Sustainable floor type for managing turkey production in a hot climate.

Floor type management is an important factor in turkey production in hot climates exceeding 30°C. In this study, a total of 360 turkeys aged 4 wk were randomly distributed to investigate growth performance, carcass characteristics, certain health aspects (breast blisters score, footpad burns, hock discoloration, and plumage condition), and airborne conditions. Birds in the first group were raised on a littered floor (control; C), whereas birds in the other groups (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5) were raised on cement, wire net, rubber mat, plastic and wooden slatted floors, respectively. The results indicated that growth performance and meat quality were improved, with increases in body weight, daily body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and tenderness and juiciness values, when plastic and wooden slatted floors were used. Moreover, the use of plastic and wooden slatted floors attenuated body temperature, airborne dust particulates, and ammonia concentrations. In conclusion, placing plastic, wooden slatted, or wire floors reduced the incidence of health disorders and alleviated heat stress effects by decreasing body temperature and the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio. Thus, plastic and wooden slatted floors are suitable for growing turkeys under the conditions of this study.

The impact of L-NAME and L-arginine chronic toxicity induced lesions on ascites--pulmonary hypertension syndrome development in broiler chickens.

The impact of L-arginine (LA), a precursor for synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), and N-omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, LN), a non-selective inhibitor of the enzyme producing nitric oxide (nitric oxide synthase; NOS) chronic toxicity induced lesions on Ascites - Pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) development was investigated in 140 one-day-old male broiler chickens (ROSS) during the first 5 weeks of life. Every second day the animals were treated intraperitoneally (ip) with L-NAME (10 mg/kg of body weight; BW), L-arginine (100 mg/kg BW), L-arginine and L-NAME in combination (100 mg/kg BW and 10 mg/kg BW respectively), and with physiological saline (0.90% w/v of NaCl; 0.5 mL/kg BW). Seven birds from each group were euthanized every week. The histopathological examination of the heart, the liver, the lungs, the blood vessels and the lymphoid organs, was performed. Also the organ index values were determined. At the end of the experiment the pre-ascitic condition or ascites - PHS was confirmed in five dead animals in the L-NAME-treated group. In the same group the edema was the most prominent histopathological change confirmed in the heart and in the lungs of the sacrificed chickens. In L-arginine-treated group the congestion and the haemorrhages were the striking changes in the same organs with the highest degree in the last two weeks of trial. While the focal disruption of myocardiofibriole and hepatocytes were predominant lesions in L-NAME-treated chickens (5th and 4th weeks, respectively), in L-NAME/L-arginine-treated group only the mild focal myocardial degeneration was seen. According to the most of the results of present investigation, it was concluded that the consecutive treatment with L-NAME provoked ascites - PHS, while L-arginine has protective effect in this animal model of disease.

Evaluating the opinions of staff and health care service provision of an STD/HIV clinic in Africa: indications for recovery.

OBJECTIVES: Zimbabwe has an incidence of STD/HIV infection and measures are needed to explore the efficiency of clinics in providing adequate patient care. To explore the views or opinions of the currently employed staff of an STD/HIV clinic, and suggest a means for improvement thereof. METHODS: A current position analysis was determined through observation of an STD/HIV clinic. An assessment was made using an adapted, designed questionnaire as interviews of 125 staff. Responses to questions were given as Yes or No responses. Data were analysed according to gender, using a two-sample t-test and chi-square tests. Yates' correction was made for continuity of smaller samples. A value of p < 0.05 was taken a significant. RESULTS: The mean average age of all staff was 31.7 years and 75% of the respondents were female. Notably, there were massive shortages of staff, poor communication with the Ministry of Health, little or no training of staff, poor infrastructure and quality, and a drop in safety standards. There is poor communication in the clinic, insufficient staff and inadequate training in place. Monitoring of STD incidence needs drastic improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Operational research needs to be conducted. There is little or no direct communication between committee members and decision makers with the staff and power-distance relationships are great.

Teenagers must think about healthy living.

