Effects of grape seed extract on performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality in Pekin ducks

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of grape seed extract (GSE) on growth performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity, relative organ weight, jejunum morphology, ileal microflora, and meat quality in Pekin ducks. A total of 1,500 female 1-day-old Pekin ducklings (52.0 ± 0.2 g) were blocked based on body weight (BW) and randomly allocated into 3 treatments with 10 replicates of 50 birds each. The experiment lasted for 6 wk, and dietary treatments included corn-soybean meal-based diet supplemented with 0, 0.01, and 0.02% GSE. The supplementation of GSE increased (P < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG) and final BW linearly but decreased (P < 0.05) feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) linearly during day (D) 22 to 42 and the entire experiment. The inclusion of GSE increased (P < 0.05) serum superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidative capacity, catalase, complement4, immunoglobin G, interleukin-2, and interferon-γ linearly but decreased (P < 0.05) serum malondialdehyde linearly. The relative weight of carcass, breast meat, and spleen in GSE treatments was increased (P < 0.05) linearly, whereas the relative weight of abdominal fat was decreased linearly (P < 0.05). Birds fed GSE1 and GSE2 diets had lower (P < 0.05) cook loss, 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and drip loss on day 3 and 5 linearly but higher (P < 0.05) pH24h and water-holding capacity. The addition of GSE decreased (P < 0.05) jejunum crypt depth and ileal Escherichia coli counts linearly but increased (P < 0.05) jejunum villus height: crypt depth ratio and ileal Lactobacilli linearly. Taken together, the inclusion of GSE increased final BW and BWG, decreased F/G during day 22 to 42 and day 1 to 42, partially improved antioxidant activities, immunity, meat quality, and gut health in Pekin ducks.

The effects of betaine supplementation in diets containing different levels of crude protein and methionine on the growth performance, blood components, total tract nutrient digestibility, excreta noxious gas emission, and meat quality of the broiler chickens

The effects of betaine supplementation on growth performance, blood components, nutrient digestibility, excreta noxious gas emission, and meat quality of broiler chickens were examined using different dietary crude protein (CP) and methionine (Met) levels. A total of 768 Ross 308 broiler chickens were allotted to four treatments, with 12 replications of each treatment conducted over 6 wk. Treatments were factorially designed, with 2 levels of CP [Starter: CP 21% (low Met) and 23% (high Met); Finisher: CP 18% (low Met) and 20% (high Met)] and 2 levels of betaine supplementation (0 and 0.12%). Body weight gain and feed conversion improved significantly as dietary levels of protein increased (P < 0.05), but the results for betaine supplementation differed. The concentrations of serum total protein, albumin, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were elevated by either the supplementary betaine or the CP (P < 0.05). In addition, serum albumin concentration significantly increased in groups fed low CP amounts and betaine 0.12% compared with groups fed low CP only (P < 0.05). Total tract digestibility of nitrogen in broilers fed high CP amounts or 0.12% betaine, was observed to be greater than that in groups fed low CP amounts or no betaine treatment (P < 0.05). Supplemental betaine affected excreta ammonia gas emission, and hydrogen sulfide concentrations decreased significantly in low CP-fed groups (P < 0.05). Breast meat quality and relative organ weights were not influenced by CP levels or dietary betaine supplementation. These results suggest that betaine does not increase productivity, but may affect serum total protein, albumin, GPx, excreta ammonia emission, and nitrogen digestibility in broiler chickens. In addition, betaine supplementation is more effective in increasing serum albumin concentration when it was added in low CP (low Met) diets.

Dietary supplementation with protected calcium effects production and egg quality of Hy-line brown laying hens

Context Currently, the commonly used dietary calcium sources are not sufficiently bioavailable to be used for eggshell formation or bone health in laying hens. Protected calcium, a blend of calcium and medium-chain fatty acids with matrix coating, may exert an effective absorption and metabolism ability for calcium consumption in the laying hen. Aims The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of protected-calcium supplementation on egg production, egg quality, and serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations in laying hens. Methods In total, 144 Hy-line brown laying hens (25 weeks old) were randomly allotted to three treatments (8 replicates with 6 hens, 1 hen per cage) in a 10-week trial. Treatments consisted of corn–wheat–soybean meal-based basal diet with limestone (coarse limestone:fine limestone = 50:50) as a calcium source (CON) or basal diet supplemented with 0.5% (P1) or 1% (P2) protected calcium in substitution for an equal quantity of coarse limestone. Data were statistically analysed using linear and quadratic contrast with the GLM procedure of SAS. Probability values of &lt;0.05 indicate significance. Key results At Weeks 31–33 and 35, the cracked-egg rates were lower in the P1 and P2 groups than in the CON group (P &lt; 0.05; linear, P &lt; 0.05) and, at Weeks 29 and 34, the cracked-egg rates in the P2 group were also significantly (P &lt; 0.05) decreased. At Weeks 26, 30 and 32, the Haugh units in the P2 group were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher than those in the CON group. In addition, eggshell strength was increased significantly (P &lt; 0.05) in the P2 group at Weeks 26, 27 and 31–35. The serum calcium concentration of the P2 group was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) greater than that of the CON group in the morning. Conclusions In conclusion, a replacement of limestone with 1% protected calcium can increase eggshell quality. Implications Protected-calcium supplementation can be used in practice for decreasing the breakage of eggs.

