Blood Biochemical Variables Research Articles

Effect of Stocking Density on Selected Blood Physiological, Biochemical and Enzymatical Variables of Broilers Grown to 3 kg under Antibiotic-free Conditions

Background: Reducing stocking densities may play a key role in minimizing difficulties such as physiological welfare when reducing or ending antimicrobials in poultry diets. As the demand for poultry and associated products increases, one of the major concerns centers on the question of whether stocking density influences welfare responses that are characteristic of physiological welfare. This study investigated the effect of stocking density on selected blood physiological variables along with plasma biochemistry variables and enzymes activities of broilers fed antibiotic-free diets grown to 3 kg. Methods: A total of 888 1-d-old Ross ´ Ross 708 chicks were randomly distributed into 24 pens based on stocking density treatments assignment. The treatments consisted of 4 densities (29, 33, 39 and 42 kg/m2) with six replicates. Treatments were blocked within the room to account for any variations in room conditions. Treatment assignments were randomized within each block. Used litter bedding was obtained from commercial farms to mimic commercial conditions and litter microflora. Birds were provided a three phase-feeding program (Starter: 0-14 d, Grower: 15-28 d and Finisher: 29-42 d) antibiotic-free diets. Feed and water provided ad libitum. Blood samples were collected from the brachial wing vein of 3 males and 3 females’ birds per pen on d 28 and 42 and analyzed immediately for blood physiological variables. Blood plasma samples were analyzed for T3, T4, corticosterone, biochemical variables and enzyme activities. Result: The only effect of stocking density was observed on partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) and uric acid which were within physiological ranges for this species. However, blood glucose and plasma corticosterone concentrations were not affected by stocking density, suggesting no signs of physiological stress. Stocking densities up to 42 kg/m2 with proper environmental management may be suitable for both poultry integrators and contract growers to enhance broilers production efficiency without compromising the welfare of broilers grown to 3 kg body weight.

Comparative assessment of climate resilient potential in four poultry genotypes reared in hot-humid tropical environment: a preliminary evaluation.

The general objective of this study is to comparatively assess the climate-resilient potential of four different poultry genotypes-Giriraja (n = 8), Country chicken (n = 8), Naked neck (n = 8), and Kadaknath (n = 8)-reared in a hot-humid tropical environment. Birds from all genotypes had ad libitum access to feed and water and were exposed to identical environmental temperatures in the experimental shed. Diurnal meteorological data were recorded inside and outside the shed daily. Blood biochemical, hormonal, and endocrine variables were monitored monthly until the birds reached 12 weeks of age. Significant variations (P < 0.01) were observed at different intervals in variables, including total protein, albumin, globulin, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Genotype-specific differences were noted in triglycerides (P < 0.01), albumin (P < 0.01), total protein (P < 0.05), and cholesterol (P < 0.05). Inter-genotype variations (P < 0.05) were also observed in serum cortisol, T3, and T4 levels. Distinct variations (P < 0.05) were also observed during specific intervals, particularly in cortisol and T3 levels. The study of hepatic mRNA expression of HSPs and HSF-1 revealed a significant breed difference (P < 0.05) in the expression pattern of HSP60, HSP70, HSP90, and HSP110, while no difference was observed between genotypes for HSP40 and HSF-1. The study highlights the Naked Neck breed as an exemplar of resilience, showcasing its distinctive ability to maintain homeostasis under heat stress compared to other genotypes. The genetic and physiological insights gained from this investigation offer prospective pathways for aligning sustainable poultry farming with environmental exigencies.

Study of some physiological changes in patients with kidney failure in the city of Sirte

This study was conducted at Ibn Sina Teaching Hospital during the period from (27/1/2024) to (3/7/2024). This study aims to evaluate some physiological variables of renal failure patients undergoing hemodialysis. This study included following up 25 patients with chronic renal failure, and the different variables were compared with the same variables in 25 healthy people (not suffering from any disease). The blood variables were examined during this study, which included a study of the level of hemoglobin concentration, platelets, white and red blood cells, hematocrit, and biochemical variables in the blood serum such as triglycerides and cholesterol. The statistical results showed a significant decrease in all blood variables in renal failure patients compared to the healthy group, except for the number of platelets, which showed a very slight decrease. This decrease indicates the effect of renal failure on kidney function in producing red blood cells and regulating hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. This decrease is one of the main indicators of anemia, which is a common complication of renal failure. The results of biochemical tests showed a decrease in the average level of triglycerides and cholesterol. These results indicate a defect in the metabolism of fats due to renal failure, which increases the risk of heart disease. The current study concluded that there is a negative effect of patients with chronic renal failure in most of the physiological and biochemical variables studied compared to healthy people. Keywords: chronic renal failure, blood variables, physiological variables, biochemical variables.

