A (Sub)field Guide to Quality Control in Hippocampal Subfield Segmentation on Highresolution T2-weighted MRI.

Inquiries into properties of brain structure and function have progressed due to developments in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To sustain progress in investigating and quantifying neuroanatomical details in vivo, the reliability and validity of brain measurements are paramount. Quality control (QC) is a set of procedures for mitigating errors and ensuring the validity and reliability of brain measurements. Despite its importance, there is little guidance on best QC practices and reporting procedures. The study of hippocampal subfields in vivo is a critical case for QC because of their small size, inter-dependent boundary definitions, and common artifacts in the MRI data used for subfield measurements. We addressed this gap by surveying the broader scientific community studying hippocampal subfields on their views and approaches to QC. We received responses from 37 investigators spanning 10 countries, covering different career stages, and studying both healthy and pathological development and aging. In this sample, 81% of researchers considered QC to be very important or important, and 19% viewed it as fairly important. Despite this, only 46% of researchers reported on their QC processes in prior publications. In many instances, lack of reporting appeared due to ambiguous guidance on relevant details and guidance for reporting, rather than absence of QC. Here, we provide recommendations for correcting errors to maximize reliability and minimize bias. We also summarize threats to segmentation accuracy, review common QC methods, and make recommendations for best practices and reporting in publications. Implementing the recommended QC practices will collectively improve inferences to the larger population, as well as have implications for clinical practice and public health.

The effect of feed processing of novel unheated, low trypsin inhibitor soybeans on the performance of young female turkeys reared from hatch to 21 days of age.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of a novel low trypsin inhibitor soybean (LTI) fed as mash or crumbled pellet form on the productive performance and digestibility in turkey poults from hatch to 21 d. A total of 336 Hybrid Converter turkey poults were allocated in groups of 7 to 6 treatments, each with 8 replicate cages. Treatments were arranged as a 3 × 2 factorial with inclusion level of the low trypsin-inhibitor soybean (0, 20, and 40% LTI) and feed form (mash and crumbled pellet). A single batch of feed was mixed for each inclusion level and divided into 2 aliquots: one remaining as mash and the other conditioned at 82°C for approximately 30 s, pelleted and then crumbled. On d 7, 14, and 21 posthatching, BW, and feed intake (FI) were recorded and BW gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) calculated. Excreta samples were collected from d 19 to 21 and pooled by cage. At d 21, intestines were excised, pancreas weights recorded (PRW), and ileal contents collected. There were no interactions (linear, P > 0.05) between LTI inclusion and feed form on BW, BWG, FI, or FCR at d 7 or 21. Increasing LTI resulted in a linear reduction in BW at 7, 14, and 21 d (P < 0.006). Poults fed crumbles were significantly heavier at d 21 than those fed mash feed (P < 0.027) with no interaction of LTI level with feed form. FCR was not significantly greater with increasing LTI. However, poults fed crumbles had a better, lower FCR that those fed mash feed from d 0 to 21 (P < 0.018). There was a significant interaction between feed form and LTI level at 14 d (P < 0.031), but not 7 or 21 d. Pancreatic hypertrophy (PRW) increased linearly with increasing LTI (P < 0.001) with a significant linear interaction with feed form (P < 0.001). Poults fed crumbles had less pancreatic hypertrophy. At 21 d of age, dietary fat digestibility (ALD, %) was linearly reduced with increasing LTI (P < 0.001). However, poults fed crumbles had significantly better fat absorption than poults fed mash (91.2 vs. 85.8%) (P < 0.001), and there was a significant linear interaction between feed form and LTI level (P < 0.001). AMEn was significantly better for the poults fed crumbles compared to mash (3228 vs. 3132 kcal/kg) (P < 0.001), and there was a significant linear interaction between feed form and LTI level (P < 0.001). Based on the results this trial, it is possible to include up to 20% unheated full fat LTI soybeans into poult starter diets after pelleting. Pelleting improves nutrient utilization, allowing for greater incorporation of the LTI soybean in the crumbled diet compared to the mash diet.

Sodium buffered formic acid concentration and feed pH is stable over a 3-month period.

