Effect Of Different Levels Research Articles

Biostimulatory Effects of Chlorella fusca CHK0059 on Plant Growth and Fruit Quality of Strawberry.

Green algae have been receiving widespread attention for their use as biofertilizers for agricultural production, but more studies are required to increase the efficiency of their use. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of Chlorella fusca CHK0059 application on strawberry plant growth and fruit quality. A total of 800 strawberry seedlings were planted in a greenhouse and were grown for seven months under different Chlorella application rates: 0 (control), 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4% of the optimal cell density (OCD; 1.0 × 107 cells mL-1). The Chlorella application was conducted weekly via an irrigation system, and the characteristics of fruit samples were monitored monthly over a period of five months. The growth (e.g., phenotype, dry weight, and nutrition) and physiological (e.g., Fv/Fm and chlorophylls) parameters of strawberry plants appeared to be enhanced by Chlorella application over time, an enhancement which became greater as the application rate increased. Likewise, the hardness and P content of strawberry fruits had a similar trend. Meanwhile, 0.2% OCD treatment induced the highest values of soluble solid content (9.3-12 °Brix) and sucrose content (2.06-2.97 g 100 g-1) in the fruits as well as fruit flavor quality indices (e.g., sugars:acids ratio and sweetness index) during the monitoring, whilst control treatment represented the lowest values. In addition, the highest anthocyanin content in fruits was observed in 0.4% OCD treatment, which induced the lowest incidence of grey mold disease (Botrytis cinerea) on postharvest fruits for 45 days. Moreover, a high correlation between plants' nutrients and photosynthetic variables and fruits' sucrose and anthocyanin contents was identified through the results of principal component analysis. Overall, C. fusca CHK0059 application was found to promote the overall growth and performance of strawberry plants, contributing to the improvement of strawberry quality and yield, especially in 0.2% OCD treatment.

How Do Users Experience Traceability of AI Systems? Examining Subjective Information Processing Awareness in Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) Systems

When interacting with artificial intelligence (AI) in the medical domain, users frequently face automated information processing, which can remain opaque to them. For example, users with diabetes may interact daily with automated insulin delivery (AID). However, effective AID therapy requires traceability of automated decisions for diverse users. Grounded in research on human-automation interaction, we study Subjective Information Processing Awareness (SIPA) as a key construct to research users’ experience of explainable AI. The objective of the present research was to examine how users experience differing levels of traceability of an AI algorithm. We developed a basic AID simulation to create realistic scenarios for an experiment with N = 80, where we examined the effect of three levels of information disclosure on SIPA and performance. Attributes serving as the basis for insulin needs calculation were shown to users, who predicted the AID system’s calculation after over 60 observations. Results showed a difference in SIPA after repeated observations, associated with a general decline of SIPA ratings over time. Supporting scale validity, SIPA was strongly correlated with trust and satisfaction with explanations. The present research indicates that the effect of different levels of information disclosure may need several repetitions before it manifests. Additionally, high levels of information disclosure may lead to a miscalibration between SIPA and performance in predicting the system’s results. The results indicate that for a responsible design of XAI, system designers could utilize prediction tasks in order to calibrate experienced traceability.

Cleaning symbiosis in coral reefs of Jardines de la Reina National Park

Background Cleaning symbiotic interactions are an important component of coral reef biodiversity and the study of the characteristics of these interacting species networks allows to assess the health of communities. The coral reefs of Jardines de la Reina National Park (JRNP) are subject to a protection gradient and there is a lack of knowledge about the effect of different levels of protection on the cleaning mutualistic networks in the area. The present study aims to characterize the mutualistic cleaning networks in the reefs of JRNP and to assess the potential effect of the protection gradient on their characteristics. Methods We visited 26 reef sites distributed along the National Park and performed 96 band transects (50 m × 4 m). Low, medium and highly protected regions were compared according to the number of cleaning stations and the abundance and number of species of clients and cleaners associated with them. Additionally, we built interaction networks for the three regions and the entire archipelago based on a total of 150 minutes’ video records of active cleaning stations. We assessed ecological networks characteristics (specialization, nestedness) using network topological metrics. Results We found a high diversity and complex cleaning interaction network with 6 cleaner species and 39 client species, among them, the threatened grouper Epinephelus striatus was one of the most common clients. No clear effect of the protection level on the density, abundance or diversity of cleaners and clients was detected during this study. However, we found that the network structure varied among regions, with the highly protected region being more specialized and less nested than the other regions. Our research reveals some patterns that suggest the effect of fishing pressure on cleaning symbiosis, as fishing may reduce the abundance and composition of client species, especially those that are targeted by fishers. However, fishing pressure may not be the main factor influencing cleaning symbiosis inside of the National Park, as other factors, such as habitat quality or environmental conditions may have stronger effects on the demand for cleaning services and the interactions between cleaners and clients. Our research provides insights into the factors that influence cleaning symbiosis and its implications for coral reef conservation and management.

