4th Week Research Articles

Effect of Supplementation on Performance of Indigenous Chicken under Farmer’s Condition at Barishal District of Bangladesh

The study was carried out to know the effect of supplementation on growth performance of indigenous chicken in Barishal district of Bangladesh. The study was conducted at Babuganj upazila of Barishal district, Bangladesh. Randomly ten households were selected with a pretested questionnaire by face to face interview and direct observation. The major constraints of rural poultry production were dirty, non-structured poultry house. As a part of the study the existing chicken house of the farmers was modifying first. Feeder and drinker also supplied for easy supply of feed and water. Body weight and body weight gain was recorded both cock and hen in indigenous chicken at selected farmers house feeding supplementation compared with scavenging group. Mean body weight with standard error showed significance differences from 4th weeks of age to 22nd weeks of age in cock. Indigenous cock gained 1kg body weight at 22nd weeks of age feeding supplementation where highest body weight gain at 18th weeks of age. Hen also showed significance differences in body weight and body weight gain between supplemented group and scavenging group. Where hen attained 1004.46±1.72g body weight at 22nd week of age in supplemented group and 792.35±5.38g at scavenging group. Body weight gain of hen highest at 102.30.±2.35g at 16th weeks of age. Fertility, hatchability and mortality in artificial and natural incubator showed no significance difference between supplemented and scavenging group. Chick mortality showed significance difference during brooding period and it recorded highest 18.3± 1.31% during first week of age. Finally we can conclude that supplementation can improve the body weight gain and lower the risk of chick mortality of indigenous chicken in rural condition. We hope that this study will support farmers by enhancing their knowledge about supplementation feeding of indigenous chicken for better body weight gain and lower mortality of chicks.

Sustained Effect Of Neurocreative Music Therapy On Upper Limb Abilities, Spasticity, Selective Control And Quality Of Life In Cerebral Palsy: A Case Report

Abstract This case report, presents the sustained effect of Neurocreative Music Therapy (NCMT) which a uniqe music therapy approach on the upper limb in an individual with cerebral palsy (CP). Our case is a 19-year-old individual with hemiparetic CP and she was included in the 8-week NCMT application program. Before the application, a phenomenological interview was conducted in accordance with the principle of the NCMT approach, which prioritizes the needs and pleasures of the individual. Before and immediately after the 8-week NCMT application, the patient's spasticity was assessed with the Modified Ashwort Scale, selective motor control with the Selective Control of the Upper Extremity Scale, upper limb abilities in daily activities with the ABILHAND-Kids, and quality of life with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory CP Module 3.0. As a result of the assessments, an individual-specific music therapy program was planned and implemented. The outcome measurements made immediately after the NCMT application were repeated in the 4th and 8th weeks following the end of the application. According to the results of the scales, it was observed that spasticity decreased, selective motor control increased, upper limb abilities improved, and quality of life increased. The obtained improvements were generally maintained in the 4th week following the end of the therapy. It was observed that there was a decrease in the sustainability of the effect in the 8th week following the end of the therapy in other measurement parameters other than quality of life. As a result, we concluded that NCMT is an effective approach in the rehabilitation of individuals with CP and that its effects may be transferred to the post-rehabilitation period.

The The relationship between injury severity, grip strength and functionality in traumatic hand injuries

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between injury severity and functionality in traumatic hand injuries.Methods: Forty-four patients with traumatic injuries to the hand were included. Patients who were grouped as minor, moderate, and severe-major by Modified Hand Injury Severity Score (mHISS) score, were evaluated with grip strength, lateral grip strength, and Sollerman Hand Function Test (SHFT) at the 4th and 12th weeks. Among the functional scales, The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH) and the Patient-Rated Hand and Wrist Evaluation (PRWHE), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) were used.Results: According to the patients’ total mHISS score, 27.2% were classified as having minor injuries, 43.1% as having moderate injuries, and 29.4% as having serious-major injuries. The first 4 weeks of the rehabilitation period showed a statistically significant increase in both grip strength and SHFT scores. Furthermore, grip strength and SHFT scores were significantly lower across all mHISS groups, with greater reductions observed in the group with more severe injuries. A significant positive correlation was observed between the total mHISS score and PRWHE, DASH, and HAQ scores in all follow-ups. As the severity score increased, functionality worsened.Conclusion: Assessing the severity of injury and functionality in these patients allows for effective management of treatment and rehabilitation, ultimately improving their functional status and general health.

