• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.1741-1746
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• 2001

An experiment was conducted at the experimental duck farm of Cantho University to determine the effects of feeding duckweed (Lemna minor) that completely replaced commercial protein supplements in diets for crossbred meat ducks. The experiment included five treatments, with four replicates and ten crossbred ducks per replicate (pen). The five diets were based on broken rice offered ad libitum, supplemented with either 27 (control, SB100), 19 (SB70), 15 (SB55), 12 (SB40) or zero (SB0) g/day of ground, roasted soya beans, with fresh duckweed supplied ad libitum, except for the control (SB0) treatment. A vitamin / mineral premix and salt were included in the control (SB100) diet, but not in the diets with duckweed. These diets were fed to growing crossbred meat ducks (Czechoslovak Cherry Valley hybrids) from 28 to 63 days of age, when two birds (one male and one female) per pen were slaughtered for carcass evaluation. Total daily intakes were 95, 108, 108, 105 and 107 g of dry matter (DM) (p<0.001) and daily live weight gains 26.1, 29.1, 28.3, 27.1 and 27.6 g (p<0.001) for the SB100, SB70, SB55, SB40 and SB0 diets, respectively. Corresponding feed conversion ratios (FCR, dry matter basis) were 3.63, 3.71, 3.82, 3.89 and 3.88 kg feed/kg gain, respectively. There were no significant differences in carcass yields, chest and thigh muscle weights, and internal organ weights between the ducks fed the control diet and those fed duckweed diets. Fresh duckweed can completely replace roasted soya beans and a vitamin-mineral premix in broken rice based diets for growing crossbred ducks without reduction in growth performance or carcass traits. If the duckweed is grown on farm, and managed and harvested by household labour, the saving over purchased protein supplements is up to 48%.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.502-510
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• 2015

The objective of this study was to assess the use of peach pomace in total mixed ration (TMR) silages and clarify the differences in aerobic stability between TMR and TMR silages caused by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The TMR were prepared using peach pomace, alfalfa hay or Leymus chinensis hay, maize meal, soybean meal, cotton meal, limestone, a vitamin-mineral supplement, and salt in a ratio of 6.0:34.0:44.4:7.0:5.0:2.5:1.0:0.1 on a dry matter (DM) basis. Fermentation quality, microbial composition, and the predominant LAB were examined during ensiling and aerobic deterioration. The results indicated that the TMR silages with peach pomace were well fermented, with low pH and high lactic acid concentrations. The aerobic stability of TMR silages were significantly higher than that of TMR. Compared with TMR silages with alfalfa hay, TMR silage with Leymus chinensis hay was much more prone to deterioration. Although the dominant LAB were not identical in TMR, the same dominant species, Lactobacillus buchneri and Pediococcus acidilactici, were found in both types of TMR silages after 56 d of ensiling, and they may play an important role in the aerobic stability of TMR silages.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.113-120
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• 2008

Objectives: This study was evaluated to elucidate the inhibitory potential of Imyosan(IMS) and its components, Phellodendri Cortex(PC: Phellodendron amurense Rupr., Hwangbaek in Korean) and Atractylodis Rhizoma(AR: Atratylodes lancea D.C., Changchool in Korean), on human aortic smooth muscle cells(HASMC) migration and production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 by TNF-${\alpha}$ treatment. Methods: Cytotoxic activity of IMS and its components on HASMC was using 5-(3-caroboxy meth-oxyphenyl)-2H-tetra-zolium inner salt(MTS) assay. Effect of IMS, PC and AR on TNF-${\alpha}$-induced HASMC migration underside of matrigel filter was stained with hematoxylin-eosin. And total number of cells that migrated to the underside of the filter was counted. MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity was evaluated by gelatin zymography assay. Results: The matrigel migration assay showed that IMS effectively inhibited the TNF-${\alpha}$-induced migration of HASMC. Moreover, IMS significantly inhibited MMP-9 activity. Our present study demonstrates that IMS and its components inhibit TNF-${\alpha}$-induced HASMC migration and MMP-9 activity. The inhibitory effect of IMS extract is more potent than that of its component herb extracts. Conclusions: These results provide evidence that IMS has multiple effects in the inhibition of HASMC migration and may offer a therapeutic approach to block HASMC migration.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.87-91
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• 2016

