Utilization of some fruit rinds in small ruminant feeding: nutritional characteristics determination.

Every year, thousands of tons of fruit wastes are produced worldwide while most of them remain unused and are released into the environment. Incorporation of these wastes to feedstuffs reduces competition between food and feed, and reduces environmental risks or methane yield in ruminants. Nevertheless, no comprehensive research was available on the nutritional properties of rinds of different fruits in small ruminant feeding. Hence, this research investigates the nutritional potential of some fruit's rinds (Kiwi, Tangerine, Grapefruit, Sweet lemon, Sour lemon, Banana, Mango, Orange, Apple, Peach, and Persimmon) by in vitro ruminal-microbial and standard laboratory methods. Persimmon rind had the higher total phenolic contents (TPC, 22 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry matter: DM) than the other treatments (P < 0.0001). The ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and ash contents of banana rind were greater (P < 0.0001), however its DM, relative feed value (RFV), and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) were lower than the other treatments (P < 0.0001). A different range of minerals was observed among fruit rinds along with a higher content of potassium (42.5 g/kg DM) and manganese (49 mg/kg DM) in banana rind (P < 0.0001). Persimmon (45.7 ml/200 mg DM) and sweet lemon (75.7 ml/200 mg DM) rinds recorded the lowest and highest potential gas production, respectively (P < 0.0001). Persimmon exhibited a lower percentage of methane (11.5%) rather than other rinds (P < 0.0001). The total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and metabolizable energy (ME) in sweet lemon, and dry matter digestibility (DMD) and organic matter digestibility (OMD) in tangerine were greater compared with other rinds. The rind of the banana exhibited the highest amounts of titratable acidity (283 mEq×10- 3), acid-buffering capacity (200 mEq×10- 3), and acid-base buffering capacity (260 mEq×10- 3) (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, the present rinds differed in chemical-nutritional characteristics. These rinds may feed as a substitute for conventional forages in the diets of small ruminants on a large scale throughout the year; however, these in vitro findings need to be scientifically validated under in vivo experiments.

Effects of dietary supplementation of bentonite and Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall on acute-phase protein and liver function in high-producing dairy cows during transition period.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of dietary endotoxin binders [bentonite (BEN) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall (SCW)] on acute-phase protein (APP) response and liver function in cows during the transition period. Twenty-four multiparous Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups. The experimental groups consisted of (1) the basal diet (BD) + SCW, (2) BD + SCW + BEN, (3) BD + BEN, and (4) BD (control). Blood samples were taken at 1, 3 and 4 weeks before and 1 and 3 weeks after parturition and serum concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), glucose, haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A(SAA), albumin, g-glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cholesterol, iron, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were measured. The concentrations of LPS, SAA, albumin, and Hp in the blood were within reference range at all times. The level of blood LPS was not high enough to initiate an APP response. Mean BHBA concentration was highest at 1 week after calving. For NEFA, the pattern was similar, with a peak at 1 week after calving. Cholesterol concentration was lower in the SCW group, probably due to a lower lipoprotein concentration. Mean AST concentration was highest at 1 week after calving, especially in the SCW + BEN group. The results of a current study showed that, if the carbohydrate level is not high in the diet to cause rumen acidosis, it is not profitable to supplement BEN and SCW for adsorbing endotoxins in the diet, in transition cows.

WITHDRAWN:The Effect of Intermittent Watering on Performance, Blood Metabolites, and Nutrient Digestibility in Baluchi Lambs.

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of intermittent watering on Baluchi lambs, regarding their performance, blood metabolites, and nutrient digestibility. Methods: Twenty male Baluchi lambs, 120 ± 5 days of age and 29 ±2.2 kg body weight were randomly assigned to four watering treatments: (T1) free access to water during the day, (T2) watered ad libitum twice a day, (T3) watered ad libitum once a day, (T4) watered ad libitum once every two days. The experiment lasted 42 days. Results: water restriction led to reduction in weight gain, DMI, water consumption, Water/DMI (p<0.05). Rectal temperature and respiration rate non influenced (p>0.05). aldosterone, cortisol, insulin hormone affected by treatments (p<0.05). Serum glucose, creatinine, total protein and globulin not affected (p> 0.05). while observed significant difference among T3 with other treatment in BUN (p<0.05). significant differences were observed in serum cholesterol and triglyceride between T4 and other groups (p< 0.05). There was a significant difference between T4 and T1 and T2 in albumin serum (p< 0.05). RBC WBC non influenced by water restriction (p< 0.05). However, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC and hemoglobin influenced by treatments (p< 0.05). sodium and chloride of serum was significantly higher in T4, and there were significant differences among the treatments (p< 0.05). But there were no differences among the treatments (p> 0.05), with regard to calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium. Digestibility of ADF, NDF, CP and OM was different among T3, T4 and other treatments (p< 0.05), while no differences were found in EE digestibility among treatments (p> 0.05). There was a significant difference between T4 and other groups and between T4 and T1 regarding fecal output and urine exertion respectively. Conclusion: This results implies that Baluchi lambs can tolerate water restriction up to once a day for at least 28 days without harmful effects.

