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The study evaluated the effects of nutritional strategies on broilers challenged with Eimeria from d 14 to 26. A total of 840 Cobb male broilers were fed five diets in a 2 × 5 factorial arrangement: 1) nutrient adequate diet (PC; 0.84% calcium [Ca], 0.42% available phosphorus [avP]); 2) Ca-P deficient diet (NC; 0.64% Ca, 0.22% avP); 3) NC + 1500 FTU/kg phytase of diet (NC + PHY); 4) NC + 5000 IU/kg 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol of diet (NC + 25OHD); and 5) NC with both supplements (NC + PHY + 25OHD), with and without Eimeria challenge. All treatments had six replicate cages with 14 birds per cage. At 5 days post inoculation (DPI), the challenged birds exhibited higher serum fluorescein isothiocyanate-d (FITC-d) levels than the unchallenged birds (P

ABSTRACT: The global egg industry is rapidly transitioning to cage-free egg production from conventional cages. Hens housed in cage-free systems have an increased prevalence of keel damage that could lead to reduced egg production and compromised well-being. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of n-3 fatty acids and vitamin D3 on keel damage in hens housed in multi-tier aviary systems (AV). Brown hens were placed in 4 AV system rooms after rearing at 17 wk of age (woa) with each room containing 576 birds. At 12 woa, rooms were randomly assigned to a dietary treatment of flaxseed oil, fish oil, vitamin D3, or control. Focal birds (36 per treatment) were longitudinally examined for keel damage using quantitative computed tomography (QCT) at nine timepoints from 16 to 52 woa. Three-dimensional digital twins of the keels were created from the QCT scans and visually assessed for damage. An overall keel severity score was recorded as well as the location, direction, and severity of each deviation or fracture. Severity was ranked on a 0 to 5 scale with 0 being no damage and 5 being severe. Damage scores were analyzed utilizing odds ratios with main effects of age and treatment. At 16 woa, 80% of hens had overall keel scores of 0 and 20% had scores of 1. At 52 woa, all hens had damage, with 31% having a score of 1, 61% scored 2 to 3, and 8% scored 4 to 5. Most fractures were not observed until peak lay. Dietary treatments did not affect likelihood of fracture incidences, but younger birds had lower odds of incurring keel fractures than older birds (P < 0.0001). The initial incidences of keel deviations occurred earlier than fractures, with most birds obtaining a keel deviation by 28 woa. Keel damage was not able to be prevented, but the age at which keel fractures and deviations initiate appear to be different, with deviations occurring during growth and fractures during lay.

ABSTRACT: A 35-d study investigated the impact of dietary supplementation with Arginine (Arg) or branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) of broilers receiving low-protein diets whilst infected with mixed Eimeria species. All birds were given the same starter (d0–10) and finisher (d28–35) diets. The 4 grower diets used were a positive control (PC) with adequate protein (18.5%), a low protein diet (NC;16.5% CP), or the NC supplemented with Arg or BCAA. Supplemental AA was added at 50% above the recommended levels. The treatments were in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement, with 4 diets, with or without Eimeria inoculation on d14. Birds and feed were weighed after inoculation in phases: prepatent (d14–17), acute (d18–21), recovery (d22–28), and compensatory (d29–35). Ileal digesta, jejunum, and breast tissue were collected on d21, 28, and 35. There was no diet × Eimeria inoculation on growth performance at any phase. Infected birds weighed less and consumed less feed (P < 0.05) in all phases. In the prepatent and acute phases, birds on the Arg diets had higher weight gain (P < 0.05) and lower FCR, similar to PC, when compared to NC and BCAA-fed ones. Infection reduced AA digestibility on d21 and 28 (Met and Cys). However, birds that received supplemental AA had higher digestibility (P < 0.05) of their respective supplemented AA on d 21 only. Infected birds had lower (P < 0.05) BO + AT and higher PEPT1 expression on d21. There was a diet × Eimeria interaction (P = 0.004) on gene expression at d28; 4EBP1 genes were significantly downwardly expressed (P < 0.05) in birds fed Arg diet, irrespective of infection. Infected birds exhibited an upward expression (P < 0.05) of Eef2 on d21 and d28 but experienced a downward expression on d35. Supplemental Arg and BCAA had variable effects on growth performance, apparent ileal AA digestibility, and genes of protein synthesis and degradation, but the effect of Arg on promoting weight gain, irrespective of the Eimeria challenge, was more consistent.