Effects of different levels of dried onion powder on nutrient digestibility, biochemical parameters, and nitrogen balance in Wistar albino rats with induced hyperuricemia.

Introduction: Onions (Allium cepa L.) are excellent sources of bioactive compounds and phytochemicals such as allicin, quercetin, fisetin, and other sulfurous compounds. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the effects of dried onion powder on growth performance, nitrogen balance, and biochemical parameters in Wistar albino rats with induced hyperuricemia. Methods: A total of 24 rats were randomly divided into four groups, with six in each group: HU (positive control) and HOT1, HOT2, and HOT3 groups, which received a diet containing onion powder at concentrations of 11.13, 14.84, and 18.61g/100g, respectively. Hyperuricemia was induced in rats by administering a new formulation intraperitoneally (250mg/kg potassium oxonate) and orally (40mg/kg potassium bromate) daily for 14days. After confirmation of hyperuricemia induction, rats were fed with onion-treated diets with various concentrations of quercetin for 21days. Results: Significant decreases (p ≤ 0.05) in serum uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein were observed. An increasing trend (p ≤ 0.05) in the levels of hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), and platelet count was observed. An improvement in the levels of serum high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, serum total protein and neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes was observed. A positive progress (p ≤ 0.05) was observed in growth performance and nutrient digestibility. Conclusion: In conclusion, a significantly lower uric acid level was observed in rats fed with HOT2 diet. Based on the ratio of the surface area (human/rat), the best recommended dose of onion for the incidence and prevention of hyperuricemia is 189.95g, corresponding to the dose of 204mg/day of quercetin in humans.

Consumer Expectation and Perception of Farmed Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fed with Insect Meal (Tenebrio molitor).

In recent years, insect meal has attracted increasing interest as an innovative protein source to replace fish meal in feed formulations due to its valuable nutritional profile. This research aimed to compare the effects of different levels of dietary inclusion of the yellow mealworm beetle (T. molitor) larvae meal on the sensory quality of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillets and retrospectively on the acceptability of this protein source to consumers. The results showed that the inclusion of T. molitor larvae meal did not induce sensory changes in the trout fillets, while regarding consumer acceptability and willingness to buy and pay, it was shown that a certain level of rejection towards this alternative protein still exists. The work described in this scientific manuscript adds more knowledge on the study of consumer acceptability of this protein source.

The Effect of Adding Moringa Leaf Powder to the Adapted Quail Diet During the Egg Production Stage on the Productive Performance and some Biochemical Blood Characteristics

The current experiment was carried out at the poultry farm of the Animal Production department, College of Agriculture, University of Kirkuk from 5/12/2021 until 1/2/2022. To study the effect of different levels of Moring leaves powder (2.5, 5.0, and 7.5)% on the production diet. Forty-eight quail were used at 30 days old and randomly allocated to four treatment groups with each treatment three replication with 4 birds each. The egg weight of the birds was weighed daily with a sensitive electronic balance (0.01) g. The feed intake was determined by weighing the bucket and feed before and after consumption before the next refilling of the bucket. Egg production was monitored daily and recorded for each replicate. The external egg traits were measured by using a clipper vernier (0.01) mm. and the internal egg traits were measured by using an electronic balance (0.01) g. General linear model (GLM) within the SAS program was used to calculate mean, standard error, and significance. Duncan’s multiple range test was used to test the differences between the means. The egg production and feed intake significantly differed between the treatments, it was highest in treatment four and lower production in the control group. The egg weight, egg mass, and feed conversion were non-significant between the treatments. All the external and internal egg traits were non-significant between the groups.

