Experimental Treatment Groups Research Articles

Subclinical peripheral inflammation has systemic effects impacting central nervous system proteome in budgerigars

Regulation of neuroimmune interactions varies across avian species. Little is presently known about the interplay between periphery and central nervous system (CNS) in parrots, birds sensitive to neuroinflammation. Here we investigated the systemic and CNS responses to dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced subclinical acute peripheral inflammation in budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus). Three experimental treatment groups differing in DSS and LPS stimulation were compared to controls. Individuals treated with DSS showed significant histological intestinal damage. Through quantitative proteomics we described changes in plasma (PL) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) composition. In total, we identified 180 proteins in PL and 978 proteins in CSF, with moderate co-structure between the proteomes. Between treatments we detected differences in immune, coagulation and metabolic pathways. Proteomic variation was associated with the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression in intestine and brain. Our findings shed light on systemic impacts of peripheral low-grade inflammation in birds.

Evaluating the seasonal efficacy of commonly used chemical treatments on Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae)populationresurgence in honey bee colonies.

The purpose of this research was to determine how common chemical treatments influence Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman) populationresurgence rates (defined as time posttreatment for mite populations to reach 3 mites/100 adult bees) in managed honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies seasonally. We conducted 2 experiments that followed the same basic protocol to address this purpose. We established 6 treatment groups in Experiment 1 in the fall of 2014: untreated control, Apivar, Apistan, CheckMite+, ApiLifeVar, and Mite Away II applied to 10 colonies per treatment. In Experiment 2, we applied 8 chemical treatments to each of 4 seasonal (spring, summer, fall, and winter) cohorts of honey bee colonies to determine how mite populations are influenced by the treatments. The treatments/formulations tested were Apivar, Apistan, Apiguard, MAQS, CheckMite+, oxalic acid (dribble), oxalic acid (shop towels), and amitraz (shop towels soaked in Bovitraz). In Experiment 1, Apivar and Mite Away II were able to delay V. destructor resurgence for 2 and 6 months, respectively. In Experiment 2, Apiguard, MAQS, oxalic acid (dribble), and Bovitraz treatments were effective at delaying V. destructor resurgence for at least 2 months during winter and spring. Only the Bovitraz and MAQS treatments were effective at controlling V. destructor in the summer and fall. Of the 2 amitraz-based treatments, the off-label Bovitraz treatment was the only treatment to reduce V. destructor populations in every season. The data gathered through this study allow for the refinement of treatment recommendations for V. destructor, especially regarding the seasonal efficacy of each miticide and the temporal efficacy posttreatment.

Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Effects of Prunella vulgaris in Experimental Acute Inflammation.

Prunella vulgaris (PV) is one of the most commonly used nutraceuticals as it has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition of PV and its in vivo antioxidant properties. A phytochemical analysis measuring the total phenolic content (TPC), the identification of phenolic compounds by HPLC-DAD-ESI, and the evaluation of the in vitro antioxidant activity by the DPPH assay of the extract were performed. The antioxidant effects on inflammation induced by turpentine oil were experimentally tested in rats. Seven groups with six animals each were used: a control group, the experimental inflammation treatment group, the experimental inflammation and diclofenac sodium (DS) treatment group, and four groups with their inflammation treated using different dilutions of the extract. Serum redox balance was assessed based on total oxidative status (TOS), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiols, and an oxidative stress index (OSI) contents. The TPC was 0.28 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/mL extract, while specific representatives were represented by caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, dihydroxybenzoic acid, gentisic acid, protocatechuic acid, rosmarinic acid, vanillic acid, apigenin-glucuronide, hesperidin, kaempferol-glucuronide. The highest amount (370.45 μg/mL) was reported for hesperidin, which is a phenolic compound belonging to the flavanone subclass. The antioxidant activity of the extracts, determined using the DPPH assay, was 27.52 mmol Trolox/mL extract. The PV treatment reduced the oxidative stress by lowering the TOS, OSI, NO, and MDA and by increasing the TAC and thiols. In acute inflammation, treatment with the PV extract reduced oxidative stress, with lower concentrations being more efficient and having a better effect than DS.

Characterization of three lamp genes from largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides): molecular cloning, expression patterns, and their transcriptional levels in response to fast and refeeding strategy.

