7-day Period Research Articles

Archaeology in space: The Sampling Quadrangle Assemblages Research Experiment (SQuARE) on the International Space Station. Report 1: Squares 03 and 05.

Between January and March 2022, crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS) performed the first archaeological fieldwork in space, the Sampling Quadrangle Assemblages Research Experiment (SQuARE). The experiment aimed to: (1) develop a new understanding of how humans adapt to life in an environmental context for which we are not evolutionarily adapted, using evidence from the observation of material culture; (2) identify disjunctions between planned and actual usage of facilities on a space station; (3) develop and test techniques that enable archaeological research at a distance; and (4) demonstrate the relevance of social science methods and perspectives for improving life in space. In this article, we describe our methodology, which involves a creative re-imagining of a long-standing sampling practice for the characterization of a site, the shovel test pit. The ISS crew marked out six sample locations ("squares") around the ISS and documented them through daily photography over a 60-day period. Here we present the results from two of the six squares: an equipment maintenance area, and an area near exercise equipment and the latrine. Using the photographs and an innovative webtool, we identified 5,438 instances of items, labeling them by type and function. We then performed chronological analyses to determine how the documented areas were actually used. Our results show differences between intended and actual use, with storage the most common function of the maintenance area, and personal hygiene activities most common in an undesignated area near locations for exercise and waste.

Development of a Biodegradable PLGA Carrier to Provide Wnt Agonists and Antibiotics to Meet the Requirements for Patients with Bone Infections

Antibiotic beads can be used to treat surgical infections. In this study, polylactide–polyglycolide (PLGA) was mixed with vancomycin, the osteogenic enhancer lithium chloride (LiCl), and hot compression to form PLGA-vancomycin-LiCl delivery beads to treat bone infection. An elution method was used to characterize in vitro release characteristics of vancomycin and Li over a 42-day period. The release profiles lasted for more than 42 days for vancomycin and 28 days for Li. The concentration of vancomycin in each sample was well above the breakpoint sensitivity. Lithium cotreatment enhanced the bactericidal effect of vancomycin. Released Li and vancomycin increased the mRNA or protein expressions of osteogenic markers of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In vivo, the PLGA delivery systems were implanted into the distal femoral cavities of rabbits, and the cavity fluid content was aspirated and analyzed at each time point. The released Li and vancomycin lasted more than 6 weeks, and the vancomycin concentrations were much greater than the breakpoint sensitivity. Four rabbits in each group were sacrificed at 8 weeks for histological observation. More mature bone tissue was observed in the Li treatment group. This study provides a PLGA drug delivery system to meet the requirements of patients with bone infections.

Does Cannabis-based Medicine Improve Pain and Sleep Quality in Patients With Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injuries? A Triple-blind, Crossover, Randomized Controlled Trial.

