Effect of diets with different energy and lysophospholipids levels on performance, nutrient metabolism, and body composition in broilers.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of diets with different energy and emulsifier (Lipidol, active ingredient: lysophospholipids; LPL) levels on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, body composition, and serum profile in broilers. A total of 864 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers (45.3 ± 0.6 g) was used in a 28-day experiment. Broilers were allotted to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement design with 2 levels of energy (starter: ME = 2,950 kcal/kg for energy reduced diet and 3,050 kcal/kg for basal diet; finisher: ME = 3,100 kcal/kg for energy reduced diet and 3,200 kcal/kg for basal diet) and 3 levels of emulsifier supplementation (zero, 0.05, and 0.10%) according to their initial BW. There were 8 replicate cages per treatment with 18 broilers per cage. Broilers fed basal diets had higher (P < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG, d zero to 14) and lower (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR, d zero to 14 and d zero to 28) than those fed reduced energy diets. Broilers fed LPL supplementation diets also had higher (P < 0.05) BWG (d zero to 14) and lower (P < 0.05) FCR (d zero to 14, d 15 to 28, and d zero to 28) than those fed without LPL supplementation diets. On d 14, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of DM, nitrogen (N), and gross energy (GE) was increased (P < 0.05) by LPL supplementation. The low density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides concentrations also were decreased (P < 0.05) by LPL supplementation on d 14. The relative weight of abdominal fat was higher (P < 0.05) in basal diet treatments, but lower (P < 0.05) in LPL supplementation treatments. In conclusion, LPL supplementation can increase growth performance and nutrient digestibility, decrease cholesterol and triglycerides concentration in the starter period, and decrease the abdominal fat percentage in broilers.

Effect of lysophospholipids in diets differing in fat contents on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, milk composition and litter performance of lactating sows.

It is well known that energy plays an important role in sow growth and development. Increasing the utilization of lipids will be beneficial to sows. Emulsifiers are substances which stabilize mixtures and prevent oil and water from separating, thereby enhancing the digestion of lipids. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary emulsifier (lysophospholipids (LPL)) supplementation in diets differing in fat contents on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and milk composition in lactating sows, as well as performance and fecal score in piglets. A total of 32 multiparous sows (Landrace×Yorkshire) were used in a 21-day experiment. On day 110 of gestation, sows were weighed and moved into the farrowing facility, randomly assigned in a 2×2 factorial arrangement according to their BW with two levels of LPL (0 and 30 mg/kg) and two levels of fat (4.75% and 2.38% fat; 13.66 and 13.24 MJ/kg). BW loss and backfat thickness loss were decreased (P<0.05) by LPL supplementation. Backfat thickness at weaning was higher (P<0.05) in sows fed LPL supplementation diets. The apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, gross energy and crude fat in sows fed LPL diets was increased (P<0.05) compared with those fed non-LPL diets. Sows fed the high-fat diets had higher (P<0.05) milk fat on day 10 and milk lactose on day 20 than those fed the low-fat diets. Milk fat and lactose concentrations in LPL supplementation treatments was increased (P<0.05) compared with non-LPL treatments on day 10 and day 20, respectively. Positive interaction effects (P<0.05) between fat and LPL were observed for milk fat concentration on day 10. In conclusion, LPL addition decreased BW loss and backfat thickness loss, improved nutrient digestibility and milk fat as well as milk lactose concentrations. In addition, there was a complementary positive effect of dietary fat and LPL supplementation on milk fat concentration in lactating sows.

[Efficacy of antiretroviral therapy and influencing factors for people living with HIV/AIDS in designated hospitals in Harbin].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV/AIDS and influencing factors; and provide evidence to improve the treatment of HIV infection and AIDS for the better life of the patients. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted in designated AIDS hospitals in Harbin. A questionnaire was used to collect the information of the patients receiving treatment in these hospitals. The statistical analysis was done with software SAS 9.2 and Excel 2010. Univariate analysis was performed with t test and multivariate analysis was performed with ordinal logistic regression model. Wilcoxon ranks sum test was conducted to compare the CD4(+) T lymphocyte counts. RESULTS: The number of the patients receiving antiretroviral therapy was in increase in recent years. The HIV infection route was mainly homosexual contact. The CD4(+)T lymphocyte count of the patients increased at different levels after ≥6 months treatment(P<0.01). Household income(P<0.05), adherence to treatment plan or not(P<0.05), social relationship(P< 0.05), concern of economic cost(P<0.01)medication compliance(P<0.01)and initial level of CD4(+) T lymphocyte(P<0.01)were the influencing factors for antiretroviral therapy efficacy. CONCLUSION: In designated hospitals in Harbin, the number of the patients receiving HIV antiretroviral therapy kept to increase and the efficacy of the treatment was obvious.

