Effect of feeding wheat middlings and calcium lignosulfonate as pellet binders on pellet quality growth performance and lipid peroxidation in broiler chickens

Basal diets supplemented with 4 kg Ca-LS/ton of diet. Pellet quality characteristics (per cent fines, the present study was conducted to evaluate the influence of wheat middlings (WM) and calcium lignosulfonate (Ca-LS) as pellet binders on the pellet quality characteristics, growth performance, blood parameters, nutrients digestibilities, lipid peroxidation and muscle fatty acids profile in Egyptian broiler strain. A total of 3,120 broiler chicks at 1-day of age were divided randomly into three experimental treatments with eight replicates (130 each). The first treatment was fed the basal pelleted diets without any additives, the second treatment was fed diets including 50 kg WM/ton of diet and the third treatment was fed per cent pellets, and pellet durability index) were significantly improved in WM and Ca-LS treatments compared with the control. Body weight gain was significantly increased, while feed intake was significantly decreased resulting in improving of feed conversion ratio significantly in WM group in comparison with control and Ca-LS groups (p < .05). Nutrients apparent digestibility (dry matter, crude protein and crude fibre) were significantly improved by inclusion of WM compared with control and Ca-LS. Plasma total cholesterol, and uric acid concentrations were significantly decreased by dietary WM in comparison with control and Ca-LS experimental groups. Furthermore, linoleic, alpha-linolenic and arachidonic acids contents in breast muscle were significantly increased by WM and Ca-LS, while, muscle malondialdehyde concentration was significantly decreased. It could be concluded that inclusion of WM and Ca-LS can improve pellet quality characteristics, and WM (at a level of 50 kg/ton) had positive effects on growth performance, nutrients digestibilities, lipid peroxidation and fatty acids profile in Egyptian broiler strain.

Effects of soybean hulls and lignocellulose on performance, nutrient digestibility, microbial metabolites and immune response in piglets

A feeding trial with 96 piglets was performed to investigate the effect of added soluble (SDF) and insoluble dietary fibre (IDF) sources on performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), concentration of microbial metabolites and pro-inflammatory marker genes as indicators for immune response. Piglets were allotted to four treatments (T): T1 control, T2 with soybean hulls (IDF/SDF: 8.35) and T3 and T4 with two different kinds of lignocellulose (IDF/SDF: >70). Diets were isofibrous for their value of total dietary fibre to underline the particular physicochemical properties of fibre sources. No differences were observed regarding average daily feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio and body weight, while T2 expressed higher ADG in the grower phase (day 14-54) vs. T3. Soybean hulls (T2) resulted in higher ATTD of dry matter and organic matter vs. T4; ether extract vs. T1 and neutral detergent fibre vs. T1, T2 and T3. The concentration of short chain fatty acids did not differ among treatments. Ileal digesta in T2 generated higher amounts of cadaverine vs. T3 and T4, likewise T1 vs. T4. Finally, no impact on immune response was detected. In conclusion, soybean hulls affected ATTD positively and lignocellulose prevented the formation of cadaverine, no overall direct response of SDF nor of IDF for the inclusion level  were observed.

Lactoferrin/Hyaluronic acid double-coated lignosulfonate nanoparticles of quinacrine as a controlled release biodegradable nanomedicine targeting pancreatic cancer

Quinacrine is an antimalarial drug that was repositioned for treatment of cancer. This is the first work to enhance quinacrine activity and minimize its associated hepatotoxicity via loading into bio-degradable, bio-renewable lignosulfonate nanoparticles. Particles were appraised for treatment of pancreatic cancer, one of the most life-threatening tumors with a five-year survival estimate. Optimum nanocomposites prepared by polyelectrolyte interaction exhibited a particle size of 138 nm, a negative surface charge (-28 mV) and a pH dependent release of the drug in an acidic environment. Ligands used for active targeting (lactoferrin and hyaluronic acid) were added to nanoparticles' surface via layer by layer coating technique. The highest anticancer activity on PANC-1 cells was demonstrated with dual active targeted particles (3-fold decrease in IC₅₀) along with an increased ability to inhibit migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. In vivo studies revealed that elaborated nanoparticles particles showed the highest tumor volume reduction with enhanced survival without any toxicity on major organs. In conclusion, the elaborated nanoparticles could be considered as a promising targeted nanotherapy for treatment of pancreatic cancer with higher efficacy& survival rate and lower organ toxicity.

Effect of calcium lignosulfonate supplementation on metabolic profiles of confined lambs

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of calcium lignosulfonate associated with whole cottonseed in high-concentrate diets for sheep. Eight Dorper crossbred sheep with an average live weight of 42.5 ± 1.70 kg were assigned to two 4 × 4 Latin squares. The following experimental diets were evaluated: control diet (without calcium lignosulfonate) and diets with inclusion of 50, 100, and 150 g of calcium lignosulfonate/kg fresh matter. Diets were composed of soybean meal, ground corn, and whole cottonseed. Feed intake, digestibility, metabolic characteristics, and feeding behavior were evaluated. The intake of nutritional components did not show significant differences as a function of the lignosulfonate levels in the diet; however, the increase in calcium lignosulfonate levels linearly decreased the dry matter digestibility. Rumen ammonia nitrogen concentrations decreased linearly as the lignosulfonate levels in the diets were increased. There was no effect of lignosulfonate levels on blood parameters or feeding behavior of the animals. The use of lignosulfonate associated with cottonseed decreases the digestibility of dry matter and the concentration of rumen ammonia nitrogen, but does not change the intake of nutritional components, the blood parameters, or the feeding behavior of sheep.

