Assessing the influence of micelle silymarin on laying hens' performance, egg quality, water loss and blood profile.

Micelle silymarin (MS) is known for its various beneficial properties, including antiswelling, antioxidant, hepatoprotective and antidiabetic effects. The primary goal of this research was to investigate how MS impacts the performance, egg quality, water loss and blood profile of laying hens. 288 Hy-Line brown laying hens, 28 weeks in age, were utilized for this experiment. The hens were randomly allocated into three dietary treatment groups, with each group comprising eight replicates of 12 hens, each housed in individual pens with access to feed and water. Over a 12-week feeding trial, the hens were provided with a basal diet supplemented with different levels of MS: 0%, 0.03% and 0.06%. The results indicated that the inclusion of MS in the hens' diet did not have a significant impact on their performance (p > 0.05). However, Haugh units, egg weight and eggshell strength showed a linear improvement (p < 0.05) throughout the entire trial period with MS supplementation. Furthermore, there was a linear decrease in egg yolk colour and eggshell thickness showed linear improvements (p < 0.05), particularly during Week 8, with MS supplementation. Moreover, layers fed diet supplemented with MS showed a linear increased (p < 0.05) in albumen height and eggshell thickness in Week 12. In addition, egg water loss during Week 12, the third day of incubation, linearly decreased as an effect of the increasing level of the MS in the laying hen's diet (p < 0.05). Regarding blood profile parameters, the study revealed a tendency for alkaline phosphatase to decrease, whereas aspartate aminotransferase and cholesterol levels were linearly decreased (p < 0.05). In summary, increasing the level of MS supplementation in the diet of laying hens appeared to be beneficial in improving egg quality, slight improvement for egg water loss and certain aspects of blood profile parameters, without adversely affecting the hens' growth performance.

Methanolic extract of S. securidaca flowers, leaves, and seeds' antihyperlipidemic effects on high fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia in Wistar rats.

Significant risk factors for atherosclerosis include hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress, which together rank as three of the most significant risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Securigera securidaca lowers cholesterol levels in diabetic rats' blood. This investigation's objective was to determine how methanolic extracts affected the flowers, leaves, and seeds of plants in rats that were fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Five groups of animals were created (n = 5). A total of 35 days, divided into two intervals, were used for the study. Rats received HFD during the first 15-day interval, while during the second 20-day interval, they also received extracts or the Atorvastatin reference drug. The extract of seeds has a high phenol content as well as DPPH radical antioxidant activity. Extracts were given at a dose of 200 mg/kg; p.o. Methanolic treatment of S. securidaca flowers, leaves, and seeds in HFD-induced hyperlipidemic rats resulted in significant reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDLC, and VLDL-C levels. HDL-C levels increased significantly because of the leaves. While in hyperlipidemic rats, seeds significantly reduced the activities of the enzymes ALT and ALP. The findings showed that, to a certain extent, seeds, flowers, and leaves may have benefits in reducing hyperlipidemia brought on by HFD in terms of lipid profiles and liver function enzymes. The findings of this study indicate a promising application prospect, but more research is needed to determine the exact mechanism of these novel compounds as antihyperlipidemic agents and to clarify their potential combination effect with synthetic drugs such as Atorvastatin. Combinations can reduce the dose of chemical medications required, which lowers the risk of side effects.

Exogenous protease supplementation to the diet enhances growth performance, improves nitrogen utilization, and reduces stress in finishing pigs.

We have conducted this experiment to evaluate a new exogenous protease in finishing pigs' growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gas emission, blood profiles, and meat quality. A total of 200 pigs of 52.15 ± 2.31 kg average body weight (BW) were divided into four dietary treatments named as: CON, basal diet; TRT1, basal diet + 0.05% protease; TRT2, basal diet + 0.1% protease; TRT3, basal diet + 1.5% protease. Each treatment consisted of 10 pens, where five pigs were allotted to each pen according to their body weight and sex. The dietary treatments were allotted to the pens in a randomized block design. During this 10-week-long experiment, BW, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain to feed ratio (G:F) were calculated for Week 0-5, Week 6-10, and the overall period. During Week 6-10, ADG was higher in TRT2 and TRT3 than in the CON and TRT1 groups. At the same time, a linear increase was observed in ADG and G:F of the pigs. In addition, the final BW of pigs' was linearly increased by protease supplementation. On Week 10, there was a linear trend of increase (p = 0.0575) in crude protein digestibility and a trend of linear reduction (p = 0.0651) in NH3 gas emission. In blood profile, cortisol presented a linear decrease in both Week 5 (p = 0.251) and Week 10 (p = 0.0585). In addition, increasing doses of protease showed a trend of linear increase (p = 0.0592) in creatinine, whereas linear reduction was observed in the concentration of epinephrine (p = 0.0636) and norepinephrine (p = 0.0167) during Week 10. In conclusion, protease supplementation helped in improving daily gain in finishing pigs through protein digestibility with associated reduction of ammonia emission and blood stress hormones.

