Higher Mean Body Weight Research Articles

EFFECT OF BOVINE BLOOD MEAL BASED DIET ON BODY WEIGHT AND MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERS OF TWO STRAINS OF BROILERS

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Bovine blood meal (BBM) on the body weight and morphometric characters of Ross 308 and Marshall Strains of commercial broiler chickens. One hundred (100) 1-day-old chicks comprising of fifty (50) Ross 308 and fifty (50) Marshall Strains were used for this study. Fresh Bovine blood was collected from a slaughter house in Awka and boiled at 100oC for 45minutes to kill pathogens and allow moisture to evaporate. The Bovine blood was sun dried to avoid microbial action and then ground into fine particles for easy mixing with other ingredients. BBM was mixed with standard commercial ingredients at 5% inclusion level to have 1.31kg of BBM and 23.69kg of standard commercial diet in a 25kg mix. Body weight and three important morphometric traits [Body length (BL), Heart girth (HG), Thigh length (TL)] were measured. Completely randomized design was employed for this research. Data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant means were separated with Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test. The highest mean body weight after 8weeks was recorded in T3, Ross 308 (2697) fed BBM and followed by T4, Marshall (2551) fed diet containing BBM. The weight gained by T3, Ross 308 was significantly different (P<0.05) from the weight gained by T4, Marshall and the control treatments. Ross 308 had better morphometric traits. There was significant difference in the three morphometric characters studied. BBM can be included in a broiler diet at 5% inclusion level for improved performance.

Variability in body weight and morphology of Uganda's indigenous goat breeds across agroecological zones.

Indigenous goat breeds in Uganda are classified based on average body size parameters and coat color. However, variations in the body size of animals may be influenced by several factors, including management and the environment. To understand the effect of the agroecological zone on the physical characteristics and live weight of Uganda's indigenous goats, this study evaluated the body size characteristics of the three indigenous goat breeds of Uganda across ten agroecological zones. The cross-sectional survey was conducted in 323 households from the ten zones, where 1020 goats composed of three breeds (Mubende, Kigezi, and Small East African) were sampled and measured for body weight, linear body size, and age. We confirmed that Mubende and Kigezi goats from the original homeland had a higher mean body weight than reported in FAO reports. In addition, Mubende appeared to perform better in pastoral rangelands, with a higher mean body weight (38.1 kg) and body size being significantly higher (P < 0.0001) compared to other zones. The mean body weight for the Kigezi breed in the original homeland (34 kg) was comparable to those from Western Savannah grasslands and pastoral rangelands and less than that initially reported by FAO (30 kg). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the linear body size characteristics of Kigezi goats in the home zone of highland ranges relative to those found in other agroecological zones (P > 0.05). Although the Small East African goats were originally found in Northwestern Savannah grassland and Northeastern dryland zones, they performed poorly regarding mean body weight and body size characteristics in the former zone. In the Northwestern Savannah grasslands, the mean body weight (23.8 kg) was even less than that reported by FAO, which ranged between 25 and 30 kg. Finally, we confirmed that Mubende and Kigezi goats are significantly heavier than small East African goats (p ≤ 0.0001). The results of this study can be useful in designing precise management strategies to improve indigenous goat productivity in different environments in Uganda.

Bodyweight and body condition scores of Australian British shorthaired cats, 2008-2017.

Obesity is the most common nutritional problem in companion animals today, and Australian British shorthair (BSH) cats have been shown to have a greater likelihood of being overweight relative to other cat breeds. The objectives of this research were to quantify bodyweight (BW) and body condition scores (BCSs) of BSH cats attending first opinion practice in Australia for the period 2008-2017 and to determine if: (1) being classified as overweight was associated with geographical location (urban versus rural and socio-economic index); and (2) BW recorded in the first 12 months of life was associated with length of life beyond 12 months. Electronic medical records from BSH cats were obtained from VetCompass Australia and used for BW and BCS analysis. Desexed males ( = 971) had the highest mean BW followed by entire males ( = 79), desexed females ( = 815), and entire females ( = 82). The desexed males, desexed females, and entire females had a mean BCS classified as overweight using a 1-to-9 point BCS scale. The entire male population was the only group with a mean BCS classified as ideal. No statistically significant association between BW and urban-rural status and no consistent trend between BW and socioeconomic deprivation was found. For cats with at least one BW measurement in the first 12 months of life that was ≤3.3 kg, the age when 20 percent of the group had died or were euthanised was 12.3 (95% CI 11.7 to 13.1) years. For cats with at least one BW measurement in the first 12 months of life that was ≥3.3 kg age, the age when 20 percent of the group had died or were euthanised was 6.6 (95% CI 5.2 to 6.6) years. This was a substantial clinical difference in survival. The study concluded that a large proportion of BSH cats attending first opinion veterinary clinics in Australia between 2008 and 2017 (48%) were classified as overweight. Cats less than 12 months of age that were greater than 3.3 kg had a shortened lifespan beyond 12 months of age compared with cats that were less than 3.3 kg.