After traumatic brachial plexus injuries, despite treatment with appropriate medications, some patients experience uncontrollable pain, which can be devastating. Cannabis-based medicine is considered to have pain-relieving benefits in this situation, but the evidence is limited. Is cannabis-based medicine effective compared with the placebo in (1) reducing pain (measured by the VAS for pain) and neuropathic pain (measured by the DN4 questionnaire), and (2) improving sleep quality (measured by the VAS for sleep quality) in patients with traumatic brachial plexus injury? This prospective, triple-blinded (the researcher administering the substance, the patients, and the evaluator were all blinded to the substance used), two-period crossover, placebo-controlled, randomized controlled trial was conducted at a single center. Between January 2020 and January 2022, we treated 147 patients for neuropathic pain related to a traumatic brachial plexus injury. Our inclusion criteria were age between 20 and 60 years and moderate-to-severe pain (VAS for pain equal to or greater than 4 of 10 for more than 6 months), even with the use of appropriate medications. Based on these criteria, 20% (30) of patients were eligible. They were randomly allocated to receive either cannabis-based medicine followed by the placebo or vice versa. Fifteen patients received cannabis-based medicine first, and 15 patients received the placebo first. The groups did not differ at baseline in terms of demographic parameters. Participants received both the cannabis-based medicine and the placebo; they started with 10 days of the initial intervention, followed by a 14-day washout period, and then a 10-day period with the second intervention. The dosage regimen adhered strictly to the protocol. The outcomes were the (1) VAS for pain, which ranges from 0 to 10 and where 0 represents no pain and 10 signifies the worst pain; (2) the DN4 questionnaire which ranges from 1 to 10 and where a score of 4 or higher indicates a positive result for neuropathic pain; and (3) VAS for sleep quality, from 0 (worst) to 10 (best). The minimum clinically important difference of VAS for pain was defined as a 2-point improvement. After enrollment, 7% (2 of 30) of patients (one patient received the cannabis-based medicine first and another received the placebo first) were lost before the minimum study follow-up, leaving 93% (28 of 30) for analysis. With 28 patients in each group, the study was powered a priori at 90% to detect a clinically important difference of 2 points in the VAS for pain. No carryover or period effects were observed in the study. Four patients experienced mild dizziness during the cannabis-based medicine period but were able to continue the intervention. When comparing the use of cannabis-based medicine alongside pain control medications with the combination of placebo and pain control medications, the reduction in pain VAS from the preintervention resulted in a mean difference of 1 (99% CI -0.03 to 2.1; p = 0.01). Neuropathic pain was reported by 75% (21 of 28) of patients in both interventions (OR 1 [99% CI 0.07 to 14.1]; p > 0.99). The VAS for sleep quality favored cannabis-based medicine with a mean difference of 1.5 (99% CI 0.7 to 2.4; p < 0.001). Our study findings indicate that cannabis-based medicine did not improve pain by a clinically important margin. Consequently, our study advises against the addition of cannabis-based medicine to the standard medication treatment for pain in patients with traumatic brachial plexus injury. Level 1, therapeutic study.

Glucometrics utilisation in an urban teaching hospital in ireland: current practice and future aims.

Dysglycaemia in hospitalised patients is associated with poorer clinical outcomes, including cardiovascular events, longer hospital stays, and increased risk of mortality. Therefore, glucose monitoring is necessary to achieve best outcomes. This audit assesses use of point-of-care (POC) blood glucose (BG) testing in Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) over an 8-day period. It evaluates compliance with international and TUH glucose monitoring protocols and determines frequency of diabetes team consultations for inpatient adults. Data from an 8-day period (12/03/2023-19/03/2023) were extracted from the TUH COBAS-IT system and analysed. Invalid tests were excluded. Hyperglycaemia was defined as ≥ 10mmol/L and hypoglycaemia as ≤ 3.9mmol/L. Persistent hyperglycaemia was defined as two BG results of ≥ 10mmol/L. A chart review was conducted on adult patients with persistent hyperglycaemia to assess for HbA1C results, diabetes diagnosis, and diabetes consult. 3,530 valid tests were included and analysed. 674 individual patients had tests done. 1,165 tests (33.00%) were hyperglycaemic and 75 (2.12%) were hypoglycaemic. 68.25% of adults with persistent hyperglycaemia had an HbA1C test performed or documented within three months. 42.71% of inpatient adults with persistent hyperglycaemia and a known diabetes diagnosis received a consult from the diabetes team. Increased adherence to hospital protocols for testing HbA1C in adults with persistent hyperglycaemia could improve treatment and clinical outcomes. Increased diabetes team consultation could facilitate appropriate treatment and improve patient outcomes in persistently hyperglycaemic adult patient populations.

Enhanced analysis of equine plasma for the presence of recombinant human erythropoietin - Implementation of an improved workflow.

