Gastrostomy Tube Feeding in Extremely Low Birthweight Infants: Frequency, Associated Comorbidities, and Long-term Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of gastrostomy tube (GT) placement in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants, associated comorbidities, and long-term outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Analysis of ELBW infants from 25 centers enrolled in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network's Generic Database and Follow-up Registry from 2006 to 2012. Frequency of GT placement before 18-22 months, demographic and medical factors associated with GT placement, and associated long-term outcomes at 18-22 months of corrected age were described. Associations between GT placement and neonatal morbidities and long-term outcomes were assessed with logistic regression after adjustment for center and common co-variables. RESULTS: Of the 4549 ELBW infants included in these analyses, 333 (7.3%) underwent GT placement; 76% had the GT placed postdischarge. Of infants with GTs, 11% had birth weights small for gestational age, 77% had bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and 29% severe intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia. At follow-up, 56% of infants with a GT had weight <10th percentile, 61% had neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI), and 55% had chronic breathing problems. After adjustment, small for gestational age, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage/periventricular leukomalacia, poor growth, and NDI were associated with GT placement. Thirty-two percent of infants with GTs placed were taking full oral feeds at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: GT placement is common in ELBW infants, particularly among those with severe neonatal morbidities. GT placement in this population was associated with poor growth, NDI, and chronic respiratory and feeding problems at follow-up. The frequency of GT placement postneonatal discharge indicates the need for close nutritional follow-up of ELBW infants. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00063063.

Livestock abundance predicts vampire bat demography, immune profiles and bacterial infection risk.

Human activities create novel food resources that can alter wildlife-pathogen interactions. If resources amplify or dampen, pathogen transmission probably depends on both host ecology and pathogen biology, but studies that measure responses to provisioning across both scales are rare. We tested these relationships with a 4-year study of 369 common vampire bats across 10 sites in Peru and Belize that differ in the abundance of livestock, an important anthropogenic food source. We quantified innate and adaptive immunity from bats and assessed infection with two common bacteria. We predicted that abundant livestock could reduce starvation and foraging effort, allowing for greater investments in immunity. Bats from high-livestock sites had higher microbicidal activity and proportions of neutrophils but lower immunoglobulin G and proportions of lymphocytes, suggesting more investment in innate relative to adaptive immunity and either greater chronic stress or pathogen exposure. This relationship was most pronounced in reproductive bats, which were also more common in high-livestock sites, suggesting feedbacks between demographic correlates of provisioning and immunity. Infection with both Bartonella and haemoplasmas were correlated with similar immune profiles, and both pathogens tended to be less prevalent in high-livestock sites, although effects were weaker for haemoplasmas. These differing responses to provisioning might therefore reflect distinct transmission processes. Predicting how provisioning alters host-pathogen interactions requires considering how both within-host processes and transmission modes respond to resource shifts.This article is part of the theme issue 'Anthropogenic resource subsidies and host-parasite dynamics in wildlife'.

Responses of migratory species and their pathogens to supplemental feeding.

Migratory animals undergo seasonal and often spectacular movements and perform crucial ecosystem services. In response to anthropogenic changes, including food subsidies, some migratory animals are now migrating shorter distances or halting migration altogether and forming resident populations. Recent studies suggest that shifts in migratory behaviour can alter the risk of infection for wildlife. Although migration is commonly assumed to enhance pathogen spread, for many species, migration has the opposite effect of lowering infection risk, if animals escape from habitats where pathogen stages have accumulated or if strenuous journeys cull infected hosts. Here, we summarize responses of migratory species to supplemental feeding and review modelling and empirical work that provides support for mechanisms through which resource-induced changes in migration can alter pathogen transmission. In particular, we focus on the well-studied example of monarch butterflies and their protozoan parasites in North America. We also identify areas for future research, including combining new technologies for tracking animal movements with pathogen surveillance and exploring potential evolutionary responses of hosts and pathogens to changing movement patterns. Given that many migratory animals harbour pathogens of conservation concern and zoonotic potential, studies that document ongoing shifts in migratory behaviour and infection risk are vitally needed.This article is part of the theme issue 'Anthropogenic resource subsidies and host-parasite dynamics in wildlife'.

