Effect of live Eimeria vaccination or salinomycin on growth and immune status in broiler chickens receiving in-feed inclusion of gelatin and vitamin E.

This experiment determined if 2% of gelatin, to improve the levels of proline and glycine in the diet, and 70 mg/kg of vitamin E supplementation would relieve the impaired performance of male Cobb broilers vaccinated for coccidiosis. Half of the chicks were vaccinated via water (live oocysts), while the other half received medication (salinomycin) in the feed until 35 d of age. The effects of coccidiosis vaccine on performance and mRNA levels of genes involved in mucin synthesis, cytokines, trefoil family factor-2 (TFF2), and metabolic processes (CD36) in the jejunum of broilers were measured. Vaccination negatively affected performance in the first 21 d; however, the inclusion of gelatin and vitamin E reduced this negative response. Additionally, supplementation with these nutrients led to an improvement in broilers receiving the coccidiostat (P < 0.05). From 21 to 35 d, birds treated with gelatin and coccidiosis vaccine experienced better body weight gain than birds without gelatin and vitamin E (P < 0.05). Vaccinated chickens had decreased body weight and decreased anti-inflammatory cytokine expression. Furthermore, they had increased inflammatory cytokine expression, mucin 2 expression, and TFF2 compared to salinomycin-fed broilers (P < 0.05). Transcripts for IL-1B, IFN-y, MUC2, TFF2 were decreased while mRNAs for IL-4 and IL-10 increased in salinomycin-fed broilers compared to vaccinated broilers (P < 0.05). In conclusion, broilers vaccinated against coccidiosis increase their pro-inflammatory immune status and mucin expression compared to broilers receiving salinomycin. These events may contribute to lower performance in vaccinated broiler chicks. Moreover, vitamin E and gelatin can minimize the vaccine's negative immune effects and promote better performance.

Changes in the ceca microbiota of broilers vaccinated for coccidiosis or supplemented with salinomycin.

The objective of this study was to characterize differences in the cecal microbiota of chickens vaccinated for coccidiosis or receiving salinomycin in the diet. In this study, 140 male 1-day-old broiler chickens were divided in 2 groups: vaccine group (live vaccine) vaccinated at the first day and salinomycin group (125 ppm/kg since the first day until 35 d of age). Each treatment was composed for 7 replicates of 10 birds per pen. At 28 d, the cecal content of one bird per replicate was collected for microbiota analysis. The genetic sequencing was conducted by the Miseq Illumina platform. Vaccine group showed lower body weight, weight gain, and poorer feed conversion in the total period (P < 0.05). Bacterial 16S rRNA genes were classified as 3 major phyla (Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria), accounting for more than 98% of the total bacterial community. The microbiota complexity in the cecal was estimated based on the α-diversity indices. The vaccine did not reduce species richness and diversity (P > 0.05). The richness distribution in the salinomycin group was larger and more uniform than the vaccinated birds. Salinomycin group was related to the enrichment of Bacteroidetes, whereas Firmicutes and Proteobacteria phyla were in greater proportions in the vaccine group. The last phylum includes a wide variety of pathogenic bacteria. The vaccine did not decrease the species richness but decreased the percentage of Bacteroidetes, a phylum composed by genera that produce short-chain fatty acids improving intestinal health. Vaccine group also had higher Proteobacteria phylum, which may help explain its poorer performance.

Effect of early feed restriction programs and genetic strain on humoral immune response production in broiler chickens.

Two experiments were conducted to compare the immunocompetence of Cobb high performance and rustic Label Rouge broilers and the influence of reduced growth rates subsequent to feed restriction on the IgY anti-bovine serum albumin (BSA) response. In the first experiment (EXP), 360 broilers were assigned to 36 cages from 1 to 42 days of age. A completely randomized design was applied in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement, with 3 groups (Label Rouge, Cobb ad libitum, and Cobb Restricted Intake), and 2 levels of energy (3,100 and 2,800 kcal/kg); there were 6 replicates per treatment. In the second EXP, 384 Cobb 500 male broilers were randomly assigned to the following feed restriction programs from day 8 to 16: Control, fed ad libitum; Quantitative (80% of the control amount); By Time (fed for 8 h/d), and Qualitative (80% limiting nutrients) restriction. Blood samples were collected on days 35 and 42 (EXP 1) and weekly from day 7 to 42 (EXP 2) for IgY anti-BSA quantification. In EXP 1, the production of IgY anti-BSA was lower in the Cobb groups (P < 0.0001) than in the Label Rouge group, and higher in the Cobb Restricted Intake group (P < 0.0001) compared with the same genetic strain fed ad libitum. Birds fed the low energy diet presented lower (P ≤ 0.06) IgY anti-BSA, independent of genetics. In EXP 2, no difference (P > 0.05) was observed 1 wk after the first BSA inoculation. However, at day 28, birds in all feed restriction programs had higher (P < 0.05) IgY anti-BSA than the Control group fed ad libitum. At day 35, the greatest residual effect of IgY anti-BSA was observed in the Quantitative restriction group. No differences (P > 0.05) were observed between groups after 42 d. The 3 early feed restriction programs had beneficial effects on the humoral immune response. Overall, Quantitative restriction promoted a longer lasting IgY anti-BSA response. Lower growth rate, due to feed restriction or genetic potential, improves humoral immunity in broiler chickens.

