Review: Energy partitioning in broiler chickens

In commercial nutrition and in research studies, metabolizable energy (ME) is the standard measure of energy used in describing energy requirements and diets for poultry. The provision of dietary energy will influence the intake of all other nutrients. Broilers exhibit an outstanding ability to control their energy intake by adjusting their feed intake as diet energy concentration changes. There is still considerable debate on the accuracy, precision and usefulness of different procedures used for determining ME values of diets and ingredients. ME intake is generally partitioned into energy retained (ER) in body tissues (mainly as fat and protein) and as heat production (HP): ME = HP + ER. There are few reported estimates of HP and its components, fasting heat production (FHP), heat production due to physical activity and the thermic effect of feeding (TEF). Requirements for maintenance (MEm), including major components of FHP and physical activity, are established at around 155 kcal kg BW0.60. We recentlyreported that maintenance requirements for young broilers based on kg BW0.75 were 8% lower than the values estimated using kg BW0.60, and that BW raised to the exponent 0.60, was a more precise estimator. Gross energy retained in the body as fat (TERF) and protein (TERP), together contribute most of the total energy retained (TER) in the body. Efficiency of ME utilization above maintenance varies from 70 to 84% for lipid deposition in adult birds and between 37 and 85% in growing birds. Key words: Energy, broiler, metabolic rate, energy retention

Poor outcome is associated with delayed tuberculosis diagnosis in HIV-infected children in Baja California, Mexico

OBJECTIVE

To describe the morbidity and mortality associated with tuberculosis (TB) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected children in Baja California, Mexico.

METHODS

Retrospective review of the medical records of all children with perinatally acquired HIV infection evaluated at Tijuana General Hospital with a diagnosis of TB between 1998 and 2007. The Stegen-Toledo (ST) clinical criteria for the diagnosis of TB were used.

RESULTS

A total of 73 HIV-infected children were followed during the study period. Thirteen (18%) children were diagnosed with TB; one was confirmed by culture to be positive. Among these children, the mean ages at HIV and TB diagnosis were respectively 3.6 and 5.3 years. The mean ST score was 8.1; 10/13 had a score of >or=7, or highly probable TB. There were a cumulative 29 hospital admissions prior to TB diagnosis; 24 of these were due to pneumonia. The mean duration of symptoms at TB diagnosis was 73 days. The most common symptoms were cough (92%) and anorexia (85%). Seven patients (54%) had disseminated TB and five (39%) died as a consequence of TB.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed high morbidity, hospital utilization and high mortality associated with TB among HIV-infected children in Baja California.

Assessment of the nitrogen correction factor in evaluating metabolizable energy of corn and soybean meal in diets for broilers

Three experiments were carried out to determine AME and AMEn of corn and soybean meal (SMB) in diets for growing broilers. In experiments 1 and 2, ingredient-specific basal diets or a combination of these basal diets with corn and SBM were prepared. For corn, the substitution was 25, 50, or 75% of the total diet, whereas SBM substitution was at 10, 20, or 30%. In experiment 1, birds were fed the experimental diets continuously from 0 to 33 d, and AME and AMEn were determined during 9 to 12 d and 30 to 33 d of age. In experiment 2, birds were fed the experimental diets only around the time of the collection period. The AMEn of corn was 95 to 97% of corresponding AME, whereas for SBM, AMEn was 93 to 88% of AME. Linear regression was used as an alternative method of calculating ingredient energy values resulting in a significant regression of diet AME and AMEn content on inclusion level, for each period of time and for each ingredient (corn and SBM). Based on varying inclusion levels of test ingredients in the diet, the extrapolated AME and AMEn of corn were estimated more precisely (R2 = 0.90 to 0.95) than those of SBM (R2 = 0.57 to 0.85), suggesting that the variability of AME and AMEn is better explained by a linear regression of AME or AMEn on percentage of inclusion. For corn, AME and AMEn were little affected by age, and the effect of N correction was consistent at around 3%. Determined energy values of SBM were more variable. Experiment 3 was conducted to assess the effect of formulating diets based on either AME or AMEn on broiler performance. A 2-sample t-test was implemented examining AME vs. AMEn formulation. The analyses for numerous production and carcass traits were nonsignificant except for the case of less abdominal fat in birds fed diets formulated to AME rather than AMEn (P < 0.01). These results showed that the use of the N correction imposed a penalty to corn of 3 to 5% and SBM of 7 to 12%.

