Effect of soybean hulls, soy lecithin, and soapstock mixtures on ruminal fermentation and milk composition in dairy cows

To clarify the regulatory mechanism of pro-gelatinase A (proGelA) activation at a cellular level, expression of gelatinase A (GelA), three MT-MMPs, and TIMP-2 was examined with 11 human cancer cell lines cultured in the presence and absence of stimulants. MT1-MMP mRNA was expressed in 8 cell lines, while MT2-MMP and MT3-MMP mRNAs were expressed in fewer cell lines. The cells with high proGelA activation strongly expressed MT1-MMP mRNA but not MT2-MMP and MT3-MMP mRNAs, suggesting that MT1-MMP was responsible for the proGelA activation in the cancer cells. Treatments with concanavalin A (Con A) and a phorbor ester (TPA) enhanced the MT1-MMP expression, but only Con A stimulated the proGelA activation in many cell lines. In HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells, however, TPA also stimulated the activation. The level of TIMP-2 secreted into culture medium inversely correlated with proGelA activation. For example, 2 squamous cell carcinoma lines (HSC-3 and HSC-4) and 3 HT1080 clones, which efficiently activated proGelA, secreted little TIMP-2 into medium, whereas other cell lines and other HT1080 clones, which hardly activated proGelA, secreted TIMP-2 at high levels. When HSC-3 cells were incubated with TIMP-2 protein or transfected with TIMP-2 cDNA, the proGelA activation was strongly inhibited. These results indicated that extracellular TIMP-2 was an important negative regulator of proGelA activation. However, the level of extracellular TIMP-2 was not consistent with that of TIMP-2 mRNA in some cell lines. Other experimental results suggested that TIMP-2 might be rapidly metabolized after binding to MT1-MMP, and Con A treatment might stabilize the complex of TIMP-2 and MT1-MMP on cell membranes.     

Effects of fish meal and sodium bentonite on daily gain, wool growth, carcass characteristics, and ruminal and blood characteristics of lambs fed concentrate diets

We evaluated the effects of replacing some soybean meal (SBM) protein with fish meal (FM) protein in diets adequate and slightly deficient in CP, with or without .75% sodium bentonite (NaB) on performance and ruminal and blood metabolites of individually fed Suffolk lambs. Diets were based on corn, SBM, and cottonseed hulls. In Exp. 1, five lambs were assigned to each of the three dietary treatments (11% CP with 3% FM, 13% CP with 0 or 3% FM). Lambs fed diets that contained 11% CP with 3% FM or 13% CP with 0% FM had similar DMI and ADG. Gain and feed efficiency were slightly improved (P = .18) by the 13% CP diet with 3% FM. In Exp. 2, 32 lambs were assigned to four dietary treatments (13.5% CP of DM) in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (0 or 3% FM, and 0 or .75% NaB on an as-fed basis). The DMI and ADG were increased (P < .05) by FM and NaB supplementation. Interactions (P < .05) revealed that NaB increased DMI, ADG, gain per feed (g/kg of DMI), and plasma urea N concentration in the absence of FM but not in the presence of FM in the diet. Neither FM nor NaB influenced (P = .25) wool growth. Total ruminal VFA were increased (P < .06) by FM and NaB. Differences in mineral content of phalanx bone, liver, and kidney were small and may be related to the mineral content of diets and the effect of NaB on mineral solubilities. Similar DMI and ADG of lambs fed FM and NaB separately and in combination suggest that their beneficial effect is not additive.     

