ABP Group Research Articles

Dietary apidaecin Api-PR19 addition enhances growth performance by regulating gut health and microbiota in broilers.

This study investigated the effects of Apidaecin Api-PR19 as feed additive on growth performance, intestinal health, and small intestinal microbiota of broilers. A total of 360 1-d-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly assigned to 3 groups with 6 replicates including control group with basal diet (CON), antibiotic growth promotor group with basal plus 10 mg/kg colistin sulfate and 50 mg/kg roxarsone (AGP), and antibacterial peptide group with basal diet plus 330 mg/kg Apidaecin Api-PR19 (ABP). The trial lasted 35 d. Results showed that dietary Api-PR19 addition increased (p<0.05) the average daily feed intake, average daily gain and decreased (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) during 1 to 21 d compared with the CON group. The digestibility of dry matter and crude protein were higher in AGP and ABP groups (p<0.05) where greater trypsin activity was detected in duodenum (p<0.05). The ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V/C) in duodenum and jejunum was increased at 35 d when broilers were given diets with ABP or AGP (p<0.05). Besides, ABP treatments up-regulated (p<0.05) the mRNA expression of EAAT3, GLUT2, ZO-1, and Claudin-1 in duodenum of broilers at 35 d of age. The results of immunohistochemistry showed that ABP treatment significantly increased (p<0.05) duodenal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) content. In addition, 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that there were differences in the intestinal microbiota diversity and composition among three groups. Notably, the linear discriminant analysis effect size showed that p_Firmicutes, g_Enterococcus, g_Carnobacterium, g_Kitasatospora, and g_Acidaminococcus were dominant in ABP group. Redundancy analysis showed that these changes in gut microbiota in ABP group had correlation with growth performance, intestinal morphology, and content of sIgA. In general, these results indicated that dietary 330 mg/kg Apidaecin Api-PR19 supplementation promoted growth performance of broilers by improving intestinal development, nutrients absorption, immune function and modulating intestinal microbiota.

Evaluation of Anaesthetic Indices and Physiological Variables Following Total Intravenous Anaesthesia with Acepromazine-Butorphanol-Propofol Combination in Dogs

The study determined the anaesthetic and physiological effects of Acepromazine-Butorphanol-Propofol (ABP-combination) and propofol alone (PRO alone) in dogs. Ten clinically healthy dogs were randomly assigned to two groups to evaluate the anaesthetic and physiological effects following ABP-combination and PRO-alone anaesthesia administered intravenously (iv). Acepromazine at 0.02mg/kg and Butorphanol at 0.05mg/kg iv were used to premedicate the dogs and Propofol at 4mg/kg for induction five minutes after premedication in ABP-combination group while Propofol alone at 6mg/kg for total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) induction without premedication. Onset of anaesthesia, duration of anaesthesia time to standing, onset and duration of analgesia and duration of intubation were measured, whereas temperature, heart rate and respiratory rates were measured before induction of anaesthesia and at five minutes interval during anaesthesia. All the anaesthetic indices were significantly (p&lt;0.05) different between groups while onset and duration of analgesia was recorded in ABP group only. Significantly (p&lt;0.05) longer duration of anaesthesia was produced by ABP-combination compared with PRO-alone. Time to standing were significantly different (p&lt;0.05) between the two treatments. The onset and duration of analgesia was 5.0±2.0 and 33.6±3.2 min. following ABP-combination but no analgesia recorded with PRO-alone. There was significant decrease (p&lt;0.05) in rectal temperature and respiratory rate from the baseline in ABP-combination group but not significant in PRO-alone group. There was significant (p&lt;0.05) difference in heart rates between groups. ABP-combination TIVA provided longer duration of anaesthesia and analgesia with minimal effects on vital parameters. The dogs recovered from the anaesthesia uneventfully. The ABP-combination can be evaluated for clinical procedures in dog.

