Hazardous biochemical agents in animal husbandry indoor environments are known to promote the occurrence of various illnesses among workers and animals. The relationship between endotoxin levels in dust collected from chicken farms and various immunological markers was investigated. Peripheral blood was obtained from 20 broiler chickens and 20 laying hens from four different chicken farms in Korea. Concentrations of total or respirable dust in the inside the chicken farm buildings were measured using a polyvinyl chloride membrane filter and mini volume sampler. Endotoxin levels in the dust were determined by the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate Kinetic method. Interferon-gamma production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with concanavalin A was significantly lower in broilers or layers from the farms with higher endotoxin concentrations than the chickens from the farms with lower endotoxin levels. An opposite pattern was observed for plasma cortisol concentrations with higher cortisol levels found in chickens from the farms with higher endotoxin levels. When peripheral lymphocytes were examined, the percentage of CD3-Ia+ B cells was lower in layers from farms with higher endotoxin levels than those from locations with lower endotoxin levels. Overall, these results suggest a probable negative association between dust endotoxin levels and cell-mediated immunity in chickens.
Animal Husbandry ; Animals ; Biomarkers/blood ; Chickens/*immunology ; Dust/*analysis ; Endotoxins/*analysis ; *Housing, Animal ; *Immunity, Cellular

Elution time of velogenic, mesogenic and lentogenic strains of Newcastle disease virus was determined. The differences in their elution time were also calculated. Four samples, each of a velogenic strain (VGF2), a mesogenic strain (Komarov) and a lentogenic strain (LaSota) were used for hemagglutination test with 0.6% chicken red blood cells. The time it took for wells of the end hemagglutination points (highest dilution that gave agglutination) to elute was recorded as elution time for each sample. The mean elution time of the three strains of Newcastle disease virus differed significantly (p < 0.05). The velogenic strain gave the highest mean elution time of 118 min, followed by the mesogenic strain with 59 min and the lentogenic strain with 25 min. Based on this result it appears that elution time could form a basis for rough characterization of isolates of Newcastle disease virus into the three major strains.
Animals ; Chickens/blood ; Erythrocytes/*virology ; Hemagglutination Tests ; *Hemagglutination, Viral ; Newcastle disease virus/isolation&purification/*pathogenicity

OBJECTIVETo investigate effects of in ovo ghrelin administration on serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level in newly-hatched chickens.

METHODSFertilized eggs were divided into 7 groups: group T1 as control (without injection), group T2 (in ovo injected with 50 ng/egg ghrelin on day 5), group T3 (in ovo injected with 100 ng/egg ghrelin on day 5), group T4 (in ovo injected with 50 ng/egg ghrelin on day 10), group T5 (in ovo injected with 100 ng/egg ghrelin on day 10), group T6 (in ovo injected with solvent: 1% acetic acid, without ghrelin on day 5) and group T7 (in ovo injected with solvent without ghrelin on day 10). After hatching, serum MDA concentrations were determined.

RESULTSGhrelin administrated groups (T2, T3, T4 and T5) had lower serum MDA level in comparison with control group (T1) or solvent injected groups (T6 and T7). T2 and T3 (ghrelin injection on day 5) had significantly lower MDA concentrations (4.10 and 4.60 nmol/mL, respectively) in comparison with other groups. In T4 and T5, MDA levels were lower than T1, T6 and T7 (non-ghrelin administrated groups) (9.53 and 9.50 in comparison with 10.73, 10.03 and 10.13 nmol/mL) and were higher than T2 and T3.

CONCLUSIONSIt can be concluded that in ovo administration of ghrelin can have anti-oxidative protection and reduce serum MDA level. Ghrelin administration on day 5 of incubation is more efficient.

Animals ; Antioxidants ; administration & dosage ; Chickens ; Ghrelin ; administration & dosage ; Malondialdehyde ; blood ; Serum ; chemistry

The MBT-2 mice bladder cancer tissues and the human bladder cancer tissues were implanted on the chorioallantoic membrance(CAM) of the immune deficient fertilized chicken eggs and the histopathologic changes of the CAM and gross morphologic changes of the implanted cancer tissues on CAM ere studied. The chemosensitivity tests using chicken CAM were performed for the 4 human bladder cancer tissues to mitomycin C, thiotepa and adriamycin. With this study, the following results were obtained: 1. The observation of the blood vessel on the chorioallantoic membrane was possible from the post-incubation 6th day group, but for the implantation of the cancer tissues, the blood vessels from the post-incubation 8th day group was appropriate. 2. The budding oif the host capillary vessel to the implanted cancer tissue were observed from the post-implantation second day. 3. The size of the post-implantation 7th day cancer tissues were varied from 2.3 to 9.2 folds to the size of the implantation day. 4. The total failure rate in experiment within post-operative 3rd day were 71.3 percent and the total failure rates in group who had the damage on the chorioallantoic membrance during operation was 82.5 percent. The failure rate of the experiment was declined acutely after post-operative 4th day. 5. The salvage of the eggs could be maintained until post-operative 7th day in 28.1 percent among chemosensitivity test group. 6. The 4 bladder cencer tissues which had the chemosensitivity test showed 1.6 to 7.1 fold growth to the inital implanted size and this meant resistance to the test drugs and these results were corresponded with clinical course.
Animals ; Blood Vessels ; Capillaries ; Chickens* ; Chorioallantoic Membrane* ; Doxorubicin ; Eggs* ; Humans* ; Mice* ; Mitomycin ; Ovum* ; Thiotepa ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms* ; Urinary Bladder*

