Effect of dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus-fermented Artemisia princeps on growth performance, meat lipid peroxidation, and intestinal microflora in Hy-line Brown male chickens.

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus-fermented Artemisia princeps (LFA) on growth performance, meat lipid peroxidation, and intestinal microflora in Hy-line Brown male chickens. A total of six hundred twenty-four 1-d-old Hy-Line Brown male chicks were randomly allotted to 3 dietary treatments with 4 replicated pens consisting of 52 chicks. The control diet was formulated to be adequate in energy and nutrients. Two additional diets were prepared by adding 2.5 or 5.0 g/kg of LFA to the control diet. The experimental diets were fed on an ad libitum basis to the birds during 7 wk. Body weight gain and feed intake were recorded at 2 and 7 wk. At the end of the experiment, 2 birds from each treatment were killed by cervical dislocation and the samples for ileal content, breast, and thigh meat were collected for the determination of meat lipid peroxidation and microbial population. Results indicated that increasing inclusion level of LFA in diets improved BW gain (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05) and tended to improve feed efficiency (linear and quadratic, P < 0.10) of birds during 0 to 7 wk. Feeding the diets containing increasing amounts of LFA to birds reduced (quadratic, P < 0.05) thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) values in breast and thigh meat during 15 d of storage. The concentrations of Lactobacillus spp. in the ileal content of birds increased (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05), but those of Salmonella spp. tended to be decreased (quadratic, P < 0.10) as inclusion level of LFA in diets increased. These results suggest that dietary LFA may be used as a functional ingredient to improve growth performance, meat lipid stability, and intestinal health of birds.

Effect of dietary prebiotic supplementation on the performance, intestinal microflora, and immune response of broilers.

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with the prebiotics fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) and mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) on the performance, small intestinal microflora, and immune response of broilers. Two hundred forty 1-d-old Ross broiler chickens were randomly assigned to 6 dietary treatment groups: control, avilamycin (6 mg/kg), 0.25% FOS, 0.5% FOS, 0.025% MOS, and 0.05% MOS. Each treatment was fed to 4 replicates of 10 birds per diet for 4 wk. Except for the 0.5% FOS group, the overall BW gains of birds treated with avilamycin and prebiotics were significantly(P < 0.05) higher than those of the control group. No significant differences were found between the control and supplemented groups in overall feed intake, feed conversion, and mortality. The 0.05% MOS group was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the control and 0.5% FOS groups in heterophil:lymphocyte ratio and basophil level. Concentrations of plasma IgA and IgG were not significantly different among the treatment groups. Quantitative real-time PCR indicated that supplementation of the diet with avilamycin or prebiotics caused significant (P < 0.05) changes in the small intestinal microbial community, as determined in samples obtained at the ileocecal junction. The populations of Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli decreased with 0.25% FOS, 0.05% MOS, or avilamycin, and lactobacilli increased in the 0.25% FOS and 0.25% MOS treatment groups. Total bacteria increased in the 0.25% FOS and 0.05% MOS treatments and decreased in the avilamycin treatment. Feeding 0.25% FOS and 0.05% MOS resulted in an increase in lactobacillus community diversity in the ileum. Our results showed that 0.25% FOS and 0.05% MOS were comparable with avilamycin in improving productivity in broilers raised in wire floor cages up to 28 d of age. Plasma immunoglobulins were not affected by prebiotics, but the heterophil:lymphocyte ratio, basophil level, and microbial population in the ileum were significantly affected.

Effects of phytase supplementation on the performance, egg quality, and phosphorous excretion of laying hens fed different levels of dietary calcium and nonphytate phosphorous.

An experiment employing a factorial arrangement of two levels (3.0 and 4.0%) of Ca, two levels (0.15 and 0.25%) of nonphytate phosphorus (NPP), and two levels (0 and 300 U/kg diet) of microbial phytase was carried out with 960 ISA-brown layers from 21 to 41 wk of age. There was a significant interaction between NPP level and phytase for egg production. High NPP level and phytase supplementation increased egg production only in the second 10-wk period (31 to 41 wk). High NPP and low Ca increased feed intake, and a significant interaction between levels of NPP and Ca was observed in the first 10 wk. High NPP improved feed efficiency only in the second 10-wk period. Low NPP improved egg specific gravity and eggshell thickness but decreased Haugh units in the first 10-wk period; high NPP decreased the percentage of broken and soft-shell eggs in the second period. Low Ca decreased egg specific gravity, eggshell strength, and eggshell thickness in both periods and increased Haugh units in the second 10-wk period. Phytase supplementation decreased the percentage of broken and soft-shell eggs. High NPP increased fiber availability but decreased Ca availability. High Ca decreased Ca availability, whereas phytase increased availability of dry matter, fiber, and P. High NPP increased retention of P and Fe but also increased excretion of P. High Ca decreased retention of Zn and Fe. Phytase supplementation increased P retention, resulting in decrease of P excretion. In conclusion, supplementation of microbial phytase at a level of 300 U per kg diet of laying hens can improve egg production, decrease broken and soft egg production rate, and P excretion. The effects of phytase supplementation are significantly modified by the level of Ca and NPP.