Comparative analysis of Achilles tendon healing outcomes after open tenotomy versus percutaneous tenotomy: An experimental study in rats.

There is growing interest in conservative treatment of Achilles tendon rupture. However, the majority of experimental studies of Achilles tendon have been performed by open tenotomy. More appropriate model of conservative treatment of Achilles tendon rupture is required. We performed an experimental study to evaluate whether outcomes differ between open tenotomy and percutaneous tenotomy of the Achilles tendon in rats. The Achilles tendons of 48 rats were transected. The animals were divided into two groups according to surgical technique: open tenotomy or microscopy-assisted percutaneous tenotomy. After 1, 2, and 4 weeks, functional, biomechanical, and histological analyses were performed. Western blot was performed for quantitative molecular analysis at 1 week. The Achilles functional index was superior in the percutaneous tenotomy group, compared with the open tenotomy group, at 1 week. The cross-sectional area was significantly larger in the percutaneous tenotomy group than in the open tenotomy group at 4 weeks. Relative to the native tendons, load to failure and stiffness yielded comparable results at 2 weeks in the percutaneous tenotomy group and at 4 weeks in the open tenotomy group. The histological score was significantly better in the percutaneous tenotomy group than in the open tenotomy group at 1 week. At 1 week, interleukin-1ß expression in the open tenotomy group was higher than in the percutaneous tenotomy group. In summary, Achilles tendon healing was substantially affected by the tenotomy method. We presume that our percutaneous tenotomy method might constitute a useful experimental animal model for conservative treatment of Achilles tendon rupture.

Echocardiographic versus angiographic measurement of the aortic valve annulus in children undergoing balloon aortic valvuloplasty: method affects outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Operators are mindful of the balloon-to-aortic annulus ratio when performing balloon aortic valvuloplasty. The method of measurement of the aortic valve annulus has not been standardised. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients who underwent aortic valvuloplasty at two paediatric centres between 2007 and 2014 were included. The valve annulus measured by echocardiography and angiography was used to calculate the balloon-to-aortic annulus ratio and measurements were compared. The primary endpoint was an increase in aortic insufficiency by ≥2 degrees. Ninety-eight patients with a median age at valvuloplasty of 2.1 months (Interquartile range (IQR): 0.2-105.5) were included. The angiographic-based annulus was 8.2 mm (IQR: 6.8-16.0), which was greater than echocardiogram-based annulus of 7.5 mm (IQR: 6.1-14.8) (p < 0.001). This corresponded to a significantly lower angiographic balloon-to-aortic annulus ratio of 0.9 (IQR: 0.9-1.0), compared to an echocardiographic ratio of 1.1 (IQR: 1.0-1.1) (p < 0.001). The degree of discrepancy in measured diameter increased with smaller valve diameters (p = 0.041) and in neonates (p = 0.044). There was significant disagreement between angiographic and echocardiographic balloon-to-aortic annulus ratio measures regarding "High" ratio of >1.2, with angiographic ratio flagging only 2/12 (16.7%) of patients flagged by echocardiographic ratio as "High" (p = 0.012). Patients who had an increase in the degree of aortic insufficiency post valvuloplasty, only 3 (5.5%) had angiographic ratio > 1.1, while 21 (38%) had echocardiographic ratio >1.1 (p < 0.001). Patients with resultant ≥ moderate insufficiency more often had an echocardiographic ratio of >1.1 than angiographic ratio of >1.1 There was no association between increase in balloon-to-aortic annulus ratio and gradient reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Angiographic measurement is associated with a greater measured aortic valve annulus and the development of aortic insufficiency. Operators should use caution when relying solely on angiographic measurement when performing balloon aortic valvuloplasty.

