T2 Group Research Articles

Anti-dyslipidemic and anti-hypercholesteremic effects of concoction juice: A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial

Globally, dyslipidemia is an alarming condition, which may cause death. However, its country-wise ratio varies. In Pakistan, it is about 16–20% in both men and women. Dyslipidemia can be defined as the up level quantity of lipids in blood than the average value. The treatment of dyslipidemia can be done by dietary interventions with indigenous sources. The (Concoction) juice has the ability to reduce the low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs). and raise the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level. For efficacy studies, dyslipidemic females (n = 1010) were approached in different clinics and hospitals of Sargodha. They were approached with biomarkers, that is, lipidemic profile, TC, HDL, urea, creatinine, and TGs. A total of 85 females were selected and they were divided into three groups (T0, L1 and M1). T0 is an experimental (control) group, T1 group has -dyslipidemic patients treated with lab-made juice, and M1 has dyslipidemic patients treated with -market products. After 120 days of treatment, the data were analyzed statistically to validate the results of the study. The -anthropometric and dietary intake was assessed by dyslipidemic volunteers. A significant level of -dyslipidemic biomarker was found in L1. The down level was found in TC (216-184 mg/dL), TGs (215.54-138.46 mg/dL), and LDL (145.64-134.34 mg/dL), and raised level was found in HDL (44.15-54.43 mg/dL). Other parameters that showed a -downward trend were urea (12.73-11.15 mg/dL), uric acid (6.12-5.38 mg/dL), creatinine (1.02-1.0 mg/dL), ALT (55-34 u/l), AST (47-27 u/l), ALP (91.63-83.76 IU/L), bilirubin (0.65 to 0.57 mg/dl), RBCs, WBCs, and Hb. Based on these results, it is concluded that lab-made concoction L1 showed best results overall and is also appropriate and cost effective and further research has to be done on a large scale.

Impact of atherothrombotic risk stratification in patients with heavily calcified lesions following rotational atherectomy

BackgroundPatients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with rotational atherectomy (RA) are at high risk of adverse clinical outcomes, and there are few clinical risk stratification tools for these patients. MethodsWe conducted a study with 196 patients who underwent PCI with RA out of 7391 patients who underwent PCI using a multicenter, prospective cohort registry. Patients were divided into three groups according to the tertiles of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) Risk Score for Secondary Prevention (TRS 2°P): 65 patients in the T1 group (TRS 2°P < 3), 66 patients in the T2 group (TRS 2°P = 3), and 65 patients in the T3 group (TRS 2°P > 3). The primary endpoint was the cumulative 2-year incidence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), defined as a composite of cardiac death, acute coronary syndrome, and ischemic stroke. ResultsCumulative 2-year MACCE occurred in 41 patients (24 %) during the follow-up period. The cumulative incidence of MACCE was significantly higher in the T3 group than in the T1 group (log-rank test, p = 0.02). Multivariate Cox analyses revealed that the T3 group was associated with an increased risk of MACCE compared to that of the T1 group (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.66; 95 % confidence interval, 1.04–6.77; p = 0.04). The addition of TRS 2°P to conventional risk factors, including male sex, number of diseased vessels, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, improved the net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) (NRI 0.39, p = 0.027; IDI 0.072, p < 0.001). ConclusionsAtherothrombotic risk stratification using TRS 2°P was useful in identifying high-risk patients with heavily calcified lesions following RA.

Effect of Feeding Malt Sprouts on Nutrient Utilization and Growth Performance of Beetal Goat Kids

Background: Malting is the controlled germination of cereal grains, typically barley or sorghum, followed by appropriate drying to yield a usable extract. Malt extract from germinated cereal seeds leaves a residue of shoots and roots known as malted sprouts. Methods: Experimental animals (n=20) were equally divided into four groups of five animals each (average body weight 10.75±0.27 kg). C was control group fed conventional concentrate mixture, T1 group fed with concentrate containing 10% malt sprouts, T2 group fed with concentrate containing 20% malt sprouts and T3 group fed with concentrate containing 30% malt sprouts in addition to green fodder for 74 days including an adaptation period of 14 days. The body weight was recorded at fortnightly interval. Metabolic trial of 7 day duration was conducted towards the end of growth study using standard protocol. Result: The DM intake (g/d) in T1 and T2 groups was similar to C group, however, it was lowest(P less than 0.05) in T3 group.The digestibility of nutrients (DM, OM and NDF) was higher (P less than 0.05) in T1 and T2 groups having 10% and 20% malt sprouts in the concentrate mixture than T3 group (30% malt sprouts) while N balance was similar in all the groups.The average final body weight at the end of study and average daily gain (ADG) were highest (P less than 0.05) in T1 group (10% malt sprouts) and FCR was also marginally better in T1 group.