An improved screening workflow and a robust capillary flow LC-MS confirmatory method for the detection of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) has been implemented to increase the sensitivity of rHuEPO detection and to reduce the number of suspect samples committed to confirmatory testing. The influence of repeated dosing of epoetin-β on the detection window of rHuEPO in equine plasma was assessed using the optimised method. Samples were initially assessed using an economical R&D Human EPO Duo-Set ELISA Development System. Samples indicating a result greater than the batch baseline were analysed using the complementary R&D Human EPO Quantikine IVD ELISA kit. All samples recording an abnormal screening result were subjected to confirmatory analysis. Confirmation of rHuEPO in plasma (≥2.5ml) in the range of 4-13 mIU/ml (n = 6) was achieved using immunoaffinity enrichment, tryptic digestion, and capillary flow LC-MS/MS. Four horses were administered a single dose of epoetin-β (10,000 IU) via the subcutaneous and intravenous routes, on two occasions, seven days apart. The excretion profile was rapid with epoetin-β detection times of 48 to 72 h following each administration, with no appreciable difference observed between the two routes of administration. This workflow has been shown as an effective anti-doping strategy related to rHuEPO misuse and supports the use of out-of-competition testing of horses in the 2 to 3-day period prior to race-day.

Learning from therapists about the challenges and opportunities of training in cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis: qualitative findings from a US-based service evaluation

ABSTRACT Background CBT for psychosis (CBTp) is a care standard for people with psychosis in the United States (US). However, CBTp access is poor. The context differs from the UK, where CBTp was primarily developed. This US-based service evaluation addresses a knowledge gap and forms a pilot study: a broad goal was to learn about CBTp training’s impact on therapists. Specific aims were to: 1) describe the challenges and opportunities of CBTp training by interviewing therapists competent in formulation-driven CBTp; 2) make recommendations for practice and research. Methods Therapists’ experiences of a 3-day CBTp workshop and 12-month consultation period in a US outpatient service were evaluated via focus groups. Participants were eight of ten therapists achieving CBTp competency. Results Thematic analysis of focus group content yielded four themes: 1) Before CBTp: Support and medication; 2) Hope and possibility; 3) A reality check; 4) The future: Ongoing development or “flavor of the week”. Discussion Therapist perspectives help elucidate barriers and facilitators for US CBTp implementation, from the challenge for therapist-case managers of accommodating CBTp, to the potential of shared therapeutic models for team cohesion. Recommendations include clarifying how best to use CBTp within large caseloads, and mixed method longitudinal studies of training.

Feed Restriction in Angus Steers Impacts Ruminal Bacteria, Its Metabolites, and Causes Epithelial Inflammation

We identified alterations in the ruminal microbiome, metabolome, and epithelial inflammatory response due to moderate feed restriction (FR). Ruminal digesta and epithelial biopsies from seven ruminally cannulated Angus steers were initially collected during ad libitum access to feed (PRE). After a 10 day recovery, steers underwent a 3-day FR period (FRP) at 25% intake of PRE followed by a 15 day recovery (POST) phase with ad libitum access to feed. At the end of FRP and POST, ruminal digesta and epithelial biopsies were collected again for microbial DNA and tissue RNA extraction. RT-qPCR was applied for relative microbial abundance and RNA extraction. Metabolite profiling of digesta was performed via GC-MS. The abundance of Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens, Streptococcus bovis, and Bifidobacteria spp. (N124) was higher (p &lt; 0.05) during FRP than PRE and POST, while Lactobacillus spp. (C25), Escherichia coli (EC42405), Fibrobacter succinogenes, and Megaspheara elsdenii abundances were lower in FRP than PRE (p &lt; 0.05). The TNF and TLR2 mRNA abundance was greater in FRP than PRE (p &lt; 0.05). Among 15 detected amino acids, glutamine, isoleucine, lysine, phenylalanine, threonine, and valine were lower (p &lt; 0.05) in FRP than PRE. Metabolite pathway analysis revealed alterations in amino acid, fatty acid, vitamin, and energy metabolism during FRP (p &lt; 0.05). The mRNA of the proinflammatory genes TNF and TLR2 in the epithelium peaked (p &lt; 0.05) at FRP and remained higher at POST. Results indicated that a short FR influenced ruminal bacteria, reduced concentrations of most metabolites, and triggered an inflammatory response.

