Oncology clinical trial disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic: a COVID-19 and cancer outcomes study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 disproportionately impacted patients with cancer as a result of direct infection, and delays in diagnosis and therapy. Oncological clinical trials are resource-intensive endeavors that could be particularly susceptible to disruption by the pandemic, but few studies have evaluated the impact of the pandemic on clinical trial conduct. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective, multicenter study assesses the impact of the pandemic on therapeutic clinical trials at two large academic centers in the Northeastern United States between December 2019 and June 2021. The primary objective was to assess the enrollment on, accrual to, and activation of oncology therapeutic clinical trials during the pandemic using an institution-wide cohort of (i) new patient accruals to oncological trials, (ii) a manually curated cohort of patients with cancer, and (ii) a dataset of new trial activations. RESULTS: The institution-wide cohort included 4756 new patients enrolled to clinical trials from December 2019 to June 2021. A major decrease in the numbers of new patient accruals (-46%) was seen early in the pandemic, followed by a progressive recovery and return to higher-than-normal levels (+2.6%). A similar pattern (from -23.6% to +30.4%) was observed among 467 newly activated trials from June 2019 to June 2021. A more pronounced decline in new accruals was seen among academically sponsored trials (versus industry sponsored trials) (P < 0.05). In the manually curated cohort, which included 2361 patients with cancer, non-white patients tended to be more likely taken off trial in the early pandemic period (adjusted odds ratio: 2.60; 95% confidence interval 1.00-6.63), and substantial pandemic-related deviations were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial disruptions in clinical trial activities were observed early during the pandemic, with a gradual recovery during ensuing time periods, both from an enrollment and an activation standpoint. The observed decline was more prominent among academically sponsored trials, and racial disparities were seen among people taken off trial.

Population-wide shifts in herbivore resistance strategies over succession.

As a strategic cost-saving alternative to constitutive resistance, induction of resistance against herbivores in plants can be especially beneficial when enemies are scarce or variable in abundance. Although probably describing the two ends of a continuum, constitutive and induced resistance strategies have long been observed to trade off within species. Examining these traits among populations along a successional gradient can help explain how temporally variable environments can maintain genetic variation and how ecosystem processes are affected by shifting plant resistance trait expression over time. Here we leverage large experimental plots that represent a chronosequence of succession up to 15 yr in combination with common garden experiments to examine changes in the selective environment and genetic differences in tall goldenrod's (Solidago altissima) constitutive and induced resistance. We show that resistance against a specialist herbivore Trirhabda virgata was inducible in the plants originating from midsuccession, which coincides with the largest loads of herbivores. The flavonoid compound content of the leaves varied with successional stage of the population of origin, which is indicative of constitutive differences in secondary metabolite production. Finally, there was a clear trade-off between constitutive and induced resistance. Our study indicates that selection for resistance traits within a population can be highly variable over time and likely result in genetically determined shifts of resistance strategies over relatively short time periods via genotype sorting.

3D Printing in Dentistry-State of the Art.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a rapidly developing technology that has gained widespread acceptance in dentistry. Compared to conventional (lost-wax technique) and subtractive computer numeric controlled methods, 3D printing offers process engineering advantages. Materials such as plastics, metals, and ceramics can be manufactured using various techniques. 3D printing was introduced over three decades ago. Today, it is experiencing rapid development due to the expiration of many patents and is often described as the key technology of the next industrial revolution. The transition to its clinical application in dentistry is highly dependent on the available materials, which must not only provide the required accuracy but also the necessary biological and physical properties. The aim of this work is to provide an up-to-date overview of the different printing techniques: stereolithography, digital light processing, photopolymer jetting, material jetting, binder jetting, selective laser sintering, selective laser melting, and fused filament fabrication. Additionally, particular attention is paid to the materials used in dentistry and their clinical application.

Efficient Laser-Driven Proton Acceleration from a Cryogenic Solid Hydrogen Target.

