Lower Total Protein Research Articles

Serum/Faecal S100A12, CRP and lactoferrin can be used to distinguish ınfectious and non-ınfectious canine diarrhoea.

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacies of selected inflammatory and intestinal biomarkers in cases of infectious and non-infectious diarrhoea in dogs. A total of 60 dogs, 12 healthy (Control Group) and 48 with diarrhoea were used. Viral, Bacterial, Parasitic (infectious) and Nutritional diarrhoea (non-infectious) subgroups (n: 12) were formed according to the aetiology, on the basis of clinical and laboratory examinations. Selected inflammatory and intestinal biomarkers (Calgranulin, S100A12; Lactoferrin, LCTF; C-reactive protein, CRP) were measured both in serum and faecal samples. Compared to the Control and Nutritional Diarrhoea groups, the infectious diarrhoea groups had higher serum S100A12, LCTF, CRP, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine (CR), alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase, and lower glucose (GLU), sodium (Na) and potassium (K) concentrations (p<0.05); Viral and Parasitic Diarrhoea groups had lower serum albumin (ALB) and total protein (TP) concentrations (p<0.05). Faecal S100A12, LCTF and CRP concentrations were higher in infectious diarrhoea groups compared to the Control and Nutritional Diarrhoea groups (p<0.05). Faecal LCTF and CRP concentrations were higher in the Bacterial Diarrhoea group than in the Viral and Parasitic Diarrhoea groups (p<0.05). It was determined that serum (area under curve, AUC: 0.842 and 0.956) and faecal (AUC: 0.975 and 0.786) S100A12 and CRP concentrations in viral diarrhoea; serum (AUC: 0.956) and faecal (AUC: 0.992) LCTF concentrations in bacterial diarrhoea have diagnostic values in the diagnosis of the presence of intestinal inflammation and damage and can be used in the differential diagnosis of infectious and non-infectious diarrhoea.

Relationship of individual and mixed urinary metals exposure with liver function in the China National Human Biomonitoring (CNHBM) of Zhejiang Province

BackgroundHeavy metals have been reported to affect liver function. However, there is currently little and inconsistent knowledge about the effects of combined and individual urinary metals on specific parameters of liver function in the general population. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate their associations. MethodsThis study involved 807 general population from the China National Human Biomonitoring of Zhejiang Province 2017–2018. Concentrations of urinary metals, including Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co), Nickle (Ni), Arsenic (As), Selenium (Se), Molybdenum (Mo), Cadmium (Cd), Thallium (Tl) and Lead (Pb) were measured. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), direct bilirubin (DBIL), total bilirubin (TBIL) as liver function biomarkers. Multivariable linear regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were employed to explore the associations of urinary metals with liver function biomarkers. Subgroup analysis stratified by gender and age, excluding smokers and drinkers for sensitivity analysis. ResultsBoth statistical models indicated that urinary metals were positively associated with ALT and AST, while negatively with TP, ALB, DBIL and TBIL. In the WQS analysis, each quartile increase in the ln-transformed levels of metal mixtures was associated with 4.11 IU/L (95% CI: 1.07, 7.15) higher ALT and 3.00 IU/L (95% CI: 1.75, 4.25) higher AST, as well as, with 0.67 g/L (95% CI: 1.24, −0.11) lower TP, 0.74 g/L (95% CI: 1.09, −0.39) lower ALB, 0.38 μmol/L (95% CI: 0.67, −0.09) lower DBIL, and 1.56 μmol/L (95% CI: 2.22, −0.90) lower TBIL. The association between urinary metals and ALT was primarily driven by Cd (55.8%), Cr contributed the most to the association with AST (20.2%) and TBIL (45.2%), while the association with TP was primarily driven by Ni (38.2%), the association with ALB was primarily driven by As (32.8%), and the association with DBIL was primarily driven by Pb (30.9%). The associations between urinary metals and liver function might differ by sex and age. ConclusionUrinary metals were significantly associated with liver function parameters. Further studies are required to clarify the relationship between heavy metals and liver function.

A Pilot Study Examining the Association of Parental Stress and Household Food Insecurity with Dietary Quality in Pre-School-Aged Children.

