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Cattle infected with Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP) shed the bacterium in their feces. This may lead to considerable concentrations of MAP in slurry, which has been postulated to contribute to MAP transmission when this slurry is used as fertilizer. For other bacterial species, anaerobic digestion has been shown to reduce bacterial load and to increase the safety of organic waste. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of anaerobic digestion in biogas plants on MAP survival in slurry from 16 dairy farms with a history of MAP infection. Presence of MAP was determined using MAP culture and a commercial MAP IS900 quantitative PCR (qPCR) applied on untreated slurry samples, slurry samples after primary fermentation, and digestate. Unfermented slurry samples from most enrolled farms tested positive for MAP, via both culture and qPCR. After the fermentation process, MAP could no longer be cultured in most samples, with the exception of 2 samples from farms where high numbers of MAP-shedding cows were kept at the time of sampling. A Bayesian binomial model predicted a probability of 93% for a MAP-negative culture result after fermentation. In most samples, MAP DNA was still detectable when using the IS900 qPCR. The probability of a negative result in qPCR was estimated to be 27%. Results of this study indicate that subjecting MAP-positive slurry to anaerobic digestion in biogas plants leads to a reduction of viable MAP below the detection limit; however, MAP DNA remained detectable. It remains undetermined whether MAP DNA detected in fermentation products is a residue of MAP degradation or belongs to viable MAP below the detection limit or in a dormant state. In conclusion, subjecting MAP-positive slurry to anaerobic mesophilic digestion reduces viable MAP concentration below the detection limit. The use of digestion products as fertilizer on pasture and agricultural soils instead of untreated slurry may therefore reduce the risk of MAP transmission.

Breath tests cover the fraction of nitric oxide in expired gas (FENO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), variables in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and other measurements. For EBC and for FENO, official recommendations for standardised procedures are more than 10 years old and there is none for exhaled VOCs and particles. The aim of this document is to provide technical standards and recommendations for sample collection and analytic approaches and to highlight future research priorities in the field. For EBC and FENO, new developments and advances in technology have been evaluated in the current document. This report is not intended to provide clinical guidance on disease diagnosis and management. Clinicians and researchers with expertise in exhaled biomarkers were invited to participate. Published studies regarding methodology of breath tests were selected, discussed and evaluated in a consensus-based manner by the Task Force members. Recommendations for standardisation of sampling, analysing and reporting of data and suggestions for research to cover gaps in the evidence have been created and summarised. Application of breath biomarker measurement in a standardised manner will provide comparable results, thereby facilitating the potential use of these biomarkers in clinical practice. Copyright ©ERS 2017

Objective To estimate risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) for extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants as a function of preterm formula (PF) and maternal milk intake and calculate the impact of suboptimal feeding on the incidence and costs of NEC. Study design We used aORs derived from the Glutamine Trial to perform Monte Carlo simulation of a cohort of ELBW infants under current suboptimal feeding practices, compared with a theoretical cohort in which 90% of infants received at least 98% human milk. Results NEC incidence among infants receiving ≥98% human milk was 1.3%; 11.1% among infants fed only PF; and 8.2% among infants fed a mixed diet ( P = .002). In adjusted models, compared with infants fed predominantly human milk, we found an increased risk of NEC associated with exclusive PF (aOR = 12.1, 95% CI 1.5, 94.2), or a mixed diet (aOR 8.7, 95% CI 1.2-65.2). In Monte Carlo simulation, current feeding of ELBW infants was associated with 928 excess NEC cases and 121 excess deaths annually, compared with a model in which 90% of infants received ≥98% human milk. These models estimated an annual cost of suboptimal feeding of ELBW infants of $27.1 million (CI $24 million, $30.4 million) in direct medical costs, $563 655 (CI $476 191, $599 069) in indirect nonmedical costs, and $1.5 billion (CI $1.3 billion, $1.6 billion) in cost attributable to premature death. Conclusions Among ELBW infants, not being fed predominantly human milk is associated with an increased risk of NEC. Efforts to support milk production by mothers of ELBW infants may prevent infant deaths and reduce costs.

The Biogas Tower Reactor (BTR), a new type of reactor for anaerobic waste-water treatment, is presented. The characteristic features of the BTR are the tower shape, its modular structure and the internal installations. Gas loading, mixing and sludge distribution can be controlled. A settler is installed on top of the reactor. Performance data of a pilot-scale BTR are presented for the treatment of a yeast production effluent. Although these effluents are known to be difficult to treat anaerobically (inhibiting products (H2S), pellets with poor settling properties), excellent results are obtained with this reactor type. The main emphasis in scale-up was placed on the height of the reactor and its effects on the hydraulic loading and the sludge distribution. The crucial points in scale-up are the connecting mechanisms between adjoining modules with regard to sludge distribution and liquid mixing. The mechanisms have been mathematically quantified and checked on both laboratory-scale and pilot-scale. Finally, the mathematical model has been extrapolated to predict the performance of a full-scale BTR.

