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Objective: The effect of garlic powder (GP) and phenyl acetic (PA) acid throughout the fattening period of broiler chickens on performance, blood parameters, immune, and antioxidant parameters as well as carcass traits was evaluated.Methods: A total of 210 day-old Cobb broiler chicks were randomly distributed into seven dietary treatments having five replications with six chicks per replicate. The first group (control) fed a basal diet without supplements, whereas the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th group were fed basal diet plus 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 g GP/kg diet, respectively and the group 5th, 6th, and 7th were fed on the basal diet plus 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 g PA/kg diet.Results: Broiler body weight and gain at 21 and 42 days were increased (p<0.05) with diets supplemented with GP and PA. Red blood cells and hemoglobin were improved in chickens fed diets enriched with GP. Broiler chickens received diets containing either GP or PA recorded the higher values (p<0.05) of total protein, globulin, high-density lipoprotein, immunoglobulin M (IgM), and IgG, superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity; while, blood total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, aspartate-aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde were lowered (p<0.05) compared to control-diet. Liver and immune-related organs weight were improved (p<0.05) in broilers fed diet supplemented with GP and PA.Conclusion: Feeding of GP or PA in diet had positive effects on performance traits and immunological, antioxidant and physiological status of broilers. Thus, the use of tested feed additives as an eco-friendly alternative to antibiotics produced a positive effect on animal health.

Abstract A significant public health issue worldwide is metabolic syndrome, a cluster of metabolic illnesses that comprises insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. The creation of natural treatments and preventions for metabolic syndrome is crucial. Chitosan, along with its nanoformulations, is an oligomer of chitin, the second-most prevalent polymer in nature, which is created via deacetylation. Due to its plentiful biological actions in recent years, chitosan and its nanoformulations have drawn much interest. Recently, the chitosan nanoparticle-based delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 has been applied in treating metabolic syndromes. The benefits of chitosan and its nanoformulations on insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension will be outlined in the present review, highlighting potential mechanisms for the avoidance and medication of the metabolic syndromes by chitosan and its nanoformulations. Resumo Uma questão significativa de saúde pública em todo o mundo é a síndrome metabólica, um conjunto de doenças metabólicas que compreende resistência à insulina, obesidade, dislipidemia, hiperglicemia e hipertensão. A criação de tratamentos e prevenções naturais para a síndrome metabólica é crucial. A quitosana, juntamente com suas nanoformulações, é um oligômero de quitina, o segundo polímero mais prevalente na natureza, criado por desacetilação. Devido às suas abundantes ações biológicas nos últimos anos, a quitosana e suas nanoformulações têm despertado muito interesse. Recentemente, a entrega de CRISPR-Cas9 baseada em nanopartículas de quitosana tem sido aplicada no tratamento de síndromes metabólicas. Por isto, os benefícios da quitosana e suas nanoformulações na resistência à insulina, obesidade, diabetes mellitus, dislipidemia, hiperglicemia e hipertensão serão delineados na presente revisão, destacando potenciais mecanismos para evitar e medicação das síndromes metabólicas pela quitosana e suas nanoformulações.

Chlorella (vulgaris spp.; CLV) is a genus of unicellular freshwater microalgae that are fit for human consumption and are used as additives with high nutritional value in feed for agriculturally important animals. Chlorella spp. are characterised by their simple cultivation, high productivity and levels of protein and other nutrients. Investigations have shown that the growth performance of broilers can be positively affected by the addition of very low amounts of CLV biomass (0.5-1.0% of the diet) to feed. The effect of CLV on growth and development is considered to stem from its high protein content (60.6%) and nutritional value. Results have shown enhanced body weight gain (2.7%), better feed conversion ratio (lowered by 2.8%), meat colour and breast muscle weight (20.1%) in CLV-supplemented chicks compared to control birds (control breast weight 19.1%). Additionally, a significant decrease in drip loss (2.26%) from breast muscle was observed with CLV supplementation and levels of blood total protein, albumin, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol significantly increased (P<0.05), while the levels of liver enzymes indicative of oxidative damage (alanine aminotransferase, ALT) decreased by 23.2%, indicating better liver function. In terms of immunity, blood lymphocytes were increased in broilers fed a diet supplemented with liquid CLV (17.9 x 103/µl) compared with birds supplemented with dry CLV (13.5 x 103/µl). Additionally, the levels of IgA, IgG, and IgM were elevated by 29.7%, 69.1%, and 32.3%, respectively, in broilers that consumed feed containing CLV. Similarly, the intestinal diversity and abundance of Lactobacillus spp. were significantly increased (9.9 ± 1.88 and 8.99 log10 CFU/g, respectively) by dietary supplementation with liquid CLV compared to that in non-treated chicks (8.7 ± 1.22 and 8.51 log10 CFU/g, respectively). Energy digestibility was increased significantly by 1.29% in CLV-treated chicks compared to the control chicks. This review highlights the findings associated with the utilisation of CLV biomass as a feed supplement and its effect on broiler growth and health.

