Kg Of Body Weight Research Articles

CORRECTION OF ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION WITH SULFAPORIN IN HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC RABBITS

In animals with experimental hypercholesterolemia, depending on the time of survey, we observed activation of smooth muscle cells and macrophages, causing development of inflammation in the intima, as evidenced by high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), endothelin-1, and homocysteine. The aim of the study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction in HCH and the possibility of their correction with sulfaporin. Material and methods of the study Experiments were conducted on 46 Chinchilla rabbits with an average weight of 2.5–3.0 kg, kept on a standard diet. The model of experimental HCH in animals was reproduced by orally administering cholesterol (CS) dissolved in sunflower oil in a ratio of 0.2 g per 1 kg of body weight daily for 3 months. The development of hypercholesterolemia was assessed by the increase in the level of totalcholesterol (TC), low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL), which were determined on a biochemical analyzer. Results of the study. In this case, a progressive increase in the homocysteine level was established: an increase of 1.72 (P < 0.01); 2.33 (P < 0.001) and 2.89 (P < 0.001) times, respectively, for the periods of cholesterol administration of 1, 2 and 3 months. Considering that hyperhomocysteinemia enhances the capture of LDL by endothelial cells, it was of interest to study the relationship between these indicators. The studies showed that with a cholesterol level in LDL of 2.38 ± 0.27 mmol / l, the homocysteine content is 3.46 ± 0.25 pg / ml. With a cholesterol level in LDL of 4.08 ± 0.10; 5.97 ± 0.09 and 6.48 ± 0.11 mmol/l, the homocysteine content increases to 5.96 ± 0.05; 8.07 ± 0.43 and 9.99 ± 0.17 pg/ml, respectively. Conclusions. Hypercholesterolemia is manifested by activation of smooth muscle cells and macrophages, causing the development of inflammation in the intima, which is confirmed by high levels of CRP, endothelin-1, homocysteine.

THE EFFECT OF NF-ΚB ON THE INTENSITY OF OXIDATIVE STRESS IN THE CEREBRAL CORTEX OF RATS UNDER THE COMBINED INFLUENCE OF THE LIGHT-DARK CYCLE, SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE, AND SODIUM GLUTAMATE ADMINISTRATION

To date, scientists have confirmed the link between the development of oxidative stress and disruptions in the light regime, as well as the systemic inflammatory response. The impact of monosodium glutamate on increasing oxidative damage to rat brain tissue has also been identified. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the transcription factor NF-κB by examining the effect of its inhibitor, ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate, on the development of oxidative stress in the cerebral hemispheres of rats, in combination with acute desynchronosis, systemic inflammatory response, and monosodium glutamate administration. The study was conducted on 45 white Wistar rats weighing 150-200 g, divided into three groups: control (n=15), a group subjected to a combination of acute desynchronosis, systemic inflammatory response, and sodium glutamate administration (n=15), and a group exposed to the combination of acute desynchronosis, systemic inflammatory response, and received sodium glutamate and pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (n=15). To induce acute desynchronosis, the rats were initially kept under a regular light-dark cycle (12 hours of light, 12 hours of darkness) for 3 weeks, followed by a shift in the light-dark phases by 6 hours back over the next 3 days. The systemic inflammatory response was modeled through intraperitoneal administration of Salmonella typhi lipopolysaccharide. During the first week, lipopolysaccharide was administered three times at a dose of 0.4 μg per 1 kg of body weight, and during the following seven weeks, it was given once a week. Sodium glutamate, at a dose of 30 mg/kg, dissolved in 0.5 ml of distilled water, was administered intragastrically for 20 days. The NF-kB activation inhibitor ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (Sigma-Aldrich, Inc., USA) was administered at a dose of 76 mg/kg three times a week for 20 days. In a 10% homogenate of the cerebral hemispheres, the following were measured: the rate of superoxide anion radical production, the content of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), the increase in these parameters, as well as the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase. Administration of pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate in combination with acute desynchronosis, systemic inflammatory response, and sodium glutamate reduced the rate of basic superoxide anion radical production by 10%, NADPH-induced production by 17.6%, NADH-induced production by 13%, reduced the concentration and growth of TBC-active products by 6.6% and 14.6%, respectively, increased the activity of superoxide dismutase by 35.2%, catalase by 10.5% compared to the group exposed to the combination of acute desynchronosis, systemic inflammatory response, and sodium glutamate administration. Conclusion. The administration of pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate in combination with a systemic inflammatory response, acute desynchronosis and the action of sodium glutamate reduces the production of the superoxide anion radical, the concentration and increase in TBC-active products, enhances antioxidant protection that indicates the possible influence of the nuclear factor NF-κB on the development of oxidative processes in the cerebral hemispheres of rats.

