Neuroimaging Features of Biotinidase Deficiency.

Biotinidase deficiency is an autosomal recessive condition caused by pathogenic variants in the BTD gene. Resultant deficiency of free biotin leads to impaired activity of the enzyme carboxylase and related neurologic, dermatologic, and ocular symptoms. Many of these are reversible on treatment, but early recognition and commencement of biotin supplementation are critical. This practice is especially important in countries where routine neonatal screening for biotinidase deficiency is not performed. In this report comprising 14 patients from multiple centers, we demonstrate the MR imaging patterns of this disorder at various age groups. Knowledge of these patterns in the appropriate clinical context will help guide early diagnosis of this treatable metabolic disorder.

Electrosprayed cashew gum microparticles for the encapsulation of highly sensitive bioactive materials.

This study focuses on the production and characterization of electrosprayed cashew gum (CG) microparticles that encapsulate ß-carotene. CG is an inexpensive, non-toxic polysaccharide obtained from Anacardium occidentale trees. Encapsulation of ß-carotene in CG was performed by electrospraying from two emulsion formulations (water : oil ratios 80:20 and 90:10 (v/v)) in which the dispersed phase consisted of ß-carotene dissolved in castor oil, and the continuous phase was a CG aqueous solution. Spherical particles with smooth surface and medium size between 3 and 6 µm were obtained. The particles produced from the 90:10 (v/v) emulsion showed a loading capacity of 0.075 ± 0.006 % and a minor amount of extractable ß-carotene, 10.75 ± 2.42 %. ATR-FTIR confirmed the absence of interaction between the particles' components. CG demonstrated to offer thermoprotection, and photoprotection for short periods of time. These results make CG a viable candidate to encapsulate bioactive compounds via electrospraying for agricultural, food and pharmaceutical applications.

Oregano Oil and Its Principal Component, Carvacrol, Inhibit HIV-1 Fusion into Target Cells.

Oregano essential oil has long been known for its health-promoting benefits. Here, we report its activity against viral replication. Oregano oil was found to specifically inhibit lentiviruses, such as human and simian immunodeficiency viruses (HIV and SIV), irrespective of virus tropism, but not hepatitis C virus, adenovirus 5 (ADV5), Zika virus, and influenza (H1N1) virus. Oregano oil's most abundant components, carvacrol and its isomer, thymol, were shown to block virus-target cell fusion while not perturbing other stages of the virus life cycle. We detected changes in virus particle density, suggesting that cholesterol depletion from the HIV-1 envelope membrane reduces virus entry. Furthermore, infection was rescued by adding exogenous cholesterol. The evolution of viral resistance to carvacrol supported this mechanism of action with the identification of mutations in the viral gp41 fusion protein that counteracted cholesterol depletion. In addition, resistance to carvacrol emerged later than typically observed for other clinically used drugs, strengthening its antiviral potential. Structure-activity relationship studies revealed key motifs of carvacrol and thymol required for HIV neutralization and identified previously unknown active analogs. Carvacrol was also shown to additively cooperate with antiretroviral therapy. In sum, oregano oil and improved carvacrol and thymol analogs could be considered to supplement current HIV therapeutics.IMPORTANCE Oregano essential oil has multiple benefits in traditional medicine, cosmetics, and food industries. Carvacrol and its analog, thymol, are well-described components of oregano oil. Here, we show that these compounds inhibit HIV-target cell fusion independently of viral tropism. Our results suggest that carvacrol and thymol alter the cholesterol content of the viral membrane, blocking HIV-1 entry into the target cell. Resistance to carvacrol has selected for viruses with mutations in the viral envelope glycoprotein, gp41. This protein is known for its interaction with cholesterol present in membrane lipid rafts. Together, these results demonstrate the potential of therapies targeting the viral envelope membrane, and oregano oil is a safe supplement to antiretrovirals, potentially delaying disease progression and resistance development.

Correction of Toe-Walking Gait in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy by using Electrical Stimulation Therapy.