Promoting feed hygiene with organic acids is an effective method to prevent foodborne illnesses from bacterial infection. The stability and acidification of mash and pelleted feed with sodium buffered formic acid was investigated. The acid product was incorporated to reach total formate inclusion levels of 0, 6, or 12 g/kg for swine nursery feed; 0, 4, or 9 g/kg for swine finishing feed; and 0, 3, or 6 g/kg for broiler grower feed. Samples were analyzed for total formate and pH on d 4, 32, 60, or 88 post-manufacturing. The concentration of formate remained stable across an 88-d period (P < 0.01). Treatment with the formic acid product decreased feed pH with increasing inclusion levels (all P < 0.01). Within each inclusion level of acid and across time, pH tended to increase in pelleted feed and decrease in mash feeds (all P < 0.01); however, these changes were small (0.1 units pH). These data suggest that sodium buffered formic acid can be applied to both mash and pelleted feed to provide continuous acidification over a 3-month period.

Graph Community Detection from Coarse Measurements: Recovery Conditions for the Coarsened Weighted Stochastic Block Model.

We study the problem of community recovery from coarse measurements of a graph. In contrast to the problem of community recovery of a fully observed graph, one often encounters situations when measurements of a graph are made at low-resolution, each measurement integrating across multiple graph nodes. Such low-resolution measurements effectively induce a coarse graph with its own communities. Our objective is to develop conditions on the graph structure, the quantity, and properties of measurements, under which we can recover the community organization in this coarse graph. In this paper, we build on the stochastic block model by mathematically formalizing the coarsening process, and characterizing its impact on the community members and connections. Through this novel setup and modeling, we characterize an error bound for community recovery. The error bound yields simple and closed-form asymptotic conditions to achieve the perfect recovery of the coarse graph communities.

InterMiG: international differences in the therapeutic approach to migraine patients in specialized headache centers.

BACKGROUND: There is currently a wide therapeutic arsenal for migraine patients, without a single first-line preventive drug and we choose the different available alternatives taking into account comorbidities, national guidelines, previous treatments and personal experiences. Our objective was to evaluate the differences in the use of migraine treatments between neurologists from different countries. METHODS: This is a multi-centre observational study carried out by neurologists from specialized headache units in seven countries, retrospective with consecutive inclusion of all patients presenting with a migraine diagnosis, over a period of three months. RESULTS: A total of 734 patients were recruited but only 600 were considered in the analysis in order to homogenize the patient cohorts from countries: 200 Spain (ES), 100 Italy (IT), 85 Russia (RUS), 80 Germany (DE), 60 Portugal (PT), 45 Poland (PL) and 30 Australia (AU). 85.4 % of patients were women with a mean age of 42.6 ± 11.8 years. Considering previous and current preventive treatment, the order of use was: antidepressants (69.3 %), antiepileptic drugs (54.7 %), beta-blockers and antihypertensive drugs (49.7 %), OnabotulinumtoxinA (44.0 %) and others (36.2 %). Statistically significant differences were found between all pharmacological classes: antidepressants were commonly used in all countries, with the exception of Poland (AU: 76.7 %, IT: 71.0 %, DE: 60.0 %, PL: 31.1 %, PT: 71.7 %, RUS: 70.6 %, ES: 78.5 %; p < 0.0001); antiepileptic drugs were more frequently prescribed in Portugal, Australia and Spain (AU: 73.3 %, IT: 40.0 %, DE: 37.5 %, PL: 48.9 %, PT: 85.0 %, RUS: 29.4 % and ES: 69.0 %; p < 0.0001); beta-blockers and antihypertensive drugs were frequently used in all countries except Italy (AU: 60.0 %, IT: 14.0 %, DE: 53.8 %, PL: 48.9 %, PT: 68.3 %, RUS: 49.4 % and ES: 59.0 %; p < 0.0001); BTX-A were predominately used in Spain, Italy and Australia (AU:56.7 %, IT:58.0 %, DE:20.0 %, PL: 42.2 %, PT: 26.7 %, RUS: 24.7 % and ES: 58.5 %; p < 0.0001) and others were most frequently used in Poland (AU: 0.0 %, IT: 19.0 %, DE: 42.5 %, PL: 95.6 %, PT: 31.7 %, RUS: 3.5 % and ES: 49.5 %; p < 0.0001). If only patients without comorbidities are considered (200/600), statistically differences between countries persist in all preventive treatments. CONCLUSIONS: There is heterogeneity in the choice of preventive treatment between different countries. Prospective comparative studies of the different oral and subcutaneous alternatives would help to create a global therapeutic algorithm that would guarantee the best option for our patients.

