Main Feeding Research Articles

Effectiveness of Steerable Microcatheters During Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Although transarterial chemo-embolization (TACE) is a key treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), its effectiveness depends on the cannulation of the microcatheter tip into the feeding artery. Steerable microcatheters allow remote operation of the tip, enabling its insertion into feeding arteries otherwise difficult to reach. This study investigated the indications and effectiveness of steerable microcatheters in TACE for HCC. We retrospectively examined 22 patients with HCC who underwent TACE using steerable microcatheters at our Department between December 2014 and July 2024. Previous TACE administration, number of TACE sessions, and feeding artery disruption affecting TACE were examined. Among the first TACE cases requiring steerable catheters, three demonstrated steep bifurcation of the celiac artery or superior mesenteric artery from the parent artery, two had sharp bends in the posterior segment, and four had the left hepatic artery bifurcating from the left gastric artery. All three procedures performed in the inferior phrenic artery required second TACE sessions. Steerable microcatheters were used in two patients during their eighth TACE session; both procedures involved selective cannulation of neovessels feeding from a new anastomotic branch to segment 4, following damage to the main feeding artery from repeated treatments. Steerable microcatheters were effective in reaching steep or strongly bending branches of the parent or feeding artery in the first TACE cases or neovessels and anastomotic branches in previous TACE cases. Studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to validate the use of steerable microcatheters for effective TACE.

Cadaveric study on the arterial blood supply to the middle third nasal skin: implications for aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.

To provide a detailed examination of the arterial blood supply to the middle third of the nasal skin through cadaveric dissections, identifying the primary arterial sources and their precise locations. Cadaveric dissections were performed on 14 hemifaces from fresh specimens. The main feeding arteries and their branches were carefully dissected under magnification. Morphometric characteristics of the specimens, along with the caliber of the arteries and their branches vascularizing the mid-third nasal skin were recorded, and statistically analyzed. Four main arteries were identified as responsible for the blood supply to the mid-third of the nasal skin: the facial artery, the nasal branch of the infra-orbital artery (nbIOA), the dorsal nasal artery, and the upper branches of the columellar plexus. The lateral nasal artery (LNA) and the nbIOA were the main contributors, each providing significantly larger arterial branches than the other sources (1.8 ± 0.8 branches of 0.67 ± 0.2mm for the LNA, p-value < 0.001-1 ± 0 branches of 0.55 ± 0.17mm for the nbIOA, p-value < 0.01). The largest arterial branch consistently penetrated the lateral and inferior angle of the mid-third nasal skin, originated either from the LNA or nbIOA. The LNA and nbIOA endorse crucial roles in the arterial blood supply to the mid-third nasal skin. Despite the variability in vascular anatomy, a consistent pattern of arterial supply with convergence in the depth of the alarfacial groove was observed. Understanding these patterns is vital for improving surgical precision and reducing the risk of complications in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries.

Black rice bran extract exerts hepatoprotection via attenuating inflammation and apoptosis in obese-insulin-resistant rats

Global pandemic of obesity contributes to increasing the risk of diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To find an alternative approach to lower the risk caused by obesity. AimsWe investigated the antidiabetic and hepatoprotective activity of black rice bran extract (BRE) in obese, insulin-resistant rats induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Main methodsAfter HFD feeding, the parameters related to glucose, lipid profiles, and liver injury were determined. Key findingsRats on a HFD exhibited significantly elevated plasma glucose and lipid levels, as well as increased liver enzyme activities (aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase), relative to the control group. Interestingly, those parameters in the BRE-treated group were significantly decreased. We investigated the liver histological study, and the BRE-treated group showed to ameliorate the liver injury accompanied by lower inflammatory and apoptotic markers. SignificanceOur findings suggest that BRE has the potential to be used as a dietary supplement to lessen metabolic dysregulation and prevent liver impairment.