784-P: Characteristics of People with Young-Onset T2D in the SURPASS Program

Young-onset T2D, defined as diagnosed before age 40, is increasing around the world. Recent data suggest a faster deterioration in beta-cell function and earlier development of complications in this population, compared to later-onset T2D. This post-hoc analysis evaluated the baseline characteristics of people with young-onset vs later-onset T2D in the SURPASS clinical trial program. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were compared in participants with young-onset vs later-onset T2D from the SURPASS-1, -2, -3, and -5 clinical trials (N=4267). Analyses were performed by study. Across the SURPASS program, which included participants at various stages of T2D management, participants with young-onset T2D were younger, had longer duration of diabetes, worse glycemic control, higher mean body weight and BMI, and a worse lipid profile at baseline vs patients with later-onset T2D. Data from SURPASS-1 and SURPASS-2 also showed participants with young-onset T2D had greater insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) at baseline. Despite their younger age at baseline, participants with young-onset T2D in the SURPASS program had an overall worse health status as compared to patients with later-onset T2D. Early intervention in young-onset T2D may be important to optimize long-term outcomes. Disclosure R.J.Galindo: Consultant; Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly and Company, Sanofi, Pfizer Inc., Bayer Inc., WW (Weight Watchers), Research Support; Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly and Company, Dexcom, Inc. P.Zeitler: Consultant; Eli Lilly and Company, Boehringer Ingelheim Inc., Johnson &amp; Johnson. M.J.Davies: Advisory Panel; Lilly, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Pfizer Inc., Medtronic, ShouTi Pharma Inc., Consultant; Lilly, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Research Support; AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi-Aventis U.S., Boehringer-Ingelheim, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Speaker's Bureau; Lilly, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Novo Nordisk, AstraZeneca, Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited, Novartis, Sanofi. C.Lee: Employee; Eli Lilly and Company, Stock/Shareholder; Eli Lilly and Company. V.Thieu: None. C.Nicolay: Employee; Eli Lilly and Company. S.Allen: None. B.Bergman: Employee; Eli Lilly and Company, Stock/Shareholder; Eli Lilly and Company. Funding Eli Lilly and Company

The Effect of Sausage Tree Fruit (Kigelia africana) on Gonadal Development and Growth Performance of Oreochromis andersonii

In Zambia fish farms, Oreochromis andersonii is an important common indigenous fish species. Naturally, safe phytochemicals can effectively improve fish reproduction performance and their production potential. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of Kigelia africana on the gonadal development and the performance of Oreochromis andersonii. A total of 96 male fingerlings were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (D1-D4), and each treatment group had three replicates. The D1, D2, D3, and D4 groups were formulated to receive 0, 50, 100, and 150 g of powdered Kigelia africana/kg, respectively. The fish were fed the diets for 9 weeks, followed by the study parameter measurements at the end of the experiment. The highest mean body weight and gonadal weight were (29.8 ± 0.63 and 0.09 ± 0.010 g, respectively) for fish in the D2 group. There was no significant difference between the mean body weight of fish in different groups, but their mean gonadal weights differed significantly. The gonadal somatic index of fish differed significantly among treatment groups, with those in D2 having the highest mean value (0.36 ± 0.060). The highest mean standard length (103.3 ± 0.63 mm) and total length (126.0 ± 0.11 mm) of fish were observed for D1 and D2 groups, respectively. Additionally, the mean values for those parameters decreased with increasing Kigelia africana in the diet. The physicochemical parameters of water, including temperature and dissolved oxygen, ranged 16.8-23.1℃ and 0.6-2.2 mg/L, respectively; these were generally at low levels considering the optimum requirements for this fish species. In conclusion, Kigelia africana improved gonadal growth and development but did not promote overall fish growth. The best gonadal growth/development results of Kigelia africana powder were observed at a level of 50 g/kg, which can be used as a performance booster in the aquaculture production of Oreochromis andersonii.

