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An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of soybean hulls (SH) containing varying ratios of insoluble:soluble fiber (I:S) on nutrient digestibilities and fecal characteristics of dogs. Ileally cannulated dogs (n = 6) were fed seven diets in a 6 x 7 Youden square arrangement of treatments. The seven diets included five SH-containing diets with I:S of 1.9, 2.7, 3.2, 5.2 or 7.2 and two diets containing either beet pulp (BP) or no supplemental fiber (control). Ileal digestibilities of DM, OM, CP, total dietary fiber (TDF), fat and gross energy (GE) were lower (P0.05) for dogs fed diets containing supplemental fiber compared with dogs fed the control diet. Fiber inclusion had a modest negative effect (P0.05) on total-tract DM, OM, fat and GE digestibilities compared with the control diet. Ileal digestibilities of DM and OM by dogs fed the SH treatments responded quadratically (P0.05) to I:S, with digestibility coefficients decreasing as the I:S approached 3.2. Highest ileal digestibilities were observed for diets with an I:S of 1.9 and 7.2. Similarly, a quadratic response (P0.05) was observed for digestibility of total amino acids at the ileum. Fecal outputs were lower (P0.001) when dogs consumed the control diet vs. fiber-containing diets. Among the SH-containing diets, there was a linear increase in fecal output as I:S increased (P = 0.031). The I:S in the diet affects DM and OM digestibilities at the ileum and affects fecal output, indicating that optimization of this ratio is desirable.

The digestion of legumes, cereal grains, cereal and potato flours and grain-based foods in dogs was studied using two in vitro model systems. The first simulated the stomach and small intestine through the additions of acid and enzymes and large bowel fermentation through use of fecal inocula from dogs, and the second simulated small intestinal fermentation using canine ileal chyme as the bacterial source. All substrates were analyzed for total dietary fiber (TDF) including insoluble and soluble components, and starch fractions: rapidly digestible starch, slowly digestible starch, resistant starch (RS) and total starch. Legumes had high TDF and RS concentrations (mean 36.5 and 24.7%, respectively), resulting in lower ileal digestible starch and total digestible starch concentrations (mean 21 and 31%, respectively). Seventy-four percent of the TS in the cereal grains group was rapidly digestible starch plus slowly digestible starch compared with the flour group, where the corresponding value was 95%. This related to the processing of cereals to flours, in which TDF and RS concentrations were reduced markedly. This increased ileal digestible starch concentrations in the flour group (65%) versus the cereal grains group (60%). Ileal digestion of starch in grain-based food products like macaroni and spaghetti was high (96 and 92%, expressed as a percentage of TS, respectively). Fermentation of substrates with ileal microflora was influenced by substrate chemical composition, with the flour group exhibiting the highest organic matter disappearance values. The legume group had a high total short-chain fatty acid concentration (7.8 mmol/g organic matter fermented), perhaps as a result of fermentation of TDF as well as starch components. A database such as this one provides information about utilization of foods and feeds in the dog and potentially in humans.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the apparent digestibility and postprandial glycaemic responses of ileal-cannulated dogs when fed an experimental induced viscosity dietary fibre (IVF) incorporated into a liquid enteral formula. Dietary treatments were: (1) control; (2) Glucerna; (3) Glytrol; (4) IVF; and (5) Jevity. Diets varied in concentrations of crude protein (CP), fat, starch and total dietary fibre (TDF). Dry matter and starch intakes by dogs fed the Glucerna and Glytrol treatments were lower (P0.05) than for those consuming the other diets. However, daily intakes of CP and fat followed a reverse trend. Digestibility of nutrients at the ileum was high (80%) for all dietary treatments. Mineral absorption proximal to the ileum and from the total tract was not significantly different among treatments. Mean incremental area under the serum glucose response curves for dogs fed Glytrol, Glucerna, and IVF treatments were lower (P0.05) than the control treatment. Induced viscosity fibre appears to have no negative effects on nutrient digestion throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Its ability to moderate serum glucose concentrations would make it a potentially good choice for a diabetic liquid formula.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate apparent digestibility in ileal-cannulated dogs fed enteral diets containing a debranched amylopectin-lipid complex (V-complex) or resistant starch. Six ileal-cannulated dogs were randomized into a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design for determination of digestibility of three experimental treatments. Dietary treatments were as follows: 1) control; 2) V-complex; and 3) resistant starch. Diets were similar in chemical composition. Apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and carbohydrate by dogs fed the control diet was higher (P < 0.05) than for dogs consuming the other diets. Mean apparent digestibilities of carbohydrate for the control, V-complex and resistant starch diets were 89, 76 and 43%, respectively. Both DM and carbohydrate digestibility were lower (P < 0.05) for resistant starch compared with V-complex. Fecal dry and wet weights for dogs fed the control diet were lower (P < 0.05) than for those receiving either the resistant starch or V-complex treatments. Dogs fed the V-complex diet produced approximately 90 g less feces per day than dogs fed resistant starch. Dietary incorporation of V-complex to replace traditional carbohydrates may be beneficial for diabetic patients because of the decreased digestibility and subsequent glucose absorption rate. Furthermore, incorporation of resistant starch into enteral formulas may improve gastrointestinal tract health status as a result of increased fecal bulk, potential dilution of toxins in the intestinal lumen and greater production of short-chain fatty acids.

Salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius) and gobo (Arctium lappa) are root vegetables that contain high concentrations of naturally occurring fructooligosaccharides (FOS), nondigestible oligosaccharides that have prebiotic effects on the intestinal microflora. The objective of this study was to compare colonic microbial populations and the fermentation characteristics of gobo and salsify in breast-fed vs. formula-fed infants. Fecal inoculum from breast-fed and formula-fed infants consuming either no solid foods, cereal, or fruit and vegetable purees were fermented in vitro with sweet potato puree plus gobo, salsify puree or a control vegetable, carrot. Breast-fed and formula-fed infants had similar fecal bacteria concentrations, with the exception of Clostridium perfringens (P < 0.10). Introduction of solid foods into the diet of infants was associated with increased fecal concentrations of bifidobacteria (P < 0.10) and decreased concentrations of total aerobes (P < 0.01), C. perfringens (P < 0.001) and Escherichia coli (P < 0.10). Inoculum from feces of breast-fed infants resulted in greater acetate production, whereas inoculum from feces of formula-fed infants resulted in greater propionate and butyrate production (P < 0.05). Fermentation of FOS-containing vegetables by infant fecal inoculum did not differ significantly from fermentation of carrots as assessed by total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. The addition of solids to the diet of infants was associated with increased production of acetate and total SCFA (P < 0.05). It appears that both the composition and fermentative activity of the colonic microflora of human infants is affected by breast-feeding and solid food consumption, but not by short-term exposure to low concentrations of FOS-containing substrates.

Bone marrow transplantation involves the administration of toxic chemotherapy and infusion of marrow cells. After treatment, patients can develop a poor appetite, mucositis and gastrointestinal failure, leading to malnutrition. To prevent this, parenteral nutrition (PN) support is the first choice but is associated with an increased risk of infection. Enteral nutrition (EN) is an alternative, as is the addition of substrates e.g. glutamine to enteral and parenteral solutions. However, the relative effectiveness of these treatments is not clear.To determine the efficacy of EN or PN support for patients receiving a bone marrow transplant.Trials were identified by searching the Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2000 ), MEDLINE (1966-2000), EMBASE (1988-2000) and CINAHL (1982-2000 ). Reference lists of identified trials and conference proceedings were searched for relevant reports. Date of the most recent search: 2000.RCTs that compared one form of nutrition support with another, or control, for bone marrow transplant patients were included.Thirty five reports were identified, 11 were excluded. Two reviewers extracted data from 24 studies; 16 were allocated to four interventions: oral glutamine versus placebo; PN and glutamine versus standard PN; PN versus IV hydration; PN versus EN. Eight studies were other interventions. Data were collected on participants' characteristics; adverse effects; neutropaenia; % change in body weight; graft versus host disease; and survival. Trialists were contacted for unreported data.Two studies (82 subjects) found that glutamine mouthwash reduced days of neutropaenia (6.82 days, 95% CI (1.67-11.98) p=0.009) compared with placebo. Three studies (103 subjects) showed that patients receiving PN with glutamine had a reduced hospital stay, 6.62 d (95% CI 3.47, 9.77, P=0.00004) compared with patients receiving standard PN. Two studies (73 subjects) indicated that patients receiving PN plus glutamine had a reduced incidence of positive blood cultures (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.08-0.65, p=0.006) compared to those receiving standard PN. One study, (25 subjects) showed patients receiving PN had a higher incidence of line infections (odds ratio 21.23, 95% CI 4.15,108.73, P=0.0002) compared to those receiving standard IV fluids. There were no evaluable data to compare PN with EN.Lack of evaluable data means that the relative effectiveness of EN versus PN cannot be evaluated. Further studies and missing data from completed trials need to be retrieved. Studies comparing PN with glutamine versus standard PN suggest that patients leave hospital earlier, and experience a reduced incidence of positive blood cultures, than those receiving standard PN. Patients with gastrointestinal failure should consider PN with the addition of glutamine if enteral feeding is not possible.

