Performance Blood Research Articles

Responses of oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) to different temperatures and its interaction with early mild stress

Non-optimum temperature results in stress in fish through different biological and physiological processes. This study investigated how early mild stress (EMS) and temperature can influence growth, hematology, blood biochemistry, immunological response, antioxidant system, liver enzymes, and stress response of juvenile oscar (Astronotus ocellatus; 8.02 ± 0.81 g) before and after acute confinement stress (AC stress). Eight experimental treatments were 17D (farmed at 17 °C), 22D (farmed at 22 °C), 27D (farmed at 27 °C), 32D (farmed at 32 °C), 17DES (farmed at 17 °C and EMS), 22DES (farmed at 22 °C and EMS), 27DES (farmed at 27 °C and EMS), and 32DES (farmed at 32 °C and EMS). At the end of the experiment (nine weeks), there was no significant difference in survival rate, feed conversion ratio, body composition, and survival rate after the AC stress (ten weeks). The growth rates in the 17 and 32 °C groups were lower than others, showing the negative effect of temperature being too high or too low. After nine weeks, fish farmed at 32 °C had the highest hematological parameters (hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cells, and blood performance) and liver enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase). This group also has the lowest lysozyme, alternative complement pathway (ACH50), immunoglobulin, complement C3, complement C4, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. The EMS did not positively or negatively affect fish physiology in this study. In conclusion, the optimum temperature for oscar to achieve the best growth performance, immune response, and health status is 22–27 °C.

Immunoprotective efficacy of aqueous monovalent vaccine, turmeric (curcuma longa) rhizome and soursop (annona muricata) leaves against Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in African sharptooth catfish (clarias gariepinus) fingerlings

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the efficacy of aqueous monovalent vaccine (AqMV) and adjuvant monovalent vaccine (AdMV), different levels of soursop leaves (SL), and turmeric rhizome (TR) on growth performance, immune response, and disease resistance of African sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The experimental diet consists of control (without vaccine, soursop leaves and turmeric rhizome), AqMV2, AdMV3, TR4 (0.5), TR5 (1.0), TR6 (2.0), SL7 (0.5), SL8 (1.0) and SL9 (2.0). Fish were exposed to 4.85 log10 CFU/ml P. aeruginosa of 24 h old culture intraperitoneally after feeding trial with relative level of protection recorded at 28 days of post-infection. The results revealed that fish fed with treated diets showed increased (p < .05) weight gain, feed conversion ratio, nitrogen metabolism, white blood cell, globulin, total protein and blood performance and better relative level of protection compared to the control. The microbial loads in fish samples (muscle, spleen and kidney) were reduced (p < .05) in the treatments when compared to the control at 4-week post-infection. These results suggest that inactivated aqueous monovalent vaccine, soursop leaves and turmeric rhizome could be effective against P. aeruginosa infection in fish farming.

The crosstalk between photoperiod and early mild stress on juvenile oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) after acute stress.

Early mild stress (EMS) is like preparedness and might help fish deal with stress appropriately. This study investigated how EMS and photoperiod changes can impact growth, haematology, blood biochemistry, immunological response, antioxidant system, liver enzymes, and stress response of oscar (Astronotus ocellatus; 7.29 ± 0.96 g) before and after acute confinement stress (AC stress). Ten experimental treatments included five different photoperiods 8L16D (08:16 light to dark), 12L12D (12:12 light to dark), 16L8D (16:08 light to dark), 20L4D (20:04 light to dark), and 24L0D (24:00 light to dark), and these five photoperiod schedules were conducted in an EMS condition. After 9 weeks, no significant differences were found in growth parameters, survival rate, and body composition. At the end of the experiment and after AC stress, fish farmed in 24 light hours had the lowest haematocrit, white blood cells, total protein, blood performance, lysozyme, immunoglobulin M, complement C3, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. Fish that experienced EMS had significantly higher survival rates than those farmed in normal conditions (80.67% vs 61.33%). In conclusion, considering all measured parameters, 8-h light can be suggested as an optimum photoperiod for this fish species. Under 24L0D (no EMS) conditions, there were many negative effects apparent. In addition, a positive effect of EMS was evident in terms of survival after AC stress. AC stress decreased some health parameters under 24-h light treatment, while these results were not observed in EMS-exposed fish. Therefore, the EMS schedule can be a useful tool in preventing the negative effects of stress.