Lysosomes-associated membrane proteins (LAMPs), a family of glycosylated proteins and major constituents of the lysosomal membranes, play a dominant role in various cellular processes, including phagocytosis, autophagy and immunity in mammals. However, their roles in aquatic species remain poorly known. In the present study, three lamp genes were cloned and characterized from Micropterus salmoides. Subsequently, their transcriptional levels in response to different nutritional status were investigated. The full-length coding sequences of lamp1, lamp2 and lamp3 were 1251bp, 1224bp and 771bp, encoding 416, 407 and 256 amino acids, respectively. Multiple sequence alignment showed that LAMP1-3 were highly conserved among the different fish species, respectively. 3-D structure prediction, genomic survey, and phylogenetic analysis were further confirmed that these genes are widely existed in vertebrates. The mRNA expression of the three genes was ubiquitously expressed in all selected tissues, including liver, brain, gill, heart, muscle, spleen, kidney, stomach, adipose and intestine, lamp1 shows highly transcript levels in brain and muscle, lamp2 displays highly expression level in heart, muscle and spleen, but lamp3 shows highly transcript level in spleen, liver and kidney. To analyze the function of the three genes under starvation stress in largemouth bass, three experimental treatment groups (fasted group and refeeding group, control group) were established in the current study. The results indicated that the expression of lamp1 was significant induced after starvation, and then returned to normal levels after refeeding in the liver. The expression of lamp2 and lamp3 exhibited the same trend in the liver. In addition, in the spleen and the kidney, the transcript level of lamp1 and lamp2 was remarkably increased in the fasted treatment group and slightly decreased in the refed treatment group, respectively. Collectively, our findings suggest that three lamp genes may have differential function in the immune and energetic organism in largemouth bass, which is helpful in understanding roles of lamps in aquatic species.

Performance, HSP70 expression, antioxidant enzymes, oxidative DNA damage biomarkers, metabolic hormones, and intestinal microbiota of broiler chickens fed mistletoe leaf powder supplemented diets under tropical high ambient temperatures

The study investigated the impact of Mistletoe Leaf Powder (MLP) supplementation on some parameters in heat-stressed broiler chickens. The standard baseline diets, comprising four different formulations, were provided during the starter and finisher stages. Chickens were randomly assigned to the 4 dietary groups: a negative control (CON) with no supplementation, a positive control (VTC) with 200 mg/kg vitamin C, and 2 experimental treatment groups with 2500 mg/kg (MLP2) and 5000 mg/kg (MLP5) MLP supplementation. The Body Weight Gain (BWG) in MLP2 and MLP5 treatment groups was comparable (P > 0.05) to those in VTC, while the CON group exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) lower BWG. Feed consumption was significantly (P < 0.05) lower broiler chickens in the CON group compared to those VTC, MLP2, and MLP5. Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) levels were lower in broiler chickens belonging to VTC, MLP2, and MLP5 groups compared to those in CON, and MLP2 showed no difference (P > 0.05) from MLP5 and VTC. Serum glutathione peroxidase and catalase concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in birds belonging to MLP5, MLP2, and VTC groups compared to CON. The 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine concentration was lower (P < 0.05) in birds of VTC, MLP2, and MLP5 compared to the CON, with VTC showing the least concentration. Serum insulin levels were higher (P < 0.05) in MLP5 compared to those in CON, while serum triiodothyronine and leptin concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) in CON compared to birds in VTC, MLP2, and MLP5. Microbiota analysis revealed that the Coliform bacteria population was higher (P < 0.05) in birds belonging to CON compared to those in VTC, MLP2, and MLP5 groups, whereas lactic acid-producing bacteria were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in birds of CON and highest in MLP2 and MLP5 groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of MLP at 5000 mg/kg enhanced performance, oxidative status, influenced metabolic hormones, and gut microbiota in broiler chickens raised under high ambient temperature.

