Group S1 Research Articles

EFFECT OF VARIOUS FERTILIZER APPLICATIONS ON GROWTH, NUTRITIVE VALUE, AND NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF BARLEY SPROUTS

Effect of various fertilizing techniques on the growth, nutritive value, and nutritional quality of barley sprouts produced in a hydroponic chamber were examined in this study. Four experimental groups were designed as control (without fertilizer application); S (fertilizer application to seeds before planting); S1 (fertilizer application to sprouts fertilizer after 4 days of planting), and S2 (fertilizer application to seeds before planting and to sprouts after 4 days of planting). The highest shoot height, root length, and fresh and dry forage weights were seen in S2 group. Different fertilizer applications increased the dry matter content and decreased the dry matter loss of sprouts compared to the control group. Crude protein, ether extract, ash, in vitro dry matter digestibility, crude fiber, and acid detergent fiber contents of sprouts were greater in all the treatment groups compared to the control group. After harvesting, lower neutral and acid detergent fibers, nitrogen-free extract, and hemicellulose were detected in the fertilized groups than control group. The relative feed value and relative feed quality in S2 group were the highest among all groups. In conclusion, the application of fertilizer to both seed and sprout may improve the growth, nutrient content, and quality values of barley sprouts. Keywords: Green sprout yield, hydroponic system, Nutritional composition, Hydroponic system.

Optimization of soybean oil content in a soybean oil-based aquafeed for grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) to achieve optimal growth performance, proximate and fatty acid compositions, and lipid metabolism

Soybean oil (SO), an important plant-derived lipid, is routinely used in aquafeed as a partial substitute for fish oil. However, the effect of various contents of SO in a SO-based aquafeed on specific aquatic animals and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this study, five isonitrogenous diets containing different SO contents (0 %, 3 %, 6 %, 9 %, and 12 %, named as S0, S3, S6, S9, and S12, respectively) were prepared with SO as the predominant lipid source, and 12-week feeding experiments were conducted on juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) (initial weight: 12.54 ± 0.08 g). Apart from lower feed conversion ratio in the S6 and S9 groups (P < 0.05), no obvious changes were observed in other growth indices (e.g., final weight and weight gain rate) in grass carp fed on diets with 0–9 % SO (P > 0.05). The S12 group exhibited significant decrease in the final weight and weight gain rate and increase in the viscerosomatic index (P < 0.05). Unlike gradual decrease in moisture, ash, and saturated fatty acid contents, muscle crude fat and unsaturated fatty acid (particularly polyunsaturated fatty acid) contents significantly increased with the increasing SO contents (P < 0.05). Serum triglyceride contents continuously increased with the increasing SO amounts, exhibiting the maximum value in the S12 group (P < 0.05). Similarly, the S12 group displayed the highest levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol in serum (P < 0.05). Only the S12 group exhibited scanty lymphocytic infiltration in some areas of the hepatopancreas. However, other groups exhibited no obvious histopathological abnormalities. Lipogenic genes (dgat, fad, elovl1, elovl6, elovl7, lpcat, and pla2), ACSL family members (acsl1a, acsl1b, acsl3, acsl4, acsl5, and acsl6), lipolytic genes (atg1, cpt1a, cpt1b, hsl, and lpl), fatty acid transport-related genes (cd36, fabp, and fatp), and transcription factor involved in lipid metabolism (ppar α) were gradually upregulated as dietary SO content increased (P < 0.05). However, the transcript levels of srebp1 and its target gene acc1 exhibited decreasing trend under the same conditions, and significant downregulation of ppar γ was observed in the S12 group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the optimal content of SO as the main lipid source in a SO-based diet for juvenile grass carp ranged from 6 % to 9 %, at which growth requirements of grass carp were met and fish health and fillet quality were effectively maintained. Our data provided a scientific reference for developing more efficient aquafeed formulations and enhancing fish flesh quality in aquaculture, as well as provided basic information for further assessing the regulatory mechanism of lipid homeostasis in teleost fishes.

