Fear, anxiety, and production in laying hens with healed keel bone fractures

For laying hens, the immediate aftermath and healing period of a keel fracture (KF) is characterized by reduced ability to perform species-specific behavior, access resources, and pain. However, the longer-term impacts, once the fracture is completely healed, are less clear. As well as acute pain and behavioral changes, a negative experience can shape future responses to putatively threatening stimuli, raising future fear, and anxiety levels during husbandry-related events. We aimed to determine whether hens that had previously sustained keel bone fractures, but were now outside of the peak age range for new fractures, showed higher fear and anxiety levels compared to intact hens. We also determined if healed keel bone fractures were associated with reduced production, changes in behavior and resource use. One hundred and fifty hens with a palpation score of 1 ( "KF") and 150 hens with a palpation score of 0 (keel fracture free, "KFF") were selected from a commercial farm at 63 wk of age and housed in 6 groups (3 × KF and 3 × KFF). We compared production (hen weight and feed consumption, egg quantity, quality and weight, floor eggs, shell thickness, and weight) and home pen behavior (behaviors and transitional movements) in both groups. Finally, we measured the responses of KF (n = 75) and KFF (n = 75) during tonic immobility, novel arena, and novel object tests. KF and KFF hens did not differ in their responses to the tonic immobility, novel arena, and novel object tests, nor were there differences between the 2 groups in home pen behavior and transitional movements. KFF birds were lighter and laid eggs with less eggshell membrane compared KF birds, but no differences were found between KF and KFF in any other production measures. We found no evidence that healed KFs were associated with detrimental welfare effects in laying hens, but further work is required to determine the mechanisms and implications of the lower body weight and egg shell membrane.

Cocaine self-administration and reinstatement in female rats selectively bred for high and low voluntary running

BACKGROUND

Previous research has found that rats behaviorally screened for high (vs. low) wheel running were more vulnerable to cocaine abuse. To assess the extent to which a genetic component is involved in this drug-abuse vulnerability, rats selectively bred for high or low voluntary running (HVR or LVR, respectively) were examined for differences in cocaine seeking in the present study.

METHODS

Female rats were trained to lever press for food and then were assessed for differences in acquisition of cocaine (0.4mg/kg; i.v.) self-administration across 10 sessions. Once acquired, rats self-administered cocaine for a 14-day maintenance phase, followed by a 14-day extinction phase when cocaine was no longer available. Subsequently, reinstatement of cocaine seeking was examined with priming injections of cocaine (5, 10 & 15mg/kg), caffeine (30mg/kg), yohimbine (2.5mg/kg) and cocaine-paired cues.

RESULTS

A greater percentage of LVR rats met the acquisition criteria for cocaine self-administration and in fewer sessions than HVR rats. No differences in responding for cocaine were observed between phenotypes during maintenance. However, during extinction LVR rats initially responded at higher rates and persisted in cocaine seeking for a greater number of sessions. No phenotype differences were observed following drug and cue-primed reinstatement of cocaine seeking.

CONCLUSIONS

In general, LVR rats were more sensitive to the reinforcing effects of cocaine than HVR rats during periods of transition into and out of cocaine self-administration. Thus, LVR rats sometimes showed a greater vulnerability cocaine seeking than HVR rats.

The effects of long (C20/22) and short (C18) chain omega-3 fatty acids on keel bone fractures, bone biomechanics, behavior, and egg production in free-range laying hens

