Days Of Trial Research Articles

Enzymatically modified isoquercitrin and its protective effects against photoaging: In-vitro and clinical studies.

This research examines the anti-aging potential of the flavonoid derivative of isoquercitrin known as enzymatically modified isoquercitrin (EMIQ). Initial HPLC analyses showed that EMIQ used in the study contained 1-12 glucosides and 10.7% pentahydroxyflavonoids, promising potent antioxidant properties. In subsequent in-vitro studies with UVA-exposed human dermal fibroblasts (HDFa), EMIQ demonstrated protective properties by reducing collagen damage. It modulated both the TGFβ/Smad pathway and the MMP1 pathway, contributing to collagen preservation. This protective effect was further confirmed using the T-Skin™ model, a reconstructed full-thickness human skin model, which illustrated that EMIQ could defend the physiological structures of both the epidermis and dermis against UV radiation. A 28-day clinical trial with 30 volunteers aged 31-55 years highlighted EMIQ's effectiveness. Participants using EMIQ-containing Essence displayed reduced facial trans-epidermal water loss and skin roughness, alongside improved skin elasticity. This study emphasizes EMIQ's potential as an anti-photoaging ingredient in cosmetics, warranting further research. The findings pave the way for developing innovative skincare products addressing photoaging effects.

Effect of burnt tire-ash (water-soluble fraction) on blood and histopathological markers in Clarias gariepinus

Aquatic habitats serve as pollutant reservoirs and experience massive pollution disasters due to anthropogenic pressure. The effect of the Water-Soluble Fraction (WSF) of burnt tire ash (BTA) was investigated on Clarias gariepinus juvenile using blood biomarkers as well as liver and gill histology. The model fish were exposed to 5 % (0.56 g/L), 10 % (1.12 g/L) and 20 % (2.24 g/L) of 96-hr LC50 (11.2 g/L) value of BTA sub-chronic doses during the experiment. Hematological indices, the liver, and gill histology were studied throughout the 28-day exposure study, which was followed by a 14-day post-exposure trial. The studies revealed that BTA-exposed fish had reduced red blood cells, packed cell volume, and hemoglobin levels with time, whereas white blood cells and leukocyte numbers increased. Concentration-dependent histopathologic abnormalities such as hyperplasia, telangiectasis, hemorrhage, desquamation, lamellar edema, and vacuolation were observed in the gill of the affected fish, in contrast to the control. Likewise, the presence of histopathologic abnormalities in the liver of BTA-exposed fish, such as vacuolar degeneration, hyperplasia, dilated portal vein, pyknotic nucleus formations, hypertrophy hepatocytes, and aggregated macrophages, was concentration-dependent. Following apparent histologic deformities that persisted in the tissues after recovery, healing from BTA exposure was only partial. C. gariepinus is an essential bioindicator of burnt tire ash’s ecotoxicological impact. Point and non-point traces of burnt-tire ash to the aquatic systems may harm aquatic animal species, thus necessitating preventative actions.

Toxicity Profile and Reincarnation of Antioxidant Activity of Annona squamosa L (Sugar apple) Ethanol Leaves Extract in Wistar Albino rats

Abstract The toxicity profile and antioxidant properties of natural compounds from plants like Annona squamosa L. (Sugar apple) have garnered significant research interest due to their potential health benefits, as antioxidants are crucial in combating oxidative stress, which is implicated in various diseases.This study investigates the Annona squamosa L ethanol leaf extract (ASELE) in Wistar Albino rats to elucidate its toxicity profile and its ability to reincarnate antioxidant activity. Phytochemical screening was conducted using specified reagents, confirming the presence of bioactive secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, phenols and anthraquinones. Quantitative analysis revealed varying concentrations, with the highest in alkaloids (18.47±0.06 mg/ml) followed by Saponins (16.33±0.05mg/ml and Anthraquinones (9.60±0.04mg/ml) Flavonoids (4.08±0.04mg/ml) and Phenol (0.80±0.03mg/ml) were present in lower amounts. The LD50 of Annona squamosa L ethanol leaf extract (ASELE) exceeded 3000mg/kg body weight, showing no fatality within a 14-day observation period. ASELE treatment resulted in a significant reduction (p<0.05) in oxidative stress markers. Similarly, ASELE (150-1200mg/kg) exhibited a notable decrease (p<0.05) in Aspartate Amino Transferase and Alanine Amino Transferase during a 28-day oral toxicity trial. However, other biochemical parameters, including alkaline phosphate, albumin, total protein, direct bilirubin, urea, uric acid, and creatinine, showed no significant differences compared to the control. In terms of hematological parameters, platelets and mean corpuscular volume exhibited significant differences (p<0.05) between the extract-treated groups and the control. Moreover, ASELE demonstrated significant antioxidant effects, as evidenced by increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The study demonstrates that the Annona squamosa ethanol leaf extract (ASELE) exhibits a favorable toxicity profile with an LD50 exceeding 3000 mg/kg, no significant biochemical alterations, and notable antioxidant effects, highlighting its potential therapeutic benefits in reducing oxidative stress and validating its traditional medicinal uses; therefore, it is recommended to further investigate ASELE's therapeutic potential through extended preclinical and clinical trials, explore the mechanisms behind its antioxidant properties, and consider its incorporation into nutraceutical formulations for controlled and standardized health benefits