Effects of α-Lipoic Acid Supplementation on Growth Performance, Liver Histology, Antioxidant and Related Genes Expression of Hybrid Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × E. lanceolatus ♂).

This study aimed to assess the impact of α-lipoic acid on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity and immunity in hybrid groupers (♀ Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂ E. lanceolatus) fed with a high-lipid diet. Groupers (8.97 ± 0.01 g) were fed six different diets, with α-lipoic acid content in diets being 0, 400, 800, 1200, 1600, and 2000 mg/kg, named S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6, respectively. The results show that the addition of 2000 mg/kg α-lipoic acid in the diet inhibited the growth, weight gain rate (WGR), and specific growth rate (SGR), which were significantly lower than other groups. In serum, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly higher in the S5 group than in the S1 group. In the liver, CAT, SOD and total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) levels were significantly increased in α-lipoic acid supplemented groups. α-lipoic acid significantly upregulated liver antioxidant genes sod and cat, anti-inflammatory factor interleukin 10 (il10) and transforming growth factor β (tgfβ) mRNA levels. Conclusion: the addition of 2000 mg/kg of α-lipoic acid inhibits the growth of hybrid groupers. In addition, 400-800 mg/kg α-lipoic acid contents improve the antioxidant capacity of groupers and have a protective effect against high-lipid-diet-induced liver oxidative damage.

Effects of Sophora alopecuroides in a High-Concentrate Diet on the Liver Immunity and Antioxidant Function of Lambs According to Transcriptome Analysis.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Sophora alopecuroides (SA) on liver function, liver inflammatory factor levels, antioxidant indexes and transcriptome in sheep. Twenty-four 3-month-old healthy Dumont hybrid lambs weighing 25.73 ± 2.17 kg were randomly divided into three groups: C1 (the control group), fed a concentrate-to-forage ratio of 50:50; H2 (the high-concentration group), fed a concentrate-to-forage ratio of 70:30; and S3 (the SA group), fed a concentrate-to-forage ratio of 70:30 + 0.1% SA. The results showed that the rumen pH values of the C1 and S3 groups were significant or significantly higher than that of the H2 group (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). The serum ALT, AST and LDH activities and the LPS and LBP concentrations in the sheep serum and liver in the H2 group were significantly or extremely significantly higher than those in the C1 and S3 groups (p < 0.01), and the IL-10 content and SOD, GPX-PX and T-AOC activities showed the opposite trend (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in the ECM-receptor interaction and focal adhesion pathways, which are closely related to immune and antioxidant functions (p-adjust < 0.1). In summary, SA could improve the immune and antioxidant functions of lamb livers under high-concentrate conditions and regulate the mechanism of damage on sheep livers, which is caused by high-concentrate diets and through the expression of related genes in the ECM/FAs pathway.

E-cadherin and TAC in GCF accurately discriminate periodontal health and disease.

To investigate the accuracy of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) E-cadherin and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) to discriminate periodontal health from disease. GCF samples were collected from participants with periodontal health (control), gingivitis, and periodontitis (n = 25 each group). The latter group was further subdivided according to stage (S) and grade. Periodontal parameters were recorded then levels of biomarkers were assayed using ELISA and antioxidant status by use of the Total Antioxidant Capacity Assay for E-cadherin and TAC, respectively. All periodontal parameters were significantly higher in periodontally diseased groups than controls. The GCF E-cadherin significantly increased in gingivitis and periodontitis (S2 to S4) cases as compared to controls. Level of this protein in GCF samples from periodontitis S3 was significantly higher than in gingivitis and S2 groups. The GCF-TAC level was significantly higher in controls than in periodontally diseased groups. No significant differences were observed in the levels of these proteins between grade B and C periodontitis. Both molecules could discriminate periodontal health from gingivitis and periodontitis stages and differentiating periodontitis S3 from gingivitis and other periodontitis stages. Levels of TAC and unbounded E-cadherin in GCF samples exhibited promising diagnostic abilities to differentiate periodontal health and disease.

