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Poultry Science May 2024A total of 720 male Cobb 500 broiler chicks were used in a 5 treatment and 8 replicate experiment to explore dynamic changes in blood metabolites in response to...
A total of 720 male Cobb 500 broiler chicks were used in a 5 treatment and 8 replicate experiment to explore dynamic changes in blood metabolites in response to short-term nutrient depletion and repletion. Day old chicks were offered a corn and soybean meal-based common starter diet from d1 to 14 that was formulated to meet all nutrient requirements of the birds. From d15 to 17, the experimental diets were offered, before returning all groups to a common diet from d18 to 20, at which point the experiment was terminated. A total of 5 experimental diets were designed. A standard grower diet served as a control and was offered to 1 of the 5 groups of chicks. The additional 4 experimental groups comprised diets that were low in digestible phosphorus (P), total calcium (Ca), crude protein and digestible amino acids (AA) or apparent metabolizable energy (AME). The common grower diet that was offered from d18-20 was designed to be nutritionally complete and was intended to explore dynamic response to nutrient repletion. Blood was drawn from 8 chicks per treatment at time 0 (immediately prior to introduction of the experimental diets) and then again 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48h after introduction of the nutrient depleted diets. Additionally, blood was drawn 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48h after the introduction of the nutritionally complete common grower diet. Chicks were not sampled more than once. Feed intake, body weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were assessed on d14, 17, and 20. Blood metabolites were analyzed using the iSTAT Alinity V handheld blood analyzer, the Vetscan VS2 Chemistry Analyzer and the iCheck Carotene Photometer. Live performance metrics were not affected by the short-term nutrient depletion and all chicks grew normally throughout the experiment. The diet with low digestible P generated a rapid temporary decrease in plasma P and an increase in plasma Ca, that were returned to baseline following the re-introduction of the common grower feed. Introduction of the diet with low total Ca resulted in a significant increase in plasma P, effects which were also mitigated during the nutrient repletion phase. Total plasma protein, albumin and uric acid (UA) were decreased, and plasma glucose increased, in the chicks that received the diet with low crude protein and digestible AA. There was a delayed increase in aspartate amino transaminase (AST) associated with the diets with low digestible P and low AME. These results demonstrate the capacity of blood biochemistry to adapt to quantitative and qualitative changes in nutrient intake. Point-of-care analysis of blood biomarkers offers nutritionists a valuable opportunity to calibrate nutritional matrices for common dietary ingredients, zootechnical feed additives and to optimize diet phase changes. It can be concluded that many blood biomarkers are plastic to changes in diet nutrient density and offer an objective index for optimization of nutritional programs for commercial broiler production.
PubMed: 38823292
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103859 -
JMIR Biomedical Engineering Dec 2023Clinicians face barriers when assessing lung maturity at birth due to global inequalities. Still, strategies for testing based solely on gestational age to predict the...
BACKGROUND
Clinicians face barriers when assessing lung maturity at birth due to global inequalities. Still, strategies for testing based solely on gestational age to predict the likelihood of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) do not offer a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenge of uncertain outcomes. We hypothesize that a noninvasive assessment of skin maturity may indicate lung maturity.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to assess the association between a newborn's skin maturity and RDS occurrence.
METHODS
We conducted a case-control nested in a prospective cohort study, a secondary endpoint of a multicenter clinical trial. The study was carried out in 5 Brazilian urban reference centers for highly complex perinatal care. Of 781 newborns from the cohort study, 640 were selected for the case-control analysis. Newborns with RDS formed the case group and newborns without RDS were the controls. All newborns with other diseases exhibiting respiratory manifestations were excluded. Skin maturity was assessed from the newborn's skin over the sole by an optical device that acquired a reflection signal through an LED sensor. The device, previously validated, measured and recorded skin reflectance. Clinical data related to respiratory outcomes were gathered from medical records during the 72-hour follow-up of the newborn, or until discharge or death, whichever occurred first. The main outcome measure was the association between skin reflectance and RDS using univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression. Additionally, we assessed the connection between skin reflectance and factors such as neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and the need for ventilatory support.
RESULTS
Out of 604 newborns, 470 (73.4%) were from the RDS group and 170 (26.6%) were from the control group. According to comparisons between the groups, newborns with RDS had a younger gestational age (31.6 vs 39.1 weeks, P<.001) and birth weight (1491 vs 3121 grams, P<.001) than controls. Skin reflectance was associated with RDS (odds ratio [OR] 0.982, 95% CI 0.979-0.985, R=0.632, P<.001). This relationship remained significant when adjusted by the cofactors antenatal corticosteroid and birth weight (OR 0.994, 95% CI 0.990-0.998, R=0.843, P<.001). Secondary outcomes also showed differences in skin reflectance. The mean difference was 0.219 (95% CI 0.200-0.238) between newborns that required ventilatory support versus those that did not and 0.223 (95% CI 0.205-0.241) between newborns that required NICU admission versus those that did not. Skin reflectance was associated with ventilatory support (OR 0.996, 95% CI 0.992-0.999, R=0.814, P=.01) and with NICU admission (OR 0.994, 95% CI 0.990-0.998, R=0.867, P=.004).
