Dietary Substances Research Articles

Influence of the antioxidant astaxanthin in the composition of feeds on the physiological state of heat-water objects of aquaculture

This scientific study examines the experience of using astaxanthin in tilapia feeding, and its effect on the physiological state of individuals. The work used a set of methods used in fisheries research — variation statistics and physiological and biochemical tests. The reliability and validity of the scientific provisions and conclusions contained in this work are determined by a significant amount of factual material; in total, 150 tilapia individuals were studied. The data obtained during the study indicate that the use of astaxanthin at a concentration of 20.0; 30.0; 40.0 and 50.0 mg gives the best physiological and biochemical parameters of cultivated individuals, in comparison with the control variant. However, taking into account the maximum input of astaxanthin in feed for warm-water fish species, the most effective and safe concentration of astaxanthin in the diet of warm-water aquaculture objects is 40.0 mg/kg of feed, which is also confirmed by the results of the physiological state of individuals obtained during the experiments. One of the main stages of metabolism in the body is the digestibility and assimilation of feed nutrients, the effectiveness of which to a certain extent depends on the use of biologically active substances in diets that have antioxidant properties and have a stimulating effect on the vital functions of the body. An important criterion for the choice of feed additives is environmental safety. As a result, after feeding, the indicators of total protein in the experimental variants (1, 2, 3 and 4) were higher by 27.8; 58.5; 59.5 and 52.2%, respectively, of the control group. Analyzing the data obtained after the completion of the experimental work, a significant increase in the level of hemoglobin concentration in the experimental variants was found to be 1.2–1.3 times, respectively, compared with the control variant.

Effect of Diet and Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Lymphoproliferative Disorders.

Lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of pathologies that result from clonal proliferation of lymphocytes. They are classified into Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma; the latter develops as a result of B, T, or NK cells undergoing malignant transformation. It is believed that diet can modulate cellular redox state and that oxidative stress is implicated in lymphomagenesis by acting on several biological mechanisms; in fact, oxidative stress can generate a state of chronic inflammation through the activation of various transcription factors, thereby increasing the production of proinflammatory cytokines and causing overstimulation of B lymphocytes in the production of antibodies and possible alterations in cellular DNA. The purpose of our work is to investigate the results of in vitro and in vivo studies on the possible interaction between lymphomas, oxidative stress, and diet. A variety of dietary regimens and substances introduced with the diet that may have antioxidant and antiproliferative effects were assessed. The possibility of using nutraceuticals as novel anticancer agents is discussed; although the use of natural substances in lymphoma therapy is an interesting field of study, further studies are needed to define the efficacy of different nutraceuticals before introducing them into clinical practice.

The effect of a community-based group intervention on chronic disease self-management in a vulnerable population.

Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are predominantly related to modifiable health behaviors and account for 74% of global deaths at present. Behavior modification through self-management is a strategy to prevent NCDs. Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs (CDSMPs) have demonstrated improvements in health behaviors, health status, and use of healthcare. We evaluated the effects of a 6-week CDSMP on self-efficacy, health behaviors, mental health, health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), and health responsibilities among vulnerable populations with chronic disease in Europe. A prospective cohort study with a 6-month pre-post single-group design was conducted in five European countries. The intervention targeted adults with chronic conditions and low socioeconomic status, as well as their caregivers. The intervention was a 6-week community-based CDSMP in a group setting. Outcomes were measured per self-report questionnaire at baseline and 6-month follow-up: self-efficacy, health behaviors, mental health, HR-QoL, and health responsibilities. Of 1,844 participants, 1,248 (67.7%) completed follow-up and attended ≥4 sessions. For the chronic condition group, the following outcome measures at follow-up significantly improved compared with baseline (all P < 0.002): self-efficacy (SEMCD-6 6.7 vs. 6.4), mental health (PHQ-8 6.3 vs. 7.0), HR-QoL (SF-12 PCS 42.3 vs. 40.2, SF-12 MCS 42.8 vs. 41.4), health utility (EQ-5D-5L 0.88 vs. 0.86), self-rated health (EQ-5D-5L 67.2 vs. 63.9), communication with healthcare providers (2.28 vs. 2.11), understanding information (3.10 vs. 3.02), number of doctor visits (3.61 vs. 4.97), accident and emergency department visits (0.25 vs. 0.48), total nights in a hospital (0.65 vs. 1.13), and perceived medical errors (19.6 vs. 28.7%). No significant changes were detected in dietary habits, physical activity, substance use, and sleep and fatigue. For caregivers without a chronic condition, only doctor visits significantly decreased (1.54 vs. 2.25, P < 0.001). This CDSMP was associated with improvement in self-efficacy, depression, HR-QoL, and health responsibilities over 6 months in a diverse European population with a chronic condition. However, additional interventions targeting lifestyle risk factors are needed to improve health outcomes.