Effect of Mixing Peanut Vine on Fermentation Quality, Nitrogen Fraction and Microbial Community of High-Moisture Alfalfa Silage

Fresh alfalfa is difficult to ensile successfully because of its high moisture content and greater susceptibility to spoilage by Clostridia, Bacilli or Enterobacter. In this study, we evaluated the effects of mixing high-moisture alfalfa with peanut vine in different proportions on the bacterial communities and fermentation characteristics of silage. The high-moisture alfalfa and peanut vine were mixed at ratios of 10:0 (CK), 8:2 (TI), 7:3 (T2), 6:4 (T3) and 5:5 (T4), respectively. For each treatment, silos (25 × 35 cm) were anaerobically fermented in darkness at room temperature and analyzed after 45 days. The results showed that the CK silage was weakly fermented, as indicated by a low lactic acid concentration, a high pH value, and high levels of propionic acid (PA), butyric acid (BA) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N). As the proportion of peanut vine in the mixture increased, the pH level decreased, and levels of BA, propionic acid, NH3-N, crude protein(CP), nonprotein nitrogen and soluble protein also declined (p &lt; 0.05), while the lactic acid concentration increased and levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) also rose (p &lt; 0.05). A protein component analysis of silage mixtures using the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) showed that the content of the nonprotein nitrogen component (PA) decreased when the proportion of peanut vine increased, whereas the content of rapidly degraded protein (PB1) increased. Mixing with peanut vine also influenced the distribution of the bacterial community. Compared with the CK silage, the relative abundances of Enterococcus, Garciella and Anaerosporobacter in T2, T3 and T4 were significantly lower, while the relative abundance of Lactobacillus was significantly higher. In the T2, T3 and T4 groups, Garciella and Anaerosporobacter were not detected. In summary, in this study, we ensiled high-moisture alfalfa, which was weakly fermented. We found that mixing with peanut vine improved fermentation quality and optimized the structure of the bacterial community. Therefore, to improve the fermentation quality and nutritional value of silage, high-moisture alfalfa should be ensiled with at least 30% peanut vine.

Regulation of feed intake, digestive enzyme activity, and growth in response to live feed and prepared diet during early rearing of Labeo rohita

A 35 day feeding trial in a replicate of five was conducted to evaluate the impact of partial and total replacement of live feed (LF) with nanoparticulate-prepared diet (ND) on early rearing of rohu ( Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822)). Larvae 3 days after hatching (DAH) were evenly distributed into three groups; T1 was reared exclusively on LF, T2 was on ND, and T3 was co-fed both LF and ND (1:1). All groups showed a feed-dependent increase in growth and the expression of genes involved in feed intake and growth with age DAH. The T3 group showed significantly higher weight gain, specific growth rate, and expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 followed by the T2 group, while the highest expression of ghrelin and growth hormone secretagogue receptor was observed in T3 followed by T1. Furthermore, leptin showed the highest expression in the T2 followed by the T1 group. The intestinal enzymes showed variable trends, with the highest activity of cellulase, amylase, and protease in the T1, T2, and T3 groups, respectively. Moreover, in all groups, cellulase increased continuously with age DAH, while amylase and protease showed a positive correlation up to 30 DAH and then declined. The results of this study could be helpful in larval nutrition programming.

