Comparison between infrared and hot-blade beak trimming methods in white and brown pullets: performance, organ and bone development / [Comparativo entre debicagem infravermelha e por lâmina-quente em linhagens de frangas leves e semi-pesadas: desempenho, desenvolvimento ósseo e de órgãos]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate infrared beak trimming versus hot-blade beak trimming on performance, organ and bone development of laying pullets, using 240 birds, at 0-16 weeks of age, from two strains (white layer - Hy-Line W36 and brown layer - Hy-Line Brown). Infrared debeaking was performed on the first day of life in the hatchery, whereas hot-blade beak trimming was performed at eight days of age. Zootechnical performance at 6, 9, 12 and 15 weeks of age was analyzed. At the end of the trial, one Bird per experimental unit was euthanized for liver, gizzard, proventriculus, heart and small intestine relative weight evaluation. Both tibiotarsus were collected to measure bone breaking resistance, bone mineral content and bone densitometry. There was higher body weight and feed intake in both bird strains submitted to infrared beak trimming. Additionally, hot-blade white layers presented lower body development and feed intake. The debeaking methods did not influence relative organ weights or tibiotarsus parameters evaluated. We conclude that the infrared beak trimming method promotes better pullet body development than the conventional hot-blade method, improving feed intake, without compromising organ and bone development, being a more adequate debeaking method to be used in layer production.(AU)

Para avaliar a debicagem infravermelha versus a debicagem pelo método da lâmina quente no desempenho, no desenvolvimento de órgãos e na qualidade óssea de poedeiras em recria, foram utilizadas 240 aves, entre zero e 16 semanas de idade, em duas linhagens (branca - Hy-Line W36 e vermelha - Hy-Line Brown). A debicagem por infravermelho foi realizada no primeiro dia de vida no incubatório, enquanto a debicagem com lâmina quente foi realizada aos oito dias de idade. Analisou-se o desempenho zootécnico na sexta, nona, 12ª e 15ª semanas de idade. No final do estudo, uma ave por unidade experimental foi eutanasiada para avaliação do peso relativo do fígado, da moela, do proventrículo, do coração e do intestino delgado, e ossos do tibiotarso foram coletados para avaliação da resistência à ruptura, do conteúdo mineral e da densitometria óssea. Houve maior peso corporal e consumo alimentar nas aves pertencentes às duas linhagens quando submetidas à debicagem por infravermelho, sem haver influência sobre o peso relativo dos órgãos e a qualidade óssea. Conclui-se que o método de debicagem por radiação infravermelha promove melhor desenvolvimento corporal das frangas em relação à debicagem por lâmina quente, melhorando consumo de ração, sem comprometer o desenvolvimento de órgãos e ossos, sendo mais adequada para utilização na avicultura de postura comercial.(AU)

Account for high flow rate-low detrusor pressure voids in female: Contribution of VBN model.

INTRODUCTION: Nomograms using the VBN model of women micturition allowed evaluating detrusor contractility (k) and urethral obstruction (U) from pressure-flow (PFs) recordings. While the model worked for most of the patients, an intriguing result, negative U value was observed for patients with high flow-low detrusor pressure (Qp voids). To explain that condition, our hypothesis was a weak urethral resistance to dilatation or increased expansibility (URD). METHODS: The area offered to the fluid at each point of the urethra (its dilatation) is a function of the time depending difference between inside and outside pressures. In the VBN model, this function is sigmoid-like, the same for all women. For Qp voids, Qrecorded was more higher than it would be with the recorded pressure (VBN analysis). So, modeling allowed computing abnormally increased urethral wall expansibility (URD) whose consequence would be an increased flow. RESULTS: Among 222 non-neurologic women referred for investigation of various lower urinary tract symptoms, 27 (mean age 66.3±11.4 y) had Qp void: Qmax=27±6mL/s; pdet.Qmax =7.5±4.7cm H2O. Mean URD value was .36±.67. Introduction of URD in a modeled analysis of urodynamic traces led to a good fitting between recorded and computed traces for the 27 Qp. CONCLUSION: Mathematical modeling of micturition allows proposing an explanation of the unexpected observations of Qp voids. They would be due to abnormal urethral wall elasticity. Despite major challenges measurement of this elasticity would be the next step. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Comparison of indices allowing an evaluation of detrusor contractility in women.