A study to evaluate the role of antioxidants and iron as diagnostic markers in oral cancer

Oral cavity (OC) and oropharyngeal (OP) cancers afflict about 500,000 people globally. Dental health care practitioners need to understand the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of oral cavities and oropharyngeal cancer. The constant and direct exposure of oral mucosal cells to tobacco product chemical carcinogens such as polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and nitrosamines causes the generation of free radicals/reactive oxygen species. Changes in salivary antioxidant and micronutrient levels may prove to be an important factor in the pathogenesis of oral premalignant and malignant disorders. The present study aimed to evaluate the levels of Vitamin C, MDA and iron levels in oral cancer, pre-malignant group and the oral cancer group. 15 oral cancer patients, 30 premalignant condition patients, and 15 normal controls were analyzed in the study. Among the 30 patients of the premalignant conditions- group (Group S1) 12 were diagnosed with oral submucous fibrosis, and 18 of them were diagnosed with oral leukoplakia. The oral cancer patients (Group S2) were segregated based on the TNM system from stages I to IV. The oral submucous fibrosis patients were subdivided into four grades. The oral leukoplakia patients were categorized into homogenous and speckled types. A detailed history was obtained from the patients. After obtaining informed consent, saliva samples will be collected from patients who have not consumed any food or any form of tobacco 2 hours before collection. Following a thorough mouth rinse using distilled water, saliva is allowed to accumulate in his or her mouth for 5 minutes. Accumulated saliva is collected by the spit method. 5ml of blood sample will also be collected from these patients, Serum was separated by Centrifugation. Collected serum and saliva were stored at -80℃ until further analysis. The serum and salivary samples were then analyzed for Vitamin C, iron, and malonaldehyde (lipid peroxidation) according to the standardized protocol. In the present study, a total of 60 samples were screened for Vitamin C, Iron, and MDA in both serum and saliva of normal control, premalignant, and oral cancer patients. We found that there was a decreased level of Vitamin C and iron in both serum and saliva of premalignant and oral cancer patients. MDA level was higher in premalignant, and oral cancer patients and there was a significant increase in the level of MDA in oral cancer patients. Understanding antioxidants can help reduce the incidence of oral cancer in its early stages. More study is needed before this supplement may be recommended as an adjuvant treatment.

Systematic analysis of electronic barrier heights and widths for concerted proton transfer in cyclic hydrogen bonded clusters: (HF)n, (HCl)n and (H2O)n where n = 3, 4, 5.

The MP2 and CCSD(T) methods are paired with correlation consistent basis sets as large as aug-cc-pVQZ to optimize the structures of the cyclic minima for (HF)n, (HCl)n and (H2O)n where n = 3-5, as well as the corresponding transition states (TSs) for concerted proton transfer (CPT). MP2 and CCSD(T) harmonic vibrational frequencies confirm the nature of each minimum and TS. Both conventional and explicitly correlated CCSD(T) computations are employed to assess the electronic dissociation energies and barrier heights for CPT near the complete basis (CBS) limit for all 9 clusters. Results for (HF)n are consistent with prior studies identifying Cnh and Dnh point group symmetry for the minima and TSs, respectively. Our computations also confirm that CPT proceeds through Cs TS structures for the C1 minima of (H2O)3 and (H2O)5, whereas the process goes through a TS with D2d symmetry for the S4 global minimum of (H2O)4. This work corroborates earlier findings that the minima for (HCl)3, (HCl)4 and (HCl)5 have C3h, S4 and C1 point group symmetry, respectively, and that the Cnh structures are not minima for n = 4 and 5. Moreover, our computations show the TSs for CPT in (HCl)3, (HCl)4 and (HCl)5 have D3h, D2d, and C2 point group symmetry, respectively. At the CCSD(T) CBS limit, (HF)4 and (HF)5 have the smallest electronic barrier heights for CPT (≈15 kcal mol-1 for both), followed by the HF trimer (≈21 kcal mol-1). The barriers are appreciably higher for the other clusters (around 27 kcal mol-1 for (H2O)4 and (HCl)3; roughly 30 kcal mol-1 for (H2O)3, (H2O)5 and (HCl)4; up to 38 kcal mol-1 for (HCl)5). At the CBS limit, MP2 significantly underestimates the CCSD(T) barrier heights (e.g., by ca. 2, 4 and 7 kcal mol-1 for the pentamers of HF, H2O and HCl, respectively), whereas CCSD overestimates these barriers by roughly the same magnitude. Scaling the barrier heights and dissociation energies by the number of fragments in the cluster reveals strong linear relationships between the two quantities and with the magnitudes of the imaginary vibrational frequency for the TSs.

