Protocol for a Binary Choice Feeding Assay Using Adult, Axenic Drosophila.

This protocol is designed to prepare adult axenic Drosophila before monitoring their behavior in a two-choice feeding assay, where flies are confronted with an axenic versus a dead or alive bacteria-contaminated feeding solution. Several aspects of the procedure, including raising and aging flies in axenic conditions, starving adult flies, and composing feeding solutions, are detailed. The bacterium used in this protocol, Erwinia carotovora carotovora-15 2141 (Ecc-15 2141 ), is commonly used to decipher the mechanisms controlling host-pathogen interactions in the Drosophila model. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Charroux et al. (2020).

A newly developed feeder and oxygen measurement system reveals the effects of aging and obesity on the metabolic rate of zebrafish.

Metabolic alterations are relevant for the aging process. Declining metabolic rate with age is a common future of many animals, but it is not well understood how it does so. Here, we used zebrafish as a model for understanding how metabolic changes occur during aging and the interaction between aging and obesity on the metabolic rate. The oxygen consumption rate (OCR) has been used as an index of metabolic processes; however, it is difficult to accurately evaluate OCR with movement being considered because zebrafish need to move freely during the OCR measurement. To measure metabolic rate with high accuracy and efficiency, we developed a method for simultaneously collecting data on sequential oxygen consumption and distance moved by zebrafish using optical dissolved-oxygen sensors and the EthoVision video-tracking system as well as an automatic feeding system for zebrafish whereby obese zebrafish were produced by short-term overfeeding treatment. Using these systems, we examined metabolic changes during aging and overfeeding. First, we used 1- to 22-month-old zebrafish to evaluate changes in metabolism during the aging process. Measurements of body mass and length showed that the growth of the body rarely continued beyond 6 months, at which point zebrafish reach adulthood. Spontaneous swimming activity peaked at approximately 6-10 months and declined thereafter. Metabolic rates at low movement dramatically dropped during the first 4 months and gradually decreased with age after 10 months. These data suggest that metabolic aging becomes evident at approximately 10-14 months and that the metabolic rate (low movement) is useful for the detection of age-related metabolic changes in zebrafish. Second, by short-term overfeeding treatment using the automatic feeding system, we found that overweight is a strong risk factor for the development of metabolic disorders in zebrafish, but there was no interaction between obesity and aging on the metabolic rate. Therefore, our data suggest that the aging-related decline in metabolic-rate may be mostly programmed rather than being affected by energy balance disorder.

A novel, high-welfare methodology for evaluating poultry red mite interventions in vivo.

Optimisation and use of a device for the on-hen in vivo feeding of all hematophagous stages of Dermanyssus gallinae is described. The sealed mesh device contains the mites and is applied to the skin of the hen's thigh where mites can feed on the bird through a mesh which has apertures large enough to allow the mites' mouth-parts to access to the bird but small enough to contain the mites. By optimising the depth and width of the mesh aperture size we have produced a device which will lead to both reduction and refinement in the use of animals in research, allowing the pre-screening of new vaccines and systemic acaricides/insecticides which have been developed for the control of these blood-feeding parasites before progressing to large field trials. For optimal use, the device should be constructed from 105 µm aperture width, 63 µm depth, polyester mesh and the mites (irrespective of life stage) should be conditioned with no access to food for 3 weeks at 4 °C for optimal feeding and post-feeding survival.

Feeding methods for infants with single ventricle physiology are associated with length of stay during stage 2 surgery hospitalization.

