Search Results (20)

Background/objectives: In this paper, we review and discuss epidemiological and experimental evidence on the effects of daily footwear on gait and life-long health. We consider different types of footwear, including “minimal shoes”, and their design features, comparing them to barefoot walking, with a focus on overall gait and the function of the heel pad. Methods: Narrative review. Results: We find little evidence for health benefits of most typical shoe design features (e.g., cushioning, raised heels or arch support) for normal walking in healthy individuals, and in several cases (e.g., high heels), there is evidence of detrimental health effects. Conclusions: Based on currently available evidence, we recommend minimal footwear as the default for the general population to stimulate healthy biomechanical aging, with other types of footwear used infrequently or when there is an individual or clinical need. Full article

Background: The influence of health literacy on PAD outcomes remains poorly understood, particularly in minoritized communities. The objective of this study is to examine the understanding of PAD within San Francisco’s Chinese-speaking population while discerning preferences regarding learning methods. Materials and Methods: An anonymous 14-question survey in Mandarin and English was conducted in two San Francisco Chinatown health fairs. Results: About one-third of the respondents (29/91) reported prior knowledge about PAD and that arthritis was the leading symptom related to PAD (32/65). Half of respondents (44/88) preferred consulting a family doctor for foot wounds, followed by a podiatrist (27/88) and a general surgeon (19/88). The top three methods to receive health information were radio, television and newspaper. Those who were 65 years old and above (OR 0.124, 95% CI [0.021–0.0728]) and participants who were proficient in English (OR 0.078; 95% CI [0.012–0.52]) less preferred using radio to receive health information. Male gender preferred newspapers to receive health information (p = 0.003, OR 5.26; 95% CI [1.76–15.69]). Discussion: Our findings may suggest a community-specific campaign to increase the awareness of PAD given that age, education level, gender and English proficiency may influence the media of choice to receive health information. Conclusions: The two cohorts that were surveyed had similar and suboptimal understanding of PAD, and a community-specific strategy is needed to address such inequity, which may improve awareness of PAD and health outcomes. Full article

Background: Major limb amputation (MLA) can be a common outcome due to severe peripheral artery disease (PAD) and diabetic foot disease (DFD), and it carries a significant mortality burden. In New Zealand (NZ), there is little documentation of the incidence rate and mortality after MLA. The aim was to report the national crude and standardised rates and the mortality post MLA. Methods: This retrospective observational study included all MLAs that occurred within NZ from 1/1/2010 to 31/12/2021 due to DFD and/or PAD. Two national databases (National Minimum Dataset and the Australasian Vascular Audit) were utilised. The crude rates were calculated as cases per 100,000 in the NZ population per year including all ages (using the 2013 and 2018 NZ census figures). The age-standardised rates used the World Health Organization standard population. Post-operative mortality was calculated from the date of first hospitalisation for MLA. Results: From 2010 to 2021, there were 5293 MLA procedures in 4242 patients. On average, there were 8.5 MLAs per week and 441.1 MLAs annually. The overall crude rate was 9.44 per 100,000, and the standardised rate was 6.12 per 100,000. Over the 12 years, the crude rate decreased by 22% (p < 0.001), and the standardised rate decreased by 20.4% (p < 0.001). After MLA, the 30-day and 1-year mortality was 9.5% and 29.6%, respectively. From 2010 to 2021, the relative reduction in 30-day mortality was 45.1% (p < 0.001), and the reduction in 1-year mortality was 24.5% (p < 0.001). Increasing age, female sex and end-stage renal failure were predictors of 30-day and 1-year mortality. Conclusions: A considerable number of MLAs occur in NZ, with substantial perioperative mortality; however, the national incidence rates and mortality have improved over the last 12 years. This data might serve as benchmark to further reduce MLAs and improve patient outcomes. Full article

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of different Eimeria inoculation doses on the growth performance, gut ecosystem, and body composition of broilers in floor pens for 35 days. A total of 750 15-day-old broilers were allocated to five experimental groups with six replicate pens. The five experimental groups included unchallenged control (CON); Eimeria dose 1 (ED1): E. acervulina: 31,250/E. maxima: 6250/E. tenella: 6250; Eimeria dose 2 (ED2): E. acervulina: 62,500/E. maxima: 12,500/E. tenella: 12,500; Eimeria dose 3 (ED3): E. acervulina: 125,000/E. maxima: 25,000/E. tenella: 25,000; and Eimeria dose 4 (ED4): E. acervulina: 250,000/E. maxima: 50,000/E. tenella: 50,000. On D 21, BW were linearly reduced by increased Eimeria inoculation doses (p < 0.01). On D 35, the Eimeria challenge groups had significantly lower BW compared to the CON group. Increased Eimeria inoculation doses linearly decreased crude fat (CF) (p < 0.01) on D 21. Increased Eimeria inoculation doses tended to increase the relative abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria (p = 0.098) on D 21. On D 35, lean:fat was linearly reduced by increased Eimeria inoculation doses (p < 0.05). Eimeria infection negatively influenced growth performance and gut health in broilers in the acute phase, and the negative effects were prolonged to D 35 in floor pen conditions. Full article

