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SUMMARY: The hypotheses currently considered the most likely causes of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are amyloid beta peptide deposition in the cerebral cortex and hyperphosphorylation of the Tau protein, with the consequent formation of neurofibrillary tangles. In clinical practice, although not accurate, AD diagnosis is based on the exclusion of other diseases, behavioural assessments and complementary examinations, such as imaging and blood tests. Advances in the field of biotechnology have created exciting prospects for the early detection of AD via biomarker assessment, which is considered a safer and more efficient procedure. Molecules recognised as biomarkers can be expressed in some body fluids, including cerebrospinal fluid, saliva and blood. The presence of amyloid beta peptide and Tau can be confirmed in saliva, which is also an easily and non-invasively collectable material with an accessible cost. The objective was evaluate the concentrations of the t-Tau protein and Ab42 peptide in the saliva of elderly individuals with and without dementia of the AD type Method: The objective of this case-control study, involving a total of 120 individuals, was to analyse whether a correlation exists between variations in the concentrations of the t-Tau and Ab42 biomarkers in the saliva of patients with confirmed AD and individuals in the inclusion group but without AD . We found that t-Tau expression in AD patients is significantly lower than that in individuals without AD, whereas the salivary concentration of Ab42 is higher in patients with AD but not significantly different from that of the group without AD. Conclusion: Thus, we demonstrate the feasibility of using salivary biomarkers as predictive markers for diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

The concentrations of 37 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their potential risk to human health were determined in fifty sardine muscle (Sardinella brasiliensis) samples collected along the southern Brazilian shelf. Parental and alkylated PAHs were identified and quantified using a pressurized liquid extraction with in-cell purification method and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry identification and quantification. The concentrations of Σ37 PAHs in muscle ranged between 6.02 and 4074 μg kg−1 wet weight, which are comparable to levels reported for commercially important fish worldwide. The most abundant compounds were pyrene and fluoranthene, which originate from both petrogenic and pyrolytic hydrocarbon inputs. In only 4% of the samples the benzo[a] pyrene equivalent concentration was above the threshold of 6 μg kg−1 suggested for safe fish consumption in Brazil. These findings will serve as baseline data for monitoring the quality of sardines consumed in the country and for studying fish populations.

Rail car safety and stability are important factors for good performance. The most used safety index to quantify railway safety is the ratio between the lateral and vertical wheel rail contact forces (L/Q). This study aims to use machine learning (ML) models to evaluate the viability of estimating the wheel rail contact forces from sensors in a regular instrumented railway vehicle (IRV). A virtual model of a BRA1 railway vehicle was created to generate an artificial dataset with variables measured with the actual BRA1 vehicle plus different variables measured by other IRVs found in the literature. The desired output variable is the L/Q ratio for each wheel of the leading bogie. Exploratory data analysis was done to clarify the correlation between the variables while model explainability techniques were applied to evaluate the contribution of these input variables to the output (L/Q). A total of 24 embedded machine learning models were trained and optimized using the tree-based pipeline optimization tool (TPOT) to generate a ML pipeline capable of producing an accurate L/Q ratio as the output for different cases of sampling rate, input variables and track irregularities. The results show that machine learning models can predict the wheel rail contact forces indirectly – without using instrumented wheelsets – with the highest mean squared error being equal to 0.01113.

Este artículo presenta un análisis desde el punto de vista bibliográfico de marcadores y biomarcadores de la enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA). Las metodologías usadas fueron los marcadores de imágenes (Resonancia Magnética y Tomografía por emisión de positrones) y biomarcadores de la proteína BA42, de la proteína Tau y de la Apoliproteína E (ALPE). De esta manera, son de importancia los niveles de BA42 disminuidos, la Tau incrementada, los polimorfismos de ALPE y las alteraciones constatadas en los marcadores de imagen, como factores de riesgo esenciales para el desarrollo de la EA. Se realiza una revisión de la literatura con respecto a los hallazgos clínicos de esta enfermedad.