Adequate dietary quality is necessary for children's appropriate development and may be influenced by family factors. This study with 24 healthy 3-5-year-old children assessed the associations of parental stress and household food insecurity (HFI) with a child's dietary quality. Parents completed three 24 h dietary recalls, and the Healthy Eating Index was calculated to assess dietary quality. Parents also completed a questionnaire, including The Perceived Stress Scale (assessing overall parental stress) and the Hunger Vital Sign screen (assessing HFI). Children's height/weight were measured, and BMIz was calculated. Separate multivariable linear regression models assessed the association of dietary quality components with HFI and parental stress, adjusting for household income, child sex, and child BMI z-score. In bivariate analyses, children with HFI consumed more added sugars, and parental stress was associated with the child's greens/beans intake. In multivariable analysis, HFI was associated with lower total protein scores and higher added sugar intake, while parental stress was associated with lower greens/beans intake. Higher household income was associated with higher total vegetable and sodium intake, and children with a higher BMIz had a lower total protein intake. Parental stress and HFI can impact a child's dietary quality; providers should counsel families on strategies to improve diet quality.

Relation between αS1-casein, genotype, and quality traits of milk from Swedish dairy goats

Locally produced food is becoming popular among Swedish consumers. One product that has increased in popularity is artisan-manufactured goat cheese, and although the dairy goat industry in Sweden is small-scale, production is gradually increasing. In goats, the CSN1S1 gene regulates expression of the protein αS1-casein (αS1-CN), which has been found to be important for cheese yield. Over the years, breeding animals have been imported to Sweden from Norway. Historically, a high frequency of the Norwegian goat population carried a polymorphism at the CSN1S1 gene. This polymorphism, called the Norwegian null allele (D), leads to zero or significantly reduced expression of αS1-CN. Using milk samples from 75 goats, this study investigated associations between expression of αS1-CN and genotype at the CSN1S1 gene on milk quality traits from Swedish Landrace goats. Milk samples were grouped according to relative level of αS1-CN (low: 0-6.9% of total protein; medium-high: 7-25% of total protein) and genotype (DD, DG, DA/AG/AA). While the D allele leads to extremely low expression of αS1-CN, the G allele is low expressing and the A allele is highly expressing for this protein. Principal component analysis was used to explore the total variation in milk quality traits. To evaluate the effect of different allele groups on milk quality attributes, 1-way ANOVA and Tukey pairwise comparison tests were used. The majority (72%) of all goat milk samples investigated showed relative αS1-CN content of 0% to 6.82% of total protein. The frequency of individuals homozygous for the Norwegian null allele (DD) was 59% in the population of sampled goats, and only 15% carried at least one A allele. A low relative concentration of αS1-CN was associated with lower total protein, higher pH, and higher relative concentration of β-casein and levels of free fatty acids. Milk from goats homozygous for the null allele (DD) showed a similar pattern as milk with low relative concentration of αS1-CN, but total protein was only numerically lower, and somatic cell count and αS2-CN were higher than for the other genotypes. The associations between levels of αS1-CN and the investigated genotype at the CSN1S1 gene indicate a need for a national breeding program for Swedish dairy goats.

The Impact of Hydroxychloroquine on Primary Feto-Placental Endothelial Cells from Healthy and Early-Onset Preeclamptic Placentas.

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), an anti-malarial drug, is suggested as a promising candidate for the treatment of pregnancy-related disorders associated with endothelial activation, among which there is preeclampsia (PE). Arterial feto-placental endothelial cells (fpECAs) were isolated from control (CTR) and early-onset preeclamptic (EO-PE) placentas. The aim of this study was to test potential protective effects of HCQ in an in vitro model of endothelial activation as well as in cells isolated from EO-PE placentas. To mimic PE conditions, CTR fpECAs were exposed to a pro-inflammatory environment consisting of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β (furtherly referred as MIX) with or without varying concentrations of HCQ (1 µg/mL and 10 µg/mL). Their effect on wound healing and endothelial barrier integrity was analyzed. Variations in the expression of IL-8 and leukocyte adhesion molecules (LAM) on both mRNA and protein levels were determined between CTR and PE fpECAs in the presence or absence of HCQ. MIX decreased wound healing and stability of the endothelial barrier, but HCQ did not affect it. Significant differences between CTR and EO-PE fpECAs were observed in IL-8 mRNA, protein secretion, and vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1) mRNA expression levels. After challenging CTR fpECAs with MIX, upregulation of both mRNA and protein levels was observed in all molecules. Combined treatment of HCQ and MIX slightly lowered VCAM-1 total protein amount. In CTR fpECAs, treatment with low concentrations of HCQ alone (1 µg/mL) reduced basal levels of IL-8 and VCAM-1 mRNA and secretion of IL-8, while in EO-PE fpECAs, a higher (10µg/mL) HCQ concentration slightly reduced the gene expression of IL-8. Conclusion: These results provide additional support for the safety of HCQ, as it did not adversely affect endothelial functionality in control fpECAs at the tested concentration. Furthermore, the observed limited effects on IL-8 secretion in EO-PE fpECAs warrant further investigation, highlighting the need for clinical trials to assess the potential therapeutic effects of HCQ in preeclampsia. Conducting clinical trials would offer a more comprehensive understanding of HCQ's efficacy and safety, allowing us to explore its potential benefits and limitations in a real-world clinical setting.