The effects of yohimbine and hydrocortisone on selective attention to fearful faces: An fMRI study

IntroductionSelective attention to salient emotional information can enable an advantage in the face of danger. The present study aims to investigate the influence of the stress neuromodulators, norepinephrine and cortisol, on selective attention processes to fearful faces and its neuronal activation. Methods and materialsWe used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. 167 healthy men between 18 and 35 years (mean [SD] age: 25.23 [4.24] years) participated in the study. Participants received either: (A) yohimbine (n= 41), (B) hydrocortisone (n = 41), (C) yohimbine and hydrocortisone (n = 42) or (D) placebo only (n= 43) and participated in a dot-probe task with fearful and neutral faces in an fMRI scanner. ResultsWe found an attentional bias toward fearful faces across all groups and related neuronal activation in the left cuneus. We did not find any differences between experimental treatment groups in selective attention and its neuronal activation. DiscussionOur results provide evidence that fearful faces lead to an attentional bias with related neuronal activation in the left cuneus. We did not replicate formerly reported activation in the amygdala, intraparietal sulcus, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, and thalamus. Suitability of the dot-probe task for fMRI studies and insignificant treatment effects are discussed.

Influence of Nutrition and Genetics on Bone Parameters of 1940 Leghorn and 2016 Commercial White Leghorns

Bones play an essential role being responsible for the support of body mass, protection of internal organs, and providing musculature attachment sites while also serving as a reservoir for eggshell mineralization during the production phase. Targeted genetic selection has contributed to body morphometry and performance potential and could be inadvertently associated with undesirable effects on bone stability. In this study, bone parameters were compared between a contemporary and heritage line for the effect of strain and dietary regimen. A total of 320 White Leghorn laying hens (69 weeks of age) of two different strains were distributed into a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement creating 4 experimental treatment groups: 1). 2016 hen on 1940 diet, 2). 2016 hen on 2016 diet, 3). 1940 hen on 1940 diet, and 4). 1940 hen on 2016 diet with 8 replicates per treatment. Keel bones were assessed for deviations and or fractures. Significant differences (P ≥ 0.05) were observed for both deviations and/or fractures with the 2016 strain having more when compared to the 1940 strain. Humerus and tibia bones were analyzed for bone mineral density, breaking strength, and bone ash. Humerus and tibia weights which included both pre (with meat attached) and post weights (without meat attached) had significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in the pre-weight in the 2016 hens, however no significant differences in the post weights. Results suggest that genetics played a role in the differences observed with the bone parameters measured and nutrition had few adverse effects.

Study on the mechanism of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury.

To explore the effect of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) on retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI) and the protective effect of N-hydroxy-N'-(4-n-butyl-2-methylphenyl)formamidine (HET0016) on RIRI. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the normal control group, experimental model group (RIRI group), experimental solvent group (RIRI + solvent group), and experimental treatment group (RIRI + HET0016 group). The levels of 20-HETE, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the retina of rats at 24 h after reperfusion were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the retinal morphological and thickness changes at 24 h, 48 h, and 7 days after reperfusion. The number and localized expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9-positive cells in the retina of the rats at 24 h after reperfusion and the activation and localized expression of retinal microglia at 48 h after reperfusion were measured using an immunohistochemical method. The nuclear metastasis of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB, p65) cells at 24 h after reperfusion was observed using an immunofluorescence method. Overall, 20-HETE might activate microglia to aggravate RIRI by the NF-κB pathway, but HET0016 has significant protective effects for the retina.

Effect of human lactoferrin solution on histological changes of rabbit cornea in alkaline burns

BACKGROUND: Eye burns are a severe injury, accounting for 6.1–38.4% of all ophthalmic diseases. Alkaline burns are the most common and most severe forms of eye burns.&#x0D; AIM: Evaluation of the effectiveness of drug topical application based on human lactoferrin in alkaline cornea burns of the 3rd degree in the experiment.&#x0D; MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 42 rabbits. It included two groups: the first (without treatment) — alkaline burns during therapy with water for injection (1 drop 3 times a day) — 21 rabbits, the second (experimental) — treatment with lactoferrin solution (concentration 2.5 mg/ml, 1 drop 3 times a day) — 21 rabbits. Alkaline burns were induced by applying a filter paper disc moistened with 5% sodium hydroxide solution to the cornea. 6 eyes of 3 intact animals served as controls. The effectiveness of the drug was evaluated by the rate of closure of the corneal epithelium defect, the time of suppression of the inflammatory reaction in the area of the defect and the limbus, the degree of restoration of the morphological structure of the cornea, as close as possible to the normal rabbit cornea. The obtained data were processed using the methods of variation statistics, the Statistica 10.0 software package. The significance of differences was assessed by calculating the median and interquartile interval. The critical level of significance for statistical criteria was taken as p=0.05.&#x0D; RESULTS: From the 3rd day of the study, in the experimental treatment group, there was an acceleration of reepithelialization, restoration of the cornea's own substance, and a more rapid subsidence of inflammation compared to the control group. The thickness of the cornea in the center of the defect in the group without treatment was significantly higher than the values of intact animals at all periods of observation: on the 3rd day after the burn it was 615.99 [450.70–794.07] µm (p=0.000574), reached the maximum by day 7 — it was 1363.16 [907.78–1543.44] µm (p=0.000091), and by day 28 it decreased to 384.38 [376.03–398.14] µm (p=0.0000041). In the group with experimental treatment, the thickness of the cornea in the center of the defect also increased relative to intact animals, starting from the 1st day of pathology, reaching maximum values on the 3rd day — 436.70 [415.57–489.90] µm (p=0.005589). The use of lactoferrin solution in comparison with the first group led to a significant decrease in the thickness of the cornea in the center of the defect on 7th (p=0.039985) and 28th days (p=0.0443).&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Local application of lactoferrin solution in alkaline burns of the cornea promotes faster regeneration of the epithelium and restoration of the stroma structure of the rabbit cornea.

