[Psychiatric symptoms and COVID-19: results of a national case register]. / Psychiatrische symptomen en COVID-19: resultaten uit een landelijk register.

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric disorders are associated with a more severe course of COVID-19. COVID-19 can also lead to psychiatric symptoms. AIM: To gain insight into vulnerabilities and protective factors for the course of COVID-19 in a Dutch (neuro)psychiatric population. METHOD: Patients were divided into three groups: patients with pre-existent mental disorders without and with new (neuro)psychiatric symptoms (NPS) during COVID-19 and patients without pre-existent mental disorders who developed de novo NPS during COVID-19. We summarize the characteristics of each group and compare the subgroups with inferential statistics. RESULTS: 186 patients were included in the case register. Patients with NPS showed a more severe course of COVID-19. Mortality in patients with NPS was higher in patients with pre-existent mental disorders compared to patients without pre-existent mental disorders. The most frequently reported de novo psychiatric symptoms during COVID-19 were delirium (46-70%), anxiety (53-54%) and insomnia (18-42%). CONCLUSION: NPS might be an expression of a more severe COVID-19 episode. In patients who developed NPS during COVID-19 we found evidence for a higher mortality risk in patients with pre-existent mental disorders. Extra vigilance for neuropsychiatric symptoms during COVID-19 is warranted.

Impact of probiotic Lactobacillus sp. on autochthonous lactobacilli in weaned piglets.

AIMS: This study aimed to determine whether host-adapted lactobacilli exhibit superior survival during intestinal transit relative to nomadic and free-living organisms, and to characterize the impact of probiotic lactobacilli on autochthonous lactobacilli. METHODS AND RESULTS: Mixed cultures of Lactobacillus casei K9-1 and Lactobacillus fermentum K9-2, or reutericyclin producing Lactobacillus reuteri and its isogenic mutant were fed to piglets as freeze-dried culture, or as part of fermented feed. Lactobacilli in digesta and faecal samples were quantified by strain-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR), high-resolution-melting curve qPCR, and high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene sequence tags. The abundance of the host adapted L. reuteri in digesta and faeces was higher (P < 0·05) when compared to L. casei or L. fermentum. Feed fermentation or chemical acidification of feed reduced (P < 0·05) cell counts of Lactobacillus salivarius in colonic digesta. The reutericyclin producing L. reuteri TMW1.656 transiently reduced (P < 0·05) the faecal abundance of lactobacilli. However, the overall impact of probiotic intervention on autochthonous lactobacilli was minor. CONCLUSIONS: The vertebrate host-adapted L. reuteri survives better during intestinal transit of piglets compared to L. casei and L. fermentum. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Ecology and lifestyle of Lactobacillus strains may be suitable criteria for selection of probiotic strains for use in swine production.

Effect of L-lysine on expression of selected genes, serum concentration of amino acids, muscle growth and performance of growing pigs.

Lysine (Lys) is the first limiting amino acid (AA) in most feed formulations for pigs and most abundant, along with leucine, in muscle proteins. An experiment was conducted with 17 pigs (17.7 ± 0.05 kg initial BW) to identify a role of dietary Lys in the control of protein synthesis in pigs. Fourteen pigs were randomly assigned to one of the two wheat-based dietary treatments: Lys-deficient, 3.0 g/kg (DEF) and Lys-adequate, 10.8 g/kg (ADE). Samples from jejunum mucosa, liver, Longissumus and Semitendinosus muscles, and blood were collected. The other three pigs were sacrificed at the beginning of the trial to measure basal carcass composition. Weight gain, gain:feed ratio, Lys intake and loin eye area were greater in ADE than in DEF pigs (p < 0.01). Muscle-related carcass characteristics were better, and myosin heavy chain IIb expression (MyHC IIb) in Semitendinosus was higher in ADE than in DEF pigs. Expression of AA transporters CAT-1 was lower (p < 0.05), serum Lys was higher and serum Val was lower in pigs fed the ADE diet. The higher muscularity, MyHC IIb expression in Semitendinosus muscle and Lys serum of pigs fed the ADE diet suggest that Lys increases growth rate not only by functioning as protein construction unit but also as potential control of the protein synthesis process.

Expression of cationic amino acid transporters, carcass traits, and performance of growing pigs fed low-protein amino acid-supplemented versus high protein diets.

