Remediation of hydrocarbons and metals by hydrocarbon utilizing Pseudomonas taiwanensis YSA-17 isolated from soil contaminated with petroleum.

Careless handling of petroleum in petrochemical industries releases toxic hydrocarbons and metals to soil and water. The aim of the present study was to isolate hydrocarbon-utilizing and metal-tolerant bacteria. Hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria from petroleum-contaminated soils were isolated on the Bushnell Hass medium. Hydrocarbon degradation by Pseudomonas taiwanensis strain YSA-17 was observed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Bioaccumulation of metals by strain YSA-17 was assessed in nutrient broth. Among different strains, YSA-17 showed the highest potential for hydrocarbon utilization. After 20 days of incubation, YSA-17 completely degraded one compound and during its degradation, there was the formation of 13 new compounds which were absent in uninoculated control. Results of scanning electron microscope and Fourier transmission infrared (FTIR) indicated degradation of hydrocarbons. FTIR showed the formation of new functional groups in YSA-17 inoculated medium. Expression of the total quantity of hydrocarbon-degrading gene (AlkB and NehAc) in petroleum-amended nutrient broth inoculated with strain YSA-17 enhanced significantly during 20 days of incubation compared to control. YSA-17 also significantly removed metals. This study concluded that bioinoculant can be utilized for the bioremediation of pollutants cocontaminated with hydrocarbons and metals. Petroleum-contaminated soil will be remediated for pollutants.

Evaluating a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant on growth performance of broilers fed U.S. commercial diets deficient in nutrients and energy through 63 days of age.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant expressed in Trichoderma reesei (PhyG) in broilers fed corn-soybean meal-based diets with application of dose-specific full nutrient and energy matrix values. Ross 708, straight-run broilers (n = 2,016) were assigned to one of 7 dietary treatments, with 12 replicate pens/diet and 24 birds/pen. Diets were a nutrient adequate control (PC), nutrient reduced negative controls 1, 2, and 3 (NC1, NC2, and NC3) with reductions in available phosphorus (avP) by 0.15%, 0.18%, and 0.19%, calcium (Ca) by 0.17%, 0.20%, and 0.21%, dig amino acids (AA) by 0.02%-0.05%, sodium (Na) by 0.03%-0.05%, and metabolizable energy (ME) by 62.8, 68.8, and 69.5 kcal/kg, respectively. Other diets were the NC1, NC2, and NC3 respectively supplemented with 500 (PhyG500), 1,000 (PhyG1000), and 2,000 (PhyG2000) FTU/kg. Over the 63-day feeding period, decreasing nutrient specifications lowered body weights (P < 0.05) in broilers from 4,518 g in PC to 4,256 g and 4,191 g and increased body weight-corrected feed conversion ratio (FCR, P < 0.05) from 1.92 in PC to 2.06 and 2.08 in the NC2 and NC3, respectively. Compared with PC, PhyG maintained (P > 0.05) BW in broilers fed PhyG500 (4,474 g), PhyG1000 (4,417 g), and PhyG2000 (4,449 g). Moreover, PhyG at all dose-levels maintained (P > 0.05) overall FCR vs. PC. The NC1, NC2, and NC3 diets decreased (P < 0.05) tibia ash vs. PC, and each PhyG500, PhyG1000, and PhyG2000 completely restored tibia ash to the similar levels (P > 0.05) as the PC. Carcass yield was decreased (P < 0.05) by NC1 (80.63%), NC2 (80.51%), and NC3 (80.31%) vs. PC (81.96%) with complete alleviation by PhyG500 (82.11%), PhyG1000 (81.80%), and PhyG2000 (81.54%). In conclusion, the novel consensus phytase variant completely compensated for the reduction in dietary avP, Ca, dig AA, and ME at each dose-level and maintained growth performance, bone quality, carcass characteristics, and nutrient digestibility in a typical corn-soybean mean based diet fed to broilers through 63 days of age.

As any reduction in dietary nutrients can negatively impact broiler productivity mitigating these effects is imperative. Dietary reductions in minerals, amino acids, and energy can all result in decreased growth and performance. Previous studies have demonstrated that exogenous phytase added to poultry diets can mitigate decreased growth caused by diets deficient in minerals, amino acids, and energy. In this current study, the addition of dose-dependent digestible AA and ME matrix values in addition to a mineral (P and Ca) down-specification in novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant supplemented diets resulted in maintained growth performance, bone quality, carcass characteristics, and nutrient digestibility equivalent to those of a nutritionally adequate diet. This study demonstrated the extra-phosphoric efficacy of phytase, at on top of the phosphoric efficacy, in a typical corn-soybean meal based diet fed to broilers through 63 days of age. The results of this current study confirmed that it is possible to account for phytase contributions for increased AA and energy availability, in addition to P and Ca.