Ingestive behavior, volatile fatty acids, blood biochemical and hormonal variables of dairy goats supplemented with glycerin

The objective of this research was to determine the ingestive behavior, volatile fatty acids, and blood biochemical and hormonal variables of goats consuming a diet with 15% glycerin. Feed efficiency (FE) and rumination (ER) of dry matter intake (DMI) and neutral detergent fiber (NDFI) of dairy goats supplemented with glycerin (0 and 15%) were not influenced by treatments (p &gt; 0.05). The specific activities of defecation, urination and drinking had a significant effect (p &lt; 0.05) in relation to the treatments with glycerin in the diet of dairy goats. The occasional activities (defecation, urinating and drinking water) decreased with the addition of 15% of glycerin in the goats’ diet. Lactic acid had a significant effect (p &lt; 0.001) with the addition of 15% glycerin. Diets for dairy goats with 15% glycerin did not change the consumption of dry material, neutral detergent fiber, nor did they change the ingestive behavior of these animals. The levels of globulin, protein, albumin/globulin, glucose, cholesterol, urea, triglycerides, cortisol, and T4 variables were significantly influenced (p &lt; 0.05) by the addition of glycerin in the diet.

Heat stress affects dairy cow health status through blood oxygen availability

BackgroundRises in global warming and extreme weather occurrence make the risk of heat stress (HS) induced by high ambient temperatures more likely in high-yielding dairy cows, resulting in low milk quality and yield. In animals, oxygen is involved in many physiological and metabolic processes, but the effects of HS on oxygen metabolism remain unclear. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate how oxygen metabolism plays a role in health status of dairy cows by measuring the milk yield, milk composition, and blood biochemical variables of cows under different levels of HS: none (No-HS), mild (Mild-HS), and moderate HS (Mod-HS).ResultsThe HS significantly increased rectal temperature (Ptreat < 0.01) and respiration rate (Ptreat < 0.01). Under Mod-HS, greater Na+ (P < 0.05) and lower total CO2, and pH (P < 0.05) were observed relative to those under No-HS and Mild-HS. Oxygen concentrations in both coccygeal artery and mammary vein (Ptreat < 0.01) were lower under Mod-HS than under No-HS. Coccygeal vein concentrations of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) (P < 0.05) increased during Mod-HS compared with those in cows under No-HS. Malondialdehyde increased during Mod-HS, and glutathione peroxidase (P < 0.01) increased during Mild-HS. Coccygeal vein concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (P < 0.01), heme oxygenase-1 (P < 0.01), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (P < 0.01) were greater in cows under Mod-HS than those under No-HS. Red blood cell count (P < 0.01) and hemoglobin concentration (P < 0.01) were lower in the coccygeal vein of dairy cows under Mild- and Mod-HS than those of cows under No-HS.ConclusionsExposure to HS negatively impacts the health status and lactation performance of dairy cows by limiting oxygen metabolism and transportation. However, the specific mechanism by which HS affects mammary function in cows remains unclear and requires further exploration.

Growth, Feed Utilization, Blood Biochemical Variables, Immunity, Histology of the Intestine, Gills and Liver Tissues, and Carcass Composition of the European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Raised Using Different Water Sources

Growth, Feed Utilization, Blood Biochemical Variables, Immunity, Histology of the Intestine, Gills and Liver Tissues, and Carcass Composition of the European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Raised Using Different Water Sources

Effects of a combination of herbal oils (rosemary, black cumin, and clove) on quail growth, antioxidant enzymes and health status

