Role of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 in the bone development and skeletal diseases

Accumulating data suggest that FGFs/FGFR1 plays essential roles in the bone development and human skeletal diseases. Conditional inactivation of fgfrl caused different phenotypes displaying in different cells or specific organs and revealed some novel functions of FGFR1 in bone development. Fgfrl mutation mainly induced 2 types of human skeletal diseases, craniosynostosis syndrome and dysplasias. Similar mutation of fgfrl in mouse model just mimicked the phenotype that happened in human. These fa- cilitate the investigation on the underlying mechanism of the diseases. Here we mainly focused on the ad- vance of FGFR1 function in the bone development and its mutation caused skeletal diseases.

Effects of Microbial Fermented Feed on Growth and Development of Farmed Crayfish

Microbial fermented feed possesses a natural fermentation flavor and exhibits good palatability.It is not only easily digestible and absorbable by livestock but also non-toxic.Additionally,it has the capacity to inhibit the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria,facilitate the growth and development of animals,and enhance their immune response,disease resistance,and overall production performance.This paper summarizes the selection of common feed materials and microbial strains used in fermented feed,as well as their effects on the growth performance,muscle quality,antioxidant capacity,and immune function of crayfish.The aim of this study is to provide a reference for the further popularization and application ofmicrobialfermented feed in crayfishaquaculture.

Effects of Water-retaining Agents on Growth, Development, Yield and Quality of Soybean under Drought Stress

[Objectives]The paper was to explore the effects of different doses of water-retaining agent on the growth and development indicators,yield and quality of soybean plants subjected to drought stress.[Methods]The effects of drought stress(MDS)and drought stress with low(MDS-L),medium(MDS-M)and high doses(MDS-H)of the water-retaining agent on the growth and development indicators,root activity,MDA content,antioxidant enzyme activity,yield and quality of soybean were studied by field plot test,with the normal water supply serving as the control(CK).[Results]In response to drought stress,the plant height,stem diameter,and yield of soybean exhibited a notable decline.Additionally,the contents of protein,fat,linoleic acid,and linolenic acid in seeds demonstrated a significant reduction.Conversely,the root activity and antioxidant enzyme activity exhibited a noticeable decline,while the MDA content exhibited an increase.The application of varying doses of the water-retaining agent was found to significantly enhance soybean growth,stimulate root activity,and elevate antioxidant enzyme activity,while concurrently reducing MDA content.The observed effects were found to be dose-dependent,with the greatest effects observed at the highest dose.In comparison to MDS,the yields of soybean in the MDS-L,MDS-M,and MDS-H treatments exhibited a 18.38%,25.58%,and 46.26%increase,respectively.Additionally,the content of protein,fat,linoleic acid,and linolenic acid in seeds demonstrated a notable enhancement.[Conclusions]The application of the water-retaining agent has been demonstrated to significantly promote the growth of soybean plants under conditions of drought stress,resulting in an improvement in both the yield and the quality of the soybean crop.The recommended dosage of the water-retaining agent is 3.3 kg/667 m 2.

Assessment of growth monitoring among children younger than 5 years at early childhood development centres in Nelson Mandela Bay,South Africa

