Search Results (3,122)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of varying inclusion levels of soybean hull pellets (SHP) with annual ryegrass baleage (BAL) on animal performance and digestive kinetics in beef cattle. In Experiment 1 (Exp. 1), 60 weaned mixed-sex beef calves were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: 0.0%, 0.5%, or 1.0% body weight (BW) SHP with ad libitum access to BAL for 48 days (d). Animal performance, including BW, dry matter intake (DMI), and average daily gain (ADG), was evaluated for the duration of the study. In Experiment 2 (Exp. 2), six ruminally cannulated beef steers received the same treatments utilized in Exp. 1. Steers were dosed with ytterbium (Yb)-labeled BAL to evaluate ruminal passage rate across three 24 d periods. All data were analyzed using SAS 9.4. In Exp. 1, total BAL intake decreased in calves supplemented with SHP, while cumulative ADG increased from 0.30 (0.0% BW SHP) to 0.54 (0.5% BW SHP) and 0.74 kg/d (1.0% BW SHP), respectively. Final BW at D47 also increased as SHP inclusion increased. In Exp. 2, ruminal retention time decreased from 38.0 h (0.0% BW SHP) to 15.1 h (1.0% BW SHP), while cecum-to-proximal colon passage rate did not differ among treatments (p = 0.06). Baleage DMI did not differ between treatments. Results suggest that SHP supplementation improved calf performance despite reduced BAL intake in Exp. 1, with the greatest cumulative ADG observed in calves supplemented with 1.0% BW SHP. In Exp. 2, 1.0% BW SHP produced the greatest effects on passage rate kinetics, while BAL DMI was unaffected by SHP supplementation. Full article

During the stage of high-quality economic development, the synergy between advancing county industrial structure and employment growth has become a key issue in county governance. Although existing studies confirm that industrial structure has both creation and substitution effects on employment, few have adopted a configurational perspective to reveal how combinations of multiple factors can jointly promote both advanced county industrial structure and employment growth, thereby achieving industry-employment synergy. From the perspective of inclusive growth, this study incorporates six factors-economic level, financial level, innovation level, human capital, fiscal expenditure, and agricultural resources-into a unified analytical framework under the dimensions of efficiency and equity. Using a mixed method that combines dynamic QCA and regression analysis, and taking 1128 Chinese counties as the sample, this study explores configurational pathways that can simultaneously achieve advanced county industrial structure and inclusive employment growth. The findings are as follows: (1) Four configurational pathways lead to advanced county industrial structure: market-driven with efficiency priority (C1), endowment-substituted with factor concentration (C2), endowment-dependent with efficiency-equity coordination (C3), and talent–innovation dual-driven with government assistance (C4). (2) These four pathways differ in their effectiveness in promoting industry–employment synergy. Configurations C1, C2, and C3 achieve coordinated development of county industry and employment, whereas configuration C4 promotes advanced county industrial structure but inhibits employment growth. The conclusions reveal multiple equivalent pathways for synergistically enhancing county industry and employment, providing a basis for local governments to formulate context-specific industry–employment coordination policies. Full article

A six-week feeding experiment was carried out to investigate the suitability of wasted tofu meal (WTM) as a substitute protein source for fish meal (FM) in diets for juvenile yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata). A diet containing FM as the principal protein source served as the control (C), while WTM was incorporated to replace 20%, 35%, and 50% of the FM protein in the experimental diets, referred to as T20, T35, and T50, respectively. Juvenile fish with an initial average body weight of approximately 30.99 g were randomly distributed into 500-L tanks at a density of 20 fish per tank, with triplicate groups assigned to each dietary treatment. At the end of the feeding trial, fish fed the T20 diet showed no significant differences from the control group in final body weight, specific growth rate, daily feed intake, feed efficiency, or survival. However, fish receiving the T35 and T50 diets exhibited significant reductions in most growth performance indices compared with those fed the control diet. Although nutrient retention efficiency and plasma biochemical indicators associated with fish health were not significantly influenced by dietary treatment, alterations were observed in whole-body lipid composition and fatty acid profiles, including reductions in EPA, DHA, total n-3 fatty acids, and the n-3/n-6 fatty acid ratio with increasing WTM inclusion. Overall, the findings suggest that, under the dietary formulations tested, WTM can replace up to 20% of FM protein in diets for juvenile yellowtail without negatively affecting growth performance or physiological health; however, supplementation with n-3 HUFA-rich lipid sources may be required to maintain optimal whole-body fatty acid composition and product nutritional quality. Full article

