ME Group Research Articles

Effects of Dietary Energy Levels on Growth Performance, Serum Metabolites, and Meat Quality of Jersey Cattle-Yaks.

Energy feed can provide animals with balanced nutrition, thereby enhancing their growth performance. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary energy levels on the growth performance, serum metabolites, and meat quality of Jersey cattle-yaks. A total of 24 male Jersey cattle-yaks were randomly divided into three groups. Each group was fed diets with metabolizable energy levels of 8.21 MJ/kg (LE), 9.50 MJ/kg (ME), and 10.65 MJ/kg (HE), respectively. The HE and ME groups showed significantly higher final body weight, average daily gain (ADG), and feed efficiency compared to the LE group (p < 0.05). The glucose (GLU) and total cholesterol (TC) concentrations were significantly increased in the serum of the ME and HE groups (p < 0.05). The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were significantly higher in the serum of the HE group than in the ME group (p < 0.05). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels exhibited a significant decrease with increasing metabolizable energy levels in the diet (p < 0.05). Increasing dietary energy levels enhances the eye muscle area and intramuscular fat content of Jersey cattle-yaks (p < 0.05), with no effect on pH45 min, pH24 h, and shear force. In the HE group, the levels of heneicosanoic acid (C21:0), palmitoleic acid (C16:1), elaidic acid (C18:1n9t), and eicosadienoic acid (C20:2n6) were notably elevated (p < 0.05) when compared to the LE group. We concluded that a higher dietary energy level enhanced the growth performance and meat quality traits of male Jersey cattle-yaks.

Characteristics of peripheral refractive errors in eyes of patients with non-amblyopic myopic anisometropia

BackgroundThis study aims to investigate relative peripheral refractive (RPR) characteristics in children with non-amblyopic myopic anisometropia and explore potential associations between relative peripheral refractive errors (RPRE) and myopia.MethodsRelative peripheral refractive errors were assessed in 64 children diagnosed with non-amblyopic myopic anisometropia utilizing multispectral refraction topography (MRT). Two eyes of each patient were divided into into the more myopia eyes group (ME) and the fellow eyes group (FE). Evaluated parameters encompassed total defocus values (TRDV), defocus values at eccentricities spanning 0 to 15 degrees (RDV-15), 0 to 30 degrees (RDV-30), 0 to 45 degrees (RDV-45), as well as superior (RDV-S), inferior (RDV-I), temporal (RDV-T), and nasal (RDV-N) positions.ResultsThe study revealed a noteworthy contrast in TRDV values between Group ME (0.52 ± 0.36) and Group FE (0.17 ± 0.41), with a substantial significance (P < 0.0001). While no significant RDV-15 difference emerged between Group ME (0.01 ± 0.05) and Group FE (-0.01 ± 0.07) (P > 0.05), a meaningful RDV-30 difference existed between Group ME (0.11 ± 0.14) and Group FE (0.03 ± 0.19) (P = 0.0017). A significant discrepancy in RDV-45 was also observed between Group ME (0.39 ± 0.29) and Group FE (0.13 ± 0.34) (P < 0.001). Notably, RDV-I and RDV-T positions demonstrated marked differences between Group ME and Group FE (P < 0.0001), whereas no significant disparity was noted in RDV-S and RDV-N positions (P > 0.05).ConclusionEyes exhibiting greater myopia manifested more hyperopic peripheral defocus in the context of anisometropia. MRT as a novel ophthalmic evaluation technique, holds promising potential for broader clinical applications in the future.

Impact of dietary protein and energy levels on fatty acid profile, gut microbiome and cecal metabolome in native growing chickens

