The development of novel approaches to assess and improve skeletal integrity in laying hens

High demand for egg products over the last couple of decades has increased the need of supply in egg production. As a consequence, modern laying hens are being put under increased pressure from extended periods of egg production causing increased susceptibility to skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis and skeletal damage. Assessment of skeletal health through measuring bone parameters such as bone strength or bone mineral density is common practice, however, the methods used in previous research vary between research groups and studies. The overarching aim of this study was to assess the effect of different housing systems on skeletal health and egg qualities of laying hens over the period of lay, using new methodology and modelling parameters to help maintain hen welfare whilst possibly increasing the laying cycle of future flocks. A series of trials were carried out to achieve this aim. Three pilot studies were carried out in the initial stages to determine the optimal bones to be measured in subsequent trials. These studies concluded that multiple bones showed differences due to differences in form and function, and that future studies would therefore need to measure several bones to get a true picture of the birds’ skeletal health. Using methodologies influenced by the pilot studies a longer study, split into two parts was carried out to assess the effect of housing system on skeletal integrity and egg quality over the laying period. After the larger trial, another trial was performed using the previously established methodologies to see if they could be used to assess the effectiveness of a novel supplement. Part one focussed on the effects on bone parameters while part two focussed on the effects on egg quality. The longitudinal study showed that bone strength of the keel, tibiae and humeri were significantly affected by age (p < 0.001), housing system (p < 0.001), and the interaction effect between age and housing system (p < 0.001) with the caged system showing some of the poorest results ((18 weeks MT keel = 173.13N (13.542), 18 weeks C keel = 105.38N (13.542), 72 weeks MT keel = 130.80N (13.542), 72 weeks C keel = 81.74N (14.363)). Bone ash content of the keel, humerus and tibia was also significantly affected by age (p < 0.001), housing system (p < 0.001) and age*housing system (p < 0.001). Caged bone ash content showed some of the lowest values though organic some of the highest ((24 weeks O tibia = 44.36% (0.677), 24 weeks C tibia = 41.91% (0.677), 60 weeks O tibia = 44.28% (0.742), 60 weeks C tibia = 42.73% (0.697)). It was highlighted that bone strength may be more informative than bone ash content when assessing skeletal integrity, as bone ash content results are thought to be more influenced by the presence of medullary bone than bone strength. Furthermore, the modelling estimates of bone data in this chapter showed that bone weight was a significant predictor of bones strength (p < 0.001; estimate = 23.60), showing as bone weight increases, bone strength would increase at the estimated rate. Model parameters also showed free-range flat deck (p = 0.020; estimate 27.37), free-range multi-tier (p < 0.001; estimate = 38.30) and organic bone strength were significantly stronger than caged tibia strength (p < 0.001; estimate = 56.78). Barn (p = 0.024; estimate = -10.64) and free-range flat deck (p = 0.025; estimate = -10.92) bone strength declined significantly faster than caged bone strength between 18-72 weeks of age, with free range flat deck declining slightly faster than barn. Humerus bone strength declined significantly faster than tibia bone strength (p < 0.001). Keel bone strength also declined significantly faster than tibia bone strength (p < 0.001). In part two of the longitudinal study - investigating the effect of housing system on egg quality traits over the laying period - results showed that all egg quality parameters were significantly affected by age, housing system and the interaction effect (p = 0.007 or less). Egg weight increased from mid lay onwards (36 weeks onwards) with organic showing the heaviest weights of all systems. Egg height showed an increase over age (p < 0.001) from 24 weeks of age to 36 weeks of age and then another increase from 48 weeks to 72 weeks of age. Organic egg height was the largest towards the end of lay with multi-tier and cage being some of the smallest. Eggshell strength of the multi-tier and flat deck systems were highest at the beginning of lay, though declined quicker than other systems between weeks 24 and 36. In barn systems, eggshell strength was some of the weakest results during mid to late lay, whilst organic showed some of the highest breaking strengths in the same period. Results for eggshell ash content were somewhat unclear as barn data was significantly higher at 72 weeks compared to all other systems, where in other measurements barn data showed some of the lowest results. It was shown that in late lay (between 60-72 weeks) eggshell thickness is greatly influenced by age (p < 0.001), however multi-tier eggshell thickness and caged eggshell thickness increased slightly while other systems declined sharply. Regarding egg modelling data, ash weight was a significant predictor of eggshell strength (p < 0.001; estimate = 3.73), showing as ash weight increases eggshell strength would increase at the estimated rate. Furthermore, model parameters showed as age increased eggshell strength decreased when using caged eggshell strength as the baseline (p < 0.001; estimate = -0.16). Barn eggshell strength was also shown to decline significantly faster over the laying period than caged eggshell strength (p = 0.036; estimate = -0.29). When assessing if a relationship was present between egg and bone strength residual data, no relationship was found. It may be that the lack of interaction between data sets were caused by how broadly egg and bone strength data was collapsed at farm level to enable a comparison. The last part of this project was to determine if these methodologies created from the pilot studies and longitudinal study could identify differences in the effects of a novel supplement. This was done by investigating the effects of a novel silicon supplement on skeletal health and egg quality traits post laying cycle. The study found little effect of the diet on any bone parameters of any bone throughout (diet effect - bone length; p = 0.099 or higher, bone width; p = 0.285 or higher, bone weight; p = 0.157 or higher, bone strength; p = 0.083 or higher), making it difficult to the determine the useful of the methods developed previously. It was suggested that the effect of changing housing system may have concealed the effect of silicon supplementation, due to the change in exercise which is known to improve skeletal health. It was concluded from the project that when assessing skeletal health, multiple bones be used to ensure all areas of the skeletal system are assessed due to form and function varying between bone. For example, a wing bone performs a different locomotory movement compared to a leg bone. It would be recommended from work in this project that utilising the keel, humerus and tibia would be adequate to cover all aspects of skeletal form and function in the bird, in relation to assessing skeletal health. Measuring bone geometry along with strength was also considered important as these parameters were found to be sensitive to factor effects even after sexual maturity. It was unexpected that results for bone lengths and widths in pilot studies 1 and 2 were still affected by housing system, post maturity. Additionally, egg parameters were not considered meaningful data for skeletal assessment as it was somewhat evident egg production likely takes precedent over skeletal maintenance. Model parameters to assess skeletal health in laying hens would be beneficial in future work. Ultimately, the modelling of skeletal data could act as an early warning system to indicate any potential decline in skeletal parameters within the laying period and allow producers to be proactive in their response. An early response to a skeletal problem could help maintain or possibly improve productivity at a time when there is a drive to produce more eggs per bird, whilst simultaneously maintaining a high standard of hen welfare

