The effect of different dietary levels of hybrid rye and xylanase addition on the performance and egg quality in laying hens.

1. In this study, 240 ISA Brown hens were fed diets containing different levels of hybrid rye, and the influence of xylanase addition on laying performance and egg quality was evaluated. 2. Birds were allocated to 10 treatment groups with 12 replicates (cages) of two hens and were fed, from week 26 to 50, isocaloric and isonitrogenous experimental diets. A 5 × 2 experimental arrangement was applied, using diets with increasing level of rye (0%, 10%, 15%, 20% or 25%) with or without xylanase supplementation (200 mg/kg of feed; Ronozyme WX (CT) with minimum xylanase activity of 1,000 FXU/g). 3. Increasing dietary level of rye did not affect daily mass of eggs, mean egg weight or feed conversion ratio (P > 0.05). Laying rate decreased in all groups fed with rye. Egg and eggshell quality indices were unaffected by dietary rye grain (P > 0.05); however, rye inclusion significantly decreased yolk colour on the DSM scale (P < 0.05). In comparison with the control group, high dietary levels of rye (25%) significantly increased viscosity of small intestine content (P < 0.05). Diet supplementation with xylanase had no significant effect on egg production indices and egg quality (except for yolk colour) but decreased the viscosity of intestinal content in laying hens fed high levels of rye (P < 0.05). 4. The results of this experiment suggest that rye may be incorporated to a level of 25% in the diet of laying hens without any strong negative effect on egg performance, while xylanase added to high-rye grain reduced the viscosity of intestinal content; however, it did not positively affect the laying performance or egg quality.

Effect of resveratrol and tiron on the inactivation of glyceraldehyde-3- phosphate dehydrogenase induced by superoxide anion radical.

Protein damage mediated by oxidation has been associated with aging and age-related diseases, in particular neurodegenerative diseases. The protein that is known to be one of the major targets of oxidative stress is glyceraldehyde- 3-phosphate dehydrogenase. GAPDH is believed to play a key role in certain neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases. Several recent studies have suggested that a wide range of variety of polyphenols including resveratrol may have neuroprotective effects. Here, we present data that clearly indicate the prooxidative properties of resveratrol and tiron in the inactivation of GAPDH induced by the superoxide anion generated via xanthine oxidase mediated oxidation of xanthine. Generated in the studied system tiron and resveratrol radicals are much more efficient in the inactivation of GAPDH than the superoxide anion alone. The analysis of CD spectra of protein exposed to the tiron and resveratrol radicals revealed little effect on the secondary structure of GAPDH. In both cases reduction of α-helical structure was followed by the increase in ß-sheet conformation. Thus, the most probable mechanism of inactivation of GAPDH in the studied system is oxidation of cysteine residues in the catalytic center of the enzyme. Finally, molecular modeling of the resveratrol - GAPDH and tiron - GAPDH complexes showed potential binding sites for those antioxidants with binding affinity -45 kcal/mol and -48 kcal/mol respectively.

Effects of selected feed additives on the performance of laying hens given a diet rich in maize dried distiller's grains with solubles (DDGS).

1. A total of 192 ISA Brown hens were given diets containing a high concentration of maize dried distiller's grains with solubles (DDGS) and the effect of selected feed additives on laying performance and egg quality was determined. 2. Birds were allocated to 8 treatment groups with 12 replicates (cages) of two hens and were given, from week 26 to 55, iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous experimental diets with or without a high concentration of DDGS (200 g/kg). The diet containing DDGS was not supplemented or supplemented with enzymes (xylanase and phytase), sodium butyrate, probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus salivarius) and a mixture of herbal extracts (Taraxaci siccum, Urticae siccum and Salviae siccum), inulin or chitosan. 3. The inclusion of DDGS in the diet had no effect on number of eggs produced, total egg mass, mean egg weight, feed intake or feed conversion ratio. Egg and eggshell quality parameters were also unaffected by dietary DDGS. The yolk colour score (points in Roche scale) was significantly increased by DDGS inclusion. DDGS in the diet caused some changes in the yolk lipid profile that were rather unfavourable from a dietary perspective (an increase of cholesterol content, and PUFA n-6/PUFA n-3 ratio). 4. During the experimental period (26-55 weeks of age) supplementation of the diet containing a high concentration of DDGS with enzymes, inulin as well as chitosan, increased number of eggs produced and daily egg mass. In older hens (50 weeks of age) inulin positively affected eggshell quality parameters, i.e. shell percentage, thickness and density. Diet supplementation with herb extracts, inulin or chitosan, decreased the content of cholesterol in yolks. 5. The results of this study suggest that DDGS may be incorporated up to a concentration of 200 g/kg in the diet of laying hens without any negative effects on egg performance. Moreover, supplementation of xylanase and phytase, as well as inulin and chitosan, can positively affect the performance of layers given diets with a high concentration of DDGS.