Impact of Clove and Tulsi supplementation on the dynamics and cellularity of adipose tissue in the visceral and subcutaneous fat depots in Broiler

The substantial genetic enhancement of broiler chickens, coupled with the use of growth-promoting additives in feed, has led to accelerated growth rates, and elevated fat deposition in broiler. Clove and tulsi, well-known medicinal plants, have been shown to improve both the growth performance and intestinal health of broilers. This study aimed to investigate the impact of clove and tulsi supplementation on the composition and cellular makeup in visceral and subcutaneous fat depots of broiler chickens. Sixty Cobb-500 broiler chicks were randomly divided into four groups to receive different supplemental treatments via drinking water. The groups included: S0 (control), receiving no additional supplements; S1, receiving 0.5% clove and 2% tulsi; S2, receiving 1% clove and 3% tulsi; and S3, receiving 1.5% clove and 4% tulsi from day 8 to 28. On days 14 and 28, five broilers from each group were euthanized, and their visceral and subcutaneous fat depots were collected, weighed, and subjected to histological analysis to assess adipocyte histomorphology and histomorphometry. The S1 and S2 groups exhibited higher relative percentages of visceral fat depot, larger adipocyte size, and a greater percentage of larger adipocytes compared to the control, while adipocyte density was lower. Conversely, the S3 group showed minimal deviation from the control. Notably, no significant histomorphological differences were observed among the experimental groups. These findings suggest that clove and tulsi supplementation may modulate adipose tissue dynamics and cellularity depending on the concentration of supplementation.

Полная группа изометрий специальной трёхмерной группы Ли

We consider a special three-dimensional Lie algebra 3 of Bianchi type V. A matrix representation of this Lie algebra and the corresponding connected simply connected Lie group 𝑆3 is found and natural coordinates are introduced, which are determined by the matrix representation. Formulas for exponential mapping with respect to natural coordinates are found. Complete groups of autoisometries of the special Lie algebra with respect to the Euclidean or Lorentz scalar product are written out. The leftinvariant Riemannian metric of the Lie group 𝑆3 and the complete group of isometries of the resulting homogeneous manifold are found. This manifold turned out to be a space of constant Ricci curvature.

Antisymmetrization of the wave functions consisting of spin-isospin and hyperspherical parts

In order to investigate few-particle hypernuclei within the framework of the Hyperspherical Function Method, it is necessary to obtain full wave functions that are anti-symmetric under particle interchange. These wave functions must include not only hyperspherical, but also spin-isospin parts. According to the Parentage Scheme of Symmetrization, N-particle hyperspherical functions (N=3,4,5,6…) symmetrized with respect to (N-1)-particles, can be obtained from the N-particle hyperspherical functions with arbitrary quantum numbers by the use of the transformation coefficients related with the permutations of the last two particles. This article explains how to obtain fully antisymmetrized wave functions consisting of spin-isospin and hyperspherical parts. It is demonstrated that there are sixteen possible combinations in (3+1) configuration and 12 possible combinations in (2+2) configuration when spin and isospin functions are represented by [4], [31], and [22] representations of the four-particle permutation group S4. A complete set of the fully antisymmetrized four-particle wave functions is obtained. It is demonstrated that proposed mathematical formalism can be easily generalized to obtain fully antisymmetrized wave functions for the systems of five and more particles.

