Effects of phenylpyruvate on the growth performance and intestinal microbiota in broiler chicken.

1. The purpose of this study was to see how dietary supplementation with phenylpyruvate affected broiler growth, slaughter performance, gut health microbiota and immunity. This information can be used to develop alternative approaches to antibiotic replacement in modern poultry production and health.2. A total of 288, one-day-old broiler chickens were randomly assigned to one of four groups (six replicates each replicate has 12 chickens). A control basal diet (NC), basal diet plus antibiotic virginiamycin 15ppm (PC), basal diet plus phenylpyruvate 1 kg/t or 2 kg/t, respectively (LCP and HCP).3. Results showed that the birds in the PC group had higher ADFI during the first 21 d, and better FCR than the NC group. The HCP-fed group had a higher all-eviscerated ratio than the NC group and less abdominal fat than the birds fed LCP. The birds fed HCP had increased villus length and crypt depth in the ileum compared to the NC group.4. The bursa index was lower in the HCP group whereas the thymus index was lower in LCP and PC groups. In contrast, birds fed HCP has lower pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1, as well as lower TLR4. Phenylpyruvate improved number in the Selenomonadaceae, genus Megamonas bacteroides spp., which are known for their beneficial effects on the maintenance of the cell surface structure, regulating aromatic amino acids and Clostridia jejuni-suppressive treatment respectively.5. It was concluded that phenylpyruvate can be utilised in feed to improve growth performance and positively modulate gut microbiota. However, this was less efficient than antibiotics in improving growth performance, although more efficient in improving productive performance and gut morphology. Moreover, a high dose of phenylpyruvate is more effective than a low dose.

Molecular cloning, characterization, and expression analysis of ghrelin and cholecystokinin in the pigeon (Columba livia).

Ghrelin and cholecystokinin (CCK) are multifunctional peptides. In the current study, complete sequences of ghrelin (800 bp) and CCK (739 bp) were firstly cloned in Columba livia by using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) method. The open reading frames of ghrelin (351bp) and CCK (393bp) encoded 116 amino acids and 130 amino acids, respectively. Sequence comparison indicated that pigeon ghrelin and CCK shared high identity with those reported in other avian species. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis found that ghrelin and CCK mRNAs expressed in three intestinal segments of pigeon during development. Both ghrelin and CCK showed generally higher expressions at days posthatch than embryonic periods regardless of intestinal segments. In duodenum and ileum, the expressions of ghrelin and CCK mRNA reached the peak values at 8 d posthatch. Jejunum CCK mRNA level increased linearly after hatching, and reached the highest point at posthatch 28 d. Based on documented effects of long chain fatty acids (LCFAs) on pigeon ghrelin and CCK expression were also investigated in vitro. Higher concentrations (50 µM or 250 µM) of linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid or arachidonic acid can significantly increase ghrelin mRNA level in pigeon jejunum. However, for oleic acid, the induction of ghrelin gene expressions needed a lower concentration (5 µM). 5 µM of linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid or arachidonic acid and 250 µM palmitic acid repressed CCK expression significantly. A higher concentration (250 µM) of oleic acid or α-linolenic acid can up-regulate CCK mRNA level significantly. Our results indicated that ghrelin and CCK may act key functions in pigeon intestine development and their expressions could be regulated by LCFAs.

Nutrient assessment of olive leaf residues processed by solid-state fermentation as an innovative feedstuff additive.

