomotion activity and apparent feeding and drinking behavior was made. Color-marked broilers simplified the computer vision task for YOLOv5 to detect, track, and identify the animals. Animal locations derived from the RFID-system and based on video were largely in agreement. Most location differences (77.5%) were within the mean radius of the antennas' enclosing circle (≤128 px, 28.15 cm), and 95.3% of the differences were within a one antenna difference (≤256 px, 56.30 cm). Animal movement was not always registered by the RFID-system whereas video was sensitive to detection noise and the animal's behavior (e.g., pecking). The method used to determine location and the systems' sensitivities to movement led to differences in behavioral metrics. Behavioral metrics derived from video are likely more accurate than RFID-system derived behavioral metrics. However, at present, only the RFID-system can provide individual identification for non-color marked broilers. A combination of verifiable and detailed video with the unique identification of RFID could make it possible to identify, describe, and quantify a wide range of individual broiler behaviors.

Current status and future challenges in implementing and upscaling vertical farming systems.

Vertical farming can produce food in a climate-resilient manner, potentially emitting zero pesticides and fertilizers, and with lower land and water use than conventional agriculture. Vertical farming systems (VFS) can meet daily consumer demands for nutritious fresh products, forming a part of resilient food systems-particularly in and around densely populated areas. VFS currently produce a limited range of crops including fruits, vegetables and herbs, but successful implementation of vertical farming as part of mainstream agriculture will require improvements in profitability, energy efficiency, public policy and consumer acceptance. Here we discuss VFS as multi-layer indoor crop cultivation systems, exploring state-of-the-art vertical farming and future challenges in the fields of plant growth, product quality, automation, robotics, system control and environmental sustainability and how research and development, socio-economic and policy-related institutions must work together to ensure successful upscaling of VFS to future food systems.

[Misinterpreted lymphadenopathy and thrombocytopenia as unrecognised initial symptoms of an HIV-infection]. / Onbegrepen lymfklierzwellingen en trombopenie als niet herkende eerste symptomen van een hiv-infectie.

In a 28-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man with lymphadenopathy, shown by histopathology to be follicular hyperplasia, and in a 40-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man with a thrombocytopenia, HIV-infection was not diagnosed until years later. Three of the four patients did not belong to a 'classical high-risk group' for HIV/AIDS. All patients, meanwhile, suffered from minor or major complications. Moreover, the number of CD4+ cells had decreased to < or = 200/microl before antiretroviral therapy was started. After treatment, all four patients were in reasonable to good condition. An HIV-infection should be considered in every case of reactive lymphadenopathy or thrombocytopenia.

[An unusual cause of meningo-encephalitis: Japanese encephalitis]. / Een ongewone oorzaak van meningo-encefalitis: Japanse encefalitis.

Two women, 29 and 30 years of age, who had visited Indonesia and Thailand, respectively, during the summer, presented with diarrhoea, headache, fever and later neurological symptoms. The first patient had to be sedated because of restlessness and was admitted to the intensive-care unit for intravenous antimicrobial therapy; the second became comatose and received intravenous rehydration and antipyretics. No diagnosis was made during the acute phase ofthe illness, but later there was serological evidence of Japanese encephalitis. Both patients recovered, but memory and concentration difficulties persisted for a long time. Due to the increase in travelling, we see more and more cases of (rare) imported diseases. Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that causes 50,000 cases each year in Asia with a mortality of 30%. The risk of transmission for tourists is very low. Most infections with Japanese encephalitis virus do not lead to symptomatic disease; only 0.1-5% of infections lead to clinical disease. The symptoms are initially non-specific, consisting of general discomfort and diarrhoea. After this, patients can develop headache, decreased consciousness and sometimes convulsions. Therapy consists of supportive care. For travellers at high risk of exposure, a formalin-inactivated vaccine is available. For the proper diagnosis of rare imported diseases, it is advisable to consult an infectious-disease specialist or microbiologist at an early stage when evaluating a patient who has recently returned from the tropics.

