Nanoplasma resonance condition in the middle-infrared spectral range.

The resonance-absorption condition in the laser-nanoplasma interactions has been considered to follow the wavelength dependence of the critical plasma density. We experimentally demonstrate that this assumption fails in the middle-infrared spectral range, while it is valid for visible and near-infrared wavelengths. A thorough analysis supported by molecular dynamic (MD) simulations indicates that the observed transition in the resonance condition is caused by the reduction of the electron scattering rate and the associated increase of the cluster outer-ionization contribution. An expression for the nanoplasma resonance density is derived based on experimental results and MD simulations. The findings are important for a broad range of plasma experiments and applications, since the extension of the laser-plasma interaction studies to longer wavelengths has become increasingly topical.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy: which patients require postoperative physiotherapy?

OBJECTIVES: Following major thoracic surgery physiotherapy is recommended to improve reduced lung volume, aid secretion clearance, and improve mobility, however, in many centres physiotherapy provision is variable following minimally invasive video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The objective of this study was to observe frequency of problems potentially amenable to physiotherapy following VATS lobectomy, and to identify associated baseline factors of patients in whom physiotherapy may be beneficial. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed including all consecutive cancer patients undergoing VATS lobectomy in a regional centre over 4years (2012-2016). Standard postoperative care included early mobilisation by nursing staff from postoperative day one (POD1). Physiotherapy assessment of all patients on POD1 determined presence of issues potentially amenable to physiotherapy intervention, and treatment was commenced. Outcome measures included postoperative pulmonary complication (PPC) development, hospital and high dependency unit (HDU) length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: Of 285 patients, 209 (73%) received physiotherapy to assist/improve reduced mobility, of these 23 (8%) also received sputum clearance therapies and 65 (23%) specific therapy for lung volume loss. The remaining 76 (27%) patients had significantly lower hospital/HDU LOS (P<0.001) reflecting uncomplicated recovery. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), body mass index (BMI), preoperative mobility and age were independently associated with issues potentially amenable to physiotherapy (P=0.013). CONCLUSION: Following VATS lobectomy a large proportion of patients demonstrated issues potentially amenable to physiotherapy. The authors recommend that patients receive routine physiotherapy assessment following this type of surgery to ensure that all issues are identified early. Screening of COPD, BMI, preoperative mobility and age will allow early identification of patients who may benefit most from postoperative physiotherapy and preoperative optimisation, however, these factors cannot predict the need for physiotherapy.

Probing the interplay between geometric and electronic-structure features via high-harmonic spectroscopy.

We present molecular-frame measurements of the recombination dipole matrix element (RDME) in CO2, N2O, and carbonyl sulfide (OCS) molecules using high-harmonic spectroscopy. Both the amplitudes and phases of the RDMEs exhibit clear imprints of a two-center interference minimum, which moves in energy with the molecular alignment angle relative to the laser polarization. We find that whereas the angle dependence of this minimum is consistent with the molecular geometry in CO2 and N2O, it behaves very differently in OCS; in particular, the phase shift which accompanies the two-center minimum changes sign for different alignment angles. Our results suggest that two interfering structural features contribute to the OCS RDME, namely, (i) the geometrical two-center minimum and (ii) a Cooper-like, electronic-structure minimum associated with the sulfur end of the molecule. We compare our results to ab initio calculations using time-dependent density functional theory and present an empirical model that captures both the two-center and the Cooper-like interferences. We also show that the yield from unaligned samples of two-center molecules is, in general, reduced at high photon energies compared to aligned samples, due to the destructive interference between molecules with different alignments.

The optimum valine: lysine ratios on performance and carcass traits of male broilers based on different regression approaches.

