Latent-transforming growth factor β-binding protein 1/Transforming growth factor β1 complex drives antitumoral effects upon ERK5 targeting in melanoma

Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer, with a poor prognosis in advanced stages. Available treatments have improved the survival, although long-term benefits are still unsatisfactory. The mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK5 promotes melanoma growth, and ERK5 inhibition determines cellular senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Here, latent-transforming growth factor β-binding protein 1 (LTBP1) mRNA was found to be upregulated in A375 and SK-Mel-5 BRAFV600E melanoma cells after ERK5 inhibition. In keeping with a key role of LTBP1 in regulating transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), TGF-β1 protein levels were increased in lysates and conditioned media of ERK5-knock down (KD) cells, and were reduced upon LTBP1 KD. Both LTBP1 and TGF-β1 proteins were increased in melanoma xenografts in mice treated with the ERK5 inhibitor XMD8-92. Moreover, treatment with conditioned media from ERK5-KD melanoma cells reduced cell proliferation and invasiveness, and TGF-β1-neutralizing antibodies impaired these effects. In silico datasets revealed that higher expression levels of both LTBP1 and TGFB1 mRNA are associated with better overall survival of melanoma patients, and that increased LTBP1 or TGF-β1 expression proved a beneficial role in patients treated with anti-PD1 immunotherapy, making unlikely a possible immunosuppressive role of LTBP1/TGF-β1 upon ERK5 inhibition. This study, therefore, identifies additional desirable effects of ERK5 targeting, providing evidence of an ERK5-dependent tumor suppressive role of TGF-β in melanoma.

Effects of expeller soybean on growth performance, amino acid digestibility and intestinal integrity

Expeller soybean (ESB) is a widely used protein source in broiler diets due to its high amino acid digestibility. However, improper heat processing of ESB can negatively affect nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolism leading to decreased growth performance. The study aimed to investigate the impact of varying processing temperatures on growth performance, amino acid digestibility (AID), and intestinal integrity using 3 different commercial batches of ESB processed at distinct temperatures. These temperatures were 182°C (normal-control), 199°C (overcooked), and 154°C (undercooked). 1,860 off-sex male Cobb 500 broilers were allocated randomly to these treatments, with 10 replicate floor pens (62 birds/pen) from 1 to 35 d of age. Birds consuming the overcooked ESB exhibited significantly lower body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) on d 14, 28, and 35. They also showed higher feed conversion ratio (FCR) and smaller relative right pectoralis major (RPM) weights at d 35. Meanwhile, birds fed undercooked ESB demonstrated reduced BWG at d 14. Serum fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-d; 4 kD) concentrations on d 16 were notably elevated in birds fed overcooked ESB, indicating increased gut permeability. Overcooked ESB reduced the AID coefficients of several amino acids on d 14 and 28, with Lys experiencing the highest reduction (8%). Undercooked ESB, however, mainly affected the AID of Val, and Phe at d 28. In conclusion, overcooked ESB decreased amino acid digestibility, impaired gut barrier function, and led to diminished growth performance. Conversely, undercooked ESB primarily affected the digestibility of Val and Phe and resulted in reduced BWG at d 14. These findings underscore the critical role of proper heat processing in preserving the nutritional quality of ESB in broiler diets, influencing optimal growth performance, and maintaining intestinal health.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate elicits a ROS-mediated proinflammatory response in human endometrial stromal cells via ERK5 activation

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease affecting ~10% women in the reproductive age characterized by the growth of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. The inflammatory process has a key role in the initiation and progression of the disorder. Currently, there are no available early diagnostic tests and therapy relies exclusively on symptomatic drugs, so that elucidation of the complex molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis is an unmet need. The signaling of the bioactive sphingolipid sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is deeply dysregulated in endometriosis. S1P modulates a variety of fundamental cellular processes, including inflammation, neo-angiogenesis, and immune responses acting mainly as ligand of a family of G-protein-coupled receptors named S1P receptors (S1PR), S1P1-5 . Here, we demonstrated that the mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK5, that is expressed in endometriotic lesions as determined by quantitative PCR, is activated by S1P in human endometrial stromal cells. S1P-induced ERK5 activation was shown to be triggered by S1P1/3 receptors via a SFK/MEK5-dependent axis. S1P-induced ERK5 activation was, in turn, responsible for the increase of reactive oxygen species and proinflammatory cytokine expression in human endometrial stromal cells. The present findings indicate that the S1P signaling, via ERK5 activation, supports a proinflammatory response in the endometrium and establish the rationale for the exploitation of innovative therapeutic targets for endometriosis.