Toe-walking is a very common gait abnormality seen in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). The present study aims to improvise the toe-walking gait by applying Electrical Stimulation (ES) therapy of the Tricep Surae (TS) muscles. The study was carried out on sixteen children with spastic CP with unilateral toe-walking gait problem, divided into the intervention group that received both ES therapy along with conventional physiotherapy treatment and the control group that received only conventional physiotherapy treatment. Both groups were treated for 60 (30 + 30) minutes per day, for 5 days a week, up to 12 weeks. The gait data were analyzed for spatiotemporal and parameters influencing the walking capacity. The results showed that those children who received the intervention had a significant increase in gait speed by 17.67 % (p = 0.019) and decrease in stride length by 10.25 % (p = 0.037), resulting in improvement of body balance. There was a significant percentage increase in initial contact (heel strike) of 85.71 % (p = 0.000) and flat foot position (loading response) of 49.2 % (p = 0.005), confirming reduction in toe-walking. There was also an increase in the swing power by 39.8 % (p = 0.028) and ground impact by 19.5 % (p = 0.003) suggesting a change in foot contact pattern. The results indicate that ES therapy on TS muscle along with conventional physiotherapy may correct the toe-walking gait in children with spastic hemiplegic CP.

Potent suppression of HIV-1 cell attachment by Kudzu root extract.

There is a constant need to improve antiretrovirals against HIV since therapy is limited by cost, side effects and the emergence of drug resistance. Kudzu is a climbing vine from which the root extract (Pueraria lobata), rich in isoflavones and saponins, has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for a variety of purposes, from weight loss to alcoholism prevention. Here we show that Kudzu root extract significantly inhibits HIV-1 entry into cell lines, primary human CD4+T lymphocytes and macrophages, without cell-associated toxicity. Specifically, Kudzu inhibits the initial attachment of the viral particle to the cell surface, a mechanism that depends on the envelope glycoprotein gp120 but is independent from the HIV-1 cell receptor CD4 and co-receptors CXCR4/CCR5. This activity seems selective to lentiviruses since Kudzu inhibits HIV-2 and simian immunodeficiency virus, but does not interfere with Hepatitis C, Influenza, Zika Brazil and adenovirus infection. Importantly, depending on the dose, Kudzu can act synergistically or additively with the current antiretroviral cocktails against HIV-1 and can block   viruses resistant to the fusion inhibitor Enfuvirtide. Together our results highlight Kudzu's root extract value as a supplement to current antiretroviral therapy against HIV.

Impact of feeding chromium supplemented flaxseed based diet on fatty acid profile, oxidative stability and other functional properties of broiler chicken meat.

A total of 240 broiler chicken of same hatch with uniform weight were used in a biological experiment with completely randomized design to investigate the effects of incorporating organic chromium (Cr) in flaxseed meal based diet on the fatty acid profile, oxidative stability and functional properties of broiler chicken meat. Five diets were formulated as per the recommendations of BIS (Nutrient requirements for poultry 13: 9863, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi, 1992) in which flaxseed meal was used to replace 10% of soyabean in basal diet and four levels of Cr (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg diet) as Cr-picolinate were used. The results revealed that flaxseed feeding significantly increased the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, including MUFA, PUFA, ω-3, ω-6 fatty acids and ω-3:ω-6 and PUFA:SFA ratios, whereas, significant decline was seen in saturated fatty acids and no effect of Cr was observed on the fatty acid profile of broiler chicken. Flaxseed feeding significantly reduced the cholesterol and fat percentage of meat, whereas, significant progressive reduction was observed with increasing Cr levels. The combination of 10% flaxseed with 1.0 mg Cr/kg diet increased the final pH of broiler meat. The addition of flaxseed significantly reduced water holding capacity, extract release volume and antioxidant potential of broiler meat, whereas, increasing Cr supplementation progressively increased them. Flaxseed feeding significantly increased the drip loss and lipid peroxidation of broiler meat, whereas, Cr supplementation decreased them. It was concluded that inclusion of 10% flaxseed and 1.5 mg Cr/kg diet results in desirable fatty acid profile, oxidative stability and functional properties of broiler chicken meat.