Efficacy of yoga-breath linked intervention to stop smoking (Y-BLISS) in reducing the number of cigarettes smoked per day among smokers attempting to reduce or quit: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background The proposed research aims to test the effects of a two-month yoga-breath linked intervention to stop smoking (Y-BLISS) as an add-on to standard treatment in tobacco use disorder (TUD; in the form of cigarette smoking) by conducting a randomized controlled study with the following primary outcome variable: number of cigarettes smoked per day. Secondary outcome variables are motivation to stop smoking, craving, dependence severity, lung capacity, and exhaled carbon-monoxide. In this single-blinded, randomized, controlled, parallel-group superiority trial with 1:1 allocation ratio, 100 patients with TUD availing the outpatient/ inpatient clinical services at a tertiary mental healthcare hospital in India will be enrolled after giving informed consent. Consecutive consenting patients will be randomly allotted to one of the two groups – yoga arm (Y-bliss arm), or desktop exercise arm (D-exercise arm). Allocation concealment will be followed, the clinicians, outcome assessors and data analysts will remain blind to subject-group allocation. A validated and standardized 12-minute yoga program (Y-BLISS) for TUD will be used as an intervention. The control group will receive an equivalent 12-minute desktop exercise module. Participants in respective arms will receive 40 online supervised sessions over 8 weeks, 5 sessions per week in the mornings as they will be asked to practice the same on sos basis whenever they feel cravings for cigarette smoking. Assessments will be done at baseline, 4th week and 8thweek. Data from all randomized subjects will be analyzed using intent-to-treat analysis and mixed model multivariate analysis. Dissemination Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and social media. Trial registration number The trial has been registered under Clinical Trials Registry India (CTRI) with the registration number: CTRI/2022/12/048117, date of registration: 14th December 2022.

Study on the mechanism of Fuzheng Huayu formula against biliary fibrosis in mice

Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanisms of Fuzheng huayu formula (FZHY) on biliary fibrosis in mice. Methods: Mdr2 gene knowout (Mdr2-/-) mice were randomly divided into model group, FZHY-treated group and obeticholic acid (OCA)-treated group. Wide type C57BL/6J (WT) mice of the same age were used as the control group. Mdr2-/- mice were treated with the corresponding drugs by gavage from the first day of the 9th week old. The WT and model groups were given 0.3% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose by gavage, and the mice were sacrificed at the end of 12th week old. The activities of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were detected by high-speed biochemical analyzer. H&E staining and sirius red staining were used to observe the pathological changes of liver tissues. The hepatic hydroxyproline content was determined. The hepatic expressions of Col-Ⅰ and α-SMA, ductular reaction markers Epcam, CK7, CK19, and the expression of Pcna, Mki67 and Ccnd1; as well as the expression of inflammatory cytokines Ccl2, Ccl5, Tnf-α, Il10 and Cxcl4 were detected by immunohistochemical staining, western blot and qRT-PCR, respectively. Furthermore, the expression of PPARα and the phosphorylation NF-κB were detected by western blot. Results: Compared with WT mice, the serum ALT and ALP activities of Mdr2-/- mice were significantly increased (P<0.001). The percentage of SR positive stained area and hepatic Hyp content were significantly increased (P<0.01). The hepatic expression of Col-Ⅰ and α-SMA; Epcam, CK7, CK19, Pcna, Mki67 and Ccnd1; Ccl2, Ccl5, Tnf-α, Il10 and Cxcl4 were significantly increased (P<0.01). However, both FZHY and OCA significantly reversed the elevation of these aforementioned indicators (P<0.05; P<0.01). Further study showed that the hepatic expression of PPARα in Mdr2-/- mice was significantly lower than that of WT mice, however the phosphorylation of NF-κB was significantly enhanced (P<0.01). The expression of PPARα in liver tissues of FZHY mice was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the NF-κB phosphorylation was significantly inhibited compared with Mdr2-/- mice (P<0.05). Conclusion: FZHY significantly ameliorated liver fibrosis, ductular reaction and inflammation in Mdr2-/- spontaneous biliary fibrosis mice, and its mechanism was related to the regulation of PPARα/NF-κB pathway.