Antibiotic bead pouch versus negative pressure wound therapy at initial management of AO/OTA 42 type IIIB open tibia fracture may reduce fracture related infection: A retrospective analysis of 113 patients

IntroductionFracture related infection (FRI) may be a devastating complication of open tibial shaft fractures. We sought to determine if antibiotic bead pouch, negative pressure wound therapy, or negative pressure wound therapy over antibiotic beads as the initial coverage method for type IIIB open tibial shaft fractures is associated with risk of FRI. Patients and methodsRetrospective cohort study with radiograph and chart review of patients aged ≥16 years with isolated, displaced, extra-articular, Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB open diaphyseal AO/OTA 42 tibial fractures requiring rotational or free tissue transfer for soft tissue coverage at one Level 1 trauma center between 2007 and 2020. An association of dressing applied at the first surgical debridement (application of antibiotic bead pouch, negative pressure wound therapy, or combined therapy) with a primary outcome of FRI requiring debridement or amputation was analyzed by multivariable logistic regression considering demographic, injury, and treatment characteristics. Results113 patients met eligibility criteria. Median follow-up was 33 months (interquartile range 5–88). 41 patients were initially treated with NPWT, 59 with ABP, and 13 with ABP+NPWT at the initial surgical debridement. 39 (35%) underwent subsequent debridement or amputation for FRI. One amputation occurred in the ABP group for refractory deep surgical site infection (p = 0.630). Initial wound management with an antibiotic bead pouch versus either negative pressure wound therapy alone or negative pressure wound therapy combined with an antibiotic bead pouch was associated with lower odds of debridement or amputation for FRI (β = -1.08, 95% CI -2.00 to -0.17, p = 0.02). ConclusionsIn our retrospective analysis, antibiotic bead pouch for initial coverage of type IIIB open tibial shaft fractures requiring flap coverage was associated with a lower risk of FRI requiring debridement or amputation than negative pressure wound therapy applied with or without antibiotic beads. A prospective clinical trial is warranted.

Progression of Type 1 Diabetes: Circulating MicroRNA Expression Profiles Changes from Preclinical to Overt Disease.

Objectives To evaluate the potential biological involvement of miRNA expression in the immune response and beta cell function in T1D. MethodsWe screened 377 serum miRNAs of 110 subjects divided into four groups: healthy individuals (control group) and patients at different stages of T1D progression, from the initial immunological manifestation presenting islet autoantibodies (AbP group) until partial and strong beta cell damage in the recent (recent T1D group) and long-term T1D, with 2 to 5 years of disease (T1D 2-5y group).Results The results revealed 69 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in relation to controls. Several miRNAs were correlated with islet autoantibodies (IA2A, GADA, and Znt8A), age, and C-peptide levels, mainly from AbP, and recent T1D groups pointing these miRNAs as relevant to T1D pathogenesis and progression. Several miRNAs were related to metabolic derangements, inflammatory pathways, and several other autoimmune diseases. Pathway analysis of putative DEM targets revealed an enrichment in pathways related to metabolic syndrome, inflammatory response, apoptosis and insulin signaling pathways, metabolic derangements, and decreased immunomodulation. One of the miRNAs' gene targets was DYRK2 (dual-specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 2), which is an autoantigen targeted by an antibody in T1D. ROC curve analysis showed hsa-miR-16 and hsa-miR-200a-3p with AUCs greater than for glucose levels, with discriminating power for T1D prediction greater than glucose levels. Conclusions/Interpretation. Our data suggests a potential influence of DEMs on disease progression from the initial autoimmune lesion up to severe beta cell dysfunction and the role of miRNAs hsa-miR-16 and hsa-miR-200a-3p as biomarkers of T1D progression.

Effects of anterior bite planes fabricated from acrylic resin and thermoplastic material on masticatory muscle responses and maximum bite force in children with a deep bite: A 6-month randomised controlled trial.

