Reduction In Gain Research Articles

Novel insights into heat tolerance: the impact of dwarf and frizzled feather traits on crossbreed chicken performance under thermal stress

Heat stress (HS) poses significant challenges to broiler production, negatively influencing growth performance and meat quality. This study explores the resilience and the meat quality of hybrid chickens with dwarf size and frizzled feather traits to HS. We investigated F1 progeny derived from a crossbreed of dwarf yellow chickens (DYCs) with Yuexi frizzled feather chickens. Following a rearing period of 12 weeks, we randomly assigned 72 chickens into two distinct environmental conditions: a HS group subjected to 35 ± 1 °C for 8 h per day, and a control group (CN) maintained at 26 ± 1 °C. Seven days post-HS, multiple tissue samples were collected to assess meat quality attributes and measure expression levels of heat shock proteins (HSPs), muscle growth-related genes and cytokines. The results demonstrated a substantial reduction in weight gain of the F1 chickens exposed to HS, along with decreased expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and its receptor (IGF-1R) in the liver. Furthermore, HS exposure significantly increased muscle shear force and the expression of HSP70 in both liver and pectoral muscle tissues (p < .05). Despite these changes, there were no significant alterations in the other meat quality indices, or indicators of splenic and hepatic tissue injury. Likewise, expression levels of growth hormone receptor (GHR) and cytokines remained stable, implying a lack of heightened inflammation. These observations suggest an inherent thermotolerance in the chickens possessing dwarf size and frizzled feather traits, warranting further exploration for their potential in heat-stress-prone poultry production environments. Highlights Dwarf and frizzled feather traits in crossbreed chickens show potential for improved heat tolerance in poultry production. Heat stress had limited impact on meat quality parameters, suggesting resilience of these local chicken traits. Understanding the genetic basis of thermotolerance can inform breeding strategies for climate-resilient chickens.

Dialysate Sodium Lowering in Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Lowering dialysate sodium may improve volume and blood pressure control in maintenance hemodialysis patients. We randomized 42 participants 2:1 to dialysate sodium 135 vs. 138 mEq/L for 6 months. This was followed by a 12 week extension in which sodium was increased to 140 mEq/L in low arm participants. The primary outcome was intradialytic hypotension (IDH). Secondary outcomes included dialysis disequilibrium symptoms, ER visits/hospitalizations, interdialytic weight gain, blood pressure (BP). Longitudinal changes across arms were analyzed using linear mixed regression. Treatment to dialysate sodium 135 vs. 138 mEq/L was not associated with a difference in a change in the rate of IDH (mean change (95%CI) 2.8 (0.8,9.5) vs. 2.7 (1.1, 6.2) events per 100 treatments per month; ratio of slopes 0.96(0.26,3.61) or ER visits/hospitalizations (7.3 (2.3, 12.4) vs. 6.7 (2.9, 10.6) events per 100 patient months; difference 0.6(-6.9,5.8). Symptom score was unchanged in the 135 mEq/L arm (0.7 (-1.4,2.7) and decreased in the 138 mEq/l arm (5.0,8.5,2.0); difference 6.0 (2.1,9.8)). Interdialytic weight gain declined in the 135 mEq/L arm and was unchanged in the 138 mEq/L arm,(-0.3(-0.5,0.0) vs. 0.3 (0.0, 0.6) kg over 6 months; difference (-0.6 (-0.1,-1.0) kg). In the extension phase, raising dialysate sodium from 135 to 140 mEq/L was associated with an increase in interdialytic weight gain (0.2 (0.1, 0.3) kg), predialysis BP (7.0 (4.8, 9.2)/ 3.9 (2.6, 5.1) mm Hg) and a reduction in IDH [OR 0.66 (0.45, 0.97)]. Use of a dialysate sodium of 135 as compared with 138 mEq/L was associated with a small reduction in interdialytic weight gain without impact on IDH or predialysis BP, but with an increase in symptoms. Raising dialysate sodium from 135 to 140mEq/L was associated with a reduction in IDH, a small increase in interdialytic weight gain and a marked increase in predialysis BP.