Effects of fish meal in beef cattle diets on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid composition of longissimus muscle

We investigated the effects of fish meal (FM) in beef cattle diets on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid (FA) composition of longissimus muscle in 63 yearling steers (335 +/- 23 kg). High-moisture corn and alfalfa silage diets were supplemented with either a corn gluten/blood meal mixture or FM at 10% of the diet. Fish meal contained (as-is basis) 5.87 g/kg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 9.84 g/kg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Seven strategies were developed to feed either a control diet (no FM) or diets containing 5 or 10% FM with FM fed for either 56, 112, or 168 d before slaughter. Average daily gain and feed efficiency were not affected (P > .10) by FM feeding but DMI decreased. Within FM diets, cattle fed 5% FM consumed more (P < .01) DM and gained more (P < .02) than cattle fed 10% FM. Carcass traits were not affected (P > .05) by feeding strategy except for fatter (P < .05) and lower (P < .06) yielding carcasses in cattle fed 5 vs 10% FM diets. Fish meal feeding increased (P < .01) concentrations of (n-3) FA, including EPA and DHA, and decreased (P < .05) concentrations of arachidonic acid. Increasing the amount of dietary FM further increased (P < .01) concentrations of EPA and DHA and decreased (P < .05) concentrations of (n-6) FA. We estimate that a 114-g steak from cattle fed 10% FM would supply 35 to 90% of the current average daily intake of EPA and DHA in North America. The results indicate that FM may have a role in niche marketing of beef provided that eating quality is not compromised.     

Effects of a dietary mixture of meat and bone meal, feather meal, blood meal, and fish meal on nitrogen utilization in finishing Holstein steers

Our objective was to determine to what extent rate and efficiency of protein gain in finishing cattle can be enhanced by feeding an amino acid-balanced mixture of undegraded intake proteins. The Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) model was used to formulate a corn-based diet that would meet the rumen requirements for 410-kg large-framed steers with an estrogen implant and fed an ionophore. The CNCPS model was also used to formulate a highly undegradable intake protein (UIP) mixture from meat and bone meal, blood meal, fish meal, and hydrolyzed feather meal to provide the amino acids needed to supplement those derived from microbial protein to better meet amino acid requirements for growth. Four Holstein steers weighing 407 kg were offered a 90:10 concentrate-forage diet at hourly intervals at 95% of ad libitum intake. The steers were injected with 500 microg of estradiol-17beta at 12-h intervals to mimic the effects of an estrogenic implant. Treatments planned consisted of inclusion of the UIP mixture at 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5% of the diet DM. Dry matter intake was fixed at 6.4 kg/d, and DM digestibility was not significantly affected by varying the amount of UIP addition. Apparent digestibility of N increased (P = .011) from 63.8 to 65.8, 70.7, and 71.5%, the amount of N absorbed increased (P = .001) from 73 to 84, 100, and 106 g/d, and N balance increased (P = .003) from 20 to 30, 33, and 39 g/d when UIP was fed at 0, 2.6, 5.2, and 7.8% of diet DM, respectively. The efficiency of N use increased 39.7%, and biological value increased 31.6% when the UIP mixture was added to the diet. Circulating concentrations of plasma urea N (PUN) were increased (P = .017) from 4.5 for the control diet to 5.7, 6.2, and 6.1 mg/dL when the UIP mixture was added at 2.6, 5.2, and 7.8%, respectively. Corresponding IGF-I concentrations were also increased from 491 to 558 and 624 ng/mL with 2.6 and 5.2% levels of UIP addition. Plasma glucose, NEFA, and insulin concentrations were not affected by feeding the UIP mix. The rate and efficiency of N use for growth improved with addition of an amino acid-balanced UIP mixture to the diet.     

Effects of graded duodenal infusions of glucose on yield and composition of milk from dairy cows. 1. Diets based on corn silage

Four fistulated Holstein cows were arranged in a 4 x 4 Latin square design to study the effects of graded amounts of glucose (0, 500, 750, and 1500 g/d) infused in the duodenum on milk yield and composition and plasma metabolites. Cows were fed a basal diet of 50% corn silage, 17% dehydrated alfalfa, and 33% concentrate. The treatments (feed plus infusions) were isoenergetic. Increased amounts of glucose did not affect milk yield or protein content. Fat yield and content decreased in a curvilinear manner; the lowest fat content was obtained with about 750 g of glucose. The decrease in milk fat resulted from a reduced yield of long-chain fatty acids (C16 and C18), probably caused by lower mobilization of fat. The glucose treatments significantly affected profiles of medium-chain fatty acids, which promoted the elongation process. The most important change in the plasma concentration of amino acids concerned decreased branched-chain amino acids. The lactose content was not greatly affected by infusions of glucose despite a significant linear increase in the concentration of milk glucose. In conclusion, an increase in the supply of glucose had no effect on milk yield and had a slight, positive effect on protein yield but induced a dramatic decrease in fat yield.     

