Comparison of sensitivity between blood parameters and a genotoxic biomarker at low blood Pb levels: A population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies reported that lead (Pb) exposure induced adverse health effects at high exposure concentrations, however, there have been limited data on sensitivity comparisons among different health outcomes at low blood Pb levels. OBJECTIVES: To compare sensitivity between blood parameters and a genotoxic biomarker among workers exposed to low blood Pb levels (< 20 µg/dl), and to estimate a benchmark dose (BMD). METHODS: Pb-exposed workers were recruited from a lead-acid storage battery plant. Their blood lead levels (BLLs) were measured. Blood parameters and micronuclei (MN) frequencies were determined. Multivariate linear or Poisson regression was used to analyze relationships between blood parameters or MN frequencies with BLLs. Two BMD software were used to calculate BMD and its 95 % lower confidence limit (BMDL) for BLLs. RESULTS: The median BLL for 611 workers was 10.44 µg/dl with the 25th and 75th percentile being 7.37 and 14.62 µg/dl among all participants. There were significantly negative correlations between blood parameters and BLLs. However, MN frequencies correlated positively with BLLs (all P<0.05). Results from the two BMD software revealed that the dichotomous model was superior to the continuous model, and the BMDL for BLL derived from red blood cell (RBC) was 15.11 µg/dl, from hemoglobin (HGB) was 8.50 µg/dl, from mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) was 7.87 µg/dl, from mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was 3.98 µg/dl, from mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was 11.44 µg/dl, and from hematocrit (HCT) was 6.65 µg/dl. The conservative BMDL obtained from the MN data was 7.52 µg/dl. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that low dose Pb exposure caused decrease of blood parameters and increase of MN frequencies. The genotoxic biomarker was more sensitive than most blood parameters. BMDLs for BLL derived from MN frequencies and the red blood cell indicators should be considered as new occupational exposure limits. Our results suggest that MN assay can be considered as a part of occupational health examination items.

Impact of adding zeolite to broilers' diet and litter on growth, blood parameters, immunity, and ammonia emission.

This work was designed to assess the impact of varying zeolite concentrations in diet and litter to enhance broiler's growth performance, immunity, and litter quality. A complete random arrangement was used for distributing 525 unsexed "Cobb 500" broiler chicks into seven treatments (75 chick / treatment), each treatment divided into 3 replicates (25 chicks / replicate). The 1st group (control one) received the recommended basal diet. Zeolite has been introduced to the basal diet (ZD) of the second, third, and fourth groups at concentrations of 5, 10, and 15 g/kg, respectively. The 5th, 6th and 7th groups used zeolite mixed with litter (ZL) at 0.5, 1, and 1.5 kg/m2 of litter, respectively. Due to the obtained results, adding zeolite with levels 15 g/kg of diet and 1.5 kg/1 m2 of litter, a significant improvement occurred in live body weight (LBW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and European production efficiency factor (EPEF). Also, transaminase enzymes (ALT and AST), creatinine, white blood cells (WBCs) and different Immunoglobulins were significantly increased with different zeolite levels, except urea concentrations which showed reduced due to different zeolite treatments. In addition, spleen relative weight hasn't been affected by zeolite treatments, even though thymus and bursa relative weights had been affected significantly. Moreover, the antibodies' production to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and Avian influenza virus (AIV) had increased significantly with adding zeolite with levels 10 g/kg of diet and 1.5 kg/1m2 of litter. Litter quality traits (NH3 concentration, pH values, and Moisture content) were improved with zeolite addition. So, zeolite could be employed in both feed and litter of broilers to maximize their production, immunity and improve farm's climate.

Impact of replacing protein pellets with soybean grain on nutrient utilization and the rumen and blood parameters of feedlot cattle under tropical conditions.

