T2 Group Research Articles

Effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Cinnamon (Cinnamon zeylanicum) on Production, Fatty Acid Profile and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens

Phytogenic feed additives play an important role in broilers' nutrition, contributing to the improvement of the performance and quality of meat. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Cinnamon (Cinnamon zeylanicum) on broiler chicken production, fatty acid profile, and meat quality. In the present study, 140-day-old Vencob-400 broiler chicks were divided into 7 groups, including the control group (with no additives, T0), and T1 to T6 groups receiving varying concentrations of cinnamon and ginger. Accordingly, the chickens’ diet in T1 was supplemented with 1.0% cinnamon, T2 with 2.0% cinnamon, T3 with 3.0% cinnamon, T4 with 1.0% ginger, T5 with 2.0% ginger, and T6 with 3.0% ginger, all calculated based on dry matter. The carcass traits, weight of immune organs, organoleptic tests, and fatty acid profile of meat (breast and thigh) were recorded after the age of 42 days. The findings indicated that the breast and thigh had the highest organ weights in group T4 compared to other groups, however, the neck, back, drumstick, wing, and heart were not affected. The inclusion of 2% cinnamon (T2) and 1% ginger (T4) in the diet, significantly enhanced the color, texture, flavor, juiciness, and overall acceptability of the meat, compared to the diet of the control group. Adding a supplement of 2% cinnamon or 1% ginger powder to the diet of broiler chickens significantly decreased the percentage of total saturated fatty acid and increased the total unsaturated fatty acid (breast and thigh). The improvement in fatty acid composition is beneficial for the quality of the broiler meat. Based on these findings, it is recommended to supplement the diet of the broiler with either 2% cinnamon or 1% ginger powder to improve the carcass parameters and quality of the meat.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Tejpatta (Cinnamomum tamala) Leaf Powder as Feed Additive on Growth Performance and Haemato-biochemical Parameters of Broilers

Background: Tejpatta leaves are well known for their use as spice in food for taste and aromatic purposes. It is mainly used for flavoring food and widely used in pharmaceutical preparation because of its hypoglycemic, stimulant, carminative, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-ulcer and antimicrobial properties. Keeping the aforementioned properties in view, the present study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of Tejpatta leaf powder on growth performance and haemato-biochemical parameters of broilers for boosting poultry industry production. Methods: Two hundred and twenty five day-old chicks were randomly assigned into five dietary treatment groups (T1-T5) using CRD, each consisting of 45 chicks with roughly equal average body weights. Each group of 45 chicks was subdivided into three replicates (R1, R2 and R3) having 15 chicks per replicate. The T1 group fed basal diet only, while T2, T3, T4 and T5 groups were fed Tejpatta leaf powder @ 0.25%, 0.75%, 1.25% and 1.75%, respectively, along with basal diet. Result: Significant (P less than 0.01) effect on growth characteristics was noticed in broiler chicks due to dietary supplementation of Tejpatta leaf powder. Significantly (P less than 0.01) higher body weight, weekly body weight gain, average daily body weight gain and performance index was noticed in T4 group and lowest was observed in T1 group. Significantly (P less than 0.01) higher feed intake was observed in T5 group and lowest was in T1 group. Lowest feed conversion ratio was observed in T4 group and highest in T1 group. Non-significant effect on hemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood corpuscle count, serum glucose, total protein and cholesterol and creatinine levels was observed in various treatment groups. It was concluded that supplementing broiler diet with Tejpatta leaf powder @ 1.25% could be beneficial for improving broiler chick growth performance and hemato-biochemical parameters while having no adverse effects on broiler chicks.

The association of cumulative low-density lipoprotein cholesterol exposure and carotid intima-media thickness in a young adulthood population

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between cumulative exposure to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in the young adulthood population.MethodsYoung adult subject (18-45 year old) from the Kailuan Study group who participated in the same period of follow-up and received carotid artery ultrasound were selected as the observation subjects. Among them, 3651 cases met the inclusion criteria, which required that carotid artery color ultrasound examinations be completed from 2010 to 2016, with complete IMT measurements, LDL-C data collected at least twice before carotid ultrasound, and participants’ age to be ≤ 45 years at the time of carotid artery color ultrasound examination. Linear regression was used to analyze the correlation between time-weighted average (TWA) to LDL-C cumulative exposure and IMT the young population. Logistic regression was used to analyze the effects of different TWA groups on IMT thickening. Considering that the use of anti hypertensive drugs and lipid-lowering drugs may affect TWA LDL-C, this study excluded people taking antihypertensive drugs and lipid-lowering drugs, and conducted a repeat analysis of the main results.ResultsThere was a positive correlation between TWA LDL-C and IMT, with IMT increasing by 0.017 mm when TWA LDL-C increased by 1 mmol/L * year. The TWA LDL-C in the highest group was identified as a risk factor for IMT thickening, with odds ratio (OR) values of 1.812(1.027 ~ 3.200) in the T3 group. After excluding patients taking antihypertensive drugs and lipid-lowering drugs, the results still showed that the T3 group with the highest TWA LDL-C was a risk factor for IMT thickening, with an OR value of 1.850(0.988–3.464), P for trend is 0.043.ConclusionThis cohort study revealed that TWA LDL-C is positively correlated with IMT in young adulthood for risk stratification, and control LDL-C levels at an earlier age may reduce the lifetime risk of developing atherosclerotic disease.Trial registrationChiCTR-TNC-11001489.