Effect of vestibular loss on head-on-trunk stability in individuals with vestibular schwannoma

The vestibulo-collic reflex generates neck motor commands to produce head-on-trunk movements that are essential for stabilizing the head relative to space. Here we examined the effects of vestibular loss on head-on-trunk kinematics during voluntary behavior. Head and trunk movements were measured in individuals with vestibular schwannoma before and then 6 weeks after unilateral vestibular deafferentation via surgical resection of the tumor. Movements were recorded in 6 dimensions (i.e., 3 axes of rotation and 3 axes of translation) using small light-weight inertial measurement units while participants performed balance and gait tasks. Kinematic measures differed between individuals with vestibular schwannoma (at both time points) and healthy controls for the more challenging exercises, namely those performed in tandem position or on an unstable surface without visual input. Quantitative assessment of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) revealed a reduction in VOR gain for individuals with vestibular schwannoma compared to control subjects, that was further reduced following surgery. These findings indicated that the impairment caused by either the tumor or subsequent surgical tumor resection altered head-on-trunk kinematics in a manner that is not normalized by central compensation. In contrast, we further found that head-on-trunk kinematics in individuals with vestibular schwannoma were actually comparable before and after surgery. Thus, taken together, our results indicate that vestibular loss impacts head-on-trunk kinematics during voluntary balance and gait behaviors, and suggest that the neural mechanisms mediating adaptation alter the motion strategies even before surgery in a manner that may be maladaptive for long-term compensation.

The Impact of Unplanned Reoperation Following Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: A Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study with 5-Year Follow-up.

The long-term impact of reoperations following adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery is still poorly understood. Our aim was to identify the relationship between unplanned reoperation and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) gain at 2 and 5 years of follow-up. We included patients enrolled in a prospective ASD database who underwent surgery ≥5 years prior to the start of the study and who had 2 years of follow-up data. Adverse events (AEs) leading to an unplanned reoperation, the time of reoperation occurrence, invasiveness (blood loss, surgical time, hospital stay), and AE resolution were assessed. HRQoL was measured with use of the Oswestry Disability Index, Scoliosis Research Society-22, and Short Form-36. Linear models controlling for baseline data and index surgery characteristics were utilized to assess the relationships between HRQoL gain at 2 and 5-year follow-up and the number and invasiveness of reoperations. The association between 5-year HRQoL gain and the time of occurrence of the unplanned reoperation and that between 5-year HRQoL gain and AE resolution were also investigated. Of 361 eligible patients, 316 (87.5%) with 2-year follow-up data met the inclusion criteria and 258 (71.5%) had 5-year follow-up data. At the 2-year follow-up, 96 patients (30.4%) had a total of 165 unplanned reoperations (1.72 per patient). At the 5-year follow-up, 73 patients (28.3%) had a total of 117 unplanned reoperations (1.60 per patient). The most common cause of reoperations was mechanical complications (64.9%), followed by surgical site infections (15.7%). At the 5-year follow-up, the AE that led to reoperation was resolved in 67 patients (91.8%). Reoperation invasiveness was not associated with 5-year HRQoL scores. The number of reoperations was associated with lesser HRQoL gain at 5 years for all HRQoL measures. The mean associated reduction in HRQoL gain per unplanned reoperation was 41% (range, 19% to 66%). Reoperations resulting in no resolution of the AE or resolution with sequelae had a greater impact on 5-year follow-up HRQoL scores than reoperations resulting in resolution of the AE. A postoperative, unplanned reoperation following ASD surgery was associated with lesser gain in HRQoL at 5 years of follow-up. The association did not diminish over time and was affected by the number, but not the magnitude, of reoperations. Resolution of the associated AE reduced the impact of the unplanned reoperation. Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Antiobesity Effects of Rosehip (Rosa canina) Flesh by Antagonizing the PPAR Gamma Activity in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice.

The rosehip (Rosa canina) is a perennial shrub with a reddish pseudofruit that has demonstrated antidiabetic, antiatherosclerotic, and antiobesogenic effects in rodent models but there is low information about the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects on the onset and progression of diet-induced obesity. Four-week-old C57BL/6J male mice are subjected to a high-fat diet (HFD)-supplemented or not with R. canina flesh for 18 weeks. The results indicated that the R. canina flesh exerts a preventive effect on HFD-induced obesity with a significant reduction in body-weight gain and an improvement of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance caused by a HFD. At the tissue level, subcutaneous white adipose tissue exhibits a higher number of smaller adipocytes, with decreased lipogenesis. On its side, the liver shows a significant decrease in lipid droplet content and in the expression of genes related to lipogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, and glucose metabolism. Finally, the data suggest that most of these effects agree with the presence of a putative Perosxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) antagonist in the R. canina flesh. R. canina flesh dietary supplementation slows down the steatotic effect of a HFD at least in part through the regulation of the transcriptional activity of PPARγ.