Weekly variability of clupeoid eggs and larvae in the Benguela jet current: implications for recruitment

Weekly sampling of ichthyoplankton, current vectors and surface temperature along a 34-mile transect crossing the jet current off the Cape Peninsula was conducted from August 1995 to July 1996 as part of thethird phase of the South African Sardine and Anchovy Recruitment Programme, designed to investigate within-season variability in factors affecting sardine Sardinops sagax and anchovy Engraulis capensisrecruitment. Anchovy eggs and larvae were found from October 1995 to February 1996, with most intense spawning from mid-October to early December. Peak abundances of anchovy eggs (717.m–2) and larvae(342.m–2) were encountered during mid-November. Sardine eggs and larvae were found throughout the year, but were most abundant from August 1995 to February 1996. Numbers  ere greatest during late September, reaching 630 eggs.m–2 and 142 larvae.m–2, with secondary peaks of >200 eggs.m–2 during August, October and January. Spawning products were low from March onwards, but increased slightly during July 1996. Current vectors indicated that spawning prior to December was most favourable for transport of eggs and larvae to the West Coast nursery area. January and February were characterized by increasingly complexflow patterns, while the frontal jet current was positioned offshore of the transect for most of March and April as a result of prolonged periods of upwelling. Monthly length-frequency distributions of larvae indicatedspawning by both species farther east on the western Agulhas Bank later in the season, or more complex transport from that region to the sampling area. Mean monthly (August–March) anchovy and sardine (September – February) egg abundances were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with the estimated birthdate distribution of recruits, suggesting that frequent monitoring of egg abundance along the transect may be usefulfor forecasting recruitment strength

Genetic structure of the tall sea pen Funiculina quadrangularis in NW Scottish sea lochs

The tall sea pen Funiculina quadrangularis has a patchy distribution around the UK, being found in sheltered waters below 20 m depth on the northwest coast of Scotland and Ireland. The limited distribution and sensitivity to bottom fishing activities make F. quadrangularis vulnerable to reduction in population numbers that may lead to genetic isolation and reduced diversity. Because of this vulnerability and low resilience to physical disturbance, the tall sea pen is recognised as a Species of Principle Importance under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act, 2006, UK. (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/16/contents) and is also on the Biodiversity Action Plan list of Priority Species for the UK. In the Mediterranean it is recognised as a sensitive and essential fish habitat because it forms habitat for several commercially important crustaceans. The aim of this study was to understand the current state of the genetic structure and gene flow of F. quadrangularis in areas of NW Scotland. We developed 10 microsatellite markers and used them to genotype 176 samples from four populations. Overall, our results suggest that there is high genetic diversity and high gene flow between colonies of F. quadrangularis in and among locations in Loch Linnhe and Loch Duich. As a result of the high rates of gene flow, genetic differentiation between sites was low. This may provide resilience to human impacts if distant populations have a high connectivity. However, care must be taken, as small but significant isolation by distance was found between the most geographically distant sites and only a small part of the species range was examined in this study. The genetic tools developed here will provide a foundation for wider studies of this vulnerable species

