Kg Of Body Weight Research Articles

Pharmacokinetics and Chicken Meat Residue of Tilmicosin after Administration Through Drinking Water in Broiler Chicken

Background: Tilmicosin is an antimycoplasmic drug of great utility in controlling mycoplasmosis in chicken. The drug despite its efficacy, has a high residue impact leading to a long withdrawal period. In this study, an attempt has been made to rationalize the dosage to reduce the residue burden by adopting a lower dose. Methods: The dose of tilmicosin was arrived at based on a pilot study wherein different doses were administered, and the levels were checked in plasma and meat. In the main study, tilmicosin was administered to broiler chicken as a bolus oral dose or “in drinking water” at the dose rate of 25 mg. kg-1 body weight. Blood was collected at different time points for the study. A trial to assay drug residues in tissues was also carried out. The assay of tilmicosin in chicken plasma/tissues was done using a sensitive HPLC assay. Result: In both pharmacokinetics study groups, tilmicosin concentrations could be reasonably detected only in 4 of the eight birds tested. In the birds that responded, the mean plasma concentrations remained above the MIC values of 0.05 µg.ml-1. The residue level in the lung and muscle could be detected up to day 14, and no residue from 18th day, after administration of tilmicosin through drinking water. The lung, the organ of mycoplasma infection revealed high concentrations of tilmicosin up to 14 days after the last dose. The results show that the Tilmicosin administered at a reduced rate of 25 mg.Kg-1 can be useful therapeutically, with a reduced residue burden in broiler chicken.

The efficacy of anamorelin in gastrointestinal cancer with cancer cachexia: Single center experience.

815 Background: Cancer cachexia is a catabolic syndrome that causes weight loss and loss of appetite in cancer patients. Anamorelin (ANAM) is an oral drug approved in Japan to treat cancer cachexia by selectively activating ghrelin receptors. There is limited real-world data available on the efficacy of ANAM for patients with gastrointestinal cancer. We assessed its efficacy and identified associated clinical features. Methods: We retrospectively collected data from medical records and questionnaires on gastric and colorectal cancer patients who received ANAM between April 2021 and March 2023. We evaluated the change in body weight, appetite, and oral intake from the time of initiation of ANAM. We judged the responder who gained more than 0.5 kg in body weight, improved appetite, and increased oral intake, respectively. The association between clinical features and the responders was also assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: 72 patients were included in this study. Characteristics of the patients: median age: 68 years old (range 38-85), male/female: 35/37, gastric/colorectal cancer: 39/33, PS 0-1/2 or more: 63/9, median body mass index (BMI): 18.0 kg/m 2 (range 12.3-27.9), number of prior chemotherapy regimens 1/2/3 or more: 17/22/33, ascites none/mild/moderate/severe: 42/19/7/4, median serum albumin levels (Alb): 3.2 g/dl (range 2.0-4.2). The median treatment duration of ANAM was 47.5 days (3-450 days). 57 patients (79.2%) continued ANAM for more than 3 weeks, and 9 patients for more than 12 weeks. The main reasons for discontinuation were progressive disease (39.7%), ineffective (12.7%), effective (11.1%) and adverse events of ANAM (11.1%). 33 patients (45.8%) gained weight, 41 patients (56.9%) improved appetite and 34 patients (47.2%) increased oral intake. There was a correlation found between BMI ＜ 18.0 kg/m 2 and the responders (OR 3.43, p = 0.041). Conclusions: In this study, 68.0% of patients who received ANAM for showed response, that is, gained body weight, or improved appetite, or increased oral intake. And these observations suggested that BMI was associated with effects of ANAM. Further studies involving more patients needed.

Effects of Artemisia argyi Aqueous Extract on Rumen Fermentation Parameters and Microbiota in Lambs

This study sought to evaluate the effects of Artemisia argyi aqueous extract (AAE) on rumen fermentation parameters and the microbiota within the rumen of lambs. A total of 32 lambs that are 3 months old and 24.06 ± 0.04 kg in body weight were randomly assigned to four treatment groups, with eight replicates per treatment. The diets for the four groups were formulated with the following adding dose of AAE: 0 mg/kg (CON), 500 mg/kg (AAE-L), 1000 mg/kg (AAE-M), and 1500 mg/kg (AAE-H), respectively. The results showed that, compared to the CON group, three AAE add groups significantly decreased the A/P ratio; AAE-M and AAE-H groups significantly increased MCP and propionic acid contents. Supplementation with AAE had no significant effect on the alpha and beta diversity of the rumen microbiota, but significantly increased the relative abundances of beneficial bacteria, such as Actinobacteriota in the rumen. In conclusion, AAE supplementation improved the rumen fermentation and microbiota of lambs. In the overall consideration, under the conditions of this research, the supplementation of 1000 mg/kg AAE was optimal.

