Intake Capacity Research Articles

Effects of exercise intensity on nutritional status, body composition, and energy balance in patients with COPD: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundHigh-intensity exercise is recommended for the pulmonary rehabilitation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, it can cause an energy imbalance due to increased energy expenditure. Here, we aimed to explore the effect of reducing exercise intensity on energy balance in patients with COPD experiencing high-intensity training-induced weight loss.MethodsAll participants underwent high-intensity endurance and resistance training for a 2-week preliminary period. Those who lost more than 1% of their weight were then randomized to either continue high-intensity exercise (AA group) or switch to low-intensity exercise (AB group) for another 2 weeks (experimental period).ResultsThe analysis included 30 participants (AA, n = 15; AB, n = 15). The AA group showed significant increases in body composition, dietary intake, nutritional status, muscle strength, and exercise capacity at week 4 than at week 2, with no significant changes in the AB group. After the experimental period, a greater proportion of the AA group had energy intake exceeding expenditure than did the AB group (80% vs. 40%).ConclusionsIn patients with COPD who lost body weight during pulmonary rehabilitation with high-intensity exercise, continuing this exercise had a more positive effect on body composition, nutritional status, physical function, and energy balance than did reducing exercise intensity. These results suggest the importance of continuing high-intensity exercise, while taking into consideration energy intake and nutritional therapy, even when body weight loss occurs during pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD.Trial registrationThis study was retrospectively registered on the UMIN-CTR as UMIN000050976 on May 5, 2023.

The ongoing impact of COVID-19 on the clinical education of Australian medical radiation science students.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant and ongoing impact on health care, particularly for medical radiation science (MRS) professionals. There exist many studies that describe the negative effects of clinical placement restrictions and access to universities on the well-being of all health professional students during the pandemic. There also exists evidence of changes to MRS student teaching and impacts to students and academic clinical educators; however, there exists a paucity of research that investigates how changes have affected the performance of students within the clinical environment and entering the workforce. This study surveyed workplace MRS clinical educators within Australia to gather their perspectives regarding the impact of COVID-19 on student clinical education. A descriptive study comprising an online structured survey of 44 questions was provided to Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Clinical Educators across Australia. A total of 55 survey responses were received. Of note, respondents described heavy reductions to student intake capacity, losses of clinical placement time, a noted theory-practice gap and possibility of sites 'failing to fail' students. Negative impacts to all domains of MRPBA professional capabilities, as well as a perceived unpreparedness to meet the MRPBA capabilities were described. There was general agreement that graduating students will require supportive periods upon entry into the profession. This study highlights the considerable impact of changes to the education and training of MRS students in response to COVID-19. The results pose a real concern for a generation of MRS students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effects of anthocyanin-rich Napier grass silage on feed intake, milk production, plasma profile, and nutritional digestibility in lactating crossbred Saanen goats.

Anthocyanins are potent antioxidants and scavengers of free radicals found in fruits, purple corn, and other naturally occurring purple plants. Several studies have demonstrated that anthocyanins possess strong antioxidant properties and can enhance ruminant production by modulating intracellular oxidative stress and modifying ruminal fermentation. This study aimed to examine the effects of anthocyanin-rich Napier grass silage (ANS) on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, milk production, plasma profile, and antioxidant capacity in lactating crossbred Saanen goats. Nine healthy lactating goats (crossbreeds of Thai-native and Saanen breeds aged 8-12 months) were selected and randomly assigned to one of three experimental diets: (1) Corn silage (CS), (2) Napier grass silage (NS), and (3) ANS. Daily feed refusals were recorded to calculate dry matter intake for the animal performance assessment. In addition to analyzing feed intake, nutrient intake, and nutrient digestibility, milk and blood samples were also analyzed for protein composition, leukocyte count, and antioxidant capacity. CS-fed goats had the highest (p < 0.05) feed intake (1.09 kg/day), a value markedly exceeding those of NS- and ANS-fed goats (0.80 and 0.76 kg/day, respectively). They also had higher (p < 0.05) organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fiber intake (0.99 kg and 0.50 kg/day) than the other two groups. Protein intake did not differ significantly (0.14, 0.12, and 0.12 kg/day for CS, NS, and ANS, respectively). The CS group showed higher (p < 0.05) dry matter and OM digestibility (69.42% and 69.83%) than the NS and ANS groups, which had lower (p < 0.05) fiber digestibility. Regarding milk production, the CS and ANS groups produced 1.15 and 1.16 kg/day, respectively, whereas the NS group produced 1.11 kg/day. No significant differences in leukocyte counts were observed. Furthermore, the CS group exhibited the highest (p < 0.05) superoxide dismutase inhibition (16.05%) on day 35, whereas the ANS group showed the highest (p < 0.05) total antioxidant capacity on multiple days (21, 35, 49, and 63). ANS can be a valuable component of dairy goat diets, particularly in regions prone to heat-induced oxidative stress.