MR tomographic evaluation of the effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer based on pharmacokinetic numerical analysis of tumor uptake of paramagnetic contrast in intravenous contrast enhancement

Background. In clinical practice, MRI pathophysiological and pharmacokinetic models with calculations of contrast transport indicators are unacceptably little used.Aim of the study. To propose a pharmacokinetic technique for the quantitative assessment of primary tumors and metastases, the effectiveness of breast cancer chemotherapy (BC), from dynamic contrast enhancement MRI. Material and methods. 18 patients were included who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACHT) in four cycles for breast cancer T1-3N0-1M0, followed by radical surgical removal of the tumor. According to the results of a three — year follow-up, patients with a relapse — free course (n = 11) formed group 1, and seven patients with detected metastatic lesions (3 in the liver, 2 in the lungs, 2 in the brain) — group 2. For the initial 120–180 s of MRI with contrast after the injection of a paramagnetic, the simplification is valid for concentrations in tumor and blood and for tranfer coefficient: d{СОПУХОЛЬ(t)} / dt = ККр-Оп * СКРОВЬ (t) , from which it is obvious: ККр-Оп = (СОПУХОЛЬ(Т)) / (∫CКРОВЬ(t) dt), which was used in all calculations of the contrast transfer constant. Gadobutrol contrast is 0.1M/10 kg of body weight, TR = 5.5–6 ms, TE = 2.5 ms. Results. If, after the first cycle of NACHT, the ККр-Оп of the primary breast cancer is < 0.22 ml/min/g of tissue, the probability of subsequent relapse-free course = 0.78. Similarly, a decrease in the KCr-Op Ккр-Оп of the sentinel lymph node after the first cycle of NAHT < 0.08 ml/min/g of tissue with a probability of 0.75 predicts a relapse-free course. Conclusion. The proposed method for calculating the ККр-Оп transfer coefficient allows obtaining additional diagnostic and prognostic information in patients with local and locally advanced forms of breast cancer.

Acute and sub-acute toxicity of ethanol leaf extract from Acrostichum aureum in rats

Acrostichum aureum L. (A.aureum) is a medicinal plant that has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial activities and has been widely used traditionally in the treatment of many diseases. However, there is a dearth of information on the plant's safety. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the acute and sub-acute toxicity of ethanol leaf extract of A. aureum (ELAA) in female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Oral acute toxicity was studied in female SD rats administered a single dose of 5000 mg kg-1 body weight ELAA. The sub-acute toxicity evaluation was also conducted orally with 100, 200, 500, and 750 mg kg-1 body weight of ELAA for 28 days in female SD rats. The impact of sub-acute treatment on body weight, gross histology, relative organ weight, urinalysis, hematology, plasma biochemistry, and histopathology was assessed following treatment. The ELAA did not cause death or signs of toxicity after acute treatment. Similarly, all the parameters evaluated during acute and sub-acute administration of ELAA did not significantly differ from the control. Therefore, the median lethal dose (LD50) of the ethanol extract of Acrostichum aureum is greater than 5000 mg kg-1 body weight. Its oral sub-acute administration is also non-toxic and safe at the tested doses.

Impacts of carob pulp (Ceratonia siliqua L.) and vitamin E on pork colour, oxidative stability, lipid composition and microbial growth

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the dietary by-product rich in polyphenols (Carob pulp, Cp) and supra-nutritional level of vitamin (Vit) E on pork quality and shelf-life of meat stored in modified atmosphere packaging for 15 days. A total of 44 pigs (entire males and gilts, 170 ± 4.5 days of age and 127.8 ± 3.6 kg of body weight) were randomly selected from a larger group (one pig per pen). Pigs were fed ad libitum with one of four diets in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with two feed inclusion levels each for Cp (0 vs. 20 %) and Vit E (30 (Low) vs. 300 IU/kg of feed (High)) for 40 days. No interactions between Cp and Vit E were detected for most variables assessed. Meat colour attributes evolved regardless of diet or sex, although metmyoglobin formation was preserved until 13 days. The Cp diets did not affect malondialdehyde nor α-tocopherol content in meat. High Vit E limited the malondialdehyde production up to 13 days and increased 1.8-fold the muscle α-tocopherol content compared to Low Vit E. The 20 %-Cp group tended to reduce total aerobic microbial count compared to 0 %-Cp group after 15 days of storage. Including Cp slightly affected the meat fatty acid (FA) profile, whereas Vit E did not modify it. Entire males presented higher content of polyunsaturated FA than gilts. Including 20 % Cp into pigs' diets does not impair meat quality, while High Vit E reduces lipid oxidation but not meat discolouration.