Three different regression approaches were applied to determine the optimal digestible (d.) and analyzed Val:Lys ratios for broiler performance and carcass yield. One-day-old male Cobb 500 broilers (n = 960) were assigned to 1 of 8 diets, with 6 pens/diet and 20 birds/pen, for 42 days. The negative control consisted of the basal diet with a d.Val:d.Lys ratio of 0.63 and with 93% of the required d.Lys. The positive control consisted of the basal diet with a d.Val:d.Lys of 0.80, with no reduction in d.Lys content. The other (test) diets contained a range of d.Val:d.Lys ratios, all with 93% of the required d.Lys. Data on feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were submitted to regression analysis, applying quadratic polynomial (QP), exponential asymptotic (EA), and linear response plateau (LRP) models. Since Val did not affect carcass or breast meat yield, no regression was performed. Digestible and analyzed Val:Lys ratios were similar based on the regression models. The intercept between the QP and LRP models was used to determine the optimum Val:Lys ratio. Overall, the ideal d.Val:d.Lys ratio will vary according to the main goal of poultry production, i.e., BWG or FCR. For BWG, the ideal ratio was found to be 0.78 (0 to 12 d), 0.73 (0 to 28 d), and 0.76 (0 to 35 or 0 to 42 d). For FCR, the optimum d.Val:d.Lys was found to be 0.80 (0 to 12 d), 0.75 (0 to 28 d), and 0.78 (0 to 35 or 0 to 42 d). The optimum analyzed Val:Lys ratio was slightly higher. For instance, for BWG the optimum ratio was 0.80 (0 to 12 d), 0.76 (0 to 28 d), and 0.79 (0 to 35 or 0 to 42 d). For FCR, the optimum Val:Lys was 0.81 (0 to 12 d), 0.79 (0 to 28 d), and 0.81 (0 to 35 or 0 to 42 d). Valine did not affect carcass or breast meat yield.

Wannier Representation of Intraband High-Order Harmonic Generation.

We investigate the harmonic generation induced by the interaction of a laser field with a solid target. The harmonic spectra is composed of the contribution of two processes interpreted as interband and intraband transitions. The interband process corresponds to the recombination from an upper band, populated during the laser interaction, to a lower band. The intraband process originates from nonlinear processes of the current in individual bands. In this Letter, we develop a theory based on Wannier states and reveal in depth the underlying physics of intraband dynamics. In particular, this approach highlights the determinant role of transitions between different lattice wells. Furthermore, our approach provides quantitative predictions concerning high-order harmonic energy cutoffs, harmonic yields, and emission times.

Caracterização dos fatores de produção e uso de modelos matemáticos para estimar sua influência sobre o consumo diário de ração e a conversão alimentar de suínos nas fases de crescimento e terminação / Characterization of production factors and use of mathematical models to estimate their influence on daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio of grow-finishing pigs

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e quantificar os fatores de produção presentes em granjas de crescimento e terminação (CT) de suínos, em um sistema cooperativo do estado do Paraná, Brasil, e determinar a influência desses fatores no consumo diário de ração (CDR) e na conversão alimentar (CA). Foram avaliados, entre os anos de 2010 e 2013, os históricos produtivos de 538 lotes de engorda, alojados em 175 granjas comerciais, totalizando aproximadamente 404.000 animais. Foram considerados 40 fatores de produção, relacionados ao manejo, à sanidade, às instalações e aos equipamentos, à nutrição, à genética e ao ambiente. Em baias com menos de 20 suínos, o CDR diminuiu (P<0,05) e a CA melhorou (P<0,01). Nas baias com comedouros basculantes (lineares), o CDR reduziu (P<0,01) e a CA melhorou (P=0,001). Em baias com lâmina d'água, o CDR aumentou (P<0,01) e a CA piorou (P<0,01). Lotes formados apenas por fêmeas apresentaram menor CDR (P<0,001) e melhor CA (P<0,001), quando comparados aos lotes mistos. As variáveis selecionadas para os modelos finais explicaram cerca de 25% e 46% da variância total para CDR e para a CA, respectivamente. Os modelos constituem um instrumento de auxílio efetivo para tomadas de decisões técnicas dentro do setor suinícola.(AU)

