Effects of saturated fatty acids with lysophospholipids on production and nutrient digestibility in lactating cows.

The objective of the experiment was to determine the effects of supplemental SFA sources, lysophospholipids (LPL), and their interaction on production and nutrient digestibility in lactating dairy cows. The experiment was conducted with 48 cows in a randomized complete block design. Cows were blocked (12 blocks total) by parity and days in milk and randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments in each block (2 × 2 factorial arrangement), i.e., 2 sources of fat supplements, C16:0 (PA)- or C18:0 (SA)-enriched fat, and with or without LPL. The experiment was conducted for 6 wk to measure daily dry matter intake, milk yield, and weekly milk composition. During the last week of the experiment, spot fecal and urine samples were collected to determine total-tract nutrient digestibility. Milk samples in the last week were also collected to analyze the milk fatty acid (FA) profile. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS, where block was used as a random effect and FA, LPL, and the interaction of FA by LPL were used as fixed effects. Week and interactions of week by FA or LPL were included for production measures. Different sources of SFA did not affect dry matter intake and milk yield. However, the PA treatment increased (39.7 vs. 36.8 kg) energy-corrected milk compared with SA due to increased milk fat yield. No effect of LPL on production measures was observed. Total-tract digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and total FA were not different between the PA and SA groups, but PA increased (41.4% vs. 38.8%) neutral detergent fiber digestibility compared with SA. Supplementation of LPL increased (64.7% vs. 60.5%) total FA digestibility, especially 18-carbon FA (74.1% vs. 68.2%). An interaction of SFA by LPL was found for 16-carbon FA digestibility. The PA diet increased the concentration of 16-carbon FA in milk fat and SA increased the concentration of preformed FA (≥18 carbons). Supplementation of LPL decreased the concentration of trans-10 C18:1. No difference in N utilization and excretion among treatments was observed. In conclusion, the PA diet was more effective in improving milk fat yield of lactating cows compared with SA. Supplementation of LPL increased digestibility of total FA, especially 18-carbon FA but did not affect production.

Airway changes and prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery with large mandibular setback.

This study used three-dimensional computed tomography and polysomnography to evaluate the effect of a large mandibular setback on the postoperative pharyngeal airway space and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Twelve patients who underwent bimaxillary surgery for a mandibular setback movement of >9mm were included in this study. Changes in the pharyngeal airway space and polysomnography parameters based on the surgical movements were analyzed. The median mandibular setback movement was 11.08mm. The total pharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal volumes, and the retroglossal cross-sectional area were significantly decreased postoperatively (P=0.006; P=0.005; P=0.012; P=0.005, respectively). The apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) increased significantly after surgery (P=0.021). There were significant positive correlations between the preoperative inferiorly located hyoid bone and both AHI and respiratory disturbance index (RDI) postoperative (P=0.008 and P=0.027) and between the postoperative inferiorly dislocated retropalatal level and both AHI and RDI postoperative (P=0.002 and P=0.014). Four patients (33.3%) developed new onset OSA postoperatively. Large mandibular setback movements significantly reduced the pharyngeal airway space in the setting of bimaxillary surgery (P=0.006).

Effects of lysophospholipids on short-term production, nitrogen utilization, and rumen fermentation and bacterial population in lactating dairy cows.