Effect of Crop Load on Yield and Quality Parameters in Apple cv. Gala Redlum

The present study was conducted at the experimental field of the Division of Fruit Science, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir during the year 2021-2022. The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of varying crop loads on the growth, yield, quality, and return bloom of Gala Redlum apples, with specific emphasis on trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA). The experimental design involved a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications, utilizing 4-year-old Gala Redlum plants. The trees were subjected to manual thinning, resulting in crop loads of 4, 6, 8, 10 fruits per cm² of TCSA, with a non-thinned control group. Notably, the maximum fruit yield (18.52 kg/tree) was observed in the control group (no thinning), while the minimum yield (7.57 kg/tree) was recorded in the C2 group (4 fruits per cm² of TCSA), followed by C3 (11.03 kg/tree). Furthermore, the impact of different TCSA ranges on fruit yield was statistically significant. The maximum fruit yield (14.45 kg/tree) was observed in the S2 group (10-12 cm² TCSA), while the minimum yield (12.16 kg/tree) was noted in the S1 group (8-10 cm² TCSA). Yield efficiency, measured as yield per unit of TCSA, reached its highest (1.838 kg/cm²) in the control group and is lowest (0.766 kg/cm²) in the C2 group (4 fruits per cm² of TCSA). The results further revealed that the C2 group (4 fruits per cm² of TCSA) exhibited the maximum Total Soluble Solids (TSS) content (14.73 °Brix), total sugars (11.62%), and TSS: Acid ratio (61.45). Similarly, the C3 group (6 fruits per cm² of TCSA) demonstrated elevated TSS (14.20 °Brix), total sugars (10.99%), and TSS: Acid ratio (54.66). Additionally, the S2 group (10-12 cm² TCSA) recorded the highest TSS (13.75 °Brix), total sugars (10.51%), and TSS: Acid ratio (50.53). The combination of C2S2 and C3S2 treatments exhibited superior results, with the highest TSS (14.82 °Brix), total sugars (11.77%), and TSS: Acid ratio (62.64). Fruit firmness (8.81 kg/cm²) and fruit acidity (0.327%) were maximized in the C1S1 treatment combination.

Bring’s curve: old and new

Bring’s curve, the unique Riemann surface of genus 4 with automorphism group S5\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$S_5$$\\end{document}, has many exceptional properties. We review, give new proofs of, and extend a number of these including giving the complete realisation of the automorphism group for a plane curve model, identifying a new elliptic quotient of the curve and the modular curve X0(50)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$X_0(50)$$\\end{document}, providing a complete description of the orbit decomposition of the theta characteristics, and identifying the unique invariant characteristic with the divisor of the Szegő kernel. In achieving this we have used modern computational tools in Sagemath, Macaulay2, and Maple, for which notebooks demonstrating calculations are provided.

Effects of vitamin C combined with sodium alginate on serum biochemistry, oxidative stress, gill tissue morphology, and muscle quality of pearl gentian grouper during waterless transport.

This research examined the effects of sodium alginate (SA) and vitamin C (Vc) soaking of pearl gentian grouper before waterless transportation from the perspectives of serum parameters, oxidative stress, muscle quality, and gill tissue morphology. After the fish reached semi-dormancy with a cooling rate of 3°C/h, fish (420 ± 25g) were distributed to 4 treatments as follows: S1 group (50mg/L Vc and 0.1% SA were added), S2 group (50mg/L Vc and 0.3% SA were added), S3 group (50mg/L Vc and 0.5% SA were added), and control group (without soaking in protective fluid). After oxygenated packaging, samples were taken at 0, 8, and 16h of waterless transportation and 12h after rehydration, respectively. It was found that after 16h of waterless transport, compared with the control group, cortisol, glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid (UA), creatinine (CREA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while albumin, lysozyme (LZM), muscle pH, and total free amino acid (TFAA) contents were significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in the S3 group. Moreover, by gill tissue microscopy, it was found that the protective solution of group S3 did not cause serious deleterious morphological changes to the gill epithelium. The results showed that the grouper was soaked by protective fluid before waterless could maintain surface moisture, reduce gill and kidney function and oxidative stress damage, and maintain the stability of muscle quality. This study provides a novel transportation method for waterless preservation, which helps to reduce transportation costs and improve transportation efficiency.

