Retraction Note to: Stickler syndrome report of a second Australian family.

The Editors have retracted this article [1] as is it is not clear whether parental consent was provided for publication of the images and case. Given the age of the article we have been unable to verify this, therefore the article is no longer available online in order to protect the privacy of the individual. Both authors agree to this retraction.

Clinical translation of [18F]ICMT-11 for measuring chemotherapy-induced caspase 3/7 activation in breast and lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Effective anticancer therapy is thought to involve induction of tumour cell death through apoptosis and/or necrosis. [18F]ICMT-11, an isatin sulfonamide caspase-3/7-specific radiotracer, has been developed for PET imaging and shown to have favourable dosimetry, safety, and biodistribution. We report the translation of [18F]ICMT-11 PET to measure chemotherapy-induced caspase-3/7 activation in breast and lung cancer patients receiving first-line therapy. RESULTS: Breast tumour SUVmax of [18F]ICMT-11 was low at baseline and unchanged following therapy. Measurement of M30/M60 cytokeratin-18 cleavage products showed that therapy was predominantly not apoptosis in nature. While increases in caspase-3 staining on breast histology were seen, post-treatment caspase-3 positivity values were only approximately 1%; this low level of caspase-3 could have limited sensitive detection by [18F]ICMT-11-PET. Fourteen out of 15 breast cancer patients responded to first-line chemotherapy (complete or partial response); one patient had stable disease. Four patients showed increases in regions of high tumour [18F]ICMT-11 intensity on voxel-wise analysis of tumour data (classed as PADS); response was not exclusive to patients with this phenotype. In patients with lung cancer, multi-parametric [18F]ICMT-11 PET and MRI (diffusion-weighted- and dynamic contrast enhanced-MRI) showed that PET changes were concordant with cell death in the absence of significant perfusion changes. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the potential use of [18F]ICMT-11 PET as a promising candidate for non-invasive imaging of caspase3/7 activation, and the difficulties encountered in assessing early-treatment responses. We summarize that tumour response could occur in the absence of predominant chemotherapy-induced caspase-3/7 activation measured non-invasively across entire tumour lesions in patients with breast and lung cancer.

Histogram analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient from whole-body diffusion-weighted MRI to predict early response to chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: preliminary results.

AIM: To evaluate apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram analysis parameters, acquired from whole-body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI), as very early predictors of response to chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-institution prospective study, approved by the West Midlands-South Birmingham research ethics committee. All patients gave fully informed consent prior to imaging. Sixteen patients with histologically confirmed mCRC were enrolled to the study and 11 were successfully scanned with whole-body DW-MRI before (baseline) and 10.8±2.7 days after commencing chemotherapy (follow-up). Therapy response was assessed by RECIST 1.1. Mean ADC and histogram parameters (skewness, kurtosis, 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles) were compared between progressors and non-progressors at baseline and follow-up. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed for the statistically significant parameters. Data from metastases were also compared to normative tissue data acquired from healthy volunteers. RESULTS: Three patients had progressive disease (progressors) and eight had partial response/stable disease (non-progressors). Mean, 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles were significantly lower for progressors at baseline (p=0.012, 0.012, 0.012 and 0.025 respectively) with areas under the ROC curves (AUC)=0.58, 0.50, 0.58 and 0.63, respectively. Skewness and kurtosis were significantly lower for non-progressors at follow-up (p=0.001 and 0.003 respectively) with AUC=0.67 and 0.79 respectively. CONCLUSION: ADC histogram analysis shows potential in discriminating progressive from non-progressive disease in patients with mCRC, who underwent whole-body DW-MRI. The technique can potentially be tested as a response assessment methodology in larger trials.

Metabolic parameters in young turkeys fed diets with different inclusion levels of copper nanoparticles.