Supplementing the feeds of layer pullets, at different ages with two different fiber sources improves immune function

Two experiments were conducted to study the effects of lignocellulose supplementation on immune function in layer pullets at different stages of growth. Four-wk-old pullets (Experiment 1) were fed a control, diet (Diet C); Diet C plus 1% mixed soluble/insoluble fiber (Diet MF), or plus 1% insoluble fiber (Diet IF). At 7.5 wk-of-age, heterophil phagocytosis, and oxidative burst in Groups MF (328.5 beads/100 cells; 4,330.0 ΔRFU; relative fluorescent units) and IF (350.3; 5,264.4) were greater (P < 0.05) than Controls (303.4; 3,509.0). At 8 wk-of-age, Group MF and IF relative weights of bursa of Fabricius (0.57 g/100 g BW; 0.58 g /100 g BW), thymus glands (0.77; 0.78), and areas of Peyer's patches (PP) (2.7 cm2; 2.9 cm2) were higher (P < 0.05) than Controls (bursa, 0.50 g; thymus, 0.70 g; PP area, 1.8 cm2). In Experiment 2, 10-wk-old pullets were fed a control diet or diets containing 1.5% MF or IF for 8 wk. At 14 wk-of-age IF pullets had higher (P < 0.05) heterophil phagocytosis efficiency (447.9 beads/100 cells) than Controls (376.4) and MF and IF had greater (P < 0.05) oxidative burst (1,302.9 and 1,857.7 ΔRFU) than Controls (744.1). At 17 wk-of-age MF and IF had increased (P < 0.05) proliferation of T-lymphocytes (ConcanavalinA-stimulated) (100.4 and 103.1% of unstimulated cells) and B-lymphocytes (lipopolysaccharide-stimulated) (122.4 and 129.0) than Controls (ConA, 79.4; lipopolysaccharide, 106.6). At 18 wk-of-age, IF pullets were heavier (1,607.5 g, P < 0.05) than Controls (1,506.5 g), had heavier (P < 0.05) bursa of Fabricius (1.12 g) than MF and Control groups (0.98 g; 0.92 g) and cecal tonsils of MF (0.38 g) and IF (0.39 g) weighted more (P < 0.05) than Controls (0.33 g). Number of jejunal and ileal PP (10.0) in IF pullets was higher (P < 0.05) than Controls (7.1). These results indicate that both MF and IF can improve development of the immune system of young and grower pullets during periods of maturation and involution of lymphoid organs.

Lignin-graft-Polyoxazoline Conjugated Triazole a Novel Anti-Infective Ointment to Control Persistent Inflammation

Lignin, one of the most abundant renewable feedstock, is used to develop a biocompatible hydrogel as anti-infective ointment. A hydrophilic polyoxazoline chain is grafted through ring opening polymerization, possess homogeneous spherical nanoparticles of 10-15 nm. The copolymer was covalently modified with triazole moiety to fortify the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. The hydrogel was capable of down regulating the expression level of IL-1β in LPS induced macrophage cells, and to cause significant reduction of iNOS production. It supported cellular anti-inflammatory activity which was confirmed with luciferase assay, western blot, and NF-κB analysis. This novel lignin-based hydrogel tested in-vivo has shown the abilities to prevent infection of burn wound, aid healing, and an anti-inflammatory dressing material. The hydrogel reported here provides a new material platform to introduce a cost-effective and efficient ointment option after undertaking further work to look at its use in the area of clinical practice.

Influence of different cultivation methods on carbohydrate and lipid compositions and digestibility of energy of fruits and vegetables

BACKGROUND

Environmental as well as cultivation factors may greatly influence the chemical composition of plants. The main factors affecting the chemical composition of foodstuff are level and type of fertilizer (conventional and organic cultivation systems), location or soil type, and year of harvest. Organic foods are defined as products that are produced under controlled cultivation conditions characterized by the absence of synthetic fertilisers and very restricted use of pesticides. Very limited information is available regarding the impact of organic cultivation systems on the composition of carbohydrates and fatty acids of fruits and vegetables. The objective was to investigate the influence of organic and conventional cultivation systems on the carbohydrate and fatty acid composition and digestibility of the energy of apple, carrot, kale, pea, potato, and rape seed oil.

RESULTS

Carbohydrate and lignin values ranged from 584 g kg⁻¹ dry matter in kale to 910 g kg⁻¹ DM in potato, but with significant differences in the proportion of sugars, starch, non-starch polysaccharides, and lignin between the foodstuffs. Triacylglycerol was the major lipid class in pea, with 82% of total fatty acids, as opposed to apple, with only 35% of fatty acids of the ether extract. The most important factor influencing the digestibility of energy, and consequently faecal bulking, was the content of dietary fibre.

CONCLUSION

The cultivation system had minor impact on the carbohydrate and lipid composition in the investigated foodstuffs or on the digestibility of energy when assessed in the rat model. Faecal bulking was related to dietary fibre in a linear fashion.

