Mean Body Weight Research Articles

Ultrasound evaluation of kidney and liver involvement in Bardet–Biedl syndrome

Abstract Background Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare autosomal-recessive ciliopathy with pathogenic variants in 26 BBS genes. It affects multiple organs, including the kidney and liver, with varying degrees regarding extent and time of first manifestation. Structural renal anomalies are an early feature and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) cumulates to 25% in adulthood. Early-onset hyperphagia-associated obesity is another major symptom and contributes to liver pathology, presenting as steatosis/fibrosis. Aim of this study is the evaluation of high-end ultrasound (US) technologies in BBS patients regarding their potential to discriminate liver and kidney tissue pathology at an early stage. Materials and methods Patients with genetically proven BBS were recruited from the University Children’s Hospital of Essen and from BBS patient days hosted in Germany. Acute illness was an exclusion criterion. Clinical and laboratory data were extracted from patients’ digital records or medical letters. High-resolution ultrasound (US) imaging was utilized, including attenuation imaging (ATI), shear wave elastography (SWE) and dispersion (SWD) of liver tissue. Results 49 BBS patients (24/49 male; 1.1–51.0 years, mean 17.8 years) were included in the study. Mean body weight (SDS 2.13 ± 1.33) and BMI (SDS 2.64 ± 1.18) were increased. Structural kidney abnormalities (dysplasia, cysts) were present in 75% (36/48), and persistent fetal lobulation in 44% (21/48). Renal function was impaired in 27% (13/49) of whom 3 had ESKD (kidney transplantation (n = 2), hemodialysis (n = 1)). Elevation of liver enzymes was detected in 38% (16/42). In 51% (25/49) ATI of liver tissue was increased, indicating hepatic steatosis, and correlated with BMI SDS, liver size, and enzymes. SWE was elevated in 61% (30/49), suggesting hepatic fibrosis, and it correlated with BMI and GGT. Patients with pathogenic variants in BBS10 showed a tendency towards higher ATI, reduced GFR, and higher BMI SDS. Conclusions We detected kidney and liver abnormalities in a higher percentage of BBS patients than previously reported, indicating a high sensitivity and diagnostic yield of the evaluated high-end US applications. ATI detected liver pathology early (partially prior to liver enzymes) and revealed differences related to the affected genes. Evidence of tissue pathology at an early stage may improve diagnostics and the evaluation of therapeutic approaches.

Euglena Attenuates High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity and Especially Glucose Intolerance

Background: Obesity, a global disease, can lead to different chronic diseases and a series of social health problems. Lifestyle changes, especially dietary changes, are the most effective way to treat obesity. Euglena, a novel food, has attracted much attention. Previous studies have shown that Euglena is an important modulator of the host immune response. In this study, the effects of Euglena as a nutritional intervention in high-fat-diet-induced obese C57BL/6J mice were investigated regarding adipose tissue accumulation and lipid and glucose metabolism by gavage at the dose of 100 mg/kg bodyweight for 9 weeks. This study is one of the few to investigate, in detail, the preventive effects of dietary Euglena on obesity. Methods: Five-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity. An obesity model was created by feeding the high-fat diet for a period of 10 weeks. Obese mice were randomized into 2 groups with the same mean body weight, and no significant differences were observed between the groups: (1) the mice in the HEG group were maintained on a high-fat diet and daily gavaged with Euglena (100 mg/kg body weight) dissolved in saline (n = 7); and (2) the mice in the HFD group were maintained on a high-fat diet and daily gavaged with saline with the same volume (n = 7). The experiment finished after a nine-week period. Results: The results showed that Euglena could reduce the accumulation of white body fat, including subcutaneous fat and visceral fat, and mainly targeted subcutaneous fat. Euglena also reduced adipocyte particle size expansion, promoted lipolysis in adipose (adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive triglyceride lipase) and liver tissue (reduced non-esterified fatty acid content), and improved obesity-induced ectopic fat deposition and glucose tolerance. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that Euglena, as a nutritional intervention in HFDs, efficiently reduces body weight and white adipose tissue deposition. The mechanism of Euglena is mainly though enhancing lipolysis. It is worth noting that Euglena β-glucan recovers the hyperglycemia and accumulation of ectopic fat within the liver induced by HFD. Our study is one of the few studies to report in detail the preventive effects of dietary Euglena on obesity in vivo. This study revealed that Euglena also has an important ameliorative effect on obesity and metabolic disorders, which laid a theoretical foundation for its future application in functional foods.