Investigating the Preventive Effect of Herbal Medicine (Allium sativum, Artemisia annua, and Quercus infectoria) against Coccidiosis in Broiler Chickens

Coccidiosis is a critical disease in the poultry industry worldwide. Producers apply different strategies to control and prevent this disease. Herbal drugs are suitable remedies for reducing losses associated with coccidiosis in poultry. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an herbal mixture in preventing coccidiosis. A total of 160 broiler chickens were divided into four treatment groups, with five replicates for each. Experimental infection of all groups, except group D, was carried out with mixed Eimeria species (E. tenella, E. necatrix, E. brunetti, and E. maxima) on day 14. Broiler chickens in group A were given an herbal mixture (75% Quercus infectoria, 16% Artemisia annua, and 9% Allium sativum) as feed additives during the rearing period, and group B was treated with Monensin. No treatment was applied to group C after the chickens were experimentally infected with mixed Eimeria spp. Group D was used as the negative control since chickens in this group were not infected or sick during the experiment. Body weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), mortality rate, intestinal lesion scoring, and oocyst count per gram (OPG) were evaluated in this study. The results of the present study revealed that the highest mean body weight was gained in group D, followed by chickens in group A. The best FCR results were attributed to chickens in group D, followed by group B. In this study, both drugs decreased mortality rate, intestinal lesion scores, and OPG in the treated chickens. In conclusion, this herbal mixture can reduce coccidial lesions. Keywords: Broiler, Coccidiosis, Herbal mixture, Prevention

Supplementation of Mother's Own Milk with Preterm Donor Human Milk: Impact on Protein Intake and Growth in Very Low Birth Weight Infants-A Randomized Controlled Study.

This randomized study investigates whether feeding very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with mother's own milk (MOM) supplemented with either preterm (PDM) or term donor milk (TDM), when MOM is insufficient, has a positive impact on infants' protein intake and growth. A hundred and twenty VLBW infants were randomized into two groups. Group A (43 infants) received MOM supplemented with PDM, whereas Group B (77 infants) was fed with MOM supplemented with TDM, for the first three weeks of life (donor milk period). Breast milk fortifier was added when milk feeds exceeded 50 mL/Kg/day. After the donor milk period, both groups were fed with formula when MOM was not available or the milk bank was unable to provide TDM. Protein intake was higher in Group A than in Group B at initiation of milk fortification (p = 0.006), as well as during the 3-week donor milk period (p = 0.023) and throughout hospitalization (p = 0.014). Moreover, Group A presented higher Δz-score for body weight (p = 0.019) and head circumference (p = 0.001) from birth to the end of donor milk period, and higher mean body weight at discharge (p = 0.047) compared to Group B. In conclusion, when donor milk is required, PDM positively impacts protein intake and growth in VLBW infants (NCT05675397).

Effects of genotype, gestation length and litter size on the birth weight, litter weight, pre- and post-weaning weight of crossbred kits

BackgroundPerformance of rabbit is hinged on many factors of which the birth weights, gestation length and the litter size are most important. Linear body traits provide vital information on the performance, productivity and carcass characteristics which could be useful tool for the improvement in genetic potentials of rabbits. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of genotype, gestation length and litter size on the birth weight, pre- and post-weaning weight of crossbred kits.ResultsFive breeds: Rex (RX), Dutch-belted (DBT), New Zealand white (NZW), Californian white (CFW) and local breed (LAB) of rabbit were used for the study. A foundation stock of 40 growing rabbits consisting of six does and two bucks were used for the crossing experiment. Genotype exerted significant influence (P < 0.01) on the litter weight at birth as well as on the body weight of the kits at 21st and 35th days. The kit kindled from mating CFWxDBT breeds had the highest mean body weight from birth (91.90 ± 9.84 g) to 35th days (368.25 ± 17.36 g), while the crosses of DBTxCFW recorded the least mean body weight from birth (74.25 ± 1.78 g) to 35th days (332.60 ± 12.54 g). Gestation length significantly (P < 0.05) influenced individual and litter birth weights, pre- and post-weaning weights of kits. Does with short gestation length (29 days) had kits with light body weight compared to those with longer period of gestation (34 days). More so, kits belonging to large litter size (7) had the lowest body weight at birth as well as 21st and 35th day (69.93 ± 1.63 g, 209.57 ± 3.70 g, 319.11 ± 9.22 g) compared to kits that belonged to small litter group size. Highly significant (P < 0.01) and the strongest phenotypic relationships were recorded between body weight at day 21 and day 35 for all crosses, while weak and negative genetic correlation (r = − 0.19) was observed between litter birth weight and individual birth weight of crossbred kits.ConclusionCrossbreeding produces offspring with better performances. Birth weight of kits is a prediction tool for the overall performance of rabbits provided the environment is uninterrupted.

