Issues in assessing the health risks of n-butanol.

A literature review and health effects evaluation were conducted for n-butanol, a chemical that occurs naturally in some foods, which is an intermediate in the production of butyl esters and can be used as a gasoline additive or blend. Studies evaluating n-butyl acetate were included in the review as n-butyl acetate is rapidly converted to n-butanol following multiple routes of exposure. The primary n-butanol health effects identified were developmental and nervous system endpoints. In conducting the literature review and evaluating study findings, the following observations were made: (1) developmental findings were consistently identified; (2) neurodevelopmental findings were inconsistent; (3) evidence for nervous system effects was weak; (4) comparing internal doses from oral and inhalation exposures using physiologically based pharmacokinetic models introduces uncertainties; and (5) a lack of mechanistic information for n-butanol resulted in the reliance on mechanistic data for ethanol, which may or may not be applicable to n-butanol. This paper presents findings from a literature review on the health effects of n-butanol and proposes research to help reduce uncertainty that exists due to database limitations.

Evaluation of particle size and feed form on performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and gastrointestinal tract development of broilers at 39 d of age.

The objective of this study was to evaluate combined effects of corn particle size and feed form on performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and gastrointestinal tract development of broilers from 1 to 39 d of age. A total of 1,800 days old, male Cobb 500 broilers were randomly assigned to 9 dietary treatments with 8 replicate pens (25 birds/pen). The experiment consisted of a factorial arrangement of 3 corn particle sizes (750, 1,150, and 1,550 µm) and 3 feed forms (mash, 3- and 4-mm pellets) provided from 1 to 39 d. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) was added as an indigestible marker (0.5%) during the finisher phase (27-39 d) to determine nutrient digestibility. Feed intake (FI), body weight (BW), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined at 17, 27, and 39 d of age, with FCR adjusted for mortality. On d 40, 10 birds/pen were randomly selected and processed for meat yield determination. Data were analyzed as a 3×3 factorial (particle size x feed form) arrangement of treatments. Broilers fed 3- and 4-mm pellets had increased (P < 0.05) BW, FI, and lower FCR than broilers fed mash diets at 39 d of age. At 39 d of age, broilers fed diets with 750 µm corn particle size had heavier (P < 0.05) BW and increased FI than broilers fed diets with corn particle sizes of 1,150 and 1,550 µm. At 39 d of age FCR was unaffected by corn particle size. Heavier (P < 0.05) carcass and breast weights were observed for broilers fed 3-mm pellets. Broilers fed diets with corn particle size of 750 µm had heavier (P < 0.05) carcass and breast weight than broilers fed diets with 1,550 µm. Digestibility of nutrients was higher (P < 0.05) in pelleted diets, particularly when corn particle size was increased from 750 to 1,550 µm. Breast myopathies such as wooden breast (WB) and spaghetti meat (SM), were greater (P < 0.05) in broilers fed 3-mm pellets compared to mash diets. In conclusion, broilers fed 3- and 4-mm pelleted diets had greater nutrient digestibility and improved broiler performance compared to broilers fed mash diets.

Impact of every-day versus skip-a-day feeding of broiler breeder pullets during rearing on body weight uniformity and reproductive performance.

Genetic selection for increased growth rate in broilers makes feed restriction programs such as skip-a-day (SAD) feeding, for broiler breeders essential to managing body weight, flock uniformity, and reproductive performance. The objective of this experiment was to compare intestinal development, weight gain of breeder pullets, and reproductive performance (22-45 wk) when fed a high fiber diet (3.8% crude fiber) on either an every-day (ED) or SAD basis during rearing. The same developer ration and feed amounts were fed to both treatments. Day-old Ross 708 pullet chicks (n = 912) were randomly distributed into 4 floor pens (n = 228/pen, 2 pens/treatment). At 20 wk of age all birds were weighed, and the coefficient of variation (CV) and average body weight was calculated for each treatment. Birds were then distributed into 10 lay pens (n = 35 birds/pen, 5 pens/treatment) at 21.5 wk of age. Light was increased from 8 h to 15.25 h at move to the lay facility, and all birds were daily fed for the remainder of the study. Data were analyzed by SAS SLICE using a significance level of P ≤ 0.05. During lay, 25% of the birds from each treatment were weighed weekly to adjust feed and monitor body weight. At 21 wk the ED fed pullets were more uniform (P = 0.0007) than the SAD fed pullets. Eggs were collected daily and set for hatch every 4 wk from 28 to 42 wk of age. No significant difference in the hatch data were observed. The ED fed birds achieved first egg at 166 d of age while the SAD fed birds achieved first egg at 173 d of age. Specific gravity was measured every 2 wk from 30 to 40 wk, with ED reared birds having better overall eggshell quality (P = 0.02) and greater egg weight (P < 0.0001) than those fed SAD. Feeding a high fiber diet on an ED basis during rearing, improved body weight uniformity in rearing, encouraged early lay, improved eggshell quality and increased egg weight.