066. Sleeve Gastrectomy Decrease of TNF-a and Increase TGF-a Gene Expression in the Abdominal Aorta of Rats with Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is one option to significantly reduce body weight while also protecting the cardiovascular system by controlling hyperglycaemia and inflammatory markers. Secretion of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-? could induce inflammation, meanwhile, the transforming growth factor-? (TGF-?) are anti-inflammatory cytokines, both of which play a role in the process of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to analyse the effect of SG procedure on TNF-? and TGF-? gene expression in the abdominal aorta of obese and DM rats. Method: Fifteen rats were divided into 3 groups: lean-non-DM rats model (C1 group), obese-DM rats model (C2 group), and obese-DM rats model underwent SG (T group). Before and 10 days after the SG procedure, rats’ body weight and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were measured. Ten days after the procedure, TNF-? and TGF-? gene expression were also evaluated by PCR. Results: At the end of the study, mean body weight, FBG levels, and TNF-? gene expression in the C1 group (231.80±4.32 gram; 68.60±2.07 mg/dL; 1.01±0.01 rfu) and T group (232.00±5.33 gram; 114.40±3.20 mg/dL; 1.97±0.57 rfu) were significantly lower than in C2 group (264.60± 3.28 gram; 271.00±6.89 mg/dL; 224.12±47.59 rfu). TGF-? gene expression was found to be considerably higher in T group (25.62 ± 3.03 rfu) compared to C1 group (1.05 ± 0.01 rfu) and C2 group (1.63 ± 0.21 rfu). Conclusion: SG could decrease body weight and FBG, as well as TNF-? gene expression, and increase TGF-? gene expression in the abdominal aorta of rats with obesity and DM.

Use of real-time ultrasound measurements of fat thickness and longissimus thoracis muscle characteristics for predicting body fat depots in crossbred hair ewes

This study aimed to predict body fat depots using ultrasound measurements (USM) of fat thickness and longissimus thoracis muscle characteristics in crossbred hair ewes. A total of 24 animals with a mean body weight (BW) of 37 ± 4kg and a body condition score of 2.39 ± 0.49 were used. USM was recorded 24h before slaughter and included: subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), area (LTMA), amplitude (LTA), and depth (LTD) of the l. thoracis muscle and kidney fat thickness (µKFT). After slaughter, the internal fat (IF) was separated, classified, and weighed as mesenteric (MF), omental (OF), or pelvic fat (PF). The left half was then separated into subcutaneous and intermuscular fat (CF), and the muscle and bone tissues were weighed separately and adjusted to take account of the whole animal. Total body fat (TBF) was determined to be the IF plus the CF weights. LTA and LTMA correlated poorly to moderately with fat depots (0.37 ≤ r ≤ 0.74, P < 0.05). Other than CF, µKFT showed poor to moderate correlation with the other depots of body fat (0.44 ≤ r ≤ 0.75, P < 0.05). The regression model used to predict MF had r2 of 0.87 (RSD=0.14kg) and included BW and LTMA (P<0,05). OF and PF were predicted with r2 of 0.55 and 0.44, respectively, including µKFT (RSD = 0.20 and 0.17kg). IF was predicted by empty BW, LTMA, and µKFT with r2 as 0.81 (RSD=0.30kg). For TBF, EBW and LTMA explained 72% of its variation (RSD= 0.59kg). USM of fat thickness and l. thoracis muscle characteristics can improve the accuracy of predicting body energy reserves in crossbred hair ewes.

Nutritional Risk, Nutritional Status and Some Biochemical Parameters In Adult Burn Patients in Burn Intensive Care Unit: A Prospective Study

Nutritional therapy is very important in burn patients and plays a role in the prevention and treatment of malnutrition. Therefore, it is necessary to assess nutritional status, prevent or minimize nutritional problems, and monitor nutritional therapy. This study was conducted to determine the nutritional risk, nutritional status and biochemical parameters of adult burn patients in the burn intensive care unit. The 59 patients (women: 16, men: 43) between the ages of 19-64 were included in the study. Parameters such as NRS-2002 (admission and discharge), dietary intake, nutritional support status, serum albumin, and total protein (admission and discharge) were evaluated to determine the nutritional risk and nutritional status of the patients. In addition, body weight, mid-upper arm circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness were measured and body mass index was calculated (admission and discharge). The duration of hospitalization and burn percentage of men patients were higher than women (P &lt; 0.05). A significant decreases were determined in the mean body weight, body mass index, and triceps skinfold thickness of men patients at discharge compared to admission (P &lt; 0.05). In men patients, a statistically significant difference was found in serum albumin, hemoglobin, and hematocrit values between admission and discharge (P &lt; 0.05). A statistically significant difference was found in NRS-2002 scores at admission and discharge in both genders, and the scores increased (P &lt; 0.05). While a significant relationship was found between immunonutrition support and gender (P &lt; 0.05), no relationship was found between genders in terms of the diet given and the consumption status of the diet intake (P &gt; 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between genders in terms of feeding duration with nutritional support products, energy intake with nutritional support products and diet, macronutrients, and total energy expenditure values (P &gt; 0.05). Since burn injuries can cause serious metabolic disorders, impaired nutritional status was encountered during hospitalization. While the treatment process was positively affected by the increase in the NRS-2002 score during hospitalization, a decrease in parameters such as albumin, total protein, and anthropometric measurement values brought about by the catabolic process was encountered. Therefore, to prevent or treat malnutrition, the nutritional status of patients should be evaluated at the time of hospitalization and they should be able to receive the necessary nutritional support.

