Use Of Profiles Research Articles

Synergistic Effect of Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and Lemon (Citrus limon) Blended Essential Oils Optimized by Mixture Design for Improving the Antioxidant Activity

Background: Combining various essential oils (EOs) for developing pharmaceutical formulations has been the focus of attention in recent years. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the antioxidant effect of the combination of three Eos obtained from clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.), lemon peel (Citrus limon L.), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) by using mixture design. Methods: The EOs of lemon peel (EOL), clove (EOC), and thyme (EOT) as well as their combination were analyzed using a gas chromatograph with flame ionization detector (GC/FID). The antioxidant activities of the EOs from EOL, EOC, and EOT as well as their combination were measured adopting DPPH assay. The construction and statistical analysis of the experiment were designed using the NemrodW (LPRAI, version 2000) software. Results: EOL, EOC, and EOT were found capable of neutralizing DPPH radical. EOC was distinguished by its strongest antiradical activity with IC50=15.02±0.02 µg/mL. EOT had an IC50=29.20±0.12 µg/mL while EOL had 188.69±0.95 µg/mL. The positive standard BHT was detected to be IC50=24±0.02 µg/ mL. The optimal, combinative mixture of essential oils may have been determined based on these isoresponse curves which allowed fixing the ideal combinations of ingredient in terms of quantity to obtain an EO mixture possessing appreciable and optimal antioxidant characteristics. The predicted antioxidant properties determined by the mixing plan model were retained and the experiments were carried out respecting the contents of proposed ingredients of 25.7% EOT, 32.3% EOL, and 41.9% EOC equivalent to 15.42 mg, 19.38 mg and 25.14 mg, respectively. This resulted in arriving at an essential oil mixture with an experimental IC50=11.023±0.145 µg/mL which was similar to those of the predicted antioxidant properties with an order of 10.907±0.212 µg/mL and a non-significant difference of P<0.05, based on which the validity of the proposed mixing plan model was determined. The combined EO was also found to be rich in eugenol (32.35±1.13%), thymol (25.49±0.03%), and limonene (21.30±0.02%). Conclusion: Statistical planning and the development of utility profiles for mixtures of essential oils may have been used to predict the optimal composition as well as to determine their antioxidant profile.

Oxidized Palm Oil Diet Affects Fatty Acid Profiles, Apparent Digestibility Coefficients and Liver of Hybrid Grouper Juvenile (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × Epinephelus lanceolatus)

Vegetable oil is progressively replacing fish oil (FO) in aquafeed production. However, the effect of oxidized vegetable oil is less reported. This study was done to investigate the effects of oxidized refined palm oil (RPO) on the growth performance, feed utilization, proximate and fatty acid profiles, apparent digestibility coefficients and oxidative stress of hybrid grouper juvenile (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × E. lanceolatus). RPO was force-oxidized and introduced into diets at three oxidative levels to replace 50% of FO. Diets with FO and fresh RPO were served as controls. The peroxide value of the oxidized diets was measured as 14.73, 24.50, and 36.10 meq/kg for diets OxL, OxM, and OxH, respectively. These diets were fed to triplicate groups of hybrid grouper (initial body weight 9.91 ± 0.01 g) for 8 weeks. There was no significant difference in terms of growth performance, survival, feed utilization, and whole-body protein proximate composition in all treatments (p > 0.05). However, different dietary treatments affected the body fatty acids profile and fish-fed OxM diet achieved the highest body weight gain without significant difference (p > 0.05). In terms of hepaticsomatic index (HSI), fish-fed OxH showed a significantly lower value compared to other treatments. Similarly, the lowest apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of nutrients were observed in fish fed OxH diet. The oxidized diets caused significant lower blood cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) (p < 0.05). The oxidative stress in the liver as indicated by the significantly higher thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) value in fish fed all the oxidized diets while no significant changes on the muscle TBARS values. In conclusion, the oxidized RPO diets significantly affected the liver, the nutrient digestibility, and the blood total cholesterol and HDL. Furthermore, hybrid grouper can tolerate up to 20 meq/kg of oxidized RPO in the diet without compromising the growth.