Stem bark chloroform extract of Bombax costatum Pellegr. & Vuillet exhibit anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects in pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in rats.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed at evaluating the potentials of stem bark extracts of Bombax costatum (B. costatum) on seizure, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced kindling and associated changes in wistar albino rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phase 1 evaluated which extract of B. costatum (chloroform, ethanol and n-hexane) is most effective in preventing seizure in acute PTZ-induced (85mg/kg) seizure in rats. Phase 2 evaluated the potentials of stem bark chloroform extract of B. costatum in PTZ-kindled rats at a dose 250 and 500mg/kg in comparison to diazepam. As its effects on memory, oxidative stress markers, neurotransmitters and brain histology were evaluated. Phase 3 determined the probable curative effects of B. costatum on fully kindled rats. RESULTS: In phase 1, Chloroform extract of B. coststum 500mg/kg is the most effective (P<0.05) in preventing seizure as compared to ethanol and n-hexane extracts. In phase 2, chloroform extract of B. costatum delayed the development of kindling, improved kindling associated cognitive impairment and alterations of glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Further, it attenuated oxidative stress besides the maintenance of neuronal architecture of the hippocampus. CONCLUSION: Conclusively, chloroform stem bark extract of B. costatum antagonizes PTZ-induced seizure progression, protects against kindling induced cognitive impairment and oxidative stress. Additionally, it also increases the brain level of GABA at high dose and prevented against kindling-induced hippocampal disruptions. Hence, this justifies its use traditionally in the treatment of epileptic seizures.

Modeling improvements in ileal digestible amino acids by a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant in broilers.

Data from 13 datasets from 4 trials on the effect of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant (PhyG) on the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of amino acids (AA) in broilers were used to model AID AA responses. The datasets were obtained from 3 trial locations (New Zealand, Australia and United States) and collectively incorporated variations in diet composition (feedstuff composition, phytate-P (PP) level, limestone solubility), feed form (mash or pellet), bird genetics (strain), and age at sampling (11-35 d of age). In total, 384 observations were analyzed. First, the relationships between AID of AA (as coefficients) and increasing phytase dose level from 0 to 4,000 FTU/kg were evaluated across all datasets using exponential curve fitting. Second, the percentage unit change in AID of AA at each phytase dose level from baseline (basal diet [BD] without phytase) was calculated separately for each dataset and the data then modeled together using exponential curve fitting. The model-predicted mean coefficient of AID of total AA in basal diets was 0.76 (range 0.56 [Cys] to 0.83 [Glu]), which was increased by PhyG to 0.80 and 0.81 at 2,000 and 4,000 FTU/kg, respectively. Exponential increases in the percentage unit improvement in AID of 18 individual and of total AA with increasing phytase dose level were evident (P < 0.05). Improvements (vs. BD) at 2,000 FTU/kg and 4,000 FTU/kg, respectively, were greatest for Cys (+9.2 and +11.0% units), Met (after deduction of synthetic Met, +8.4 and +9.0% units), and Thr (after deduction of synthetic Thr, +6.2 and +7.3% units). The data demonstrated consistent improvements in the AID of AA by the phytase. The modeling results generated from data gathered from birds sampled at different ages and from different dietary settings with correction of synthetic AA for Lys, Met, Thr, and Trp, enabled a more accurate prediction of the digestible AA contribution from the diet by this novel phytase. This will allow diet-specific AA matrix recommendations to be made in commercial feed formulations.

Evaluation of the responses of broiler chickens to varying concentrations of phytate phosphorus and phytase. â ¡. Grower phase (day 12-23 post hatching).

