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Biomedical subjects

J W Smith

Publications and source records attributed to J W Smith.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Increased incidence of infectious diseases during prospective follow-up of human T-lymphotropic virus type II- and I-infected blood donors. Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study.

BACKGROUND: To determine whether human T-lymphotropic virus type II (HTLV-II) infection is associated with an increased incidence of bacterial infections, we prospectively observed cohorts of HTLV-I- and HTLV-II-infected and seronegative subjects in 5 US cities. METHODS: Of 1340 present and former blood donors examined at enrollment, 1213 (90.5%) were re-examined after approximately 2 years, including 136 HTLV-I- and 337 HTLV-II-seropositive subjects and 740 demographically stratified HTLV-seronegative subjects. All subjects were seronegative for human immunodeficiency virus. Odds ratios (ORs) for incident disease outcomes were adjusted for covariates, including age, sex, race or ethnicity, education, and, if significantly associated with the outcome, blood center, donation type, income, smoking, alcohol intake, and injected drug use. RESULTS: Compared with seronegative status, HTLV-II infection was associated with an increased incidence of bronchitis (OR, 1.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-2.75), bladder and/or kidney infection (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.26-2.98), oral herpes infection (OR, 9.54; 95% CI, 3.33-27.32), and a borderline increased incidence of pneumonia (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 0.92-4.76); HTLV-I infection was associated with an increased incidence of bladder and/or kidney infection (OR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.63-4.79). One incident case of HTLV-I-positive adult T-cell leukemia was observed (incidence, 348 per 100,000 HTLV-I person-years), and 1 case of HTLV-II-positive tropical spastic paraparesis-HTLV-associated myelopathy was diagnosed (incidence, 140 per 100,000 HTLV-II person-years). CONCLUSIONS: These data support an increased incidence of infectious diseases among otherwise healthy HTLV-II- and HTLV-I-infected subjects. They are also consistent with the lymphoproliferative effects of HTLV-I, and with neuropathic effects of HTLV-I and HTLV-II.

Adolescent↗

Abrogation of the hematological and biological activities of the interleukin-3/granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor fusion protein PIXY321 by neutralizing anti-PIXY321 antibodies in cancer patients receiving high-dose carboplatin.

This dose-escalation study was performed to evaluate the hematologic activity, biological effects, immunogenicity, and toxicity of PIXY321 (an interleukin-3/granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor fusion protein) administered after high-dose carboplatin (CBDCA) treatment. Patients with advanced cancers received CBDCA at 800 mg/m2 intravenously on day 0 of repeated 28-day cycles. In part A of the study, patients were treated with CBDCA alone during cycle 1 and then received PIXY321 on days 1 through 18 of cycle 2 and later cycles. In part B, patients received 18 days of PIXY321 beginning on day 1 of all CBDCA cycles, including cycle 1. PIXY321 was administered subcutaneously in 2 divided doses. Total doses of 135, 250, 500, 750, and 1,000 micrograms/m2/d were administered to successive cohorts of 3 to 6 patients in part A. In part B, patient groups received PIXY321 doses of 750, 1,000, and 1,250 micrograms/m2/d. The hematologic effects of PIXY321 were assessed in the first 2 cycles of therapy. Anti-PIXY321 antibody formation was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and neutralization assay. Of the 49 patients enrolled, 31 were fully evaluable for hematologic efficacy. When comparing the first B cycle (cycle B-1; with PIXY321) with the first A cycle (cycle A-1; without PIXY321), the fusion protein had no significant effect on platelet nadirs or duration of platelets less than 20,000/microL but was able to speed the time of recovery of platelet counts to 100,000/microL (15 v 20 days; P =.01). Significant improvements in neutrophil nadir and duration of ANC less than 500 were observed in cycles A-2 and B-1 (with PIXY321) as compared with cycle A-1 (without PIXY321). Initial PIXY321 prophylaxis (cycle A-2 and cycle B-1), enhanced the recovery of ANC to greater than 1,500/microL by an average of at least 8 days as compared with cycle A-1 (without PIXY321; P </=.004). However, positive PIXY321 hematologic effects were lost in the second course of PIXY321 among patients treated in part B. ELISA analysis showed that 92% of patients had developed neutralizing anti-PIXY321 antibodies by the completion of 2 PIXY321-containing cycles. The incidental action of PIXY321 to depress serum cholesterol levels was also abrogated during cycle B-2. We conclude that PIXY321 was active in speeding hematologic recovery but that neutralizing anti-PIXY321 antibody formation suppressed the hematologic and biochemical effects by the second cycle of PIXY321 administration. The immunogenicity of this fusion protein provides a cautionary warning that clinical development of bioengineered human molecules requires thorough testing for immune neutralization.

