Sulfate Supplementation Research Articles

Potassium Sulfate Supplementation with Elevated Electrical Conductivity Was Unproductive for Hydroponic Strawberry at the Original Yamazaki Nutrient Solution Nitrogen Level

The production of strawberries (Fragaria ×ananassa) in hydroponic systems has been increasing. In hydroponic systems, precise nutrient management is crucial for optimal plant growth and fruit production. Among essential elements, potassium (K) is a key nutrient that affects fruit yield and quality in fruiting crops. The objective of this study was to investigate whether increasing the K concentration in the Yamazaki strawberry nutrient solution could enhance plant growth, fruit yield, and fruit quality in hydroponic strawberries. Bare-root plants of strawberry ‘Monterey’ and ‘San Andreas’ were planted in a deep water culture hydroponic system and grown with initial K concentrations of 117, 194, 271, and 348 mg·L−1 under the same initial nitrogen concentration of 77 mg·L−1. As the K concentration increased from 117 to 348 mg·L−1, the nutrient solution electrical conductivity increased from 1.0 to 1.9 dS·m−1. The experiment was conducted inside an indoor vertical farm at a 23 °C air temperature with an extended photon flux density (400–750 nm) of 350 µmol·m−2·s−1 under an 18-hour photoperiod. Increasing the K concentration from 117 to 348 mg·L−1 had minimal effects on plant growth characteristics of both cultivars, although root dry mass of ‘Monterey’ increased linearly with increasing K. Increasing the K concentration from 117 to 348 mg·L−1 did not affect the total fruit number or total fruit fresh mass of ‘Monterey’, but for ‘San Andreas’, it reduced the total fruit number by 34% and total fruit fresh mass by 45%. Additionally, increasing the K concentration from 117 to 348 mg·L−1 reduced the individual fruit mass, fruit length, and fruit diameter and increased titratable acidity in both cultivars. These results indicate that increasing the K concentration in the Yamazaki strawberry nutrient solution did not benefit plant growth, fruit yield, or fruit quality of the hydroponically grown strawberries ‘Monterey’ or ‘San Andreas’.

Efficient degradation of neomycin by Bacillus velezensis and Cupriavidus basilensis isolated from mangrove soil and pharmaceutical wastewater

Neomycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is widely utilized for veterinary medicine in disease prevention. Biodegradation is a key pathway for the removal of neomycin from the environment. To date, only the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor and the ericoid mycorrhizal fungus Rhizoscyphus ericae have been documented to efficiently degrade neomycin. However, no bacterial species with neomycin-degrading capabilities have been reported, underscoring a significant gap in microbial research related to neomycin remediation. In this study, Cupriavidus basilensis and Bacillus velezensis were isolated from pharmaceutical wastewater and neomycin-free mangrove soil through enrichment culture and gradual acclimatization, respectively. These isolates demonstrated neomycin degradation rates of 46.4 and 37.6% in 96 h with 100 mg·L−1 neomycin as the sole carbon source. Cupriavidus basilensis achieved a degradation rate of 50.83% with ammonium sulfate supplementation, while Bacillus velezensis exhibited a superior degradation efficiency of 58.44% with soluble starch. Our findings offer valuable insights into the microbial degradation of neomycin. Two neomycin-degrading bacteria were isolated for the first time. Both species degraded neomycin as the sole carbon source or under co-metabolic conditions within 4 days. Microorganisms from neomycin-free environments adapted to neomycin stress and outperformed those from contaminated sources. This challenges the assumption that antibiotic-degrading microorganisms mainly originate from polluted environments. The findings expand the diversity of known neomycin-degrading microorganisms and demonstrate their potential for removing refractory neomycin from pharmaceutical wastewater.

