Comparison of recovery of sheep, goats, and calves from reversible electrical head-only and head-to-body stunning for halal meat production.

AIMS: To compare the recovery of lambs, goats, and calves from head-only (HO) or high-frequency head-to-body stunning and evaluate the complementary use of behaviour and electroencephalography (EEG) to assess return to consciousness after electrical stunning in these species. METHODS: Six-month-old lambs, adult goats and calves (< 7 days old) were subjected to reversible head-only stunning (50 Hz, 1 A, 2 seconds) or reversible high-frequency head-to-body stunning (RHTB: HO followed by 2,000 Hz, 2 A, 4-second stun to body). Following stunning, behavioural recovery was assessed in 21 lambs, 22 goats, and 20 calves. Latencies to first perform behaviours (end of convulsions, head lift, attempt to right, successful righting, attempt to stand, successful standing) after stunning were scored from video recordings. Recovery of electrical brain activity indicative of consciousness was assessed using EEG in a separate cohort of minimally-anaesthetised lambs, goats and calves (n = 20 per species). EEG traces collected before and after stunning were classified as normal, epileptiform, isoelectric, or transitional activity. Following stunning, the duration of epileptiform and isoelectric activity combined (states of brain activity incompatible with conscious awareness) was calculated, as was latency to return of normal (pre-stun) EEG. RESULTS: The RHTB stun was reversible in all three species, although one sheep failed to recover and was euthanised. Both methods caused tonic and clonic convulsions in all species. Behavioural recovery of sheep and calves was similar for both methods while goats took longer to recover from RHTB than HO stunning. There was no evidence of differences between methods in the duration of EEG incompatible with consciousness or the latency to recovery of normal EEG. CONCLUSIONS: Head-to-body stunning as applied here produced a reversible electrical stun in lambs, adult goats and young calves, although the benefits in terms of meat quality and operator safety are uncertain. Goats took longer to recover behaviourally from head-to-body stunning, possibly due to disrupted motor function, but there was no indication that post-stun unconsciousness lasted longer than following head-only stunning in any species. The normal behaviour for the animals' developmental age should be considered when deciding on behavioural indicators of recovery. The minimal anaesthesia model provided excellent quality EEG data that was valuable for interpretation of the behavioural responses. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For the purposes of pre-slaughter stunning of sheep, goats and young calves, recovery appears comparable between the two methods, with all but 1/63 animals in the behaviour study recovering normal function.

Factors influencing the willingness to pay a price premium for red meat with potential to improve consumer wellness in Australia and the United States of America.

This study determined consumers' attitudes towards physical and mental wellness related to red meat consumption and their willingness to pay (WTP) more for the meat. In 2019, two online surveys of red meat eaters were conducted in the USA (n = 1000) and Australia (n = 523) using commercial platforms. Results showed that over 90% of respondents indicated interest in purchasing red meat to improve their wellness status. Additionally, about 85% indicated their WTP more for red meat for its wellness benefits, with Americans indicating stronger willingness than Australian respondents. The potential of meat consumption to improve overall wellness among red meat eaters was a dominant factor influencing consumers' WTP more. Other factors that increased WTP included frequency of meat consumption, physical exercise, sleep quality, number of children in a household, partnership status, and economic position. Outcomes from this study highlight a unique opportunity for the meat industry to position meat on its qualities that include wellness improvement if backed up with robust scientific evidence.