Desarrollo de dos fórmulas infantiles como alternativa económica y saludable para seguridad alimentaria y nutricional de la población lactante / Development of two infant formulas as an economic and healthy alternative for help to food security and nutritional security to the infant population

Introducción: Cuando la lactancia materna no es posible, se recurre a otros alimentos que brinden los nutrientes necesarios a los bebés, como las fórmulas infantiles, con características nutricionales que cumplan con la reglamentación actual y permitan un adecuado crecimiento al lactante. Objetivo: Diseñar dos fórmulas líquidas para lactantes que aporten los requerimientos diarios de macronutrientes y algunos micronutrientes (ácido fólico, zinc, calcio y hierro), con leche de vaca, higienizada por pasteurización, de bajo costo para que sea más asequible para la población lactante vulnerable a la vez que contribuye con su crecimiento. Materiales y métodos: Estudio exploratorio desarrollado en dos fases, formulación y elaboración de los productos y verificación de su eficacia en el crecimiento de lactantes. Resultados: Los productos cumplen con los requisitos de fabricación exigidos, de bajo costo y son capaces de sustentar un crecimiento normal, según clasificación de OMS. Conclusión: Las fórmulas desarrolladas tienen un adecuado aporte de macro y micronutrientes con características sensoriales y microbiológicas bajo los criterios exigidos por la reglamentación internacional y nacional, de bajo costos, permitiendo un adecuado crecimiento al lactante.

Introduction: When breastfeeding is not feasible, other sources to provide the required nutrients to babies are sought, such as infant formulas that comply with current regulation and with the baby's growth requirements. Objective: To design two liquid infant formulas that provide daily macronutrients and some micronutrients (folic acid, zinc, calcium, and iron) requirements, based on low-cost pasteurized cow milk in order to be more affordable for vulnerable babies and to contribute with their growth. Materials and Methods: Exploratory study developed in two phases: Formulation and preparation of the infant formula and verification of its efficacy in terms of babies' growth. Results: The infant formulas comply with all manufacturing requirements, are inexpensive, and appropriate to sustain normal growth, according to WHO. Conclusion: The two infant formulas developed have adequate macronutrient and micronutrient contribution with sensorial and microbiological characteristics that comply with local and foreign regulations, are inexpensive, and appropriate to sustain babies' normal growth.

Successes and challenges to implementing an early childhood supplemental feeding program in rural Honduras: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a major cause of childhood illness, stunted growth and death worldwide. A supplemental nutrition program for young children was implemented in Guachipilincito, Honduras. This study explores early successes and challenges to implementing this program. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative, semi-structured, key informant interview study in 2012. Two researchers analyzed interview transcripts using the immersion/crystallization method of qualitative analysis. RESULTS: The program evolved from addressing macronutrient deficiency in 2010, to targeting micronutrient deficiency. Successes include: consistent food distribution, positive community feedback and establishment of a Honduran community oversight committee. Challenges include: tracking growth data, sharing of food among family members, and long-term sustainability. Next steps include: obtaining stable funding, utilizing local food suppliers, and increasing crop diversity. Participants identified cultural and economic factors contributing to challenges with these steps. CONCLUSION: While the feeding program is having successes, it still faces many challenges. Additional interviews with Honduran-based staff, community leaders and program recipients may identify the best ways to address these challenges.

Feed intake and digestibility of fibrous fractions of coconut cake by sheep - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v33i2.10406 / Ingestão de alimentos e digestibilidade aparente das frações fibrosas da torta de coco para ovinos - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v33i2.10406

This trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of coconut cake (Cocos nucifera L.) on feed intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. We used 16 non-castrated sheep with mean body weight of 28 kg (± 3.2 kg), distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments (0, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2% BW of inclusion of coconut pie) and four replications. There was a trial period of 21 days with 14 days of adaptation and 7 days of data collection, which monitored the supply of diet and total fecal collection. The apparent digestibility of dry matter and acid detergent fiber effects were linear and increasing with the inclusion of coconut cake in the diet (44.9 to 57 and from 30.57 to 40.32%) to levels of 1.2% inclusion, respectively. Neutral detergent fiber showed a quadratic response, with the best level of 0.89% and maximum digestibility of NDF of 59.39%. Coconut cake is an excellent source of supplemental feed, and can contribute in meeting the nutritional demands for meat and milk production in the eastern Amazon.