Leucine and ACE inhibitors as therapies for sarcopenia (LACE trial): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background: Sarcopenia (the age-related loss of muscle mass and function) is a major contributor to loss of mobility, falls, loss of independence, morbidity and mortality in older people. Although resistance training is effective in preventing and reversing sarcopenia, many older people are sedentary and either cannot or do not want to exercise. This trial examines the efficacy of supplementation with the amino acid leucine and/or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition to potentially improve muscle mass and function in people with sarcopenia. Promising preliminary data exist from small studies for both interventions, but neither has yet been tested in adequately powered randomised trials in patients with sarcopenia. Methods: Leucine and ACE inhibitors in sarcopenia (LACE) is a multicentre, masked, placebo-controlled, 2 × 2 factorial randomised trial evaluating the efficacy of leucine and perindopril (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi)) in patients with sarcopenia. The trial will recruit 440 patients from primary and secondary care services across the UK. Male and female patients aged 70 years and over with sarcopenia as defined by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia (based on low total skeletal muscle mass on bioimpedance analysis and either low gait speed or low handgrip strength) will be eligible for participation. Participants will be excluded if they have a contraindication to, or are already taking, an ACEi, angiotensin receptor blocker or leucine. The primary clinical outcome for the trial is the between-group difference in the Short Physical Performance Battery score at all points between baseline and 12 months. Secondary outcomes include appendicular muscle mass measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, muscle strength, activities of daily living, quality of life, activity using pedometer step counts and falls. Participants, clinical teams, outcomes assessors and trial analysts are masked to treatment allocation. A panel of biomarkers including microRNAs, neurohormones, genetic polymorphisms and markers of inflammation relevant to muscle pathophysiology will be measured to explore predictors of response and further elucidate mechanisms underlying sarcopenia. Participants will receive a total of 12 months of either perindopril or placebo and either leucine or placebo. Discussion: The results will provide the first robust test of the overall clinical and cost-effectiveness of these novel therapies for older patients with sarcopenia. Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN90094835. Registered on 18 February 2015

Capability engineering -an analysis of perspectives

The terms "capability" and "capability engineering" are now widely used across industry and in government procurement, but it is clear that different communities use the terms with similar, but distinctly different meanings. Using a soft systems methodological approach, an INCOSE UK working group has identified eight perspectives of capability, which have been related to Ring"s value cycle and the Hitchins" five layer model of systems engineering. It is asserted that capability is the ability to do something and that capability engineering is the overarching approach that links value, purpose, and solution of a systems problem. It is equivalent to layers 1-4 of Hitchins" Five Layer Model and is equivalent to an holistic perspective of systems engineering. There are significant practice and examples of capability engineering from (at least) the UK rail provision, defence, and Information Services and it is the view of the working group that further INCOSE guidance may be needed to ensure engineers are properly equipped to deal with capability and capability engineering.©2011 by Michael Henshaw, Duncan Kemp, Peter Lister, Andrew Daw, Alan Harding, Andrew Farncombe, Malcolm Touchin. Published and used by INCOSE with permission

Utility of salt-marsh foraminifera, testate amoebae and bulk-sediment δ13C values as sea-level indicators in Newfoundland, Canada