Effects of organic acid and monensin treatment on in vitro mixed ruminal microorganism fermentation of cracked corn

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of organic acids and monensin on the in vitro fermentation of cracked corn by mixed ruminal microorganisms. Ruminal fluid was collected from a steer fed 36.3 kg of wheat silage and 4.5 kg of concentrate supplement once daily. Mixed ruminal microorganisms were incubated in anaerobic media that contained 20% (vol/vol) ruminal fluid and .4 g of cracked corn. Incubations were carried out in batch culture for 24 h at 39 degrees C. Organic acids (L-aspartate, fumarate, and DL-malate) were added to serum bottles (n = 4) to achieve final concentrations of 0, 4, 8, or 12 mM. Monensin, dissolved in ethanol, was included in serum bottles at a final concentration of 0 or 5 ppm of culture fluid. The addition of 8 and 12 mM organic acids to cracked corn fermentations increased final pH (P < .05), tended to increase total gas production and CO2 concentration, and decreased the acetate:propionate ratio (P < .05). Organic acids tended to decrease methane concentrations and hydrogen concentration was not altered. DL-Malate addition at all levels reduced (P < .05) lactate accumulation. Additive effects of monensin and organic acids were observed in some fermentations. In conclusion, organic acid addition to in vitro mixed ruminal microorganism fermentations yielded beneficial results independent of monensin treatment by decreasing the acetate: propionate ratio and increasing final pH.     

Effect of amount of dietary supplement and source of protein on milk production, ruminal fermentation, and nutrient flows in dairy cows

An experiment with a multiple Latin square design using 36 midlactation Friesian cows was carried out to determine the effect of fish meal or soybean meal in a supplement fed at two amounts (3.5 or 7 kg/d) with grass silage. The diets were also fed to four ruminally and duodenally cannulated cows to determine digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and nutrient flows. Dry matter intake, milk production, milk constituent yields, and concentrations of protein and lactose were significantly increased by the supplements when provided at 7 kg/d. The supplement containing fish meal increased milk production, protein and lactose yields, and milk protein concentration, but the increases were smaller than those obtained by increasing the amount of supplement fed. Neither the type nor the amount of supplement fed affected digestibility of dry matter or organic matter, and few significant effects on ruminal fermentation were observed. Supplements fed at the higher allowance significantly increased the flow of dry matter, organic matter, all nitrogenous components, and amino acids to the duodenum. The supplement containing fish meal significantly increased the duodenal flow of nonammonia nonmicrobial N and some amino acids. Results indicated that an increase in the concentration of supplement in the diet is more effective in increasing milk production, protein concentration and yield, and flow of amino acids to the duodenum than is increasing the concentration of ruminally undegradable protein in the supplement.     

Effects of a supplemental liquid yeast product on feed intake, ruminal profiles, and yield, composition, and organoleptic characteristics of milk from lactating Holstein cows

