ABSTRACT Finding sustainable methods for utilizing biosolids, also known as municipal sewage sludge (SS), presents a pressing challenge in modern waste management practices. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of SS amendment on growth, biochemical, proximate, and heavy metal bioaccumulation parameters of berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) fodder crop under field conditions. Trifolium alexandrinum was cultivated using different rates of SS mixing (i.e., T0: 0% as control with no SS application, T1: 5%, and T2: 10%). The results obtained showed a significant (p < 0.05) increment in growth, biochemical, and proximate parameters of T. alexandrinum with an increasing SS mixing rate. The highest productivity of T. alexandrinum fodder (1.92 kg m-2 fw) was observed in the T2 treatment as compared to the control treatment. The heavy metal analysis of shoot and root parts of T. alexandrinum showed that the contents (mg kg-1) of eight elements (Cd 0.02-0.13, Co 0.04-0.08, Cu 5.94-0.05, Cr 0.43-1.68, Fe 7.08-15.93, Ni 0.89-2.90, Mn 1.62-5.38, and Zn 3.30-7.04) increased significantly (p < 0.05) with SS mixing rate. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) was below 1 except for Cu and Zn exhibiting their rapid uptake by plants from SS-treated soils. However, dietary intake modeling (DIM < 1) and health risk index (HRI < 1) studies showed that the levels of heavy metals did not exceed the permissible limits in any SS treatment. Overall, SS amendment has a positive impact on the growth, biochemical, proximate, and heavy metal characteristics of T. alexandrinum. Therefore, this study suggested a strategy for low-cost soil fertilization and fodder crop production which could sustainably benefit waste recycling.

Abstract Introduction: Preeclampsia is a multisystem affectation that contributes to maternal morbidity and mortality along with important fetal complications. Since it has been observed that the consumption of fruits and vegetables has a beneficial effect in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, the consumption of these foods could also reduce the risk and development of preeclampsia in pregnant women. Objective: To analyze the impact of fruit and vegetable consumption on the risk of development of preeclampsia in pregnant women. Methodology: A systematic review has been carried out following the PRISMA methodology. The databases used were Scopus, Pubmed and Web of Science. Articles published in the last five years, written in English or Spanish and with free access have been included. Methodological quality was assessed using the STROBE and MINCIR scales. Results: There have been selected nine articles to provide a response to the proposed objective. The percentage of pregnant women with a dietary pattern based on fruits and vegetables who develop preeclampsia is relatively low, ranging between 7 and 8.8%. Likewise, most of the selected studies show that the intake of fruits and vegetables has a protective effect on the development of preeclampsia and that this protective effect is directly proportional to the number of servings consumed of these foods. Conclusions: The literature available to analyze the impact that fruit and vegetable consumption has on the risk and development of preeclampsia is very limited. Therefore, more research on this topic is urged to provide more robust results.

Resumen Introducción: La preeclampsia es una afectación multisistémica que contribuye a la morbilidad y mortalidad materna junto con importantes complicaciones fetales. Dado que se ha observado que el consumo de frutas y vegetales posee un efecto beneficioso en la reducción del riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares, el consumo de estos alimentos también podría reducir el riesgo de desarrollo de preeclampsia en la mujer embarazada. Objetivo: Analizar el impacto del consumo de frutas y vegetales en el riesgo de desarrollo de preeclampsia en la mujer embarazada. Metodología: Se ha realizado una revisión sistemática siguiendo la metodología PRISMA. Las bases de datos utilizadas fueron Scopus, Pubmed y Web of Science. Se han incluido artículos publicados en los últimos cinco años, escritos en inglés o español y de acceso gratuito. La calidad metodológica se evaluó mediante la escala de STROBE y MINCIR. Resultados: Se han seleccionado nueve artículos para dar respuesta al objetivo planteado. El porcentaje de gestantes con un patrón dietético basado en frutas y vegetales que desarrolla preeclampsia es relativamente bajo, oscilando entre el 7 y el 8,8%. Así mismo, la mayoría de los estudios seleccionados muestran que la ingesta de frutas y vegetales tiene un efecto protector en el desarrollo de preeclampsia y, que este efecto protector es directamente proporcional al número de raciones consumidas de estos alimentos. Conclusiones: La literatura disponible para analizar el impacto que tiene el consumo de frutas y vegetales en el riesgo de desarrollo de preeclampsia es muy limitada. Por ello, se insta a realizar más investigaciones sobre este tema para poder aportar unos resultados más robustos.