Effect of broiler breeders fed with corn or sorghum diet and canthaxanthin supplementation on production and reproductive performance.

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of corn or sorghum diet and canthaxanthin (CX) supplementation on performance in broiler breeders. A total of 440 females with similar body weight (BW) (3.71 ± 0.14 kg) and 60 roosters were placed in an open-sided house with 20 pens, randomly distributed in a factorial arrangement (2 × 2). There were 4 diets of 2 ingredients; corn (CO) or sorghum (SO) and 2 levels of CX; 6 mg/kg (CX) and 0 mg/kg (NCX) totaling 5 replicate pens of 22 females and 3 males each, from 42 to 65 wk, divided in 2 periods (from wk 42 to 53 and wk 54 to 65). Birds' BW was measured every 28 d and mortality rate was calculated at the end of trial. Egg production (%), egg specific gravity (g/cm3), egg weight (g), yolk weight (%), albumen weight (%), eggshell weight (%) and yolk colorimetric score were measured weekly. Incubation parameters were recorded in 12 incubations to evaluate hatching eggs, hatching (%), hatchability (%), fertility (%), weight of the chicks born and their quality. The BW, mortality, percentage of yolk and albumen weight, fertility and some incubation parameters were not affected (P > 0.05) by diets used. An increase in the egg production, hatching eggs, chicks born and first quality chick by hen at the second period were observed in CX breeder's diets (P = 0.0066; P = 0.0060; P = 0.0368; P = 0.0326). Egg specific gravity and eggshell weight were improved at the first period by SO+CX diet (P = 0.0138; P = 0.0209) and the same effect to egg weight, but at the second period (P = 0.0251). The CX was well absorbed from the diet and effectively transferred to the egg yolk, thereby increasing egg yolk pigmentation in the both periods (P < 0.0001). The CX supplementation in broiler breeder diets improved the productive and reproductive performance (laying% and hatchable eggs) at the second period, also to the both periods improved the egg yolk pigmentation.

Effect of broiler breeders fed with corn or sorghum and canthaxanthin on lipid peroxidation, fatty acid profile of hatching eggs, and offspring performance.

The aim of study was to evaluate the effect on broiler breeders fed with corn or sorghum diets and canthaxanthin on lipid peroxidation, fatty acid, and offspring's performance. A total of 440 females with similar body weight (BW) (3.77 ± 0.11 kg) and 60 roosters were placed in an open-sided house with 20 pens, randomly distributed in a factorial arrangement (2 × 2). There were 4 diets of 2 ingredients; corn (CO) or sorghum (SO) and 2 levels of canthaxanthin; 6 mg/kg (CX) and 0 mg/kg (NCX) totaling five replicate pens of 22 females and 3 males each, from 45 to 65 wk old. The BW was measured every 28 days, carotenoid concentration, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), fatty acid profile (%) in egg yolks, and the performance from two incubations and their offspring were evaluated. The study had the same statistical design as broiler breeders, making a total of 4 groups with 10 replicate pens of 8 chicks each. The BW and mortality were not affected (P > 0.05) by diets. Egg yolks coming from the CO diet had the highest (P < 0.05) lutein (3.8 vs. 0.49 mg/kg) and zeaxanthin (4.25 vs. 0.22 mg/kg) concentration compared to SO diet. The SO+CX diet had the highest CX concentration (P < 0.0001). The SO+CX diet showed the lowest TBARS (P = 0.0002) in the egg yolk compared to the CO+CX diet. Egg yolks coming from breeders fed with CO showed a higher concentration of saturated fatty acids (23.36 vs. 21.44%) and monounsaturated fatty acids (27.17 vs. 24.96%). Egg yolks arising from broiler breeders fed with SO diets showed a higher concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids compared (15.29 vs. 12.88%). The CX reduced the offspring CO diets mortality and improved their viability at 64 wk-old for the broiler breeders (P < 0.05). CX was well absorbed from the diet and effectively transferred to the egg yolk, thereby increasing its concentration in the yolk. This conferred resistance to oxidative stress to the yolk and also later to the developing embryo and its ultimate performance.

