Supplemental Doses Research Articles

Impact of pomegranate juice on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Despite the importance of polyphenol-rich fruits in decreasing cardiovascular mortality, the impact of pomegranate juice (PJ) on blood pressure is still unclear. To determine the effect of PJ on blood pressure. PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched comprehensively using relevant keywords. All studies using pomegranate juice alone were included although limited to human studies and the English language. A random-effects model and the generic inverse variance approach were used to determine quantitative data synthesis. Meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials (n = 573 individuals) demonstrated a reduction in systolic BP (SBP) with pomegranate juice (MD: -5.02 mmHg, 95% CI: -7.55 to -2.48, p < 0.001). Effect of study duration showed pomegranate juice intake ≤2 months significantly decreased SBP (MD: -4.59 mmHg, 95% CI: -7.10 to -2.08, p < 0.001) and DBP (MD: -2.94 mmHg, 95% CI: -5.25 to -0.63, p = 0.01). Consumption of ≤300 mL pomegranate juice daily reduced SBP (MD: -6.11 mmHg, 95% CI: -9.22 to -3.00, p < 0.001). Counterintuitively, >300 mL/day of pomegranate juice showed no effect on SBP (MD: -3.28 mmHg, 95% CI: -6.85 to 0.27, p = 0.07) but a significant DBP reduction occurred (MD: -3.10 mmHg, 95% CI: -5.74 to -0.47, p = 0.02). Meta-regression showed that the SBP-lowering effect of pomegranate juice was associated with the dose of supplementation (p < 0.001). Pomegranate juice appeared to decrease SBP and DBP in a dose-dependent manner, but the benefit was lost after 2 months of pomegranate juice intake.

The Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Sarcopenia: Mechanism of Action and Potential Efficacy.

Sarcopenia, a progressive disease characterized by a decline in muscle strength, quality, and mass, affects aging population worldwide, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Besides resistance exercise, various nutritional strategies, including omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation, have been sought to prevent this condition. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence on the effect and mechanism of n-3 PUFA on musculoskeletal health. Despite conflicting evidence, n-3 PUFA is suggested to benefit muscle mass and volume, with more evident effects with higher supplementation dose (>2 g/day). n-3 PUFA supplementation likely improves handgrip and quadriceps strength in the elderly. Improved muscle functions, measured by walking speed and time-up-to-go test, are also observed, especially with longer duration of supplementation (>6 months), although the changes are small and unlikely to be clinically meaningful. Lastly, n-3 PUFA supplementation may positively affect muscle protein synthesis response to anabolic stimuli, alleviating age-related anabolic resistance. Proposed mechanisms by which n-3 PUFA supplementation improves muscle health include 1. anti-inflammatory properties, 2. augmented expression of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway, 3. decreased intracellular protein breakdown, 4. improved mitochondrial biogenesis and function, 5. enhanced amino acid transport, and 6. modulation of neuromuscular junction activity. In conclusion, n-3 PUFAs likely improve musculoskeletal health related to sarcopenia, with suggestive effect on muscle mass, strength, physical performance, and muscle protein synthesis. However, the interpretation of the findings is limited by the small number of participants, heterogeneity of supplementation regimens, and different measuring protocols.

The effects of hesperidin supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.

Hesperidin is a naturally occurring bioactive compound that may have an impact on cardiovascular disease risks, but the evidence is not conclusive. To investigate further, this study aimed to explore the effects of hesperidin supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in adults. A comprehensive search was conducted up to August 2022 using relevant keywords in databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ISI Web of Science for all randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The results showed that hesperidin supplementation had a significant effect on reducing serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density cholesterol (LDL), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and systolic blood pressure (SBP), whereas weight was increased. However, no significant effect was observed on high-density cholesterol (HDL), waist circumference (WC), fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), body mass index (BMI), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The study also found that an effective dosage of hesperidin supplementation was around 1,000 mg/d, and a more effective duration of supplementation was more than eight weeks to decrease insulin levels. Furthermore, the duration of intervention of more than six weeks was effective in decreasing FBG levels.