A liquid yeast product (about 11% DM), produced as a by-product of riboflavin synthesis, was incorporated into a TMR at three concentrations to determine the maximal inclusion rate and acceptability as a feed supplement in diets of lactating cows. Twelve Holstein cows in midlactation were randomly assigned to TMR treatments containing (as-fed basis) 1) no yeast product (control), 2) 20% dietary yeast product, or 3) 40% dietary yeast product in a 3 x 3 Latin square design with 3-wk periods. Dietary DM contents were 90, 74.2, and 58.4% for the 0, 20, and 40% yeast product TMR, respectively. The control TMR was based on a 45:55 ratio (DM basis) of mixed concentrate and chopped alfalfa hay. The DMI decreased linearly with increasing percentages of dietary yeast product. Milk yield and milk protein percentage were not altered by inclusion of the dietary yeast product. Milk fat tended to respond quadratically to increases in the percentage of dietary yeast product in the TMR. The supplemental dietary yeast product had no effect on ruminal pH; however, the ratio of acetate to propionate decreased, and propionate percentage tended to increase, as supplementation of the yeast product increased. Addition of yeast product to the TMR had no adverse effect on milk flavor. Milk from cows fed yeast product had better flavor than milk from control cows. Results indicate that inclusion of this yeast product at 40% depressed feed intake.     

Effect of meal composition on mood.

The influence of simple carbohydrate, complex carbohydrate, protein, and delayed meal conditions on plasma tryptophan ratios and mood of normal Ss was investigated. In Exp 1, 27 women consumed 1 of 4 meal conditions, had blood samples drawn, and completed mood assessment measures before and at 5 times during the next 3 hrs. Exp 2 replicated Exp 1 except that blood samples were not drawn and an additional simple carbohydrate condition was included. The carbohydrate meal conditions elevated blood glucose levels and plasma ratio of tryptophan to other large neutral amino acids over that of the protein condition. A decline in feelings of fatigue and distress occurred 30 min postprandial regardless of condition and persisted for the rest of the study. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Free amino acid supplementation to steers: effects on ruminal fermentation and performance

Three studies were conducted to evaluate amino acid utilization by cattle. In Exp. 1, five steers (580 kg) were fed 86% rolled corn diets with mixtures of amino acids containing up to 6 g/d DL-Met, 24 g/d L-Lys, 6 g/d L-Thr, and 3 g/d L-Trp. Treatments had little effect on ruminal fermentation, diet digestibility, N flow to the duodenum, or microbial efficiency. Ruminal concentrations of Met and Lys increased linearly (P < .05) with amino acid supplementation, whereas Thr responded quadratically, and Trp was not altered. In Exp. 2, four steers (414 kg) were used to measure effects of dietary monensin or laidlomycin propionate in high-grain diets supplemented with amino acids. Ionophores had no significant effect on ruminal fermentation or outflows of amino acids from the rumen. In Exp. 3, 100 steers (287 kg initial BW) were fed diets containing 1% of a nonprotein N source. Treatments were 1) no supplemental N (UREA), 2) UREA plus soybean meal (SBM), 3) UREA plus 2 g/d DL-Met, 8 g/d L-Lys, 2 g/d L-Thr, and 1 g/d L-Trp, or 4) UREA plus 4 g/d DL-Met, 16 g/d L-Lys, 4 g/d L-Thr, and 2 g/d L-Trp. During the growing period (diets based on whole-plant milo silage), gains were higher for SBM-supplemented steers than for UREA steers and intermediate for steers supplemented with amino acids. Few significant differences in performance were observed among treatments during the finishing phase (diets based on dry-rolled corn) or for the entire experiment, but cattle fed SBM or amino acids tended to be fatter and have better marbling scores and quality grades. Amino acids did not greatly alter ruminal fermentation or cattle performance.     

Early evening dosing of ranitidine. Comparison with nighttime dosing of ranitidine or cimetidine in duodenal ulceration