Preliminary Research on Dietary Supplementation of Potassium Magnesium Sulphate on Transport Stress in Finishing Pigs Prior to Slaughter

Transport stress prior to slaughter frequently induces a stress response, negatively affecting meat quality. This study investigated the impact of dietary potassium magnesium sulphate (PMS) supplementation during the fattening stage on the stress response and meat quality in finishing pigs subjected to transport stress. The experiment involved two phases. Initially, 48 finishing pigs (68.00 ± 0.40 kg) were randomly allocated into two groups: a control group receiving a basal diet (CON) and a PMS-supplemented group receiving the basal diet with 0.50% PMS. Each group was housed in six pens, with four pigs per pen. After 60 days of feeding, in the second phase, two pigs from each pen were randomly selected for slaughter, with one pig subjected to a 4 h transportation stress prior to slaughter. Pigs were categorized into four treatment groups based on diet and stress: (1) control without transport stress, (2) control with transport stress, (3) PMS-supplemented without transport stress, and (4) PMS-supplemented with transport stress. Serum, jejunum, and longissimus thoracis muscle (LM) samples were collected. The results indicated that dietary PMS supplementation did not significantly affect growth performance during the fattening stage (p > 0.05). However, following transport, the PMS pigs showed a reduction in norepinephrine and cortisol concentrations (p = 0.09, p < 0.05) and a significant increase in serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity (p < 0.05). Furthermore, PMS supplementation significantly increased serum catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (p < 0.05), while significantly reducing cholesterol (CHO) levels (p < 0.05). Transport stress adversely affected the intestinal health of finishing pigs, as evidenced by a decrease in intestinal villus height (0.05 < p < 0.1), a condition ameliorated by PMS supplementation. Additionally, transported pigs exhibited a higher drip loss24h in LM (p < 0.05), which was also alleviated through PMS supplementation. In conclusion, PMS supplementation mitigates transport stress and improves meat quality in finishing pigs.

Metabolic studies of Ogataea polymorpha using nine different corn steep liquors

BackgroundIn the fermentation industry, the demand to replace expensive complex media components is increasing for alternative nutrient sources derived from waste or side streams, such as corn steep liquor (CSL). However, the use of CSL is associated with common problems of side products, such as batch-to-batch variations and compositional inconsistencies. In this study, to detect batch-to-batch variations in CSL for Ogataea polymorpha cultivations, a “fingerprinting” system was developed by employing the Respiration Activity Monitoring System designed for shake flasks (RAMOS) and 96-well microtiter plates (µTOM).ResultsAt 2.5 g d.s./L CSL and 5 g/L glucose, a limitation by a secondary substrate, other than the carbon source, was observed. For this specific CSL medium, this limitation was caused by ammonium nitrogen and could be removed through targeted supplementation of ammonium sulphate. Under ammonium nitrogen limitation, O. polymorpha showed a change in morphology and developed a different cell size distribution. Increasing CSL storage times impaired O. polymorpha cultivation results. It was speculated that this observation is caused by micronutrient precipitation as sulfide salts. Through targeted nutrient supplementation, these limiting microelements were identified to be copper, iron and zinc.ConclusionsThis study shows the versatility of CSL as an alternative nutrient source for O. polymorpha cultivations. “Fingerprinting” of CSL batches allows for early screening. Fermentation inconsistencies can be eliminated by selecting the better performing CSL batches or by supplementing and improving an inferior CSL prior to large-scale productions.

Sulfur affects multi-scale starch structures and its contribution to the cookie-baking quality of wheat subjected to shade stress

The components and structure of starch macromolecules critically determine its food-use properties. However, elemental sulfur supplementation affects the relationship between starch structure and the cookie-making quality of wheat under shaded environments remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effect of sulfur on the starch multi-scale structures and its contribution to the cookie-baking quality of wheat after pre- or post-anthesis shading. Compared with the unshaded control, shade stress decreased the amylose and total starch contents, formed smaller B-type starch granules, narrowed the molecular weight distribution, and decreased the amylopectin long-chain proportion, crystallinity, viscosity, and spread ratio of cookies. Weak-gluten cultivars are more sensitive to shade stress than strong-gluten cultivars. Under shaded environments, sulfur increased the amylopectin content, proportion of amylopectin short chains, and total starch content, increasing the mean diameter of starch granules and viscosity, ultimately decreasing the cookie hardness. The random forest model revealed that the surface area of the starch granules (18.7 %) and amylopectin B3 chain (6.7 %) contributed the most to the variation in the cookie spread ratio. Cookie hardness was determined mainly by the total starch (7.8 %), amylopectin (6.3 %), and trough viscosity (5.0 %). Our results help to design strategies for achieving superior-quality wheat in the context of global dimming.