Physicochemical properties and antioxidant potential of protein isolate from camellia cake (Camellia oleifera Abel.): Effect of different processing techniques on industrial scale

This study aimed to assess the effects of industrial-scale oil-pressing techniques (hydraulic pressing (HP), twin-screw pressing (TP)), and organic solvent extraction (OE) on the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of protein isolates derived from Camellia (Camellia oleifera Abel.) seed cakes. The predominant protein fractions in camellia seed cake were albumin (32–37 mg/g) and glutelin (19–27 mg/g), and the twin-screw pressed cake had a lower total protein content than the others. Spectral analysis showed that the α-helix content increased at the expense of random coil content in proteins from HP and TP cakes, indicating that extrusion altered the structure of the protein. The camellia seed protein particle size from HP and TP cakes was significantly reduced compared to that from the OE cake. The proteins obtained by HP and TP had stronger antioxidant activities than those obtained by OE. This research presents the potential for further applications of camellia seed cake protein to be utilized as antioxidants and emulsifiers in the food industries.

#4979 MORTALITY AND BIOIMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY–BASED DRY WEIGHT MEASUREMENT ERROR IN ELDERLY PATIENTS UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS

Abstract Background and Aims Dry weight (DW) estimation is important for patients undergoing hemodialysis. Although bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) is often employed to evaluate DW, BIS-based DW frequently differs from clinical DW. In this study, the characteristics of elderly patients were evaluated by separating them into groups based on the degree of disparity between the BIS-based DW and the clinically appropriate (DWGAP), and the mortality of each group was compared. Method This retrospective study included patients who underwent hemodialysis at Chungnam National University Hospital from January 1, 2016, to June 2020. All patients were aged ≥60 years. Patients with cancer, recipients of kidney transplant, and patients who dropped out of the study within 3 years were excluded. Body composition was assessed using a portable BIS device (Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany). The BIS dataset includes extracellular water (ECW), intracellular water (ICW), and total body water level (TBW) as well as the lean tissue index (LTI), fat mass index (FTI), ECW/ICW ratio (E/I), lean tissue mass, fat mass (FAT), adipose tissue mass (ATM), and body cell mass (BCM). The absolute value of the gap between the BIS-based DW and the actual clinically appropriate dry weight was determined (DWGAP). To assess differences in blood chemistry and survival rate, four groups were classified based on the absolute value of DWGAP; Group 1: DWGAP &amp;lt; 0.5 kg, Group 2: 0.5 kg ≤ DWGAP &amp;lt; 1 kg, Group 3: 1 kg ≤ DWGAP &amp;lt; 2 kg, and Group 4: 2 kg &amp;lt; DWGAP. The mortality data of patients up to 3 years after BIS measurement were collected. Results There were 1024 patients in all. The study excluded 29 individuals with cancer, 31 patients with KT, and 249 participants with a loss of follow-up before 36 months. A total of 715 patients were analyzed: Group 1 (n = 236), Group 2 (n = 171), Group 3 (n = 137), and Group 4 (n = 171). The mean age for each group was 71.97, 70.73, 71.58, and 70.4 years, respectively. Groups 1 and 2 had the same survival rates (78%); however, Group 3 had a lower rate (73%) and Group 4 showed a significant decline (59%). In the laboratory test, Group 4 had lower hemoglobin, total protein, albumin, creatinine, and chloride levels than Groups 1, 2, and 3. In the BIS data, ECW and E/I were higher in Group 4 than in Groups 1, 2, and 3. Conclusion In the elderly patient group, mortality increased in the group where the DWGAP was &amp;gt;2 kg. Lower blood albumin levels, total protein levels, and E/I ratios of ≥1 were detected in the group with a gap of ≥2 kg, and these parameters are likely to adversely affect the survival of elderly patients requiring dialysis.

