The gut-brain axis mediates bacterial driven modulation of reward signaling

Obesity is associated with deficits in reward which have been linked to compensatory overeating. The vagus nerve is a direct neural pathway that conveys post-ingestive feedback from the gut to the brain, including the reward regions, and vagal activation causes stereotypical reward behaviors. Chronic high fat (HF) feeding alters vagal signaling potentially dampening food-associated reward. Microbiota composition changes rapidly with HF feeding, and a HF-type microbiota is sufficient to alter vagal structure and function. However, whether microbiota-driven alterations in vagal signaling affect host appetitive feeding behavior is unknown. Here, we investigate if microbiota composition modulates reward signaling and assess the role of the vagus in mediating microbiota to brain communication. Male germ-free Fisher rats were colonized with gastrointestinal contents from chow (low fat (LF) ConvLF) or HF (ConvHF) fed rats. Following colonization, ConvHF rats consumed significantly more food than ConvLF animals. ConvHF rats displayed lower feeding-induced extracellular DOPAC levels (a metabolite of dopamine) in the Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) as well as reduced motivation for HF foods compared to ConvLF rats. Dopamine receptor 2 (DDR2) expression levels in the NAc were also significantly lower in ConvHF animals. Similar deficits were observed in conventionally raised HF fed rats, showing that diet-driven alteration in reward can be initiated via microbiota. Selective gut to brain deafferentation restored DOPAC levels, DRD2 expression, and motivational drive in ConvHF rats. We concluded from these data that a HF-type microbiota is sufficient to alter appetitive feeding behavior and that bacteria to reward communication is mediated by the vagus nerve.

Neuropharmacology of purinergic receptors in human submucous plexus: Involvement of P2X₁, P2X₂, P2X₃ channels, P2Y and A₃ metabotropic receptors in neurotransmission

RATIONALE

The role of purinergic signaling in human ENS is not well understood. We sought to further characterize the neuropharmacology of purinergic receptors in human ENS and test the hypothesis that endogenous purines are critical regulators of neurotransmission.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

LSCM-Fluo-4/(Ca(2+))-imaging of postsynaptic Ca(2+) transients (PSCaTs) was used as a reporter of synaptic transmission evoked by fiber tract electrical stimulation in human SMP surgical preparations. Pharmacological analysis of purinergic signaling was done in 1,556 neurons (identified by HuC/D-immunoreactivity) in 235 ganglia from 107 patients; P2XR-immunoreactivity was evaluated in 19 patients. Real-time MSORT (Di-8-ANEPPS) imaging tested effects of adenosine on fast excitatory synaptic potentials (fEPSPs).

RESULTS

Synaptic transmission is sensitive to pharmacological manipulations that alter accumulation of extracellular purines: Apyrase blocks PSCaTs in a majority of neurons. An ecto-NTPDase-inhibitor 6-N,N-diethyl-D-β,γ-dibromomethyleneATP or adenosine deaminase augments PSCaTs. Blockade of reuptake/deamination of eADO inhibits PSCaTs. Adenosine inhibits fEPSPs and PSCaTs (IC50 = 25 µM), sensitive to MRS1220-antagonism (A3AR). A P2Y agonist ADPβS inhibits PSCaTs (IC50 = 111 nM) in neurons without stimulatory ADPbS responses (EC50 = 960 nM). ATP or a P2X1,2,2/3 (α,β-MeATP) agonist evokes fast, slow, biphasic Ca(2+) transients or Ca(2+) oscillations (ATP,EC50 = 400 mM). PSCaTs are sensitive to P2X1 antagonist NF279. Low (20 nM) or high (5 µM) concentrations of P2X antagonist TNP-ATP block PSCaTs in different neurons; proportions of neurons with P2XR-immunoreactivity follow the order P2X2 > P2X1 >> P2X3; P2X1 + P2X2 and P2X3 + P2X2 are co-localized. RT-PCR identified mRNA-transcripts for P2X1-7, P2Y1,2,12-14R.

CONCLUSIONS

Purines are critical regulators of neurotransmission in human ENS. Purinergic signaling involves P2X1, P2X2, P2X3 channels, P2X1 + P2X2 co-localization and inhibitory P2Y or A3 receptors. These are potential novel therapeutic targets for neurogastroenterology.