This study investigated the dietary impact of dried Yarrowia lipolytica yeast (YLP) on the growth performance, meat quality, welfare and behavior indicators of broilers. It was performed in a commercial poultry farm using 108 13 day-old Ross 308 male broilers. The chicks were randomly and equally divided into three dietary groups CON, YLP3 and YLP5, according to the incorporation rate of YLP in the feed (0%, 3%, and 5%, respectively). A positive effect on foot pad dermatitis (FPD) of YLP-fed broilers was observed without any adverse effects on welfare, behavior, meat quality and the overall growth performance of the broilers. YLP significantly decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) values in breast and thigh meat. YLP3 birds presented a superior nutrient quality of breast meat, as indicated by the increased concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), decreased levels of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), a better PUFA/SFA ratio and improved health lipid indices. A significant elevation of n-3 PUFAs was observed in the thigh meat of YLP-fed groups, compared to the CON groups. A positive effect on the overall sensory acceptance of thigh meat was detected in the YLP5 group. YLP feeding, at the rate of 3%, seems to be beneficial for improving the meat nutrition quality. Full article

The present study investigated the dietary impact of dried olive pulp (OP) on growth performance, gut health and some welfare and behavior characteristics of broilers. It was conducted in a commercial poultry farm using 108 13 day-old Ross male broilers. Chickens were equally and randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments, CON, OP3 and OP6, based on the incorporation rate of OP in the ration (0%, 3%, and 6%, respectively). A beneficial impact on foot pad dermatitis (FPD) and feather cleanliness of OP-fed broilers was recorded. No adverse effects on qualitative behavior characteristics evaluated and on the overall growth performance of chickens were observed. No significant differences in the fecal microbiota population were observed among the groups. Changes of β-diversity in an age-dependent way were only observed. The feces of chickens across all age and dietary groups were mainly dominated by the phylum Firmicutes (62.3 to 95.1%), mainly represented by the genus Lactobacillus (32.9 to 78.2%), Proteobacteria (2.0 to 35.6%), and Actinobacteria (1.5 to 11.4%). Supplementing broilers’ diets with 3% and 6% OP beneficially affected chickens’ health and welfare without compromising their growth performance and gut health. Full article

Background: Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) often experience intermittent claudication. It is manifested by pain typically seen in the distal part of the legs during walking, which impairs the ability to walk, limits physical activity and results in lower health-related quality of life. It often leads to chronic ischemic pain, ulceration and even amputation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of controlled physical training and whirlpool massage on changes in circuits, range of motion and distance of claudication in people with atherosclerotic ischemia of the lower limbs. Material and methods: The study included 100 patients, males and females aged 39 to 79 years, with peripheral circulation disorders of the lower limbs. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups. Group I (G) was treated with a series of 10 lower-limb whirling massages and took part in individually planned training, including breathing, relaxation and active free lower-limb exercises. Group II-control group (GC) took part only in individually planned training. Prior to the treatment procedures and after their completion, the ranges of movement of the ankle joint and the circumference of the lower limbs were measured and the corridor test (6MWT, six-minute walk test) was performed. Results: Statistically significant reduction in the circumference of the foot, ankle, calf and thigh in the G group was noticed. Both, in G and in GC group, a statistically significant increase in the range of dorsiflexion of the foot was found in comparison to the period before the procedures (p = 0.010; p = 0.006, respectively). There was also a statistically significant increase in the range of motion of the plantar flexion of the foot after the procedures in G (p = 0.007) and in GC (p = 0.048). Differences in the circumference of the lower limbs and the range of ankle joint movements between the study group and the control group before and after the therapy were not statistically significant. However, there was a statistically significant difference between these groups after the procedures in the 6-min walk test—significantly higher values of 6MWT were recorded in group G (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Individually planned training, supplemented with hydrotherapy as thermal therapy, has a beneficial effect on reducing swelling of the lower limbs, increasing the range of foot movements and extending the distance in the 6-min walk test. Full article