The Computerized Cognitive Composite (C3) in an Alzheimer's Disease Secondary Prevention Trial.

BACKGROUND: Computerized cognitive assessments may improve Alzheimer's disease (AD) secondary prevention trial efficiency and accuracy. However, they require validation against standard outcomes and relevant biomarkers. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and validity of the tablet-based Computerized Cognitive Composite (C3). DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of cognitive screening data from the A4 study (Anti-Amyloid in Asymptomatic AD). SETTING: Multi-center international study. PARTICIPANTS: Clinically normal (CN) older adults (65-85; n=4486). MEASUREMENTS: Participants underwent florbetapir-Positron Emission Tomography for Aß+/- classification. They completed the C3 and standard paper and pencil measures included in the Preclinical Alzheimer's Cognitive Composite (PACC). The C3 combines memory measures sensitive to change over time (Cogstate Brief Battery-One Card Learning) and measures shown to be declining early in AD including pattern separation (Behavioral Pattern Separation Test- Object- Lure Discrimination Index) and associative memory (Face Name Associative Memory Exam- Face-Name Matching). C3 acceptability and completion rates were assessed using qualitative and quantitative methods. C3 performance was explored in relation to Aß+/- groups (n=1323/3163) and PACC. RESULTS: C3 was feasible for CN older adults to complete. Rates of incomplete or invalid administrations were extremely low, even in the bottom quartile of cognitive performers (PACC). C3 was moderately correlated with PACC (r=0.39). Aß+ performed worse on C3 compared with Aß- [unadjusted Cohen's d=-0.22 (95%CI: -0.31,-0.13) p<0.001] and at a magnitude comparable to the PACC [d=-0.32 (95%CI: -0.41,-0.23) p<0.001]. Better C3 performance was observed in younger, more educated, and female participants. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide support for both the feasibility and validity of C3 and computerized cognitive outcomes more generally in AD secondary prevention trials.

Interaction of body fat percentage and height with appendicular functional muscle-bone unit.

The interaction of body fat percentage and height with appendicular BMC for LBM was analyzed. Only body fat had significant negative correlation with the appendicular BMC for LBM. PURPOSE/INTRODUCTION: For the clinical evaluation of the functional muscle-bone unit, it was proposed to evaluate the adaptation of the bone to the acting forces. A frequently used parameter for this is the total body less head bone mineral content (TBLH-BMC) determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in relation to the total body lean body mass (LBM). Body fat percentage seemed to correlate negatively and height positively with TBLH-BMC for LBM. It was supposed that appendicular BMC for LBM is a more accurate surrogate for the functional muscle-bone unit since appendicular LBM does not incorporate the mass of internal organs. The aim of this study was to analyze the interaction of body fat percentage and height with appendicular BMC for LBM. METHODS: As part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) study, between the years 1999 and 2004, whole-body DXA scans on randomly selected Americans from 8 years of age were carried out. From all eligible DXA scans, three major US ethnic groups were evaluated (non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks, and Mexican Americans) for further statistical analysis. RESULTS: For the statistical analysis, the DXA scans of 8190 non-Hispanic White children and adults (3903 female), of 4931 non-Hispanic Black children and adults (2250 female), and 5421 of Mexican American children and adults (2424 female) were eligible. Only body fat had a significant negative correlation with the appendicular BMC for LBM. CONCLUSIONS: Only body fat had significant negative correlation with appendicular BMC for LBM, and thus, should be addressed when evaluating functional muscle-bone unit.

Individualized evaluation of lumbar bone mineral density in children with cerebral palsy.

