Global survey of limestone used in poultry diets: calcium content, particle size and solubility

Limestone is used in poultry diets as a calcium (Ca) source. Feed formulation is often based on an estimate of limestone Ca content or, less frequently, wet chemistry analysis. However, limestone composition may vary, which has not previously been studied on a large scale. In this study, 641 limestone samples supplied to poultry feed mills in 40 countries across eight global regions were collected and analysed for macro- and micromineral content, particle size (geometric mean diameter, GMD), and in vitro solubility. Mean Ca content of fine limestone (GMD<1000 μm, n=566) was 37.8% (range 33.3-39.7%) and for coarse limestone (GMD>1000 μm, n=75) was 38.0% (range 34.7-40.0%). There was marked variation among and within regions in the concentration of other macro minerals and microminerals. Particle size (GMD) of fine limestone was 288 μm (range 37.7-991.9 μm) and 1,689 mm for coarse limestone (range 301.6-3,067.9 μm). In vitro solubility of fine limestone (5 min incubation, pH=3.0) was 68.4% (range 18.8 to 99.4%). Particle size only explained 52% of the variation in 5 min incubation solubility (R2=0.52). For coarse limestone, mean solubility (30 min incubation) was 65.5% (range 23.2-96%) which was not correlated (R2=0.09) with particle size. Particle size and solubility rate of limestone have been shown to alter Ca and phosphorus utilisation in broilers and laying hens. Hence, better understanding of variation in mineral analysis, particle size and solubility rate would enable more accurate feed inclusion and subsequently digestibility to support health and performance.

Effects of a xylanase and beta-glucanase enzyme combination on growth performance of broilers fed maize-soybean meal-based diets

The following study evaluated effects of a xylanase and beta-glucanase combination on growth performance of broilers fed energy reduced versus nutritionally adequate maize-soybean meal-based diets. A total of 648, one-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were assigned to floor-pens (24 birds/pen, nine pens/treatment, three treatments) in a randomised block design. Treatments included: (1) a nutritionally adequate positive control diet (PC); (2) a negative control (NC) diet in which energy, crude protein and digestible amino acids were reduced by 3.4% (-105 kcal apparent metabolisable energy), 2.3% and 1.2 to 3.0% vs PC, respectively; and (3) NC plus a xylanase and beta-glucanase combination that supplied 1,220 U xylanase and 152 U beta-glucanase per kilogram of final feed. All diets contained a background of 500 FTU/kg phytase and were offered to birds ad libitum. Birds fed NC showed reduced average daily gain (ADG) by -6.1% (P<0.05); increased feed conversion ratio (FCR) by 9.2 points (P<0.05), and overall (d 1-35) body weight corrected FCR which was increased by 9.4 points (P<0.05) vs the PC group. Enzyme supplementation increased final BW (+4.2%, P<0.05), ADG (+5.4%, P<0.05) and tended to reduce FCR (+7.5 points, P=0.054) from d 22-35 vs NC, without affecting average daily feed intake. Improvements in performance due to the enzyme combination were equivalent to performance on the PC diet in all cases. The results suggested that significant improvements in growth performance of broilers fed maize-soybean meal-based diets which had been reduced in energy and nutrients can be realised by supplementation with xylanase in combination with beta-glucanase.

Russell body gastritis

Russell body gastritis is caused by an accumulation of plasma cells within the gastric mucosa. These plasma cells are characterized by eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions of immunoglobulin which are called “Russell bodies”. We report a case of Russell body gastritis in a 28-year-old male who presented with abdominal pain and rectal bleeding. Endoscopy showed erosions with edema and vascular congestion in the gastric body and antrum. The biopsy showed chronic gastritis with plasma cell infiltration of the lamina propria. Many plasma cells contained cytoplasmic Russell bodies which stained positive for CD138, CD79a, Kappa and lambda light chains. The Russell bodies were negative for pancytokeratin, excluding signet ring cell carcinoma. Russell body gastritis is an uncommon, benign reactive condition.

