Weight Gain Research Articles

Sustainable land-based IMTA: Holistic management of finfish, mussel, and macroalgae interactions, emphasizing water quality and nutrient dynamics

This research aims to minimize the environmental impact and promote the sustainability of aquaculture by optimizing nutrient dynamics, improving water quality and enhancing species growth performance through a land-based Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system. The study focused on Black Sea trout (Salmo labrax), Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis), and sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca), reared in interconnected tanks using Black Sea water over 90 days. The Black Sea trout more than doubled in size to 333.92 ± 6.60 g and significant improvements were observed in the specific growth rate (SGR) at 0.85% and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) at 1.38. The fish's proximate composition included 19.19% protein, 2.31% lipid, 70.35% moisture, and 1.34% ash, with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels at 6.06% and 13.50%, respectively. The macroalgae showed substantial growth, with a SGR of 0.34% and a weight gain of 310 ± 3.50 g. Additionally, it increased protein content by 13.41% and demonstrated significant nutrient removal efficiencies: 41.4% for nitrate, 66.7% for nitrite, and 90.8% for ammonia. EPA and DHA levels increased by 45% and 70%, reaching 4.66% and 2.19%, respectively. In contrast, the mussels experienced a weight loss, with a weight gain of −1.20 ± 0.00 g and an SGR of −0.20%. Initially, wild mussels had a composition of 77.56% moisture, 13.79% protein, 1.54% lipid, and 1.77% ash. The presence of mussels and macroalgae significantly improved water quality, notably reducing ammonia by 92.2%, nitrate by 44.6% and nitrite by 75%, benefiting the overall ecosystem. This study concludes that a land-based IMTA system enhances sustainable aquaculture by improving product quality and bioremediation, with macroalgae playing a crucial role in nutrient absorption and growth within the system.

Effect of Al2O3-SiO2 film at the interface on the microstructure formation and oxidation resistance of MoSi2 coating on Nb-Si based alloy via slurry sintering method

This study aims to improve the coating density by introducing Al2O3-SiO2 film as a diffusion barrier (DB) at the interface during the sintering process. The influence of the thickness of DB at the interface on the density, phase constituent and interface structure of the coating was studied. The results showed that the Al2O3-SiO2 film can effectively reduce the inward diffusion of Si, facilitating the densification of MoSi2 coating. Increasing the thickness of the DB correspondingly improves the diffusion blocking effect. Compared with the MoSi2 coating without DB, the area porosity of the coating with a 5 μm thick DB decreased from 26.8% to 15.8%. The oxide DB is discontinuously distributed at the interface. However, although the density of the coatings was markedly increased, severe cracking occurred when the diffusion barrier was excessively thick. The microstructure of coating without DB and coatings with 3 and 5 μm thick DB is generally similar, with the inter-diffusion zone (IDZ) consisting of Mo5Si3, Nb4Fe3Si5, and (Nb,X)5Si3 three layers. In contrast, the IDZ of coatings with 10 and 15 μm thick DB is comprised of a single (Nb,X)5Si3 layer. In comparison to the MoSi₂ coating without DB, the coating with a 5 μm thick DB exhibited a markedly enhanced oxidation resistance. The pores in the coating can be quickly filled by the as-formed SiO2. The weight gain of coating with a 5 μm thick DB is about 9.4mg/cm² after oxidation at 1250 °C for 100h, and about 10.1mg/cm² after oxidation at 1350 °C for 50h.

Effects of mulberry leaf extract on growth, digestion, liver lipid metabolism and hypoglycaemic ability in mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi)