Lumbar spine bone mineral density (LS-BMD) assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is used in children with cerebral palsy (CP) to evaluate bone health. LS-BMD results in children with CP are influenced significantly by their height, BMI, and mobility level. An adjustment for these parameters might improve the clinical significance of the method. PURPOSE/INTRODUCTION: DXA evaluation is considered useful in children with CP to assess bone health. For this purpose, LS-BMD is often used. The aim of the study was to estimate the effect of height, BMI, and reduced mobility level of children with CP on LS-BMD and to develop a method to adjust individual results of LS-BMD for these factors. METHODS: We conducted a monocentric retrospective analysis of data collected in children and adolescents with CP, who participated in a rehabilitation program and had no history of recurrent fractures. The DXA scan was part of the routine examination for participants older than 4 years of age. The relationship between height and BMI for age Z-scores and age-adjusted LS-BMD Z-scores was analyzed. RESULTS: LS-DXA scans of 500 children and adolescents with CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I-V) were included in the statistical analysis (217 female). The mean age was 9.4 years (± 3.7 years). Children with moderate to severe CP had significantly (p < 0.001) lower LS-BMD Z-scores than children with mild CP. We provided nomograms to adjust individual LS-BMD results to their height, BMI, and mobility level. CONCLUSIONS: LS-BMD results in children with CP were influenced significantly by their height, BMI, and mobility level. An adjustment of the LS-BMD results to height, BMI, and mobility level might improve the clinical significance of an individual result.

Are there effects of age, gender, height, and body fat on the functional muscle-bone unit in children and adults?

The aim was to describe the effect of age, gender, height, different stages of human life, and body fat on the functional muscle-bone unit. All these factors had a significant effect on the functional muscle-bone unit and should be addressed when assessing functional muscle-bone unit in children and adults. INTRODUCTION: For the clinical evaluation of the functional muscle-bone unit, it was proposed to evaluate the adaptation of the bone to the acting forces. A frequently used parameter for this is the total body less head bone mineral content (TBLH-BMC) determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in relation to the lean body mass (LBM by DXA). LBM correlates highly with muscle mass. Therefore, LBM is a surrogate parameter for the muscular forces acting in everyday life. The aim of the study was to describe the effect of age and gender on the TBLH-BMC for LBM and to evaluate the impact of other factors, such as height, different stages of human life, and of body fat. METHODS: As part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) study, between the years 1999-2006 whole-body DXA scans on randomly selected Americans from 8 years of age were carried out. From all eligible DXA scans (1999-2004), three major US ethnic groups were evaluated (non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks, and Mexican Americans) for further statistical analysis. RESULTS: For the statistical analysis, the DXA scans of 8190 non-Hispanic White children and adults (3903 female), of 4931 non-Hispanic Black children and adults (2250 female) and 5421 of Mexican-American children and adults (2424 female) were eligible. Age, gender, body height, and especially body fat had a significant effect on the functional muscle-bone unit. CONCLUSIONS: When assessing TBLH-BMC for LBM in children and adults, the effects of age, gender, body fat, and body height should be addressed. These effects were analyzed for the first time in such a large cohort.

Home-based vibration assisted exercise as a new treatment option for scoliosis - A randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of scoliosis specific exercises (SSE) on a side-alternating whole body vibration platform (sWBV) as a home-training program in girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). METHODS: 40 female AIS patients (10-17 years) wearing a brace were randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention was a six months, home-based, SSE program on a sWBV platform five times per week. Exercises included standing, sitting and kneeling. The control group received regular SSE (treatment as usual). The Cobb angle was measured at start and after six months. Onset of menarche was documented for sub-group analysis. RESULTS: The major curve in the sWBV group decreased significantly by -2.3° (SD±3.8) (95% CI -4.1 to -0.5; P=0.014) compared to the difference in the control group of 0.3° (SD±3.7) (95% CI -1.5 to 2.2; P=0.682) (P=0.035). In the sWBV group 20% (n=4) improved, 75% (n=15) stabilized and 5% (n=1) deteriorated by ≥5°. In the control group 0% (n=0) improved, 89% (n=16) stabilized and 11% (n=2) deteriorated. The clinically largest change was observed in the 'before-menarche' sub-group. CONCLUSIONS: Home-based SSE combined with sWBV for six months counteracts the progression of scoliosis in girls with AIS; the results were more obvious before the onset of the menarche.

Efficacy of feed additives to reduce the effect of naturally occurring mycotoxins fed to turkey hen poults reared to 6 weeks of age.

