ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to improve the accuracy of pig behavior identification and classification using a feature extraction method. Pig activity was measured with a triaxial accelerometer, capturing acceleration data in the X, Y, and Z directions. Statistical features, including the mean, median, maximum, minimum, first quartile, and third quartile for each axis, were extracted to form a 21-dimensional dataset. ReliefF and random forest algorithms were used to analyze and rank the significance of each feature for behavior identification and classification. Features with minimal impact were removed, reducing the dataset from 21 to 9 dimensions. The results showed that when using the ReliefF-reduced dataset, the major mean accuracy for identifying and classifying behaviors of Pigs A, B, and C was 80.9%, 81.7%, and 82.0%, respectively. Similarly, when using the random forest-reduced dataset, the major mean accuracy was 86.4%, 85.3%, and 87.2%, respectively. Thus, the random forest algorithm demonstrated superior performance in feature extraction and dimensionality reduction for classifying pig behavior in this study. method accelerometer X Y directions features median maximum minimum axis 21dimensional dimensional removed 2 dimensions ReliefFreduced reduced A B 809 80 80.9% 817 81 7 81.7% 820 82 0 82.0% respectively Similarly forestreduced 864 86 4 86.4% 853 85 3 85.3% 872 87 87.2% Thus 8 80.9 81.7 82.0 86.4 85.3 87.2 80. 81. 82. 86. 85. 87.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to identify candidate genes regulating ovarian development following ovarian tissue transplantation through transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Ovarian tissues were collected from 10 thirty-day-old donor chickens, and each ovary was divided equally into three parts of similar size, and transplanted in situ into two-day-old recipient chickens. Samples were collected on days 0 (untransplanted), 6, and 12 after transplantation. RNA was extracted from ovarian samples for construction of a transcriptome library, and then sequenced on the IlluminaHiSeqTM2000 sequencing platform. The sequencing results were evaluated to determine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) through GO function and the KEGG pathway analyses, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), WGCNA, and PPI networks. Some candidate genes were further validated through real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). RNA-seq analysis identified 2242 up-regulated and 3095 down-regulated DEGs at 6 days after ovarian transplantation, and 2181 up-regulated and 2129 down-regulated DEGs were identified at 12 days after transplantation. Enrichment analysis showed that the genes were enriched in multiple inflammatory pathways, pathways involved in signal transduction and cellular processes. Through the WGCNA, five modules were constructed, from which 4 and 5 candidate genes were mined at 6 and 12 days after ovarian transplantation, respectively. Transcription factor prediction showed that GTF3A was the most important transcription factor. The results of RT-qPCR verification confirmed that the expression profile of 8 candidate genes was consistent with that of the sequencing results. In summary, this study presents the candidate genes involved in ovarian vascular remodeling and ovarian proliferation after ovarian transplantation. RNAseq seq (RNA-seq coexpression co WGCNA. WGCNA . (WGCNA) 1 thirtydayold thirty day old chickens size twodayold two untransplanted, untransplanted , (untransplanted) library IlluminaHiSeqTM IlluminaHiSeqTM200 platform (DEGs analyses GSEA, GSEA (GSEA) networks realtime real time RTqPCR. RTqPCR RT qPCR (RT-qPCR) 224 upregulated up regulated 309 downregulated down 218 212 processes constructed respectively GTFA GTF A summary (WGCNA (untransplanted IlluminaHiSeqTM20 (GSEA (RT-qPCR 22 30 21 IlluminaHiSeqTM2 2 3

