Effect of β-Glucans in Diets on Growth, Survival, Digestive Enzyme Activity, and Immune System and Intestinal Barrier Gene Expression for Tropical Gar (Atractosteus tropicus) Juveniles

The application of β-1,3/1,6-glucan derived from yeast at five concentrations (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%) in formulated diets was evaluated in juveniles for its effects on the growth, survival, digestive enzymatic activity, and expression of genes associated with the immune system (interlukin-10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor (TGF), occludin (OCC), mucin2 (MUC2), lysozyme (LYS), and nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2)) in tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus). For the experiment, three replicates of 30 fish per experimental unit (70 L) were cultivated for 62 days. The growth results showed no statistically significant differences in relation to weight and total length between treatments. The activity of digestive enzymes (alkaline proteases, trypsin, leucine aminopeptidase, and amylase) did not show significant differences between treatments, except for chymotrypsin activity, where fish fed 1.0% and 1.5% of β-glucans showed higher activities compared with the rest of the treatments. On the other hand, the analysis of gene expression did not show significant differences between treatments, although a tendency of increase in the expression of IL-10, TGF, MUC2, and OCC was observed with an addition of 1.5% of the prebiotic, but there was a decrease in the fish fed with 2% of the prebiotic. It is possible to include concentrations of between 0.5% and 1.5% of β-glucans in the diets for A. tropicus, with no detectable adverse effects on growth, survival, digestive enzyme activity, or specific gene expression. β-glucan 1,3/1,6 added at 1.0% and 1.5% in the diet significantly increases chymotrypsin activity.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Scientific research on exotic and native mollusk farming in Mexico ac-cording to SCOPUS

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate scientific productivity in this field through the database deposited in SCOPUS for Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: The genera and species of mollusks, currently cultivated or with cultivation potential, marine and freshwater, native and exotic, that have been studied are identified. The SCOPUS search was performed using the scientific name of the corresponding species in the publication title. The number of publications, the institutions that generated them, the SCOPUS theme of the study and the research funders were obtained. Results: There is an uneven growth, with a greater focus on abalone and octopus, while the genus Crassostrea, particularly the species C. gigas, leads the production of scientific articles. CIBNOR and IPN are the most relevant institutions in scientific production in molluscan aquaculture in Mexico. Limitations on study/implications: Despite the interest, advances in areas such as physiology, nutrition and reproduction have not been translated into efficient culture technologies in most cases. Findings/conclusions: These findings highlight the need to promote research and technological development in the aquaculture of native mollusks in Mexico, as well as to promote collaboration between academic research institutions and the production sector to overcome the challenges in the culture of these specie

Scientific research on exotic and native fish farming in Mexico: a sci-entometric view.

Objective: To analyze through a scientometric study, the research effort in Mexico on the study of native and exotic fish species with aquaculture production technology, indexed in Scopus. Design/methodology/approach: Fish species were selected based on a previous study and communications with researchers. Scientific articles from 1990 to 2023 were collected from the Scopus database, focusing on studies conducted by Mexican institutions. Data were transferred to Excel® sheets for analysis, including number of publications, topics, institutions, funding sources and open access documents. Results: The species that shows the greatest number of articles published is Oreochromis niloticus, although there is a clear interest in addressing studies on native species.  In general, scientific production is led by institutions such as UNAM, IPN, UABC, CIAD and CIBNOR. The dominant topics are aquaculture, ecology, biochemistry, immunology, and parasitology. CONAHCYT is the main source of funding. About half of the publications were open access. Limitations on study/implications: The study is limited to the Scopus database, which is the one that includes the largest number of journals worldwide. However, by not including other databases the results could have a slight bias, although we do not consider that the trends changed significantly. Findings/conclusions: Fish research in Mexico shows a positive outlook, with great interest in several species. However, it faces challenges such as the concentration of effort on exotic species, and the impact of the pandemic on research. A balanced approach is needed to encourage research on native species and facilitate open access to scientific information. This will strengthen fish research in Mexico and enhance its impact on the development of the country

