In this study, we report the purification, cDNA cloning, and characterization of the novel growth hormone-releasing peptide, ghrelin, in the chicken (Gallus gallus). Chicken ghrelin is composed of 26 amino acids (GSSFLSPTYKNIQQQKDTRKPTARLH) and possesses 54% sequence identity with human ghrelin. The serine residue at position 3 (Ser(3)) is conserved between the chicken and mammalian species, as its acylation by either n-octanoic or n-decanoic acid. Chicken ghrelin mRNA is predominantly expressed in the stomach, where it is present in the proventriculus but absent in the gizzard. Using RT-PCR analysis, low levels of expression were also detectable in brain, lung, and intestine. Administration of chicken ghrelin increases plasma GH levels in both rats and chicks, with a potency similar to that of rat or human ghrelin. In addition, chicken ghrelin also increases plasma corticosterone levels in growing chicks at a lower dose than in mammals. The present results indicate that the stimulatory effect of ghrelin on GH secretion is evolutionarily conserved, whereas its effect on adrenal function seems to be unique in the chicken.

CHICKEN GHRELIN : PURIFICATION, cDNA CLONING AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY

New progress in the pharmacology of protocatechuic acid: A compound ingested in daily foods and herbs frequently and heavily.

Surveillance of European Domestic Pig Populations Identifies an Emerging Reservoir of Potentially Zoonotic Swine Influenza A Viruses

A ‘meta-analysis’ was performed to determine effects of post-hatch food and water deprivation (PHFWD) on chicken development, performance and welfare (including health). Two types of meta-analysis were performed on peer-reviewed scientific publications: a quantitative ‘meta-analysis’ (MA) and a qualitative analysis (QA). Previously reported effects of PHFWD were quantified in the MA, for variables related to performance, mortality and relative yolk sac weight. The QA counted the number of studies reporting (non-)significant effects when five or more records were available in the data set (i.e. relative heart, liver and pancreas weight; plasma T3, T4 and glucose concentrations; relative duodenum, jejunum and ileum weight; duodenum, jejunum and ileum length; and villus height and crypt depth in duodenum, jejunum and ileum). MA results indicated that 24 hours of PHFWD (i.e. ≥12–36 hours) or more resulted in significantly lower body weights compared to early-fed chickens up to six weeks of age. Body weights and food intake were more reduced as durations of PHFWD (24, 48, 72, ≥84 hours) increased. Feed conversion rate increased in chickens up to 21 and 42 days of age after ≥84 hours PHFWD in comparison with chickens fed earlier. Total mortality at day 42 was higher in chickens after 48 hours PHFWD compared to early fed chickens or chickens after 24 hours PHFWD. First week mortality was higher in chickens after ≥84 hours PHFWD than in early fed chickens. The MA for relative yolk sac weight was inconclusive for PHFWD. The QA for plasma T3, T4 and glucose concentrations indicated mainly short-term decreases in T3 and glucose in PHFWD chickens compared to early fed chickens, and no effects of PHFWD on T4 concentrations. Relative weights of liver, pancreas and heart were lower after PHFWD, but only in the first week of life. A retarded development of gut segments (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) was found in the first week of life, measured as shorter, lower relative weight, and lower villus height and crypt depth. It is concluded that 48 hours (≥36–60 hours) PHFWD leads to lower body weights and higher total mortality in chickens up to six weeks of age, the latter suggesting compromised chicken welfare, but effects of PHFWD on organ development and physiological status appear to be mainly short-term.

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A 'meta-analysis' of effects of post-hatch food and water deprivation on development, performance and welfare of chickens.

For point-of-care diagnosis of influenza A (H1N1) virus, a convection polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a capillary tube is developed for rapid nucleic acid amplification with a simple heating scheme. When the capillary tube is heated from the bottom end with a constant temperature, a stable temperature gradient across the tube generates a continuous circulatory flow which spontaneously transports the reagent through different temperature zones associated with the denaturing, annealing, and extension stages of PCR. A resistive heater, which is powered by a 5 V power supply, is used for heating the capillary tube. For real-time detection, Taqman probes labeled with FAM (Carboxyfluorescein) are used in amplification. A light-emitting diode positioned on the top of the capillary tube is used to shine the reagent for excitation. Real-time fluorescence detection is obtained with a smartphone whose camera is used to take the fluorescent images. A custom algorithm running on the smartphone is developed with Java for the analysis of images to interpret the detection result. The low cost and small device can be powered with a portable mobile power supply. In less than 30 min, H1N1 virus can be successfully detected with a reasonable detection limit.

/pdf/a-smartphone-based-point-of-care-diagnosis-of-h1n1-with-y167olohkl.pdf

A smartphone-based point-of-care diagnosis of H1N1 with microfluidic convection PCR

Novel reassortant influenza viruses between pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and other influenza viruses pose a risk to public health

Differential expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes of layer chicken bursa after experimental infection with infectious bursal disease virus.

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) infection causes immunosuppression in chickens and increases their susceptibility to secondary infections. To explore the interaction between host and IBDV, RNA-Seq was applied to analyse the transcriptional profiles of the responses of chickens’ bursas of Fabricius in the early stage of IBDV infection. The results displayed that a total of 15546 genes were identified in the chicken bursa libraries. Among the annotated genes, there were 2006 and 4668 differentially expressed genes in the infection group compared with the mock group on day 1 and day 3 post inoculation (1 and 3 dpi), respectively. Moreover, there were 676 common up-regulated and 83 common down-regulated genes in the bursae taken from the chickens infected with IBDV on both 1 and 3 dpi. Meanwhile, there were also some characteristic differentially expressed genes on 1 and 3 dpi. On day 1 after inoculation with IBDV, host responses mainly displayed immune response processes, while metabolic pathways played an important role on day three post infection. Six genes were confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. In conclusion, the differential gene expression profile demonstrated with RNA-Seq might offer a better understanding of the molecular interactions between host and IBDV during the early stage of infection.

/pdf/transcription-profiles-of-the-responses-of-chicken-bursae-of-24ygqe28o5.pdf

Changbo Ou

Papers

Novel reassortant influenza viruses between pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and other influenza viruses pose a risk to public health

Differential expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes of layer chicken bursa after experimental infection with infectious bursal disease virus.

Transcription profiles of the responses of chicken bursae of Fabricius to IBDV in different timing phases

Identification and assessment of pathogenicity of a naturally reassorted infectious bursal disease virus from Henan, China.

Effects of development and delayed feed access on ghrelin expression in neonatal broiler chickens.