Effects of dietary lipid sources on growth performance and carcass traits in Pekin ducks

This study was conducted to determine the influence of dietary lipid sources on growth performance, carcass traits and taste scores in Pekin ducks. A total of 1,500 fifteen-day-old ducks (820 ± 22 g) were blocked based on body weight (BW), and randomly allotted to 3 treatments with 10 replicates of 50 birds each (25 males and 25 females). The experiment lasted for 4 wk, and dietary treatments included 3 different lipid sources (soybean oil, duck fat, and palm oil), which were evaluated in corn-soybean meal diets (3250 kcal/kg metabolizable energy and 16.5% crude protein for grower diet and 3350 kcal/kg metabolizable energy and 15.5% crude protein for finisher diet). During days 15 to 28, feeding soybean oil and palm oil diets increased (P < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG), but decreased (P < 0.05) feed intake, feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) and caloric conversion compared with duck fat. During days 29 to 42, birds fed duck fat diet had higher BWG, but lower (P < 0.05) F/G and caloric conversion than those fed soybean oil and palm oil diets. Overall, feeding soybean oil diet increased (P < 0.05) BWG and final BW, but decreased (P < 0.05) F/G compared with palm oil. Birds fed duck fat diet had higher (P < 0.05) skin, subcutaneous fat and abdominal fat yield compared with palm oil. Left breast meat yield in soybean oil group was higher (P < 0.05) than that in duck fat and palm oil groups. Birds in soybean oil group had lower (P < 0.05) roasting loss, but higher (P < 0.05) comprehensive score compared with duck fat and palm oil. In summary, birds fed soybean oil diet had the best growth performance and taste scores for roasting, whereas the duck fat was better in abdominal fat and subcutaneous fat yield than soybean oil and palm oil in Pekin ducks from 15 to 42 d of age under the same nutritional level.

Effects of dietary Achyranthes japonica extract supplementation on the growth performance, total tract digestibility, cecal microflora, excreta noxious gas emission, and meat quality of broiler chickens

The present study was investigated the effects of dietary Achyranthes japonica extract (AJE) supplementation on the growth performance, total tract digestibility, cecal microflora, excreta noxious gas emission, breast meat quality, and organ weight in broiler chickens. In total, 640 Ross × Ross male broiler chickens (1-day-old) were randomly distributed into 4 dietary treatments with 10 replicate cages (16 birds/replicate) per treatment group for 5 wk. The dietary treatments included a control basal diet without AJE, and diets with 0.025, 0.05, or 0.1% AJE. Body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion improved linearly with the supplementation of AJE over the experimental period (days 1 to 35) (P < 0.05). Dietary AJE supplementation caused a significant increase in the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen (linear, P < 0.05). The cecal Lactobacillus, E. coli, and Salmonella counts were linearly affected with increasing dietary AJE supplementation (P < 0.05). With increasing levels of AJE, excreta ammonia gas concentration showed a linear decrease (P < 0.05). The breast muscle weight linearly increased, along with a decrease in the abdominal fat weight, in treatment groups fed with AJE (P < 0.05). These results indicate that dietary addition with increasing AJE linearly improved growth performance, total tract digestibility, cecal microflora, excreta ammonia gas emission, and abdominal fat weight in broiler chickens.

Efficacy of dietary Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis supplementation continuously in pullet and lay period on egg production, excreta microflora, and egg quality of Hyline-Brown birds