Effects of small-sided games on some recovery markers in football

Background and Study Aim. Small-sided games (SSGs) are widely used in football training to replicate match conditions while controlling the physical load on players. Variations in the number of players during these games can significantly influence key recovery markers. This study aims to investigate the effects of variations in player numbers on maximal heart rate, blood lactate levels, and perceived exertion in small-sided games acutely applied in football. Material and Methods. The study involved 28 male football players who were also university students (mean age 24.89±4.59 years, mean height 179±0.04 cm, mean body weight 73.21±4.34 kg). The participants were divided into three groups based on the number of players (2 vs. 2, 4 vs. 4, and 8 vs. 8). Heart rate and lactate levels were measured at three time points: before training, immediately after training, and 30 minutes post-training. Results. The study revealed that post-training maximal heart rates (MHR) and lactate levels were significantly higher across all groups compared to pre-training levels, while measurements taken 30 minutes post-training were significantly lower than post-training levels (P&lt;0.05). No significant differences were found between pre-training and 30-minute post-training MHR values across the three groups (P&gt;0.05). Post-training MHR values were similar between the 2 vs. 2 and 4 vs. 4 groups (P&gt;0.05), whereas the 8 vs. 8 group showed significantly higher values (P&lt;0.05). Post-training and 30-minute post-training lactate levels were similar between the 4 vs. 4 and 8 vs. 8 groups (P&gt;0.05), but the 2 vs. 2 group had significantly lower levels (P&lt;0.05). Perceived exertion levels post-training were similar between the 2 vs. 2 and 4 vs. 4 groups (P&gt;0.05), while the 8 vs. 8 group reported significantly higher perceived exertion levels (P&lt;0.05). Conclusions. Small-sided games with varying numbers of players are an effective method for modulating physical load during football training. These findings underscore the importance of considering game format in designing training sessions to optimize player performance and recovery.

Glycemic index and glycemic load of brief sugary sweets: randomized controlled trials of eight Thai desserts

BackgroundThai desserts, celebrated for their exquisite sweetness, are widely enjoyed for personal indulgence and as cherished souvenirs. However, their high sugar content raises concerns regarding health impacts. This study aimed to quantify the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) in healthy volunteers following consumption of various Thai desserts, out of 10 renowned desserts from across Thailand, identified by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, characterized by differing sugar levels.MethodEight were selected based on the absence of preservatives and microbial or chemical contaminations. Each participant consumed a 50-g serving of available carbohydrate (50avCHO) from these desserts. Ninety-six healthy volunteers, with a mean age of 31.8 ± 5.7 years, a mean body weight of 57.2 ± 7.3 kg, and 63.5% women, were randomized into eight groups, with each group comprising 12 participants. Blood samples were collected pre-and post-consumption to assess GI and GL values following established protocols.ResultsThe findings revealed that Phetchaburi’s Custard Cake exhibited the lowest GI and GL values (53.4 and 26.7, respectively), with progressively higher values observed in Saraburi’s Curry Puff (61.8 and 30.9), Nakhon Sawan’s Mochi (68.9 and 34.4), Suphan Buri’s Sponge Cake (75.9 and 38.0), Ayutthaya’s Cotton Candy (81.4 and 40.7), Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Pineapple Cheese Cake Biscuit (87.4 and 43.7), Chon Buri’s Bamboo Sticky Rice (109.3 and 54.7), and Lampang’s Crispy Rice Cracker (149.3 and 74.7), respectively.ConclusionThe study demonstrates that while Thai desserts exhibit a range of GI values, their GL values are uniformly high. It underscores the importance of disseminating GI and GL information to consumers, enabling them to make informed dietary choices and moderate their intake of these sugary delicacies.

Growth, Nutrient Deposition, Plasma Metabolites, and Innate Immunity Are Associated with Feeding Rate in Juvenile Starry Flounder (Platichthys stellatus)

A 10-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of different feeding rates on growth performance, nutrient deposition, plasma metabolite, and immunity of juvenile starry flounder. Fish (initial mean body weight, 183.6 ± 2.3 g) were subjected to eight feeding rates (0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 2.8, and 3.2% body weight/day [BW/d]) with a commercial diet containing 53.5% crude protein and 10.2% crude lipid. After the feeding trial, fish growth increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) from 0.4% to 2.0% BW/d, with no significant differences being observed beyond 2.0% BW/d. Protein and lipid gains in the whole body and liver of the fish fed 2.0–3.2% BW/d were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher than those of the fish fed 0.4% and 0.8% BW/d. Conversely, protein retention in the whole body and the liver decreased with an increased feeding rate. Lysozyme activity was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher in the fish fed 1.6–2.8% BW/d than in those fed 0.4–1.2% BW/d. The best-fit model analyses for optimum feeding rate (OFR) revealed that the estimate for each parameter varied between 0.7% (feed conversion ratio) and 3.1% (lipid gain in carcass) BW/d. The OFR for productivity (weight gain) and enhanced innate immunity (lysozyme) were estimated at 2.4% and 1.7% BW/d, respectively.

