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.

Analysis of the Conformational Landscape of the N-Domains of the AAA ATPase p97: Disentangling the Continuous Conformational Variability in Partially Symmetrical Complexes.

Single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has been shown to be effective in defining the structure of macromolecules, including protein complexes. Complexes adopt different conformations and compositions to perform their biological functions. In cryo-EM, the protein complexes are observed in solution, enabling the recording of images of the protein in multiple conformations. Various methods exist for capturing the conformational variability through analysis of cryo-EM data. Here, we analyzed the conformational variability in the hexameric AAA + ATPase p97, a complex with a six-fold rotational symmetric core surrounded by six flexible N-domains. We compared the performance of discrete classification methods with our recently developed method, MDSPACE, which uses 3D-to-2D flexible fitting of an atomic structure to images based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Our analysis detected a novel conformation adopted by approximately 2% of the particles in the dataset and determined that the N-domains of p97 sway by up to 60° around a central position. This study demonstrates the application of MDSPACE in analyzing the continuous conformational changes in partially symmetrical protein complexes, systems notoriously difficult to analyze due to the alignment errors caused by their partial symmetry.

Toward making a high-quality silage from common reed (Phragmites australis).

The effects of the addition of molasses (5 and 10% of dry matter: DM basis; M5 and M10 respectively) with or without urea (2%; U2, U2 + M5 and U2 + M10) on chemical and mineral composition, silage quality, microbial populations, buffering capacity and fermentation/digestion characteristics of common reed (Phragmites australis) ensiled under anaerobic conditions were investigated. The additives changed the silage quality of common reed compared with the control. Crude protein content was significantly (p < 0.0001) increased in urea-containing silages, whereas ash-free neutral detergent fibre concentration decreased in M10 compared with the control (p = 0.05). Treatment with 2% urea (U2) resulted in the reduction of most measured minerals with a severe decrease in iron concentration. The amount of gas produced after 96 h of incubation was, respectively, higher for U2, M10, U2M10, U2M5 and M5 compared with the control (p < 0.0001). Although the greatest in vitro dry matter digestibility and in vitro organic matter digestibility (96 h) were observed in U2 (p < 0.0001), no significant differences were found between U2 and M10. Supplementation with 10% molasses (M10) significantly increased lactic acid concentration, aerobic stability and total bacteria compared with other treatments (p < 0.0001). Moreover, DM loss (p = 0.0004), total yeast and mould (p < 0.0001) were significantly decreased as a result of 10% molasses treatment. Overall, it can be suggested that treating silage with 10% molasses (M10) has the potential to efficiently improve the nutritive value of common reed.

In vitro ruminal-microbial fermentation pattern: nutritional insights about some agricultural crop mesocarps (peel) in ruminant nutrition.

Different agricultural crop wastes (ACW) such as mesocarps (peel) are annually produced after consuming their edible parts in the world without any scientific information about their nutritional potential. Therefore, a study was conducted to determine the ruminal-microbial fermentation pattern and nutritional potential of some crop mesocarps (peel) including different species of melons (Watermelon, Galia melon, Rockmelon, Til sabz, and Til atashi) as well as cucumber and eggplant using common and standard laboratory methods. The amount of crude protein (CP) varied from 7.19 to 19.1% of dry matter (DM) for Til sabz and cucumber mesocarps, respectively. The highest (34.1% of DM) and lowest (15.4%) content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were related to eggplant and Til sabz peels, respectively (p < 0.05). The content of non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) varied from 38.7% for eggplant peel to 66.6% for Til sabz. All mesocarps had a low DM percentage (4.88% of DM for cucumber to 8.45 for eggplant). Rockmelon peel had the highest amount of calcium (5.25 g/kg DM) and magnesium (5.75 g/kg DM) compared with the other mesocarps (p < 0.05). The highest amounts of potassium (33.4 g/kg of DM), sodium (7.15 g/kg of DM), and zinc (21 mg/kg of DM) were observed in the peels of watermelon, Til atashi, and cucumber, respectively (p < 0.05). The potential of ruminal-microbial gas production also differed from 55.6 ml/200 mg of DM for eggplant to 63.1 ml for Til sabz peel. Except for cucumber (8.75 MJ/kg of DM) and eggplant (8.71 MJ), other mesocarps (different melon species) had almost similar metabolizable energy (ME, 9.06-9.50 MJ/kg of DM). Among the studied mesocarps, the lowest ruminal-microbial DM and organic matter (OM) digestibility was also observed in eggplant and cucumber (p < 0.05). Gallia melon had the highest acid-base buffering capacity (267 mEq×10- 3, p < 0.05). According to our findings, the mesocarps of melons showed a higher nutritional value than the cucumber and eggplant. In general, Til sabz exhibited a notable favorite and superior nutritional characteristic compared with the other mesocarps.

