[Cytopathological characterization of ascites for the diagnosis of serous ovarian carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the cytomorphological and immunocytochemical features of tumor cells in the ascites of ovarian plasmacytoma (SOC). Methods: Specimens of serous cavity effusions were collected from 61 tumor patients admitted to the Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2015 to July 2021, including ascites from 32 SOC, 10 gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas, 5 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, 6 lung adenocarcinomas, 4 benign mesothelial hyperplasia and 1 malignant mesothelioma patients, pleural effusions from 2 malignant mesothelioma patients and pericardial effusion from 1 malignant mesothelioma. Serous cavity effusion samples of all patients were collected, conventional smears were made through centrifugation, and cell paraffin blocks were made through centrifugation of remaining effusion samples. Conventional HE staining and immunocytochemical staining were applied to observe and summarize cytomorphological characteristics and immunocytochemical characteristics. The levels of serum tumor markers carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) were detected. Results: Of the 32 SOC patients, 5 had low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (LGSOC) and 27 had high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). 29 (90.6%) SOC patients had elevated serum CA125, but the difference was not statistically significant between them and patients with non-ovarian primary lesions included in the study (P>0.05); The serum CEA was positive in 9 patients with gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma and 5 patients with lung adenocarcinoma, and the positive rate was higher than that in SOC patients (P<0.001); The serum CA19-9 was positive in 5 patients with gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma and 5 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and the positive rate was higher than that in SOC patients (P<0.05). The serum CA125, CEA and CA19-9 were within the normal range in 4 patients with benign mesothelial hyperplasia. LGSOC tumor cells were less heterogeneous and aggregated into small clusters or papillary pattern, and psammoma bodies could be observed in some LGSOC cases. The background cells were fewer and lymphocytes were predominant; the papillary structure was more obvious after making cell wax blocks. HGSOC tumor cells were highly heterogeneous, with significantly enlarged nuclei and varying sizes, which could be more than 3-fold different, and nucleoli and nuclear schizophrenia could be observed in some cases; tumor cells were mostly clustered into nested clusters, papillae and prune shapes; there were more background cells, mainly histiocytes. Immunocytochemical staining showed that AE1/AE3, CK7, PAX-8, CA125, and WT1 were diffusely positively expressed in 32 SOC cases. P53 was focally positive in all 5 LGSOCs, diffusely positive in 23 HGSOCs, and negative in the other 4 HGSOCs. Most of adenocarcinomas of the gastrointestinal tract and lung had a history of surgery, and tumor cells of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tend to form small cell nests. Immunocytochemistry can assist in the differential diagnosis of mesothelial-derived lesions with characteristic "open window" phenomenon. Conclusion: Combining the clinical manifestations of the patient, the morphological characteristics of the cells in the smear and cell block of the ascites can provide important clues for the diagnosis of SOC, and the immunocytochemical tests can further improve the accuracy of the diagnosis.

[Health survey and analysis of workers exposed to noise and dust in a candy manufacturing enterprise]

Objective: To investigate the occupational hazards and the health status of workers in a candy manufacturing enterprise, to study the nonspecific effects of noise on cardiovascular and digestive systems, and to further explore the combined effect of noise and dust on workers' health. Methods: In 2019, all 564 employees of a candy manufacturing enterprise in Guangzhou were selected as the research objects. According to the exposure to occupational hazards, the research objects were divided into control group (101 persons) , noise exposure group (272 persons) and noise dust combined exposure group (191 persons) . According to the requirements of GBZ 188-2014 "Technical Specification for Occupational Health Monitoring", the employees were given occupational health examination. Blood pressure, electrocardiogram, liver function, binaural pure tone audiometry and other indicators were analyzed by gender, age and length of service. Results: The abnormal hearing rate of the workers in the control group, noise exposure group, and noise dust combined exposure group were 12.9% (13/101) , 24.6% (67/272) , and 36.1% (69/191) , respectively, showing a significant increasing trend (P<0.05) . Compared with the control group, the abnormal rates of electrocardiogram, abnormal blood pressure and fatty liver detection rate of the workers in the noise exposure group and the noise dust combined exposure group were significantly increased (P<0.017) . The abnormal hearing rate and fatty liver detection rate of male employees showed an increasing trend among the three groups (P<0.05) . The abnormal hearing and blood pressure rates of 40 to 49-year-old employees showed an increasing trend (P<0.05) . The rates of abnormal hearing of employees with≥50 years old and working experience <10 and 10-19 years showed an increasing trend (P<0.05) . The abnormal rate of electrocardiogram and the fatty liver detection rate of employees with more than 20 years of service had an increasing trend (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Noise is the main occupational hazard factor in candy manufacturing enterprises, which may be related to cardiovascular system and digestive system damage. At the same time, dust may strengthen the hearing loss caused by noise.

[Epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and control measures of trichinellosis in China: an overview]

Trichinellosis is a worldwide zoonotic parasitic disease, which may infect humans and a wide range of animals, including carnivores, herbivores and even birds. Humans get infections through ingestion of raw or semi-cooked meat or meat products containing live Trichinella larvae. Currently, this zoonosis is predominantly prevalent in southwestern, northeastern and central parts of China, which poses a great threat to human health and socioeconomic development. In addition, the emergent public health hazards caused by trichinellosis outbreaks greatly threaten human health and social stability. This review describes the current status, diagnosis, treatment and control measures of trichinellosis in China, so as to provide insights into trichinellosis control in the country.

[Protective effect of recombinant adult serine protease inhibitor from Trichinella spiralis on sepsis-associated acute kidney injury in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective effect of recombinant adult serine protease inhibitor from Trichinella spiralis (TsadSPI) on sepsis-associated acute kidney injury in mice.

METHODS

A total of 18 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the sham-operation group, the model group, and the TsadSPI treatment group, of 6 mice in each group. Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury was modeled in the model group and TsadSPI treatment group by cecal ligation puncture (CLP), while mice in the sham-operation group were only given exploratory laparotomy without ligation or perforation of the cecum. After 30 min of CLP, mice in the sham-operation group and the model group were intraperitoneally injected with PBS (100 μL), and mice in the TsadSPI treatment group were intraperitoneally injected with PBS (100 μL) containing TsadSPI (2 μg). At 12 h following modeling, the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (Cr) and urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured to assess the liver and kidney functions, and the changes of the mouse kidney structure were observed using HE staining. In addition, the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) p65 expression was determined in kidney tissues using immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

At 12 h following CLP, there were significant differences in the serum levels of ALT (F = 41.031, P < 0.001), AST (F = 54.757, P < 0.001), Cr (F = 24.142, P < 0.001) and BUN (F = 214.849, P < 0.001) among the three groups, and higher levels of ALT, AST, Cr and BUN were measured in model group than in the sham-operation group (P < 0.001), while lower ALT, AST, Cr and BUN levels were found in the TsadSPI treatment group than in the model group (P < 0.001). HE staining showed severe mouse kidney injuries following CLP, and TsadSPI treatment resulted in remarkable alleviation of the injury. ELISA measured significant differences in the TNF-α (F = 47.502, P < 0.001) and IL-6 levels (F = 222.061, P < 0.001) among the three groups, and showed a remarkable reduction in the TNF-α and IL-6 levels in the TsadSPI treatment group as compared to those in the model group (P < 0.001). In addition, there were significant differences in serum IL-10 (F = 16.227, P < 0.001) and TGF-β levels (F = 52.092, P < 0.001) among the three groups, and higher IL-10 and TGF-β levels were seen in the TsadSPI treatment group than in the model group (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical staining showed greater MyD88 expression and a higher nuclear positive rate of NF-κB p65 in kidney tissues in the model group than in the TsadSPI treatment group.

CONCLUSIONS

TsadSPI may reduce the MyD88 expression and nuclear positive rate of NF-κB p65 in mouse kidney tissues to up-regulate the expression of immunomodulatory factors and down-regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby protecting sepsis-associated acute kidney injury.

