Maternal supplementation of seaweed-derived polysaccharides improves intestinal health and immune status of suckling piglets.

The experiment investigated the effect of maternal dietary supplementation of seaweed-derived polysaccharides (SDP) (-SDP v. +SDP, n   20) from day 83 of gestation until weaning (day 28) on selected sow faeces and piglet digesta microbiota populations, piglet small-intestinal morphology, and intestinal nutrient transporter and inflammatory cytokine gene expression at birth, 48 h after birth and weaning. The effect of maternal dietary treatment on the piglet gene expression profile of inflammatory cytokines in the colon following a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge was also investigated. Dietary SDP reduced sow faecal Enterobacteriaceae gene numbers at parturition. Small-intestinal morphology, nutrient transporter and cytokine gene expression in newborn piglets did not differ between maternal dietary treatments (P > 0·10). At 48 h after birth, sodium-glucose-linked transporter 1 gene expression was down-regulated in the ileum of piglets suckling the SDP-supplemented sows compared with those suckling the basal sows (P = 0·050). There was a SDP × LPS challenge interaction on IL-1 and IL-6 gene expression in the colon of piglets (P < 0·05). The gene expression of IL-1 and IL-6 was down-regulated in the LPS-challenged colon of piglets suckling the SDP sows compared with those suckling the basal sows (P < 0·05). However, there was no difference in IL-1 and IL-6 gene expression in the unchallenged colon between treatment groups. At weaning, piglets suckling the SDP-supplemented sows had increased villus height in the jejunum and ileum compared with those suckling the basal-fed sows (P < 0·05). In conclusion, maternal dietary SDP supplementation enhanced the immune response of suckling piglets and improved gut morphology, making them more immune competent to deal with post-weaning adversities.

Effect of maternal supplementation with seaweed extracts on growth performance and aspects of gastrointestinal health of newly weaned piglets after challenge with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88.

In the present study, a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement was conducted to investigate the effect of maternal supplementation with seaweed extracts ( - SWE v. +SWE, n 20) from day 83 of gestation until weaning (day 28) on post-weaning (PW) growth performance, faecal score, faecal enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) toxin quantification, intestinal histology and cytokine mRNA of unchallenged and ETEC-challenged pigs. Pigs were ETEC challenged on day 9 PW. There was a maternal treatment × challenge (SWE × ETEC) interaction effect on growth performance and faecal score (P< 0.05). Pigs from SWE-supplemented sows and ETEC-challenged (SE) had higher average daily gain (ADG) during 0-13 d PW and reduced faecal score during 0-72 h post-challenge than those from basal-fed sows and ETEC-challenged (BE) (P< 0.05). However, there was no difference between unchallenged pigs from the SWE-supplemented sows (SC) and basal-fed sows (BC) (P>0.10). Pigs from the SWE-supplemented sows had reduced heat-labile enterotoxin gene copy numbers than those from the basal-fed sows (P< 0.05). Maternal SWE supplementation increased the villus height in the ileum of pigs (P< 0.05). There was a SWE × ETEC interaction effect (P< 0.05) on IL-6 mRNA and a SWE × gastrointestinal (GI) region interaction effect (P< 0.05) on transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and TNF-α mRNA. IL-6 mRNA was down-regulated in SC pigs than BC pigs (P< 0.05). However, there was no difference in IL-6 mRNA between SE and BE pigs. The mRNA of TGF-ß1 and TNF-α was down-regulated in the colon of pigs from the SWE-supplemented sows compared with those from the basal-fed sows (P< 0.05). However, there was no difference in TGF-ß1 and TNF-α mRNA in the ileum between the pigs from the SWE-supplemented sows and basal-fed sows. In conclusion, maternal SWE supplementation improves ADG and the aspects of GI health of weaned pigs following an ETEC challenge.

Behaviour and growth performance of low-birth-weight piglets cross-fostered in multiparous sows with piglets of higher birth weights / Comportamento e desempenho de crescimento de leitões com baixo peso ao nascer uniformizados com leitões de maior peso em fêmeas suínas multíparas

