Effects of Dietary 1,8-Cineole Supplementation on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity, and Intestine Health of Broilers.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of 1,8-cineole on antioxidant capacity, immunity, and intestinal health of broilers. A total of 540 1-day-old Arbor Acres (AA) male broilers were randomly divided into five treatments with six replicates per treatment, and 18 broilers per replicate for 42 days. Dietary treatments were a corn−soybean meal basal diet supplemented with 0, and 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg/kg 1,8-cineole, respectively. Dietary supplementation with 20~30 mg/kg of 1,8-cineole increased the ADG from d 22 to 42 and d 1 to 42 (p < 0.05), and decreased the FCR (p < 0.05). Dietary supplementation of 10~40 mg/kg of 1,8-cineole increased total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) in serum (p < 0.05), and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the liver on day 21 (p < 0.05). The supplementation of 20~30 mg/kg of 1,8-cineole increased the activity of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in the serum and liver and TAOC in the serum and the liver (p < 0.05), and decreased the level of MDA in the serum and the liver (p < 0.05) on day 42. Dietary supplementation with 20~30 mg/kg of 1,8-cineole increased serum immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, and immunoglobulin M contents on day 21 (p < 0.05). On day 21, dietary supplementation of 20~30 mg/kg of 1,8-cineole increased the VH and VH/CD (p < 0.05) in the jejunum and ileum. The supplementation of 20~30 mg/kg of 1,8-cineole increased the content of secretory immunoglobulin A in the duodenum and ileum mucosa on d 42 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 1,8-cineole improves the growth performance of broilers by enhancing antioxidant capacity, immunity, and intestinal morphology.

10-Hydroxy-trans-2-decenoic Acid, a New Potential Feed Additive for Broiler Chickens to Improve Growth Performance.

The purposes of this study were to explore the potential possibility of 10-hydroxy-trans-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA) use in feeding broiler chickens. A total of 216 healthy 1-day-old chicks were divided into 2 treatments at random (diets supplemented with 0 or 40 mg/kg 10-HDA, respectively) with 6 replicates of 18 birds each, and were then reared for 42 days. The results found that a diet supplemented with 10-HDA significantly increased average daily gain of broiler chickens in d 22~42 and d 0~42. Compared with the control group, dietary inclusion of 10-HDA markedly increased the serum concentrations of immunoglobulin (Ig) G at d 21, as well as IgM and interleukin (IL)-10 at d 42, while decreasing the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α at d 21, as well as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1ß at d 42. Furthermore, broiler chickens fed a diet with 10-HDA had a higher (p < 0.05) serum activity of superoxide dismutase at d 42. Additionally, serum malondialdehyde content also decreased notably at d 21 and d 42. These results made it clear that 10-HDA increased the growth performance of broiler chickens, possibly by enhancing immune function and antioxidant capacity.

Effects of dietary Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940 supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant status, immunity, and digestive enzyme activity of broilers fed corn-wheat-soybean meal diets.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940 (BA-5940) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and digestive enzyme activity of broiler chickens. A total of 720 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broiler chicks (average body weight, 45.87 ± 0.86 g) were randomly allocated to 5 treatments of 8 replicates with 18 chicks in each replicate. Broilers in the control group were fed a corn-wheat-soybean basal diet, the other 4 groups were fed the same basal diet supplemented with 500, 1,000, 1,500, or 2,000 mg/kg Ecobiol (1.27 × 109 CFU/g BA-5940) for 42 d, respectively. Broilers fed diets supplemented with BA-5940 showed a quadratic response (P < 0.05) of average daily gain (ADG) and feed to gain ratio (F:G) during d 22 to 42 and d 0 to 42. The glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in serum and liver, and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in liver of broilers on d 42 increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of BA-5940, while malondialdehyde (MDA) level in serum decreased linearly (P < 0.05). Concentrations of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgM on d 21, and IgM on d 42 increased linearly (P < 0.05) as BA-5940 levels increased. Supplementation with increasing levels of BA-5940 linearly decreased serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels on d 21 and 42, while increased interleukin (IL)-10 concentration (linear, P < 0.05) on d 21. Meanwhile, the levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α in the mucosa of jejunum and ileum were decreased (linear, P < 0.05) on d 42 as dietary supplementation of BA-5940 increased. Additionally, supplementation with BA-5940 also increased the activities of amylase (linear, P < 0.01), lipase (linear, P < 0.05) and chymotrypsin (linear, P < 0.01) in jejunal digesta, and lipase (linear, P < 0.05) in ileal digesta of broilers on d 42. To summarize, inclusion of BA-5940 in corn-wheat-soybean meal-based diet improved growth performance of broilers through improving antioxidant capacity, immunity, and digestive enzyme activity. Based on the results of this study, 1.1-1.6 × 109 CFU/kg BA-5940 is recommended for supplementation in broiler diets.