Dietary supplementation with functional amino acids improves the capacity of growing pigs to cope with a health challenge

This study aimed to assess the effects of additional dietary supplementation with a blend of functional amino acids (FAA) with Thr, Trp, and Met as a preventive (prior to health challenge), curative strategy (during health challenge) or both targeting the performance, body composition, metabolic biomarkers of growing group-housed pigs raised under a health challenge. Additionally, the influence of these feeding strategies on pig response was investigated after the challenge (during the finishing phase). Sixty weaned piglets [6.3 ± 0.9kg body weight (BW)] were distributed based on BW in a nursery barn to one of two dietary treatments (n=30): control (CN) or supplemented with FAA blend (FAA+; 120% of the Thr:Lys, Trp:Lys, and Met+Cys:Lys requirements) for 7 weeks. After 7 weeks, the pigs (27.9 ± 4.2kg of BW) were distributed in a randomized complete block design to one of four treatments for the period of the health challenge period in the growing phase: pigs fed a CN diet during the nursery period were either maintained on a CN diet (control; n=14) or switched to an FAA+ diet (curative strategy; n=14), whereas the pigs fed an FAA+ diet during the nursery period were either fed a CN diet (preventive strategy; n=14) or continued receiving an FAA+ diet (continuous strategy; n=14). The health challenge consisted of subjecting growing pigs to batch mixing, poor housing conditions, and oral inoculation with Salmonella Typhimurium (ST). Poor housing conditions were maintained for 4 weeks (weeks 8 to 11). After this period, the pigs received the same standard diets for 9 weeks (weeks 12 to 20), and the facilities were cleaned daily. The health challenge increased the rectal temperature (P < 0.01) and serum concentrations of haptoglobin (P < 0.05), IgA (P < 0.05), IgG (P < 0.01), triglycerides (P < 0.01), creatinine (P < 0.01), and urea (P < 0.01), while reducing serum concentrations of lactate dehydrogenase (P < 0.01), albumin (P < 0.01), and glucose (P < 0.05). Pigs fed a continuous FAA+ diet trend towards lower fecal ST shedding (P < 0.10) than did the curative strategy pigs and had better fecal consistency scores (P < 0.01) than did the control pigs. During the challenge period, pigs fed FAA+ curatively or continuously demonstrated higher average daily gain and feed efficiency compared to control pigs (P < 0.01). Greater (P < 0.05) protein deposition (+30%) and improved (P < 0.05) nitrogen retention efficiency (+20% to curative and +30% to continuous strategies) were observed in the pigs fed the FAA+ diet during the health challenge compared with the control pigs. Curative-fed FAA+ pigs had greater BW at the end of the finishing phase than did the control and preventive group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of FAA supplementation as a curative or continuous strategy is highly effective at improving the performance and body composition of growing pigs under a health challenge.

Oral Toxicity and Hypotensive Influence of Sericin-Derived Oligopeptides (SDOs) from Yellow Silk Cocoons of Bombyx mori in Rodent Studies.

Sericin-derived oligopeptides (SDOs) from yellow silk cocoons exhibit antihypertensive and hypoglycemic properties in both in vitro and in vivo studies. This study investigated the acute toxicity of SDOs as a novel food for human consumption using female ICR mice and Wistar rats, as well as the chronic toxicity test on both sexes of Wistar rats. Clinical chemistry, hematology, and histopathological studies revealed that SDOs were safe for a single dose of 2000 mg kg-1 body weight (BW) and daily oral administration of 50, 100, and 200 mg kg-1 BW for six months. The chronic toxicity study additionally measured the rats' systolic blood pressure (SBP) and blood sugar monthly as they slowly aged. In the 2nd month for male rats and the 4th month for both sexes, SDOs had a significant hypotensive effect on Wistar rats' blood pressure, lowering it from 130 mmHg to a plateau at 110-115 mmHg. In contrast, the blood pressure of the control rats exceeded 140 mmHg after five months. Nonetheless, the hypoglycemic effect was not observed. Measurements of SBP and blood glucose in aged rats during chronic toxicity tests yielded insights beyond ordinary toxicity, including the health and fitness of the lab rats, perhaps resulting in novel discoveries or areas of study that justify the sacrifice of the animals' lives.

Impact of a two-stage rumen cannulation on the health and rumen function of six lactating dairy cows.

To determine the impact of a two-stage rumen cannulation on the health and rumen function of lactating dairy cows. Experimental study. Six lactating Holstein cows. We performed a two-stage rumen cannulation in six Holstein cows that were 49 ± 11 days in milk. The following clinical health parameters and digestion-associated variables were analyzed on seven measurement days, from before the first surgery until 28 days after the second surgery: body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, pain score, rumen fill score, fecal score, wet sieving, auscultation and palpation of the rumen, bodyweight, body condition score, and activity. The pain score of the cows was constantly zero. Similarly, the body temperature and respiratory rate remained within physiological ranges, whereas the heart rate was slightly higher immediately after the second surgery. No differences were observed in rumen fill (2.00-2.67; p = .10) and fecal consistency scores (2.17-2.67; p = .42). The fecal particle size distribution showed negligible differences. The cows lost approximately 43 kg of bodyweight during the experiment (p < .01), which was reflected in a 0.5-point body condition score loss (p < .01). A temporary minimal negative effect of a two-stage rumenostomy on the health and body condition of early lactating Holstein cows was observed, whereas digestion was unaffected. Considering the limited sample size, further studies are required to substantiate these findings. Given that animals are appropriately medically managed, experimental rumenostomy of lactating dairy cows may not compromise their health or rumen function.

