7-day Period Research Articles

Dentinal tubule occlusion effects of dipotassium oxalate and diode laser combination: a single-blind in vitro study.

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) affects many patients. Various therapeutic options have been devised to alleviate this condition by achieving dentinal tubules (DT) occlusion. This research aimed to investigate the effects of dipotassium oxalate-containing mouthwash, diode laser and their combination on DT occlusion. Forty dentin samples were obtained from 20 human single-rooted third molars, 40 dentin specimens were obtained, and exposed DT were created in vitro. They were assigned into four groups: Group 1 (n = 10), the control group where no treatment was applied; Group 2 (n = 10), a mouthwash with a 1.4% dipotassium oxalate was applied twice for 60s during a 5-day period in a shaker at 100rpm; Group 3 (n = 10), a combination of the same mouthwash and an 810nm diode laser at an output power of 0.25W in continuous mode was applied for 60s without contact at a distance of 3-4mm; and Group 4 (n = 10), only a diode laser with the same protocol was applied. Occlusion of the DT was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The analysis revealed occlusion of the DT in all treatment groups; however, the effects were more pronounced in the combined treatment group (Group 3). Compared with the test groups, the control group had significantly more open DT in 100 µm2 (p < 0.01). The difference between the Group 2 and Group 4 was not significant (p > 0.05). DT occlusion was achieved via the use of a mouthwash containing 1.4% dipotassium oxalate and an 810nm diode laser. However, the combination resulted in the greatest results and therefore may be utilized in individuals with DH.

Silymarin attenuates oxidative stress and pathological changes induced by salinomycin in adult male rabbits

AbstractFeed additives are used in animal husbandry to prevent diseases and enhance growth rates. Salinomycin sodium (SAL) is an approved feed additive for rabbit fattening diets, typically administered at a dosage of 20–25 mg/kg feed with a 5-day withdrawal period. However, the misuse or abuse of SAL can result in toxicity in rabbits. This study aimed to evaluate the adverse effects of SAL administration in different organs for the first time and the protective role of silymarin in rabbits. Seven groups of rabbits were randomly allocated. The control group received no additives. The second and third groups received rations with 20 mg SAL/kg and 40 mg SAL/kg, respectively. The fourth and fifth groups received the same SAL doses with silymarin at 6.5 mg/kg body weight (bw) and 13 mg/kg bw, respectively. The sixth and seventh groups were administered silymarin alone at 6.5 mg/kg bw and 13 mg/kg bw, respectively. Rabbits were euthanized and slaughtered on day 29 following the Halal method. SAL at 20 mg/kg ration caused mild to moderate pathological changes compared to the control group, while 40 mg SAL/kg ration induced severe pathological changes. However, silymarin supplementation, alone or with SAL, improved organs histology. Both silymarin doses (6.5 mg/kg bw and 13 mg/kg bw) mitigated SAL's harmful effects. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential detrimental effects of SAL toxicity on different organs in rabbits. The supplementation of silymarin reduced and prevented these hazardous effects. These findings emphasize the promising role of silymarin as a protective agent against SAL-induced toxicity in rabbits.

Investigation of mutagenicity of styrene in tumor target and non-target tissues of transgenic Big Blue® mice.

Styrene has been shown to induce lung tumors in mice, but not in rats. The current study investigated the potential role of genotoxicity as an initial key event in the mode of action for styrene-induced lung tumors in mice. Transgenic male B6C3F1 Big Blue® mice were treated by oral gavage for 28 consecutive days with 0 (corn oil), 75, 150, or 300 mg/kg/day of styrene. The 300 mg/kg/day represented the tumorigenic dose in the oral gavage carcinogenicity study conducted in B6C3F1 mice. Following a 28-day expression period, mutant frequencies were assessed at the cII locus of the transgene in the tumor target (lung) and non-target tissues (liver, glandular stomach, and duodenum). Mice treated with N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (40 mg/kg/day) by oral gavage on Days 1, 2, and 3 of the study and sacrificed on Day 56 served as the positive control group. Genomic DNA was extracted from the selected tissues, processed for the recovery of the transgene into infectious phage, plated onto Escherichia coli strain G1250, and incubated at 37°C for titer determination or at 24°C for the selection of mutant plaques. There were no treatment-related increases in mutant frequency in any of the tissues. The positive control group had a significant increase in the frequency of cII mutants assuring the adequacy of the experimental conditions to detect induced mutations. To conclude, mutagenicity is not considered a plausible initial key event in the mode of action for styrene-induced mouse lung tumors as these data support that styrene is not an in vivo mutagen.