Pathophysiological Impact of the MEK5/ERK5 Pathway in Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress regulates many physiological and pathological processes. Indeed, a low increase in the basal level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is essential for various cellular functions, including signal transduction, gene expression, cell survival or death, as well as antioxidant capacity. However, if the amount of generated ROS overcomes the antioxidant capacity, excessive ROS results in cellular dysfunctions as a consequence of damage to cellular components, including DNA, lipids and proteins, and may eventually lead to cell death or carcinogenesis. Both in vitro and in vivo investigations have shown that activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 5/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (MEK5/ERK5) pathway is frequently involved in oxidative stress-elicited effects. In particular, accumulating evidence identified a prominent role of this pathway in the anti-oxidative response. In this respect, activation of krüppel-like factor 2/4 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 emerged among the most frequent events in ERK5-mediated response to oxidative stress. This review summarizes what is known about the role of the MEK5/ERK5 pathway in the response to oxidative stress in pathophysiological contexts within the cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphohematopoietic, urinary and central nervous systems. The possible beneficial or detrimental effects exerted by the MEK5/ERK5 pathway in the above systems are also discussed.

Inhibition of ERK5 Elicits Cellular Senescence in Melanoma via the Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21

Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer with a very poor prognosis in advanced stages. Although targeted and immune therapies have improved survival, not all patients benefit from these treatments. The mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK5 supports the growth of melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo. However, ERK5 inhibition results in cell-cycle arrest rather than appreciable apoptosis. To clarify the role of ERK5 in melanoma growth, we performed transcriptomic analyses following ERK5 knockdown in melanoma cells expressing BRAFV600E and found that cellular senescence was among the most affected processes. In melanoma cells expressing either wild-type or mutant (V600E) BRAF, both genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of ERK5 elicited cellular senescence, as observed by a marked increase in senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity and p21 expression. In addition, depletion of ERK5 from melanoma cells resulted in increased levels of CXCL1, CXCL8, and CCL20, proteins typically involved in the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Knockdown of p21 suppressed the induction of cellular senescence by ERK5 blockade, pointing to p21 as a key mediator of this process. In vivo, ERK5 knockdown or inhibition with XMD8-92 in melanoma xenografts promoted cellular senescence. Based on these results, small-molecule compounds targeting ERK5 constitute a rational series of prosenescence drugs that may be exploited for melanoma treatment. SIGNIFICANCE: This study shows that targeting ERK5 induces p21-mediated cellular senescence in melanoma, identifying a prosenescence effect of ERK5 inhibitors that may be exploited for melanoma treatment.

The Hedgehog-GLI Pathway Regulates MEK5-ERK5 Expression and Activation in Melanoma Cells

Malignant melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer, with a poor prognosis in advanced stages. We recently showed that the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5), encoded by the MAPK7 gene, plays a pivotal role in melanoma by regulating cell functions necessary for tumour development, such as proliferation. Hedgehog-GLI signalling is constitutively active in melanoma and is required for proliferation. However, no data are available in literature about a possible interplay between Hedgehog-GLI and ERK5 pathways. Here, we show that hyperactivation of the Hedgehog-GLI pathway by genetic inhibition of the negative regulator Patched 1 increases the amount of ERK5 mRNA and protein. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that GLI1, the major downstream effector of Hedgehog-GLI signalling, binds to a functional non-canonical GLI consensus sequence at the MAPK7 promoter. Furthermore, we found that ERK5 is required for Hedgehog-GLI-dependent melanoma cell proliferation, and that the combination of GLI and ERK5 inhibitors is more effective than single treatments in reducing cell viability and colony formation ability in melanoma cells. Together, these findings led to the identification of a novel Hedgehog-GLI-ERK5 axis that regulates melanoma cell growth, and shed light on new functions of ERK5, paving the way for new therapeutic options in melanoma and other neoplasms with active Hedgehog-GLI and ERK5 pathways.