The aim of the study was to evaluate the behaviour, pre-weaning survival rate and growth performance of low birth weight (BW) piglets cross-fostered with piglets of higher weights. Piglets were transferred to 60 foster sows, and divided in three groups (G; n=20): G1- 12 low BW piglets (0.80 - 1.25kg); G2- six low BW piglets and six intermediate BW piglets (1.40 - 1.60kg), and G3- six low BW piglets and six high BW piglets (>1.70kg). For the analysis, groups G2 and G3 were subdivided in LG2 (six G2 light piglets); IG2 (six G2 intermediate piglets), LG3 (six G3 light piglets), and HG3 (six G3 heavy piglets). Behavioural observations were carried out on days 1, 2, 4 and 6 (visual direct observation) and on days 3 and 5 (video recording) after birth. The percentage of missed nursings was higher in LG3 piglets than in LG1, IG2 and HG3 piglets, on days 1 and 2. On day 4, light piglets (LG1, LG2 and LG3) missed more nursings than IG2 and HG3 piglets. On day 3, video recording showed a higher percentage of missed nursings in LG1, LG2, and LG3 piglets as compared to HG3 piglets. On day 1, the number of fights during nursing was higher in IG2 than in LG1 and LG3 piglets. Also on day 1, number of fights and percentage of piglets engaged in fights, during 15min after nursing, were higher in LG1, LG3 and HG3 than in LG2 piglets. More playful behaviours were observed on day 2 in IG2 and HG3 piglets compared to LG1, LG2 and LG3 piglets. Light piglets (LG1, LG2, and LG3) presented similar body weight on days 4, 8, 12 and 16 after birth, regardless of being mixed with piglets of higher weights or not; however, the survival rate until day 16 was most compromised in LG3 piglets compared to the other groups. Despite the lack of influence of littermates' weight on the growth of low BW piglets, their survival rate indicates that they should not be mixed with high BW piglets...

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o comportamento, a taxa de sobrevivência pré-desmame e o desempenho de crescimento de leitões leves ao nascer uniformizados com leitões de maior peso ao nascer (PN). Os leitões foram transferidos para 60 fêmeas e divididos em três grupos (G; n=20): G1 - 12 leitões de baixo PN (0,80-1,25kg); G2 - seis leitões de baixo PN e seis com PN intermediário (1,40-1,60kg); e G3 - seis leitões de baixo PN e seis leitões pesados (>1,70kg). Para a análise, os grupos G2 e G3 foram subdivididos em LG2 (seis G2 leitões leves); IG2 (seis G2 leitões de peso intermediário); LG3 (seis G3 leitões leves) e HG3 (seis G3 leitões pesados). Observações de comportamento foram realizadas nos dias 1, 2, 4 e 6 (observações visuais diretas) e nos dias 3 e 5 (gravações) após o nascimento. A porcentagem de mamadas perdidas foi maior no grupo LG3 quando comparado aos grupos LG1, IG2 e HG3, nos dias 1 e 2. No dia 4, leitões leves (LG1, LG2 e LG3) perderam maior número de mamadas do que os grupos IG2 e HG3. No dia 3, a gravação mostrou maior porcentagem de perda de mamadas nos grupos LG1, LG2 e LG3 do que no grupo HG3. No dia 1, o número de brigas durante a mamada foi maior nos grupos IG2 do que nos grupos LG1 e LG3. Também no dia 1, o número de brigas e porcentagem de leitões envolvidos em brigas, durante 15 minutos após a mamada, foi maior nos grupos LG1, LG3 e HG3 do que no grupo LG2. Brincadeiras foram mais observadas no dia 2 nos grupos IG2 e HG3 quando comparado aos grupos LG1, LG2 e LG3. Leitões leves (LG1, LG2 e LG3) apresentaram peso semelhante nos dias 4, 8, 12 e 16 após o nascimento, independentemente de serem misturados ou não com leitões pesados. No entanto, a taxa de sobrevivência até o dia 16 foi mais comprometida nos leitões do grupo LG3 do que nos outros grupos. Apesar da falta de influência do peso das leitegadas no crescimento de leitões de baixo PN, a taxa de sobrevivência indicou que estes não devem ser misturados com leitões de maior PN...

Effect of seaweed-derived laminarin and fucoidan and zinc oxide on gut morphology, nutrient transporters, nutrient digestibility, growth performance and selected microbial populations in weaned pigs.

