Effects of different degrees of deacetylation and levels of chitosan on performance, egg traits and serum biochemistry of laying hens

The present study was conducted to evaluate whether the deacetylation degree of chitosan (low: 70% vs. high: 90%) and its dietary level (0, 200, 400, 800, 1600 mg/kg diet) would affect laying performance, faeces viscosity, egg quality, egg and serum biochemistry of layers. For the experimental feeding period of 8 weeks, 140 four weeks old Hisex Brown layers were divided into 10 treatment groups, comprising 14 birds each. The birds were housed in individual cages in a complete randomised design. Performance was assessed by recording feed intake, egg weight, daily egg production, egg quality and egg biochemistry. Serum biochemistry parameters were determined at the beginning and end of the experiment and faeces viscosity at the end of the experiment. Feed conversion ratio and faeces viscosity were deteriorated by increased level of chitosan. Lightness of egg yolk was significantly increased in animals receiving high-degree deacetylated chitosan compared to low-degree deacetylated chitosan. Yellowness of egg yolk was affected by interaction of deacetylation degree and level of chitosan. Yolk cholesterol concentration was lower in groups receiving high deacetylated chitosan by increasing chitosan level, while laying hens fed low deacetylated chitosan had a higher level of yolk cholesterol. A significant interaction between degree of deacetylation and chitosan level was determined for serum glucose and calcium concentration. Serum total antioxidant content increased with higher levels of dietary chitosan. In conclusion, dietary level or different degrees of deacetylated chitosan may reduce yolk cholesterol and improve serum antioxidant status. However, feed conversion ratio and faeces viscosity were impaired by increasing levels of chitosan supplementation, and lightness of yolk was increased by supplementation of chitosan with a high degree of deacetylation.

Maintaining the Quality and Storage Life of Button Mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) with Gum, Agar, Sodium Alginate, Egg White Protein, and Lecithin Coating

Button mushrooms have a very short shelf life after harvesting and are sensitive to mechanical damage and browning. This can be a severe problem in enlarging the market and the long-distance exportation of this product. In this respect, edible coatings could be an alternative treatment to extend the shelf life of button mushrooms, maintaining their quality during long-term storage. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of gum, agar, sodium alginate, egg white protein, and lecithin on the postharvest weight loss, color, browning, respiration rate, ethylene production, and storage life of button mushrooms. The results showed that the above-mentioned edible coatings are a promising way to extend the life and maintain the quality of button mushrooms. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between the control and edible coating-treated samples in all parameters. Sodium alginate and gum were more effective in preventing weight loss, coloring, and browning than other edible coatings. On the other hand, the respiration rate and ethylene production were more suppressed by the agar and lecithin coatings compared to the others. In conclusion, it can be recommended that the above-mentioned edible coatings could be used as novel coatings in commercial treatments for maintaining the quality of button mushrooms during a long-term storage period.

Determination of antioxidant activities and chemical composition of sequential fractions of five edible mushrooms from Turkey

Tricholoma scalpturatum, Tricholoma populinum, Neolentinus cyathiformis, Chlorophyllum agaricoides, and Lycoperdon utriforme have been traditionally utilized as food in Turkey for a long time. The present study focused on determining antioxidant activities, total phenolic groups contents (flavonols, hydroxycinnamic acids, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins), phenolic compounds and fatty acids of sequential extracts (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform, acetone, ethanol, and pure water) obtained from five wild edible macrofungi species. Ethanol and acetone (or ethyl acetate) were found as the most efficient solvents in terms of antioxidant activities and extraction efficiency. Antioxidant studies showed that L. utriforme, C. agaricoides, and T. populinum exhibited the highest radical scavenging and reducing activities and contained the highest phenolic contents. Chromatographic studies revealed that phenolic acids (protocatechuic, gallic, and chlorogenic acids) and fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, and palmitic acids) were the major contributors of the antioxidant activities of the extracts. The results obtained suggest the utilization of these macrofungi species as significant sources of natural antioxidants.