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of Bacillus-based probiotic in pullet to lay period. A total of 12-wk-old 384 Hy-line Brown pullets (initial BW of 1.05 kg, 8 replications; 16 birds per replication pen) were used in a 6-wk feeding trial. Birds were blocked based on BW and randomly allotted to 1 of 3 dietary treatments that consisted of basal diet as CON; GPM, basal diet+ (GalliPro Max/B. subtilis, 500 g/ton); GPT, basal diet+ (GalliPro Tect/B. licheniformis, 500 g/ton). During the pullet stage, birds that were fed CON diet and CON diet supplemented with either 500 g/ton B. sublitis or B. licheniformis were randomly assigned to 1 of 7 treatments with 9 replications (6 birds per replication) during lay period. For this, a total of 162 birds fed CON diets were randomly chosen and subdivided into 3 groups and fed CON, GPM, and GPT diets. From the birds that were fed either GPM or GPT diet at pullet phase, about 108 birds from each treatment were randomly chosen and were subdivided into 2 treatments and fed either GPM or GPT diet. The feed intake was higher (P < 0.05) in GPT treatment and lower (P < 0.05) in GPM treatment compared with CON during the pullet period. In addition, the excreta Escherichia coli counts were reduced (P < 0.05) in pullets fed GPT diet. The egg production rate significantly increased (P < 0.05) for layers fed GPM diet and a slight increase was also seen for GPT treatment birds compared with CON during week 32. During the lay period, the average mean values for albumen height and yolk color at week 25 to 45 were higher (P < 0.05) for GPM fed birds compared with those fed GPT and CON diets. In conclusion, Bacillus-based probiotic supplementation in the diet conferred some positive effects during pullet to lay period.

Effects of astaxanthin produced by Phaffia rhodozyma on growth performance, antioxidant activities, and meat quality in Pekin ducks

This study was conducted to determine the effect of astaxanthin (AX) produced by Phaffia rhodozyma (PR) on growth performance, antioxidant activities, relative organ weight, and meat quality in Pekin ducks. A total of 1,440 female one-day-old Pekin ducklings (52.3 ± 0.4 g) were blocked based on body weight (BW), and randomly allotted to 3 treatments with 8 replicates of 60 birds each. The experiment lasted for 6 wk, and dietary treatments included corn-soybean meal-based diet supplemented with 0, 0.15, and 0.3% PR. The supplementation of AX increased (P < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG) linearly and reduced (P < 0.05) feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) linearly during days 22 to 42. BWG and final BW was increased (P < 0.05) linearly by AX supplementation throughout the experiment. The inclusion of AX increased (P < 0.05) superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidative capacity, and interleukin-6 in the serum linearly, as well as decreased (P < 0.05) serum malondialdehyde linearly. The relative weight of abdominal fat was increased (P < 0.05) linearly by AX supplementation. The inclusion of AX decreased (P < 0.05) cook loss linearly, but increased (P < 0.05) pH24h, water holding capacity and redness (a*) linearly. Taken together, the supplementation of AX (3.458 or 6.915 mg/kg diet) from PR improved final BW, BWG during days 22 to 42 and 1 to 42 and reduced F/G during days 22 to 42, as well as caused positive effects on antioxidant function and meat quality.

Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MR Imaging of Nonenhancing T2 High-Signal-Intensity Lesions in Baseline and Posttreatment Glioblastoma: Temporal Change and Prognostic Value

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The prognostic value of dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging on nonenhancing T2 high-signal-intensity lesions in patients with glioblastoma has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. We evaluated the temporal change and prognostic value for progression-free survival of dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging-derived pharmacokinetic parameters on nonenhancing T2 high-signal-intensity lesions in patients with glioblastoma before and after standard treatment, including gross total surgical resection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 33 patients who were newly diagnosed with glioblastoma and treated with gross total surgical resection followed by concurrent chemoradiation therapy and adjuvant chemotherapy with temozolomide in a single institution. All patients underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging before surgery as a baseline and after completion of maximal surgical resection and concurrent chemoradiation therapy. On the whole nonenhancing T2 high-signal-intensity lesion, dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging-derived pharmacokinetic parameters (volume transfer constant [K ^trans], volume of extravascular extracellular space [v _e]_, and blood plasma volume [v_p ]) were calculated. The Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis was performed to determine the histogram features or percentage changes of pharmacokinetic parameters related to progression-free survival.

RESULTS

Baseline median K ^trans, baseline first quartile K ^trans, and posttreatment median K ^trans were significant independent variables, as determined by univariate analysis (P < .05). By multivariate Cox regression analysis including methylation status of O⁶-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase, baseline median K ^trans was determined to be the significant independent variable and was negatively related to progression-free survival (hazard ratio = 1.48, P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

Baseline median K ^trans from nonenhancing T2 high-signal-intensity lesions could be a potential prognostic imaging biomarker in patients undergoing gross total surgical resection followed by standard therapy for glioblastoma.

Prognostic Predictions for Patients with Glioblastoma after Standard Treatment: Application of Contrast Leakage Information from DSC-MRI within Nonenhancing FLAIR High-Signal-Intensity Lesions

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Attempts have been made to quantify the microvascular leakiness of glioblastomas and use it as an imaging biomarker to predict the prognosis of the tumor. The purpose of our study was to evaluate whether the extraction fraction value from DSC-MR imaging within nonenhancing FLAIR hyperintense lesions was a better prognostic imaging biomarker than dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging parameters for patients with glioblastoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 102 patients with glioblastoma who received a preoperative dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging and DSC-MR imaging were included in this retrospective study. Patients were classified into the progression (n = 87) or nonprogression (n = 15) groups at 24 months after surgery. We extracted the means and 95th percentile values for the contrast leakage information parameters from both modalities within the nonenhancing FLAIR high-signal-intensity lesions.

