Search Results (127)

A global interest in the cultivation of Kalibaus (Labeo calbasu) has emerged due to decreasing natural stocks and a consistent rise in market value and demand. Given these concerns, understanding the species’ physiological responses to environmental changes is crucial. The present research aimed to assess the effect of varying environmental temperatures on metabolism, haemato-biochemical indices, hormonal concentrations and immune responses in L. calbasu. This study was conducted in triplicate using 100 L glass aquariums at four different temperatures: 22, 26, 30, and 34 °C. The highest weight and length gain were observed at 30 °C, while the lowest occurred at 22 °C. Notably, the best feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.51 ± 0.03 was also recorded at 30 °C. Although haematological and biochemical parameters remained within normal ranges, they varied with temperature changes. Indicators of cold and heat stress were evident through lower hematocrit levels and higher white blood cell (WBC) counts. Biochemical indicators such as serum albumin (1.84 ± 0.05 g dL⁻¹), serum globulin (1.64 ± 0.06 gdL⁻¹), HCO₃ (30.93 ± 0.62), Na⁺ (115.60 ± 3.72 mmolL⁻¹), alkaline phosphatase (93.33 ± 9.39 AP, IUL⁻¹), and AST/SGOT (21.00 ± 4.55 UL⁻¹) were significantly higher at 30 °C. Regarding hormonal responses, peak levels of growth hormone (GH), triiodothyronine (T3) (1.44 ± 0.07 ngmL⁻¹), and thyroxine (T4) were recorded at 30 °C. Meanwhile, serum cortisol (1.62 ± 0.06 µgdL⁻¹) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (18.01 ± 3.26 pgmL⁻¹) were highest at 34 °C. Immune responses were strongest between 26 and 30 °C. In conclusion, the results suggest that L. calbasu should ideally be cultured between 26 and 30 °C for optimum growth and health, making it ideal for commercial farming. Full article

The inherent chemical composition of different rice varieties can significantly influence the quality of sweet rice wine. However, most studies on sweet rice wine overlook varietal characteristics, resulting in slow progress in breeding rice varieties specialized for sweet rice wine production. To investigate the relationship between the inherent chemical composition of various rice varieties, such as starch, protein, and crude fat content, and their corresponding rice wines, 16 rice varieties with significant compositional variation were used in this study. The results revealed that screening solely for glutinous or non-glutinous rice is insufficient to select suitable raw materials for sweet rice wine production. Correlation analysis showed that the total sugar content of sweet rice wine was primarily associated with starch properties. In contrast, the formation of alcoholic strength and juice yield was more complex, exhibiting close correlations with multiple rice components, including amylose, albumin, globulin, crude fat, tannin content, and others. Furthermore, interactions among these components were also significantly correlated with these quality traits. In conclusion, amylose content, the ratio of amylose to amylopectin, gel consistency, and albumin content are important indicators for the rapid screening of high-quality rice lines, as they strongly correlate with sweet rice wine quality. These results will facilitate the development of rice varieties specialized for sweet rice wine production. Full article

Moringa oleifera (MO) is a versatile non-traditional feed supplement rich in bioactive compounds. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of MO leaf (MOL) polysaccharide (MOLP) intake as a natural product on broiler chicken production and antioxidant indices. A polysaccharide with a molecular weight of 182.989 kDa was isolated from MOL in a previous study. Broiler chickens were allocated at random into four groups receiving varying doses of MOLP (0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 g/kg feed) for three weeks. Feed intake (FI), average daily feed ingestion (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and body weight gain (BWG) were monitored. Serological markers, including total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLO), albumin-to-globulin ratio (ALB/GLO), creatinine (CREA), as well as the activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed. Results from days 21 to 28 demonstrated that the high dose of MOLP significantly enhanced BWG, ADFI, liver and bursa indices compared to the control group. Additionally, TP and GLO, T-SOD, GSH-Px, T-AOC and MDA levels were elevated (p < 0.05). In conclusion, MOLP supplementation, particularly at 0.4 g/kg feed, positively impacted broiler chicken growth performance and antioxidant indices, suggesting its potential as a valuable feed additive. Full article