This study aims to address the need to operationalize Industry 5.0 (I5.0) by developing a comprehensive Assessment Framework for the adoption of the Human Centricity, Environmental Sustainability, and Industrial Resilience pillars. While existing models largely focus on technological maturity, they fail to provide measurable tools for evaluating I5.0 adoption. To bridge this gap, the paper proposes an Assessment Framework based on a structured set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) developed within the EU-funded PROSPECTS 5.0 project. The methodology combines an extensive literature review, a workshop with relevant stakeholders, a Delphi survey with experts, and empirical refinement conducted through workshops involving 14 companies across multiple sectors and of varying sizes. The results highlight that organizations predominantly measure traditional indicators such as health and safety, energy consumption, and supply chain robustness, while underestimating emerging dimensions such as human empowerment, social inclusion, circularity, and advanced human–machine collaboration. The framework introduces a set of KPIs for each of the I5.0 pillars, supporting structured assessment across different industrial contexts while allowing sector-specific adaptation. The findings reveal a gap between the perceived importance of several sustainability and human-centric metrics and their actual implementation. This framework allows organizations to self-assess their practices, guide strategic decisions, and align technological growth with societal and environmental goals. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of replacing 25% of wheat straw with dried carob (Ceratonia siliqua) leaves and twigs, either untreated or treated with 5% sodium hydroxide (NaOH), on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, meat quality, blood metabolites, and rumen microbial populations in Assaf lambs. Twenty-four male lambs (2.5 months old; 29 ± 0.5 kg) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments (n = 8): a control diet containing wheat straw as the sole roughage source, supplemented with a concentrate feed, a diet with 25% untreated carob leaves and twigs (UCL), and a diet with 25% NaOH-treated carob leaves and twigs (TCL). Following a 14-day adaptation period, lambs were fed the corresponding experimental diet for 14 weeks. Carob inclusion improved growth performance, with UCL lambs showing the highest average daily gain (214 g/d) compared with TCL (201 g/d) and control (160 g/d), resulting in improved feed conversion ratio (9.02 vs. 5.68 and 5.63, respectively) (p < 0.001). Blood urea nitrogen was reduced (p < 0.001) in UCL lambs (26.8 vs. 38.5 mg/dL in control), suggesting improved nitrogen retention. Digestibility responses differed between treatments (p < 0.001), as TCL increased dry matter digestibility to 72.6% compared with 65.4% (UCL) and 63.6% (control), indicating enhanced nutrient utilization following NaOH treatment. Both UCL and TCL increased (p < 0.001) carcass weights (up to 24.7 vs. 21.0 kg in control), while TCL achieved the highest dressing percentage (46.6% vs. 43.4%). Meat quality traits were generally unaffected in terms of color (lightness, redness, and yellowness) and water-holding capacity; however, shear force decreased from 33.6 N (control) to 30.0 N (TCL), indicating improved tenderness. Carob inclusion modified meat composition by increasing (p < 0.001) lipid content (12.0–12.2 vs. 9.6%) and improving fatty acid profile, with reduced saturated fatty acids (53.4–56.5 vs. 61.4%) and increased α-linolenic acid (2.04 vs. 1.58%), leading to a lower n-6/n-3 ratio (5.54–5.61 vs. 6.45). Rumen fermentation was also affected (p < 0.001), as carob diets increased total bacterial populations and reduced protozoal counts, suggesting shifts toward more efficient microbial activity. In conclusion, replacing 25% of wheat straw with carob leaves improved growth performance and feed efficiency, with untreated carob primarily enhancing nitrogen utilization and treated carob improving fiber digestibility and carcass yield. These findings support the use of carob by-products as a viable alternative feed resource, although responses depend on processing method and targeted production outcomes. Full article

Introduction: Teprotumumab (Tepezza^®), an insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) antagonist, is the first FDA-approved targeted therapy for thyroid eye disease (TED). While effective for reducing proptosis and inflammation, increasing post-marketing evidence has linked teprotumumab to auditory adverse events. IGF-1 signaling is essential for cochlear maintenance and neuroprotection; therefore, systemic IGF-1R inhibition presents a biologically plausible mechanism for ototoxicity. Despite growing recognition of these effects, no standardized approach exists for audiologic assessment or monitoring of patients receiving teprotumumab. This review aimed to (1) summarize proposed mechanisms and the reported spectrum of teprotumumab-related auditory effects, (2) evaluate current methods used to assess and monitor these patients, and (3) identify areas of consensus and ongoing uncertainty. Methods: An updated narrative review of the literature was conducting using PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar using Boolean strings targeting teprotumumab exposure and hearing-related outcomes. Studies from 2022 onward were identified using Boolean search strings targeting teprotumumab exposure and hearing-related outcomes. Peer-reviewed English language studies reporting audiometric findings were eligible for inclusion. Results: Ten studies met inclusion criteria. Reported effects most commonly included bilateral high-frequency SNHL, tinnitus, and aural fullness, typically emerging after three to six infusions. Many cases demonstrated persistent deficits despite drug discontinuation. Baseline audiometric assessment was not uniformly reported across studies, and monitoring protocols varied considerably, with inconsistent incorporation of speech testing and immittance measures. Conclusions: Teprotumumab-associated ototoxicity is increasingly recognized and potentially irreversible. Current evidence is insufficient to guide standardized monitoring. Prospective studies are urgently needed to establish evidence-based audiologic surveillance protocols. Full article