Effect of dietary lactulose supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, meat quality, relative organ weight, and excreta microflora in broilers.

A 35 d trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary lactulose on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, meat quality, relative organ weight, and excreta microflora in broilers. A total of 816 1-day-old male Ross broilers (40.2 ± 0.4 g) were allotted to 4 dietary treatments using 12 cages with 17 chicks per cage. Treatments were: 1) CON, basal diet; 2) L05, CON + 0.05% lactulose; 3) L10, CON + 0.10% lactulose; and 4) L15, CON + 0.15% lactulose. Higher (P < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG) and lower (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed in broilers fed the L15 diet compared with those fed the CON diet during d 22 to 35. During d 0 to 35, BWG was higher (P < 0.05) and FCR was lower (P < 0.05) in broilers fed lactulose diets than those fed the CON diet. Additionally, broilers fed L15 diets had the highest BWG (P < 0.05) and lowest FCR (P < 0.05). The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of DM and nitrogen (N) was increased (P < 0.05) in broilers fed the L15 diet compared with those fed the CON diet. Drip loss was decreased (P < 0.05) in L10 and L15 treatments compared with CON treatment on d 1, d 3, and d 5. On d 3, lowest (P < 0.05) drip loss was observed in the L15 treatment. Excreta E. coli counts in the L15 treatment were decreased (P < 0.05) on d 14, but Lactobacillus counts in the L15 treatment were increased (P < 0.05) on d 14 and d 35 compared with the CON diet. A linear effect (P < 0.05) was observed on BWG (d 22 to 35), FCR (d 0 to 35), the ATTD of DM and N, drip loss, E. coli (d 14), and Lactobacillus (d 14 and d 35) counts. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 0.15% lactulose can improve growth performance and nutrient digestibility; as well as increase the proliferation of Lactobacillus and decrease E. coli counts in excreta.

Effect of dietary levan fructan supplementation on growth performance, meat quality, relative organ weight, cecal microflora, and excreta noxious gas emission in broilers.

A total of 720 1-d-old male Ross broilers (BW of 48.0±0.3 g) were used to evaluate the effects of dietary levan fructan supplementation on growth performance, meat quality, relative organ weight, cecal microflora, and excreta noxious gas emission in broilers. This experiment lasted 31 d. Broilers were randomly allotted to 1 of 3 dietary treatments: 1) CON, basal diet, 2) CON+0.25% fructan (FC1), and 3) CON+0.50% fructan (FC2). Each treatment contained 16 pens with 15 chicks per pen. Broilers on levan fructan supplementation treatments (FC1+FC2) had a lower (P=0.005 for d 15 to 31) ADFI and greater (P=0.005 for d 15 to 31 and P=0.022 for d 1 to 31) G:F than those on the CON. A decreased (P=0.031) relative spleen weight was observed with levan fructan supplementation treatments compared with the CON. Cecal E. coli and C. perfringens concentrations in levan fructan treatments were decreased, while cecal Lactobacillus, as well as Bifidobacteria, concentrations in levan fructan treatments were increased compared with the CON. However, excreta NH3 concentrations were decreased (P=0.013) in levan fructan treatments compared with the CON. In conclusion, fructan supplementation improved later stage growth performance, increased cecal Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria concentrations, and decreased cecal E. coli and C. perfringens concentrations, as well as excreta NH3 concentrations, in broilers.