In the present study, two experiments were conducted to (1) evaluate the effect of laminarin and/or fucoidan on ileal morphology, nutrient transporter gene expression and coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients and (2) determine whether laminarin inclusion could be used as an alternative to ZnO supplementation in weaned pig diets. Expt 1 was designed as a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, comprising four dietary treatments (n 7 replicates, weaning age 24 d, live weight 6·9 kg). The dietary treatments were as follows: (1) basal diet; (2) basal diet+300 ppm laminarin; (3) basal diet+240 ppm fucoidan; (4) basal diet+300 ppm laminarin and 240 ppm fucoidan. There was an interaction between laminarin and fucoidan on the CTTAD of gross energy (GE) (P< 0·05) and the expression of sodium-glucose-linked transporter 1 (SGLT1/SLC5A1) and GLUT1/SLC2A1 and GLUT2/SLC2A2 (P< 0·05) in the ileum. The laminarin diet increased the CTTAD of GE and increased the expression of SGLT1, GLUT1 and GLUT2 compared with the basal diet. However, there was no effect of laminarin supplementation on these variables when combined with fucoidan. Expt 2 was designed as a complete randomised design (n 8 replicates/treatment, weaning age 24 d, live weight 7·0 kg), and the treatments were (1) basal diet, (2) basal diet and laminarin (300 ppm), and (3) basal diet and ZnO (3100 ppm, 0-14 d, and 2600 ppm, 15-32 d post-weaning). The laminarin diet increased average daily gain and gain:feed ratio compared with the basal diet during days 0-32 post-weaning (P< 0·01) and had an effect similar to the ZnO diet. These results demonstrate that laminarin provides a dietary means to improve gut health and growth performance post-weaning.

Absorção de IgG via colostro em leitões biológicos e adotados após a uniformização da leitegada / Absorption of IgG via colostrum in biological piglets and adopted piglets after crossfostering

Nove fêmeas de quinto parto (OP5) foram imunizadas com 4mg e 2mg de albumina sérica bovina (BSA) aos 70 e 100 dias de gestação, respectivamente. A uniformização da leitegada foi realizada 4,9±1,9h após o nascimento, antes de os leitões efetuarem a primeira mamada. As leitegadas foram compostas por cinco leitões biológicos (LB) e cinco leitões adotados (LA), com pesos semelhantes ao nascimento. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue dos leitões ao nascimento e 24h após, das fêmeas ao pós-parto e de colostro de cada grupo de tetos ao parto e 24h após. As amostras de soro e colostro foram quantificadas para IgG pelo ELISA indireto. A densidade ótica de IgG anti-BSA (DOIgG-BSA) dos leitões (24h de vida) foi correlacionada com a das fêmeas. A DOIgG-BSA entre LB e LA foi semelhante, assim como entre os grupos de tetos, ao parto e 24h após. Entretanto, ocorreu redução na DOIgG-BSA do parto até 24h após. LB e LA absorveram a mesma quantidade de IgG via colostro, quando a uniformização foi realizada até 5h pós-parto, independentemente do teto em que os leitões mamaram, uma vez que esses possuem a mesma concentração de IgG.

Nine sows of fifth parity (PO5) were immunized with 4mg and 2mg of bovine serum albumin (BSA) at 70 and 100d of gestation, respectively. Cross fostering was performed 4.9±1.9h after birth, before piglets had their first suckling. Litters were composed of five biological piglets (BP) and five adopted piglets (AP), with similar weight at birth. Blood samples were collected from piglets (at birth and at 24h of life) and from females (after farrowing) and colostrum from each group of teats (at farrowing time and after 24h). Samples of serum and colostrum were quantified to IgG by indirect ELISA. Optical density of IgG anti-BSA (ODIgG-BSA) from piglets (24h of life) was correlated with dams. ODIgG-BSA was similar among BP and AP, as well as among pairs of teats (at farrowing time and after 24h). However, there was a decrease in ODIgG-BSA from farrowing up to 24h after birth. BP and AP absorbed the same amount of IgG via colostrum, when cross fostering was evaluated 5h after farrowing, regardless of the teat suckled, since these have the same concentration of IgG.

Dynamic interactions of p53 with DNA in solution by time-lapse atomic force microscopy.

Dynamic interactions of the tumor suppressor protein p53 with a DNA fragment containing a p53-specific recognition sequence were directly observed by time-lapse tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) in liquid. The divalent cation Mg(2+) was used to loosely attach both DNA and p53 to a mica surface so they could be imaged by the AFM while interacting with each other. Various interactions of p53 with DNA were observed, including dissociation/re-association, sliding and possibly direct binding to the specific sequence. Two modes of target recognition of p53 were detected: (a) direct binding, and (b) initial non-specific binding with subsequent translocation by one-dimensional diffusion of the protein along the DNA to the specific site.

General introduction to the psychotherapy of Pierre Janet.