AIMS: To compare 3 detrusor contractility indices, projected isovolumetric pressure (PIP-BCI), PIP1, and k from the VBN mathematical model, for women referred for evaluation of various lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in relationship to age, presenting complaint and urodynamic diagnosis. METHODS: Urodynamic tracings of non-neurologic women were analyzed. Three indices of detrusor contractility were measured from the pressure-flow study. Exclusion criteria were voided volume<100mL, stage>2 prolapse, interrupted flow, abdominal straining. Age sub-groups were pre-, peri- and post-menopause. Urodynamic diagnosis included incontinence findings and detrusor activity during voiding. RESULTS: Main complaint was incontinence (354 women); 95 women (Other) had non-incontinence LUTS. PIP-BCI, PIP1 and k decreased significantly with ageing in each sub-group. PIP-BCI was significantly different between MUI and Other (P=.0259) while PIP1 was significantly higher in UUI vs. Other (P=.0161) and k in UUI vs. SUI (P=.0107), MUI (P=.0010) and Other (P=.0224). Low value of PIP-BCI for bladder outlet obstruction vs. detrusor overactivity while PIP1 and k values were high and similar for these two diagnoses and a high value of PIP-BCI for detrusor overactivity with impaired contractility close to the value for bladder outlet obstruction while PIP1 and k were low. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of detrusor contractility in women is easily obtained using indices PIP-BCI and PIP1 or using the VBN nomogram giving indice-parameter k. PIP1 and parameter k produced comparable and consistent results with the urodynamic diagnosis while PIP-BCI leads to inconsistencies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Is bladder voiding efficiency useful to evaluate voiding function in women older than 65 years?

AIMS: The aims of the study were to evaluate the reproducibility of bladder voiding efficiency (BVE) between free flow (FF) and intubated flow(IF) in old women, and to search for a relationship of this index with complaint and urodynamic diagnosis. METHODS: Urodynamic tracings of non-neurologic women referred for investigation of various lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were analyzed. Urodynamic study included one FF followed by one cystometry and IF. Post void residual volume (PVR) was measured using a Bladder-scan. Exclusion criteria were voided volume<100ml and prolapse of grade>2. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety women met the study criteria. The mean age was 74±6 years [65-96years]. The main complaint was urinary incontinence: stress (26), urge (53) and mixed (56). Forty-four women had various complaints without incontinence. Overall BVE IF (77.6±25.8) was significantly lower than BVE FF (90.4±15.3) (P<.0001). Age sub-groups stratification led similar results. BVE IF was significantly lower than BVE FF in women with incontinence whatever the cause. Urodynamic diagnosis was posed according to the ICS/IUGA recommendations and 2 sub-groups defined according with involvement of detrusor. BVE IF was significantly lower than BVE FF for detrusor dysfunction, except for detrusor overactivity. CONCLUSION: In this large cohort of old non-neurologic women studied urodynamically for a variety of LUTS, BVE is higher when evaluated from a FF whatever age and for complaint of urinary incontinence. In addition, a low BVE value from an IF may suggest a detrusor dysfunction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Trapped Particle Effects in the Parametric Instability of Near-Acoustic Plasma Waves.

Quantitative experiments on the parametric decay instability of near-acoustic plasma waves provide strong evidence that trapped particles reduce the instability threshold below fluid models. At low temperatures, the broad characteristics of the parametric instability are determined by the frequency detuning of the pump and daughter wave, and the wave-wave coupling strength, surprisingly consistent with cold fluid, three-wave theories. However, at higher temperatures, trapped particle effects dominate, and the pump wave becomes unstable at half the threshold pump wave amplitude with similar exponential growth rates as for a cold plasma.