A randomized complete block design study used 768 male broiler chickens to investigate the effects of phytate P (PP) and a novel consensus bacterial phytase variant (PhyG) concentration on growth performance, bone mineralization, apparent ileal digestibility (AID), and total tract retention (TTR) of nutrients in broiler chickens. Treatments were arranged in a 1 + 3 × 5 factorial with a nutrient-adequate positive control diet (PC) with 2.8 g PP/kg, 3 nutrient-reduced negative control diets (NC: PC minus 88 kcal/kg ME, 0.8 g/kg dig. Lys, 2.0 g/kg available P, 2.0 g/kg Ca and 0.5 g/kg Na) with varying PP (g/kg) levels, mainly from rice bran, at 2.3 (NC1), 2.8 (NC2), or 3.3 (NC3) and 5 PhyG doses at 0, 500, 1,000, 2,000, or 4,000 FTU/kg. All treatments had 6 replicate cages with 8 birds/cage. A commercial starter diet was fed from d 0 to 12 and the experimental diets from d 12 to 23 post hatching. Birds fed the NC2 diet without phytase had lower (P < 0.01) BW, BW gain, and feed intake (FI) as compared with birds fed the PC with the same PP level. With increasing phytate, there was a decrease (P < 0.05) in BW, BW gain, and FI. Phytase increased (P < 0.01) BW and feed efficiency of broiler chickens. An interaction (P < 0.05) between PP and phytase concentrations was observed on the AID of Met, Cys, and Thr. Linear decrease (P < 0.01) in the AID and TTR of P and Ca with increasing PP concentrations were observed. Phytase supplementation increased (P ≤ 0.05) the AID of P, Ca, and all AA. The TTR of P, Ca, and Zn was linearly increased (P < 0.01) by 112, 123, and 46%, respectively, when birds fed NC diets with 0 and 4,000 FTU/kg were compared. In conclusion, phytate reduced the growth performance and nutrient utilization of broiler chickens from d 12 to 23 post hatching while phytase ameliorated these negative effects.

Effect of increasing dose level of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant on phytate degradation in broilers fed diets containing varied phytate levels.

1. The effect of increasing the dose level of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant on apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of phosphorus (P), phytic acid (inositol hexa-phosphate, IP6) and ileal IP6 degradation profile was studied in diets containing varying phytate-P (PP) levels.2. Ross 308, one-day-old males (n = 1,800) were allocated to cages (20 birds/cage, six cages/treatment) in a completely randomised design employing a 3 × 5 factorial arrangement (three PP levels: 2.45 (low) 2.95 (medium) and 3.45 g/kg (high); five dose levels of phytase (PhyG): 0, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 4,000 FTU/kg). Phased diets were based on wheat, corn, soybean meal, rapeseed meal and rice bran (d 0 to 10; 2.60 g/kg digestible P, 7.6 g/kg calcium (Ca); d 11 to 21; 2.10 g/kg digestible P, 6.4 g/kg Ca). Ileal digesta was collected on d 21 for determination of P, IP6 and IP-esters content. Data were analysed by factorial ANOVA; means separation was achieved using Tukey's HSD test.3. Increasing PP reduced AID of IP6 and sum of IP3-6 (%) (P < 0.05) but absolute P-release (g/kg diet) above NC was increased (P < 0.05) at high vs. low PP. Increasing phytase dose exponentially increased (P < 0.001) AID IP6, sum of IP3-6 (%) and digestible IP3-6-P g/kg diet (P < 0.001). AID P was increased but there was an interaction with PP level (P < 0.001). Ileal accumulation of IP5-3-P was universally low with PhyG at ≥1,000 FTU/kg (<0.06 g/100 g DM). At 2,000 and 4,000 FTU/kg, AID IP6 was 97.2, 92.7, 92.6% and 100, 97.2, 97.1%, respectively, at low, medium and high PP. At 2,000 FTU/kg, phytate-P release estimated as the increase (above NC) in ileal digestible sum of IP3-6-P in the diet was 2.26, 2.59 and 3.10 g/kg in low, medium and high PP, respectively.4. The data demonstrated that the novel phytase was effective in breaking down phytate to low IP-esters in diets with varied PP content but the optimal dose level for maximising P-release may differ in diets with varying PP content.

Evaluation of the responses of broiler chickens to varying concentrations of phytate phosphorus and phytase. â . Starter phase (day 1-11 post hatching).