The study evaluated the effects of including condensed tannins (CT) from Acacia mearnsii bark in the drinking water of broilers on performance, intestinal health, and meat quality. A total of 240 male Cobb 500 chickens were distributed into three treatments: negative control (NC, without tannin), NC + 500 g/m³ of condensed tannin (CT50), and NC + 700 g/m³ of tannin (CT70), with the doses defined based on a pilot study. The experiment showed that CT50 presented better initial performance (d1–21), with greater weight gain and better productive efficiency index (PEI). But when evaluating the initial and growth phases simultaneously (d1–35), we found that birds from CT50 had better feed conversion and PEI compared to NC. When considering the total experimental period (d1–42), there was no effect of the treatment on performance. In the intestine and meat, lower levels of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation were observed in CT50 and CT70 compared to NC, combined with higher levels of non-protein thiols. The CT70 treatment favored meat quality, reducing saturated fatty acids and increasing the concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, ω6, and the UFA/SFA ratio. There were no significant changes in the depth of the intestinal crypts, but the greater height of villi and number of enterocytes in the groups that consumed tannins are indicative of improved intestinal health. The thickness of the intestinal wall was lower in the chickens that consumed the condensed tannin compared to the NC. Lower concentrations of total proteins, albumin, and globulin in the serum were observed in the CT70 when compared to the NC. It is concluded that the use of tannins in the drinking water can be a viable strategy to improve the performance in the initial phase (d1–21) and meat quality of chickens. Full article

Background: Delayed graft function (DGF) is a frequent early complication after deceased donor kidney transplantation (DDKT), leading to prolonged hospitalization, increased risk of acute rejection, and reduced graft survival. Reliable and easily measurable preoperative biomarkers for DGF prediction remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of pre-operative Absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC) and Albumin-to-Globulin Ratio (AGR) for DGF in DDKT recipients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on all DDKT procedures performed at our institution between January 2018 and December 2023. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (DGF) and Group 2 (non-DGF). DGF was defined as the requirement for hemodialysis within the first seven postoperative days. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data—including pre-operative AEC and AGR—were collected and compared between groups. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate parametric and nonparametric tests. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to assess the individual and combined predictive performance of AEC and AGR for DGF. Results: A total of 38 patients underwent DDKT, comprising 27 males (71.05%) and 11 females (28.95%), with a mean age of 43.3 ± 9.41 years. Fifteen patients (39.47%) developed DGF. The mean AEC and AGR were significantly lower in the DGF group compared to the non-DGF group (AEC: 0.20 ± 0.16 vs. 0.40 ± 0.35, p = 0.04; AGR: 1.43 ± 0.22 vs. 1.66 ± 0.39, p = 0.02). ROC analysis demonstrated that both AEC (p = 0.04) and AGR (p = 0.04) were significant predictors of DGF. Combining both parameters resulted in a higher area under the curve (AUC), improved sensitivity, and enhanced negative predictive value (NPV) compared to either marker alone. Conclusions: DGF occurred in nearly two-fifths of DDKT recipients in this cohort. Patients with lower preoperative AEC and AGR were more likely to develop DGF, suggesting that these easily available hematological and biochemical indices can serve as potential preoperative predictors of early graft dysfunction. Future multicentric prospective studies are warranted to validate these findings and explore their integration into DGF risk prediction models. Full article