Assessing vertical green walls for indoor corridors in educational buildings and its impact outdoor: A field study at the universities of Canada in Egypt

Developing Green Walls (GW) within the architectural realm involves integration of diverse functions to optimize the indoor performance of the GW, and outdoor in campus buildings. The methodology is fundamentally rooted in the selection and fulfillment of strategic incorporation of additional function-based GW design to various performance aspects through contextual design solutions. This approach is particularly crucial in the education sector, on utilizing GW to educate students as occupants in integrating gardening, ecology, botany, and beyond in their studies for decreasing the environmental pollution for new generations, to feel by environment indoor in accomplishing way for sustainability perceptions.The aim of the study is to assess the effective resources influencing vertical green walls needed for educational buildings to reduce the effect of indoor heat, to upgrade its air quality, simultaneously decreasing noise pollution to avoid the energy consumption. The Educational GW should be accessible easily, either by installing them naturally in accessible locations with appropriate heights or by designing the facilities to increase the student's integration with GW natural environment that will reflect on their academic progress and health. The study aims to assess the effect of green wall installation in the universities of Canada in Egypt campus in the heat gain reduction, energy consumption, CO2 emission reduction by using the Design-Builder simulation program to measure the effect of green wall installation in corridors and inner courtyard at the hottest period of the year (August 2:00 p.m.) and how it can decrease the cooling loads by 10.95 %:19.14 %, heating loads by 4.8 %:12.94 %, CO2 emission by 13 %:28.43 % and the monthly electricity bill by 35:41.5 % measuring the vertical greening cost in relative to short and long period as a needed sustainable technology to reduce building demand significantly.

Toward a greener multifunctional pharmaceutical excipient: in vivo safety evaluation of nanofibrillated cellulose from tobacco stalk

Tobacco stalk is a cellulose-rich material and a sustainable alternative to be applied as a plant-based nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) source. NFC use has garnered attention in the development of oral pharmaceutical forms, despite concerns about its safety due to the adverse effects of nicotine on health. Therefore, we aimed at establishing the safety of NFC derived from tobacco stalk for its potential use as a novel pharmaceutical excipient, exploring its potential functions for tablet production. We conducted acute and subchronic oral toxicity tests in adult female Wistar rats. Initially, individual animals received sequential doses (175–5,000 mg·kg−1) for 24 hours followed by a careful observation of any toxic effects. Subsequently, 20 rats were divided into four groups for a subchronic assay, evaluating toxicity signs, body weight changes, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters. No deaths or other clinical toxicity signs were observed in either the acute or the subchronic assays. We noticed a significant reduction in body weight gain (p < 0.05) after 14 days. We found statistical differences for hematological and biochemical parameters, unrelated to dosage. There were no observed toxic effects, and tobacco stalk ingestion did not adversely affect organ morphology in the histopathological evaluation. The oral administration of NFC at 5,000 mg·kg−1 per day for 28 days was well-tolerated by treated rats, with no reported deaths. In conclusion, NFC derived from tobacco stalk has shown to be a sustainable and safe alternative for use as an excipient at experimental doses, demonstrating compatibility with its proposed applications.

Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of N-Bit Reconfigurable Retrodirective Metasurface

The PIN diode-based N-bit reconfigurable retrodirective metasurface (N-bit RRDM) is a next-generation retro-reflector that offers the advantages of effective electronical control of the retro-reflection angle, low loss, and thin planar structure. However, since the unit cell of an N-bit RRDM is controlled by a quantized N-bit phase (360°/2&lt;sup&gt;N&lt;/sup&gt;), it encounters operational errors, such as beam gain reduction and spurious beams. This can be a fatal disadvantage in military radar or satellite communication, which requires accurate beam tracking. This paper theoretically analyzes the operation of the N-bit RRDM by utilizing generalized Snell’s law and array factor theory. The analysis results present the design criteria for an N-bit RRDM that eliminates issues related to beam gain reduction and spurious beam errors. Furthermore, to verify the theoretical analysis results, High-Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS) full-wave simulation and experimentation are conducted using the 1-bit RRDM.