RESULTS

The extraction fraction 95th percentile value was higher in the progression-free survival group of >24 months than at ≤24 months. The median progression-free survival of the group with an extraction fraction 95th percentile value of >13.32 was 17 months, whereas that of the group of ≤13.32 was 12 months. In addition, it was an independent predictor variable for progression-free survival in the patients regardless of their ages and genetic information.

CONCLUSIONS

The extraction fraction 95th percentile value was the only independent parameter for prognostic prediction in patients with glioblastoma among the contrast leakage information, which has no statistically significant correlations with the DCE-MR imaging parameters.

The effect of sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (80%) and tween 20 (20%) supplementation in low-energy density diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, meat quality, relative organ weight, serum lipid profiles, and excreta microbiota in broilers

A total of 768 1-d-old Ross 308 male broiler chickens with an average body weight of 43.64 ± 0.59 g were used in a 5-wk feeding trial. The chickens were distributed into 4 treatments of 12 replications per treatment with 16 chickens per pen. Dietary treatments included the following: TRT1, basal diet; TRT2, -40 kcal diet + 0.05% emulsifier; TRT3, -60 kcal diet + 0.05% emulsifier; TRT4, -80 kcal diet + 0.05% emulsifier. The emulsifier contained 80% sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate and 20% tween 20. In our study, the treatment diets had no significant effect on growth performance, meat quality, relative organ weight, serum lipid profiles, and excreta microbiota. However, the birds were able to grow as well with less energy when the emulsifier was added. The supplementation of emulsifier in the low-energy diet linearly decreased cholesterol (P = 0.099) and LDL/C (P = 0.074). The fat digestion of broilers fed with TRT2, TRT3, and TRT4 was significantly higher than broilers fed with TRT1 diet. Our study result shows that the emulsifier used for the experiment is beneficial in the low-energy diet of broiler chickens.

Evaluation of the blend of organic acids and medium-chain fatty acids in matrix coating as antibiotic growth promoter alternative on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, excreta microflora, and carcass quality in broilers

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the blend of organic acids (OAs) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in broiler chickens. A total of 816 1-d-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens (35 ± 0.44 g) were randomly allocated into 1 of the following 6 dietary treatments (17 broilers per pen with 8 pens per treatment): dietary treatments consisted of corn-soybean meal-based basal diet and the basal diet supplemented with 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.06% blend of OAs and MCFAs. The study lasted 5 wk during which growth performance was determined. In the current study, the inclusion of 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.06% blend of OAs and MCFAs in the basal diet linearly increased (P < 0.05) body weight gain and improved feed conversion ratio (P < 0.0001) on day 7 to 14, day 14 to 35, as well as overall. Increasing inclusion of the blend of OAs and MCFAs levels in the diets also linearly increased (P = 0.001) the digestibility of dry matter on day 35. Broilers fed with different levels of the blend of OAs and MCFAs showed a linear increment (P = 0.042) in Lactobacillus concentration and decrease (P = 0.002) in Escherichia coli concentration. With regard to relative organ weight, a trend of linear reduction (P = 0.052) in bursa of Fabricius weight of broilers fed the blend of OAs and MCFAs was observed. There was a significant linear improvement (P = 0.011) in the IgG concentration associated with the inclusion of the blend of OAs and MCFAs levels in the diets. In conclusion, the blend of OAs and MCFAs supplementation positively influenced growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and excreta microflora in broiler chickens.

Effect of dietary fermented oats in different nutrient-density diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and ileal microorganisms of weanling pigs

