Administration Of Supplements Research Articles

Neonatal Outcomes Associated With Personalized Text Messages for Diabetes Self-Management in Pregnancy [ID: 1373396

INTRODUCTION: The objective was to determine whether providing individualized text messages regarding diabetes management improved compliance with care and pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: Institutional review board committee approval was obtained for the study. Pregnant women with type 2 (T2) and gestational diabetes (GDM) were randomized into two groups. The “contact-control” group was enrolled in the Text4baby program, which provides nonpersonalized educational text messages throughout pregnancy. The intervention group (Text4diabetes) received individualized text messages regarding upcoming appointments, current insulin regimen, and encouragement to keep and submit glucose logs for review. The primary outcome is compliance (data not yet analyzed). This analysis assesses neonatal outcomes, including perinatal loss (>24 weeks), delivery gestational age (GA), arterial cord pH less than 7.1, 5-minute Apgar less than 7, large-for-gestational-age (LGA) status, need for glucose supplementation, intubation, and surfactant administration. RESULTS: One hundred forty-four women with T2 or GDM were randomized. Both groups had similar numbers of women with T2 diabetes (33% and 31%) and history of GDM in prior pregnancy (21% and 19%). The Text4diabetes group had fewer deliveries less than 35 weeks, fewer LGA infants, and fewer surfactant administrations. A composite of adverse neonatal outcomes, including LGA status, delivery less than 35 weeks GA, arterial cord pH less than 7.1, and need for surfactant administration, showed fewer adverse outcomes in the Text4diabetes group. No findings, however, reached statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Text messages aimed at improving compliance with diabetes care in pregnancy did not significantly affect neonatal outcomes. Correlation with compliance results is needed to see whether improved compliance improved neonatal outcomes.

Cuidados de enfermagem na prevenção de quebras de pele no idoso: revisão integrativa da literatura

Introduction Skin tears are considered injuries of traumatic etiology that can result from a variety of mechanical forces, such as shear or friction forces, blunt trauma, falls, improper handling, injury caused by equipment or removal of adherent dressings. These are acute wounds that have a high probability of becoming complex chronic wounds. They cause pain, increase healthcare costs, reduce quality of life and are a source of stress for the person. They lengthen hospital stay and increase the risk of morbidities. Skin Tears are a growing problem, making it crucial to invest in this topic in order to promote their prevention and proper treatment. Objective To identify nursing care and strategies to prevent skin tears in the elderly. Methods A bibliographic survey of publications was carried out in the EBSCOhost search engine, which incorporates the CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE Complete and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases and in the PubMed database, carried out in June 2022. 26 records were returned, five meeting the inclusion criteria. The included studies (n=5) were carried out between 2012 and 2022. Results In the sample of articles, it was possible to identify the benefits of twice-daily application of topical products, moisturizing creams and emollients, and the relevance of oral administration for 8 weeks of an oral nutritional supplement in the hydration of the stratum corneum and in the elasticity of the skin, as well as the importance of primary prevention and the promotion of health education in elderly skin care. Conclusion Preventive care to avoid skin tears in the elderly focuses on the daily topical application of moisturizing creams and emollients, nutrition (administration of oral nutritional supplements with 10g of collagen peptides) and adequate hydration; to prevent cutaneous traumas by providing a safe environment with adequate devices, and through the promotion of health education.

A prospective randomized controlled trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of patient blood management program in patients with gynecologic cancer (KGOG 4011/PBM)

BackgroundGynecologic cancer has a high frequency of anemia, which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Blood transfusion is used to correct anemia, but carries its own side effects and...