Impact of RANTES, MCP-1 and IL-8 in mast cells.

Chemokines are cytokines with chemotactic properties on inflammatory cells and other cell types. RANTES, MCP-1 and related molecules, constitute the C-C class of chemokine supergene family and a group of cytokines produced by hematopoietic cells, while IL-8 constitute the C-X-C class. The roles of most of these chemokines are not well known, although members of the chemokine family are inflammatory agents. The C-C chemokine plays a role in regulating Th-cell cytokine production and leukocyte trafficking. In this study we clearly show that RANTES and MCP-1 are mediators of acute inflammatory responses. Our report describes additional biological activities for RANTES, MCP-1, and IL-8, suggesting that these chemokines play a fundamental role in histamine and serotonin generation and cell function in mast cells.

Infections and mast cells.

Mast cells play a role in various physiological functions: innate and acquired immunity, epithelium remodelling and proliferation, angiogenesis, cancer, inflammation and infections. Mast cells are activated by cross-linking of FcERI molecules, which are involved in the binding of multivalent antigens to the attached IgE molecules, resulting in a variety of responses including the immediate release of potent inflammatory mediators. In addition, mast cell biology consists in the capability to secrete preformed mediators which include biogenic amines and newly synthetized mediators, which include lipid-derived mediators and cytokines. It has been reported that parasite infections induce a systemic immunomodulatory network, including regulatory T cells, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, which might play a key role in the allergic phenotype. Here, in this article, we revisited the relationship between mast cells and infections.

Neuropeptide substance P induces mRNA expression and secretion of CXCL8 chemokine, and HDC in human umbilical cord blood mast cells.

PURPOSE: Mast cells play an important role in innate and acquired immunity and are thought to be the cellular origin of most proteases and cytokines. Substance P (SP) and its receptor, NK-1R, play critical roles in immune regulation in human and animal models of inflammation. METHODS: We used mature human cord blood mast cells (HCBMC) differentiated from cord blood CD34+ precursor activated with SP in culture. RESULTS: Our data indicate that Substance P strongly activates mature HCBMC in releasing CXCL8 expression and secretion ( CONTROL: 1.200 +/- 1.0; SP: 4.10 +/- 0.90; P < 0.01). Moreover, in a RT-PCR, HCBMC expressed CXCL8 mRNA after Substance P activation. Since calcium ionophore A23187 is a pharmacological activator that raises cytosolic free calcium ion concentraion and stimulates mast cells in the production and secretion of proinflammatory compounds, it was used as positive control. In addition, we found that HCBMCs generate the transcription of histidine decarboxylase (HDC), the enzyme responsible for the generation of histamine from histidine, after SP treatment. Since CXCL8 is a member of the CXC chemokine subfamily with potent chemotactic activity and is a primary inflammatory cytokine we conclude that our results, obtained from HCBMC cultures, a good and valid model in vitro, support the concept that the neurogenic system modulates inflammatory events by Substance P-mediated HCBMC chemokine CXCL8 release. CONCLUSION: The expression, synthesis and release of CXCL8 suggest an increase of inflammatory process in vivo mediated by the recruitment and infiltration of inflammatory cells in inflamed tissues.

Mast cells and chemokines.

Chemokines are small proteins (8-12 kD polypeptides) secreted by the cells of innate and adaptive immunity that mediate many of the functions of these cells, including recruitment of other cells. They are classified into families: CC, CXC and CX3C. CXC chemoattract mainly on neutrophils and CC act mainly on monocytes, eosinophils and mast cells. Mast cells are important cells in the modulation of allergic and inflammatory diseases. Activation of mast cells with specific IgE antibody and antigens or other active compounds such as Substance P and corticotrophin releasing hormone causes transcription and translation of several different cytokines/chemokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), macrophage inflammatory protein-1 (MIP-1) and GM-CSF, RANTES, MCP-1, CXCL8, along with other proinflammatory compounds, proteases (chymase and tryptase), histamine, leukotrienes and prostaglandin D2. Neutralization of chemokines may reduce inflammatory cell accumulation and may protect against allergy, toxic shock syndrome and inflammatory diseases.

Impact of substance P on cellular immunity.

