Control Kids Research Articles

Effectiveness of the Kids in Control of Food (KICk-OFF) structured education course for 11-16 year olds with Type 1 diabetes.

To assess the effect of a 5-day structured education course (Kids in Control of Food; KICk-OFF) on biomedical and psychological outcomes in young people with Type 1 diabetes. This was a cluster-randomized trial involving 31 UK paediatric centres. Participants were recruited prior to stratified centre randomization. Intervention centres delivered KICk-OFF courses, whereas control centres delivered usual care. Participants were 11-16 years of age and had Type 1 diabetes for at least one year. The KICk-OFF course was delivered by trained educators to eight participants per course. Glycaemic control and quality of life were measured at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months. Secondary outcomes were hypoglycaemia, ketoacidosis, fear of hypoglycaemia and diabetes self-efficacy. Three hundred and ninety-six participants provided baseline data (199 intervention and 197 control). At 6 and 12 months the intervention group showed significantly improved total generic quality of life scores compared with controls (baseline: 80 vs. 82; 6 months: 82 vs. 82; P = 0.04). Across the whole intervention group mean HbA1c levels were not significantly different from controls; baseline HbA1c mean (95% confidence interval), 78 mmol/mol (75-81) vs. 76 mmol/mol (74-79) [9.3% (9-9.6%) vs. 9.1% (8.9-9.4%); 24 months: 77 mmol/mol (74-79) vs. 78 mmol/mol (75-81) (9.2% (8.9-9.4%) vs. 9.3% (9-9.6%)], adjusted mean difference, -2.0 mmol/mol (6.5-2.5) [2.3% (-2.7% to 2.4%)], P = 0.38. Attending a KICk-OFF course was associated with significantly improved total quality of life scores within 6 months. Glycaemic control, as measured by HbA1c , was no different at 24 months. (Clinical Trial Registry No: ISRCTN3704268).

Effect of strategic supplementation on growth performance and economics of Barbari goat kid production on rangelands

The effect of supplementary feeding of concentrate feeds was assessed on performance, and economics of kids with grazing based production system. Male Barbari kids (30) were divided randomly in 5 equal groups. Kids were allowed 8 h daily grazing and offered arhar straw (Cajenus cajan) ad lib. after grazing for 128 days. Kids of control group did not provide any concentrate supplement, while other kid groups received either concentrate pellet feed (CPF), barley grains (BG), wheat bran plus mineral mixture and salt (WBMS) or barley grain plus mineral mixture and salt (BGMS) at 1% of live weight after grazing. The final live weights were the highest in CPF (27.6 kg) supplemented kids, whereas other groups of kids had the lower final live weights. Total live weight gains were higher in CPF (12.33 kg), BG (10.20 kg) and BGMS (10.03 kg) supplemented kids in comparison of control (7.18 kg) and WBMS (9.05 kg) group of kids. Average daily gain (ADG) ranged between 51.6 and 88.7 g, which is higher in the kids of CPF group. The CPF supplementation improved growth of kids by 73%, followed by BG (42%) than that occurred in control kids. Total volatile fatty acids and NH3-N were similar among the groups, whereas concentrate supplemented kids had the higher protozoa population in rumen fluid. Hematology and plasma minerals were also not different among kids groups. Although the supplementary feeding have increased the cost of feeding from Rupees 227 to 401 on each kid, however net return on each kid over the control were Rupees 467, 712, 755 and 1,287, respectively, in WBMS, BGMB, BG and CPF group of kids. Study concluded that supplementary feeding of 1.0% concentrate provided higher economic returns over the kids managed on grazing alone, and the feeding of concentrate pellet provided maximum net returns.