Chaenomeles sinensis (Thouin) Koehne fruit polyphenols alleviate high-fat diet–induced obesity and liver steatosis by improving lipid metabolism in mice

Chaenomeles sinensis (Thouin) Koehne fruit is a rich source of medicinally and nutritionally important natural phytochemicals that benefit human health. Based on the information provided, we hypothesized that Chaenomeles sinensis (Thouin) Koehne fruit polyphenols (CSFP) possessed in vivo protective effect of on high-fat diet (HFD)–induced obesity and hepatic steatosis. Specific pathogen-free male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 3 groups and fed with a low-fat diet, HFD, or HFD supplemented with CSFP by intragastric administration for 14 weeks. Obesity-related biochemical indexes and hepatic gene expression profile were determined. The findings of this study demonstrated notable reductions in body weight gain, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and steatosis grade in the group supplemented with CSFP compared with the HFD group. Gene expression analysis provided insights into the molecular mechanisms, demonstrating that CSFP downregulated the expression of key genes involved in lipogenesis (e.g., Fas, Fads2, Scd1) and upregulated the genes associated with fatty acid oxidation (e.g., Pparα, Cpt1a, Acox1), while also suppressing genes implicated in cholesterol homeostasis (e.g., HMGCoR, Insig1, AdipoR2). These molecular changes suggest that CSFP exerts protective effects by modulating hepatic lipid metabolism pathways, thereby mitigating the metabolic derangements associated with HFD-induced obesity and hepatic steatosis.

Effect of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on broiler performance

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of graded levels of β-mannanase supplementation in broiler diets on growth performance, energy digestibility, and lesion scores in d-old birds fed mash, corn-soybean meal-based diets and raised to 42 d. Five dietary treatments were investigated: 1) positive control diet (PC) containing standard energy; 2) negative control (NC) with 100 kcal/kg diet reduction in AME compared to PC; 3) NC supplemented with 30 U/g β-mannanase (NC + 30 U); 4) NC supplemented with 60 U/g β-mannanase (NC + 60 U); and 5) NC supplemented with 90 U/g β-mannanase (NC + 90 U). Each treatment had 6 replicate pens with 52 chicks per replicate. Data was analyzed using 1-way ANOVA, and means were separated by LSMEANS. Reduction of 100 kcal/kg feed (NC) resulted in an overall body weight gain reduction of 51 g (P < 0.05) and feed conversion loss of approximately 4 points (P < 0.05) compared to PC at 42 d of age. At the same time, supplementing β-mannanase at 60 and 90 U/g improved growth performance parameters compared to NC, while 30 U/g did not result in significant improvements beyond NC; body weight gain was improved (P < 0.05) by 87, and 106 g when β-mannanase was supplemented at 60 and 90 U/g, respectively, compared to NC. This corresponded to an improvement by 6 and 7 points in feed conversion for 60 and 90 U/g supplementation, respectively, compared to NC. Furthermore, AMEn was improved (P < 0.05) by 15, 97, and 116 kcal/kg at 42 d when β-mannanase was added to NC at 30, 60, and 90 U/g, respectively. Digesta viscosity measured at 42 d was decreased (P < 0.05) by β-mannanase supplementation of 60 and 90 U/g, compared to NC, while 42 d lesion scores were improved (P < 0.05) by β-mannanase supplementation compared to NC. Data demonstrated that dietary supplementation of β-mannanase improved growth performance, energy digestibility, and reduced viscosity and lesion scores when supplemented with diets with a reduced energy content of 100 kcal/kg compared to a standard energy diet.

Effects of promoting eating foods containing bitter vegetables on nutritional status in the elderly

Background: Non-communicable diseases pose a considerable risk for the elderly population. This study aimed to investigate the impact of incorporating bitter vegetables into the diets of elderly individuals on their nutritional status. The study involved regular consumption of northern foods, such as Malidmai (Peka), salae, neem (neem), bitter gourd, and cassia, at least once a day for three months. Materials and methods: A randomized clinical trial recruited eighty individuals aged 60 years and above. One group was allowed to eat ad libitum, while the other group followed a recommended menu that emphasized bitter flavors. The study assessed dietary intake, body composition, and blood biochemical parameters. Results: The findings revealed a significant reduction in energy, saturated fat, and cholesterol intake, with the bitter group experiencing a statistically significant decrease in sugar consumption. The bitter group also demonstrated a considerable reduction in anthropometric and metabolic parameters when compared to the control group and baseline measures. These results indicate the potential benefits of bitter substances in managing or preventing obesity and type 2 diabetes in the elderly. Conclusion: Encouraging the elderly to consume at least one bitter meal per day for 12 weeks resulted in a reduction in weight gain, adipose tissue, sugar levels, and LDL-C. The study highlights the importance of incorporating bitter vegetables into the diets of elderly individuals for better nutritional status and health outcomes.