The current study evaluated the role of dietary fennel essential oil (FO) supplementation in ameliorating the effects of heat stress on growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant activity, inflammatory responses, and liver histopathology in broiler chickens. Six hundred male broiler chicks (three-day-old ROSS broilers) were allocated into six experimental treatments (TRTs); the first was the negative control (Neg. CON, not subjected to hot temperature conditions), and the second was the positive control group (PS CON, subjected to hot temperatures). The control groups (Neg. and PS) were fed the basal diet without supplements. The third, fourth, and fifth groups were fed diets supplemented with 1 g FO/kg diet, 2 g FO/kg diet, and 3 g FO/kg diet, respectively and subjected to hot temperatures. The sixth group was fed the basal diet, received 500 mg of paracetamol per liter of drinking water, and subjected to hot temperatures. Hot temperature conditions (36 ± 0.5 °C) was applied for 6 h/day from the 22nd to the 25th day of the feeding period. The feeding period lasted for 35 days. The results showed that FO supplementation improved the body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio compared to those in the PS CON and paracetamol groups. The growth hormone concentrations increased in the FO-supplemented TRTs and the paracetamol groups compared to those in the Neg. and PS CON groups. The serum total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations significantly increased in the FO-supplemented TRTs compared to those in the Neg. and PS CON groups and the paracetamol TRTs. The serum TAC increased in the 3 g FO/kg TRT. The serum activity of CAT and SOD increased in the 3 and 2 g FO/kg TRTs and the paracetamol TRTs compared to those in the Neg. and PS CON groups. The serum MDA concentrations decreased in the FO-supplemented TRTs and paracetamol groups compared to those in the Neg. and PS CON groups. The IL1β and IFN-α concentrations decreased in the FO-supplemented and paracetamol groups compared to those in the PS CON groups. The HSP70 concentration was the highest in the 3 g FO/kg TRT. The immune expression of IL1-β and TGF-β in the liver tissues was downregulated in the FO-supplemented groups, especially the FO3 group, compared to those in the PS CON group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with FO increased the broiler chickens’ growth more than that in the PS CON and paracetamol groups under hot temperatures. Fennel oil supplementation (3 g/kg diet) can alleviate the negative impacts of heat stress on broiler chickens’ antioxidant and inflammatory responses. Full article

Background: Serum markers are commonly used to diagnose bone and joint infections; however, their accuracy for diagnosing pyogenic spondylitis remains unproven. This study aimed to validate the diagnostic accuracy of inflammatory, nutritional, and immunological serum markers for spinal infections and identify the most effective combinations. Methods: The retrospective cohort study analyzed 656 patients who visited the hospital for spinal diseases between 1 January 2004 and 31 March 2021; a total of 76 were diagnosed with pyogenic spondylitis. Blood samples were analyzed for serum albumin (Alb), total protein (TP), globulin (Glb), C-reactive protein (CRP), platelet count, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and monocyte count. Combination markers, including albumin–globulin ratio (AGR), CRP–albumin ratio (CAR), CRP–AGR (CAGR), neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR), were also evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine each marker’s diagnostic performance. Furthermore, multivariate analysis was performed to examine the odds ratios. Results: Patients with pyogenic spondylitis showed significantly different levels in Alb (p < 0.0001), Glb (p < 0.0001), CRP (p < 0.0001), platelet count (p < 0.0001), WBC count (p < 0.0006), neutrophil count (p = 0.0019), lymphocyte count (p = 0.0085), AGR (p < 0.0001), CAR (p < 0.0001), CAGR (p < 0.0001), NLR (p < 0.0001), and PLR (p < 0.0001). CRP (AUC = 0.80) showed good diagnostic accuracy, while combination markers CAR (AUC = 0.82) and CAGR (AUC = 0.83) had the highest areas under the curve (AUC). Multivariate analysis indicated that decreased age and the presence of comorbidities (including chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, malignancy, or diabetes), were independent predictors of early pyogenic spondylitis (OR_age = 0.93, OR_comorbidities = 16.98, p_age = 0.0005, and p_comorbidities = 0.0001). In patients with low-inflammatory pyogenic spondylitis, significant differences were observed in TP (p = 0.0293), Glb (p = 0.0012), CRP (p = 0.0023), platelet count (p = 0.0108), AGR (p = 0.0044), CAR (p = 0.0006), CAGR (p = 0.0004), PLR (p = 0.0192), and NLR (p = 0.0027), with CAGR showing the highest AUC (AUC = 0.70) among them. Conclusions: Serum combination markers (AGR, CAGR, CAR, PLR, and NLR) showed diagnostic value for pyogenic spondylitis, with CAGR achieving the highest accuracy. In low-inflammatory pyogenic spondylitis patients (CRP ≤ 1.0 mg/dL), these markers may aid diagnosis. Full article

