Influence of tail biting on weight gain, lesions and condemnations at slaughter of finishing pigs

The present study assessed the association of tail-biting lesions in finishing pigs with weight gain, occurrence of locomotion or respiratory disorders and abscesses during finishing period, and carcass condemnation at slaughter. The study was carried out on 4 different farms. For each animal with a tail biting lesion, two control pigs were selected. The total number of animals in the study was 312, with 104 of them being tail-bitten. Tail lesions were classified according to the degree of severity into four scores: score 0 -normal tail withou lesion; score 1-3 - increasing lesion severity, and score 4 - healed lesions. Overall, the occurrence of severe tail lesions (score 3) varied from 55 to 73% of tail-bitten pigs among farms. On all farms, healing of tail lesions was observed in 95% to 100% of the animals at the evaluation performed within 41-43 days after the commencement of the study. In two out of the four evaluated farms, pigs with score of 3 showed lower weight gain (P<0.05) compared with score 0 pigs. Before slaughter, the occurrence of locomotion problems and nodules/abscesses was associated (P<0.05) with the presence of tail-biting lesions. At slaughter, tail-biting lesions were associated (P<0.05) with the presence of abscesses, lung lesions (pleuritis and embolic pneumonia) or arthritis in carcasses. Carcass condemnation was associated with the presence of tail-biting lesions (P<0.05). Overall, carcass condemnation rate was 21.4%, of which animals with tail-biting lesions accounted for 66.7% of condemnations. Among the animals diagnosed with cannibalism at farm level, only two had not healed their lesions at slaughter. The fact that there were a lot of carcass condemnations, despite the fact that tail-bitten animals had no more active lesions, suggests that different situations may be observed between the field and slaughter, reinforcing the need to analyze pigs both at farm and slaughter to allow proper assessment of losses related to tail biting. Collectively, the observations of the present study show that complications associated with tail-biting found in slaughterhouses are probably underestimating field prevalence.

Est��tica do apocalipse: (re) considera����es acerca da (des) arboriza����o urbana de Natal e seu contributo �� sa��de p��blica

This study intends to establish a relation between environmental degradation, particularly the devastation of the green canopy, and public health. Utilizing a mapping of the trees included in the researched area, each individual tree was analyzed according to its age, taxonomic listing, architecture, shape and size (determined by aesthetic/convenience reasons or deformed by pruning). Initially investigated were the covert reasons lying underneath the constant aggression against trees (which many times seem to contain elements of hatred and contempt) within the urban environment. In addition to that, the aspects concerning environmental modifications and the consequent impact on public health were also assessed. Two main problems promptly emerged as a result of the removal of trees: a) without a canopy to protect the areas, they became subject to winds directly blown from SW Africa and impregnated with aerosol partic les, which are common causes for respiratory disorders and, b) direct UV solar radiation, which causes some types of skin cancers and eye disorders. To reach such results, we studied the origins and formation of UV radiation induced cancers and searched for the UV radiation spectra of action, e.g., usual intensity and quantity reaching clear and shadowed spaces in a certain area and its consequences. In a second instance, we also searched for pertinent data resources in order to confirm the increase of skin cancer cases due to exposure to UV radiation and the relation between the destruction of the green canopy and the above mentioned problems. We believe that a few significant results have been achieved by this study, namely: the relation between a culture based on medieval beliefs and its consequences on the environment; how this culture exploits and deforms nature in pursuit of financial and psychological interests to a point of transforming the landscape into a copy of something devoid of any relation to latitude and altitude; and above all, the indifference concerning the alarming results carried by these modifications

Avalia����o da fun����o pulmonar em obesos m��rbidos com sonol��ncia diurna excessiva