This article deals with Pierre Janet's concept of "Psychological Analysis" (analyse psychologique). It brings out Janet's criticism of Sigmund Freud's ideas, and delineates the difference between psychological analysis (Janet) and psychoanalysis (Freud). Further it points out that Janet's theories on the pathogenesis of neurotic disorders rely on the concept of psychic trauma and associated fixed ideas. Mental force and mental tension, described in greater detail, are essential for the pathogenesis of mental disorders. According to Janet, a significant characteristic of the neurotically disturbed person is a feature that Von Gebsattel calls "Werdenshemmung" ("inhibition of becoming"), a state which impairs the life development of the ill person.

[Pierre Janet (1859-1947). "Physician-philosopher, psychologist and psychotherapist]. / Pierre Janet (1859-1947). "Médecin-philosophe",Psychologe und Psychotherapeut.

Today's efforts at the foundation of psychotherapy by psychology should consider the work of the French philosopher, physician and psychologist Pierre Janet. The article sketches some aspects of Janet's biography, work and influence and refers to a few of his progressive ideas about an empirically based psychotherapy.

Effects of dioxins and furans on liver enzymes, lipid parameters, and thyroid hormones in former thermal metal recycling workers.

A cross-sectional study was performed to examine the internal exposure of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) in former workers in a nonferrous metal recycling facility. Liver enzymes, lipid parameters, and thyroid hormones were measured to check possible biologic effects. Compared to background levels, the international toxicity equivalent levels of exposed workers were slightly elevated (median 42 ppt, range 13-281 ppt). The workers also had higher total PCDF concentrations (median 128 ppt, range 30-1138 ppt). Correlation analyses demonstrate significant associations with only one liver enzyme, alanine aminotransferase. There were no such associations with serum cholesterol levels or with serum thyroid hormones. Because of the cross-sectional design of the study, firm conclusions cannot be drawn. For further evaluation, a follow-up examination appears necessary.

Neuropsychiatric aspects in Munchausen's syndrome.

The case of a 27-year-old woman with Munchausen's syndrome is presented, in whom a history of cerebral palsy and pathological findings from electroencephalogram, cranial computed tomography, and neuropsychological assessment were prominent. It is argued that neuropsychiatric aspects may play a role in the development of Munchausen's syndrome in a subgroup of patients.

Sequence-specific labeling of superhelical DNA by triple helix formation and psoralen crosslinking.

Site-specific labeling of covalently closed circular DNA was achieved by using triple helix-forming oligonucleotides 10, 11 and 27 nt in length. The sequences consisted exclusively of pyrimidines (C and T) with a reactive psoralen at the 5'-end and a biotin at the 3'-end. The probes were directed to different target sites on the plasmids pUC18 (2686 bp), pUC18/4A (2799 bp) and pUC1 8/4A-H 1 (2530 bp). After triple helix formation at acid pH the oligonucleotides were photocrosslinked to the target DNAs via the psoralen moiety, endowing the covalent adduct with unconditional stability, e.g. under conditions unfavorable for preservation of the triplex, such as neutral pH. Complex formation was monitored after polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis by streptavidin-alkaline phosphatase (SAP)-induced chemiluminescence. The yield of triple helix increased with the molar ratio of oligonucleotide to target and the length of the probe sequence (27mer > 11mer). The covalent adduct DNA were visualized by scanning force microscopy (SFM) using avidin or streptavidin as protein tags for the biotin group on the oligonucleotide probes. We discuss the versatility of triple helix DNA complexes for studying the conformation of superhelical DNA.

Somatic symptoms in Turkish and German depressed patients.

We determined the pattern and severity of symptoms in Turkish and German depressed inpatients. Psychopathological and somatic symptoms were documented on standardized rating scales of the Association for Methodology and Documentation in Psychiatry (AMDP) System. Of a total sample of 6000 inpatients admitted to the Psychiatric Department of the Free University of Berlin from 1981 to 1989, 28 Turkish inpatients with diagnoses of depression, according to the International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision, were compared with a randomly selected group of matched German depressed inpatients. Turkish patients scored higher only on the Vegetative-somatic syndrome scale but did not differ on the Depressive or Apathetic syndrome scale of the AMDP System.

[Long-term results of unsuccessful thrombolysis and secondary thrombectomy of deep leg-pelvic vein thromboses: a critical analysis]. / Langzeitergebnisse nach erfolgloser Lyse und sekundärer Thrombektomie tiefer Bein-Beckenvenenthrombosen: eine kritische Analyse.