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of replacing protein pellets with soybean grain in high-concentrate diets with or without the addition of silage, on the intake, digestibility, and rumen and blood parameters of feedlot cattle in tropical regions. Four cannulated, crossbred steers were used, 4.5 ± 0.5 years old, with an average weight of 685.55 ± 111.78 kg. The steers were distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square, in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme (two sources of protein: protein pellets or whole soybean grain, with or without added dietary bulk). There was no effect (P ≥ 0.109) from the interaction between the source of protein and the addition of silage to the diet on dry matter (DM) and nutrient intake, or the digestibility (P ≥ 0.625) of DM or crude protein (CP). However, both factors affected (P ≤ 0.052) the intake of DM, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC), as well as the independent digestibility (P ≤ 0.099) of fat, NFC, total carbohydrates (TC), and total cholesterol concentration. There was an effect (P ≤ 0.053) from the interaction between the source of protein and the addition of silage to the diet on the digestibility of NDF and total digestible nutrients (TDN), as well as on the glycose concentration (P = 0.003). Blood parameters (i.e. protein, albumin, creatinine, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)) were not affected (P ≥ 0.139) by the source of protein, the addition of silage, or their interaction. Lastly, including 150 g/kg silage DM in a high-grain diet, and using soybean grain as a source of protein in substitution of protein pellet could be a suitable nutritional strategy to ensure adequate DM and nutrient intake and digestibility, with no detrimental effects on rumen and blood parameters of feedlot cattle in the tropics.

The impact of glycine and glutamate, as components of glutathione precursors, on the productivity, digestive performance and blood profile of weaning pigs.

The impact of glycine and glutamate, as components of glutathione (GSH) precursors, was studied as a factor in determining the growth rate of weaning pigs, their digestion of nutrient supplements and their blood concentration levels. There were 180 crossbred weaning pigs with an average body weight (BW) of 7.94 ± 1.53 kg (five pigs per pen [two barrows and three gilts]; nine pens per treatment) that were randomly assigned to one of four diets. We used a basal diet as the control, TRT1 as the treatment with 0.10% precursor of GSH, TRT2 as the treatment with 0.20% precursor of GSH and TRT3 as the treatment with 0.30% precursor of GSH. The BW of weaning pigs exhibited a linear increase on days 7 (p < 0.001), 21 (p < 0.001) and 42 (p < 0.009) following the supplementation with the GSH precursor. Supplementation with GSH precursor led to a consistent and gradual increase in average daily gain (ADG) on days 8-21, 22-42 and overall, as indicated by a significant linear trend (p < 0.05). G: F was linearly increased (p < 0.05) on days 22-42 and overall with the increment in the precursor of GSH supplementation. However, GSH precursor supplementation did not have any impact on nutrient digestibility and blood profile in the treatment group. In summary, the administration of GSH precursor improved BW, ADG and G: F ratio while not affecting nutrient digestibility or blood profile.

Lipid parameters and depression in patients with chronic tinnitus: A cross-sectional observation.

BACKGROUND: Pathophysiological theories assume importance of metabolic abnormalities in patients with major depression - and possibly chronic tinnitus. Although chronic tinnitus frequently correlates with depression, links between high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and depression are uninvestigated. METHODS: Two-hundred patients with chronic tinnitus (Mage = 55; 51% female) were examined. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), HDL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), non-HDL, as well as LDL/HDL and TC/HDL ratios were analysed. Questionnaires included depression subscales of the ICD-10 Symptom Rating, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS_D), and the Berlin Mood Questionnaire (BSF). Multivariate analyses of covariance and linear regression models - which controlled age, tinnitus-related distress and perceived stress - investigated between-subgroup differences (p < 0.05) and linear associations between HDL indices and depression (p < 0.01). RESULTS: HDL levels did not differ for tinnitus-symptom durations, smoking and alcohol use levels, statin or antihypertensive drug use, and body-mass indices. Relative to non-to-mildly depressed patients with chronic tinnitus, patients with moderate-to-severe depression (n = 45; 23%) had significantly lower HDL levels (d = -0.35) and higher LDL/HDL (d = 0.39) and TC/HDL ratios (d = 0.40). Across participants, HDL-levels were negatively associated with depression as measured by the HADS_D and BSF_indifference scales. CONCLUSIONS: In keeping with general depression research, low serum HDL levels correlate with depressive symptomatology in patients with chronic tinnitus. This association may be influenced by proximal (e.g. modulations of HPA-axis activity) or distal factors (e.g. maladaptive coping behaviours) - both of which should be conceptualized within psychological stimulus-processing frameworks.

Hematological and biochemical parameters of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in captive and semi-natural environments.