ABSTRACT To explore the important long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and its target genes in Tibetan chicken ovarian tissue, whole transcriptome sequencing technology and bioinformatics methods were used to analyze and predict lncRNA, differential expression of mRNA, and lncRNA between the two different breeds using DESeq2 software. The study predicted the Antisense and Cis regulatory target genes of differentially expressed lncRNA and performed functional annotation of GO, and analysis of the KEGG signaling pathway in these target genes. Quantitative fluorescence PCR was conducted in real time to validate the expression of important target genes. The results showed the discovery of 532 differentially expressed lncRNAs, 340 of which upregulated and 292 downregulated, as well as 2314 differentially expressed mRNAs, with 983 being upregulated and 1331 downregulated. The differentially expressed lncRNAs were found to regulate 48 differentially expressed mRNAs in the sense direction, and 14 in the antisense direction. Enrichment analysis on the intersection of target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs showed enrichment mainly in KEGG signaling pathways such as TGF-β signaling pathway (ko04350), organic selenium compound metabolism (ko00450), and oocyte meiosis (ko04114). The quantitative fluorescence PCR validation of important target genes such as CYP17A1, PTPN5, ACSL3, Nf2, CYP11A1 showed consistent results with RNA-seq results. This indicates the presence of lncRNA and mRNA with different expression levels and specific expression in the ovarian tissues of Tibetan and Roman chickens, and that genes such as CYP17A1, PTPN5, ACSL3, Nf2, and CYP11A1 may be key factors regulating the laying performance of Tibetan chickens. (lncRNA tissue DESeq software GO 53 34 29 downregulated 231 98 133 4 direction 1 TGFβ TGF β ko04350, ko04350 ko , (ko04350) ko00450, ko00450 (ko00450) ko04114. ko04114 . (ko04114) CYP17A1 CYPA CYP A PTPN5 PTPN ACSL3 ACSL Nf2 Nf CYP11A RNAseq seq chickens 5 3 2 23 9 13 ko0435 (ko04350 ko0045 (ko00450 ko0411 (ko04114 CYP17A ko043 (ko0435 ko004 (ko0045 ko041 (ko0411 ko04 (ko043 ko00 (ko004 (ko041 ko0 (ko04 (ko00 (ko0 (ko

Abstract Backgroud Homocitrulline (Hcit), is involved in the pathological processes of some diseases. However, the role and function of Hcit (CBL) in human skin remains largely obscure. Objective To investigate the correlation of the level of Hcit in seborrheic keratosis, skin aging, and its clinical significance. Methods Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the level of Hcit in skin lesions of seborrheic keratosis (SK), unaffected skin (distant 0.5 centimeters from SK lesion), and normal skin of healthy subjects in the control group. ELISA test was used to detect the serum level of CBL in SK patients and healthy subjects of different ages. Results Hcit was mainly localized in the nucleus of epidermal cells. In healthy control skin, the expression of Hcit increased with age and showed a positive correlation with age (the correlation coefficient was 0.806, p = 0.0002). The expressional level of Hcit in SK lesions was higher than that in healthy control skin (Z = −3.703, p = 0.0002). The serum level of CBL in healthy subjects and in SK patients increased with age (the correlation coefficient were 0.5763, p = 0.0032; 0.682, p = 0.004. respectively). The serum level of CBL in SK patients was higher than that in healthy subjects (Z = −2.19, p = 0.030). Study limitations The small serum sample size in the study. Conclusion The high expressional level of Hcit is correlated with seborrheic keratosis and skin aging. HCit may be one of the potential biomarkers of skin aging. Hcit, , (Hcit) diseases However (CBL obscure aging significance SK, (SK) distant 05 0 5 0. lesion, lesion lesion) group ages cells 0806 806 0.806 0.0002. 00002 0.0002 . 0002 0.0002) Z 3703 3 703 −3.703 05763 5763 0.5763 0.0032 00032 0032 0682 682 0.682 0004 004 0.004 respectively. respectively respectively) 219 2 19 −2.19 0.030. 0030 0.030 030 0.030) study (Hcit (SK 080 80 0.80 0000 0.000 000 370 70 −3.70 0576 576 0.576 0.003 0003 003 068 68 0.68 00 0.00 21 1 −2.1 0.03 03 08 8 0.8 37 7 −3.7 057 57 0.57 06 6 0.6 0.0 −2. −3. −2 −3 −

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effect of resveratrol on the immune and inflammatory responses and the mRNA levels of splenic toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 signaling pathway-related genes of broilers under heat stress (HS). One hundred and sixty-two birds were allocated to three groups, each with 6 replicates, for 21 continuous days. The three treatments were as follows: the control group (22 ± 1 °C), the HS (33 ± 1 °C for 10 h d-1 and 22 ± 1 °C for the remaining time) group and the HS + resveratrol (400 mg kg-1) group. At the end of the trial, one bird per replicate close to the average body weight (BW) was selected, exsanguinated, and slaughtered. Compared with the control group, the HS treatment decreased (p<0.05) final BW, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), relative