Effects of different management factors on broiler performance and incidence of tibial dyschondroplasia

(1) This study was to determine the effects of two lighting programmes (continuous--24L:0D or intermittent--12L:3(1L:3D)), two feeding programmes (continuous--ad libitum or meal Jeeding--3 h feed:3 h deprivation x 4 times per d) and two ascorbic acid (AA) supplementations (0 or 150 mg/l in water) on broiler performance and incidence of tibial dyschondroplasia (TD). (2) One-day-old male commercial (Ross PM3) broiler chicks (1600) were used. The chicks were randomly divided into 8 treatment groups (2 x 2 x 2) and their replicates (2) replicates per treatment). (3) Intermittent lighting increased body weight and improved feed conversion. Body weight of broilers was decreased by meal feeding. AA supplementation had no significant effect on the body weight and feed conversion ratio. There was no lighting x feeding x supplemental AA interaction for body weight, feed conversion ratio, mortality rate and carcase weight. (4) Supplemental AA improved the cortical thickness of tibiotarsus and decreased the incidence of TD. (5) It was concluded that the application of intermittent lighting in combination with supplementation of 150 mg/l AA is a useful method to reduce TD in broilers without loss of performance.

The WHO global alliance against chronic respiratory diseases in Turkey (GARD Turkey)

In order to prevent and control non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the 61st World Health Assembly has endorsed an NCD action plan (WHA resolution 61.14). A package for essential NCDs including chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) has also been developed. The Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) is a new but rapidly developing voluntary alliance that is assisting World Health Organization (WHO) in the task of addressing NCDs at country level. The GARD approach was initiated in 2006. GARD Turkey is the first comprehensive programme developed by a government with all stakeholders of the country. This paper provides a summary of indicators of the prevalence and severity of chronic respiratory diseases in Turkey and the formation of GARD Turkey.

Genotoxic potential of cyclosporin A in patients with renal transplantation

We analyzed the induction of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) by cyclosporin A (CsA) as a marker of genotoxic potential. In 30 patients undergoing renal transplantation, SCE induction was tested before the introduction of CsA and 3 months later. We found that SCE frequency increased significantly at the end of 3 months. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating in vivo induction of SCE by CsA in humans. We conclude that CsA has a genotoxic potential on human lymphocytes.

Association between HLA antigens and early onset periodontitis

HLA-A, B, C and DR antigen frequencies were determined in a group of patients with juvenile periodontitis and rapidly progressive periodontitis. In juvenile periodontitis patients, HLA-A24 and DR4 were found at a significantly higher level than in the control group, and in rapidly progressive periodontitis patients, A9 and DR4 were found at a significantly higher level than the control group. The presence of these antigens gives evidence as to the susceptibility of various forms of early onset periodontitis.

HLA antigens in Turkish race with rheumatic heart disease [see comment]

BACKGROUND

Rheumatic valvular disease has been reported to be associated with HLA antigens. To determine whether genetic factors could be involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatic heart disease (RHD), we analyzed the distribution of HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DR antigens in Turkish patients with chronic rheumatic heart disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The association of class I and class II HLA antigens was examined in 107 ethnic Turkish patients with chronic RHD. The diagnosis was supported by echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, angioventriculography, and histological findings in patients who underwent valve replacement. Two hundred three control subjects, also of Turkish origin, were chosen. The phenotypes B16, DR3, and DR7 were encountered in a significantly higher frequency in patients with RHD compared with the control population (corrected p < 0.05, p < 0.00005, and p < 0.0005, respectively). There also was a decrease in the antigen frequency of DR5 in patients compared with controls (corrected p < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The results are consistent with the hypothesis that susceptibility to RHD is genetically linked, and this in turn may be associated mainly with HLA class II antigens and weakly with class I antigens, with DR3, DR7, and B16 influencing susceptibility and DR5 conferring protection.

Organic distribution and interrelationships of lesions occurring in laying hens suffering from gout and urolithiasis

Gout as a multifactorial syndrome can cause the death of chicken. In this study, the lesions formed were studied macro-, and microscopically in 134 gouty chicken. The gross and microscopic changes were found in all kidneys and renal capsules, though the other internal organs were also involved in many cases. Their serosal surfaces were more severely affected than the parenchymal parts. These organs were liver, lungs, heart, spleen and synovial sacs. Uroliths were found in all cases and were formed in ureters. This finding indicated that the gouty lesions were the results of urolithiasis. Physical characteristics and the chemical composition of the stones were studied, and the results confirmed that they were made up by urates of calcium, ammonium cations.