Interactions Between Trace Elements and Macro Minerals in Pregnant Heifers

There is a lack of information on mineral interactions that take place during a heifer’s pregnancy when nutrient demand is high. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the interactions between the macro minerals calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sulphur (S), sodium (Na) and potassium (K) and the trace elements copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn) and cobalt (Co) in pregnant heifers. Twenty-four pregnant heifers (age 18.2 ± 0.14 months; 87.5 ± 4.74 days in gestation; 497 ± 8.5 kg of body weight) were used in a 7 d digestibility trial (indirect method using lignin as a marker) during which they were fed a diet that provided minerals in accordance with NASEM requirements for gestating beef cattle. At the end of the digestibility trial, blood (jugular venipuncture) and liver (biopsy) samples were collected from each heifer. Multiple linear regression models were developed based on the main correlations and by considering collinearity effects between variables. Iron intake positively affected Mo concentration in serum, which was >10 µg/dL for most of the animals. Apparent absorption of Fe was negatively affected by Mo intake and Ca to P ratio in feed, whereas Se absorption was negatively affected by Fe intake and positively by Mo intake. The absorption coefficients of Mo and Fe were inversely related, emphasizing the interactions between these elements. Serum Fe and Cu in the liver were positively correlated, while liver Fe was inversely related to liver Mn. Fewer interactions were observed between the macro minerals. In conclusion, within the interactions observed, those between Fe and Mo deserve special attention, as high dietary Fe is commonly found in typical ruminant diets, and high serum Mo may indicate molybdenosis. Furthermore, high Fe intake appears to impact Se and Mn utilization.

Construct of Corallopyronin B Antibiotic from Heterogeneous Soil Environments in Egypt

Background: Antibiotic resistance is an urgent issue everywhere in the globe. It is necessary to look into new sources of antibiotics in order to address this issue. Aim of the study: Studying the purification of Corallopyronin B from various soil conditions in Egypt, as well as the antibacterial effectiveness of Corallopyronin B in preclinical animal testing and randomized human clinical trials phases 1/2. Type of the study: Screening experimental study. Methodology: Several soil conditions in Egypt were examined to create bacterial isolates that generated the antibiotic chemical Corallopyronin B. Using reversed-phase HPLC, Myxopyronin B was purified. The test antibiotic's minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and in vitro antibacterial activity were ascertained using the paper disc diffusion assay and the broth microdilution technique. Furthermore, in stages 1/2 of randomized clinical trials including human and animal models, pharmacokinetics, adverse drug reactions, and the in vivo antibacterial spectrum were discovered. Results: The soil bacterial isolate Corallococcus coralloides DSM 2259, which was grown on Casein yeast peptone (CYP) plate, produced Corallopyronin B from its culture supernatant. At MICs more than 100 mcg/ml, the test antibiotic inhibited the growth of many Gram -ve bacteria, including Escherichia coli, while also preventing the growth of numerous Gram +ve bacteria, with MICs ranging from 1 to 10 mcg/ml. Eukaryotic cells, on the other hand, including those in humans and fungus, were unharmed. The test antibiotic was shown to have a bactericidal effect by inhibiting bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RNLP). In phases 1/2 of randomized human clinical trials, when 600 mg of the dose per 70 kg of body weight was administered SC, the Cmax was 8.6 mcg/ml at Tmax 1 hour; T1/2 reached 136 min following first order kinetics of elimination. It stopped acting around 6-7 hours after SC was administered. In the preclinical and randomized human clinical trial phases 1/2, less than 6 percent of experimental candidates had uncommon toxicity, which showed up as reduced bile flow. Protein binding with plasma albumin was detected which reached about 83%. Conclusion: The current work was noteworthy since it involved the production of the bactericidal antibiotic Corallopyronin B from Corallococcus coralloides DSM 2259 that was isolated from several soil environments in Egypt.