ABSTRACT: We investigated the effects of supplementing low protein diets with methionine (Met) or threonine (Thr) during a mixed Eimeria (consisting of E. acervulina, E. maxima and E. tenella) challenge in broilers. All birds were fed the same starter diet (d1–9) and finisher diet (d28–35) which met Cobb 500 nutrient specifications. Birds were allocated to 1 of 4 dietary treatments from d9 to 28: a standard protein diet (19% CP); a low protein diet (16% CP); or the low protein diet supplemented with Met or Thr at 50% above recommendations. On d14, half of the birds were challenged, and half of the birds were unchallenged. From d14 to 28, feed intake was recorded daily and BW every 3 or 4 d. Oocyst excretion was measured daily from d18 to 27. On d21 and 28, 3 birds per pen were euthanized to assess nutrient digestibility, cytokine expression and intestinal histology. During the acute stage of the challenge, challenged birds reduced ADFI and ADG (P < 0.05). In the pre-patent and recovery stages, birds given the 16% CP diets increased ADFI (P < 0.05), meanwhile there were no differences in ADG in these stages (P > 0.05). Nutrient digestibility was reduced in challenged birds in the acute stage (P < 0.05) but tended to be greater than in unchallenged birds during the recovery stage. There was no significant effect of diet on oocyst excretion or intestinal histology (P > 0.05). Interactions were observed between diet and challenge on IL-10 and IL-21 expression in the cecal tonsils during the acute stage of the challenge (P < 0.05), due to reduced IL-10 expression in challenged Thr birds and greater IL-21 expression in challenged Met birds. Supplementation with Thr or Met had limited effects on the outcomes of a mixed Eimeria challenge but provides benefits to the host by enhancing their immune response.

ABSTRACT: Despite the acknowledged significance of nutrition in bone development, effects of methionine (Met) and cysteine (Cys) on bone quality remain under-researched, particularly during Eimeria challenge. We investigated the effects of different supplemental Met to Cys ratios (MCR) on bone quality of broilers under Eimeria challenge. A total of 720 fourteen-day old Cobb500 broilers were allocated into a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement. Five diets with Met and Cys supplemented at MCR of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100 were fed to the birds with or without Eimeria challenge. Body composition was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, and the femur bone characteristics were assessed by microtomography. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and orthogonal polynomial contrast. The results reaffirmed the detrimental effects of Eimeria challenge on bone quality. On 9 d post inoculation (DPI), significant interaction effects were found for whole body bone mineral content (BMC), lean tissue weight, and body weight (P < 0.05); in the nonchallenged group (NCG), these parameters linearly decreased as MCR decreased (P < 0.05). In the challenged group (CG), body weight and lean tissue weight were unaffected by MCR, and BMC linearly increased as MCR decreased (P < 0.05). For the cortical bone of femoral metaphysis on 6 DPI, bone mineral density (BMD) linearly increased as MCR decreased (P < 0.05). Bone volume to tissue volume ratio (BV/TV) in the CG linearly increased as MCR decreased (P < 0.05). On 9 DPI, BMC and TV linearly increased as MCR decreased (P < 0.05) in the NCG. BMD and BV/TV changed quadratically as MCR decreased (P < 0.05). For the trabecular bone of femoral metaphysis on 9 DPI, BV/TV, and trabecular number linearly increased as MCR decreased (P < 0.05) in the NCG. For the femoral diaphysis, BV, TV, BMC on 6 DPI, and BMD on 9 DPI linearly increased as MCR decreased (P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study showed that both Eimeria challenge and varying supplemental MCR could influence bone quality of broilers.