Performance, intestinal permeability, and gene expression of selected tight junction proteins in broiler chickens fed reduced protein diets supplemented with arginine, glutamine, and glycine subjected to a leaky gut model

Changing dietary protein and amino acids may impact intestinal barrier function. Experiments were conducted in broiler chickens to evaluate supplementation of L-glutamine, glycine, and L-arginine in a reduced protein (RP) diet. Experiment 1 examined the growth performance of broilers fed 5 dietary treatments: 1) a standard diet; 2) an RP diet (193.9 g/kg CP in grower and 176.9 g/kg CP in finisher); 3) RP diet supplemented with 10 g/kg L-Gln; 4) RP diet supplemented with 10 g/kg Gly; 5) RP diet supplemented with 5 g/kg L-Arg. Each experimental diet was replicated 6 times with 10 birds per replicate. In a subset of 96 birds, experiment 2 tested the 4 RP diets with and without dexamethasone (DEX) to induce leaky gut. Each diet was replicated 24 times. Fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d) was used to test intestinal permeability (IP). Gene expression of selected tight junction proteins in ileal and jejunal tissues was assayed by quantitative PCR. From day 7 to 35, the RP diet increased feed intake (FI) (P < 0.05) and body weight gain (BWG) compared with the standard diet while Gln reduced FI and BWG (P < 0.05) compared with RP. Gly had no effect on BWG or FCR. Supplementation of Arg improved FCR from day 21 to 35 and day 7 to 35. In experiment 2, Arg tended to lower FITC-d (P = 0.086). DEX increased passage of FITC-d into the serum (P < 0.001). The villi surface area was increased in birds fed higher Arg (P < 0.05). DEX and diet interacted (P < 0.01) for jejunal claudin-3 mRNA level where DEX upregulated claudin-3 for all diets except the Arg diet. In summary, with a moderate reduction of protein, satisfactory performance can be obtained. Although Gln and Gly had no demonstrable positive effect on IP and performance of broilers, increasing the dietary Arg by approximately 140% improved FCR and showed indications of improved intestinal barrier function of birds fed an RP diet under a stress model.

Gene expression and morphological changes in the intestinal mucosa associated with increased permeability induced by short-term fasting in chickens

Short-term fasting for 4.5 and 9 hr has been demonstrated to increase intestinal permeability (IP) in chickens. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 0, 4.5, 9 and 19.5 hr fasting on intestinal gene expression and villus-crypt architecture of enterocytes in jejunal and ileal samples. On day 38, Ross-308 male birds were fasted according to their group and then euthanised. Two separate intestinal sections (each 2 cm long, jejunum and ileum) were collected. One section was utilised for villus height and crypt depth measurements. The second section was snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen for quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis of tight junction proteins (TJP) including claudin-1, claudin-3, occludin, zonula occludens (ZO-1, ZO-2), junctional adhesion molecules (JAM) and E-cadherin. Additionally genes involved in enterocyte protection including glucagon-like peptide (GLP-2), heat-shock protein (HSP-70), intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), toll-like receptors (TLR-4), mucin (MUC-2), cluster differentiation (CD-36) and fatty acid-binding protein (FABP-6) were also analysed. Normally distributed data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance ANOVA. Other data were analysed by non-parametric one-way ANOVA. Villus height and crypt depth were increased (p < .05) only in the ileum after fasting for 4.5 and 9 hr compared with non-fasting group. mRNA expression of claudin-3 was significantly reduced in the ileum of birds fasted for 9 and 19.5 hr, suggesting a role in IP modulation. However, all other TJP genes examined were not statistically different from control. Nevertheless, ileal FABP-6 of all fasted groups was significantly reduced, which could possibly be due to reduced bile acid production during fasting.