Serum biochemistry and haematological indices of finisher broilers fed varied levels of frog (Rana esculenta) meal as a replacement for full fat soybean

A 28-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of varied levels of frog meal as a replacement for full fat soybean on the haematology and serum biochemistry of finisher broilers. One hundred and forty-four (144) day old broilers were allocated to four dietary treatments containing 0%, 25%, 50%, and 100% of frog meal (FML). Each treatment had thirty-six (36) birds, divided into three (3) replicates of twelve (12) birds. Observed results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in all the haematological parameters except MCH, MCHC and Lymphocyte with birds in treatment four (100%FML) showing improved levels of haematological indices. Significant differences (P<0.05) were also observed for total protein, globulin, all the blood serum parameters except the values for cholesterol. Values observed for both the haematology and serum biochemistry of the birds showed that frog meal significantly improved their values without having any negative effect on the health of the birds when compared to the control. Results from the feeding trial showed that full fat soybean could be replaced replaced with frog meal up to 100% without any negative implication on the health of the birds.

Effectiveness of an amino acid beverage formulation in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: A pragmatic real-world study.

Amino-acid based medical foods have shown promise in alleviating symptoms of drug induced gastrointestinal side effects; particularly, diarrhea-predominant symptoms. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder that affects up to 9% of people globally, with diarrhea predominant IBS (IBS-D) being the most prevalent subtype. Further trials are needed to explore potential added benefits when integrated into standard care for IBS-D. To assess the effectiveness of an amino acid-based medical food as an adjunct to standard of care for adults with IBS-D. This is a pragmatic, real world, open label, single arm study comparing a 2-week baseline assessment to a 2-week intervention period. One hundred adults, aged 18 to 65 years, with IBS-D, according to Rome IV criteria, were enrolled after completing a 2-week baseline assessment period and received a 2-week supply of an amino acid based medical food which was consumed at home twice daily on top of their standard of care. The primary outcome was an assessment of tolerability after 2-weeks of consumption, while secondary outcomes included changes in stool consistency (Bristol Stool Form Scale), severity of abdominal pain & discomfort, symptoms of urgency, Global Improvement Survey (GIS), and the IBS severity scoring system (IBS-SSS). The test product was well-tolerated as each participant successfully completed the full 14-day trial, and there were no instances of dropouts or discontinuation of the study product reported. Forty percent of participants achieved a 50% or more reduction in the number of days with type 6-7 bowel movements (IBS-D stool consistency responders). Fifty-three percent of participants achieved a clinically meaningful reduction of 30% in mean weekly pain scores, and 55% experienced the same for mean weekly discomfort scores (IBS-D pain and discomfort responders). Participants experienced a mean -109.4 (95% confidence interval: -130.1, -88.8) point reduction on the IBS-SSS and 52% experienced a minimally clinically important difference of > 95 points. An IBS-SSS category shift from severe to moderate or mild occurred in 69% of participants. For functional symptoms, 76% of participants reported symptom relief on the GIS. The amino acid-based medical food was well-tolerated, when added to the standard of care, and demonstrated improvements in both overall IBS symptom severity and IBS-D symptoms within just 2 wk.