ABSTRACT: A study was conducted to investigate effects of different methionine (Met) to cysteine (Cys) supplementation ratios (MCR) on growth performance, oxidative status, intestinal health, immune responses, and methionine metabolism in broilers under Eimeria challenge. A total of 720 male Cobb500 broilers (14-day-old) were allocated in a 2 × 5 factorial arrangement (5 diets, with or without challenge) with 6 replicates per treatment. The total sulfur amino acid concentrations were consistent across treatments meeting the breeder's recommendation, only MCR varied. The diets were labeled as MET100; MET75; MET50; MET25; and MET0, representing MCR of 100:0; 75:25; 50:50; 25:75; and 0:100, respectively. Data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA and orthogonal polynomial contrast. Growth performance declined linearly or quadratically as MCR decreased (P < 0.01). On 6-day postinoculation (DPI), interaction effects (P < 0.01) were found; BW and body weight gain were lower in MET0 compared to the other treatments in the nonchallenged groups, whereas not in the challenged groups. On 6 and 9 DPI, serum total antioxidant capacity linearly decreased as MCR decreased (P < 0.05). Hepatic activities of glutathione peroxidase on 6 DPI and superoxide dismutase on 9 DPI changed quadratically as MCR decreased (P < 0.05). The digestibility of Met linearly decreased whereas the digestibility of Cys linearly increased as MCR decreased. The ileal crypt depth linearly decreased as MCR decreased (P < 0.01) on 6 DPI. The expression of transforming growth factor beta on 6 and 9 DPI, tumor necrotic factor alpha and interleukin 10 on 9 DPI changed quadratically as MCR decreased (P < 0.05). Eimeria challenge increased expression of Met adenosyltransferase and cystathionine gamma-lyase, whereas decreasing the expression of other Met metabolism genes (P < 0.01) on 6 DPI. Expression of Met metabolism genes linearly increased as MCR decreased (P < 0.05). In conclusion, different Met to Cys supplementation ratios exerted linearly or quadratically effects on the growth performance, oxidative status, intestinal health, and metabolism of Met in broiler chickens under Eimeria infection.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this experiment was to investigate how different levels of Eimeria infection affect the performance, intestinal health, oxidative status, and egg production of Hy-Line W-36 pullets and laying hens. Three hundred and sixty Hy-Line W-36 pullets, aged 15 wk, were randomly distributed into 5 treatment groups, each comprising 6 replicates and a nonchallenged control. At 15 wk, pullets were inoculated with different levels of mixed Eimeria species as high-dose, medium-high, medium-low, and low-dose treatments. The growth performance and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were measured from 0- to 18-days postinoculation (DPI), whereas hen day egg production (HDEP) was recorded from wk 19. The markers of gastrointestinal health and oxidative status were measured at 6 DPI, 14 DPI, and 23 wk of age. The findings revealed a significant linear reduction in growth performance in response to increased Eimeria challenge dosage on 6 and 14 DPI (P < 0.0001, P-L < 0.0001). An interaction between the graded level of Eimeria infection and DPI was observed for ADFI. The challenged pullets showed a reduction in ADFI starting at 4 DPI, which persisted until 14 DPI, when ADFI recovered back to normal. The most significant drop in feed intake was observed in 6 DPI in all the Eimeria-infected groups. The markers of gastrointestinal health (gastrointestinal permeability and tight junction proteins) were upregulated in challenged pullets because of infection, whereas the relative mRNA expression of key nutrient transporters was downregulated following infection on 6 and 14 DPI (P < 0.05). As a result of an infection on 6 DPI, the oxidative equilibrium was shifted toward the oxidative stress, and at the same time, upregulation of proinflammatory and inflammatory cytokines was observed (P < 0.05). An interaction between the Eimeria challenge dosage and bird age was observed for HDEP (P = 0.0427). The pullets infected with Eimeria started to lay eggs later than the Control birds. However, the HDEP of the challenged groups became similar to Control only at wk 22, 3 wk after laying eggs. In conclusion, coccidiosis reduced growth performance, altered gastrointestinal health, induced oxidative stress, and delayed egg production when infected at the prelay stage of pullets and negatively impacted the laying hens' overall performance.