Growth performance, tibia ash, apparent ileal digestibility (AID), and total tract retention (TTR) of nutrients responses of broiler chickens fed diets containing varying concentrations of phytate P (PP) and a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant (PhyG) from d 1 to 11 post hatching were evaluated with 1,152 broiler chicks. Diets were a nutrient-adequate positive control diet (PC) with 2.8 g PP/kg or one of 15 nutrient-reduced negative control (NC: PC minus 88 kcal/kg ME, 0.8 g/kg dig. Lys, 2.0 g/kg available P, 1.8 g/kg Ca and 0.5 g/kg Na) diets with 3 PP (g/kg) levels, mainly from rice bran, at 2.3 (NC1), 2.8 (NC2), or 3.3 (NC3) and 5 PhyG supplementation at 0, 500, 1,000, 2,000, or 4,000 FTU/kg in a 1 + 3 × 5 factorial. All treatments had 6 replicate cages with 12 birds per cage. Despite comparable PP levels, birds fed the PC diet had greater (P ≤ 0.01) body weight (BW), feed intake (FI), tibia ash, AID of energy, AA, P, and Ca as compared with birds fed the NC2 without phytase. There was no interaction between PP and phytase for all responses. Increasing PP concentrations linearly decreased (P < 0.01) BW, FI, AID, and TTR of P and Ca. With phytase supplementation, there was a quadratic response (P < 0.05) in BW, FI, tibia ash, and a linear increase (P < 0.05) in the AID of energy, nitrogen, and all the measured AA. Increasing phytase dose from 0 to 4,000 FTU/kg increased (P < 0.01) AID of P and Ca by 88 and 18%, respectively. There was also a quadratic response (P ≤ 0.05) on TTR of P and Ca with increasing phytase dose. In conclusion, increasing levels of PP reduced growth performance and most nutrient utilization responses of broiler chickens while phytase supplementation positively impacted the responses of broiler chickens during d 1 to 11 post hatching.

Effects of the in ovo injection of vitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in Ross 708 broilers subsequently fed commercial or calcium and phosphorus-restricted diets. II. Immunity and small intestine morphology1,2,3.

Effects of the in ovo injection of vitamin D3 (D3) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) on the immunity and small intestine morphology of broilers fed calcium and phosphorus-restricted diets were investigated. At 18 d of incubation (doi), live embryonated Ross 708 broiler hatching eggs were in ovo-injected with a 50 µL solution of one of the following treatments using an Inovoject multiegg injector: 1) diluent (control); diluent containing either 2) 2.4 µg D3; 3) 2.4 µg 25OHD3; or 4) 2.4 µg D3 + 2.4 µg 25OHD3. At hatch, 18 randomly selected male broilers belonging to one of the 4 in ovo injection treatments were placed in each of 12 floor pens and were fed either a commercial diet or a diet restricted by 20% in calcium and available phosphorus (ReCaP) content for the starter, grower and finisher dietary phases. Concentrations of plasma IgG and IgM at 14 d of age (doa) and α-1-acid glycoprotein at 40 doa were determined. Bursa, liver, spleen, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum weights were recorded at 7, 14, and 40 doa and small intestine histology was evaluated at 14 and 40 doa. Blood and organ samples were randomly collected from 1 bird in each of the 6 replicate pens within each of the 8 (4 in ovo x 2 dietary) treatment groups. Plasma IgG levels were higher in 25OHD3 than in diluent or D3 in ovo-injected birds. At 14 doa, a higher jejunal villus length (VL) to crypt depth (CD) ratio (RVC) was observed in birds that were in ovo-injected with 25OHD3 alone as compared to all other in ovo injection treatments. At 40 doa, ileal VL increased and jejunal CD decreased in commercial diet-fed birds compared to ReCaP diet-fed birds. In conclusion, the in ovo injection of 25OHD3 alone increased the immune response and improved the small intestine morphology and subsequent nutrient uptake of Ross 708 broilers. However, a ReCaP diet was observed to be detrimental to their small intestine morphology.

Effects of the in ovo injection of vitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in Ross 708 broilers subsequently fed commercial or calcium and phosphorus-restricted diets. I. Performance, carcass characteristics, and incidence of woody breast myopathy1,2,3.

Effects of the in ovo-injection of vitamin D3 (D3) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) on broiler performance, carcass characteristics, and woody breast myopathy (WBM) incidence were investigated. Live embryonated Ross 708 broiler hatching eggs (2,880) were randomly assigned to one of the following in ovo injection treatments: (1) diluent (50 µL); diluent (50 µL) containing either (2) 2.4 µg D3; (3) 2.4 µg 25OHD3; or (4) 2.4 µg D3 + 2.4 µg 25OHD3. Eggs were injected at 18 d of incubation (doi) using an Inovoject multiegg injector. At hatch, 18 male chicks were randomly placed in each of 6 replicate pens belonging to each in ovo injection and, dietary treatment combination. Birds were fed either a commercial diet or a diet restricted in calcium and phosphorous (ReCaP) content by 20% for the starter, grower and finisher dietary phases. Broiler performance was determined in each dietary phase and breast muscle yield was also determined at 14 and 40 d of age (doa). At 41 and 46 doa, birds were processed for determination of WBM, carcass weight, and the absolute and relative (% of carcass weight) weights of various carcass parts. Compared to birds fed the commercial diet, birds fed ReCaP diets experienced a reduction in performance from 14 to 40 doa, in breast meat yield at 41 and 46 doa, and in WBM at 41 and 46 doa. At 14 and 40 doa, breast meat yield in birds that received an in ovo injection of 25OHD3 alone was higher compared to birds that received diluent alone or a combination of D3 and 25OHD3. Lower WBM incidence in ReCaP-fed birds was associated with a lower breast weight. An increase in breast meat yield in response to 25OHD3 alone may be due to improved immunity and small intestine morphology. However, further study is needed to determine the aforementioned effects.

A novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant completely replaced inorganic phosphate in broiler diets, maintaining growth performance and bone quality: data from two independent trials.

Total replacement of dietary inorganic phosphate (Pi) by a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant (PhyG) in phytate-rich diets (>0.3% phytate-P) was investigated in 2 trials using growth performance and bone quality as outcome measures. Both trials utilized a completely randomized design with 5 dietary treatments across 4 phases: starter (0-10 d), grower (10-21 d), finisher 1 (21-35 d), and finisher 2 (35-42 d). Treatments comprised a nutritionally adequate positive control (PC) diet containing monocalcium phosphate and 4 experimental diets (IPF1, IPF2, IPF3, and IPF4), all containing no added Pi and reduced in Ca by 0.2 to 0.3% units vs. PC. IPF1contained PhyG at 1,000 FTU/kg (all phases); IPF2 contained PhyG at 1,000 FTU/kg (all phases) and was additionally reduced in digestible AA, ME, and sodium (-0.2 to -0.4% points, -74 kcal/kg, -0.04% points, respectively, vs. PC); IPF3 contained PhyG at 3,000 FTU/kg in starter, 2,000 FTU/kg in grower, and 1,000 FTU/kg in finisher phases; and IPF4 contained xylanase (2,000 U/kg) and PhyG (2,000 FTU/kg in starter, 1,500 FTU/kg in grower, and 1,000 FTU/kg in finisher phases) and was additionally reduced in ME (-71 kcal/kg vs. PC). Ross 308 broilers were used (trial 1: n = 1,200 mixed sex; 24 birds per pen × 10 replicates; trial 2: n = 1,300 males; 26 birds × 10 replicates). During all phases in both trials, all IPF treatments maintained or improved BW, ADG, ADFI, FCR and BW-corrected FCRc and bone quality parameters vs. PC. vs. PC, treatment IPF3 increased ADG during starter phase (+10.8%) and reduced overall FCRc (-12 points, P < 0.05) in Trial 1, and increased overall ADG (+4.4%), day 35 and day 42 BW (+3.5%, +4.9%), and reduced overall FCRc (-11 points) in Trial 2 (P < 0.05). IPF4 produced equivalent performance to IPF3 (both trials). These are the first data to demonstrate total replacement of Pi by microbial phytase during an entire growth cycle in broiler diets.

Effects of dietary calcium and available phosphorus levels and phytase supplementation on performance, bone mineral density, and serum biochemical bone markers in aged white egg-laying hens.

Exogenous phytase supplementation increases P and Ca availability to allow for the dietary reductions without negative consequences on productivity or skeletal health. Effects of a Buttiauxella sp. phytase (BSP) supplemented in available P (avP)-reduced and Ca-reduced diets on performance, BW, eggshell quality, serum biochemical bone markers, and bone densitometry were evaluated in egg-laying hens from 68 to 78 wk of age. One hundred hens were fed 1 of 5 diets (n = 20/treatment), including a positive control (PC) with 0.35% avP and 3.5% Ca, and the PC moderately reduced in avP and Ca levels by 0.187 and 0.159% of the diet (by 53 and 4.5%), respectively, (NC1) or severely reduced by 0.231 and 0.275% of the diet (by 66 and 7.9%), respectively, (NC2). Other diets were the NC1 or NC2 supplemented with BSP at 600 FTU/kg (NC1 + BSP or NC2 + BSP, respectively). Egg production and feed conversion ratio were maintained by NC1 but were 11.9% lower and 12.3% higher, respectively, with the NC2 than the PC, which was alleviated by supplemental BSP. Diet effects on FI and eggshell quality followed a similar pattern. Body weight was 2.9% lower for NC1, and 6.1% for NC2 than the PC; BSP alleviated the decreased BW. Serum pyridinoline (bone resorption marker) was 20 to 27% higher in NC2 hens than in the other groups, with no effects on other bone markers. Total and trabecular space bone mineral density in the proximal metaphysis were 8.4 and 15.2% lower for NC1, respectively, and 12.1 and 26.7% lower for NC2, respectively, than PC. Supplemental BSP completely alleviated the decreased bone densitometry measures in NC1, but only partially in NC2. The NC1 hens maintained performance but had decreased BW and bone quality; phytase supplementation restored productivity, BW, and bone quality. The Ca and avP deficiencies in the NC2 hens relative to other groups were partially alleviated by the 600 FTU/kg BSP.