Excerpt Renal complications due to sulfonamide therapy continue to be among the most frequent and serious attending the use of these drugs.1, 2, 3Two main causes are established: (1) irritation due...

1. The human gall bladder acidifies the bile. In this respect its action is similar to that of the gall bladders of lower animals, previously described by other workers. 2. The hydrogen ion concentration of gall bladder bile is increased considerably in cases of obstruction of the common or cystic ducts. The highest values were found following complete obstruction. 3. The occurrence of gall stones was not associated with a consistent change in the hydrogen ion concentration of the gall bladder bile.

The possibility to interpret data obtained by thermoanalysis is increased considerably by combing thermoanalytical method with other chemical and physical ones. This is shown by testing polydimethacrylates and butadiene-ethene-copolymers.

A number of new liquid crystalline polymers characterized by triad ester segments as mesogenic main chain units connected together by polymethylene spacers and endowed with lateral groups consisting of a rigid azobenzene part and different substituents were synthesized. These polyesters were subjected to polarizing microscopy, DSC and preliminary X-ray investigations. There are two opposing effects of lateral groups with respect to the mesophase stability.

Mit Hilfe einer kalorimetrischen Mesanordnung wurden der Mechanismus und die Kinetik der Radikalbildung aus Dibenzoylperoxid und aromatischem tertiaren Amin untersucht. Es konnte gezeigt werden, das nicht nur die Benzoyloxi-, sondern auch Aminradikale die Polymerisation von Methacrylaten auslosen. The mechanism and the kinetics of the formation of radicals from dibenzoyl peroxide and aromatic amine were investigated by means of a calorimeter. It is shown that both the benzoyloxy radicals and the amine radicals are able to start the polymerization of methacrylates.

The gynaecological laparoscopy is basical for the correct diagnosis of the ovaries and the uterus in sheep. Physiological (follicles, corpora lutea) and pathological findings (follicle cysts) are described and illustrated. Further, application techniques of the laparoscopic intrauterine insemination as well as of the embryo recovery and embryo transfer in embryo transfer programs are explained.

Laparoscopy is a gentle and safe method for diagnosis and manipulation of the genital tract in female sheep. After a short history outline the equipment and the fundamental principles of the laparoscopy in sheep are described. Possible laparoscopic incidents and their treatment are explained.

During a 20 day period of high fiber consumption in the form of bread made partly from wheaten wholemeal, two men developed negative balances of calcium, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus due to increased fecal excretion of each element. The fecal losses correlated closely with fecal dry matter and phosphorus. Fecal dry matter, in turn, was directly proportional to fecal fiber excretion. Balances of nitrogen remained positive. Mineral elements were well-utilized by the same subjects during a 20 day period of white bread consumption.

Neutral chromium released from a toroidal stainless-steel tokamak limiter is detected by means of laser induced fluorescence. The space and time behaviour of the chromium particle density is discussed. Sputtering by impurity ions seems to be the dominant release process.

Particle densities of neutral hydrogen and chromium are measured in the vicinity of a stainless steel toroidal limiter by resonance fluorescence at H α and Cr I (429 nm) wavelengths. The results allow conclusions about particle confinement, recycling and impurity release processes, and the properties of the plasma edge region.

Zur Charakterisierung von zwei unfraktionierten Polystyrenmustern unterschiedlicher Molmassenverteilung wurde ein Ringversuch durchgefuhrt, an dem 13 Laboratorien beteiligt waren. Die Proben wurden bei Vorgabe einzelner technischer Parameter mittels Membranosmometrie, Viskosimetrie, statischer und dynamischer Lichtstreuung und Ausschluschromatographie untersucht. A circular investigation with the participation of 13 laboratories has been carried out for the characterization of two unfractionated polystyrene samples with different molecular mass distribution. With some recommended technical parameters the samples were studied by membrane osmometry, viscosimetry, static and dynamic light scattering, and size exclusion chromatography.

Within the class of dimesogenic liquid-crystalline polymers, series of new LC-polyesters with laterally and terminally linked mesogenic units were synthesized. The mesogenic moieties perpendicularly arranged to the main chain are endowed either with identical or with unequal wing groups. Depending on the wing group and the spacer length, the polyesters can form monotropic or enantiotropic nematic and smectic phases. These polymers were subjected to characterization studies using optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction techniques. The phase behavior is compared with that of combined and cross-shaped polymeric mesogens.

