Daily Water Intake Research Articles

A choice architecture intervention targeting school meals and water frequency intake: A school-based randomized trial

Our aim was to evaluate the impact of choice architecture on school meals and water intake frequency. We conducted a school-based randomized trial in seven elementary municipal public schools (control = 3; intervention = 4) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The interventions group received the following modifications: (1) banner of the daily school meal menu and two superheroes, (2) waterproof tablecloths, (3) posters on healthy eating habits, (4) displays with playful names, (5) new containers for fruits, and (6) colored footprints for one month. Changes in school meals and daily water frequency consumption were evaluated through intention-to-treat analyses, using generalized estimating equations models for repeated measures, considering the classes’ cluster effect. Data from 974 students in the fifth and sixth elementary school grades were analyzed (control = 356; intervention = 618). At baseline, 47.1% of students were female, with a mean age of 12 years (SD = 1.4), 39.2% reported daily consumption of school meals, and 45.7% consumed water from the school drinking fountain three or more times a day. We observed an increase in the odds of daily water intake in the intervention group compared to the control (OR = 1.4 95% CI = 1.1–1.9), no changes in the school meals (OR = 1.2 95% CI = 0.9; 1.6). Low-complexity strategies based on choice architecture applied in the school environment can be promising in increasing water intake frequency among elementary students in public schools. Trial registrationThis study was registered on the Clinicaltrials.gov platform under the number NCT03136016. Access: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03136016.

PSVII-7 Genetic Evaluation of Feed and Water Intake Behavior Traits in Feedlot Cattle

Abstract Feed and water intake are two economically relevant traits of cattle production. These traits can impact producer profitability and efficiency. Feed intake and, to a lesser degree, water intake have been studied previously. However, there is limited research on the animal behaviors associated with intake and the literature lacks standardized phenotypes for these behaviors. The objective of this study was to estimate heritabilities and variance components for feed and water intake behavior traits in feedlot steers. An Insentec system (Hokofarm Group, The Netherlands) was used to obtain feed (n = 824) and water (n = 786) intakes from crossbred steers for 70 days. Daily dry matter intake (DMI) and daily water intake (DWI) records were used to compute five behaviors for both feed and water intake: number of sessions (NS), intake rate (IR), session size (SS), time per session (TS), and session interval (SI). A mixed linear model was fit for all traits to estimate variance components and heritabilities with a base model including the fixed effects group(pen) and breed composition and the random effect animal. Additional covariates were tested and added to the base model if improved model fit. Heritabilities for feed intake behaviors were 0.50 ± 0.12, 0.63 ± 0.12, 0.40 ± 0.13, 0.35 ± 0.12, and 0.60 ± 0.12 for NS, IR, SS, TS, and SI, respectively. Heritabilities for water intake behaviors were 0.56 ±0.11, 0.88 ± 0.07, 0.70 ± 0.11, 0.54 ± 0.12, and 0.80 ± 0.10 for NS, IR, SS, TS, and SI, respectively. Dry matter intake and DWI had heritabilities of 0.57 ± 0.11 and 0.44 ± 0.11, respectively. Bivariate models including feed intake behaviors and DMI as well as bivariate models including water intake behaviors and DWI were used to obtain correlations between intake and intake behaviors. Phenotypic correlations varied widely between pairs of traits for both feed and water intake behaviors (-0.83 to 0.82). Genetic correlations between DMI and feed intake behaviors were moderate to high (-0.64 ± 0.34 to 0.49 ± 0.16), while genetic correlations between DWI and water intake behaviors were low to moderate (-0.37 ± 0.14 to 0.48 ± 0.15). Significant (log10P-value ≥ 4.5) SNPs were identified for the feed and water intake behaviors. The number of significant SNPs identified for feed intake traits, NS, IR, SS, TS, SI, and DMI were 3, 10, 8, 8, 5, and 5, respectively. The number of significant SNPs identified for water intake traits, NS, IR, SS, TS, SI, and DWI were 4, 8, 3, 2, 5, and 4, respectively. Candidate genes and previously reported quantitative trait loci near significant SNPs were identified. The results indicated that feed and water intake behaviors are heritable and may be one additional route to evaluating feed and water intake.