Atypical presentation and treatment of congenital cataract and temporal iridolenticular coloboma in a 43-year-old male

Ocular coloboma occurs due to incomplete closure of the embryonic fissure in the 5th or 6th week of intrauterine life. Iris coloboma is characterised by a keyhole-shaped defect in the iris, typically located in the inferonasal quadrant. Temporal iris coloboma is a rare occurrence. Temporal iridolenticular coloboma is an uncommon structural anomaly within the iris that is sometimes linked to other ocular disorders, such as congenital cataracts. We describe a case study of a 43-year-old male patient who had a congenital cataract with temporal iridolenticular coloboma, which is not a common presentation. The aim is to report favourable outcomes of cataract surgery in patients with congenital cataracts associated with temporal iris coloboma with temporal lens coloboma. Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation was done without any complications. Significant improvements in subjective visual function and visual acuity were seen in the post-operative follow-up.

Effect of Biochars Derived from Different Agricultural Wastes Under Different Pyrolyzing Temperatures on Microbial Properties of a Loam-Clay Soil During Plant Growing Season

ABSTRACT A two-season experiment to identify an efficient strategy for the optimized soil microbial activity using biochar from four agricultural residues subjected to two different pyrolyzing temperatures (300°C and 500°C) was conducted in greenhouse conditions. The biochar types were identified according to the final pyrolyzing temperature as vineyard pruning biochar-300°C (VB300), vineyard pruning biochar-500°C (VB500), tomato biochar-300°C (TB300), tomato biochar-500°C (TB500), clove biochar-300°C (CB300), clove biochar-500°C (CB500), banana biochar-300°C (BB300) and banana biochar-500°C (BB500). The experimental design consisted of a randomized complete block design with five replications and 9 treatments including the control with a total of 45 pots. Soil samples were taken after biochar applications at two-week intervals (0, 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th week) during the growth period of lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. Crispa) and analyzed for chemical (pH and EC) and biological parameters (urease, alkaline phosphatase, β-glucosidase, dehydrogenase, nitrification, denitrification activities and bacterial count). Biochar applications were found to have an impact on enzyme activities in various degrees. Selected biochar treatments increased pH, EC, urease, alkaline phosphatase, β-glucosidase and nitrification activities but not the bacterial count in the first growing period. However, no significant difference was found among treatments in the second growing period (except β-glucosidase). Overall evaluation of the data suggested that, under the experimental conditions, feedstock type, rather than pyrolyzing temperature, appeared to be more influential on the biological parameters monitored and banana biochar was found to be the most effective one in the short term.

Butyrate attenuates high-fat diet-induced glomerulopathy through GPR43-Sirt3 pathway.

The incidence of obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG) is rising worldwide with very limited treatment methods. Paralleled with the gut–kidney axis theory, the beneficial effects of butyrate, one of the short-chain fatty acids (SCFA)produced by gut microbiota, on metabolism and certain kidney diseases have gained growing attention. However, the effects of butyrate on ORG and its underlying mechanism are largely unexplored. In this study, a mice model of ORG was established with a high-fat diet feeding for 16 weeks, and sodium butyrate treatment was initiated at the 8th week. Podocyte injury, oxidative stress and mitochondria function were evaluated in mice kidney and validated in vitro in palmitic acid-treated-mouse podocyte cell lines. Further, the molecular mechanisms of butyrate on podocytes were explored. Compared with controls, sodium butyrate treatment alleviated kidney injuries and renal oxidative stress in high-fat diet-fed mice. In mouse podocyte cell lines, butyrate ameliorated palmitic acid-induced podocyte damage and helped maintain the structure and function of the mitochondria. Moreover, the effects of butyrate on podocytes were mediated via the GPR43-Sirt3 signal pathway, as evidenced by the diminished effects of butyrate with the intervention of GPR43 or Sirt3 inhibitors. In summary, we conclude that butyrate has therapeutic potential for the treatment of ORG. It attenuates high-fat diet-induced ORG and podocyte injuries through the activation of the GPR43-Sirt3 signalling pathway.

