SBM Group Research Articles

The protective role of glutamine on enteropathy induced by high dose of soybean meal in turbot, Scophthalmus maximus L.

The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effect and regulatory mechanism of Gln on the enteropathy of turbot induced by soybean meal. Three isonitrogenous and isolipidic practical diets were formulated with fish meal basis (FM), soy protein replacing 40% fish meal protein (SBM) and dietary 2% Ala-Gln in SBM (Ala-Gln) for sextuple replicates of 30 fish each tank for 12 weeks. The fish in SBM group presented distinct enteropathy including declined absorptive surface and overt infiltration of mixed leukocytes in the lamina propria. However, the turbot fed Ala-Gln diet showed the integrity of the intestinal tissue structure and higher ADC and AKP levels like fish in FM group. Compared to SBM group, the inclusion of 2% Ala-Gln in SBM-basal diet significantly elevated the expression of barrier-forming tight junction proteins claudin-4, occludin and ZO-1 and depressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α in the intestine. Fish fed Ala-Gln diet showed remarkable increased MUC-2 and PPAR-γ gene expression as well as reduced expression of NF-κB and MLCK equivalent to the level of FM group. Additionally, Gln significantly elevated the relative abundance of Proteobacteria (Vibrio spp.) and declined Bacteroidetes (Bacteroides spp.) relative abundance. The similarity of intestinal microbial communities in Ala-Gln group was notably closer to FM group from PCoA, UPGMA and Heatmap analyses based on weighted UniFrac distance. In conclusion, dietary Gln could probably enhance intestinal barrier function to alleviate enteropathy by improving MUC-2 and PPAR-γ expression and inhibiting NF-κB-MLCK signaling pathway, as well as altering microbiota.

Barbary partridge meat quality as affected by Hermetia illucens and Tenebrio molitor larva meals in feeds

A partial substitution (25 or 50%) of dietary protein with Tenebrio molitor (TM) and Hermetia illucens (HI) meals as protein sources in the diet of Barbary partridge (Alectoris barbara) has been tested in terms of raw and cooked meat quality. Twelve partridges per feeding group (control - SBM, HI25, HI50, TM25 and TM50) were slaughtered. The peeled carcasses of the HI25, HI50, TM25 and TM50 groups were heavier than those of the SBM group, both raw and cooked. The pH, color and shear force of the raw meat were not affected to any greater extent by the diet, whereas the presence of insect meal seemed to increase the yellowness index of the cooked meat. The proximate composition was unaffected by both the species and the level of insect meal, although the fatty acid profile was changed considerably. The HI and TM groups had significantly higher C18:1n-9 and lower C16:0 contents than SBM. Furthermore, Hermetia illucens, added as 50% of the dietary protein, induced a significant increase in C12:0 and C16:1n-7. As a result, the highest AI and TI were obtained for the HI50 diet (0.38 and 0.75, respectively), whereas the TM groups both had intermediate AI values (around 0.35) and the lowest TI (0.67). Finally, the cholesterol content of the birds was not affected by insect inclusion in the feeds.

Quality of eggs from Lohmann Brown Classic laying hens fed black soldier fly meal as substitute for soya bean

Soya bean is the main protein source in poultry feed but rising prices make an alternative protein source necessary. Insects, such as the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), may be an attractive solution for hens, although little information is available on their effect on egg quality. The present study aims to fill this gap by testing the effect of 100% replacement of soya bean with H. illucens larva meal in the diet of Lohmann Brown Classic laying hens for 21 weeks. At the end of the trial, the eggs were characterized for parameters such as weight, colour, proximate composition of albumen and yolk, and content of carotenoids, tocopherols and cholesterol. The fatty acid profile of yolks was also determined. Hens fed the insect-based diet produced eggs (HIM group) with a higher proportion of yolk than the group fed the soya bean-based diet (SBM group). HIM was associated with redder yolks (red index 5.63 v. 1.36) than SBM. HIM yolks were richer in γ-tocopherol (4.0 against 2.4 mg/kg), lutein (8.6 against 4.9 mg/kg), β-carotene (0.33 against 0.19 mg/kg) and total carotenoids (15 against 10.5 mg/kg) than SBM yolks. The fatty acid composition of HIM yolks was almost identical to that of SBM yolks. Finally, HIM yolks contained 11% less cholesterol than SBM yolks. These results suggest that H. illucens larva meal is a suitable total substitute for soya bean meal in the diet of Lohmann Brown Classic laying hens. A sustainable alternative to the plant protein source therefore seems feasible.