Effects of smoking ban in a general hospital psychiatric unit

INTRODUCTION

Many psychiatric facilities allow patients to smoke cigarettes even though this habit is especially harmful for mental patients.

METHODS

We studied the untoward effects produced by the smoking ban in 40 consecutive inpatients admitted to a psychiatric ward of a general hospital.

RESULTS

A total of 52.2 % out of 40 patients were smokers; the mean Fagerstrom score was 5.9. The most frequent diagnostic groups were: schizophrenia and delusional disorders; mood disorders; and personality disorders. There were only two untoward effects related with the smoking ban during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the smoking ban can be successfully implemented in a general hospital psychiatric unit without causing unfavorable effects.

Genetic counseling in Usher syndrome: linkage and mutational analysis of 10 Colombian families

Usher Syndrome (US), an autosomal recessive disease, is characterized by retinitis pigmentosa (RP), vestibular dysfunction, and congenital sensorineural deafness. There are three recognized clinical types of the disorder. In order to improve genetic counseling for affected families, we conducted linkage analysis and DNA sequencing in 10 Colombian families with confirmed diagnosis of US (4 type I and 6 type II). Seventy-five percent of the US1 families showed linkage to locus USH1B, while the remaining 25% showed linkage to loci USH1B and USH1C. Among families showing linkage to USH1B we found two different mutations in the MYO7A gene: IVS42-26insTTGAG in exon 43 (heterozygous state) and R634X (CGA-TGA) in exon 16 (homozygous state). All six US2 families showed linkage to locus USH2A. Of them, 4 had c.2299delG mutation (1 homozygote state and 3 heterozygous); in the remaining 2 we did not identify any pathologic DNA variant. USH2A individuals with a 2299delG mutation presented a typical and homogeneous retinal phenotype with bilateral severe hearing loss, except for one individual with a heterozygous 2299delG mutation, whose hearing loss was asymmetric, but more profound than in the other cases. The study of these families adds to the genotype-phenotype characterization of the different types and subtypes of US and facilitates genetic counseling in these families. We would like to emphasize the need to perform DNA studies as a prerequisite for genetic counseling in affected families.

Antitumour effect of combination treatment with Sabarubicin (MEN 10755) and cis-platin (DDP) in human lung tumour xenograft

PURPOSE

Sabarubicin (MEN 10755), a new disaccaride anthracycline, has shown greater efficacy than Doxorubicin in a large panel of preclinical models and now it is in phase II clinical trials. Its promising antitumour activity promoted considerable interest to combine Sabarubicin with other antitumour agents. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro cytotoxic effects and in vivo antitumour activities produced by the combination of Sabarubicin and cisplatin (DDP).

METHODS

The antitumour effect of Sabarubicin and DDP association was investigated, in vitro and in vivo, in preclinical models of lung cancer i.e.: the non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) H460 and the small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) GLC4 in terms of synergism, additivity or antagonism in order to establish the best schedule for the combined treatment. Further, the correlation between antitumour activity and the pharmacokinetic parameters of the studied combination was also evaluated.

RESULTS

The drug combination in vitro was in general more cytotoxic than the single drug alone, indicating the presence of a synergistic effect in both tumour cell lines. Also, in the xenograft experiments a superior antitumoral effect was observed when Sabarubicin was combined with DDP. The antitumour efficacy of Sabarubicin (6 mg/kg q4d x 5) combined with DDP (6 mg/kg q4d x 3) greatly depended on the schedule of administration. In H460 tumour line, the sequential combination was more effective than the simultaneous administration of the two agents, although the antitumour efficacy was not dependent on the sequence of combination. On the other hand, a strong sequence-dependent effect was observed when Sabarubicin was combined with DDP in SCLC, GLC4. In particular, the highest value of LCK = 6.7 was obtained when administration of DDP followed by 24 h that of Sabarubicin. Pharmacokinetics of Sabarubicin in combination with DDP was evaluated at 6 mg/kg for both drugs with different sequential schedule. The experimental data showed no evidence for pharmacokinetics drug-drug interaction.