Exact hybrid Vlasov equilibria for sheared plasmas with in-plane and out-of-plane magnetic field.

The hybrid Vlasov-Maxwell system of equations is suitable to describe a magnetized plasma at scales on the order of or larger than proton kinetic scales. An exact stationary solution is presented by revisiting previous results with a uniform-density shear flow, directed either parallel or perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field, and by adapting the solution to the hybrid Vlasov-Maxwell model. A quantitative characterization of the equilibrium distribution function is provided by studying both analytically and numerically the temperature anisotropy and gyrotropy and the heat flux. In both cases, in the shear region, the velocity distribution significantly departs from local thermodynamical equilibrium. A comparison between the time behavior of the usual "fluidlike" equilibrium shifted Maxwellian and the exact stationary solutions is carried out by means of numerical simulations of the hybrid Vlasov-Maxwell equations. These hybrid equilibria can be employed as unperturbed states for numerous problems which involve sheared flows, such as the wave propagation in an inhomogeneous background and the onset of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability.

Do urodynamics provide a better understanding of voiding disorders in women over 80?

AIMS: Population ageing has as consequence an increasing number of women older than 80 years with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Despite old age, urodynamic study is often performed to diagnose the cause of LUTS. Our purpose is to discuss the contribution of urodynamics to manage that population. METHODS: Urodynamic studies of 169 consecutive women older than 80 years, respectively 124 non-neurological (non-N) and 45 neurological (N), were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: Number of co-morbidities was lower in non-N (2.5 vs. 3.1) with predominance of cardiovascular and endocrinology while musculo-skeletal, cognitive and previous pelvic surgery predominated in N. Among main complaint, incomplete retention or dysuria was more frequent in N while incontinence and frequency were predominant in non-N. More frequent urodynamic diagnosis (UD) was "normal" i.e. non contributive (25.0%) and intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD=21.7%) in non-N, detrusor overactivity (DO=42.2%) and detrusor underactivity (DU=38.8%) in N. In non-N, there were 94 treatment proposals based on the complaint when UD was "normal" and on UD for DO, DU and ISD. In N, treatment proposals were mainly prompted voiding or self-catheterization based on DU diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Usefulness of urodynamics to manage LUT dysfunction in women older than 80 y is greatly dependent on their neurological status. In non-neurological women this is non debatable but proposed treatment needs to take into account existing co-morbidities. In neurological women the main usefulness is to unmask DU and to propose the best management in order to avoid complete retention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Magnetospheric Multiscale Observation of Plasma Velocity-Space Cascade: Hermite Representation and Theory.

Plasma turbulence is investigated using unprecedented high-resolution ion velocity distribution measurements by the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission (MMS) in the Earth's magnetosheath. This novel observation of a highly structured particle distribution suggests a cascadelike process in velocity space. Complex velocity space structure is investigated using a three-dimensional Hermite transform, revealing, for the first time in observational data, a power-law distribution of moments. In analogy to hydrodynamics, a Kolmogorov approach leads directly to a range of predictions for this phase-space transport. The scaling theory is found to be in agreement with observations. The combined use of state-of-the-art MMS data sets, novel implementation of a Hermite transform method, and scaling theory of the velocity cascade opens new pathways to the understanding of plasma turbulence and the crucial velocity space features that lead to dissipation in plasmas.

Turbulence generation during the head-on collision of Alfvénic wave packets.

The description of the Moffatt and Parker problem recently revisited by O. Pezzi et al. [Astrophys. J. 834, 166 (2017)1538-435710.3847/1538-4357/834/2/166] is here extended by analyzing the features of the turbulence produced by the interaction of two colliding Alfvénic wave packets in a kinetic plasma. Although the approach based on the presence of linear modes features is still helpful in characterizing some low-energy fluctuations, other signatures, which go beyond the pure linear modes analysis, are recovered, such as the significant weakening of clear dispersion relations and the production of zero frequency fluctuations.

Usefulness of an algebraic fitting of nomograms allowing evaluation detrusor contractility in women.

