Assessment of the Impact of Humic Acids on Intestinal Microbiota, Gut Integrity, Ileum Morphometry, and Cellular Immunity of Turkey Poults Fed an Aflatoxin B1-Contaminated Diet.

A recent study published data on the growth performance, relative weights of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, liver histology, serum biochemistry, and hematological parameters for turkey poults fed an experimental diet contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and humic acids (HA) extracted from vermicompost. The negative effects of AFB1 (250 ng AFB1/g of feed) were significantly reduced by HA supplementation (0.25% w/w), suggesting that HA might be utilized to ameliorate the negative impact of AFB1 from contaminated diets. The present study shows the results of the remaining variables, as an extension of a previously published work which aimed to evaluate the impact of HA on the intestinal microbiota, gut integrity, ileum morphometry, and cellular immunity of turkey poults fed an AFB1-contaminated diet. For this objective, five equal groups of 1-day-old female Nicholas-700 turkey poults were randomly assigned to the following treatments: negative control (basal diet), positive control (basal diet + 250 ng AFB1/g), HA (basal diet + 0.25% HA), HA + AFB1 (basal diet + 0.25% HA + 250 ng AFB1/g), and Zeolite (basal diet + 0.25% zeolite + 250 ng AFB1/g). In the experiment, seven replicates of ten poults each were used per treatment (n = 70). In general, HA supplementation with or without the presence of AFB1 showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the number of beneficial butyric acid producers, ileum villi height, and ileum total area, and a significant reduction in serum levels of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-d), a marker of intestinal integrity. In contrast, poults fed with AFB1 showed a significant increase in Proteobacteria and lower numbers of beneficial bacteria, clearly suggesting gut dysbacteriosis. Moreover, poults supplemented with AFB1 displayed the lowest morphometric parameters and the highest intestinal permeability. Furthermore, poults in the negative and positive control treatments had the lowest cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity response. These findings suggest that HA supplementation enhanced intestinal integrity (shape and permeability), cellular immune response, and healthier gut microbiota composition, even in the presence of dietary exposure to AFB1. These results complement those of the previously published study, suggesting that HA may be a viable dietary intervention to improve gut health and immunity in turkey poults during aflatoxicosis.

Corrigendum: Evaluation of the efficacy of humic acids to counteract the toxic effects of aflatoxin B1 in turkey poults.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1276754.].

Evaluation of the efficacy of humic acids to counteract the toxic effects of aflatoxin B1 in turkey poults.

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of humic acid (HA) from worm compost as an adsorbent for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in turkey poults. The experiment involved the inclusion of 0.25% (w/w) HA in the diet of turkey poults consuming aflatoxin-contaminated feed (250 ng AFB1/g). A total of 350 1-day-old female Nicholas-700 turkey poults were randomly allocated to five equal groups: negative control (basal diet); positive control (basal diet + 250 ng AFB1/g; HA (basal diet + 0.25% HA); HA + AFB1 (basal diet + HA + 250 ng AFB1/g); and zeolite + AFB1 (basal diet + 0.25% zeolite + 250 ng AFB1/g). Each group had seven replicates of 10 poults (n = 70). The impact of HA addition was evaluated in terms of performance parameters, relative organ weights, liver histological lesions, and serum biochemical and hematological constituents. In general, the addition of HA improved body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion rate (FCR). Furthermore, HA effectively mitigated the toxic effects caused by AFB1 in the majority of the analyzed variables. The results indicated that HA effectively counteracted the AFB1-induced toxic effects in turkey poults. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that HA is capable of removing AFB1 from the contaminated diet.

Humic Acids Preparation, Characterization, and Their Potential Adsorption Capacity for Aflatoxin B1 in an In Vitro Poultry Digestive Model.

Vermicompost was used for humic acid (HA) preparation, and the adsorption of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was investigated. Two forms of HA were evaluated, natural HA and sodium-free HA (SFHA). As a reference, a non-commercial zeolitic material was employed. The adsorbents were characterized by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), zeta potential (ζ-potential), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and point of zero charge (pHpzc). The adsorbent capacity of the materials when added to an AFB1-contaminated diet (100 µg AFB1/kg) was evaluated using an in vitro model that simulates the digestive tract of chickens. Characterization results revealed the primary functional groups in HA and SFHA were carboxyl and phenol. Furthermore, adsorbents have a highly negative ζ-potential at the three simulated pH values. Therefore, it appears the main influencing factors for AFB1 adsorption are electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding. Moreover, the bioavailability of AFB1 in the intestinal section was dramatically decreased when sorbents were added to the diet (0.2%, w/w). The highest AFB1 adsorption percentages using HA and SFHA were 97.6% and 99.7%, respectively. The zeolitic material had a considerable adsorption (81.5%). From these results, it can be concluded that HA and SFHA from vermicompost could be used as potential adsorbents to remove AFB1 from contaminated feeds.

