Comparison of PrestoBlue® and plating method to evaluate antimicrobial activity of ascorbic acid, boric acid and curcumin in an in vitro gastrointestinal model.

AIMS: To compare the conventional plating method vs a fluorometric method using PrestoBlue® as a dye by determining the antimicrobial activity of two organic acids and curcumin (CUR) against Salmonella Enteritidis in an avian in vitro digestion model that simulates the crop, proventriculus and intestine. METHODS AND RESULTS: A concentration of 108  CFU per ml of S. Enteritidis was exposed to groups with different rates of ascorbic acid (AA), boric acid (BA) and CUR. Significant differences were observed when the means of the treatments were compared with the controls in the compartments that simulate the crop and intestine (P < 0·05). Ascorbic acid alone and high rates of AA in the mixtures were the most efficient treatments in the crop compartment. However, in the intestinal compartment BA alone and at different rates in the mixture BA-CUR (1 : 1) were the best treatments to decrease the concentration of S. Enteritidis. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that there could be an antagonistic bactericidal effect between AA and CUR and AA and BA as well as a synergistic bactericidal effect between BA and CUR. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These findings may contribute to the development of a formulation with microencapsulated compounds to liberate them in different compartments to combat S. Enteritidis infections in broiler chickens.

The use of FTA cards for transport and detection of gyrA mutation of Campylobacter jejuni from poultry.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate a technique involving the use of commercially available FTA classic card (Whatman) for transporting and detection of DNA to use in PCR analysis and genetic sequencing of Campylobacter jejuni of poultry origin. Fifty isolates of Campylobacter jejuni were obtained from broiler carcasses in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing to ciprofloxacin revealed that all 50 isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin. Each isolate was transferred to Brucella broth tubes and incubated overnight at 41.5°C. Cell cultures were diluted to match a McFarland Turbidity Standard 0.5, and 110 µL of the cell suspension were applied to one circle on Whatman FTA classic cards. The samples were then covered and allowed to dry at room temperature. Cards were identified and stored at room temperature until further use (3 mo after collection). FTA cards were shipped for analysis to the Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas. Amplification of the Campylobacter gyrA gene was successful and demonstrated strong bands for a large amplicon for all 50 samples preserved on FTA cards. Mutations present in each gene were confirmed by DNA sequencing. Then, 7 samples were chosen for the sequencing. The detection of a mutation regarding ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates revealed that 7 samples had a mutation in the gyrA gene. In conclusion, the characteristics of the profiles suggest that the DNA has maintained its integrity after 3 mo of storage at room temperature and is a suitable template for PCR and sequencing from Campylobacter samples. The application of this technology has potential in numerous methodologies, especially when working in remote areas and in developing countries where access to laboratory facilities and equipment is limited.

Effect of dexamethasone in feed on intestinal permeability, differential white blood cell counts, and immune organs in broiler chicks.

We have previously shown that intestinal barrier function can be adversely affected by poorly digested diets or feed restriction, resulting in increased intestinal inflammation-associated permeability. Three experiments were conducted in broilers to evaluate the effect of dexamethasone (DEX) treatment on systemic fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-D; 3-5 kDa) levels, indicative of increased gut epithelial leakage. Experiment 1 compared DEX injections of 1 mg/kg, once per day on d 3, 5, and 9, with feed administration at 0.57, 1.7, or 5.1 ppm d 4 to 10, with FITC-D serum concentrations 2.5 h after gavage with 4.16 mg/kg FITC-D. All DEX treatments resulted in marked (2 to 6X; P<0.05) increased serum FITC-D levels. Feed DEX administration resulted in greater (P<0.05) gut permeability than injection at any dose, with numerically optimal effects at the lowest dose tested. In experiments 2 and 3, chicks were randomly assigned to a starter ration containing either control (CON) or DEX treated feed (0.57 ppm/kg; d 3 to 10 experiment 2, d 4 to 10 experiment 3). At d 10, all chicks were treated by oral gavage with FITC-D and serum samples were obtained as described above. Samples of the liver were aseptically collected, homogenized, diluted 1:4 wt/vol in sterile saline, and serial dilutions were plated on tryptic soy agar to evaluate total numbers of aerobic bacteria in the liver as an index of bacterial translocation (BT). In both experiments, FITC-D absorption was significantly enhanced (P<0.05) in DEX-treated chicks, again indicating increased paracellular leakage across the gut epithelium associated with dissolution of tight junctions. Experiment 2 differential cell counts showed an increased heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, and immune organ (spleen and bursa of Fabricius) weights for experiments 2 and 3 were decreased (P<0.05) from controls. In experiments 2 and 3, dietary DEX administration resulted in numerically (experiment 2) or significantly (P<0.05) increased enteric BT to the liver, supporting the observation that dietary DEX causes a stress-like inflammatory GI response, which may contribute to subclinical or clinical disease, and may be a useful model for ongoing disease mitigation research related to stress-related diseases of GIT origin.