An experiment was conducted to examine effects of supplemental lysophospholipids (LPL) in dairy cows. Eight ruminally cannulated lactating Holstein cows were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. Dietary treatments were (1) a dairy ration [CON; 55% forage and 45% concentrate on a dry matter (DM) basis], (2) a positive control diet supplemented with monensin (MON; 16 mg/kg in dietary DM; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN], (3) a control diet supplemented with low LPL (0.05% of dietary DM; Lipidol Ultra, Easy Bio Inc., Seoul, South Korea), and (4) a control diet supplemented with high LPL (0.075% of dietary DM). Experimental periods were 21 d with 14-d diet adaptation and 7-d sample collection. Daily intake and milk yield were measured and rumen contents were collected for fermentation characteristics and bacterial population. Spot urine and fecal samples (8 samples/cow per period) were collected to determine nutrient digestibility and dietary N utilization. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC; group and cow within group were random effects and treatments, time, and their interaction were fixed effects). Preplanned contrasts were made to determine effect of MON versus CON, effect of LPL versus MON, and linear effect of increasing LPL. In the current study, responses to MON generally agreed with effects of monensin observed in the literature (increased milk yield and feed efficiency but decreased milk fat content). Supplementation of LPL to the diet did not alter DM intake but linearly increased milk yield, resulting in increases in feed efficiency (milk yield/DM intake) and milk protein and fat yields. However, total-tract digestibility of DM and organic matter tended to be lower (60.9 vs. 62.2% and 61.8 vs. 63.1%, respectively) for LPL compared with CON. Linear increases in milk N secretion and decreases in urinary N excretion were observed with increasing LPL in the diet. A slight decrease in acetate proportion in the rumen for LPL was found. Relative to MON, very few bacteria in the rumen were affected with increasing LPL. In conclusion, LPL is a potential feed additive that can increase milk yield and components and dietary N utilization. However, more studies with large numbers of animals are needed to confirm the effect of LPL on production. Similar positive effects on production were observed between LPL and MON, but individual mechanisms were likely different according to ruminal fermentation characteristics. Further studies are needed to explore the mode of action of LPL in dairy cows.

How does the presence of excreta affect the behavior of laying hens on scratch pads?

Enriched cages for laying hens provide scratch pads for foraging on the wire mesh floors. Apart from foraging on scratch pads, hens also defecate on these pads, causing them to become soiled with excreta. This study was conducted to determine the relative preference of laying hens for foraging on clean (C) scratch pads or scratch pads soiled with excreta (E), and to study the behaviors performed by hens on such pads. A total of 288 laying hens was housed in 16 enriched cages (18 hens/cage), each divided into 2 compartments. On a daily basis, half of the scratch pads (one in each compartment) were removed and cleaned, while the other half were cleaned and then covered with 550 g (0.35 g/cm2) of conspecific excreta. The C and E scratch pads were then put back into the cages in a systematic order to avoid side bias. Feed was delivered automatically onto the scratch pads as a litter substrate. The frequency of visits and the total time spent performing different behaviors on C and E pads were video-recorded [the time of video recording was relative to litter (feed) delivery on the scratch pads] for a total of 10 min/d, 3 times/wk, over a period of 4 weeks. Overall, the allocation of the time budget for different behaviors was found to be-in order of greatest to least amount of time-resting, locomotor behaviors (walking and running), foraging, and dust bathing. Laying hens showed a relative preference for E scratch pads by visiting them more frequently (P = 0.001), and spent more time (P = 0.035) foraging on them, whereas they rested for more time (P < 0.001) on C scratch pads. The relative preference for E scratch pads during foraging signifies the innate importance of foraging substrates in enriched cages for laying hens. Similarly, the longer use of C scratch pads for resting indicates the need for an ideal and clean resting surface in enriched cages.

Biological assessments of multifunctional hydrogel-decorated implantable neural cuff electrode for clinical neurology application.

The implantable cuff electrode is an effective neuroprosthetic device in current nerve tissue engineering. However, biocompatibility and stability are still a serious dispute in terms of in vivo function and continuous monitoring. In this regard, assessing the host's biological response to biomaterials is one of the key factors of chronic implantation. In this article, we analyzed the peripheral nerve specific-biological responses to the application of multi-functional hydrogel-coated electrodes. The surface of the cuff electrode was modified using a multifunctional hydrogel composed of PEG hydrogel, cyclosporin A(CsA)-microsphere(MS) and electrodeposited PEDOT:PSS. Through our approach, we have found that the multifunctional hydrogel coatings improve the neural electrode function, such as peak-to-peak amplitude increase. Additionally, the multifunctional hydrogel coated electrodes exhibited improved biocompatibility, such as reduced apoptotic properties and increased axonal myelination. Furthermore, 12 genes (BDNF, Gfra1, IL-6, Sox 10, S100B, P75 NTR , GAP43, MBP, MPZ, NrCAM, NE-FL, CB1) were upregulated at 5 weeks post-implant. Finally, double immunofluorescence revealed the effect of endocannabinoid system on neuroprotective properties and tissue remodeling of peripheral nerves during cuff electrode implantation. These results clearly confirmed that multifunctional hydrogel coatings could improve electrode function and biocompatibility by enhancing neuroprotective properties, which may provide a valuable paradigm for clinical neurology application.

