Effects of probiotics administration on lactose intolerance in adulthood: A meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of probiotic administration on adults with lactose intolerance. Twelve studies were identified from databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Knowledge based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The effect size was estimated using the standardized mean difference (SMD), and Cochrane's Q test was used to evaluate the statistical heterogeneity of the effect size. Moderator analysis, including meta-ANOVA and meta-regression, were performed to determine the cause of heterogeneity in the effect size using a mixed-effect model. Egger's linear regression test was conducted to evaluate publication bias. The results showed that probiotic administration alleviated the symptoms of lactose intolerance, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and flatulence. Among them, the area under the curve (AUC) showed the greatest decrease following probiotic administration (SMD, -4.96; 95% confidence interval, -6.92 to -3.00). In the meta-ANOVA test, abdominal pain and total symptoms decreased with monostrain probiotic administration. This combination was also effective for flatulence. The dosage of probiotics or lactose was significantly associated with a reduction in the total symptom score, and the linear regression models between the dosage and SMD were found to be Y = 2.3342 × dosage - 25.0400 (R2 = 79.68%) and Y = 0.2345 × dosage - 7.6618 (R2 = 34.03%), respectively. Publication bias was detected for most items. However, even after effect size correction, the probiotic administration effect for all items remained valid. The administration of probiotics was effective at improving adult lactose intolerance, and it is expected that the results of this study could help improve the nutritional status of adults by increasing their consumption of milk and dairy products in the future.

New bicompartmental model: an application for the production of gases using the in vitro technique / Novo modelo bicompartimental: uma aplicação para a produção de gases pela técnica in vitro

The purpose of this study was to propose a bicompartmental nonlinear model and to identify the best-performing model between the proposed model and the bicompartmental logistic (BL) mode regarding the quality of fit to the curve of cumulative gas production (CGP) using corn silage, sunflower, and their mixtures. Gas production was measured 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 19, 24, 30, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h after beginning the in vitro fermentation process. The generated data were used to generate the parameters of each model tested using the stats package of the R computational tool version 4.0.4. The mathematical models were subjected to the following selection criteria: the adjusted coefficient of determination (Raj.), residual mean square (RMS), mean absolute deviation (MAD), and Akaike information criterion (AIC). It was demonstrated that the proposed model had better performance with a high Raj., and lower values of RMS, AIC, and MAD than the bicompartmental logistic model for the prediction of the parameters of cumulative gas production (CGP), per to present a superior fit in the set of criteria according to the methodology and conditions in which the present study was developed.(AU)

No presente trabalho, com silagem de milho, girassol e suas misturas, objetivou-se propor um modelo não linear bicompartimental e identificar entre o modelo proposto e Logístico Bicompartimental (LB), aquele que apresenta maior qualidade de ajuste à curva de cinética de produção cumulativa de gases (PCG). A leitura da produção de gás foi realizada nos tempos 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 19, 24, 30, 36, 48, 72 e 96 horas, após o início do processo de fermentação in vitro. Os dados gerados foram utilizados para geração dos parâmetros de cada modelo testado com auxílio do pacote stats da ferramenta computacional R versão 4.0.4. Os modelos matemáticos foram submetidos aos seguintes critérios de seleção o coeficiente de determinação ajustado (Raj.), quadrado médio do resíduo (QMR), desvio médio absoluto (DMA) e o critério de informação de Akaike (AIC). Foi demonstrado que o modelo proposto teve melhor desempenho com altos Raj., e menores valores de QMR, AIC e DMA, por apresentar um ajustamento superior no conjunto dos critérios em comparação com o modelo logístico bicompartimental para a predição dos parâmetros de produção cumulativa de gases (PCG) de acordo com a metodologia e condições em que foi desenvolvido o presente estudo.(AU)

Characterization of the rumen and fecal microbiome in bloated and non-bloated cattle grazing alfalfa pastures and subjected to bloat prevention strategies.

Frothy bloat is an often fatal digestive disorder of cattle grazing alfalfa pastures. The aim of this study was to investigate ruminal and fecal microbiota dynamics associated with development of alfalfa-induced frothy bloat and to further explore how bloat prevention strategies influence the composition of these microbial communities. In a 3 × 3 crossover experiment, twelve rumen-cannulated steers were sequentially subjected to: (1) pure alfalfa pasture, (2) pure alfalfa pasture supplemented with the pluronic detergent ALFASURE, and (3) alfalfa - sainfoin mixed pasture. Eleven out of 12 steers in pure alfalfa pasture developed clinical bloat, whereas ALFASURE treatment prevented the development of bloat in all 12 steers and alfalfa - sainfoin prevented bloat in 5 out of 11 steers. Development of bloat was associated with considerable shifts in the microbiota profile of rumen contents. In particular, the microbiota of solid rumen contents from bloated steers contained higher species richness and diversity. Streptococcus, Succinivibrio and unclassified Myxococcales were enriched in the rumen microbiota of bloated steers, whereas Fibrobacter and Ruminococcus were overrepresented in the rumen contents of non-bloated steers. Our results provide novel insights into bloat-associated shifts in the composition and predicted functional properties of the rumen microbiota of cattle grazing alfalfa pasture.