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mulberry leaf extract (MLE) on the digestive system, liver lipid metabolism, and hypoglycemic capacity of Siniperca chuatsi. The control group (D1) was fed basal diet without MLE, while the treatment groups received MLE supplementation at 2.5 g/kg (D2), 5.0 g/kg (D3), 7.5 g/kg (D4), and 10.0 g/kg (D5). A total of 225 Siniperca chuatsi of initial body weight (47.82 ± 0.19 g) were selected and fed for 8 weeks. The results indicated that weight gain rate (WGR), feed intake (FI), and feed efficiency (FE) initially increased and subsequently decreased with MLE supplementation, peaking in the 7.5 g/kg MLE group (D4) (P < 0.05). The highest activities of digestive enzymes in the stomach, intestine, and pyloric caecum also exhibited in this group (P < 0.05). The intestinal villi height, branching of villi, density of goblet cells significantly increased, and reduced cavity rate in the D4 group (P < 0.05). The diversity of intestinal flora, as assessed by the Chao1, Simpson, and Shannon indices, was significantly greater in this group (P < 0.05). Liver lipid metabolism indices, including CPT-1 and the CPT-1/ACC ratio, were highest in the D4 group, while the crude lipid content displayed inverse trend (P < 0.05). Additionally, the D4 group showed a reduced number of liver lipid droplets and improved antioxidant capacity, with liver cells exhibiting less swelling and vacuolation. Notably, the D4 group demonstrated a significantly better hypoglycemic response after glucose injection compared to the control group (D1). The study concludes that MLE, when incorporated at an optimal level of 6.71–6.75 g/kg, significantly enhances the structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract, pyloric caecum, and liver, stimulates liver lipid metabolism, improves hypoglycemic capacity, and promotes the growth of Siniperca chuatsi.

Effect of Crude protein and Metabolizable energy Levels on Growth Performance and carcass Quality of Crossbred Native Chicken (Pradu Hangdum) Capons

The objective of the present research is to evaluate the effect of different levels of crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) on the growth performance and meat quality of Crossbred Native Chicken (Pradu Hangdum). A total of 360 capons with 4 weeks of age were used in 2 x 2 factorial design arrangements. This experiment was divided into 3 age periods: during 5-12, 13-16, and 17-20 weeks of age. During 5-12 weeks of age, there are two main factors: 2 CP levels (19 and 21%) and 2 ME levels (3.0 and 3.3 Kcal/g). During 13-16 and 17-20 weeks of age, there are two main factors: 2 CP levels (17 and 19%) and 2 ME levels (3.0 and 3.3 Kcal/g). A results, during 5-12 and 13-16 weeks of age, there was no interaction between CP and ME levels on growth performance. However, during 17-20 weeks of age, body weight gain (273.02 vs. 471.17 g; P&lt;0.05) and average daily gain (9.75 vs. 14.89 g; P&lt;0.05) were greater and feed conversion ratio (7.63 vs. 4.70; P&lt;0.05) and feed cost per gain (110.70 vs. 71.59 Baht/Kg; P&lt;0.05) were lower in capons receiving diet with 3.3 Kcal ME/g than diet with 3.0 Kcal ME/g. Meat quality of capons 16 weeks, CP 21%, (5-12 weeks) and CP 19%, (13-16 weeks), and with ME 3.0 Kcal/g had the lowest shear force of breast meat (4,018.69 N) and thigh meat of 20 weeks, the low ME group had shear force lower than significantly the high ME group (1,539.28 vs. 1,725.77 N; P&lt;0.05). Ether extract of capons 20 weeks of age, 5-12 weeks of CP 19%, and 13-20 weeks of CP 17% ME 3.3 Kcal/g had breast meat fat to excellent (5.06%; P &lt; 0.05). Capons slaughtered 12 and 20 weeks of age, CP19% (5-12 weeks) and CP 17% (13-20 weeks) and with ME 3.0 Kcal/g had the highest amount of thigh meat fat (17.32% and 19.99%; P&lt; 0.05). Experimental study recommended nutrients of native hybrid capons age of 5-12 weeks, CP 21% and 3.30 kcal ME/g, at the age of 13-20 weeks, CP 17% and ME 3.0 kcal ME/g. Recommended to slaughter at the age of 20 weeks because of the highest fat in meat.

Introduction and Capacity Building on an Innovative and Improved Small-Scale Concentrated Feed for Goat Fattening in Ellele Woreda, SRS, in Ethiopia