Drug Overdose Death Following Substance Use Disorder Treatment Termination in New York City: A Retrospective Longitudinal Cohort Study.

Drug overdose death rates are the highest recorded in New York City (NYC). Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment termination can confer increased risk of drug overdose death. Our objective was to determine the probability of, and factors associated with, drug overdose death following SUD treatment termination. Using a retrospective longitudinal cohort design, we identified those who had NYC-based SUD treatment terminated (01/2016-06/2019) using Chief Medical Examiner and SUD treatment data. Using survival analyses, we examined drug overdose deaths ≤ 14 and ≤ 90days following SUD treatment termination, respectively. Of 51,171 patients with SUD treatment termination, 140 and 342 had a drug overdose death < 14 and ≤ 90days, respectively. The crude drug overdose death rate was 26.7 per 1000 person-years at-risk in the ≤ 90-day period and was 71.6 per 1000 person-years at-risk in the ≤ 14-day period. In adjusted Cox proportional hazard model examining death ≤ 14days, those unemployed (compared to employed) and those terminated from residential treatment (compared to medically supervised withdrawal, opioid treatment programs, and outpatient treatment) were more likely to have had a drug overdose death (all p-values < 0.01). In adjusted Cox proportional hazard model examining death ≤ 90days, non-Hispanic White people (compared to non-Hispanic Black people), those not stably housed (compared to stably housed), those unemployed and those terminated from residential treatment were more likely to have had a drug overdose death (all p-values < 0.01). Strategies to improve retention including the reassessment of program treatment termination criteria along with strategies to promote ongoing OUD treatment, engagement in harm reduction, and distribution of naloxone are needed.

Induced Periodontitis in Rats With Three Ligature Types: An Exploratory Study.

The placement of ligatures in the cervical area of rat molars is considered as a predictable model to induce periodontitis. The present explorative study aimed to compare the efficacy of metal wires (MWs), without or with sandblasting, versus silk ligatures (SLs) in inducing periodontal bone loss in rats. Twenty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups of eight rats that received three different types of ligatures (MW, sandblasted wire [SMW], and SL) around their first right mandibular molar, while the contralateral tooth was left without the ligature and served as a control. Bone loss was assessed by measuring the distance from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the bone crest at the distal aspect of the first molar on central mesiodistal sections generated from micro-CT scans taken 24 and 35 days after ligature placement. In the SL group, only in two rats the ligatures were retained until the end of the 24-day period; in all other animals, the ligatures were lost at some time point. In the SMW, the ligatures were retained only for the 24-day period. In the MW group, no ligatures were lost. Irrespective of the group or experimental period, the difference in the crestal bone level between ligated and control teeth was in most cases z < 0.20 mm, that is, in 19 out of 25 pairs of teeth. In a few cases, the bone crest was more apically located at the control teeth compared to the ligated ones (four cases each, during both 24- and 35-day experimental periods). Bone loss was minimal during the experimental period, with no significant differences between the test and control teeth, or among the three types of ligatures. MWs, not even roughened, do not seem to be a better alternative to SLs for inducing bone loss in the experimental periodontitis model in the rat. This assumption, however, has to be confirmed in a larger, well-powered study.

Digital remote assessment of speech acoustics in cognitively unimpaired adults: feasibility, reliability and associations with amyloid pathology