Effect of the Addition of Humic Substances on Morphometric Analysis and Number of Goblet Cells in the Intestinal Mucosa of Broiler Chickens.

The mechanisms of action of humic substances (HS) as growth promoters in poultry are unknown. In this study, the productive performance, histology, and number of goblet cells (GC) in the intestinal villi of broilers under steady-state digestive conditions and under abrupt changes in diet with the addition of HS was evaluated. Broilers housed individually were offered three treatments from 14−28 days: 1 = diet with white corn/soybean meal, without growth promoter antibiotics (nonGPA); 2 = with GPA (GPA); and 3 = with 0.3% HS. At day 28, two diets were suddenly introduced: (A) white corn/soybean meal plus dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS); and (B) white/blue corn/soybean meal/DDGS, keeping the three original treatments. Diets A and B were also exchanged on day 37. FCR was lower with GPA and HS compared to nonGPA from 14−38 days (p < 0.05); at day 28, under steady-state digestive conditions, HS had a similar effect to GPA on the histology and GC number in the jejunum villi. The number of GC in the jejunum of HS-fed broilers on days 29 and 38, after diet changes, behaves similarly to that of AGP-fed broilers (p > 0.05). HS appears to strengthen the mucosal protection of the epithelium of the intestine.

Effects of humic acids on the recovery of different bacterial strains in an in vitro chicken digestive model.

Humic acids (HA) have been evaluated as growth promoters in poultry, but their effects on the gut microbiota remains controversial using in vitro and in vivo models. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of HA extracted from a wormcompost on the recovery of bacteria: Salmonella Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens), Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) and Lactobacillus salivarius (L. salivarius) using an in vitro chicken digestive system. Independent in vitro trials were run for each bacteria using six treatments: 1) Negative control with no bacteria added (Control-), 2) Positive control added with bacteria (Control+), 3) 0.1% HA + bacteria, 4) 0.2% HA + bacteria, 5) 0.5% HA + bacteria and 6) 1% HA + bacteria. Data was subjected to analysis of variance and linear regression. In the crop, S. Enteritidis was lower, C. perfringes and B. subtilis were not affected by HA, while E. coli and L. salivarius were higher at 0.5 and 1% HA inclusion (P ≤ 0.0001). In the proventriculus, S. Enteritidis, E. coli and B. subtilis were higher at 0.5 and 1% HA inclusion (P ≤ 0.0001); C. perfringens and L. salivarius were not affected by HA. In intestine, significant increases of all bacteria strains were observed (P ≤ 0.0001). In conclusion, the results suggests that HA can be used as prebiotic, but their mechanisms of action to stimulate the growth of gut bacteria remains to be elucidated.

Addition of Different Levels of Humic Substances Extracted from Worm Compost in Broiler Feeds.

Different sources and inclusion levels of humic substances (HS) have been tested in broiler rations as an alternative to the addition of growth promoter antibiotics (GPA) with promising results. The current study was carried out to assess the influence of HS extracted from worm compost on broiler production parameters, carcass yield, tibia characteristics, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts, excretion of Eimeria oocysts, and antioxidant status of breast meat. A total of 1200 broilers were used, housed in groups of 30 per pen, and assigned to five treatments: 1 = basal diet with GPA (positive control), 2 = basal diet without GPA (negative control), 3-5 = basal diet with 0.15, 0.30, and 0.45% HS, respectively. The data was subjected to a variance analysis and orthogonal contrasts. The FI decreased linearly (p < 0.05) from 1-14, 29-42, and 1-42 days as the inclusion of HS in the feed increased. The FCR had quadratic responses (p < 0.01) from 29-42 and 1-42 days concerning the HS inclusion levels. Lactic acid bacteria was higher (p ˂ 0.05) in ten-day-old chicks with 0.45% HS in the diet. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity antioxidant potential decreased linearly (p < 0.05) concerning increasing HS in the feed. The results indicate that HS can be used as growth promoters in broiler feeds.