Comparison of the gut microbiome composition between men with erectile dysfunction and a matched cohort: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: To-date there have been minimal studies to investigate an association between the gut microbiome and erectile dysfunction. There have been many inflammatory diseases linked to gut microbiome dysbiosis; such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. These same inflammatory diseases have been heavily linked to erectile dysfunction. Given the correlations between both conditions and cardiovascular disease and the metabolic syndrome, we believe that it is worthwhile to investigate a link between the two. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential association between the gut microbiome and erectile dysfunction. METHODS: Stool samples were collected from 28 participants with erectile dysfunction and 32 age-matched controls. Metatranscriptome sequencing was used to analyze the samples. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the gut microbiome characteristics, including Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes richness (p = 0.117), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes diversity (p = 0.323), species richness (p = 0.364), and species diversity (p = 0.300), between the erectile dysfunction and control groups. DISCUSSION: The association of gut microbiome dysbiosis and pro-inflammatory conditions has been well studied and further literature continues to add to this evidence. Our main limitation for this study was our small-sample size due to recruitment issues. We believe that a study with a larger population size may find an association between the gut microbiome and erectile dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study do not support a significant association between the gut microbiome and erectile dysfunction. Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between these two conditions.

Survey of New Zealand consumer attitudes to consumption of meat and meat alternatives.

This study examined consumers' consumption, motivations, and concerns regarding meat and meat alternatives by means of an online survey of 1061 New Zealand consumers and review of literature. Outcomes of the survey indicate New Zealanders are overwhelmingly omnivorous (93%), regard taste as the most important factor in their meat purchasing decision followed by price and freshness and consider environmental impact and social responsibility of less importance. Those surveyed indicated willingness to pay 17-24% more for food safety and sustainability related meat attributes. About half of respondents lowered their meat consumption the previous year, mainly red and processed meats, due to lack of affordability and health concerns. Although those surveyed showed high awareness about meat alternatives, their consumption level of the products was very low and more prevalent for female, younger and more educated individuals. Overall, the outlook for meat consumption and meat industry in New Zealand is positive and is likely to remain so for the foreseeable future.

Nitrogen-molybdenum-manganese co-fertilization reduces nitrate accumulation and enhances spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) yield and its quality.

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is considered a nitrogen (N) intensive plant with high nitrate (NO3 -) accumulation in its leaves. The current study via a two-year field trial introduced an approach by combining N fertilization from different sources (e.g., ammonium nitrate; 33.5 % N, and urea; 48 % N) at different rates (180, and 360 kg N ha-1) with the foliar spraying of molybdenum (Mo) as sodium molybdate, and/or manganese (Mn) as manganese sulphate at rates of 50 and 100 mgL-1 of each or with a mixture of Mo and Mn at rates of 50 and 50 mg L-1, respectively on growth, chemical constituents, and NO3 - accumulation in spinach leaves. Our findings revealed that the highest rate of N fertilization (360 kg N ha-1) significantly increased most of the measured parameters e.g., plant length, fresh and dry weight plant-1, number of leaves plant-1, leaf area plant-1, leaf pigments (chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids), nutrients (N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn), total soluble carbohydrates, protein content, net assimilation rate, and NO3 - accumulation, but decreased leaf area ratio and relative growth rate. Moreover, plants received urea-N fertilizer gave the highest values of all previous attributes when compared with ammonium nitrate -N fertilizers, and the lowest values of NO3 - accumulation. The co-fertilization of N-Mo-Mn gave the highest values in all studied attributes and the lowest NO3 - accumulation. The best treatment was recorded under the treatment of 360 kg N-urea ha-1 in parallel with the combined foliar application of Mo and Mn (50 + 50 mg L-1). Our findings proposed that the co-fertilization of N-Mo-Mn could enhance spinach yield and its quality, while reducing NO3 - accumulation in leaves, resulting agronomical, environmental and economic benefits.

In Vitro and In Vivo Antiviral Studies of New Heteroannulated 1,2,3-Triazole Glycosides Targeting the Neuraminidase of Influenza A Viruses.