Phyllanthus amarus Aqueous Extract as Antidote to Alcoholic Liver Injury

Objective: In most human communities, the consumption of alcoholic beverages is unregulated with negative impact on health. The liver is one of the major organs that bear the brunt of regular and or heavy consumption of alcohol. This study set out to elucidate the modulation of alcohol induced liver injury in wistar rat by aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus plant.&#x0D; Methodology: Five groups of six animals each were used for the study. Group CN was the control. The alcohol only group (ALC) had 1ml / 100g body weight (b.w) of 43% ethanol. The Extract only group (EXT) had 200mg/ Kg b.w of P.amarus aqueous extract. The Low Extract plus Alcohol group (LEA) had concomitant administration of 1ml/100g b. w of 43% ethanol with 200 mg/ Kg of the extract. The High Extract plus Alcohol group (HEA) had concomitant administration of 1ml/100g b. w of 43% ethanol and the extract at 400 mg/ Kg. The alcohol and extract were administered once daily for fourteen days. Thereafter, blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses, the animals sacrificed and livers harvested for histopathological analyses.&#x0D; Results: Group HEA had the highest mean body weight. The mean liver weight of group EXT was significantly higher than those of other groups. Both the total protein and its globulin fraction of the ALC group were significantly lower than those of others. The liver enzymes (Alanine and Aspartate transaminases) levels were significantly low in the ALC group. However, those of the LEA and HEA groups were comparable with the EXT group. The glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities of the LEA and HEA groups were significantly higher than that of ALC. Lipid peroxidation was most severe in the ALC group as evidenced by the significantly high malondialdehyde level. Histopathological sections of the liver revealed preserved hepatic architecture with pronounced steatosis in the ALC group.&#x0D; Conclusion: Aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus considerably reduced the severity of alcohol induced liver injury.

The effect of density on sex differentiation, sexual dimorphism, stress, and related gene expression in yellow perch.

A 180-day experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of density on sex differentiation, sexual dimorphism, cortisol level, and stress related gene expression. Yellow perch, Perca flavescens, with initial mean body weight of 0.03 ± 0.001 g were reared in three different stocking densities: 1, 2, and 4 fish/L, termed as low (LD), moderate (MD), and high (HD) density, respectively, in a flow-through tank system. Results showed no significant differences in sex ratio in all density groups compared to normal population 1:1, and sexual size dimorphism (SSD) appeared when male and female were as small as the mean size reaching 11.5 cm and 12.3 cm in total length (TL) or 13.2g and 16.9g in body weight (BW), respectively. This female-biased sexual growth dimorphism was more pronounced in LD, although it was observed across all density groups. A significantly higher condition factor (K) of females than males in the LD group, and significantly higher R values of LD and MD than HD with the length/weight (L/W) linear relationships in females, were observed. Parallelly, fish reared in LD showed significantly higher mean body weight than those in the MD and HD groups, but there were no significant differences between the MD and HD. Similar results were also observed in all the other parameters of weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), condition factor (K), and survival. These findings suggested that high density not only affected growth itself, but also affected SSD, growth trajectory or body shape, and general wellbeing in fish, especially in females. There were no significant differences in gonadosomatic index (GSI) and viscerosomatic index (VSI) among all the density groups; however, the hepatosomatic index (HSI) of LD was significantly higher than MD and HD, suggesting high density affected liver reserves or functions. Physiologically, plasma cortisol level was significantly highest in the LD among all groups, followed by MD, and lowest in HD. At the molecular level, the expression of the 70-kDa heat shock protein (Hsp70), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) genes involved in cellular stress were significantly upregulated in the HD group. The most significantly downregulated expression of these genes was consistently observed in the MD when compared to the LD and HD groups. In conclusion, increasing density induced chronic stress in yellow perch without affecting sex differentiation, but negatively affected expression of stress-related genes and mobilization of liver reserve, resulting in poorer wellbeing and reduced SSD, growth, and survival.

Prevalence and characterization of treatment-refractory psoriasis and super-responders to biologic treatment: a nationwide study.