Determination of 67Zn distribution in navy bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) after foliar application of 67Zn-lignosulfonates using isotope pattern deconvolution

The improvement of Zn fertilizers requires new techniques to evaluate their efficacy. In this paper, the (67)Zn stable isotope was used as tracer of several Zn-lignosulfonate complexes to study the foliar-applied Zn uptake and distribution behavior in the plant, compared with ZnEDTA. Navy bean plants ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were grown hydroponically in a Zn-free nutrient solution, and six modified lignosulfonates and EDTA complexed with (67)Zn were used in foliar application in the young leaves as Zn sources. Zinc isotopes in roots, stems, and sprayed and unsprayed leaves were determined by ICP-MS, and signal interferences caused by the compounds of the digested vegetal samples were corrected. The mathematical procedure of isotope pattern deconvolution allowed the minimization of the uncertainty in the measured molar fractions of Zn from fertilizer or from natural sources. Significant differences in Zn use and distribution were observed among the fertilizers when the calculated concentrations of Zn from the fertilizer were compared, whereas they were unnoticeable attending to the total Zn in plant tissues, usually determined at the conventional studies. By foliar spray, higher Zn uptake and mobilization to leaves and stems were achieved with (67)ZnEDTA than with (67)Zn-LS complexes. The ultrafiltered LS and phenolated LS showed slightly better ability to provide Zn to the bean plants than the other LS. The foliar-applied Zn use and distribution in the plant were related with the stability of the Zn-lignosulfonates complexes. Those presenting the lower stability versus pH, but the highest complexing capacity, were slightly more suitable to supply foliar-applied Zn to navy beans.

Use of the stable isotope (57) Fe to track the efficacy of the foliar application of lignosulfonate/Fe(3+) complexes to correct Fe deficiencies in cucumber plants

BACKGROUND

During the last decade, environmental concerns regarding the use of recalcitrant synthetic chelates to overcome iron chlorosis has increased and new ligands such as lignosulfonates (LS) have been evaluated. However, the efficacy of these products is variable. In this work a hardwood (eucalyptus) and softwood (spruce) LS were compared to try to relate their physico-chemical characteristics and their efficacy. Also two more products derived from the eucalyptus lignosulfonate were tested.

RESULTS

All the LS tested presented a good ability to complex Fe, but only the spruce LS was capable to maintain significant amounts of soluble Fe above pH 8. According to the FTIR data, structural changes related to the Fe source (Fe(2+) or Fe(3+) ) used to form the complex occurred in the LS molecule and might influence their efficacy. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. cv Ashley) chlorotic plants were used to test lignosulfonate efficacy when applied through foliar sprays in comparison with FeSO(4) and EDTA/(57) Fe(3+) . The (57) Fe content of plants sprayed with LS was very low in respect to the EDTA treatment, but this was not reflected in the biomass and re-greening rates. Eucalyptus LS modifications improve its efficacy for iron chlorosis recovery to levels similar to those found for the spruce LS. Two applications of the LS are recommended.

CONCLUSIONS

Lignosulfonates did not require surfactants for their application; they did not burn the leaves, and had a stimulating effect on the vegetative growth of the plants. So these by-products could be a good alternative when applied through foliar sprays for cucumber plants.

Fiber intake and endometrial cancer risk

BACKGROUND

The epidemiological evidence on the relation between dietary fiber intake and endometrial cancer is contradictory. Consequently, a case-control study was carried out to further investigate the role of dietary fiber intake in the etiology of endometrial cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cases were 454 women with incident, histologically confirmed, endometrial cancer admitted to major teaching and general hospitals. Controls were 908 women admitted for acute, non-neoplastic conditions to the same hospital network. Information on diet was elicited using a validated food frequency questionnaire.

RESULTS

Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for quintiles of various types of fiber were estimated after allowance for total energy intake and other potential confounding factors. Lignin intake was significantly inversely related to endometrial cancer (OR=0.6 for the highest versus the lowest quintile of intake; 95%CI: 0.4-0.9) with a slightly significant linear trend in risk (p-value=0.04).

DISCUSSION

Data suggest the potential importance of lignin in the prevention of endometrial cancer at Italian consumption levels.

Efficiency of a NPK fertilizer with adhered zinc lignosulfonate as a zinc source for maize (Zea mays L.)

The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of a NPK fertilizer (8:15:15) with a Zn lignosulfonate (ZnLS) adhered as Zn source for maize plants. This product was compared in three experimental designs with the same NPK fertilizer with ZnSO(4) adhered and with no Zn adhered. The first and the second assays were carried out in a growth chamber by using perlite and a calcareous soil as substrate and the third experiment was raised in two calcareous fields. In general, growth chamber experiments showed that plants treated with NPK + ZnLS presented the highest dry weight and Zn concentrations in shoots. Also at field experiments, the Zn concentration in shoots was significantly high in plants treated with NPK + ZnLS. The grain harvested showed that this treatment gave the highest values in one location, but in the other no significant differences were observed. Although further research is required, we can conclude that NPK + ZnLS product could be a suitable source of Zn for maize crops.

Induction of DNA-lesions in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes by different genotoxins and their reduction by lignin given either as a dietary component or in in vitro conditions

The aim of our investigation was to verify the protective effect of lignin on DNA in rat hepatocytes damaged by 3 different genotoxins attacking DNA in a different manner. Hydrogen peroxide was used for induction of direct single strand breaks of DNA, visible light-excited methylene blue for induction of oxidized DNA lesions and 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane for induction of alkali-labile DNA lesions. Hepatocytes were pre-treated with lignin either immediately after isolation, i.e., in in vitro conditions, or the hepatocytes were isolated from rats fed a lignin enriched diet for 21 days (ex vivo conditions). The protective effect of lignin applied to hepatocytes by the first or by the second approach was tested on the level of DNA using classical and modified single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE). We found that lignin applied by each way significantly reduced the level of direct DNA strand breaks induced by H2O2, alkali-labile sites of DNA induced by DBCP as well as oxidative DNA lesions induced by visible light-excited methylene blue. These results confirm that lignin represents a very important micronutrient in our vegetable food, protecting DNA against damaging effects of different genotoxicants.

