Ross G. Cooper

The exposure to and health effects of antimony

Context: This minireview describes the health effects of antimony exposure in the workplace and the environment. Aim: To collate information on the consequences of occupational and environmental exposure to antimony on physiological function and well-being. Methods: The criteria used in the current minireview for selecting articles were adopted from proposed criteria in The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Articles were classified from an acute and chronic exposure and toxicity thrust. Results: The proportion of utilised and non-utilised articles was tabulated. Antimony toxicity is dependent on the exposure dose, duration, route (breathing, eating, drinking, or skin contact), other chemical exposures, age, sex, nutritional status, family traits, life style, and state of health. Chronic exposure to antimony in the air at levels of 9 mg/m3 may exacerbate irritation of the eyes, skin, and lungs. Long-term inhalation of antimony can potentiate pneumoconiosis, altered electrocardiograms, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach ulcers, results which were confirmed in laboratory animals. Although there were investigations of the effect of antimony in sudden infant death syndrome, current findings suggest no link. Antimony trioxide exposure is predominant in smelters. Mining and exposure via glass working, soldering, and brazing are also important. Conclusion: Antimony has some useful but undoubtedly harmful effects on health and well-being and measures need to be taken to prevent hazardous exposure of the like. Its biological monitoring in the workplace is essential.

Ostrich meat, an important product of the ostrich industry: a southern African perspective

Ostrich meat may be consumed as a healthy alternative to beef. The establishment of ostrich farming systems is not sufficient to satisfy consumer demand without the use of a successful production and marketing strategy. Given the current export driven nature of the industry in Southern Africa and the need for the development of a domestic market, a good understanding of the position of ostrich meat in the marketing mix and the key elements in meat processing is necessary.

Critical factors in ostrich (Struthio camelus australis) production: a focus on southern Africa.

Ostrich production is highly management intensive. The ability to sustain long term profitability is dependent upon the use of strict management techniques by the producer and his workforce. Important factors include those favouring maximisation of production, elimination of disease, reduction in transport and abattoir damage, and minimising feed costs. Given the rise in the global competitiveness of the ostrich industry, the implementation of best practices on the farm is vital if the producer is to remain viable.

Zinc toxicology following particulate inhalation

The current mini-review describes the toxic effects of zinc inhalation principally in the workplace and associated complications with breathing and respiration. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Criteria were used to specifically select articles. Most of the commercial production of zinc involves the galvanizing of iron and the manufacture of brass. The recommended daily allowance for adults is 15 mg zinc/day. Metal fume fever associated with inhalation of fumes of ZnO is characterized by fatigue, chills, fever, myalgias, cough, dyspnea, leukocytosis, thirst, metallic taste and salivation. ZnCl2 inhalation results in edema in the alveolar surface and the protein therein the lavage fluid is elevated. Particular pathological changes associated with zinc intoxication include: pale mucous membranes; jaundice; numerous Heinz bodies; and marked anemia. Adequate ambient air monitors for permissible exposure limits, excellent ventilation and extraction systems, and approved respirators are all important in providing adequate protection.

Ostrich farming in Poland – its history and current situation after accession to the European Union

This review discusses the development of ostrich farming in Poland, emphasising the key success factors that led Poland to become one of the leaders of ostrich farming in Europe. The paper presents three stages of development of this new poultry sector in Poland, discusses adaptation of ostrich to climate conditions in Central Europe, provides information on the national and international market for ostrich products, as well as infrastructure and organisation of ostrich farming in Poland. It also summarises the main effects observed after Polish accession to the EU with respect to ostrich farming development and finally give prospects for the future.

L-carnitine and its functional effects in poultry nutrition

L-carnitine has indispensable functions in intermediary metabolism and is received by endogenous synthesis and from exogenous sources. It plays an obligate role in fatty acid metabolism by directing fatty acids into the mitochondrial oxidative pathway through the action of specialised acyltransferases. In poultry production, L-carnitine has a multi functional purpose, which includes: growth promotion, strengthening the immune system, antioxidant effects and improving semen quality. The concentration of L-carnitine in animals varies widely across species, tissue type, and nutritional status of the animal. It has been suggested that the L-carnitine requirement may be increased under certain circumstances such as via higher performance, various stress conditions and where the diet is deficient in animal protein sources. The review of L-carnitine functions uniquely includes the main aspects of this consequential feed supplementary inclusion in poultry nutrition.