Feed and water inadequacies in both quality and quantity are recognized as significant production obstacles throughout the value chain. The production of feed adequately meets requirements solely during years of favorable conditions; however, deficits can reach 35% during normal years and escalate to 70% during adverse years. The technologies and knowledge that have been developed to date have predominantly been restricted to on-station experimentation and have lacked participatory evaluation, thereby impeding the transfer of technology or knowledge within this Ellele kebele, Ellele woreda. The objective of the project was to introduce goat fattening technologies specifically for yearling breeds of the long-eared Somali goat, aimed at achieving the requisite market weight of 30 kg, while simultaneously equipping the community with practical training regarding these goat fattening methodologies. The study encompassed 10 goats per pastoralist, culminating in a total of one hundred goats being included in the analysis, which were then randomly allocated to two treatment groups through a lottery system: a control group and a finishing group. The feed formulation utilized for the experimental goats consisted of Wheat bran (49.5%), Noug cake (49.5%), and common salt (1%). The responses of the goats to the feed supplementation indicated that the average initial body weight was 17 kg, whereas the average final body weight was recorded at 23.00 kg, resulting in an average total weight gain of 8.14 kg in terms of goats’ fattening performance. Moreover, the implementation of supplementary scaling-up initiatives for this technology is anticipated to encourage private investors to acknowledge the latent opportunities present within the region.

Association between weight changes and infective endocarditis in patients with diabetes: A nationwide population-based cohort study.

The association between weight change in patients with diabetes, and the development of infective endocarditis (IE) has never been studied. Therefore, we evaluated the associations of weight changes in patients with diabetes with the development of IE. In this Korean population-based cohort study, we included patients with diabetes aged ≥20 years who underwent health screenings twice in a 2-year interval between 2009 and 2012. Patients were categorized into five groups according to the degree of weight change between the two health screenings and were followed up until December 2018. A patient with a weight change of ≤-10% was designated to the severe weight loss group, -10 to ≤-5% to the moderate weight loss group, -5 to ≤5% to the stable weight group, 5 to ≤10% to the moderate weight gain group, and ≥10% to the severe weight gain group. The primary outcome was the incidence of IE. A total of 1,762,108 patients with diabetes were included. There were 67,580 (3.9%) individuals with severe weight loss, 247,969 (14.1%) with moderate weight loss, 1,267,849 (72.0%) with stable weight, 135,774 (7.7%) with moderate weight gain, 42,936 (2.4%) with severe weight gain. During the follow-up (median, 5.21 years), 828 cases of IE occurred. After adjusting for covariates, both weight loss (HR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.87-3.12 for the severe weight loss group; HR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.05-1.55 for the moderate weight loss group) and weight gain (HR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.91-1.50 for the moderate weight gain group; HR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.11-2.28 for the severe weight gain group) were associated with an increased risk of IE compared to those for the stable weight group. Both weight gain and weight loss are associated with an increased incidence of IE, and the greater the degree of weight change, the greater the risk.

Clinical features and natural course of Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Turkey: a multicentre study.

The natural history, the progression of a disease process in an individual over time, has not yet been fully elucidated in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). In this large multicenter study, we aimed to investigate the natural history of HS and its gender differences. This cross sectional study included 827 patients. The chronological order of the clinical manifestations for each patient were recorded retrospectively. Sociodemographic characteristics, triggering factors, clinical, treatment, and prognostic features were also evaluated. The mean age of disease onset was significantly younger in women than in men (22.42±9.28 vs. 27.06±20.56, p<0.001) and those with a family history (p<0.0001). The mean disease duration was 91.17±83.64 months. The most common symptom was purulent discharge (81%). The mean duration of abscess was shorter in women than in men (3.11±2.65 vs. 3.75±3.75, p=0.01). The axilla was the most common onset area followed by the inguinal and gluteal regions. The disease ran a more severe course in men. Abscess/inflammatory nodule was defined in the last 6 months in 88.6% of the patients; however, the first 5 years of the disease were the most active disease period in 67.5% of the patients. Multivariate analysis revealed being male, older age, family history, involvement of the axillary, inguinal and perianal regions independently associated with HS severity. While antibiotic use was the most important factor in improving the disease symptoms, stress was the most common aggravating factor. Biological therapy in men, laser epilation and pregnancy in women were significant alleviating factors. Whereas, weight gain was a more common aggravating factor for women. HS shows a relentlessly progressive course with inflammatory attacks, but the first years of the disease are the most active period. This study confirms that environmental and hormonal factors may play an important role in the disease course, probably with other endogenous or exogenous factors.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of fixed-ratio combination insulin glargine 100 u/ml plus lixisenatide in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM): subanalysis of the international, multicentre, prospective observational study SUCCESS in the Russian population

