Group T1 Research Articles

T1 mapping-based radiomics in the identification of histological types of lung cancer: a reproducibility and feasibility study.

T1 mapping can quantify the longitudinal relaxation time of tissues. This study aimed to investigate the repeatability and reproducibility of T1 mapping radiomics features of lung cancer and the feasibility of T1 mapping-based radiomics model to predict its pathological types. The chest T1 mapping images and clinical characteristics of 112 lung cancer patients (54 with adenocarcinoma and 58 with other types of lung cancer) were collected retrospectively. 54 patients underwent twice short-term T1 mapping scans. Regions of interest were manually delineated on T1 mapping pseudo-color images to measure the mean native T1 values of lung cancer, and radiomics features were extracted using the semi-automatic segmentation method by two independent observers. The patients were randomly divided into training group (77 cases) and validation group (35 cases) with the ratio of 7:3. Interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U tests and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were used for feature selection. The optimum features were selected to establish a logistic regression (LR) radiomics model. Independent sample t-test, Mann Whitney U-test or chi square test were used to compare the differences of clinical characteristics and T1 values. Performance was compared by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). In the training group, smoking history, lesion type and native T1 values were different between adenocarcinoma and non-adenocarcinoma patients (P = 0.004-0.038). There were 1035 (54.30%) radiomics features meet the intra-and inter-observer, and test-retest reproducibility with ICC > 0.80. After feature dimensionality reduction and model construction, the AUC of T1 mapping-based radiomics model for predicting the pathological types of lung cancer was 0.833 and 0.843, respectively, in the training and validation cohorts. The AUCs of T1 value and clinical model (including smoking history and lesion type) were 0.657 and 0.692 in the training group, and 0.722 and 0.686 in the validation group. Combined with T1 mapping radiomics, clinical model and T1 value to establish a combined model, the prediction efficiency was further improved to 0.895 and 0.915 in the training and validation groups. About 50% of the T1 mapping-based radiomics features displayed relatively poor repeatability and reproducibility. While T1 mapping-based radiomics model is valuable in identification of histological types of lung cancer despite the measurement variability. Combination of T1 mapping radiomics model, clinical characteristics and native T1 value can improve the predictive value of pathological types of lung cancer.

Association of dietary inflammatory index with sarcopenia in patients with Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundSarcopenia is a common complication of fatty liver, and sarcopenia increases the risk of advanced liver fibrosis in patients with Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Chronic inflammation is the crucial link between sarcopenia and fatty liver. An anti-inflammatory diet is expected to be an essential measure to prevent sarcopenia in patients with fatty liver, and the dietary inflammatory index (DII) is a crucial tool for assessing the inflammatory potential of diets. However, the relationship between DII and sarcopenia in patients with fatty liver is unclear.ObjectiveThis study investigated the correlation between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and sarcopenia in patients with Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).MethodsData for this study were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018, with 917 patients with MAFLD participating in the study. Participants were divided into three groups based on DII tertiles: group T1 (n = 305), group T2 (n = 306), and group T3 (n = 306), and binary logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between DII and sarcopenia with stratified analyses based on the weights recommended by the NHANES and multivariate linear regression was used to evaluate the association of DII with total appendicular lean mass.ResultsAfter adjusting for all confounders, DII was significantly and positively associated with the risk of sarcopenia in women [OR: 1.61, 95% CI: (1.226, 2.06), p < 0.001]. The risk of sarcopenia was higher in the T3 group compared to the T1 group [OR: 4.04, 95% CI: (1.66, 9.84), p = 0.002]. DII was negatively associated with appendicular lean mass adjusted for body mass index in both men and women.ConclusionDII was significantly associated with the risk of sarcopenia in female patients with MAFLD, with higher DII scores related to a higher risk of sarcopenia. Higher DII scores related to a higher risk of sarcopenia in men with significant fibrosis.

Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Chick Embryo: Immunomodulatory, Hepatic and Biochemical Alterations.