The aim of this study was to verify the hypothesis postulating that the supplementation of turkey diets with Cu nanoparticles can lower dietary inclusion levels of Cu without compromising the growth rate and antioxidant status of turkeys. The experiment was carried out on 648 one-day-old Hybrid Converter turkeys divided into 6 groups with 6 replicates per group, in a two-factorial design with 3 dietary inclusion levels of Cu (20, 10 and 2 mg/kg) and 2 dietary sources of Cu - copper sulfate (Cu-SUL) and Cu nanoparticles (Cu-NP). At 42 days of age, blood samples were collected from 2 birds per replicate (12 birds per group), after slaughter livers were collected for analyses. Blood and liver samples were assayed for: Cu, Zn, Ca, P, Mg, GLU, TP, ALB, UREA, TAG, TC, UA, ALT, AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, SOD, GPx, CAT, VIT C, FRAP, GSH+GSSG, LOOH, MDA. The results of this experiment demonstrate that a decrease in the dietary inclusion levels of Cu from 10 mg/kg to 2 mg/kg does not compromise the growth performance of turkeys, but weakens antioxidant defense mechanisms. A Cu dose of 20 mg/kg induces oxidation reactions and has a much more inhibitory effect on the antioxidant defense system than dietary Cu content of 2 mg/kg. In turkeys, dietary supplementation with Cu-NP has a more beneficial effect on carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidant status compared with Cu-SUL. The results of analyses examining the antioxidant and metabolic status of young turkeys indicate that 10 mg/kg is the optimal dietary inclusion level of Cu.

Effect of dialysis on the proacrosin/acrosin system and motility of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) spermatozoa during liquid storage.

1. The effect of dialysis on the proacrosin/acrosin system and motility of turkey spermatozoa were examined after 24 and 48 h of liquid storage at 4°C. 2. Fifteen pools of semen diluted in extender were dialysed against Clemson Turkey Semen Diluent (dialysed semen) or stored in aerobic conditions (undialysed semen). Semen quality was assessed by measuring spermatozoa motility, amidase activity of spermatozoa suspension, spermatozoa extract and seminal plasma and anti-trypsin activity of seminal plasma. 3. Extracted amidase activity of dialysed semen was lower than undialysed by 28%. Higher values for speed parameters of spermatozoa were found in dialysed semen in comparison to undialysed, for example, 81.6 µm/s versus 75.0 µm/s for straight-line velocity (VSL), 114.7 µm/s versus 110.3 µm/s for curvilinear velocity (VCL) and 86.6 µm/s versus 79.8 µm/s for average path velocity (VAP). 4. It was concluded that dialysis caused lower amidase activity of spermatozoa and increased speed parameters of progressively motile turkey spermatozoa during storage. Lower extracted amidase activity of dialysed semen reflected better membrane integrity of dialysed semen and suggests that the proacrosin/acrosin system of dialysed spermatozoa is less susceptible to activation compared to undialysed semen.

Bisphosphonate therapy for painless fracture: change of HSAN 1 clinical course with biphosphonate and Vitamin D therapy.

Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathies comprise a set of 5 rare neurologic conditions, little known to radiologists as the neurologic and skin abnormalities precede the radiographic changes by months or even years. We report a Caucasian patient with a clinical history of HSAN, most consistent with subtype 1, whose progressive, destructive bone changes of the foot were not only controlled but to a degree reversed by the administration of bisphosphonates (Alendronate ) and vitamin D (Colecalciferol). The authors believe that combined bisphosphonate and vitamin D therapy is the treatment of choice for progressive bony changes in HSAN1. This therapy may be beneficial in other neuropathic osteoarthropathies and possibly osteolytic bone disorders.

Interventional management of intractable sympathetically mediated pain by computed tomography-guided catheter implantation for block and neuroablation of the thoracic sympathetic chain: technical approach and review of 322 procedures.

We retrospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of computed tomography-guided placement of percutaneous catheters in close proximity to the thoracic sympathetic chain by rating pain intensity and systematically reviewing charts and computed tomography scans. Interventions were performed 322 times in 293 patients of mean (SD) age 59.4 (17.0) years, and male to female ratio 105:188, with postherpetic neuralgia (n = 103, 35.1%), various neuralgias (n = 88, 30.0%), complex regional pain syndrome (n = 69, 23.6%), facial pain (n = 17, 5.8%), ischaemic limb pain (n = 7, 2.4%), phantom limb pain (n = 4, 1.4%), pain following cerebrovascular accident (n = 2, 0.7%), syringomyelia (n = 2, 0.7%) and palmar hyperhidrosis (n = 1, 0.3%). The interventions were associated with a total of 23 adverse events (7.1% of all procedures): catheter dislocation (n = 9, 2.8%); increase in pain intensity (n = 8, 2.5%); pneumothorax (n = 3, 0.9%); local infection (n = 2, 0.6%); and puncture of the spinal cord (n = 1, 0.3%). Continuous infusion of 10 ml.h(-1) ropivacaine 0.2% through the catheters decreased median (IQR [range]) pain scores from 8 (6-9 [2-10]) to 2 (1-3 [0-10]) (p < 0.0001). Chemical neuroablation was necessary in 137 patients (46.8%). We conclude that this procedure leads to a significant reduction of pain intensity in otherwise obstinate burning or stabbing pain and is associated with few hazards.

Effect of organic and inorganic forms of selenium in diets on turkey semen quality.

The effects of Se supplementation and its organic or inorganic form on semen quantitative parameters (ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, and total number of sperm) and biochemical parameters of seminal plasma (protein concentration, acid phosphatase activity, superoxide dismutase activity, and total antioxidant capacity) were investigated over a 25-wk reproductive season. Additionally, DNA fragmentation and motility characteristics of turkey spermatozoa were measured. The parameters of turkey semen in relation to yellow semen syndrome were also determined. Twenty-four males (Big 6) were divided into 3 experimental groups differing in form of Se supplementation (no Se supplementation, 0.3 mg/kg of inorganic Se from sodium selenite and 0.3 mg/kg of organic Se from Sel-Plex, Alltech Inc., Nicholasville, KY). Dietary Se supplementation enhanced the sperm concentration and total number of sperm and did not influence the antioxidative properties of turkey seminal plasma and most biochemical parameters. Only seminal plasma acid phosphatase activity was increased in turkeys fed inorganic Se. The main sperm DNA fragmentation parameters were not affected by dietary Se. The highest percentage of motile spermatozoa (85%) was recorded for the semen of turkeys fed organic Se. Values of the biochemical parameters (acid phosphatase, superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity) of seminal plasma increased during the reproductive season. Yellow semen was characterized by increased biochemical parameters and decreased spermatozoa motility characteristics. However, the percentage of motile spermatozoa did not differ between white and yellow semen. Organic Se seemed to be the preferred form of diet supplementation in comparison with inorganic Se. Biochemical parameters of semen and spermatozoa motility parameters appear to be useful for evaluating the effect of age on semen quality. Monitoring the DNA fragmentation of spermatozoa at the end of the reproductive season could be a useful tool for monitoring turkey semen quality. Increased superoxide dismutase activity can be used as an indicator of yellow semen. A decline in the quality of yellow semen can be related to a decrease in the spermatozoa motility parameters of turkeys.

[From Morbus Sudeck to complex regional pain syndrome]. / Vom Morbus Sudeck zum komplexen regionalen Schmerzsyndrom.

Burning pain and autonomic disorders, such as change of skin color, hyperhidrosis, edema and stiffness in joints of extremities were first described in 1864 by Silas W. Mitchell. The German expression "Morbus Sudeck" takes its name from the surgeon Paul Sudeck from Hamburg who described spotty decalcification in x-rays in 1900. In the Anglo-Saxon world, the theory that the sympathetic nervous system was involved in the generation and sustention of these alterations was based on the observations of the French surgeon René Leriche and in 1846 James A. Evans introduced the expression sympathetic reflex dystrophy. As doubts arose that the sympathetic nervous system could not be the sole culprit, the descriptive phrase of complex regional pain syndrome was introduced to substitute for more than 60 synonyms focusing on the fact that the disease develops after minor trauma or nerve lesions and does not correlate with the severity of the trauma. Diagnosing this syndrome is still hampered by the fact that no specific laboratory or radiological marker has yet been identified. Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches to therapy seem to be inevitable. Since Sudeck first described the disease, 110 years have passed. The underlying hypothesis and theories as well as the development during this time period are summarized.

Efficacy of different levels of Escherichia coli phytase in broiler diets with a reduced P content.

