Nutritional impact of excluding red meat from the Canadian diet

The objective of the study was to examine differences in nutrient intake between consumers and non-consumers of red meat and to assess nutritional adequacy of consumers relative to Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) in Canada. Matching estimators were used to identify differences in nutrient intake between the two groups. Statistically significant differences were observed in nutrient intake between red meat consumers and non-consumers, including lower daily intake of protein, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin D, and zinc and a higher daily intake of dietary fiber, folate, and magnesium among Canadians who did not consume red meat. Further, red meat consumers and non-consumers had nutrient intakes below RDA for dietary energy, fiber, and calcium. While individuals who did not consume red meat were at increased risk of calcium, vitamin D, energy, and potassium inadequacy, those who consumed red meat were at increased risk of dietary fiber, vitamin A, and magnesium inadequacy.

High-moisture alfalfa hay conserved with a mixture ofPediococcus pentosaceusand chitinase has a similar feed value to that conserved at optimal moisture

Two separate experiments were conducted to compare the nutrient digestion and growth performance of beef cattle fed diets containing up to 77% of two conserved alfalfa hays. The two alfalfa hays were baled either at the optimum moisture (8.6%) or at a higher-than optimum moisture (21.4%) with application of a mixture of Pediococcus pentosaceus and chitinase at baling. Digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, rumen parameters, and growth performance were similar (P ≥ 0.16) for cattle fed either diet. A combination of P. pentosaceus and chitinase has the potential to preserve high-moisture alfalfa hay.

Respiratory-syncytial-virus- and rhinovirus-related bronchiolitis in children aged <2 years in an English district general hospital

BACKGROUND

Bronchiolitis is the most common reason for hospitalization in young children. In addition to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), other viruses have been increasingly implicated. Guidance on testing has also changed.

AIMS

To compare clinicopathological outcomes in young children admitted with bronchiolitis due to RSV in comparison with rhinovirus (RV), and identify associated risk/epidemiological factors.

METHODS

Children aged less than two years admitted to hospital with a clinical diagnosis of bronchiolitis with positive results for either RSV or RV were included in this study. Polymerase-chain-reaction-negative cases using an extended respiratory virus panel served as a control group. Retrospective data were collected on sex, risk factors, respiratory support, intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Outcomes such as length of stay (LOS) and need for transfer to the high-dependency unit/paediatric intensive care unit were included.

FINDINGS

Two hundred and twenty-seven out of 437 nasopharyngeal aspirate samples were positive for either RSV (N = 162) or RV (N = 65). The median age of cases was three months and 75% had at least one risk factor. Risk factors were higher in the RV group (P = 0.004). RV accounted for the majority of cases outside the RSV season (P < 0.01). RV-associated bronchiolitis had a longer LOS (more than seven days) (P < 0.05) and increased need for chest X-rays and/or antibiotics (P < 0.05). Use of intravenous fluids and respiratory support were higher in the RV group, but the difference was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

RV is the second most common pathogen associated with bronchiolitis and is isolated all year round. This may be important in those with risk factors resulting in prolonged LOS. Further research is necessary to establish the exact role of RV in this common condition, particularly outside the traditional RSV season.

Impact of adding Saccharomyces strains on fermentation, aerobic stability, nutritive value, and select lactobacilli populations in corn silage

Bacterial inoculants can improve the conservation and nutritional quality of silages. Inclusion of the yeast Saccharomyces in the diet of dairy cattle has also been reported to be beneficial. The present study assessed the ability of silage to be used as a means of delivering Saccharomyces strains to ruminants. Two strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain 1 and 3)and 1 strain of Saccharomyces paradoxus (strain 2) were inoculated (10(3) cfu/g) individually onto corn forage that was ensiled in mini silos for 90 d. Fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability, and nutritive value of silages were determined and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to quantify S. cerevisiae, S.paradoxus, total Saccharomyces, fungal, and bacterial populations. Fermentation characteristics of silage inoculated with S1 were similar to control silage. Although strain 3 inoculation increased ash and decreased OM contents of silage (P = 0.017), no differences were observed in nutrient composition or fermentation profiles after 90 d of ensiling. Inoculation with Saccharomyces had no detrimental effect on the aerobic stability of silage. In vitro DM disappearance, gas production, and microbial protein synthesis were not affected by yeast inoculation.Saccharomyces strain 1 was quantified throughout ensiling, whereas strain 2 was detected only immediately after inoculation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain 3 was quantified until d 7 and detectable 90 d after ensiling. All inoculants were detected and quantified during aerobic exposure. Inoculation with Saccharomyces did not alter lactobacilli populations. Saccharomycetales were detected by RT-qPCR throughout ensiling in all silages. Both S. cerevisiae and S. paradoxus populations increased during aerobic exposure, demonstrating that the density of these yeast strains would increase between the time that silage was removed from storage and the time it was fed.