The utilization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) has significantly increased across various industries. This study rigorously explored the impact of TiO2 NPs exposure on chicken embryos, focusing particularly on alterations in the immune system, liver functionality and key biochemical markers. The study involved three groups of 30 eggs each, subjected to increasing doses of TiO2 NPs: Group C (control), Group T1 (150µg/mL) and Group T2 (300µg/mL). After 48h of incubation, the eggs in Groups T1 and T2 each received an injection of 0.3mL of the TiO2 NPs solution. In contrast, the eggs in the control group (Group C) were injected with 0.3mL of saline solution. Histopathological changes were analysed using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, whereas amniotic fluid's biochemical properties were examined photometrically. The study also assessed the expression of immune genes (AvBD9, IL6 and IL8L2) through quantitative PCR. The evaluations included growth metrics, amniotic fluid biochemistry and histological analysis of the liver, caecal tonsil and bursa of Fabricius. The results revealed subcutaneous haemorrhage, significant reductions in total body weight and marked changes in biochemical markers, including urea, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), in the amniotic fluid of the groups treated with TiO2 NPs, compared to the control. Histological examinations indicated noticeable alterations in the liver, caecal tonsil and bursa of Fabricius following TiO2 NP exposure. These alterations were characterized by disruptions in cellular structures and variations in lymphocyte counts. Furthermore, a notable decrease in the expression of immunity genes, namely, AvBD9, IL8L2 and IL6, was observed in the TiO2 NP-treated groups compared to the control. The findings underscore the need for risk assessments of TiO2 NPs exposure due to its impact on development and immunity. Future research should explore its impact on neurodevelopment and degeneration.

Effect of dietary supplementation of postbiotics derived from Lactobacillus plantarum on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken

A study was conducted at Avian Research Station, Thiruvazhamkunnu to study the effects of dietary supplementation of postbiotics derived from probiotic culture of Lactobacillus plantarum on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken from day-old to 42 days of age. A total number of 180, day-old chicks were randomly allotted into six dietary treatment groups, viz., T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 having three replicates of ten birds each, in a completely randomised design. The birds in control group (T1) were fed with a standard broiler ration (SBR) formulated as per BIS (2007).The treatment group T2 were fed with the SBR containing chlortetracycline. Diets for T3 to T6 were formulated by inclusion of 0.15 per cent postbiotic (T3), 0.3 per cent postbiotic (T4), 0.45 per cent postbiotic (T5) and 0.6 per cent postbiotic (T6), respectively.Supplementation of 0.45 per cent postbiotic exhibited significantly (p<0.01) higher body weight, bodyweight gain and cumulative bodyweight gain than control group at six weeks of age. The feed intake, feed conversion ratio and carcass characteristics showed no significant change among the treatment groups. Keywords: Postbiotics, Lactobacillus plantarum, body weight, carcass

Marine macroalgae Chaetomorpha aerea as a dietary supplement: Optimizing immunity and resistance to Edwardsiella tarda in tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)

The intensification of aquaculture has led to a rise in fish infections, necessitating the search for alternative antibiotics. In this context, our study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Chaetomorpha aerea, a filamentous green algae, on the immune health and resistance to infections in tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). Diets containing varying concentrations of C. aerea (0, 1, 2, 5, and 10 g/kg) were prepared and administered to the fish for 30 days, followed by a challenge with Edwardsiella tarda to evaluate survival rates. The results were significant. The diet containing 5 g/kg of C. aerea (group T3) brought about substantial improvements in hematological parameters, including increases in red blood cell count (RBC), hematocrit (Hct), and hemoglobin (Hb). The T3 group exhibited a robust immune response, with higher lysozyme and ceruloplasmin activity in immunological assays. LBP gene expression was significantly elevated in the spleen and thymus of fish in the T3 group, which correlated with higher survival after bacterial challenge compared to the control group. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis confirmed that the 5 g/kg concentration stood out for maximizing immunological benefits without compromising the overall health of the fish. These findings highlight the robust immune response in the T3 group, a key finding of our study. We conclude that supplementation with C. aerea represents a promising and sustainable alternative in the formulation of diets for tilapia, contributing to improved health and resistance to diseases. Future studies are recommended to explore its application in other species and development stages, in addition to evaluating other health biomarkers.