Lens-induced myopization and body weight in young guinea pigs

BackgroundTo investigate the relationship between body weight and Axial length in guinea pigs.MethodsForty pigmented guinea pigs were randomly divided into two groups, namely control group and negative lens-induced myopization (LIM) group. After measuring the baseline axial length and body weight (BW), guinea pigs of LIM group received bilateral negative lens-induced myopization using − 10.0 diopters lenses. One week later, the lenses were removed and biometric and ophthalmoscopic examinations were repeated.ResultsTwo groups of guinea pigs showed no statistical difference in initial body weight and eye axis length. Compared to the control group, the lens-induced group had a lower weight (P = 0.02) and a longer axial length (P < 0.01) at the end of study Neither at baseline nor at week 1 did AL correlate with BW in both groups (Control Baseline: r = 0.306, P = 0.19; Control Week1: r = 0.333, P = 0.15; LIM Baseline: r=-0.142, P = 0.55; LIM Week 1: r = 0.189, P = 0.42). Lens-induction had a significant effect on axial elongation (P < 0.01) while body weight had no impact on such aspect (P > 0.05).ConclusionIn guinea pigs of the same age, axial length was not correlated with body weight. Also, baseline body weight had no impact on natural axial length growth or lens-induced myopia. Lens-induction caused a significant reduction in body weight gain.

The electroacoustic performance of digital noise reduction systems in commercial hearing aids with Malay speech-plus-noise test signals

One of the most frequent complaints of hearing-impaired individuals is difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments. In order to improve listening comforts in background noise, digital noise reduction (DNR) has been incorporated into the hearing aid. However, each hearing aid manufacturer has their own proprietary algorithm for their DNR. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the DNR system in commercial hearing aids using the Malay speech-in-noise test. Electroacoustic testing has been performed on six hearing aids that have similar technology but different brands using newly developed Malay speech-in-noise test signals in the condition of DNR on and off. The total root-mean-square (RMS) gain reduction for each HA was calculated. The results show that the type of noise, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the gender of the speaker have a significant effect on the amount of gain reduction shown by the DNR of the tested hearing aids (p&lt;0.05). In conclusion, clinicians need to measure and understand methods to verify the functionality of DNR before fitting a patient's hearing aid to ensure its effectiveness in real life.

Comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of concentrated growth factor alone and in combination with diode laser application in the treatment of intrabony periodontal defects: A clinical and radiographic split-mouth study.

Applying autologous growth factors and diode laser in periodontal therapy enhances fibroblast-mediated new attachment and osteoblastic differentiation. Hence, this study compared and evaluated the effectiveness of concentrated growth factor (CGF) alone and with diode laser application in managing intrabony periodontal defects. Ten patients with stage III periodontitis were included in this study. All the patients underwent an open flap debridement (OFD) procedure followed by CGF membrane placement in the intrabony defect in site A, whereas, in site B, after OFD, all the patients underwent diode laser irradiation before CGF membrane placement. Plaque and gingival bleeding index (PI & GBI), PPD, and clinical attachment level (CAL) were evaluated at baseline and 3 and 6 months later. Bone fill (BF), BF%, bone crest changes (BCC), and BCC% were assessed radiographically at six months postoperatively. Significant reductions in PI and GBI scores, probing pocket depth (PPD), and CAL gain were observed at both sites 3 and 6 months from baseline. A significant reduction in PPD and CAL gain was noted between sites, which were higher in site B than in site A with a mean difference of 0.70±0.05 mm and 1.30±0.18 mm, 0.90±1.89 mm at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Radiographic measurement showed better BF, BF%, BCC, and BCC% at both sites at six months, which were higher at site B than at site A but statistically insignificant. The combination of CGF and diode laser application has demonstrated successful and promising results in terms of regeneration, improving the clinical and radiographic parameters.