The operation of modern railway systems requires a high degree of safety and reliability. This can be accomplished using millimeter waves for communication and control. A 40 GHz line-of-sight transmission system connects a traffic control center with all trains on the line. The construction and the performance of such a 40 GHz railway communication system is described in detail with respect to system aspects and millimeter wave component design.

Consumption for a period of 98 days of Iranian flat breads made from lightly milled wheaten flours having high contents of fiber, phytate and phosphorus in amounts sufficient to supply about 60 percent of the energy of a diet adequate in other respects was accompanied by persisting fecal losses of calcium, magnesium and zinc by two men. The losses were undiminished or increased at the end of the study when the balances of the metals remained negative. No evidence of adaptation to the low uptakes of the three metals resulting from interference with absorption by fiber, phytate or phosphorus was found. Phosphorus balances also became negative during the final period. Concentrations of calcium and zinc in plasma and of phosphorus in serum gradually declined, while activities of alkaline phosphatase in serum rose and remained elevated. Deterioration of calcium and phosphorus metabolism was not arrested by administration of vitamin D (500 I.U. daily) for 20 days, presumably because both subjects were already v...

Addition of 10 g of cellulose dispersed in 150 g of apple compote to the daily diet with a low fiber content for a 20-day period caused the fecal excretion of calcium and zinc of three men to increase significantly. Balances of both metals became negative and their concentrations in plasma decreased. Magnesium balances became negative in two subjects while phosphorus balance changed to negative in one. In a similar experiment in which the cellulose was added to a fiber-rich diet, fecal excretions of calcium and zinc increased significantly in each of two men and excretion of magnesium in one. Previously negative balances became more negative, and calcium and zinc concentrations decreased in plasma. The dependence of fecal dry weight upon fecal fiber content measured by the acid-detergent method was confirmed. However, increments of dry matter per g of fiber were less fecal fiber concentrations were high. Fecal calcium content correlated significantly with fecal fiber in two subjects, and fecal fiber and zinc in one. No correlations were demonstrated in the subject who apparently digested fiber most effectively. Our findings indicate that high intakes of fiber can explain to a considerable extent the impaired utilization of zinc, calcium, and magnesium among villagers in rural Iran.

The Hα resonant scattering diagnostics applied to the tokamak UNITOR is described. The measurements yield the density distribution of excited hydrogen atoms as a result of plasma-wall interaction processes and background plasma parameters. Special regard has been given to the influence of recycling processes.

Installation and performance of the small research Tokamak device “UNITOR” (R = 0.3 m, a = 0.1 m) are reported. In the first phase of installation a toroidal magnetic field B = 1.2 T and a plasma current up to 50 kA provided by the power supplies. This leads to electron densities and temperature of 4 X 1013 cm-3 and 150 eV resp. The ion temperature reaches 50 eV, the pulse length is nearly 45 ms. This regime of plasma parameters is of interest for the plasma edge of fusion oriented experiments. Thus the device is well suited for the investigation of plasma-wall interaction. First experiments concerned with wall conditioning and neutral hydrogen transport are reported.

Fiber concentrations were measured in maize tortillas and in masa, the lime-treated dough from which they are made, with the aid of Van Soest's methods. Neutral detergent fiber of tortillas was 6.60 +/- 0.98% (mean and SD) and acid detergent fiber 3.75 +/- 0.83% of the dry weight corrected for ash. The hemicellulose fraction was 2.89 +/- 0.94%. Both neutral and acid detergent fiber were significantly higher in tortilla than in masa. The gain in fiber by tortillas during baking is attributed to the formation of browning reaction (Maillard) products resistant to the detergent-containing fiber reagents.

For the injection of heavy, multiply charged ions into accelerators or for injection of cluster ions into fusion reactors, physicists require high-voltage dc power supplies with voltages in the range of 0.5 to 3 MV and currents of the order of several hundred milliamperes, and even amperes. Several power supplies in this range have been built recently, some for particle injectors and some for testing UHV dc transmission line components. In 1974, high-voltage dc power supplies with the following output ratings were completed: 2.5 MV/200 mA, 2.2 MV/ 200 mA, 1.2 MV/100 mA, and 1.0 MV/120 mA. All power supplies are built according to the symmetrical Cockcroft-Walton generator principle and are either air-insulated open structures or built into a pressure vessel and insulated with high-pressure sulphur hexafluoride. Based upon theoretical considerations and experience gained with units previously built, it appears feasible to design even more powerful generators.