Effects of the Sex Ratio and Socioeconomic Deprivation on Male Mortality.

We explored relationships between male mortality and the sex ratio. (We tested relationships across 142 societies and in longitudinal data from Scotland. A male-biased sex ratio was associated with reduced mortality by intentional self-harm across 142 societies. This was replicated in longitudinal Scottish data, and men were less likely to die by suicide and assault when there were more men in the population only when levels of unemployment were low. We argue that this is consistent with a theoretical model in which men increase investment in relationships and offspring as "competition" under a male-biased sex ratio, and that the conflicting results of previous work may stem from divergent effects of the sex ratio on mortality depending upon relative deprivation.

Biosecurity system reforms and the development of a risk-based surveillance and pathway analysis system for ornamental fish imported into Australia.

The ornamental fish trade in Australia has an estimated value of AUD$350 million and involves importation of up to 20 million fish from 26 approved countries each year. Critical reviews indicated that the biosecurity system did not fully manage the risks associated with fish that were sub-clinically infected with diseases such as megalocytiviruses, or the threats posed by emerging diseases. Subsequent reforms have placed a greater emphasis on managing biosecurity risks off-shore at the source, coupled with an on-arrival surveillance system to assess compliance with biosecurity regulation. This presentation at the first global Conference in Aquatic Animal Epidemiology in Oslo, Norway in September 2016, describes the Department of Agriculture Water Resources' current initiatives to address increased risks in real-time while facilitating safe trade. The department is developing an innovative real-time, responsive risk-based surveillance capability to detect systemic failures on the part of the animal health authorities. The program involves a risk-based sampling algorithm on ornamental fish imported into Australia and testing for megalocytiviruses, spring viraemia of carp virus and Aeromonas salmonicida. We present the system and the results from several trials. The information generated by the verification surveillance system will be quantitative and semi-quantitative in nature and will form the basis of the department's response to detect systematic non-compliances by overseas authorities. Evidence collected through the ongoing analysis of surveillance data will become the basis of real-time feedback to overseas authorities for remedial action at source. Delays in resolving non-compliance issues could result in the suspension of off-shore equivalent measures from particular sources.

CD8 chemokine receptors in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Increased lung CD8 cells and their expression of chemokine receptors CXCR3 and CCR5 have been previously reported in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Alterations of CD8-CCR3 and -CCR4 expression and their ligands in COPD patients have not been fully investigated. The objective of this study was to assess in COPD patients: (i) broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) CD8 CCR3 and CCR4 expression in COPD patients; and (ii) airway levels of the CCR3 ligands, CCL11 and CCL5. Multi-parameter flow cytometric analysis was used to assess BAL CD3 and CD8-chemokine receptor expression in COPD patients, smokers and healthy non-smokers (HNS). CCL5 and CCL11 levels were measured in BAL, and from the supernatants of lung resection explant cultures. CD8-CCR3 and -CCR5 expression (means) were increased in COPD patients (22% and 46% respectively) and smokers (20% and 45%) compared with HNS (3% and 22%); P < 0.05 for all comparisons. CD3CXCR3 expression was raised in smokers and COPD while CD8CXCR3 and CD3 and CD8 CCR4 expression was similar between groups. CD8CCR5 expression correlated to smoking pack years (r = 0.42, P = 0.01). COPD explants released more CCL5 compared with smokers (P = 0.02), while there was low level CCL11 production. CD8CCR3 and CCR5 expression appear to be regulated by cigarette smoke exposure. We show that COPD lung tissue released more CCL5, suggesting a role for CCL5-CCR3 signalling in pulmonary CD8 recruitment in COPD.

Cooperating events in lymphomagenesis mediated by feline leukemia virus.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)-mediated lymphomagenesis in the domestic cat has been examined as a model of lymphoid malignancy in a naturally outbreeding population. The pathogenesis of two distinct, naturally occurring types of FeLV-induced tumors has been investigated: (1) a thymic lymphoma of T-cell origin, typical of FeLV-induced lymphoma, and (2) an extrathymic, extranodal lymphoma of non-B non-T-cell origin. The genetic features of these tumors are clearly distinguishable, and include determinants encoded both by the virus and the host. Virally encoded determinants of pathogenesis include the long terminal repeat (LTR) and the envelope SU protein. Cellular determinants include the involvement of a set of proto-oncogenes, and other factors characteristic of the specific cell type of origin of the tumor. Functional studies are aimed at evaluating the action and interaction of these genetic determinants in the pathogenesis of lymphoma in an animal model system.

