Nutritional status and growth performance of Fijian non-descript local chickens and their crosses with broilers under different production systems.

The study compared nutrient intake and growth performance of local chickens to that of local x broiler crossbreds under scavenging and indoor conventional systems. A total of 48 male and 48 female chickens for each of the two chicken types were allocated to four outdoor free-range pens. The chickens were allowed to scavenge whilst being supplemented with sorghum plus kitchen waste and broiler growers from week 5 to week 13 of age. The same design was repeated using the indoor conventional system. Local chickens and their crosses with broilers had higher growth rates under the scavenging system than the indoor production system (P < 0.05). Local chickens and their crosses with broilers had the same growth rates when fed the same diet (P > 0.05). Crop and gizzard contents from local chickens had the same crude protein as their crosses with broilers under both systems (P > 0.05). The crude protein values of crop and gizzard contents ranged from 25.4 to 30.4%. Crop and gizzard contents from scavenging chickens had energy content ranging from 16.2 to 17.1 MJ/Kg which was lower (P < 0.05) than that from chickens under the indoor conventional system (20.3 to 25.8 kJ/Kg). Iron content ranged from 655.7 to 1619.4 mg/Kg in scavenging chickens and 156.1 to 621.4 mg/Kg in enclosed chickens. Chickens of the same type had higher iron content in their crop and gizzard contents under the scavenging system than the conventional system (P < 0.05). Crossbreds between local chickens and broilers matches the scavenging abilities of the local chickens but have lower growth rates under the scavenging system.

Tyrosinemia type II: Mutation update, 11 novel mutations and description of 5 independent subjects with a novel founder mutation.

BACKGROUND: Tyrosinemia type II, also known as Richner-Hanhart Syndrome, is an extremely rare autosomal recessive disorder, caused by mutations in the gene encoding hepatic cytosolic tyrosine aminotransferase, leading to the accumulation of tyrosine and its metabolites which cause ocular and skin lesions, that may be accompanied by neurological manifestations, mostly intellectual disability. AIMS: To update disease-causing mutations and current clinical knowledge of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Genetic and clinical information were obtained from a collection of both unreported and previously reported cases. RESULTS: We report 106 families, represented by 143 individuals, carrying a total of 36 genetic variants, 11 of them not previously known to be associated with the disease. Variants include 3 large deletions, 21 non-synonymous and 5 nonsense amino-acid changes, 5 frameshifts and 2 splice variants. We also report 5 patients from Gran Canaria, representing the largest known group of unrelated families sharing the same P406L mutation. CONCLUSIONS: Data analysis did not reveal a genotype-phenotype correlation, but stressed the need of early diagnosis: All patients improved the oculocutaneous lesions after dietary treatment but neurological symptoms prevailed. The discovery of founder mutations in isolated populations, and the benefits of early intervention, should increase diagnostic awareness in newborns.

Nutrition-based interventions to address metabolic syndrome in the Navajo: a systematic review.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The objective of this systematic review is to identify nutrition-based interventions that may be effective for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome in the Navajo. BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, affects almost half of the Navajo population. The diet of the Navajo, heavy in fat and refined carbohydrates, has been identified as an important contributing factor to the high rates of metabolic syndrome in this population. DESIGN: A search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL to identify studies published before October, 2013, involving nutrition-based interventions in adult populations similar to the Navajo targeting at least one measure of metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Data on efficacy and participation were gathered and synthesised qualitatively. RESULTS: Out of 19 studies included in this systematic review, 11 interventions were identified to be effective at improving at least one measure of metabolic syndrome. Level of exposure to the intervention, frequency of intervention activities, family and social support, cultural adaptation and case management were identified as factors that may improve the efficacy of an intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple nutrition-based interventions have been found to be effective in populations similar to the Navajo. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Development of a strategy to address metabolic syndrome in the Navajo may involve aspects from multiple interventions to increase efficacy and maximise participation.

Effects of a beaver dam on the benthic copepod assemblage of a Mediterranean river.