A narrative review on the use of probiotics in several diseases. Evidence and perspectives.

Gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem, strictly linked to health and disease, as a balanced composition (referred as eubiosis) is necessary for several physiological functions, while an unbalanced composition (dysbiosis) is often associated to pathological conditions and/or diseases. An altered microbiota could be positively affected and partially restored through probiotic supplementation, among others. This review addresses the effects of probiotics in several conditions, used as case-studies (colorectal cancer, neuro-psychiatric diseases, intestinal diseases, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, immune system, and musculoskeletal system disorders) by pointing out the clinical outcomes, the mode of action, mainly related to the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), the impact of probiotic dose and mode of supplementation, as well as trying to highlight a hit of the most used genera.

Effects of curcumin on blood pressure: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

AimsThis systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis were conducted to summarize data from available clinical trials on the effects of curcumin supplementation on systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP). Data synthesisUsing related keywords, multiple databases, including the Web of Sciences, Scopus, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, were searched until November 2022. We chose the studies that examined the effects of curcumin on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Seventeen eligible studies with a total sample size of 1377 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The findings of the meta-analysis did not indicate any significant effect of curcumin on SBP (WMD = −0.06 mmHg, 95% CI: −0.62, 0.50, p = 0.85; I2 = 44.2%) and DBP (WMD = −0.18 mmHg, 95% CI: −1.17, 0.82, p = 0.62; I2 = 77.2%). Moreover, in our dose-response analysis, we found that the dose and duration of curcumin supplementation were non-significantly associated with the reduction of SBP and DBP. However, subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction only in DBP levels (WMD: −0.76 mmHg, 95% CI: −1.46,−0.05; P = 0.03) but not in SBP in studies with ≥12-week supplementation. Also, a significant reduction in SBP (WMD: −1.55 mmHg, 95% CI: −2.85, −0.25; P = 0.01) and DBP (WMD: −1.73 mmHg, 95% CI: 2.67, −0.79; P < 0.01) was noticed by curcumin supplementation in studies performed on women. ConclusionsThe current study suggests that consuming curcumin may improve DBP when administered for long durations ≥12 weeks. However, more trials are required to confirm these findings.

Supplementation of nano-selenium (SeNPs) improved growth, immunity, antioxidant enzyme activity, and selenium retention in broiler chicken during summer season.

The present experiment was aimed at finding the optimal supplemental dose of nano-selenium in broiler chicken during the summer season for better performance in terms of growth, blood metabolites, immune response, antioxidant status, and selenium concentration in vital organs. Three-hundred-day-old Vencobb broiler chicks were randomly distributed into five dietary treatment groups with six replicates of 10 chicks each. The dietary treatments were as follows: T1 (control group), basal diet; T2, basal diet with 0.0375ppm of nano-Se; T3, basal diet with 0.075ppm of nano-Se; T4, basal diet with 0.15ppm of nano-Se; T5, basal diet with 0.3ppm of nano-Se. The experiment was carried out for 35days. The average gain and feed conversion ratio were best observed in T4 and T5. The antibody titres were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the treated birds. At the 5th week, erythrocytic glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly (P < 0.05) higher and lipid peroxidation values were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in all the nano-Se-treated groups. The Se levels in the liver, breast muscle, kidney, brain, and gizzard were significantly (P < 0.05) increased with increased dietary nano-Se. Histological studies of the liver and kidney in the highest nano-Se-treated groups (T4 and T5) did not show any abnormal changes. It is concluded that supplementation of nano-selenium at 0.15ppm over and above the basal level improved the performance and protect the birds from summer stress without any adverse effect on the vital organs of chicken.

Different doses of vitamin D supplementation to nonsurgical treatment for vitamin-D-insufficient patients with diabetic periodontitis and the effect on gingival BMP-2 levels.