Effects of Dietary Sodium Propionate on Growth Performance, Fillet Texture, Hematologic and Plasma Biochemical Parameter, Immune Responses, and Intestine Histology of Juvenile Trachinotus ovatus

Seven graded levels of sodium propionate (SP) diets with 0 (SP1), 0.2% (SP2), 0.4% (SP3), 0.6% (SP4), 0.8% (SP5), 1.0% (SP6), and 1.2% (SP7) were prepared to feed Trachinotus ovatus (initial body weight: 8.64 ± 0.08 g) for 56 days. The results showed that increasing dietary SP levels quadratically increased significantly final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), and specific growth rate (SGR) of T. ovatus but linearly and quadratically decreased significantly viscerosomatic index (VSI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) of T. ovatus (P&lt;0.05). In the SP4 treatment, FBW, WGR, and SGR presented the highest values. Both positive linear and quadratic trends were detected between crude lipid content of whole fish, adhesiveness of dorsal muscle, white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), blood performance, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), intestinal villus height, and dietary SP level, while negative linear and quadratic trends were found between firmness of dorsal muscle, triglyceride (TG), glucose (GLU), and dietary SP level (P&lt;0.05). The increasing SP led to quadratic increases in lymphocyte (Lym), complement 3 (C3), chymotrypsin, villus number, and muscle layer thickness, and a quadratic decrease in hepatic malondialdehyde (MDAP&lt;0.05). A significant negative linear trend was found between the content of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and dietary SP level, while significant positive linear trends were presented between C4, immunoglobulin M (IgM), α-amylase and dietary SP level (P&lt;0.05). The increasing SP resulted in linear and quadratic increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of livers and C3, C4, IgM of head kidney (P&lt;0.05). The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were linearly and quadratically decreased, while the mRNA levels of growth factor beta (TGF-β) were linearly and quadratically increased with the increasing SP level (P&lt;0.05). In conclusion, SP could be considered as a beneficial feed additive for enhancing growth and immunity of fish. And dietary SP level at 0.6% is optimal for the growth of Trachinotus ovatus based on a quadratic regression model of WGR.

Do optimum dietary protein and early mild stress events prepare oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) for a stressful future?

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary protein (380 vs 510 g/kg) and duration of early mild stress (0, 2 and 4 weeks) on growth, haematology, serum biochemistry, immunological response, antioxidant system, liver enzymes, and stress responsiveness of oscar (Astronotus ocellatus; 4.7 ± 0.6 g). After the nine-week feeding trial, all fish were exposed to final acute AC stress (acute confinement stress) and sampled for serum and haematological parameters. Fish fed dietary 510 g/kg protein grew faster (gain 54.21 g vs 42.98 g) and had a higher condition factor (2.22 vs 1.81) than those fed diets containing 380 g/kg protein after ten weeks feeding ad libitum. After AC stress, oscars subjected to four-time stress (4EMS) had a higher survival rate than the 0EMS group (77.08% vs 64.59%). Additionally, white blood cells, blood performance, total protein, high-density lipoproteins, immunoglobulin M, complement component 4, complement component 3, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase were significantly greater in the two-time stress (2EMS) group than the 0EMS treatments. Although fish welfare must be considered, mild stress during the trial can reduce glucocorticoid feedback sensitivity in fish, resulting in greater survival after the acute stress reaction at the end of the study.

Microgel Assembly Powder Improves Acute Hemostasis, Antibacterial, and Wound Healing via In Situ Co‐Assembly of Erythrocyte and Microgel

AbstractRapid and effective hemostasis on irregular‐shaped non‐compressible bleeding wounds is still one of the key challenges in clinical practice. Herein, a novel multi‐functional microgel assembly powder (MAP) composed of oxidized dextran/methacrylate gelatin (ODex/GelMA) microgel powder and long‐chain alkyl quaternized chitosan (LQCS) crosslinker powder is reported for acute hemostasis, antibacterial, and wound healing. When MAP is applied onto bleeding wounds, porous ODex/GelMA microgel powder immediately absorbs massive liquid in blood whilst LQCS induces in situ co‐assembly of erythrocytes and microgels. In other words, MAP combines the merits of hemostatic powders and hemostatic hydrogels, that is, the excellent hemostasis performance of MAP is originated from not only the high fluid uptake ratio/rate that causes the aggregation of coagulation factors and erythrocytes, but also the formation of erythrocytes‐involved hydrogel‐like microgel assembly that dramatically improves the mechanical strength, tissue adhesion and wound sealing performance in blood compared with those in PBS. In addition, MAP also exhibits excellent antibacterial ability, and promotes the wound healing in bacterial‐infected full‐thickness skin wounds. The fantastic features of MAP including low cost, easy synthesis and usage, excellent hemostasis on irregular‐shaped, non‐compressible bleeding wounds, outstanding antibacterial and wound healing, good cytocompatibility, make it a promising hemostatic material and wound dressing.