As known "ecosystem engineers", beavers influence river hydrology, geomorphology, biochemistry, and biological assemblages. However, there is a lack of research regarding the effects of beaver activities on freshwater meiofauna. In this study, we investigated the taxonomic and functional composition of the benthic copepod assemblage of a segment of the Tiber River (Italy) where a beaver dam, created about 7 weeks before our survey, had formed a semi-lentic habitat upstream and a lotic habitat downstream of the dam. We also analyzed the copepod assemblage before and after a flood event that destroyed the beaver dam, providing a unique opportunity to observe changes in a naturally reversing scenario. Our analyses revealed that, while the taxonomic composition and functional traits of the copepod assemblage remained largely unchanged across the recently formed semi-lentic and lotic habitats, substantial differences were evident between the dammed and undammed states. The dammed state showed lower copepod abundances, biomass, and functionality than the undammed one. These results highlight the role of beaver dams in changing the composition and functionality of meiofaunal assemblages offering insights into the dynamic interactions within aquatic ecosystems.

Developmental endpoints of chronic exposure to suspected endocrine-disrupting chemicals on benthic and hyporheic freshwater copepods.

The aims of this study were: (i) to assess if carbamate pesticides and ammonium, widely detected in European freshwater bodies, can be considered ecologically relevant endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) for benthic and interstitial freshwater copepods; and (ii) to evaluate the potential of copepods as sentinels for monitoring ecosystem health. In order to achieve these objectives, four species belonging to the harpacticoid copepod genus Bryocamptus, namely B. (E.) echinatus, B. (R.) zschokkei, B. (R.) pygmaeus and B. (B.) minutus, were subjected to chronic exposures to Aldicarb and ammonium. A significant deviation from the developmental time of unexposed control cultures was observed for all the species in test cultures. Aldicarb caused an increase in generation time over 80% in both B. minutus and B. zschokkei, but less than 35% in B. pygmaeus and B. echinatus. Ammonium increased generation time over 33% in B. minutus, and 14, 12 and 3.5% for B. pygmaeus, B. zschokkei and B. echinatus, respectively. On the basis of these results it can be concluded that chronic exposure to carbamate pesticides and ammonium alters the post-naupliar development of the test-species and propose their potential role as EDCs, leaving open the basis to search what are the mechanism underlying. A prolonged developmental time would probably produce a detrimental effect on population attributes, such as age structure and population size. These deviations from a pristine population condition may be considered suitable biological indicators of ecosystem stress, particularly useful to compare polluted to unpolluted reference sites. Due to their dominance in both benthic and interstitial habitats, and their sensitivity as test organisms, freshwater benthic and hyporheic copepods can fully be used as sentinel species for assessing health condition of aquatic ecosystems as required by world-wide water legislation.

Spinal Cord Stimulation for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) technology has been recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). The treatment involves surgical implantation of electrodes and a power source that delivers electrical current to the spinal cord. This treatment decreases the perception of pain in many chronic pain conditions, such as PDN. The number of patients with PDN treated with SCS and the amount of data describing their outcomes is expected to increase given four factors: (1) the large number of patients with this diagnosis, (2) the poor results that have been obtained for pain relief with pharmacotherapy and noninvasive non-pharmacotherapy, (3) the results to date with investigational SCS technology, and (4) the recent FDA approval of systems that deliver this treatment. Whereas traditional SCS replaces pain with paresthesias, a new form of SCS, called high-frequency 10-kHz SCS, first used for pain in 2015, can relieve PDN pain without causing paresthesias, although not all patients experience pain relief by SCS. This article describes (1) an overview of SCS technology, (2) the use of SCS for diseases other than diabetes, (3) the use of SCS for PDN, (4) a comparison of high-frequency 10-kHz and traditional SCS for PDN, (5) other SCS technology for PDN, (6) deployment of SCS systems, (7) barriers to the use of SCS for PDN, (8) risks of SCS technology, (9) current recommendations for using SCS for PDN, and (10) future developments in SCS.

Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: The Need for New Approaches.