The present study investigated the optimal concentration of dietary ME and CP for the fatty acid profile of meat, gut microbiome, and cecal metabolome in Danzhou chickens from 120 to 150 d of age. A total of seven hundred and twenty 120-d-old Danzhou female chickens, with a similar BW, were randomly allocated into 6 treatments with 6 replicates and each of 20 birds. The chickens were fed 2 levels of dietary ME (11.70 MJ/kg, 12.50 MJ/kg), and 3 levels of dietary CP (13%, 14%, and 15%). The results showed that dietary ME and CP levels didn't affect final BW, ADG, ADFI, and feed gain ratio (g: g) (P > 0.05). The serum concentrations of triglyceride, insulin, and glucose in the 12.50 MJ/kg group were the highest (P < 0.05). Dietary ME, CP levels, and their interactions affected (P < 0.05) the fatty acid content in the breast muscle, thigh muscle, and liver. The levels of C18:0, C20:0, C22:0, C22:1, C18:2, C18:3, C22:6, and SFA of the liver in the high ME group were higher than those in the low ME group (P < 0.05). The levels of C16:0, C14:1, C18:1, C22:5, SFA, MUFA and USFA in the low CP group were higher than the corresponding values in the other groups (P < 0.05). Dietary ME and CP levels altered the composition and relative abundance of microbiota in the cecum of chickens at various taxonomic levels to different extents. Significant effects of interactions were found between dietary ME and CP on the relative abundance of 10 species (P < 0.05), and among these species, 6 species belonged to the genus Bacteroides. Notably, the relative abundance of 2 probiotic species including Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus salivarius was significantly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing dietary ME level. There were 6 differential metabolites in the cecum, comprising thromboxane A2, 5,6-DHET, prostaglandin D2, 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, 12(S)-HPETE and prostaglandin I2 significantly reduced (P < 0.05) with increasing the dietary ME level; all of them are involved in arachidonic acid metabolism. In conclusion, the present study suggested that the dietary levels of 12.50 MJ/kg ME and 14% CP enhanced meat quality in terms of fatty acid composition, and showed benefits for maintaining intestinal health via positive regulation of cecal microbiota in native growing Danzhou chickens.

Effect of energy level of pullet diet and age on laying performance and expression of hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal related genes in laying hens

Dietary energy density influences feed intake (FI) and development of layer-type pullets. A total of 384 nine-wk-old Hy-Line Brown pullets were randomly assigned to one of 3 dietary treatments: fed a diet with 2,600, 2,750, and 2,900 Kcal metabolizable energy/kg (ME/kg) from 10 to 21 wk of age. The results showed that the 2,900 and 2,600 ME groups had lower feed and ME intake (P < 0.01) from 10 to 21 wk of age. The 2,600 ME pullets had heavier body weight (BW) and longer shank length (P < 0.05) at 21 wk of age than the 2,750 ME group. The eggshell percentage was increased by the 2,600 and 2,900 kcal/kg treatments (P = 0.002). Serum concentration of 17-β-estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) decreased at 70 wk of age (P < 0.05). Pullet diet and its interaction with age had a significant influence (P < 0.001) on the expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1 (GnRH-1) and gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) in the hypothalamus and of gonadotropin releasing hormone 1 receptor (GnRH-1R) and gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone receptor (GnIHR) in the pituitary. In the hypothalamus, GnRH-1 expression increased from 9 to 40 wk of age and then decreased; however, GnIH expression was highest at 70 wk of age. Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) expression increased (P < 0.001) at wk 40 and decreased at wk 70 compared to wk 21 at various follicular stages. In conclusion, the energy level of pullet diet had no unfavorable influence on feed intake, laying rate, egg mass, and FCR, whereas change egg weight and mortality during the laying period from 21 to 70 wk of age. during the laying period. These results suggest that pullet dietary energy can activate the expression of genes related to reproduction in the hypothalamus, whereas it plays a minor role in the regulation of genes in the pituitary and ovary. Age-induced gene expression in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is associated with laying performance in hens.

Does experience of music enhance olfaction: music as a potential nutrition intervention?