Can conventional forages be replaced with cotton plant (Gossypium hirsutum) wastes in fattening lambs? Laboratory and animal studies.

The cotton plant (Gossypium hirsutum) is a shrub native to many arid and semi-arid regions around the world, while the nutritional value of its wastes has been less scientifically investigated. Different components of whole cotton plant wastes (WCPW) including leaf blade, cotton pod, stem, root, bract, petiole, and cottonseed were evaluated for their nutritional values by standard laboratory methods. After that, we tested the WCPW for partial substitution (0, 20, 40, and 60% substitution or 0, 10, 20, and 30% of dietary dry matter (DM)) with dietary common forage in a completely randomized design with 32 feedlot male lambs for 90 days. A diverse range of chemical and mineral compositions was found among the different WCPW's components. The cottonseed had the highest crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) contents, while the lowest neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were observed in the leaf blade (P < 0.0001). The highest contents of calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, and iron were also observed in the leaf blade (P < 0.0001). Higher potential gas production, in vitro organic matter digestibility (OMD), in vitro dry matter digestibility (DMD), and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) were also related to the leaf blade (P < 0.0001). Bract had the highest acid-base buffering capacity (P < 0.0001). The lambs fed on 30% of dietary DM with WCPW exhibited lower final body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), CP or NDF digestibility, ruminal TVFA, propionate, plasma total protein, and higher feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group. Generally, WCPW can be substituted up to 40% of common forages (or 20% of diet DM) without any adverse effect on growth performance and blood metabolites of feedlot lambs, especially during feed shortages.

Molecular Mechanisms Driving and Regulating the AAA+ ATPase VCP/p97, an Important Therapeutic Target for Treating Cancer, Neurological and Infectious Diseases.

p97/VCP, a highly conserved type II ATPase associated with diverse cellular activities (AAA+ ATPase), is an important therapeutic target in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. p97 performs a variety of functions in the cell and facilitates virus replication. It is a mechanochemical enzyme that generates mechanical force from ATP-binding and hydrolysis to perform several functions, including unfolding of protein substrates. Several dozens of cofactors/adaptors interact with p97 and define the multifunctionality of p97. This review presents the current understanding of the molecular mechanism of p97 during the ATPase cycle and its regulation by cofactors and small-molecule inhibitors. We compare detailed structural information obtained in different nucleotide states in the presence and absence of substrates and inhibitors. We also review how pathogenic gain-of-function mutations modify the conformational changes of p97 during the ATPase cycle. Overall, the review highlights how the mechanistic knowledge of p97 helps in designing pathway-specific modulators and inhibitors.

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.

Development of antimicrobial gelatin-ulvan-beeswax composite films: Optimization of formulation using mixture design methodology.

A new generation of antimicrobial film was developed by incorporation of ulvan extracted from Ulva intestinalis into gelatin from common carp scale and its water sensitivity was reduced with addition of beeswax. Optimum composition of gelatin (0-100%w/w), ulvan (0-100%w/w) and beeswax (0-10%w/w) for achieving composite films with minimum water solubility (S) and water vapor permeability (WVP) and maximum tensile strength (TS), elongation at break point (EAB) and antibacterial effect on E. coli (EC) were investigated using mixture design methodology. Both pure gelatin and ulvan films and their composites had relatively good mechanical and optical properties. Addition of ulvan to gelatin produced composite films with good antibacterial properties but water resistance of all the films was weak. Addition of beeswax up to ∼5 % improved the water resistance and mechanical properties of the films without jeopardizing their antibacterial properties. The final optimum formulation with a desirability of 0.709 was achieved as 52.18 % of gelatin, 40.83 % of ulvan and 6.97 % of beeswax resulting in a minimum possible S (40 %) and WVP (1.86 10-10 g/ms Pa) and maximum possible TS (6.23 MPa) and EAB (89 %) with good EC (7.66 mm). Finally, good mechanical, thermal and microstructural properties of the optimum composite film was confirmed. Altogether, a combination of ulvan and beeswax can be a promising solution for development of gelatin films with both antimicrobial properties and lower water sensitivity.