Summary This study aimed to assess the influence of smoking duration and intensity on sperm vitality, sperm DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and zinc (Zn) levels in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) men with varicocele (Vx). A total of 246 men were investigated who were divided into OAT nonsmokers, OAT smokers, OAT nonsmokers and OAT smokers with Vx. They were subjected to history taking, clinical examination and semen analysis. In their semen, sperm hypo‐osmotic swelling (HOS) test, sperm DNA fragmentation test, seminal ROS and seminal Zn were assessed. The results demonstrated significantly decreased HOS test, seminal Zn level and significantly increased sperm DNA fragmentation, seminal ROS levels in OAT smokers with Vx more than OAT smokers compared with OAT nonsmokers. Smoking intensity, smoking duration and Vx grade demonstrated significant negative correlations with sperm motility, HOS test percentage and significant positive correlations with sperm DNA fragmentation, seminal ROS level. It is concluded that smoking has a negative impact on sperm progressive motility, HOS test, seminal Zn and positive impact on sperm DNA fragmentation, semen ROS level that are exaggerated if Vx is associated being correlated with smoking intensity, smoking duration and Vx grade.

In coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, several serum biomarkers have been identified. Upon intensive care unit (ICU) admission, these laboratory markers become more crucial to distinguish between patients with severe cases of COVID-19. It might assist doctors in predicting the course of illnesses and treating patients appropriately. This work was to investigate the role of biomarkers in patients with COVID-19 classification admitted to the hospital and identified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Peripheral blood sample was taken from COVID-19 cases isolated on admission to determine C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, Fibrinogen, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), leukocytes CRP ratio (LeCR), lymphocyte-CRP ratio (LCR), interleukin-6 (IL6), leukocytes interleukin 6 ratio (LeIL6), systemic inflammatory index (SII), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor one (tPAI-1). Follow-up for IL6, Ferritin, D-dimer, and tPAI-1 were determined on the 3 and 7 days. Comparisons of severity revealed that hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and Ischemia were major risk factors in COVID-19 patients. There was a statistically significant difference between the test groups for fibrinogen (p < 0.000), IL6 (p < 0.009), LeCR (p < 0.006), and LCR (p < 0.011). Based on laboratory test findings at the time of ICU admission, we can distinguish severe cases of COVID-19.

The honey bees ( Apis mellifera L.) mainly use beeswax (comb) for brood rearing and food storage. Changes in the color and cell dimensions occur due to repeated food storage and brood rearing in the comb. The study aimed to determine the changes in comb cell measurements and worker body sizes in relation to comb age. For this purpose, the cell measurements of combs at age zero (wax foundation), 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 years and the body size of workers reared in them were estimated. The weight of the comb, the height of the cell base, and the weight of accumulated substances in the cell significantly increased with time. Comb age had negative effects on the cell diameter, cell depth, cell volume, cell honey or pollen capacity, and newly emerged worker body weight. Significant negative correlations were observed between the accumulated substances in a cell and the cell diameter, cell depth, and cell size, while significant positive correlations were observed among the cell volume, cell diameter, cell depth, cell honey capacity, cell pollen capacity, and worker body weight. It can be concluded that the dimensions of the comb cells and worker body size changed with the age of the comb. The obtained results recommend beekeepers to replace combs aged more than 3 years with a new comb to allow large workers to gather more nectar and pollen, rear a larger brood, and store more honey.