Association between body composition and coronary artery calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease

Objective: To investigate the association between body composition and coronary artery calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled patients with CKD hospitalized from May 2019 to April 2022 at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, China. Skeletal muscle mass index and visceral fat area were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Coronary artery calcification was assessed by computed tomography. Patients were divided into coronary artery calcification group and non-coronary artery calcification group according to the incidence of coronary artery calcification. Patients were categorized into tertile groups according to their skeletal muscle mass index and visceral fat area levels ranging from the lowest to the highest levels (T1 to T3). We defined skeletal muscle mass index≤30.4% as low muscle mass and visceral fat area≥80.6 cm2 as high visceral fat based on the results of the restricted cubic spline graph. All individuals were divided into 4 phenotypes: normal body composition, low muscle mass, high visceral fat, and low muscle mass with high visceral fat. Spearman correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to assess the association between skeletal muscle mass index, visceral fat area and coronary artery calcification. Results: A total of 107 patients with CKD were enrolled, with an age of (60.0±14.1) years, including 41 female patients (38.3%). Patients of coronary artery calcification group had lower skeletal muscle mass index ((32.0±4.8) vs. (34.3±4.8), P=0.016) and higher visceral fat area ((70.8±32.6) cm2 vs. (47.9±23.8) cm2, P<0.001) than those of non-coronary artery calcification group. Patients in the T3 group of skeletal muscle mass index had a lower prevalence of coronary artery calcification (17 (48.6%) vs. 28 (77.8%)) and a lower coronary artery calcification score (0.5 (0, 124.0) vs. 12.0 (0.3, 131.0)) than those in the T1 group (P<0.05). Similarly, patients in the T1 group of visceral fat area had a lower prevalence of coronary artery calcification (14 (40.0%) vs. 29 (80.6%)) and a lower coronary artery calcification score (0 (0, 3.0) vs. 37.0 (2.0, 131.0)) than those in the T3 group (P<0.05). Likewise, patients with both low muscle mass and low muscle mass with high visceral fat had a higher prevalence of coronary artery calcification (11(78.6%) vs. 33 (47.8%); 15 (83.3%) vs. 33 (47.8%)) and a higher coronary artery calcification score (31.1 (0.8, 175.8) vs. 0 (0, 16.4); 27.6 (6.4, 211.4) vs. 0 (0, 16.4)) than those with normal body composition (P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that skeletal muscle mass index was inversely correlated with coronary artery calcification score (r=-0.212, P=0.028), and visceral fat area was positively correlated with coronary artery calcification score (r=0.408, P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that increased skeletal muscle mass index was inversely associated with coronary artery calcification prevalence (T2: OR=0.208, 95%CI: 0.056-0.770, P=0.019; T3: OR=0.195, 95%CI: 0.043-0.887, P=0.034), and reduced visceral fat area was inversely associated with coronary artery calcification prevalence (T1: OR=0.256, 95%CI: 0.071-0.923, P=0.037; T2: OR=0.263, 95%CI: 0.078-0.888, P=0.031). Consistently, both low muscle mass and low muscle mass with high visceral fat were associated with coronary artery calcification prevalence (OR=6.616, 95%CI: 1.383-31.656, P=0.018; OR=5.548, 95%CI: 1.062-28.973, P=0.042). Conclusion: Reduced skeletal muscle mass index and increased visceral fat area are significantly associated with both the prevalence and severity of coronary artery calcification in patients with CKD.

Effects of Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) Juice Byproduct Administered Using Different Feeding Methods on the Growth Performance, Digestive Enzyme Activity, Antioxidant Status, and Disease Resistance against Streptococcus iniae of Juvenile Black Rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii)