Corn with naturally occurring aflatoxin (AF), wheat with naturally occurring doxynivalenol (DON), and barley with naturally occurring zearalenone (ZEA) were used to make rations for feeding turkey hen poults to 6 weeks of age. Control rations with equal amounts of corn, wheat, and barley were also fed. The control rations did contain some DON while both sets of rations contained ZEA. Within each grain source, there were 4 treatments: the control ration plus 3 rations each with a different feed additive which were evaluated for the potential to lessen potential mycotoxin effects on bird performance and physiology. The additives were Biomin BioFix (2 lb/ton), Kemin Kallsil (4 lb/ton), and Nutriad UNIKE (3 lb/ton). The mycotoxin rations reduced poult body weight (2.31 vs. 2.08 ± 0.02 kg) and increased (worsened) poult feed conversion (1.47 vs. 1.51 ± 0.01) at 6 wk. Feeding the poults the mycotoxin feed also resulted in organ and physiological changes typical of feeding dietary aflatoxin although a combined effect of AF, DON, and ZEA which cannot be dismissed. The feed additives resulted in improved feed conversion to 6 wk in both grain treatment groups. The observed physiological effect of feeding the additives was to reduce relative gizzard weight for both groups and to lessen the increase in relative kidney weight for the birds fed the mycotoxin feed. In conclusion, the feed additives used in this study did alleviate the effect of dietary mycotoxins to some degree, especially with respect to feed conversion. Further studies of longer duration are warranted.

Experience with jumping mechanography in children with cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVES: Jumping mechanography provides robust motor function indicators among healthy children. The aim of the study was to assess the reproducibility and validity of jumping mechanography conducted as single two-legged jump (S2LJ) in children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: 215 S2LJ investigations from a sample of 75 children with CP were eligible for evaluation. For the estimation of the reproducibility, only the baseline set of data per patient were used. Gross motor function was evaluated by the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66). In 135 S2LJ investigations, GMFM-66 was assessed within a week in the same child. This data was used for validity assessment. RESULTS: Coefficients of variation for the main outcome parameters ranged between 6.15-9.71%, except for jump height (CV%=27.3%). The intraclass correlation coefficients for peak velocity (Vmax) and peak power relative to body weight (Pmax/mass) was 0.927 and 0.931. Vmax and Pmax/mass were also the test parameters with the strongest correlation to the GMFM-66 score (⟩0.7). CONCLUSIONS: S2LJ assessed in the present study provided reproducible outcome measures particularly for Vmax and Pmax/mass in children with CP. Further, Vmax and Pmax/mass showed the strongest correlation with the GMFM-66 score and seem to be the most relevant evaluation criteria.

The functional muscle-bone unit in children with cerebral palsy.

Our results suggest that the prevalence of bone health deficits in children with CP was overestimated, when using only age- and height-adjusted bone mineral content (BMC) and areal bone mineral density (aBMD). When applying the functional muscle-bone unit diagnostic algorithm (FMBU-A), the prevalence of positive results decreased significantly. We recommend applying the FMBU-A when assessing bone health in children with CP. INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of bone health deficits in children with cerebral palsy (CP) might be overestimated because age- and height-adjusted reference percentiles for bone mineral content (BMC) and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) do not consider reduced muscle activity. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of positive DXA-based indicators for bone health deficits in children with CP to the prevalence of positive findings after applying a functional muscle-bone unit diagnostic algorithm (FMBU-A) considering reduced muscle activity. METHODS: The present study was a monocentric retrospective analysis of 297 whole body DXA scans of children with CP. The prevalence of positive results of age- and height-adjusted BMC and aBMD defined as BMC and aBMD below the P3 percentile and of the FMBU-A was calculated. RESULTS: In children with CP, the prevalence of positive results of age-adjusted BMC were 33.3% and of aBMD 50.8%. Height-adjusted results for BMC and aBMD were positive in 16.8 and 36.0% of cases. The prevalence of positive results applying the FMBU-A regarding BMC and aBMD were significantly (p < 0.001) lower than using age- and height-adjusted BMC and aBMD (8.8 and 14.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the prevalence of bone health deficits in children with CP was overestimated, when using age- and height-adjusted BMC and aBMD. When applying the FMBU-A, the prevalence decreased significantly. We recommend applying the FMBU-A when assessing bone health in children with CP.