Four-Week GLP Immunotoxicity Assessment of Lactoferrin Alpha Produced by Komagataella phaffii in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

Oral toxicity and toxicokinetic properties of human lactoferrin (LF) alpha produced in Komagataella phaffii (effera™) were investigated in adult Sprague-Dawley rats over a 28-day period under good laboratory practice conditions. Main study dosing used groups of 10 rats/sex/dose, and a secondary study evaluating toxicokinetic parameters used 6 rats/sex/dose. The vehicle control group received sodium citrate buffer, test groups received daily doses of 200, 600, and 2000mg of effera™ per kg body weight, and the comparative control group received 2000mg bovine LF (bLF)/kg body weight per day. T-cell-dependent antibody response against keyhole limpet hemocyanin and immunophenotyping of the spleen were performed as measures of immunotoxicity. Clinical observations, body weight, hematology, coagulation, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, immunotoxicity, gross necropsy, and histopathology were assessed. Toxicokinetic parameters were analyzed as an indication of LF bioavailability, and anti-LF antibody assays were conducted to detect antibodies produced against LF to measure immunogenicity. No treatment related toxicologically significant changes were observed. Based on the absence of toxicologically relevant changes, effera™ is well tolerated in rats at doses up to 2000mg rhLF/kg/day, an amount ∼400 times that of the estimated daily intake at the 90th percentile proposed for human adult use.

Tolerance of fry of three tilapia varieties exposed to low temperatures

As tilapia aquaculture expands globally, cold sensitivity remains a critical issue, leading to significant losses due to poor growth, disease susceptibility, and high mortality. This study evaluated the cold tolerance in fry of three tilapia varieties, incorporating a comprehensive analysis of 3240 specimens. The fry, segregated by variety into different tanks, were observed during summer to assess their performance. The study focused on two commercially prominent varieties, known for their rapid weight gain, and a third variety developed by the Federal University of Lavras, specifically bred for resilience to local climatic conditions. Following a 15-day acclimation period in experimental tanks, the fry were monitored for feeding to apparent satiety. Daily assessments included counting mortalities and measuring water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels. Survival data were analyzed using multivariate Cox regression, with survival curves derived via the Kaplan-Meier method. Lifespan predictions from these curves were compared using the log-rank test. Results indicated that older fry were more resilient to cold stress. Notably, the MGTUP variety, bred for local environmental adaptability, demonstrated superior cold tolerance. This variety also exhibited the lowest mortality rates across all age groups. These findings suggest that utilizing locally adapted tilapia varieties can significantly mitigate losses in aquaculture, especially in cold-prone regions.

Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence of Two Formulations of Montelukast Sodium Tablets in Healthy Chinese Volunteers Under Fasting and Fed Conditions.

Montelukast sodium is a leukotriene type 1 receptor antagonist that can be used for the prophylaxis and treatment of asthma. However, the pharmacokinetics of montelukast sodium tablets (10mg) remain unclear in healthy Chinese subjects. Here, a single-dose randomized, open-label, 2-sequence, and 2-period crossover (7-day washout period between treatments) study was performed to compare the pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence between the test products and the reference at a single dose of 10mg among healthy Chinese subjects under fasting and fed conditions. Blood samples were collected at specified time points to analyze the plasma concentrations of montelukast by a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. The results showed that the 90% confidence interval values of the geometric mean ratio of test/reference for the maximum plasma drug concentration, area under the concentration-time curve from time 0 to the end, and area under the concentration-time curve from time 0 to infinity were within the range of 80%-125%. Moreover, both the test and reference formulations were safe and well tolerated, with no occurrence of severe adverse events. These results demonstrate that both the test montelukast sodium tablets and the reference showed similar bioequivalence, safety, and tolerability among healthy Chinese subjects under fasting and fed conditions.