Replacing Soybean Meal with Azolla Plant as a Source of Protein on Performance of Iraqi Awassi Lambs

This study was executed in the animal field of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences at the University of Baghdad from November 15, 2022, to January 1, 2023. It was preceded by a 14-day trial period using 20 Awassi male lambs, whose ages ranged from 3.5 to 4 months. Moreover, starting with 18 to 19 kg. They were divided into four treatments at random: T1, which contained 6% soybeans and no azolla plant; T2, which contained 4% soybeans and 4% dry azolla plant; T3, which contained 2% soybeans and 8% dry azolla plant; and T4, which contained 12% dry azolla plant The results showed that there was a significant difference (p>0.05) in the daily and total weight gain as well as the digestion coefficient for some of the digested nutrients. Treatment T4 performed better than the other treatments in terms of increasing daily and total weight, while treatments T1 and T3 did not differ from each other The table of total nutrients digested and the field digestion coefficient did not change between the treatments T1 and 3T, which were better than treatment T2. There was no difference between treatment T1 and T3, which was superior to treatment T2, and there was a significant rise (P 0.05) for crude fiber and ether extract in treatment T4. The study found that adding 12% more Azolla plant to soybean meal resulted in the best weight growth and the highest digestibility of crude fiber and ether extract.

Effects of crude protein and non-essential amino acids on growth performance, blood profile, and intestinal health of weaned piglets

This study investigated the effect of crude protein (CP) and non-essential amino acid (NEAA) supplementation on the growth performance, blood profile, intestinal morphology, mRNA relative abundance of inflammatory and antioxidant markers, and tight junction proteins in piglets over the first 2 weeks after weaning. Ninety 21-day-old piglets (7.55 ± 0.72 kg) were assigned in a randomized block design to one of three dietary treatments: (1) high CP, a diet with 24% CP; (2) low CP, a diet with 18% CP; and (3) low CP + NEAA, a diet with 18% CP supplemented with 5 g/kg Arg (L-arginine; purity >99%) and 10 g/kg Glu + Gln (minimum 10% L-glutamine and minimum 10% L-glutamate). Piglets were fed with corn-soybean meal basal diets in a 14-day trial. There was an improvement (p < 0.05) in the feed conversion ratio of piglets fed the high-CP diet compared to treatments with low CP or low CP + NEAA. Serum urea nitrogen was higher (p < 0.05) in piglets fed high CP compared to other dietary treatments. In the duodenum, the villus height of animals fed the low-CP + NEAA diets was greater (p < 0.05) than those fed with the high- and low-CP diets. The goblet cell proportion of piglets fed low CP + NEAA or high CP was higher (p < 0.05) compared to low CP. In the jejunum, the crypt depth of the piglets with the high-CP dietary treatment was greater (p < 0.05) in comparison with low CP + NEAA. In the jejunum, IFN-γ mRNA expression was higher (p < 0.05) in animals fed the high-CP diets compared to other dietary treatments. However, superoxide dismutase and occludin mRNA expression were higher (p < 0.05) in animals fed low CP + NEAA than in piglets on the high-CP diets. In the ileum, the number of Peyer’s patches in piglets fed high CP was higher (p < 0.05) compared to other dietary treatments. In conclusion, the high-CP diet (24% CP) improves the feed conversion of piglets in the first 2 weeks after weaning compared to the low-CP diet (18% CP) supplemented or not with NEAA. However, the low-CP diet supplemented with NEAA (Arg, Gln, and Glu) improves intestinal health in piglets by promoting greater villus height and proportion of goblet cells in the duodenum, reducing jejunal crypt depth, and reducing Peyer’s number patches in the ileum. In addition, piglets that received the low-CP + NEAA diet showed an increase in superoxide dismutase and occludin and a lower expression of IFN-γ mRNA.

PLGA-Encapsulated Haemonchus contortus Antigen ES-15 Augments Immune Responses in a Murine Model.

