Active fractions of mannoproteins derived from yeast cell wall stimulate innate and acquired immunity of adult and elderly dogs.

Nutritional intervention in older dogs aims to increase lifespan and improve life quality as well as delay the development of diseases related to ageing. It is believed that active fractions of mannoproteins (AFMs) obtained through extraction and fractionation of yeast cell walls (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) may beneficially modulate the immune system. However, studies that have evaluated this component and the effects of ageing on the immune system of dogs are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the immunological effects of AFMs in adult and elderly dogs. Three extruded iso-nutrient experimental diets were formulated: without addition of AFM (T0); with AFM at 400 mg/kg (T400); and with AFM at 800 mg/kg (T800). Thirty-six beagle dogs were used, and six experimental treatments, resulting in combinations of age (adult and elderly) and diet (T0, T400, and T800), were evaluated. On days zero, 14, and 28, blood samples were obtained for leucocyte phenotyping and phagocytosis assays. On days zero and 28, a lymphoproliferation test, quantification of reactive oxygen (H2O2) and nitrogen (NO) intermediate production, evaluation of faecal immunoglobulin A (IgA) content, and a delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity test (DCHT) were performed. Statistical analyses were performed with SAS software. Repeated measure variance analyses were performed, and means were compared by the Tukey test. Values of P ≤ 0.05 were considered significant, and values of P ≤ 0.10 were considered tendencies. Dogs fed T400 tended to have higher neutrophilic phagocytic activity than dogs fed T800 (P = 0.073). Regarding reactive oxygen intermediates, bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated neutrophils from animals that were fed T400 had a tendency to produce more H2O2 than those from animals fed the control diet (P = 0.093). Elderly dogs, when compared to adult dogs, had lower absolute T and B lymphocyte counts, lower auxiliary T lymphocyte counts, and higher cytotoxic T lymphocyte counts (P < 0.05). A significant effect of diet, age, and time with saline inoculation was noted for the DCHT. There was no effect of diet or age on faecal IgA content in dogs. This study suggests beneficial effects of mannoproteins on the specific and nonspecific immune responses in adult and elderly dogs.

Assessment of postural control after sleep deprivation with a low-cost portable force plate.

It is well-known that acute sleep deprivation affects negatively postural control. The analysis of sleep quality during long periods and its impact on motor control and learning performance are crucial aspects of human health. Nevertheless, there is conflicting evidence regarding which postural control variables are more prone to change due to sleep deprivation. Moreover, very few clinicians have at their disposal expensive force plates to measure such variables, so the use of a low-cost portable device could be very interesting. Therefore, we aimed to identify which posture control variables, obtained from a low-cost plate, are more sensitive to sleep deprivation. In order to do so, we have performed a set of experiments with volunteers before and after a night without sleep. Eight participants took part of the study and had their balance measured by a Wii Balance Board before and after one night of sleep deprivation. They were asked to keep a quiet stance on top of the plate with their eyes open and closed, in a balanced design. The main results showed that, regardless the visual information, sleep deprivation has deepest impact on the anterior-posterior center of pressure displacement. Sleep deprivation without visual information had a more pronounced (large effect size) impact on the mean sway in the anterior-posterior direction and its distribution variation. The information that sleep deprivation has a more meaningful impact on anterior-posterior center of pressure excursion may help clinicians and healthcare professionals to better deal with its implications.

Effects of dietary yeast cell wall on faecal bacteria and fermentation products in adult cats.

This study evaluated the effects of increasing concentrations of spray-dried yeast cell wall (YCW) in diets for healthy adult cats on apparent nutrient digestibility and on bacterial composition and fermentation products in the stool. Fourteen cats with an average weight of 4.40 ± 1.05 kg and an average age of 6.2 ± 0.54 years were used and assigned to treatments in an unbalanced randomized block design (by experimental period) with two blocks and three or four cats per diet in each block. Treatments included: control (0% YCW), 0.2% YCW, 0.4% YCW and 0.6% YCW, totalling seven animals per experimental diet. We found that YCW did not affect body weight, nutrient and food intake, faecal production, faecal score, faecal pH or urine output (p > .05). Regarding faecal bacteria, we observed a linear reduction in Clostridium perfringens, a quadratic reduction in Escherichia coli, and linear increases in Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. (p < .05) with the inclusion of YCW. Regarding the faecal short-chain fatty acid profile, butyrate, valerate, total biogenic amines, putrescine, cadaverine and histamine increased linearly (p < .05) with the inclusion of YCW. It was concluded that in healthy adult cats, consumption of YCW modulates the faecal bacterial populations, with an increased presence of beneficial bacteria and a reduction in some potentially pathogenic bacteria. It was concluded that YCW modulated the levels of fermentation products. There was an increase in fermentation products coming from carbohydrate metabolism, an important effect that can potentially benefit the intestinal health of cats. The consumption of YCW also increased the fermentation of nitrogen compounds, which have not yet been defined as deleterious or beneficial. The fermentability of carbohydrates and nitrogen compounds may be associated. Therefore, YCW may cause rapid fermentation of both classes of compounds by enhancing the fermentability of one class.

