Influence of free fatty acid content and degree of fat saturation on production performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal morphology of laying hens.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary free fatty acid (FFA) content and degree of fat saturation on production performance, lipid and calcium digestibility, and intestinal function of laying hens. For a 15-week period, a total of 144 laying hens (19 weeks old) were randomly assigned to 8 dietary treatments, which were obtained by gradually replacing crude soybean oil with soybean acid oil (AO), or crude palm oil with palm fatty acid distillate (FAD). Thus, there were 4 soybean and 4 palm diets with 6% added fat varying in their FFA percentage (10%, 20%, 30%, and 45%), following a 2 × 4 factorial design. Each treatment included 6 replicates with 3 birds per replicate. Average daily feed intake and final body weight were significantly higher in palm diets (P < 0.001), while no differences were found in egg mass and feed conversion ratio. Higher levels of FFA in soybean diets resulted in lower egg production and higher egg weight (linear, P < 0.01). Regarding the degree of fat saturation, hens fed soybean diets presented higher digestibility of ether extract (EE), fatty acids, and calcium than palm diets (P < 0.001). The dietary FFA percentage negatively affected the digestibility of EE and calcium (P < 0.01), while having little effect on FA digestibility. There was a significant interaction in the AME; lower values were reported in soybean diets as the dietary FFA percentage increased (linear, P < 0.01), whereas palm diets remained unaffected. The experimental diets had little effect on gastrointestinal weight and length. However, the jejunum of soybean diets showed higher villus height and higher villus height-to-crypt depth ratio than palm diets (P < 0.05), and the dietary FFA percentage increased the crypt depth and decreased the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (linear, P < 0.05). It was concluded that varying dietary FFA content did not affect fat utilization as much as the degree of saturation did, supporting the use of AO and FAD as alternative fat ingredients.

Can urine studies be replaced by serum free light chains measurements to assign responses in multiple myeloma patients?

Serum and urine protein electrophoresis and immunofixation are the preferred techniques for monitoring monoclonal proteins and evaluating treatment response in multiple myeloma (MM) patients with measurable disease. However, urine studies are subjected to limitations that may lead to inaccuracies or prevent guidelines compliance. We retrospectively studied if the substitution of urine studies by measuring serum free light chains (sFLCs) results in a comparable disease monitoring, both in intact immunoglobulin (II) and light chain (LC) MM patients. In our cohort, equal or higher percentages of disease were identified by sFLCs at baseline and maximum response as compared to urine studies. Achieving very good partial response or better (≥VGPR) according to the response criteria proposed by the French group (evaluating sFLCs instead of urine) and the IMWG response criteria were associated to a 62% and 63% reduced risk of progression, respectively. A similar prognostic value for reaching ≥VGPR was also observed among LCMM patients when the French group and the IMWG response criteria were applied. Overall, these results support the replacement of urine studies by the sFLCs assay in IIMM. In LCMM, sFLCs could be used for monitoring and urine studies could be performed only to confirm complete remissions and progressions.

Degree of Saturation and Free Fatty Acid Content of Fats Determine Dietary Preferences in Laying Hens.