Escherichia coli-derived 6-phytase expressed in Pichia pastoris (Optiphos) was added to broiler rations with considerably reduced levels of phosphorus (by 1.5 g/kg). This experiment, performed over a five-week period, involved Ross 308 male chickens kept in battery cages. Each group was divided into 9 subgroups, each of 9 chickens (81 birds per treatment). Birds were allocated to a positive control group (I), a negative control group (II) and three phytase-supplemented groups (III-V--the diet as in group II + 250, 500 and 750 FTU Escherichia coli phytase/kg feed, respectively). The major components of starter and grower diets were corn, soybean and wheat meals. Starter and grower diets (in meal form) contained 6.73 and 6.05 g total P/kg, 4.05 and 3.46 g available P (aP)/kg, respectively, in group I, and 5.23 and 4.55 total P/kg, 2.54 g and 1.95 g aP /kg, respectively, in groups II-V. Phytase efficacy was evaluated based on performance results, carcass quality and bone mineralization. P reduction in group II decreased weight gains by 9.1% and increased feed conversion by approximately 8.4%, compared with group I. Diet supplementation with phytase in groups IV and V significantly compensated for the decrease in performance observed in group II. The differences in dressing percentage between group II and groups III and V were significant. Phosphorus reduction in the diets negatively influenced the process of bone mineralization, which was enhanced by phytase supplementation.

Efficacy of different phytase preparations in broiler rations.

Three phytase preparations were added to broiler rations with considerably reduced levels of phosphorus. Birds were allocated to a positive control group (I), a negative control group (II) and three phytase-supplemented groups (III--Aspergillus niger phytase, IV--Penicillium canescens phytase, V--Pichia phytase). Major components of starter and grower diets were wheat, corn and soybean meals. Starter and grower diets (in meal form) contained 6.65 or 6.01 g of total P/kg and 3.98 or 3.68 g available P/kg in group I, and 5.67 or 5.05 of total P/kg and 2.98 g or 2.70 g available P/kg in groups II - V, respectively. This experiment, performed over a five-week period, involved Ross 308 male chickens kept in battery cages. Each group was divided into 9 subgroups, each of 9 chickens (81 birds per treatment). Phytase efficacy was evaluated based on performance results, carcass quality and bone mineralization. Optimal performance levels were achieved in group I (2.149 g body weight, 1.776 kg feed/kg gain). P reduction in group II decreased weight gains by 9% and increased feed conversion by about 5%. Diet supplementation with phytase in groups III - V compensated for the decrease in performance observed in group II. The effect exerted by three microbial phytases was similar. The difference in carcass weight between group II and the other groups was significant. P reduction in the diets negatively influenced the process of bone mineralization, which was enhanced by phytase supplementation.

The effect of chemically and hydrothermally treated rapeseed on the performance and thyroid parameters of layers.

A feeding trial with brown laying hens was carried out in order to examine the effects of chemical and hydrothermal treatment of rapeseeds on the performance and thyroid parameters of birds during a long-term experiment. Untreated and treated rapeseeds were included in layer diets at a level of 7.5, 15.0, 22.5 and 30.0%, and the results obtained were compared with a control group fed a diet containing no rapeseed. Rapeseed treatment involved a combination of chemical and hydrothermal processing with subsequent expansion and drying. This treatment decreased sinapine content, from 6152 mg rapeseed/kg to less than 50 mg/kg, and glucosinolate concentration, from 13.8 mmol per kg to 1.4 mmol per kg (basis - 91% dry matter). The inclusion of 22.5% and 30.0% of both untreated and treated rapeseeds significantly impaired egg-laying rate and feed conversion. Egg weight was significantly affected by rapeseed feeding, with a significant decline at the 30.0% vs. the 7.5% rapeseed level. Rapeseed inclusion in the diet had a negative influence on weight gain. An increase in the dietary levels of untreated rapeseeds caused a greater decrease in egg mass, hen weight and feed conversion ratio, compared with the respective levels of treated rapeseeds. Untreated rapeseeds at the lowest level of 7.5% in the diet caused an increase in thyroid weight, epithelial cell height and changes in other histomorphometric thyroid parameters, as well as a decrease in the serum concentrations of thyroid hormones. Treated rapeseeds at a dietary level of 22.5% evoked a dose response, which shows that the chemical and hydrothermal treatment of rapeseed considerably reduced the anti-thyroid effects.