CD8+ lymphocyte depletion without SIV infection does not produce metabolic changes or pathological abnormalities in the rhesus macaque brain

BACKGROUND

Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection and persistent CD8(+) lymphocyte depletion rapidly leads to encephalitis and neuronal injury. The objective of this study is to confirm that CD8 depletion alone does not induce brain lesions in the absence of SIV infection.

METHODS

Four rhesus macaques were monitored by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1) H-MRS) before and biweekly after anti-CD8 antibody treatment for 8 weeks and compared with four SIV-infected animals. Post-mortem immunohistochemistry was performed on these eight animals and compared with six uninfected, non-CD8-depleted controls.

RESULTS

CD8-depleted animals showed stable metabolite levels and revealed no neuronal injury, astrogliosis or microglial activation in contrast to SIV-infected animals.

CONCLUSIONS

Alterations observed in MRS and lesions in this accelerated model of neuroAIDS result from unrestricted viral expansion in the setting of immunodeficiency rather than from CD8(+) lymphocyte depletion alone.

Developmental expression patterns of CCR5 and CXCR4 in the rhesus macaque brain

Emerging data indicate that chemokine receptors on neurons and glia in the central nervous system (CNS) play a role in normal CNS development, intercellular communication, and the neuropathogenesis of AIDS. To further understand chemokine receptors in the brain and explore their potential role in HIV neuropathogenesis, particularly in pediatrics, we examined the regional and cellular distribution of CCR5 and CXCR4 in normal fetal, neonatal, and adult rhesus macaques. CCR5 and CXCR4 were detected by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence within the cytoplasm of subpopulations of neurons in the neocortex, hippocampus, basal nuclei, thalamus, brain stem, and cerebellum and by flow cytometry on the surface of neurons and glia. Interestingly, expression of CCR5 and CXCR4 increased significantly (p<0.05) from birth to 9 months of age. We further characterize this dynamic developmental pattern of CCR5 and CXCR4 expression in resident cells of the CNS.

Rhesus macaque brain microvessel endothelial cells behave in a manner phenotypically distinct from umbilical vein endothelial cells

Activation of endothelium is a critical step in leukocyte recruitment to the CNS and in development of neurological diseases, such as HIV-associated dementia. Due to limited availability of early disease course data, it is important to develop in vitro models of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) that can be used to address these early events. No such model of the BBB has been established for the macaque. Here, we characterize rhesus microvascular brain endothelial cells (MBEC), comparing them with rhesus umbilical vein endothelial cells (RUVEC), and discuss their suitability for future use in developing in vitro models of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) neuropathogenesis. We conclude that MBEC are distinct from RUVEC with respect to growth characteristics, culture requirements, morphology and expression of surface molecules important for leukocyte adhesion and immune activation.

Macaques with rapid disease progression and simian immunodeficiency virus encephalitis have a unique cytokine profile in peripheral lymphoid tissues

The influence of host cytokine response on viral load, disease progression, and neurologic lesions was investigated in the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected macaque model of AIDS. Cytokine gene expression (interleukin-1beta [IL-1beta], IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, gamma interferon [IFN-gamma], and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha]) and viral loads were evaluated by semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR in lymph nodes of 5 control animals and 28 animals infected with SIVmac251 at the terminal stages of AIDS. Infected animals showed higher expression of IFN-gamma, IL-6, and IL-10 mRNAs compared with controls. Levels of all cytokines were comparable between animals with rapid (survival, <200 days) or slow/normal (survival, >200 days) disease progression. However, among rapid progressors, the eight animals with SIV encephalitis had a unique cytokine profile (increased IL-2, IL-6, and IFN-gamma) that was associated with higher viral loads. These observations provide evidence that host cytokine responses may influence SIV neuropathogenesis independent of disease progression.