Effects of dietary supplementation of myristic acid on jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota, mucosal immunity, and growth performance of nursery pigs.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of myristic acid on jejunal mucosal microbiota, mucosal immunity, and growth performance of nursery pigs. Thirty-six pigs (6.6 ± 0.4kg of body weight) were assigned to three treatments (n = 12) for 35 d in three phases: (NC) basal diet; (PC) NC + bacitracin; and (MA) NC + myristic acid compound. Pigs were euthanized to collect jejunal mucosa, jejunal tissues, and ileal digesta. The PC increased (p < 0.05) the relative abundance (RA) of Lactobacillus spp., and Bifidobacterium boum than the NC group. The MA increased (p < 0.05) RA of Bifidobacterium dentium and Megasphaera spp. than the NC group. The PC tended to decrease IL-8 (p = 0.053) and protein carbonyl (p = 0.075) whereas IgG (p = 0.051) and IL-8 (p = 0.090) in jejunal mucosa were decreased by the MA. The PC increased (p < 0.05) the villus height to crypt depth ratio than the NC group. Both bacitracin and myristic acid improved the intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs. Effects of bacitracin were rather immediate whereas the effects of myristic acid were obtained after a 3-week feeding.

Dietary Protein Reduction in Lean Pigs From Pietrain Paternal Line Under Commercial Setting: An Interplay Between Nitrogen Efficiency and Meat Attributes.

A trial was conducted to research the impact of reducing dietary crude protein (CP) levels from 14.8% to 12.6% in the finishing diet (90-120 kg of body weight) of lean pigs, with an essential AA supply (8.8 g Lys, 2.1 g Met, 6.7 g Thr, 5.5 g Ile, and 6.7 g Val, per kilogram of feed) in intact males and females under commercial setting. The productive performances and nitrogen (N) balance, blood markers related to protein metabolism, apparent digestibility of nutrients, carcass, and meat quality were evaluated. This dietary CP restriction did not impair the growth performances, decreased the N excretion, and did not affect the apparent digestibility of most nutrients, except phosphorus digestibility, which was reduced in the low-CP diet. The responses to this dietary CP restriction were independent of sex, except the serum urea concentration and total proteins, which were only steadily reduced in intact males fed the low-CP diet. The low-CP diet reduced the nutritional pork quality by increasing the moisture content, although the technological characteristics of meat were not affected. Further studies are required to improve the sex-tailored feeding strategies for high-conformed lean pigs in an environmentally friendly context.

Enhancing metabolic and inflammatory status in insulin-resistant rats: Acute intervention with cocoa flavanols and submaximal aerobic exercise activates intracellular signaling pathways for glucose metabolism.

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by hyperglycemia, is closely linked to obesity and low-grade inflammation. Acute cocoa flavanols (CF) intake has demonstrated benefits in vasoreactivity, cognitive functions, and antioxidant enzyme activity. However, the physiological mechanisms of CF concerning glucose uptake, inflammatory mediators, and their interplay with aerobic exercise remain unclear in populations with metabolic diseases. This study aims to investigate the acute effects of CF, alone or combined with acute aerobic exercise on mechanisms involved in glucose uptake and inflammatory mediators in the liver, skeletal muscle, pancreas, and adipose tissue in insulin-resistant (IR) rats. Sixty-four Wistar rats (250±10g; 15 weeks age) were subjected to a regular chow (CON) or an obesity-associated insulin-resistant (IR) state induced by a high-fat diet and fructose-rich beverage for 30 days. Seventy-two hours after an incremental maximal treadmill running test, rats received a placebo solution or CF supplementation (45mg·kg-1 of body weight). One hour later, they either rested or ran on a treadmill at 60% of peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) for 30min. Euthanasia occurred 30min post-experimental sessions. Inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were assayed using ELISA in the liver, pancreas, gastrocnemius muscle, and epididymal adipose tissues. TRB3 and CPT1 mRNA were assessed by q-RTPCR in the liver and gastrocnemius muscle while Akt and AMPK phosphorylation were examined by immunohistochemistry. CF attenuated hyperglycemia observed after submaximal aerobic exercise in IR rats (p<0.001). In the liver, CF exhibited additive effects to aerobic exercise, enhancing Akt protein phosphorylation, potentially contributing to improved glucose uptake in IR rats. Submaximal aerobic exercise and CF increased AMPK protein phosphorylation in the liver (p<0.001) and skeletal muscle (p<0.001), reduced TRB3 gene expression (p<0.01), elevated CPT-1a gene expression (p<0.001), and ameliorated the inflammatory milieu in the pancreas, adipose tissue, liver, and gastrocnemius muscle. Acute intake, of CF combined with submaximal aerobic exercise activates key proteins and genes involved in glucose uptake and lipid metabolism, improving the inflammatory milieu. This synergistic effect may contribute to mitigating metabolic complications associated with insulin resistance.

PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS toxicokinetic considerations for the development of an in vivo approach for assessing PFAS relative bioavailability in soil.

A Sprague-Dawley rat model was utilized to elucidate perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) toxicokinetics with a goal of developing an in vivo approach for quantifying PFAS relative bioavailability in impacted soil. Following single dose administration (gavage) of∼0.2-2000µg kg-1 BW of PFOA, PFOS or PFHxS, differences in PFAS blood, organ and excreta concentrations were observed over 120h although linear dose responses were determined for area under the blood plasma time curves (AUC; PFOA, PFHxS), liver accumulation (LA: PFOS) and urinary excretion (UE; PFOA, PFHxS). Oral and intravenous dose (∼20µg kg-1 body weight) comparisons highlighted the high absolute bioavailability of PFOA (AUC: 100.3±23.4%; UE: 94.7±26.6%), PFOS (LA: 102.9±15.6%) and PFHxS (AUC: 88.3±15.1%; UE: 90.9±7.3%). Two spiked (14C-PFOA: 4360±218µg kg-1) and two PFAS impacted soils (PFOS: 1880-2250µg kg-1; PFHxS: 61.2-65.5µg kg-1) were utilized to measure PFAS relative bioavailability in soil matrices. In all soils, PFAS relative bioavailability was>86% (PFOA: 87.0-90.9%; PFOS: 86.1-90.4%; PFHxS: 86.5-97.0%) although the method could quantify bioavailability reductions (25.6-88.9%) when hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions were enhanced through the addition of carbon-based amendments (5-10% w/w).

Trans-Catheter Device Closure of Atrial Septal Defect in Symptomatic Children Up to 10 Kg of Body Weight: A Multicentric Retrospective Observational Cohort Study to Assess Feasibility, Safety and Midterm Results After Closure

Background: Atrial septal defect (ASD) is the second most prevalent congenital heart diseases (CHD) encompassing 8-10% of all CHDs beyond neonatal period. Although relatively benign, if left untreated can amount to several adverse outcomes. Trans-catheter Device closure of ASD is a preferred therapy for a hemodynamically significant shunt. Despite multitude of septal occluders being available these days, paucity of literature concerning appropriateness of device sizing, and various adaptations of techniques for device deployment in large ASDs with deficient rims and their outcomes in children up to 10 kg weight nevertheless still exists. Aims and Methods: A retrospective multi-centric observational study, was conducted in a cohort of children who underwent ASD device closure weighing up to 10 kg conducted over a period of 4 years, to assess its safety and feasibility. Results: Of the included 85 patients, 63% were females and 37% were males with mean age at intervention being 32 months. The mean weight and height were 9.17 Kg and 88 cm respectively. Mean of maximum ASD dimension was 14.92mm. Hemodynamic assessment with invasive PA pressures recordings suggested normal PA pressure in 82%, while 18% had pulmonary arterial hypertension. Mean Qp/Qs and PVR was 2.58 and 1.8 Wood units respectively. Average device: weight ratio was 1.9. Arrhythmias occurred in 6 children, five had Adenosine sensitive SVTs and one had persisting CHB necessitating surgical device retrieval and Permanent pacemaker implantation. No mortality occurred in this study. Conclusion: Trans-catheter closure of ASD is indeed safe and effective procedure if performed in children weighing up to 10 Kg, in a hemodynamically significant shunt, adopting modified techniques, even in presence of flimsy or deficient rims with device weight ratio up to 3:1

Enhancing Milk Fat Synthesis in Murrah Buffalo with Inclusion of Fodder Oat Through-Induced Volatile Fatty Acid Production (VFA)