Perioperative Mortality Does Not Explain Racial Disparities in Gastrointestinal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Racial minorities with gastrointestinal cancer suffer disproportionately poor overall and disease-specific survival. We used a nationally representative sample to examine the relationship between race/ethnicity and mortality and determine whether these disparities were observed in the perioperative period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) was used to examine patients undergoing surgery for cancers of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, colon and rectum ("GI cancer") between 2008 and 2012. Logistic regression was used to evaluate whether race/ethnicity was associated with perioperative mortality after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, perioperative factors and presentation (ER vs elective). RESULTS: A total of 110,044 subjects were identified, including 75.8% Whites, 10.5% Black patients, 7.2% Hispanic patients, and 3.1% Asian/Pacific Islanders (API). Whites were generally older than minorities. In adjusted multivariable generalized linear mixed logistic models, no increase in perioperative mortality was seen for minorities. Worse outcomes were observed for those with higher Elixhauser comorbidity score (OR 6.90, CI 5.96-7.99), lower income region (OR 1.24, CI 1.10-1.40), males (OR 1.54, CI 1.42-1.68), and those without private insurance (Medicare OR 1.34, CI 1.16-1.55; Medicaid OR 1.27, CI 1.02-1.58; self-pay OR 1.64, CI 1.24-2.17). Differences in mortality were predominantly driven by comorbidities (pseudo %ΔR2 = 38.56%) and only minimally by race (pseudo %ΔR2 = 0.49%). CONCLUSION: Minority groups do not suffer higher rates of perioperative mortality for GI cancer surgeries after controlling for clinical and demographic factors. Future work to address cancer disparities should focus on areas in the cancer care trajectory such as cancer screening, surveillance, socioeconomic factors, and access.

Premounted stents for branch pulmonary artery stenosis in children: A short term solution.

OBJECTIVE: Define outcomes of premounted stent implantation (PMS) for branch pulmonary artery stenosis (BPAS). BACKGROUND: PMS for BPAS in children raises concern of long term viability, with limited maximal expansion. METHODS: We reviewed our cardiac database over an 11-year period ending in 2013. Primary endpoint was need for surgical stent intervention (SSI). Other endpoints included acute results and repeat interventions (RI). RESULTS: 82 PMS were implanted in 60 children for BPAS. Median weight was 6.3 (25th -75th 4.6-9.8) kg. Median stent diameter was 6 (range 4-9) mm. Acutely, vessel diameter improved from 2.0 (25th -75th 1.6-3.4) to 5.0 (25th -75th 4.2-5.9) mm (p < 0.001), pressure gradient decreased from 41 (25th -75th 29-50) to 11 (25th -75th 7-18) mmHg (n = 47, p < 0.001), RV:Ao pressure ratio decreased from 100% (25th -75th 85-110%) to 59% (25th -75th 49-74%) (n = 40, p < 0.001). Freedom from SSI was 81% at 1 year and 35% at 5 years. Freedom from RI was 50% at 1 year and 14% at 5 years. 86% of PMS underwent SSI during a concomitant planned cardiac surgery. 45% patients had stent redilation, improving stent diameter from 4.6 (25th -75th 4.1-5.4) to 5.7 (25th -75th 4.9-7) mm (p < 0.001). 1 stent (3%) was able to be fractured longitudinally. CONCLUSIONS: PMS is an effective short term solution for BPAS in children. PMS is associated with expected early need for transcatheter reintervention to accommodate for growth, but also has high rates of SSI.

Cardiovascular risk in fire academy instructors during live-fire simulation activity.

Firefighting is an extreme occupation with a risk of cardiovascular disease and sudden cardiac death due to strenuous physical exertion and psychological stress during fire suppression activity. This study aimed to investigate the vital signs (hemodynamic status) and biomarkers related to cardiac disease during live firefighting activity. In this pilot case-controlled study, seven firefighting training instructors performed a live-fire simulation for 40 min in a multi-storey training tower at the Gyenoggi-do Fire Service Academy Institute. Seven participants in the control group undertook similar exercises while wearing personal protective equipment. Cardiovascular evaluation, including vital signs and related biomarkers, was done before and after simulation until 24 h later. Nonparametric statistics were used to compare between the two groups and within the simulation group. After live-fire simulation, pulse pressure, heart rate (HR) and body temperature (BT) in the simulation group were higher than in the control group (pulse pressure 74.6 mmHg vs. 53.3 mmHg, HR 110 beats per minute (bpm) vs. 77 bpm, and BT 37.6 °C vs. 36.0 °C, P < 0.05 for all). Inflammatory cytokines (IL- 6), coagulation protein (fibrinogen), and stress hormones (cortisol, adrenocorticotrophic hormone) were elevated immediately after live-fire simulation, and IL-6 and fibrinogen remained elevated until 24 h after the simulation (all P < 0.05). Our exploratory analysis found increased altered hemodynamic status and stress-related biomarkers in live-fire firefighting simulations compared to controls. These markers have the potential to be used to decrease cardiovascular risk for firefighters, and warrant further investigation.