AIMS: Nomograms based on Valentini-Besson-Nelson (VBN) model implying only 3 measurements (filling bladder volume, maximum flow-rate [Qmax] and detrusor pressure at Qmax) were recently developed to evaluate detrusor contractility (k) and urethral obstruction (U) in women. As their algebraic fitting leads to fast evaluations (Excel® software), our aims were applications to populations of non-neurologic women without and with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). METHODS: The software was applied to measurements obtained during pressure flow studies. Hidden hypothesis of nomograms were no significant contribution of abdominal pressure between onset of flow and Qmax and standard nervous excitations until Qmax. Studied populations were 202 women without symptom suggestive of obstruction and 125 women with proven anatomical urethral obstruction who underwent urodynamic study. RESULTS: For non-obstructed women, a good agreement was found between the values of k and U obtained using nomograms or a complete VBN analysis of the recorded curves. Whatever the obstructive status, there was a good correlation between the value of k and U. Evolution with ageing was similar with higher values of k and U in the BOO group. Curves k(age) and U(age) gave coefficients allowing an age adjustment. The high k value in the detrusor overactive (DO) group was consistent with a similar effect to that of BOO on the detrusor. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of detrusor contractility (k) and urethral obstruction (U) can be obtained from the point of Qmax during pressure-flow study. Evolution with ageing is similar with (higher values) or without BOO. DO also induces an increased detrusor contractility. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Detrusor contractility in women: Influence of ageing and clinical conditions.

AIMS: We assume that the voiding process in women is governed by the detrusor contractility and a "urethral resistance". The value of these 2 parameters, respectively named k and U in the VBN (Valentini-Besson-Nelson) mathematical model of micturition is deduced from the VBN analysis of pressure-flow recordings (PFs). Our objectives were to search for a correlation between these 2 parameters and clinically relevant variables such as chief complaint, urodynamic diagnosis (UD), and age by decades. METHODS: PFs from 125 non-neurogenic women (mean age 58.0±17.2years [range 20-90years]) were retrospectively analyzed using the VBN model. VBN criteria for inclusion were maximum flow rate>2mL/s, voided volume>100mL, and non-interrupted flow. Evaluated parameters were k (without unit) and U (unit: cm H2O). Standard values were k=1.0 and U=0. RESULTS: VBN parameter ranges were k [0.14-1.55] and U [0.0-73.0cm H2O]. There was a significant correlation between k and U for the whole population (P<0.0001) with k=(.259+0.015*U) (R(2)=0.723) and each chief complaint. For UD, significant difference comparing k and U in phasic detrusor overactivity with intrinsic sphincter deficiency and urodynamic stress incontinence was noted. In sub-groups defined according to decades of age, the values of k and U remained similar in sub-groups for those who are less than 50years old and decreased regularly with ageing. CONCLUSION: The detrusor contractility can be easily evaluated in women; lower than in men, its range is less spread out but also adjusted to compensate a "urethral resistance". Phasic detrusor overactivity and post-menopausal age significantly affect detrusor force value. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Usefulness of ice water test to unmask detrusor overactivity.

PURPOSE: Ice Water Test (IWT) is not frequently used today. IWT triggers a non-inhibited involuntary detrusor contraction (NIDC) when the bladder is being filled with cold saline solution. NIDC is unmasked via a segmental reflex loop different from the physiological micturition reflex. Our purpose was to search for usefulness of IWT to expose detrusor overactivity (DO). METHODS: One hundred and seventy-nine IWT performed in patients with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) and conventional cystometry (CC) non-contributive to diagnosis were retrospectively analyzed. An increase of detrusor pressure of 15cm H2O allowed defining positive IWT (with leakage) or intermediate (without leakage). RESULTS: The population comprised of 131 women (58.2±17.3 years) and 48 men (56.1±15.3 years). Main complaints were mixed or urge incontinence (76/179). Hundred and twenty-four patients had a history of neurological disease. From CC, detrusor behavior was founded uncategorized for 106, normal for 53 patients and underactive for 20. These results did not contribute to diagnose a DO. IWT was positive for 22 patients and intermediate for 20. DO was unmasked by IWT for 42 patients (23.4%) of whom 34 had neurological disease. The positive predictive value was 80.9%, the negative predictive value was 34.3%. CONCLUSION: In patients with OAB syndrome, IWT is contributory to unmask DO when CC is not contributive. Our study underlines the interest to perform IWT when urodynamic diagnosis is unclear.

