Feedlot pens with greenhouse roofs improve beef cattle performance in temperate weather

Muddy pens can negatively affect welfare and performance of feedlot beef cattle. In some regions with temperate weather, plastic greenhouse covers, above the entire pens are used to fatten cattle in a clean and dry environment. The objective of this research was to investigate effects of greenhouse roofed pens on beef cattle feedlot performance in temperate weather. Data were collected from a feedlot located in Central Mexico between 2016 and 2019. The study included 1,062 closeouts of pens with 68,305 crossbred bulls fed in pens with or without a greenhouse roof. Feeding ranged from 82 to 210 d, depending on the initial weight of cattle, which ranged from 255 to 511 kg. For each pen, average daily dry matter intake (DMI, kg of dry matter intake•animal -1•d -1), average daily gain (ADG, kg•animal -1•d -1), and feed efficiency (G:F, ADG/DMI) were measured. Factorial analyses were performed to test the interaction and main effects of initial weight grouping (light, medium, and heavy), roof, and season as fixed effects, and year as a random effect. None of the 3-way interactions were significant (P > 0.51). There were no initial weight grouping × roof interactions for DMI and ADG (P > 0.31). There was (P = 0.03) an initial weight grouping × roof interaction for G:F, as pens of all initial weight groups had greater (P < 0.01) G:F in pens with greenhouse roof than its counterpart in pens without greenhouse roof, but the advantage was greater for pens with light cattle (0.178 vs. 0.166; P < 0.01). There were no initial weight grouping × season interactions for all variables (P > 0.39). There was no roof × season interaction for DMI (P = 0.47), but there were interactions for ADG and G:F (P < 0.01). The ADG was not different (P > 0.13) during summer and autumn based on the roofing system, but pens with greenhouse roofs had greater ADG during spring (1.70 vs. 1.61) and winter (1.68 vs. 1.64; P ≤ 0.01). The G:F was greater (P < 0.01) in all seasons for pens with a greenhouse roof, with the most prominent advantage during spring (0.173 vs. 0.160). There were main effects for cattle initial weight grouping and roof for all variables (P < 0.01). Season affected DMI and G:F (P < 0.01). Pens with greenhouse roofs had decreased DMI (9.70 vs. 9.86), greater ADG (1.67 vs. 1.63), and increased G:F (0.173 vs. 0.166) compared to pens without greenhouse roofs (P < 0.01). Pens with greenhouse roofs in feedlots located in temperate regions positively affect beef cattle performance.

Wind variability in a coastal area (Alfacs Bay, Ebro River delta)

Abstract. Wind spatial heterogeneity in a coastal area (Alfacs Bay, northwestern Mediterranean Sea) is described using a set of observations and modelling results. Observations in three meteorological stations (during 2012–2013) along the coastline reveal that wind from the N–NW (strongest winds in the region) appears to be affected by the local orography promoting high wind variability on relatively short spatial scales (of the order of few kilometres). On the other hand, sea breezes in late spring and summer also show noticeable differences in both spatial distribution and duration. The importance of wind models' spatial resolution is also assessed, revealing that high resolution (= 3 km) substantially improves the results in comparison to coarse resolution (9 km). The highest-resolution model tested (400 m) also presents noticeable improvements during some events, showing spatial variability not revealed by coarser models. All these models are used to describe and understand the spatial variability of the typical wind events in the region. The results presented in this contribution should be considered on hydrodynamic, ecological and risk management investigations in coastal areas with complex orography.

Accelerated partial breast brachytherapy after lumpectomy as salvage treatment for local recurrences after conservative treatment of breast cancer: Eighteen-year results of a nonrandomized comparison with mastectomy

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Background: To report the long-term results in a prospective group of patients (pts) treated for local recurrence after conservative treatment of breast cancer by a second conservative surgery or by total mastectomy.

Methods: Between 12/1990 and 10/2004, 85 pts with <3 cm, low-risk local recurrence after conservative treatment for breast cancer were offered total mastectomy. 48 of them refused it and were treated by a second lumpectomy followed by HDR brachytherapy implant to the tumor bed+margin. 30 Gy in 12 fractions in 5 days were given. Pts treated by mastectomy had no further radiotherapy. Postmenopausal pts with negative receptors had no systemic tx. The rest of the pts had chemo or hormones. No pts were lost for follow-up.

