Effects of Commercial Feed Additives on the Gut Microbiota of Food Animals

Weaning is a stressful event of newborn animals which can lead to dysbiosis in the GIT causing invasion of pathogens, retarded growth, high incidence of diarrhea, and increased neonatal mortality. Since antibiotics use in livestock production have been regulated, various feed additives have been designed as antibiotic alternatives to use in newborn animal during weaning. This thesis investigated the dynamics of bacterial composition of GIT in weaned animals fed commercial feed additives by analysis of high throughput sequencing data generated from PCR-amplified DNA targeting V1-V3 region of 16S rRNA gene. Experiment 1 investigated the rumen environment of neonatal calves fed concentrate pellet and milk replacer supplemented with a commercial blend of EO. This study demonstrated higher propionate concentrations and higher relative abundance phyla Bacteroidetes in samples from EO fed calves than the control. Two bacterial OTUs were significantly more abundant in EO fed calves; SD_Bt-00966 was found to be a close relative of Prevotella ruminicola (97%), while SD_Bt-00978 likely corresponded to an uncharacterized species of Gammaproteobacteria. Experiment 2 evaluated the impact of low inclusion of peptide-based commercial product Peptiva on the performance and fecal microbiome of weaning pigs that were assigned phase diets. Results demonstrated no significant difference in body weight (BW), daily gain, and feed efficiency between control and treatment animals. OTUs analysis revealed that Lactobacilli, represented by four main OTUs (Ssd-00002, Ssd-00019, Ssd-00025, and Ssd-00053), were more abundant at the end of Phase II (P \u3c 0.05), while Streptococci, mostly represented by OTUs Ssd-00039 and Ssd-00048, were in higher abundance at the end of Phase III (P \u3c 0.05). This experiment provided insight that Peptiva can modulate the composition of swine fecal microbiome during a specific window of the nursery stage, potentially by accelerating its maturation. Experiment 3 was aimed to investigate the effects of peptide based commercial product Peptiva along with mannose oligosaccharides (MOS) and protease on growth performance and fecal microbiome composition of weaned piglets on standard phase feeding program. Results revealed no significant difference on body weight on all phases, while pigs fed Peptiva added with MOS and protease at phase II showed higher daily gain and pigs fed Peptiva added with MOS had higher feed efficiency compared to control. At the OTUs level, Lactobacillus, represented by two OTUs, Ssd-00001 and Ssd-00123 were most abundant (P \u3c 0.05) in phase III, while Ruminococcus, represented by one OTU was highly abundant (P \u3c 0.05) in phase II. Together, these results showed Peptiva along with MOS and protease can modulate the swine gut microbiome during nursery period

Diabetes and Oral Health (DIOH) : a mixed-methods study to inform oral health care for people living with diabetes

The broad aim of this mixed-methods study was to explore oral health care practices and perceptions of both diabetes care providers and people with diabetes in Sydney, Australia to inform strategies for oral health promotion. The specific aims were to explore the current perceptions and practices of diabetes care providers (General Practitioners and Diabetes Educators) and patients with diabetes regarding oral health care. Similarly, patients’ perceptions of diabetes care providers’ capability to promote oral health care and their intention to participate in oral health promotion services provided by diabetes educators were also assessed. This thesis is presented as a series of five published papers. Two publications are presented as the literature review and the remaining 3 papers are from the qualitative and quantitative results. The study used a sequential exploratory mixed-methods research design. This study has provided valuable insight into this under-researched area of oral health care amongst people living with diabetes in Australia. It has shown that despite current evidence and recommendations, there is limited focus on oral health by diabetes care providers. Patients have unmet oral health needs, with their oral health problems impacting on their quality of life. Furthermore, many have poor oral health knowledge and are not receiving adequate oral health information from diabetes care providers. Patients are also experiencing significant barriers in terms of costs to access dental care. Diabetes care providers, especially diabetes educators are in a unique position to address these gaps and promote oral health, and patients are very receptive to this idea. However, several barriers exist for diabetes care providers to undertake this role, which include limited oral health education, lack of screening tools and promotional resources. The study findings support the need for strategies for oral health promotion that include the development of a Diabetes Oral Health Program to capacity-build diabetes care providers to motivate patients to engage in optimal oral hygiene behaviours and regular dental visits. The program should include an oral health professional development training program, a simple validated oral health screening tool, evidence-based patient resources and accessible dental referral pathways. Appropriate timing of education, screening and referrals will be key to the success of the program