Olfaction, the sense of smell, is under recognised and underappreciated despite being vital in wellbeing. It confers a major influence on the feeding process being the major contributor of flavour and has a direct involvement in the cephalic phase responses. Along with its influence on food and nutrition, olfaction is directly associated with cognitive function and impacts social communication and safety(1). Loss of olfactory acuity, commonly occurring in aging and frailty, significantly influences dietary behaviour and food selection(2). Unlike the senses of vision and audition, interventions are lacking. We propose in a proof-of-concept that crossmodal integration of olfaction and audition could inhibit olfactory decline in lifelong musicians through encouraging neuroplasticity of the olfactory brain centres. Ethical approval was obtained from The University of Adelaide Human Research Ethics Committee. Male musicians with a lifetime experience of music (ME) and naïve non-musicians (NM) aged 55 years and over were recruited through music organisations and controls through the Australian Men’s Shed network. The initial target sample size was twenty per cohort. Olfactory acuity was assessed with Sniffin’ sticks® (Odofin, Groningen, The Netherlands), a well validated system of a battery of three tests regimes. Sniffin’ sticks represent ‘felt tipped pens’ impregnated with odourants presented 20mm below the nose of participants who were then prompted to ‘sniff’. Assays determined participant ‘Threshold’, ‘Discrimination’ and ‘Identification’ of test odours (3). Measurement of Threshold and Discrimination were undertaken in triplet fifteen seconds apart with eyes closed; measurement of Threshold being conducted in an ascending ‘staircase’ to detect lowest odour concentration detectable, whereas measurement of Discrimination selected the ‘odd-man-out’ of a triplet comprising two identical and one different odour. Measurement of Identification, with eyes open, selected the odour of a single ‘pen’ from a prompt list of four. All tests demanded selection. Each of the test batteries were scored out of sixteen along with total aggregate of Threshold, Discrimination, and Identification (TDI). Twenty-six participants completed the study (18 ME and 8 NM); numbers were limited owing to active COVID-19. Mean and standard deviations (SD) of Threshold, Discrimination, Identification and TDI were derived and compared between groups using ‘t’-test. For ME, Threshold, Discrimination, and Identification values were 6.2 (SD ± 3.7), 10.6 (SD ± 1.9), and 12.9 (SD ± 1.6). The respective values for NM were 5.0 (SD ± 2.3), 8.8(SD ± 2.9), and 10.8 (SD ± 2.5). The ME group showed a significantly higher Discrimination (p = 0.164). Significant differences were not seen for Threshold, Identification, and overall TDI scores, however the small sample size may have accounted for this. Based on this proof-of-concept, further exploration of music is warranted as an intervention to enhance olfactory acuity to potentially improve the intake of food and nutrition, and enrich pleasure of eating and drinking, and quality of life.

Effects of electrolyte balance on intestinal barrier, amino acid metabolism, and mTORC1 signaling pathway in piglets fed low-protein diets

A proper dietary electrolyte balance (dEB) is essential to ensure optimal growth performance of piglets. In the low-protein diet, this balance may be affected by the reduction of soybean meal and the inclusion of high levels of synthetic amino acids. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the optimal dEB of low-protein diets and its impact on the growth performance of piglets. A total of 108 piglets (initial age of 35 d) were randomly divided into 3 groups with 6 replicates of 6 pigs each as follows: low electrolyte diet (LE group; dEB = 150 milliequivalents [mEq]/kg); medium electrolyte diet (ME group; dEB = 250 mEq/kg); high electrolyte diet (HE group; dEB = 350 mEq/kg). Results indicated that the LE and HE diet significantly decreased the average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and crude protein digestibility (P < 0.05) in piglets. Meanwhile, LE diets disrupted the structural integrity of the piglets' intestines and decreased jejunal tight junction protein (occludin and claudin-1) expression (P < 0.05). Additionally, the pH and HCO3− in the arterial blood of piglets in the LE group were lower than those in the ME and HE groups (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the LE diet significantly increased lysine content in piglet serum (P < 0.05), decreased the levels of arginine, leucine, glutamic acid, and alanine (P < 0.05), and inhibited the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway by decreasing the phosphorylation abundance of key proteins. In summary, the dietary electrolyte imbalance could inhibit the activation of the mTORC1 signaling pathway, which might be a key factor in the influence of the dEB on piglet growth performance and intestinal health. Moreover, second-order polynomial (quadratic) regression analysis showed that the optimal dEB of piglets in the low-protein diet was 250 to 265 mEq/kg.

Aerobic exercise protects MI heart through miR-133a-3p downregulation of connective tissue growth factor.

To investigate the effect of aerobic exercise intervention to inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis and thus improve cardiac function in myocardial infarction (MI) mice by regulating CTGF expression through miR-133a-3p. Male C57/BL6 mice, 7-8 weeks old, were randomly divided into sham-operated group (S group), sham-operated +aerobic exercise group (SE group), myocardial infarction group (MI group) and MI + aerobic exercise group (ME group). The mice were anesthetized the day after training and cardiac function was assessed by cardiac echocardiography. Myocardial collagen volume fraction (CVF%) was analyzed by Masson staining. Myocardial CTGF, Bax and Bcl-2 were detected by Western blotting, and myocardial miR-133a-3p was measured by RT-qPCR. Compared with the S group, miR-133a-3p, Bcl-2 and EF were significantly decreased and CTGF, Bax, Bax/ Bcl-2, Caspase 3, Cleaved Caspase-3, LVIDd, LVIDs and CVF were significantly increased in the MI group. Compared with the MI group, miR-133a-3p, Bcl-2 and EF were significantly increased, cardiac function was significantly improved, and CTGF, Bax, Bax/ Bcl-2, Caspase 3, Cleaved Caspase-3, LVIDd, LVIDs and CVF were significantly decreased in ME group. The miR-133a-3p was significantly lower and CTGF was significantly higher in the H2O2 intervention group compared with the control group of H9C2 rat cardiomyocytes. miR-133a-3p was significantly higher and CTGF was significantly lower in the AICAR intervention group compared to the H2O2 intervention group. Compared with the control group of H9C2 rat cardiomyocytes, CTGF, Bax and Bax/Bcl-2 were significantly increased and Bcl-2 was significantly decreased in the miR-133a-3p inhibitor intervention group; CTGF, Bax and Bax/Bcl-2 were significantly decreased and Bcl-2 was significantly upregulated in the miR-133a-3p mimics intervention group. Aerobic exercise down-regulated CTGF expression in MI mouse myocardium through miR-133a-3p, thereby inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis and improving cardiac function.