BACKGROUND: Tube feedings are often needed to achieve the growth and nutrition goals associated with decreased morbidity and mortality in patients with single ventricle anatomy. Variability in feeding method through the interstage period has been previously described, however, comparable information following stage 2 palliation is lacking. OBJECTIVES: To identify types of feeding methods following stage 2 palliation and their influence on length of stay. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of the National Pediatric Cardiology Quality Improvement Collaborative registry was performed on 932 patients. Demographic data, medical characteristics, postoperative complications, type of feeding method, and length of stay for stage 2 palliation were analyzed. RESULTS: Type of feeding method remained relatively unchanged during hospitalization for stage 2 palliation. Gastrostomy tube fed only patients were the oldest at time of surgery (182.7 ± 57.7 days, P < .001) and had the lowest weight-for-age z scores at admission (-1.6 ± 1.4, P < .001). Oral + gastrostomy tube groups had the longest median bypass times (172.5 minutes, P = .001) and longest length of stay (median 12 days, P < .001). Multivariable modeling revealed that feeding by tube only (P < .001), oral + tube feeding (P ≤ .001), reintubation (P < .001), and prolonged intubation (P < .001) were associated with increased length of stay. Neither age (P = .156) nor weight-for-age z score at admission (P = .066) was predictive of length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Feeding methods established at admission for stage 2 palliation are not likely to change by discharge. Length of stay is more likely to be impacted by tube feeding and intubation history than age or weight-for-age z score at admission. Better understanding for selection of feeding methods and their impact on patient outcomes is needed to develop evidence-based guidelines to decrease variability in clinical practice patterns and provide appropriate counseling to caregivers.

Performance on Paladai Feeding of Preterm Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feeding performance of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) on paladai. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed in a level III neonatal unit in North India from March through August 2012. Nineteen infants (27-32 wk of gestation) were enrolled; 9 in BPD group (oxygen requirement for at least 28 d) and 10 in 'No BPD' group. Paladai feeding (PF) sessions were video recorded for 3 d serially, at first successful (FSF) at postnatal age of ≥28 d and follow up feeding (FUF) at 40 ± 2 wk. Successful feeding was defined as ≥80% intake of volume prescribed. One hundred and four videos were analysed (58 in BPD group and 46 in 'No BPD' group). The outcome variables were: (1) postmenstrual age (PMA) at FSF (2) feeding performance, as assessed by proficiency (mL/min, volume of feed intake during only active feeding), efficiency (mL/min, volume of feed intake during total duration of feeding) and overall feed transfer (OT, % of prescribed feed volume taken), and (3) change in heart rate (∆HR) and oxygen saturation (∆SpO2) on PF. RESULTS: PMA (Weeks, 34.2 ± 2.0 vs. 33.6 ± 1.2, p = 0.13), performance on FSF [Median (range), Proficiency: ml/min, 4.2 (1.1, 21.7) vs. 3.4 (1.1, 12.4), efficiency: ml/min, 2.7 (0.4, 6.2) vs. 2.5 (0.9, 10.9)] and OT (%, mean ± SD: 84.9 ± 22.5 vs. 89.1 ± 9.6), and on FUF were comparable between the groups. Changes in SpO2 and HR were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Infants with BPD perform comparably well on PF. PF can safely be attempted in them to facilitate transition to oral feeding.

Short communication: Tick-borne disease is associated with changes in feeding behavior in automatically fed weaned dairy calves.

Tick-borne disease is a hemolytic disease complex that causes extensive losses to the dairy industry in tropical regions. Its timely diagnosis is challenging and labor intensive. Our objective was to investigate whether tick-borne disease was associated with changes in ingestive behavior of weaned dairy calves. Weaned calves (n = 35) enrolled at 108 ± 8 d of age were group housed (n = 12, 12, and 11/group) for 4 wk in the experimental pen, which had 12 electronic feed bins and 2 electronic water bins. Data were automatically collected at each feed or water bin visit via radio frequency identification ear tags. Water and total mixed ration were provided ad libitum. Calves were examined weekly for tick-borne disease detection. A disease bout was confirmed if packed cell volume was ≤25% at any exam. Diseased calves received antimicrobial and antipyretic treatment. Data were summarized by day within bin type (feed or water) as intake (kg/d; as-fed basis), frequency of visits (visits/d), and total duration of visits (min/d). Day of detection was set as d 0; a 9-d behavioral screening period for evaluation of behavioral changes was set according to d 0 (d -4 to +4). A within-calf mean was calculated for the healthy period (HP; mean of all days between 2 consecutive negative exams) for each response variable. Data were analyzed as within-calf differences between HP and each day of the behavioral screening period. Tick-borne disease was detected in 12 calves; thus, only data referent to these animals were included in the analyses. Compared with HP, daily feed intake was reduced on d -1, 0, and +1, and daily frequency and total duration of feed bin visits were reduced from d -3 to d +4. Daily feed intake was reduced by 35% on d -1 (3.5 ± 0.4 vs. 5.4 ± 0.5 kg/d for HP), and daily frequency and duration of visits were reduced by 27% (56.3 ± 7.8 vs. 76.7 ± 8.1 visits/d for HP) and 24% (27.0 ± 3.8 vs. 35.4 ± 3.9 min/d for HP) on d -3, respectively. Daily water intake on d 0 (9.1 ± 1.4 kg/d) was lower than at HP (12.9 ± 1.6 kg/d), but other drinking behaviors were not different from healthy means during the screening period. Feeding behavior, but not drinking behavior, was different from HP means before detection at weekly exams. Therefore, feeding behavior could be further explored for the development of algorithms for tick-borne disease detection.