L'attaque de feu est une activité épuisante physiquement et psychologiquement stressante augmentant le risque cardio-vasculaire dont la mort subite. Cette étude pilote cas-témoin avait pour but d'étudier l'état hémodynamique et les biomarqueurs de pathologie cardiaque pendant l'attaque de feu. Elle a été menée sur 7 instructeurs de l'institut de formation du service d'incendie de la province de Gyenoggi-do, pendant un exercice de 40 mn en conditions réelles dans la tour d'entraînement. Le groupe contrôle effectuait un effort similaire, avec la même tenue, hors incendie. Les évaluations clinique et biologique étaient réalisées préalablement puis pendant 24 h. Des tests non paramétriques ont été utilisés pour les comparaisons entre groupes et au sein des groupes. En conditions réelles, la température corporelle (37,6/36°C), la PAM (74,6/53,3) et la fréquence cardiaque (110/77) étaient statistiquement plus élevées (p<0,05) que dans le groupe contrôle. De la même manière, IL6, fibrinogène, cortisol et ACTH étaient plus élevées en conditions réelles, IL6 et fibrinogène restant élevés à h24. L'élévation de ces marqueurs cliniques et biologiques de risque cardio-vasculaire et de stress nécessitent une étude plus poussée avant leur utilisation éventuelle pour évaluer la prévention.

Performance Responses, Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Characteristics, and Measures of Gastrointestinal Health in Weanling Pigs Fed Protease Enzyme.

Although exogenous protease enzymes have been used in poultry diets quite extensively, this has not been the case for pig diets. In general, due to their better gut fermentative capacity and longer transit time, pigs have greater capacity to digest dietary proteins than poultry. However, in early-weaned piglets, the stress brought about by weaning adversely affects the digestion of dietary proteins. Therefore, a study was conducted to determine the effects of a commercial protease enzyme in weanling pigs. Indices of growth, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, fecal microflora, fecal gas emission and fecal scores were measured during the study. A total of 50 weanling pigs (6.42±0.12 kg) at 28 d of age were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 2 dietary treatments: i) control diet (corn-soy based) with no supplemental protease (CON), and ii) control diet+200 g/ton protease (PROT) for 42 d. A completely randomized design consisting of 2 treatments, 5 replicates, and 5 pigs in each replicate was used. Growth performance in terms of body weight (27.04±0.38 kg vs 25.75±0.39 kg; p<0.05) and average daily gain (491±7.40 g vs 460±7.46 g; p<0.05) in PROT fed pigs were increased significantly, but gain per feed (0.700±0.01 vs 0.678±0.01; p>0.05) was similar between treatments at d 42. Relative to CON pigs, PROT fed pigs had increased (p<0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (84.66%±0.65% vs 81.21%±1.13% dry matter and 84.02%±0.52% vs 80.47%±1.22% nitrogen) and decreased (p<0.05) NH3 emission (2.0±0.16 ppm vs 1.2±0.12 ppm) in the feces at d 42. Except for a decreased (p<0.05) in blood creatinine level, no differences were observed in red blood cell, white blood cell, lymphocyte, urea nitrogen, and IgG concentrations between treatments. Fecal score and fecal microflora (Lactobacillus and E. coli) were also similar between CON and PROT groups. Overall, the supplementation of protease enzyme in weanling pigs resulted in improved growth rate and nutrient digestibility. Exogenous protease enzyme reduced fecal NH3 emission, thus, potentially serving as a tool in lowering noxious gas contribution of livestock production in the environment.

Promising Therapy Candidates for Liver Fibrosis.

Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing process in response to repeated and chronic injury to hepatocytes and/or cholangiocytes. Ongoing hepatocyte apoptosis or necrosis lead to increase in ROS production and decrease in antioxidant activity, which recruits inflammatory cells from the blood and activate hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) changing to myofibroblasts. Injury to cholangiocytes also recruits inflammatory cells to the liver and activates portal fibroblasts in the portal area, which release molecules to activate and amplify cholangiocytes. No matter what origin of myofibroblasts, either HSCs or portal fibroblasts, they share similar characteristics, including being positive for α-smooth muscle actin and producing extracellular matrix. Based on the extensive pathogenesis knowledge of liver fibrosis, therapeutic strategies have been designed to target each step of this process, including hepatocyte apoptosis, cholangiocyte proliferation, inflammation, and activation of myofibroblasts to deposit extracellular matrix, yet the current therapies are still in early-phase clinical development. There is an urgent need to translate the molecular mechanism of liver fibrosis to effective and potent reagents or therapies in human.