Effect of Longer Pre-Starter Diet Allowance on Post-Weaning Performance of Lightweight Piglets.

First-phase diets are formulated to help pigs reach a target body weight before switching to a more affordable diet. However, these transitions typically take place on a fixed schedule, which may disadvantage low-body-weight piglets due to their underdeveloped digestive systems and limited feed intake capacity. This study examined the effects of offering low-body-weight (BW) pigs a pre-starter diet until they reached a target BW on growth performance and BW variability. A total of 528 pigs ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Pietrain), weaned at day 21, representing the smallest 50% of their batch, were divided into medium (5.35 ± 0.31 kg) and small (3.97 ± 0.21 kg) groups based on weaning BW. Pigs received a pre-starter diet either for 10 days (FIXED) or until they reached a target BW of 7.9 kg (TBW), followed by a starter feed. Growth performance between the TBW and fixed strategies was similar over the 36-day period. Overall, mortality was higher in small pigs, though small pigs fed using the fixed strategy showed higher mortality than the rest of the groups between days 10 and 36. This study concludes that offering a pre-starter diet based on target BW, instead of a fixed time, did not significantly improve growth performance or batch uniformity but reduced mortality in small pigs from days 10 to 36.

Effect of Feeding Frequency and Water Quality on Growth and Production of Tilapia Fish

Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is one of the most vital fish commercially used nowadays all around the globe. The growth rate of Tilapia increases with an increase in feeding frequency relative to different water quality parameters, having some limitation on feeding frequency as well as feed rate. In the present study, three experiments were conducted in nine cement concrete tanks supplemented with aeration, each experiment was carried out to monitor the growth parameters of tilapia i.e., body weight, length, and girth of cultured fish based on different feeding regimes on a weekly basis. In all experiments, a mixture of boiled rice and mustard oil cake was used as a feed at 3% of fish body weight. A bioenergetics model which signify the variation in growth parameters has derived incorporating various water quality parameters such as ammonia (0.01-0.04mg/L), temperature (23.8-28.1 ◦C), pH (6.12-8.31), dissolved oxygen (6.10-8.61 mg/L or 87.1-101 %), nitrite (0.02-0.05 mg/L) using Hydrolab MS-5.The provided feeding rate per day was once, twice, and thrice in a day with respect to their experimental setups marked as 1,2, and 3. It was observed that tilapia fish grows more rapidly when fish were fed thrice in a day but the maximum percentage of uneaten food was found to be in experiment three compared to others. Whereas, in experiment two the survival percentage was found to be more (71.2%) without wasting any uneaten feed. In addition, the result showed that the feed intake capacity gets reduced as the fish attains maturity.