Haemonchus contortus is a gastrointestinal parasite that adversely impacts small ruminants, resulting in a notable reduction in animal productivity. In the current investigation, we developed a nanovaccine by encapsulating the recombinant protein rHcES-15, sourced from the excretory/secretory products of H. contortus, within biodegradable poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs). The development of this nanovaccine involved the formulation of PLGA NPs using a modified double emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)verified the successful encapsulation of rHcES-15 within PLGA NPs, exhibiting a size range of 350-400 nm. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) of the antigen in the nanovaccine was determined to be 72%. A total of forty experimental mice were allocated into five groups, with the nanovaccine administered on day 0 and the mice euthanized at the end of the 14-day trial. The stimulation index (SI) from the mice subjected to the nanovaccine indicated heightened lymphocyte proliferation (*** p < 0.001) and a noteworthy increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, and IL-17). Additionally, the percentages of T-cells (CD4+, CD8+) and dendritic cell phenotypes (CD83+, CD86+) were significantly elevated (** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001) in mice inoculated with the nanovaccine compared to control groups and the rHcES-15 group. Correspondingly, higher levels of antigen-specific serum immunoglobulins (IgG1, IgG2a, IgM) were observed in response to the nanovaccine in comparison to both the antigenic (rHcES-15) and control groups (* p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01). In conclusion, the data strongly supports the proposal that the encapsulation of rHcES-15 within PLGA NPs effectively triggers immune cells in vivo, ultimately enhancing the antigen-specific adaptive immune responses against H. contortus. This finding underscores the promising potential of the nanovaccine, justifying further investigations to definitively ascertain its efficacy.

PSXIII-2 Effects of Probiotic Lactobacillus Rhamnosus on Growth Performance, Diarrhea Frequency, and Blood Biochemical Parameters of Weaned Pigs

Abstract Probiotics are microorganisms which have positive effects on human and animal gut health, and generally recognized as safe ingredients. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LR) on growth performance, diarrhea frequency, and blood biochemical parameters of weaned pigs. A total of 100 weaned pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc; 7.99 ± 0.85 kg of initial body weight (BW); 28 days old] were used in a 28-day trial. All pigs were randomly assigned to 2 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design (block: initial BW) and there were 10 replication pens in each treatment with 5 pigs/pen. Dietary treatments were as follows: 1) a commercial weaner diet based on corn-soybean meal (CON), and 2) CON + 0.02% probiotic LR IDCC 3201 (PRO). All pigs were housed in an environmental controlled room and had free access to feed and water throughout the experimental period. Probiotic LR was obtained from commercial company (ILDONG Bioscience Co., Ltd., Pyeongtaek, Republic of Korea). Pigs BW was individually measured on day 1, 7, 14, and 28, and feed consumption was recorded on a pen basis on the same day to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain to feed ratio (G:F). Diarrhea frequency was recorded by visual observation for 2 weeks after weaning and calculated as a percentage. Blood samples for biochemical parameters were collected from randomly selected one pig per pen on day 28 and analyzed by specific kit and clinical auto analyzer. Analysis items were total protein, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, blood urea nitrogen, calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, total cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, albumin, and creatinine. Data were analyzed using PROC GLM of SAS. Experimental unit was a pen. Statistical model for every measurement included dietary treatment as a main effect and initial BW as a covariate. The Chi-square test was used for diarrhea frequency. During day 1 to 7, 8 to 14, 1 to 14 and overall experiment date, ADG of pigs that fed PRO was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than those fed CON. Pigs fed PRO had increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) G:F during day 1 to 7 and 1 to 14 compared with those fed CON. Pigs fed PRO tended to have less (P &amp;lt; 0.10) diarrhea frequency during the first week of experiment than those fed CON. On blood biochemical parameters, pigs that fed PRO had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) concentrations of Ca (mg/dL) on day 28 than those fed CON. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of probiotic LR in weaner diet improved growth performance, reduced diarrhea frequency, and modulated blood biochemical parameters.

Influence of Diet Changes on the Condition and Physiological State of Juvenile Sea Trout (Salmo trutta)

