This study evaluated the effect of free and nanoencapsulated rosemary essential oil (REO) as an antibiotic alternative in broiler diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, meat quality and gene expression. Four hundred twenty day-old commercial broiler chicks (VENCOBB) were randomly allocated to seven dietary treatments, each having four replicates of fifteen chicks. The dietary treatments comprised control (CON) fed a basal diet only, AB (basal diet + 10 mg enramycin/kg), CS (basal diet + 150 mg chitosan nanoparticles/kg), REO_F100 and REO_F200 (basal diet + 100 mg and 200 mg free REO/kg, respectively), and REO_N100 and REO_N200 (basal diet + 100 mg and 200 mg nanoencapsulated REO/kg, respectively). Overall (7–42 d), REO_N200 showed the highest (p < 0.001) body weight gain (1899 g/bird) and CON had the lowest gain (1742 g/bird), while the CS, REO_F100 and REO_F200 groups had a similar gain, but lower than that of the AB and REO_N100 groups. Feed intake was not affected by dietary treatments. Overall, the feed efficiency increased (p = 0.001) by 8.47% in the REO_N200 group and 6.21% in the AB and REO_N100 groups compared with the CON. Supplementation of REO improved (p < 0.05) dry matter and crude protein digestibility, with the highest values in REO_N100 and REO_N200. Ether extract, crude fiber, calcium and phosphorus digestibility values showed no difference among the groups. The dressing, breast, thigh % increased (p < 0.05) and abdominal fat % decreased (p < 0.001) more in the REO_N200 group than with other treatments and CON. In breast meat quality, water holding capacity and extract reserve volume increased (p < 0.05) while drip loss and cholesterol content decreased (p < 0.05) in REO_N100 and REO_N200. No change was observed in the breast meat color among dietary treatments and CON. The REO_N100 and REO_N200 groups had reduced (p < 0.05) meat lipid peroxidation as depicted by the decreased levels of TBARS, free fatty acids and peroxide value compared to other treatments and CON. The expression of the Mucin 2, PepT1 and IL-10 genes was upregulated (p < 0.001) and TNF-α downregulated (p < 0.001) by dietary addition of REO particularly in the nanoencapsulated form compared with the CON. In conclusion, nanoencapsulated REO, especially at 200 mg/kg diet, showed promising results as an antibiotic alternative in improving the performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, meat quality and upregulation of growth and anti-inflammatory genes.

As per a recent study conducted by the WHO, 15.4% of all cancers are caused by infectious agents of various categories, and more than 10% of them are attributed to viruses. The emergence of COVID-19 has once again diverted the scientific community’s attention toward viral diseases. Some researchers have postulated that SARS-CoV-2 will add its name to the growing list of oncogenic viruses in the long run. However, owing to the complexities in carcinogenesis of viral origin, researchers across the world are struggling to identify the common thread that runs across different oncogenic viruses. Classical pathways of viral oncogenesis have identified oncogenic mediators in oncogenic viruses, but these mediators have been reported to act on diverse cellular and multiple omics pathways. In addition to viral mediators of carcinogenesis, researchers have identified various host factors responsible for viral carcinogenesis. Henceforth owing to viral and host complexities in viral carcinogenesis, a singular mechanistic pathway remains yet to be established; hence there is an urgent need to integrate concepts from system biology, cancer microenvironment, evolutionary perspective, and thermodynamics to understand the role of viruses as drivers of cancer. In the present manuscript, we provide a holistic view of the pathogenic pathways involved in viral oncogenesis with special emphasis on alteration in the tumor microenvironment, genomic alteration, biological entropy, evolutionary selection, and host determinants involved in the pathogenesis of viral tumor genesis. These concepts can provide important insight into viral cancers, which can have an important implication for developing novel, effective, and personalized therapeutic options for treating viral cancers.

“Balancing Nutrition and Environmental Sustainability: Advances in Managing Nitrogen and Phosphorus Emissions in Ruminants” explores the intricate relationship between ruminant nutrition and environmental stewardship. It delves into the dynamics of nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism in ruminants, addressing the environmental repercussions of their emissions. These emissions, primarily in the form of ammonia and phosphates, pose significant environmental challenges, contributing to air and water pollution, soil degradation, and climate change. The chapter highlights innovative strategies and technological breakthroughs aimed at mitigating nitrogen and phosphorus excretion, crucial for reducing environmental pollution. It offers insights into dietary adjustments, feed additives, and best practices for sustainable ruminant production. Key areas of focus include dietary adjustments tailored to optimize nutrient utilization and reduce waste, the utilization of feed additives to enhance nutrient absorption and minimize excretion, and the implementation of best management practices to promote sustainable ruminant production. By integrating scientific findings with practical applications, this review underscores the importance of achieving harmony between nutrition optimization and environmental responsibility in modern agriculture. Through this comprehensive analysis, the chapter aims for balancing the dual goals of optimizing ruminant nutrition and minimizing environmental impact, thereby contributing to more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.