The investigations reported here were performed at the tokamak device UNITOR. The plasma is under normal operational conditions limited by a a toroidal limiter. A poloidal limiter can be installed, too. Space and time resolved H α -fluorescence measurements enabled us to determine the local density of excited H-atoms. Using a collisional radiative model the ground state neutral density varying from 10 12 cm −3 at the wall to 10 9 cm −3 in the plasma core could be deduced. A Monte Carlo code for neutrals taking into account reflection, trapping and re-emission of neutral hydrogen at the walls was used to interpret the measurements. The local fluxes from and to the wall needed to fit the measured density are of the order of 10 18 cm −2 s −1 .

Studies in the present decade are mak ing it clear that some manifestations of malnutrition in the Middle Eastern coun tries closely resemble the changes seen in naturally-occurring or experimentally- induced deficiency of this trace metal in animals. This review points out the pos sible role of zinc in the nutrition of chil dren, based on metabolic studies still in progress in Iran.

That viral hepatitis may be transmitted by whole blood or plasma is well known. The assumption has often been made that persons suffering from clinically inapparent infection are transient carriers of the virus and are infectious for only short periods of time. The existence of long-term asymptomatic carriers of the virus of hepatitis has been demonstrated recently by Neefe and his coworkers and by Stokes and his associates. In the study of Neefe and his collaborators, 14 cases of viral hepatitis occurring in recipients of 1 to 3 blood transfusions were reported. In each instance, at least 1 donor for each of the 14 patients was found to have 1 or more abnormal hepatic tests when recalled and examined following the onset of viral hepatitis in the recipient of this blood. Blood serum from 5 of these 6 suspected carriers transmitted viral hepatitis to volunteers. The results of this study were sufficiently striking to suggest a search for hepatic tests that might be found useful in detecting donors who are carriers of viral hepatitis. The present paper deals with the incidence of abnormal hepatic tests in a large series of blood donors selected at random at this hospital.

Decreased thymol and zinc sulfate turbidity values often were observed after separated serum was refrigerated overnight. In some instances the changes were sufficient to affect appreciably the significance of the results. Phenol turbidity tended to increase considerably after refrigeration. Changes in thymol, zinc, and phenol turbidities were largely prevented by allowing serum to remain in contact with the clot during storage. The use of anaerobic technic in the collection and storage of serum also prevented changes in the thymol turbidity measurements and, to a lesser extent, in the zinc turbidity. However, a large change in phenol turbidity persisted under these conditions. The changes in zinc turbidity were related to the CO2 content of the sera being tested. Serum bilirubin concentration tended to decrease slightly during storage.

Zinc deficiency associated with nutritional dwarfism was reported from Egypt in 1963. The conclusions drawn from that study were based on biochemical changes in zinc metabolism plus zinc supplementation studies. The dwarfs were of varying ages and were affected in varying degrees of severity. This syndrome, which is common in the Middle East, has been extensively investigated in Iran where its clinical features were reported in detail in 1961. Our study was designed prospectively to give oral zinc supplementation under controlled conditions. A major factor in the etiology of this syndrome is the village diet which consists largely, and sometimes exclusively, of whole meal wheat bread. This contains a high level of phytate which binds zinc and makes it unavailable. Geophagia, which was present in all subjects, may be a factor in the pathogenesis. The subjects of this report are fifteen men who were rejected at the Iranian Army induction center because of "malnutrition," and two women. A unique feature was that all were nineteen or twenty years of age. They were studied for six to twelve months. One group was given a well-balanced nutritious diet containing ample animal protein plus a placebo capsule. A second group was given the same diet plus a capsule of zinc sulfate daily containing 27 mg of elemental zinc. A third group was given the diet alone without additional medication for six months, followed by the diet plus the administration of zinc sulfate. Assignment to groups was by random selection. Although the development in subjects receiving the diet alone was slow, the effect on height increment and onset of sexual function was strikingly enhanced in those receiving zinc capsules as a supplement. The differences were significant statistically (p

The considerations presented are based on the theory of the thermal diffusion column for the cylindrical or extreme cylindrical case developed by Furry and Jones. The essential quantities in that theory are the column constants H, K/sub c/, and K/sub d/; only the case of the Maxwellian molecules was treated explicitly. A preliminary report is presented on a generalization for molecules with an intermolecular force proportional to 1/R/sup nu /, where R is the intermolecular separation. A parameter n is defined by the relation nu = (2n + 3)/(2n -- 1), and calculations are performed to define the shape factors h, k/sub c/, and k/sub d/. The values of k/sub d/ are tabulated for n = 1, 5/6, 3/4, 2/3, and 1/2. (H.D.R.)