Nutritional effects of egg shell membrane supplements on chicken performance and immunity

Eggshell membranes (ESM) contain a variety of proteins and peptides which help in the development of embryo and provide protection to it. Many of the peptides and proteins associated with ESM have antimicrobial, immune-modulatory, and adjuvant properties. We hypothesized that the membrane byproducts from egg, provided as posthatch nutritional supplements to chickens, may improve their performance and immunity. To explore its effect, we fed 3 groups of broiler chicks with feed containing 0, 0.2, and 0.4% ESM from d 1 posthatch through 14 d and regular feed thereafter. The birds were individually weighed at the onset of the study and at weekly intervals until the termination at third wk when they were bled and euthanized. The relative weights of liver, spleen, bursa, and heart, hematology profiles, and clinical chemistry variables including serum IgM, IgG, and corticosterone concentrations were measured. The chickens in the ESM treated groups showed a statistically significant increase in BW with no impact on relative organ weights. Compared with controls, the WBC and lymphocyte percentage increased in chickens fed 0.4% ESM whereas the monocyte percentage decreased at both levels of ESM. Except for the serum protein which increased in ESM fed birds no other metabolic clinical chemistry variables showed any significant change. Both IgM and IgG(Y) levels were elevated and corticosterone levels reduced in chickens fed ESM supplemented diets. Our results suggest that ESM supplements during the early phases of growth may improve immunity and stress variables, and enhance their growth performance without any detrimental effect on other physiological parameters.

The controversial issue of centric relation: a historical and current dental perspective?

Human mandible is related to the anatomic skull in several positions among these; centric relation is a significant spatial position. It contributes not only as a reference position to build optimal occlusion in artificial dentition, but is also related to sound periodontal health and stomatognatic function. The purpose of this article is to critically discuss the historical and current definitions of centric relation, the different methods used for recording the same and its clinical implication in the restorative dental practice.

Anti microbial activity of dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA): a new chelating agent

Successful outcome of endodontic treatment depends on elimination of bacteria and their products present in the root canal. It has been reported that after careful chemicomechanical preparation, smear layer is formed on the walls of canal, which contains bacteria and their products. Chelating agents, when used during chemicomechanical preparation, remove the smear layer. DMSA--a new chelating agent, when used in root canals, removes the smear layer more than EDTA when used as irrigant in root canals. This study was conducted to determine whether DMSA has anti microbial activity and compare it with EDTA. The results show that EDTA (10% & 15%) had marked anti microbial activity, both on culture plates and in broth. DMSA (10% & 15%) did not show anti microbial activity on culture plates while in broth it had marked activity.