Breaking Down Barriers: Easter Island's First Telestroke Thrombolysis Experience and Case Report

Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Chile, is remote, located in the Polynesian Triangle in Oceania. The closest continental point is Chile, 3,512 km east. It has a population of 7,750 inhabitants, who are Chilean citizens, and receives more than 60,000 tourists a year. For this entire population, there is a medium complexity hospital without a neurology specialist. In 2019, local professionals were trained in a Telestroke program with remote clinical support conducted by neurologists located on mainland Chile. We present a 50-year-old native male, with unknown medical history, who suddenly presented right-half-body weakness and aphasia. He was evaluated via Telestroke consultation, and thrombolysis with tenecteplase was indicated. The patient improved rapidly and 45 min later the NIHSS score was 0 points. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Telestroke treatment in such a remote area, highlighting the importance of telemedicine to overcome geographical and technological stroke care barriers and to improve patients' outcome, no matter where they live.

Research Note: Antimicrobial resistance profile of Enterococcus spp. isolated from the eggshell of laying hens submitted to pharmacological treatment

The occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in microorganisms isolated from eggshells, especially Enterococcus, might serve as a parameter to assess the selection of bacteria due to the use of drugs in the diet of laying hens. In order to evaluate the frequency and the antimicrobial resistance profile of Enterococcus spp. isolated from the eggshells, 225 Hy-line laying hens were submitted to a 25-d long trial. The treatments were the following: hens fed ration without antimicrobials (control) and groups that received oxytetracycline (10 mg kg⁻¹), doxycycline (20 mg kg⁻¹), lincomycin (50 mg kg⁻¹), and enrofloxacin (10 mg kg⁻¹) in the ration for 5 d. Six replications were analyzed per treatment, composed of a pool of 5 eggs each. They were collected before treatment and on days 3, 6, 15, and 25, totaling 150 samples. Eggshells were submitted to counts of Enterococcus spp., which were identified by proteomic analyses. Antimicrobial resistance was determined by the disk-diffusion test. It was observed that 97.3% (n = 146) of the samples were contaminated with Enterococcus spp. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in the bacterial counts between treatments on the same day of evaluation. E. faecalis and E. faecium were the most frequent on the eggshells of all treatments. Multiresistance to the four classes of antimicrobials was also verified in the isolated bacteria. A total of 83% of the Enterococcus isolates showed resistance to neomycin, which was not administered to the hens, demonstrating an environmental problem. Thus, feeding laying hens with diets added with antimicrobials induces drug resistance in Enterococcus spp., isolated form the eggshells.

Protein retention, growth performance and carcass traits of individually housed immunocastrated male- and female- and surgically castrated male Iberian pigs fed diets of increasing amino acid concentration

Immunocastration (IC, vaccination against gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)) is one alternative to surgical castration (SC) for preventing sexual development and boar taint in male pigs. A temporal increase in performance has been described for IC pigs before the second vaccination against GnRH. The objective of this work was to assess the effects of IC on Iberian male and female pigs (fed diets of increasing CP content) on performance, nitrogen retention (NR) and digestibility, and carcass traits. Fifty-four pure Iberian pigs individually housed were allocated to a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement with three sex groups (IC males, IC females and SC males), three diets (153, 137 and 119 g CP/kg DM; 14 MJ metabolisable energy/kg DM) and six pigs per treatment combination. Pigs were vaccinated at 18 weeks of age (40 kg BW) and seven weeks later (70-80 kg BW) and fed at 0.9 × ad libitum on BW basis. Two digestibility and nitrogen balance assays were performed before and after the second vaccination, respectively. Pigs were slaughtered at 105 kg BW. Before the second vaccination, Iberian IC males showed higher growth rate (g/day), feed efficiency, NR (g/day) and efficiency of NR than the other groups (P < 0.001). The NR and efficiency of NR was 40% greater in IC v. SC males (P < 0.001). After the second vaccination, no differences in performance between sex groups were detected (P > 0.05). Growth rate and feed efficiency were higher in IC males than in the other groups for the whole experimental period (from the first vaccination to slaughter; P < 0.001). After the second vaccination, differences among sex groups in NR and the efficiency of NR disappeared (P > 0.05). NR efficiency was 0.177 on average. No significant effects of dietary CP were detected on performance. The NR was greater in pigs fed the 153 CP diet (17 to 37%; P > 0.05). Lean components of carcass (sirloin, loin and butt lean) were greater in IC males than in the other groups (0.001 < P < 0.05). There were no significant sex group×dietary CP interactions. Iberian IC males grew at higher rate, deposited more protein, and more efficiently, than Iberian SC males before the second vaccination against GnRH. Iberian IC females showed similar growth performance to SC males and intermediate protein deposition efficiency between IC and SC males. Despite the higher growth performance, protein deposition rate, and efficiency of protein deposition of IC males v. SC males, no significant differences in amino acid requirements were detected between them.