ABSTRACT: Keel bone fractures and osteoporosis are prevalent and damaging skeletal issues in the laying hen industry. There is a large interest in improving bone quality parameters to reduce or eliminate these conditions, thus improving bird welfare. Both essential fatty acids (EFA) and vitamin D can play a role in bone metabolism. The hypothesis of this study was that birds supplemented with lower n-6:n-3 EFA ratio or vitamin D would have improved bone properties compared to a control diet. A total of 3,520 Lohmann Brown-Lite pullets were used in this study. Pullets were housed on the floor from 0 to 17 wk of age and then moved to an aviary (17–52 wk of age). Starting at 12 wk of age, birds were split into diet treatments—control, flax, fish, or vitamin D diets with n-6:n-3 ratios of 6.750, 0.534, 0.534, and 6.750, respectively. Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric. Basal vitamin D3 levels were formulated to be 2,760 IU/kg across all diets; for the vitamin D diet, the vitamin D3 level was increased to 5,520 IU/kg. Hens on fish and vitamin D diets had greater bone density, keel bone volume, digital bone mineral content, and keel condition compared to flax and control hens. Additionally, birds fed the vitamin D diet had the heaviest body weights compared to birds fed fish or control diets. Birds fed the flax and vitamin D diets had improved feather coverage across multiple body regions. Feeding an n-3 EFA- or vitamin D-enriched diet decreased mortality by 1.6 to 3.3% compared to the control. The fish and vitamin D diets generated mixed production performance. Compared to the other treatments, the vitamin D diet generated higher case weights but lower hen day percentage throughout the study. When compared to the other treatments, the fish diet had the lowest case weights but had a greater hen day percentage after 36 wk of age. Results indicate that a fish-based EFA and vitamin D supplementation show promise in improving skeletal health but require further investigation.

ABSTRACT: An experiment was carried out to evaluate the impact of mixed Eimeria challenge on skeletal health of Hy-Line W-36 pullets. A total of 540, 16-day-old pullets were randomly allocated into 5 treatment groups, including a nonchallenged control. A mixed Eimeria species solution containing 50,000 E. maxima, 50,000 E. tenella, and 250,000 E. acervulina oocysts per mL was prepared and challenged to 1 group as a high-dose treatment. The 2-fold serial dilution was done to prepare the medium-high (25,000 E. maxima; 25,000 E. tenella; 125,000 E. acervulina), the medium-low (12,500 E. maxima; 12,500 E. tenella; 62,500 E. acervulina), and the low (6,250 E. maxima; 6,250 E. tenella; 31,250 E. acervulina) dose treatments which were challenged to 3 corresponding groups, respectively. The mineral apposition rate (MAR) was measured from 0 to 14 d post inoculation (DPI) and 14 to 28 DPI using calcein injection. The microstructural architecture of the femur was analyzed using the Skyscan X-ray microtomography (microCT) on 6, 14, and 28 DPI. The results showed that the MAR decreased linearly with an increase in the challenged dose (P < 0.05) during 0 to 14 DPI. The results of microCT revealed that cortical and total BMD, BMC, bone volume (BV), and bone volume as a fraction of tissue volume (BV/TV) of femur decreased both linearly (P < 0.05). Conversely, the total number of pores increased linearly with an increase in challenge dosages on 6 and 14 DPI. Trabecular BMD, BV, BV/TV, trabecular number, and trabecular thickness decreased linearly with an increase in the challenge dosages (P < 0.05) on 6 DPI. Furthermore, Eimeria infection significantly increased the number of osteoclasts and osteoclastic activity (P = 0.001). The result of this study suggests that the mixed Eimeria challenge negatively impacts the quality of skeletal health in a linear or quadratic manner with an increase in the concentration of Eimeria oocysts. The negative impact on long bone development might be due to malabsorption, nutrient deficiency during the infection, along with oxidative stress/inflammation disrupting the balance of osteoblastic and osteoclastic cells and their functions.