Improved Feed Efficiency and Nutritional Property Effects of Honey from Apis mellifera L. as an Additive for Broiler Chickens’ Drinking Water

Antimicrobial usage is particularly high in poultry production. Honey as a water supplement to poultry has been explored as a natural and safe antibiotic alternative. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of honey as a water supplement on broilers' growth performance and chemical properties. Five dietary treatments were used: no supplement (T1), commercial electrolytes (T2), 5mL honey (T3), (7.5mL honey (T4), and 10mL honey (T5) per liter of water. The experiment used 150 1-day-old Cobb-400 broiler chicks, assigned to five treatments with three replications of ten (10) birds each (N=30) employing the Complete Block Design (RCBD) in three blocks. Results indicated that 5mL/L-10mL/L honey supplementation led to a significant (p < 0.05) decrease of 4.3% to 7% in feed consumption compared to those with electrolytes. Similarly, using 5mL/L of honey showed 12.5% lower FCR compared with T2 and 24.3% compared with T1. However, a higher level of honey was comparable to T2, indicating that honey supplementation improved feed utilization and reduced feed cost at a certain level. Results of the proximate analysis, particularly on moisture content (MC), crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF), and total carbohydrates ((TC), revealed numerical differences. Samples with 5mL/L to 7.5mL/L levels of honey showed a higher MC, CP, and TC content and lower CF than T2. This implies that honey as a drinking water supplement offers practical advantages in feed consumption and efficiency and in improving the chemical and nutritional properties of chicken meat. A choice for healthier production.

Response of Three Garlic Allium Sativum L. Genotypes to Potassium Fertilization Levels

A field experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Research Station of the College of Agriculture, the University of Anbar for the season (2021-2022) in order to study the effect of different levels of potassium fertilization on the growth, yield and quality of bulbs for three garlic genotypes. The experiment included the use of four levels of potassium fertilization (0, 150, 200, 250) kg/ha, respectively, it was added to three garlic genotypes (local, Chinese, and Egyptian). The study was carried out as a factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D) with three replicates. The results showed that the local cultivar was immunologically superior in vegetative growth characteristics (plant height, leaf area) and reached 100.44 cm and 7.08 cm2 compared to the lowest plant height achieved by plants of the Egyptian cultivar, which amounted to 55.17 cm and the lowest leaf area achieved by the Chinese cultivar plant, which reached 6.96 dm2. The local cultivar and the level of fertilization 250 kg / ha also excelled in the yield trait, as it achieved the highest weight of heads, the highest number of cloves and the highest yield per unit area 91.93 g per clove, 36.24 clove per plant, 36.24 ton / ha compared to the lowest amount achieved by plants of the Chinese cultivar without fertilizing.

The Effect of Different Levels of Dietary Crud Protein During Different Age Stages on the Productive Performance of ROSS 308

An experiment at the poultry Field-Department of Animal Production/College of Agriculture / University of Anbar, to know the effect of dietary protein levels during different age periods on productive performance of broiler chicks. The experimental treatments included: T1: The control treatment with standard protein levels (22, 20 and 18%) for the starter, grower and finisher respectively, T2: raising the crude protein level to 24% for the first week of the starter stage to continue after that with a standard protein level until the fifth week to reduce then to 16% protein in the last week of the finishing stage, T3: The crude protein level was raised to 26% for the first week of the starter stage, to continue after that at with a standard protein level until the fifth week, to then be reduced to 14% protein in the last week of the finishing stage,T4: It started with a controlled level of crude protein, and in the first week of the growing stage, the protein level was raised to 24%, to continue after that at a standard protein level, and in the last week of the finishing site, the crude protein was reduced to 16% and T5: It began with a control level for crude protein and in the first week of the stage growing The protein level was raised to 26%, to continue after that at a record protein level, and in the last week of the finishing site, the crude protein was reduced to 14%. The results showed that the T1 and T2 treatments were significantly superior (p ≤ 0.05) and achieved the highest results of body weight in the first and second weeks.