Dietary effect of turmeric and ginger powder supplementation on growth performance of Common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

A study was conducted with the aim to find out the effect of ginger and turmeric supplementation on the growth performance of Common carp fingerlings. A total of 270 fingerlings were divided into 6 groups including control (C). The group C was fed with basal feed and the treatment groups T5, T5B5, G2, G5, G8 were fed with turmeric powder @0.5%, turmeric @0.5% + black pepper powder @0.5 %, ginger powder @2%, 5% and 8%, respectively. The growth parameters, i.e Gain in weight, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Relative Growth Ratio (RGR), Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) and Feed Efficiency Ratio (FER) were recorded for 60 days. Measurements were taken for gain in total length (TL) and body depth (BD) after 60 days of trial. Turmeric powder supplementation @0.5% showed significantly better growth performance in Common carp fingerlings. The fingerlings of T5 group showed highest gain in weight (48.7), SGR (1.35), RGR (126), FER (48.17), PER (1.24) and improved FCR (2.23). This group also gained significantly higher TL (3.74) and BD (1.42). There was no significant difference observed in survival per cent, moisture and acid insoluble ash content of fish muscle. T5 showed the highest crude protein concentration (78.29) and significantly highest total fat concentration (11.59). Fish muscles of all the treatments had significantly higher total mineral content as compared to that of the control group.

Growth performance, blood health, and antioxidant status of freshwater carp under brackish water rearing system: Sustainable aquaculture approach in arid and semi-arid conditions

Global warming, water salinization, and increased anthropogenic usage of freshwater sources have had severe effects on water sources and aquaculture practices, which is consequently putting pressure on aquatic fauna and fish production. Hence, brackish water can be used as an alternative and sustainable approach to meet the increasing food requirements. Four groups with triplicates were designed to evaluate the impact of brackish water on Cirrhinus mrigala (n = 100) for 180 days; T0: control group (freshwater), T1: (5.45 ppt salinity), T2: (8.45 ppt salinity) and T3 (12.45 ppt salinity). Little behavioural alterations and normal feeding were observed in all experimental groups as compared to control group, except group T3. Survival rate was 100 % in all groups excluding group T3, which had shown 88 % survival rate (P < 0.05), while mean weight gain and length gain were observed better with low FCR in T1 and T2 groups (P < 0.05) but best growth rate observed at 5 ppt salinity level. Significant reduction in haemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), red blood cells (RBCs) and increase in white blood cells (WBCs) and platelets (PLTs) was observed in group T3 compared to other experimental groups (P < 0.05). ALT, AST, ALP, urea, creatinine, and triglycerides, exhibited significant changes in T3 group after 180 days (P < 0.05). Erythrocytes had shown morphological alterations as; micronuclei, notching, blebbing, pear-shaped nuclei and spherocytes in T3 group. Significant increase in DNA damage in various tissues had indicated potential genotoxic impact of highly saline brackish water. Oxidative stress markers were increased significantly and antioxidants reduced (P < 0.05) at high salinity level brackish water (T3) until 180 days. In conclusion, C. mrigala can potentially grow well in brackish water system at 5 ppt salinity whereas, rise in salinity level (12 ppt) is detrimental to freshwater fish health and growth.

Effects of age on the haematological and biochemical parameters in Romanian buffalo

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of hematic constants related to age in Romanian buffalo, in order to establish references values based on age of the animals. A number of 45 Romanian buffalo animals, clinically healthy, were divided into 3 groups (n=15/group) according to their age, as follows: Group T1 = un-weaned buffalo calves of 1 to 3 months of age, Group T2 = young buffalo heifers of 6 to 12 months, and Group T3 = buffalo adult cows of 3 to 5 years of age. Different hematological parameters and biochemical parameters were investigated in the three groups. Generally, a significant effect of age on both hematological and biochemical indices studied was observed (P&lt;0.05). The concentration of total cholesterol and the concentration of inorganic phosphorous were not influenced by age of the animals (P&gt;0.05). Significant positive correlations were found between total protein and age of the animals (P=0.0019), while significant negative correlations were observed between hemoglobin (P=0.0227), white blood cells count (P=0.0352), lymphocytes (P=0.0002), platelet (P=0.0022), total cholesterol (P=0.1201), calcium (P=0.0077) and age of the animals. The results of the current pilot study could prove useful in establishing a baseline and health alarm thresholds for hematic parameters in water-buffalo, based on age of the animals and physiological status.