AIM: To evaluate the impact a fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine(100U/ml) and lixisenatide(iGlarLixi) on the glycemic control in Russian study T2D population uncontrolled on OAD ± insulin therapy in real-world settings.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Russian subanalysis of international, multicentre, prospective, observational SUCCESS study included 160 T2DM patients who had initiated iGlarLixi within 1 month prior to study inclusion from 11 regions of the Russian Federation. The primary endpoint — HbA1c change from baseline to month 6. Secondary endpoints: HbA1c change after 12 months, achievement of target HbA1c levels after 6 and 12 months; change in FPG and PPG, change in body weight after 6 and 12 months, iGlarLixi dose dynamics. Safety endpoints: adverse events, serious adverse events, adverse events of special interest, frequency of hypoglycemia during the study period.RESULTS: The average age of patients in the Russian population was 60.8±9.4 years; average duration of T2DM was 11.4 years, mean HbA1c — 9.3±1.5%; mean BMI 33.3 kg/m2. Prior to the study, most patients were on 2 (36.3%) and 3 OADs (27.5%), 32.5% — on insulin therapy. The mean change of HbA1c at month 6 was -1.81%, and -2.03% at month 12. 51.3% patients achieved individual HbA1c targets at month 12, 46.7% of patients achieved the HbA1c target without hypoglycemia and weight gain. The decrease of body weight in 12 months was -3.3±4.4 kg. During the study period, 17 cases of hypoglycemia were recorded (0.11 events per patient-year); 1 severe hypoglycemia (0.01 events per patient-year). The total number of adverse events (AEs) was 43(26.9%), serious AEs - 10 (6.3%).CONCLUSION: According to the results of this prospective real world sub-group analysis, initiation of iGlarLixi in Russian adults with T2DM uncontrolled on OADs ± insulin significantly improves glycemic control with low risk of hypoglycemia and no body weight increase.

Early-life cold stress and broiler breeder age: effects on metabolism and performance in broiler chicks

Context Understanding the interaction between breeder age and environmental stressors, such as cold, is crucial for poultry production. Previous research has highlighted the impact of these factors on chick development, but there is limited information on how breeder age specifically influences stress resilience and growth performance in broilers, particularly under suboptimal conditions. Aims The study aimed to assess the impact of broiler breeder age and 8-h exposure to cold stress on chicks during the first 7 days of rearing. Methods A total of 600 male chicks from two Cobb flocks were divided into groups based on breeder age (29 or 42 weeks) and rearing temperature (thermoneutral or cold-stressed for 8 h/day during the first week). Key results Chicks from 42-week-old breeders exhibited faster yolk sac absorption under thermal comfort conditions (P &lt; 0.05). Corticosterone levels were higher in chicks from 29-week-old breeders exposed to cold stress (P &lt; 0.05). Cold-exposed birds showed elevated heterophil/lymphocyte ratios regardless of breeders’ age (P &lt; 0.05). Feed intake and weight gain were superior in birds from 42-week-old breeders up to 35 days, whereas cold stress negatively impacted the feed conversion ratio (P &lt; 0.05). Viability was lower in chicks from 29-week-old breeders and those subjected to cold stress (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion Although cold stress did not affect weight gain at 35 days, it impaired the feed conversion ratio. Moreover, chicks from 29-week-old breeders were more susceptible to cold stress during the first week of life compared with those from 42-week-old breeders. Implications The study reveals that breeder age significantly influences chick resilience to cold stress, with older breeders (42-week-old) producing more robust offspring. The findings suggest that optimizing the management of thermal conditions is critical for enhancing feed efficiency, growth performance and overall viability in broiler production.

Co-Administration of Vitamin U and Antacids in Diets Relieves Gastric Ulcers in Finishing Pigs.

One hundred and forty [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] barrows and gilts (86.5 ± 1.5 kg) were used in a 28-day experiment in a randomised complete block design. A model of gastric ulcer was established by adding aspirin to the diet or by fasting. The five dietary treatments were TRT1 (basal diet), TRT2 (basal diet + fasting), TRT3 (basal diet + 0.05% vitamin U and antacids (VA)), TRT4 (basal diet + aspirin + fasting) and TRT5 (basal diet + aspirin + fasting + 0.1% VA). The active ingredients of VA are vitamin U 50 mg/g, magnesium oxide MgO 60 mg/g, sodium carbonate Na2CO3 70 mg/g. The result showed a significant increase in final body weight (p = 0.047) and average daily gain (p = 0.033) in TRT5 compared with TRT1 and TRT2 (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in carcass scores among treatment groups (p > 0.05). The stomach keratinisation score was significantly higher in TRT2 and TRT4 than that in TRT3 (p = 0.032). Stomach keratinisation score decreased from 1.9 to 1.4 in TRT5 compared with TRT4 (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of VA to the diet can improve the degree of gastric ulcer to a certain extent and effectively improve growth performance.