A total of 160 crossbred weanling pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc, 28 days old] with an initial bodyweight of 8.01 ± 0.74 kg were used in a 42-day trial (Phase 1: Days 1–14, Phase 2: Days 14–42). The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of fermented oats (FO) to a corn and soybean meal-based diet on the performance of weanling pigs fed with high nutrient-density (HD) and low nutrient-density (LD) diets. Pigs were randomly distributed into one of four dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Two levels of nutrient density [LD = 3323 (Phase 1: 1–14 days) and 3269 kcal/kg (Phase 2: 14–42 days); HD = 3446 (Phase 1: 1–14 days) and 3325 kcal/kg (Phase 2: 14–42 days), the differences in dietary energy were based on differences in the content of fish meal, animal fat, corn and FO [0%, 5% (Phase 1) or 2.5% (Phase 2)] were used according to the bodyweight and sex of pigs [8 replicate pens per treatment with 5 pigs in a pen (3 gilts and 2 barrows)]. During the overall trial period (Days 1–42), the average daily gain and gain:feed ratio of pigs fed HD and FO diets were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than those of pigs fed with LD and non-fermented oats diets respectively. On Day 14, the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen of the HD groups were significantly greater (P ≤ 0.05) than those of the LD groups. The apparent total tract digestibility of energy of the FO groups was significantly greater (P ≤ 0.05) than that of the non-fermented oats diet groups during the whole experimental period. Pigs fed with FO showed higher (P ≤ 0.05) ileal Lactobacillus and lower (P ≤ 0.05) Escherichia coli counts compared with those fed with the non-fermented oats diet. In conclusion, administration of FO to a LD diet demonstrated beneficial effects on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and ileal microorganisms balance of weanling pigs.

Switching to tenofovir vs continuing entecavir for hepatitis B virus with partial virologic response to entecavir: a randomized controlled trial

Entecavir 0.5 mg (ETV) is widely used among treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. However, 10%-30% of patients show partial virologic response (PVR) to the drug. If the hepatitis B virus (HBV) continues to replicate, the underlying liver disease may progress. Herein, we compared the efficacy of switching to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) with that of continuing ETV in CHB patients with PVR to ETV. This was an open-label randomized controlled trial including CHB patients who had been receiving 0.5 mg of ETV for >12 months, but who still had detectable HBV DNA levels of >60 IU/mL without known resistance to ETV. Sixty patients were enrolled and 45 qualified for the study: Twenty-two patients were randomly assigned into the TDF group and 23 into the ETV group. After 12 months of treatment, the virologic response rate (HBV DNA <20 IU/mL) was significantly higher in the TDF group than in the ETV group, as measured using per-protocol analysis (55% vs 20%; P = .022) and intention-to-treat analysis (50% vs 17.4%; P = .020). The reduction in HBV DNA was greater (-1.13 vs -0.67 log₁₀ IU/mL; P = .024), and the mean HBV DNA level was lower (1.54 vs 2.01 log₁₀ IU/mL; P = .011) in the TDF group than in the ETV group. In conclusion, to achieve optimal response in CHB patients with PVR to ETV, switching to TDF would be a better strategy than continuing ETV. Appropriate modification of therapy would further improve the outcome of chronic HBV infection.

Effect of dietary Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis on the growth performance, antioxidant enzyme activity, nutrient digestibility, cecal microflora, excreta noxious gas emission, and breast meat quality of broiler chickens

This study examined the effects of dietary Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant enzyme activity, nutrient digestibility, cecal microflora, excreta noxious gas emission, organ weight and breast meat quality in broiler chickens. In total, 800 Ross 308 male broiler chickens (1-d-old) were randomly divided into 5 dietary treatments with 10 replicate cages (16 birds/replicate) per treatment for 5 wk. The dietary treatments were a control basal diet without Spirulina or with 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, or 1.0% Spirulina. Body weight gain, feed conversion, and/or European production efficiency index improved linearly with supplementation of Spirulina during d 8 to 21, 22 to 35, and overall d 1 to 35 (P < 0.05). Dietary Spirulina supplementation caused a significant increase in the serum enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (linear, P < 0.05). Apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen showed a linear increase in Spirulina supplementation (P < 0.05). Cecal Lactobacillus count linearly increased and excreta ammonia gas emission linearly decreased, as dietary Spirulina supplementation increased (P < 0.05). There were no significant effects on relative organ weight and breast meat quality of broilers fed with Spirulina diets; however, 7 d drip loss linearly decreased in treatment groups fed with Spirulina (P < 0.05). These results indicate that adding Spirulina to the diet of broilers can improve antioxidant enzyme activity, dry matter and nitrogen digestibility, cecal Lactobacillus population, excreta ammonia gas emission, and 7 d drip loss of breast meat. In addition, dietary inclusion of 1.0% Spirulina powder might provide a good alternative to improve broiler chicken production.

Inclusion of dietary β-mannanase improves performance and ileal digestibility and reduces ileal digesta viscosity of broilers fed corn-soybean meal based diet

This study was aimed to evaluate the influence of dietary β-mannanase inclusion on growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility, digesta viscosity, blood metabolites and excreta noxious gas emissions in broilers fed corn-soybean meal based diet. A total of 600 conventional healthy 1-d-old ROSS 308 broilers with body weight 45 ± 0.50 g (mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments with 10 replicates cages, with 15 broilers in each and fed basal diet supplemented to corn-SBM based diets with 0, 2400, 4800, and 7200 MNU β-mannanase/kg for 35 d feeding trial period. Significant results were observed on improved average daily gain and reduced feed conversion ratio during trial period and also reduced ileal digesta viscosity and improved apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen and energy. However, no significant effects were found on blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, excreta noxious gas emissions. In conclusion, the inclusion of dietary β-mannanase had potential to improve daily gain and feed efficiency and apparent ileal digestibility while decreasing digesta viscosity of broiler.

