The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of golden mussel flour (GMSF) contaminated with increasing rates of cadmium (Cd) as a replacement for limestone as a Ca source, in broiler chicken feed from 14 to 42 days of age. A total of 60 animals were assigned to four treatments (inclusion rates of Cd: 6.94, 14.55, 22.40, and 30.00 mg Cd kg-1) with five replications in a completely randomized design. At 42 d, blood samples were collected to evaluate serum concentrations of aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin, Ca, P, and Cd. After slaughter, tissues were collected to evaluate Cd concentration in bone parameters. Growth performance of broiler chickens and Cd content in the breast meat were not affected by the inclusion rates of Cd in the GMSF. However, there was an effect of Cd in GMSF on the concentration of Cd in the skin, liver, bones, feathers, and serum; ALT; and total bilirubin. Bone flexibility had a quadratic response to increasing inclusion rates of GMSF; serum Ca concentration increased linearly and there was no effect on serum P concentration. Concentrations of Cd in GMSF above 20 mg kg-1 caused high Cd contamination in broiler tissues. Therefore, it was concluded that Cd concentrations above 6.94 mg kg-i in broiler diets caused high Cd concentrations in meat and organs that are above those permitted for human consumption.

The dietary inclusion of hydroethanolic extract of guavira seed or peel was evaluated on broiler performance, intestinal morphometry, carcass yield, and meat quality. A total of 1,680 male chicks, one day old, were distributed in a 2x5+2 factorial design (hydroethanolic extract of guavira seed (HEGS) or hydroethanolic extract of guavira peel (HEGP); 100; 200; 300; 400 and 500 mg/kg of inclusion and a positive control (PC) with antibiotics and negative control (NC) without growth promoter), with seven replicates and 20 birds each. A better feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed from days 1-7 and days 1-21 on the PC diet than on the NC diet. FCR from 1-7d of broilers on PC was better than those on HEGS or HEGP, and this better FCR was maintained until 21 d for the HEGS treatment. The HEGP diet showed lower average feed intake and better FCR for the total period compared to NC diets. Higher carcass yield and a higher L15 value for breast meat was observed in the HEGP group compared to HEGS. Broilers fed the PC diet showed a higher a* value 15 min and 24 h postmortem, higher water retention capacity in breast meat compared to birds fed HEGS, and a higher value of a* 24 h postmortem than those receiving NC. The inclusion of 100 to 500 mg/kg of HEGP or HEGS did not improve performance, intestinal morphometry, and carcass characteristics when compared to the performance-enhancing antibiotic. However, the HEGP diet provided better performance of broilers than the non-use of growth promoter additives in the diet.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of diets containing various levels of phytate and phytase on broilers from 1 to 42 days old. The treatments consisted of a combination of diets containing high (HP), medium (MP) and low (LP) phytate with positive control diet (PC) and a negative control diet (NC) that was similar to the PC in energy and protein but with less calcium and phosphorus. Three additional diets, based on the NC were supplemented with 500, 1000, or 1500 FTU kg-1 of phytase. Broilers that received the NC diet exhibited the lowest weight gain (WG), whereas those supplemented with 1000 FTU kg-1 obtained 2.84% higher WG compared with PC. Broilers that received NC had the lowest breaking strength and dry matter. Birds fed HP diets that received NC and NC + 500 FTU kg-1 had a higher concentration of serum Ca and P than birds fed LP diets. Broilers fed the NC and NC + 500 and 1000 FTU kg-1 had lower tibia Ca levels compared with birds fed the PC. Broilers fed HP diets had higher tibia Ca content than MP. Phytase supplementation had a positive response in diets with reduced Ca and P. Based on regression analysis the optimum inclusion of phytase to improve broiler performance parameters was calculated as 952 FTU kg-1.