Abstract Undernutrition occurs when there is poor intake or assimilation of energy and nutrients. If undernutrition is established within the first years of life, the health consequences are devastating. Early treatment of undernutrition is critical to reduce these consequences and milk plays an important role in this treatment. Cow's milk is an excellent food due to the content and quality of its macro- and micronutrients. This has led to a steady increase in research and the use of milk in treating undernutrition since the beginning of the 20th century. In Chile, child undernutrition was practically eradicated between the decades of 1960 and 1980 due to the successful application of maternal and child public policies, within which the product Leche Purita was fundamental. However, the history of milk as part of nutritional policies in Chile began much earlier. Commemorating fifty years since the introduction of Leche Purita, we aim to summarize the historical importance of milk in Chile's nutritional policies. We emphasize Leche Purita's role in eradicating child undernutrition and reducing anemia among children.

Resumen La desnutrición ocurre cuando hay una ingesta o asimilación deficiente de la energía y los nutrientes. Si esta se produce dentro de los primeros años de vida, las consecuencias para la salud son devastadoras. El tratamiento temprano de la desnutrición es clave para reducir estas consecuencias y en este proceso la leche tiene una participación destacada. La leche es un excelente alimento debido al contenido y calidad de sus macro- y micronutrientes, lo que ha llevado a que la investigación y el uso de la leche en el tratamiento de la desnutrición hayan aumentado sostenidamente desde comienzos del siglo XX. En Chile, la desnutrición infantil fue prácticamente erradicada entre los años 1960 y 1980 debido a la aplicación exitosa de una serie de políticas públicas materno-infantiles, dentro de las cuales la Leche Purita fue fundamental. Sin embargo, la historia de la leche como parte de las políticas nutricionales en Chile comenzó mucho antes. Conmemorando los cincuenta años desde el nacimiento de Leche Purita, el objetivo de este trabajo es realizar un breve repaso acerca de la importancia histórica de la leche en las políticas nutricionales en Chile, enfatizando la contribución realizada por la Leche Purita a la erradicación de la desnutrición infantil y a la disminución de la anemia en niños.

Abstract Local brewery byproducts such as atella and tata, resulting from several fermented beverages, are used as animal feed in Ethiopia. However, there is no sufficient information on the nutritional value of those feed resources for animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementing local brewery by-products on feed intake, body weight change, and economic profitability of Woyto-Guji goats fed on hay. Twenty-four yearling intact Woyto-Guji male goats were used. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized block design. The goats were blocked into six groups of four animals based on initial body weight and randomly assigned to four different dietary treatments: hay alone (T1); hay combined with atella (T2); hay combined with tata (T3); and hay combined with an atella-tata mixture (1:1) (T4). The crude protein content of hay, atella, tata, and the atella-tata mixture used in this study were 7.35, 18.47, 17.51 and 17.86%, respectively. Dry matter intakes of 564.56 (T1), 810.27 (T2), 850.37 (T3), and 945.85 (T4) g/day, and crude protein intakes of 45.27 (T1), 104.18 (T2), 103.79 (T3), and 112.96 (T4) g/day were recorded. Total body weight gains were 2.76, 8.03, 6.15 and 9.72 Kg for the same treatments, respectively. Atella and tata, either supplemented alone or combined, increased body weight. The highest body weight gain was recorded in goats fed atella-tata mixture. All treatments had a positive net return.

Abstract A continuous increase in levels of atmospheric pollution and emission restrictions has forced scientists and engineers to adopt new strategies to improve and develop internal combustion engines. One strategy is based on the development of new simulation methodologies using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) techniques, proposed in the present article. In this study,the dynamic loop methodology with ANSYS Fluent code is proposed to perform the numerical simulation ofa four-stroke spark ignition engine. The complexity of the real case was first simplified with three-dimensional CAD geometry, which was then discretized in ANSYS Meshing, whereby a hybrid mesh was created using prismatic and tetrahedral elements. Simulations for in-cylinder analyses were performed in cold flow and employing common flow parameters, such as swirl and tumble. The mesh quality results were classified as good or excellent, being higher than 0.79 for orthogonal quality criteria and lower than 0.36 for skewness criteria. Turbulent effects were introduced concerning the opening and closing of the valves. It was found that the turbulence increases during the intake stroke up to 90°, and during the power stroke, wherein the of the piston bowl, had a great contributionthat can be seen from the swirl and tumble profile for the engine cycle. In the case of the turbulence intensity, a sharp increase was registered during the admission step up to 90°, at which point the turbulence intensity was 4.0. It canbe concluded that this is an innovative approach, capable of simulating the engine motion profile in cold flow.

