Long-term chemically protected sodium butyrate supplementation in broilers as an antibiotic alternative to dynamically modulate gut microbiota.

Chemically protected sodium butyrate (CSB) is a new kind of sodium butyrate. Our previous study found that 1,000 mg/kg of CSB had the potential capacity of improving growth performance and promoting early development of small intestine in broilers. This study aimed to investigate the effect of long-term antibiotics or CSB supplementation for intestinal microflora dynamical regulation in broilers. One hundred ninety-two 1-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly allocated into 3 dietary treatment (8 replicates per treatment) and fed with a basal diet (CON), a diet supplemented with the antibiotics (enramycin, 8 mg/kg and aureomycin, 100 mg/kg) (ANT), or a diet supplemented with 1,000 mg/kg of CSB, respectively. Results showed that dietary supplementation of CSB or ANT treatment elevated the weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR; P < 0.05), as compared with control (CON) group. Additionally, CON, CSB, or ANT administration dynamically altered the gut microbiota composition as time goes on. The increased presence of potential pathogens, such as Romboutsia and Shuttleworthia, and decreased beneficial bacteria such as Alistipes, Akkermansia, and Bacteroides were verified in new gut homeostasis reshaped by long-term antibiotics treatment, which has adverse effects on intestinal development and health of broilers. Conversely, CSB supplementation could dynamically enhance the relative abundance of Bacteroides, and decrease Romboutsia and Shuttleworthia in new microflora, which has positive effects on intestinal bacteria of broilers compared with CON group. Meanwhile, CSB supplementation was significantly increased the concentration of propionic acid and total short chain fatty acids (total SCFA; P < 0.05) in comparison with CON and ANT groups. Moreover, CSB treatment significantly increased anti-inflammatory and antioxidative capacities (P < 0.05) of broilers compared with ANT group. Taken together, we revealed characteristic structural changes of gut microbiota throughout long-term CSB or ANT supplementation in broilers, which provided a basic data for evaluating the mechanism of action affecting intestinal health by CSB or ANT administration and CSB as an alternative to antibiotics in the broilers industry.

[Efficacy and safety of giant emphysematous bulla volume reduction via medical thoracoscope].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of giant emphysematous bulla (GEB) volume reduction via medical thoracoscope. Methods: This was a prospective, single-arm study conducted between July 2018 and September 2020 in Ri Zhao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were treated with GEB volume reduction via medical thoracoscope and were followed up to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the technique. According to comparison of preoperative and postoperative chest CT results, the self-designed evaluation criteria of imaging efficacy were as follows: complete or nearly complete disappearance of GEB (GEB volume reduction ≥90%), significant reduction of GEB (75%≤GEB volume reduction<90%), reduction of GEB (50%≤GEB volume reduction<75%) and no change (GEB volume reduction<50%). Results: A total of 47 patients were included, among whom 43 were males, with an age M (Q1, Q3) of 63.0 (55.0, 67.0). The CT results showed complete or nearly complete disappearance of GEB in 43 patients, significant reduction of GEB in 3 patients and reduction of GEB in 1 patient before discharge. The degree of dyspnea improved significantly (P<0.05). Arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) decreased from (48.2±8.4)mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) to (45.4±7.3)mmHg (P<0.05). The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) increased from (245.6±162.4)m to (283.5±152.2)m (P<0.05). Six-month postoperative follow-up was completed in 24 patients, and CT results showed that the efficacy of volume reduction was continuous compared with that before discharge. GEB was further reduced or even disappeared in 3 of the cases. Besides, the degree of dyspnea, 6MWT (384.4±148.2)m and PaCO2 (42.7±6.6)mmHg were improved significantly (P<0.05). The oxygenation index (356.86±61.21)mmHg was significantly higher than that before surgery (295.20±67.16)mmHg and before discharge (294.50±76.69)mmHg (P<0.05). No perioperative deaths occurred. Conclusions: GEB volume can be completely eliminated or significantly reduced by this innovative technique, while PaCO2, the degree of dyspnea and exercise endurance can be significantly improved after operation. The 6-month follow-up after surgery showed that the above benefits continued, and that the oxygenation index improved significantly.