[Effects of sodium butyrate on intestinal barrier of severe scald mice and the related mechanism]

Objective: To investigate the effects of sodium butyrate on intestinal barrier of the severe scald mice and the related mechanism. Methods: Eighteen C57BL/6 female mice, aged eight to twelve weeks, were divided into sham scald group, pure scald group, and scald+ sodium butyrate group according to random number table, with 6 mice in each group. Back of each mouse in pure scald group and scald+ sodium butyrate group were immersed into 90 ℃ water for 9 s, causing full-thickness scald of 30% total body surface area, while back of each mouse in sham scald group were immersed into 37 ℃ water for 9 s, causing sham injury. All of the mice in 3 groups were intraperitoneally injected with 1 mL sterile lactated Ringer's solution immediately after injury. Besides, mice in scald+ sodium butyrate group were intraperitoneally injected with 300 mg/kg sodium butyrate at 30 min before injury and immediately after injury, while mice in sham scald group and pure scald group were intraperitoneally injected with the same volume of sterile phosphate buffer solution. At post injury hour (PIH) 24, portal vein of mice in 3 groups was harvested, intestinal permeability was measured by fluorescin isothiocyanate-dextran fluorescence probe tracing method, then lileal tissue of mice in 3 groups was harvested, protein expressions of zonula occludens l (ZO-1), occludin, claudin-1, claudin-2, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 were detected by Western blotting, and distribution of ZO-1 in intestinal mucosa was observed by indirect immunofluorescence. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance, least-significant difference test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: (1) At PIH 24, the intestinal permeability of mice in sham scald group, pure scald group, and scald+ sodium butyrate group was 0.88±0.19, 2.62±0.48, 1.23±0.16, respectively. Compared with that in sham scald group, the intestinal permeability of mice in pure scald group was significantly elevated (P<0.01), while the intestinal permeability of mice in scald+ sodium butyrate group showed no obvious change (P>0.05). Compared with that in pure scald group, the intestinal permeability of mice in scald+ sodium butyrate group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). (2) At PIH 24, compared with those in sham scald group, the protein expressions of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1 of mice in pure scald group and scald+ sodium butyrate group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the protein expression of claudin-2 was significantly increased (P<0.05). At PIH 24, compared with those of pure scald group, the protein expressions of ZO-1 and occludin of mice in scald+ sodium butyrate group were significantly elevated (P<0.05), while the protein expression of claudin-2 was significantly decreased (P<0.05), the protein expression of claudin-1 showed no significant difference (P>0.05). (3) At PIH 24, compared with those in sham scald group, the protein expressions of NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18 of mice in pure scald group and scald+ sodium butyrate group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with those of pure scald group, the protein expressions of NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18 of mice in scald+ sodium butyrate group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). (4) At PIH 24, ZO-1 in intestinal mucosa of mice in sham scald group was distributed smoothly, continuously and homogeneously along the membrane. ZO-1 in intestinal mucosa of mice in pure scald group was distributed unsmoothly with breaks. The distribution of ZO-1 in intestinal mucosa of mice in scald+ sodium butyrate group was ameliorated compared with that in pure scald group. Conclusions: Sodium butyrate can inhibit the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and decrease the production of IL-1β and IL-18 in intestinal mucosa of severe scald mice, which protects the intestinal barrier function by alleviating the alteration of tight junction protein expression and localization.

[Protective effect of excretory-secretory protein from adult Trichinella spiralis on ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective effect of excretory-secretory protein (AES) from adult Trichinella spiralis on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis in mice.