There is an urgent need to develop and synthesize new anti-influenza drugs with activity against different strains, resistance to mutations, and suitability for various populations. Herein, we tested in vitro and in vivo the antiviral activity of new 1,2,3-triazole glycosides incorporating benzimidazole, benzooxazole, or benzotriazole cores synthesized by using a click approach. The Cu-catalyzation strategy consisted of 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of the azidoalkyl derivative of the respective heterocyclic and different glycosyl acetylenes with five or six carbon sugar moieties. The antiviral activity of the synthesized glycosides against wild-type and neuraminidase inhibitor resistant strains of the avian influenza H5N1 and human influenza H1N1 viruses was high in vitro and in mice. Structure-activity relationship studies showed that varying the glycosyl moiety in the synthesized glycosides enhanced antiviral activity. The compound (2R,3R,4S,5R)-2-((1-(Benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methoxy)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-3,4,5-triyl triacetate (Compound 9c) had a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 2.280 µM and a ligand lipophilic efficiency (LLE) of 6.84. The compound (2R,3R,4S,5R)-2-((1-((1H-Benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methoxy)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-3,4,5-triyl triacetate had IC50 = 2.75 µM and LLE = 7.3 after docking analysis with the H5N1 virus neuraminidase. Compound 9c achieved full protection from H1N1 infection and 80% protection from H5N1 in addition to a high binding energy with neuraminidase and was safe in vitro and in vivo. This compound is suitable for further clinical studies as a new neuraminidase inhibitor.

Comparative assessment of outcomes and adverse effects using two different intramuscular testosterone therapy regimens: 100 mg IM weekly or 200 mg IM biweekly.

This study aimed to compare the change in levels of several laboratory values and the development of adverse events using two commonly used intramuscular testosterone therapy regimens. Men were included if they were 18 years or older and received one of the following testosterone therapy regimens: 100 mg intramuscular once weekly or 200 mg intramuscular once every other week. Primary outcomes were relative changes in total testosterone, free testosterone, estradiol, prostate-specific antigen, and hematocrit at 6 months after initiation of testosterone therapy. Secondary outcomes were any significant rises in estradiol, hematocrit, prostate-specific antigen, and any other treatment-related adverse events requiring cessation of testosterone therapy. A total of 263 men were enrolled. In a subanalysis of men who had a baseline hematocrit below 54% before intramuscular testosterone therapy initiation, we found the following: men who received 100 mg weekly injections were significantly less likely to have hematocrit levels rising above 54% (1/102 (1%) vs. 4/51 (8%); p = 0.023). No significant differences were recorded in the increase in total testosterone, free testosterone, prostate-specific antigen, and estradiol levels between both groups. A higher average serum testosterone over the dosing interval seen with the 200 mg regimen appears to be associated with a higher risk of erythrocytosis.

Post-market safety and efficacy profile of subcutaneous testosterone enanthate-autoinjector: a cohort analysis.

A subcutaneous testosterone enanthate-autoinjector (SCTE-AI) was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for patient-administered weekly testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). From January 2019 to October 2019, 110 hypogonadal men were treated with SCTE-AI at two institutions. Patients were assessed in a pretherapy visit prior to receiving SCTE-AI and re-assessed 6 weeks after treatment initiation. Patients with a history of prostate cancer were excluded. Trough serum total testosterone (TT), estradiol (E2), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and hematocrit (HCT) levels were collected at clinic visits. Therapeutic phlebotomy was recommended for HCT > 54%, and treatment was discontinued for significant increases in PSA as well as for significant treatment-related adverse events. Values from each visit were compared with univariate analysis. 110 patients completed the 6 weeks of observation with a mean age of 40.3 (SD: 10.5). TT significantly rose from 246.6 ng/dL (SD:113.3) pretherapy to 538.4 ng/dL (SD: 209.3) at 6 weeks (p < 0.001). Post-therapy, 101/110 (91.8%) of patients had TT > 300 ng/dL. No patients had HCT > 54%. 74 patients (70.5%) had PSA increase with only 3 (2.9%) experiencing an increase >1.0 ng/dL. There was a significant increase in mean PSA from 1.07 ng/dL (SD: 0.8) pretherapy to 1.18 ng/dL (SD: 0.9) at 6 weeks (p = 0.01). One patient had immediate treatment cessation following diagnosis of prostate cancer. This is the largest non-industry sponsored safety and efficacy profile of SCTE-AI application in urology clinics. After 6 weeks of observation, TT levels increased significantly without any reports of adverse events. SCTE-AI is a safe and effective alternative delivery system of TRT.