Behavioural and genetic evidence shows that the taste system is intimately related to the sensing of nutrients with consequences for poultry nutrition practices. A better understanding of how chickens may sense fat could provide the background for selecting feedstuffs used in poultry feeds. Acid oils have the potential to be economical and sustainable feedstuffs. These fat by-products from the edible oil refining industry possess a similar fatty acid composition to the crude oils but are richer in free fatty acids (FFA). An experiment was conducted to study the effect of FFA content and the unsaturated:saturated ratio (U:S) on dietary preferences in hens. Four fat sources were added to a basal diet at an inclusion rate of 6%, determining the experimental diets: soybean oil (SO; high U:S, 5% FFA); soybean acid oil (SA; high U:S, 50% FFA); palm oil (PO; low U:S, 5% FFA); and palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD; low U:S, 50% FFA). The experimental diets were offered in a series of double-choice tests to forty-eight Lohmann Brown laying hens housed individually in cages. Each hen was offered the ten potential binary combinations of the four diets including each diet compared to itself (referred to as four control double-choices). Feed intake was measured for two hours twice a day after one hour of fasting. Consumption was analysed as a standard preference index (% of test diet intake in comparison with the total intake). Preference values were compared to the random choice value of 50% using the Student's t-test. None of the four control comparisons differ significantly from 50% (p > 0.05), indicating that the changes in preference values observed in the other binary comparisons were related to the dietary changes associated to fat ingredients. Hens showed a feed preference for palm oil added diets over soybean oil diets (p < 0.05), with PO and PFAD being equally preferred (p < 0.05). However, in this trial the hens demonstrated a preference for SO (low %FFA) when offered in choice with SA (high %FFA) (p < 0.05). These results suggest that the degree of saturation plays an important role in dietary fat preferences: hens prefer predominantly saturated oils even when these are rich in FFA. Furthermore, when presented with a choice between predominantly unsaturated oils, hens prefer feed with a low %FFA. In conclusion, %FFA and the U:S ratio affected feed preferences in hens. The use of oils with greater preference values may give rise to greater feed palatability, enhancing feed intake at critical stages.

Síndrome de Burnout y justicia organizacional en profesionales de enfermería de hospitales de tercer nivel en la ciudad de Medellín / Burnout Syndrome and organizational justice in hospital nursing professionals third level in the city of Medellín

OBJETIVO: analizar la relación entre la percepción de justicia organizacional y el síndrome de Burnout en profesionales de enfermería de la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia. Material y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal, con 53 enfermeras de tres instituciones privadas de salud de la ciudad de Medellín, en el que se midieron variables demográficas, laborales, presencia del síndrome de Burnout y percepción de justicia organizacional. RESULTADOS: La mayoría de los profesionales son de sexo femenino, con un promedio de edad de 34,26 ± 7,6 años. La prevalencia del síndrome de Burnout es de 67,9%. La dimensión de justicia organizacional más alta fue la interaccional y la más baja la procedimental. Se observó correlación significativa entre el agotamiento emocional, el logro personal y las dimensiones de justicia. No se observó correlación significativa entre la despersonalización y la justicia organizacional. CONCLUSIÓN: Más del 67% de los profesionales de enfermería presentan niveles moderados/altos de Burnout. La presencia de Burnout se correlaciono con la percepción de justicia organizacional

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the relationship between the perception of organizational justice and the Burnout syndrome in nursing professionals from the city of Medellín, Colombia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out, with 53 nurses from three private health institutions in the city of Medellin, in which demographic, labor variables, presence of Burnout syndrome and perception of organizational justice were measured. RESULTS: Most of the professionals are female, with an average age of 34,26 ± 7,6 years. The prevalence of Burnout syndrome is 67,9%. The highest organizational justice dimension was interactional and the lowest was procedural. A significant correlation was observed between emotional exhaustion, personal achievement, and dimensions of justice. No significant correlation was observed between depersonalization and organizational justice. CONCLUSION: More than 67% of nursing professionals have moderate / high levels of Burnout. The presence of Burnout was correlated with the perception of organizational justice

Trifluoromethyloxadiazoles: inhibitors of histone deacetylases for control of Asian soybean rust.

BACKGROUND: Trifluoromethyloxadiazoles (TFMOs) are selective inhibitors of class II histone deacetylases (HDACs). To date, class II HDACs have not been addressed as target enzymes by commercial fungicides. RESULTS: Antifungal testing of a broad variety of TFMOs against several important plant pathogens showed activity against only rusts, and especially Phakopsora pachyrhizi, the cause of Asian soybean rust. A structure-activity relationship was established, leading to highly active fungicides that inhibit fungal class II and HOS3-type HDACs of Aspergillus nidulans. Studies of the enzyme-inhibitor binding mode using protein structural information based on the crystal structure of human HDAC4 argue that TFMOs inhibit these enzymes only after undergoing hydration. CONCLUSION: Fungal class II HDACs are potential target enzymes for the control of at least some biotrophic crop diseases, in particular Asian soybean rust. As with any novel mode-of-action, class II HDAC fungicides would offer the potential to control fungal isolates that show reduced sensitivity toward existing commercial fungicides.