Investigating the Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Cholesterol-lowering Properties of Yogurt Fortified with Postbiotic of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in the Wistar Rat Model.

Postbiotics have gained attention in the food industry due to their functional properties and ease of use compared to their live parent cells. Postbiotics are the metabolic byproducts of probiotic microorganisms, offering advantages such as antimicrobial and anti-diabetic effects. The study aimed to explore the potential antibacterial, antioxidant, and cholesterol-lowering effects of postbiotics from Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LbP) through in vitro and in vivo studies. Freeze-dried postbiotics from L. acidophilus BLAC 258 and L. plantarum were used in yogurt to inhibit foodborne pathogens over a 21-day storage period at 4 °C. The cholesterol-lowering effects of the postbiotic yogurt were assessed in Wistar rats fed with Normal Basal Diet (NBD) and High Cholesterol Diet (HCD). All experiments were performed in triplicate, and the collected data were analyzed with a one-way ANOVA using SPSS v.20 (2021) software. The Tukey Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test was used for means differences at the 95% confidence interval. The results showed that postbiotic-fortified yogurt exhibited significant antioxidant and antibacterial effects. The antioxidant capacity of the yogurt increasingly peaked at 48.81% on day 14. Also, Listeria monocytogenes counts in the postbiotic yogurt decreased by approximately 2 Log10 on day 3. High-cholesterol-fed rats receiving postbiotic yogurt experienced significant reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL levels. Overall results indicate that postbiotics functional yogurt might be a safe and effective strategy for managing cholesterol levels and inhibiting foodborne pathogens.

Characteristics of Dissolved Organic Matter and Their Role in Membrane Fouling during Simultaneous Sludge Thickening and Reduction Using Flat-Sheet Membranes.

Four parallel simultaneous sludge thickening and reduction reactors using flat-sheet membranes were employed for the aerobic digestion of sludge to explore the characteristics of dissolved organic matter and its membrane fouling effect. During the initial 8 days of using flat-sheet membranes for simultaneous sludge thickening and reduction (MSTR), a notable increase was observed in the concentrations of humic acids and compounds that resemble soluble microbial by-products in the effluent. Subsequently, a fluctuating trend in humic acid levels ensued, accompanied by a gradual decline in soluble microbial by-product-like substances. Post the initial 8-day period, the capillary suction time (CST) rose from approximately 400 seconds to over 800 seconds, the viscosity increased from 20 mPa s to 38 mPa s, and the membrane resistance increased from roughly 6.0+11 m-1 to approximately 9.0e+11 m-1. This phenomenon can be attributed to the clogging of pores by foulants whose size is similar to that of the membrane pores leading to the accumulation and deposition of macromolecules and larger particulates forming gel layers and cake layers. The interplay among diverse microorganisms engenders functional modules, collectively influencing the distribution and characteristics of dissolved organic matter within the MSTR. These microorganisms exert their metabolic effects individually and interact reciprocally, creating synergistic and inhibitory mechanisms. Notably, the synergistic interactions among microorganisms predominated, culminating in an enhanced effluent quality within the system.

Associations among negative weight-related experiences, weight bias internalization, and body-related self-conscious emotions in adolescents: A daily diary study.

