Growth curve and diet density affect eating motivation, behavior, and body composition of broiler breeders during rearing.

The aim of this work has been to assess the effect of diet density [control (CON) or 15% diluted (DIL)] and growth curve [recommended by the genetic line (RBW) or 15% heavier (HBW)] and their interaction on BW uniformity, feeding motivation, behavior, and body composition of broiler breeder pullets. A total of 3,000 one-day-old female breeders Ross 308, distributed in 20 pens, was randomly assigned to each treatment. Feed allowance was weekly adjusted to reach the desired BW. Feed was provided as pelleted (zero to 3 wk) and crumble (4 to 19 wk). Time eating was measured at 7, 11, and 19 weeks. A feeding rate test was performed after 11 weeks. Behavior was observed at 9 and 15 wk, by visual scan. At 6, 13, and 19 wk of age, one bird/pen was slaughtered for weighing different organs and analyzing the composition of empty whole bodies. Treatments did not affect BW uniformity; relative weights of the ovary, oviduct, or gizzard; or protein content of empty BW. Time eating varied with the growth curve at 19 wk (P < 0.05), HBW pullets spent 19 more min eating than RBW pullets. DIL led to 4 and 8 more min eating at 19 wk for pullets of RBW and HBW (P < 0.05), respectively. Pullets fed DIL consumed 30% (P < 0.05) less during the feeding rate test when kept on a restricted regimen, and they had lower compensatory energy intake after ad libitum feeding than those fed CON, indicating lower feeding motivation. Behavior was affected by the age and by the time of the d measured, but it did not change with the treatments. Birds spent most time pecking objects (50%), feeding (28%), and drinking (17%). Pullets fed DIL had 8% lower breast yield at different ages and higher empty digestive tracts at 6 weeks. Body composition varied with age; fat content increased from 12.7 to 15.9 to 19.8% for 6, 13, and 19 wk, respectively. The lowest body fat was observed for RBW pullets fed DIL (P = 0.003) at 19 weeks. Feeding DIL diets to HBW pullets could be done to increase the time spent eating and reduce their feeling of hunger without negative effects on body composition. However, its influence on behavior and BW uniformity was not proved.

Cauda equina syndrome secondary to lumbar disc herniation: Surgical delay and its relationship with prognosis. / Síndrome de cauda equina por hernia discal lumbar: demora quirúrgica y su relación con el pronóstico.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether surgical treatment delayed for more than 48 hours in patients with cauda equina syndrome (CES) influenced the clinical outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 18 patients treated in our hospital from March 2000 to January 2012, after presenting with CES. The pre- and post-operative clinical status was determined: existence of back pain and/or sciatica, sensory disturbance in the perineum, sensory and motor deficits in the lower extremities, and the degree of sphincter incontinence (complete or incomplete CES). A clinical assessment was performed using the Oswestry disability index. RESULTS: As regards the onset of symptoms, 44% (8 of 18) of patients were treated at an early stage (within 48 hours). None of the patients with complete CES operated in the early stage had urinary incontinence, and also had greater motor recovery. Of the 5 patients with complete CES who underwent delayed surgery, 3 showed residual urinary incontinence. A mean of 12.55 was obtained on the Oswestry disability index scale at the end of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although no statistically significant difference was found in our study, we observed greater motor and sphincter recovery in patients who were operated on within 48 hours.

[Rapidly progressive glomerular disease treated with plasmapheresis (author's transl)]. / Glomerulonefritis rápidamente progresiva tratada con plasmaféresis.

A case of rapidly progressive glomerular disease with 100% of epithelial crescents completely enveloping each glomerulus, prolonged anuria and renal failure requiring dialysis. There were no indications of either streptococcal etiology or systemic disease. Improvement in renal function in response to plasmapheresis and immunosuppressants was spectacular. During two subsequent episodes of renal failure with diminished diuresis response to plasmapheresis was again striking. Assay for circulating immune-complex was always negative. No anti-basement membrane antibodies were found. Due to the lack of an adequate vascular access plasmapheresis was discontinued and the patient died 7 months after onset. Tendency to interstitial glomerular sclerosis was established with three renal biopsy specimens taken during progression of the disease. Intense metabolic acidosis suggestive of tubular acidosis, disproportionate to renal insufficiency presented during the last months. Pathologic and prognostic aspects as well as possible access for plasmapheresis are discussed.