Efficacy and safety of ambulatory, weekly, high-intensity intravenous diuretic strategy for congestion-refractory heart failure patients: insights from the DEA-HF prospective randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background Congestion and volume overload are strongly associated with low quality of life and pose a significant risk for both rehospitalization and mortality in heart failure (HF) patients. Despite the widespread use of diuretics in HF, the use of weekly, intravenous (IV), high-intensity diuretic treatment has not been prospectively studied in the setting of ambulatory congestion-refractory patients. Purpose To assess the efficacy and safety of weekly high-intensity diuresis regimens in a practical setting of ambulatory day care for chronically congested HF patients. Methods We performed a sub-analysis on data from a prospective, randomized, cross-over controlled study (DEA-HF) originally designed to compare diuresis regimens in the setting of an HF ambulatory daycare unit who had signs of congestion or volume overload despite adherence to guideline-directed medical therapy. Each patient received three different IV diuretic regimens, in one of six randomized sequences: IV furosemide 250mg; IV furosemide 250mg + oral metolazone 5mg; and IV furosemide 250mg + IV acetazolamide 500mg. All regimens given on the same chronological week were pooled, and diuresis efficacy was assessed by measuring excreted urine volume and sodium weight 6 hours post treatment initiation. Additional assessment at one week post each treatment included serum levels of NT-ProBNP, body weight and creatinine as well as congestion score based on the presence of ascites, pleural effusion and pedal edema. Statistical analysis was based on linear mixed models while accounting for the random effect of patient identity. Results A total of 42 patients were recruited. The mean age was 72±9 years, twenty-one subjects (50%) had LVEF ≥ 50%. 74% of patients were NYHA III class. All patients were on contemporary guidelines-directed HF therapy. Analysis of excreted sodium weight and urine volume revealed values of 4202.1±180.1 mg (Mean±SEM) and 1.77±0.07 liter per visit, respectively. No significant differences in efficacy were detected among treatments given in consecutive weeks (P= 0.80 and 0.69 for differences in sodium weight and urine volume, respectively). After 4 weeks, log(NT-ProBNP) was significantly decreased (P=0.044), accompanied by a significant decrease of 2.4±0.62 kg in body weight (P=0.0004) and of 0.92±0.44 points in congestion score (P=0.037). Serum creatinine level was only slightly increased by 0.19±0.04 mg/dl (P=0.0001), demonstrating the overall safety of the high-intensity diuresis strategy. Conclusions In ambulatory, congestion refractory HF patients a strategy based on high-intensity, weekly diuresis therapy was safe and effective for three consecutive weeks. The natriuresis response to the treatments was maintained, NT-ProBNP levels and congestion score were decreased. The strategy may be instrumental for ambulatory HF patients that require diuretic therapy intensification and may allow to prevent hospitalization.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis with lacrimal gland enlargement and pancreatic swelling: case report and literature review.

A 62-year-old man had bilateral eyelid swelling for 4 months. Two months before admission, he developed fatigue and lost 5 kg of bodyweight. Further examination revealed elevated serum C-reactive protein, normal angiotensin-converting enzyme, elevated proteinase-3 antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (PR3-ANCA), and normal IgG4 concentration. Chest X-ray and computed tomography showed no enlarged hilar lymph nodes, but positron emission tomography-computed tomography showed fluorodeoxyglucose accumulation in both lacrimal glands, in lung nodules, and in the pancreas. Tissue biopsies of the lacrimal glands and pulmonary nodules showed granuloma with giant cells, but no IgG4-positive cells or fibrosis. Pancreatic tissue showed no findings of autoimmune pancreatitis. In the 2022 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for granulomatosis with polyangiitis, the total score was 10 points. Final comprehensive diagnosis was granulomatosis with polyangiitis, based on the negative results of differential diseases, such as IgG4-related diseases and sarcoidosis. Prednisolone 60 mg/day was started on day 8, and rituximab 500 mg/body/week on day 12. After beginning treatment, general malaise and lacrimal gland enlargement were resolved, PR3-ANCA and C-reactive protein became negative, and the nodular shadow in the lungs disappeared. This is the first report of granulomatosis with polyangiitis presenting both lacrimal gland and pancreatic lesions.