Relation of Aortic Valve Morphologic Characteristics to Aortic Valve Insufficiency and Residual Stenosis in Children With Congenital Aortic Stenosis Undergoing Balloon Valvuloplasty.

Aortic valve morphology has been invoked as intrinsic to outcomes of balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) for congenital aortic valve stenosis. We sought to use aortic valve morphologic features to discriminate between valves that respond favorably or unfavorably to BAV, using aortic insufficiency (AI) as the primary outcome. All patients who underwent BAV at 2 large-volume pediatric centers from 2007 to 2014 were reviewed. Morphologic features assessed on pre-BAV echo included valve pattern (unicuspid, functional bicuspid, and true bicuspid), leaflet fusion length, leaflet excursion angle, and aortic valve opening area and on post-BAV echo included leaflet versus commissural tear. Primary end point was increase in AI (AI+) of ≥2°. Eighty-nine patients (median age 0.2 years) were included in the study (39 unicuspid, 41 functional bicuspid, and 9 true bicuspid valves). Unicuspid valves had a lower opening area (p <0.01) and greater fusion length (p = 0.01) compared with functional and true bicuspid valves. Valve gradient pre-BAV and post-BAV were not different among valve patterns. Of the 16 patients (18%) with AI+, 14 had leaflet tears (odds ratio 13.9, 3.8 to 50). True bicuspid valves had the highest rate (33%) of AI+. On multivariate analysis, leaflet tears were associated with AI+, with larger opening area pre-BAV and lower fusion length pre-BAV. AI+ was associated with larger pre-BAV opening area. Gradient relief was associated with reduced angle of excursion. Valve morphology influences outcomes after BAV. Valves with lesser fusion and larger valve openings have higher rates of leaflet tears which in turn are associated with AI.

Differentiating neuromyelitis optica from other causes of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis on spinal magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Although spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) have been described, there is limited data available that help differentiate NMO from other causes of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the spinal MRI findings of LETM that help differentiate NMO at the acute stage from multiple sclerosis (MS) and other causes of LETM. METHODS: We enrolled 94 patients with LETM into our study. Bright spotty lesions (BSL), the lesion distribution and location were evaluated on axial T2-weighted images. Brainstem extension, cord expansion, T1 darkness and lesion enhancement were noted. We also reviewed the brain MRI of the patients during LETM. RESULTS: Patients with NMO had a greater amount of BSL and T1 dark lesions (p < 0.001 and 0.003, respectively). The lesions in NMO patients were more likely to involve greater than one-half of the spinal cord's cross-sectional area; to enhance and be centrally-located, or both centrally- and peripherally-located in the cord. Of the 62 available brain MRIs, 14 of the 27 whom were NMO patients had findings that may be specific to NMO. CONCLUSIONS: Certain spinal cord MRI features are more commonly seen in NMO patients and so obtaining brain MRI during LETM may support diagnosis.

Effects of microencapsulated organic acids and essential oils on growth performance and intestinal flora in weanling pigs / Efecto de los ácidos orgánicos y aceites esenciales microencapsulados sobre el crecimiento y flora intestinal en cerdos destetos / Efeito dos ácidos orgânicos e óleos essenciais microencapsulados sob a flora intestinal e o crescimento em suínos desmamados