The present study examined the between- and within-person associations among negative weight-related experiences, weight bias internalization, and body shame, embarrassment, and pride in adolescents. Participants were 93 Canadian students (Mage = 15.54, 59.10% girls, 40.86% white) who completed a 5-day daily diary study in 2021. Multilevel models were estimated to examine the between- and within-person associations, as well as the cross-level interactions. Fifty-nine negative weight-related experiences were reported from 22 participants (23.66%) over the 5-day study period. Adolescents with higher average negative weight-related experiences (OR = 19.60, 95% CI = 1.90-202.67) and weight bias internalization (OR = 3.66, CI = 2.07-6.46) had greater odds of reporting shame. Similarly, higher average negative weight-related experiences (OR = 16.29, CI = 3.65-72.75) and weight bias internalization (OR = 2.08, CI = 1.53-2.82) was associated with greater odds of embarrassment. No within-person effects were noted, such that reporting more negative weight-related experiences or weight bias internalization than one's own average was not related to body emotions. This distinction underscores that the persistent, rather than episodic, aspects of negative weight-related experiences and weight bias internalization are most impactful on adolescents' body image. These findings have implications for recruitment and screening for individual-level interventions for internalized weight bias and body image, and highlight the need for system-level policies and changes that prohibit negative weight-related experiences and messages to reduce likelihood of internalizing weight bias among adolescents.

EXTH-41. COMBINATION TREATMENT WITH RAF/MEK AND FAK INHIBITION ENHANCES TUMOR GROWTH INHIBITION IN MENINGIOMA

Abstract BACKGROUND Patients with meningiomas who have progressed after multimodal treatments face a significant shortage of viable therapeutic options. Recent advancements in the molecular understanding of meningiomas have identified the FAK and RAF/MEK signaling pathways as potential promising targets for progressive meningiomas. METHODS In vitro, we tested two human meningioma cell lines, IOMM-Lee (NF2 wild-type and CDKN2A loss) and CH157-MN (NF2 mutant). The cells were plated in Matrigel-coated wells, treated with defactinib (FAK inhibitor), VS-6766 (RAF/MEK inhibitor, avutometinib) and the combination over a 7-day period and assessed for cell viability using the CellTiter-Glo 3D assay. In vivo, we tested the efficacy of the FAK inhibitor VS-4718 (possessing favorable pharmacokinetic properties in mice) and RAF/MEK inhibitor VS-6766, both given daily via oral gavage, in athymic nude mice bearing IOMM-Lee or CH157-MN tumors. RESULTS In the matrigel assay, VS-6766 suppressed IOMM-Lee and CH157-MN cells in a dose dependent manner. The drug combination was mostly additive in IOMM-Lee cells. However, CH157-MN cells showed a strong synergistic response across all drug concentrations tested. In the IOMM-Lee flank tumor model, VS-4718 alone had no effect, while VS-6766 alone or in combination significantly reduced tumor growth and extended median survival from 25 days to 47 days (p &amp;lt; 0.05). In the CH157 flank tumor model, VS-4718 monotherapy did not affect tumor growth or survival, but VS-6766 monotherapy slowed tumor growth and increased median survival from 10 days to 31 days (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Combining both drugs further reduced tumor growth and extended median survival to 42 days (p &amp;lt; 0.001). CONCLUSION Treatment with FAK and RAF/MEK inhibitors showed synergistic or combination effects in the NF2 mutant CH157-MN model in vitro and in vivo. RAF/MEK inhibitor monotherapy was effective for the IOMM-Lee model (NF2 wild-type), without clear benefit of combining with the FAK inhibitor. Investigations in intracranial tumor models are underway.

Atrazine application shapes white leaf spot (Neopseudocercosporella capsellae) development on triazine-resistant canola

Studies were undertaken on two atrazine-tolerant canola (Brassica napus) cultivars (moderately resistant Crusher TT and highly susceptible Thunder TT) to white leaf spot (WLS) (Neopseudocercosporella capsellae), to determine how atrazine application affects WLS development. There were significant main treatment effects in relation to percent leaf disease incidence (%LDI), percent leaf area diseased (%LAD) and percent leaf area collapsed (%LAC) for canola cultivar, disease development period (days-post-inoculation), atrazine spray (before or after inoculation), and %LDI for atrazine spray timing (0, 1, 3, 7 days), along with significant two- and three-way interactions between treatments. For %LDI across a 21-day period, Crusher TT showed greatest disease suppression from atrazine application 0 or 7 days before inoculation, and Thunder TT from application 0 days before and 7 days after inoculation. In terms of %LAD, Crusher TT showed greatest suppression from application at 0 and 7 days before inoculation, and Thunder TT from application 0 days before or 1 day after inoculation. In relation to %LAC, Crusher TT showed greatest suppression from application 7 days before inoculation and Thunder from application 0 days before or 1 day after inoculation. That the extent of suppression of WLS by atrazine application was substantial and that it varied with cultivar susceptibility, application timing, and that there was a strong interaction of cultivar x application timing, highlights potential opportunities for farmers to exploit better cultivar choices in conjunction with manipulating the timing of atrazine application to maximize WLS suppression and consequent canola yield.