Free amino acids (AA) appear to be absorbed faster than protein-bound AA (PB-AA). We conducted an experiment to assess the effect of feeding pigs with a partially free (F-AA) or totally PB-AA diet on expression of selected genes and performance of pigs. The expression of cationic AA transporters b(0,+) and CAT-1 in intestinal mucosa, liver, and longissimus (LM) and semitendinosus (SM) muscles, as well as that of myosin in LM and SM, was analyzed. Twelve pigs (31.7 ± 2.7 kg) were used. The F-AA diet was based on wheat, supplemented with 0.59% L-Lys, 0.33% L-Thr, and 0.10% DL-Met. The PB-AA diet was formulated with wheat-soybean meal. Average daily feed intake was 1.53 kg per pig. The expression of b(0,+) and CAT-1 was analyzed in jejunal and ileal mucosa, liver, LM, and SM; myosin expression was also analyzed in both muscles. Pigs fed the PB-AA diet tended to have higher weight gain and feed efficiency (P < 0.10), and had thinner back fat (P = 0.02). The expression of b(0,+) was higher (P < 0.01) in jejunum but lower (P < 0.01) in the liver of pigs fed the F-AA diet; CAT-1 tended to be lower in liver but higher in LM of PB-AA pigs. Myosin expression was not affected. Intestinal AA absorption was faster in pigs fed the F-AA diet, but AA uptake by the liver seemed to be faster in pigs fed the PB-AA. Performance and expression of AA transporters and myosin suggest that the dietary content of free or protein-bound AA does not affect their availability for protein synthesis in pigs.

Effect of excess levels of lysine and leucine in wheat-based, amino acid-fortified diets on the mRNA expression of two selected cationic amino acid transporters in pigs.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of excess levels of Leu and Lys on the expression of b(0,+) and CAT-1 mRNA in jejunum, liver and the muscles Longissimus dorsi (LDM) and Semitendinosus (STM). Twenty pigs with an average initial BW of 16.4 ± 1.7 kg were used in a Randomized Complete Block. Dietary treatments (T) were as follows: T1, basal diet; T2, basal plus 3.5 g l-Lys/kg diet; T3, basal plus 1.5 g l-Leu/kg diet; T4, basal plus 3.5 g l-Lys plus 1.5 g l-Leu/kg diet. Diets in T1 and T3 met 100% the requirement of Lys for pigs within the 10 to 20 kg body weight range; diets in T2 and T4 contained 35% excess of Lys. Also, diets in T1 and T2 supplied 104%, whereas diets in T3 and T4 supplied 116% the requirement of Leu. The expression of b(0,+) in jejunum was reduced (p = 0.002) because of the supplementation of l-Leu, but l-Lys supplementation had no effect (p = 0.738). In contrast, the expression of b(0,+) in STM (p = 0.012) and liver (p = 0.095) was reduced by the high level of Lys, but Leu had no effect (p > 0.100). CAT-1 expression in STM increased by high Lys (p = 0.023) and Leu (p = 0.007) levels. In liver, the expression of CAT-1 substantially increased (p = 0.001) because of Lys. In conclusion, excess levels of dietary Lys and Leu affect the expression of cationic amino acid transporters, and this effect varies depending on the studied tissue.

Increasing omega-3 levels through dietary co-extruded flaxseed supplementation negatively affects pork palatability.

To clarify the impact of feeding co-extruded flaxseed on carcass quality and pork palatability, 96 pigs (48 barrows and 48 gilts) were fed three different levels of flaxseed (0%, 5% and 10% of dietary intake) for 76days. Carcass quality and meat quality characteristics of pure loin muscle and ground pork (20% fat) were evaluated. Fat hardness and belly firmness decreased (P<0.001) with increasing co-extruded flaxseed. Pigs fed co-extruded flaxseed levels had higher lean yield (P=0.045) and total lean content (P=0.034). Loin from barrows had higher fat content compared to gilts (P<0.001). Co-extruded flaxseed supplementation increased (P<0.001) omega-3 content in loin and ground pork. Pork flavour intensity and off-flavour intensity scores lowered (P<0.001) with increasing levels of co-extruded flaxseed, being more accentuated (P=0.023) in reheated pork chops from barrows. Diet affected all texture and flavour sensory characteristics (P<0.05) as tissue levels of omega-3 fatty acids increased, likely as a result of increased lipid oxidation.