Effect of egg storage duration and egg turning during storage on egg quality and hatching of broiler hatching eggs

In commercial hatcheries, it is common to store eggs before incubation. One practice to improve hatchability consists in egg turning during this storage. This work aims to highlight the effects of turning on the physicochemical aspects of eggs and, consequently, how this turning can influence the hatching of chicks. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of storage duration and egg turning during storage on egg quality, hatchability, and residual analysis. A total of 7 500 hatching eggs were collected from a 55-week-old commercial Cobb500 breeder flock and storage according to the treatments. The experiment was completely randomized in a 3×2 factorial design with three storage periods (4, 8, and 12 days) and egg turning (180° turn of eggs once a day) or no turning during storage, totaling six treatments. Regardless of turning, eggs stored for 4 days weighed more than turned eggs stored for 8 and 12 days, which were similar (P < 0.05). Non-turned eggs experienced an increase in relative shell weight with increased storage duration, and non-turned eggs stored for 4 and 8 days differed from non-turned eggs stored for 12 days (P < 0.05). Albumen pH of turned eggs stored for 4 and 8 days was lower than that of non-turned eggs stored for the same durations (P < 0.05). Albumen pH of turned eggs increased as storage duration increased (P < 0.05). Egg turning increased hatching by 2.02% over that of non-turning (P < 0.05). Eggs stored for 12 days, irrespective of turning, had higher late embryonic mortality (P < 0.05) compared to the other treatments. It was concluded that turning eggs during pre-incubation storage was adequate to improve hatchability of fertile eggs. Storing fertile eggs for 12 days is harmful to egg quality and increases embryo mortality even if eggs were turned.

Hg and Se in Organs of Three Cetacean Species from the Murcia Coastline (Mediterranean Sea)

We determinated Hg and Se concentrations in liver, kidney, brain, lung and muscle of five bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), four common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and four Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) stranded along the Murcia coast, Southeast Spain, in order to evaluate the risk of Hg toxicity. Hg concentrations showed similar concentrations to other individuals in the Mediterranean Sea with the same length in the same period. We observed a positive correlation of Hg and Se in liver (r = 0.948, p < 0.001) and kidney (r = 0.939; p = 0.001) and ratio the Se/Hg molar was higher than 1 in most cases. Our results suggest that the protective effects of Se against Hg toxicity occur in cetaceans. However, we detected levels of Hg described as responsible liver damage and neurotoxicological effects so other tools, as biochemical markers, should be included. Besides, more studies are needed to evaluate the risk of Hg exposure in dolphins from Murcia coastline.

Trace metals in striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded along the Murcia coastline, Mediterranean Sea, during the period 2009-2015

Mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), selenium (Se) and arsenic (As) concentrations in internal tissues of 72 striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from Murcia Region (Mediterranean coastline) have been investigated for the first time. Hg showed the highest concentration, followed by Se, Cd, As and Pb. In general, the levels of metal found in this study were similar to those described in similar studies in the Mediterranean Sea. However, in some adult specimens, Hg liver concentrations were related with toxic effects in cetacean. A significant correlation was observed with age, likewise between Se and Hg and Cd in tissues, which agree with detoxify effect attributed to Se through inert complex formation. Molar ratio Hg:Se in liver was close to 1:1 in some specimens, which would indicate overload of the Hg-Se detoxify function and compromised health. These results could contribute to a better knowledge of the distribution of these persistent pollutants in the Mediterranean Sea.

Portal drained-viscera heat production and net flux of volatile fatty acids in Iberian pigs fed acorn

The aim of the present study was to determine the portal-drained viscera (PDV) heat production (HP) and net PDV flux of volatile fatty acids (VFA: acetic, propionic and butyric acids) in Iberian pigs (34-kg bodyweight) fed with acorn from evergreen oak, and to ascertain whether there is an effect of acorn feeding over time. In addition, potential contribution of both parameters to the energy budget of the animal was calculated. The following two sampling periods were conducted with six gilts: after 1 day (I) and after 1 week (II) of acorn feeding. Postprandial PDV HP was 29% greater (P &lt; 0.01) in Sampling period II than in Sampling period I, but net PDV flux of VFA was only slightly greater (5%, P &gt; 0.1). Potential proportional contribution of VFA to the whole HP was almost identical in both sampling periods (0.057, on average), representing 0.109 (on average) of the metabolisable energy requirements for maintenance. Pigs adapted for 1 week to an acorn diet had increased PDV HP without an increase in the net PDV flux of VFA, indicating that, apparently, nutrients other than VFA were responsible for the increased PDV HP.

Verbal fluency tests: Normative data for Spanish-speaking pediatric population

OBJECTIVE

To generate normative data for the phonological and semantic verbal fluency tests (VFT) in Spanish-speaking pediatric populations.

METHOD

The sample consisted of 4,373 healthy children from nine countries in Latin America (Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Puerto Rico) and Spain. Each participant was administered the VFT as part of a larger neuropsychological battery. Scores for letters F, A, S, and animals and fruit categories were normed using multiple linear regressions and standard deviations of residual values. Age, age2, sex, and mean level of parental education (MLPE) were included as predictors in the analyses.

RESULTS

The final multiple linear regression models showed main effects for age on all scores, such that scores increased linearly as a function of age. Age2 had a significant effect in Chile (animals), Cuba (A letter, fruits), Ecuador (animals, fruits), Honduras (F letter), Mexico (animals, fruits), Peru (fruits), and Spain (S letters, animals, fruits). Models showed an effect for MLPE in Chile (A letters, animals, fruits), Ecuador (S letter, animals, fruits), Guatelama (F, S letter, animals), Honduras (animals), Mexico (F, A, S letters, animals, fruits), Puerto Rico (A, letters, animals), and Spain (all scores). Sex scores were found significant in Chile (animals), Ecuador (A letter, fruits), Mexico (F letter, fruits), Paraguay (F, A, S letters, fruits), Puerto Rico (F letter, animals, fruits), and Spain (F letter, fruits).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest multi-national Spanish speaking-pediatric normative study in the world, and as such it will allow neuropsychologists from these countries to have a more accurate way to interpret the phonological and semantic VFT in pediatric populations.