Role of tranexamic acid as an adjunctive for chronic sub dural hematoma for early resolution and reduced recurrence rate: a prospective case-control study

Background: Literature shows the effective use of tranexamic acid to reduce CSDH either as a primary treatment or as an adjunctive treatment. However, literature lacks conclusive evidence on the use of tranexamic acid for CSDH. There are not many Indian studies also on this subject. This study was aimed at finding the effectiveness of tranexamic acid in reducing the recurrence rate following surgery and early resolution. Methods: From May 2023 to May 2024, single centric case control study was done in a tertiary care center (Government Mohan Kumaramangalam medical college hospital, Salem) in Southern India. All patients with chronic subdural hematoma with Markwalder grading 2-4 and grade 1 with midline shift more than 1 cm were included in the study. Patients with severe cardio-cerebrovascular disease, patients with allergy to tranexamic acid and patients not willing to participate were excluded from the study. Tranexamic acid was given at a dose of 500 mg twice a day for 10 days. Patients were allocated into two groups: group A: where tranexamic acid was used, group B: where tranexamic acid was not used. Results: The mean duration of hospital stay was lesser in tranexamic acid group (p&lt;0.005). The mean SDH thickness was lesser at 4th and 8th week in tranexamic acid group (p&lt;0.005). Recurrence rate was lesser in tranexamic acid group at three months (p&gt;0.05). Conclusions: This study of patients with CSDH showed that the adjunctive use of TXA after burr-hole drainage is effective in achieving resolution of CSDH through faster hematoma reduction. TXA may have a favorable effect in reducing recurrence and can be administered safely in selected patients.

A Randomized, Double-Blind Study on the Combined Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy and Exercise on Pain, Functional Level, and Range of Motion in Patients with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the combined effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in conjunction with an exercise program (LLLT group) compared to exercise alone (control group) on pain, functional level, and range of motion in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP).METHODS: Sixty participants with CNLBP were randomized and divided into 2 groups: laser group (30 participants) and control group (30 participants). Both groups were assigned the same homework exercises (once a day, 3 days a week for 4 weeks). The assessments were performed at baseline and 4 weeks after low-level laser therapy application 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Pain level (visual analogue scale), functional level (the Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaires Thai version) and range of motion (Schober’s test) were evaluated.RESULTS: The participants who completed the study totaled 60, with 30 in the LLLT group and 30 in the control group. Both groups showed statistically significant differences in improved pain level and functional level (p &lt; 0.001) from baseline to the 4th week, with the exception of range of motion in the control group (p = 0.644). Outcome of mean difference across the intervention arm for group comparison analysis indicated statistically significant differences in favor of the experimental group across all measures (p &lt; 0.01, p &lt; 0.03 and p &lt; 0.01, respectively).CONCLUSION: Combining LLLT with exercise significantly reduced pain, improved functional ability, and increased lumbar range of motion, providing a more effective treatment for Thai patients with CNLBP compared to exercise alone. The Minimal Clinically Important Difference for Visual Analog Scale (0.211) and Oswestry Disability Index (0.216) confirmed that the improvements at week 4 were clinically significant beyond natural recovery.

Liuwei Buqi Formula delays progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in rats by regulating the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway

To explore the therapeutic mechanism of Liuwei Buqi (LWBQ) Formula for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in rat models. SD rat models of COPD established by cigarette smoking combined with intratracheal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) instillation and hormone injection were treated with LWBQ Formula by gavage with or without intraperitoneal injection of MCC950 for 3 weeks, starting at the 5th week of modeling. After the treatments, the rats were examined for lung pathologies, lung function, total cell count and white blood cell count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-18 and NO. The mRNA expressions of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in the lung tissue were detected with qRT-PCR. Compared with the normal control rats, the COPD rat models had severe lung pathologies and showed significantly decreased lung function, increased total cell and leukocyte subset counts in BALF, and increased serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-18 and NO and mRNA expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins in the lung tissue. Treatment of the rat models with LWBQ Formula significantly improved lung pathology and lung function, reduced total cell and leukocyte counts in BALF, and decreased serum levels of the inflammatory factors and expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins in the lung tissue. The combined treatment with MCC950 further improved lung pathology and function in spite of a significant difference, but BALF cell counts, serum inflammatory factor levels and pulmonary expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins were all significantly reduced following the treatment. LWBQ Formula can delay the progression of COPD in rats possibly by inhibiting lung tissue pyroptosis via regulating the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway to reduce inflammatory response and lung damage.

Harnessing the power of social media: transforming nursing education for unmatched academic success.