Improving energy efficiency in Portuguese buildings: Retrofitting façades with high reflectance finishing coat

The European Union must enhance energy efficiency in its building stock, given that buildings account for up to 40% of the EU's energy consumption. Currently, more than 85% of buildings have been in use for over two decades, with at least 75% lacking energy efficiency. Only 10% of the building stock achieves ‘A’ or ‘B’ ratings in energy performance certificates. To meet energy efficiency standards, retrofitting exterior walls with passive techniques, such as enhancing optical properties, proves highly effective. Employing high reflectance surfaces reduces solar heat absorption, thereby lowering cooling energy use. This study examines the impact of reducing surface temperature through an external thermal insulation system with a high reflectance finishing coat during building envelope renovation in various climatic zones in Portugal. Preliminary findings indicate that high reflectance has a more substantial effect on annual heat gain for moderately insulated walls than well-insulated ones. The effect varies with maximum air temperature, especially in hot summers. A change in reflectance can improve heat gain reduction, especially considering the cost of retrofitting with insulation materials. An optimal balance between reflectance and thermal resistance is key to achieving lower surface temperatures and reducing cooling energy demands for Portuguese climates.

Ruminal ergovaline and volatile fatty acid dynamics: Association with poor performance and a key growth regulator in steers grazing toxic tall fescue

Fescue toxicosis (FT) is produced by an ergot alkaloid (i.e., ergovaline [EV])-producing fungus residing in toxic fescue plants. Associations between EV, decreased weight gain and ruminal volatile fatty acids are unclear. Feces, rumen fluid, and blood were collected from 12 steers that grazed non-toxic (NT) or toxic (E +) fescue for 28 days. The E + group exhibited decreased propionate (P), increased acetate (A), and increased ruminal A:P ratio, with similar trends in feces. Plasma GASP-1 (G-Protein-Coupled-Receptor-Associated-Sorting-Protein), a myostatin inhibitor, decreased (day 14) only in E + steers. Ergovaline was present only in E + ruminal fluid and peaked on day 14. The lower ruminal propionate and higher A:P ratio might contribute to FT while reduced GASP-1 might be a new mechanism linked to E + -related weight gain reduction. Day 14 ergovaline zenith likely reflects ruminal adaptations favoring EV breakdown and its presence only in rumen points to local, rather than systemic effects.

The Effect of an Innovative Combination of Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction and Cynara cardunculus L. Extract on Weight Gain Reduction and Fat Browning in Obese Mice.

Obesity is one of the world's most serious public health issues, with a high risk of developing a wide range of diseases. As a result, focusing on adipose tissue dysfunction may help to prevent the metabolic disturbances commonly associated with obesity. Nutraceutical supplementation may be a crucial strategy for improving WAT inflammation and obesity and accelerating the browning process. The aim of this study was to perform a preclinical "proof of concept" study on Bergacyn®, an innovative formulation originating from a combination of bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF) and Cynara cardunculus (CyC), for the treatment of adipose tissue dysfunction. In particular, Bergacyn® supplementation in WD/SW-fed mice at doses of 50 mg/kg given orally for 12 weeks, was able to reduce body weight and total fat mass in the WD/SW mice, in association with an improvement in plasma biochemical parameters, including glycemia, total cholesterol, and LDL levels. In addition, a significant reduction in serum ALT levels was highlighted. The decreased WAT levels corresponded to an increased weight of BAT tissue, which was associated with a downregulation of PPARγ as compared to the vehicle group. Bergacyn® was able to restore PPARγ levels and prevent NF-kB overexpression in the WAT of mice fed a WD/SW diet, suggesting an improved oxidative metabolism and inflammatory status. These results were associated with a significant potentiation of the total antioxidant status in WD/SW mice. Finally, our data show, for the first time, that Bergacyn® supplementation may be a valuable approach to counteract adipose tissue dysfunction and obesity-associated effects on cardiometabolic risk.