MPFL reconstruction with proximal rather than distal femoral tunnel position leads to less favorable short-term results

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction (MPFLR) between anatomic femoral tunnel positions: proximal (near adductor tubercle [AT]) and distal (near medial epicondyle [ME]). HypothesisMPFLR with the proximal femoral tunnel position has worse clinical and radiological outcomes than those with the distal femoral tunnel position. Patients and methodsFifty-five patients who underwent isolated MPFLR with proximal or distal femoral tunnels with at least 2 years of follow-up were retrospectively analyzed. Based on postoperative CT images, 28 patients were classified as group AT and the remaining 27 patients were classified as group ME. The International Knee Documentation Committee, Lysholm, Tegner, Kujala scores, and complications were evaluated. Radiologically, the Caton-Deschamps Index (CDI), patellar tilt angle, patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA), patellofemoral cartilage status by the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade, bone contusion, and MPFL graft signal intensity were evaluated. ResultsAll clinical scores significantly improved in both groups (p<0.01). No statistically significant difference was noted between the two groups in regards to their preoperative demographic data, postoperative clinical scores, complications, or radiological findings (CDI, patellar tilt angle, PFOA, bone contusion, and graft signal intensity). The group AT had worse cartilage status on the medial facet of the patella (p=0.02). The ICRS grade for the medial facet of the patella statistically progressed in group AT compared to group ME (p=0.04) as well. DiscussionBoth groups showed significantly improved clinical outcomes. However, for the medial facet of the patella, MPFLR with the proximal femoral tunnel position had worse cartilage status and ICRS grade progression than those with the distal femoral tunnel position. Level of evidenceIII; retrospective comparative study.

Effects of different energy levels and two levels of temperature–humidity indices on growth, blood metabolites, and stress biomarkers in Korean native calves

This study investigated the effects of dietary energy levels on growth, blood metabolites, and stress biomarkers in Korean native calves subjected to heat stress (HS). Twenty-four calves (BW: 221.5 ± 24.9 kg; age: 162 ± 4.8 d) were randomly housed in climate-controlled chambers using 3 × 2 factorial design. There were three treatment groups including low energy (LE = 2.53), medium energy (ME = 2.63), and high energy levels (HE = 2.72 Mcal/kg of DM) and two stress levels (threshold: THI = 70–73; severe: THI = 89–91). The calves were adapted to 22 °C for 7 days, then to the target THI level for 14 days. Energy intake, average daily gain, and gain to feed ratio were determined to decline (p < 0.05) under severe HS compared with threshold. Under severe HS, rectal temperature was increased 0.67 °C compared with threshold. Severe HS increased glycine, ammonia, and 3-methylhistidine concentrations compared with threshold (p < 0.05). Gluconeogenic AAs in the blood were increased among the various energy levels regardless of HS. In PBMCs the expression of HSP70 gene was increased in the LE group (p < 0.05), and the HSP90 gene expression was increased in LE and ME groups (p < 0.05) under severe HS. However, the expression of genes HSP70 and HSP90 in HE group did not differ under severe HS (p > 0.05). It has been suggested that HE intake may have a beneficial effect on PBMCs by mitigating ATP depletion. No differences in growth performance were found when increasing energy intake with high protein (CP 17.5%) under HS. However, the increase in energy levels resulted in increased gluconeogenic AAs but decreased urea and 3-methylhistidine in blood. In conclusion, increased energy levels are thought to improve HS adaptability by inhibiting muscle degradation and glucose production using gluconeogenic AAs in Korea native calves under HS condition.