CONCLUSION

These preclinical results indicate the potential for a strong antitumour activity in lung tumours of the combination Sabarubicin and DDP. In particular, in SCLC the best response should be given by a sequence with administration of Sabarubicin followed 24 h later by that of DDP. Clinical trials based on these results are ongoing.

Partitioning of retained energy in broilers and birds with intermediate growth rate

An experiment was conducted to study energy retained (TER) as fat (TERF) and protein (TERP) in 3 strains of birds with different growth rate; commercial broilers, Barred Plymouth Rock, and Leghorns. Birds were fed ad libitum a diet providing 3,100 kcal of AMEn/kg and 20% CP from 0 to 42 d. Body composition, TER, TERF, and TERP were determined at 0, 7, 10, 15, 19, 23, 28, 33, 37, and 42 d of age. The TER, TERF, and TERP were derived from whole body analyses. Linear and nonlinear models (quadratic, allometric, and Gompertz equation) were used as a means to characterize observed patterns of energy deposition. The TER, TERF, and TERP increased quadratically (P < 0.001) over time in all 3 strains of birds. Over 42 d, broilers deposited a constant proportion (50%) of body energy as fat and protein (P < 0.001). When applying the Gompertz equation to relate empty BW (EBW) to time, the estimated value for EBW at maturity of the broilers was unrealistically high (11.1 kg) and estimated poorly (SE 5.5 kg). Quadratic equations may be used as an alternative for Gompertz equations to represent growth of EBW, TER, TERF, or TERP vs. time in chickens between 0 and 42 d of age. Within the BW ranges that were evaluated in this study, allometric functions or Gompertz equations can be used to relate TERF and TERP to EBW, but model parameters differ between bird strains. Based on the Gompertz equation and in broilers, the maximum rate of TERF and TERP was reached at 1.16 and 1.22 kg of EBW, respectively, and then declines slowly as BW increases. Quantifying and partitioning TER as TERF and TERP as major components of ME requirements can be used to establish models that have economic consequences to the broiler industry.

Relevance of nitrogen correction for assessment of metabolizable energy with broilers to forty-nine days of age

An experiment was conducted to reevaluate the concept of using AME vs. AME(n) values for broiler diets. Growing male broilers and adult Leghorn roosters were fed either a single standard diet from 0 to 49 d or a series of starter (0 to 21 d), grower (21 to 35 d), and finisher (35 to 49 d) diets. Apparent ME and AME(n) were determined during 4 to 7, 11 to 14, 18 to 21, 25 to 28, 32 to 35, 39 to 42, and 46 to 49 d of age. Using the single diet after 7 d, the broiler consistently derives higher AME than do roosters. This same effect was seen with the multiple diet series for broilers. However when N correction is applied, the converse situation is seen, in that roosters consistently attain higher AME(n) than do broilers at any given age. Using a single diet, rooster AME and AME(n) values were unaffected by time, whereas broilers exhibit a quadratic relationship for both AME and AME(n) through 49 d. Nitrogen retention of roosters was rarely different from zero (P > 0.05). For broilers, there was a significant (P < 0.01) increase in grams of N retained each day over time, although when expressed as a percentage of N intake, there was decline over time, especially after 28 d of age. The N correction imposes a 4 to 5% reduction on the AME value of a single diet. When a commercial series of diets was used, the correction declined from 5.3% at 7 d to 3.8% at 49 d, reflecting the decline in protein content of the diet and the decline in N retention over time. This information suggests that if AME rather than AME(n) values are accepted, then roosters provide a good estimate of values applicable for broiler nutrition, because values are little different. Because there was less variance in energy values expressed as AME(n) rather than AME, it appears that there was sufficient bird-to-bird variation in growth, N retention, or both, to warrant the use of the correction factor.

Neurocirculatory and nigrostriatal abnormalities in Parkinson disease from LRRK2 mutation

BACKGROUND

Patients with Parkinson disease (PD) often have cardiac sympathetic denervation and failure of neurocirculatory regulation by baroreflexes. Familial PD caused by mutation of the gene encoding alpha-synuclein or by alpha-synuclein gene triplication also features cardiac sympathetic denervation and baroreflex failure.