Background: Obesity impairment to the pulmonary function related to the magnitude of adiposity and is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and snoring, among others symptoms of respiratory disorders related to sleep. It is possible that obese individuals with excessive daytime sleepiness may make changes in lung function on spirometry monitored during the day as a consequence of fragmented sleep or episodes of nocturnal hypoventilation that cause respiratory and changes that can persist throughout the day. The combination of these findings alone sleepiness observed by subjective scales with pulmonary function in obese patients is unknown. Objective: To assess the influence of EDS and snoring on pulmonary function in morbidly obese and distinguish between different anthropometric markers, the snoring and sleepiness which the best predictors of spirometric function and respiratory muscle strength and endurance of these patients. Methods: We evaluated 40 morbidly obese markers on the anthropometric, spirometric respiratory variables, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP) and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) and the measured excessive daytime sleepiness (the Epworth sleepiness scale) and snoring (snoring scale of Stanford). The data were treated when the differences between the groups of obese patients with and without sleepiness, whereas the anthropometric variables, respiratory and snoring. Pearson's correlation was performed, and multiple regression analysis assessed the predictors of pulmonary function. For this we used the software SPSS 15.0 for windows and p <0.05. Results: 39 obese patients were included (28 women), age 36.92+11.97y, body mass index (BMI) 49.3+5.1kg/m��, waist-hip ratio (WHR) 0.96+0.07 and neck circumference (NC) 44.1+4.2 cm. Spirometric values and respiratory pressures were up 80% of predicted values, except for endurance (MVV <80%). Obese with EDS have lower tidal volume. Positive correlation was observed between BMI and EDS, EDS and NC and between snoring and BMI, and negative correlation between EDS and tidal volume (TV), and between snoring and snoring FVC and FEV1. In linear regression the best predictor of pulmonary function was snoring, followed by NC. NC has more obese with higher strength (MEP, p = 0.031) and endurance (MVV p = 0.018) respiratory muscle. Conclusion: Obese with EDS tend to have lower TV. In addition, snoring and NC can better predict pulmonary function in obese when compared with other anthropometric markers or EDS. Obese patients with higher NC tend to have greater capacity for overall strength of respiratory muscles, but may have low muscle endurance

��n��lise da capacidade funcional e da distribui����o regional da ventila����o pulmonar em pacientes com doen��a de chagas

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac and pulmonary manifestations of the Chagas disease (CD) affect between 20-30% of the infected subjects. The chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) has some peculiarities such as arrhythmias and, especially heart failure (HF) and is potentially lethal due to left ventricular dysfunction. How respiratory disorders, patients get progressive loss of functional capacity, which contributes to a poor quality of life related to disease. Measurements of lung volume by the movement of the chest wall surface are an alternative evaluation of lung function and kinematics of complex thoracoabdominal for these patients. OBJECTIVE: evaluate the kinematics of the thoracoabdominal complex through the regional pulmonary volumes and to correlate with functional evaluation of the cardiorrespiratory system in patients with Chagas disease at rest. MATERIALS AND METHODS: a cross-section study with 42 subjects had been divided in 3 groups, 15 composed for patients with CCC, 12 patients with HF of different etiologies and 15 healthful presented control group. An optoelectronic plethysmography (POE), Minnesota questionnaire, six minute walk test, spirometer and manovacuometer was used. RESULTS: It was observed in the 6MWT where group CRL presented greater distance 464,93��44,63m versus Group HF with 399,58�� 32,1m (p=0,005) and group CCC 404��68,24m (p=0,015), both the groups presented difference statistics with regard to Group CRL. In the manovacuometer 54,59��19,98; of the group CCC and 42,11��13,52 of group IC found group CRL presented 81,31��15,25 of the predicted versus, presenting in relation to group CRL. In the POE it observed a major contribution in abdominal compartment in patients with IC if compared like CCC and control groups. On the basis of the questionnaire of quality of life of Minessota, verified a low one groups CCC and IC 43,2��15,2 and 44,4��13,1, respectively (p<0,05) when compared with the control group (19,6��17,31). CONCLUSION: it seems that the patients with CCC possess same functional and respiratory characteristics, observed for the POE, 6MWT, manovacuometer and spirometer to the patients of group HF, being able to consider similar interventions for this complementary group as therapeutical of this neglected disease

Metodologia para germina����o de sementes de Leonurus sibiricus L

O objetivo do trabalho foi investigar a influ��ncia de diferentes temperaturas, o comportamento fotobl��stico e a absor����o de ��gua de sementes de Leonurus sibiricus L. Essa esp��cie medicinal �� origin��ria da ��ndia, distribu��da pela ��sia, ��frica e Am��rica, utilizada no tratamento de reumatismo, problemas dermatol��gicos e respirat��rios. Para tanto, as sementes foram submetidas a temperaturas entre 5 a 40��C, com intervalos de 5��C, e alternadas de 20/30, 20/25 e 25/30��C, com 5 repeti����es de 50 sementes cada, em condi����es de luz e escuro. No estudo da absor����o de ��gua as sementes foram colocadas para germinar na temperatura de 20��C e na presen��a da luz e pesadas para avaliar o ganho de ��gua durante todo o processo germinativo, at�� a protrus��o da rad��cula. Pelos resultados verificou-se que os maiores porcentuais de germina����o e ��ndice de velocidade de germina����o ocorreram na temperatura constante de 20��C, e nas temperaturas alternadas 20/25, 25/30, 25/30��C sob luz. Houve germina����o na temperatura m��nima de 10��C e na m��xima 40��C. No ensaio de absor����o de ��gua verificou-se que as sementes iniciam a protrus��o da rad��cula com 65 horas de exposi����o e seguem padr��o trif��sico na curva de absor����o. O modelo estat��stico ajustado para a esp��cie foi y = 1,869 (1 - 0,414 exp ( -0,201t) + exp [-2,397 + 0,037 (t - 65)], com R��= 0,9998.