Keel fractures in the laying hen are the most critical animal welfare issue facing the egg production industry, particularly with the increased use of extensive systems in response to the 2012 EU directive banning conventional battery cages. The current study is aimed at assessing the effects of 2 omega-3 (n3) enhanced diets on bone health, production endpoints, and behavior in free-range laying hens. Data was collected from 2 experiments over 2 laying cycles, each of which compared a (n3) supplemented diet with a control diet. Experiment 1 employed a diet supplemented with a 60:40 fish oil-linseed mixture (n3:n6 to 1.35) compared with a control diet (n3:n6 to 0.11), whereas the n3 diet in Experiment 2 was supplemented with a 40:60 fish oil-linseed (n3:n6 to 0.77) compared to the control diet (n3:n6 to 0.11). The n3 enhanced diet of Experiment 1 had a higher n3:n6 ratio, and a greater proportion of n3 in the long chain (C20/22) form (0.41 LC:SC) than that of Experiment 2 (0.12 LC:SC). Although dietary treatment was successful in reducing the frequency of fractures by approximately 27% in Experiment 2, data from Experiment 1 indicated the diet actually induced a greater likelihood of fracture (odds ratio: 1.2) and had substantial production detriment. Reduced keel breakage during Experiment 2 could be related to changes in bone health as n3-supplemented birds demonstrated greater load at failure of the keel, and tibiae and humeri that were more flexible. These results support previous findings that n3-supplemented diets can reduce fracture likely by increasing bone strength, and that this can be achieved without detriment to production. However, our findings suggest diets with excessive quantities of n3, or very high levels of C20/22, may experience health and production detriments. Further research is needed to optimize the quantity and type of n3 in terms of bone health and production variables and investigate the potential associated mechanisms.

Pop hole use by hens with different keel fracture status monitored throughout the laying period

The aim of this work was to study the effect of keel fractures on the extent to which free-range hens access the range through pop holes. Over two consecutive laying periods (two production years) a total of 1100 individual birds from one half of a house, divided into four separated flocks, were caught at 25, 35, 45, 55 and 65 weeks, palpated to assess the prevalence and severity of keel fractures and tagged with RFID transponders. Their use of pop holes was subsequently monitored in some cases from week 25 to end of lay at 68 to 70 weeks. At regular intervals (every 10 weeks), the tagged birds were re-caught to assess changes in keel fracture prevalence and severity. The average percentage of birds with fractured keels at 25, 35, 45, 55, 65 and at end of lay (68 to 70 weeks of age) was 5.5, 25.5, 49, 63, 66.5 and 78.5, respectively, across both production years. The effect of keel score on pop hole use was modelled statistically, adjusting for weather conditions and age of the birds. There were significant effects of most of the weather variables recorded, as well as age of the bird, on use of pop holes and also a significant effect of keel score. Higher keel scores resulted in a reduction in pop hole use. A significant statistical interaction between keel score and ambient temperature revealed an accelerated reduction in use as the temperature decreased and keel score increased. It is concluded that the occurrence of keel fractures may affect the birds' ability or willingness to utilise the outdoor range provided by free-range housing systems, thereby reducing the potential welfare advantages of this type of housing.

Continuous monitoring of pop hole usage by commercially housed free-range hens throughout the production cycle

Free-range laying hens are able to move between the indoor house and range through exits termed pop holes. The aim of this study was to examine the proportion of the flock that used the pop holes and to identify patterns of movement throughout the flock cycle. Four flocks of free-range hens each of 1500 birds were studied. Ten per cent of each flock were tagged with RFID (radio-frequency identification) transponders and their pop hole activity studied throughout the production cycle. Within two weeks of tagging at 25, 35, 45, 55 and 65 weeks of age, approximately 80 per cent of the tagged birds were seen in the pop holes and 50 per cent of the tagged birds were seen on 80 per cent of the days available to them after tagging. Within the flock, subpopulations of birds could be identified: those that never ventured to the pop holes (approximately 8 per cent), those that used the pop holes very infrequently (approximately 8 per cent), those that sat in the pop holes (approximately 4 per cent), and those that used the pop holes frequently (approximately 80 per cent). There was an effect of age of the birds, time of day and daily mean temperature on pop hole usage. Additional factors affecting activity on particular days were wind speed, rainfall and hours of sunshine. The findings show that a significant proportion of the flock accesses the pop holes on a regular basis with only a very small proportion preferring to stay in the house.

Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis in children

BACKGROUND

Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis in children is a serious disorder, and information is needed about its prevention and treatment.

METHODS

The Canadian Pediatric Ischemic Stroke Registry was initiated in 1992 at the 16 pediatric tertiary care centers in Canada. Children (newborn to 18 years of age) with symptoms and radiographic confirmation of sinovenous thrombosis were included.