Anterior bite planes are bite-raising appliances used for deep bite correction. However, muscle responses to anterior bite planes of different harnesses may vary. To prospectively evaluate masticatory muscle activity, muscle balance and maximum bite force (MBF) responses to anterior bite planes fabricated from acrylic resin (ABP) or bi-laminate thermoplastic (TBP) over 6months in children with a deep bite. Sixty-six children were randomly assigned to the ABP, TBP or untreated control groups. Masticatory muscle activity, activity index (AC) and percentage overlapping coefficient (POC) were assessed by surface electromyography; MBF, using a custom-made bite force sensor. Data were collected before, immediately after appliance insertion and after 2 weeks and 1, 3 and 6months of treatment. Within- and between-group differences were analysed using the one-way ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (α=.05); Friedman's tests were used to assess within-group differences over time (α=.08). At rest, no dependent variables changed throughout the study. At maximum clenching, masticatory muscle activity immediately dropped significantly but returned to baseline values and was equal to the control group at 1-3months. The ABP group had significantly lower masseter activity and AC than the TBP group after insertion. Neither POC nor MBF were significantly different within or between groups. Masticatory muscle activity reduced after anterior bite plane insertion but returned to baseline after 1-3months. Masseter activity decreased significantly more in the ABP group than TBP group. Neither appliance significantly affected POC or MBF. Thai Clinical Trial Registry (TCTR20210330002).

The impact of constant antibiotic prophylaxis in children affected by spinal dysraphism performing clean intermittent catheterization: a 2-year monocentric retrospective analysis

IntroductionSpinal dysraphism (SD) is a general term used to refer to developmental abnormalities of the spine that involves many clinical conditions including myelomeningocele (MMC). In these patients, neurogenic bladder (NB) is a common and predisposing factor for renal damage; the most frequently used approach to manage this situation is based on clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and anticholinergic drugs. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a significant concern for these patients, and antibiotic prophylaxis is frequently used even if it is still a debated topic of literature. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role and the real effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis in the reduction of incidence of UTIs in patients with spina bifida performing CIC.MethodsWe collected data of all patients performing CIC, who did their last follow-up visit in the period between January 2019 and January 2021, followed at the children multidisciplinary Spina Bifida Center of A. Gemelli Hospital in Rome. Data collected included age at referral, gender, type of SD lesion, serum creatinine and cystatin C levels, the use of anticholinergic medications, antibiotic prophylaxis and type of prophylaxis (oral/endovesical), age of starting prophylaxis with its duration/adherence, number of CIC/day and its duration, episodes of UTIs in the 2 years prior to the last follow-up, and presence and grade of vesical-ureteric reflux (VUR) on cystourethrogram.ResultsA total of 121 patients with SD performing CIC was included in the study; 66 (54%) presented ≥ 1 episode of UTIs in the last two years and 55 (46%) none. During the study period, 85 (70%) patients received antibiotic prophylaxis (ABP group) and 36 (30%) did not (NABP group): no statistically significative difference in terms of UTI development was observed between the two groups (p = 0.17). We also evaluated compliance to the therapy; 71 patients (59%) took antibiotic prophylaxis constantly (CABP group) and 50 (41%) did not do antibiotic prophylaxis constantly or did not do antibiotic prophylaxis at all (NCABP group): we observed a statistically significative difference in terms of UTIs with a 2.2 times higher risk of development at least one episode of UTIs in NCABP group.ConclusionIn conclusion, antibiotic prophylaxis performed constantly, without interruption, is associated with a lower risk of developing urinary tract infections and consequently to develop renal failure in adulthood.

Agaricus blazei polypeptide exerts a protective effect on D-galactose-induced aging mice via the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE and P53/Trim32 signaling pathways.