The effect of raw and fermented rapeseed cake on growth performance, carcass traits, and breast meat quality in turkey.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of including 15% of raw or fermented rapeseed cake (RRC or FRC) in turkey diets on growth performance, carcass traits, and breast meat characteristics. A total of 1,350 day-old female Hybrid Converter turkeys were allocated to 3 dietary treatments (9 replicates per treatment and 50 birds each) and fed complete isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets. In the control group, soybean meal was the main source of dietary protein, whereas the experimental groups were fed diets containing 15% of RRC or FRC. The fermentation of rapeseed cake reduced the content of glucosinolates and phytate-phosphorus. In comparison with RRC, turkeys receiving FRC achieved significantly higher final BW, comparable with that noted in the control group. The experimental factor had no effect on carcass dressing percentage or carcass fat content, whereas turkeys fed diets containing rapeseed cake were characterized by lower relative weight of breast muscles and higher relative gizzard weight. The muscles of birds from groups RRC and FRC had also significantly lower cholesterol concentration. In comparison with control diet, diets RRC and FRC contributed to a significant decrease in the levels of saturated fatty acids and an increase in the share of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the total fatty acid pool in breast meat. The highest concentrations of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and the most desirable n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio were noted in the breast muscles of RRC group turkeys. Both RRC and FRC reduced catalase and superoxide dismutase activity, and decreased the malondialdehyde content of muscle tissue. In conclusion, the replacement of RRC with FRC in diets led to an increase in the final BW of turkeys, but it had no influence on carcass quality and the majority of meat quality traits. The inclusion of rapeseed products in turkey diets positively affected meat quality, improving the fatty acid profile and antioxidant status, but it also decreased the yield of breast muscles.

The effect of manganese nanoparticles on performance, redox reactions and epigenetic changes in turkey tissues.

The hypothesis of the research was the assumption, that manganese nanoparticles can affect the body in the same way as macromolecules. Their smaller size and greater biological reactivity will potentially allow the Mn addition to the diet to be reduced and, consequently, less excretion of this element into the environment. The aim of the study was to determine whether the use of Mn nanoparticles would make it possible to reduce the level of this micronutrient added to turkey diets without adversely affecting redox reactions in cells and epigenetic changes. The experiment was conducted on six groups with 10 replications, in a two-factor design with three dosages of manganese: 100, 50 and 10 mg/kg, and two sources: manganese oxide (MnO) and manganese nanoparticles (NP-Mn2O3). Markers of oxidative stress determined in the blood, that is, the concentration of lipid hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl derivatives, 3-nitrotyrosine, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, total glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, ceruloplasmin, total antioxidant status, albumin and vitamin C content. The level of epigenetic changes in the blood was determined by analysing global DNA methylation. In the experiment, in which the diet of turkeys was supplemented with two forms of Mn (MnO or NP-Mn2O3) at three dosages: 100, 50 and 10 mg/kg, the 10 mg/kg dose, especially in the form of NP-Mn2O3, induced lipid oxidation reactions to the greatest extent. Irrespective of the dosage of Mn in the turkey diet, Mn in the form of NP-Mn2O3 was found to reduce protein nitration more than Mn in the form of MnO. Reducing the Mn dosage in the diet from 100 to 50 mg/kg and then to 10 mg/kg is unfavourable because proportionally increases protein and DNA oxidation in cells, decreases the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and increases the level of glutathione. Reducing the dosage from 100 to 10 mg/kg increases global DNA methylation. The reduction of the Mn level, regardless of the form used, is disadvantageous, because it weakens the defense of the antioxidant system, which consequently can induce oxidative processes in the cells. Although Mn in the form of NP-Mn2O3 reduce protein nitration better than in MnO form, the use of manganese nanoparticles in turkey feeding (even in lower doses) requires further study.

Expression and secretion of albumin in male turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) reproductive tract in relation to yellow semen syndrome1.