Porous inverse vulcanised polymers for mercury capture

Supercritical carbon dioxide is used to generate macroporosity in an inverse vulcanised polymer, which shows excellent promise for enhanced mercury capture and filtration from water.

Discriminant construct validity of ImPACT™: a companion study

In a previous analysis of ImPACT scores relative to traditional neuropsychological tests (NP) and experimental tasks (Maerlender et al., 2010 ) we demonstrated convergent construct validity for the primary ImPACT test-score composites. A complete analysis of discriminant validity was not undertaken at that time. Here, test scores from the 54 collegiate football and hockey players were re-analyzed to specifically address the discriminant validity of the ImPACT™ composite scores using a multiply operationalized correlation matrix of multi-trait multi-method data. In the method used here, discriminant validity is determined by obtaining non-significant correlations between a target score when correlated with the average of the other trait measurements (multiply-operationalized multi-trait-mono-method analysis). Results showed that the ImPACT™ Verbal Memory (p = .044), Visual Memory (p = .006), and Visual Motor Speed (p = .000) scores were highly correlated with composites of the other scores, while the Reaction Time composite demonstrated adequate discriminant validity (p = .145). In comparison all of the NP composites showed good discrimination (all p-values >.05, except for Reaction Time p = .05). Thus the apparent lack of discriminability between three of four composite scores in this sample raises questions about using ImPACT™ composite scores to support specific construct-oriented interpretations. Taken together, the discriminant and convergent construct validity properties of ImPACT™ indicate construct sensitivity, but limited construct specificity.

Removal of supplemental vitamin A from barley-based diets improves marbling in feedlot heifers

Gibb, D. J., Van Herk, F. H., Mir, P. S., Loerch, S. and McAllister, T. A. 2011. Removal of supplemental vitamin A from barley-based diets improves marbling in feedlot heifers. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 669–674. The objective of this research was to determine if removing supplemental vitamin A from barley-based feedlot diets affects animal performance, health, or carcass quality. Six pens per treatment (10 heifers per pen) were randomly assigned to receive zero (–VA) or 3640 (+VA) IU kg−1 dry matter of supplemental vitamin A in barley-based feedlot diets. Initial serum retinol was similar between treatments (28 µg dL−1; P=0.34), but –VA reduced levels by 40% (30 vs. 50 µg dL−1; P<0.001) by day 217. Removal of supplemental vitamin A reduced dry matter intake during the 58 d backgrounding period (6.93 vs. 7.07 kg d−1; P=0.007) and over the 218-d trial (9.18 vs. 9.35 kg d−1; P<0.001), but had no effect on average daily gain during backgrounding (1.22 kg d−1; P=0.46) or over all (1.46 kg d−1; P=0.15). Based on camera grading, –VA increased degree of marbling (480.6 vs. 439.3; P=0.02) without affecting backfat thickness (0.74 cm; P=0.62). Ultrasound measurements were highly correlated with camera grading, but did not detect treatment difference in marbling score (P=0.99). Results from this study show that the removal of supplemental vitamin A increased marbling without affecting backfat, gains, or animal health.

Examination of the construct validity of ImPACT™ computerized test, traditional, and experimental neuropsychological measures

Although computerized neuropsychological screening is becoming a standard for sports concussion identification and management, convergent validity studies are limited. Such studies are important for several reasons: reference to established measures is needed to establish validity; examination of the computerized battery relative to a more traditional comprehensive battery will help understand the strengths and limitations of the computer battery; and such an examination will help inform the output of the computerized battery. We compared scores on the ImPACT™ battery to a comprehensive battery of traditional neuropsychological measures and several experimental measures used in the assessment of sports-related concussion in 54 healthy male athletes. Convergent validity was demonstrated for four of the five ImPACT™ domain scores. Two cognitive domains often compromised as a result of mild TBI were not directly identified by the ImPACT™ battery: sustained attention and auditory working memory. Affective symptoms correlated with performance on measures of attention and working memory. In this healthy sample the correlations between the domains covered by ImPACT™ and the neuropsychological battery supports ImPACT™ as a useful screening tool for assessing many of the cognitive factors related to mTBI. However, the data suggest other sources of data need to be considered when identifying and managing concussions.

Insulin receptor-like tyrosine kinase in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta

Phosphotyrosine-containing proteins are present in the prothoracic glands, muscle, and fat body of Manduca sexta, as determined by immunoprecipitation followed by kinase assay, and by Western blotting. One such protein (M(r) 178,000) can also be immunoprecipitated using antibodies directed against the human insulin receptor and insulin receptor substrate. The 178 kD protein appears to be expressed more strongly in prothoracic glands removed just prior to wandering (days 3-4) and prior to pupation (days 7-9), and phosphorylation of the protein is enhanced by an M. sexta brain factor. The results suggest that a tyrosine-kinase-linked molecule similar to the insulin receptor may play a regulatory role in M. sexta.