The gut microbiota and its metabolites, as components of the gut–bone axis, play a pivotal role in regulating skeletal homeostasis through the bidirectional communication network. In this systematic review, evidence was collected from mainstream databases following standardized inclusion/exclusion criteria for screening, to comprehensively retrieve and screen eligible studies from multiple mainstream databases according to standardized inclusion and exclusion criteria, and systematically summarize current research progress on plant-derived bioactive compounds targeting the gut–bone axis for skeletal health regulation. This review systematically explores the underlying mechanisms of the gut–bone axis and critically evaluates the regulatory effects and therapeutic potential of plant-derived bioactive compounds. Particular attention is given to targeted interventions involving prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and plant-rich diets or functional foods. Among these interventions, synbiotics represent the most successful strategy and show the most prominent therapeutic possibilities in bone-related disorders. Different from single prebiotics (only nourish endogenous intestinal microbes), individual probiotics (easy to be degraded in gastrointestinal tract with poor colonization) and ordinary plant-rich diets (unfixed effective dosage and weak targeting property), synbiotics combine prebiotic carriers and viable probiotic strains to produce complementary advantages, which is the core reason for its outstanding therapeutic prospect against bone diseases. Synbiotics exert synergistic effects on gut microecology, mineral absorption, and immune regulation, leading to more robust and consistent improvements in bone health than single prebiotics, probiotics, or general plant-rich diets. They have been verified in preclinical and clinical studies to ameliorate osteoporosis and related skeletal diseases via the gut–bone axis. These strategies offer novel insights into the prevention and treatment of bone metabolic disorders, such as osteoporosis, by targeting the gut–bone axis with phytochemicals. Key outcomes of this review include that synbiotics, soy isoflavones, naringin, curcumin, and resveratrol effectively improve bone mineral density, restore gut microbiota balance, and inhibit pathological bone resorption via the gut–bone axis. Collectively, the above bioactive substances realize bone protection mainly by reshaping gut flora, elevating mineral uptake and suppressing excessive osteoclast activity. Representative cases include soy isoflavones mitigating estrogen-deficient bone loss in OVX models, naringin improving the trabecular microarchitecture, and probiotic BL-11 promoting longitudinal bone growth in children. Future directions will focus on clarifying dose–response relationships, developing standardized synbiotic formulations, constructing microbiome-guided precision diets, and conducting large-sample randomized controlled trials to translate plant-derived compounds into clinical therapies. Full article

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with graded levels of SPTM on growth performance, slaughter performance, physiological parameters, and jejunal morphology of Wenchang chickens. A total of 400 female Wenchang chickens at 81 days of age with the same genetic background and similar body weight (1190.80 ± 5.54 g) were randomly allocated into four treatment groups with five replicates per group and 20 chickens per replicate. Birds were fed diets supplemented with 0%, 3%, 9%, and 12% SPTM, respectively. The experimental period lasted 40 days. The results showed that dietary SPTM supplementation had no significant effects on growth performance, slaughter performance, organ indices, or serum biochemical parameters (p > 0.05). However, significant effects were observed on serum enzyme activities, immune parameters, jejunal morphology, meat quality, and nutrient composition. Specifically, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity in the 9% SPTM group was significantly lower than that in all other groups (p < 0.05). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity in the 3% SPTM group was significantly lower than that in the 12% SPTM group (p < 0.05). Breast muscle moisture content in the 12% SPTM group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). Total amino acid and threonine contents in the breast muscle of the 12% SPTM group were significantly lower than those in the 0% and 3% SPTM groups (p < 0.05). Lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic acid (C14:0) contents in the breast muscle of the 9% and 12% SPTM groups were significantly higher than those in the 0%, and 3% SPTM groups (p < 0.05). These selective effects on meat quality traits suggest that SPTM has potential as a partial corn replacer, but further studies are needed to optimize inclusion levels and validate sensory outcomes. This systematic investigation of the effects of SPTM on physiological parameters and meat quality in Wenchang chickens provides a theoretical basis for the rational and efficient utilization of SPTM in Wenchang chicken production. Full article

Individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are prone to nutritional imbalances, and zinc deficiency may contribute to impaired bone health. This study evaluated serum zinc status and the effects of oral supplementation on bone parameters in DMD. In this quasi-experimental before-and-after study, 34 patients were assessed at three time points over eight months. Eligible participants who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate received the proposed interventions during routine follow-up at the Neurology outpatient clinic. Anthropometry, dietary intake, bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and serum zinc were measured; supplementation (5–15 mg/day) was provided for four months. Baseline zinc deficiency was observed in 36.7% of participants. No significant overall changes were detected. Stratified analyses revealed a modest increase in total body BMD among individuals with adequate baseline BMD (p = 0.02). As this finding emerged from a subgroup analysis, it should be interpreted cautiously, and the potential contribution of physiological growth to the observed change cannot be excluded. In addition, zinc-deficient participants showed a significant rise in serum zinc levels (p = 0.008). These findings suggest that the response to zinc supplementation may vary according to baseline nutritional and skeletal status and underscore the relevance of micronutrient monitoring in individuals with DMD. Trial registration: The trial was also registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials under the code RBR-7cfdxm, approved on 14 June 2018. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary S-abscisic acid (S-ABA) supplementation on reproductive performance and piglet growth in multiparous sows under commercial farming conditions. A total of 65 Landrace × Yorkshire multiparous sows were allocated to one of three dietary treatments: a basal diet (control); a basal diet supplemented with 1 ppm S-ABA; or a basal diet supplemented with 10 ppm S-ABA. The experimental period was set from weaning through the subsequent weaning (approximately 147 days), encompassing the non-pregnant, gestation, and lactation phases. Reproductive performance parameters, including the number of piglets born, the number of piglets weaned, and piglet body weight at birth and at weaning, were recorded, in addition to general health observations of sows and piglets. 1 ppm S-ABA supplementation significantly increased the number of piglets born compared to control (p < 0.05). Both 1 ppm and 10 ppm S-ABA supplementation resulted in a significantly higher number of piglets weaned (p < 0.05) and average piglet weaning weight (p < 0.01) compared with control, with no apparent differences in measured piglet survival outcomes among treatment groups. No additional benefits were observed when the supplementation level was increased from 1 ppm to 10 ppm. These findings suggest that dietary S-ABA supplementation at low inclusion levels may positively influence sow reproductive performance and piglet growth under practical feeding conditions. Full article

Taking the Liuyang branch of the Kong Clan in Hunan as a case study, this article examines how a migrant lineage associated with Confucian orthodoxy adapted to a heterogeneous local society and gradually transformed lineage identity into a broader sense of communal and national belonging. Drawing on fieldwork, genealogies, local gazetteers, temple inscriptions, and interviews, this study traces three connected processes. First, the clan used its recognized status as descendants of Confucius to obtain institutional protection, including tax and corvée exemptions, which helped stabilize population growth and local authority. Second, the Dahu Family Temple, sacrificial music, ritual dance, genealogy-airing practices, and modern clan activities show how Qufu-centered ritual codes were reworked through Huxiang architectural, musical, agricultural, and social rhythms. Third, in the modern period, practical statecraft, education, and revolutionary memory redirected lineage ethics from exclusive descent toward public responsibility. The case demonstrates that the consciousness of the Chinese national community can be generated at the grassroots level through the interaction of state institutions, local cultural adaptation, embodied ritual practice, and the reorientation of kinship memory toward inclusive patriotism. Full article