Introduction:Early childhood development(ECD)centres are important community hubs in South Africa and act as sites for community detection of childhood nutrition problems.This study aimed to assess the ability of trained ECD practitioners with optimal support to correctly classify the nutritional status of infants and young children at ECD centres in the Nelson Mandela Bay.Methods:A descriptive,cross-sectional study was used to collect data from 1645 infants and children at 88 ECD centres.Anthropometric measurements were taken by trained fieldworkers and growth monitoring and promotion infrastructure was audited at ECD centres.Results:Of the sample,4.4%(n=72)were underweight by weight for age Z-score(WAZ<-2)and 0.8%(n=13)were severely underweight(WAZ<-3).Results showed that 13.1%(n=214)were stunted by height for age Z-score(HAZ<-2)and 4.5%(n=74)were severely stunted(HAZ<-3).The prevalence of moderate acute malnutrition was 1.2%and severe acute malnutrition was 0.5%,while the prevalence of overweight was 9.2%and the prevalence of obesity was 4%.A significant level of agreement between the correct interpretation and the ECD practitioners'interpretation was observed across all the anthropometric indicators investigated.The true positive wasting cases had a mean mid-upper arm circumference(MUAC)of 14.6 cm,which may explain the high false negative rate found in terms of children identified with wasting,where ECD practitioners fail to use the weight for height Z-score(WHZ)interpretation for screening.Conclusion:By using ECD centres as hub to screen for malnutrition,it may contribute to the early identification of failure to thrive among young children.Although it was concerning that trained ECD practitioners are missing some children with an unacceptably high false negative rate,it may have been due to the fact that wasting in older children cannot be identified with MUAC alone and that accurate WFH plotting is needed.Onsite mentorship by governmental health workers may provide ECD practitioners with more confidence to screen children for growth failure based on regular WFH measurements.Moreover,ECD practitioners will be more confident to monitor the Road to Health booklets for missed vaccinations,vitamin A and deworming opportunities.

Comparison of Growth and Development Traits among Crossbreds of Dorset and Local Sheep Varieties in Gansu Province

In order to improve the meat production performance of local sheep varieties in Gansu Province, Dorset was introduced to crossbreed with the local sheep varieties, including Tan sheep, Small Tail Han sheep and Mongolia sheep. The offspring of different crossbreeding combinations were sampled randomly at different growth stages, and their growth and development traits were measured so as to screen out the best crossbreeding mode. The results showed that under the same crossbreeding mode, the growth rate of F3 was higher than that of F2, and of F2 was higher than that of F1. Among the F3 population, the growth rates of Dorset ×Han and Dorset × Mongolia hybrids were higher. Compared with those of Dorset ×Tan F3 hybrids, the body weights of male and female Dorset × Han and Dorset ×Mongolia F3 hybrids were increased by 5.59%, 4.40%, 5.93% and 3.76%, respectively. Among the F2 population, the growth rates of Dorset × Han and Dorset ×Mongolia hybrids were also higher. The body weights of male and female Dorset ×Han and Dorset × Mongolia F2 hybrids were higher than those of Dorset × Tan ×Han F2 hybrids by 5.99%, 3.67%, 9.80% and 5.00%, respectively. In the F1 population, the growth rates of Dorset × Han and Dorset × Mongolia hybrids were higher.Compared with those of Tan × Han F1 hybrids, the body weights of male and female Dorset × Han and Dorset × Mongolia F1 hybrids were increased by 11.32%,5.22%, 7.60% and 7.20%, respectively. Therefore, in the feeding area of Small Tai Han sheep, Mongolia sheep and Tan sheep, Dorset was the best sire for producing hybrid lambs. The economic benefit of crossbred offspring was obvious.

Dynamic Characteristics of Growth and Development of Xiangsha Taro in Jingjiang

The growth and development of Jingjiang Taro [Colocasia esculenta（L.） Schott] were observed, laying foundation for highly-yielding cultivation technology system of Xiangsha taro. The results indicate that germination of the second taro happened from 46 d after sprouting （7-8 leaves）; the first taro began to expand, from 125 d after sprouting （12 leaves） when the the second taro was been formed; the third taro began to form from 141 to 150 d after sprouting （15-16 leaves）. The fresh weight of the second and third taros quickly increased from the time of 15 leaves to harvest. Early September is a transformation term of Xiangsha taro from vegetative body dominant to corm growth dominant.