Treatment with biologics often leads to clearance of psoriasis. However, some patients do repeatedly fail to respond and/or lose an achieved response (treatment refractory) to the biologic, whereas other patients achieve excellent response to one biologic and remain clear of psoriasis for several years (super-responders). To identify and characterize patients with treatment refractory psoriasis and patients who are super-responders to biologic treatment. Patients registered in DERMBIO between January 2007 and November 2019 were included. Patients were categorized as being treatment refractory if they had had treatment failure to ≥3 biologics targeting ≥2 different pathways. Super-responders were patients treated with their first biologic for minimum 5 years without an absolute psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) > 3 between 6 months and 5 years of treatment. All remaining patients from DERMBIO served as comparators. In total, 3280 patients were included with a mean age of 45.0 years. 1221 (37%) of the patients were females. Of the included patients, 214 (6.5%) were categorized as treatment refractory and 207 (6.3%) were categorized as super-responders. Treatment refractory patients had higher mean body weight (100.6 kg vs. 90.6 kg, P < 0.0001) and higher mean BMI (32.2 vs. 29.4, P < 0.0001) compared with the rest of patients in DERMBIO. Super-responders had higher socioeconomic status and fewer comorbidities compared with the comparator group (P < 0.0001). A small proportion of patients with psoriasis treated with biologics are either super-responders or treatment refractory. Treatment refractory patients have higher body weight, whereas super-responders have fewer comorbidities and higher socioeconomic status.

Studies on Morphometrics, length-weight Relationship, Condition factor and food and feeding habit of Pseudotolithus elongatus from Makoko River, Lagos State

Over the years, aquatic resources have reduced exponentially due to several factors particularly the influence of human activities. The aftermath of human activities on aquatic environment includes the depletion of species, breeding ground destruction, and fragmentation of the ecosystem and so on. Therefore, this study provides information on the Morphometrics, length-weight relationship, condition factor and guts content of P. elongatus from Mokoko River in Lagos State. The total of 398 fish samples was collected. The collection was performed once in a month for a period of six months, although not consecutive months but between January, 2021 to November, 2021. The highest mean body weight was obtained in the month of July (330±58.0 g), while the lowest in September (38.4±70.0 g). The month of May with the value of (550-4.3 g) represented the widest fish range in a cohort while the least was observed in month of July (330-5.3 g). The maximum total length (36.5±5.1 cm) and standard length (30±4.3 cm) was obtained in the month of July. The female had better sex ratio across the six months except for the month of March. The value of ‘b’ (growth exponent) for male, female and combined sexes were below 3 indicating negative allometric growth pattern. The results on condition factor of females, male and combined sexes are greater than 1 except the result obtained in the month of March. For gut contents, four major diets (mud, earthworm, fish and crab) were observed indicating predatory nature while mud dominated the gut contents of the fish. The overall result indicated partially healthy ecosystem. Intensive monitoring of this water body should be mandated to ensure sustainability of the fishery. However, further studies in relation to the proximate composition and reproductive aspect of Bobo Croaker and other fish species from the study area should be done in order to update and provide more scientific information.

Abstract 9741: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Safety of Bempedoic Acid in a Phase 1 Clinical Trial in Healthy Japanese, Chinese and White Subjects

This study investigated the pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and safety of bempedoic acid (BA), an inhibitor of ATP-citrate lyase that significantly lowers LDL-C levels, after single and multiple oral dose administration in White and first-, second-, or third-generation Japanese and Chinese subjects living in the US. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted at a single US site in a total of 40 healthy subjects randomized (3:1) to receive BA or placebo. The PK, PD, and safety of BA were assessed in Japanese subjects after a single dose of BA 60, 120, or 180 mg; and in Japanese, Chinese, and White subjects (baseline LDL-C 70–190 mg/dL; not receiving a statin) after daily BA 180-mg dosing for 14 days. Enrolled subjects (28% female) ranged 23-59 years of age. In Japanese subjects, single dose maximum BA plasma concentrations increased proportionally, and AUC increased slightly greater than proportional to dose. After 14 days of BA 180 mg, mean estimates of BA elimination half-life were 25.2, 20.0 and 23.9 hours in Japanese, Chinese, and White subjects, respectively. Active metabolite ESP15228 AUC exposures were approximately 20% of BA across subjects. Mean oral clearance (CL/F) in Japanese (0.494 L/h) and Chinese (0.592 L/h) subjects was 29% and 15% less and volume of distribution (V z /F) in Japanese (18.0 L) and Chinese (19.2 L) subjects was 32% and 27% less than in White subjects, respectively. Differences in CL/F and V z /F were decreased after body weight (BW) normalization, with higher mean BW for White subjects (80.6 kg) observed relative to Japanese (67.4 kg) and Chinese (74.1 kg) subjects. A reduction in fasting LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and hsCRP was observed with BA. The mean (SD) percent change from baseline in LDL-C among subjects (n=6 each) receiving BA 180 mg was –29% (14) for Japanese subjects, –39% (8) for Chinese subjects, and –17% (28) for White subjects compared with +17% (21) for subjects receiving placebo. Results from this study suggest that administration of BA 180 mg once daily over 14 days markedly reduced LDL-C and was well tolerated in all subjects. PK differences, largely explained after normalizing CL/F and V z /F by subject BW, are not expected to result in clinically meaningful differences in the efficacy or safety profiles of BA.

