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Background L-menthol evokes a cooling sensation by activating cold sensing cation channels. Menthol-enhanced fluids can be ergogenic during exercise in the heat by improving thermal perception; hence, the addition of menthol to energy gels may benefit athletes. Previously, unflavored menthol gels were deemed acceptable at 0.1% concentration, but no research has been undertaken on menthol gels with additional flavoring. Therefore, we determined athlete perceptions of flavored energy gels with different menthol concentrations. Methods With a randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, 27 athletes (34.8 ± 6.7 y, 9 females) ingested an energy gel with either 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, or 0.7% menthol concentration, or a non-menthol, flavor-matched placebo (CON), on separate occasions before outdoor exercise. Gels were rated for cooling sensation, irritation, flavor, and overall experience on 100-point sensory and hedonic labeled magnitude scales. The duration of any cooling sensation was also reported. Results All menthol gels delivered a greater cooling sensation compared to CON (7.4 ± 8.1 AU) with a significantly greater response for 0.7% (59.9 ± 20.5 AU) and 0.5% (57.7 ± 21.8 AU), compared to all others. Irritation was higher for all menthol gels compared to CON (3.4 ± 7.2 AU) and for 0.7% compared to 0.1% (31.1 ± 31.0 vs. 16.3 ± 21.0 AU, p = 0.041), with none rated above a ‘mild-moderate’ intensity. The menthol gels delivered a significantly longer cooling sensation duration (12.3-19.6 min) versus CON (2.2 ± 4.8 min) with no difference between menthol gels. Conclusion A flavored menthol energy gel at 0.1–0.7% concentration provides a cooling sensation for athletes when ingested before exercise. The 0.5% concentration is recommended to maximize the cooling sensation whilst minimizing irritation.

Background This study investigated the combined effect of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and fish oil (FO) on muscle damage caused by eccentric contractions (ECCs) of the elbow flexors, with a special focus on muscular function. Methods Twenty-nine untrained male participants were enrolled in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study. The participants were randomly assigned to the placebo (PL) group (n = 9), BCAA supplement group (n = 10), and BCAA+FO supplement group (n = 10). The BCAA+FO group consumed eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 600 mg and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 260 mg per day for 8 weeks, while the BCAA and BCAA+FO groups consumed 9.6 g per day for 3 days prior to and until 5 days after ECCs. Participants performed six sets of 10 ECCs at 100% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) using dumbbells. Changes in MVC torque, range of motion (ROM), muscle soreness using visual analog scales, upper circumference, muscle thickness, echo intensity, and serum creatine kinase (CK) were assessed before, immediately after, and 1, 2, 3, and 5 days after ECCs. Results The MVC torque was significantly higher in the BCAA+FO group than in the PL group immediately after ECCs (p

The analysis of authoritarianism in political systems, using theories presented in the field of philosophy of language, has been the main basis of this article. The main question of this article was: which components in poststructuralism can be used to start the process of passing authoritarianism and what will this transition look like from a poststructuralist point of view? In order to reach the answer, first by using the descriptive method of poststructuralism, of course, based on the views of Wittgenstein and Derrida, explanations are provided and an attempt has been made to determine the components inside it. After that, an attempt has been made to analyze authoritarianism in politicalsystems by using the components of poststructuralism. After that, the transition from authoritarianism has been considered and an attempt has been made to provide explanations about how to transition from a poststructuralist point of view. In the end, there are explanations about the type of government that is closer to the characteristics of poststructuralism. The main result of this article is that there are features of poststructuralism that paying attention to them in the field of politics can be a way to overcome authoritarianism. The social nature of language, changeability, evolvability, decentralization, endless differences, and lack of semantic fixation are some of the characteristics.

Tannins and essential oils (EOs) have been previously described for their properties to mitigate ruminal methane and ammonia. Their combination might be even more efficient, as they have different modes of action on rumen pathways. This study aimed to screen in vitro the mitigating properties of variously combining tannins with EO in a total of 48 treatments: 12 single additives, 10 mg of EO or 20 mg of tannins/g diet, to establish their basal efficiency; 36 combinations of 20 mg of tannins/g + 10–15 mg of EO. Quebracho (Q) and chestnut (C) tannins defined C, Q and C/Q groups of mixtures with EO blends, formulated with oregano, thyme and clove EO, citrus peel, carvacrol, thymol, eugenol, α-pinene, and bornyl acetate. Supplements were added to a control diet, which was also incubated alone as a basis for comparisons with supplemented treatments, in a total of six runs. Effects on rumen pH, protozoal count, and proportions of individual volatile fatty acids (VFA) were limited. The tannins extracts seemed to cause most of the mitigating effects by suppressing ammonia by up to 31% and methane yield by up to 15%, with the highest reductions obtained with tannins-based supplements. However, this occurred by contemporary affecting the feeding value of the substrate, as indicated by reductions in total VFA and in vitro organic matter digestibility. Overall, six mixtures of C and Q groups were the most efficient and they need further studies to understand the mechanisms of actions and the synergistic effects occurring among compounds.Highlights Combinations of tannins and essential oil compounds were screened in vitro Some combinations lowered methane yield and ammonia formation by up to 15 and 31% Essential oil compounds enhanced the mitigating properties of the tannins

ABSTRACT: Poor vigor at birth has been associated with reduced IgG absorption from colostrum and a reduced vitality in neonatal dairy calves. Some natural compounds, such as green tea extract, may improve vitality in compromised calves. The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the potential of supplementing a green tea extract (15 mL) to calves to improve vigor and activity behavior for the first 72 h postnatal. Also, this study aimed to investigate the influence of green tea extract supplementation on calf serum IgG concentration and the apparent efficiency of absorption (AEA) of colostral IgG. Holstein calves (n = 24) weighing 42.49 ± 1.07 kg postnatal received a complete random assignment at 3 h of one 15-mL dose of green tea extract (Calf Perk, TechMix) or distilled water orally before tube feeding colostrum replacer (Premolac Plus IgG, Zinpro) at 4 h postnatal. Two observers assessed for calving time and dystocia by live video stream to retrieve all calves within 2 h postnatal. One veterinarian performed a baseline vigor assessment based on heart rate and response to stimuli on all calves at 2.5 h, before colostrum feeding at 3.75 h, as well as at 24, 48, and 72 h postnatal. Calf blood samples were taken to assess total IgG by radial immunodiffusion assay at 2.5, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. Calf vitality was also observed continuously by video for all calves to determine whether treatment was associated with attempts to stand, lying time, and exploration of their pen environment for the first 24 h. We used an ordinal logistic model to evaluate the odds of green tea extract improving a calf's vigor category from 2.5 h postnatal to 72 h of age. Vigor score was categorized as abnormal (≤4), average (5), or alert (≥6), with hour as a fixed effect. We also ran mixed linear models to evaluate the effect of extract on total IgG and AEA, with time and dystocia as fixed effects. Five dystocia calves were enrolled (2 control, 3 extract), but assistance was minor (e.g., manual assistance and all were assisted within 1 h). Baseline vigor scores and baseline total IgG were not different between groups. Vigor score category was not associated with green tea extract supplementation (odds ratio 1.17; 95% CI: 0.43–3.15) but increased with time compared with controls. We observed no association of treatment with total IgG or AEA in the calves, suggesting green tea extract does not compromise IgG absorption. Calf vitality, lying behavior, and exploratory behavior were not associated with green tea extract treatment. Our findings suggest that green tea extract supplementation does not affect AEA and serum IgG concentration in calves. Future research should evaluate whether green tea extract improves vitality in calves experiencing severe dystocia.