METHODS

Eighteen female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into three groups, including the blank control group (Group A), OVA-induced rhinitis group (Group B) and AES treatment group (Group C). Mice in Group A were given PBS. Mice in Group B were intraperitoneally injected with antigen adjuvant suspension for systemic sensitization, once every other day for seven times; then, local excitation was intranasally induced with 5% OVA solution once a day for seven times to establish a mouse model of allergic rhinitis. In addition to induction of allergic rhinitis, mice in Group C were given 25 μg AES at baseline sensitization and local excitation. Following the final challenge, mice were observed for 30 min in each group, and the behavioral score was evaluated. The serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and TGF-β were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in mice, and the pathological changes of mouse nasal mucosa were observed under a microscope.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in the mouse behavioral scores among the three groups (F = 110.12, P < 0.01). The mouse behavioral score was significantly higher in Group B than in Group A (7.17 ± 0.75 vs. 1.33 ± 0.52, P < 0.01), and more remarkable pathological damages of mouse nasal mucosa were seen in Group B than in Group A, while the mouse behavioral score was significantly decreased in Group C than in Group B (P < 0.01), and the pathological damages of mouse nasal mucosa remarkably alleviated in Group C relative to Group B. There was a significant difference in serum IFN-γ level among the three groups (F = 7.50, P < 0.01) and the serum IFN-γ level in Group B was significantly lower than in group A and C (both P < 0.05). There were significant differences in serum IL-4 (F = 470.81, P < 0.01) and IL-5 levels (F =68.20, P < 0.01) among the three groups, and significantly greater serum IL-4 and IL-5 levels were detected in Group B than in Group A (P < 0.01), while significantly lower serum IL-4 and IL-5 levels were detected in Group C than in Group B (P < 0.01). There were significant differences in serum IL-10 (F = 174.91, P < 0.01) and TGF-β levels (F = 9.39, P < 0.01) among the three groups, and significantly greater serum IL-10 and TGF-β levels were seen in Group C than in Group B (both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

T. spiralis AES has a remarkable protective activity against OVA-induced allergic rhinitis in mice.

Impact of a pharmacist-led education and follow-up service on anticoagulation control and safety outcomes at a tertiary hospital in China: a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-led anticoagulation service on international normalised ratio (INR) control and other outcomes among patients receiving warfarin therapy at a tertiary hospital in Zhuhai, China.

METHODS

In this randomised controlled trial, adult patients who were newly initiated on warfarin with intended treatment duration of at least 3 months were recruited. Participants were randomly allocated to receive the pharmacist-led education and follow-up service (PEFS) or usual care (UC). Anticoagulation control was calculated as the proportions of time within the target INR range (TTR) and time within the expanded target range (TER).

KEY FINDINGS

A total of 152 participants (77 in the PEFS group and 75 in the UC group) were included. Within 180 days after hospital discharge, the PEFS group spent more TER than the UC group (54.4% versus 42.0%; P = 0.024), whereas the difference in TTR did not reach statistical significance (35.9% versus 29.5%; P = 0.203). No major bleeding events were observed, and the cumulative incidences of major thromboembolic events (6.5% versus 9.3%) and mortality (1.3% versus 1.3%) were similar between the two groups (P> 0.05). At 30 days postdischarge, the PEFS group had better warfarin knowledge by answering 57.5% of questions correctly, compared with the UC group (43.0%) (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

The PEFS markedly enhanced anticoagulation control and warfarin knowledge but there was room for improvement. The expansion of pharmacists' clinical role and the development of more effective education and follow-up strategies are warranted to optimise anticoagulation management services in China.

Effects of fermented soybean meal on carbon and nitrogen metabolisms in large intestine of piglets

Fermented soybean meal (FSM), which has lower anti-nutritional factors and higher active enzyme, probiotic and oligosaccharide contents than its unfermented form, has been reported to improve the feeding value of soybean meal, and hence, the growth performance of piglets. However, whether FSM can affect the bacterial and metabolites in the large intestine of piglets remains unknown. This study supplemented wet-FSM (WFSM) or dry-FSM (DFSM) (5% dry matter basis) in the diet of piglets and investigated its effects on carbon and nitrogen metabolism in the piglets' large intestines. A total of 75 41-day-old Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire piglets with an initial BW of 13.14±0.22 kg were used in a 4-week feeding trial. Our results showed that the average daily gain of piglets in the WFSM and DFSM groups increased by 27.08% and 14.58% and that the feed conversion ratio improved by 18.18% and 7.27%, respectively, compared with the control group. Data from the prediction gene function of Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) based on 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing showed that carbohydrate metabolism function families in the WFSM and DFSM groups increased by 3.46% and 2.68% and that the amino acid metabolism function families decreased by 1.74% and 0.82%, respectively, compared with the control group. These results were consistent with those of other metabolism studies, which showed that dietary supplementation with WFSM and DFSM increased the level of carbohydrate-related metabolites (e.g. 4-aminobutanoate, 5-aminopentanoate, lactic acid, mannitol, threitol and β-alanine) and decreased the levels of those related to protein catabolism (e.g. 1,3-diaminopropane, creatine, glycine and inosine). In conclusion, supplementation with the two forms of FSM improved growth performance, increased metabolites of carbohydrate and reduced metabolites of protein in the large intestine of piglets, and WFSM exhibited a stronger effect than DFSM.