Radiobiological effects of olipifat during radiation exposure

Preventive injections of olipifat to rats (intramuscularly in a single dose of 250 mg/kg 24 h before gamma-exposure in a dose of 7.6 Gy) decrease animal mortality from 70 to 50%, the mean life span of dead rats remained unchanged. Injection of olipifat before exposure in a dose of 5.2 Gy did not change animal mortality in comparison with irradiated controls, but stimulated postradiation recovery of leukocyte count (mainly the granulocytic component and less so the increase in lymphocyte count). No appreciable effects of olipifat on the postradiation changes in individual fractions of blood leukocytes were observed in animals exposed in a dose of 7.6 Gy.

Phyto-availability and speciation change of heavy metals in soils amended with lignin as micro-fertilizer

Lignin is a primary byproduct from the black liquor treatment in paper making industries, its application as micro-fertilizer in agricultural land might provide a promising alternative to sewage discharge. However, application of such a micro-fertilizer might affect the soil properties and result in soil pollution. In this study, the effects of lignin application on phyto-availability and speciation change of heavy metals in soils were investigated. Greenhouse experiments showed that lignin application improved the growth of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in all three soils investigated. The increase of the biomass for wheat shoot was 59.7%, 39.8% and 12.3% for Beijing soil, Jiangxi soil and Dongbei soil, respectively. In contrast, lignin amendment decreased the concentrations of heavy metals in wheat shoots from 2.2% to 61.0%. Sequential extraction procedure of a three-step BCR was used to investigate the fraction distribution. The extractable fractions were specified as fraction B1: water soluble, exchangeable and carbonate bound or weakly specifically adsorbed; B2: Fe-Mn oxide bound; B3: organic matter and sulfide bound. The results showed that lignin application led to the redistribution of heavy metals in each fraction. Generally, heavy metals decreased in B1 and B2 fractions and increased in B3 fraction. Upon the results short-term application of lignin in agricultural land not only improves the growth of wheat but also reduces the phyto-abailability of heavy metal in wheat.

[Anti-inflammatory and reparative effect of olipiphate]

The therapeutic effect of olipiphate was demonstrated for chronic inflammation of advanced arthritis and concanavalin A-related acute edema. The best systemic effect was obtained with 50 mg/kg, symptomatic--100 mg/kg. Skin wounds treated with 5% olipiphate (26 + 2) healed faster than those treated with 2% solcoseryl (30 + 0.8) or in control (33 + 0.6). It was shown histologically that the proliferative and antiphlogistic effect of olipiphate involved no scars.

Dietary lignins are precursors of mammalian lignans in rats

The mammalian lignans enterolactone (ENL) and enterodiol, commonly found in human plasma and urine, are phytoestrogens that may contribute to the prevention of breast cancer and coronary heart disease. They are formed by the conversion of dietary precursors such as secoisolariciresinol and matairesinol lignans by the colonic microflora. The identification of lignins, cell-wall polymers structurally related to lignans, as precursors of mammalian lignans is reported here for the first time. In study 1, rats were fed rye or wheat bran (15% diet) for 5 d. Untreated brans and brans extracted with solvents to remove lignans were compared. ENL was estimated in urine samples collected for 24 h by time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay. ENL urinary excretion was reduced from 18.6 to 5.3 nmol/d (n=8; P<0.001) when lignans were removed from rye bran and from 30.5 to 6.2 nmol/d (P<0.001) when they were removed from wheat bran. These results suggest that lignins, embedded in the cell wall and retained in the bran during solvent extraction, account for 26-32% of the ENL formed from cereal brans. In study 2, rats were fed a deuterated synthetic lignin (0.2% diet) together with wheat bran (15%) for 3 d. The detection of deuterated ENL by LC-tandem MS in urine (20 nmol/d) clearly confirms the conversion of lignin into mammalian lignans. More research is warranted to determine the bioavailability of lignins in the human diet.

Reduction of Genotoxic Effects of the Carcinogen N-Methyl-N'-Nitro-N-Nitrosoguanidine by Dietary Lignin in Mammalian Cells Cultured In Vitro

In the present study the protective effect of several lignin polymers against the genotoxic effect of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) was tested in hamster lung V79 cells and human colon Caco-2 cells. Preculturing of cells with sublethal, nongenotoxic concentrations of the lignins A, B, and C (50 microg/ml) was found to decrease significantly the level of DNA strand breaks in both hamster and human cells treated with MNNG. Lignin A also reduced MNNG-induced gene mutations in V79 cells. As in addition to alkyl lesions MNNG gives rise to hydroxyl free radicals (OH) and nitrogen-centered free radicals (NR), we tried to determine whether antimutagenicity of lignin A was connected only with the well-known ability of lignin to bind MNNG molecules or also with its antioxidative effects. The use of the modified comet assay technique proved that preculturing of hamster V79 cells with lignin A resulted in a significant decrease of the level of DNA strand breaks originating from oxidized DNA bases. Therefore, we suggest that the antimutagenic effect of lignin A against MNNG is associated with both adsorptive and antioxidative action. This study also showed that the presence of lignin A neither helped to renew DNA replication nor influenced the kinetics of DNA rejoining in MNNG-treated V79 cells.

Estrogenic activity of phenylpropanoids from Sarcomelicope megistophylla and structure determination of a new norneolignan

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the neutral extract of the bark of Sarcomelicope megistophylla resulted in the isolation of the new nor-neolignan sarcomeginal ( 1), together with the known ailanthoidol ( 2) and (+/-)-seco-isolariciresinol ( 3). The structure of 1 was determined by spectroscopic means. Estrogenic activity of the isolated compounds was tested using estrogen receptor-positive MCF7 and estrogen receptor-negative MDA-MB-231 human mammary adenocarcinoma cell lines. Compound 3 displayed significant estrogenic activity.