Ileal digestibility of amino acids, phosphorus, phytate and energy in pigs fed sorghum-based diets supplemented with phytase and Pancreatin®.

The effects of phytase supplementation on the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of amino acids (AA) have been inconsistent. Two experiments evaluated the effect of providing a mixture of pancreatic enzymes (Pancreatin(®) ) to growing pigs fed sorghum-soybean meal diets supplemented with phytase on the AID of AA, energy, and phosphorus (P), as well as the ileal digestibility (ID) of phytate; there were four periods per experiment. In Experiment 1, eight pigs (BW 22.1±1.3 kg) were fitted with a T-cannula at the distal ileum. Each period consisted of 9 days; 7 days for diet adaptation, and 2 days for digesta collection. Treatments (T) were: (i) basal sorghum-soybean meal diet, (ii) basal diet plus Pancreatin®, (iii) basal diet plus phytase and (iv) basal diet plus phytase and Pancreatin®. Phytase increased the digestibilities of phytate and P (p<0.001), but did not affect the AID of AA and energy (p>0.10). Except for methionine (p=0.07), Pancreatin® did not affect the AID of AA. Phytase and Pancreatin® did not interact (p>0.10). Experiment 2 was similar to Experiment 1, but Pancreatin® was infused into duodenum. Pancreatin® infusion did not affect the AID of AA (p>0.10); and tended to reduce (p=0.09) the AID of lysine. Phytase × Pancreatin® interactions were not observed (p>0.10). In conclusion, phytase and Pancreatin® did not improve the AID of AA in growing pigs fed sorghum-soybean meal diets indicating that phytates did not affect AA digestibility.

Apparent and true ileal and total tract digestibility of fat in canola press-cake or canola oil and effects of increasing dietary fat on amino acid and energy digestibility in growing pigs.

Digestibility of remaining oil in canola press-cake (CPC) may be lower than that of extracted, liquid canola oil (CO) because oil may be partly entrapped in the CPC matrix. To determine true digestibility of fat in ingredients, endogenous fat losses should be estimated. Dietary fat may interact with digestion of other dietary components. To test these hypotheses, 10 ileal-cannulated pigs (initial BW, 25.4 kg) were fed 10 diets for 8 periods in a 10 × 8 Youden square. A basal diet was formulated based on wheat, barley, and canola meal. The 4 CPC and 4 CO test diets were prepared by replacing identical portion of basal diet with 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40% CPC, or 1.5%, 3.0%, 4.5%, or 6.0% CO, respectively, to match the fat content of CPC diet with CO diet at each fat level. An N-free diet based on corn starch was prepared to measure basal endogenous losses of AA. Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of acid-hydrolyzed ether extract (AEE) were calculated for each diet. True ileal digestibility (TID) and true total tract (TTTD) digestibility of AEE in CPC and CO, and total endogenous losses of AEE were estimated by regressing apparent digestible AEE (g/kg of DMI) against dietary AEE intake (g/kg of DM) at the total tract and distal ileum, respectively. The mean AID and ATTD of AEE in CPC diets were 78.9% and 61.5%, which were lower ( < 0.01) than 81.9% and 63.4% in CO diets. Apparent ileal and total tract digestible AEE content in CPC and CO diets increased linearly ( < 0.01) with increasing AEE intake. Endogenous losses of AEE were greater ( < 0.05) for the total tract than for the ileum (23.4 vs. 9.4 g/kg of DMI). Dietary fat source did not affect ( > 0.05) total tract or ileal endogenous losses of AEE. The TID and TTTD of AEE in CPC were 92.3% and 94.5%, respectively, lower ( < 0.01) than 96.5% and 100% in CO. Increasing dietary inclusion of CO linearly increased ( < 0.001) standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP, Lys, Met, Thr, and Trp, and quadratically increased ( < 0.001) the AID and ATTD of energy in the basal part of the test diets. In conclusion, CPC had lower TID and TTTD of AEE than CO. Dietary fat source did not affect endogenous losses of AEE. The lower digestibility of AEE in CPC than in CO indicates that fat digestibility of CPC should be considered to predict its nutritional value accurately. Dietary inclusion of CO may increase digestibility of CP and energy originating from the balance of the diet.

In vitro digestion and fermentation characteristics of canola co-products simulate their digestion in the pig intestine.