In Vitro Assessment of Bioactivities of Lactobacillus Strains as Potential Probiotics for Humans and Chickens

Twelve previously isolated Lactobacillus strains were investigated for their in vitro bioactivities, including bile salt hydrolase (BSH), cholesterol-reducing and antioxidant activities, cytotoxic effects against cancer cells, enzyme activity, and biogenic amine production. Among them, only 4 strains showed relatively high BSH activity, whereas the rest exhibited low BSH activity. All 12 strains showed cholesterol-reducing and antioxidant activities, especially in their intact cells, which in most of the cases, the isolated strains were stronger in these activities than the tested commercial reference strains. None of the tested strains produced harmful enzymes (β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase) or biogenic amines. Among the 12 strains, 3 strains were tested for their cytotoxic effects against 3 cancer cell lines, which exhibited strong cytotoxic effects, and they also showed selectivity in killing cancer cells when compared to normal cells. Hence, all 12 Lactobacillus strains could be considered good potential probiotic candidates because of their beneficial functional bioactivities.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The Lactobacillus strains tested in this study could be considered good potential probiotic candidates for food/feed industry because of their beneficial functional bioactivities such as good cholesterol-reducing ability, high antioxidant activity, and good and selective cytotoxic effect against cancer cells.

Molecular Weight, Protein Binding Affinity and Methane Mitigation of Condensed Tannins from Mangosteen-peel (Garcinia mangostana L)

The objectives of this study were to determine the molecular weight of condensed tannins (CT) extracted from mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L) peel, its protein binding affinity and effects on fermentation parameters including total gas, methane (CH₄) and volatile fatty acids (VFA) production. The average molecular weight (M_w) of the purified CT was 2,081 Da with a protein binding affinity of 0.69 (the amount needed to bind half the maximum bovine serum albumin). In vitro gas production declined by 0.409, 0.121, and 0.311, respectively, while CH₄ production decreased by 0.211, 0.353, and 0.549, respectively, with addition of 10, 20, and 30 mg CT/500 mg dry matter (DM) compared to the control (p<0.05). The effects of CT from mangosteen-peel on in vitro DM degradability (IVDMD) and in vitro N degradability was negative and linear (p<0.01). Total VFA, concentrations of acetic, propionic, butyric and isovaleric acids decreased linearly with increasing amount of CT. The aforementioned results show that protein binding affinity of CT from mangosteen-peel is lower than those reported for Leucaena forages, however, the former has stronger negative effect on IVDMD. Therefore, the use of mangosteen-peel as protein source and CH₄ mitigating agent in ruminant feed requires further investigations.

Effects of Supplementation of Mulberry (Morus alba) Foliage and Urea-rice Bran as Fermentable Energy and Protein Sources in Sheep Fed Urea-treated Rice Straw Based Diet

A digestibility study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing mulberry foliage and urea rice-bran as a source of fermentable energy and protein to 12 sheep fed diets based on urea-treated rice straw (TRS). The three dietary treatments were: T1, TRS with mulberry; T2, TRS with 50% mulberry replaced with rice bran and urea; and T3, TRS with rice bran and urea. The study was arranged in a completely randomized design with four replications for each treatment. The sheep were fed one of the three diets and the supplements were offered at 1.2% of the body weight (BW) and the TRS was provided ad libitum. There were no differences (p>0.05) among the three treatment groups with respect to dry matter (DM) intake (76.8±4.2 g/kg BW^0.75) and DM, organic matter (OM), and crude protein (CP) digestibility (55.3±1.22; 69.9±0.85; 46.3±1.65% respectively for DM, OM, and CP). The digestibility of fiber (neutral detergent fiber [NDF] and acid detergent fiber) was significantly lower (p<0.05) for T3 (46.2 and 46.6 respectively) compared to T1 (55.8 and 53.7 respectively) and T2 (54.1 and 52.8 respectively). Nitrogen (N) intake by sheep on diet T3 was significantly (p<0.05) higher than sheep fed diet T1. However, N balance did not differ among the three diets (3.0±0.32 g/d). In contrast, the rumen ammonia (NH₃-N) concentrations in sheep fed T2 and T3 were significantly (p<0.05) higher than in sheep fed T1. The NH₃-N concentrations for all three diets were above the critical value required for optimum rumen microbial growth and synthesis. Total volatile fatty acid concentrations were highest (p<0.05) in T1 (120.3 mM), whilst the molar proportion of propionic acid was highest in T3 (36.9%). However, the microbial N supply in sheep fed T1 and T3 was similar but was significantly (p<0.05) higher than for sheep fed T2. It was concluded that mulberry foliage is a potential supplement of fermentable energy and protein for sheep fed TRS based diet. The suggested level of supplementation is 1.2% of BW or 32% of the total diet since it resulted in similar effects on the intake of DM, OM, and NDF, digestibility of DM, OM, and CP, N utilization and microbial supply when compared to rice bran and urea supplementation.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Live Cells Decreased In vitro Methane Production in Intestinal Content of Pigs