Eubiotic Effect of a Dietary Bio-Aqua® and Sodium Diformate (NaDF) on Salmo trutta caspius: Innate Immune System, Biochemical Indices, Antioxidant Defense, and Expression of Immunological and Growth-Related Genes.

The present study investigated the effects of combined and singular oral administration of Bio-Aqua® with different dosages of sodium diformate (NaDF) on biochemical indices, innate immune responses, antioxidant effects, and expressions of immunological related genes of Caspian brown trout (Salmo trutta caspius). Fingerlings Salmo trutta caspius (n = 1800; initial weight 15 ± 3 g) were randomly allocated into five groups (120 fish group-1 in triplicates). Control diet: without any addition, G1, G2, G3, and G4 received diets containing 0.2 g kg-1 commercial probiotic Bio-Aqua® combined with 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% NaDF to the basal diet for 60 days according to recommended dosages reported in previous studies. Results indicated that serum bactericidal activity (G3 on day 60 and G1 on day 30) and classic complement in all groups (on day 60) (G1 and G2 on day 30) were significantly elevated (P < 0.05). The serum lysozyme, glucose, globulin, and albumin levels showed no significant differences between all groups compared to the control group (P > 0.05). On days 30 and 60 of the sampling, no significant difference was observed in the amount of superoxide disotase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) between the treatments (P > 0.05) but activity of malondialdehyde (MDA) was lower in G1 than the control (P < 0.05). The expression of the immune-regulating genes IL-10, IL-1ß, GTP, FATP, and IGF was significantly improved in all probiotic + acidifier-treated groups (P < 0.05). The current findings showed that mixture of Bio-Aqua® and NaDF (1.5% + pro) is beneficial, as it effectively improves some immune parameters and expression of immunological and growth-related genes in Caspian brown trout.

Assessing construct validity of the Beighton Score as a measure of generalized joint hypermobility in varsity athletes.

The Beighton Score (BS) is a tool that dichotomizes those who have generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) and those who do not. Unfortunately, the BS is often used in populations that it was not originally developed for, including athletes for screening purposes. The construct validity of the BS remains unknown in this population. This secondary analysis investigated the construct validity of the BS by comparing varsity athletes' passive shoulder and hip ranges of motion (ROMs) to their respective BS and individual forward bend tests (FBTs). There were statistically significant but weak correlations between shoulder ROMs and the BS (r=0.142, p=0.021). Mean hip ROMs were greater by 5-degrees in those with positive FBTs compared to those with negative FBTs. This difference falls within typical measurement errors that occur in practice. Therefore, our results do not support the construct validity of the BS as a measure of GJH in healthy athletes.

Le score de Beighton (BS) est un outil qui permet de distinguer les personnes souffrant d'hypermobilité articulaire généralisée de celles qui n'en souffrent pas. Malheureusement, le score de Beighton est souvent utilisé dans des populations pour lesquelles il n'a pas été conçu à l'origine, notamment les athlètes, à des fins de dépistage. La validité de construit du score de Beighton reste inconnue dans cette population. Cette analyse secondaire a étudié la validité conceptuelle du score de Beighton en comparant les amplitudes de mouvement passives de l'épaule et de la hanche des athlètes universitaires à leur score de Beighton et à leurs tests individuels de flexion avant. Des corrélations statistiquement significatives mais faibles ont été observées entre les amplitudes de mouvement des épaules et le score de Beighton (r=0,142, p=0,021). Les amplitudes moyennes de flexion de la hanche étaient supérieures de 5 degrés chez les personnes ayant subi un test de flexion avant positif par rapport à celles ayant subi un test de flexion avant négatif. Cette différence s'inscrit dans le cadre des erreurs de mesure typiques qui se produisent au cours de la pratique. Par conséquent, nos résultats ne confirment pas la validité conceptuelle du score de Beighton en tant que mesure de l'hypermobilité articulaire généralisée chez les athlètes en bonne santé.