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to compare intake of energy nutrients, physical characteristics, and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome according to protein intake group. METHODS: Subjects were 827 men aged 40-65 years. The results presented were based on data from the 2012-2013 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and analyzed using SPSS. The odds ratio (OR) of metabolic syndrome was assessed according to the protein intake group and intake pattern of protein-rich foods. RESULTS: The mean of protein intake was 73.96 ± 0.71 g. According to level of protein intake, four groups (deficient, normal, excess 1, excess 2) were created and their percentages were 8.3%, 39.6%, 37.1%, and 15.0% respectively. The mean of daily energy intake was 2,312.33 ± 24.08 kcal. It was higher in excess group 2 than in the deficiency group (p < 0.001). Moreover, the intake of all energy nutrients increased significantly with protein intake group (p < 0.001). The main contribution to daily protein included mixed grains (10.96 ± 0.32 g), milled rice (7.14 ± 0.30 g), chicken (3.50 ± 0.21 g), and grilled pork belly (3.04 ± 0.16 g). With regard to physical characteristics, and blood pressure and blood test results, only body mass index increased significantly according to protein intake groups (p < 0.05). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in subjects was 38.5%, and there was no significant correlation with protein intake group. The OR of metabolic syndrome increased with protein intake, and was higher 4.452 times in excess group 2 than in the normal group (p < 0.05). Conversely, the OR of metabolic syndrome according to the frequency of protein-rich food intake did not show a significant correlation. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study can be used as significant supporting data to establish guidelines for protein intake in middle-aged men.
Blood Pressure ; Body Mass Index ; Chickens ; Eating ; Energy Intake ; Hematologic Tests ; Humans ; Male ; Nutrition Surveys* ; Odds Ratio ; Prevalence ; Red Meat

The present investigation was conducted to demonstrate S-100 protein in the testis and epididymis of adult chickens, Sudani ducks, pigeons, and rabbits. This study may represent the first indication for the presence of S-100 in the male reproductive organs of these species and might therefore serve as a milestone for further reports. In the testis of chickens, pigeons and rabbits, intense S-100 was seen in Sertoli cells. S-100 was also seen in the endothelial lining of blood vessels in rabbit testis. On the contrary, no S-100 reaction was detected in the Sertoli cells of Sudani ducks. In epididymis, the localization of S-100 had varied according to species studied; it was seen in the basal cells (BC) of epididymal duct in duck, non-ciliated cells of the distal efferent ductules in pigeons and ciliated cells of the efferent ductules and BC of rabbit epididymis. Conversely, S-100 specific staining was not detected in the epithelial lining of the rooster and pigeon epididymal duct as well as the principal cells of the rabbit epididymis. In conclusion, the distribution of the S-100 proteins in the testis and epididymis might point out to its roles in the male reproduction.
Adult ; Blood Vessels ; Chickens ; Columbidae ; Ducks ; Epididymis* ; Humans ; Male ; Poultry* ; Rabbits* ; Reproduction ; S100 Proteins* ; Sertoli Cells ; Testis*

BACKGROUND: We established the Microvascular Research Center Training Program (MRCP) to help trainee surgeons acquire and develop microsurgical skills. Medical students were recruited to undergo the MRCP to assess the effectiveness of the MRCP for trainee surgeons. METHODS: Twenty-two medical students with no prior microsurgical experience, who completed the course from 2005 to 2012, were included. The MRCP comprises 5 stages of training, each with specific passing requirements. Stages 1 and 2 involve anastomosing silicone tubes and blood vessels of chicken carcasses, respectively, within 20 minutes. Stage 3 involves anastomosing the femoral artery and vein of live rats with a 1-day patency rate of >80%. Stage 4 requires replantation of free superficial inferior epigastric artery flaps in rats with a 7-day success rate of >80%. Stage 5 involves successful completion of one case of rat replantation/transplantation. We calculated the passing rate for each stage and recorded the number of anastomoses required to pass stages 3 and 4. RESULTS: The passing rates were 100% (22/22) for stages 1 and 2, 86.4% (19/22) for stage 3, 59.1% (13/22) for stage 4, and 55.0% (11/20) for stage 5. The number of anastomoses performed was 17.2+/-12.2 in stage 3 and 11.3+/-8.1 in stage 4. CONCLUSIONS: Majority of the medical students who undertook the MRCP acquired basic microsurgical skills. Thus, we conclude that the MRCP is an effective microsurgery training program for trainee surgeons.
Animals ; Blood Vessels ; Chickens ; Epigastric Arteries ; Femoral Artery ; Humans ; Microsurgery ; Program Evaluation ; Rats ; Replantation ; Silicones ; Students, Medical ; Tissue Transplantation ; Veins