Substrate Utilization and Competitive Interactions Among Soil Bacteria Vary With Life-History Strategies.

Microorganisms have evolved various life-history strategies to survive fluctuating resource conditions in soils. However, it remains elusive how the life-history strategies of microorganisms influence their processing of organic carbon, which may affect microbial interactions and carbon cycling in soils. Here, we characterized the genomic traits, exometabolite profiles, and interactions of soil bacteria representing copiotrophic and oligotrophic strategists. Isolates were selected based on differences in ribosomal RNA operon (rrn) copy number, as a proxy for life-history strategies, with pairs of “high” and “low” rrn copy number isolates represented within the Micrococcales, Corynebacteriales, and Bacillales. We found that high rrn isolates consumed a greater diversity and amount of substrates than low rrn isolates in a defined growth medium containing common soil metabolites. We estimated overlap in substrate utilization profiles to predict the potential for resource competition and found that high rrn isolates tended to have a greater potential for competitive interactions. The predicted interactions positively correlated with the measured interactions that were dominated by negative interactions as determined through sequential growth experiments. This suggests that resource competition was a major force governing interactions among isolates, while cross-feeding of metabolic secretion likely contributed to the relatively rare positive interactions observed. By connecting bacterial life-history strategies, genomic features, and metabolism, our study advances the understanding of the links between bacterial community composition and the transformation of carbon in soils.

A second life Li-ion battery ageing model with uncertainties: From cell to pack analysis

The increasing availability of Second Life Li-ion Batteries (SLBs) makes so that accurate ageing modelling can be a powerful tool to estimate the impact of a certain utilization profile. However, several stress factors can impact the ageing, and uncertainties are an important issue for the second life, due to the sometimes unknown first life utilization and the natural variability of electrochemical devices. In this work, we propose an empirical, event-based model for the second life of li-ion cells. Its parameterization is supported by real data of Li-NMC (Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt oxides) cells and considers cycling ageing with three stress factors: current, cycle depth and mean State of Charge (SoC). The model takes uncertainties in consideration, and we provide all the parameters in Open Data fashion. This simple model can be easily implemented and coupled to cycle counting algorithms in order to predict a lifetime range for a given SoC profile. Finally, we analyse the effect of individual cell uncertainties and their impact on a battery pack. Simulation results show that the model is able to properly simulate the second life duration when compared to practical results available in the literature.

Integrated ethanol and gasoline supply chain planning under environmental constraints: A case study of Brazil

The petroleum infrastructure, hydrocarbon costs, and process and distribution networks influence integrated supply chains of mixed biofuels and petroleum derivatives (gasoline and diesel). Furthermore, the seasonality of biomass feedstock poses more complexities when optimizing such a combined bio-fossil-fuel industry. As such, a multi-period mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) planning model proposal addresses this supply chain mixed fuels, whereby strategic and tactical decisions under environmental constraints account for different process design in response to demand fluctuations along the long-term horizon. This work is applied in the bio-fossil-fuel market in Brazil by considering diverse plant configurations and different feedstock with their seasonality. Results yield an optimal facility location and plant configurations optimizing over time the evolution of installed capacities, capacity utilization, carbon credit and emissions profiles. The study involves ethanol streams to be added in the gasoline mix considering exclusive and flex sugarcane and corn-based processing plants.

Care friendliness in adolescent sexual and reproductive health services in Mexico and a characterisation of their clients.