The effects of oral supplementation of Japanese sake yeast on anxiety, depressive-like symptoms, oxidative stress, and BDNF changes in chronically stressed adolescent rats

Chronic stress during the pre-pubertal period has adverse effects in developing neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. The administration of supplements with antioxidant properties may alleviate depression and anxiety behavior. This study investigated the effects of oral supplementation of Japanese sake yeast on anxiety, depressive-like symptoms, oxidative stress, and changes in brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) in adolescence rats subjected to chronic stress. In order to assess the effects of chronic stress, adolescent rats were grouped into one non-stressed control group (non-stress) and four different experimental groups. The other animals were subjected to stress and orally received normal saline (Control-stress), 15 mg/kg yeast (Stress-15), 30 mg/kg yeast (Stress-30) and 45 mg/kg yeast (Stress-45). Anxiety and depression-like behavior, BDNF levels, and oxidative stress markers were evaluated. The rats exposed to stress exhibited anxiogenic and depression-like behavior as well as lower levels of BDNF and higher levels of oxidative markers compared with non-stressed rats (P<0.05). However, the oral supplementation of sake yeast decreased anxiogenic and depression-like behavior and oxidative indices, and also increased BDNF levels compared to stressed rats treated with saline in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). In sum, stress caused anxiety and depression behavior, increased oxidative indices, and reduced BDNF levels while sake yeast alleviated adverse effects of stress on anxiety and depression behaviors, decreased oxidative markers, and increased BDNF levels.

ZnO-NPs alleviate aflatoxin B1-induced hepatoxicity in ducklings by promoting hepatic metallothionein expression

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin widely present in animal feed and human food, posing a serious threat to animal and human health. This study was aim to illustrate the mechanism of the protective role of MT against AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity, as well as to explore the feasibility of enhancing the tolerance of poultry to AFB1 by upregulating the expression of hepatic MT. After being exposed to AFB1 (50 ng/kg) primary duckling hepatocytes, the cell viability, the antioxidant index (SOD and GPx) and the mRNA levels of MT downstream genes (PTGR, p53, TrxR, AR and Bcl-2) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased, while the intracellular formation of (AFBO)-DNA adduct content, apoptosis, and MDA content significantly (p < 0.05) increased. Interestingly, overexpression of MT in primary duckling hepatocytes markedly (p < 0.05) reversed the detrimental impact of AFB1 and increased the expression of MT downstream genes. HepG2 cells were applied to study the mechanism how MT works to relieve the hepatic toxicity of AFB1. The ZnO-NPs (20 μg/mL) + AFB1 (20 μg/mL) group significantly (p < 0.05) increased the cell viability, the expression of NRF2, NQO1 and SOD, and expression of MT and MTF-1, as well as significantly (p < 0.05) decreased LDH, ROS and apoptotic rate, comparing with the AFB1 group. While joint treatment with AFB1 and ZnO-NPs, the hepatic toxicity exerted by AFB1 alone was reversed, along with the translocation of MTF-1 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and upregulated its expression. Duckling trails were further carried out. A total number of 96 1-day-old healthy Cherry Valley commercial ducklings were randomly allocated according to a 2 by 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with the main factors including oral administration of AFB1 (0 vs. 40 μg/kg) and dietary supplementation of ZnO-NPs (0 vs. 60 mg/kg) for 7 days. It showed that AFB1 exposure caused body weight loss (p < 0.05), impaired liver structure and failure in hepatic function (activity of ALT, AST and concentration of TP and GLU) (p < 0.05), and decreases in antioxidant capacity(activity of SOD, CAT and concentration of GSH) (p < 0.05), along with the decrease in hepatic concentration of Zn, increase in expression of apoptosis-related genes and protein CAS3 and mRNA Bcl-2 expression (p < 0.05), and suppressed mRNA levels of antioxidant-related genes MT, SOD1, NRF2, and NQO1 (p < 0.05). In accordance with the cell test, dietary supplementation with ZnO-NPs mitigated the toxicity exerted by AFB1. In conclusion, ZnO-NPs has the protective effects against AFB1-induced hepatocyte injury by activating the expression of MTF-1 and the ectopic induction of MT expression, providing detailed information on the detoxification ability of MT on AFB1.

Dietary Supplement, Containing the Dry Extract of Curcumin, Emblica and Cassia, Counteracts Intestinal Inflammation and Enteric Dysmotility Associated with Obesity.

Intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) impairment and enteric inflammation are involved in the onset of obesity and gut-related dysmotility. Dietary supplementation with natural plant extracts represents a useful strategy for the management of body weight gain and systemic inflammation associated with obesity. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of a food supplement containing the dry extract of Curcumin, Emblica and Cassia in counteracting enteric inflammation and motor abnormalities in a mouse model of obesity, induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Male C57BL/6 mice, fed with standard diet (SD) or HFD, were treated with a natural mixture (Curcumin, Emblica and Cassia). After 8 weeks, body weight, BMI, liver and spleen weight, along with metabolic parameters and colonic motor activity were evaluated. Additionally, plasma LBP, fecal calprotectin, colonic levels of MPO and IL-1β, as well as the expression of occludin, TLR-4, MYD88 and NF-κB were investigated. Plant-based food supplement administration (1) counteracted the increase in body weight, BMI and metabolic parameters, along with a reduction in spleen and liver weight; (2) showed strengthening effects on the IEB integrity; and (3) reduced enteric inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as ameliorated the colonic contractile dysfunctions. Natural mixture administration reduced intestinal inflammation and counteracted the intestinal motor dysfunction associated with obesity.

The Effect of Intravenous Essential Amino Acid Supplementation on Recovery of Kidney Function in Acute Kidney Injury Patients at Dr. Mohammad Hoesin General Hospital, Palembang, Indonesia

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a clinical condition characterized by a rapid decline in kidney function that causes homeostatic failure in regulating fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance within hours to days. Nutritional supplementation is effective in replacing lost protein and as an energy reserve. This study aimed to determine the effect of intravenous essential amino acid supplementation on the recovery of kidney function in acute kidney injury patients at Dr. Mohammad Hoesin General Hospital, Palembang, Indonesia.&#x0D; Methods: This study is an open clinical trial of experimental research. A total of 34 research subjects participated in this study, where the subjects were grouped into treatment (IV amino acid supplementation) and placebo groups. Data analysis was carried out using STATA in univariate and bivariate.&#x0D; Results: Administration of amino acid supplements can reduce creatinine by 1.36. Meanwhile, the placebo was unable to reduce creatinine levels and even caused an increase in creatinine by 0.26.&#x0D; Conclusion: Intravenous administration of essential amino acid supplements has an effect on the recovery of kidney function in acute kidney injury patients at Dr. Mohammad Hoesin General Hospital, Palembang, Indonesia.

EVALUATION THE EFFECT OF ORAL COLLAGEN-Α® SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE HEPATIC AND RENAL FUNCTIONS IN MATURE MALE RABBITS

Collagen is the main structural protein of connective tissues in animals. Comprising approximately 30% of all proteins in the body, it is present in fibrous tissues, such as tendons and ligaments, as well as in the cornea, cartilage, bones, skin, and blood vessels. This study was aims to evaluation the effect of oral administration of collagen-α® on the health status of functions of liver and kidneysin male rabbits. The animals were randomly (6 rabbits/group) divided into three groups which include: Group-A (standard group) was administered with 1 ml of distal water, Group-B (collagen-α15) was administered with 1 ml of collagen-α® and Group C (collagen –α30) was administered with 1ml of Collagen-α® for 30 days. The results showed various changes in parameters and histopathologythat related to the liver and kidneys functions in groups of collagen-α when compared with the control group. The risk of sub-acute and acute toxic effect was observed in mature male rabbit's oral administration with 1 ml collagen-α supplement for 30 days. This result suggests that the adverse effect of collagen derived supplements administration for long period.

Role Of Nutrition on Myopia Progression

This is a descriptive research based on a systematic review of previously published articles in order to examine the relationship between nutrition and the progression of myopia in children. The literature encompasses the published articles from 2015 to 2022 examined the exclusive role of various nutritional factors influencing myopia progression. The deficiencies and supplement administration are also taken into consideration while selecting the influencing variables during the progression of the disease. These include primarily Vitamin A, and D, Zinc deficiencies, administration of dietary supplements, and healthcare behavioral change studies in particular. The extensive literature review agrees with the findings of most of the research and clinical studies done previously as there are no significant, proven connection between nutrition and myopia progression.