Sempervivum davisii: phytochemical composition, antioxidant and lipase-inhibitory activities

CONTEXT

Sempervivum davisii Muirhead (Crassulaceae) is a traditional medicinal herb from Eastern Anatolia. To date the composition of phytochemicals and physiological properties of this herb were not subjected to any research.

OBJECTIVE

This study identifies compounds in S. davisii hydrophilic extracts and evaluates their potential biological properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethanol-based lyophilized extracts were obtained from aerial parts of plant (10 g of ground dry plant material in 200 mL of acidified aqueous ethanol, shaken for 2 h at 22 °C with supernatant collected and freeze-dried under vacuum). Phytochemical composition was investigated by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS, phenolics) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS, volatiles). Phenolic compounds were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Subsequently, antioxidant capacity [ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays] and enzyme inhibitory properties (isolated porcine pancreatic lipase) of the extracts were determined.

RESULTS

Polyphenolic compounds were the main constituents of lyophilized extracts, among which kaempferol glycosides and quercetin hexoside dominated. The extracts exhibited potent antioxidant (FRAP values of 1925.2-5973.3 μM Fe²⁺/g DW; ORAC values of 1858.5-4208.7 μM Trolox Eq./g DW) and moderate lipase inhibitory (IC₅₀: 11.6-2.96 mg/mL) activities. Volatile compounds (nonanal, dehydroxylinalool oxide isomers, 2-decenal, 2-undecenal, 2,6-di-tetr-butylphenol) were also found.

CONCLUSIONS

Phenolic compounds with the dominating kaempferol and quercetin derivatives are the sources of potent antioxidant properties of S. davisii hydrophilic extracts. The extracts exhibit moderate inhibitory properties towards isolated pancreatic lipase.

Impact of QRS morphology on heart rate turbulence and heart rate variability after cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with heart failure

OBJECTIVE

Impairment of heart rate turbulence (HRT) and heart rate variability (HRV) are associated with poor prognosis in chronic heart failure (CHF). Although previous studies have demonstrated that patients with a left bundle branch block (LBBB) have a better outcome with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), the effect of QRS morphology on HRV and HRT is not known. We aimed to evaluate the effect of QRS morphology on HRV and HRT after CRT implantation in patients with CHF.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients who had been implanted a CRT device with cardioversion-defibrillation feature were included to the study. Forty-three patients with LBBB (group 1) were compared with 21 patients without LBBB (group 2). HRV and HRT parameters were compared before and one month after CRT implantation.

RESULTS

We compared the echocardiographic and electrocardiographic changes in both groups after CRT. Cardiac output (CO) was found to be significantly much more increased in group 1 (1.1 ± 0.4 vs. 0.6 ± 0.4, p = 0.001). Similarly, except SDNN and LF, all HRT and HRV parameters were significantly changed in the patients with LBBB (TO 1.4 ± 0.3 vs. 1.2 ± 0.2, p = 0.001; TS -1.8 ± 0.7 vs. -0.9 ± 0.7, p = 0.001; RMSSD -15.7 ± 9.9 vs. -6.3 ± 6.2, p = 0.001; PNN50 -7.0 ± 4.6 vs. -1.7 ± 1.1, p = 0.001; HF -13.3 ± 6.7 vs. -4.3 ± 3.5, p = 0.001; LF/HF 1.9 ± 0.4 vs. 1.5 ± 0.2, p = 0.001) compared to those without LBBB. Lineer regression analysis showed that the CO (β = 0.2, t = 2.8, p = 0.007) and QRS configuration (β = 0.6, t = 0.5, p = 0.001) were independent parameters affecting TO.

CONCLUSIONS

HRV and HRT are improved after CRT but these improvements are more remarkable in patients with LBBB. CO, QRS configuration (but not duration) were two independent parameters affecting TO, LF and LF/HF ratio after CRT.

Fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis after methotrexate and prednisone therapy for rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

Fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis is an aggressive and usually fatal form of viral hepatitis in immunosuppressed patients. We assessed the hepatotoxicity of methotrexate and prednisolone combination therapy in the background of hepatitis B virus infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We report the clinical course of a 55-year-old woman who underwent a deceased-donor liver transplant for fulminant liver failure.

RESULTS

The patient's medical history was significant for hepatitis B virus infection and rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate and prednisolone combination therapy were started 5 months earlier. The patient was hospitalized because of an elevation in her liver enzymes and total bilirubin. Deterioration of liver functions and encephalopathy were developed 5 weeks after hospital admission. A deceased-donor liver transplant was performed, and pathological examination of recipient liver revealed fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis. The patient was reoperated on for bile leak and discharged 40 days after the deceased-donor liver transplant.

CONCLUSIONS

The natural course of the current case was similar to previously reported cases with fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis. Clinicians should consider the potential hepatotoxicity of methotrexate and steroid therapy in hepatitis B virus infected patients.

The effects of heparin on DLD-1 colon cancer cell line

BACKGROUND

Patients with cancer are frequently treated with anticoagulants, including heparin, to prevent or to treat the deep vein thrombosis. It has been indicated that heparin affects the survival of patients with cancer. Also, the apoptotic and antiproliferative effects of heparin on some cancers has been demonstrated. Experimental studies support the hypothesis that cancer progression can be influenced by heparin, but the results of these studies are not conclusive.

OBJECTIVES

We planned to investigate the effects of different concentrations of heparin in the colon cancer cell line DLD-1.

METHODS

This study was done by the addition of heparin in different doses into colon cancer cell line DLD-1 in vitro. After an incubation period of 72 hours, study and control groups were evaluated for viable cell count, percentage of proliferating index and apopitosis percentage.

RESULTS

The result of the viable cell count in the second and third study groups (98.35+/-27.3, 97.23+/-39.38) were low compared to the control group. The results of the proliferative index of study groups (46.47+/-10.44, 47.23+/-12.03, 45.55+/-14.2) were higher than the control group (40.62+/-9.28). The results of apoptosis in study groups (14.35+/-1.93, 16.47+/-7.25, 13.56+/-5.66) were lower compared to the control group (22.17+/-15.9). But these results were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Heparin has no significant anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects on colon cancer cells in vitro. Therefore, for clinical applications, more advanced studies are needed to examine the effect of heparin on colon cancer (Tab. 3, Fig. 3, Ref. 25). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

Hepatitis B core antigen expression pattern reflects the response to anti-viral treatment

BACKGROUND

In hepatitis B early antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients, response predictors to current treatment regimens are not well known. Hepatocyte cell cycle may influence hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) expression, which is a major target for antiviral immune response. The aim of the present paper was to evaluate the role of HBcAg expression in liver tissue and the rate of hepatocyte proliferation in response to antiviral treatment in chronic hepatitis B.

METHODS

A total of 33 chronic hepatitis B patients (nine HBeAg positive, 24 HBeAg negative) treated with either lamivudine and interferon combined or lamivudine alone were included. Liver expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and HBcAg were immunohistochemically determined. The HBV-DNA levels were measured by a hybrid capture assay. Complete response was defined as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization and HBV-DNA negativity.

RESULTS

At the end of treatment, 23 patients (67.7%) were responders (12 of 23 were sustained responders), while 10 (33.3%) were non-responders. Age, sex, ALT, HBV-DNA levels, HBeAg status, histological activity, fibrosis scores and PCNA labeling index were similar in responders versus non-responders at baseline. The number of patients with positive HBcAg staining was lower in responders compared to non-responders at the end of treatment (17.4% vs 80%, respectively, P < 0.001), although a similar number of sustained responders and non-responders had positive HBcAg staining.

CONCLUSION

Absence or a low level of HBcAg expression may predict the end of treatment response to current therapies, especially in HBeAg (-) patients. The PCNA determination does not predict treatment response.

Lamivudine Treatment in Hbeag-Negative Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with Low Level Viraemia

Background

Our aim was to determine the short-term natural course of viraemia and the response to lamivudine treatment in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients with a persistently low hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA level.