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the influence of diets (factor D) and the time period (factor T) during which they were applied on the growth performance and physiological condition (blood plasma hematological and biochemical indicators of stress and immunity) in juvenile sea trout (Salmo trutta; initial body weight approximately 73 g). The diet of the fish that was used prior to the experiment (formulated feed; initial fish sample) was modified as follows: a different formulated feed (group B), mixed feed (feed B + prey fish; group B/N), prey fish exclusively (group N). The fish from group A were given the feed that was used prior to the beginning of the experiment. During the 28-day trial neither factors D nor T influenced absolute or relative fish growth rates. Factor D significantly influenced hematological indicators and leukograms, while the phagocytic index and cidal ability were determined by the time test (factor T). Myeloperoxidase (AMPO) was related significantly with the influence of factors D and T and also with the interaction of D×T. A significant decrease in AMPO was noted after two weeks of the test in groups B, N, and B/N, but after four weeks this indicator did not differ from that confirmed in the initial fish sample. The factors tested influenced stress indicators, i.e., cortisol (D and T) and glucose (D). Significant increases in cortisol (group B) and glucose (groups A, B, and B/N) concentrations were noted after two weeks of the test. After the subsequent two weeks (four weeks of the test) these indicators also stabilized. Sea trout from aquaculture readily accept prey fish; however, changes in diet cause stress reactions such as temporarily reduced immunity. Thus, the procedure for preparing sea trout stocking material for release, which is to change the feed from formulated to natural (live fish), should last approximately four weeks.

Association of Bioimpedance Parameters with Changes in Blood Pressure During Hemodialysis: A Secondary Analysis of the Frequent Hemodialysis Network (FHN) Daily Trial

Association of Bioimpedance Parameters with Changes in Blood Pressure During Hemodialysis: A Secondary Analysis of the Frequent Hemodialysis Network (FHN) Daily Trial

Rhodotorula mucilaginosa ZTHY2 Attenuates Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression in Mice.

Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (R. mucilaginosa) can enhance the immune and antioxidant function of the body. However, whether R. mucilaginosa has an immunoregulatory effect on cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed animals remains to be clarified. In this study, the R. mucilaginosa ZTHY2 that we isolated from the coastal waters of the South China Sea previously was prepared in order to investigate its immunoprotective effect on CTX-induced immunosuppression in mice, and the effects were compared to those of Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) (a well-known probiotic). Seventy-two male SPF mice were divided into six groups: The C group (control); IM group (immunosuppressive model group) (+CTX); Rl, Rm, and Rh groups (+CTX+low, medium, and high concentration of R. mucilaginosa, respectively); and PC (positive control) group (+CTX+LA). After a 28-day feeding trial, blood samples were taken for biochemical and serum immunological analysis, and the thymus and spleen were collected to analyze the organ index, lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation, and antioxidant capacity. The findings showed that R. mucilaginosa ZTHY2 improved the spleen and thymus indices, effectively attenuated immune organ atrophy caused by CTX, and enhanced the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes induced by ConA and LPS. R. mucilaginosa ZTHY2 promoted the secretion of cytokines and immunoglobulins and significantly increased the contents of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IgA, IgG, IgM, CD4, CD8, CD19, and CD20 in serum. The proportion of CD4+, CD8+, CD19+, and CD20+ lymphocytes in spleen, thymus, and mesenteric lymph nodes were increased. In addition, R. mucilaginosa ZTHY2 reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased glutathione (GSH), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) levels. Our results indicated that R. mucilaginosa ZTHY2 can significantly enhance the immune function of immunosuppressed mice, and improving antioxidant capacity thus attenuates CTX-induced immunosuppression and immune organ atrophy.

214 Effects of Dietary Standardized Ileal Digestible (SID) Lysine (Lys) Levels and Dietary SID Tryptophan to Lys Ratios on Growth Performance of Late-Nursery Maternal Barrows