Canola co-products are sources of amino acid and energy in pig feeds, but their fermentation characteristics in the pig intestine are unknown. Thus, we determined the in vitro fermentation characteristics of the canola co-products Brassica juncea solvent-extracted canola meal (JSECM), Brassica napus solvent-extracted canola meal (NSECM), B. napus expeller-pressed canola meal (NEPCM) and B. napus cold-pressed canola cake (NCPCC) in comparison with soybean meal (SBM). Samples were hydrolysed in two steps using pepsin and pancreatin. Subsequently, residues were incubated in a buffer solution with fresh pig faeces as inocula for 72 h to measure gas production. Concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) per gram of dry matter (DM) of feedstuff was measured in fermented solutions. Apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent hindgut fermentation (AHF) of gross energy (GE) for feedstuffs were obtained from pigs fed the same feedstuffs. On DM basis, SBM, JSECM, NSECM, NEPCM and NCPCC contained 15, 19, 22, 117 and 231 g/kg ether extract; and 85, 223, 306, 208 and 176 g/kg NDF, respectively. In vitro digestibility of DM (IVDDM) of SBM (82.3%) was greater (P<0.05) than that of JSECM (68.5%), NSECM (63.4%), NEPCM (67.5%) or NCPCC (69.8%). The JSECM had greater (P<0.05) IVDDM than NSECM. The IVDDM for NSECM was lower (P<0.05) than that for NEPCM, which was lower (P<0.05) than that for NCPCC. Similarly, AID of GE was greatest for SBM followed by NCPCC, JSECM, NEPCM and then NSECM. Total VFA production for SBM (0.73 mmol/g) was lower (P<0.05) than that of JSECM (1.38 mmol/g) or NSECM (1.05 mmol/g), but not different from that of NEPCM (0.80 mmol/g) and NCPCC (0.62 mmol/g). Total VFA production of JSECM was greater (P<0.05) than that of NSECM. Total VFA production of NSECM was greater (P<0.05) than that of NEPCM or NCPCC, which differed (P<0.05). The ranking of feedstuffs for total VFA production was similar to AHF of GE. In conclusion, in vitro fermentation characteristics of canola co-products and SBM simulated their fermentation in the small and large intestine of pigs, respectively. The 30% greater VFA production for JSECM than NSECM due to lower lignified fibre of JSECM indicates that fermentation characteristics differ between canola species. The NSECM had the highest fermentability followed by NEPCM and then NCPCC, indicating that fat in canola co-products can limit their fermentability in the hindgut.

Nutritive value of cold-pressed camelina cake with or without supplementation of multi-enzyme in broiler chickens.

The objectives were to determine the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) and AMEn value of cold-pressed camelina cake (CPCC) and the effect of adding multi-enzyme to a corn-CPCC diet for broilers. The 600 male broiler chicks were divided into 40 groups and fed 5 diets in a completely randomized design (8 groups per diet) from d 15 to d 21 of age. A corn basal diet and the basal diet with 30% of it replaced by CPCC were used in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with or without multi-enzyme (2,800 U of cellulase, 1,800 U of pectinase, 400 U of mannanase, 50 U of galactanase, 1,000 U of xylanase, 600 U of glucanase, 2,500 U of amylase, and 200 U of protease/kilogram of diet; Superzyme OM, 1 g/kg). The fifth diet was N-free. The corn basal diet was fed to determine nutrient digestibility and retention for CPCC by substitution. The N-free diet was fed to estimate basal endogenous AA losses for determining SID of AA. Diets contained TiO2 as indigestible marker. On a DM basis, CPCC contained 39.8% CP, 38.3% neutral detergent fiber, 12.7% ether extract, 1.89% Lys, 0.70% Met, 1.56% Thr, and 0.45% Trp. The SID of Lys, Met, Thr, and Trp for CPCC were 76.5, 85.5, 72.8, and 84.1%, respectively. The AMEn value for CPCC was 1,671 kcal/kg of DM. Multi-enzyme supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the SID of Met and Thr and the AMEn value of the corn-CPCC-based diet by 1.4, 1.3, and 3.0%, respectively. The multi-enzyme increased (P = 0.026) the AMEn value of CPCC from 1,671 to 1,941 kcal/kg of DM. In conclusion, the CPCC evaluated in the present study can be included in poultry diets as a source of energy and AA. Multi-enzyme supplementation increased the AMEn value of CPCC for broilers.

Effects of feeding fermented wheat with Lactobacillus reuteri on gut morphology, intestinal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance in weaned pigs.