Temporal variability in foliar protein content and trypsin inhibitory levels in two host trees of tropical Tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta, Drury

Aim: Variation in total soluble proteins and protease inhibitor levels were investigated to determine nutritional and plant defense status in different leaf types of Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight and Arn., and Schleichera oleosa (Lou.) Oken, two host tree species of the economically important, non-mulberry Tasar silkworm, A. mylitta. Methodology: Quantitative spectrophotometric assays based on diagnostic amidolytic substrates were conducted to assess serine protease inhibitor activities in young, semi-mature and mature leaf types. A microplate quantification assay for total protein estimations was used with leaf types sampled over a year. Efficacy of total trypsin inhibitor and chymotrypsin inhibitor activities detected in T. arjuna (a primary host plant) was further evaluated on gut extracts of fourth instar A. mylitta and Pieris brassicae L. (a Pierid pest of crucifers) to assess the physiological adaptation of larvae to dietary antifeedants. Molecular provenances with rbcL genes were obtained that are available as NCBI accessions #MN460810 for T. arjuna and #MT010554 for S. oleosa. Results: Intra-specific variations were evident in leaf phenology of two tree species. Generally, young leaf type of both tree species had high levels of total protein and trypsin inhibitory activities, while mature leaf type of T. arjuna had low total protein content and trypsin inhibitor levels. Mature leaf type of S. oleosa had low trypsin inhibitor levels during the months of July and August. Midgut proteases of A. mylitta and P. brassicae were significantly more susceptible (p≤0.05) to both trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors detected in young and semi-mature leaf types of T. arjuna than the mature leaf type. Interpretation: In this study, differential inhibition of digestive proteases in A. mylitta and P. brassicae by protease inhibitors from different leaf types of T. arjuna, suggested adaptation to dietary antifeedants. Such reports on nutritional quality, foliar antifeedants, phenology and host plant utilization are relevant for strategies to domesticate the tropical Tasar silkworm, A. mylitta. Key words: Antheraea mylitta, Protease Inhibitors, Terminalia arjuna, Total protein, Tree phenology

A comparative study on the tolerance of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to high carbohydrate and high lipid diets.

A 12-wk trial was conducted to compare the tolerance of tilapia to high carbohydrate and high lipid diets. Three isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets, whose carbohydrate and lipid levels were the following: 35.0% and 8% (control), 44.2% and 4% (D1, high carbohydrate), and 25.8% and 12% (D2, high lipid), respectively. Three hundred tilapias (27±0.11g) were fed the diets for 10wk (4 replicates per group); 72 fish from the D1 group were continually fed the D1 (D1D1) and 72 fish from the D2 were continually fed the D2 (D2D2) diet for 2wk (3 replicates each group) to evaluate the tilapia's capacity to tolerate high carbohydrate and high lipid diets, respectively. Another 36 fish from D1 group were continually fed D2 (D1D2) for comparison with D1D1 and D2D2 groups. In phase 1, hepatosomatic index, liver triglycerides (TG), glucose tolerance (GT) and crude protein in the whole body in D1 group were higher than those in D2 group (P<0.05). During phase 2, D1D1 group had lower feed intake and weight gain, as well as lower serum total protein and albumin than that of D2D2 group (P<0.05), while its liver glycogen was significantly higher than that in D1D2 and D2D2 groups (P<0.05). Moreover, serum glucose and GT were higher in D1D1 and D1D2 groups than those in D2D2 group (P<0.05). By contrast, D2D2 group had significantly higher intraperitoneal fat, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT) and liver TG than those in D1D1 group (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of brain npy, hepatic nrf2, gst1 and hepatic transcriptomic data showed that immune-related genes (gama, mrc2, mhc2 and cd163), were downregulated in D1D1 group compared to D2D2 and D1D2 groups. Taken together: 1) tilapia have higher tolerance to a high lipid diet than high carbohydrate diet; 2) despite retention of glucose tolerance, the continuous feeding of D1 diet impaired tilapia's appetite, weight gain rate and host immune response; 3) specific distribution of fat in intraperitoneal regions, SCAT and liver may be a risk-avoidance strategy in tilapia in response to a continuous D2 diet.