Effect of Supplementation of Different Levels of Spirulina Platensis Algae Powder to Two Diets with Two Different Levels of Protein on Some Carcass Characteristics of Lamb

This study was conducted in the experimental lamb’s field of the College of Veterinary Medicine - University of Tikrit for the period from 2/10/2022 to 31/12/2022 for (90 days), as the study aimed to know the effect of different levels of spirulina algae on two diets with two different levels of protein (high and low), and the overlap between them in some characteristics of lamb carcasses. In this study, (24) local lambs were used, their ages ranged between 3-4 months, and an average Initial weight of 20.5 ± 0.9 kg. The experimental lambs were divided into (6) treatments, with (4) lambs for each treatment. The treatments included: the first, second, and third high-protein to which (0,8,12) gm of spirulina was added, respectively, and the fourth, fifth, and sixth low-protein to which (0, 8,12) gm spirulina, respectively. The results of the statistical analysis indicated that there was a significant superiority (P ≤ 0.05) for the T2 and T3 in the final body weight, which amounted to (33.88) kg and (34.10) kg, and the empty (final body weight without digestive contents) (29.82) kg and (30.27) kg over the T5 in which the weight to wich The final (29.88) kg and the empty (26.06) kg. As for the percentage Shrinkage, There was a significant superiority (P≤0.05) for the T4 over the T3 and T5, as it amounted to (2.76%), (2.09%), and (2.17%), respectively. As for the rest of the studied characteristics (Dressing percentage, primary and secondary cuts), there were No Significant differences.

Response of Jasmine rice to different levels of irrigation and organic fertilization under SRI cultivation method

Maintaining a certain level of rice production must coincide with maintaining soil fertility, reducing pollution to the environment, and reducing water consumption. A field experiment was carried out during the 2020 summer growing season in a spot of Al-Issa county-Abbasiya district in the province of Najaf, in order to study the effect of different levels of irrigation and organic fertilizers on the growth, yield and components of the local rice variety Jasmine. The experimental plants were planted on June 17, according to the rice intensification system (SRI) method, by seedling method, at distances of 25 cm between seedlings and lines, with one seedling in the hole. Weeds were removed by hand three times. It was designed as a factorial experiment using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates, where the irrigation levels (daily, 3 or 7 days irrigation intervals) as the main factor, while the organic fertilizers at two levels (10 and 5 ton.hˉ¹) were the secondary factor. The results showed that irrigation at 3 days intervals in clay soil mixed with the use of 10 ton.h-1 of organic fertilizers in SRI gave the highest rates of growth characteristics and yield components of Jasmine rice. In the case of irrigation and soil conditions in the study site, SRI is recommended to reduce water consumption and maintain an acceptable level of soil fertility, taking into account maintaining a level of production.

Study on the Seismic Response of Shield Tunnel Structures with the Preload Loss of Bolts

Shield tunnels can experience preload loss in their connecting bolts during the operational phase, leading to changes in tunnel structure stiffness, which, in turn, affect the seismic performance of shield tunnels. A refined three-dimensional model of shield tunnel was established using the finite element method to study the impact of preload loss in connecting bolts on the seismic dynamic response of shield tunnels. An artificial viscoelastic boundary was used to simulate the propagation of seismic waves from an infinitely distant field. This study investigated the effects of different levels of preload loss on the seismic response of shield tunnels. In addition, the Arias intensity, which can reflect the degree of seismic impact on structures, was used to analyse the extent of damage to the tunnel. The conclusions drawn from the study are as follows: As the level of preload loss increases, the tightness of the segments during the static phase gradually deteriorates, and the maximum joint opening during the seismic loading phase continues to increase. Post-earthquake non-recoverable ellipticity and radial deformation progressively increase with an increase to preload loss level. Overall tunnel damage becomes more significant with the degree of preload loss increases depending on the Arias intensity. Preload loss leads to a decrease in the overall structural stiffness and an increase in longitudinal relative displacement. In conclusion, preload loss also affects structural failure mode and seismic performance. These research findings are of reference value for enhancing the seismic performance of shield tunnel structures and ensuring engineering safety.