Reduced fasting periods increase intestinal permeability in chickens

Fasting of up to 24 hr has been shown to increase intestinal permeability (IP) in chickens. The aim of this study was to determine whether fasting duration of 4.5 and 9 hr increased IP and whether l-glutamine (a non-essential amino acid) supplementation before fasting provided some protection of barrier function as shown in other species. Ross 308 male broilers (n = 96) were fed either a control diet or the same diet supplemented with 1% glutamine from d0 to d38 post-hatch. On d37, the birds were assigned to single-bird metabolism cages and were fasted for either 0, 4.5, 9 or 19.5 hr. This study design was 2 × 4 factorial with two levels of glutamine and four levels of fasting. Birds in the 0-hr fasting group had free access to feed. All birds had ad libitum access to water. To measure IP on day 38, following their respective fasting periods, birds were administered two separate oral gavages of fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d) followed by lactulose, mannitol and rhamnose (LMR) sugars, 60 min apart. Whole blood was collected from the jugular vein 90 min post-LMR sugar gavage. FITC-d and L/M/R ratios were measured by spectrophotometry and high-performance ionic chromatography respectively. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxins in plasma of the birds fed the control diet were also measured using chicken-specific LPS antibody ELISA. Serum FITC-d and plasma L/M and L/R ratios for 4.5, 9 and 19.5 hr were significantly (p < .05) higher compared to the non-fasting group. However, IP was not different in the glutamine-supplemented group (p > .05) compared to the control group. LPS concentrations measured by the ELISA were below the detectable range. We conclude that fasting periods of 4.5 and 9 hr increased IP compared to non-fasted birds and dietary glutamine supplementation did not ameliorate changes in IP.

Efficacy and Toxicity of Maintenance Pemetrexed Following Induction Treatment with Pemetrexed Plus Cisplatin for Advanced Non-small-cell Non-squamous Carcinoma of the Lung

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and toxicity of maintenance pemetrexed following induction treatment with cisplatin and pemetrexed for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible patients following four cycles of intravenous pemetrexed (Alimpta©; 500 mg/m2) and intravenous cisplatin (75 mg/m2) were given 21-day cycles of maintenance pemetrexed (500 mg/m2) until disease progression, unacceptable adverse event or death. From a total 80 patients receiving palliative induction chemotherapy, 17 subsequently received maintenance pemetrexed.

RESULTS: The mean number of maintenance cycles completed was 5.9 (range 1-20; median 3.0). The mean progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.2 months (range: 2-15; median: 2.0) and the 1-year PFS was 17%. Treatment was discontinued due to disease progression (71%), adverse event (21%) and death from study disease (7%). Grade 3-4 laboratory and non-laboratory adverse events were seen in 11.8 and 17.6% of patients, respectively. Anaemia was the most common adverse event (71% of all patients; 65% grade 1-2; 5.9% grade 3-4). The most common reason for withdrawal due to adverse event was declining renal function. There was a statistically significant correlation between worsening performance status and reducing number of maintenance cycles completed (Spearman’s rank; R = −0.511, p = 0.036).

DISCUSSION: The median PFS was lower than in previous studies with a higher than previously reported frequency of adverse events. Clinicians must monitor renal function and full blood counts vigilantly, especially in patients with performance status greater than 0.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the vulva: a mesenchymal tumour with a broad differential diagnosis and review of literature

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a malignant cutaneous soft tissue tumour, which rarely presents in the vulva. We report an unusual case of this tumour involving the vulva. A 61-year-old female presented with a mass in the left mons pubis. Subsequent excisional biopsy of the mass was performed. Histologic evaluation of the specimen showed a spindle cell lesion consisting of fibroblast-like cells arranged in a storiform pattern. On average, there were 2 to 3 mitotic figures per 10 high power field (hpf). The neoplastic cells showed extension into the surrounding fibroadipose tissue. A panel of immunohistochemical stains including CD34, S-100, melan-A, HMB-45, vimentin and smooth muscle actin (SMA) were tested. The neoplastic cells showed diffuse staining with CD34 and vimentin, while the rest were negative. Based on the morphologic and immunohistochemical staining pattern, a diagnosis of DFSP was rendered. The patient underwent two subsequent resections before she had clear resection margins. The postoperative course was unremarkable. The patient is disease free without recurrence after a follow-up of 12 months. DFSP infrequently involves the vulva and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of other spindle cell lesions presenting in this unusual site. The role of immunohistochemical staining with CD34 is imperative in establishing the diagnosis. The rate of local reoccurrence is high, but it rarely shows metastasis. Treatment of choice is wide local surgical excision with close follow-up to detect reoccur- rence.