The Geobrary project is an application for mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) and computers, available for Android or Apple iOS operating systems (iPhone, iPad). Its purpose is to gather comfortably and straightforwardly the information that can be used by teachers and students of Geology from any educational field. The app provides at the present-day stage of development, a series of basic knowledge applicable to the study and observation in different areas of Geology, especially in the fields of Paleontology and Mineralogy. This tool has been designed to help with the identification of common fossils and minerals in hand samples, by using simple dichotomous keys. It also features primary related to Palaeontology and Mineralogy, such as the idea of fossil, its types, forms of life and processes of fossilisation and states of conservation, or the definition of a mineral, classification system and occurrences. Also, the app enables access to remote multimedia databases and image galleries, and it includes a compiled glossary of terms and valuable tools useful in other areas of Geology, such as Stratigraphy, Sedimentology or Petrology. These areas of expertise still need to be completed in a future stage and will be a part of a new app version. Thus, this interactive educational resource can enhance the role of mobile learning in the education of the Geology in the broadest sense.

In this study, we report the phenomenon of radioluminescence (RL) in ZnO-Eu2O3 binary oxide ceramics. RL results showed the presence of a wide emission band in the visible region centered at 530 nm and a well-defined peak at 610 nm. The emission band is originated due to energy levels created by intrinsic defects inside the bandgap of ZnO. On the other hand, the peak is related to the 5D0 → 7F2 transition in the Eu3+ ion, which is possible through the energy transfer mechanism between ZnO and Eu2O3. The RL spectra presented a linear behavior as a function of the electric current or voltage applied in the X-ray tube.

Phosphorous-doped single wall carbon nanotubes were synthesized by an aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition by adding triphenilphosphine in the ethanol-ferrocene precursor solution. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy were carried out along with density functional theory (DFT) calculations in order to understand the nature of phosphorous chemical doping. Binding energies of P 2p electrons, experimentally measured by XPS, are 129.6 eV and 134.3 eV. DFT calculations allow for the assignment of these levels to substitutional phosphorous and phosphorous-oxygen groups, respectively. The nature of phosphorous doping is elucidated through band structure and density of states calculations.

The aim of this study was to characterize the preantral ovarian follicular population in agoutis (D. leporina) by estimating the number of follicles at each developmental category, and also describe the morphometry and the specific features of the follicle and the oocyte by using light and transmission electron microscopy. The length of each ovary was measured using a caliper rule, longitudinally sectioned into two halves and both were immediately fixed to perform the estimation of follicular population and ultrastructural analysis. The mean (±S.E.M.) population of follicular per pair of ovary was estimated at 4419.8±532.26 and 5397.52±574.91 for right and left ovaries, respectively, but no differences were observed between them. The diameters for follicles, oocyte and nuclei were: 18.62±3.40μm, 12.28±2.37μm and 6.10±0.93μm for primordial, 23.75±5.70μm, 14.22±3.00μm and 6.70±1.24μm for primary and 88.55±17.61μm, 52.85±17.56μm and 22.33±17.61μm for secondary follicles, respectively. The most of the follicles found belonged to the primordial category (86.63%), followed by primary (13.01%) and secondary (0.35%) one. Additionally, polyovular follicles were observed in all the animals and they represented 7.51% of the total follicles counted. The ultrastructural analysis showed that the oocyte presented a central and regular nuclei, displaying a homogenous mass. Among the organelles, the mitochondria were the most abundant and the oocyte Golgi apparatus was rarely observed. In conclusion, this work shows for the first time the characterization of the population of preantral follicles in the ovary of Dasyprocta leporina. Those information will be useful for further development and adaptation of biotechniques such as germplasm cryopreservation and in vitro gametes manipulation. RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a população folicular ovariana pré-antral em cutias (D. leporina) estimando o número de folículos em cada categoria de desenvolvimento, e também descrever a morfometria e as características específicas do folículo e oócito usando microscopia de luz e eletrônica de transmissão. O comprimento de cada ovário foi medido utilizando um paquímetro, seccionados longitudinalmente em duas metades e ambos foram imediatamente fixados para realizar a estimativa da população folicular e análise ultraestrutural. A média (±S.E.M.) da população folicular por par de ovário foi estimada em 4419,8±532,26 e 5397,52±574,91 nos ovários direito e esquerdo, respectivamente, mas não foram observadas diferenças entre eles. Os diâmetros dos folículos, oócito e núcleos, respectivamente, foram: 18,62±3,40μm, 12,28±2.37μm e 6,10±0,93μm para primordial, 23,75±5,70μm, 14,22±3,00μm e 6,70±1,24μm para primário e 88,55±17,61μm, 52,85±17,56μm e 22,33±17,61μm de folículos secundários. A maioria dos folículos encontrados pertencia à categoria primordial (86,63%), seguido pelo primário (13,01%) e um secundário (0,35%). Adicionalmente, os folículos poliovulares foram observados em todos os animais e representavam 7,51% do total de folículos contados. A análise ultra-estrutural mostrou que o oócito apresentou núcleos centrais e regulares, exibindo uma massa homogênea. Dentre as organelas, as mitocôndrias foram as mais abundantes e o aparelho de Golgi do oócito foi raramente observado. Em conclusão, este trabalho mostra pela primeira vez a caracterização da população de folículos pré-antrais do ovário da Dasyprocta leporina. Essas informações serão úteis para o desenvolvimento e adaptação de biotécnicas, como a criopreservação de germoplasma e manipulação de gametas in vitro.

