Effect of feeding hemp seed and hemp seed oil on laying hen performance and egg yolk fatty acid content: evidence of their safety and efficacy for laying hen diets

Forty-eight 19-wk-old Bovan White laying hens were fed 1 of 5 diets containing either hemp seed (HS) or hemp seed oil (HO). The level of HO was 4, 8, or 12%, whereas the level was 10 or 20% for the HS. A set of 8 birds fed wheat-, barley-, and corn oil-based diets served as the control. Performance was monitored over 12 wk. Average hen-day egg production was not affected upon feeding of either HS or HO diets. Egg weight was higher than that of the controls for hens consuming the 20% HS diet (P < 0.05). Feed intake was lower than that of the controls for birds consuming the 4% HO diet but similar across other treatments. Final BW were not affected by diet, with the exception of being lower than that of the controls (P < 0.05) in hens consuming the 12% HO diet. The total egg yolk n-3 fatty acid content increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing dietary α-linolenic acid provision with the HS- or HO-based diets. A quadratic response (P < 0.05) was observed for docosahexaenoic acid levels in egg yolk in response to increasing dietary α-linolenic acid supply. The expression of hepatic fatty acid desaturase 1 and 2, key genes for the desaturation of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, was significantly decreased (50-60% of controls; P < 0.05) as a result of feeding HS or HO diets. Based on the results from the current study, the inclusion of the hemp products HS or HO in the diets of laying hens up to a maximum level of 20 and 12%, respectively, does not adversely effect the performance of laying hens and leads to the enrichment of the n-3 fatty acid content of eggs.

Organ transplantation from a donor colonized with a multidrug-resistant organism: a case report

The number of intensive care unit patients with infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms is increasing in most developed countries. We report the case of a deceased multiorgan donor, who was an asymptomatic carrier of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-KP) in the respiratory tract, a condition that was not diagnosed before organ harvesting and transplantation. The outcome of the 2 kidney recipients, the liver recipient, and 1 of the lung recipients was uneventful; in particular, no evidence of infection transmission or adverse graft outcomes was noted. The other lung recipient had a complicated postoperative course and, 4 weeks post transplantation, he developed a bacteremic pneumonia with CR-KP from which he subsequently died. These results suggest that, in well defined conditions, organs from donors who are CR-KP positive may be considered for transplantation.

[Intraarticular fractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint: dynamic early functional therapy with an external fixation system]

The results of treating fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint are often unsatisfactory for the patient because conservative methods cannot prevent stiffness of the joint. Thus, early functional treatment with external fixation systems is increasingly favoured. This therapy combines the principles of ligamentotaxis and the possibility of early movement of the injured joint. The frequently modified pins and rubbers traction system is especially effective. It is cheap, easy to apply, and well accepted by patients due to its light weight and small size. This paper gives an overview of the therapeutic options and the clinical results of treating fractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint.

3He spin-dependent cross sections and sum rules

We present a measurement of the spin-dependent cross sections for the 3He over -->(e over -->,e')X reaction in the quasielastic and resonance regions at a four-momentum transfer 0.1< or =Q2< or =0.9 GeV2. The spin-structure functions have been extracted and used to evaluate the nuclear Burkhardt-Cottingham and extended Gerasimov-Drell-Hearn sum rules for the first time. The data are also compared to an impulse approximation calculation and an exact three-body Faddeev calculation in the quasielastic region.

The need for macrolides in hospitalised community-acquired pneumonia: propensity analysis

The present study compared beta-lactam macrolide ("combination") therapy versus beta-lactam alone ("monotherapy") for hospitalised community-acquired pneumonia, using propensity scores to adjust for the differences between patients. A prospective multinational observational study was carried out. Baseline patient and infection characteristics were used to develop a propensity score for combination therapy. Patients were matched by the propensity score (three decimal point precision) and compared with 30-day mortality and hospital stay. The propensity score was used as a covariate in a logistic model for mortality. Patients treated with monotherapy (n = 169) were older (mean+/-sd age 70.6+/-17.3 versus 65.0+/-19.6 yrs), had a higher chronic diseases score and a different clinical presentation compared with patients treated with combination therapy (n = 282). Unadjusted mortality was significantly higher with monotherapy (37 (22%) out of 169 versus 21 (7%) out of 282). Only 27 patients in the monotherapy group could be matched to 27 patients in the combination group using the propensity score. The mortality in these groups was identical, with three (11%) demises each. The multivariable odds ratio for mortality associated with combination therapy, adjusted for the propensity score and the Pneumonia Severity Index, was 0.69 (95% confidence interval 0.32-1.48). The benefit of combination therapy versus monotherapy cannot be reliably assessed in observational studies, since the propensity to prescribe these regimens differs markedly.

