ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adding Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) to the basal diets of chickens at late laying period on clutch trait, reproductive organs, serum reproductive hormones and reproduction-related genes expression. A total of 350 hens (37 weeks old) with similar laying rate and clutch trait were randomly allocated into five groups, and fed 0 (Control, CON), 2.5 (MOLP2.5), 5, 7.5 and 10% MOLP supplemented diets for 6 weeks. The hens supplemented with 2.5% MLOP had the average clutch length, clutches and clutch intensity close to those in CON. The numbers and weight of hierarchal follicle were significantly increased at the supplementation 2.5% MOLP group. The estrogen concentration was highest in MOLP2.5 group and lowest in MOLP10 group. Expression levels of steroidogenesis-related genes of StAR and Cyp19a1 were higher in MOLP2.5, MOLP5 and MOLP7.5 groups compared with that in the control. These findings suggested that dietary supplementation with 2.5% MOLP effectively increased hierarchal follicle numbers, estrogen level and gene expression of StAR and Cyp19a1, which has a potential beneficial effect on laying performance in laying chicken.

Yeast cultures (YCs) are defined as promising feed additives that maintain the health of birds and improve growth performance by modulating gut microbiota. YCs contain effective metabolites such as glycine, fructose, inositol, galactose, and sucrose. This study investigated the effects of YCs and their effective metabolites on carcass traits and cecal microflora in broilers. A total of 280 one-day-old mixed-sex Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allocated to seven groups. The basal diet (control DZ) was supplemented with various proportions of glycine, fructose, inositol, galactose, and sucrose (Groups A, B, and C), 24-hour grown Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultures (Group D) (YC), and a commercial yeast culture product (SZ) at concentrations of 0.1% and 1% (Groups E and F). Bodyweight of broilers was correlated positively with proportions of Proteobacteria in Group C and Lactobacillus and Roseburia in Group B (P <0.05). Broilers fed diets supplemented with YC or its active metabolites had the highest proportions of bacteria involved in nucleotide metabolism, and amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism. These results suggested that the dietary addition of YC could alter the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in broilers.

Abstract In order to study the spatial changes in the Yellow River basin, a new nonparametric method called the 0-1 test algorithm is introduced to detect the change rule between runoff and basin area. The test approach has the virtue of applying directly to the time series without phase-space reconstruction. This thesis takes the logistic map as an example, the numerical results demonstrate the advantages of the method. Then, the runoff time series (2002-2009) collected by the six hydrologic stations (Tangnaihai, Lanzhou, Toudaoguai, Longkou, Sanmenxia and Huayuankou) of Yellow River, are selected to analyze the laws of evolution in different spatial scales. The asymptotic growth rates of Kc are 0.8751, 0.8985, 0.9783, 0.9793, 0.9848 and 0.9976, respectively. Multiple spatial scales runoff data of Yellow River Basin shows chaotic characteristic. The minimum value of Kc is in the upper reaches of the Yellow River (Tangnaihai). The maximum value of Kc is in the lower reaches of the Yellow River (Huayuankou). The spatial runoff process changes greatly in temporal and spatial scales. And the drainage area is an important factor in causing chaos variation. The conclusion illustrates the feasibility of this method and provides scientific data for runoff prediction.

ABSTRACT To study the development rules of Chinese native geese, two breeds, Shitou and Sichuan White geese were analyzed from 0 to 12 weeks of age. The growth curves were fitted with commonly used four kinds of nonlinear models (Logistic, Gompertz, Von Bertalanffy and Richards). The results showed that the growth curves were appropriately fitted with all four models but the Logistic and Richards both had the best fitting with growth curve (R2>0.99). Analyzing the fitting parameters of the Logistic and Richards, we found that male Shitou had the highest adult body weight while Sichuan White female had the lowest weight. In Shitou breed, Shape parameter Predicted with Richards model was corresponded with Gompertz curve, while in Sichuan breed it was in between Gompertz and Bertalanffy. Growth parameters predicted with Logistic model was much more closed to observed value as compared others. So overall logistic was the best model to analyze the growth curve in Chinese native goose and Shitou goose had excellent growth performance when compared to Sichuan White.