A low phase angle is a factor independently associated with falls in elderly diabetic patients

To examine the relationship between a low phase angle (PA) and falls in elderly diabetic patients. The subjects were diabetic patients ≥65 years old who were outpatients at Ise Red Cross Hospital. Patients were asked about their fall history using a self-administered questionnaire. The PA was measured by the multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance method, and the subjects were classified into two groups: the first quartile with the smallest PA (T1 group) and the second and third quartiles (T2/3 groups). A logistic regression analysis with falls as the dependent variable, PA as the explanatory variable, and adjustment variables was used to calculate the odds ratio of the PA for falls. A total of 255 patients were included in the analysis of this study. Of these, 33.3% were in the T1 group, 66.7% were in the T2/3 group, and 28.2% had fallen. The unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios for falls in the PA were 2.92 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-4.07; P=0.004) and 2.34 (95% CI, 1.07-5.09; P=0.031), respectively. A low PA was associated with falls in elderly diabetic patients.

The Role of Recipient Thyroid Hormone Supplementation in Primary Graft Dysfunction After Heart Transplantation: A Propensity-Adjusted Analysis

To investigate whether recipient administration of thyroid hormone (liothyronine [T3]) is associated with reduced rates of primary graft dysfunction (PGD) after orthotopic heart transplantation. Retrospective cohort study. Single-center, university hospital. Adult patients undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation. A total of 609 adult heart transplant recipients were divided into 2 cohorts: patients who did not receive T3 (no T3 group, from 2009 to 2014), and patients who received T3 (T3 group, from 2015 to 2019). Propensity-adjusted logistic regression was performed to assess the association between T3 supplementation and PGD. After applying exclusion criteria and propensity-score analysis, the final cohort included 461 patients. The incidence of PGD was not significantly different between the groups (33.9% no T3 group v 40.8% T3 group; p=0.32). Mortality at 30 days (3% no T3 group v 2% T3 group; p=0.53) and 1 year (10% no T3 group v 12% T3 group; p=0.26) were also not significantly different. When assessing the severity of PGD, there were no differences in the groups' rates of moderate PGD (not requiring mechanical circulatory support other than an intra-aortic balloon pump) or severe PGD (requiring mechanical circulatory support other than an intra-aortic balloon pump). However, segmented time regression analysis revealed that patients in the T3 group were less likely to develop severe PGD. These findings indicated that recipient single-dose thyroid hormone administration may not protect against the development of PGD, but may attenuate the severity of PGD.

Use of fermented tea residues as a feed additive and effects on growth performance, body composition, intestinal enzyme activities, and inflammatory biomarkers in juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

This study evaluated the effects of fermented tea residues (TF) on growth capacity, body composition, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal immunity, and inflammatory biomarkers in juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). For the study, four diets were produced: T0 (basal diet), T1, T2 and T3 replaced 2 %, 4 % and 6 % of the basal diet with TF, respectively. All fish were classified into four treatments at random, each of which included 20 fish and three duplicates and reared for 56 days. The results of our trials are as follows: 1) Supplementation with 2 % TF increased the weight gain rate (WGR), final body length (FL) and final body weight (FW) of juvenile largemouth bass (p < 0.05 ). 2) Compared with T0, intestinal protease, lipase and amylase activity increased in juvenile largemouth bass in T2 and T3 groups after supplementation with TF (P < 0.05 ). 3) Feeding TF significantly enhanced the alkaline phosphatase (AKP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lysozyme (LZM), acid phosphatase (ACP), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) activities and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) level in the intestine of juvenile largemouth bass and reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the intestine compared with T0 (P < 0.05 ). 4) Supplementation with TF enhanced the mRNA expression of intestinal anti-inflammatory factors 1L-10 and TGF-β and reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-15, TNF-α and IL-8 in largemouth bass (P < 0.05 ). In conclusion, supplementation with TF could promote growth performance, activity of intestinal digestive enzymes and increase intestinal immunity in juvenile largemouth bass, with a 2 % addition being the most effective.