Abstract The objective was to determine the effects of dietary standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine (Lys) levels and SID tryptophan (Trp) to Lys ratios on the growth performance of late-nursery maternal barrows. A total of 2,293 barrows (PIC Camborough, initially 11.9 ± 0.35 kg) were used in a 28-day trial with 96 mixed-sex pens in two rooms (48 pens/room), 16 pens/treatment, and 23 to 25 pigs/pen. Pens were blocked by body weight (BW) and randomly allotted to 1 of 6 treatments in a 2×3 factorial arrangement. Treatment factors were: 1) Dietary SID Lys levels: meet PIC SID Lys recommendation at 1.234% (PIC LYS) or below PIC SID Lys recommendation at 0.988% (BELOW LYS); 2) Dietary SID Trp to Lys ratios: 21.0, 18.5, and 16.0. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model in R Studio (Version 3.5.2, R Core Team; Vienna, Austria). Dietary SID Lys levels, dietary SID Trp to Lys ratios, and their interaction were included as fixed effects, and room and weight block were included as random effects in the model. Pigs fed with PIC LYS diets showed significantly improved average daily gain (ADG; 672 vs. 594 g; P &amp;lt; 0.001), average daily feed intake (ADFI; 1227 vs. 1179 g; P &amp;lt; 0.001), gain-to-feed ratio (G:F; 550 vs. 508 g/kg; P = 0.002), and greater amount of SID Lys intake (22.5 vs. 19.5; P &amp;lt; 0.05) or Trp intake (4.2 vs. 3.6; P &amp;lt; 0.05) per kg of BW gain comparing to BELOW LYS diets. Significant interactive effects were observed between dietary SID Lys levels and dietary SID Trp and Lys ratios on final BW, ADG, ADFI, and G:F (P &amp;lt; 0.05; Table 1). For final BW and ADG, when feeding PIC LYS diets, decreasing dietary SID Trp to Lys ratios increased final BW and ADG (quadratic, P &amp;lt; 0.05); but when feeding BELOW LYS diets the decreasing ratios reduced final BW and ADG (quadratic, P &amp;lt; 0.05). For ADFI, when feeding PIC LYS diets, there was no evidence that decreasing dietary SID Trp to Lys ratios impacted ADFI (P &amp;gt; 0.05); but when feeding BELOW LYS diets the decreasing ratios reduced ADFI (quadratic, P &amp;lt; 0.05). When feeding PIC LYS diets, the decreasing dietary SID Trp to Lys ratios decreased and then increased G:F (quadratic, P &amp;lt; 0.05); but when feeding BELOW LYS diets, the decreasing ratios increased and then decreased G:F (quadratic, P &amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion, late-nursery maternal barrows fed the PIC LYS diet had improved growth performance compared with those fed BELOW LYS diet; and decreasing dietary SID Trp to Lys ratios from 21.0 to 16.0 had deleterious impacts on growth performance when dietary SID Lys level was below PIC recommendation, but not when dietary SID Lys level met PIC recommendation.

Effect of feeding diets containing levels of ginger (&lt;i&gt;Zingiber officinale&lt;/i&gt;) on digestibility and nitrogen balance of red Sokoto bucks

The apparent digestibility and nitrogen balance of nutrients in isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets containing 0, 250, 500 and 750 g ginger inclusion levels was studied in a 14-day trial involving twenty (20) red Sokoto bucks (RSB) weighing on the average 17.86 kg. The treatments were replicated five times in a completely randomized design. The animals were individually fed at 4% of their body weight for both the concentrate (1.5% as supplement) and Digitaria smutsii hay (2.5% as basal diet). The trial consisted of 7-day adjustment period followed by a 7-day total collection of faeces and urine. Nutrient digestibility, faecal and urine outputs were recorded. Results indicated a similar dry matter intake across the treatments. Crude protein and crude fiber intakes were significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected by ginger inclusion levels with higher values recorded in the group fed 250 g. Dry matter digestibility significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased with increase in ginger levels. Nitrogen retention was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in bucks fed with 750 g ginger. It was therefore concluded that, varying inclusion levels of ginger improved nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention of RSB. RSB can be fed up to 750 g/100 kg diet ginger.

Oxytocin receptors in the prefrontal cortex play important roles in short-term social recognition in mice

We examined the roles of oxytocin (OT) receptors in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in short- and long-term social recognition and anxiety-related behaviors in mice. Mice injected with high or low doses of an OT receptor antagonist (OTA) or vehicle performed the social recognition test, the open-field test, and the light–dark transition test. In the social recognition test, with three daily trials over three consecutive days, control mice showed short-term recognition of a conspecific on all three days. In contrast, a high-dose injection of OTA impaired short-term social recognition on the second and third days, and it was impaired by a low-dose injection of OTA on the third day. These results suggested that OTA injection into the PFC dose-dependently inhibited short-term social recognition within each day. All three groups did not show any long-term social recognition across three days. OTA injection did not affect anxiety related behavior in the open-field and light–dark transition tests. Our findings demonstrated that OT receptors in the PFC played important roles in short-term social recognition.