Epidemiological data show people with diabetes mellitus (DM) have three-fold increase in risk of periodontitis. A vitamin D insufficiency can affect the progression of DM and periodontitis. This study evaluated the effects of different-dose vitamin D supplementation to nonsurgical periodontal therapy for vitamin-D-insufficient diabetic patients coexisting with periodontitis and changes of gingival bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) levels. The study included 30 vitamin-D-insufficient patients receiving nonsurgical treatment followed by administration of 25,000 international units (IU) vitamin D3 per week (the low-VD group) and 30 patients receiving 50,000 UI vitamin D per week (the high-VD group). The decreases of probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, bleeding index, and periodontal plaque index values of patients after the six-month supplementation of 50,000 UI vitamin D3 per week to nonsurgical treatment were more significant than those after the six-month supplementation of 25,000 UI vitamin D3 per week to nonsurgical treatment. It was found that 50,000 IU per week vitamin D supplementation for 6 months could lead to a better glycemic control for vitamin-D-insufficient diabetic patients coexisting with periodontitis after nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Increased levels of serum 25(OH) vitamin D3 and gingival BMP-2 were found in both low- and high-dose VD groups, and the high-dose VD group exhibited higher levels than the low-dose VD group. Vitamin D supplementation in large doses for 6 months tended to improve the treatment of periodontitis and increase gingival BMP-2 levels in diabetic patients coexisting with periodontitis who were vitamin D deficient.

Pregnancy, folic acid, and antiseizure medication

Abstract Background Although some antiseizure medications (ASMs) are teratogenic, most people with epilepsy need treatment in pregnancy. The risk of ASM fetotoxicity may be mitigated with folic acid. High-dose folic acid supplementation has traditionally been recommended before and during gestation despite little evidence of efficacy and safety for this patient group. Several studies have investigated the potential benefits and risks of folic acid supplements. Objective To provide an updated overview of the risks, benefits, and rationale for use of folic acid supplementation in relation to pregnant people of childbearing age using ASM. Materials and methods This is a narrative review based on an unstructured literature search of PubMed. We also scrutinized neurological and obstetrical guidelines. Results Antiseizure medication can decrease folate concentrations. In children exposed to ASM prenatally, those born to persons using folic acid supplements periconceptionally had lower risk of adverse neurodevelopment and preterm birth. It remains unclear whether the risk for congenital malformations can be equally alleviated. In studies of the general population, high plasma folate concentrations and/or high-dose folic acid supplements were associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. This has not been seen in children of mothers with epilepsy. However, an increased cancer risk has been found in children of mothers with epilepsy using high-dose folic acid supplements in pregnancy. Conclusion The optimal folic acid dose is not clear for persons of childbearing potential with epilepsy using ASM. Both low and excess folate status during pregnancy have been associated with adverse neurodevelopment. We propose an individual folic acid supplement dose that should be titrated based on maternal plasma folate concentrations during pregnancy.

Effects of dietary melatonin on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and nonspecific immunity in crayfish, Cherax destructor.

Melatonin (MT) is an indole hormone widely found in plants and animals. Many studies have shown that MT promotes the growth and immunity of mammals, fish, and crabs. However, the effect on commercial crayfish has not been demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary MT on growth performance and innate immunity of Cherax destructor from three aspects of individual level, biochemical level, and molecular level after 8 weeks of culture. In this study, we found that MT supplementation increased weight gain rate, specific growth rate, and digestive enzyme activity in C. destructor compared to the control group. Dietary MT not only promoted the activity of T-AOC, SOD, and GR, increased the content of GSH, and decreased the content of MDA in the hepatopancreas, but also increased the content of hemocyanin and copper ions and AKP activity in hemolymph. Gene expression results showed that MT supplementation at appropriate doses increased the expression of cell cycle-regulated genes (CDK, CKI, IGF, and HGF) and non-specific immune genes (TRXR, HSP60, and HSP70). In conclusion, our study showed that adding MT to the diet improved growth performance, enhanced the antioxidant capacity of hepatopancreas, and immune parameters of hemolymph in C. destructor. In addition, our results showed that the optimal dietary supplementation dose of MT in C. destructor is 75-81mg/kg.