This study aimed to determine the effect of social media-supported learning on the academic achievement of nursing students and their social media usage levels in nursing education. Using social media in nursing education enables students to experience interactive learning, strengthening learning outcomes and creating an enriched learning environment with up-to-date information. The study was conducted as a randomized controlled study. CONSORTchecklist was completed. The subject of parenteral drug administration was explained interactively to all students by the same instructors for a total of 12h for weeks. After the theoretical course, each skill was demonstrated by the instructor in the laboratory setting in a 24-h laboratory course with the demonstration method in line with the checklists. After the training was completed, the students filled out the necessary forms. Videos and informative images about parenteral drug applications were shared with the intervention group for 4weeks through an Instagram page created for social media-supported learning. Questions and answers were shared on the subject every day in the story section. The answer to the question was shared in the story section the next day with explanations. At the end of the 4th training week, the students were asked to complete the necessary forms as a post-test. Changes in academic achievement and social media usage after the intervention were measured using achievement tests and the Social Media Scale in Nursing Education. Data were analyzed with SPSS 23.0. Normality was tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Independent t-tests and the Chi-Square test for categorical variables were used for normally distributed continuous variables. Pre-test and post-test comparisons within groups were evaluated with the Paired t-test if normality was met, or the Wilcoxon test. The effect size was calculated using Cohen's d. After social media-supported learning, it was found that the difference between the post-test mean scores of the nursing students in the intervention and control group was statistically significant(p < 0.001). It was also found that the average of the exam results after the training increased compared to the average before the training, and the difference between the two scores was statistically significant(p < 0.001). Social media-supported education positively affected the academic achievements of nursing students and the level of social media use in nursing education.

A Study to Investigate the Efficacy of Cognitive Exercises on Fear of Falls and Dual Task Performance among Geriatric Population in Jalandhar

BACKGROUND- Elderly population is described as 65 years of age or aged. Young–old population consists of the age group between 65 and 75 years of age. The middle–old population consists of the age group between 75 and 85 years of age. Old – old population consists of age group older than 85 years of age. Cognition is a higher cortical function. It is the process of knowing and includes awareness and judgement. Cognitive decline affects the older population by decrease in some mental functions such as verbal capability, numerical abilities, and general knowledge. Various physiotherapeutic approaches have been incorporated for making quality of life of patient worthier. AIM- The aim of the study is to investigate the efficacy of cognitive exercises on cognitive functions, fear of falls and dual task performance among geriatric population. METHODOLOGY-The total duration of the study was one and a half years. Subjects meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected in the study and were assessed for cognitive functions, fear of falls and dual task performance. A minimum of 30 subjects were taken. They were given dual task intervention and single task performance exercises. The treatment was carried out for 4 days per week for 7 weeks. The data was collected for dependent variables at baseline and at 7th week post treatment. RESULTS-Data analysis was performed by SPSS Software version 18 and the variables were assessed using Paired T-test. The scores of the Falls Efficacy scale were also found to be significant when compared from baseline to 7th week with a p-value of &lt;0.001. It was found that single task at baseline was significant. The results for average score of dual task activity of walking 4 meters with tossing ball was found to be significant at 7th week with p-value of &lt;0.001. Dual task activity of walking 4 meters with cup of water was also found to be significant with p-value of &lt;0.001. The dual task activity of walking 4 meters with dribbling a ball was significant by 7th week with p-value of &lt;0.001. While analyzing the dual task cost for walking with tossing ball it was found that the results were non-significant with a p-value of 0.7157. The results were also non-significant with a p-value of 0.8845 by 7th week for walking with holding a cup of water. However, it was found that the results were significant for dual task cost for walking 4 meters with dribbling a ball at 7th week with a p-value of &lt;0.001. CONCLUSION- The results have significant real -world ramifications for the health and standard of living of the aging population.

Bacterial Consortium Biofilm-Based Electrochemical Biosensor for Measurement of Antioxidant Polyphenolic Compounds

This work describes the development of an electrochemical biosensor method based on bacterial consortia to determine antioxidant capacity. The bacterial consortium used is a combination of bacteria from the genera Bacillus and Pseudomonas which can produce the enzymes tyrosinase and laccase. The consortium bacteria were immobilized on the surface of the screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) to form a biofilm. Biofilms were selected based on the highest current response evaluated electrochemically using cyclic voltammetry analysis techniques. Optimum consortium biofilm conditions were obtained in a phosphate buffer solution of pH 7, and biofilm formation occurred on day 7. This work produces analytical performance with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9924. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values are 0.5 µM and 10 µM, respectively. The biosensor showed a stable response until the 10th week. This biosensor was used to measure the antioxidant capacity of five extracts, and the results were confirmed using a standard method, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The highest antioxidant capacity is guava extract and the lowest is tempuyung extract. Thus, the development of this biosensor method can be used as an alternative for measuring antioxidant capacity.