Educar para la vida y la muerte a los estudiantes de Enfermería: "del miedo al amor" / Educar estudantes de Enfermagem para a vida e a morte: "do medo ao amor" / Educate Nursing students for life and death: "from fear to love"

Resumen: Esta investigación surge de la observación fenomenológica como enfermera asistencial cuidando a pacientes al final de la vida y como docente de enfermería en la asignatura "Afrontamiento de la muerte: intervención interdisciplinar". Existen grandes carencias sobre formación en los cuidados al final de la vida, la muerte y el duelo. Para cubrir esta necesidad de formación de los alumno/as realizo una propuesta de intervención docente en la asignatura "Afrontamiento de la muerte: intervención interdisciplinar", cuyo objetivo es evaluar el impacto que la propuesta educativa de la asignatura tiene sobre los estudiantes de Enfermería. Metodología: Esta investigación está enmarcada en el paradigma interpretativo o hermenéutico, de enfoque cualitativo. Desde una mirada fenomenológica, se plantea un estudio descriptivo y como instrumento de investigación se tomarán los diarios reflexivos de los alumnos/as, matriculados en la asignatura que eligieron la opción de asistencia a clase. Resultados: El número de diarios fueron 36, pero se seleccionaron de forma aleatoria 14. El análisis cualitativo ha permitido estructurar el discurso del alumnado en 5 categorías de análisis: Motivo de elección de la asignatura; Crecimiento personal; Logros en el proceso de aprendizaje; Aplicación profesional de las técnicas desarrolladas en la asignatura; Valoración de la asignatura por parte del alumno. Conclusiones: La intervención educativa de la asignatura, ha tenido un alto impacto en los alumnos/as, en dos dimensiones importantes para sus vidas. Por un lado, aumentando sus competencias académicas como futuros profesionales, y por otro adquiriendo habilidades y actitudes positivas sobre la muerte, para vivir y amar la vida

Resumo: Esta pesquisa decorre da observação fenomenológica como enfermeira assistencial que cuida de pacientes no final da vida e professora de enfermagem na disciplina "Enfrentando a morte: intervenção interdisciplinar". Existem grandes deficiências no treinamento de cuidados no final da vida, morte e sofrimento. Para suprir essa necessidade de formação dos alunos, faço uma proposta de intervenção docente na disciplina "Lidando com a morte: intervenção interdisciplinar", cujo objetivo é avaliar o impacto que a proposta educacional da disciplina tem sobre os estudantes de enfermagem. Metodologia: Esta pesquisa está enquadrada no paradigma interpretativo ou hermenêutico, com abordagem qualitativa. Do ponto de vista fenomenológico, propõe-se um estudo descritivo e, como instrumento de pesquisa, serão realizados os diários reflexivos dos alunos, matriculados na disciplina que escolheram a opção de presença nas aulas. Resultados: o número de jornais foi 36, mas foram selecionados aleatoriamente 14. A análise qualitativa permitiu estruturar o discurso do aluno em 5 categorias de análise: Motivo da escolha do assunto; Crescimento pessoal; Realizações no processo de aprendizagem; Aplicação profissional das técnicas desenvolvidas no assunto; Avaliação do assunto pelo aluno. Conclusões: A intervenção educativa do sujeito teve um alto impacto sobre os alunos, em duas dimensões importantes para sua vida. Por um lado, aumentando suas habilidades acadêmicas como futuros profissionais e, por outro, adquirindo habilidades e atitudes positivas em relação à morte, para viver e amar a vida.