Effect of the Addition of Humic Substances as Growth Promoter in Broiler Chickens Under Two Feeding Regimens.

Humic substances (HS) from different sources have been evaluated to replace or reduce the use of growth promoter antibiotics (GPA) in the feeds of broiler chickens. The objective was to evaluate the growth performance, tibia measurements, nutrient balance, meat quality, and microbiological status of broiler fed with an HS extract (EHS) under ad libitum (ADLIB) or feed restriction (REST). Individually caged broilers (n = 180, 14-35 day of age) were assigned to a factorial arrangement of three dietary treatments: (1) positive control with bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) and salinomycin; (2) negative control without BMD nor salinomycin, and (3) same as negative control with 0.25% EHS, and two feeding regimens 1) ADLIB or REST for 24 h on d 1, 7, and 14. Results were subjected to ANOVA. Positive control and EHS-fed broilers showed higher carcass yield (p < 0.05) and lower oocyst excretion (p < 0.01) compared to negative control birds. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) were higher in negative control and EHS-broilers compared to positive control (p < 0.01). In conclusion, higher carcass yield, lower C. perfringens and oocyst excretion were found in positive control and higher carcass yield, higher LAB and lower oocyst excretion were found in EHS-fed broilers. Broilers subjected to REST had reduced growth performance and meat quality. In conclusion, EHS could be used to increase the carcass yield and beneficial LAB in broilers.

El dolor de cóccix en la mujer tras el parto / Coccyx pain in women after childbirth

El cóccix es un hueso con morfología y movilidad propia y puede presentar dolor por causas traumáticas como el parto dificultoso o con terminación instrumental. Sufrir coccidinia puede imposibilitar la realización de las actividades de la vida diaria y afectar desde la esfera física hasta el área psicosocial, dando gran morbilidad a la puérpera. El presente artículo resalta los factores que predisponen a la puérpera a sufrir coccigodinia y qué acciones realizar para su alivio y mejora. La coccidinia posparto es el dolor que aparece tan pronto se adopta posición sentada tras el parto. Son factores de riesgo la morfología del cóccix, el índice de masa corporal, el parto vaginal, el parto instrumental, multiparidad, sexo femenino, edad madura y con periné corto en mujer con parto difícil. Entre las actividades para mejorar el dolor se encuentran los analgésicos y coadyuvantes, la rehabilitación y el masaje del suelo pélvico, las infiltraciones, la psicoterapia y, por último, la cirugía

The coccyx is a bone with its own morphology and mobility and pain can occur due to trauma such as a difficult or instrumental delivery. Coccydynia can make it impossible to carry out the activities of daily life, its affects can be both physical and psychosocial, and causes great maternal morbidity. This article highlights the factors that predispose women to coccydynia and actions to relieve and improve it. Postpartum coccydynia is pain that appears as soon as a sitting position is adopted after delivery. Coccyx morphology, body mass index, vaginal delivery, instrumental delivery, multiparity, female sex, mature age and short perineum in women with difficult delivery are risk factors. The activities to improve pain begin with analgesia and coadjuvants, rehabilitation and pelvic floor massage, infiltrations, psychotherapy or, finally, surgery

Coccyx pain in women after childbirth. / El dolor de cóccix en la mujer tras el parto.

The coccyx is a bone with its own morphology and mobility and pain can occur due to trauma such as a difficult or instrumental delivery. Coccydynia can make it impossible to carry out the activities of daily life, its affects can be both physical and psychosocial, and causes great maternal morbidity. This article highlights the factors that predispose women to coccydynia and actions to relieve and improve it. Postpartum coccydynia is pain that appears as soon as a sitting position is adopted after delivery. Coccyx morphology, body mass index, vaginal delivery, instrumental delivery, multiparity, female sex, mature age and short perineum in women with difficult delivery are risk factors. The activities to improve pain begin with analgesia and coadjuvants, rehabilitation and pelvic floor massage, infiltrations, psychotherapy or, finally, surgery.