Abstract Objective: Parkinson's disease (PD) presents as a chronic condition with symptoms that worsen over time. Many PD patients experience pain at some point during their illness. This complaint is often overlooked because PD is primarily a motor disorder. The main objective is to assess the prevalence and the most frequent type of pain in this population, as well as its relation to common neuropsychiatric factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted including 196 patients diagnosed with PD. The variables analyzed included age, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, anxiety, depression, antiparkinsonian treatment (levodopa, dopaminergic agonists, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and amantadine), intake of antidepressants or antipsychotics, age of symptom onset, age of diagnosis, years of progression, total MDS-UPDRS 3.3 score, total MDS-UPDRS score, MDS-non-motor symptom scores, Hamilton depression and anxiety scales, and montreal Cognitive Assessment. Results: Our patient cohort consisted of 115 males (58.7%) and 81 females (41.3%), with a mean age of 63.56 ± 11.88. The mean disease duration was 7.18 ± 4.9 years. The most common type of pain was musculoskeletal pain, present in 66.7%, followed by radicular pain (24.2%), pain related to fluctuations (22.7%), chronic pain (20.7%), nocturnal pain (17.2%), discoloration, edema, or swollen pain (14.6%), and orofacial pain (5.6%). Conclusions: From the study carried out, it can be observed that the most common type of pain was musculoskeletal pain, followed by radicular pain. Pain patients had a significant association with depression and anxiety due to the intensity of pain.

Resumen Objetivo: La enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) se presenta como una enfermedad crónica con síntomas que empeoran con el tiempo. Muchos pacientes con EP experimentan dolor en algún momento de su enfermedad. Esta dolencia a menudo se pasa por alto porque la EP es principalmente un trastorno motor. El objetivo principal es evaluar la prevalencia y el tipo más frecuente de dolor en esta población, así como su relación con factores neuropsiquiátricos comunes. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal que incluyó 196 pacientes diagnosticados de enfermedad de Parkinson. Las variables analizadas incluyeron edad, sexo, tabaquismo, consumo de alcohol, ansiedad, depresión, tratamiento antiparkinsoniano (levodopa, agonistas dopaminérgicos, inhibidores de la MAO, amantadina), ingesta de antidepresivos o antipsicóticos, edad de inicio de los síntomas, edad de diagnóstico, años de evolución, puntuación total MDS-UPDRS 3.3, puntuación total MDS-UPDRS, puntuaciones MDS-NMS, escalas de depresión y ansiedad de Hamilton y MoCA. Resultados: Nuestra cohorte de pacientes estaba formada por 115 varones (58.7%) y 81 mujeres (41.3%), con una edad media de 63.56 ± 11.88 años. La duración media de la enfermedad fue de 7.18 ± 4.9 años. El tipo de dolor más frecuente fue el musculoesquelético, presente en el 66,7%, seguido del dolor radicular (24.2%), el dolor relacionado con fluctuaciones (22.7%), el dolor crónico (20.7%), el dolor nocturno (17.2%), el dolor por decoloración, edema o hinchazón (14.6%) y el dolor orofacial (5.6%). Conclusiones: Del estudio realizado se observa que el tipo de dolor más frecuente fue el musculoesquelético, seguido del radicular. Los pacientes con dolor presentaron una asociación significativa con depresión y ansiedad debido a la intensidad del dolor.

ABSTRACT The interaction between pasture and supplementation in dairy production systems constitutes a very important part of the efficiency of dairy. This study evaluated the effect of the herbage mass (HM) on the milk production and solid concentration. Twenty Holstein cows were distributed into two groups, 10 assigned 2200 kg DM ha-1 (low herbage mass, LHM) and 10 with 2800 kg DM ha-1 (medium herbage mass, MHM). Herbage mass was measured above 5 cm. The experiment lasted 8 wk. The variables evaluated were DM intake (DMI), milk production and composition (fat and protein concentration). Effects of treatments on variables were evaluated using a repeated measure analysis over time. The results showed nonsignificant differences in the pasture DMI between LHM and MHM for weeks 1, 2, 3 and 5 (P > 0.05). During week 4, pasture DMI was 3 kg greater for LHM than MHM (P < 0.05). The milk production did not differ between treatments per week, but the average was 2.4 kg greater for LHM compared to MHM (P < 0.05). In conclusion, changes in the pasture availability increased milk production at LHM, but not enough to cause changes in solids concentration. This clearly shows that, LHM can increase milk and solids production.

Abstract Background: Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is one of the most frequent causes of intestinal failure, needing parenteral nutrition to maintain an energy-protein and water-electrolyte balance. At the Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez (HIMFG), the formation of two stomas is a technique used for intestinal rehabilitation, where the use of residue through the bypass technique (BT) helps to maintain gastrointestinal functionality, water-electrolyte, and nutritional stability. This study aimed to describe the technique of using intestinal residue through BT as a treatment strategy in intestinal rehabilitation and its effect on the biochemical and nutritional status of pediatric patients with SBS. Methods: An analytical and retrospective cross-sectional study was performed in patients hospitalized at HIMFG with SBS who underwent BT during their hospital stay between 2019 and 2020 and then followed up for 8 weeks. Results: A total of 10 patients were included in this study, with a mean age of 24 months; 50% were female. BT was able to reduce the inflammatory process in the liver caused by the continuous use of parenteral nutrition; enteral caloric intake increased from 25.32 kcal/kg/day to 72.94 kcal/kg/day, but it was insufficient to improve their nutritional status. Conclusions: BT is a safe and effective alternative in intestinal rehabilitation in patients with SBS to stimulate trophism and intestinal functionality, allowing a progression of enteral feeding and a decrease in the hepatic inflammatory process that occurs in these patients with prolonged parenteral nutrition.