BackgroundDigital speech assessment has potential relevance in the earliest, preclinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We evaluated the feasibility, test-retest reliability, and association with AD-related amyloid-beta (Aβ) pathology of speech acoustics measured over multiple assessments in a remote setting.MethodsFifty cognitively unimpaired adults (Age 68 ± 6.2 years, 58% female, 46% Aβ-positive) completed remote, tablet-based speech assessments (i.e., picture description, journal-prompt storytelling, verbal fluency tasks) for five days. The testing paradigm was repeated after 2–3 weeks. Acoustic speech features were automatically extracted from the voice recordings, and mean scores were calculated over the 5-day period. We assessed feasibility by adherence rates and usability ratings on the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire. Test-retest reliability was examined with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). We investigated the associations between acoustic features and Aβ-pathology, using linear regression models, adjusted for age, sex and education.ResultsThe speech assessment was feasible, indicated by 91.6% adherence and usability scores of 86.0 ± 9.9. High reliability (ICC ≥ 0.75) was found across averaged speech samples. Aβ-positive individuals displayed a higher pause-to-word ratio in picture description (B = -0.05, p = 0.040) and journal-prompt storytelling (B = -0.07, p = 0.032) than Aβ-negative individuals, although this effect lost significance after correction for multiple testing.ConclusionOur findings support the feasibility and reliability of multi-day remote assessment of speech acoustics in cognitively unimpaired individuals with and without Aβ-pathology, which lays the foundation for the use of speech biomarkers in the context of early AD.

Differentiation of Human Adipose-derived Stem Cells to Exosome-affected Neural-like Cells Extracted from Human Cerebrospinal Fluid Using Bioprinting Process.

Advancement in tissue engineering has provided novel solutions for creating scaffolds as well as applying induction factors in the differentiation of stem cells. The present research aimed to investigate the differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells to neural-like cells using the novel bioprinting method, as well as the effect of cerebrospinal fluid exosomes. In the present study, the extent of neuronal proliferation and differentiation of adipose- derived stem cells were explored using the MTT method, immunocytochemistry, and real-- time PCR in the scaffolds created by the bioprinting process. Furthermore, in order to investigate the veracity of the identity of the CSF (Cerebrospinal fluid) derived exosomes, after the isolation of exosomes, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques were used. MTT findings indicated survivability and proliferation of cells in the scaffolds created by the bioprinting process during a 14-day period. The results obtained from real-time PCR showed that the level of MAP2 gene (Microtubule Associated Protein 2) expression increased on days 7 and 14, while the expression of the Nestin gene (intermediate filament protein) significantly decreased compared to the control. The investigation to confirm the identity of exosomes indicated that the CSF-derived exosomes had a spherical shape with a 40-100 nm size. CSF-derived exosomes can contribute to the neuronal differentiation of adipose- derived stem cells in alginate hydrogel scaffolds created by the bioprinting process.

Association of accelerometer-derived physical activity with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among individuals with cardiovascular diseases: A prospective cohort study.

To investigate the association of accelerometer-measured intensity-specific physical activity (PA) with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this prospective cohort study, 8,024 individuals with pre-existing CVD (mean age: 66.6 years, female: 34.1%) from the UK Biobank had their PA measured using wrist-worn accelerometers over a 7-day period in 2013-2015. All-cause, cancer, and CVD mortality was ascertained from death registries. Cox regression modelling and restricted cubic splines were used to assess the associations. Population-attributable fractions (PAFs) were used to estimate the proportion of preventable deaths if more PA were undertaken. During an average of 6.8 years of follow-up, 691 deaths (273 from cancer and 219 from CVD) were recorded. An inverse non-linear association was found between PA duration and all-cause mortality risk, irrespective of PA intensity. The hazard ratio (HR) of all-cause mortality plateaued at 1800 minutes/week for light-intensity PA (LPA), 320 minutes/week for moderate-intensity PA (MPA) and 15 minutes/week for vigorous-intensity PA (VPA). The highest quartile of PA associated lower risks for all-cause mortality, with HRs of 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51-0.79), 0.42 (0.33-0.54) and 0.47 (0.37-0.60) for LPA, MPA, and VPA, respectively. Similar associations were observed for cancer and CVD mortality. Additionally, the highest PAF were noted for VPA, followed by MPA. We found an inverse non-linear association between all intensities of PA (LPA, MPA, VPA, and MVPA) and mortality risk in CVD patients using accelerometer-derived data, but with larger magnitude of the associations than that in previous studies based on self-reported PA.