Lignosulfonic acid blocks in vitro fertilization of macaque oocytes when sperm are treated either before or after capacitation

Lignin-derived macromolecules (LDMs) are biologically active compounds that affect a variety of cell-to-cell interactions including the inhibition of fertilization and embryo development in a number of nonmammalian species. The effect of ligno-sulfonic acid (LSA), a highly sulfonated LDM, on cynomolgus macaque sperm-oocyte interaction was evaluated with a zona pellucida binding assay and by in vitro fertilization (IVF). Sperm were treated with LSA (1.5 mg/mL) either before washing or after capacitation. Capacitation included centrifugation through 80% Percoll followed by 2 consecutive washes with medium, overnight incubation, and activation with dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate and caffeine. The zona binding assay was performed using immature oocytes that had adhered to the center of glass "binding chambers." The number of capacitated sperm that attached to the zona over a 3-minute period was recorded. Sperm attachment was significantly inhibited by LSA as compared to controls whether treatment occurred after capacitation (92.5%; P <.001) or before washing (82.5%; P <.001). When sperm were treated similarly with fucoidin, a sulfated polysaccharide known to inhibit sperm-oocyte interaction, sperm-zona binding was significantly inhibited by postcapacitation treatment but not by prewash treatment. Treatment of sperm with LSA consistently blocked fertilization over 4 IVF cycles both before washing and after capacitation. Fertilization rate for controls was 65% +/- 17%. No LSA-treated sperm were observed on the surface of lightly rinsed oocytes after 4 hours of coincubation. Localization of biotinylated LSA showed labeling over the entire sperm surface with the greatest intensity observed over the head and midpiece. LSA treatment had no effect on the percentage of motile sperm or quality of sperm motility. Due to the antifertility properties of this nontoxic molecule, LSA appears to have potential as a vaginal contraceptive.

Zinc transformations in acidic soil and zinc efficiency on maize by adding six organic zinc complexes

Experiments under laboratory and greenhouse conditions were conducted to study the response of maize (Zea mays L.) to Zn fertilizer applications (Zn-phenolate, Zn-EDDHA, Zn-EDTA, Zn-lignosulfonate, Zn-polyflavonoid, and Zn-heptagluconate) in an Aquic Haploxeralf soil. The application of Zn complexes significantly increased Zn uptake by the plant compared with that in the control soil. The highest enhancements were obtained in soil treated with Zn-EDTA, Zn-lignosulfonate, and Zn-EDDHA. The highest percentages of Zn taken up by the plants occurred when 20 mg x kg(-1) Zn was applied as Zn-EDTA fertilizer and 10 mg x kg(-1) as Zn-lignosulfonate fertilizer. In the greenhouse experiment, Zn speciation in soil after harvesting showed that almost all Zn was found in the residual fraction followed by metal in the water-soluble plus exchangeable fraction and metal bound to organic matter. The most effective fertilizers maintaining Zn in the most labile fractions were Zn-phenolate, Zn-EDTA, and Zn-lignosulfonate. Conversely, in the incubation experiment, only a small percentage of Zn was found in the water-soluble plus exchangeable fraction and no differences in the Zn distribution were observed between the different fertilizer treatments. The micronutrient content in maize was positively correlated with the water-soluble plus exchangeable Zn as well as with the available Zn determined by the diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid and Mehlich-3 methods, in the greenhouse experiment. Results of this study showed that the incubation experiment in acidic soil is not a suitable tool to establish the different effectiveness of Zn chelates in plants.

Evaluation of tropical grasses for milk production by dual-purpose cows in tropical Mexico

Two experiments using the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System were conducted to characterize the carbohydrate and protein fractions and corresponding rates of digestion of 15 tropical pasture grasses and to evaluate their ability to support milk production by dual-purpose cows. In the first experiment, ranges in carbohydrate and protein fractions of 15 grasses at 35 to 42 d of regrowth were: neutral detergent fiber (NDF) 63.5 to 74.9% of DM; permanganate lignin 4.7 to 7.8% of NDF; CP 5.5 to 11.9% of DM; and soluble protein 15.1 to 44.1% of crude protein (CP). The ranges of rates of digestion expressed as percent per hour were neutral detergent solubles (7.5 to 27.4); NDF (3.8 to 8.4); and neutral detergent insoluble protein (2.9 to 9.5). Predictions of the amount of milk that could be produced based on the amount of metabolizable energy supplied by the diet decreased 35% when NDF increased from 60 to 80%, and increased 88% when the rate of digestion of NDF increased from 3 to 6%/h. The milk production that could be sustained based on metabolizable protein in the diet doubled as CP increased from 4 to 12%. In the second experiment, nitrogen fertilization reduced NDF 7.3% and increased CP 84% without changing protein solubility, resulting in increased rumen nitrogen and metabolizable protein balances. With all forages, the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System predicted that availability of metabolizable protein would limit milk production. Predicted microbial growth was limited by ruminally available protein rather than by available carbohydrate.

Organ distribution and toxicity of lignin

It is suggested that 125I-labeled natural and synthetic lignins administered orally to mice are absorbed through the digestive tract and excreted via urine, in addition to feces. Intravenous administration of lignins produced preferential accumulation of radioactivity in the liver and also in the stomach tissue and lung. It also induced an increase in the spleen weight (splenomegaly), suggesting that the immune system might be stimulated. Lignin significantly increased the heme oxygenase among several hepatic enzymes. Macroscopical examination of mice which were administered a lethal dose of lignin showed nasal and lung congestion leading to hemorrhage.