Scientific research on crustacean farming in Mexico: a scientometric scenario

Objective: The objective of this article is to evaluate the research effort developed by Mexican scientists in relation to the study of native and exotic crustacean species, based on articles hosted in Scopus. Design/methodology/approach: Species were selected based on documentary research and personal communication with researchers related to the subject. All scientific articles published between 1993 and 2023 related to culture, which included the species name in the title, abstract and keywords, were selected from the Scopus® database. The number of publications, publication timelines, topics addressed, institutions, sponsors and type of access were obtained. Results: The search yielded a total of 1,240 articles published by Mexican institutions, penaeid shrimps representing 85% of the total, and P. vannamei represents almost 75%. In general, UNAM and CIBNOR lead scientific production followed by the IPN and the CIAD. The most common topic areas include nutrition, aquaculture, morphophysiology and genetics. The main source of financing is CONAHCYT and 46% of the publications are available in open access. Limitations on study/implications:The study is restricted to the Scopus database, recognized for including the largest number of journals worldwide, although the omission of other data-bases could cause bias in the results. However, we consider that this limitation will not significantly affect the identified trends. Findings/conclusions: Research has predominantly focused on the marine shrimp P. vannamei, reflecting significant technological development in its culture, while other species such as C. quadricarinatus and the genus Macrobrachium have received limited attention. It is crucial to encourage research and technological development in native and alternative species, secure funding and institutional support, promote equitable access policies, and improve regulation for sustainable practices.Objective: The objective of this article is to evaluate the research effort developed by Mexican scientists inrelation to the study of native and exotic crustacean species, based on articles hosted in Scopus.Design/methodology/approach: Species were selected based on documentary research and personalcommunication with researchers related to the subject. All scientific articles published between 1993 and 2023related to culture, which included the species name in the title, abstract and keywords, were selected from theScopus® database. The number of publications, publication timelines, topics addressed, institutions, sponsorsand type of access were obtained.Results: The search yielded a total of 1,240 articles published by Mexican institutions, penaeid shrimpsrepresenting 85% of the total, and P. vannamei represents almost 75%. In general, UNAM and CIBNOR leadscientific production followed by the IPN and the CIAD. The most common topic areas include nutrition,aquaculture, morphophysiology and genetics. The main source of financing is CONAHCYT and 46% of thepublications are available in open access.Limitations on study/implications: The study is restricted to the Scopus database, recognized for includingthe largest number of journals worldwide, although the omission of other data-bases could cause bias in theresults. However, we consider that this limitation will not significantly affect the identified trends.Findings/conclusions: Research has predominantly focused on the marine shrimp P. vannamei, reflectingsignificant technological development in its culture, while other species such as C. quadricarinatus and thegenus Macrobrachium have received limited attention. It is crucial to encourage research and technologicaldevelopment in native and alternative species, secure funding and institutional support, promote equitableaccess policies, and improve regulation for sustainable practice

Albiglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (Harmony Outcomes): a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial

Background: Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists differ in chemical structure, duration of action, and in their effects on clinical outcomes. The cardiovascular effects of once-weekly albiglutide in type 2 diabetes are unknown. We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of albiglutide in preventing cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Methods: We did a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial in 610 sites across 28 countries. We randomly assigned patients aged 40 years and older with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (at a 1:1 ratio) to groups that either received a subcutaneous injection of albiglutide (30–50 mg, based on glycaemic response and tolerability) or of a matched volume of placebo once a week, in addition to their standard care. Investigators used an interactive voice or web response system to obtain treatment assignment, and patients and all study investigators were masked to their treatment allocation. We hypothesised that albiglutide would be non-inferior to placebo for the primary outcome of the first occurrence of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke, which was assessed in the intention-to-treat population. If non-inferiority was confirmed by an upper limit of the 95% CI for a hazard ratio of less than 1·30, closed testing for superiority was prespecified. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02465515. Findings: Patients were screened between July 1, 2015, and Nov 24, 2016. 10 793 patients were screened and 9463 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to groups: 4731 patients were assigned to receive albiglutide and 4732 patients to receive placebo. On Nov 8, 2017, it was determined that 611 primary endpoints and a median follow-up of at least 1·5 years had accrued, and participants returned for a final visit and discontinuation from study treatment; the last patient visit was on March 12, 2018. These 9463 patients, the intention-to-treat population, were evaluated for a median duration of 1·6 years and were assessed for the primary outcome. The primary composite outcome occurred in 338 (7%) of 4731 patients at an incidence rate of 4·6 events per 100 person-years in the albiglutide group and in 428 (9%) of 4732 patients at an incidence rate of 5·9 events per 100 person-years in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·78, 95% CI 0·68–0·90), which indicated that albiglutide was superior to placebo (p<0·0001 for non-inferiority; p=0·0006 for superiority). The incidence of acute pancreatitis (ten patients in the albiglutide group and seven patients in the placebo group), pancreatic cancer (six patients in the albiglutide group and five patients in the placebo group), medullary thyroid carcinoma (zero patients in both groups), and other serious adverse events did not differ between the two groups. There were three (<1%) deaths in the placebo group that were assessed by investigators, who were masked to study drug assignment, to be treatment-related and two (<1%) deaths in the albiglutide group. Interpretation: In patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, albiglutide was superior to placebo with respect to major adverse cardiovascular events. Evidence-based glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists should therefore be considered as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes. Funding: GlaxoSmithKline

Impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular testing in the United States versus the rest of the world

Objectives: This study sought to quantify and compare the decline in volumes of cardiovascular procedures between the United States and non-US institutions during the early phase of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the care of many non-COVID-19 illnesses. Reductions in diagnostic cardiovascular testing around the world have led to concerns over the implications of reduced testing for cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. Methods: Data were submitted to the INCAPS-COVID (International Atomic Energy Agency Non-Invasive Cardiology Protocols Study of COVID-19), a multinational registry comprising 909 institutions in 108 countries (including 155 facilities in 40 U.S. states), assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on volumes of diagnostic cardiovascular procedures. Data were obtained for April 2020 and compared with volumes of baseline procedures from March 2019. We compared laboratory characteristics, practices, and procedure volumes between U.S. and non-U.S. facilities and between U.S. geographic regions and identified factors associated with volume reduction in the United States. Results: Reductions in the volumes of procedures in the United States were similar to those in non-U.S. facilities (68% vs. 63%, respectively; p = 0.237), although U.S. facilities reported greater reductions in invasive coronary angiography (69% vs. 53%, respectively; p < 0.001). Significantly more U.S. facilities reported increased use of telehealth and patient screening measures than non-U.S. facilities, such as temperature checks, symptom screenings, and COVID-19 testing. Reductions in volumes of procedures differed between U.S. regions, with larger declines observed in the Northeast (76%) and Midwest (74%) than in the South (62%) and West (44%). Prevalence of COVID-19, staff redeployments, outpatient centers, and urban centers were associated with greater reductions in volume in U.S. facilities in a multivariable analysis. Conclusions: We observed marked reductions in U.S. cardiovascular testing in the early phase of the pandemic and significant variability between U.S. regions. The association between reductions of volumes and COVID-19 prevalence in the United States highlighted the need for proactive efforts to maintain access to cardiovascular testing in areas most affected by outbreaks of COVID-19 infection

Effect of β-Glucans in Diets on Growth, Survival, Digestive Enzyme Activity, and Immune System and Intestinal Barrier Gene Expression for Tropical Gar (Atractosteus tropicus) Juveniles

The application of &beta;-1,3/1,6-glucan derived from yeast at five concentrations (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%) in formulated diets was evaluated in juveniles for its effects on the growth, survival, digestive enzymatic activity, and expression of genes associated with the immune system (interlukin-10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor (TGF), occludin (OCC), mucin2 (MUC2), lysozyme (LYS), and nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2)) in tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus). For the experiment, three replicates of 30 fish per experimental unit (70 L) were cultivated for 62 days. The growth results showed no statistically significant differences in relation to weight and total length between treatments. The activity of digestive enzymes (alkaline proteases, trypsin, leucine aminopeptidase, and amylase) did not show significant differences between treatments, except for chymotrypsin activity, where fish fed 1.0% and 1.5% of &beta;-glucans showed higher activities compared with the rest of the treatments. On the other hand, the analysis of gene expression did not show significant differences between treatments, although a tendency of increase in the expression of IL-10, TGF, MUC2, and OCC was observed with an addition of 1.5% of the prebiotic, but there was a decrease in the fish fed with 2% of the prebiotic. It is possible to include concentrations of between 0.5% and 1.5% of &beta;-glucans in the diets for A. tropicus, with no detectable adverse effects on growth, survival, digestive enzyme activity, or specific gene expression. &beta;-glucan 1,3/1,6 added at 1.0% and 1.5% in the diet significantly increases chymotrypsin activity