Can melatonin delay oxidative damage of human erythrocytes during prolonged incubation?

PURPOSE: Melatonin (MEL) is an effective antioxidant in numerous experimental models, both in vitro and in vivo. However, it should be stressed that there are also papers reporting limited antioxidative activity of MEL or even giving evidence for its pro-oxidative properties. In the present paper we investigated the influence of MEL on the oxidative damage of human erythrocytes during prolonged incubation. MATERIAL/METHODS: Human erythrocytes suspended in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), pH 7.4 were incubated at 37ºC either in absence or presence of melatonin at concentration range 0.02 mM-3 mM for up to 96 hrs. The influence of MEL on erythrocyte damage was assessed on the basis of the intensity of intracellular oxidation processes (the oxidation of HbO2, GSH, fluorescent label DCFH2) as well as damage to the plasma membrane (lipid peroxidation, the potassium leakage) and the kinetics of hemolysis. RESULTS: The prolonged incubation of erythrocytes induced a progressive destruction of erythrocytes. Melatonin prevented lipid peroxidation and hemolysis whereas the oxidation of HbO2 and DCFH2 was enhanced by melatonin at concentrations higher than 0.6 mM. In the case of erythrocytes incubated with 3 mM of MEL, the hemolysis rate constant (0.0498±0.0039 H%•h⁻¹) was 50% lower than that of the control while the HbO2 oxidation rate constants were about 1.4 and 1.5 times higher for 1.5 and 3 mM of MEL, respectively. Melatonin had no influence on the oxidation of GSH and the potassium leakage. CONCLUSIONS: Probably, MEL can stabilize the erythrocyte membrane due to interaction with lipids, thus prolonging the existence of cells. On the contrary, in the presence of MEL the accelerated oxidation of HbO2 and generally, increased oxidative stress was observed in erythrocytes. Pro- and antioxidative properties of melatonin depend on the type of cells, redox state, as well as experimental conditions.

Damage to hemoglobin by radiation-generated serum albumin radicals.

We have studied the effects of the interaction of radiation generated human serum albumin radicals (HSA*) with human hemoglobin molecules (Hb). Diluted Hb aqueous solutions were irradiated under N2O or argon without HSA and in the presence of HSA. Analysis of Hb absorbance spectra in the visible range, cross-linking of HSA* radicals with Hb molecules and functional properties of Hb were investigated. The degree of Hb destruction estimated on the basis of changes in the absorption spectra indicated that the effectiveness of HSA* radicals generated under N2O for Hb destruction was approximately equal to that of *OH radicals. In this case mainly *OH radicals formed the secondary HSA* radicals. However, during the irradiation Hb + HSA under argon the presence of equivalent amounts of oxidizing and reducing products of water radiolysis lowers the degree of Hb destruction. Some reactions of HSA* radicals with Hb molecules lead to the formation of covalent bonds between the molecules of both proteins. The following types of hybrids could be distinguished: Hb monomer-HSA, Hb dimer-HSA and higher aggregates. Structural changes of Hb by HSA* radicals were reflected by alterations in the oxygen affinity (increase) and cooperativity (decrease) of Hb. The results obtained indicate that in the experimental systems studied, the HSA* radical reactions with Hb molecules are favoured over recombination reactions of HSA* radicals. On this basis one can suggest that in the studied systems Hb plays the role of an acceptor of radical energy located on HSA.

[Common double inlet ventricle (univentricular heart) in 27 year old man: a case report]. / Wspólna dwunaplywowa komora (serce jednokomorowe) u 27-letniego mezczyzny--opis przypadku.

We present 27-years old man with common double inlet ventricle (CV), hypoplastic pulmonary artery and transposition of the great arteries which was diagnosed in childhood. Based on echocardiographic examination we found unidentify type of CV. Patient did not have surgery and was in good condition. He has been working. We believe that main reason of his good condition is hemodynamically optimal width of the hypoplastic pulmonary artery.

[Exercise echocardiography with left atrial stimulation: advantages and limitations of the method]. / Echokardiograficzna próba obciazeniowa z testem stymulacji lewego przedsionka: zalety i ograniczenia metody.