Effect of ipragliflozin on liver function in Japanese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: subgroup analysis of a 3-year post-marketing surveillance study (STELLA-LONG TERM).

The STELLA-LONG TERM prospective post-marketing surveillance study assessed ipragliflozin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This subgroup analysis of patients with liver impairment used the final 3-year results. Data on patients, adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and changes in glycemic parameters and liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase [γ-GTP] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP]) were collected, and the fatty liver index (FLI) was calculated. In the effectiveness analysis (n = 8,763), baseline liver function was normal in 2,605 patients (ALT <31/<21 U/L [men/women]) and abnormal in 3,277 (ALT ≥31/≥21 U/L). The abnormal liver function group had higher mean body weight and BMI than the normal liver function group (p < 0.001). In the safety analysis (n = 11,051), urinary tract infections, genital infections and hepatic disorders were more common in the abnormal than normal liver function group (2.25% vs. 1.07%; 1.78% vs. 1.14% and 1.85% vs. 1.01%). In the abnormal liver function group, there were significant (p < 0.001) decreases from baseline at 36 months in AST and ALT (from 38.8 and 53.7 U/L to 29.3 and 37.7 U/L, respectively), γ-GTP (from 75.4 to 51.7 U/L) and ALP (from 254.8 to 234.5 U/L), which were greater than in the normal liver function group. FLI reductions at 36 months were significant (p < 0.001) in subgroups with baseline FLI of ≥30 or ≥60. In conclusion, ipragliflozin improved liver function over 3 years in patients with impaired liver function, although ADRs occurred more frequently than in the normal liver function group.

Secukinumab Use in Patients with Moderate to Severe Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis in Real-World Setting in Europe: Baseline Data from SERENA Study.

IntroductionSecukinumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that directly inhibits interleukin-17A, has demonstrated robust efficacy in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis (PsO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), with a rapid onset of action, sustained long-term clinical responses and a consistently favourable safety profile across phase 3 trials. Here, we report the clinical data at enrolment from SERENA, designed to investigate the real-world use of secukinumab across all three indications.MethodsSERENA is an ongoing, longitudinal, observational study conducted at 438 sites across Europe in patients with moderate to severe plaque PsO, active PsA or active AS. Patients should have received at least 16 weeks of secukinumab treatment before enrolment in the study.ResultsOverall 2800 patients were included in the safety set; patients with PsA (N = 541) were older than patients with PsO (N = 1799) and patients with AS (N = 460); patients with PsO had a higher mean body weight than patients with PsA and patients with AS; and patients with PsO and patients with AS were predominantly male. Time since diagnosis was longer in patients with PsO compared with patients with PsA and patients with AS, and about 40% of patients were either current or former smokers. The proportion of obese patients (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) was similar across indications. Patients were treated with secukinumab for a mean duration of 1 year prior to enrolment (range 0.89–1.04). The percentages of patients with prior biologics exposure were 31.5% PsO, 59.7% PsA and 55% AS. The percentages of patients prescribed secukinumab monotherapy were 75% (n = 1349) in PsO, 48.2% (n = 261) in PsA and 48.9% (n = 225) in AS groups.ConclusionBaseline demographics of the study population are consistent with existing literature. This large observational study across all secukinumab indications will provide valuable information on the long-term effectiveness and safety of secukinumab in the real-world setting.Electronic Supplementary MaterialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s12325-020-01352-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Comparative study of vermicomposting of garden waste and cow dung using Eisenia fetida.

