Dominant Salmonella Serovars in Australian Broiler Breeder Flocks and Hatcheries: a Longitudinal Study.

A longitudinal study was conducted to determine the dominance and prevalence of Salmonella enterica subsp in Australian broiler breeder flocks and hatcheries. Twenty-two flocks (n = 3339 samples) were sampled over 6 time points beginning at placement until week 40. Hatcheries (n = 274 samples) were sampled following removal of chicks hatched from eggs originating from the 22 donor parent flocks. The percent of positive flocks (36%) and frequency of positive samples (15.6%) were highest during rearing at week 7. The frequency of positive samples decreased over the 40 weeks; however, the number of positive flocks remained relatively consistent. Geographical location had a greater influence on Salmonella detection frequency than company sample origin, despite differing management and vaccination protocols within and between companies. Twelve serovars were detected in total. The predominant serovars during rearing were Salmonella Mbandaka (32%), S. Saintpaul (27%), and S. Liverpool (18%). The predominant serovars detected during production were S. Cubana (27%), S. Saintpaul (24%), and S. Havana (13%). Salmonella Typhimurium, S. Ohio, and S. Hessarek were detected in the hatcheries. Of the serovars detected, only S. Typhimurium and S. Ohio were found in both broiler breeder flocks and hatcheries. However, detection did not correspond to the status of the flock eggs feeding into the hatchery. This study provides an up-to-date capture of the current Salmonella serovars circulating in the broiler breeder industry. Continued surveillance within the Australian Chicken Meat industry is imperative to mitigate and reduce the risk of salmonellosis in the community related to chicken meat. IMPORTANCE This study identified prevalent and dominant Salmonella enterica subsp in Australian Broiler Breeder flocks, as well as in hatcheries post chick hatch and removal, from eggs originating from these donor parent flocks. The captured Salmonella data was further compared to the most common Salmonella serovars isolated from broilers, as well as human salmonellosis notification data, which is useful for consideration of the circulating serovars within the chicken meat industry and their significance in public health. As there are multiple entry points for Salmonella during the entire chicken meat production chain that can lead to carcass contamination, it is important to distinguish serovars present between the different stages of vertical integration to implement and enable Salmonella control strategies.

In ovo corticosterone exposure does not influence yolk steroid hormone relative abundance or skeletal muscle development in the embryonic chicken.

In ovo corticosterone (CORT) exposure reportedly reduces growth and alters body composition traits in meat-type chickens. However, the mechanisms governing alterations in growth and body composition remain unclear but could involve myogenic stem cell commitment, and/or the presence of yolk steroid hormones. This study investigated whether in ovo CORT exposure influenced yolk steroid hormone content, as well as embryonic myogenic development in meat-type chickens. Fertile eggs were randomly divided at embryonic day (ED) 11 and administered either a control (CON; 100 µL of 10 mM PBS) or CORT solution (100 µL of 10 mM PBS containing 1 µg CORT) into the chorioallantoic membrane. Yolk samples were collected at ED 0 and ED 5. At ED 15 and hatch, embryos were humanely killed, and yolk and breast muscle (BM) samples were collected. The relative abundance of 15 steroid hormones, along with total lipid content was measured in yolk samples collected at ED 0, ED 5, ED 15, and ED 21. Muscle fiber number, cross-sectional area, and fascicle area occupied by muscle fibers were measured in BM samples collected at hatch. Relative expression of MyoD, MyoG, Pax7, PPARγ, and CEBP/ß, and the sex steroid receptors were measured in BM samples collected at hatch. The administration of CORT had a limited effect on yolk steroid hormones. In ovo CORT significantly reduced fascicle area occupied by muscle fibers and CEBP/ß expression was increased in CORT exposed birds at hatch. In addition, the quantity of yolk lipid was significantly reduced in CORT-treated birds. In conclusion, in ovo exposure to CORT does not appear to influence early muscle development through yolk steroid hormones in embryonic meat-type chickens however, the results provide a comprehensive analysis of the composition of yolk steroid hormones in ovo at different developmental time points. The findings may suggest increased mesenchymal stem cell commitment to the adipogenic lineage during differentiation and requires further investigation.

Effect of oral polyamine supplementation pre-weaning on piglet growth and intestinal characteristics.