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) juice byproduct (YJB) on the growth performance, digestive and antioxidant enzyme activities, and disease resistance against Streptococcus iniae of juvenile black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) based on different feeding schedules. Four different YJB feeding strategies were evaluated: feeding the fish a basal diet continuously (control, T0), feeding them YJB (2.5 g/kg) continuously (T1), feeding them YJB for 1 day and the basal diet the next day (T2), and feeding them YJB for 1 day and the basal diet for the following 2 days (T3). No difference in survival among the treatments was found after the 8-week feeding trial (p &gt; 0.05). However, the T1 and T2 groups exhibited significant enhancements in final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate compared with the T0 and T3 groups. Furthermore, the T1 and T2 groups showed a significant improvement in feed consumption, feed efficiency, and protein efficiency ratio compared with the T0 and T3 groups. No significant differences in the condition factor or viscerosomatic and hepatosomatic indices were observed among all the groups. Intestinal amylase, trypsin, and lipase activity was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher in the T1 and T2 groups than in the T0 and T3 groups. Lysozyme, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity along with glutathione peroxidase content were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher under all YJB feeding regimens than those under the control treatment. The survival rates in all the YJB treatment groups after the S. iniae challenge were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) enhanced. In conclusion, we recommend offering YJB at day-to-day intervals to improve growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant status, and disease resistance against S. iniae.

Association between triglyceride-glucose index and the risk of heart failure hospitalization in older diabetic patients received right ventricular pacing: a retrospective cohort study.

The prognostic value of triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is not yet known for older diabetic patients received right ventricular pacing (RVP). We aimed to investigate the association between TyG index and the risk of heart failure hospitalization (HFH) in older diabetic patients received RVP. This study was conducted between January 2017 and January 2018 at Fuwai Hospital, Beijing, China, and included older (age ≥ 65years) diabetic patients that received RVP for the first time. TyG index were obtained before implantation. The primary endpoint was HFH. A total of 231 patients were divided into three groups according to the tertiles of TyG index: < 8.5 (T1, N = 77), 8.5-9.1 (T2, N = 77), and > 9.1 (T3, N = 77). T3 group had higher rate of HFH (Log-rank = 11.7, P = 0.003). Multivariate analyses showed that, TyG index served as an independent predictor for HFH, both as numerical variable (HR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.21-3.11, P = 0.006), and as categorical variable (HR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.09-4.89, P = 0.03). RCS demonstrated that the risk of HFH was relatively low until TyG index exceeded 8.8, beyond which the risk began to increase rapidly (P-non-linear = 0.006). Preimplantation TyG index emerges as a robust, independent predictor for HFH in older diabetic patients received RVP, and TyG index > 8.8 might be the optimal cut-off value.

The effects of Artemisia Sieberi, Achillea Fragrantissima, and Olea Europaea leaves on the performance and physiological parameters in heat-stressed broiler chickens.

High temperatures have detrimental effects on the performance and physiology of broiler chickens. Medicinal plants have various biological activities and may enhance the heat resistance of chickens during heat waves. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential roles of using specific local medicinal plants to alleviate the negative impacts of heat stress (HS) in broilers. In this study, 180 day-old chicks were used to investigate the effects of HS and dietary indigenous medicinal plants on growth performance, antioxidant biomarkers, and intestinal health. The chicks were assigned to six groups (18 pens with 10 chicks per pen) with three replicates each. In the first group, the chicks were kept under thermoneutral conditions (CON) and fed a basal diet. The other five groups were exposed to recurrent heat stress and fed a basal diet (T1, HS group) or supplemented with Artemisia Sieberi (1.25 g/kg of feed; T2), Achillea Fragrantissima (15 g/kg of feed; T3), Olea europaea (10 g/kg of feed; T4), and all the previous additives (all-in-one) combined at the same dose levels mentioned above (T5). At 21 days of age, the chicks from each group were exposed to two phases of heat stress: phase 1 from days 21 to 34 (34 ± 1°C) followed by phase 2 from days 35 to 39 (37 ± 1°C). The results indicate that HS significantly increased rectal temperature and respiration rate in broiler chickens. Feed intake and body weight gain were improved in all supplemented groups, while the feed conversion ratio was decreased in response to the dietary inclusion of medicinal plants. Additionally, glutathione peroxidase and immunoglobulin G levels were increased in the T3, T4, and T5 groups compared to the other groups. HS induced significant upregulated in the mRNA levels of heat shock protein 70 and interleukin-8, while the mRNA of occludin was decreased. The T3, T4, and T5 showed significantly decreased expression of hepatic HSP70 and ileum IL-8 genes and increased ileum mRNA occludin levels relative to the CON and T1 groups. In conclusion, supplementation with these plants enhances growth performance and maintains intestinal health sustaining the productivity of broiler chickens under HS conditions.