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are presented in approximately 50% of East Asian populations with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the standard treatment, patient outcomes are also influenced by host-related factors. This study aimed to investigate clinical and radiological factors associated with early mortality and develop a prognostic prediction model in advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC. Methods: A retrospective cohort was conducted in patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC treated with first line EGFR-TKIs from January 2012 to October 2022 at Chiang Mai University Hospital. Clinical data and radiologic findings at the initiation of treatment were analyzed. A multivariable flexible parametric survival model was used to determine the predictors of death at 18 months. The predicted survival probabilities at 6, 12, and 18 months were estimated, and the model performance was evaluated. Results: Among 189 patients, 84 (44.4%) died within 18 months. Significant predictors of mortality included body mass index <18.5 or ≥23, bone metastasis, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ≥ 5, albumin-to-globulin ratio < 1, and mean pulmonary artery diameter ≥ 29 mm. The model demonstrated good performance (Harrell’s C-statistic = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.66–0.78). Based on bootstrap internal validation, the optimism-corrected Harrell’s C-statistic was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.71–0.71), derived from an apparent C-statistic of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.74–0.75) and an estimated optimism of 0.04 (95% CI: 0.03–0.04). Estimated 18-month survival ranged from 87.1% in those without risk factors to 2.1% in those with all predictors. A web-based tool was developed for clinical use. Conclusions: The prognostic model developed from fundamental clinical and radiologic parameters demonstrated promising utility in predicting 18-month mortality in patients with advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC receiving first-line EGFR-TKI therapy. Full article

This study was performed to assess the effects of grape pomace feeding on the immunoglobulin concentration in mammary gland secretions and the biochemical parameters of sows’ blood. This study presents unique results of sow blood parameters obtained during the first day postpartum. Sixteen gestating sows were included in the experiment. The experimental group (DGP) received a supplement of dried grape pomace in the amount of 1% of the basal diet from the 7th day antepartum until the end of lactation. Blood, colostrum, and milk were taken from the sows. On the 1st day postpartum, in the sows’ blood, higher values of total proteins and globulins, as well as lower values of aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, and the albumin/globulin ratio, were recorded in DGP. There were no significant differences in the concentration of immunoglobulins in the blood of sows between the groups. Also, differences in the concentrations of immunoglobulins in the colostrum and milk of sows throughout lactation were not statistically significant. It can be stated that the feeding of dried grape pomace did not have a negative effect on the biochemical parameters of the sows’ blood, colostrum, and milk. In addition, there is a potential suggestion that the addition of dried grape pomace could have a positive effect on the antioxidant status of sows. Full article

In the present study, the changes in the markers of stress and inflammatory responses of 12 Standardbred horses were investigated before and after exercise during late spring and summer. The environmental temperature, relative humidity, and temperature–humidity index (THI) were assessed during this study. From horses, blood sampling, measurement of heart and respiratory rate (HR and RR), and measurement of rectal temperature (RT) were performed before exercise (Pre) and within 5 min following the end of the exercise (Post). THI values showed mild stress in June and high stress in July. Direct erythrocyte indices statistically increased after exercise compared to the rest condition (p < 0.05). Higher serum cortisol, α1-, α2-, and β-globulin values were found at Post than at Pre (p < 0.05), whereas lower serum albumin and A/G ratio values were found at Post than at Pre. The HR, RR, and RT statistically increased at Post than at Pre (p < 0.05). The month influenced the values of RR, platelets, cortisol, albumin, α1-, α2-, and β-globulins (p < 0.05). Overall, the results of this study confirmed the well-recognized physiological response of athletic horses to re-establish homeostasis following exercise. Full article