Results: All pts completed treatment. During the 17-year, 1-year minimum follow-up, in the second conservative group there were 8 pts who had regional (2 pts) or distant metastases (6 pts) as their first site of failure. Three of them experienced a differed local recurrence and 1 died from the disease. In the total mastectomy group, there were 2 local recurrences, 1 regional recurrence, and 5 distant metastases as first site of failure. One patient died from the disease. Actuarial results at 17-year for second conservative and total mastectomy were respectively: local control 84.2%-71.7%; disease free survival 65.4%-63.8%; and survival 90.7% and 88.2%. Cosmetic results were satisfactory in 89.4% treated conservatively. No patient experienced arm edema or grade 3-4 early or late complications. Between the 14 pts that were followed-up for at least 10-years, 13 of them were with their breast still in place.

Conclusions: Second conservative treatment by HDR brachytherapy was a safe and effective method of treatment for small-size, low-risk, local recurrence after local excision in conservatively treated pts. APBI with wide margins probed to be enough treatment, without significant side-effects in previously intesively irradiated patients. Lumpectomy and partial breast brachytherapy can be conidered the treatment of choice in selected patients with low-risk recurrent breast tumors.

Dose escalation with high-dose 3D-conformal radiotherapy (HD-3D-CRT) or low-dose 3D-conformal radiotherapy plus HDR brachytherapy (LD-3D-CRT+HDR-B) for intermediate- or high-risk prostate cancer: Higher PSA control with lower toxicity

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Background: To report early and late toxicity and preliminary biochemical outcome in in a prospective serie of 445 patients with intermediate- or high-risk clinically localized prostate cancer treated with either HD-3D-CRT or with LD-3D-CRT+HDR-B.

Methods: Between 12/1999 and 10/2005, 445 patients (pts) with PSA >10, Gleason score > 6 and/or T2b-T3 N0 M0 prostate cancer entered the study. Pts were prospevtively assigned to one of the two treatment groups: 76 Gy HD-3D-CRT to the prostate in 38 fractions (group 1; 223 patients) or 46 Gy LD-3D-CRT+ 16 Gy HDR-B given in 2 fractions of 8 Gy (group 2, 222 patients), limiting the maximum rectal dose to 85% of the prescribed dose. Both groups were well balanced taking into account patient’s as well as tumors’ characteristics. Toxicities were scored by the EORTC /RTOG morbidity grading scales. Special attention to local, regional or distant recurrence, survival, late effects, PSA and testosterone levels and quality of life was done.

Results: All pts completed treatment. None pts included in the group 1 or 2 experienced grade 3 rectal toxicity. 28 pts of group 1 (12.5%) and 6 pts of group 2 (2.7%) developed grade 2 rectal toxicity (rectal bleeding or urgency). 15 pts in group 1 (6.7%) and 3 pts in group 2 (1.3%) developed grade 1 rectal bleeding (less than 2 times/week). In group 1 and 2, 81.8%and 95,9% of pts were free from rectal reactions respectively (p<0.005). Free from failure survival at 5-year was 82.3% and 98.1% respectively (p<0.05)

Conclusions: High-dose 3D-EBRT + HDR brachytherapy was a safe and effective method of escalating the dose to the prostate without increasing the risk of late effects. Acute as well as late rectal complications were significantly reduced with the combined treatment, compared with what was observed with high-dose conventional, 3D-conformal radiotherapy. Short-term PSA control rates tends to be better with in the HDR-boosted patients as spected by higher effective dose.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Simulating the migration of drifters deployed in the Bay of Biscay, during the Prestige crisis

A main conclusion following the oil spill from the Prestige tanker was that improvements in ocean circulation models were necessary; this was in order to predict, more accurately, the trajectories followed by the oil slicks and hence assist in fight against oil pollution operations. In this contribution, the results of the validation of a semi-empirical ocean circulation model, parameterised for the Bay of Biscay and forced with operational oceano-meteorological remote sensing observations, are shown. The model results have been validated with observations from drifting buoys, deployed in the Bay of Biscay during the crisis. The results show that the model explains a relatively large percentage of the current variability. The comparisons between the real and the estimated drifter trajectories indicate that for 3, 5 and 7 day-long trajectories, the drifter position is estimated with errors of approximately 23, 35 and 46km, respectively. The model reproduces relatively well the trajectory followed by the drifter with the shortest period (23 days).