Geographical heterogeneity between Far Eastern and Western countries in prevalence of the virulence plasmid, the superantigen Yersinia pseudotuberculosis-derived mitogen, and the high-pathogenicity island among Yersinia pseudotuberculosis strains.

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis produces novel superantigenic toxins designated YPMa (Y. pseudotuberculosis-derived mitogen), YPMb, and YPMc and has a pathogenicity island termed HPI (high-pathogenicity island) and R-HPI (the right-hand part of the HPI with truncation in its left-hand part) on the chromosome. Analysis of the distribution of these virulence factors allowed for differentiation of species Y. pseudotuberculosis into six subgroups, thus reflecting the geographical spread of two main clones: the YPMa(+) HPI(-) Far Eastern systemic pathogenic type belonging to serotypes O1b, -2a, -2b, -2c, -3, -4a, -4b, -5a, -5b, -6, -10, and UT (untypeable) and the YPMs(-) HPI(+) European gastroenteric pathogenic type belonging to serotypes O1a and -1b. The YPMa(+) HPI(+) pathogenic type belonging to serotypes O1b, -3, -5a, -5b, and UT and the YPMb(+) HPI(-) nonpathogenic type belonging to non-melibiose-fermenting serotypes O1b, -5a, -5b, -6, -7, -9, -10, -11, and -12 were prevalent in the Far East. The YPMc(+) R-HPI(+) European low-pathogenicity type belonging to non-melibiose-fermenting serotype O3 and the YPMs(-) HPI(-) pathogenic type belonging to 15 serotypes were found to be prevalent all over the world. This new information is useful for a better understanding of the evolution and spread of Y. pseudotuberculosis.

Effects of microbial phytase supplementation on egg production, eggshell quality, and mineral retention of laying hens fed different levels of phosphorus.

A 20-wk feeding trial (21 to 40 wk of age) was conducted to evaluate the effects of phytase supplementation on egg production, egg quality, nutrient retention, and P excretion of laying hens fed diets containing different levels of P. Nine hundred and sixty ISA Brown hens were randomly allocated to completely randomized block arrangement of four diets: corn-soybean diet (1.4% tricalcium phosphate, TCP) without (T1, control) and with phytase (T2); 0.7% TCP (T3) or 0% TCP (T4) diet with phytase. Dietary microbial phytase was added at a level of 500 U/kg. Both hen-day and hen-housed egg production of T2 were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than other treatments, which were not different among themselves. Egg weights were also significantly (P < 0.05) different among treatments ,with T2 being the highest. Feed consumption of T2 was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than other treatments but feed conversion ratio was not significantly different from others. Specific gravity and shell thickness of the eggs were highest in the control (T1) but eggshell strength and broken egg to total egg ratio were not different among treatments. Haugh units were not different among treatments. Retention of Ca, P, Mg, Fe, and Zn were greater (P < 0.05) in phytase-supplemented groups. There were significant (P < 0.05) differences in excretion of ash, P, and Zn. The excretion of these components were highest in the control, whereas P excretion was significantly lower in the T3 and T4 groups. In conclusion, supplementation of the microbial phytase to normal corn-soybean diet improved egg production and can reduce TCP level in the diet without affecting egg production and egg quality. Significant reduction of P excretion can be also achieved.

Putative origin of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in western and eastern countries. A comparison of restriction endonuclease analysis of virulence plasmids.

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis isolates from Russia east of Moscow, Korea and mainland China were used for restriction endonuclease analysis of virulence plasmid (REAP) and findings were compared with REAP of isolates from Japan and Western countries. An identical REAP pattern of each serogroup 1a, 1b, 3, 4a and 4b strain was observed among isolates from Russia, Korea, mainland China, and Japan but such was absent in West European strains. Therefore, the possibility that the origin of Y. pseudotuberculosis between West Europe and eastern Eurasia east of Moscow may be from a different clone should be considered.

Korean Nationwide Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance of bacteria in 1997.

Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are known to be prevalent in tertiary-care hospitals in Korea. Twenty hospitals participated to this surveillance to determine the nationwide prevalence of resistance bacteria in 1997. Seven per cent and 26% of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were resistant to 3rd-generation cephalosporin. Increased resistance rates, 19% of Acinetobacter baumannii to ampicillin/sulbactam, and 17% of Pseudomonas aeruginoa to imipenem, were noted. The resistance rate to fluoroquinolone rose to 24% in E. coli, 56% in A. baumannii and 42% in P. aeruginosa. Mean resistance rates were similar in all hospital groups: about 17% of P. aeruginosa to imipenem, 50% of Haemophilus influenzae to ampicillin, 70% of Staphylococcus aureus to methicillin, and 70% of pneumococci to penicillin. In conclusion, nosocomial pathogens and problem resistant organisms are prevalent in smaller hospitals too, indicating nosocomial spread is a significant cause of the increasing prevalence of resistant bacteria in Korea.