Mechanical ventilation in patients with cardiogenic pulmonary edema: a sub-analysis of the LUNG SAFE study

Background: Patients with acute respiratory failure caused by cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE) may require mechanical ventilation that can cause further lung damage. Our aim was to determine the impact of ventilatory settings on CPE mortality. Methods: Patients from the LUNG SAFE cohort, a multicenter prospective cohort study of patients undergoing mechanical ventilation, were studied. Relationships between ventilatory parameters and outcomes (ICU discharge/hospital mortality) were assessed using latent mixture analysis and a marginal structural model. Results: From 4499 patients, 391 meeting CPE criteria (median age 70 [interquartile range 59-78], 40% female) were included. ICU and hospital mortality were 34% and 40%, respectively. ICU survivors were younger (67 [57-77] vs 74 [64-80] years, p &lt; 0.001) and had lower driving (12 [8-16] vs 15 [11-17] cmH2O, p &lt; 0.001), plateau (20 [15-23] vs 22 [19-26] cmH2O, p &lt; 0.001) and peak (21 [17-27] vs 26 [20-32] cmH2O, p &lt; 0.001) pressures. Latent mixture analysis of patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation on ICU day 1 revealed a subgroup ventilated with high pressures with lower probability of being discharged alive from the ICU (hazard ratio [HR] 0.79 [95% confidence interval 0.60-1.05], p = 0.103) and increased hospital mortality (HR 1.65 [1.16-2.36], p = 0.005). In a marginal structural model, driving pressures in the first week (HR 1.12 [1.06-1.18], p &lt; 0.001) and tidal volume after day 7 (HR 0.69 [0.52-0.93], p = 0.015) were related to survival. Conclusions: Higher airway pressures in invasively ventilated patients with CPE are related to mortality. These patients may be exposed to an increased risk of ventilator-induced lung injury. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02010073

Mechanical ventilation in patients with cardiogenic pulmonary edema: a sub-analysis of the LUNG SAFE study

Background: Patients with acute respiratory failure caused by cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE) may require mechanical ventilation that can cause further lung damage. Our aim was to determine the impact of ventilatory settings on CPE mortality. Methods: Patients from the LUNG SAFE cohort, a multicenter prospective cohort study of patients undergoing mechanical ventilation, were studied. Relationships between ventilatory parameters and outcomes (ICU discharge/hospital mortality) were assessed using latent mixture analysis and a marginal structural model. Results: From 4499 patients, 391 meeting CPE criteria (median age 70 [interquartile range 59-78], 40% female) were included. ICU and hospital mortality were 34% and 40%, respectively. ICU survivors were younger (67 [57-77] vs 74 [64-80] years, p &lt; 0.001) and had lower driving (12 [8-16] vs 15 [11-17] cmH2O, p &lt; 0.001), plateau (20 [15-23] vs 22 [19-26] cmH2O, p &lt; 0.001) and peak (21 [17-27] vs 26 [20-32] cmH2O, p &lt; 0.001) pressures. Latent mixture analysis of patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation on ICU day 1 revealed a subgroup ventilated with high pressures with lower probability of being discharged alive from the ICU (hazard ratio [HR] 0.79 [95% confidence interval 0.60-1.05], p = 0.103) and increased hospital mortality (HR 1.65 [1.16-2.36], p = 0.005). In a marginal structural model, driving pressures in the first week (HR 1.12 [1.06-1.18], p &lt; 0.001) and tidal volume after day 7 (HR 0.69 [0.52-0.93], p = 0.015) were related to survival. Conclusions: Higher airway pressures in invasively ventilated patients with CPE are related to mortality. These patients may be exposed to an increased risk of ventilator-induced lung injury. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02010073