Evaluation of growth performance, carcass, organ characteristics and digestibility coefficient of finisher broiler chicken fed varying levels of Fennel seed powder

A 28-day trial was conducted to evaluate the impact of different levels of fennel seed powder as a feed additive on the growth performance, carcass yield, internal organ characteristics, and nutrient digestibility of finisher broiler chickens. The study involved 200 finisher broiler chickens divided into four groups of 50 birds each. Four experimental diets were formulated with fennel seed powder at 0g, 150g, 300g, and 450g per 100kg of feed, labelled as T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. The treatment groups were further subdivided into five replicates with 10 birds in each group. Collected data were subjected to analysis of variance. The results indicated significant differences (p&lt;0.05) in final weight gain (FWG), daily weight gain (DWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) among the groups. Birds in T4 group showed the highest FWG and DWG values (p&lt;0.05). Additionally, T4 had the lowest FCR values (p&lt;0.05), significant differences in feed intake (p&lt;0.05) were similarly observed. Significant differences (p&lt;0.05) were recorded in dressed weight, live weight, dressing percentage, and various cut-parts for the birds, birds in T4 recorded superior values for all carcass traits. The internal organs were not affected by the feed (p&gt;0.05). However, the diet significantly influenced abdominal fat, with T4 showing the lowest values (p&lt;0.05). The nutrient digestibility coefficients were significantly affected by the diet, with T4 showing the highest values in all proximate composition parameters analyzed (p&lt;0.05). It was concluded that adding fennel seed powder at 450g per 100kg of feed can enhance the growth performance, carcass quality, internal organ traits, and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens.

Isolation of Lactobacillus plantarum CMT1 from shrimp intestine and its effects on growth and survival of the whiteleg shrimp, Litopeneaus vannamei

Probiotics are widely applied in aquaculture, which can improve the growth, survival and health of aquatic animals. The aim of this study was to isolate and evaluate a Lactobacillus strain from the intestine of healthy whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. A total of 20 Lactobacillus isolates showed rod-shaped morphology, gram-positive, non-motile, non-spore forming, and catalase and oxidase negative. Among the isolates, strain CMT1 exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against Vibrio parahaemolyticus and extracellular enzyme activity, which was selected and identified as Lactobacillus plantarum CMT1 based on 16S rDNA gene sequencing. This strain was also chosen to evaluate its effects on growth and survival of the whiteleg shrimp as a feed supplement. Four different diets were prepared, including the control (a commercial diet without L. plantarum CMT1) and three different concentrations of L. plantarum CMT1, viz. T1 (106 CFU kg diet-1), T2 (107 CFU kg diet-1), and T3 (108 CFU kg diet-1). After a 56-day feeding trial, the growth parameters in the T3 group had the highest values and showed a significant difference compared to the other groups. The survival rates of shrimp fed T2 and T3 diets were significantly higher than those in the control diet (p &lt; 0.05). The lowest FCR value was recorded in the T3 group and showed a significant difference compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.05). In addition, Lactobacillus counts in T2 and T3 groups increased significantly from day 28, which indicated that L. plantarum CMT1 could sustain its population in the intestine of shrimp. However, the total Vibrio sp. count in the T2 and T3 groups was significantly lower than that in the control group (p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, L. plantarum CMT1 could be used as a potential probiotic for shrimp aquaculture, and the recommended level of the probiotic strain CMT1 is 108 CFU kg diet-1.

Association between the atherogenic index of plasma and left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a retrospective cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is a simple and reliable marker of insulin resistance and is closely associated with various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, the relationships between AIP and left ventricular (LV) geometric indicators have not been adequately assessed. This study was carried out to investigate the association between AIP and LV geometric abnormalities in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients.MethodsThis retrospective cross-sectional study included a total of 618 OSA patients (57.3 ± 12.4 years, 73.1% males, BMI 28.1 ± 4.2 kg/m2) who underwent echocardiography. Patients with OSA were diagnosed with clinical symptoms and an apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 5.0. LV hypertrophy (LVH) was defined as left ventricular mass index (LVMIh2.7) ≥ 50.0 g/m2.7 for men and 47.0 g/m2.7 for women. AIP was calculated as log10 (TG/HDL-C).ResultsCompared with the non-LVH group, AIP was significantly higher in the LVH group (0.19 ± 0.29 vs 0.24 ± 0.28, P = 0.024) and the concentric LVH group (0.18 ± 0.29, 0.19 ± 0.30, 0.20 ± 0.26 and 0.29 ± 0.29 in the control, concentric remodeling, eccentric hypertrophy and concentric hypertrophy groups, respectively, P = 0.021). Meanwhile, in the group of patients with the highest AIP tertile, the levels of LVMIh2.7 (42.8 ± 10.5, 43.2 ± 9.3 and 46.1 ± 12.1 in the T1, T2 and T3 groups, respectively, P = 0.003), and the prevalence of LVH (25.2%, 24.0% and 34.6% in the T1, T2 and T3 groups, respectively, P = 0.032) and concentric LVH (10.7%, 9.8% and 20.2% in the T1, T2 and T3 groups, respectively, P = 0.053) were higher compared with those in the other groups. Positive correlations between AIP and LV geometric indicators including the LVMIh2.7, LVMIBSA, LV mass (LVM), diastolic left ventricular inner diameter (LVIDd), diastolic left ventricular posterior wall thickness (PWTd) and diastolic interventricular septal thickness (IVSTd), were revealed according to correlation analysis (P < 0.05). Furthermore, AIP was independently associated with LVMIh2.7 according to multivariate linear regression model (β = 0.125, P = 0.001). Notably, AIP remained independently associated with an elevated risk of LVH [odds ratio (OR) = 1.317 per 1 standard deviation (SD) increment, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.058 - 1.639, P = 0.014) and concentric LVH (OR = 1.545 per 1 SD increment, 95% CI: 1.173 - 2.035, P = 0.002) after fully adjusting for all confounding risk factors by multivariate logistic regression analyses.ConclusionsAIP was independently associated with an increased risk of LVH and concentric LVH in OSA patients. Therefore, AIP, as a practical and cost-effective test, might be useful in monitoring hypertrophic remodeling of the heart and improving CVDs risk stratification in clinical management of OSA.