Effect of Concentrate Supplementation on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits and Meat Composition of Sirohi Kids under Field Condition

In order to assess the influence of on-farm supplementary feeding of concentrate pellets on growth, carcass traits and quality, 35 male Sirohi goat kids (60d old), divided in two groups were maintained either on 6h sole grazing (control; n=5) or grazing with supplementation of concentrate pellets at 1.5% of LW (supplemented; n=30). Experiment lasted for 140d followed by slaughter of five representative kids from each group. The kids of supplemented group had an ADG of 110g, which was 1.8 times higher (P<0.05) than the control. The supplemented kids had finishing weight of 25 kg vs. 12.08 kg in control kids. The slaughter and carcass weights and dressing percentages were 25.8 kg, 11.9 kg and 46.0%, and 17.5 kg, 7.4 kg and 43.0%, respectively, in supplemented and control groups, being higher (P<0.05) in supplemented group. Supplemented kids had improved (P<0.05) carcass traits, organ weight and had higher fat levels. Among non-carcass traits, blood, head and GI tract weights as % of slaughter weight were higher (P<0.05) in control kids, whereas other non-carcass traits were similar in both groups. The weights of cut portions viz. leg, loin, rack, and breast and shank, separated lean, fat and trim % and, meat: bone ratio were higher (P<0.01) in supplemented kids. The chemical constituents of Longissimus dorsi muscle were similar in both groups. Cholesterol content of the muscle was similar between two groups. It is concluded that on-farm supplementation of concentrate pellets at 1.5% of LW in growing kids improved growth performance, carcass traits and provided leaner carcass.

Comparative efficacy of polyherbal formulations on nutrient utilization and haematological profile of kids

Thirty non-descript kids were allocated into six groups to study the effect of polyherbal preparations on nutrient utilization, serum enzymes and haematological profile. Gr I (control) was fed ad libitum basal feed. Gr II, III, IV, V and VI were fed as in control with combined supplement of AV/DAC/16 (@ 5 g/day/kid), Yakrifit bolus (@ 5 g/day/kid), Yakrifit liquid (@ 5 ml/day/kid), AV/RMF/17 (@ 5 g/day/kid) and Ruchamax (@ 5 g/day/kid), respectively. Supplementation was given at 1 to 7th, 31 to 37th and 61 to 67thdays of experiment. The overall average daily gain (ADG) in body weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in Yakrifit liquid, AV/RMF/17 and Ruchamax supplemented kids than control kids. Significantly (P<0.05) improved nutrient intake in terms of digestible crude fibre (DCF), digestible nitrogen free extract (DNFE), digestible ether extract (DEE) and digestible organic matter was observed in supplemented groups and being higher in kids supplemented with Ruchamax in their diet (Gr VI). Phosphorus balance improved significantly (P<0.05) in supplemented groups; however, non-significant variations were noticed for nitrogen and calcium balance. In the polyherbal formulation supplemented kids haemoglobin and total erythrocytic count increased significantly (P<0.05).

Expression Profiles of Different Cytokine Genes in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Goats Infected Experimentally with Native Strain of Mycobacterium Avium Subsp. Paratuberculosis

Paratuberculosis (ParaTB), caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is a chronic enteritis of ruminants and may contribute to Crohn's disease in humans. Key features of host immunity to MAP infection include an early pro-inflammatory (Th1-like) response that eventually gives way to a predominant anti-inflammatory (Th2-like) response. Many studies have been conducted to understand the underlying mechanism of misdirected host immune response, however, these studies mainly focused on cattle. The present study is the first attempt to test the hypothesis of shift in Th1 to Th2 like responses during the progression of ParaTB in caprine species (small ruminant). Ten healthy male kids (<6 months old) of the same breed were selected for this study. Of the 10 kids, 6 were experimentally infected with native strain (S5) of MAP (“Indian Bison Type”) and the remaining 4 kids were control. Kids were monitored for a period of 12 months post infection (MPI) and were tested for establishment of infection. Expression levels of IFNG, IL2, IL12, IL4, and IL10 genes were estimated before infection and at 4, 8, and 12 MPI in stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of infected and control kids. The study demonstrated the expression of IFNG and IL2 as classic Th1-like pro-inflammatory signatures; whereas, IL10 exhibited itself as classical Th2-like signature. The study also reports unexpected lowered expression of the IL12 gene simultaneously with increased expression of IFNG, lowered expression of the IL2 gene (compared to IFNG), and suppressed expression of the IL4.

Does an intensive self-management structured education course improve outcomes for children and young people with type 1 diabetes? The Kids In Control OF Food (KICk-OFF) cluster-randomised controlled trial protocol

IntroductionThe Kids In Control OF Food (KICk-OFF) is a cluster-randomised controlled trial, which aims to determine the efficacy of a 5 day structured education course for 11-year-olds to 16-year-olds with...