weight of bursa of Fabricius and spleen, serum immunoglobulin (Ig) Y, IgA and interleukin (IL)-10 contents, and splenic IL-10 mRNA level, while it increased (p<0.05) feed/gain, mRNA levels of splenic tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), TLR-4, nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-κB), IL-1β, and IL-6. Compared to the HS group, the HS+resveratrol group exhibited increased (p<0.05) final BW, ADG, relative weight of bursa of Fabricius and spleen, serum IgY, IgA and IL-10 contents, and splenic IL-10 mRNA level, while it exhibited lower (p<0.05) TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 contents in serum, and splenic TLR4, TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-κB mRNA levels. In conclusion, resveratrol prevented a HS-impairment of the immune function of broilers by blocking the abnormal activation of the TLR4 signaling pathway. tolllike toll like TLR 4 (TLR)- pathwayrelated pathway related HS. . (HS) sixtytwo sixty two groups replicates 2 days follows (2 °C, C , °C) 33 (3 d1 d d- time 400 (40 kg1 kg kg-1 trial BW (BW selected exsanguinated slaughtered p<0.05 p005 p 0 05 (p<0.05 ADG (ADG) ADFI, ADFI (ADFI) spleen Ig (Ig Y IL10 IL (IL)-1 IL-1 level feedgain feed/gain factorα factor α TNFα, TNFα TNF (TNF-α) 4, TLR-4 factorkappaB kappa B NFκB, NFκB NF κB (NF-κB) IL1β, IL1β ILβ 1β, 1β β IL6. IL6 6. HSresveratrol IgY α, TNF-α IL- conclusion HSimpairment impairment (TLR) (HS ( 3 40 (4 kg- p<0.0 p00 (p<0.0 (ADG (ADFI IL1 (IL)- (TNF-α TLR- (NF-κB (TLR p<0. p0 (p<0. (IL) p<0 (p<0 (IL p< (p< (p

Resumo O metal cobalto é considerado um oligoelemento essencial para os animais. A presente investigação foi realizada na área periurbana para analisar a disponibilidade de cobalto na cadeia alimentar animal usando diferentes índices. Amostras de vacas, búfalos e ovelhas, juntamente com amostras de forragem e solo foram coletadas em três locais diferentes do Distrito Jhang e analisadas por meio de espectrofotômetro de absorção atômica. Os valores de cobalto diferiram em amostras de solo como 0,315-0,535mg/kg, forragens como 0,127-0,333 mg/kg e amostras de animais como 0,364-0,504 mg/kg. A concentração de cobalto analisada no solo, forragem e amostras de animais foi considerada deficiente em relação aos limites padrão. O solo apresentou o teor mínimo de cobalto em Z. mays enquanto a concentração máxima foi examinada nas amostras de forragem C. decidua. Todos os índices examinados neste estudo possuem valores menores que 1, representando os limites mais seguros da concentração de cobalto nestas amostras. O fator de enriquecimento (0,071-0,161 mg/kg) mostrou a quantidade altamente deficiente de enriquecimento de cobalto nesta área. Os valores do fator de bioconcentração (0,392-0,883) e do índice de carga de poluição (0,035-0,059 mg/kg) também foram menores que 1, o que explica que as amostras de plantas e solo não estão contaminadas com cobalto metálico. A ingestão diária e o índice de risco à saúde variaram de 0,00019-0,00064 mg/kg/dia e 0,0044-0,0150 mg/kg/dia, respectivamente. Entre os animais, a disponibilidade de cobalto foi máxima (0,0150 mg/kg/dia) nos búfalos que pastaram na forragem de C. decidua. Os resultados deste estudo concluíram que fertilizantes contendo cobalto devem ser aplicados no solo e nas forragens. A ração animal derivada dos suplementos contendo cobalto é fornecida aos animais, para atender às necessidades nutricionais do gado. vacas ovelhas atômica 0,3150,535mg/kg, 03150535mgkg mgkg 0,315 0,535mg/kg, 0 315 535mg kg mg 0,315-0,535mg/kg 0,1270,333 01270333 0,127 0,333 127 333 0,127-0,33 0,3640,504 03640504 0,364 0,504 364 504 0,364-0,50 padrão Z C decidua 1 0,0710,161 00710161 0,071 0,161 071 161 (0,071-0,16 0,3920,883 03920883 0,392 0,883 392 883 (0,392-0,883 0,0350,059 00350059 0,035 0,059 035 059 (0,035-0,05 metálico 0,000190,00064 000019000064 0,00019 0,00064 00019 00064 0,00019-0,0006 mgkgdia dia 0,00440,0150 0004400150 0,0044 0,0150 0044 0150 0,0044-0,015 respectivamente 00150 (0,015 gado 3150 0,3150,535mg/kg 0315 0,31 0535mgkg 0,535mg/kg 31 1270 0,1270,33 0127033 0127 0,12 0333 0,33 12 33 0,127-0,3 3640 0,3640,50 0364050 0364 0,36 0504 0,50 36 50 0,364-0,5 0710 0,0710,16 0071016 0071 0,07 0161 0,16 07 16 (0,071-0,1 3920 0,3920,88 0392088 0392 0,39 0883 0,88 39 88 (0,392-0,88 0350 0,0350,05 0035005 0035 0,03 0059 0,05 03 05 (0,035-0,0 000190 0,000190,0006 00001900006 000019 0,0001 000064 0,0006 0001 0006 0,00019-0,000 00440 0,00440,015 000440015 00044 