Highlights: • A purely bipolar behavior on a Co-doped ZnO thin film has been demonstrated. • We have shown what can happen if a unipolar test is performed in a purely bipolar device. • An explanation for how a sample can show a purely bipolar switching behavior was suggested. • An important open issue about resistive switching effect was put in debate. - Abstract: In order to investigate the resistive switching effect we built devices in a planar structure in which two Al contacts were deposited on the top of the film and separated by a small gap using a shadow mask. Therefore, two samples of 10% Co-doped ZnO thin films were sputtered on glass substrate. High resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) revealed a highly c-axis oriented crystalline structure, without secondary phase. The high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) showed a flat surface with good coverage and thickness about 300 nm. A Keithley 2425 semiconductor characterization system was used to perform the resistive switching tests in the bipolar and unipolar modes. Considering only the effect of compliance current (CC), the devices showed a purely bipolar behavior since an increase in CC did not induce a transition to unipolar behavior.

RESUMO Introdução A fonoaudiologia tem assumido importante papel junto ao aleitamento materno. Objetivo Verificar a situação do aleitamento materno, considerando aspectos da díade mãe-recém-nascido, de acordo com tempo de vida do recém-nascido, mediante intervenção fonoaudiológica. Métodos Estudo realizado de maio de 2015 a setembro de 2016, com 166 díades mãe-recém-nascido, durante a situação do aleitamento materno, em uma maternidade pública de alto risco do estado de Sergipe. Foi utilizado protocolo específico, registrando-se aspectos anatômicos de bicos e mamas maternos, estado comportamental, padrão de pega e sucção dos recém-nascidos e postura das díades, para descrever a situação de aleitamento materno, nos três diferentes momentos: Momento 1 (linha de base); Momento 2 (intervenção fonoaudiológica); Momento 3 (acompanhamento). As análises foram descritas por meio de frequências simples e percentuais, utilizando o teste de Mantel-Haenzsel (M-H) e o teste da razão de verossimilhança (TRV), adotando nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Em relação ao efeito da intervenção fonoaudiológica, houve diferença significativa quanto aos parâmetros maternos, para situação das mamas (ingurgitamento). Nos parâmetros envolvendo os recém-nascidos, houve diferenças significativas, com melhora no padrão de pega, quanto aos seguintes aspectos: não abocanha somente o bico, abocanha parte da aréola, pega efetiva e consegue manter a pega. Quanto aos aspectos posturais da díade, houve diferenças significativas quanto à cabeça do recém-nascido elevada e alinhada e ao contato corporal (“barriga com barriga”). Conclusão A intervenção fonoaudiológica junto às díades mães-recém-nascidos, logo nas primeiras horas pós-parto, evidenciou melhora nos parâmetros considerados fundamentais para o sucesso da amamentação, vislumbrando uma prática de educação em saúde junto às puérperas. ABSTRACT Introduction Speech therapy has assumed an important role with breastfeeding. Purpose To verify the breastfeeding situation, considering aspects of the mother-newborn dyad, according to newborn’s lifetime through speech-language intervention. Methods Study conducted from May 2015 to September 2016, with 166 mother-newborn dyads during the breastfeeding situation, in a high-risk public maternity hospital in the state of Sergipe. A specific protocol was used registering anatomical aspects of nipples and breasts, newborn’s behavioral status, newborn suckling and breast-latch pattern and dyads posture to describe the breastfeeding situation at different times: Moment 1 (Baseline); Moment 2 (Speech-Language Intervention); Moment 3 (Accompaniment). The results were described using simple and percentage frequencies, Mantel-Haenzsel Test (M-H) and the Likelihood Ratio Test (LRT), adopting significance level of 5%. Results Regarding the effect of the speech-language intervention, there was a significant difference in the maternal parameters for the breasts situation (regorgement); While in the parameters involving the newborns there were significant differences, with improvement in breast-latch patterns aspects such as: do not only pick up the beak, snatch part of the areola, breast-latcheffectively and manage to keep breast-latchpattern. Regarding the dyad postural aspects, there were significant differences regarding newborn’s raised andaligned head and body contact (belly-to-belly). Conclusion Speech-language intervention with the mother-newborn dyads in the first hours after delivery showed an improvement in the parameters considered fundamental on a successful breastfeeding glimpsing a health education practice among the puerperal women.