Features of Supplemental Feeding Implementation and Physical Development of Infants

Background. Balanced feeding with timely supplemental feeding implementation ensures optimal rates of physical and psychomotor development. It is the most effective way for preventing chronic non-communicable diseases and programming health during human life.Objective. The aim of the study is to analyze the timing of the supplemental feeding administration in infants regarding their physical development.Methods. Online questionnaire was developed via Google Forms. Responses from mothers of 108 children aged from 5 months to 3 years were analyzed. Physical development was evaluated via the WHO Anthro program.Results. The timing of first supplemental feeding implementation corresponded to the Optimizing program on infants feeding in Russian Federation (2019) in 89.8% (n = 97) of cases, after 6 months — 6.5% (n = 7) of cases, and before 4 months — 3.7% (n = 4) of cases. The first supplemental feeding most commonly was vegetable puree (65.7%; n = 71), less often — porridge (18.5%; n = 20), or fruit puree (13.9%; n = 15). The meat puree was implemented after 8 months in 57.4% (n = 62) of cases. The mean of z-score for the body mass index to age ratio in children with late supplemental feeding implementation was − 1.1 ± 0.58. It has turned out to be significantly lower than in case of timely administration: 0.08 ± 0.11; p ≤ 0.05.Conclusion. Late supplemental feeding administration (especially foods with high biological value) resulted in nutritional status violation through body weight deficiency in children both on breastfeeding and formula feeding.

The effect of fish oil supplementation on fatigue perception following submaximal exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic

The pandemic of COVID-19 has created the "New Normal" lifestyle and limited people to performing their daily activities from home. These changes in turn affect the level of physical activities, including the intention to engage in regular exercise, in most people, subsequently putting them at risk of having negative effects due to being physically inactive. This condition may down regulate the human immune system, making it more vulnerable to various diseases. Oral supplementation of fish oil has been proposed to have benefits for decreasing pro-inflammatory markers induced by exercise. This study aimed to analyze the effect of fish oil supplementation on the degree of fatigue perception following submaximal exercise. Forty-four male college students participated in this non-equivalent pre-posttest experimental research. The participants were supplemented with 2 soft capsules of 1.5 grams of fish oil for 8 weeks. The effect of submaximal exercise was carried out by the sit-up and bleep tests, which were measured before and after 8 weeks of fish oil supplementation. The research procedure was approved by the ethics committee of the Makassar State University research institute. The results showed that there was a strong relationship between the administration of fish oil supplements and the level of fatigue perception following sit-ups and bleep tests (p values of -0.529 and -0.658, respectively) performed during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study concludes that the administration of fish oil supplementation affects the degree of fatigue perception after doing submaximal exercise, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The impact of feeding supplemental minerals to sheep on the return of micronutrients to pasture via urine and faeces

The form (organic versus inorganic) of minerals (Se, Zn, Cu and Mn), supplemented to sheep (Charolais × Suffolk-Mule (mean weight = 57 ± 2.9 kg) at two European industrial doses, on the return of micronutrients to pasture via nutrient partitioning and composition in sheep urine and faeces was investigated. This gave four treatments in total with 6 animals per treatment (n = 24). The form of the supplemented minerals did not influence the excretory partitioning of micronutrients (Se, Zn, Cu and Mn) between urine and faeces, nor on their concentrations in the excreta. The two doses trialed however, may influence the Se flux in the environment through altering the ratios of Se:P and Se:S ratios in the faeces and Se:S ratio in the urine. Administration of the mineral supplements also improved the retention of P in sheep reducing its excretion via urine. Although the concentrations of readily bioavailable micronutrients in the faeces were not affected by the mineral forms, there were differences in the more recalcitrant fractions of Se, Zn and Cu (as inferred via a sequential extraction) in faeces when different forms of supplemental minerals were offered. The potential impact of these differences on micronutrient flux in pasture requires further investigation.

Neural bases for the genesis and CO2 therapy of periodic Cheyne-Stokes breathing in neonatal male connexin-36 knockout mice.