Exercise echocardiography seems a relatively reliable diagnostic technique for evaluation of patients with coronary artery disease. The prognostic aspects of the stress echo have widely been documented with the use of various stressors (exercise, dipyridamole, dobutamine, pacing). Rapid atrial pacing echocardiography is highly specific and sensitive technique for the detection of the coronary disease, especially in patients who are unable to perform an active stress test. This technique minimizes the factors decreasing image quality during exercise (chest wall movements and hyperventilation). Exercise echocardiography is safe, relatively cheap, and can be done in every hospital.

Oxygen effect in the radiolysis of proteins. IV. Myoglobin.

Radiolysis of myoglobin was carried out under air and under nitrogen in phosphate buffer at pH 5 and 7. The radiation products were separated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by HPL gel chromatography with guanidine.HCl. Under nitrogen the main reaction is the aggregation caused by covalent cross-links. Under air the radiolysis leads to peptide chain scission, which is not a random process, but produces specific protein fragments. The estimated molecular weights of these fragments gave further support to the assumption that the aminoacyl-proline peptide group is the preferential breaking site. In contrast to haemoglobin, myoglobin showed nearly no radiation-induced fragmentation under nitrogen.

The interaction of alcohol radicals with human hemoglobin. I. Spectral properties of hemoglobin in the visible range.

Aqueous deoxyhemoglobin solutions (2 mg/ml) were gamma-irradiated by a 60Co source in the presence of methanol, ethanol, 1-butanol and t-butanol under N2O or argon. The effects of the interaction of the particular alcohol radical species with hemoglobin were determined according to the detected spectral alterations in the visible range. The amounts of stable final products in the form of methemoglobin (MetHb) and the sum of hemichromes and cholehemichromes (Hemichr) were estimated in irradiated preparations. For preparations irradiated under N2O, the radiation yield for MetHb formation was three-fold lower in the presence of ethanol and 1-butanol [G(MetHb) = 0.33] compared with preparations irradiated in the presence of t-butanol or without alcohol [G(MetHb) = 1.00]. The yield of hemichromes and cholehemichromes in preparations irradiated under N2O increased in the order: ethanol (G = 0.38), 1-butanol (G = 0.52), t-butanol (G = 0.59), and in the absence of alcohol (G = 0.72). The high effectivity of t-butanol radicals for iron oxidation and Hb destruction is apparently due to their oxidative properties, compared with the other radicals. It was also shown that ethanol radicals reduce MetHb 10 times more effectively [G(Fe(II) = 2.5] compared with t-butanol radicals [G(Fe(II)) = 0.24]. For samples irradiated under argon all the observed changes were similar, regardless of the presence of alcohols. This effect can be attributed to reconstruction reactions of Hb molecules in the presence of both oxidizing (OH or t-but.) and reducing agents (e-aq). The following sequence of effectivities of water radiolysis products and secondary alcohol radicals for hemoglobin destruction has been identified: meth; eth.-->1-but.-->e-aq-->t-but.-->.OH.

[Recurrent exudative pericarditis--non-traditional therapy with colchicine]. / Recidivujúce exsudatívne perikarditídy--netradicná liecba colchicinom.

Relapses are one of the most serious complications of exudative pericarditis. Optimal treatment which prevents exacerbation of the disease does not exist so far. Non-steroid antiphlogistic drugs are usually drugs of choice. Corticoids are used in more severe conditions or during frequent relapses. Development of a relapse, despite corticoid treatment, calls for more intense and prolonged corticoid treatment even when this treatment produces undesirable side-effects. Surgical methods do not always produce a lasting favourable effect, as the authors observed repeatedly in two patients from the group of patients referred to. The initial therapeutic findings after colchicine treatment in relapsing pericarditis are optimistic but it will be necessary to find in larger groups of patients the optimal method of implementation of this treatment.

Oxygen effect in the radiolysis of proteins. III. Haemoglobin.

Radiolysis of haemoglobin was carried out in phosphate buffer under air, N2 or N2O and with and without ethanol. Radiation products were separated by SDS-PAGE. The loss of subunits and simultaneous aggregation and fragmentation of haemoglobin was measured, if OH-radicals were unscavenged. There was no sensitizing effect of oxygen on the degradation process. Radiation-induced fragmentation was not a random process, but produced specific fragments. The estimated molecular weights of these fragments gave further support to the assumption that the aminoacyl-proline peptide group is the preferential breaking site if OH radicals react with proteins in the presence of oxygen. In contrast with lactate dehydrogenase and bovine serum albumin such fragmentation was observed not only after aerobic radiolysis but also under anaerobic conditions. This difference must be caused by the Feporphyrin system which reacts with H2O2 under release of oxygen. If haemoglobin was irradiated under air the yield of aggregates was much lower than under N2O or N2.