Physiological indexes like blood parameters have been widely used to monitor the health of free-roaming animals. Attempts to reintroduce one of China's most endangered species, the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), have been hampered by a lack of data on its ecology and physiology. We examined three giant pandas' hematological and blood chemistry parameters in a soft release program and 30 captive giant pandas as controls and determined the reference intervals (RIs) for those blood parameters in the captive animals. Elevation, captivity status and the interaction of those factors were statistically significant for hematologic measures. Release pandas had significantly higher hemoglobin and hematocrit values after they moved to high elevation locations. We also found significant difference in the enzyme parameters between high and low elevation pandas such as higher aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine kinase, amylase and lower lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase. Release pandas also had higher nutrition parameter values such as higher albumin, globulin and creatinine. The RI for blood parameters in our study provides a baseline to monitor the health of captive animals and forms the basis for assessing the health of free-roaming giant pandas in future reintroduction efforts.

Impact of chronic heat stress on behavior, oxidative status and meat quality traits of fast-growing broiler chickens.

This research aimed to investigate, through a multifactorial approach, the relationship among some in-vivo parameters (i.e., behavior and blood traits) in broilers exposed to chronic HS, and their implications on proximate composition, technological properties, and oxidative stability of breast meat. A total of 300 Ross 308 male chickens were exposed, from 35 to 41 days of age, to either thermoneutral conditions (TNT group: 20°C; six replicates of 25 birds/each) or elevated ambient temperature (HS group: 24 h/d at 30°C; six replicates of 25 birds/each). In order to deal with thermal stress, HS chickens firstly varied the frequency of some behaviors that are normally expressed also in physiological conditions (i.e., increasing "drinking" and decreasing "feeding") and then exhibited a behavioral pattern finalized at dissipating heat, primarily represented by "roosting," "panting" and "elevating wings." Such modifications become evident when the temperature reached 25°C, while the behavioral frequencies tended to stabilize at 27°C with no further substantial changes over the 6 days of thermal challenge. The multifactorial approach highlighted that these behavioral changes were associated with oxidative and inflammatory status as indicated by lower blood γ-tocopherol and higher carbonyls level (0.38 vs. 0.18 nmol/mL, and 2.39 vs. 7.19 nmol/mg proteins, respectively for TNT and HS; p < 0.001). HS affected breast meat quality by reducing the moisture:protein ratio (3.17 vs. 3.01, respectively for TNT and HS; p < 0.05) as well as the muscular acidification (ultimate pH = 5.81 vs. 6.00, respectively; p < 0.01), resulting in meat with higher holding capacity and tenderness. HS conditions reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration in the breast meat while increased protein oxidation. Overall results evidenced a dynamic response of broiler chickens to HS exposure that induced behavioral and physiological modifications strictly linked to alterations of blood parameters and meat quality characteristics.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of arginine-silicate- Inositol and Phytase Complex on Egg Quality, Egg Shell Strength, and Blood Biochemical Characteristics of Laying Hens.

This study aimed to determine the effects of Arginine silicate inositol complex (ASI; Arg=49.47 %, silicone=8.2 %, inositol=25%) supplementation on egg quality, shell strength, and blood biochemical traits of laying hens, as well as the effects of substituting inositol with varying concentrations of phytase on the traits as mentioned above. 90 Lohmann Brown laying hens, 26 weeks old, were randomly distributed in 6 treatments with 3 replicates (cage) and 5 birds per replicate. The isocaloric and isonitrogenic diets are used according to the age period requirements of the Lohmann Brown Classic management guideline. The treatments were as follows: 1ST treatment T1: received basal diet without additives, T2 received basal diet +1000 mg/kg arginine-silicate mixture (49.5±8.2 % respectively), T3 received basal diet +1000 mg/kg arginine-silicate- inositol (ASI) mixture (49.5, 8.2 , 25 % respectively), T4 received basal diet +1000 mg/kg arginine-silicate mixture (49.5±8.2% respectively) +500 FTU/kg, T5 received basal diet +1000 mg/kg arginine-silicate mixture (49.5±8.2% respectively) +1000 FTU/kg and T6 received basal diet +1000 mg/kg arginine-silicate mixture (49.5±8.2% respectively) +1000 FTU/kg +2000 FTU/kg. Results indicate a significant increase (P<0.05) in the relative yolk weight in T4, T5, and T6 (26.93, 26.83, 26.77%) compared to T1 (25.84%) and a significant increase (P≤ 0.05) in T4, T5 compared to T3 (26.02%), while no differences observed between T2 (26.17%) compared to other experimental treatments. The relative albumin weight significantly decreased (P≤0.05) in phytase supplementation treatments T4, T5, and T6 (63.21, 63.05, 63.22%) compared to T1, T2, T3 (64.99, 64.30, 64.08%), while a significant decrease (P≤0.05) observed in T3 compared to T1. The relative shell weight significantly increased (P≤0.05) in T3, T4, T5, and T6 (9.90, 9.86, 10.12, 10.02%), respectively, compared to T1, T2 (9.17, 9.53%) with a significant increase (P≤0.05) in relative shell weight in T2 compared to T1. The eggshell thickness significantly increased (P≤0.05) in T3, T4, T5, T6 treatments (0.409, 0.408, 0.411, 0.413 mm), respectively compared to T1, T2 (0.384, 0.391 mm). A significant increased (P≤0.05) was observed in eggshell thickness in T2 compared to T1. A significant increase (P≤0.05) was observed in the egg shell breaking strength in T3 and T5 treatments (59.40, 58.83) compared to T1 and T2 (46.20, 48.23). No significant differences were observed between T4 and T6 (53.90, 53.57) compared to other experimental treatments. Non HDL, calcium, and phosphorus levels in blood serum significantly increased (P≤0.05) in T3, T4, T5, and T6 treatments compared to T1 and T2 treatments.