Trail Making Test: Normative data for the Latin American Spanish-speaking pediatric population

OBJECTIVE

To generate normative data for the Trail Making Test (TMT) in Spanish-speaking pediatric populations.

METHOD

The sample consisted of 3,337 healthy children from nine countries in Latin America (Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Puerto Rico) and Spain. Each participant was administered the TMT as part of a larger neuropsychological battery. The TMT-A and TMT-B scores were normed using multiple linear regressions and standard deviations of residual values. Age, age2, sex, and mean level of parental education (MLPE) were included as predictors in the analyses.

RESULTS

The final multiple linear regression models showed main effects for age on both scores, such that as children needed less time to complete the test while they become older. TMT-A scores were affected by age2 for all countries except, Cuba, Guatemala, and Puerto. TMT-B scores were affected by age2 for all countries except, Guatemala and Puerto Rico. Models indicated that children whose parent(s) had a MLPE >12 years of education needed less time to complete the test compared to children whose parent(s) had a MLPE ≤12 years for Mexico and Paraguay in TMT-A scores; and Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, and Spain for TMT-B scores. Sex affected TMT-A scores for Chile, Cuba, Mexico, and Peru, in that boys needed less time to complete the test than girls. Sex did not affect TMT-B scores.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest Spanish-speaking pediatric normative study in the world, and it will allow neuropsychologists from these countries to have a more accurate approach to interpret the TMT in pediatric populations.

Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-III: Normative data for Spanish-speaking pediatric population

OBJECTIVE

To generate normative data for the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-III (PPVT-III) in Spanish-speaking pediatric populations.

METHOD

The sample consisted of 4,373 healthy children from nine countries in Latin America (Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Puerto Rico) and Spain. Each participant was administered the PPVT-III as part of a larger neuropsychological battery. PPVT-III scores were normed using multiple linear regressions and standard deviations of residual values. Age, age2, sex, and mean level of parental education (MLPE) were included as predictors in the analyses.

RESULTS

The final multiple linear regression models showed main effects for age in all countries, such that scores increased linearly as a function of age. In addition, age2 had a significant effect in all countries, except Guatemala and Paraguay. Models showed that children whose parent(s) had a MLPE >12 years obtained higher scores compared to children whose parent(s) had a MLPE ≤12 years in all countries, except for Cuba, Peru, and Puerto Rico. Sex affected scores for Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Spain.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest Spanish-speaking pediatric normative study in the world, and it will allow neuropsychologists from these countries to have a more accurate interpretation of the PPVT-III when used in pediatric populations.

Modified Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (M-WCST): Normative data for Spanish-speaking pediatric population

OBJECTIVE

To generate normative data for the Modified Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (M-WCST) in Spanish-speaking pediatric populations.

METHOD

The sample consisted of 4,373 healthy children from nine countries in Latin America (Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Puerto Rico) and Spain. Each participant was administered the M-WCST as part of a larger neuropsychological battery. Number of categories, perseverative errors, and total error scores were normed using multiple linear regressions and standard deviations of residual values. Age, age2, sex, and mean level of parental education (MLPE) were included as predictors in the analyses.

RESULTS

The final multiple linear regression models indicated main effects for age on all scores, such that the number of categories correct increased and total number of perseverative errors and total number of errors decrease linearly as a function of age. Age2 had a significant effect in Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, and Spain for numbers of categories; a significant effect for number of perseverative errors in Chile, Cuba, Mexico, and Spain; and a significant effect for number of total errors in Chile, Cuba, Peru, and Spain. Models showed an effect for MLPE in Cuba (total errors), Ecuador (categories and total errors), Mexico (all scores), Paraguay (perseverative errors and total error), and Spain (categories and total errors). Sex affected number of total errors for Ecuador.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest Spanish-speaking pediatric normative study in the world, and it will allow neuropsychologists from these countries to have a more accurate way to interpret the M-WCST with pediatric populations.

Concentration Endurance Test (d2): Normative data for Spanish-speaking pediatric population

OBJECTIVE

To generate normative data for the Concentration Endurance Test (d2) in Spanish-speaking pediatric populations.

METHOD

The sample consisted of 4,373 healthy children from nine countries in Latin America (Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Puerto Rico) and Spain. Each participant was administered the d2 test as part of a larger neuropsychological battery. The Total number of items processed (TN), Total number of correct responses (CR), Total performance (TP), and Concentration performance (CP) scores were normed using multiple linear regressions and standard deviations of residual values. Age, age2, sex, and mean level of parental education (MLPE) were included as predictors in the analyses.

RESULTS

The final multiple linear regression models showed main effects for age on all scores, such that scores increased linearly as a function of age. TN scores were affected by age2 for Guatemala and Puerto Rico; CR scores were affected by age2 for Mexico; TP scores were affected by age2 for Chile, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Spain; and CP scores for Mexico and Spain. Models indicated that children whose parents had a MLPE >12 years obtained higher scores compared to children whose parents had a MLPE≤12 years for Mexico and Spain in all scores, and Puerto Rico for TN, CR, and TP, and Guatemala and Paraguay for CP scores. Sex affect the scores for Ecuador and Honduras (CP scores).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest Spanish-speaking pediatric normative study in the world, and it will allow neuropsychologists from these countries to have a more accurate approach to interpret the d2 test in pediatric populations.