Seasonal variations in the structure of avian community in Zambezi riparian forest

Among the different biomes in southern Africa, tropical riparian forests appear to be especially rich in terms of biodiversity, but little is known about avian communities occupying these forests. In this paper, bird counts were conducted in May, July–August, and October–November in 2013 and 2014. The line transect method was used. A transect 16.6 km long was designed along the Zambezi River between S 17.4975 E 24.3478 and S 17.4874 E 24.447. In total, 146 bird species were recorded. The number of species detected each season varied from 95 to 100. The number of dominant species was consistently low, varying between 2 and 3 depending on the month. However, the cumulative dominance and the dominance index were much higher in the dry season (May–August) than in the wet season (October–November). Two species were dominant each month: Euplectes axillaris and Pycnonotus tricolor. Vidua macroura and Estrilda astrild were dominant only in October, while Streptopelia capicola was dominant only in May. The group of subdominants was much more diverse than dominants and included 13 species. The Shannon diversity index increased between July and November from 3.45 to 4.05 but Simpson's diversity index did not show any seasonal trend. Pielou's evenness index was higher in the wet season (0.82–0.88) than in the dry season (0.76–0.79). The proportions of the main feeding guilds were much the same throughout the year, except for November, when the proportion of insectivores markedly increased, while that of granivores decreased. Riparian forest corridors in urbanized environments may be viewed as main instruments for offsetting the negative effects of habitat loss and fragmentation. Dataset published through GBIF (DOI: 10.15470/0ssr1v)

Mediterranean Marine Mammals: Possible Future Trends and Threats Due to Mercury Contamination and Interaction with Other Environmental Stressors.

Despite decreasing anthropogenic mercury (Hg) emissions in Europe and the banning and restriction of many persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention, Mediterranean marine mammals still have one of the highest body burdens of persistent pollutants in the world. Moreover, the Mediterranean basin is one of the most sensitive to climate change, with likely changes in the biogeochemical cycle and bioavailability of Hg, primary productivity, and the length and composition of pelagic food webs. The availability of food resources for marine mammals is also affected by widespread overfishing and the increasing number of alien species colonizing the basin. After reporting the most recent findings on the biogeochemical cycle of Hg in the Mediterranean Sea and the physico-chemical and bio-ecological factors determining its exceptional bioaccumulation in odontocetes, this review discusses possible future changes in the bioavailability of the metal. Recent ocean-atmosphere-land models predict that in mid-latitude seas, water warming (which in the Mediterranean is 20% faster than the global average) is likely to decrease the solubility of Hg and favor the escape of the metal to the atmosphere. However, the basin has been affected for thousands of years by natural and anthropogenic inputs of metals and climate change with sea level rise (3.6 ± 0.3 mm year-1 in the last two decades), and the frequency of extreme weather events will likely remobilize a large amount of legacy Hg from soils, riverine, and coastal sediments. Moreover, possible changes in pelagic food webs and food availability could determine dietary shifts and lower growth rates in Mediterranean cetaceans, increasing their Hg body burden. Although, in adulthood, many marine mammals have evolved the ability to detoxify monomethylmercury (MMHg) and store the metal in the liver and other organs as insoluble HgSe crystals, in Mediterranean populations more exposed to the metal, this process can deplete the biological pool of Se, increasing their susceptibility to infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders. Mediterranean mammals are also among the most exposed in the world to legacy POPs, micro- and nanoplastics, and contaminants of emerging interest. Concomitant exposure to these synthetic chemicals may pose a much more serious threat than the Se depletion. Unfortunately, as shown by the literature data summarized in this review, the most exposed populations are those living in the NW basin, the main feeding and reproductive area for most Mediterranean cetaceans, declared a sanctuary for their protection since 2002. Thus, while emphasizing the adoption of all available approaches to mitigate anthropogenic pressure with fishing and maritime traffic, it is recommended to direct future research efforts towards the assessment of possible biological effects, at the individual and population levels, of chronic and simultaneous exposure to Hg, legacy POPs, contaminants of emerging interest, and microplastics.