Resumen Introducción: El síndrome de intestino corto (SIC) es una de las causas más frecuentes de insuficiencia intestinal que requiere del uso de nutrición parenteral para mantener un balance energético-proteico e hidroelectrolítico. En el Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez (HIMFG) la formación de dos estomas es una técnica empleada para la rehabilitación intestinal, donde con el aprovechamiento de residuo mediante la técnica de puenteo (TP) se ayuda a mantener la funcionalidad gastrointestinal, equilibrio hidro-electrolítico y estabilidad nutricional. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la técnica del aprovechamiento de residuo intestinal mediante TP como estrategia de tratamiento en la rehabilitación intestinal y su efecto en el estado bioquímico y nutricional de pacientes pediátricos con SIC. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal analítico y retrospectivo en pacientes hospitalizados en el HIMFG con SIC en quienes se realizó la TP durante su estancia intrahospitalaria entre 2019 y 2020. Resultados: Se incluyeron 10 pacientes en este estudio, con una edad promedio de 24 meses, y el 50% de sexo femenino. La TP logró disminuir el proceso inflamatorio hepático ocasionado por el uso continuo de nutrición parenteral; la ingesta calórica por vía enteral incrementó de 25.32 kcal/kg/día a 72.94 kcal/kg/día, pero fue insuficiente para mejorar el estado nutricional. Conclusiones: La TP es una alternativa segura y efectiva en la rehabilitación intestinal en pacientes con SIC para estimular el trofismo y funcionalidad intestinal, permitiendo una progresión de la alimentación enteral y disminución del proceso inflamatorio hepático que se presentan en estos pacientes con nutrición parenteral prolongada.

Abstract Background: During breastfeeding, the maternal diet ensures mothers and infants health. Therefore, it is necessary to update information about the diet of exclusively or partially breastfeeding women in each population. We evaluated the diet of Sonoran breastfeeding women, identified their dietary patterns, and examined their association with the breastfeeding regime. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 62 women breastfeeding exclusively (n = 43) or partially (n = 19) participated. The diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, and patterns were identified through principal component analysis. Results: Overall, fats and sodium intake were higher, while potassium intake was lower than recommended. Two dietary patterns were identified: "regional" (n = 36) and "prudent" (n = 26). Women following the "prudent" pattern consumed more protein, calcium, and potassium than those following the "regional" pattern (p < 0.05). The probability of exclusively breastfeeding women having a "prudent" dietary pattern was higher than that of partially breastfeeding women (adjusted odds ratios = 7.29, p = 0.019). Conclusions: Exclusive breastfeeding possibly motivated mothers to follow a more prudent diet than those who partially breastfed. Therefore, it is crucial to promote a healthy diet among breastfeeding mothers.