Adult↗

Rapid induction of functional and morphological continuity between severed ends of mammalian or earthworm myelinated axons.

The inability to rapidly restore the loss of function that results from severance (cutting or crushing) of PNS and CNS axons is a severe clinical problem. As a novel strategy to help alleviate this problem, we have developed in vitro procedures using Ca2+-free solutions of polyethylene glycol (PEG solutions), which within minutes induce functional and morphological continuity (PEG-induced fusion) between the cut or crushed ends of myelinated sciatic or spinal axons in rats. Using a PEG-based hydrogel that binds to connective tissue to provide mechanical strength at the lesion site and is nontoxic to nerve tissues in earthworms and mammals, we have also developed in vivo procedures that permanently maintain earthworm myelinated medial giant axons whose functional and morphological integrity has been restored by PEG-induced fusion after axonal severance. In all these in vitro or in vivo procedures, the success of PEG-induced fusion of sciatic or spinal axons and myelinated medial giant axons is measured by the restored conduction of action potentials through the lesion site, the presence of intact axonal profiles in electron micrographs taken at the lesion site, and/or the intra-axonal diffusion of fluorescent dyes across the lesion site. These and other data suggest that the application of polymeric fusiogens (such as our PEG solutions), possibly combined with a tissue adherent (such as our PEG hydrogels), could lead to in vivo treatments that rapidly and permanently repair cut or crushed axons in the PNS and CNS of adult mammals, including humans.

Animals↗

A new model of dual interacting ligand binding sites on integrin alphaIIbbeta3.

The platelet integrin alphaIIbbeta3 mediates platelet aggregation and platelet adhesion. This integrin is the key to hemostasis and also to pathologic vascular occlusion. A key domain on alphaIIbbeta3 is the ligand binding site, which can bind to plasma fibrinogen and to a number of Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-type ligands. However, the nature and function of the ligand binding pocket on alphaIIbbeta3 remains controversial. Some studies suggest the presence of two ligand binding pockets, whereas other reports indicate a single binding pocket. Here we use surface plasmon resonance to show that alphaIIbbeta3 contains two distinct ligand binding pockets. One site binds to fibrinogen, and a separate site binds to RGD-type ligands. More importantly, however, the two ligand binding pockets are interactive. RGD-type ligands are capable of binding to alphaIIbbeta3 even when it is already occupied by fibrinogen. Once bound, RGD-type ligands induce the dissociation of fibrinogen from alphaIIbbeta3. This allosteric cross-talk has important implications for anti-platelet therapy because it suggests a novel approach for the dissolution of existing platelet thrombi.

Allosteric Regulation↗

Rapid platelet-function assay: an automated and quantitative cartridge-based method.