Acute renal failure associated with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection in children.

We report 45 pediatric cases of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection confirmed by stool culture between May 1993 and June 1994. In 41 (91.1%) cases there had been contact with untreated well or mountain water. Y. pseudotuberculosis was also isolated from 4 samples of mountain spring water thought to be the sources of infection. During the course of the illness, acute renal failure (ARF) developed in 6 patients (13.6%). The age distribution of the ARF group (12.3 +/- 1.2 years) was significantly different from the non-ARF group (8.0 +/- 3.2 years). The serogroups of Y. pseudotuberculosis isolates from stool samples were 5 (n = 30) and 4 (n = 15). Isolates from the water samples were all serogroup 5. The main symptoms of both groups were fever, rash, abdominal pain, and vomiting. ARF developed between the 2nd and 14th days (mean 6 days) after the onset of fever, and oliguria (< 400 ml/m2 per day) developed in 3 patients (3/6, 50%) immediately after their fevers had subsided. ARF underwent a benign course, with complete recovery within a maximum of 4 weeks (mean 10.2 days), with 1 exceptional patient requiring hemodialysis. Renal biopsy showed evidence of tubulointerstitial nephritis. Y. pseudotuberculosis should be included as one of the causes of acute interstitial nephritis causing ARF in children, especially when the children have histories of drinking untreated water in endemic areas.

Growth hormone replacement therapy in adults with growth hormone deficiency; thrice weekly low dose administration.

Recent reports on growth hormone (GH) therapy have shown that GH has various beneficial effects in GH deficient adults. In most of these studies, GH was administered daily. Because GH is still expensive and has to be delivered by subcutaneous injection, we studied the 6-month therapeutic effects of thrice weekly GH injection therapy and compared it with daily therapy. Twenty eight adult patients with GH deficiency were randomly assigned into group 1 (ten cases, thrice weekly injections of GH), group 2 (nine cases, daily injections), and group 3 (nine cases, placebo injections). Lean body mass, serum basal GH levels, and insulin-like growth factor 1 levels significantly increased after six months of GH therapy in both groups 1 and 2. According to computed tomography, the mean mid-thigh muscle mass significantly increased in group 1, while the visceral fat mass significantly decreased in group 2. GH levels significantly increased exercise rate-pressure product and hand grip strength only in group 1. These results suggest that thrice weekly injections of GH are as effective as daily injections in GH deficient adults.

Bone marrow pathology of culture proven typhoid fever.

The authors analysed bone marrow findings of sixteen cases of culture proven typhoid fever to reveal the pathologic changes according to the disease stage. The most frequent finding was chronic granulomatous inflammation (eight cases). Infection (bacteria) associated hemophagocytic syndrome (four cases), reactive marrow (two cases), and non specific findings (two cases) were also encountered. Granulocytic hyperplasia with hemophagocytosis appeared at the early stage and was followed by infection (bacteria) associated hemophagocytosis and granuloma in proliferative stage. In lysis (late) stage, granulomatous inflammation was noted. However, resolution of granulomatous inflammation was not distinct. Some nuclear debris and phagocytosis were remarkable in well-formed granulomas. Thrombocytopenia was the most remarkable peripheral blood finding at the time of biopsy. Anemia, leukopenia, and pancytopenia were also observed in descending order.

Nutritional value of processed rapeseed meal.

Supplementation of iodine at the level of 3.5 ppm reduced weight gain of the rats fed rapeseed oil meal (ROM) diets. Treatment of ROM with ammonia at the level of 2 or 4% tended to increase metabolizable energy value and availability of dry matter, crude protein and crude ash of ROM in the chicken. Potential goitrin level of ROM was reduced by ammoniation at 6% level. On the other hand, level of potential isothiocyanantes increased by ammoniation. Treatment of ROM with ammonia at the level of 3% and above reduced weight gain of the chickens fed treated ROMs. Weight of thyroid glands of the birds increased as the level of ammoniation of ROM increased. Supplementation of Avoparcin to the diets containing ROM improved weight gain and dressing percentage of the broiler chickens.

In vitro growth of rat bone marrow BFU-E.

Pokeweed mitogen-stimulated rat spleen cells were identified as a reliable source of rat burst-promoting activity (PBA), which permitted development of a reproducible assay for rat bone marrow erythroid burst-forming units (BFU-E). Optimum BPA dose, assay time, cell dose, and erythropoietin requirements for rat BFU-E were identified. A serum-free assay and a method for stimulating endogenous bone marrow BPA were developed. Identification of sources of rat BPA and characterization of the rat BFU-E assay makes this species more useful for hematopoietic studies. The similarity of rat BFU-E to human and mouse BFU-E strengthens the validity of rat models for erythropoiesis.