An Evaluation of Rumen Modifiers for Lactational Performance and Nutrient Digestibility by Cows

Three studies were conducted to evaluate a commercial blend of essential oils, active dried yeast product and cobalt lactate on production performance, rumen fermentation and nutrient digestibility by cows by using in vivo and in vitro methods. The first study evaluated the lactational performance and nutrient digestibility of lactating Holstein dairy cows fed two commercial supplements: 1) a propriety blend of essential oils and Cobalt lactate (EOC) (Stay Strong, Ralco, Inc., Marshall, MN) and 2) active dried yeast (ADY) (Omnigen AF, Prince Agri Products, Inc., Quincy, IL). The 12-week experiment demonstrated no differences in milk production, milk composition, and feed efficiency. However, cows fed EOC were cooler than cows fed ADY. Both commercial products prevented the growth of Aspergillus fumigatus. Nutrient digestibility (ND) was higher for cows fed ADY than cows fed EOC. This study demonstrated that while milk production and FE were similar, lactating dairy cows fed EOC were cooler during the hot summer/fall season, whereas ND was significantly higher for the cows fed ADY. In the second in vitro study, cobalt carbonate (CoCO3) and cobalt lactate (CoL: CoMax, Ralco, Inc., Marshall, MN) inclusion rates were evaluated for effects on ruminal fermentation and nutrient digestibility when feeding a grass hay as substrate. Treatments included 1) Blank: No feed and no CoCO3; 2) CoCO3 - 0.1 ppm; 3) CoCO3 -3.5 ppm; 4) CoL - 0.11 ppm; 5) CoL - 0.22 ppm; 6) CoL - 0.875 ppm; 7) CoL - 1.75 ppm; and 8) CoL - 3.5 ppm. Rate of gas production was lower (P \u3c 0.05) for 0.1 ppm of CoCO3 compared to 3.5 ppm of CoCO3, and intermediate for 0.11, 0.22, 0.875, and 0.11 ppm of CoL. Total VFA (mmol/L) concentrations were lower (P \u3c 0.05) for 0.22 and 3.5 ppm of CoL compared to remaining treatments. Molar percentage of acetate was lower (P \u3c 0.05) for 1.75 and 3.5 ppm CoL than remaining treatments. Rumen ammonia concentration was similar (P \u3e 0.10) for all treatments. Dry matter digestibility was highest (P \u3c 0.05) for 0.11 ppm of CoL and was intermediate for 0.1, 3.5 ppm of CoCO3, and 0.22 ppm of CoL. Digestibility of NDF was higher (P \u3c 0.05) for 0.11 ppm of CoL, intermediate for 0.1, 3.5 ppm of CoCO3 and 0.22 ppm of CoL and lower (P \u3c 0.05) for 0.875, 1.75, and 3.5 ppm of CoL than other treatments. Results show that lower doses of CoL are more effective for fiber digestion of grass hay than CoCO3. The third in vitro study evaluated CoCO3 and CoL on ruminal fermentation and nutrient digestibility evaluating a 60:40 (DM basis) blend of corn silage and alfala baleage as a typical dairy ration substrate. Treatments included 1) Blank: No feed and no treatment, 2) CoCO3 - 3.5 ppm, 3) CoL - 0.11 ppm, 4) CoL - 0.22 ppm, 5) CoL - 0.875 ppm, 6) CoL - 1.75 ppm, and 7) CoL - 3.5 ppm. Rate of gas production was similar (P \u3e 0.10) among treatments. Total VFA concentrations (mmol/L) were higher (P \u3c 0.05) for 0.11 ppm of CoL, intermediate for 0.22, 0.875, 1.75, and 3.5 ppm of CoL and lowest (P \u3c 0.05) for 3.5 ppm of CoCO3. Acetate molar percentage was higher (P \u3c 0.05) for 3.5 ppm of CoCO3, intermediate for 0.11, 1.75, and 3.5 ppm of CoL and lowest for 0.22 and 0.875 ppm of CoL. Molar propionate concentration was higher (P \u3c 0.05) for all CoL treatments compared to 3.5 ppm CoCO3. Rumen NH3-N and pH were similar (P \u3e 0.10) among the treatments. The DMD was lower (P \u3c 0.05) for 3.5 ppm CoCO3, intermediate for 0.11 and 3.5 ppm of CoL and highest (P \u3c 0.05) for 0.11, 0.22, 0.875, and 1.75 ppm of CoL. Results demonstrate that Cobalt Lactate is more effective than CoCO3 for improving fiber digestion with a corn silage and alfalfa baelage based forage