Periodic Cheyne-Stokes breathing (CSB) oscillating between apnea and crescendo-decrescendo hyperpnea is the most common central apnea. Currently, there is no proven therapy for CSB, probably because the fundamental pathophysiological question of how the respiratory center generates this form of breathing instability is still unresolved. Therefore, we aimed to determine the respiratory motor pattern of CSB resulting from the interaction of inspiratory and expiratory oscillators and identify the neural mechanism responsible for breathing regularization induced by the supplemental CO2 administration. Analysis of the inspiratory and expiratory motor pattern in a transgenic mouse model lacking connexin-36 electrical synapses, the neonatal (P14) Cx36 knockout male mouse, with a persistent CSB, revealed that the reconfigurations recurrent between apnea and hyperpnea and vice versa result from cyclical turn on/off of active expiration driven by the expiratory oscillator, which acts as a master pacemaker of respiration and entrains the inspiratory oscillator to restore ventilation. The results also showed that the suppression of CSB by supplemental 12% CO2 in inhaled air is due to the stabilization of coupling between expiratory and inspiratory oscillators, which causes the regularization of respiration. CSB rebooted after washout of CO2 excess when the inspiratory activity depressed again profoundly, indicating that the disability of the inspiratory oscillator to sustain ventilation is the triggering factor of CSB. Under these circumstances, the expiratory oscillator activated by the cyclic increase of CO2 behaves as an "anti-apnea" center generating the crescendo-decrescendo hyperpnea and periodic breathing. The neurogenic mechanism of CSB identified highlights the plasticity of the two-oscillator system in the neural control of respiration and provides a rationale base for CO2 therapy.

Antioxidant Effect of a Dietary Supplement Containing Fermentative S-Acetyl-Glutathione and Silybin in Dogs with Liver Disease

Oxidative stress is often involved in liver disease progression. Liver is the primary site for the synthesis of glutathione (GSH), the major intracellular antioxidant. GSH erythrocyte concentration can decrease in case of liver damage. So, the use of food supplements with antioxidant capacity has been reported in the veterinary literature. In this case-control study, we tested a new supplement containing S-acetyl-glutathione (SAG), silybin, and other antioxidant ingredients in dogs affected by liver disease. After two weeks of supplement administration, we were able to report a significant increase in the level of erythrocyte GSH in the treated (TRT) group, nearly reaching the physiological limit at the end of the study. In addition, most of the key liver parameters are significantly reduced in the TRT group by the end of the trial. The results of this study support the effectiveness of the tested complementary feed, which may be helpful in managing dogs with liver conditions.

Ketone supplementation abolished isoflurane anesthesia-induced elevation in blood glucose level and increased recovery time from anesthesia in Wistar Albino Glaxo Rijswijk rats

BackgroundIt has been suggested that administration of exogenous ketone supplements (EKSs) not only increases blood ketone body levels but also decreases blood glucose level and modulates isoflurane-induced anesthesia in different rodents, such as Wistar Albino Glaxo Rijswijk (WAG/Rij) rats. Thus, we investigated whether administration of EKSs can modulate the isoflurane anesthesia-generated increase in blood glucose level and the time required to recover from isoflurane-induced anesthesia.MethodsTo investigate the effect of EKSs on isoflurane anesthesia-induced changes in blood glucose and R-β-hydroxybutyrate (R-βHB) level as well as recovery time from anesthesia, we used KEMCT (mix of ketone ester/KE and medium chain triglyceride/MCT oil in a 1:1 ratio) in WAG/Rij rats. First, to accustom the animals to the method, water gavage was carried out for 5 days (adaptation period). After adaptation period, rats of first group (group 1) were gavaged by water (3 g/kg), whereas, in the case of second group (group 2), the diet of animals was supplemented by KEMCT (3 g/kg, gavage) once per day for 7 days. One hour after the last gavage, isoflurane (3%) anesthesia was induced for 20 min (group 1 and group 2) and the time required for recovery from anesthesia was measured by using righting reflex. Subsequently, blood levels of both R-βHB and glucose were also evaluated. Changes in blood glucose and R-βHB levels were compared to control, which control glucose and R-βHB levels were measured on the last day of the adaptation period (group 1 and group 2). Time required for recovery from isoflurane anesthesia, which was detected after 7th KEMCT gavage (group 2), was compared to recovery time measured after 7th water gavage (group 1).ResultsThe KEMCT maintained the normal glucose level under isoflurane anesthesia-evoked circumstances preventing the glucose level elevating effect of isoflurane. Thus, we demonstrated that administration of KEMCT not only increased blood level of R-βHB but also abolished the isoflurane anesthesia-generated increase in blood glucose level. Moreover, the time required for recovery from isoflurane-evoked anesthesia increased significantly in KEMCT treated animals.ConclusionsPutative influence of elevated blood ketone body level on isoflurane-evoked effects, such as modulation of blood glucose level and recovery time from anesthesia, should be considered by anesthesiologists.