The sex prevalence of lower limb varicose vein networks

ObjectiveTo determine the sex prevalence of lower limb varicose networks fed by reflux of the great saphenous vein (GSV), anterior accessory saphenous vein (AASV), and small saphenous vein singularly or in combination. MethodsWe scanned by the means of the same color Doppler ultrasound protocol 3000 lower limbs in 1500 consecutive patients, affected by symptomatic chronic venous insufficiency from 2013 to 2023. Limbs with normal venous function, incomplete scans, or that were affected by post-thrombotic syndrome, pelvic reflux, isolated perforator reflux, venous malformation, phlebolymphedema and Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, Pathophysiological clinical class C5 and C6 were excluded from the final analysis. ResultsOverall, 1072 patients—252 (23.5%) males and 820 (76.5%) females (P < .0001) matched for age (P = .692)—were included in the study for a total of 1956 limbs affected by primary chronic venous insufficiency, clinical class C2 to C4. The main finding was the significant prevalence of varicose networks fed by reflux of the AASV alone (odds ratio [OR], 1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-3.06; P = .001) or combined with GSV (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.34-2.52; P = .0002) in females. In contrast, GSV insufficiency alone was significantly prevalent in males (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.43-0.68; P < .0001). No significant sex differences regarding SSV reflux were detected. Moreover, we considered the presence of competent terminal valve (TV+) at the level of the saphenofemoral junction, which resulted more significantly present in female (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.12-2.19; P = .0083); to the contrary incompetent terminal valve (TV−) was more common in males (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.46-0.89; P = .0083). Finally, considering reflux in the AASV territory in the presence of a TV+, a strong prevalence in females was detected (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.48-3.52; P = .0002), whereas males developed reflux along the GSV when a concomitant TV− was present (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.41-0.94; P = .0244). ConclusionsThe analysis of the lower limb varicose networks highlights that reflux along the AASV alone, in presence of a TV+ at the junction or coupled with GSV insufficiency, is more prevalent in females. In contrast, GSV resulted the main trunk feeding varicose veins in males, in particular when a TV− was detected. Our findings suggest that females could be more prone to developing varicose veins with an ascending mechanism, whereas in males the descending one seems to be more common.

The trunk replaces the longer mandible as the main feeding organ in elephant evolution

The trunk replaces the longer mandible as the main feeding organ in elephant evolution

Inhibition of mammalian mtDNA transcription acts paradoxically to reverse diet-induced hepatosteatosis and obesity

The oxidative phosphorylation system1 in mammalian mitochondria plays a key role in transducing energy from ingested nutrients2. Mitochondrial metabolism is dynamic and can be reprogrammed to support both catabolic and anabolic reactions, depending on physiological demands or disease states. Rewiring of mitochondrial metabolism is intricately linked to metabolic diseases and promotes tumour growth3–5. Here, we demonstrate that oral treatment with an inhibitor of mitochondrial transcription (IMT)6 shifts whole-animal metabolism towards fatty acid oxidation, which, in turn, leads to rapid normalization of body weight, reversal of hepatosteatosis and restoration of normal glucose tolerance in male mice on a high-fat diet. Paradoxically, the IMT treatment causes a severe reduction of oxidative phosphorylation capacity concomitant with marked upregulation of fatty acid oxidation in the liver, as determined by proteomics and metabolomics analyses. The IMT treatment leads to a marked reduction of complex I, the main dehydrogenase feeding electrons into the ubiquinone (Q) pool, whereas the levels of electron transfer flavoprotein dehydrogenase and other dehydrogenases connected to the Q pool are increased. This rewiring of metabolism caused by reduced mtDNA expression in the liver provides a principle for drug treatment of obesity and obesity-related pathology.

Overloaded transnidal pressure gradient as the hemodynamic mechanism leading to arteriovenous malformation rupture: a quantitative analysis using intravascular pressure monitoring and color-coded digital subtraction angiography

BackgroundThe hemodynamics of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) may have implications for hemorrhage. This study aimed to explore the hemodynamics of ruptured AVMs by direct microcatheter intravascular pressure monitoring (MIPM) and...

Diagnosis of a Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Involving the Superior Sagittal Sinus: The MMA Sign on Routine 3D-TOF MR Angiography

The main feeding artery of a dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) involving the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) is the middle meningeal artery (MMA). MMA extends continuously from the proximal part to SSS in DAVF involving SSS. It is possible to diagnose DAVF involving SSS by evaluating the proximal part of MMA on routine three-dimensional time-of-flight MR angiography (MRA). We termed the finding in an anteroposterior maximum intensity projection (MIP) image of routine MRA in which MMA was continuously visualized at the top of the imaging slab (the upper corpus callosum level) without tapering as the MMA sign. The purpose of the present study was to examine the frequency of the MMA sign on routine MRA in patients with DAVF involving SSS and control patients. Subjects comprised 18 patients with DAVF involving SSS confirmed by angiography and 871 control subjects who underwent routine MRA. The presence of the MMA sign was retrospectively evaluated using an anteroposterior MIP image of routine MRA in patients with DAVF involving SSS and control patients. The MMA sign was observed in 17 of the 18 (94%) patients with DAVF involving SSS. In one patient with DAVF involving the posterior part of SSS without the MMA sign, the main feeding artery was the occipital artery, not MMA. The MMA sign was observed in 13 of the 871 (1.5%) control patients. The MMA sign on routine MRA is useful, suggesting DAVF involving SSS.