Independent assessment of manic and depressive symptoms by self-rating. Scale characteristics and implications for the study of mania

We report the reliability and validity of the Internal State Scale, a self-report instrument for the simultaneous assessment of severity of manic and depressive symptoms. The Internal State Scale consists of four empirically derived subscales: Activation, Well-Being, Perceived Conflict, and the Depression Index. All subscales had good internal consistency reliability. Activation subscale scores were significantly higher in manic patients than in depressed patients or control subjects, while Well-Being subscale scores were significantly lower and the Depression Index subscale scores were significantly higher in depressed patients than in the other two groups. Activation subscale scores were correlated specifically with clinician ratings of mania. Depression Index subscale scores were correlated specifically with clinician ratings of depression. Further evidence for the validity of the subscales of the Internal State Scale in reflecting manic or depressive symptoms came from discriminant function analysis in which these subscales assigned 88% of subjects to the correct diagnostic groups. In affectively ill patients who were studied in two or more mood states, Activation, Depression Index, and Well-Being subscale scores changed significantly in the predicted directions, while the same discriminant algorithm assigned 79% of mood states to the correct diagnostic category. Bimodal distribution of scores of manic patients on the Well-Being and Depression Index subscales substantiated earlier findings that euphoric mood is not an essential feature of mania. Based on findings from this and previous studies, the hypothesis is proposed that variables related to activation level, and not to mood state, constitute the core characteristics of the manic syndrome.

Lack of effect of naloxone on prolactin and seizures in electroconvulsive therapy

Both opiate agonist and antagonist injection have been reported to modulate prolactin secretion, alter brain excitability and produce seizures, and modify the postictal state. We studied the effects of administration of high-dose naloxone, an opiate antagonist, on postictal prolactin levels, seizure duration, and postictal behavior, using patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as a seizure model. Seven patients had 8 mg naloxone injected prior to one ECT treatment and saline injected prior to another treatment, with the order of injection randomized. Before ECT and 15 min after ECT, prolactin levels were drawn, and no blunting of the expected postictal prolactin elevation by naloxone injection was observed. We found no evidence that endogenous opiates trigger prolactin secretion during seizures. Seizure duration was also similar in saline and naloxone groups, and naloxone did not reverse postictal depression, as has been reported in an animal model.

Phenomenology of temporal lobe dysfunction: a link to atypical psychosis--a series of cases

This report is a phenomenological study of 20 cases of temporal lobe disorders manifested as complex partial seizures. The major behavioral symptoms observed were episodic affective disturbances, episodic cognitive disturbances, and "spells," with normal functioning between episodes. The remarkable similarity of this phenomenology to what has been described as atypical or episodic psychosis provides a possible theoretical link to the etiology of atypical psychosis. These cases also establish atypical psychosis as an entity clearly different from the other major psychoses.

Flame Ionization of Silicon, Germanium and Tin

.When compounds of Si , Ge and Sn are added to 2/C6H6 diffusion flames, ions characteristic of the elements are detected in the burnt gases by mass spectrometry. The ions, which are attributed to charge exchange and proton transfer reactions of H3O+, may be divided into three categories, atomic ions, protonated monoxides and protonated oxyacids . Sn gives atomic ions and protonated monoxides, a similar result to Pb , but neither Si nor Ge give atomic ions. This may be a consequence of the lack of Si and Ge atoms in the burnt gases. Ge and Sn give a protonated monoxide, but Si does not. This observation leads to the suggestion that proton affinities of the Group 4a monoxides are in the order CO, SiO < H2O < GeO , SnO , PbO. Protonated silicic and germanic acids are observed in the burnt gases of Si - and Ge -containing flames, but no oxyacids were observed in Sn -or Pb -containing flames. This indicates that the proton affinities of both acids are greater than that of H2O.

Branched-chain alpha-keto acid analysis in biological fluids: preparative clean-up by anion-exchange and analysis by capillary gas chromatography

A method is given for the quantitative analysis of the alpha-keto derivatives of the branched-chain amino acids in physiological fluids. A sample containing alpha-ketovalerate and alpha-ketocaproate as internal standards is passed through a weak anion-exchange resin at neutral pH. After washing the resin with distilled water, the alpha-keto acids are eluted with 4 M hydrochloric acid--ethanol (50:50). Quinoxalinol derivatives are prepared directly in the eluent, extracted with methylene chloride, and trimethylsilylated. Separation of the derivatives is by capillary gas chromatography on a 30 m fused-silica SE-30 column. Chromatographic separation is superior to that reported for packed column methods, thereby permitting the use of alpha-ketovalerate and alpha-ketocaproate as internal standards.