Ultrastructure of mice testes affected by orally administered crocin of crocus sativus

In this study, thirty-two adult male mice were divided into four groups control and experimental treatment groups received crocin at 4, 20, and 100 mg/kg daily for six weeks. In results, testosterone level was increased significantly from 18.5 ng/dl in the control to 49.3 ng/dl in group received crocin at 20 mg/kg. The regular features of seminiferous tubules with increased Sertoli cells have been observed in the 20mg/kg crocin group.&#x0D; In the group received crocin at 100 mg/kg, many of the seminiferous tubules were atrophic, spermatogenic cells were discontinuous in the same areas while the space among them has been increased, and fewer interstitial tissue between seminiferous tubules were observed. The changes were markedly advanced by increasing the number of atrophied seminiferous tubules.&#x0D; Electron microscopic results showed the large mitochondria with normal crista and dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum in spermatid cells of the 20 mg/kg crocin group.&#x0D; In the 100 mg/kg crocin group, most of the cell cytoplasm showed vacuolated mitochondria with patchy matrix and distorted vision cristae, with many lysosomes, lipid droplets and vacuoles. Some sperms had abnormal swollen nuclear and irregular wavy acrosomal system.&#x0D; The results of the present study showed that crocin at 20 mg/kg has a protective effect on the germinal epithelium of seminiferous tubules while at 100 mg/kg had destructive effects on the histological structure of the treated mice testicles.&#x0D; In conclusion, treating healthy male mice with crocin for six weeks increased the testosterone concentration while at 100 mg/kg damaged the testicle’s structure

Ethanol production from cassava peels using Saccharomyces cerevisiae via ethanologenic fermentation process

PurposeThis study aims to assess the effect of water variation on bioethanol production from cassava peels (CP) using Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast as the ethanologenic agent.Design/methodology/approachThe milled CP was divided into three treatment groups in a small-scale flask experiment where each 20 g CP was subjected to two-stage hydrolysis. Different amount of water was added to the fermentation process of CP. The fermented samples were collected every 24 h for various analyses.FindingsThe results of the fermentation revealed that the highest ethanol productivity and fermentation efficiency was obtained at 17.38 ± 0.30% and 0.139 ± 0.003 gL−1 h−1. The study affirmed that ethanol production was increased for the addition of water up to 35% for the CP hydrolysate process.Practical implicationsThe finding of this study demonstrates that S. cerevisiae is the key player in industrial ethanol production among a variety of yeasts that produce ethanol through sugar fermentation. In order to design truly sustainable processes, it should be expanded to include a thorough analysis and the gradual scaling-up of this process to an industrial level.Originality/valueThis paper is an original research work dealing with bioethanol production from CP using S. cerevisiae microbe.HighlightsHydrolysis of cassava peels using 13.1 M H2SO4 at 100 oC for 110 min gave high Glucose productivityHighest ethanol production was obtained at 72 h of fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiaeOptimal bioethanol concentration and yield were obtained at a hydration level of 35% agitationHighest ethanol productivity and fermentation efficiency were 17.3%, 0.139 g.L−1.h−1

Antioxidant Status, Lipid Metabolism, Egg Fatty Acids, and Nutritional Index of White-Egg Laying Hens Fed Flaxseed Cake.