Screening some pine species from North America and dried zones of western Asia for drought stress tolerance in terms of nutrients status, biochemical and physiological characteristics

Drought due to climate change or reduced precipitation is one of the main factors limiting the growth and establishment of plants and is one of the most critical challenges facing humans. To investigate the effect of different levels of drought stress on some pine species, this research was carried out as a factorial experiment using two factors and a completely randomized design. It included five populations of four pine species (Pinus brutia Ten. var. eldarica, P. nigra Arnold, P. mugo, and P. banksiana Lamb (including populations 8310055 and 8960049), and three levels of irrigation (100%, 75%, or 50% FC, denoted as normal, mild or intense drought stress, respectively) with three replicates. The findings showed that, photosynthetic pigments, relative water content, visual quality, the content of nutrients, protein content, and fresh and dry weight all decreased significantly when plants were exposed to intense drought stress. However, raised proline levels, electrolyte leakage percentage, soluble sugars levels, and antioxidant enzyme activity. We detected a decline in most growth traits when comparing mild drought stress conditions to normal irrigation, yet acceptable quality seedlings when compared to intense drought stress. Intense drought stress had a substantial impact on many pine seedlings. PCA results showed that among different pine species, the level of resistance to drought is as follows: P. mugo> P. brutia var. eldarica> P. nigra> P. banksiana 8310055> P. banksiana 8960049. Our novel finding was that, P. mugo is a resistant species in arid and semi-arid regions, and P. banksiana species, especially its population of 8960049, is sensitive.

Pertambahan Berat Badan Harian dan Peningkatan Nilai Jual Sapi Bali yang Diberikan Molasses Multinutrient Soft Level 5% dan 10%

This research aims to determine the effect of 5% and 10% MMS supplementation on daily weight gain and the increase in the selling value of Bali cattle. The study involved 12 Bali cattle aged 1-4 years, with body weights ranging from 100-300 kilograms. Basal feed was provided ad libitum, while MMS supplementation was given according to the treatment presentation in the MMS nutrient feed. Based on the results and discussion of this study, it can be concluded that the addition of 5% and 10% MMS supplementation significantly increased the daily weight gain and selling value of Bali cattle compared to the control group (P0) and the other treatment group (P2). Further research is recommended to explore the effects of different levels of MMS supplementation while also considering the uniformity of age and gender among the Bali cattle in the study.

Effect of hemoglobin A1c management levels on coronary physiology evaluated by quantitative flow ratio in patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention.

The coronary physiology and prognosis of patients with different hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are currently unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different levels of HbA1c control on coronary physiology in patients who underwent PCI for coronary heart disease combined with type 2 diabetes mellitus by quantitative flow ratio (QFR). Patients who successfully underwent PCI and completed 1-year coronary angiographic follow up were enrolled, clinical data were collected, and QFR at immediate and 1-year follow up after PCI was retrospectively analyzed. A total of 257 patients (361 vessels) were finally enrolled and divided into the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)-compliance group (103 patients, 138 vessels) and non-HbA1c-compliance group (154 patients, 223 vessels) according to the HbA1c cut-off value of 7%. We compared the results of QFR analysis and clinical outcomes between the two groups. At 1-year follow up after PCI, the QFR was significantly higher (0.94 ± 0.07 vs 0.92 ± 0.10, P = 0.019) and declined less (0.014 ± 0.066 vs 0.033 ± 0.095, P = 0.029) in the HbA1c-compliance group. Meanwhile, the incidence of physiological restenosis was lower in the HbA1c-compliance group (2.9% vs 8.5%, P = 0.034). Additionally, the target vessel revascularization rate was lower in the HbA1c-compliance group (6.8% vs 16.9%, P = 0.018). Furthermore, HbA1c ≥7% (OR 2.113, 95% confidence interval 1.081-4.128, P = 0.029) and QFR decline (OR 2.215, 95% confidence interval 1.147-4.277, P = 0.018) were independent risk factors for target vessel revascularization. Patients with well-controlled HbA1c levels have better coronary physiological benefits and the incidence of adverse clinical outcome events might be reduced.

Dietary supplement of fermented grass forage regulates growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and immune response of broiler chickens