Efeitos da parede de levedura em dieta úmida na microbiota fecal, na produção de gás e na morfologia intestinal de gatos adultos / Effects of the yeast cell wall in a moist diet in fecal microbial, gas production and intestinal morphology of adult cats

O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar os efeitos do extrato de levedura (EPL) em dietas úmidas sobre a microbiota fecal, a produção de gás e a morfologia intestinal de gatos adultos. Foram utilizados 20 gatos adultos, de ambos os sexos, distribuídos ao acaso em quatro tratamentos: 1) dieta comercial úmida (controle); 2) controle + 0,2% de extrato de levedura em matéria seca; 3) controle + 0,4%; e 4) controle + 0,6%. Foram realizadas a microbiologia fecal, a avaliação da morfologia intestinal por meio de exames radiográficos, ultrassonográficos e de colonoscopia, bem como a biópsia para histologia intestinal. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas (p>0,05) para contagem de bactérias do ácido lático e de clostrídio sulfito redutor, área de gás em alças intestinais (avaliação radiográfica), espessura da parede do cólon (ultrassonografia intestinal) e contagem de colonócitos/células caliciformes (histologia). Por meio da colonoscopia, notaram-se alterações em características de mucosa em animais submetidos ao tratamento 4. Conclui-se que a adição de até 0,6% de EPL não teve efeito sobre os parâmetros avaliados, mas novos estudos são necessários para compreender os mecanismos de ação e os efeitos desse aditivo para gatos domésticos.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of yeast extract (EPL) in the moist diet on the fecal microbiotal, gas production and intestinal morphology of adult cats. Twenty adult cats from both sexes were randomly assigned to four treatments: 1) moist commercial diet (control); 2) control + 0,2% yeast extract dry matter; 3) control + 0,4%; and 4) control + 0,6%. Fecal microbiology and intestinal morphology were performed by radiographic, ultrasound, colonoscopy and intestinal biopsy exams for histology. There were no significant differences (P>0,05) for lactic acid bacteria counts and clostridium-reductor, gas area in the bowel (radiographic), wall thickness of the colon (ultrasound) and colonocytes count/globet cells (histology). Through colonoscopy, changes in characteristics of the intestinal mucosa in animals receiving treatment 4 were noticed. It is concluded that the addition of up to 0.6% EPL had no effect on the parameters evaluated, but further studies are needed to understand the action mechanisms and additive effects for domestic cats.

Inclusion of Yucca schidigera and zeolite in dog feed: influence on mineral excretion / Inclusão de Yucca schidigera e zeólita em alimentos para cães: influência sobre a excreção de minerais

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adding Yucca schidigera and zeolite (Clinoptilolite) to feed (super premium and standard) for adult dogs on the apparent indigestibility coefficient of minerals. In the first assessment, 21 dogs were used, with average weight of 12.5kg±1.46 in seven treatments in two periods (super premium diet referred to as control and control with the addition of 125, 250, 375ppm Yucca schidigera and 0.5%, 0.75% and 1.0% zeolite). The second assessment was conducted with standard feed, using 21 experimental plots distributed in three treatments (standard diet referred to as control and control with the addition of 375ppm of Yucca schidigera and 1.0% zeolite). The additives did not affect the acceptability of feed and fecal characteristics in both assessments (P>0.05). With the exception of calcium, no minerals were affected by the inclusion of additives (P>0.05) in the experiment with super premium feed. In the assessment with standard feed, calcium as phosphorus and magnesium presented decreased excretion (P<0.05) with the inclusion of additives. It is possible to conclude that the inclusion of additives in the tested concentrations may interfere with the excretion of some minerals in the diet.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da inclusão de Yucca schidigera e zeólita (Clinoptilolita) em alimentos (super premium e standard) para cães adultos sobre o coeficiente de indigestibilidade aparente de minerais. No primeiro ensaio, foram utilizados 21 cães, com peso médio de 12,5kg±1,46, distribuídos em sete tratamentos em dois períodos (dieta super premium denominada controle e controle com adição de 125, 250, 375ppm de Yucca schidigera e 0,5%, 0,75% e 1,0% de zeólita). O segundo foi realizado com um alimento standard, utilizando-se 21 parcelas experimentais distribuídas em três tratamentos (dieta standard denominada controle e controle com adição de 375ppm de Yucca schidigera e 1,0% de zeólita). Os aditivos não afetaram a aceitabilidade do alimento e as características fecais nos dois ensaios (P>0,05). Com exceção do cálcio, nenhum mineral sofreu interferência da inclusão dos aditivos (P>0,05) no experimento com alimento super premium. No ensaio com alimento standard, tanto cálcio quanto fósforo e magnésio apresentaram redução na excreção (P<0,05) com a inclusão dos aditivos. Pôde-se concluir que a inclusão dos aditivos nas concentrações testadas pode interferir na excreção de alguns minerais da dieta.