Flaxseed cake contains high levels of phenolic compounds, which have numerous biological activities, as well as a considerable amount of omega-3 fatty acids, such as α-linolenic acid, which remains after oil extraction. In this study, we examined the effects of flaxseed cake meal (FSCM) on the antioxidative status, lipid metabolism, egg fatty acid profile, and egg health index of white-egg laying hens. A total of 63 Hisex White laying hens were divided into three experimental treatment groups and fed diets containing 0, 5, or 10% FSCM from 48 to 58 weeks of age. Feeding with 5 and 10% FSCM did not significantly (p>0.05) influence total lipid, triglyceride, total cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations, or the high-/low-density lipoprotein ratio in the serum and egg yolk; however, 10% FSCM significantly (P<0.05) increased serum high-density lipoprotein. Dietary FSCM also did not affect (P>0.05) antioxidant markers in the eggs and blood plasma. Notably, dietary inclusion of FSCM significantly increased (P<0.05) total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), α-linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid levels in egg yolk, whereas the n-6:n-3 PUFAs ratio was markedly (P<0.05) decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, including 5-10% FSCM improved (P<0.05) egg health indices, with 10% being the most beneficial. Together, these findings indicated that the inclusion of up to 10% FSCM in laying hen diets improved egg yolk lipid and fatty acid profiles, as well as egg quality and nutritional and metabolic indices.

Paresis of an upper extremity. Action observation and motor imagery in recovery of patients with chronic stroke

Action observation (AO) and motor imagery (MI) are considered functionally equivalent forms of motor representation related to movement execution (ME). Because of their characteristics, AO and MI have been proposed as techniques to facilitate the recovery of post-stroke hemiparesis in the upper extremities. An experimental, longitudinal, prospective, single-blinded design was undertaken. Eleven patients participated, and were randomly assigned to each study group. Both groups received 10 to 12 sessions of physical therapy. Five patients were assigned to the control treatment group, and six patients to the experimental treatment group (AO + MI). All were assessed before and after treatment for function, strength (newtons) and mobility (percentage) in the affected limb, as well as alpha desynchronisation (8-13 Hz) in the supplementary motor area, the premotor cortex and primary motor cortex while performing AO + MI tasks and action observation plus motor execution (AO + ME). The experimental group presented improvement in function and strength. A negative correlation was found between desynchronisation in the supplementary motor area and function, as well as a post-treatment increase in desynchronisation in the premotor cortex of the injured hemisphere in the experimental group only. An AO + MI-based intervention positively impacts recovery of the paretic upper extremity by stimulating the supplementary motor area, a cortex involved in movement preparation and learning. AO + MI therapy can be used as adjunctive treatment in patients with upper extremity paresis following chronic stroke.

Effect of Probiotic Administration of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans Isolate on Growth Performance in Broiler Chicken

This study aimed to determine the effect of probiotic administration of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans isolate in improving feed intake, and body weight, and feed conversion rate (FCR) in broiler chicken. A total of 24 broiler chickens divided into four treatments i.e. (P0) was a group without probiotics, (P1), (P2), and (P3) were experimental treatment groups consist of probiotic 2 mL/day, 4 mL/day, and 6 mL/day per orally. In results, feed intake, body weight, and FCR values in all treatment groups (P1, P2, P3) were significantly different (p &lt; 0.05) from (P0) group. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) between P1 and P3 group. It can be concluded that the effect of B. subtilis and B. coagulans as probiotics with a dose of 4 mL/day had a noticeable impact on feed intake, body weight, and decreased FCR.

Effect of Mixed Lactiplantibacillus plantarum- and Bacillus subtilis-Fermented Feed on Growth, Immunity, and Intestinal Health of Weaner Pigs

Bamei pigs, an eximious local breed reared on the Tibetan Plateau of China, are facing problems such as feed shortages, weaning stress, and antibiotic abuse. This study aimed to improve the quality of feed, growth performance, intestinal microbiota, and immunity of Bamei pigs through feeding with potentially probiotic-fermented feed. Different feeds were administered to weaned Bamei piglets for 60 days, creating the following five experimental treatment groups: basal feed group; Lactiplantibacillus plantarum-fermented-feed group; Bacillus subtilis-fermented-feed group; mixed-fermented-feed group; and antibiotic-supplemented-feed group. The results showed that the pH, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber of the potentially probiotic-fermented feeds were significantly reduced; organic acids were produced; and Coliform bacteria, Clostridium, and aerobic bacteria were effectively inhibited. Feeding with potentially probiotic-fermented feed not only reduced the feed-conversion ratio but also improved immunity by increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and typical inflammatory pathways. The 16s rDNA high-throughput-sequencing results showed that probiotic-fermented feed improved the diversity of intestinal microbiota, inhibited the growth of the opportunistic pathogens Clostridium and Streptococcus, increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Prevotella, and promoted gut health, demonstrating the promising application prospects of potentially probiotic-fermented feed.