Feeding fermented feed to weaned pigs may improve nutrient digestibility and gut health and thereby reduce diarrhea incidence. Effects of feeding wheat grain fermented for 24 h with were evaluated with 36 weaned pigs (7.3 kg BW). Fermented wheat grain contained (DM basis) 14.2% CP, 0.45% chemically available Lys, and 7.8% NDF, whereas unfermented wheat grain contained 16.4% CP, 0.45% chemically available Lys, and 9.9% NDF. Pigs were fed 6 mash wheat-based diets balanced for water content during 2 phases: Phase 1 diets for 1 wk (d 0-7) with 20% unfermented or fermented wheat and, subsequently, Phase 2 diets for 2 wk (d 8-21) with 50% unfermented or fermented wheat. The 6 diets were unfermented wheat (CTRL), unfermented and chemically acidified wheat (ACD), fermented wheat with TMW1.656 and 10% sucrose, fermented wheat with TMW1.656 and 5% glucose + 5% fructose, fermented wheat with LTH5794 and 10% sucrose, and fermented wheat with LTH5794 and 5% glucose + 5% fructose. Diets were formulated to provide 2.5 and 2.4 Mcal NE/kg and 5.3 and 5.0 g standardized ileal digestible Lys/Mcal NE for Phase 1 and 2 diets, respectively. Feeding fermented wheat reduced ( < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of diet DM (84.7 vs. 85.4%), GE (84.4 vs. 85.3%), and CP (81.8 vs. 83.6%) for d 15 through 21 compared with the CTRL and ACD diets. Weaned pigs fed fermented wheat diets had lower ( < 0.05) ADFI than pigs fed the CTRL and ACD diets for d 0 through 7. The ADFI, ADG, and G:F did not differ between pigs fed fermented and unfermented diets. Concentrations of acetic, propionic, and branched-chain fatty acids and total VFA in feces increased ( < 0.05) for pigs fed fermented wheat diets containing exopolysaccharides (EPS). However, VFA did not differ in ileal digesta. Villus height in the duodenum and jejunum increased in pigs fed fermented wheat without EPS ( < 0.05) compared with pigs fed fermented wheat with EPS. However, pigs fed the CTRL and ACD diets had longer ( < 0.05) villi and deeper crypts in the ileum than pigs fed fermented wheat. The ratio of villus height to crypt depth did not differ in the 3 segments of small intestine of weaned pigs. In conclusion, feeding fermented wheat grain diets to weaned pigs did not affect gut morphology, intestinal fermentation, growth performance, and ATTD of nutrients; however, EPS stimulated hindgut fermentation and may promote health benefits.

Nutrient digestibility of solvent-extracted Brassica napus and Brassica juncea canola meals and their air-classified fractions fed to ileal-cannulated grower pigs.

Energy and nutrient digestibility of solvent-extracted canola meal (CM) is limited in pigs by its relatively high fiber content. The seed hull, which greatly contributes to the fiber content of CM, is denser than the oil-free cotyledon. By utilizing streams of air, air classification partially separates these seed components on the basis of their different sizes and densities to produce a low-fiber, light-particle fraction and a high-fiber, heavy-particle fraction. Compared with parent CM, ADF and NDF were reduced by 31.9% and 29.5% in the light-particle fraction and were enriched by 16.5% and 9.0% in the heavy-particle fraction (DM basis), respectively. Particle size was 638, 18.9, and 76.1 µm for the parent CM and light- and heavy-particle fractions, respectively. To determine the nutrient digestibility of CM and their air-classified fractions, Brassica napus and B. juncea CM and their 2 air-classified fractions were evaluated in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement together with a basal diet and an N-free diet. The experiment was conducted as an 8 × 8 Latin square in which diets contained 40% B. napus or B. juncea CM or their air-classified fractions and 60% basal diet. Digesta data from pigs fed the N-free diet served to subtract basal endogenous AA losses. Eight ileal-cannulated barrows (32 kg initial BW) were fed the 8 diets at 2.7 times maintenance DE for eight 11-d periods. At the end of each period, feces were collected for 48 h, and ileal digesta were collected for two 12-h periods. The DE and calculated NE values and the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of GE were 6.3%, 10.0%, and 7.8% greater (P < 0.001) for B. juncea CM than for B. napus CM; 6.1%, 10.8%, and 5.3% greater (P < 0.001) for the light-particle fraction than for parent CM; and 5.4%, 7.2%, and 3.8% lower (P < 0.001) for the heavy-particle fraction than for parent CM, respectively. The standardized ileal digestibilities (SID) of His, Ile, Val, Asp, and Tyr were greater (P < 0.05) for B. juncea CM than for B. napus CM. The SID of CP and AA were greater (P < 0.01) in the light-particle fraction than in the heavy-particle fraction. The SID of Trp, Glu, Pro, and Tyr were greater (P < 0.05) in the light-particle fraction than in parent CM. In conclusion, B. juncea CM had greater energy and AA digestibility than B. napus CM because of reduced fiber content. Air classification of CM increased its energy and AA digestibility in the light-particle fraction for pigs because of the reduced dietary fiber content and decreased particle size.