Understanding the feeding ecology of the broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) in Patagonia, Argentina

The broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, and its population in the Southwest Atlantic is declining. Despite some progress in understanding the ecological requirements of the sevengill shark, there are still several information gaps. Essential aspects of its trophic ecology, such as main prey items or key feeding grounds, remain uncertain and this information is essential for developing effective conservation strategies. Stable isotopes and spontaneous regurgitations were analyzed to describe the trophic ecology of sevengill sharks within a marine protected area (MPA) of Península Valdés in Patagonia, Argentina. Analysis of spontaneous regurgitations revealed that the southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) was the primary prey item (70%) for the sevengill shark, during abundance peaks of both species in the MPA. However, the stable isotope analysis indicated that the teleosts were the main prey item, and the overall contribution of the elephant seal to the diet of the sevengill shark was around 30%. In addition, the contribution of each prey group varied with the size of the individuals. The estimated trophic position was 4.43, placing the species among the apex predators of the region. This study confirmed the use of the MPA as an essential foraging ground and contributed to identifying its main prey items. Also, it reflects the need to expand conservation tools beyond this particular coastal protection.

Russian saury fishery and factors influencing its distribution in the Northwest Pacific Ocean

The goal of the work is to identify the roots of the significant decrease in the catch of saury by Russian vessels in the Kuril waters from 2015 to the present, as well as factors influencing the distribution of this fish in the northwestern part of the Pacific Ocean.Methods used: the work is based on materials on the distribution of saury schools in the northwestern part of the Pacific Ocean obtained during expeditions on fishing vessels, and trawl surveys on vessels of the Pacific branch of VNIRO (TINRO) from 2012 to 2021. To assess the position of fishing areas and the efficiency of saury fishing, fishing statistics data for 2012–2021 were used in the northwestern part of the Pacific Ocean according to vessel daily reports (VDR) and ship positions of the monitoring system of Rosrybolovstvo.Novelty: the work presents the results of the Russian fishery in recent years, and evaluates the effectiveness of the fishery. Based on an analysis of the literature of recent years and data obtained on expeditions to the northwestern part of the Pacific Ocean, the reasons for the decrease in saury catch by Russian fishermen over the past 5 years are considered.Result: The main reasons that caused the shift of the main feeding areas of saury far to the east and north in recent years are global climate and oceanological changes in the Northwestern part of the Pacific Ocean. In addition to the abiotic factors of the pelagic fish habitat, their distribution is also influenced by the interspecific interaction of competing fish with high stock. A large number of factors, both abiotic and biotic, affect the change in the pattern of migration routes and the position of saury feeding areas in the North Pacific Ocean, which ultimately makes it much more difficult to predict the distribution of fishing grounds.Practical significance: the results obtained will be used for further studies of the population dynamics of saury in the North Pacific Ocean.

A CASE STUDY TO EXAMINE THE FEEDING PRACTICES OF PUPILS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN KAYUNGA DISTRICT, CENTRAL UGANDA. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY STUDY.

Background This study aims to document the feeding practices of pupils in primary schools in Kayunga district, central Uganda. Feeding is the provision of meals to a person or animals. In children, feeding occurs in the context of the caregiver-child dyad. Feeding practices in this context are arrangements of providing food to school children. For this study, feeding practices are home-packed food, school-prepared food, and commercialized food outlets. Feeding practices are an important determinant of children’s nutritional status, which is directly related to the risk of becoming sick and dying. Kayunga district is one of the districts in the central region of Uganda with many pupils as the leading population of learners. Therefore, feeding is one of the basics to support an education. Therefore, this study seeks to assess the feeding practices of pupils in primary schools in Kayunga district, central Uganda. Methodology This study used a descriptive cross-sectional correlational survey design and adopted a mixed research approach. Results The findings showed that 59% of the pupils were getting meals prepared at school, 36% of the pupils get meals from home and 5% of the pupils are getting meals from food outlets. Conclusion There were three main feeding practices in primary schools in Kayunga District. Namely; package food from home, school arranged feeding and food from outlets like canteen and restaurants. The study documented that among the three main feeding practices, most pupils are fed from school on the school management arrangements in Kayunga District. Recommendation Schools should also provide storage places for meals of students. This will help students to have meals at the appropriate time and use available time to read without interruptions.