Reduction of mosquito communities using the mass trapping method

AbstractThis study was conducted to demonstrate the effect of the mass trapping of mosquitoes as an eco‐friendly physical control method. It was conducted at the Ansan Hwarang Auto Camping Site in Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea. The study period was approximately 1 month (from July 2 to July 30, 2018). Inner and outer traps were installed to control mosquitoes inside and outside the study area. The inner trap consisted of 5 digital mosquito monitoring system units placed inside the study area, whereas the outer trap included 26 MOSHOLE‐PRO units installed at 30 m intervals outside the study area. Both the inner and outer traps used carbon dioxide as an attractant. Additionally, the outer traps were grouped close to each inner trap using distance analysis and designated as Sn (n, inner trap number). According to the study results, analysis of the daily mean temperature and daily mean precipitation from 2017 to 2019 showed that the meteorological data were statistically insignificant. During the mass trapping period, the outer traps had the highest mean number of mosquitoes in the S1 group, whereas the other groups exhibited statistically similar results. Analysis of the mean number of mosquitoes in the inner trap confirmed a mean reduction rate of 59.39% through mass trapping, and the results were statistically significant (P &lt; 0.001). This study confirms the effectiveness of mass trapping in reducing mosquito communities and suggests the possibility of creating mosquito‐free zones by targeting mosquitoes both inside and outside the study area.

Grey correlation analysis of macro- and micro-scale properties of aeolian sand concrete under the salt freezing effect

To study the effect of the pore structure of aeolian sand concrete (ASC) with different compositions on its compressive strength in a freeze-thaw environment, ASC with 0% (S0), 25% (S25), 50% (S50), 75% (S75), and 100% (S100) of aeolian sand (AS) content was prepared in our experiment. The damage and degradation laws of the compressive strength of ASC cube in the presence of chloride freeze-thaw were studied, and the compressive strengths of S0, S50 and S100 were predicted from the pore structure parameters. Compressive strength, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests of the ASC samples were carried out. Grey correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the pore structure parameters and the compressive strength, and a model was developed to predict the compressive strength of S0, S50 and S100 ASC subjected to freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs). It was shown that ASC with 25% AS content showed a large improvement in compressive strength, which was 6.86% higher than that of the S0 group. With the progression of FTCs, the porosity of ASC increases, and the bound fluid saturation and the proportion of 0–0.1 µm pores decrease. According to the grey correlation analysis, the saturation of bound fluid and the proportion of 0–0.1 µm pores have the strongest correlation with the compressive strength of ASC. The joint prediction model for the compression strength has a correlation coefficient of 0.937, and is able to better predict the compressive strength of ASC at different AS replacement rates during the FTCs.

Abstract 12380: Importance of Quantifying Lung Fluid Status in Patients With Heart Failure Using Chest Computed Tomography