Índices productivos y características de la canal de cerdos Ibéricos inmunocastrados o castrados quirúrgicamente y alimentados con dietas de diferente concentración proteica. Resultados preliminares

La inmunocastración ha resultado una estrategia útil en el cerdo para prevenir el olor sexual en la carne. En trabajos previos se indica que los cerdos inmunocastrados (IC) pueden presentar mejores índices productivos que los castrados quirúrgicamente (SC). Además de las ventajas en bienestar animal que conlleva esta práctica, la mejora en producción puede tener interés en razas como la Ibérica, con capacidad de crecimiento limitada. El objetivo de este estudio ha sido examinar los efectos de la inmunocastración sobre los índices productivos del cerdo Ibérico, el uso de la proteína en la dieta y las características de la canal, en animales alimentados con dietas de diferente concentración proteica. Se utilizaron 27 animales de tres sexos (machos IC, machos SC, y hembras IC) alimentados con 3 dietas isoenergéticas (160, 140 y 120 g PB/kg materia seca), con tres animales por cada combinación de tratamientos. Los animales se vacunaron contra la hormona liberadora de gonadotropina a los 4,3 (40 kg) y 6 meses de edad (70-80 kg). Los tratamientos se ofrecieron a los animales, que permanecieron alojados individualmente, desde los 40 a los 100 kg de peso. Se realizaron ensayos de digestibilidad y balance de N a los 50 y 90 kg de peso. A los 100 kg se sacrificaron los animales. Los resultados preliminares indican que los machos IC tuvieron un ritmo de crecimiento superior (803 vs 706 and 696 g/d, para machos IC, machos SC y hembras IC, respectivamente; P < 0.001) y mejores índices productivos que el resto de grupos (P < 0.01). Los machos IC presentaron mayor longitud de la canal y pesos relativos en la mayoría de los componentes magros de la canal, así como menor peso relativo de canal y panceta que el resto de grupos. No se apreciaron diferencias en los parámetros estudiados debidas a la concentración proteica de la dieta. Necesitamos profundizar en el posible papel que pueda jugar la inmunocastación en el crecimiento magro del cerdo Ibérico en futuros trabajos.

Bases nutricionales para la alimentación proteica del cerdo Ibérico puro

En este trabajo de revisión describimos los resultados obtenidos en una serie de experimentos realizados con el objetivo de evaluar la utilización de la proteína dietética por el cerdo Ibérico en distintas fases de su ciclo productivo. Se describen ensayos nutricionales basados en diseños dosis/respuesta, en los que se han empleado tratamientos isoenergéticos con distinta concentración de proteína –con idéntica composición en aminoácidos siguiendo el concepto de proteína ideal-, así como ensayos ensayos metabólicos comparativos con razas porcinas magras. Los resultados obtenidos indican que la capacidad de la raza Ibérica para depositar proteína corporal es limitada en comparación con la descrita para razas porcinas convencionales en etapas similares de crecimiento. Asimismo, sugieren la necesidad de utilizar dietas con concentración de proteína sensiblemente inferior a la utilizada para razas convencionales, de acuerdo a esta limitación metabólica del animal. Estudios de carácter básico han puesto de manifiesto algunas peculiaridades metabólicas que dan lugar a un crecimiento limitado en proteína y tejido magro. Resumimos la información obtenida en varios experimentos y aportamos recomendaciones sobre la concentración y composición de la proteína en las dietas destinadas a la alimentación del cerdo Ibérico puro, en distintas fases de su ciclo productivo. Un adecuado manejo nutricional, particularmente el aporte proteico, mejora la eficiencia de utilización de este nutriente y da lugar a beneficios de carácter ambiental, económico y de bienestar animal.

Similar effects of lysine deficiency in muscle biochemical characteristics of fatty and lean piglets

The main objective of this work was to investigate the effects of feeding Lys-deficient diets on muscle biochemical characteristics, particularly intramuscular fat concentration and fatty acid profile, in a fatty (Iberian) and a conventional pig genotype (Landrace × Large White [LDW]) maintained in identical experimental conditions. Performance and plasma metabolite changes were also monitored. Twenty-eight barrows of 10 kg initial BW, 14 of Iberian and 14 of LDW breed, were randomly assigned to each of 2 experimental diets in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (2 breeds × 2 diets). Seven pigs were allocated to each treatment combination. Diets (isonitrogenous and isoenergetic; 200 g CP/kg DM and 14.7 MJ ME) based on barley, corn, corn gluten meal, and soybean meal, with identical composition, except for their Lys content (10.9 g/kg for the diet adequate in Lys and 5.2 g/kg for the diet deficient in Lys), were assayed. Pigs were housed in individual 2 m pens and fed at 85% of ad libitum intake of the Iberian genotype, of greater intake capacity. Daily feed allowance was based on BW individually measured each week. At 25 kg BW, pigs were slaughtered by exsanguination after electrical stunning. Blood samples were taken and longissimus dorsi and biceps femoris muscles were rapidly dissected and stored frozen prior to analysis. Performance was reduced in both pig breeds when fed Lys-deficient diets, particularly in LDW pigs (breed × diet interaction, < 0.05). Intramuscular fat content increased in longissimus dorsi of Iberian ( < 0.05) and in biceps femoris of both pig genotypes ( < 0.01) when fed Lys-deficient diets. Oleic acid increased ( < 0.05) and PUFA acid decreased ( < 0.01) in longissiumus dorsi and biceps femoris of pigs of both genotypes fed Lys-deficient diets. The proportion of oxidative fibers ( < 0.001) and free carnitine content ( < 0.05) increased in longissimus dorsi of both pigs types fed Lys-deficient diets. Plasma creatinine was greater in LDW pigs compared with Iberian pigs ( < 0.01). Urea and total cholesterol increased in pigs consuming Lys-deficient diets ( < 0.01). The plasma free carnitine concentration was higher in Iberian pigs than in LDW pigs ( < 0.059). No changes in plasma carnitine status due to dietary Lys supply were detected. Feeding Lys-deficient diets could be a suitable strategy for increasing intramuscular fat content in fatty and lean pigs.