METHODS

Here we report results of cardiac sympathetic neuroimaging by 6-[(18)F]fluorodopamine PET, baroreflex testing based on beat-to-beat hemodynamic responses to the Valsalva maneuver, and nigrostriatal neuroimaging using 6-[(18)F] fluorodopa PET in a proband with mutation of the gene encoding leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), the most common genetic abnormality identified so far in familial PD.

RESULTS

The patient had no detectable 6-[(18)F] fluorodopamine-derived radioactivity in the left ventricular myocardium, a progressive fall in blood pressure during the Valsalva maneuver and no pressure overshoot after release of the maneuver, and decreased 6-[(18)F] fluorodopa-derived radioactivity bilaterally in the putamen and substantia nigra.

CONCLUSION

This patient with Parkinson disease (PD) caused by LRRK2 mutation had evidence of cardiac sympathetic denervation, baroreflex-sympathoneural and baroreflex-cardiovagal failure, and nigrostriatal dopamine deficiency, a pattern resembling that in the sporadic disease. The results fit with the concept that in LRRK2 PD, parkinsonism, cardiac sympathetic denervation, and baroreflex failure can result from a common pathogenetic process.

Product distribution modelling in the thermal pyrolysis of high density polyethylene

The thermal fast pyrolysis of high density polyethylene (HDPE) has been carried out in a conical spouted bed reactor in the 450-715 degrees C range, and individual products have been monitored with the aim of obtaining kinetic data for the design and simulation of this process at large scale. Kinetic schemes have been proposed in order to explain both the results obtained in the laboratory plant and those obtained in the literature by other authors operating at laboratory and larger scale. Discrimination has been carried out based on the contribution of the variance of model parameters (stepwise regression) to the total variance explained by the model. The models based on that of Westerhout et al. [R.W.J. Westerhout, J. Waanders, W.P.M. Van Swaaij, Recycling of polyethene and polypropene in a novel bench-scale rotating cone reactor by high-temperature pyrolysis. Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 37 (6) (1998) 2293-2300] do not adequately predict the experimental results, especially those corresponding to aromatics and char, which is probably due to the very short residence times attained in the conical spouted bed and, consequently, to the lower yields of aromatics and char. The model of best fit is the one where polyethylene degrades to give gas, liquid (oil) and wax fractions. Furthermore, the latter undergoes secondary reactions to give liquid and aromatics, which in turn produce more char.

Performance of rapid HIV testing using Determine HIV-1/2 for the diagnosis of HIV infection during pregnancy in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the rapid antibody test Determine HIV-1/2, in pregnant women at Tijuana General Hospital. Pregnant women seeking prenatal care or admitted in labour had blood drawn for a rapid HIV test (Determine HIV-1/2), enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and Western blot. Between March and November 2003, 1068 women in labour and 1529 women in prenatal care were enrolled. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 100%, 99.8%, 77% and 100%, respectively. For women in labour, the mean time between blood collection and rapid test results was 92 minutes (range: 20-205 minutes) compared with 41 hours (range 24-120 hours) for HIV EIA (P = 0.012). All HIV-exposed infants received oral zidovudine. These findings indicate that the rapid test Determine HIV-1/2 has a high sensitivity and specificity in pregnant women. Rapid HIV testing greatly diminishes the time to diagnosis and enables prompt intervention with antiretrovirals at delivery.

Circulating small dense LDL, endothelial injuring factors and fibronectin in healthy postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND

In postmenopausal women (PMW), an adverse lipoprotein pattern and high risk of coronary artery disease has been described. Studies of the mechanisms promoting the higher atherogenic risk observed in healthy PMW are relevant. We evaluated the interactions among several circulating factors involved in the endothelial injury and inflammation in relation to LDL characteristics, beyond LDL cholesterol.