Painful diabetic neuropathy is a common vexing problem for people with diabetes and a costly problem for society. The pathophysiology is not well understood, and no safe and effective mechanistically-based treatment has been identified. Poor glycemic control is a risk factor for painful diabetic neuropathy. Excessive intraneuronal glucose in people with diabetes can be shunted away from physiological glycolysis into multiple pathological pathways associated with neuropathy and pain. The first three treatments that are traditionally offered consist of risk factor reduction, lifestyle modifications, and pharmacological therapy, which includes only three drugs that are approved for this indication by the United States Food and Drug Administration. All of these traditional treatments are often inadequate for relieving neuropathic pain, and thus, new approaches are needed. Modern devices based on neuromodulation technology, which act directly on the nervous system, have been recently cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration for painful diabetic neuropathy and offer promise as next-in-line therapy when traditional therapies fail.

Molecular characterization of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis among Filipino patients derived from the national tuberculosis prevalence survey Philippines 2016.

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains a high burden disease and leading cause of mortality in the Philippines. Understanding the genetic diversity of M. tuberculosis strains in the population, including those that are multi-drug resistant (MDR), will aid in formulating strategies for effective TB control and prevention. By whole genome sequencing of M. tuberculosis isolates (n = 100) from patients of the Philippine 2016 National Tuberculosis Prevalence Survey, we sought to provide a baseline assessment of the genotypic and phylogenetic characteristics of the isolates. The majority (96/100) of the isolates were EAI2-Manila strain-type (lineage 1), with one Lineage 2 (Beijing), one Lineage 3 (CAS1), and two Lineage 4 (LAM9) strains. The EAI2-Manila clade was not significantly associated with patient's phenotypic and in silico drug resistance profile. Five (5/6) MDR-TB isolates predicted by in silico profiling were concordant with phenotypic drug resistance profile. Twenty-one mutations were identified in nine drug resistance-related genes, all of which have been reported in previous studies. Overall, the results from this study contribute to the growing data on the molecular characteristics of Philippine M. tuberculosis isolates, which can help in developing tools for rapid diagnosis of TB in the country, and thereby reducing the high burden of disease.

Four scenarios of environmental risk of diclofenac in European groundwater ecosystems.

Groundwater is the largest source of liquid freshwater on Earth. Groundwater ecosystems harbor a rich biodiversity, mainly consisting of microbes and invertebrates that provide substantial ecological services. Despite its importance, groundwater is affected by several anthropic pressures, including pollution from pharmaceutical compounds. Diclofenac is the non-steroidal drug most widely detected in freshwaters, both in surface waters (e.g., rivers, streams, lakes etc.) and groundwaters. Unlike surface waters, the environmental risk of diclofenac in European groundwaters has not yet been assessed by the competent Authorities. The environmental risk assessment refers to the analysis of the potential risk that a chemical compound poses to a given environment by comparing its measured environmental concentrations to its predicted no-effect concentration. In this study, we explored four environmental risk scenarios in European groundwaters using different methodologies. We obtained diverse risk expectations, some indicative of a moderately diffuse environmental risk for concentrations of diclofenac ≥42 ng/L and others indicative of a widespread environmental risk for concentrations ≥5 ng/L. The difference among the four scenarios mainly related to the methods of calculating the predicted no-effect concentration of diclofenac. We discussed the four scenarios in order to identify the most realistic risk expectations posed by diclofenac to European groundwater ecosystems.

Patient and healthcare professional satisfaction with 3D imaging new technologies for medical purposes. / Satisfacción de pacientes y profesionales con las nuevas tecnologías de imagen tridimensional aplicadas a la medicina.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Advances in the field of three-dimensional scanning have enabled the development of instruments that can generate images that are useful in medicine. On the other hand, satisfaction studies are becoming increasingly important in the evaluation of quality in healthcare. We aimed to evaluate patients' and professionals' satisfaction with the use of a three-dimensional scanner applied to chest wall malformations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the framework of a study to validate the results of three-dimensional scanning technology, we developed questionnaires to measure satisfaction among patients and professionals. We analyzed the results with descriptive statistics. RESULTS: We included 42 patients and 10 professionals. Patients rated the speed and harmlessness positively; the mean overall level of satisfaction was 4.71 on a scale from 1 to 5. Among professionals, the level of satisfaction was lower, especially with regards to the treatment of the image; the mean overall level of satisfaction was 3.1. CONCLUSIONS: Patients rated 3D scanning technology highly, but professionals were less satisfied due to the difficulty of treating the images and lack of familiarity with the system. For this technology to reach its maximum potential, it must be simplified and more widely disseminated.