Sex Differences in Metabolic Disorders of Aging and Obesity in People with HIV.

As advances in antiretroviral therapy for people with HIV (PWH) have prolonged lifespans, prevalence of aging and obesity related metabolic disorders have increased. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent research assessing sex differences in metabolic disorders among PWH, including weight gain/obesity, steatotic liver disease, insulin resistance/diabetes, dyslipidemia, bone loss/osteoporosis, and sarcopenia. A growing body of evidence shows that women with HIV are at increased risk of developing metabolic disorders compared to men, including body weight gain and obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, bone loss, and sarcopenia, while men with HIV are at higher risk for hepatosteatosis and hepatic fibrosis. Future work should prioritize the adequate representation of women in HIV clinical studies. Understanding sex-specific mechanisms underlying metabolic dysfunction in PWH is imperative so that interventions can be developed to address a growing global epidemic of metabolic diseases.

Urinary mycoestrogens and gestational weight gain in the UPSIDE pregnancy cohort

BackgroundZearalenone (ZEN), a secondary metabolite of Fusarium fungi, is one of the most common mycotoxins in global food supplies such as cereal grains and processed food. ZEN and its metabolites are commonly referred to as mycoestrogens, due to their ability to directly bind nuclear estrogen receptors α (ER-α) and β (ER-β). Zeranol, a synthetic mycoestrogen, is administered to U.S. cattle as a growth promoter. Despite widespread human exposure and ample evidence of adverse reproductive impacts in vitro and in vivo, there has been little epidemiological research on the health impacts of ZEN exposure during pregnancy. The objective of our study was to examine associations between ZEN and gestational weight gain (GWG).MethodsUrine samples were collected in each trimester from pregnant participants in the UPSIDE cohort (n = 286, Rochester, NY, USA). High performance liquid chromatography and high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry were used to quantify concentrations of ZEN as well as ∑mycoestrogens (composite sum of ZEN metabolites; ng/ml). Maternal weights at clinical visits were abstracted from medical records. We fitted longitudinal models of specific-gravity adjusted, log-transformed ZEN and ∑mycoestrogens in relation to total GWG (kilograms) and GWG rate (kilograms/week). We additionally examined risk of excessive GWG (in relation to Institute of Medicine guidelines) and considered effect modification by fetal sex.ResultsZEN and ∑mycoestrogens were detected in > 93% and > 95% of samples, respectively. Mycoestrogen concentrations were positively associated with total GWG (ZEN β:0.50 kg; 95%CI: 0.13, 0.87) and GWG rate (ZEN β:0.20 kg/week; 95%CI: 0.01, 0.03). Associations tended to be stronger among participants carrying male (versus female) fetuses and results were robust to adjustment for diet.ConclusionsMycoestrogen exposure during pregnancy may contribute to greater GWG. Future research is needed to understand potential influences on downstream maternal and offspring health.

Anti-obesity and other health benefits of bioprocessed black rice bran in combination with green tea extract in 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells and in mice on a high-fat diet.

Black rice bran, a waste product from the commercial milling of black rice that removes the bran and germ leaving the starchy endosperm, contains bioactive anthocyanin, phenolic, and phytosteroid compounds that may have health benefits. This study determined the effect of a polysaccharide-rich bioprocessed (fermented) black rice bran and a green tea extract individually and in combination on weight loss in orally fed mice on a high-fat diet and on concurrent changes in blood glucose and insulin as well as in cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density and low-density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL). At the end of the eight-week feeding study, the combination diet resulted in a 67% lower weight gain than mice on a high-fat diet alone, a greater effect than that of bioprocessed black rice bran or green tea extract individually. The weight loss caused by the combination diet seems to be the result of decreased dietary efficiency. The observed trends in the glucose and insulin data suggest that the combined diet also has anti-diabetic properties, and the corresponding trends in the levels of the serum lipoproteins suggest that the combined diet might also protect against heart disease. Effects on the content, structure, and function of white adipose and liver tissues and on obesity-related biomarkers support the trends in the weight loss data. Based on the observed beneficial effects in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte cells and mice, we suggest the need to investigate if the new multifunctional combination food product can also protect against obesity and chronic diseases in humans. Mechanistic aspects that govern the anti-obesity effects and suggestions for future research are discussed.