[Retrograde conduction (ventriculo-atrial) in patients with AV or intraventricular block. Electrophysiologic evaluation]. / Przewodnictwo wsteczne (komorowo-przedsionkowe) u chorych z blokami a-v lub sródkomorowymi. Ocena elektrofizjologiczna.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate ventriculoatrial conduction in patients with chronic complete AV block (AVB) (35 pts--gr. A), who were qualified for pacemaker implantation and in patients with bifascicular block (BFB) (20 pts--gr. B), who had electrophysiological study performed to determine indications for permanent pacing. Anterograde and retrograde conduction by accessory pathways were excluded in all patients. Incremental ventricular pacing (60-80 bpm to 200-220 bpm) and programmed ventricular stimulation were performed. Ventriculoatrial (VA) conduction was present in 12 of 35 patients in gr. A (34%) and in 15/20 patients in gr. B (75%). Mean VA conduction time was 192 +/- 50 ms in gr. A and 200 +/- 54 ms in gr. B, effective refractory period of right ventricle (ERP-RV) was 270 +/- 30 ms and 250 +/- 29 ms respectively. Mean retrograde Wenckebach point was 128 +/- 41 bpm in gr. A and 132 +/- 30 bpm in gr. B. The level of VA Wenckebach block in gr. A was found at AVN in 4 of 12 patients and in remaining was not directly recognised. Levels in gr. B were: AVN--6, not recognised--9 patients. Ventriculoatrial conduction shows complex properties and dependence on the type of ventricular stimulation. Electrophysiological study enables to find a level of retrograde block in some patients.

[Chronic persistent cough and gastroesophageal reflux]. / Chronický perzistujúci kasel a gastroezofagálny reflux.

Respiratory complications of gastrooesophageal reflux are not rare. Their incidence is estimated to amount to as much as 20%. Chronic persisting cough as one of the respiratory complications of gastrooesophageal reflux is relatively rare (28%) but frequently is not assumed to be causally related to the reflux. The author attempted to elucidate this problem by description of individual cases and to find at the same time the most rational solution, as some procedures are, as regards availability of examination methods, costly and time consuming.

[Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve in adulthood]. / Ebsteinova anomália trikuspidálnej chlopne v dospelom veku.

Ebstein's anomaly is a rare congenital malformation of the heart, the basic feature of which is dislocation of the tricuspid valve into the right ventricular cavity. The frequently present dysplasia of the tricuspid valve is considered as integral part of this anomaly. Although affected subjects may reach adult age, it is no exception that the diagnosis of this anomaly in clinical practice is problematical, as apparent from the presented case-history. The authors emphasize the importance of two-dimensional echocardiography which provides very valuable morphological information needed not only for establishment of the diagnosis of this malformation but it makes it also possible to foresee the prognosis of the patient and the therapeutic tactics--conservative or surgical treatment.

[Neurologic and ophthalmologic complications of mitral valve prolapse]. / Neurologické a oftalmologické komplikácie prolapsu dvojcípovej chlopne.

The author investigated the incidence of cerebrovascular attacks in a group of 68 patients with mitral valve prolapse. In 10 of them (14.7%) he detected neurological and opthalmological symptoms. In six patients this symptomatology appeared for the first time, in four it had been recorded already in the past. Consistent with data in the literature, the author is in favour of the view that the neurological symptomatology in mitral with mitral valve prolapse is conditioned by a thromboembolic mechanism. The basis for the formation of micro- and marco- thrombi is an impaired continuity of the endothelium of the myxomatously degenerated cusps with subsequent deposition of thrombocyte aggregates and fibrin. In the conclusion the author discusses therapeutic procedures in the prevention of neurological relapses.

[The importance of echocardiography in differentiating between cardiac amyloidosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]. / Význam echokardiografie pri rozlisovaní kardiálnej amyloidózy a hypertrofickej kardiomyopatie.

Due to the development of ultrasonic technique the possibilities of echocardiography extend, not only visualization of the anatomy of the heart, but also visualization of its function. In many instances information on the anatomy and function of the heart obtained by echocardiography is a sufficient basis for the assessment of the correct diagnosis. In rare instances the information is not sufficient. Conversely, conclusions made only on its basis is frequently the cause of undetected cardiac amyloidosis which is mistaken for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The author, based on his own observations and data in the literature, emphasizes the importance of structural changes of cardiac tissues which can be assessed objectively by echocardiography and are of decisive importance for the differentiation of the above diseases. The presence of granular sparkling in the interventricular septum and the other left ventricular walls, and frequently also in the right ventricular wall, in the atrial walls and thickening of the valves are very sensitive and specific echocardiographic signs of cardiac amyloidosis.

[Gastroesophageal reflux and respiratory diseases]. / Gastroezofagálny reflux a respiracné choroby.

Respiratory manifestations of gastrooesophageal reflux are not very well known and therefore frequently not recognized. The multifactorial character of these relations is confirmed by the fact that only 10% of the patients with gastrooesophageal reflux suffer from respiratory diseases. As these relationships are causal, successful treatment depends on their objectivization. Respiratory manifestations of gastrooesophageal reflux may be a serious and frequently the only symptom of reflux disease. When these causal relationships are not recognized, respiratory symptoms are not adequately treated and they develop gradually into chronic or frequently relapsing disease. It is therefore desirable that all patients with an obscure cause of chronic or relapsing respiratory disease are subjected to examination for gastrooesophageal reflux. Conservative or surgical anti-reflux treatment mitigates in the majority manifestations of respiratory complications or eliminates respiratory disease which has persisted for several years.

[Adverse effects of tubal sterilization in the female]. / Niekol'ko poznámok k nepriaznivým úcinkom tubálnej sterilizácie na zenský organizmus.

PIP: Depressive symptomatology requiring readmission to the psychiatric ward of a hospital appeared in a 27-year patient 2 years after she had submitted to tubal sterilization. Histological tests confirmed chronic mastopathy (chronic nonspecific lymphocytic xanthogranulomatic mastitides), and bilateral subcutaneous mastectomy was performed. 3 years after sterilization diffuse back pain appeared requiring renewed hospitalization in the orthopedic and neurological wards. Osteoporosis was the cause of the pain. 4 years after sterilization uterine bleeding disorders appeared lasting up to the present time. She had suffered angina pectoris after exertion in the last 2 years. Electrocardiogram showed diffuse alterations in repolarization that could not be influenced by pharmacological tests and with the exertion test maximum load could not be reached because of diffuse back pain and physical frailty. The use of nitrates improved the toleration of physical load considerably. Low level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and low values of HDl cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol fraction were confirmed in the patient. The insufficiency of estrogens after tubal ligation can lead to premature climacteric in many cases 2-4 years later. This manifests itself in pain in the waist area, atrophy of external genitals, and uterine bleeding dysfunction often necessitating hysterectomy. Laparotomy a few years after tubal sterilization showed that capillaries far from the site of the interruption of oviducts were involuted or atrophied. Uterine bleeding was twice as frequent after thermocoagulation than after classical ligation. Curative-preventive health care principles require the warning of patients about the consequences of tubal sterilization in order to avoid regretting such a decision.^ieng

Radiation-induced changes of structural and functional properties of human hemoglobin. I. Spectral characterization of irradiated deoxyhemoglobin.

Structural changes of human deoxyhemoglobin (deoxyHb) induced by water and ethanol radicals were investigated in this study using absorption spectroscopy. Spectra of deoxyHb samples irradiated under various conditions (the atmosphere of argon or N2O in the absence or presence of ethanol) indicate their conversion into methemoglobin (metHb), hemichrome- and cholehemichrome-like products. The absorbance at the characteristic maxima of these derivatives and also of the oxidized or reduced samples following irradiation depends on the dose of radiation and the conditions employed.

Radiation-induced changes of structural and functional properties of human hemoglobin. II. Structural and functional characterization of irradiated deoxyhemoglobin.

Gel filtration and SDS-PAGE separation of hemoglobin (Hb) irradiated under argon or N2O show formation of covalent-aggregated Hb molecules. The production of covalent bonds is attributed mainly to the action of hydroxyl radicals, because addition of ethanol, a scavenger of these radicals, suppresses this reaction to a great extent. The oxidized heme iron forming metHb or hemichromes is found in all the separated fractions of irradiated Hb. It is also found that the radiation-modified Hb molecules exhibit a decrease of co-operative binding of oxygen.