Avalia����o do efeito da expans��o r��pida da maxila na via a��rea superior, por meio da nasofibroscopia: descri����o da t��cnica e relato de caso

A finalidade deste artigo �� avaliar o efeito da expans��o r��pida da maxila (ERM) na via a��rea superior. Por interm��dio de um caso cl��nico, ser�� relatado como indiv��duos com atresia da maxila e com comprometimento da fun����o naso-respirat��ria podem beneficiar-se com a ERM. Para entender melhor as altera����es morfol��gicas decorrentes do paciente com problemas respirat��rios, deve-se conhecer a anatomia e a fisiologia do sistema respirat��rio. Entretanto, n��o se pode esquecer que o tratamento deste paciente �� multidisciplinar, envolvendo o ortodontista, otorrinolaringologista e a fonoaudi��loga.

Monitoriza����o ambulatorial da press��o arterial (MAPA) em crian��as com dist��rbios respirat��rios obstrutivos pr�� e ap��s adenotonsilectomia

P��s-gradua����o em Bases Gerais da Cirurgia - FMB

Correlation between sleep and quality of life in cerebral palsy

Funda����o de Amparo �� Pesquisa do Estado de S��o Paulo (FAPESP)

S��ndrome da apn��ia obstrutiva do sono: diagn��stico e tratamento

The Syndrome Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is defined by recurrent episodes of a total or partial obstruction of the airway during sleep, considered apnea and hypopnea respectively. Considered to be increasing by increasing the number of individuals with a disorder breathing, Being continually increasing the number of individuals with a respiratory disorder, OSA can be considered a public health problem that deserves greater attention in relation to diagnoses and treatments that are being conducted. The objective of this study is through a literature review which should be evaluated during the diagnosis and etiology, consequences and treatment of respiratory disorders not adequately treated. The etiology is multifactorial and may be associated with exogenous factors or pathological and anatomical factors. In addition to the own symptoms interfere with the quality of life of the individual, depending on the intensity, OSA can trigger more serious complications. This is a complex syndrome which may have varying degrees and irreversible consequences to the body. The choice of treatment should be based on clinical conditions, the severity of the apnea, the degree of urgency of treatment and the patient's preferences, but the treatments available will not be fully effective if there are no changes in lifestyle of it. The respiratory disorders can range from a simple nasal obstruction and intermittent obstruction more severe, emphasizing the importance of a complete diagnosis, which must be multidisciplinary, through a team relationship between doctor and dentist.

First evidence of the emergence of novel putative infectious bronchitis virus genotypes in Cuba

The emergence of new infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) genotypes or serotypes along with the poor cross-protection observed among IBV serotypes have complicated the avian infectious bronchitis (IB) control programs in different geographic regions. In Cuba, the lack of genetic information regarding IBV and the increasing epidemiological importance of this virus in Cuban chicken flocks demand further characterization of IBV isolates. In the present work, studies of genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships among recent IBV isolates from Cuban chicken flocks showing respiratory disorders were performed. Two putative genotypes genetically different to the Massachusetts genotype H120 strain used in the Cuban vaccination program were found in the flocks assessed. In addition, a potential nephropathogenic IBV isolate was found by first time in Cuba. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Isocyanates and Amines ��� Sampling and Analytical Procedures

This thesis covers sampling and analytical procedures for isocyanates (R-NCO) and amines (R-NH2), two kinds of chemicals frequently used in association with the polymeric material polyurethane (PUR). Exposure to isocyanates may result in respiratory disorders and dermal sensitisation, and they are one of the main causes of occupational asthma. Several of the aromatic diamines associated with PUR production are classified as suspected carcinogens. Hence, the presence of these chemicals in different exposure situations must be monitored. In the context of determining isocyanates in air, the methodologies included derivatisation with the reagent di-n-butylamine (DBA) upon collection and subsequent determination using liquid chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometric detection (MS). A user-friendly solvent-free sampler for collection of airborne isocyanates was developed as an alternative to a more cumbersome impinger-filter sampling technique. The combination of the DBA reagent together with MS detection techniques revealed several new exposure situations for isocyanates, such as isocyanic acid during thermal degradation of PUR and urea-based resins. Further, a method for characterising isocyanates in technical products used in the production of PUR was developed. This enabled determination of isocyanates in air for which pure analytical standards are missing. Tandem MS (MS/MS) determination of isocyanates in air below 10-6 of the threshold limit values was achieved. As for the determination of amines, the analytical methods included derivatisation into pentafluoropropionic amide or ethyl carbamate ester derivatives and subsequent MS analysis. Several amines in biological fluids, as markers of exposure for either the amines themselves or the corresponding isocyanates, were determined by LC-MS/MS at amol level. In aqueous extraction solutions of flexible PUR foam products, toluene diamine and related compounds were found. In conclusion, this thesis demonstrates the usefulness of well characterised analytical procedures and techniques for determination of hazardous compounds. Without reliable and robust methodologies there is a risk that exposure levels will be underestimated or, even worse, that relevant compounds will be completely missed.