Effect of Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315 under Different Necrotic Enteritis Models in Broiler Chickens: A Meta-Analysis of Five Independent Research Trials

Challenge models are needed to understand the pathogenesis of necrotic enteritis (NE) and provide the basis of evaluating nonantibiotic feed-additive interventions. In the category of nonantibiotic feed additives, the application of probiotics to improve intestinal health and growth performance of broiler chickens in the face of an NE challenge has been well described. However, it is crucial to evaluate the consistency of specific probiotics for mitigating the disease challenge and improving performance. Therefore, a meta-analysis of five independent research trials was conducted with the objective of evaluating the effect of Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315 (probiotic) on body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), NE mortality, and lesion score (LS) of broiler chickens challenged with NE. These independent studies were conducted in three countries (the United States, Thailand, and Finland). The statistical analysis used fixed and random effects to estimate the mean effect size (MES) of the difference between NE-challenged birds (control) and NE-challenged probiotic-fed birds and the 95% confidence interval of MES. A meta-regression was performed to evaluate heterogeneity (MES variance) among studies. The statistical analysis was performed using a robust variance estimation strategy with a SAS macro. Probiotic-supplemented birds had a significantly higher BWG (MES = 1.04, P = 0.009) and a significantly lower FCR (MES = -1.39, P = 0.020), NE mortality (MES = -1.15, P = 0.012), and LS (MES = -1.29, P = 0.045). Response variables of BWG (Q = 2.81, P = 0.560) and NE mortality (Q = 5.60, P = 0.354) did not present heterogeneity. Heterogeneity was found for FCR (Q = 10.34, P = 0.035) and LS (Q = 16.13, P = 0.001). Overall, dietary supplementation of B. subtilis DSM 32315 significantly improved BWG and reduced FCR, mortality, and LS in a repeatable large-scale manner.

Anticancer effects against colorectal cancer models of chloro(triethylphosphine)gold(I) encapsulated in PLGA-PEG nanoparticles

Chloro(triethylphosphine)gold(I), (Et₃PAuCl hereafter), is an Auranofin (AF)-related compound showing very similar biological and pharmacological properties. Like AF, Et₃PAuCl exhibits potent antiproliferative properties in vitro toward a variety of cancer cell lines and is a promising anticancer drug candidate. We wondered whether Et₃PAuCl encapsulation might lead to an improved pharmacological profile also considering the likely reduction of unwanted side-reactions that are responsible for adverse effects and for drug inactivation. Et₃PAuCl was encapsulated in biocompatible PLGA–PEG nanoparticles (NPs) and the new formulation evaluated in colorectal HCT-116 cancer cells in comparison to the free gold complex. Notably, encapsulated Et₃PAuCl (nano-Et₃PAuCl hereafter) mostly retains the cellular properties of the free gold complex and elicits even greater cytotoxic effects in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, mediated by apoptosis and autophagy. Moreover, a remarkable inhibition of two crucial signaling pathways, i.e. ERK and AKT, by nano-Et₃PAuCl, was clearly documented. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Effect of Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315 on the intestinal structural integrity and growth performance of broiler chickens under necrotic enteritis challenge

The effect of dietary inclusion of Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315 on the intestinal health and growth performance of Cobb 500 male broilers subjected to a Clostridium perfringens-induced necrotic enteritis (NE) challenge was determined in 2 experiments. In experiment 1, chicks were randomly assigned to 4 treatments of 10 replicate/treatment. In experiment 2, chicks were randomly assigned to 4 treatments of 12 replicates/treatment. The experimental treatments were non-infected, non-supplemented control, infected, non-supplemented control (IC), infected + Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315 (B. subtilis DSM 32315), infected + bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD). In both experiments, NE was induced by oral inoculation of toxin producing C. perfringens on 3 consecutive days between 17 and 20 D of age, following exposure of birds to pre-disposing conditions. At day 28 (experiment 1), broilers fed diets with B. subtilis DSM 32315 exhibited a significantly higher body weight, lower mortality, and intestinal NE lesion score, compared to the IC treatment. At day 42 (experiment 2), B. subtilis DSM 32315 supplementation significantly improved BW, feed conversion ratio, production efficiency factor, NE lesion score, and mortality, compared to IC treatment. The effect of B. subtilis DSM 32315 on intestinal integrity of NE challenged chickens was evaluated with histomorphometry. A significantly shallower crypt depth and higher villus height to crypt depth ratio were observed in the mid-intestine of birds belonging to the B. subtilis DSM 32315 group, compared to the IC group. Furthermore, B. subtilis DSM 32315 supplementation significantly reduced the enteritis index associated with NE. In both experiments, the effect of B. subtilis DSM 32315 on the phenotypic measurements of NE and performance was comparable to the effect observed with BMD supplementation. In conclusion, supplementation of the direct fed microbial strain B. subtilis DSM 32315 can ameliorate the pathology and performance detriments associated with NE.