Background: dietary supplementation with organic acids and essential oils has positive effects on growth improvement and nutrient digestion. Microencapsulation of nutrients allow for the slow release of core materials in a specific period and/or environment. Objective: to investigate the effect of microencapsulated organic acids and essential oils (MOE) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood and fecal characteristics in weanling pigs. Methods: one-hundred twenty-five weanling pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) x Duroc] with an average body weight (BW) of 6.76 ± 0.11 Kg were used in a 42-d experiment. Pigs were allotted to five dietary treatments according to initial body weight, using five replicates per treatment and five pigs per pen. Dietary treatments were: 1) NC (negative control): basal diet free of antibiotics; 2) PC (positive control), basal diet with tiamulin 39 mg/kg; 3) MOE0.5, basal diet with 0.5 g MOE/kg; 4) MOE1, basal diet with 1 g MOE/kg; and 5) MOE2, basal diet with 2 g MOE/kg. Results: final BW was greater in MOE2 and PC treatments compared to NC treatment (p<0.05). Increased feed efficiency (G:F) was observed for MOE treatments during 0 to 7 d compared with NC and PC (p<0.05). During 7 to 21 d, MOE0.5 and MOE1 supplementation decreased average daily feed intake (ADFI) compared with PC (p<0.05). However, there were no differences in average daily gain (ADG) and G:F among treatments (p>0.05). During 22 to 42 d, ADG was greater for PC compared with NC (p<0.05). The G:F of NC and MOE0.5 was lower than that of PC (p<0.05). Overall, ADG and G:F were greater for PC compared to NC (p<0.05). On 42 d, DM and N digestibilities in PC and MOE were greater (p<0.05) than in NC. Fecal scores of pigs fed MOE1 were lower (p<0.05) than those of pigs fed NC. Fecal pH was decreased in MOE0.5 and MOE1 when compared to NC (p<0.05) on day 7. Fecal pH was decreased with MOE compared to NC and PC (p<0.05) on d 21. Conclusion: MOE supplementation improved growth performance and nutrient digestibility while decreasing fecal scores and pH in weanling pigs.

Antecedentes: la suplementación con ácidos orgánicos y aceites esenciales mejora el crecimiento y digestibilidad de los nutrientes. Los microencapsulados permiten la lenta liberación de materiales en periodos y/o ambientes especiales. Objetivo: investigar el efecto de los ácidos orgánicos y aceites esenciales (MOE) microencapsulados sobre el crecimiento, digestibilidad de los nutrientes, y características sanguíneas y de heces en cerdos destetos. Métodos: fueron utilizados 125 cerdos destetos [(Yorkshire × Landrace) x Duroc], con un peso promedio (BW) de 6,76 ± 0,11 kg en un experimento con duración de 42 d. Los cerdos fueron asignados a 5 tratamientos dietarios de acuerdo a su peso inicial, 5 réplicas por tratamiento con 5 cerdos por corral. Los tratamientos fueron: 1) control negativo (NC), dieta básica libre de antibióticos; 2) control positivo (PC), dieta básica + tiamulina 39 mg/ kg; 3) MOE0.5, dieta básica + 0,5 g MOE/kg; 4) MOE1, dieta básica + 1 g MOE/kg; y 5) MOE2, dieta básica + 2 g MOE/kg. Resultados: el peso final fue mayor en MOE2 y PC que en NC (p<0,05). Durante los d 0 al 7, los cerdos tuvieron un incremento de la eficiencia alimenticia (G:F) con MOE en comparación con NC y PC (p<0,05). Durante los d 7 al 21, disminuyó el consumo promedio de alimento (ADFI) en los cerdos sometidos a MOE0.5 y MOE1 en comparación con PC (p<0,05). Sin embargo, no hubo diferencia significativa en la ganancia diaria de peso (ADG) y G:F comparados con PC (p<0,05). Durante los d 22 al 42, la ADG fue mayor en PC que en NC (p<0,05). En NC y MOE0.5 la G:F disminuyó en comparación con PC (p<0,05). La ADG y G:F fue mayor en PC que en NC (p<0,05). En el d 42, la digestibilidad de la materia seca y nitrógeno fue mayor (p<0,05) en PC y los suplementados con MOE que en NC. La calificación de las heces de cerdos alimentados con MOE1 fue menor (p<0,05) que la de NC. El pH fecal disminuyó (p<0,05) en MOE0.5 y MOE1 comparado con NC en el d 7. El pH fecal disminuyó en los tratamientos con MOE comparado con NC y PC en el d 21. Conclusión: la suplementación con MOE puede mejorar el crecimiento y digestibilidad de los nutrientes, y disminuir la calificación fecal y pH en cerdos destetos.