The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the production factors present in growing and finishing (GF) pig farms partners of a cooperative in Paraná State, Brazil, and to determine the influence of these factors on daily feed intake (DFI) and the feed conversion ratio (FCR). From 2010 to 2013, the historical production of 538 batches of fattening pigs in 175 commercial farms were analyzed, in an amount approximately 404,000 animals. A total of 40 production factors regarding the management, sanity, plant and equipment, nutrition, genetics and environment were taken into consideration. Pens with less than 20 pigs resulted in a reduction in DFI (P<0.05) and an improved FCR (P<0.01). In pens that used linear dump feeders, the DFI was less (P<0.01) and the FCR was better (P=0.001). Pens with shallow pools had higher DFI (P<0.01) and worse FCR (P<0.01). Batches of females had lower DFI (P<0.001) and better FCR (P<0.001) compared to mixed-sex batches. The factors used for the final models explained the 25% and 46% of the total variance for the DFI and FCR, respectively. The models consist in effective aid instruments for technical decision making in the swine industry.(AU)

Prospective multicentre study on barbed reposition pharyngoplasty standing alone or as a part of multilevel surgery for sleep apnoea.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to demonstrate in a prospective multicentre study that Barbed Reposition Pharyngoplasty (BRP) procedure is safe and effective in management of obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Multicentre study. PARTICIPANTS: Patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Values of postoperative apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). RESULTS: 111 Barbed Reposition Pharyngoplasty procedures standing alone or as a part of multilevel surgery for OSAHS, performed between January and September 2016, were analysed in 15 different centres. The average hospitalisation period was 2.5 ± 0.5 days. The mean patient age was 46.3 ± 10.5 years. The average body mass index at the time of the procedure was 27.9 ± 3.2, and the majority of the patients were men (83%). The mean preoperative and postoperative apnoea/hypopnea index was 33.4 ± 19.5 and 13.5 ± 10.3, respectively (P < .001). The mean preoperative and postoperative ESS score was 10.2 ± 4.5 and 6.1 ± 3.6, respectively (P < .001). The mean preoperative and postoperative ODI were 29.6 ± 20.7 and 12.7 ± 10.8, respectively (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing BRP standing alone or as part of a multilevel approach for the treatment of OSAHS have a reasonable expectation for success with minimal morbidity.

Cierre de fístula oroantral con injerto de hueso vómer / Oroantral fistula with vomer bone graft clouser

Presentamos un caso de fístula oroantral y rinosinusitis maxilar, resuelto por abordaje combinado endoscópico, nasal e intraoral en el cual se utilizó colgajo de mucosa palatina y hueso vómer para el cierre de la misma. Describimos el caso de una paciente femenina de 66 años de edad, que consultó por presentar cacosmia, algia facial izquierda y rinorrea posterior purulenta, 3 semanas posterior a extracción de segundo molar superior izquierdo, la tomograffa axial computarizada (TC) de senos paranasales evidenció velamiento total maxilar izquierdo, parcial etmoidal izquierdo y defecto óseo en reborde alveolar superior izquierdo. Se realizó toma de fragmento de hueso vómer. Seguidamente abordaje de cavidad antral izquierda por vía endoscópica; e intraoral, se concluyó disección, cierre óseo y mucoso de la fístula.

We report a case of an oroantral fistula and maxillary rhinosinusitis, that was resolved by combined approach, in which palatal mucosa flap and vomer bone was used for its closure. We describe the case of a female patient of 66 years old, who consulted for having cacosmia, left facial pain and purulent rhinorrhea, after left second molar extraction. CT-scan sinus showed the total left maxillary sinus, partial left ethmoid opacity and bone defect in left alveolar ridge. A vomer bone graft was taken from the nasal septum; left maxillary sinus surgerywas done by endoscopic approach and intraoral closure of bony and mucosa fístula was concluded.

Precise Access to the Molecular-Frame Complex Recombination Dipole through High-Harmonic Spectroscopy.