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings present a potential marker of lung immaturity at birth using the indirect method of skin assessment. Using the RDS clinical condition and a medical device, this study demonstrated the synchrony between lung and skin maturity.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (ReBEC) RBR-3f5bm5; https://tinyurl.com/9fb7zrdb.
INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)
RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027442.
PubMed: 38875690
DOI: 10.2196/52468 -
Data in Brief Apr 2021Improving durum wheat end-use quality traits such as protein and gluten content becomes the principal research focus area, due to the increase in market demand and...
A dataset of Agronomic Biofortification and Seeding rate - by - Location effects on Grain Mineral concentration, End-use quality and Agro-phenological traits of Durum wheat Genotypes.
Improving durum wheat end-use quality traits such as protein and gluten content becomes the principal research focus area, due to the increase in market demand and premium price paid for durum wheat producing farmers. The success is, however, limited because of crop genetic bottleneck, factors from growing environments and crop agronomic management practices. A study was conducted to i) identify an optimum seeding rate for durum wheat genotypes that can improve grain yield and grain quality and ii) to evaluate the effect of agronomic biofortification on grain protein, gluten contents, Zeleny index, and grain mineral content. Zinc and Iron containing fertilizers were applied foliarily in the form of ZnSO₄.7HO and FeSO₄.7HO. The data presented in this dataset article included yield and yield related traits, phenological and grain quality traits as well as grain Zn and Fe contents. The grain mineral content was measured by using atomic absorption photometer. A machine Minfra Smart T® wheat grain analyzer was used to measure grain protein content, gluten content, and Zeleny index values for each sample. The collected data were analyzed using GenStat (14th ed.) statistical software package. The aim of this dataset article is make the data publicly available to enable further extended analyses and as a guide for further research works to improve the productivity of smallholder durum wheat producing farmers.
PubMed: 33718551
DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2021.106899 -
Toxicology Reports 2022The rapid development associated with Next Generation Tobacco Products (NGTP) has necessitated the development of high throughput methodologies to test their genotoxic...
Characterization of smoke and aerosol deliveries from combustible cigarettes, heated tobacco products and electronic nicotine delivery systems in the Vitrocell® Mammalian 6/48 exposure module.
The rapid development associated with Next Generation Tobacco Products (NGTP) has necessitated the development of high throughput methodologies to test their genotoxic potential in vitro when compared to conventional cigarette smoke (CS). An assessment of two Vitrocell® Mammalian 6/48 exposure modules in three independent experiments was made by comparing results from multiple dosimetric techniques applied to aerosol generated from 3R4F Kentucky Reference cigarettes, commercially available electronically heated tobacco product (eHTP) and Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) using the Vitrocell® VC10®. Real-time aerosol particle concentration was assessed by means of light scattering photometers and expressed as area under the curve (∑AUC). Nicotine concentrations were determined analytically by LC/MS. Humectant amount and distribution was assessed for eHTP and ENDS by the quantification of free glycerol in a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) trap, whereas total particulate matter (TPM) was assessed in the 3R4F cigarettes by the fluorescence of the particulate at 485 nm in anhydrous dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) trap within the exposure. Dose was adjusted by means of the addition of ambient air to dilute the whole smoke/aerosol in L/min and sampled into the system at a rate of 5 mL/min. Dilution of CS ranged from 8.0 to 0.5 L/min and for the eHTP and ENDS ranged from 4 to 0 L/min (undiluted). Dosimetric analysis of the system showed good concordance within replicates (p-values ranged from p = 0.3762 to p = 0.8926) and showed that the Vitrocell® Mammalian 6/48 is a viable means for genotoxic assessment of aerosol generated from both conventional cigarettes and NGTP. Results demonstrate the need to tailor dosimetry approaches to different aerosols due to variations in the physio-chemical composition, with a multi-dosimetry approach recommended.
PubMed: 36518380
DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2022.11.001 -
Journal of Education and Health... 2021Anemia is a major public health problem among reproductive-aged women in India. Despite many programs implemented for decades to fight anemia, still the prevalence of...