Effect of direct therapeutic ultrasound exposure of ovaries on histopathology, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress in dogs

BackgroundThis research was designed to evaluate the effects of therapeutic ultrasound waves on ovarian germinal tissue and inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)), acute phase proteins (serum amyloid A (SAA), C reactive protein (CRP)) and oxidative stress (total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA)) in dogs. Twenty-six clinically healthy adult mix-breed female dogs were aligned into three groups. Laparotomy was performed in control (n = 6) and treatment (T5, n = 10; T10, n = 10) groups. The ultrasonic exposure of ovaries in treatment groups was performed during laparotomy by round motions of the therapeutic ultrasonic transducer on both ovaries (1 MHz frequency, 1.5 W⁄cm2) for 5 min in the T5 group and for 10 min in the T10 group. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein into a plain glass tube on days 0 (before laparotomy), 3, 6, and 9 after surgery. All control and treatment groups’ dogs were ovariectomized for histological evaluation on day 60 after laparotomy or laparotomy + ultrasound exposure.ResultsDirect exposure of ovaries with therapeutic ultrasound waves induced inflammation and oxidative stress comparison with the control group. Histopathological evaluation of treated ovaries with ultrasound waves indicated a decreased number of primordial follicles (ovarian reserve) and oocyte preservation scores compared with ovaries in the control group.ConclusionsThese changes may cause subfertility in the long term. It seems that inflammatory response and oxidative stress are factors in the permanent damage of ovarian tissue.

Semen characteristics, nutrient utilization and immuno-endocrine status in response to dietary supplementation of a novel trace mineral mixture in crossbred bulls

BackgroundMicronutrients have a well-established role in the productive and reproductive health of animals, and there are many proven benefits of supplementing them in the diet of bulls or semen extender per se. Trace minerals have a key role in regulating male fertility and sperm function. MethodologyTwelve crossbred bulls were divided into two groups (n = 6): T1(control) and T2, (BullTraMin) and given diets with or without supranutritional supplementation of the novel trace mineral (BullTraMin), respectively. The experiment was conducted for 120 days and the effects on nutrient utilization, immuno-endocrine status, sexual behaviour and semen characteristics were investigated. Results and conclusionResults showed that body weight, dry matter intake, and nutrient digestibility were not affected by dietary supplementation with BullTraMin. Testosterone levels were increased (p < 0.05), while thyroxine hormone concentrations were unaffected (p < 0.05) in control (T1) and supplemented (T2) groups. Levels of trace minerals (Zn, Cu, and I) were improved in the blood and seminal plasma (p < 0.05) of the T2 group, while levels of Cr and Mn were increased only in the blood plasma. Sperm functions viz., viability, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, motility, and mitochondrial membrane potential were improved (p < 0.05) due to BullTraMin supplementation. Furthermore, lipid peroxidation and membrane scrambling which impair the cryopreservilibity of spermatozoa, were reduced (p < 0.05) in T2 group. Blood antioxidant status (total antioxidant activity, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels) was improved (p < 0.05) in T2 group. Sexual behaviour was also improved (p < 0.05) in BullTraMin-supplemented group. Hence, it can be concluded that BullTraMin supplementation at a dose rate of 889 mg/kg diet (dry matter intake) is beneficial in improving hormonal status, antioxidant status, sexual behaviour and semen quality.

The Relationship between Acute-to-Chronic Glycemic Ratio and SYNTAX Score in Diabetic Patients Presenting with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

A new index called the acute-to-chronic (A/C) glycemic ratio has been proposed to better represent the true acute glycemic rise in people with acute disease. However, there has been no previous study investigating the relationship between A/C glycemic ratio and SYNTAX score in patients with diabetic acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of A/C glycemic ratio in predicting coronary artery disease severity and SYNTAX score in diabetic patients presenting with ACS. The study included 131 consecutive patients hospitalized for ACS in our hospital, previously diagnosed with diabetes and undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. The relationship between A/C glycemic ratio and SYNTAX score calculated at the time of admission was determined in univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses. The sample size was divided into three parts (T1, T2, and T3) according to the admission blood glucose (ABG)/estimated average glucose (eAG) ratio. When ABG/eAG and SYNTAX scores were compared, there was no significant difference between the T1 and T2 groups, but a significant increase was found in the T3 group compared with the other two groups (T1: 14.26, T2: 14.77, T3: 24.41; p < 0.001). When multivariate modeling was performed with the two or three most relevant variables (age, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], and ABG/eAG ratio), the upper tertile of the ABG/eAG variable was correlated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis and higher SYNTAX score. This study shows that there is a significant relationship between higher ABG/eAG ratio and higher SYNTAX score in diabetic patients presenting with ACS.