Abstract: This research is based on phenomenological observation both as a nurse caring for patients at the end of life and as a nursing teacher of the subject "Coping with death: an interdisciplinary intervention". The considerable deficiencies in training nurses for care at the end of life, death and grief led me to propose a teaching intervention "Coping with death: an interdisciplinary intervention", the general aim of which was to evaluate the impact of this subject on nursing students. Methodology: this research is framed by the interpretive or hermeneutical paradigm, with a qualitative approach. From a phenomenological point of view, a descriptive study was proposed, and the reflective journals written by students enrolled on the course were used as the research tool. Results: of the 36 journals gathered at the end of the course, 14 were selected randomly. Qualitative analysis enabled the students' discourse to be structured in 5 categories for analysis: reason for choosing the subject; personal development; what I have achieved in the learning process; how to apply the techniques learnt on the course to my professional activity; the students' assessment of the subject. Conclusions: The impact of the educational intervention was high, according to the students, who acknowledged the positive effect on two important dimensions of their lives. On the one hand, it enhanced their academic skills as future nursing professionals, and, they acquired skills and positive attitudes towards coping with death, and how to live and love life

Validez factorial del Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey en ocho países Latinoamericanos / Factorial Validity of the Maslach-Burnout Inventory-General Survey in eight countries of Latin America

Objetivo: hoy es claro que el síndrome de quemarse por el trabajo no está necesariamente restringido a los profesionales de los servicios humanos y el uso del MBI-HSS sería inadecuado para aquellos trabajadores cuya función laboral esencial no está en el servicio a otras personas. Lo que llevó a la creación de un instrumento especial para trabajadores que no están en servicios humanos: el MBI-GS. En Latinoamérica son numerosos los estudios con MBI-HSS, pero el uso del MBI-GS aún no se ha extendido; es de esperarse que a corto plazo lo haga y por ello es relevante contar con estudios de validación instrumental en esta región. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal, descriptivo, con una muestra aleatoria no representativa de la Población Económicamente Activa en 8 países latinoamericanos. Participaron 2470 trabajadores no asistenciales, pertenecientes al sector de la economía formal, con al menos un año de antigüedad laboral. Resultados: Los factores extraídos no coincidieron con el modelo trifactorial de la escala, los ítems de agotamiento emocional y cinismo se agrupan en el primer factor, excepto el ítem 8, que pertenece a cinismo y aparece en el tercer factor, pero con la menor carga factorial (0,362); en el factor 2 se agrupan correctamente los ítems de eficacia profesional. El análisis factorial exploratorio mostró que el instrumento explica el 53,85% de la varianza total con un alpha de cronbach de 0,75. Conclusiones: se recomienda hacer mayores análisis en la línea de autores que aseguran que el síndrome de burnout se compone tan sólo de dos dimensiones; y utilizar el instrumento como tres escalas de manera independiente y no usar el puntaje total MBI.

Objective: Nowadays it is clear that the syndrome of being burned at work is not necessarily restricted to professionals in the human services and the use of the MBI-HSS would be inappropriate for those workers whose essential job function is not in service to others persons. This is what led to the creation and use of the MBI-GS. In Latin America, there are numerous studies with MBI-HSS, although the use of the MBI-GS has not yet being spread, it is expected that in the short term it will do so, and it is therefore relevant to count with studies of instrumental validation in this domain. Material and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive study, with a random sample unrepresentative of the Economically Active Population in 8 Latin American countries. 2470 workers with no one human service participated; they belonged to the sector of the formal economy, with at least one year of seniority. Results: The extracted factors do not coincided with the threefactor model of the scale, the items of emotional exhaustion and cynicism are grouped in the first factor, except the item 8, which belongs to cynicism and it appears in the third factor but with the lower factor load (0,362); in factor 2 the professional efficacy items are grouped correctly. The analysis of the exploratory factor showed that the instrument explains the 53,85% of the total variance with a Cronbach's Alpha of 0,75. Conclusions: It is recommended to do further analysis in the line of authors that ensure that the burnout syndrome consists only of two dimensions; and use the instrument as three scales in an independent way and do not use the total score MBI.