Effect of dalargin on the content of goblet cells and mucins in the colonic mucosa in experimental ulcerative colitis

Aim. To investigate the protective effect of dalargin on the content of goblet cells and mucins in the colonic mucosa in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis.Materials and methods. Ulcerative colitis was simulated in Balb/C mice by replacing drinking water with 5% sodium dextran sulfate in boiled water for 5 days. Dalargin was administered subcutaneously in a volume of 0.1 ml at a dose of 100 μg / kg of body weight once a day for 7 days from the beginning of ulcerative colitis simulation. Sulfasalazine as a reference-listed drug was administered intragastrically at a dose of 200 mg / kg once a day for 7 days. The mice were sacrificed on day 5, 7, and 28. The sections of the distal colon were prepared and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, alcian blue (pH = 1.0) according to Mowry or by PAS reaction. In the sections, the number of goblet cells and acid and neutral mucins was determined.Results. In the mouse model of ulcerative colitis, the number of goblet cells (mainly at the bottom of the crypts), acid and neutral mucins decreased. Dalargin administration increased the number of goblet cells and the content of acid and neutral mucins in the colonic mucosa more effectively than sulfasalazine.Conclusion. Dalargin has a protective effect in ulcerative colitis.

Novel intravascular tantalum oxide-based contrast agent achieves improved vascular contrast enhancement and conspicuity compared to Iopamidol in an animal multiphase CT protocol

BackgroundTo assess thoracic vascular computed tomography (CT) contrast enhancement of a novel intravenous tantalum oxide nanoparticle contrast agent (carboxybetaine zwitterionic tantalum oxide, TaCZ) compared to a conventional iodinated contrast agent (Iopamidol) in a rabbit multiphase protocol.MethodsFive rabbits were scanned inside a human-torso-sized encasement on a clinical CT system at various scan delays after intravenous injection of 540 mg element (Ta or I) per kg of bodyweight of TaCZ or Iopamidol. Net contrast enhancement of various arteries and veins, as well as image noise, were measured. Randomized scan series were reviewed by three independent readers on a clinical workstation and assessed for vascular conspicuity and image artifacts on 5-point Likert scales.ResultsOverall, net vascular contrast enhancement achieved with TaCZ was superior to Iopamidol (p ≤ 0.036 with the exception of the inferior vena cava at 6 s (p = 0.131). Vascular contrast enhancement achieved with TaCZ at delays of 6 s, 40 s, and 75 s was superior to optimum achieved Iopamidol contrast enhancement at 6 s (p ≤ 0.036. Vascular conspicuity was higher for TaCZ in 269 of 300 (89.7%) arterial and 269 of 300 (89.7%) venous vessel assessments, respectively (p ≤ 0.005), with substantial inter-reader reliability (κ = 0.61; p < 0.001) and strong positive monotonic correlation between conspicuity scores and contrast enhancement measurements (ρ = 0.828; p < 0.001).ConclusionTaCZ provides absolute and relative contrast advantages compared to Iopamidol for improved visualization of thoracic arteries and veins in a multiphase CT protocol.Relevance statementThe tantalum-oxide nanoparticle is an experimental intravenous CT contrast agent with superior cardiovascular and venous contrast capacity per injected elemental mass in an animal model, providing improved maximum contrast enhancement and prolonged contrast conspicuity. Further translational research on promising high-Z and nanoparticle contrast agents is warranted.Key PointsThere have been no major advancements in intravenous CT contrast agents over decades.Iodinated CT contrast agents require optimal timing for angiography and phlebography.Tantalum-oxide demonstrated increased CT attenuation per elemental mass compared to Iopamidol.Nanoparticle contrast agent design facilitates prolonged vascular conspicuity.Graphical

Ultrafiltration During Cardiac Surgery Requiring Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Its Effect on Acute Kidney Injury