Medical management of orbital cellulitis.

To determine the appropriate early management of orbital cellulitis and the current bacterial etiology and to evaluate the clinical usefulness of orbital computed tomographic imaging for this infection, a prospective study of orbital cellulitis was conducted during a 2-year period, 1999 to 2000, after the introduction of a conservative medical management plan designed by our pediatric infectious diseases, ophthalmology and otolaryngology services. Basically patients did not have surgical intervention unless progressive involvement of the optic nerve occurred after 24 to 36 h of intravenous antimicrobial therapy. Nine patients had orbital cellulitis and subperiosteal abscesses; only one required surgical drainage because of progressive disease, this case being culture-negative. One had a blood culture positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae; conjunctival cultures showed moderate to heavy growth for S. pneumoniae from this and two other patients, but otherwise bacterial etiology could not be defined. Haemophilus influenzae was not recovered from any of their blood or conjunctival cultures. This experience, during the computed tomography scan and Haemophilus vaccine era, supports an initial medical management approach for most patients with subperiosteal or retrobulbar abscesses resulting in orbital cellulitis.

The National Basketball Association eye injury study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the epidemiology of eye injuries sustained by professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). METHODS: A prospective study involving all NBA athletes who sustained eye injuries between February 1, 1992, and June 20, 1993, was conducted. Twenty-seven NBA team athletic trainers, physicians, and ophthalmologists were provided data forms to complete for any player examined for an eye injury. Practice and game exposures during the preseason, regular season, playoffs, and championships were included. RESULTS: Of the 1092 injuries sustained by NBA players during the 17-month period, 59 (5.4%) involved the eye and adnexa. Eighteen (30.5%) of the injuries occurred while the player was in the act of rebounding, and 16 (27.1%) while the player was on offense. The most common diagnoses included 30 abrasions or lacerations to the eyelid (50.9%), 17 contusions (edema and/or ecchymosis) to the eyelid or periorbital region (28.8%), and seven corneal abrasions (11.9%). There were three orbital fractures (5.1%). Most injuries were caused by fingers (35.6%) or elbows (28.8%). Nine players (15.3%) missed subsequent games because of their injury. Fifty-seven players (96.6%) were not wearing protective eyewear at the time of injury. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of eye injuries in NBA players during the 17-month period was 1.44 per 1000 game exposures. Frequent physical contact in professional basketball players leaves them at great risk for sustaining eye injuries. To prevent these injuries, protective eyewear is recommended.

The nef Gene of SIVmac239 Is Necessary for Efficient Growth in H9 Cells.

AIDS viruses require an intact functional nef gene in order to induce disease. The nonpathogenic molecular cloned virus SIVmac239nef-deletion encodes a truncated nef gene. This attenuated reading frame is expressed both in vitro and in a virus-infected animal in vivo. Encoding the first 58 amino acids of Nef, the reading frame retained its ability to down-modulate CD4 from the surface of T cells. CD4-down-modulated stable cell lines expressing full-length and truncated nef genes were significantly less infected by SIV. SIVmac239nef-open and SIVmacnef-deletion encoding a truncated nef clearly differed in replication kinetics in H9 cells and H9-derived cell lines. SIVmac239nef-deletion replication was delayed in H9. Copyright 1996 S. Karger AG, Basel

Antibodies to the human T lymphocytotropic type I in systemic lupus erythematosus.

We tested sera from 94 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by Western immunoblot. Using the criteria established by the Public Health Service Working Group, 11 (12%) sera were reactive, 29 (31%) indeterminate and 54 (57%) unreactive. When the reactive sera were immunoblotted against an extract from an uninfected control lymphoblastoid cell line, identical bands were obtained. HTLVI antigenemia could not be detected in any of the reactive sera. This suggests that previously described "antibodies to HTLVI" in SLE represent artifactual reaction with cellular components in the antigenic extract.

Stereoselective effects of opiate agonists and antagonists on ingestive behavior in rats.