This experiment mainly optimized the extraction technology of Agaricus blazei polypeptide (ABp) and evaluated its protective effect on aging mice. In this study, a novel single component, the M is 3 kD, was isolated and purified from Agaricus blazei. An aging mouse model was established using D-galactose. After the administration of ABp, the contents of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and reactive oxygen species were significantly changed. Through immunofluorescence staining, it was observed that ABp can reduce changes in brain tissue. The differential expression of genes was analyzed by RNA-seq. A total of 295 differentially expressed genes were screened out in the ABp group.RT-qPCR verified important genes and showed that the mRNA expression levels of Hsph1, Trim32, HK1, Hnrnpa1, and Grik5 were significantly increased, and those of ApoE, Atp1a3, Stxbp1, and Mapk8ip1 was significantly decreased. Western blotting showed that the protein expression levels of Keap1 and p53 were significantly lower, while the protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, Hsph1, and Trim32 were significantly higher in the ABP group. ABp played an anti-aging role in an aging mouse model. The specific mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of the expression of the Keap1/Nrf2/P53 signaling pathway and related factors. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The research may contribute to the development of ABp as functional foods or dietary supplements for anti-aging in the future.

Apabetalone, a selective BET protein inhibitor, reduces ischemic cardiovascular events and hospitalization for heart failure in patients with acute coronary syndrome and type 2 diabetes

Abstract Background Despite established treatments, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are at higher risk of ischemic cardiovascular (CV) events and hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) compared to those without T2DM. LDL-C lowering or use of GLP-1 agonists predominantly affects ischemic CV events, with little effect on HHF. Conversely, treatment with SGLT-2 inhibitors reduces HHF, with less effect on ischemic CV events. Preclinical studies indicate that bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins coordinate gene transcription for pathways that promote atherothrombotic events as well as heart failure. We assessed the clinical effect of apabetalone (APB), a novel BET protein inhibitor, on a composite of non-fatal ischemic CV events, HHF, and CV death in a post hoc analysis of the BETonMACE trial Methods BETonMACE was a double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study in patients with T2DM and recent acute coronary syndrome receiving standard of care risk factor management. In 13 countries, 2425 patients were enrolled. We conducted a time-to-event analysis for first adjudicated CV death or non-fatal MI, stroke, or HHF using a log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model. Results At baseline median age was 62 years, 25.6% were female, 87.6% white, and use of high intensity statin, ACE inhibitors/ angiotensin II blockers, dual antiplatelet therapy and beta blocker were 90, 88, 92 and 91% respectively. A total of 312 subjects had an endpoint event, with 139 (11.5%) patients in the ABP group and 173 (14.3%) among PBO (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.63–0.98, p=0.03, Figure). At 26 months, the absolute risk reduction was 3.2% and number needed to treat was 31. Numerically favorable HRs were observed for each component endpoint except for stroke (Table). Conclusion This present analysis suggests that BET inhibition with APB may be a novel pathway through which to reduce both HHF and ischemic CV events in high risk patients with T2DM thus impacting broader clinical outcomes with potentially large benefits for patients and healthcare systems. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Resverlogix Corp

The relationship between the antihypertensive effect of b-adrenergic blockers and the initial daily variability of sinus rhythm

The objective of rhe study was to identify the features of the daily sinus rhythm variability (HRV), affecting the manifestations of the antihypertensive effect of b-adrenergic blockers and to establish the connection of this effect with the dynamics of the daily HRV. Material and methods. 52 patients with grade 1-2 degree essential arterial hypertension (32 to 60 years old - 21 men and 31 women) underwent general clinical and functional examination using bifunctional monitoring of ECG and blood pressure before and after treatment with carvedilol, nebivolol and bisoprolol. Monitor daily mean systolic (MSAD) and diastolic (MDAD) pressure were assessed in comparison with the distribution of heart rate during the day and the amount of HRV corresponding to different ranges of heart rate. Results. The initial average group values of the MSAD and MDAD parameters and the HR distribution during the day were equal in groups in groups with achieved (ABP) and not achieved (NABP) target blood pressure levels. Achievement of target levels of mean daily blood pressure (SBP≤130 mm Hg and DBP≤80 mm Hg) is associated with the initial quantitative parameters of daily HRV, corresponding to different ranges of HR. Differences between HRV in the ABP and NABP groups appear in the HR ranges of less than 75 beats/min: the initial values of HRV are greater in the ABP group than in the NABP group. In the range of heart rates 69-75 beats/min, the differences in HRV values become significant. As a result of therapy, the initially high mean group values of HRV in the ABP group decrease, while in the NABP group they remain unchanged. Conclusion. With initially high values of HRV in the heart rate range of 69-75 beats/min, the likelihood of a decrease in blood pressure to the target level during treatment with b-adrenergic blockers increases