Extensive work has been performed on WC-Co hard metals for mining tools, tool inserts and other components. Cobalt is widely used as the binder metal because it’s good wetting behavior and solubility. However, the cost is high. Fe-Cr-Ni alloys show similar characteristics to Cobalt regard to melting temperature and crystal structure. Additionally, Fe-Cr-Ni alloys are a less expensive and nontoxic alternative. The present work analyze sintering characteristics of the WC / Fe-Cr-Ni alloys composite and development of new sintered hard metal composite for mining tools. The composite WC-316L was processed via Powder Metallurgy and sintering was performed at different temperatures: 1200oC, 1300oC and 1400oC rate and 20oC and isotherm 1hour in vacuum atmosphere. The composite sintered WC-316L was characterized by XRD, SEM and Vickers micro hardness test. The samples processed at temperatures of 1200oC and 1300oC showed considerable porosity, heterogeneity microstructure, low density relative and low Micro hardness, 300 HV and 700 HV, respectively. The samples sintered at temperature 1400oC showed higher homogeneity microstructure compared to the samples sintered at temperatures of 12000C and 13000C, higher density relative, 86%, and micro hardness value compatible with the composite WC-Co, 1890 HV.These analyzes infer that stainless steel can be used instead of cobalt.

Mechanical properties of ferritic-marensitic steels can be improved through dispersion of fine particles with large industrial applications like nuclear, military and aeronautic areas. Steels used at nuclear reactors suffer some damage when exposure to various kinds of radiation such as gamma, plasma, neutrons among others. Special steels have been studied to resist these processes in which cause a significant degradation of these materials. Reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steels (RAFM) are used for fusion structural materials with the substitution of some alloying elements such as Mo, Nb and Ni present in the commercial martensitic steels by other elements which exhibit faster decay of induced radioactivity, such as Ta, W and V. This present work study the development of EUROFER97 steel reinforced with 3wt% of tantalum carbide (TaC).

A study of the magnetic and structural properties of Zn 1− x M x O powder (where x =0 or 0.01, and M=Mn, Fe or Co) produced by the proteic sol–gel process was undertaken. The sample crystal structure was analyzed by XRD and magnetic measurements were carried out in a SQUID magnetometer. Of the XRD analysis, all samples had hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure with P63mc space group, and no secondary phase was observed. It is observed of the M ( H ) measures at 2 K, that the Co- and Mn-doped ZnO displayed saturation magnetizations ( M s ) of approximately 2 and 3.2 emu/g, respectively, and no remanence ( M r ) was observed, indicating a superparamagnetic behavior in these samples. However, the Fe-doped sample showed a ferromagnetic behavior with M s ∼0.34 emu/g, M r ∼0.05 emu/g, and coercivity ( H c )∼1090 Oe. Already at room temperature, the M ( H ) measurements reveal a purely paramagnetic behavior for Mn- and Fe-doped ZnO, indicating that the Curie temperature ( T c ) is below 300 K. However, a weak superparamagnetic behavior was observed in the Co-doped sample, indicating that T c >300 K.

