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Benefits chitosan-fermented feed additives (CFFAs) particularly in the regulation of the immune system and antimicrobial activity. Therefore, we investigated the immune-enhancing and bacterial clearance effects of CFFA (fermented by Bacillus licheniformis) on broiler chickens Salmonella Gallinarum challenge. We administered 2% or 4% CFFA evaluated its immune-enhancing effects using several immunological experiments, including examination of lysozyme activity, lymphocyte proliferation, and expression of cytokines. We also evaluated the bacterial clearance effects of CFFA against S. Gallinarum. CFFA administration markedly enhanced lysozyme activity, lymphocyte proliferation, and the expression of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interferon gamma in the spleen. In broilers challenged with S. Gallinarum, the clinical signs of S. Gallinarum infection and the number of viable bacterial colonies in the feces and tissues decreased in both CFFA groups. Therefore, CFFAs could be good candidates for feed additive to improve nonspecific immune responses and bacterial clearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 6-month feeding trial was conducted to compare the effects of extruded pellet (EP) andmoist pellet (MP) feed on the growth performance, non-specific immunity, and intestinal microbiota of olive flounder. A total of 60,000 fish with an average weight of 70.8 ± 6.4 g were divided into two groups and fed with one of two experimental diets. At the end of a 6-month feeding trial, the weight gain and specific growth rate of the fish fed with the MP diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed with EP (P < 0.05). However, the EP group exhibited a lower feed conversion rate than the MP group, meaning that the EP diet was more cost-effective. Whole-body proximate compositions and non-specific immune responses (superoxide dismutase, myeloperoxidase, and lysozyme activity) were not significantly different between the two groups. There were no significant differences in the α-diversity of the intestinal bacterial community of the two groups. However, the composition of microorganisms at the phylum to genus level was different between the groups. The EP group was rich in Actinobacteria, Corynebacterium, Bacillus, and Lactobacillus, whereas the MP group was dominated by Proteobacteria, Vibrio, and Edwardsiella. Collectively, the MP diet increased growth performance and pathogen concentration in the gut; whereas EP improved feed conversion and beneficial Bacillus and Lactobacillus proportion in the intestinal microbial community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with Bacillus sp. isolated from the intestines of red sea bream on the growth performance, immunity, and gut microbiome composition of red sea bream. Three diets (a control diet and two treatments) were formulated without Bacillus sp. PM8313 or β-glucan (control, CD), 1 × 108 CFU g-1 PM8313 (BSD), and 1 × 108 CFU g-1 PM8313 + 0.1% β-glucan (BGSD). At the end of the experiment, the weight, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency ratio of the fish in the BSD and BGSD diet groups were significantly improved than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, amylase and trypsin activities were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in both groups compared to the control. Superoxide dismutase and lysozyme activity, which are serum non-specific immune responses, only increased in the BGSD group. The two treatment groups exhibited a marked difference in the intestinal microbiota composition compared to the control group. Furthermore, the treatment groups exhibited an upregulation of IL-6 and NF-κb, coupled with high survival rates when challenged with Edwardsiella tarda. Therefore, dietary supplementation with PM8313 improved the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, non-specific immunity, and pathogen resistance of red sea bream, in addition to affecting the composition of its intestinal microflora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to conduct field experiments comparing formulated (extruded pellets (E.P)) and raw-fish (moist pellets (M.P)) feeds at two flounder aquaculture farms for six months to obtain the basic data necessary for improving aquafarmers' awareness of feed-quality issues and firmly establish and expand the use of formulated feed. According to the results, the M.P group was higher in weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, protein efficiency ratio, and specific growth rate and lower in mortality rate than the E.P group. All cases of mortality were caused by six kinds of disease, four of which (Vibrio sp., Edwardsiella sp., Streptococcus sp., and Scuticociliates) were common to the two groups, whereas Lymphocystis arose only in the M.P group and abdominal inflation only in the E.P group at both farms. As for mortality in the present experiment, the numbers were 1047 at Da-Hae farm and 1167 at Global farm, with more fish dying in the E.P tanks than in the M.P tanks. By multiplying the number of deaths by selling price, the economic losses were $9650 and $10,756, respectively. Therefore, it should be considered an urgent priority to develop flounder-exclusive formulated feed for improved digestion and absorption rate and also to establish a water-quality-improvement management plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Houttuynia cordata (H. cordata) has been used for diuresis and detoxification in folk medicine as well as a herbal medicine with antiviral and antibacterial activities. H. cordata extract-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (H-SLNs) were prepared with various concentration of poloxamer 188 or poloxamer 407 by a hot homogenization and ultrasonication method. H-SLNs dispersion was freeze-dried with or without trehalose as a cryoprotectant. The physicochemical characteristics of H-SLNs were evaluated by dynamic laser scattering (DLS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, the in vitro release and in vitro cytotoxicity of H-SLNs were measured. Encapsulation efficiencies of H-SLNs (as quercitrin) were 92.9-95.9%. The SEM images of H-SLNs showed that H-SLNs have a spherical morphology. DSC and FT-IR showed that there were no interactions between ingredients. The increased extent of particle size of freeze-dried H-SLNs with trehalose was significantly lower than that of H-SLNs without trehalose. H-SLNs provided sustained release of quercitrin from H. cordata extracts. Cell viability of Caco-2 cells was over 70% according to the concentration of various formulation. Therefore, it was suggested that SLNs could be good carrier for administering H. cordata extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that allergic people was potentially vulnerable to bee venom (BV), which can induce an anaphylactic shock, eventually leading to death. Up until recently, this kind of allergy was treated only by venom immunotherapy (VIT) and its efficacy has been recognized worldwide. This treatment is practiced by subcutaneous injections that gradually increase the doses of the allergen. This is inconvenient for patients due to frequent injections. Poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) has been broadly studied as a carrier for drug delivery systems (DDS) of proteins and peptides. PLGA particles usually induce a sustained release. In this study, the physicochemical properties of BV were examined prior to the preparation of BV-loaded PLGA nanoparticles NPs). The content of melittin, the main component of BV, was 53.3%. When protected from the light BV was stable at 4 °C in distilled water, during 8 weeks. BV-loaded PLGA particles were prepared using dichloromethane as the most suitable organic solvent and two min of ultrasonic emulsification time. This study has characterized the physicochemical properties of BV for the preparation BV-loaded PLGA NPs in order to design and optimize a suitable sustained release system in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a chronic and immunosuppressive viral disease that is responsible for substantial economic losses for the swine industry. Honeybee venom (HBV) is known to possess several beneficial biological properties, particularly, immunomodulatory effects. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating the effects of HBV on the immune response and viral clearance during the early stage of infection with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in pigs. HBV was administered via three routes of nasal, neck, and rectal and then the pigs were inoculated with PRRSV intranasally. The CD4+/CD8+ cell ratio and levels of interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-12 were significantly increased in the HBV-administered healthy pigs via nasal and rectal administration. In experimentally PRRSV-challenged pigs with virus, the viral genome load in the serum, lung, bronchial lymph nodes and tonsil was significantly decreased, as was the severity of interstitial pneumonia, in the nasal and rectal administration group. Furthermore, the levels of Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-12) were significantly increased, along with up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) with HBV administration. Thus, HBV administration-especially via the nasal or rectal route-could be a suitable strategy for immune enhancement and prevention of PRRSV infection in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maesil ( Prunus mume Siebold & Zucc.), a potential source of free radical scavengers and inhibitor of pro-inflammatory mediators, is used in traditional Korean medical preparations as a remedy for skin disorders as have probiotics. The action of a probiotic fermented Maesil preparation on the development of atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions was determined in a NC/Nga mouse model as an initial step towards the development of a therapeutic feed supplement for use in dogs. Continuous ingestion of the experimental feed markedly inhibited the development of the AD-like skin lesions, as evidenced by a marked decrease in skin signs and reduced inflammation within the skin lesions. Efficacy was confirmed by significant decreases in eosinophil ratio and serum IgE concentration, and a reduction in the number of Staphylococcus aureus recovered from the ear. Relative mRNA expression levels of IL-4, interferon-γ and tumour necrosis factor-α in the spleens of the experimental animals were also decreased and there was an increased serum concentration of IL-10 with a concurrent decreased IL-4 concentration in comparison to a control group. Taken together, the results indicate that some component(s) of fermented Maesil have the ability to suppress the development of AD-like skin lesions, possibly by stimulation of IL-10. Beneficial effects of fermented Maesil may thus be expected in dogs with AD, although this and the nature of the active pathway remain to be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assesses the relationship between various types of welfare grant reductions and subsequent child maltreatment reports in a sample (N = 1,260) of recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Results show that receipt of TANF sanctions increases the rate of having an investigation for neglect but does not bear a statistically significant relation to having an indicated report of neglect or abuse. Receipt of other types of grant reductions, however, is positively associated with the rate of having indicated reports. The statistically significant findings persist with the application of fixed-effects techniques, which reduce the potential for omitted variable bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors identify ways to facilitate work among current and recent welfare recipients with mental illness. Their analysis assesses the relationship between a particular mental illness, depression, and labor force involvement in a statewide sample of welfare recipients, identifies the factors that promote work for those with depression, and describes the positive and negative correlates of work among this group. This study is a building block in understanding how depression and work are related among current and recent welfare recipients and what factors impede or facilitate substantive involvement in society for those with depression. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This analysis utilizes longitudinal survey and administrative data on 1998 welfare recipients in Illinois to assess whether different types of grant reductions are associated with subsequent work, welfare receipt, and hardships. Results show that imposed sanctions are inversely associated with formal work and earnings, as well as with increases in informal work, other work activities, and food hardships. Threats to sanction are unassociated with formal work and welfare outcomes but positively associated with informal work, other work activities, and rent hardship. Greater knowledge of welfare rules is associated with more formal work, less welfare receipt, and less hardship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on child protective intervention in the context of welfare reform in the U.S. Effects of changes in family welfare receipt and employment on child maltreatment; Historic overlap between public welfare and child welfare systems; Need for the assessment of child maltreatment outcomes associated with low income and welfare-eligible families.

Investigates whether treatment with an agonistic antibody to CD40 could substitute for CD4 T cell function in preventing reactivation of a latent herpesvirus. Role of CD8 T cells in the effect of anti-CD40 treatment; Effect of anti-CD40 treatment on murine gammaherpesvirus-68-specific cytolytic activity in spleen and bronchoalveolar lavage of MHC class II mice.

The Integrated Database on Children and Family Services in Illinois is a state-level longitudinal and relational database constructed out of administrative data main tained by public agencies serving children and families. This database, which when complete will document all child contact with Illinois public services over 7 or more years, links individual client records both longitudinally and across agencies. The database yields a dynamic, client-level view of human services and can support a wide variety of research. This paper describes the major challenges involved in creating such a database: acquiring and working with agency data, database design, record matching, creating summary records, and normalization. We also briefly discuss some methods of analysis, such as event-history and geographical analysis, to which the data is particularly suited. Keywords: data archive, relational database, event- history analysis, human services research, children's policy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]