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a very important issue in public health programs in low -and middle-income countries (LMICs). Health services that meet specific and differentiated needs of adolescents are increasingly relevant in LMICs. To provide quality services, it is necessary to know the profile of its users and the perspective that adolescents have about SRH services aimed at them. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of primary data from a survey of 489 adolescents recruited in 11 primary-care facilities in the state of Morelos, Mexico. We followed the guidelines outlined in the World Health Organization Quality Assessment Guidebook: A guide to assessing health services for adolescent clients. Data on friendliness of services were obtained through 70 questions divided into 18 characteristics which, in turn, were grouped into five domains: equity, accessibility, acceptability, appropriateness, and effectiveness. The "friendliness" (a proxy for quality of care) of services was measured according to an additive index of friendliness (FI) ranging from 0 (no friendliness) to 1 (maximum friendliness). We also described the socio-demographic, SRH, and service utilization profiles of clients. The health services analysed were characterised as having low levels of accessibility (FI=0.62) and effectiveness (FI=0.77), moderate acceptability (FI=0.84), and high levels of appropriateness (FI=0.93) and equity (FI=0.92). Of the total number of adolescents surveyed, 51% stated that they had initiated a sexual life, 37% did not use any method of protection during their first sexual intercourse and 64% of the adolescents had already experienced a pregnancy. It is essential to improve the accessibility and effectiveness dimensions of adolescent-friendly services in Mexico. This requires the implementation of strategies specifically designed to promote well-informed, planned and healthy sexual behaviours that avert risk and vulnerability. Strategies need to consider the profile of the adolescent client population.

Profile of Mind Mapping Utilization in Learning During 2018-2022

Mind mapping is an innovative learning strategy that has an impact on learning. This research aims to define and analyze the use of mind mapping in learning. This research is qualitative-descriptive with library research type. The results of the research show that the use of mind mapping not only has advantages, but also various disadvantages when used in learning. To minimize these weaknesses, this research reviews 20 journals (2018-2022) both nationally and those that have been selected through Google Scholar. The steps in reviewing the research literature are collecting journals/articles about mind mapping, reducing journals/articles for the last five years (2018-2022), analyzing the definition of mind mapping, synthesizing the opportunities and impacts of using mind mapping in learning, analyzing obstacles to mind mapping utilization in learning, and making conclusions. Based on library research, it is found that one way for teachers and students to maximize learning is by designing mind mapping with other learning models or tools. Another finding is that teachers can use various applications to make it easier for students to make mind maps. With this research, it is hoped that learning will be fun and improve students' thinking skills.

Energy transition and environmental quality prospects in leading emerging economies: The role of environmental‐related technological innovation

AbstractThe world has witnessed a significant rise in greenhouse gas emissions since the end of the 20th century as several economies begin to emerge into industrial hubs and manufacturing giants across the globe. Thus, in the wake of global interest in clean energy development and campaign for sustainable climate and ecosystem, the role of the emerging countries in the debate is unarguably vital and demanding. Importantly, this study seeks to examine the commitment of the leading emerging countries (E7) of Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, and Turkey to energy transition and carbon‐neutral 2050. We employ the cross‐sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed lag approach that accounts for potential country‐specific factors to examine the role of environmental‐related technological innovations (ERT) in achieving climate neutrality in the E7 over the period from 1992 to 2018. Notably, the findings revealed that a 1 percent increase in ERT yields ~0.33% (short‐run) and ~ 0.17% (long‐run) reductions in carbon emission, thus suggesting that the E7 economies could be heading toward environmental sustainability with the application of ERT. Additionally, the result revealed that the application of ERT in the energy utilization profile significantly reduced the undesirable impact of primary energy utilization. However, the result showed that such an impact is not enough to trigger a transition to environmentally desirable cleaner energy that could mitigate carbon emissions. This is because the larger share of the E7 countries' primary energy utilization is from conventional and/or non‐renewable energy sources. The environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis is also validated.

A Defined Medium for Cultivation and Exometabolite Profiling of Soil Bacteria.