Telomere length exhibits inverse association with migraine among Americans aged 20–50 years, without implications beyond age 50: a cross-sectional study

Migraine, common in individuals under 50 years, is linked to oxidative stress. The association between telomere length shortening and migraine, along with potential age-related influences, has not been comprehensively studied. This cross-sectional study included data from 6169 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2002, encompassing information on peripheral blood leukocyte telomere length, severe headache or migraine, and potential confounders. Stratifying by age (20–50 years, > 50 years), we employed multivariable logistic regression, restricted cubic splines and interaction test to investigate age-influenced telomere length in relation to migraine. In participants aged 20–50 years, the odds ratio (OR) for migraine in the shortest telomere length group T1 (0.39–0.89) was 1.35 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.01, 1.79) compared to the longest group T3 (1.10–9.42), whereas in those aged > 50 years, the OR of T1 was 0.93 (95% CI 0.60, 1.43). Additionally, telomere length and age interacted in the development of migraine (p for interaction: 0.010). In individuals aged 20–50, an L-shaped relationship was found between telomere length and migraine, with an inflection point at 1.02T/S ratio. The OR was 9.34 (95% CI 1.56, 55.99) for telomere lengths < 1.02T/S ratio. These findings suggest age influences the association between telomere length and migraine in U.S. adults.

Impact of Pulse Electric Field Stimulation on Negative Air Ion Release Capacity of Snake Plants

To investigate the effects of pulse electric field stimulation on the photosynthetic electron transport chain and negative air ion (NAI) release capacity of snake plants, the chlorophyll content, fluorescence induction kinetics curve (OJIP curve), chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and NAI release concentration of snake plants kept under identical greenhouse conditions under different pulse electric field stimulations were compared and analyzed. The experimental results show that (1) after pulse electric field stimulation, the chlorophyll content in treatment group T1 (5 kv) and T2 (7 kv) of snake plants increased by 6.30% and 6.70%, respectively, with significant differences observed between the two treatment groups and the control group (CK). (2) In both treatment groups, the OJIP curve exhibited higher values for the inflection point (I) and peak (P) compared to the origin (O) and inflection point (J) values, with the rising trend in the I–P segment being more gentle than that of the O–J segment. Additionally, the J band was above 0, with the peak value in the T2 group being higher than that in the T1 group. (3) The chlorophyll fluorescence parameters showed fluctuating variations. Specifically, Fm, TRo/CSo, ETo/CSo, and DIo/CSo showed ascending trends in the treatment groups. Fv/Fo, Sm, and ABS/RC exhibited descending trends; Fv/Fm, Vj, ETo/RC, and φEo showed relatively minor changes. The PIabs displayed a decreasing trend. The PItotal in the CK was greater than that in the T1 and T2 groups. (4) After 4 h of pulse electric field stimulation, the NAI concentration increased by 87.60% in the T1 group and by 62.09% in the T2 group, compared to the same measurement taken at 3 h. Pulse electric field impacts the photosynthetic electron transport chain of snake plants, thereby influencing their NAI release capacity. This study aims to elucidate the physiological responses of the chloroplasts in snake plants to pulsed electric field stimulation and to lay the foundation for enhancing the plant’s release of negative air ion concentrations through physical and technological means.

Effects of Salvia officinalis on Production Characteristics of Laying Hens

Due to the extreme importance of the poultry industry in securing animal proteins for humans, it is necessary to expand the research related to increasing egg production without resorting to antibiotics, which pose significant drawbacks. This study explored the impact of sage plant extracts, known for their bioactive compounds, on the production indicators of laying hens. Thirty chickens were randomly assigned to three groups, including a control group and two experimental groups (T1 and T2) receiving sage plant aqueous extract at 0.1% and 0.2% in their diets, respectively. The egg production percentage, egg weight percentage, percentage of daily feed consumption, feed conversion coefficient, and blood calcium concentrations were measured. The results indicated that supplementation of sage extract in the diet of the laying hens under study increased daily egg production percentage and daily egg yield significantly in group T2 (87.63%, 59.7 eggs/day) and improved average egg weight (68.23 grams) in group T1. Moreover, there was no significant difference in daily feed consumption among the tested hens. A notable reduction was also observed in the feed conversion ratio to 2.09 in group T2. Keywords: Feed additive, Laying hen, Plant extract, Productivity, Sage

Carcass Characteristics and Blood Biochemical Parameters of Cobb-500 and Hubbard Chicken Strains Fed on Commercial and Farm-Formulated Diets

