A low residue nutritive supplement as an alternative to feed withdrawal in broilers: efficacy for gastrointestinal tract emptying and maintenance of live weight prior to slaughter.

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the production response to a solid phase, nutritive supplement used as an alternative to feed withdrawal in broiler chickens and its effect on gastrointestinal tract (GIT) residue. Three treatments were applied: a conventional 12-h feed withdrawal (control); provision of a highly digestible, carbohydrate-based feed withdrawal supplement (FWS) with no added protein source (FWS0); and provision of FWS containing 16% CP as a highly digestible protein source (FWS16). Both FWS treatments were designed to be highly and rapidly soluble, were formulated to result in nominally lower GIT residues, and were withdrawn for only 3 h prior to slaughter. Visual assessment of segments of the GIT at slaughter indicated no significant differences among treatments in the degree of emptiness of the crop, gizzard, and colon, whereas intestinal contents of both FWS groups were less (P < 0.05) than those of the control group. With or without prior acclimation to supplements, live weight losses for both FWS groups were consistently and significantly less than for the control group (P < 0.05). In birds acclimated to the supplement, hot eviscerated and chilled carcass weights and deboned breast meat yield were greater for FWS16 than for the control group (P < 0.05). Carcass water uptake during chilling was similar or lower for FWS treatments compared to controls so that the effect of supplement on improving product yield was not due to excessive water uptake. These data indicate that the provision of a highly digestible feed withdrawal supplement enhanced lower GIT emptying, reduced live weight loss, and in some instances improved product yield without the need for a prolonged period of feed withdrawal.

Oral lavage with polyethylene glycol reduces microbial colonization in the gastrointestinal tract of broilers.

Oral lavage of 7-wk-old broiler chickens with polyethylene glycol (PEG) was conducted to induce rapid evacuation of the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) before processing. Three groups of birds were fed ad libitum (FF), subjected to feed withdrawal 12 h before processing (FW), or received 115 mL of PEG by oral lavage 3 h before processing (PEG(L)). The crop, a section of small intestine, and the right cecum were aseptically collected for determination of contents and Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) counts. The PEG(L) effectively cleansed the upper GIT and intestine of treated birds within 3 h before processing. However, the ceca were not completely empty for all the birds subjected to PEG(L). The PEG(L) group had a significantly lower crop and cecal GNB concentrations than the FW group. Birds on FW and PEG(L) treatments had significantly lower GNB concentrations in the small intestine than FF birds. Polyethylene glycol resulted in complete evacuation of the upper GIT, as well as the intestine, within 3 h of use, and significantly reduced GNB concentrations.

Drinking and recreational boating fatalities: a population-based case-control study.

CONTEXT: Alcohol is increasingly recognized as a factor in many boating fatalities, but the association between alcohol consumption and mortality among boaters has not been well quantified. OBJECTIVES: To determine the association of alcohol use with passengers' and operators' estimated relative risk (RR) of dying while boating. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Case-control study of recreational boating deaths among persons aged 18 years or older from 1990-1998 in Maryland and North Carolina (n = 221), compared with control interviews obtained from a multistage probability sample of boaters in each state from 1997-1999 (n = 3943). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Estimated RR of fatality associated with different levels of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) among boaters. RESULTS: Compared with the referent of a BAC of 0, the estimated RR of death increased even with a BAC of 10 mg/dL (odds ratio [OR], 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-1.4). The OR was 52.4 (95% CI, 25.9-106.1) at a BAC of 250 mg/dL. The estimated RR associated with alcohol use was similar for passengers and operators and did not vary by boat type or whether the boat was moving or stationary. CONCLUSIONS: Drinking increases the RR of dying while boating, which becomes apparent at low levels of BAC and increases as BAC increases. Prevention efforts targeted only at those operating a boat are ignoring many boaters at high risk. Countermeasures that reduce drinking by all boat occupants are therefore more likely to effectively reduce boating fatalities.

Rhinosinusitis. An overview of current management measures in acute and chronic infection.

Rhinosinusitis is a common inflammatory bacterial infection of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity. Viral infection is often the inciting event. The ensuing inflammation obstructs the narrow ostiomeatal complex, causing facial pain and pressure, nasal obstruction, congestion, postnasal drainage, and mucopurulence. The exacerbation of symptoms after 5 to 7 days or their persistence for more than 10 days indicates acute rhinosinusitis. Acute infection lasts less than 4 weeks and resolves completely with therapy. Chronic rhinosinusitis is defined as the persistence of symptoms beyond 12 weeks. Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae are the primary respiratory tract pathogens involved in both acute and chronic rhinosinusitis. Management is aimed at controlling the infection and decreasing inflammation. The emergence of bacterial resistance can be avoided by the appropriate use of antibiotics. Antibiotic selection is usually empirical, except when culture is possible, and is directed by the common pathogens and their resistance patterns in a given community. Adjunctive therapies can be beneficial in relieving symptoms.