Exometabolomics is an approach to assess how microorganisms alter, or react to their environments through the depletion and production of metabolites. It allows the examination of how soil microbes transform the small molecule metabolites within their environment, which can be used to study resource competition and cross-feeding. This approach is most powerful when used with defined media that enable tracking of all metabolites. However, microbial growth media have traditionally been developed for the isolation and growth of microorganisms but not metabolite utilization profiling through Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Here, we describe the construction of a defined medium, the Northen Lab Defined Medium (NLDM), that not only supports the growth of diverse soil bacteria but also is defined and therefore suited for exometabolomic experiments. Metabolites included in NLDM were selected based on their presence in R2A medium and soil, elemental stoichiometry requirements, as well as knowledge of metabolite usage by different bacteria. We found that NLDM supported the growth of 108 of the 110 phylogenetically diverse (spanning 36 different families) soil bacterial isolates tested and all of its metabolites were trackable through LC–MS/MS analysis. These results demonstrate the viability and utility of the constructed NLDM medium for growing and characterizing diverse microbial isolates and communities.

Drug Utilization 90% Profile of Antibiotics Use during the Period of 2013 – 2017 at a Private Teaching Hospital in Yogyakarta

Evaluation of antibiotics use plays an important role in antimicrobial stewardship programs to support the rational use of antibiotics at all healthcare facilities. This study aimed to describe the profile of drug utilization 90% (DU90%) of antibiotics use for hospitalized patients at a private teaching hospital in Yogyakarta over period of 2013 – 2017. Aggregate data of all systemic antibiotics having an anatomic therapeutic chemical (ATC) code and used for hospitalized patients during 2013 – 2017 were included in this study. Quantity of antibiotics use was expressed in defined daily dose (DDD) and final quantity was expressed in DDD/100 bed days. DU90% profile was obtained by calculating the cumulative use of antibiotics from the highest to the lowest percentage. There were 44 antibiotic agents used each year over the period of 2013 – 2017. However, there were only 10 – 12 agents within the DU90% segment. Cephalosporins group was identified as the most used antibiotics consistently over the period and the top three antibiotics that were consistently prescribed were: ceftriaxone, levofloxacin, and cefixime. It can be concluded that only about a quarter of the total antibiotic agents used in hospitals are within the DU90% segment and those antibiotic agents are relatively consistent, especially for the top three of the highest used antibiotics.

Metabolomic Analysis of Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. gasseri, L. crispatus, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Strains in the Presence of Pomegranate Extract

Lactobacillus species are prominent inhabitants of the human gastrointestinal tract that contribute to maintaining a balanced microbial environment that positively influences host health. These bacterial populations can be altered through use of probiotic supplements or via dietary changes which in turn affect the host health. Utilizing polyphenolic compounds to selectively stimulate the growth of commensal bacteria can have a positive effect on the host through the production of numerous metabolites that are biologically active. Four Lactobacillus strains were grown in the presence of pomegranate (POM) extract. Two strains, namely, L. acidophilus NCFM and L. rhamnosus GG, are commonly used probiotics, while the other two strains, namely, L. crispatus NCK1351 and L. gasseri NCK1342, exhibit probiotic potential. To compare and contrast the impact of POM on the strains' metabolic capacity, we investigated the growth of the strains with and without the presence of POM and identified their carbohydrate utilization and enzyme activity profiles. To further investigate the differences between strains, an untargeted metabolomic approach was utilized to quantitatively and qualitatively define the metabolite profiles of these strains. Several metabolites were produced significantly and/or exclusively in some of the strains, including mevalonate, glutamine, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide, phenyllactate, and fumarate. The production of numerous discrete compounds illustrates the unique characteristics of and diversity between strains. Unraveling these differences is essential to understand the probiotic function and help inform strain selection for commercial product formulation.