Semen characteristics and biochemical composition of cloacal foam of male Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix Japonica) fed diet incorporated with selenium.

An attempt was made to investigate the effect of dietary selenium (Se) on physical and cloacal gland size, foam production, biochemical composition of foam and semen biochemical characteristics of male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica). Two hundred twenty-five (225)-day-old male Japanese quail were randomly distributed to three dietary treatment groups for a period of 20 weeks. Each treatment comprised of three replicates, each containing 25 chicks. Three experimental diets were supplemented with 0, 0.5 and 1.0 mg Se/kg (T1 , T2 and T3, respectively), and diet T1 was considered as control. Sodium selenite was used as the source of selenium. All the birds were provided with feed and water ad libitum. Cloacal foam characteristics, that is cloacal gland index and foam weight, were significantly higher in T2 group. However, body weight, frequency of foam discharge and testes weight (left and right) did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). Physical characteristics of semen, that is semen volume and sperm concentration, did not differ (p > 0.05) among the Se-treated groups. The sperm motility, live-dead count and abnormality improved significantly (p < 0.05) in 0.5 mg/Se-supplemented group compared to 0 or 1.0 mg/Se-supplemented groups. Similarly, fertility and hatchability percentages were higher (p < 0.05) in 0.5 mg/Se-supplemented group than in control or 1.0 mg/Se-supplemented counterparts. The biochemical characteristics of foam in terms of total protein, acid phosphatase (ACP) and nitric oxide did not differ (p > 0.05), while the concentration of glucose was higher (p < 0.05) in 0.5 mg/Se-supplemented diet. On the other hand, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were lower (p < 0.05) in 0.5 mg/Se-supplemented group compared to control or 1.0 mg/Se-supplemented groups. From this study, it was concluded that supplementation of 0.5 mg Se/kg diet was beneficial for foam variables, biochemical composition of foam, semen characteristics and fertility in male Japanese quail.

Therapeutic effects of functional electrical stimulation on motor cortex in children with spastic Cerebral Palsy.

In the present study we have evaluated the electroencephalogram (EEG) signal recorded during ankle dorsal and plantar flexion in children with spastic Cerebral Palsy (CP) after Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) of the Tibialis Anterior (TA) muscles. The intervention group had 10 children with spastic diaplegic/hemiplegic CP within the age group of 5 to 14 years of age who received both FES for 30 minutes and the conventional physiotherapy for 30 minutes a day, while the control group had 5 children who received only conventional physiotherapy for 60(30 + 30) minutes a day only. Both group were treated for 5 days a week, up to 12 weeks. The EEG data were analyzed for Peak Alpha Frequency (PAF), sensorimotor rhythm (SMR), mu wave suppression and power spectral density (PSD) of all the bands. The results showed a decrease in SMR and mu wave suppression in the intervention group as compared to the control group, indicating a positive/greater improvement in performance of motor activities. Therefore, from this study we could conclude that FES combined with conventional physiotherapy improves the motor activity in children with spastic CP.

Directing osteogenesis of stem cells with hydroxyapatite precipitated electrospun eri-tasar silk fibroin nanofibrous scaffold.