Infection and histopathological consequences in Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) due to exposure to a pathogenic Mycobacterium chelonae via different routes

Mycobacteriosis, a chronic progressive disease in fish caused by Mycobacterium spp., is typically characterized by granulomatous lesions that illustrate its harmful pathogenesis. This study was initiated to understand the progression of mycobacteriosis in Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) through various transmission modes. Experimental infections were conducted using a pathogenic isolate of Mycobacterium chelonae originally derived from a naturally infected betta fish. The bacteria were administered by five different routes at three doses (approximately 105, 106, 107 CFU/fish or CFU/mL), including intraperitoneal (IP) and intramuscular (IM) injections, oral administration, immersion, and immersion with skin trauma. Acute infections, typified by short survival, non-specific gross signs, and severe organ necrosis, were frequently observed in the IP and IM methods. The median lethal dose (LD50) for these methods was 4.16 × 105 CFU/fish and 1.66 × 106 CFU/fish, respectively, within seven days following infection. Conversely, oral administration and immersion with or without skin trauma resulted in negligible fish mortality but triggered progressive chronic disease. Chronically infected fish survived the 28-day trial but exhibited macroscopic pathology such as emaciation, aesthetic deterioration, along with an increased presence of melanomacrophage centers (MMCs) in lymphoid tissues and/or systemic granulomas, as noted in histopathology. The results indicate that the course of M. chelonae infection is strongly correlated with the exposure routes, with injuries on the fish body and/or via the digestive tract being the most probable natural pathways. This study expands the understanding of the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium species in betta fish and emphasizes the need to mitigate risk factors associated with exposure routes to effectively control the disease.

Training peers to deliver mental health support to adults with type 1 diabetes using the REACHOUT mobile app.

While peer support research is growing in the Type 1 diabetes (T1D) community, the peer supporter training (PST) process is rarely documented in detail. This study provides a comprehensive description of PST and evaluation for the REACHOUT mental health support intervention, and examines the feasibility and perceived utility of PST. Fifty-three adults with T1D were recruited to participate in a 6-hour, zoom-based PST program for mental health support. The program was structured in three parts: (1) internal motivation, resilience and empathy; (2) mindfulness, emotions and diabetes distress; and (3) active listening and deferring clinical questions to professionals. Candidates were evaluated based on eight pre-established competency criteria during a 5-day support trial with an assigned standardized T1D participant. Perceived usefulness of training skills was also assessed 3 months into the REACHOUT mental health support intervention. Fifty-one of the fifty-three candidates who completed training achieved the criteria to graduate. Mean scores for the eight competency domains were: listens actively (4.55); asks open-ended questions (4.12); expresses empathy (4.42); avoids passing judgment (4.67); sits with strong emotions (4.44); refrains from giving advice (4.38); makes reflections (4.5); and defers medical questions (4.58). Of the skills learned during the PST, 95% rated interpreting and discussing diabetes distress profile and expressing empathy as moderately to extremely useful. Findings demonstrate that it is feasible to recruit and graduate the number of trainees needed using a rigorous process. Only by making training protocols available can the PST be replicated and translated to other T1D populations (e.g. adolescents, parents of children with T1D).

Study of bacteriological profile and its antibiogram in the newborn care unit of a rural tertiary care centre in India

Objectives: Neonatal sepsis is a serious medical condition that affects the newborn babies up to 28 days of postnatal life. Regular monitoring of the prevalent bacterial agents causing sepsis is essential for better patient management. The objective of the study was to determine the bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of culture-positive neonatal sepsis in the newborn care unit of a rural tertiary care centre in India. Material and Methods: The venous blood sample collected on the day of admission or on the 3rd day of admission for the neonates suspected to have sepsis with poor clinical improvement after a 2-day trial of empirical antibiotic therapy was subjected to culture and sensitivity pattern. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Data regarding the identified organism and its antibiotic sensitivity pattern from the blood samples of neonates were collected from the newborn care unit records. Results: Out of 387 samples, culture positivity was 10.8%. Among culture positive isolates 57.14% are Gram-negative isolates and Klebsiella being the most common Gram-negative organism and 42.85% of Gram-positive isolates with staphylococcus predominance. Conclusion: Klebsiella (40.4 %) followed by Staphylococcus (35.7%) are the most common bacterial pathogens identified in the rural newborn care centre in India. The routine empirical antibiotics in our unit cefotaxime and ampicillin are 100% resistant and need appropriate changes in the antibiotic policy by making piperacillin or cefoperazone and gentamicin as first-line empirical antibiotics.

