Efficacy of high dose systemic versus combined (systemic and intratympanic) corticosteroid therapy in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss: A prospective randomized trial and risk factor analysis.

The pathophysiology and the proper treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) are an ongoing subject of debate. Locally or systemic administered corticosteroids are the most accepted drugs of treatment in reference to ISSNHL (idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss), however, no strong evidence nor guidelines regarding their effectiveness yet exists. In our prospective, randomized, controlled trial 78 participants were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned based on the day of admission to two groups according to treatment: group SS (n = 43) received intravenous systemic methylprednisolone alone, and group CT (n = 35) received intratympanic dexamethasone + systemic methylprednisolone. The primary outcome was to compare the hearing outcomes between the treatment groups based on different, widely accepted categories (Siegel, Kanzaki, modified Siegel and PTA4 gain). In consideration of the secondary outcome, we examined the effect of the various risk factors on the hearing improvement. No differences were detected regarding hearing improvement between the two groups, based on any criteria [Siegel's criteria (p = 0.604); Kanzaki's criteria (p = 0.720); modified Siegel's criteria (p = 0.524) and PTA 4 gain (p = 0.569)]. However, several clinical factors such as vertigo (p = 0.039), or cardiovascular comorbidity (p = 0.02) and the severity of initial hearing loss (p = 0.033) were found to bear a significant impact upon the hearing outcome. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first randomized controlled trial comparing high dose systemic and combination corticosteroid therapy in ISSNHL patients. Our findings suggest coexisting cardiovascular comorbidity, vertigo and severity of the initial hearing loss may bear a significantly higher impact upon hearing improvement, than the additional intratympanic steroid administration. The presented trial was registered in the European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials Database (name: Combinated systemic and intratympanic steroid therapy in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss, No.: 2017-000658-20) and with the ethical approval of The National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition (OGYÉI) (protocol No.: 7621, on 2017.02.16.).

Some approximation results for mild solutions of stochastic fractional order evolution equations driven by Gaussian noise.

We investigate the quality of space approximation of a class of stochastic integral equations of convolution type with Gaussian noise. Such equations arise, for example, when considering mild solutions of stochastic fractional order partial differential equations but also when considering mild solutions of classical stochastic partial differential equations. The key requirement for the equations is a smoothing property of the deterministic evolution operator which is typical in parabolic type problems. We show that if one has access to nonsmooth data estimates for the deterministic error operator together with its derivative of a space discretization procedure, then one obtains error estimates in pathwise Hölder norms with rates that can be read off the deterministic error rates. We illustrate the main result by considering a class of stochastic fractional order partial differential equations and space approximations performed by spectral Galerkin methods and finite elements. We also improve an existing result on the stochastic heat equation.

Dietary fumonisin may compromise the nutritive value of feed and distort copper and zinc digestibility and retention in weaned piglets.

Fumonisins (FUM) have been reported to impede gut functioning in pigs. However, investigations into the possible effect on mineral metabolism are limited. Thus, the trial studied the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and retention of dietary nitrogen and minerals, intestinal architecture, digestive enzymes activity and heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70) activity. Eighteen weaned piglets of 7 weeks old were assigned to three groups and their feed either contained 0, 15 or 30 mg FUM/kg for 21 days. ATTD and retention of dietary N and minerals were measured in a 5- day long balance trial between Day 17 and Day 21. The digestible and metabolisable energy (DE and ME) content of the feeds were also determined. The body weights, cumulative feed intake, relative organ weights, digestive enzymes activity and intestinal morphology were not affected (p > 0.05) by dietary treatments. The DE content was significantly lower (p < 0.05) when the feed contained 15 mg/kg FUM, but no statistically reliable treatment effect was confirmed for ME content. Dietary FUM significantly lowered (p < 0.05) the ATTD of Ca and P but not (p > 0.05) N, K, Mg and Na. The relative retention rate of N, Ca, P, K, Mg and Na in all groups were not impacted (p > 0.05) by treatments. The ATTD and relative retention of Cu and Zn were remarkably (p < 0.05) lower in piglets fed FUM-contaminated feed. In addition, the expression of Hsp70 activity in the liver was significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in the highest treatment group. These findings suggest that a dietary dose of 15 or 30 mg FUM/kg diet distorts the nutritive value of the mixed feed, results in poor ATTD and retention rates of Zn and Cu, and elevate Hsp70 activity in the liver without altering intestinal architecture or digestive enzymes' activity in weaned piglets.