Orphan Drug Use in Patients With Rare Diseases: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Background: Orphan drugs are used for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of rare diseases that, in the European Union, are defined as disorders affecting no more than 5 persons in 10,000. So far, a total of around 800 orphan medicinal products have been approved by the European Medicines Agency, however the utilization profile of orphan drugs has yet to be explored. This study aimed at assessing the utilization profile of orphan drugs authorized for marketing by the Italian Medicines Agency using population-based data. Methods: A total of 21 orphan drugs used in outpatient settings, approved in the European Union before or during the 2008–2018 period and involving 15 rare diseases, were included in the study. The monitored population included patients with one of the conditions surveilled by the population-based Tuscany Registry of Rare Diseases and diagnosed between 2000–2018. A multi-database approach was applied, by linking data from the registry with information collected in drug prescriptions databases. The prevalence and intensity of use were estimated for the selected orphan drugs and other non-orphan medications, used to treat the same rare disease and for which a change in the prevalence of use was hypothesized after authorization of the orphan drug. Results: For some diseases (acquired aplastic anemia, tuberous sclerosis complex, most metabolic diseases) a low prevalence of orphan drugs use was observed (range between 1.1–12.5%). Conversely, orphan drugs were frequently used in hemophilia B, Wilson disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (maximum of 78.3, 47.6 and 41.8%, respectively). For hemophilia B and Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy, there are currently no other medications used in clinical practice in addition to orphan drugs. Six orphan drugs were used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, appearing the elective therapy for this disease, albeit with different utilization profiles (range of prevalence 1.7–55.6%). Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the utilization profile of orphan drugs prescribed in a defined geographical area, and providing relevant information to monitor over time potential changes in the prevalence of these medications as well as in the health care decision making.

Diversity, Antimicrobial Activity, and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Endophytic Bacteria Sourced From Cordia dichotoma L.

Endophytic bacteria isolated from medicinal plants are crucial for the production of antimicrobial agents since they are capable of possessing bioactive compounds with diverse structures and activities. Cordia dichotoma, a plant of medicinal importance native to the Jammu region of India, was selected for the isolation and characterization of culturable endophytic bacteria and evaluation of their antimicrobial activities. Standardized surface sterilization methods were employed to isolate thirty-three phenotypically distinguishable endophytic bacteria from the root, stem, and leaf parts of the plant. Shannon Wiener diversity index clearly divulged diverse endophytes in roots (0.85), stem (0.61), and leaf (0.54) tissues. Physio-biochemical features of the isolates differentiated the distinct variations in their carbohydrate utilization profile and NaCl tolerance. The endophytes produced an array of enzymes, namely, catalase, oxidase, amylase, cellulase, nitrate reductase, and lipase. The bacterial isolates belong to the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Paenibacillus, Acidomonas, Streptococcus, Ralstonia, Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, and Alcalignes predominantly. However, the antibiotic susceptibility pattern indicated that the isolates were mostly sensitive to erythromycin and streptomycin, while they were resistant to rifampicin, amoxicillin, and bacitracin. Interestingly, majority of the bacterial endophytes of C. dichotoma showed antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae. The 16S rRNA sequence of Bacillus thuringiensis has been deposited in the NCBI GenBank database under accession number OM320575. The major compounds of the crude extract derived from endophytic B. thuringiensis OM320575, according to the metabolic profile examination by GC-MS, are dibutyl phthalate, eicosane, tetrapentacontane, heneicosane, and hexadecane, which possessed antibacterial activities. In conclusion, results indicated the potential of C. dichotoma to host a plethora of bacterial endophytes that produce therapeutic bioactive metabolites.

Investment guarantees in financial products: an analysis of consumer preferences

We analyze the preferences of 1180 German consumers for investment guarantees in financial products by means of choice-based conjoint and latent class analysis. Based on the segment-level partworth utility profiles, we then identify the most important investment guarantee features, analyze consumer demand in a realistic market setting, and test whether individual purchasing behavior can be explained by socioeconomic characteristics. Our results show that two buyer and two nonbuyer segments exist. Although their willingness to buy varies significantly, we document only a small degree of heterogeneity with respect to the individual guarantee attributes and levels. Across the sample, the guarantee period is most important, followed by the volatility of the underlying fund, and the up-front premium. Finally, we illustrate that particularly those socioeconomic characteristics with an impact on individuals’ financial situation are promising predictors of their willingness to purchase investment guarantees.