Smart Chemical Oxidative Polymerization Strategy To Construct Au@PPy Core-Shell Nanoparticles for Cancer Diagnosis and Imaging-Guided Photothermal Therapy.

Imaging-guided photothermal therapy (PTT) in a single nanoscale platform has aroused extensive research interest in precision medicine, yet only a few methods have gained wide acceptance. Thus, it remained an urgent need to facilely develop biocompatible and green probes with excellent theranostic capacity for superior biomedical applications. In this study, a smart chemical oxidative polymerization strategy was successfully developed for the synthesis of Au@PPy core-shell nanoparticles with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the hydrophile. In the reaction, the reactant tetrachloroauric acid (HAuCl4) was reduced by pyrrole to fabricate a gold (Au) core, and pyrrole was oxidized to deposit around the Au core to form a polypyrrole (PPy) shell. The as-synthesized Au@PPy nanoparticles showed a regular core-shell morphology and good colloidal stability. Relying on the high X-ray attenuation of Au and strong near-infrared (NIR) absorbance of PPy and Au, Au@PPy nanoparticles exhibited excellent performance in blood pool/tumor imaging and PTT treatment by a series of in vivo experiments, in which tumor could be precisely positioned and thoroughly eradicated. Hence, the facile chemical oxidative polymerization strategy for constructing monodisperse Au@PPy core-shell nanoparticles with potential for cancer diagnosis and imaging-guided photothermal therapy shed light on an innovative design concept for the facile fabrication of biomedical materials.

Effect of Dietary Polyherbal Mixture on Growth Performance, Haemato-Immunological Indices, Antioxidant Responses, and Intestinal Morphometry of African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus

A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the dietary effect of Nigeria polyherbal mixture (PHB) on growth, haemato-immune parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities, and intestinal morphometry of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Four diets were formulated with PHB powder at inclusion of 0 g/kg (control), 0.5 g/kg (PHB 0.5), 1.0 g/kg (PHB 1.0), and 2.0 g/kg (PHB 2.0) and fed to African catfish ( 6.32 ± 0.02 g /fish, 15 fish/50 L tank) in triplicates. Fish fed PHB 2.0 recorded higher final weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate ( p &lt; 0.05 ) compared to the control. There were no statistical differences ( p &gt; 0.05 ) in feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio among the dietary groups. The haematological profile indicates that the fish fed PHB-1.0 had higher Hb, RBCs count, and Hct, and blood performance ( p &lt; 0.05 ) compared to the control. ALT levels were found higher in the control and the lowest values recorded in PHB groups ( p &lt; 0.05 ); however, AST did not differ significantly among the groups ( p &gt; 0.05 ). The highest heterophil counts and respiratory burst activity were recorded in PHB-1.0 and PHB-0.5 and PHB-2.0, respectively, while a numerically improved total immunoglobulin value was recorded in PHB-0.5 compared to the control ( p &gt; 0.05 ). Antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase had a significant improvement in fish fed PHB-based diet compared to the control ( p &lt; 0.05 ), while glutathione peroxidase showed no statistical differences between the groups ( p &gt; 0.05 ). Intestinal morphometric measurements showed that the fish fed PHB-1.0 had the highest villus height, area of absorption, and villus height/cryptal depth ratio compared to the control. Muscle thickness increased ( p &lt; 0.05 ) with increasing PHB level with the highest value recorded PHB-2.0. In conclusion, dietary PHB could improve growth, blood profile, immunity, antioxidant enzyme capacity, and intestinal morphometry of African catfish without any significant alteration in the liver function enzymes.

Early Mild Stress along with Lipid Improves the Stress Responsiveness of Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus).