Management of feeding decisions in hospitalised adults with severe oropharyngeal dysphagia.

OBJECTIVE: For patients with dysphagia, decisions must be made for provision of nutrition and hydration. This retrospective audit explored feeding decisions for patients with severe oropharyngeal dysphagia. METHODS: Fifty adult inpatients were identified across a 15-month period as requiring a feeding decision due to severe persisting oropharyngeal dysphagia. For each patient, all admissions (previous and subsequent admissions up to and including six months postrecruitment) where dysphagia or dysphagia-related complications were reported in the discharge summary were audited. RESULTS: A total of 103 admissions were identified with palliation in 22%. Enteral tube feeding (ETF) was initiated in 19% of admissions; and 63% of enteral tube placements failed. Nil-by-mouth with ETF was the final feeding decision in only 8% of admissions, while 43% of admissions led to documented oral feeding despite risk. Dysphagia was documented in only 44% of discharge summaries, with a feeding decision documented in only 34%. CONCLUSION: Variation in management and poor documentation in this cohort suggest the need for a Risk Feeding Clinical Guideline.

A Retrospective Study Identifying Breast Milk Feeding Disparities in Infants with Cleft Palate.

BACKGROUND: Breast milk represents the optimal substrate for all infants, including those with a cleft palate for whom growth may be compromised. OBJECTIVES: Frequency of breast milk feeding at the breast and per feeder (bottle, cup, enteral tube) in infants with cleft palate was determined and compared with rates reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A secondary aim was to review growth status of the infants. DESIGN: This study represents a 5-year retrospective review using the electronic medical record. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Patients were ≤12 months old at the time of the initial, presurgical encounter after a diagnosis of cleft palate had been made and were treated at one of two pediatric cleft palate and craniofacial centers in Ohio between September 30, 2010, and September 30, 2015. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes measured were breast milk use, reported by mothers and documented in patients' electronic medical records, chronological body weight, as well as weight for length and weight-for-age z scores and percentiles. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Descriptive statistics included median with interquartile range and frequency with percentages. World Health Organization z scores were estimated using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention programs for weight, weight for length, and weight for age at first visit. Comparisons of infants treated at the two hospitals were done using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test or the χ2 test. RESULTS: Breast milk consumption (26 infants were breastfed and 84 received human breast milk administered with a device) was 29.5%, markedly below the 2016 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention national statistics for ever receiving breast milk (81%). Anthropometric findings included z scores of -0.95 and -0.42 for weight for age and weight for length, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Infants with cleft palate were seldom breastfed, nor was breast milk frequently used. In addition, median weight-for-age and weight-for-length z scores suggest that growth of infants with cleft palate was below normative standards.

Manual Feeding Device Experiences of People With a Neurodisability.

OBJECTIVE: Neurological bilateral upper limb weakness can result in self-feeding difficulties and reliance on care providers. Mealtimes become time consuming and frustrating. In this exploratory inquiry, we examined the experiences of users of a feeding device. METHOD: Semistructured interviews were either conducted by telephone or administered via email to explore quality of life, changes to independence, benefits and limitations, and psychological impact of the equipment. RESULTS: Thematic analysis gave rise to five themes: independence and positivity, emotions, impact on family and social life, equipment functionality, and motivation. CONCLUSION: This exploratory inquiry has contributed new qualitative evidence to the knowledge and understanding of users' experiences of a manual feeding device. Users reported that the need for assistance was reduced and that their quality of life, independence, and freedom improved. Time and resources savings for the family, care providers, and staff appeared to result in a more equal relationship between user and care provider.