Effect of different sources of dietary fibre on growth performance, intestinal morphology and caecal carbohydrases of domestic geese

1. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of dietary fibre sources on growth and on the development of the gastro-intestinal tract in growing geese. 2. Six-week-old female White Roman geese were divided at random into 6 groups with 6 dietary treatments. Diets were isoenergetic and isonitrogenous and contained alfalfa meal, barley bran, rice hulls, cellulose, pectin or lignin as the major dietary source of fibre. 3. Food intake was significantly higher in the barley bran group than in the other groups. Both daily weight gain and food conversion of the pectin and alfalfa meal groups were lower than those of the other groups. 4. In the 9-week-old geese, the relative weight and the length of the small intestine did not significantly differ among treatment groups. However, the relative weight was significantly lightest and the caecal length was significantly shortest (P < 0.05) in the pectin group. 5. Activities of amylase and cellulose hydrolases of the caecal contents were also highest in the pectin group. 6. From SEM micrographs, no morphological damage of the villi was observable in the different intestinal segments of the geese in any of the treatments.

Evaluation and application of the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System for dairy cows fed diets based on pasture

This study evaluated the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System for dairy cows consuming diets based on pasture, assessed the sensitivity of the model to critical inputs, and demonstrated application opportunities. Data were obtained from four grazing experiments and four indoor pasture feeding experiments (25 dietary treatments) involving dairy cows in New Zealand and the US. The model provided a reasonably good estimate of changes in body condition score (r2 = 0.78; slope not significantly different from 1), estimated energy balance (r2 = 0.76; slope not significantly different from 1), blood urea N (r2 = 0.94; underprediction bias of 0.5%), microbial N flow (r2 = 0.88; slope not significantly different from 1), and milk production. The model underpredicted dry matter intake (r2 = 0.80; 13% bias) and overpredicted ruminal pH (r2 = 0.47; 1.7% bias). Predicted milk production was especially sensitive to changes in pasture lignin content, effective fiber, rate of fiber digestion, and amino acid composition of ruminal microbes. Milk production was first-limited by the supply of metabolizable energy when only high quality pasture was fed, but specific amino acids limited milk production when more than 20% of the diet consisted of a grain supplement. These results indicate that the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System can be used for dairy cows in a grazing system to make realistic predictions of performance.

Selected lignosulfonate fractions affect growth performance, digestibility, and cecal and colonic properties in rats

We determined the effects of lignosulfonate (LS) on nutrient digestibility and on hindgut fermentation characteristics using 80 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats fed a control diet or a diet containing 3% (dry matter basis) of seven selected LS fractions. Lignosulfonate fractions were divided into three categories: two fractionated whole calcium spent sulfite liquors (CaSSL) and one low-molecular-weight permeate of CaSSL designated as WholeLS 1, 2, and 3, respectively; two extracted sodium LS (NaLS) fractions denoted as HighLS 1 and 2 (high percentage of NaLS); and two concentrated sugar solutions designated as LowLS 1 and 2 (low percentage of NaLS). All diets containing LS were less digestible (P < .001) than the control diet. Lignosulfonate treatment had a variable effect on short-chain fatty acid concentration except for LowLS 1, which tended to enhance butyrate concentration. Cecal organ weights were greater (P < .001) for LS treatments, but there was no difference in colonic organ weights. All cecal and colonic pH values, except the cecal pH for HighLS 2, were lower (P < .001) for LS treatment groups. Colonic Bifidobacterium increased (P < .005) with WholeLS 1 and 3 and HighLS 2 treatments. Cecal Lactobacillus levels were increased (P < .001) by WholeLS 1 and 2, LowLS 2, and HighLS 2. Results show that ingestion of selected LS fractions can modify digestive physiology and gastrointestinal tract characteristics of rats.

Iron bioavailability from diets containing isolated or intact sources of lignin

Experiments were conducted to determine effects of isolated lignin and intact lignin in foods on bioavailability of intrinsic iron in lignin-containing foods and of supplemental iron (FeSO4.H20). Standard curve and slope ratio methodology were employed to determine iron bioavailability to chicks. In one experiment, lignin content of foods ranged from 2 to 25% and iron bioavailability ranged from -20 to 140%, but no association between lignin content and bioavailability existed. In other experiments, increasing dietary lignin concentration from some natural sources reduced total iron availability, whereas increasing isolated lignin concentration had no effect. These results suggest that lignin structure or other unidentified factors determine intrinsic iron availability. No lignin source significantly decreased supplemental iron bioavailability.

[Course of wound healing under the influence of polyfepan in patients with diabetes mellitus]

The results of the treatment of 140 patients with diabetes mellitus complicated with purulent process are analysed. The vulnerosorption with polyphepan was used in 68 patients. Polyphepan is a natural polymer obtained from a technical lignin. The method of vulnerosorption with polyphepan is described. Positive dynamics of the local inflammatory process, shorter cleaning of the wound and the time of granulation were demonstrated. The use of the wound sorption provided the decrease of the hospital stay by 13.7 + 0.2 days.