Potential of repairing ischemically damaged kidneys ex vivo.

Therapies that would accelerate recovery from ischemic injury could positively impact the number of kidneys procured from non-heart-beating donors. An acellular warm (32 degrees C) perfusion was used to deliver growth factors to canine kidneys damaged by 2 hours of warm ischemia. Fibroblast growth factors 1 and 2 were selected for activation of the tyrosine kinases because of their known receptor-specific binding in the kidney, metabolic regulation, and mitogenic effect. During 24 hours of ex vivo perfusion at near-normothermia, oxidative metabolism was sufficiently restored to the ischemically damaged tissue to support upregulation of cellular processes dependent on new synthesis. The junctional integrity protein, ZO-1 was used to determine recovery of cytoskeletal integrity. The upregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen was used as a marker for recovery of synthetic functions. This modulation of both injury and repair proteins in the damaged kidneys was dependent on new synthesis. The observed modulation resulting in normalization of the cytoskeletal integrity correlated with outcomes in that when the "repaired" kidneys were reimplanted, they provided life-sustaining function. In contrast, when warm ischemically damaged control kidneys without treatment, with subsequent hypothermic perfusion or warm perfused in the absence of growth factors, were reimplanted the result was nonviability. The results of this study suggest that the administration of growth factors during 24 hours of near-normothermic, acellular perfusion, in the absence of concordant inflammation, triggers pathways for new synthesis leading to cellular recovery rather than resulting in cell death.

Requesting organ donation: the case of self-efficacy--effects of the European Donor Hospital Education Programme (EDHEP).

One of the major reasons for the shortage of donor organs is the high number of refusals by relatives. Studies have shown that the quality of communication with bereaved relatives influences whether to object or agree to organ and/or tissue donation. Breaking news of brain stem death, approaching relatives for permission to donate organs while also appropriately managing emotional reactions of relatives are complex tasks, which require knowledge of the domains as well as adequate skills to communicate information and understanding. In this study the effect of the European Donor Hospital Education Programme (EDHEP) on the self-efficacy of Intensive Care staff is evaluated. Self-efficacy scores significantly improved after attending EDHEP; an effect that was maintained at six month follow-up. EDHEP participants with high baseline scores on self-efficacy, maintained the increase at follow-up. EDHEP participants with low baseline scores on self-efficacy showed the greatest increase at the post-test. Increases in self-efficacy were significantly related to decreases in the perceived difficulty of requesting. Experience had a significant effect on both self-efficacy beliefs and perceived difficulty of requesting donation. As self-efficacy beliefs are perceived as better predictors for future behaviour than prior attainments, the results call for further research in this domain. The data indicate that training programmes should be tailored not only to working circumstances of participants, but should also take levels of experience and self-efficacy into account. Further study is necessary and the best way to proceed is to relate the outcomes of this study to behavioural outcomes.

['New pathways to organ donation'; a recommendation of the Dutch Health Council]. / 'Nieuwe wegen naar orgaandonatie'; een advies van de Gezondheidsraad.

Despite recent efforts at improvement, the current status of postmortem organ donation in the Netherlands is a reason for serious concern. The waiting lists for all organ transplantations are increasing in length. The Dutch Health Council was asked by the Minister of Health to report on any available alternative sources of donor organs, focusing especially on donation from living donors and postmortem donors in whom the heart is no longer beating. Kidney donation by living relatives is a well-known procedure that has been performed since 1950. Since HLA-matching is now less important due to new immunosuppressive regimens, transplants from unrelated living volunteers are also possible with good results. Live donation from emotionally involved persons should be encouraged. In case of ABO incompatibility, donors could be exchanged via the organ exchange institution. Live donation of liver segments by an adult to benefit a child recipient is justified. In case of an adult recipient this should be performed only under exceptional circumstances. Live donation of lung lobes and segments of intestine is still in a developmental phase. Postmortem donation of kidneys and livers from donors in whom the heart is no longer beating should also be encouraged. Donation of the lungs and pancreas from these donors is still an experimental procedure.

