Intake Volume Research Articles

Evidence for an alcohol-related "harm paradox" in individuals with internalizing disorders: Test and replication in two independent community samples.

Internalizing (anxiety and mood) disorders (INTD) commonly co-occur (are "comorbid") with alcohol use disorder (AUD). The literature suggests that excessive alcohol use aimed at coping with INTD symptoms is, at best, a partial explanation for the high comorbidity rates observed. We hypothesized that individuals with INTD experience greater susceptibility to developing AUD symptoms due to the partially shared neurobiological dysfunctions underlying both conditions. We probe this hypothesis by testing the prediction that, after accounting for the volume of alcohol intake, individuals with INTD experience higher levels of alcohol-related symptoms. Data from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol-Related Conditions (NESARC) Wave 3 were used for the primary analyses, and NESARC Wave 1 data were used for independent replication analyses. Individuals who reported any alcohol use in the prior year were categorized as: (1) never having had an INTD diagnosis ("INTD-Never"); (2) having a remitted INTD diagnosis only ("INTD-Remitted"); or (3) having current INTD diagnosis ("INTD-Current"). Between-group contrasts of alcohol-related symptoms controlled for total alcohol intake (past year), drinking pattern (e.g., binging) and variables previously shown to mark exaggerated AUD symptoms relative to drinking amount (e.g., SES, gender, and family history). With all covariates in the model, individuals in the INTD-Current group and the INTD-Remitted group reported significantly greater alcohol-related symptoms than those in the INTD-Never group but did not themselves differ in level of alcohol-related symptoms. These results were replicated in the NESARC 1 dataset. Individuals with INTD experience more alcohol-related symptoms than those who drink at the same level. While considering other explanations, we argue that this "harm paradox" is best explained by the view that INTD confers a neurobiologically mediated susceptibility to the development of AUD symptoms.

CPT1A in AgRP neurons is required for sex-dependent regulation of feeding and thirst

BackgroundFatty acid metabolism in the hypothalamus has an important role in food intake, but its specific role in AgRP neurons is poorly understood. Here, we examined whether carnitinea palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A), a key enzyme in mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, affects energy balance.MethodsTo obtain Cpt1aKO mice and their control littermates, Cpt1a(flox/flox) mice were crossed with tamoxifen-inducible AgRPCreERT2 mice. Food intake and body weight were analyzed weekly in both males and females. At 12 weeks of age, metabolic flexibility was determined by ghrelin-induced food intake and fasting–refeeding satiety tests. Energy expenditure was analyzed by calorimetric system and thermogenic activity of brown adipose tissue. To study fluid balance the analysis of urine and water intake volumes; osmolality of urine and plasma; as well as serum levels of angiotensin and components of RAAS (renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system) were measured. At the central level, changes in AgRP neurons were determined by: (1) analyzing specific AgRP gene expression in RiboTag–Cpt1aKO mice obtained by crossing Cpt1aKO mice with RiboTag mice; (2) measuring presynaptic terminal formation in the AgRP neurons with the injection of the AAV1-EF1a-DIO-synaptophysin-GFP in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus; (3) analyzing AgRP neuronal viability and spine formations by the injection AAV9-EF1a-DIO-mCherry in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus; (4) analyzing in situ the specific AgRP mitochondria in the ZsGreen-Cpt1aKO obtained by breeding ZsGreen mice with Cpt1aKO mice. Two-way ANOVA analyses were performed to determine the contributions of the effect of lack of CPT1A in AgRP neurons in the sex.ResultsChanges in food intake were just seen in male Cpt1aKO mice while only female Cpt1aKO mice increased energy expenditure. The lack of Cpt1a in the AgRP neurons enhanced brown adipose tissue activity, mainly in females, and induced a substantial reduction in fat deposits and body weight. Strikingly, both male and female Cpt1aKO mice showed polydipsia and polyuria, with more reduced serum vasopressin levels in females and without osmolality alterations, indicating a direct involvement of Cpt1a in AgRP neurons in fluid balance. AgRP neurons from Cpt1aKO mice showed a sex-dependent gene expression pattern, reduced mitochondria and decreased presynaptic innervation to the paraventricular nucleus, without neuronal viability alterations.ConclusionsOur results highlight that fatty acid metabolism and CPT1A in AgRP neurons show marked sex differences and play a relevant role in the neuronal processes necessary for the maintenance of whole-body fluid and energy balance.