The Effect of Preselection on the Level of Bias and Accuracy in a Broiler Breeder Population, a Simulation Study.

Many breeding programmes have to perform preselection, as genotyping and phenotyping all potential breeder candidates is often not a feasible option. There is need to understand how preselection affects the quality of the genomic estimated breeding values (EBVs) at final selection and thereby can affect genetic progress. This simulation study evaluated nine different preselection strategies in a broiler breeder programme and their effect on the quality of the (genomic) EBVs and genetic progress for three different traits: body weight (Body Weight), residual feed intake (RFI) and body weight gain (Gain). All birds have Body Weight recorded at preselection, but only the preselected birds were phenotyped for RFI and Gain and genotyped. The following criteria and intensities were studied: preselection based on phenotypic Body Weight (P), on a BLUP index (B) or on an ssGBLUP Index (G). Additionally, all criteria were studied with three different selection intensities, 10% of the males and 30% of the females (P10, B10, G10), 15% of the males and 45% of the females (P15, B15, G15) and 20% of the males and 60% of the females (P20, B20, G20). The accuracy at preselection with G10 was more accurate than B10 for both RFI and Gain (0.71 vs. 0.58 and 0.65 vs. 0.55 respectively), and also G15 was more accurate than B15 for both RFI and Gain (0.72 vs. 0.63 and 0.67 vs. 0.64 respectively); thus, the difference in accuracy reduces with an increasing number of birds being preselected. Differences in accuracy at final selection were mostly notable in the RFI trait between P10, B10 and G10, where G10 showed the highest accuracy (0.82 vs. 0.84 vs. 0.86 respectively). This difference in accuracy for RFI disappeared when more animals were preselected. For Body Weight and Gain, the BLUP preselection resulted in the highest accuracy at final selection when selection intensity decreased. The dispersion bias of EBVs at final selection was most pronounced in the P10 and P15 for Body Weight (0.81 and 0.92) but disappeared at P20 (0.97). The dispersion bias for all other criteria and traits was relatively small. Genetic progress was mostly affected when P10 or P15 was used at preselection, where the progress in Body Weight was noticeably higher, but prominently lower for RFI and Gain. The BLUP and ssGBLUP preselection had very similar genetic progress across traits and showed comparable improvements in the selection index. In conclusion, with high preselection intensity, the use of ssGBLUP at preselection might be favoured as there is an improvement in genetic progress across traits in all scenarios, which is due to the increased preselection accuracy. When preselection intensity decreases, the benefit of using ssGBLUP over BLUP at preselection disappears.

Safety evaluation of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine as a novel food

To evaluate the safety of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine (α-GPC) as a novel food, the study of acute oral toxicity, subchronic toxicity, teratogenic toxicity and genotoxicity were conducted. In acute oral toxicity, no toxic effects were observed in rats of both genders administrated 10.0 g/kg BW α-GPC. In 90-day oral toxicity, female high-dose group (2,000 mg/kg) had lower body weight, body weight gain, empty stomach body weight, total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), and higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in contrast to control group. In teratogenic toxicity, the body weights of pregnant rats on the 9th day (d9), the 12th day (d12), the 15th day (d15), and the 20th day (d20), body weight gains, and net body weight gains in high-dose group (2,000 mg/kg) decreased, the other parameters had no difference compared to control group. In genotoxicity tests (Mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus, Chromosome aberration and Ames test), all dose groups didn't display significant change compared with negative control group. Based on above results, α-GPC is actually low hazard novel food, has a NOAEL of 1,000 mg/kg BW for female rats and 2,000 mg/kg BW for male rats following 13-week oral exposure, has a NOAEL of 1,000 mg/kg BW for pregnant rats and 2,000 mg/kg BW for fetal rats in teratogenic toxicity, has no genotoxicity in vitro or in vivo.

Effects of Nurse-Led e-Health Interventions on the Health-Related Outcomes of Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review.

