ABSTRACT
In recent years, probiotics have become more popular in the world of dietary supplements and feed additives within the poultry industry, acting as antibiotic substitutes. Above all, probiotics are universal feed additives that can be used in conjunction with other additives to promote improved performance and health. Their positive effects can be observed directly in the gastrointestinal tract and indirectly in immunomodulation of the poultry immune system. Nutritional effects seen in flocks given probiotics include increased laying and egg quality, increased daily increments, and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR). There has also been an improvement in the quality of meat. This suggests producers can improve production results through the use of probiotics. In addition to these production effects, bird immunity is improved by allowing the organism to better protect itself against pathogens and stress. The lack of accuracy in the formulation of non-European preparations needs to be further developed due to unknown interactions between probiotic bacteria strains as well as their metabolites. The versatility of probiotics and the fact that the bacteria used in their production are an integral part of animal digestive tracts make them a safe feed additives. Despite restrictions from the European Union, probiotics have potential to improve production and health within the poultry industry and beyond. The following article will review the use of probiotics in poultry production.
ABSTRACT
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is one of the most common sleep disorders. The purpose of this paper is a case description of the patient suffering from RLS, concurrent with numerous clinical problems. In our patient, during long-term therapy with a dopamine agonist (ropinirole), the phenomenon of the augmentation, defined as an increase in the severity of the RLS symptoms, was observed. The quality of life of the patient was significantly deteriorated. Due to the augmentation of RLS symptoms the dopaminergic drug was gradually withdrawn, and the gabapentin as a second-line drug for the treatment of RLS was introduced. Because of the large increase of both insomnia and RLS symptoms during the reduction of ropinirole dose, clonazepam was temporarily introduced. In addition, in the neurological assessment of the distal parts of the lower limb sensory disturbances of vibration were found. The neurographic study confirmed axonal neuropathy of the sural nerves, which explained an incomplete response to dopaminergic medications. However, gabapentin treatment in the dose recommended in neuropathies was impossible due to bothersome side effects. Another important issue in the treatment of the patient were depressive symptoms and the fact that the majority of used antidepressants (mirtazapine, mianserin, tricyclic antidepressants) increase the severity of RLS. Among antidepressants recommended for the treatment of depression in patients with RLS (such as bupropion, moclobemide, reboxetine, tianeptine and agomelatine) only agomelatine exhibits promoting sleep properties. Because of the concomitant insomnia, this drug was applied in our patient.