Early-life exposure to mild stressors can assist animals in coping with more stressful events in later life. This study was aimed at investigating how early stress and dietary lipid contents affect growth, hematology, blood biochemistry, immunological responses, antioxidant system, liver enzymes, and stress responses of oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) (6.8 ± 0.7 g). Six experimental treatments were HL0Stress (high-lipid diet and without stress), HL2Stresses (high-lipid diet and two-week stress), HL4Stresses (high-lipid diet and four-week stress), LL0Stress (low-lipid diet and without stress), LL2Stresses (low-lipid diet and two-week stress), and LL4Stresses (low-lipid diet and four-week stress). During the ten-week trial, fish fed high-lipid diets grew faster (46.41 ± 4.67 vs. 38.81 ± 2.81) and had a lower feed conversion ratio (2.21 vs. 2.60) than those fed low-lipid diets (P < 0.05). After acute confinement stress (AC stress), high-lipid groups had higher survival than low-lipid treatments (81.25% vs 72.92%) (P < 0.05). Fish subjected to two-time stress (2Stresses) had a higher survival rate after AC stress (90.63% vs. 62.50%), hematocrit, white blood cell, blood performance, total protein, high-density lipoproteins, cholesterol, triglyceride, alternative complement activity (ACH50), superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and alkaline phosphatase levels than those not stressed (P < 0.05). Contrariwise, glucose, cortisol, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase levels were significantly lower in the 2Stresses groups compared with 0Stress fish (P < 0.05). Collectively, these findings suggest stressing the signs of adaptation in 2Stresses fish. However, a higher number of early stress events (4Stresses) appears to exceed the threshold of manageable stress levels for this species. In conclusion, the HL2Stresses group outperformed the other treatments in terms of growth, health status, and stress responsiveness. Although fish welfare must be considered, these results suggest that early mild stress can result in a greater survival rate after fish are exposed to later acute stress.

837. Performance of Blood (1- &amp;gt;3)-β-D-Glucan in People with AIDS Presenting with Respiratory Symptoms

Abstract Background The gold standard for diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is direct visualization of the microorganism in respiratory samples, usually obtained via bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Blood β-D-glucan (BDG) is used as a non-invasive adjunctive diagnostic test for PCP, but specificity is only modest, in part because other opportunistic fungal infections cause high BDG. We previously showed BDG-positivity in 94% of people with AIDS (PWA), progressive disseminated histoplasmosis (PDH), and respiratory symptoms in our hospital. In this study, we aim to assess the performance of BDG as a diagnostic test for PCP in PWA who have respiratory symptoms. Methods We retrospectively identified PWA who had a BDG result between 2014 and 2019. AIDS was defined as past or current absolute CD4 count &amp;lt; 200 cells/µL, or a past or current AIDS-defining condition. Positive cytological or histological evidence of P. jirovecii in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid or lung biopsy, or positive Pneumocystis PCR on sputum or BAL confirmed PCP. The Fungitell Assay (Associates of Cape Cod, East Falmouth, MA) determined BDG levels as follows: negative, &amp;lt; 60 pg/mL; indeterminate, 60-79 pg/mL, and positive, ≥ 80 pg/mL. Values &amp;lt; 31 pg/mL and those &amp;gt;500 pg/mL were censored at 30 pg/mL and 500 pg/mL, respectively. Respiratory symptoms were defined as cough, dyspnea, chest pain, or hypoxia. We compared BDG results for participants with proven PCP and participants without proven PCP. Results We identified 260 PWA with a BDG result, of whom 183 had at least one respiratory symptom. 84 (45.9%) of these participants had a positive BDG. BDG results among participants with and without PCP are shown in Table 1. Of the 44 participants with a positive BDG who did not have PCP, 29 (65.9%) had PDH. Other diagnoses included cryptococcosis and candidemia. The test performance of BDG for the diagnosis of PCP is shown in Table 2. Exclusion of participants with PDH increased the specificity of BDG for PCP to 86.4%. Table 1. Results of (1-&amp;gt;3)-β-D-glucan Testing by Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia Diagnosis Among Participants with AIDS and Respiratory Symptoms Table 2. Test Performance of (1-&amp;gt;3)-β-D-glucan for the Diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia* Conclusion At our center where histoplasmosis is endemic, a positive BDG should not be attributed to PCP among PWA with respiratory symptoms because of low specificity and low positive predictive value. However, a negative BDG can exclude PCP in this population. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Blood Performance: A New Formula for Fish Growth and Health