Diastasis recti is associated with incisional hernia after midline abdominal surgery.

PURPOSE: Incisional hernia occurs in up to 20% of patients after abdominal surgery and is most common after vertical midline incisions. Diastasis recti may contribute to incisional hernia but has not been explored as a risk factor or included in hernia risk models. We examined the association between diastasis recti and incisional hernia after midline incisions. METHODS: In this single-center study, all patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal surgery with a midline open incision or extraction site in a prospective surgical quality collaborative database between 2016 and 2020 were included. Eligible patients had axial imaging within 6 months prior to surgery and no less than 6 months after surgery to determine the presence of diastasis recti and incisional hernia, respectively. Radiographic hernia-free survival was assessed with log-rank tests and multivariable Cox regression, comparing patients with and without diastasis width > 25 mm. RESULTS: Of 156 patients, forty-four (28.2%) developed radiographic hernia > 1 cm. 36 of 85 patients (42.4%) with DR width > 25 mm developed IH, compared to 9 of 71 (12.7%) without DR (p < 0.001). Hernia-free survival differed by DR width on bivariate and multivariable Cox regression, adjusted hazard ratio: 3.87, 95% confidence interval: 1.84-8.14. CONCLUSION: Diastasis recti is a significant risk factor for incisional hernia after midline abdominal surgery. When present, surgeons can include these data when discussing surgical risks and should consider a lower risk, off-midline approach when feasible. Incorporating diastasis into larger studies may improve comprehensive models of incisional hernia risk.

Tracking the progress of inflammation with PET/MRI in a canine model of myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Following myocardial infarction, tissue undergoes pathophysiological changes involving inflammation and scar tissue formation. However, little is known about the pathophysiology and prognostic significance of any corresponding changes in remote myocardium. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential application of a combined constant infusion of 18F-FDG and Gd-DTPA to quantitate inflammation and extracellular volume (ECV) from 3 to 40 days after myocardial infarction. METHODS: Eight canine subjects were imaged at multiple time points following induction of an MI with a 60-minute concurrent constant infusion of Gd-DTPA and 18F-FDG using a hybrid PET/MRI scanner. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in ECV in remote myocardium on day 14 post-MI (P = .034) and day 21 (P = .021) compared to the baseline. ECV was significantly elevated in the infarcted myocardium compared to remote myocardium at all time points post-MI (days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 40) (P < .001) while glucose uptake was also increased within the infarct on days 3, 7, 14, and 21 but not 40. CONCLUSIONS: The significant increase in ECV in remote tissue may be due to an ongoing inflammatory process in the early weeks post-infarct.

[Hidradenitis suppurativa /acne inversa-surgical options, reconstruction and combinations with drug therapies-an update]. / Hidradenitis suppurativa/Acne inversa ­ operative Optionen, Rekonstruktionen und Kombinationen mit medikamentösen Therapien ­ Ein Update.

Hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa (HS/AI) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease whose treatment includes both conservative and surgical treatment options. In Hurley stages II and III, surgical resection of irreversibly destroyed tissue should be the objective. For this purpose several resection techniques exist, which differ primarily with regard to their invasiveness and tendency to recur. To date, there is no generally accepted consensus on the use of different resection and reconstruction techniques or the inclusion of drug therapies in the overall therapeutic concept.

Expanding the PET radioisotope universe utilizing solid targets on small medical cyclotrons.