The limits of commercial diets, their quality, and their rising costs are some of the major challenges to broiler production in Ethiopia. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate carcass yield characteristics and blood biochemical parameters of Cobb-500 and Hubbard chicken strains fed on farm-formulated diets (T1) and three different commercial diets (T2, T3, and T4). A total of 384 mixed-sex day-old chicks (192 per strain) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments with four replicates, each consisting of 12 broilers. The experiment was set up as a 2 × 4 factorial design, providing each strain with four diets in a completely randomized design. After 42 days of the experiment, one male and one female of each strain from each pen (eight birds per treatment) were slaughtered for carcass yield and hematological analysis. Although diets had a significant impact on live body weight, feed conversion ratio, and feed consumption among the study treatments, they had no significant effect on the mortality rate of the broilers as a whole. There was a significant effect of strains on the weight of eviscerate, dress, thigh, drumstick, breast, neck, back, and eviscerate yield percentage, with Cobb 500 showing higher values than Hubbard broilers. The farm-formulated diet (T1) significantly increased the weight of non-edible offal compared to the commercial diets, except for the weight of crops and lungs, which were similar to those in commercial diet group T4. The Hubbard strain showed a higher least square mean for packed cell volume than the Cobb-500 strain. Sex was found to have no significant impact on the hematological parameters. The farm-formulated diet (T1) also resulted in a higher marginal return rate than that of the commercial diet (T3) in the Cobb-500 strain. These findings suggest that locally sourced farm-formulated diets could be a viable alternative to commercial diets for broiler chickens in the study area. Keywords: Broiler chicken, biochemical parameter, Carcass trait, Farm-made diet, Haematology, Profitable

Replacement of Soybean Meal with Rice Distiller’s Dried Grains with Soluble in Layer Diet on Chicken Egg Quality

The experiment was conducted on 144 layers of BV- 300 strain from age of 59th week and completed at 70th week for the period of 12 weeks to study the replacement of soybean meal with rice distiller’s dried grains with soluble (rDDGS) in layer diet on egg quality parameters. The egg weight, shape index, egg surface area, albumin index, yolk index, yolk color score, percent eggshell weight and eggshell thickness parameters were studied. The layer birds were randomly distributed into 4 equal treatments T1 (Control), T2, T3 and T4 with 36-layer birds in each group having 6 replicates of 6 layers each. The control group T1 fed basal layer ration as per the recommendation of BV-300-layer strain and treatment groups T2, T3 and T4 offered 5, 10 and 15% rDDGS inclusion levels replacing soybean meal in diet and recorded for egg quality parameters. It was observed that, the inclusion of rDDGS at 0, 5, 10 and 15% in treatment groups T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively, in layer diets were non-significantly influenced on shape index, egg surface area, albumin index, yolk index, yolk colour score, percent eggshell weight and eggshell thickness. The egg weights were significantly (P&lt;0.05) decreased in treatment group T4 receiving diet at 15% rDDGS as compared to control group T1 and treatment group T2. However, there was non-significant differences for egg weight in groups T1, T2 and T3. Thus, it was concluded that the rice distiller’s dried grains with soluble (rDDGS) can be included up to 10% in layer diet with replacing soybean meal without affecting the body weights, external and internal egg quality parameters like eggshell weight, shape index, egg surface area, albumin index, yolk index, yolk colour score, egg surface area and eggshell thickness.

Analysis of heart rate variability in assessing the autonomic status of tuberculosis patients and in combination with HIV infection