In male Sprague Dawley rats, the (-)-isomer of the opiate antagonist GPA 1843 (beta-9-methyl-5-phenyl-2-allyl-2'-hydroxy-6, 7-benzomorphan) produced dose-related decreases in nocturnal feeding and of hyperphagias induced by 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG; 400 mg/kg) and 24 hr food deprivation (FD). The hyperphagia induced by insulin (10 U/kg) was not significantly decreased by GPA 1843. In contrast, comparable doses of the (+)-stereoisomer, GPA 1847, had no effect on nocturnal, 2-DG or FD hyperphagia. In addition, hyperphagia and hyperdipsia were observed following administration of the opiate agonist levorphanol, but not its stereoisomer, dextrorphan. Thus, the effects of these agents on consummatory behavior are mediated by a stereospecific interaction with opiate receptors, which further indicates that endogenous opiate peptides are involved in the expression of these opiate-related hyperphagias.

Incidence of lateral meniscus injury in professional basketball players.

We reviewed National Basketball Trainers Association data over a 6-year period to determine the incidence of lateral meniscus injury among professional basketball players. Our results indicated that 58% of all injuries involved the lateral meniscus, while 42% involved the medial meniscus. This differs from what other authors have reported for basketball players. The lateral meniscus may be vulnerable to chronic injury and subject to microtrauma from repetitive submaximal stresses associated with cutting or changing direction while running, or from pivoting. A professional player is at more risk of injury during a game than practice, and thus is exposed to injury more than a collegian because the professional season has three to four times as many games. Also, magnetic resonance imaging may aid the physician in accurately diagnosing some tears that would otherwise have gone undetected or required arthroscopy for diagnosis. In addition, injury to the lateral meniscus could produce secondary symptoms such as instability or patellofemoral pain to structures other than the lateral meniscus.

Amplicor enterovirus polymerase chain reaction in patients with aseptic meningitis: a sensitive test limited by amplification inhibitors.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and routine cell culture for the detection of enterovirus in cerebrospinal fluid. METHODS: Thirty-eight cerebrospinal fluid specimens were included. Cell culture was inoculated immediately and incubated for 14 days. An aliquot was kept frozen for Amplicor RT-PCR. Chart review was performed to determine the validity of the results. RESULTS: Nine of 38 specimens were positive for enterovirus by culture, and 14 were positive by RT-PCR. There were 7 discrepancies between the 2 methods. Six specimens were positive by RT-PCR and negative by the culture method. The 1 culture-positive but RT-PCR--negative specimen was determined to contain PCR inhibitors. All discrepant results were confirmed as true positives by chart review. Patients whose cerebrospinal fluid was negative by both methods had a final diagnosis other than enterovirus infection. CONCLUSION: Amplicor PCR is more sensitive than cell culture (93.3% vs. 60%) and is very specific. With the incorporation of appropriate controls for the detection of amplification inhibitors, RT-PCR could be a valuable tool in the diagnosis of enteroviral meningitis.

Performance on the athletic training certification examination based on candidates' routes to eligibility.

The National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification initiated a task force whose purpose is to evaluate the criteria that determine eligibility for the athletic training certification examination. Candidates may qualify to take the examination through one of two routes: an academic-based curriculum program or the practical education, work-experience-based internship route. The certification examination is comprised of three sections: a written examination, a written simulation, and a practical examination. We retrospectively examined certification examination scores during a 2-year period to determine whether a significant difference existed between the two groups of candidates. Test results for first-time candidates sitting for one of the nine examinations administered during 1992 and 1993 were extracted from the data base maintained by Columbia Assessment Services, Inc (Raleigh, NC) and grouped according to the candidates' route to eligibility. Curriculum candidates had significantly greater scores than did internship candidates on each of the three parts of the examination. Although the test analysis yields strong statistical power in interpreting these results, examination outcomes may also be influenced by the structure and content of the academic program followed, the quality of the clinical experience, the heterogeneity of each of the routes, and the psychosocial rigors of the examination process.

Athletic trainers' attitudes toward drug screening of intercollegiate athletes.

Since the inception of NCAA-mandated drug screening in 1986, college athletic trainers have found themselves involved at various levels in institutional drug-screening programs. Several legal, moral, and ethical questions have been raised regarding the drug screening of college athletes, and studies have been conducted to rate athletes' attitudes toward this practice. We examined the responses of certified athletic trainers employed in college settings to ascertain their attitudes toward the drug screening of athletes in general, and, specifically, how they view their role in this process. Surveys were distributed to 500 college athletic trainers randomly selected from the membership database maintained by the National Athletic Trainers' Association, Inc (Dallas, TX). The results of this survey indicate that the majority of athletic trainers feel that their association with the drug-screening process places them in the dual role of police and counselor, but that this relationship does not negatively affect their rapport with their athletes. Opinions regarding the drug-screening process and the importance of education in deterring drug use are somewhat dependent upon the athletic trainer's involvement in the drug-screening process. Athletic trainers possess a stronger desire to serve as resource persons who organize substance abuse education programs rather than serving as administrators of the sampling process.