Synthesis and characterization of polyhydroxyalkanoates from soil bacterium Bacillus sp. PhNs9

AbstractBackgroundSynthetic plastic pollution has increased tremendously over the past few decades. Supplanting synthetic plastics with a biodegradable alternative could save the biosphere from the drastic effects of plastic pollution. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) have been identified with the potential to become a feasible option.ResultsA bacterial strain isolated from pavement soil was investigated for its PHA production ability. The isolated strain was found to be non‐virulent, and susceptible to various antibiotics, especially cefalexin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, norfloxacin and ofloxacin. The carbohydrate utilization profile revealed that isolated bacteria can utilize different carbohydrates with a variable rate of consumption. The 16S rRNA identification revealed that the strain was related to the Bacillus genus. The produced PHA was predicted to be polyhydroxybutyrate as suggested by differential scanning calorimetry and NMR, Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopies. Moreover, the hydrophobic nature of the PHA produced was confirmed by contact angle measurement. The growth, production and substrate utilization kinetics revealed the specific growth rate of Bacillus sp. PhNs9 was 0.07 h−1, specific biomass productivity was 0.06 g L−1 h−1 and specific PHA productivity was 0.05 g L−1 h−1. The yield of PHA from biomass was found to be 0.67 g per gram of biomass.ConclusionsThe yield of PHA from the isolated strain was found to be higher than that of most earlier reports. Hence the findings of this study could catalyze the progress to completely move away from the use of synthetic plastics and replace them with an economical and sustainable solution. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

31 Relationship of Mitochondrial Phenotype to Muscle Function and Performance

Abstract Skeletal muscle mitochondria are vital for producing sufficient energy to fuel muscle contractions during exercise. Embedded within the inner mitochondrial membrane are 4 separate protein complexes that are responsible for transferring electrons from specific substrates to the final electron acceptor, oxygen. The proton gradient that is formed from the movement of electrons then drives complex V, synthesizing ATP to fuel cellular work. Recent technological advancements enable exploration beyond simple measures of mitochondria, such as density and overall function, to identify how the organelles produce energy. Specifically, high-resolution respirometry allows investigation into the capacity of each of these mitochondrial protein complexes to determine if they are differentially utilized during specific types of exercise. Further, unique profiles of utilization of these complexes may be hallmarks of success within a certain performance discipline (e.g., racing, dressage, western work, or jumping). In recent years, our laboratory has substantially contributed to progress in this area of research. Under 3 specific scenarios we: 1) defined in horses as young as 6-months-old differential utilization of complexes among breeds destined for certain racing distances; 2) demonstrated differential impacts on specific mitochondrial complexes between submaximal and high-intensity exercise training; and 3) identified a signature of mitochondrial energy production in Thoroughbred racehorses as weanlings that correlates with their race performance later in life. Complex-specific skeletal muscle mitochondrial research in horses is its infancy but has substantial promise to be used as a tool to optimize performance and prevent fatigue-induced injury in performance horses. Further, greater understanding of the inter-relationships of mitochondrial energy production, exercise training, management, and feeding protocols will be crucial to ensure horses realize their peak performance potential and to maintain animal welfare during intense training and competition schedules.

A Comparison of Substrate Utilization Profiles During Maximal and Submaximal Exercise Tests in Athletes.