Highly selective detection of Epinephrine at oxidized Single-Wall Carbon Nanohorns modified Screen Printed Electrodes (SPEs).

Oxidized Single-Wall Carbon Nanohorns (o-SWCNHs) were used, for the first time, to assemble chemically modified Screen Printed Electrodes (SPEs) selective towards the electrochemical detection of Epinephrine (Ep), in the presence of Serotonine-5-HT (S-5HT), Dopamine (DA), Nor-Epineprhine (Nor-Ep), Ascorbic Acid (AA), Acetaminophen (Ac) and Uric Acid (UA). The Ep neurotransmitter was detected by using Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV), in a wide linear range of concentration (2-2500 µM) with high sensitivity (55.77 A M(-1) cm(-2)), very good reproducibility (RSD% ranging from 2 to 10 for different SPEs), short response time for each measurement (only 2s) and low detection of limit (LOD=0.1 µM). o-SWCNHs resulted in higher analytical performances when compared with other nanomaterials used in literature for electrochemical sensors assembly.

Vascular injuries in supracondylar humeral fracture: an active approach to diagnosis and treatment.

AIM: The strategy with vascular complications of supracondylar humeral fractures (SHF) is under scrutiny since modern diagnostic techniques, particularly ultrasound investigations, provide earlier and more precise assessment and updated vascular surgical procedures, particularly microvascular ones, obtain excellent results. The purpose of this study was to look prospectively at what could be achieved by early systematic diagnostic investigations and, when appropriate, immediate arterial exploration and repair. METHODS: Sixty-three pediatric patients with SHF were admitted and treated in our Service between January 2007 and February 2014. Besides clinical examination, they were all investigated by color-coded Duplex scanning (CCDS) and ultrasound velocimetry (UV) of the hand. Eighteen patients were pulseless at first observation. Seven of them presented without signs of ischemia and regained their pulse post-reduction; only dislodgement and compression of the brachial artery (BA) was found in those children. In 11 patients, with pink hand in 7 and severe ischemia (white pulseless hand) in 4, lesions of the BA were detected. All were operated upon by various forms of arterial repair. CCDS and UV were used also intraoperatively and during follow-up (1 m-13 y). RESULTS: All patients had favorable early and long-term results: 8 came back to normal conditions, 2 had persistent paresthesia and weakness of the hand and 1 remained with partial disability of forearm and hand. All BA remained patent. CCDS correctly detected all the lesions preoperatively and showed the patency of the arteries after repair. CONCLUSION: Early assessment, use of ultrasound investigations and BA prompt repair seem to be the most logical and fruitful strategy at present time.

Post-occupational health surveillance of asbestos workers.

BACKGROUND: Italian law requires an extensive health surveillance of workers after cessation of their employment status in the case of occupational exposure to carcinogens, including asbestos. Nonetheless, Italian law does not specify the timeframe of these clinical checks, nor who has financial and organizational responsibility for this surveillance. A literature search confirmed a lack of consensus around the objectives and methods to follow up workers with past occupational exposure to asbestos. OBJECTIVES: To develop an updated evidence-based methodology for an appropriate health surveillance programme. METHODS: We present an overview of the field experience developed by the Veneto Region from 2000 to 2011, and new studies that could contribute to establishing a national policy for the medical surveillance of workers with past asbestos exposure. RESULTS: There were three specific topics: (1) definition of a reliable method to identify asbestos workers (through multiple sources and procedures that meet current confidentiality regulations); (2) detection of asbestos fibres in biological media (to support the etiological diagnosis of asbestos-related diseases); (3) creation of a national protocol of health surveillance (through the assessment of policies developed by other Regions in this field, and recruiting from these regions a cohort of past-exposed workers: the epidemiological study should offer relevant suggestions for specific surveillance approaches, based on either estimated cumulative asbestos exposure or detection of x-ray patterns of pleural plaques and/or asbestosis). CONCLUSIONS: These studies will support the Regions in setting up health care policies directed at workers with past asbestos exposure.