Valores de referencia del antígeno prostático específico (PSA) en trabajadores sanos menores de 50 años / Reference values for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in healthy workers under 50 years of age

En el presente trabajo se determinan los valores de referencia del antígeno prostático específico (PSA) en una muestrade 3.138 trabajadores menores de 50 años participantes en un programa de cribado del cáncer de próstata llevado a cabopor la Sociedad de Prevención de Ibermutumaur en Cataluña y Comunidad Valenciana. Las determinaciones del PSA fueronrealizadas utilizando el Ensayo de Abbott. El valor medio del PSA en toda la muestra fue de 0,77 ng/ml (SD 0,83), conun percentil 95 igual a 1,70 ng/ml. Conociendo el límite superior de la normalidad para el PSA en los diferentes grupos deedades de la población estudiada, se hacen recomendaciones respecto al valor de corte y la frecuencia a utilizar en los seguimientosde esta actividad preventiva y en las revisiones por urología(AU)

We determined reference values for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in a sample of 3138 workers under 50 years of age whoparticipated in a prostate cancer screening program conducted by Ibermutuamur Health Surveillance Society in Cataloniaand Valencia, Spain. PSA determinations were performed using the Abbott Test. The mean±SD PSA for all participantswas 0.77 ± 0.83 ng/ml, with a 95th percentile value equal to 1.70 ng/ml. Knowing the upper limit of normal PSA in differentage groups in this population could be useful for recommendations regarding cut-off values and the frequency of thesetypes of preventive screening examinations(AU)

Characterization of a human Bid homologue protein from Gallus gallus.

Bid protein, a member of the "BH3-only" subgroup of Bcl-2 family, plays a critical role in mammalian apoptosis regulation. In this study, we have cloned the chicken Bid gene, which encodes a 193 amino acid protein and shares 40% homology with human and mouse Bid proteins. Bid sequence comparison emphasises the conservation of both the functional domain BH3 and the proteolytic cleavage sites. An induction of apoptosis by chicken Bid and the cleavage of the protein, after TNFalpha treatment, were also demonstrated. In addition, mRNA Bid expression was detected along all embryo stages and tissues examined, suggesting a role for this protein in the developmental process. This is the first report demonstrating the functionality of a "BH3-only" protein in chicken.

Proteomic analysis of the Gallus gallus embryo at stage-29 of development.

The chicken (Gallus gallus) is one of the primary models for embryological and developmental studies. In order to begin to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the normal and abnormal development of the chicken, we used 2-DE to construct a whole-embryo proteome map. Proteins were separated by IEF on IPG strips, and by 11% SDS-PAGE) gels. Protein identification was performed by means of PMF with MALDI-TOF-MS. In all, 105 protein spots were identified, 35 of them implicated in embryo development, 10 related with some diseases, and 16, finally, being proteins that have never been identified, purified or characterized in the chicken before. This map will be updated continuously and will serve as a reference database for investigators, studying changes at the protein level under different physiological conditions.

Comparación en el rendimiento de cánulas arteriales mantenidas con fluidos heparinizados y no heparinizados: estudio prospectivo / Comparison of the yield of arterial cannulas maintained with heparinized and nonheparinized fluids: a prospective study

Objetivo. Detectar la incidencia de obstrucción o disfunción del catéter arterial usado para la monitorización arterial y extracción de muestras sanguíneas y valorar si la aparición de estos problemas pudiera estar relacionada con su mantenimiento con fluidos salinos heparinizados, comparados con fluidos salinos sin heparina. Método. Se estudiaron 251 cánulas arteriales, de las cuales 77 se trataron con salino heparinizado y 174 con salino. Se revisó y registró la permeabilidad de las cánulas y la calidad de las gráficas de presión arterial diariamente. Resultados. En el 30,3% se utilizó fluido heparinizado; en el 69,7%, salino 0,9% sin heparina. La media (DE) de permanencia de las cánulas arteriales fue de 4,82 (3,87) días (rango 1-28). De ellas, 235 (94,4%) mantuvieron la permeabilidad hasta el final y 14 (5,6%) se obstruyeron. Comparados los grupos mediante c2, no encontramos diferencia significativa en cuanto al número de vías fallidas ya sea por obstrucción o por deterioro de la curva. Conclusiones. Las cánulas arteriales tienen el mismo rendimiento cuando se mantienen con heparina o con salino 0,9%. Por tanto, creemos adecuado el uso de salino sin heparina que, además, permite la extracción de muestras sanguíneas para pruebas de coagulación y disminuye los riesgos potenciales secundarios a la heparina