An in vitro gas production technique was used in this study to elucidate the effect of two strains of active live yeast on methane (CH₄) production in the large intestinal content of pigs to provide an insight to whether active live yeast could suppress CH₄ production in the hindgut of pigs. Treatments used in this study include blank (no substrate and no live yeast cells), control (no live yeast cells) and yeast (YST) supplementation groups (supplemented with live yeast cells, YST1 or YST2). The yeast cultures contained 1.8×10¹⁰ cells per g, which were added at the rates of 0.2 mg and 0.4 mg per ml of the fermented inoculum. Large intestinal contents were collected from 2 Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire pigs, mixed with a phosphate buffer (1:2), and incubated anaerobically at 39°C for 24 h using 500 mg substrate (dry matter (DM) basis). Total gas and CH₄ production decreased (p<0.05) with supplementation of yeast. The methane production reduction potential (MRP) was calculated by assuming net methane concentration for the control as 100%. The MRP of yeast 2 was more than 25%. Compared with the control group, in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD) and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration increased (p<0.05) in 0.4 mg/ml YST1 and 0.2 mg/ml YST2 supplementation groups. Proportion of propionate, butyrate and valerate increased (p<0.05), but that of acetate decreased (p<0.05), which led to a decreased (p<0.05) acetate: propionate (A: P) ratio in the both YST2 treatments and the 0.4 mg/ml YST 1 supplementation groups. Hydrogen recovery decreased (p<0.05) with yeast supplementation. Quantity of methanogenic archaea per milliliter of inoculum decreased (p<0.05) with yeast supplementation after 24 h of incubation. Our results suggest that live yeast cells suppressed in vitro CH₄ production when inoculated into the large intestinal contents of pigs and shifted the fermentation pattern to favor propionate production together with an increased population of acetogenic bacteria, both of which serve as a competitive pathway for the available H₂ resulting in the reduction of methanogenic archaea.

Effects of enzyme treated palm kernel expeller on metabolizable energy, growth performance, villus height and digesta viscosity in broiler chickens

This study examined whether pre-treating palm kernel expeller (PKE) with exogenous enzyme would degrade its fiber content; thus improving its metabolizable energy (ME), growth performance, villus height and digesta viscosity in broiler chickens fed diets containing PKE. Our results showed that enzyme treatment decreased (p<0.05) hemicellulose and cellulose contents of PKE by 26.26 and 32.62%, respectively; and improved true ME (TME) and its nitrogen corrected value (TMEn) by 38% and 33%, respectively, compared to the raw sample. Average daily gain (ADG), feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of chickens fed on different dietary treatments in the grower period were not significantly different. Although there was no difference in feed intake (p>0.05) among treatment groups in the finisher period, ADG of chickens in the control (PKE-free diet) was higher (p<0.05) than in all treatment groups fed either 20 or 30% PKE, irrespective of with or without enzyme treatment. However, ADG of birds fed with 20% PKE was higher than those fed with 30% PKE. The FCR of chickens in the control was the lowest (2.20) but not significantly different from those fed 20% PKE diets while birds in the 30% PKE diets recorded higher (p>0.05) FCR. The intestinal villus height and crypt depth (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) were not different (p>0.05) among treatments except for duodenal crypt depth. The villus height and crypt depth of birds in enzyme treated PKE diets were higher (p<0.05) than those in the raw PKE groups. Viscosity of the intestinal digesta was not different (p>0.05) among treatments. Results of this study suggest that exogenous enzyme is effective in hydrolyzing the fiber (hemicellulose and cellulose) component and improved the ME values of PKE, however, the above positive effects were not reflected in the growth performance in broiler chickens fed the enzyme treated PKE compared to those received raw PKE. The results suggest that PKE can be included up to 5% in the grower diet and 20% in the finisher diet without any significant negative effect on FCR in broiler chickens.