BACKGROUND: The platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor is important in mediating platelet thrombus formation, and the GP IIb/IIIa antagonist abciximab (c7E3 Fab; ReoPro) is effective in preventing thrombotic ischemic cardiovascular complications of unstable angina and percutaneous coronary interventions. Small-molecule antagonists of GP IIb/IIIa based on the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence show similar benefit, and some of these agents are orally active. However, there may be significant interindividual variation in response to such antagonists, especially with chronic oral therapy. It will be essential to balance the beneficial antithrombotic effect of these drugs with their potential for causing bleeding. In response to this need, we have developed a rapid platelet-function assay (RPFA), a point-of-care system that provides a quantitative measure of the competence of the GP IIb/IIIa receptor as reflected in the ability of platelets to agglutinate fibrinogen-coated beads. METHODS AND RESULTS: Polystyrene beads were coated with fibrinogen and placed in a cartridge along with a lyophilized peptide that activates the thrombin receptor. Anticoagulated whole blood was added to the cartridge, and then a microprocessor-controlled operation mixed the reagents and detected agglutination between platelets and coated beads. Quantitative digital results were displayed within 3 minutes. Because there is no dilution of the blood, the assay can be used to measure platelet activity in samples that have been treated with GP IIb/IIIa antagonists with high dissociation rates. RPFA results of whole-blood samples treated with different GP IIb/IIIa antagonists correlated well with both conventional turbidimetric platelet aggregation (r2=0.95) and the percentage of free GP IIb/IIIa molecules in the sample (r2=0.96). The mean difference in measurements between RPFA and aggregometry was -4% (+/-4% SD), and the mean difference in measurements between RPFA and free GP IIb/IIIa receptors was -2% (+/-6% SD). CONCLUSIONS: The RPFA provides rapid information on platelet function that mirrors turbidimetric platelet aggregation and reflects GP IIb/IIIa receptor blockade.

Abciximab↗

Protease inhibitor-based therapy is associated with decreased HIV-related health care costs in men treated at a Veterans Administration hospital.

BACKGROUND: Protease inhibitor (PI) therapy for HIV infection is associated with decreased rates of opportunistic infections and death. Statistical models predict that decreased complications will be associated with decreased hospitalization costs. A recent report suggested that the decrease in the HIV hospitalization costs were offset by increases in demand for outpatient services. We performed a study of hospital use and HIV-associated health care costs in our center to determine the following: whether PI therapy is associated with decreased inpatient use; whether PI therapy is associated with decreased outpatient use and costs; whether decreased HIV health care costs are associated with increased use of nucleoside analogues. METHODS: The Dallas Veteran Affairs Medical Center provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient HIV care and thus can evaluate the relation between inpatient and outpatient costs. The mean monthly number of hospital days, Infectious Diseases clinic visits, emergency department visits, other outpatient clinic visits, inpatient costs, outpatient costs, and PI costs were determined from January 1, 1995 through July 31, 1997. This time period was then divided into three intervals. Comparisons of PI use and HIV-related health care costs were during the three intervals was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significant differences between the baseline characteristics were further analyzed through multiple linear regression. RESULTS: A decrease in hospital days, and all outpatient visits including emergency visits, and HIV clinic visits was determined. No difference was found in the rate of use of other outpatient services. The per patient costs of HIV care decreased from a monthly average of $1905 U.S. in the first interval to $1122 U.S. in the last interval (p < .01). Linear regression demonstrated an inverse relation between PI use and total HIV costs (B=-0.67, p=.00, adjusted R2=0.52) but no relation between nucleoside use, stage of disease or financial class. CONCLUSIONS: PI therapy is associated with decreased hospital days and use of outpatient services. Total patient costs decreased, but a concomitant rise in outpatient costs took place. This increase was primarily a result of increased costs of acquiring PI. Increases in the number of nucleoside agents prescribed were not associated with decreased costs.

Adult↗

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy using a newly-developed pencil-grip syringe holder.