The author has worked as a consultant with global commercial supply managers for over 20 years. The focus of this commentary will be practical application of The Five Domains Model in commercial systems. Commercial buyers of meat need simple easy-to-use guidelines. They have to use auditors that can be trained in a workshop that lasts for only a few days. Auditing of slaughter plants by major buyers has resulted in great improvements. Supply chain managers need clear guidance on conditions that would result in a failed audit. Animal based outcome measures that can be easily assessed should be emphasized in commercial systems. Some examples of these key animal welfare indicators are: percentage of animals stunned effectively with a single application of the stunner, percentage of lame animals, foot pad lesions on poultry, and body condition scoring. A farm that supplies a buyer must also comply with housing specifications. The farm either has the specified housing or does not have it. It will be removed from the approved supplier list if housing does not comply. These types of easy to assess indicators can be easily evaluated within the four domains of nutrition, environment, health and behavioral interactions. The Five Domains Framework can also be used in a program for continuous improvement of animal welfare. Full article

In a low-fibre diet destined for broilers, the effects of two lignocellulose products and soybean hulls were evaluated regarding their effect on ileal morphometric parameters, caecal gene expression, foot pad dermatitis, and performance. A total of 5040-day-old broilers (Ross 308) were allotted to four treatments and fattened for 36 days applying a three-phase feeding program. The control diet consisted of corn, wheat, and soybean meal. Experimental diets were supplemented with 0.8% lignocellulose product 1, 0.8% lignocellulose product 2, or 1.6% soybean hulls. Tissue samples for caecal expression of inflammation-related genes and ileal morphometries were collected on day 21. Gizzard pH and weights were recorded, and foot pad scores were evaluated at day of slaughter (day 36). In starter (day 1–10) and finisher phase (day 28–36), no effect on the performance was observed. In grower phase (day 11–27), fibre-supplemented diets showed significantly heavier body weights and daily weight gains (p < 0.05). Daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and gene expression analysis were unaffected by dietary fibre supplementation. Positive effects regarding ileal morphometrics (higher villi) and foot pad health occurred in fibre-supplemented diets. In conclusion, fibre supplementation improved performance in grower phase and showed beneficial effects regarding ileal morphology and foot pad dermatitis. Full article

Background: ESKD is a total or near-permanent failure in renal function. It is irreversible, progressive and ultimately fatal without peritoneal dialysis (PD), haemodialysis (HD) or kidney transplantation. Dialysis treatments can create new and additional problems for patients, one of which is foot amputation, as a result of non-healing wounds and vascular complications. The association between dialysis therapy and foot ulceration is linked to several factors: physical and psychological health; peripheral arterial disease (PAD); mobility; tissue oxygenation; manual dexterity; neuropathy; visual acuity; anaemia; nutrition; leg oedema; hypoalbuminemia; infection; inadequacy of dialysis; and leg/foot support during dialysis. The potential risk factors for foot ulceration may include: not routinely receiving foot care education; incorrect use of footwear; diabetes duration; neuropathy; and peripheral arterial disease. Aim: The aim of this review is to examine the factors that help or hinder successful implementation of foot care education programmes for ESKD patients receiving haemodialysis. Method: A comprehensive literature search was completed using five electronic databases. Medline; CINAHL; Embase; PsycINFO; and Cochrane Library. The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist (JBI) was used to quality appraise full text papers included in the review. The systematic review was not limited to specific categories of interventions to enable optimal comparison between interventions and provide a comprehensive overview of the evidence in this important field of foot care. Results: We found no previously published studies that considered foot care education programmes for haemodialysis patients who are not diabetic; thus, the present systematic review examined four studies on diabetic patients receiving haemodialysis exposed to foot care education programmes from various types of intervention designs. Conclusions: This systematic review has provided evidence that it is possible to influence foot care knowledge and self-care behaviours in both diabetic patients receiving haemodialysis and healthcare professionals. Full article