Effect of non surgical periodontal therapy and vitamin C supplementation on total antioxidant capacity in patients with chronic generalised periodontitis - A randomised controlled trial.

Periodontal inflammation are inflammation of supporting tissues of periodontium. The microbial factor can cause infection which is polymicrobial in origin and causes dysbiosis and shift in oxidative stress with compromised antioxidant capacity. This study focused at determination of the effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) and vitamin C supplementation on total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) in chronic periodontitis patients (ChP). A total of 70 ChPand 35 periodontally healthy subjects (control) were recruited in this study. Further, ChP group was subdivided into ChP1 group (n=35) which received NSPT only and ChP 2 group (n=35) which received NSPT with vitamin C 500mg once daily for 3 months. Serum and saliva samples were taken at baseline and at 3 months postNSPT for measurement of TAOC. Clinical parameters measured were measured at 1-, 3-, 6- and 12-month interval. Lower levels of serum and salivary TAOC levels were observed in ChP patients than healthy subjects (p<0.05). Improvement in Clinical parameters was observed in both the groups ChP1 and ChP 2 group post therapy (p<0.05). The periodontal treatment showed insignificant changes in serum and salivary TAOC levels (p>0.05). The supplemental dose of vitamin C didn't have any additional benefits (p>0.05). There lies an association of oxidative stress with periodontitis, low serum and salivary TAOC levels were seen in chronic periodontitis patients. NSPT improved the periodontal inflammatory status. However, benefits of vitamin C as an adjunct to NSPT remains inconclusive and needs to be further explored by multicentre longitudinal studies.

In Vivo Toxicity Study on The Effects of Aqueous Propolis Extract From Malaysian Stingless Bee (Geniotrigona thoracica) in Mice

Geniotrigona thoracica is a stingless bee species of Trigona genus. Propolis resinous is a natural product obtained from a honeybees hive with geographical and floral specifications or exudate as such by-products resulting from a variety of botanical processes. Despite its long use for a variety of health conditions, the toxicity profile of propolis sourced from Malaysian stingless bees has not been sufficiently evaluated. For in vivo toxicity assessment, the acute oral toxicity on the effects of aqueous propolis extracts (APE) was examined. Male mice swiss strain, were subjected to acute toxicity testing for 14 days. The APE at doses of 400, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg body weight was supplemented daily to the mice through oral gavage. The clinical signs of toxicity and general behaviour, body weight, relative organ weight, and histopathology changes were investigated. In vivo study was focused on the acute toxicity testing group consisting of 4 groups including Normal (NS), 400 mg/kg (APE 400), 1000 mg/kg (APE 1000) dan 2000 mg/kg (APE 2000). Regarding the toxicity profile, it is proposed that APE supplementation did not induce any mortality and no visible signs of toxicity. No significant changes in the body and relative organ weight were recorded. All the internal organs of the mice were macroscopically healthy with no gross lesion. Likewise, histopathological examinations of the kidney showed mild to moderate histological lesions. Interestingly, the lesion was adverse with an increased dosage of the extract supplementation. This study proposed APE has considerable anti-inflammatory activities. It also demonstrated that the propolis extract is relatively safe to be consumed orally at a dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Health Professionals toward Dietary Supplements and Herbal Foods

Dietary supplements are vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, fiber, various plants, and extracts. They enhance nutritional status and immune function, and have a significant impact on disease prevention and health. However, it is important to note that dietary supplements should be used to supplement a diet, not replace it, and only when the diet fails to meet nutritional needs or when individuals suffer from undernourishment. Determining the appropriate dosage of dietary supplements is crucial for ensuring their safety. Overconsumption of dietary supplements may result in toxic side effects. In addition, dietary supplements and herbal foods should be carefully used due to possible drug-nutrient/herbal interactions. Questioning and monitoring patients' use of all dietary supplements, herbal foods, and medications by health professionals is important for the prevention of toxicity or other adverse effects. The attitudes and knowledge levels of health professionals regarding dietary supplements and herbal foods affect their counseling of patients, including questioning and monitoring the use of supplements. Therefore, this study aims to review the literature about the knowledge and attitudes of health professionals toward dietary supplements and herbal foods.