Foi avaliado o efeito da inclusão de níveis crescentes de torta de coco (Cocos nucifera L.) sobre a ingestão de alimentos e a digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca, da fibra em detergente neutro e da fibra em detergente ácido. Foram utilizados 16 ovinos não-castrados, com peso corporal médio de 28 kg (± 3,2 kg), distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, sendo quatro tratamentos (0; 0,4; 0,8 e 1,2% PV de inclusão de torta de coco) e quatro repetições. Houve um período experimental de 21 dias com 14 dias de adaptação e sete dias de coleta de dados, em que se monitorou o fornecimento da dieta e a coleta total de fezes. A digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca e da fibra em detergente ácido apresentou efeitos lineares e crescentes com a inclusão da torta de coco na dieta (44,9 a 57 e 30,57 a 40,32%) para os níveis de 1,2% de inclusão, respectivamente. A fibra em detergente neutro apresentou comportamento quadrático, e o melhor nível de inclusão ocorreu com 0,89% e digestibilidade máxima da FDN de 59,39%. A torta de coco é uma excelente fonte de suplementação alimentar e pode contribuir no atendimento das demandas nutricionais para produção de carne e leite na Amazônia Oriental.

Feed intake and digestibility of fibrous fractions of coconut cake by sheep - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v33i2.10406 / Ingestão de alimentos e digestibilidade aparente das frações fibrosas da torta de coco para ovinos - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v33i2.10406

This trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of coconut cake (Cocos nucifera L.) on feed intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. We used 16 non-castrated sheep with mean body weight of 28 kg (± 3.2 kg), distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments (0, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2% BW of inclusion of coconut pie) and four replications. There was a trial period of 21 days with 14 days of adaptation and 7 days of data collection, which monitored the supply of diet and total fecal collection. The apparent digestibility of dry matter and acid detergent fiber effects were linear and increasing with the inclusion of coconut cake in the diet (44.9 to 57 and from 30.57 to 40.32%) to levels of 1.2% inclusion, respectively. Neutral detergent fiber showed a quadratic response, with the best level of 0.89% and maximum digestibility of NDF of 59.39%. Coconut cake is an excellent source of supplemental feed, and can contribute in meeting the nutritional demands for meat and milk production in the eastern Amazon.

Foi avaliado o efeito da inclusão de níveis crescentes de torta de coco (Cocos nucifera L.) sobre a ingestão de alimentos e a digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca, da fibra em detergente neutro e da fibra em detergente ácido. Foram utilizados 16 ovinos não-castrados, com peso corporal médio de 28 kg (± 3,2 kg), distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, sendo quatro tratamentos (0; 0,4; 0,8 e 1,2% PV de inclusão de torta de coco) e quatro repetições. Houve um período experimental de 21 dias com 14 dias de adaptação e sete dias de coleta de dados, em que se monitorou o fornecimento da dieta e a coleta total de fezes. A digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca e da fibra em detergente ácido apresentou efeitos lineares e crescentes com a inclusão da torta de coco na dieta (44,9 a 57 e 30,57 a 40,32%) para os níveis de 1,2% de inclusão, respectivamente. A fibra em detergente neutro apresentou comportamento quadrático, e o melhor nível de inclusão ocorreu com 0,89% e digestibilidade máxima da FDN de 59,39%. A torta de coco é uma excelente fonte de suplementação alimentar e pode contribuir no atendimento das demandas nutricionais para produção de carne e leite na Amazônia Oriental.

Ingestão de alimentos e digestibilidade aparente das frações fibrosas da torta de coco para ovinos / Feed intake and digestibility of fibrous fractions of coconut cake by sheep

Foi avaliado o efeito da inclusão de níveis crescentes de torta de coco (Cocos nucifera L.) sobre a ingestão de alimentos e a digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca, da fibra em detergente neutro e da fibra em detergente ácido. Foram utilizados 16 ovinos não-castrados, com peso corporal médio de 28 kg (± 3,2 kg), distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, sendo quatro tratamentos (0; 0,4; 0,8 e 1,2% PV de inclusão de torta de coco) e quatro repetições. Houve um período experimental de 21 dias com 14 dias de adaptação e sete dias de coleta de dados, em que se monitorou o fornecimento da dieta e a coleta total de fezes. A digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca e da fibra em detergente ácido apresentou efeitos lineares e crescentes com a inclusão da torta de coco na dieta (44,9 a 57 e 30,57 a 40,32%) para os níveis de 1,2% de inclusão, respectivamente. A fibra em detergente neutro apresentou comportamento quadrático, e o melhor nível de inclusão ocorreu com 0,89% e digestibilidade máxima da FDN de 59,39%. A torta de coco é uma excelente fonte de suplementação alimentar e pode contribuir no atendimento das demandas nutricionais para produção de carne e leite na Amazônia Oriental.

This trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of coconut cake (Cocos nucifera L.) on feed intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. We used 16 non-castrated sheep with mean body weight of 28 kg (± 3.2 kg), distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments (0, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2% BW of inclusion of coconut pie) and four replications. There was a trial period of 21 days with 14 days of adaptation and 7 days of data collection, which monitored the supply of diet and total fecal collection. The apparent digestibility of dry matter and acid detergent fiber effects were linear and increasing with the inclusion of coconut cake in the diet (44.9 to 57 and from 30.57 to 40.32%) to levels of 1.2% inclusion, respectively. Neutral detergent fiber showed a quadratic response, with the best level of 0.89% and maximum digestibility of NDF of 59.39%. Coconut cake is an excellent source of supplemental feed, and can contribute in meeting the nutritional demands for meat and milk production in the eastern Amazon.

Feed intake and digestibility of fibrous fractions of coconut cake by sheep - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v33i2.10406 / Ingestão de alimentos e digestibilidade aparente das frações fibrosas da torta de coco para ovinos - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v33i2.10406

This trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of coconut cake (Cocos nucifera L.) on feed intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. We used 16 non-castrated sheep with mean body weight of 28 kg (± 3.2 kg), distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments (0, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2% BW of inclusion of coconut pie) and four replications. There was a trial period of 21 days with 14 days of adaptation and 7 days of data collection, which monitored the supply of diet and total fecal collection. The apparent digestibility of dry matter and acid detergent fiber effects were linear and increasing with the inclusion of coconut cake in the diet (44.9 to 57 and from 30.57 to 40.32%) to levels of 1.2% inclusion, respectively. Neutral detergent fiber showed a quadratic response, with the best level of 0.89% and maximum digestibility of NDF of 59.39%. Coconut cake is an excellent source of supplemental feed, and can contribute in meeting the nutritional demands for meat and milk production in the eastern Amazon.

Foi avaliado o efeito da inclusão de níveis crescentes de torta de coco (Cocos nucifera L.) sobre a ingestão de alimentos e a digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca, da fibra em detergente neutro e da fibra em detergente ácido. Foram utilizados 16 ovinos não-castrados, com peso corporal médio de 28 kg (± 3,2 kg), distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, sendo quatro tratamentos (0; 0,4; 0,8 e 1,2% PV de inclusão de torta de coco) e quatro repetições. Houve um período experimental de 21 dias com 14 dias de adaptação e sete dias de coleta de dados, em que se monitorou o fornecimento da dieta e a coleta total de fezes. A digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca e da fibra em detergente ácido apresentou efeitos lineares e crescentes com a inclusão da torta de coco na dieta (44,9 a 57 e 30,57 a 40,32%) para os níveis de 1,2% de inclusão, respectivamente. A fibra em detergente neutro apresentou comportamento quadrático, e o melhor nível de inclusão ocorreu com 0,89% e digestibilidade máxima da FDN de 59,39%. A torta de coco é uma excelente fonte de suplementação alimentar e pode contribuir no atendimento das demandas nutricionais para produção de carne e leite na Amazônia Oriental.

Intake and apparent digestibility of fibrous fractions of forage sorghum silage (Sorghum bicolor [L.] moench) in sheep - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v30i3.5716 / Consumo e digestibilidade aparente das frações fibrosas de silagem de sorgo (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) por ovinos - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v30i3.5716

This research aimed to evaluate the effect of four concentrate levels (0%, 15%, 30% and 45%), in replacement of forage sorghum silage, on voluntary intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). The experimental design was completely randomized, with four treatments and four repetitions. The data was analyzed using SAS software. The following results were obtained with 0, 15, 30 and 45% of concentrate, respectively: Observed DM intake levels (g day-1 and % of live weight) were 591.79 and 2.6, 709.60 and 3.0, 781.56 and 3.3, and 798.03 and 3.36. For organic matter (OM), the intake levels were 553.60, 664.47, 735.86, and 755.10 g day-1. NDF intake levels (g day-1) were 413.20, 377.62, 365.30, and 345.40; for ADF, they were 242.38, 220.05, 204.91, and 190.18 g day-1. The study recorded DM digestibility coefficients of 8.32, 61.96, 68.12, and 69.77%; and OM digestibility coefficients of 50.03, 62.22, 69.12, and 70.50%. NDF digestibility coefficients were 56.68, 46.94, 39.53, and 30.94; and ADF digestibility coefficients were 47.02, 42.62, 34.84, and 31.14%. Tannin levels were 1.08, 0.96, 0.75, and 0.65%. The use of 30-45% concentrate in forage sorghum silage provides greater availability of dry matter in the forage and an increase in the nutritional value of the diet, promoting a rise in animal productivity.