Background: Forage quality plays a critical role in the productivity and health of dairy buffalos, directly influencing milk yield, nutrient utilization, and overall animal performance. As livestock diets evolve, there is growing interest in optimizing feed composition to improve digestibility and fermentation efficiency. Fodder varieties like OL 10, dual-purpose rabi cereal, multi-cut nature, rapid regeneration capacity, quick growing habit, high palatable, succulent and nutritious fodder characteristics it as more suitable for animal sustainability. Methods: The study assessed the effect of substituting concentrate mixture with fodder oats on milk yield and composition in Murrah buffalo during the rabi season of 2023-2024, using a 50-days feeding trial with six buffalo divided into Group 1: Control group (CG) and Group 2: Treatment group (TG). Result: The study evaluated the nutritional impact of OL 10 forage on dairy buffalo performance compared to a concentrate mixture. OL 10 showed a crude protein digestibility of 76.49% and dry matter digestibility of 61.30%. Its nutrient profile included 46.88% ADF, 65.28% NDF and 12.67% non-fibre carbohydrates. Milk yield in buffalo fed OL 10 increased by 12.0% (5.34 kg/day) compared to those on the concentre mixture (4.77 kg/day), with a 5.2% rise in milk fat content (7.12% vs 6.77%). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved, with dry matter efficiency increasing by 52.1% and crude protein conversion improving by 47.6%. Rumen fermentation was enhanced, showing a 6.2% rise in total volatile fatty acid (VFA) production, particularly acetate (11.12 mmol/L). Additionally, buffalo on the OL 10 diet gained 12.4 kg in body weight, 22.4% higher than the control group. Overall, OL 10 is an efficient forage that improves productivity, nutrient utilization, and animal health.

Impact of a trace mineral injection at weaning on growth, behavior, and inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune responses of beef calves

Abstract Two experiments evaluated the effects of an injectable trace mineral (ITM) solution at weaning on trace mineral (TM) status, inflammatory and antioxidant responses, grazing behavior, response to vaccination, and growth of beef calves. Exp. 1 used 86 Nellore calves [40 females and 46 males; body weight (BW) = 198 ± 30.8 kg; 8 ± 1 mo of age] weaned (d 0) and assigned into 1 of 2 treatments: Saline (0.9% NaCl) or ITM (60 mg of Zn/mL, 15 mg of Cu/mL, 5 mg of Se/mL and 10 mg of Mn/mL). Saline and ITM were administered subcutaneously at a dose of 1 mL/45 kg of BW. On d 0, calves were vaccinated against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), parainfluenza-3 (PI3), bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 and 2 (BVDV-1 and 2) and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV). Blood samples and BW were collected on d 0, 3, 8, 15, 51, and 100, and grazing behavior was evaluated on d 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9. The ITM did not affect (P ≥ 0.56) serum mineral concentrations of Zn and Cu, but decreased (P ≤ 0.02) plasma concentrations of cortisol on d 3 and 8 and haptoglobin on d 3. The ITM increased (P &amp;lt; 0.01) plasma concentration of superoxide dismutase on d 8, 15, and 51 and tended to decrease (P = 0.08) plasma concentration of glutathione peroxidase on d 3. Furthermore, there were no effects of treatment (P ≥ 0.14) on most of the behavior variables evaluated, ITM reduced (P = 0.01) the seeking time on d 0 and 4. Furthermore, ITM tended to increase (P = 0.10) the serum titer concentration against IBR on d 15 and 51 but did not affect (P ≥ 0.12) titer concentration against PI3, BVDV-1, and 2, and growth. Exp. 2 used 50 Brangus male calves (BW = 264 ± 34.1 kg; 8 ± 1 mo of age] weaned on d 0, vaccinated against respiratory diseases, stratified by BW, and randomly assigned to Saline or ITM as described in Exp. 1. Liver samples were collected on d 0, 14 and 197, blood samples on d 0, 14 and BW on d 0, 14, 44, 78, 122, 162 and 197. The ITM increased (P ≤ 0.03) the liver concentration of Cu and Se on d 14 but did not affect (P ≥ 0.17) the liver concentration of Zn and Mn. In addition, ITM increased (P = 0.05) the serum titer concentration against BVDV-2 but did not affect (P ≥ 0.20) the titer concentrations against IBR, PI3, BVDV-1, and BRSV, and did not affect (P ≥ 0.29) the growth. In conclusion, ITM application at weaning improved Cu and Se status, enhanced antioxidant and immune responses, and reduced stress and inflammation in calves, though it did not affect growth.