Yucca schidigera e zeólita em alimento para gatos adultos e seus efeitos na excreção de minerais / Yucca schidigera and zeolite in food for adult cats and its effects in mineral excretion

Avaliou-se efeito da inclusão de Yucca schidigera e zeólita (Clinoptilolita) em alimento comercial úmido para gatos sobre a aceitabilidade da dieta, produção fecal diária e porcentagem de águas nas fezes, e sobre o coeficiente de indigestibilidade aparente de cálcio, fósforo, magnésio, sódio, potásso, ferro e manganês. Foram utilizados 21 gatos adultos, sem raça definida, com quatro anos e meio de idade e peso médio de 3,56kg, distribuídos em sete tratamentos - dieta úmida denominada controle, e dietas controle com adição de 125, 250 e 375ppm de Yucca schidigera e 0,5 por cento, 0,75 por cento e 1,0 por cento de zeólita - em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas na aceitabilidade das dietas, na produção fecal diária, na porcentagem de água nas fezes e no coeficiente de indigestibilidade aparente nos minerais avaliados (P>0,05). A inclusão dos aditivos que apresentam como função principal a redução de odor fecal pode ser realizada sem interferências sobre a saúde dos animais, do ponto de vista da nutrição mineral.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of including Yucca schidigera and zeolite (clinoptilolite) in commercial wet food for adult cats, the acceptability of the diets, fecal production and average daily percentage of water in the stool and the coefficient of apparent indigestible calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron and manganese. We used 21 adult mongrel male and female cats, 4.5 years old and with an average weight of 3.56kg, distributed in seven treatments (wet control diet, control with the addition of 125, 250 and 375ppm of Yucca schidigera and 0, 5, 0.75 and 1.0 percent of zeolite) randomly. Significant differences were not observed in the acceptability of the diets, fecal production and average daily percentage of water in the stool and the coefficient of apparent indigestible of minerals (P>0.05). Thus, we noticed that the inclusion of additives which have the main function of reducing fecal odor can be inserted into food for adult cats without negative interferences on the health of animals ready for the sight of mineral nutrition.

Efeitos do extrato da parede de levedura na digestibilidade, no escore fecal e na palatabilidade de dietas para gatos / Effects of spray-dried yeast cell wall on digestibility, score of feces, and palatability of diets for cats

Para avaliar o efeito do extrato seco da parede de levedura (EPL) sobre a digestibilidade, o escore fecal e a palatabilidade de dietas para gatos, foram realizados três ensaios experimentais. No primeiro, 20 animais adultos foram distribuídos ao acaso em quatro tratamentos: dieta comercial úmida (controle) e dieta-controle + 0,2, ou dieta-controle + 0,4 ou dieta-controle + 0,6 por cento de EPL na matéria seca. No segundo, utilizaram-se alimento seco e as mesmas proporções com o mesmo delineamento do primeiro experimento. No ensaio 3, de palatabilidade, 20 gatos adultos receberam simultaneamente dieta comercial úmida sem e com a inclusão de 0,4 por cento de EPL. No experimento 1, não foram observadas diferenças quanto à digestibilidade da matéria seca, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo, matéria orgânica e energia bruta, assim como no escore fecal; no segundo, houve aumento linear (P<0,46) no coeficiente de digestibilidade da matéria seca, e, no terceiro, observou-se efeito negativo da inclusão de 0,4 por cento sobre a palatabilidade da dieta (P<0,004). Conclui-se que a inclusão de EPL em dietas úmidas não influi na digestibilidade, mas pode comprometer a palatabilidade, e que em dietas secas há melhora da digestibilidade da matéria seca.

The effects of spray-dried yeast cell wall (YCW) were evaluated on digestibility, score of feces, and palatability of diets for cats were evaluated. Three trials were carried out. In the first, 20 adult cats were randomly allotted in four treatments: wet commercial diet (control) and control plus 0.2, 0.4, or 0.6 percent of YCW in dry matter. In the second, a commercial dry diet was tested in an equal arrangement concerning concentration of YCW and number of animals of the first trial. In the third, 20 adult cats were fed at the same time a wet diet with or without 0.4 percent YCW. In the first trial, no differences among treatments for dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, organic matter, gross energy digestibility, and faecal score were observed. In second trial, positive linear effect on dry matter digestibility (P=0.046) was observed. In the third, negative effect of 0.4 percent YCW inclusion (P=0.004) on palatability of diet was observed. It was concluded that YCW inclusion in wet diet did not effectively alter the nutrients digestibilities but it decrease the palatability. However, the YCW inclusion in dry diets can be important to improve dry matter digestibility.