Changes in Fat-Free Mass, Protein Intake and Habitual Physical Activity Following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery: A Prospective Study

PurposeLarge inter-individual variations in post-bariatric fat-free mass loss (FFML) are observed, which might relate to differences in protein intake and physical activity across patients. We performed repetitive assessments of protein intake and physical activity before and after banded Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, and examined its relations to FFML during 6 months of follow-up.Materials and MethodsFFML (bio-impedance analyses), protein intake (24-h dietary recalls) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; activPAL) were assessed in 28 patients (4 males, age 42 ± 12 years) before surgery and at 1-, 3- and 6-months post-surgery. Changes in protein intake and MVPA were evaluated with mixed model analysis, whereas associations with FFML were assessed by univariate regression analysis.ResultsSix-month FFML was -7.3 ± 3.6 kg. Protein intake decreased from 80 ± 29 g/day (pre-surgery) to 45 ± 26 g/day (1 month post-surgery (P < 0.001)) and did not improve thereafter (51 ± 21 g/day; P > 0.05). Seven participants (25%) consumed ≥ 60 g protein/day at 6 months post-surgery. Participants performed 7394 ± 2420 steps/day in 54 ± 20 min/day of MVPA, which did not change from pre- to post-surgery (P > 0.05). A higher step count (B = -0.002; 95%CI = [-0.004 – 0.000]; P = 0.048) and higher level of MVPA (B = -0.29; 95%CI = [-0.54 – -0.03]; P = 0.018) were related to a lower FFML.ConclusionA lower post-surgery FFML was attributable to higher MVPA levels but not protein intake. This may be due to the low total protein intake and the observation that only a minority of patients achieved a protein intake ≥ 60 g/day. Future studies should focus on interventions to increase post-bariatric protein intake and MVPA levels.Graphical

Total Protein Value Of Stray Cats And Domestic Pet Cats In Surabaya City

The purpose of this research was to identify the protein value of stray cats and domestic pet cats in Surabaya. In this study blood samples were collected from 28 stray cats and 28 domestic pet cats. Total protein value was determined by Pacar Laboratory Surabaya. The result showed that 11 samples of stray cats (39%) had abnormal protein value, where 7 samples had low protein level (4,5-4,7g/dL) and 4 samples had high protein level (9,1-10,1 g/dL). Total protein value from domestic pet cats showed that 7 samples (25%) were abnormal in which 4 samples had low protein level (5,3-5,8 g/dL) and 3 samples had high protein level (8,9-9,4 g/dL). The data was analysed using independent sample t-test with SPSS, and showed that the data was not significantly different between stray cats and domestic pet cats. It can be concluded that both stray cats and domestic pet cats had risk of low and high total protein value as indicators of any disease.

Prolonged hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy duration with 90 minutes cisplatin might increase overall survival in gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastases.

Advanced gastric cancer with synchronous peritoneal metastases (GC-PM) is associated with a poor prognosis. Although cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) is a promising approach, only a limited number of Western studies exist. To investigate the clinicopathological outcomes of patients who underwent CRS-HIPEC for GC-PM. A retrospective analysis of patients with GC-PM was conducted. All patients were seen at the Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Hospital Barmherzige Brüder, Regensburg, Germany between January 2011 and July 2021 and underwent CRS-HIPEC. Preoperative laboratory results, the use of neoadjuvant trastuzumab, and the details of CRS-HIPEC, including peritoneal carcinomatosis index, completeness of cytoreduction, and surgical procedures were recorded. Disease-specific (DSS), and overall survival (OS) of patients were calculated. A total of 73 patients were included in the study. Patients treated with neoadjuvant trastuzumab (n = 5) showed longer DSS (P = 0.0482). Higher white blood cell counts (DSS: P = 0.0433) and carcinoembryonic antigen levels (OS and DSS: P < 0.01), and lower hemoglobin (OS and DSS: P < 0.05) and serum total protein (OS: P = 0.0368) levels were associated with shorter survival. Longer HIPEC duration was associated with more advantageous median survival times [60-min (n = 59): 12.86 mo; 90-min (n = 14): 27.30 mo], but without statistical difference. To obtain additional data from this observation, further separation of the study population was performed. First, propensity score-matched patient pairs (n = 14 in each group) were created. Statistically different DSS was found between patient pairs (hazard ratio = 0.2843; 95% confidence interval: 0.1119-0.7222; P = 0.0082). Second, those patients who were treated with trastuzumab and/or had human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positivity (median survival: 12.68 mo vs 24.02 mo), or had to undergo the procedure before 2016 (median survival: 12.68 mo vs 27.30 mo; P = 0.0493) were removed from the original study population. Based on our experience, CRS-HIPEC is a safe and secure method to improve the survival of advanced GC-PM patients. Prolonged HIPEC duration may serve as a good therapy for these patients.