The analysis of oral nutritional supplements related aspects among patients with digestive system cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Malnutrition-related disease particularly occur in patients with digestive system cancer. The administration of oral nutritional supplements (ONSs) is one of the methods of nutritional support recommended for oncological patients. The primary aim of this study was to assess the consumption-related aspects of ONSs among patients with digestive system cancer. The secondary aim was to assess the impact of ONSs consumption on the quality of life of these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The current study included 69 patients with digestive system cancer. The assessment of ONSs-related aspects among cancer patients was conducted using a self-designed questionnaire, which has been accepted by Independent Bioethics Committee. RESULTS: Among all patients, 65% of participants declared that they consumed ONSs. Patients consumed various types of ONSs. However, the most common were protein products (40%) and standard products (37.78%). Only 4.44% of patients consumed products with immunomodulatory ingredients. Nausea was the most commonly (15.56%) observed side effect after ONSs consumption. Considering particular types of ONSs, side effects were the most commonly declared by patients who consumed standard products (p=0.157). The easy product availability in the pharmacy was noted by 80% of participants. However, 48.89% of patients assessed the cost of ONSs as not acceptable (48.89%). 46.67% of studied patients did not observe the improvement of quality of life after ONSs consumption. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated that patients with digestive system cancer consumed various period, amount, and types of ONSs. Side effects after ONSs consumption occur rarely. However, the improvement of quality of life related to ONSs consumption was not noted in almost half of participants. ONSs are easily available in pharmacy.

Research on the Influence of MUVON PLUS Treatment Upon the Biomechanical Behavior of the Human Osteoarthritic Knee.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of MUVON PLUS, a dietary supplement containing hydrolized collagen, chondroitin sulfate, and vitamin C, on the biomechanical behavior of the knee joint in patients with second-degree osteoarthritis (OA). The study included 15 participants who underwent biomechanical testing before and after 3 and 6 months of supplement administration. Biometrics and SimiMotion software were used to process and analyze the data. Results showed significant improvements in biomechanical parameters such as joint range of motion, joint torque, and joint stiffness for all patients during the treatment. Improvements were observed across various tests, including horizontal walking, stairs climbing and descending, sitting/standing up from a chair, and knee squats. This improvement in biomechanical performance was also reflected in the patients' reported quality of life. For the stairs climbing test, the maximum flexion-extension angle increased by approximately 7% after 3 months and 12% after 6 months. In the stairs descending test, the maximum flexion-extension angle increased by approximately 8% after 3 months and 19% after 6 months. These results highlight an improvement in mobility for the study participants. Significant improvements of the biomechanical parameters of the knee joint were found in all patients during the treatment with the MUVON PLUS in all tests, which indicates the clear clinical benefit, revealed by improving the quality of life reported by patients. Overall, the study demonstrated the effectiveness of MUVON PLUS in enhancing the biomechanical behavior of the knee joint in patients with OA, providing valuable insights for future research and treatment.

Dietary Corn Silk (Stigma maydis) Extract Supplementation Modulate Production Performance, Immune Response and Redox Balance in Corticosterone-Induced Oxidative Stress Broilers.