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.

The one-week prevalence of overuse-related shoulder pain and activity limitation in competitive tennis players living in Toronto: a feasibility study.

Objective: We aimed to determine the feasibility of conducting a cross-sectional study to estimate the one-week prevalence of overuse-related shoulder pain and activity limitation in competitive tennis players. Methods: Eligible for the study were competitive adult tennis players who reside in Toronto. Using a convenience sample, the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Overuse Shoulder Injury Questionnaire (OSIQ) was administered online to provide preliminary estimates of the prevalence of shoulder pain and activity limitation, injury severity and pain intensity. Feasibility outcomes included evaluating participation rate and missing data in the questionnaire. Results: Forty-three tennis players were included in the questionnaire (68.3% participation rate, 100% completion rate). There was no missing data. The one-week proportion of those with shoulder pain and activity limitation was 41.9% with a mean injury severity of 33/100. Mean pain intensity was 1.9/10. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that it is feasible to conduct a cross-sectional study to measure the one-week prevalence of shoulder pain and activity limitation in tennis players.

Objectif: nous avons cherché à déterminer la faisabilité de mener une étude transversale pour estimer la prévalence sur une semaine de la douleur à l'épaule et de la limitation d'activité liée à la surutilisation chez les joueurs de tennis de compétition. Méthodologie: les joueurs de tennis adultes compétitifs qui résident à Toronto sont admissibles pour l'étude. À l'aide d'un simple échantillon, l'Overuse Shoulder Injury Questionnaire, OSIQ (questionnaire sur les blessures à l'épaule), du Centre de recherche sur les traumatismes sportifs d'Oslo a été mis en ligne pour obtenir des estimations préliminaires de la prévalence de la douleur à l'épaule et de la limitation des activités, de la gravité des blessures et de l'intensité de la douleur. Les critères de faisabilité comprenaient l'évaluation du taux de participation et des données manquantes dans le questionnaire. Résultats: quarante-trois joueurs de tennis ont été inclus dans le questionnaire (taux de participation de 68,3 %, taux d'achèvement de 100 %). Il n'y avait pas de données manquantes. La proportion sur une semaine de personnes souffrant de douleur à l'épaule et de limitation d'activité était de 41,9 % avec une gravité moyenne des blessures de 33/100. L'intensité moyenne de la douleur était de 1,9/10. Conclusion: notre étude démontre qu'il est possible de mener une étude transversale pour mesurer la prévalence sur une semaine de la douleur à l'épaule et de la limitation d'activité chez les joueurs de tennis.

Food cravings during the first week of concussion.

The brain utilizes glucose as its main source of energy. Traumatic brain injuries may alter the brain's ability to shuttle glucose effectively; therefore, the symptoms experienced may be a signal of the dysregulation. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the presence of any specific food cravings during the first week post-concussion and if the consumption of such a food decreased the symptoms of concussion. The link to the survey was posted on 4 Canadian organization websites from November 2020 to February 2021. Any individual over 18 years old who had suffered one of more concussions in the past 12 months was included. 73 females and 24 males, the majority aged 18-40 years, completed the survey. Participants with combined carbohydrate and sweet cravings reported significantly more symptoms of increased emotions (p=0.04), irritability (p=0.03), sadness (p=0.04), nervousness (p=0.03), and sleep disturbances (p=0.05) than those without these cravings. Consumption of the craved food did not change the concussion symptoms.