0,004 0,015 004 015 0,0044-0,01 0015 (0,01 031 0,3 3 0,1270,3 012703 012 0,1 033 0,127-0, 0,3640,5 036405 036 050 0,5 5 0,364-0, 0,0710,1 007101 007 0,0 016 (0,071-0, 0,3920,8 039208 039 088 0,8 8 (0,392-0,8 0,0350,0 003500 003 005 (0,035-0, 0,000190,000 0000190000 00001 0,000 00006 000 0,00019-0,00 0,00440,01 00044001 0004 0,00 0,01 00 01 0,0044-0,0 001 (0,0 0, 0,1270, 01270 0,127-0 0,3640, 03640 0,364-0 0,0710, 00710 (0,071-0 0,3920, 03920 08 (0,392-0, 0,0350, 00350 (0,035-0 0,000190,00 000019000 0000 0,00019-0,0 0,00440,0 0004400 0,0044-0, (0, 0,1270 0,127- 0,3640 0,364- 0,0710 (0,071- 0,3920 (0,392-0 0,0350 (0,035- 0,000190,0 00001900 0,00019-0, 0,00440, 000440 0,0044-0 (0 (0,071 (0,392- (0,035 0,000190, 0000190 0,00019-0 0,00440 0,0044- ( (0,07 (0,392 (0,03 0,000190 0,00019- (0,39 (0,3

Abstract Cobalt metal is considered as an essential trace element for the animals. Present investigation was undertaken in the peri-urban area to analyze the cobalt availability in animal food chain by using different indices. Cow, buffalo and sheep samples along with forage and soil samples were collected from the three different sites of District Jhang and analyzed through atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Cobalt values differed in soil samples as 0.315-0.535 mg/kg, forages as 0.127-0.333 mg/kg and animal samples as 0.364-0.504 mg/kg. Analyzed cobalt concentration in soil, forage and animal samples was found to be deficient in concentration with respect to standard limits. Soil showed the minimum cobalt level in Z. mays while maximum concentration was examined in the forage C. decidua samples. All indices examined in this study has values lesser than 1, representing the safer limits of the cobalt concentration in these samples. Enrichment factor (0.071-0.161 mg/kg) showed the highly deficient amount of cobalt enrichment in this area. Bio-concentration factor (0.392-0.883) and pollution load index (0.035-0.059 mg/kg) values were also lesser than 1 explains that plant and soil samples are not contaminated with cobalt metal. The daily intake and health risk index ranged from 0.00019-0.00064 mg/kg/day and 0.0044-0.0150 mg/kg/day respectively. Among the animals, cobalt availability was maximum (0.0150 mg/kg/day) in the buffaloes that grazed on the C. decidua fodder. Results of this study concluded that cobalt containing fertilizers must be applied on the soil and forages. Animal feed derived from the cobalt containing supplements are supplied to the animals, to fulfill the nutritional requirements of livestock. animals periurban peri urban Cow spectrophotometer 0.3150.535 03150535 0.315 0.535 0 315 535 0.315-0.53 mgkg mg kg 0.1270.333 01270333 0.127 0.333 127 333 0.127-0.33 0.3640.504 03640504 0.364 0.504 364 504 0.364-0.50 Z C 0.0710.161 00710161 0.071 0.161 071 161 (0.071-0.16 Bioconcentration Bio 0.3920.883 03920883 0.392 0.883 392 883 (0.392-0.883 0.0350.059 00350059 0.035 0.059 035 059 (0.035-0.05 0.000190.00064 000019000064 0.00019 0.00064 00019 00064 0.00019-0.0006 mgkgday day 0.00440.0150 0004400150 0.0044 0.0150 0044 0150 0.0044-0.015 respectively 00150 (0.015 fodder livestock 3150 0.3150.53 0315053 0315 0.31 0535 0.53 31 53 0.315-0.5 1270 0.1270.33 0127033 0127 0.12 0333 0.33 12 33 0.127-0.3 3640 0.3640.50 0364050 0364 0.36 0504 0.50 36 50 0.364-0.5 0710 0.0710.16 0071016 0071 0.07 0161 0.16 07 16 (0.071-0.1 3920 0.3920.88 0392088 0392 0.39 0883 0.88 39 88 (0.392-0.88 0350 0.0350.05 0035005 0035 0.03 0059 0.05 03 05 (0.035-0.0 000190 0.000190.0006 00001900006 000019 0.0001 000064 0.0006 0001 0006 0.00019-0.000 00440 0.00440.015 000440015 00044 0.004 0.015 004 015 0.0044-0.01 0015 (0.01 0.3150.5 031505 031 0.3 053 0.5 3 5 0.315-0. 0.1270.3 012703 012 0.1 033 0.127-0. 0.3640.5 036405 036 050 0.364-0. 0.0710.1 007101 007 0.0 016 (0.071-0. 0.3920.8 039208 039 088 0.8 8 (0.392-0.8 0.0350.0 003500 003 005 (0.035-0. 0.000190.000 0000190000 00001 0.000 00006 000 0.00019-0.00 0.00440.01 00044001 0004 0.00 0.01 00 01 0.0044-0.0 001 (0.0 0.3150. 03150 0. 0.315-0 0.1270. 01270 0.127-0 0.3640. 03640 0.364-0 0.0710. 00710 (0.071-0 0.3920. 03920 08 (0.392-0. 0.0350. 00350 (0.035-0 0.000190.00 000019000 0000 0.00019-0.0 0.00440.0 0004400 0.0044-0. (0. 0.3150 0.315- 0.1270 0.127- 0.3640 0.364- 0.0710 (0.071- 0.3920 (0.392-0 0.0350 (0.035- 0.000190.0 00001900 0.00019-0. 0.00440. 000440 0.0044-0 (0 (0.071 (0.392- (0.035 0.000190. 0000190 0.00019-0 0.00440 0.0044- ( (0.07 (0.392 (0.03 0.000190 0.00019- (0.39 (0.3