Objectives : In order to confirm whether extracts of different parts of Zostera marina (ZM), a marine flowering plant, can be used as cosmetic ingredients, this study evaluated their cytotoxicity and cytoprotective effects against ultraviolet B (UVB). Inflammatory responses induced by UV stimuli are also associated with the aging of the skin.Methods : We investigated the effects of ZM extracts on cells through the water soluble tetrazolium salt-1(WST-1) assay for cell viability. In order to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects, we evaluated the suppression of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression by ZM extracts in HaCaT cells with UVB-induced damages, and also evaluated the production of Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) in RAW 264.7 cells with LPS-induced damages.Results : High cell viabilities above 90% were observed in all types of ZM extracts, except for whole ZM extract at 0.5 mg/ml; in keratinocytes with UVB-induced damages, the cell viabilities were above 80% when treated with all types of ZM extracts. We confirmed their anti-inflammatory effects by investigating the suppression of inflammatory mediators. In keratinocytes with UVB-induced damages, COX-2 expression decreased in the experimental group treated with ZM extract. Similarly, in RAW 264.7 cells where inflammation was induced with LPS, the biosynthesis of PGE₂ was inhibited.Conclusion : These results suggest that ethanol extracts from Zostera marina may have value as the potential anti-inflammatory medicinal plant. Also based on the abovementioned results, ZM extract protects skin cells from UV-induced damages, and thus can be used in topically applied products for skin protection.

• Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering:BBE
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.408-413
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• 2006

We assessed the ability of a Pseudonocardia sp. from soil samples to bioconvert vitamin $D_3$. The optimal culture conditions for the bioconversion of vitamin $D_3$ to active $1{\alpha}$,25-dihydroxyvitamin $D_3$ were investigated by varying the carbon and nitrogen sources, the metal salt concentrations, the initial pH, and the temperature. Microbial transformations were carried out with the addition of vitamin $D_3$ dissolved in ethanol. They were sampled by extraction with methanol-dichloromethane and the samples were examined by HPLC. Optimum culture conditions were found to be 0.4% yeast extract, 1% glucose, 3% starch, 1% fish meal, 0.2% NaCl, 0.01% $K_2HPO_4$, 0.2% $CaCO_3$, 0.01% NaF, and pH 7.0 at $28^{\circ}C$. The optimal timing of the addition of vitamin $D_3$ for the production of calcitriol by Pseudonocardia autotrophica ID9302 was concurrent with the inoculation of seed culture broth. Maximum calcitriol productivity and the yield of bioconversion reached a value of 10.4mg/L and 10.4% respectively on the 7th day in a 75L fementer jar under the above conditions.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.479-482
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• 2005

The nutritional worth of Sarson Saag Waste (SSW), a cannery waste, was assessed in comparison with conventional complete diet as a total mixed ration (TMR), and a conventional green fodder, Avena sativa. Each diet was offered ad libitum, supplemented with mineral mixture and common salt, to 4 male murrah buffaloes. The control TMR was made iso-nitrogenous to SSW. Simultaneously, each diet was offered to 3 rumen fistulated male buffaloes for assessing the biochemical changes in the rumen. The nutrient digestibility of unconventional SSW was comparable to that of conventional green fodder-A. sativa but significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of control TMR. The tri-chloro acetic acid (TCA) precipitable-N in the strained rumen liquor of animals fed SSW was considerably higher than that of animals fed A.sativa. The urinary excretion of total purine derivatives was comparable in animals fed SSW and conventional green fodder but significantly (p<0.05) higher than those fed conventional control TMR. The significantly (p<0.05) lower purine nitrogen index (PNI) in animals fed control TMR resulted in significantly (p<0.05) lower microbial protein synthesis than that in animals fed SSW and conventional green fodder. The N-excretion as per cent of nitrogen intake was significantly (p<0.05) lower in animals fed SSW as compared to either of the conventional feeds tested, resulting in significantly (p<0.05) higher Nretention and apparent biological value. SSW supplemented with mineral mixture could serve as an excellent source of nutrients for ruminants.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.564-568
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• 2004