The efficacy of 2 phytases on inositol phosphate degradation in different segments of the gastrointestinal tract, calcium and phosphorus digestibility, and bone quality of broilers.

The anti-nutritional effects of dietary inositol phosphates (IP6 through IP3) have been recognized in broiler chickens; however, inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) is more potent than the lower IP esters. The efficacies of 2 commercial phytases, a Buttiauxella sp. phytase (BSP) and a Citrobacter braakii phytase (CBP) at 500 and 1,000 FTU/kg, were studied on IP6-3 concentrations in the crop, proventriculus + gizzard, and distal ileum digesta, and ileal IP6 disappearance in broilers at day 22. Apparent ileal P and Ca digestibility, and bone quality at days 22 and 33 were also measured. Female Ross 308 broilers (n = 1,890; 30 birds × 7 diets × 9 replicates) were fed corn-soy-based crumbled diets. The 7 diets included a primary breeder recommendation-based positive control diet (PC); the PC marginally reduced in available P by 0.146% and Ca by 0.134% of the diet, (NC1) or moderately reduced by 0.174 and 0.159% of the diet, respectively (NC2). Other diets were the NC1 + BSP or CBP at 500 FTU/kg (NC1+500BSP and NC1+500CBP) and the NC2 + BSP or CBP at 1,000 FTU/kg (NC2+1,000BSP and NC2+1,000CBP). Each of the NC1 and NC2 had distal ileum IP6 disappearance similar to that of PC, but each had lower P digestibility and the majority of measured bone quality parameters than the PC. The ileal IP6 levels were decreased by 52.0 and 32.7% for NC1+500BSP and NC1+500CBP, respectively, relative to NC1 and by 73.6 and 50.9% for NC2+1,000BSP and NC2+1,000CBP, respectively, relative to NC2 (P < 0.001), with a similar effect for distal ileum IP6 disappearance. Overall, phytase in the NC diets increased P digestibility, and femur breaking strength and cortical bone mineral density at days 22 and 33. Overall, each of the phytases at each dose degraded IP6-3 across the gastrointestinal tract segments to increase P digestibility and the P and Ca utilization in bone. However, dietary BSP at 1,000 FTU/kg was most effective. Supplemental phytase degrades phytate to decrease the anti-nutritional effects in a dose- and phytase-dependent manner.

Long-term effects of Buttiauxella sp. phytase on performance, eggshell quality, apparent ileal Ca and P digestibility, and bone properties of white egg layers.

Adequate dietary Ca and available phosphorus (avP) are essential to long-term egg production and bone health in laying hens. The effects of dietary Ca and avP levels and Buttiauxella sp. phytase (BSP) were studied in Lohmann LSL Lite hens from 30 to 70 wk of age (woa). Hens (n = 456; 4 per cage) were fed either a primary breeder recommendation-based diet (positive control; PC); the PC with avP and Ca levels reduced by 0.146 and 0.134% of the diet, respectively, without (NC) or with 300 FTU/kg BSP (NC+BSP). Egg production, BW, feed intake, FCR, and eggshell quality from 30 to 70 woa, and apparent ileal digestibility of P (AIDP) and Ca (AIDCa), and bone quality at 32, 48, and 70 woa were measured. The avP and Ca levels in the NC diet were not clinically deficient, as most parameters were unaffected by diet. Hen BW from 34 to 70 woa tended to be 2.9% greater (P = 0.076) for PC and NC+BSP compared to NC. Mid-diaphysis cortical bone mineral content (CBMC) tended to be 10% and 9% higher (P = 0.065) in the NC+BSP hens than in NC hens at 48 and 70 woa, respectively. AIDP of NC+BSP was 24% greater (P = 0.034) than of NC at 32 woa and tended to be 18% greater (P = 0.082) than AIDP of PC at 48 woa, and 25% lower than of NC and PC at 70 woa (P = 0.028). AIDCa was 25% lower for NC+BSP than PC at 48 woa only (P = 0.037). The avP and Ca sufficiency in the NC diet limited the opportunity to determine a phytase effect. Although the supplemental BSP tended to increase BW and 48 and 70 woa CBMC, and increased 32 woa AIDP, the efficacy of BSP could not be determined due to the lack of an NC effect on most parameters. Commercial laying hens can maintain health and productivity at lower than recommended levels of dietary Ca and avP; phytase supplementation may allow for even further reductions.