To explore whether ultrafiltration (UF) volume adjusted for weight is associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in cardiac surgery patients. A retrospective cohort study. Single-center study at a tertiary academic medical center. A total of 2369 adult patients (age ≥18 years) who underwent cardiac surgery with CPB between January 2018 and August 2019. The cohort was divided into 4 groups based on weight-adjusted conventional UF volume: 0 (no UF), 0.1 to 17.9 mL, 18 to 29.9 mL, and >30 mL ultrafiltration for each kg of body weight. Demographic data, laboratory findings, comorbidities, medications, and surgical details were collected. Postoperative AKI was defined by the KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) staging criteria and assessed in all UF groups. The association between UF volume and AKI according to nadir hemoglobin (Hb) level and red blood cell transfusion volume was explored. Postoperative AKI occurred in 840 patients (35.4%). The incidence of AKI post-CPB in patients was similar in patients with 0 mL/kg (34.4%; n = 123), 0.1 to 17.9 mL/kg (34.3%; n = 387), and 18 to 29.9 mL/kg (33.7%; n = 173) of UF volume. The patients with UF volume >30 mL/kg had a higher incidence of AKI (42.7%; n = 157; p = 0.019). For each additional 10 mL/kg increase in UF, the odds ratio (OR) of AKI was 1.14 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-1.20; p < 0.001) following adjustments for preoperative covariates. However, the association was mitigated following adjustments for preoperative and intraoperative covariates (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.99-1.16; p = 0.076). Although higher UF also was associated with an increased risk of AKI in patients with nadir Hb levels of 6 to 8 g/dL (adjusted OR, 1.24 and 1.22; p = 0.02), it was not significantly associated with AKI when nadir Hb was 10 to 12 g/dL. Red blood cell transfusion volume was not related to changes in AKI incidence. This study suggests that conventional UF is a potential risk factor for AKI incidence following surgery with CPB. The results demonstrate an association between higher weight-adjusted ultrafiltration volume and a higher incidence of AKI. Future studies should incorporate a multicenter, prospective approach to test the generalizability of the present findings and validate modified ultrafiltration strategies that use hemodynamic variables to determine fluid removal volume.

Occurrence of mycotoxins of the beauvericin and enniatin groups in infant foods and risk assessment study

The aim of this study was the determination of mycotoxins belonging to beauvericin and enniatin groups in infant foods to be considered for the assessment of dietary exposure. The extraction phase with acetonitrile was followed by a purification step before liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The method was suitable to detect these mycotoxins in different categories of infant foods (cereal-based creams, biscuits, and pasta) at concentrations between 0.30 μg/kg for beauvericin and enniatin A and 0.60 μg/kg for the remaining enniatins (A1, B and B1) up to a maximum of 20 μg/kg. Beauvericin was the most detected mycotoxin in pasta samples (15%) at a maximum concentration of 1.1 μg/kg, while enniatin B showed the highest presence (90%) in biscuits, at levels ranging from 0.63 to 11 μg/kg. Enniatin B1 was found in all matrices at comparable ranks of positivity, with the highest occurrence rate (30%) in biscuits. The highest estimated daily intake was observed in infant consumers aged 1–3 years and was associated with the consumption of biscuits, followed by samples of pasta and cereal-based creams. It was higher in infants than in children aged 4–9 years due to consumption data expressed per kg of body weight. The lowest estimated daily intake was obtained for beauvericin in all matrices as its concentrations were lower than those of the enniatin group. The results of this study highlighted the need to implement monitoring also for these mycotoxin groups, paying particular attention to infants as a high-risk category.

Effect of sward species diversity combined with a reduction in nitrogen fertilizer on the performances of spring calving grazing dairy cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of sward diversification combined with a reduction of chemical nitrogen (N) fertilizer on the performance of spring calving grazing dairy cows within a farm systems experiment. Three farmlets were created; a monoculture of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.; PRG) fertilized with 250 kg N/ha (PRG-250N), a PRG - white clover (Trifolium repens; WC) sward fertilized with 125 kg N/ha (PRGWC-125N) and a multispecies sward (MSS) comprising of grasses, legumes and herbs also fertilized with 125 kg N/ha (MSS-125N). Each farmlet had its own herd of dairy cows on a total area of 18.7 ha divided into 20 paddocks. Each herd was comprised of pure Holstein-Friesian (HF) and HF Jersey crossbred (JFX) animals and randomly assigned through the 3 treatments. For 3 years (2021 to 2023), the performances of both swards (grass yield, botanical composition, nutritive value) and grazing animals (milk production and composition, body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS)) were recorded. There were no significant differences in pasture production or sward nutritive value between sward systems and grazing season length was also similar (264 d). On average over the 3 years, PRGWC-125N contained 150 g/kg DM of legumes and the MSS-125N contained 160 g/kg DM legumes, 130 g/kg DM plantain and 40 g/kg DM chicory. Both individual cow milk and fat plus protein (Milk solids; MS) yield were lower for PRG-250N (5,018 and 452 kg, respectively), intermediate for PRGWC-125N (5,139 and 463 kg, respectively) and highest for MSS-125N (5,297 and 476 kg, respectively) while milk and MS production per hectare from grazing were similar during the study period (11,523 and 1,016 kg/ha, respectively). Breed also had a significant effect with the JFX having lower milk yield but higher fat and protein concentration compared with HF. This resulted in higher MS production per kg of BW for the JFX compared with HF (0.96 and 0.87 kg MS/kg BW, respectively). The results of this study highlight the possibility for more diverse pastures to reduce chemical N fertilizer input requirements and maintain pasture productivity while increasing animal performance within pasture-based spring calving systems.