Vermicomposting is the process of composting using worms and is applied in waste management to produce high-quality organic fertilizer. Garden waste (GW) is often mixed with other raw materials for vermicomposting. In the present study, the feasibility of vermicomposting using only GW was investigated in comparison with cow dung (CD). The total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and total potassium (TK) contents and the electrical conductivity increased, while total organic carbon (TOC) and the C/N ratio decreased in both substrates after vermicomposting. The nutrient content (TN, TP, and TK) of the GW vermicompost was promoted less than that in CD. Scanning electron microscopy images and specific surface area analysis showed that the vermicompost was strongly disaggregated and became more compacted and fragmented compared with the raw substrates. No mortality of earthworms was observed in GW; however, the earthworms had a higher mean body weight and reproduction rate in CD than that in GW. There were higher bacterial community richness and diversity in the vermicompost than that in the raw materials, and the dominant phylum species were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. Redundancy analysis demonstrated that TN, C/N ratio, and TOC play an important role in bacterial community dynamics. These data indicate that vermicomposting is a robust process that is suitable for the management of GW.

Study of Morphometric Characteristics of Freshwater Putul, Botia lohachata in Kompo River of Bagmara, Rajshahi, Bangladesh

This study described about the morphometric characteristics of Botia lohachata, collected from the Kompo River at Rajshahi , were studied for a period of four months from July to October 2014. Length frequency distributions, length-length relationships, length-weight relationship, sex ratio, Fulton's condition factor and fecundity of B. lohachata were studied in the present study. This is the maiden research conducted on B. lohachata in Bangladesh. The highest mean total lengths were 61.16±4.77 mm (combined sex), 63.80±4.79mm (female) and 58.17 ±3.30mm (male). Maximum 43.34% female fishes were belonging to the length category of 61-65 mm where as 61.41% male were belonging to 56-60 mm. Similar findings are also presented for standard length, fork length, body depth, dorsal length, pectoral length, pelvic length and anal length. Linear relationships were also studied among mentioned lengths. Strong positive correlations were observed in all cases. The highest mean body weight was weight 2.67±0.71g (October) in combined sex, this value was 3.10±0.59 in female (September) and 2.25±0.38g in male (September). Strong positive correlations were also observed between total length and body weight. Observed value of sex indicated that 54% specimens were female and remaining 46% were male. The value of chi square (x2) was 2.4 at 1 degree of freedom (p&lt;0.005) strongly indicated that the observed sex ratio not differs significantly from the expected ratio (1:1).The Fulton’s condition factors In case of combined sexes, the highest condition factor 1.156±0.126 was recorded in month of October, female highest condition factor 1.190±0.136 and male highest condition factor 1.135±0.103.&#x0D; Journal of Science Foundation 2019;17(1):15-33

Beneficial antioxidant status of piglets from sows fed selenomethionine compared with piglets from sows fed sodium selenite

BackgroundStudies in mammals proved dietary organic selenium (Se) being superior to inorganic Se regarding effects on growth performance, antioxidative status, immune response, and Se homeostasis. However, the picture of possible effects of different Se sources and – levels can be expanded. The present field study evaluated the effects on weight gain, hematological and selected biochemical variables as well as plasma concentrations of vitamin E (vitE), total Se and selenobiomolecules in piglets throughout the suckling period. MethodsPiglets were monitored from birth to 38 days of age (d). The mother sows’ diets were enriched with l-selenomethionine (SeMet-0.26 and -0.43 mg Se/kg feed) or sodium selenite (NaSe-0.40 and -0.60 mg Se/kg feed) from 1 month prior to farrowing until the end of lactation period. Piglets received pelleted feed supplemented with Se similarly to the sows’ diets from one week of age. Selenite at 0.40 mg Se/kg (NaSe-0.40) represents a common Se source and -level in pig feed and served as control diet. ResultsFrom 24d, piglets in SeMet-groups had higher mean body weight (BW) compared with piglets from sows fed NaSe-0.40. Furthermore, from five-d and above, piglets from sows fed NaSe-0.60 had significantly higher BW than offspring from sows fed NaSe-0.40. Neonatal piglets in group SeMet-0.43 had significantly lower red blood cell counts (RBC), hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct) concentrations compared with piglets from sows fed with NaSe-0.40. Neonatal and 5d-old piglets in group SeMet-0.26 showed higher gamma-glutamyl transferase activity than piglets in group NaSe-0.40. From five d and above, group NaSe-0.60 excelled with increased specific hematological variables culminating at age 38d with increased Hct, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and MC hemoglobin (MCH) as well as increased activities of aspartate transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase compared with the other groups. Generally, offspring in the SeMet groups had higher total Se-concentrations in plasma than those from sows fed selenite, and showed a dose-response effect on plasma Se-concentrations. Furthermore, SeMet-fed piglets had higher plasma levels of the selenoproteins (Sel) glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) and SelP as well as selenoalbumin. Plasma vitE levels were significantly negatively correlated with RBC throughout trial period. ConclusionsMaternal supplementation with SeMet during gestation influenced hematology and clinical biochemistry in neonatal piglets in a different way than in offspring from sows receiving selenite enriched diets. Growth performance was positively influenced by both dietary Se source and Se level. Higher plasma levels of GPx3 observed in piglets receiving SeMet probably improved the protection against birth or growth related oxidative stress. These might prime the piglets for demanding situations as indicated by higher weight gain in offspring from sows fed with SeMet-supplemented diets. Our results on some enzyme activities might indicate that piglets fed NaSe-0.60 had to cope with increased levels of oxidative stress compared with those originating from sows fed SeMet or lower dietary levels of selenite. We assume that combining inorganic and organic Se sources in complete feed for breeding sows might be beneficial fro reproduction and the offspring’s performance.