Selenium-methionine and chromium-methionine supplementation of sheep around parturition: impacts on dam and offspring performance.

To examine the effects of maternal energy restriction along with selenium-methionine (Se-Met) and chromium-methionine (Cr-Met) supplementation on performance of pregnant sheep and their offspring, the following treatments were allotted randomly to 40 multiparous Baluchi ewes (53.9 ± 1.15 kg of body weight [BW]) from 5 weeks prior to 5 weeks after parturition: (1) Control diet (60% and 100% of NRC energy requirements in pre- and post-partum, respectively); (2) Control diet plus 5 mg Se-Met/kg dry matter (DM); (3) Control diet plus 3 mg Cr-Met/kg DM and (4) Control diet plus 5 mg Se-Met and 3 mg Cr-Met/kg DM (Se-Cr-Met) of concentrate diet. The results indicated that Cr-Met alone or in combination with Se-Met increased average DM intake of ewes. In addition, Group Cr-Met had higher average BW than the Control (p < 0.05). Se-Met and/or Cr-Met supplementation led to decreased average serum cholesterol of the ewes (p < 0.05). Groups Cr-Met and Se-Cr-Met displayed decreased average serum malondialdehyde compared to the Control (p < 0.05). At 24 h post-partum, Group Se-Cr-Met had a greater serum Se content than the Control (p = 0.006). Compared with the Control, the Se concentration in milk was significantly increased from 30 to 138 µg/l and 197 µg/l in Groups Se-Met and Se-Cr-Met, respectively (p < 0.01), which proved that Se-Met supplementation can increase the Se concentration of ewe milk. Furthermore, feeding Cr-Met may attenuate BW loss post-partum and Se-Met and/or Cr-Met supplements may ameliorate oxidative stress condition in ewes around parturition.

Carbohydrate and lipid spectroscopic molecular structures of different alfalfa hay and their relationship with nutrient availability in ruminants.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine molecular structures related to carbohydrates and lipid in alfalfa hay cut at early bud, late bud and early flower and in the afternoon and next morning using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT/IR) and to determine their relationship with alfalfa hay nutrient profile and availability in ruminants. METHODS: Chemical composition analysis, carbohydrate fractionation, in situ ruminal degradability, and DVE/OEB model were used to measure nutrient profile and availability of alfalfa hay. Univariate analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis (CLA) and principal components analysis (PCA) were conducted to identify FT/IR spectra differences. RESULTS: The FT/IR non-structural carbohydrate (NSCHO) to total carbohydrates and NSCHO to structural carbohydrate ratios decreased (p<0.05), while lignin to NSCHO and lipid CH3 symmetric to CH2 symmetric ratios increased with advancing maturity (p<0.05). The FT/IR spectra related to structural carbohydrates, lignin and lipids were distinguished for alfalfa hay at three maturities by PCA and CLA, while FT/IR molecular structures related to carbohydrates and lipids were similar between alfalfa hay cut in the morning and afternoon when analyzed by PCA and CLA analysis. Positive correlations were found for FT/IR NSCHO to total carbohydrate and NSCHO to structural carbohydrate ratios with non-fiber carbohydrate (by wet chemistry), ruminal fast and intermediately degradable carbohydrate fractions and total ruminal degradability of carbohydrates and predicted intestinal nutrient availability in dairy cows (r≥0.60; p<0.05) whereas FT/IR lignin to NSCHO and CH3 to CH2 symmetric stretching ratio had negative correlation with predicted ruminal and intestinal nutrient availability of alfalfa hay in dairy cows (r≥-0.60; p<0.05). CONCLUSION: FT/IR carbohydrate and lipid molecular structures in alfalfa hay changed with advancing maturity from early bud to early flower, but not during the day, and these molecular structures correlated with predicted nutrient supply of alfalfa hay in ruminants.