Growth performance, duodenal morphology and the caecal microbial population in female broiler chickens fed glycine-fortified low protein diets under heat stress conditions.

1. This study was undertaken to examine the effect of feeding glycine (Gly)-fortified low protein (LP) diets on the growth performance, duodenal morphology and caecal microbial populations of broiler chickens raised under unheated, cyclic or constant heat stress environmental conditions. 2. From d 1 to 21 (starter phase), an equivalent number of birds were fed either a normal protein (NP) diet or a LP diet fortified with Gly. From d 22 to 42 (grower phase), an equivalent number of birds from each starter diet were distributed to one of the following dietary groups: (i) an NP diet during the starter and grower phases (NPNP), (ii) an NP diet during the starter phase and a LP diet during the grower phase (NPLP), (iii) an LP diet during the starter phase and an NP diet during the grower phase (LPNP) or (iv) LP diets during both phases (LPLP). 3. Commencing from d 22, an equivalent number of birds from each dietary group were exposed to (i) 23 ± 1°C throughout (unheated), (ii) 34 ± 1°C for 7 h each day from 10:00 to 17:00 (cyclic heat) or (iii) 34 ± 1°C throughout (constant heat). 4. Feeding the LP diet during the starter phase resulted in feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG), feed conversion ratios (FCR) and energy efficiency ratios (EER) similar to those for the NP diet. The birds fed the LP diet had a significantly higher protein efficiency ratio (PER) compared with the birds fed the NP diet. 5. During the grower phase, there were significant diet × temperature interactions for F, WG, FCR, PER, EER, villus height, crypt depth and caecal Clostridia. The birds fed the NPLP and LPLP diets had lower FI, WG and EER, higher FCR, shorter villus height and crypt depth and higher caecal Clostridia compared with the birds fed LPNP and NPNP diets under constant heat stress. However, feeding birds the NPLP and LPLP diets resulted in FI, WG, EER, FCR, morphology parameters and caecal Clostridia equivalent to the birds fed LPNP and NPNP diets, as well as improved PER, under unheated and cyclic heat stress conditions. 6. In conclusion, our results indicate that Gly-fortified LP diets can be fed to broilers under normal and acute heat stress environmental conditions without any adverse effects on performance. However, the use of such LP diets can be detrimental to broilers under chronic heat stress conditions.

Effects of commercial in ovo injection of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol on bone development and mineralization in male and female broilers.

Improved bone development and mineralization in broilers have been attributed to the use of 25-hydroxylcholecalceiferol [25(OH)D3] as a dietary supplement. In this study, effects of the in ovo injection of 25(OH)D3 delivered in commercial diluent on 18 d of incubation (doi) on subsequent bone development and mineralization in male and female Ross × Ross 708 broilers were investigated. The variables investigated included bone mineral density and breaking strength, bone ash concentration, and calcium and phosphorus bone ash concentrations. In a single-stage incubator, with 6 treatments on each of the 10 tray levels, a total of 2,400 experimental broiler hatching eggs were evenly and randomly set. Eggs were treatment-injected and transferred to corresponding hatching baskets on 18 doi. Experimental treatment groups were those that received 0.2, 0.6, 1.8, or 5.4 µg of 25(OH)D3 that were delivered in 100 µL of commercial diluent. Noninjected and diluent-injected controls were also included. On 21 doi, chicks were pulled and placed in corresponding floor pens, and on each of d 0, 14, and 28 posthatch (poh), 2 birds of each sex from each pen were randomly selected for necropsy and extraction of both of their tibia bones. Bones from the right leg were subjected to mineral density analysis and those from the left leg were used to determine breaking strength and residual bone ash concentration. Furthermore, ash calcium and phosphorus concentrations on d 14 and 28 poh were determined. There was a treatment × sex × age interaction for bone breaking strength. Bone breaking strength in male birds on d 28 poh was higher in the 0.20, 0.60, and 1.80 µg of 25(OH)D3-injected treatment groups than in the diluent-injected control group. In conclusion, although the in ovo injection of 25(OH)D3 had no positive effect on the bone development of Ross × Ross 708 broilers through d 28 poh compared with noninjected controls, it may provide a benefit to those subjected to an injection of commercial vaccine diluent.

The effects of electromyographic-triggered neuromuscular electrical muscle stimulation on the functional hand recovery among stroke survivors.