ABSTRACT Introduction: Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) is a new noninvasive myocardial protection strategy that uses blood pressure cuf inflation to simulate transient non-fatal ischemia to protect the myocardium and reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury. Sulfonylureas may mask the effects of RIPC due to their cardioprotec-tive effect. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether RIPC, in the absence of sulfonylureas, reduces troponin release in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials to determine whether RIPC can reduce postoperative troponin release in cardiac surgery patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass without treatment with sulfonylureas. The data were normalized to equivalent units prior to the analysis. A random-effects model was used to provide more conservative estimate of the effects in the presence of known or unknown heterogeneity. Results: Six studies with a total of 570 participants were included. The analysis showed that troponin release was lower in the RIPC group than in the control group at six hours (test of standardized mean differences = 0, Z=3.64, P<0.001) and 48 hours (Z=2.72, P=0.007) postoperatively. When the mean of cross-clamping time was > 60 minutes, RIPC reduced troponin release at six hours (Z=2.84, P=0.005), 24 hours (Z=2.64, P=0.008), and 48 hours (Z=2.87, P=0.004) postoperatively. Conclusion: In cardiac surgery patients who are not taking sulfonylureas, RIPC can reduce troponin release at six and 48 hours postoperatively; hence, RIPC may serve significant benefits in certain cardiac surgery patients. Introduction (RIPC nonfatal non fatal ischemiareperfusion reperfusion injury cardioprotective cardioprotec tive effect metaanalysis meta sulfonylureas Methods randomeffects random heterogeneity Results 57 included test 0 Z364 Z 3 64 Z=3.64 P<0.001 P0001 P 001 4 Z=2.72, Z272 2 72 (Z=2.72 P=0.007 P0007 007 postoperatively crossclamping cross clamping 6 minutes Z=2.84, Z284 84 (Z=2.84 P=0.005, P0005 P=0.005 , 005 P=0.005) Z=2.64, Z264 (Z=2.64 P=0.008, P0008 P=0.008 008 P=0.008) Z=2.87, Z287 87 (Z=2.87 P=0.004 P0004 004 Conclusion hence 5 Z36 Z=3.6 P<0.00 P000 00 Z=2.72 Z27 7 (Z=2.7 P=0.00 Z=2.84 Z28 8 (Z=2.8 Z=2.64 Z26 (Z=2.6 Z=2.87 Z3 Z=3. P<0.0 P00 Z=2.7 Z2 (Z=2. P=0.0 Z=2.8 Z=2.6 Z=3 P<0. P0 Z=2. (Z=2 P=0. Z= P<0 Z=2 (Z= P=0 P< (Z P=

Resumo Objetivos: Há cada vez mais evidências apoiando uma relação entre a saúde bucal precária e o crescimento das crianças. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar a associação entre a presença de cárie dentária e medidas antropométricas de crianças residentes em Claverito, uma comunidade flutuante de favelas na Amazônia peruana. Métodos: Para este estudo transversal, a presença de cárie foi avaliada utilizando os escores dmft/DMFT (dentes cariados, ausentes, preenchidos) e o Índice SiC (média dmft/DMFT de um terço do grupo de estudo com a maior pontuação de cárie). As categorias antropométricas para pontuações z específicas de idade e sexo para altura e peso foram calculadas com base nos procedimentos e definições padronizados da OMS. A associação entre SiC (medido por dmft/DMFT) e medidas antropométricas foi estimada usando modelos de regressão linear multivariável não ajustados e ajustados. O valor crítico foi estabelecido em 5%. Resultados: A população do estudo consistia de 67 crianças entre 1 e 18 anos de idade. A idade média era de 9,5 anos (DP: 4,5), e a maioria era do sexo feminino (52,2%). Quase todas tinham cárie dentária (97,0%) e a média da pontuação dmft/DMFT foi de 7,2 (DP: 4,7). O índice SiC desta população era de 9,0. Após ajuste para variáveis confusas, os participantes que tinham dentição permanente com os níveis mais altos de dmft/DMFT tinham diminuído estatisticamente a pontuação z de altura por idade (HAZ) (p=0,04). Conclusões: Encontramos uma associação linear inversa entre o Índice SiC e as pontuações z de altura por idade (HAZ) entre crianças que vivem na pobreza em uma comunidade amazônica flutuante no Peru. Crianças de comunidades com poucos recursos, como favelas flutuantes, correm alto risco de contrair doenças orais, possivelmente impactando negativamente seu crescimento e desenvolvimento.