Stimulating stem cell differentiation without growth factor supplement offers a potent and cost-effective scaffold for tissue regeneration. We hypothesise that surface precipitation of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) over blends of non-mulberry silk fibroin with better hydrophilicity and RGD amino acid sequences can direct the stem cell towards osteogenesis. This report focuses on the fabrication of a blended eri-tasar silk fibroin nanofibrous scaffold (ET) followed by nHAp deposition by a surface precipitation (alternate soaking in calcium and phosphate solution) method. Morphology, hydrophilicity, composition, and the thermal and mechanical properties of ET/nHAp were examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy, TEM, FT-IR, X-ray diffraction, TGA and contact angle measurement and compared with ET. The composite scaffold demonstrated improved thermal stability and surface hydrophilicity with an increase in stiffness and elastic modulus (778 ± 2.4 N/m and 13.1 ± 0.36 MPa) as compared to ET (160.6 ± 1.34 N/m and 8.3 ± 0.4 MPa). Mineralisation studies revealed an enhanced and more uniform surface deposition of HAp-like crystals, while significant differences in cellular viability and attachment were observed through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and confocal microscopy study. The cell viability and expression of adhesion molecules (CD 44 and CD 29) are found to be optimum for subsequent stages of growth proliferation and differentiation. The rates of proliferation have been observed to decrease owing to the transition of MSC from a state of proliferation to a state of differentiation. The confirmation of improved osteogenic differentiation was finally verified through the alkaline phosphatase assay, pattern of gene expression related to osteogenic differentiation and morphological observations of differentiated cord blood human mesenchymal stem cells under fluorescence microscope. The results obtained showed the improved physicochemical and biological properties of the ET/nHAp scaffold for osteogenic differentiation without the addition of any growth factors.

Effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin E on production performance and some biochemical characteristics of cloacal foam in male Japanese quail.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of increasing the level of dietary supplementation of vitamin E (VE) on production performance and biochemical characteristics of cloacal foam in male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). A total of 225 male Japanese quail chicks (day old) were randomly distributed to three dietary treatments for a period of 30 weeks. Each treatment comprised of three replicates, each containing 25 chicks. The basal diet (T1) contained 12.30IUVEkg(-1) and the two experimental diets were supplemented with 150 and 300IUVEkg(-1) (diets T2 and T3, respectively). dl-α-Tocopherol acetate was used as the source of VE. All chicks were provided feed and water ad libitum. Mean body weights, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality of the birds in the different treatment groups showed no significant differences (P>0.05), whereas a significant (P<0.05) increase (29.81 and 50.83%) in average foam weight was evident in the VE-treated groups (T2) compared with control (T1) and T3 groups. The biochemical characteristics of foam, in terms of quantities of protein and nitric oxide (NO), did not differ significantly (P>0.05), whereas the quantities of glucose (60.01%) and acid phosphatase (ACP, 32.46%) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the T3 group. By contrast, the quantities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) were significantly (P<0.05) lower (48.84%, 10.38% and 22.08%, respectively) in the T3 group and higher in the T1 (control) and T2 groups. From this study, it can be concluded that dietary supplementation of VE to the basal diet has no effect on the production performance but supplementation of a higher level of VE (300IUkg(-1)diet) improved the biochemical characteristics of the foam and moderate levels of VE (150IUkg(-1)diet) improved the foam production of male Japanese quail.

Associations between pollen counts, pollutants, and asthma-related hospital admissions in a high-density Indian metropolis.

BACKGROUND: The seasonal pattern of asthma-related hospitalization has often been correlated with ambient allergen/pollutant levels. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between asthma-related hospital admissions (ARHA) and outdoor pollen, spore, and pollutant levels for adult patients in a densely populated Indian megacity Kolkata. METHODS: ARHA data were obtained from two major teaching hospitals of the city. Pollen and spores causing allergic sensitization were identified by skin prick tests (SPTs) among respiratory allergic subjects (N = 1353). Outdoor concentrations of aeroallergens were determined using a Burkard sampler for five consecutive years (2004-2009). Levels of NO(2), SO(2), suspended particulate matters (SPMs), and respirable particulate matters (RPMs) were made available by West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB, Government of West Bengal). Poisson multivariate Poisson regression (with adjustments for overdispersion) was used to model the data. Results. We found that ARHA in Kolkata increased with predictable regularity in March and September, while remaining low in January and July. SPT showed highly positive skin reactions with grass/weed and palm pollens in respiratory allergic patients, while Aspergilli spores also evoked good sensitivity. In our regression model, the airborne pollen types, Cheno-Amaranthaceae and Cyperaceae, and the inorganic pollutant, SO(2) and RPM, were significantly associated with ARHA (p < .05). CONCLUSION: ARHA in the megacity of Kolkata shows two seasonal peaks that can be correlated with outdoor grass/weed pollen and RPM concentrations. In contrast, the city's ambient fungal spore counts were not found to be significantly associated.