Comparison of different ELISA protocols for the detection of IgA against influenza nucleoproteins in trachea of vaccinated chickens.

Vaccines targeting mucosal immunity are important for the control of infection by pathogens with mucosal portals of entry, such as avian influenza. However, reliable and effective methods for determining levels of mucosal IgA stimulated by vaccination are not well developed in poultry and are necessary for determining efficacy. The objective of the present study was to compare different ELISA protocols to evaluate levels of mucosal IgA against two different sequences of nucleoprotein (NP:), a highly conserved internal protein in avian influenza virus, in trachea. Positive control tracheas were obtained through hyperimmunization of birds with adjuvated NP1 and NP2 peptide conjugated with keyhole limpet hemocyanin administered both orally and parenterally; negative birds received no antigen. Trachea samples were homogenized, and supernatant fluid was collected to separate IgA. ELISA was performed on NP1- or NP2-positive trachea samples, negative trachea samples, and blank wells with different levels of NP1 and NP2 coating peptides (5 or 10 µg/mL) using two different secondary antibodies (Gene Tex, GT:, or Thermo Scientific, TS:), with or without an acetate wash, and using maximum, medium, or low binding ELISA plates. The TS antibody resulted in a higher background signal compared to GT. Furthermore, coating plate wells with NP2 resulted in very high background compared to NP1. An acetate buffer wash resulted in the muffling of signals, and medium and low binding plates used in the study resulted in better results than maximum binding plates. These results suggest that the selection of appropriate secondary antibodies, binding plates, and ELISA reagent protocols all play important roles in determining NP1- or NP2-specific IgA levels in trachea samples.

Histopathological and morphometric changes induced by a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) model in broilers.

Oral administration of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) is commonly used as an inducer of enteric inflammation in rodents. However, there is a dearth of knowledge regarding appropriate dosage, timing, or ageresponses in broilers for this potential inducer of inflammation without necrosis. Two experiments were conducted in day-of-hatch chicks to analyze clinical parameters and enteric histological changes induced by DSS when administered via drinking water ( DW: ). In both experiments, birds were distributed into nontreated control or varying concentrations of DSS in DW. For both experiments, only 0.75% DSS in DW was histologically evaluated. In Experiment 1, chicks received DSS from day 3 to 11, and at 3, 6, and 8 d of treatment, chicks were weighed, and sections of the duodenum, ileum, and ceca were formalin fixed. The addition of 0.75% DSS caused depression, anemia, and watery bloody diarrhea, plus significantly (P < 0.05) decreased BW gain at all times. Shortened ileal villi at 6 d and duodenal villi at 8 d of treatment, reduced duodenal and ileal epithelial cell height at 3, 6, and 8 d, and increased duodenal goblet cell density at 6 and 8 d were observed in response to DSS administration (P < 0.05). In Experiment 2, birds received DSS from days 10 to 16 and were sampled at 3 and 6 d of treatment. Similar changes were found in ceca of treated birds. There was no significant change in the duodenal villus height and goblet cell density by 6 d of treatment, suggesting that 6 d of 0.75% DSS in DW was not sufficient for the reproduction of duodenal symptoms in these older birds. However, there was a significant decrease in ilealvillus height and decreased ileal epithelial cell height at 3 and 6 d of treatment, as well as a significant decrease in BW compared to the control group. These findings indicate that DW administration of 0.75% DSS caused generalized mild and non-necrotic enteritis in broilers and that this compound may be useful for enteric inflammation modeling in poultry.

Poultry enteric inflammation model with dextran sodium sulfate mediated chemical induction and feed restriction in broilers.