Productive performance of weanling piglets was improved by administration of a mixture of bacteriophages, targeted to control Coliforms and Clostridium spp. shedding in a challenging environment.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of bacteriophages in different environments on growth performance, digestibility, ileal and caecal microbiota, gut morphology and immunity of weanling pigs. Two hundred piglets were randomly assigned to four treatment groups with five replicate pens with 10 pigs per pen. A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used to investigate the response of weanling pigs to supplemental bacteriophages (0 and 1.0 g/kg of diet) in contaminated or hygienic environments. Bacteriophages supplementation did not affect average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and gain:feed in phases I and III; however, there was a significant improvement in ADG and gain:feed in phase II. The supplementation of bacteriophages increased the overall gain:feed of pigs. The overall result showed a greater ADG and ADFI in hygienic room. There were reductions in population of both ileal (p < 0.05) and caecal (p < 0.01) Clostridium spp. and ileal coliforms (p < 0.01) with the inclusion of bacteriophages in the diet. Bacteriophages increased ileal Lactobacillus and caecal Bifidobacterium and tended to increase ileal Bifidobacterium (p = 0.08). Contaminated environment decreased ileal Lactobacillus and caecal Bifidobacterium and tended to increase ileal Clostridium (p = 0.08) and coliforms (p = 0.08). Total anaerobic bacteria was tended to decrease (p = 0.06) in contaminated environment. Jejunal villus height increased in pigs received bacteriophages, but they did not affect other morphological items. The interaction between bacteriophages and environment tended to be significant (p = 0.06) for ileal villus height and ileal villus height to crypt depth ratio. The overall faecal score was significantly greater in hygienic environment and bacteriophages groups. The present findings indicate that there is an interactive effect on feed efficiency between bacteriophages and contaminated environment. In addition, bacteriophages improve jejunum morphology, and intestinal microbiota of pigs.

Bacteriophage cocktail and multi-strain probiotics in the feed for weanling pigs: effects on intestine morphology and targeted intestinal coliforms and Clostridium.

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of bacteriophage cocktail, probiotics and a combination of these two supplements on performance and gut health of weanling pigs. In Experiment 1, 150 weaned piglets were randomly allotted to three treatments on the basis of BW. The dietary treatments included a basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg bacteriophage cocktail. Pigs fed 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg bacteriophage product had greater (P<0.05) average daily gain (ADG), apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter from day 22 to 35, ileal Lactobacillus spp., villus height (duodenum and jejunum), and fewer coliforms (ileum) and Clostridium spp. (ileum). In Experiment 2, 200 weaned piglets were randomly allotted to four treatments. Dietary treatments included basal diet, basal diet supplemented with 3.0 g/kg fermented probiotic product (P), 1.0 g/kg bacteriophage cocktail (B) and combination of 1.0 g/kg bacteriophage cocktail and 3.0 g/kg fermented probiotic product. Pigs fed bacteriophage cocktail diets had greater (P<0.05) overall ADG, gain to feed ratio (G : F), fecal score from day 8 to day 21, and pigs fed bacteriophage cocktail diets had fewer coliforms (ileum) Clostridium spp. (ileum and cecum). Probiotics significantly increased G : F, colonization of Lactobacillus spp. in ileum. At day 35, bacteriophage treatment group showed greater (P<0.05) villus height of the duodenum, but a deeper crypt in duodenum. The present results indicate that the bacteriophage cocktail had a potential to enhance the performance and gut health of weanling pigs, however their combination with probiotics did not show an interaction.

PIN1 inhibition suppresses osteoclast differentiation and inflammatory responses.