Evaluation of dietary fructan supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, meat quality, fecal microbial flora, and fecal noxious gas emission in finishing pigs.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary fructan supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, meat quality, fecal microbial flora, and fecal noxious gas emission in finishing pigs. A total of 96 finishing pigs [(Yorkshire×Landrace)×Duroc] with an average BW of 73.1±2.5 kg were used in a 6-wk study. Pigs were randomly allotted to 1 of 3 dietary treatments: 1) CON, basal diet, 2) CON+1% fructan (FC1), and 3) CON+2% fructan (FC2) with 8 replicate pens per treatment and 2 barrows and 2 gilts per pen. During the overall study, pigs fed the fructan supplementation diets had a greater (P<0.05) ADG, G:F, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of DM and GE than pigs fed the CON diet. The levels of fructan supplementation did not affect growth performance and ATTD of DM, N, and GE. Fecal E. coli concentrations in the fructan treatments were lower (P<0.001), while fecal Lactobacillus concentrations in the fructan treatments were greater (P<0.001) compared with the CON treatment. Fecal ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions were lower (P<0.05) in d 3, 5, and 7 in the fructan treatments, and total mercaptans emission was lower (P<0.05) on d 3 and 5 compared with the CON treatment. In conclusion, fructan supplementation improved growth performance and ATTD of DM and GE, improved the fecal microbial balance, and inhibited the fecal E. coli. Furthermore, fructan may decrease fecal noxious gas emissions by finishing pigs.

Effect of mannan oligosaccharides and fructan on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, and diarrhea score in weanling pigs.

A total of 150 weanling pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an average BW of 7.22 ± 0.80 kg (21 d of age) were used in a 28-d trial to determine the effects of dietary fructan and mannan oligosaccharides on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, and diarrhea score in weanling pigs. Pigs were allotted randomly to 1 of 5 dietary treatments: 1) negative control (NC), basal diet; 2) positive control (PC), NC + 0.01% apramycin (165 mg/kg); 3) NC + 0.1% fructan (FC); 4) NC + 0.1% mannan oligosaccharide source (MO); and 5) NC + 0.05% fructan + 0.05% mannan oligosaccharide source (FM). There were 3 replications per treatment with 10 pigs per pen (5 barrows and 5 gilts). From d 0 to 14, ADG and ADFI of pigs fed the PC, MO, and FM diets were greater (P < 0.05) than pigs fed the NC diet. From d 15 to 28, there were no differences (P > 0.05) in ADG, ADFI, and G:F. During the overall period (d 0 to 28), pigs fed the MO diet had a greater ADG than pigs fed the NC diet (P < 0.05). Pigs fed the PC and MO diets increased ADFI (P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed the NC diet. However, no differences were detected among dietary treatments in G:F during the overall experimental period. On d 14, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of DM and N in pigs fed the PC, MO, and FM diets was greater (P < 0.05) than pigs fed the NC diet. The ATTD of DM increased (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the MO and FM diets compared with pigs fed the FC diet. However, at the end of the experiment, pigs fed the FM diet had a greater (P < 0.05) ATTD of DM compared with pigs fed the NC diet. Additionally, there were no differences in IgG, red blood cells, white blood cells, and lymphocyte counts among dietary treatments on d 0, 14, or 28. The diarrhea score in pigs fed the MO diet was reduced (P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed the NC diet. In conclusion, mannan oligosaccharides have a beneficial effect on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in weanling pigs. Furthermore, mannan oligosaccharides can decrease diarrhea score in weanling pigs.

Effects of bacteriophage supplementation on egg performance, egg quality, excreta microflora, and moisture content in laying hens.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of bacteriophage supplementation on egg performance, egg quality, excreta microflora, and moisture content in laying hens. A total of 288 Hy-line brown commercial laying hens (36-wk-old) were randomly allotted to 4 treatments in this 6-wk trial and dietary treatments included: i) CON, basal diet; ii) T1, CON+0.020% bacteriophage; iii) T2, CON+0.035% bacteriophage; iv) T3, CON+0.050% bacteriophage. There were 6 replicates for each treatment with 6 adjacent cages (2 hens/cage). Laying hens in T2 and T3 treatments had higher (p<0.05) egg production than those in CON and T1 treatments during wk 0 to 3. In addition, egg production in T1, T2, and T3 treatments was increased (p<0.05) compared with that in CON treatment during wk 4 to 6. At wk 4 and 5, birds in T2 group had higher (p<0.05) HU than those in CON. In addition, at wk 5 and 6, HU in birds fed T1 and T3 diets was greater (p<0.05) than those fed CON diet. E. coli and Salmonella spp. concentrations in excreta were decreased (p<0.05) by T1, T2, and T3 treatments. However, egg weight, egg shell color, yolk height, yolk color unit, egg shell strength, egg shell thickness, egg gravity, and excreta moisture content were not influenced by dietary treatments during the entire experimental period. In conclusion, bacteriophage supplementation has beneficial effects on egg production, egg albumen, and excreta microflora concentration in laying hens.