A double-blind multinational comparison of ranitidine 300 mg post evening meal (pem), ranitidine 300 mg nocte and cimetidine 800 mg nocte has been carried out in 1677 patients with endoscopically verified duodenal ulcer disease. Fifty-three percent of ulers healed by two weeks during treatment with ranitidine 300 mg pem and 88% by four weeks, while the results for ranitidine 300 mg nocte were 50% and 86%, respectively, and 44% and 84% for cimetidine. The difference between ranitidine 300 mg pem and cimetidine was significant at two weeks (P = 0.002, Mantel-Haenszel chi-squared test). The relative efficacy of the treatments was not dependent upon gender, smoking habit, alcohol intake, or ulcer frequency. However, the overall differences in healing between patients with small and large ulcers and patients with single and multiple ulcers were significantly different at weeks 2 and 4 (P < 0.001). Significantly more patients treated with ranitidine (60%) had complete relief of epigastric pain than those treated with cimetidine (54%) (P < 0.05). A meta-analysis of the four double-blind comparisons of ranitidine 300 mg pem (N = 841) and 300 mg nocte (N = 849), including the present study, failed to show the benefits of pem dosing, predicted from pharmacological studies.     

Growth of yeasts in milk and associated changes to milk composition

The growth of several yeast species in milk containing added sodium chloride (0-15%, w/v) at 25 degrees C and 10 degrees C was examined in conjunction with yeast metabolism of milk constituents. Depending on conditions, all yeasts grew to maximum populations of 10(7)-10(8) cfu/ml. Kluyveromyces marxianus gave strong utilisation of lactose and weak metabolism of citrate, protein and fat with the production of ethanol, glycerol, lactic acid and propionic acid. As measured by the production of free amino acids and free fatty acids, Candida lipolytica and Candida catenulata gave strong proteolytic and lipolytic reactions, the specificities of which appeared to be influenced by temperature and the presence of NaCl. These species also metabolised organic acids. Although giving strong growth responses, Debaryomyces hansenii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae did not metabolise lactose and gave only very weak lipolytic and proteolytic reactions. Citrate was metabolised by D. hansenii but not by S. cerevisiae. Both species produced small amounts of ethanol, glycerol and lactic acid.     

Gastric versus duodenal feeding and gastric tonometric measurements

OBJECTIVE: To compare the influence of gastric and postpyloric enteral feeding on the gastric tonometric PCO2 gap (tonometric PCO2 - PaCO2). DESIGN: A prospective, clinical trial. SETTING: Two intensive care units in a university hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty patients undergoing mechanical ventilation and enteral feeding without catecholamines, sepsis, or sign of hypoxia. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to receive feeding through the tonometer (gastric group), or through a postpyloric tube (postpyloric group). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The patients received tube feeding at a rate of 50 mL/hr during 4 hrs. Baseline measurements included: mean arterial pressure, heart rate, tonometric parameters, arterial gases, and arterial lactate concentration. Except for lactate concentration, these measurements were repeated after 1 and 4 hrs of enteral feeding and 2 hrs after stopping enteral feeding. During the study, arterial pH and PaCO2 did not change. During enteral feeding, the PCO2 gap increased in the gastric group from a mean of 7+/-5 to 17+/-14 (SD) torr (0.9 0.7 to 2.3+/-1.9 kPa) (p< .O01) and did not change in the postpyloric group (5+/-5 to 3+/-1 torr [0.7+/-0.7 to 0.4+/-0.1 kPa]). Two hours after stopping enteral feeding, the PCO2 gap was still increased in the gastric group (15+/-9 vs. 7+/-5 torr [2.0+/-1.2 vs. 0.9+/-0.7 kPa]) (p < .01). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that gastric enteral feeding increased the PCO2 gap. However, postpyloric enteral feeding does not interact with gastric tonometric measurements and should be used when using gastric tonometry in enterally fed patients.     