Effect of pelleting on survival of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus-contaminated feed.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a heat-sensitive virus that has devastated the U.S. swine industry. Because of its heat sensitivity, we hypothesized that a steam conditioner and pellet mill mimicking traditional commercial thermal processing may mitigate PEDV infectivity. Pelleting, a common feed processing method, includes the use of steam and shear forces, resulting in increased temperature of the processed feed. Two thermal processing experiments were designed to determine if different pellet mill conditioner retention times and temperatures would impact PEDV quantity and infectivity by analysis of quantitative reverse transcription PCR and bioassay. In Exp. 1, a 3 × 3 × 2 factorial design was used with 3 pelleting temperatures (68.3, 79.4, and 90.6°C), 3 conditioning times (45, 90, or 180 s), and 2 doses of viral inoculation (low, 1 × 10 tissue culture infectious dose (the concentration used to see cytopathic effect in 50% of the cells)/g, or high, 1 × 10 tissue culture infectious dose/g). Noninoculated and PEDV-inoculated unprocessed mash were used as controls. The low-dose PEDV-infected mash had 6.8 ± 1.8 cycle threshold (Ct) greater ( < 0.05) PEDV than the high-dose mash. Regardless of time or temperature, pelleting reduced ( < 0.05) the quantity of detectable viral PEDV RNA compared with the PEDV-inoculated unprocessed mash. Fecal swabs from pigs inoculated with the PEDV-positive unprocessed mash, regardless of dose, were clinically PEDV positive from 2 to 7 d (end of the trial) after inoculation. However, if either PEDV dose of inoculated feed was pelleted at any of the 9 tested conditioning time × temperature combinations, no PEDV RNA was detected in fecal swabs or cecum content. Based on Exp. 1 results, a second experiment was developed to determine the impact of lower processing temperatures on PEDV quantity and infectivity. In Exp. 2, PEDV-inoculated feed was pelleted at 1 of 5 conditioning temperatures (37.8, 46.1, 54.4, 62.8, and 71.1°C) for 30 s. The 5 increasing processing temperatures led to feed with respective mean Ct values of 32.5, 34.6, 37.0, 36.5, and 36.7, respectively. All samples had detectable PEDV RNA. However, infectivity was detected by bioassay only in pigs from the 37.8 and 46.1°C conditioning temperatures. Experiment 2 results suggest conditioning and pelleting temperatures above 54.4°C could be effective in reducing the quantity and infectivity of PEDV in swine feed. However, additional research is needed to prevent subsequent recontamination after pelleting as it is a point-in-time mitigation step.

Effects of dietary coarsely ground corn and 3 bedding floor types on broiler live performance, litter characteristics, gizzard and proventriculus weight, and nutrient digestibility.

The effects of zero or 50% dietary coarsely ground corn (CC) in pelleted and screened grower and finisher diets on broilers reared on 3 bedding floor types (plastic net [NET], new pine wood shavings litter [NEW], or old pine wood shavings litter [OLD]) on broiler live performance, litter characteristics, gizzard and proventriculus weight, and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) were studied in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Fine corn was produced with a hammermill (271 µm) and CC with a roller mill (1145 µm). Utilization of CC reduced milling cost by 9.47 cents per MT with similar nutrient content of screened pellets. The 50% CC treatment exhibited improved (P ≤ 0.05) feed intake at 42 d (2.5%) and 49 d (3.0%), and BW (5.4%) and FCR from 28 d (1.4%). Birds on NEW litter exhibited improved (P < 0.05) BW at 28 and 35 d and 42 d FCR as compared to NET and 49 d FCR compared to NET and OLD. The 50% CC treatment exhibited increased (P < 0.05) gizzard weight but decreased proventriculus weight at 49 d. NEW litter birds exhibited increased (P ≤ 0.05) gizzard weight at 28 d and 49 d and decreased proventriculus weight as compared to NET at 49 days. The 50% CC treatment exhibited decreased (P ≤ 0.05) litter moisture at 35 and 42 d, litter N at 35 and 49 d, and litter pH at 49 days. OLD litter birds exhibited greater (P < 0.05) litter N at 14, 35, and 49 d, as well as litter moisture, pH, and ammonia concentration at 49 days. The 50% CC group also exhibited improved AID of nitrogen (P < 0.05). Broilers fed pelleted and screened diets containing 50% CC exhibited improved live performance and reduced litter moisture while use of NEW litter resulted in a somewhat similar effect, which indicated that consumption of NEW litter also facilitated gastric development and function.

Impact of varying analytical methodologies on grain particle size determination.