Gut inflammation is a cardinal event occurring in various gastrointestinal diseases regardless of etiology. A potential mechanism of action for antibiotic growth promoters and probiotics is alleviation or attenuation of such inflammation. In vivo inflammation models and markers to quantify changes in inflammation, such as paracellular leakage and tight junction function, are necessary tools in the search for methods to reduce enteric inflammation. Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and feed restriction (FRS), and fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d; 3 to 5 kDa) marker were evaluated for induction and assessment of enteric inflammation in broilers. Three independent experiments were conducted where birds received an inflammation inducer treatment and an oral gavage of FITC-d (2.2 mg/bird) 2.5 h before killing on d 4, followed by measurement of serum FITC-d levels and release of FITC-d from different regions of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) to evaluate tight junction function. Experiment 1 tested control (CON) and DSS; Experiments 2 and 3 evaluated CON, DSS, and FRS. In all experiments DSS, as well as FRS in Experiments 2 and 3, showed higher (P<0.05) leakage of FITC-d into serum than CON, but FRS was not different from DSS. The amount of FITC-d retained in duodenal and cecal tissue was affected (P<0.05) by FRS in Experiments 2 and 3, and DSS affected FITC-d retention in duodenum only, suggesting differences in gut passage or absorption/adsorption. In conclusion, DSS oral gavage and FRS could induce leaky gut, with changes in serum FITC-d and migration of FITC-d from GIT.

Dose titration of FITC-D for optimal measurement of enteric inflammation in broiler chicks.

Traditionally, antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) have been used in foodstock animals to reduce enteric inflammation and maintain intestinal homeostasis, thus improving growth and performance. Due to increasing restrictions regarding the use of AGP however, precise and high throughput enteric inflammation models and markers to search for effective alternatives are urgently needed. In this paper, oral administration of fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d, 3-5 kDa) and its passage into blood was used as a marker for tight junction permeability. In experiement 1, broilers were assigned to a control group, a group which received 24 h feed restriction (FR), or a group which received dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) (0.75% in water for 5 d), and each group then underwent an oral gavage of FITC-d 2.5 h before sample collection on d10. FITC-d in serum and intestinal samples (duodenum and ceca) were found to be higher (P<0.05) after FR than in the DSS and control groups. In experiment 2, FR was evaluated for its effect on mucosal leakage and an oral dose of FITC-d of 0.5, 1.1, or 2.2 mg/chick was used to measure the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) permeability at 6 d of age. The amount of FITC-d remaining in the duodenal tissue of the control birds increased with dose, only the 1.1 mg FITC-d/chick dose resulted in differences (P<0.05) between the control and FR groups. No differences were noted between the control and FR groups, regardless of FITC-d dosage in cecal recovery of FITC-d. Additionally, FR increased FITC-d serum levels when compared to the control group and in a dose-dependent manner. Experiment 3 compared serum levels after administration of 0.55 and 1.1 mg/chick doses of FITC-d in birds treated with FR, rye-based diet (RBD), and DSS. Intestinal sections were collected for FITC-d recovery in the 1.1 mg dosage group. All inflammation treatments significantly increased serum FITC-d levels at both doses. Only FR resulted in increased (P<0.05) FITC-d recovery from duodenum, ileum, and ceca. In conclusion, FR, DSS, and RBD affected GIT tight junction integrity, suggesting their value for enteric inflammation models, and FITC-d may be a good indicator of permeability.

Evaluation of a Bacillus direct-fed microbial candidate on digesta viscosity, bacterial translocation, microbiota composition and bone mineralisation in broiler chickens fed on a rye-based diet.