Inflammatory responses and osteoclast differentiation play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of osteolytic bone diseases such as periodontitis. Although overexpression or inhibition of peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase NIMA-interacting 1 (PIN1) offers a possible therapeutic strategy for chronic inflammatory diseases, the role of PIN1 in periodontal disease is unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate PIN1 expression in periodontitis patients as well as the effects of PIN1 inhibition by juglone or PIN1 small-interfering RNA (siRNA) and of PIN1 overexpression using a recombinant adenovirus encoding PIN1 (Ad-PIN1) on the inflammatory response and osteoclastic differentiation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and nicotine-stimulated human periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs). PIN1 was up-regulated in chronically inflamed PDLCs from periodontitis patients and in LPS- and nicotine-exposed PDLCs. Inhibition of PIN1 by juglone or knockdown of PIN1 gene expression by siRNA markedly attenuated LPS- and nicotine-stimulated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nitric oxide (NO) production, as well as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, whereas PIN1 overexpression by Ad-PIN1 increased it. LPS- and nicotine-induced nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation was blocked by juglone and PIN1 siRNA but increased by Ad-PIN1. Conditioned medium prepared from LPS- and nicotine-treated PDLCs increased the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-stained osteoclasts and osteoclast-specific gene expression. These responses were blocked by PIN1 inhibition and silencing but stimulated by Ad-PIN1. Furthermore, juglone and PIN1 siRNA inhibited LPS- and nicotine-induced osteoclastogenic cytokine expression in PDLCs. This study is the first to demonstrate that PIN1 inhibition exhibits anti-inflammatory effects and blocks osteoclastic differentiation in LPS- and nicotine-treated PDLCs. PIN1 inhibition may be a therapeutic strategy for inflammatory osteolysis in periodontal disease.

Effects of dietary supplementation with Gynura procumbens (Merr.) on egg yolk cholesterol, excreta microflora and laying hen performance.

Abstract 1. The present study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Gynura procumbens on egg yolk and serum cholesterol and triglycerides, excreta microflora, laying performance and egg quality. 2. A total of 160 Hy-Line Brown layers (45 weeks old) were randomly assigned into 4 treatments on the basis of laying performance. Each treatment had 4 replicates with 10 birds each. 3. Dietary treatments were basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 g/kg diet G. procumbens during 56-d feeding period. 4. Serum (d 21, 42 and 56) and egg yolk (d 28, 42 and 56) cholesterol and triglycerides concentrations were linearly reduced with increasing dietary concentrations of G. procumbens. 5. Increasing dietary concentrations of G. procumbens linearly reduced the excreta total anaerobic bacteria (d 28), Clostridium sp. and Escherichia coli (d 28 and 56) populations. 6. Overall egg production and egg mass were linearly increased, and overall feed efficiency was linearly improved with increase in dietary G. procumbens. 7. Dietary increasing concentrations of G. procumbens linearly improved egg yolk colour (d 28 and 56) and breaking strength of eggs (d 56). 8. The results obtained in the present experiment indicate that dietary supplementation with G. procumbens could reduce the egg yolk cholesterol, suppresses harmful excreta microflora and improves layers performance.

Role of tumour necrosis factor receptor-1 and nuclear factor-κB in production of TNF-α-induced pro-inflammatory microparticles in endothelial cells.

Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is upregulated in many inflammatory diseases and is also a potent agent for microparticle (MP) generation. Here, we describe an essential role of TNF-α in the production of endothelial cell-derived microparticles (EMPs) in vivo and the function of TNF-α-induced EMPs in endothelial cells. We found that TNF-α rapidly increased blood levels of EMPs in mice. Treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with TNF-α also induced EMP formation in a time-dependent manner. Silencing of TNF receptor (TNFR)-1 or inhibition of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in HUVECs impaired the production of TNF-α-induced EMP. Incubation of HUVECs with PKH-67-stained EMPs showed that endothelial cells readily engulfed EMPs, and the engulfed TNF-α-induced EMPs promoted the expression of pro-apoptotic molecules and upregulated intercellular adhesion molecule-1 level on the cell surface, which led to monocyte adhesion. Collectively, our findings indicate that the generation of TNF-α-induced EMPs was mediated by TNFR1 or NF-κB and that EMPs can contribute to apoptosis and inflammation of endothelial cells.

Risk factors for double primary malignancies and their clinical implications in patients with sporadic gastric cancer.