Adipose tissue and liver lipid metabolism in obese children: role of the body mass index and the presence of acanthosis nigricans

AIMS

The aims of our study were to determine if insulin resistance is associated with increased plasma levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), glycerol, 3-hydroxybutyrate and triglycerides in obese children. We also studied whether the presence of acanthosis nigricans (AN) led to further alterations in the above parameters.

METHODS

A total of 101 children were studied on their first visit to the paediatric endocrine clinic. Seventy-four were obese, 30 of them with AN. The remaining 27 were non-obese healthy children (control group). NEFAs, glycerol, triglycerides, 3-hydroxybutyrate, insulin, leptin, adiponectin and glucose were determined in blood samples obtained after overnight fasting. The insulin resistance index (IRI) was calculated following the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). Data from the three groups were compared using appropriate statistical tests.

RESULTS

No differences in age, sex ratio and pubertal stage were observed among the three groups. The group of children with the highest body mass index (BMI) showed higher plasma levels of insulin and leptin, higher IRI and lower plasma levels of adiponectin. As insulin and IRI increased, NEFA and 3-hydroxybutyrate decreased and triglycerides increased. When obese children were categorized by BMI, the presence of AN further exacerbated these differences.

CONCLUSIONS

In obese children, insulin resistance is associated with plasma lipid alterations suggestive of both decreased adipose tissue lipolysis and hepatic beta-oxidation and increased hepatic synthesis of triglycerides. Such a metabolic condition may facilitate fat storage and hinder weight loss.

[Clinical and virological correlation between the cerebrospinal fluid and blood of HIV-infected children]

BACKGROUND

Although the neurological manifestations of HIV infection occur at any age, children with perinatal AIDS are affected earlier and with greater impact. There are no published data about a potential association between HIV encephalopathy and viral load in THE CSF OF the pediatric population.

DESIGN

Twenty-three children, aged 7 months to 10 years, were studied as part of a multicenter international study that evaluated double versus triple antiretroviral therapy. Samples of CSF and plasma were collected for HIV RNA measurements on day 0 and on follow-up weeks 8, 16, and 48. Neurological assessments, psychological evaluations, and CT scans were done on admission and at study end. Viral isolates were processed for genotypic resistance.

RESULTS

No correlation between viral load in CSF and plasma was detected at study onset. Eighty percent of children had >2 log HIV RNA in CSF at day 0 but only 30% at week 16. Eight subjects responded favorably to therapy and their CSF had undetectable viral load during follow-up determinations. On day 0, 72% of children had identical patterns of genotypic resistance in CSF and plasma samples. At week 48, however, only 11% of these subjects had identical patterns. On day 0, 83% of children had abnormal neurological findings but these alterations declined to 35% at week 48 (p = 0.004). Most children with neurological abnormalities had detectable CSF viral loads (65% vs 17%, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The data generated in this study suggest that CSF and plasma behave as two different body compartments in terms of HIV dynamics and resistance mutants. Presence of neurological abnormalities correlate with detection of HIV in CSF and these alterations improve as therapy decreases CSF viral load. These results underscore the importance of using ARV drugs with good CNS penetration for optimal management of HIV-infected young children.

[Pseudotumor cerebri associated with maxillary sinusitis: clinico-pathological study]

INTRODUCTION

The pseudotumor cerebri is characterized by increased intracranial pressure in the absence of a space occupying lesions or obstruction to the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Increased pressure but normal composition of the CSF is the diagnostic criterion. Ear infections and other infections such as sinusitis have been cited as possible, but rare, causes.

CLINICAL CASE

A 12 year old girl presented with diplopia 10 days after starting treatment for sinusitis. On examination there was paresia of the VI cranial nerve to the left eye and marked bilateral papilledema. She had normal visual acuity with visual field measurements showing increased blind spot field in both eyes. Resonance studies only showed maxillary sinusitis. CSF pressure was 35 cm H2O, with 40 lymphomonocytes and normal biochemical findings. After 15 cm of CSF had been removed treatment was started with acetazolamide, dexamethasone and cefotaxime. A week later the diplopia had disappeared and the CSF pressure was 25, with no cells present. Two months later the visual fields and fundus oculi were normal. After follow-up for one year there was no recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe a case of pseudotumor cerebri associated with maxillary sinusitis. We do not know whether this is a chance association or whether there was a pathophysiological basis. The possibility should be considered so as to treat the cause or predisposing factor. The initial CSF pleocytosis would support the possibility of a relationship of the pseudotumor with an infectious condition (meningeal irritation or para-infectious pleocytosis meningeal irritation or para-infections pleocytosis in the context of an ENT infection), which might have precipitated the problem by interfering with the reabsorption of CSF.