Perivascular macrophages are the primary cell type productively infected by simian immunodeficiency virus in the brains of macaques: implications for the neuropathogenesis of AIDS

The macrophage is well established as a target of HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection and a major contributor to the neuropathogenesis of AIDS. However, the identification of distinct subpopulations of monocyte/macrophages that carry virus to the brain and that sustain infection within the central nervous system (CNS) has not been examined. We demonstrate that the perivascular macrophage and not the parenchymal microglia is the primary cell productively infected by SIV. We further demonstrate that although productive viral infection of the CNS occurs early, thereafter it is not easily detectable until terminal AIDS. The biology of perivascular macrophages, including their rate of turnover and replacement by peripheral blood monocytes, may explain the timing of neuroinvasion, disappearance, and reappearance of virus in the CNS, and questions the ability of the brain to function as a reservoir for productive infection by HIV/SIV.

Inhibition of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis with an antibody that recognizes a novel antigen expressed on lymphocytes, endothelial cells, and microglia

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a frequently employed animal model of the human disease multiple sclerosis. EAE can be induced by adoptive transfer of CD4+ T cells that are specific for central nervous system (CNS) antigens, typically myelin proteins. Although the pathogenic mechanism or mechanisms responsible for the clinical signs and histological changes in EAE and multiple sclerosis are not fully defined, the entry of T lymphocytes and antigen recognition within the CNS are required. The present study describes the participation of a novel cell surface molecule with properties suggesting a role in cell-cell adhesion or co-stimulation, or both, in the development of EAE in the rat. The molecule is defined by the unique monoclonal antibody (mAb) TLD-4A2. The TLD-4A2 antigen is present on resting and activated T lymphocytes, activated CNS endothelial cells, and microglia. The antigen is normally distributed in many tissues including lymph node, thymus, and spleen, as well as in the inflamed CNS. Both its pattern of tissue distribution and immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting studies suggest that the TLD-4A2 antigen is a novel molecule. Treatment of rats with the purified 4A2 mAb resulted in the inhibition of the clinical signs of EAE and also decreased the number T cells and macrophages accumulating in the CNS parenchyma. TLD-4A2 antibody did not seem to directly interfere with T cell viability in vivo, as demonstrated by the ability to recover and stimulate CD4+ encephalitogenic T cells from cervical lymph nodes of 4A2-treated animals. In vitro, the antibody partially blocked T cell proliferation assays. These data suggest that the TLD-4A2 mAb recognizes a novel molecule expressed on lymphocytes, endothelial cells, and macrophages that may play a role in hematogenous cell traffic and the initiation of CNS inflammation.

Neuropathogenesis of simian immunodeficiency virus in neonatal rhesus macaques

Neonatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection usually occurs intrapartum or postpartum and results in a higher incidence of neurological dysfunction than is seen in adults. To explore the neuropathogenesis of neonatal HIV infection, we infected neonatal macaques with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and followed the course of infection focusing on early time points. Infected neonates had decreased brain growth and mild histological changes in brain that resembled those seen in pediatric AIDS, including perivascular infiltrates of mononuclear cells, mineralization of vessels in the basal ganglia, and gliosis. The perivascular lesions and gliosis were associated with the presence of occasional infected cells that required in situ hybridization with radiolabeled riboprobes for detection. Using this technique, SIV-infected cells were detected in the brain parenchyma within 7 days of infection. These findings were confirmed by nested PCR for SIVgag DNA in brain and RT-PCR for viral RNA in cerebrospinal fluid. Together, these techniques revealed SIV infection of the CNS in 12 of 13 neonates infected with SIVmac239, 3 of 3 infected with SIVmac251, and 2 of 2 infected with SIVmac239/316. The prevalence of CNS infection was indistinguishable from that of older animals infected with the same dose and stock of virus, but neonates appeared to have fewer infected cells in the CNS and detecting them required more sensitive techniques. This observation was true regardless of inoculum and despite the fact that neonates had equal or greater viral loads in the periphery compared with older animals. These data suggest that maturation-dependent host factors have a major impact on the neuropathogenesis of pediatric AIDS.