Effects of Achyranthes bidentata Polysaccharides on Intestinal Morphology, Immune Response, and Gut Microbiome in Yellow Broiler Chickens Challenged with Escherichia coli K88.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary Achyranthes bidentata polysaccharide (ABPS) supplementation on performance, immune response, intestinal mucosal morphology, and gut microbiome in yellow-feathered broilers challenged with Escherichia coli K88. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used for the trial. Two hundred and forty one-day-old female broilers were randomly assigned to four treatments: (1) negative-control broilers were fed by a basal diet and saline (NG); (2) positive-control broilers were fed by a basal diet and orally challenged with 108 CFU E. coli K88 (CNG); (3) ABP group broilers were fed by a basal diet containing ABPS (500 mg/kg of feed) and saline; (4) CABP group broilers were fed by a basal diet containing ABPS (500 mg/kg of feed) and orally challenged with 108 CFU E. coli K88. Growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, immune responses, intestinal mucosal morphology, and cecal microbial community structure were evaluated. The ABP group had greatest body weight (BW), average daily body weight gain (ADG), and intestinal villus height compared to other treatments (p < 0.05). The CABP group had a higher villus height/crypt depth ratio (V/C) compared with other treatments (p < 0.05). The expression levels of NF-κB were lower in the ABP group. The CNG group had higher Escherichia coli and Enterococcus contents in cecal samples compared to other treatments (p < 0.05). Serum glucose, uric acid, TNF-α, and Secretory Immunoglobulin A (S-IgA) levels were higher in broilers challenged with E. coli (p < 0.001) than that with saline. Broilers challenged with E. coli had reduced taxa richness in the cecal samples. Sequencing of 16S rRNA genes in cecal samples revealed that a lower proportion of Firmicutes and a higher proportion of Proteobacteria were detected in the broilers challenged with E. coli. Compared with the controls, dietary ABPS supplementation increased serum total protein, albumin, and S-IgA levels, but decreased serum glucose, uric acid, and TNF-α levels in broilers (p < 0.05). Diet supplemented with ABPS increased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and the abundance of Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae, and altered cecal microbiota community structure. These results suggest that ABPS can promote growth performance and improve intestinal morphology and microbiota community structure in broilers challenged with E. coli K88.

Changes in the liver transcriptome of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fed experimental diets based on terrestrial alternatives to fish meal and fish oil