The purpose of this trial was to evaluate the potential of herbal oil combinations (rosemary, clove, and black cumin) in quail feeding as a natural growth enhancer. The effects of dietary gradual levels of this blend (RCBC) on growth indices, carcass attributes, and blood biochemical variables were compared to the control group (basal diets). For this, 300 1-week-old developing quails were employed. Birds were kept on the baseline diet with or free of herbal oils blend (RCBC) at three different amounts (0, 1.50, and 3.00 cm3/kg diet) from one to six weeks of age to suit their nutritional needs. There were no variations in live body weight or body weight gain over the entire period or at intervals. Compared to the control, birds fed RCBC-supplemented diets devoured more feed (P&lt;0.01). RCBC supplementation in the diet did not affect the feed conversion ratio. Except for heart %, all carcass features were statistically (P &lt;0.01) different after RCBC treatment when compared to the control. The amounts of total globulins, total protein, and albumin in quails given RCBC were higher than the control (P&lt;0.001). In quails, the hepatic levels of GSH and the activity of SOD, catalase, GR, GPx, and GST all increased (P&lt;0.001). MDA concentrations in hepatic homogenate were dramatically reduced by RCBC diets. Finally, RCBC supplementation at a dose of up to 3.0 cm3/ kg diet is recommended to enhance the growth and general health of quails during growth, which would have a favorable impact on the general health of quail meat consumers.

Efficacy and safety ofhigher oral doses ofazaperone toachieve sedation inpigs.

The aim ofthis study isto evaluate the possibility ofachieving more effective and prolonged sedation inpigs bythe oral administration ofincreased doses ofazaperone and toevaluate its safety. This was performed through a prospective randomised and double blinded study. A total of32weaned piglets were divided into 4groups (8in each group). GroupA was given 1ml ofsaline orally and served asthe control group. GroupB received azaperone orally ata dose of4mg/kg b.w. GroupC received azaperone orally ata dose of8mg/kg b.w. GroupD was given azaperone orally ata dose of12mg/kg b.w. The response tothe defined stimulus, movement level, degree ofsalivation, body temperature, respiratory frequency, blood plasma azaperone concentration and biochemical variables were included inthe trial. Wefound that byincreasing the dose ofthe orally administered azaperone, the onset ofthe sedation isfaster, the end ofthe sedation starts later and the sedation time islonger. However, the use ofhigher doses oforal azaperone isnot suitable for piglets because the doses negatively affect the respiratory rate, body temperature, some biochemical parameters and cause the immobility ofthe piglets.

Improving the accuracy of fatty liver index to reflect liver fat content with predictive regression modelling.

BackgroundThe fatty liver index (FLI) is frequently used as a non-invasive clinical marker for research, prognostic and diagnostic purposes. It is also used to stratify individuals with hepatic steatosis such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and to detect the presence of type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease. The FLI is calculated using a combination of anthropometric and blood biochemical variables; however, it reportedly excludes 8.5-16.7% of individuals with NAFLD. Moreover, the FLI cannot quantitatively predict liver fat, which might otherwise render an improved diagnosis and assessment of fatty liver, particularly in longitudinal studies. We propose FLI+ using predictive regression modelling, an improved index reflecting liver fat content that integrates 12 routinely-measured variables, including the original FLI.Methods and findingsWe evaluated FLI+ on a dataset from the UK Biobank containing 28,796 individual estimates of proton density fat fraction derived from magnetic resonance imaging across normal to severe levels and interpolated to align with the original FLI range. The results obtained for FLI+ outperform the original FLI by delivering a lower mean absolute error by approximately 47%, a lower standard deviation by approximately 20%, and an increased adjusted R2 statistic by approximately 49%, reflecting a more accurate representation of liver fat content.ConclusionsOur proposed model predicting FLI+ has the potential to improve diagnosis and provide a more accurate stratification than FLI between absent, mild, moderate and severe levels of hepatic steatosis.

Dietary Supplementation of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) With Panax ginseng Essential Oil: Positive Impact on Animal Health and Productive Performance, and Mitigating Effects on Atrazine- Induced Toxicity