Pharmacokinetics of Salbutamol in Thoroughbred Horses After a Single Intravenous or Inhaled Administration.

Salbutamol is a short-acting and selective beta-2 adrenergic agonist. Inhaled (IH) administration of salbutamol is widely used to control lower respiratory tract disease in horses. Here, we estimated the pharmacokinetic parameters of salbutamol after a single intravenous (IV) or IH administration in six horses, and we statistically analysed the detection times with various dosing regimens. Plasma and urine concentrations of salbutamol were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and data were modelled by using a nonlinear mixed effect model followed by Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). With IH salbutamol, the maximum plasma concentration was 0.12 ± 0.06 ng/mL at 0.29 ± 0.17 h after administration. Typical values were, for clearance, 1.53 L/kg/h; distribution volume at steady state, 5.43 L/kg; terminal half-life, 6.06 h; IH bioavailability, 19.0%; and urine to plasma ratio, 2057. Statistically estimated 95th percentile detection times in the urine at levels below the international screening limit (0.5 ng/mL) proposed by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, as simulated in 5000 horses by MCS, were 44 h after 1.6 μg/kg q 24 and 54 h after 1.6 μg/kg q 4 h over a 3-day IH administration period.

CTIM-19. A PHASE 1, SAFETY LEAD-IN AND RANDOMIZED, OPEN-LABEL, PERIOPERATIVE STUDY OF VORASIDENIB COMBINED WITH PEMBROLIZUMAB IN RECURRENT OR PROGRESSIVE ENHANCING IDH-1 MUTANT GLIOMA: TRIAL IN PROGRESS

Abstract BACKGROUND Vorasidenib (VOR) is an oral, brain-penetrant dual inhibitor of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2 mutant (mIDH1/2) enzymes. VOR is being investigated in a phase 3 study in residual or recurrent grade 2 non-enhancing gliomas, in which interim analysis showed VOR significantly improved progression-free survival and delayed time to next intervention. A prior neoadjuvant perioperative study in recurrent, non-enhancing grade 2/3 gliomas showed that VOR treatment was associated with interferon signal activation and increased T-cell infiltration, suggesting 2-hydroxyglutarate suppression may prime the tumor immune microenvironment for immune checkpoint blockade. This study (NCT05484622) evaluates the safety and tolerability of VOR+pembrolizumab to determine the recommended combination dose (RCD) of VOR (safety lead-in phase) and evaluates CD3+ T-cell infiltration in tumors following a 28-day preoperative period. METHODS Enrollment: US patients with recurrent or progressive grade 2/3 mIDH1 R132H glioma. Key eligibility: measurable enhancing disease, Karnofsky Performance Status ≥70, resectable (perioperative phase only). Following a March 2024 protocol amendment, inclusion criteria were expanded to include patients with oligodendroglioma in addition to patients with astrocytoma. Safety lead-in dosing: Cohort 1, VOR 40mg QD+pembrolizumab 200mg Q3W in 21-day cycles. The perioperative phase is randomized 1:1:1 to preoperative combination, VOR 40mg QD, or untreated for 28 (+7) days; all patients could opt to receive the VOR RCD in combination with pembrolizumab 200mg Q3W postoperatively. Primary objectives: safety and tolerability of VOR RCD administered with pembrolizumab; CD3+ T-cell infiltration in resected tumors following presurgical treatment with combination compared to untreated tumors. RESULTS Seven patients with recurrent or progressive enhancing grade 2/3 astrocytoma with an mIDH1 R132H were dosed in the safety lead-in phase. No dose-limiting toxicities were detected during this phase. CONCLUSION VOR 40mg QD+pembrolizumab 200mg Q3W was confirmed as the RCD for the perioperative phase. This phase was opened to enrollment in May 2023, and recruitment is ongoing.