Correction to: Structural and solution chemistry, antiproliferative effects, and serum albumin binding of three pseudohalide derivatives of auranofin

In the initial online publication, the given name of the first author was incorrectly displayed and should have read Damiano. The original article has been corrected and the proper representation of the authors' names and their affiliation is also listed here.

Evaluation of changes in serum chemistry in association with feed withdrawal or high dose oral gavage with dextran sodium sulfate- (DSS-) induced gut leakage in broiler chickens

Dextran sodium sulfate ( DSS: ) has been shown to be effective at inducing enteric inflammation in broiler chickens, resulting in increased leakage of orally administered fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran to circulation. In a previous study, 2 doses of DSS (0.45 g/dose) administered as oral gavage resulted in increased mucosal permeability. The main objective of the present study was to compare serum turbidity in control and DSS treated birds plus with feed restriction ( FR: ), and evaluate the associated serum chemistry. Three independent experiments were conducted with different combinations of treatment groups. In Experiment 1, control full-fed ( CON: ) and DSS full-fed ( FFD: ) with n = 15 birds/group were evaluated, Experiment 2 had groups (n = 15/group) CON, FFD, feed restriction ( FRS: for 34 h), and DSS with feed restriction ( FRD: ), and Experiment 3 (n = 15/group) had CON, FFD, and FRS (29 h FRS). All DSS treated birds received one or 2 doses of DSS by oral gavage (0.45 g/dose/bird). Results showed that, compared to CON group, there was an increase (P < 0.05) in serum turbidity in FFD birds, even though the difference between FRS and FRD was not apparent (P > 0.05). Administration of DSS did not result in increase of serum enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase ( LDH: ), nonetheless, the FFD showed lower (P < 0.05) LDH level compared to CON in Experiment 2. Among the various serum chemistry parameters evaluated triglycerides had the highest positive correlation (r² = 0.85; P < 0.05) with serum turbidity. DSS administration resulted in decreased serum protein levels, especially albumin. These results suggest that oral gavage with DSS in broiler chicks could result in changes to serum chemistry parameters which could be developed as potential marker/s for gut leakage.

Evaluation of a Bacillus direct-fed microbial candidate on digesta viscosity, bacterial translocation, microbiota composition and bone mineralisation in broiler chickens fed on a rye-based diet

1. The effects of the dietary inclusion of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial (DFM) candidate on digesta viscosity, bacterial translocation, microbiota composition and bone mineralisation were evaluated in broilers consuming rye-based diets. 2. In the present study, control mash rye-based diets (CON) or Bacillus-DFM supplemented diets (TRT) were administered ad libitum to male broilers in three independent experiments. 3. In Experiments 1 and 2 (n = 25/group), liver samples were taken to evaluate bacterial translocation, digesta samples were used for viscosity measurements and the intestinal microbial flora was evaluated from different intestinal sections to enumerate total recovered gram-negative bacteria (TGB), lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and anaerobic bacteria (TAB). Additionally, both tibias were removed for assessment of bone quality. 4. In Experiment 3, each experimental group had 8 replicates of 20 chickens (n = 160/group). Weekly, body weight (BW), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were evaluated. At d 28-of-age, samples were taken to determine bacterial translocation, digesta viscosity and bone quality characteristics. 5. In all experiments, consumption of Bacillus-DFM reduced bacterial translocation to the liver and digesta viscosity. Additionally, DFM supplementation improved BW, bone quality measurements and FCR. Moreover, chickens fed on the Bacillus-DFM diet in Experiments 1 and 2 showed a significant reduction in the number of gram-negative and anaerobic bacteria in the duodenal content compared to control. 6. In summary, chickens fed on a rye-based diet without DFM inclusion showed an increase in bacterial translocation and digesta viscosity, accompanied by reduced performance and bone quality variables relative to the Bacillus-DFM candidate group. Hence, incorporation into the feed of a selected DFM ameliorated the adverse anti-nutritional effects related to utilisation of rye-based diets in broilers chickens.