Labor pain is often managed with pharmacological interventions, which can lead to several adverse effects for mothers and neonates. Consequently, non-pharmacological interventions are gaining attention as safer alternatives for pain relief during labor. This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of non-pharmacological methods in reducing labor pain. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases up to September 2024. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating non-pharmacological interventions for labor pain relief were included, with pain intensity during cervical dilatation as the primary outcome. Data synthesis was performed using RevMan (V5.3). Seventy-seven RCTs involving 8,805 pregnant women were analyzed. The results indicated that non-pharmacological methods significantly reduced pain at 3-4 cm cervical dilatation compared to control groups (M.D. = -1.63, 95% C.I. [-2.05 to -1.21], P < 0.0001). Notably, subgroup analysis showed that body acupressure (M.D. = -2.08, 95% C.I. [-2.76 to -1.40], P < 0.0001) and foot reflexology (M.D. = -2.48, 95% C.I. [-2.84 to -2.13], P < 0.0001) were particularly effective. High heterogeneity (I² > 90%) was noted, partly reflecting differences in intervention types, protocols, and participant characteristics. Overall, non-pharmacological interventions provided substantial relief in labor pain compared to standard care, suggesting their potential utility in obstetric practice. Further large-scale studies are warranted to confirm these findings. La douleur du travail est souvent prise en charge par des interventions pharmacologiques, ce qui peut entraîner plusieurs effets indésirables pour la mère et le nouveau-né. Par conséquent, les interventions non pharmacologiques suscitent un intérêt croissant en tant qu'alternatives plus sûres pour soulager la douleur pendant le travail. Cette revue systématique visait à évaluer l'efficacité des méthodes non pharmacologiques pour réduire la douleur du travail. Une recherche exhaustive a été menée dans les bases de données PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science et Cochrane Library jusqu'en septembre 2024. Seuls les essais contrôlés randomisés (ECR) évaluant les interventions non pharmacologiques pour soulager la douleur du travail ont été inclus, l'intensité de la douleur pendant la dilatation cervicale étant le critère d'évaluation principal. La synthèse des données a été réalisée à l'aide de RevMan (V5.3). Soixante-dix-sept ECR portant sur 8 805 femmes enceintes ont été analysés. Les résultats ont indiqué que les méthodes non pharmacologiques réduisaient significativement la douleur à une dilatation cervicale de 3 à 4 cm par rapport aux groupes témoins (DM = -1,63, IC à 95 % [-2,05 à -1,21], P < 0,0001). L'analyse de sous-groupes a notamment montré que l'acupression corporelle (DM = -2,08, IC à 95 % [-2,76 à -1,40], p < 0,0001) et la réflexologie plantaire (DM = -2,48, IC à 95 % [-2,84 à -2,13], p < 0,0001) étaient particulièrement efficaces. Une forte hétérogénéité (I² > 90 %) a été constatée, reflétant en partie les différences entre les types d'intervention, les protocoles et les caractéristiques des participantes. Globalement, les interventions non pharmacologiques ont considérablement soulagé les douleurs du travail par rapport aux soins standard, ce qui suggère leur utilité potentielle en obstétrique. D'autres études à grande échelle sont nécessaires pour confirmer ces résultats.

The olive oil industry produces large volumes of by-products which, if not properly managed, can negatively impact water resources, aquatic ecosystems, soil quality, and the atmosphere. The extraction process generates several by-products that have previously been regarded as waste. Utilizing these residues as alternative feed ingredients aligns with the principles of a circular economy, making the agri-food system more sustainable, conserving natural resources, and reducing the environmental footprint of livestock production. Therefore, the proper use of industrial by-products is of great importance and requires continuous attention. Olive pomace, a major by-product of olive oil extraction, can be used in animal feed as an inexpensive yet nutritious residue. It consists mainly of pasty pulp, kernel, skin, and vegetation water. Once dried, it becomes a stable by-product suitable for feed use. Olive by-products can be incorporated into animal diets in several forms, such as fresh, ensiled, or dried material, or as components of concentrate pellets and multi-nutrient feed blocks. Among these, dried olive pomace is considered one of the most practical and stable options. Olive pomace, as a by-product of the olive oil industry, is rich in phenolic compounds and beneficial fatty acids that play significant roles in animal health and productivity. Hence, it is crucial to evaluate its potential as a feed ingredient; however, current understanding of its specific effects on livestock production remains limited. This review focuses on the influence of olive pomace inclusion in animal diets on milk production, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, feed efficiency, and overall health status. In general, dietary olive pomace has shown satisfactory results, serving as a low-cost nutrient source that can enhance both the productivity and the quality of animal-derived products.