Double-Bundle Versus Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Prospective Randomized Study With 10-Year Results

Background: A long-term follow-up comparing double-bundle and single-bundle techniques for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction has not been reported before. Hypothesis: Double-bundle ACL reconstruction may have fewer graft ruptures, lower rates of osteoarthritis (OA), and better stability than single-bundle reconstruction. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Ninety patients were randomized for double-bundle ACL reconstruction with bioabsorbable screw fixation (DB group; n = 30), single-bundle ACL reconstruction with bioabsorbable screw fixation (SBB group; n = 30), and single-bundle ACL reconstruction with metallic screw fixation (SBM group; n = 30). Evaluation methods consisted of a clinical examination, KT-1000 arthrometer measurements, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm knee scores, and a radiographic examination of both the operated and contralateral knees. Results: Eighty-one patients (90%) were available at the 10-year follow-up. Eleven patients (1 in the DB group, 7 in the SBB group, and 3 in the SBM group) had a graft failure during the follow-up and went on to undergo revision ACL surgery (P = .043). In the remaining 70 patients at 10 years, no significant group differences were found in the pivot-shift test findings, KT-1000 arthrometer measurements, or knee scores. The most OA findings were found in the medial compartment of the knee, with 38% of the patients in the operated knee and 28% of the patients in the contralateral nonoperated knee. However, no significant group difference was found. The most severe OA changes were in the patients who had the longest delay from the primary injury to ACL reconstruction (P = .047) and in the patients who underwent partial meniscal resection at the time of ACL reconstruction (P = .024). Conclusion: Double-bundle ACL reconstruction resulted in significantly fewer graft failures than single-bundle ACL reconstruction during the follow-up. Knee stability and OA rates were similar at 10 years. The most severe OA changes were found in the patients who had the longest delay from the primary injury to ACL reconstruction and in the patients who underwent partial meniscal resection at the time of ACL reconstruction.

Growth performance, blood profiles and carcass traits of Barbary partridge (Alectoris barbara) fed two different insect larvae meals (Tenebrio molitor and Hermetia illucens)

To investigate the effect of two insect meals (from Hermetia illucens, HI and Tenebrio molitor, TM larvae) on productive performance and blood profiles of Barbary partridge, ninety, seven days old partridges were divided into 5 groups (6 replicates, 3 partridges/replicate). Up to 64d, the groups fed 5 isoproteic and isoenergetic diets: the control fed a corn-soybean meal diet (SBM group); in TM25 and TM50 groups the 25 and 50% of SBM proteins were substituted by the protein from TM, respectively; in HI25 and HI50 groups the 25 and 50% of SBM were substituted by the protein from HI, respectively. The birds fed TM25 and both the HI levels reached a higher (P<0.01) live weight at 64d than the control. Considering the entire experimental period the TM groups had a more favorable FCR than SBM. The carcass weights of all the insect groups were higher (P<0.01) than the control. The weight of the full digestive tract in SBM group was the highest (P<0.01). The caecal weight, the intestinal and caecal length were the highest (P<0.01) in the SBM group. The SBM group the highest value of albumin/globulin (P<0.01) and creatinine (P<0.05). TM seems to be more effective than HI in improving FCR. The reduced albumin/globulin ratio in the insect meal fed groups could be ascribed to the chitin content and this result was not affected by the amount of chitin intake, suggesting that also the lowest values are able to express their potential effects in partridges.

Uncovering Adiponectin Replenishing Property of Sujiaonori Algal Biomaterial in Humans.

The replenishment of adiponectin—an adipocyte-derived hormone with salutary health effects—has recently been proposed as a new approach to treat hypertension, also ameliorate cardiovascular and metabolic risks. We conducted a prospective placebo-controlled, non-randomized and investigator-blinded dietary intervention study to evaluate the health effects of dietary intake of Sujiaonori (Ulva/Enteromorpha prolifera Müller) algal biomaterial (SBM), especially on adiponectin production, blood pressure (BP), and body mass index (BMI) in human subjects. Participants (N = 32) were divided into two equally sized groups (n = 16 for each group): SBM group (subjects supplemented with 3 g SBM powder twice a day during meal) and the control group (subjects who took 3 g of a supplement made of 70% corn starch powder and 30% spinach twice a day) for four weeks. Two health survey questionnaires (dietary and current health questionnaires) were completed anonymously, saliva sampling was done for adiponectin measurement by ELISA, and blood pressure (BP) and anthropometric parameters were measured at baseline and four weeks later. Student paired t-test was performed to compare baseline and post-intervention data on outcome variables between the two study groups. Results showed a 2.24-fold increase in adiponectin level in SBM group (2.81 and 6.26 ng/mL at baseline and at the end of study, respectively) (p < 0.01); whereas no significant change was observed in controls (3.58 and 3.51 ng/mL, respectively) (p > 0.05). In SBM subjects, an improvement of BP profile was noted with a significant decrease in systolic BP (p < 0.01). A positive correlation was found between SBM supplementation and adiponectin level, whereas an inverse correlation was noted between SBM supplementation and blood pressure, and also BMI. These findings suggest that SBM-increased adiponectin level and improved BP in a sample of Japanese young adults, and has the potential to improve blood pressure in humans.