ABSTRACT Objective: Feedback teaching is based on three guiding principles: systems theory, cybernetics, and information theory, summed up in the teaching reform practice. Methods: It differs from traditional instill-based teaching methods, as student feedback is considered a core teaching activity; feedback teaching replaces a one-way transfer with a multi-directional transfer of information, where the teacher fully plays the role of theoretical guide, improving students’ comprehensive ability. Results: The “reflection diary” is a teaching tool that encourages students to reflect on their learned knowledge and the experience they acquire in clinical practice by recording their experiences in a diary. We required the nursing undergraduates to write reflection diaries in clinical practice, which are then read and analysed by professional teachers who provide feedback in a timely manner. Conclusion: Experience has proven that the reflection diary feedback teaching method has positive impacts, fostering the development of the emotional processing and learning abilities that students need for their careers, while helping them develop their initiative, as well as their communication, analytical and problem-solving skills.

RESUMEN Objetivo: La enseñanza mediante retroalimentación se basa en tres principios guías – la teoría de sistemas, la cibernética, y la teoría de la información – resumidos en la práctica de la reforma de la enseñanza. Métodos: Se diferencia de los métodos tradicionales de enseñanza basados en procesos de inculcación, ya que en este método la retroalimentación del estudiante se considera una actividad central en el proceso de enseñanza. La enseñanza por retroalimentación reemplaza la transferencia unidireccional de información con una transferencia multidireccional, en la que el profesor desempeña plenamente el papel de guía teórico, mejorando la comprensión por parte de los estudiantes. Resultados: El “diario de reflexión” es una herramienta de enseñanza que estimula a los estudiantes a reflexionar sobre el conocimiento aprendido y la experiencia adquirida en la práctica clínica, mediante el registro de sus experiencias en un diario. Le pedimos a los estudiantes de enfermería escribir diarios de reflexión sobre la práctica clínica, que son luego leídos y analizados por profesores profesionales que ofrecen retroalimentación de manera oportuna. Conclusión: La experiencia ha demostrado que el método de enseñanza de retroalimentación a través de diarios de reflexión tiene efectos positivos, por cuanto fomenta el desarrollo del procesamiento emocional y las habilidades de aprendizaje que los estudiantes necesitan en sus carreras, a la par que les ayuda a desarrollar sus iniciativas, así como sus habilidades para para la comunicación, el análisis y la solución de problemas.

The objective of this observational, multicenter study was to evaluate the association of body mass index (BMI) with disease severity and prognosis in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. A total of 339 patients (197 females, 142 males) diagnosed with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis by high-resolution computed tomography were classified into four groups: underweight (BMI<18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5≤BMI<25.0 kg/m2), overweight (25.0≤BMI<30.0 kg/m2), and obese (BMI≥30.0 kg/m2). Clinical variables expressing disease severity were recorded, and acute exacerbations, hospitalizations, and survival rates were estimated during the follow-up period. The mean BMI was 21.90 kg/m2. The underweight group comprised 28.61% of all patients. BMI was negatively correlated with acute exacerbations, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, radiographic extent of bronchiectasis, and chronic colonization by P. aeruginosa and positively correlated with pulmonary function indices. BMI was a significant predictor of hospitalization risk independent of relevant covariates. The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year cumulative survival rates were 94%, 86%, 81%, and 73%, respectively. Survival rates decreased with decreasing BMI (χ2=35.16, P<0.001). The arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure, inspiratory capacity, age, BMI, and predicted percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 s independently predicted survival in the Cox proportional hazard model. In conclusion, an underweight status was highly prevalent among patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Patients with a lower BMI were prone to developing more acute exacerbations, worse pulmonary function, amplified systemic inflammation, and chronic colonization by P. aeruginosa. BMI was a major determinant of hospitalization and death risks. BMI should be considered in the routine assessment of patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.