Resumen Introducción: Durante el amamantamiento, la dieta garantiza la salud materno-infantil. Por esto, es necesario contar con información actualizada sobre la dieta de quienes amamantan exclusiva o parcialmente en cada población. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la dieta de mujeres sonorenses amamantando, identificar sus patrones dietarios y buscar su asociación con el régimen de lactancia. Métodos: En este estudio transversal participaron 62 mujeres amamantando de forma exclusiva (n = 43) o parcialmente (n = 19). Se evaluó la dieta con un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos y los patrones se identificaron a través del análisis de componentes principales. Resultados: En general, la ingestión de grasas y sodio fue superior y la de potasio inferior a las cantidades recomendadas. Se identificaron dos patrones dietarios: "regional" (n = 36) y "prudente" (n = 26). Las mujeres con patrón "prudente" ingirieron más proteína, calcio y potasio que las del patrón "regional" (p < 0.05). La probabilidad de que las mujeres que amamantaban en exclusiva siguieran un patrón dietario "prudente" fue mayor que la de aquellas que amamantaban parcialmente (razón de momios ajustada (AOR) = 7.29, p = 0.019). Conclusiones: La lactancia exclusiva posiblemente motivó a las madres a seguir una dieta más prudente que la de aquellas que amamantaban parcialmente. Es necesario promover una dieta saludable entre las madres amamantando.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the influence of carbohydrate (CHO) intake on oxidative status among women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, observational and comparative study was carried out with two groups of 21 women each with and without GDM in the city of Toluca, Mexico, from January to December 2022. The sociodemographic parameters were determined by administering the patients a medical history questionnaire; anthropometric parameters such as body weight and height were measured; and biochemical parameters including total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were calculated. The oxidant/antioxidant status was assessed as follows: malondialdehyde (MDA) as oxidative stress marker; and catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) as antioxidants. Dietary habits were evaluated through a 24-hour reminder in both groups of women to obtain the macronutrient classes, i.e., proteins, fats and CHOs. Based on the total carbohydrates (TCHOs), complex (CCHOs) and simple carbohydrates (SCHOs) such as sucrose were calculated. SCHOs per day were measured using the list of foods with sucrose content per 100 grams according to the Mexican Food Equivalence System (SMAE). The NutriKcal VO program was used for the dietary analysis. Statistical tests such as Student’s t test and Mann-Whitney U test were performed for the independent samples and nonhomogeneous variables, respectively, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (p < 0.05) was determined using the IBM SPSS Statistics V19. Results: The results showed that the difference between the levels of TC (p < 0.029), TG (p < 0.029), enzymes CAT (p < 0.011) and SOD (p < 0.013), as well as MDA (p < 0.039) was significantly higher among patients in the group with GDM compared to that in the group without GDM. In addition, the group with GDM consumed a higher proportion of sucrose. Conclusions: Women with GDM have an imbalance in the oxidant/antioxidant status, influenced by the type of CHO they consume, particularly SCHOs such as sucrose.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar la influencia del consumo de hidratos de carbono (HCO) sobre el estado oxidante en mujeres con y sin diabetes mellitus gestacional (DMG). Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal, observacional y comparativo a dos grupos de 21 mujeres con y sin DMG, respectivamente, en la ciudad de Toluca, México, de enero a diciembre del 2022. Para evaluar parámetros sociodemográficos, se les aplicó un cuestionario de historia clínica; en cuanto a los parámetros antropométricos, se les midió peso corporal y estatura; y respecto a los parámetros bioquímicos, colesterol total (CT) y triglicéridos (TG). Para evaluar el estado oxidante/antioxidante se cuantificaron, como marcador oxidante, el malondihaldeído (MDA), y como antioxidantes, catalasa (cat), superóxido dismutasa (SOD) y capacidad antioxidante total (CAT). Los hábitos dietéticos se evaluaron a través de un recordatorio de 24 horas, en ambos grupos de mujeres, para obtener los macronutrientes: proteínas, lípidos e HCO. A partir de los hidratos de carbono totales (HCOT), se calcularon los hidratos de carbono complejos (HCOC) e hidratos de carbono simples (HCOS) como la sacarosa. Para el cálculo de HCOS por día, se usó la lista de alimentos con contenido de sacarosa por cada 100 gramos de consumo que emplea el Sistema Mexicano de Equivalentes; para el análisis de dieta, se utilizó el programa Nutrikcal VO. Se usaron las pruebas estadísticas t de Student para muestras independientes, U de Mann-Whitney para las variables no homogéneas y se realizó la correlación de Spearman (p < 0,05) en el programa SPSS, versión 19. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que la diferencia entre los valores de CT (p < 0,029), TG (p < 0,029), las enzimas: cat (p < 0,011), SOD (p < 0,013), así como el MDA (p < 0,039), fueron significativamente mayores en las pacientes del grupo con DMG en comparación con el grupo sin DMG. Además, el grupo con DMG consumió mayor proporción de sacarosa. Conclusiones: Las mujeres con DMG tienen un desequilibrio en el estado oxidante/antioxidante influenciado por el tipo de HCO que consumen, en particular los HCOS como la sacarosa.

Resumo O uso de fontes nutricionais alternativas é um tópico importante para a produção animal, como a avicultura. Este estudo examinou o efeito da substituição do farelo de soja por farelo de folha de girassol na dieta de frangas marrons barbeadoras poedeiras. Um total de 30 aves poedeiras foram designadas a três tratamentos de 0% (como grupo controle), 10% e 15% de inclusão MSFLM. Quatro ovos por repetição foram retirados aleatoriamente por três dias consecutivos em intervalos de duas semanas por cinco vezes, e indivíduos de 18 semanas foram selecionados após 40 dias do tempo experimental. Parâmetros externos dos ovos (peso do ovo, comprimento do ovo, largura do ovo e índice de forma do ovo, espessura da casca) e parâmetros corporais (peso corporal final, ganho de peso), consumo de ração e produção diária da galinha foram medidos. Para comprimento do ovo, largura do ovo e espessura da casca apresentaram diferença significativa (p <0,05) nas aves controle. Peso corporal final, ganho de peso, consumo de ração e produção de dia de galinha mostraram resultados comparáveis com valores de ovos de aves em dieta controle. O estudo revelou a capacidade das aves de utilizar facilmente os nutrientes das fontes de proteína. A utilização de MSFLM até 15% na dieta das frangas não revelou nenhum efeito prejudicial no desempenho das aves poedeiras e nas qualidades externas dos ovos produzidos.