The objective of this study was to compare ileal and total tract nutrient digestibilities and fecal characteristics of dogs fed selected animal and plant protein sources incorporated into grain-based diets. Four crude protein sources--soybean meal (SBM), poultry meal (PM), poultry by-product meal (PBPM), and beef and bone meal (BBM)--were fed to four ileal cannulated dogs in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Intakes of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and fat by dogs were similar. Total dietary fiber (TDF) intake was highest for the SBM treatment compared to other treatments. Ileal digestibilities of DM, OM, CP, fat, and TDF were not affected by treatment. Total tract digestibility of DM was lower for the BBM and SBM diets, while OM digestibility was lower for the SBM treatment only. Total tract CP digestibility was similar for BBM, PBPM, and SBM treatments and was higher for the PM treatment. As-is fecal excretion [g/d] was greater when dogs received the SBM treatment. Fecal output on a DM basis was higher for the SBM treatment compared to the other treatments. All diets were well utilized by the dogs as assessed by ileal and total tract digestibility data and fecal characteristics.

In Exp. 1, soybean hull samples were obtained from nine sources across the United States and analyzed for nutrient content to determine their suitability for inclusion in dog diets. Compositional data revealed variation in both the amount of total dietary fiber (TDF; 63.8 to 81.2%) in the soybean hulls and the ratio of insoluble:soluble fiber (5.0:1 to 15.4:1). Crude protein content varied widely among sources, ranging from 9.2 to 18.7%. An in vivo trial (Exp. 2) was conducted using a premium dog diet containing 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, 7.5, or 9.0% soybean hulls (DM basis). There was a negative linear effect (P < .05) of soybean hull inclusion in the diet on DM, OM, TDF, and GE total-tract digestibilities, as well as on calculated ME. Crude protein and fat digestibilities were unaffected by treatment. Based on these results, ileally cannulated dogs were fed diets containing 6.0, 7.5, or 9.0% soybean hulls (DM basis) in addition to diets containing either 0% supplemental fiber or 7.5% beet pulp (Exp. 3). Nutrient digestion at the ileum was unaffected by inclusion of supplemental fiber. Total tract digestion of DM, OM, and GE was lower ( P < .05) for diets containing supplemental fiber when compared with the diet containing 0% fiber. Crude protein and fat digestibilities were unaffected by treatment. There was no difference in nutrient digestibility between those diets containing soybean hulls and a diet containing beet pulp. Soybean hull inclusion in the diet resulted in a negative linear effect (P < .05) on calculated ME, in addition to lowering ME (P < .05) when compared with the 0% fiber control diet. Calculated ME for dogs fed a 7.5% beet pulp-containing diet was lower (P < .05) than that for dogs fed the soybean hull-containing diets. Results indicate that soybean hulls can be an effective dietary fiber source in dog diets.