Evaluation of black Cumin (Bunium persicum), Ajwain (Carum copticum) and Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) dietary supplementation on growth performance, blood metabolites, ileal digestibility, bone strength and in broilers

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effects of herbal plants (HP) consisting of black Cumin (Bunium persicum), Ajwain (Carum copticum) and Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on broiler performance and health. A total of 360 broilers were allocated into four groups consisting of control diet (A) or supplemented with a mixture of Ajwain, Fenugreek and black Cumin seeds at the rate of 1.5 (B), 3 (C) and 4.5 g/kg (D). Results showed that feed intake was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in Group-C during the 6th week. Weight gain in Group-C was also significantly (P < 0.05) higher in 6th weeks compared to other groups. FCR was significantly (P < 0.05) improved in Group-C at week 6. The apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein and fat was highest in Group-C, showing significant (P < 0.05) improvements. Blood analysis revealed lower total cholesterol and LDL levels in Group-B and -C, while HDL was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in group-C. Bone quality assessments indicated that the tibiotarsal index was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in Group-C, suggesting enhanced bone strength. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of PFAs, particularly at 3 g/kg, significantly improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood biochemistry and bone quality in broilers.

Activating PPARβ/δ-Mediated Fatty Acid β-Oxidation Mitigates Mitochondrial Dysfunction Co-induced by Environmentally Relevant Levels of Molybdenum and Cadmium in Duck Kidneys.

Cadmium (Cd) and high molybdenum (Mo) pose deleterious effects on health. Prior studies have indicated that exposure to Mo and Cd leads to damage in duck kidneys, but limited studies have explored this damage from the perspective of fatty acid metabolism. In this study, 40 healthy 8-day-old ducks were randomly assigned to four groups and fed a basic diet containing Cd (4mg/kg Cd) or Mo (100mg/kg Mo) or both. Kidney tissues were harvested on the 16th week. Results demonstrated that Cd and/or Mo inhibited mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation and disrupted mitochondrial dynamics, along with significant suppression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ (PPARβ/δ) protein in duck kidneys. In vitro study, duck renal tubular epithelial cells were exposed for 12h to either Mo (480μM Mo), Cd (2.5μM Cd), and GW0742 (0.3μM, a potent agonist of PPARβ/δ) alone or in combination. The results demonstrated that Cd and/or Mo led to marked fatty acid oxidation deficiency and mitochondrial dysfunction and that PPARβ/δ protein was involved in the process. Altogether, this study found that activating PPARβ/δ-mediated fatty acid β-oxidation mitigates mitochondrial dysfunction co-induced by Mo and Cd in duck kidneys.

Effect of fasting on cardiovascular risk factors among healthy adult Muslims attending primary care, Kano, Northern Nigeria

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVD) are among the most prevalent and preventable chronic diseases in the 21st century The global burden of disease: 2004 update. The Report in Sections. A person’s risk of developing CVD can be reduced by adopting healthy lifestyles, spiritual and religious practices The American Heart Association Life’s Simple 7 in African Americans of the Jackson Heart Study. Fasting as a spiritual practice is not exempted from these benefits. Most world’s religions recommend a period of fasting. The obligatory Ramadan fasting in Islam may provide an interesting opportunity to reduce food intake and increase physical activity. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of Ramadan fasting on cardiovascular risk factors on healthy adult Muslims.MethodThe study was pre/post-test single arm intervention conducted at the staff clinic of Family Medicine department, AKTH, and Northwest, Nigeria. Kano. The study recruited healthy adults 18yrs and above not on any medications that can affect metabolic profiles consecutively from two weeks before Ramadan fasting of 2018 and the last week of Ramadan of the same year. The questionnaire included information on sociodemographic, clinical parameters and Lifestyle pattern.ResultThirty healthy volunteers were included in this study, 25 males (83.3%) and 5 females (16.7%). The mean age was 38.23 ± 6.35(SD). Twenty-five participants were married (83.3%) with 4 singles (13.3%) and 1 divorcee (3.3%). During Ramadan fasting, weight reduced (67.90 ± 11.61 versus 66.53 ± 12.13 4th week of Ramadan p-value < 0.002) Body Mass Index (22.89 ± 3.63 versus 4th week of Ramadan 22.38 ± 3.64 p-value < 0.002) and systolic blood pressure (120.33 ± 19.91versus 4th week of Ramadan 115.33 ± 14.32 p-value 0.003) reduced significantly compared to baseline. The waist circumference, pulse rate, fasting blood sugar and cholesterol were reduced but were not statistically significant.ConclusionThe result from this study suggested that Ramadan fasting may be a useful means of reducing burden of cardiovascular diseases, as the improved cardiovascular risk factors associated with fasting may translate into a significant health benefit.