Vaccines for preventing typhoid fever

BACKGROUND

Two typhoid vaccines are commercially available, Ty21a (oral) and Vi polysaccharide (parenteral), but neither is used routinely. Other vaccines, such as a new modified, conjugated Vi vaccine called Vi-rEPA, are in development.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate vaccines for preventing typhoid fever.

SEARCH STRATEGY

In December 2006, we searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2006, Issue 3), MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and mRCT. We also searched relevant conference proceedings up to 2004 and scanned the reference lists of all included trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing typhoid fever vaccines with other typhoid fever vaccines or an inactive agent (placebo or vaccine for a different disease).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently applied inclusion criteria and extracted data. We computed vaccine efficacy per year of follow up and cumulative three-year efficacy, stratifying for vaccine type and dose. We calculated relative risks (RR) and efficacy (1-RR as a percentage) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

MAIN RESULTS

Of the 17 included RCTs, 10 evaluated efficacy (Ty21a: 5 trials; Vi polysaccharide: 4 trials, Vi-rEPA: 1 trial), and 11 reported on adverse events.Ty21a vaccine (3 doses). According to one trial (20,543 participants), this vaccine provided statistically significant protection in each of the first three years (one: 35%, 95% CI 8% to 54%; two: 58%, 95% CI 40% to 71%; three: 46%, 95% CI -6% to 72%), and the cumulative efficacy for 2.5 to 3 years was 48% (95% CI 34% to 58%). Four cluster-RCTs that did not adjust for clustering were not included in the meta-analyses. Compared with placebo, this vaccine was not associated with an increased rate of fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea or abdominal pain, headache, or rash.Vi polysaccharide vaccine (1 dose). This vaccine provided protection in year one (68%, 95% CI 50% to 80%; 99,979 participants, 3 trials) and year two (60%, 95% CI 31% to 76%; 142,555 participants, 2 trials), but not in year three (11,384 participants, 1 trial). The three-year cumulative efficacy was 55% (95% CI 30% to 70%; 11,384 participants, 1 trial). Compared with placebo, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of fever or erythema, but local swelling was more common with the vaccine.Vi-rEPA vaccine (2 doses). In one trial of 12,008 participants, this vaccine provided protection in year one (94%, 95% CI 75% to 99%) and year two (87%, 95% CI 56% to 96%). Cumulative efficacy at 46 months (3.8 years) was 89% (95% CI 76% to 97%). No swelling or erythema occurred in the vaccine or placebo group; fever was more frequent in the vaccine group.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The licensed Ty21a and Vi polysaccharide vaccines are efficacious. The new and unlicensed Vi-rEPA vaccine is as efficacious and may confer longer immunity.

Laparoscopic spray application of fibrin sealant effects on hemodynamics and spray efficiency at various application pressures and distances

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic resections of parenchymal organs are increasingly performed. However, little is known about the effects of laparoscopic fibrin sealant spray applications on intraabdominal pressure (IAP) and hemodynamics.

METHODS

Cardiac and pulmonary monitoring was performed via two central venous pressure lines in the thoracic and abdominal vena cava, a pulmonary artery catheter, and a peripheral artery line. Air was sprayed into the abdomen at pressures of 2, 3, and 4 bar for 30 s. According to the group, a valve on a trocar was open or closed. To optimize fibrin sealant application, the sealant was sprayed at three different application pressures (2, 2.5, and 3 bar) and distances (2, 3.5, and 5 cm).

RESULTS

All spray simulations caused a significant increase in the IAP. During the first 10 s of spraying, the IAP increase was 5 mmHg or less, but rose rapidly during the last 20 s of spraying. The IAP increase resulted in decreased pulmonary compliance. Pulmonary resistance and the central venous pressures of both the thoracic and abdominal vena cava increased. At application pressures of 3 and 4 bar, the IAP increase was greater than 2 bar of pressure, reaching IAP values exceeding 35 mmHg. Spray mist formation was primarily dependent on application pressure, whereas clot formation and surface coverage depended on both application pressure and distance. The best results were achieved with an application pressure of 2.5 bar and a distance of 5 cm from the surface.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that fibrin sealants can be used safely in laparoscopic procedures. Keeping the spray periods short and allowing air to escape from the abdomen can minimize the IAP increase. According to our results, a laparoscopic spray application of fibrin sealant should start with an insufflation pressure of 10 mmHg, an application pressure of 2.5 bar, and an application distance of 5 cm with a valve on the trocar left open.