Approximately 25 to 40% of the DM in premium dog diets is animal by-product. However, limited information is available regarding the composition and digestibility of these by-products, especially small intestinal digestibility. The effects of raw and rendered animal by-products incorporated into dog diets on nutrient digestion at the ileum and in the total tract were studied in this experiment. Diets fed contained various animal by-products including a rendered beef meat and bone meal (RMBM); fresh beef (FB); poultry by-product meal (PBPM); fresh poultry (FP); a plant-based control protein source, defatted soy flour (DS); and an animal-based control protein source, dehydrated whole egg (WE). The diets were extruded and kibbled. By-products varied widely in concentrations of OM, CP, amino acids, and fat. Nutrient intakes were numerically higher for FB than for all other treatments. All nutrient intakes were higher (P < .03) for the FB treatment than for the RMBM treatment. Digestibilities of DM, OM, CP, fat, and GE at the ileum were higher (P < .06) when dogs were fed diets containing FP than when fed diets containing PBPM. Amino acids were highly digestible at the ileum; however, digestibilities of all amino acids except cystine were higher (P < .04) for the diets incorporating FP vs PBPM. Total tract digestion was different among treatments for DM (P < .02), OM (P < .01), and GE (P < .02), and diets containing animal by-products were similar in total tract digestibility, greater than the DS control, and lower than the WE control. Rendering of poultry, but not beef, seemed to have a slight negative influence on small intestinal, but not total tract, digestibility by dogs.

SUMMARYThe efficacy of three proprietary glutaraldehyde disinfectants and their component bases was assessed using the duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) model. Inactivation of infectivity of undiluted serum containing 106·8ID50/ml DHBV was assessed after a mixture with an equal volume of disinfectant had stood at room temperature for 10 min. A dried spill of infectious serum was simulated using sterile filter paper disks, saturated with serum containing DHBV, dried and then exposed to test disinfectant for 10 min. Residual infectivity, and hence the reduction in virus titre, was determined by inoculation of dilutions of the treated samples into 1-day-old ducklings. A greater than 3 log10reduction in virus titre could be demonstrated for the disinfectants as well as for some of their component bases. Disinfectant activity varied according to the method of viral presentation but a reduction of exposure time from 10 to 2·5 min did not diminish activity. The experimental protocol permits a comparative and quantitative assessment of the efficacy of both established and new disinfectants.

Two in vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the ability of small intestinal bacteria of dogs to ferment native and extruded cereal grains and potato starch and cereal grain and potato flours. Substrates included barley, corn, potato, rice, sorghum, and wheat. In addition to testing native grains and flours, extruded substrates also were tested. Substrates were extruded at low temperatures (LT; 79 to 93 degrees C) and high temperatures (HT; 124 to 140 degrees C) using a Wenger extruder (model TX-52). Substrates varied widely in concentrations of rapidly digestible starch (RDS), slowly digestible starch (SDS), resistant starch (RS), and total starch (TS). Extrusion of most substrates at HT vs LT resulted in increased RDS and decreased RS concentrations. Organic matter disappearance (OMD) values attributed to microbial fermentation for a 5-h period were as high as 27% for native extruded substrates (LT potato starch) and 39% for potato flour. Average OMD was higher for cereal and potato flours than for native extruded substrates (29.9 vs 25.4%). Average molar percentages of short-chain fatty acids produced from all substrates fermented for 5 h were 73, 14, and 13% (acetate, propionate, and butyrate, respectively). Average lactate production for substrates ranked as follows: flours > native and extruded cereal grains and potato starch (0.33 and 0.18 mmol/g OM, respectively). In vitro microbial fermentation of starches by ileal bacteria can be substantial and is affected by differences in starch source, fraction, and processed form.

Cereal grains represent 30 to 60% of the DM of many companion animal diets. Once incorporated into a diet, the starch component of these grains can provide an excellent source of ME. However, crystallinity and form of starch are variable and can cause incomplete digestion within the gastrointestinal tract. Diets fed in this experiment included one of six high-starch flours as the main source of carbohydrate. The flours originated from barley, corn, potato, rice, sorghum, and wheat. The diets were extruded and kibbled. Starch fraction concentrations of flours consisted of nearly 100% rapidly digestible starch (RDS) and slowly digestible starch (SDS) combined. Starch fraction concentrations of diets paralleled concentrations in flours. Flours varied widely in concentrations of CP, fat, starch, and total dietary fiber. Ileal OM and CP digestibilities were lowest for the potato flour treatment (74 and 64%, respectively). Ileal and total tract starch digestibilities were different (P.05) among treatments; however, the starch component of all diets was nearly completely digested (99%). Total tract digestibility of DM and OM was lowest for sorghum (80 and 84%, respectively) compared to all other diets. Crude protein digestibility was highest for corn (87%). Wet fecal weights tended (P.08) to be greatest for dogs fed the barley treatment (175 g/d). However, dry fecal weights (dried at 55 degrees C) were greatest for dogs consuming the sorghum diet (51 g/d). Fecal scores were consistently greater (i.e., looser stools) for the barley treatment. Any of these flours could be used without negative effects on digestion at either the ileum or in the total tract. Fecal consistency data for dogs consuming the barley treatment indicate that diets containing large amounts (50%) of barley may not be advantageous for dog owners who house their animals indoors for most of the day.