Role of prophylactic intravenous calcium in prevention of postspinal hypotension among women with preeclampsia undergoing cesarean delivery: a placebo controlled randomized clinical trial

BackgroundPreeclamptic women, in addition to traditional antihypertensive medications, often receive magnesium supplementation and are at increased risk of postspinal hypotension Postspinal hypotension increases the risk of fetomaternal morbidity. Calcium is a physiological antagonist of magnesium in vascular smooth muscle. Therefore, the study hypothesized that calcium is better suited for preserving systemic vascular resistance and preventing postspinal hypotension during cesarean delivery. ObjectivesThe study aimed to evaluate the effect of prophylactic calcium administration on postspinal hypotension in preeclamptic women receiving magnesium supplementation. MethodsThis prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, two-arm parallel trial was conducted in preeclamptic women receiving magnesium sulfate supplementation undergoing cesarean delivery. The women were randomized to receive intravenous calcium or a placebo (normal saline) before spinal anesthesia. The study drug (calcium gluconate 500 mg or normal saline) was administered over 15 minutes and ended immediately before spinal anesthesia. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of postspinal hypotension, and secondary outcome measures were postpartum blood loss and maternal and neonatal outcomes. ResultsA total of 100 women (50 each calcium and placebo arm) completed the study. The baseline demographic variables, mean blood pressure and heart rate were comparable. The incidence of postspinal hypotension was significantly lower in the calcium arm compared to the placebo arm (32% vs 60%; Relative risk [95% CI]; 1.87 [1.18–2.97]; P=.007). The mean phenylephrine requirement (5.60±14.59 vs 14.80±22.42 mcg; P=.01) and mephentermine requirement (3.30±5.11 mg vs 5.82±4.97 mg; P=.008) was significantly lower in the calcium group. Furthermore, the calcium group's mean postpartum blood loss was significantly lower (406.90±94.34 vs 472.20±122.49 ml, P=.004). However, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission rate, Apgar score, umbilical artery PH, and maternal serum calcium were comparable. ConclusionProphylactic calcium infusion significantly reduces the incidence of postspinal hypotension during cesarean delivery in preeclamptic women receiving magnesium supplementation. Furthermore, the effect of prophylactic calcium in decreasing postpartum blood loss is encouraging. However, large trials are required to validate the findings of this study.

Ethanol Production From Sugarcane Molasses: Effects of Ph, Supplementation, and Refrigeration in Simulated Industrial Conditions at a Microdistillary

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effects of pH, ammonium sulfate supplementation, and refrigeration on fermentation performance in sugarcane molasses, with the goal of optimizing ethanol production under simulated industrial conditions. Theoretical Framework: The research builds on key concepts in biofuel production, emphasizing the role of pH, nutrient supplementation, and temperature control in influencing yeast metabolism and fermentation efficiency. Theories on enzymatic activity and nutrient absorption (Vidal et al., 2013; Gutierrez, 1993) provide the foundation for understanding the interactions between these factors. Method: A full 2³ factorial design was employed, evaluating the effects of pH (3.5 and 5.0), supplementation (0.0 and 1.0 g/L), and refrigeration (with or without) on fermentation efficiency, process efficiency, ethanol productivity, and substrate-to-cell conversion in a microdistillery. Analytical methods included spectrophotometry, refractometry, and chromatography. Results and Discussion: The results indicate that fermentation conditions with pH 3.5, without supplementation, and with refrigeration yielded the best performance, with significant increases in ethanol productivity and fermentation efficiency. The interaction between variables suggests that these factors should be considered jointly to optimize the process. Research Implications: The findings offer practical insights for improving fermentation in industrial biofuel production, particularly in optimizing conditions for ethanol yield and process efficiency under near-industrial conditions. Originality/Value: This study contributes by using a microdistillery to simulate industrial conditions, providing more accurate data for scaling ethanol production. It adds value by highlighting how specific combinations of pH, supplementation, and refrigeration can improve biofuel sustainability.

The effect of oral zinc sulfate supplementation on hospitalized infants with hyperbilirubinemia: a double-blind randomized clinical trial.