Performance, egg quality, nutrient digestibility, and excreta microbiota shedding in laying hens fed corn-soybean-meal-wheat-based diets supplemented with xylanase

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary levels of xylanase on production performance, egg quality, nutrient digestibility, and excreta microbiota shedding of laying hens in a 12-week trial. Two-hundred-forty Hy-Line brown laying hens (44 wk old) were distributed according to a randomized block experimental design into one of 4 dietary treatments with 10 replicates of 6 birds each. The 4 dietary treatments were corn-soybean-meal-wheat-based diets supplemented with 0, 225, 450, or 900 U/kg xylanase. Daily feed intake, egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion ratio, and damaged egg rate showed no significant response to increasing xylanase supplementation during any phase (P > 0.05). No significant responses were observed for apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, or gross energy (P > 0.05). A significant linear increase to increasing xylanase supplementation was seen for lactic acid bacteria numbers, although coliforms and Salmonella counts were not affected. Increasing the dietary xylanase resulted in a significant linear increase in eggshell thickness in wk 3, 6, 9, and 12 (P < 0.05). In addition, a significant linear increase occurred for Haugh unit and albumen height in wk 12 (P < 0.05). In summary, the inclusion of xylanase in corn-soybean-meal-wheat-based diets increased eggshell thickness, Haugh unit, albumen height, and excreta lactic acid bacteria count but had no effect on production performance or nutrient digestibility.

Effects of dietary methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM) supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, meat quality, excreta microbiota, excreta gas emission, and blood profiles in broilers

A 29-d trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM) supplementation on growth performance, meat quality, nutrient digestibility, excreta microbiota, excreta gas emission, and blood profiles in broilers. A total of 816 1-day-old male Ross 308 broilers (44 ± 0.44 g) were assigned to 4 dietary treatments, composed of 12 replicates with 17 birds per replicate. The 4 treatments were: 1) CON, basal diet; 2) S1, CON + 0.05% MSM; 3) S2, CON + 0.10% MSM; 4) S3, CON + 0.20% MSM. In the current study, body weight (BW) on d 14 and 29 showed significant improvement as dietary MSM increased from 0.05% to 0.20% (P < 0.05). During d 1 to 14 and overall, higher (P < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG) and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed in broilers fed MSM diets. Between d 15 and 29, higher (P < 0.05) BWG was observed in broilers fed MSM diets. Redness (a*) was increased linearly (P < 0.05) in broilers fed MSM diets. On d 3, 5, and 7, drip loss was decreased linearly (P < 0.05) in broilers fed MSM diets. Lactobacillus and E. coli were effected linearly (P < 0.05) in broilers fed MSM diets. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), white blood cells (WBC) and lymphocytes were improved linearly (P < 0.05) in broilers fed MSM diets. In conclusion, dietary supplementation MSM has positive effects on growth performance, meat quality, excreta microbiota, and blood profiles in broilers.

Effects of Enterococcus faecium SLB 120 on growth performance, blood parameters, relative organ weight, breast muscle meat quality, excreta microbiota shedding, and noxious gas emission in broilers

This 5-week study was conducted to determine the effects of Enterococcus faecium (SLB 120) on growth performance, blood parameters, relative organ weight, breast muscle meat quality, excreta microbiota shedding, and noxious gas emission in broilers. A total of 816 one-day-old male broilers were allocated to 4 groups with 12 replications (17 broilers/pen) according to body weight (43.2 ± 0.32 g). Dietary treatment groups were: (1) CON, basal diet, (2) T1, CON + 0.05% E. faecium, (3) T2, CON + 0.10% E. faecium, (4) T3, CON + 0.20% E. faecium. From day 1 to 21, dietary E. faecium supplementation showed linear increase (P < 0.05) in gain:feed ratio. From day 21 to 35 and the overall period, dietary E. faecium supplementation showed a linear increase (P < 0.05) in body weight gain and gain:feed ratio. On day 35, dietary E. faecium supplementation showed a linear increase (P < 0.05) in the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen, and the relative weight of bursa of Fabricius; no differences were observed in white blood cells, red blood cells or lymphocyte counts. Dietary E. faecium supplementation showed a linear decrease (P < 0.05) in excreta E.coli counts on day 7 and 35, while excreta Lactobacillus counts were linearly increased (P < 0.05) on day 35. On day 35, dietary E. faecium supplementation linearly decreased (P < 0.05) excreta NH3, H2S, and total mercaptans emission, but only H2S emission was linearly decreased (P < 0.05) on day 7. In conclusion, the supplementation of E. faecium improved growth performance, the digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen, the relative weight of bursa of Fabricius, and shifted excreta microbiota by increasing Lactobacillus and decreasing E.coli counts, as well as decreased excreta NH3, H2S, and total mercaptans gas emission.