PSXII-5 Genetic Parameters for Dry Matter Intake in Beef Cattle as a Function of Water Restriction: Insights into Environmental Sensitivity and Genetic-By-Environment Interactions

Abstract Genetic selection for animals more tolerant or less sensitive to inadequate water availability may become critical to beef production, particularly as water resources become scarce or represent a meaningful cost to producers. The objectives of this study were 1) to explore the genetic component and environmental sensitivity (ES) of dry matter intake (DMI) to water restriction (WR), and 2) to evaluate genetic-by-environment interactions (G×E) with respect to WR using a reaction norm. A group of 788 crossbred steers arranged across seven cohorts were provided feed and water whereby daily water intake (WI) and DMI values were recorded automatically on an individual basis. After an initial acclimation period, data were collected for 70 days in which ad libitum water was provided and baseline WI was determined on each steer. Next, steers were restricted by approximately 10% of their baseline WI every seven days until 50% WR was achieved and subsequently maintained for 42 days. The reaction norm was modeled with a linear random regression allowing for additive genetic animal-specific intercepts and slope parameters as a function of the WR environmental covariate. The relationship covariance matrix for the additive genetic animal parameters was estimated using genotypes. The model was fit using the THR3GIBBSf90 program in the BLUPf90 software. The additive genetic variances for animal-specific intercepts and WR-driven slopes, as well as their covariance, were estimated. The estimated (posterior median and 95% highest posterior density) ES to WR, represented by the regression coefficient on the WR covariate, was -0.410 (-0.422, -0.399) kg daily DMI per 10% WR, indicating evidence for population-level DMI sensitivity to WR. The estimated additive genetic correlation between animal-specific intercept (i.e., ad libitum WI) and animal-specific slope (i.e., sensitivity to WR) was -0.75 (-0.88, -0.59), supporting an association between selection for increased DMI at ad libitum WI and ES. The additive genetic correlation between DMI at 0% and 25% WR was estimated at 0.96 (0.94, 0.99) and at 0% and 50% WR was 0.78 (0.65, 0.91), thereby indicating G×E had limited influence on the overall EBV ranking of animals as WR increased. The results of this study do not indicate major G×E concerns in DMI with respect to WR in the overall population; however, ES to WR may be important to producers as selection on DMI at ad libitum WI could increase ES.

PSXIV-10 Estimation of Genetic Parameters of Traits Associated with Water Efficiency, Feed Efficiency and Growth in Beef Cattle

Abstract Concerns about water availability, quality and accessibility have intensified. The livestock industry, particularly the beef sector, is under pressure to adopt more sustainable practices that optimize water usage while improving growth and feed efficiency. The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters of traits associated with water efficiency, feed efficiency and growth in beef cattle. The data were collected from 916 seedstock bulls and heifers representing six breeds (Angus, Charolais, Hereford, Limousin, Simmental and Sim-Angus) in a facility equipped with Vytelle SENSE feed intake, water intake and in-pen body weight recording systems, located at the West Virginia University central testing facility in Wardensville, WV. The animals were part of six performance tests between November 2019 and September 2022, with an average age at the start of the test of 284 days, and an average test duration of 73 days. The rations were formulated to achieve 1.5 to 1.6 kg/d ADG (depending on the test) and had a high forage inclusion (>75% corn silage and >15% dry hay, as fed). The facility consists of 5 pens and animals were rotated every two weeks through the pens, so all animals are exposed to all pens. The phenotypes analyzed were average daily water intake (DWI), residual water intake (RWI), average daily dry matter intake (DMI), residual feed intake (RFI), and average daily gain (ADG). RWI and RFI were used to measure the water and feed efficiency of the animals. The genetic parameters were estimated with multi-trait animal models using Echidna mixed model software. In all models, breed, sex and the contemporary group (trial number and pen group) were included as fixed effects, the age at the start of the test was added as a covariate, and the animal was treated as a random effect. RWI and RFI were analyzed by adding ADG and metabolic mid-weight as additional covariates. The estimates of heritability for DWI, RWI, DMI, RFI and ADG were 0.49 (± 0.11), 0.40 (± 0.10), 0.35 (± 0.11), 0.16 (± 0.07) and 0.47 (± 0.11) respectively. Average daily water intake exhibited a positive genetic correlation with RWI (0.90), DMI (0.71), and ADG (0.76). On the other hand, the genetic correlation between RWI and RFI was not significantly different from zero, and genetic correlation between RWI and ADG was slightly positive. These results suggest that selecting for enhanced water efficiency in beef cattle can effectively decrease the daily water consumption without any adverse effect on feed efficiency, although it may have a small impact on growth. The complete genetic and phenotypic correlations are in Table 1. In conclusion, the traits associated with water intake and efficiency in beef cattle have a sizable genetic component and show potential for genetic improvement.