Simple SummaryThe use of haematological and blood biochemistry parameters has proven to be effective and repeatable ways to monitor fish health. Testing these parameters is becoming more common in aquaculture studies. Further, it is widely accepted that fish with better health status are more likely to grow faster as less energy should be consumed for non-growth purposes. Here, a new formula (Blood Performance) is introduced, which contains five common haematological and blood biochemistry parameters: red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and total protein. The idea behind this formula is that any single component of this formula cannot be reliable enough as a biomarker of fish health and growth. However, interestingly, Blood Performance can be much more reliable and accurate for monitoring fish health and growth.Monitoring fish health in a repeatable and accurate manner can contribute to the profitability and sustainability of aquaculture. Haematological and blood biochemistry parameters have been powerful tools and becoming increasingly common in aquaculture studies. Fish growth is closely related to its health status. A fish with a higher growth rate is more likely to be a healthy one. Any change in the physiological status of the fish, from pollution to nutritional stress, can cause changes in the blood parameters. Various aquaculture studies have measured the following components: red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and total protein. However, because these parameters do not always follow the same trend across experimental fish, it is difficult to draw a firm conclusion about which parameter should be considered. Therefore, Blood Performance (BP) as a new formula is introduced, which is a more reliable indicator. This formula is simple and sums up the natural logarithm of the five above-mentioned parameters. More than 90 published peer-reviewed articles that measured these five parameters in the last six years confirmed the reliability and validity of this formula. Regardless of which supplements were added to the diets, the fish with a higher growth rate had higher BP as well. In addition, in 44 studies out of 53 articles, there was a significant positive correlation between specific growth rate and BP. Under different stressful situations, from pollution to thermal stress, the fish under stress had a lower BP than the control. Fish meal and fish oil replacement studies were further evidence for this formula and showed that adding excessive alternative proteins decreased growth along with BP. In conclusion, BP can be a reliable indicator of fish health and growth when it is compared between groups in the same experiment or farm. Although there was a positive correlation between specific growth rate and BP, comparing BP between experiments is not recommended. Standardising the haematological assays can improve the reliability and accuracy of BP across experiments.

Remarkable positive effects of figwort (Scrophularia striata) on improving growth performance, and immunohematological parameters of fish

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of figwort on the growth and immunohematological parameters of common carp (14.20 ± 0.53 g). Four experimental diets were developed to feed fish for eight weeks: control, Figw10 (10 g/kg figwort), Figw20 (20 g/kg figwort), and Figw30 (30 g/kg figwort). The results showed that fish fed dietary Figw10 gained more weight (38.25 g) than control (P < 0.05). Regarding immunohematological parameters, fish fed dietary Figw30 had a higher level of white blood cells (31.2 103/mm3), hematocrit (35.82%), blood performance (14.63), total protein (1.96 g/dL), albumin (0.79 g/dL), globulin (1.17 g/dL), lymphocyte (70.53%), monocyte (3.03%), alternative hemolytic complement activity (ACH50) (147.76 u/mL), lysozyme (62.19 u/mL), and bactericidal activities (135.24) than the control group (P < 0.05). After 14 days of the challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila, the Figw30 treatment had the highest survival ratio (61.76%) compared to the control with 26.46%. Further, after the challenge, fish fed dietary Figw30 had a higher value of immunoglobulin M (42.00 μg/mL), antibody titer (19.23), complement component 3 (296.39 μg/mL), and complement component 4 (97.91 μg/mL) when compared with those fed control diet (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the optimum dosage for providing the best immune response was 30 g/kg in diet.