Performance Evaluation of Lambs Fed Tifton 85 Grass Hay and Concentrate Through LIPE® Marker

The research was carried out with the aim of evaluate increasing levels of concentrate supplementation on intake and performance of lambs fed Tifton 85 grass hay adopting LIPE® marker technique. Twenty-four weaned and castrated Santa Inês crossbreed lambs with initial body weight (BW) of 20.99 ± 3.62 kg were distributed in four treatments with Tifton 85 hay exclusive or associated with concentrate levels (0.0, 6.6, 13.3 and 20.0 g kg-1 BW d-1), in a completely randomized design with six animals per treatment. The experimental period lasted 98 days, with the first 14 days for animal adaptation to the new environmental conditions, handling and feeding. The diets were fed ad libitum twice a day. Lambs were weighted at each 14 days. Dry matter intake (DMI) was estimated by the technique of Isolated, Purified and Enriched Lignin (LIPE®) while neutral detergent fiber intake (NDFI) and crude protein intake (CPI) were obtained from the content of their fractions present in the diets. There was an increase in DMI and CPI and a similar response in NDFI with the increasing levels of concentrate. The daily liveweight gain per animal showed a linear response when the levels of concentrate were increased and the highest values wereobserved when 20.0 g kg-1 BW d-1 of concentrate was fed. The increasing levels of concentrate supplementation allowed greater daily and total body weight gains per lamb and there is a consistent relationship between nutrient intakes and performance in the treatments and the LIPE® marker proved to be an efficient technique to evaluate the DMI by lambs.

Characteristics of the hemomicrocirculatory channel of the ventricular myocardium in triptorelin-induced central deprivation of the synthesis of luteinizing hormone and correction of this condition by the introduction of quercetin

The study of the microcirculatory channel of the connective tissue of the myocardium of the ventricles improves the understanding of the features of pathological processes, such as ischemia, hypoxia and remodeling of the myocardium, the evaluation of the effectiveness of drug therapy, as well as rehabilitation methods. The purpose of the study is to determine the changes in the hemomicrocirculatory channel of the ventricular myocardium in triptorelin-induced central deprivation of the synthesis of luteinizing hormone and the correction of this condition by the introduction of quercetin. The experiment was conducted on 60 sexually mature white male rats weighing 140-160 g. The rats were divided into 3 groups. 1 group – control, rats injected with physiological solution (10 animals). Group 2 – rats that were injected subcutaneously with diphereline (triptorelin embonate) at a dose of 0.3 mg of the active substance per kg of body weight for 365 days (25 animals). Group 3 – rats that were injected with a solution of triptorelin at the rate of 0.3 mg of the active substance per kg of body weight to simulate central deprivation of the synthesis of luteinizing hormone with the addition of quercitin to the diet using a gastric tube based on the body weight of the animals three times a week (25 animals). Animals were withdrawn from the experiment after 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months by overdose with ether anesthesia. A comprehensive study of histological preparations of the myocardium and quantitative calculation of the diameter of the vessels of the microcirculatory bed were carried out using a light microscope with a digital microfilter and software adapted for these studies. Statistical processing of the research results was carried out using the Microsoft Office Excel software and the Real Statistics 2019 extension. When analyzing the index of arteriole diameters in the group of animals that were injected with triptorelin after 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, a significant increase in the diameter of arterioles was established compared to the control group animals, respectively, by 13.9 % – 40.8 % – 102.6 % – 112.6 % – 11.5 %; and in animals to which quercetin was administered against the background of triptorelin administration, it was established that this indicator after 1 month did not reliably differ from the similar one in the control group, and after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months it was reliably higher than in the control respectively by 11.5 % – 136.2 % – 101.1 % – 101.4 %. The analysis of the diameters of the venular link of the hemomicrocirculatory channel in the group of animals administered triptorelin showed a significant increase in the value of this indicator after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months compared to the control group, respectively by 20.0 % – 71.2 % – 57.8 % – 22.9 %; and in animals that were additionally injected with quercetin after 1 month, the diameter of venules was significantly reduced by 8.1% compared to the control, and after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months – respectively by 5.2 % – 87.5 % – 64.0 % – 50.4 % it was significantly greater than in control animals. Analysis of capillary diameters in the group of animals administered triptorelin showed a significant increase in the value of this indicator after 1, 3, 6 and 9 months compared to the control group, respectively by 23.9 % – 49.1 % – 61.8 % – 36.7 %; and in animals that were additionally injected with quercetin, the capillary diameter significantly increased compared to the control after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months – by 22.3 % – 55.3 % – 17.1 % – 25.2 %, respectively. The conducted study showed that the introduction of triptorelin leads to structural and functional changes in the components of the microcirculatory channel of the myocardium of the ventricles of the heart, which are characterized by changes in the diameter of the arterial and venous links with a gradual increase in blood flow, the maximum of which is at the 6th month of the experiment in both experimental groups, but without impaired outflow in the group with the addition of quercitin.