Antioxidant potential of curry (Murraya koenigii L.) and mint (Mentha spicata) leaf extracts and their effect on colour and oxidative stability of raw ground pork meat during refrigeration storage.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity of different solvent extracts of curry and mint leaf and their effect on colour and oxidative stability of raw ground pork meat stored at 4 ± 1°C. The results indicated that among the two individual leaf categories, the ethanol extract of curry leaf (EHEC) and the water extract of mint leaf (WEM) showed higher DPPH and ABTS(+) activity. EHEC also exhibited the highest total phenolic contents while these were the lowest for WEM. WEM showed the highest superoxide anionic scavenging activity (%). The pork meat samples treated with EHEC and WEM showed a decrease in the Hunter L- and a-values and a increase in b-value during storage at 4°C. However, the pH and TBARS values were higher in control samples irrespective of storage periods. In conclusion, EHEC and WEM have the potential to be used as natural antioxidants to minimise lipid oxidation of pork products.

Effects of dietary copper supplementation on production performance and plasma biochemical parameters in broiler chickens.

A study was conducted to estimate the effect of copper (Cu) supplementation on growth performance and biochemical profiles of blood and meat in broiler chickens. A total of 240 d-old broiler chicks (Vencobb-100) were randomly divided into 12 groups, each of 20 chicks (4 treatments x 3 replicates). The basal diet (T1) contained 215 g kg⁻¹ crude protein (CP), 12·76 MJ kg⁻¹ ME, 32 g kg⁻¹ total calcium and 5 g kg⁻¹ total phosphorus. T2, T3 and T4 were formulated to contain an additional 75, 150 and 250 mg Cu kg⁻¹ diet, respectively. Copper sulphate pentahydrate (CuSO4, 5H2O) was used as the source of Cu. Significant reductions in plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride, and an elevated concentration of HDL-cholesterol, were observed in the chickens fed with 250 mg Cu kg⁻¹ (T4) of feed at the 3rd and 6th week of the experiment. Total cholesterol in meat decreased significantly in the birds fed with dietary Cu at 250 mg kg⁻¹ (T4) of feed. Growth performance was measured in terms of live weight gain, cumulative feed intake and feed conversion ratio at the end of d 21 and d 42 of the experiment, and the result was found to be commercially beneficial for the chickens receiving 150 mg Cu kg⁻¹ (T3) of diet. The concentration of Cu in breast muscle and liver increased significantly at the end of experiment. From this study it can be concluded that supplementation with dietary Cu may be beneficial for production performance and plasma biochemical characteristics of broiler chickens.

Food security and anthropometric failure among tribal children in Bankura, West Bengal.

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 188 tribal children aged 6-59 months using two-stage sampling in Bankura-I Block of Bankura district, West Bengal, India, to assess their nutritional status and its relation with household food security. Weight and height/length were measured and analyzed as per new WHO Growth Standards. Mothers of the study children were interviewed to obtain relevant information. Prevalence of Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure was 69.1%; and multiple anthropometric failures were more likely among tribal children aged 24-59 months with irregular utilization of supplementary nutrition and from households with severe grades of food security.

Chemical, biochemical, and biological impact of untreated domestic sewage water use on Vertisol and its consequences on wheat (Triticum aestivum) productivity.