Peripheral blood parameters for predicting PICU admission and mechanical ventilation in pediatric inpatients with human parainfluenza virus-induced pneumonia.

Human parainfluenza viruses (hPIVs)-induced pneumonia is an important cause of pediatric hospitalization, and some develop severe pneumonias requiring pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission and mechanical ventilation (MV). The aim of this study is to investigate the value of peripheral blood (PB) parameters available on admission in predicting the need for PICU admission and MV due to pneumonia caused by hPIVs. A total of 331 cases including 277 (83.69%) on the general ward (GW) and 54 (16.31%) on the PICU were enrolled between January 2016 and June 2021. Of 54 patients admitted to the PICU, 24 patients (7.25%) received MV, whereas 30 (9.06%) did not. For both the PICU and GW groups, infants accounted for the highest proportion while school children had the lowest. Compared with the GW group, the PICU group had significantly higher rates of premature birth, fatigue, sore throat, headache, chest pain, tachypnea, dyspnea, and underlying diseases including congenital tracheal stenosis, congenital heart disease (CHD), metabolic disorder, and neurological disorder (ND), but significant lower proportion of exclusive breastfeeding and Z-scores for weight-for-height, weight-for-age, height-for-age, and body-mass-index (BMI)-for-age (BMIZ). Higher levels of some leukocyte differential counts (LDC)-related parameters including counts of neutrophil (N), ratios of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived neutrophils/(leukocytes minus neutrophils) ratio (dNLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lower levels of some other LDC-related parameters including lymphocyte (L) and monocyte (M) counts, ratios of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein ratio, and prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and lower levels of PB protein (PBP)-related parameters including red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin, total protein (TP), and serum albumin were observed in the PB of patients in the PICU compared with those in the GW. Notably, higher PLR level and two comorbidities including CHD and ND were identified as independent risk factors for PICU admission, while lower PNI level as well as smaller numbers of RBC and L as good predictors. Low levels of TP might be a useful predictor of the need for MV. Overall, the relative contributions of LDC- and PBP-related factors for accurate identification of patients required PICU admission accounted for 53.69% and 46.31%, respectively. Thus, determination of whether a patient with hPIVs-induced pneumonia is admitted to PICU involves consideration of both the LDC- and PBP-related parameters.

Betaine as an alternative feed additive to choline and its effect on performance, blood parameters, and egg quality in laying hens rations.