Impact of Urea Supplements and Cultivars on Yield, Nitrate Accumulation and Some Phytochemical Properties in Lettuce Grown under Greenhouse Conditions

A greenhouse experiment was assayed to study the impact of urea supplements 100, 200, and 300 kg ha-1 and cultivars Nadir, Polaris, and Fajir on the yield, nitrate accumulation and some phytochemical contents in lettuce. The results indicated that all supplemental urea treatments significantly improved stem diameter, chlorophyll intensity in outer leaves, plant yield and total marketable yield. In addition, the urea doses markedly increased nitrate accumulation in leaves, while its accumulation declined at the highest level compared to the other doses. Furthermore, the TPC significantly decreased at the high dose of urea supplement. Additionally, the urea supplement, especially 100 and 300 kg ha-1, notably increased TFC. The Polaris cultivar showed the highest stem diameter, chlorophyll intensity in the inner leaves, dry matter percentage, plant yield, total marketable yield as well as accumulated minimal nitrate in their leaves. Moreover, the highest content of TPC and TFC was obtained by Nadir cultivar. In addition, the Fajir cultivar recorded the highest activity of total antioxidants. Finally, the interaction between Polaris cultivar and 200 kg ha-1 urea maintained a good balance between the yield and its quality. As a result, the findings of this study may help our growers adopt the optimum urea concentrations with lettuce cultivars in their fields under greenhouse circumstances.

Effects of Dietary Vitamin D3 Over-Supplementation on Broiler Chickens' Health; Clinicopathological and Immunohistochemical Characteristics

Introduction: Vitamin D3 is used as a supplement in the feeds of livestock, pets, and human infants. However, the presence of excessive Vitamin D3 has been shown to cause toxicity in humans and animals. This study investigated the clinicopathological aspects of Vitamin D3 toxicity in broiler chickens. Materials and methods: The median lethal dose (LD50) of Vitamin D3 was estimated by the up-and-down method. To determine long term (21 days) toxic effects of oral Vitamin D3 supplementation, 90 (14-day-old) IBL-80 unsexed chicks were randomly divided into three groups as group A (control, received basal diet), B (basal diet + Vitamin D3 at 16.67 mg/kg body weight daily), and C (basal diet + Vitamin D3 at 33.33 mg/kg body weight daily). Results: The findings indicated that broiler chickens tolerated a single oral dose of Vitamin D3 up to 550 mg/kg body weight (22,000,000 IU/kg) without mortality. The results of long-term (21 days) oral supplementation of divided doses of Vitamin D3 in broiler chickens (groups B and C) showed progressive emaciation, elevated hemoglobin, hypercalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and increased alkaline phosphatase activity. At necropsy, pale liver and kidneys, congestion and hardening of lungs, mild congestion in the brain, and soft bones were observed in Vitamin D3 treated chicks (groups B and C). Microscopically, degeneration and metastatic calcification in lung parenchyma and peribronchiolar epithelium, coagulative necrosis and calcification in kidneys, and calcification with fibroplasia in proventriculus was detected. Lungs and kidneys showed a significant difference in calcification score between groups B and C. Broiler chickens from Vitamin D3 treated groups (B and C) showed strong immunohistochemical expression of Calbindin D28K in the intestine and kidneys but weak expression in the lungs. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that broiler chicks can tolerate very high levels of a single oral dose of Vitamin D3. Toxic effects of prolonged exposure to Vitamin D3 are due to over-expression of Calbindin D28k in the intestine and kidneys, disturbing the calcium and phosphorous homeostasis and leading to metastatic calcification of vital organs. This study supports that prolonged over-supplementation of Vitamin D3 causes toxic effects; hence, appropriate dietary Vitamin D3 supplementation limits should be set.