Transient low T3 syndrome in patients with COVID-19: a new window for prediction of disease severity.

To investigate the relationship of low T3 syndrome with disease severity in patients with COVID-19. The clinical data of 145 patients with COVID-19 were retrospectively collected, and patients were divided into a low T3 group and a normal T3 group. Logistic regression models were used to assess predictive performance of FT3. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the use of low T3 syndrome in predicting critical disease. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to analyze the impact of low T3 syndrome on mortality. The prevalence of low T3 level among COVID-19 patients was 34.48%. The low T3 group was older, and had lower levels of hemoglobin, lymphocytes, prealbumin, and albumin, but higher levels of white blood cells, neutrophils, CRP, ESR, and D-dimer (all p<0.05). The low T3 group had greater prevalences of critical disease and mortality (all p <0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the Lymphocytes, free T3 (FT3), and D-dimer were independent risk factors for disease severity in patients with COVID-19. ROC analysis showed that FT3, lymphocyte count, and D-dimer, and all three parameters together provided reliable predictions of critical disease. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the low T3 group had increased mortality (p<0.001). Six patients in the low T3 group and one patient in the normal T3 group died. All 42 patients whose T3 levels were measured after recovery had normal levels after discharge. Patients with COVID-19 may have transient low T3 syndrome at admission, and this may be useful for predicting critical illness.

Evaluation of lauric acid and L-glutamate individually and in combination as pro-nutrient growth promoters in broiler chickens

This experimental study aimed to elucidate the effect of dietary supplementation of lauric acid and L-glutamic acid on the production performance and carcass characteristics of broilers. Day-old broiler chicks (160) were randomly divided into four groups. The chicks were fed with four experimental diets, such as control diet without antibiotics (T1), control + 0.1% lauric acid (T2), control + 0.5% glutamate (T3), and control + 0.1% lauric acid + 0.5% glutamate (T4). The experiment was performed for five weeks using standard management practices. The production performance and carcass characteristics were determined. The body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion efficiency showed significant improvement in the treatment group fed with 0.5% glutamate. The carcass attributes, such as pre-slaughter weight, de-bleeding weight, eviscerated carcass weight, giblet weight, and abdominal fat weight were comparable among the treatments. No significant difference among the groups on serum biochemical parameters was observed. Further, the intestinal length was significantly higher in the T3 group. It was concluded that supplementation of 0.5% glutamate as a pronutrient improved the production performance and increased intestinal length without affecting the other carcass characters in broiler chicken.

Effect of rice distiller dried grains with solubles (RDDGS) in commercial broiler chicken ration on carcass traits, chemical composition, and fatty acid profile of meat

A six-week experimental trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding different levels of RDDGS in commercial broiler chicken on carcass traits, chemical composition, and fatty acid profile of meat. A total of 144 birds were divided into four treatments and three replicates each with 12 birds and were fed with RDDGS at inclusion levels of 0% (T1), 5% (T2), 10% (T3) and 15% (T4). All the rations were nearly isocaloric and isonitrogenous. One male and one female were selected from each replicate to determine the carcass traits and cut up parts. The meat samples were analyzed for its chemical composition and fatty acid profile. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that there was highly significant difference in the live body weight before slaughtering between T3 (10%) and T4 (15%) group when compared to control group, and there was no significant difference between the T1 (control) and T2 (5%) group in carcass characters and cut up parts. Intestinal length in males was significantly higher than females irrespective of the treatment. The fatty acid profile and chemical composition of meat were non-significant. So, it can be concluded that RDDGS could be included up to 5% without adverse effects on carcass traits and meat quality.