The feeding rate is critical for fish growth and the feed conversion ratio (FCR). Prior research has primarily evaluated the optimal feeding rate by examining growth performance and the FCR. Given the high cost of koi as an ornamental fish, it is essential to consider the effects of feeding rates on its welfare and health. This study aimed to examine the impact of the feeding rate on the growth, stress response, antioxidant capacity, and immune defense of koi. A total of 240 fish, with an initial body weight of 10.02 ± 0.18 g, were randomly assigned to six groups and fed expanded diets at 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, and 6% of body weight per day (BW/day) for a duration of eight weeks. The study results indicated that the daily weight gain of fish at 3–4% BW/day was significantly greater than that of the other groups. Fish in both high and low feeding rate groups exhibited reduced antioxidant capacity and heightened inflammatory response, as indicated by a notable decrease in catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, along with diminished expression of cat and sod, as well as a significant increase in the expression of tnf-α, il1, and il10. The elevated feeding rate did not enhance immune defense mechanisms. Furthermore, a low feeding rate resulted in heightened stress and reduced immunity in koi, as indicated by a significant reduction in plasma cortisol (COR), complement C3, complement C4, total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), and globulin (GLO) levels, along with decreased activities of lysozyme (LZM) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). The optimal feeding rate for enhancing non-specific immunity in koi is a daily intake of 3–4% of body weight on extruded feed. Our findings reveal that underfeeding led to diminished antioxidants and immune defenses in koi, while overfeeding also proved detrimental. An optimal feeding rate of 3–4% body weight per day is necessary to enhance growth and health in this species. Full article

Background/Objectives: To evaluate the prognostic value of easily obtainable biomarkers for patients undergoing percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) for colorectal liver metastases (CLMs). Prior studies showed that simple biomarkers, such as the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), as well as cancer-specific markers, like carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), might have a prognostic role in various malignancies; however, none of these were assessed in patients undergoing MWA for CLMs. Methods: Based on the simple laboratory results, which were determined prior to the ablation, several biomarkers, including the LMR, AGR, PLR, and NLR, were calculated. The log-rank test’s optimal cutoff points for continuous variables were determined. Subsequently, univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were utilized to determine the association between various features and overall survival (OS). Results: This study included 57 CLM patients with a mean age of 63 ± 12.5 years at the time of ablation with a mean follow up of 30.9 months. The univariable model demonstrated that a high level of CEA (cutoff: 29.1 ng/mL; HR: 3.70) and a high LMR (cutoff: 5.32; HR: 4.05) were related to worse OS, whereas a high NLR (cutoff: 2.05; HR: 0.31) and primary left-sided colon cancer (HR: 0.36) were positive prognostic factors. The multivariable regression model confirmed these findings, with the exception of the LMR, which was no longer significantly associated with OS. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility of overall survival prediction and thus patient stratification based on easily obtainable biomarkers and clinicopathological features in CLM patients undergoing MWA. Full article

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a transboundary viral disease caused by lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), belonging to the Capripoxvirus genus and Poxviridae family. This study reports on the molecular detection, seroprevalence and biochemical analysis of samples from cattle infected with LSDV in Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Telangana. A total of 189 samples (116 blood, 26 tissue, 47 nasal swabs) were collected from MP during 2022–2023. Molecular detection was performed using conventional PCR targeting the P32 and fusion genes, while seroprevalence was assessed using an indirect ELISA kit on 184 serum samples collected from MP and Telangana between 2022 and 2024. Tissue samples showed a higher positivity rate (69.23%) for the P32 gene, while nasal swabs had a 6.38% positivity rate. The fusion gene was detected in 77.77% of tissue and 66.66% of nasal swab samples. The seroprevalence study revealed that 19.56% of serum samples were positive, with a higher prevalence of 86.11% in MP. Biochemical analysis indicated elevated levels of SGPT, SGOT, BUN, creatinine, albumin, globulin and the A/G ratio in LSDV-infected cattle, though these differences were not statistically significant. The study emphasizes that blood samples are not ideal for LSDV detection and the timing of serum sample collection plays a critical role in seroprevalence studies. Full article