Dietary Effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Root Powder on Growth and Blood Parameters of Cyprinus carpio (Common Carp)

Aims: The present study evaluated the effect of different levels of Withania somnifera root powder in fish formulated diets on the growth performance of economically important freshwater fish species in Asia Cyprinus carpio and compare the hematological changes occurred in fishes fed with control feed and herbal formulated diet. Study Design: The experiment was planned with the size group of 30.0±1.0g. Fish of the respective size group of Cyprinus carpio were subjected to different herbal formulated diets at a concentration 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% of Withania somnifera root powder extract through their diet, while the control group received a standard diet without any supplementation. Duration of Study: The study was conducted over a period of 4 weeks. Methodology: During which growth parameters such as Average Daily Growth, Specific Growth Rate and Absolute Growth Rate were monitored at regular (10 days) intervals. The blood samples were collected at 4th week from each group to assess hematological parameters including Red Blood Cell count, White Blood Cell count, Hemoglobin, Total Cholesterol and Total serum protein levels. The overall results revealed that the inclusion of Withania somnifera extract in the diet of Cyprinus carpio significantly influenced both growth and blood parameters. Results: Fish exposed to Withania somnifera extract exhibited enhanced growth performance compared to the control group, with increased Average Daily Growth, Specific Growth Rate and Absolute Growth Rate. Moreover, hematological analysis revealed positive effects on the blood parameters of treated fish, including improvements in Red Blood Cell count, White Blood Cell count, Hemoglobin, Total Cholesterol and Total serum protein levels. Conclusion: The overall results revealed that the inclusion of Withania somnifera extract in the diet of Cyprinus carpio significantly influenced both growth and blood parameters.

Relating normal human cardiac development to the anatomical findings in the congenitally malformed heart.

A proper appreciation of cardiac development can now provide the necessary background to understand the anatomical findings in the congenitally malformed heart. We recently presented an account of human cardiac development based on reconstructions of histological datasets from human embryos aged between 3.5 and 8 weeks subsequent to conception. In this review, we summarize the changes observed relative to the findings when the heart is congenitally malformed. Beginning at the stage when it is first possible to recognize the primary heart tube, we describe the looping of its ventricular component, which occurs in the 5th week. We proceed with discussion of the formation of the atrial and ventricular chambers in the 6th week. The phases are successive, albeit partially overlapping. Separation of the circulations at the venous pole is completed at stage 17, equivalent to almost 6 weeks of development. During stages representing the 7th week of development, we concentrate on the remodeling of the outflow tract. This involves initially septation, but then separation of the developing circulations. The changes involve incorporation of the proximal outflow tract into the ventricles, with formation of the arterial roots in its middle part, and addition of a distal non-myocardial component to produce the intrapericardial arterial trunks. We pay particular attention to the changes occurring during remodeling of the interventricular foramen. We show that an understanding of this process provides the basis for understanding the functionally univentricular heart, as well as the arrangement found in double outlet right ventricle.

Smartphone Application Intervention on Obstructive Sleep Apnea Among Overweight and Obese High-Tech Employees: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an adjusting lifestyle intervention with a smartphone application (app) in managing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among overweight and obese high-tech employees. A 6-months three-armed randomized controlled trial was employed. A total of 144 eligible participants were randomly allocated into the smartphone app 'MyFitnessPal' plus education (MFPE; n = 48), 'MyFitnessPal'-only (MFP-only; n = 50) and the control group (n = 46) at a 1:1:1 ratio. The data were collected using related questionnaires and portable sleep monitor. Generalized estimating equation was used to analyze data. Results revealed that there was a significant interaction between time and group in BMI (Wald χ2 = 4.47, p = 0.04) in the MFPE after the 12th week of the intervention. Nevertheless, there was no significant interaction between group and time observed in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) score after 24 weeks of intervention. The adjustment lifestyle integrated with an app may offer a simple and cost-effective approach. The findings of this study may provide precious information for occupational healthcare providers, facilitating health promotion in the workplace for overweight employees with OSA.