In this study, a comprehensive instrumental assessment of the autonomic status of tuberculosis patients and those with concomitant HIV infection at the beginning and during treatment was conducted, revealing the structure of dysfunction through heart rate variability analysis. Correcting the identified disorders will enhance the effectiveness of treatment through a comprehensive individualized approach.The aim of the study: to assess the autonomic status of patients with tuberculosis and concomitant HIV infection during the course of treatment using spectral analysis of heart rate variability and to determine its clinical significance.Materials and methods. The study involved 195 participants. They were divided into two groups: a control group of 70 healthy individuals and an observation group of 125 newly diagnosed patients with infiltrative and disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis, further divided into two subgroups. The first subgroup included 64 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, and the second subgroup included 61 patients with tuberculosis combined with HIV infection. The structure of the autonomic nervous system was studied using the computer complex «Varicard 2.51» for processing variocardiograms and analyzing heart rate variability (Registration certificate for medical device dated 10.12.2007 No. FSR 2007/01390). All patients were examined under identical conditions. Calculations were performed using SPSS Statistics v. 23.Results and discussion. The data on the assessment of the state and dynamics of the total power spectrum of RR intervals (TP) in the control group and in patients with tuberculosis and concomitant HIV infection in subgroups 1 and 2 of the observation group during treatment are presented. When comparing the frequency of TP above the «normal zone» in the control group and subgroup 1 of the observation group (t1= 3.30; p1&lt;0.01; t2=1.70; p2&gt;0.05), in the control group and subgroup 2 of the observation group (t1=3.51; p1&lt;0.01; t2=2.64; p2&lt;0.01), statistically significant differences were found in subgroup 1 before treatment and in subgroup 2 before and after treatment. The significant decrease in TP levels above the «normal zone» in patients of subgroups 1 and 2 before treatment indicated significant mobilization of the body’s regulatory system reserves needed to maintain vital functions. By the end of the hospital treatment stage, TP levels had not recovered in patients of subgroup 2, marking more pronounced regulatory disturbances in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis combined with HIV infection.Conclusion. The assessment of the state of regulatory systems and the body’s reserves based on heart rate variability indicators showed that in healthy individuals, these systems were at levels ensuring the body’s normal homeostatic balance with the regulatory systems functioning normally without excessive stress and high resource mobilization. In patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, the state of regulatory systems was at a lower level, especially in patients with concomitant HIV infection.

Effect of PG-600 dose in cows with persistent corpus luteum treated with PGF2α and hCG

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of administering a dose of gonadotropin (PG-600) in cows with persistent corpus luteum (PCL) which were treated with prostaglandin F2 α (PGF2α) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This study used 20, three-year-old cows diagnosed with PCL, had recently given birth, and were not pregnant. Cows were randomly allocated into groups T0, T1, T2 and T3. Cows in all groups were injected with PGF2α (25 mg/cow). Simultaneously, cows in groups T1, T2 and T3 were also injected with PG-600 at doses of 100, 150 and 200 IU/cow respectively. PGF2α and PG-600 were injected when PCL was identified. After that, cows showing signs of estrus were injected with hCG (100 IU/cow) and artificially inseminated 12-18 hours after the appearance of signs of estrus. AI was conducted using frozen thawed semen. Sixty days following AI, a pregnancy examination was conducted using USG. Estrus was detected in all treated cows, while the pregnancy rates varied. Compared with other groups, the groups given 100 and 150 IU PG-600 produced higher pregnancy rates. It could be concluded that the combination of 25 mg PGF2α, 150 IU PG-600, and 100 IU hCG was the most effective treatment to produce high pregnancy rates in cows with persistent corpus luteum.

Association of life’s essential 8 score with risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease-related mortality in individuals with hypertension

BackgroundThe American Heart Association (AHA) recently defined a new concept of cardiovascular health-Life’s Essential 8 (LE8). We sought to examine whether LE8 score is associated with a risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related mortality in individuals with hypertension.MethodsThis longitudinal study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2018 in people 20 years or older with hypertension. LE8 score (range 0-100) was measured according to the AHA definition and divided into unweighted tertiles into groups T1 (< 50.00), T2 (50.00-61.25), and T3 (≥ 61.25). Primary outcomes included all-cause mortality and CVD-specific mortality.ResultsA total of 15,318 individuals with hypertension were included in this study, with a mean ± standard error age of 55.06 ± 0.25 years. During the median follow-up period of 76 months, 2525 all-cause mortality occurred, of which 806 were due to CVD. Compared with participants with hypertension in the T1 group, those in T2 and T3 respectively had 28% (adjusted HR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.63–0.83, P < 0.001) and 39% (adjusted HR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.52–0.72, P < 0.001) lower risk of all-cause mortality, the T2 and T3 groups were associated with 32% (adjusted HR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.53–0.88, P = 0.003) and 36% (adjusted HR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.49–0.84, P = 0.001) reduced risk of CVD mortality separately.ConclusionsA higher LE8 score is associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality and CVD mortality, and the higher LE8 score can be maintained in the clinic to improve prognosis by modifying the diet and lifestyle habits of individuals with hypertension.

Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging in evaluating preoperative staging of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BackgroundThe aim of this research is to prospectively investigate the diagnostic performance of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) using the integrated slice-specific dynamic shimming (iShim) technique in staging primary esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and predicting presence of lymph node metastases from ESCC.MethodsSixty-three patients with ESCC were prospectively enrolled from April 2016 to April 2019. MR and IVIM using iShim technique (b = 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800 s/mm2) were performed on 3.0T MRI system before operation. Primary tumour apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and IVIM parameters, including true diffusion coefficient (D), pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*), pseudodiffusion fraction (f) were measured by two independent radiologists. The differences in D, D*, f and ADC values of different T and N stages were assessed. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to evaluate the interobserver agreement between two readers. The diagnostic performances of D, D*, f and ADC values in primary tumour staging and prediction of lymph node metastasis of ESCC were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsThe inter-observer consensus was excellent for IVIM parameters and ADC (D: ICC = 0.922; D*: ICC = 0.892; f: ICC = 0.948; ADC: ICC = 0.958). The ADC, D, D* and f values of group T1 + T2 were significantly higher than those of group T3 + T4a [ADC: (2.55 ± 0.43) ×10− 3 mm2/s vs. (2.27 ± 0.40) ×10− 3 mm2/s, t = 2.670, P = 0.010; D: (1.82 ± 0.39) ×10− 3 mm2/s vs. (1.53 ± 0.33) ×10− 3 mm2/s, t = 3.189, P = 0.002; D*: 46.45 (30.30,55.53) ×10− 3 mm2/s vs. 32.30 (18.60,40.95) ×10− 3 mm2/s, z=-2.408, P = 0.016; f: 0.45 ± 0.12 vs. 0.37 ± 0.12, t = 2.538, P = 0.014]. The ADC, D and f values of the lymph nodes-positive (N+) group were significantly lower than those of lymph nodes-negative (N0) group [ADC: (2.10 ± 0.33) ×10− 3 mm2/s vs. (2.55 ± 0.40) ×10− 3 mm2/s, t=-4.564, P < 0.001; D: (1.44 ± 0.30) ×10− 3 mm2/s vs. (1.78 ± 0.37) ×10− 3 mm2/s, t=-3.726, P < 0.001; f: 0.32 ± 0.10 vs. 0.45 ± 0.11, t=-4.524, P < 0.001]. The combination of D, D* and f yielded the highest area under the curve (AUC) (0.814) in distinguishing group T1 + T2 from group T3 + T4a. D combined with f provided the highest diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.849) in identifying group N + and group N0 of ESCC.ConclusionsIVIM may be used as an effective functional imaging technique to evaluate preoperative stage of primary tumour and predict presence of lymph node metastases from ESCC.

DIETARY EFFECTS OF TULSI LEAVES AND BLACK PEPPER EXTRACT ON BROILER GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS TRAITS

This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of the dietary effect of different levels of Tulsi leaves (Ocimum sanctum) and Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) Extract (TBE) on growth performance and carcass traits of commercial broiler. The study was conducted at the Poultry farm of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur during the period from 11 April to 08 May, 2019. A total of 96 day old broiler chicks (Lohman Meat) were randomly and equally distributed to 4 groups having 3 replicates of 8 birds each. The birds were grouped as T0, T1, T2 and T3 group with normal water (control group), 1% TBE 1ml /L of drinking water, 2% TBE 2 ml/L of drinking water and 3% TBE 3ml /L of drinking water, respectively. Body weight gains, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), mortality (%) and meat yield traits were recorded. The collected data were analyzed by using ANOVA with SPSS version 22. Feed intake (g/bird) was almost similar (P&gt;0.05) among the dietary treatment groups. Body weight gain (g) and FCR were significantly (P&lt;0.05) differed among the dietary treatment groups. The highest body weight gain (g) was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in T2 (1659.35g±2.19), followed by T1 (1631.05g±2.52), T3 (1590.67g±2.73) and T0 (1472.01g±4.58), respectively. The lowest FCR was found in T2 (1.41±0.00) and the highest FCR in T0 (1.52±0.01), the intermediate in T1 (1.45±0.01) and T3 (1.46±0.01), respectively. It was found that there was significant (P&lt;0.05) difference among the dietary treatment groups in case of live weight (g), carcass weight (g),dressing percentage (%), breast weight (g), liver weight(g), but there was almost similar (P&gt;0.05) among the dietary treatment groups in case of heart weight (g), spleen weight (g), gizzard weight (g), thigh weight (%), head weight (g), intestine weight (g) and shank weight (g). The carcass meat weight, Carcass yield (%), breast weight and breast meat weight (%) was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in treatment T2 group compared to control group T0. Liver weight was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in control group T0 compared to treatment group T2. No mortality was found among the dietary treatment groups during experimental period. Based on the result it could be concluded that 2% Tulsi leaves and Black Pepper Extract (TBE) 2 ml/L of drinking water may be used in broiler diet as growth promoter and it may also serve as an antioxidant.