Pregnancy is a special time for women that involves substantial emotional, physical, social, and family changes, which can lead to physical and psychological harm. The rapid development of e-health has provided a favourable platform for managing health-related outcomes in pregnant women, and nurses are the professional group that is most likely to provide e-health services. Nurse-led e-health interventions have attracted increasing attention, but their effects are uncertain. To identify the effectiveness of nurse-led e-health interventions in improving health-related outcomes in pregnant women. A systematic review. The PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, ProQuest, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to March 2023. Two reviewers independently assessed study eligibility and extracted data. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used for quality assessment. The findings of this review are presented using a narrative synthesis. This review included 14 studies involving 2016 participants. Three out of five studies reported that nurse-led e-health interventions significantly reduced depressive symptoms. Four studies reported significant improvements in stress and self-efficacy after the intervention. Two studies reported significant improvements in anxiety symptoms, self-management ability, and quality of life after the intervention. One study showed that weight gain and physical activity significantly improved after the intervention. Due to the heterogeneity in the included studies, no meta-analysis was conducted. Nurse-led e-health interventions may be beneficial for improving anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, stress, self-efficacy, weight gain, self-management ability, physical activity, and quality of life in pregnant women. Nurse-led e-health interventions could provide individualised, economic, interactive, and convenient nursing modes for pregnant women. Rigorous and high-quality evidence confirming the long-term effects of these interventions on pregnant women is necessary. The patients had no direct involvement in the present study. PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42023401973.

Obstetric and neonatal outcomes in the management of twin pregnancies with gestational diabetes using the IADPSG criteria for singleton pregnancies

BackgroundThis study evaluates the effectiveness of the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria, typically applied to singleton pregnancies, in managing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in twin pregnancies. Focusing on a Chinese cohort, it contrasts the clinical outcomes and complications in twin pregnancies with and without GDM.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study at our hospital from January 2019 to December 2021, including all twin deliveries except those before 28 weeks of gestation, with prior diabetes, or unknown GDM status. GDM was diagnosed using a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test based on the IADPSG criteria, and management involved dietary or insulin interventions. We assessed outcomes such as hypertensive disorders (gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia), membrane rupture, preterm birth, small for gestational age (SGA), large for gestational age (LGA), and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions.ResultsAmong 1003 twin pregnancies, 21.7% had GDM, with 11.5% receiving insulin. GDM was associated with older maternal age, higher BMI, and a family history of diabetes. Pregnant women with GDM had lower weekly weight gain (0.44 kg/week vs. 0.58 kg/week, p < 0.001) and experienced a higher risk of SGA neonates (aOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.06–2.67) and increased NICU admissions (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.00-1.69) compared to those without GDM. Additionally, dichorionic twins with GDM showed higher risks of SGA and NICU admissions, while monochorionic twins had no significant differences. A U-shaped relationship was identified between weekly weight gain and the rates of SGA and NICU admissions, with the lowest risk observed at a weekly weight gain of 0.75 kg for SGA and 0.57 kg for NICU admissions.ConclusionsApplying singleton-derived IADPSG criteria to twin pregnancies may mitigate some maternal risks but elevates the risk for SGA neonates, suggesting a need for tailored diagnostic and management strategies for twin pregnancies.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered.

Improvement effect of insulin resistance in one-day outpatient service by reducing stress adaptation disorders in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Conducted a one-day outpatient service for GDM patients, analyzed the relationship between stress adaptation disorder and insulin resistance in GDM patients after intervention, and tried to provide some new clues for the prevention and treatment of GDM, provide some theoretical basis for the multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment model of GDM patients. 240 GDM women were included in this study, 120 women were included in one-day diabetes clinic management for GDM women as GDM Intervention Group, and 120 GDM women receiving regular dietary education as GDM Control Group. One-day diabetes clinic management including disease knowledge and dietary education, sports education and blood sugar monitoring and personalized issues and follow-up visits, and intervention time lasting for 1 month. After intervention, the concentration of 2-h postprandial blood glucose, and HOMA-IR were decreased in GDM Intervention Group, while weekly weight gain rate and insulin application rate were significantly lower than GDM Control Group (all p < 0.05). Cortisol and MDA in GDM Intervention Group were significantly lower than GDM Control Group (both p < 0.01). HOMA-IR was positively correlated with weight gain, E, NE and cortisol (r = 0.249, 0.242, 0.663, 0.313, all p < 0.01), E and HOMA-IR were negatively correlated with SOD in GDM Intervention Group (r = -0.306, -0.213, both p < 0.01). The intervention model in our study was based on the one-day outpatient comprehensive management model of diabetes, which improved the insulin resistance of GDM patients. The possible mechanism was related to the implementation of one-day outpatient intervention measures, which reduced the stress adaptation disorder and oxidative stress injury of GDM patients. At the same time, the implementation of intervention measures reduced the rate of weight gain, which can also alleviate insulin resistance to a certain extent. One-day outpatient treatment has a positive effect on improving insulin resistance in GDM women, which can reduce the risk of maternal and fetal complications.