We report on the successful implementation and characterization of a cryogenic solid hydrogen target in experiments on high-power laser-driven proton acceleration. When irradiating a solid hydrogen filament of 10 µm diameter with 10-Terawatt laser pulses of 2.5 J energy, protons with kinetic energies in excess of 20 MeV exhibiting non-thermal features in their spectrum were observed. The protons were emitted into a large solid angle reaching a total conversion efficiency of several percent. Two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations confirm our results indicating that the spectral modulations are caused by collisionless shocks launched from the surface of the the high-density filament into a low-density corona surrounding the target. The use of solid hydrogen targets may significantly improve the prospects of laser-accelerated proton pulses for future applications.

3D printed replicas for endodontic education.

AIM: To assess the feasibility of producing artificial teeth for endodontic training using 3D printing technology, to analyse the accuracy of the printing process, and to evaluate the teeth by students when used during training. METHODOLOGY: Sound extracted human teeth were selected, digitalized by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and appropriate software and finally reproduced by a stereolithographic printer. The printed teeth were scanned and compared with the original ones (trueness) and to one another (precision). Undergraduate dental students in the third and fourth years performed root canal treatment on printed molars and were subsequently asked to evaluate their experience with these compared to real teeth. RESULTS: The workflow was feasible for manufacturing 3D printed tooth replicas. The absolute deviation after printing (trueness) ranged from 50.9 to 104.3 µm. The values for precision ranged from 43.5 to 68.2 µm. Students reported great benefits in the use of the replicated teeth for training purposes. CONCLUSION: The presented workflow is feasible for any dental educational institution who has access to a CBCT unit and a stereolithographic printer. The accuracy of the printing process is suitable for the production of tooth replicas for endodontic training. Undergraduate students favoured the availability of these replicas and the fairness they ensured in training due to standardization.

Endogenous fat loss and true total tract digestibility of poultry fat in adult dogs.

Fat plays an important role in the carnivore diet. It has high digestibility and high energy content and likely improves digestibility of the diet when present in greater amounts, suggesting that endogenous fat adversely affects the apparent digestibility of fat in low-fat diets. This study aimed to determine the endogenous fat loss (EFL) and true total tract digestibility (TTTD) of fat in dogs by using diets having different fat:carbohydrate ratios. Furthermore, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of macronutrients and energy, food intake, fecal output, and stool quality were evaluated. Twelve adult Beagle dogs were stratified into three 10-d periods in a 6 × 3 balanced incomplete Latin square design. Dietary treatments included a low-fat basal diet (3.4% fat) supplemented with 6 poultry fat levels (1, 4, 10, 12, 16, or 20%). The dogs were individually housed in metabolic cages and fed to meet the maintenance energy requirements. The ME intake was similar across the diets, despite the clearly low palatability of the 1 and 4% fat diets. Dietary ATTD of DM, OM, fat, and GE were improved after fat inclusion ( < 0.001). The ATTD of CP was not affected by dietary fat increase ( > 0.05). The amount of fecal output decreased with increasing level of fat in the diet, but the fecal score was not affected. The stool quality was close to ideal (2.4-2.8) and no different among diets. The EFL was estimated using 2 regression methods and was expressed as 155 mg∙kg BW∙d or 7.9 g/kg of DMI. The TTTD of poultry fat was the same irrespective of the dietary fat level. Poultry fat was 99.3% digestible for the dogs. The relation between EFL and fat intake was higher for the lower-fat diets, explaining the ATTD of fat increase according to the dietary fat inclusion. In conclusion, dietary fat is well digested by dogs irrespective of the level included, close to 100%. The ATTD of fat in low-fat diets is underestimated because the endogenous content is proportionally greater than that in high-fat diets.

Palatability, digestibility, and metabolizable energy of dietary glycerol in adult cats.