Effect of Bilateral Oophorectomy and Natural Menopause on Bone Mineral Density

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of bilateral oophorectomy on bone mineral density in comparison with natural menopause. Bone mineral density (BMD) is measured with dual energy X-ray DXA of lumber spine and femoral neck in 133 women, aged ranged (45 -70 years). Two surgical groups consist of 100 women either after or before, surgical after menopause SAM women with mean age (66.55 ± 1.11 years), menopause duration mean (15.88 ± 1.19 years) and body mass index BMI mean (32.09 ± 1.37 Kg /m2). Women who underwent surgery before menopause SBM the mean age (57.18 ± 0.84 years), (13.31 ± 0.83 years) the mean of menopause duration and (32.26 ± 0.7 Kg /m2) the mean of body mass index BMI. The natural menopause NM include 33 women mean age (56.45 ± 0.93 years) with (6.24 ± 0.81 years) duration of menopause and (33.49 ± 1.08 Kg /m2) BMI. The mean of BMD and T-score in lumber spine L1-L4 in SAM group was (0.84 ± 0.03 gr/cm2 and -2.32 ± 0.25) respectively, in the SBM group (BMD = 0.82 ± 0.01 gr/cm2 and T-score -2.46 ± 0.12) comparing to natural menopause group NM (BMD = 1.16 ± 0.03 gr /cm2 and T-score 0.31 ± 0.23). The mean of BMD measured for femoral neck in SAM (0.72± 0.03 gr /cm2 and T-score = - 1.54 ± 0.2), in SBM (BMD = 0.81 ± 0.81 gr/cm2 and T-score = - 0.86 ± 0.12), in NM (BMD = 0.93 ± 0.03 gr/cm2 and T-score = 0.3 6 ± 0.03). Bilateral oophorectomy associated with decrease in BMD, in addition age and duration of menopause are important factors affected on BMD.

Effect of dietary protein sources on production performance, egg quality, and plasma parameters of laying hens.

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary protein sources (soybean meal, SBM; low-gossypol cottonseed meal, LCSM; double-zero rapeseed meal, DRM) on laying performance, egg quality, and plasma parameters of laying hens.MethodsA total of 432 32-wk-old laying hens were randomly divided into 6 treatments with 6 replicates of 12 birds each. The birds were fed diets containing SBM, LCSM100, or DRM100 individually or in combination with an equal amount of crude protein (CP) (LCSM50, DRM50, and LCSM50-DRM50). The experimental diets, which were isocaloric (metabolizable energy, 11.11 MJ/kg) and isonitrogenous (CP, 16.5%), had similar digestible amino acid profile. The feeding trial lasted 12 weeks.ResultsThe daily egg mass was decreased in the LCSM100 and LCSM50-DRM50 groups (p<0.05) in weeks 41 to 44. The LCSM50 group did not affect egg production compared to the SBM group in weeks 41 to 44 (p>0.05) and showed increased yolk color at the end of the trial (p<0.05). Compared to the SBM group, the LCSM100 and LCSM50-DRM50 groups showed decreased albumen weight (p<0.05), CP weight in the albumen (p<0.05) and CP weight in the whole egg (p<0.05) at 44 weeks. Plasma total protein (TP) levels were lower in the LCSM100 group than in the SBM group at 44 weeks (p<0.05); however, TP, albumin, and globulin levels were not significantly different between the LCSM50 group and the SBM group or between the DRM50 group and the SBM group (p>0.05).ConclusionTogether, our results suggest that the LCSM100 or DRM100 diets may produce the adverse effects on laying performance and egg quality after feeding for 8 more weeks. The 100.0 g/kg LCSM diet or the148.7 g/kg DRM diet has no adverse effects on laying performance and egg quality.

