Effects of Aeriscardovia aeriphila on growth performance, antioxidant functions, immune responses, and gut microbiota in broiler chickens / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Aeriscardovia aeriphila, also known as Bifidobacterium aerophilum, was first isolated from the caecal contents of pigs and the faeces of cotton-top tamarin. Bifidobacterium species play important roles in preventing intestinal infections, decreasing cholesterol levels, and stimulating the immune system. In this study, we isolated a strain of bacteria from the duodenal contents of broiler chickens, which was identified as A. aeriphila, and then evaluated the effects of A. aeriphila on growth performance, antioxidant functions, immune functions, and gut microbiota in commercial broiler chickens. Chickens were orally gavaged with A. aeriphila (1×109 CFU/mL) for 21 d. The results showed that A. aeriphila treatment significantly increased the average daily gain and reduced the feed conversion ratio (P<0.001). The levels of serum growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) were significantly increased following A. aeriphila treatment (P<0.05). Blood urea nitrogen and aspartate aminotransferase levels were decreased, whereas glucose and creatinine levels increased as a result of A. aeriphila treatment. Furthermore, the levels of serum antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (P<0.01), superoxide dismutase (P<0.001), and glutathione peroxidase (P<0.05), and total antioxidant capacity (P<0.05) were enhanced following A. aeriphila treatment. A. aeriphila treatment significantly increased the levels of serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) (P<0.05), IgG (P<0.01), IgM (P<0.05), interleukin-1 (IL-1) (P<0.05), IL-4 (P<0.05), and IL-10 (P<0.05). The broiler chickens in the A. aeriphila group had higher secretory IgA (SIgA) levels in the duodenum (P<0.01), jejunum (P<0.001), and cecum (P<0.001) than those in the control group. The messenger RNA (mRNA) relative expression levels of IL-10 (P<0.05) and IL-4 (P<0.001) in the intestinal mucosa of chickens were increased, while nuclear factor-‍κB (NF‍-‍κB) (P<0.001) expression was decreased in the A. aeriphila group compared to the control group. Phylum-level analysis revealed Firmicutes as the main phylum, followed by Bacteroidetes, in both groups. The data also found that Phascolarctobacterium and Barnesiella were increased in A. aeriphila-treated group. In conclusion, oral administration of A. aeriphila could improve the growth performance, serum antioxidant capacity, immune modulation, and gut health of broilers. Our findings may provide important information for the application of A. aeriphila in poultry production.

Brachiobasilic fistula with anterior transposition, a workable solution in difficult clinical situations

This study was undertaken to assess the role of brachio-basilic fistulae with anterior transposition in patients with unsuitable veins for formation of conventional AV fistulae or after failure of multiple fistulae. Descriptive study. Armed Forces Institute of Urology and Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from November 2007 to October 2009. Patients of CKD with unsuitable veins for the formation of conventional AV fistula and those with failed Radiocephalic and Brachiocephalic fistulae in whom Brachio-basilic fistula was formed, were included in the study. Patients unfit for general anesthesia and those with upper arm Prosthetic grafts were excluded. The patients were interviewed, examined with particular attention to vascular access and a complete data about their hemodialysis and previous vascular access was collected. Transposed Brachio-basilic fistulae were created in 38 patients of End Stage Renal Disease [ESRD] during study period; out of which 1 patient was lost during followup and the rest 37 were followed prospectively. The median duration of follow-up was 13.56 months [SD +6.03] with a range of 3 to 23 months. In 92% of cases transposed Brachio-basilic fistula was created after failure of one or more conventional fistulae. Complications were noted in 16.2% cases which included primary failure, wound infection, arm swelling and distal ischemia as a result of steal phenomena [Table]. Three patients died during this period. Life of fistulae ranged from primary failure to as long as 23 months. Transposed brachio-basilic fistula is a viable option for patients who do not have suitable vasculature for formation of conventional fistula but especially for those after failure of fistulae at other sites