Microbial Secondary Metabolites via Fermentation Approaches for Dietary Supplementation Formulations.

Food supplementation formulations refer to products that are designed to provide additional nutrients to the diet. Vitamins, dietary fibers, minerals and other functional compounds (such as antioxidants) are concentrated in dietary supplements. Specific amounts of dietary compounds are given to the body through food supplements, and these include as well so-called non-essential compounds such as secondary plant bioactive components or microbial natural products in addition to nutrients in the narrower sense. A significant social challenge represents how to moderately use the natural resources in light of the growing world population. In terms of economic production of (especially natural) bioactive molecules, ways of white biotechnology production with various microorganisms have recently been intensively explored. In the current review other relevant dietary supplements and natural substances (e.g., vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants) used in production of dietary supplements formulations and their microbial natural production via fermentative biotechnological approaches are briefly reviewed. Biotechnology plays a crucial role in optimizing fermentation conditions to maximize the yield and quality of the target compounds. Advantages of microbial production include the ability to use renewable feedstocks, high production yields, and the potential for cost-effective large-scale production. Additionally, it can be more environmentally friendly compared to chemical synthesis, as it reduces the reliance on petrochemicals and minimizes waste generation. Educating consumers about the benefits, safety, and production methods of microbial products in general is crucial. Providing clear and accurate information about the science behind microbial production can help address any concerns or misconceptions consumers may have.

Cluster-determinant 36 (CD36) mediates intestinal absorption of dietary astaxanthin and affects its secretion

The functional activity of dietary astaxanthin is closely related to its absorption, and the absorption of dietary carotenoids mainly mediated by transmembrane transport protein (TTP) has become the mainstream research direction in recent years. However, the main TTP mediating astaxanthin absorption and its potential mechanisms are still unclear. Hence, based on the preliminary screening results, this study aims to elucidate the role of cluster-determinant 36 (CD36) mediating astaxanthin absorption from the perspective of expression levels through in vitro cell model, in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion model and in vivo mice model. The results showed that astaxanthin uptake was significantly increased by 45.13% in CD36 overexpressing cells and decreased by 20.92% in the case of sulfo-N-succinimidyl oleate (SSO) inhibition. A similar trend also appeared in the duodenum and jejunum by in situ model. Moreover, astaxanthin uptake in the small intestine of CD36 knockout mice was significantly reduced by 88.22%. Furthermore, the inhibition or knockout of CD36 suppressed the expression of other transporters (SR-BI and NPC1L1). Interestingly, CD36 was also involved in the downstream secretion pathway, which is manifested by interfering with the expression of related proteins (ERK1/2, MTP, ApoB48, and ApoAI). Therefore, these results indicate the important role of CD36 in astaxanthin transmembrane transport for the first time, providing vital exploration way for the absorption of dietary fat-soluble substances.