Factorial experiment to identify two-way interactions between temperature, harvesting period, hydraulic retention time, and light intensity that influence the biomass productivity and phosphorus removal efficiency of a microalgae–bacteria biofilm

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the two-way interaction and main effects of four factors on biomass productivity and phosphorus removal efficiency of a microalgae–bacteria biofilm grown in municipal anaerobic digester centrate, with factor levels and operating conditions selected to mimic a pilot rotating algae biofilm reactor (RABR) at a water resource recovery facility (WRRF) in Utah. The two-way interactions of harvesting period × light intensity (LI), harvesting period × temperature, and LI × hydraulic retention time (HRT) had significant effects on biomass productivity: At high temperature and at low LI, highest biomass productivity was achieved with a 14-day harvesting period (25.5 and 10.9 g AFDW/m2/day, respectively), but at medium temperature and at high LI, highest biomass productivity was achieved with a 7-day harvesting period (16.1 and 16.4 g AFDW/m2/day, respectively). At high HRT, highest biomass productivity occurred at low LI (11.9 g AFDW/m2/day), but at low HRT, highest biomass productivity occurred at high LI (19.3 g AFDW/m2/day). Phosphorus removal was strongly influenced by LI (&amp;gt;70% removal at 1,600 μmol/m2/s) and occurred most rapidly during the first 2 days HRT (e.g. 2,270 TP/m2/day for days 0–2 vs. 217 mg TP/m2/day for days 2–4), which, in combination with chemical equilibrium modeling, suggests precipitation contributed significantly to phosphorus removal in this study.

Evidence for widespread thermal acclimation of canopy photosynthesis.

Plants acclimate to temperature by adjusting their photosynthetic capacity over weeks to months. However, most evidence for photosynthetic acclimation derives from leaf-scale experiments. Here we address the scarcity of evidence for canopy-scale photosynthetic acclimation by examining the correlation between maximum photosynthetic rates (Amax,2,000) and growth temperature ( ) across a range of concurrent temperatures and canopy foliage quantity, using data from >200 eddy covariance sites. We detect widespread thermal acclimation of canopy-scale photosynthesis, demonstrated by enhanced Amax,2,000 under higher , across flux sites with adequate water availability. A 14-day period is identified as the most relevant timescale for acclimation across all sites, with a range of 12-25 days for different plant functional types. The mean apparent thermal acclimation rate across all ecosystems is 0.41 (-0.38-1.04 for 5th-95th percentile range) µmol m-2 s-1 °C-1, with croplands showing the largest acclimation rates and grasslands the lowest. Incorporating an optimality-based prediction of leaf photosynthetic capacities into a biochemical photosynthesis model is shown to improve the representation of thermal acclimation. Our results underscore the critical need for enhanced understanding and modelling of canopy-scale photosynthetic capacity to accurately predict plant responses to warmer growing seasons.

An evaluative project of a ward-based pharmacist working within an MDT as part of a ‘Reablement &amp; Frailty’ speciality unit