The possibilities of field geophysical surveys for the diagnosis of horizontal wells with different types of completion

Background. Over the past decades, the design of production directional and horizontal wells has changed significantly. Currently, wells have a more complex trajectory, and their development control requires new approaches. Field geophysical surveys are an integral element of system control at any stage of the development of oil and gas fields. Objective. To systematize the experience of conducting field geophysical surveys in horizontal wells with different types of shanks. Materials and methods. Field geophysical surveys, which are included in both the standard and extended complexes, are designed to evaluate directly working sections of the studied geological objects, determine the inflow profile or intake capacity of production wells and establish the composition of the inflow with the allocation of the main phases. Results. The work shows the experience of conducting field geophysical surveys, and their informative possibilities depending on the type of horizontal completion of the well. The most informative research methods and technologies for studying an object with various layout variations are considered. The analysis of the influence of the complexities of the operation of low-permeability reservoirs and the choice of the optimal set of methods are carried out; recommendations on the optimal completion for horizontal wells are given. Conclusions. The obtained results will ensure the most cost-effective operation and the obtainment of more informative field geophysical survey results, which will allow to timely adjust well operation and conduct geological and technological measures.

Intake and Nutritional Adequacy in Patients with Cancer Diagnosed with Malignant Bowel Obstruction: A secondary analysis of a randomized trial

Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is experienced by many with advanced cancer. Patients with MBO cannot eat and may have reduced ability to eat once the acute process has resolved. Sparse data exist to describe oral intake capacity and adequacy of nutrition in MBO patients. These data are critical to developing effective supportive care nutrition therapy for patients with MBO. To describe the ability to consume food/liquids orally estimating nutritional adequacy of diet in a sample of patients who received surgical or non-surgical treatment for MBO. A descriptive secondary data analysis of repeated dietary intake measures from S1316, a pragmatic comparative effectiveness trial of surgical and non-surgical treatment for MBO. Participant enrollment occurred between 2015 and 2020. Ability to eat was assessed through self-reported telephone survey and intake was estimated using telephone-based 24-hour recalls, applying USDA multi-pass methodology. The primary trial was conducted within the SWOG Cancer Research Network and included recruitment sites across the U.S. and Latin America. Eligible participants were diagnosed with, and hospitalized for, MBO. The main outcomes measures were self- or caregiver reported ability to eat, as well as overall nutrient intake. Descriptive statistics were used to report patient characteristics, intake, and nutrient adequacy. Nutrient intake was presented by tertiles of gastrointestinal symptom severity and assessed. 221 participants were registered; 199 were eligible and included. At Week 1, 51% of patients with MBO reported consuming some solid food orally; 34% reported no oral intake; 13% were on enteral feeding only. For patients alive and responsive to recalls at 13 weeks (n=57), 82% (n=47) reported consuming solid food. Compared to recommendations, mean reported intake was inadequate for most nutrients. Oral intake is reported in more than half of patients diagnosed with MBO. Medical nutrition therapy should be tailored to patients' tolerance for eating and with consideration or patient's desire to address nutritional inadequacies.

Evaluasi Unjuk Kerja Screw Compressor UP5-15-10 di PT XYZ

This paper aims to evaluate the efficiency of screw compressor UP5- 15-10 used at PT XYZ. Screw compressor efficiency is a key factor in the operation of gas processing facilities, then a good understanding of screw compressor operation can improve operational efficiency and reduce energy consumption. The compressor used in this KKW is an Ingersoll Rand UP5-15-10. The UP5-15-10 compressor is used to power pneumatic tools and instrumentation equipment. The UP5-15-10 compressor is included in the rotary type positive displacement compressor, the compressor uses ambient air as its working fluid. UP5-15-10 screw compressor operation, including design data from the manual book and actual data such as incoming air capacity of 65 CFM at a temperature of 186 F with a pressure of 135 Psia getting a power of 13.74 kW from the power specification data of 15 kW obtained efficiency of 91%. The decrease in power in screw compressor UP5-15-10 by 9% is due to the difference in intake capacity between design and actual conditions, this is caused by process needs.