An evaluation of beta-hydroxybutyrate in milk and blood for prediction of subclinical ketosis in dairy cows

The first objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) in milk and blood to assess the reliability of the BHBA concentrations in milk measured by a semi quantitative keto-test paper to detect subclinical ketosis (SCK) in 50 fresh high-producing Iranian Holstein cows in Golestan Province, Iran. The second objective was the effects of SCK on milk yield and components. Concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and BHBA were analyzed quantitatively in blood plasma and commercial keto-test paper was used for semi quantitative determination of BHBA concentration in milk. Milk yield was measured until 60 d after calving but milk compositions were measured until 30 d after calving. The mean plasma BHBA, milk BHBA, plasma NEFA, milk yield, milk fat percentage and milk fat: protein ratio were 1,234 micromol/L, 145 micromol/L, 0.482 mEq/L, 29.5 kg, 3.9% and 1.4, respectively. Fifty eight percent of the cows had SCK during the first month of lactation. High correlation coefficients were observed between blood BHBA and blood NEFA, and between blood and milk BHBA. The milk yield of cattle with SCK decreased (P < 0.01) but the fat percentage and milk fat: protein ratio increased (P < 0.01). The commercial keto-test paper used had a low false positive result at a cut-off point of 200 fmol of BHBA/L of milk. The results showed that the best time to assess SCK using the commercial keto-test paper was d 10, 14 and 17 after calving.

Photodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pyrene by iron oxide in solid phase

To better understand the photodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in solid phase in natural environment, laboratory experiments were conducted to study the influencing factors, kinetics and intermediate compound of pyrene photodegradation by iron oxides. The results showed that the pyrene photodegradation rate followed the order of alpha-FeOOH>alpha-Fe(2)O(3)>gamma-Fe(2)O(3)>gamma-FeOOH at the same reaction conditions. Lower dosage of alpha-FeOOH and higher light intensity increased the photodegradation rate of pyrene. Iron oxides and oxalic acid can set up a photo-Fenton-like system without additional H(2)O(2) in solid phase to enhance the photodegradation of pyrene under UV irradiation. All reaction followed the first-order reaction kinetics. The half-life (t(1/2)) of pyrene in the system showed the higher efficiencies of using iron oxide as photocatalyst to degrade pyrene. Intermediate compound pyreno was found during photodegradation reactions by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The photodegradation efficiency for PAHs in this photo-Fenton-like system was also confirmed by using the contaminated soil samples. This work provides some useful information to understand the remediation of PAHs contaminated soils by photochemical techniques under practical condition.

Vermicomposting of cattle and goat manures by Eisenia foetida and their growth and reproduction performance

Vermicomposting is commonly adopted for the treatment of livestock organic wastes. In the present study, two types of livestock manure were used for culturing of the earthworm, Eisenia foetida. Each treatment group consisted of six replicates and worm vermicasts were examined after 5 weeks. The concentrations of total C, P and K in goat manure vermicasts were higher than those in cattle manure vermicasts. Cattle vermicasts had a higher N content than goat vermicasts but the C:N ratio of fresh manure was higher than that of vermicasts for both materials. Earthworm biomass and reproductive performance, in terms of number of worms after 5 weeks of experiment, were higher in cattle manure than in goat manure. The cocoon production per worm in cattle manure was higher than in goat manure. However, the hatchability of cocoons was not affected by manure treatments. In conclusion, cattle manure provided a more nutritious and friendly environment to the earthworms than goat manure.