The determination of particle size is an important quality control measurement for feed manufacturers, nutritionists, and producers. The current approved method for determining the geometric mean diameter by weight (d) and geometric standard deviation (S) of grains is standard ANSI/ASAE S319.4. This method controls many variables, including the suggested quantity of initial material and the type, number, and size of sieves. However, the method allows for variations in sieving time, sieve agitators, and the use of a dispersion agent. The objective of this experiment was to determine which method of particle size analysis best estimated the particle size of various cereal grain types. Eighteen samples of either corn, sorghum, or wheat were ground and analyzed using different variations of the approved method. Treatments were arranged in a 5 × 3 factorial arrangement with 5 sieving methods: 1) 10-min sieving time with sieve agitators and no dispersion agent, 2) 10-min sieving time with sieve agitators and dispersion agent, 3) 15-min sieving time with no sieve agitators or dispersion agent, 4) 15-min sieving time with sieve agitators and no dispersion agent, and 5) 15-min sieving time with sieve agitators and dispersion agent conducted in 3 grain types (ground corn, sorghum, and wheat) with 4 replicates per treatment. The analytical method that resulted in the lowest d and greatest S was considered desirable because it was presumably representative of increased movement of particles to their appropriate sieve. Analytical method affected d and S ( ≤ 0.05) measured by both standards. Inclusion of sieve agitators and dispersion agent in the sieve stack resulted in the lowest d, regardless of sieving time. Inclusion of dispersion agent reduced d ( ≤ 0.05) by 32 and 36 µm when shaken for 10 and 15 min, respectively, compared to the same sample analyzed without dispersion agent. The addition of the dispersion agent also increased S. The dispersion agent increased the quantity of very fine particles collected in the pan; therefore, S was significantly greater ( ≤ 0.05). Corn and sorghum ground using the same mill parameters had similar d ( > 0.05), but wheat ground using the same mill parameters was 120 to 104 µm larger ( ≤ 0.05) than corn and sorghum, respectively. Both sieve agitators and dispersion agent should be included when conducting particle size analysis. The results indicate that 10 and 15 min of sieving time produced similar results.

Stability of four commercial phytase products under increasing thermal conditioning temperatures.

Phytase is a feed-grade enzyme frequently added to swine diets to help improve the digestibility of phytate phosphorus. However, like any enzyme, it may be subject to heat damage when exposed to thermal processing. Therefore the objective of this experiment was to determine the stability of 4 commercial phytase products exposed to increasing thermal conditioning temperatures in the pelleting process. The 4 commercial products used were: Quantum Blue G (AB Vista, Plantation, FL); Ronozyme Hi Phos GT (DSM Nutritional Products, Parsippany, NJ); Axtra Phy TPT (Dupont, Wilmington, DE), and Microtech 5000 Plus (Guangdong Vtr Bio-Tech Co., Ltd., Guangdong, China). The phytase products were mixed as part of a corn-soybean meal-based swine diet at a concentration recommended by the manufacturer to provide a 0.12% aP release. Diets were exposed to each of 4 thermal conditioning temperatures (65, 75, 85, and 95°C) and the entire process repeated on 4 consecutive days to create 4 replicates. Samples were taken while feed exited the conditioner and before entering the pellet die. Samples were cooled to room temperature before being stored in plastic bags until analysis. Phytase stability was measured as the residual phytase activity (% of initial) at each conditioning temperature. There were no product × temperature interactions observed for conditioning temperature, conditioner throughput, or residual phytase activity. As target temperature increased, conditioner throughput decreased (linear; P < 0.001) and phytase activity decreased (linear; P < 0.001) for each product. Residual phytase activity decreased as conditioning temperature increased from 65 to 95°C at a rate of -1.9% for every 1°C increase in conditioning temperature. There was a significant phytase product (P < 0.001) main effect which was mainly driven by Microtech 5000 Plus having decreased (P < 0.05) phytase activity when compared to all other products at 65, 75, and 85°C. However at 95°C Axtra Phy TPT had greater (P < 0.05) residual phytase activity compared with Microtech 5000 Plus, with Quantum Blue G and Ronozyme Hi Phos intermediate. Increasing target conditioning temperatures decreased phytase stability regardless of product. In addition, Microtech 5000 Plus had decreased residual phytase activity (% of initial) when compared to all other products at 65, 75, and 85°C.

Effects of wheat source and particle size in meal and pelleted diets on finishing pig growth performance, carcass characteristics, and nutrient digestibility.