Clinical Usefulness of a Multiplex Molecular Panel for Central Nervous System Infection: An 11-Month Experience at a Tertiary Center in Korea

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of the BiofireFilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis (FA ME) panel and identify factors associated with positive FA ME panel results. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 129 patients (45 children, 84 adults) with central nervous system infections and FA ME panel test results. We compared the results of the FA ME panel and the diagnostic yield between pediatric and adult patients with positive and negative FA ME panel results. Positive FA ME panel results were compared with conventional microbiological testing. Results: Forty-three patients (33.3%) had positive results on the FA ME panel. The detected pathogens were enterovirus (n=17, 39.5%), varicella zoster virus (n=10, 23.3%), herpes simplex virus-2 (n=2, 16.3%), herpes simplex virus-1 (n=2, 4.7%), human parechoviruses (n=2), Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii (n=2), Streptococcus agalactiae (n=1, 2.3%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (n=1), and Haemophilus influenzae (n=1). The time to detection of the FA ME panel (4.9±6.6 hours) was significantly shorter than that of conventional culture (77.4±48.2 hours) (P=0.005). Fever was more common in the positive FA ME group than in the negative FA ME group (81.4% vs. 41.9%) and in pediatric patients than in the adult patients (93.3% vs. 34.5%) (P&lt;0.001 for both). The detection rate of the FA ME panel was higher in pediatric patients than in adult patients (55.8% vs. 22.6%, P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The FA ME panel improves the diagnostic rate in patients with suspected central nervous system infections, with potential favorable implications for the quality of management and prognosis.

Abstract P4-07-44: Association between tissue mobilization with physical exercise and physical exercise alone in patients with axillary web syndrome who underwent breast cancer surgery

Abstract Introduction: Axillary web syndrome (AWS) is a complication in women with breast cancer and occurs immediately after axillary surgery. It is characterized by pain, limited shoulder range of motion (ROM), and presence of cords. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of physical therapy interventions, such as physical exercise with tissue mobilization and exercise alone. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Divison of Breast Cancer disease of the Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Seventy-three women with AWS were randomized into the mobilization (ME) group (N=37) and exercise (E) group (N=36) and followed up for 3 months after breast cancer surgery. Both groups were provided with specific guidelines for performing regular shoulder exercise at home, while tissue mobilization was performed in a specific group with a maximum of six sessions, according to the patient’s need. ROM, pain, and presence of cords were evaluated in each postoperative period (PO). Results: In both treatment groups, at the end of 90 days, improvement in flexion was observed as well as less pain and number of cords. In terms of abduction, the E group was better than the ME group. Conclusions: Physical exercise after breast cancer surgery is extremely important for functional recovery, resumption of activities of daily living, improvement of pain, and reduction in the number of cords. Tissue mobilization appears as an adjunct for causing a more immediate improvement in ROM, pain, and presence of cords, but at times not sustaining the gains for the following PO. Keywords: breast neoplasms, axillary web syndrome, physical exercise, articular range of motion, pain Citation Format: Patricia V. Figueira, Cinira Haddad, Samantha K. Lopes de Almeida Rizzi, Amanda Estevao, Simone Elias, Gil Facina, Afonso Nazário. Association between tissue mobilization with physical exercise and physical exercise alone in patients with axillary web syndrome who underwent breast cancer surgery [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-07-44.

Impact of different processing mulberry leaf on growth, metabolism and liver immune function of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Mulberry leaf is abundant in bioactive ingredients, and their release could be affected by different treatment technologies. In this study, the mulberry leaf was treated with methods of superfine grinding (MG), wall-broken (MB), and water extraction-methanol precipitation (ME). Three processing mulberry leaves were equally added to the feed of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), respectively, and the growth, liver health and intestinal microorganisms were analyzed. According to statistical analysis, the growth of the three experimental groups was remarkedly better than that of the control group fed with a basic diet. The MB group had a higher specific growth rate (SGR) and weight gain rate (WGR) than the MG and ME groups. Mulberry leaf supplementation could significantly reduced blood glucose and serum total cholesterol (TC), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and triglyceride (TG) levels, improved hepatic glycogen, lipid and TG levels, and these parameter values of the MB group were superior to the other treatments. Additionally, MB treatment could up-regulate the expressions of gpx and cat in the liver compared with the control and boost the activities of antioxidant enzymes (GSH-Px and CAT). Meanwhile, MB supplementation suppressed the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα and IL-8) and up-regulated anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β) in liver compared to the control group. Accordingly, the hepatic histostructure showed an improvement in the treatment group, and mulberry leaf could also dramatically lower the apoptosis of hepatic cells, particularly in the MB group. Furthermore, MB treatment reduced gut dysbiosis by limiting the development of gram-negative and possibly dangerous bacteria. In sum, this study firstly disclosed that the biological effectiveness of mulberry leaf might be impacted by various processing techniques. Especially MB-treatment effectively ameliorates glucose, lipid metabolism and liver immunology in largemouth bass.