METHODS

Lipoprotein profile, including apolipoproteins A-I and B, small dense LDL, hepatic lipase, cholesterol transfer protein (CETP), LDL composition and oxidability were assessed in PMW (n=30) in comparison to premenopausal (PreMW, n=28). The following emerging factors were measured: homocysteine, phospholipase A2, ferritin, hs-CRP and fibronectin from extracellular vascular matrix. Insulin-resistance was evaluated by waist circumference, HOMA and TG/HDL cholesterol ratios.

RESULTS

The risk index apo B/apo A-I was significantly increased in PMW (p<0.0001), PMW showed higher proportion of small dense LDL which correlated with the increase in hepatic lipase activity (p<0.005) and with insulin-resistance markers (p<0.05), but not with CETP. Phospholipase A2 (p<0.05), homocysteine (p<0.005), hs-CRP (p<0.005), fibronectin (p<0.05) and ferritin (p<0.0001) were increased in PMW. LDL oxidability positively correlated with waist (p<0.02), homocysteine (p<0.05), fibronectin (p<0.05), hs-CRP (p<0.04), phospholipase A2 (p<0.05), and small dense LDL (p<0.01). After adjusting by menopausal condition, age and waist, LDL oxidability remained associated with waist (beta: 0.35, p=0.047), homocysteine (beta: 0,36 p<0,038), fibronectin (beta: 0,41 p=0.05), and small dense LDL (beta: 0.36, p=0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

Evaluation of classic and non-traditional circulating risk factors in hypoestrogenism reflected endothelial and subendothelial inflammation and subclinical atherogenic processes.

Somatic chimerism, genetic inheritance, and mapping of the fleshless berry (flb) mutation in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.)

The fleshless berry (flb) mutation of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. 'Ugni Blanc') impairs the differentiation and division of inner mesocarp cells responsible for flesh in grapevine berries. In order to study the inheritance of the mutation and to map the flb locus, 5 segregating populations were created. Progeny plants were classified as mutant or wild type by scoring for the presence of an ovary phenotype associated with the Flb- phenotype at anthesis. Phenotypic segregation revealed the involvement of a single dominant allele that was heterozygous in the original mutant. Through bulk segregant analysis, microsatellite (simple sequence repeat (SSR)) markers linked to the mutation were identified, and the flb locus was assigned to linkage group 18. The locus position was then refined by analyzing individual progeny and the segregation of SSR markers in the target region with the closest marker 5.6 cM distant from the flb locus. All progeny with the Flb- ovary phenotype differed from the original fleshless berry mutant in that no berries formed after anthesis. Our data suggest that the original mutant plant was a chimera with the mutated allele present in only 1 cell layer (L2 layer) of the ovary and berry.

Systemic and intraovarian effects of corpus luteum on follicular dynamics during estrous cycle in hair breed sheep

The present study aimed to determine systemic and local effects of corpora lutea (CL), on follicular dynamics throughout the estrous cycle. All follicles >or=2 mm and CL were assessed by daily transrectal ultrasonography in 12 West African ewes. Blood samples were collected to determine plasma concentration of progesterone. Fifteen estrous cycles were evaluated with a mean interovulatory interval of 16.8+/-0.2 days. Two (13.3%), 10 (66.7%) and 3 (20%) of the estrous cycles had 2, 3 and 4 waves of follicular development, respectively. In sheep with three waves of follicular development, both the length of growing phase and the growth rate of dominant follicles from midluteal wave II were diminished (3.4+/-0.3 days, P<0.0001, and 0.4+/-0.1 mm/day, P<0.01, respectively) when compared to follicles from early luteal phase (wave I, 4.1+/-0.2 days, and 0.7+/-0.1 mm/day) or late luteal phase (wave III, 6.3+/-0.4 mm and 0.6+/-0.1 mm/day). The diameter of the dominant follicle was smaller during the midluteal phase (3.9+/-0.1 mm, P<0.0001) than in the early and late luteal phase (5.0+/-0.2 and 5.7+/-0.2 mm; respectively). The effect of the dominant follicle was less during midluteal phase, because number of accompanying smaller follicles was fewer (P<0.01) in waves I and III (6.3+/-0.9 compared with 3.4+/-0.8 and 2.3+/-0.7). The number of follicles was also different between ovaries that had CL and those that did not. The total number of large follicles during the luteal phase was less in ovaries with CL (0.9+/-0.5 compared with 2.7+/-0.3; P<0.01), as was the mean daily number of both large (0.1+/-0.02 compared with 0.2+/-0.02; P<0.001) and total number of follicles >or=2 mm (2.5+/-0.1 compared with 3.3+/-0.1; P<0.01). Current results indicate that the presence of a functional CL may exert both systemic and local effects on the population of follicles, affecting the dominance exerted by large follicles.