Effects of extrusion and microbial phytase on the apparent and standardized total tract digestibility of phosphorus in hemp hulls fed to growing pigs

An experiment was carried out to determine the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and the standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of P and the effects of extrusion and microbial phytase on ATTD and STTD of P in hemp hulls (HH). Thirty-six pigs (30.3 ± 2.7 kg) were randomly allotted to 1 of 6 experimental diets in a complete randomized design with 6 replicates per diet. A corn-soybean meal (SBM)-based basal diet was formulated. Two additional diets were formulated by replacing 40% of corn and SBM (on a 100% of total diet basis) with HH or extruded HH (EHH). The test ingredients, corn, and SBM were the only sources of P in the diets. Three additional diets were also prepared by supplementing 500 unit/kg of microbial phytase to the initial 3 diets (the corn-SBM basal diet and diets containing test ingredients). Pigs were fed experimental diets at 3 times the maintenance energy requirement (197 kcal ME/kg BW0.60). Results indicated that fecal P concentration and daily P output were reduced (P < 0.05) from pigs fed diets with dietary phytase compared with pigs fed diets without dietary phytase. The ATTD and STTD of P in experimental diets were not different. However, the ATTD and STTD of P in experimental diets supplemented with dietary phytase were increased (P < 0.05) compared with the diets without phytase. The ATTD and STTD of P in HH were 18.8% and 22.0%, respectively, whereas respective values for EHH were 22.5% and 26.3%. Extrusion had no effects on ATTD and STTD of P in HH. However, the ATTD and STTD of P in HH and EHH increased (P < 0.05) when dietary phytase was added to the diets. The concentration of Ca in feces and daily Ca output were reduced (P < 0.05) as a result of phytase supplementation. Addition of dietary phytase increased (P < 0.05) the ATTD of Ca in all experimental diets. In conclusion, the ATTD and STTD of P in HH fed to growing pigs were 18.8% and 22.0%, respectively. Respective values for EHH were 22.5% and 26.3%. Extrusion did not affect the ATTD and STTD of P in HH. However, the addition of microbial phytase to experimental diets increased the ATTD and STTD of P in diets and test ingredients and decreased fecal P output from pigs fed experimental diets. There was no interaction between extrusion and dietary phytase supplementation.

Post-operative corticosteroid irrigation for chronic rhinosinusitis after endoscopic sinus surgery: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Recently, topical steroid therapy delivery using high-volume sinonasal irrigations has been used more frequently, following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), to improve drug delivery into the paranasal sinuses.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to perform a systematic review with meta-analysis of the efficacy of steroid nasal irrigation on post-operative management of Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) following ESS.

METHODS

Five databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane database) from inception to March 2017 were independently reviewed by two researchers. Studies that scored CRS endoscopic findings and CRS-related quality of life (QOL) post-operatively before and after steroid nasal irrigation and that compared the effects of steroid nasal irrigation (treatment groups) with saline alone irrigation (control group) were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

Twelve studies (n = 360) met inclusion criteria. Steroid nasal irrigation significantly reduced the endoscopic score compared with pre-treatment values and also improved QOL. Adverse effects following steroid nasal irrigation such as increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis disturbance were not significant. However, compared with saline alone irrigation, the additional effects of steroid irrigation were not significant in the view of the endoscopic score and disease-specific QOL.

CONCLUSION

Although steroid nasal irrigation would not induce adverse effects related to systemic steroid absorption, the beneficial effects of additional steroids in saline irrigation were ambiguous in regard to endoscopic score and CRS-related QOL improvement compared with saline alone irrigation. However, further clinical trials with robust research methodologies should be conducted to confirm the results of this study.