Effects of dietary protein-to-energy ratio on rate of growth, protein deposition and tissue composition of pure Iberian boars prior to extensive production

Thirty entire male Iberian (IB) pigs of 12 kg initial BW were used to study the effects of dietary protein-to-energy ratio on performance, body protein accretion, and tissue composition. Two nutritional regimes were supplied at 3 stages of growth (Phase I, from 12 to 30 kg BW; Phase II, from 30 to 45 kg BW; and Phase III, from 45 to 100 kg BW): the first regime (RefP/E) was formulated to provide optimum protein-to-energy ratios for castrated IB pigs at several stages of growth from 10 to 100 kg BW; the second (IncP/E), for which an overall increase of 2.5 g digestible protein/MJ ME was provided, would allow an increased potential for lean tissue growth presumably well above that expected for the entire male of an obese pig breed. The pigs were surgically castrated at 45 kg BW and slaughtered at about 100 kg BW. In Phases I and II, in which feed was provided ad libitum, no significant differences between dietary treatments in ADG (580 ± 10 and 740 ± 11 g, on average, respectively), G:F (0.475 ± 0.004 and 0.362 ± 0.005, on average, respectively), and gain:ME intake ratio (37.8 ± 0.4 and 26.1 ± 0.4 g/MJ, on average, respectively) were found ( > 0.05). After surgical castration, for the entire fattening period (Phase III), ADFI was fixed and highly restricted. A lower gain:ME intake ratio (14.0 vs. 15.1 g/MJ; < 0.01) was obtained when the diet with the highest digestible protein:ME ratio was offered (IncP/E). With this regime, body protein accretion significantly improved in the IB boar growing from 12 to 45 kg BW, irrespective of the stage of growth, although the amount of protein accreted was notably enhanced at the later stage (75 vs. 85 g/d in Phase I [ < 0.05] and 110.5 vs. 151 g/d in Phase II [ < 0.001]). However, the efficiency of utilization of dietary N remained unchanged irrespective of the diet fed ( > 0.05). In contrast, in the fattening stage, similar daily rates of N retention ( > 0.05) were found, in spite of the observed differences in digestible N intake ( < 0.001). We concluded that the protein (lysine) requirements of the IB boar growing from 12 to 30 kg BW and from 30 to 45 kg BW are met with the supply of 11.5 and 10.2 g digestible protein of ideal AA pattern/MJ ME (0.80 and 0.71 g digestible lysine/MJ ME), respectively. As surgical castration is programmed to be abandoned in European Union by 1 January 2018, this information will be important for the efficient production of the immunologically castrated IB pig, at the earlier stages of growth.

International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium report, data summary of 50 countries for 2010-2015: Device-associated module

BACKGROUND

We report the results of International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) surveillance study from January 2010-December 2015 in 703 intensive care units (ICUs) in Latin America, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific.

METHODS

During the 6-year study period, using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC-NHSN) definitions for device-associated health care-associated infection (DA-HAI), we collected prospective data from 861,284 patients hospitalized in INICC hospital ICUs for an aggregate of 3,506,562 days.

RESULTS

Although device use in INICC ICUs was similar to that reported from CDC-NHSN ICUs, DA-HAI rates were higher in the INICC ICUs: in the INICC medical-surgical ICUs, the pooled rate of central line-associated bloodstream infection, 4.1 per 1,000 central line-days, was nearly 5-fold higher than the 0.8 per 1,000 central line-days reported from comparable US ICUs, the overall rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia was also higher, 13.1 versus 0.9 per 1,000 ventilator-days, as was the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infection, 5.07 versus 1.7 per 1,000 catheter-days. From blood cultures samples, frequencies of resistance of Pseudomonas isolates to amikacin (29.87% vs 10%) and to imipenem (44.3% vs 26.1%), and of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates to ceftazidime (73.2% vs 28.8%) and to imipenem (43.27% vs 12.8%) were also higher in the INICC ICUs compared with CDC-NHSN ICUs.

CONCLUSIONS

Although DA-HAIs in INICC ICU patients continue to be higher than the rates reported in CDC-NSHN ICUs representing the developed world, we have observed a significant trend toward the reduction of DA-HAI rates in INICC ICUs as shown in each international report. It is INICC's main goal to continue facilitating education, training, and basic and cost-effective tools and resources, such as standardized forms and an online platform, to tackle this problem effectively and systematically.