Methods

A total of 55 patients were included. Group 1 consisted of 37 patients with low-level viraemia and high serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and further randomized to two groups: group 1a ( n=19) patients received 1 year of lamivudine therapy and group 1b ( n=18) patients were untreated controls. Group 2 consisted of 18 inactive carriers who were followed as controls of untreated low viraemic chronic hepatitis B patients. HBV DNA was longitudinally determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction assay.

Results

A female predominance in group 2 was observed while males were predominant in group 1. Mean age and baseline HBV-DNA levels did not differ between group 1 and 2 patients while group 1 patients had a higher histological score ( P<0.01). Of group 1a patients, 44% had complete ALT normalization at end of treatment, whereas 21% untreated group 1b patients had normal ALT at the end of the follow-up. No change in histological activity was observed in group 1a patients at the end of treatment. HBV-DNA levels did not significantly change from baseline to end-of-treatment/observation period in patient groups. The viraemia course was not different across the groups.

Conclusions

Low viraemic HBeAg-negative patients with high ALT present with minimal/mild histological activity. Inactive carriers cannot be differentiated from low viraemic patients with high ALT based on HBV DNA determination. Although lamivudine treatment can be effective in some cases, observation rather than a prompt treatment attempt seems to be more logical because of mild histological changes and low response rate to treatment in these patients.

Lamivudine treatment in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients with low level viraemia

BACKGROUND

Our aim was to determine the short-term natural course of viraemia and the response to lamivudine treatment in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients with a persistently low hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA level.

METHODS

A total of 55 patients were included. Group 1 consisted of 37 patients with low-level viraemia and high serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and further randomized to two groups: group 1a (n=19) patients received 1 year of lamivudine therapy and group 1b (n=18) patients were untreated controls. Group 2 consisted of 18 inactive carriers who were followed as controls of untreated low viraemic chronic hepatitis B patients. HBV DNA was longitudinally determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction assay.

RESULTS

A female predominance in group 2 was observed while males were predominant in group 1. Mean age and baseline HBV-DNA levels did not differ between group 1 and 2 patients while group 1 patients had a higher histological score (P<0.01). Of group 1a patients, 44% had complete ALT normalization at end of treatment, whereas 21% untreated group 1b patients had normal ALT at the end of the follow-up. No change in histological activity was observed in group 1a patients at the end of treatment. HBV-DNA levels did not significantly change from baseline to end-of-treatment/observation period in patient groups. The viraemia course was not different across the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Low viraemic HBeAg-negative patients with high ALT present with minimal/mild histological activity. Inactive carriers cannot be differentiated from low viraemic patients with high ALT based on HBV DNA determination. Although lamivudine treatment can be effective in some cases, observation rather than a prompt treatment attempt seems to be more logical because of mild histological changes and low response rate to treatment in these patients.

Association between mitral annular calcification and carotid atheroma

Carotid artery atherosclerosis is a strong predictor of stroke and represents a potential source of cerebral emboli. The aim of this study was to investigate whether an association exists between mitral annular calcification and carotid atheroma. In addition, the characteristics of carotid atheromas were compared between patients with and without mitral annular calcification. The authors found that there was a significant association between the presence of mitral annular calcification and carotid atheroma. Mitral annular calcification in the elderly may be a form of atherosclerosis.

A case with severe rhabdomyolysis and renal failure associated with cerivastatin-gemfibrozil combination therapy--a case report

Gemfibrozil-statin combination therapy is a well-known risk factor for myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Cerivastatin is a currently available statin with dual elimination; it is therefore expected to cause less drug-drug interaction. This case is the second reported case with severe rhabdomyolysis caused by cerivastatin-gemfibrozil combination. Moreover, in this case, the rhabdomyolysis was more severe and caused severe renal failure and death. The authors discuss how these drugs cause rhabdomyolysis and how rhabdomyolysis can cause renal failure.