Abstract The compound β‐hydroxy‐β‐methyl butyrate (HMB) is proposed to increase or mitigate the loss of skeletal muscle and improve muscle function. We undertook a review of systematic reviews of HMB supplementation to promote gains or mitigate muscle loss in ageing and clinical populations. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched for systematic reviews reporting the effect of HMB in our target populations. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) measured lean soft‐tissue mass (LSTM) was accepted as a proxy for muscle. We identified 15 systematic reviews that met our inclusion criteria, which were independently evaluated. The methodological quality of the reviews was assessed using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR), and standardized effectiveness statements were generated. Five of 15 studies found some evidence that HMB augmented LSTM; the remaining 10 studies reported some evidence favouring no difference (6/10 studies) or insufficient evidence to determine an effect (4/10 studies). Of the 12 studies that evaluated strength, 4/12 found some evidence, 5/12 found some evidence of no effect with one article finding some evidence in favour of patients in peri‐hospitalized and no evidence for those that are community‐dwelling, 4/12 had insufficient evidence to determine an effect, and 1/12 had insufficient evidence. No]study reported a positive effect of HMB on physical function; however, 2/10 studies found some evidence favouring no effect, and 7/10 studies reported insufficient evidence to determine an effect. The effectiveness of HMB supplementation in augmenting LSTM was heterogeneous, with most reviews finding no effect or inconclusive evidence to determine an effect. Most reviews concluded that HMB supplementation did not affect strength outcome measures or studies were inconclusive. The current evidence is insufficient to assess the impact of HMB supplementation on functional outcome measures. Our analysis shows minor, inconsistent support for HMB as part of an oral nutritional supplement or as a stand‐alone supplement (or combined with other amino acids) to increase or promote retention of LSTM, improve strength, and no evidence that it improves physical function in older persons or clinical populations.

