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SUMMARY Campylobacteriosis is considered to be the most frequently reported cause of zoonotic illness globally, with poultry being the main source of infection. Reducing the colonization level of Campylobacter spp. in broilers entering the processing unit could make an effective contribution at reducing the incidence of zoonotic transmission of this pathogen. It is essential to search for new, natural, and sustainable strategies to reduce the incidence of this bacterium in the broiler cecum. The aim of this study was to examine whether dietary supplementation of broilers with 3 different yeast mannan-rich fraction (MRF) supplements (supplements 1 to 3) reduced the level of natural Campylobacter spp. colonization in the broiler cecum. Birds were allowed to naturally become colonized with Campylobacter spp. from the environment. Weight gains and feed conversion ratios were measured throughout production. All 3 MRF based supplements resulted in higher weight gains over 35 d when compared with the control. Broiler pens were tested at d 21 post hatch using the boot swab method and confirmed Campylobacter spp. presence in the flock. At d 35 post hatch, colonization levels were measured using serial dilution plate counts and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) of cecal material. Enumeration of Campylobacter colonization level in cecal content by qPCR showed that both supplement 2 and supplement 3 significantly reduced the levels of Campylobacter spp. colonization in the broiler cecum at 35 days. In conclusion, under the conditions of this study, MRF based supplements significantly reduced Campylobacter colonisation levels in the broiler cecum while also offering improvements in weight gain.

This study focused on identifying the short-term effects of mechanical drainage on the structure and diversity of fungal and bacterial communities in soil. Mechanical drainage is a widely used agricultural practice which allows for the management of surface and sub-surface water. It is vital for improving land productivity and reclaiming marginal land. The use of mechanical drainage is known to have several impacts on the physico-chemical components of soil; however, little is known about its effect on the soil microbiome. In the present study, 454 pyrosequencing of the 18S and 16S rRNA gene regions was used to evaluate differences in fungal and bacterial communities in soil samples taken pre and two months post drainage from an extensively managed grassland in Co., Meath, Ireland. Mechanical drainage was found to have no significant impact on soil pH or on soil carbon and nitrogen levels, however a statistically significant reduction in moisture content was recorded (c. 7%). Analysis of metagenetic data showed that Basidiomycota was the largest classifiable fungal phylum accounting for 16% of all sequences. The predominant bacterial phyla identified in all samples were Proteobacteria , Bacteroidetes and Acidobacteria with average relative abundances of 23%, 26% and 27% respectively. Overall fungal and bacterial community structure and diversity remained unchanged in response to mechanical drainage but two fungal phyla, Chytridiomycota and Blastocladiomycota, showed a significant increase in relative abundance in response to drainage. These findings contribute to our overall understanding of how mechanical drainage impacts the soil microbiome.

Good self-control has been linked to adaptive outcomes such as better health, cohesive personal relationships, success in the workplace and at school, and less susceptibility to crime and addictions. In contrast, self-control failure is linked to maladaptive outcomes. Understanding the mechanisms by which self-control predicts behavior may assist in promoting better regulation and outcomes. A popular approach to understanding self-control is the strength or resource depletion model. Self-control is conceptualized as a limited resource that becomes depleted after a period of exertion resulting in self-control failure. The model has typically been tested using a sequential-task experimental paradigm, in which people completing an initial self-control task have reduced self-control capacity and poorer performance on a subsequent task, a state known as ego depletion. Although a meta-analysis of ego-depletion experiments found a medium-sized effect, subsequent meta-analyses have questioned the size and existence of the effect and identified instances of possible bias. The analyses served as a catalyst for the current Registered Replication Report of the ego-depletion effect. Multiple laboratories (k = 23, total N = 2,141) conducted replications of a standardized ego-depletion protocol based on a sequential-task paradigm by Sripada et al. Meta-analysis of the studies revealed that the size of the ego-depletion effect was small with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) that encompassed zero (d = 0.04, 95% CI [−0.07, 0.15]. We discuss implications of the findings for the ego-depletion effect and the resource depletion model of self-control. Contributing authors affiliated with Linköping University are also listed as Contributors in the list of the article's main authors.Contributing authors: Hugo Alberts, Calvin Octavianus Anggono, Cédric Batailler, Angela R. Birt, Ralf Brand, Mark J. Brandt, Gene Brewer, Sabrina Bruyneel, Dustin P. Calvillo, W. Keith Campbell, Peter R. Cannon, Marianna Carlucci, Nicholas P. Carruth, Tracy Cheung, Adrienne Crowell, Denise T. D. De Ridder, Siegfried Dewitte, Malte Elson, Jacqueline R. Evans, Benjamin A. Fay, Bob M. Fennis, Anna Finley, Zoë Francis, Elke Heise, Henrik Hoemann, Michael Inzlicht, Sander L. Koole, Lina Koppel, Floor Kroese, Florian Lange, Kevin Lau, Bridget P. Lynch, Carolien Martijn, Harald Merckelbach, Nicole V. Mills, Alexej Michirev, Akira Miyake, Alexandra E. Mosser, Megan Muise, Dominique Muller, Milena Muzi, Dario Nalis, Ratri Nurwanti, Henry Otgaar, Michael C. Philipp, Pierpaolo Primoceri, Katrin Rentzsch, Lara Ringos, Caroline Schlinkert, Brandon J. Schmeichel, Sarah F. Schoch, Michel Schrama, Astrid Schütz, Angelos Stamos, Gustav Tinghög, Johannes Ullrich, Michelle vanDellen, Supra Wimbarti, Wanja Wolff, Cleoputri Yusainy, Oulmann Zerhouni, Maria Zwienenberg