This research aimed to evaluate how using betaine levels as a choline substitute affects productive performance, egg quality parameters, fatty acids profile, and antioxidant status in laying hens. One hundred and forty brown chickens, 45 wk old, were divided into 4 groups, each group of 7 replicates with 5 chickens per replicate. The first group of diets with choline has control (A) 100% choline, the second group (B) 75% choline + 25% betaine, the third group (C) 50% choline + 50% betaine, and the fourth group (D) received 100% betaine. No significant effects were observed in final body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), egg production (EW), and feed intake (FI) for laying hens. In the diet in which betaine was replaced choline, egg mass (EM) and egg weight (EW) increased compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Also, after 12 wk of feeding, the egg quality parameters were not influenced; however, yolk color was increased significantly compared with the control group. Serum total cholesterol, LDL-lipoprotein, HDL-lipoprotein, triglyceride, glucose, aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT) were not affected by replacing choline with betaine. Furthermore, liver malondialdehyde (MDA) content, yolk vitamin E, and fatty acid levels were not significantly affected by replacing choline with betaine. Moreover, hens fed betaine displayed an increased antibody titer of the Newcastle disease (ND) virus. EW and EM were increased by 3.50% and 5.43% in 100% betaine group (D) when compared to the control group. Isthmus weight was decreased by 48.28 % in 50% choline + 50% betaine group (C) when compared to the control group. ND was increased by 26.24% in 100% betaine group when compared to the control group. In conclusion, betaine supplementation positively affected productive performance, egg quality measurements, and immunity response in Bovans brown laying hens.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios alone or combined with prostate-specific antigen for the diagnosis of prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer.

Objective: We evaluated whether the blood parameters before prostate biopsy can diagnose prostate cancer (PCa) and clinically significant PCa (Gleason score [GS] ≥7) in our hospital. Methods: This study included patients with increased prostate-specific antigen (PSA) up to 20 ng/mL. The associations of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) alone or with PSA with PCa and clinically significant PCa were analyzed. Results: We included 365 patients, of whom 52.9% (193) had PCa including 66.8% (129) with GS of ≥7. PSA density (PSAD) and PSA had better the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.722 and 0.585, respectively with p=0.001 for detecting PCa compared with other blood parameters. PSA combined with PLR (PsPLR) and PSA with NLR (PsNLR) had better AUC of 0.608 and 0.610, respectively with p<0.05, for diagnosing GS≥7 population, compared with PSA, free/total PSA, NLR, PLR, and PsNPLR (PSA combined with NLR and PLR). NLR and PLR did not predict PCa on multivariate analysis. For GS≥7 cancer detection, in the multivariate analysis, separate models with PSA and NLR (Model 1: PsNLR+baseline parameters) or PSA and PLR (Moder 2: PsPLR+baseline parameters) were made. Baseline parameters comprised age, digital rectal exam-positive lesions, PSA density, free/total PSA, and magnetic resonance imaging. Model 2 containing PsPLR was statistically significant (odds ratio: 2.862, 95% confidence interval: 1.174-6.975, p=0.021) in finding aggressive PCa. The predictive accuracy of Model 2 was increased (AUC: 0.734, p<0.001) than that when only baseline parameters were used (AUC: 0.693, p<0.001). Conclusion: NLR or PLR, either alone or combined with PSA, did not detect PCa. However, the combined use of PSA with PLR could find the differences between clinically significant and insignificant PCa in our retrospective study limited by the small number of samples.

The utility of complete blood parameter indices to predict stillbirths.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between unexplained stillbirth (SB) cases and the complete blood parameter indices and we compared them with uncomplicated healthy cases. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with unexplained SB cases in a tertiary center between 2019-2022 were included in this retrospective case-control study. The gestational age threshold for SBs was accepted as births after the 20th week of pregnancy. Consecutive patients with no adverse obstetric outcomes were accepted as the control group. Patients' complete blood parameter results at the time of the first admission to the hospital until 14 weeks were labeled as "1'' and at the time of delivery were labeled as "2'' and recorded. As inflammatory parameters, neutrophile-lymphocyte ratio, derivated neutrophile-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), and hemoglobin-lymphocyte ratio (HLR) were calculated from complete blood results and recorded. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between the groups' LMR1 (p = .040). Additionally, whereas HLR1 of the study group was 0.693 (0.38-2.72), it was 0.645 (0.15-1.82) in the control group (p = .026). However, the HLR2 of the study group was significantly lower than the control group (p = .021). CONCLUSION: Necessary precautions such as fetal biophysical profile examination can be taken more frequently in the antenatal follow-up in patients considered to be at high risk of SB by using HLR. It is a novel marker that can be easily accessible and calculated from the complete blood parameters.

Growth performance, meat quality, and blood characteristics of finisher crossbred pigs fed diets supplemented with different levels of green tea (Camellia sinensis) by-products.