Enzymes enhance degradation of the fiber-starch-protein matrix of distillers dried grains with solubles as revealed by a porcine in vitro fermentation model and microscopy.

Effects of treating corn and wheat distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) with a multicarbohydrase alone or in combination with a protease on porcine in vitro fermentation characteristics and the matrix structure of the DGGS before and after the fermentation were studied. Three DDGS samples (wheat DDGS sample 1 [wDDGS1], wheat DDGS sample 2 [wDDGS2], and corn DDGS [cDDGS]) were predigested with pepsin and pancreatin. Residues were then subjected to in vitro fermentation using buffered mineral solution inoculated with fresh pig feces without or with a multicarbohydrase alone or in combination with protease in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. Accumulated gas production was measured for up to 72 h. Concentration of VFA was measured in fermented solutions. The matrix of native DDGS and their residues after fermentation was analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to determine internal and external structures, respectively. On a DM basis, wDDGS1, wDDGS2, and cDDGS contained 35.5, 43.4, and 29.0% CP; 2.23, 0.51, and 6.40% starch; 0.82, 0.80, and 0.89% available Lys; and 24.8, 22.5, and 23.0% total nonstarch polysaccharides, respectively. The in vitro digestibility of DM for wDDGS1, wDDGS2, and cDDGS was 67.7, 72.1, and 59.6%, respectively. The cDDGS had greater ( < 0.05) total gas and VFA production than both wheat DDGS. The wDDGS2 had lower ( < 0.05) total gas production than wDDGS1. Multicarbohydrase increased ( < 0.05) total gas production for cDDGS and total VFA production for wDGGS1 but did not increase gas or VFA production for wDDGS2. Addition of protease with multicarbohydrase to DDGS reduced ( < 0.05) total gas and VFA productions and increased ( < 0.05) branched-chain VFA regardless of DDGS type. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed that DDGS were mainly aggregates of resistant and nonfermentable starchy and nonstarchy complexes formed during DDGS production. After in vitro fermentation with porcine fecal inoculum, particles of enzyme-treated DDGS were generally smaller than those of the untreated DDGS. In conclusion, cDDGS had a more porous matrix that was more fermentable than the wheat DDGS. The wDDGS2 was less fermentable than wDDGS1. Multicarbohydrase increased fermentability of cDDGS and wDDGS1 but not wDDGS2, indicating that its efficacy in DDGS is dependent on matrix porosity and DDGS source. Protease hindered efficacy of multicarbohydrase.

Rapid discrimination of enhanced quality pork by visible and near infrared spectroscopy.

This study tested the ability of visible and near infrared spectroscopy (Vis-NIRS) to discriminate enhanced quality pork. Vis-NIR spectra were collected on intact chops from 148 pork carcasses using a portable LabSpec®4 spectrometer (350-2500 nm). Partial least squares discriminant analyses based on Vis-NIR spectra correctly classified 94, 95 and 100% of the 2d, and 95, 98 and 100% of the 14 d aged pork samples within Lacombe, Duroc and Iberian pig breeds, respectively. Moreover, Vis-NIRS correctly classified 97 and 99% of the moisture enhanced (ME) and Non-ME pork samples aged for 2d, and 94 and 95% of those aged for 14 d, as well as 94 and 97% of the 2 and 14 d aged pork samples, respectively. Conversely, Vis-NIRS technology could not differentiate pork samples based on pre-slaughter diet or post-slaughter carcass chilling process. Vis-NIRS can segregate enhanced quality pork according to production factors and post-mortem strategies such as pig breed, moisture enhancing and ageing period.