[Efficacy and safety of position selection combined with intra-pleural thrombin injection in the treatment of postoperative persistent air leakage in bullous pulmonary-pleural diseases].

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of position selection in combination with intra-pleural thrombin injection in the treatment of persistent air leakage (PAL) after medical thoracoscopic treatment of bullous pulmonary-pleural diseases (e.g. spontaneous pneumothorax or giant emphysematous bulla). Methods: This was a prospective study conducted in Rizhao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from August 2018 to November 2020. Twenty patients(19 males,1 female) with a mean age of (62.3±8.1) years met the diagnostic criteria for PAL which was defined as the air leak persisted more than 3 days despite of the closed thoracic drainage after medical thoracoscopic treatment of bullous pulmonary-pleural diseases.They received the following treatment procedures (referred to as "position plus"):①Pleural cavity injection (50% glucose 20 ml+thrombin 5 000 U).②Changing the patient's position under continuous negative pressure suction to find the position causing the complete stop or significant reduction of air leakage, and keeping in the position for 24-48 hours.③If the PAL wasn't stopped 48 hours later, the procedures above would be repeated.The duration of air leakage after "position plus", times of pleural cavity injection, condition of lung re-expansion, recurrence of air leakage and complications during hospitalization were recorded. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the results:¯x±s or M(P25, P75) for continuous variables; frequency and percentages for categoric variables. Results: A total of 20 patients were included. The average duration of air leakage after"position plus" was (1.32±0.97) days. The times of pleural cavity injection required were 1.0(1.0, 1.0).All the patients showed good lung re-expansion in review of imaging after PAL was stopped. One patient had recurrent air leakage during hospitalization. No serious complications occurred. Conclusion: The comprehensive "position plus" intervention method is effective, safe and easily operating for the treatment of PAL after medical thoracoscopic treatment of bullous pulmonary-pleural diseases.

Effects of zinc-methionine on growth performance, intestinal flora and immune function in pigeon squabs.

1. Different concentrations of zinc-methionine (Zn-Met) were given to pigeon squabs, and the resulting effects on growth, immune functions and intestinal microflora were investigated from hatching to 28 d of age. A total of 180 artificially hatched pigeon squabs were randomly allotted to each of three treatments with three replicates of 20 squabs. The three treatments given were either one ml (2 mg/ml) Zn-Met, one ml (10 mg/ml) Zn-Met or one ml 0.9% NaCl solution. 2. The results showed that Zn-Met improved the growth performance of squabs. The average daily and average weekly weight gain was significantly greater in squabs treated with Zn-Met than in the control group. 3. The group given 2 and 10 mg supplemental Zn-Met had heavier thymus, spleen and bursa of Fabricius than the control group at d 28. 4. Maternal antibody titres against Newcastle disease haemagglutination inhibition and alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase were significantly higher in squabs treated with supplemental 2 and 10 mg Zn-Met compared to the control group at d 14 and d 28. 5. Additionally, the squabs given supplemental 2 mg Zn-Met exhibited significantly higher Bacillaceae, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus and Bifidobacterium populations at d 14 and d 28, but lower Escherichia coli populations at d 28 compared to the control group. On the contrary, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus and Bifidobacterium populations were significantly decreased with 10 mg Zn-Met at d 28. 6. This study indicates that supplementation with Zn-Met has a positive effect on growth performance, immune function and regulation of intestinal flora in pigeons. An inclusion level of 2 mg seems to be better than 10 mg Zn-Met per day per bird.

Removal of low-concentration BTX in air using a combined plasma catalysis system.