Background and Aim: Dietary supplementation with green tea by-product shows special effects on animal parameters. This study aimed to assess the effects of green tea by-products (GTBP) in the diet on some blood parameters, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs and on meat quality, and nutritional composition of pork. Materials and Methods: One hundred and sixty crossbred pigs with an initial body weight of 65.15 ± 0.38 kg, were distributed into four dietary treatments, with four replicates of 10 pigs each. The dietary treatments were a basal diet (control diet, CON), and three experimental diets (GTBP8, GTBP16, and GTBP24) based on the CON diet supplemented with GTBP at 8, 16, and 24 g/kg of feed. The studied parameters were examined during the experimental period of 10 weeks. Results: No statistical differences in average daily feed intake, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio were observed between the diet treatments (p > 0.05). Backfat thickness decreased (linear, p < 0.05) according to the GTBP levels but no other carcass parameters. Meat quality was not influenced by the GTBP levels (p > 0.05). However, pigs fed with GTBP had a decrease in cholesterol content and an increase in crude protein and total omega-3 content of pork compared to the CON diet (p < 0.05). Moreover, dietary supplementation with GTBP significantly decreased plasma cholesterol (p < 0.05), and trends for the decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and urea nitrogen were observed (linear, p = 0.08). Conclusion: Up to 24 g/kg GTBP in the diet for finishing pigs does not impair animal performance and makes carcass leaner with softer meat as well as positive effects on cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism. Further experiments are needed to determine the optimal levels of GTBP addition in finishing pig diet to produce higher meat quality.

Influence of body condition score during late pregnancy on the variations of biochemical parameters and lamb stillbirths in Rembi ewes.

The transition period in ewes is associated with a lot of changes, such as metabolic disorder due to the mobilization of body reserves, behavior trouble, food intake, and some changes in body condition score (BCS). This knowledge led us to hypothesize the influence of BCS in ewes during late pregnancy on the variations of biochemical parameters and its influence on the survival of lambs. In order to assess how BCS affected changes in biochemical parameters and lamb stillbirth, blood samples were collected in heparin tubes from forty-nine randomly chosen ewes of the Rembi breed that were clinically healthy and at the end of their pregnancies. The results showed that glucose (Glu) and urea values were highly influenced by the BCS (P < 0.001), while cholesterol (CHL) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were significantly influenced by the BCS (P 0.05). We also noted a highly significant decrease (P < 0.001) in the concentration of plasma of Glu and CHL in ewes with BCS = 4 compared to those with BCS = 2, recording a negative correlation (Glu and BCS, r = - 0.52; P = 0.0001) and (CHL and BCS, r = - 0.36; P = 0.009). In contrary, serum urea values were highly increased in ewes with BCS = 4 compared to those with BCS = 2 with a positive correlation (urea and BCS, r = 0.72; P = 0.001). On the other hand, the highest rate of lamb mortality was recorded in ewes with BCS = 4 compared to those who had a BCS = 2 with a significant difference (P < 0.05). During late pregnancy, poor body condition or obesity of ewes were predisposing factors for metabolic disease and lamb stillbirths, which can cause significant economic losses.

Laboratory blood test profiling reveals distinct biochemical and hemocyte features of KRAS mutated non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: The testing for capability of some routine blood test parameters to reflect the biology of non-small cell lung carcinoma with different driver mutations is of great interest and practice significance. We aim to screen these variables and, if allowed, develop a novel predictive model based on results of these routine blood tests commonly performed in clinical practice to inform which can help doctors assess the patient's genetic mutation status as early as possible before surgery. Methods: For the exploration cohort, we included 1,595 patients who were diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and genetically profiled by a next-generation sequencing panel in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. The external validation cohort, which consists of 197 NSCLC cancer patients from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Hospital, was subsequently established. Results: We analyzed the association between 46 frequently tested laboratory variables and different genetic mutation types. KRAS mutation was found to be a unique subtype that exclusively correlated with several blood parameters in our study. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was performed, and the following parameters were found to be significantly associated with KRAS mutation: triglycerides [odds ratio (OR) =1.63], arterial oxygen partial pressure (OR =0.97), uric acid (OR =1.01), basophil count (OR =1.41), eosinophil count (OR =1.146), fibrinogen (OR =1.42), standard bicarbonate (OR =0.85), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR =0.18), alpha-L-fucosidase (OR =1.07). The areas under the receiver-operator characteristic curve in the training set and the external validation set were 0.85 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.81-0.88] and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.71-0.91), respectively. Conclusions: We developed a non-invasive, more cost-effective predictive model of NSCLC based on routinely available variables, with practical predictive power. This model can be used as a practical screening tool to guide the use of more specialized and expensive molecular assays for KRAS mutation in NSCLC. However, further studies are warranted to investigate the mechanism underlying such association between KRAS mutations and the related parameters of blood tests.