Neonatal mortality predictors in Nepal: Nepal demographic health survey 2011

Background: The neonatal period (0-28 days after delivery) in human life is critical and carries a high risk of mortality. According to the Nepal Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) 2011, Nepal has a Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) of 33/1000 live births which is one of the highest in the world. The neonatal mortality accounts for 61% of the under-five mortality. There has been very limited progress in reducing neonatal mortality in Nepal during the last decade. Purpose of the study: The purpose of the current study is to determine factors associated with neonatal mortality in Nepal. Methodology: Data from NDHS 2011 was used and the study included 4033 women who gave birth from 2006 to 2010. A study was performed to find associations between neonatal mortality and certain predictor variables. Associations were assessed by multivariate analysis, univariate and multivariate (backward LR) logistic regression. Results: The neonatal mortality in the study population was determined to be 33.4 per 1000 live births. Neonatal mortality was found higher among the neonates from younger women [age at delivery less than 20 years (OR: 1.94, CI: 1.18-3.20) compared to 20 or more years], high parity mothers [5 or more (OR: 3.50, CI: 1.82-6.74) compared to 1], mothers without health care decision autonomy [no (OR: 1.43, CI: 1.04-1.97) compared to yes] and mothers who deliver at health care center [healthcare center (OR: 0.65, CI: 0.46-0.92) compared to home]. Mothers’ low education and poverty were found to be significantly associated with higher neonatal mortality after adjusting for age. Conclusion: High neonatal mortality was observed among mothers with younger age, high parity and mothers without healthcare decision autonomy

Predictors of Poor Seizure Control in Children Managed at a Tertiary Care Hospital of Eastern Nepal