Postpartum Sexual Functioning and Its Predicting Factors among Iranian Women.

BACKGROUND: Many women experience sexual dysfunction following childbirth but this has not been well investigated in Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate women's sexual function in the postpartum period in Iran. It also sought to determine predicting factors associated with their sexual function. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study among 380 postpartum women attending 10 urban health centers in Ilam province in southwestern Iran. Participants were selected using random cluster sampling. Data was collected using the female sexual function index (FSFI) and a checklist of socio-demographic and maternal status for each of the women. Sexual dysfunction was classified according to an FSFI score of ≤ 28. Data were analysed using SPSS version 22. RESULTS: The majority of participants (76.3%) had sexual dysfunction. Primiparity (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.78 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.11, 2.94); P = 0.006) and exclusive breastfeeding (aOR: 2.47 (95% CI: 1.21, 5.03); P = 0.012) were associated with increased odds of experiencing sexual dysfunction in the postpartum period. Other factors such as age, type of delivery, education, time since delivery and family income did not predict women's postpartum sexual function. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed findings of previous studies on factors that may have an adverse effect on new mothers' sexual function in the postpartum period. However the effect of type of delivery on postpartum sexual function remains unclear.

Protein molecular structures in alfalfa hay cut at three stages of maturity and in the afternoon and morning and relationship with nutrient availability in ruminants.

BACKGROUND: Molecular structures in feed protein influence its digestive behavior, availability and utilization. From a nutritive point of view, stage of maturity and cutting time are important factors affecting nutrient profiles and availability of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hay in ruminants. The objectives of this study were to determine protein molecular structures by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and their relationship with nutrient profiles and availability in ruminants of alfalfa hay cut at early bud, late bud and early flower stages and in afternoon and morning. RESULTS: With advancing maturity, molecular structure ratios of α-helix:ß-sheets decreased, while amide I:amide II increased (P ≤ 0.05). Alfalfa cutting in afternoon versus morning increased protein structure α-helix:ß-sheets and α-helix:others ratios (P < 0.05) and tended to decrease the proportion of ß-sheets (P = 0.09). Positive correlations were found for α-helix:ß-sheet ratio (R ≥ 0.60; P < 0.05) with intermediately degradable protein (PB2) and ruminal degradability and intestinal protein supply, and all these parameters correlated negatively with amide I:amide II ratio (R ≤ -0.62; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Protein molecular structures in alfalfa hay changed with advancing maturity and during the day and these protein structures affected predicted nutrient availability of alfalfa hay in ruminants.

Can Alhaji maurorum as a halophyte plant be ensiled with molasses and Saccharomyces cerevisiae well?

Alhagi maurorum (Caspian Manna, AM) is a species of legume found commonly in the semi-arid region of the world. Nutritional aspects of silage prepared from AM have not been scientifically investigated so far, therefore, in this study, chemical-mineral composition, gas production parameters, ruminal fermentation parameters, buffering capacity, and silage characteristics of AM were investigated by standard laboratory methods. Fresh AM was ensiled in the mini-silos (3.5 kg) and treated with (1) no additive (control), (2) 5% molasses, (3) 10% molasses, (4) 1 × 104 CFU of Saccharomyces cerevisiae [SC]/g of fresh silage, (5) 1 × 104 CFU of SC/g of fresh silage + 5% molasses, (6) 1 × 104 CFU of SC/g of fresh silage + 10% molasses, (7) 1 × 108 CFU of SC/g of fresh silage, (8) 1 × 108 CFU of SC/g of fresh silage + 5% molasses, and (9) 1 × 108 CFU of SC/g of fresh silage + 10% molasses for 60 days. The lowest concentrations of NDF and ADF were related to treatments no. 6 and 5, respectively (p < 0.0001). The ash content as well as sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium were highest in treatment no 2. Silages containing 10% molasses (no. 3) had the highest and lowest lactic (p < 0.0001) and butyric (p < 0.0001) acids, respectively. The highest amount of potential gas production was observed in treatments no. 5 and 6, respectively (p < 0.0001). Total yeast was decreased with increasing molasses in the silages (p < 0.0001). Acid-base buffering capacity was also highest in treatments no. 6 and 5, respectively (p = 0.0003). In general, due to the fibrous nature of AM, it is recommended to add molasses at levels of 5 or 10% when ensiling. The silages containing SC at a lower level (1 × 104 CFU) along with higher levels of molasses (10% of DM) had better ruminal digestion-fermentation characteristics compared to other silages. Also, the addition of molasses improved the internal fermentation characteristics of AM in the silo.

