Sishen pill alleviates DSS induced colitis through AGE/RAGE/NLRP3 pathway based on transcriptomics analysis.

Er-Chen decoction alleviates spermatogenic dysfunction in obese mice by tuning the SIRT1/p53 axis.

Nutritional strategies aimed at augmenting growth performance remain a central focus in poultry science. The liver, as a pivotal metabolic organ, exerts profound influence on skeletal muscle development. Nevertheless, the mechanistic interplay between hepatic metabolism and myogenesis has not been fully delineated. Here, by integrating multi-omics analyses with functional validation, we identified xanthosine, a metabolic derivative of hepatic caffeine catabolism, as a previously unrecognized regulator of broiler muscle growth. We further elucidated its mechanistic role in promoting myoblast proliferation. Comparative phenotypic assessment of high- and low-body-weight broilers revealed substantial differences in breast muscle mass. Metagenomic profiling of cecal microbiota demonstrated only a limited association between microbial composition and body weight. In contrast, untargeted plasma metabolomics uncovered a systemic upregulation of amino acid metabolism in high-body-weight broilers, concomitant with a pronounced activation of caffeine metabolism. Consistently, hepatic transcriptomic profiling revealed marked induction of cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily A member 2 (CYP1A2), encoding a key enzyme catalyzing caffeine catabolism. Integrated KEGG pathway enrichment across metabolomic and transcriptomic datasets highlighted caffeine metabolism as a significantly perturbed pathway. Among its downstream metabolites, plasma xanthosine was robustly elevated in high-body-weight broilers. Functional validation via in ovo injection demonstrated that xanthosine administration significantly augmented post-hatch growth performance by increasing skeletal muscle mass. Mechanistic investigations further established that xanthosine drives myoblast proliferation through activation of the ERK/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling cascade. Together, these findings delineate a liver-muscle metabolic axis in which hepatic CYP1A2-driven caffeine metabolism elevates circulating xanthosine, which in turn acts as a pivotal molecular effector of myogenic growth. This study uncovers a previously unappreciated metabolic mechanism by which hepatic activity orchestrates skeletal muscle development. It also highlights targeted modulation of xanthosine metabolism as a promising strategy to enhance broiler growth performance and production efficiency.

Static spirometry parameters may offer practical alternatives to estimate maximum oxygen consumption (V̇O2max) in athletic populations. This study evaluated forced vital capacity (FVC) as a predictor of V̇O2max across different sports, developing prediction equations for field-based assessment. Four hundred twenty-two athletes (324 males, 98 females; age 22.9 ± 8.5years) from cycling (n = 123), swimming (n = 68), triathlon (n = 60), multisport (n = 83), and other sports (n = 88) performed spirometry and maximal incremental testing. V̇O2max was directly measured using breath-by-breath gas analysis. LASSO regression identified predictors, with Bland-Altman analysis assessing agreement. FVC and gender emerged as significant predictors (R2 = 0.690, P < 0.001). The equation V̇O2max (L·min-1) = (FVC × 0.61) + (Gender × 0.86) yielded SEE = 0.65 L·min-1. Including additional variables (Maximum voluntary ventilation, body weight, age) marginally improved prediction (R2 = 0.712) but reduced practical utility. Coefficient of variation between measured and predicted values was 12.1%. Sport-specific analysis revealed highest predictive accuracy in swimmers (R2 = 0.893). FVC provides reasonable population-level V̇O2max estimates in athletes, though individual predictions require caution given substantial unexplained variance (31%). Sport-specific equations, particularly for swimming populations, enhance predictive accuracy. These findings offer practical screening tools for coaches lacking access to metabolic testing equipment, though direct measurement remains the gold standard for individual assessment.

How do Italian adolescents see themselves? Body weight congruence and its determinants in the 2021/2022 HBSC study.

Background: Diabetes mellitus-induced hyperglycemia triggers oxidative stress, characterized by elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) and impaired catalase (CAT) activity. Stevia rebaudiana, rich in steviol glycosides and polyphenols, demonstrates promising antioxidant properties, yet systematic dose-response data on oxidative stress biomarkers remain limited. Objectives: To evaluate the dose-dependent effects of stevia leaf extract on serum MDA levels and CAT activity in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats. Methods: Twenty-five male Wistar rats were allocated into normal control, diabetic control (alloxan 120 mg/kg), and three treatment groups receiving alloxan plus stevia extract at 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg body weight orally for 14 days (n=5/group). Serum MDA and CAT were measured spectrophotometrically. Results: Diabetic control showed significantly elevated MDA (2.68±0.62 mg/dL) versus normal control (1.78±0.30 mg/dL). Stevia extract dose-dependently reduced MDA: 1.70±0.19, 1.54±0.20, and 1.38±0.09 mg/dL at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively, representing 36.6%, 42.5%, and 48.5% reduction. The 400 mg/kg dose achieved MDA levels comparable to normal control. CAT activity showed dose-dependent restoration trend (7.92±0.76 to 8.58±0.52 mg/dL). Conclusion: Stevia leaf extract (400 mg/kg BW) effectively reduces oxidative stress in hyperglycemic rats through significant dose-dependent MDA reduction, with potential catalase benefits requiring further investigation.

Zinc deficiency is prevalent in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and has significant clinical implications. Previous systematic reviews have only evaluated the impact of zinc supplementation on a limited range of biochemical outcomes in people receiving hemodialysis. In this analysis we sought to evaluate the impact of zinc supplementation on all outcomes in adults with CKD, including kidney replacement therapies. We conducted a systematic search across Cochrane, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify randomized controlled trials assessing any outcomes in adults with CKD. Three authors independently assessed trial eligibility, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. We identified 41 studies, with 23 included in meta-analyses. In total, 176 outcomes were reported, of which 11 were meta-analyzed. Zinc supplementation resulted in a significant increase in body weight (weighted mean difference [WMD], 2.52 kg; 95% CI, 1.58-3.45; P < .00001), serum zinc (WMD, 24.96 µg/dL; 95% CI, 20.43-29.50; P < .00001), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; WMD, 8.05 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.22-15.88; P = .04), albumin (WMD, 0.38 g/dL; 95% CI, 0.07-0.69; P = .02), and dietary energy intake (WMD, 271.80 kcal; 95% CI, 172.70-370.90; P < .00001). No significant difference was observed in body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, and dietary protein and zinc intakes. Qualitative synthesis suggests that zinc supplementation may improve gastrointestinal symptoms, intensity of pruritus, quality of life, and quality of sleep. In patients with CKD, znc supplementation is associated with increases in body weight, serum zinc, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), albumin, and dietary energy intake. The current body of evidence is of low quality, highlighting the need for further high-quality research to substantiate these findings and for the translation of findings into clinical practice. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42024574253.

Introduction: Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most common pelvic floor disorders after childbirth and depends on hormonal changes, anatomical damage that occurs after childbirth, muscle and connective tissue weakness, fascia and nerves. UI is distinguished into three subtypes, including stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urgent urinary incontinence (UUI) and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). Aim: The purpose of this review is to collect and summarize the results of studies related to the risk factors of urinary incontinence, to disseminate this information to scientists so that this major issue can be prevented, identified and managed. Methodology: This review followed the methodology of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and PECO eligibility criteria were used. We included studies published up to 2025 and not before 2019. The review was limited to studies published within the last six years in order to reflect contemporary diagnostic criteria, assessment tools and current postpartum care practices related to urinary incontinence. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus for studies concerning the relationship between risk factors and postpartum UI. Results: A total of 1321 citations were identified. Following our exclusion criteria, 36 papers were selected to identify the risk factors for UI. All the research focused on the associated factors of any type of urinary incontinence. Vaginal and instrumental delivery, obesity, maternal age and the neonate’s birth weight were the main risk factors. The multiparity and incontinence symptoms before and during pregnancy were also strong risk factors. Heterogeneity across studies in assessment tools, in outcome measures and timing of postpartum assessment are some of the limitations of the study. Restriction to English-language publications and the absence of protocol registration were some of the additional limitations of the study. Conclusions: This problem affects the inclusion of women in society, the family, limits social activities and even their ability to work. Detection of the type of urinary incontinence by healthcare professionals, lifestyle modifications, monitoring women’s body weight and encouraging them to follow a program of pelvic floor muscle exercises should be a priority for professionals. The strategy of developing prognostic models in the coming years will be the only way to ensure the early identification and follow-up of women at high risk for urinary disorders.

Prepartum obesity predisposes dairy cows to a higher risk of postpartum metabolic disorder. Volatile fatty acids (VFA) produced through ruminal microbial fermentation of feed substrates serve as a key form of energy for dairy cows. However, the precise mechanisms through which the rumen microbiota promote adipocyte lipid accumulation in obese dairy cows remain to be elucidated. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which rumen microbiota regulates prepartum obesity in dairy cows. Plasma glucose, insulin, triglyceride, and free fatty acids were greater in obese dairy cows. In the adipose tissue, the triglyceride content and expression of genes involved in lipid synthesis were higher in obese dairy cows. In the liver, the expression of genes involved in gluconeogenesis and lipid synthesis was higher in obese dairy cows. The ruminal total VFA, acetate, and propionate were higher in obese dairy cows compared to normal cows. The 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed that rumen bacteria, including Tidjanibacter inops_A, Rikenella massiliensis, Papillibacter cinnamivorans, and Parabacteroides merdae, were enriched in the rumen of obese dairy cows. Enrichment of these bacteria promoted carbohydrate degradation and VFA production. The metabolome analysis showed that obese dairy cows had elevated citric acid level in the rumen, which was positively associated with body condition score, body weight, adipocyte diameter, ruminal VFA concentration, and the abundance of VFA-producing bacteria. Our results suggest that rumen bacterial flora in prepartum obese dairy cows supply more VFA to the host, which may induce lipid deposition in adipocytes. Video Abstract.

The Mediterranean and a low carbohydrate diet are two popular dietary approaches recommended for cardiovascular and metabolic health, respectively. This trial will compare the combined effect of these diets to either approach alone for the treatment of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Males and females (n=222), 30-75 years, with at least three MetS risk factors will be randomised to one of 3 diets: i) Traditional Mediterranean (∼55% of energy carbohydrate [CHO]:15% Protein [Pro]: 30% Fat), ii) Lower Carbohydrate (∼35%CHO:20%Pro:45%Fat), or iii) Lower Carbohydrate Mediterranean (∼35%CHO:20%Pro:45%Fat) diet for 12-weeks. The primary outcome measure is the MetS Severity Z Score (MetS-Z), a composite score of risk factors, sex and ethnicity. MetS-Z will be calculated pre and post intervention using fasted blood samples for plasma triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol and glucose, systolic blood pressure, body weight and waist circumference measures. The findings from this trial will offer new insights into the most effective dietary strategy for managing diabetes and reducing cardiovascular risk in individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Canine obesity is a significant health concern in spite of current feeding trends claiming healthier diets. Among these trends, raw meat-based diets (RMBD) have gained in popularity. Scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited, and nutritional imbalances are of concern in RMBD-fed dogs. This study aimed to assess the impact of RMBD-feeding on body condition in dogs in comparison to feeding a commercial complete diet (CD). A total of 104 healthy dogs were included, of which 51 dogs (age median: 4.1years, interquartile range [IQR]: 3.2-5.9years; body weight (BW) median: 24.8kg, IQR: 16.3-31.9kg) were fed an RMBD and 53 dogs (age median: 4.8years, IQR: 3.3-5.8years; BW median: 25.4kg, IQR: 18.9-27.7kg) received a CD, both for at least 12months prior to enrollment. Enrolled dogs underwent two clinical evaluations 3-5months apart. During these evaluations, blood, urine, and fecal samples were collected, and the patient and diet history was obtained. RMBD-fed dogs had lower body condition scores (BCS; median: 5, IQR: 4-5) compared to CD-fed dogs (median: 6, IQR: 5-7, P < 0.001). Energy intake was lower with RMBD rations (median coverage of the daily recommended metabolizable energy [ME]: 89%) compared to CD rations (median coverage of the daily recommended ME: 102%, P = 0.015). Coverage of the daily energy intake was inversely correlated with BCS. In RMBD rations, the calcium (Ca): phosphorus (P) ratio (median: 1.0), failed to meet the recommended ratio of 1.4 and was lower than with CD rations (median: 1.4, P < 0.001); estimated intakes of Ca (P < 0.001), P (P < 0.001), sodium (P < 0.001) and magnesium (P = 0.004) were lower than in CD rations but close to the recommendations. Estimated intakes of Ca, P, and sodium in CD rations were at least twice the recommended amounts. Blood serum analysis revealed lower serum iodine (P = 0.001), copper (P = 0.005), zinc (P < 0.001), and manganese (P = 0.035) concentrations in RMBD-fed dogs than in CD-fed dogs. While RMBD-feeding might offer the advantage of a leaner body condition, concerns about nutritional imbalances warrant further investigation, even though RMBD-fed dogs do not show clinical signs of nutrient deficiencies.

Introduction &amp; Purpose: “Motor slowing” is described as a decline in movement speed when repetitive tasks are executed over an extended period of time and has been suggested to be influenced more by supraspinal opposed to neuromuscular mechanisms. A slowing of such tasks, such as repeated finger tapping, has been linked to an in parallel constriction of the pupil, indicating a relationship between locus coeruleus activity (segment of the brain that influences arousal) and motor slowing. Whether this relationship exists during more intense gross-motor repetitive tasks, such as cycling sprints, remains unknown. Indeed, it has been speculated that a decline in maximal cycling sprint performance is more influenceed by central rather than peripheral factors. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the relationship between changes in cycling cadence (motor slowing) with pupil size, as well as measures of peripheral muscle fatigue. Methods: Eight healthy participants (27±5 yrs, 5F) completed three 60-s cycling sprints on separate visits using an anaerobic test ergometer (Monark 894E) with one performed at a standard Wingate test break weight of 7.5% body weight, and the others at 2.0-3.5% and 9.5% representing a low, and high intensity, respectively (order of all sprints randomized). Within the first 10 s, participants were requested to reach their maximal cycling cadence (ramp-up phase). Then, the break weight was applied and participants were instructed to pedal at the fastest possible cadence for the entirety of the 60-s sprint. Pupil size was recorded during the entire 70 s with eye-tracking glasses (Pupil Core). Lighting was carefully controlled, and experimenters remained silent to avoid any external influence on participants. Peripheral quadricep fatigue was quantified by evaluating the drop in quadriceps muscle force after exercise compared to before. Quadriceps force was assessed in response to single magnetic femoral nerve stimulations (Qtw), as well as to 10Hz (Q10) and 100Hz (Q100) 0.5-s trains. Results: Cycling cadence significantly dropped during all sprints (all p£0.004). Pupils dilated during the 10-s ramp-up with no subsequent change during sprints (p=0.452), resulting in no significant correlation between the rate-of-change of cadence and pupil size (all intensities p³0.405). Quadriceps force significantly declined after exercise at low (Qtw=-32±13%, Q10=-25±12%, Q100=-13±9%), standard (Qtw=-33±18%, Q10=-27±13%, Q100=-15±6%) and high (Qtw=-31±17%, Q10=-18±9%) exercise intensities (all p£0.033), excluding Q100 during the heavy intensity (-11±10%, p=0.115). During the standard exercise intensity, rate-of-change in cadence was significantly related to Qtw decline (r=0.87, p=0.012) and Q10 decline (r=0.87, p=0.024). Discussion and Conclusion: This preliminary analysis shows a closer relationship between motor slowing during cycling sprints with peripheral quadricep fatigue than with changes in pupil size, which is contradictory to observations with smaller motor tasks. Likely both peripheral and central factors affect decrements in cadence during all-out exercise bouts. To which extent contribution of these aspects are related to the individuals’ training status and specific sporting background, needs further investigation.

Abstract The third body is expected to shape the formation and evolution of close binary systems. In this work, we develop a method to detect and characterize the tertiary companion around eclipsing binaries through the combined analysis of eclipse timing variation, Hipparcos, and/or Gaia astrometry. This method allows us to determine both the true mass and the inclination of the tertiary body that inferred from light-travel time effect. For the massive B-type binary V Pup, we do not confirm the previously reported 5.47 yr signal; instead, we identify a longer period of 14 yr. The orbital semimajor axis and mass of the outer body are revised to a C = 17.88 − 0.15 + 0.15 au and M C = 7.73 − 0.14 + 0.14 M ⊙ , confirming it as a promising stellar-mass black-hole candidate for further follow-up study. For the tertiary of the contact binary CY Ari, we obtain P C = 5.40 6 − 0.016 + 0.017 yr, e C = 0.52 6 − 0.027 + 0.032 , I C = 85.6 − 6.5 + 7.8 °, and a true mass of M C = 0.64 0 − 0.029 + 0.029 M ⊙ , supporting the white dwarf hypothesis proposed in previous study. The orbits of both systems are nearly edge-on ( I = 90°), implying that they may form in a coplanar environment. We highlight the advantages of our method for detecting dark companions in binary and triple systems.

This paper presents the first scientific experiment on the combative function of Taiji. The force generated in a bow stance comes from many factors, two of which are structural force and explosive force. Three scales were used for measurement: the front scale measured the weight borne by the front foot, the rear scale measured the weight borne by the rear foot, and the wall scale measured the horizontal force generated by the bow stance. The experiment consisted of two parts: the structural force and the explosive force of the bow stance. Structural force experiments demonstrate that the bow stance is typically a force-disadvantage lever: the entire body acts as the lever, gravity is the driving force, the structural horizontal force is the resistance, the balance degree is the driving arm, and the connecting hand height is the resistance arm. Therefore, heavier individuals can generate greater structural force. Although gravity is the driving force, the structural horizontal force originates from the friction between the soles of the feet and the ground, continuously transmitted through the entire body to the connecting hand, where the force is applied to the opponent. The wall scale acts as the opponent, objectively measuring the horizontal force. Structural force experiments have proven that the bow stance is suitable for generating pushing force, and the lower the bow stance, the greater the horizontal structural force generated. However, the horizontal structural force generated has an upper limit. This upper limit can be calculated using the simple formula presented in this paper. For more complex situations, the formulas and software described in "Calculating Taiji and Martial Arts" can be used. Explosive force experiments have shown that explosive force is related to the practitioner's skill level. Greater explosive energy, shorter explosion time, and greater body weight result in greater explosive force upon impact. The relationship between explosive force and stance is not significant; in other words, there is not much difference in explosive force whether the stance is a bow stance or a horse stance. The formulas and software in "Calculating Taiji and Martial Arts" can be used to calculate explosive force.

Aim of study: To examine growth patterns in three local quail lines using various flexible growth functions and to identify the most suitable non-linear model for describing their growth performance. Area of study: The research was conducted and validated at Salahaddin University-Erbil’s Quail Research Hall, Grdarasha Station, Department of Animal production and health, and College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences. Material and methods: A total of 540 quail chicks from three local lines (Desert, Brown, and White) were studied to evaluate growth patterns using four non-linear models (Gompertz-Laird, Logistic, Richards, and Von Bertalanffy). Model comparisons were based on coefficient of determination (R²), adjusted coefficient of determination (R²adj), akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC), and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) to determine the best fit. Growth parameters, including asymptotic weight (β0), maturity index (β0), inflection point weight (IPW), and inflection point time (IPT), were estimated. Main results: Both genetic line and sex significantly influenced growth parameters, with Desert quails showing superior growth performance and higher body weights than Brown and White lines. The Gompertz model provided the best fit, based on higher R² and R²adj values and lower AIC and BIC values. Desert quails had the highest asymptotic weights (β0), while White quails exhibited the highest maturity index (β0), suggesting faster growth rates, and Desert quails had higher IPW and IPT values, with females maturing later than males. Research highlights: The findings give beneficial insights for improving quail breeding programs that can enhance their growth efficiency and meat yield.

KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma remains without effective targeted therapies for most patients, particularly those with non-G12C alleles or resistance to KRASG12C inhibitors. RAF1 is essential for KRAS-driven tumor maintenance through kinase-independent survival functions, making it an attractive candidate for targeted protein degradation. However, the therapeutic impact and safety of co-targeting RAF1 with related kinases remain unclear. We used dual-recombinase genetically engineered mouse models of Kras+/G12V;Trp53-/- lung cancer to evaluate the effects of Raf1 ablation alone or in combination with Araf, Egfr, or Ddr1. Lung tumors were initiated by intranasal Ad5-CMV-FLPo delivery and allowed to reach CT-detectable size before inducing systemic gene deletion via tamoxifen-activated CreERT2. Tumor burden was monitored by longitudinal CT imaging and classified using RECIST-like criteria. Toxicity was assessed by body weight monitoring, histopathology of major organs, and survival analysis. Raf1 deletion induced robust tumor regression within two months, in more than 60% of lesions. Araf ablation alone or combined with Raf1 did not affect tumor initiation, progression, or regression rates. Similarly, neither genetic nor pharmacological EGFR inhibition (afatinib) improved responses to Raf1 ablation. Ddr1 co-deletion also failed to enhance therapeutic efficacy and slightly reduced response rates. None of the dual-targeting strategies increased systemic toxicity. RAF1 is a key, non-redundant vulnerability in KRAS-driven lung adenocarcinoma. Co-targeting ARAF, EGFR, or DDR1 provides no additional therapeutic benefit in established disease. The absence of adverse effects from ARAF co-deletion suggests that RAF1 degraders with partial cross-activity towards ARAF are likely to be safe. These findings provide a strong preclinical rationale for developing RAF1-targeted degradation as a monotherapy for these malignancies.

Starvation elicits profound metabolic adaptations in skeletal muscle, enabling survival during nutrient scarcity. While global proteomic changes underpinning muscle atrophy have been studied, the role of lysine β-hydroxybutyrylation (Kbhb), a novel metabolite-derived post-translational modification linked to ketone metabolism, remains largely unexplored. In this study, we subjected mice to 72 h of food deprivation and performed integrative quantitative proteomics and Kbhb-modified peptide profiling on gastrocnemius muscle. Starvation induced significant body weight and muscle mass loss, accompanied by increased systemic β-hydroxybutyrate levels and widespread Kbhb modification of muscle proteins. Proteomic analysis revealed extensive downregulation of ribosomal and translation-associated proteins, coupled with upregulation of autophagy and lipid catabolism pathways, highlighting a coordinated shift from anabolic processes to catabolic and oxidative metabolism. Deep Kbhb profiling identified over 7500 modified lysine sites across 2000 proteins, with starvation triggering a global increase in Kbhb on key metabolic enzymes involved in glycolysis, TCA cycle, fatty acid β-oxidation, and amino acid metabolism. Notably, starvation-enhanced Kbhb preferentially targeted evolutionarily conserved lysines proximal to catalytic or cofactor-binding domains, implicating a regulatory role in enzymatic activity modulation. Conversely, Kbhb on structural and contractile proteins was downregulated, suggesting functional reprioritization of muscle physiology during fasting. Our findings uncover lysine β-hydroxybutyrylation as a dynamic, metabolically responsive PTM mediating gastrocnemius muscle adaptation to energy deficiency, expanding the paradigm of potentially metabolite-driven epigenetic and non-epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in muscle metabolism.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of enzyme-bacteria co-fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) on the growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, meat quality, and lipid metabolism of finishing pigs. A total of twenty-eight Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire finishing pigs (4 months of age; initial body weight: 60.92 ± 1.08 kg) were randomly allotted to one of four dietary treatments for a 45-day feeding trial, consisting of corn-soybean meal diet (CSD) and three experimental diets in which 50, 75 and 100% of soybean meal in the corn-soybean diet was replaced with FRSM. Results showed that replacing soybean meal with FRSM had no negative effects on the growth performance of finishing pigs, maintaining average daily gain and feed efficiency (p &gt; 0.05). Compared with the CSD group, the FRSM group exhibited lower serum cholesterol (p &lt; 0.05). The serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, and urea content levels were lower in the FRSM75 or FRSM100 groups than in the CSD group (p &lt; 0.05). Compared to the CSD, FRSM feeding increased the pH24h and triglyceride content but significantly decreased the drip loss, shear force and chewiness in longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle (p &lt; 0.05). Importantly, compared with the CSD, FRSM feeding significantly lowered the muscle SFA/UFA ratio, increased the PUFA/SFA ratio, and elevated threonine and valine levels (p &lt; 0.05). The FRSM100 group exhibited further increases in umami amino acids (AAs), total essential AAs, and total AAs (p &lt; 0.05). Morphological analysis indicated that, compared to CSD, the FRSM100 group had a significantly reduced muscle fiber perimeter in the LTL muscle (p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, FRSM feeding up-regulated the expression levels of MyHC I and MyHC IIa and the lipogenic genes FASN, SREBP1, and SCD (p &lt; 0.05). These results indicated that compared with rapeseed meal, FRSM exhibited a positive effect on improving the meat quality and lipid metabolism in finishing pigs and can be used as a suitable alternative protein source for soybean meal in finishing pig diets.