Leucine-enriched amino acid supplementation and exercise to prevent sarcopenia in patients on hemodialysis: a single-arm pilot study.

Sarcopenia, which is strongly associated with mortality and quality of life, occurs in up to 40% of hemodialysis patients. Here, we investigated the preventive effects of leucine-enriched amino acid supplementation and resistance exercise in non-sarcopenic hemodialysis patients, and characterized the biochemical and immunophenotypic profiles of those who benefited from the intervention. Twenty-two patients on maintenance hemodialysis at our hospital were enrolled in this single center, prospective, single-arm pilot trial. For the first 12 weeks, the subjects were administered a total of 6 g of leucine per day. Three grams were supplied via capsules, and the remaining three grams were provided via beverages containing macro- and micro- nutrients, such as 10 μg of vitamin D and 290 mg of calcium. The supplements were not provided for the next 12 weeks. Muscle mass, grip strength, and physical performance were measured using the bioimpedance analyzer (BIA), handgrip strength (HGS), and short physical performance battery (SPPB) protocols, respectively, at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. In addition, serum biochemistry, immunophenotype of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and nutritional status was assessed at the three time points. Those who showed 5% or more improvement in parameters were defined as responders, otherwise, as non-responders (ClinicalTrials.gov identification number: NCT04927208). Twenty-one out of twenty-two patients (95.4%) showed improvement in at least one or more parameters among muscle mass, grip strength, and physical performance. After 12 weeks of intervention, skeletal muscle index was increased in 14 patients (63.6%), and grip strength was improved in 7 patients (31.8%). Baseline grip strength lower than 35.0 kg was the strongest predictor of improvement in grip strength (AUC 0.933 from ROC curve). Grip strength showed a significant increase in females than males (7.6 ± 8.2 vs. -1.6 ± 7.2%, p = 0.03), in age over 60 than under 60 (5.3 ± 6.2 vs. -1.4 ± 9.1%, p = 0.04), and in higher (≥95%) than lower (<95%) exercise compliance (6.8 ± 7.7 vs. -3.2 ± 6.4%, p = 0.004). In SPPB study, gait speed and sit-to-stand time was improved in 13 patients (59.1%) and 14 patients (63.6%), respectively. Baseline hemoglobin lower than 10.5 g/dl and hematocrit lower than 30.8% were predictor of improvement in the sit-to-stand time (AUC 0.862 and 0.848, respectively). Serum biochemistry results showed that, compared to non-responders, responders in muscle mass had lower baseline monocyte fraction (8.4 ± 1.9 vs. 6.9 ± 1.1%, p = 0.03), and responders in grip strength had lower baseline total protein (6.7 ± 0.4 vs. 6.4 ± 0.3 g/dL, p = 0.04). Immunophenotypic analysis found that the intervention tended to increase the naïve/memory CD8+ T cell ratio (from 1.2 ± 0.8 to 1.4 ± 1.1, p = 0.07). Leucine-enriched amino acid supplementation and resistance exercise induced significant improvement in muscle mass, strength, and physical function in subpopulation of the non-sarcopenic hemodialysis patients. Those who benefited from the intervention were old-age females with lower baseline grip strength or lower hemoglobin or hematocrit, and who have good exercise compliance. Therefore, we propose that the intervention will help to prevent sarcopenia in selected patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

Population PK/PD model of tacrolimus for exploring the relationship between accumulated exposure and quantitative scores in myasthenia gravis patients.

Tacrolimus is an important immunosuppressant used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG). However, the population pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics together with the exposure-response of tacrolimus in the treatment of MG remain largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to develop a population PK/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model of tacrolimus in patients with MG, in order to explore the relationships among tacrolimus dose, exposure, and its therapeutic efficacy. The genotype of CYP3A5, Osserman's classification, and status of thymus, as well as demographic characteristics and other biomarkers from laboratory testing were tested as covariate, and simulations were performed based on the final model. The population PK model was described using a one-compartment model with first-order elimination and fixed absorption parameters. CYP3A5 genotype significantly influenced the apparent clearance, and total protein (TP) influenced the apparent volume of distribution as covariates. The quantitative MG scores were characterized by the cumulated area under curve of tacrolimus in a maximum effect function. Osserman's classification was a significant covariate on the initial score of patients with MG. The simulations demonstrated that tacrolimus showed an unsatisfying effect possibly due to insufficient exposure in some patients with MG. A starting dose of 2 mg/d and even higher dose for patients with CYP3A5 *1/*1 and *1/*3 and lower TP level were required for the rapid action of tacrolimus. The population PK/PD model quantitatively described the relationships among tacrolimus dose, exposure, and therapeutic efficacy in patients with MG, which could provide reference for the optimization of tacrolimus dosing regimen at the individual patient level.