Until now, commercially available syringe holders for fine-needle aspiration (FNA) were designed to be held in a pistol-grip manner. A newly developed, pencil-grip syringe holder, the Tao Aspirator, was tested. The device is equipped with a release button for automatically drawing back the syringe plunger and a regulating knob for adjusting negative pressure for the aspiration. After direct smears were made for on-site examination, the remaining aspirated material was collected by rinsing the needle and syringe with CytoRich red fixative. Hettich cytocentrifuge preparations were then prepared. The quality of the first 150 FNA specimens procured by this device and prepared with liquid fixation was evaluated in terms of adequacy of specimen, amount of obscuring blood, preservation of cells, and ease of screening and interpretation. These 150 specimens included 32 from thyroids; 34 from breasts; 40 from lymph nodes; 24 from subcutaneous nodules; and 20 from salivary glands. There were no unsatisfactory specimens. In Hettich preparations, red blood cells were lysed, making interpretation easier. All cellular elements and tissue fragments were adequately fixed, showing excellent cellular morphology. Specimens fixed in liquid fixative yielded uniform cell suspensions, resulting in cytocentrifuge preparations with evenly distributed cells, and so the screening was also easier. The aspiration techniques using pistol-grip and pencil-grip FNA syringe holders were also compared in terms of control in tissue sampling, ease of use, and safety. The pencil-grip syringe holder allowed greater tactile sensation of the texture of the lesion, and enabled the operator to use a single hand to place a needle into a target lesion with minimal error. This device placed the hand relatively close to the needle tip while the hand was in a position of natural function, imparting more control in tissue sampling. It was more easily manipulated, and could prevent dripping when cystic fluid was aspirated. Specimen collection using the Tao Aspirator and processing with liquid fixation in addition to direct smear preparations allowed the laboratory to consistently produce adequate cytologic preparations and cell blocks.

Biopsy, Needle↗

Examining the immune response in sentinel lymph nodes of mice and men.

Recently, it was recognized that an immune response develops along one of two major pathways. One leads to a destructive immune response (type 1), while the alternative leads to a nondestructive immune response (type 2). Our studies in animal models suggest that therapeutic vaccines induce a tumor-specific type 1 immune response while ineffective vaccines induce a type 2 response. These results have led us to examine the immune response in sentinel lymph nodes draining tumor vaccines of patients entered onto clinical trials for melanoma, breast and renal cell cancer.

Animals↗

Phase II trial of biochemotherapy with interferon alpha, dacarbazine, cisplatin and tamoxifen in metastatic melanoma: a Southwest Oncology Group trial.

The therapeutic benefit of adding interferon alpha (IFNalpha) to established single-agent and combination chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of metastatic melanoma has not been proven. We designed the present study to estimate the response rate of IFNalpha, dacarbazine, cisplatin and tamoxifen in patients who had not been treated with systemic therapy for advanced disease. Using a schedule similar to that which had previously been shown to favor IFNalpha plus dacarbazine over dacarbazine alone, we treated patients with an "induction" regimen of IFNalpha, 15 mU m(-2) day(-1) intravenously 5 days/week for 3 weeks. Following induction, schedules of IFNalpha, 5 mU m(-2) day(-1) subcutaneously three times a week, and tamoxifen, 10 mg orally twice a day, were begun. Dacarbazine, 250 mg m(-2) day(-1) and cisplatin 33 mg m(-2) day(-1) for 3 consecutive days were repeated every 4 weeks, and subcutaneous IFNalpha and oral tamoxifen were continued until the discontinuation of chemotherapy. We treated 25 patients (18 men and 7 women, median age 52 years) and observed only 1 objective response (response rate 4%, 95% confidence interval 0.1%-20%). The toxicities of the regimen consisted of moderate myelosuppression and constitutional side-effects. On the basis of the low antitumor activity of this regimen, we do not recommend it for further study or for use as standard therapy of metastatic melanoma.