Molecular imaging with medical radioisotopes enables the minimally-invasive monitoring of aberrant biochemical, cellular and tissue-level processes in living subjects. The approach requires the administration of radiotracers composed of radioisotopes attached to bioactive molecules, the pairing of which considers several aspects of the radioisotope in addition to the biological behavior of the targeting molecule to which it is attached. With the advent of modern cellular and biochemical techniques, there has been a virtual explosion in potential disease recognition antigens as well as targeting moieties, which has subsequently opened new applications for a host of emerging radioisotopes with well-matched properties. Additionally, the global radioisotope production landscape has changed rapidly, with reactor-based production and its long-defined, large-scale centralized manufacturing and distribution paradigm shifting to include the manufacture and distribution of many radioisotopes via a worldwide fleet of cyclotrons now in operation. Cyclotron-based radioisotope production has become more prevalent given the commercial availability of instruments, coupled with the introduction of new target hardware, process automation and target manufacturing methods. These advances enable sustained, higher-power irradiation of solid targets that allow hospital-based radiopharmacies to produce a suite of radioisotopes that drive research, clinical trials, and ultimately clinical care. Over the years, several different radioisotopes have been investigated and/or selected for radiolabeling due to favorable decay characteristics (i.e. a suitable half-life, high probability of positron decay, etc.), well-elucidated chemistry, and a feasible production framework. However, longer-lived radioisotopes have surged in popularity given recent regulatory approvals and incorporation of radiopharmaceuticals into patient management within the medical community. This review focuses on the applications, nuclear properties, and production and purification methods for some of the most frequently used/emerging positron-emitting, solid-target-produced radioisotopes that can be manufactured using small-to-medium size cyclotrons (≤24 MeV).

A prospective study of Rivaroxaban for central venous catheter associated upper extremity deep vein thrombosis in cancer patients (Catheter 2).

INTRODUCTION: Patients with cancer are at increased risk of thrombosis, particularly those with central venous catheter (CVC) placement, which may predispose to the development of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT). Standard treatment includes low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or LMWH bridged to warfarin. The direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have become standard of care for uncomplicated venous thromboembolism (VTE), but research in patients with cancer is ongoing. OBJECTIVES: To assess rivaroxaban monotherapy in patients with cancer who develop UEDVT due to CVC for preservation of line function, and safety outcomes of VTE recurrence, bleeding risk and death. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients ≥18years of age with active malignancy and symptomatic proximal UEDVT with or without pulmonary embolism (PE), associated with a CVC, were eligible. Treatment included rivaroxaban 15mg oral twice daily for 3weeks, followed by 20mg oral daily for 9weeks. Patients were followed clinically for 12weeks to assess for line function, recurrent VTE and bleeding. RESULTS: Seventy patients (47 women) were included, with mean age 54.1years. The most common malignancy was breast cancer (41%). Preservation of line function was 100% at 12weeks. The risk of recurrent VTE at 12weeks was 1.43%, with one episode of fatal PE. 9 patients (12.9%) experienced 11 total bleeding episodes. CONCLUSIONS: Rivaroxaban showed promise in treating CVC-UEDVT in cancer patients, resulting in preserved line function. However, bleeding rates and a fatal pulmonary embolism on treatment are concerning safety outcomes necessitating further study before rivaroxaban can be recommended.

Early solid additional feeding of suckling rabbits from 3 to 15 days of age.

Studies have shown that nutrient requirement of suckling kits is not satisfied, but they can be fed a double quantity of milk (double nursing) resulting in improved BW and weight gain. The aim of our trials was to give additional solid feed during the early suckling period (3 to 15 days of age) when rabbit kits drink exclusively milk. Two experiments were conducted with animals from Pannon Rabbit Breeding Program. In experiment 1 (n=77 does, 734 kits) the does received commercial feed (C) or C pellet supplemented with 0.2 g powdered thyme/kg (CT). Within both dietary groups of the does three groups of litters were formed: no additional solid creep feeding (N); soya bean-based pellet (S); S pellet with 1% added powdered thyme (ST). In group S and ST, cylinder-shaped solid pellets were made. At the beginning (3 days of age) two pieces of pellets were placed daily into the nestbox after nursing. Later on it was increased to six pellets till 15 days of age. The kits consumed the additional solid feed (S and ST), however, it did not affect the BW, weight gain or survival. In experiment 2 (n=30 does, 240 kits) all does consumed commercial feed. The additional feed for kits was based on commercial piglet feed. Three groups were formed: the litters in control group were fed no additional solid feed (K), kits were fed additionally with pellets (8 mm of diameter) based on piglet feed powder, pellet adhesive and water (PI), and extra glycerin powder was added to the mixture of piglet feed powder and water (PG). The experiment lasted from the age of 3 days till 21 days. At the beginning six pellets were placed on the nest material. Later on the amount was gradually increased to 24 pellets till age of 15 days. The kits consumed the pellets. The BW of PI group differed from group PG at age of 5, 9, 12 and 21 days by +7.3%, +6.5%, +5.9%, +4.8%, respectively (P<0.05) and from group K at age of 12 days by +5.9% (P< 0.05). The differences were more expressed at age of 16 and 19 days in favour of group PI (from K by +7.1%, +6.9% and from PG by +5.9%, +5 8%, respectively, P<0.01) and at 21 days of age (from K by +6.2%, P<0.01). To find appropriate composition of creep feed for kits further studies are needed.