A rapid decline in egg production of laying hens begins after 480 d of age. Such a rapid decrease results predominantly from the ovarian aging, accompanied by endocrine changes, decreased yolk synthesis and accumulation, and the reduction in follicles selected into the preovulatory hierarchy. In this study, hens at 90, 150, 280, and 580 d old (D90, D150, D280, and D580, respectively) were compared for yolk precursor formation in the liver to elucidate effects of aging on laying performance. The results showed that liver lipid synthesis increased remarkably in hens from D90 to D150, but decreased sharply at D580 as indicated by the changes in triglyceride (TG) levels. This result was consistent with the age-related changes of the laying performance. The levels of liver antioxidants and total antioxidant capacity decreased significantly in D580 hens and the methane dicarboxylic aldehyde in D580 hens was much higher than that at other stages. The serum 17β-estradiol level increased from D90 to D280, but decreased at D580 (P<0.05). The expression of estrogen receptor α and β mRNAs in the liver displayed similar changes to the serum 17β-estradiol in D580 hens. Expressions of the genes related to yolk precursor formation and enzymes responsible for fat acid synthesis were all decreased in D580 hens. These results indicated that decreased yolk precursor formation in the liver of the aged hens resulted from concomitant decreases of serum 17β-estradiol level, transcription levels of estrogen receptors and critical genes involved in yolk precursor synthesis, and liver antioxidant status.
Age Factors ; Animals ; Antioxidants ; metabolism ; Chickens ; Egg Yolk ; metabolism ; Estradiol ; blood ; Female ; Lipids ; biosynthesis ; Liver ; metabolism ; Oviposition ; Receptors, Estrogen ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of Methylprednisolone and Dexamethasone on the avascular necrosis of femoral head in chickens.

METHODSThirty-six chickens were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 6): control group (group A), Methylprednisolone low dose group (group B), Methylprednisolone large dose group (group C), small dose Dexamethasone and horse serum group (group D), middle dose Dexamethasone and horse serum group (group E), and Dexamethasone large dose group (group F). On the 6th and 12th weeks, blood samples were obtained to determine the level of total cholesterol triglyeride (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL). On the 12th week, femoral heads were taken off. Paraffin tissue sections were prepared to detect histopathologic change with hematoxylin and eosin staining.

RESULTSOn the 6th week, compared with group A, the level of CHO increased significantly in group C and group F (P < 0.05), and TG increased in group B, C and group E, while HDL decreased in group B, C and group E. On the 12th week, the level of TG and CHO increased in group B, C, E and group F, and HDL decreased in group C, D and group E (P < 0.05). LDL was not detected in most chickens. The ratio of empty lacuna was higher in group C and group E compared with those of the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONMethylprednisolone is easier to induce osteonecrosis of femoral head than Dexamethasone. The condition of metabolic disorder in blood may be the basic pathomechanism of steroid-induced necrosis of femoral head.

Animals ; Chickens ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Dexamethasone ; adverse effects ; Disease Models, Animal ; Femur Head Necrosis ; blood ; chemically induced ; Glucocorticoids ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Methylprednisolone ; adverse effects ; Oligopeptides ; blood

OBJECTIVETo study the angiogenesis promoting effect of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides(MOO) on chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM).

METHODRats blood serum containing low, medium and high doses of MOO was prepared using Chinese herbs serum pharmacology method. 60 chick embryoes were randomly divided into low, medium and high doses of MOO groups, as well as NS group, blank serum group and bFGF group. Each group included 10 embryoes. CAM model was prepared after 7 days incubation. Then NS, blank serum, bFGF (2500 U x mL(-1)), three doses of serum containing MOO were added respectively onto the carriers on the CAM. CAM sample was prepared after 3 days incubation. The state of angiogenesis was observed and the number of new blood vessels was counted.

RESULTCompared with blank serum and NS group, a more specific CAM angiogenesis appearance could be observed in each MOO group and bFGF group. Compared with blank serum group, the number of new blood vessels in each MOO group increased significantly (P < 0.05). But the drug had a lower efficacy than bFGF (P < 0.05). Compared with low dose group, the number of new blood vessels increased significantly in medium and high doses groups (P < 0.05). But there was no significant difference between the latter two groups. The number of new blood vessels showed no significant difference between NS group and blank serum group.

CONCLUSIONMOO can obviously promote angiogenesis of CAM.

Animals ; Chick Embryo ; blood supply ; drug effects ; Chickens ; Chorioallantoic Membrane ; blood supply ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Female ; Male ; Morinda ; chemistry ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; drug effects ; Oligosaccharides ; pharmacology