RESUMO Os valores energéticos da glicerina bruta (GB) foram determinados para frangos de corte em diferentes idades, por meio da utilização do método proposto por Matterson e de regressões polinomiais. Foram realizados dois ensaios: de 11 a 21 dias e de 31 a 41 dias de idade das aves; em ambos, as aves foram distribuídas em um delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso, com uma ração referência (RR), sem GB, e três rações testes com substituição de 5%, 10% e 15% da RR por GB. Foram calculados os valores de energia metabolizável pelo método de Matterson, sendo os valores de energia metabolizável aparente (EMA) utilizados na análise de regressão polinomial. Os valores médios da EMA corrigida pelo balanço de nitrogênio (EMAn), o coeficiente de metabolizabilidade da EB (CMAEB) e o corrigido para o balanço de nitrogênio (CMAEBn) da GB, na matéria natural, para a fase de 11 a 21 dias, pelo método de Matterson, foram de 10,08 MJ kg-1, 10,04 MJ kg-1, 67,06% e 66,74%, respectivamente. A inclusão de GB apresentou um efeito linear crescente para os CMAEB e os CMAEBn. Na fase de 31 a 41 dias, foram de 10,38 MJ kg-1, 10,27 MJ kg-1, 69,02% e 62,24%, respectivamente. Por meio das equações de regressões polinomiais, o valor de EMAn estimada foi de 10,49 MJ kg-1 e 10,18 MJ kg-1, respectivamente. Os valores de EMAn da GB para as idades 11 a 21 e 31 a 41 dias foram de 10,04 MJ kg-1 e 10,26 MJ kg-1, respectivamente. De acordo com as equações propostas por Matterson e com o método de Adeola, os valores de EMAn foram 10,49 e 10,20 MJ kg-1 para cada fase.

ABSTRACT The energetic values of crude glycerin (CG) were determined for broilers at different ages using the method proposed by Matterson and by polynomial regressions. Two trials were performed with broilers from 11 to 21 and from 31 to 41 days of age. The birds were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with a reference ration (RR), without CG, and three ration tests with replacement of 5%, 10%, and 15% of RR by CG. The metabolizable energy values were calculated by the Matterson method, and the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) values were used in polynomial regression analysis. The mean values of AME, apparent corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn), metabolizable coefficient of gross energy (CAMEB), and corrected for nitrogen balance (CAMEBn) of CG, for the phase from 11 to 21 days by the Matterson method were 10.08 MJ kg-1, 10.04 MJ kg-1, 67.06%, and 66.74%, respectively. The inclusion of CG presented an increasing linear effect for CAMEB and CAMEBn in this period. From 31 to 41 days, these values were 10.38 MJ kg-1, 10.27 MJ kg-1, 69.02%, and 62.24%, respectively. The predicted AMEn value through the polynomial regression equations was 10.49 MJ kg-1 and 10.18 MJ kg-1, respectively. According to the equations proposed by Matterson, the crude glycerin EMAn values for broilers from 11 to 21 and 31 to 41 days of age were 10.04 MJ kg-1 and 10.26 MJ kg-1, respectively. According to Adeola's method the AMEn values were 10.49 and 10.20 MJ kg-1 for each phase.

RESUMO Foram determinados os valores energéticos e a composição bromatológica do resíduo seco de fecularia (RSF) para frangos de corte, na fase de crescimento, utilizando ou não enzimas carboidrases. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em esquema fatorial 2x4 + ração referência, sendo uma RR sem adição de RSF e quatro tratamentos experimentais com 10%, 20%, 30% e 40% de inclusão do RSF e a suplementação ou não com carboidrases. A composição química encontrada para o RSF, na MN, foi de 89,86% de matéria seca, 0,98% de proteína bruta, 3519kcal kg-1 de energia bruta, 0,19% de extrato etéreo, 27% de fibra em detergente neutro, 19,5% de fibra em detergente ácido, 0,33% de cálcio, 0,43% de fósforo, 0,46% de potássio e 0,12% de magnésio. O uso de carboidrases proporcionou um aumento de 173 e 213kcal kg-1 nos valores de EMA e EMAn, respectivamente, resultando em 1828kcal kg-1 EMA e 1840kcal kg-1 EMAn. Concluiu-se que os maiores níveis de EMA e EMAn foram encontrados para o nível de inclusão médio do RSF de 35% e que a suplementação enzimática pode promover aumento desses parâmetros em até 12% em dietas para frangos de corte na fase de crescimento.

ABSTRACT The energetic values and the bromatological composition of the dry residue of cassava (DRC) were determined for growing broilers with or without carbohydrase enzymes. The treatments were distributed in a 2x4 + reference diet factorial scheme, with one RD without addition of DRC and four experimental treatments with 10, 20, 30 and 40% inclusion levels of RSF and supplementation or not with carbohydrases. The chemical composition found for DRC in natural matter was 89.86% dry matter, 0.98% crude protein, 3519kcal kg-1 gross energy, 0.19% ether extract, 27% neutral detergent fiber, 19.5% of acid detergent fiber, 0.33% of calcium, 0.43% of phosphorus, 0.46% of potassium and 0.12% of magnesium. The use of carbohydrase resulted in an increase of 173 and 213kcal kg-1 in EMA and EMAn values, respectively, resulting in 1828kcal kg-1 EMA and 1840kcal kg-1 EMAn. It was concluded that the highest levels of AME and AMEn were found for the mean inclusion level of the DRC of 35% and that enzymatic supplementation may promote the increase of these parameters by up to 12% in broiler diets in the growth phase.