Abstract The use of alternative nutritional sources is an important topic for animal production such as poultry. This study examined the effect of replacing soybean meal with sunflower leaf meal in the diet of laying shaver brown pullets. A total of 30 laying birds were assigned to three treatments of 0% (as control group), 10% and 15% MSFLM inclusion. Four eggs per replicate were randomly taken for three consecutive days at two weeks interval for five times, and 18 weeks individuals were selected after 40 days of experimental time. External parameters of the eggs (egg weight, egg length, egg breadth and egg shape index, shell thickness), and body parameters (Final body weight, weight gain), feed intake and hen day production were measured. For egg length, egg breadth and shell thickness showed significant difference (p< 0.05) in from the control birds. Final body weight, weight gain, feed intake and hen day production showed comparable results with values from eggs of birds on control diet. The study revealed the ability of birds to easily utilize the nutrients in the protein sources. MSFLM utilization up to 15% in pullets’ diet revealed no detrimental effect on the performance of the laying birds and the external qualities of eggs produced.

Resumo Estudos toxicológicos são essenciais para o desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos nas indústrias farmacêuticas, incluindo a preparação aiurvédica. Assim, o presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a toxicidade oral aguda e de dose repetida de 28 dias de grânulos de polierva (PHG) antiobesidade em ratos Sprague Dawley pelas diretrizes da OCDE nº 425 e 407, respectivamente. Em um estudo de toxicidade oral aguda, uma dose única de 2 g/kg de PHG foi administrada a ratos, e mortalidade, peso corporal e observações clínicas foram observadas por 14 dias. No entanto, no estudo de toxicidade oral subaguda, o PHG foi administrado oralmente em doses de 0,3, 0,5 e 1 g/kg diariamente por 28 dias em ratos. A ingestão alimentar e o peso corporal foram registrados semanalmente. No 29º dia, os ratos foram sacrificados e submetidos a análises hematológicas, bioquímicas, de urina, necropsia e histopatológica. Em um estudo de toxicidade oral aguda, nenhuma mortalidade, alterações comportamentais e toxicidade relacionadas ao tratamento foram encontradas ao longo de 14 dias. Da mesma forma, no estudo de toxicidade subaguda, não foram encontrados mortalidade e efeitos tóxicos em análises hematológicas, bioquímicas, de urina, necropsia e histopatológica em ratos durante 28 dias de tratamento com PHG. Com base nesses resultados, verificou-se que a DL50 de PHG era superior a 2 g/kg e o nível de efeitos adversos não observados (NOAEL) de PHG para ratos foi de 0,5 g/kg/dia. Assim, os grânulos poliervais antiobesidade apresentaram um bom perfil de segurança em estudos com animais e podem ser considerados um importante agente para o manejo clínico da obesidade.

Abstract Toxicological studies are essential for developing novel medications in pharmaceutical industries including ayurvedic preparation. Hence, the present study is aimed to evaluate acute and 28-days repeated dose oral toxicity of anti-obesity polyherbal granules (PHG) in Sprague Dawley rats by OECD guidelines No 425 and 407, respectively. In an acute oral toxicity study, a single dose of 2 g/kg PHG was administered to rats and mortality, body weight, and clinical observations were noted for fourteen days. However, in the subacute oral toxicity study, the PHG was administered orally at doses of 0.3, 0.5 and 1 g/kg daily for 28 days to rats. Food intake and body weight were recorded weekly. On the 29th day, rats were sacrificed and subjected to haematological, biochemical, urine, necropsy, and histopathological analysis. In an acute oral toxicity study, no treatment-related, mortality, behavioral changes, and toxicity were found throughout fourteen days. Likewise, in the sub-acute toxicity study, no mortality and toxic effects were found in haematology, biochemical, urine, necropsy and histopathological analysis in rats for 28 days of treatment with PHG. Based on these results, the LD50 of PHG was found to be greater than 2 g/kg and the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of PHG for rats was found to be 0.5 g/kg/day. Thus, anti-obesity polyherbal granules showed a good safety profile in animal studies and can be considered an important agent for the clinical management of obesity.