BackgroundExercise is primarily sustained by energy derived from lipids (plasma free fatty acids and intramuscular triglycerides), and glucose (plasma glucose and muscle glycogen). Substrate utilization is the pattern by which these fuel sources are used during activity. There are many factors that influence substrate utilization. We aim to delineate the effect of exercise intensity and body composition on substrate utilization.ObjectiveThe objective of our study was to discern the differences in substrate utilization profiles during a maximal and submaximal graded exercise test, and to determine the extent to which body composition influences substrate utilization during the exercise tests.MethodsA total of 27 male athletes, 32.5 ± 11 years of age, were recruited for this study. Body composition was analyzed using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Maximal and submaximal exercise tests were performed on a treadmill. A novel graded submaximal treadmill protocol was used for the submaximal test.ResultsAverage percent body fat (PBF) was 15.8 ± 5%. Average maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) was 47.6 ± 9 mL/kg/min, while the average exercise intensity (percent VO2max) at which participants were shifting to glucose predominance for energy during the maximal and submaximal tests were 76 ± 8.3% and 58.4 ± 21.1%, respectively. A paired-samples t-test was conducted to compare percent VO2max at crossover point in maximal and submaximal graded exercise tests. There was a significant difference in percent VO2max at the crossover point for maximal (76 ± 8.3%) and submaximal (58 ± 21.1%) tests (t = 4.752, p = 0.001). A linear regression was performed to elucidate the interaction between exercise intensity at the crossover point and body composition during a maximal and submaximal graded exercise test. There was a significant effect of PBF on percent VO2max at crossover point during the maximal graded exercise test [F(1,24) = 9.10, P = 0.006] with an R2 of 0.245. However, there was no significant effect of PBF on percent VO2max at crossover point during the submaximal graded exercise test (P > 0.05).ConclusionSubstrate utilization, represented by the crossover point, is dependent on the rate of increase in exercise intensity. At maximal efforts, the crossover to carbohydrates from fats as the predominant fuel source occurs at a significantly later stage of percent VO2max than at submaximal efforts. Furthermore, body composition represented by PBF is a significant predictor of substrate utilization during maximal efforts. Athletes with a relatively higher PBF are more likely to have increased lipid oxidation during high intensity exercises than those with a lower body fat percentage.

The cwp66 Gene Affects Cell Adhesion, Stress Tolerance, and Antibiotic Resistance in Clostridioides difficile.

ABSTRACTClostridioides difficile is a Gram-positive, spore-forming anaerobic bacteria that is one of the leading causes of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The cell wall protein 66 gene (cwp66) encodes a cell wall protein, which is the second major cell surface antigen of C. difficile. Although immunological approaches, such as antibodies and purified recombinant proteins, have been implemented to study the role of Cwp66 in cell adhesion, no deletion mutant of the cwp66 gene has yet been characterized. We constructed a cwp66 gene deletion mutant using Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats Cpf1 (CRISPR-Cpf1) system. The phenotypic and transcriptomic changes of the Δcwp66 mutant compared with the wild-type (WT) strain were studied. The deletion of the cwp66 gene led to the decrease of cell adhesive capacity, cell motility, and stresses tolerance (to Triton X-100, acidic environment, and oxidative stress). Interestingly, the Δcwp66 mutant is more sensitive than the WT strain to clindamycin, ampicillin, and erythromycin but more resistant than the latter to vancomycin and metronidazole. Moreover, mannitol utilization capability in the Δcwp66 mutant was lost. Comparative transcriptomic analyses indicated that (i) 22.90-fold upregulation of cwpV gene and unable to express gpr gene were prominent in the Δcwp66 mutant; (ii) the cwp66 gene was involved in vancomycin resistance of C. difficile by influencing the expression of d-Alanine-d-Alanine ligase; and (iii) the mannose/fructose/sorbose IIC and IID components were upregulated in Δcwp66 mutant. The present work deepens our understanding of the contribution of the cwp66 gene to cell adhesion, stress tolerance, antibiotic resistance, and mannitol transportation of C. difficile.IMPORTANCE The cell wall protein 66 gene (cwp66) encodes a cell wall protein, which is the second major cell surface antigen of C. difficile. Although immunological approaches, such as antibodies and purified recombinant proteins, have been implemented to study the role of Cwp66 in cell adhesion, no deletion mutant of the cwp66 gene has yet been characterized. The current study provides direct evidence that the cwp66 gene serves as a major adhesion in C. difficile, and also suggested that deletion of the cwp66 gene led to the decrease of cell adhesive capacity, cell motility, and stresses tolerance (to Triton X-100, acidic environment, and oxidative stress). Interestingly, the antibiotic resistance and carbon source utilization profiles of the Δcwp66 mutant were significantly changed. These phenotypes were detrimental to the survival and pathogenesis of C. difficile in the human gut and may shed light on preventing C. difficile infection.