Yellow semen syndrome (YSS) is the most widely recognized problem among male turkeys. Yellow semen is of low quality and, when used for insemination, results in reduction of fertility and hatchability. Elevated level of serum albumin-like protein accession no. XP_003205725 is a characteristic feature of yellow seminal plasma suggesting albumin role in YSS pathology. However, knowledge regarding the expression of albumin in the reproductive tract in relation to YSS is very limited. The aim of this study was to identify albumin secretion and localization sites in the turkey reproductive tract in relation to YSS. Reproductive tract tissues and liver originating from turkeys producing white semen (WS) and YSS were used for analysis of albumin mRNA expression and its localization using immunohistochemistry. Moreover, albumin abundance in tissues, blood and seminal plasma was analyzed using two dimensional electrophoresis and western blot analysis. Albumin mRNA expression was found in all parts of the reproductive tract. Apart from the liver, the highest expression of albumin was found in the ductus deferens in YSS turkeys. The testicular spermatids, Leydig, and myoid cells and the epithelium of the epididymis and ductus deferens were the main secretion sites of albumin in the reproductive tract in turkeys. Higher albumin abundance was found in the reproductive tract and seminal plasma of YSS toms compared to WS toms. Our results demonstrated that germ cells from spermatocytes to spermatids, Leydig cells, and myoid cells synthesized and secreted albumin in turkey testis, and epithelial cells are the main secretion sites in epididymis and ductus deferens. Ductus deferens secretion of albumin seems to be mostly responsible for YSS. Over-secretion by the ductus deferens may be the main origin of albumin abundance in YSS semen. Knowledge regarding disturbances of albumin secretion in relation to YSS may be useful for future work on studies related to better understanding the molecular basis of YSS.

Proteomic identification of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) seminal plasma proteins.

SDS-PAGE combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and 2-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight/time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF/TOF) were applied to characterize the turkey seminal plasma proteome. LC-MS/MS led to the identification of 175 proteins, which were classified according to their function and to corresponding biochemical pathways. Using 2DE and MALDI TOF/TOF, 34 different turkey seminal plasma proteins could be identified, of which 20 were found in more than one spot, indicating different proteoforms of these proteins. For validation, antibodies against turkey albumin and ovoinhibitor as well as sperm acrosin were used in 2DE Western blots experiments. The bioinformatic analysis of the results indicates that turkey seminal plasma proteins may be involved in regulation of lipid metabolism [liver X receptor/retinoid X receptor (LXR/RXR) activation and farnesoid X receptor/retinoid X receptor (FXR/RXR) activation pathways)], endocytic entry of proteins and lipids at the plasma membrane (clathrin-mediated endocytosis pathway), and defense against pathogens (acute phase response signaling pathway) and energy production (glycolysis and gluconeogenesis). Moreover, a comparative meta-analysis of seminal plasma proteomes from other species indicated the presence of proteins specific for avian reproduction, but distinct differences between turkey and chicken seminal plasma proteomes were detected. The results of our study provide basic knowledge of the protein composition of turkey seminal plasma highlighting important physiological pathways which may play crucial roles in the sperm environment after ejaculation. This knowledge can be the basis to further develop procedures improving the reproduction of farmed turkeys.

The effects of fermentation and enzymatic treatment of pea on nutrient digestibility and growth performance of broilers.