The behavior of non-thermal plasma (NTP) and combined plasma catalysis (CPC) was investigated for removal of low-concentration benzene, toluene and p-xylene (BTX mixture) in air using a link tooth wheel-cylinder plasma reactor. Combining NTP with MnO(x)/Al(2)O(3) catalyst after the discharge zone (CPC) significantly promoted BTX conversion and improved the energy efficiency. For a specific input energy (SIE) of 10 JL(-1), the conversion of benzene, toluene and p-xylene reached 94%, 97% and 95%, respectively. The introduction of MnO(x)/Al(2)O(3) catalyst also moved the BTX conversion towards total oxidation and reduced the emission of O(3) and NO(2) as compared to NTP alone. For an SIE of 10 JL(-1), the O(3) outlet concentration decreased from 46.7 for NTP alone to 1.9 ppm for CPC, while the NO(2) emission correspondingly decreased from 1380 to 40 ppb.

Chemical constituents and pharmacological properties of Radix Inulae.

Radix Inulae is used as a gastric and antibacterial agent in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicines. Most of its chemical constituents have been identified and include a series of sesquiterpenes with various carbon skeletons such as: eudesmanolide, elemanolide, germacranolide, sesquicaranolide, guaianolide and humulane. Certain organic solvent fractions and sesquiterpenes from Radix Inulae have been found to significantly inhibit the growth of tumor cell strains in vitro. They also show antibacterial, cardiovascular and hypoglycaemic as well as insulin-sensitization activities. The present review summarizes research on the chemistry and biological activity of Radix Inulae.

P38-associated pathway involvement in apoptosis induced by photodynamic therapy with Lonicera japonica in human lung squamous carcinoma CH27 cells.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective therapy for local malignant tumors. Lonicera japonica was found to have the anti-tumor effect. The aim of this study is to explore the mechanisms of apoptosis induced by PDT in lung CH27 carcinoma cells with alcohol extract from Lonicera japonica as photosensitizer. Our study indicated that Lonicera japonica extracts exhibited significant photocytotoxicity in CH27 cells at a concentration range of 50-150 microg/ml, with 0.4-1.2J/cm2 light dose. PDT with Lonicera japonica extracts-induced cell death is a typical apoptosis that was accompanied by DNA condensation, externalization of phosphatidylserine and formation of apoptotic bodies. PDT with Lonicera japonica extracts was shown to be caspase-3-independent apoptosis via activation of AIF in this study. P38-associated pathway may be involved in apoptosis induced by PDT with Lonicera japonica extracts in CH27 cells. We also have demonstrated that PDT with Lonicera japonica extracts-induced CH27 cells apoptosis was probably related to its ability to change the protein expression and distribution of heat shock protein 27.

An efficient cryopreservation procedure for potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) utilizing the new ice blocking agent, Supercool X1000.

Cryopreservation has been recognized as a practical and efficient tool for long-term storage of vegetatively propagated plants. This study was conducted to investigate effects of modified vitrification techniques on cryopreservation of potato. In vitro plants of potato cultivars "Superior" and "Atlantic" were cold acclimated, and axillary buds were precultured, osmoprotected, exposed to PVS-2 solution, plunged into liquid nitrogen, thawed, and finally planted in the regeneration medium. In the modified vitrification technique an ice-blocking agent, Supercool X1000, was added with PVS-2 solution. Cold acclimation affected survival of cryopreserved shoot tips, and the highest survival (46.7%) was obtained after 3 weeks of acclimation at 10 degrees C. Shoot tips exposed to 2M glycerol plus 0.6M sucrose for 40 min gave 51.5% and 11.7% survival in "Atlantic" and "Superior" at 10 degrees C, respectively. Cold acclimated and osmoprotected shoot tips were dehydrated with PVS-2 containing different concentrations of Supercool X1000 prior to a plunge into liquid nitrogen. Treatments with 0.1% and 1% of Supercool X1000 significantly improved survival by 55% in "Superior" and 71.3% in "Atlantic", respectively. After cryopreservation, vitrified shoot tips resumed growth within a week in a medium (1 mg l(-1) GA(3), 0.5 mg l(-1) zeatin, and 0.1 mg l(-1) IAA) with a low level of Pluronic F-68 (0.005%) and survival was 33.7% higher in "Atlantic" and 14.7% higher in "Superior" than the control (without Pluronic F-68).

Cancer preventive effect of Morinda citrifolia (Noni).