The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of promoting health through talks and workshops, to students at schools and colleges. We believe that this would impact on designing a dynamic curriculum for training health/medical students in a higher education setting. Schools and colleges in the region were contacted with the prospect of offering free health promotion service by qualified academics from a higher education establishment. Questionnaires were distributed prior to the start of the talks and were collected at the end. The talks focussed on smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, healthy eating and STD's. The results showed that the interest, originality and impact factor were high for all talks. The comments obtained from students reflected the need for an external organisation to deliver such talks. The method of delivery and the content of the talks also contributed to the high interest factor. It is therefore essential that a health/medical curriculum should reflect the need for health professionals to work interprofessionally in order to help deliver effective health promotion programmes to schools and to the wider community.

Wild ostrich (Struthio camelus) ecology and physiology.

This work discusses some of the important considerations of wild ostrich evolution, behaviour and ecology, as items included in ostrich production. In the process considerable research was conducted by collating information from peer-reviewed papers; textbooks; manuals; and PubMed and Agricola searches. Selected areas reviewed included activity of ostriches; feeding and water needs; sexual maturity; egg laying and natural incubation; selected physiological parameters; and predation. There is an immediate and urgent need to conserve and protect the rapidly declining populations of wild ostriches with the committed involvement of governments and funding bodies.

The exposure to and health effects of antimony.

CONTEXT: This minireview describes the health effects of antimony exposure in the workplace and the environment. AIM: To collate information on the consequences of occupational and environmental exposure to antimony on physiological function and well-being. METHODS: The criteria used in the current minireview for selecting articles were adopted from proposed criteria in The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Articles were classified from an acute and chronic exposure and toxicity thrust. RESULTS: The proportion of utilised and non-utilised articles was tabulated. Antimony toxicity is dependent on the exposure dose, duration, route (breathing, eating, drinking, or skin contact), other chemical exposures, age, sex, nutritional status, family traits, life style, and state of health. Chronic exposure to antimony in the air at levels of 9 mg/m(3) may exacerbate irritation of the eyes, skin, and lungs. Long-term inhalation of antimony can potentiate pneumoconiosis, altered electrocardiograms, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach ulcers, results which were confirmed in laboratory animals. Although there were investigations of the effect of antimony in sudden infant death syndrome, current findings suggest no link. Antimony trioxide exposure is predominant in smelters. Mining and exposure via glass working, soldering, and brazing are also important. CONCLUSION: Antimony has some useful but undoubtedly harmful effects on health and well-being and measures need to be taken to prevent hazardous exposure of the like. Its biological monitoring in the workplace is essential.

The uses and adverse effects of beryllium on health.

CONTEXT: This review describes the health effects of beryllium exposure in the workplace and the environment. AIM: To collate information on the consequences of occupational and environmental exposure to beryllium on physiological function and well being. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The criteria used in the current review for selecting articles were adopted from proposed criteria in The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. Articles were classified based on acute and chronic exposure and toxicity of beryllium. RESULTS: The proportions of utilized and nonutilized articles were tabulated. Years 2001-10 gave the greatest match (45.9%) for methodological parameters, followed by 27.71% for 1991-2000. Years 1971-80 and 1981-90 were not significantly different in the information published and available whereas years 1951-1960 showed a lack of suitable articles. Some articles were published in sources unobtainable through requests at the British Library, and some had no impact factor and were excluded. CONCLUSION: Beryllium has some useful but undoubtedly harmful effects on health and well-being. Measures need to be taken to prevent hazardous exposure to this element, making its biological monitoring in the workplace essential.

Zinc toxicology following particulate inhalation.

The current mini-review describes the toxic effects of zinc inhalation principally in the workplace and associated complications with breathing and respiration. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Criteria were used to specifically select articles. Most of the commercial production of zinc involves the galvanizing of iron and the manufacture of brass. The recommended daily allowance for adults is 15 mg zinc/day. Metal fume fever associated with inhalation of fumes of ZnO is characterized by fatigue, chills, fever, myalgias, cough, dyspnea, leukocytosis, thirst, metallic taste and salivation. ZnCl(2) inhalation results in edema in the alveolar surface and the protein therein the lavage fluid is elevated. Particular pathological changes associated with zinc intoxication include: pale mucous membranes; jaundice; numerous Heinz bodies; and marked anemia. Adequate ambient air monitors for permissible exposure limits, excellent ventilation and extraction systems, and approved respirators are all important in providing adequate protection.

Chloroquine has not disappeared.