Chemokine receptor expression and signaling in macaque and human fetal neurons and astrocytes: implications for the neuropathogenesis of AIDS

Chemokines are believed to play a role in the neuropathogenesis of AIDS through their recruitment of neurotoxin-secreting, virally infected leukocytes into the CNS. Levels of chemokines are elevated in brains of patients and macaques with HIV/SIV-induced encephalitis. The chemokine receptors CCR3, CCR5, and CXCR4 are found on subpopulations of neurons in the cortex of human and macaque brain. We have developed an in vitro system using both macaque and human fetal neurons and astrocytes to further investigate the roles of these receptors in neuronal response to inflammation. Here we report the presence of functional HIV/SIV coreceptors CCR3, CCR5, and CXCR4 on fetal human and macaque neurons and CCR5 and CXCR4 on astrocytes immediately ex vivo and after several weeks in culture. Confocal imaging of immunostained neurons demonstrated different patterns of distribution for these receptors, which may have functional implications. Chemokine receptors were shown to respond to their appropriate chemokine ligands with increases in intracellular calcium that, in the case of neurons, required predepolarization with KCl. These responses were blocked by neutralizing chemokine receptor in mAbs. Pretreatment of neural cells with pertussis toxin abolished responses to stromal-derived factor-1alpha, macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta, and RANTES, indicating coupling of CCR5 and CXCR4 to a Gialpha protein, as in leukocytes. Cultured macaque neurons demonstrated calcium flux response to treatment with recombinant SIVmac239 envelope protein, suggesting a mechanism by which viral envelope could affect neuronal function in SIV infection. The presence of functional chemokine receptors on neurons and astrocytes suggests that chemokines could serve to link inflammatory and neuronal responses.

Chemokine receptor expression on resident and inflammatory cells in the brain of macaques with simian immunodeficiency virus encephalitis

Although the mechanisms of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) neuroinvasion, neuronal injury, and subsequent development of HIV-1-associated AIDS dementia complex are not fully understood, a correlation between monocyte/macrophage infiltrates in the brain and neurological disease exists. In light of the many potential roles that chemokines and chemokine receptors may play in HIV neuropathogenesis, we sought to describe their pattern of expression in the SIV-infected rhesus macaque model of HIV encephalitis. We previously demonstrated elevated expression of the chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha, MIP-1beta, RANTES, and interferon-inducible protein (IP)-10 in brain of macaque monkeys with SIV encephalitis. In this study, we demonstrate that the corresponding chemokine receptors CCR3, CCR5, CXCR3, and CXCR4 are expressed in perivascular infiltrates in these same tissues. In addition, we detected CCR3, CCR5, and CXCR4 on subpopulations of large hippocampal and neocortical pyramidal neurons and on glial cells in both normal and encephalitic brain. These findings suggest that multiple chemokines and their receptors contribute to monocyte and lymphocyte recruitment to the brain in SIV encephalitis. Furthermore, the expression of known HIV/SIV co-receptors on neurons suggests a possible mechanism whereby HIV or SIV can directly interact with these cells, disrupting their normal physiological function and contributing to the pathogenesis of AIDS dementia complex.

PECAM-1 (CD31) expression in the central nervous system and its role in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in the rat

The role of T cell activation associated adhesion molecules on lymphocyte traffic and the initiation of inflammation has received considerable attention. This study, using a new monoclonal antibody (mAb) TLD-3A12, describes the distribution of PECAM-1 (CD31), an Ig supergene family adhesion molecule thought to be important in leukocyte transmigration during inflammation, in rat lymphoid organs and spinal cord. PECAM expression within the CNS is confined to endothelial cells of the blood brain barrier (BBB). Induction of inflammation within the CNS using the adoptive transfer of myelin reactive CD4+ T cells results in the de novo expression of immune adhesion and accessory molecules in the spinal cord, while the level of PECAM appeared only mildly increased. The distribution of PECAM on CNS endothelial cells became more diffuse during EAE induction, possibly the result of endothelial cell activation. In vitro studies demonstrate a partial inhibition of antigen-specific CD4+ T cell proliferation following anti-PECAM mAb treatment. Treatment of Lewis rats with TLD-3A12 antibody prior to T cell injection and throughout EAE induction does not result in a delay in the onset of clinical signs or weight loss, nor does it decrease the incidence and severity of disease. These data suggest that the expression of PECAM by CNS endothelial cells is not a requirement for the initiation of inflammation and clinical signs of EAE following the adoptive transfer of encephalitogenic lymphocytes. Thus, cells requiring PECAM-1 to migrate and perform their pathogenic functions are not critical to the development of rat EAE.