Antibacterial and Healing Efficacy of Mangiferin-Loaded Silver Nanoparticle and Chitosan-Alginate Membrane Dressings

Mangiferin, a bioactive constituent of Mangifera indica (family Anacardiaceae), has an impressive therapeutic profile, having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory properties capable of possessing wound healing potential. Our investigation aims to isolate and characterize mangiferin, green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) and production of chitosan alginate (Cs/Alg) film dressing loaded with mangiferin Ag-NPs and assess antibacterial and wound-healing properties against infected excision and burn wounds. The isolated mangiferin was authenticated by estimating melting point, thin layer chromatography (TLC), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ag-NPs were green synthesized and characterized by UV-visible, particle size, zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency (%EE), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and stability study. Chitosan alginate membrane dressing was prepared by incorporating mangiferin Ag-NPs, and film thickness, pH, film weight, water intake capacity, and in-vitro drug release parameters were estimated. Among the four mangiferin Ag-NP batches, MN3 formed stable polydispersity spherical Ag-NPs with smaller particle size and high %EE. Mangiferin-loaded Cs/Alg film MN-CM4 showed significantly higher (p &lt; 0.001) drug content, wettability, release profile, and favorable pH changes. The mangiferin Ag-NPs embedded Cs/Alg film dressing showed a significantly high antimicrobial effect against the gram-positive bacterial strain of S. aureus, commonly found in wounds. MN3 and MN-CM4 treatment showed the shortest epithelialization period and enhanced wound closure. The hydroxyproline content has significantly (p &lt; 0.001) increased, and myeloperoxidase content was reduced by MN3 and MN-CM4 treatment. MN-CM4 treatment showed complete re-epithelialization reduced inflammatory cells with thicker and denser collagen fiber deposition. The effectiveness of the Cs/Alg film of mangiferin Ag-NPs dressing has a synergistic effect on promoting speedy wound healing. The Cs/Alg film of mangiferin Ag-NPs showed rapid wound healing against infected and burned wounds, enhanced collagen synthesis, and anti-inflammatory and antibacterial efficacy.

PSXII-16 Effect of including sugar cane molasses on rumen fermentation characteristics in young beef finishing heifers

Abstract In ruminant animals, the use of molasses has benefits related to improved voluntary intake and increased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the rumen, especially butyrate. Butyrate is closely related to gastrointestinal tract health, as it may contribute to the increase in the absorption area of the ruminal epithelium and improve the utilization of diet components, resulting in improved voluntary intake and immune response capacity in stressful situations, such as weaning. Hence, our objective was to assess the effect of sugar cane molasses on rumen fermentation characteristics in young beef finishing heifers. Newly weaned Nellore × Red Angus heifers (n = 12) averaging 238 ± 5.1 kg body weight (BW), were used. All heifers were housed in individual pens with concrete floors, covered feeders, and drinkers. The basal diet was 50 % concentrate, and consisted of corn silage, sorghum silage, ground corn, soybean meal, urea, and a mineral premix. The diet was provided twice daily at 0700 and 1600 h, allowing up to 10% in orts (as fed). The following treatments were evaluated: control (no addition of powdered molasses) or addition of 50 g/kg of diet [dry matter (DM) basis] of powdered molasses. The experiment lasted for a total of 80 d, including a 14-d adaptation period. On d 68 and 76, rumen fluid samples were collected both before and 4 h after the morning feeding using an oral probe coupled to a vacuum pump. The initial fluid samples were discarded to prevent saliva contamination. The rumen fluid was filtered through four layers of cheesecloth, and then pH was measured. Subsequently, samples were taken and stored in an ultra-freezer (-80°C) for subsequent SCFA analysis. The data were subjected to analysis of variance using the GLM procedure of SAS 9.4 (α = 0.05). Providing molasses increased ruminal pH compared with control heifers (P &amp;lt; 0.032). Adding molasses did not affect SCFA concentration (P &amp;gt; 0.90). Conversely, we detected an effect of molasses on SCFA molar proportion. The molar proportion of both acetate (P &amp;lt; 0.013) and butyrate (P &amp;lt; 0.012) were greater in heifers fed molasses than with controls. On the other hand, dietary molasses addition decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.001). the propionate molar proportion. This resulted in an increased (P &amp;lt; 0.002) acetate-to-propionate ratio in heifers fed diets containing molasses. In conclusion, providing sugar cane molasses enhances rumen fermentation characteristics in young beef finishing heifers.