Dietary secoisolariciresinol diglucoside crude extract improves growth through modulating rumen bacterial community and epithelial development in lambs.

Flaxseed lignans, types of polyphenolic compounds, primarily consist of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG). Natural plant extracts are becoming increasingly important as feed for ruminant animals. An underutilized plant bioactive component, SDG shows promising benefits for young ruminant production. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of SDG on rumen fermentation using an in vitro rumen simulation technology. Additionally, we tested the effects of SDG (0.20 g kg-1 body weight) on rumen development and production performance of lambs in a production setting. The in vitro addition of 100 mg L-1 SDG demonstrated significant regulatory effects, with a notable decrease in the acetate/propionate ratio (P < 0.05). Feeding trials revealed that SDG significantly increased average daily feed intake and average daily weight gain (P < 0.05), and reduced the acetate/propionate ratio (P < 0.05). This led to a significant increase in the relative abundance of Eubacterium ruminantium (P = 0.038) and Butyrivibrio (P = 0.002). Furthermore, it promoted rumen development and upregulated the relative expression of mRNA of Cyclin E1 and CDK2 in rumen epithelial cells (P < 0.05). The SDG extract optimizes the composition of rumen microbiota and the development of rumen epithelial cells, promoting the growth of pre-weaning lambs. The SDG additive exhibits potential as a novel growth promoter for ruminant animals, offering a promising solution for sustainable livestock production. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Acute and chronic effects of methanolic extract of Teucrium polium on blood parameters and histopathology of liver and kidney in Female Rats

Teucrium polium L. is commonly used as a medicinal plant in Algeria to fight various human diseases. In this study, extracting aerial parts of T. polium with methanol gave a dry matter yield of 8.24 %. The effects of methanolic extract of T. polium "TPME" were examined per os on female rats Albino Wistar for six weeks. Biochemical and hematological serum parameters and morphology and histopathology of organs of treated rats were studied. Acute toxicity showed low toxicity with a lethal dose of 50% LD50 &gt; 2400 mg / Kg of body weight. These data can be used to classify these plants as slightly toxic. However, sub-acute treatment for six weeks of rats with 75, 150, and 300 mg of methanolic extract / Kg of body weight significantly increased the most studied hematological parameters. Biochemical analysis revealed a significant increase of renal parameters (urea, creatinine, uric acid, Na, and K), accompanied by an increase in the relative weight of kidney, lipidic (cholesterol), and hepatic glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) values in all treated rats. Histopathological examination confirmed the biochemical tests by the observation of perilobular necrosis areas, bile duct and inflammatory infiltration of the liver, and the presence of marked intracytoplasmic vacuoles in the kidney with the dose 300 mg of TPME Kg of animal body weight. Use of Teucrium polium L. may cause hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity after prolonged herb administration. Keywords: Teucrium polium L, TPME, LD50, biochemical parameters, toxicity

Comparison of Amino Acid Digestibility between Commercial Crossbred Pigs and Mini-Jeju Island Native Pigs.

The objectives of this study were to determine the apparent ileal digestibility and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) in feed ingredients, compare the ileal digestibility of CP and AA between commercial crossbred pigs and mini-Jeju Island native pigs (JINP), and develop models for estimating SID of CP and AA for commercial pigs using mini-JINP data. The study involved five crossbred commercial pigs (31.5 ± 1.6 kg of body weight and 11 weeks of age; Landrace × Yorkshire) and five mini-JINP (31.0 ± 3.2 kg body weight and 20 weeks of age). The pigs were surgically equipped with a T-cannula at the end of ileum. Each pig breed was assigned to 5 dietary treatments in a 5 × 10 incomplete Latin square design with 10 periods. Four experimental diets were formulated to contain each of soybean meal, corn gluten feed, copra meal, and sesame expellers as the sole source of nitrogen. A nitrogen-free diet was also prepared to determine basal endogenous losses of CP and AA. No interaction between breed and feed ingredient was observed for the digestibility of CP and all indispensable AA. The SID of CP and all indispensable AA, except Arg, His, and Lys, did not differ between the two breeds of pigs. Prediction equations were developed for SID of CP and AA of commercial pigs using the SID values of mini-JINP: SID of CP (%) = (1.02 × SID of CP in mini-JINP) - 5.20 with r2 = 0.97 and p < 0.05; SID of Lys (%) = (1.12 × SID of Lys in mini-JINP) - 9.10 with r2 = 0.98 and p < 0.05; and SID of Met (%) = (1.08 × SID of Met in mini-JINP) - 4.27 with r2 = 0.96 and p < 0.05. The digestibility for most AA in feedstuffs for commercial pigs can be estimated using data from mini-JINP.