PSIII-13 Effects of Weather, Body Weight, and Feed Intake on Total and Liquid Water Intake in Beef Bulls

Abstract Research conducted in the 1950s to determine water requirements used cattle that vary greatly from the animals being raised today. Changes in lean composition and growth rate in young cattle and milk production and mature size in cows have likely altered water requirements. Furthermore, most of the research has been conducted on animals being fed for slaughter, rather than bulls or reproductive females. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of weather variables, dry matter intake (DMI), and body weight (BW) on total daily water intake (TDWI) in growing beef bulls. Angus (n = 15) and Simmental x Angus bulls (n = 29) with an average initial BW of 362.5 ± 27.0 kg were housed in an open front, monoslope building at the SDSU Cow-Calf Education and Research Facility (CCERF) from November 9, 2021, to March 1, 2022. Bulls were provided with ad libitum access to feed (1.15 Mcal NEg/kg dry matter, 14% crude protein, 52.2% dry matter) and water using the Insentec Roughage Intake Control system (Hokofarm, Marknesse, Netherlands). Feed and water disappearance were assumed to be caused by intake. Water intake was measured in kg; however, the data were converted to L based on a correction factor determined by weighing a known amount of water. Body weights were taken every 28 d to determine ADG and predict daily BW during the duration of the study. Daily weather variables were collected from the South Dakota Mesonet station located 3.86 km from the CCERF. Weather variables analyzed included: average windchill (°C), solar radiation (W/m2), and wind speed (km/h); and minimum, maximum, and average relative humidity (%) and average temperature (°C). R-studio (R-4.1.2.pkg) was used to develop a linear mixed effects model with random intercept and slope used to account for the within subject correlations. Total daily water intake increased with increasing DMI (1.921 L TDWI per kg DMI; P < 0.0001), BW (0.025 L TDWI per kg BW; P = 0.0055), and maximum daily temperature (0.171 L TDWI per 1°C; P = 0.0023). For every 1% increase in the minimum relative humidity, TDWI tended to increase by 0.041 L (P = 0.0616). Warmer wind chill also tended to increase TDWI (0.463 L per 1°C; P = 0.0707). The effects of DMI, BW, maximum daily temperature, minimum relative humidity, and wind chill were predictive of TDWI in growing beef bulls fed during the winter months in South Dakota. This model will be useful for predicting TDWI in growing beef bulls that are raised in areas that experience similar winter weather conditions.

PSVII-26 Effects of an Electrolyte Drinking Solution on Performance and Physiological Responses of Preconditioning Beef Calves

Abstract Weaning and transport are the major stressor events for beef cattle production. Strategies to mitigate weaning stress responses and promote quick recovery of homeostasis are always warranted to improve welfare and productivity of beef cattle. This study evaluated the effects of an electrolyte drinking solution on the performance and physiological responses of pre-conditioning beef calves. Forty Angus × Hereford steers [230.4 ± 4.8 kg body weight (BW), 195 ± 30 days of age] were sorted into 20 pens (2 calves/pen) immediately after weaning for a 45-d preconditioning period. Pens were randomly assigned to two treatments: 1) control: water; and 2) electrolyte solution: water and electrolyte drinking solution on one additional trough per pen. A total of 10% of the estimated daily water intake of calves was fortified with the electrolyte solution on the ratio of 31.6 g/L of water. The electrolyte composition contained calcium, phosphorus, salt, magnesium, potassium, and a mix of carbohydrates. Treatments were provided from d 1 to 14, and thereafter electrolyte supplementation was ceased. Assigning weaning as day 0, calf BW was recorded and blood samples were collected via jugular vein puncture into commercial heparinized vacuum tubes on d 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 44 of the experiment. Plasma samples were analyzed for haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin and cortisol. Variables were analyzed considering pen as the experimental unit and pen(treatment) as a random effect. Blood parameters were evaluated as repeated measurements and effects of treatment, day, and treatment and day interaction were analyzed with the MIXED procedure of SAS. Significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Calves consumed 700 mL of electrolyte solution daily which consisted of 20% of the offered. No effects (P = 0.61) were observed on ADG (0.82 kg, SEM: 0.050) or final BW (P = 0.81; 267 kg SEM: 5.36). No differences in cortisol (P = 0.64; 2.30 ng/mL SEM: 0.147), ceruloplasmin (P = 0.29; 26.9 mg/mL SEM: 0.659) and haptoglobin (P = 0.57; 0.64 µg/mL SEM: 0.029) concentrations were observed. Electrolyte solution supplementation during preconditioning did not improve performance or influenced acute response markers of beef calves.