Effect of dietary supplementation of jujube fruit (Ziziphus jujuba) powder on performance, some biochemical parameters, and egg quality in quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different dietary supplementation levels with jujube fruit powder on the performance, biochemical parameters, and egg quality characteristics of laying quails. A total of 60 quails (45 days old) were randomly assigned to treatments with different levels of jujube fruit powder: a basal diet (control) and diets supplemented with 5 g/kg (T1), 10 g/kg (T2), with five replicates per treatment (20 quails/treatment and four quails/replicate). The differences between 1-15 and 16-30 days for feed intake (p&amp;lt;0.05), 1-60 days for egg production (p&amp;lt;0.05), 16-30 days for egg weight (p&amp;lt;0.05), and 1-15 and 1-60 days for feed conversion ratio were statistically significant. The highest values for egg width (p&amp;lt;0.01) and egg length (p&amp;lt;0.05) were found in the control group (25.87 and 33.55 mm), while lower values were observed in the T1 and T2 groups. There was no statistical difference between the groups in egg shape index, shell weight, shell ratio, and shell thickness (p&amp;gt;0.05). The yolk height (p&amp;lt;0.05) and yolk diameter (p&amp;lt;0.01) were statistically significant. The differences between the groups for all serum biochemical parameters were insignificant (p&amp;gt;0.05). According to the results of this study, jujube fruit, a rich energy source, can be used as an alternative supplement in poultry diets with positive effects on egg production and feed conversion ratio.

Effect of Enzyme Supplementation on Nutrient Utilization and Production Performance in Lactating Murrah Buffaloes

Background: Enzyme stimulates metabolic and digestive processes leading to increased feed intake and improved nutrient availability in animals. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of enzyme supplementation on nutrient utilization and production performance in lactating Murrah Buffaloes during winter season. Methods: Twenty four lactating Murrah buffaloes were selected for the study from Livestock Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Modipuram, Meerut (UP). All the selected animals were randomly allocated into four treatment groups having six animals in each group on the basis of body weight, lactation length and milk yield. The daily nutrient requirements of lactating Murrah buffaloes in term of DM, DCP and TDN were provided as per the feeding standards of Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi (2013). Total Mixed Ration for buffaloes was prepared by mixing of roughage and concentrates in the ratio of 60:40 after grinding/chaffing. Roughage part was consisting of available winter season green fodder e.g. oat and wheat straw available at research centre. Feeding trial was planned into four treatment groups viz. T1 (Basal diet without enzyme supplementation), T2 (Basal diet with supplementation of Xylanase @ 800000 IU), T3 (Basal diet with supplementation of Cellulase @ 240000 IU) and T4 (Basal diet with supplementation of Xylanase @ 800000 IU and Cellulase @ 240000 IU). Result: From the present study, it was observed that the average milk yield (5.34 litre/day) was higher in T4 as compared to other treatment groups, but the difference was non-significant. The average milk fat percent was recorded as 7.52, 7.58. 7.60 and 7.65 in T1, T2, T3 and T4 treatment groups, respectively. Although the results of T4 group animals were comparatively higher in all major milk constituents the differences were found to be statistically non-significant. The average DM intake (kg/d, kg/100 kg BW and g/kg W0.75) and CP intake (g/d, g/100 kg BW) were almost similar in all treatment groups. The TDN intake (kg/d, kg/100 kg BW and g/kg W0.75) was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in enzyme supplemented groups. The digestibility coefficient of CP, CF, NDF and ADF were higher (P less than 0.05) in buffaloes of T4 over control (T1) group. So, it was concluded from the above study that the milk production and milk composition could be improved with the combine use of Xylanase and Cellulase enzyme in murrah buffaloes due to improved CP and fibre digestibility.