AIMS: We carried out a large scale study to identify the risk factors for double primary malignancy (DPM) development in gastric cancer patients and to evaluate the clinical implications for these patients. METHODS: A total of 2593 patients who underwent gastrectomy for primary gastric cancer from January 2005 to November 2010 were reviewed with regard to DPM. We compared the clinicopathological characteristics, risk factors for developing DPM, and prognosis between the DPM+ group and the DPM- group. RESULTS: Of the 2593 patients, 152 (5.9%) were diagnosed with DPM. The most common accompanying malignancies were colorectal, lung and thyroid. Multivariate analysis indicated that age (p = 0.016) and MSI status (p = 0.002) were associated with a higher frequency of DPM. 30.3% of patients were diagnosed with DPM within 1 year around perioperative period and 53.3% of patients had DPM detected during 5 years of post-operative follow up periods. Although there was no significant difference in overall survival between the DPM+ and DPM- group, DPM+ patients had a worse prognosis than DPM- patients in stage I gastric cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric cancer patients over the age of 60 or with a MSI-high status had an increased risk for developing DPM. Further, in stage I gastric cancer, the presence of DPM was associated with a worse prognosis. Therefore, careful pre- and postoperative surveillance is especially important in these patients.

Type 2 cGMP-dependent protein kinase regulates homeostasis by blocking c-Jun N-terminal kinase in the colon epithelium.

Analysis of knockout animals indicates that 3',5'cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) has an important role in gut homeostasis but the signaling mechanism is not known. The goals of this study were to test whether increasing cGMP could affect colon homeostasis and determine the mechanism. We increased cGMP in the gut of Prkg2(+/+) and Prkg2(-/-) mice by treating with the PDE5 inhibitor Vardenafil (IP). Proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in the colon mucosa were then quantitated. Vardenafil (Vard) treatment increased cGMP in colon mucosa of all mice, but reduced proliferation and apoptosis, and increased differentiation only in Prkg2(+/+) mice. Vard and cGMP treatment also increased dual specificity protein phosphatase 10 (DUSP10) expression and reduced phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) levels in the colon mucosa of Prkg2(+/+) but not Prkg2(-/-) mice. Treatment of Prkg2(-/-) mice with the JNK inhibitor SP600125 reversed the defective homeostasis observed in these animals. Activation of protein kinase G2 (PKG2) in goblet-like LS174T cells increased DUSP10 expression and reduced JNK activity. PKG2 also increased goblet cell-specific MUC2 expression in LS174T cells, and this process was blocked by DUSP10-specific siRNA. The ability of cGMP signaling to inhibit JNK-induced apoptosis in vivo was demonstrated using dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) to stress the colon epithelium. Vard was a potent inhibitor of DSS-induced epithelial apoptosis, and significantly blocked pathological endpoints in this model of experimental colitis. In conclusion, Vard treatment activates cGMP signaling in the colon epithelium. Increased PKG2 activity alters homeostasis by suppressing proliferation and apoptosis while promoting differentiation. The PKG2-dependent mechanism was shown to involve increased DUSP10 and subsequent inhibition of JNK activity.

Characterization of Cellulolytic and Xylanolytic Enzymes of Bacillus licheniformis JK7 Isolated from the Rumen of a Native Korean Goat.

A facultative bacterium producing cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzymes was isolated from the rumen of a native Korean goat. The bacterium was identified as a Bacillus licheniformis on the basis of biochemical and morphological characteristics and 16S rDNA sequences, and has been designated Bacillus licheniformis JK7. Endoglucanase activities were higher than those of ß-glucosidase and xylanase at all temperatures. Xylanase had the lowest activity among the three enzymes examined. The optimum temperature for the enzymes of Bacillus licheniformis JK7 was 70°C for endoglucanase (0.75 U/ml) and 50°C for ß-glucosidase and xylanase (0.63 U/ml, 0.44 U/ml, respectively). All three enzymes were stable at a temperature range of 20 to 50°C. At 50°C, endoglucanse, ß-glucosidase, and xylanase had 90.29, 94.80, and 88.69% residual activity, respectively. The optimal pH for the three enzymes was 5.0, at which their activity was 1.46, 1.10, and 1.08 U/ml, respectively. The activity of all three enzymes was stable in the pH range of 3.0 to 6.0. Endoglucanase activity was increased 113% by K(+), while K(+), Zn(+), and tween 20 enhanced ß-glucosidase activity. Xylanase showed considerable activity even in presence of selected chemical additives, with the exception of Mn(2+) and Cu(2+). The broad range of optimum temperatures (20 to 40°C) and the stability under acidic pH (4 to 6) suggest that the cellulolytic enzymes of Bacillus licheniformis JK7 may be good candidates for use in the biofuel industry.