The current study aimed to determine the effects of different levels of fermented Juncao grass (FG) on growth parameters, blood constituents, immunity, and antioxidative properties of broilers. A total of 240 (21-d-old) broiler chicks were randomly distributed to four dietary treatments of sixty birds, with six replicate pens and ten birds in each. Fermented grass was added to the basal diet at four levels with 0, 5, 10, and 15% FG. The results revealed that broilers fed 5% FG had significantly higher (P < 0.05) final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (WG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI). The best conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded for broilers supplemented with 5% FG compared to the group supplemented with 15% FG (P < 0.05). Increasing FG % decreased (P < 0.05) anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10. However, FG increased (P < 0.05) proinflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, IL-1, IL-2, IL-12, and TNF-α (P < 0.05). Moreover, IgA, IgG, and IgM levels increased (P < 0.05) with increasing FG %. In addition, increasing FG % in broiler rations significantly increased (P < 0.05) serum antioxidant levels of T-AOC, GSH-PX, SOD, CAT, NO and GSH, but decreased (P < 0.05) MDA levels compared to the control group. Conclusively, fermented Juncao grass would be considered a novel herbal feed additive for improving broiler performance, immunity, antioxidant, and health status. Nevertheless, further research at the molecular level is needed to quantify the effects of these herbal components on cellular and humoral immune functions in broiler chickens.

Intensity of CLIL exposure and L2 motivation in primary school: evidence from Spanish EFL learners in non-CLIL, low-CLIL and high-CLIL programmes

Abstract Preliminary studies suggest a positive effect of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) on young learners’ (YLs) L2 motivation. However, much more research with larger samples is necessary to gain a more detailed understanding of the interaction between CLIL exposure and L2 motivation. This study specifically explores the effect of different levels of CLIL exposure on YLs’ L2 motivation. To do so, five measures of motivation were analysed in 895 L1-Spanish YLs of English (mean age = 10.61) comprising a non-CLIL group (n = 289) who had received five EFL weekly lessons; a low-CLIL group (n = 152) who had received five EFL and two CLIL weekly lessons, and a high-CLIL group (n = 454) who had received five EFL and seven CLIL weekly lessons. Normality, Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn-Bonferroni post-hoc tests were conducted. The results revealed significantly higher motivation levels for the high-CLIL learners over the low-CLIL group in all five measures, and higher motivational levels of the high-CLIL group over the non-CLIL group in four of the measures. The study provides evidence of the motivational benefits of high-CLIL exposure and underscores the need for further research on the motivational implications of low-CLIL programmes.

Heavy metal levels and flavonoid intakes are associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an NHANES analysis (2007–2010 to 2017–2018)

BackgroundThe association between exposure to environmental metals and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is preventing chronic lung diseases. However, little is currently known about the interaction between heavy metals and flavonoids in relation to the risk of COPD. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by leveraging The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database to evaluate thecorrelation between blood levels of heavy metals (cadmium, lead, mercury) and the intake of various flavonoid compounds (isoflavones, anthocyanidins, flavan-3-ols, flavanones, flavones, flavonols, total flavonoids). Additionally, appropriate dietary recommendations are provided based on the study findings.Materials and methodsCross-sectional analysis was conducted using the 2007–2010 and 2017–2018 NHANES data. Specialized weighted complex survey design analysis software was used for data analysis. Multivariate logistic regression models and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to evaluate the relationship between blood heavy metal levels, flavonoids intake, and COPD incidence in all participants, and to explore the effect of different levels of flavonoids intake on COPD caused by heavy metal exposure.ResultsA total of 7,265 adults aged ≥ 40 years were analyzed. Higher levels of blood cadmium (Cd), blood lead and Anthocyanidin (AC) intake were independently associated with an increased risk of COPD (Cd highest quantile vs. lowest: OR = 1.73, 95% CI, 1.25–2.3; Lead highest quantile vs. lowest quantile: OR = 1.44, 95% CI, 1.11–1.86; AC highest quantile vs. lowest: OR = 0.73, 95% CI, 0.54–0.99). When AC intake exceeded 11.56 mg/d, the effect of Cd exposure on COPD incidence decreased by 27%, and this finding was more significant in smokers.ConclusionHigher levels of Cd (≥ 0.45ug/L) and lead (≥ 0.172 ug/L) were positively correlated with the risk of COPD among participants aged 40 years and above, while AC intake (≥ 11.56 mg/d) could reduce the risk related to blood Cd.