[Carcinoid tumor in the anterior mediastinum. Report of a case and review of the literature]

The Carcinoide tumors are infrequent. The come from neuroendocrine argentafine cells, probably related to cells of the APUD system. They are rarely found in the mediastinum. We are reporting a case, and bringing forward some biological, epidemiological and clinical characteristics. We also emphasize over the diagnosis and treatment, and the basics to evaluate the prognosis.

Effect of Depo-Provera or Microgynon on the painful crises of sickle cell anemia patients

Forty-three homozygous (SS) female sickle cell anemic patients with a history of at least one painful crisis per month and desiring a reversible contraceptive were administered DMPA/3 months or Microgynon monthly. A third group of 16 surgically sterilized patients served as control. Patients were followed for 1 year to assess possible effects of the contraceptives on the patients' painful crises. No changes were observed in any of the groups in the hematological parameters. At the end of the study, 70% of the patients receiving DMPA were pain-free and only 16% of those still reporting painful crises rated them as intense. Patients receiving Microgynon also had an amelioration of the painful crises, although at a lower rate; after 12 months, 45.5% still experienced some crises. Although less marked than in the other groups, 50.5% of the control patients also reported an improvement of their painful crisis, which may be a result of closer medical care.

A spectrum in the pathology of toxoplasmosis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

We describe a variety of toxoplasmic lesions in seven patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The first patient had multiple small-intestinal ulcers associated with Toxoplasma tachyzoites and high antibody titers; he died of disseminated histoplasmosis. The second patient, who died of tuberculosis, also had an inactive chronic Toxoplasma infection, with tissue cysts in the brain that were associated with glial nodules. A third patient died of Toxoplasma encephalitis, manifested by multiple foci of necrosis associated with Toxoplasma tachyzoites, cysts, and hypertrophic arteritis. A fourth patient had been treated for toxoplasmic encephalitis with co-trimoxozol (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole combination) for 3 to 4 days and showed degenerating tachyzoites associated with necrotic areas. A fifth patient, treated for toxoplasmic encephalitis with co-trimoxazol for 14 days, had necrotic lesions associated with Toxoplasma antigen and a few cysts. A sixth patient with encephalitis and Toxoplasma tachyzoites and young cysts in the biopsy showed healed brain lesions after 22 days of treatment. A seventh patient, diagnosed radiologically and serologically with Toxoplasma encephalitis, was treated for 7 months; his ring-enhancing lesions subsided, and he died of a central nervous system lymphoma. Toxoplasma could not be isolated from the brain, although toxoplasmic DNA was detected in the brain and heart by polymerase chain reaction. The pathogenesis of the range of these lesions, their diagnosis, and the possibility of terminating Toxoplasma infection by prolonged chemotherapy are discussed.

Hodgkin's disease masquerading as sclerosing mediastinitis

Cases in which fibrotic variants of Hodgkin's disease have been confused with sclerosing mediastinitis have rarely been reported. Sclerosing mediastinitis typically involves the superior/middle mediastinum and, in the United States, is most commonly due to histoplasmosis. We describe the case of a patient who came to us with fevers, a mixed anemia, and a posterior mediastinal mass that on pathologic examination appeared to be due to idiopathic sclerosing mediastinitis. Only inclusion of a biopsy specimen from a local celiac node, after a new porta hepatis mass was found, revealed the correct diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease of the nodular sclerosing type. With the correct diagnosis, early intervention and appropriate therapy resulted in clinical cure.

[The syndrome of renal and pulmonary vasculitis with positive neutrophil anticytoplasmic antibodies and antibasement membrane antibodies. A case report]

The authors present a case of Goodpasture's syndrome with necrotizing vasculitis of spleen and appendix. Serological examination shows antiglomerular basement membrane antibodies and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. The authors review the literature to establish if this or other similar cases can be considered a distinct disease entity. The authors also mention the laboratory methods that are currently being used to classify more precisely the vasculitides associated with glomerulonephritis.