Housing system and nutrition are non-genetic factors that can improve the well-being of animals to obtain higher quality products. A better understanding of how different housing systems and essential oils can influence the performance of layers is very important at the research and commercial levels. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of a housing system and dietary supplementation of rosemary and cinnamon essential oils on layers’ performance and egg quality. A factorial arrangement (2 × 3) was performed include two housing systems (floor and cage) and three different types of essential oils (0, 300 mg/kg diet of rosemary and 300 mg/kg diet of cinnamon essential oils) to study their effects on the productive performance, egg quality, immunity, oxidative stress and haematology of ISA brown laying hens during the production stages (from 28 to 76 weeks of age). Birds were randomly divided into two groups each comprising of 1500 birds; the first group was moved from the litter to reared laying cages while the second group was floor reared. Each group was randomly divided into three groups, the first was considered as a control group, the second treated with rosemary essential oil, and the third with cinnamon essential oil. The differences in egg production and weight, egg quality, feed intake and conversion, blood picture and chemistry, immunity, and antioxidant parameters between the different housing systems (floor and cage) were not significant at (p < 0.05 or 0.01). On the other hand, the egg production and weight, Haugh unit, feed intake and conversion, blood cholesterol, Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), urea, Ca, P, immunity, and antioxidant parameters were significantly (p < 0.05 or 0.01) better in rosemary and cinnamon groups than in the control group. Furthermore, the results of dietary supplementation with rosemary and cinnamon were very close. Regarding egg production and weight, there were no significant differences due to the interactions. The differences in egg mass among the interactions were also not significant except at 68–76 weeks, where the cage × cinnamon group was the highest. Under the floor rearing system, birds that were fed a diet supplemented with or without essential oils (EOs) consumed more feed than those raised under the cage system. Regarding feed conversion rate (FCR), the differences among the interactions were not significant except at 44–52, 52–60 and 68–76 weeks, where the cage × cinnamon group was the lowest. Excluding glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity (p < 0.001), all immunity and antioxidant indices were not statistically different as a consequence of the interaction among EOs and housing systems. Additionally, the highest levels of phosphorus were observed for layers fed diets enriched with cinnamon oil with the cage or floor system. In conclusion, the data suggested that supplementation of rosemary and cinnamon essential oils in laying hen diet showed significantly positive effects on hen performance and egg production. Cholesterol, liver and kidney functions, immunity, and antioxidant parameters improved with rosemary and cinnamon supplementation when compared to the control. Additionally, the different housing systems did not result in any positive or negative impact on these traits.

The present study was conducted in a cement production area in Al-Ahsa Province, in eastern Saudi Arabia. The study aimed to investigate the intensity of heavy metal contents at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21 km from the cement factory by determining, quantifying and measuring certain heavy metal contents in honey, bee collected-pollen and forager bee samples from the hybrid Carniolan honey bee, Apis mellifera carnica Pollmann colonies. Values of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) in honey, bee pollen and forager bees were variable and significantly dependent on the distance from the cement factory. The largest values of tested heavy metals were obtained from samples collected from the 1st location (3 km), except for Cu in honey, and Cu and Ni in forager bees collected from the 2nd location (6 km). In addition, these values were variable and significantly dependent on the type of product. The largest values of Mn, Zn and Cu were obtained from forager bees, while the maximum values of Fe and Ni were found in bee-pollen. On the other hand, harmful elements including lead (Pb), cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) were not detected in any of the samples. From results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that heavy metal pollution was most intense in zones closest to the cement-industry area. Finally, honey bees and their products can be used as an indicator of environmental pollution.