Antipsychotic Drug Utilization and Adverse Drug Reaction Profiling in Patients With Schizophrenia at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Western India.

IntroductionPrescription pattern studies conducted in patients with schizophrenia have shown variability in the utilization of antipsychotics based on the geographical location of the study setting. Moreover, there is only a sparse number of studies specifically related to adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in schizophrenia. Hence, a need was felt to study the antipsychotic utilization pattern and adverse drug reactions in patients with schizophrenia in our setting.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, observational study conducted at the psychiatry outpatient department (OPD) of a tertiary care hospital in India. Patients diagnosed to have schizophrenia as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) were included in the study provided they had been prescribed antipsychotic medications at the study center for at least three months. The sociodemographic profile of the patients and caregivers was recorded, and prescription pattern assessment was done using WHO core drug use indicators. Information related to ADRs was recorded, and further assessment was done based on the causality, severity, and preventability of ADRs.ResultsA total of 250 patients were enrolled in the study. Risperidone (40.25%) and olanzapine (26.32%) were the most commonly prescribed antipsychotic drugs, while trihexyphenidyl was the most frequently prescribed concomitant medication. Among the 37 cases of adverse drug reactions that were recorded, amenorrhea, sedation, and weight gain were found to be the most common. The majority of ADRs were of mild severity in addition to being non-preventable.ConclusionIt was observed that atypical antipsychotics were commonly prescribed in the study center, and the majority of the ADRs were mild and not preventable, which shows the adequacy of prescribing practices in the current setting.

Effect of Garlic (Allium sativum) Supplementation on Nutrient Utilization, Gastrointestinal Parasites and Haemato-biochemical Profile of Crossbred Calves

Background: With the ban on the use of antibiotics as feed additives and growth promoters in animal nutrition, livestock scientists are now shifting their attention towards natural and safe products like organic acids, probiotics, prebiotics and herbal growth promoters. Plants containing essential compounds can be a cost-effective means of improving efficiency of nutrient utilization and growth performance of animals. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) belongs to the family Liliaceae, which is a genus of 500 species. The medicinal properties of garlic may have beneficial effects on nutrient utilization and health of animals. However, very few studies have been reported whereby garlic has been fed to ruminants. Therefore, the present study was design to investigate the effect of garlic supplementation on nutrient utilization, gastro intestinal parasites and haemato-biochemical profile in crossbred calves. Methods: Twelve crossbred male calves of similar age (3-6 months) were randomly allotted to two equal groups ((n=6) on basis of body weight. All animals were maintained on common feeding regime consisting of required concentrate mixture and roughage as per requirement given by ICAR (2013). Calves in experimental group were supplemented with garlic (Allium sativum) @ 250 mg per kg body weight whereas; the control group was remaining unsupplemented. The study was conducted for 90 days. After 60 days of experimental feeding a digestion trial of seven days was conducted to access the nutrient utilization of animals. The faecal sample of each animal was collected fortnightly for parasitological examination of helminthes eggs. Blood samples were collected from each animal at 0 and 90 days of feeding trial to assess the haemato biochemical profile of crossbred calves. Result: The results indicated that the intake and digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE, ADF and NDF were statistically (P greater than 0.05) similar in both the groups. The haemato-biochemical parameters like Hb, PCV, RBC, WBC, glucose, TP, albumin, globulin and A:G ratio were statistically (P greater than 0.05) comparable among both the groups at 0 and 90 days of study. Similarly, the fortnightly faecal egg per gram (EPG) was also statically (P greater than 0.05) similar in both the groups. From the results it can be deduced that the garlic (Allium sativum) supplementation has no any effect on feed intake and digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE, ADF, NDF and CP but significantly increases in digestibility of CF. Garlic powder supplementation did not have any appreciable effect on haemato-biochemical profile and faecal egg per gram (EPG) in crossbred calves.