High prevalence of mental disorders: a population-based cross-sectional study in the city of Ilam, Iran.

Aim: To determine the age- and sex-standardized prevalence and risk factors of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in the city of Ilam. Method: In this population-based cross-sectional study, 1,350 people were invited using a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method. Depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were measured using the DASS-21 standard questionnaire. For data analysis, multiple ordinal logistic regression was used in Stata version 12 software. A significance level of 5% was considered. Results: The data of 1,431 people were analyzed. The age- and sex-standardized prevalence (95% CI) of severe depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms was 19.90% (17.64 to 22.16), 25.95% (23.48 to 28.43), and 15.75% (13.69 to 17.81), respectively. There was a positive association among depression symptoms with female sex (OR: 1.52; p < 0.003), Kurdish ethnicity (OR: 2.15; p < 0.004), low educational level (OR: 1.37; p < 0.031), job losing history (OR: 1.64; p < 0.001), mental disorders history (OR: 2.17; p < 0.001), hopelessness for the future (OR: 5.38; p < 0.001), and history of other diseases (OR: 1.67; p < 0.001). There was a positive association among anxiety symptoms with female sex (OR: 1.72; p < 0.001), job losing history (OR: 1.53; p < 0.003), mental disorders history (OR: 2.11; p < 0.001), hopelessness to future (OR: 3.33; p < 0.001) and history of other diseases (OR: 1.97; p < 0.001). Hopelessness for the future and a history of other diseases were the most effective variables for anxiety symptoms and stress symptoms. Conclusion: A significant proportion of Ilam's urban population suffers from mental disorders. Increasing people's awareness, establishing counseling centers, and improving infrastructure should be considered by mental health policymakers who work in the province.

Determining Optimal Nonlinear Regression Models for Studying the Kinetics of Fatty Acid Ruminal Biohydrogenation In Vitro.

The accurate estimation of in vitro ruminal biohydrogenation (BH) kinetics of fatty acids (FA) allows for a more accurate understanding of their dynamics and develop targeted strategies to enhance desirable FA bypass. This study comprises a comprehensive evaluation of 33 nonlinear regression models to determine the most suitable model for accurately estimating the in vitro BH kinetics of individual FA. The data set utilized in the present research originates from a recent investigation on the effects of micronization and vitamin E on the in vitro ruminal BH of rapeseed. For the nonlinear regression analysis, data comprising FA concentrations (expressed as g FA/100 g FA) at the conclusion of 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h incubation periods were employed. The evaluation of nonlinear regression models focused on identifying the ideal model based on criteria including the highest R2 value, the lowest RMSE value, and statistically significant coefficients. The results pinpoint the Gompertz model as an effective choice for estimating the in vitro ruminal BH kinetics of upward-trending fatty acids, including intermediate unsaturated fatty acids and saturated end FA. Additionally, the first-order kinetic model of Ørskov and McDonald emerges as the preferred model for investigating the BH kinetics of downward-trending fatty acids, including oleic acid, linoleic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid. In summary, this rigorous evaluation led to the identification of the most appropriate model, one that not only exhibited an exceptional fit to the data but also provided profound insights into the intricate relationships between predictors and the dynamic behavior of FA. The established nonlinear regression models will serve as invaluable tools for future research investigating FA biohydrogenation kinetics.

Effect of supplementation of fish and canola oil in the diet on milk Fatty Acid composition in early lactating holstein cows.