EDTA detoxifies heavy metals on exposed beluga ( Huso huso ) with pollution stress: Growth performance, immunohaematology, blood biochemistry and antioxidant activity

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is one of the most popular chelating agents. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of EDTA on the growth and health physiology of beluga (38.47 ± 0.58 g) before and after heavy metal stress (HMS). Five experimental diets, including control, 0.5EDTA, 1EDTA, 1.5EDTA and 2EDTA, were formulated to feed fish for eight weeks. The results showed that fish was fed with dietary 1.5EDTA (108.37 g) had a higher weight gain as compared with control (p < 0.05). Blood performance in the control group after HMS decreased but not in fish fed supplemented diets with EDTA. EDTA reduced uric acid and creatinine levels in beluga. Fish fed dietary 1.5EDTA had a higher value of blood performance (55.17), glucose (50.3 mg/dl), superoxide dismutase (SOD U/ml) (75.8) and glutathione peroxidase (234.0 U/ml) after HMS as compared with the control. Additionally, lower values of uric acid (3.05 mg/dl), creatinine (0.27 mg/dl) and AST (61.47 U/ml) after HMS in the 1.5EDTA group were observed (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between EDTA level and protein efficiency, lipid efficiency, and blood performance and a strong negative correlation with some parameters after stress, including SOD, glucose, uric acid, creatinine and aspartate transaminase (p < 0.01). In conclusion, feeding fish with the 1.5EDTA diet improved growth and detoxified heavy metals.

Cinnamon Promotes Growth Performance, Digestive Enzyme, Blood Parameters, and Antioxidant Activity of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Low-Carbohydrate Diets

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of cinnamon in high- and low carbohydrate diets on the physiology of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss (16.12±1.33 g). Six experimental diets including control/LCarb (200 g/kg carbohydrate), LCarb-3C (200 g/kg carbohydrate, 30 g/kg cinnamon), LCarb-5C (200g/kg carbohydrate, 50 g/kg cinnamon), HCarb (300 g/kg carbohydrate), HCarb-3C (300 g/kg carbohydrate, 30 g/kg cinnamon), and HCarb-5C (300 g/kg carbohydrate, 50 g/kg cinnamon) were formulated to feed fish for eight weeks. The results showed that fish fed dietary LCarb-3C (72.64 g) and LCarb-5C (73.17 g) had higher weight gain as compared with treatments without cinnamon (P&lt;0.05). Blood performance in LCarb3C (67.10) was significantly higher than the HCarb-3C group (P&lt;0.05). Fish fed dietary LCarb-3C had the best performance so that cinnamon in this group lowered glucose, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein, improved total protein, and highdensity lipoprotein contents. Supplementation of this herb also improved protease and lipase in LCarb-3C and LCarb-5C groups as compared with control. Individuals fed supplemented diets but not HCarb had a higher superoxide dismutase activity when compared with the control group (P&lt;0.05). Generally, cinnamon improved parameters in this study in fish fed a low-carbohydrate diet rather than a high-carbohydrate diet.

Clinical Value of Low Molecular Weight Heparin in Treatment of Pulmonary Heart Disease Complicated With Respiratory Failure

It is aimed to investigate the clinical value of low-molecular-weight heparin in treatment of pulmonary heart disease complicated with respiratory failure. Between January 2018 and April 2019, we included 120 pulmonary heart disease patients complicated with respiratory failure in this study and divided them into two groups using the double-blind, random method, i.e. the control group and the observation group, with 60 patients in each group. After admission, patients in two groups undertook the regular treatment, while those in the observation group additionally took low molecular weight heparin at 5000 U via subcutaneous injection, twice per d. Before and after treatment, arterial blood-gas indicators [partial pressure of carbon dioxide, partial pressure of oxygen and pH value] and the indicators of hemorheology (high blood viscosity, hematocrit and fibrinogen) and clinical efficacy were evaluated for patients in two groups. Prior to the treatment, comparison of the levels of partial pressure of carbon dioxide, partial pressure of oxygen, pH value, high blood viscosity, hematocrit and fibrinogen between two groups showed no significant differences, while after treatment, significant improvement was demonstrated in these indicators in the observation group as compared to those in the control group (p 0.05). In the observation group, patients had an effectiveness rate of 88.33 % (53/60), significantly higher than 63.33 % (38/60) in the control group (p 0.05), while patients in the observation group had shorter hospitalization time [(14.7±0.4) d] than that [(16.9±0.3) d] in the control group (p<0.05). For pulmonary heart disease patients complicated with respiratory failure, medication of low-molecular-weight heparin gained promising efficacy, with significant improvement in the blood performance, ventilation, and heart and lung functions of patients, thereby increasing the survival rate and shortening the hospitalization time of patients. Thus, it is worthy of being promoted in clinical practice.