In the peri-urban areas of central India, sewage water is a valuable resource for agricultural production. In this study, impact of domestic sewage water irrigation for 5 years on Vertisol with no previous history of sewage irrigation was investigated in an ongoing field experiment at Bhopal (India) under subtropical monsoon type climate. The wheat (Triticum aestivum) crop was grown during post-rainy winter season with 30 cm of irrigation (groundwater or sewage water) and four nutrient treatments (T(1), 0; T(2), 100%; T(3), 50%; and T(4), 50% of general recommended doses of NPK + FYM at 10 Mg/ha). Results showed that sewage irrigation of about 150 cm over a period of 5 years resulted significant increases in salinity as well as available fractions of N, P, K, and micronutrients, viz., Zn, Fe, and Mn in soils. Carbon and phosphorus applied through sewage water were accumulated more in subsoil layer compared to topmost plough layer. Soil microbiological activity, as indicated by soil respiration, microbial biomass C, as well as dehydrogenase enzyme activity was higher in sewage water-irrigated soils. There was also significant increase in fungal and actinomycetes as well as total coliform population in such soils. Nutrients supplied through sewage water were not able to raise the productivity of wheat to the level that obtained through fertilizers at the recommended level which indicated that additional nutrients through fertilizers are required to obtain higher productivity of wheat under sewage farming. Protein and Zn content in wheat grains were more when the crop was grown with sewage irrigation. Overall results show that except for increase in coliform population, short duration (5 years) of municipal sewage water irrigation did not have any appreciable harmful effect on soil quality as well as crop productivity; rather, it proved beneficial in improving soil fertility, wheat productivity, and produce quality.

Effect of higher dietary vitamin E concentrations on physical and biochemical characteristics of semen in Kadaknath cockerels.

1. This experiment was to investigate the effects of increasing dietary vitamin E on physical and biochemical characteristics of semen in Indian reared Kadaknath (KN) cockerels. DL-alpha-Tocopherol acetate was used as the source of vitamin E. 2. A total of 135 one-day-old male KN chicks were randomly selected and divided into 9 groups with 15 chicks in each group (3 dietary treatments x 3 replicates). 3. The basal diet contained 15 IU (10 mg) vitamin E/kg and the two experimental diets were supplemented with 150 IU (100 mg) and 300 IU (200 mg) vitamin E/kg (diets T(2) and T(3), respectively). 4. Physical characteristics in terms of semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility and percentage live sperm did not differ significantly, whereas proportion of abnormal and dead spermatozoa were significantly lower and fertility higher in the T(2) group. 5. Biochemical characteristics in term of quantities of protein and nitric oxide (NO) did not differ significantly, whereas the quantity of glucose, acid phosphatase (ACP) and vitamin E were significantly higher in the T(2) group. 6. In contrast, the quantities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) were significantly lower in T(2) group and higher in the T(1) (control) group. 7. From this study it can be concluded that moderate supplementation of dietary vitamin E may be beneficial for physical and biochemical characteristics of semen in Indian reared KN cock.

Irinotecan+5-fluorouracil with concomitant pre-operative radiotherapy in locally advanced non-resectable rectal cancer: a phase I/II study.

In the UK, 10% of patients diagnosed with rectal cancer have inoperable disease at presentation. This study ascertained whether the resectability rate of inoperable locally advanced rectal cancer was improved by administration of intravenous irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and pelvic radiotherapy. During phase I of the trial (n=12), the dose of irinotecan was escalated in three-patient cohorts from 50 mg m(-2) to 60 mg m(-2) to 70 mg m(-2) to identify the maximum tolerated dose (60 mg m(-2)). In phase II, 31 patients with non-resectable disease received 45 Gy radiotherapy and 5-FU infusions (200 mg m(-2) per day) for 5 weeks. Irinotecan (60 mg m(-2)) was given on days 1, 8, 15 and 22. After treatment, patients were operated on if possible. Thirty patients completed the protocol, 28 underwent surgery. Before surgery, MRI restaging of 24 patients showed that 19 (79%) had a reduction in tumour stage after treatment (seven complete clinical response and 12 partial). Of 27 patients followed up after surgery, 22 (81%) had clear circumferential resection margins. Disease-free and overall survival estimates at 3 years were 65 and 90%, respectively. The regimen was well tolerated. Irinotecan, 5-FU and radiotherapy results in tumour downgrading, allowing resection of previously inoperable tumour with acceptable toxicity.