Effects of Nitrogen Application Amount on Growth Characteristics,Boll Development and Lint Yield of High Quality Cotton

[Objective] This study aimed to explore an optimum application amount of nitrogen for cotton cultivation. [Method] In this study, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of nitrogen application amount on the growth characteristics, boll development and lint yield of high quality cotton line FZ-1. [Result] Compared with the nitrogen level of 225 kg/hm2, the lint yield had increased by 28.46% and 18.73%, respectively, with the nitrogen application amount of 300 and 375 kg/hm2. When the nitrogen application amount had increased from 225 to 300 kg/hm2, boll number per plant, boll weight and lint yield had significantly increased. At the nitrogen level of 375 kg/hm2, however, the effects of increasing lint yield were significantly less than that at the nitrogen level of 300 kg/hm2. Compared with the nitrogen levels of 225 and 375, 300 kg/hm2 of nitrogen was the optimum application amount to improve the plant height, daily increment of plant height, number of fruit branches, number ratio of nodes to fruit branches, boll volume and seed cotton weight per boll. [Conclusion] The rational management of nitrogen is the most effective way to promote the growth and development of cotton plants, ensure high yielding ability and minimize the environmental pollution caused by the overuse of nitrogen. This study had provided a sound nitrogen application strategy for the cultivation of this high-quality cotton line in the field plantation.

The Effect of Simvastatin on mRNA Expression of Transforming Growth Factor-β1,Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Tooth Extraction Socket

Aim To determine the effect of local simvastatin application on the mRNA expression level of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）, bone morphogenetic protein-2 （BMP-2） and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in the tooth sockets of rat. Methodology Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into experimental and control groups （n=24）. Polylactic acid/polyglycolic acid copolymer carriers, with or without simvastatin, were implanted into extraction sockets of right mandibular incisors. The expression of TGF-β1, BMP-2 and VEGF mRNA was determined by in situ hybridization in the tooth extraction socket at five days, one week, two weeks and four weeks after implantation. Results The fusiform stroma cells in the tooth extraction socket began to express TGF-β1, BMP-2 and VEGF mRNA in both experimental and control groups from one week after tooth extraction until the end of experiment. The expression of TGF-131 and BMP-2 mRNA in the experimental group was significantly up-regulated after one, two and four weeks, and expression of VEGF mRNA was significantly increased after one and two weeks compared with that in the control group. Conclusion The findings indicate that local administration of simvastatin can influence alveolar bone remodeling by regulating the expression of a school of growth factors which are crucial to osteogenesis in the tooth extraction socket.

Chondrogenesis of periodontal ligament stem cells by transforming growth factor-β3 and bone morphogenetic protein-6 in a normal healthy impacted third molar

The periodontal ligament-derived mesenchymal stem cell is regarded as a source of adult stem cells due to its multipotency.However, the proof of chondrogenic potential of the cells is scarce.Therefore,we investigated the chondrogenic differentiation capacity of periodontal ligament derived mesenchymal stem cells induced by transforming growth factor(TGF)-p3 and bone morphogenetic protein(BMP)-6.After isolation of periodontal ligament stem cells(PDLSCs) from human periodontal ligament,the cells were cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium(DMEM) with 20%fetal bovine serum(FBS).A mechanical force initiated chondrogenic differentiation of the cells.For chondrogenic differentiation,10μg·LTGF-β3 or 100μg·LBMP-6 and the combination treating group for synergistic effect of the growth factors.We analyzed the PDLSCs by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and chondrogenesis were evaluated by glycosaminoglycans assay,histology,immunohistochemistry and genetic analysis.PDLSCs showed mesenchymal stem cell properties proved by FACS analysis.Glycosaminoglycans contents were increased 217%by TGF-β3 and 220%by BMP-6. The synergetic effect of TGF-β3 and BMP-6 were shown up to 281%compared to control.The combination treatment increased Sox9, aggrecan and collagen II expression compared with not only controls,but also TGF-P3 or BMP-6 single treatment dramatically.The histological analysis also indicated the chondrogenic differentiation of PDLSCs in our conditions.The results of the present study demonstrate the potential of the dental stem cell as a valuable cell source for chondrogenesis,which may be applicable for regeneration of cartilage and bone fracture in the field of cell therapy.