The initial high-dose versus maintenance-dose anticoagulation therapy with direct oral anticoagulants for cancer-associated venous thromboembolism: from the COMMAND VTE Registry-2

Abstract Background/Introduction Initial high-dose anticoagulation therapy with rivaroxaban and apixaban has been a standard treatment for venous thromboembolism (VTE), although there could be concerns of an increased risk of bleeding events especially among high bleeding-risk patients including those with active cancer. Purpose The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcome of initial high-dose anticoagulation therapy comparing to maintenance-dose anticoagulation therapy in patients with cancer-associated VTE using propensity score-matching analysis. Methods The COMMAND VTE Registry-2 is a multicenter registry enrolling 5197 consecutive acute symptomatic VTE patients among 31 centers in Japan between January 2015 and August 2020. Among 1507 patients with cancer-associated VTE, we evaluated 180-day clinical outcomes before discontinuation of anticoagulation therapy using a 1:1 propensity score-matching model with 21 risk-adjusting variables Results After the propensity score-matching, we enrolled 324 patients with initial high-dose anticoagulation therapy and 324 patients with initial maintenance dose anticoagulation therapy. Of patients with initial high-dose anticoagulation therapy, rivaroxaban and apixaban were administered in 198 and 126 patients, respectively. Of those with initial maintenance-dose anticoagulation therapy, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban were administered in 34, 46 and 244 patients, respectively. The median durations of initial high-dose anticoagulation therapy were 18 [IQR: 15-21] days for rivaroxaban and 7 [IQR: 7-7] days for apixaban. In the current study population, the mean age was 67±12 years, 346 were women, and the mean body weight was 58±12 kg. There was no significant difference in the distribution of gastrointestinal cancer such as stomach and colorectal cancer between the 2 groups (4.6% vs. 4.9%, P=1.0, 8.3% vs. 11.4%, P=0.22). The cumulative 180-day incidence of discontinuation of anticoagulation was not significantly different between the 2 groups (27.8% vs. 30.5%, P=0.50). There were no significant differences in the cumulative 180-day incidences of recurrent VTE (3.1% vs. 1.0%, P=0.08), nor major bleeding (8.1% vs. 7.0%, P=0.66), nor all-cause death (25.1% vs. 21.6%, P=0.33) between the 2 groups. There were also no significant differences in the cumulative 180-day incidences of all clinically relevant bleeding (14.9% vs. 13.3%, P=0.72), gastrointestinal bleeding (8.4% vs. 5.4%, P=0.15), nor major gastrointestinal bleeding (5.4% vs. 2.7%, P=0.10). Conclusions There was no signal of an increased risk of recurrent VTE in the initial maintenance-dose anticoagulation therapy. Considering a numerically slightly higher incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding in the initial high-dose anticoagulation therapy for cancer-associated VTE, the initial maintenance-dose anticoagulation therapy could be a potential treatment option for selected patients including patients at a high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.Study flow chartResults

Coronary CT angiography using photon counting CT for the detection of coronary artery stenoses and coronary atherosclerotic plaque: comparison of reconstructions with 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm slice thickness

Abstract Photon Counting CT allows the acquisition of high-resolution data sets with 0.2 mm reconstructed slice thickness. It is unknown whether the detection of coronary artery stenoses, of coronary plaque or of vulnerable plaque characteristics is improved in data sets that employ maximum resolution. We therefore compared the identification of above characteristics in data sets reconstructed with 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm slice thickness In 30 patients with suspected coronary artery disease, sinus rhythm, a heart rate ≤65 beats/min, and body weight ≤ 100 kg, high-resolution data sets were acquired by photon counting CT (60 ml contrast i.v. at 6 ml/s) after s.c. application of nitrates in inspiratory breathhold. Data were reconstructed with 0.2 mm slice thickness at 0.1 mm increment and 0.4 mm slice thickness at 0.2 mm increment. Next to quantitative analysis of image quality parameters, all data sets were evaluated by two independent expert reviewers concerning subjective image quality as well as the ability to determine the presence of coronary artery stenoses, calcified and non- calcified plaque, as well as parameters of plaque vulnerability (positive remodeling, necrotic core, density &amp;lt; 30 HU and napkin-ring sign) using a 5-point Likert scale (-2 to +2) and a dedicated 11-segment coronary model. Of the 30 patients, 47% were male (mean age 58±12 years, mean heart rate 53±6 bpm, mean body weight 80±15 kg). The median dose length product was 508 mGy*cm. Mean image noise was 42±7 HU vs. 34±7 HU for 0.2 mm vs. 0.4 mm reconstructions (p &amp;lt; 0.001). The median image quality score was significantly higher for 0.2 mm reconstructions (3.8±0.8 vs 3.6±0.7). Of 335 coronary segments, none were classified as "unevaluable" while 87% vs. 76% were classified as "perfect" in 0.2 mm vs. 0.4 mm reconstructions (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Full confidence to rule-in or rule out significant coronary stenoses was achieved in 93% of segments in both reconstructions. The number of non-calcified plaques identified in 0.2 mm reconstructions was numerically higher than in 0.4 mm reconstructions (77 vs. 71, p = n.s.). On the Likert scale, the confidence to identify parameters of plaque vulnerability was significantly higher for 0.2 mm reconstructions (1.93 vs. 1.85, p &amp;lt; 0.001). In a selected patient group, photon counting CT coronary angiography demonstrated excellent image quality and an extremely low rate of unevaluable coronary segments. High-resolution reconstructions improve subjective image quality as was as the assessment of vulnerable plaque characteristics.