Effect of feed restriction and different crude protein sources on the performance, health status and carcass traits of growing rabbits

&lt;p&gt;We evaluate the effect of the crude protein source (CP) in combination with 2 feeding strategies (AL: ad libitum or R: restricted) on the performance, health status and carcass traits of growing-fattening rabbits (between 33 and 75 d of age). Two experimental diets were formulated; the first containing soybean meal (SBM: 70 g/kg) as the main CP source and the second containing white lupin seeds (WLS: 105 g/kg) as the main CP source. A total of 160 weaned Hyplus rabbits (774±10 g live weight) were randomly allocated to the experimental groups, combination of feeding strategy and diet (AL SBM, R SBM, AL WLS and R WLS; 40 rabbits per group with 4 rabbits per cage), for 42 d. The feeding programme was applied as follows: both the AL SBM and AL WLS rabbits were fed ad libitum for the entire fattening period, whereas the R SBM and R WLS rabbits were subjected to feed restriction between 33 and 47 d of age (75% of the ad libitum intake). Afterwards, all restricted rabbits were fed ad libitum until 75 d of age. Regardless of the CP source, the feed restriction reduced the final live weight by 83 g, chilled carcass weight by 65 g, and dressing out percentage by 0.9 percentage points (P&amp;lt;0.05). There was a higher chilled carcass weight (+114 g; P=0.001) and reference carcass weight (+91 g; P=0.001) in rabbits fed with WLS diet than in rabbits fed with SBM diet. No dead or morbid rabbits were observed in restricted rabbits during the restriction period. There was no effect of the diet on the health of rabbits. However when the rabbits of AL SBM and AL WLS group were compared did we observe a lower number of rabbits at sanitary risk in AL WLS group (2 vs. 12 rabbits, P=0.006). In conclusion, the growth performance was not affected by the crude protein source, and no interaction between dietary CP source and feeding regime was observed. Feed restriction regime did not improve sanitary risk index throughout the entire period.&lt;/p&gt;

Dietary Protein Sources Affect Internal Quality of Raw and Cooked Shell Eggs under Refrigerated Conditions.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of various protein sources (soybean meal, SBM; cottonseed protein, CSP; double-zero rapeseed meal, DRM) on the internal quality of refrigerated eggs. A total of 360 laying hens (32 wk of age) were randomly allotted to six treatment groups (five replicates per treatment) and fed diets containing SBM, CSP, or DRM individually or in combination with equal crude protein content (SBM-CSP, SBM-DRM, and CSP-DRM) as the protein ingredient(s). A 6×3 factorial arrangement was employed with dietary types and storage time (0 d, 2 wk, and 4 wk) as the main effects. After 12 wk of diet feeding, a total of 270 eggs were collected for egg quality determination. The egg Haugh unit (HU) in the CSP, SBM-DRM, and DRM groups were significantly lower than those in the SBM and SBM-CSP groups. The hardness and springiness of the cooked yolk in the CSP group were significantly higher than those in the other treatment groups. A lower HU, lower yolk index and higher albumen pH were observed in the DRM group compared to the SBM and SBM-CSP groups when the eggs were stored to 4 wk, and the HU was improved in the CSP-DRM group compared to the DRM group (p<0.05). Higher yolk hardness was observed in the CSP group compared to the other groups during storage (p<0.05), but the hardness of the cooked yolk in the SBM-CSP and CSP-DRM groups showed no difference in comparison to the SBM group. In conclusion, CSP may ameliorate the negative effects of DRM on the HU of refrigerated eggs, and SBM or DRM may alleviate the adverse effects of CSP on yolk hardness.

Dietary composition affects odour emissions from meat chickens.