RESULTS

During the first six years of the registry, 160 consecutive children with sinovenous thrombosis were enrolled, and the incidence of the disorder was 0.67 cases per 100,000 children per year. Neonates were most commonly affected. Fifty-eight percent of the children had seizures, 76 percent had diffuse neurologic signs, and 42 percent had focal neurologic signs. Risk factors included head and neck disorders (in 29 percent), acute systemic illnesses (in 54 percent), chronic systemic diseases (in 36 percent), and prothrombotic states (in 41 percent). Venous infarcts occurred in 41 percent of the children. Fifty-three percent of the children received antithrombotic agents. Neurologic deficits were present in 38 percent of the children, and 8 percent died; half the deaths were due to sinovenous thrombosis. Predictors of adverse neurologic outcomes were seizures at presentation and venous infarcts.

CONCLUSIONS

Sinovenous thrombosis in children affects primarily neonates and results in neurologic impairment or death in approximately half the cases. The occurrence of venous infarcts or seizures portends a poor outcome.

Primary antiphospholipid syndrome with moyamoya-like vascular changes

We describe a young girl with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and moyamoya-like cerebrovascular changes which reversed after anticoagulation. Although there was a risk of hemorrhage from collateral vessels, we speculate that this treatment may have prevented progression of the vascular abnormalities, while resolution of the thrombus resulted in improved cerebrovascular circulation.

Partial liquid ventilation in adult patients with ARDS: a multicenter phase I-II trial. Adult PLV Study Group

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of partial liquid ventilation (PLV) in adult patients with the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Previous studies have evaluated gas exchange and the safety of PLV in adult patients with severe respiratory failure whose gas exchange was partially provided by extracorporeal life support (ECLS). This is the first experience with adult patients who were not on ECLS.

METHODS

Intratracheal perflubron in a total dose of 30.1 +/- 7.1 ml/kg was administered over a period of 45 +/- 9 hours to nine adult patients with mean age = 49 +/- 4 years and mean PaO2/FiO2 ratio = 128 +/- 7 as part of a prospective, multicenter, phase I-II noncontrolled trial.

RESULTS

Significant decreases in mean (A-a)DO2 (baseline = 430 +/- 47, 48 hour = 229 +/- 17, p = 0.0127 by ANOVA) and FiO2 (baseline = 0.82 +/- 0.08, 48 hour = 0.54 +/- 0.06, p = 0.025), along with an increase in mean SvO2 (baseline = 75 +/- 3, 48 hour = 85 +/- 2, p = 0.018 by ANOVA) were observed. No significant changes in pulmonary compliance or hemodynamic variables were noted. Seven of the nine patients in this study survived beyond 28 days after initiation of partial liquid ventilation whereas 5 patients survived to discharge. Three adverse events [hypoxia (2) and hyperbilirubinemia (1)] were determined to be severe in nature.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that PLV may be performed safely with few related severe adverse effects. Improvement in gas exchange was observed in this series of adult patients over the 48 hours after initiation of PLV.

Impact of genetic counselling after neonatal screening for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

In a pilot neonatal screening programme for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) conducted in the Canadian province of Manitoba, a cohort of eight affected males was identified between 1 January 1986 and 31 December 1989. Demographic information, knowledge of DMD, reproductive outcome, and attitudes to prenatal diagnosis and neonatal screening for DMD were obtained through questionnaires distributed in May 1992 to the eight sets of parents of index cases, two high probability carrier aunts, and one high probability carrier sister. Personal interviews were subsequently conducted in the summer of 1992. Although there is overall consensus among the families in favour of routine neonatal screening for DMD, five of seven subsequent pregnancies reported in six women were not monitored by prenatal diagnosis and have resulted in the birth of two affected boys. In a comparable time interval, prenatal diagnosis was acceptable to carrier females whose affected male relatives were traditionally diagnosed at four or five years. We conclude that, although molecular genetic analysis now allows for precise diagnosis of DMD, highly accurate carrier testing and prenatal diagnosis, very early DMD carrier identification, and genetic counselling after the identification of DMD males in a population based neonatal screening programme may not be an effective way of decreasing the number of repeat cases of DMD within families or the overall population frequency of DMD.