Abstract Introduction Reablement care aims to prevent hospital re-admissions, costly institutional placements, and increase quality of life for frail patients, as well as preventing long-term decisions being made prematurely based on the patient’s current state of health1. Pharmacist involvement in multi-disciplinary teams (MDT) across other specialities has been demonstrated extensively worldwide as effective in reducing medication errors and providing significant improvements to patient care. However, little research has been conducted specifically within a reablement &amp; frailty setting, and the subsequent impact on the scale and quality of care provided to patients2. Aim To identify the responsibilities of a singular ward-based pharmacist working within a ‘reablement &amp; frailty’ MDT and evaluate the subsequent impact on patient care by categorising and quantifying the significance of pharmacist interventions and contributions. Methods A three-stage, quantitative service evaluation project: 1. Pharmacist development of two data collection tools to capture responsibilities: one for clinical interventions/recommendations and one for structured medication reviews; 2. Collection of daily interventions on 18-bed reablement unit over 13 days (3-day pilot + 10-day data collection period) by ward pharmacist using above data collection tools; 3. Scoring of each intervention based on two adapted, previously validated scales3: I. Severity score –potential severity of harm to the patient if contribution was missed (clinically insignificant, significant, serious, or life-threatening) II. Intervention score –likelihood of contribution preventing hospital re-admission - scale of 1-3 (1 - no likelihood, 2 - possible likelihood, and 3 - high likelihood) Ethical approval was obtained through the Robert Gordon University university ethics committee in addition to local approval via the Epsom &amp; St Helier hospital’s research &amp; development department. Results A total of 88 clinical contributions were made and collected over the 3-day pilot and 10-day data collection period, averaging just under seven contributions per day. Two ‘life-threatening’ interventions were made, both with a high likelihood of preventing a hospital re-admission. Based on potential severity of harm, most entries were scored as ‘significant’ (67%, n=59), followed by ‘serious’ (16%, n=14). Just over half of all clinical interventions (52%, n=46) scored as having either a possible OR high likelihood to prevent a hospital re-admission. The ward doctor actioned 94% (n = 73) of the pharmacist’s recommendations. Discussion / Conclusion With an average of just under 7 clinical contributions made daily, it is clear that pharmacist involvement in the ‘reablement &amp; frailty’ MDT can reduce medication error incidence through prompt identification and resolution, optimise medication regimens, and contribute to reducing patient risk of future re-admissions through effective interventions and medicines optimisation. Due to the different uses of the term ‘reablement’ globally, the findings from this study may not be applicable to all areas of reablement, such as home-based rehabilitation or bed-based respite. However, with this study forming foundation research into a novel reablement unit within secondary care, a promising argument has been made to promote pharmacist inclusion within MDTs across all specialities and the benefit that pharmacist contributions can bring to ensuring holistic care and effective patient reablement.

Evaluation of toxicity of feed additive for highly productive animals

The study of new feed additives requires toxicological research to assess their safety for further use. This research presents the results of an acute toxicity study of the feed additive “Bodrivin,” developed for highly productive animals of dairy, meat-dairy, and meat breeds. The aim is to prevent stress of various etiologies, enhance the nutritional value of the diet, especially during periods of energy deficiency, and consequently improve productivity and profitability in production. Non-linear laboratory rats were used for the experiment. The first experimental group received a single oral dose of the feed additive via syringe and atraumatic needle with a bulbous end at a dosage of 2000 mg/kg. After obtaining the results of the experiment over a 14-day period, a similar experiment was conducted on the second experimental group. At the conclusion of the experiment, no signs indicating toxic effects of the studied feed additive were observed in the animals, and the body weight of the experimental animals remained unchanged in both the first and second series of the experiment. The acute toxicity study of the feed additive “Bodrivin” indicated that the evaluated feed additive belongs to Class V of danger according to GOST 32644-2014.

Determination of Plasma Metabolites and Basal Ileal Endogenous Amino Acid Losses in Growing Pigs Fed a Nitrogen-Free or Casein Diet.