Objective. To detect the incidence of obstruction or malfunction of arterial catheters used for arterial monitoring and extraction of blood samples and to evaluate whether the occurrence of these problems could be related to catheter maintenance with heparinized saline fluids compared with saline fluids without heparin. Method. We studied 251 arterial catheters, of which 77 were maintained with heparinized saline and 174 with saline. The patency of the catheter and the quality of monitoring, reflux, and the status of insertion was checked and registered daily. Results. Heparinized fluid was used in 30.3% while 0.9% saline without heparin was used in 69.7%. The mean in-dwelling time of the arterial catheters was 4.82 (3.87) days, ranging between 1 and 28 days. Of these catheters, 235 (94.4%) remained patent until the end and 14 (5.6%) became obstructed. Comparison of the groups through the c2 test revealed no significant differences in the number of malfunctioning catheters, whether due to obstruction or deterioration of the curve. Conclusions. Arterial catheters have the same yield when they are maintained with heparinized saline or with 0.9% saline. Therefore, we believe that nonheparinized saline should be used. Moreover, nonheparinized saline allows extraction of blood samples for coagulation tests and reduces the potential risks of heparin use

Radiologic study of marginal bone loss around 108 dental implants and its relationship to smoking, implant location, and morphology.

PURPOSE: To investigate peri-implant bone resorption around 108 ITI dental implants 1 year after prosthetic loading using extraoral panoramic, conventional intraoral periapical, and digital radiologic techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 108 implants were placed (59 in the maxilla and 49 in the mandible) in 42 patients (16 men and 26 women) with a mean age of 44.2 years (range 14 to 68 years). Orthopantomographic, conventional periapical, and digital radiographs were obtained at loading and again 1 year later. Bone loss was calculated from the difference between the initial and final measurements. RESULTS: Mean loss in alveolar bone height was determined to be 1.36 mm by extraoral panoramic radiography, 0.76 mm by intraoral periapical radiography, and 0.95 mm by digital radiography. The implants located in the maxilla and those placed in patients who smoked 11 to 20 cigarettes per day were associated with significantly greater bone loss. DISCUSSION: The results in relation to peri-implant bone loss in the first year after loading were similar to those published by other authors. CONCLUSION: Conventional periapical films and digital radiographs were more accurate than orthopantomography in the assessment of peri-implant bone loss. Smoking and implant location in the maxilla were associated with increased peri-implant marginal bone resorption.

Developing chick embryos express a protein which shares homology with the nuclear pore complex protein Nup88 present in human tumors.

Nup88 is a nuclear pore complex protein which is overexpressed in a variety of human tumors of the stomach, colon, liver, pancreas, breast, lung, ovary, uterus, prostate and kidney. A monoclonal antibody crossreacting with the yeast Candida albicans and Nup88 was used to investigate the expression of cross-reactive antigens in chick embryos, in an attempt to identify an experimental model for studying the role played by Nup88 during cell development and differentiation. All cells in the trilaminar embryo were labeled with the antibody, but as development advanced and organogenesis was completed, expression of the corresponding antigen became more restricted. Thus, some structures continued to be intensely labeled (skin epithelium, oropharyngeal endothelium, perichondral mesenchymal tissue), whereas others ( muscular tissue, vascular endothelium, respiratory endothelium, digestive tract mucosa, peripheral nerves, medullary white matter and the retinal axons) were more moderately stained. No immunoreactivity was observed in the medullary grey matter or cartilage. A specific band of 53 kDa observed by Western blotting of chick embryo extracts suggested that the chicken antigen recognized by the monoclonal antibody is the homologue of human Nup88, which is associated with the high proliferation and low differentiation of tumor cells. The present results indicate that the role of Nup88 in cell differentiation and organ development could be fruitfully investigated using the developing chick embryo as an experimental model.