Effect of stall design on dairy calf transition to voluntary feeding on an automatic milk feeder after introduction to group housing.

Automatic milk feeders (AMF) for young dairy calves are widely used in the dairy industry. These feeders are thought to have benefits for calf health and welfare and may reduce labor required for feeding; however, little is known about how calves adapt to feeding with AMF. The objective of this study was to observe the effects of feeding stall design on calves learning to use the AMF. The hypothesis was that solid side stalls, compared with steel bar stalls, would result in a longer latency to approach and feed from the AMF without assistance. A total of 147 Holstein calves (80 male and 67 female) were enrolled at 4 d of age, introduced to a group pen, and, at the same time, trained on an AMF. For training, calves were allowed to suck on the trainer's fingers and guided to the teat. Calves were allocated to 1 of 2 stall designs at the pen level, depending on which treatment cohort they were born into, either with steel bar stall walls (n = 46 male, 34 female calves) or with solid side stall walls (n = 34 male, 33 female calves). For 72 h after introductory training on the AMF, data from the feeders were collected and calf behavior was monitored by video. Outcomes measured included latency to first voluntary visit to the feeder and to first feeding, time spent in the feeder, amount of milk consumed over 72 h, number of retraining sessions required (retrained if <2 L was consumed every 12 h), and exploratory behavior, such as sniffing and licking of the feeder. Data were analyzed using mixed effects linear regression models or a Poisson model for the outcome of retraining. For certain outcomes the effects of stall design interacted with difficulty of training (willingness to enter feeder and drink); for the 38% of calves that were scored as moderately difficult to train on a scale of easy, moderate, or difficult, treatment (stall design) differences were detected. These calves took 2× longer to lick or bite toward the nipple, 2× longer to first voluntarily feeding, and consumed less milk over 72 h following training when trained on the steel bar stall design. These results suggest simple features of a stall may influence how quickly calves learn to use an AMF, but that the influence of stall wall design was affected by how easy calves were to train on the feeder upon initial introduction, which may depend in part on certain aspects of calf temperament. For many calves, solid side stalls at an AMF resulted faster in adaption than the steel bar stalls.

The effect of tube versus bottle feeding colostrum on immunoglobulin G absorption, abomasal emptying, and plasma hormone concentrations in newborn calves.

The objective of this study was to determine if feeding colostrum to newborn calves through an esophageal tube, compared with a nipple bottle, would delay abomasal emptying, which would in turn decrease passive transfer of IgG and plasma glucose, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide (GLP) 1 and GLP-2 concentrations. Twenty newborn Holstein bull calves were fed 3 L of colostrum replacer (200 g of IgG) through either an esophageal tube or nipple bottle at 2 h after birth followed by feeding pooled whole milk every 12 h after birth. Acetaminophen was mixed into the colostrum meal as a marker for abomasal emptying. A jugular catheter was inserted 1 h after birth and blood was sampled frequently to analyze serum for IgG and acetaminophen and plasma for glucose, insulin, GLP-1, and GLP-2. Feeding method did not affect abomasal emptying, and as a result no treatment effect was present on serum IgG concentrations. Maximum concentration of serum IgG was 24.4 ± 0.40 mg/mL (± standard error), which was reached at 14.6 ± 1.88 h after the colostrum meal for both groups. Apparent efficiency of absorption at maximum concentration of IgG was 52.9%, indicating high efficiency of passive transfer of IgG for both treatments. Tube feeding increased glucose and insulin area under the curve before the first milk meal, most likely due to the decreased time to consume the colostrum meal. In addition, tube-fed calves consumed 0.5 ± 0.13 L more milk in their first milk meal than bottle-fed calves. No treatment effect on plasma concentrations of GLP-1 or GLP-2 was present, but both hormones increased after colostrum feeding. These findings confirm that there is no effect on absorption of IgG from colostrum when feeding good-quality colostrum at a volume of 3 L through either an esophageal tube or nipple bottle.