Effects of Salinity and Ca2+: Mg2+ Ratio on Nutrient Profile, Physiological Responses and Clinical Signs of Penaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) Reared in Inland Saline Ground Water

Background: A 60-day experiment was conducted to evaluate the combined effect of salinity and Ca2+: Mg2+ ratio on the nutrient profile, physiological responses, and clinical signs of Penaeus vannamei reared in inland saline ground water. Methods: The study used three different salinities viz. T1 (5 ppt), T2 (10 ppt) and T3 (15 ppt) with four different levels of Ca2+: Mg2+ ratios such as 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4. A total of 720 healthy post larvae of P. vannamei (mean body weight of 3.70±0.02 g) were stocked (20 shrimp/tank) in 36 circular plastic tanks (100 L capacity each). Each treatment was triplicated following the 3 × 4 factorial design. Result: A significant increase of protein and ash contents and decrease of moisture content were noticed with increasing salinity. The study found no significant difference in the carbohydrate and crude lipid content of P. vannamei. A linear relationship between salinity and serum osmolality was observed which indicated significant increase of osmoregulatory capacity with increasing salinity. The treatment groups fortified with deficient level of Ca2+: Mg2+ ratio showed prominent changes such as abdominal white muscle on dorsal side and muscle cramps. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the better physiological adoption of P. vannamei was observed in 10 and 15 ppt salinities of ISGW fortified with Ca2+: Mg2+ ratio 1:3.

Identification of Specific microRNAs in Adipose Tissue Affected by Lipedema

Lipedema is a chronic disorder affecting women with a 10% incidence worldwide. It is often confused with obesity. This study was undertaken to study microRNAs in lipedema tissue assessed by direct hybridization using the robust n-counter flex DX CE-IVD platform. The mean age of the subjects participating in the study was 40.29 (±12.17). The mean body weight and BMI were 67.37 (±10.02) and 25.75 (±4.10), respectively. The lipedema stages included were I and II. The differential expressed human (hsa)-miRNAs were determined according to a log2 fold-change (LFC) of 0.5 and p value &lt; 0.05. To these, increased expression of hsa-let-7g-5p was evident, as well as reduced levels of hsa-miR-371a-5p, -4454+7975, -365a+b-3p, -205-5p, -196a-5p, -4488, -2116-5p, -141-3p, -208a-3p, -302b-3p, 374a-5p, and -1297. Then, several bioinformatics tools were used to analyze microarray data focusing on validated target genes in silico. KEGG and Gene Ontology (GO) pathway enrichment analysis was conducted. Furthermore, the protein–protein interaction and co-expression network were analyzed using STRING and Cytoscape, respectively. The most upregulated miRNA mainly affected genes related to cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, and inflammatory bowel disease. The downregulated microRNAs were related to endocrine resistance, insulin resistance, hypersensitivity to AGE-RAGEs, and focal adhesion. Finally, we validated by RT-PCR the upregulated hsa-let-7g-5p and two down-regulated ones, hsa-miR-205-5p and hsa-miR-302b-3p, confirming microarray results. In addition, three mRNA target miRNAs were monitored, SMAD2, the target of the hsa-let-7g-5p, and ESR1 and VEGFA, the target of hsa-miR-205-5p and hsa-miR-302b-3p, respectively. Our results open a new direction for comprehending biochemical mechanisms related with the pathogenesis of lipedema, shedding light on this intricate pathophysiological condition that could bring to light possible biomarkers in the future.