Production Systems and Management Practices of Chicken Populations in Zambia

The study was carried out to describe the population, population dynamics, production systems and management practices of chicken types reared in Zambia, using the 2017/2018 livestock and aquaculture census data provided by the Zambia Statistics Agency and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. Data on the chicken types - Indigenous, Broiler and Layer, was analyzed for both quantitative and qualitative parameters. The population estimates for the chickens were 15,313,780, 6,078,694 and 742,981 for indigenous, broiler and layer, respectively. Flock dynamics could not be ascertained conclusively due to inadequate information. Chicken ownership was significantly skewed towards the male gender for broilers (67%) and layers (79%) while almost equal for the indigenous chickens. Indigenous chickens were more prominent in provinces with high agricultural production (Southern, Central, and Eastern at 51%). Broilers and Layers were more prominent in provinces with commercial centres (Copperbelt and Lusaka at 68% and 75% respectively). The main purpose of rearing indigenous chickens was mainly sales for income (66.1%) and home consumption (32.3%). The main production systems were found to be traditional for indigenous chickens (87%) and intensive for broiler and layer chickens (70.3% and 44%, respectively). The main feeding practices were free-range feeding (80.6%) and free-range with supplementation (17.4%) for indigenous chickens). Diseases notably, Newcastle was found to be debilitating and a great hindrance to livestock production and productivity. The data collection instrument will require fine-tuning to obtain more technical details on production and productivity and better estimate the population dynamics.

Usefulness of intraoperative ultrasound examination for laparoscopic right-side colon cancer surgery: a propensity score-matched study

Complete mesocolic excision (CME) with central vascular ligation (CVL) in laparoscopic surgery for right-sided colon cancer (RSCC) requires a precise understanding of the vascular anatomy. The efficacy of intraoperative ultrasound (IUS) in the identification of blood vessels for RSCC surgery was not evaluated. The aim of this study was to compare the intraoperative and short-term outcomes of CME with CVL with or without IUS by laparoscopic surgery for RSCC. We performed IUS on 26 patients of RSCC and compared with a total of 124 patients who underwent the surgery for RSCC at our institution. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to reduce the confounding effects to imbalances in the use of IUS. The IUS identified the main feeding artery and the accompanying vein in all 26 cases. After PSM, the amount of intraoperative blood loss in the IUS group was significantly lower than that in the conventional group (5 ml vs. 30 ml, p = 0.035) and no significant difference of the postoperative complications was observed. The IUS reduced the risk of bleeding in the surgery for RSCC. The IUS is a safe and feasible technique that help the surgeons for anatomical understandings under real-time condition in the laparoscopic surgery of RSCC.

Plumbing System Architecture and Differentiation Processes of the Nyiragongo Volcano, DR Congo

ABSTRACT The Nyiragongo volcano is one of the most alkali-rich volcanic centres on the planet (Na2O + K2O generally &amp;gt;10 wt.%, agpaitic index up to 1.34), characterized by a semi-permanently active lava lake which hosts silica-undersaturated (SiO2 &amp;lt; 40 wt.%), low viscosity lavas. To improve our understanding of this unique magmatic system, we present a set of 291 samples, acquired during new field excursions between 2017 and 2021. The major and trace element composition of all samples was measured, revealing a lithological range extending from primitive picrites (Mg# 82) erupted from parasitic cones to a variety of highly evolved nephelinites, leucitites, and melilitites erupted from the main edifice as recently as 2002, 2016, and 2021. We measured major and trace element compositions from the full spectrum of minerals present in all sampled lithologies. From these we calculated that the main magma reservoirs feeding Nyiragongo are at approximately 9–15 and 21–33 km depth, in agreement with recent seismic observations. Fractional crystallization modelling using observed mineral compositions and proportions was performed to quantitatively link the lithologies to specific residual liquid fractions assuming evolution from an olivine-melilite parental melt. Our modelling indicates that fractionation and cumulate formation in deep chambers reduces the remaining melt fraction to ~60%, after which melts are injected into upper, liquid dominated magma chambers where fractionation and accumulation of clinopyroxene, melilite, and feldspathoids dominates. Characterisation of mineral textures and geochemistry reveals high crystal mobility in a repeatedly recharging plumbing system split between liquid-dominated, evolved magma chambers and more solid-dominated, primitive mushes, decreasing in liquid fraction with depth.