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a complex condition that requires accurate assessment for optimal management. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been widely used for diagnosis and monitoring, but its correlation with symptoms and prognosis can be inconsistent. This study investigates the utility of chest computed tomography (CT)-based evaluation of lung congestion as an additional tool in HF. Methods: CT imaging (SOMATOM Force, Siemens Healthineers) was performed in 129 HF patients on admission. Concurrently, BNP levels were measured. For image analysis, mean lung density (MLD), an index of lung congestion obtained from imaging, was analyzed by image analysis software (Syngo. CT Pulmo 3D, Siemens Healthineers). MLD was converted to fluid content (FC) in percentage units according to the equation: FC [%] = (MLD + 1000) / 10. The correlation between CT findings, BNP levels, clinical data, and prognosis was analyzed. Results: The FC of HF patients were significantly higher than those of non-HF patients (30.2 ± 6.2% vs. 18.2 ± 4.1%, p &lt; 0.01), and showed a weak correlation with BNP levels at admission (r = 0.205, p = 0.020). The subjects were divided into four groups based on FC values (median 30.2%) and BNP levels (median 617 pg/mL): S1 (&lt;30.2, &lt;617), 2 (≥30.2, &lt;617), S3 (&lt;30.2, ≥617), and S4 (≥30.2, ≥617). During the observation period of 7 to 38 months (mean 19.5 months), 38 out of 129 patients died. FC values were significantly higher in patients who were readmitted (32.2 ± 6.2% vs. 29.4 ± 6.1%, p = 0.024). Cardiovascular death and survival were compared between groups (Figure). Group S1 showed significantly better survival compared to the other groups. Higher mortality rates were observed in groups with the higher FC values, even in those with lower BNP levels. Conclusion: The present data suggest that the evaluation of the lung congestion level (FC value) using CT imaging on admission in HF patients is an additional indicator for accurate prognostic evaluation, in addition to BNP.

Metabolomics-based investigation of the chemical composition changes in Mongolian medicinal plant Euphorbia pekinensis before and after processing with Chebulae Fructus

Euphorbia pekinensis (EP), known for its diuretic properties, is clinically utilized for treating conditions such as edema and malignant tumors. However, in its raw form, Euphorbia pekinensis is toxic, and oral administration of this crude medicine can lead to gastrointestinal stimulation, resulting in abdominal pain and diarrhea. In Mongolian medicine's ethnomedicinal system, a distinctive processing method called “Chebulae Fructus processing” is employed. Chebulae Fructus is used to mitigate the toxicity of EP and alleviate its purgative effects. Nevertheless, the detoxification mechanism associated with this processing method remains unexplored. It is hypothesized that processing with Chebulae Fructus may alter the chemical composition of EP, and the residual components of Chebulae Fructus within processed Chinese medicine might exhibit pharmacological antagonistic effects, thereby achieving the purpose of processing and reducing toxicity. To investigate this further, a combination of UPLC-QTOF-MS-based metabolomics technology and multivariate statistical analysis was employed to analyze and compare the chemical composition of raw and processed EP. Differential variables contributing to group separation were identified based on specific criteria, including VIP (Variable Importance in Projection) values of ≥ 1 in PLS-DA models, p-values < 0.05, and fold changes (FC) > 1.2 or < 0.8. The resulting differentially expressed features were then identified through database matching, literature review, or manual annotation. In total, 47 components were identified from the PEP samples in both positive and negative ionization modes, primarily belonging to flavonoids, terpenoids, organic acids, glycosides, and fatty acids. Among the raw EP group and PEP S4 group, 10 differential compounds were identified. Notably, one toxic terpene and one phenylpropanoid from EP were downregulated, while two bioactive components from Chebulae Fructus were upregulated in the processed group. The possible conversion reactions of these two processing Q-markers were also elucidated. The characteristic processing with Chebulae Fructus resulted in a change in the composition of this Mongolian medicine EP. Furthermore, this study provides a scientific foundation for optimizing the processing technology of EP and offers insights into the processing of other ethnomedicines with toxic properties.

Effects of Low Salinity on Growth, Digestive Enzyme Activity, Antioxidant and Immune Status, and the Microbial Community of Litopenaeus vannamei in Biofloc Technology Aquaculture Systems