The present study assessed the impact of Panax ginseng essential oil (GEO) supplementation on physiological parameters related to productive performance and health status in Nile tilapia reared under standard conditions and exposed to a sub-lethal atrazine (ATZ) concentration. Fish were allocated into 6 groups: the control group was reared in clean water and fed with a commercial basal diet (CNT), two groups were fed with the basal diet supplemented with two different levels of GEO (GEO1 and GEO2, respectively), one group was intoxicated with 1/5 of ATZ 96-h lethal concentration 50 (1.39 mg/L) (ATZ group), and the remaining two groups were fed with the GEO-supplemented diets and concurrently exposed to 1.39 mg ATZ/L (GEO1+ATZ and GEO2+ATZ, respectively). The experiment lasted for 60 days. GEO supplementation exerted a significantly positive influence on fish growth, feed utilization, and hepatic antioxidant defense systems at both levels of supplementation. ATZ exposure significantly reduced fish survival rates and impaired fish growth and feed utilization, with the lowest final weights, weight gain, total feed intake, and the highest feed conversion ratio being recorded in the ATZ-intoxicated group. ATZ exposure caused significant changes in intestinal digestive enzyme activity (decreased lipase activity), hematological indices (decreased hemoglobin, packed cell volume, erythrocytes, and leukocytes), blood biochemical variables (decreased total proteins, albumin, globulins, and immunoglobulin M; increased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and cortisol), and hepatic oxidative/antioxidant indices (decreased glutathione level, superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activity and mRNA expression levels, and increased malondialdehyde content). Moreover, in the hepatic tissue of ATZ-intoxicated Nile tilapia, histopathological alterations and upregulated mRNA expression levels of stress- and apoptosis-related genes (Hsp70, caspase 3, and p53) were observed. GEO supplementation in ATZ-treated groups significantly attenuated the aforementioned negative effects, though some parameters did not reach the CNT values. These findings provide further and partly new evidence that sub-lethal ATZ toxicity induces reduced survivability, growth retardation, impaired digestive function, anemia, immunosuppression, hepatic oxidative stress damage, and overall increased stress level in Nile tilapia, and suggest that GEO supplementation may be useful for mitigating this toxicity and provide more general support to the productive performance and health status of this fish species.

Blood biochemical variables, antioxidative status, and histological features of intestinal, gill, and liver tissues of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) exposed to high salinity and high-temperature stress

African catfish is a freshwater species with a high ability to resist brackish water conditions, but heat stress may impair the health status of fish. Thus, the impact of varying levels of water salinity (0, 4, 8, and 12 ppt) was investigated on the growth performance, survival rate, and blood biochemistry of African catfish (average weight: 180.58 ± 2.8 g and average length: 38 ± 1.2 cm) for 4 weeks; then, fish were stressed with high temperature (32 °C) for 72 h. The growth performance and survival rate were markedly higher in fish reared in 0, 4, and 8 ppt than fish in 12 ppt (p < 0.05). Before heat stress, the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were markedly increased in fish stressed with 12-ppt salinity (p < 0.05). After heat stress, all groups showed a marked increased SOD, CAT, GSH, and MDA levels than fish before heat stress in the same manner (p < 0.05). Furthermore, fish in the 12 ppt group showed severe intestinal, gill, and liver histological features. The levels of blood glucose and cortisol were markedly increased in fish exposed with 8 and 12 ppt than 0 ppt gradually either before or after heat stress (p < 0.05). The highest values of ALT, AST, urea, creatinine, and the lowest total protein, albumin, and globulin were observed in fish reared in 12 ppt. Significant salinity and heat stress interactions were seen on the ALT, AST, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, and globulin values (p < 0.05). The integrated multi-biomarker response (IBR) results showed marked differences among the groups and increased gradually before and after heat stress, with the highest IBR in 12 ppt. In conclusion, growing African catfish in high salinity (12 ppt) hampered the growth performance and health status while the heat stress improved the antioxidative status vis-a-vis increased lipid peroxidation along with higher stress-related markers in expressed both blood and tissue.

Heat Stress Responses in Small Ruminants under Arid and Semi-arid Regions of Western India: A Review

The main purpose of this review was to demonstrate the current state of the investigations on the responses of body weight, physiological and blood biochemical variables in the small ruminants (sheep and goats) reared in hot arid and semi-arid regions of western India. In recent years, scientific research has made it possible to measure how different breeds of sheep and goat respond to climatic influences and manage to be homoeothermic and adapt to various environmental conditions. The exposure of sheep and goats to heat stress leads to alterations in the physiological and biochemical profiles of blood and also affect the body weight, rectal temperature, respiratory rate, pulse rate, blood plasma properties, production, reproduction, milk quantity and its quality. There are some studies which prove that the central nervous system is susceptible to the deviations in body temperature and also that some cells are more agile in the cold than in heat. In summary, we mention that in different breeds, the rearing environment and its environmental variability can trigger the feed intake efficiency and utilization, body growth, physiological changes and biochemical changes in the blood which lead to heat increment in the body’s thermal balance.

The effects of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus and/or prebiotic mannan oligosaccharides on growth performance, nutrient utilization, blood metabolites, faecal bacteria, and economics of crossbred calves.