Harmonization of internal dosimetry procedures in Latin America--ARCAL/IAEA project

Under the auspices of the Regional Coordination Agreement for Latin America, representatives of the eight member states have participated in a project to improve radiological protection for workers exposed to unsealed sources of radiation. The design of the project was based on information obtained from a questionnaire circulated among the participants, from which the initial status of internal dosimetry services in each country was characterised. The objective of the project is to harmonize internal dosimetry procedures, with reference to International Atomic Energy Agency recommendations. After the implementation of new procedures and personnel training, four intercomparison exercises were carried out: measurement of iodine in thyroid phantoms, measurement of gamma emitters in urine samples, measurement of beta emitters in urine samples and internal dose assessments. This project has resulted in important improvements in internal dosimetry services in the region.

The influence of surface energy on the wetting behaviour of the spore adhesive of the marine alga Ulva linza (synonym Enteromorpha linza)

The environmental scanning electron microscope has been used to image the adhesive pads secreted by zoospores of the marine alga Ulva linza as they settle on a range of self-assembled and grafted monolayers of different wettability, under natural, hydrated conditions. Results reveal that the diameter of the adhesive pad is strongly influenced by surface wettability, the adhesive spreading more (i.e. wetting the surface better) on the more hydrophilic surfaces. This is in direct contrast to previous observations on the spreading of marine bioadhesives and is in apparent contradiction to the predictions of the Young-Dupre equation for three-phase systems. In this paper, we attempt an explanation based upon thermodynamic analysis of the wetting properties of hydrophilic proteins.

Organ Changes and Bacterial Translocation in a Rat Model of Chronic Rejection After Small Bowel Transplantation

Rejection after small bowel transplantation (SBTx) may allow bacterial translocation damaging the liver and lungs. This study investigated these issues in a rat model of chronic rejection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Orthotopic SBTx was performed in syngeneic (SYN) (ACI-ACI, n=8) and allogeneic (ALLO) (ACI-Lewis, n=8) rat strain combinations. Cyclosporine was given to ALLO rats for 28 days. Animals were sacrified between 55 and 65 days. Lymph nodes and venous samples were cultured; Escherichia coli DNA was assessed by polymerase chain reaction. We measured intestine, liver, spleen, and lung protein and DNA contents. Chronic rejection was histologically confirmed.

RESULTS

Two of eight and four of eight rats died in the first week after SYN and ALLO SBTx, respectively. There were no differences in organ weights or DNA and protein contents compared with the controls. Gram-negative enteric bacteria were found in two of four ALLO and two of six SYN rats (ns), and aerobic gram-positive were found in two of four and two of six (ns), respectively. Anaerobic growth occurred in mesenteric lymph nodes in only one ALLO rat. E. coli DNA was negative in all animals. Lungs were severely emphysematous in ALLO rats with no histologic changes observed in the other phagocytic organs. Mild rejection was found in the intestine of ALLO rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Bowel lesions in ALLO rats might be consistent with chronic rejection and lung lesions could be related to bacterial translocation after SBTx. However, contrary to our expectations, no significant bacterial translocation was demonstrated in either group at the end of the experiments.