The Effects of Rhodobacter capsulatus KCTC-2583 on Cholesterol Metabolism, Egg Production and Quality Parameters during the Late Laying Periods in Hens.

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of Rhodobacter capsulatus KCTC-2583 on egg-yolk and serum cholesterol, egg production and quality parameters during the late laying periods in hens. A total of 160 Hy-Line Brown layers (54 wk-old) were randomly allotted to 4 treatment groups on the basis of laying performance. Each treatment had 4 replicates with 10 birds each (40 birds per treatment). Two hens were confined individually with cage size 35×35×40 cm and each 10 birds (5 cages) shared a common feed trough between them forming one experimental unit. Dietary treatments were; basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15% R. capsulatus KCTC-2583. Experimental diets were fed in meal form for 56 d. Dietary supplementation of increasing levels of R. capsulatus KCTC-2583 reduced (linear, p<0.05) egg-yolk cholesterol and triglycerides (d 28, 42 and 56) concentrations. Also, serum cholesterol and triglycerides (d 21, 42 and 56) concentrations were linearly reduced (p<0.05) with increasing dietary R. capsulatus KCTC-2583. Laying hens fed a diet supplemented with increasing levels of R. capsulatus KCTC-2583 had increased (linear; p<0.05) overall egg production, egg weight, egg mass and feed efficiency. However, dietary treatments had no effect (linear or quadratic; p>0.05) on feed intake of laying hens. At d 28 and 56, breaking strength and yolk colour of eggs were linearly improved (p<0.05) in laying hens fed dietary increasing levels of R. capsulatus KCTC-2583. Dietary treatment had no effects (linear or quadratic; p>0.05) on albumin height, shell thickness and shell weight at any period of experiment. These results indicate that dietary supplementation of R. capsulatus KCTC-2583 has the potential to improve the laying hen performance and lead to the development of low cholesterol eggs during late laying period in Hy-Line Brown hens.

Could colorimetric method replace the individual minimal erythemal dose (MED) measurements in determining the initial dose of narrow-band UVB treatment for psoriasis patients with skin phototype III-V?

BACKGROUND: Assessment of minimal erythemal dose (MED) for individual patients has been used to guide the narrowband Ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy, which sometimes causes discomfort and additional time. The L* value (the lightness of color in Commission Internationlale de l'Eclairge L*a*b* color scale) measured by colorimeter was shown to be useful for predicting sensitivity to NB-UVB irradiation. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of NB-UVB phototherapy between 50% of MED and colorimetric L* value starting dose regimens for skin phototype III-V Korean patients with psoriasis. METHOD: Twenty seven patients determined starting doses based on colorimetric L* value, and 27 patients based on 50% of MED. Since correlation analysis showed that L* value had the most significant association with MED compared with skin phototypes, a*, and b* values, we designated starting doses of L* value regimen as follows: 300 mJ/cm(2) (L* >66), 400 mJ/cm(2) (62 < L* ≤ 66), and 500 mJ/cm(2) (L* ≤ 62). RESULTS: There was no significant difference between two groups in clinical efficacy including response rate, mean number of sessions, duration of treatment, maximum dose and cumulative dose until achieving the state of near clearance. The proportion of adverse effects was not also significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: NB-UVB starting dose determination based on colorimetric L* value was comparable with conventional MED based regimen in efficacy and safety for skin phototype III-V patients. Since it provides much convenience and ease for both patients and physicians, colorimetric L* value could partly substitute the MED checking methods in NB-UVB phototherapy.

An antimicrobial peptide-A3: effects on growth performance, nutrient retention, intestinal and faecal microflora and intestinal morphology of broilers.