Anomalies associated with oesophageal atresia in Asians and Europeans.

Oesophageal atresia (OA) is often associated with anomalies of other systems. The genetic contribution to the formation of the VACTERL association is not clear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of associated anomalies in two different racial populations. The associated anomalies in neonates with OA managed in an Asian and a European paediatric surgical centre from 1982 to 1998 were reviewed. Non-Asian and non-European patients were excluded from the respective centres. The incidence of anomalies was compared using Fisher's exact test, taking #E5/E5# below 0.05 as statistically significant. Forty-eight consecutive Asian (25 boys and 23 girls) and 34 consecutive European patients (20 boys and 14 girls) were included in the analysis. The percentage of patients with at least one associated anomaly was 50% and 74% in the Asian and European populations, respectively, which was significantly different (#E5/E5#=0. 04). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of associated cardiovascular (29% vs 39%), anorectal (11% vs 18%), and musculoskeletal (16% vs 22%) anomalies, duodenal atresia (4% vs 3%), or Down's syndrome (3% vs 6%) between the two populations. However, the European patients had a significantly higher incidence of urogenital (UG) anomalies (26% vs 4%, #E5/E5#=0.006), the most common being agenesis (n=4) and dysplasia (n=3) of one or both kidneys. Hereditary factors may influence the incidence of associated anomalies in children with OA, particularly of the UG system. However, environmental factors cannot be excluded.

The cadaveric kidney and the organ shortage--a perspective review.

Despite the technical and logistical hurdles that must be overcome with the reintroduction of non-heartbeating donor kidneys, the potential of these organs represents the only near-term solution for effectively alleviating the growing disparity between demand and supply. This review provides an argumentative overview of the history of cadaveric kidney transplantation. During the early years of transplantation retrieval of kidneys from non-heartbeating donors necessitated a prolonged period of warm ischemic exposure, with a corresponding minimal ex vivo period since organ preservation was in its infancy. Today we have the inverse situation where warm ischemic times are quite limited and hypothermic preservation times average 24 h because organs are shipped to remote centers due to mandated organ sharing algorithms. The recent experience with the reintroduction of non-heartbeating donors has necessitated combining the worst aspects from both eras: substantial warm ischemia with prolonged hypothermic preservation. Nevertheless, recent results from several transplant groups poignantly highlight the potential of this approach in expanding the organ donor pool.

Transplanting horseshoe kidneys: a worldwide survey.

PURPOSE: Horseshoe kidney is the most common anatomical renal variation. It represents a fusion anomaly, usually of the lower poles. Horseshoe kidneys can be transplanted en bloc or after division of the renal isthmus. We constructed a decision cascade for horseshoe kidney transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A worldwide survey of transplantation clinics and foundations was performed to discover cases of horseshoe kidney transplantation. In each case data were collected on horseshoe kidney anatomy and post-transplantation results. The number of renal arteries and veins was correlated with primary nonfunction due to technical failure. RESULTS: From 1975 to 2000, 23 horseshoe kidneys were transplanted en bloc, while 57 were split and transplanted into 97 recipients. Primary nonfunction was observed in 4.3% and 13.4% of en bloc and divided transplanted kidneys, respectively. Postoperatively a urinary fistula formed after renal isthmus division in 2 cases. An increased number of renal vessels was not associated with an increased risk of primary nonfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Horseshoe kidney anatomy should be closely inspected after explantation. The decision to split a horseshoe kidney should be based on urinary collecting system anatomy in the renal isthmus and on the number as well as the position of the renal vessels. Horseshoe kidneys can and should always be considered for transplantation.

Deletrious effect of prolonged cold ischemia on renal function.