Abatement of odour emissions has become an important consideration to agricultural industries, including poultry production. The link between diet and odour emissions was studied in two experiments using Ross 308 male meat chickens reared in specially designed chambers in a climate controlled room. In the first experiment, two treatments were compared using three replicates of two birds per chamber. Two wheat-soy based treatment diets were formulated with or without canola seed, an ingredient rich in sulfur amino acids. Treatment 1 (T1) had 13.39 MJ/kg ME (as fed) and used 60 g/kg canola seed without corn while Treatment 2 (T2) contained 12.90 MJ/kg ME (as fed) and used 150 g/kg corn without canola seed. In the second experiment, birds were assigned to three dietary treatments of five replicates with five birds per replicate (chamber). The basal starter, grower and finisher diets in the control group (SBM group) contained soybean meal in the range of 227–291 g/kg (as fed) as the main protein source. The other treatments (CM and MBM groups) contained either high levels of canola meal (174–190 g/kg) or meat meal (74–110 g/kg) at the expense of soybean meal. In both experiments, diets were isocaloric, isonitrogenous and contained similar digestible amino acid contents as per 2007 Aviagen Ross 308 guidelines. Emissions of odour were measured using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In both experiments, major odorous compounds detected included 2,3-butanedione (diacetyl), 2-butanone, dimethyl disulfide, methyl mercaptan, ethyl mercaptan, 2-butanol, 3-methyl-butanal, phenol and m-cresol. In the first experiment, T1 (with canola seed) produced higher concentration of methyl mercaptan (P < 0.05) and lower diacetyl (P < 0.01) than T2. In the second experiment, methyl mercaptan emission was higher in SBM group (P = 0.01) and total elemental sulfur were higher in SBM and CM groups up to day 24 (P < 0.01). Results of these experiments indicated a direct link between diet and odour emissions from meat chickens.

Double-Bundle Versus Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background: Surgical technique is essential in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Purpose: This randomized 5-year study tested the hypothesis that double-bundle ACL reconstruction with hamstring autografts and aperture screw fixation has fewer graft ruptures and rates of osteoarthritis (OA) and better stability than single-bundle reconstruction. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Ninety patients were randomized: double-bundle ACL reconstruction with bioabsorbable screw fixation (DB group; n = 30), single-bundle ACL reconstruction with bioabsorbable screw fixation (SBB group; n = 30), and single-bundle ACL reconstruction with metallic screw fixation (SBM group; n = 30). The following evaluation methods were used: clinical examination, KT-1000 arthrometer measurement, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm knee scores. Additionally, radiographic evaluation was made by a musculoskeletal radiologist who was unaware of the patients’ clinical and surgical data. A single orthopaedic surgeon performed all the operations, and clinical follow-up assessments were made in a blinded manner by an independent examiner. Results: Preoperatively, there were no differences between the groups. Eleven patients (7 in the SBB group, 3 in the SBM group, and 1 in the DB group) had a graft failure during the follow-up and went on to ACL revision surgery (P < .043). Of the remaining 79 patients, a 5-year follow-up was performed for 65 patients (20 in the DB group, 21 in the SBB group, and 24 in the SBM group) who had their grafts intact. At 5 years, there was no statistically significant difference in the pivot-shift or KT-1000 arthrometer tests. In the DB group, 20% of the patients had OA in the medial femorotibial compartment and 10% in the lateral compartment, while the corresponding figures were 33% and 18% in the single-bundle groups, again an insignificant finding. Further, no significant group differences were found in the knee scores. Conclusion: The double-bundle surgery resulted in significantly fewer graft failures and subsequent revision ACL surgery than the single-bundle surgeries during the 5-year follow-up. Knee stability and OA rates were similar at 5 years. In view of the size of the groups, some caution should be exercised when interpreting the lack of difference in the secondary outcomes.

The Powered Bone Marrow Biopsy Technique Is Superior to the Standard Manual Technique for Hematologists-In-Training: A Prospective, Randomized Comparison