Glycerol is a humectant, which reduces water activity when added to the diet. This property seems to offer dietary benefits, specifically in high-moisture diets for cats, where some humectants cannot be used. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, glycerol is generally recognized as sustenance safe (GRAS). It is suggested that cats are able to metabolize glycerol and use it as an energy source without compromising health. Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the following characteristics of glycerol in the diet for cats: 1) a preference test, 2) digestibility, ME, and fecal and urinary characteristics, and 3) postprandial plasma glycemia. Twelve healthy adult female cats were randomly distributed among 4 treatments consisting of a basal diet (4,090 kcal ME/kg DM, 32% CP, 11% fat, 2.3% crude fiber, and 7.0% ash) and 3 diets with varying percentages of glycerol, made by replacing the basal diet with 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0% purified glycerol (99.5%). The inclusion of glycerol proportionally reduced ( < 0.05) water activity in the diets. The preference test was conducted by observing the contrast between the basal diet and the 5.0% and 10% glycerol diets. Cats did not show a preference for any diet in particular ( > 0.05). The digestibility assays showed that increasing dietary glycerol levels did not affect food intake or the apparent total tract digestibility of macronutrients and energy ( > 0.05). The inclusion of glycerol in the diets did not alter the stool moisture, fecal score, or urine volume. However, glycerol was detected in urine when it was incorporated into the diet at 10%. Glycemia increased up to 900 min following the first meal after the fasting period with no difference between treatments, even when the means were adjusted for food intake. The blood glucose area under the curve also showed no significant difference between treatments ( > 0.05). Cats accepted glycerol under the conditions of the study, and its nutritional value was determined as it has been done for other species. The ME of glycerol for adult cats was estimated to be 3,185 kcal/kg DM. Supplementing the diets of the cats with 10% glycerol may exceed their capacity to metabolize glycerol, possibly leading to urinary excretions.

Raw beef bones as chewing items to reduce dental calculus in Beagle dogs.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of raw bovine cortical bone (CB) (medullary bone cross-sectioned) and marrow or epiphyseal 'spongy' bone (SB) as chew items to reduce dental calculus in adult dogs. METHODS: Eight 3-year-old Beagle dogs were observed in two study periods. In the first study, the dogs each received a piece of bovine femur CB (122 ± 17 g) daily and in the second study, a piece of bovine femur SB (235 ± 27 g). The first study lasted 12 days and the second 20 days. Dental calculus was evaluated using image integration software. RESULTS: At the start of the studies, dental calculus covered 42.0% and 38.6% of the dental arcade areas, respectively. In study one, the chewing reduced the established dental calculus area to 27.1% (35.5% reduction) after 3 days and after 12 days the dental calculus covering was reduced to 12.3% (70.6% reduction). In study two, the dental calculus covered 16.8% (56.5% reduction) after 3 days, 7.1% (81.6% reduction) after 12 days and 4.7% (87.8% reduction) after 20 days. The CB remained largely intact after 24 h, but SB was reduced to smaller pieces and in some cases totally consumed after 24 h. No complications such as tooth fractures, pieces of bone stuck between teeth or intestinal obstructions were observed during the studies. CONCLUSIONS: Chewing raw bovine bones was an effective method of removing dental calculus in dogs. The SB bones removed dental calculus more efficiently in the short term.

Rice and soy protein isolate in pre-starter diets for broilers.