Background: Military field exercises are characterised by high volumes of exercise and prolonged periods of load carriage. Exercise can decrease circulating serum calcium and increase parathyroid hormone and bone resorption. These disturbances to calcium and bone metabolism can be attenuated with calcium supplementation immediately before exercise. This randomised crossover trial will investigate the effect of calcium supplementation on calcium and bone metabolism, and bone mineral balance, during load carriage exercise in women. Methods: Thirty women (eumenorrheic or using the combined oral contraceptive pill, intrauterine system, or intrauterine device) will complete two experimental testing sessions either with, or without, a calcium supplement (1000 mg). Each experimental testing session will involve one 120 min session of load carriage exercise carrying 20 kg. Venous blood samples will be taken and analysed for biochemical markers of bone resorption and formation, calcium metabolism, and endocrine function. Urine will be collected pre- and post-load carriage to measure calcium isotopes for the calculation of bone calcium balance. Discussion: The results from this study will help identify whether supplementing women with calcium during load carriage is protective of bone and calcium homeostasis. Trial registration: NCT04823156 (clinicaltrials.gov). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: High blood pressure and increased lipid profile are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. To improve cardiovascular health, lifestyle changes should be considered as a guide to reduce people’s inactivity and modify healthy eating patterns. Spirulina is a green alga and has been considered as a food supplement for the treatment of various diseases. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of spirulina supplement and eight weeks of combined exercises on blood pressure and lipid profile in women with high blood pressure. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted as a clinical trial in 40 women with high blood pressure (50-60 years old). People were included in the study in 4 intervention and control groups. The data were collected during two stages of pre-test and post-test in terms of changes in blood pressure and lipid profile. The supplement intervention group consumed 4.2 grams of spirulina supplement daily and had an exercise intervention of 8 weeks of combined aerobic and resistance exercises. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software (version 23), one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc test at level 0.05. Results: The results of ANOVA showed that there was a significant difference between systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and VLDL, after the test, in the study groups (P-value<0.05). The highest mean ± standard deviation (SD) of systolic blood pressure (141.90±9.85), and total cholesterol (213.30±28.93), after the test, was observed in combined exercise group and the mean± SD of VLDL after the test (34.60±6.46) was observed in the control group. Also, the results of Tukey’s post hoc test showed that there was a significant difference between the mean blood pressure in the control groups-spirulina supplement, control-combined exercises, spirulina supplement-spirulina supplement and combined exercises, and combined exercises-spirulina supplement and combined exercises. Also, there was a significant difference between the mean of total cholesterol and VLDL in combined exercises-spirulina supplement, combined exercises, and control-spirulina supplement groups, respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion: It seems that the use of spirulina supplement and eight weeks of combined exercises may have beneficial effects on blood pressure and lipid profile in women with high blood pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strenuous exercise involving eccentric muscle actions induces skeletal muscle damage resulting in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Antioxidant supplementation, such as astaxanthin (AX), may alleviate muscle injury following intense exercise. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a four-week course of AX supplementation at 12 mg/day−1 on subjective markers of DOMS, recovery, and performance after a bout of muscle damaging eccentric exercise. Nineteen resistance-trained men (mean ± SD: age, 22.6 ± 2.2 y) completed a between-group design with a four-week supplementation period of 12 mg/day−1 of either AX or a placebo. Subjects completed four trials, with trials One and Three designed to induce muscle damage, consisting of a one repetition maximum test (1RM) for leg-press, followed by five sets of ten repetitions at 65% of 1RM. Trials Two and Four were performance trials, conducted 48 h later and consisting of repetitions to failure at 65%, 70%, and 75% of 1RM. Subjective markers of DOMS and recovery were collected at multiple timepoints post-trial for trials One and Three. Although performance was not affected (p > 0.05), AX supplementation significantly decreased subjective markers of DOMS (p = 0.01) compared to the placebo. The results demonstrated that AX may enhance recovery by reducing DOMS without detriment to performance in resistance-trained men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushrooms play essential role in preventing and treating various health issues, including, Reducing swellings due to allergy, blood pressure, and high cholesterol level”. Mushrooms contain high quality, proteins, polysaccharides, unsaturated fatty acids, mineral substances, triterpenes, and secondary metabolites. Mushrooms are an excellent supplier of essential micronutrients and bioactive chemicals that may help to avoid chronic illnesses. Mushrooms have long been thought of as food that promote health. Recent research also indicates involvement of medicinal and culinary mushrooms in preventing a variety of age-related neurological dysfunctions, such as Parkinson's illnesses and Alzheimer's disease. Medicinal and edible mushrooms are rich in anti-tumor, and their antioxidant properties are extensively researched due to their various curative properties. Edible and medicinal mushrooms are used to prevent cancer to some extent and to minimize the side effects of conventional treatments like chemotherapy. Overall, mushrooms act as immunity booster, a good alternative for trace element supplement, and easily available to the consumers. In the present review, we discuss about various benefits of mushrooms using recent studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of substituting 50% of noug seed cake (NSC) in a concentrate mixture with pigeon pea leaves (PPL) or desmodium hay (DH) on feed intake, digestibility, body weight gain, carcass composition, and meat quality of crossbred male dairy calves. Twenty-seven male dairy calves at 7–8 months of age with an average initial body weight of 150 ± 31 kg (mean ± SD) were assigned to 3 treatments in a randomized complete block design with 9 replications. Calves were blocked based on their initial body weight and assigned to the 3 treatments. All calves were fed native pasture hay ad libitum (at ⁓10% refusal) supplemented with a concentrate containing 24% NSC (treatment 1) or supplemented with a concentrate where 50% of NSC was replaced with PPL (treatment 2) or a concentrate where 50% of NSC was replaced with DH (treatment 3). Feed and nutrient intake, apparent nutrient digestibility, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass composition, and meat quality (except texture) were similar (P > 0.05) among treatments. Treatments 2 and 3 had more (P < 0.05) tender loin and rib meat than treatment 1. It can be concluded that 50% of NSC in the concentrate mixture can be replaced with either PPL or DH in growing male crossbred dairy calves to achieve similar growth performance and carcass characteristics. Since the substitution of 50% NSC either with PPL or DH resulted in similar outcomes in almost all responses measured, it is recommended to evaluate the complete substitution of NSC either with PPL or DH on the performance of calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zeitschrift der Savigny-Stiftung fur Rechtsgeschichte: Germanistische Abteilung is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background and Objectives: Patients undergoing cystoscopy can experience discomfort or pain during the procedure. In some cases, a urinary tract infection (UTI) with storage lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) may occur in the days following the procedure. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of D-mannose plus Saccharomyces boulardii in the prevention of UTIs and discomfort in patients undergoing cystoscopy. Materials and Methods: A single-center prospective randomized pilot study was conducted between April 2019 and June 2020. Patients undergoing cystoscopy for suspected bladder cancer (BCa) or in the follow-up for BCa were enrolled. Patients were randomized into two groups: D-Mannose plus Saccharomyces boulardii (Group A) vs. no treatment (Group B). A urine culture was prescribed regardless of symptoms 7 days before and 7 days after cystoscopy. The International Prostatic Symptoms Score (IPSS), 0–10 numeric rating scale (NRS) for local pain/discomfort, and EORTC Core Quality of Life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) were administered before cystoscopy and 7 days after. Results: A total of 32 patients (16 per group) were enrolled. No urine culture was positive in Group A 7 days after cystoscopy, while 3 patients (18.8%) in Group B had a positive control urine culture (p = 0.044). All patients with positive control urine culture reported the onset or worsening of urinary symptoms, excluding the diagnosis of asymptomatic bacteriuria. At 7 days after cystoscopy, the median IPSS of Group A was significantly lower than that of Group B (10.5 vs. 16.5 points; p = 0.021), and at 7 days, the median NRS for local discomfort/pain of Group A was significantly lower than that for Group B (1.5 vs. 4.0 points; p = 0.012). No statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in the median IPSS-QoL and EORTC QLQ-C30 was found between groups. Conclusions: D-Mannose plus Saccharomyces boulardii administered after cystoscopy seem to significantly reduce the incidence of UTI, the severity of LUTS, and the intensity of local discomfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work provides detailed mechanistic analysis of thermo-oxidative degradation behavior of vitamin D3—Ca (CaCO3 form) solid state supplement formulation. Analytical techniques such Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier-transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-MS) were used for analysis of homogeneity of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) throughout excipients contained within solid dosage forms. Information gained from MALDI-MS experiments was used to improve and better understand interactions present, later clearly disclosed through kinetic modeling. It was found that process mechanism proceeds via two single-step unbranched reactions and two steps of consecutive reactions. Key features include vitamin D3 meltings and degradation via hydrogen abstraction followed by addition of oxygen forming 1-hydroxy-vitamin D3 and further through its dehydration to 1-keto-vitamin D3. Identified product 1-hydroxy-vitamin D3 is substantial for enhancing the immune response of human body in fight against respiratory viruses. Another two degradation products, namely pyrocalciferol and isopyrocalciferol, produced by thermal isomerization at higher temperatures, were also identified. These vitamin epimers have crucial role in functioning of immune cells. Degradation process of mineral structure occurs through water molecules removal, forming anhydrous polymorph of CaCO3, where formation of solid (CaO) and gaseous (CO2) products participates in kinetically stabilized additive-functionalized amorphous CaCO3 crystallization. Confirmation of correctness of proposed degradation mechanism was verified by modulated dynamic (MD) predictions. Information obtained is valuable and suitable for safety evaluations of given supplement, but also could be applied for solid state forms, which are generally sensitive to oxidative conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep is a crucial component of health, and insomnia is among the most common and vexing of life-habit-related disorders. While dietary sleep-support supplements can improve sleep, choosing an effective dietary supplement can be challenging for users due to the wide variety of options available and the varying effects experienced by different individuals. In this study, to identify new criteria for estimating the effects of dietary supplements, we examined the relationships among the dietary supplements, the pre-conditions (PCs; defined as the life habits and sleep conditions before supplementation), and the sleep problems of subjects before supplementation. An open, randomized, cross-over intervention trial enrolling 160 subjects was conducted to test the efficacy of each dietary supplement (Analysis 1) and the relationships among dietary supplements, the PCs, and sleep problems (Analysis 2). To this end, l-theanine (200 mg/day), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (111.1 mg/day), Apocynum venetum leaf extract (AVLE) (50 mg/day), and l-serine (300 mg/day) were administered to subjects. Before the first intervention period, life habits and sleep conditions were surveyed to identify each subject's PCs. For each combination of supplements and sleep problems, PCs were compared between subjects whose sleep problems were improved and subjects whose sleep problems were not improved via supplementation. All the tested supplements were found to ameliorate sleep problems significantly (Analysis 1). In Analysis 2, the PCs specific to improved subjects were found to differ depending on the dietary supplements and sleep problems. In addition, subjects who consumed dairy products often showed improvement in their sleep problems with all the tested supplements. This study suggests the possibility of personalizing sleep-support supplementation based on personal life habits, sleep conditions, and sleep problems, in addition to the known efficacy of dietary supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Middle-aged women have an increased risk of chronic degenerative diseases and reduced physical strength, which can lead to decreased vascular function and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, these problems can be treated or prevented with healthy nutrition and regular exercise. We focused on these benefits as recent studies have reported the potential synergistic effects of suspension training and nutrition. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of 12 weeks of adlay intake and suspension training on improvements in body composition, physical fitness, blood lipids, and arterial stiffness in middle-aged women. Neither the adlay + suspension exercise (ASEG) nor suspension exercise groups (SEG) showed significant changes in body composition. Nonetheless, with respect to physical fitness, there was a difference in time among all variables except flexibility, though the ASEG showed a more significant effect than the SEG. Regarding blood lipids, significant interaction effects were found for triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while only the ASEG significantly improved these parameters. Furthermore, pulse wave velocity was only significantly decreased in the ASEG. In summary, performing suspension exercises for 12 weeks improved physical strength in middle-aged women. Additionally, when adlay was consumed simultaneously, blood lipids and arterial stiffness were improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intake of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract (300 mg per day) over a week enhanced 16.1 km cycling time trial (TT) performance in endurance-trained cyclists without acute performance effects. In the present study, the acute effects of an intake of 900 mg of NZBC extract 2 h before performing the 16.1 km cycling TT were examined. A total of 34 cyclists (26 males; 8 females) (age: 38 ± 7 years, V ˙ O2max: 57 ± 5 mL·kg−1·min−1) completed 4 16.1 km TTs (2 familiarization and 2 experimental trials) over 4 mornings on a home turbo-trainer connected with the online training simulator ZWIFT. There was no difference in time to complete the 16.1 km TT between conditions (placebo: 1422 ± 104 s; NZBC extract: 1414 ± 93 s, p = 0.07). However, when participants were split between faster (<1400 s; 1 female; 16 males) and slower (>1400 s; 7 females; 10 males) cyclists based on average familiarization TTs, a difference in TT performance was observed only in the slower group (placebo: 1499 ± 91 s; NZBC extract: 1479 ± 83 s, p = 0.02). At 12 km (quartile analysis), power output (p = 0.04) and speed (p = 0.04) were higher compared to the placebo with no effects on heart rate and cadence. The acute effects of 900 mg of NZBC extract on a 16.1 km cycling time-trial may depend on the performance ability of male endurance-trained cyclists. More work is needed to address whether there is a sex-specific time-trial effect of NZBC extract independent of performance ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the efficacy and safety of Curalin supplement in patients with type 2 diabetes. Research design and methods: Adult patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized 1:1 to receive Curalin supplement or placebo. The primary endpoint was HbA1c decrease at 1 month. The secondary endpoint was a decrease in HbA1c by more than 0.5% and 1% and a change in 7 daily blood glucose measurements. A satisfaction questionnaire was used as an exploratory endpoint. Safety variables and adverse events were assessed. Results: After 1 month of intervention, HbA1c was reduced by 0.94% in the Curalin arm versus 0.4% in the placebo arm (P = 0.008). 72% of Curalin patients had decreased HbA1c levels >0.5% versus 35% in the placebo arm (P < 0.05). The Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire indicated that Curalin arm patients reported higher overall satisfaction. Conclusions: Curalin treatment significantly reduced HbA1c over a 1‐month period and was well‐tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Foods with Function Claims (FFC) was introduced in Japan in April 2015 to make more products available that are labeled with health functions. The products' functionality of function claims must be explained by scientific evidence presented in systematic reviews (SRs), but the quality of recent SRs is unclear. This study assessed the quality of SRs in the FFC registered on the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) website in Japan. Methods: We searched the database from 1 April to 31 October 2022. Confidence in the methodological quality of each SR was evaluated by the AMSTAR 2 checklist. Results: Forty SRs were randomly extracted on the basis of the eligibility criteria and recruitment procedures. Overall confidence was rated as "high" (N = 0, 0%), "moderate" (N = 0, 0%), "low" (N = 2, 5%), or "critically low" (N = 38, 95%). The mean AMSTAR 2 score was 51.1% (SD 12.1%; range 19–73%). Among the 40 SRs, the number of critical domain deficiencies was 4 in 7.5% of SRs, 3 in 52.5% of SRs, 2 in 35% of SRs, and 1 in 5% of SRs. Registering the review's protocol and comprehensive search strategies were particularly common deficiencies. Additionally, the risk of bias (RoB) was insufficiently considered. Conclusion: Overall, the methodological quality of the SRs based on the FFC, introduced eight years earlier, was very poor. This was especially true in the interpretation and discussion of critical domains, which had many deficiencies in terms of protocol registration, a comprehensive literature search strategy, and accounting for the RoB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The superfood Moringa oleifera leaves are an alternative food source for human nutrition and animal feeds in different countries. This highly nutritious plant has several medicinal uses as well. Abundant vitamins and minerals make this plant a source of curiosity to underdeveloped and developing countries to meet the requirements of nutrients. Higher crude protein levels in moringa leaves have become popular as alternative feed sources for animals. Moreover, the leaf contains a rich amount of macro and micronutrients such as minerals and vitamins. It is also popular in some countries for its aphrodisiac use. Moringa leaves are used in the diet as a supplement to enhance growth and reproductive performance in animals, including fish. These leaves have been used in diets to replace fishmeal, soybean, and other plant-based meal sources. The antibacterial properties of the leaves are functional as a way of lessening the spread of diseases and as an immunity booster in aquaculture. According to the literature surveyed, moringa leaves can be utilized in the diet at 10-30% in omnivore and herbivore fish and 10-20% in carnivore fish without adverse effects. In this review, we discuss the utilization of supplemented moringa leaves and their effect on the growth and reproduction of fish. We also discuss how these leaves affect the hematological and physiological performance of fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crocin is a natural ingredient of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) flower that has shown potential for application as a supplement in eye health and preserving vision. Crocin has been examined for its potential to treat various eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular dystrophies, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. This review briefly discusses the role of crocin in different eye diseases. The underlying pathophysiological pathways involved in the effect of crocin on ophthalmic diseases are also reviewed. Preclinical evidence shows the cytoprotective, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and blood-flow enhancing effects of crocin in retinal tissue. Crocin also affects the retinal pathologies by activating PI3K/Akt and inhibiting NF-κB signalling pathways. Clinical evidence suggests that crocin improves outcomes in patients with retinal degenerations, retinal dystrophies, and glaucoma. Overall, crocin can be suggested as a potential vision supplement in healthy populations and patients with eye diseases. However, more clinical studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up durations are needed to confirm the current evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aims to characterize a fetal bovine serum (FBS) obtained from the meat industry for use in cell culture. FBS is the most widely used supplement for cell culture since its complex composition provides the necessary nutrients for the growth of most cells. It is a by-product of the meat industry, and its availability and production depend mainly on two uncontrollable external factors, climatic conditions and changes in beef consumption. According to the strict quality features of the International Serum Industry Association (ISIA), tests for total proteins, osmolarity, presence or absence of pathogenic biological agents, pH, DNA concentration, biological contaminants, negative results, and cell viability were performed. The characterization of the serum in the DNA and total protein concentration tests showed significant differences. Additionally, osmolarity and pH did not present significant differences between groups. Regarding the viability test, no complication for cell growth was observed despite the differences found in the characterization. The results showed that the serum obtained from the meat industry could maintain cell cultures and allow cell proliferation compared to commercial serum. Furthermore, if FBS is not available, some kinds of plasma can be used as a surrogate to maintain cell cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appearance- and performance-enhancing supplements (APES) may be associated with liver and renal toxicity, but use is often under-reported. This study describes the use and safety of APES among gay, bisexual, and other men-who-have-sex with men (gbMSM) attending an urban HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) clinic. A cross-sectional study was conducted between February 2018 to September 2018 to assess APES usage in gbMSM taking daily tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine for PrEP. Renal and liver function were assessed from electronic medical records. Among 50 participants (98% male, median 32 years, 52% White, on PrEP for a median 4.4 years), 72% reported lifetime APES use, with 52% currently using APES (median 1.5 products/person) and 28% never used APES. The most common products included whey protein, creatine supplements and anabolic steroids. The primary reason for APES use was to increase muscle mass. Three (12%) current APES users had elevated serum creatinine (stage 1) versus zero (0%) in the non-APES group. Two (8%) current APES users experienced grade 3–4 ALT/AST elevations versus zero (0%) in the non-APES group. APES usage among gbMSM taking PrEP was high and may be associated with liver/renal lab abnormalities. Increased awareness of APES use and potential toxicity is encouraged to enhance safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antioxidant L‐Carnosine is reported to improve negative and cognitive symptoms in Schizophrenia. A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled study was planned to study the effectiveness of adjuvant L‐Carnosine therapy in patients with Schizophrenia. 100 eligible patients with predominant negative symptoms as measured by scale for assessment of negative symptoms (SANS total score ≥ 60) and Schizophrenia diagnosis (International Classification of Disorder‐Tenth Edition, ICD‐10) were recruited. They were randomly allocated to receive a fixed dose of either 400 mg L‐Carnosine or identical placebo for 3 months and increased to 800 mg from 13th week till completion of study. Primary outcome measures assessed changes in SANS scores with L‐Carnosine at 24 weeks compared to baseline, 4 and 12 weeks. Secondary outcome measures were done to assess the improvement in cognitive symptoms (executive function, attention, and memory) at 24 weeks using subtests of NIMHANS (National Institute for Mental Health and Neurosciences) cognitive battery. Side effects were assessed using adverse events reporting form. The attention scores (p =.023) showed significant differences in patients receiving 800 mg of L‐Carnosine at the end of the study. There were no significant differences in negative symptoms in the two arms at study completion. L‐Carnosine dosing of 800 mg may be a promising agent to enhance executive functions in Schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of New Food Industry is the property of NFI LLC. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Pueraria lobata roots and Glycine max (L.) Merrill are rich in isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens known to alleviate menopausal and some disease symptoms. However, the high molecular weight and poor bioavailability of isoflavones, owing to the glucose moieties attached to these glycosides, limit their practical use. Fermentation with lactic acid bacteria has been reported to convert glycosides into their aglycone forms. In this study, we investigated the health-promoting effects of fermented P. lobata root extract (FPE) and G. max (L.) Merrill extract (FGE) using ovariectomized mice. The extract was fermented with lactic acid bacteria. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains that convert glycosides to aglycones were selected, and in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to confirm various functionalities resulting from fermentation. FPE and FGE exhibited estrogen-like activities. In particular, fermentation increased the expression of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), as a result of which the fermented extracts should probably not be associated with increasing the incidence of various female cancers—a common side effect of hormone replacement therapy. In addition, oral administration of FPE, FGE, or a mixture of the two extracts (FPE-FGE) to ovariectomized mice improved depressive symptoms by upregulating hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The expression of ERβ was the highest in the FPE-FGE group. These results indicate that FPE-FGE can be used as a raw material for the development of dietary supplements for menopausal women because it increases ERβ expression and alleviates the depressive-like behavior through the regulation of BDNF and neurotransmitters.