An estimation of the protein requirements of Iberian x Duroc 50:50 crossbred growing pigs

The effects of dietary protein content on the rates of gain and protein deposition were studied in Iberian (IB) × Duroc (DU) 50:50 barrows at 2 stages of growth [10.6 ± 0.2 (n = 28) and 60.0 ± 0.4 (n = 24) kg initial BW]. Two feeding, digestibility, and N-balance trials were performed. At each stage of growth, they were allocated in individual pens and given restrictedly (at 0.9 × ad libitum intake) one of 4 pelleted diets of similar energy concentration (13.8 to 14.5 MJ ME/kg DM), formulated to provide 4 different (ideal) CP contents (236, 223, 208, and 184 g CP/kg DM in the first trial, and 204, 180, 143, and 114 g CP/kg DM in the second trial). Feed allowance was offered in 2 daily equal meals. The average concentration of Lys was 6.59 ± 0.13 g /100 g CP for all diets. Whatever the stage of growth, average daily BW gain and gain to feed ratio were unchanged by increases in dietary CP content (477 ± 7 and 1,088 ± 20 g, and 0.475 ± 0.027 and 0.340 ± 0.113, respectively, in the first and second trial). In pigs growing from 10 to 27 kg BW, the average rate of N retention increased linearly (P < 0.01) on increasing the protein content in the diet up to a break point, so a linear-plateau dose response was observed. Pigs fed diets providing 208 to 236 g/kg DM did not differ in rate of protein deposition (PD). A maximum value of 87 (13.93 g N retained × 6.25) g PD/d was obtained when the diet supplied at least 208 g CP/kg DM. The broken-line regression analysis estimated dietary CP requirements at 211 g ideal CP (15.2 g total Lys)/kg DM. In the fattening pigs, there was a quadratic response (P < 0.01) in the rate of N retention as dietary CP content increased. Maximum N retention (18.7 g/d) was estimated from the first derivative of the function that relates the observed N retained (g/d) and dietary CP content (g/kg DM). This maximum value would be obtained by feeding a diet containing 185 g ideal CP (13.3 g total Lys)/kg DM and represents the maximum capacity of the IB × DU 50:50 pigs for protein accretion (i.e., 117 g PD/d). Consequently, cross breeding of IB dams with Duroc sires alters the metabolic response to dietary CP supply by increasing the potential of the crossbred to accrete protein and by modifying the pattern of PD response with BW.

The development, feasibility and acceptability of an Internet-based STI-HIV prevention intervention for young Chilean women

BACKGROUND

Young Chilean women between 18 and 24 years of age are at high risk of contracting sexually transmitted infection (STI) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The literature shows a shortage of STI-HIV prevention interventions focused on this specific high-risk population and a unique set of barriers to receiving prevention messages. Internet-based interventions are promising for delivering STI-HIV prevention interventions and avoiding barriers to services.

AIMS

The study aimed to develop a culturally informed Internet-based STI-HIV prevention intervention for Chilean women between 18 and 24 years of age, to investigate its feasibility and acceptability, and to compile recommendations on what would make the intervention more acceptable and feasible for these women.

METHODS

The development of the Internet intervention was facilitated by a process that featured consultation with content and technology experts. A pre-post test design was used to test the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention with 40 young Chilean women between 18 and 24 years of age.

RESULTS

The intervention website consisted of four modules of content and activities that support learning. The intervention was feasible and acceptable for young Chilean women between 18 and 24 years of age.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the value of engaging multiple expert panels to develop culturally informed and technology-based interventions. The results of this study support the feasibility and acceptability of conducting an Internet-based intervention with multiple sessions, yielding high participation rates in a population in which there are barriers to discussion of STI-HIV prevention and sex-related content.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY

The outcomes have implications for nursing education and clinical practice and they can be used for the legal and judicial systems to promote or reinforce policies that encourage STI-HIV prevention strategies among women.

RADStation3G: a platform for cardiovascular image analysis integrating PACS, 3D+t visualization and grid computing

RADStation3G is a software platform for cardiovascular image analysis and surgery planning. It provides image visualization and management in 2D, 3D and 3D+t; data storage (images or operational results) in a PACS (using DICOM); and exploitation of patients' data such as images and pathologies. Further, it provides support for computationally expensive processes with grid technology. In this article we first introduce the platform and present a comparison with existing systems, according to the platform's modules (for cardiology, angiology, PACS archived enriched searching and grid computing), and then RADStation3G is described in detail.

Response analysis of the Iberian pig growing from birth to 150 kg body weight to changes in protein and energy supply