Adolescent↗

Frequency of immediate adverse effects associated with therapeutic apheresis.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic apheresis was found to be reasonably safe in prior studies using instruments that are now largely obsolete. The incidence of adverse effects with current instruments and techniques has not been assessed in a large multicenter study. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A survey was conducted in 1995 using a uniform questionnaire that asked about 32 specific events but excluded transient paresthesia and mild vasovagal events. Eighteen centers returned 3429 responses concerning 125 to 500 therapeutic apheresis procedures per center. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-two adverse events were reported in 163 procedures (4.75% of all procedures; 6.87% of first-time procedures and 4.28% of repeat procedures). The numbers (incidence) of selected specific events were transfusion reaction, 56 (51 in plasma exchange [PE] with plasma replacement) (1.6%); citrate-related nausea and/or vomiting, 41 (1.2%); systolic blood pressure <80 mmHg, 34 (1.0%); vasovagal nausea and/or vomiting, 17 (0.5%); pallor and/or diaphoresis, 16 (0.5%); pulse >120, 14 (0.4%); respiratory distress, 9 (0.3%); tetany or seizure, 9 (0.2%); and chills or rigors, 6 (0.2%). Rates for other specific events were < or =0.1 percent. Vasovagal phenomena were more frequent in procedures done in neurologic patients than in those done in hematology or oncology patients (p = 0.011) or renal or rheumatic patients (p = 0.038). Procedure-specific rates were red cell exchange, 8 (10.26%) of 78; PE (plasma), 89 (7.81 %) of 1140; PE (no plasma), 42 (3.35%) of 1255; leukapheresis, 4 (5.71%) of 70; plateletpheresis, 0 of 18; and autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell collection, 11 (1.66%) of 664. Three deaths were reported; all were attributed to primary disease. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic apheresis procedures are relatively safe, with a 4.75-percent overall incidence of mostly reversible adverse effects. Among the most commonly performed procedures, the risk is higher for blood component exchanges, especially if allogeneic red cell or plasma transfusion occurs, and lower for peripheral blood progenitor cell collection.

Anticoagulants↗

The interaction of ancrod with human platelets.

Ancrod, a serine protease purified from the venom of Agkistrodon rhodostoma, has been used as a therapeutic anticoagulant for a number of indications, including replacement of heparin in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Ancrod has similar fibrinolytic activity to thrombin, but ancrod specifically cleaves only the alpha chain of fibrinogen, producing the characteristic fibrinopeptides A, AP and AY. Because ancrod has been used in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, it is important to ensure that ancrod does not directly affect the platelets and potentially increase the hemostatic effect. The effect of ancrod on platelets has not been well established, and there is not agreement in published studies. Additionally, some of the studies are over 15 years old and pre-date sensitive assays such as glycoprotein analysis. For these reasons, we investigated the interaction of ancrod with human platelets using direct and indirect, functional and biochemical techniques. Incubation of platelets with ancrod alone did not induce platelet aggregation or the release of dense-granule contents. Pre-incubation of platelets with ancrod did not augment or inhibit the maximal aggregation achieved with thrombin, nor did it affect the amount of serotonin release from dense granules caused by activation by thrombin. Studies of ancrod-treated platelets using monoclonal antibody-mediated radioimmunoprecipitation demonstrated that high concentrations of ancrod did not cause measurable cleavage of either the glycoproteins Ib-IX or IIb-IIIa. Incubation of radiolabeled platelets with ancrod-treated plasma also had no effect on the platelet glycoproteins, indicating that ancrod does not indirectly affect the major surface receptors. Direct binding studies using radiolabeled ancrod did not demonstrate specific binding to the platelet surface. Together these studies indicate that ancrod does not directly affect nor bind to platelets in vitro. The hypo-coagulant state and subsequent platelet function defect resulting from the use of ancrod appears to be limited to the removal of fibrinogen from the circulation.

Journal Article↗

The calcium channel antagonist, nimodipine, decreases operant self-administration of low concentrations of ethanol.

This study examined effects of the dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist, nimodipine, on operant self-administration of ethanol, under a progressive-ratio schedule of reinforcement, by hooded Lister rats. Calcium channel antagonists have been reported to decrease the ethanol withdrawal syndrome, the development of tolerance to ethanol and ethanol consumption; and dihydropyridine binding site density in the central nervous system (CNS) is increased by chronic alcohol treatment. In addition, these drugs decrease reinforcing effects of psychostimulants. In the present studies, nimodipine was administered, once weekly, at either 10 or 50 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.). At 10 mg/kg, nimodipine decreased the break point, and number of reinforcers obtained, for ethanol concentrations of 5, 10 and 15%. At 50mg/kg, nimodipine only decreased the break point, and number of reinforcers, for 5% ethanol. Responding for higher concentrations of ethanol was unaffected by nimodipine, as was responding when ethanol was replaced by water. The break point for 10% sucrose, but not for 1% or 0.1%, was decreased by 50 mg/kg nimodipine, but 10 mg/kg nimodipine had no effect on sucrose-reinforced responding. The 50 mg/kg dose of nimodipine decreased motor activity, but 10 mg/kg nimodipine only slightly decreased static activity counts. The results suggest that nimodipine, at the lower dose tested, decreased the reinforcing properties of low concentrations of ethanol.