Abstract Dietary supplement use is common in the United States. Supplements are regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under a separate set of guidelines from typical food and drug products. This case report describes a patient who presented to the emergency department (ED) with abdominal pain, vomiting, and generalized weakness. On detailed history, we learned that he had been taking a supplement called Artri Ajo King for 18 months, followed by recent abrupt cessation before his ED presentation. He was subsequently found to have a low serum cortisol level and was diagnosed with secondary adrenal insufficiency by a cosyntropin stimulation test. Ultimately, he was started on hydrocortisone with resolution of his symptoms. This case illustrates the consequence of allowing dietary supplements to be sold before FDA evaluation as well as the importance of physicians eliciting history of supplement use and offering a culturally competent discussion with their patients regarding supplement use.

Background: Growing the human brain requires all necessary nutrients to form and maintain, so the development of cognitive functions of infants and children depends on adequate nutrition. Children whose mothers had inadequate nutrition are at high risk for cognitive dysfunction. The objective of the present study was to review the studies conducted on “the relationship between nutrient intake during pregnancy and the development of cognitive functions in toddlers”. The present study was conducted by systematic review method using PRISMA checklist items. Methods: To conduct this study, the keywords “maternal nutrition”, “pregnancy diet”, “pregnancy supplement”, “IQ”, “intelligence quotient”, “neurodevelopment”, “cognitive function”, “toddler”, “early years” and “infant” were searched based on the Mesh database in scientific databases including Scopus, SID, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct to find articles related to the effect of nutrition during pregnancy on the development of the cognitive function of toddlers and its components in Persian and English. Finally, 17 articles were selected for review in this study. Results: The results showed that taking a supplement of iron, saturated fatty acids, vitamins B and D, and folic acid improved the cognitive functions of toddlers. On the other hand, taking supplements containing iodine and zinc had no significant effect on the development of cognitive functions. Diets containing seafood during pregnancy had a beneficial effect on the cognitive functions of children. Conclusions: The study results highlighted the importance of adequate nutrition during pregnancy and showed that maternal nutrition played an important role in the development of cognitive functions of toddlers.

Overweight and obese dogs can develop metabolic dysfunction, characterized by an inflammatory response and involvement of liver functions. If a modulation of the gut microbiome and its interaction with the gut–liver axis is implicated in the development of metabolic dysfunction, exploration becomes necessary. Over the past decade, diverse therapeutic approaches have emerged to target pathogenic factors involved in metabolic dysfunction. This study investigated the impact of a supplement with hepatoprotective activity, containing extracts of Silybum marianum, prebiotics, probiotics, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals on hematological markers of liver functions and inflammation, as well as on the intestinal microbiota of 10 overweight adult dogs over a 35-day time span. Animals underwent clinical and laboratory evaluations every 7 days, both before the administration of the supplement (T0) and after 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5). In comparison to T0, a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in ALP, glucose, direct bilirubin, and CRP was observed from T3 to T5. The alpha diversity of the fecal microbiota significantly decreased (p < 0.05) only at T1, with high variability observed between dogs. Total short-chain fatty acid and lactic acid were also lower at T1 (p < 0.05) compared to the other times of sampling. The beta diversity of the fecal microbiota failed to show a clear pattern in relation to the sampling times. These results of blood parameters in overweight dogs show a reduction of the inflammation and an improvement of metabolic status during the study period, but the effective contribution of the supplement in this clinical outcome deserves further investigation. Furthermore, the considerable individual variability observed in the microbiome hinders the confident detection of supplement effects.