Effects of supplementing rumen-protected rubber seed oil to dairy cattle on feed digestibility and milk production.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of rumen-protected rubber seed oil supplementation on feed digestibility, milk yield, and milk composition in tropical dairy cows. Twelve crossbred Holstien-Friesian dairy cows (75% Holstein-Friesian, 25% Thai native breed) with a mean body weight (BW) of 460 ± 30 kg and 20 ± 5 days in milk were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments according to a completely randomized design. The treatments were as follows: a basal diet without rumen-protected fat (RPF) (control) or supplementation of rumen-protected palm oil (RPPO) at 300 g/h/d and rumen-protected rubber seed oil (RPRSO) at 300 g/h/d. Each cow was fed a total mixed ration ad libitum. The nutrient intake was similar among treatments (p>0.05). Adding RPF did not affect nutrient digestibility, while organic matter digestibility increased in dairy cows receiving RPRSO (p<0.01). Blood urea nitrogen, total protein, or glucose did not alter among treatments (p>0.05), while triglycerides and cholesterol were increased when cows were fed RPPO (p<0.01). Adding RPF increases milk yield in cows (p<0.01). The supplementation of RPRSO increased milk fat (p=0.04). Milk fat yield was higher in RPPO and highest in RPRSO (p<0.01). The addition of RPF increased the oleic acid (OA, C18:1 cis-9) in milk (p=0.01). In addition, cows fed RPRSO increased linoleic acid (LA; C18:26 cis-9,12 + trans-9,12) and -linolenic acid (ALA; C18-33 cis-9,12,15) in milk (p<0.01). The addition of RPF increased milk unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (P≤0.04). The PUFA in milk increased with RPRSO supplementation (p<0.01). Supplementation of RPRSO during early lactation can increase feed digestibility and the concentration of milk fat with PUFA (LA and ALA) in tropical dairy cows.

Polygenic anti-cancer activity of Indigofera macrophylla in prostate cancer induced animal model

BackgroundProstate cancer (Pca) is a deadly disease prevalent among men, and it accounts for about 7–8 % of mortality globally. Synthetic drugs have proved effective but have limitations and severe side effects. There is, therefore, a need to discover a less expensive, natural therapeutic agent with no side effects in treating the ailment. AimThe study aims to investigate the anti-prostate cancer activity of extracts of Indigofera macrophylla (I. macrophylla) at the physiological and molecular levels in experimental animals. MethodPolyphenol-rich extract of I. macrophylla was subjected to HPLC analysis to identify the plant's phytochemical constituent. Adult Wistar rats were orally administered 2mls of 50, 100 and 200 PPM of the cacodylic acid solution for 28 days to induce prostate cancer, while treatment was carried out by orally administering extract of I. macrophylla at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg for up to 28 days. The anti-inflammatory and apoptotic properties of the extract in experimental animals were investigated by the expression levels of various genetic biomarkers such as Bax-2, TNF-α, IL-6, COX2, IL-1β, β-Catenin, APC, Bcl2, CEA, Caspase 3 and β-Catenin using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). ResultHPLC analysis shows that I. macrophylla has 21 bioactive components which are categorized into seven groups: flavonoid, terpenes, phenols, isoflavonoid, phytosterols, quinone and glycosides. Administration of the drug shows inconsistencies in the mean body weights of the experimental animals. Further investigation revealed that I. macrophylla increased TNF-α upregulation and expression, significantly downregulated IL-1β, significantly decreased IL-6 expression, ameliorated COX2 expression, downregulated β-catenin expression and significantly reduced the expression of the APC gene. These results show that the drug activity modulates the investigated inflammatory and apoptotic genes in the prostate gland of PCa-induced rats, thus demonstrating its anti-PCa potential. ConclusionThe results of this study suggest the potential of a novel treatment protocol of I. macrophylla plant extract to improve therapeutic outcomes for patients with aggressive PCa, which reportedly claims hundreds of thousands of lives yearly.

Somatic growth outcomes in response to an individualized neonatal sodium supplementation protocol.

Evaluate the impact of a sodium (Na) supplementation protocol based upon urine Na concentration on growth parameters and morbidities. Retrospective cohort study of infants 260/7-336/7 weeks gestational age (GA) cared for before (2012-15, n = 310) and after (2016-20, n = 382) implementation of the protocol. Within- and between-group changes over time were assessed using repeated measures generalized linear models. For infants 260/7-296/7 weeks GA, utilization of the protocol was associated with increased mean body weight z-score at 8-weeks postnatal age, increased mean head circumference z-score at 16-weeks postnatal age, and decreased time on mechanical ventilation (all p < 0.02). No impact on growth was identified for infants 30-336/7 weeks GA. Incidences of hypertension, hypernatremia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and culture positive sepsis were unaffected by the protocol. Protocolized Na supplementation is associated with improved growth and reduced time on invasive mechanical ventilation in extremely preterm infants without increasing incidence of morbidities.

Actual situation of nutritional management and factors related to activities of daily living ability at discharge in convalescent rehabilitation ward.