Heritability of predicted daily enteric methane emissions from growing Nellore cattle.

The objective of this study was to estimate the heritability of predicted daily enteric methane emissions (PME) from growing Nellore cattle. Dry matter intake (DMI) records of 955 Nellore animals that were born between 2004 and 2013, which were obtained in a postweaning performance test lasting 83 ± 15 days, were used. The PME of each animal, obtained as MJ/day and converted to g/day, was estimated using three equations: PME1 (MJ/day) = 2.29 + 0.647 x DMI (kg/day), PME2 (MJ/day) = 3.96 + 0.561 x DMI (kg/day), and PME3 (MJ/day) = 4.41 + 0.50 x DMI (kg/day). The heritability (h2) of PME obtained using the three equations was identical to the h2 of DMI, regardless of whether the model included the effect of mid-test weight (h2 = 0.32 ± 0.069) or not (h2 = 0.48 ± 0.069). The equations were based exclusively on variations in DMI, and detected variations in this trait without taking into consideration individual differences in enteric methane emission caused by differences in fermentation and digestion capacity. Therefore, prediction equations of enteric methane emission from DMI are not adequate to estimate differences between animals.

Variation in enteric methane emissions among cows on commercial dairy farms.

Methane (CH4) emissions by dairy cows vary with feed intake and diet composition. Even when fed on the same diet at the same intake, however, variation between cows in CH4 emissions can be substantial. The extent of variation in CH4 emissions among dairy cows on commercial farms is unknown, but developments in methodology now permit quantification of CH4 emissions by individual cows under commercial conditions. The aim of this research was to assess variation among cows in emissions of eructed CH4 during milking on commercial dairy farms. Enteric CH4 emissions from 1964 individual cows across 21 farms were measured for at least 7 days/cow using CH4 analysers at robotic milking stations. Cows were predominantly of Holstein Friesian breed and remained on the same feeding systems during sampling. Effects of explanatory variables on average CH4 emissions per individual cow were assessed by fitting a linear mixed model. Significant effects were found for week of lactation, daily milk yield and farm. The effect of milk yield on CH4 emissions varied among farms. Considerable variation in CH4 emissions was observed among cows after adjusting for fixed and random effects, with the CV ranging from 22% to 67% within farms. This study confirms that enteric CH4 emissions vary among cows on commercial farms, suggesting that there is considerable scope for selecting individual cows and management systems with reduced emissions.

Effects of Euphorbia esula L. (leafy spurge) on cattle and sheep in vitro fermentation and gas production.

BACKGROUND: Euphorbia esula L. (leafy spurge) is indigenous to Eurasia and has been known to cause grazing aversion in ruminant species. As a result, E. esula encroachment has negatively impacted rangelands in the Northern Great Plains and Intermountain West of the USA, as well as southern Canada. Our objectives were to evaluate the effect of increasing concentrations of E. esula on in vitro dry matter digestibility (DMD) and gas production. Two ruminally-cannulated cows and ewes were used as rumen inoculum donors. To accomplish objectives, two studies were conducted. In study 1, animals were fed exclusively a barley hay (12% crude protein (CP), 55.4% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), DM basis) diet; whereas in study 2, animals were fed a diet of 15% E. esula (21.9% CP, 48% NDF, DM basis) and 85% barley hay based on previous day intake. RESULTS: The 24 and 48 h in vitro and 96 h gas production indicate that, regardless of inoculum source or substrate fermented, DMD was not influenced. Differences, however, were consistently observed across studies for NDF disappearance. CONCLUSION: Regardless of inoculum source NDF disappearance was greater when substrate being fermented contained 0%, 80%, or 100% E. esula.