Hyperkalemia - frequency in a group of hypertensive diabetics

To evaluate the frequency of hyperkalemia in a cohort of hypertensive diabetic patients. A prospective analytical cohort study. The study was carried out in department of medicine [nephrology] Military Hospital [MH] and Armed Forces Institute of Urology [AFIU] Rawalpindi from Jun 2007 - Jun 2009. A total of 110 hypertensive, middle aged diabetic patients attending medical OPD in MH and AFIU. Rawalpindi were followed over two years from Jun 2007 - Jun 2009 for development of hyperkalemia and monitored for changes in eGFR, Serum Urea, creatinine and blood glucose random besides changes in blood pressure and ECG findings. SPSS version 13 was employed for statistical analysis. During the course of study 9 patients were lost to follow up. There were 7 deaths among study subjects before the end of study after about ten to twelve months. Out of the 94 patients followed up mean Serum Urea at the end of study was 13.50 mmol/l against a serum creatinine level of 2.26mmol/l and an estimated GFR of 21.08 ml/ min. The frequency of raised serum Potassium of 5.1-6.0 mmol/l was 46.08% and 26.59% of the patients had serum Potassium of 6.1-7.2 mmol/l at the end of study. This was against an initial level of 4.5-5.0 mmol/l in 100% of the study subjects. Paired sample t-test revealed significant changes in each variable studied but a borderline positive correlation of 0.619 was observed only between serum potassium and change in eGFR at the end of study. The mean blood glucose random dropped from 16.14 mmol/l to 10.41 mmol/l. at the end of study mean systolic BP was 122mm Hg and diastolic BP 80.2mm Hg. The ECG revealed tall T waves in 64.9% of cases while at the start of study all subjects had their electrocardiograms within normal limits. There was a trend of increase in frequency of tall T waves with the rise of serum potassium levels. Raised serum potassium is a significant potential complication among long standing diabetics with covert nephropathy treated with ACE inhibotrs, ARBs, potassium sparing diuretics or a combination of these drugs. Co morbidities and development of this complication must therefore be considered by physicians when dealing with such patients

Frequency and pattern of intestinal parasitic infestation in upper neelum valley

The public health importance of intestinal parasitic infestations can not be denied because of their high prevalence and global distribution. It is an established fact that intestinal parasitic infestations can lead to a number of adverse affects like anaemia, stunted physical and mental growth, abdominal colic, cholestasis, cholecystitis and pancreatitis. To assess the frequency and pattern of intestinal parasitic infestation in upper Neelum Valley [Azad Kashmir]. The study was conducted at Military Field Hospital Neelum Valley Azad Kashmir from July 2004 to Jun 2006. The patients presenting with various abdominal complaints were included in the study. The stool samples of a total of 638 patients were examined by Direct Microscopy as well as by Formal Ether Concentration Method wherever necessary. One hundred and fifteen 155 [18.02%] non duplicate stool samples were positive for intestinal parasites. There was no statistically significant difference in incidence with regard to age or gender [P > 0.05]. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common parasite 58 [50.43%] cases followed by Tinea saginata 31 [26.96%] cases and Giardia lamblia 11 [9.57%] cases. Hymenolepis nana 6 [5.22%] cases, Trichuris trichura 5 [4.35%] cases, Entrobius vermicularis 3 [2.60%] and Entamoeba histolytica 1 [0.87%] cases were less frequent. No case of Hookworm was seen. The percentage of intestinal parasites [18.03%] is quite high in upper Neelum Valley. The helminthes are more common than protozoa. Ascaris lumbricoides is the most common parasite followed by Tinea saginata and others. Appropriate steps be taken at District level for provision of safe drinking water schemes and improvement in local sanitary conditions. The Health and Education departments should help by inculcating awareness among the general public about importance of safe drinking water, environmental and personnel hygiene alongwith periodic de-worming programmes. These measures would help in reducing the occurrence of intestinal parasites and associated adverse affects