Exploring the Impact of the Gut Microbiome on Obesity and Weight Loss: A Review Article.

The global obesity pandemic has prompted efforts to search for novel intervention options, including maximizing the health benefits of certain gut microbes and their metabolic byproducts. Our increased understanding ofgut microbiota can potentiallylead to revolutionary advancements in weight management and general well-being. We studied the association between gut microbiota and obesity, as well as the possible benefits of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in the prevention and management of obesity in this review. We observed a relationship between themetabolism of nutrients, energy consumption, and gut flora. Numerous mechanisms, including the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids, hormone stimulation, and persistent low-grade inflammation, have been postulated to explain the role of gut bacteria in the etiology of obesity. It has been discovered that the diversity and composition of the intestinal microbiome vary in response to various forms of obesity therapy, which raises concerns about the potential impact of these changes on weight loss. According to research, probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics may alter the release of hormones, neurotransmitters, and inflammatory factors, thereby diminishing the stimuli of food consumption that lead to weight gain. More clinical research is required to determine the optimal probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic supplementation dosages, formulations, and regimens for long-term weight management and to determine how different gastrointestinal microbiome bacterial species may influence weight gain.

105-OR: Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Treatment of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy—Is the Source Important?

Introduction: We have shown that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) derived from fish oil (FO) was an effective treatment for diabetes vascular and neural complications. However, is FO the best source of omega-3 PUFA for treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN)? Methods: To address this question we used a rat model of type 2 diabetes and a late intervention protocol. After 10 weeks of hyperglycemia, diabetic rats were treated for 12 weeks via diet with omega-3 PUFA derived from a variety of sources including menhaden (fish) oil (MO), krill oil (KO), oils derived from algae that produce primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or combination of EPA and DHA, or commercial ethyl esters of EPA, DHA or combination of EPA and DHA. Primary endpoints were motor (MNCV) and sensory (SNCV) nerve conduction velocity, intraepidermal and cornea nerve fiber density, thermal and cornea sensitivity, and vascular reactivity of epineurial arterioles that provide circulation to the sciatic nerve. The omega-3 index, and serum fatty acid levels were also determined. Results: The dose of each omega-3 PUFA supplement was customized to create a healthy omega-3 index. Defined as the sum of EPA and DHA as a percentage of total fatty acids in red blood cells, range for healthy level 8 - 12%. Following 22 weeks of untreated diabetes neural and vascular endpoints were significantly impaired compared to control rats. Treatment with MO provided the greatest improvement for all neural endpoints followed by KO and algal oils or ethyl esters containing a combination of EPA and DHA. Algal oil or ethyl ester of EPA alone was the least effective. The greatest improvement in vascular reactivity of epineurial arterioles to acetylcholine was realized following treatment with MO with less benefit from the other omega-3 PUFA sources. Conclusion: These pre-clinical studies suggest that in a clinical trial for DPN the best outcome may be obtained by using FO as the source for omega-3 PUFA. Disclosure M.A.Yorek: Consultant; Novo Nordisk. Funding U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (RX003826-01)

&lt;i&gt;Corrigendum to&lt;/i&gt;: Effects of supplementation with different concentrations of L-citrulline on the plasma amino acid concentration, reproductive hormone concentrations, antioxidant capacity, and reproductive performance of Hu ewes