Assessment of feeding hydroponic fodder on growth and reproduction performance in Black Bengal goat.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hydroponic fodder on the growth and reproductive performance of Black Bengal goats in East Champaran, Bihar, during the years 2020-21 and 2021-22. A total of 24 goats were randomly assigned to four groups: Control (C) with extensive grazing, gram straw, concentrate feed, and green fodder; Treatment 1 (T1) receiving C + 300g/day of wheat hydroponic fodder; Treatment 2 (T2) with 300g/day of maize hydroponic fodder alone; and Treatment 3 (T3) receiving C + a combination of 150g/day of wheat and 150g/day of maize hydroponic fodder. Each group comprised 6 animals. The nutrient composition analysis revealed that wheat hydroponic fodder had significantly higher (P < 0.05) levels of dry matter, crude protein, and lignin, whereas maize contained higher nitrogen-free extract, crude fiber, ether extract, and ash. In terms of growth performance, T3 showed the highest body weight gain and daily weight gain, outperforming T2, T1, and the control group (P < 0.05). Though differences between T2 and T3 were not significant (P > 0.05) across both years, T3 consistently exhibited better performance. Reproductive performance indicators, such as age at puberty, age of first kidding, and kid mortality rates, were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in T3, T1, and the control group compared to T2. However, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between T2 and T3 in these parameters. T3 also showed the highest kidding size and birth weight of kids (P < 0.05), followed by T2, T1, and the control group. The cost of feed per kilogram of body weight gain was lowest in T3, followed by T2, T1, and the control. In conclusion, the combination of maize and wheat hydroponic fodder (T3) resulted in better growth and reproductive performance compared to feeding maize or wheat hydroponic fodder alone. Furthermore, this feeding strategy reduced the cost per kilogram of live weight gain, indicating its potential for enhancing the sustainability and profitability of goat farming systems in the region.

Metabolic and stress resistance effects in Macrobrachium rosenbergii juveniles supplemented with Curcuma longa extract.

This work studied the effects of C. longa extract as a dietary supplement for Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Shrimp juvenile (n = 960, initial average weight 0.06 ± 0.042g and initial stocking density 0.4 animals/L) received diets with different concentrations of turmeric extract (0.05, 0.2, 1%) for 60 days, and zootechnical (weight gain, specific growth rate, initial and final condition factor) and metabolic (activities of digestive enzymes, amino acid metabolism enzymes, and energy metabolism enzymes) parameters were evaluated. A transport simulation (TS) test was conducted and, in challenged animals, survival and antioxidant status were studied. Phenolic compound content and in vitro antioxidant potential of the turmeric extract were evaluated. Turmeric extract (0.05%) significantly increased weight gain and the activity of digestive enzymes. An increase in citrate synthase activity for all concentrations of turmeric was also observed. The glutamate dehydrogenase activity in the 0.05% group was also increased by turmeric extract. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the turmeric extract was like butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a common antioxidant, and the total phenolic content was 0.98 ± 0.02 mmolAG/g. In animals from the TS test, turmeric extract promoted a dose-dependent increase in animal survival. Furthermore, turmeric supplementation increased the activity of the enzymes catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and it reduced glutathione (GSH) content. A reduction in the levels of lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and protein carbonyl was also observed in the hepatopancreas of all experimental groups. The addition of low concentrations of turmeric extract to the diet of M. rosenbergii juvenile presents great potential for application in commercial shrimp farming, since the extract (at concentrations as low as 0.05 to 1%) increased weight gain and improved the physiological and metabolic conditions of the animals, improving the use of nutrients and consequently the animals' responses to stressful conditions, such as transport.