Sodium pyruvate improves the plasma amino acid profile in rats with L-arginine-induced acute pancreatitis.

Plasma amino acid levels are altered upon many pathological conditions including acute pancreatitis. It is unclear whether amino acids can be used as specific biomarker of acute pancreatitis severity or recovery. Development of acute pancreatitis is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased cytosolic ATP level. Sodium pyruvate is considered as a potential treatment of pancreatitis due to its ability to sustain mitochondrial oxidative and ATP-productive capacity in vitro. This study investigated the effect of sodium pyruvate on pancreatic morphology and plasma amino acid levels in rats with acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis in rats was induced by administration of L-arginine (5g/kg) Experimental treatment group received sodium pyruvate (1g/kg) for 4days. On day 8 of the experiment, animals were killed, blood was collected and plasma amino acid concentration was determined with high-performance liquid chromatography. Histological examination showed large areas of fibrosis in the pancreas of animals treated with L-arginine irrespectively of sodium pyruvate administration. Sodium pyruvate improved the plasma amino acid levels. Rats with acute pancreatitis had significantly lower levels of most essential and non-essential amino acids and increased glutamate and aspartate in plasma. Administration of sodium pyruvate completely or partially restored the levels of methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, leucine, isoleucine, aspartate, asparagine and ornithine levels, while increasing glutamine and serine to levels significantly higher than control. Plasma lysine, alanine, arginine and taurine remained unaffected in all experimental groups. Sodium pyruvate may be considered for use as a maintenance therapy in acute pancreatitis.

The Effects of Replacing Fish Meal Protein with Black Soldier Fly Meal and Sodium Butyrate Supplementation on the Growth Performance, Lipid Peroxidation, and Intestinal Villi Status of Jade Perch, Scortum barcoo Fingerlings

This study investigated the effects of different protein sources and butyric acid contents in aquafeed on the growth, survival rate, lipid peroxidation enzymes, and intestinal villi of 7.3 g jade perch, Scortum barcoo. The experimental treatment groups were the whole fish meal protein (FM) group, the FM + butyric acid (FMB) group, the 50% fish meal protein and 50% black soldier fly meal protein (FBM) group, the FBM + butyric acid (FBMB) group, the whole black soldier fly meal protein (BM) group, and the BM + butyric acid (BMB) group. The experimental results showed that the jade perch fed with the FMB feed had a significantly higher weight gain rate and antioxidant enzyme activity than the other treatment groups. The red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit contents in the blood of jade perch were not affected by the protein source, but they increased with the addition of butyric acid. The intestinal villi length of the jade perch that were fed diets containing butyric acid were significantly higher than that of the jade perch that were fed diets without butyric acid supplementation. The results of this study show that the addition of butyric acid to a balanced feed composed of protein can contribute to the growth of jade perch.

Estimation of treatment effect in presence of noncompliance and competing risks: a simulation study

A randomized controlled trial is commonly designed to assess the treatment effect in survival studies, in which patients are randomly assigned to the standard or the experimental treatment group. Upon disease progression, patients who have been randomized to standard treatment are allowed to switch to the experimental treatment. Treatment switching in a randomized controlled trial refers to a situation in which patients switch from their randomized treatment to another treatment. Often, the switchis from the control group to the experimental treatment. In this case, the treatment effect estimate is adjusted using either convenient naive methods such as intention-to-treat, per-protocol or advanced methods such as rank preserving structural failure time (RPSFT) models. In previous simulation studies performed so far, there was only one possible outcome for patients. However, in oncology in particular, multiple outcomes are potentially possible. These outcomes are called competing risks. This aspect has not been considered in previous studies when determining the effect of a treatment in the presence of noncompliance. This study aimed to extend the RPSFT method using a two-dimensional G-estimation in the presence of competing risks. The RPSFT method was extended for two events, the event of interest and the competing event. For this purpose, the RPSFT method was applied based on the cause-specific hazard approach, the result of which is compared to the naive methods used in simulation studies. The results show that the proposed method has a good performance compared to other methods.