Fay BT, Boninger ML, Fitzgerald SG, Souza AL, Cooper RA, Koontz AM. Manual wheelchair pushrim dynamics in people with multiple sclerosis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:935–42. Objectives To define differences in pushrim dynamics during manual wheelchair propulsion by users with multiple sclerosis (MS) relative to 2 control groups of subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI) and no disability (ND) and to investigate changes in propulsion biomechanics at different speeds and with fatigue. Design Case-control. Setting Biomechanics laboratory. Participants A convenience sample of 42 people, 8 women and 6 men per group. Interventions Not applicable. Main outcome measures The propulsion pattern, mean maximum speed, percentage of time in push and recovery phases, push angle, push frequency, mean maximum resultant pushrim force, mean work and push cycle, and hand-to-pushrim coupling and decoupling effects. Results The MS groups tended to use an arcing propulsion pattern more than did the control groups ( P max=.003). The MS group pushed at a lower mean maximum velocity ( v ) when allowed to choose the speed of propulsion ( v MS , .67±.20m/s; v SCI , 1.10±0.23m/s; P =.001), when asked to push at 1m/s ( v MS , .91±.26m/s; v SCI , 1.12±0.11m/s; v ND , 1.05±0.13m/s; P =.010), and were unable to maintain a self-selected speed during a 5-minute trial (Δ v MS , .15±.02m/s; Δ v ND , .03±.06m/s; P P max=.001). In general, the MS group had smaller push angles, but push frequencies similar to the controls. Statistically adjusted MS group pushrim forces and work per push measures varied depending on context, but in all trials the MS group displayed a braking effect when grasping and releasing the pushrim. The MS group had declines in most measures when pushing at a self-selected speed for 5 minutes. In all trials, the MS group was more likely to display asymmetry between right and left sides in biomechanic parameters. Conclusions Manual wheelchair users with MS have difficulty grasping and releasing the pushrim and maintaining speed during a fatigue trial. This likely leads to a slow self-selected speed of propulsion that may not be functional. Clinicians should remember these results when prescribing manual wheelchairs for people with MS.