Piagetian principles: simple and effective application

A simplified version of Piaget's sensorimotor levels was employed to teach a group of 25 extremely impaired individuals who live in a large residential facility. Throughout the facility, all available formal assessments using the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (VABS) were compared. Using this tool, an average of 13% of individuals from the common population pool increased their scores over a 6-year time period. All of the individuals who received training within the experimental group demonstrated increased scores. Scores increased such that an average gain of nearly 1 month in overall age equivalency per individual per year was realized. A matched group comparison, a prediction test for like sensorimotor skill attainment (the primary distinction of this curriculum methodology), and an historical review of subject skill training, all support the cognitively geared methodology as being primarily responsible for this accelerated progress.

A phage display vector with improved stability, applicability and ease of manipulation

We modified a combinatorial library display vector, pCOMB3, to provide a stable, easily manipulated, high-copy vector for the display of a random hexapeptide library. The propensity of the original phagemid to accumulate 800-1000-bp deletions in the region of the cloning site has been eliminated. Furthermore, the small 63-bp 'stuffer' at the cloning site was replaced with a 2114-bp DNA fragment from adenovirus 2. This produced a 5808-bp vector, that we have named pICD1LS, with the appropriate characteristics for single-peptide phage display. Libraries of greater than 10(6) molecules were produced with this vector.

Capillary gel electrophoresis as a method to determine ligation efficiency

A capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) method is described for detection of the formation of circular DNA ligation products as an aid in the prediction of ligated DNA competent cell transformation efficiency. The separation is based upon the differences in the relative migrations of linear and circular DNA molecules of the same size. In CGE, circular ligation products are shifted significantly from linear DNA fragments of comparable size (to 40-42 min from 32-33 min migration time) in the presence of an intercalating dye. CGE separation and detection of circularized DNA can be correlated with transformation efficiencies of > 10(6) colony-forming units (CFU, colonies/micrograms/ml) or the high efficiency desired for phagemid display and cell expression libraries. CGE has several advantages over slab gel electrophoresis: (i) only a minute quantity (approximately 250 CFU or 0.02%) of the total library is sacrificed for analysis, (ii) verification of the circularized ligation products is easier by CGE, and (iii) CGE analysis of ligation success can be accomplished in less than 2 h, prior to transforming competent cells.

Antigen presentation by human fetal astrocytes with the cooperative effect of microglia or the microglial-derived cytokine IL-1

Antigen presentation by endogenous glial cells is postulated to regulate reactivity of immune cells that gain entry into the CNS. We have previously observed, using a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) system, that adult human-derived microglia can function as antigen-presenting cells (APC) for immediately ex vivo CD4+ T cells in a primary MLR (1 degree MLR) whereas astrocytes could not. We have now found that fetal human astrocytes can support CD4+ T cell proliferation in the presence of exogenous human recombinant (r) IL-2, and that astrocytes can support the continued proliferation of CD4+ T cells previously sensitized to sister astrocyte cultures in a secondary MLR. Additionally, adult human microglia, seeded into the nonpriming astrocyte: CD4+ T cell cocultures at non-T cell-stimulatory concentrations of 1000-5000 microglial cells per well, could reverse the inability of astrocytes to present antigen in the primary MLR. To examine the cellular basis for the inability of human astrocytes to function as APCs in the primary MLR, astrocyte- and microglial-enriched populations were established from human embryonic and adult brain, respectively, and analyzed for their ability to synthesize cytokines potentially relevant as accessory signals in the MLR. Microglia had transcript as determined by the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and protein as determined by bioassay for IL-1 alpha, IL-6, and TNF alpha. Human fetal astrocytes had transcript for IL-6 but not for IL-1 alpha or TNF alpha under basal culture conditions and following IFN gamma stimulation. The addition of human rIL-1 from 1-50 U/ml could reverse the inability of astrocytes to present antigen in the primary MLR. These studies demonstrate that although in vitro highly enriched cultures of astrocytes absent of microglia cannot present antigen to immediately ex vivo blood-derived CD4+ T cells in the MLR, in situ, with the cooperative help of microglia-derived cytokines or accessory surface molecules, astrocytes may function as central nervous system APCs.