Relative sensitivity of hyporheic copepods to chemicals.

The sensitivity of harpacticoid copepods was tested against selected pollutants. Acute toxicity tests were carried out for five hyporheic species exposed to pesticides, ammonia, and metals. The stygoxene Bryocamptus zschokkei, B. minutus, B. pygmaeus and Attheyella crassa; and the stygophilous B. echinatus were sampled and cultured during 8 months in controlled conditions. A first test protocol is presented. The acute endpoints among species fell within one order of magnitude. The sensitivity among various species evaluated in this study is consistent and the choice of species for further sediment/groundwater assessment is not specific to a chemical class. These potential test organisms would be more suitable to protect meiofaunal communities.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis whole genome sequencing provides insights into the Manila strain and drug-resistance mutations in the Philippines.

The Philippines has a high incidence of tuberculosis disease (TB), with an increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB) strains making its control difficult. Although the M. tuberculosis "Manila" ancient lineage 1 strain-type is thought to be prevalent in the country, with evidence of export to others, little is known about the genetic diversity of circulating strains. By whole genome sequencing (WGS) 178 isolates from the Philippines National Drug Resistance Survey, we found the majority (143/178; 80.3%) belonged to the lineage 1 Manila clade, with the minority belonging to lineages 4 (European-American; n = 33) and 2 (East Asian; n = 2). A high proportion were found to be multidrug-resistant (34/178; 19.1%), established through highly concordant laboratory drug susceptibility testing and in silico prediction methods. Some MDR-TB isolates had near identical genomic variation, providing potential evidence of transmission. By placing the Philippine isolates within a phylogeny of global M. tuberculosis (n > 17,000), we established that they are genetically similar to those observed outside the country, including a clade of Manila-like strain-types in Thailand. An analysis of the phylogeny revealed a set of ~200 SNPs that are specific for the Manila strain-type, and a subset can be used within a molecular barcode. Sixty-eight mutations known to be associated with 10 anti-TB drug resistance were identified in the Philippine strains, and all have been observed in other populations. Whilst nine putative streptomycin resistance conferring markers in gid (8) and rrs (1) genes appear to be novel and with functional consequences. Overall, this study provides an important baseline characterisation of M. tuberculosis genetic diversity for the Philippines, and will fill a gap in global datasets and aid the development of a nation-wide database for epidemiological studies and clinical decision making. Further, by establishing a molecular barcode for detecting Manila strains it will assist with the design of diagnostic tools for disease control activities.

Vascular ultrasound in pediatrics: utility and application of location and measurement of jugular and femoral vessels.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the depth (D p) and diameter (D m) of the internal jugular vein (IJV), femoral vein (FV), and femoral artery (FA) in pediatric patients to evaluate the clinical implications. METHODS: This study included 125 pediatric patients. All of them underwent bilateral ultrasound study of vessels and were classified into three groups based on anthropometric and demographic parameters. RESULTS: Measured mean D p values were: 0.72 (0.34) cm for the FA, 0.79 (0.35) cm for the FV, and 0.77 (0.24) cm for the IJV. Mean antero-posterior D m values were: 0.37 (0.17) cm for the FA, 0.42 (0.22) cm for the FV, and 0.59 (0.23) cm for the IJV. D p and D m increased with age (A), weight (W), height (H), and body surface area (BSA). In the lower ranges of these variables, D p was similar for all three studied vessels (0.6-0.7 cm). In the higher ranges, femoral vessel D p values (1.1-1.2 cm) were larger than jugular ones (0.9 cm). Additionally, in these low ranges, IJV D m values were larger than femoral ones (0.45-0.50 vs. 0.25 cm). In the higher ranges, diameter values were similar (0.6-0.7 cm). CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric patients, major vessels can be located and their depth and diameter measured by vascular ultrasound. In younger patients, jugular and femoral vessels had similar depth values; in older ones, they had similar diameters. Ultrasound measurements in pediatric patients could facilitate the choice of the vessel to be cannulated, the catheter diameter, and the length of the needle to be used. Vascular canalization of IJV may be recommended as the first choice because of its low depth and large diameter.