Abstract 3133The human bone marrow is often evaluated in patients with various hematological disorders. Multiple bone marrow procedures are often required in patients with hematological malignancies to guide their treatment. The instrument customarily employed, the Jamshidi needle, which involves manual rotary insertion into the marrow cavity of the posterior aspect of the iliac bone produces both an aspirate and a biopsy. Bone marrow biopsy procedure has changed very little in the last 40 years and is regarded by patients and physicians alike as a painful and uncomfortable procedure. In addition, suboptimal specimens including dilute aspirates and small core biopsies are often obtained, limiting the diagnostic potential of the procedure.Initial clinical studies utilizing a new powered bone marrow (PBM) device (OnControl, Vidacare Corporation, Shavano Park, TX), indicated that it was faster and easier to use for bone marrow aspirations than the traditional method. While the duration of the procedure has been consistently shorter, and the core samples larger for patients undergoing PBM in these reports, no studies have been carried out in teaching hospitals to determine whether or not the PBM system will be more readily mastered by hematologists-in-training.We conducted a prospective, randomized study to compare PBM with standard bone marrow procedure (SBM) in adults. PBM utilizes a battery-powered drill to insert the marrow needle into the iliac bone of adult hematology patients. This study was performed in 2 teaching hospitals employing hematologists-in-training. The primary endpoint of the study, the mean length of the marrow biopsy specimens, a surrogate for marrow quality, was determined by a pathologist in a blinded manner. Linear mixed effects models were fit to the data to compare the two techniques and adjust for the correlation in outcomes of procedures performed by the same fellow.54 bone marrows (26 SBM and 28 PBM) were performed by 11 fellows under the observation and supervision of 3 attending hematologists and 1 research technologist. The primary endpoint was met. The mean length of the marrow biopsy specimens was found to be significantly longer (56%) for the PBM group (15.3 mm) than for the SBM group (9.8 mm), p<0.003. An objectively determined secondary endpoint; mean procedure time, skin-to-skin; also favored the PBM group (175 seconds) versus the SBM group (292 seconds), p<0.007. According to Kuball et al, bone marrow procedure time is particularly relevant to patient pain. Patients are generally willing to undergo biopsy and a reasonable level of pain, provided that the procedure time is relatively short.After each procedure, questionnaires were completed by the study patient, the fellow performing the procedure, and the attending hematologist/research technologist observing the procedure. The numerical questionnaires, on a scale of 0–10 evaluated the perceived level of pain, ease/difficulty of the procedure, quality of marrow obtained and patient willingness to have a repeat biopsy if medically indicated. Questionnaire analysis indicated the level of patient pain perceived by the fellow and attending was significantly less in the PBM group than the SBM group (a result subject to observer bias). Our study has confirmed as well that patients in the PBM group have experienced a trend towards less pain than the control group, although the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.11). In addition, patients in the PBM group were more agreeable to undergoing repeat bone marrow biopsy if needed as compared to the SBM group (p=0.03). Fellows experienced more difficulty with the SBM than with the PBM procedure (p=0.002).Refusal by patients to undergo bone marrow biopsy procedures, especially in diseases like myeloma, leukemia and lymphoma, lead to delays in the diagnosis and treatment which may have fatal consequences. Any device, such as PBM, which promotes greater patient acceptance of a painful, but necessary, procedure, may be anticipated to improve quality of care and to enhance favorable clinical outcomes.It was concluded that bone marrow biopsies performed by hematologists-in-training were significantly faster and superior in quality when performed with the PBM compared to the SBM. These data suggest that the PBM may be considered a new standard of care for adult hematology patients. PBM also appears to be a superior method for training hematology fellows. Disclosures:Reed:Vidacare Corporation: Research Funding, Travel expenses. Raghupathy:Vidacare Corporation: Research Funding. Strakhan:Vidacare Corporation: Travel expenses. Philbeck:Vidacare Corporation: Employment. Kim:Vidacare Corporation: Research Funding. Hussain:Vidacare Corporation: Travel Expenses. Pacello:Vidacare Corporation: Technologist Fees.

Frequency and Nature of Incidental Extra-Enteric Lesions Found on Magnetic Resonance Enterography (MR-E) in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of extra-enteric findings in a large cohort of patients undergoing magnetic resonance enterography (MR-E) and to classify the clinical significance of these findings.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 1154 MR-E performed in 1006 patients referred to our radiological department between 1999–2005. The reasons for referral were suspected or proven inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) (n = 710), further diagnostic work-up for small bowel disease because of non-specific abdominal symptoms (SBD; n = 182) or suspected small bowel malignancies (SBM; n = 114). All extra-enteric findings were reviewed by a radiologist and a gastroenterologist and were classified as having high, moderate, or low significance for further diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.ResultsThe average age of all patients was 40±16 (Mean±SD) years (y) (IBD 35±13 y; SBD 49±16 y; SBM 57±15 y). A total of 1113 extra-enteric findings were detected in 600 of 1006 patients (59.6%). Of these findings 180 (16.2%) were judged as having a high, 212 (19.0%) a moderate and 721 (64.8%) a low significance. On a per group basis in patients with IBD 12.0% of the findings were of major clinical significance compared to 13.7% and 33.3% in patients with SBD and SBM, respectively. The most common major findings were abscesses (69.9%) in the IBD group and extraintestinal tumors, metastases or masses in the SBD and SBM groups (41.9% and 74.2%, respectively).ConclusionsMR-E reveals a substantial number of extra-enteric findings, supporting the role of a cross-sectional imaging method for the evaluation of the small bowel.