Although most industries use a specific diet for the pre-starter phase, ingredients are used in the later phases, primarily corn and soybean meal, which at this stage do not have high digestibility. Three experiments : Exp : were carried out to evaluate the substitution of corn by white or parboiled rice : WR, PR : and the inclusion of 6% soy protein isolate : SPI : in pre-starter diets (1 to 7 d). In Exp 1 (1 to 21 d), WR, PR, and SPI were added to the diets until the birds were 21-day-old, whereas in Exps 2 and 3 (1 to 33 d), only until birds were 7-day-old. Birds were fed a basal diet based on corn and soybean meal until the end of the experimental period. In Exp 1, the coefficients of total tract apparent retention : CTTAR : of the pre-starter and the starter diets, ileal and jejunal digestibility of starch in the starter diets, and broiler performance were measured. Subsequently, the same pre-starter diets Exp 1 were evaluated in pellet (Exp 2) or mash (Exp 3) form and different oil percentage (Exp 2) or not (Exp 3). We hypothesized that the ingredients particle size (Exp 2) and fat content (Exp 3) could influence feed intake. There was no interaction among the evaluated factors (P > 0.05). Rice (WR or PR) promoted better results than corn in terms of CTTAR of dietary components, jejunal and ileal starch digestibility, and broiler performance (P < 0.01). In Exp 1, diets with 6% SPI presented better CTTAR, except Nitrogen ( N: ), but lower feed intake, which negatively affected broiler performance (P < 0.01). In Exps 1, 2, and 3, the inclusion of SPI did not improve broiler performance (P > 0.05), so that SPI may not be the best choice for pre-starter diets. The study also suggests that better growth performance and nutrient digestibility can be obtained in broiler chickens if corn is replaced by rice in pre-starter diets.

Determination of the equation parameters of carbon flow curves and estimated carbon flow and CO2 emissions from broiler production.

The objective of this study was to determine the equation parameters of carbon (i.e., C) flow curves and to estimate C flow and carbon dioxide (i.e., CO2) emissions from the production of 1- to 49-day-old broilers from different genetic strains. In total, 384 1-day-old chicks were used, distributed into 4 groups: high-performance males (Cobb-M) and females (Cobb-F), and intermediate-performance males (C44-M) and females (C44-F), with 6 replicates/treatment according to a completely randomized study design. Carbon intake and retention were calculated based on diet and body C composition, and expired C was stoichiometrically estimated as digestible C intake-C retention-C in the urine. Litter C emission was estimated as initial litter C+C in the excreta-final litter C. Carbon flow curves were determined fitting data by nonlinear regression using the Gompertz function. Expired CO2 was calculated based on expired C. The applied nonlinear model presented goodness-of-fit for all responses (R2>0.99). Carbon dioxide production was highly correlated with growth rate. At 42 d age, CO2 expiration (g/bird) was 3,384.4 for Cobb-M, 2,947.9 for Cobb-F, 2,512.5 for C44-M, and 2185.1 for C44-F. Age also significantly affected CO2 production: to achieve 2.0 kg BW, CO2 expiration (g/bird) was 1,794.3 for Cobb-M, 2,016.5 for Cobb-F, 2617.7 for C44-M, and 3,092.3 for C44-F. The obtained equations present high predictability to estimate individual CO2 emissions in strains of Cobb and C44 broilers of any weight, or age, reared between 1 and 49 d age.

Effect of full-fat rice bran on palatability and digestibility of diets supplemented with enzymes in adult dogs.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of full-fat rice bran (FFRB) inclusion in dry diets with and without enzyme blend (EB) supplementation for adult dogs. The diets contained 0, 20, or 40% of FFRB, replacing the equivalent amount of wheat flour (WF). Experiment 1 evaluated the consumption and preference of diets using a simple choice method with 3 comparisons (0 vs. 20, 0 vs. 40, and 20 vs. 40% FFRB). Experiment 2 investigated the effect of EB supplementation on the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of nutrients and GE, fecal characteristics, urinary pH, Ca and P balance, and ME of the diets. In Exp. 1, the results indicated that FFRB included in diets up to 40% did not affect the preference or consumption of food by dogs (P < 0.05). In Exp. 2, increasing levels of FFRB in the diet linearly reduced the ADC of nutrients, GE, and ME (P < 0.05). The addition of EB had no effect on any of the variables examined. Regression analysis enabled estimation of the ADC in FFRB; and ADC of DM, CP, ether extract, GE; and the apparent coefficient of ME were 60.5, 74.8, 88.4, 70.8, and 66.4%, respectively. The inclusion of 20 or 40% FFRB in the diets did not affect urinary pH but caused an imbalance in the Ca and P metabolism when included at 40% (P < 0.05), which could be one of the limitations for greater inclusion of FFRB. The ME of FFRB was estimated to be 3,443 kcal/kg DM. The FFRB appears to be palatable for adult dogs, and although ADC was reduced by 40% FFRB in the diet, this ingredient has the potential for inclusion at 20% of diets for dogs, depending on the other ingredients used to achieve adequate Ca and P balance. The inclusion greater than 20% tends to increase P in the diet and reverse the relationship between Ca and P.