Le cerveau utilise le glucose comme principale source d'énergie. Les lésions cérébrales traumatiques peuvent altérer la capacité du cerveau à transporter le glucose de manière efficace; par conséquent, les symptômes ressentis peuvent être un signal de ce dérèglement. L'objectif de cette étude transversale était d'enquêter sur la présence de toute envie irrésistible de manger un aliment particulier pendant la première semaine suivant la commotion cérébrale et de déterminer si la consommation d'un tel aliment diminuait les symptômes de la commotion. Le lien vers l'enquête a été publié sur les sites Web de 4 organisations canadiennes de novembre 2020 à février 2021. Toute personne de plus de 18 ans ayant subi une ou plusieurs commotions cérébrales au cours des 12 derniers mois était incluse. 73 femmes et 24 hommes, âgés en majorité de 18 à 40 ans, ont répondu à l'enquête. Les participants ayant des envies combinées de glucides et de sucreries ont signalé considérablement plus de symptômes d'augmentation des émotions (p=0,04), d'irritabilité (p=0,03), de tristesse (p=0,04), de nervosité (p=0,03) et de troubles du sommeil (p=0,05) que ceux n'ayant pas ces envies. La consommation de l'aliment objet de l'envie n'a pas modifié les symptômes de la commotion cérébrale.

The nutritional value of some fruit tree leaves for finishing lambs.

The nutritional value of some tree leaves (grape, common fig, barberry, sweet cherry, apricot, peach, and oleaster) was investigated by in vitro and common laboratory methods. Also, thirty Baluchi male lambs were randomly divided into five groups, including one control group (alfalfa) and four experimental groups, which received diets containing different leaves (barberry, apricot, peach, and grape). The crude protein content ranged from 128 for the sweet cherry to 164 g/kg DM for grape. Common fig and barberry had the greatest and lowest calcium (29.3 vs. 11.5 g/kg DM), respectively (p < 0.001). The greatest total volatile fatty acids, dry matter and organic matter digestibilities, as well as potential gas production, were observed in barberry leaves (p < 0.001). Apricot had the greatest acid-base buffering capacity (245 mEq × 10-3) (p < 0.001). Lambs fed with barberry had a greater average daily gain (179 g/day, p = 0.013). The results of in vitro and in vivo indicated that barberry leaves had a greater nutritional value among the studied leaves. It is concluded that alfalfa can be replaced with barberry, apricot, peach, and grape leaves up to 250 g/kg DM in diet without deleterious effects on performance, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites, and hematology.

A study on the nutritional characteristics of some plants and their effects on ruminal microbial fermentation and protozoa population.

We designed this project to determine the nutritional potential and ruminal microbial fermentation properties of eight rangeland plants (Dracocephalum moldavica L., Melissa officinalis L., Ruta graveolens L., Perovskia abrotanoides Kar., Cichorium intybus L., Borago officinalis L., Peganum harmala L., and Teucrium polium L.) collected from the semi-arid region of Iran at two consecutive years (2019 and 2020) for ruminant diets. Medicago sativa as a common forage was also considered as control. We determined the chemical-mineral composition, buffering capacity, in vitro gas yield, ruminal fermentation, and protozoa population in a culture medium with the standard laboratory methods. A significant difference in chemical-mineral compounds was observed among the studied plants (p < 0.05). A lower crude protein range (6.28% for Cichorium intybus L. to 18.4% for Melissa officinalis L.) was observed rather than Medicago sativa (20.3%). The amount of calcium was highest in Peganum harmala L. (23.5-24.2 g/kg DM) and lowest in Ruta graveolens L. (1.15-1.25 g/kg DM). Dracocephalum moldavica L. exhibited the highest acid-base buffering capacity (235-242 mEq×10-3) among other plants. The highest decrease in total protozoa and other protozoan populations was observed when Perovskia abrotanoides Kar. was added to the culture medium. Teucrium Polium L. had the greatest potential gas yield and its total volatile fatty acid was comparable with Medicago sativa. It seems that eight plants are nutritionally suitable for partial replacement of the conventional plants such as Medicago sativa in diets of small ruminants, however dietary supplementation of Peganum harmala L. due to its alkaloids content should be done with caution.

An investigation on chemical/mineral compositions, ruminal microbial fermentation, and feeding value of some leaves as alternative forages for finishing goats during the dry season.