1. The present study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with an antimicrobial peptide-A3 (AMP-A3) on growth performance, nutrient retention, intestinal microflora and intestinal morphology of broilers. 2. A total of 320-d-old chicks (Ross 308, average BW 44.0 ± 3.4 g) were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments on the basis of initial body weight (BW). The dietary treatments were negative control (NC; basal diet), positive control (PC; basal diet + 15 mg avilamycin/kg diet) and AMP-A3 (basal diet supplemented with 60 or 90 mg/kg AMP-A3). The NC diet was considered as 0 mg/kg AMP-A3 treatment. Experimental diets were given in two phases: starter phase (d 0-21) and finisher phase (d 22-35). 3. The overall BW gain and retention of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE; d 19-21) and crude protein (CP; d 19-21 and d 33-35) were greater in birds fed on the PC and 90 mg/kg AMP-A3 diets than in birds fed on the NC diet. Also, an increase in dietary AMP-A3 linearly improved BW gain and retention of DM, GE (d 19-21) and CP (d 19-21 and d 33-35). 4. Birds fed on the PC and 90 mg/kg AMP-A3 diets had fewer excreta coliforms (d 21 and d 35), total anaerobic bacteria (TAB) and Clostridium spp. (d 35) and ileum and caecum coliforms (d 35) than birds fed on the NC diet. In addition, birds fed on the diet supplemented with increasing levels of AMP-A3 had linearly reduced excreta TAB (d 35), Clostridium spp. and coliforms (d 21 and d 35) and ileum and caecum coliforms (d 35). 5. Birds fed on the PC and 90 mg/kg AMP-A3 diets had greater villus height of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum than birds fed on the NC diet. Moreover, birds fed on increasing levels of AMP-A3 diet had increased (linear) villus height of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. 6. These results indicate that 90 mg/kg AMP-A3 has the potential to improve growth performance, nutrient retention and intestinal morphology and to reduce harmful microorganisms in broilers and can be used as a potential antimicrobial growth promoter.

A multi-microbe probiotic formulation processed at low and high drying temperatures: effects on growth performance, nutrient retention and caecal microbiology of broilers.

1. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate a multi-microbe probiotic formulation processed at low (LT) or high (HT) drying temperature. 2. In both the experiments, 640 d-old Ross male chicks were randomly allotted to 4 treatments on the basis of initial BW for 35 d experiments. 3. In experiment one, dietary treatments were a negative control (NC; basal diet without any antimicrobial); positive control (PC; basal diet +10 mg/kg avilamycin); basal diet with 0·3% probiotic LT; and basal diet with 0·3% probiotic HT. 4. Improved overall weight gain, FCR and retention of CP were observed in birds fed the PC and probiotic diets when compared with birds fed the NC diet. At d 21, birds fed the probiotic and NC diets had more caecal Bifidobacterium and total anaerobes than birds fed the PC diet; while birds fed the PC and probiotic diets had fewer caecal Clostridium than birds fed the NC diet at d 35. 5. In experiment two, a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was employed to evaluate the effects of two concentrations of probiotic HT (0·30 or 0·60%) and avilamycin (0 or 10 mg/kg). 6. Birds fed the 0·60% probiotic HT diet showed improved overall weight gain and CP retention, higher Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the caecum, and reduced Clostridium and coliforms in the caecum. Inclusion of avilamycin improved the overall weight gain and feed intake, and reduced the caecal Clostridium and Bifidobacterium population. 7. In conclusion, high drying temperature had no effect on the efficacy of the multi-microbe probiotic formulation; while the probiotic HT formulation was more effective at the 0·60% level. Moreover, inclusion of avilamycin improved performance of birds but did not have any interaction with probiotics.

Effect of supplementation of Bacillus subtilis LS 1-2 to broiler diets on growth performance, nutrient retention, caecal microbiology and small intestinal morphology.

Present study investigated the effect of dietary supplementation of Bacillus subtilis LS 1-2 on growth performance, apparent nutrient retention, caecal microbial population and intestinal morphology in broilers. Three hundred and twenty day-old Ross broiler chicks were randomly allotted to four treatments on the basis of BW in a randomized complete block design. Experimental diets were fed in two phases: starter (d 0-21) and finisher (d 22-35). Dietary treatments were basal diet supplemented with 0% (control), 0.15%, 0.30% and 0.45% B. subtilis LS 1-2. Supplementation of increasing levels of B. subtilis LS 1-2 showed linear improvement (P<0.05) in growth performance and apparent nutrient retention. At d 35, birds supplemented with increasing levels of B. subtilis LS 1-2 showed decrease in caecal Clostridium and Coliform count (linear, P<0.05). Moreover, supplementation of B. subtilis LS 1-2 increased (linear, P<0.05) villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio in both duodenum and ileum. Results obtained in the present study indicate that B. subtilis LS 1-2 can be used as a growth promoter in broiler diets and can improve intestinal microbial balance and gut health of broilers.