This study examined the effects of supplementation of fish oil and canola oil in the diet on milk yield, milk components and fatty acid composition of Holstein dairy cows in early lactation. Eight multiparous early lactation Holstein cows (42±12 DIM, 40±6 kg daily milk yield) were fed a total mixed ration supplemented with either 0% oil (Control), 2% fish oil (FO), 1% canola oil +1% fish oil (FOCO), or 2% canola oil (CO) according to a double 4×4 Latin square design. Each period lasted 3 wk; experimental analyses were restricted to the last week of each period. Supplemental oils were added to a basal diet which was formulated according to NRC (2001) and consisted of 20% alfalfa, 20% corn silage and 60% concentrate. Milk yield was similar between diets (p>0.05), but dry matter intake (DMI) was lower (p<0.05) in cows fed FO diet compared to other diets. Milk fat percentage and daily yield decreased (p<0.01) with the supplementation of fish and canola oil. The daily yield and percentage of milk protein, lactose and solids-not-fat (SNF) were not affected by diets (p>0.05). The proportion (g/100 g fatty acids) of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) decreased and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) increased (p<0.05) in milk of all cows fed diets supplemented with oil. The proportions of 6:0, 8:0, 10:0 12:0 and 14:0 fatty acids in milk fat decreased (p<0.01) for all diets supplemented with oil, but the proportions of 14:1, 16:0 and 16:1 fatty acids were not affected by diets (p>0.05). The proportion of trans(t)-18:1 increased (p<0.01) in milk fat of cows fed FO and FOCO diets, but CO diet had the highest proportion of cis(c)-11 18:1 (p<0.01). The concentration of t-10, c-12 18:2, c-9 t-11 18:2, 18:3, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6) increased (p<0.05) in FO and FOCO diets in comparison with the other two diets. These data indicate that including fish oil in combination with canola oil significantly modifies the fatty acid composition of milk.

Yogurt and molasses can alter microbial-digestive and nutritional characteristics of pomegranate leaves silage.

Fewer studies in recent years have been conducted on the nutritional potential and fermentation quality of silage prepared from pomegranate leaves (PL). So, we investigated the nutritional-fermentation quality of PL before and after ensiling with or without yogurt containing mainly lactic acid-producing bacteria (Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophiles) and molasses (at two levels of 2 and 4% of dry matter) in the polyethylene microsilos for 60 days. A range of dry matter (29.1-39.1%), crude protein (3.85-4.83%), ash (5.33-8.60%), and non-fiber carbohydrates (53.2%-58.6%) contents were observed among the treatments. A significant increase in calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron, and zinc was observed in PL after ensiling compared to before ensiling (p < 0.05). The PL ensiled with 4% yogurt exhibited the highest ammonia nitrogen, lactic and acetic acids, but the lowest butyric acid among the ensiled PL (p < 0.05). The ensiling of PL without additive (control) significantly decreased potential gas production, dry matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility, total volatile fatty acids, metabolizable energy, net energy for lactation, base-buffering capacity, titratable alkalinity, and acid-base buffering capacity compared to before ensiling (p < 0.05). According to the present results, the nutritional value of PL before ensiling was higher than after ensiling. The addition of yogurt and molasses to PL at the ensiling process especially at 4% of dry matter, improved the fermentation and nutritional characteristics. In general, the addition of yogurt or molasses as two cheap and available additives is recommended to improve the digestive-fermentation parameters of PL in silo and ruminal environments.

Rate and Causes of Suicide in Ilam: A Report of the Suicide Registry.

Objective: Suicide is one of the most important health problems in the world. Financial, academic, social, and environmental difficulties along with genetic, physical, and mental disorders affect suicide attempts. This study aimed to find risk factors for completed suicide in Ilam province according to the suicide registry in Ilam province. Method : This was a prospective study and was performed based on suicide case registration data, pre-determined checklist data, and death registration data in Ilam province from March 2019 to September 2020. Logistic regression models and the Chi-square test were used to determine the relationship between completed suicide and its risk factors. Results: Among 1,410 attempted suicides, 66 (4.7 %) were executed. Rate of completed suicides was higher in men (6.5%) compared to women (4.5%), (p = 0.005), age groups over 65 years (P < 0.001), retirees and farmers (P = 0.009), illiterate people (P < 0.001), villagers (P = 0.02), people motivated due to physical problems (P = 0.016), suicide by physical methods (P < 0.001) and self-immolation (P < 0.001). Logistic regression showed that incidence of completed suicide was significantly higher in the age group over 65 years, illiterate people, people using physical methods, villagers, and men. Multivariate logistic regression also showed that men and individuals using physical methods of suicide were significantly more successful in suicide. Conclusion: Men, the elderly, illiterates, villagers, and people who used physical suicide methods were in high-risk groups. Despite lower prevalence of suicide, a higher rate of completed suicide was demonstrated. To decrease completed suicide rates, we must pay attention to these groups.

Rumen development and growth of Balouchi lambs offered alfalfa hay pre- and post-weaning.