CASPASE-3 ACTIVITY IN CARDIAC TISSUE UNDER LONG-TERM RELEASING HORMONE BLOCKADE AND QUERCETIN ADMINISTRATION IN MALE RATS

Introduction. Caspase-3 is a key enzyme in apoptosis, though its exact role in programmed cell death remains incompletely understood. Studies have demonstrated that caspase-3 plays a critical role in cell death in specific cell types or under particular stimuli, as well as in initiating and completing biochemical processes associated with apoptosis. Men with congestive heart failure often exhibit reduced testosterone levels, and research suggests that testosterone therapy can improve cardiac output and lower peripheral vascular resistance. However, its effects on cardiac function, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and ventricular remodeling remain unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of testosterone suppression on caspase-3 activity in cardiac tissues during long-term releasing hormone blockade in male rats treated with quercetin. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on 60 sexually mature male rats. The animals were randomly divided into two groups: control (n=10) and experimental (n=50). In order to modulate central deprivation of luteinising hormone synthesis, animals in the experimental group received solution of tryptorelin at a dose of 0.3 mg of active ingredient per kg of body weight and quercetin at 100 mg/kg of body weight 3 times a week. Results. Immunohistochemical analysis of caspase-3 showed that caspase 3 increased sharply to a maximum on the 30th day of observation after the administration of tryptorelin, followed by a gradual significant decrease in this indicator on the 180th and 365th days at p˂0.05. When tryptorelin and quercetin were administered, as shown in Fig. 2, the main pattern (a sharp increase on day 30 and then a gradual decline until day 365) is preserved, but the reliability of the decrease in the quantitative parameter is significant only on days 30 and 90 of the study. Conclusions. The addition of quercetin to the diet leads to a decrease in the immunoreactivity of heart cells in experimental animals by caspase-3 expression, which can be regarded as a compensatory phenomenon aimed at balancing apoptosis in the conditions of hormonal dysfunction by suppressing testosterone synthesis.

Effect of MCT1 A1470T Polymorphism on Lactate and Potassium Concentrations After Caffeine Ingestion During Acute Resistance Exercise.

The monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) plays a crucial role in regulating lactate and pyruvate transport across cell membranes, which is essential for energy metabolism during exercise. The MCT1 A1470T (rs1049434) polymorphism has been suggested to influence lactate transport, with the T (major) allele associated with greater transport efficiency. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the MCT1 polymorphism on lactate and potassium (K+) concentrations in response to resistance exercise (RE) following caffeine (CAF) ingestion. Thirty resistance-trained athletes were randomly selected to participate in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Participants consumed either CAF (6 mg/kg of body weight) or a placebo (PL; 6 mg of maltodextrin per kg of body weight) one hour before performing RE. Serum lactate and potassium concentrations were measured before exercise (Pre), immediately after (Post), and 15 min post-exercise (15 min Post). The RE protocol consisted of three sets to failure at 85% of 1RM for each exercise, with 2 min rest intervals between sets. The findings indicate that under caffeine consumption, individuals carrying the A (minor) allele had significantly higher blood lactate levels before (p = 0.037) and immediately after (p = 0.0001) resistance exercise compared to those with the TT genotype. Additionally, caffeine consumption moderated the increase in plasma potassium levels in TT genotype carriers, while A allele carriers exhibited elevated potassium levels 15 min post-exercise, regardless of caffeine or placebo intake (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that the MCT1 A1470T polymorphism may influence lactate metabolism and clearance under caffeine consumption, potentially impacting exercise performance and recovery.