Previous investigations on the impact of oral zinc sulfate treatment on newborns' serum bilirubin levels have produced conflicting results. As a result, the goal of this clinical study was to evaluate how oral zinc sulfate affected the levels of serum bilirubin in term infants who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. The study was conducted at the Neonatal Care Unit of Besat Hospital in Sanandaj, Kurdistan Province, as a double-blind randomized controlled trial. The participants included term infants (37-42weeks of gestation) who required phototherapy and were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. A total of 290 infants were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group received oral zinc sulfate supplementation at a dosage of 1mg/kg per day in addition to phototherapy, while the placebo group received an equivalent amount of placebo daily. Bilirubin measurements were obtained at the initiation of the intervention and subsequently every 24h until discharge. The collected data were analyzed using STATA software version 17. After the infants were randomly allocated to the zinc-sulfate and placebo groups, the study outcomes, including the average changes in bilirubin levels after intervention, the hours of phototherapy, and the number of days of hospitalization, were analyzed and compared for a total of 160 infants in the zinc sulfate group and 130 infants in the placebo group. The reduction in bilirubin levels in infants receiving zinc sulfate was (- 3.75 ± 0.19 CI 95% - 4.12, - 3.37) and for placebo group was (- 1.81 ± 0.15 CI 95% - 2.12, - 1.50) 24h after the intervention. Furthermore, 48 and 72h following the intervention, bilirubin levels in the intervention group demonstrated a more substantial decline. The zinc sulfate group had a shorter hospital stay (2.13 ± 0.04 vs. 2.83 ± 1.42) and required less phototherapy hours than the placebo group (6.21 ± 2.16 vs. 8.78 ± 1.40). Conclusions: Oral zinc sulfate supplementation in term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia decreased the level of bilirubin levels, duration of phototherapy, and hospital stay. Trial registration: IRCT, IRCT20220806055625N1. Study Registered 25 December 2022, http://irct.ir/trial/66,722 .

Dietary sodium sulfate supplementation improves eggshell quality, uterine ion transportation and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in laying hens.

This study evaluated the effects of dietary sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) supplementation on eggshell quality, uterine ion transportation, and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis. A total of 432 48-wk-old Hy-line Brown laying hens were randomly divided into 6 dietary treatments with 8 replicates of 9 birds each. The experimental laying hens were fed the corn-soybean meal diets (containing 0.15% NaCl) supplemented with 0.22%, 0.37%, 0.52%, 0.68%, 0.83%, or 0.99% Na2SO4 for 12 weeks. Results showed that the eggshell breaking strength and eggshell ratio significantly increased in the 0.68% Na2SO4 group at the end of wk 56 and wk 60 (P < 0.05). In addition, eggshell thickness and weight significantly increased in the 0.68% Na2SO4 group at the end of wk 60 (P < 0.05). Eggshell calcium (Ca) content in the 0.68% Na2SO4 group was higher than that of 0.22% and 0.99% groups (P < 0.001). The concentrations of K+ and Ca2+ in the uterine fluid were significantly greater in the 0.68% group than in the other groups (P < 0.05). Dietary Na2SO4 increased the gene expression of SLC8A1, SCNN1A, ATP1B1, and KCNMA1 quadratically in the uterus (P < 0.05), and higher values were observed in 0.68% group. Additionally, the GAG contents of the eggshell, and ATP-S, SULT, CS, and DS contents of the isthmus increased linearly with the increment of dietary Na2SO4 (P < 0.05). There was a remarkable reduction in mammillary knob width, mammillary thickness, and the percentage of the mammillary layer (P < 0.05), and an increment in mammillary knob density, effective thickness, and total thickness in the 0.68% group compared with the 0.22% and 0.99% groups (P < 0.05). Overall, there was no dose-related difference with the increment of dietary Na2SO4 levels. The addition of 0.68% Na2SO4 in the corn-soybean basal diet (0.15% Cl) regulated uterine ion transport, increased GAG contents of eggshell, and improved eggshell ultrastructure and quality.

Alterations in tissue content of iron and zinc in mice bearing hepatoma 22a and their correction by zinc sulphate supplementation