AIMS: Olive leaf residue feedstuff additives were prepared by solid-state fermentation (SSF), and its feeding effects on broiler chickens were examined. METHODS AND RESULTS: The fermentation's nutrient value, that is, protein enrichment, cellulase activity, tannic acid degradation and amino acid enhancement, was determined. The effect of different strains, including molds (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae and Trichoderma viride) and yeasts (Candida utilis, Candida tropicalis and Geotrichum candidum), and the fermentation time on the nutrient values of the feedstuff additives was investigated. The experimental results showed that the optimal parameters for best performance were A. niger and C. utilis in a 1 : 1 ratio (v/v) in co-culture fermentation for 5 days. Under these conditions, the total content of amino acids in the fermented olive leaf residues increased by 22·0% in comparison with that in the raw leaf residues. Both Glutamic acid and Aspartic acid contents were increased by more than 25·4%. Broiler chickens fed with different amounts of feedstuff additives were assessed. The results demonstrated that the chicken weight gains increased by 120%, and normal serum biochemical parameters were improved significantly after 10% of the feedstuff additives were supplemented to the daily chicken feed for 28 days. CONCLUSIONS: The co-culture combination of A. niger and C. utilis with SSF for olive leaf residue had the best nutrient values. The addition of 10% fermented olive leaf residue facilitated the chicken growth and development. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study reveals that olive leaf residues fermented by SSF exhibited considerable potential as feed additives for feeding poultry.

Phytoremediation of heavy and transition metals aided by legume-rhizobia symbiosis.

Legumes are important for nitrogen cycling in the environment and agriculture due to the ability of nitrogen fixation by rhizobia. In this review, we introduce an important and potential role of legume-rhizobia symbiosis in aiding phytoremediation of some metal contaminated soils as various legumes have been found to be the dominant plant species in metal contaminated areas. Resistant rhizobia used for phytoremediation could act on metals directly by chelation, precipitation, transformation, biosorption and accumulation. Moreover, the plant growth promoting (PGP) traits of rhizobia including nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, phytohormone synthesis, siderophore release, and production of ACC deaminase and the volatile compounds of acetoin and 2, 3-butanediol may facilitate legume growth while lessening metal toxicity. The benefits of using legumes inoculated with naturally resistant rhizobia or recombinant rhizobia with enhanced resistance, as well as co-inoculation with other plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) are discussed. However, the legume-rhizobia symbiosis appears to be sensitive to metals, and the effect of metal toxicity on the interaction between legumes and rhizobia is not clear. Therefore, to obtain the maximum benefits from legumes assisted by rhizobia for phytoremediation of metals, it is critical to have a good understanding of interactions between PGP traits, the symbiotic plant-rhizobia relationship and metals.

Influence of L-threonine supplementation on goblet cell numbers, histological structure and antioxidant enzyme activities of laying hens reared in a hot and humid climate.

1. A previous experiment in our laboratory found that L-threonine supplementation at 0.2 and 0.3% increased egg production and the concentration of serum IgG, respectively. The objective of this current trial was to determine if both supplementation levels can positively influence histological structure, goblet cell numbers, or antioxidant enzyme activities. 2. Babcock Brown layers (n=576), 40 weeks of age, were allocated to three treatment groups, each of which included 6 replicates of 32 hens. Each group received the same basal diet formulated with maize, peanut meal and crystalline amino acids. L-threonine was added to the basal diet at 0 (control), 0.2, and 0.3%, respectively for 8 weeks. Chemical analysis of the diets for threonine values were 0.47, 0.66 and 0.74 %, respectively. 3. The numbers of goblet cells did not change due to L-threonine supplementation. Also, L-threonine had no affect on the villus height and mucosal thickness. No differences were found due to treatments among groups in the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in jejunum or ileum. L-threonine supplementation at 0.2% maximised the concentration of superoxide dismutases (SOD) in both serum and liver. 4. In conclusion, L-threonine supplementation had no affect on gut morphology but may have an antioxidant function at 0.2%.

Effect of supplemental L-threonine on mucin 2 gene expression and intestine mucosal immune and digestive enzymes activities of laying hens in environments with high temperature and humidity.