Immunosuppression is a serious consequence of oxidative stress exposure that negatively affects the productivity and profitability of birds, as well as their well-being. Thus, the present investigation was designed to evaluate the potential of corn silk extract (CSE) supplementation to overcome the negative impacts of oxidative stress induced by corticosterone administration (CORT) in broiler chickens. A total of 280 one day old Cobb 500 male chicks were divided into four groups in 2 × 2 factorial arrangements. The experimental groups included CSE supplementation (0 or 500 mg/kg diet, from 20 to 35 days of age) and CORT administration (0 or 25 mg/kg diet, from 22 to 35 days of age) as independent factors. At the end of week five of age, production performance parameters were measured. The humoral and cell-mediated immune response parameters, redox status, and stress markers were determined. Data revealed deleterious effects of CORT administration on the broilers' body weight, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. Moreover, an exponential increase in stress marker levels, in addition to immunosuppression and redox imbalance, were associated with CORT administration. However, CSE supplementation, with its high total phenols content, partially alleviated the negative impacts of CORT administration, as shown by a significant improvement in immune response parameters and antioxidant activity, as well as a reduction in stress marker levels. Furthermore, CSE supplementation to non-stressed birds even significantly improved total antioxidant activity, total white blood cells (TWBCs) count, T-lymphocyte stimulating index, and wattle thickness. It can be concluded that, under stress conditions in commercial broiler farms, dietary CSE supplementation can strongly be recommended to modulate the negative impacts of stress. Therefore, CSE can be used as an effective immunomodulator and antioxidant agent to increase commercial broiler farm productivity and profitability.

Arterial blood gas tensions during recovery in horses anesthetized with apneustic anesthesia ventilation compared with conventional mechanical ventilation

ObjectiveTo compare PaO2 and PaCO2 in horses recovering from general anesthesia maintained with either apneustic anesthesia ventilation (AAV) or conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV). Study designRandomized, crossover design. AnimalsA total of 10 healthy adult horses from a university-owned herd. MethodsDorsally recumbent horses were anesthetized with isoflurane in oxygen [inspired oxygen fraction = 0.3 initially, with subsequent titration to maintain PaO2 ≥ 85 mmHg (11.3 kPa)] and ventilated with AAV or CMV according to predefined criteria [10 mL kg–1 tidal volume, PaCO2 40–45 mmHg (5.3–6.0 kPa) during CMV and < 60 mmHg (8.0 kPa) during AAV]. Horses were weaned from ventilation using a predefined protocol and transferred to a stall for unassisted recovery. Arterial blood samples were collected and analyzed at predefined time points. Tracheal oxygen insufflation at 15 L minute–1 was provided if PaO2 < 60 mmHg (8.0 kPa) on any analysis. Time to oxygen insufflation, first movement, sternal recumbency and standing were recorded. Data were analyzed using repeated measures anova, paired t tests and Fisher’s exact test with significance defined as p < 0.05. ResultsData from 10 horses were analyzed. Between modes, PaO2 was significantly higher immediately after weaning from ventilation and lower at sternal recumbency for AAV than for CMV. No PaCO2 differences were noted between ventilation modes. All horses ventilated with CMV required supplemental oxygen, whereas three horses ventilated with AAV did not. Time to first movement was shorter with AAV. Time to oxygen insufflation was not different between ventilation modes. ConclusionsAlthough horses ventilated with AAV entered the recovery period with higher PaO2, this advantage was not sustained during recovery. Whereas fewer horses required supplemental oxygen after AAV, the use of AAV does not preclude the need for routine supplemental oxygen administration in horses recovering from general anesthesia.

A smart paper-based electrochemical sensor for reliable detection of iron ions in serum.

The fast-growing healthcare demand for user-friendly and affordable analytical tools is driving the efforts to develop reliable platforms for the customization of therapy based on individual health conditions. In this overall scenario, we developed a paper-based electrochemical sensor for the quantification of iron ions in serum as a cost-effective sensing tool for the correct supplement administration. In detail, the working electrode of the screen-printed device has been modified with a nanocomposite constituted of carbon black and gold nanoparticles with a drop-casting procedure. Square wave voltammetry has been adopted as an electrochemical technique. This sensor was further modified with Nafion for iron quantification in serum after sample treatment with trifluoroacetic acid. Under optimized conditions, iron ions have been detected with a LOD down to 0.05mg/L and a linearity up to 10mg/L in standard solution. The obtained results have been compared with reference methods namely commercial colorimetric assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy, obtaining a good correlation within the experimental errors. These results demonstrated the suitability of the developed paper-based sensor for future applications in precision medicine of iron-deficiency diseases.