Antecedentes: a suplementação com ácidos orgânicos e óleos essenciais melhora o crescimento e a digestibilidade dos nutrientes. A microencapsulação pode permitir a liberação lenta de materiais em um período e/ou ambiente especial. Objetivo: pesquisar sobre o efeito dos ácidos orgânicos microencapsulados e óleos essenciais (MOE) no desempenho produtivo, a digestibilidade dos nutrientes, as características sanguíneas e fecais em leitões desmamados. Métodos: utilizou-se uma amostra total de 125 leitões desmamados [(York Shire × Landrace) x Duroc] com um peso corporal médio (BW) de 6,76 ± 0,11 kg testados durante 42 d. Os leitões foram distribuídos em cinco tratamentos dietéticos de acordo com seu peso corporal inicial, cinco repetições por tratamento com cinco animais por curral. Os tratamentos foram: 1) NC (controle negativo): dieta basal livre de antibióticos; 2) PC (controle positivo), dieta basal com tiamuline 39 mg/kg; 3) MOE0.5, dieta basal com 0,5 g MOE/kg; 4) MOE1, dieta basal com 1 g MOE/kg; e 5) MOE2, dieta basal com 2 g MOE/kg. Resultados: o peso final foi maior em MOE2 e PC do que NC (p<0,05). Durante 0-7 d, houve um aumento da eficiência alimentar (G: F) com MOE em comparação com NC e PC (p<0,05). Durante o período 7 a 21 d, a suplementação MOE0.5 e MOE1 diminuiu o consumo médio diário de ração (ADFI), em comparação com PC (p<0,05). No entanto, não houve diferenças em ganho de peso médio diário (ADG) e G:F entre os tratamentos (p>0,05). No período entre os 22 e 42 d, ADG foi maior no tratamento PC que NC (p<0,05). Em NC e MOE0.5 a G:F diminui-o em comparação com PC (p<0,05). Em geral, a ADG e G:F foram maiores no PC do que NC (p<0,05). No dia 42, a digestibilidade da matéria seca e nitrogênio foi maior em PC e MOE que em NC (p<0,05). A pontuação fecal de suínos alimentados com MOE1 foi menor que a NC (p<0,05). No dia 7 o pH das fezes diminuiu em MOE0.5 e MOE1 em comparação com NC (p<0,05). O pH fecal no dia 21 diminuiu com MOE em comparação com NC e PC (p<0,05). Conclusão: a suplementação com MOE pode melhorar o desempenho de crescimento e digestibilidade de nutrientes, bem como diminuir o escore fecal e pH em leitões desmamados.

The types of hepatic myofibroblasts contributing to liver fibrosis of different etiologies.

Liver fibrosis results from dysregulation of normal wound healing, inflammation, activation of myofibroblasts, and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Chronic liver injury causes death of hepatocytes and formation of apoptotic bodies, which in turn, release factors that recruit inflammatory cells (neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, and lymphocytes) to the injured liver. Hepatic macrophages (Kupffer cells) produce TGFß1 and other inflammatory cytokines that activate Collagen Type I producing myofibroblasts, which are not present in the normal liver. Secretion of TGFß1 and activation of myofibroblasts play a critical role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis of different etiologies. Although the composition of fibrogenic myofibroblasts varies dependent on etiology of liver injury, liver resident hepatic stellate cells and portal fibroblasts are the major source of myofibroblasts in fibrotic liver in both experimental models of liver fibrosis and in patients with liver disease. Several studies have demonstrated that hepatic fibrosis can reverse upon cessation of liver injury. Regression of liver fibrosis is accompanied by the disappearance of fibrogenic myofibroblasts followed by resorption of the fibrous scar. Myofibroblasts either apoptose or inactivate into a quiescent-like state (e.g., stop collagen production and partially restore expression of lipogenic genes). Resolution of liver fibrosis is associated with recruitment of macrophages that secrete matrix-degrading enzymes (matrix metalloproteinase, collagenases) and are responsible for fibrosis resolution. However, prolonged/repeated liver injury may cause irreversible crosslinking of ECM and formation of uncleavable collagen fibers. Advanced fibrosis progresses to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The current review will summarize the role and contribution of different cell types to populations of fibrogenic myofibroblasts in fibrotic liver.

Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall extract and poplar propolis ethanol extract supplementation on growth performance, digestibility, blood profile, fecal microbiota and fecal noxious gas emissions in growing pigs.

A total of 105 growing pigs (24.91 ± 1.06 kg) were used in a 6-week trial to investigate the effects of including Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall extract and poplar propolis ethanol extract (SPE) in the diet on growth performance, digestibility, blood profiles, fecal microbiota and fecal noxious gas emissions. Pigs were randomly allocated to one of three dietary treatments (seven pens/treatment, five pigs/pen) according to initial body weight and sex (two gilts and three barrows). Treatments consisted of a corn soybean meal basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.05 or 0.10% SPE. There was a significant linear improvement (P < 0.05) in average daily gain, gain/feed, the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, and gross energy, blood lymphocyte percentage, immunoglobulin G concentration, fecal Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus counts as well as fecal NH3 and H2 S emissions associated with the inclusion of SPE in the diet. Average daily feed intake, red blood cells and white blood cells concentration were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by SPE supplementation in the diets. In conclusion, results indicate that dietary SPE supplementation can improve growth performance, digestibility and fecal microbiota, and decrease fecal gas emissions in growing pigs.