In addition to being an essential amino acid in protein synthesis, threonine is an integral component of gut function. To verify the effects of l-threonine on gut function, Babcock Brown layers (n = 960; 40 wk of age) were allocated to 5 dietary treatment groups, each of which included 6 replicates of 32 hens. Each group received the same basal diet formulated with corn, peanut meal, and crystalline amino acids. l-Threonine was added to the basal diet at 0 (control), 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4% for 8 wk to achieve 0.47 (NRC), 0.57, 0.67, 0.77, and 0.87% threonine, respectively. Expressions of jejunal and ileal mucin 2 mRNA were increased linearly by increasing l-threonine (P < 0.01). At 0.4% l-threonine, the concentrations of IgA antibody in the mucosa of the ileum increased linearly (P < 0.01). No differences attributable to treatment were found among groups in the activity of digestive enzymes in the jejunum or ileum. It was concluded that dietary threonine requirements as reported in current NRC recommendations are insufficient for modern commercial laying hens raised in summer climates. The results suggest that threonine might function as a nutrient immunomodulator in maintaining intestinal barrier function.

Different effects of electroacupuncture on esophageal motility and serum hormones in cats with esophagitis.

We aim to investigate the effects of different electroacupuncture (EA) frequencies at ST-36 on esophageal motility, and to compare the effect of EA on serum gastrin (GAS), motilin (MTL), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Thirty-two cats were divided into four equal groups. All animals underwent a Heller myotomy. After esophagitis developed two frequencies (2/15 Hz or 2/100 Hz) of EA were delivered into ST-36 (LEA group [low EA], HEA group [high EA]). Animals submitted to EA on a non-point region (EANP) were used as controls (LEANP group, HEANP group), respectively. Esophageal motility was continuously monitored. The lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) decreased significantly after myotomy. The LESP decreased in both LEA and LEANP cats, and in LEA cats the pressure decrease was greater. The LESP increased in the HEA group, which was higher than that in the HEANP group (P < 0.05). High-frequency EA significantly increased the peak amplitude in esophageal peristalsis. There was a decrease in serum GAS and MTL in LEA cats compared with LEANP cats (both P < 0.01). GAS and MTL were higher in the HEA group than in the HEANP group (both P < 0.01). Serum VIP decreased in the HEA group (P < 0.05), while it increased in the LEA group (P < 0.05), compared with EANP groups, respectively. EA with a high frequency at ST-36 enhances LESP as well as esophageal motility, while EA with a low frequency decreases LESP. The effect of EA is acupoint-specific, and this effect appears to be mediated through GAS, MTL and VIP.

Enhancement of dissolved phosphorus release from sediment to lake water by Microcystis blooms--an enclosure experiment in a hyper-eutrophic, subtropical Chinese lake.

To clarify the possible influence of Microcystis blooms on the exchange of phosphorus (P) between sediment and lake water, an enclosure experiment was conducted in the hypereutrophic subtropical Lake Donghu during July-September 2000. Eight enclosures were used: six received sediment while two were sediment-free. In mid-August, Microcystis blooms developed in all the enclosures. There was a persistent coincidence between the occurrence of Microcystis blooms and the increase of both total P (TP) and soluble reactive P (SRP) concentrations in the water of the enclosures with sediments. In sediment-free enclosures, TP and SRP concentrations remained rather stable throughout the experiment, in spite of the appearance of Microcystis blooms. The results indicate that Microcystis blooms induced massive release of P from the sediment, perhaps mediated by high pH caused by intense algal photosynthesis, and/or depressed concentrations of nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N).

Nutrient dynamics and the eutrophication of shallow lakes Kasumigaura (Japan), Donghu (PR China), and Okeechobee (USA).

We compared the nutrient dynamics of three lakes that have been heavily influenced by point and non-point source pollution and other human activities. The lakes, located in Japan (Lake Kasumigaura), People's Republic of China (Lake Donghu), and the USA (Lake Okeechobee), all are relatively large (> 30 km2), very shallow (< 4 m mean depth), and eutrophic. In all three lakes we found strong interactions among the sediments, water column, and human activities. Important processes affecting nutrient dynamics included nitrogen fixation, light limitation due to resuspended sediments, and intense grazing on algae by cultured fish. As a result of these complex interactions, simple empirical models developed to predict in-lake responses of total phosphorus and algal biomass to external nutrient loads must be used with caution. While published models may provide 'good' results, in terms of model output matching actual data, this may not be due to accurate representation of lake processes in the models. The variable nutrient dynamics that we observed among the three study lakes appears to be typical for shallow lake systems. This indicates that a greater reliance on lake-specific research may be required for effective management, and a lesser role of inter-lake generalization than is possible for deeper, dimictic lake systems. Furthermore, accurate predictions of management impacts in shallow eutrophic lakes may require the use of relatively complex deterministic modeling tools.