3D printed subcutaneous implant for prolonged delivery of tenofovir with desired release capability, biocompatibility, and viability

This study introduced a progressive approach to address the challenges associated with drug delivery in hepatitis B by developing a 3D printed subcutaneous implant. The implant, composed of a polymer-reinforced bovine serum albumin hydrogel crosslinked with glutaraldehyde, exhibited shear thinning and thixotropic behavior. This allows it to undergo transformation into an implant using a semisolid extrusion-based 3D printing technique. Thorough analysis encompassing physical, thermal, and FTIR assessments ensured thermal and chemical stability of the implant. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the highly porous microstructures of the hydrogel implant, enhancing its suitability for drug encapsulation. Swelling study showed only 7.88 % swelling of the implant after 28 days, suggesting restricted water movement into the implant matrix, leading to a gradual release of the encapsulated drug. The biodegradable nature of the implant was confirmed using an enzyme degradation study. Notably, the hydrogel implant exhibited sustained release of tenofovir of approximately 63 % over a 28-day period, presenting a promising avenue for prolonged therapeutic interventions in both hepatitis B. Furthermore, the crosslinked hydrogel was found to be cytocompatible in human kidney and dermal fibroblast cells. Overall, this work signifies a notable advancement in implantable drug delivery systems utilizing both hydrogel and the emerging 3D printing technique, offering a potential solution for the sustained and localized treatment of chronic viral infections.

Bioequivalence Study of Atenolol Tablets in Healthy Chinese Subjects Under Fasting and Fed Conditions.

Atenolol, a cardioselective β1-blocker, exhibits efficacy in treating cardiovascular diseases. We conducted a single-center, randomized, open, single-dose, 2-preparation, 2-cycle, 2-sequence, double-crossover trial with a 7-day washout period to investigate the pharmacokinetics, bioequivalence (BE), and safety of test and reference atenolol tablets (25mg) in healthy Chinese volunteers. Forty-eight healthy participants were randomized into the fasting and fed arms. After administering a single oral dose of the test or reference formulation (25mg), plasma atenolol concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained from concentration-time profiles. In total, 23 and 24 individuals were included in the fasting and fed arms, respectively. The mean concentration-time profiles for both formulations were similar, and Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞ were within the BE range of 80%-125%. Thirteen adverse events (AEs) were observed in 7 participants in the fasting arm; 1 withdrew from the trial early owing to an AE. In the fed arm, 20 AEs were observed in 8 participants, and none withdrew from the trial. All adverse reactions were grade I, with no serious AEs or deaths. Therefore, the 2 tablets are bioequivalent in healthy Chinese individuals under fasting and fed conditions, supporting their further clinical development.

Impact of Land Versus Water Environments on Orthostatic Hypotension in Older Adults: A Randomized Crossover Study.

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common condition among older adults that increases the risk of falls. The study objectives are to determine the influence of distinct environments (water vs. land) on OH and the consequent effects of walking in these environments in older adults. Additionally, we aimed to assess the differences in response between two groups: older adults with OH and those without OH. A randomized crossover design was utilized including one session involving water walking and the other session involving land walking, with a 1- to 3-day washout period. Orthostatic hemodynamic measurements were obtained before, immediately after, and 2hr after a 15-min walking session. Two subgroups were formed for analysis: participants with OH (n = 14, 81 ± 7years) and participants without OH (n = 11, 84 ± 7years). Compared with the land environment, an 86% reduction in the frequency of OH episodes was noted when the older adults were immersed in water. This reduction was accompanied by greater mean arterial pressure, while participants without OH showed no such changes. The frequency of OH episodes was similar when assessed immediately after emerging from the pool following water-based walking or after land-based walking. All participants exhibited elevated mean arterial pressure immediately after water-based walking, but not after land-based walking. Two hours after walking, all participants demonstrated similar mean arterial pressure and frequency of OH episodes, regardless of the environment. Water immersion resulted in a substantial reduction in the frequency of OH episodes among older adults. Additionally, the frequency of OH episodes was not affected by prior walking exercise in either environment. Significance/Implication: These findings underscore the safety and potential advantages of water-based exercise for older adults dealing with OH.