Experimental for depicting the influence upon gaseous emissions of an Otto engine by using hydrogen as fuel addition

Abstract Due to the higher pollution restrictions implemented globally upon the internal combustion engines, for new but also older vehicles, suitable solutions must be found, for solving major, attested incriminations concerning pollution. The present research focuses on the possibility of the reduction of the emission concentration values emitted by a classic Otto spark ignition engine (Otto ICE), by adding hydrogen to the normal used fuel (gasoline). The hydrogen is generated via a water electrolytic conversion technology, applied, in symbiosis with the internal combustion engine and it is known as hydrogen air (HHA). The hydrogen quantity, as resulted from the HHA generating process and fuelled into the engine, represents 10% (by volume) of the total volume of the intake capacity. Being directly correlated to the stoichiometric ratio used to create the fuel mixture, the intake of hydrogen is finally controlled; therefore, the total calorific power of the new fuel mixtures is increasing by approximate 30%. All the measurements have been achieved in a lab using certified and approved gas analyzers and measurement instruments. The novelty of the research consists of (i) presenting results of measurements with the gas analyzer, one at an engine speed of 800 RPM and the second at 2000 RPM using only gasoline as fuel (normal or standard fuel); (ii) concluding of comparative measurements at the same engine speeds, but with addition of hydrogen in the fuel mixture. Since carbon dioxide makes up the vast majority of greenhouse emissions, the results indicate also a more reduced CO2 concentration in the exhaust. One presents that the electrolytic convertor is capable of producing 1800 litters of HHO gas from 1 litre of water. By upgrading the oxyhydrogen system, one succeeded to produce more HHO gas and replacing the amount of conventional fuel. As conclusions one demonstrated that lower emission values can be obtained with the addition of hydrogen air (HHA).

Integrated learning model for water intake capacity of Tyrolean weirs under supercritical flow

ABSTRACT Tyrolean weir can be used as an effective solution to address floatation and sediment deposition in runoff hydropower stations. To improve the efficiency and accuracy of calculating this structure's water intake capacity. The integrated learning algorithm random forest (RF), the firefly algorithm (FA), and the exponential distribution algorithm (EDO) are utilized to develop the algorithm that can be used for the Tyrolean weir Cd and (qw)i/(qw)T prediction models. Sobol's method and SHAP theory are introduced to analyze the above parameters quantitatively and qualitatively. It is shown that EDO-RF is the optimal prediction model for the Tyrolean weir's discharge coefficient and the Froude number Fr has the greatest influence on the Cd prediction results; when Fr &amp;lt; 30, the greater the negative influence of Fr on the model prediction results. When Fr &amp;gt; 30, the greater the positive influence of Fr on the model prediction results. FA-RF is the optimal prediction model for the Tyrolean weir water capture capacity (qw)i/(qw)T, with the ratio of bar length to bar spacing L/e being the largest; When L/e &amp;lt; 20, the greater the negative influence of L/e on the model prediction results. When L/e &amp;gt; 20, the more significant the positive impact of L/e on the model prediction results.

Effect of dietary antioxidant quality score on tobacco smoke exposure and asthma in children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study from the NHANES database