Effect of soy-fortification method on the fermentation characteristics and nutritional quality of fermented maize meal

Studies were conducted to develop an appropriate household/small-scale enterprise level technique for the production of soy-fortified fermented maize dough (or meal) by comparing different treatments, processing methods and fortification levels. The effects of fortification method of the Ghanaian traditional fermented maize dough with raw or heat-treated whole soybeans and full-fat soyflour at 0%, 10% and 20% replacement levels, on the rate of fermentation and product quality were investigated. Sensory characteristics, trypsin inhibitor activity, amino acid pattern, proximate composition and hot paste viscosity were used as the indices of quality. Addition of whole soybeans to maize before milling and fermentation reduced the fermentation time by 60% while increasing the protein content by 24% and 70% respectively for 10% and 20% levels of fortification. A significant improvement was also achieved in the amino acids pattern of the fortified dough. However, raw whole soybeans imparted an undesirable color and beany flavor and an appreciable concentration of trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA) to the dough. Boiling soybeans for 20 min before incorporation into the maize for milling and fermentation was found necessary for desirable flavor and low levels of TIA. Little or no changes in the pasting viscosity characteristics occurred in samples containing boiled soybeans, while the usual method of fortifying maize meal with soy flour was found to severely depress the pasting viscosity characteristics and drastically reduced the acidity of the fermented dough. Based on the findings of the study, the most appropriate technique for the production of soy-fortified high protein fermented maize dough has been suggested to involve incorporation of boiled whole soybeans in soaked maize before milling and fermentation for improved sensory characteristics, enhanced nutritive value and optimal functional properties.     

Tropical pasture hay utilization with slaframine and cottonseed meal: ruminal characteristics and digesta passage in wethers

Sixteen mature, ruminally cannulated wethers (average BW = 41 +/- 1 kg) were fed a low-quality hay diet with or without a cottonseed meal (CSM) supplement and the parasympathomimetic agonist slaframine (SF). Treatments were basal diet (Mitchell grass hay, 4.8% CP, 46.8% ADF) available on an ad libitum basis, basal diet plus SF (8 micrograms/kg BW, 2 x daily i.m. injection), basal diet plus CSM (41.0% CP; 100 g/d), or basal diet plus SF and CSM. Treatments were arranged as a 2 x 2 factorial within a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square with 20-d periods followed by a 10-d adjustment during which only the basal diet was fed. All measurements were performed within the final 10 d of each period. Slaframine increased salivary flow by 10 to 35% (P < .07), ruminal fluid dilution rate by 8 to 11% (P < .10), and pH by 3 to 4% (P < .001). A twofold increase (P < .05) in ruminal cellulolytic bacteria numbers occurred in SF-treated wethers. Despite these SF-induced changes in the ruminal environment, whole-tract apparent nutrient digestibility, N and mineral balance, and ruminal VFA concentrations were not changed. Cottonseed meal increased forage intake by 34 to 54% (P < .001) and DM digestibility by 30% (P < .001). Cottonseed meal supplementation of a Mitchell grass hay diet improved nutritional status and attenuated live weight loss.     

Influence of lubricant dosing and composition on the quality of pressed pipe made from hard-to-deform alloys

Defects in pressed pipe (annular tears and internal scratches at the front end of the pipe and transverse corrugation at the rear end) may be due to ineffective lubrication or to nonuniform deformation. To determine the rational dosing of F-1 glass lubricant, a formula is derived for the thickness of the glass disks at the matrix, as well as a formula for the ladle diameter in applying the lubricant to the internal surface of the sleeve. Requirements are developed regarding the granular composition of F-1 glass lubricant for the pressing conditions at OAO Volzhskii Trubnyi Zavod (VTZ).     

Effects of saturation and esterification of fat sources on site and extent of digestion in steers: ruminal fermentation and digestion of organic matter, fiber, and nitrogen

Extracellular oxygen radicals produced by H9c2 rat heart cells in monolayer cultures during ischemia and subsequent reoxygenation were monitored using the luminol-horseradish peroxidase-enhanced chemiluminescence technique. As expected, the photon count diminishes during ischemia but again rapidly attains normal values following reoxygenation. In the presence of superoxide dismutase, this photon emission is repressed, as is also the case in the presence of diphenylene iodonium, a specific inhibitor of NADPH-oxidase activity. Thus, the conclusion seems justified that H9c2 rat heart cells in monolayer cultures produce superoxide radicals extracellularly due to an NADPH oxidase-like action. In order to characterize this extracellular superoxide-generating system, we determined its sensitivity to increased temperatures, inhibition of protein synthesis and perturbations of cytoskeletal structures. Heat shocks result in a delayed inactivation of the NADPH oxidase activity followed by recovery, the kinetics of which depend on the imposed heat shock temperature. This inactivation is independent of protein synthesis and actin cytoskeletal structures, but the recovery of the enzyme's activity is dependent on these entities.     