Development and processing of novel heparin binding functionalized modified spider silk coating for catheter providing dual antimicrobial and anticoagulant properties

Tailored surface coatings have been used for decades to improve material performance in blood. Among different approaches, heparin based biomedical coatings have found great success in the commercial catheter market. However, they have their own limitations. Coating of a vascular device with a heparin binding peptide (HBP), which can sequester the circulating heparin, presents numerous advantages over both systemic heparin therapy and direct heparin bound surfaces. Embedding HBP in a silk biopolymer provides the mechanical integrity necessary under dynamic flow conditions to both insert the catheter and maintain proper blood flow. Furthermore, due to the similarity in structure of HBP with antimicrobial peptides, it is predicted that the fusion protein will also show antimicrobial property, a critical and unique aspect to combat catheter related blood stream infections and extend the longevity of hemodialysis catheters. To assess this hypothesis, a recombinant fusion protein (S4H4) containing both silk amino acid motifs and HBP was assessed as a coating on a silicone surface. After validating that, the protein was deposited on the surface via XPS, Raman spectroscopy, ATR and SEM imaging, antimicrobial and anticoagulant activities were evaluated. The coating was able to prevent not only planktonic bacterial growth but also prevented the growth of a biofilm. Finally, the coating had both antibacterial and anticoagulant effect simultaneously. This study proves the successful production of a silk-based biopolymer that can be embedded with a heparin-binding functionality to create a dual functional device coating that can prevent infection and thrombosis together.

Soya bean‐based diets plus probiotics improve the profile of fatty acids, digestibility, intestinal microflora, growth performance and the innate immunity of beluga (Huso huso)

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different methods of using probiotics Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis in soya bean-based diets on the physiology of beluga (Huso huso) (351 ± 4 g). Five experimental diets were formulated to feed beluga for 10 weeks. The results showed that there was no significant difference in weight gain between control (446 g) and 70%SBM-SPRAY2 (409 g) treatments. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the muscle of beluga fed control (203.2 g/kg) and 70%SBM-SPRAY2 (166.4 g/kg) diet did not change statistically. Blood performance as a newly introduced factor in individuals fed dietary control (64.06) and 70%SBM-SPRAY2 (64.33) had higher value as compared with those fed dietary 70%SBM-DIET2 (61.90) (p < 0.05). Also, total protein (1.68 g/dl) and RBC (0.74 × 106/mm3) in fish fed 70%SBM were statistically lower than other treatments (p < 0.05). Lysozyme, alternative complement activity and total viable counts in beluga fed dietary probiotics were significantly higher than others. In conclusion, feeding fish with the 70%SBM-SPRAY2 diet improved fish growth and health.

Quality of Prenatal Care in Brazil: National Health Research 2013.

This study aimed to assess the adequacy of prenatal care in Brazil associated with sociodemographic determinants. The study included a data analysis from the National Health Research performed in Brazil in 2013. Two outcomes on the adequacy of prenatal care were assessed: the Kessner index modified by Takeda index that, in addition to the former, assessed whether blood pressure and weight were measured in all appointments, as well as the performance of blood and urine tests and ultrasound. Both quality indicators were assessed for Brazil and for its macro-regions. According to Outcome 1, 80.6% of women received adequate prenatal care. When adding the performance of tests (Outcome 2), the rate dropped to 71.4%. Adequate prenatal care was more frequent among white women who performed prenatal care in the private health sector. The northern region had the lowest rate of adequate prenatal care, while the southeast region showed the highest rates. Despite the extensive coverage, prenatal care in Brazil still presents inequities and low service quality, especially for women from the poorest regions of the country.

Queering Acts of Mourning in the Aftermath of Argentina’s Dictatorship. The Performances of Blood

Queering Acts of Mourning in the Aftermath of Argentina’s Dictatorship. The Performances of Blood

Queering Acts of Mourning in the Aftermath of Argentina's Dictatorship: The Performances of Blood. By Cecilia Sosa . London: Suffolk Boydell et Brewer, 2014. Pp. 190. Illustrations. Notes. Bibliography. Index. $90.00 cloth

Queering Acts of Mourning in the Aftermath of Argentina's Dictatorship: The Performances of Blood. By Cecilia Sosa . London: Suffolk Boydell et Brewer, 2014. Pp. 190. Illustrations. Notes. Bibliography. Index. $90.00 cloth