Effects of Carbohydrase Supplementation on Growth Performance, Intestinal Digestive Enzymes and Flora, Glucose Metabolism Enzymes, and glut2 Gene Expression of Hybrid Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀ × E. lanceolatus♂) Fed Different CHO/L Ratio Diets.

An optimal carbohydrate-to-lipid (CHO: L) ratio facilitates fish growth and protein conservation, and carbohydrase promotes nutrient absorption. Therefore, an 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of carbohydrase supplementation on growth performance, intestinal digestive enzymes and flora, glucose metabolism enzymes and glut2 gene expression in juvenile hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀× Epinephelus lanceolatus♂) fed different CHO: L ratios diets. L, M, and H represent CHO:L ratios of 0.91, 1.92 and 3.91, respectively. LE, ME, and HE represent CHO:L ratios of 0.91, 1.92, 3.91, respectively, supplemented with the same ratio of carbohydrase. Results showed that weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) reached a maximum in group M and were significantly enhanced by carbohydrase (p < 0.05). Crude lipid content decreased significantly with an increase in the dietary CHO:L ratio (p < 0.05). Significant increases in the trypsin (TRY) and amylase (AMS) activities and significant decreases in the lipase (LPS) activity were observed with increasing dietary CHO:L ratio, and the former two were significantly promoted by carbohydrase (p < 0.05). The content of liver and muscle glycogen increased significantly with the increasing dietary CHO:L ratio but decreased significantly after carbohydrase supplementation (p < 0.05). The glucokinase (GK), pyruvate kinase (PK), Phosphate 6 fructokinase-1 (PFK-1) and phosphoenolpyruvate kinase (PEPCK) activities increased significantly with increasing dietary CHO:L ratio (p < 0.05). Glut2 mRNA expression decreased significantly in liver and increased significantly in intestine with increasing dietary CHO:L ratio (p < 0.05). By linear discriminant analysis (LDA), the abundance of Alistipe was significantly higher in Group ME than in Group M. These results suggested that hybrid grouper can only moderately utilize dietary carbohydrate and lipid in diet, and a certain amount of high glycemic lipids occurred when fed with high-carbohydrate diets. By the weight gain for basis, the supplementation of carbohydrase in Group H with amylase, glycosylase, and pullulanase in a 1:1:1 ratio effectively lowered glycemic lipids, promoted the growth of grouper, digestive enzymes activities and carbohydrate metabolic enzyme, and glut2 gene expression in intestine, effectively balancing the negative effects of high-carbohydrate diet and improving the utilization of carbohydrate.

High energy diet of beef cows during gestation promoted growth performance of calves by improving placental nutrients transport.

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of dietary energy level during gestation on growth performance and serum parameters in offspring using beef cattle as research objects. Additionally, the gene expressions associated with nutrients transport in the placenta were evaluated. Eighteen Simmental crossbred cows (body weight = 338.44 ± 16.03 kg and 760 ± 6 days of age) were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatment groups: low energy (LE, metabolic energy = 8.76 MJ/kg), medium (ME, 9.47 MJ/kg) and high (HE, 10.18 MJ/kg). The dietary treatments were introduced from day 45 before expected date of parturition. The pre-experiment lasted for 15 days and formal experiment lasted for 30 days. Growth performance data and blood samples of calves were collected at birth and day 30 post-birth. The placental tissue was collected at parturition. The results indicated that the birth weight and average daily gain of calves in HE group were higher (P < 0.05) than those in LE group. After parturition, the serum contents of glucose, total protein, cortisol and leptin in neonatal calves were significantly increased (P < 0.05) with the elevation of dietary energy levels. At 30 days postpartum, the glucose, glutathione peroxidase, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor 1 and leptin concentrations of HE group were significantly increased (P < 0.05) as compared with LE group, while the serum amyloid protein A displayed an opposite trend between two groups. With the increase of dietary energy concentration, placental mRNA expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor A, glucose transporter 1 and 3 were significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the amino acid transporter solute carrier family 38 member 1, hydroxysteroid 11-beta dehydrogenase 2, insulin-like growth factor 1 and 2 mRNA expressions of HE group were higher (P < 0.05) than those of LE and ME groups. In conclusion, the improved growth performance of calves from the high energy ration supplemented beef cows may be attributed to the increased placental nutrients transport, which may lead to the increased nutrient supply to the fetus.