Evaluation of the confusion matrix method in the validation of an automated system for measuring feeding behaviour of cattle.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate empirically confusion matrices in device validation. We compared the confusion matrix method to linear regression and error indices in the validation of a device measuring feeding behaviour of dairy cattle. In addition, we studied how to extract additional information on classification errors with confusion probabilities. The data consisted of 12 h behaviour measurements from five dairy cows; feeding and other behaviour were detected simultaneously with a device and from video recordings. The resulting 216 000 pairs of classifications were used to construct confusion matrices and calculate performance measures. In addition, hourly durations of each behaviour were calculated and the accuracy of measurements was evaluated with linear regression and error indices. All three validation methods agreed when the behaviour was detected very accurately or inaccurately. Otherwise, in the intermediate cases, the confusion matrix method and error indices produced relatively concordant results, but the linear regression method often disagreed with them. Our study supports the use of confusion matrix analysis in validation since it is robust to any data distribution and type of relationship, it makes a stringent evaluation of validity, and it offers extra information on the type and sources of errors.

Associations between management practices and within-pen prevalence of calf diarrhea and respiratory disease on dairy farms using automated milk feeders.

Data on management practices used with automated milk feeders (AMF) are needed to identify factors associated with calf health in these systems. The objectives of this observational, longitudinal, cross-sectional study were to estimate the prevalence of calf diarrhea (CD) and bovine respiratory disease (BRD), and to identify factors associated with prevalence of these diseases at the pen level on dairy farms feeding milk to group-housed calves with AMF. Seventeen dairy farms with AMF in Ontario, Canada, were visited 4 times, seasonally, over 1 yr. The clinical health of all calves (n = 1,488) in pens (n = 35) with AMF was scored to identify the number of calves with CD and BRD. Data on calf, feeder, and pen management practices were analyzed using generalized linear mixed regression models for each disease. Overall calf-level prevalence of CD and BRD were 23 and 17%, respectively. Median (interquartile range, IQR) within-pen prevalence of CD and BRD were 17% (7 to 37%) and 11% (0 to 28%), respectively. Median age (IQR) for diarrheic calves was 25 d (16 to 42 d), and for calves with BRD was 43 d (29 to 60 d). Factors associated with lower within-pen prevalence of CD were the administration of vitamin E and selenium at birth [odds ratio (OR) = 0.56; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.32 to 0.99], feeding of probiotics (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.93), and adding fresh bedding every 2 to 3 d (OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.76) compared with every 7 or more days. In contrast, sharing air with older cattle (>9 mo old) was associated with increased within-pen prevalence of CD (OR = 4.54, 95% CI: 1.88 to 10.52). Additionally, total bacteria counts ≥100,000 cfu/mL in milk samples taken from the AMF mixing jar were associated with increased within-pen prevalence of CD during the summer visit (OR = 3.34; 95% CI: 1.31 to 8.54). Increased total solids in milk or milk replacer (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.85) and feeding whole milk versus milk replacer (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.75) were associated with lower within-pen prevalence of BRD. Factors associated with greater within-pen prevalence of BRD were sharing air with weaned cattle up to 8 mo old (OR = 3.21, 95% CI: 1.26 to 8.16), and greater depth of the wet bedding pack. The use of maternity pens for reasons other than just calving was associated with increased prevalence of both CD and BRD (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.03 to 3.33; OR = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.21 to 5.58, respectively). These results suggest that isolation from older animals and frequent cleaning of the feeder and pen may help to reduce disease prevalence in group-housed calves fed with an AMF.

Administration of Fortifier by Finger Feeder During Breastfeeding in Preterm Infants.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the acceptance, adherence, and feasibility of fortifier administration by finger feeder during breastfeeding and to determine weight, length, and head circumference gains after discharge for preterm infants. DESIGN: Observational pilot study. SETTING: A Level III NICU and its outpatient clinic in Vienna, Austria. PARTICIPANTS: Infants born at younger than 34 weeks gestation were included. METHODS: Mothers were screened in a tertiary NICU and trained by certified lactation consultants to administer fortifier with a finger feeder during breastfeeding. Data on finger feeder use at home were collected by self-reported feeding diaries and questionnaires. RESULTS: In total, data from 24 mother-infant dyads were analyzed. The acceptance rate was 67%. In 41.7%, more than 50% of meals were fortified. Mothers did not report problems in preparation, but 33% of the infants stopped latching on or drooled milk during finger feeder use. CONCLUSION: Use of a finger feeder to administer fortifier to preterm infants enabled mothers to exclusively breastfeed their infants and meet their nutritional needs. The development of further methods to augment preterm infant nutrition that do not interfere with breastfeeding is of great interest.