Restructuring had made it possible to utilize lower value cuts and meat trimmings from spent animals by providing convenience in product preparation besides enhancing tenderness, palatability and value. Milk co-precipitates (MCP) have been reported to improve the nutritional and functional properties of certain meat products. This study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of incorporation of milk co-precipitates at four different levels viz. 0, 10, 15 and 20% on the quality of restructured buffalo meat blocks. Low-calcium milk co-precipitates were prepared from skim milk by heat and salt coagulation of milk proteins. Meat chunks were mixed with the curing ingredients and chilled water in a Hobart mixer for 5 minutes, followed by addition of milk co-precipitates along with condiments and spice mix and again mixed for 5 minutes. Treated chunks were stuffed in aluminium moulds and cooked in steam without pressure for 1.5 h. After cooking, treated meat blocks were compared for different physico-chemical and sensory attributes. Meat blocks incorporated with 10% MCP were significantly better (p<0.05) than those incorporated with 0, 15 and 20% MCP in cooking yield, percent shrinkage and moisture retention. Sensory scores were also marginally higher for meat blocks incorporated with 10% MCP than product incorporated with 15 and 20% MCP, besides being significantly higher than control. On the basis of above results 10% MCP was considered optimum for the preparation of restructured buffalo meat blocks. Instrumental texture profile analysis revealed that meat blocks incorporated with 10% MCP were significantly better (p<0.05) in hardness/ firmness than control although, no significant (p>0.05) differences were observed in cohesiveness, springiness, gumminess and chewiness of both type of samples.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.8
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• pp.1066-1070
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• 2005

To estimate the cumulative power of discrimination (CPD) existing within Haimen chicken populations in China, we isolated a total of 252 genomic DNAs from four chicken populations (Rugao, Jiangchun, Wan-Nan and Cshiqishi) through a saturated salt procedure. All the genomic DNAs were used in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with ten microsatellite markers. Amplified PCR-products with the selected markers were separated on a 12% polyacrylamide gel with pBR322DNA/MspI used as internal standard marker. Genetic diversity indices including mean allele number among loci, unbiased heterozygosity ($h_i$) within locus, effective number of alleles ($N_e$) and polymorphism information content (PIC) as well as the unbiased average heterozygosity (H) among loci in the populations were calculated using the generated allele frequencies by each marker. The mean allele number for all loci ranged between 4.00${\pm}$0.33 (Rugao) to 4.90${\pm}$0.48 (Cshiqishi) and across populations for all loci was 4.60${\pm}$0.20, while (H) ranged from 0.65${\pm}$0.03 (Rugao) to 0.69${\pm}$0.03 (Jiangchun) among loci and across populations, (H) was 0.67${\pm}$0.01. The generated unbiased average heterozygosity among loci in each population was integrated to the global formula of CPD and the result demonstrated that the CPD within the four Haimen chicken populations was 98.75%.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.108-112
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• 2009

A simplified method for the purification of cholera toxin was developed. The 569B strain of Vibrio cholerae, a recognized hyper-producer of cholera toxin, was propagated in a bioreactor under conditions that promote the production of the toxin. The toxin was separated from the bacterial cells using 0.2-${\mu}m$ crossflow microfiltration, the clarified toxin was passed through the membrane into the permeate, and the bacterial cells were retained in the retentate. The 0.2-${\mu}m$ permeate was then concentrated 3-fold and diafiltered against 10 mM phosphate buffer, pH 7.6, using 30-kDa crossflow ultrafiltration. The concentrated toxin was loaded onto a cation exchange column, the toxin was bound to the column, and most of the impurities were passed unimpeded through the column. The toxin was eluted with a salt gradient of phosphate buffer, pH 7.0, containing 1.0 M NaCl. The peak containing the toxin was assayed for cholera toxin and protein and the purity was determined to be 92%. The toxin peak had a low endotoxin level of $3.1\;EU/{\mu}g$ of toxin. The purified toxin was used to prepare antiserum against whole toxin, which was used in a $G_{M1}$ ganglioside-binding ELISA to determine residual levels of toxin in an oral inactivated whole-cell cholera vaccine. The $G_{M1}$ ganglioside-binding ELISA was shown to be very sensitive and capable of detecting as little as 1 ng/ml of cholera toxin.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.290-298
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• 2013

This study examined the effects of calcium (Ca) gluconate on collagen-induced DBA mouse rheumatoid arthritis (CIA). A single daily dose of 200, 100 or 50 mg/kg Ca gluconate was administered orally to male DBA/1J mice for 40 days after initial collagen immunization. To ascertain the effects administering the collagen booster, CIA-related features (including body weight, poly-arthritis, knee and paw thickness, and paw weight increase) were measured from histopathological changes in the spleen, left popliteal lymph node, third digit and the knee joint regions. CIA-related bone and cartilage damage improved significantly in the Ca gluconate-administered CIA mice. Additionally, myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in the paw were reduced in Ca gluconate-treated CIA mice compared to CIA control groups. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA), an indicator of oxidative stress, decreased in a dose-dependent manner in the Ca gluconate group. Finally, the production of IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$, involved in rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis, were suppressed by treatment with Ca gluconate. Taken together, these results suggest that Ca gluconate is a promising candidate anti-rheumatoid arthritis agent, exerting anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and immunomodulatory effects in CIA mice.