[Determination of protocatechuic acid in Blumea riparia (Bl.) DC. by RP-HPLC].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the content of protocatechuic acid in Blumea riparia by RP-HPLC. METHOD: mu-Bondapak C18 column was used, mobile phase consisted of methanol-water-glacial acetic acid(19:80:1) and detection was performed at UV 260 nm. RESULT: The standard curve was linear in the range of 3.31-41.8 micrograms.ml-1. The correlation coefficient was 0.9999. The average recovery rate and RSD were 98.05% and 1.94% (n = 6) respectively. CONCLUSION: The method provides scientific indexes for quality control of riparia.

[TLC analysis of harpagoside in devil claw extract and its tablets].

OBJECTIVE: To set up a method for TLC identification of the Devil Claw Extract and its tablets, and make a quantitative analysis of harpagoside the main active constituent in the Extract. METHOD: A characteristic TLC chromatogram was obtained by using pre-coated silica gel 60F254 plate, chloroform-ethyl acetate-methanol-water as the solvent system and 5% vanillin-sulfuric acid solution or 10% sulfuric acid-ethanol solution as the spray reagent; and quantitative analysis was carried out using silica gel plate modified by 1% sodium hydroxide, and UV absorptive scanning at 283 nm. RESULT: The regression equation is Y = 20.33X + 92.72, r = 0.9993, linear range between 16.8-151.2 ng, and average recovery 101.2%. CONCLUSION: This method has been validated by linearity, stability, sensitivity and reproducibility tests, and proved to be accordant with the requirement for quantitative analysis of the herbal medicine in question.

[Assay of terpenes in the leaves of Ginkgo biloba extract and its preparations by in situ fluorometric TLC].

A new TLC method for the assay of terpene lactones in Ginkgo biloba extract and its preparations has been established by means of optimized development condition and post-chromatographic thermal fluorescence derivatization. Satisfactory results can be obtained through polynomial regression calibration. The data obtained by this method have been proved ten times higher in sensitivity than those obtained by HPLC-refracto-detector.

[The structure correction of villosolside].

The crystal structure of villosolside was determined by X-ray diffraction, which led to some stereochemical amendment of the structure proposed in the article by Xu CJ et al. in Acta Pharm Sin 1985, 20:652.

[Thin layer chromatographic fingerprint of Rhizomata of Coptis spp].

This paper introduces the use of optimized solvent system with twice-ascending-development in twin trough chamber on TLC silica gel plate for the separation of protoberberine-type alkaloids contained in Rhizomata of Coptis spp. Nine to eleven spots including the main and the 'minor' alkaloids in the samples can be observed on the chromatograms obtained under controlled conditions. The fluorescence and UV-absorption TLC scanning profile can serve as fingerprint for the analysis of commercial samples of Rhizomata of Coptis spp.

[Antiarrhythmic effects of kappa-seleno-carrageenan in experimental animals].

The effect of Kappa-seleno-carrageenan, an organic compound containing selenium, on aconitine, BaCl2 and ouabain-induced arrhythmias were studied. When rats were given ip 9 mg.kg-1.d-1 x 5 d or ig single dose of 35, 70, 140 mg.kg-1, the threshold dose of aconitine was elevated significantly to induce HA. The effect seems to resemble that of ip Na2SeO3 1 mg.kg-1 x d-1 x 5 d. With increasing ig dose, the threshold dose of aconitine was elevated for inducing VE, VT, VF. When ip 9 mg.kg-1 x d-1 x 5 d or ig 70 mg.kg-1 was given, the threshold doses of BaCl2 in inducing VF (in rats) and ouabain in inducing VE (in guinea-pig) were elevated. However, no influence was observed for ip Na2SeO3 1 mg.kg-1 x d-1 x 5 d.