We studied the effects of dietary fibers with various fermentation characteristics on nutrient digestion at the distal ileum and in the total tract of dogs. The following high-protein (34%), high-fat (23%) diets were fed : 1) a control treatment (CON) with 0% supplemental fiber ; 2) beet pulp (BP), 7.5% ; 3) low-cellulose mixture (LCM), 2.5% cellulose + 5.0% pectin ; 4) high-cellulose mixture (HCM), 5.0% cellulose + 2.5% pectin ; or 5) Solka Floc® (SF), 7.5% cellulose. Nutrient intakes by fiber-supplemented dogs were similar among treatment groups but greater (P

A 13-year-old boy presented when his weight gain fell behind that of his monozygous twin brother. Following investigation, he was found to have gluten-sensitive enteropathy on jejunal biopsy. Investigation of his symptom-free brother showed biopsy evidence of the condition with changes similar to those of the clinically affected boy. Following treatment with a gluten-free diet, the boys achieved a similar weight after 15 months.

The immune response to duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) had not been elucidated. An assay was therefore established to detect the presence of antibody to DHB surface antigen (anti-DHBs) in serum of experimentally inoculated and naturally infected ducks. Anti-DHBs in serum was detected by indirect RIA from the percentage inhibition of binding of rabbit anti-DHBs to purified DHBsAg. Specificity was confirmed by positive and negative controls, infected and noninfected sera, and a mouse monoclonal antibody to DHB core antigen (anti-DHBc). Serum and liver samples were tested for DHBV DNA by dot-blot hybridization assay. Adult ducks repeatedly inoculated with DHBV remained non-viraemic but developed anti- DHBs. This antibody activity neutralized the infectivity of DHBV, which was experimentally inoculated into 1-day-old ducklings. In naturally infected flocks anti-DHBs was detected in a proportion of noninfected adult ducks as well as 1- day-old hatchlings. Anti-DHBs activity in hatchlings neutralized the infectivity of experimentally inoculated DHBV. Pekin ducks can therefore mount a neutralizing antibody response to DHBV, and immunity may be transferred in ovo from dam to offspring.

SUMMARY A rare case of carcinoma of the ureter presenting as idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis is described. It is emphasised that malignant neoplasm must always be excluded before making a diagnosis of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis.

A case of calcined tumour-thrombus of the left main pulmonary artery, secondary to a renal adenocarcinoma removed 11 years previously, is reported. Radiologically demonstrable calcification is very un-common in pulmonary metastases, is extremely rare in pulmonary artery thrombus, and has not, to our knowledge, been previously reported in tumour-thrombus of the pulmonary artery. The appearance of the calcification in our case is an exception to the rule that dense or concentric calcification in a chest mass indicates a benign lesion.

A preterm boy died 4 days after delivery from septicaemia which at necropsy was found to be due to perforation of an eosinophilic lesion of the terminal ileum. Eosinophilic infiltration was also found in kidney, lymph node, bone marrow, portal tracts of liver, gall bladder, and bile duct with associated obstruction of the cystic duct and mucocele of the gall bladder. No allergic cause for the infiltrate was found in either the infant or his mother. Eosinophilic infiltration of neonatal spleen, lymph node, intestinal mucosa, epicardium, thymus, pancreas, portal tracts of the liver, and skin has been reported but the aggressive behaviour of the infiltrate in this patient bears more resemblance to the eosinophilic gastroenteritis that has been described in older children and adults.

Among 1954 pregnant women who booked before the end of the 14th week of gestation the uterus was retroverted in 220 (11.2%). The incidence of bleeding in early pregnancy and spontaneous abortion was significantly higher in the retroverted group. Only three patients (1.4%) with a retroverted gravid uterus developed acute retention of urine. Patients with retroverted uteri did not have a higher incidence of previous infertility, nor any increase in the incidence of common obstetric abnormalities.