Comparison of Outcomes for Hypogonadal Men Treated with Intramuscular Testosterone Cypionate versus Subcutaneous Testosterone Enanthate.

PURPOSE: Intramuscular testosterone cypionate (IM-TC) is known to cause significant rises in estradiol (E2), hematocrit (HCT), and prostate specific antigen (PSA) due to its supraphysiological testosterone peaks, whereas a novel subcutaneous testosterone enanthate autoinjector (SCTE-AI) was designed with a lower testosterone peak-to-trough ratio to mitigate these reactions. We compare the total testosterone (TT), E2, HCT and PSA response to treatment with IM-TC versus SCTE-AI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 234 hypogonadal men were treated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) via IM-TC 100 mg weekly or SCTE-AI 100 mg weekly. TT, E2, HCT and PSA levels were obtained at baseline and 12 weeks post-treatment. Significant differences in baseline and post-treatment levels were identified by univariate analysis. Linear regression models determined whether treatment modality was independently associated with post-TRT levels of TT, E2, HCT and PSA. RESULTS: Post-TRT, both cohorts had significant increases in trough TT compared to their baseline levels (IM-TC: 313.6 ng/dL to 536.4 ng/dL, p <0.001; SCTE-AI: 246.6 ng/dL to 552.8 ng/dL, p <0.001). After linear regression, type of TRT modality was not found to be associated with TT levels (p=0.057). SCTE-AI was independently associated with lower post-therapy E2 (p <0.001) and HCT (p <0.001). Neither TRT modality was associated with significant post-therapy elevation of PSA (p=0.965). CONCLUSIONS: While IM-TC and SCTE-AI provide a significant increase in TT levels, SCTE-AI is associated with lower levels of post-therapy HCT and E2 compared to IM-TC after adjusting for significant covariates. SCTE-AI is an effective testosterone delivery system with a potentially preferable safety profile over IM-TC.

Evidence for the integration of total and free testosterone levels in the management of prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively assess total and calculated free testosterone levels in a consecutive group of patients with prostate cancer (PCa) and any potential impact on disease aggressiveness and recurrence outcomes. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: The study included a single-centre prospective cohort of 882 patients presenting for radical prostatectomy from 2009 to 2018. Data on total testosterone (TT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and calculated free testosterone (cFT) were prospectively collected. Stepwise logistic regression models were used to assess correlations of TT and cFT with pathological Gleason Grade Group (GGG), extraprostatic extension (EPE), seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) and biochemical recurrence (BCR). RESULTS: Total testosterone remained nearly constant across decades (40s-80s): 0.09 decrease/year (R = 0.02), while SHBG increased 0.87/year (R = 0.32) and cFT decreased 0.08/year (R = -0.02). Low cFT of <5.5 independently predicted: very-high-risk GGG (odds ratio [OR] 0.435, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.846-0.994; P = 0.036), EPE (OR 0.557, 95% CI 0.810-0.987; P = 0.011), SVI (OR 0.396, 95% CI 0.798-1.038; P = 0.059), and BCR within 1 year after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (OR 0.638, 95% CI 0.971-3.512, P = 0.046). TT was not a predictor. CONCLUSION: In contrast to popular belief, testosterone remained stable in men aged 40-80 years, whereas free testosterone decreased by 2-3%/year. Low cFT was an independent predictor of very-high-risk PCa and BCR.

Onion (Allium cepa L.) peels: A review on bioactive compounds and biomedical activities.