Alcohol-sourced acetate impairs T cell function by promoting cortactin acetylation

Alcohol is among the most widely consumed dietary substances. Excessive alcohol consumption damages the liver, heart, and brain. Alcohol also has strong immunoregulatory properties. Here, we report how alcohol impairs Tcell function via acetylation of cortactin, a protein that binds filamentous actin and facilitates branching. Upon alcohol consumption, acetate, the metabolite of alcohol, accumulates in lymphoid organs. Tcells exposed to acetate, exhibit increased acetylation of cortactin. Acetylation of cortactin inhibits filamentous actin binding and hence reduces Tcell migration, immune synapse formation and activation. While mutated, acetylation-resistant cortactin rescues the acetate-induced inhibition of Tcell migration, primary mouse cortactin knockout Tcells exhibited impaired migration. Acetate-induced cytoskeletal changes effectively inhibited activation, proliferation, and immune synapse formation in Tcells invitro and invivo in an influenza infection model in mice. Together these findings reveal cortactin as a possible target for mitigation of Tcell driven autoimmune diseases.

β­caryophyllene oxide induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation of A549 lung cancer cells

One of the most common cancers that result in death is lung cancer. There is new hope in the fight against lung cancer thanks to the chemopreventive properties of natural dietary substances like β-caryophyllene oxide (CPO), and research is currently being done to test this theory. CPO, a sesquiterpene isolated from medicinal plant essential oils, inhibits carcinogenesis and has been effective in treating many cancers. This study examined how CPO affected proliferation of human lung cancer A549 cells. CPO was found to have an inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 124.1 g/ml. The proliferative markers Ki67 and PCNA were significantly inhibited after cells were treated with CPO at a concentration of 50 g/ml compared to controls. CPO-treated cells expressed more P21, P53, and DNA strand breaks than controls. This was accompanied by a significant cell cycle arrest in the S and G2/M phases. In treated A549 cells, this was also associated with a significant induction of apoptosis, as shown by the upregulation of the expression of caspases 3, 7, and 9, as well as Bax, and the downregulation of Bcl-2. Furthermore, the redox status of treated A549 cells revealed a marked rise in GSH and GPx activity levels and a decline in 4-HNE levels, indicating low oxidative stress following CPO treatment of A549 cells. In conclusion, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, which are unrelated to oxidative stress, were the mechanisms by which CPO reduced cancer lung cell growth. This finding might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of lung cancer.Graphical abstractHypothetical scheme of CPO anticancer effects (mechanism of signaling) in A549 cells; in vitro. CPO treatment increases expression of p21, p53 and DNA fragmentation. These events cause arrest of cell cycle which was associated with significant induction in apoptosis via increase expression of caspases (-3,-7,-9), and Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2.

FUNCTIONAL FOODS OF PAKISTAN AND THEIR ROLE IN SENESCENCE

Functional foods can be used as a tool for healthy &amp; longer life span. The term “functional food” is tossed to emphasize the role of nutritive substances in the prevention and eradication of chronic disease development. The aim of this study is to identify functional foods of Pakistan for their anti-aging potential. In this regard, the ethanolic extract or fresh juices of fifty functional foods, mostly advised by nutritionists, were assessed for their ability to inhibit glycation and oxidative stress. Our analysis showed that out of 50 functional foods, 44 of them have significantly reduced the formation of advanced glycation end products. The Pomegranate peel extract, Strawberry juice, coffee powder, and areca nut showed more than 90% AGEs inhibition at the concentration of 1 mg/ml. Furthermore, antioxidant potential of all these 50 functional foods was also assessed for antioxidant activity using DPPH assay. In this assay, the most pronounced effect (90% free radical scavenging activity) was observed with Cumin seeds extract, Purple Onion extract, Grapefruit juice and Oregano extract. In conclusion, the present study highlights several easily available dietary substances of Pakistan, whom consumption can help prevent age related disabilities and may contribute to healthier and longer life span.