The objective was to evaluate increasing levels of dried brewers' grains (DBG) in feed for broiler chickens from 1 to 21 days old and their effect on performance, blood parameters, intestinal morphometry, carcass characteristics and meat quality. The design was completely randomized with six treatments, which consisted of various levels of DBG inclusion, namely 0 (no inclusion), 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 g/kg with seven replications and 17 animals per experimental unit, totalling 714 male broilers. Performance parameters, blood biochemical profile, morphology of the intestinal epithelium (duodenum), and carcass yield and composition were evaluated. Feed intake was not changed by DBG inclusion levels. Nor were weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Serum cholesterol levels were not influenced, and there were no effects on triglyceride, uric acid and creatinine levels. Enzyme aspartate aminotransferase showed a quadratic effect, as did alanine aminotransferase, with higher values at 79.5 and 63.9 g/kg DBG inclusion, respectively. No changes in carcass yield and relative organ weight were observed. The composition of the carcass in ether extract showed a quadratic effect, as fat deposition rate, with lowest values at 62.8 and 62.4 g/kg of DBG inclusion levels, respectively. Crude protein levels in carcass reduced linearly, as did fat deposition rate. The parameters of intestinal morphology and meat quality were not changed. Dried brewers' grains can be included in broiler diet from 1 to 21 days at levels up to 100 g/kg without influencing the metabolic parameters and broiler performance.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of various geometric mean diameters (GMDs) of particles of corn, pelleted soybean meal and a corn-soy mixture in the proportion of 70% and 30%, respectively, on the nutritional value of the feeds. The study evaluated energy consumption, the contents of apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and AME corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) and the metabolizability coefficients for broiler chickens at various ages. A total of 540 Cobb 500 male broilers were housed in metabolic cages (experimental units). Trials were performed separately with each feed. A completely randomized design was used with four treatments, namely corn with 573, 636, 851, and 1012 μm GMDs; pelleted soybean meal with 538, 550, 665, and 741 μm GMDs; and the corn-soy mixture with 627, 658, 893, and 1040 μm GMDs. Birds were evaluated on days 1 - 10, 11 - 20, 21 - 30, and 31 - 40. Larger GMDs resulted in lower energy consumption. From 1 to 10 days, birds consumed less metabolizable energy than older birds. Birds fed corn from days 1 to 10 had higher metabolizable energy (P <0.05) with increasing GMD up to 1042 μm. However, the results varied, depending on the feed and its combinations. The use of coarse particles could reduce the costs of grinding, and would have few effects on the metabolizable energy of broiler chickens.

Objective: To evaluate the association between plasma levels of soluble Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells-1 (sTREM-1) and mortality of patients with sepsis. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Two general Intensive Care Units. Patients: Patients with sepsis in whom sTREM-1 plasma levels were determined daily in the first 3 days of their presentation. Variables of interest: Mortality at 28 days. Results: We analyzed 121 patients (23% severe sepsis, 44% septic shock, 33% non-severe sepsis). Mortality at 28 days was 24.8%. The initial sTREM-1 levels were slightly higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors (median 366.9 versus 266.5pg/ml, p=0.2668). An increase in sTREM-1 levels higher than 90pg/ml within the first 3 days (delta-TREM) was associated with an excess of mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 2.68, p=0.0047), with a sensitivity of 47% and a specificity of 78%. This excess of mortality disappeared after adjusting for severity by Cox analysis (adjusted HR 1.07, p=0.8665). Conclusions: The increase in the levels of sTREM-1 during the first 3 days of evolution is associated with an excess of mortality in critically ill patients with sepsis. This is explained by the greater initial severity of these patients. The discriminative capacity of this finding is insufficient to be clinically useful.

Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre los niveles plasmáticos de soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) y la mortalidad de los pacientes con sepsis. Diseño: Estudio de cohortes prospectivo. Ámbito: Dos unidades de cuidados intensivos generales. Pacientes: Pacientes con sepsis en los que se determinaron los niveles plasmáticos de sTREM-1 durante los 3 primeros días de su presentación. Variables de interés principales: Mortalidad a los 28 días. Resultados: Se analizaron 121 pacientes (el 23% sepsis grave, el 44% shock séptico y el 33% sepsis no grave). La mortalidad a los 28 días fue del 24,8%. Los niveles de sTREM-1 iniciales fueron ligeramente más elevados en los fallecidos que en los supervivientes (mediana de 366,9 frente a 266,5pg/ml; p=0,2668). Una elevación de los niveles de sTREM-1 a lo largo de los 3 primeros días (delta-TREM) superior a 90pg/ml se asoció con un exceso de mortalidad (hazard ratio: 2,68; p=0,0047), con una sensibilidad del 47% y una especificidad del 78%. Este exceso de mortalidad de los pacientes desapareció al ajustar para gravedad mediante análisis de Cox (hazard ratio ajustado de 1,07; p=0,8665). Conclusiones: En pacientes críticos con sepsis, el aumento de los niveles de sTREM-1 a lo largo de los 3 primeros días de evolución se asocia con un exceso de mortalidad, que se explica por la mayor gravedad inicial de estos pacientes. La capacidad discriminativa de este hallazgo es insuficiente para ser útil en la clínica.

Objective. Previous studies show that the women with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) receive less fibrinolitic treatment than the men. The objective of this study is to analyze if it exists any difference in fibrinolysis related to gender and to compare the results with those obtained 10 years ago. Design. Retrospective descriptive study that compare patients with AMI of less than 24 hours of evolution of studies Analysis of Delay in Acute Infarct of Myocardium (ARIAM) in 2003-2004 and Project of Analysis Epidemiologist of Critical Patient (PAEEC) of 1992-1993. Setting. ICUs from 86 hospitals in Spain that participated in the PAEEC study and 120 ICUs in the ARIAM. Patients. We compared data of 9,981 patients including in study ARIAM in 2003-2004 with 1,668 of the PAEEC of 1992-1993. Results. Women were less likely to receive thrombolytic therapy than men (odds ratio= 0.82, p < 0.01), after adjusting for age, origin, size of the hospital and antecedents. The probability of fibrynolisis is lower in elderly, patients referred from the general ward, in hospitals of more than 1,000 beds and patients with arterial hypertension, stroke, diabetes or peripheral vascular disease. The probability of fibrinólisis is higher when patient is transferred from another hospital (followed by those of Emergencies Room), in the hospitals by less than 300 beds (followed by those of 300-1,000) and when history of prior ischemic heart disease exists. Comparing the two periods, has increased the frequency of fibrynolisis in both genders, although the increment has been greater in the women. Conclusions. The women with AMI continue receiving less fibrynolisis, although exists an increase in the number of treatments superior to register in the men.

Objetivo. Estudios previos muestran que las mujeres con infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM) reciben menos fibrinólisis que los hombres. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar si existen actualmente diferencias de tratamiento ligadas al género y comparar los resultados con los obtenidos hace 10 años. Diseño. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo que compara pacientes con IAM de los estudios Análisis de Retraso en Infarto Agudo de Miocardio (ARIAM) en 2003-2004 y Proyecto de Análisis Epidemiológico de Paciente Crítico (PAEEC) de 1992-1993. Ámbito. Servicios de Medicina Intensiva de 86 hospitales en el PAEEC y 120 en el ARIAM. Pacientes. Nueve mil novecientos ochenta y uno incluidos en el ARIAM y 1.668 en el PAEEC. Resultados. Las mujeres tienen menos probabilidad de recibir fibrinólisis que los hombres (odds ratio= 0,82, p < 0,01), independientemente de su edad, antecedentes, procedencia o tamaño del hospital. La probabilidad de fibrinólisis es asimismo menor en ancianos, pacientes procedentes de planta, hospitales de más de mil camas, enfermos con hipertensión arterial, accidente cerebrovascular, diabetes o enfermedad vascular periférica. La probabilidad es mayor en trasladados desde otro hospital (seguidos por los de Urgencias), en hospitales de menos de 300 camas (seguidos por los de 300-1.000) y si hay historia de cardiopatía isquémica. Comparando los dos periodos, ha aumentado la frecuencia de fibrinólisis en ambos géneros, aunque el incremento ha sido mayor en mujeres. Conclusiones. Las mujeres con IAM continúan recibiendo menos fibrinólisis, aunque existe un aumento en el número de tratamientos, superior al registrado en los hombres.