Effect of dietary octacosanol concentration extracted from triticale sprout on laying performance, egg quality, and blood parameters of laying hens.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of octacosanol (OCT) extracted from triticale sprout on laying performance, egg quality, and blood parameters of laying hens. A total of 192, Hyline brown laying hens aged 43 weeks were divided into 4 dietary groups of 48 birds each and they were randomly subjected to one of the experimental diets containing OCT at the levels of none, 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg of diet. All birds were fed with isoenergetic and isonitrogenous mash diets for 6 weeks. The result showed that hens supplemented with 20 and 30 mg/kg OCT in diet significantly increased (p < 0.05) egg production than those fed with the basal diet. OCT concentration in the egg yolk of hens fed with 20 and 30 mg/kg OCT was significantly higher than in those fed the control diet. Hens fed 20 and 30 mg/kg OCT exhibited greater high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and interleukin (IL) concentrations and reduced serum concentrations of cholesterol and triglyceride compared to those fed with 0 and 10 mg/kg OCT. This study indicates that supplementing the diet of laying hens with 20 and 30 mg/kg of OCT can improve the performance, egg quality, and health status of laying hens.

Bloody olfaction? Confounding associations of sex and age on the influence of blood parameters and body weight on odor identification performance in healthy adults.

Olfactory function and nutrition are closely related and may influence each other via metabolic parameters. However, the relationship between nutritional blood parameters and olfactory performance is still unclear. Inconclusive findings exist for specific blood parameters. In this extensive analysis, we examined the relationship between olfactory performance, measured with MONEX-40, as well as intensity and pleasantness ratings with 38 metabolic blood parameters, age, sex, and the anthropometric measurements body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BFP). Therefore, we included data of 418 healthy, well-phenotyped Caucasians of the Enable cohort. We replicated age-dependent olfactory identification scores (p < 0.001) and found slight evidence for a body fat dependence measured with BFP (BF10 = 10.466). We further identified a sex difference only in middle-aged adults (p < 0.001) that could be explained by environmental factors. Several blood parameters correlated significantly with the MONEX-40 score (p < 0.05 - p < 0.001). However, these effects diminished after adjusting for sex and age (p > 0.9) that were identified as confounders. The same applies for BFP. In addition, no parameters were identified to correlate significantly with perceived olfactory intensity or pleasantness score if controlled for sex and age (p > 0.08). Our results suggest that metabolic blood parameters are not related to olfactory identification performance in a relevant manner and highlight the importance of controlling for sex and age in chemosensory research.

Grazing Ecology of Sheep and Its Impact on Vegetation and Animal Health on Pastures Dominated by Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea L.)-Part 2: Animal Health.

Common ragwort (Senecio jacobaea L.) naturally occurs on species-rich grasslands. Containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA), it endangers livestock health through contaminated feed. Although in vitro studies showed a detoxification capacity of PA in sheep, few field data are available on the ability of grazing sheep to cope with ragwort. During two grazing seasons on a ragwort-rich pasture, we studied: (1) To what extent do sheep voluntarily ingest ragwort and (2) What impact their grazing behavior has on animal health. Ragwort intake was monitored by counting missing plant parts and calculating their weight. From 70 sheep, seven were slaughtered at the beginning and in six-week intervals at the end of each grazing period to monitor blood parameters and liver tissue. Sheep continuously preferred ragwort. The daily intake was above the currently assumed lethal dose, varying between 0.2-4.9 kg per sheep. Clinical, hematologic, and blood biochemistry parameters mostly remained within the reference limits. Initially elevated liver copper content declined over time. The liver of all 70 animals displayed slight to moderate hepatitis, fibrosis, and proliferation of the bile ducts, but no morphological signs of liver cirrhosis. Sheep preferred and tolerated ragwort, making their grazing an option to control ragwort from both an animal health and nature conservation perspective.