Role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in cardiac remodelling

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) are centrally involved in several mechanisms important for heart failure such as apoptosis, activation of inflammatory responses and cell proliferation. We therefore evaluated the effect of the selective p38 MAPK inhibitor SB 239063 on progression of left ventricular remodelling after myocardial infarction (MI) in rats.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Rats were treated for 9 weeks with placebo or SB 239063 by gavage (15 mg kg(-1)) twice daily starting 7 days after ligation of the left anterior descending artery. Serial transthoracic echocardiography was performed at days 7, 36 and 70.

KEY RESULTS

Over the 9 weeks, mortality was not different between the groups. On echocardiography, animals after myocardial infarction exhibited significant left ventricular dilatation as expected (week 10, end-systolic diameter, placebo sham 5.21+/- 0.34 vs. placebo MI 8.44+/- 0.57 mm). However, there was no difference between placebo and SB 239063-treated rats (week 10, end-systolic diameter, SB MI 7.76+/- 0.74 mm, not significantly different from placebo MI). Haemodynamics changed accordingly. Moreover, SB 239063 had no effect on left ventricular hypertrophy. Treatment with SB 239063 significantly reduced cytokine expression of tumour necrosis factor and interleukin-1beta after myocardial infarction. However, collagen content was not influenced by the treatment.

CONCLUSION

Despite a reduction of inflammation, treatment with the p38 inhibitor SB 239063 does not affect cardiac remodelling and cardiac function when treatment is started 7 days after myocardial infarction.

Measurement of the generalized forward spin polarizabilities of the neutron

The generalized forward spin polarizabilities gamma(0) and delta(LT) of the neutron have been extracted for the first time in a Q2 range from 0.1 to 0.9 GeV2. Since gamma(0) is sensitive to nucleon resonances and delta(LT) is insensitive to the Delta resonance, it is expected that the pair of forward spin polarizabilities should provide benchmark tests of the current understanding of the chiral dynamics of QCD. The new results on delta(LT) show significant disagreement with chiral perturbation theory calculations, while the data for gamma(0) at low Q2 are in good agreement with a next-to-leading-order relativistic baryon chiral perturbation theory calculation. The data show good agreement with the phenomenological MAID model.

Inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase C4 (LDH-C4) blocks capacitation of mouse sperm in vitro

Lactate dehydrogenase C4 (LDH-C4) is a tissue-specific enzyme in the mammalian testis and the only lactate dehydrogenase isozyme of sperm. Inhibitors of LDH activity were used to determine whether this enzyme plays a role in sperm capacitation, the acrosome reaction and/or fertilization. Oxamate or its derivative was used to inhibit sperm LDH activity in a medium promoting capacitation. Complete inhibition of LDH activity blocked capacitation. This effect could be reversed partially by the addition of dbcAMP or pentoxifylline to the culture medium. Western blotting showed that oxamate and N-isopropyl oxamate inhibited the tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins during the sperm capacitation process. Presumably, glycolysis is the primary energy pathway for sperm metabolism. The oxidation of reduced NAD with the conversion of pyruvate to lactate by LDH provides ATP necessary for protein kinase A (PKA) activity. Our data indicate that LDH-C4 plays an important metabolic role in sperm capacitation.

Q2 evolution of the neutron spin structure moments using a 3He target

We have measured the spin structure functions g(1) and g(2) of 3He in a double-spin experiment by inclusively scattering polarized electrons at energies ranging from 0.862 to 5.058 GeV off a polarized 3He target at a 15.5 degrees scattering angle. Excitation energies covered the resonance and the onset of the deep inelastic regions. We have determined for the first time the Q2 evolution of Gamma(1)(Q2)= integral (1)(0)g(1)(x,Q2)dx, Gamma(2)(Q2)= integral (1)(0)g(2)(x,Q2)dx, and d(2)(Q2)= integral (1)(0)x(2)[2g(1)(x,Q2)+3g(2)(x,Q2)]dx for the neutron in the range 0.1< or =Q2< or =0.9 GeV2 with good precision. Gamma(1)(Q2) displays a smooth variation from high to low Q2. The Burkhardt-Cottingham sum rule holds within uncertainties and d(2) is nonzero over the measured range.

Q2 evolution of the generalized Gerasimov-Drell-Hearn integral for the neutron using a 3He target

We present data on the inclusive scattering of polarized electrons from a polarized 3He target at energies from 0.862 to 5.06 GeV, obtained at a scattering angle of 15.5 degrees. Our data include measurements from the quasielastic peak, through the nucleon resonance region, and beyond, and were used to determine the virtual photon cross-section difference sigma(1/2)-sigma(3/2). We extract the extended Gerasimov-Drell-Hearn integral for the neutron in the range of four-momentum transfer squared Q2 of 0.1-0.9 GeV2.