Effects of Isaria cicadae on growth, gut microbiota, and metabolome of Larimichthys crocea

The large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) is the most productive mariculture fish in China, and its aquaculture scale is expanding along the southeastern coast of China, but that development is causing environmental damage by increasing the use of antibiotics and other chemicals. How to improve fish immunity through non-antibiotic substances is still a problem facing aquaculture industry. At present, the experiments have shown that Isaria cicadae spent substrate (IC) can improve the growth performance and immunity of Oreochromis niloticus. Therefore, I. cicadae may be a natural alternative to antibiotic for aquaculture. In order to study the effects of IC on growth performance, serum biochemical indices, intestinal microbiota, and intestinal metabolism of large yellow croakers, the fish were divided into three groups with three replicates in each group. Basal diet, basal diet with 2% and 6% IC supplementation (IC2 and IC6 groups), respectively. The results showed that weight gain rate (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) of large yellow croaker significantly increased (P < 0.05) in IC6 group. The content of triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) increased significantly (P < 0.05), and total cholesterol (T-CHO) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in IC2 group. Compared to IC0 group, the activity of malondialdehyde (MDA) , superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) increased significantly (P < 0.05) in IC2 group, the activity of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and GSH-Px increased significantly (P < 0.05) in IC6 group, and the activity of lysozyme (LZM) increased significantly in IC2 and IC6 groups. The addition of IC in the diets significantly increased the diversity of the microbial community in the intestine of large yellow croaker (P < 0.05), significantly improved the relative abundance of Acidobacteriota (P < 0.05) at the phylum level, and reduced the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Desulfobacterota, and Synergistota (P < 0.05). At the genus level, the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Cetobacterium and Mycoplasma, which are dominant bacteria in fish gut, significantly increased (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Ruminofilibacter, Desulfomicrobium, DMER64, Syntrophomonas, Hydrogenophaga, and Aminobacterium reduced significantly (P < 0.05). Among them, Ruminofilibacter, DMER64, Syntrophomonas and Hydrogenophaga are bacteria that can participate in the hydrolysis and acidification of organic matter, while DMER64 is the hydrogen carrier. The intestinal metabolome analysis showed that IC could improve metabolic composition and function, which was related to host immunity and metabolism. In conclusion, I. cicadae can improve the growth performance, regulate the lipid metabolism and immune and antioxidant capacity of large yellow croakers by regulating intestinal microbiota and intestinal metabolism. This study provides a reference for the application of IC in aquaculture.

Performance of dairy cows offered high or low digestibility grass silages at a high or low total diet crude protein content

Performance of dairy cows offered high or low digestibility grass silages at a high or low total diet crude protein content

Larval cyathostominosis: Clinicopathological data and treatment outcomes of 38 hospitalised horses (2009–2020)

SummaryBackgroundThere is limited evidence regarding the treatment and outcomes of larval cyathostominosis.ObjectivesTo describe the presentation, treatment and outcomes of horses with larval cyathostominosis in two equine hospitals.Study designRetrospective, multicentred cohort study.MethodsClinical records were reviewed (2009–2020). Inclusion criteria included a diagnosis of larval cyathostominosis (determined by faecal assessment and/or post‐mortem examination). Data were assessed for normality. Descriptive analysis was performed for frequency results and central tendencies. Statistical analysis between survivors and nonsurvivors was determined by Chi‐square/Fisher's exact test for categorical variables, and Student's t‐test/Mann–Whitney for continuous variables.ResultsOf 38 cases, 21 (55%) were nonsurvivors (3/38 dead on arrival). Nonsurvivors died by 2.9 days ± 2.4. Tachycardia (mean 61 beats/min ± 14), leucocytosis (mean 17.1 × 109/L ± 9.1), neutrophilia (mean 14.1 × 109/L ± 8.5), hypoalbuminaemia (mean 21.6 g/L ± 6.0), hyperfibrinogenaemia (mean 7.4 g/L ± 2.6) and elevated serum amyloid A (SAA) (median 315.0 mg/L, interquartile range [IQR] 117.0–1460.0) were consistent findings. Faecal shedding of Salmonella spp. occurred in four cases. The mean last recorded albumin was 18.6 g/L ± 4.5 and total protein (TP) 52.3 g/L ± 13.6. Crystalloids were administered in 25/35, synthetic colloids in 5/35 and plasma in 17/35 cases. Anthelmintic treatment was administered in 25/35 cases, of which 22 also received corticosteroids. Recumbency prior to admission (p = 0.037) and administration of isotonic fluid therapy (p = 0.027) were associated with nonsurvival. From peripheral blood analysis, lower TP (p = 0.006) and higher SAA (p = 0.050) concentrations at admission as well as lower last recorded TP (p = 0.002) and lower last recorded albumin concentrations (p = 0.028) were associated with nonsurvival.Main limitationsResults may not be applicable to other populations.ConclusionsReferred cases of larval cyathostominosis have a low survival rate. Several variables are associated with reduced survival: history of recumbency, isotonic fluid therapy, elevated SAA at admission, low TP at admission, low last recorded TP and low last recorded albumin.