The ban on antibiotics as growth promoters paved the way for probiotics and prebiotics as growth promoters in animal production. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus and/or prebiotic Mannan oligosaccharides on growth performance, blood biochemical variables, and faecal bacterial count in crossbred calves. Fifteen-day-old crossbred calves (n=24) were divided into four groups, each consisting of six calves, and subjected to different experimental diets. The control group (T0) received a basal diet without any additives. The T1 and T2 groups received the basal diet and the probiotic (L. acidophilus, 2 × 1010 cfu/g) @ 1 g/calf per day and prebiotic (Mannan oligosaccharide) @ 4 g/calf per day, respectively. Calves of the T3 group were offered a basal diet and synbiotic (L. acidophilus, 0.5 g + Mannan oligosaccharide, 2 g/calf per day). The feed additives were mixed in milk. The results of 90 days feeding trial showed that calves of the T3 and T1 groups had higher (P<0.05) body weight (BW) gain and dry matter digestibility than the control. Feeding the probiotic showed a positive effect (P<0.05) on body length at the first, second, and third months, compared to the control. The blood serum total protein and globulin concentrations in the T1 group, on days 30 and 90, and T3 group, on day 90, were higher (P<0.05) than those of the control. All the treatment groups (T1, T2, and T3) showed a reduction (P<0.05) in faecal coliform and E. coli count, compared to the control, on the 15th and 30th days of the study. Additionally, the T2 group showed a significant coliform count reduction on days 45 and 60 of the study. The dietary addition of L. acidophilus, 2 × 1010 cfu/g @ 1 g/calf per day and the combination of L. acidophilus, 0.5 g + Mannan oligosaccharide, 2 g/calf per day improved growth performance, serum biochemical values, and favourable gut microbiota.

Arterial hypertension in women: Menopause as a risk window.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) exert a heavy toll on health of women, mainly due to hypertension said to cluster around the period of transition to menopause. This makes this period a good window to target for prevention and control. We therefore sought to determine if this period really heralds arterial hypertension and CVD in women in our environment. We secondarily analysed our population data on CVD risk factors in free living rural residents. The data considered were blood pressure, anthropometric and biochemical variables in women stratified based on menstruation status. There were 488 females, with 218 still menstruating. They were younger (p = .000), had lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures (p = .000), lower anthropometric indices attaining significance only with waist circumference (p = .001) and lower total cholesterol (p = .001). Controlling for age, statistically significant differences remained for systolic and diastolic blood pressures, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, and total cholesterol. The menopause transition comes with a worse CVD profile. Blood pressure rises and so are the anthropometric variables and some biochemical parameters that fuel CVD. This could be ascribed to age which is higher with those post-menopausal. Controlling for age in this cohort still showed that transiting from pre- to post-menopause still came with CVD burden. Clinicians should take the opportunity presented by menopause transition to screen for CVD risk factors and initiate either preventive or control measures to mitigate morbi-mortality consequences.

Effect of time-restricted feeding on body composition and cardio-metabolic risk in middle-aged women in Taiwan

Objectives: We sought to investigate the effects of time-restricted feeding (TRF) and a traditional weight-loss method on body composition and cardio-metabolic risk factors in middle-aged women.Methods: In a single-center, randomized, open-label, parallel-group design, women ages 40 to 65 y with body mass index ≥ 24 kg/m2 or waist circumference > 80 cm were recruited. They were guided to a daily low-calorie diet of 1400 kcal and randomly assigned into a TRF group (limit 8 h of eating time and fasting for 16 h) or a non-TRF group (traditional weight-loss method, unrestricted eating time) for 8 wk. Body composition, blood pressure, blood biochemical variables, and insulin resistance status were measured before and after intervention.Results: Body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and body fat mass decreased significantly in both groups after 8 wk of intervention (P < 0.05). Body weight decreased more in the TRF group than the non-TRF group (−4.1% ± 2.8% versus −2.4% ± 2.5%; P = 0.012), as did diastolic blood pressure (75.3 ± 11.2 mm Hg versus 70.5 ± 9.4 mm Hg; P = 0.012). There were no statistical differences between the two groups in total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, high- or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting insulin level. However, fasting glucose and insulin resistance status increased significantly for the TRF group after the intervention (respectively, 88.3 ± 7.6 mg/dL versus 92.6 ± 9.6 mg/dL, P = 0.003; 1.7 ± 0.7 versus 2.1 ± 1.0, P = 0.048).Conclusion: The weight loss and reduction in diastolic blood pressure using the TRF method were better than with the traditional weight-loss method. However, this method may increase fasting glucose levels and adverse insulin resistance status.