Factors associated with dairy calf health in automated feeding systems in the Upper Midwest United States.

Automated calf feeding systems are becoming more common on US dairy farms. The objective of this study was to evaluate calf health in these systems and to identify risk factors associated with adverse health outcomes on farms in the Upper Midwest United States. Over an 18-mo period on bimonthly farm visits to 38 farms, calves (n = 10,179) were scored for attitude, ear, eye, and nasal health, as well as evidence of diarrhea (hide dirtiness score of perianal region, underside of the tail, and tailhead). For all health score categories, a score of 0 represented an apparently healthy animal. Rectal temperatures were taken in calves scoring a ≥2 in any category, and those with a temperature >39.4°C were categorized as having a fever (n = 550). Associations were determined between farm-level variables and health scores to identify risk factors for higher (worse) scores. All health outcomes were associated with season of measurement, with fall and winter seasons increasing the odds of a high health score or detected fever. High bacterial counts measured in the milk or milk replacer were associated with increased odds for higher attitude and ear scores, and higher odds for calves having a detected fever. Higher peak milk allowance (L/d) was associated with lower hide dirtiness score, whereas a longer period of time (d) to reach peak milk allowance was associated with increased odds of higher scores for attitude, ear, eye, and hide dirtiness, as well as fever. Higher fat content in milk was associated with increased odds of high eye score. Less space per calf (m2/calf) was associated with higher ear and eye scores, whereas larger group sizes were associated with increased odds of higher nasal score and decreased odds of higher hide dirtiness score. Rectangular pen shape was associated with decreased odds of higher eye score. Absence of a positive pressure ventilation tube was associated with increased odds of having a calf detected with a fever. Based on these results, we hypothesize that these factors could be managed to improve health outcomes for dairy calves on automated feeding systems.

The association between daily average feeding behaviors and morbidity in automatically fed group-housed preweaned dairy calves.

Group housing and computerized feeding of preweaned dairy calves is gaining popularity among dairy producers worldwide, yet disease incidence and detection remain a challenge in these systems. The aim of this prospective observational cohort study was to describe the relationship between morbidity and feeding behavior around the period of illness detection. Calves were enrolled upon entrance to the group pen on 10 farms in Minnesota (n = 4) and Virginia (n = 6) utilizing group housing and computerized feeding from February until October 2014. Morbidity and mortality events were recorded by the calf caregiver. Farms were visited either every week (Minnesota) or every other week (Virginia) to collect calf enrollment data, feeding behavior data, and health records. Daily average feeding behaviors (drinking speed, mL/min; daily consumption, L/d; rewarded visits to the feeder; and unrewarded visits to the feeder) were described both overall and for sick and healthy calf days. Multivariable mixed models were built to assess the differences in daily average feeding behaviors (drinking speed, daily consumption, rewarded visits, unrewarded visits) between matched sick and healthy calves around the time of an illness event (-10 to 10 d). Final models were controlled for calf age, region (Minnesota and Virginia), group size, disease diagnosis, the random effect of farm, and repeated measurements on calf. A stratified analysis was performed by both day from treatment event and disease diagnosis. We enrolled 1,052 calves representing 43,607 calf days over 9 mo. From these, 176 sick calves had a matched control and were carried forward to the matched pair analysis. Fifty-five percent of sick calves (97/176) were treated for diarrhea, 30% (53/176) were treated for pneumonia, and 15% (26/176) were treated for ill thrift. Sick calves drank 183 ± 27 mL/min (mean ± standard error) more slowly, drank 1.2 ± 0.6 L/d less, and had 3.1 ± 0.7 fewer unrewarded visits than control calves on the first day of treatment. These differences began up to 4 d before the calf was detected as sick, and persisted for 7 to 10 d after treatment. However, changes in feeding behaviors varied by disease diagnosed. Rewarded visits were not associated with morbidity status. The results of this study indicate that sick calves change their feeding behavior before and during an illness event, suggesting that feeding behavior may be a useful tool to detect disease onset.