Association Between the Inflammatory Potential of Diet and Constipation Among Adults in the United States: A Cross-sectional Study.

To investigate the potential association between Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) scores and constipation among a sample of adults in the United States. This cross-sectional study used data from adult participants in the 2005 to 2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (ie, "NHANES"). Self-reported information was used to identify cases of constipation. The DII was used to assess inflammatory potential of the diet. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% CIs for the association between the DII and constipation were determined using multivariate logistic regression modeling. Stratified analyses explored whether there was effect modification to influence the relationship between DII and constipation. Of 8272 subjects, 759 reported constipation, and 7513 did not, corresponding to a prevalence of 9.2%. After adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, marital status, education level, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, body mass index (BMI), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), hypertension, stroke, diabetes, energy intake, carbohydrate intake, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use. Compared with lower DII scores group T1 (-5.28 to ≤0.72), the adjusted OR values for DII scores and constipation in T2 (>0.72 to ≤2.50) and T3 (>2.50 to 5.24) were 1.27 (95% CI: 1.02-1.58, P=0.029) and 1.43(95% CI: 1.14-1.8, P=0.002). Subgroup analyses showed that there were effect modification of gender and physical activity factors on DII scores and constipation. Results of this cross-sectional study suggest that a higher dietary inflammatory index score was associated with increased risk of constipation after adjustment for confounding in a multivariable analysis. gender and physical activity were found to be an effect modifier of this relationship.

Enhancing lower limb and core muscle activation with blood flow restriction training: a randomized crossover study on high-intensity squat exercises.

The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of high-intensity deep squat training integrated with various blood flow restriction (BFR) modalities on the activation of lower limb and core muscles. A randomized, self-controlled crossover experimental design was employed with 12 participants. The exercise protocol consisted of squat training at 75% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), performed in 3 sets of 8 repetitions with a 2-min inter-set rest period. This was conducted under four distinct BFR conditions: continuous low BFR (T1), intermittent medium BFR (T2), intermittent high BFR (T3), and a non-restricted control (C). Surface electromyography (EMG) was utilized to collect EMG signals from the target muscles during the BFR and squat training sessions. The root mean square (RMS) amplitude standard values were calculated for each squat set to quantify muscle activation levels, with these values expressed as a percentage of the maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC). Rating of Perceived Exertion was evaluated after each squat set, and leg circumference measurements were taken. 1) During the first two sets of deep squats, the %MVC of the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis in all compression groups was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in the first set, the %MVC of the vastus lateralis in Group T3 was significantly higher than in Group T2 (p < 0.05). In the third set, the %MVC of the vastus medialis in Groups T1 and T3 was significantly lower than in the first two sets (p < 0.05). 2) Group T1 showed an increased activation of the biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles in the second and third sets, with %MVC values significantly greater than in the first set (p < 0.05). Group T2 only showed an increase in biceps femoris activation in the third set (p < 0.05). Group T3 significantly increased the activation of the biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles only in the first set (p < 0.05). 3) No significant differences were observed in the changes of rectus abdominis %MVC among the groups (p > 0.05). In the first set, Group T3's erector spinae %MVC was significantly higher than the control group's; in the second set, it was significantly higher than both Group T2 and the control group's (p < 0.05). 4) After training, a significant increase in thigh circumference was observed in all groups compared to before training (p < 0.05). 5) For RPE values, Group T2's post-squat values were significantly higher than the control group's after all three sets (p < 0.05). Group T1's RPE values were also significantly higher than the control group's after the third set (p < 0.05). Groups T1, T2, and C all had significantly higher RPE values in the second and third sets compared to the first set (p < 0.05). All BFR modalities significantly enhanced the activation level of the anterior thigh muscles, with the continuous low BFR mode demonstrating a more stable effect. No significant differences were found in the activation level of the rectus abdominis among the groups. However, the intermittent high BFR mode was the most effective in increasing the activation level of the erector spinae muscles. While BFR did not further augment leg circumference changes, it did elevate subjective fatigue levels. The RPE was lowest during squatting under the intermittent high BFR condition.