Factors of biological risk and reserve associated with executive behaviors in children and adolescents with spina bifida myelomeningocele

This study examined differences between healthy children (n = 35) and those with spina bifida myelomeningocele (SBM; n = 42) on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), a measure of executive function behaviors. It also examined whether aspects of biological risk associated with SBM and reserve factors within the family could account for variability in BRIEF scores for children and adolescents with SBM. Patients in the SBM group exhibited more problems than both published norms and a local comparison group of healthy children in metacognition but not behavior regulation. Behavior regulation problems in children with SBM were predicted by parent psychological distress. More shunt-related surgeries and history of seizures predicted poorer metacognitive abilities.

Effects of two protein sources and energy level of diet on the performance of young Marchigiana bulls. 2. Meat quality

The aim of this trial was to study the influence of two protein sources (faba bean-FB vs soybean meal s.e.-SBM) and two energy levels of diets given to young Marchigiana bulls on meat quality: water holding capacity (WHC), chemical composition, hydroxyproline and cholesterol contents, fatty acids profile of intramuscular, subcutaneous and perirenal adipose tissues. While chemical composition and WHC was determined only on muscle Longissimus thoracis (LT), hydroxyproline and cholesterol contents were evaluated also on muscles Semitendinosus (ST) and Ileopsoas plus Psoas minor (IP). Eighteen young bulls were divided into three groups. Until the slaughter weight (620 kg) was achieved, two groups, FB and SBM, were fed diets with similar protein and energy contents but differing in protein sources, and the third group was fed high energy (HE) diets. Protein sources did not affect meat nutritional characteristics; but meat of group SBM had high hydroxyproline content: 62.6 vs 60.0 mg 100g-1, respectively, for SBM and FB groups (P<0.05), while compression losses were higher for FB group (7.6 vs 5.7%, respectively, for FB and SBM groups; P<0.01). As respects the comparison among content of hydroxyproline in the different muscles: IP, corresponding to the tenderloin, showed significantly lower concentrations than the other muscles (55.2 vs 60.7 and 63.5 mg 100g-1 for IP, LT and ST, respectively; P<0.01). Feeding regimes did not affect muscular cholesterol content (average values of 53.6, 55.5 and 52.1 mg 100g-1 of fresh muscle for FB, SBM and HE, respectively) which was similar to the levels found in meat from specialised Italian beef breeds and lower than those from other breeds. As respects the differences in cholesterol contents among the muscles, IP showed lower contents than other muscles (50.9 vs 54.1, 56.0 mg 100g-1, respectively for IP, ST, LT; P<0.05). The higher energy diets induced higher concentration of saturated fatty acids, in particular of palmitic and of stearic acid, in intramuscular fat which worsened significantly atherogenic (AI) and thrombogenic (TI) indexes (AI: 0.67 vs 0.55, 0.50; P<0.05; TI: 1.98 vs 1.61, 1.32; P<0.01; for HE, FB and SBM groups, respectively), and lower content of hydroxiproline (60.0, 62.6 vs 56.8 mg 100g-1, P<0.01 for FB, SBM and HE groups, respectively). The fatty acid profile of subcutaneous and perirenal adipose tissues was not affected by any of studied factors. A part of feeding scheme adopted, from these results it is possible to formulate a favourable assessment of the nutritional characteristics of Marchigiana meat.

Availability of genetically modified soybean meal in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss diets

The use of genetically modified defatted soybean meal (GM SBM) as rainbow trout feed was investigated, in comparison with non-GM SBM. Both SBMs were included at levels of approximately 15 and 30% in four diets (42% protein). The diets were fed to juvenile fish (48.3 g average weight) for 12 weeks. The nutrient use showed that there was no significant difference in growth and feed performance between GM and non-GM SBM groups at both inclusion levels at the end of 12th week. The cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter fragment (220 bp) of the GM SBM was detected in the muscle of fish receiving both levels of GM SBM diet by nested PCR, but the frequency of detection was greater at the higher inclusion level. Additionally, the promoter fragment was not detected by the fifth day after changing the diet to non-GM. Conversely, the promoter fragment was not detected from fish fed with the non-GM SBM diet. The results demonstrated that the availability of protein in GM SBM was similar to that of non-GM SBM, and the promoter fragments found in the muscle of fish were not detectable after changing the diet to non-GM, verifying the availability of the GM SBM in rainbow trout feed.