Immunology of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS), a putative autoimmune disease of unknown etiology, is characterized by CNS perivascular inflammation, foci of demyelination, and elevated intrathecal production of oligoclonal IgG's. T and B cells, macrophages, and microglia are all implicated in contributing to the initiation and perpetuation of the disease. In this brief review we discuss the possible role of T cells, B cells, macrophages, and microglia in contributing to the initiation and perpetuation of inflammation and demyelination in MS. Data from the rodent model of MS, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) supporting a immunological basis for the pathology of MS is noted. This paper discusses recent data suggesting an interaction of the above-mentioned cells, as well as serum and CSF proteins including complement and anti-myelin/oligodendrocyte antibodies, in the pathogenesis of MS and EAE. Additionally, this review describes each cell type including the clinical and experimental evidence for their contribution to the immunologically mediated pathology of MS. Following the description of the role of individual cells, there is consideration of: the possible interaction of cells with the blood brain barrier (BBB) under normal and pathologic inflammatory conditions; the traffic of cells into the CNS in inflammation; and the role of antigen presentation within the CNS in the initiation, and perpetuation, of the CNS immune response. Finally, the review suggests a role for T cells in the initiation, amplification, and possibly the termination of CNS inflammatory events with particular attention paid to the pattern of T cell activation and T cell cytokine production.

Effect of the mycotoxins, nivalenol and zearalenone, in maize naturally infected with Fusarium graminearum on the performance of growing and pregnant pigs

Maize naturally infected with Fusarium graminearum and containing 11.5 mg nivalenol (NIV) kg-1 and 3 mg zearalenone (ZEA) kg-1 was fed to grower and pregnant pigs in five experiments. Inclusions of infected maize at 500 and 750 g kg-1 in diets for grower pigs caused a deterioration of all performance traits in a 14 day experiment: voluntary feed intake (VFI) from 2-17 kg day-1 (control) to 1.45 and 1.09 kg day-1; average daily gain (ADG) from 0.79 kg day-' (control) to 0.50 and 0.45 kg dayV1; and feed conversion ratio (FCR) from 2.45 (control) to 3.49 and 3.23 respectively. In a paired-feeding experiment of 8 weeks duration, the VFI, ADG and FCR of grower pigs progressively worsened with increasing infected maize content. However, when pigs were fed a nutritionally similar control diet at intakes matched to those achieved by pigs given the mycotoxin-containing diets, their ADG and FCR were not significantly different (P > 0.05). The nutrient similarity of these diets was confirmed in an independent metabolism study measuring apparent digestibility and nitrogen retention. Feeding pigs with infected maize caused a marked and dose dependent depression (P < 0.05) in white cell and neutrophil counts. In two studies with sows, a comparison was made between a control diet and one containing 600 g kg-1 infected maize when each diet was formulated to the same nutrient content and sows fed at 2 kg day-1. In one study, diets were offered from when pregnancy was confirmed at 30 days post-mating until slaughter approximately 35 days later. In the second study, the diets were offered either from day of mating or from 30 day post-mating with all sows being slaughtered approximately 35 days later. In both studies, the infected maize diet had no adverse effect on the conception rate nor on the number and weight of foeti at slaughter compared to controls. In the second study, total white cell and lymphocyte counts were lower (P < 0.05) in sows fed the infected maize diet.

Assessment for animal feed of maize kernels naturally-infected predominantly with Fusarium moniliforme and Diplodia maydis. I. Fungal isolations and changes in chemical composition

A study was made of the physical characteristics, fungal associations and the chemical composition of five batches of maize grain (designated A, B, J, M and P) damaged by ear-rot. All batches were the yellow hybrid, Dekalb XL81, except batch A which was a white variety, Dekalb DS456W. Batch A was separated by vibrating gravity grading into heavy (A-H) and light (A-L) fractions. For each batch, kernels were sorted visually into sound and mould-damaged samples to examine for any differences. The proportion of sound kernels in batches A, A-H, A-L, B, J, M and P was 874, 926, 260, 830, 854, 789 and 964 g kg-' respectively. Bulk density (r = 0.98) and 100 seed weight (r = 0.81) were highly correlated (P < 0.01) with the proportion of mould-damaged kernel in the sample. In visually sound kernels, Fusarium monilifome, Acremonium strictum and Penicillium spp. were the most prevalent fungi isolated. In visually damaged kernels, F. moniliforme was the fungus most frequently isolated other than for batch J where D. maydis was equally prevalent. Penicillium spp. and F. subglutinans were found in all batches but at low isolation frequencies. Compared to the respective sample of sound kernel, the content of crude protein and ash was increased and crude fat was decreased by the mould damage (P < 0-05); fibre, though more variable, was generally increased but gross energy was unaffected (P > 0.05). In visually sound kernels, the amounts of threonine, valine and glycine in the protein (g 16gN-1 ) decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing grain N content. In contrast, in visually mould-damaged kernels, lysine increased and histidine and cystine decreased with increasing grain N content (P < 0.05).