Effects of Protein and/or Energy Restriction for Six Weeks, Followed with Nutritional Recovery on the Antioxidant Capacity and Development of Liver, Spleen and Muscle of Weaned Kids

The effects of protein and/or energy restrictions on the antioxidant capacity and development of liver, spleen and muscle were investigated in kids. Sixty Liuyang Black kids, weaned at 28-day old, were allocated to four treatments: control, either energy or protein restriction, and combined energy and protein restriction. The experimental period consisted of six weeks of nutritional restriction followed with nine weeks of nutritional recovery. On day 42, energy restriction decreased the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in spleen, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) mRNA level in muscle and spleen, and the ratio of RNA to DNA in liver (P 0.05); however, the weights of liver and spleen in groups of pre-protein restriction and pre-combined restriction of energy and protein were still less than those of kids in control. The results indicate that six weeks of nutritional restriction can reduce the antioxidant capacity of muscle, spleen and liver, retard the development of liver and spleen, and the retarded development partly continues even after nine weeks of nutritional recovery.

Control strategies using diclazuril against coccidiosis in goat kids

Coccidiosis is probably the main parasitic disease affecting goat kids around the weaning period, leading to high economic losses in goat production due to deaths and delayed growth rates of infected animals. A total of 101 kids of 2-4 weeks of age, naturally infected with Eimeria spp., were divided into five groups and studies were conducted to analyse the effects of metaphylactic administration of diclazuril (Vecoxan®) on parasitological and productive parameters. Two different doses of diclazuril (1 and 2 mg/kg BW, p.o.) were given either at 3 weeks (single treatment) or at 3 and 5 weeks of life (double treatment). The faecal oocyst shedding and the body weights of the animals were monitored at 2-weeks intervals for 6 consecutive weeks. Treatments of goat kids with diclazuril were effective against the three most predominant Eimeria species recorded in this study (E. arloingi, E. ninakohlyakimovae and E. christenseni) and also against other minor species found in faecal examinations, including E. alijevi, E. caprina, E. jolchijevi, E. caprovina, E. hirci and E. aspheronica). In consequence, OPG values lower than 1 × 10(3) were detected in 90 to 100% of the animals up to 15-20 days post-treatment depending on the treatment regimen. Even a single dose of 1 mg/kg BW p.o. resulted in an increase of growth rates in treated animals and therefore should be considered as a control strategy in farms precluding coccidian infections, whilst double and multiple dose treatments could be the recommendation for environments heavily contaminated with Eimeria oocysts. In relation to the OPG reduction and increased growth rates, the severity of the clinical signs (i.e., diarrhoea) was ameliorated in treated animals during the course of infection compared to that of non-treated or control kids. The precise timing of treatment appears crucial in order to prevent severe clinical coccidiosis and thereby enabling the adequate development of protective immune response against Eimeria challenge infections.

Enacting change: Disability and the arts in Northern Ireland

ABSTRACT Disability Arts (arts created by people with disabilities as a political act), which grew out of the Disability Rights movement in the United States and in England in the 1970s–1980s, is not widely practised or recognized in Northern Ireland. Most arts practice in the region involving people with disabilities is based on an Arts and Disability approach (arts for people with disabilities by non-disabled people). This approach tends to attract criticism from the Disability Arts movement, as it relies on non-disabled facilitators and practitioners, who may not challenge the ownership and power dynamics of the dominant over the marginal group. This suggests that there is need for cultural and attitudinal change. However, history has repeatedly shown that it is neither appropriate nor acceptable to ‘cut and paste’ the British model into the Northern Irish context. Furthermore, the social model of disability embedded in UK legislation has recently been challenged by certain voices from within disability studies. The latter half of this article focuses on the initial stages of a participatory action research study with the theatre company Kids in Control, Belfast, in August 2011. The first in a series of three workshop cycles, this practice research had a focus on developing working relationships with young adults with learning disabilities, and observing the way in which they work individually and as a group using drama. Subsequent research will be used to investigate the development of an independent professional theatre company to be led by the young people themselves, given that this is their preferred outcome. Throughout the research process, some of the following questions will be investigated: Given that contextually appropriate transformative cultural and attitudinal change needs to take place in Northern Ireland with regard to disability, how exactly should this happen? What should these changes look like, and what should be the result? How can models of good practice be developed and disseminated?