Economic empowerment and black disabled entrepreneurs: negotiating partnerships in Cape Town, South Africa.

PURPOSE: This paper presents a second part reporting on Community Disability Entrepreneurship Project (CoDEP) which was initiated in order to contribute to the development of entrepreneurial skills of disabled people living in informal settlements around Cape Town, South Africa. The aim of CoDEP has been the upliftment and economic empowerment of disabled people. This paper describes the point of departure, the theoretical framework of participatory action research (PAR), the development of research parameters, and continued focus. METHOD: A participatory action research (PAR) approach was initiated in order to monitor and inform the effective development of CoDEP. This cyclic methodology allowed all participants to engage in decision-making and development of the programme. RESULTS: While negotiating partnerships with disabled entrepreneurs, the six spheres within which optimal interaction could take place emerged as: (i) the choice of occupation; (ii) changing a culture of receiving; (iii) nurturing teamwork by negotiating roles and responsibilities; (iv) a focus on ability; (v) understanding the research process; and (vi) organizational development dynamics. Committed interaction emerged as the quintessence of these partnerships.

Vascular ultrasound in pediatrics: estimation of depth and diameter of jugular and femoral vessels.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate, on the basis of anthropometric and demographic variables, the depth (Dp) and diameter (Dm) of femoral and jugular vessels, which have been located and measured by ultrasound, in pediatric patients. METHOD: 750 measurements of Dp and Dm of the femoral vein (FV), femoral artery (FA) and internal jugular vein (IJV) were made in 125 pediatric patients. The values were correlated with patients' sex, weight, age, size and body surface area (BSA). RESULTS: Mean Dp values were 0.72 (0.34) cm for FA, 0.79 (0.35) cm for FV and 0.77 (0.24) cm for IJV. Mean antero-posterior Dm values were 0.37 (0.17) cm for FA, 0.42 (0.22) cm for FV and 0.59 (0.23) cm for IJV. In the studied pediatric patients, femoral and jugular vessels depth correlated with age, size, weight and BSA (R = 0.46-0.60); vascular depth could be estimated from patients' weight and size (FA-Dp: R = 0.71; FV-Dp: R = 0.72; IJV-Dp: R = 0.53). Correlation with diameter was better for FA and FV (R = 0.81-0.89) than for IJV (R = 0.42-0.51); vascular diameter could be estimated from patient's size (FA-Dm: R = 0.89; FV-Dm: R = 0.86; IJV-Dm: R = 0.52). CONCLUSIONS: FV, FA and IJV depth and diameter correlated with weight, size, age and body surface area in the studied pediatric patients. Correlation was better for femoral than for jugular vessels. Depth could be estimated from patients' weight and size, while diameter could be estimated from the size. Such estimations may facilitate the choice of vessels to be cannulated, length and diameter of cannulation needles and the diameter of catheters to be used in pediatric patients.

Understanding partnerships in developing disabled entrepreneurs through participatory action research.

PURPOSE: The paper reports on a community disability entrepreneurship project in Khayelitsha and Nyanga, Cape Town, South Africa. Disabled people, Disabled People South Africa ( a national organization made up by disabled people's organizations), a non-governmental organisation and occupational therapists from the University of Cape Town collaborated with the focus to achieve economic empowerment of disabled people though the establishment of micro-enterprises. METHOD: Participatory Action Research strategies, which informed and monitored the effective development of the community disability entrepreneurship project, were carefully integrated with the existing principles of community development. RESULTS: The participatory action research process provided an opportunity for shared learning and development. This article reports on the challenges and strategies faced by disabled people in the quest to establish themselves as entrepreneurs. The challenges that were identified through analysis from the experiences of participants were starting with nothing, lack of capacity and complexity of establishing working relationships. The strategies used were building group identity and developing capacity together. Indicators of positive outcome that emerged from an inductive content analysis are presented and discussed.