Purpose: Although the effect of caffeine in thermoneutral or cool environmental conditions has generally shown performance benefits, its efficacy in hot, humid conditions is not as well known. The purpose of this study was to further examine the effect of caffeine ingestion on endurance running performance in the heat. Methods: Ten trained endurance runners (6 males; mean [SD] age = 26 [9] y, height = 176.7 [5.1] cm, and mass = 72.1 [8.7] kg) came to the lab for 4 visits. The first was a VO2max test to determine cardiorespiratory fitness; the final 3 visits were 10-km runs in an environmental chamber at 30.6°C and 50% relative humidity under different conditions: 3 mg·kg−1 body mass (low caffeine dosage), 6 mg·kg−1 (moderate caffeine dosage), and a placebo. Repeated-measures analyses of variance were used to determine the effect of condition on the 10-km time, heart rate, core temperature, rating of perceived exertion, and thermal sensation. Results: There was no difference in the 10-km time between the placebo (53.2 [8.0] min), 3-mg·kg−1 (53.4 [8.4]), and 6-mg·kg−1 (52.7 [8.2]) conditions (P =.575, η p 2 =.060). There was not a main effect of average heart rate (P =.406, η p 2 =.107), rating of perceived exertion (P =.151, η p 2 =.189), or thermal sensation (P =.286, η p 2 =.130). There was a significant interaction for core temperature (P =.025, η p 2 =.170); the moderate-dosage caffeine condition showed a higher rate of rise in core temperature (0.26 [0.08] °C·km−1 vs 0.20 [0.06] and 0.19 [0.10] °C·km−1 in the low-caffeine and placebo conditions, respectively). Conclusion: The results support previous research showing a thermogenic effect of caffeine, as the moderate-dosage condition led to a greater rate of heat storage and no performance benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the initial reception of Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo (1958) was unspectacular, it made its presence felt in a host of other films - from Chris Marker’s Sans Soleil (1983), to Brian De Palma’s Obsession (1976), and David Lynch’s Mulholland Dr. (1999). What seemed to have eluded the critics at the time is that Vertigo is a film about being haunted: by illusive images, turbulent emotions, motion and memory, the sound and feeling of falling into the past, into a nightmare. But it is also a shrewdly reflexive film that haunts filmmakers, critics, and artists alike, raising fundamental questions about the ontology of moving images and the regime of fascination (exemplified by Hollywood) that churns them out. Douglas Gordon’s Feature Film (1999), D.N. Rodowick’s The Wanderers (2016), and Lynn Hershman’s VertiGhost (2017) are contemporary examples of how the appropriation and contemplation of some the film’s most iconic motifs (the figures of Madeleine, the spiral, the copy or fake, and the fetish), themes (liebestod, obsession, the uncanny) and strategies (mirroring, duplicity, and disorientation) ask us to rethink the relation of fetishism to fabulation, and supplementarity to dissimulation and social engineering. Feature Film, The Wanderers, and VertiGhost are supplementary works, but like the original film they are about duplicity, doppelgänger, and dissimulation. What interests us is how they challenge the authority over, or even proximity to, that which returns in the form of the supplement. And ultimately, attaching themselves to the chain of forgers and forgeries, these supplementary works take their place in the vertiginous sequence of substitutions the film established: a neat allegory for a reign of the digital ghosting that Hitchcock could never have anticipated.

Abstract With the aging of pet dogs, there has been an increasing trend in senility‐related diseases; additionally, cognitive disorders accompanied by abnormal behaviours are a major burden for owners. Recently, there have been a series of consultations regarding the fact that night barking, which is an abnormal behaviour, remarkably interferes with the owner's sleep and adversely affects the owner's quality of life. However, there has been no effective solution to this problem. In this study, three aged pet dogs diagnosed with dementia were administered an equine placental extract (eqPE) as pet supplement, which has been shown in laboratory models to improve cognitive function. Consequently, night barking ceased 1 week after the administration of eqPE in case 2 and it was observed to decrease in the other two dogs. Furthermore, night barking disappeared 2 and 3 weeks after the administration of eqPE in cases 1 and 3, respectively. No recurrence or exacerbation of night barking was observed in the three cases treated with the eqPE, and no adverse events were observed. These results suggest that eqPE may be useful for improving night barking in pet dogs with dementia, and it is expected to be a new treatment method.

Introduction: Multi-ingredient dietary supplements have been developed to increase nitric oxide (NO) production, with the expectation of improving resistance training performance. Many of these supplements contain ingredients and/ or ingredient amounts that have yet to be studied for their synergy or efficacy in increasing NO production and thus, resistance training performance. Purpose of the study: A randomized crossover design was used to investigate the effect of a citrulline malate (CM) based non-stimulant nitric oxide pre-workout supplement (NOPWS) blend or placebo on Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) bench press performance. Applied Methodology: Thirty-minutes were provided between NOPWS or placebo ingestion and YMCA bench press assessment. Pre/post heart rate was taken following each condition. Two- and one-way repeated measures ANOVAs (α = 0.05) were run to determine the effect of each condition on heart rate (HR) and the number of repetitions performed (respectively) during the bench press test. Achieved major results: There was a significant two-way interaction between the treatment and time for HR, F(1, 20) = 6.82, p = .017. Resting HR was significantly higher during the supplement session (M = 74.67, SE = 2.54 bpm) than during the placebo session (M = 69.14, SE = 2.31 bpm), F(1, 20) = 8.19, p = .010, ηp 2 = .290. No significant difference was found between conditions for number of repetitions performed. Leads: A specific CM-containing NOPWS blend had no significant effect on a standardized assessment of upper body muscular endurance. Practical implications: These findings highlight the need for consideration of the minimum effective dosage and assimilation timing of each respective ingredient when developing or researching pre-workout supplement blends. Originality/Value: This is the first known research to study the effectiveness of this specific blend of ingredients on resistance training performance. Thus, this study provides necessary foundational knowledge for future research in this area.

The objective was to compare the potential of different phosphates in promoting improvement in fiber digestibility and phosphorus absorption by heifers. Crossbred weaned heifers [n = 5; body weight (BW) = 150 ± 14 kg] were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design and offered diets harvested from processed forage seeds for 21-d periods (14-d adaptation and 7-d data collection). The treatments were 1) negative control (NC) without supplementary phosphorus; 2) dicalcium phosphate from igneous rock with sulfuric acidulation, neutralization with limestone, and the show physical form of micro granules (DPIRSALNG); 3) Dicalcium phosphate from igneous rock with sulfuric acidulation, neutralization with hydrated lime, and powder physical form (DPIRSAHLiNP); 4) Dicalcium phosphate from sedimentary rock with hydrochloric acidulation, neutralization with limestone, and the micro granulated show physical form (DPSRHCALNG); and 5) Dicalcium phosphate from the monocalcium phosphate and hydrated lime reaction with phosphorus concentration adjusted with phosphoric acid, and powder physical form (DPfMP+HLPAP). In each sample collection period two dry matter intake measurements, and two total feces collections were carried out for 24 h. Thus, the digestibility of dry matter (DMd), and the apparent absorption (aA) were calculated. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (P < 0.05), and when significant, a multiple comparison test was performed (SNK test). No treatment x animal x period interactions were observed (P ≥ 0.05) for either of the two variables under study. The greatest neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibilities were in the diets with DPIRSALNG and DPSRHCALNG, followed by DPIRSAHLiNP and DPfMP+HLPAP, which did not differ from each other, and the least was in NC, respectively 430, 390, 310, and 270 g/kg of DM (Table 1). Phosphorus apparent absorption (PaA) was greater (P < 0.05) in heifers that received DPIRSALNG (0.65) followed by DPSRHCALNG (0.61). DPIRSAHLiNP (0.52) and DPfMP+HLPAP (0.48) did not differ from each other (P > 0.05) and were greater (P < 0.05) than NC (0.21). Phosphorus supplementation resulted in greater NDF digestibility and greater phosphorus absorption regardless of phosphate sources. The sources [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective was to evaluate the effects of a phytogenic additive (Digestarom Prime, dsm-firmenich, Switzerland) on performance and supplement in- take of growing grazing Nellore young bulls from November 2021 to April 2022. Animals [n = 120; initial body weight (BW) = 280 kg and age = 14 mo] were equally distributed in six paddocks (7.7 ha each) of B. brizantha cv. Marandu (20 animal/paddocks) equipped with electronic feeders that provided individual access (Intergado system). The experiment was conducted in a complete randomized design, with 20 replicates (animals) per treatment. Treatments consisted of a protein supplement (Fosbovi Proteico 30, DSM, Brazil), provided ad libitum, with or without the addition of Digestarom Prime, in a dose adjusted to ensure a daily intake of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 or 0.8 gּ·animal-1ּ·d-1. Treatments evaluated were: 1) control (CON) with no additive; 2) monensin 15 ppm (MON); 3) Digestarom 0.2 gּ·animal- 1ּ·d-1 (D 02); 3) Digestarom 0.4 gּ·anima-1·d-1 (D04); Digestarom 0.6 gּ·animal-1ּ·d-1 (D06) and 6) Digestarom 0.8 gּ·animal-1ּ·d-1 (D08). The experiment lasted 150 d. Supplement intake was measured by electronic feeders, and intake as % of BW was calculated using the average of initial and final BW. Average daily gain (ADG) was measured by Intergado system, through the electronic weighing system installed underneath the drinkers. Data were analyzed by SAS PROC MIXED in DIC considering the initial BW as a covariate. Student’s t test was utilized for means comparison. Significance of 5% was adopted. Supplementation with Digestarom at the level of 0.6 gּ·animal-1ּ·d-1 increased ADG in approximately 0.116 kg/d (means: D06 = 1.174 kg/d vs. CON = 1.064, MON = 1.086, D02 = 1.069, D04 = 1.038 and D08 = 1.034 kg/d; P < 0.01), and final BW, in approximately 19 kg (means D06 = 459 kg vs CON = 436, MON = 439, D02 = 449, D04 = 443 and D08 = 435 kg; P < 0.05). Monensin presented the least supplement intake evaluated as either absolute or relative to BW (0.214 kg/d and 0.061% of BW, P < 0.01), followed by Digestarom levels of 0.4 and 0.8 g gּ·animal-1ּ·d-1 (D04 = 0.347 kg/d and 0.098% of BW and D08 = 0.367 and 0.103), that did not differ from each other (P > 0.05). Control, 0.2 and 0.6 Digestarom gּ·animal-1ּ·d-1 presented the greatest supplement intake (CON = 0.481 kg/d and 0.134% of BW, D02 = 0.456 and 0.123, D06 = 0.444 and 0.120, P < 0.01), that also did not differ from each other (P > 0.05). We conclude that Digestarom supplementation at 0.6 gּ·animal-1ּ·d-1 improves animal performance, without affecting supplement intake of grazing Nellore young bulls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article addresses several issues regarding the treatment of phenibut withdrawal. Topics include the inaccuracy of statements about baclofen's safety in withdrawal management, the need for different treatment strategies for tapering versus abstinence, and concerns over the suggested dosing regimen for baclofen in comparison to phenibut.

