Probiotic effects of mixture of Groenewaldozyma salmanticensis and Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens on growth and immune responses in Paralichthys olivaceus

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of dietary probiotics on growth, non-specific immune responses and disease resistance in olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. During 8 weeks, the fish were fed the five experimental diets such as a basal commercial diet (CON), oxytetracycline (OTC) and three basal diets containing Bacillus subtilis (BS), a commercial microbial product (CES) and a mixture of yeast and bacterium (PI), respectively. Fish fed all the probiotics diets and OTC showed a significantly higher growth than fish-fed CON (P < 0·05). Fish-fed PI had a significantly higher nitroblue tetrazolium activity, whereas fish-fed CES showed a higher lysozyme level (P < 0·05). A 7-day challenge test also showed that fish-fed PI had a cumulative survival rate equivalent to that of fish-fed OTC (P < 0·05). Moreover, the diet (PI) appeared to increase the diversity of microbial community in the fish. All these results suggest that the probiotics diet could function as a potential antibiotic replacer in the olive flounder. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study is unique in revealing that a diet mixture of yeast, Groenewaldozyma salmanticensis and bacterium Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens can enhance growth, innate immunity and diversity of microbial community including dominant species in the olive flounder. All these indicate that the diet mixture could function as a potential antibiotic replacer in one of the most commercially important fisheries in South Korea.

Loxapine in the treatment of schizophrenia : an open study

Sixty six patients of either sex with a diagnosis of schizophrenia as per DSM III-R criteria were enrolled in an open, non-comparative study. They were treated with loxapine over a duration of 6 weeks. The assessment of the patients was carried out using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Clinical global Impression (CGI) Scale. The side effects were noted on the Extrapyramidal Rating Scale and Asberg Scale for side effects. There was a statistically significant improvement in all the item scores of PANSS except 'Guilt Feeling' and 'Depression'. A similar significant improvement was also observed in the factor scores and cluster scores of PANSS. On analysis there was substantial improvement in the negative scale ratings on PANSS in the negative subtyped group (13 sub). The average dose of loxapine received by patients at the time of completion of the study was 96.75+36 mg per day. The most commonly reported side effects were dryness of mouth, constipation & drowsiness. Loxapine appeared to be effective and well tolerated in the treatment of acute exacerbation in schizophrenia. Evaluation of loxapine in the treatment of negative symptoms of schizophrenia merits particular attention.