Effects of Light Intensity on Growth, Development and Formation on Fagopyrum cymosum

Effects of light intensity on growth, development and formation on Fagopy- rum cymosum were explored with natural light intensities at 100%（A）, 85.2%（B）, 75.8%（C） and 59.7%（D）. The results showed that the decline of light intensity re- duced nutrient growth period, so that plant growth stage entered in advance and extended, which indicated that the decline of light intensity would lower leaf number and area, the number of twigs from the stem, as well as photosynthate. Further- more, the reduction degree increased upon light intensity decrease degree, and the proper shading improved stem height and leaf area enhanced before growth term.

Vascular endothelial growth factor/platelet-derived growth factor receptor pathway is involved in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and directional migration toward gliomas

BACKGROUND： Vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） induces bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell （BMSC） differentiation into vascular endothelial-like cells and promotes BMSC migration toward gliomas. However, the molecular mechanisms by which VEGF induces BMSC differentiation and migration remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE; To investigate the role of platelet-derived growth factor （PDGF） receptor （PDGFR） in BMSC differentiation and migration induced by VEGE DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A parallel, controlled, in vitro experiment was performed at the Molecular Neurobiology ＆ Neural Regeneration and Repairing Laboratory, Anhui Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical University, China from June 2008 to March 2009. MATERIALS： U87 glioma cells were purchased from Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences; mouse anti-human PDGFR and VEGF receptor （VEGFR） monoclonal antibodies were purchased from Peprotech, USA. METHODS： Isolated BMSCs were precultured with neutralizing antibody for VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, PDGFR-α, and PDGFR-β to block biological activity of related receptors, followed by induced differentiation with 50μg/L VEGF. BMSCs induced with 50μg/L VEGF alone served as the VEGF-induced group. The control group remained untreated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Cell surface markers were identified by flow cytometry; BMSC surface cytokine receptor expression was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction; the Transwell model was used to observe cell migration. RESULTS： After blocking the PDGFR, VEGF did not induce BMSC cell surface marker CD-31 or von Willebrand factor （vWF） expression. However, inhibition with VEGF receptor blocking agents, VEGF induced BMSCs to express CD-31 and vWE Following inhibition of the PDGFR, the number of cells migrating through the polycarbonate membrane Transwell chamber was decreased, as well as the number of BMSCs migrating to glioma cells. However, through the use of VEGF receptor blocking agents, the number of migrating cells remained unchanged. VEGF preculture increased the number of BMSCs migrating to gliomas. CONCLUSION： VEGF interacts with PDGFRs on the BMSC surface to attract BMSC directional migration and induce BMSC differentiation. The VEGF/PDGFR pathway participates in BMSC directional migration to glioma. VEGF pretreatment increased efficiency of BMSC migration to glioma.

China’s Economic Growth and High-Quality Development:2020-2035

The time period between 2020 and 2035 is vital for China to achieve its second centennial goal.During this period,China must avoid the middle-income trap and achieve socialist modernization.To accomplish this goal,China must maintain a certain pace of economic growth and strive to double its real GDP per capita by 2035.However,by the current growth trajectory,China’s average economic growth rate is expected to stay at approximately 3.8%over the period between 2020-2035.This makes the GDP per capita growth target hard to achieve.Even when in a high-quality development stage,China should speed up economic growth while enhancing growth quality.Speed and quality are interdependent rather than contradictory with each other.To ramp up economic growth potentials,China must proceed with market-oriented reforms and shift economic growth drivers.To improve economic growth quality,household consumption should be increased to unleash China’s full potential,not only as the factory floor of the world but also one of world’s biggest markets,i.e.“dual circulations.”With appropriate policy response,China’s economy will be poised to achieve the goal of doubling real GDP per capita by 2035,marking a large stride in its economic aggregate and urban and rural household per capita incomes.