Effect of a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program on the levels of anxiety and depression and on the quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program (PRP) on the levels of anxiety and depression and the quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHOD: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who completed the PRP of 3 weekly sessions of 60 min duration for 12 weeks, a total of 36 sessions, were assessed using Beck Inventory (BAI and BDI) and Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). RESULTS: A total of 125 individuals, with an average age of 63.7 ± 8.8 years, FEV1: 1.17 ± 0.57L (43.18 ± 18.79% predicted), 61.6% male and 38.4% female, were analyzed. The BAI and BDI before and after PRP were, respectively, 10.15 ± 6.32 vs. 7.67 ± 7.21; p=0.0041 and 12.60 ± 7.99 vs. 8.96 ± 7.29; p=0.00016. The results of the SGRQ domains were, respectively, Before and After symptoms (48.53 ± 20.41 vs. 32.58 ± 18.95), Activity (69.15 ± 20.79 vs. 52.42 ± 23.70), Impact (32.92 ± 18.29 vs. 20.27 ± 16.70), Total (46.69 ± 16.90 vs. 32.07 ± 16.96). When correlating the BDI to the domains of the SGRQ, weak correlations were observed (Symptoms r=0.22; p=0.01; Activity r=0.28; p=0.001; Impact r=0.52; p=2.72; Total r=0.44; p=0.17). In the same way, weak correlations were observed when correlating the BAI to the SGRQ (Symptoms r=0.28; p=0.0009; Activity r=0.32; p=0.0005; Impact r=0.42; p=7.33; Total r=0.43; p=0.74). CONCLUSION: Although the PRP improves levels of depression and anxiety as well as the quality of life in patients with COPD, no significant correlation of these analyzed variables was observed.

Discriminant construct validity of ImPACT™: a companion study.

In a previous analysis of ImPACT scores relative to traditional neuropsychological tests (NP) and experimental tasks (Maerlender et al., 2010 ) we demonstrated convergent construct validity for the primary ImPACT test-score composites. A complete analysis of discriminant validity was not undertaken at that time. Here, test scores from the 54 collegiate football and hockey players were re-analyzed to specifically address the discriminant validity of the ImPACT™ composite scores using a multiply operationalized correlation matrix of multi-trait multi-method data. In the method used here, discriminant validity is determined by obtaining non-significant correlations between a target score when correlated with the average of the other trait measurements (multiply-operationalized multi-trait-mono-method analysis). Results showed that the ImPACT™ Verbal Memory (p = .044), Visual Memory (p = .006), and Visual Motor Speed (p = .000) scores were highly correlated with composites of the other scores, while the Reaction Time composite demonstrated adequate discriminant validity (p = .145). In comparison all of the NP composites showed good discrimination (all p-values >.05, except for Reaction Time p = .05). Thus the apparent lack of discriminability between three of four composite scores in this sample raises questions about using ImPACT™ composite scores to support specific construct-oriented interpretations. Taken together, the discriminant and convergent construct validity properties of ImPACT™ indicate construct sensitivity, but limited construct specificity.