Chloroquine (CHQ), an antimalarial, is also used as an anti-inflammatory drug for systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) reduces the frequency of organ involvement and disease flares, and relieves skin and joint symptoms. CHQ reduces the immunologically-mediated inflammation of the joints. HCQ and combination therapies have a significant benefit on synovitis, pain and physical disability on RA. We advocate the investment of resistance Plasmodium prevalence determinations in countries beset by malaria, and to match thereafter the quantity of persons administered CHQ. Follow-up investigations are essential to diagnose and prevent visual damage.

Poisoning in ostriches following ingestion of toxic plants--field observations.

Data from post-mortem and field studies were obtained that discussed poisoning in ostriches following ingestion of toxic plants. From the notes, all plants studied caused death in ostriches and there was systemic organ damage. Poisoning from Sarcostemma viminale (Melktou) resulted in beak patting, muscular tremors and head flopping, followed by collapse and violent kicking before death. Ingestion of Combretum oatesii (Red wings) seeds from plants in free grazing pastures resulted in vomiting, restlessness, eyelid flicking, collapse and kicking movements. Dichapetalum cymosum (Gifblaar) killed an ostrich after episodes of shaking legs, rapid respiration and bradycardia and hyperaemia of the lungs, liver and kidneys. Poisoning from Senecio sceleratus (Ragwort) caused skin haemorrhages and bleeding in tracheal mucous membranes, the pericardium, diaphragm and interperitoneal membrane. Consumption of drupes from Melia azedarach (Syringa berry) caused muscle tremors, kicking movements and respiratory distress. Lantana camara (Cherry pie) poisoning resulted in extremely inflamed eyes with copious yellow exudates extending down their beaks and onto their necks. Bentonite was administered by gavage at a dose of 5 g/kg. Poisoning in these cases is usually associated with the farmer allowing his/her birds to roam free-range in paddocks in which toxic plants are growing. Toxic plants should be removed from grass cut for hay.

Vanadium pentoxide inhalation.

CONTEXT: This mini-review describes the toxic effects of vanadium pentoxide inhalation principally in the workplace and associated complications with breathing and respiration. Although there are some material safety data sheets available detailing the handling, hazards and toxicity of vanadium pentoxide, there are only two reviews listed in PubMed detailing its toxicity. AIM: To collate information on the consequences of occupational inhalation exposure of vanadium pentoxide on physiological function and wellbeing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The criteria used in the current mini-review for selecting articles were adopted from proposed criteria in The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Articles were classified from an acute and chronic exposure and toxicity thrust. RESULTS: The lungs are the principal route through which vanadium pentoxide enters the body. It can injure the lungs and bronchial airways possibly involving acute chemical pneumonotis, pulmonary edema and/or acute tracheobronchitis. It may adversely influence cardiac autonomic function. It stimulates the secretion of cytokines and chemokines by hepatocytes and disrupts mitochondria function. It disrupts the permeability of the epithelium and promotes access of inflammatory mediators to the underlying neuronal tissue causing injury and neuronal death. When renal brush border membrane vesicles are exposed to vanadium pentoxide, there is a time-dependent inhibition of citrate uptake and Na(+) K(+) ATPase in the membrane possibly contributing to nephrotoxicity. Exposure results in necrosis of spermatogonium, spermatocytes and Sertoli cells contributing to male infertility. CONCLUSION: Vanadium pentoxide certainly has adverse effects on the health and the well-being and measures need to be taken to prevent hazardous exposure of the like.

Effect of tobacco smoking on renal function.

Nicotine is one of many substances that may be acquired through active and passive smoking of tobacco. In man, nicotine is commonly consumed via smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes. The addictive liability and pharmacological effects of smoking are primarily mediated by the major tobacco alkaloid nicotine. High stress jobs favour repeated smoking and further reinforce addictive behaviours. There are elevated serum cadmium and lead levels in smokers resulting in glomerular dysfunction. Nephropathies are accelerated by nicotine with an increased incidence of microalbuminuria progressing to proteinuria, followed by type-1 diabetes mellitus induced renal failure. Cigarette smoke-induced renal damage is due, at least in part, to activation of the sympathetic nervous system resulting in an elevation in blood pressure. Ethanol, nicotine, or concurrent intake significantly increases lipid peroxidation in liver, and decreased superoxide dismutase activity and increased catalase activity in the kidney. This review describes the effects of nicotine, smoking, smoke extracts and other tobacco constituents on renal and cardiovascular functions, and associated effects on the nervous system. Both active and passive smoking is toxic to renal function.