Effects of different levels of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus by-products fermented feed on growth performance, serum biochemical, and intestinal health of cyan-shank partridge birds

This research aimed to investigate the effects of supplements containing fermented feed made from Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus by-products (CSFBP-Fermented feed) on the growth performance, immunological function, and gut health of broilers. 1080 cyan-shank partridge birds aged 47 days were chosen and casually distributed to four groups, each with 6 replicates and 45 birds per replicate. The experimental groups were provided with 1% (group T2), 3% (group T3) and 5% (group T4) of CSFBP-fermented feed in the basic diet, while the control group (group T1) received the basic diet. The findings revealed that supplementation with CSFBP-Fermented feed reduced ADFI and FCR and improved ADG in birds (P < 0.05). MDA levels in the serum of birds fed CSFBP-fermented feed were lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). The CAT activity in the serum of broilers increased after supplementation with 3% CSFBP-Fermented feed (P < 0.05). Supplementing broilers with CSFBP-fermented feed enhanced VH in the ileum, jejunum, and duodenum (P < 0.05). The addition of 3% CSFBP-Fermented feed decreased CD in the jejunum (P < 0.05). The addition of 3% and 5% CSFBP-Fermented feed increased the mRNA expression of ZO-1 and Occludin in the jejunum of broiler chickens and reduced the mRNA expression of IL-6 (P < 0.05). The addition of 3% CSFBP-Fermented feed increased the mRNA expression of Claudin in the jejunum of broiler chickens and reduced IL-1β mRNA expression (P < 0.05). Compared to the control group, all experimental groups exhibited decreased mRNA expression of TNF-α and INF-γ in the jejunal mucosa of the birds (P < 0.05). According to research using high-throughput sequencing of microorganisms' 16S rDNA, and an analysis of α-diversity found that supplementing broilers with 3% CSFBP-Fermented feed decreased the number of bacteria in their cecum (P < 0.05). Bacteroidota was higher in all groups after supplementation with CSFBP-Fermented feed. At the genus level, after addition with 3% CSFBP-Fermented feed, the abundance of Bacteroide and Prevotellaceae_Ga6A1_group were higher than the control group (33.36% vs 29.95%, 4.35% vs 2.94%). The abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Fusobacterium were lower than the control group (5.52% vs. 7.17%,0.38% vs. 1.33%). In summary, supplementing the diet with CSFBP-Fermented feed can promote the growth of performance by enhancing intestinal morphology, and barrier function, as well as modulating intestinal inflammatory factors and microbial composition in broilers.

Physiological response and drought resistance evaluation of Gleditsia sinensis seedlings under drought-rehydration state

G. sinensis is a crucial tree species in China, possessing important economic and ecological value, and having a wide geographical distribution. G. sinensis seedlings is highly vulnerable to the drought-rehydration-drought cycle during their growth, and there is a lack of quantitative and systematic research on the physiological mechanisms of drought resistance and rehydration in G. sinensis. There is also a lack of good drought-resistant families and reliable methods for evaluating drought resistance, which severely hinders the selection and promotion of drought-resistant G. sinensis families and the industry's development. Therefore, this study selection 58 families seedlings of G. sinensis to drought stress and rehydration using an artificial simulated water control method in potted seedlings. The aim was to compare the effects of different levels of drought and rehydration on the growth and physiological indices of seedlings from different families. Identification of drought-resistant families and dependable drought related indices and techniques, the explanation of divergence in drought stress effects on various drought-resistant seedlings and the mechanisms underpinning growth and physiological responses, and the provision of theoretical reference for G. sinensis drought-resistant variety selection and cultivation. The Drought Resistance Index (DRI) served as the primary indicator, supplemented by growth, leaf morphology, and photosynthetic physiological indicators, to thoroughly assess and identify five distinct drought tolerant taxa while also selecting five representative families. Soluble protein (SP), proline (Pro), and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, as well as the activities of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in seedlings from the five families, increased as the degree of drought intensified. The highest values were appeared during periods of severe drought, and gradually decreased after subsequent rehydration. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed MDA and soluble sugars (SS) as the primary predictors of drought and rehydration response in G. sinensis seedlings respectively. Changes in osmoregulatory substance content and increased antioxidant enzyme activity may be crucial for responding to drought tolerance mechanisms. Leaf morphological indicators, seedling height, soil plant analysis development (SPAD) value, photosynthetic indicators, and MDA are dependable parameters for assessing the drought tolerance of G. sinensis seedlings. When assessing the drought-resistance of seedlings using physiological indicators such as photosynthesis, a comprehensive analysis should incorporate multiple indicators and methods. This evaluation approach could serve as a reference for screening exceptional drought-resistant families of G. sinensis.