Association between remote major venous thromboembolism risk factors and the risk of recurrence after a first unprovoked episode.

Essentials Is remote exposure to major venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk factor related to lower recurrence? We analyzed data from the REVERSE study, a cohort of patients with no recent major risk factor. We found no association between remote risk factors and the risk of recurrence. Patients with remote VTE risk factor should be managed as having had an unprovoked VTE. SUMMARY: Background It has been shown that the risk of recurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is significantly lower when provoked by a major risk factor such as surgery or trauma compared with an event that was unprovoked. Objectives In this study we aimed to assess the association between remote exposure (3-12 months prior to VTE) to major VTE risk factors and the risk of recurrent VTE. Methods This was a post-hoc analysis of the REVERSE study, a prospective cohort of 646 patients with a first VTE, not provoked by a recent (< 3 months) major risk factor. Results We found no difference in the recurrence rate in patients with or without remote exposure to major VTE risk factors, including immobilization (hazard-ratio [HR], 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.7-2.6), surgery (HR, 0.8; 0.3-1.9) and trauma (HR, 1.3; 0.5-3.6). Conclusion None of the tested risk factors were associated with a lower risk of recurrence during follow-up. Patients with remote exposure to major risk factors at the time of a first VTE should not be managed differently from patients with no VTE risk factors.

Toxicological effects of aflatoxin B1 on the earthworm Eisenia fetida as determined in a contact paper test.

In this study, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) toxicity toward the earthworm Eisenia fetida (Savigny 1826) was evaluated in contact paper test systems containing distilled water and ethanol or 20 to 400 µg/ml of AFB1 over 72 h of exposure. The results indicated that AFB1 could induce significant damage to earthworms (coiling, curling, excessive mucus secretion, clitellum swelling) at greater than 75 µg/ml. Moreover, AFB1 had harmful effects on E. fetida (degenerative changes such as bulging of the clitella regions) at levels higher than 150 µg/ml. The calculated LD50 was 168.5 µg/ml. These findings confirm that E. fetida and standardized methods based on this organism (OECD 207 1984) are applicable and useful in mycotoxin related toxicity studies.

Comparison of the amount of bioaccessible fumonisin B1 and B2 in maize and rice inoculated with Fusarium verticillioides (MRC 826) and determined by in vitro digestion-preliminary results.

In this study the occurrence of hidden fumonisin B1 (FB1) and fumonisin B2 (FB2) was analysed, on two cereal substrates (maize and rice), inoculated with Fusarium verticillioides (MRC 826), in order to determine the ratio of hidden FB1 and FB2. Two parallel methods were applied: an in vitro human digestion sample pre-treatment and the routine extraction procedure, in both cases with subsequent LC-MS analysis. It was found that all samples showed higher concentration of total fumonisin B1 after digestion, as compared to that of free fumonisin analysed only after extraction. The percentage of the hidden form by maize was 18.8 % (±2.4) for FB1 and 36.8 % (±3.8) for FB2, while for rice it was 32.3 % (±11.3) and 58.0 (±6.8), respectively, expressed as the proportion to total fumonisin B1, for the total dataset. Significant differences were found in the FB1 and FB2 concentration measured after the different digestion phases (saliva, gastric and duodenal) in case of both matrixes. The results are useful for human risk assessment, since both humans and animals may be exposed to markedly higher toxin load, as determined merely by conventional analytical methods.

Maladaptive mood repair, atypical respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and risk of a recurrent major depressive episode among adolescents with prior major depression.