A high proportion of piglets fail to adapt to the changing composition of their diet at weaning, resulting in weight loss and increased susceptibility to pathogens. Polyamines are present in sow milk and promote neonatal maturation of the gut. We hypothesised that oral spermine and spermidine supplementation before weaning would increase piglet growth and promote gastrointestinal development at weaning. In Experiment One, one pair of liveweight (LW)-matched piglets per litter from first and third lactation sows received 2 ml of a 0 (Control) or 463 nmol/ml spermine solution at 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 days of age (n=6 piglets/treatment per parity). Villus height and crypt depth in the duodenum and jejunum were measured at weaning (day 23 postpartum). In Experiment Two, piglets suckling 18 first and 18 third lactation sows were used. Within each litter, piglets received 2 ml of either water (Control), 463 nmol/ml spermine solution or 2013 nmol/ml spermidine solution at 14, 16, 18, 22 and 24 days of age (n=54 piglets/treatment per sow parity). Piglets were weighed individually at 14, 18, 24 (weaning) and 61 days of age. In Experiment One, oral spermine supplementation resulted in a 41% increase in villus height, a 21% decrease in crypt depth and 79% decrease in the villus height : crypt depth ratio compared with control piglets (P<0.01). In Experiment Two, spermine and spermidine-supplemented piglets suckling first lactation sows grew faster (P<0.05) between days 14 and 18 postpartum than control piglets: 0.230±0.011 and 0.227±0.012 v. 0.183±0.012 kg/day, respectively. Spermine supplementation tended (P<0.1) to increase piglet LW gain from weaning to day 37 post-weaning compared with control piglets (0.373±0.009 v. 0.341±0.010 kg/day). In conclusion, spermine supplementation increased villus height at weaning, and appears to have the potential to improve the pre- and post-weaning growth of conventionally weaned piglets.

Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oils) for cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological (population studies) and other studies suggest that a diet rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids (derived from fish oil) may have beneficial anti-inflammatory effects for chronic conditions such as cystic fibrosis. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether there is evidence that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation reduces morbidity and mortality. To identify any adverse events associated with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group specialised trials register, which comprises references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches, handsearching relevant journals and handsearching abstract books of conference proceedings. Authors and persons interested in the question were contacted. Date of the most recent search of the Group's specialised register: May 2002. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials in patients with cystic fibrosis in which omega-3 fatty acid supplements were compared with a placebo oil. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently selected the trials to be included in the review and assessed the methodological quality of the trials using two approaches: Cochrane assessment of allocation concealment and Jadad quality assessment score. Using data acquisition forms, two reviewers independently extracted data. Missing data has been requested. MAIN RESULTS: The initial literature search identified six trials. Two trials, involving 31 participants satisfied our inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Both compared omega-3 fatty acids to olive oil controls for a six week treatment period. One study (19 participants) showed an improvement in FEV1, FVC, Shwachman score and reduction in sputum volume in the fish oil group at the end of this short treatment period. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: The review of trials found that regular omega-3 supplements may provide some benefits for people with cystic fibrosis with relatively few adverse effects, although the evidence is insufficient to draw firm conclusions. There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine use of supplements of omega-3 fatty acids in people with cystic fibrosis. The most notable feature highlighted by this review was the lack of data for many of the outcomes likely to be meaningful to people with or making treatment decisions about CF. A large, long-term, multi-centre, randomised controlled study is needed in order to determine if there is a significant therapeutic effect and to assess the influence of disease severity, dosage and duration of treatment. Future researchers should note the need for additional pancreatic enzymes.

Disproportionate head growth retardation in cystic fibrosis.

Monthly increments of length, weight gain, and head circumference were recorded from birth to 4 years of age in 52 children with cystic fibrosis. At birth the children showed stunting. Standard deviation (SD) scores at birth for height, weight, and head circumference were -1.24, -0.72, and -1.82 respectively. Over the first four years, length and weight SD scores showed a consistent improvement. However, there was very limited improvement in head circumference, which stabilised 1 SD below the mean from 1.5 years to 4 years. Our data suggest that head growth lags behind gain in height and weight in children with cystic fibrosis despite good nutritional management in early infancy. The data may also support the expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in choroid plexus and ependyma.

Familial hypercholesterolaemia: pilot study to identify children at risk.

AIMS: To evaluate a more effective method of identifying children with familial hypercholesterolaemia by screening a population at high risk. METHODS: Domiciliary measurement of random cholesterol concentration was made in 200 children who were first or second degree relatives of subjects with premature onset coronary artery disease. Measurements were taken by a health visitor using a portable analyser. RESULTS: Twelve new cases of familial hypercholesterolaemia were identified during the first nine months of the study. Random cholesterol concentrations were within the normal range (< 5.2 mmol/l) in 70.5% of samples tested. Forty two (21%) of patients tested had a borderline cholesterol (5.2-5.9 mmol/l) but 50% of these fell within the normal range when fasting capillary samples were analysed. Children with significant hypercholesterolaemia on random testing (concentrations of > 5.9 mmol/l) (8.5%) also had fasting venous blood assayed for high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and tri-glyceride in the laboratory. Results indicated that 6.5% of patients screened were at high risk of cardiovascular disease (ratio of total: HDL cholesterol of > 4.5), and 1% had a moderately increased risk (ratio 3.5-4.5). CONCLUSIONS: Children with familial hypercholesterolaemia can be identified from a selected "high risk" population by measuring random capillary cholesterol concentration.