Impact of Intrauterine Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty on Gestational Outcome in a Fetal Goat Model

Objective: Intrauterine balloon aortic valvuloplasty (IUBAV) has been used to correct critical aortic valve stenosis. Evaluation of the intervention-related risk is necessary. The purpose of this study was to establish an experimental goat model for ultrasound-guided IUBAV intervention and investigate the immediate and long-term effects of IUBAV on the fetus, gestational outcome and mother’s safety. Study Design: Fifteen pregnant goats with twin gestation in the 2nd and 3rd trimester were anesthetized to establish the surgical procedure. One fetus of the twins received IUBAV intervention, the other served as a control. The data were collected at three time points: immediately before and after IUBAV, and 24 h after birth. Critical organs including the heart, brain, lung and liver from the fetuses/newborns were collected after IUBAV or 24 h after birth. Results: IUBAV intervention immediately induced a significant decrease of pH and Ca²⁺, as well as an increase of blood glucose and lactic acid levels (p < 0.05). IUBAV also caused an increase in stress hormones (epinephrine 1-fold, norepinephrine 4-fold, and cortisol 1-fold; p < 0.05). Following the operation, all of the mother goats recovered, but in 60% (6/10) preterm delivery occurred. Neither pathological changes in fetal critical organs nor a significant difference in metabolism or growth parameters were detected between IUBAV and control kids. Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided IUBAV intervention induced a strong but transient stress response in the operated fetus, which did not result in irreversible histological changes in the fetus or the mother, but may disrupt the continuation of normal gestation in the long term. Preterm delivery is the major risk in this goat IUBAV model.

Suitability of electronic mini-boluses for the early identification of goat kids and effects on growth performance and development of the reticulorumen12

A total of 60 twin-goat kids (30 male and 30 female) of the Canary Island Majorera dairy breed were used in 2 experiments to evaluate 2 types of electronic identification mini-boluses and their effects on rearing performances and reticulorumen development. Electronic identification mini-boluses were cylindrical and made of ceramic materials (B1, 9.0 g and 38.5 × 9.5 mm; B2, 16.3 g and 42.2 × 12.2 mm), contained a 32-mm half-duplex passive transponder, and were administered to kids at different BW. In Exp. 1, treatments were 1) control, without bolus (n = 15) and 2) identified with B1 at 4.8 kg of BW (n = 15). In Exp. 2, treatments were 1) control, without bolus (n = 15) and 2) identified with B2 at 5.6 kg of BW (n = 15). Kids were penned separately, according to mini-bolus treatments, fed a milk replacer daily, and slaughtered at 10 kg of BW. Milk replacer intake was recorded individually twice weekly and boluses read weekly until slaughter. The full and empty stomach complex was measured immediately after slaughter, and mini-bolus location was recorded. Samples of the reticulum and rumen wall were taken to measure the number and length of the papillae and crest. Despite the light BW of kids at time of mini-bolus treatment, no negative effects (P > 0.05) of B1 and B2 mini-boluses were observed on milk intake, growth rate, or G:F in either experiment. No kid mortality or mini-bolus losses were observed during either experiment. All mini-boluses were retained until slaughter, and all were found in the rumen upon dissection, except one B2, which was found in the reticulum. Mini-bolus treatment did not affect (P > 0.05) the weight of full and empty reticulorumen or the number of papillae and crest size of the reticulum epithelium. Moreover, the B1-treated kids showed a greater number of papillae in the rumen wall than the control kids (22.4 +/- 1.0 vs. 18.9 +/- 0.9 papillae/cm, respectively; P < 0.05) in Exp. 1. In conclusion, the use of mini-boluses was suitable for the electronic identification of growing kids from early ages (wk 2 to 5 of age and 5 to 6 kg of BW) and did not produce negative effects on their growth performances or on reticulorumen development. These results support the use of properly designed boluses as a unique identification device for the entire lifespan of goats.