Copyright of R.A.R.E - Association Roussillonnaise d'Entomologie is the property of Association Roussillonnaise d Entomologie and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Ali Smith’s novels and short stories are violently realistic in terms of depicting the hollow and disconnected lives of the postmodern individual. However, they also, albeit obliquely, aspire for hope and change. The loss of a sense of location, direction, and, as a result, a meaningful presence is interwoven in The Accidental’s persistent concern with time. Accordingly, in this essay, drawing upon Michael Kane’s analysis of postmodern time and space, The Accidental is studied with regard to capitalist time and simulacra, the culture of pastiche and spectacle, and spatiotemporal fragmentation. Within this backdrop and informed by Derridean deconstruction complemented with the study’s Deleuzian framework, the novel’s subversive deconstructions of a metaphysics of being and the substitution of fictional becoming are explored. It is argued that The Accidental corporealizes supplementarity and employs rhizomatic disruptions in the lives of the characters and the structure of the narrative to open up deterritorized spaces for monoritarian authenticity, agency, and creativity.

Conventional concentrate protein supplements are available at a very high price in developing countries, and this has led to the use of alternative sources such as forage legumes and multi-purpose tropical trees to improve the nitrogen deficiency in roughage feeds. Consequently, this study was planned to analyze the basis that Stylosanthes fruticosa (SF), Dolichus lablab (DL), and Neem tree leaves (NL) substitute the feeding value of commercial concentrate mixture (CM) for growing lambs. Twenty-eight-yearling intact male Gumuz sheep with an initial mean body weight of 19.42 ± 3.51 kg (means ± SD) were allotted through a randomized complete block design to 4 treatments and 7 replicates. Treatments were Rhodes grass hay fed ad libitum to all treatments plus 300 g CM (T1), 385 g NL (T2), 435 g SF (T3), and 355 g DL (T4). The total dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), NDF, ADF, and ADL intake of sheep supplemented with SF was higher (P

The physiological consequences of overstocking require more investigation, and no research has explored whether dietary supplements could mitigate the anticipated negative physiological effects. OmniGen AF (OG, Phibro Animal Health Corporation, Teaneck, NJ, USA) is a nutritional supplement that has been shown to support the immune system of cattle following internal and environmental stressors. This study aimed to determine if a 45-day period of OG feed supplementation would influence whole blood leukocyte messenger RNA abundance, energy metabolism and glucocorticoid concentration, during a two-week period of overstocking. Two stocking density treatments (control: one headlock and lying stall per cow; overstocked: 0.5 headlocks and 0.5 lying stalls per cow) and two diet treatments (control: no added supplement; and OG: 56 g/cow per day) were investigated. Four pens of 15 cows were fed their assigned diet (two pens per diet; control stocking density) for 45 days after which each stocking density treatment was applied for a 14-day period using a cross-over design; this study design was replicated twice. During each 14-day period, blood was collected on day four to measure whole blood leukocyte messenger RNA abundance (cluster of differentiation 80, interleukin 8 receptor-beta, interleukin 10 receptor-beta and L-selectin) and fecal samples were collected every two days to measure fecal cortisol metabolite concentration (11,17-dioxoandrostanes). At the end of each 14-day period, eight cows from each pen were selected for an intravenous glucose tolerance test; glucose, insulin and non-esterified fatty acids were measured. There were no effects of diet or stocking density on leukocyte messenger RNA abundance. Fecal cortisol metabolite concentrations were highest for overstocked cows on the control diet on day four of the stocking density treatment; however, by day 10, overstocked cows fed OG had the highest fecal cortisol metabolite concentrations. Overstocked cows, regardless of diet, had an attenuated insulin response during the glucose tolerance test, represented by a lower area under the curve estimate. Cows fed OG but not overstocked, had a lower non-esterified fatty acid nadir during the glucose challenge, compared to all the other treatments. In conclusion, overstocking prompts a physiological stress response and alters energy metabolism by decreasing the insulin response to an intravenous glucose challenge. Feeding OG during overstocking delayed the increase in fecal cortisol metabolites by several days; however, it is unclear if this altered glucocorticoid response benefited the cow, as OG had no effect on insulin responses or immune parameters.

Abstract The antioxidant L‐Carnosine is reported to improve negative and cognitive symptoms in Schizophrenia. A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled study was planned to study the effectiveness of adjuvant L‐Carnosine therapy in patients with Schizophrenia. 100 eligible patients with predominant negative symptoms as measured by scale for assessment of negative symptoms (SANS total score ≥ 60) and Schizophrenia diagnosis (International Classification of Disorder‐Tenth Edition, ICD‐10) were recruited. They were randomly allocated to receive a fixed dose of either 400 mg L‐Carnosine or identical placebo for 3 months and increased to 800 mg from 13th week till completion of study. Primary outcome measures assessed changes in SANS scores with L‐Carnosine at 24 weeks compared to baseline, 4 and 12 weeks. Secondary outcome measures were done to assess the improvement in cognitive symptoms (executive function, attention, and memory) at 24 weeks using subtests of NIMHANS (National Institute for Mental Health and Neurosciences) cognitive battery. Side effects were assessed using adverse events reporting form. The attention scores (p = .023) showed significant differences in patients receiving 800 mg of L‐Carnosine at the end of the study. There were no significant differences in negative symptoms in the two arms at study completion. L‐Carnosine dosing of 800 mg may be a promising agent to enhance executive functions in Schizophrenia.