Two cases of the caudal duplication anomaly including a discordant monozygotic twin.

We present two unrelated patients with various duplications in the caudal region. One patient presented with a duplication of the distal spine from L4, left double ureter, duplication of the vagina and cervix, and duplication of the distal colon. The second patient was diagnosed with a duplication of the colon, bladder, vagina and uterus. The first patient had an unaffected monozygotic twin sister. Dominguez et al. [1993: Am J Dis Child 147:1048-1052] presented six similar cases, and introduced the name "caudal duplication syndrome." The pathogenesis of the caudal duplication anomaly is unclear. The possibility of a polytopic primary developmental field defect or a disruptive sequence are discussed. On the other hand, somatic or germline mutations in certain developmental genes could be involved, as illustrated by the mouse mutations disorganisation and fused. DNA-analysis of the AXIN1 gene, the human homologue of the gene responsible for fused, performed in our first patient, did not show any apparent pathogenic mutation.

Synthesis and identification of twelve A-ring reduced 6 alpha- and 6 beta-hydroxylated compounds derived from 11-deoxycortisol, corticosterone and 11-dehydrocorticosterone.

The synthesis and identification of 12 A-ring reduced 6 alpha-(and 6 beta-)hydroxylated compounds derived from 11-deoxycortisol (S), corticosterone (B) and 11-dehydrocorticosterone (A) are reported here. These steroids were prepared in two steps from the corresponding 6 6 alpha-(and 6 beta-)hydroxy-4-pregnene-3-ones. Selective reduction of the 4,5 double bond yielded 12 6 alpha-(and 6 beta)hydroxy-5 alpha-(and 5 beta)pregnane-3,20-diones. Enzymatic reduction of these compounds with NADH and 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase yielded the corresponding tetrahydro steroids. The steroids were characterized by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC and GC/MS) and in part by 1H-NMR. 6 beta OH-THS and 6 beta OH-5 alpha THS were identified by 1H-NMR. The structures of the two precursors, i.e. 6 beta OH-5 beta DHS and 6 beta OH-5 alpha DHS were confirmed by 1H-NMR using two-dimensional spectra. 6 alpha OH-THS was identified by comparing its HPLC, GC and MS data with those of the steroid obtained by enzymatic oxidation of the standard reference steroid 6 alpha OH-20 beta HHS to the corresponding 20-ketosteroid. The other steroids, e.g. 6 alpha OH-THB and 6 alpha OH-5 alpha THB were identified by using the proved sequence of elution of each of the epimer pairs on the normal phase HPLC column (5 alpha < 5 beta), and by the reversed order of elution of the same epimer pair as the methoxime-trimethylsilyl ethers on the GC column (5 alpha > 5 beta) and by the mass spectra, with the exception of 6 beta OH-THA.

Neither intact nor hydrolyzed soy proteins elicit intestinal inflammation in neonatal piglets.

BACKGROUND: Efficacy of feeding hydrolyzed soy proteins to infants intolerant to cow milk proteins has not been determined fully. This study compared growth and intestinal responses of neonatal piglets fed formulas with hydrolyzed soy protein to piglets fed formulas with intact soy or cow milk (casein-whey) proteins. METHODS: Piglets (n = 40, day 2 postpartum) were fed commercial milk replacer until day 7 postpartum (designated day 0) and then were assigned randomly to casein-whey (CW) or soy (intact, SI; hydrolyzed SH) formulas to evaluate intestinal responses on days 0, 2, 5, and 10. RESULTS: Average daily gain was higher for CW (121 g/d; p < .05) compared with SI piglets 85 g/d); SH pig weight gain was intermediate (109 g/d). Villus height-to-crypt depth ratio in proximal jejunum was lower (p < .05) on day 2 than day 0 in soy-fed pigs and lower (p < .05) on day 5 than day 0 in CW pigs. Mucosal mast cells were generally higher in CW pigs compared with soy-fed pigs. Villus goblet cell numbers in the midjejunum of SH-fed piglets were lower (p < .05) on day 5 compared with day 0. On day 5, crypt goblet cell numbers were higher (p < .05) in the midjejunum of CW-fed piglets compared with SH-fed piglets with numbers intermediate for SI-fed piglets. Intestinal differences were not detected among dietary treatments for major histocompatibility complex class I and II gene expression, tissue concentrations of prostaglandin E2, or CD8+ T-cell numbers. CONCLUSIONS: Hydrolyzed soy proteins do not elicit intestinal inflammatory responses in piglets and may be viable alternatives to milk and intact soy proteins for feeding infants.