A first description of the physiological and behavioural responses to disbudding in goat kids

AbstractIn order to determine the stress response to disbudding, physiological and behavioural response was investigated in disbudded kids and compared with a control group. Disbudded kids (n = 14), were disbudded by thermal cauterisation, and control kids (n = 15) received the same management without being disbudded. Cortisol was measured at -20, -10 and 0 min (pre-treatment), 0, 10, 20 and 30 min as well as 1, 2, 3 and 4 h from disbudding. Frequency and intensity of the behavioural response (kicks, vocalisations) were also recorded during disbudding. Cortisol was higher in disbudded than in control kids during the first 2 h after disbudding. The cortisol area under the curve was 235% higher in disbudded compared to control animals (828 [± 67.4] and 350 [± 65] nmol L−1, respectively). Disbudded kids showed high intensity behaviours in a greater number of animals (100%) and with a greater frequency than controls. These results indicate the presence of acute stress and a potentially painful experience. In conclusion, disbudding in goat kids induces an acute cortisol increase, which lasts for a duration of 2-3 h and a significant behavioural response. This clearly suggests the necessity of using anaesthesia/analgesia to avoid pain and stress.

Evaluation of oral tilmicosin efficacy against severe cryptosporidiosis in neonatal kids under field conditions

Many compounds have been screened for their potential anti-cryptosporidial activity in ruminants but none of them has been totally efficient in controlling the disease. Macrolide antibiotics have demonstrated some activity against Cryptosporidium spp. in humans. Tilmicosin is a macrolide antibiotic, available in France in an oral form (Pulmotil ® AC, Lilly France). The preventive efficacy of tilmicosin was evaluated in a goat farm experiencing severe clinical cryptosporidiosis in kids. Twenty-two kids were separated from their dams just after birth and placed in a separated pen. They were divided into 3 groups: an untreated group (10 kids), group 1 (6 kids) receiving tilmicosin at 25 mg/kg BW/day and group 2 (6 kids) receiving tilmicosin at 50 mg/kg BW/day. Tilmicosin was individually given by oral route from day 2 of age for 10 days. Three times a week, individual faecal samples were performed to assess the oocyst output. Clinical data, i.e. diarrhea and mortality, were recorded. In control kids, the highest prevalence and intensity of excretion were observed between day 6 and day 16 of age and mortality reached 90%. Excretion dynamic and clinical consequences were similar in both treated kid groups. Finally, tilmicosin did not demonstrate any activity against severe kid cryptosporidiosis in field conditions.

Effect of a long-term peroral supplementation with sodium selenite and selenium lactate-protein complex on selenium status in goats and their kids

