MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 504 one-day-old male broilers were randomly assigned to 12 dietary treatments: A negative control (basal diet), a positive control (basal diet + 100 mg/kg Vitamin E), and diets supplemented with BS and GS at 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00%, and 1.25%. The study followed a completely randomized design, with data analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test (p < 0.05).
RESULTS: Broilers fed 0.75%, 1.00%, and 1.25% GS exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) blood plasma immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations. Dietary BS and GS inclusion upregulated messenger RNA expression of interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and interferon-gamma, indicating immunomodulatory effects. Jejunal villus height was significantly increased in birds fed 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1.25% BS during the starter period. Birds receiving 0.50% BS, 0.25% GS, and 0.50% GS exhibited higher cecal Lactobacillus counts, whereas 0.75% BS and GS significantly reduced Escherichia coli populations. Furthermore, higher total VFA and propionic acid concentrations were observed in birds supplemented with 1.00% and 1.25% GS, as well as 1.25% BS.
CONCLUSION: The inclusion of GS (0.75%, 1.00%, and 1.25%) in broiler diets enhances immune response by increasing IgA and IgG levels. Both BS and GS positively modulate cytokine expression, intestinal morphology, and microbial balance, leading to improved gut health. The results suggest that BS and GS supplementation may serve as sustainable feed additives to enhance broiler performance while reducing reliance on synthetic supplements. Future studies should focus on identifying the bioactive compounds responsible for these effects and their broader implications for poultry production.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 225 samples were collected, including 75 human stool samples from patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and 150 fish meat samples from five fish species commonly consumed in the region. Standard microbiological methods were used for the isolation and identification of V. parahaemolyticus, including culture on Thiosulfate-Citrate-Bile Salts-Sucrose (TCBS) agar, biochemical tests, and growth analysis in varying NaCl concentrations. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 12, applying the Chi-square test for group comparisons with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05.
RESULTS: The overall occurrence of V. parahaemolyticus was 7.1%. Human stool samples had a occurrence of 6.7%, while fish meat samples had a slightly higher occurrence of 7.3%. The highest monthly occurrence in human samples was recorded in July (15.0%), while the highest fish contamination was detected in September (12.0%). Among fish species, Rastrelliger kanagurta (Bagah) had the highest contamination rate (20.0%), followed by Scomberomorus commerson (Dairak) at 13.3%, whereas no V. parahaemolyticus isolates were found in Dasyatis kuhlii (Safon) and Rachycentron canadum (Sakalah).
CONCLUSION: The findings confirm the presence of V. parahaemolyticus in both human and fish meat samples, highlighting seasonal variations and species-specific differences. The peak occurrence in fish during warm months suggests a potential link between higher temperatures and bacterial prevalence. Improved seafood handling, monitoring, and public health awareness are essential to mitigate the risk of foodborne infections. Further research is needed to explore genetic determinants of virulence and antimicrobial resistance in local isolates.
METHODS: We examined the prevalence of comorbidities in IIM patients, other autoimmune rheumatic diseases (oAIRDs) and healthy controls (HCs), using data from the self-reported COVAD-2 survey. We defined basic multimorbidity (BM) as the presence of ≥2 non-rheumatic chronic conditions and complex multimorbidity (CM) as the presence of ≥3 non-rheumatic chronic conditions affecting ≥3 organ systems. Hierarchical clustering on principal components was performed for grouping.
RESULTS: Among the COVAD respondents, 1558 IIMs, 4591 oAIRDs and 3652 HCs were analysed. IIMs exhibited a high burden of comorbidities (odds ratio [OR]: 1.62 vs oAIRDs and 2.95 vs HCs, P
METHODS: 2072 Malaysian participants from the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study (RFGES) with complete data on DGBI were included in the in-depth analysis. We assessed the prevalence of DGBI diagnoses, psychological distress, QoL, healthcare utilization, dietary patterns, impact on sleep, work productivity, and activity impairment.
RESULTS: The overall prevalence of any DGBI in Malaysia was 19.3% (95% CI 17.6%-21.0%). The top three most prevalent DGBI diagnoses were functional constipation (5.1%; 95% CI 4.2%-6.1%), functional dyspepsia (3.4%; 95% CI 2.7%-4.3%), and functional diarrhea (1.6%; 95% CI 1.1%-2.2%). Participants with DGBI reported higher levels of psychological distress (somatization, anxiety, and depression), significantly higher healthcare utilization, and dietary change (low FODMAPs but higher Mediterranean-based diet and probiotics). Furthermore, there was greater daytime sleepiness and higher proportions of presenteeism, overall work impairment, and activity impairment in individuals with DGBI.
CONCLUSION: The disease burden of DGBI is significant in Malaysia, with increased psychological distress, healthcare utilization, dietary change, greater daytime sleepiness, and greater overall work and activity impairment.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of all children with DIPG treated with RT3 or RT4 at a single institution was performed. Medical records were reviewed, and composite dosimetry across all delivered courses of RT was reconstructed. All patients received conventionally fractionated photon RT at 1.8-2 Gy per day, with RT3 or RT4 dose prescriptions ranging 18-21.6 Gy in 10-12 fractions to the brainstem.
RESULTS: Five patients were identified; four received three courses of RT while one received four to the brainstem. Median survival from the last course of radiation to death was 4 months; median survival from the first course of RT was 26 months. The median cumulative brainstem D0.03cc for all courses of radiation was 104 Gy (interquartile range: 102-112 Gy). The median time from RT2 to RT3 was 8 months, with partial neurologic recovery (80%) or stable symptoms (20%) after RT3. Radiological appearance of tumor or brainstem necrosis was reported in two patients after RT3 (40%).
CONCLUSIONS: A third course of RT may be carefully considered as a treatment option for selected children with recurrent DIPG to provide palliation of neurologic symptoms.
OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between energy delivery and mortality in adult critically ill patients diagnosed with or at risk of malnutrition.
DATA SOURCES: Databases including Medline, Embase, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to November 20, 2023.
DATA EXTRACTION: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that (1) included critically ill patients (aged ≥18 years) diagnosed with or at risk of malnutrition using validated tools following intensive care unit (ICU) admission, (2) had at least 20% energy difference between intervention and comparison groups, and (3) reported mortality outcomes were included. The random-effects model was used to pool the data.
DATA ANALYSIS: Two RCTs (4681 at-risk patients) and 5 observational studies (1587 at-risk patients [including 389 high-risk patients]) were included. The pooled mean energy delivered during the first 7-14 days of ICU admission in higher vs lower energy groups was 25.6 ± 5.9 vs 9.7 ± 5.6 kcal/kg per day (P = .004) in RCTs and 21.0 ± 5.2 vs 13.3 ± 5.3 kcal/kg per day (P