The nitrogen-free diet (NFD) method for determining basal ileal endogenous losses (BEL) of amino acids (AA) has been associated with different metabolic abnormalities that can affect the accurate determination of BEL. Consequently, the use of highly digestible proteins has been suggested. This study aimed to determine the metabolic status and BEL of AA in pigs fed either an NFD or a casein (CAS) diet. Eight cannulated, castrated male pigs (39.8 kg) were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 crossover design. An NFD diet based on corn starch, dextrose, cellulose, oil, vitamins and minerals was used. The CAS diet was equivalent, but 18% of the corn starch was replaced with casein. Pigs were fed one of the diets for a 7-day period, and blood samples were collected at the beginning and end of each period to determine plasma metabolites. Ileal digesta samples were collected on Days 6 and 7 to estimate the BEL of the AA. Results indicated that plasma albumin was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in pigs fed the CAS diet, whereas creatinine and LDL levels were higher (p < 0.03) in pigs fed the NFD. No significant differences were observed in the levels of other plasma metabolites. The BEL of protein did not differ between diets. However, in pigs fed the CAS diet, the BEL of glutamic acid, aspartic acid, serine, glycine, histidine, threonine, alanine, tyrosine and valine significantly increased (p < 0.05), while isoleucine showed a tendency to increase (p = 0.06). In conclusion, NFD did not significantly affect energy and lipid metabolism in pigs. However, the decrease in albumin synthesis and increase in plasma creatinine levels indicate that pigs fed NFD have a negative protein balance, affecting the estimation of the BEL of AA. Therefore, it is essential to consider the metabolic state of animals when estimating the BEL of AA.

Effects of Dietary Fiber and Copper on the Performance and Gut Microbiota of Finishing Pigs

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary fiber (DF) levels and copper concentrations on the production performance and cecal microbial diversity of finishing pigs. A 2 × 2 factorial experimental design was used, with different levels of dietary fiber (low [23% DF]: L and high [30% DF]: H) and copper concentrations (normal [25 mg/kg]: N and supplemented [45 mg/kg]: S) resulting in four diets (LN, LS, HN, and HS). Forty-eight hybrid barrows (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire), with an initial body weight of 76 kg ± 1.5 kg, were randomly assigned to four groups: LN, LS, HN, and HS, with 12 replicates per group and one pig per replicate. There was a 7-day adaptation period followed by a 56-day feeding trial, after which all pigs were slaughtered for sampling. Results indicated that in finishing pigs, the low dietary fiber group exhibited a higher final weight, a higher average daily gain, and a lower feed-to-gain ratio compared to the high fiber group (p &lt; 0.05). The LS group showed higher digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ash, neutral detergent fiber, and DF than the HN and HS groups (p &lt; 0.05). Blood total protein levels were higher in the high fiber group, whereas blood Cu levels were higher in the supplemented copper group (p &lt; 0.05). High dietary fiber increased the activities of colonic carboxymethylcellulase and β-glucanase (p &lt; 0.05). Concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, and total volatile fatty acids were elevated in the high fiber group (p &lt; 0.05). Microbial α-diversity indices (observed species, Chao 1, and Shannon indices) increased with fiber but decreased with copper supplementation (p &lt; 0.05). The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio increased with fiber levels, with a higher relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the LS group. In conclusion, appropriate copper supplementation in diets can mitigate the negative effects of high fiber levels on finishing pig production performance by enhancing nutrient digestibility, fiber-degrading enzyme activity, regulating the microbial community, and its metabolic products.

Effects of high intensity interval training on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor in individuals with PTSD

BackgroundBrain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein important for synaptic plasticity and formation of memory. It is suggested to play an important role in the development of psychiatric disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals with PTSD usually show decreased BDNF levels in serum. Physical exercise has shown to be effective in increasing serum BDNF levels. ObjectiveAs the most beneficial form of exercise to raise serum BDNF levels in individuals with PTSD is yet to be determined, we compared two training protocols and their effects on BDNF release. We expected that a training with higher intensity increases BDNF serum levels more than a low intensity training (LIT). Method40 participants (80% female) diagnosed with PTSD were randomized to either high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or a low intensity training group (LIT). They underwent a 12-day training period. We measured serum BDNF levels pre- and post-exercise on first and last intervention day. BDNF was controlled for platelet counts. ResultsIn the HIIT group there was a significant increase in serum BDNF post-exercise on both days measured, respectively when controlled for platelets. The increase was transient. Both groups did not show an increase in serum BDNF over the course of the 12-day training period. ConclusionA single session of HIIT raised serum BDNF levels in individuals with PTSD transiently. Neither HIIT nor LIT raised serum BDNF levels over the course of 12 days.