Water intake and oral disease symptoms in adolescents: a cross-sectional study conducted in Korea in 2021

Objectives: Water constitutes a majority of the human body and is essential for health. In addition, water intake can prevent dental caries by improving salivary lubrication and self-cleaning. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the amount of daily water intake and the symptoms of oral disease in Korean adolescents. Methods: We used data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS), conducted in Korea in 2021, and identified the relationship between daily water intake and oral disease symptoms in Korean adolescents. KYRBS is a nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), and a total of 54,848 participants were included in this study. Results: After adjusting for confounding factors, logistic regression analysis showed that tooth pain was more often experienced by those who drank less than two cups of water per day (odds ratio [OR]: 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.30) than those who drank five or more cups of water per day. Conclusions: A low daily water intake is associated with tooth pain, a symptom of dental caries. The results of our study suggest that increasing water intake may reduce dental caries. Therefore, adequate water intake may help prevent dental caries.

Effects of Smart Bottles on Water Consumption and Health Status of College Students

Hydration is important to a human body because it helps regulate body temperature, protect spinal cord, joints and other sensitive tissues, aid in the digestive system, remove body waste, and keep the brain function optimally. Despite the health benefits, most children and adults do not consume the recommended amount of water daily. Previous research suggested that interventions with a combination of educational/behavioral strategies and legislative/environmental prompts produced the best results to promote water intake. Existing in this technology-driven era, the invention of smart devices has changed the way we live. One type of devices, smart bottles, has been proved to be acceptable tools to monitor and promote water intake volume among kidney stone patients and senior citizens. This research aimed to examine the effects of smart bottles on college students’ water consumption and health status. Daily water intake for 35 days and urine samples were collected from two groups of students enrolled in a walking class at a regional university in southeastern United States. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent-samples t test, and binary logistic regression. Results revealed that the bottle’s smart features did not prompt or motivate the college students to drink more water and those who received the smart bottles did not show healthier results in urinalysis tests. A plausible explanation of the results can be caused by the lifestyle of typical college students who are more likely to consume beverages other than water because of personal preference and social influence.

Fluid intake at work in foresters working in different thermal conditions

The primary aim of this study was to assess the impact of fluid intake on hydration status indices in men at work. The secondary aim was to determine the type of fluids drunk at work in different thermal conditions. Fifty-nine male foresters were examined before and after one working day during summer, autumn, and winter. Before and after work, urine and blood samples were obtained from foresters. Immediately after a shift, participants completed a questionnaire regarding fluid intake during one working day. The amount of fluid consumed affects the hydration urine indices. Urine specific gravity and urine osmolality significantly decreased with increasing fluid intake (r = − 0.385 and r = − 0.405, respectively). Moreover, an impact of season on the type of fluids consumed by workers was observed. Tea was significantly more often chosen by workers to drink in winter (68%) than in summer (32%) (p = 0.026). The consumption of any non-alcoholic fluids contributes to the daily total water intake, but it is necessary to create individualized fluid replacement plans. Workers should know how much and what types of drinks to consume at work.

A Comparison Study of Nutritional Assessment, Diet and Physical Activity Habits, Lifestyle and Socio-Demographic Characteristics in Individuals with and without Dizziness/Vertigo.