We report on spectral intensity and group delay measurements of the highest-occupied molecular-orbital (HOMO) recombination dipole moment of N_{2} in the molecular-frame using high harmonic spectroscopy. We take advantage of the long-wavelength 1.3 µm driving laser to isolate the HOMO in the near threshold region, 19-67 eV. The precision of our group delay measurements reveals previously unseen angle-resolved spectral features associated with autoionizing resonances, and allows quantitative comparison with cutting-edge correlated 8-channel photoionization dipole moment calculations.

Comparison of methionine sources around requirement levels using a methionine efficacy method in 0 to 28 day old broilers.

The addition of methionine in the poultry feed industry is still facing the relative efficacy dilemma between DL-methionine (DLM) and hydroxy-methionine (HMTBA). The aim of this study was to compare the effect of dietary DLM and HMTBA on broiler performance at different levels of total sulfur amino acids (TSAA). The treatments consisted of a basal diet without methionine addition, and 4 increasing methionine doses for both sources resulting in TSAA/Lysine ratios from 0.62 to 0.73 in the starter phase and 0.59 to 0.82 in the grower phase. The comparison of product performance was performed by three-way ANOVA analysis and by methionine efficacy calculation as an alternative method of comparison. Growth results obtained during the starter phase with the different methionine supplementations did not show significant growth responses to TSAA levels, indicating a lower methionine requirement in the starter phase than currently assumed. However, a significant methionine dose effect was obtained for the period 10 to 28 day of age and for the entire growth period of 0 to 28 day of age. Excepting a significant gender effect, the statistical analysis did not allow for the discrimination of methionine sources, and no interaction between source and dose level was observed up to 28 days of age. A significant interaction between source and dose level was observed for methionine efficacy for the grower phase, and the total growth period showed better HMTBA efficacy at higher TSAA value. The exponential model fitted to each methionine source for body weight response depending on methionine intake or for feed conversion ratio (FCR) depending on methionine doses did not allow the methionine sources to be distinguished. Altogether, these results conclude that methionine sources lead to similar performances response when compared at TSAA values around the broiler requirement level. These results also showed that at TSAA values above requirement, HMTBA had a better methionine efficacy value than DLM, caused by the different properties of that molecule, whereas below the TSAA requirement levels, the opposite was observed in females.

Factors affecting the daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio of pigs in grow-finishing units: the case of a company.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to use mathematical modeling to identify and quantify the main factors that affect daily feed intake (DFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in grow-finishing (GF) pig units. We evaluated the production records of 93 GF farms between 2010 and 2013, linked to a company, working in a cooperative system, located in western Paraná State, Brazil. A total of 683 batches, consisting of approximately 495,000 animals, were used. Forty production factors related to the management, health, plant and equipment, nutrition, genetics and environment were considered. The number of pigs per pen, type of feeder, origin and sex (the last two variables were combined in the models) of the animals and initial and final body weights were included in the final models to predict DFI and FCR (dependent variables). Additionally, the duration of the GF phase was included for the parameter FCR. All factors included in the final models had significant effects for both dependent variables. RESULTS: There was a reduction in DFI (0.04 kg) (P < 0.001) and an improvement in FCR (6.0 points) (P < 0.001) in batches from pens with less than 20 animals compared with batches from pens with more than 20 animals. In barns with "other" feeder types (mostly the linear dump type) different of conical semiautomatic feeder, a reduction of DFI (0.03 kg) (P < 0.05) and improved FCR (3.0 points) (P < 0.05) were observed. Batches of barrows from units specialized for producing piglets (SPU) had higher DFI (approximately 0.02 kg) (P < 0.01) than batches of females and batches of mixed animals from SPU, and batches of mixed animals from farms not specialized for piglet production (farrow-to-finish farms). Batches of females from SPU and mixed batches from SPU had better FCR (5.0 and 3.0 points respectively) (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) than batches of piglets originating from farrow-to-finish farms. The variables selected for the final models explained approximately 50 and 64 % of the total variance in DFI and FCR, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The models are tools for the interpretation of the factors related to the evaluated parameters, aiding in the identification of critical aspects of production. The main parameters affecting DFI and FCR in this company during the GF period were the number of pigs per pen, the type of feeder used and the combination origin-sex of the animals.