Enhanced conditions for DNA fingerprinting with biotinylated M13 bacteriophage

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fingerprints are Southern blots which have a pattern resembling bar codes. The pattern is created by DNA probes that bind to variable-length repeated sequences of human genomic DNA digested with restriction endonucleases. To improve DNA fingerprints obtained with biotin-labeled M13mp8 replicative form (RF) bacteriophage as the gene probe, the conditions for hybridization and the subsequent washing steps of the filter were refined. Experiments were conducted varying the electrophoresis time, blotting membranes, hybridization solution, and posthybridization washes. The simplicity, sensitivity, and reliability of this nonistopic technique make possible its application for identification of individuals within a species, for parentage testing, and for monitoring bone marrow transplantation.

Leukoencephalopathy among native Indian infants in northern Quebec and Manitoba

We report 14 cases of a severe familial leukoencephalopathy among native North American Indian infants in northern Quebec and Manitoba. Affected infants have hypotonia and mild motor delay, followed by seizures, hypotonia or spasticity, eye deviation, and abnormal posture during a febrile illness around 6 months of age. Death follows a rigid, vegetative state that manifests days to months after disease onset and is marked in some cases by prominent autonomic disturbances, blindness, and cessation of head growth. Symmetrical hemispheric white matter lucencies and diffuse hypomyelination of the cerebral hemispheres and brainstem are the radiological and pathological hallmarks. This disease differs from the known diseases of cerebral myelin. An autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance awaits statistical confirmation. The proposed cause is a delay in development or abnormal turnover of central nervous system myelin.

Intraarticular and intraperitoneal administration of etoposide in haematological malignancy

Etoposide is frequently used in the treatment of a wide variety of malignant disorders. Administration is usually by intravenous infusion, but etoposide can also be given by mouth, by intraarterial infusion and by direct instillation into the pleural cavity. Two patients are described who were treated with injections of etoposide into the peritoneal cavity and knee joint, respectively.

An in vitro model for the study of acute release of von Willebrand factor from human endothelial cells

An in vitro model is described which utilizes human umbilical vein endothelial cells cultured on plastic microcarrier spheres and perfused with serum-free medium. This model was used to study the acute release of von Willebrand factor following stimulation of the cells with putative agonists. Thrombin, plasmin and interleukin-1 were found to release von Willebrand factor. Adrenaline and bradykinin also stimulated release but only at high dosage. 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) was inactive.

L-carnitine treatment in glutaric aciduria type I

Patients with organic aciduria may have a higher than normal requirement for L-carnitine. In a patient with type I glutaric aciduria, serum total L-carnitine levels were 8.5 microM (normal, 54.4 +/- 14.2 [2 SD] microM). After treatment with L-carnitine for 1 month, serum levels of both free and total L-carnitine were normal with an acyl-to-total ratio of 0.18. The fractional clearance rates of free and acylcarnitine were increased fourfold by treatment. Acetylcarnitine accounted for a lower than normal percentage of acylcarnitine recovered in serum and urine. Data suggest that this patient may have been carnitine-deficient.

Heredity in one hundred patients admitted for excision of pterygia

One hundred consecutive patients admitted to hospital for excision of pterygia were compared with 100 control patients without pterygia. Of the pterygia group 38% had one or more relatives with pterygia, compared with 8% (? 12%) of the control group. Exposure to solar radiation was considered to be similar in both groups.

Agranulocytosis during malaria prophylaxis with Maloprim (pyrimethamine and dapsone)

A case of agranulocytosis during malaria prophylaxis with Maloprim (pyrimethamine and dapsone) is described. At the recommended dose of one tablet weekly this is apparently a rare occurrence but highlights one of the hazards in a changing climate of malarial prophylaxis in which the use of Maloprim is increasing.

Threonine dehydratase deficiency: a probable cause of non-ketotic hyperglycinaemia

A patient with classical symptoms of non-ketotic hyperglycinaemia (NKH) is presented. Threonine dehydratase was undetectable in a liver autopsy specimen, which was obtained within 1 h of death and immediately frozen at -70 degrees C. Activities of four marker enzymes were normal. This represents the first documentation of an inborn error of threonine metabolism and a new explanation of NKH.

Resistance to lysis of erythrocytes containing haemoglobin C--detected in a differential white cell counting system

Erythrocytes containing haemoglobin C do not lyse normally in the peroxidase channel of the Technicon H6000 automated cell counter. This interferes with the normal function of the channel and results in a characteristic abnormal pattern. This correlates with a reduced osmotic fragility of the red cells.