Assessment for animal feed of maize kernels naturally-infected predominantly with Fusarium moniliforme and Diplodia maydis. II. Nutritive value as assessed by feeding to rats and pigs

Four batches of ear-rot damaged maize grain and a batch of reportedly sound maize were assessed by rat and pig growth assay and digestibility determination in pigs. All batches were the yellow hybrid, Dekalb XL81, except one which was a white variety, Dekalb DS456W. The fungus most frequently isolated from damaged kernels was Fusarium monilifome, with the exception of one batch where Diplodia maydis was equally prevalent. Traces of aflatoxin were detected in two samples but ochratoxin A, sterigmatocystin, zearalenone, T-2 toxin, deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, diacetoxyscirpenol and moniliformin were not detected. In the growth assays, no illness was apparent in any of the rats but scouring, vomiting and a persistent and generalized muscle tremor were observed in a number of pigs. Diets based on sound maize resulted in better (P < 0.05) growth performance of both rats and pigs than those based on mouldy maize. The apparent digestibility of the sound maize was better than each batch of mouldy yellow maize, but no better than the batch of mouldy white maize. Differences in nutritive value between the batches of maize were more closely related to the degree of fungal damage and the nature of the endosperm than to either the proximate chemical or amino acid composition of the grain. The muscle tremor observed in some pigs might have been due to undetected mycotoxins.

Effective use in livestock feeds of mouldy and weather-damaged grain containing mycotoxins—case histories and economic assessments pertaining to pig and poultry industries of Queensland

Mould growth in field crops or stored grain reduces starch and lipid content, with consequent increases in fibre, and an overall reduction in digestible energy; palatability is often adversely affected. If these factors are allowed for, and mycotoxin concentrations are low, there are sound economic reasons for using this cheaper grain. Mycotoxins are common in stock feed but their effects on animal productivity are usually slight because either the concentration is too low or the animal is tolerant to the toxin. In Australia, aflatoxins occur in peanut by-products and in maize and sorghum if the grain is moist when stored. Zearalenone is found in maize and in sorghum and wheat in wetter regions. Nivalenol and deoxynivalenol are found in maize and wheat but at concentrations that rarely affect pigs, with chickens and cattle being even more tolerant. Other mycotoxins including cyclopiazonic acid, T-2 toxin, cytochalasins and tenuazonic acid are produced by Australian fungi in culture but are not found to be significant grain contaminants. Extremely mouldy sorghum containing Alternaria and Fusarium mycotoxins decreased feed conversion in pigs and chickens by up to 14%. However, E moniliforme- and Diplodia maydis-infected maize produced only slight reductions in feed intake by pigs and Ustilago-infected barley produced no ill effects. Use of these grains would substantially increase profits if the grain can be purchased cheaply.

Survey of physician attitudes towards available business services

Hospitals recognize that attracting and retaining physicians to their medical staff is the single most important means of increasing utilization. Further, the competitive environment makes it imperative for most hospitals to seriously compete for physicians' allegiance. Hospitals often have marketable business expertise and also share many of the same business problems as the physicians who are on their staff. That means that hospitals might be able to diversify their product line and strengthen their physician ties at the same time. This twofold benefit is very attractive. Business software and hardware vendors are also aware of this potential. They have come forward with packages in the data processing area to help physician and hospital computers share information. Sharing information via computer can potentially increase billing accuracy and efficiency, among other things, for the participating physicians. There have been reports of success in this area with hints that this service is attracting physicians and retaining them as medical staff members. That is exciting to hospitals looking for another way to build and maintain their medical staff.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Responses of pigs fed wheat naturally infected with Fusarium graminearum and containing the mycotoxins 4-deoxynivalenol and zearalenone