In this study, we aimed to investigate changes in the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), a nutrition-related prognostic indicator, in our convalescent rehabilitation ward and determine how this index relates to activities of daily living (ADL) ability at discharge. We retrospectively analyzed data of 107 patients admitted to our convalescent rehabilitation ward between April and September 2023. We used the GNRI as the nutritional risk index and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) as the ADL index. The patients' mean age was 80.0 ± 10.3 years; 38 were males and 69 females. The patients' mean body weight at admission was 51.2 ± 10.2 kg, which significantly decreased to 50.2 ± 9.4 kg at discharge (p = 0.0006). Their mean body mass index (BMI) also significantly decreased from 21.4 ± 3.4 at admission to 20.0 ± 8.2 at discharge (p = 0.002). The mean GNRI significantly decreased from 93.1 ± 8.6 at admission to 91.7 ± 8.4 at discharge (p = 0.023). The mean body weight decreased until the fourth month after admission; however, no decreasing trend after the fifth month was observed. The mean monthly energy intake gradually increased after admission and reached the calculated energy requirement of 1,415 ± 22 kcal at the fifth month. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that at discharge, the GNRI score was positively associated with the FIM score (β = 0.21, p = 0.0008). Body weight and GNRI scores decreased after admission but stopped decreasing after the fifth month due to a gradual increase in energy intake. At discharge, the FIM score was positively associated with the GNRI score. We expected that active nutritional therapy from the beginning of hospitalization would increase the GNRI by the time of discharge and eventually improve ADL ability at discharge.

Echocardiographic Quantitation of Left Ventricular Size and Function in Indian Mongrel Dogs

Background: No published data on two-dimensional echocardiographic quantitation of left ventricular size and function in Indian mongrel dogs is reported till date. Methods: Reference intervals for linear and area measurements of left ventricle size and function was generated in fifty healthy mongrel dogs (25 males, 25 females; mean age=1.59±0.13 yr; mean body weight=16.66±0.73 kg) using two-dimensional echocardiography. Dogs deemed healthy after thorough clinico-physiological, hematological, radiographic, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic evaluation were included in study.Relationship between two-dimensional linear and area measurements of left ventricle and body weight and, between same measurements obtained from different tomographic planes was studied using linear regression analysis. Result: Linear left ventricular measurements, left ventricular internal and external area, mitral valve orifice area showed significant (P less than 0.001) positive correlation with body weight while fractional shortening and ejection fraction showed significant (P less than 0.001) weak negative correlation with body weight. Left ventricular internal length in diastole, interventricular septum thickness and left ventricular internal dimension in systole and left ventricular free wall thickness in diastole were significantly (P less than 0.01) higher in male dogs while mitral valve orifice area was significantly (P less than 0.01) higher in female dogs. All linear measurements of left ventricular size obtained from different tomographic planes displayed significant (P less than 0.001) correlation with each other.

Diet and biological characteristics of Atlantic Tomcod or Punamu, Microgadus tomcod (Walbaum, 1792) in Minas Basin, Nova Scotia

Atlantic tomcod are abundant in the Bay of Fundy, but their diet is unreported for Minas Basin. In this study prey content and biological characteristics of tomcod collected in the Avon River estuary of Minas Basin were examined. Their diet was numerically dominated by the amphipod Corophium volutator (Pallas, 1766) (Rate of Occurrence (RO) = 73.2%). Other major prey taxa consumed included Crangon septemspinosa Say, 1818 (29.3%), Gammarus spp. (19.5%), Polychaeta (14.6%), Portunidae (12.2%), Teleostei (9.8%), Isopoda (7.3%), andMollusca (3.3%). Of stomachs examined only 8.9% contained unidentifiable prey items. Every tomcod examined except one contained prey and the fullness index (HI) varied between 0.01-5.85%. Both mean total length and total body weight of females was significantly greater than for males (254 mm vs 202 mm; 143 g vs 78 g), and the condition factor (K) of both sexes was similar throughout the sampling period (Mean ± SD; 0.79 ± 0.13). Both mean male and female gonadosomatic index (GSI) increased significantly when approaching the winter spawning period, rising from 1.2 in early October to 11.6 by mid-December.The diversity of prey consumed indicated that tomcod fed opportunis-tically, but their predominate consumption of C. volutator was likely linked to the large populations of this amphipod on the intertidal mudflats of Minas Basin. Keywords: Atlantic tomcod, Bay of Fundy, condition factor, Corophium volutator, fullness index, gonadosomatic index

7381 Overexpression of Makorin Ring Finger Protein 3 in the Arcuate Nucleus of Postpubertal Female Mice Impacts Neurokinin B and Kisspeptin Co-Expressing Neurons