Alcohol Deterrents↗

Intranasal immunization confers protection against murine Pneumocystis carinii lung infection.

To evaluate the feasibility of mucosal immunization against Pneumocystis carinii (Pc) experimental infection, female BALB/c mice were intranasally immunized three times with soluble Pc antigens plus cholera toxin fraction B (Pc-CTB); control groups received either Pc antigen, CTB, or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) alone. Two weeks after the last immunization, five animals from each group were sacrificed, and cellular and humoral immune responses were evaluated. The remaining five mice were CD4 depleted using a monoclonal antibody against mouse CD4 and inoculated with viable Pc. Significantly higher specific lymphoproliferative responses from tracheobronchial lymph node cells, immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibody levels in serum, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)-derived IgA antibody concentrations were observed in the Pc-CTB group of mice relative to control groups (P < 0.01). Five weeks after challenge, no Pc organisms were observed in the lung smears of the Pc-CTB group, while the animals receiving antigen, adjuvant, or PBS had progressively higher numbers of Pc microorganisms. By Western blot analysis, a strongly reactive 55- to 60-kDa antigen was recognized by BAL IgA and by serum IgG. In summary, mucosal immunization elicited specific cellular and humoral immune responses and protected against Pc lung infection after immunosuppression.

Administration, Intranasal↗

A retrospective study of the addition of ciprofloxacin to clarithromycin and ethambutol in the treatment of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex infection.

Disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (DMAC) infection is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected individuals. The combination antibiotic regimens containing clarithromycin can decrease symptoms and improve survival in patients with DMAC, however, optimal therapy remains to be defined. Quinolones have been widely used in the treatment of DMAC but their utility has not been established. A retrospective cohort study of DMAC infection was established in a metropolitan hospital providing comprehensive care to over 3000 HIV-infected individuals. Medical records of patients with DMAC diagnosed at the Parkland Memorial Hospital from 1991 to 1994 were reviewed for therapeutic regimens for DMAC, concomitant therapy for HIV and Pneumocystis carinii prophylaxis and date of death. Subjects were included if they were treated with clarithromycin and ethambutol. Cases were defined as those patients who received more than 30 days of ciprofloxacin as therapy for DMAC in addition to the other drugs that they received. The primary endpoint was the time to death from the data of DMAC diagnosis. Covariates effecting survival were analysed through the Cox proportional hazards model. Eighty-nine subjects with DMAC who were treated with clarithromycin and ethambutol were identified. Fifty-eight received ciprofloxacin in addition to clarithromycin and ethambutol. The time to death was significantly better in those subjects who were treated with ciprofloxacin than those who were not (489 days vs 281 days, P=0.01). The sole significant predictor of improved survival on Cox proportional hazards model was ciprofloxacin therapy. Subjects treated with combination of clarithromycin, ethambutol and ciprofloxacin had improved survival over those treated with clarithromycin and ethambutol alone.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Effects of lysine:calorie ratio on growth performance of 10- to 25-kilogram pigs.