According to the literature, fibrinolytic therapy of acute thrombosis of the pelvic and deep lower leg fails in about 15%. As the primary patency rate correlates with the long term results, we intended to investigate whether the failures of 15% might be improved by a secondary thrombectomy. 87% of 31 thromboses treated by secondary thrombectomy were investigated by clinical, morphological and functional examinations. The data show that in case of the intervention taking place within 8 days (total age of the thrombus including the period of lysis treatment) the results were excellent, within 8-14 days they were still good. Patients below the age of 30 years benefited most by the therapy. However, the postulated "airtight effect" could not be demonstrated. Early diagnosis is of paramount importance. The period of lysis treatment should be limited and in case of failure a secondary thrombectomy should be offered to the patient.

[Thrombectomy after unsuccessful thrombolytic therapy of deep leg vein thromboses: an effective procedure?]. / Thrombektomie nach erfolgloser Lysetherapie tiefer Bein-Beckenvenenthrombosen: ein sinnvolles Verfahren?

Lysis of acute thromboses of the pelvic and deep lower leg veins is not always successful. According to the literature, 11-20% of the cases remain occluded. In such cases the majority of authors continue therapy with anticoagulants (heparin, dicumarol). 31 thromboses which had been unsuccessfully treated by lysis were subsequently thrombectomized after a few hours. All external iliac veins could be opened. The amount of occluded common iliac veins could be reduced from 94% to 16%. In 19% a stenosis due to a venous spur remained. The complete patency rate of the extremity veins could be improved by 55%. This shows that a marked improvement of the primary patency rate could be reached despite the failed lysis. This is a prerequisite of a favourable longtime result. An evaluation of the late results is planned and will be published at a later date.

[Alcohol drinking behavior in a sample of students]. / Alkoholtrinkverhalten in einer Population von Studentinnen.

In 1988 we interviewed approximately a quarter (n = 395) of the female students enrolled at Ulm/D. University in order to get knowledge of their alcohol-drinking habits. There was no selection of whom we asked. The results encourage us to the conclusion that we might have got a representative survey. Of the students inquired about 11% lived abstinently, less than 2% consumed alcohol daily, most of all took alcohol repeatedly per month. The predominant part of the students questioned, stated an intake of less than 40 g alcohol per day. The average quantity of alcohol consumed per month was smaller than with a group of female students interviewed in Spain as well as with a group of young women comparable in age in Northern Germany.

[Effects of different vitamin D metabolites on the leg weakness syndrome of turkeys]. / Einflüsse verschiedener Vitamin-D-Metaboliten auf das Beinschwäche-Syndrom bei Mastputen.

In two experiments the influence of vitamin D metabolites on leg weakness in turkeys belonging to the Big 6 line was studied. The metabolites were given orally or intravenously in different dosages. There are no differences in vitamin-D-dependent parameters between healthy turkeys and turkeys with leg weakness. Additional oral application of 1,25 (OH)2D3 in dosages of 2, 5 or 10 micrograms per animal day and of 400 micrograms 25 (OH)D3 per animal day had no influence on leg weakness. Even after intravenous application of 2 or 5 micrograms 1,25(OH)2D3 per animal day there were no changes concerning the degree of leg weakness nor were any signs of hypervitaminosis D observed (increase of serum calcium level or increase of the activity of duodenal calcium binding protein). Our results indicate that this form of leg weakness in turkeys is not connected to a disturbance of vitamin D metabolism.

[Anamnestic and psychopathologic studies of obsessive-compulsive patients]. / Anamnestische und psychopathologische Untersuchungen von Zwangspatienten.

Twenty-eight patients, that is 0.8% of all 3,225 patients admitted between 1981 and 1986 in the Free University of Berlin, Department of Psychiatry, had a primary diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (ICD-9: 300.3). These patients were compared with random samples of equal size (N = 28) of schizophrenic psychoses paranoid type (ICD 295.3), manic depressive psychoses depressed type (ICD 296.1) and neurotic depressions (ICD 300.4) using an AMDP-based multiaxial diagnostic description. It turned out, that although obsessive-compulsive patients were best discriminated from the other clinical groups by their typical symptoms, they were characterized likewise by other psychopathological, especially depressive symptoms. In view of the course of obsessive-compulsive disorder, the findings were compatible with those of other reports. Beyond it, a subgroup of patients with relatively unfavourable course could be described by AMPD-items.

Attentional functions in listening and schizophrenia. A selective review.

Maintaining the focus on one sound object or shifting it to another are considered to be two important attentional functions in selective listening, which may serve to differentiate attentional deficits in schizophrenics with respect to their psychopathology. To avoid confounding attentional control with effects of cerebral organization (laterality) as in dichotic listening, it is suggested that spatial hearing is taken into account when testing these attentional operations.