CFD-3D and 1D modeling of fuel cell powertrain for a hydrogen vehicle

As it is known the transport sector represents a major contributor to climate change. In particular, private transport contributes to the degradation of the air quality inside the cities or the residential areas. To address this issue, a progressive reduction of the use of fossil fuels as a primary energy source for these vehicles and the promotion of cleaner powertrain alternatives is in order. This study focuses on designing a fuel cell powertrain for a hydrogen-powered passenger car using numerical modeling. To this purpose, we initially modeled a base fuel cell and optimized its performance by using various materials for the bipolar plates and adjusting the platinum loading between the anode and cathode. Then, a preliminary design of the new powertrain has been proposed in order to achieve a nominal power of 100 kW and it has been tested on a WLTP 3b homologation cycle. Finally, we have been able to numerically estimate the behavior of the three main feeding line: hydrogen line, air line and cooling line. In conclusion, the obtained results demonstrate how numerical modelling can be successfully used in the design of complex systems such as those related to alternative energy. This work also provides a solid basis for the future development of increasingly efficient and environmentally friendly hydrogen vehicles.

Cues of uncommon food habits within dung beetles: Notes from a seasonally dry tropical forest in South America

The assessment of species’ diet and trophic plasticity serve as key elements to understand their adaptations to harsh ecosystems, such as deserts and dry forests. Among dung beetles, coprophagy is the main feeding habit, which may be substituted or complemented by other unusual diets, such as granivory and necrophagy. This study presents new records of dung beetle uncommon diets in Caatinga, the largest Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest in America. We include novel descriptions of the genera Dichotomius Hope, 1838 and Canthidium Erichson, 1847 in using and removing seeds in Caatinga. We also present the first report of dung beetles from Caatinga attracted to dead millipedes, specifically for Coprophanaeus pertyi (Olsufieff, 1924). Also, we found goat hairballs along with the roller beetle Deltochilum verruciferum Felsche, 1911 inside a pitfall trap, suggesting that this species may use animal fur to feed or breed. Finally, we included an updated list on unusual food records of dung beetle species in Caatinga dry forest. Our findings indicate that dung beetles in Caatinga display diverse feeding habits in response to extreme environmental conditions and/or limited resources. We expand the still-scarce knowledge regarding dung beetle feeding ecology outside their interaction with dung or the soft tissues of carrion. Despite our findings, new evidence is essential to reinforce our understanding on trophic plasticity of dung beetles in Caatinga. A better comprehension of resource plasticity by dung beetles will also be a significant input for biodiversity conservation due to the changes in food availability in anthropogenic landscapes.

PSXIII-21 Effects of Bacterial Direct-Fed Microbial Mixtures on Beef Cattle Feeding Behavior

Abstract The effects of bacterial direct-fed microbial (DFM) mixtures on beef cattle feeding behavior were evaluated. Six ruminally cannulated crossbred Angus steers (BW = 520 ± 30 kg) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin Square design. Steers were offered a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet to ad libitum during three, 28 d periods (21-d adaptation and 7-d collection). Treatments assigned were: 1) Control (no DFM, lactose carrier only); 2) Treat-A [L. animalis, P. freudenreichii; B. subtilis; and B. licheniformis, at 1:1:1:3 ratio, respectively; totaling 6 × 109 CFU (50mg)/animal-daily minimum (Chr.Hansen]; and 3) Treat-B, the same DFM combination, but with doses at 1:1:3:1 ratio. Bacterial counts were approximately 30% greater than the minimum expected. The DFM diluted mixtures and carrier (Control) were pre-weighed and stored at -20°C until incorporated into the diet (2 g· animal-1· /day-1) 10 min prior to feeding. For mixing, approximately 1 kg (as is) of the diet being offered was removed from the individual recipient, DFM was mixed by hand, and the mixture was incorporated into the feed allocated for the day. The feeding behavior assessment consisted of a 24 h continuous visual observation (every 5 min) performed by trained personnel. Animals were assessed on d 26 of each period (no other management other than cleaning of the stall), while time spent eating, ruminating, resting, active, and drinking were taken. Time spent chewing was accounted for by adding time spent eating and ruminating. In addition, records allowed the count of the number of meals taken, as well as the time spent on each meal. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS, with animal considered as the experimental unit, the fixed effects of treatment, and random effect of square, period, and animal (square). F-test protected pre-planned orthogonal contrasts was used to compare Control vs. Treat-A and Control vs. Treat-B. Meal number (16/d) and length (8 min/meal) were not affected by treatments (P ≥ 0.54). Main feeding behavior variables consisting of rumination (198 min/d), eating (117 min/d), chewing (315 min/d), drinking (22 min/d), resting (929 min/d), and active (174 min/d) were not affected (P ≥ 0.24) by treatments. A tendency was observed (P = 0.08) where animals offered the Treat-B spent numerically less time ruminating per unit of digestible DM and OM intake compared with Control (13.5 vs. 15.5, and 13.7 vs 15.6 min/kg, respectively). Other behaviors measured in min/kg of DM, NDF, and ADF intake were not affected (P ≥ 0.17) by treatments [rumination (11.5, 60.2, and 181), eating (6.5, 34.4, and 104), chewing (18, 94.6, and 285), and drinking (1.2, 6.6, and 19.8) min/kg, respectively]. The bacterial DFM mixtures offered appear not to directly affect the feeding behavior of beef cattle consuming a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet.