The nonfermentable dietary fiber lignin alters putative colon cancer risk factors but does not protect against DMH-induced colon cancer in rats

The effect of supplementation of the diet with autohydrolyzed lignin on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon carcinogenesis was studied using 112 male Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats received eight weekly injections of DMH (9.5 mg/kg s.c.) or the saline vehicle solution and then were maintained on a basal AIN-76 fiber-free diet or the basal fiber-free diet plus 5% or 10% (wt/wt) lignin for 24 weeks. Rats were killed 32 weeks after the start of the experiment. Colon tumor incidence, location, and multiplicity were determined. Body weight, caloric intake, fecal dry weight, gut transit time, pH of cecal contents, and total fecal bile acid excretion were measured. Supplementation of the diet with 5% or 10% lignin resulted in increased fecal dry weight and total fecal bile acid excretion and in decreased gut transit time, colon pH, and fecal bile acid concentration. Dietary lignin did not significantly affect colon tumor incidence or multiplicity compared with the fiber-free diet. Thus dietary supplementation with autohydrolyzed lignin, a food fiber with good bulking characteristics, had a significant effect on several factors that have previously been linked to reduction of colon cancer risk, but the consumption of high levels of lignin did not decrease the risk for colon cancer.

Influence of dietary fiber on microbial growth in vitro and bacterial translocation after burn injury in mice

Translocation of enteric bacteria from the gut to the mesenteric lymph nodes and beyond can cause life-threatening infection and multiple-organ failure in immunocompromised and traumatized patients. One of the conditions that promotes bacterial translocation is disruption of the normal gut flora, which results in bacterial overgrowth. In vitro methods were used to determine whether the fibers pectin, cellulose, chitosan, kaolin, lignin, or soy had bactericidal properties. Our results indicated that only chitosan and lignin significantly reduce microbial growth in vitro. A burned mouse model (20% total-body surface area) was used to study the effects of dietary lignin, cellulose, pectin, and chitosan on burn-induced bacterial translocation. Animals were fed a standard mouse diet containing no fiber, pectin, cellulose, lignin, or chitosan (10% of diet) for 14 days ad libitum. On day 14, all animals were burned. Four hours later the animals were killed and the mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and cecum were aseptically harvested for determination of quantitative aerobic microbial growth. The animals which received chitosan, and lignin to a lesser extent, added to their diet had significantly lower levels of bacteria in the cecum, mesenteric lymph nodes, and liver. We suggest that addition of chitosan and possibly lignin to the diet may reduce the amount of bacterial translocation after burn injury, presumably by reducing the bacterial population of the cecum.

Anti-influenza virus activity of a lignin fraction from cone of Pinus parviflora Sieb. et Zucc

When mice were inoculated intranasally or intracerebrally with lethal doses of influenza virus A/WSN/33, most died within 12 days. However, the infectivity of virus that had been preincubated with a lignin prepared from cones of Pinus parviflora Sieb. et Zucc. (PC-Fr. VI) was significantly reduced. Intraperitoneal or oral administration of PC-Fr. VI, prior to virus inoculation, slightly increased the survival ratio of the infected mice. Experiments using radiolabeled PC-Fr. VI revealed that this fraction effectively binds to virions as well as to cultured cells. These data suggest that PC-Fr. VI either inactivates the virus or induces the anti-viral state in cells by binding to virions or cells.

Technical note: evaluation of acid detergent lignin, alkaline peroxide lignin, acid insoluble ash, and indigestible acid detergent fiber as internal markers for prediction of alfalfa, bromegrass, and prairie hay digestibility by beef steers

Six steers (BW = 436 +/- 15 kg) were assigned randomly to alfalfa, bromegrass, or prairie hay diets in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design to evaluate the efficacy of different internal markers for estimating OM digestibility (OMD). Internal markers used to estimate OMD included ADL, alkaline peroxide lignin (APL), AIA, and indigestible ADF (IADF), which consisted of a 144-h in vitro incubation (IADFWOUT), indigestible ADF with acid/pepsin pretreatment of feed and orts samples (IADFFEED), or acid/pepsin pretreatment of feed, orts, and fecal samples (IADFALL). Marker-derived estimates of OMD were compared with OMD measured by total fecal collection (TFC). For the alfalfa diet, all marker estimates differed (P less than .05) from the TFC measurement; however, lignin-based procedures (ADL and APL) and IADF with acid/pepsin pretreatment (IADFFEED, IADFALL) were numerically closest to TFC values. Estimates of bromegrass and prairie hay OMD by ADL, APL, and AIA ratio were not different (P greater than .05) from TFC measurement, although AIA seemed to provide the most accurate estimate for prairie hay. All indigestible ADF procedures yielded estimates of forage OMD that differed (P less than .05) from TFC for all forages; acid/pepsin pretreatment of samples (IADFFEED and IADFALL) improved accuracy of the OMD estimates in all forages. Likewise, recovery of indigestible ADF was consistently least among the markers evaluated. These results indicate that APL ratio performed similarly to ADL ratio in estimating forage OMD, that AIA estimated grass OMD very accurately, and that estimation of OMD by indigestible ADF ratio was improved when the procedure was accompanied by an acid/pepsin pretreatment of samples.

Forage intake and nutrition of range goats in a shrubland in northeastern Mexico

Voluntary intake and nutritive value of diets selected by goats grazing a shrubland at Marin county, N.L., Mexico were determined. Four esophageally cannulated Spanish female goats (average BW 35 kg), were used to collect extrusa samples monthly throughout 1 yr (June 1987 to May 1988). Organic matter intake (OMI) was estimated by total fecal collections from four castrated Spanish male goats (average BW 42 kg). Diets selected by goats were high in CP throughout the year (means = 18.9%). Available CP represented only about half the total CP. The ADF content of extrusa samples differed (P less than .05) among months, with high ADF values during winter months. Dietary lignin followed a similar pattern during the year. Goats consumed forage with sufficient amounts of Ca, Na, K, Mg, Cu, ZN, Mn, and Fe to meet requirements. The OMI of goats was different (P less than .05) among sampling periods. On the average, estimated OMI (means = 878.7 g/d) compared well with results of other studies in the area. Amounts of DE consumed by goats (1.1 Mcal DE/d) were not sufficient to meet requirements for maintenance plus low activity. High levels of browse in the diets presumably were responsible for low in vitro OM digestibility (means = 34.1%) throughout the year. Thus, productivity of range goats in these areas should be improved by supplementing with protein and energy.