The Levels of Physical Activity and Work Experience Among Construction Workers: A Preliminary Study

Injuries and health problems related to musculoskeletal disorders are common among construction workers. Physically active people have good postural stability which is correlated with less injuries. The purpose of this study was to measure the level of physical activity against work experience in construction workers. 36 healthy men aged 20-60 years were divided into two groups based on their work experience: less experience (LE, n = 12), and more experience (ME, n = 24). Physical activity at work, through sports, and associated with leisure were assessed using the Baecke questionnaire. The results found that there was no significant difference between the LE and ME groups in the level of physical activity (p = 0.146 for work, p = 0.515 for sport, and p = 0.821 for leisure). Nevertheless, both the LE and ME groups had a higher level of physical activity at work than at sport and leisure (p &lt; 0.0001). This preliminary study indicated that construction workers have a high workload which impedes them from other activities during leisure time. Further studies are needed to investigate the correlation between the physical activity level and postural stability among construction workers.&#x0D; Keywords: physical activity, construction workers, work experience

Effects of aerobic exercise on CNPY2-PERK pathway in the liver of mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Objective: To investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) induced by high fat and the mechanism of CNPY2-PERK pathway. Methods: Eight-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: the control group (C), the C+ aerobic exercise group (CE), the model group (M) and the M+ aerobic exercise group (ME). Mice in group C and CE were given normal diet, while mice in group M and ME were given high-fat diet (60 cal % fat). The mice were fed continuously for 18 weeks until the end of the experiment, and the serum and liver samples were collected. Both CE and ME group performed an aerobic treadmill training from the 10th week (12 m/min, 60 min/ day, 5 days/week, for 8 weeks). The serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were detected. The pathological morphology of the liver was observed. The relative expressions of CNPY2, PERK, p-eIF2a, CHOP, CNPY2 mRNA and PERK mRNA, and the positive expressions of CNPY2 and PERK were measured. Results: Compared with group C, the serum levels of LDL-c, TC, TG, ALT and AST in group M were increased significantly (P＜0.05), while the HDL-c level was decreased significantly (P＜0.05). The liver tissues of mice showed obvious hepatic steatosis, the number of lipid droplets in liver cells was increased, and the expressions of CNPY2, CNPY2mRNA, PERK, PERKmRNA, p-eIF2a, CHOP, and the positive expressions of both CNPY2 and PERK in liver were increased (P＜0.05). However, the above indexes showed no significant difference in CE group (P＞0.05). Compared with group M, the serum levels of LDL-c, TC, TG, ALT and AST in group ME were decreased (P＜0.05). The fatty degeneration of liver tissue and the number of lipid droplets in liver cells in mice was reduced, and the expressions of CNPY2, CNPY2 mRNA, PERK, PERK mRNA, p-eIF2a, CHOP, and the positive expressions of CNPY2 and PERK in liver tissue were decreased (P＜0.05). Conclusion: The CNPY2-PERK pathway is involved in the formation of NAFLD. Aerobic exercise can effectively ameliorate NAFLD, and the mechanisms may be related to the reduction of CNPY2-PERK pathway-related molecule expressions by aerobic exercise.

Manual Method vs Breast Pump for Breast Milk Expression in Mothers of Preterm Babies During First Postnatal Week: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectivesTo compare breast milk volume between manual method and breast pump expression in mothers of preterm infants at different time point of first week.DesignRandomized controlled trial.SettingPostpartum ward of Obstetrics department and tertiary level neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in a single institution in Orissa between October, 2020 and May, 2021.ParticipantsMothers who delivered before 34 completed weeks of gestation.InterventionsManual breastmilk expression (ME) group using Marmet technique and breast pump milk expression (PE) group using pigeon manual breast pump, initiated milk expression within one hour of delivery.Outcome measuresExpressed breast milk (EBM) volume in mothers of preterm infants at different time point of first week, and cumulative milk volume.ResultsOut of 170 mothers (83 PE and 87 ME group), 7-days milk volume data was available for 137 (71 ME and 66 PE) mothers. In per protocol analysis for 126 mothers (63 in each group), the median (IQR) EBM volume on day 2 and day 7 of ME and PE groups were similar [10 (5,20) vs 12 (5,28), P=0.10] and [280 (220–356) vs 280 (220–360), P=0.66]. The median (IQR) cumulative EBM volume over first 7 days in ME group was not significantly different from PE group [733 (593–995) vs 848.5 (571–1009)] P=0.55). A similar number of mothers in the PE and ME group [56 (88.9%) vs 58 (92%); P=0.14] provided exclusive breast milk for their neonates during the first week. Similar results were found on intention to treat analysis.ConclusionEBM volume expressed was comparable between mothers expressing manually or with breast pump.