The consumption of solid feed is essential for successful transition from a pre-ruminant to a functional digestive tract. Lambs fed starter rations containing highly fermentable carbohydrates often experience dramatic changes in concentrations of rumen and blood metabolites. The optimal amount of roughage required in the diet of pre-ruminant animals is still unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of feeding alfalfa hay on performance and rumen development in young Balouchi lambs. In a completely randomized design, 30 lambs were fed one of three experimental diets consisting of a control, without alfalfa hay (C), a diet containing 7.5% alfalfa hay (A1), and a diet containing 15% alfalfa hay (A2). Lambs fed A1 and A2 diets had lower dry matter intake during the pre-weaning period (P < 0.01) and overall (P = 0.02), but feed conversion ratio and average daily gain were not affected by feeding alfalfa hay. Concentration of beta-hydroxybutyric acid was higher in C compared with the A1 and A2 groups (P < 0.01). Concentrations of glucose and non-esterified fatty acids did not differ among the groups of animals. Feeding alfalfa hay reduced thickness of the rumen epithelial keratinized layer (P = 0.04) and increased thickness of muscular layer (P = 0.05). We concluded that including 15% alfalfa hay in the starter diet could reduce thickness of the keratinization layer and increase muscularity of rumen wall without adverse effects on growth and performance of newborn lambs.

Metabolic Fingerprinting of Feces from Calves, Subjected to Gram-Negative Bacterial Endotoxin.

Gram-negative bacteria have a well-known impact on the disease state of neonatal calves and their mortality. This study was the first to implement untargeted metabolomics on calves' fecal samples to unravel the effect of Gram-negative bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In this context, calves were challenged with LPS and administered with fish oil, nanocurcumin, or dexamethasone to evaluate treatment effects. Ultra-high-performance liquid-chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) was employed to map fecal metabolic fingerprints from the various groups before and after LPS challenge. Based on the generated fingerprints, including 9650 unique feature ions, significant separation according to LPS group was achieved through orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (Q2 of 0.57 and p-value of 0.022), which allowed the selection of 37 metabolites as bacterial endotoxin markers. Tentative identification of these markers suggested that the majority belonged to the subclass of the carboxylic acid derivatives-amino acids, peptides, and analogs-and fatty amides, with these subclasses playing a role in the metabolism of steroids, histidine, glutamate, and folate. Biological interpretations supported the revealed markers' potential to aid in disease diagnosis, whereas beneficial effects were observed following dexamethasone, fish oil, and nanocurcumin treatment.

COVID-19 associated central nervous system manifestations, mental and neurological symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The ongoing pandemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infected more than 27 million confirmed cases and 8,90,000 deaths all around the world. Verity of viral infections can infect the nervous system; these viral infections can present a wide range of manifestation. The aim of the current study was to systematically review the COVID-19 associated central nervous system manifestations, mental and neurological symptoms. For that we conducted a comprehensive systematic literature review of four online databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Embase. All relevant articles that reported psychiatric/psychological symptoms or disorders in COVID-19 without considering time and language restrictions were assessed. All the study procedures were performed based on the PRISMA criteria. Due to the screening, 14 studies were included. The current study result indicated that, the pooled prevalence of CNS or mental associated disorders with 95% CI was 50.68% (6.68-93.88). The most prevalence symptoms were hyposmia/anosmia/olfactory dysfunction (number of study: 10) with 36.20% (14.99-60.51). Only one study reported numbness/paresthesia and dysphonia. Pooled prevalence of numbness/paresthesia and dysphonia was 5.83% (2.17-12.25) and 2.39% (10.75-14.22). The pooled prevalence of depression and anxiety was 3.52% (2.62-4.54) and 13.92% (9.44-19.08). Our findings demonstrate that COVID-19 has a certain relation with neurological symptoms. The hypsomia, anosmia or olfactory dysfunction was most frequent symptom. Other symptoms were headache or dizziness, dysgeusia or ageusia, dysphonia and fatigue. Depression, anxiety, and confusion were less frequent symptoms.

Giardia Lamblia Subtypes and Their Relationship with Clinical Symptoms in Patients with Giardiasis.