Feedlot diets are often enriched with additives to mitigate health disorders and promote cattle performance, including the feed-grade antimicrobials monensin and tylosin. However, alternative feeding strategies are warranted given the increasing regulations regarding the use of antimicrobials in feedlot diets. This study evaluated the performance, physiological, and health responses of feedlot cattle offered a synbiotic supplement (yeast-derived prebiotic + Bacillus subtilis probiotic), which replaced or was fed in conjunction with monensin and tylosin. Angus-influenced steers (n = 192) from four different cowherds were weaned on day −1 and transported (800 km) to the feedlot. Steers were allocated to 1 of 24 pens (eight steers/pen) upon arrival on day 0. Pens were assigned to receive (n = 8/treatment) a total-mixed ration (TMR) containing: (1) monensin and tylosin (RT; 360 mg/steer daily from Rumensin and 90 mg/steer daily from Tylan; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN, USA), (2) yeast-derived ingredient and B. subtilis probiotic (CC; 18 g/steer daily of Celmanax and 28 g/steer daily of Certillus; Church and Dwight Co., Inc., Princeton, NJ, USA), or (3) a combination of RT and CC (RTCC). Steers were slaughtered according to BW in four groups balanced by treatment and pens and received treatments for 252 ± 4 days. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.17) for steer BW gain and morbidity responses. Mean TMR intake was greater and gain:feed ratio was less (P ≤ 0.01) in CC compared with RT and RTCC steers. Mean plasma leptin concentration was greater (P ≤ 0.05) in CC compared with RT and RTCC steers. Steers receiving CC had greater (P ≤ 0.04) concentrations of plasma cortisol, haptoglobin, glucose, and beta-hydroxybutyrate, and less (P ≤ 0.05) concentration of non-esterified fatty acids compared with RT and RTCC steers on day 14 of the experiment. Carcass marbling was greater (P = 0.01) in CC compared with RT steers and tended to be greater (P = 0.07) in RTCC compared with RT steers. Proportion of carcasses that graded Choice or better and Longissimus muscle area were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in CC and RTCC compared with RT steers. Incidence of liver abscesses was less (P = 0.01) in RTCC compared with CC steers and tended to be less (P = 0.09) in RT compared with CC steers. Results from this experiment indicate that the synbiotic supplement may replace monensin and tylosin without reducing steer BW gain, with potential improvements to carcass quality traits.

Background: Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), the dog analog of human Alzheimer's disease (AD), is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that presents many treatment challenges. There are few effective drugs with acceptable side effects for AD/CCD, which has prompted investigation into non-drug options, collectively termed nutraceuticals. Nutraceutical supplements are conceptually divided into conventional (Western) and non-conventional (Eastern) ingredients. Many of these individual supplements have shown in vitro and/or in vivo efficacy in ameliorating neuronal damage in rodent models, and some have demonstrated positive effects on cognition in rodent models and clinical trials in dogs and humans with cognitive impairment. Aim: The purpose of this open-label clinical trial was to investigate the effect of an oral integrative (combination of conventional nutraceuticals and Chinese herbals) supplement (CogniCaps®) on cognitive scores when administered to aging dogs with CCD over a 2-month period. Methods: Ten aging (>9-year-old) dogs with moderate (16-33) cognitive scores were recruited and administered oral CogniCaps® for two months. No additional drugs or nutraceuticals directed at improving cognitive function were allowed during the study period. Baseline cognitive scores were compared with those procured at 30 and 60 days. Cognitive scores for baseline, 30- and 60-days post-treatment were compared. Results: Cognitive scores improved at 30 days (38% reduction) and 60 days (41% reduction) post-treatment (p = 0.002). Scores did not differ between 30- and 60-day assessments (p = 0.7). Conclusion: The results of this small preliminary study suggest that the integrative supplement CogniCaps® might improve cognitive scores in dogs with CCD within the first 30 days of administration and that this improvement is sustained at 60-day follow up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertension is the third leading cause of the global disease burden, and while populations live longer, adopt more sedentary lifestyles, and become less economically concerned, the prevalence of hypertension is expected to increase. Pathologically elevated blood pressure (BP) is the strongest risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and related disability, thus making it imperative to treat this disease. Effective standard pharmacological treatments, i.e., diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blocker (ARBs), beta-adrenergic receptor blockers (BARBs), and calcium channel blockers (CCBs), are available. Vitamin D (vitD) is known best for its role in bone and mineral homeostasis. Studies with vitamin D receptor (VDR) knockout mice show an increased renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) activity and increased hypertension, suggesting a key role for vitD as a potential antihypertensive agent. Similar studies in humans displayed ambiguous and mixed results. No direct antihypertensive effect was shown, nor a significant impact on the human RAAS. Interestingly, human studies supplementing vitD with other antihypertensive agents reported more promising results. VitD is considered a safe supplement, proposing its great potential as antihypertensive supplement. The aim of this review is to examine the current knowledge about vitD and its role in the treatment of hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The object of this paper is to generalize the notion of supplement in modules to monoid acts. In contrast to the case of modules that supplements of submodules do not generally exist, here we uniquely characterize the supplement of a proper subact of an act. Supplemented acts are defined as acts whose proper subacts all have proper supplements. We discuss how the property of being supplemented relates to certain other properties of acts. In particular, we prove that being supplemented and being completely reducible coincide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astaxanthin (AX) is an antioxidant which may spare endogenous carbohydrates and improve fat oxidation rates, thus improving metabolic flexibility. To date, no studies have attempted to examine the impact of AX in an overweight cohort, whom often suffer from metabolic inflexibility. Nineteen subjects (mean ± SD: age: 27.5 ± 6.3 years; height: 169.7 ± 9.0 cm; body mass: 96.4 ± 17.9 kg; BF%: 37.9 ± 7.0%; BMI: 33.4 ± 5.6 kg/m²; VO2peak: 25.9 ± 6.7 ml·kg-1·min-1) were recruited and supplemented with either 12 mg of AX or placebo (PLA) for 4 weeks. Subjects completed a graded exercise test on a cycling ergometer to examine changes in substrate oxidation rates. A total of 5 stages, each lasting 5 min and resistance increased 15 W each stage, were completed to examine changes in levels of glucose and lactate, fat and carbohydrate (CHO) oxidation rates, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Although there were no changes found in rates of fat oxidation, blood lactate or glucose, or RPE (all p > 0.05), a significant decrease was observed in CHO oxidation from pre to post supplementation in the AX group only. Further, the AX group demonstrated a 7% decrease in heart rate across the graded exercise test. These findings suggest that 4 weeks of AX supplementation may offer some cardiometabolic benefits to overweight individuals, and be a favorable supplement for these individuals beginning an exercise program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]