A total of 251 growing-finishing Iberian (IB) pigs, 32 of which were suckling piglets, were used in 5 separate sets of trials. The comparative slaughter procedure was used to determine nutrient and energy retention at several stages of growth from birth to 150 kg BW. A factorial arrangement was used within each set of trials, involving several concentrations of ideal protein in the diets as 1 factor and 2 or 3 levels of feed intake as the other. The main objective of these studies was to derive the optimal protein-to-energy ratio in the diet to allow for the expression of maximum protein deposition rates. The effect of feed restriction on growth performance, protein deposition, and fat deposition was also assessed. According to allometric equations, empty BW (EBW) was related to whole body components or total chemical constituents of empty body mass (P < 0.001). For pigs receiving solid feed, highly statistically significant multiple regression equations were constructed, which derived nutrient (g/kg) or energy (MJ/kg) composition as a function of EBW, dietary protein-to-energy ratio, and level of feeding (P < 0.001). In pigs offered adequate protein-to-energy diets, ADG at each stage of production was predicted as a function of the average BW and feeding level (P < 0.001). It was observed that the estimates of ME required for maintenance and net efficiency of utilization of ME for growth change were within rather narrow ranges throughout the growth stages studied. Preferred values (413 kJ/kg BW(0.75) × d(-1) and 0.593 for ME(m) and k(g), respectively) were obtained by regressing total energy retention (kJ/kg BW(0.75) × d(-1)) against ME intake (kJ/kg BW(0.75) × d(-1)). A multiple-regression approach revealed that in the IB pig, ME costs for protein deposition and fat deposition reach 60 and 62 kJ/g, which is considerably greater than in conventional or lean pig genotypes. In the IB pig, the maximum daily rate of protein deposition (PD(max), g) seemed to follow a linear-plateau shape with a breaking point at 32.5 kg BW, beyond which PD(max) remained at an average rate of 75 g × d(-1). The marginal efficiency of body protein deposition was estimated at each growth stage. In pigs fed on optimal or suboptimal protein-to-energy diets, the relationship between PD and ME intake declined, following a curvilinear pattern with increasing BW; thus, implying relative increases in lipid gain as BW increased.

Images of asteroid 21 Lutetia: a remnant planetesimal from the early Solar System

Images obtained by the Optical, Spectroscopic, and Infrared Remote Imaging System (OSIRIS) cameras onboard the Rosetta spacecraft reveal that asteroid 21 Lutetia has a complex geology and one of the highest asteroid densities measured so far, 3.4 ± 0.3 grams per cubic centimeter. The north pole region is covered by a thick layer of regolith, which is seen to flow in major landslides associated with albedo variation. Its geologically complex surface, ancient surface age, and high density suggest that Lutetia is most likely a primordial planetesimal. This contrasts with smaller asteroids visited by previous spacecraft, which are probably shattered bodies, fragments of larger parents, or reaccumulated rubble piles.

Influence of betaine and conjugated linoleic acid on development of carcass cuts of Iberian pigs growing from 20 to 50 kg body weight

Twenty Iberian gilts (20 kg body weight, BW) were fed diets containing no betaine or conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) (Control), 0.5% betaine, 1% CLA, or 0.5% betaine+1% CLA. Additionally, 5 pigs were killed at 20 kg BW for the initial points of the allometric equations. At 50 kg BW, left semicarcasses were cut into primal cuts, hams and shoulders trimmed and dissected. CLA alone did not affect any analyzed parameter. Betaine increased (23 and 21%, respectively) the yield of shoulder butt and spine and decreased allometric growth coefficient of belly and backfat, compared to Control diet. Tenderloins and trimmed hams of pigs fed CLA+betaine diet developed later and were heavier (22 and 5%, respectively) than Control pigs. Also, leaf fat developed earlier and had lighter weight (32%). Furthermore, pigs fed CLA+betaine diet had heavier lean (5%) and fat free lean (6%) of shoulders compared to Control pigs.

Effects of dietary protein content and feeding level on carcass characteristics and organ weights of Iberian pigs growing between 50 and 100 kg live weight

The effects of dietary protein content and level of feeding on carcass characteristics and organ weights were studied in castrated male Iberian pigs growing from 50 to 100 kg live weight (LW). Animals were offered four diets providing 145, 120, 95 and 70 g ideal crude protein (CP) per kg dry matter (DM) and 13·94, 14·29, 14·56 and 14·83 MJ metabolizable energy (ME) per kg DM, respectively. Three levels of feeding were assayed: 0·60, 0·80 and 0·95 of ad libitum intake. The pigs were slaughtered at 100 kg LW. Daily gain in carcass (carcass gain, g/day) and protein deposition (PD, g/day) in this component attained 76·2% and 78·8% of whole-body average daily gain and PD, respectively. Carcass gain improved with each decrease in dietary CP from 145 up to 120 g/kg DM and then levelled off. A small but significant effect of dietary CP on carcass composition was observed, due to an enhanced fat deposition in pigs fed the lowest protein content diet. Mean values of protein, fat, ash and water contents in the carcass were 101·8, 522·7, 27·6 and 353·7 g/kg respectively. PD in the eviscerated carcass was not affected significantly by dietary protein level but tended to reach a maximum value with the diet that provided 95 g CP per kg DM: 55·7 g/day at the highest feeding level assayed. Carcass energy retention (MJ/day) increased significantly (P<0·001) with decreasing dietary protein supply and on increasing level of feeding. Raising feed intake resulted in a significant decrease for carcass and a concomitant increase for viscera, as proportions of empty body weight (P<0·05 andP<0·001, respectively). Proportional weights of shoulder and ham were not affected either by dietary CP content or feeding level. Proportionate weights of dissectable fat in the shoulder and intermuscular and subcutaneous fat in the ham were not affected by CP content of the diet. In contrast, intermuscular fat content of ham was increased by feeding level (P<0·05), likely with implications for the quality of the cured meat product.