Pedunculated polypoid melanoma. A case report of a rare spindle-cell variant of melanoma.

We report an 89-year-old man who presented with a slowly growing pigmented pedunculated tumor. The nodule was diagnosed as a spindle cell pedunculated malignant melanoma (PMM), a rare variant of spindle-cell malignant melanoma. The clinical presentation of this tumor and its histological and immunohistological features are discussed.

Carcinoma papilar de quiste de conducto tirogloso sincrónico con carcinoma papilar de tiroides / Synchronous papillary carcinoma of thyroglossal duct cyst and papillary thyroid carcinoma

Presentamos el caso de un paciente diagnosticado de quiste de conducto tirogloso y un nódulo tiroideo ístmico en el que se evidenciaron focos de carcinoma papilar intraquístico concomitantes con carcinoma papilar en el nódulo tiroideo. La indicación terapéutica en estos casos es controvertida, y dependerá en la mayoría de los casos del estudio microscópico de la muestra. En nuestro caso se realizó en un primer tiempo la intervención de Sistrunk asociada a una istmectomía y tras conocer el resultado de ambas muestras se decidió realizar tiroidectomía total.

We report the case of a patient with a thyroglossal duct cyst and a nodule at the thyroid isthmus which showed intracystic papillary carcinoma foci concomitant with papillary carcinoma in the thyroid nodule. The therapeutic indication in these cases is controversial. In our case it was done in a first intervention a Sistrunk technique associated to an isthmectomy and after knowing the results of both samples was decided to perform a total thyroidectomy.

Attosecond pulse shaping around a Cooper minimum.

High harmonic generation (HHG) is used to measure the spectral phase of the recombination dipole matrix element (RDM) in argon over a broad frequency range that includes the 3p Cooper minimum (CM). The measured RDM phase agrees well with predictions based on the scattering phases and amplitudes of the interfering s- and d-channel contributions to the complementary photoionization process. The reconstructed attosecond bursts that underlie the HHG process show that the derivative of the RDM spectral phase, the group delay, does not have a straightforward interpretation as an emission time, in contrast to the usual attochirp group delay. Instead, the rapid RDM phase variation caused by the CM reshapes the attosecond bursts.

Management factors affecting mortality, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of grow-finishing pigs.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of animal management and farm facilities on total feed intake (TFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality rate (MORT) of grower-finishing pigs. In total, 310 batches from 244 grower-finishing farms, consisting of 454 855 Pietrain sired pigs in six Spanish pig companies were used. Data collection consisted of a survey on management practices (season of placement, split-sex by pens, number of pig origins, water source in the farm, initial or final BW) and facilities (floor, feeder, ventilation or number of animals placed) during 2008 and 2009. Results indicated that batches of pigs placed between January and March had higher TFI (P=0.006), FCR (P=0.005) and MORT (P=0.03) than those placed between July and September. Moreover, batches of pigs placed between April and June had lower MORT (P=0.003) than those placed between January and March. Batches which had split-sex pens had lower TFI (P=0.001) and better FCR (P<0.001) than those with mixed-sex in pens; pigs fed with a single-space feeder with incorporated drinker also had the lowest TFI (P<0.001) and best FCR (P<0.001) in comparison to single and multi-space feeders without a drinker. Pigs placed in pens with <50% slatted floors presented an improvement in FCR (P<0.05) than pens with 50% or more slatted floors. Batches filled with pigs from multiple origins had higher MORT (P<0.001) than those from a single origin. Pigs housed in barns that performed manual ventilation control presented higher MORT (P<0.001) in comparison to automatic ventilation. The regression analysis also indicated that pigs which entered to grower-finisher facilities with higher initial BW had lower MORT (P<0.05) and finally pigs which were sent to slaughterhouse with a higher final BW presented higher TFI (P<0.001). The variables selected for each dependent variable explained 61.9%, 24.8% and 20.4% of the total variability for TFI, FCR and MORT, respectively. This study indicates that farms can increase growth performance and reduce mortality by improving farm facilities and/or modifying management practices.