Alendronate disturbs femoral growth due to changes during immunolocalization of transforming growth factor-β1 and bone morphogenetic protein-2 in epiphyseal plate

BACKGROUND The epiphyseal growth plate is an important anatomical segment localized on the ends of a long bone.Despite the abovementioned atractive reasons for alendronate’s use,few data on the effect of alendronate during epiphyseal growth exist.AIM Verify the effect of alendronate on the growth epiphyseal plate,and compare its effect with the size of the femur during the double-staining of the immunolocalization of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)and bone morphogenetic protein-2(BMP2)in endochondral ossifing in specimens that have received alendronate.METHODS Forty newborn rats were randomly divided into two groups:a control group(were given applications of 1 mg/kg physiologic saline)and a group that received Alendronate(a dose of 2.5 mg/kg).These groups were then divided into two subgroups for euthanasia in two and 12 d of life.After euthanasia,the femurs were removed,and the femoral bones were measured linearly between the apex of the greater trochanter until the lower intercondylar midlle face to verify the probable bone growth between 3 and 12 d in control and alednroanto treated rats.Posteriorly,the surgical pieces were also sent to the histopathology laboratory to produce histological slides.The obtained slides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to measure each of the cartilage zones in endochondral development.and other slides were immunohistochemically tested for anti-TGF-β1 and BMP-2 antibodies to investigate the immunolocalization of these proteins in the epiphyseal plaque area.RESULTS On the third day,some diferences between the control group and specimens treated with alendronate were verified.Macroscopiccaly,we found similarities in size between the femoral bones when we compared the control group with the specimens that received alendronate.On the 12^th day,the bone size of the mice receiving the drug was significantly smaller than those of the control group.These results coincide with changes in the TGF-β1 and BMP-2 expression.In the specimens that received alendronate,the TGF-β1 was expressed in some sites of trabecular bone that was neoformed,peripherally to the bone marrow area.The BMP-2 was also positive in proliferative chondrocytes and hypertrofic chondrocytes.On the 12^th day,all layers of chondrocytes exhibited positivity for BMP-2 in the specimens that received alendronate.In the interface between the trabecular bone and cartilage,an area of disorganized bone deposition was evident.Neoformed bone also appeared to be different at 12 d.In the control group,BMP-2 was positive in an intense area of bone trabeculae,whereas the alendronate-treated group showed TGF-β1 positive trabeculae and a greater bone area.CONCLUSION Alendronate alters the immunolocalization of TGF-β1 and BMP-2 simultaneously,a condition that changes the usual histological aspects of the cartilage zone and impairs epiphysis growth and femur growth.

Study on Growth and Development Rules and Growth Curve Fitting of Minghua Black Minks

Growth curves of Minghua black minks at 0-180 days old were fitted and analyzed by using two growth models Logistic and Gompertz. The results showed that the growth curves of Minghua black minks could be fitted very well by Logistic model and Gompertz model （the degree of fitting FF≥0.99）, but Gompertz model was better at fitting and predicting their weight.

The Impact of Lead Stress on Growth and Development of Two Varieties of Wheat

[Objective] This study was to explore the impact of lead stress on growth of wheat.[Method]Taking two wheat varieties Ningchun No.13 and Ningchun No.4 as experimental materials,the growth and development of wheat under the stress of different concentration of stress was studied using potting method.[Result]With the increase of externally applied Pb,the plant height of two wheat varieties tested assumed a falling trend.When stressed by low concentration of Pb（lower than 200 mg/kg）,the fresh weight and dry weight of both varieties rose with the increase of Pb concentration;however,once exceeded 200 mg/kg,they totally showed a decline trend.Under a same fertilization level,root-stalk ratios of Pb-stressed-plants of two varieties were lower than that normally grown,of two varieties Ningchun No.13 performed better than Ningchun No.4.Higher concentration of Pb（200-800 mg/kg）severely blocked the physiological-chemical activity of both wheat varieties,which hindered the accumulation of N,P and K.[Conclusion]Our results provided theoretical basis for taking reasonable cultivation countermeasures for the Pb-polluted paddy field.