Influences of Aquaponics System on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Parameters, Stress Parameters and Gene Expression of Carassius auratus

Aquaponics is a new type of composite farming system, which combines aquaculture and hydroponics through ecological design to achieve scientific synergism. However, the effects of aquaponics on the welfare status and stress parameters of fish are unclear. In this study, 150 crucian carp with an average initial body weight of 7.06 ± 0.32 g were selected. Nine fish were randomly selected as the control group (NC group and hypoxia group) for stress, antioxidant and gene expression parameters after acclimation and hypoxia stress, respectively. The remaining crucian carps were randomly divided into three experimental groups with 20 crucian carps in each group (T0, T1 and T2, respectively), with three replicates. The fresh weight of the lettuce root in the T2 group had no significant effect (p &gt; 0.05). Compared with the control group (T0 and T1), there were significant differences in the specific growth rate, the weight gain rate, the fresh leaf weight, the chlorophyll content and the water quality parameters in group T2 (p &lt; 0.05). Regarding the biochemical parameters, superoxide dismutase and catalase showed significant differences between the T2 and T1 groups (p &lt; 0.05). At the same time, the HSP70 and Prdx3 genes were upregulated in the liver of the T2 group compared to the NC group and the hypoxia group. The research suggests that aquaponics may reduce the hypoxia stress of crucian carp without affecting the growth of crucian carp and lettuce.

Comparative Effect of Chemical and Green Zinc Nanoparticles on the Growth, Hematology, Serum Biochemical, Antioxidant Parameters, and Immunity in Serum and Mucus of Goldfish, Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758).

Recently, nano feed supplement research has great attention to improving healthy aquatic production and improving the aquatic environment. With the aims of the present study, chemical and green synthesized nanoparticles are characterized by various instrumentation analyses, namely UV-Vis spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). After characterization analysis of these nanoparticles utilized in aquatic animals, the composition ratio is as follows: controls (without ZnO-NPs (0 mg/L)), T1 (0.9 mg/L ZnO-NPs), T2 (1.9 mg/L ZnO-NPs), T3 (0.9 mg/L GZnO-NPs), T4 (1.9 mg/L GZnO-NPs). SEM investigation report demonstrates that the structure of the surface of green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (GZnO-NPs) was conical shape and the size ranging was from 60 to 70 nm. Concerning hematological parameters, the quantity of hemoglobin increased in different doses of green zinc nanoparticles, but the values of MCV and MCH decreased somewhat. However, this decrease was the highest in the T2 group. Total protein and albumin decreased in T2 and triglyceride, cholesterol, glucose, cortisol, creatinine, and urea increased, while in T3 and T4 groups, changes in biochemical parameters were evaluated as positive. Mucosal and serum immunological parameters in the T2 group showed a significant decrease compared to other groups. In zinc nanoparticles, with increasing dose, oxidative damage is aggravated, so in the T2 group, a decrease in antioxidant enzymes and an increase in MDA were seen compared to other groups. In this regard, the concentration of liver enzymes AST and ALT increased in the T2 group compared with control and other groups. This can confirm liver damage in this dose compared with control and other groups. This research work suggests that green synthesized form of zinc nanoparticles in higher doses have less toxic effectsin comparison to the chemical form of zinc nanoparticles and can act as suitable nutrient supplements in aquatic animals.

Effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel powder supplementation on performance, carcass characteristics and haemato-biochemical parameters of broiler chickens

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of pomegranate peel powder (PPP) supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, haemato-biochemical parameters and return over feed cost in broiler chickens. A total of 240 unsexed day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated into four treatment groups with four replicates in each. The control group (T1) was fed with a standard basal diet as per BIS (2007). Groups T2, T3, and T4 were fed the basal diet with 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 % level of PPP, respectively for six weeks. Results revealed that the mean final body weight and body weight gain were significantly higher in T4 as compared to the other dietary treatments. The feed conversion ratio was better in T4 and T3 groups as compared to the T1 and T2 groups. There were no differences in carcass characteristics among the dietary treatments. The serum concentration of triglycerides and cholesterol were significantly reduced in T4 and T3 groups as compared to the control. The return over feed cost was higher T3 and T4 groups than the control group. Thus, it can be concluded that dietary supplementation of 1% pomegranate peel powder improved growth performance, production efficiency, blood lipid profile and return over feed cost in broiler chickens.