Abstract Aims: Increasing evidence supports a relationship between poor oral health and growth in children. Our objective was to assess the association between the presence of dental caries and anthropometric measurements of children residing in Claverito, a floating slum community in the Peruvian Amazon. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, presence of caries was assessed using dmft/DMFT (decayed, missing, filled teeth) scores and the SiC Index (mean dmft/DMFT of one-third of the study group with the highest caries score). Anthropometric categories for age-sex-specific z-scores for height and weight were calculated based on WHO standardized procedures and definitions. The association between SiC (measured by dmft/DMFT) and anthropometric measures was estimated using unadjusted and adjusted multivariable linear regression models. Critical value was established at 5%. Results: Our study population consisted of 67 children between the ages of 1 and 18 years old. Mean age was 9.5 years old (SD: 4.5), and the majority were female (52.2%). Almost all had dental caries (97.0%) and the mean dmft/DMFT score was 7.2 (SD: 4.7). The SiC Index of this population was 9.0. After adjusting for confounding variables, participants who had permanent dentition with the highest dmft/DMFT levels had statistically significant decreased height-for-age z-scores (HAZ) (p=0.04). Conclusions: We found an inverse linear association between SiC Index and height-for-age z-scores (HAZ) among children living in poverty in a floating Amazonian community in Peru. Children from under-resourced communities, like floating slums, are at high risk for oral disease possibly negatively impacting their growth and development.

Abstract To investigate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Astragali Radix-Corni Fructus herb-pair in kidney-yin deficiency model, which was made by continuously oral gavage of thyroxine. A simple and rapid LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the determination of loganin and morroniside in rat plasma and used for the pharmacokinetics study. The kidney-yin deficiency significantly changed the AUC(0-∞), Cmax and CLz/F of loganin and morroniside. The T1/2z of morroniside increased significantly in the kidney-yin deficiency rats. For the pharmacodynamics study, the liver index, kidney index, and ALT, TBIL, UREA, CREA level in the kidney-yin deficiency mice were examined. The herb-pair had been proved to be effective for the treatment of kidney-yin deficiency by affecting the liver, kidney, ALT, UREA and CREA, which showed positively correlated with the dose. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics studies in the pathological status could offer more valuable information for the future application of Astragali Radix-Corni Fructus herb-pair. RadixCorni Radix Corni herbpair herb pair kidneyyin yin model thyroxine LCMS/MS LCMSMS LC MS/MS MS study AUC0∞, AUC0 AUC 0 ∞ , AUC(0-∞) CLzF CLz F T12z Tz T1 2z T z rats index ALT TBIL examined dose herbpair. pair. LCMS MSMS AUC0∞ AUC(0-∞ AUC(0- AUC(0 AUC(

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to investigate effects of vitamin A (VA) and vitamin K3 (VK3) on immune function and intestinal antioxidant capacity of aged laying hens. In a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement, the diets of 1080 Roman Pink laying hens (87 weeks old) was formulated with deficient, adequate and excess VA and VK3, including 0, 7000 and 14000 IU/kg VA and 0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg/kg VK3 for 8 weeks. Interactive effects between VA and VK3 were observed that VA and VK3 decreased the splenetic mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), but increased the plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) content and jejunal mRNA expression of nuclear factor-like 2 (Nrf2). Hens fed adequate or excess VA had higher spleen index, mRNA expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in spleen, sIgA content, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase and total dismutase (T-SOD) activity, and mRNA expression of polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) in jejunum and lower mRNA expression of IL-1β in jejunum and iNOS, TNF-α in spleen. Furthermore, adequate or excess VK3 significantly increased plasma IgG content, the CAT, T-SOD and total antioxidant capacity activities, up-regulated the mRNA expression of pIgR, Nrf2, SOD1 and CAT in jejunum and down-regulated the mRNA expression of iNOS and TNF-α in spleen. In conclusion, dietary addition of adequate VA (7000 IU/kg) and VK3 (2.0 mg/kg) improved the immune function and intestine antioxidant capacity of aged laying hens and excess levels did not exhibit superior effects.