ABSTRACT: We investigated the effects of supplementing arginine (Arg) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) in broilers fed reduced-protein diets and challenged with Eimeria spp. All birds were fed the same starter diet meeting Cobb 500 nutrient specifications from d 1 to 9. Four grower diets: positive control (PC) with 20.0% crude protein (CP); reduced-protein negative control (NC) with 17.5% CP; or NC supplemented with Arg or BCAA at 50% above recommendations (ARG or BCAA) were fed to the birds from d 9 to 28. Birds were allocated in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement (4 diets, each with or without challenge), with 8 replicates per treatment. On d 14, the challenge groups were orally gavaged with mixed Eimeria spp. Intestinal permeability was higher (P < 0.05) in NC than PC, whereas the permeability of ARG and BCAA groups did not differ significantly from PC. On d 28, a significant interaction (P < 0.01) was observed in CD8+: CD4+ ratios in cecal tonsils (CT), Eimeria challenge increased the ratios in all groups except for the ARG group. On d 21, a significant interaction was found for CD4+CD25+ percentages in CT (P < 0.01) that Eimeria challenge increased the percentages only in PC and NC groups. On d 21 and 28, significant interactions (P < 0.01) were found for macrophage nitric oxide (NO) production. In nonchallenged birds, NO was higher in the ARG group than other groups, but in challenged birds, NO was higher in both ARG and BCAA groups. On d 21, a significant interaction was found for bile anticoccidial IgA concentrations (P < 0.05) that Eimeria challenge increased IgA only in NC and ARG groups. The results suggest that a reduced-protein diet exacerbates the impact of the Eimeria challenge on intestinal integrity, but this could be mitigated by Arg and BCAA supplementations. Arginine and BCAA supplementations in reduced-protein diets could be beneficial for broilers against Eimeria infection by enhancing the immune responses. The beneficial effects of Arg supplementation tended to be more pronounced compared to BCAA supplementation.

ABSTRACT: The study was conducted to investigate the effects of 2 isoforms of methionine on growth performance and intestinal health induced by methionine (Met) deficiency and Eimeria infection in broilers. A total of 720 one-day old male chicks (Cobb500) were randomly allocated to 10 groups in a 2 × 5 factorial arrangement (6 reps/group, 12 birds/cage) with diets and Eimeria challenge as the main factors. Hundred percent DL-Met, 100% L-Met, 80% DL-Met, and 80% L-Met diets were formulated to meet approximately 100 or 80% of the total sulfur amino acid (TSAA) requirement with DL-Met or L-Met as Met supplementation sources. The 60% TSAA basal diet (60% Met) was formulated without Met supplementation. At d14, the challenge groups were gavaged with mixed Eimeria spp. Growth performance was recorded on d7, 14, 20 (6-day postinfection [DPI]), and 26 (12 DPI). The gut permeability was measured on 5 and 11 DPI. Antioxidant status and gene expression of immune cytokines and tight junction proteins were measured on 6 and 12 DPI. Data were analyzed by 1-way and 2-way ANOVA before and after the challenge, respectively. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used for post hoc comparison. Overall, the Eimeria challenge and 60% Met diet significantly reduced growth performance, antioxidant status, and mRNA expression of tight junction genes and immune cytokines. For other Met treatments, the L-Met groups had significantly higher BWG and lower FCR than the DL-Met group from d 1 to 20. The L-Met groups had less gut permeability than the DL-Met groups on 5 DPI. Compared to the 80% Met groups, the 100% Met groups reduced gut permeability. At 6 DPI, the 80% Met groups showed higher ZO1 expression than the 100% Met groups. The challenge groups had higher Muc2 expression and GSH/GSSG compared to the nonchallenge groups, and SOD activity was lower in the L-Met groups compared to the DL-Met groups at 6 DPI. The 100% Met groups had higher GPx activity than the 80% Met groups at 12 DPI. In conclusion, during coccidiosis, the 100% Met groups had better gut integrity and antioxidant status. Met supplementation in the form of L-Met improved growth performance in the starter phase and gut permeability in the challenge phase.