Abstract Disclosure: S.A. Roberts: None. A. Fontes: None. S. Blau: None. M. Magnuson: None. K.M. McKnight: None. M. Sena-Esteves: None. R.S. Carroll: None. U.B. Kaiser: None. Background: Makorin ring finger protein 3 (MKRN3), an upstream inhibitor of GnRH release, is an important regulator of the age of menarche. Loss-of-function mutations in MKRN3 are the most common genetic etiology of central precocious puberty. However, its potential role in delayed puberty or hypogonadism is not well defined. In mice, expression of Mkrn3 in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC), where kisspeptin, neurokinin B and dynorphin (KNDy) co-expressing neurons are located, is high early in life and declines before pubertal onset. Neonatal hypothalamic overexpression of Mkrn3 leads to delayed puberty in female mice and decreased neurokinin B (NKB) and kisspeptin protein levels in the ARC peripubertally. Conversely, Mkrn3-deficient peripubertal mice exhibit increased NKB protein levels in the ARC. We hypothesized that Mkrn3 overexpression in the ARC of postpubertal female mice would result in suppression of the HPG axis, manifested as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Methods and Results: Twelve week old adult wild type female mice were injected stereotaxically into the ARC with a novel adeno-associated virus overexpressing Mkrn3 (AAV-Mkrn3-IRES-EGFP; denoted AAV-Mkrn3) or a control virus (AAV-EGFP). Mean body weight did not differ between groups post-injection. AAV-Mkrn3 injected mice spent significantly more time (62.7%) in diestrus three to six weeks post-injection compared to controls (41.3%; P&amp;lt;0.01). Eight weeks post-injection, gonad-intact females were injected with an NKB receptor (NK3R) agonist, senktide (5 nmol or 10 nmol ip). AAV-Mkrn3 mice had a decreased peak LH response twenty minutes post-injection, compared to controls (P&amp;lt;0.001) at both doses. Peak LH levels were also reduced in response to senktide (5 nmol ip) in ovariectomized and estradiol capsule replaced (OVX+E2) AAV-Mkrn3 injected females, compared to controls (P&amp;lt; 0.001). In contrast, in both gonad-intact and OVX+E2 female mice, kisspeptin-10 (1 nmol ip) resulted in similar peak serum LH levels in AAV-Mkrn3 injected mice compared to controls. Immunohistochemistry in the ARC of intact and OVX+E2 AAV-Mkrn3 injected females showed significantly decreased NKB protein expression in AAV-Mkrn3 mice compared to controls. In response to OVX, serum LH levels increased similarly between AAV-Mkrn3 and control-injected mice. LH pulsatility in OVX females, assessed over 3 hours, showed that mean basal LH levels, number of pulses, pulse amplitude and area under the curve did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions: These findings indicate that MKRN3 can exert inhibitory effects on the reproductive axis in female mice beyond the juvenile period, which has implications as a potential therapeutic target. The blunted response to senktide, and decreased NKB protein levels in the setting of Mkrn3 overexpression, further supports the impact of Mkrn3 on the neuropeptides and/or receptors of KNDy neurons. Presentation: 6/2/2024

7792 Efficacy of Retatrutide for Weight Reduction and Its Cardiometabolic Effects Among Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Disclosure: D.C. Lopez: None. J.T. Pajimna: None. M.D. Milan: None. G.V. Jasul: None. G. Orpilla: None. I. Zapanta: None. B. Serquiña: None. G. Dychiao: None. Background: Obesity remains to be a global health challenge and it is associated with several complications such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, and reduced life expectancy. Although lifestyle modifications are the mainstay for weight management, long term maintenance of weight loss can be a challenge for many affected adults. There have been proven safe and effective pharmacologic interventions but these remain limited to date. One of the novel anti-obesity drugs, retatrutide, is a single peptide with agonist activity at the GLP-1, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and glucagon receptors. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the effectiveness of this triple-hormone receptor agonist, Retatrutide, in weight reduction and assess its cardiometabolic effects in adults. Methodology: An extensive electronic database search was done to identify studies published from inception until December 2023. All randomized controlled trials (RCT) that evaluated the use of retatrutide for adult patients were included. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool was used to assess the risk of bias of each study. Meta-analysis was conducted to determine weight reduction and glycemic control using random effects model which was reported at 95% confidence interval. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics and random effects analysis and sensitivity analysis were done to control for the heterogeneity. Results: A total of 3 eligible RCTs were included in the study, all of which had risk of bias ranging from low to unclear. Of these articles, in 2 RCTs involving 353 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus, retatrutide showed significant weight reduction by 11.89kg as compared to placebo (MD -11.89; 95% CI -13.53 to -10.25) and decreased glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) by 1.64% as compared to placebo (MD: -1.64%, 95% CI [-2.38, -0.89]). Using direct comparison, retatrutide 12mg reduced body weight by 11.83kg as compared to dulaglutide 1.5mg with significant difference (MD -11.83; 95% CI -18.50 to -5.16), and retatrutide showed slight decrease in HbA1C by 0.61% as compared to dulaglutide (MD -0.66; 95% CI -0.66 to -0.56). In another 1 RCT involving 338 non-diabetic adult patients with obesity, retatrutide decreased least-squares mean percentage in body weight by 24.2% and 83% of participants who received retatrutide achieved weight reduction of 15% or more at 48 weeks. Conclusion: The use of retatrutide may result in substantial reductions in mean body weight and HbA1C as compared to controls in adult patients, with low to moderate certainty of evidence. In addition, retatrutide showed marked decrease in body weight but with modest glucose lowering effect when compared to a single GLP1 agonist drug. Presentation: 6/3/2024