Stem cell graft dose and composition could impact on the expansion of donor-derived clones after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation - a virtual clinical trial.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a potentially curative intervention for a broad range of diseases. However, there is evidence that malignant or pre-malignant clones contained in the transplant can expand in the recipient and trigger donor-derived malignancies. This observation has gained much attention in the context of clonal hematopoiesis, a medical condition where significant amounts of healthy blood cells are derived from a small number of hematopoietic stem cell clones. In many cases the dominating clones carry mutations conferring a growth advantage and thus could undergo malignant transformation in the recipient. Since clonal hematopoiesis exists in a significant proportion of potential stem cell donors, a more detailed understanding of its role for stem cell transplantation is required. We propose mechanistic computational models and perform virtual clinical trials to investigate clonal dynamics during and after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Different mechanisms of clonal expansion are considered, including mutation-related changes of stem cell proliferation and self-renewal, aberrant response of mutated cells to systemic signals, and self-sustaining chronic inflammation triggered by the mutated cells. Model simulations suggest that an aberrant response of mutated cells to systemic signals is sufficient to explain the frequently observed quick expansion of the mutated clone shortly after transplantation which is followed by a stabilization of the mutated cell number at a constant value. In contrary, a mutation-related increase of self-renewal or self-sustaining chronic inflammation lead to ongoing clonal expansion. Our virtual clinical trials suggest that a low number of transplanted stem cells per kg of body weight increases the transplantation-related expansion of donor-derived clones, whereas the transplanted progenitor dose or growth factor support after transplantation have no impact on clonal dynamics. Furthermore, in our simulations the change of the donors' variant allele frequencies in the year before stem cell donation is associated with the expansion of donor-derived clones in the recipient. This in silico study provides insights in the mechanisms leading to clonal expansion and identifies questions that could be addressed in future clinical trials.

Dietary Inclusion of Carob Pulp (Ceratonia siliqua L.) Does Not Replace the Antioxidant Effect of Vitamin E in Lambs' Meat to Lengthen Shelf-Life.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of dietary carob pulp (Cp, Ceratonia siliqua L.) and vitamin E (Vit E) on the quality and shelf-life of light lamb meat stored for a maximum of 15 days under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Forty-eight lambs (half females and half entire males, 25.3 ± 0.3 kg of body weight and 83 ± 5.8 days old) were randomly selected and slaughtered after an experimental fattening period with a 2 × 2 factorial design: 0 vs. 20% Cp and 40 vs. 300 IU of Vit E/kg of diet for 41 days. The carcass traits, fatty acid (FA) profile, antioxidant content, colour, lipid oxidation, and microbial count in the meat were evaluated. Scarce interactions between Cp and Vit E were observed on most of the variables studied. The dietary inclusion of Cp did not affect carcass traits (p > 0.05) but produced minor changes in the content of branched FA and reduced the α-tocopherol content in the meat (p < 0.05), while no impact was observed on discolouration or lipid oxidation (p > 0.05). High Vit E supplementation increased the yellowness of caudal fat and the α-tocopherol content, which limited discolouration and lipid oxidation (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the High Vit E diet (without Cp) controlled the psychrotrophic bacterial count after 15 days of storage. At slaughter, males were heavier than females but had lower carcass dressing (p < 0.05). The lambs' sex had minor impacts on the quality and shelf-life of meat. This study demonstrated that there is no synergistic interaction between Cp and Vit E on lamb meat quality and shelf-life. Including 20% of Cp in lamb diets is feasible without impairing meat quality. Nevertheless, supplementation with 300 IU of Vit E/kg of feed is essential to extend the shelf-life of meat stored under MAP.

Reducing Dietary Protein Levels with Amino Acid Supplementation in Duroc Sire Line Finishing Pigs: Growth Performances, Carcass and Meat Traits and Nitrogen Balance in Males and Females.

Crude protein (CP) reduction and amino acid (AAs) supplementation is an interesting cost-reducing strategy for environmental compliance. The objective of this work is to study productive performances of heavy Duroc X (Landrace X Large white) male and female pigs during the finishing stage under a 2% CP reduction with crystalline AA supplementation. A total of 60 entire male and 60 female pigs (means ± standard deviations: 109 ± 4.9 days of age; 67.9 ± 7.18 kg of body weight) were distributed in split-sex pens (6 pigs/pen) and fed ad libitum. Two isoenergetic diets were provided (145 and 125 g CP/kg with AA supplementation, control and low-CP) during the final 42 days of finishing period. Growth performance, carcass and meat traits were evaluated. The fixed effects of dietary treatment, sex and their interaction were considered and simple least squares models used. Males were 7.25% heavier (p < 0.001) and had 16% higher average daily gains (p < 0.0001) than females in both treatments with no differences in feed intake or feed conversion ratio (p > 0.05). Nitrogen efficiency was 35% higher in low-CP males. Little difference was found for most carcass and meat traits between treatments. Males had 7-8% higher loin subcutaneous fat thickness in both dietary treatments (p = 0.011). Males and females of the low-CP diet showed higher fat and saturated fat contents than controls (p = 0.020). A 20 g/kg CP reduction with AA supplementation is an efficient strategy during the finishing phase without productivity losses in heavy Duroc sire line genotypes of both sexes.