Significance of quality of truly digestible protein on performance of ewes at late pregnancy and early lactation

Two trials were conducted in ewes at late pregnancy and early lactation in order to evaluate the effects of substituting the moderate degradable protein of soy bean (SBM), with a low degradable protein of corn gluten meal (CGM), accordingly that both diets were calculated to provide equal truly digestible protein (PDI). At the first trial thirty multiparous ewes were examined in an 8-week study that started at parturition. Animals were fed in groups (15 ewes), with two isocaloric-isonitrogenous-isofibrous rations. Treatments were: (A) SBM, (B) CGM. Diets were different at PDIA/PDI ratio (0.52 versus 0.63). The second trial lasted 7 weeks, 5 weeks pre partum till 2 weeks post partum. Three rations were tested by the use of 48 pregnant ewes. Ewes were allotted to three equivalent groups: (A) SBM and wheat bran, (B) CGM and corn gluten feed, (C) CGM and corn gluten feed plus additional lysine (CGML). Data from both trials were analyzed as repeated measures. CGM compared to SBM decreased milk yield and fat corrected milk (FCM) yield (2.25 and 1.98 kg of milk; 2.47 and 2.17 kg of FCM), while tended to decrease milk's protein content (5.45 and 5.36%, for the SBM and CGM group). The daily production of fat, protein and lactose were higher in SBM than in CGM. CGM ration decreased body weight (BW) gain of ewes during late pregnancy and mean birth BW of litter, and also caused a 30% increase of abortions-dead births. CGM cannot totally replace SBM, in ewes’ diets at early lactation, because of the decrease in milk yield as well as the milk's protein content, even when equal PDI is provided, due to low lysine content. This trial has extended the knowledge from cattle, that supplementation of lysine, usually the first limiting amino acid, is also crucial in ewes during pregnancy and lactation.

Effect of partially or totally replacing soybean meal and maize by chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) in lamb diets: growth performances, carcass and meat quality

Twenty-seven weaned Barbaresca lambs, divided on the basis of live weight into three groups of nine animals, were offered access to one of three different diets addressing the partial or to- tal replacement of soybean meal and maize by chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.). Soybean meal, maize and chickpeas were present in the diets in the following proportions (% on an as-fed basis): 13-30-0 (SBM); 7-18-20 (C20) and 0-0-42 (C42). The diets had similar crude protein (162.6, 163.9 and 166.4 g·kg -1 DM for SBM, C20 and C42 diets, respectively) and neutral-detergent fibre (NDF: 265.8, 250.0 and 253.1 g·kg -1 DM, respectively). Lambs from the SBM and C20 groups tended ( P< 0.10) to grow faster compared to lambs from the C42 group (276 and 285 vs. 225 g·d -1 , respectively). Accord- ingly, final weight and empty body weight were higher ( P< 0.10) in the SBM and C20 groups than in the C42 group. Carcass fat score, caudal fat colour and firmness were not different across treatments. On hind leg dissection, a higher ( P< 0.10) lean/bone ratio was observed in C20 and C42 groups than SBM. Meat ultimate pH, colour coordinates, drip and cooking losses and shear force were not af- fected by diet as well as the chemical composition of the meat. In conclusion, partially replacing soy- bean meal and maize by 20% chickpeas did not negatively affect growth performance compared to totally replacing (42% chickpeas). Furthermore, the lean/bone ratio was more favourable in lambs fed diets with soybean meal and maize partially or totally replaced by chickpeas. Meat quality was not affected by the diet treatments.

Peas ( Pisum sativum L.) as an alternative protein source in lamb diets: growth performances, and carcass and meat quality

Thirty weaned Barbaresca lambs were divided into three groups and fed diets that differed in their protein supplement source; the main protein source was soybean meal in SBM diet treatment, totally or partially replaced by peas in P39 and P18 diet treatments, respectively. Soybean meal and peas were present in the diets in the following proportions (on as fed basis): 16:0% (SBM), 0:39% (P39), 9:18% (P18).The diets were of different crude protein content: higher in SBM diet (16.96% DM) than in P39 (14.27% DM) and P18 (15.37% DM). Soluble protein was higher in P39 diet than in the other treatments (36.2, 27.4 and 23.14% CP in P39, P18 and SBM treatments, respectively) while the B 2-protein fraction was lower. The NDF-bound nitrogen was 17.36, 16.87 and 15.06% of crude protein in P39, P18 and SBM diet, respectively. The NDF content was similar among the diets. Growth and slaughter performances were similar among groups (250 g per day versus 219 and 218 g per day respectively in P18, P39 and SBM groups). Carcass fatness was comparable among treatments. Meat pH, colour parameters and cooking losses were comparable among groups. Drip losses were significantly higher ( P<0.001) in meat from P39 and P18 than from SBM group. In the present trial, the replacement of soybean meal with peas did not significantly affect growth and slaughter performances and preserved meat quality.