Conducta obstétrica en la osteogénesis imperfecta. A propósito de un caso / Obstetric behavior in osteogenesis imperfect. About a clinical case

La osteogénesis imperfecta (OI) se produce por un trastorno del tejido conectivo que afecta a la producción de colágeno. Los embarazos asociados a la OI están relacionados con una mayor morbilidad. La incidencia de fracturas no se incrementa durante el embarazo, pero sí las deformidades pélvicas, con una mayor incidencia de desproporciones cefalopélvicas y anomalías comunes en la presentación fetal. Resulta imprescindible la valoración preanestésica, pero la inducción al trabajo de parto está contraindicada. La vía del parto debe ser consensuada e individualizada con la gestante, valorando el estado materno y fetal en todo momento. Una actuación correcta, y sobre todo un buen asesoramiento preconcepcional por parte de la matrona, contribuye a disminuir las complicaciones desencadenadas por esta patología

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is produced by a connective tissue disorder that affects the production of collagen. Pregnancies associated with OI are related to increased morbidity, the incidence of fractures does not increase during pregnancy, but pelvic deformities with a higher incidence of cephalopelvic disproportions and common abnormalities in fetal presentation. Preanesthetic assessment is essential and induction of labor is contraindicated. The way of delivery should be agreed and individualized with the woman assessing the maternal and fetal status at all times. A correct performance, and above all a good preconceptional counseling by the midwife, contributes to decrease the complications triggered by this pathology

JC virus granule cell neuronopathy in the setting of chronic lymphopenia treated with recombinant interleukin-7.

JC virus (JCV) is a human polyomavirus that infects the central nervous system (CNS) of immunocompromised patients. JCV granule cell neuronopathy (JCV-GCN) is caused by infection of cerebellar granule cells, causing ataxia. A 77-year-old man with iatrogenic lymphopenia presented with severe ataxia and was diagnosed with JCV-GCN. His ataxia and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) improved with intravenous immunoglobulin, high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone, mirtazapine, and mefloquine. Interleukin-7 (IL-7) therapy reconstituted his lymphocytes and reduced his CSF JCV load. One month after IL-7 therapy, he developed worsening ataxia and CSF inflammation, which raised suspicion for immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. Steroids were restarted and his ataxia stabilized.

Disfunción sexual en un grupo de mujeres del municipio de Güines

Introducción: la definición exacta de la disfunción sexual femenina es objeto de polémica, aunque se admite que es relativamente frecuente. La expresión de su sexualidad se reconoce universalmente y debe tenerse en cuenta en el abordaje clínico de sus problemas.Objetivo: describir aspectos clínicos epidemiológicos de la disfunción sexual en mujeres de 15-49 años atendidas en las consultas de Ginecología de los policlínicos universitarios Luis Li Trijent y Marta Martínez Figuera del municipio de Guines.Métodos: investigación descriptiva, de corte transversal realizada durante el periodo comprendido entre diciembre del año 2011 hasta marzo del año 2012. La muestra estuvo conformada por 48 mujeres que cumplieron con criterios de inclusión previamente establecidos. Se determinó la presencia de disfunción sexual y su relación con diferentes variables sociodemográficas.Resultados: se demostró la presencia de disfunción sexual en las edades entre los 37-49 años. Los trastornos del deseo, excitación y satisfacción sexual fueron los tipos de disfunción más frecuentes. Los conflictos intrapsíquicos, los antecedentes de experiencias negativas, así como los problemas de pareja constituyeron los principales problemas psicológicos encontrados en las féminas estudiadas. Se comprobó la presencia de problemas médicos relacionados con la disfunción sexual fundamentalmente patologías uterinas y la utilización de anticonceptivos orales en el momento de la investigación.Conclusiones: se demostró la presencia de disfunción sexual en el 20, 83 por ciento las mujeres estudiadas. Se propone diseñar proyectos de intervención que capaciten a nuestros profesionales en el seguimiento y tratamiento adecuado de las disfunciones sexuales femeninas desde la atención primaria de salud (AU)