&lt;sec&gt; Context &lt;sc&gt;L&lt;/sc&gt;-citrulline (&lt;sc&gt;L&lt;/sc&gt;-Cit) does not degrade in the rumen and has the ability to form peptide bonds in the body; however, it does not participate in protein synthesis. &lt;/sec&gt; &lt;sec&gt; Aims This study aimed to evaluate the effects of &lt;sc&gt;L&lt;/sc&gt;-Cit on the reproductive performance of Hu ewes. &lt;/sec&gt; &lt;sec&gt; Methods In total, 30 ewes were randomly categorised into five groups. The control group was fed with a basic diet, whereas the Experimental Groups I, II, III, and IV were provided feed supplemented with 5, 10, 15, and 20g/day of &lt;sc&gt;L&lt;/sc&gt;-Cit respectively. Blood samples of ewes were collected 4h after feeding on Day 21 of the experiment and before feeding on Day 30. The optimal supplementary feeding dose was selected on the basis of blood biochemical indexes. Overall, ninety 2-year-old ewes were classified into two groups. The control group was fed with a basic diet and the experimental group was fed with a diet supplemented with 10g/day of &lt;sc&gt;L&lt;/sc&gt;-Cit. After 30days of supplementary feeding, reproductive performance of ewes was determined. &lt;/sec&gt; &lt;sec&gt; Key results The plasma concentrations of Cit, ornithine, and arginine in ewes increased linearly with an increase in the level of &lt;sc&gt;L&lt;/sc&gt;-Cit supplementation. The plasma concentrations of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, luteinising hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone in the experimental group increased significantly compared with those in the control group. The plasma total antioxidant capacity and catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group, whereas the concentrations of malondialdehyde in all experimental groups were significantly lower than those in the control group. The conception, lambing, and double lambing rates of the experimental group were increased by 28.76%, 15.90%, and 40.21% respectively. &lt;/sec&gt; &lt;sec&gt; Conclusions Supplementation with different doses of &lt;sc&gt;L&lt;/sc&gt;-Cit can improve the concentrations of some plasma amino acids and reproductive hormones as well as antioxidant capacity of ewes. Supplementary feeding with 10g/day of &lt;sc&gt;L&lt;/sc&gt;-Cit could increase the lambing and double lambing rates of ewes. &lt;/sec&gt; &lt;sec&gt; Implication &lt;sc&gt;L&lt;/sc&gt;-Cit can improve the reproductive performance of ewes. &lt;/sec&gt;

Effects of dietary vitamin K3 supplementation on production performance, egg quality, vitamin K-dependent proteins, and antioxidant properties in breeding geese during the laying period

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of dietary vitamin K3 (VK3) supplementation on production performance, egg quality, vitamin K-dependent proteins, and antioxidant properties in breeding geese during the laying period. A total of one hundred twenty 82-wk-old Wulong geese with similar body weights were randomly divided into 6 groups with 4 replicates and 5 geese each (1 male and 4 female). The geese in the control group were fed a basal diet, and the geese in the treatment groups were fed diets supplemented with different levels of VK3 (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, and 12.5 mg/kg) for 11 wk. Dietary VK3 supplementation linearly and quadratically increased feed intake, egg mass, egg weight, and egg production (P < 0.05). Increasing VK3 levels linearly and quadratically increased albumen height, shell thickness and Haugh unit of eggs (P < 0.05). VK3 reduced osteocalcin (OC) and uncarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) levels in the serum. Dietary VK3 addition linearly decreased serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (P < 0.01). There was linear and quadratic effect in the activity of serum total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) (P < 0.01), and linear effect in serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (P < 0.01). In conclusion, dietary VK3 supplementation enhanced the production performance, egg quality, vitamin K-dependent proteins, and antioxidant properties in breeding geese during the laying period. The optimal dose of dietary VK3 supplementation was 10.0 mg/kg.