Effect of supplementation of multi-microbe probiotic product on growth performance, apparent digestibility, cecal microbiota and small intestinal morphology of broilers.

The present study investigated the effect of inclusion of multi-microbe probiotic product on growth performance, apparent digestibility of nutrients, cecal microbiota and small intestinal morphology in broilers. Four hundred days-old Ross chicks were randomly allotted to five treatments on the basis of body weight (BW). Each treatment had four replicates of 20 chicks in each. Experimental diets were fed in two phases, starter (day 0-21) and finisher (day 22-35). Dietary treatments were; basal diet without any antimicrobial (NC), basal diet added with 20 mg Avilamycin/kg of diet (PC), 10(7) cfu multi-microbe probiotic/kg of diet (P1), 10(8) cfu multi-microbe probiotic/kg of diet (P2), and 10(9) cfu multi-microbe probiotic/kg of diet (P3). Overall BW gain and feed conversion ratio were better (p < 0.05) for treatments PC, P2 and P3 compared with NC and P1, with P1 being better (p < 0.05) than NC. Overall feed intake in treatments PC, P1, P2 and P3 were greater (p < 0.05) than NC. Apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude protein were greater (p < 0.05) in treatments PC, P2 and P3 compared with NC, with P1 being intermediate and not different form NC, PC, P2 and P3. At d 21 and 35, treatments PC, P1, P2 and P3 showed lower (p < 0.05) cecal Clostridium and Coliforms count in relation to NC. Moreover, cecal Clostridium (d 21) and Coliforms (d 21 and 35) count were lower (p < 0.05) in treatment PC in relation to P1; with P2 and P3 being intermediate and not different from PC. However, there was no effect of dietary treatments on cecal total anaerobic bacteria and Bifidobacterium spp. count. The villus height of duodenum in treatment PC was greater (p < 0.05) than NC, with P1, P2 and P3 being intermediate. Villus height of ileum in treatment PC was greater (p < 0.05) than in treatments P1 and NC, whereas it remained comparable among treatments PC, P2 and P3. Villus height to crypt depth ratio of ileum was greater (p < 0.05) for treatment PC, P2 and P3 compared with that in P1 and NC. It is concluded that multi-microbe probiotic inclusion at 10(8) and 10(9) cfu/kg diet had beneficial effects on broilers growth performance, apparent digestibility of nutrients and intestinal morphology and can be used as replacement to antibiotics growth promoter in broiler nutrition.

Cross-sectional study on the correlation of serum uric acid with disease severity in Korean patients with psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Hyperuricaemia is a common finding in patients with psoriasis. However, previous studies have reported inconsistent results about the association between serum uric acid concentration (SUAC) and psoriasis severity. Recent studies have also reported that SUAC is associated with metabolic dysregulation. AIM: To assess any association between SUAC and clinical features of psoriasis, and to investigate the characteristics of patients with psoriasis with hyperuricaemia compared with similar patients with normouricaemia. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from 198 Korean patients with psoriasis who visited our clinic were analysed. Association of SUAC with clinical features of psoriasis, body mass index (BMI) and various laboratory values was assessed in both genders separately. RESULTS: The average uric acid concentration of patients with psoriasis was not significantly different from that of the healthy population, for both genders (P > 0.05). There was a positive correlation between SUAC and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and BMI in patients with psoriasis (P < 0.05). There was no association with age of disease onset, family history of psoriasis, or other laboratory values (P > 0.05), in either gender. Of the other factors of disease severity, the extent of body surface involvement was correlated with uric acid concentration (P < 0.05) although there was no significant relationship with activity of individual lesions (P > 0.05). Mean PASI and extent of psoriasis were increased in hyperuricaemic compared with normouricaemic patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SUAC in patients with psoriasis is positively associated with PASI, extent of skin involvement and BMI for both genders independently.