It is known that many tumors induce iron and zinc deficiency in the organism. We studied the content of these metals, as well as the specific activity of two antioxidant metal-dependent enzymes – catalase and superoxide dismutase of three distal organs (thymus, liver and spleen) in animals bearing transplantable hepatoma 22a. These alterations were compared to weight changes of organs. On day 21 of tumor growth, as compared to control group, nonheme iron content in all three organs was decreased, and zinc content – only in the thymus. The specific activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase were both increased in the thymus, while in the liver activity of superoxide dismutase decreased. At the same time point thymic involution and splenomegaly were developed. In order to normalize metal content mice bearing hepatoma 22a were supplemented with 22 mkg of zinc sulphate per ml of drinking water during 3 weeks. Zinc sulphate supplementation partly compensated zinc deficiency in the thymus, increased zinc content in the liver and restored iron content in three organs. It also normalized superoxide dismutase activity in the liver and had no influence on enzymes in other organs. Zinc supplementation did not influence the weight of spleen and liver, but prevented the development of thymic involution. Moreover, metal deficiency in the thymus was restored while the activity of antioxidant enzymes remained unchanged. Based on this we can conclude that thymus involution in hepatoma 22a mice was associated with iron and zinc deficiency in this organ and was not linked with antioxidant enzyme activity, while splenomegaly had no relation to both types of parameters in the spleen. Thus, zinc sulphate positively influences metabolism of two vital trace elements – zinc and iron in animals bearing hepatoma 22a, what contributes to maintaining of the central immune organ – the thymus, and along with this it improves antioxidant system of the liver.

Optimizing the Preoperative Preparation of Sarcopenic Older People: The Role of Prehabilitation and Nutritional Supplementation before Knee Arthroplasty.

Age-related loss of skeletal muscle strength and mass is linked to adverse postoperative outcomes in older individuals with sarcopenia. Half of patients suffer from severe associated osteoarthritis requiring orthopedic interventions. Mitigating the onset and progression of sarcopenia before surgery is essential to improve the prognosis and reduce surgical complications. The aim of this research was to innovatively explore whether the preoperative period could be the appropriate timeframe to empower surgical resilience, through prehabilitation and dietary supplementation, in older sarcopenic patients undergoing knee arthroplasty. The current literature concerning the effectiveness of prehabilitation and dietary supplementation before knee arthroplasty in sarcopenic older individuals was reviewed, following the SANRA criteria, between December 2023 and February 2024. The study inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) prehabilitation and/or dietary supplementation interventions; (2) human participants aged 65 years and older; (3) relevant outcome reporting (functional status, postoperative complications, and patient-reported outcomes); and (4) articles written in English The extracted information included study characteristics, demographics, intervention details, outcomes, and the main findings. Merged prehabilitation and dietary supplementation strategies extrapolated from the current literature and involving strength, resistance, balance, and flexibility training, as well as essential amino acids, iron, vitamin D, adenosine triphosphate, and glucosamine sulphate supplementation, could improve the functional capacity, ability to withstand the upcoming surgical stressors, and postoperative outcomes in older people undergoing knee arthroplasty. Addressing complex links between knee osteoarthritis and sarcopenia in older individuals undergoing knee arthroplasty requires a multidimensional approach. Prehabilitation emerges as a crucial preliminary step, allowing the optimization of surgical outcomes. Nutraceutical integration, included in a comprehensive care plan, could have a synergic effect in achieving prehabilitation goals. Those interventions are essential for surgical resilience, in terms of muscle function preservation, recovery acceleration, and overall quality of life enhancement. Intensive collaboration among specialists could advance knowledge and the sharable consensus concerning the critical and evolutive field of perioperative care.

Dietary zinc status is associated with ZnT3 (SLC30A3), IL-6 gene expressions and spinal cord tissue damage in spinal cord tissue in a cuprizone-induced rat Multiple Sclerosis model

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary zinc status on spinal cord tissue damage and ZnT3, IL-6 gene expressions in a cuprizone-induced rat Multiple Sclerosis (MS) model. The study was carried out on 46 adult male rats of the genus Wistar. The animals used in the study were divided into 5 groups (G) (Control 6, other groups 10). G1, Control. G2, Sham-MS: Carboxy-methyl-cellulose (KMS) solution in which Cuprizon was dissolved was given to rats by gavage daily for 8 weeks at the rate of 1 % of daily feed consumption. MS was formed by giving 1 % of the daily feed consumption cuprizon in KMS solution by gavage to the animals in G3, 4 and 5 for 8 weeks. G4 was fed with a zinc deficient (50 µg/kg zinc) diet. G5 was given intraperitoneal (ip) zinc sulfate (5 mg/kg/day) supplementation. MS formation in animals was determined by Rotarod tests and Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) gene expression analysis. ZNT3 and IL-6 gene expression levels in spinal cord tissue samples of animals by Real-Time-PCR method; MDA and GSH levels were determined by ELISA method. The highest spinal cord MDA and IL-6 levels were obtained in G3 and G4 (P<0.05). Zinc supplementation in G5 prevented the increase in the mentioned parameters and turned them into control values (P<0.05). The spinal cord GSH and ZnT3 levels of G3 and G4 were lower than all other groups (P<0.05). Zinc supplementation prevented suppression in the same parameters in G5 and reached the control values (P<0.05). The findings of the current study suggest that zinc supplementation in addition to treatment for MS may be beneficial in reducing the severity of the disease.