The powder compaction process is the most widely used forming technique for shaping ceramic products, since traditional ceramic as floors until advanced ceramics for technical applications. This process is characterized by high productivity but it has a serious problem, namely the density gradient originated during the die cavity filling and the subsequent compaction operation[. Therefore, the process requires a high control of all parameters involved in order to guarantee to obtain samples with high homogeneity of the green density, which ensures a sintered body of high quality and low population of microstructural defects. Thus, it is extremely important to understand the variable that controls the compaction mechanisms and interfere in the homogeneity of the green density along the compacted body.

We report the magnetic and structural properties of Fe-doped cerium oxide, obtained using the proteic sol–gel process. The samples had weak ferromagnetic behavior, with magnetization saturations of 0.05 and 0.10 emu/g for samples with 0.5% and 1% of Fe, respectively. We attribute this ferromagnetic state to the presence of dilute localized magnetic moments inside the semiconductor matrix. In fact, within the accuracy of our measurements, X-ray diffraction data reveal the formation of single-phase structurally isomorphous CeO2. Rietveld refinement carried out in Fe-doped samples showed a decreasing density of the unit cell. Furthermore, our analysis on the optical absorbance measurements and Raman scattering shows a change in the band gap of 0.18 eV and an increase in the oxygen vacancies, which was confirmed by Raman scattering peaks at 595 and 1176 cm−1.

Leg problems and resulting mortality can exceed 1% per week in turkey toms starting at approximately 15 wk of age. Dietary supplementation of organic trace minerals (MIN) and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (HyD) may improve performance, decrease incidence of leg abnormalities, and increase bone strength. Nicholas 85X700 toms were assigned to 4 treatments consisting of a factorial arrangement of 2 concentrations of MIN (0 and 0.1% of Mintrex PSe, which adds 40, 40, 20, and 0.3 mg/kg of Zn, Mn, Cu, and Se, respectively) and 2 concentrations of HyD (0 and 92 μg/kg of HyD). Diets were formulated to be equal in nutrient content and fed ad libitum as 8 feed phases. Feed intake and BW were measured at 6, 12, 15, 17, and 20 wk of age. Valgus, varus, and shaky leg defects were determined at 12, 15, 17, and 20 wk of age. Tibia and femur biomechanical properties were evaluated by torsion and bending tests at 17 wk of age. There were no treatment effects on BW. Only MIN significantly improved feed conversion ratio through to 20 wk of age. Cumulative mortality at 3 wk of age was greater among the MIN birds, but it was lower by 20 wk (P = 0.085). The MIN decreased the incidence of varus defects at 17 wk of age; shaky leg at 12, 15, and 17 wk of age; and valgus defects at 15, 17, and 20 wk of age. There were no MIN × HyD interaction effects on individual gait problems. Maximum load and the bending stress required for tibias to break in a 4-point assay were increased with MIN supplementation, especially when HyD was also added. Maximum shear stress at failure of femoral bones in a torsion assay was increased by supplementation with both MIN and HyD together. Dietary supplementation of MIN and HyD may improve biomechanical properties of bones. Dietary MIN supplementation may improve feed conversion of turkeys, likely by decreasing leg problems.