Financial sector development and economic growth:evidence from Cameroon

For decades,African economies have embarked on financial sector reforms.However,the empirical implications of these reforms have been divergent.This paper investigates the impact of financial development on Economic growth using time series data in Cameroon.This investigation was carried out using three common indicators of financial development(broad money,deposit/GDP and domestic credit to private sector).Using the Auto Regressive Distributive Lag(ARDL)technique of estimation,it was discovered that there exist a short-run positive relationship between monetary mass(M2),government expenditure and economic growth,a short run negative relationship between bank deposits,private investment and economic growth equally exists.However in the long run,all indicators of financial development show a positive and significant impact on economic growth.This paper thus confirms the existence of a positive and long-term impact of all the indicators of financial development on economic growth through bound test.It is therefore proposed that the financial reforms in Cameroon should be pushed forward in order to boost the development of the financial sector thus an increase in its role on economic growth.

Study on Growth and Development and Dry Matter Production of Greenhouse Tomato in North China

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the growth and development and dry matter production and allocation of greenhouse tomato in North China. [Method] With tomato cultivar ＇Jinguo No.l＇ as the experimental material, the ex- periments were conducted in a solar greenhouse located in Taigu, Shanxi （37o25＇ N, 112o25＇ E） from March to July, in 2014 and 2015. [Result] The plant height, leaf number, leaf area and dry matter production of greenhouse tomato increased lin- early with the increased days after transplantation, and their growth rates were 2.74 cm/d, 0.32 leaf/d, 70 cm2/d and 9.4 g/（m2.d）, respectively. The fruit dry weight also showed a linear relationship with the plant dry weight. After fruit setting, the fruit dry weight was increased by about 0.69 g when the plant dry weight was increased by 1 g. The allocation proportions of dry matter in tomato roots, stems and leaves de- clined significantly from plant flowering to fruiting, while the proportion of fruit dry weight in plant dry weight increased significantly, exceeding 60%. There was a strong linear relationship between dry matter production of tomato and effective cu- mulative temperature （sum of temperature higher than 10 ^（3） in the solar green- house, and the dry matter production was increased by about 0.73 g/m2 when the effective cumulative temperature was increased by one unit. The dry matter produc- tion of tomato plant also showed a strong linear relationship with photosynthetic ac- tive radiation （PAR） in the greenhouse, and about 3.4 g of dry matter was synthe- sized per unit （M J） of PAR. [Conclusion] Extending the growing period and improv- ing the temperature and light conditions could increase the dry matter production of tomato.

The impact of financial sector development on the economic growth of emerging countries： An empirical study for E-7 countries

Globalization, financial liberalization, financial integration, financial sector, and economic growth have been significant issues for many researchers. The studies have investigated the effects of the above issues to the economic growth of countries both theoretically and empirically. Since there has been conducted an enormous body of work, each of them may be grouped and studied separately. This paper focuses on the impact of financial sector development to economic growth and empirically studies the potential effect on the emerging E-7 countries, consisting of Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, the Russian Federation, and Turkey. The study employs panel regression methodology and the data set for modeling Gross Domestic Product （GDP） comprises annual data over 2001-2007, using basic variables which resemble financial sector development, namely market capitalization of listed companies （stock market capitalization）, bank capital to asset ratio, stocks traded, total debt service, foreign direct investments, portfolio investments, real interest rates, and claims on private sector. The analysis indicates that the GDP may be modeled using the above stated macroeconomic variables with considerably high explanatory power, except for the real interest rates and bank capital to asset ratios.