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a long-term peroral selenium supplementation in the form of sodium selenite and selenium lactate-protein complex by comparing selenium concentrations and glutathione peroxidase activity in blood of goats and their kids as well as comparing selenium concentrations in goat colostrums. For the study, a total of 27 clinically healthy pregnant white shorthair goats were used. They were divided to three groups, i.e., the control group (C) without any selenium supplementation, sodium selenite group (E1) and selenium lactate-protein complex group (E2). For four months, experimental goats received 0.43 mg of selenium per animal per day in diet; goats from the control group were given 0.15 mg of selenium per animal per day. At the beginning of the experiment, goats of all groups showed an average selenium concentration of 96 &amp;mu;g/l in whole blood. On the parturition day, samples of first colostrum from goats and heparinized blood from goats and kids were taken. In the control group (C), average blood selenium concentrations of 111.4 ± 33.5 &amp;mu;g/l were observed on the parturition day. In both experimental groups, selenium concentrations were significantly higher (&lt;I&gt;P&lt;/I&gt; &lt; 0.05). Average selenium concentration in the sodium selenite group (E1) was 177.2 ± 34.8 &amp;mu;g/l and in the group supplemented with selenium lactate-protein complex (E2) 159.0 ± 28.5 &amp;mu;g/l. Average glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in blood of control goats (C) was 581.9 ± 99.2 &amp;mu;kat/l, in group E1 1 154.6 ± 156.2 &amp;mu;kat/l and in group E2 1 011.6 ± 153.6 &amp;mu;kat/l. GSH-Px activity in experimental groups was significantly higher (&lt;I&gt;P&lt;/I&gt; &lt; 0.05) as compared with the control group. Average selenium concentrations in colostrum was in the control group 40.1 ± 12.8 &amp;mu;g/l, in E1 99.0 ± 29.9 &amp;mu;g/l and in group E2 79.0 ± 17.7 &amp;mu;g/l. Colostral selenium concentrations in experimental groups were significantly higher (&lt;I&gt;P&lt;/I&gt; &lt; 0.05) as compared with the control group. No significant difference in the monitored parameters was found between experimental groups. In kids of control mothers (kC), average selenium concentrations in blood on the parturition day were 62.4 ± 22.9 &amp;mu;g/l; kids of mothers supplemented with sodium selenite (kE1) showed average selenium levels of 100.0 ± 31.2 &amp;mu;g/l, and the average selenium concentration in kids of mothers receiving lactate-protein complex was 83.4 ± 20.1 &amp;mu;g/l (kE2). Average GSH-Px activity in control kids (kC) was 402.1 ± 153.9 &amp;mu;kat/l. Kids from kE1 showed average activity of GSH-Px 806.1 ± 254.9 &amp;mu;kat/l and kids from group kE2 529.9 ± 119.8 &amp;mu;kat/l. Statistically significant difference (&lt;I&gt;P&lt;/I&gt; &lt; 0.05) was found only between kC and kE1 which showed significantly higher selenium concentration and GSH-Px activity. The results of this study confirm that both forms of selenium administered in experimental groups (i.e., sodium selenite and selenium lactate-protein complex) had similar biological effect in goats. However, results obtained in kids indicate a better effect of supplementation with sodium selenite.

Differential effects of undernutrition during pregnancy on the behaviour of does and their kids at parturition and on the establishment of mutual recognition

We investigated whether undernutrition during the second half of pregnancy impaired the behaviour of does and their kids at parturition and early mutual recognition. Twenty-two control and 22 underfed mixed-breed, multiparous dairy goats were used, together with their respective kids (control, n = 31: nine singles, 16 twins and six triplets; underfed, n = 32: 11 singles, 18 twins and three triplets). Undernutrition involved limiting protein and energy intake at 70% of the nutritional requirements for maintenance and foetal growth from day 70 of pregnancy until birth. The behaviour of mothers and their two first-born kids was observed for 90 min from the birth of each kid. Maternal olfactory recognition of the kid was assessed at 4 h post partum by testing selective nursing behaviour. Non-olfactory recognition was assessed at 8 h in a two-choice test excluding olfactory cues. In kids, preference for the mother was assessed in a two-choice test at either 12 or 24 h post partum. Bodyweight of does and kids were lower in the underfed group up to 2 weeks post partum. At parturition, licking, maternal bleating frequency and latency to nursing did not differ between nutritional groups. Control kids were faster than underfed kids to stand, search for and reach the udder, but underfed kids bleated more and tended to spend more time at the udder. Both control and underfed does accepted their own kid and rejected the alien in the selectivity test at 4 h. In contrast, at 8 h post partum, only control goats showed a significant preference for their own kid in the non-olfactory recognition test. Both control and underfed kids showed a preference for their own mother at 12 and 24 h and undernutrition during pregnancy had little influence on the performance of kids. However, 12 h-old underfed kids tended to be less active than control kids and visited their own mothers less than control kids. There were no significant correlations between the behaviour of the mother or of the kid at parturition and their performance in the discrimination tests. Overall, undernutrition in the second half of pregnancy appears to be more detrimental for the behaviour of the mother than for the kid. Furthermore, it has more impact on the establishment of maternal non-olfactory recognition than on maternal care at parturition or the establishment of maternal selectivity.