Dizziness and vertigo are growing health problems and have become responsible for increases in health expenditures. In this context, a case-control study has been conducted by nutritional assessment, including dietary and physical activity habits, lifestyle, and socio-demographic characteristics in adults with (patient group) and without (control group) dizziness or vertigo, and the outcomes were compared between these groups. The patient (n = 150) and control (n = 150) groups included 300 participants. The 24-h Dietary Recall and the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ-21) were conducted in order to gain detailed information about foods and beverages consumed by the participants. Additionally, a questionnaire was completed, assessing general socio-demographic (age, gender, etc.) and lifestyle (smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity) characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and dietary and physical activity habits. The results revealed that there is an association between dizziness/vertigo and female gender and increasing age. Smoking status and alcohol consumption did not differ between the groups, whereas differences in body mass index and obesity were significantly higher in the patient group (65%; n = 98) than the control group (46%; n = 69) (p = 0.001). Skipping meals "everyday" was significantly high (p = 0.044), and lunch was the most skipped meal in the patient group. The three most preferred cooking methods were oven baking, boiling, and frying for both groups. Daily water intake in the patient group was lower than in the control group (p = 0.026). Dietary intake for carotene and vitamin K were significantly lower in the patient group than the control group, but the opposite was true for vitamin D intake (p < 0.05). Daily consumption of bread and dairy products were highest in the patient group (p < 0.05). The physical activity rate was 35% (n = 53) in the control group and 28% (n = 42) in the patient group. Regular walking was the most preferred activity in both groups (p = 0.037). Active monitoring of individual diet and hydration along with supporting professional counseling are advisable. In addition, a healthy lifestyle including weight control and regular physical activity can be helpful to reduce symptoms of dizziness/vertigo.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis in patients with posterior vitreous detachment.

The purpose of the study is to assess body hydration in patients with posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). PVD, one of the most common eye diseases, is associated in both research and the collective image with reduced daily water intake, but this finding is not supported by strong evidence in the literature. Based on Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) evaluation, different PVD stages are identified: absent posterior vitreous detachment, partial posterior vitreous detachment (P-PVD), or complete posterior vitreous detachment (C-PVD). BIA is a simple, non-invasive bedside method used to assess body composition. Patients underwent BIA and completed a floaters symptoms. 30 patients were enrolled and divided into two groups according to the degree of vitreous detachment, in P-PVD (n=12) and C-PVD (n=18). Patients underwent BIA and completed a floaters symptoms questionnaire. BIA measured the Resistance (R), Reactance (Xc), Phase Angle (PhA), Total Body Water (TBW), Extracellular Water (ECW), Fat Mass (FM), Fat-Free Mass (FFM), and Body Cell Mass Index (BCMI). Finally, patients received a test to assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet (Mediterranean Diet Test Score, MDTS) with the addition of daily water intake. Relevant data were obtained from the BIA evaluation: the values of R and Xc were lower in the P-PVD group than C-PVD group (respectively 417.08±58.12 Ω vs. 476.94±51.29 Ω p=0.006 and 41.33±8.23 Ω vs. 50.61±7.98 Ω p=0.004). Instead, patients in the P-PVD group reported higher values of TBW and ECW than C-PVD group (respectively 44.13±7.57 L vs. 37.96±6.27 L p=0.021 and 21.03±4.06 L vs. 17.24±2.63 L p=0.004). In the present study, we reported a significant correlation between vitreous pathology and anthropometric and BIA measurements.

An Evaluation of Voice Hygiene in High School Choir Singers

Voice hygiene, including proper hydration and limiting phonotraumatic behaviors and refluxogenic foods when appropriate, is essential to voice care for singers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate voice care practices, knowledge, and factors correlating with improved voice hygiene and knowledge in adolescents, an understudied demographic within the singing population. 214 high school choir singers, ages 14 through 18, responded to a voice health questionnaire, which included questions about phonotraumatic behaviors and other lifestyle measures regarding voice care, perceived knowledge of the voice, and potential correlational factors such as past singing experience, having a friend or family member when is a professional voice user or possesses an in-depth knowledge of the voice, use of the Internet to sing better or improve understanding of the voice, and other factors. These data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable linear regressions. Results showed poor voice hygiene. Phonotraumatic behaviors were frequent and the mean daily water intake was only 5.24 cups. However, 94.4% of the respondents warmed up their voices before rehearsals or performances. The mean total knowledge score, from 0 to 6, was only 2.09. In addition, feeling that one took care of his/her voice well, and use of Internet to sing better or advance knowledge of the voice, were correlated with improved knowledge or measures of voice health. Data suggest that improved instruction regarding voice health in the high school setting is necessary and that the Internet or social media may be valuable resources for reaching adolescent singers.