Sixty Holstein cows were enrolled at −76 days from calving (DFC) and classified based on the daily SCC during the previous week from an automated milking system. The separation thresholds for low (L, n = 46) and high (H, n = 14) classifications were 100 K/mL for primiparous and 200 K/mL for multiparous cows. Cows were then assigned to two homogeneous groups to receive diets supplemented with 19 g/d of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (TRT; NutriTek, Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA, USA) or without supplementation (CTR) until 60 DFC. Cows were dried off at −56 DFC and monitored for disease incidence, milk yield and composition, plasma metabolic profile, and whole blood count from −76 to 60 DFC. Data were analyzed utilizing ANOVA and mixed models for repeated measures. During the dry period, TRT cows had greater plasma thiol and albumin compared to CTR. TRT-L cows had greater plasma protein and globulin than CTR-L. TRT-H cows had heightened hematocrit; reduced plasma globulin and haptoglobin; and higher albumin, albumin to globulin ratio, and thiol than CTR-H. TRT-H cows had greater concentrations of leukocytes and lymphocytes and lower plasma protein and ceruloplasmin at −54 DFC; lower reactive oxygen species to ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power ratios at −44 DFC; and greater concentrations of lymphocytes and plasma gamma glutamyl transferase at −7 DFC than CTR-H. After calving, TRT cows had a lower incidence of mastitis and higher butterfat, as well as greater plasma haptoglobin and aspartate amino transferase (AST) and reduced Mg compared to CTR. TRT cows had lower SCC between 1 and 7 DFC and a greater ECM between 41 and 60 DFC compared to CTR. TRT-H cows had lower SCC between 1 and 7 DFC and greater hemoglobin and plasma AST than CTR-H. Ameliorated immune system functions due to Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product administration lowered the SCC in TRT-H cows and prevented the onset of new intramammary infections across both L and H SCC groups, supporting the improved productive performance of dairy cows. Full article

A feeding trial was conducted for 120 days in a pilot field condition to evaluate ginger powder (GP; Zingiber officinale) as a feed supplement for Labeo rohita to improve immunity, blood metabolic profile, and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila bacterial infection. The study was conducted following a complete randomized design in outdoor cemented tanks (20 m²) with a stocking density of 30 fish (average weight: 20.5 g) per tank. L. rohita fingerlings were divided into five groups and fed a diet with no GP supplementation (control diet; C) or a diet supplemented with 5 g (GP5), 10 g (GP10), 15 g (GP15), or 20 g (GP20) of GP per kg of the control diet. The results showed that fish well-being, determined by measuring the condition factor, remained higher than 1.0 for all the experimental groups. The condition factors of all the groups were not significantly different between the groups, suggesting GP had no negative impact on overall fish health. Immune responses significantly improved in the groups fed with diets supplemented with GP at doses of 10 to 15 g per kg of their diet, as seen in respiratory burst activity, total immunoglobulins, and lysozyme activity at 60 and 120 days. Blood metabolic variables, particularly the albumin level, tended to show some level of improvement in the GP15-fed group. However, the effect was not significant. Total protein and globulin levels and the albumin/globulin ratio were not significantly affected by dietary GP. Importantly, fish fed the GP15 diet showed the highest resistance to the A. hydrophila challenge. In conclusion, ginger powder holds promise as a health-promoting nutraceutical for farmed L. rohita, contributing to their sustainable farming. Full article