Computer-generated radiological imagery of the structure of the spongious substance in the postnatal development of the tibiotarsal bones of the Peking domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos var. domestica)

The evaluation of the structure of the spongious substance of the tibiotarsal (TT) bones of the domestic duck aged 4 to 8 wk was performed using radiological analysis. The Trabecula program (Czerwiński, 1994) used in the study identified a map of radiological trabeculae and calculated the number, average volume, density, and width of trabeculae. It was stated that the number of trabeculae differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) variant on age, sex, and a unique fragment of the studied bone. Six-week-old hens whose TT bones were most often exposed to deformities and fractures possessed attenuated bone mass. The number of trabeculae per 1 mm(2) during breeding was the lowest (10.34 and 9.54 mm(2) in the proximal and distal epiphyses, respectively). The tibial bones of the 6-wk-old hens also possessed the lowest volume of trabeculae (44.62 and 39.84% for the proximal and distal epiphyses, respectively). Dependant variances between the BW, the number of recognized radiological trabeculae, and the volume, density, and width of trabeculae were calculated using a selected correlation and regression coefficient (r = 0.41; P ≤ 0.05). Results expounded a unique linear relationship between BW and the volume of trabeculae. Indeed, the larger the BW, the more numerous the trabeculae observed. No significant correlation was determined between the BW and the number of recognized trabeculae nor their density and width. A small number of trabeculae and the lowered density may be the cause of fractures and deformities of the TT bones of the domestic duck.

Ostrich ( Struthio camelus var. domesticus ) skin and leather: a review focused on southern Africa

Ostrich skin when tanned forms distinctive and exclusive leather which is much sought after in the fashion industry. Promotion and marketing are focused on its distinctive quill pattern, durability and suppleness. The leather commands a high price by comparison with other livestock leather. The industry in southern Africa is currently export focused with the highest number of tanned skins being exported from South Africa principally to Japan. There are currently many debates on the optimum age for slaughter, skin size being dependent on buyer demand. Skins are subjected to strict grading criteria. Many factors need to be considered to maximise skin yield and quality including adequate nutrition, preventing on-farm scarring and bruising during transport, preventing feather pecking and treating birds for parasitic and arthropod infestations. Stringent conditions during the processing of the skins at the abattoirs and tanneries are crucial in preventing damage and subsequent downgrading. Environmental impacts of tanning are crucial and harmful by-products, including trivalent chromium, must be extracted from the effluent. The establishment of a strategy that ensures improvements in both the local ostrich and skin industry, and in the export market is necessary if southern Africa is to become a global player.

Meat from alternative species – nutritive and dietetic value, and its benefit for human health – a review

The aim of the current review was to shed light on the nutritional composition of meat from alternative species, including red deer, fallow deer, rabbit, horse, pigeon and ratites (mainly ostrich) by comparison with conventional meat, and their benefits for human health. One of the reasons for such interest was the occurrence, in Europe several years ago, of dioxin, Bovine Encephalopathy and foot-and-mouth disease problems in farm animals. Therefore, consumers began to look for alternative kinds of red meat from other non-traditional species. The nutritional composition of meat from alternative species by comparison with conventional meat is characterised by low levels of fat and cholesterol, relatively high concentrations of n-3 and iron. Therefore, the meat from alternative species may supplement the local meat market with good quality products.

The uses and adverse effects of beryllium on health.

Context: This review describes the health effects of beryllium exposure in the workplace and the environment. Aim: To collate information on the consequences of occupational and environmental exposure to beryllium on physiological function and well being. Materials and Methods: The criteria used in the current review for selecting articles were adopted from proposed criteria in The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. Articles were classified based on acute and chronic exposure and toxicity of beryllium. Results: The proportions of utilized and nonutilized articles were tabulated. Years 2001–10 gave the greatest match (45.9%) for methodological parameters, followed by 27.71% for 1991–2000. Years 1971–80 and 1981–90 were not significantly different in the information published and available whereas years 1951–1960 showed a lack of suitable articles. Some articles were published in sources unobtainable through requests at the British Library, and some had no impact factor and were excluded. Conclusion: Beryllium has some useful but undoubtedly harmful effects on health and well-being. Measures need to be taken to prevent hazardous exposure to this element, making its biological monitoring in the workplace essential.