An exploration of risk factors for bovine spongiform encephalopathy in ruminant production systems in the tropics

The epidemic of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Europe in the late Twentieth Century required the interplay of two sets of factors, which now provide reference points for assessment of the BSE risk throughout the world. One set of factors consisted of the presence of infective agent in cattle or some other ruminant. The second set consisted of transmission and amplification of the disease, made possible through a particular feeding system that allowed persistent and habitual feeding of meat-and-bone meal (MBM) derived from cattle. The authors explore the ruminant production systems of three representative countries in South-East Asia against the background of factors required for the manifestation of BSE. The results can be extended to other countries in sub-tropical and tropical regions where similar, non-industrial ruminant production systems operate. In short, the lack of a nutritionally or economically rational niche for MBM as a source of dietary protein or nitrogen in many ruminant production systems removes the hazard of BSE.

Energy expenditure in relation to activity of lesser mouse deer (Tragulus javanicus)

Heat production (HP) of male and female mouse deer during eating, standing and sitting was determined using the open circuit respiration chamber (RC). The time taken for similar activities was also determined in an outdoor enclosure (OD). The animals were fed kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica), sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) and rabbit pellet ad libitum. Male mouse deer consumed more dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and gross energy (GE) than female. The time for each activity of male and female mouse deer kept in RC and OD was similar. The average time spent in RC and OD for both male and female, respectively, for sitting (956 and 896 min/day) was significantly (P<0.01) longer than standing (463 and 520 min/day) and eating (21 and 24 min/day). Heat production for male and female mouse deer, respectively, during eating was the highest (0.44 and 0.43 kJ/kg W(0.75)/min) followed by standing (0.37 and 0.33 kJ/kgW(0.75)/min) and sitting (0.26 and 0.26 kJ/kg W(0.75)/min). The difference in HP per min during standing between male and female was significant (P<0.05). The HP for 08.00-14.00 h and 14.00-20.00 h periods were higher than 20.00-02.00 h and 02.00-08.00 h periods. The overall HP for males during 08.00-14.00 h and 14.00-20.00 h periods were significantly (P<0.05) higher (114.8 and 119.2 kJ/kg W(0.75)) than female (107.5 and 110.4 kJ/kg W(0.75)), respectively.

Caterpillar setae in the deep cornea and anterior chamber

PURPOSE

To report a case of caterpillar setae embedded in the deep cornea and anterior chamber.

METHODS

A 26-year-old man was struck in his right eye by a caterpillar (Dendrolimus punctatus walker). Severe conjunctival injection, chemosis, and erosion of the cornea developed immediately. Numerous setae fragments were found to be embedded into the palpebral conjunctiva and deep cornea, extending into the anterior chamber near the anterior iris surface.

RESULTS

After partial removal of the setae under a microscope, the inflammation subsided and visual acuity improved to RE: 20/20.

CONCLUSION

Caterpillar setae are sharp enough to penetrate the cornea and extend into the anterior chamber.

Food intake, nutrient utilization and water turnover in the lesser mouse-deer (Tragulus javanicus) given lundai (Sapium baccatum)

Voluntary food intake, digestibility and water turnover were determined in adult Malaysian lesser mouse-deer (Tragulus javanicus) given unlimited access to lundai foliage (Sapium baccatum). Daily dry matter (DM) intake was 42.4 g/kg metabolic live mass (M0.73) or 3.7% M. Digestible energy intake was 853 kJ/day (571 kJ metabolisable energy per M0.73), calculated to be used with 79% efficiency. Apparent digestibility (%) of organic matter was 83.8, crude fibre 63.7, acid detergent fibre 60.5, neutral detergent fibre 72.1 and crude protein 65.0. Urinary excretion of the purine derivative, allantoin, was 0.05 mg/g digestible DM intake suggesting rumen microbial yield efficiency may be lower than in other ruminant species. Total water intake was 182 ml/M0.82. The body-water content of the fed mouse-deer, from tritiated water dilution, was 77% M, consistent with a very lean carcass. Turnover of body water was 17% per day. The mouse-deer produced relatively dry, well-defined faecal pellets.