Effect of Slightly Acidic Electrolyzed Water on Growth, Diarrhea and Intestinal Bacteria of Newly Weaned Piglets.

As an environmentally-friendly agent, slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) was introduced in drinking water of newly weaned piglets for diarrhea prevention. In total, 72 piglets were employed and 3% SAEW was added into the normal temperature and warm (30 °C) tap water, respectively, for this 33-day feeding experiment. It was found that the total bacteria and coliforms in the drinking water were reduced by 70% and 100%, respectively, with the addition of 3% SAEW. After SAEW treatment, the average daily water and feed intakes of piglets were increased during the first 16 days, and the diarrhea rate was reduced by 100%, with not one case of diarrhea recorded at the end of the experiment. The microbiome results demonstrated that SAEW decreased the diversity of caecum bacteria with normal tap water supplied, and increased the richness of the caecum bacteria with warm tap water supplied. SAEW also increased the abundance of potentially beneficial genera Sutterella and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 and reduced the abundance of pathogenic Faecalibacterium. Moreover, twelve metabolic functions belonging to the cluster of metabolism and organismal functions, including digestion and the endocrine and excretory systems, were greatly enhanced. Correlation analysis indicated that the influence of intestinal pathogens on water and feed intakes and the diarrhea of piglets were decreased by SAEW. The results suggest that SAEW can be used as an antibiotic substitute to prevent diarrhea in newly weaned piglets.

ANACARDIUM OCCIDENTALE METHANOLIC NUT EXTRACT ATTENUATED TESTICULAR DYSFUNCTIONS IN HIGH-FAT DIET AND STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC MALE WISTAR RATS

Background: Diabetes induces reproductive ailment and modern therapy is still unsatisfactory to combat diabetes-related reproductive impairment. This study investigated effect of Anacardium occidentale nut methanolic extract on testicular dysfunctions in high-fat diet (HFD)/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Forty adult male Wistar rats weighing (180 ± 20 g) were used for the experiment. Diabetes was induced with a repeated single dose of freshly prepared streptozotocin (35 mg/kgb.wt) injected intraperitoneally after fed with HFD for six weeks. The animals were randomly allotted into five groups, 8rats/group. Group I: control; Group II: diabetic control; Group III &amp; IV: diabetic rats + low dose (100 mg/kgb.wt) and high dose (200 mg/kgb.wt) Anacardium occidentale nut methanolic extract; Group V: diabetic rats + 200 mg/kgbwp.o metformin for 28 days. Daily food and water intake with weekly body weight and fasting blood glucose were recorded throughout the experimental phase. On the last day of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed, blood sample were collected and testes was harvested for biochemical assay.&#x0D; Results: Reproductive hormones, sperm parameters, testicular antioxidants, testicular B-cell lymphoma-2, testicular enzymes, body and weight of reproductive organs were significant (p&lt;0.05) reduced in diabetic rats with significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in blood glucose, insulin, sperm abnormalities, testicular caspase-3, testicular malondialdehyde (MDA), and food intake. Low dose (100 mg/kgb.wt) and high dose (200 mg/kgb.wt) Anacardium occidentale nut methanolic extract administration significantly (p&lt;0.05) improved the testicular biochemical changes.&#x0D; Conclusion: Anacardium occidentale nut attenuated testicular dysfunctions and could be a novel therapy for diabetes-induced reproductive dysfunctions.&#x0D;

Health Risk Assessment of Nitrate and Fluoride in the Groundwater of Central Saudi Arabia

High nitrate and fluoride contamination in groundwater cause a variety of disorders, including methemoglobinemia, teratogenesis, and dental and skeletal fluorosis. The present work assesses the non-carcinogenic health risks posed by nitrate and fluoride in infants, children, and adults using the daily water intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ), and non-carcinogenic hazard index (HI). Groundwater samples were collected from 36 wells and boreholes in three central Saudi Arabian study areas for nitrate and fluoride analysis using ionic chromatography and fluoride selective electrode, respectively. Nitrate concentrations varied from 0.70 to 47.00 mg/L. None of the 36 studied boreholes had nitrate levels that exceeded WHO guidelines (50.00 mg/L). Fluoride ranged from 0.63 to 2.00 mg/L, and 30.55% of the fluoride samples (11 out of 36) exceeded the WHO recommendations for acceptable drinking water (1.5 mg/L). The average hazard index (HI) values for adults, children, and infants were 0.99, 2.59, and 2.77, respectively. Water samples surpassed the safety level of 1 for adults, children, and infants at 44.44, 97.22, and 100%, respectively. Accordingly, water samples from Jubailah and a few from Wadi Nisah may expose infants, children, and adults to non-cancer health concerns. Infants and children are more vulnerable to non-carcinogenic health risks than adults, possibly due to their lower body weight. Immediate attention and remedial measures must be implemented to protect residents from the adverse effects of F- in the study area.