Finding new fodder resources with moderate to high nutritional value that are cheaper and available is one of the most challenges in livestock industries. Hence, the nutritive value of some tree leaves (quince, pear, olive, mirabelle plum, greengage, sour cherry, and persimmon) was investigated by different laboratories and in vitro methods. Also, partial substitution of alfalfa and corn silage (50%) with these leaves was investigated using forty-eight goats in a randomized complete block design in vivo. Highest total phenol and tannin contents were obtained in quince (p < 0.001). Greengage (146.37 g/kg DM) and persimmon (136.96 g/kg DM) exhibited the highest crude protein, respectively (p < 0.001). Calcium content (19.82 g/kg DM) was highest in persimmon leaves (p < 0.001). Greengage (66.07 mmol/L) and mirabelle plum (65.58 mmol/L) produced more total volatile fatty acids in the culture medium, respectively (p < 0.001). Potential gas production ranged from 39.65 mL for pear to 55.32 mL mirabelle plum. Sour cherry had the highest acid-base buffering capacity (183.73 mEq × 10-3, p < 0.001). Highest dry matter intake (1087 g/day) and crude protein digestibility (70.80 %) were observed in diets containing greengage (p < 0.001). Total antioxidant capacity of serum increased when olive, quince, and persimmon were considered in goats feeding (p < 0.001). Although all studied leaves can be fed in diets of goats without deleterious effects on performance, serum, and hematology parameters, in vivo and in vitro results indicated that greengage in terms of nutritive value was superior to other studied leaves.

Characteristics of adolescent athletes seeking early versus late care for sport-related concussion.

OBJECTIVES: 1) To determine which characteristics of adolescent athletes with SRC are associated with 'early' versus 'late' presentation for multimodal treatment; 2) to build a propensity score to investigate the effects of treatment timing during the management of SRCs. METHODS: Associations between early (0-7 days) versus late (8-28 days) presentation for treatment and pre-specified sociodemographic, pre-injury and injury characteristics were investigated in a historical cohort study of 2949 multi-sport athletes across Canada aged 12-18 years diagnosed with a SRC in community-based healthcare clinics. RESULTS: Early presentation was associated with being male, completing a pre-injury baseline assessment, and responding 'yes' or 'no' to having a diagnosed learning disability. Older athletes who reported previous SRCs were less likely to present early. The propensity score demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.71 (95% CI, 0.69 to 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: Male athletes with a completed baseline assessment were more likely to seek early treatment following a SRC, and older athletes who reported a greater number of previous SRCs were less likely to present early. External validation of the propensity score is needed before examining the impact of treatment timing on adolescent athlete recovery outcomes.

OBJECTIFS: 1) Trouver les caractéristiques des athlètes adolescents ayant subi une CCLS qui sont associées à la consultation précoce et à une consultation tardive; 2) établir un score de propension pour étudier les effets du moment du traitement pendant la prise en charge de la CCLS. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Les liens entre la consultation précoce (de 0 à 7 jours) et la consultation tardive (de 8 à 28 jours) et les caractéristiques sociodémographiques, les caractéristiques avant la blessure et les caractéristiques après des blessure prédéterminées ont été examinés au cours d'une étude de cohorte historique menée auprès de 2 949 adolescents multisports répartis dans toutes les régions du Canada, âgés de 12 à 18 ans, chez lesquels une CCLS avait été diagnostiquée dans des cliniques de santé communautaires. RÉSULTATS: La consultation précoce a été associée au sexe masculin, à une évaluation de départ avant la blessure et à la présence ou à l'absence d'un trouble de l'apprentissage. Les athlètes plus âgés ayant signalé des CCLS antérieures étaient moins susceptibles de consulter précocement. Le score de propension a démontré une aire sous la courbe de 0,71 (IC à 95 %: 0,69 à 0,73). CONCLUSIONS: Les athlètes masculins ayant subi une évaluation de départ étaient plus susceptibles de consulter précocement après une CCRS alors que les athlètes âgés ayant déclaré un plus grand nombre de CCRS antérieures étaient moins susceptibles de consulter précocement. Une validation externe du score de propension serait nécessaire avant d'examiner l'effet du moment de la consultation sur les résultats de récupération chez les athlètes adolescents.