Effects of ischemia on intracellular sodium and phosphates in the in vivo rat liver.

Metabolic factors that influence the transition form reversible to irreversible ischemic injury were studied in the rat liver in vivo with 31P-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Hepatic ischemia for 15, 35, or 65 min was produced by occlusion of the hepatic artery and portal vein in rats. Ischemia caused a rapid decrease in the ATP concentration ([ATP])-to-P(i) concentration ratio and pH within 5 min, but there was little change in these variables detectable by 31P-NMR with longer periods of ischemia. After reperfusion, the [ATP] and P(i) concentration returned toward normal values in livers exposed to 15 or 35 min of ischemia, but 65 min of ischemia were associated with only modest recovery in [ATP], and the [ATP] later decreased. Because the 31P-NMR spectrum was similar after brief compared with prolonged ischemia, it appears that neither ATP depletion, P(i) accumulation, nor acidosis predicts metabolic recovery. Hepatic intracellular NA+ was also measured in separate groups of animals by 23Na-NMR in the presence of a shift agent, thulium (III) 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetrakis (methylene-phosphonate) (TmDOTP5-), and by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Under baseline conditions, the concentration of intracellular Na+ was 15.2 mM by atomic absorption spectroscopy and 16.5 mM by 23Na-NMR. Although the 31P-NMR spectrum responded very rapidly to the onset of ischemia, intracellular Na+ concentration measured by 23Na-NMR increased gradually but steadily at approximately 1.0 mM/min during early (up to 15 min) ischemia. These observations demonstrate that a rise in intracellular Na+ does occur early ischemia, that TmDOTP5- can be applied in vivo for analysis of intracellular Na+ in the ischemic liver, and that 31P-NMR spectroscopy is very sensitive to early ischemic injury.

In vivo studies of cellular energy state, pH, and sodium in rat liver after thermal injury.

In vivo 31P- and 23Na-magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to measure phosphorus metabolites, intracellular pH, cytosolic free Mg2+, and intracellular Na+ in the liver of rats 24 h after 40% total body surface area full-thickness burn injury. Studies were performed during infusion of thulium (III) 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane N,N',N",N"'-tetra(methylenephosphonate), which served as the Na+ shift agent. Compared with the sham-burn group, there was a significant increase in hepatic intracellular Na+ along with a decrease in intracellular pH and free Mg2+. The ratio of intra- to extra-cellular Na+ increased, indicating a decreased Na+ gradient that may determine the hepatic transmembrane potential difference. Hepatic beta-ATP/P(i) also significantly decreased, which suggests that either ATP utilization is significantly accelerated or ATP synthesis is inhibited after the thermal injury. Of the cations measured (Na+, Mg2+, H+), the change in intracellular Na+ was most dramatic. This study demonstrates that major burn injury may cause profound changes in hepatic bioenergetics and ionic metabolism 24 h after injury and that intracellular Na+ may be a sensitive indicator of hepatic dysfunction 24 h after injury. Because these animals tolerated the shift reagent, thulium (III) 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane N,N',N",N"'-tetra(methylenephosphonate), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy may prove valuable in monitoring intracellular cations in the liver after major injury.

[Clinical effect of ligustrazine in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo].

The therapeutic effect of Ligustrazine was studied in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). 11 cases were given Ligustrazine 100 mg daily (iv. or im.), another 11 cases were given Valium and Diphenidol as the control group. The results were as follows: In Ligustrazine group, the average curative time was 37 days. In the control group, the average curative time was 72 days. This result suggests that Ligustrazine is a useful drug in the treatment of BPPV. It is believed that the cause of BPPV is due to the occlusion of the anterior vestibular artery. Ligustrazine has the effect of improving microcirculation of the cochlea.

[The diagnostic significance of nystagmus].

Among 402 patients with vertigo and/or dysequilibrium, the incidence of nystagmus was 39.6%. The methods of examination include gaze nystagmus, spontaneous nystagmus, positional nystagmus and positioning nystagmus tests. The specific diagnostic significance of the nystagmus both in peripheral vestibular diseases and in central vestibular diseases were analysed and discussed.