Fate of Salmonella Senftenberg in broiler chickens evaluated by challenge experiments

Experimental and epidemiological evidence has indicated the respiratory route to be a potential portal of entry for salmonellas in poultry. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the infectivity of Salmonella enterica serovar Senftenberg following oral gavage, intratracheal or intravenous challenge in chickens. Seven-day-old chicks were challenged with either 10(4) or 10(6) colony-forming units of S. Senftenberg per chick by oral gavage, intratracheal or intravenous challenge, respectively, in two independent trials. Chickens were humanely killed 24 h post challenge and S. Senftenberg was cultured and enumerated from caecal contents, caecal tissue-caecal tonsils and liver and spleen. In both trials, intratracheal delivery of S. Senftenberg was the only route that allowed colonization of the caeca of chickens when compared with oral gavage or intravenous challenge in a dose response fashion (P < 0.05). Liver and spleen samples yielded no S. Seftenberg after the lower dose challenge by the oral or intratracheal route and only low levels following the high-dose administration by these routes, whereas intravenous challenge resulted in recovery of the organisms after both doses. The results of the present study suggest that S. Senftenberg entering the blood is likely to be cleared and will not be able to colonize caeca to the same extent as compared with intratracheal challenge. Clarification of the potential importance of the respiratory tract for transmission of salmonellas under field conditions may be of critical importance to develop intervention strategies to reduce the transmission in poultry.

Evaluation of germination, distribution, and persistence of Bacillus subtilis spores through the gastrointestinal tract of chickens

Spores are popular as direct-fed microbials, though little is known about their mode of action. Hence, the first objective of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro germination and growth rate of Bacillus subtilis spores. Approximately 90% of B. subtilis spores germinate within 60 min in the presence of feed in vitro. The second objective was to determine the distribution of these spores throughout different anatomical segments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in a chicken model. For in vivo evaluation of persistence and dissemination, spores were administered to day-of-hatch broiler chicks either as a single gavage dose or constantly in the feed. During 2 independent experiments, chicks were housed in isolation chambers and fed sterile corn-soy-based diets. In these experiments one group of chickens was supplemented with 10(6) spores/g of feed, whereas a second group was gavaged with a single dose of 10(6) spores per chick on day of hatch. In both experiments, crop, ileum, and cecae were sampled from 5 chicks at 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h. Viable B. subtilis spores were determined by plate count method after heat treatment (75°C for 10 min). The number of recovered spores was constant through 120 h in each of the enteric regions from chickens receiving spores supplemented in the feed. However, the number of recovered B. subtilis spores was consistently about 10(5) spores per gram of digesta, which is about a 1-log10 reduction of the feed inclusion rate, suggesting approximately a 90% germination rate in the GIT when fed. On the other hand, recovered B. subtilis spores from chicks that received a single gavage dose decreased with time, with only approximately 10(2) spores per gram of sample by 120 h. This confirms that B. subtilis spores are transiently present in the GIT of chickens, but the persistence of vegetative cells is presently unknown. For persistent benefit, continuous administration of effective B. subtilis direct-fed microbials as vegetative cells or spores is advisable.

Evaluation of the respiratory route as a viable portal of entry for Salmonella in poultry via intratracheal challenge of Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium

Experimental and epidemiological evidence suggests that primary infection of Salmonella is by the oral-fecal route for poultry. However, the airborne transmission of Salmonella and similar enteric zoonotic pathogens has been historically neglected. Increasing evidence of Salmonella bioaerosol generation in production facilities and studies suggesting the vulnerabilities of the avian respiratory architecture together have indicated the possibility of the respiratory system being a potential portal of entry for Salmonella in poultry. Presently, we evaluated this hypothesis through intratracheal (IT) administration of Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium, as separate challenges, in a total of 4 independent trials, followed by enumeration of cfu recovery in ceca-cecal tonsils and recovery incidence in liver and spleen. In all trials, both Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium, challenged IT colonized cecae to a similar or greater extent than oral administration at identical challenge levels. In most trials, chickens cultured for cfu enumeration from IT-challenged chicks at same dose as orally challenged, resulted in an increase of 1.5 log higher Salmonella Enteritidis from ceca-cecal tonsils and a much lower dose IT of Salmonella Enteritidis could colonize ceca to the same extent than a higher oral challenge. This trend of increased cecal colonization due to IT challenge was observed with all trails involving week-old birds (experiment 2 and 3), which are widely considered to be more difficult to infect via the oral route. Liver-spleen incidence data showed 33% of liver and spleen samples to be positive for Salmonella Enteritidis administered IT (10⁶ cfu/chick), compared with 0% when administered orally (experiment 2, trial 1). Collectively, these data suggest that the respiratory tract may be a largely overlooked portal of entry for Salmonella infections in chickens.