Testosterone hormone levels and breast muscle performance of Pelung chickens after zinc sulfate and synthetic testosterone supplementation

Background and Aim: Pelung chicken Gallus gallus gallus (Linnaeus, 1758) is a chicken endemic to Cianjur, West Java, Indonesia. This study aimed to determine the effects of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and synthetic testosterone supplementations for 56 days on testosterone hormone levels and breast muscle performance in Pelung chickens. Materials and Methods: This study used 12 Pelung chickens with three treatment groups (G) and four replications, namely, control (G0), ZnSO4 0.9 mg/kg (G1), and synthetic testosterone 3 mg/day (G2). Chickens were acclimatized for 7 days and then supplemented for 56 days. Drinking water and commercial standard feed were provided ad libitum. Blood was collected through the brachial vein for the analysis of testosterone levels using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The samples were collected every 14 days; on days 0, 14, 28, 42, and 56. Breast muscles were collected for texture analysis, and breast muscle preparations were made with hematoxylin-eosin staining to measure the fascicle area (FA), number of myofibers in one fascicle (NMOF), and myofiber area (MA). The collected data were analyzed using analysis of variance at a 95% confidence level with the help of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences v.29.0. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed with the help of Minitab v. 19. Results: Statistical analysis results on 56 days of testosterone level parameters showed that G2 was significantly different from all treatments (p &lt; 0.05). The results of statistical analysis on Pelung chicken breast muscle performance, especially hardness, chewiness, FA, NMOF, and MA, were significantly different (p &lt; 0.05) compared with the other treatments. The results of PCA showed that the testosterone level parameters were positively correlated with FA, NMOF, MA, hardness, and chewiness, whereas the fracture parameters were negatively correlated with all parameters except the springiness index and were significantly different between the G2 group and the other groups (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that supplementing synthetic testosterone 3 mg/day body weight for 56 days can improve testosterone levels and breast muscle performance, especially hardness, chewiness, FA, NMOF, and MA in Pelung chickens. Keywords: muscle, Pelung chicken, performance, testosterone, texture.

DIETARY EFFECT OF COPPER SULPHATE ON BLOOD AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL INDICES OF GROWING GOATS

An in-depth analysis of blood gives a reflection of animal’s responsiveness to their internal and external environment. Hence, a 56-day study was carried out using fifteen West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks of about 12-18months, with an average body weight of 6.09±0.58kg, to evaluate their nutrient intake, haematological and serum biochemical indices when fed copper sulphate (CuSO4) supplemented diets. A concentrate diet was formulated and divided into five equal portions and CuSO4 was added to the diets at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/kg diets representing treatments T-control), T2, T3, T4) and T5, respectively and fed to the goats in a Completely Randomized Design experiment. Nutrient composition and nutrient intake were determined. Blood was collected from each goat and sera were harvested from each blood sample collected. The blood samples were analyzed for whole blood count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, while sera for total protein (TP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase. Data generated were subjected to statistical analysis. From the results, supplementation of CuSO4 did not significantly (P&gt;0.05) influence DMI by the goats, while goats fed T5 (20 mg/kg CuSO4) had the highest CPI (61.00g/day). Goats fed T4 and T5 had statistical similar values for PCV. Goats fed T5 had the highest value of RBC (15.70x106/µL), WBC (11.33x103/µL), Hb (12.70g/100mL), MCHC (33.13g/dL), TP (6.82g/dL) and AST (63.83IU/L). Conclusively, the study revealed that copper sulphate supplementation in growing goats’ diet has potentials to improve blood components without deleterious effects on their health status, and could be supplemented even up to 20mg/kg.

Sulfate and chloride ions differentially affect sulfur and glucosinolate metabolism in Lepidium latifolium L.