How to Cite This Article: Poudel P, Chitlangia M, Pokharel R. Predictors of Poor Seizure Control in Children Managed at a Tertiary Care Hospital of Eastern Nepal Iran J Child Neurol. Summer 2016; 10(3):48-56. AbstractObjectiveVarious factors have been claimed to predict outcome of afebrile seizures in children. This study was aimed to find out the predictors of poor seizure control in children at a resource limited setting.Materials & MethodsThis prospective study was done from July 1st, 2009 to January 31st, 2012 at B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Nepal. Children (1 month-20 yr of age) with afebrile seizures presenting to pediatric neurology clinic were studied.Significant predictors on bivariate analysis were further analyzed with binary logistic model to find out the true predictors. Positive predictive values (PPVs) and negative predictive values (NPVs) for the true predictors were calculated.ResultsOut of 256 patients (male: female ratio 3:2) with afebrile seizures followed up for median duration of 27 (IQR 12-50) months, seizure was poorly controlled in 20% patients. Three factors predicted poor seizure control. They were frequent (≥1 per month) seizures at onset (OR 12.76, 95% CI 1.44-112.73, PPV 25%, NPV 98%); remote symptomatic etiology (OR 3.56, 95% CI 1.04-12.17, PPV 36%, NPV 92%); and need of more than one anticonvulsant drug (polytherapy) (OR 12.83, 95% CI 5.50-29.9, PPV 56%, NPV 96%). The strongest predictor was need of polytherapy. When all three factors were present, PPV and NPV for prediction of poor seizure control were 70% and 90% respectively.ConclusionFrequent seizures at onset, remote symptomatic etiology of seizure and need of polytherapy were associated with poor seizure control in children with afebrile seizures.  ReferencesSander JW, Shorvon SD. Epidemiology of the epilepsies. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1996; 61:433-43.Johnston MV. Seizures in Childhood. In: Behman RE, Kleigman RM, Jenson HB, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics 17thed. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2004:1993-2005.Sillanpaa M. Remission of seizures and prediction of intractability in long-term follow-up. Epilepsia 1993; 34:930-6.Harrison RM, Taylor DC. Childhood seizures: a 25-year follow-up, social and medical prognosis. Lancet 1976; 1:948-51.Berg AT, Levy SR, Novotny EJ, Shinnar S. Predictors of intractable epilepsy in childhood: a case-control study. Epilepsia 1996; 37:24-30.Malik MA, Hamid MH, Ahmed TM, Ali Q. Predictors of intractable childhood epilepsy. J Coll Physicians Surg Pak 2008; 18:158-62.Kwong KL, Sung WY, Wong SN, So KT. Early predictors of medical intractability in childhood epilepsy. Pediatr Neurol 2003; 29:46-52.Chawla S, Aneja S, Kashyap R, Mallika V. Etiology and clinical predictors ofintractable epilepsy. Pediatr Neurol 2002; 27:186-91.Shinnar S, Berg AT, Moshe SL, O’Dell C, Alemany M, Newstein D et al. The risk of seizure recurrence after a first unprovoked afebrile seizure in childhood: an extended follow-up. Pediatrics 1996; 98:216-25.Shinnar S, Berg AT, Moshé SL, Petix M, Maytal J, Kang H et al. Risk of seizure recurrence following a first unprovoked seizure in childhood: a prospective study. Pediatrics 1990;85:1076-85.Sillanpää M, Schmidt D. Early seizure frequency and aetiology predict long-term medical outcome in childhood-onset epilepsy. Brain 2009; 132:989-98.Casetta I, Granieri E, Monetti VC, Gilli G, Tola MR, Paolino E et al. 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Long-term outcome of difficult-to treat epilepsy in childhood. Neuropediatrics 2010; 41:135-9.Bouma PA, Peters AC, Brouwer OF. Long term course of childhood epilepsy following relapse after antiepileptic drug withdrawal. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2002; 72:507-10.Commission on Classification and Terminology of the International League Against Epilepsy. Proposal for revised clinical and electroencephalographic classification of epileptic seizures. Epilepsia 1981; 22:489-501.Kwan P, Brodie MJ. Effectiveness of first antiepileptic drug. Epilepsia 2001; 42:1255-60.Dörks M, Langner I, Timmer A, Garbe E. Treatment of pediatric epilepsy in Germany: Antiepileptic drug utilization in children and adolescents with a focus on new antiepileptic drugs. Epilepsy Res 2013;103:45-53Herman ST. Single Unprovoked Seizures. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2004; 6:243-55.Boonluksiri P. Risk of recurrence following a first unprovoked seizure in Thai children. Neurol J Southeast Asia 2003; 8:25-9.Parra J, Augustijn PB, Greets Y, van Emde Boas W. Classification of Epileptic Seizures: A Comparison of Two Systems. Epilepsia 2001; 42:476-82.Eeg-Olofsson O. The development of the electroencephalogram in normal children and adolescents from the age of 1 through 21 years. Acta Paediatr Scand 1971; Suppl 208:1-46.

Submandibular gland sialolith of unusual size

Introduction: Sialolithiasis is the most common disease of the salivary glands. Majority of sialoliths occur in the submandibular gland and is a common cause of acute and chronic infections of the gland. The size varies from one mm to one cm. Size greater than 15 mm are considered unusual or giant sialolith. Case report: We present a case of an unusual size sialolith of 16 mm in submandibular gland duct which was removed via transoral incision. The aim of presenting this case report is to understand etio-pathogenesis, clinical presentation and management of submandibular sialolithiasis. Conclusion:  Submandicular sialolithiasis of more than 15 mm in size though rare are not uncommon. They can be managed intraorally if situated at or near the orifice

Qualitative methodology in translational health research : current practices and future directions