BackgroundAsthma is a common non-communicable disease in children, and airway inflammation is the main pathological change of asthma. Tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) can cause systematic inflammation and oxidative stress, which may further aggravate the progression of asthma. Dietary antioxidants can relieve the inflammation and oxidative stress in human body. This study aims to assess the effect of overall antioxidant capacity of dietary intake, evaluating by dietary antioxidant quality score (DAQS), in the association between TSE and childhood asthma.MethodsData of this cross-sectional study were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2007–2018. DAQS was calculated based on the daily dietary intake of selenium, zinc, magnesium, vitamin A, C and E. TSE was measured by serum cotinine concentration. The weighted univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were employed to evaluate the role of DAQS in the association between TSE and asthma among children and adolescents. Subgroup analysis was conducted to further evaluate the association based on gender.ResultsTotally 11,026 children and adolescents were included, of whom 1,244 (11.28%) had asthma. After adjusted all covariates, TSE was associated with the high odds of childhood asthma (OR = 1.26, 95%CI = 1.05–1.52). Among children exposed to tobacco smoke, those with higher DAQS level (OR = 1.15, 95%CI: 0.88–1.50) had a reduced risk of asthma compared with those children with lower DAQS level (OR = 1.43, 1.08–1.89), especially among girls (OR = 1.42, 95%CI: 0.93–2.17).ConclusionHigh DAQS may have a moderating effect on asthma in children; that is, the higher DAQS, the lower the odds of asthma in children who exposed to tobacco smoke. Our study provides a reference for developing more targeted strategies for prevention and treatment of asthma in children.

Grazing camels under semi-extensive production system: selectivity, feed intake capacity, digestion and energy expenditure

BackgroundIt was proposed that camels are more effective than other livestock species in selecting plants for their nutritional value. They may self-regulate their voluntary feed intake to satisfy their nutritional needs. This study was designed to investigate camels’ feeding selectivity and ability to cover nutritional requirements when grazing alfalfa (high in protein) and/ or barley (high in energy) in a desert climate.MethodsEighteen lactating camels were equally divided into three feeding treatments. They grazed daily on alfalfa, barley, or a mixed pasture of both, for two periods of one month each. The concentrate supplement was individually administered at 40 g/kg BW0.75, divided into two equal parts, in the morning and in afternoon. Total energy expenditure (EE) was estimated by heart rate (HR) monitors for 48 h after being calibrated by oxygen consumption using an upgraded face mask open-circuit respiratory system.ResultsDuring the first period, camels had a greater forage intake and digestibility when they grazed barley rather than alfalfa, while those grazing mixed pasture performed intermediately. In the second period, camels had a similar forage intake and digestibility among treatments due to a decline in barley intake and digestibility compared to the first period, which was expected since the preferred plant part gradually shifted from barley grains to predominantly straw as a function of time. Similar HR and EE were found across periods and treatments. As a result of greater gross and digestible energy intake in period 1, a better energy balance in period 1 was observed compared to period 2. Camels better utilize barley than alfalfa. Grazing on barley had a higher energy balance than grazing alfalfa alone or in combination with barley. However, camels grazing barley produced lower milk yield and energy than those grazing alfalfa alone or in combination with barley, with no interaction detected between period and treatment.ConclusionsLactating camels are able to self-regulate their voluntary intake to cover their energy requirements when they are grazing barley and/or alfalfa supplemented with a concentrate supplement at 40 g/kg BW0.75. Grazing barley is better utilized by camels than alfalfa. The chemical and physical properties of plant species play an important role in the selectivity of foraging camels. It also impacts their intake and digestibility, which is negatively associated with the proportion of cell wall content consumed.

Association between protein intake and functional capacity in critically ill patients: A retrospective cohort study.

Intensive care unit (ICU) protein benchmarks are based on mortality and morbidity; whether these targets also support functional recovery is unknown. We assessed whether different protein doses influenced patients' functional capacity, measured by the Chelsea Physical Assessment score (CPAx). Single-center retrospective cohort study on ICU survivors with length of stay ≥7 days admitted between October 2014 and September 2020. Eligible patients were divided according to protein intake (g/kg/day): low (<0.8), medium (0.8-1.19), high (1.2-1.5), and very high (>1.5). Protein dose effect on CPAx was assessed at ICU discharge with analysis of covariance adjusting for age, illness severity, hospital length of stay before ICU admission, time to start nutrition support, and mechanical ventilation duration. We also investigated effect modification by energy intake and nutrition status. Enrolled patients (n = 531) were similar for age, nutrition status, and illness severity across groups. CPAxs were nonlinearly associated with protein doses and similar among low, medium, and very high groups. The CPAx for the high group was statistically different (P = 0.014), indicating that the data of three groups could be pooled. Mean CPAx difference remained statistically significant after adjusting for confounding variables (3.9 ± 1.8, P = 0.029 in the four-group model, and 2.7 ± 0.9, P = 0.003 in the pooled two-group model). Energy intake was equivalent between groups and did not modify CPAx. The high group had superior CPAx in both well-nourished and malnourished patients, indicating nutrition status was not an effect modifier. Protein dose 1.2-1.5 g/kg/day was associated with superior functional capacity at ICU discharge compared with other doses. Neither energy intake nor nutrition status modified functional capacity across groups; therefore, the results appear to be influenced by 1.2-1.5 g/kg/day.