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Elsevier via the DOI in this record.We investigated the utility of foraminifera, testate amoebae and bulk-sediment δ 13 C measurements for reconstructing Holocene relative sea level from sequences of salt-marsh sediment in Newfoundland, Canada. Modern, surface sediment was collected along transects from low to supra-tidal elevations in eastern (at Placentia) and western (at Hynes Brook and Big River) Newfoundland. Consistent with previous work, low-diversity assemblages of foraminifera display an almost binary division into a higher salt-marsh assemblage dominated by Jadammina macrescens and Balticammina pseudomacrescens and a lower salt-marsh assemblage comprised of Miliammina fusca. This pattern and composition resembles those identified at other high latitude sites with cool climates and confirms that foraminifera are sea-level indicators. The lowest occurrence of testate amoebae was at approximately mean higher high water. The composition of high salt-marsh testate amoebae assemblages (Centropyxis cassis type, Trinema spp., Tracheleuglypha dentata type, and Euglypha spp.) in Newfoundland was similar to elsewhere in the North Atlantic, but preservation bias favors removal of species with idiosomic tests over those with xenosomic tests. The mixed high salt-marsh plant community in Newfoundland results in bulk surface-sediment δ 13 C values that are typical of C 3 plants, making them indistinguishable from freshwater sediment. Therefore we propose that the utility of this proxy for reconstructing RSL in eastern North America is restricted to the coastline between Chesapeake Bay and southern Nova Scotia. Using a simple, multi-proxy approach to establish that samples in three radiocarbon-dated sediment cores formed between the lowest occurrence of testate amoebae and the highest occurrence of foraminifera, we generated three example late Holocene sea-level index points at Hynes Brook.This work was supported by NSF awards OCE-1458921, OCE-1458904 and EAR-1402017 and the Robert L. Nichols student research fund of the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences at Tufts University. Foraminiferal data from Hynes Brook and Big River were collected as part of a series of projects including “Ocean-climate variability and sea level in the North Atlantic region since AD 0” funded by the Dutch National Research Programme (NRP) on Global air pollution and Climate Change; “Coastal Records” funded by the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and “Simulations, Observations & Palaeoclimatic data: climate variability over the last 500 years” funded by the European Union

Hemodynamic deterioration precedes onset of ventricular tachyarrhythmia after Heartmate II implantation

Background: Early postoperative ventricular tachyarrhythmia (PoVT) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation are common and associated with higher mortality-rates. At present, there is no data on initiation of these PoVT and the role of alterations in cardiac hemodynamics. Case Presentation: A LVAD was implanted in a patient with end-stage heart failure due to a ischemic cardiomyopathy. Alterations in cardiac rhythm and hemodynamics preceding PoVT-episodes during the first five postoperative days were examined by using continuous recordings of cardiac rhythm and various hemodynamic parameters. All PoVT (N=120) were monomorphic, most often preceded by short-long-short-sequences or regular SR and initiated by ventricular runs. Prior to PoVT, mean arterial pressure decreased; heart rate and ST-segments deviations increased. Conclusions: PoVT are caused by different underlying electrophysiological mechanisms. Yet, they are all monomorphic and preceded by hemodynamic deterioration due to myocardial ischemia

Rapoport’s rule and determinants of species range size in snakes

AIM: Understanding determinants of species' range size is paramount to explaining global ecological patterns and estimating extinction risk of species. Here, we examined whether a sample of 536 snake species exhibits a latitudinal gradient of range size in support of Rapoport's rule, and determined predictors of range size from a set of environmental and biological factors. LOCATION: Global. METHODS: Based on a priori hypotheses about the effects of latitude, environmental and biological factors on species' range, we calculated mid-latitudes of species ranges, and collected data on environmental factors (altitude, temperature, precipitation, size and number of ecoregions occupied) and biological traits (body size, fecundity, habitat breadth and species age) to construct multivariate models of snake range size. We used a recently published dated consensus phylogeny to determine minimum adequate models of range size using phylogenetic generalized least squares models and establish correlations between range size and time since species' description. RESULTS: Range size increased significantly with latitude, consistent with Rapoport's rule, especially across mid- and high latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. Habitat breadth, body size and altitudinal range had a significant positive effect on range size, with minor negative effects on range size from mean altitude and reproductive output. Biological variables explained more variation in range size than environmental variables. Species' range size had a significant effect on species' description, with larger-ranged species having been described earlier. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Prediction of range size in lesser-known species such as snakes relies on a suite of factors. Species with restricted habitat breadth, small body size and at high altitudes a wider altitudinal range generally have smaller ranges, and are thus likely to have higher extinction risk. Our work illustrates that it is these species we are likely to under-report in extinction risk assessments

Self-control and early adolescent antisocial behavior: A longitudinal analysis

Contains fulltext : 73179.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access)The article discusses a three-wave longitudinal study that investigates the relationship between self-control and aggressive and delinquent behavior of early adolescent boys and girls. The sample consists of 1,012 Dutch adolescents (mean age = 12.3) in their first year of secondary education. Structural equation modeling analyses reveal that high levels of self-control consistently decrease aggressive and delinquent behavior in the subsequent 6 months follow-up intervals. Results for the total sample do not support the hypothesis that self-control is influenced by previous levels of aggression or delinquency. For boys, the partial evidence found indicates reciprocal effects of self-control and delinquency.21 p