Deep Impact: observations from a worldwide Earth-based campaign

On 4 July 2005, many observatories around the world and in space observed the collision of Deep Impact with comet 9P/Tempel 1 or its aftermath. This was an unprecedented coordinated observational campaign. These data show that (i) there was new material after impact that was compositionally different from that seen before impact; (ii) the ratio of dust mass to gas mass in the ejecta was much larger than before impact; (iii) the new activity did not last more than a few days, and by 9 July the comet's behavior was indistinguishable from its pre-impact behavior; and (iv) there were interesting transient phenomena that may be correlated with cratering physics.

Potency analysis of inactivated vaccines for Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV), strain RC/79: lymphocyte stimulation in immunized pigs

Mitogenic and antigenic lymphocyte stimulation was examined in pigs that had been immunized with 2 inactivated vaccines which had been prepared with Aujesky's disease virus (ADV), strain RC/79. One vaccine was partially purified by ultra-centrifugation (Vaccine A) the other one was not (Vaccine B). A second dose of vaccine had no influence over the blastogenic response when the lymphocytes were stimulated with phytohemoagglutinin (PHA). Lymphocyte response to the ADV antigen in the immunized pigs was significantly higher at day 30 post inoculation than at day 0 indicating that it was highly specific. Cellular antigens contained in the viral cultures produced a slight non-specific response as shown by a low increase in the levels of lymphocyte blastic transformation (LBT) in the control group at day 30 p.i., this group only received a non infected Vero cell suspension. This was the case in pigs that received vaccine A as well as in those that were vaccinated with vaccine B. Vaccine B contains a greater quantity of contaminating cellular antigens, since it is an impure vaccine. Such antigens could act as non-specific immunomodulators, potentiating cell-mediated immunity (CMI). This assay demonstrated that inactivated vaccines produced with VPR-RC/79, partially purified and unpurified are capable of inducing a humoral immune response. The blastogenic reaction of the peripheral blood lymphocytes to antigens of ADV strain RC/79, indicated that the employed immunogens also induced the CMI. Results indicate that the analyzed immunogens could be considered for the possible implementation of epidemiological measures, which imply the use of vaccines to prevent pseudo-rabies in Argentina.

Acquired inhibitor to factor VIII in small cell lung cancer: a case report and review of the literature

Acquired hemophilia (antibodies or inhibitors to factor VIII) is the most common acquired disease affecting clotting factors. It has been described in association with autoimmune disease, malignancy, dermatologic disorders, in the postpartum period, and with drug interactions. Factor VIII inhibitors have been previously described with lung cancer, three with squamous cell and one with adenocarcinoma. A 54-year-old woman presented with weight loss and shoulder pain. A chest X-ray revealed a right hilar mass, confirmed by computed tomography (CT) scan and biopsy revealed small cell lung cancer. Coagulation panel prior to bronchoscopy showed an increased partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). The presence of factor VIII inhibitor was demonstrated at 5 Bethesda units. The patient was treated with fresh frozen plasma twice for hemorrhagic episodes, and six cycles of chemotherapy were begun with carboplatin and etoposide 16. Eight months after the diagnosis, her aPTT was normal and the factor VIII inhibitor titer was undetectable. This is the first case report of small cell lung cancer and acquired hemophilia. A causal relationship between the malignancy and the presence of factor VIII inhibitors is suggested by the response to therapy.

Effect of Staphylococcus toxins isolated from dairy cow milk on Vero cell monolayers

The effect produced on Vero cell monolayers by toxins derived from Staphylococcus strains was characterized. 210 milk samples taken from dairy cows suffering from sub-clinical mastitis were analyzed. Strains belonging to the Staphylococcus genus were isolated from 73 of these milk samples. The production of toxins was then stimulated from these strains when they were cultured in Dolman's medium. The study of cell cultures showed that 53 toxin samples induced marked and irreversible cellular changes. This is compared to 42 samples (57.5%) which were strongly cytotoxic. The remaining 11 samples were shown to be slowly cytotoxic. 16% of the total toxins did not induce cell damage and 11% of the toxins produced cellular damage that was reversible in less than 24 hrs, and were designated as cytotonic. Haemolytic actively in vitro, using sheep red blood cells, was assessed using toxins that caused alteration in the monolayers. The results indicate that 46.51% of the toxins showed beta haemolytic activity, 2.32% alpha haemolytic activity, and 51.16% showed neither alpha nor beta haemolytic activity. The later type of activity did however cause damage to cultured cells, which suggests that the causative agent could be delta toxin. This study reveals a strong predominance of beta haemolytic strains in the dairy farm studied. These strains induced in vitro cell damage, and it is possible to speculate that mammary gland tissue damage is similarly produced, which may be attributed to both beta and/or delta haemolytic toxins.

Very-long-baseline radio interferometry observations of low power radio galaxies

The parsec scale properties of low power radio galaxies are reviewed here, using the available data on 12 Fanaroff-Riley type I galaxies. The most frequent radio structure is an asymmetric parsec-scale morphology--i.e., core and one-sided jet. It is shared by 9 (possibly 10) of the 12 mapped radio galaxies. One (possibly 2) of the other galaxies has a two-sided jet emission. Two sources are known from published data to show a proper motion; we present here evidence for proper motion in two more galaxies. Therefore, in the present sample we have 4 radio galaxies with a measured proper motion. One of these has a very symmetric structure and therefore should be in the plane of the sky. The results discussed here are in agreement with the predictions of the unified scheme models. Moreover, the present data indicate that the parsec scale structure in low and high power radio galaxies is essentially the same.