Impact of Astragalus Root Residue on Growth Performance, Immunity and Antioxidant Capacity of Fattening Pigs

Astragalus membranaceus is a widely used Chinese medicine. To investigate the effect of Astragalus residue as a feed additive on growth performance, immune performance, and antioxidant capacity of growth finishing pigs, the daily gain, daily feed intake, immune performance, and antioxidant capacity of the experimental group and control group were measured. The results showed that the growth performance, immune performance, and antioxidant capacity of fattening pigs were improved by Astragalus residue, which indicated that Astragalus residue, as a feed additive, was safe and harmless, not only played a pharmacological role but also realized the recycling of resources, which was worthy of further study and popularization. Res. Agric. Livest. Fish. Vol. 11, No. 1, April 2024: 11-17

Multi‐response optimization of characteristics for graphite reinforced biodegradable PVA‐fumaric acid cross‐linked composite: A gray‐fuzzy logic‐based hybrid approach

AbstractIn the current investigation, enhancement in the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and decrement in the moisture absorption capabilities of polyvinyl alcohol was observed by cross‐linking it with different weight percentages (wt. %) of fumaric acid and reinforcing them along with sulfuric acid‐modified graphite particles. The effects of altering the cross‐linking duration and fumaric acid wt. % were investigated in the resulting composite using the Taguchi L16 experimental design method. As in this contemporary era of rapid industrial expansion and fierce competition, the primary goals of manufacturers revolve around the production of high‐quality goods at optimal costs within a specified timeframe. Therefore, to save both cost and time, the authors have utilized a technique known as “gray‐fuzzy optimization” to balance competing goals between mechanical (toughness, elongation and strength) and physical (water intake capacity) attributes. The present approach aimed to reduce the experimentation expenses and increase the effectiveness of composite manufacturing by considerably reducing the intricacy of practical multi‐response optimization issues. Response graphs and analysis of variance tests were also utilized to calculate the percentage contribution of the input variables and provide model significance.Highlights Polyvinyl alcohol is cross‐linked with different weight percentages (wt. %) of fumaric acid, and reinforced them with sulfuric acid‐modified graphite particles. Enhancement in mechanical properties, thermal stability, and decrease in moisture absorption capabilities were perceived for the fabricated composite. Effects of altering the cross‐linking duration and fumaric acid wt. % were investigated in the resulting composite using the Taguchi L16 experimental design. Gray‐fuzzy optimization technique was utilized to balance competing goals between water intake and mechanical attributes like toughness, elongation and strength. Response graphs and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were also utilized to evaluate the percentage contribution of input variables and provide model significance.

Acid-base properties of non-protein nitrogen affect nutrients intake, rumen fermentation and antioxidant capacity of fattening Hu sheep.