A prospective longitudinal study of postnatal dentoalveolar and palatal growth: The anatomical basis for CAD/CAM-assisted production of cleft-lip-palate feeding plates.

This study describes the dentoalveolar and palatal growth during the first months of life. Knowledge concerning this development is essential to avoid unwanted events such as mucosal ulcerations or restriction of growth when cleft-lip and palate (CLP) patients are treated. The results involve the generation of CAD/CAM CLP-feeding plates. Intraoral impressions from 32 healthy newborns were taken monthly for 5 months, supplemented by measurements of body weight, length, and occipital-frontal head circumference. The casts were digitalized, and two observers manually selected defined anatomical landmarks on virtual 3-D models. The distances between these landmarks were evaluted. Statistical analysis included an inter-rater agreement analysis and the determination of growth. In total, 213 casts were analyzed, with 65 models excluded because of inaccuracies in impression-taking or cast production. Overall longitudinal growth was 20.3%, whereas transversal growth reached a maximum of 21.1%. Vertical growth was 32.4% at the tuberal level. On the basis of these results, a semiautomated series of feeding plates allowing for monthly expansion could be generated. The acquired data serve as a useful reference for other pediatric and orthofacial investigations and treatments. One such application is the automated, fully virtual manufacture of CLP-feeding plates based on only one impression-taking. Our data reveal when caution is needed to prevent ulceration. The series of plates generated can minimize the time-consuming impression-taking and the production of further plaster models. The method of measurement is suitable for documentary purposes. Clin. Anat. 30:846-854, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Flexible feeding obturator for early intervention in infants with Pierre Robin sequence.

Pierre Robin sequence presents with distinct features of retrognathia and glossoptosis with or without cleft palate, which results in potentially serious, life-threatening respiratory obstruction and feeding complications. A multidisciplinary approach is required to manage such complex features. This article describes a novel technique for managing Pierre Robin sequence using a flexible feeding obturator. This custom-made intraoral appliance overcomes numerous problems associated with the available feeding obturators and helps infants and parents cope with a variety of difficulties.

New Advances in Infant Feeding: New Products and Novel Technologies.

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding is the best way to provide ideal food for infants. However, there are many situations in which breastfeeding is unviable (maternal illness, hygiene problems, intravenous feeding requirement, storage). Safe, efficient, and nutritious products should be offered by the industry to mothers and healthcare professionals as an alternative. OBJECTIVE: The present review aims to update the state of the art regarding the most innovative developments in infant feeding formulation and, the promising novel technologies that are being investigated to achieve a balance between the microbiological stability, organoleptic and nutritional value of baby food. METHODS: The research lines included in the present systematic review are focused on both, the most innovative ingredients and emergent technologies applied increasing the offer of tailor-made nutritional profiled products with improved quality and safety. RESULTS: According to the reviewed research and recently published patents the current emergence of a new generation of infant products is remarkable, with specific product lines aimed at infants at different stages of development and affected by several disorders (low-weight babies, premature neonates, allergenic patients), with special emphasis on the application of novel technologies (e.g. High Hydrostatic Pressure (HHP) and microencapsulation) as potential techniques to ensure the microbiological safety of developed products, and the improvement of their nutritional value, complementary to the addition of functional ingredients, such as omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, amino acids, prebiotics and probiotics, and medicinal herb supplementation (e.g. lemon balm, royal jelly). CONCLUSION: The present research work provides a general view of recent advances in infant products processing and formulation focusing on the technological effects and quality/safety developments.

Using plastic tips in artificial feeding of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Acari: Ixodidae) females.

This study evaluated the influence of the initial weight, feeding period and temperature on weight gain and biological parameters of the non-parasitic phase of partially engorged Rhipicephalus sanguineus females that were artificially fed using plastic tips as feeding devices. The device did not alter the oviposition of the females or any other parameters evaluated. Furthermore, it was observed that the temperature of the feeding the group did not affect the weight gain and biology of ticks. This device has great potential for the development of studies on bioagent transmission because it provides higher intake of blood by ixodid ticks.