Late-onset Lafora's disease with typical intraneuronal inclusions.

We describe a patient with progressive myoclonus epilepsy (late-onset Lafora's disease). Onset was in early adult life, and death was at age fifty-four. The initial symptoms were epileptic seizures and progressive dementia, with later occurrence of myoclonus. Lafora bodies were ubiquitous and in neuronal perikarya in many areas. Dust-like granular bodies predominated in the neuropil of cerebral cortex, substantia nigra, and striatum. Abnormal deposits were also found in the myocardium.

Alzheimer-type neuropathology in elderly schizophrenia patients.

Traditionally, schizophrenia has been studied in early adulthood. Its course and outcome during senescence are largely unknown and subject to controversy. We reviewed the consecutive neuropathologic records of 1,046 patients who were chronically hospitalized in New York State mental institutions, and we selected for analysis all 802 patients who died after age 50 with a clinical antemortem diagnosis, as recorded in the autopsy notes, of schizophrenia (n = 544) or dementia (n = 258). The prevalence of neuropathologic diagnoses consistent with Alzheimer's disease (AD) was 51 percent in the dementia group and 28 percent in the schizophrenia sample. This prevalence rate in the schizophrenia sample (mean age = 77) was considerably higher than that estimated for the general population. When evaluated against age of death, AD findings in demented patients were age invariant, whereas the rate of such findings in schizophrenia patients rose monotonously from under 5 percent below age 60 to 50 percent at age 90 and over. The age-relative rate of AD diagnosis in schizophrenia patients was similar to a curve postulated for first-degree relatives of familial AD patients and was markedly higher than population estimates. These findings as a basis for comparison with other retrospective studies of pathological records are presented. Our own study, as well as others, suffers from three intrinsic limitations. The clinical diagnoses are taken from death notes and have no formal verification. Likewise, neuropathologic diagnoses were based upon informal criteria in use at the time; since that time, formal diagnostic criteria have been evolving, and new staining methods have become available. Finally, it is not possible to determine from this material whether these patients are representative of all elderly schizophrenia patients or even of those who are institutionalized. Therefore, despite the large sample size on which our current findings are based, a new study has begun to address these weaknesses by complete review and rediagnosis of medical records and neuropathological material, using current methods, standardized criteria, and quantitative measures of degenerative changes. Specifically, the new ongoing study examines whether autopsied patients are representative by performing detailed diagnostic reviews of a control sample of nonautopsied patients from the same institutions. These results, if confirmed in the new study, demonstrate substantially greater vulnerability of chronic schizophrenia patients to the development of AD (or, at least, to histological changes typical of this disease). Possible association with chronic neuroleptic treatment and pathophysiological mechanisms remains to be elucidated.

An autoradiographic study of the uptake and distribution of iron by the brain of the young rat.

Rats aged 15, 28, or 42 days were injected intraperitoneally with iron-59 and were sacrificed at varying intervals. Total acquisition of iron-59 by the brain, when compared to levels of iron-59 in blood sampled 48 h after injection, diminished with increasing age at injection. Cerebral levels of iron-59 in animals injected at age 15 days did not change with postinjection interval despite rapidly decreasing serum levels of iron-59. Thus, iron acquired by the brain early in postnatal development becomes sequestered in that organ. However, autoradiography of the brains of animals injected at age 15 days showed definite changes over time in the anatomic distribution of the isotope. This suggests that mechanisms may exist for the translocation of iron from one area of the brain to another.

Confirmation of Syva enzyme multiple immunoassay technique (EMIT) d.a.u. and Roche Abuscreen radioimmunoassay (RIA) (125I) urine cannabinoid immunoassays by gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) and bonded-phase adsorption/thin-layer chromatographic (BPA-TLC) methods.

Thirty human urines screened positive by the Syva enzyme multiple immunoassay technique (EMIT) d.a.u. urine cannabinoid assay were also positive for the major marijuana urinary metabolite 11-nor-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (THC-COOH) when assayed by gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) and a noninstrumental qualitative bonded-phase adsorption/thin-layer chromatographic (BPA-TLC) technique. The noninstrumental BPA-TLC procedure was the simpler of the two techniques to perform and interpret. Assay of these same samples by the Roche Abuscreen radioimmunoassay (RIA) for cannabinoids (125I) revealed that reliance on the 100-ng/mL equivalent positive calibrator yielded a high incidence of false negative results (10 out of 30). The performance of these same 4 assays on 30 true negatives also was evaluated. All samples were negative for cannabinoids by EMIT and RIA, and for THC-COOH by BPA-TLC. GC/MS assay, however, detected spurious low levels of approximately 5-ng/mL THC-COOH in two instances. Because of this, a reliability level of 10 ng/mL was set for the routine quantitative confirmation of THC-COOH by the GC/MS method.