Two experiments were conducted to test the effects of wheat source and particle size in meal and pelleted diets on finishing pig performance, carcass characteristics, and diet digestibility. In Exp. 1, pigs (PIC 327 × 1050; = 288; initially 43.8 kg BW) were balanced by initial BW and randomly allotted to 1 of 3 treatments with 8 pigs per pen (4 barrows and 4 gilts) and 12 pens per treatment. The 3 dietary treatments were hard red winter wheat ground with a hammer mill to 728, 579, or 326 µm, respectively. From d 0 to 40, decreasing wheat particle size decreased (linear, < 0.033) ADFI but improved (quadratic, < 0.014) G:F. From d 40 to 83, decreasing wheat particle size increased (quadratic, < 0.018) ADG and improved (linear, < 0.002) G:F. Overall from d 0 to 83, reducing wheat particle size improved (linear, < 0.002) G:F. In Exp. 2, pigs (PIC 327 × 1050; = 576; initially 43.4 ± 0.02 kg BW) were used to determine the effects of wheat source and particle size of pelleted diets on finishing pig growth performance and carcass characteristics. Pigs were randomly allotted to pens, and pens of pigs were balanced by initial BW and randomly allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments with 12 replications per treatment and 8 pigs/pen. The experimental diets used the same wheat-soybean meal formulation, with the 6 treatments using hard red winter or soft white winter wheat that were processed to 245, 465, and 693 µm and 258, 402, and 710 µm, respectively. All diets were pelleted. Overall, feeding hard red winter wheat increased ( < 0.05) ADG and ADFI when compared with soft white winter wheat. There was a tendency ( < 0.10) for a quadratic particle size × wheat source interaction for ADG, ADFI, and both DM and GE digestibility, as they were decreased for pigs fed 465-µm hard red winter wheat and were greatest for pigs fed 402-µm soft white winter wheat. There were no main or interactive effects of particle size or wheat source on carcass characteristics. In summary, fine grinding hard red winter wheat fed in meal form improved G:F and nutrient digestibility, whereas reducing particle size of wheat from approximately 700 to 250 µm in pelleted diets did not influence growth or carcass traits. Finally, feeding hard red winter wheat improved ADG and ADFI compared with feeding soft white winter wheat.

Early vibration assisted physiotherapy in toddlers with cerebral palsy - a randomized controlled pilot trial.

OBJECTIVES: to investigate feasibility, safety and efficacy of home-based side-alternating whole body vibration (sWBV) to improve motor function in toddlers with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: Randomized controlled trial including 24 toddlers with CP (mean age 19 months (SD±3.1); 13 boys). INTERVENTION: 14 weeks sWBV with ten 9-minute sessions weekly (non-individualized). Group A started with sWBV, followed by 14 weeks without; in group B this order was reversed. Feasibility (≥70% adherence) and adverse events were recorded; efficacy evaluated with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66), Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), at baseline (T0), 14 (T1) and 28 weeks (T2). RESULTS: Developmental change between T0 and T1 was similar in both groups; change scores in group A and B: GMFM-66 2.4 (SD±2.1) and 3.3 (SD±2.9) (p=0.412); PEDI mobility 8.4 (SD±6.6) and 3.5 (SD±9.2) (p=0.148), respectively. In two children muscle tone increased post-sWBV. 24 children received between 67 and 140 sWBV sessions, rate of completed sessions ranged from 48 to 100% and no dropouts were observed. CONCLUSION: A 14-week home-based sWBV intervention was feasible and safe in toddlers with CP, but was not associated with improvement in gross motor function.

5 year retrospective follow-up of new cases of Charcot neuroarthropathy-A single centre experience.

BACKGROUND: Few data describe the natural history of Charcot neuroarthropathy treated with a total contact plaster cast (TCC). METHODS: A 5 year retrospective analysis of 50 patients presenting with an acute CN, Assessing time to clinical resolution into appropriate footwear and assessing if initial immobilisation device influenced resolution time. RESULTS: During the study period 42 patients (84%) of patients went into remission, 2 died during their treatment, 4 had major amputations, in 2 patients treatment was ongoing. 36 patients were treated with combination offloading devices, 6 were treated with one modality only. Median time to resolution for patients initially treated with a TCC was not significantly shorter than for those treated with a removable below knee boot. 34.9% required re-casting due to clinical deterioration in the removable device. CONCLUSIONS: More precise measures of resolution of CN are needed to assess the impact of initial treatment modality on time to resolution.