Effects of ambient temperature on growth performance, blood parameter, and fat deposition of geese from 14 to 28 days of age.

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of ambient temperature on the growth performance, blood parameter, and fat deposition in geese from 14 to 28 d of age in order to establish their optimal temperature requirements. A total of 150 14-day-old geese were allocated randomly to 5 environmentally controlled chambers with ambient temperature set at 18, 21, 24, 27, and 30°C from 14 to 28 d of age, respectively. As ambient temperature increased from 18 to 30°C, the feed intake decreased linearly (P < 0.05) and was accompanied by linearly or quadratically (P < 0.05) decreasing 28-day-old body weight, weight gain, and feed/gain. The upper critical level of ambient temperature from 14 to 28 d of age for 28-day-old body weight and weight gain were 25.83 and 26.17°C, respectively. There were no differences in plasma biochemical parameters or plasma hormones between geese fed at ambient temperature regimen at 18, 21, 24, 27, and 30°C. The abdominal fat weight and abdominal fat rate decreased linearly (P ≤ 0.05) with higher ambient temperature, but the ambient temperature had no effect on subcutaneous fat thickness or intermuscular fat width. It was concluded that the upper critical temperature of the ambient temperature for geese from 14 to 28 d of age was 26.17°C and high ambient temperature could lead to growth depression.

Replacing concentrates with a high-quality hay in the starter feed of dairy calves: II. Effects on the development of chewing and gut fermentation, and selected systemic health variables.

Early development of the rumen, rumination, and fermentation is highly important in dairy calves. Yet, common rearing practices with feeding of concentrate-rich starters may jeopardize them because of lacking physically effective fiber (peNDF). The main objective of this study was to establish the influence of the composition of the calf starter feed (only forage with 2 different qualities or concentrate-rich starter diet) on chewing behavior, rumen development, rumen and hindgut fermentation, and selected systemic health and stress variables of dairy calves. The experiment was carried out with 40 newborn Holstein-Friesian calves, randomly assigned to 4 different solid feed treatments: MQH = 100% medium-quality hay (9.4 MJ metabolizable energy, 149 g of crude protein, and 522 g of neutral detergent fiber/kg of dry matter); HQH = 100% high-quality hay (11.2 MJ of metabolizable energy, 210 g of crude protein, 455 g of neutral detergent fiber/kg of dry matter); MQH+C = 30% MQH + 70% starter concentrate; HQH+C = 30% HQH + 70% starter concentrate). All calves were up to 14 wk in the trial and received acidified whole milk ad libitum in the first 4 wk of life, thereafter in reduced quantity until weaning on 12 wk of age. Water and the solid feed treatments were available ad libitum throughout the trial. Chewing activity was measured in wk 4, 6, 10, and 12 using RumiWatch halters. Until wk 3, rumen fluid, feces and blood were sampled weekly, thereafter every 2 wk. Rumen mucosal thickness (RMT) was measured on the same days with rumen fluid samples. Data showed that calves fed the HQH diet consumed more peNDF and this was associated with longer rumination time (591 min/d) and more ruminating boli (709 boli/d) than calves fed concentrate-rich diets (MQH+C: 430 min/d, 518 boli/d; HQH+C: 430 min/d, 541 boli/d), whereas the MQH group was intermediate (539 min/d, 644 boli/d). Ruminal and fecal pH were higher in calves fed only hay (especially MQH) compared with calves with concentrate supplementation. In both hay-fed groups, ruminal and fecal short-chain fatty acids were shifted toward acetate, whereas only the HQH diet increased the butyrate proportion in the ruminal short-chain fatty acids profile. Ruminal ammonia concentration was at a high level only in the first 3 wk and decreased thereafter. Feeding HQH tended to increase ruminal ammonia, likely because of its high crude protein content and ruminal degradability as well as lower assimilation from rumen microbes. The RMT similarly, though nonlinearly, increased in all groups over the course of the experiment. When using RMT as an indicator of rumen development in dairy calves in the practice, our data suggest an RMT of 1.7 mm and >2 mm at wk 5 and 10 of life, respectively. Feeding did not affect the blood levels of aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and cortisol. In conclusion, feeding high-quality hay, instead of concentrate-rich starter feeds, resulted in improved rumination and ruminal fermentation profile, without affecting ruminal pH and systemic and stress health variables.