Achievement Level of Compulsory and Major English Groups of B.Ed. Students in Subject Verb Agreement of English

This paper attempts to test the achievement level of students who are studying English as a Compulsory English (hereafter CE) and a Major English (hereafter ME) at Bachelor of Education (hereafter B.Ed.) level at Dhankuta Multiple Campus under Tribhuvan University's syllabus. Both CE and ME groups are being taught the same books as the Compulsory English in the same class by the same teacher. Most of the CE groups fail in the exam in compulsory English. On the basis of findings, this paper recommends that both CE and ME should not be taught together in the same class. They should be treated differently in different classroom.

An evaluation of median and paramedian approach for spinal anaesthesia in caesarean delivery

Introduction : Spinal anesthesia can be achieved either through the median or paramedian approach. hence we evaluated the median and Paramedian Approach by following variables - Number of attempts, success of the block, presence of paraesthesia, the level of sensory level, and the incidence of head ache and lower back ache. Methods: The present Retrospective analytical comparative study is carried out on the records of 100 subjects . Records of the Patients were divided into two groups: Group ME (n=50) received spinal anaesthesia with median approach and Group PM (n=50) received through paramedian approach. Results: In Group ME, 12 (24%) patients developed PDPH vs. 6 (12%) in Group PM, which was not statistically significant . There was no significant difference in the incidence of paraesthesia in both groups. The mean duration of onset of PDPH was similar in both groups Conclusions : Our study shows that paramedian approach is equally effective and may be helpful in reducing the incidence of PDPH and paraesthesia, and it can be easily performed in pregnant patients.

Effects of different swimming exercises on alcoholic fatty liver formation in mice

Objective: To investigate the effects of 7-week swimming exercise with different loads on the improvement of liver lipid metabolism in mice with alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) and its relationship with the regulation of miR-34a/PPARα. Methods: Fifty male KM mice were randomly divided into control group (K, n=10) and alcoholic fatty liver group (AFLD, n=40). The AFLD model was constructed after feeding with 50% alcohol for 7 weeks with 1 d rest per week. After successful model construction, the mice were divided into a model group (M), a 30-min swimming exercise group (LE), a 60-min swimming exercise group (ME), and a 90-min loaded swimming exercise group (HE, 5% of body mass as tail lead load), with 10 mice in each group, for a total of 7 weeks of intervention. After completion, the serum and liver tissues were collected, the liver index, visceral fat ratio, hepatocyte injury indicators, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and high/low density lipoprotein cholesterol (H/LDL-C) content were measured; HE staining was used to observe the changes in liver structure, Western blot was used to detect the protein levels of PPARα, FAS and TNF-α in liver tissues, and mRNA expression profiles were analyzed by sequencing After RT-PCR, the mRNA expressions of miR-34a, PPARα, FAS, TNF-α and CPT-1 were verified. Results: Compared with K group, the hepatic cord disorder, focal lipid vacuum, obvious lipid droplet vacuolation, abnormal ectopic nucleus were observed in AFLD group ; liver function was decreased significantly. Compared with the M group, the liver functions of the ME and HE groups were improved significantly, the serum levels of TG, TC and LDL-C were decreased, while the HDL-C level was increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and the liver index and visceral fat ratio were decreased (P< 0.01 or P<0.05), the focal lipid droplet degeneration of hepatocytes was decreased, and the structure of the hepatic cord was clearer; and the ME group showed a more significant intervention effect. Compared with the M group, the expression levels of PPARα protein in the liver tissues of the LE, ME, and HE groups were increased, while the protein expression levels of FAS and TNF-α were decreased (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Based on Illumina high-throughput sequencing and mRNA differential expression analysis, there are 38 differentially expressed genes in the PPARα pathway, including 9 up-regulated genes and 29 down-regulated genes, which are involved in liver fatty acid oxidation, lipid metabolism, and apoptosis inhibition. Compared with group M, the gene levels of miR-34a, FAS, and TNF-α in LE, ME, and HE groups were decreased, and the gene levels of PPARα and CPT-1 were increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Conclusion: Swimming with different loads can improve liver functions in AFLD mice, promote lipid droplet degradation, and regulate liver lipid metabolism. The mechanism may be related to the activation of miR-34a/PPARα, and the intervention effect of moderate-load swimming is better.