Much evidence suggests a cross-talking between nerve fibers and the immunity system. The immunomodulation by substance P includes cell activation and proliferation of human cells, with cytokine and chemokine generation and release. Substance P was first isolated by Leeman et al. as an undecapeptide with important neurotransmitter-neuromodulator effects. In addition, substance P was shown to induce and mediate inflammation, angiogenesis, infections, intestinal mucosal immunity and stress. Substance P is able to activate several immune cells, such as CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, mast cells, NK cells and macrophages. In recent studies we have shown that substance P can activate interleukin-8, a CXC chemokine, demonstrating its involvement in immune cell chemoattraction. We believe that substance P is important in understanding the pathophysiology of inflammation.

Biology of neurotensin: revisited study.

The tridecapeptide neurotensin (NT) acts in the mammalian brain as a primary neurotransmitter or neuromodulator of classical neurotransmitters. Morphological and functional in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the existence of close interactions between NT and dopamine both in limbic and in striatal brain regions. Additionally, biochemical and neurochemical evidence indicates that in these brain regions NT also plays a crucial role in the regulation of the aminoacidergic signalling. Immune cells, such as lymphocytes, macrophages and mast cells are reported to be activated by neuropeptides, such as neurotensin; this activation leads to cytokine and immunoglobulin production. In addition, neurotensin increases calcium level and the production of nitric oxide. Therefore neurotensin is deeply involved in immunity and inflammation but its real function still remains to be elucidated.

Poly-L-lactic acid beta-tricalcium phosphate screws: a preliminary in vivo biocompatibility study.

The aim of this study is to assess the biocompatibility of two types of Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) screws (with either hydroxyapatite (HA) or beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP)) implanted in the left femur of four sheep euthanized at 42, 50, 57 and 84 days after surgery. Titanium screws were also implanted for comparison purposes. No signs of inflammation were seen in the 240 specimens. A rating of "+/-" for macrophages and "-" for neutrophils was assigned to all specimens. All specimens were assigned a rating which ranged from "+/-" to "+++" for fibroblasts and osteoblasts. The presence of macrophages, neutrophils and fibroblasts/osteoblasts was not statistically different for the four implantation periods. PLLA implants with beta-TCP have a biocompatibility comparable to PLLA implants with HA.

Effects of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury on postural control and muscle activity of head, neck and trunk muscles.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects that an anterior cruciate ligament injury of the knee has on postural control and activity of neck, head and trunk muscles to investigate the existence of connections between the masticatory system and body posture. Surface electromyographic activity of the muscles at mandibular rest position, and during maximal voluntary clenching and posturometric and stabilometric measurements of 25 adult patients having pathology on the left knee were compared with a control non-pathological group. At rest, the patients showed a higher muscular activity of anterior temporalis, masseter, sternocleidomastoid and lower trapezius, compared with the control subjects (P < 0.05). At maximal voluntary clenching, the patients showed a lower muscular activity of the right anterior temporalis and masseter and a higher muscular activity of the lower trapezius, compared with the control subjects. For the stabilometric measurements, all the subjects showed a significant reduction in the postural centre of pressure path length during the test with eyes open and cotton rolls, compared with the test with eyes closed and mandibular rest position (P < 0.05). In addition, the patients showed a significant displacement of the postural centre of pressure in a forward direction (P < 0.05) and into the right side (P < 0.05), compared with the control subjects. Anterior cruciate ligament injury appears to be associated to a change in the activity of head, neck and trunk muscles and to a change in the position of the postural centre of pressure. Cotton rolls seem to improve the stability of the subject.

Arthroscopic treatment of post-traumatic elbow stiffness.

AIM: The treatment of post-traumatic elbow stiffness has seen many important changes over the years, particularly through the development of arthroscopy, greater knowledge of anatomy and improvements in operative techniques, that reduce the incidence of complications and facilitate postoperative recovery. In this study mid-term clinical results of arthroscopy for post-traumatic elbow stiffness are evaluated in 15 sporting patients, with an average age of 32 years. METHODS: Eight patients reported post-traumatic stiffness due to fracture of the radial head, 3 to fracture-dislocation, 1 to fracture of the radial diaphysis complicated by osteosynthesis, and the remaining 3 patients to stress syndromes with osteochondral detachment. Surgical treatment consists in debridement, arthroscopic capsular release, and removal of bone fragments by arthroscopy. Patients were followed up from 4 up to 36 months, with a mean follow-up time of 18 months. RESULTS: Results obtained have been good to excellent in 84% of cases with an average range in postoperative movement of 13 degrees-137 degrees and reduction in pain symptomatology. The statistic results obtained from this study, under the same conditions and with a confidence interval = 0.01, show that the treatment will have favorable outcomes in 63% of patients of entire population (0.6285