This study conducted a comparison of the effects of non-protein nitrogen with different acid-base properties on feed intake, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestion and antioxidant capacity in fattening Hu sheep. Sixteen fattening male sheep (31.43 ± 2.41 kg) with permanent rumen cannulas were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments: 1% urea and 1.78% ammonium chloride (NH4Cl, AC). A 42 days experimental period was conducted, with 14 days for adaptation and 28 days for treatment. Daily feed intake was recorded and various samples including feed, feces, rumen fluid, and blood were collected at different time points during the final week. The results indicated that the urea group had significantly higher dry matter intake, average daily gain, and gain efficiency in comparison to the AC group (p < 0.01). There was no difference in rumen pH and concentration of ammonia nitrogen between different groups (p > 0.05), but the rumen pH of urea group was higher than that of the AC group at 1 and 3 h after feeding (p < 0.05). The urea group exhibited higher concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (VFA) and individual VFAs compared to the AC group at all-time points (p < 0.01). Compared to the urea group, the intake of all nutrients decreased in the AC group (p < 0.01), but the digestibility of dry matter and organic matter increased significantly (p < 0.01), and the digestibility of CP had an increasing trend (p = 0.06) in the AC group. Additionally, the urea group had lower levels of serum glucagon-like peptide-1, peptide YY, Cl, total protein and globulin than the AC group (p < 0.05). The overall levels of HCO3-, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, albumin/globulin, blood urea nitrogen and total cholesterol in the urea group increased significantly compared to the AC group (p < 0.05). It was concluded that adding urea to the high-concentrate diet resulted in increased rumen pH and improved rumen fermentation and growth performance in fattening sheep compared to NH4Cl addition. Furthermore, urea addition improved sheep's antioxidant capacity and maintained their acid-base balance more effectively as compared to NH4Cl.

Engineered E. coli for D-pantothenic acid production with an acetolactate isomeroreductase mutant.

D-Pantothenic acid, as a momentous vitamin, is extensively applied to feed, medicine, cosmetics and other fields. However, there are still limitations to produce D-pantothenic acid by microbial fermentation at present. In this paper, we constructed a recombinant strain for D-pantothenic acid production by blocking the organic acid pathway, boosting pyruvate biosynthesis, relieving feedback inhibition of acetolactate synthase, improving glucose intake capacity, and modifying essential genes in the metabolic pathway. In addition, a new acetolactate isomeroreductase mutant V412A origin from Escherichia coli (EcAHAIR) encoded by ilvC was obtained to explore its substrate promiscuity. Compared with the wild type, the variant EcAHAIR-V412A has reduced steric hindrance and enhanced intermolecular forces, resulting in a high affinity for 2-acetolactate. Eventually, the fermentation production of the final strain DPAN19/trc-ilvCV412A reached 4.65g/L, increased by 192.5% compared with strain DPA8 in shake flask cultivation and produced 62.82g/L D-pantothenic acid in a 5L bioreactor. The metabolic engineering strategies and enzyme modification approaches described in this paper provide a particular perspective for the bio-manufacturing of D-pantothenic acid, branched-chain amino acids and its derivates.

Suckling piglets submitted to creep feeding management from 5 days-old showed optimal performance and exploratory behaviour

This study aimed to assess the effects of starting creep feeding at different ages on performance, behaviour, haematological, and biochemical parameters in piglets. A total of 138 piglets (1.34 ± 0.25 kg, n = 13 sows), weaned at 21 d-old, were assigned to treatments using a completely randomized design. The litter was divided into two groups: seven litters (n = 80 piglets) were subjected to creep feeding on the fifth day of age (creep 5) and five litters (n = 58 piglets), on the tenth day of age (creep 10). Piglets were weighed at birth, weaning, and after the first week in the nursery. Piglet behaviour was evaluated daily for 15 min until day 20. Blood was collected on day 13, at weaning, and at the end of the first week in the nursery. There was no difference in body weight in the suckling phase, but piglets fed Creep 5 showed greater body weight gain in the first nursery week. The Creep 5 group had lower feed leftovers during the five days of evaluation of feed intake. There were no differences in haematological parameters and amylase concentration; however, the piglets spent more time lying down, sucking, and massaging the udder. On day 8, the piglets in the Creep 5 group showed a higher frequency of exploratory behaviour. In conclusion, piglets fed Creep 5 had optimal performance after weaning and improved feed intake capacity by displaying more exploratory behaviour than Creep 10. Creep management did not alter haematological and biochemical parameters.