Avaliação dos modelos logístico bicompartimental e de Gompertz na estimativa da dinâmica de fermentação ruminal in vitro do farelo e da torta de babaçu (Orbignya martiana) / Avaliation of bicompartimental logistic and Gompertz mathematical models to estimate gas production from babassu (Orbignya martiana) meal and pie using the semi-automated in vitro technique

Utilizaram-se dois modelos matemáticos para avaliar a produção de gases do farelo e da torta de babaçu, pela técnica in vitro semiautomática de produção de gases. Foram utilizados o modelo logístico e o de Gompertz. Os parâmetros de validação usados foram o quadrado médio do erro (QME), o coeficiente de determinação (R²), o desvio médio absoluto dos resíduos (DMA) e a análise gráfica dos resíduos. O modelo logístico bicompartimental apresentou menores valores (P<0,05) para o QME e o DMA em relação ao de Gompertz, e não houve diferença (P>0,05) quanto ao R². Os gráficos de dispersão mostraram semelhanças nos ajustes dos dois modelos. Na análise gráfica dos resíduos, os dois modelos descreveram bem cinética de produção de gases da matéria seca. No entanto, o modelo logístico apresentou melhor valor de QME. Para avaliação da cinética de fermentação ruminal do farelo e da torta de babaçu pela técnica in vitro semiautomática de produção de gases, recomenda-se adotar o modelo logístico.

Two mathematical models were used to evaluate gas production from the meal and pie of babassu using the semi-automated gas production technique. The logistic and Gompertz models were used and the validation parameters for both models were the residual mean square (RMS), the coefficient of determination (R 2 ), the absolute average residual (AAR), and the graphical analysis of residues. The logistic model showed lower RMS (P<0.05) and AAR in comparison to Gompertz model. Both Gompertz and logistic models showed similar R 2 . The dispersion graphics showed similarity for both models and graphics analyses demonstrated that both models describe well the kinetic of gas production of dry matter. However, the bicompartimental logistic model showed the best RMS value. Logistic models are recommended to describe the kinetic of gas production from babassu foods using the semi-automated in vitro technique.

Avaliação de ionóforos pela técnica da perda do potássio celular e produção de gases in vitro / Ionophores evaluation by intracellular potassium depletion and in vitro gas production

Dois estudos foram realizados com vacas lactantes utilizadas como unidade experimental e doadoras de líquido ruminal, sendo as populações de bactérias utilizadas para avaliar a ação de níveis crescentes de lasalocida e monensina na resistência à perda de potássio intracelular, e para produção de gases in vitro. A perda de potássio (Kmax) da lasalocida foi menor para a população de bactérias obtidas do líquido de rúmen de vacas submetidas a dietas com monensina, óleo de soja e monensina mais óleo de soja (19,4 a 25,4 por cento) quando comparada com a perda de potássio em vacas submetidas a dietas sem ionóforo e óleo de soja (30,1 por cento). O mesmo ocorreu para a perda de potássio da monensina, em que o menor valor foi de 6,5 por cento para monensina mais óleo e o maior, de 29,5 por cento, para o controle. Necessita-se de alta concentração de monensina (Kd= 2,3µM), porém baixa de lasalocida (Kd= 0,2µM) para causar a metade da perda máxima de potássio intracelular da população de bactérias do rúmen de vacas submetidas a dietas com monensina. As populações de bactérias de vacas submetidas às dietas com monensina foram sensíveis à lasalocida. As amostras incubadas com própolis produziram menor volume de gases (12,9ml/100g de MS)

Two studies were carried out with lactating cows as experimental units and ruminal fluid donors. The ruminal bacteria population was used to evaluate the action of increasing levels of lasalocid and monensin on resistance of intracellular potassium depletion and in vitro gas production intracellular depletion potassium (Kmax) of lasalocid was lower to ruminal bacteria population obtained from rumen of cows fed diets with monensin, soybean oil and monensin plus soybean oil (19.4 to 25.4 percent) when compared to cows fed with control diet (30.1 percent). The same occurred for intracellular depletion potassium (Kmax) of monensin, in which the lowest value was 6.5 percent to monensin plus soybean oil and the greatest was 29.5 percent to control. High monensin concentration (Kd= 2.3µM) and low lasalocid concentration (Kd= 0.2µM) were necessary to cause half of maximum potassium depletion in ruminal bacteria population from cows fed diet with monensin. The ruminal bacteria population from cows feed diet with monensin were sensible to lasalocid. In vitro gas production showed the lowest volume when diets were incubated with propolis (12,9ml/100g of DM)