BackgroundDependence on marine natural resources threatens the sustainability of Atlantic salmon aquaculture. In the present study, Atlantic salmon fed for 14 weeks with an experimental diet based on animal by-products and vegetable oil (ABP) exhibited reduced growth performance compared with others fed a fish meal/fish oil based experimental diet (MAR) and a plant protein/vegetable oil-based experimental diet (VEG). To characterize the molecular changes underlying the differences in growth performance, we conducted a 44 K microarray study of the liver transcriptome of the three dietary groups.ResultsThe microarray experiment identified 122 differentially expressed features (Rank Products, PFP < 10%). Based on their associated Gene Ontology terms, 46 probes were classified as metabolic and growth-relevant genes, 25 as immune-related, and 12 as related to oxidation-reduction processes. The microarray results were validated by qPCR analysis of 29 microarray-identified transcripts. Diets significantly modulated the transcription of genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism (gck and pfkfb4), cell growth and proliferation (sgk2 and htra1), apoptosis (gadd45b), lipid metabolism (fabp3, idi1, sqs), and immunity (igd, mx, ifit5, and mhcI). Hierarchical clustering and linear correlation analyses were performed to find gene expression patterns among the qPCR-analyzed transcripts, and connections between them and muscle and liver lipid composition. Overall, our results indicate that changes in the liver transcriptome and tissue lipid composition were driven by cholesterol synthesis up-regulation by ABP and VEG diets, and the lower carbohydrate intake in the ABP group. Two of the microarray-identified genes (sgk2 and htra1) might be key to explaining glucose metabolism regulation and the dietary-modulation of the immune system in fish. To evaluate the potential of these genes as predictive biomarkers, we subjected the qPCR data to a stepwise discriminant analysis. Three sets of no more than four genes were found to be able to predict, with high accuracy (67–94%), salmon growth and fatty acid composition.ConclusionsThis study provides new findings on the impact of terrestrial animal and plant products on the nutrition and health of farmed Atlantic salmon, and a new method based on gene biomarkers for potentially predicting desired phenotypes, which could help formulate superior feeds for the Atlantic salmon aquaculture industry.

A comparison of proximal femoral locking plate versus 95-degree angled blade plate in the treatment of reverse intertrochanteric fractures

This study aims to compare the results of the proximal femoral locking plate (PFLP) and the 95°-angled blade plate in the treatment of AO/OTA 31-A3 reverse intertrochanteric fractures with fracture line extending to the greater trochanter. Forty-four patients with reverse intertrochanteric fracture which fracture line extending to the greater trochanter were retrospectively analyzed. Of those, 20 were treated with PFLP (PFLP group) and 24 were treated with ABP (ABP group). The AO/OTA classification was used for the classification of the fractures. Patients were assessed clinically and radiologically for the union at the fracture site and implant-related complications. Hip functions were evaluated with the Harris hip score. The mean time to union was 17 weeks (range 14-28) and 18 weeks (range 16-32) in the PFLP group and ABP group, respectively. Implant failure and/or nonunion was observed in two patients (10%) in the PFLP group and in three patients (12%) in the ABP group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups with regard to the Harris hip scores, time to union, need for reoperation due to mechanical problems, and complication rates (p>0.05). Our study results show that these two fixation methods seem to produce similar results in the treatment of reverse intertrochanteric fractures with greater trochanteric comminution. However, we suggest that ABP still remains as a good choice with less expense in such fractures.

Growth performance, feed utilization and product quality in slaughter size Atlantic salmon (Salmo salarL.) fed a diet with porcine blood meal, poultry oil and salmon oil

In a 17-week experiment with Atlantic salmon (2.3–5.2 kg) in sea cages, a diet containing European animal by-products and salmon oil (ABP) was compared with a control diet based on fish and plant ingredients, with respect to performance and product quality. Fish fed with the ABP diet had similar growth rates, but slightly improved feed conversion ratio (feed: gain; 1.08 versus 1.14) compared with the control. No differences were seen in fish length, live weight or condition factor. Final body composition was similar and retention of nitrogen and energy did not differ between diets. Higher DPA (C22:5 n-3) content in the ABP diet apparently inhibited conversion of EPA (C20:5 n-3) to DPA, resulting in higher EPA retention in muscle and whole body. Muscle and whole body DHA (C22:6 n-3) level and n-3 : n-6 ratio were higher in the ABP group, corresponding with dietary levels. There were no differences in slaughter yield, quality classification, gaping score or fillet texture between diets. The feed with ABP contained less astaxanthin, possibly because of degradation catalyzed by iron in blood meal, and this resulted in lower muscle colour score and astaxanthin concentration (4.6 versus 6.4 mg kg−1). A sensory test did not reveal any differences in odour, flavour, or texture.