Is it safe for pregnant health-care professionals to handle cytotoxic drugs? A review of the literature and recommendations

The information related to health risks to foetuses due to the handling of chemotherapeutic agents by nurses during pregnancy is limited. The risks involved can be reduced significantly if nurses adhere to standard safety precautions while handling cytotoxic drugs. Nurses in patient areas where chemotherapy is administered are at constant low-level risk of exposure. The authors tried to gather evidence in this article from the recent literature to help to formalise policies for pregnant mothers working in these settings.

Histological evaluation of papillary lesions of the breast from needle biopsy to the excised specimen: a single institutional experience

BACKGROUND

The assessment and categorization of papillary lesions remains one of the most challenging areas in breast pathology. We evaluated the histological follow-up of papillary lesions of the breast from needle core biopsy to final excision to determine whether these lesions warrant excision, irrespective of histologic subtype.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 91 needle core biopsies from the breast diagnosed as "papillary lesions" at our institution from January 2001 to June 2011 were included in the study. Twenty-nine of these (mean patient age 54.93 +/- 12.5 SD) were reported as benign papillary lesions, and the remaining 62 (mean patient age 61.98 +/- 15.20 SD) were diagnosed as either atypical papillary lesions (17 cases) or malignant papillary lesions (45 cases). RESULTS. Of the 29 needle core biopsies reported as benign, 19 cases (65.5%) were diagnosed as benign and three (10.3%) were diagnosed as malignant on follow-up. The remaining seven cases did not proceed to excision. Sixty-two of the 91 cases were given a diagnosis of either atypical papillary lesion or malignant papillary lesion on needle core biopsy. Of the 45 cases initially diagnosed as malignant, 44 (97.7%) were eventually deemed malignant and one atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) was found upon excision. The initial diagnosis of atypical papillary lesion was rendered in 17 cases, of which 10 turned out to be malignant, five ADH, and two benign on excision.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that if a benign papillary lesion is present on initial needle core biopsy, then the probability of malignancy is high (10.3%) on the final excision. Similarly, all malignant papillary lesions diagnosed on needle core biopsy should be excised due to the very high likelihood (97.7%) of a diagnosis of malignancy on final excision. Based on our results, we suggest surgical excision of any papillary lesion diagnosed on needle core biopsy.

High-grade primary peritoneal serous papillary carcinoma with a wide differential diagnosis: a diagnostic challenge

Serous surface papillary carcinoma of the peritoneum is a rare malignant epithelial tumour that is histologically indistinguishable from high-grade serous papillary carcinoma of ovarian origin. We herein report a case of 66-year-old female with a history of breast carcinoma who presented with abdominal distension and shortness of breath. Imaging studies at the time of initial workup revealed multiple masses in abdominal cavity, and suspicion was high for metastatic carcinoma. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, partial colectomy, and omentectomy. Gross inspection of the omentum showed diffuse tumour caking, and frozen section evaluation of the omental nodules revealed adenocarcinoma with papillary features. Histological examination showed a high-grade papillary carcinoma with numerous psammoma bodies predominantly present within the omentum and peritoneum. Eventually, this case was determined to be a high-grade primary peritoneal serous papillary carcinoma involving the omentum, colon, and appendix, as well as the surfaces of the uterus, bilateral ovaries, and bilateral fallopian tubes. Knowledge of the primary organ of origin in cases of advanced papillary serous carcinomas is essential for both prognosis and staging, as well as for initiation of appropriate treatment. Close post-therapy follow up is required.