Nutrient utilization and energy balance profile in probiotic supplemented Asian elephants

Aim: A study was methodized to evaluate whether supplementation of probiotics could impact the utilization of nutrients and energy in Asian elephants. Materials and Methods: Eighteen elephants were randomly selected for 60 days experiment including five days of the digestibility trial and divided into three groups with six elephants each i.e. control with no probiotic (T1) and the other two with probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus in T2 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in T3 groups at 1 × 109 CFU/gm concentrate per 50 kg body weight/ day orally. Results: : The intakes of ether extract and total ash revealed significant whereas the digestibility coefficients of total ash and acid-insoluble ash exhibited a highly significant effect of treatment. However, other values of intakes and the digestibility coefficients of proximate principles and fibre fractions could not reveal any significant effect. Practical nutritional worth, plane of nutrition and energy balance profile were also found to be non significant among the groups. Increasing trend of intake and the digestibility of energy; and the relative difference was associated with increased DM intake and NDF digestibility. The mean values for TDN%, NR, digestible DM and OM intakes and TDN intake were obtained to be higher for probiotic supplemented groups than the control group. Conclusion: It is concluded that probiotic supplementation could not exhibit any significant effect on nutrients and energy utilization in elephants. However, further research is needed to examine the effects of high doses, strain and viability of the probiotics.

Chitosan nanoconjugation of GnRH analogue augments reproductive performance in Clarias magur (Hamilton, 1822)

A breeding trial was conducted to investigate the impact of a chitosan nanoconjugated formulation of Salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (ChN-sGnRH-a) on the induced breeding performance of female Clarias magur (magur). A total of 72 magur breeders were divided into six treatment groups: Cn, the Negative Control (injected with bare chitosan nanoparticles); Cp, the Positive Control (injected with Gonopro-FH®, a commercially available inducing hormone, at a dose of 1 mL/kg body weight of fish); T1, injected with ChN-sGnRH-a at a dose of 1 mL/kg; T2, T1 + 10 mg/kg domperidone; T3, injected with ChN-sGnRH-a at a dose of 0.5 mL/kg; T4, T3 + 10 mg/kg domperidone. Blood was collected at 0 (before injection), 6, 12 and 18 h post-injection to determine the serum steroid profile. In the Cp treatment group, the serum steroid levels of testosterone, estradiol, and 17α, 20β-dihydroxy progesterone in the fish, displayed a sharp increase, peaking at the 6-h post-injection, followed by a significant decrease. However, the fish in the T2 and T4 treatment groups exhibited serum steroid peaks at the 12-h post-injection and maintained those levels up to the 18-h post-injection. The reproductive performance, as measured by spawning fecundity, fertilization rate, and hatching rate, was significantly higher in the T2 treatment group (p < 0.05). No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed between the Cp and T4 treatment groups. Compared to the Cn treatment group, the mRNA expression levels of pituitary follicle stimulating hormone subunit beta and luteinizing hormone subunit beta, as well as ovarian 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3, were significantly higher in the T2 treatment group, followed by Cp and T4 treatment groups. Fish in the T2 treatment group displayed fewer mature oocytes and numerous post-ovulatory follicles in their ovaries. Additionally, the ovarian histology of fish in the T4 treatment group closely resembled that of the Cp treatment group. The results indicate that the chitosan nanoconjugated formulation of Salmon GnRH analogue might contribute to maintaining elevated levels of gonadotropic and steroid concentrations, resulting in improved reproductive output in female magur breeders. It is also revealed that the induced breeding of magur cannot be achieved without using dopamine inhibitors in GnRH analogue injection. Using chitosan nanoparticles as a nano-delivery system could reduce the Salmon GnRH analogue dose without compromising the reproductive performance of female magur breeders.

Triglyceride-glucose index is associated with myocardial ischemia and poor prognosis in patients with ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease

BackgroundIschemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) is increasingly recognized and associated with poor outcomes. The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a reliable alternative measure of insulin resistance significantly linked to cardiovascular disease and adverse prognosis. We investigated the association between the TyG index and myocardial ischemia and the prognosis in INOCA patients.MethodsINOCA patients who underwent both coronary angiography and myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) were included consecutively. All participants were divided into three groups according to TyG tertiles (T1, T2, and T3). Abnormal MPI for myocardial ischemia in individual coronary territories was defined as summed stress score (SSS) ≥ 4 and summed difference score (SDS) ≥ 2. SSS refers to the sum of all defects in the stress images, and SDS is the difference of the sum of all defects between the rest images and stress images. All patients were followed up for major adverse cardiac events (MACE).ResultsAmong 332 INOCA patients, 113 (34.0%) had abnormal MPI. Patients with higher TyG index had a higher rate of abnormal MPI (25.5% vs. 32.4% vs. 44.1%; p = 0.012). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that a high TyG index was significantly correlated with abnormal MPI in INOCA patients (OR, 1.901; 95% CI, 1.045–3.458; P = 0.035). During the median 35 months of follow-up, 83 (25%) MACE were recorded, and a higher incidence of MACE was observed in the T3 group (T3 vs. T2 vs. T1: 36.9% vs. 21.6% vs. 16.4%, respectively; p = 0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, the T3 group was significantly associated with the risk of MACE compared to the T1 group (HR, 2.338; 95% CI 1.253–4.364, P = 0.008).ConclusionThis study indicates for the first time that the TyG index is significantly associated with myocardial ischemia and poor prognosis among INOCA patients.