Scaling of the low-energy structure in above-threshold ionization in the tunneling regime: theory and experiment.

A calculation of the second-order (rescattering) term in the S-matrix expansion of above-threshold ionization is presented for the case when the binding potential is the unscreened Coulomb potential. Technical problems related to the divergence of the Coulomb scattering amplitude are avoided in the theory by considering the depletion of the atomic ground state due to the applied laser field, which is well defined and does not require the introduction of a screening constant. We focus on the low-energy structure, which was observed in recent experiments with a midinfrared wavelength laser field. Both the spectra and, in particular, the observed scaling versus the Keldysh parameter and the ponderomotive energy are reproduced. The theory provides evidence that the origin of the structure lies in the long-range Coulomb interaction.

A survey of physiotherapeutic provision for patients undergoing thoracic surgery in the U.K.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of physiotherapeutic provision for patients undergoing open thoracotomy and lung surgery in the U.K. Timing of physiotherapy, modalities used and factors influencing practice were also investigated. DESIGN: Survey. SETTING: Tertiary centres performing thoracic surgery. PARTICIPANTS: Forty U.K. centres were identified, and senior physiotherapists were invited to participate. METHODS: A postal survey was distributed to identified centres in August 2008, with further follow-up of non-responders. This was adapted from a similar study conducted in Australia and New Zealand. RESULTS: Thirty-one responses were received (78%). Pre-operative physiotherapy was provided by 87% of respondents: 10% provided physiotherapy for all patients and 77% only provided physiotherapy for high-risk patients. Pre-operative pulmonary rehabilitation was reported in 13% of centres. Postoperative physiotherapeutic assessment was undertaken routinely by 97% of respondents: 81% provided physiotherapy to all patients, and 16% only provided physiotherapy when a specific problem was identified. The treatments given were relatively standardised. The provision of physiotherapy following hospital discharge was generally very sparse. CONCLUSION: This study provides a guide for physiotherapists working with patients undergoing thoracic surgery to use to compare their current practices. Postoperative physiotherapy is provided extensively to UK patients undergoing open thoracotomy. However, pre-operative provision is more variable and is mainly provided for high-risk patients. Despite the subsequent publication of pre- and postoperative pulmonary rehabilitation studies, UK physiotherapy practice remained similar to that reported in Australia and New Zealand. Further research in this field is necessary to investigate the role of pre-operative physiotherapy, the role of pre- and postoperative pulmonary rehabilitation, and the effectiveness of routine postoperative physiotherapy.

Exigência de metionina + cistina para frangas de reposição na fase recria de 13 a 18 semanas de idade / Requirement of methionine plus cystine for egg pullets in the growing phase from 13 to 18 weeks old

Determinou-se a exigência de metionina + cistina para frangas de 13 a 18 semanas de idade e verificou-se seu efeito sobre a fase de postura. O experimento foi dividido em duas fases experimentais, recria e postura. Na fase de recria, 560 aves - 50% Lohmann LSL e 50% Lohmann Brown -, com 13 a 18 semanas de idade, foram distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 5x2 (porcentagem de met+cis e linhagens), com quatro repetições e 14 aves por repetição. As porcentagens de met+cis totais estudadas foram 0,399; 0,469; 0,539; 0,609 e 0,679%. Ao atingirem 22 semanas de idade, 240 aves foram utilizadas para se avaliar o efeito residual das dietas oferecidas na fase de recria sobre o desempenho das aves, a produção e a qualidade de ovos. Ao se considerar a fase de produção, não se verificou efeito da inclusão de níveis de met+cis na ração, para ambas as linhagens. As exigências de metionina + cistina totais foram de 0,679% (0,611% de met+cis digestível) para aves leves e de 0,646% (0,581% de met+cis digestível) para aves semipesadas.