1. The effects of the dietary inclusion of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial (DFM) candidate on digesta viscosity, bacterial translocation, microbiota composition and bone mineralisation were evaluated in broilers consuming rye-based diets. 2. In the present study, control mash rye-based diets (CON) or Bacillus-DFM supplemented diets (TRT) were administered ad libitum to male broilers in three independent experiments. 3. In Experiments 1 and 2 (n = 25/group), liver samples were taken to evaluate bacterial translocation, digesta samples were used for viscosity measurements and the intestinal microbial flora was evaluated from different intestinal sections to enumerate total recovered gram-negative bacteria (TGB), lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and anaerobic bacteria (TAB). Additionally, both tibias were removed for assessment of bone quality. 4. In Experiment 3, each experimental group had 8 replicates of 20 chickens (n = 160/group). Weekly, body weight (BW), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were evaluated. At d 28-of-age, samples were taken to determine bacterial translocation, digesta viscosity and bone quality characteristics. 5. In all experiments, consumption of Bacillus-DFM reduced bacterial translocation to the liver and digesta viscosity. Additionally, DFM supplementation improved BW, bone quality measurements and FCR. Moreover, chickens fed on the Bacillus-DFM diet in Experiments 1 and 2 showed a significant reduction in the number of gram-negative and anaerobic bacteria in the duodenal content compared to control. 6. In summary, chickens fed on a rye-based diet without DFM inclusion showed an increase in bacterial translocation and digesta viscosity, accompanied by reduced performance and bone quality variables relative to the Bacillus-DFM candidate group. Hence, incorporation into the feed of a selected DFM ameliorated the adverse anti-nutritional effects related to utilisation of rye-based diets in broilers chickens.

Fate of Salmonella Senftenberg in broiler chickens evaluated by challenge experiments.

Experimental and epidemiological evidence has indicated the respiratory route to be a potential portal of entry for salmonellas in poultry. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the infectivity of Salmonella enterica serovar Senftenberg following oral gavage, intratracheal or intravenous challenge in chickens. Seven-day-old chicks were challenged with either 10(4) or 10(6) colony-forming units of S. Senftenberg per chick by oral gavage, intratracheal or intravenous challenge, respectively, in two independent trials. Chickens were humanely killed 24 h post challenge and S. Senftenberg was cultured and enumerated from caecal contents, caecal tissue-caecal tonsils and liver and spleen. In both trials, intratracheal delivery of S. Senftenberg was the only route that allowed colonization of the caeca of chickens when compared with oral gavage or intravenous challenge in a dose response fashion (P < 0.05). Liver and spleen samples yielded no S. Seftenberg after the lower dose challenge by the oral or intratracheal route and only low levels following the high-dose administration by these routes, whereas intravenous challenge resulted in recovery of the organisms after both doses. The results of the present study suggest that S. Senftenberg entering the blood is likely to be cleared and will not be able to colonize caeca to the same extent as compared with intratracheal challenge. Clarification of the potential importance of the respiratory tract for transmission of salmonellas under field conditions may be of critical importance to develop intervention strategies to reduce the transmission in poultry.

PbS nanostructured thin films by in situ Cu-doping.

PbS:Cu nanocrystalline films were prepared by chemical bath at temperature of 80 degrees C and deposited on glass substrates. Different Cu-doping levels were obtained changing the volume of the Cu-reagent-solution into the PbS growing solution. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and optical absorption (OA) measurements were carried out to characterize the semiconductor. The morphological changes of the layers were analyzed using an atomic force microscopy. Diffraction X-ray spectra displayed peaks at 2 theta = (26.00, 30.07, 43.10, 51.00 and 53.48), indicating growth on the zinc blende face. The grain size determined by X-rays diffraction of the undoped samples, was found -37 nm, whereas with the doped sample was - 32-25 nm. Raman spectra reports strong band in - 133-140 cm(-1) attributed to a combination of longitudinal and transversal acoustic modes. Optical absorption, forbidden band gap energy (E(g)) shift disclose a shift in the range 1.4-2.4 eV. Gibbs free energy calculation for the Cu doping PbS is also included heading.

Glycerol supplementation enhances the protective effect of dietary FloraMax-B11 against Salmonella Enteritidis colonization in neonate broiler chickens.

Two independent trials were conducted in the present study to evaluate the effect of 5% glycerol supplementation combined with dietary FloraMax-B11 (FM) against Salmonella Enteritidis colonization in neonate broiler chickens. In each trial, 60 chicks were randomly assigned into 4 groups. Group 1 received a control diet. Group 2 received a control diet supplemented with 5% glycerol. Group 3 received a control diet supplemented with FM, and group 4 received a control diet supplemented with 5% glycerol and FM. At placement, chickens were challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis at 10(4) cfu/bird. In each trial, 12 chicks were humanely killed 72 h postchallenge, respectively, for Salmonella Enteritidis colonization. Supplementation of 5% glycerol or FM by themselves, showed no significant effect on Salmonella Enteritidis recovery or incidence when compared with control nontreated chickens in both trials. However, no detectable Salmonella Enteritidis was observed in the chickens that received the supplementation of 5% glycerol combined with FM in both trials. Further studies are in progress in older birds to substantiate these findings.