Improvement of maternal vitamin D status with 25-hydroxycholecalciferol positively impacts porcine fetal skeletal muscle development and myoblast activity.

There is little information available regarding the influence of maternal vitamin D status on fetal skeletal muscle development. Therefore, we investigated the effect of improved vitamin D status resulting from 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD3) supplementation of dams on fetal skeletal muscle developmental characteristics and myoblast activity using Camborough 22 gilts (n = 40) randomly assigned to 1 of 2 corn-soybean meal-based diets. The control diet (CTL) contained 2,500 IU cholecalciferol (D3)/kg diet, whereas the experimental diet contained 500 IU D3/kg diet plus 50 µg 25OHD3/kg diet. Gilts were fed 2.7 kg of their assigned diet once daily beginning 43 d before breeding through d 90 of gestation. On gestational d 90 (± 1), fetal LM and semitendinosus muscle samples were collected for analysis of developmental characteristics and myoblast activity, respectively. No treatment difference was observed in fetal LM cross-sectional area (P = 0.25). Fetuses from 25OHD3-supplemented gilts had more LM fibers (P = 0.04) that tended to be smaller in cross-sectional area compared with CTL fetuses (P = 0.11). A numerical increase in the total number of Pax7+ myoblasts was also observed in fetuses from 25OHD3-supplemented gilts (P = 0.12). Myoblasts derived from the muscles of fetuses from 25OHD3-fed dams displayed an extended proliferative phase in culture compared with those from fetuses of dams fed only D3 (P < 0.0001). The combination of additional muscle fibers and Pax7+ myoblasts with prolonged proliferative capacity could enhance the postnatal skeletal muscle growth potential of fetuses from 25OHD3-supplemented gilts. These data highlight the importance of maternal vitamin D status on the development of fetal skeletal muscle.

Feeding 25-hydroxycholecalciferol improves gilt reproductive performance and fetal vitamin D status.

Little information is available regarding the effects of vitamin D and its metabolites on reproduction in swine. To investigate the effects of feeding the circulating metabolite of vitamin D, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD3, ROVIMIX Hy • D, DSM Nutritional Products, Basel, Switzerland) on maternal and fetal circulating 25OHD3 concentration and gilt reproductive performance, a total of 40 PIC Camborough-22 gilts (BW on d -6 = 138 kg) in 4 replicates were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 corn-soybean meal-based diets. The control diet (CTL) was formulated to contain 2,500 IU D3/kg diet, and the experimental diet (25OHD3) was formulated to contain 500 IU D3/kg diet + 50 µg 25OHD3/kg diet. Gilts were fed 2.7 kg of their assigned diet once daily beginning 43 d before breeding. Gilt BW were measured on gestational d -6 and d 90. Gilts were artificially inseminated with PIC 337-G semen 12 h and 24 h after showing signs of estrus. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein on gestational d -43, -13, 46, and 89 for analysis of circulating 25OHD3 plasma concentration and overall vitamin D status of the gilts. At gestational d 90 ± 1, gilts were harvested and reproductive tracts were removed. Fetal weight, sex, crown-to-rump length (CRL), as well as the number of mummified fetuses were recorded. As expected, circulating plasma concentrations of 25OHD3 were not different among treatment groups at d -43 (CTL = 53.8 ng/mL, 25OHD3 = 57.4 ng/mL; P = 0.66). However, gilts fed 25OHD3 had greater (P < 0.001) circulating plasma concentrations of 25OHD3 on d -13 (89.7 vs. 56.7 ng/mL), d 46 (95.8 vs. 55.7 ng/mL), and d 89 (92.8 vs. 58.2 ng/mL) of gestation compared with CTL-fed gilts. Circulating 25OHD3 was also greater in fetuses from 25OHD3-fed gilts on d 90 (P < 0.001). A 23% increase in pregnancy rate was observed in 25OHD3-fed gilts compared with CTL (78% vs. 55%, respectively; P = 0.21). Maternal BW gain (without conceptus), number of mummified fetuses, mean fetal weight, and mean fetal CRL were similar among treatments (P > 0.05). However, litter size was larger (CTL = 10.2; 25OHD3 = 12.7; P = 0.04) in 25OHD3-fed gilts compared with CTL-fed gilts. Notably, mean fetal weight was not decreased in 25OHD3-fed gilts as frequently occurs when litter size is increased. Overall, feeding 25OHD3 to first-service gilts before and during gestation improved both maternal and fetal vitamin D status and improved maternal reproductive performance.