Influence of knee pathology on body posture and muscle activity of head, neck and trunk muscles.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects that an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury of the knee has on postural control and activity of neck, head and trunk muscles in order to investigate the existence of connections between the masticatory system and body posture. METHODS: Surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity of the muscles and their asymmetry index, at mandibular rest position, and during maximal voluntary clenching (MVC), and posturometric and stabilometric measurements of 25 patients (mean age 28+/-9 years) having undergone ACL injury of the left knee were compared with a control non-pathologic group. RESULTS: At rest, the patients showed a higher sEMG activity of the anterior temporalis, masseter, sternocleidomastoid and lower trapezius, compared with the control subjects (P<0.05). At MVC, the patients showed a lower sEMG activity of the right anterior temporalis and masseter and a higher sEMG activity of the lower trapezius, compared with the control subjects. For the stabilometric measurements, all the subjects showed a significant reduction in the Center of Pressure (CoP) path length during the test with eyes open and cotton rolls, compared with the test with eyes closed and mandibular rest position (P<0.05). In addition, the patients showed a significant displacement of the CoP in a forward direction (P<0.05) and to the righ side (P<0.05), compared with the control-subjects during each test. CONCLUSIONS: ACL injury appears to be associated to a change in the sEMG activity of head, neck and trunk muscles and to a change in the position of the CoP of the body. Cotton rolls seem to improve the stability of the subject.

Infra-red laser irradiation enhances interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, increases 3H-thymidine incorporation and the release of [3H]arachidonic acid in human monocytes.

The effect of infra-red laser irradiation has been experimented on various biological systems and particularly in human tissues, in vitro as well as in vivo. In order to examine the influence of laser irradiation on cells of the monocytic lineage we have irradiated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with an infra-red laser at a wavelength of 904 nm, at 2000 Hz frequency and 15 mW for 2 min. Here, we report that laser irradiation for 2 min. at different preincubation times (T = 0 and T = 30 min) enhances LPS (10 micrograms/ml or PHA (10 micrograms/ml, suboptimal concentration)-stimulated monocytes by modifying cell proliferation, as judged by [3H] thymidine incorporation. IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) along with an increased release of [3H] Arachidonic acid production, is also influenced by laser irradiated monocytes when treated for 2 min after 1 h incubation. IL-1RA production increased 4-5 fold after laser irradiation, while 3H-arachidonic acid incorporated from PMA-stimulated cells increased and the effect was significant at T = 0 and T = 30 min; while at T = 1 h the effect was negligible. These results may provide new information regarding the effect of laser irradiation on the immune system.

[The distal pedicle fasciocutaneous flaps of the leg. Analysis of 21 cases of lower limb reconstruction]. / I lembi fascio-cutanei di gamba a peduncolo distale. Analisi di 21 casi di ricostruzione dell'arto inferiore.

The fascio-cutaneous flaps with distal pedicle, with the new discoveries on fascial and septal circulation of the lower limbs, are a valid reconstructing method for the loss of substance localized on the third inferior of the leg and in the heel's region. In 21 patients, 18 men and 3 women, fascio-cutaneous flaps were employed for the traumatic loss of substance, just in two cases consequentially to removal of maligns lesions, all of them were omolaterals except in three cases in which cross-leg were used. The results are satisfying if we remember that just in two cases we had partial necrosis and in other two cases we had to reinstate the flap which had survived just in his deep position. The advantages of using this technique are supported by his good results and simple execution, realising anyhow that complicated or contaminated trumas need more complex plastic reconstruction.

[Fractures of the calcaneus. The indications for surgical treatment]. / Le fratture del calcagno. Indicazioni al trattamento chirurgico.

The authors report the results obtained from a study of 41 cases of calcaneal fractures. Surgical treatment, when possible, is to be applied because it allows a satisfactory reconstruction of the subtalar and calcaneocuboid joint. The choice of various surgical methods is facilitated by computerised tomography which allows a precise assessment of the calcaneum. The quality and the stability of the reduction determine in a significant way the functional result.

[The carpal tunnel syndrome in hemodialysis patients]. / La sindrome del tunnel carpale negli emodializzati.

The authors describe etiopathogenetic and anatomopathological characteristics of the carpal tunnel syndrome in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. In light of clinical experience early surgical treatment, which resolves the syndrome, is recommended.