Respostas fisiológicas e de desempenho de leitões suplementados com B-glucanos e desafiados imunologicamente / Phisiologial responses and growth performance of immune challenged piglets supplemented with B-glucans

O estudo buscou avaliar as respostas fisiológicas e de desempenho à adição de diferentes níveis de β-glucanos na dieta de leitões recém-desmamados. Foram utilizados 30 machos de linhagem comercial, com 34 dias de idade e peso de 10,9±0,63kg, alojados em gaiolas individuais, durante 14 dias. Os tratamentos variaram somente nos níveis de β-glucanos que foram de 35, 70, 140 e 280g/T. No final desse período, em metade dos animais foram injetados 2,7mg de lipopolissacarídeo (LPS) em 1mL de solução (PBS)/leitão, e nos demais 1mL/leitão de PBS. Foram avaliadas temperatura retal (TR), frequência respiratória (FR), perfil bioquímico sanguíneo e sinais clínicos aos 30, 90, 120 e 390 minutos seguintes à injeção. As respostas de desempenho não foram afetadas pelos níveis de β-glucanos. Foi observado o aumento de TR, tanto em função do LPS como em função da hora em que a temperatura foi medida. No entanto, os animais LPS-injetados, que receberam 280g/T de β-glucanos, tiveram a mesma TR daqueles LPS-não injetados. Os sinais clínicos foram compatíveis com um quadro de inflamação aguda e foram observados, nos animais LPS-injetados, vômito, prostração e diarreia, sendo que a inclusão de β-glucanos não conseguiu reverter esses sintomas. O uso de β-glucanos por 14 dias na dieta de leitões recém-desmamados mostrou um efeito anti-inflamatório em situação de desafio agudo. Para reverter o desafio imunológico utilizado, o nível de 280g/T de β-glucanos mostrou-se o mais recomendado.

This study was done to evaluate immunological responses and performance of weaning piglets receiving diets with different levels of β-glucans. Thirty males from a commercial line with 34 days of age and 10.9±0,6kg initial weight were housed in individual metabolic cages during 14 days. The treatments only differed in β-glucans levels: 35; 70; 140 and 280g/T. On the 14th day, half of the pigs were inoculated with 2.7mg LPS (lipopolysaccharide)/mL of solution (PBS)/pig and the other half received 1mL PBS/pig. Rectal temperature (RT), respiratory frequency (RF), biochemical profile and animal behavior (120 and 390 minutes after LPS inoculation) were evaluated. As the experiment was conducted, performance was not affected by β-glucans. An RT increase was observed due to LPS and time of temperature measurement. LPS-injected animals receiving 280g/T of β-glucans had the same RT as the LPS- non injected group. Clinical signs were near the expectation for acute inflammation. LPS-injected presented prostration, diarrhea and vomit and the β-glucans did not reverse this situation. The use of β-glucans in weaning pigs for fourteen days showed an anti-inflammatory action. To revert the immunologic challenge, the level of 280g/T of β-glucans was the most recommended.

Respostas fisiológicas e de desempenho de leitões suplementados com B-glucanos e desafiados imunologicamente / Phisiologial responses and growth performance of immune challenged piglets supplemented with B-glucans

O estudo buscou avaliar as respostas fisiológicas e de desempenho à adição de diferentes níveis de β-glucanos na dieta de leitões recém-desmamados. Foram utilizados 30 machos de linhagem comercial, com 34 dias de idade e peso de 10,9±0,63kg, alojados em gaiolas individuais, durante 14 dias. Os tratamentos variaram somente nos níveis de β-glucanos que foram de 35, 70, 140 e 280g/T. No final desse período, em metade dos animais foram injetados 2,7mg de lipopolissacarídeo (LPS) em 1mL de solução (PBS)/leitão, e nos demais 1mL/leitão de PBS. Foram avaliadas temperatura retal (TR), frequência respiratória (FR), perfil bioquímico sanguíneo e sinais clínicos aos 30, 90, 120 e 390 minutos seguintes à injeção. As respostas de desempenho não foram afetadas pelos níveis de β-glucanos. Foi observado o aumento de TR, tanto em função do LPS como em função da hora em que a temperatura foi medida. No entanto, os animais LPS-injetados, que receberam 280g/T de β-glucanos, tiveram a mesma TR daqueles LPS-não injetados. Os sinais clínicos foram compatíveis com um quadro de inflamação aguda e foram observados, nos animais LPS-injetados, vômito, prostração e diarreia, sendo que a inclusão de β-glucanos não conseguiu reverter esses sintomas. O uso de β-glucanos por 14 dias na dieta de leitões recém-desmamados mostrou um efeito anti-inflamatório em situação de desafio agudo. Para reverter o desafio imunológico utilizado, o nível de 280g/T de β-glucanos mostrou-se o mais recomendado.