Approaches to determine the efficiency of novel 3-phytase from Klebsiella pneumoniae and commercial phytase in broilers from 1 to 14 d of age

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a laboratory 3-phytase (the expression of the phyK gene, Lab-Phy) and a commercial 6-phytase (Quantum Blue 40 P, Com-Phy) alone and in combination (corn-soy-based diets) in broilers. A total of 400, day-old Ross 308 male broilers were randomly assigned to 5 treatments with 10 replicate cages (8 chicks/cage) for a 14-day trial. Experimental treatments included the positive control (0.95% Ca and 0.48% nonphytate phosphorus (nPP), PC), negative control (0.90% Ca and 0.22% nPP, NC), and NC which was supplemented with Lab-Phy 250 FTY/kg and Com-Phy 250 FTY/kg alone or in combination of Lab-Phy 125 FTY/kg and Com-Phy 125 FTY/kg. The inclusion of Lab-Phy in the NC diet significantly improved the P and Ca content in the tibia compared to the NC group. Moreover, the inclusion of Com-Phy alone and in combination with Lab-Phy in the NC diet significantly increased the P and Ca content in the tibia compared to the Lab-Phy. The mRNA expression of NaPi-IIb was upregulated in the duodenum by the reduction of nPP and downregulated by the inclusion of any phytase, whereas other nutrient transporters were not influenced by the reduction of nPP or the addition of phytase in the small intestine mucosa. Broilers receiving the NC diet obtained the lowest body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) at 8 to 14 and 1 to 14 d of age. The NC group showed the lowest villi height and surface area, Newcastle disease (ND) antibody titer, and digestibility of nutrients compared to the PC group at 14 d of age. Supplementing the NC diet with the Lab-Phy and Com-Phy individually, or in combination tended to improve BW, BWG, tibia characteristics, villi characteristics, ND, and retained CP and P, and apparent ileal digestibility of CP, P, methionine, and threonine. The present research indicated that the studied traits by the combination of phytases were slightly better than the average of the 2 individually, suggesting there might be some value in combining the laboratory and commercial phytases.

Consensus Delineation Guidelines for Pelvic Lymph Node Radiation Therapy of Prostate Cancer: On Behalf of the Francophone Group of Urological Radiation Therapy (GFRU)

Clinical target volume (CTV) delineation for pelvic lymph nodes in prostate cancer is currently based on 3 consensus guidelines with some inherent discrepancies. To improve the reproducibility in nodal delineation, the Francophone Group of Urological Radiotherapy (Groupe Francophone de Radiothérapie Urologique [GFRU]) worked toward proposing an easily applicable, reproducible, and practice-validated contouring guideline for pelvic nodal CTV. The nodal CTV data sets of a high-risk node-negative prostate cancer clinical case contoured by 86 radiation oncologists participating in a GFRU contouring workshop were analyzed. CTV volumes were defined before and after a structured presentation of literature data on lymphatic drainage pathways and patterns of nodal involvement and relapse, illustrated using a reference contour (CRef) defined by 3 GFRU experts. The consistency between the participants' contours and CRef was assessed quantitively by means of the Simultaneous Truth and Performance Level Estimation (STAPLE) method, the Dice coefficient, and the Hausdorff distance and qualitatively using a count map. These results combined with the literature review were thoroughly discussed among GFRU experts to reach a consensus. From the 86 workshop participants, the volume of the STAPLE CTV was 591 cc compared with 502 cc for CRef. The Dice coefficient of the STAPLE CTV compared with the experts' CRef was 0.736 (±0.084) before and 0.823 (±0.070) after the workshop; the standard deviation decreased from 11.5% to 8.5% over the workshop. The Hausdorff distance of the STAPLE CTV compared with the CRef was 34.5 mm (±12.4) before the workshop and 21.8 mm (±9.3) after the workshop. Four areas of significant interobserver variability were identified, and a consensus was reached. Using a robust methodology, our cooperative group proposed an easily applicable, reproducible, and practice-validated guideline for the delineation of the pelvic CTV in prostate cancer, useful for implementation in daily practice and clinical trials.