Lepidium latifolium sprouts contain higher and differential glucosinolates (GLS) than the mature plants. Treatment of Lepidium sprouts with elevated MgSO4 (0.5 mmol/L and 1 mmol/L) resulted in the enhancement of both primary sulfur compounds (sulfate, glutathione, thiols) and secondary sulfur compound (glucosinolates). Conversely, higher MgCl2 (0.5 mmol/L and 1 mmol/L) exhibited a significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease in these metabolites indicating a differential response to sulfate and chloride ions. The expression of sulfate transporters (SULTR1; 1 and SULTR1; 2) were up-regulated suggesting a transcriptional response to sulfate availability. The secondary GLS metabolism revealed that sulfate treatment positively influenced GLS levels, while chloride treatment led to a significant (p ≤ 0.05) reduction. Expression analysis of GLS-regulating genes (MYB28, MYB29, MYB34, MYB51) further supported these findings. Another carrier metal ion, Zn2+ (ZnSO4 and ZnCl2) significantly (p ≤ 0.05) differed in the effects than Mg2+, although in the similar trend. The combination of SO42− and Cl− (MgSO4:MgCl2 and ZnSO4:ZnCl2 (1:1)) produced synergistic effects in sulfate and GLS, different from individual ions. The study also suggested the role of myrosinase in maintaining sulfur homeostasis corroborated with the expression of myrosinase-encoding genes (TGG1 and TGG2). These findings suggest valuable insights into S-metabolism regulating the metabolic content of GLS. The study provides sulfate supplementation as an important strategy for the bio-fortification of GLS in Lepidium latifolium.

Effect of Organic, Nano, and Inorganic Zinc Sources on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Function, and Intestinal Health of Young Broilers.

The study aimed to determine the effects of different zinc sources on growth performance, antioxidant function, and intestinal health of broilers. In total, 240 Ross 308 male broilers with similar weight were randomly assigned to 4 treatments, including zinc sulfate, methionine zinc (Zn-Met), glycine zinc (Zn-Gly), and nano-zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs), with 80mg zinc/kg diet supplementation. The experiment lasted for 21days. Results showed dietary supplemental Zn-Gly and Zn-Met increased average daily gain during 1-14days (P = 0.011), and Zn-Gly, Zn-Met, and ZnO-NP supplementation decreased the ratio of feed to gain during 1-21days (P = 0.003) compared to zinc sulfate. ZnO-NPs supplementation tended to increase total SOD activity (P = 0.068) and had higher serum IgA content and lower MDA level than the other three groups (P < 0.05). Compared with zinc sulfate, Zn-Met and ZnO-NP supplementation decreased TNF-α mRNA expression (P = 0.048). However, serum biochemical indices, intestinal morphology, and mRNA expressions of tight junction proteins were not affected by different zinc sources (P > 0.05). A differential trend was observed in the beta diversity of bacterial communities among four groups (P = 0.082). The LEfSe analysis showed that bacterial genera Blautia, Ruminococcaceae, Clostridia, Anaerostipes, Eubacterium_ventriosum, Merdibacter, and Oscillospira were enriched in the ZnSO4 group, and the genera Eubacterium_hallii and Anaerotruncus were enriched in the Zn-Gly group. The genera UCG-009 and UCG010 were enriched in ZnO-NPs and Zn-Met groups, respectively. It should be stated dietary supplemental Zn-Met improved growth performance, ZnO-NPs promoted IgA production and reduced occurrences of oxidative stress and inflammation, and different zinc sources enriched different jejunal bacteria genera.

Copper Sulfate Supplementation Alleviates Molybdenosis in the Tibetan Gazelles in the Qinghai Lake Basin.

Molybdenum (Mo), an essential mineral, plays a key role in the vital activity of the organism. However, excess Mo in the forage will cause loss of appetite, diarrhea, emaciation, bone injury, joint abnormalities, and anemia in animals. In order to study molybdenosis in the Procapra picticaudata in the animal rescue center, samples of soils, forages, blood, and liver were collected. The mineral contents of all samples were determined, and the blood parameters were also measured. The results showed that the Mo level in the soil and forage in the animal rescue center was significantly higher than that in healthy pastures (p < 0.01). The Mo concentrations in the blood and liver in the P. picticaudata from the animal rescue center were also noticeably higher than those in healthy animals (p < 0.01). The level of Cu in the blood and liver were noticeably lower than those in healthy P. picticaudata (p < 0.01). The superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and catalase (CAT) were significantly lower than those in healthy animals. Supplementing copper sulfate (CuSO4) could significantly decrease the Mo content in the blood, and cure molybdenosis. In summary, the excessive Mo content in the soil and forage in the animal rescue center had greatly affected physiological parameters and antioxidant capacity. It is likely that the molybdenosis of the P. picticaudata is caused by the high Mo contents in soils and forages. CuSO4 may alleviate molybdenosis in P. picticaudata.