Correlation of fat embolism severity and subcutaneous fatty tissue crushing and bone fractures

Pulmonary fat embolism (PFE) is frequently encountered in blunt trauma. The clinical manifestation ranges from no impairment in light cases to death due to right-sided heart failure or hypoxaemia in severe cases. Occasionally, pulmonary fat embolism can give rise to a fat embolism syndrome (FES), which is marked by multiorgan failure, respiratory disorders, petechiae and often death. It is well known that fractures of long bones can lead to PFE. Several authors have argued that PFE can arise due to mere soft tissue injury in the absence of fractures, a claim other authors disagree upon. In this study, we retrospectively examined 50 victims of blunt trauma with regard to grade and extent of fractures and crushing of subcutaneous fatty tissue and presence and severity of PFE. Our results indicate that PFE can arise due to mere crushing of subcutaneous fat and that the fracture grade correlated well with PFE severity (p���=���0.011). The correlation between PFE and the fracture severity (body regions affected by fractures and fracture grade) showed a lesser significant correlation (p���=���0.170). The survival time (p���=���0.567), the amount of body regions affected by fat crushing (p���=���0.336) and the fat crush grade (p���=���0.485) did not correlate with the PFE grade, nor did the amount of body regions affected by fractures. These results may have clinical implications for the assessment of a possible FES development, as, if the risk of a PFE is known, preventive steps can be taken.

Characterization of Pasteurellaceae-like bacteria isolated from clinically affected psittacine birds

AIMS: The aim of the present investigation was to identify and characterize Pasteurella-like isolates obtained from clinically affected psittacine birds. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 37 isolates from psittacine birds tentatively classified with the family Pasteurellaceae were characterized phenotypically. The genetic relationship was investigated by sequencing of partial rpoB and 16S rRNA genes for selected isolates. The results obtained were compared with the data from 16 reference strains. Nine isolates were identified as Gallibacterium spp., 16 as Volucribacter spp. or Volucribacter-like, while 11 isolates were classified as taxon 44 of Bisgaard. A single isolate was identified as Pasteurella multocida. CONCLUSIONS: Characterization of Pasteurellaceae by traditional methods is often inconclusive because of inconsistent reactions and phenotypic diversity. For the same reason, genotyping is essential to allow proper classification as demonstrated in the present study. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Limited information exists on the isolation and significance of Pasteurellaceae associated with clinically affected psittacine birds showing signs of digestive and/or respiratory disorders. The present investigations demonstrated that these organisms are widely distributed among clinically affected birds, but isolation of these taxa cannot be unambiguously correlated with the symptoms observed.

Measles outbreak in Germany: clinical presentation and outcome of children hospitalized for measles in 2006

In 2006, 115 children hospitalized with measles in Germany were reported. Detailed information could be obtained for 96 cases from a pediatric hospital surveillance system. The most frequent symptoms and complications were pneumonia, respiratory insufficiency, other respiratory disorders, otitis media, feeding problems, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Two children died of measles inclusion body encephalitis.

A PUBLIC HEALTH SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM FOR THE WESTERN CAYO DISTRICT, BELIZE (DISEASE)

A demonstration project entailing disease surveillance was conducted in the western Cayo District, Belize, from November 1981 to March 1982. The purpose was to test and demonstrate the feasibility of community-based surveillance. Interviews were conducted in three hundred twenty households at monthly intervals over a five-month period. Information regarding disease prevalence and medical care utilization relevant to public health practice was analyzed by staff attached to the health center in Benque Viejo. Data collected at the health center were used to validate reported findings.^ Differences between reported and actual study findings regarding clinic visits were small, though in many instances statistically significant. The proportion of underreported clinic visits was greater than the proportion overreported. Overall, reporting accuracy improved with time, particularly from the first to second month. Clinic utilization experience reported for men was as accurate as that reported for females.^ There was agreement between interview and clinic disease findings. In fact, the proportion of conditions defined in the interview and matched to clinic findings was high (malaria, diarrhea, dysentery, skin sores and ulcerations, and problems of nutrition) except for upper respiratory disorders. Finally, some conditions were more likely to be taken to the health center than others, e.g., children with diarrhea or skin sores and ulcerations were less likely to be taken to the health center than if they had malaria. ^