Nutrition of goats as influenced by thinning and clearing of deciduous woodland in northeastern Brazil

Nutritive composition of diets and forage intake of goats utilizing pastures of cleared, two levels of thinned (25% and 55% canopy cover) and undisturbed (control) tropical woodland were compared on a seasonal basis. Esophageally fistulated goats were used to collect dietary samples for chemical analysis. Total fecal collections were used to estimate organic matter intake (OMI) and digestible energy intake (DEI). Forage availability during the wet season was more than threefold higher (P less than .1) on treated than on control pastures. Although available forage was similar (P greater than .1) for all treatments by the middle of the dry season, available forage on the control pastures was limited mostly to dry tree leaves. Goats selected diets 4% higher (P less than .1) in neutral detergent fiber on the control pastures than on the treated pastures; otherwise, diets selected by the goats on the various pastures were similar in terms of crude protein, lignin and in vitro organic matter digestibility. However, OMI and DEI were 23 and 31% higher (P less than .1), respectively, on the treated pastures than on the control pastures. There were no differences among the cleared and thinned treatments. Excessively wet conditions during the rainy season adversely affected goat performance. High populations of biting insects and wet field conditions reduced foraging time and diet selection. The generally higher levels of available forage on the cleared and thinned pastures did not result in the goats' selecting diets higher in nutritive value on the treated pastures than on the control pastures. Instead, the increased forage availability for the treated pastures allowed the goats to attain higher intake of forage.

[Use of polyfepan in the treatment of suppurative wounds]

An analysis of application of medical lignin (polyfepan) in treatment of purulent wounds of different etiology in 60 patients is presented. Good clinical effects of polyfepan in treatment of purulent wounds allow putting secondary sutures or approximating the wound margins at earlier terms. It gives no complications, is well endurable by the patients and easy in use. All these qualities allow polyfepan to be recommended for the local treatment of purulent wounds as a sorbent.

Physiological effects of fibre-rich types of bread. 2. Dietary fibre from bread: digestibility by the intestinal microflora and water-holding capacity in the colon of human subjects

Twelve young adult male volunteers were given a low-fibre white bread diet (9 g neutral-detergent fibre (NDF)/d) and a medium-fibre coarse-bran bread diet (22 g NDF/d), each lasting 20 d. In a third period of 20 d the volunteers were subdivided in groups of four, consuming a high-fibre coarse-bran bread diet (35 g NDF/d), a medium-fibre fine-bran diet (22 g NDF/d, bran particle size greater than 0.35 mm) or a wholemeal bread diet (22 g NDF/d). Digestion of dietary fibre and its components hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin were determined as well as colonic function. An increase of the amount of dietary fibre (through bran in bread) from 9 to 22 g NDF/d resulted in the following significant changes (P less than 0.01): increase in faecal wet weight of 63 g/d, decrease in the percentage of faecal dry weight from 27 to 24, increase in defaecation frequency of 0.2 stools/d and reduction of the intestinal transit time of 36 h. Further significant changes with regard to all factors mentioned were observed during the high-fibre diet. Faecal wet weight was significantly (P less than 0.05) lower with the fine-bran bread diet than with the coarse-bran bread on a similar fibre intake of 22 g NDF/d. Results obtained in the wholemeal-bread period did not show significant differences compared with those from the coarse-bran bread period of 22 g NDF/d. Mean digestibilities for the fibre from bread were: for NDF 0.34, for hemicellulose 0.46, for cellulose 0.20 and for lignin 0.04. The results obtained suggest that the theory of sponge activity of the fibre matrix structure is the predominant factor accounting for the water binding capacity of fibre in the colon.

Effects of dietary fibers on mineral status of chicks

We investigated the effects of replacing dietary starch with dietary fibers of various types and particle sizes on utilization of bivalent cations by chicks. Inclusion of polyethylene powder, alfalfa cell walls, corn bran, oat bran and wheat bran into diets resulted in lower serum and tibia Zn levels. However, addition of pectin, cellulose and a xylose:gum arabic (50:50) mixture did not affect tissue Zn levels, whereas addition of 4% lignin increased serum Zn level from 2.50 to 3.44 micrograms/ml. Ingestion of fibers with particle sizes less than 300 micrometers resulted in higher serum Zn levels compared with those of particle sizes greater than 300 micrometers. Incorporation of 4 and 8% pectin decreased (P less than 0.05) serum and tibia Mg levels. When brans were fed, kidney Mg levels were lower due to fiber additions. Inclusion of lignin, the xylose:gum arabic mixture and alfalfa cell walls resulted in lower liver Cu levels; polyethylene and solka floc had no effect on liver Cu status. Fiber did not affect tissue Ca or Fe status. Each mineral influenced by fiber type, level or particle size appeared to be affected through different mechanisms.

The effects of feeding peptide-precipitating lignosulphonic acids in various concentrations to growing pigs

It is shown that lignosulphonic acids, at a concentration of 13 % in conventional feed given to growing pigs, lead to a marked reduction in the weight gain.

When given 3 % and 6 % lignosulphonic acids in the feed, no effects on the weight gain were observed as compared to the controls.

The weight gain reduction caused by lignosulphonic acids at high levels in the feed is discussed in relation to the inhibitory effects of these acids on a number of biological systems which have been studied previously.