Translational health research is an interdisciplinary field aimed at bridging the gap between basic science studies, preventative studies, and clinical practice to improve health-related outcomes. Qualitative research methods provide a unique perspective on the emotional, social, cultural, and contextual factors that influence health and healthcare and thus are recognized as valuable tools for translational health research. This approach can be embedded within a mixed method design which complements the quantitative findings. This methodological paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the fundamental concepts and methodologies used in qualitative research, emphasizing their utilization and significance in translational health research. Several approaches to qualitative research methodology are discussed in this review, including ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory, case study, and action research. Theoretical frameworks such as the social-ecological model, intersectionality, and participatory action research are also examined to provide a structure for understanding and interpreting complex health issues. This methodological paper also reviews commonly used sampling techniques such as purposive, snowball, convenience, theoretical, and maximum variation sampling, along with data collection methods such as in-depth interviews, focus groups, observation, document analysis, and participatory methods. Moreover, data analysis techniques such as thematic analysis, grounded theory, content analysis, narrative analysis, and reflexive analysis, are discussed in the context of translational health. Overall, this review highlights the challenges and opportunities of using qualitative methods in current practice, while also discussing future directions and providing valuable guidance and insights to researchers interested in conducting qualitative research in translational health

Testing of Clonal Bermudagrass Cultivars and Experimental Genotypes for Differences in Drought Performance

Bermudagrass is used in many parts of the world as a forage crop and as turfgrass in sports fields, golf courses and lawns. Selection and identification of drought resistant bermudagrass cultivars under acute or chronic drought stress is important for sustainable turfgrass management and water conservation. The objective of this research were to: 1) identify differences in overall field drought performance of selected industry standard and OSU experimental bermudagrass entries; and 2) evaluate and explain differences in root growth characteristics of selected clonal industry standard and OSU experimental bermudagrass entries. This research was conducted at the Oklahoma State University Turfgrass Research Center in Stillwater, OK. Twenty-three clonal bermudagrasses were used in the field study for objective 1 while eight clonal bermudagrasses were used in the greenhouse study for objective 2. Based on the overall results from the field study, the hypothesis that were differences in bermudagrass entries for their field drought performance was accepted. At the 0% ET irrigation level, the OSU experimental bermudagrasses that performed lower than Celebration but better than all other entries were #2, #12, #16, #24, and #27. At the 33% ET irrigation level, Celebration, #2, #12, and #27 performed better than all other bermudagrass entries. Based on the overall results from the greenhouse study, the hypothesis that there were differences in bermudagrass entries for their root growth characteristics was accepted. Celebration, OKC 1119, and #2 have great genetic potential for improved drought performance if proper root growth occurs during the year before a drought event. Tifsport, Patriot, and #12 did not perform as well as Celebration, OKC 1119, and #2 in this study and thus may not have great genetic potential for improved drought performance due to rooting characteristics.Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Departmen

Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among rheumatoid arthritis: results from national inpatient database.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is being increasingly recognized as an important contributor to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although smoking is a major risk factor, other factors may play a role. We used National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2013 to explore this relationship. We used propensity matching with a 1:3 nearest-neighbor-matching algorithm to match 1 RA hospitalization to 3 age- and-sex-matched comparators. In the age- and-sex-matched population, RA had a higher odds of COPD (OR 1.20, 95% CI: 1.17-1.22

Effect of Mycorrhiza on Vegetative Growth of Mandarin’s (Citrus reticulata Blanco) Seedlings

Citrus is among the top fruits which are cultivated around the world, and among citrus, Mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) comes first and belongs to the family Rutaceae. A field experiment was conducted in Gorkha, Nepal, from April 2021 to July 2022, to study the effect of different doses of Mycorrhiza in the vegetative growth seedlings. The experiment was set up in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments and four replications. The treatments were named T1: Control, T2: 3g/seedling, T3: 6g/seedling, T4: 9g/seedling, and T5: 11g/seedling, respectively. Eighteen months old seedlings of local Mandarin were uprooted and transplanted in finely pulverized and prepared seedbeds, and Mycorrhiza was added subsequently. Data was collected for plant height, number of leaves, and stem diameter. Data analysis was done through Microsoft- Excel, RStudio, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results of the study showed that plants treated with 9g of Mycorrhiza produced the highest number of measured parameters compared to plants treated with other doses. Control treatment (0g) produces the least number of plant leaves, Height, and stem diameter, and it can be concluded that a mycorrhizal dose of 9g is the best for the vegetative growth of Mandarin