ABSTRACT Geese (Anser cygnoides) possess stronger ability of roughage digestion and utilization than other poultries, hence, it has become the focus of attention of scientists. Duodenal, jejunum and ileum were mainly participated in food digestion and nutrient absorption, while the cecum was responsible for biological fermentation. Effects on the geese’s cecal microbiota community by feeding with the all-grass diet have been investigated, however, whether it had an influence on the geese’s duodenal microbiota community remains unexplored. To address this problem, geese feeding with the basal diet for 28 days (G1), the basal diet for 28 days and the all-grass diet for the following 14 days (G2), the basal diet for 42 days (G3) were selected, respectively. The duodenal segments of geese were collected and the hypervariable V3-V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was sequencing. A total of 4 main phyla and 16 main genera were identified. Moreover, we also successfully identified that two taxa including the Helcococcus and Clostridium could be used as distinguishing biomarkers specific to G2. The functional profiles of the duodenum microbiota were mainly involved in the membrane transport (e.g. ABC transporters), amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, metabolism of cofactors and vitamins, and cellular processes and signaling pathways in geese feeding with the all-grass diet. In conclusion, the all-grass diet could impact the composition of duodenal microbiota. However, to resolve the underlying mechanism of the fiber digesting and utilization in geese’s gut microbiota, the whole intestinal system needs to be assessed by further studies.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A gastrostomia endoscópica percutânea (GEP) é uma importante opção de nutrição enteral para crianças e adultos, sendo considerada uma técnica segura, eficaz e vantajosa em comparação às outras vias de alimentação complementar. Permite a alimentação contínua, a alimentação em pacientes com distúrbios de deglutição de causa neurológica ou outros, a administração de dietas ou medicamentos não palatáveis, todos com baixos índices de complicações e mortalidade. OBJETIVO: Avaliar as principais indicações e complicações de pacientes pediátricos submetidos à GEP e o impacto no estado nutricional de pacientes submetidos à GEP para suplementação nutricional, comparando peso, índice de massa corporal (IMC) e estatura com referências da Organização Mundial de Saúde. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional e retrospectivo de 152 crianças e adolescentes submetidos à GEP, no período de janeiro/2003 a dezembro/2018. Foram incluídos pacientes até 18 anos de idade na época do procedimento. As complicações relacionadas ao procedimento foram divididas em menores e maiores. Pacientes com indicação de GEP para suplementação nutricional foram avaliados quanto ao ganho de peso, altura e IMC, por meio do escore Z no dia do procedimento e 6 meses; 1 ano; e 2 anos após o procedimento. RESULTADOS: As indicações para GEP foram distúrbio de deglutição de causa neurológica (67,1%), necessidade de suplementação nutricional (25%), distúrbio de deglutição de origem mecânica (6,6%), e indicação de descompressão gástrica (1,3%). Complicações menores ocorreram em 57,8% dos pacientes e complicações maiores em 9,8%. A técnica de tração correspondeu a 92,1% e a punção, 7,9%. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 1,3%. Trinta e oito pacientes tinham indicação de suplementação nutricional. Nestes, houve aumento gradativo tanto do IMC quanto do peso, com variação estatisticamente significativa da mediana P=0,0340 e P=0,0105, respectivamente, mais evidente nos pacientes renais crônicos. A altura não variou significativamente (P=0,543). CONCLUSÃO: A GEP mostrou-se uma opção vantajosa como forma auxiliar de alimentação em pacientes pediátricos, tendo como principais indicações a disfagia de causa neurológica e a necessidade de suplementação nutricional, com baixa prevalência de complicações maiores e mortalidade. Este estudo também mostrou a importância da GEP em pacientes com necessidade de suplementação nutricional, possibilitando a passagem dos pacientes desnutridos para escores nutricionais de peso adequados à idade.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is an important option for enteral nutrition for both children and adults. It is considered a safe, effective, and advantageous technique in comparison to other complementary feeding routes. It allows continuous feeding, the feeding of patients with swallowing disorders due to neurological causes or others, and the administration of non-palatable diets or medications, all with low rates of complications and mortality. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the main indications and complications of PEG in pediatric patients. In addition, the impact on the nutritional status of patients undergoing PEG was also compared with weight, body mass index (BMI), and height according to references from the World Health Organization. METHODS: This observational and retrospective study included 152 children and adolescents who underwent PEG between January/2003 and December/2018. Patients up to 18 years of age at the time of the procedure were included. Complications related to the procedure were classified as minor or major. Patients with PEG indication for nutritional supplementation were evaluated for weight gain, height, and BMI, using the Z score at the day of the procedure and six months, 1 year, and 2 years after the procedure. RESULTS: Indications for PEG were: swallowing disorder of neurological cause (67.1%), need for nutritional supplementation (25%), swallowing disorder of mechanical origin (6.6%), and indication of gastric decompression (1.3%). Minor complications occurred in 57.8% of patients and major complications in 9.8% of patients. The traction technique corresponded to 92.1% and puncture to 7.9%. The death rate was 1.3%. Thirty-eight patients had an indication for nutritional supplementation. In these patients, there was a gradual increase in both BMI and weight, reaching statistically significant differences (P=0.0340 and P= 0.0105, respectively). These differences were more evident in chronic renal disease patients. Height did not vary significantly (P=0.543). CONCLUSION: PEG proved to be an advantageous option as an auxiliary feeding method in pediatric patients. Dysphagia of neurological origin was the main indication followed by the need for nutritional supplementation. PEG has low frequency of major complications and mortality. This study also showed the importance of PEG in patients who need nutritional supplementation, as it enabled patients to move from undernutrition to normal weight ranges.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum DPP8 and Lactobacillus acidophilus C7282 in feed supplementation on growth performance, Salmonella invasion, inflammation, and mediating signaling in broilers infected with Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium). A total of 240 broilers at day old were randomly allocated into four groups, orally infected with S. Typhimurium and supplemented with individual or combined Lactobacilli DPP8 and C7282 at doses of 0 (control), 1010 (individual), or 2.0 × 1010 (combination) cfu/kg of diet for 21 d. The results showed that supplementing Lactobacilli improved (p<0.05) feed intake and body weight gain and decreased (p<0.05) S. Typhimurium load in the caecum, harder gland, spleen and bursa of Fabricius. Also, the supplements decreased (p<0.05) interleukin (1β/2/4), tumor necrosis factor α and interferon γ in the serum, enhanced (p<0.05) interleukin 10, and downregulated gene expressions of inflammatory mediators including Janus kinase (Jak2/3), signal transducer and activator of transcription protein (STAT3/4/5/6) in the intestinal mucosa. In contrast, diets containing DPP8 exhibited greater effects on the inhibition of the pathogen and inflammatory response than C7282. The obtained data suggest that Lactobacilli C7282 and DPP8 can be used as feed additives to inhibit colonization and translocation of S. Typhimurium and inflammatory responses via downregulating Jak/STAT signaling in broilers.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyse the incidence of long and short corrected QT (QTc) in a healthy sample of the population of Changsha in China. Methods: Standard 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) were performed on 4025 subjects in Changsha of China, whose age ranged from 6 minutes after birth to 83 years, between January 1993 and December 2012. Heart rate and QT interval were measured and recorded. Corrected QT was calculated with Bazett´s formula (QTc = QT/RR0.5). All recruited individuals had taken healthy examination, ruling out general health issue, in The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 16.0 software (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA). Results: The incidence of short QTc was 7.13% (287/4025 cases). The peak values of the incidence were in the 30–40 years group (15.71%). The low values were in the 1–3 months group and 3–6 months group (0%, 0.76%), respectively. The incidence of long QTc was 3.16% (127/4025 cases). The values diminished significantly after adulthood. The low values were in the age groups of 18–30 years (0.86%) and 30–40 years (0.71%), respectively. After the age of 50 years, the incidence of long QTc increased with age 50–60 years and 60–70 years and 70–83 years (7.89%, 9.06%, 14.06%), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the genders (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The peak incidences of long and short QTc existed in two separate age groups in the healthy sample. The peak incidence of short QTc was in the age group of 18–40 years, and the peak incidence of long QTc was in the age group beyond the 50 years. For these two age groups, it was recommended to pay close attention to the changes in their QTc in order to prevent cardiovascular events.