BACKGROUND
Anemia is a major public health problem among reproductive-aged women in India. Despite many programs implemented for decades to fight anemia, still the prevalence of anemia is high because its associated factors vary among different regions. This exploratory study was carried out to find the prevalence of anemia and factors influencing it among nonpregnant reproductive-aged women (15-49 years) in a rural area of Coimbatore.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was conducted in the field practice area of Rural Health Training Centre, PSG IMSR, Coimbatore, during March 2016 to August 2016. Participants were recruited by two-staged random sampling method and 426 participants were enrolled. A predesigned semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data pertaining to the factors influencing the prevalence of anemia, and their hemoglobin level was measured using a hemoglobin photometer. The data were analyzed using SPSS-24. (IBM Corporation, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) Univariate analysis was done using Chi-square test and the strength of association was estimated by odds ratio. Those factors which were found to be significant by univariate analysis were further subjected to multivariate logistic regression analysis. < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS
The prevalence of anemia was estimated as 64.8% (95% confidence interval: 60%-69%). Significant predictors for anemia among the study participants were less frequent intake of green leafy vegetables (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.65, confidence interval [CI]: 2.17-6.12), low socioeconomic status (AOR = 3.36, CI: 1.93-5.84), illiteracy (AOR = 3.09, CI: 1.09-5.24), birth spacing <2 years (AOR = 2.49, CI: 1.19-5.25), excessive menstrual bleeding (AOR = 2.27, CI: 1.09-4.76), and inadequate knowledge regarding anemia (AOR = 2.03, CI: 1.19-3.44).
CONCLUSION
Anemia is still prevalent in high magnitude in reproductive-aged women, and measures to prevent and control it are not optimum. Hence, its multifactorial determinants have to be addressed to alleviate its burden.
PubMed: 34761041
DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_1526_20 -
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023ZnO is an effective photocatalyst applied to the degradation of organic dyes in aqueous media. In this study, the UV-light and sunlight-driven photocatalytic activities...
ZnO is an effective photocatalyst applied to the degradation of organic dyes in aqueous media. In this study, the UV-light and sunlight-driven photocatalytic activities of ZnO nanoparticles are evaluated. A handheld Lovibond photometer was purposefully calibrated in order to monitor the dye removal in outdoor conditions. The effect of ZnO defect states, i.e., the presence of zinc and oxygen defects on the photocatalytic activity was probed for two types of dyes: fuchsin and methylene blue. Three morphologies of ZnO nanoparticles were deliberately selected, i.e., spherical, facetted and a mix of spherical and facetted, ascertained via transmission electron microscopy. Aqueous and non-aqueous sol-gel routes were applied to their synthesis in order to tailor their size, morphology and defect states. Raman spectroscopy demonstrated that the spherical nanoparticles contained a high amount of oxygen vacancies and zinc interstitials. Photoluminescence spectroscopy revealed that the facetted nanoparticles harbored zinc vacancies in addition to oxygen vacancies. A mechanism for dye degradation based on the possible surface defects in facetted nanoparticles is proposed in this work. The reusability of these nanoparticles for five cycles of dye degradation was also analyzed. More specifically, facetted ZnO nanoparticles tend to exhibit higher efficiencies and reusability than spherical nanoparticles.
PubMed: 37446514
DOI: 10.3390/nano13131998 -
Ocular Immunology and Inflammation Nov 2023To evaluate the correlation between longitudinal changes in aqueous flare measured by laser flare photometer (LFP), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and clinical...
PURPOSE
To evaluate the correlation between longitudinal changes in aqueous flare measured by laser flare photometer (LFP), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and clinical grade using both Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) and modified SUN (MSUN) scales uveitis patients.
METHODS
Patients were classified according to both SUN and MSUN grading scales. LFP measurements were acquired (Kowa FM-700) at each visit. Mean change in LFP was assessed longitudinally, comparing with those in visual acuity, SUN, and MSUN grading scales.
RESULTS
Mean change in LFP was correlated to those in BCVA ( = .018), SUN scale ( < .001), and MSUN scale ( = .008). Cases within same initial SUN (0 and 1+) and MSUN (0.5+ and 1+) grades and different longitudinal flare prognosis (decreased/unchanged/increased) had significantly different initial LFP values (all < .05).
CONCLUSIONS
LFP measurement is beneficial in monitoring inflammatory activity. Cases of identical clinical flare scores with different clinical prognosis may be predicted by LFP.
Topics: Humans; Aqueous Humor; Uveitis, Anterior; Uveitis; Photometry; Lasers
PubMed: 36170559
DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2022.2123365 -
PeerJ 2020A critical lack of personal protective equipment has occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Polylactic acid (PLA), a polyester made from renewable natural resources, can...