Effect of Apnea-Induced Hypoxia on Cardiovascular Adaptation and Circulating Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Elite Breath-Hold Divers.

Given the previous evidence that breath-hold diving is a cause of physiological stress, this study aimed to determine whether a combination static and dynamic apnea would affect total oxidant status, nitric oxide, heat shock proteins and cardiovascular parameters in elite freedivers. Thirteen finalists of the World and European championships in swimming pool breath-hold diving participated in the study. Whole-body plethysmography and electrocardiography was performed to determine the cardiorespiratory variables at baseline and during the simulation static apnea. An assessment of the heart rate, blood oxygen saturation and biochemical variables was performed before and in response to a combination of a static followed by a dynamic apnea. Static and dynamic breath-holding had a significant effect on oxidative stress, as evidenced by an increase in the total oxidant status/capacity (p < 0.001). The post apnea concentrations of heat shock proteins 27 (HSP27) were significantly elevated (p < 0.03, but total antioxidant status (TAS), HSP90, HSP70, and nitric oxide (NO) changes were not significant. levels under the influence of the static and dynamic breath-hold protocol. A significant positive correlation between HSPs and TAS (r = 0.63; p < 0.05) as well as NO levels was associated with beneficial cardiovascular adaptation. An increase in serum HSP27 levels mediated in nitric oxide levels could explain its important role in improving cardiovascular functions in elite freedivers. Further studies are necessary to explain the exact mechanisms of breath holds training of cardiovascular adaptation responsible for maintaining adequate oxygen supply in elite divers.

Machine-learning-based COVID-19 mortality prediction model and identification of patients at low and high risk of dying

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the SARS-Cov2 virus has become the greatest health and controversial issue for worldwide nations. It is associated with different clinical manifestations and a high mortality rate. Predicting mortality and identifying outcome predictors are crucial for COVID patients who are critically ill. Multivariate and machine learning methods may be used for developing prediction models and reduce the complexity of clinical phenotypes.MethodsMultivariate predictive analysis was applied to 108 out of 250 clinical features, comorbidities, and blood markers captured at the admission time from a hospitalized cohort of patients (N = 250) with COVID-19. Inspired modification of partial least square (SIMPLS)-based model was developed to predict hospital mortality. Prediction accuracy was randomly assigned to training and validation sets. Predictive partition analysis was performed to obtain cutting value for either continuous or categorical variables. Latent class analysis (LCA) was carried to cluster the patients with COVID-19 to identify low- and high-risk patients. Principal component analysis and LCA were used to find a subgroup of survivors that tends to die.ResultsSIMPLS-based model was able to predict hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19 with moderate predictive power (Q2 = 0.24) and high accuracy (AUC > 0.85) through separating non-survivors from survivors developed using training and validation sets. This model was obtained by the 18 clinical and comorbidities predictors and 3 blood biochemical markers. Coronary artery disease, diabetes, Altered Mental Status, age > 65, and dementia were the topmost differentiating mortality predictors. CRP, prothrombin, and lactate were the most differentiating biochemical markers in the mortality prediction model. Clustering analysis identified high- and low-risk patients among COVID-19 survivors.ConclusionsAn accurate COVID-19 mortality prediction model among hospitalized patients based on the clinical features and comorbidities may play a beneficial role in the clinical setting to better management of patients with COVID-19. The current study revealed the application of machine-learning-based approaches to predict hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19 and identification of most important predictors from clinical, comorbidities and blood biochemical variables as well as recognizing high- and low-risk COVID-19 survivors.

Circadian misalignment leads to changes in cortisol rhythms, blood biochemical variables and serum miRNA profiles