Laryngeal papilloma cells have high levels of epidermal growth factor receptor and respond to epidermal growth factor by a decrease in epithelial differentiation.

Laryngeal papillomas are benign epithelial tumors caused by human papillomaviruses. These tumors are characterized by hyperplasia of the spinous layer and abnormal differentiation. Many tumor cell lines over-express the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor on their surface, and EGF regulates normal cell growth. We have asked about the relationship of the EGF receptor and EGF response in laryngeal papilloma cells. Papilloma cells showed markedly greater immunohistochemical staining for the EGF receptor, compared to uninfected cells. Both cell types showed a 2-3-fold increase in nuclei incorporating bromodeoxyuridine when EGF was present. Removal of EGF from papilloma cells cultured on collagen rafts permitted normal stratification and differentiation, as determined by synthesis of keratin 13. Inclusion of EGF induced abnormal differentiation with minimal expression of keratin 13. Uninfected laryngeal cells cultured on rafts in the presence of EGF synthesize keratin 13 in all suprabasal cells. EGF reduced both human papillomavirus RNA levels in the papilloma cells and expression of a reporter gene linked to the human papillomavirus 11 enhancers and E6 promoter in uninfected cells. These results suggest that the phenotype of papillomas is induced, in part, by EGF binding to the abundant EGF receptors.

Hyporheic invertebrate assemblages at reach scale in a Neotropical stream in Brazil.

In the Neotropical Region, information concerning hyporheic communities is virtually non-existent. We carried out a sampling survey in the hyporheic zone of the Tijuca River, in the Tijuca National Park, located in the urban area of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Biological samples from the hyporheic zone were collected in three different stream reaches, in June 2012. The main objectives were: 1) to describe the structure of invertebrate assemblages in the hyporheic zone of a neotropical stream; 2) to apply a reach-scale approach in order to investigate spatial patterns of the hyporheic assemblages in relation to hydrology, depth and microhabitat typology. A total of 1460 individuals were collected and identified in 31 taxa belonging to Nematoda, Annelida, Crustacea, Hydrachnidia and Insecta. The class Insecta dominated the upper layer of the hyporheic zone. Copepods were the most abundant taxon among crustaceans and occurred mostly in the upwelling areas of the reaches. The results of this study represent one of the few contributions so far about hyporheic invertebrate assemblages of the Neotropical Region.

The hyporheic zone and its functions: revision and research status in Neotropical regions.

The hyporheic zone (HZ), as the connecting ecotone between surface- and groundwater, is functionally part of both fluvial and groundwater ecosystems. Its hydrological, chemical, biological and metabolic features are specific of this zone, not belonging truly neither to surface- nor to groundwater. Exchanges of water, nutrients, and organic matter occur in response to variations in discharge and bed topography and porosity. Dynamic gradients exist at all scales and vary temporally. Across all scales, the functional significance of the HZ relates to its activity and connection with the surface stream. The HZ is a relatively rich environment and almost all invertebrate groups have colonized this habitat. This fauna, so-called hyporheos, is composed of species typical from interstitial environment, and also of benthic epigean and phreatic species. The hyporheic microbiocenose consists in bacteria, archaea, protozoa and fungi. The HZ provides several ecosystem services, playing a pivotal role in mediating exchange processes, including both matter and energy, between surface and subterranean ecosystems, functioning as regulator of water flow, benthic invertebrates refuge and place of storage, source and transformation of organic matter. The hyporheic zone is one of the most threatened aquatic environments, being strongly influenced by human activities, and the least protected by legislation worldwide. Its maintenance and conservation is compelling in order to preserve the ecological interconnectivity among the three spatial dimensions of the aquatic environment. Although several researchers addressed the importance of the hyporheic zone early, and most contemporary stream ecosystem models explicitly include it, very little is known about the HZ of Neotropical regions. From a biological standpoint, hyporheos fauna in Neotropical regions are still largely underestimated. This review focuses on a brief presentation of the hyporheic zone and its functions and significance as an ecotone. We also highlighted the key aspects considering also the current status of research in Neotropical regions.