Effects of Varying Levels of Lemon Grass Leaf Meal on Performance, Haematology and Serum Biochemical Indices of Broilers

A total of two hundred unsexed broiler chicks aged two weeks were used for six weeks feeding trial to evaluate growth performance, hematology, and serum biochemistry. In this study, broilers chicks were fed dietary lemon grass leaf meal at inclusion levels of T1control (0.00%), T2 (1.50%), T3 (2.25%) and T4 (3.75 %). The weighed broilers were distributed at random among the four treatment diets. A completely randomized experimental design was used, and each treatment was replicated five times with ten broilers per replicate. Experimental birds were provided experimental starter and finisher diets ad-libitum throughout the experimental period at weeks 2 to 4 and 5 to 7 respectively. The experiment revealed that weekly feed intake for week 2, 3, 4 and 6 was significantly affected (P&lt;0.05) except week five. The daily weight gain followed similar pattern, however significant difference were observed only in week 3, 4 and 7 in all the treatment groups. There were significant (P&lt;0.05) differences among the dietary groups in week 4, 6 and 7 in terms of feed conversion ratio. White blood cells value of birds fed on control diet 286.07x 109 /dl is similar to 283.37 and 268.67x 109 /dl for T3 and T4. Neutrophil values 14%, 19%,18% and 20% for T1, T2, T3 and T4 were statistically significant (P&lt;0.05) indicating that birds were challenged with increasing levels of lemon grass leaf meal beyond 3.75%. The results of this study indicate that birds fed with 1.5% of dietary lemon grass meal was the best among diets with lemon grass and comparable with the control group in terms of daily weight gain. This implies that birds fed with 1.5% level lemon grass leaf meal (LGLM) was able to utilize the experimental diet better than other treatment groups and without detrimental effects.

Unraveling the Potential of Orange Pulp for Improving Laying Rate, Egg Quality, Oxidative Stability, Fatty Acids Composition, and Reproductive Tract Morphology of Laying Hens.

The current study aimed to demonstrate the effects of dietary dried orange pulp (DOP) on the laying performance, egg quality, antioxidant status, yolk fatty acid composition, serum biochemistry, and reproductive tract morphology of laying hens. A total of 200 Lohman Brown Lite laying hens were randomly allotted into 4 dietary treatments with 10 replicates each. The experimental treatment groups were the control group, a basal diet containing 50 g DOP/kg feed (DOP5%), a basal diet containing 70 g DOP/kg feed (DOP7%), and a basal diet containing 100 g DOP/kg feed (DOP10%). Data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA following a completely randomized design, and the incremental levels of dietary DOP were tested by orthogonal polynomial contrasts. The body weight gain, feed intake, egg production%, egg weight, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio of laying hens fed the DOP7% and DOP10% diets were greater (p < 0.01) than those fed the control diet. Eggs obtained from the DOP7% and DOP10% groups had a heavier shell weight% and shell thickness, as well as a greater yolk color score (p < 0.01; linear, p < 0.01). Dietary DOP improved the egg yolk concentrations of PUFA, n-3 PUFA, and n-6 PUFA (linear, p < 0.001; quadratic, p < 0.05), whereas the content of SFA was reduced (p < 0.001; linear, p < 0.001). The egg yolk cholesterol and triglyceride levels were linearly decreased (p < 0.001) with the inclusion of DOP in the diets of hens. After storage for 40 days, the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in the egg yolk were reduced, whereas the glutathione peroxidase content was increased (p < 0.01) due to dietary DOP. The DOP7% and DOP10% hens had an obvious reduction in the levels of serum total lipids, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and MDA, whereas high-density lipoprotein and GPx levels were increased (p < 0.01) compared with those fed the control diet. The relative weights of the ovary, oviduct, uterus, and follicle of hens receiving diets containing 7% and 10% DOP were heavier (p < 0.01) than those of the control hens. Moreover, the number of large yellow follicles was increased (p < 0.001; linear, p < 0.001) in the hens-fed diets containing 7% and 10% DOP. In conclusion, dietary DOP at up to 100 g/kg of feed improves laying performance, health status, antioxidant capacity, egg nutritive value, and egg shelf life in laying hens.