Cloning, sequencing, and characterization of the cgmB gene of Sinorhizobium meliloti involved in cyclic beta-glucan biosynthesis.

Periplasmic cyclic beta-glucans of Rhizobium species provide important functions during plant infection and hypo-osmotic adaptation. In Sinorhizobium meliloti (also known as Rhizobium meliloti), these molecules are highly modified with phosphoglycerol and succinyl substituents. We have previously identified an S. meliloti Tn5 insertion mutant, S9, which is specifically impaired in its ability to transfer phosphoglycerol substituents to the cyclic beta-glucan backbone (M. W. Breedveld, J. A. Hadley, and K. J. Miller, J. Bacteriol. 177:6346-6351, 1995). In the present study, we have cloned, sequenced, and characterized this mutation at the molecular level. By using the Tn5 flanking sequences (amplified by inverse PCR) as a probe, an S. meliloti genomic library was screened, and two overlapping cosmid clones which functionally complement S9 were isolated. A 3.1-kb HindIII-EcoRI fragment found in both cosmids was shown to fully complement mutant S9. Furthermore, when a plasmid containing this 3.1-kb fragment was used to transform Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii TA-1JH, a strain which normally synthesizes only neutral cyclic beta-glucans, anionic glucans containing phosphoglycerol substituents were produced, consistent with the functional expression of an S. meliloti phosphoglycerol transferase gene. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of two major, overlapping open reading frames within the 3.1-kb fragment. Primer extension analysis revealed that one of these open reading frames, ORF1, was transcribed and its transcription was osmotically regulated. This novel locus of S. meliloti is designated the cgm (cyclic glucan modification) locus, and the product encoded by ORF1 is referred to as CgmB.

Evaluation and management of allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis is a problematic disorder that is common. The practicing physician recognizes the majority of the overt clinical symptoms of sneezing, nasal itching, postnasal discharge, and eye symptoms but may not be attuned to the more subtle symptoms of lethargy, headache, and loss of productivity they create. Food sensitivities may complicate the evaluation and treatment of the sensitive patient, and frequently the idea of foods causing problems with rhinitis is ignored. For most patients, practical medications are beneficial in reducing symptoms without producing the side effects of sedation. The newer topical nasal steroids are becoming the first line of therapy, and nonsedating antihistamines are still useful because they have few side effects. Immunotherapy is recommended for treatment failures in the appropriate patient. Specialty referral then should be considered.

Rhinosinusitis. Current concepts in evaluation and management.

Sinusitis is one of the most common health complaints leading to a physician office visit in the United States. Recently standardized terminology with diagnostic parameters are outlined. Following this is a detailed discussion of the basics of relevant history and physical examinations, laboratory and radiology testing, the appropriate selection of pharmacotherapy, and the indications for surgical intervention.

Overview of otolaryngic allergy management. An eclectic and cost-effective approach.

Ear, nose, and throat allergic assessment plays an integral role in the evaluation and care of approximately 25% of patients seen in a general otolaryngology practice. With the advances in health care delivery and the influence of managed care organizations, physicians are asked to render cost-effective evaluation and management of their patients. This article examines the economic issues and historical data regarding the work-up of patients with suspected allergic problems. Relative cost-benefits of different modalities of treatments, including avoidance techniques, pharmacotherapy, and immunotherapy, are discussed.

A novel cyclic beta-1,2-glucan mutant of Rhizobium meliloti.

The periplasmic cyclic beta-1,2-glucans produced by bacteria within the Rhizobiaceae family provide functions during hypo-osmotic adaptation and plant infection. In Rhizobium meliloti, these molecules are highly modified with phosphoglycerol and succinyl substituents, and it is possible that the anionic character of these glucans is important for their functions. In the present study, we have used a thin-layer chromatographic screening method to identify a novel R. meliloti mutant specifically blocked in its ability to transfer phosphoglycerol substituents to the cyclic beta-1,2-glucan backbone. Further analysis revealed that the cyclic glucans produced by this mutant contained elevated levels of succinyl substituents. As a result, the overall anionic charge on the cyclic beta-1,2-glucans was found to be similar to that of wild-type cells. Despite this difference in cyclic beta-1,2-glucan structure, the mutant was shown to effectively nodulate alfalfa and to grow as well as wild-type cells in hypo-osmotic media.