Haemodynamic effects of eating: the role of meal composition

I have investigated 84 endometrial specimens (from 15 cases of normal endometrium, 20 cass of hyperplasia and 49 cases of endometrial carcinoma) to determine the relationship between three proteins (proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), p53 gene product and c-erB-2 gene product) and endometrial carcinoma by immuno-histochemical staining. In 49 cases of endometrial carcinoma, the positive rates for PCNA, p53 protein (mutant type) and c-erbB-2 protein were 65.3%, 59.2% and 22.4%. I could not find the expression of p53 protein besides endometrial carcinoma. And I could find the expression of c-erbB-2 protein in 11 cases of endometrial carcinoma and 1 case of atypical hyperplasia, but not in normal endometrium. p53 protein was more common in such a case, as with lymphnode metastasis, deep myometral invasion and undifferentiated adenocarcinoma. c-erbB-2 was also more common in a case with deep myometrial invasion. In conclusion, PCNA, p53 protein and c-erbB-2 protein are related to the proliferation of endometrial carcinoma. So they can be useful factors in making the prognosis.     

Effects of orally administered substances on rumen fermentation patterns in cattle (in vitro). 7. Effect of dried yeast in chronic ruminal acidosis

The influence of dried yeast on the in-vitro-fermentation of chronic acidotic bovine rumen fluid was investigated using the longterm rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC). Five investigation periods keeping 21 days each were carried out. After a control period of eight days a five days lasting test phase followed. During this time 2 g of dried yeast were added to two reaction vessels and two reaction vessels remained as controls. The following effects of dried yeast during the investigation period on rumen fluid and rumen gas, respectively, could be noted: negligible increase of pH for 0.1 units (ns) increase of short volatile fatty acids concentrations up to 10% (p < 0.01), (acetate +1.5% [ns], propionate +6.0% [ns], i-butyrate up to +180% [p < 0.001], n-butyrate 0%, i-valerinate +39%, [p < 0.05], n-valerinate +17.6% [p < 0.001], hexanat +33% [p < 0.001]) increase of gas production up to 29% (p < 0.001) decrease of methane production up to 30% (ns) increase of hydrogen production up to 10% (ns) increase of protein concentrations up to 23% (p < 0.05) increase of ammonia concentrations up to 385% (p < 0.001). The fermentation patterns became normal during 6 days after withdrawal of the yeast.     

Effects of milk and milk products on rectal mucosal cell proliferation in humans

The interferon (IFN)-induced protein kinase (PKR) functions as a gatekeeper of mRNA translation initiation and is, therefore, a key mediator of the host IFN-induced antiviral defense system. Many viruses have invested countermeasures against PKR. Some apparently use more than one mechanism. The influenza virus can repress PKR activity through the use of at least two factors, the cellular P58IPK protein and the viral NS1 protein. The exact mode of action of the latter has not been established. Here, using a coprecipitation assay, we found that PKR could form a complex with NS1 in crude cell extracts prepared from influenza virus-infected HeLa cells. The NS1-PKR interaction was verified by using the yeast two-hybrid system and an in vitro binding assay. Deletion analysis mapped the NS1 binding site to the N-terminal 98 residues of PKR regulatory region. Furthermore, an NS1 mutant, which lacks PKR inhibitory activity, did not bind PKR. Finally, the functional role of NS1 in PKR inhibition was substantiated using an in vivo assay for PKR activity. These results support the role of NS1 in PKR modulation during viral infection that is mediated through a complex formation between the two proteins.