Effect of natural cheese characteristics on process cheese properties.

Natural cheese is the major ingredient utilized to manufacture process cheese. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of natural cheese characteristics on the chemical and functional properties of process cheese. Three replicates of 8 natural (Cheddar) cheeses with 2 levels of calcium and phosphorus, residual lactose, and salt-to-moisture ratio (S/M) were manufactured. After 2 mo of ripening, each of the 8 natural cheeses was converted to 8 process cheese foods that were balanced for their composition, including moisture, fat, salt, and total protein. In addition to the standard compositional analysis (moisture, fat, salt, and total protein), the chemical properties (pH, total Ca, total P, and intact casein) and the functional properties [texture profile analysis (TPA), modified Schreiber melt test, dynamic stress rheometry, and rapid visco analysis] of the process cheese foods were determined. Natural cheese Ca and P, as well as S/M, significantly increased total Ca and P, pH, and intact casein in the process cheese food. Natural cheese Ca and P and S/M also significantly affected the final functional properties of the process cheese food. With the increase in natural cheese Ca and P and S/M, there was a significant increase in the TPA-hardness and the viscous properties of process cheese food, whereas the meltability of the process cheese food significantly decreased. Consequently, natural cheese characteristics such as Ca and P and S/M have a significant influence on the chemical and the final functional properties of process cheese.

Effect of dietary Vitamin E on the cloacal gland, foam and semen characteristics of male Japanese quail.

This experiment was to investigate the effects of increasing the level of dietary Vitamin E (Vit. E) on cloacal gland size, foam production and semen characteristics of male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica). One hundred and eighty male Japanese quail chicks (day old) were randomly distributed to three dietary treatments for a period of 25 weeks. Each treatment comprised of three replicates each containing 20 chicks. The basal diet contained 15 IU Vit. E/kg and the two experimental diets were supplemented with 150 and 300 IU Vit. E/kg (diets T2 and T3, respectively). DL alpha-tocopherol acetate was used as the source of Vit. E. All chicks were provided feed and water ad libitum. Foam characteristics, in terms of frequency of foam discharge (24h), cloacal gland index and foam weight were significantly higher (P<0.05) in T2 group. Body weight, testes weight (left and right) and plasma testosterone concentrations did not differ significantly. Semen characteristics (semen volume, sperm motility, % live sperm, % hatchability and sperm concentrations) did not differ significantly (P>0.05). Percentages of abnormal and dead spermatozoa were significantly (P<0.05) lower and fertility was higher (P<0.05) in the T2 group. From this study, it can be concluded that moderate supplementation of dietary Vit. E may be beneficial for foam production, cloacal gland and improve the semen characteristics in male Japanese quail.

Effect of higher levels of dietary selenium on production performance and immune responses in growing Japanese quail.

1. The effect of increasing dietary selenium (Se) on production performance and immune responses in growing (0 to 6 weeks) Japanese quail was investigated. 2. One-day-old chicks (240) were randomly selected and divided into 12 groups with 20 chicks in each group (3 dietary treatments x 4 replicates). The basal diet contained 0.2 mg Se/kg and the two experimental diets were supplemented with 0.5 and 1.0 mg Se/kg. 3. Body weight gain, food intake and food conversion ratio and mortality were not affected by Se supplementation. 4. On d 28, antibody responses to inoculated sheep red blood cells were determined. Antibody titres were significantly higher after feeding the two Se-supplemented diets. 5. During week 4, the response to intradermally injected phytohaemagglutinin, an index of the in vivo cell-mediated immune response, was shown to be increased in the groups fed on the Se-supplemented diets. 6. After 6 weeks, the relative weights of the bursa of Fabricius and thymus were greater in the chicks given the Se-supplemented diets but there was no effect on the relative weight of spleen and liver. 7. It is concluded that supplementing the diet with Se has a beneficial effect on immune responses but does not affect production performance in growing Japanese quail.