Changes in ileal bacterial populations of Salmonella-infected turkeys fed different diets were analyzed by using 16S-V3 PCR denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Turkeys raised on litter flooring were fed wheat- and corn-based diets with and without enzyme preparations (XY1 and XY2, respectively) from 0 to 126 d. Preparation XY1 contained exclusively endoxylanase, whereas preparation XY2 contained endoxylanase, protease, and alpha-amylase (Danisco, , Wiltshire, UK). The dietary activity levels of XY1 and XY2 were 2,500 and 650 endo-1,4-beta-xylanase units/kg of feed, respectively. Microbial DNA was extracted from the ileal content of 16-wk-old turkeys, and the 16S rDNA gene was amplified by PCR and analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Diversity indexes, including richness (number of species, S), evenness (relative distribution of species, EH), diversity (using Shannon's index, H'), and Sorenson's pairwise similarities coefficient (measures the species in common between different habitats, Cs) were calculated. Additionally, diversity indexes were associated with Salmonella prevalence determined from fresh fecal droppings collected from each pen. On the basis of contrast analysis, the wheat-based diets resulted in higher microbial diversity indexes than the corn-based diets (S = 10 vs. 12; EH = 0.9 vs. 0.8; H' = 2.2 vs. 1.9, P < 0.05). Likewise, enzyme supplementation stimulated growth of the microbiota and increased the diversity indexes in comparison with unsupplemented treatments (S = 13 vs. 10; EH = 0.9 vs. 0.8; H' = 2.2 vs. 1.9, P < 0.05). Salmonella prevalence was higher (P < 0.05) at 15 wk in turkeys fed the corn-based diet (Salmonella prevalence = 50%) than in turkeys fed the corn-enzyme (Salmonella prevalence = 13%) and wheat-based (Salmonella prevalence = 0%) dietary treatments. Therefore, contrast analysis showed that birds fed the corn control diet had lower microbiota diversity but higher Salmonella prevalence than birds fed the enzyme-supplemented and wheat-based diets. In contrast, birds fed the wheat-based diets had higher diversity but lower Salmonella prevalence than birds fed the corn-based diets. High dietary nonstarch polysaccharides from wheat and dietary exogenous enzyme supplementation promoted microbial community diversity and apparently discouraged Salmonella colonization through competitive exclusion. Nonstarch polysaccharides and dietary exogenous enzyme supplementation may be practical tools to control enteric pathogens and benefit the intestinal health and food safety of the birds.

Salmonella colonization in poultry may be influenced by grain type and particle size. Broilers reared either in nonlitter cage-based housing or in a conventionally floored litter house from 0 to 42 d were assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: 1) ground corn-soybean meal (C, 560 microm), 2) coarsely ground corn-soybean meal (CC, >1,700 microm), 3) ground triticale-soybean meal (T, 560 microm), or 4) whole triticale-soybean meal (WT). A 4-strain cocktail of Salmonella enterica was orally gavaged into each chick at placement. Growth performance, cecal and fecal Salmonella populations, gizzard and proventriculus pH, intestinal size, jejunum histomorphometry, and carcass yields were measured. Broilers responded differently to the dietary treatments according to the housing system used. At 42 d, birds reared on litter and fed ground grain had greater BW than those fed coarse grain (2.87 vs. 2.71 kg), whereas cage-reared broilers fed ground triticale were heavier than those fed corn (2.75 vs. 2.64 kg). Broilers raised on litter had a better feed conversion ratio than those raised in cages (1.71 vs. 1.81 g/g). Independent of the housing system, relative eviscerated carcass weights of birds fed T and C were heavier than those of CC- and WT-fed broilers (762 vs. 752 g/kg). Generally, the jejunum villus area and mucosal depth were larger, whereas the small intestine was lighter and shorter in broilers raised on litter. Relative gizzard weights of broilers raised on litter and fed the coarser diets were heavier than those of broilers reared in cages and fed finely ground diets. Feeding whole or coarsely ground grains decreased cecal Salmonella populations in 42-d-old broilers (3.8, 3.9, 4.4, and 4.4 log most probable number/g for CC, WT, C, and T, respectively). Additionally, 42-d-old broilers reared on litter had lower cecal Salmonella populations than those in cages (3.8 vs. 4.4 log most probable number/g). In conclusion, as a feed ingredient, triticale is a good alternative to corn, resulting in improved BW and reduced Salmonella colonization. Broilers raised on litter may have achieved lower cecal Salmonella populations than caged birds because access to litter may have modulated the intestinal microflora by increasing competitive exclusion microorganisms, which discouraged Salmonella colonization.