Huge quantities of byproducts/wastes generated in onion processing are usually discarded, but they are excellent sources of bioactive compounds and phytochemicals. However, with growing interest in the sustainable use of resources and the circular economy to reduce adverse impacts on the environment, food processing wastes such as onion peel/skin can be extracted and employed as inputs in developing or reformulating nutrient supplements, and pharmacological drugs. This review highlights major bioactive components, especially total phenolics, total flavonoid, quercetin and its derivatives present in onion peel/skin and their therapeutic applications as cardioprotective, neuroprotective, antiobesity, antidiabetic, anticancer and antimicrobial agents. The present review emphasized that onion peel is one of the important agricultural by-products which is rich in bioactive compounds and can be utilized as health promoting ingredient especially in pharmacological and biomedical fields. Thus, with increasing burden of life style disorders/non-communicable diseases, finding suitable natural alternative for their treatment is one major concern of the researchers and onion peel and its extract can be exploited as a prime ingredient.

Subcutaneous emphysema during mandibular wisdom tooth extraction: Cases series.

Subcutaneous emphysema occurs when air is forced under the tissue, causing swelling, crepitus on palpation, and the possibility of spreading along the fascial planes. Although subcutaneous emphysema secondary to dental procedures is rare, it can be a potentially fatal complication if not diagnosed and treated promptly and correctly. Dentists need to be able to differentiate subcutaneous emphysemas from more common disease processes that have similar clinical presentations. We report a 22-year-old male who underwent mandibular wisdom tooth extraction and subsequently developed extensive subcutaneous emphysema. The patient was quickly taken care of, in partnership with the maxillofacial department. The purpose of this report is to bring attention to the fact that obtaining an accurate diagnosis for this condition is very important and management on time can prevent serious complications.

Synthesis, anticancer activity and molecular docking of new triazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidines based thienopyrimidine system and their derived N-glycosides and thioglycosides.

A series of new substituted triazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine derivatives linked to thienopyrimidine ring system were prepared as a hybrid heterocyclic systems, as possible nucleobases analogs, starting from the key carboxamide derivative 2 and its azide precursor via heterocyclization reactions and their structures were characterized. Glycosylation of the prepared triazolopyrimidine derivatives was performed and afforded, regioselctively, the corresponding thienopyrimidine-triazolopyrimidine hybrid N1-glycosides and their thioglycoside analogues in good yields. The synthesized glycosyl heterocycles were studied for their cytotoxic activity against HepG-2 and MCF-7 human cancer cells and significant results were obtained. Compounds 7a, 8 b, 9 b, 9a and 7 b demonstrated promising activities comparable to the activity of the doxorubicin for (HepG-2) cell line. Furthermore, a number of the afforded triazolopyrimidine glycosides were found potent against cancer cells (MCF-7). Furthermore, docking simulation the promising thienopyrimidine analogues 7-13 was done against EGFR kinase to provide a binding model that could serve in discovery of further anticancer agents.

A Systematic Review of Literature Regarding Whether Immediate Preoperative Hemoglobin A1c or Serum Glucose Are Risk Factors for Infection Following Penile Prosthesis Implantation.

Defining risks associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients undergoing penile prosthesis (PP) implantation remains controversial. This systematic review seeks to assess whether preoperative hemoglobin a1c (HbA1c) or serum glucose have been shown to predict infection following PP implantation in diabetic men. A stepwise literature search was performed. Eight and four studies assessing HbA1c and serum glucose respectively were included. Overall, data exploring HbA1c and serum glucose on PP infection were heterogeneous in time period, study design, and patient populations. Contemporary studies did not support either HbA1c nor blood glucose as predictors of PP infection in diabetic men.

Non-invasive spectroscopic and imaging systems for prediction of beef quality in a meat processing pilot plant.

This study evaluated a range of diffuse reflectance spectroscopic (Vis-NIR spectrophotometers) and imaging (Hyperspectral imaging cameras) instruments for predicting pH, IMF and shear force values of beef in a meat processing pilot plant. A total of 364 beef striploin samples were evaluated and prediction models were developed using PLSR. Models for pH and IMF (except Vis snapshot camera) showed good fit with high Rcv2 (0.29-0.92) and low SECV values. Good prediction accuracy with high Rp2 (0.44-0.90), RPD and low SEP values was also observed. While low values of Rp2 for shear force was observed, the expected curvilinear relationship between predicted values of shear force and predicted values of pH was observed suggesting that spectroscopic measurements were able detect biophysical factors associated to these two attributes. Overall, it can be concluded that diffuse reflectance spectroscopy combined with chemometrics has a great potential to be used as an on/in-line quality monitoring system for the meat processing industry.

Hypogonadism and its treatment among prostate cancer survivors.

Adult-onset hypogonadism (AOH) is associated with sexual dysfunction, poor bone mineralization, decreased muscle mass, metabolic syndrome disorder, and cognitive suppression. Historically, testosterone has been contraindicated in men with a history of prostate cancer. However, there has been a modern resurgence in re-evaluating this belief. Not only can testosterone be safely utilized to alleviate AOH symptoms in prostate cancer survivors, it has been also touted as a treatment option for aggressive prostatic cancer. While much work remains in understanding the relationship between testosterone and prostate cancer, those who survive this disease should not be automatically turned away from an opportunity to be treated and restored.

Prospective analysis of cultures from the Furlow insertion tool: a possible etiology for penile prosthesis infections.

The most dreaded complication of penile prosthesis (PP) implantation is device infection. We sought to assess whether inadequate cleaning and sterilization of the reusable Furlow inserter may represent one of the last etiologies of infection in PP patients. We performed a prospective analysis of cultures of the Furlow inserter used for PP surgeries from seven centers between May 1st and June 30th, 2019. Once the Furlow was received for surgery, the surgical team inspected the device for assembly status (disassembled or not) and the presence of visible stains, pieces of tissue or discoloration on either the interior of the barrel or the plunger. Swab aerobic and anaerobic bacterial and fungal cultures were then obtained from the internal component, after removal from the external component if assembled, and after introduction and immediate removal from the external component if disassembled. A total of 83 Furlow devices were cultured. Median age of surgical instrument was 4 years (2-10 years). Methods of sterilization included autoclave, wet autoclave, steam, and Sterad. Median time from sterilization was 3 days (1-22). On initial presentation, 79 devices were disassembled (95.1%) and 4 devices were still assembled (4.9%). Three external components were discolored (3.6%), while internal components demonstrated two stains (2.4%) indicative of improper cleaning which were thought to be residual blood products. Overall, 2/83 (2.4%) devices revealed positive swab cultures for Staphylococcus epidermidis. Swab cultures were negative for fungi and anaerobic bacteria. This patient cohort will continue to be followed to see if device infection occurs but it is unlikely to be meaningful since contaminated Furlows were discarded. Improper cleaning and/or sterilization of the Furlow Insertion Instrument may represent a source of infection for patients undergoing PP implantation.

Immediate preoperative blood glucose and hemoglobin a1c levels are not predictive of postoperative infections in diabetic men undergoing penile prosthesis placement.

Defining the risks associated with diabetes mellitus in patients undergoing penile prosthesis implantation remains controversial. Our study aims to assess whether preoperative hemoglobin a1c and preoperative blood glucose levels are associated with an increased risk for postoperative infection in diabetic men. We performed a retrospective review of 932 diabetic patients undergoing primary penile prosthesis implantation from 18 high-volume penile prosthesis implantation surgeons throughout the United States, Germany, Belgium, and South Korea. Preoperative hemoglobin a1c and blood glucose levels within 6 h of surgery were collected and assessed in univariate and multivariate models for correlation with postoperative infection, revision, and explantation rates. The primary outcome is postoperative infection and the secondary outcomes are postoperative revision and explantation. In all, 875 patients were included in the final analysis. There were no associations between preoperative blood glucose levels or hemoglobin a1c levels and postoperative infection rates; p = 0.220 and p = 0.598, respectively. On multivariate analysis, a history of diabetes-related complications was a significant predictor of higher revision rates (p = 0.034), but was nonsignificant for infection or explantation rates. We conclude preoperative blood glucose levels and hemoglobin a1c levels are not associated with an increased risk for postoperative infection, revision, or explantation in diabetic men undergoing penile prosthesis implantation.