BACKGROUND: Because depressive illness is recurrent, recurrence prevention should be a mainstay for reducing its burden on society. One way to reach this goal is to identify malleable risk factors. The ability to attenuate sadness/dysphoria (mood repair) and parasympathetic nervous system functioning, indexed as respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), are impaired during depression and after it has remitted. The present study therefore tested the hypothesis that these two constructs also may mirror risk factors for a recurrent major depressive episode (MDE). METHOD: At time 1 (T1), 178 adolescents, whose last MDE had remitted, and their parents, reported on depression and mood repair; youths' RSA at rest and in response to sad mood induction also were assessed. MDE recurrence was monitored until time 2 (T2) up to 2 years later. Mood repair at T1 (modeled as a latent construct), and resting RSA and RSA response to sadness induction (RSA profile), served to predict onset of first recurrent MDE by T2. RESULTS: Consistent with expectations, maladaptive mood repair predicted recurrent MDE, above and beyond T1 depression symptoms. Further, atypical RSA profiles at T1 were associated with high levels of maladaptive mood repair, which, in turn, predicted increased risk of recurrent MDE. Thus, maladaptive mood repair mediated the effects of atypical RSA on risk of MDE recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: This study documented that a combination of behavioral and physiological risk factors predicted MDE recurrence in a previously clinically referred sample of adolescents with depression histories. Because mood repair and RSA are malleable, both could be targeted for modification to reduce the risk of recurrent depression in youths.

Oral administration of fumonisin B1 and T-2 individually and in combination affects hepatic total and mitochondrial membrane lipid profile of rabbits.

Weaned rabbits were fed diets contaminated with 2 mg/kg diet T-2 toxin alone, or 10 mg/kg diet fumonisin B1 (FB1) alone, and both toxins in combination (2 + 10 mg/kg, respectively) compared to a toxin-free control diet. Samplings were performed after 4 weeks (blood and liver). Bodyweight of T-2-fed group was lower after 4 weeks; the liver weight was increased dramatically (threefold of control). Liver total phospholipids (PLs) provided slight alterations in the fatty acid (FA) composition; all three toxin-treated groups showed a decrease in palmitoleic acid (C16:1 n7) proportion. In the liver mitochondrial PL FA composition, margaric acid (C17:0) proportion decreased in the separated toxin treatments compared to the combined setting. Oleic acid (C18:1 n9) proportion was increased and arachidonic acid (C20:4 n6) was decreased in the FB1-treated group, while docosapentaenoic acid (C22:5 n3) was decreased in the separated treatments. The total monounsaturation was significantly higher in the FB1 group's mitochondrial PL FA profile. After 4 weeks, all toxin treatments decreased the blood plasma reduced glutathione and glutathione peroxidase activity, and FB1 increased the plasma sphinganine/sphingosine ratio. Both mycotoxins seem to cross the hepatocellular and the hepatic mitochondrial membrane, without drastic membrane disruption, as assessed from the PL FA composition, but inducing detectable lipid peroxidation.

Treatment of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients with dalteparin for up to 12 months: the DALTECAN Study.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with cancer has a high rate of recurrence and bleeding complications. Guidelines recommend low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for at least 3-6 months and possibly indefinitely for patients with active malignancy. There are, however, few data supporting treatment with LMWH beyond 6 months. The primary aim of the DALTECAN study (NCT00942968) was to determine the safety of dalteparin between 6 and 12 months in cancer-associated VTE. METHODS: Patients with active cancer and newly diagnosed VTE were enrolled in a prospective, multicenter study and received subcutaneous dalteparin for 12 months. The rates of bleeding and recurrent VTE were evaluated at months 1, 2-6 and 7-12. FINDINGS: Of 334 patients enrolled, 185 and 109 completed 6 and 12 months of therapy; 49.1% had deep vein thrombosis (DVT); 38.9% had pulmonary embolism (PE); and 12.0% had both on presentation. The overall frequency of major bleeding was 10.2% (34/334). Major bleeding occurred in 3.6% (12/334) in the first month, and 1.1% (14/1237) and 0.7% (8/1086) per patient-month during months 2-6 and 7-12, respectively. Recurrent VTE occurred in 11.1% (37/334); the incidence rate was 5.7% (19/334) for month 1, 3.4% (10/296) during months 2-6, and 4.1% (8/194) during months 7-12. One hundred and sixteen patients died, four due to recurrent VTE and two due to bleeding. CONCLUSION: Major bleeding was less frequent during dalteparin therapy beyond 6 months. The risk of developing major bleeding complications or VTE recurrence was greatest in the first month of therapy and lower over the subsequent 11 months.