Descriptions of shoulder kinematics during wheelchair propulsion are limited to motions of the upper arm due to the difficulty of measuring scapular movement in vivo. Using a digitizing stylus, the three-dimensional positions of three anatomical landmarks on the scapula were recorded for 10 manual wheelchair users in six different statically held hand positions (−30°, −15°, 0°, 15°, 30°, 60°) on the pushrim. In each hand position, a motion analysis system recorded the coordinates of infrared markers on the arm and torso. Scapular, humeral, and torso angles were computed using an Euler angle decomposition method for each position relative to the torso. At the beginning of the push, the scapula was rotated slightly upward (1.5°), minimally protracted (15°), and maximally tipped forward (22°). In addition, the humerus was maximally extended, abducted and internally rotated. As subjects moved forward along the pushrim, the protraction angle increased while the forward tipping angle decreased. The humerus became increasingly more flexed as the push progressed with small changes observed in humeral abduction and internal rotation. A stepwise multiple regression analysis procedure (p Relevance to industry The shoulder is a common site of musculoskeletal pain and disorders among workers in occupations requiring repetitive or strenuous use of the upper arms (e.g., landscaping, construction, or textile processing). Identifying awkward or harmful shoulder postures during a task is difficult due to the inability to fully describe the dynamic movements of the various bones of the shoulder complex. This study provides a method for characterizing position of the scapula during a forceful repetitive task (wheelchair propulsion).

Fatigue is a major concern for individuals with multiple sclerosis as it interferes with daily tasks. This study compared the fatigue experienced by nine individuals with MS to nine unimpaired controls while completing a five-minute trial of continuous wheelchair propulsion. Fatigue was quantified via changes in resultant pushrim force, rate of force rise, force efficiency, axle moment and mean power frequency of the shoulder muscles. Results show a drop in the rate of rise of pushrim force that may be related to fatigue of the biceps brachii. However, given the lack of more conclusive findings and verbal reports of extreme fatigue from case subject at the end of the trial, future consideration of fatigue in MS may need to take a central versus peripheral perspective.

This study compared wrist kinematics during manual wheelchair propulsion (MWP) for 22 experienced Manual Wheelchair Users (MWU) with and without evidence of median mononeuropathy (MMN), an indicator of CTS. Thirteen (13) MWUs tested positive for MMN. Analysis found significantly higher peak wrist flexion for MWU who demonstrated CTS via the nerve conduction study. It may be prudent to instruct MWUs to avoid extremes of wrist extension.

The electromyographic (EMG) activity of forearm muscles and pushrim forces were compared between a standard and an ergonomic wheelchair pushrim for a group of non-impaired subjects propelling at two and four miles per hour. The maximum EMG signals were not statistically different for any of the muscles between rims while significantly higher peak tangential, radial, and resultant forces were found for the ergonomic pushrims.

Wheelchair users are at an increased risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The objective of this study was to use electromyography (EMG) to describe wrist flexor activity (WFA) during wheelchair propulsion. EMG data on 3 flexor muscles for one subject were collected while he propelled at a constant speed of 0.9 m/s (2 mph). The flexor carpi radialis was the most active flexor muscle during the push phase with peak and average EMG at 51% and 33% of its maximum isometric contraction value.

Due to the dynamic nature of MWP, motion analysis via markers placed on bony prominences provides the best approximation of the three dimensional trajectory of the segments of the upper extremity. Previous models which use motion analysis markers have been described in the literature, but these models have not corrected for positioning of the hand in a non-neutral position. The current model provides a standard method for determining the three ranges of motion commonly attributed to the wrist: flexion/extension, radial/ulnar deviation, and pronation/supination. These quantities are calculated via a local coordinate system based at the wrist as described by Shimada (1997), but applies a correction factor to account for non-neutral hand position during calibration.