The detrimental effect of prolonged cold ischemia (CI) on posttransplant renal function has long been recognized. However, the cellular consequences of CI have not been clearly defined. This study describes a model for the identification of CI-induced injury by evaluating ex-vivo renal metabolism and function prior to reperfusion. Small bovine kidneys were cold stored in Viaspan for 24-, 48-, 72-, and 96 h. Kidneys were then warm perfused (32 degrees C) using Exsangiunous Metabolic Support (EMS) technology and evaluated for oxidative metabolism, vascular dynamics and function. Oxygen consumption, vascular resistance, and diuresis were stable in kidneys with CI up to 48 h. After 72- and 96 h of CI, vascular resistance was increased while oxygen consumption and diuresis were reduced (P < 0.05). Glomerular filtration rate was diminished at CI greater than 24 h (P < 0.05). Results show that function was compromised with CI greater than 24 h and preceded the loss of cell viability following 48 h of CI.

Pretransplantation prognostic testing on damaged kidneys during ex vivo warm perfusion.

BACKGROUND: Further expansion of the donor pool with ischemically damaged kidneys will be predicated on the ability to develop prognostic testing. Using a well-established canine autotransplantation injury model, we assessed whether actual restoration of renal metabolism by ex vivo warm perfusion could be used to predict the status of an organ before transplantation. METHODS: Kidneys were subjected to 30 min of warm ischemia followed by 24 hr of static storage in ViaSpan at 4 degrees C. After warm ischemia and static storage the kidneys were transitioned to 3 hr of warm perfusion using Exsanguinous Metabolic Support technology. During this period, parameters indicative of renal metabolism and vascular function were used to predict outcomes prospectively. Parameters included measures of oxidative metabolism, perfusion characteristics, and vascular condition. A Viability Score (VS) was calculated as the sum of the three parameters mentioned above. Results were grouped by a VS>2 and a VS<2. RESULTS: A clear association between the severity and duration of graft dysfunction and the VS was observed. Organs with a VS>2 had a significantly milder period of acute tubular necrosis, with both a less severe rise in serum creatinine (mean of 4.4 vs. 11 mg/dl) and a shorter recovery period (mean of 8 vs. 18 days) than those with a VS<2. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate the possibility of utilizing warm perfusion to evaluate kidneys before transplantation. The VS developed demonstrated efficacy in classifying the severity of the acute tubular necrosis and the occurrence of primary nonfunction, offering a sensitive assay for prospective organ testing.

Management of aortic aneurysm in the presence of a horseshoe kidney.

BACKGROUND: The coexistence of an aortic aneurysm and a horseshoe kidney poses a technical challenge to the vascular surgeon at the time of aneurysm repair. The aim of this review is to develop a guideline for the treatment of patients with this dual pathology. METHOD: A literature review combined with local experience provided a total of 176 cases. These were divided into two groups: asymptomatic aneurysms (134) and ruptured aneurysms (42), both in combination with a horseshoe kidney. RESULTS: Six types of operative approach were described: transperitoneal approach with or without separation of the renal isthmus, retroperitoneal approach, placement of a stent-graft, aneurysmal wrap and exploration without exclusion of the aneurysm. Diagnosis of the horseshoe kidney was made before operation in 81 per cent of patients in the asymptomatic group, and in 55 per cent (23 of 42) in the ruptured group. Computed tomography proved to be the most reliable diagnostic procedure. Occlusion of renal arteries originating from the aneurysm was reported in 51 per cent in the asymptomatic group, and in 74 per cent (23 of 31) in the ruptured group. CONCLUSION: The preferred surgical options for asymptomatic patients with an aortic aneurysm and a horseshoe kidney are the placement of a stent-graft or a retroperitoneal approach; both avoid many of the technical difficulties related to the presence of the horseshoe kidney. The approach of choice for a ruptured aneurysm is transperitoneal. Separation of the renal isthmus should be avoided.