A prospective cohort study of long-term fasting blood glucose variability and risk of mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes

Objective: To investigate the association between long-term fasting blood glucose (FPG) variability and all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A total of 7 174 type 2 diabetic patients included in National Basic Public Health Service Program in Changshu of Jiangsu Province were recruited as participants. Long-term glucose variability was assessed using standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), average real variability (ARV), and variability independent of the mean (VIM) across FPG measurements at the more than three visits. Death information were mainly obtained from the death registry system in Jiangsu. Then Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the associations of four variability indicators and all-cause mortality's hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95%CIs. Results: Among 55 058.50 person-years of the follow-up, the mean follow-up time was 7.67 years, and 898 deaths occurred during the follow-up period. After adjustment, compared with T1 group, the Cox regression model showed that HRs of T3 group in SD, CV, ARV and VIM were 1.24 (95%CI: 1.03-1.49), 1.20 (95%CI: 1.01-1.43), 1.28 (95%CI: 1.07-1.55) and 1.20 (95%CI:1.01-1.41), respectively. HRs of per 1 SD higher SD, CV, ARV and VIM were 1.13 (95%CI: 1.06-1.21), 1.08 (95%CI: 1.01-1.15), 1.05 (95%CI: 1.00-1.12) and 1.09 (95%CI: 1.02-1.16) for all-cause mortality, respectively. In the stratified analysis, age, gender, hypoglycemic agent and insulin uses had no effect on the above associations (all P for interaction >0.05). Conclusion: Long-term FPG glycemic variability was positively associated with the risk of all-cause mortality in type 2 diabetes patients.

Influence of thyme and turmeric essential oils supplementation on growth performance, nutrient utilization and economics of Japanese quails

This experiment aimed to study the effect of dietary thyme and turmeric essential oils supplementation on growth performance, nutrient utilization and economics of Japanese quails. For this purpose, a total of 180 six-day-old Japanese quail chicks were randomly assigned into five different treatment groups, each with three replicates (12 birds per replicate). The experiment was conducted for 35 days. Different treatment groups of Japanese quails were designated as T0 (Basal diet without essential oils), T1 (Basal diet with 0.2% thyme essential oil), T2 (Basal diet with 0.3% turmeric essential oil, T3 (Basal diet with 0.125% thyme + 0.075% turmeric essential oils), and T4 (Basal diet with 0.075% thyme + 0.125 % turmeric essential oils). At the end of experiment, it was found that dietary supplementation of thyme and turmeric essential oils reduced feed consumption, improved body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio, with Japanese quails of T4 group showing best performance during overall experimental period. The feed cost per kg weight gain was minimum in treatment T4 over other treatment groups. Addition of thyme and turmeric essential oils in diet significantly enhanced nutrient utilization in Japanese quails. In conclusion, supplementing thyme and turmeric essential oils in combination at 0.075% and 0.125% of feed improved growth performance, utilization of nutrients and reduced feed cost per kg weight gain in Japanese quails.

Effectiveness of Azadirachta Indica Leaf Extract Against Transforming Growth Factor-β Levels in Swiss Mice Inoculated by Plasmodium berghei ANKA

Malaria is one of the health problems for the world's population in tropical and subtropical regions. Malaria infection is caused by the protozoa &lt;em&gt;Plasmodium spp&lt;/em&gt;. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of &lt;em&gt;A. indica&lt;/em&gt; Leaf extract against TGF-β&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;levels in Swiss mice inoculated with &lt;em&gt;Plasmodium berghei&lt;/em&gt; ANKA (PbA). This study used true experimental with a post-test design only control group design which used Swiss mice subjects weighing 30-35 grams as much as 24 heads and divided into four groups (K, T1, T2, T3); all groups were inoculated PbA. Group T1 (&lt;em&gt;A. indica&lt;/em&gt; leaf extract therapy at a dose of 0.25 mg/grBB), Group T2 (&lt;em&gt;A. indica&lt;/em&gt; leaf extract therapy at a dose of 0.5 mg/grBB), Group T3 (&lt;em&gt;A. indica&lt;/em&gt; leaf extract therapy at a dose of 1 mg/grBB). Data analysis using the &lt;em&gt;Anova + posthoc test&lt;/em&gt; with a significance value of p &amp;lt; 0.05 and CI of 95%. The results showed differences in TGF-β levels, both in the control and treatment groups after treatment, with a p-value of &amp;lt; 0.05. Greater increases in TGF-β levels occurred in the T3 group (average +38.46 pg/ml) compared to group K (average +14.37 pg/ml), group T1 (average +14.37 pg/ml), and group T2 (average +22.13 pg/ml)