Effects of natural additives as an alternative to ionophores on performance and carcass traits of Nellore cattle in feedlot submitted to transport stress

The present study aimed to evaluate the use of natural additives, based on essential oils and yeast cell wall products, as alternatives for monensin as a growth promoter for beef cattle. A total of 160 Nellore bulls with an average initial body weight of 352kg were randomly distributed (40 animals/treatment) in four collective pens equipped with 24 automatic feeders (6 devices per pen). The feedlot period lasted 116 days, with a 14-day period of animal adaptation to the facilities. After the adaptation period, a transport stress (8hours/400km) was induced in all animals to simulate a commercial feedlot situation. The treatments were: 1) CON - Negative control (no additive); 2) MON - Monensin (27mg/kg of dry matter (DM)); 3) EO - Essential oil-based additive (Valkalor Plus: 1.3g/ kg DM); 4) EOYW - Essential oil and yeast cell wall-based additive (Viandi Plus: 1.8g/ kg DM). The EO additive Valkalor Plus (IDENA®, Sautron, France) consists of a blend of essential oils (eugenol and geranyl acetate), while the EOYW additive Viandi Plus (IDENA®, Sautron, France) contains a combination of essential oils (linalol and geranyl acetate) with yeast cell wall. All statistical analyses were performed in SAS version 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc.), using GLIMMIX procedure and comparing the least square means by Tukey’s test at P < 0.05 and tendency between 0.05 <P < 0.10. A tendency (P = 0.091) and a significant effect (P = 0.032) were observed for final body weight (FBW) and average daily gain (ADG), respectively. Treatment MON presented greater FBW and ADG compared to CON (546kg; 1.656kg/d vs. 529kg; 1.486kg/d) but did not differ from treatment EO and EOYW. Dietary treatment EOYW presented greater dry matter intake (DMI), compared to MON (7%; P = 0.006), but did not differ from CON and EO (P > 0.10). On the other hand, dietary treatment MON presented greater gain: feed ratio than all other treatments (P = 0.003). The treatments CON and EO presented greater presence of liver abscesses compared to MON and EOYW (P = 0.030). On average, the presence of liver abscess was 4.62% for MON and EOYW vs. 23% for CON and EO. Animals fed EO and EOYW diets, particularly during the initial adaptation period (0-12 days), had greater fluctuations in DMI compared to bulls fed CON and MON diets (P < 0.0001). Bulls treated with MON spent more time eating and had a greater DMI rate (min/kg; P < 0.0001) per kg compared to EOYW bulls during both the adaptation phase and the entire study period. In terms of daily feeding behavior, MON and EO-treated bulls exhibited more visits than EOYW bulls throughout the adaptation, final, and overall study periods (P < 0.0001). The serum haptoglobin concentration was greater for animals fed EO and EOYW compared to other treatments on average and at d 116 after enrollment (P < 0.0001). Altogether, these outcomes indicate that EOYW may be a viable alternative to MON in feedlot diets for finishing animals.

Exploring the therapeutic potential: Apelin-13's neuroprotective effects foster sustained functional motor recovery in a rat model of Huntington's disease.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary condition considered by the progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the brain, resultant in motor dysfunction and cognitive impairment. Despite current treatment modalities including pharmaceuticals and various therapies, a definitive cure remains elusive. Therefore, this study investigates the therapeutic potential effect of Apelin-13 in HD management. Thirty male Wistar rats were allocated into three groups: a control group, a group with HD, and a group with both HD and administered Apelin-13. Apelin-13 was administered continuously over a 28-day period at a dosage of around 30 mg/kg to mitigate inflammation in rats subjected to 3-NP injection within an experimental HD model. Behavioral tests, such as rotarod, electromyography (EMG), elevated plus maze, and open field assessments, demonstrated that Apelin-13 improved motor function and coordination in rats injected with 3-NP. Apelin-13 treatment significantly increased neuronal density and decreased glial cell counts compared to the control group. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed reduced gliosis and expression of inflammatory factors in the treatment group. Moreover, Apelin-13 administration led to elevated levels of glutathione and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in the treated group. Apelin-13 demonstrates neuroprotective effects, leading to improved movement and reduced inflammatory and fibrotic factors in the HD model.