Low-dose deoxycholic acid stimulates putrescine uptake in colon cancer cells (Caco-2)

Deoxycholic acid (DCA) has long been implicated as tumour-promoting agent in the colon. Polyamines are necessary for cell proliferation, they are accumulated in high amounts in colon cancer cells, and their concentrations in the colonic lumen can reach millimolar levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of physiological DCA concentrations on proliferation and polyamine content in human colon cancer cells (Caco-2) in culture. Over an initial 48 h in culture, DCA stimulated Caco-2 cell proliferation rate three-fold, reaching a maximum with 20 microM DCA. DCA-induced increases in ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity corresponded to peak proliferation rates, occurring only during the initial 48 h of cell proliferation. Treatment with low-dose DCA resulted in a two-fold increase in putrescine uptake, first noted after 2 days in culture, but persisting until the cells became confluent (day 5). Both basal and DCA-stimulated putrescine uptake in Caco-2 cells were saturable. Kinetic analysis of the uptake data showed that DCA-stimulated putrescine uptake was due to an increase in the capacity of the putative putrescine transporter, without changes in its affinity, therefore implying an increased number of putrescine transporters in the cell membrane, without change in their structure.

Virtual endoscopy of the paranasal sinuses using perspective volume rendered helical sinus computed tomography

Our goal was to use three-dimensional information obtained from helical computed tomographic (CT) data to explore and evaluate the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, and paranasal sinuses by simulated virtual endoscopy (VE). This was done by utilizing a new image reconstruction method known as perspective volume rendering (PVR). Thin-section helical CT of the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, and paranasal sinuses was performed on a conventional CT scanner. The data were transferred to a workstation to create views similar to those seen with endoscopy. Additional views not normally accessible by conventional endoscopy were generated. Key perspectives were selected, and a video "flight" model was choreographed and synthesized through the nasal cavity and sinuses based on the CT data. VE allows evaluation of the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, and paranasal sinuses with appreciation of the relationships of these spatially complex structures. In addition, this technique allows structural visualization with unconventional angles, perspectives, and locations not conventionally accessible. Although biopsies, cultures, and lavages routinely done with endoscopy cannot be performed with VE, this technique holds promise for improving the diagnostic evaluation of the nasal cavity, the nasopharynx, and the paranasal sinuses. The unconventional visual perspectives and very low morbidity may complement many applications of simple diagnostic endoscopy.

Pharmacokinetics and therapeutics of sterically stabilized liposomes in mice bearing C-26 colon carcinoma

Three different liposome types were compared for blood clearance and tissue uptake in mice bearing C-26 colon carcinoma growing either s.c. or in liver. Therapeutic experiments were performed with the liposome preparation showing the highest tumor uptake. Liposomes were composed of solid-phase phosphatidylcholine, either distearoyl phosphatidylcholine or hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine, and cholesterol at a 2:1 molar ratio. These liposomes were compared with similar but sterically stabilized liposomes (SL) which, in addition, contained either GM1 ganglioside or phosphatidylethanolamine derivatized with poly(ethylene glycol). Pharmacokinetic analysis of drug disposition was based on the areas under the curve for liposome-entrapped 67Ga uptake per gram of tissue up to 96 h following i.v. injection. The highest tissue area under the curve values with both liposome types were obtained in spleen, liver, and tumor. However, the sterically stabilized liposomes gave an area under the curve value 2-3-fold higher in the s.c. tumor and about 2-fold lower in liver and spleen. The therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin (DOX) and epirubicin (EPI) encapsulated in poly(ethylene glycol)-derivatized phosphatidylethanolamine-containing liposomes was compared with that of free drug at two doses, 6 and 9 (or 10) mg/kg animal weight. Liposomes containing drug were injected either as a single dose, at different times following tumor implantation, or as three weekly doses starting 10 days after implantation. When injected as a single dose, liposome-encapsulated DOX had the maximal effect on tumor growth when injected 6 to 9 days after tumor implantation. When injected as three weekly doses, with treatment starting with a delay of 10 days, tumors which had grown to a size of approximately 0.05-0.1 cm3 regressed in groups of animals treated with either liposome-encapsulated drug (SL-DOX or SL-EPI) but continued to grow unabated in untreated mice and in mice receiving either of the free drugs. Survival of tumor-bearing animals treated with either SL-EPI or SL-DOX was significantly prolonged. Animals receiving saline, EPI, or DOX survived a mean of 50, 62, and 49 days, respectively, following tumor implantation. Eight of nine and nine of 10 animals receiving 6 and 9 mg/kg SL-EPI, respectively, survived to 120 days. Ten of 10 animals in both groups receiving 6 and 9 mg/kg SL-DOX survived to 120 days. None of the surviving animals in the SL-EPI and SL-DOX group showed any histological evidence of tumor at the conclusion of the experiment (120 days).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Embryonic development in the chick following exposure to ethanol, acetaldehyde and cyanamide