The Effect of Dietary Humic Substances on Cellular Immunity and Blood Characteristics in Piglets

This study’s objective was to determine the impact of dietary humic substances on immune response and blood profiles in piglets. A total of 24 crossbred piglets (Slovakian White × Landrace; 35 days old; average body weight of 11.67 kg) were allotted to two dietary groups with (experimental; 5 g·kg−1) or without (control; 0 g·kg−1) natural humic substances supplementation. In this study, we observed a significant increase of the proportion of CD4+CD8- lymphocytes (p &lt; 0.001) in the experimental group. The results also showed a tendency for an increase of the phagocytic activity and the engulfing capacity of phagocytes and the numbers of the other monitored lymphocyte subpopulations (CD3+, CD21+, CD4-D8+, CD4+CD8+, CD4+CD25+) in piglets in the experimental group compared to the control group. Supplementation of humic substances increased serum alkaline phosphatase compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.05). Other monitored blood parameters were not significantly affected by dietary treatment. It concluded that inclusion of humic substances in the diet of piglets could have a stimulating effect on cellular immunity, without a negative effect on haematological and biochemical parameters.

Impact of nutraceuticals on immunomodulation against viral infections-A review during COVID-19 pandemic in Indian scenario.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) originated in Wuhan, China, in early December 2019 is a censorious global emergency after World War II. Research on the coronavirus uncovered essential information that aided in the development of the vaccine, and specific coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) vaccines were later developed and were approved for usage in humans. But then, mutations in the coronavirus gave rise to new variants and questioned the vaccine's efficacy against them. On the other hand, the investigation of traditional medicine was also on its path to finda novel outcome against COVID-19. On a comparative analysis between India and theUnited States, India had low death rate and high recovery rate than the latter. The dietary regulation of immunity may be the factor that makes the above difference. The immunity gained from the regular diet of Indian culture nourishes Indian people with essential phytochemicals that support immunity and metabolism. Dietary phytochemicals or nutraceuticals possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, out of which our concern will be on immune-boosting phytochemicals from our daily nutritional supplements. In several case studies, dietary substance like lemon, ginger, and spinach was reported in the recovery of COVID-19 patients. Thus in this review, we discuss coronavirus and its available variants, vaccines, and the effect of nutraceuticals against the coronavirus. Further, we denote that the immunity of the Indian population may be high because of their diet, which adds natural phytochemicals to boost their immunity and metabolism.

Protective Role of Herbal Plants in Hepatotoxicity

Purpose: The liver is largest metabolic organ involved in detoxification and synthesis of essential biomolecules in the human body. Liver damage occurs due to chronic alcohol abuse, viral infections (Hepatitis A, B, C) medicines, poor hygiene, smoking, dietary substances, chemicals (Carbon tetra chloride, thioacetamide, acetaminophen, D-Galactosamine) or herb induced hepatotoxicity. The liver filters all the blood from the digestive tract, before passing it to the rest of the body to avoid the entry of toxins in the other body system and prevent severe consequences. Hepatic insufficiency may increase plasma total cholesterol and triacylglycerols with high risk of atheroscelerosis and cardiovascular disease. Free radical formation in the alcohol use result in development of hepatitis leading to cirrhosis. Plants have been used to protect liver injury by various chemicals.&#x0D; Methodology: In this study we reviewed some popular herbal plants having hepatoprotective potential.&#x0D; Findings: Polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids are natural antioxidants and the consumption of foods that contain these compounds in large quantities seems to play an important role in prophylaxis against many diseases.&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Herbal drugs are safe and have potential to cure hepatotoxicity. In India many plants have been identified as hepatoprotective drugs and used to treat liver disorders.