Possible heterocyclic ions in the reaction zones of flames with added nitrogen or sulfur

Ions of m/z 80 and 94 are observed in the reaction zone of a C6H6/N2O/H2 flame, by flame ionization/mass spectroscopy. These are confirmed, by deuteration, as protonated pyridine and aniline. These ions are also detected in the reaction zone of a CH4/N2O flame, along with ions of m/z 44, 56, 68 and 72, which, it is proposed, are formed by protonation of the heterocyclic species aziridine, dihydroazete, pyrrole and pyrrolidine. This series of N-containing ions is in keeping with the postulate that HCN is formed in flames of hydrocarbons and N-compounds, and that the associated CN radicals undergo addition and hydrogenation reactions. Cyano compounds are not, however, detected, because their proton affinities tend to be lower than that of NH3. In a C6H2/CS2/H2 flame, a series of S-containing ions are observed, beginning at m/z 97, for which the thiopyrylium structure is proposed. The detection of this stable aromatic species is in contrast to the absence of protonated thiophene. It is postulated that the active S-containing species in this flame is CS.

Flame ionization of iron and lead

The mass spectra of ions in flame ionization detector (f.i.d.) type flames containing iron and lead compounds show that, in addition to metal ions, prominent species of formula (MoxHx+1)+ are present which are apparently protonated metal hydroxides. For FeOH2+ and PbOH2+, however, the structure of these species may be identical with those of metal-ion hydrates. This work confirms the presence of Pb+ ions in flames to which lead compounds are added, but, in general, metal or metal-containing ions should not affect the saturation current obtainable in an f.i.d, used to detect organometallic compounds. Ionization of iron and lead and their oxides and hydroxides by H3O+ may contribute to atmospheric ionization in the presence of metallic pollutants.

Detection by mass spectrometry of hydrocarbon biradicals, pyridine and aniline in a flame ionization detector

The mass spectra of ions of > 75 in an f.i.d.-type flame with benzene additive have shown that hitherto undetected species of formulas CllH9+ and CI3H9+ are present, which may be attributed to protonation of the biradicals C11H8 and C13H8 by H3O+. The remainder of the hydrocarbon ions present are attributable to protonation of aromatic compounds (e.g. naphthalene and indene) which have been detected previously in premixed benzeneloxygen flames by electron impact ionization. Addition of NH3 to the benzene sample suppresses all the hydrocarbon peaks of m/z > 100 but generates new peaks of m/z 80 and 94, attributable to the protonation of pyridine and aniline. Aniline may be generated by addition of NH2 radicals to benzene in the pyrolysis and reaction zones of the flame.

Ionization of nitromethane in the flame ionization detector

The mass spectra observed on sampling the unburnt gases of a flame ionization detector to which nitromethane has been added are due mostly to proton transfer reactions of NH4+ and H3O+. These are formed in the reaction zone from the primary ion HCO+, and pass through the unburnt gases to the sampling orifice. The ions which are detected may be attributed to pyrolysis (CH4NO+ and NO+) or hydrogenation products (CH2NH2+ and CH3NH2+) of nitromethane. The small amount of NO+ observed in the unburnt gases is attributed either to a primary ionization mechanism which produces NO+ from excited nitrogen atoms or molecules in the reaction zone, or to a reaction of H3O+ with HNO2, a pyrolysis product of nitromethane. Observations of CH2NH2+ in the flame and in double resonance experiments performed in an ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer give limits on the proton affinity of methanimine (CH2NH) of 847.6–862.3 kJ mol−1.

Clinical and laboratory studies of levamisole in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Two studies with levamisole in rheumatoid arthritis are reported. In the first study of 30 patients levamisole was superior to placebo in terms of pain relief, reduction in articular tenderness, duration of morning stiffness, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and radioisotope uptake in knee and wrist joints. There were no consistent differences in lymphocyte function, immunoglobin or complement concentration, or polymorphonuclear granulocytic function. In the second study forty patients were commenced on treatment with either gold or levamisole. At the end of one year there were significant improvements with both regimens in pain score, joint tenderness and ESR. The patients on levamisole showed significant improvement of duration of morning stiffness, while the patients on gold showed significant improvement of rheumatoid factor titre and left hand grip, but there were no significant differences between the two regimens.

Proton transfer as a first step in ion-molecule reactions of diethyl ether and tetrahydrofuran

Mechanisms may be written for several of the ion-molecule reactions in tetrahydrofuran and diethyl ether for which the first step is protonation to give the ion (M+l)+. This hypothesis was tested inan ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer by double-resonance experiments on mixtures of each of the ethers with methane. It was shown that CH5+ is a precursor for the tetrahydrofuran reactions,but not, with one exception, for the diethyl ether reactions.