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of environmental enrichment on the growth performance, litter and/or air quality as well as animal welfare indicators of broilers. Control groups (CG) and trial groups (TG) were housed under identical conditions during six fattening runs, with the TG having three types of environmental enrichment and a Farmer-Assistant System (FAS). A representative number of 50 birds were weighed and litter samples were taken at d 14, 21 and 28. Additionally, the same broilers were examined for foot pad dermatitis (FPD) on those days. The average bodyweight of the birds in the CG was significantly lower (1671 g) only at d 28 compared to TG (1704 g); at d 14, d 21 and d 33 at the slaughterhouse, no significant differences were observed. The dry matter content in the litter did not significantly differ between CG and TG. Birds housed in CG had significantly higher FPD scores at d 14 (1.24) and d 21 (2.19) compared to those housed in TG (0.73 and 1.52, respectively). No effects on air quality parameters, such as CO₂ and NH₃, were seen between the groups. Overall, our study shows no negative influences of environmental enrichment on growth performance, litter and air quality. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the possibility of rearing newly hatched chicks with immediate access to feed and water in the same hatching unit one week prior to transferring them to the conventional broiler house with special regards to foot pad health and growth performance. Two trials were performed with a total of 6900/6850 (trials 1/2) broiler chickens (ROSS 308). A total of 3318/3391 chicks (trials 1/2) were transported from the hatchery (duration of about 3 h) and reared in a conventional broiler house (control group: delayed nutrition on-hatchery hatched). The control group did not receive any form of nutrition until they were taken to conventional broiler housing. Additionally, a total of 3582/3459 (trials 1/2) embryonated eggs (d 18) were obtained from the same parent flock of the same commercial hatchery and taken to the farm facility. After on-farm hatch, the chicks had immediate access to water and feed (experimental group: early nutrition on-farm hatched). After d 6/7 of life, the on-farm hatched chicks (trials 1/2) were transferred to the broiler house on the same facility. The delayed nutrition on-hatchery hatched groups displayed a significantly lower dry matter content in the litter compared to the early nutrition on-farm hatched groups (two-factorial analysis) at d 6/7 and d 14 of life. However, thereafter, no significant differences were noted. Based upon two-factorial analysis, the early nutrition on-farm hatched groups revealed lower foot pad lesions from d 14 of life onwards and showed a higher body weight (BW) throughout the rearing period compared to the delayed nutrition on-hatchery hatched groups (p < 0.05). Overall, early nutrition on-farm hatched chickens is of critical importance together with using new litter at d 7 to maintain healthy foot pads as well as to enhance nutrient utilization and optimize the growth performance. Full article

The poultry sector is moving towards antibiotic-free production, both to challenge the increasing spread of the antibiotic resistance phenomenon and to meet market demands. This could negatively impact the health and welfare of the animals. In this study, the welfare of 14 batches of 41–47-day-old broilers raised by the same integrated company with and without antibiotics was assessed using the Welfare Quality^® protocol. The total welfare score did not significantly differ between the two systems: the good-feeding principle was, on average, higher in the conventional batches, with statistical significance (t = −2.45; p = 0.024), while the other welfare principles (good housing, good health and appropriate behaviour) were slightly better in the antibiotic-free batches. Despite stocking densities averagely higher in the antibiotic-free batches, the absence of antibiotics did not seem to impact the good-health principle; in particular, hock burns, foot pad dermatitis and lameness were significantly less severe in the antibiotic-free batches (p < 0.0001, p = 0.018, p < 0.0001, respectively), which showed also a lower death rate (2.34% vs. 2.50%). Better management of antibiotic-free batches was reported, particularly concerning litter conditions. Further studies would be required to identify and standardise a set of managerial methodologies in order to improve the health of broilers raised without antibiotics. Full article

Exercise therapy in the intermediate stages of peripheral artery disease (PAD) represents an effective solution to improve mobility and quality of life (QoL). Home-based programs, although less effective than supervised programs, have been found to be successful when conducted at high intensity by walking near maximal pain. In this randomized trial, we aim to compare a low-intensity, pain-free structured home-based exercise (SHB) program to an active control group that will be advised to walk according to guidelines. Sixty PAD patients aged > 60 years with claudication will be randomized with a 1:1 ratio to SHB or Control. Patients in the training group will be prescribed an interval walking program at controlled speed to be performed at home; the speed will be increased weekly. At baseline and after 6 months, the following outcomes will be collected: pain-free walking distance and 6-min walking distance (primary outcome), ankle-brachial index, QoL by the VascuQoL-6 questionnaire, foot temperature by thermal camera, 5-time sit-to-stand test, and long-term clinical outcomes including revascularization rate and mortality. The home-based pain-free exercise program may represent a sustainable and cost effective option for patients and health services. The trial has been approved by the CE-AVEC Ethics Committee (898/20). Registration details: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04751890 [Registered: 12 February 2021]. Full article

Rye could offer diverse benefits in terms of sustainability if it could replace parts of the main cereals, corn and wheat, in broiler diets. A total of 256 broilers, Ross 308, were randomly allocated into 32 pens. From day 14 till day 42, the birds were divided into four feeding groups (eight replicates each). The control group received a conventional finisher diet “control”, whereas in the other groups, a pelleted supplementary feed was offered (SFI to corn and SFII to rye), to which crushed corn (SFI-Corn) or squashed rye (SFII-Rye) was added. The fourth group received a mixture of 50% SFI-Corn and 50% SFII-Rye. The cereal level was increased weekly (5%, 10%, 20%, 30%) at the expense of the supplementary feeds. No significant effects were observed for body weight at d 42 and excreta viscosity between all groups. Overall, foot pad health was excellent. Compared to the control group, birds fed SFI-Corn displayed a significant increase in gizzard relative weight, whereas, in contrast to all other groups, ileal villus height was significantly lower. In conclusion, feeding SFI-Corn or SFII-Rye diets had no negative influences on performance, litter quality and digesta viscosity, whereas SFI-Corn partially affected ileal morphology. Full article