SUMMARY Diversity of the bacterial communities in the ileum of broilers was characterized using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis separation of polymerase chain reaction amplicons of the V2-V3 variable regions of the 16S rDNA is a common method to profile community diversity and has been used to assess the effects of diet and antibiotics on the ileal bacterial community of chickens. Broilers raised either on litter floor or in cage batteries were fed either a finely ground corn- (control), a finely ground triticale-, or a whole triticale-based diet from 0 to 42 d. Microbial DNA was extracted from the ileum content of 42-d-old broilers, and the 16S rDNA gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and the amplicons separated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Diversity indexes including richness, evenness, diversity, and pairwise similarity coefficients were calculated. Diversity indexes were related to the dietary treatments, housing designs, and to changes in Salmonella colonization of broiler ceca as characterized by the most probable number method. Higher microbial diversity indexes were observed among birds fed whole triticale-based diets and reared on litter floors. In contrast, finely ground grain treatments had lower diversity and higher Salmonella prevalence than the whole triticale treatment. The data indicated that combination of high dietary fiber content and increased coarseness of the diet by feeding whole triticale stimulated microbial community diversity and discouraged Salmonella colonization, perhaps through a competitive exclusion-type mechanism.

Wheat varies in apparent metabolizable energy N-corrected (AMEn) due to the presence of non- starch polysaccharides (NSP), which can be improved by dietary enzyme supplementation. Poults from 0-17 d-age were fed diets containing various wheat sources (WS) with or without Natugrain Blend® (NB) (BASF, Germany). Five replicate cages of 10 poults were assigned to each eight-soybean-meal/wheat treatment diets and a control soybean-meal/corn diet. The treatments were a factorial arrangement of 4 WS (A, B, C, D) and 2 enzyme levels (0 and 200 mg NB/kg). The WS differed by the degree of frost damage during seed development. Regardless of the source of wheat, NB increased 17 d BW (351 vs 381 g, P < 0.001) , decreased 1-17 d FCR (1.55 vs 1.49, P < 0.05), increased AMEn (2,204 vs 2,455 kcal/kg, P < 0.001), and increased apparent nitrogen retention (ANR) (35.0 vs 41.4 %, P < 0.05). No effects of WS were seen on growth performance, but WS A and B had higher (P < 0.05) AMEn than sources C and D (2,396 and 2,460 vs 2,246 and 2,216 kcal/kg, respectively). Gut viscosity was higher (P < 0.05) in poults fed wheat-based diets than the control diet. Enzyme supplementation to the wheat-based diets decreased viscosity (5.57 vs 3.98 cP, P < 0.05) to a level similar to the corn-based control diet, and it resulted in equivalent growth performance. Viscosities were negatively correlated with AMEn. The results demonstrated a positive effect of enzyme supplementation on nutrient utilization and performance of turkeys.

The adverse effects of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) on turkeys fed wheat-based diets may be alleviated by dietary supplementation of endoxylanase (to reduce the adverse effects of digesta viscosity) or phospholipase (to improve the digestibility of fat). BUTA toms were fed wheat-based diets containing one of 5 enzyme treatments: unsupplemented control, Natugrain Blend® (> 5,500 EXU/kg diet; NB), Lyxasan®-50 (> 2,250 EXU/kg diet; LX50), Lyxasan®-100 (> 5,500 EXU/kg diet; LX100), and Phospholipase (> 500 PLU/kg diet; PL) (BASF, Germany). Each treatment group was assigned to 8 pens containing 12 birds to evaluate growth performance (1-128 d), and 2 pens of 12 birds (excluding LX50) for the apparent metabolizable energy N-corrected (AMEn) and ileum viscosity determination (56-128 d). All enzyme treatments improved growth performance. In comparison to the control, dietary enzyme increased (P < 0.05) BW and decreased 1-128 d feed/gain (2.45 vs 2.37, P < 0.005). PL was most effective in reducing feed/gain during the starting phase and LX100 during the finishing phase, while NB had intermediate benefits throughout the experiment. PL increased AMEn from 9 to 12 wk, while NB and LX-100 resulted in the highest AMEn during the later finishing period. Viscosity was significantly higher for PL than the other treatments (13.5 vs 7.07 cP, P < 0.001). Growth performance and energy utilization of turkeys fed wheat-based diets can be significantl y enhanced by phospholipase supplementation of starter feeds and endoxylanase supplementation of growing and finishing feeds. However, enzyme blends may provide a positive response regardless of turkey age.

Effects of the carotenoid norbixin (7.7 and 92.8 mg/kg) added to drinking water were studied in male Swiss mice fed with a high fat diet for 4 weeks. High fat diet decreased, by 55.7%, the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (P