Capacity Levels Research Articles

Defective biological activities of high-density lipoprotein identify patients at highest risk of recurrent cardiovascular event.

Low cholesterol efflux capacity and elevated levels of Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) are both associated with residual cardiovascular risk in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) and may be used as new biomarkers to identify patients at higher cardiovascular risk. We evaluated potential synergetic effect of cholesterol efflux capacity and IL-1ß on recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at one-year in 2012 patients with acute ST- segment elevation MI who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention. In addition, we evaluated the contribution to residual risk of HDL biological functions from 20 patients of the two extreme subgroups, focusing on cholesterol efflux capacity and anti-inflammatory properties. Patients with MACE during the first year after the MI had significantly lower serum cholesterol efflux capacity as compared to those without recurrent events and higher level of IL-1ß, both associations were confirmed after multivariate analysis. We found an inverse relationship between CEC and circulating levels of the inflammatory markers IL-1ß, defining a very high risk (Low CEC/High IL-1ß) and a low risk (High CEC/Low IL-1ß) group of patients. Patients combining Low CEC/High IL-1ß exhibited the highest risk of recurrent MACE at one year showing an additive prognostic value of these biomarkers, regardless of all the other clinical or biological factors. In this very high-risk subgroup, patients exhibited reduced HDL-efflux capacity and defective ABCA1 and SR-BI with enhanced pro-inflammatory activity as a potential explanation for our clinical findings. Impaired cholesterol efflux capacity and elevated IL-1β synergistically increase the residual cardiovascular risk in MI patients, which could be explained by reduced HDL-efflux capacity and enhanced HDL pro-inflammatory activity.

An Online Training Program Was Effective on Improving Physical Performance and Body Composition in U20 Soccer Players During the COVID-19 Quarantine

Abstract It is recommended for athletes keep training to reduce the negative effects of detraining. This study aimed to verify the effects of a 15-week online training intervention during a pandemic quarantine in body composition and physical capacity of highly trained soccer players. Sixteen male under-20 soccer players were assessed after the first period of COVID-19 quarantine (March 2020 to September 2020; 170 days), and after the second period of COVID-19 quarantine (November 2020 to February 2021, 107 days). Body composition, vertical jump height, hamstring maximum strength and aerobic capacity were assessed. The online training program was performed during the second lockdown. In comparison with first pre assessments, results showed that fat mass (−0.95 ± 1.27), free fat mass (1.22 ± 1.19), squat jump height (5.36 ± 1.99) and counter movement jump (3.19 ± 3.77) were significantly improved (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant changes in total body mass, hamstring eccentric strength, and Yo-Yo IR1 after online training (P > 0.05). In summary, the findings of this study highlight the importance of carrying out a training program during a period of absence from traditional soccer training, in order to maintain the level of physical capacities of youth soccer players.

Design and Test of a Traction Side-Pull Square Straw Bale Pick-Up-and-Stack Truck

To address the issues of limited one-time loading capacity, single functionality, and low automation level in existing square straw bale pickers, a large automated square straw bale pick-up-and-stack truck that integrates picking, stacking, transporting, and bundling functions has been developed, combining the technical advantages of one-time field removal and storage of bales. We innovatively designed a side-pulling traction mechanism that can realize the rapid transition between the transporting state and working state of the machine; a picking device that can complete the continuous action of forking, lifting, turning positioning, and de-forking; and a bundling device that can realize the adjustment of the attitude of square straw bales. Response surface tests were conducted on the prototype to determine the key structural and operational parameters, using the bundle completion rate and regular bale rate as evaluation indicators. Regression and significance tests were performed on the machine’s forward speed, chassis frame offset, and the ground clearance of the fork tine to determine the influence and priority of these factors on the evaluation indicators. Through multi-objective function optimization of the regression model, the optimal parameter combination was found to be a machine forward speed of 15.5 km/h, a chassis frame offset of 2126 mm, and a fork tine ground clearance of 225 mm, resulting in a bundle completion rate of 98.85% and a regular bale rate of 96.96%. Subsequent field tests with the optimized parameters showed that at a machine forward speed of 15.5 km/h, a chassis frame offset of 2126 mm, and a fork tine ground clearance of 225 mm, the bundle completion rate was 98.37% and the regular bale rate was 95.83%, meeting the relevant design requirements. This study can provide a reference for the design and development of straw collection and storage machinery.

The Impact of Combined Cranberry Supplementation and Weight Loss Diet on Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Apoptosis Biomarkers in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent chronic liver disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of combined weight loss diet and cranberry supplementation on anthropometric measurements, inflammation and antioxidant biomarkers in patients with NAFLD. Methods: In this randomized, double-blinded, and controlled clinical trial, 41 NAFLD patients were supplemented with either cranberry or placebo tablets for 12 weeks. Both groups followed a diet of 500-1000 calories less than the estimated energy requirements. Serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), cytokeratin 18 M30 (CK-18 M30), chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were measured at both baseline and the end of the study. Results: Significant improvements in TAC were observed in the cranberry group and between the two groups (P=0.006 and P=0.011, respectively), but the changes in the placebo group were not significant (P=0.325). There were no statistically significant differences in the serum levels of MDA, CK-18 M30, CCL2 and TNF-α between the cranberry and the placebo groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: It seems that daily consumption of cranberry supplement would be beneficial in increasing serum levels of TAC. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of cranberry on NAFLD.

Comparing quality parameters of apheresis and pooled platelet concentrates

Introduction. Harvesting of pooled platelet concentrates (PC) significantly expands the volume of transfusion support and could be used to create strategic platelet reserve.The aim of work. To compare the quality of pooled and apheresis platelet concentrates.Materials and methods. We studied platelet fractions (PF), isolated from the whole blood of cadre donors with Reveos system, platelet concentrates, obtained by pooling PF (Pooled PC), and platelet concentrates harvested by automatic apheresis. In all cases 2 days passed from the moment of blood donation to the platelet examination. In PC samples we studied cellular composition, morphofunctional parameters of platelets, pH and electrochemical parameters, hypotonic shock response.Results. The morphofunctional platelet rate in PF was significantly reduced, comparing to the normal levels. At the same time, the morphofunctional parameters of platelets did not significantly differ in PF and pooled PC. The pH values, the total content of platelets and leukocytes in the pooled PC corresponded to the requirements of The rules for procurement, storage, transportation and clinical use of donated blood and its components (2019). The total platelet count, the level of annexin-positive platelets, did not significantly differ in apheresis PC and pooled PC, hypotonic shock response was correct in apheresis PC and pooled PC. On the other hand, the level of platelets with granules in pooled PC was 1,8 times lower than in apheresis PC, other morphofunctional parameters of platelets in pooled PC were also reduced. Pooled PC were characterized by more positive level of open circuit potential and lower antioxidant capacity compared with apheresis PC on the same storage time.Conclusions. Platelet pooling with Reveos system is acceptable for obtaining PC doses that comply with Technical Regulations. Nevertheless, methods of pooled PC harvesting need further optimization.

Spirulina Unleashed: A Pancreatic Symphony to Restore Glycemic Balance and Improve Hyperlipidemia and Antioxidant Properties by Transcriptional Modulation of Genes in a Rat Model

Hyperlipidemia is the root cause of numerous chronic conditions, leading to high mortality rates around the globe. Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) microalgae serve as a promising reservoir of bioactive compounds with diverse pharmacological properties. The current study examined the nutritional profile of spirulina powder in relation to strict glycemic control, specifically focusing on its potential to lower lipid levels. In an in vivo investigation, normal healthy male Wistar albino rats (n = 60) were divided into two groups: a negative control group (NC) of ten rats and a high-fat diet group (n = 50) that were fed a cholesterol-rich diet until their cholesterol levels reached or exceeded 250 mg/dL. Subsequently, the hypercholesterolemic rats were then randomly allocated to several treatment groups: a positive control (PC); a standard treatment diet (STD) involving fenofibrate at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight; and three experimental groups (T1, T2, and T3) that received spirulina powder supplementation at doses of 300, 600, and 900 mg per kg body weight, respectively, for the period of 12 weeks. Blood samples were analyzed for oxidative stress biomarkers, insulin levels, lipid profiles, liver function, and expression of gene levels in the diabetogenic pathway. The study utilized spectrophotometric colorimetric methods to identify oxidative stress biomarkers, serum kit methods to measure lipid profiles and liver enzymes, and the assessment of qPCR for mRNA quantity. According to the research findings, spirulina powder has certain noteworthy features. It had the greatest quantity of chlorogenic acid (4052.90 µg/g) among seven phenolics and two flavonoid compounds obtained by HPLC-UV analysis. Furthermore, the proximate analysis demonstrated that spirulina is high in protein (16.45 ± 0.8%) and has a significant energy yield of 269.51 K-calories per 100 g. A maximal spirulina dose of 900 mg/kg/wt significantly lowered oxidative stress, cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and insulin levels (p ≤ 0.05). In contrast, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) compared to all other groups, except the NC group. The study provides remarkable proof about the pharmacological impact of spirulina powders. Significant reductions (p ≤ 0.05) in liver enzymes {alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)} were observed across all treatment groups, with the exception of the NC, compared to the positive control. The treatment groups had significantly greater gene expression levels of INS-1, PDX-1, IGF-1, and GLUT-2 than the positive control group (p ≤ 0.05). These findings highlight spirulina’s potential as a long-term regulator of hyperglycemia in rat models with induced hyperlipidemia, owing to its phenolic bioactive components that serve as antioxidants.

Beyond symbolism: The roles of action planning and case-making in immigrant integration policymaking

Abstract How do city-level policymakers build support for substantive action in policy domains characterized by low levels of national salience and limited local capacity, and which evidentiary resources support as well as reflect these uses? Despite much attention to policymakers’ engagement with evidence, existing work tends to focus on domains where the issues at stake attract high levels of input and influence from central governments. This limits empirical and theoretical understanding of how local efforts to implement potentially contentious policies arise, and through which means. In response, we examine how municipal actors in 12 cities and regions across the UK have devised and communicated policies on immigrant integration—an area that lacks national policy inputs yet is locally consequential—through the mechanism of “action planning.” Drawing on 6 years’ worth of documentary evidence generated through a university-initiated collaboration with these municipalities, we show how action plans gather attention for objectives and propagate examples of practice to other cities—what we call “case-making.” This serves as a micro-foundation for the action planning mechanism, which links symbolic statements about immigrant integration with substantive intended actions.

Effect of electronic fibrobronchoscope alveolar lavage combined with local administration of budesonide on the efficacy of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children

This study investigates the effect of electronic fibrobronchoscope alveolar lavage combined with local administration of budesonide on the efficacy of treating Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) in children. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 100 children with MPP treated at our hospital from April 2022 to April 2024. The patients were divided into an experimental group (50 cases) and a control group (50 cases) based to the treatment method. Both groups received routine treatment, however, the control group was treated with electronic fibrobronchoscope alveolar lavage alone, while the experimental group received electronic fibrobronchoscope alveolar lavage combined with local administration of budesonide. The efficacy of the two treatments was compared. The experimental group showed a significantly higher overall effective rate than the control group (p<0.05). After treatment, the time for cough relief, lung rales resolution, fever reduction, and hospital stay were significantly shorter in the experimental group compared to the control group (p<0.05). One week after treatment, the levels of tidal volume, vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). Post-treatment levels of WBC and CRP were lower in the experimental group than in the control group (p<0.05). Additionally, the incidence of complications in the experimental group was lower than in the control group (p<0.05). Electronic fibrobronchoscope alveolar lavage combined with local administration of budesonide improves the efficacy of treatment for children with MPP, enhances clinical indicators, reduces inflammation levels, and has high safety, making it worthy of clinical promotion.

Exploring the supply-demand match and drivers of blue-green spaces cooling in Wuhan Metropolis

This study explores the spatial evolution and driving factors of cooling supply and demand matching in blue-green spaces (BGSs) to alleviate urban heat island effects. Using Wuhan Metropolis as a case study, the cooling supply index (CSI) and cooling demand index (CDI) were utilized to assess the BGSs' cooling supply capacity and demand levels in 2014, 2018 and 2022. The relationship between them was then examined applying spatial gradient analysis and constraint effect analysis. Subsequently, the coupled coordination degree (CCD) of cooling supply-demand and its built environment-driven explanatory power was investigated. Ultimately, areas with supply-demand mismatches were identified, and tailored cooling strategies were devised to rectify these discrepancies. The results indicated that: (1) Wuhan Metropolis experienced a decline in BGSs' cooling supply capacity and an increase in cooling demand level between 2014 and 2022. (2) There is a significant correlation between the cooling supply capacity and demand level of BGSs in Wuhan Metropolis, with a spatial gradient effect and a constraint effect (CSI values = 0–0.2). (3) The CCD of cooling supply-demand in Wuhan Metropolis decreased from 2014 to 2022, with building density being the dominant built environment factors (q-value = 0.83–0.86). (4) The number of mismatched cooling supply-demand units significantly increased in Wuhan Metropolis from 2014 to 2022, indicating an imperative need to alleviate urban high temperatures. To address this issue, the study proposes a mismatch mechanism-based regulatory strategy aimed at mitigating the heat from residential, transportation, and industrial areas.

Pelatihan Pembuatan Pupuk Hayati di Desa Gondel, Kecamatan Kedungtuban, Kabupaten Blora, Jawa Tengah

The rice productivity in Gondel Village, Kedungtuban District, Blora Regency, Central Java, has declined. Factors such as attacks by plant pests and diseases (OPT), climate change (DPI) impact, and decreasing soil quality are the leading causes of crop failure. This training aims to enhance the understanding and skills of Gondel Village farmers in making biofertilizers and introducing environmentally friendly pest and disease control methods. The activity involved 40 farmers from 8 farmer groups (Gemah Ripah, Margo Mulyo, Ngudi Makmur, Sido Dadi, Sido Makmur, Tambah Makmur, Tambah Rizki, and Sri Mulyo), with each group represented by five farmers. The training methods included analysis of soil chemicals, socialization, practical propagation of Trichoderma sp. on rice media, and biofertilizer production. Pre-test and post-tests were conducted to assess the improvement in farmers' knowledge. Trichoderma biofertilizer was formulated using carriers such as a) Manure and b) Compost, zeolite, and humic acid. The results of the soil chemical properties analysis showed that farmers' use of chemical fertilizers was very intensive, resulting in very high levels of phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) and high levels of potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and cation exchange capacity (KTK). Evaluation results indicated that the training significantly improved the farmers' knowledge of biofertilizer production in theory and practice. However, some farmers still need further guidance on the propagation of the biological agent Trichoderma sp.

Identifying the gene responsible for non-photochemical quenching reversal in Phaeodactylum tricornutum.

Algae such as diatoms and haptophytes have distinct photosynthetic pigments from plants, including a novel set of carotenoids. This includes a primary xanthophyll cycle comprised of diadinoxanthin and its de-epoxidation product diatoxanthin that enables the switch between light harvesting and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ)-mediated dissipation of light energy. The enzyme responsible for the reversal of this cycle was previously unknown. Here, we identified zeaxanthin epoxidase 3 (ZEP3) from Phaeodactylum tricornutum as the candidate diatoxanthin epoxidase. Knocking out the ZEP3gene caused a loss of rapidly reversible NPQ following saturating light exposure. This correlated with the maintenance of high concentrations of diatoxanthin during recovery in low light. Xanthophyll cycling and NPQ relaxation were restored via complementation of the wild-type ZEP3 gene. The zep3 knockout strains showed reduced photosynthetic rates at higher light fluxes and reduced specific growth rate in variable light regimes, likely due to the mutant strains becoming locked in a light energy dissipation state. We were able to toggle the level of NPQ capacity in a time and dose dependent manner by placing the ZEP3 gene under the control of a β-estradiol inducible promoter. Identification of this gene provides a deeper understanding of the diversification of photosynthetic control in algae compared to plants and suggests a potential target to improve the productivity of industrial-scale cultures.

Learning English is benefit to the students easily to get job after end of their study from University in Timor-Leste and foreign countries

This article is describing the result of Learning English has it benefit to the finalist students easily to get job after end of their study from University in Timor-Leste and foreign countries. The purpose of this writing to know and identify the result of the University students after they end of their academic study at the University in Timor-Leste and international organization companies in the foreign countries. The method of this research is qualitative and quantitative or mixed method approach to describe, count the result of the students’ capacity in enhancing the English language skills in the classroom. The characteristics of the students are measured with the evaluation and assessment test to identify highest capacity, medium, low, and lowest level of the skills. Some students are identified as: (i) talk too much, ask questions and has low capacity (ii) the students who has own behavior in stay calm and not talk much shows he or she is a good capacity (iii). The students who do not talk much he or she has normal capacity; (iv) the students who has own characteristic speak in high levels and good skills and knowledge present. This means that every personality of the students are not the same in getting the study activity in teaching and learning processes. The teachers as an educator must mostly use the digital library for affecting and influencing the students during they run their job as teaching staff in the classroom. This aim to help and support the students in getting the foreign language easily and reduce the manual teaching including grammar translation methods is more effective in teaching a foreign language.

Developing an infodemic management toolkit for immunization: An iterative consultation process

Abstract Issue An infodemic is an overwhelming amount of information, accurate and otherwise, that accompanies health emergencies such as outbreaks and other health crises. Infodemic management work is done by people from different positions and professions, with differing resources at their disposal, and applied to a range of health issues. An infodemic insights report can help identify questions, concerns, information voids and circulating mis- disinformation to help inform an emergency response. Health issue specific guidance can be useful for those who may have infodemic management as part of their regular work but want to identify infodemic insights and contextualize these insights in relation to other programme data. Description The WHO and UNICEF ‘how to build an infodemic insights report in 6 steps’ document provides general guidance. A more immunization specific document, with practical and specific tools in standalone short focus areas was developed to guide infodemic managers or those working on vaccine demand and acceptance, and by vaccination field workers. The toolkit is intended for vaccines across the life course, including for children, adolescents, pregnant people, adults, and people with pre-existing conditions or have other vulnerabilities. Results Rounds of iteration with experts both internal and external to WHO provided useful feedback, review and suggestions. The toolkit provides information targeted at different resource and capacity levels. Lessons The consultative process resulted in a toolkit informed by experts and those who are likely end-users of the document. The consultations sought to align the toolkit with immunization programme processes and with other tools and interventions for improving vaccine uptake. Having health issue specific guidance is a useful addition to the infodemic manager toolbox and tools such as these can be an important component of community resilience and health security initiatives. Key messages • For immunization, infodemic management can support programme activities to build vaccine confidence and improve uptake, and manage vaccine-related events. • Expert informed guidance on health topic specific areas can be a useful addition to the infodemic manager toolbox.

High-concentrate diet supplemented with hydrolysable tannin improves the slaughter performance, intestinal antioxidant ability and barrier function of fattening lambs

The objective of current experiment was to study the potential influence of hydrolysable tannin supplementation on slaughter performance, meat quality, intestinal digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant ability and barrier function in fattening lambs. In total, 36 male Hu sheep lambs with similar body weight (15.83 ± 0.48 kg) and days in age (55 ± 2 d) were randomly assigned to one of three groups of 12 animals each: control without tannin (CON) and tannin supplementation groups (TA1, 3 g/d per lamb; TA2, 6 g/d per lamb). All the lambs were reared in individual hutches, and the experiment lasted for 60 d. On d 61, 8 lambs from each group were randomly selected to slaughter. Results showed that the serum diamine oxidase and lipopolysaccharide contents of TA2 group were higher (p < 0.05) than those of CON group. Compared with CON group, the carcass weight and intramuscular fat content of lambs in TA1 group were increased (p < 0.05) and the meat shear force was decreased (p < 0.05). The trypsin activity in the jejunum and ileum of TA1 group was higher (p < 0.05) than that of CON and TA2 groups. Also, tannin supplementation significantly increased (p < 0.05) the level of jejunal and ileal total antioxidant capacity and reduced (p < 0.05) the jejunal malondialdehyde concentration in lambs. The jejunum and ileum of TA1 lambs showed reduced (p < 0.05) tumor necrosis factor-alpha and increased (p < 0.05) interleukin-10 mRNA levels compared with CON lambs. In the jejunum, the secretory immunoglobulin A content of TA1 group was higher (p < 0.05) than that of CON and TA2 groups. Lambs supplemented with tannin at the level of 3 g/d increased (p < 0.05) the gene expressions of claudin-1, claudin-4 and zonula occludens-1 in the jejunum when compared to those of CON and TA2 groups. In summary, tannin supplementation at the level of 3 g/d per animal can improve the production performance and intestinal function of fattening lambs fed a high-concentrate diet.

Mapping the Public Health and Health Promotion Capacity in Oman

Abstract Background An essential condition to enabling people to increase control over their health is to have sufficient capacity for public health (PH) and health promotion (HP). Despite the recognition of its importance, a comprehensive view of the PH and HP capacity in the sultanate of Oman is not yet available. This study provides a mapping of the country’s PH and HP capacity at national, governorate and district levels. Methods An online quantitative survey was performed amongst 70 health policy maker and experts in PH and HP using a questionnaire based on the PH capacity framework of Aluttis et al., yielding data on the country specific context with relevance for PH and 6 PH capacity domains, each divided in subdomains: leadership and governance; organizational structures, workforce, financial resources, partnerships, and knowledge development. Internal consistencies of the scales measuring the capacity subdomains ranged from .75 to .99. Results The survey revealed relatively low scores, representing partial development of capacities, for most of the public health capacity domains. The highest levels of capacity were observed for knowledge development (health information and monitoring systems, reporting systems and knowledge infrastructure), organizational structures (institutional capacity, program delivery structures, PH within health services, and response emergencies) and partnerships (formal consortia, informal partnerships and multisectoral coordination). In contrast, leadership and governance, workforce development, and financial resources score lower. Conclusions Mapping the strengths and weaknesses of PH and HP capacity in Oman allows to make recommendations for improving population health. Whereas all domains of PH and HP capacity are partially developed, there is a need to further improve capacity in all domains. Key messages • PH and HP capacities are partially developed in Oman. • Mapping the PH and HP capacity allows to identify strengths and weaknesses and make recommendations for improving public health.

The Relationship Between Ghrelin and Iron Metabolism In Beta Thalassemia Major Patients

IntroductionStudies in beta thalassemia major (β-TM) patients have shown that the responses of HIF2α, hepcidin and ferroportin molecules to high iron levels are impaired. In recent years, studies conducted in patients with iron deficiency anemia have investigated the relationship between ghrelin hormone and iron metabolism. In this study, we aimed to contribute to the etiopathogenesis of this disease by examining the changes in ghrelin hormone levels in patients with β-TM.Material and methodsFifty-two β-TM and 23 controls were included in our study. Blood counts, routine biochemical parameters, HIF2α, hepcidin and ghrelin levels were studied in blood samples taken from the volunteers.ResultsErythrocyte indexes, serum bilirubin, iron, unsaturated iron binding capacity, total iron binding capacity and ferritin levels showed significant differences between two groups (p<0.05) . There was no significant difference between two groups for serum HIF2α and hepcidin levels. When two groups were compared, ghrelin levels were found to be significantly higher in patients (p<0.05). When the correlation between parameters was examined in all subjects, a weak positive correlation was found between ghrelin and HIF2α (r=0.263) (p<0.05) and a significant positive correlation was found between ghrelin and ferritin (r=0.417) (p<0.05).ConclusionsOur study showed that there is a positive correlation between ghrelin and ferritin levels. Elevated ghrelin levels in patients with β-TM may have an important role in regulating impaired iron metabolism. Molecular level studies are needed to determine synthesis pathways.

Effects of Edible Grass (Rumex patientia L. × Rumex tianschanicus A. LOS) Leaf Powder on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Properties, Cecal Short-Chain Fatty Acids, and Microbial Community Levels in Broilers

The hybrid plant edible grass (Rumex patientia L. × Rumex tianschanicus A. LOS), a member of the Rumex genus, presents a novel food source with a protein content of approximately 30–40%. By incorporating non-traditional feed sources, such as edible grass leaf powder (EGLP), into broiler production, costs could be reduced. The experimental subjects of this study were Arbor Acres (AA) broilers. A total of 300 newly hatched broilers were randomly divided into to five groups, with each group consisting of six cages, housing 10 birds per cage. The control group was fed a basal diet composed of maize and soybean meal. In the experimental groups, varying percentages (3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%) of EGLP were substituted for the corn–soybean meal in the basal diet. In the diet, for days 1–21, the corn content was reduced from 1.90% to 8.20%, and the soybean meal content was lowered from 1.50% to 6.00%. Similarly, in the diet, for days 22–42, the corn content was decreased from 1.17% to 7.00%, while the soybean meal content was reduced by 1.50% to 6.00%. The experiment lasted 42 days and was divided into two phases: the brooding phase (days 1 to 21) and the finishing phase (days 22 to 42). The results show that substituting 3% and 6% EGLP for corn and soybean meal significantly increased the average daily gain (ADG) during the brooding period compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Additionally, the group with a 3% substitution rate exhibited a significant increase in the average daily feed intake (ADFI) during the brooding phase (p < 0.01). Throughout the 42-day experiment, substituting 3% and 6% of EGLP for maize and soybean meal did not significantly affect the overall growth performance of broilers (p > 0.05). However, a 6% supplementation notably reduced the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.01). Both the 3% (EG3) EGLP and 6% (EG6) EGLP replacement meals significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens, as indicated by the increased levels of the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (p < 0.01). Additionally, broilers supplemented with 3–12% showed a marked increase in cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) compared to the control group (p < 0.01). The 3% EGLP replacement diet also significantly boosted the prevalence of Lactobacillus in the cecum (p < 0.01). Furthermore, after EGLP supplementation, there was a higher abundance of SCFA-metabolizing bacteria, particularly Alistipes and Christensenellaceae_R-7, compared to pre-treatment (p < 0.05). The prevalence of Clostridium was significantly greater in the groups receiving 9% and 12% EGLP (p < 0.05), while Butyrivibrio levels were notably higher after supplementation with 12% EGLP (p < 0.05).

Ante-mortem glutathione peroxidase 4 inhibition by RSL3 affects post-mortem meat quality in broiler chickens

ABSTRACT 1. This study investigated the role of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), a key regulator of ferroptosis, a form of programmed cell death, in muscle biochemistry and meat quality, utilising broiler chickens whose ante-mortem GPX4 activity was inhibited pharmacologically. 2. Male broilers were divided into two groups, each receiving ante-mortem administration of the GPX4 inhibitor, Ras-selective lethal 3 (RSL3), or a vehicle only. After slaughter, breast muscles were collected and stored for 48 h. The expressions of ferroptosis-related genes, glutathione levels, pH, colour and water-holding capacity were evaluated at multiple time points during the storage period. 3. The RSL3 treatment decreased the expression of GPX4 and ferritin heavy chain 1, which are negative regulators of ferroptosis, while it increased the expression of a ferroptosis accelerator, acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4. The ratio of reduced to oxidised glutathione was significantly decreased in the RSL3 group. The RSL3 treatment decelerated post-mortem pH decline and colour changes, such as a decrease in L* and an increase in a* were observed in the RSL3 group. In addition, the RSL3 group showed increased levels of water-holding capacity. 4. These findings suggested that ante-mortem GPX4 activity plays a role in determining meat quality, implying the possible involvement of ferroptosis in the mechanism by which skeletal muscle is converted after slaughter into meat that is eaten.

Piceatannol Protects Sperm from Cryopreservation Damage by Modulating the Keap1-Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway.

The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism of action of Piceatannol (PIC) in attenuating oxidative damage to sperm during cryopreservation. Semen samples were collected and homogenized into six equal parts for freeze-thawing experiments. Four different concentrations of PIC were utilized as cryoprotectants during the freeze-thawing process, maintaing a semen to PIC ratio of 1:1, while sperm motility after freezing and thawing was analyzed using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Sperm plasma membrane integrity was assessed via the hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activities, long with the ability to scavenge sperm malondialdehyde (MDA), were examined in sperm following the addition of PIC. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the expression levels of Keap1, Nrf2, GCLC, GCLM, and HMOX1 in sperm. The mechanism by which PIC protects sperm during cryopreservation from oxidative stress damage was further verified. Treatment with PIC at a dose of 5.0 μmol/L significantly improved both sperm motility and viability while effectively reducing ROS levels in frozen sperm. Additionally, the integrity of the sperm plasma membrane was significantly enhanced. Furthermore, the expression level of Keap1 was significantly reduced, whereas the expression levels of GCLC, GCLM, HMOX1, and Nrf2 were significantly increased (p < 0.05) after the addition of PIC. Notably, a significant attenuation of sperm motility and viability was observed in this treatment group when PIC treatment was accompanied by the addition of an Nrf2 inhibitor, resulting in a significant elevation of ROS levels. The finding that PIC modulates ROS in frozen sperm via the Keap1-Nrf2/ARE pathway thereby enhancing sperm viability levels after freezing and thawing provides a novel approach to optimize semen cryopreservation.

Eating disorder debut cases during COVID-19 lockdown in adults. Exploring differences in treatment outcome contrasting with pre-pandemic onset cases.

Despite an increase in eating disorder (ED) cases during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are limited longitudinal studies exploring treatment outcomes. The aims of the present study were: (1) to compare the clinical features of patients with EDs whose onset was during the COVID-19 lockdown (pandemic cohort) against patients with EDs whose onset was prior to the pandemic (pre-pandemic cohort) and, (2) to compare therapy responses between the cohorts. The sample consisted of 115 adult women with an ED. N=37 new ED cases (pandemic cohort) were diagnosed and included in the study during the pandemic (May 2020-May 2021); these patients did not have any previous history of an ED. We also included N=78 ED cases (pre-pandemic cohort) diagnosed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic breakout (prior to March 2020). All ED subtypes were considered in both groups and several clinical variables were assessed. At baseline, pandemic cohort reported lower levels of impulsivity and higher emotional regulation capacities than the pre-pandemic cohort; however, no differences were found in aspects of general psychopathology and ED related severity. Following treatment, the pandemic cohort showed higher rates of good outcome and lower rates of dropouts than the pre-pandemic cohort. Although both cohorts showed similar ED-related symptoms and general psychopathology scores, treatment outcomes were more favourable in the pandemic cohort.