Evaluation of a commercially available organic acid product on body weight loss, carcass yield, and meat quality during preslaughter feed withdrawal in broiler chickens: a poultry welfare and economic perspective

The effect of a commercial organic acid (OA) product on BW loss (BWL) during feed withdrawal and transportation, carcass yield, and meat quality was evaluated in broiler chickens. Two experiments were conducted in Brazil. Commercial houses were paired as control groups receiving regular water and treated groups receiving OA in the water. Treated birds had a reduction in BWL of 37 g in experiment 1 and 32.2 g in experiment 2. In experiment 2, no differences were observed in carcass yield between groups. Estimation of the cost benefit suggested a 1:16 ratio by using the OA. In experiment 3, conducted in Mexico, significant differences on water consumption, BWL, and meat quality characteristics were observed in chickens that were treated with the OA (P < 0.05). These data suggest this OA product may improve animal welfare and economic concerns in the poultry industry by reducing BWL and improving meat quality attributes.

Atypical femoral fractures: retrospective radiological study of 319 femoral fractures and presentation of clinical cases

SUMMARY

There is still no clarity on the etiology and epidemiology of atypical femoral fractures. The purpose is to show, after a radiological review, that the incidence of atypical fractures is higher than that reported in the literature when compared to "typical" fractures that occurred in the same anatomical site.

INTRODUCTION

At present, it is difficult to define the true incidence of atypical fractures associated with bisphosphonate. Our purpose is to show that the incidence of atypical fractures is higher than that reported in the literature when compared to "typical" fractures that occurred in the same anatomical site.

METHODS

The authors analyzed 319 femoral fracture Rxs of patients over 60 who have had access to the PS of Clinical Orthopaedics and Traumatology II of the University of Pisa from January 2011 to February 2013. The atypical fractures have been investigated from clinical point of view, biohumoral exams, densitometry and contralateral femur X-rays, and in one case using SPECT-Tc.

RESULTS

The total number of femoral fractures was 319. The medial femur fractures were 60 (46 females and 14 males), and the lateral ones were 316 (237 females and 79 males). Subtrochanteric and diaphyseal fractures were 40 (29 females and 11 males). Among these cases, two atypical fracture cases were related to female patients, one was 79 years old and the other was 77.

CONCLUSIONS

The most recent literature reports that the incidence of atypical fractures is 0.6 %. However, taking into consideration only the fracture locations suitable for the identification of atypical fractures, the percentage rises to 5 %. To date, there is still no clarity on the exact etiology of fractures even if it seems to be related to a bone mineral component alteration.

Evaluation of effects of EarlyBird associated with FloraMax-B11 on Salmonella Enteritidis, intestinal morphology, and performance of broiler chickens

A posthatch fasting period of 24 to 72 h is a common and inevitable practice in commercial poultry production. This delay in start of feed intake has been reported to negatively affect yolk utilization, gastrointestinal development, slaughter weight, breast meat yield, performance, and to also depress immunological development, making the birds more susceptible to infection from pathogens such as Salmonella. Furthermore, public concerns regarding the considerable human rates of illness reported and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of Salmonella have doubled the challenge on the poultry industry to find alternative means of Salmonella control. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of a combination of early feeding with probiotic supplementation on morphological development of mucosa, control of Salmonella, and overall performance in broiler chickens. We used a blend of a commercially available perinatal supplement, EarlyBird (EB; Pacific Vet Group USA Inc., Fayetteville, AR), and a successful probiotic supplement, FloraMax-B11 (FM; Pacific Vet Group USA Inc.), to evaluate the effects on gut morphology, Salmonella intestinal colonization, and horizontal transmission, along with its effects on BW and related performance in broiler chickens under simulated commercial hatching management and shipping conditions. Morphometric analysis showed increased villus height, villus width, villus to crypt ratio, and villus surface area index in chickens treated with EB + FM groups. Significant reductions in Salmonella recovery, incidence, and horizontal transmission were also observed among the same groups, suggesting beneficial effects of early feeding and competitive exclusion by probiotic bacteria. Improved gut morphology and Salmonella exclusion was very well supported by BW data with significantly lower early BW loss and overall BW gains in birds treated with EB + FM mixture. The results of this study demonstrated that the combination of EB and FM improved gut morphology, reduced the amount of Salmonella that could be recovered, as well as improved BW when compared with controls and each product individually. These data address both animal welfare and food safety concerns faced by the poultry industry.