Evaluation of germination, distribution, and persistence of Bacillus subtilis spores through the gastrointestinal tract of chickens.

Spores are popular as direct-fed microbials, though little is known about their mode of action. Hence, the first objective of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro germination and growth rate of Bacillus subtilis spores. Approximately 90% of B. subtilis spores germinate within 60 min in the presence of feed in vitro. The second objective was to determine the distribution of these spores throughout different anatomical segments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in a chicken model. For in vivo evaluation of persistence and dissemination, spores were administered to day-of-hatch broiler chicks either as a single gavage dose or constantly in the feed. During 2 independent experiments, chicks were housed in isolation chambers and fed sterile corn-soy-based diets. In these experiments one group of chickens was supplemented with 10(6) spores/g of feed, whereas a second group was gavaged with a single dose of 10(6) spores per chick on day of hatch. In both experiments, crop, ileum, and cecae were sampled from 5 chicks at 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h. Viable B. subtilis spores were determined by plate count method after heat treatment (75°C for 10 min). The number of recovered spores was constant through 120 h in each of the enteric regions from chickens receiving spores supplemented in the feed. However, the number of recovered B. subtilis spores was consistently about 10(5) spores per gram of digesta, which is about a 1-log10 reduction of the feed inclusion rate, suggesting approximately a 90% germination rate in the GIT when fed. On the other hand, recovered B. subtilis spores from chicks that received a single gavage dose decreased with time, with only approximately 10(2) spores per gram of sample by 120 h. This confirms that B. subtilis spores are transiently present in the GIT of chickens, but the persistence of vegetative cells is presently unknown. For persistent benefit, continuous administration of effective B. subtilis direct-fed microbials as vegetative cells or spores is advisable.

Evaluation of the respiratory route as a viable portal of entry for Salmonella in poultry via intratracheal challenge of Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium.

Experimental and epidemiological evidence suggests that primary infection of Salmonella is by the oral-fecal route for poultry. However, the airborne transmission of Salmonella and similar enteric zoonotic pathogens has been historically neglected. Increasing evidence of Salmonella bioaerosol generation in production facilities and studies suggesting the vulnerabilities of the avian respiratory architecture together have indicated the possibility of the respiratory system being a potential portal of entry for Salmonella in poultry. Presently, we evaluated this hypothesis through intratracheal (IT) administration of Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium, as separate challenges, in a total of 4 independent trials, followed by enumeration of cfu recovery in ceca-cecal tonsils and recovery incidence in liver and spleen. In all trials, both Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium, challenged IT colonized cecae to a similar or greater extent than oral administration at identical challenge levels. In most trials, chickens cultured for cfu enumeration from IT-challenged chicks at same dose as orally challenged, resulted in an increase of 1.5 log higher Salmonella Enteritidis from ceca-cecal tonsils and a much lower dose IT of Salmonella Enteritidis could colonize ceca to the same extent than a higher oral challenge. This trend of increased cecal colonization due to IT challenge was observed with all trails involving week-old birds (experiment 2 and 3), which are widely considered to be more difficult to infect via the oral route. Liver-spleen incidence data showed 33% of liver and spleen samples to be positive for Salmonella Enteritidis administered IT (10(6) cfu/chick), compared with 0% when administered orally (experiment 2, trial 1). Collectively, these data suggest that the respiratory tract may be a largely overlooked portal of entry for Salmonella infections in chickens.

Evaluation of a commercially available organic acid product on body weight loss, carcass yield, and meat quality during preslaughter feed withdrawal in broiler chickens: a poultry welfare and economic perspective.

The effect of a commercial organic acid (OA) product on BW loss (BWL) during feed withdrawal and transportation, carcass yield, and meat quality was evaluated in broiler chickens. Two experiments were conducted in Brazil. Commercial houses were paired as control groups receiving regular water and treated groups receiving OA in the water. Treated birds had a reduction in BWL of 37 g in experiment 1 and 32.2 g in experiment 2. In experiment 2, no differences were observed in carcass yield between groups. Estimation of the cost benefit suggested a 1:16 ratio by using the OA. In experiment 3, conducted in Mexico, significant differences on water consumption, BWL, and meat quality characteristics were observed in chickens that were treated with the OA (P < 0.05). These data suggest this OA product may improve animal welfare and economic concerns in the poultry industry by reducing BWL and improving meat quality attributes.