Effects of Manganese Hydroxychloride on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Tibia Parameters and Manganese Deposition of Broilers.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with manganese hydroxychloride (MHC) on production performance, antioxidant capacity, tibial quality, and manganese (Mn) deposition of broilers. A total of 756 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allotted to 7 treatments of 6 replicates with 18 broilers per replicate. Broilers were fed corn-soybean meal basal diets supplemented of 100 mg/kg Mn as Mn sulfate (MnSO4), or 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 mg/kg Mn as MHC for 42 days. The growth performance of broilers was not affected by dietary MnSO4 or MHC (p > 0.05), whereas the dressing percentage increased linearly (p < 0.05) with increasing of dietary MHC addition level. The activities of catalase (CAT) and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), and total antioxidant capability (T-AOC) in serum and liver on day 42 increased linearly (p < 0.05) with increasing of dietary MHC level, while malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration reduced linearly (p < 0.05). The length, strength, and density index of tibia increased linearly (p < 0.05) on day 21 as MHC supplementation level increased; there were no differences between MnSO4 group and 40-100 mg/kg Mn as MHC groups in tibial parameters of broilers (p > 0.05). As supplemental MHC levels increased, the Mn contents in heart, liver, kidney, and tibia increased linearly on day 42 (p < 0.05). In summary, dietary supplementation with MHC improved antioxidant capacity, bone quality, and Mn contents in broilers, but no effects on growth performance were detected. Based on the results of this study, dietary inclusion of 50-90 mg/kg Mn in the form of MHC to broilers is recommended.

Poor-sleep is associated with slow recovery from lymphopenia and an increased need for ICU care in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: A retrospective cohort study.

Sleep is known to play an important role in immune function. However, the effects of sleep quality during hospitalization for COVID-19 remain unclear. This retrospective, single-center cohort study was conducted to investigate the effects of sleep quality on recovery from lymphopenia and clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 admitted to the West District of Wuhan Union Hospital between January 25 and March 15, 2020. The Richards-Campbell sleep questionnaire (RCSQ) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to assess sleep quality. The epidemiological, demographic, clinical, laboratory, treatment, and outcome data were collected from electronic medical records and compared between the good-sleep group and poor-sleep group. In all, 135 patients (60 in good-sleep group and 75 in poor-sleep group) were included in this study. There were no significant between-group differences regarding demographic and baseline characteristics, as well as laboratory parameters upon admission and in-hospital treatment. Compared with patients in the good-sleep group, patients in the poor-sleep group had lower absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) (day 14: median, 1.10 vs 1.32, P = 0.0055; day 21: median, 1.18 vs 1.48, P = 0.0034) and its reduced recovery rate (day 14: median, 56.91 vs 69.40, P = 0.0255; day 21: median, 61.40 vs 111.47, P = 0.0003), as well as increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR; day 14: median, 3.17 vs 2.44, P = 0.0284; day 21: median, 2.73 vs 2.23, P = 0.0092) and its associated deterioration rate (day 14: median, -39.65 vs -61.09, P = 0.0155; day 21: median, -51.40% vs -75.43, P = 0.0003). Nine [12.0%] patients in the poor-sleep group required ICU care (P = 0.0151); meanwhile, none of the patients in good-sleep group required ICU care. Patients in the poor-sleep group had increased duration of hospital stay (33.0 [23.0-47.0] days vs 25.0 [20.5-36.5] days, P = 0.0116) compared to those in the good-sleep group. An increased incidence of hospital-acquired infection (seven [9.3%] vs one [1.7%]) was observed in the poor-sleep group compared to the good-sleep group; however, this difference was not significant (P = 0.1316). In conclusion, poor sleep quality during hospitalization in COVID-19 patients with lymphopenia is associated with a slow recovery from lymphopenia and an increased need for ICU care.

Effects of ammonia exposure on carcass traits and fatty acid composition of broiler meat.