Inflammation markers and their trajectories after deep vein thrombosis in relation to risk of post-thrombotic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a frequent chronic complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). OBJECTIVE: In the BioSOX study, we investigated whether inflammation markers predict the risk of PTS after DVT. METHODS: We measured C-reactive protein (CRP), ICAM-1, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10, at baseline, and 1 month and 6 months after a first proximal DVT, among 803 participants in the SOX trial. Participants were prospectively followed for 24 months for development of PTS. RESULTS: Median CRP levels at 1 month, ICAM-1 levels at baseline, 1 month and 6 months, IL-6 levels at 1 month and 6 months and IL-10 levels at 6 months were higher in patients who developed PTS than in those who did not. Multivariable regression with the median as a cutoff showed risk ratios (RRs) for PTS of 1.23 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.45) and 1.25 (95% CI 1.05-1.48) for ICAM-1 at 1 month and 6 months, respectively, and 1.27 (95% CI 1.07-1.51) for IL-10 at 6 months. Quartile-based analysis demonstrated a dose-response association between ICAM-1 and PTS. ICAM-1 and IL-10 were also associated with PTS severity. Analysis of biomarker trajectories after DVT demonstrated an association between the highest-trajectory group of ICAM-1 and PTS. CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective study, ICAM-1 over time was most consistently associated with the risk of PTS. Further study is required to confirm these findings and assess their potential clinical relevance.

Graduated compression stockings to treat acute leg pain associated with proximal DVT. A randomised controlled trial.

Acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) causes leg pain. Elastic compression stockings (ECS) have potential to relieve DVT-related leg pain by diminishing the diameter of distended veins and increasing venous blood flow. It was our objective to determine whether ECS reduce leg pain in patients with acute DVT. We performed a secondary analysis of the SOX Trial, a multicentre randomised placebo controlled trial of active ECS versus placebo ECS to prevent the post-thrombotic syndrome.The study was performed in 24 hospital centres in Canada and the U.S. and included 803 patients with a first episode of acute proximal DVT. Patients were randomised to receive active ECS (knee length, 30-40 mm Hg graduated pressure) or placebo ECS (manufactured to look identical to active ECS, but lacking therapeutic compression). Study outcome was leg pain severity assessed on an 11-point numerical pain rating scale (0, no pain; 10, worst possible pain) at baseline, 14, 30 and 60 days after randomisation. Mean age was 55 years and 60% were male. In active ECS patients (n=409), mean (SD) pain severity at baseline and at 60 days were 5.18 (3.29) and 1.39 (2.19), respectively, and in placebo ECS patients (n=394) were 5.38 (3.29) and 1.13 (1.86), respectively. There were no significant differences in pain scores between groups at any assessment point, and no evidence for subgroup interaction by age, sex or anatomical extent of DVT. Results were similar in an analysis restricted to patients who reported wearing stockings every day. In conclusion, ECS do not reduce leg pain in patients with acute proximal DVT.

Effect of dietary supplementation of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) and Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) on rabbit meat appearance, oxidative stability and fatty acid profile during retail display.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Spirulina and Thyme supplementation on rabbit meat during retail display. At weaning 294 rabbits were allocated to 7 different treatments (42 rabbits/treatment). Rabbits of the control group (C) received a diet without any supplementation throughout the experiment (5-11 weeks of age). The other groups were fed diets containing 5% Spirulina (S), 3% Thyme (T) or both supplements (ST) for the whole trial (5-11 weeks; treatments S, T and ST), or for a part of the growing period (8-11 weeks; treatments C-S, C-T and C-ST). Colour parameters, pH, water holding capacity and drip loss were determined on fresh and stored Longissimus dorsi muscle of 5 rabbits/treatment. Spirulina- and Thyme-supplemented diets had a significant effect on redness and yellowness of Longissimus dorsi. Drip loss was significantly reduced in C-T and T groups that also showed the highest content of α-tocopherol and n-3 fatty acids content and the lower lipid oxidation.