Drinking recommended daily water significantly alters haemato-biochemical parameters in prospective blood donors; a one-center quasi-experimental study in a tropical setting

BackgroundIn sub-Saharan Africa, the prevailing high ambient temperatures should warrant increased daily water intake (DWI) to prevent haemo-concentration and its potential to confound patients' laboratory data. AimTo assess the impact that the recommended DWI has on the haemato-biochemical variables in a tropical setting. Materials and methodsThis quasi-experimental study recruited 101 apparently healthy individuals (18–60 years) in the Bawku municipality. DWI, anthropometrics, and haemato-biochemical variables were assessed at baseline. Participants were encouraged to increase their DWI to ≥4 L over a 30-day period; haemato-biochemical variables were re-evaluated. Total body water (TBW) was anthropometrically estimated. ResultsThe median post-treatment DWI significantly increased; consequently, anaemia cases increased by >20-fold (2.0 % vs 47.5 % post-treatment). RBC count, platelet count, WBC count, and median haemoglobin significantly decreased compared to baseline (p < 0.0001). Biochemically, median plasma osmolality (p < 0.0001), serum sodium (p < 0.0001), serum potassium (p = 0.0012) and random blood sugar (p = 0.0403) significantly decreased. Compared to baseline, significantly higher proportion of participants classified as thrombocytopenic (8.9 % vs 3.0 %), hyponatraemia (10.9 % vs 2.0 %), or normal osmolarity (77.2 % vs 20.8 %). There were differential bivariate correlations between pre- and post-treatment haemato-biochemical variables. ConclusionSub-optimal DWI is a likely confounder in haemato-biochemical data interpretation in the tropics.

Spatial-temporal variability and probabilistic health risk assessment of fluoride from lentic ecosystem, Türkiye

ABSTRACT Thrace Region is a part of the Marmara Region of Türkiye. There are many natural and artificial stagnant water habitats in the region that are used for irrigation and drinking water supply. This study is intended to determine the spatial-temporal variability and probabilistic health risk of fluoride exposure in the water of stagnant water bodies in the Thrace region. A total of 33 stagnant water bodies were selected, and water samples were collected during the dry and wet seasons of 2021–2022. The fluoride levels were measured using a spectrophotometric method (wavelength is 588 nm). The fluoride accumulations varied from 0.16–0.64 mg/L for the natural lakes, 0.04–0.74 mg/L for the reservoirs, and 0.01–0.53 mg/L for the artificial ponds. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggested a level of fluoride in drinking water of 0.5 to 1.5 mg/L. The study area had a fluoride deficiency of less than 0.5 mg/L in natural water bodies during the wet season (87.87%) and the dry season (93.93%), which might be a potential threat to dental health. Estimation Daily Intake (EDI) and Hazard Quotient (HQ) widely used health risk assessment methods were applied to the data in the current research to describe the non-carcinogenic risk of fluoride. All the calculated hazard quotient (HQ) values, both in the dry and wet seasons and in all age groups, were recorded as below 1. Both teenagers and children living in the central part of the study area are at higher risk than infants and adults. To evaluate model uncertainty, Monte Carlo simulations were employed. The outcome of the sensitivity analysis revealed that the major risks to the health of the inhabitants are the high content of fluoride and their daily intake of water.