Giardia lamblia has proved to be the most common intestinal protozoan parasite in humans that causes giardiasis. Given the high mutations in the genome of this parasite, the present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Giardia lamblia subtypes and their relationship with clinical symptoms in patients who appear to have giardiasis. In 69 stool specimens with an appropriate number of giardia cysts, the DNA was first purified, and the genotype was then determined based on the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) gene sequence using PCR-RFLP. Data were collected on the clinical symptoms of the patients through a questionnaire, and their relationship with molecular results was studied. Four samples (5.8%) were found to be of subtype AI, 51 (73.9%) of subtype AII and 14 (20.3 %) of subtype BIII. No BIV subtype was found in the present study. A correlation was observed between Giardia lamblia genotypes (AI, AII and BIII) and abdominal pain. All of the people (100%) who had the AI genotype (i.e. the zoonosis subtype) had been losing weight. There was a significant correlation between weight loss and the AI subtype. All of the people (100%) infected with the BIII genotype experienced diarrhea, and this genotype was found to be associated with diarrhea. The present study found abdominal pain to be the most common symptom of giardiasis in Ilam province. Moreover, humans were found to be the main reservoir for giardia lamblia, although zoonosis subtypes such as AI and BIII still exist in the region and pose a risk for a giardiasis epidemic.

Effects of feeding rumen-protected amino acids on the performance of feedlot calves.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to produce and evaluate protected amino acids (AAs) against degradation in the rumen with greater bioavalibility and without the problems associated with polymer coating and the effect this has on calf performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the first step, essential AAs methionine and lysine were reacted with two chemical compounds (Benzaldehyde and Glutaraldehyde) in an attempt to make ligands for producing protected AAs. The physico-chemical characterization, melting point, and mass spectrometric of products were estimated. These products were fed to 36 Holstein dairy calves with 110 ± 0.50 kg of average body weight and an age of 110 ± 10 days. Calves were randomly assigned to six treatments. This study was done with six treatments as a completely randomized one-way design. RESULTS: Feed consumption and average daily gain were less for control animals and those fed methionine and lysine glutaraldehyde compared to other treatments. The largest chewing time was observed for methionine and lysine glutaraldehyde, respectively, and the least was control. There was no difference for energy consumption, dry matter intake, or blood metabolites among the six treatments. The greatest total protein content was related to methionine and lysine glutaraldehyde treatment and the least total protein was observed in control treatment. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the use of chemical methods to protect AAs can be applied and may have some beneficial effects.

Genotyping of Fasciola hepatica Isolated from Domestic Animals in the West of Iran.

OBJECTIVES: The most common parasites responsible for fascioliasis are F. hepatica and F. gigantica. Fascioliasis is an important problem in terms of health and economics. The western part of Iran is one of the major hubs of animal husbandry and the prevalence of fascioliasis is high. The aim of the current study was to determine the Fasciola spp. present in the western part of Iran. In the present study, 45 samples were collected from slaughterhouses in three provinces in the western part of Iran, including Ilam, Lorestan and Kermanshah. METHODS: The flukes were detected using morphological methods and the DNA of all samples was extracted. The ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) was identified by PCR and PCR-RFLP techniques using the Rsa1 restriction enzyme. Then, 15% of the samples were sequenced. RESULTS: Based on their ITS1 sequence, all samples showed 700 bp bands. The results of sequencing showed a similarity of 99% to 100% across samples. Using the Rsa1 restriction enzyme, all samples produced three distinct bands (60 bp, 100 bp, and 360 bp). These results demonstrated that the most common fasciola in the western part of Iran in sheep and cattle is F. hepatica. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed that only the species F. hepatica is parasitizing livestock in the western part of Iran. Further studies using new molecular markers for more accurate identification of fasciola-causing species will be useful in the control and prevention of fascioliasis.

The Challenges of Iran's Type 2 Diabetes Prevention and Control Program.

BACKGROUND: Incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes are one of the major challenges of Iran health system. Despite policies on diabetes prevention and control, Iran is faced with many problems in prevention and control of this disease at the executive level. This study seeks to identify the problems of Type 2 diabetes prevention and control program in Iran. METHODS: In this qualitative study, 17 participants were interviewed purposefully. The semi-structured interview guide was designed based on literature review and four initial in-depth interviews. Framework analysis method was used for the analysis of qualitative data. RESULTS: Six themes and 29 subthemes explaining the problems of type 2 diabetes prevention and control program were identified: Referral system, human resources, infrastructure, cultural problems, access, and intersectoral coordination issues. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the well-developed policy of type 2 diabetes prevention and control, the implementation is faced with some problems which endangers the effectiveness of the plan. Any attempt to improve the successful implementation of the type 2 diabetes prevention and control program requires effective measures, deep understanding of the problems and solving them.