The RUBIACEAE family is a promising source in herbal medicine. Many of them are widely used to treat various diseases in folk medicine. This research aims to promote biodiversity in Madagascar and innovate traditional malagasy medicine. The leafy twigs of Gaertnera phanerophlebia Baker (RUBIACEAE), a species endemic to the Great Island, have been used to treat pain, fever and wounds. Until now, few studies on its pharmacological and toxicological effects have been published thus so far. So, this study aims to verify the safety of the plant extract and determine the possible side effects by comparing its acute toxicity via three different administration routes in mice. In vivo results demonstrated that the leafy twigs crude extract (ST380RF) is non-toxic and non-irritating to the skin according to the Draize index. No mortality or sever effetcs were observed with oral administration up to the maximum dose of 5,000 mg/kg of body weight. Anatomopathological studies of vital organs revealed no adverse effects. However, intraperitoneal injection of the crude extract resulted in the death of some animals, yielding an LD50 of 225,007 mg/kg of b.w, which is considered moderatly toxic according to the Hodge et Sterner classification. Additionally, macroscopic and microscopic analysis of vital organs revealed moderate changes in the spleen and kidneys. These results suggested that the oral and dermal administration of the leafy twigs of this plant appeared harmless and safe for medication. Anyway, since no data are available on the effects of repeated exposure, dermal application seems reasonable for drug development based on the crude extract.

Type-2-diabetes-mellitus (T2DM), often linked to obesity, raises risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications. International guidelines recommend triple-therapy to reach haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) targets when dual therapy fails to adequately control blood glucose levels. Sitagliptin, enhances glycaemic control by prolonging incretin action, boosting insulin secretion, and lowering glucagon levels. When combined with glimepiride and metformin this triple-therapy targets multiple mechanisms. This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of this combination for improved T2DM management in Indian patients. This real-world, multicentre, observational chart review evaluated the efficacy and safety of a triple fixed-dose combination therapy in 1235 adult patients with T2DM across 194 clinical sites in India. Data were retrospectively extracted from patient records over a 12-week period. Descriptive and analytical statistics was applied for the study endpoints using SPSS ver. 29.0.1.0(171) and Microsoft Excel 2019. The study population had a mean age of 56.89 ± 10.29 years, with 64.70% reporting a family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Smoking was identified as a prominent risk factor, affecting 38.65% of participants. Significant improvements were observed in glycemic parameters over 12 weeks: HbA1c levels decreased from 8.20 ± 0.60% to 7.08 ± 0.77% (p < 0.0001), fasting blood glucose (FBG) from 188.54 ± 47.59 mg/dL to 146.01 ± 41.53 mg/dL (p < 0.0001), and 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) from 234.74 ± 50.40 mg/dL to 179.40 ± 42.51 mg/dL (p < 0.0001). Additionally, body weight significantly reduced from 75.99 ± 8.67 kg to 74.76 ± 9.07 kg (p < 0.0001). No significant safety concerns identified during the treatment period. The triple-combination therapy (sitagliptin, glimepiride, and metformin) demonstrated superior efficacy in achieving glycemic control, as evidenced by significant reductions in HbA1c, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and postprandial plasma glucose (PPG). Furthermore, the therapy facilitated meaningful weight reduction, highlighting its clinical utility as a comprehensive therapeutic option for managing glycemic parameters in both T2DM with overweight and normal-weight patients.