Characteristics of Patients with Diabetes Initiating Sodium Glucose Co-transporter-2 Inhibitors (SGLT2i): Real-World Results from Three Administrative Databases in Japan.

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of new users of sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in comparison with those of new users of other oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) using data retrieved from three administrative databases in Japan.MethodsThis study included adult patients from each database who started an OAD between 2014 and 2017. Outpatients who started SGLT2i therapy were included in the SGLT2i cohort. The remaining outpatients were grouped according to the OAD class of their earliest initial prescription after no use of the index OAD during the 6-month pre-index period. Diabetes-related complications were evaluated using the Diabetes Complication Severity Index.ResultsIn total, 176,355 patients in the hospital-based administrative database (H-dataset), 98,361 in the pharmacy claims database (P-dataset) and 37,786 in the insurance claims database (I-dataset) were analyzed. In the H-dataset, SGLT2i users, compared with users of other OADs, tended to be younger (mean age at index: 57.7 vs. 60.3–69.2 years) and to have a higher prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (73.5 vs. 55.2–71.4%), a higher mean body weight (74.4 vs. 60.5–70.8 kg), a higher body mass index (27.6 vs. 23.5–26.4 kg/m2) and a higher glycated hemoglobin level (8.4 vs. 7.4–8.1%). There were no distinct differences in the prevalence of complications between SGLT2i users and users of other OADs in the H-dataset. Similar trends were noted in the other datasets.ConclusionPatients initiating SGLT2i therapy differed in several characteristics from new users of other OADs. SGLT2i were prescribed more frequently to younger patients, those at increased cardiovascular risk or those with poorer glycemic control.FundingAstellas Pharma Inc., Tokyo, Japan.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s13300-019-0577-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effects of Goji berries supplementation on the productive performance of rabbit

Recognized by the traditional medicine and recent scientific research studies, Lycium barbarum berries (Goji berries) have beneficial effects on human and animal health. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of Goji berries on the productive performance of rabbits. One month before insemination, 60 New Zealand White does were randomly assigned to one of the following 3 dietary treatments: commercial standard diet (C); C supplemented with 1% Goji berries (LG); and C supplemented with 3% Goji berries (HG). After weaning up to 91 days of age, 15 randomly selected rabbits/group were fed the same diet as the mothers (C, LG, and HG). Non-pregnant and lactating does of C group showed the highest feed intake (P < 0.01), although no significant differences in body weight (BW) were observed between groups. Nutritional treatment did not affect the offspring's feed intake. However, the rabbits fed with Goji supplementation showed not only higher mean BW both during growth (P < 0.001) and at slaughter (P < 0.01), but also better feed conversion ratio (FCR; P < 0.01) than the control group. Rabbits of LG group showed the best performances in the pre-weaning period which was probably related to the highest milk production of the LG does (P < 0.001). Indeed, LG group showed lower pre-weaning mortality (P < 0.05), higher litter size (P < 0.05), and higher litter weight (P < 0.05) at day 18 as well as higher litter size at weaning (P = 0.05) compared to C group. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that a low percentage of dietary supplementation with Goji berry improves both reproductive and productive traits of rabbits. Although further studies are needed, our study paves the way for the use of Goji berries in the rabbit nutrition.