Effects of a multi-strain Bacillus spp. direct-fed microbial and a protease enzyme on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics, fecal microbiota, and noxious gas emissions of grower pigs fed corn-soybean-meal-based diets-A meta-analysis

Three studies involving 352 grower pigs were conducted to determine the effects of dietary supplementation with multistrain spp. direct-fed microbial (DFM) and protease, alone or in combination, on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics, fecal microbiota, and noxious gas emissions, and to use a meta-analysis to increase the reliability of the findings. Treatments ( = 4) were set up as a 2 × 2 factorial design with 2 levels of protease (0 and 5.000/6.000 units/kilogram of feed [U/KG]) and 2 levels of DFM (0 and 1.5 × 10 colony forming units/gram of feed [CFU/G]), plus a protease + DFM combination. Pigs were housed in groups of 3 or 4/pen with 8 replicate pens/treatment. Experimental diets were fed for 42 d and feed intake and BW were measured weekly. Fecal samples were collected at d 42 and analyzed to determine apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD). Fecal counts of and coliforms, and noxious gas emissions were measured. Blood samples were taken by anterior vena cava puncture to measure blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. Data from the 3 studies were pooled and analyzed as a 2 × 2 factorial using the Fit Model platform of JMP 11 (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). Means separation was determined using Tukey's honest significant difference test. The main effect of protease and DFM increased: BW at 42 d, overall ADG, and overall G:F compared to the control ( < 0.04). There were no interactions between protease and DFM ( > 0.05); however, the protease + DFM combination was the only treatment to improve ADG and G:F in all phases compared to the control. The main effect of protease increased ATTD of DM, nitrogen (N), and ADF ( < 0.04). The main effect of DFM increased ATTD of DM, N, GE, DE, ADF, and fat ( < 0.02). There was a trend for an interaction between protease and DFM for ATTD of GE and DE ( < 0.08) because the protease + DFM combination increased energy digestibility more than the additive effects of the protease and DFM alone. The main effects of protease and DFM decreased fecal ammonia emissions ( < 0.01), but the protease + DFM combination was the only treatment to decrease ammonia emissions compared to the control. In conclusion, the main effects of protease and DFM improved growth performance and nutrient digestibility compared to the control, but there was a greater additive effect of the protease + DFM combination on energy and N digestibility.

MicroRNA-30a-5p (miR-30a) regulates cell motility and EMT by directly targeting oncogenic TM4SF1 in colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide, and many oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are involved in CRC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that can negatively regulate gene expression. Previous studies have revealed that miRNAs regulate the development and progression of many cancers. In this study, we investigated the role of microRNA-30a-5p (miR-30a) in CRC and its unknown mechanisms.

METHODS

qRT-PCR was used to detect miR-30a and TM4SF1 mRNA expression in CRC specimens and cell lines. CRC cell migration and invasion were assessed after transfection with miR-30a or TM4SF1 using wound healing and trans-well migration and invasion assays. Transmembrane-4-L-six-family protein (TM4SF1) was validated as a target of miR-30a in CRC through luciferase reporter assay and bioinformatics algorithms. Moreover, two EMT regulators, E-cadherin and VEGF, were also identified using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

We found that miR-30a was down-regulated in CRC tumor tissues and cell lines, and miR-30a was inversely associated with advanced stage and lymph node metastatic status compared with normal tissues. miR-30a decreased migration and invasion in CRC cell lines, and miR-30a overexpression not only down-regulated TM4SF1 mRNA and protein expression, but also inhibited the expression of VEGF and enhanced expression of E-cadherin. We also showed that TM4SF1 was up-regulated in CRC tumor specimens compared with adjacent normal tissues, and TM4SF1 expression was significantly associated with advanced stage and lymph node status compared with adjacent normal tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that miR-30a is an important regulator of TM4SF1, VEGF, and E-cadherin for CRC lymph node metastasis, a potential new therapeutic target in CRC.

Effects of space allocations and energy levels on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in growing and finishing pigs

Two experiments were conducted to investigate effects of different space allocations and different dietary metabolizable energy (ME) levels on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in growing and finishing pigs. In experiment 1, a total of 84 growing pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an initial body weight (BW) of 27.10 ± 1.60 kg were used in a 5-week trial. Pigs were blocked based on initial BW into a 2 × 2 factorial design with the following factors: (i) 0.60 or 0.80 m² /pig space allocations; and (ii) 3,400 or 3,550 kcal/kg ME of diets. In experiment 2, a total of 84 finishing pigs with an initial BW of 67.43 ± 1.97 kg were used in a 10-week trial. Pigs were allotted based on initial BW into a 2 × 2 factorial design with the following factors: (i) 0.81 or 1.08 m² /pig space allocations; and (ii) 3,300 or 3,450 kcal/kg ME of diet. In experiment 1, high ME diet improved gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) in pigs with low space allocation but not in pigs in high space allocation (p < .05). Additionally, high ME diet increased apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nitrogen in low space allocation but decreased ATTD of nitrogen in high space allocation (p < .05). In experiment 2, high ME diet improved average daily gain (ADG) and G:F in early-finishing pigs with low space allocation but not in pigs with high space allocation (p < .05). In conclusion, the provision of high ME diets was not enough to overcome the reduction in growth performance due to low space allocation but can improve feed efficiency in growing pigs and daily gain and feed efficiency early-finishing pigs.