Graphene oxide nanoribbons (GNO), reduced graphene nanoribbons (GNR), and multi-layers of oxidized graphene functionalized with ionic liquids (GO-IL) for assembly of miniaturized electrochemical devices.

In this critical review, new nanomaterials based on graphene (GN) are described, especially those used for the assembly of miniaturized electrochemical transducers. In particular, the physicochemical properties and mechanical features of few layers of graphene (FLGs) are described, as is their use for assembly of chemically modified sensors, biosensors, and immunosensors. The FLGs described here were functionalized by chemical treatment in solution, resulting in oxidized and/or reduced surfaces, edges, and sides. The presence of oxygenated functionality strongly affects the electrocatalysis and the electron-transfer properties of several molecular targets, not only in the solid phase (e.g. in field-effect transistors, FETs) but also in liquid matrices (chemically modified electrodes and biosensors). In addition, "green chemistry" reagents, for example ionic liquids (ILs) can be used for exfoliation and intercalation of graphene planes, to obtain stable and homogeneous nanodispersions. The assembled sensors, biosensors, and immunosensors are extremely useful for electrochemical detection of several electro-active targets of importance in food analysis, environmental monitoring, and clinical diagnosis. A detailed description of each analytical application has been given in this critical review and brief remarks on the emerging disciplines of nanomedicine and nanofoods are also discussed.

Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes/polypyrrole-GOx composite films to modify gold microelectrodes for glucose biosensors: Study of the extended linearity.

A glucose biosensor was assembled using gold microelectrodes (diameter of 250 µm) coated by Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs), via the Electrophoresis Deposition Process (EPD). This nanostructured platform was successfully used to deposit the poly(pyrrole)/glucose oxidase film (PPy/GOx). The most important result of this biosensors was the wide linear range of concentration, ranging from 4 to100 mM (covering the hypo- and hyper-glycemia range, useful in diabetes). This extended linearity offered the possibility to measure glucose from 0.560 to 12.0 mM, with a detection limit of 50 µM (useful for hypo-glycemia disease).

Hormone and genetic study in male to female transsexual patients.

BACKGROUND: Data of the literature demonstrated controversial results of a correlation between transsexualism and genetic mutations. AIM: To evaluate the hormone and gene profile of male-female (M-F) transsexual. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty M-F transsexuals aged 24-39. Seventeen had already undergone sex reassignment surgery, 13 were awaiting. All subjects had been undergoing estrogen and antiandrogen therapy. We studied hormones of the hypothalamus- pituitary-testicular axis, thyroid and adrenal profile, GH basal and after GHRH stimulation, IGF-I. The gene study analyzed SRY, AR, DAX1, SOX9, AZF region of the Y chromosome. RESULTS: Pre-surgery subjects had elevated PRL, reduced testosterone and gonadotropins. Post-surgery subjects showed reduced androgens, a marked increase in LH and FSH and normal PRL. Cortisol and ACTH were similar to reference values in pre- and post-surgery patients. There was a marked increase in the baseline and post-stimulation GH values in 6 of the 13 pre-surgery patients, peaking at T15. IGF-I was similar to reference values in both groups except for one post-surgery patient, whose level was below the normal range. There were no polymorphisms in the amplified gene region for SOX9, and a single nucleotide synonimous polymorphism for DAX1. No statistically significant differences were seen in the mean of CAG repeats between controls and transsexual subjects. SRY gene was present in all subjects. Qualitative analysis of the AZFa, AZFb, and AZFc regions did not reveal any microdeletions in any subject. CONCLUSIONS: This gender disorder does not seem to be associated with any molecular mutations of some of the main genes involved in sexual differentiation.