The circadian clock plays a critical role in synchronizing the inner molecular, metabolic and physiological processes to environmental cues that cycle with a period of 24 h. Non-24 h and shift schedules are commonly used in maritime operations, and both of which can disturb circadian rhythms. In this study, we first conducted an experiment in which the volunteers followed a 3-d rotary schedule with consecutive shift in sleep time (rotatory schedule), and analyzed the changes in salivary cortisol rhythms and blood variables. Next we conducted another experiment in which the volunteers followed an 8 h-on and 4-h off schedule (non-24-h schedule) to compare the changes in blood/serum variables. The rotatory schedule led to elevated levels of serum cortisol during the early stage, and the phase became delayed during the early and late stages. Interestingly, both of the schedules caused comprehensive changes in blood/serum biochemical variables and increased phosphate levels. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis of the plasma miRNAs from the volunteers following the rotatory schedule identified a subset of serum miRNAs targeting genes involved in circadian rhythms, sleep homeostasis, phosphate transport and multiple important physiological processes. Overexpression of miRNAs targeting the phosphate transport associated genes, SLC20A1 and SLC20A2, showed altered expression due to rotary schedule resulted in attenuated cellular levels of phosphate, which might account for the changed levels in serum phosphate. These findings would further our understanding of the deleterious effects of shift schedules and help to optimize and enhance the performances and welfare of personnel working on similar schedules.

Mean platelet volume as a diagnostic parameter of respiratory syncytial virus infection

Our aim was to investigate RSV related parameters by comparing clinical findings and physical examination with routinely ordered whole blood counts and biochemical variables in under two age children hospitalized for lower respiratory tract infections. The sample consisted of 193 children [RSV positive (n=85), RSV negative (n=108)] with lower respiratory tract infections from May 2010 to May 2013. Sociodemographic findings, chief complaints and physical examination findings were retrospectively evaluated. RSV positive and negative groups were compared using Chi-square test (% 95 Confidence Interval- %95 CI), Mann-Whitney U test (p:0,05). No significant differences were found in demographic variables and treatment decisions between two groups. In RSV positive group, higher hyponatremia (p ≤0.001) and AST values (p=0.003) were found. Decreased MPV were determined 71.8% in RSV positive group. RSV positive patients had decreased MPV values (OR:10.929, 95% CI). Higher hyponatremia and increased AST values were found to be associated with RSV infection; and decreased MPV was significantly related with RSV infection. This is the second study in literature within our knowledge that found decreased MPV values in RSV positive patients. The mechanism related with decreased MPV, hyponatremia, and increased AST values in RSV infection should be investigated further.

Optimal feed level during the transition period to achieve faster farrowing and high colostrum yield in sows.

This study aimed to determine the optimal supply of lactation feed during the transition period to minimize farrowing duration (FD) and maximize colostrum yield (CY) and quality with the overall aim of reducing piglet mortality. A total of 48 sows were stratified for body weight and assigned to six levels of feed supply (1.8, 2.4, 3.1, 3.7, 4.3, and 5.0 kg/d) from day 108 of gestation until 24 h after the onset of farrowing. The number of total born, live-born, and stillborn piglets; birth time and birth weight of each piglet; and frequency of farrowing assistance (FA) was recorded, and blood samples were obtained from newborn piglets at birth. Live-born piglets were further weighed at 12 and 24 h after birth to record weight gain, which in turn was used to estimate intake and yield of colostrum. Colostrum samples were collected at 0, 12, 24, and 36 h after the onset of farrowing. FD was shortest (4.2 h) at intermediate (3.7 kg/d), longest (7.1 to 7.6 h) at low (1.8 and 2.4 kg/d), and intermediate (5.6 to 5.7 h) at high (4.3 and 5.0 kg/d) feed intake (P = 0.004; mean comparison). FA was lowest (0.7% to 0.8%) at intermediate feed intake (3.7 and 4.3 kg/d) and substantially elevated (4.3% to 4.7%) at both lower and higher feed intake (P = 0.01; mean comparison). The cubic contrast revealed 4.1 kg/d as the optimal feed intake to achieve the shortest FD and to minimize FA. Newborn piglets from second-parity sows were less vital than piglets from gilts as evaluated by blood biochemical variables immediately after birth. CY was greatest at 3.1 kg/d (P = 0.04), whereas the cubic contrast revealed 3.0 kg/d as the optimal feed intake to maximize CY. Concentrations of colostral components were affected by the diet, parity, and their interaction except for lactose concentrations. In conclusion, the study demonstrated the importance of proper feed level during the transition period on sow productivity. Moreover, this study estimated 4.1 and 3.0 kg/d as the optimal feed intake during the transition period to improve farrowing characteristic and CY, respectively, and these two feed intake levels supplied daily 38.8 MJ metabolizable energy (ME) and 23.9 g standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine (3.0 kg/d) or 53.0 MJ ME and 32.7 g SID lysine (4.1 kg/d). The discrepancy of optimal feed intake for optimal farrowing and colostrum performance suggests that it may be advantageous to lower dietary lysine concentration in the diet fed prepartum.