Locally sourced supplementary feeding programs as a strategic intervention to address weight faltering in children: insights from a primary health center study

Pemberian Makanan Tambahan (PMT), a supplementary food program using local ingredients, is a targeted intervention to address toddler malnutrition and weight faltering in Indonesia. Despite its widespread implementation, the long-term efficacy of the 14-day PMT program in sustaining growth recovery remains to be determined. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a 14-day PMT intervention on weight gain and growth stability in children aged 6–59 months experiencing weight faltering. A prospective cohort study was conducted from May to August 2024 at Primary Health Center (Puskesmas) Ajibarang 1 in Banyumas, Central Java, Indonesia. The intervention consisted of 11 snacks and 3 main meals to meet 30–50% of daily caloric needs. Anthropometric measurements, including body weight (BW) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), were collected pre- and post-intervention. 120 children participated, with baseline averages of 11.2 ± 1.5 kg for BW and 13.4 ± 1.7 cm for MUAC. Significant improvements were observed post-intervention, with averages of 12.9 ± 1.2 kg (BW) and 15.0 ± 1.4 cm (MUAC). A moderate positive correlation was identified between BW gain and MUAC (Spearman analysis). In conclusion, the PMT program effectively improves BW and MUAC in children at risk of growth faltering, highlighting its potential as a scalable intervention. These findings emphasize the importance of tailored nutritional programs during early childhood, a critical period for ensuring long-term health and developmental benefits. Advocacy and policy reforms are essential to support consistent implementation and global accessibility of nutritional interventions.

Supplementation of lysophospholipids in calf starter: effects on growth performance, blood metabolites, health, and ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentration

Supplementation of lysophospholipids in calf starter: effects on growth performance, blood metabolites, health, and ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentration

Three-Dimensional Rotational Angiography to Guide Cardiac Catheterization in Critical Infants Below 5kg of Body Weight.

Three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA) is a promising advancement to guide cardiac catheterizations. It is used with restraint in critically ill infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) due to the lack of research conducted within this patient group. Data of all infants with CHD and a body weight <5 kg who underwent cardiac catheterization with the use of 3DRA between November 2011 and April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Primary outcome measures were 3DRA-related periprocedural deaths or major adverse events (MAEs). Secondary outcome measures were 3DRA-related minor adverse events (MiAEs), the amount of radiation exposure and contrast agent, and whether 3DRA led to important new findings. The case-based workflow of 3DRA in vulnerable infants is explained. Eighty-six patients underwent 109 cardiac catheterizations in which 132 3DRA scans were performed. Median age and weight were 50.0 days (IQR, 20.0-98.5) and 3.8 kg (IQR, 3.2-4.5). There were no periprocedural deaths or MiAEs, and only 2 MAEs occurred, both concerning ventricular fibrillation. The median radiation exposure was 160.0 cGy⋅cm2 (IQR, 81.3-257.5), of which 28.0 cGy⋅cm2 (IQR, 19.4-43.0) was derived from 3DRA. The mean amount of contrast agent used was 4.8 ± 1.6 mL/kg. In 70.6%, 3DRA imaging led to important new findings. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed the presence of comorbidity to be associated with a lower odds of receiving a 3DRA-derived radiation dose ≥15 cGy⋅cm2 (P = .01). Additionally, the interval between surgery and cardiac catheterization was significantly associated with higher odds of a contrast dye consumption ≥6 mL/kg (P = .046). 3DRA proved to be safe in vulnerable infants with CHD weighing <5 kg, enabling visualization of anatomical substrates often invisible in conventional angiography. However, when an advanced computed tomography scanner is available, the diagnostic purposes for 3DRA are few. The greatest benefit of 3DRA usage is interventional guidance (3D roadmap).