This study was done to evaluate immunological responses and performance of weaning piglets receiving diets with different levels of β-glucans. Thirty males from a commercial line with 34 days of age and 10.9±0,6kg initial weight were housed in individual metabolic cages during 14 days. The treatments only differed in β-glucans levels: 35; 70; 140 and 280g/T. On the 14th day, half of the pigs were inoculated with 2.7mg LPS (lipopolysaccharide)/mL of solution (PBS)/pig and the other half received 1mL PBS/pig. Rectal temperature (RT), respiratory frequency (RF), biochemical profile and animal behavior (120 and 390 minutes after LPS inoculation) were evaluated. As the experiment was conducted, performance was not affected by β-glucans. An RT increase was observed due to LPS and time of temperature measurement. LPS-injected animals receiving 280g/T of β-glucans had the same RT as the LPS- non injected group. Clinical signs were near the expectation for acute inflammation. LPS-injected presented prostration, diarrhea and vomit and the β-glucans did not reverse this situation. The use of β-glucans in weaning pigs for fourteen days showed an anti-inflammatory action. To revert the immunologic challenge, the level of 280g/T of β-glucans was the most recommended.

Effect of CLA on performance and immune response of weanling piglets.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of CLA on the immune response and performance of piglets when subjected to an immune challenge. A total of 32 weanling pigs (17 to 23 d of age) with an initial BW of 8.9 kg were allotted to a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. There were 3 levels of dietary CLA (0%, 1%, and 2%) and 2 levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge (unchallenged and challenged). Challenged pigs were challenged on d 7 and 21. On d 4 and 18, all pigs were inoculated with BSA for assessment of IgG production. There was no difference in growth performance among piglets receiving different CLA supplementation levels. However, LPS-challenged piglets had poorer BW (P < 0.05), ADFI (P < 0.01), and ADG (P < 0.001) compared with the control group at d 35 postweaning. Lipopolysaccharide-challenged piglets also had increased respiratory rate (P < 0.001) and rectal temperature (P < 0.001), and decreased plasma proteins, hematocrit, and white blood cell counts (P < 0.05). Production of IgG against BSA was increased in the 1% CLA supplementation group (P < 0.001), indicating that CLA has an immunomodulatory effect. Supplementation with CLA did not affect lymphocyte proliferation, percentage of CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells, plasma proteins, red and white blood cell count, respiratory rate, or rectal temperature after LPS challenge. Although CLA supplementation did not influence growth performance or certain immune system measurements, the increased IgG titers with 1% CLA dietary supplementation indicate that it has a beneficial effect on the humoral immune system of weaned piglets.

Lidar quantification of bank erosion in Blue Earth County, Minnesota.

Sediment and phosphorus (P) transport from the Minnesota River Basin to Lake Pepin on the upper Mississippi River has garnered much attention in recent years. However, there is lack of data on the extent of sediment and P contributions from riverbanks vis-à-vis uplands and ravines. Using two light detection and ranging (lidar) data sets taken in 2005 and 2009, a study was undertaken to quantify sediment and associated P losses from riverbanks in Blue Earth County, Minnesota. Volume change in river valleys as a result of bank erosion amounted to 1.71 million m over 4 yr. Volume change closely followed the trend: the Blue Earth River > the Minnesota River at the county's northern edge > the Le Sueur River > the Maple River > the Watonwan River > the Big Cobb River > Perch Creek > Little Cobb River. Using fine sediment content (silt + clay) and bulk density of 37 bank samples representing three parent materials, we estimate bank erosion contributions of 48 to 79% of the measured total suspended solids at the mouth of the Blue Earth and the Le Sueur rivers. Corresponding soluble P and total P contributions ranged from 0.13 to 0.20% and 40 to 49%, respectively. Although tall banks (>3 m high) accounted for 33% of the total length and 63% of the total area, they accounted for 75% of the volume change in river valleys. We conclude that multitemporal lidar data sets are useful in estimating bank erosion and associated P contributions over large scales, and for riverbanks that are not readily accessible for conventional surveying equipment.