Analisis Keuntungan Usahatani Selada Hidroponik Umaniniafarm Di Kelurahan Wailan Kecamatan Tomohon Utara Kota Tomohon

The purpose of this study was to analyze the profitability of Umaninia Farm's hydroponic lettuce farming. Umaninia Farm in Wailan Village, North Tomohon District, Tomohon City. Tomohon. This research was carried out for four months, starting from April to July 2024 from proposal preparation to undergraduate examination in Wailan Village, North Tomohon District, Tomohon City. Data analysis data analysis used in this research is Quantitative analysis. Data collection method data using observation, interview and documentation techniques. Research results The results showed that the acceptance of Umaninia Farm hydroponic lettuce farming was amounted to Rp.12,750,000 while the costs incurred in hydroponic lettuce farming for 45 days amounted to Rp.12,750,000. hydroponic lettuce farming for 45 days amounted to Rp. 4,567,321.57 So that the profit earned in hydroponic lettuce farming is Rp. 12,750,000. in hydroponic lettuce farming UmaniniaFarm amounted to Rp.8,182,678.43 with a planting period of 45 days using 2,500 plants. 45-day planting period using 2,500 nettpot.

Comparative Bioavailability of a Novel Fixed-dose Combination Etoricoxib and Tramadol.

Multimodal analgesia is defined as using several drugs or techniques simultaneously to target different pain pathways or receptors to avoid pain propagation. This study evaluated the pharmacokinetic profile and comparative bioavailability of etoricoxib 90mg and tramadol 50mg dosing alone (reference drugs) or in a novel fixed-dose combination (test drug) under fasting conditions in Mexican healthy volunteers. This was a randomized, open-label, 3-way, crossover, single-dose, prospective, and longitudinal study with a 14-day washout period. Eligible subjects were healthy Mexican adult volunteers. The drugs were dosing orally, according to the randomization sequence, after 10hours of fasting and 4hours before breakfast with 250mL of water at room temperature. Serial blood samples were collected before and after dosing, both drugs were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Forty-two subjects were enrolled and 38 completed the study (28 men and 14 women, mean age 25.2years, mean weight 66.6kg). Test products were considered to have comparative bioavailability if confidence intervals of natural log-transformed for (maximum plasma drug concentration (Cmax), (area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve form 0 up to last sampling time (AUC0-t), and (area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve from 0 up to infinity (AUC0-∞) data were within the range of 80%-125%. Non-serious adverse events were observed. The results demonstrate that the pharmacokinetic profile and bioavailability of the etoricoxib/tramadol fixed-dose combination are comparable to those of the reference products.

A Cloud-Based System for Automated AI Image Analysis and Reporting.

Although numerous AI algorithms have been published, the relatively small number of algorithms used clinically is partly due to the difficulty of implementing AI seamlessly into the clinical workflow for radiologists and for their healthcare enterprise. The authors developed an AI orchestrator to facilitate the deployment and use of AI tools in a large multi-site university healthcare system and used it to conduct opportunistic screening for hepatic steatosis. During the 60-day study period, 991 abdominal CTs were processed at multiple different physical locations with an average turnaround time of 2.8min. Quality control images and AI results were fully integrated into the existing clinical workflow. All input into and output from the server was in standardized data formats. The authors describe the methodology in detail; this framework can be adapted to integrate any clinical AI algorithm.