Effect of a Soy Protein-Based Diet on Ribonucleic Acid Metabolism in the Small Intestinal Mucosa of Goat Kids

This study was designed to investigate the effect of soy protein inclusion in milk replacer diets for goat kids on protein, RNA, and DNA contents in small intestinal mucosa, on the importance of RNA biosynthesis from dietary RNA precursors for mucosal RNA synthesis, and on the activities of enzymes involved in nucleotide degradation in small intestinal mucosa. Diets were based on cow's milk. In the control group, 35% of the milk protein was replaced by casein (CN) protein, and in the soy group (SPAA), the same amount of milk protein was replaced by soy protein supplemented with essential AA known to be at lower concentrations in soy than in CN (Thr, Val, Ile, Leu, His, Lys, Met). Diets were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. At 47 d of age, goats were harvested and samples of proximal, middle, and distal jejunal mucosa were collected 5h after feeding 15N-labeled RNA from yeast (13 mg/kg of body weight). Growth and feed conversion did not differ between the control and SPAA kids. Mucosal protein concentrations were lower in the SPAA than the control kids. Concentrations of RNA and DNA did not differ between feeding groups, but in all kids mucosal RNA concentrations were higher in proximal than in middle and distal jejunum. Protein:RNA ratios were higher in the control than the SPAA kids and were lowest in proximal jejunum. Activities of alkaline phosphatase in enterocytes were higher in proximal than in middle and distal jejunum. Activities of mucosal xanthine oxidase were highest in distal jejunum and were higher in the SPAA than the control kids, especially in the middle and distal sites. The 15N-enrichment of mucosal RNA was higher in the control than the SPAA kids, especially in distal jejunum, and was lowest in distal jejunum. In contrast, 15N-enrichment of urea in plasma tended to be higher and Gly concentration in plasma was lower in the SPAA than the control kids. Data indicate that protein content and the protein:RNA ratio were lower in jejunal mucosa of goat kids fed milk replacer with partial replacement of CN protein by soy protein. These findings were accompanied by a lower level of reutilization of preformed dietary RNA precursors for RNA biosynthesis in jejunal mucosa and a higher activity of xanthine oxidase. Thus, feeding soy protein instead of CN protein reduced the incorporation of preformed dietary RNA precursors for RNA biosynthesis in the mucosa and activated key enzymes involved in nucleic acid breakdown.

Stimulation of innate immunity in newborn kids againstCryptosporidium parvuminfection-challenge by intranasal/per-oral administration of liposomal formulation of N-L18-norAbu-GMDP adjuvant

The effects of a liposomal preparation of lipophilic immunomodulator beta-D-GlcNstearoyl-(1-4)-norMurNAc-L-Abu-D-isoGln (N-L18-norAbu-GMDP) were investigated on resistance to Cryptosporidium parvum infection in neonatal kids. The liposomal preparation was administered subcutaneously or intranasally/orally (i.n./p.o.) twice at doses of 100 microg, 200 microg, or 1000 microg per kid pre-infection challenge. The treatment schemes were (i) 72 and 24 h pre-infection challenge, (ii) 24 h pre-infection challenge and 24 h post-infection challenge (oral inoculation with 1 x 10(7) oocysts of C. parvum in 5 ml of PBS). Administration of liposomal N-L18-norAbu-GMDP by i.n./p.o. route at the cumulative dose of 2000 microg per kid 72 and 24 h pre-infection challenge, lead to substantially increased clearance of coccidian parasites from various parts of the intestine. On the basis of histological examination, the distribution of cryptosporidia in the intestine and the severity of the infection, treated kids were classified on day 5 as having a strong reduction in infection in comparison to the control group (P < 0.05). No cryptosporidia were found on the mucosal surface of treated kids by day 10, while the intestines of the control kids were still infected. All doses and routes of administration were judged effective with respect to suppression of cryptosporidia infections.

Gender-specific effects of prenatal stress on emotional reactivity and stress physiology of goat kids