Confirmation of EMIT cannabinoid assay results by bonded phase adsorption with thin layer chromatography.

Clinical urine specimens were screened for the presence of cannabinoids using the EMIT Cannabinoid Assay. Aliquots of these samples were also analyzed for 11-nor-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (THCA), the major cannabis metabolite in urine, by a technique which combines bonded phase adsorption (BPA) and thin layer chromatography (TLC). A 100% agreement between EMIT and BPA-TLC results was observed when at least 20 mL of urine was assayed by BPA-TLC. Bonded phase adsorption coupled with thin layer chromatography appears to be a suitable technique for the confirmation of positive EMIT Cannabinoid Assay results.

Pexid-induced rat retinal pathology.

Three morphologically distinct kinds of cytoplasmic inclusion (lamellar, reticular and crystalloid) developed in the retinal cells of suckling rats treated with Pexid (300 mg/kg/day). Lamellar inclusions were most abundant and they were seen in all types of retinal cells. This variety of inclusion was especially numerous in the ganglion cells. Reticular inclusions were encountered less commonly than the lamellar type and their distribution did not show any particular cellular predilection. Crystalloid inclusions were observed only in the pigment epithelial cells. The mechanism of formation of the three types of inclusion is not known, nor is the reason why certain types of inclusion occur most commonly in a particular kind of cell. One can speculate, however, that the dissimilarity of form may reflect differences in the metabolism and physiochemical properties of the various retinal cells.

BCNU and steroids in the viral-induced dog brain tumor.

Schmidt-Ruppin strain of Rous Sarcoma was inoculated intracerebrally into 27 newborn beagle dogs. Fourteen days after viral inoculation, 13 of the dogs were given intravenous BCNU (1 mg/kg). The other 14 were given the same volume of intravenous saline in a randomized, double-blinded fashion. Ninety percent of all dogs developed intracranial tumors. Radionuclide (mercury 197) brain scans were done on each dog at 2-week intervals. Median survival was 113 days in the BCNU group and 115 days in the placebo group (P > .99). Unequivocally positive radionuclide brain scans were detected in 5 dogs treated with BCNU and in 2 of the controls. There were no gross or microscopic differences at autopsy between treated and nontreated animals. BCNU, as given in this animal brain tumor model, did not demonstrate any oncolytic effect. An improvement in sequential brain scans was detected in 2 other dogs in response to Dexamethasone, which was given in a double-blinded, cross-over controlled fashion. Computerized tomography clearly demonstrated the tumor in two cases.

Bilateral trigeminal nerve sensory deficits and nasal deformity.

A nasal deformity developed in a woman with bilateral trigeminal sensory deficits. A comparison of the clinical and pathologic features of this case with those of several other cases that have been reported previously suggests a relationship between the bilateral fifth nerve lesions and the nasal damage. The aforementioned clinical combination does not appear to be pathognomonic of any specific nosologic entity. However, it probably should be accorded the status of a clinical syndrome since the nasal degeneration apparently occurs only if both fifth nerves are affected.

Serum myoglobin level as diagnostic test in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Serum myoglobin levels were measured in normal subjects and patients by means of a newly developed radioimmunoassay. Myoglobin was identified in all of 135 sera from normal adults and ranged between 6 and 85 ng/ml (mean +/- SE 31 +/- 1.3). Raised myoglobin levels were present in 62 of 64 patients with documented acute myocardial infarction, the mean serum concentration being 528 +/- 76 ng/ml. Serial determinations in 46 patients with acute infarct showed that maximum values usually occurred within 4 hours after admission. In 19 of 42 cases, raised myoglobin levels preceded the rise in creatine kinase (CK) values; in the remaining patients, both serum myoglobin and creatine kinase were increased on admission. Only 2 of an additional 44 patients admitted with chest pain but without subsequent electrocardiographic, enzyme, or technetium-99m stannous pyrophosphate myocardial scintigraphic evidence of acute myocardial infarction had raised myoglobin levels; the mean value for this group was within the normal range (44 +/- 6 ng/ml). Serum myoglobin values also were normal in patients with congestive heart failure without acute myocardial infarction, and in patients after moderate exercise and cardiac catheterisation. Trasient myoglobinaemia appears to be one of the earliest laboratory abnormalities occurring in acute myocardial infarction and, therefore, should prove useful as a diagnostic aid in patients.