PRESCRIBING PATTERN OF NUTRACEUTICALS IN ONCOLOGY: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Introduction: Nutraceuticals are products found in foods and fruits that are also used as medicines other than being used for nutrition. They provide physiological benefits and protection against chronic diseases. They include minerals, vitamins, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and medicinal herbs or other dietary substances used as supplements, for example, polyphenols, quercetin, co-enzyme Q, and genistein are in use due to their chemopreventive potential. Aim of Study: The aim of this study was to examine the prescribing pattern of nutraceuticals in cancer patients. Methods: The present cross-sectional and observational study was conducted in the outpatient department (OPD) of Oncology of GMC Jammu after getting approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Patients of either gender and diagnosed with carcinoma attending oncology OPD were included in the study. Fifty prescription slips were evaluated for the prescribing pattern of nutraceuticals. The data were analyzed in percentages. Results: Most of the patients were prescribed more than one nutraceutical. Most commonly prescribed nutraceuticals were vitamins (44%) which included vitamin A, B complex, C, and D followed by minerals (36%), essential amino acids (12%), beta-carotene (8%), coenzyme Q (6%), lycopene (6%), curcumin (4%), and wheatgrass (2%). Conclusion: Nutraceuticals are being increasingly prescribed to cancer patients. In our study, vitamins were the most commonly prescribed nutraceuticals. Most of them have antioxidant potential. Nutraceutical use may increase in the future due to their safety and therapeutic effects.

A Conceptual Study of Dhatu Poshan Nyaya (Metabolic Transformation) in Ayurvedic Perspective

This review enlightens future research and scientific approach of Ayurveda in the context of Dhatu Poshna Nyaya (metabolic transformation and movement of substances through cell membrane). The things that truly support a living body are called dhatus.Dhatu denotes physical sustenance and food from the sole Sara component of the Ahara Rasa. A dietary substance's metabolism refers to a set of particular biochemical reactions that take place inside a living thing from the time it is incorporated into a cell or tissue until it is excreted, some of which are associated with tissue synthesis and other metabolic processes. Those who break down tissue are said to be catabolic or anabolic, respectively. Numerous explanations have also been put out in the case of Dhatu Poshan. Numerous ideas have been developed regarding the process by which different nutrients are ingested by the body. One should consider all of these Nyayascomparable to one another.

EFFECTS OF DIET ON ENDOMETRIOSIS: A REVIEW

In today’s world, the term "endometriosis" is very common among reproductive-aged women and adolescents. Several women suffer from this disease and experience chronic pain. Infertility is experienced by a large number of women with endometriosis. With the occurrence of endometriosis, women face different risk factors. The relationship between dietary intake and inflammation occurring due to endometriosis is still not evaluated properly. Various ongoing research works are dealing with to see the effect of dietary substances on the pathological and physiological processes of this disease. According to different cohort studies, various foods such as high calcium, vitamin D, A, C, omega-3, and fish oil-containing foods are proven to reduce the risk of endometriosis. Green vegetables were not found to be associated with the formation of chronic inflammation due to endometriosis. Present review work is undertaken to demonstrate a connection between the occurrence and severity of endometriosis and dietary intake.

Health Effects of Whole Grains: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Whole grains have been recommended in the diet in most countries, with numerous publications focusing on their health effect. A systematic analysis of these publications on different research methods, regions and perspectives will contribute to an understanding of the innovation pattern in this field. This bibliometric study analyzes the global publication characteristics, hotspots and frontiers of whole grain health benefit research, and discusses the trends and prospects of this topic. The overall number of publications is on the rise, with the United States contributing the most publications. The most cited literature shows that observational studies, systematic reviews and meta-analysis are the most widely used methods. The main focus in this area is on dietary fiber and bioactive substances, while the latter has received increased attention in recent years in particular. With the increasingly prominent problems of hidden hunger and chronic disease, the development of whole grain foods and their optimum intake have gradually become hot topics. In addition to the need to reveal the mechanism of whole grain health effects, consensus needs to be reached on standards and definitions for whole grain foods, and attention should be paid to the retention of taste and healthy nutrients in processing.