We aimed to study the effects of ammonia on carcass traits, organ indices and fatty acid composition of broilers. Four hundred 21-d-old male Arbor Acres broilers with initial weight 563.52 ± 2.82 g were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 groups treated with ammonia at <3 mg/kg (control), 25 ± 3, 50 ± 3, and 75 ± 3 mg/kg concentrations. Each group consisted of 4 replicates of 25 birds. Broilers from 21 to 42 d were reared on the net floor in the respiration-metabolism chambers where similar environmental conditions were maintained. At 32 and 42 d of age, carcass traits and organ indices were determined for 4 birds per pen. At 42 d of age, fatty acid composition in the breast and thigh muscle of broilers was measured. Results showed as follows: 1) At 32 d, the dressing percentage of broilers exposed to 25 and 75 mg/kg ammonia were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05); eviscerated yield percentage of broilers in the 25 mg/kg ammonia group was also lower (P < 0.05). At 42 d, the dressing percentage of broilers in the ammonia treatments and the thigh muscle percentage of broilers in the 50 and 75 mg/kg ammonia groups were lower (P < 0.05) than those in the control. Breast muscle percentage of broilers exposed to 25 and 50 mg/kg ammonia and eviscerated yield percentage exposed to 50 mg/kg ammonia were lower than those in the control (P < 0.05). 2) The kidney index of broilers (d 32) exposed to ammonia was greater (P < 0.05) than that of the control. At 42 d, hepatic index of broilers exposed to ammonia was increased (P < 0.05), and spleen index was decreased (P < 0.05). 3) At 42 d, stearic (C18:0) and saturated fatty acids (SFA) in the thigh muscle of broilers were higher, while the unsaturated fatty acid:saturated fatty acid (U:F) ratio and unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) were lower in the 50 mg/kg ammonia treatment than in the control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, ammonia over 25 mg/kg could decline carcass traits and immune organ indices and increase the kidney and hepatic indices. Further, exposure to 50 mg/kg ammonia could also decrease breast and thigh muscle yield percentage while increasing SFA content and decreasing UFA content in the thigh muscle of broilers.

Electrochemical behavior of lactate dehydrogenase immobilized on "silica sol-gel/nanometre-sized tridecameric aluminum polycation" modified gold electrode and its application.

This paper reports the electrochemical behavior of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) immobilized in the silica sol-gel film on gold electrode after adding nanometre-sized tridecameric aluminium polycation (nano-Al13, also called nanopolynuclear Al13) as a promoter. A pair of surface controlled quasi-reversible cyclic voltammetry peaks with the formal potential (E0') of 154 mV (vs. SCE) was found in the presence of nano-Al13. A potential application of the nano-Al13-LDH electrode for the determination of resorcinol and p-xylene was also investigated. The experimental results showed that both resorcinol and p-xylene inhibited LDH activity, and the calibration ranges were 5.0 x 10(-6)-3.0 x 10(-4) mol L(-1) for resorcinol and 1.0 x 10(-6)-1.0 x 10(-5) mol L(-1) for p-xylene, respectively. The nano-Al13-LDH electrode can be anticipated to be applied to environmental toxic assessments.

The promotion effect of titania nanoparticles on the direct electrochemistry of lactate dehydrogenase sol-gel modified gold electrode.

The promotion effect of titania nanoparticles (nano-TiO(2)) on the direct electron transfer between lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the silica sol-gel modified gold electrode was investigated by adding nano-TiO(2) (50 nm) in the modification process. This nano-TiO(2)-LDH electrode showed a pair of quasi-reversible cyclic voltammetry peaks with the formal potential of 70 mV (vs. SCE). Compared to the previous result of LDH modified electrode with only an irreversible cathodic peak, an anodic peak appeared and the cathodic peak potential shifted to the positive direction on this nano-TiO(2)-LDH electrode, which demonstrated that the direct electrochemistry of LDH was enhanced by nano-TiO(2). We supposed that the direct electrochemistry of LDH may be due to the redox reaction of some electroactive amino acids in the LDH molecule. The surface morphologies of electrodes characterized by SEM indicated that LDH was successfully immobilized on the sol-gel matrix and also had some interactions with nano-TiO(2). This electrode can be used as a biosensor for the determination of lactic acid. The calibration range of lactic acid was from 1.0 to 20 micromolL(-1) and the detection limit was 0.4 micromolL(-1). Meanwhile, the small K(m)(app) value (2.2 micromolL(-1)) suggested that LDH possessed high enzymatic activity and good affinity to lactic acid owing to the promotion effect of nano-TiO(2).

Direct electrochemistry of lactate dehydrogenase immobilized on silica sol-gel modified gold electrode and its application.

The direct electrochemistry of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) immobilized in silica sol-gel film on gold electrode was investigated, and an obvious cathodic peak at about -200 mV (versus SCE) was found for the first time. The LDH-modified electrode showed a surface controlled irreversible electrode process involving a one electron transfer reaction with the charge-transfer coefficient (alpha) of 0.79 and the apparent heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (K(s)) of 3.2 s(-1). The activated voltammetric response and decreased charge-transfer resistance of Ru(NH(3))(6)(2+/3+) on the LDH-modified electrode provided further evidence. The surface morphologies of silica sol-gel and the LDH embedded in silica sol-gel film were characterized by SEM. A potential application of the LDH-modified electrode as a biosensor for determination of lactic acid was also investigated. The calibration range of lactic acid was from 2.0 x 10(-6) to 3.0 x 10(-5) mol L(-1) and the detection limit was 8.0 x 10(-7) mol L(-1) at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. Finally, the effect of environmental pollutant resorcinol on the direct electrochemical behavior of LDH was studied. The experimental results of voltammetry indicated that the conformation of LDH molecule was altered by the interaction between LDH and resorcinol. The modified electrode can be applied as a biomarker to study the pollution effect in the environment.