Aerodynamic properties of the low-resistance Groningen button.

Shunt tracheoesophageal speech is currently the most successful form of voice and speech rehabilitation in laryngectomees. Insertion of valve prostheses into the tracheoesophageal shunts has overcome drawbacks caused by stenosis of the shunt and aspiration. In 10 years of satisfactory results with the standard Groningen button valve prosthesis, the overall concept of this device has proved its value. The airflow resistance, however, is relatively high, so that a low-resistance device has been developed without changing the favorable characteristics of the standard device. The design of this low-resistance Groningen button is described. The airflow resistances of the standard and low-resistance Groningen buttons have been measured and compared. The airflow resistance of the low-resistance Groningen button is also compared with the reported airflow resistances of various other valve prostheses.

Scrotal hematoma, anemia, and jaundice as manifestations of adrenal neuroblastoma in a newborn.

Clinically, a neuroblastoma presents mostly as an abdominal mass. Within the tumor, bleeding can be present, sometimes extending in to its surroundings. This case report describes a neuroblastoma, presenting as scrotal hematoma in a newborn boy, which initially raised the suspicion of a torsion testis. In this patient, the bleeding descended through the subcutaneous and muscular tissue into the scrotum. In addition, anemia and jaundice were marked features. This clinical manifestation of a neuroblastoma has not been reported previously. Ultrasonography is advised as the first diagnostic step to exclude retroperitoneal origin of the bleeding. Magnetic resonance imaging and meta-iodobenzyl guanidine scanning were helpful tools in the final diagnostic workup.

Effects of dietary protein and oathull fiber on nitrogen excretion patterns and postprandial plasma urea profiles in grower pigs.

The objectives of this study were: 1) to determine if dietary protein reduction or oathull fiber inclusion would reduce urinary N excretion in grower pigs, 2) to determine if plasma urea could predict urinary N excretion among diets differing in protein and fiber content with an expected range in N excretion patterns, and 3) to determine the postprandial time point to sample blood for the best prediction. Three dietary protein concentrations (high, 19.7; medium, 16.9; low, 13.8%) and two fiber levels (high, 5.0; low, 3.6% crude fiber) were tested in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement. Diets (wheat, barley, soybean meal; oathulls as fiber source) were formulated to 3.25 Mcal of digestible energy (DE)/kg and 2.2 g of digestible lysine/Mcal DE for low- and medium-protein diets, and 2.4 g/Mcal of DE for high-protein diets, and supplemented with lysine, methionine, tryptophan, threonine, isoleucine, or valine to meet an ideal amino acid profile. Pigs (32 +/- 3.4 kg; n = 42) were housed in metabolism crates for 19 d. On d 10 or 11, catheters were installed by cranial vena cava venipuncture. Daily feeding allowance was adjusted to 3x maintenance (3 x 110 kcal DE/kg body weight(0.75)), and was fed in two equal meals. Feces and urine were collected from d 15 to 19. Five blood samples were collected in 2-h intervals on d 16 and 19. Fecal, urinary, and total N excretion was reduced linearly with a reduction of dietary protein (P < 0.001); the reduction was greater for urinary (48%) and total N excretion (40%) than for fecal N excretion (23%). Similarly, the ratio of urinary to fecal N was reduced linearly with a reduction of dietary protein (P < 0.001). Retention of N (g/d) was reduced linearly, but N retention as a percentage of N intake was increased linearly with a reduction of dietary protein (P < 0.001). The addition of oathulls did not affect N excretion patterns and plasma urea (P > 0.10). Dietary treatments did not affect average daily gain or feed efficiency (P > 0.10). A dietary protein x time interaction affected plasma urea (P < 0.001). For medium- and high-protein diets, plasma urea increased postprandially, peaking 4 h after feeding, and then decreased toward preprandial levels (P < 0.05). Plasma urea did not alter postprandially for the low-protein diet (P > 0.10). Urinary N excretion (g/d) was predicted by 3.03 + 2.14 x plasma urea concentration (mmol/L) at 4 h after feeding (R2 = 0.66). Plasma urea concentration is indicative of daily urinary N excretion and reduction of dietary protein is effective to reduce total and urinary N excretion.