Boninger ML, Souza AL, Cooper RA, Fitzgerald SG, Koontz AM, Fay BT. Propulsion patterns and pushrim biomechanics in manual wheelchair propulsion. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2002;83:718-23. Objectives: To classify stroke patterns of manual wheelchair users and to determine if different patterns of propulsion lead to different biomechanics. Design: Case series. Setting: Biomechanics laboratory. Participants: Thirty-eight individuals with paraplegia who use manual wheelchairs for mobility. Intervention: Subjects propelled their own wheelchair on a dynamometer at 2 different steady state speeds. Bilateral biomechanical data were obtained by using a force and moment sensing pushrim and a motion analysis system. Main Outcome Measures: The propulsive stroke of each participant for each speed and side was classified as following 1 of 4 patterns. These 4 patterns were then compared by using a mixed-model analysis of variance. The biomechanical variables that were compared were cadence, peak and rate of rise of the resultant force, mechanical effective force, push angle, and ratio of time spent pushing to time in recovery. Results: The most common propulsive stroke involved the user lifting the hand over the pushrim during the recovery phase. The stroke pattern was independent of axle position and varied from side to side and between speeds. After controlling for subject characteristics, significant differences were observed between stroke patterns in cadence and ratio of time spent pushing to time in recovery. A stroke pattern that involves using a semicircular motion with the hand below the pushrim during the recovery phase of the propulsion stroke was associated with a lower cadence and more time spent in the push phase relative to the recovery phase. Conclusion: The semicircular motion of propulsion displayed characteristics consistent with reduced repetition and more efficient propulsion. Use of this propulsion style may reduce trauma to the upper extremities. Clinicians should consider training individuals in this propulsion style. © 2002 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Chronic lower urinary tract symptoms in young men are often attributed to misdiagnosed chronic nonbacterial prostatitis. We analyzed contraction of the external urinary sphincter during voiding (pseudodyssynergia) as an etiology of voiding dysfunction in men with misdiagnosed chronic prostatitis.The video urodynamic studies of 43 men 23 to 50 years old with chronic voiding dysfunction secondary to pseudodyssynergia performed between January 1990 and June 1996 were retrospectively analyzed. Pseudodyssynergia was diagnosed based on several criteria, including electrical activity of the external sphincter during voiding in the absence of abdominal straining, and brief and intermittent closing of the membranous urethra during voiding detected by electromyography and fluoroscopy. Patients with bacterial infection or excessive leukocytes in expressed prostatic secretions were excluded from the study.Of the patients 39 (91%) were firstborn men. Duration of symptoms ranged from 17 to 146 months (mean 43.6). Average number of previous antibiotic days ranged from 53 to 186 (mean 67.6). In addition, empirical trials of alpha-blockers were unsuccessful. Mean American Urological Association symptom score plus or minus standard deviation was 17.5 +/- 3.7, mean maximum flow rate was 13.3 +/- 4.2 ml. per second, mean detrusor pressure at maximum flow was 46.3 +/- 13.7 cm. water and mean detrusor contraction duration was 132.8 +/- 27.7 seconds. Behavior modification and biofeedback were successful in decreasing symptoms in 35 patients (83%) at 6 months.These results indicate that some men who are categorized as having and empirically treated for chronic nonbacterial prostatitis are misdiagnosed and, in fact, have functional bladder outlet obstruction. Urodynamics are helpful in diagnosing and predicting success with behavior modification and biofeedback in these patients.

In a random sample of sera from a predominantly male group of hospital patients with an average age of 67, complement-fixing antibodies were found in 20 per cent to M. hominis type 1, in 16 per cent to Unknown Strain CE 5, in 1 per cent to M. pharyngis and in 2 per cent to M. pneumoniae. These percentages are lower than those reported in the literature for younger populations of patients. Thus the immunological experience with mycoplasmas (pleuropneumonia-like organisms) varies from one population to another. In general, however, the incidence of mycoplasmal infection seems to be lower in older than in younger populations. The findings also indicate that the mere isolation of these organisms from the sera of patients who manifest a disease process does not constitute evidence of an etiological relationship unless other correlates can be established.

Step and repeat X-ray lithography is essential for achieving the fine lines, accurate registration, and extreme density required to produce the next generation of very large scale integrated circuits. Drawing upon its own experience in developing a full-field X-ray lithography system [1], as well as upon technology developed at companies such as Thomson-CSF [2] and AT&T [3], Micronix Corporation in Los Gatos, California, is introducing such a system, called the MX-1600.

In a study of 115 patients with chronic and acute urinary-tract infections, 26 (23 per cent) were found to have bacterial L-forms in the urine which could be cultured in a special hypertonic medium. The most common genera of bacteria producing these forms were Proteus, Pseudomonas and Escherichia-Aerobacter. Most of the patients had cystitis, pyelonephritis or a general diagnosis of “urinary-tract infection.” In a case of acute exacerbation of chronic pyelonephritis, the L-form of Proteus mirabilis appeared after eradication of the parent form with chloramphenicol. The L-form was sensitive to erythromycin even though the parent form was not, and after therapy with this antibiotic the L-form did not reappear for a ten-month period of study. L-forms occur frequently enough in the urine to warrant culturing for these forms specifically and considering the possible significance of L-forms in relation to the type of urinary-tract infection and the type of antibiotic therapy used.