Resumo A salinidade é um dos parâmetros ambientais mais críticos em relação à fisiologia dos peixes, modificando a ingestão de alimentos e o desempenho de crescimento em muitas espécies. O presente estudo investigou os efeitos de diferentes níveis de salinidade no desempenho de crescimento, alimentação e sobrevivência de jovens espécies de robalos asiáticos Lates calcarifer, as quais foram criadas sob salinidade 0 (T1), 5 (T2), 22 (T3), 36 (T4) e 42 (T5) ppt. Aproximadamente 830 indivíduos de peixes com peso médio de 1,24 ± 0,52 g foram distribuídos aleatoriamente (166 peixes / tanque) em cinco tanques de concreto (cada tanque tinha 30 × 6 × 4 pés (9,1 x 1,8 x 1,2 metros), com volume de 19,12 litros) por 40 dias. Os peixes foram inicialmente alimentados com uma dieta contendo 42% de proteína bruta a uma taxa de 6% do seu peso corporal por dia. Os resultados mostraram que o nível de salinidade teve um efeito significativo no ganho de peso (GP), ganho de peso médio diário (GPMD), taxa de crescimento específico (TCE), taxa de conversão alimentar (TCA), taxa de sobrevivência (TS), biomassa total e índices de saúde (p < 0,05). O maior GP (39,11 ± 1,49 g), GPMD (1,00 ± 0,12 g), TCE (8,74 ± 0,03% d-1) e o menor TCA (0,96 ± 0,20) foram observados com o tratamento T3, que foi significativamente superior em comparação com os outros tratamentos (p < 0,05). Entre os índices de saúde, os maiores índices hepatossomáticos e viscerossomáticos foram encontrados no tratamento T3, significativamente superior do que os demais grupos (p < 0,05). Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos quanto à TS (p > 0,05), mas a TS máxima (98,89 ± 0,0%) foi observada nos tratamentos T3 e T2. O nível máximo de proteína bruta (19,99 ± 1,4%) foi encontrado na composição bioquímica dos corpos dos jovens robalos asiáticos no grupo T3. A regressão polinomial de segunda ordem mostrou que a salinidade de 20 ppt é ótima para o melhor crescimento do robalo asiático. Assim, o presente estudo recomenda salinidade de 20 a 36 ppt para o cultivo comercial de robalo asiático em sistema de aquicultura fechado.

Abstract Salinity is one of the most critical environmental parameters regarding fish physiology, modifying food intake and growth performance in many fish species. The present study has investigated the effects of different salinity levels on growth performance, feeding and survival of Asian seabass Lates calcarifer juveniles. Asian seabass juveniles were reared at 0 (T1), 5 (T2), 22 (T3), 36 (T4), and 42 (T5) ppt salinity. Approximately eight hundred thirty fish individuals with an average weight of 1.24±0.52 g were randomly distributed (166 fish/Tank) in 5 concrete tanks (each tank 30×6×4 ft, volume 19,122 L) for forty days. Juveniles were initially fed 42% crude protein-containing diets at a rate of 6% of their body weight per day. The results showed that salinity level had a significant effect on the weight gain (WG), average daily weight gain (ADWG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival rate (SR), total biomass and health indices (p<0.05). The highest WG (39.11±1.49 g), ADWG (1.00±0.12 g), SGR (8.74±0.03% d-1) and lowest FCR (0.96±0.20) were observed with T3 treatment, which was significantly higher compared to other treatment groups (p<0.05). Among the health indices, the highest hepatosomatic index and viscerosomatic index were found with T3 treatment, significantly higher than the other groups (p<0.05). No significant differences were found among the treatments in terms of survival rate (p>0.05), but the maximum survival rate (98.89±0.0%) was observed in the T3 and T2 treatments. The maximum level of crude proteins (19.99±1.4%) was found in the whole-body biochemical composition of Asian seabass juveniles in the T3 treatment group. The second-order polynomial regression showed that 20 ppt salinity is optimum for the best growth of Asian seabass. Thus, the present study recommends 20 to 36 ppt salinity for the commercial farming of Asian seabass under a closed aquaculture system.

Resumo Frangos de corte Hubbard com 320 dias de idade foram alocados aleatoriamente em quatro tratamentos (8 repetições, 10 aves/curral) e foram criados em condições de manejo padrão. As aves do primeiro grupo serviram como controle e foram alimentadas com uma dieta à base de milho, enquanto as aves dos três grupos restantes, ou seja, A, B e C, foram alimentadas com dieta basal suplementada com nanopartículas de cobre (CuNP) a 5, 10 e 15 mg/kg de dieta, respectivamente, por 35 dias. A suplementação de CuNP aumentou linearmente (P ≤ 0,05) o peso corporal (PC), o ganho de peso médio diário (GPDA) e o consumo de ração (FI) em frangos de corte. O ácido úrico, os níveis de glicose no sangue e a conversão alimentar (TCF) reduziram linearmente (P ≤ 0,05) com a suplementação de CuNP na dieta. A suplementação de CuNP na dieta também aumentou linearmente (P ≤ 0,05) peso, comprimento, diâmetro, índice peso/comprimento (P/L) e índice tibiotársico (índice TT) da tíbia. A inclusão de CuNP na dieta de frangos de corte aumentou linearmente os parâmetros medidos de músculo, ou seja; pH, diâmetro da fibra, área da seção transversal da fibra, diâmetro do fascículo, área da seção transversal do fascículo (P ≤ 0,05). A concentração de cobre, ferro, cálcio e fósforo no sangue também aumentou linearmente (P ≤ 0,05) com a suplementação de CuNP. No geral, CuNP afetou positivamente o desempenho de crescimento, características histológicas dos músculos, resistência óssea e metabólitos séricos em frangos de corte.