The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of maternal stress during pregnancy on the emotional reactivity, the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenocortical (HPA) axis, and the sympatho-adrenomedullary (SAM) system of goat offspring according to their gender, and to investigate the role of maternal cortisol in prenatal stress effects. Goats were exposed to ten transports in isolation or ten ACTH injections (0.125 IU/kg body weight) during the last third of pregnancy. Control goats remained undisturbed. No effect of repeated transport during the last third of pregnancy was found on basal cortisol concentrations of the offspring. However, an increase in phenylethanolamine N-methyl transferase activity in the adrenals was observed in prenatally stressed kids compared to control kids ( P = 0.031). In the presence of novelty, prenatally stressed female kids were more active ( P = 0.049) than control females; they also showed more signs of arousal ( P = 0.039) and tended to explore more of their environment ( P = 0.053) in reaction to a startling stimulus. On the contrary, prenatally stressed male kids tended to be less active ( P = 0.051) than control male kids but showed more signs of distress ( P = 0.047) in the presence of novelty. Intermediate effects were found on the emotional reactivity to novelty of kids born from dams given injections of ACTH. In conclusion, transport stress in pregnant goats affects the sympatho-adrenomedullary system and the emotional reactivity of their offspring in a gender-specific manner. Moreover, the effects of prenatal transport and ACTH injections showed some similarities but differed in some critical details.

Filament end‐rounding quality in electric toothbrushes

A good quality of filament tips is desirable to protect both gingiva and dental hard tissues. The aim of the present study was to compare the end-rounding quality of the filaments in 15 electric toothbrushes (Rowenta dentaclip ZH-07, dentaclip ZH 010, rotaclip ZH-11; Blend-a-dent Wellenprofil 2000 hart, Wellenprofil 2000 mittel-weich, Medic for kids; Broxo; UltraSonex; Krups 548, Waterpik BH-4U; Butler Gum; Dr. Best e-Flex3; Oral-B (EB3, EB 17-8, Plak Control Kids)). From each brand five brushes were chosen randomly. Five tufts were selected from each brush and studied with a scanning electron microscope (x 45) at a viewing angle of 45 degrees. The filament tips were numbered from top left to bottom right and selected filaments were judged by a well-trained, blinded second examiner according to the Silverstone & Featherstone method. Nine of the 15 brands examined showed a high ("acceptable": >89%), four products a medium (76-84%) and two a bad (34-38%) end-rounding quality. A good quality of filament tips is claimed by the dental profession to protect both gingiva and dental hard tissues from abrasion. This could be observed for 13 of the 15 brands examined.

Caprine mucopolysaccharidosis IIID: fetal and neonatal brain and liver glycosaminoglycan and morphological perturbations.

Mucopolysaccharidosis IIID (MPS IIID) is a lysosomal storage disease associated with deficient activity of the enzyme N-acetylglucosamine 6-sulfatase (EC 3.1.6.14), a lysosomal hydrolase in the heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan (HS-GAG) degradation pathway. In caprine MPS IIID, enzyme replacement therapy reversed early postnatal systemic but not primary or secondary central nervous system (CNS) substrate accumulations. The caprine MPS IIID large animal model system was used in this investigation to define the developmental profile of morphological and biochemical perturbations to estimate a time frame for therapeutic intervention. Light and electron microscopy were used to compare the CNS, liver, and kidney of normal +/+, MPS IIID carrier +/-, and MPS IIID-affected -/- goat kids (kids), at 60, 113-114, 128-129, and 135 d gestation (dg) of a 150-d gestational period, at birth, and at 59-64 d of postnatal (d-pn) age. In the CNS of -/- kids, morphological correlations of HS-GAG and glycolipid accumulations were evident in early differentiating neurons at 60 dg. CNS and systemic developmental, regional, and cellular differences in -/- kids at all time points included more prominent and earlier accumulation of lucent, putative HS-GAG substrates in lysosomes of meningeal and perivascular macrophages and hepatic sinusoidal cells than in CNS, hepatic, or renal parenchymal cells. The amounts and compositions of HS-GAG substrates in the brain and liver of +/+, +/-, and -/- kids were determined at 60, 65, 113-114, and 128-135 dg, at birth, and 53-78 d-pn. In the CNS of -/- kids, HS-GAG concentrations were variable and exceeded those of age-matched control tissue samples in the third but not the second trimester. In contrast, hepatic HS-GAG levels in -/- kids exceeded control values at all time points evaluated and paralleled the progressive morphological alterations. CNS and hepatic HS-GAG compositions in -/- kids were similar to each other and were more complex at all pre- and postnatal ages than those from control kids. Based on the time frame of development of CNS lesions and biochemical perturbations, prenatal therapeutic intervention in caprine MPS IIID is likely to be necessary to prevent or ameliorate substantive CNS and systemic lesions.