Congestive heart failure secondary to both congenital and acquired defects in a Guernsey heifer

AbstractA 13‐month‐old Guernsey heifer was admitted on emergency for vague signs of lethargy, bloat, hyporexia and a sudden onset of diarrhoea. On presentation, the heifer was tachycardic, febrile and diffusely oedematous. Bloodwork demonstrated no electrolyte abnormalities, increased liver enzymes, low total protein, increased lactate and a mild leukocytosis characterised by neutrophilia. Ultrasonographic exam revealed the presence of tricavitary effusion, a diffuse, hepatomegaly and an abnormal heart valve. Humane euthanasia was elected and a full autopsy was performed. On postmortem examination, the heart was twice the normal size and had two congenital defects, a ventricular septal defect and pulmonic valve leaflet atresia. Two valvular myxomas were present in the area of the pulmonic valve and likely contributed to further cardiac damage. Final postmortem diagnosis was congestive heart failure secondary to congenital heart defects and valvular myxomas. A postmortem serum cardiac troponin I was likely indicative of myocardial injury.

Blood biochemical levels of reproductive disorders cases in Limousine Crossbred cows

This study determined the differences in the biochemical blood levels of Limousine crossbred cows with reproductive disorders and cows that successfully become pregnant. Limousine crossbred cows (45) were artificiallyinseminated, and observed for reproductive disorders after 42 days. The observation was conducted by using rectalpalpation and Ultrasonography. The cows were grouped into pregnant cows and cow with reproductive disorder (infertile). The cholesterol level, calcium, total protein, and blood glucose were analyzed and statistically testedby t-test using Microsoft Excel 2019 program. The observation of cows was divided into two groups, eight of 45 were normal or pregnant and 37 of them had reproductive disorder: 8 of repeat breeding, 10 of ovarian dysfunction, 11 of cystic ovary, and 8 of silent heat. The total cholesterol of Limousine crossbred cow varied, pregnant cows demonstrated higher cholesterol than those with the reproductive disorder. The blood protein, calcium, and glucoseconcentration also showed significantly low concentrations in Limousine cow with reproductive disorders. In conclusion, cows with reproductive disorders were marked by low cholesterol, calcium, total protein, and glucoselevels.

Pretreatment Depressive Status Associated with Poor Nutrition and Prognosis in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

The prevalence of pretreatment depression in breast cancer patients and its impact on nutrition and prognosis during neoadjuvant chemotherapy remain unknown. One hundred twenty-one patients with previously untreated breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) were enrolled. Patients completed the Self-rating Depressive symptoms Scale (SDS) before treatment and were divided into two groups (non-depressive group and depressive group). The nutrition risk screening-2002 (NRS-2002), and nutritional and prognostic indicators, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI), were collected at baseline (pretreatment) and post-treatment. One- and two-year progression-free survival (PFS) in both groups were also calculated. We found that 38.84% patients experienced pretreatment depressive symptoms. Patients in the depressive group had higher nutritional risk and lower body mass index, potassium, sodium, total cholesterol, total protein, and fasting blood glucose levels than those in pretreatment non-depressive group after NAC (all p < 0.05). And higher NLR (p = 0.039) and lower PNI level (p = 0.0021) after NAC were found in patients with pretreatment depressive status. Multivariable Cox analysis showed pretreatment depressive status (HR: 1.893; 95% CI: 1.047-3.426; p = 0.034) were a significant predictor of PFS. This study provides evidence for early identification of pretreatment depression in patients receiving NAC, which would certainly favor nutrition and survival outcome.