Effect of [6]-gingerol on viral neuraminidase and hemagglutinin-specific T cell immunity in severe influenza

BackgroundH1N1 influenza viruses are the leading cause of severe respiratory virus infections worldwide. Resistance to the current selections of anti-influenza agents are still of concern. The Zingiber officinale root is one of the most heavily consumed dietary substances. It is also been traditionally used against common cold in Ayurveda and Chinese herbal medicine. PurposeInvestigation on in vitro and in vivo effect of [6]-gingerol from Zingiber officinale against influenza virus infection. MethodsIn vitro antiviral property of [6]-gingerol was measured by the plaque reduction assay in which MDCK cells were infected with PR8 strain of H1N1 influenza A virus in the presence of gingerol. Gingerol-mediated inhibition of influenza neuraminidase activity was tested by MUNANA assay in vitro. In vivo activity was tested in PR8 strain of H1N1 influenza virus infected mice. Modulation of anti-influenza immunity was tested by the study of hemagglutinin-specific T cells in vivo. Results[6]-Gingerol significantly reduced in vitro infection by PR8 strain of H1N1 influenza virus, with an IC50 value 2.25±0.18 μM. The inhibition was associated with the inhibition of viral neuraminidase activity, over 75% of the NA enzymatic activity of 2.5 × 103 PFUs of PR8 strain influenza virus at a concentration of 2 μM. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) served as a positive control, which inhibited the NA enzymatic activity with an IC50 value of 1.88±0.05 μM. In H1N1 influenza virus infected mice, gingerol treatment (oral, once daily for 5 days) reduced virus load in the lungs and attenuated body weight loss and mortality. Gingerol inhibited viral neuraminidase-mediated intracellular TGF-β activation of lung-infiltrating CD4+ T cells. With the constrained active-TGF-β and immune suppression, influenza hemagglutinin-specific Th1 and Th17 immunity was increased. Conclusion[6]-Gingerol from Z. officinale is a potent anti-influenza compound that inhibits viral neuraminidase activity and boosts hemagglutinin-specific CD4+ T cell response to the infection. Taken together, gingerol has the potential to be further evaluated for clinical applications in human influenza.

Role of nutrition in depression and other mental illnesses

Nutrients, foods, and dietary components have a significant role in the development and maintenance of depressive disorders as well as the intensity of depression symptoms. Nutritional elements may alter the biomarkers linked to depression and may also influence the onset of depression, obesity, and diabetes. Recent research has identified novel mediators of mood fluctuations and energy balance that operate the gut-brain networks. In this context, a number of healthy foods including olive oil, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, poultry, dairy, and unprocessed meat, have been shown to have a negative correlation with the risk of depression and may even help with the symptoms of depression. The use of sweetened beverages, processed foods, fried foods, processed meat, refined grains, high-fat dairy products, biscuits, snacks, and pastries, on the other hand, has been linked in longitudinal studies to an elevated risk of depression. Nevertheless, it is usually challenging to draw a firm conclusion about a true prospective causal association from this primarily retrospective research since depressed people may also alter their eating habits incidentally as a result of their sadness. Additionally, it has been suggested that some dietary substances, including as calcium, chromium, folate, PUFAs, vitamin D, B12, zinc, magnesium, and D-serine, might be utilised as add-on treatments with antidepressants. In this situation, food and lifestyle changes may be a desired, practical, effective, and non-stigmatizing depression preventive and treatment option. In early randomized controlled clinical studies, a number of drugs that have historically been used to treat metabolic disorders—including pioglitazone, metformin, exenatide, atorvastatin, and gram-negative antibiotics showed some promise for treating depression.

SHORT REVIEW ON PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF POLYPHENOLS AGAINST DISORDERS CAUSED BY BISPHENOLS

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have recently attracted the interest of public health organizations, motivating substantial research to identify their effect on human health. Dysfunctions in endocrine system activities can raise the risk of a wide range of disorders, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and reproductive disorders. Given that bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols are considered to raise the risk of these disorders primarily through activating oxidative and inflammatory pathways, it has been hypothesized that dietary substances with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities may mitigate their negative effects. Polyphenols have been analyzed for their capacity to protect against the negative effects of BPA and phthalates since they are some of the most well-established substances with such properties. Given the importance of defining the relationship between bisphenols and human health and discovering approaches to combat the harmful effects they may cause, this review will summarize the evidence on dietary exposure to bisphenols, how they influence disease risk, the basis for and available research on how polyphenols mitigate their adverse effects, gaps in knowledge, and future research suggestions.