Cyclic [beta]-1,6-1,3-Glucans of Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 110 Elicit Isoflavonoid Production in the Soybean (Glycine max) Host.

High levels of cyclic [beta]-1,6-1,3-glucans (e.g. 0.1 mg mg-1 of total protein) are synthesized by free-living cells as well as by bacteroids of Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 110 (K.J. Miller, R.S. Gore, R. Johnson, A.J. Benesi, V.N. Reinhold [1990] J Bacteriol 172: 136-142; R.S. Gore and K.J. Miller [1993] Plant Physiol 102: 191-194). These molecules share structural features with glucan fragments isolated from the mycelial cell wall of the soybean (Glycine max) pathogen Phytophthora megasperma. These latter glucans have been shown to be potent elicitors (at nanogram levels) of the phytoalexin glyceollin in G. max. Using the well-characterized soybean cotyledon bioassay, we now show that the cyclic [beta]-1,6-1,3-glucans of B. japonicum USDA 110 are also biologically active elicitors of glyceollin production (but at microgram levels). We further show that both classes of [beta]-glucans elicit the production of the isoflavone daidzein within soybean cotyledon wound droplets.

Effects of a simulated microgravity model on cell structure and function in rat testis and epididymis.

A tail-suspension (TS) rat model used to simulate microgravity was tested for its effects on the anatomy, cell structure, and function of the testis and epididymis in sexually mature male rats. Rats suspended for 7 days without inguinal canal ligation exhibited a significant (P less than or equal to 0.05) reduction in testis weight compared with controls (1.55 +/- 0.04 to 1.1 +/- 0.02 g). Except for the liver, epididymis, and adrenals of TS rats and TS rats allowed to recover for 7 days, no significant (P less than or equal to 0.05) change was observed in the weight of other body and accessory sex organs. A histological examination of the testes and epididymides of model animals revealed disorganized seminiferous tubules and accumulation of large multinucleated cells and spermatids in the lumen of the epididymis. A significant (P less than or equal to 0.05) increase in serum luteinizing hormone (53.1 +/- 6.7 to 66.2 +/- 10.1 ng/ml) and follicle-stimulating hormone (257 +/- 25 to 305 +/- 38 ng/ml) was observed in TS nonligated rats, whereas serum prolactin and testosterone levels were observed to decline from 8.3 +/- 1.3 to 5.1 +/- 0.29 and 7.1 +/- 1.3 to 3.8 +/- 0.25 ng/ml, respectively. Decreases in testis protein content and testosterone levels of the testis, interstitial fluid, and epididymis were also observed in model animals. These data demonstrate that the suspension procedure used in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration TS model results in the testis and epididymis translocating into the abdominal cavity, causing cellular degeneration and organ dysfunction.

Output and retrieval interference in the missing-number task.

Three experiments are reported that represent a reexamination of the missing-number method (Buschke, 1963b) of estimating short-term memory span. The missing-number task involved presenting a random sequence of all but one of the numbers of a known reference set and asking subjects to identify the missing number. Experiment 1 introduced a modified missing-number task that included two missing items and two choices made by the subject. With a large decline in performance for the second choice relative to the first, it is possible that only the second choice was subject to output or retrieval interference. An alternative explanation is that subjects output the number with the weakest memory representation as their first response. By postcuing subjects to report their two choices in a forward or backward sequence, Experiment 2 provided evidence against the importance of output interference and support either for the importance of retrieval interference or for the "weakest-first" hypothesis. However, with a paradigm that replaced only correctly identified missing numbers, a prediction that subjects would select the number with the weakest memory representation as their first response was not confirmed in Experiment 3. Instead, retrieval interference was implicated to explain the first-choice superiority found in Experiments 1 and 3. The results were interpreted in terms of the TODAM model of Murdock (1982, 1987, in press).

Evaluation of reproductive function of female rats exposed to radiofrequency fields (27.12 MHz) near a shortwave diathermy device.

In recent years, there has been increased concern regarding effects of operator exposure to the electromagnetic (EM) field associated with shortwave diathermy devices. The present study was designed to investigate the effects, on rats, of repeated exposure to such an EM field. Following repeated exposure for 5 wk, a reduction in fertility occurred as indicated by a reduced number of matings in exposed rats compared to sham-irradiated rats and a reduction in the number of rats that conceived after mating. The data suggest that female operators could experience reduced fertility, if they remained close to the console for prolonged periods. This has particular significant for the physiotherapy profession.