Wheat naturally infected with Fusariurn graminearurn on a farm in south-eastern Queensland contained mean concentrations of 23 mg 4-deoxynivalenol (DON) kg-1 and 4 mg zearalenone (ZEA) kg-1. No other mycotoxins were detected. The wheat was incorporated into diets containing DON ranging from 0-14 mg kg-1 and corresponding ZEA concentrations. Diets were fed in two experiments to a total of 66 pigs of an improved synthetic breed (half each sex, initial liveweights about 27 kg). The first experiment lasted 14 days and tested short-term responses, while the second was a growth trial lasting up to 14 weeks. Pigs were fasted for 24 h before the diets were first offered. In the first experiment, the pigs ate readily for 10-15 min and thereafter sparingly or not at all for several hours. Vomiting commenced in pigs consuming the most DON after 10-20 min and continued for the next hour. A similiar pattern was seen in the growth trial. In total, vomiting was observed in 13 pigs on the first day of feeding, but not thereafter. Vomiting was accompanied by signs of abdominal distress and teeth grinding. This was followed by marked feed refusal, the extent being related linearly to increasing DON concentrations, so that pigs offered the most DON lost weight during the growth trial. Voluntary feed intake was depressed by about 6% for each 1 mg kg-1 of dietary DON, although some tolerance developed over time. Slight diarrhoea was noted in some pigs, and a few females showed oestrogenic effects due to the ZEA. The feed refusal was well correlated with that obtained by other workers using purified DON. Feed conversion was not adversely affected until DON concentrations exceeded about 8 mg kg-1.

Decorticated safflower meal as a protein supplement in diets fed either restrictively or ad libitum to barrow and gilt pigs over 45 kg liveweight

Twenty barrow and twenty gilt Berkshire x Large White pigs were fed barley based diets containing protein supplements of either 13 per cent soybean meal, 9 per cent fishmeal, 14.5 per cent safflower meal plus 0.2 per cent I-lysine mono hydrochloride plus 0.1 per cent methionine or 14.5 per cent safflower meal plus 4.5 per cent fishmeal from 46.4 to 87.0 kg liveweight. All diets were fed individually at a restricted feeding scale. The safflower meal diets were also fed ad libitum. Barrows and gilts fed ad libitum recorded a 65 and 27 per cent improvement respectively in average daily gain and had slightly fatter carcases than those fed comparable diets restrictively. Feed conversion ratio was not significantly affected by level of feeding. Growth and carcase attributes of pigs fed diets restrictively were similar apart from the feed conversion ratio of pigs fed the amino acid supplemented safflower meal diet, which was inferior (P < 0.05) to those fed the soybean meal supplemented diets. Barrows grew faster and produced fatter carcases than gilts, A significant sex x diet interaction occurred from which it was concluded that gilts, but not barrows, could be fed ad libitum without detriment to the quality of the carcase.

The effect of protein content of wheat grain on its nutritive value in pig diets

In two experiments pigs were individually and restrictively fed from approximately 24 to 83 kg liveweight. The diets consisted of wheats of varying protein content supplemented with four levels of soybean meal. In experiment 1, wheats of 19.2 per cent and 11.5 per cent crude protein were compared and in experiment 2, the per cent crude protein content of the wheats was 14.9 and 13.1. Average daily gains, feed conversion ratios and carcase characteristics were not significantly affected by source of wheat in experiment 1, whereas in experiment 2, the 14.9 per cent protein wheat resulted in average daily gains and feed conversion ratios significantly superior to the 13.1 per cent protein wheat. Average daily gains and feed conversion ratios in both experiments and carcase quality in experiment 2 improved with increasing level of soybean meal supplementation. The interaction of wheat source x soybean meal level was significant only for backfat thickness in experiment 2. The level of soybean meal at which backfat thickness significantly increased was 6 per cent and 3 per cent with wheats of 14.9 per cent and 13.1 per cent protein respectively. The observed growth performance and carcase quality between the wheats fed appeared to be unrelated to the determined essential amino acid content of the wheat.