Abstract 088: Treatment of a Ruptured AVM with Inflow Aneurysms: Mixed approach using coil and liquid embolization

Introduction Arteriovenous malformations(AVMs) are high‐flow vascular abnormalities characterized by direct communications between arteries and veins of various complexities. Cerebral AVMs may manifest with new‐onset seizures or intraparenchymal (IPH) or subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAH). Life‐threatening bleeds may occur from the AVM nidus or associated aneurysms. We report a patient with hemorrhage from a complex AVM that included a prominent nidus and large inflow aneurysms requiring several endovascular techniques for treatment. Methods N/A Results A 35 year old male patient newly arrived from the Philippines with a history of hypertension presented to the hospital after being found unresponsive at home with frothing from the mouth and incontinence. The patient regained consciousness in the ER, complaining of a posterior headache which he had been experiencing for a week. NIHSS of 0 was noted with no neurological deficits. CT‐head revealed extensive SAH in interhemispheric falx anterior to and outlining the entire corpus callosum with intraventricular extension. CT‐ angiogram demonstrated a prominent AVM with a well‐developed nidus situated to the left of midline about the posterior corpus callosum. Two large inflow aneurysms, felt to be the rupture site, projecting from the proximal left pericallosal artery were also demonstrated. An incidental ACA aneurysm was also noted. Cerebral angiography redemonstrated these findings as well as the drainage of the AVM primarily through the straight sinus. Graded as Spetzler Martin 4. Common femoral approach was used. An access catheter was passed into the left ICA. The pericallosal artery was accessed with a detachable tip microcatheter which was further advanced past the inflow aneurysms into the main pedicle feeding the AVM nidus. The inflow aneurysms were accessed and embolized with coils using a second microcatheter prior to AVM embolization. This sealed off access to the aneurysms and parent vessel against liquid agent backflow. Onyx‐18 was then injected into the main AVM pedicle under a blank roadmap. Extensive but partial filling of the AVM was noted anteriorly but full embolization of the posterior aspect of the nidus was not achieved. Finally coiling of the ACA aneurysm was performed after accessing the right ICA. An MRI with and without contrast was performed and an expected acute infarction in the left ACA territory was observed. A repeat angiogram was performed a week later revealing posterior cerebral artery and posterior choroidal branches feeding the posterior 1/3 of the AVM. Embolization of three posterior feeding pedicles was subsequently performed utilizing dilute NBCA. Because of coil impaction the proximal pericallosal inflow aneurysm required re‐treatment with further coil placement 8 months after initial treatment. The patient has regular angiograms to monitor the AVM, which appears stable without significant residual shunting. Conclusion Ruptured AVMs are fatal events requiring careful treatment to prevent further bleeding while preserving viable brain tissue. AVMs are fragile formations of vessels which can receive collaterals from multiple targets and often have associated high risk features like inflow aneurysms. Accordingly endovascular treatment may require a mixture of techniques to ensure adequate and safe embolization. Regular monitoring of these structures and adjacent vessels is required to prevent any poor outcomes.