Fiber fermentability effects on energy and macronutrient digestibility, fecal traits, postprandial metabolite responses, and colon histology of overweight cats.

Considering the different potential benefits of divergent fiber ingredients, the effect of 3 fiber sources on energy and macronutrient digestibility, fermentation product formation, postprandial metabolite responses, and colon histology of overweight cats (Felis catus) fed kibble diets was compared. Twenty-four healthy adult cats were assigned in a complete randomized block design to 2 groups of 12 animals, and 3 animals from each group were fed 1 of 4 of the following kibble diets: control (CO; 11.5% dietary fiber), beet pulp (BP; 26% dietary fiber), wheat bran (WB; 24% dietary fiber), and sugarcane fiber (SF; 28% dietary fiber). Digestibility was measured by the total collection of feces. After 16 d of diet adaptation and an overnight period without food, blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride postprandial responses were evaluated for 16 h after continued exposure to food. On d 20, colon biopsies of the cats were collected under general anesthesia. Fiber addition reduced food energy and nutrient digestibility. Of all the fiber sources, SF had the least dietary fiber digestibility (P < 0.05), causing the largest reduction of dietary energy digestibility (P < 0.05). The greater fermentability of BP resulted in reduced fecal DM and pH, greater fecal production [g/(cat × d); as-is], and greater fecal concentration of acetate, propionate, and lactate (P < 0.05). For most fecal variables, WB was intermediate between BP and SF, and SF was similar to the control diet except for an increased fecal DM and firmer feces production for the SF diet (P < 0.05). Postprandial evaluations indicated reduced mean glucose concentration and area under the glucose curve in cats fed the SF diet (P < 0.05). Colon mucosa thickness, crypt area, lamina propria area, goblet cell area, crypt mean size, and crypt in bifurcation did not vary among the diets. According to the fiber solubility and fermentation rates, fiber sources can induce different physiological responses in cats, reduce energy digestibility, and favor glucose metabolism (SF), or improve gut health (BP).

Doppler ultrasound for the assessment of conservatively treated blunt splenic injuries: a prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: The type and need for follow-up of non-operatively managed blunt splenic injuries remain controversial. The use of Doppler ultrasound to identify post-traumatic splenic pseudoaneurysms, considered to be the main cause of "delayed" splenic rupture, has not been well described. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 5-year prospective study was performed from 2004 to 2008. All patients with blunt splenic injury diagnosed with computerized tomography, who were treated non-operatively, were included in the study. Doppler ultrasound examination was performed 24-48 h post-injury. Consecutive Doppler ultrasound examinations were done on 7, 14 and 21 days post-injury for patients diagnosed with a splenic pseudoaneurysm. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Ambulatory follow-up continued for 4 weeks after hospital discharge. RESULTS: A total of 38 patients were enrolled in the study. Grading of splenic injury demonstrated 19 (50%) patients with Grade I, 16 (42%) with Grade II and 3 (8%) with Grade III injuries. Two patients (5%) had pseudoaneurysms. All pseudoaneurysms underwent complete resolution within 2 weeks after diagnosis. No patients received blood products, or had angio-embolization or surgery during the study period. All patients were found to be asymptomatic and stable at the 4-week follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Doppler ultrasound can be an effective and a safe noninvasive modality for evaluation and follow-up of patients with blunt splenic injury. The utility and cost-effectiveness of routine surveillance requires further study.