Absorption and deposition of xanthophylls in broilers challenged with three dosages of Eimeria acervulina oocysts.

1. An experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of different doses of oocysts of Eimeria acervulina on intestinal absorption and skin deposition of xanthophylls (XAs) in broilers. 2. A total of 192 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to 4 groups: an uninfected control group and three groups inoculated with either 1 × 10(2), 1 × 10(4) or 1 × 10(5) sporulated oocysts of E. acervulina by gavaging at 21 d. There were 4 replicate pens (2 male and 2 female) per group. 3. Plasma xanthophyll (PX) and skin yellowness (SY) were measured in live birds weekly. At 42 d of age, SY was measured in the breast and abdomen after chilling and in the breast 24 h post-processing on refrigerated carcasses. 4. In general, in all challenged treatments, and for the duration of the study, the average PX decreased by 0.02 µg/ml (R(2) = 61.6%) for every 1000 inoculated oocysts, whereas PX increased by 1.26 µg/ml/d in uninfected birds. 5. The average SY in live birds from 21 to 42 d of age decreased by 0.019 b*/every 1000 oocysts administered, while SY of uninfected controls increased by 0.57 b*/d. It was also noted that in all treatments females had a greater SY (6.17 b*) than males for the duration of the study. The SY of the breast and abdomen was correlated (r = 0.76) in chilled carcasses. Breast SY in 24 h refrigerated carcasses was greater in the control group and for female birds. 6. Oocyst excretion was different between inoculated treatments only on 7 d post-inoculation (PI). Coccidia lesion scores in the duodenum averaged 1+ in infected birds and 2+ in birds given the highest oocyst dose.

Recall strategies for the verbal fluency test in patients with multiple sclerosis.

UNLABELLED: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterised by inflammation and demyelination. It generates irreversible myelin changes, which in turn give rise to physical and cognitive disorders. The verbal fluency test (VF) has been shown to be a sensitive tool for detecting cognitive impairment in these patients. OBJECTIVE: To compare quantitative and qualitative aspects of performance on semantic and phonological fluency tests between MS patients and healthy controls by analysing total words produced and strategies used (clusters and switching). METHOD: We evaluated 46 patients with MS and 33 healthy controls using the VF test. RESULTS: The semantic VF task revealed no significant differences between groups; for the phonological task, patients demonstrated reduced word production (F [77]=2.286 P<.001) and poorer use of grouping strategies, resulting in more frequent switching (F [77]=3.808 P<.005). CONCLUSIONS: These results support using qualitative analysis for recall strategies, since the technique provides data about which components of the task are affected by brain damage. Clusters depend on the integrity of semantic memory, while switching has to do with developing effective search strategies, cognitive flexibility, and the ability to modify responses. Frontal lobe damage has been reported in MS, and this is consistent with results from the phonological VF test.

Green method to form iron oxide nanorods in orange peels for chromium(VI) reduction.

A green method for synthesizing iron oxide nanorods within orange peel pith has been developed. Orange peel pith functions as both a support and a reducing agent for iron ions. The nanorods were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Results of the characterization indicate that iron is deposited on the surface of orange peel primarily in the form of iron, iron(II) oxide and magnetite. The nanoparticles grow to form nanorods in the range of 20-40 nm of diameter. The biocomposite was then tested for Cr(VI) reduction and removal from aqueous solutions, exhibiting removals as high as 96% for concentrations of 10 mg/L and 76% for 50 mg/L, which is almost 4 times the removal capacity of orange peel alone.

Evaluation of effects of EarlyBird associated with FloraMax-B11 on Salmonella Enteritidis, intestinal morphology, and performance of broiler chickens.