Introduction: the exact definition of female sexual dysfunction is embroiled in controversy, although it is recognized that it is relatively common. The expression of women's sexuality is universally recognized and must be considered in the clinical approach to their problems.Objective: to describe clinical and epidemiological aspects of sexual dysfunction in women aged 15-49 attended at Gynecology consultations of Luis Li Trijent and Marta Martínez Figuera university polyclinics of Güines municipality.Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional research was conducted during the period from December 2011 to March 2012. The sample consisted of 48 women who met inclusion criteria previously established. The presence of sexual dysfunction and its relationship to different sociodemographic variables was determined.Results: the presence of sexual dysfunction was demonstrated in the ages between 37-49 years. Disorders of desire, arousal and sexual satisfaction were the most frequent types of dysfunction. Intrapsychic conflicts, antecedents of negative experiences and marital problems were the main psychological problems encountered in the studied females. It was verified the presence of medical problems related to sexual dysfunction primarily uterine pathologies and the use of oral contraceptives at the moment of the research.Conclusions: it was demonstrated the presence of sexual dysfunction in 20,83 per cent of the women studied. It is proposed to design intervention projects to train our professionals in monitoring and appropriate treatment of female sexual dysfunction from primary health care (AU)

N,O6-partially acetylated chitosan nanoparticles hydrophobically-modified for controlled release of steroids and vitamin E.

Diosgenin, two synthetic analogs of brassinosteroids, testosterone and dl-α-tocopherol were covalently linked to synthetic water-soluble N,O6-partially acetylated chitosan, for their controlled release. Drug linking was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy and proton NMR. Conjugates were also characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and wide-angle X-ray diffraction. These conjugates formed self-assembled nanoparticles in aqueous solution with particle sizes ranging from 197 to 358 nm and drug contents between 11.8 and 56.4% (w/w). Spherical 30-60 nm nanoparticles were observed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy upon drying. In vitro release studies performed at acid pH indicated a drug release dependence on substitution degree and particle sizes. Almost constant release rates were observed during the first 6-8h. Brassinosteroids-modified nanoparticles showed good agrochemical activity in radish seeds bioassay at 10(-1) to 10(-4) mg mL(-1). Tocopheryl-modified nanoparticles exhibited radical scavenging activity in DPPH test.

Self-assembled nanoparticles of modified-chitosan conjugates for the sustained release of DL-α-tocopherol.

Synthetic O6-succinylated chitosan and commercial glycol chitosan were covalently linked to dl-α-tocopheryl monoesters for controlled release of vitamin E. These conjugates formed self-assembled nanoparticles in aqueous solution with 254-496 nm mean diameters and dl-α-tocopherol contents between 27 and 39% (w/w). The particles appeared as 40-75 nm almost spherical nanoparticles when studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy upon drying. Drug linking to chitosan matrix was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy and proton NMR. Conjugates were also characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and wide-angle X-ray diffraction. In vitro tocopherol release studies performed in water at acid pH indicated a drug release dependence on drug content, hydrated particle sizes and employed chitosan derivative. Almost constant release rates were observed the first 7h. The obtained nanoparticles exhibited radical scavenging activity in DPPH essay. The potential of these nanoparticles was also demonstrated by the enhancement of HMVEC cell proliferation.

Epstein-Barr virus-positive systemic NK/T-cell lymphomas in children: report of six cases.

AIMS: The World Health Organization lymphoma classification recognizes two different Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders of childhood: systemic EBV-positive T-cell lymphoproliferative disease of childhood, and hydroa vacciniforme-like lymphoma, which is more prevalent in Asia and Latin America. The aim of this study was to characterize six cases of paediatric EBV-positive peripheral T-cell lymphoma with distinct features. METHODS AND RESULTS: All cases were male, with a median patient age of 9 years (range: 5-17 years). Most of them presented suddenly with fever, weight loss, hepatosplenomegaly, peripheral lymphadenopathy, and high lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. Moreover, gut, lung or soft tissues of the abdominal wall were also affected in four cases. Partial to total replacement of the lymph node by pleomorphic infiltration of atypical neoplastic cells was found in all cases. Vasculitis and geographical areas of necrosis were seen in three and four cases, respectively. Neoplastic cells showed expression of EBV-encoded RNA, T-cell markers (CD2 and CD3), and cytotoxic markers (TIA1, granzyme-B, and perforin). CD56 and T-cell receptor -γ were expressed in one case each. TCR-BF1, CD4, CD8 and anaplastic lymphoma kinase were negative. In all cases, the disease progressed rapidly, causing death of the patient, with a median survival of 7.1 months (range: 1-13 months). CONCLUSIONS: These cases probably represent a solid form of systemic EBV-positive T-cell lymphoproliferative disease of childhood, which requires identification and the development of appropriate therapy.