Utilization of metabolizable energy by young broilers and birds of intermediate growth rate

An experiment was conducted to study the utilization of ME by 3 strains of birds with different growth rates: commercial broilers, Plymouth Barred Rocks, and Leghorns. Birds were fed a diet providing 3,100 kcal of ME/kg and 20% CP from 0 to 42 d. ME and nitrogen balance were determined from 10 to 15, 23 to 28, and 37 to 42 d. Energy retained (ER) as fat (ERF) and protein (ERP) were derived from body analyses for each period and group of birds. ERF and ERP were obtained as the difference in values at the end of each period and their respective predicted values based on BW at the beginning of the period. ER, ERF, and ERP per unit metabolic BW were significantly different for broilers vs. the other 2 strains in all periods (P < 0.001). Heat production and ER increased significantly (P < 0.01) for all groups. There was a significant decrease in HP (P < 0.001) over time with no change in ER, ERF, or ERP over time. Age appeared to have no significant effect on ERF/ME regardless of strain. Estimation of maintenance requirements as a function of BW0.75 vs. BW0.60 showed that requirements for broilers per kilogram of BW0.75 are 8% lower compared with estimates based on BW0.60. It seems that energy requirements for maintenance has been underestimated for younger or smaller birds and implies greater apparent efficiency for growth. Because ME intake for maintenance requirements represents a large portion of the ME intake, the results from this experiment could be considered in calculation of energy requirements for growing broilers.

Pseudomyxoma peritonei: a clinicopathologic analysis and follow-up of 21 patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Pseudomyxoma peritonei is an uncommon disease characterized by the presence of mucinous peritoneal implants associated with an abdominal neoplasm. Our objective is to consider the characteristics of this entity in our western Mediterranean urban population.

METHODOLOGY

All cases diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei by our hospital during a period of 16 years were reviewed. Data from their clinical records and the biopsy samples were analyzed.

RESULTS

We found 21 cases of pseudomyxoma peritonei with a male/female ratio of 10/11 and a mean age of 59 years. The predominant presentation symptom was abdominal pain (17 cases, 6 of them with acute abdomen). The most frequent primary site of origin of the pseudomyxoma was the appendix (10 cases). The histologic diagnosis was malignant (associated with carcinoma) in 17 cases and indeterminate behavior in 4. The follow-up was available for 15 patients (mean follow-up of 41 months), while six patients have been lost. Nine patients have died during the follow-up and the other 6 patients are still alive after follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparotomy is the main tool for diagnosing pseudomyxoma peritonei. The appendix is the most frequent primary site of origin of pseudomyxoma peritonei, followed by bowel; the latter being more important than previously described. In most cases the histology is malignant. The prognosis is bad with a mortality greater than 60% at 5 years.

Bacterial translocation in acute rejection after small bowel transplantation in rats

Acute rejection after small bowel transplantation (SBTx) may facilitate bacterial translocation (BT) and subsequent changes in the liver, spleen, and lungs. This study investigated whether BT occurs after acute rejection and whether this is followed by changes in the structure of the intestine and the phagocytic organs interposed between the gut and the general circulation. Orthotopic SBTx was performed in allogeneic (ALLO) rat-strain combinations (BN-Wistar, n=5). For comparison we used syngeneic SBTx (SYN) (BN-BN, n=6) controls. Animals were sacrificed on postoperative day 7. Mesenteric lymph nodes and portal and caval blood were cultured for aerobes and anaerobes. Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase DNA was assessed by polymerase chain reaction in the blood samples. Intestine, liver, spleen, and lung protein and DNA contents were measured. Histologic changes were graded according to standard criteria of acute rejection. For comparisons we used chi(2) and nonparametric Mann-Whitney test with a threshold of significance of p<0.05. ALLO rats lost more weight after SBTx than SYN rats (-13.02+/-4.39% vs. -8.04+/-5.08% of preoperative weight), although the difference was not significant (ns). A variable degree of graft rejection was histologically demonstrated in all ALLO rats, and DNA/protein content in the graft was significantly higher in this group (0.245+/-0.85 vs. 0.134+/-0.21, p<0.05). Gram-negative enteric bacteria were found in 4/5 ALLO and 4/6 SYN rats (ns), and aerobic Gram-positive bacteria in 2/5 and 3/6 (ns), respectively. Anaerobic growth occurred in mesenteric lymph nodes in one ALLO rat and in the bloodstream in another one. E. coli DNA was isolated in none of the ALLO but in two SYN rats (ns). BT was frequent after SBTx in both syngeneic and allogeneic strain combinations. Contrary to our expectations, BT after SBTx was not higher in ALLO group rats. However, anaerobic germs were isolated only in this group.