A posthatch fasting period of 24 to 72 h is a common and inevitable practice in commercial poultry production. This delay in start of feed intake has been reported to negatively affect yolk utilization, gastrointestinal development, slaughter weight, breast meat yield, performance, and to also depress immunological development, making the birds more susceptible to infection from pathogens such as Salmonella. Furthermore, public concerns regarding the considerable human rates of illness reported and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of Salmonella have doubled the challenge on the poultry industry to find alternative means of Salmonella control. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of a combination of early feeding with probiotic supplementation on morphological development of mucosa, control of Salmonella, and overall performance in broiler chickens. We used a blend of a commercially available perinatal supplement, EarlyBird (EB; Pacific Vet Group USA Inc., Fayetteville, AR), and a successful probiotic supplement, FloraMax-B11 (FM; Pacific Vet Group USA Inc.), to evaluate the effects on gut morphology, Salmonella intestinal colonization, and horizontal transmission, along with its effects on BW and related performance in broiler chickens under simulated commercial hatching management and shipping conditions. Morphometric analysis showed increased villus height, villus width, villus to crypt ratio, and villus surface area index in chickens treated with EB + FM groups. Significant reductions in Salmonella recovery, incidence, and horizontal transmission were also observed among the same groups, suggesting beneficial effects of early feeding and competitive exclusion by probiotic bacteria. Improved gut morphology and Salmonella exclusion was very well supported by BW data with significantly lower early BW loss and overall BW gains in birds treated with EB + FM mixture. The results of this study demonstrated that the combination of EB and FM improved gut morphology, reduced the amount of Salmonella that could be recovered, as well as improved BW when compared with controls and each product individually. These data address both animal welfare and food safety concerns faced by the poultry industry.

Effect of different concentrations of acetic, citric, and propionic acid dipping solutions on bacterial contamination of raw chicken skin.

Bacterial contamination of raw, processed poultry may include spoilage bacteria and foodborne pathogens. We evaluated different combinations of organic acid (OA) wash solutions for their ability to reduce bacterial contamination of raw chicken skin and to inhibit growth of spoilage bacteria and pathogens on skin during refrigerated storage. In experiment 1, raw chicken skin samples were dipped into a suspension of either 10(8) cfu/mL of Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli O157:H7, or Listeria monocytogenes for 30 s and then immersed in PBS or an OA wash solution mixture of 0.8% citric, 0.8% acetic, and 0.8% propionic acid (at equal wt/vol concentrations) for an additional 30 s. In experiment 2, three different concentrations of the OA wash solution (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6% at equal wt/vol concentrations) were tested against chicken skin samples contaminated with Salmonella Typhimurium. Viable pathogenic bacteria on each skin sample were enumerated after 1 and 24 h of storage at 4°C in both experiments. In experiment 3, skin samples were initially treated on d 1 with PBS or 2 concentrations of the OA mixture (0.4 and 0.8%), and total aerobic bacteria were enumerated during a 2-wk storage period. In all experiments, significant (P < 0.05) differences were observed when skin samples were treated with the OA wash solution and no spoilage organisms were recovered at any given time point, whereas increasing log10 numbers of spoilage organisms were recovered over time in PBS-treated skin samples. These results suggest that 0.2 to 0.8% concentrations of an equal-percentage mixture of this OA combination may reduce pathogens and spoilage organisms and improve food safety properties of raw poultry.

Removal of tetracycline by natural and iron-modified orange peel from aqueous solutions: processes in batch, column, and mechanism.

Natural (OP) and iron modified orange peel (Fe-OP) were used for the removal of tetracycline from aqueous solutions in batch and fixed bed column systems. The adsorbents were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and the morphologies of the surfaces before and after tetracycline removal were determined by scanning electron microscope and the elemental analysis was performed by X-ray dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The kinetic behaviour showed that the equilibrium was reached in 24 and 10 h for OP and Fe-OP respectively, the data were adjusted to both the pseudo second order and intraparticle diffusion models which indicate a chemisorption mechanism and the adsorption process is controlled by the intraparticle diffusion process. The isotherms showed that the adsorption capacity was eight times higher for Fe-OP than OP and the data were best fitted to the Freundlich model indicating that the materials are heterogeneous. The effect of flow rate, influent concentration and adsorbent mass were determined in the column system. The data were adjusted to the Thomas, Adams-Bohart and Yoon-Nelson models, and the best adjustment of data was with the first one. The adsorption capacities in the column system were about half of those obtained in the batch system. These adsorbents show good properties for the removal of tetracycline from water.