Crossbred barrows (n = 336 Newsham Hybrids) initially 9.9 kg and 31+/-2 d of age were used to evaluate the effects of energy density and lysine:calorie ratio on growth performance. Pigs were allotted by initial weight in a 3 x 4 factorial arrangement of treatments in a randomized complete block design with six replicate pens per treatment. Each pen had four or five pigs with an equal number of pigs per pen within replicate. Pigs were fed increasing dietary energy densities (3.25, 3.38, and 3.51 Mcal ME/kg) and lysine:calorie ratios (3.00, 3.45, 3.90, and 4.35 g lysine/Mcal ME). Energy density was changed by levels of choice white grease (0, 3, and 6%), and lysine:calorie ratio was changed by altering the corn:soybean meal ratio. Over the 21-d trial, an energy density x lysine:calorie ratio interaction was observed for ADG (P < .05). Pigs fed diets containing 3.25 or 3.51 Mcal ME/kg had increasing ADG with increasing lysine:calorie ratio, whereas ADG of pigs fed 3.38 Mcal ME/kg was not affected by lysine:calorie ratio. Feed efficiency (gain:feed ratio) increased and ADFI decreased as lysine:calorie ratio increased (linear, P < .01) and as energy density increased (quadratic, P < .01 and .10, respectively). On d 21, two pigs per pen were scanned ultrasonically for backfat depth. An energy density x lysine:calorie ratio interaction (P < .06) was observed. Pigs fed diets containing 3.25 and 3.38 Mcal ME/kg had decreasing fat depth as lysine:calorie ratio increased; however, backfat depth was not affected by lysine:calorie ratio and was greatest for pigs fed 3.51 Mcal ME/kg. These results suggest that 10- to 25-kg pigs fed diets containing 3.38 Mcal ME/kg had maximum feed efficiency and that they required at least 4.35 g lysine/Mcal ME. However, pigs fed 3.51 Mcal ME/kg had increased fat depth regardless of calorie:lysine ratio.

Animals↗

Effects of dietary energy density and lysine:calorie ratio on growth performance and carcass characteristics of growing-finishing pigs.

We conducted two experiments to evaluate the effects of dietary energy density and lysine:calorie ratio on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of growing and finishing pigs. In Exp. 1, 80 crossbred barrows (initially 44.5 kg) were fed a control diet or diets containing 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, or 6.0% choice white grease (CWG). All diets contained 3.2 and 2.47 g of lysine/Mcal ME during growing (44.5 to 73 kg) and finishing (73 to 104 kg), respectively. Increasing energy density did not affect overall ADG; however, ADFI decreased and feed efficiency (Gain:feed ratio; G:F) increased (linear, P < .01). Increasing energy density decreased and then increased (quadratic, P < .06) skinned fat depth and lean percentage. In Exp. 2, 120 crossbred gilts (initially 29.2 kg) were used to determine the effects of increasing levels of CWG and lysine:calorie ratio fed during the growing phase on growth performance and subsequent finishing growth. Pigs were fed increasing energy density (3.31, 3.44, or 3.57 Mcal ME/kg) and lysine:calorie ratio (2.75, 3.10, 3.45, or 3.80 g lysine/Mcal ME). No energy density x lysine:calorie ratio interactions were observed (P > .10). Increasing energy density increased ADG and G:F and decreased ADFI of pigs from 29.5 to 72.6 kg (linear, P < .05). Increasing lysine:calorie ratio increased ADG and ADFI (linear, P < .01 and .07, respectively) but had no effect on G:F. From 72.6 to 90.7 kg, all pigs were fed the same diet containing .90% lysine and 2.72 g lysine/Mcal ME. Pigs previously fed with increasing lysine:calorie ratio had decreased (linear, P < .02) ADG and G:F. Also, pigs previously fed increasing CWG had decreased (linear, P < .03) ADG and ADFI. From 90.7 to 107 kg when all pigs were fed a diet containing .70% lysine and 2.1 g lysine/Mcal ME, growth performance was not affected by previous dietary treatment. Carcass characteristics were not affected by CWG or lysine:calorie ratio fed from 29.5 to 72.6 kg. Increasing the dietary energy density and lysine:calorie ratio improved ADG and G:F of growing pigs; however, pigs fed a low-energy diet or a low lysine:calorie ratio from 29 to 72 kg had compensatory growth from 72 to 90 kg.

Animal Feed↗