Effect of Feeding Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder on the Growth and Performance of Osmanabadi Kids

The study was conducted at Goat Research Project, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbhani. Eighteen Osmanabadi kids were selected and were allocated to three experimental groups based on concentrate feed replacement with Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder (MOLP) i.e., T0 (0%), T1(10%) and T2 (20%). The study lasted for 90 days in intensive rearing system. The averages for weekly body weight (Kg) of kids fed with MOLP for group T0, T1 and T2 at the end of 13th week were 14.40±0.36, 14.86±0.47 and 16.40±0.45 kg, respectively depicting significantly higher values for T2 group than Ti group whereas non-significant difference between T0 and T1 group. The weekly body weight gain was 0.39±0.01, 0.40±0.01 and 0.54± 0.01 kg, respectively while the daily weight gain observed were 55.95±2.07, 56.90±1.31 and 76.64±1.67 gm respectively with highly significant difference between T2 group as compared to T1 and T0 group. The mean values for weekly and daily feed intake for groups T0, T1 and T2 were 70.95±0.43 and 10.14±0.06, 71.38±0.41 and 10.20±0.06, and 70.40±0.06, and 10.06±0.01 kg, respectively. The feed conversion efficiency (FCR) was significantly (P&lt;0.01) better in T2 (6.49±0.00) as compared to T1 (8.82±0.03) and T0 (8.93±0.04). There was higher growth performance of Osmanabadi kids in T2 treatment group as compared to T1 and T0 groups. It can be concluded that the concentrate feed can be replaced up to 20% by Moringa oleifera leaf powder in Osmanabadi kids reared intensively without any adverse effect on growth.

Metabolomic Profiling Reveals the Anti-Herbivore Mechanisms of Rice (Oryza sativa).

The use of secondary metabolites of rice to control pests has become a research hotspot, but little is known about the mechanism of rice self-resistance. In this study, metabolomics analysis was performed on two groups of rice (T1, with insect pests; T2, without pests), indicating that fatty acids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids were significantly up-regulated in T1. The up-regulated metabolites (p-value < 0.1) were enriched in linoleic acid metabolism, terpene, piperidine, and pyridine alkaloid biosynthesis, α-linolenic acid metabolism, and tryptophan metabolism. Six significantly up-regulated differential metabolites in T1 were screened out: N-trans-feruloyl-3-methoxytyramine (1), N-trans-feruloyltyramine (2), N-trans-p-coumaroyltyramine (3), N-cis-feruloyltyramine (4), N-phenylacetyl-L-glutamine (5), and benzamide (6). The insect growth inhibitory activities of these six different metabolites were determined, and the results show that compound 1 had the highest activity, which significantly inhibited the growth of Chilo suppressalis by 59.63%. Compounds 2-4 also showed a good inhibitory effect on the growth of Chilo suppressalis, while the other compounds had no significant effect. RNA-seq analyses showed that larval exposure to compound 1 up-regulated the genes that were significantly enriched in ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes, the cell cycle, ribosomes, and other pathways. The down-regulated genes were significantly enriched in metabolic pathways, oxidative phosphorylation, the citrate cycle (TCA cycle), and other pathways. Eighteen up-regulated genes and fifteen down-regulated genes from the above significantly enriched pathways were screened out and verified by real-time quantitative PCR. The activities of detoxification enzymes (glutathione S-transferase (GST); UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT); and carboxylesterase (CarE)) under larval exposure to compound 1 were measured, which indicated that the activity of GST was significantly inhibited by compound 1, while the activities of the UGT and CarE enzymes did not significantly change. As determined by UPLC-MS, the contents of compound 1 in the T1 and T2 groups were 8.55 ng/g and 0.53 ng/g, respectively, which indicated that pest insects significantly induced the synthesis of compound 1. Compound 1 may enhance rice insect resistance by inhibiting the detoxification enzyme activity and metabolism of Chilo suppressalis, as well as promoting cell proliferation to affect its normal growth and development process. The chemical-ecological mechanism of the insect resistance of rice is preliminarily clarified in this paper.