O trabalho visou avaliar o efeito de quatro níveis (0, 15, 30 e 45%) de concentrado, em substituição à silagem de sorgo, no consumo voluntário e digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca (MS), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos e quatro repetições, analisados pelo SAS. Observaram-se consumos de MS (g dia-1 e % peso vivo) de 591,79 e 2,6; 709,60 e 3,0; 781,56 e 3,3; 798,03 e 3,36; de MO de 553,60; 664,47; 735,86 e 755,10 g dia-1. Os consumos de FDN, em g dia-1, foram de 413,20; 377,62; 365,30 e 345,40; de FDA de 242,38; 220,05; 204,91 e 190,18. Observaram-se CDMS de 48,32; 61,96; 68,12 e 69,77% e CDMO de 50,03; 62,22; 69,12 e 70,50%; CDFDN de 56,68; 46,94; 39,53 e 31,94; CDFDA de 47,02; 42,62; 34,84 e 31,14%; níveis de tanino condensado de 1,08; 0,96; 0,75 e 0,65%; em 0, 15, 30 e 45%, respectivamente. A utilização de 30-45% de concentrado na silagem de sorgo proporciona maior disponibilidade de matéria seca na forragem e elevação do valor nutritivo da ração, capaz de promover aumento da produtividade animal.

Intake and apparent digestibility of fibrous fractions of forage sorghum silage (Sorghum bicolor [L.] moench) in sheep - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v30i3.5716 / Consumo e digestibilidade aparente das frações fibrosas de silagem de sorgo (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) por ovinos - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v30i3.5716

This research aimed to evaluate the effect of four concentrate levels (0%, 15%, 30% and 45%), in replacement of forage sorghum silage, on voluntary intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). The experimental design was completely randomized, with four treatments and four repetitions. The data was analyzed using SAS software. The following results were obtained with 0, 15, 30 and 45% of concentrate, respectively: Observed DM intake levels (g day-1 and % of live weight) were 591.79 and 2.6, 709.60 and 3.0, 781.56 and 3.3, and 798.03 and 3.36. For organic matter (OM), the intake levels were 553.60, 664.47, 735.86, and 755.10 g day-1. NDF intake levels (g day-1) were 413.20, 377.62, 365.30, and 345.40; for ADF, they were 242.38, 220.05, 204.91, and 190.18 g day-1. The study recorded DM digestibility coefficients of 8.32, 61.96, 68.12, and 69.77%; and OM digestibility coefficients of 50.03, 62.22, 69.12, and 70.50%. NDF digestibility coefficients were 56.68, 46.94, 39.53, and 30.94; and ADF digestibility coefficients were 47.02, 42.62, 34.84, and 31.14%. Tannin levels were 1.08, 0.96, 0.75, and 0.65%. The use of 30-45% concentrate in forage sorghum silage provides greater availability of dry matter in the forage and an increase in the nutritional value of the diet, promoting a rise in animal productivity.

O trabalho visou avaliar o efeito de quatro níveis (0, 15, 30 e 45%) de concentrado, em substituição à silagem de sorgo, no consumo voluntário e digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca (MS), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos e quatro repetições, analisados pelo SAS. Observaram-se consumos de MS (g dia-1 e % peso vivo) de 591,79 e 2,6; 709,60 e 3,0; 781,56 e 3,3; 798,03 e 3,36; de MO de 553,60; 664,47; 735,86 e 755,10 g dia-1. Os consumos de FDN, em g dia-1, foram de 413,20; 377,62; 365,30 e 345,40; de FDA de 242,38; 220,05; 204,91 e 190,18. Observaram-se CDMS de 48,32; 61,96; 68,12 e 69,77% e CDMO de 50,03; 62,22; 69,12 e 70,50%; CDFDN de 56,68; 46,94; 39,53 e 31,94; CDFDA de 47,02; 42,62; 34,84 e 31,14%; níveis de tanino condensado de 1,08; 0,96; 0,75 e 0,65%; em 0, 15, 30 e 45%, respectivamente. A utilização de 30-45% de concentrado na silagem de sorgo proporciona maior disponibilidade de matéria seca na forragem e elevação do valor nutritivo da ração, capaz de promover aumento da produtividade animal.