Fisseha Zewdu Amdie,1,2 Monakshi Sawhney,2 Kevin Woo2 1School of Nursing, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 2School of Nursing, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, CanadaCorrespondence: Fisseha Zewdu Amdie, Email fmzewdu@gmail.comAbstract: Chronic disease prevention and management requires a lifelong commitment and adherence to lifestyle modifications, monitoring of symptoms, medication use, and other forms of therapy. Treatment adherence is a crucial and complex concept in patient care provision, and it requires the voluntary active involvement of patients for the best possible outcome. Multiple factors, which may or may not be under the patient’s control, can influence treatment adherence. However, adherence or non-adherence to a certain treatment is predominantly influenced by one’s sense of agency, values, beliefs, attitudes, and willpower. It is evident that mental states appear to influence patients’ decision-making, and the best treatment outcome occurs when a patient identifies their goals, needs, and desires and exercises their decision-making and free will during the course of receiving care. The role of healthcare providers is critical in promoting treatment adherence, thereby enhancing patient outcomes. Thus, this paper highlights the importance of promoting a sense of agency and integrating patients’ values, beliefs, attitudes, and intentions during the provision of healthcare. It is indispensable to recognize the individual’s ability and initiative to control and manage their illness in the face of challenging socioeconomic and cultural reality. On logical grounds, it is not enough to appreciate the value of free will and mental states, it is also essential to empower and cultivate an individual patient’s willpower to make a well-informed, free decision based on their mental state for the most optimal treatment outcomes.Keywords: free will, willpower, treatment, adherence, compliance

A deep-learning convolutional neural network (CNN) is used to infer, from x-ray images along multiple lines of sight, the low-mode shape of the hot-spot emission of deuterium–tritium (DT) laser-direct-drive cryogenic implosions on OMEGA. The motivation of this approach is to develop a physics-informed 3-D reconstruction technique that can be performed within minutes to facilitate the use of the results to inform changes to the initial target and laser conditions for the subsequent implosion. The CNN is trained on a 3D radiation-hydrodynamic simulation database to relate 2D x-ray images to 3D emissivity at stagnation. The CNN accounts for the lack of an absolute spatial reference and the different bands of photon energies in the x-ray images. While previous work [O. M. Mannion et al., Phys. Plasmas 28, 042701 (2021) and A. Lees et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 127, 105001 (2021)] studied the effect of mode-1 asymmetries on implosion performance using nuclear diagnostics, this work focuses on the effect of mode 2 inferred from x-ray diagnostics on implosion performance. A current analysis of 19 DT cryogenic implosions indicates there is an upper limit of ∼20% reduction in the neutron yield caused by an ℓ = 2 amplitude for ℓ2/ℓ0 ≤ 0.32. These conclusions are supported by 2D simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fisseha Zewdu Amdie,1,2 Marian Luctkar-Flude,2 Erna Snelgrove-Clarke,2 Monakshi Sawhney,2 Shitaye Alemu,3 Kevin Woo2 1School of Nursing, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 2School of Nursing, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; 3Department of Internal Medicine, University of Gondar, Gondar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Fisseha Zewdu Amdie, Email fmzewdu@gmail.comIntroduction: Diabetes mellitus is a rapidly growing global public health problem; the number of adults with diabetes is expected to increase from 424.9 million in 2017 to 628.6 million in 2045. Approximately 80% of diabetic patients live in low- and middle-income countries where access to care may be limited. For example, in Ethiopia, diabetes care is often rudimentary, and formal, structured diabetes education is almost non-existent. One potential solution to the lack of diabetes management education for patients could be virtual simulation-based diabetes education incorporating the contextual realities of patients in Ethiopia. Despite its great potential to improve glycemic control, delay diabetes-related complications and reduce mortality associated with diabetes, the feasibility of virtual simulation-based diabetes self-management education has not been studied in low- and middle-income settings.Objective: The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the feasibility of a virtual simulation-based Diabetes Foot Care Education (DFCE) program among adult patients with diabetes in Ethiopia.Methods: A randomized controlled feasibility study including participants from University of Gondar Referral Hospital (UoGRH) will be conducted. A sample of 40 participants will be recruited, of which 20 participants will receive the virtual simulation-based education program, and the other 20 participants will continue with their usual diabetes care. After the education program, a questionnaire and structured interview will be used to explore the feasibility (acceptability, practicality) and the potential impact of virtual simulation-based DFCE intervention in patients with diabetes. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 25 using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, paired sample t-test, and factorial ANOVA at significance levels of less than 0.05.Discussion: Our study seeks to understand the perceived usefullness and usability of virtual simulation-based diabetes foot care education on behavioural (diabetes foot-care knowledge, foot self-care practices, and foot self-care efficacy). Furthermore, the study will provide insight to assist in the development of technologically assisted and contextually designed DFCE programs.Trial Registration Number: NCT04841291 (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier).Keywords: diabetes mellitus, feasibility, acceptability, practicability, foot care, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT: The combination of increased genetic potential and changes in management strategies (i.e., antibiotic-free, no antibiotics ever, and every day feeding of replacement pullets) influences the nutritional needs of poultry. Traditionally, nutritionists have focused on meeting the amino acid needs for production performance and yield however, increasing specific amino acid concentrations can benefit gastrointestinal development and integrity, enhance immune response potential, influence behavior, and benefit sustainability. Commercialization of additional feed grade amino acids beyond methionine, lysine, and threonine, enables targeted increases to achieve these benefits. As such, this paper addresses the functional roles of amino acids in meeting poultry production, health, and sustainability goals.

ABSTRACT: A study was aimed to investigate the effects of mixed Eimeria challenge on performance, gastrointestinal health, oxidative stress, inflammation, and expression of nutrient transporter genes of Hy-Line W-36 pullets. A total of 540, 16-d old pullets were randomly allocated into 5 treatment groups with 6 replicate cages, including a nonchallenged control group. A mixed Eimeria species solution containing 50,000 E. maxima, 50,000 E. tenella, and 250,000 E. acervulina oocysts per mL was prepared and challenged to one group as a high-dose treatment (High). The 2-fold serial dilution was done to prepare the medium-high (Med-High: 25,000 E. maxima; 25,000 E. tenella; and 125,000 E. acervulina), the medium-low (Med-Low: 12,500 E. maxima; 12,500 E. tenella; and 62,500 E. acervulina), and the low (Low: 6,250 E. maxima; 6,250 E. tenella; and 31,250 E. acervulina) dose treatments, and these dosages were challenged to 3 remaining groups, respectively. Growth performance, daily feed intake (FI), and mortality were calculated from 0-14 d postinfection (DPI). Gastrointestinal permeability (GP) was measured on 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9 DPI. The result indicated significant linear responses to the Eimeria challenge dosage in average body weight and body weight gain (P < 0.0001). An interaction between treatment and DPI was observed for FI (P < 0.0001). Feed intake significantly dropped from 4 DPI and did not recover until 12 DPI in the challenged groups. The lowest FI for each of the challenged groups was observed on 5 DPI. Gastrointestinal permeability increased linearly, peaking at 5 DPI, and was recovered back to normal by 9 DPI in the challenged groups. Furthermore, gene expression of tight junction proteins was linearly upregulated by increased Eimeria dosages. The oxidative status of the pullets was lowered in the challenged groups than the nonchallenged control group, whereas the expression of inflammatory and proinflammatory cytokines was upregulated by Eimeria challenge on 6 DPI (P < 0.05). The highest mortality was observed in pullets challenged with the High, followed by the Med-High (P < 0.0001) on 5 DPI. In summary, the mixed Eimeria challenge linearly reduced the growth performance of pullets with an increase in oxidative stress and inflammation. A severe effect of Eimeria on gastrointestinal health was observed on 5 or 6 DPI as suggested by GP, tight junction genes, and mortality results. This study indicates that Eimeria infection can be a threat to gastrointestinal health related issues in pullets.