Impact of in ovo feeding of grape pomace extract on the growth performance, antioxidant status, and immune response of hatched broilers

Delivering natural antioxidants via in ovo feeding holds promise for enhancing the antioxidant status and performance of chickens. Therefore, The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of in ovo feeding during early embryonic development using grape pomace extract as a natural antioxidant on hatchability, productive performance, immune response, and antioxidant status broilers.. A total of 900 fertile broiler eggs from the Arbor Acres strain were utilized. Each egg was individually weighed, with egg weights ranging from 61.88±3 g. On the 17.5th day of incubation (DOI), the fertile eggs were divided into six groups. The first treatment group was untreated and designated as the control (C). The second group was the sham group (Sh), receiving a simulated injection. The third group, designated as the vehicle group (V), was injected with 100 µl of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The fourth group received an injection of 100 µl of grape pomace dissolved in DMSO at a concentration of 2 mg (T2). Similarly, the fifth and sixth groups were injected with 100 µl of grape pomace dissolved in DMSO at concentrations of 4 mg and 6 mg, (T4), (T6) respectively. Subsequently, all groups were raised under uniform conditions in terms of management, environment, and nutrition till five weeks of age. The grape pomace extract (GPE), obtained is rich in total phenolic content (16.07 mg/g), total flavonoid content (7.42 mg/g), and total anthocyanin (8.37 mg/g). GPE has exhibited significant antioxidant properties as evidenced by its effectiveness in DPPH scavenging and reducing power assays. Significant improvements in body weight at hatch were observed with in ovo feeding of grape pomace extract, particularly at the 4 mg level, surpassing the effectiveness of the 2 mg and 6 mg grape pomace levels, and this enhancement in body weight continued until the age of five weeks. GPE injection also led to a significant reduction in cholesterol levels, with the lowest levels recorded for the T4 group. Plasma total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) levels were significantly elevated in groups treated with T4, T6, and T2 compared to the control group. Conversely, the control group showed a significant increase (P<0.01) in plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The immune response of hatched chicks from grape pomace extract-injected groups, especially the T4 group, exhibited improvement through increased IgM and IgG. These findings demonstrate that in ovo feeding of GPE, particularly at a dosage of 4 mg, enhances growth performance, immune response, and antioxidant status in hatched chicks. Thus, administering natural antioxidants, such as grape pomace extract, to developing broiler embryos via in ovo feeding could serve as a valuable strategy for enhancing the subsequent post-hatch productive performance, as well as bolstering the antioxidant and immunological status of broiler chicks.

The gingival crevicular fluid biomarkers with micropulse vibration device: A pilot study

PurposeThe aim of this study is to investigate the impact of vibration stimulation on gingival crevicular fluid biomarkers and orthodontic tooth movement. MethodsForty patients were randomly assigned to receive therapy with an intraoral vibration device (n = 20, AcceleDent®) or no treatment (n = 20) at a university orthodontic clinic. The quantity of fluid in the gingival sulcus, biomarkers of each fluid in the gingival sulcus, and orthodontic tooth movement were analyzed at three-time intervals (T1, T2, T3) before and after therapy (T0). ResultsThe results showed that vibration treatment led to higher levels of osteoclast biomarkers (RNAKL, RANKL/OPG) and inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-, IL-11, IL-18) compared to the control group. Additionally, vibration treatment at T1, T2, and T3 significantly improved tooth mobility and GCF volume. The gingival crevicular fluid biomarker levels of the T0, T1, and T2 vibration groups, as well as IL-11, IL-18, TGF-1, and TNF-α vibration groups, were significantly higher than those of the control group at different time points. Conclusionvibration therapy was found to be closely associated with bone-breaking cells and inflammatory factor levels.

Bioaccumulation and transferreing for impacts on Cd and Pb by aphid consumption of the broad bean, Vicia faba L, in soil heavy metal pollution

Heavy metal pollution threatens human and ecological health. Heavy metals can exist in the soil for a long time and migrate to organisms along the food chain. However, only a few studies have investigated the effects of a single stress on broad beans. Here, we aimed to characterize Cd and Pb bioaccumulation, at varying concentrations, in the broad bean, Vicia faba L. We also determined how the bioaccumulated metals are impacted by aphids that consume the plant. No significant difference was noted in the germination rates of broad beans at the early stage of planting (after 8 days), but eventually, the germination rates of broad beans at all time points first decreased and then increased, and the highest inhibition efficiency was observed in the T3 group (12.5 mg/L Cd2+ + 50 mg/L Pb2+). Fourteen days after planting, there was no significant difference in seedling height between the T5 (50 mg/L Cd2+ + 200 mg/L Pb2+) and control groups; however, that in the other groups decreased significantly and there was no dependence between stress concentration and inhibition efficiency. In addition, both Cd and Pb in the soil could be transferred to broad beans, and the concentration of Pb in the roots of broad beans was greater than that of Cd, whereas the opposite was observed in the stems and leaves. Notably, under mixed stress, aphids could significantly reduce the content of Cd in broad beans; similarly, the Pb content in the roots and stems of broad beans decreased significantly after being infested with aphids but increased significantly in the leaves. Further, the aphid infestation decreased the Pb content in the soil and the soil Cd content in the highest concentration group (T5 group) (50 mg/L Cd2+ + 200 mg/L Pb2+). These results highlight the necessity of focusing on the effect of insects on heavy metal remediation in plants and provide a new perspective for reducing plant Cd toxicity.