The methionine + cystine requirement was determined for pullets from 13 to 18 weeks of age and its effect was verified on the laying phase. The experiment was divided into two experimental phases. In the growing phase 560 birds (50% and 50% Lohmann LSL Lohmann Brown) at 13 to 18 weeks of age were distributed in a completely randomized factorial scheme 5x2 (methionine + cystine levels and lineages), with four replications and 14 birds per repetition. The levels of total methionine + cystine studied were 0.399, 0.469, 0.539, 0.609 and 0.679%. When they reached 22 weeks of age, 240 birds were used to assess the residual effects of the diets offered in the growing phase on performance of poultry, egg production and quality. Considering the production phase, there was no effect of the inclusion of methionine + cystine levels in the diet for both strains. The total methionine and cysteine was 0.679% (0.611% of digestible methionine + cystine) for light birds and 0.646% (0.581% methionine + cystine digestible) for brown-egg pullets.

Exigência de metionina + cistina para frangas de reposição na fase cria de sete a 12 semanas de idade / Requirement of methionine + cystine for pullets in the growing phase from 7 to 12 weeks old

Determinou-se a exigência de metionina + cistina para frangas de sete a 12 semanas de idade e verificou-se seu efeito sobre a fase de postura. O experimento foi dividido em duas fases, de cria e de produção, esta de 22 a 33 semanas de idade. Na primeira fase, utilizaram-se 640 aves - 50% Lohmann LSL e 50% Lohmann Brown - com sete a 12 semanas de idade, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 5x2 (porcentagem de met+cis e linhagem), com quatro repetições e 16 aves por repetição. As porcentagens de met+cis total estudadas foram 0,471; 0,541; 0,611; 0,681 e 0,751%. Ao atingirem 22 semanas de idade, 240 aves foram utilizadas para verificar o efeito residual das dietas fornecidas na fase de cria. A dieta fornecida nesta fase foi igual para todas as aves. As exigências de metionina + cistina para aves de reposição, leves e semipesadas, no período de sete a 12 semanas de idade, foram de 0,710 % de met+cis total (0,639% de met+cis digestível) e 0,706% de met+cis total (0,635% de met+cis digestível), respectivamente.

The methionine + cystine requirement was determined for pullets from seven to 12 weeks of age and its effect was verified on the laying phase. The experiment was divided into two phases, growing and production, which lasted from 22 to 33 weeks of age. In the first experimental phase we used 640 birds (50% and 50% Lohmann LSL Lohmann Brown) allotted in a completely randomized factorial scheme 5x2 (methionine + cystine levels and lineages), with four replications and 16 birds per repetition. The levels of total methionine + cystine studied were 0.471; 0.541; 0.611; 0.681 e 0.751%. When they reached 22 weeks of age, 240 birds were used to verify the residual effect of the diets fed during the growth period. The level of methionine + cystine for white-egg and brown-egg pullets in the period from 1 to 6 weeks of age were 0.710% of total methionine + cystine (0.639 % met+cis digestible) and 0.706 % of total methionine + cystine (0.635 % of met+cis digestible), respectively.

Microbial contamination of non-invasive ventilation devices used by adults with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: There is currently little evidence regarding potential risks of bacterial contamination of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) devices used by cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the extent of bacterial contamination of NIV devices in our regional adult CF centre. METHODS: Seven NIV devices recently used by CF patients chronically infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) were swabbed in seven areas, both external and internal. Two devices had undergone ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization between patient use and swabbing, and five devices had not undergone EtO sterilization. FINDINGS: Swabs from five devices had insignificant growth of environmental organisms and two devices had significant growth of environmental organisms. No CF pathogens were isolated from any machine. CONCLUSIONS: No evidence was found of pathogenic microbial contamination of NIV devices used by CF patients in this small study. We suggest that further studies examine for evidence of bacterial contamination of NIV devices and that this issue should be included in future CF infection control guidelines.