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Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) is high in the United States and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The authors examined whether the prevalence of the MetS and its components differs across age groups. Data were analyzed from 4 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys between the years 1999 and 2006. Prevalence of MetS as defined by the Third Report of the Adult Treatment Panel criteria and prevalence of associated cardiac risk factors were determined in 41,474 participants aged 18 years and older without a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD). All estimates were weighted. Prevalence of MetS among asymptomatic adults without CVD was 20.5% and remained stable for the total population during survey periods. Prevalence of MetS increased with age: 6.6% in young adults (age 18-29 years) and 34.6% in older adults (70 and older). Components of MetS differed between young and old adults. Young adults had lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, less glucose intolerance, and less hypertension. This study provides an estimate of MetS prevalence in asymptomatic adults in the United States during an 8-year period revealing that MetS affects a large number of Americans. Components of MetS differ between young and old adults and may have important implications in their clinical management.

The results of a study on the structural and electrical properties of aluminium-based thick film metallization for the back contact of n + /p silicon solar cells are reported. The study takes advantage of observations with a scanning electron microscope and analyses with an electron microprobe and Auger electron spectroscopy. The phases of AlSi formation and densification are described as well as the AlSi interactions. Some insights into the proper choice of aluminium-based inks are discussed and it is shown how the ink firing conditions are correlated with the efficiency of the solar cells.

A study was conducted on a total of 240 primiparous does and their 1184 kits. Does were divided into two experimental groups of 120 each and their kits into four groups. Does were all submitted to artificial insemination on the same day; both groups were fed commercial diets supplemented respectively with coconut oil (2 g/kg) and dehydrated alfalfa (2 g/kg) (Group D−) or cultivated single-cell marine algae (4 g/kg) characterized by a high content of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) (primarily docosahexaenoic acid, DHA) (Group D+). Kits born from the 200 does that became pregnant (100 in the first group and 100 in the second) were assigned to 4 experimental groups (2 treated and 2 controls) and received, like their mothers, commercial diets with or without LCPUFA supplementation. Results showed a substantial similarity in the reproductive efficiency of does and zootechnical and slaughtering performances of growing–fattening rabbits. The quality of loin and thigh lipids also were influenced not only by the presence of algae in the feeds administered to weaned and finishing rabbits, but also by n-3 LCPUFA supplementation in the mothers' diet.

The quality of raw and cured hams as affectedby the dietary replacement of soya bean mealwith alternative protein sources A. L. Mordenti & R. Boccuzzi & G. Martelli & G. Zaghini & L. Sardi Published online: 8 July 2009 # Springer Science + Business Media B.V. 2009 Keywords Ham.Heavypig.Proteinsources.QualityIntroductionProtected Designation animal foods (PDOs) and animal products deriving from organic systemsare both strongly tied to local agricultural tradition and territory. Due to this fact, and withparticularregardtoanimalfeeding,aclearpreferenceshouldbegiventolocallygrownvegetableingredients. Italy, as well as many other European countries, imports up 90 % of its soyarequirement from the United States a nd Brazil (Mordenti and De Castro 2005). Since the mostpart of imported soya is genetically modified, some Italian and European associations ofproducers have taken a cautions stance towards these organisms (GMOs) and have banned theiruse in some animal production chains (Van Vliet 2004). With respect to organic production, theuse of GMOs is forbidden by law (EEC 1991). The current trial was aimed at studying the mainqualitative parameters of raw thighs and cur ed hams derived from heavy pigs fed a diet inwhich soya bean meal was totally replaced by non- conventional vegetable protein sources.Materials and methodsFifty-sixrightthighsderivedfrom56Italianheavypigs(LargeWhitexLandrace)werestudied.During the growing phase (body weight range from 55 to 160 kg), pigs were allocated to thefollowing two experimental groups:Group 1: “Control group” in which pigs received a conventional diet containingsoya bean meal as the main protein source (from 50 to 80 kg body

In spite of European legislation attempting to limit this practice, tail docking is nowadays the only preventive measure against tail biting which is widely adopted by farmers. Docking consists in amputating, usually without anaesthesia or analgesia, the distal part of the tail, in order to reduce its attractiveness and to sensitize it, increasing avoidance behaviour in the bitten pig. Tail docking results in both acute and chronic effects on pig welfare, and its effectiveness in preventing tail biting is limited, since it reduces the symptoms of a behavioural disorder, but does not address the underlying causes. The aim of the present paper is to review the available literature on the effects of tail docking on swine welfare. Although from a practical standpoint the welfare risks arising from tail docking may appear to be negligible compared to those arising during and after tail biting outbreaks, it should be considered that, apart from acute physiological and behavioural responses, tail docking may also elicit long-term effects on weight gain, tail stump sensitivity and animal freedom to express their normal behaviour. Such chronic effects have been poorly investigated so far. Besides, studies evaluating the effectiveness of anaesthetics or analgesic treatments are often conflicting. Within this framework, further research is recommended in order to reduce the acute and chronic pain and discomfort experienced by the animals, until preventive measures (e.g., environmental enrichment, stocking densities) are broadly adopted to prevent tail biting.

A total of 144 Landrace x Large White male piglets (average age at weaning of 28 days; average body weight of 7.58 kg) was used. Animals were homogeneously (on the basis of litter, age and body weight) allotted to four experimental groups, each containing six replications of six piglets, fed as follows: a group A (control) in which piglets received a common diet containing fishmeal and groups B, C and D in which fishmeal was replaced by partially dehulled sunflower meal (solvent extract), corngluten meal and potato protein concentrate, respectively. Aminoacids and Net Energy supplies of the four diets were equalized by means of synthetic aminoacids and soybean oil addition. Feed was ad libitum offered as pellet. To meet piglets’ requirements (INRA, 1989), two feed formulations for each group were used: from 8 to 15 kg body weight (first phase) and from 15 to 30 kg body weight (second phase). Percent composition and chemical analyses (performed according to AOAC, 1990) of the four experimental diets offered in the above mentioned phases are shown in Table 1. Piglets were kept in environmentally controlled rooms. Water was ad libitum available. Piglets were individually monitored for: initial weight; weight on 21st day of trial (intermediate); final weight (50th day of trial); average daily weight gain (ADG); feed intake per replicate; feed conversion rate (FCR) per replicate; mortality (and causes); diarrhoea incidence and diarrhoea score with points awarded on a 1-to-4 scale (1 indicating normal consistency of faeces and 4 indicating severe diarrhoea; to perform this classification the number of piglets of each replication and faeces consistency were used, according to Sardi et al, 2004). From our data it is concluded that fishmeal used at 6% in piglet diets can be replaced by similar amounts of vegetable protein (i.e. partially dehulled sunflower meal, corn gluten meal and potato protein concentrate), provided that the diets are equalized in terms of Net Energy and aminoacids supplies and a high standard of hygiene is ensured.