A critical lack of personal protective equipment has occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Polylactic acid (PLA), a polyester made from renewable natural resources, can be exploited for 3D printing of protective face masks using the Fused Deposition Modelling technique. Since the possible high porosity of this material raised questions regarding its suitability for protection against viruses, we have investigated its microstructure using scanning electron microscopy and aerosol generator and photometer certified as the test system according to the standards EN 143 and EN 149. Moreover, the efficiency of decontaminating PLA surfaces by conventional chemical disinfectants including 96% ethanol, 70% isopropanol, and a commercial disinfectant containing 0.85% sodium hypochlorite has been determined. We confirmed that the structure of PLA protective masks is compact and can be considered a sufficient barrier protection against particles of a size corresponding to microorganisms including viruses. Complete decontamination of PLA surfaces from externally applied , , and SARS-CoV-2 was achieved using all disinfectants tested, and human adenovirus was completely inactivated by sodium hypochlorite-containing disinfectant. Natural contamination of PLA masks worn by test persons was decontaminated easily and efficiently by ethanol. No disinfectant caused major changes to the PLA surface properties, and the pore size did not change despite severe mechanical damage of the surface. Therefore, PLA may be regarded as a suitable material for 3D printing of protective masks during the current or future pandemic crises.
PubMed: 33194427
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10259 -
Sensors and Actuators. B, Chemical Dec 2021The establishment of a simple, low-cost, high-sensitive and rapid immunoassay for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antigen in human blood is an effective mean of discovering early...
The establishment of a simple, low-cost, high-sensitive and rapid immunoassay for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antigen in human blood is an effective mean of discovering early SARS-CoV-2 infection and controlling the pandemic of COVID-19. Herein, a smartphone based nanozyme linked immunochromatographic sensor (NLICS) for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (NP) has been developed on demand. The system is integrated by disposable immunochromatography assay (ICA) and optical sensor devices. Immunoreaction and enzyme-catalyzed substrate color reaction were carried out on the chromatographic strip in a device, of which the light signal was read by a photometer through a biosensor channel, and the data was synchronously transmitted via the Bluetooth to the app in-stored smartphone for reporting the result. With a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.026 ng/mL NP, NLICS had the linear detection range (LDR) between 0.05 and 1.6 ng/mL NP, which was more sensitive than conventional ICA. NLICS took 25 min for reporting results. For detection of NP antigen in clinical serum samples from 21 COVID-19 patients and 80 healthy blood donor controls, NLICS and commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) had 76.2% or 47.6% positivity, and 100% specificity, respectively ( = 0.057), while a good correlation coefficient (r = 0.99) for quantification of NP between two assays was obtained. In conclusion, the NLICS was a rapid, simple, cheap, sensitive and specific immunochromatographic sensing assay for early diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
PubMed: 34539081
DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2021.130718 -
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 2024Ascorbic acid (AA) is an antioxidant that might be beneficial for adjunctive treatment of sepsis in horses. The optimal dose and effects on oxidative status are unknown.
BACKGROUND
Ascorbic acid (AA) is an antioxidant that might be beneficial for adjunctive treatment of sepsis in horses. The optimal dose and effects on oxidative status are unknown.
HYPOTHESIS
Ascorbic acid administration will increase plasma AA concentrations and decrease determinants of reactive oxygen metabolites (dROM), basal and stimulant-induced intraerythrocytic reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations, and stimulant-induced neutrophil ROS production, and increase plasma antioxidant capacity (PAC) in a dose-dependent manner.
ANIMALS
Eight healthy horses.
METHODS
Randomized placebo-controlled crossover study. Each horse received 4 single-dose IV treatments including AA at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg and saline (placebo) with each treatment separated by ≥1 week. Blood was collected at baseline, 2 and 6 hours for assessment of plasma dROM and PAC via photometer, intraerythrocytic ROS by flow cytometry, and stimulant-induced neutrophil ROS by a fluorometric assay. Plasma AA concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography/electrochemical detection.
RESULTS
Ascorbic acid at 100 mg/kg resulted in decreased dROM 2 hours after treatment (P = .03, 95% CI 5.51-121.2, point estimate 63.3). There was no effect of AA on basal or stimulant-induced intraerythrocytic ROS (P = .88, 95% CI -0.156 to 0.081, point estimate -0.037; P = .93, 95% CI -0.123 to 0.112, point estimate -0.006, respectively), basal or stimulant-induced neutrophil ROS (P ≥ .12, 95% CI -644.9 to 56.2, point estimate -294.4), or PAC (P ≥ .64, 95% CI -1567 to 463.4, point estimate -552.0) at any dose or timepoint. Plasma AA concentrations increased in a dose-dependent manner.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
High-dose administration of AA might provide antioxidant benefits in horses.
Topics: Horses; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Antioxidants; Reactive Oxygen Species; Cross-Over Studies; Oxidative Stress; Vitamins; Oxygen; Administration, Intravenous
PubMed: 37948618
DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16934