Community-Acquired Urinary Tract Infection Among Sexually Active Women: Risk Factors, Bacterial Profile and Their Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns, Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia

Globally, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common health issue among women. Investigating risk factors associated with culture-proven UTIs and the antimicrobial resistance profile of uropathogens would provide insight into planning prevention and control measures. To identify the risk factors associated with UTIs among sexually active women and determine antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of uropathogenic bacterial isolates. A case-control study was conducted from February to June 2021, involving 296 women (62 case group and 234 control group in a ratio of 4:1). Cases were defined as culture-confirmed UTIs, and controls were non-UTIs. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic, clinical, and behavioral data. The antimicrobial susceptibility test was done by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify risk factors, and the strength of association was measured by adjusted odds ratios and a 95% confidence interval used at P-values < 0.05. The results revealed that recent coitus and frequency of coitus more than three times per week (P=0.001) were independent predictors of UTIs. Swabbing from back to front, a history of UTI and a delay in voiding were also independent predictors (P < 0.05). On the other hand, a daily water intake of 1 to 2 litres reduced the risk of UTI (P= 0.001). The predominant uropathogenic isolate was Escherichia coli (35.48%). Over 60% of isolates were resistant to cotrimoxazole, penicillin, cephalosporin, and fluoroquinolones. The most effective antibiotics included piperacillin-tazobactam, aminoglycosides, carbapenem, and nitrofurantoin. 85% and 50% of isolates were MDR and ESBL producers, respectively. The finding indicates the importance of public intervention targeting the identified risk factors and the resistance phenotype to reduce the burden of UTIs with antimicrobial resistance in the study area.

Diabetes Insipidus And The Unsuspected Capacity Of Human Body To Dissociate The Water Molecule, Like Plants: Case Report

Central diabetes insipidus (CDI) is the result of several conditions that affect the hypothalamicneurohypophysis system. Diabetes insipidus is a disease in which large volumes of dilute urine (polyuria) are excreted due to vasopressin (AVP) deficiency [central diabetes insipidus (CDI)]. These adipsic CDI patients are treated with desmopressin and adjusting the amount of daily water intake based on body weight measurement; but controlling the water balance is extremely difficult, and morbidity and mortality are shown to be high in these patients. However, the discovery of the intrinsic property of melanin to dissociate the water molecule marks a before and after in the diagnostic, study, and treatment of patients affected by Central diabetes insipidus. Working on eumelanin has usually been regarded as an intriguing, though sometimes frustrating experience. The molecular mechanism by which eumelanin dissipates the radiation it absorbs was not known until we discovered it (water dissociation) in 2002, during an observational study that began in 1990 and ended in 2002. The working hypothesis was to try to correlate the anatomical characteristics of the blood vessels that enter and leave the optic nerve and the three main causes of blindness in the world. This study allowed us to identify the unsuspected capacity of the human body to transform the energy of sunlight into chemical energy, through the dissociation of the water molecule, as in plants.

Pen Surface Temperature as a Predictor of Daily Water Intake and Tympanic Temperature in Steers Finished in Feedlots.

Adequate estimation of water demand in cattle production feed yards is of high importance, especially due to reduced water availability because of changes in rain precipitation patterns and amounts. The pen surface in feed yards receives and reflects solar radiation, affecting along with other factors the microclimate to which cattle are exposed. This study aimed to describe the relationship between the pen surface temperature with the daily water intake and the tympanic temperature of finishing steers. Climate variables, including solar radiation, air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed plus pen surface temperature and soil temperature at 10.2 cm depth were recorded. Data were collected from a weather station located in the feedlot in Concord NE, whereas daily water intake was estimated from a set of experimental pens sharing a waterer in two adjacent pens. Simple and polynomial linear regressions were assessed from data collected in different experiments conducted from 2003 to 2006. Two models to predict daily water intake were developed for finishing steers using the pen surface temperature as the predictor variable. The first one included data for the period May-October (overall model) and the second one for the summer period (June-August). The best fit for the overall model was a quadratic fit (r2 = 0.86), whereas the best-fit model for the summer model was the cubic (r2 = 0.72). Subsequently, both models were validated with data from an independent experiment conducted in the summer of 2007 in the same facilities. Both models tended to slightly overestimate daily water intake when they were validated (14.6% and 12.6%, respectively). For tympanic temperature, the best-fit model was linear, explaining 76% of the observed variability. When the dataset was split into night-time and daytime the best-fit model for the night period was a quadratic one and a linear one for the daytime, both improving the explanation of the variability observed. In conclusion, pen surface temperature can be used to predict both daily water intake and tympanic temperature in feedlot steers without access to shade.