Restoration of functional hand following stroke still presents formidable challenges to physiotherapists. The study evaluated the effectiveness of EMG-triggered NMES on the functional hand recovery of stroke survivors. Nineteen stroke survivors referred for physiotherapy at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra Ghana, were consecutively assigned into an Intervention (IV) and the usual care (UC) groups. The outcome measures included box and block timed manipulation test, action research arm test (ARAT) and an adapted hand dynamometry. Measurements were recorded at baseline, at 4 and 8 weeks of the treatment by an independent assessor. The intervention group received EMG-triggered NMES in addition to the usual care during the evaluation period. Statistical analysis involved Freidman Two way ANOVA by ranks to evaluate the statistical significant changes within each group whilst Mann-Whitney U test compared the differences in the post treatment variables between the two groups. Alpha level was set at P < 0.05. The mean periods of onset of stroke were 3.63 +/- 2.13 and 5.50 +/- 2.16 months for UC and IV groups respectively. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the periods of onset of stroke and ages between the two groups. Within group comparison showed significant performance (P < 0.05) on the outcome measures post baseline. No significant difference occurred between both groups except in ARAT where intervention group performed significantly better (P < 0.05) at the 8th week of the evaluation. It was concluded that inclusion of EMG-triggered NMES could contribute to a better functional hand recovery among stroke survivors during recovery stage.

Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Activities of some Selected Medicinal Plants Used for Malaria Therapy in Southwestern Nigeria

Purpose: Oxidative stress has been shown to play an important role in the development of anaemia in malaria. Indeed; increase in total antioxidant status has been shown to be important in recovery from malaria. The antioxidant activities of four medicinal plants traditionally used in the treatment of malaria in southwestern Nigeria were determi- ned. Methods: The ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Carica papaya Linn. [Caricaceae] ; stem bark of Magnifera indica Linn. [Anacardiaceae]; leaves of Psidium guajava Linn. [Myrtaceae] and the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina Del. [Compositae]; were used in the present study. The plant parts commonly used in the locality in malaria therapy were employed in this study. The plants were screened for the presence of phytochemicals and; their effect on 2;2-Diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl radical (DPPH) was used to determine their free radical scavenging activity. Results: Phytochemical screening of the plants showed the presence of flavonoids; terpenoids; saponins; tannins and reducing sugars. M. indica did not contain cardiac glycosides and alkaloids while; P. guajava also showed the absence of alkaloids and anthraquinones. Anthraquinones was similarly absent from V. amygdalina. Concentrations of the plant extracts required for 50inhibition of DPPH radical scavenging effect (IC50) were recorded as 0.04 mg/ml; 0.313 mg/ml; 0.58 mg/ml; 2.30 mg/ml and 0.054 mg/ml for P. guajava; M. Indica; C. papaya; V. amygdalina and Vitamin C; respectively. Conclusion : All the plants showed potent inhibition of DPPH radical scavenging activity; P. guajava being the most potent. The free radical scavenging (antioxidant) activities of these plants probably contribute to the effectiveness of the above plants in malaria therapy

Calcium antagonist properties of the bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid cycleanine.

The alkaloid cycleanine ([12aR-(12aR,24aR)]-2,3,12a,13,14,15,24,24a-octa hydro-5,6,17,18- tetramethoxy-1,13-dimethyl-8, 11:20,23-dietheno-1H,12H [1,10]dioxacyclooctadecino[2,3,4-ij:11,12,13-i'j']diisoquinolin e) was extracted from the bulbs of Stephania glabra (Roxb) Miers and its effects on cardiac and smooth muscle preparations were studied and compared to those of nifedipine (1,4-dihydro-2, 6-dimethyl-4-(2-nitrophenyl)-3,5-pyridine dicarboxylic acid dimethylesther). Cycleanine inhibited the KCl-induced contraction of rabbit aortic rings with higher potency than nifedipine. IC50s for cycleanine and nifedipine were 0.8 and 7.10(-9) M respectively. Cycleanine had minor effects on the norepinephrine-induced contraction of rabbit aortic rings. Cycleanine and nifedipine also depressed the contraction of rat ventricular preparations but with lower potency (IC50 = 3 and 0.03.10(-6) M respectively). Action potential duration of rat right ventricular strips was decreased by both compounds. L-type Ca-current (ICaL) of single rat ventricular cardiomyocytes was inhibited by cycleanine in a voltage- and frequency-dependent manner. With a higher potency nifedipine inhibited ICaL in a tonic and almost frequency-independent manner. The results suggest that cycleanine can act as a potent vascular selective Ca-antagonist.