Effects of diet on clinical signs of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of dietary modification on clinical signs of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in dogs. DESIGN: Blinded randomized crossover study. ANIMALS: 21 dogs with EPI. PROCEDURE: Dogs were fed the diet they received at home for 2 weeks. Thereafter, they received 3 special diets (a high-fat diet, a high-fiber diet, and a highly digestible low-residue diet) for 3 weeks each. Owners scored dogs daily for the last 2 weeks of each 3-week period for severity of 6 clinical signs including appetite, defecation frequency, consistency of feces, borborygmus, flatulence, and coprophagia. An EPI index was calculated for each dog by adding the daily scores for each clinical sign. RESULTS: Significant differences in daily EPI indices among diets were observed in 20 dogs. The original diet appeared to be the most suitable in 8 dogs, whereas the high-fat diet was most suitable in 5 dogs, the high-fiber diet was most suitable in 4 dogs, and the low-residue diet was most suitable in 2 dogs. In 1 dog, the lowest EPI index score was the same during the original diet and the high-fat diet feeding periods. One dog did not complete the feeding period for the high-fiber diet. Differences in mean EPI indices among diets were not significant. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that responses to different diets varied among individual dogs. Because responses to the feeding regimens were unpredictable, it is suggested that feeding regimens be individually formulated for dogs with EPI.

Development of a technique for the in vivo assessment of flatulence in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a noninvasive method for the in vivo assessment of flatulence in dogs. ANIMALS: 8 adult dogs. PROCEDURE: Rectal gases were collected via a perforated tube held close to each dog's anus and attached to a monitoring pump fitted with a sensor that recorded hydrogen sulfide concentrations every 20 seconds. Patterns of flatulence were monitored for 14 hours after feeding on 4 days, and within- and between-dog variation was assessed over 4 hours on 4 consecutive days. Rate of hydrogen sulfide production (flatulence index) and frequency and number of emissions were evaluated as potential indicators of flatus characteristics. An odor judge assigned an odor rating to each flatulence episode, and the relationship between that rating and hydrogen sulfide concentration was determined. RESULTS: Flatulence patterns varied within and between dogs. Variation was most pronounced for flatulence index; mean coefficients of variance within dogs over time and between dogs on each day were 75 and 103%, respectively. Flatus with hydrogen sulfide concentrations > 1 parts per million could be detected by the odor judge, and severity of malodor was highly correlated with hydrogen sulfide concentration. Odor ratings were accurately predicted by use of the equation 1.51 X hydrogen sulfide concentration(0.28). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The technique described in this report appears to provide sensitive, reliable, and relevant data and will enable further studies of the factors that influence flatulence in dogs. Use of this technique also has the potential to aid in investigations of colonic physiology and pathology.

Administration of charcoal, Yucca schidigera, and zinc acetate to reduce malodorous flatulence in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether feeding activated charcoal, Yucca schidigera, and zinc acetate would ameliorate the frequency and odor characteristics of flatulence in dogs. DESIGN: In vitro screening of active agents followed by a randomized controlled trial. ANIMALS: 8 adult dogs. PROCEDURE: A fecal fermentation system was used to assess the effects of activated charcoal, Yucca schidigera, and zinc acetate alone and in combination on total gas production and production of hydrogen sulfide, the primary determinant of flatus malodor in dogs. All 3 agents were subsequently incorporated into edible treats that were fed 30 minutes after the dogs ate their daily rations, and the number, frequency, and odor characteristics of flatulence were measured for 5 hours, using a device that sampled rectal gases and monitored hydrogen sulfide concentrations. RESULT: Total gas production and number and frequency of flatulence episodes were unaffected by any of the agents. Production of hydrogen sulfide in vitro was significantly reduced by charcoal, Yucca schidigera, and zinc acetate by 71, 38, and 58%, respectively, and was reduced by 86% by the combination of the 3 agents. Consumption of the 3 agents was associated with a significant decrease (86%) in the percentage of flatulence episodes with bad or unbearable odor and a proportional increase in the percentage of episodes of no or only slightly noticeable odor. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that activated charcoal, Yucca schidigera, and zinc acetate reduce malodor of flatus in dogs by altering the production or availability of hydrogen sulfide in the large intestine.

Treatment of cardiac arrhythmias in dogs with gastric distention-volvulus.

Lidocaine, procainamide, quinidine, or a combination of these drugs was used to treat a variety of cardiac arrhythmias in 70 dogs with gastric distention-volvulus. Antiarrhythmic drugs were administered by constant infusion, the double-infusion technique, or intramuscular injection. Most cardiac arrhythmias were ventricular in origin, although supraventricular arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation also were included. Normal sinus rhythm was reestablished in greater than 85% of the dogs treated. Restoration to normal rhythm was improved by combination drug therapy, normalization of acid-base balance, and appropriate electrolyte therapy.