Biofloc technology (BFT) culture systems based on low salinity can meet the needs of shrimp growth and environmental protection, thus having potential application. To evaluate the effects of BFT on water quality, the microbial community, growth, digestive enzyme activity, and antioxidant and immune status of Litopenaeus vannamei under low salinity conditions, a four-week experiment was conducted in a BFT culture system (C/N ratio of 12: 1) with three salinity conditions: 5.0‰ (S5 group), 10.0‰ (S10 group), and 15.0‰. The results showed that water quality parameters were all within the range suitable for the culture of L. vannamei. There were no significant differences in growth parameters such as final weight or specific growth rate. Muscle moisture, crude protein, and crude lipid contents of L. vannamei did not differ among groups (p &gt; 0.05). In addition, intestinal amylase and trypsin activities in the S5 group significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05). In the S15 group, the superoxide dismutase activity and total antioxidant capacity in the serum and hepatopancreas of L. vannamei, as well as serum catalase, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase activities, markedly increased (p &lt; 0.05). The microbial diversity (Shannon and Simpson indices) and richness (Chao1 and ACE indices) were higher in the S5 group than in the S15 group. Our findings indicated that although the shrimp in BFT systems with a salinity of 5‰ had lower antioxidant and immune levels, the digestive enzyme activity as well as the gut microbial diversity and richness improved compared to other groups, suggesting the possibility of culturing L. vannamei in low-saline areas with BFT systems.

Effects of Low-Salinity Environments on Growth, Antioxidant Response, and Intestinal Microorganisms of the Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

This research revealed that low-salinity environments have positive effects on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), with the study finding that low-salinity levels can have beneficial impacts on this species. A 8-week experiment was conducted using four salinity gradients S0, S1, S2, S3 (0, 2, 4, 6 psu), and biochemical indicators and 16S rRNA sequencing were analyzed. Results showed relatively good growth performance at S0 and S1, and no significant antioxidant stress response at S3. Na+–K+–ATPase activity was significantly lower in the S2 group. The diversity showed no significant differences between the treatment groups. However, with increasing salinity, the proportion of potentially pathogenic bacteria in freshwater decreased significantly while that in the seawater increased. Indicator species analysis showed a significantly higher abundance of positive microbial species in the 4 psu group. In conclusion, although growth performance decreased at 4 psu, antioxidant damage was relatively small and disease risk was significantly reduced, indicating a positive effect on the largemouth bass.

Dietary influence of de-oiled lecithin on broiler growth, Blood parameters, Antioxidant status, Thyroid hormones and immunoglobulins: An analysis across two distinct strains of broilers

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of adding an emulsifier, de-oiled soybean lecithin (DOL) in diet, on growth performance, blood parameters, antioxidant potential, thyroid hormones (T3 & T4), and serum immunoglobulins in two distinct strains of commercially raised broilers, Ross 308 (S1) and Evian 48 (S2). A total of 800 one-day-old broiler chicks from both strains (N = 400 each) were assigned to a control group (T0) and three dietary treatments, each with five replicates of 20 birds. Experimental treatments included a basal diet supplemented with varying levels of de-oiled lecithin (DOL): T1 = 0.5 g/kg, T2 = 1 g/kg, and T3 = 1.5 g/kg. The study used a 2 × 4 factorial design, which allows for the examination of the effects of two factors (in this case, strains and dietary treatments) on the outcome variables. Following 35 days, the broilers of strain S1 and those fed the T3 supplemented diet exhibited superior body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), cumulative feed intake (CFI), cumulative feed conversion ratio (CFCR), performance index (PI%), and lower mortality rate (Mr %) (P < 0.05) compared to those of strain S2 and those fed other dietary levels. A significant disparity (P < 0.05) was observed between the two strains regarding the plasma concentrations of ALB, GLB, A/G ratio, CHO, HDL, AST, and ALT, with strain S1 showing better levels. Similarly, the broiler chicks in group T3, along with the interaction between groups S1 × T3 and S2 × T3, demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) improvement in blood biochemical parameters. Broilers of strain S1 and those on the T3 supplemented diet, along with the interactions between the groups S1 × T3 and S2 × T3, demonstrated substantial improvements (P < 0.05) across assessed parameters of antioxidant status and thyroid hormones, when compared to other dietary treatments and the control group. In conclusion, the addition of DOL as a supplement improved growth performance, blood parameters, antioxidant capacity, thyroid hormones (T3 & T4), and serum immunoglobulins in both broiler strains.