The influence of cyanamide, an inhibitor of aldehyde dehydrogenase, on the embryopathic effects of ethanol and acetaldehyde, was investigated in the chick embryo. Both ethanol and cyanamide significantly increased embryonic mortality, but did not affect embryonic growth, compared to treatment with either ethanol or cyanamide. Acetaldehyde combined with cyanamide increased embryonic mortality and retarded embryonic growth. Cyanamide influence on embryonic development was minimal. The extent of acetaldehyde involvement in ethanol teratogenicity remains unclear from the present findings.

Mechanism of the localization of manganese (III) mesotetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphine in mice bearing L1210 tumors

In accordance with earlier work the manganese (III) derivative of meso-tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphine (TPPS4) is found to accumulate in the tumors of L1210-bearing mice. The tumor/liver ratio of porphyrin extends from 1.5 to 3.6 over a range of dose and time periods. The subcellular distribution of porphyrin in L1210 tumor and liver, and the tissue distribution (cellular, stroma, soluble) in L1210 tumor indicates that the porphyrin tends to be located predominantly in soluble and stromal fractions. These data are interpreted in terms of the physiology and composition of neoplastic tissue to formalize a mechanism for the localization of Mn(III)TPPS4 in L1210 tumor and a general working hypothesis for the localization of porphyrins in neoplastic tissue. The in vivo stability of Mn(III)TPPS4 is also addressed and is found to be demetallated to a degree of approximately 1% in liver and kidney.

Proton relaxation enhancement by manganese(III)TPPS4 in a model tumor system

Managanese(III)tetraphenylporphine sulfonate [Mn(III)TPPS4] has been investigated as a tumor specific paramagnetic contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of L1210 solid tumors in mice. Mn(III)TPPS4 was found to clear rapidly from the blood and concentrate in the kidneys, tumor and liver. Although relatively high ratios of tumor to normal tissues could be obtained (e.g., greater than 90 for tumor/muscle), the kidneys were found to have the highest concentration of the metalloporphyrin at all doses and time periods tested. A significant decrease in the longitudinal relaxation time was measured for excised tissues (kidney, tumor, liver, muscle) from mice that were treated with Mn(III)TPPS4. A linear correlation was observed between the longitudinal relaxation rate determined for L1210 tumor and the corresponding concentration of Mn(III)TPPS4 found at various injected doses and time intervals between the injection and analysis. A small animal radiofrequency receiver coil designed for use with a 0.15-T clinical imager was employed to evaluate the ability of Mn(III)TPPS4 to selectively increase the signal intensity of the implanted L1210 tumor. The images show a conspicuous enhancement in the contrast between the tumor and adjacent tissue upon treatment with this agent. The results indicate that Mn(III)TPPS4 is a useful prototype paramagnetic metalloporphyrin MRI contrast agent with a significant affinity for the L1210 tumor.

The effects of CT scanning on staging of tumours of the paranasal sinuses

The different methods of classifying paranasal sinus tumours are summarised. Thirty patients with such tumours seen during the last 2 years were noted. All had had plain films and computed tomography (CT) and 16 conventional tomography. The tumours were staged using Lederman's classification after each investigation to assess any change in staging. CT advanced the staging in 57% of patients, and resulted in larger volumes being treated during radiotherapy. It is suggested that conventional tomography is now rarely necessary if CT is available. Biopsy proof of tumour is still essential before any treatment is commenced.