Abstract Three hundred and twenty day old Hubbard broilers were randomly allocated to four treatments (8 replicates, 10 birds/pen) and were raised under standard management conditions. Birds in the first group served as control and were fed a corn based diet, while birds in the remaining three groups i.e.; A, B and C were fed with a basal diet supplemented with copper nanoparticles (CuNP) at 5, 10 and 15 mg /kg of diet respectively for 35 days. Supplementation of CuNP linearly increased (P≤0.05) body weight (BW), average daily weight gain (ADWG) and feed intake (FI) in broilers. Uric acid, glucose levels in blood and feed conversion ratio (FCR) reduced linearly (P≤0.05) with CuNP supplementation in diet. Supplementation of CuNP in the diet also linearly increased (P≤0.05) tibia weight, length, diameter, weight/length index (W/L) and Tibiotarsal index (TT index). Inclusion of CuNP in broilers diet linearly increased the measured parameters of muscle i.e.; pH, fiber diameter, fiber cross-sectional area, fascicle diameter, fascicle cross-sectional area (P≤0.05). Concentration of copper, iron, calcium and phosphorous in blood also increased line-arly (P ≤ 0.05) with CuNP supplementation. Overall, CuNP positively affected the growth performance, histological characteristics of muscles, bone strength and serum metabolites in broilers.

Resumo Bioatividades promissoras de nanopartículas de prata (SNPs) incitaram pesquisadores de diferentes especialidades a avaliar suas atividades em campo. A bioatividade contra pragas agrícolas foi objeto de publicações limitadas. No presente estudo, SNPs foram sintetizadas, e a atividade miticida foi avaliada em relação ao ácaro Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) e um ácaro predador associado, Neoseiulus barkeri Hughes (Phytoseiidae). Em condições de laboratório, SNP apresentou atividade significativamente maior para O. afrasiaticus (LC50 foi de 39,7 µg/mL) do que N. barkeri (LC50 foi de 1.587,9 µg/mL), o que representa cerca de 40 vezes de seletividade contra a praga. O SNP exibiu atividade ovicida contra ovos postos de O. afrasiaticus (LC50 foi de 67,8 µg/mL). Em campo, o SNP (a 216 µg/mL) alcançou eficiência ligeiramente maior do que em estudo de laboratório; 86,5% de redução populacional de O. afrasiaticus foram alcançados e apenas 18,5% da população de N. barkeri foram afetados. O SNP suprimiu a eclosão de 57,1% dos ovos postos de O. afrasiaticus. Os resíduos de prata foram determinados usando espectrometria ICP-OES. Os resíduos iniciais atingiram 1,83 µg/mL após a aplicação e depois diminuíram com o passar do tempo. A ingestão diária estimada (IDE) atingiu 1,28 µg/kg/dia, calculada para os maiores resíduos obtidos e a maior taxa de consumo de tâmaras do mundo. O índice de risco (Hi) foi de 0,17 em média. O nível de resíduos obtido mostrou-se seguro em termos de referências de toxicidade aguda e crônica.

Abstract Promising bioactivities of silver nanoparticles SNP urged researchers of different specialties to evaluate their field-respective activities. Bioactivity towards agricultural pests were the subject of limited publications. In the current study, SNP were synthesized and miticidal activity was evaluated towards old world date mite Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) and an associated predatory mite Neoseiulus barkeri Hughes (Phytoseiidae). Under laboratory conditions, SNP displayed significantly higher activity towards O. afrasiaticus (LC50 was 39.7 µg/mL) than N. barkeri (LC50 was 1587.9 µg/mL) which accounts for about 40 folds of selectivity against the pest. SNP exhibited ovicidal activity against laid eggs of O. afrasiaticus (LC50 was 67.8 µg/mL). In field, SNP (at 216 µg/mL) achieved slightly higher efficiency than in laboratory study, 86.5% of population reduction of O. afrasiaticus was achieved and only 18.5% of N. barkeri population was affected. SNP suppressed hatching of 57.1% of laid eggs of O. afrasiaticus. Residues of silver were determined using ICP-OES spectrometry. Initial residues reached 1.83 µg/mL after application then declined with time passing. Estimated daily intake (EDI) reached 1.28 µg/kg/day, calculated for the highest residues obtained and the highest consumption rate of date in the world. Hazard index (Hi) was 0.17 in average. The obtained level of residues appeared to be safe in terms of acute and chronic toxicity references.