The present study examined the impacts of native, fermented or enzymatically treated peas (Pisum sativum L.) inclusion in broiler diets, on growth performance and nutrient digestibility. For the fermentation process, Madonna pea was mixed with water (1/1) containing 2.57×108 Bacillus subtilis (GalliPro®) spores/kg pea and then, incubated for 48 h at 30 °C. For the enzymatic treatment process, the used water for dough production contained three enzymes, AlphaGalTM (α-galactosidase), RONOZYME® ProAct and VP (protease and pectinases respectively - DSM, Switzerland) and the pea dough incubated for 24 h at 30°C. Nine corn-wheat-soybean diets were formulated by supplying 10%, 20% and 30% of the required CP with either native, fermented or enzymatically treated peas. Performance was recorded weekly and at the end of the experiment (day 35), apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of CP, amino acids (AA), crude fat, starch, Ca, P and K were determined. Data were subjected to ANOVA using GLM procedure with a 3×3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Both processes reduced α-galactosides, phytate, trypsin inhibitor activity and resistant starch in peas. Increasing levels of pea products up to 300 g/kg diet, reduced BW gain and feed intake (P⩽0.05). Broilers fed diets containing enzymatically treated pea had the best feed conversion ratio at day 35. Different types of pea product and their inclusion levels had no effect on AID of all nutrients. The interaction between type of the pea products and inclusion levels was significant for AID of starch. For native pea diets, 10% group showed similar AID of starch to 20% native pea but it had higher AID than 30% native pea. For fermented and enzymatically treated groups, all three levels displayed similar AID of starch. In conclusion, enzymatic treatment and fermentation could improve the nutritional quality of pea. Inclusion of enzymatically treated pea in broiler diets could improve broiler performance compared with other pea products while, it displayed neither positive nor negative impact on nutrient digestibility. The present findings indicate the feasibility of these processes, particularly enzymatic treatment, for improving the nutritional quality of pea as a protein source for broiler nutrition.

Biochemical characteristics and sperm production of turkey semen in relation to strain and age of the males.

The effect of turkey strain [BUT (Big-6), Hybrid Large White (HLW), and Nicholas (N-700)] on semen quantitative parameters (ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, and total number of sperm) and biochemical parameters (seminal plasma protein concentration, acid phosphatase activity in spermatozoa and seminal plasma, and antiproteinase activity of seminal plasma) was investigated over the reproductive period. The Big-6 strain had better quantitative parameters of semen compared with HLW and N-700 strains. Besides protein concentration, the Big-6 strain had the highest level of acid phosphatase activity in semen and antiproteinase activity in seminal plasma. The N-700 strain was characterized by reduced quantitative parameters and the lowest levels of all biochemical parameters in semen. While quantitative parameters of semen showed very little trend over the 21 wk of the reproductive season, the biochemical parameters increased several fold. Biochemical parameters of semen seemed to be more affected than quantitative parameters by age of the males. These changes may be related to decreasing semen quality with increasing age of male turkeys.

Proteomic analysis of white and yellow seminal plasma in turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo).

Yellow semen syndrome (YSS) is endemic within domestic turkey populations. Yellow semen is of lower quality and, when used for insemination, results in reduced fertility and hatchability. Little is known about the etiology of YSS. The aim of this study was to compare the proteome of white and yellow seminal plasma of turkeys using 1) 2-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) to quantify seminal plasma proteins and 2) matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry to identify the proteins that are differentially abundant in white and yellow seminal plasma. A total of 49 protein spots (30 upregulated and 19 downregulated) were differentially expressed in yellow seminal plasma compared with white seminal plasma. Transthyretin and serum albumin-like showed a 3-fold increase in seminal plasma from males with YSS, and the latter was validated using Western blot analysis. A 3-fold increase was observed for hemopexin-like and immunoglobulin light chain V-J-C region. Pantetheinase-like showed a 1.3-fold increase. Ovotransferrin, hepatocyte growth factor activator, cysteine-rich secretory protein 3-like, and ferritin heavy chain-like showed a significant decrease (at least a 1.3-fold decrease) in yellow semen. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the precise function of the above-mentioned proteins in YSS and to establish quality markers of turkey semen to predict the reproductive potential of individual turkeys.

Small patella syndrome.

We report on 2 sporadic cases of small patella syndrome (coxo-podo-patellaire syndrome) most probably representing new mutations. Both children showed retarded patellar bone age (small patellae in Patient 1 and absent patellae in Patient 2) and pelvic abnormalities. Patient 1 who was fully investigated had an unusual facies with characteristic morphological abnormalities of the forefoot and generalized bone changes. Patient 2 was not available for examination and only X-ray films of his knees, pelvis, and chest were available. These were all abnormal. He was said to have an "unusual facies" with flattened nose and prominent forehead but no further information was available. We think that small patella syndrome (coxo-podo-patellaire syndrome) is a generalized bone dysplasia with morphological and diagnostic radiographic appearances.