Can Hyaluronic Acid Combined with Chondroitin Sulfate in Viscosupplementation of Knee Osteoarthritis Improve Pain Symptoms and Mobility?

The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of intra-articular Hyaluronic acid (HA) and Chondroitin sulfate (CS) supplementation (Hialurom® Hondro (HH)) on pain symptoms and joint mobility. In total, 60 mg/mL sodium hyaluronate and 90 mg/mL CS were administered to 21 patients (17 females and 4 males) respecting the in-force requirements, excluding patients with some specific comorbidities. In addition to the clinical study (where the pain intensity (severity) and joint mobility were assessed), rheological characterization was conducted evaluating the following parameters: elastic modulus (G'), loss modulus (G″) oscillatory frequency (fc) at 0.5 Hz and 2.5 Hz, crossover frequency (fc), relaxation time (λ) where it was noticed that the addition of chondroitin sulfate (CS) to sodium hyaluronate (SH) significantly enhances and improves the viscoelastic properties, particularly at higher shear frequencies. A significant decrease in pain intensity felt by the subjects was found, from 7.48 (according to Wong-Baker scale)-pain close to 8 (the patient is unable to perform most activities), to more reduced values of 5.86-at 6 weeks after injection, 4.81-at 3 months after injection, and 5.24-at 6 months after injection, improvements in symptoms was fast and durable. Data related to the evolution of joint mobility show that at 6 weeks after injection, the mobility of joints increased by 17.8% and at 6 months by 35.61%. No serious adverse events were reported with undesired effects so that they would impose additional measures. Better resistance to enzymatic degradation and free radicals could be expected from the synergic combination of sodium hyaluronate and chondroitin sodium sulfate, this having a special importance for the patients, granting them the ability to perform more ample movements and reducing dependency on attendants, thus increasing quality of life.

Dietary sodium sulphate supplementation during mid-to-late gestation improves placental angiogenesis, bile acid metabolism, and serum amino acid concentrations of sows

Sulphate plays a vital role in the growth and development of the foetus. Sodium sulphate (Na2SO4) is utilised as a dietary protein nutrient factor and helps replenish sulphur elements in livestock and poultry. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of Na2SO4 supplementation in mid to late pregnancy on bile acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, placental vascular development and antioxidant capacity of sows. At day 1 of gestation (G1), a total of twenty-six primiparous sows were carefully chosen and randomised into two groups: (1) control group, (2) Na2SO4 group (1.40 g/kg). Blood samples and placentas from sows were collected to measure biochemistry parameters, antioxidant indexes, placental vascular density, and indicators related to bile acid metabolism and amino acid concentrations, respectively. We found that dietary supplementation with Na2SO4 had a tendency for a reduction of incidence of stillborn at farrowing. Further observation showed that sows supplemented with Na2SO4 had decreased total bile acid level in cord blood, and increased placental gene expression of sulphotransferase and organic anion transport peptide. Na2SO4 supplementation increased catalase and total superoxide dismutase activity in cord blood, decreased placental malondialdehyde content, and enhanced placental protein expression of Sirtuin 1. Moreover, Na2SO4 consumption resulted in increased vascular density of placental stroma and elevated amino acid levels in sows and cord blood. Furthermore, maternal Na2SO4 consumption reduced serum urea concentrations of sows and umbilical cord blood at G114. In addition, dietary supplementation with Na2SO4 activated the protein expression of the placental mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1. Collectively, these findings indicated that maternal supplementation with Na2SO4 during mid-to-late gestation elevated foetal survival via improving placental angiogenesis, bile acid metabolism and amino acid utilisation.

Impaired Tissue Content of Iron and Zinc in Mice with Growing Hepatoma 22A and Its Correction with Zinc Sulfate Supplementation

Impaired Tissue Content of Iron and Zinc in Mice with Growing Hepatoma 22A and Its Correction with Zinc Sulfate Supplementation