Morinda citrifolia (Noni) has been extensively used in folk medicine by Polynesians for over 2,000 years. It has been reported to have broad therapeutic effects, including anticancer activity, in both clinical practice and laboratory animal models. The mechanism for these effects remains unknown. The hypothesis that Morinda citrifolia possesses a cancer preventive effect at the initiation stage of carcinogenesis was studied. Our preliminary data indicated that 10% Tahitian Noni Liquid Dietary Supplement or Tahitian Noni Juice (TNJ), made from Morinda citrifolia fruit by Morinda Inc, in drinking water for one week was able to prevent DMBA-DNA adduct formation. The levels of DMBA-DNA adducts were reduced by 30% in the heart, 41% in the lung, 42% in the liver, and 80% in the kidney of female SD rats. Even more dramatic results were obtained in male C57 BL-6 mice: 10% TNJ was able to reduce DMBA-DNA adduct formation by 60% in the heart, 50% in the lung, 70% in the liver, and 90% in the kidney. In order to explore the mechanism of this preventive effect, the antioxidant activity of TNJ was examined in vitro by lipid hydroperoxide (LPO) and tetrazolium nitroblue (TNB) assays. In the LPO assay, LPO oxidizes leucomethylene blue to methylene blue in the presence of hemoglobin. The resultant blue color was quantified at 660 nm spectrophotometrically. In the TNB assay, superoxide anion radicals (SAR) reduce TNB into formazan blue that was also measured by absorption at 602 nm. TNJ showed a dose-dependent inhibition of both LPO and SAR in our system. The antioxidant activity of TNJ was compared to the effects of vitamin C, grape seed powder (GSP), and pycnogenol (PYC) at the daily dose per serving level recommended by U.S.RDAs or manufacturers. The results suggest that prevention of carcinogen-DNA adduct formation and the antioxidant activity of TNJ may contribute to the cancer preventive effect of Morinda citrifolia.

Liporegulation in diet-induced obesity. The antisteatotic role of hyperleptinemia.

To test the hypothesis that the physiologic liporegulatory role of hyperleptinemia is to prevent steatosis during caloric excess, we induced obesity by feeding normal Harlan Sprague-Dawley rats a 60% fat diet. Hyperleptinemia began within 24 h and increased progressively to 26 ng/ml after 10 weeks, correlating with an approximately 150-fold increase in body fat (r = 0.91, p < 0.0001). During this time, the triacylglycerol (TG) content of nonadipose tissues rose only 1-2.7-fold implying antisteatotic activity. In rodents without leptin action (fa/fa rats and ob/ob and db/db mice) receiving a 6% fat diet, nonadipose tissue TG was 4-100 times normal. In normal rats on a 60% fat diet, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha protein and liver-carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (l-CPT-1) mRNA increased in liver. In their pancreatic islets, fatty-acid oxidation increased 30% without detectable increase in the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha or oxidative enzymes, whereas lipogenesis from [14C]glucose was slightly below that of the 4% fat-fed rats (p < 0.05). Tissue-specific overexpression of wild-type leptin receptors in the livers of fa/fa rats, in which marked steatosis is uniformly present, reduced TG accumulation in liver but nowhere else. We conclude that a physiologic role of the hyperleptinemia of caloric excess is to protect nonadipocytes from steatosis and lipotoxicity by preventing the up-regulation of lipogenesis and increasing fatty-acid oxidation.

Leucocyte depletion filter removes cancer cells in human blood.

BACKGROUND: Autologous blood transfusion has been avoided in cancer surgery because of the metastatic potential of reinfused tumour cells. METHODS: This study evaluated the efficacy of a blood transfusion filter in removing tumour cells from blood. Whole human blood was admixed with two different malignant cell lines (breast cancer PM1 and MCF7). The blood was filtered through a RC400TE leucocyte depletion filter. Unfiltered blood was used as a control. Detection of malignant cells was performed with immunomagnetic beads and clonogenic assays. RESULTS: No viable tumour cells were found after filtration with the leucocyte depletion filter. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the use of a leucocyte filter after intra-operative blood salvage may make autotransfusion safe even in tumour surgery.