Sustaining agricultural economic performance under climate and market disruptions has become a strategic priority for developing economies facing escalating climate risks and persistent rural development challenges. Using an unbalanced panel of 281 prefecture-level cities in China (2011–2023), this study examines the association between the Digital Village Pilot policy and relative agricultural economic performance (RAEP)—a city’s agricultural growth measured against the national agricultural benchmark, which captures the resistance dimension (whether a city maintains its agricultural-economic position during disruptions) rather than the recovery, adaptability, ecological, or household-livelihood dimensions of the broader resilience concept—through difference-in-differences estimation, Hansen panel threshold regression, and a two-step channel analysis. The results indicate that the Pilot is associated with a statistically significant improvement in relative agricultural economic performance, an effect that remains broadly stable across specification checks. A threshold pattern emerges: the estimated policy association is negligible in city-year observations where digital infrastructure falls below an identified cutoff but rises substantially above it. Because a large share of cities falls below this threshold, the program’s benefits remain unevenly distributed. Channel analysis reveals that the Pilot is associated with a marginally significant increase in digital financial inclusion and a significant reduction in agricultural agglomeration, with the latter reflecting a shift toward diversified rather than spatially concentrated agricultural activity, a pattern theoretically linked to greater shock resistance. These findings advance understanding of how digital rural policies affect relative agricultural economic performance and provide empirical evidence for identifying the enabling conditions under which digital transformation strengthens sustainable agriculture. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mouth breathing in childhood has been associated with alterations in craniofacial growth and the development of the maxillofacial complex. However, arguments persist regarding the scale of this relationship and its clinical consequences because of the diverse nature of the available evidence. This review aims to evaluate the evidence on the relationship between mouth breathing and maxillofacial development in children. Methods: A systematic narrative review with qualitative synthesis was conducted using databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and institutional academic repositories. Studies in English and Spanish that evaluated mouth breathing and its impact on craniofacial growth in children were included. The selection process involved reviewing titles, abstracts, and full texts against set inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The analyzed studies show a consistent association between mouth breathing and maxillofacial developmental abnormalities, including maxillary narrowing, high-arched palate, increased vertical growth pattern, and a higher prevalence of malocclusions. Likewise, considerable heterogeneity was observed in the diagnostic criteria used to define mouth breathing and to evaluate craniofacial development among the included studies. Furthermore, characteristic cephalometric changes were identified in patients with mouth breathing compared to nasal breathers. Conclusions: Evidence suggests a consistent association between mouth breathing and craniofacial alterations in children, including structural and dentofacial changes. Nonetheless, the variety in methods and the reliance on observational data restrict the ability to confirm definitive cause-and-effect links. Early identification and interdisciplinary management may help reduce the progression and severity of associated craniofacial alterations. Full article

Intensive shrimp aquaculture has led to increased disease outbreaks and a greater reliance on antibiotics, driving the need for sustainable alternatives. This study examined the phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity, and effects of Acanthus ebracteatus (AC) aqueous extract as a natural feed additive on growth performance, and health in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Phytochemical analysis of AC aqueous extracts revealed high concentrations of phenolics (162.1 ± 11.78 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (75.8 ± 2.32 mg RE/g), tannins (38.4 ± 0.78 mg TAE/g), and verbascoside (0.48 ± 0.01% w/w). Strong antioxidant capacity was confirmed with DPPH IC₅₀ of 42.6 ± 11.78 µg/mL, ABTS IC₅₀ of 2.93 ± 0.02 mg/mL, and FRAP value of 1.41 ± 0.08 mmol FeSO₄/g extract. A feeding trial was conducted over eight weeks using 300 shrimp randomly assigned to four treatments: control diet and diets supplemented with 1%, 2%, and 3% AC aqueous extract. AC 2% supplementation showed optimal results for growth performance, including improved final body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. AC 3% treatment maximally enhanced immune responses, significantly elevating catalase, lysozyme, total antioxidant capacity, and hemocyanin, and glutathione peroxidase activity showed a numerical increase in AC-supplemented groups, particularly at the 3% inclusion level, although the differences were not statistically significant. AC 2% supplementation also improved hepatopancreatic histology through oxidative stress modulation and enhanced lipid metabolism. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of AC aqueous extract by integrating phytochemical characterization, antioxidant profiling, and in vivo assessment of growth, immune response, and hepatopancreatic morphology in Pacific white shrimp. Full article

Medium-sized cities in the Global South are at the center of future urban growth, yet their transportation systems remain dominated by car-dependent trajectories. This paper examines how urban infrastructure shapes inclusive access to active commuting using a latent class model across three Mexican cities. We identify two distinct commuter environments defined by infrastructure quality. In low-infrastructure settings, active commuting is concentrated among younger men, consistent with existing literature. In contrast, in high-infrastructure environments, the baseline probability of active commuting is nearly three times higher, so that women and older individuals commute actively at substantially higher absolute rates even though demographic penalties remain present in both environments. Attitudinal variables, often emphasized in policy discourse, are not significant predictors of mode choice. These findings suggest that infrastructure investment is not only a tool for increasing active commuting rates but also a mechanism for expanding mobility access across demographic groups. For rapidly growing medium-sized cities, prioritizing non-motorized infrastructure can play a central role in building inclusive, low-carbon transportation systems. Full article