Optimization of osmotic dehydration in dragon fruit (Hylocereus Polyrhizus) slices using response surface methodology

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) is emerging as a super crop because of its several health and therapeutic benefits and ease of cultivation even in degraded land. Using response surface approach, the process parameters for osmotic dehydration of dragon fruit slices included process temperature, syrup concentration and process time. Slices of size 20 x 20 x 5 mm were dipped into sugar syrup with a syrup to dragon fruit slice ratio of 4:1 (w/w). After osmotic dehydration, the initial moisture content of dragon fruit samples was reduced to 27.5-68.49% (wb), demonstrating water loss, solid gain, and mass reduction in the range of 18.01-65.9%, 6.3-17.9% and 9.31-50.6%, respectively. After statistical analysis of the data on water loss, solid gain, and weight reduction, it was shown that regression equations of second order provided the greatest match for all the experimental data. With a syrup to fruit ratio of 4:1 and a syrup concentration of 65.3° Brix at a syrup temperature of 56.5°C, a maximum water loss of 58.2% and a minimum solid gain of 7.7% were expected to occur in 240 minutes of osmotic dehydration.

The Impact of Niclosamide Exposure on the Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes and the Expression of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Genes in Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus).

Niclosamide (NIC, 2',5-dichloro-4'-nitrosalicylanilide) is a salicylanilide molluscicide, and the extensive utilization and environmental pollution associated with NIC engender a potential hazard to both human health and the wellbeing of aquatic organisms. However, the mechanism of the chronic toxicity of NIC at environmentally relevant concentrations in terms of oxidative stress, metabolic disorder, and barrier functions in black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) is unknown. Therefore, healthy juvenile black carp (M. piceus) (average weight: 38.2 ± 2.5 g) were exposed to NIC at an environmentally realistic concentration (0, 10, and 50 μg/L) for 28 days. The findings of this study indicate that exposure to NIC resulted in reductions in weight gain, decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes, and increased expression of the Nrf2 gene. Furthermore, the liver demonstrated a greater accumulation of NIC than that in the gut and gills, as determined with a chemical analysis. Additionally, NIC exposure led to a significant reduction in ATP content and the activity of Na+/K+-ATPase and Ca2+/Mg2+-ATPase in the gut. Meanwhile, exposure to NIC resulted in a decrease in the liver glucose (Glu) level, gut cholesterol (CHO), and glycogen (Gln) and triglyceride (TG) content in all examined tissues. Conversely, it led to an increase in tissue lactic acid (LA) and acetyl-CoA levels, as well as LDH activity. Furthermore, NIC exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations demonstrated an upregulation in the expression of genes associated with glycolysis, such as PK and GK, while concurrently downregulating the gluconeogenesis gene G6Pase. Additionally, NIC exhibited an upregulation in the expression of genes related to β-oxidation, such as CPT1 and ACOX, while downregulating genes involved in triglyceride synthesis, including SREBP1, GPAT, FAS, and ACC1. Moreover, NIC facilitated fatty acid transportation through the overexpression of FATP and Fat/cd36. These results suggest that chronic exposure to NIC is associated with oxidative stress, compromised barrier function, and metabolic disorder. Moreover, these results underscore the significance of assessing the potential consequences of NIC for black carp and aquatic environments for aquaculture.

Capsaicin supplementation prevents western diet-induced hyperleptinemia by reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

Background: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress implicated in leptin resistance in the diet-induced obesity, which can accelerate the development of atherosclerosis forms the background of this study.&#x0D; Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of capsaicin on hyperleptinema by inhibiting ER stress in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice fed a western diet (WD).&#x0D; Design: ApoE -/- mice were assigned one of three experimental diets: WD (60% kcal from fat, n = 10), WD + 0.015% capsaicin (n = 10, w/w), and WD + 1% PBA (n = 10, w/w) for 12 weeks.&#x0D; Results: In metabolic parameters, supplementation of dietary capsaicin displayed marked reduction of body weight gain and adipose tissue weight, plasma leptin, total cholesterol, and hepatic triglyceride levels without change in the plasma insulin level compared with WD fed ApoE-/- mice after 12 weeks. Capsaicin supplementation also attenuated the protein expression of ER stress markers such as eukaryotic translational initiation factor 2α and C/EBP homology protein in the liver, as well as glucose-related protein 78 localization in the aorta, indicating that capsaicin inhibits diet-induced hyperleptinemia in part by regulating the protein expression involved in ER stress.&#x0D; Conclusion: Capsaicin, therefore, may have potential as a therapeutic agent for individuals with diet-induced hyperleptinemia