Sobre a pedagogia de projetos: a experiência conduzindo o indivíduo à teoria

Este artigo-ensaio versa sobre a pedagogia de projetos: a experiência conduzindo o indivíduo à teoria. A proposta é esclarecer que a aprendizagem acontece por intermédio de contato empírico com a realidade e com os fenômenos que acontecem na natureza. A sua relevância científica encontra-se no fato de apresentar uma discussão técnica sobre uma metodologia de estudos que permite a relação direta, recíproca e simultânea entre a prática e a teoria. A sua relevância social está em colocar à disposição da sociedade um mecanismo que eleva, de forma exponencial, os ganhos de aprendizagem dos estudantes, permitindo-lhe suma visão pragmática dos conteúdos programáticos com os quais trava contato acadêmico. A metodologia utilizada para esta investigação foi a bibliográfica, agregada à prática pedagógica e didática dos autores no ensino. Procurou-se apresentar uma discussão profunda, ampla, em que se preconiza a supremacia da experiência sobre a teoria, em que a primeira conduz a segunda, esta expressando e comunicando o conhecimento adquirido. A Pedagogia de Projetos surgiu da necessidade de desenvolver uma metodologia de trabalho pedagógico, que tivesse como meta a valorização da participação do educando e do educador no processo de aprendizagem-ensino, considerando que a aprendizagem apresenta primazia sobre o ensino. Ao propor a Pedagogia de Projetos como metodologia de ensino, isto significa acabar com o monopólio do professor tradicional que decide e define ele mesmo o conteúdo e as tarefas a serem desenvolvidas e que verdades devam ser consideradas e/ou negadas, valorizando, dentro de rigorosos princípios acadêmico-científicos, o que os estudantes já sabem e respeitando o que desejam aprender naquele momento, cientes de que a situação-problema suscitada é o leitmotiv da experiência a ser posta em evidência, culminando na aprendizagem. Quando se aborda a questão da aprendizagem intermediada por projetos está-se, necessariamente, referindo à formulação de questões pelo autor do projeto, pelo indivíduo que vai construir conhecimentos a partir de uma situação-problema.

Characterization of controlled trials on probiotic supplementation to dairy calves: A scoping review

The objective of this scoping review was to identify, describe, and characterize the literature on probiotic supplementation in dairy calves. Eligible studies were nonrandomized, quasi-randomized and randomized controlled trials in English, Spanish, or Portuguese that evaluated the effect of probiotic supplementation on growth and health of dairy calves. The search strategies were based on a modification of the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) framework and used synonyms and words related to "dairy calves" (population), "probiotics" (intervention), and "growth and health measurements" (outcomes). No restrictions for publication year or language were applied. Searches were conducted in Biosis, CAB Abstracts, Medline, Scopus, and the Dissertations and Theses Database. In total, the search identified 4,467 records, of which 103 studies (110 controlled trials) met the inclusion criteria. The studies were published between 1980 and 2021 and originated from 28 countries. Trials were randomized (80.0%), nonrandomized (16.4%), and quasi-randomized (3.6%), ranging in sample size from 5 to 1,801 dairy calves (mode = 24; average = 64). Enrolled calves were frequently Holstein (74.5%), males (43.6%), and younger than 15 d at the beginning of probiotic supplementation (71.8%). Often, trials were conducted in research facilities (47.3%). Trials evaluated probiotics with single or multiple species of the same genus: Lactobacillus (26.4%), Saccharomyces (15.4%), Bacillus (10.0%), Enterococcus (3.6%), or multiple species of various genera (31.8%). Eight trials did not report the probiotic species used. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus faecium were the species most supplemented to calves. The duration of probiotic supplementation ranged from 1 to 462 d (mode = 56; average = 50). In trials with a constant dose, it ranged from 4.0 × 106 to 3.7 × 1011 cfu/calf per day. Most probiotics were administered mixed solely into feed (88.5%; whole milk, milk replacer, starter, or total mixed ration) and less frequently orally as a drench or oral paste (7.9%). Most trials evaluated weight gain (88.2%) as a growth indicator and fecal consistency score (64.5%) as a health indicator. Our scoping review summarizes the breadth of controlled trials evaluating probiotic supplementation in dairy calves. Differences in intervention design (mode of probiotic administration, dose, and duration of probiotic supplementation) and outcomes evaluation (type and methods) justify future efforts toward standardized guidelines in clinical trials.