LECITHIN-CONTAINING FEED ADDITIVE IN THE DIETS OF YOUNG CATTLE

The negative impact of a complex of technological stress factors on the body of young animals determines the use of new biologically active substances in diets that can prevent their adverse effects. Lipids, which are the most concentrated source of energy, can become an alternative to feed antibiotics as growth promoters. The article contains materials of the study of the effectiveness of using different dosages of the new feed additive “Lecithin C” in diets of young cattle. Studies have shown that the&#x0D; use of the feed additive in the compound feed concentrate KR-3 in amounts of 6.5 g, 13.0 and 19.5 g per head per day contributes to an increase in dry matter intake by 1.9-7.5% and metabolizable energy by 2.2-6.5%, increases average daily productivity, provides a reduction in the cost of feed consumed per 1 kg of gain, and the cost of gain by by 3.9-7.1%.

Application regularity of medicinal and dietary substances for patients during COVID-19 rehabilitation

This study focused on the application regularity of medicinal and dietary substances (MDS) of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diet therapy during rehabilitation, in order to help patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) reduce sequelae and improve their life quality. The official websites of the national and provincial health committees, the website of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the China BioMedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and Wanfang Database were used to search the keywords, such as “coronavirus” “novel coronavirus pneumonia” “COVID-19” “protocol” “guideline” “consensus” and “rehabilitation period”. The search time was from the establishment of databases to July 31, 2022. The prevention and control protocols of various provinces and cities were manually supplemented and screened out. The information on the frequency, property, flavor, meridian tropism, and efficacy of MDS was collected for association rule analysis through the Apriori algorithm. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed using the Euclidean distance and longest distance. A total of 18 protocols were screened out, including 56 lists of TCM diet therapy, and 47 kinds of MDS with a frequency of 132 times during the rehabilitation of COVID-19. Among them, six lists of diet therapy were collected from national websites, 26 from local government websites, and 24 from social and academic institution websites. The intended population can be divided into seven categories including normal recovery, lung-spleen Qi deficiency, deficiency of both Qi and Yin, spleen-stomach weakness, deficiency of Yang Qi, kidney Qi deficiency, and blood deficiency. Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) and Lianzi (Nelumbinis Semen), followed by Dazao (Jujubae Fructus) were used most commonly in MDS, with mainly flat property, sweet flavor, and spleen and lung meridians in meridian tropism. Besides, deficiency-tonifying drugs were commonly used in MDS. Through association rule analysis, 12 groups of association MDS pairs were obtained. The pair of Yiyiren (Coicis Semen) and Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) had the highest Lift value, and Yiyiren (Coicis Semen) was used most frequently in the MDS category for eliminating pathogenic factors. The results of complex network analysis showed that the core MDS were Yiyiren (Coicis Semen), Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma), Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Fuling (Poria), and Dazao (Jujubae Fructus). Three core categories were classified by cluster analysis, including the category of strengthening spleen, nourishing kidney, and grasping Qi, the category of removing phlegm, abating panting, and regulating Qi, and the category of strengthening the middle-energizer and reinforcing Qi. Based on the TCM theory, most patients during the rehabilitation of COVID-19 are in a state of lingering pathogens due to deficient vital Qi. TCM diet therapy is based on the principle of “giving both reinforcing and reducing treatment”, and the MDS combinations focus on both reinforcing the health Qi and eliminating pathogenic factors. The diet therapy mainly uses the MDS with flat property and sweet flavor, which belongs to deficiency-tonifying drugs, adding suitable MDS of pathogen-eliminating drugs according to different situations. The ultimate goal is to promote lung inflammation absorption, improve pulmonary fibrosis, increase immunity, reduce the occurrence of sequelae, and improve life quality.