Initial research of cord blood leptin, adiponectin and IGF-I with fetus growth and development

Objective:In order to reveal the relationship between cord blood leptin,adiponectin and insulin-like growth factor-I(IGF-I)and the fetus growth and development,and discuss the interaction and clinical significance on fetus growth and development.Methods:The levels of cord blood leptin,adiponectin,IGF-I in 86 newborns were examined by radio immunoassay,according to gestation age and birth weight percentile relation,the objects were divided into the SGA group(n=16),the AGA group(n=41),the LGA group(n=29),meanwhile,neonatal birth weight,body length,head circumference,foot length,and placental weight were measured,and body mass index(BMI)was computed.Dependability analysis was taken.Results:The levels of cord blood leptin,adiponectin and IGF-I were as follows:LGA group>AGA group>SGA group.The level of cord blood adiponectin was positively correlated with birth weight,placental weight and BMI(p<.05).Cord blood leptin and IGF-I concentrations were positively correlated with their birth weight,body length,head circumference,foot length,placental weight and BMI,respectively(p<.01),cord blood leptin was positively correlated with adiponectin and IGF-I(p<.01).The levels of cord blood leptin and adiponectin had no statistical significance with neonatal sexuality and deliver style(p>.05);the levels of cord blood IGF-I had no statistical significance with neonatal sexuality(p>.05),but had statistical significance with deliver style(p<.05).Conclusions:Cord blood leptin,adiponectin and IGF-I played an important part in adjusting fetus growth and development as well as participating in the process of fetus growth and development,and could be regarded as one of the clinical indexes to evaluate fetus growth and development or state of nutrition.The abnormal level of cord blood leptin and IGF-I might be one of the reasons to cause intrauterine growth retardation and fetal macrosomia.

Effects of different forms of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae on growth performance,intestinal development,and systemic immunity in early-weaned piglets

The present study was conducted to determine effects of different forms of yeast （Saccharomyces cerevisiae, strain Y200007） on the growth performance, intestinal development, and systemic immunity in early-weaned piglets. A total of 96 piglets （14-d old, initial average body weight of 4.5 kg） were assigned to 4 dietary treatments： （1） basa diet without yeast （Control）; （2） basal diet supplemented with 3.00 g/kg live yeast （LY）; （3） basal diet supplemented with 2.66 g/kg heat-killed whole yeast （HKY）; and （4） basal diet supplemented with 3.00 g/kg superfine yeast powders （SFY）. Diets and water were provided ad libitum to the piglets during 3-week experiment. Growth performance of piglets was measured weekly. Samples of blood and small intestine were collected at days 7 and 21 of experiment. Dietary supplementation with LY and SFY improved G：F of piglets at days ]-21 of the experiment （P 〈 0.05） compared to Control group. Serum concentrations of growth hormone （GH）, triiodothyronine （T3）, tetraiodothyronine （T4）, and insulin growth factor 1 （iGF-1） in piglets at day 21 of the experiment were higher when fed diets supplemented with LY and SFY than those in Control group （P 〈 0.05）. Compared to Control group, contents of serum urea nitrogen of piglets were reduced by the 3 yeast-supplemented diets （P 〈 0.05）. Diets supplemented with LY increased villus height and villus-to-crypt ratio in duodenum and jejunum of piglets （P 〈 0.05） compared to other two groups at day 7 of the experiment. Feeding diets supplemented with LY and SFY increased （P 〈 0.05） serum concentrations of IgA, IL-2, and IL-6 levels in piglets compared to Control. The CD4＋/CD8＋ ratio and proliferation of T-lymphocytes in piglets fed diets supplemented with LY were increased compared to that of Control group at day 7 of the experiment （P 〈 0.05）. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with both LY and SFY enhanced feed conversion, small intestinal development, and systemic immunity in early-weaned piglets, with better improvement in feed conversion by dietary supplementation with LY, while dietary supplementation with SFY was more effective in increasing systemic immune functions in early-weaned piglets.