Effects of different fermented soy protein and apparent ileal digestible lysine levels on weaning pigs fed fermented soy protein-amended diets.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of different fermented soybean proteins and the apparent ileal digestible lysine levels on weaning pigs fed fermented soy protein (FSP)-amended diets. In Exp. 1, 70 crossed piglets (6.25 ± 0.40 kg) were used in a 5-week trial to evaluate two different FSP. In Exp. 2, 20 weaning barrows (6.15 ± 0.45 kg) were used in a metabolism trial to determine the effects of the apparent ileal digestible (1.2, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5%) lysine levels in weaning pigs fed FSP (5%) diet. In Exp. 1, pigs fed the diet containing Lactobacillus spp. FSP showed higher nitrogen (N) digestibility (P<0.05), lower blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels (P<0.05) than those fed the Aspergillus oryzae FSP diet. In Exp. 2, increasing dietary lysine levels increased the average daily gain, apparent dry matter, N digestibility, N retention and essential amino acids in the current study (P<0.05), with the 1.5% showing the highest value. In conclusion, pigs fed Lactobacillus spp. FSP had a higher N digestibility than those fed A. oryzae FSP. The optimal apparent ileal digestibility lysine level in fermented soy protein diets (3550 kcal/kg metabolizable energy) for maximizing growth performance and N utilization in the first 7 days (6.25 kg) was 1.5%.

Effects of fermented garlic powder supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs.

One hundred pigs (BW=50.7 ± 1.89 kg) were used to investigate the effects of fermented garlic powder (FGP) in growing-finishing pigs. Pigs were allotted to one of five treatments, included: (i) NC (basal diet); (ii) PC (NC+44 mg/kg of Tylosin); (iii) FGP1 (NC + 1 g/kg FGP); (iv) FGP2 (NC + 2 g/kg FGP); and (v) FGP4 (NC+4 g/kg FGP). Supplemental FGP increased average daily gain (ADG) and gain/feed ratio compared with those fed NC diet throughout the experiment (P<0.05, linearly). Dietary PC treatment increased the ADG and average daily feed intake during the first 6 weeks (P<0.05). The inclusion of FGP2 and FGP4 treatments had higher apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen (P<0.05) than those in the NC treatment. Dietary NC treatment exhibited lower (P<0.05) lymphocyte count (6 and 12 weeks) and immunoglobulin G (12 weeks) than those in the other treatments. Marbling scores were higher (P<0.05) in FGP treatment groups than the NC treatments. Pigs fed on FGP2 and FG4 diets evidenced lower 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value (P<0.05) than those in the NC and PC treatments. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that the administration of FGP at a level of 2 or 4 g/kg improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs.

Ultrasound-based diagnostic classification for solid and partially cystic thyroid nodules.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The ability of US to differentiate benign thyroid nodules from malignant ones is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic efficacy of a US-based classification system for solid and PCTNs through a prospectively designed study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 1289 thyroid nodules in 1036 patients who underwent thyroid US, US-FNA, and thyroid surgery. Each thyroid nodule was prospectively classified into 1 of 5 diagnostic categories following real-time US examination: benign, probably benign, borderline, possibly malignant, and malignant. Solid nodules were classified by using all 5 categories, and PCTNs were classified by all except the borderline category. We calculated the diagnostic efficacy of thyroid US by comparing US diagnoses with histopathologic results of surgically resected thyroid nodules. RESULTS: One thousand fifty-five solid nodules and 234 PCTNs were prospectively classified as benign (n = 435 and 179), probably benign (n = 213 and 25), borderline (n = 94 and 0), possibly malignant (n = 115 and 15), and malignant (n = 198 and 15), respectively. Of these 1289 nodules, 505 were surgically resected and confirmed by pathology (191 benign and 314 malignant nodules); there were 44 resected solid nodules with a borderline category. For solid nodules and PCTNs, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of US diagnosis were 86.1 and 66.7, 90.0 and 88.9, 94.3 and 75.0, 77.3 and 84.2, and 87.5% and 81.5%, respectively, based on 505 surgical specimens and excluding the 42 solid borderline nodules. CONCLUSIONS: Our US-based classification system can provide helpful guidance for the management of thyroid nodules.