Early-induced diabetic obese rat MACAPOS 2

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by an abnormally high blood glucose level. Glucose intolerance and insulin resistance are two characteristics that promote the onset and development of type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to create a diabetic rat model from obese rat MACAPOS 2.MethodsA group of rats was subjected to a high-fat diet (HFD) compared to a control group (NC) which received a normal diet. After 16 weeks of HFD, Lee index was calculated, obese rats were subjected to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT). One group of HFD rats (HFDZ) received streptozotocin 22.5 mg/kg (iv). One week later, weight gain, water and food intakes, urine volume and fasting blood glucose levels were evaluated. Animals were also subjected to glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance tests.ResultsAfter 16 weeks of HFD, rats became obese, glucose intolerant and resistant to insulin. The body weight of rats was significantly high (+ 26.23%) compared to normal rats, glycemia remained significantly high (+ 45.46%, P < 0.01) two hours after administration of glucose in high-fat diet rats, water intake and urine volume were comparable to those of NC. In HFD, the streptozotocin injected after one week (HFDZ), amplified glucose intolerance. During ITT, glycemia remained significantly (P < 0.01) high from 15 min; and did not vary during the 60 min of ITT. The fasting glycemia one week after streptozotocin injection was significantly high (288 mg/dL) compared to HFD (114 mg/dL), associated whit a significant (P < 0.01) increase in water intake and 24 h urine volume.ConclusionThese results showed that MACAPOS 2 associated with a low dose of streptozotocin (22.5 mg/dL) early leads to the diabetes in obese albinos Wistar rats and could be a real model to study the type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Unrestricted drinking before surgery: a structured patient interview.

Our recent study [1] showed that unrestricted drinking before surgery, and its implementation using fasting cards, shortened the median pre-operative liquid fasting time to 2.1 h. Although adherence to the guidelines was significantly improved, critics questioned whether patients drink too much liquid immediately before induction of anaesthesia. Therefore, we evaluated our study data regarding patients' drinking behaviour. In the third PDSA cycle [1], 25 weeks after the implementation of fasting cards, 143 patients underwent a structured interview. The results are summarised in Table 1. On the day of surgery, 130 (91%) patients had drunk at least 100 ml of liquid or at least 2 ml.kg−1 if they were children. The minimum time interval between drinking clear liquids and induction of anaesthesia was 25 min (Fig. 1). The median (IQR [range]) volume of the last liquid intake before induction of anaesthesia was 200 (150–250 [50–500]) ml. Patients were asked about the total amount drunk on the day of surgery. Of 108 patients, six had not drunk anything at all, two patients had only taken a few sips with their morning medication and two infants had drunk 50 ml each. Of the remaining 98 patients, the median (IQR [range]) pre-operative cumulative drinking volume was 400 (200–500 [100–1500]) ml, and was higher when anaesthesia was induced later in the day. Patients with induction of anaesthesia before 11.00 (n = 44) had drunk a median (IQR [range]) of 250 (200–363 [100–500]) ml, while patients with induction of anaesthesia after 11.00 (n = 54) had drunk a median (IQR [range]) of 500 (400–750 [100–1500]) ml; p < 0.0001. Regarding drinking quantities, patients drank small amounts repeatedly, hence the pre-operative total liquid intake increased as the day went on. Patients who usually drink little and may still be worried about urinary urgency also drink little pre-operatively. For them, small sips are enough to reduce thirst and dry mouth [2]. Thus, the lowest pre-operative cumulative drinking volume at anaesthetic induction, both before and after 11.00, was 100 ml. Other patients liked to drink more during the day; the largest cumulative total when anaesthetic induction was after 11.00 was 1500 ml, which was three times the largest cumulative total when anaesthetic induction was before 11.00 (500 ml). For elderly patients in particular, it is important to drink in the morning; these patients consume about 60% of their daily liquid intake between 05.00 and 13.00 and another 30% until 19.00. They might intentionally avoid drinking in the evening because they are concerned regarding night-time incontinence [3]. Therefore, the risk of peri-operative dehydration in this group is relatively high. Prolonged deprivation of fluids harms patients [4], but forcing them to drink more than they want to, for example in the context of studies with rigid drinking instructions, makes them uncomfortable. Patients who drank an amount they were used to had less anxiety [2], and anxiety regarding their operation is the most troublesome aspect for many patients [5]. Unrestricted drinking before surgery allows patients to drink on the day of surgery in the manner they are used to and find comfortable. Therefore, only 3.5% of our study patients reported severe thirst, even though thirst appears to be the most frequent feature of peri-operative discomfort [5]. Unrestricted intake of clear liquids before induction of anaesthesia has been shown to reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting [6, 7], a predictor of patient dissatisfaction with anaesthesia [7, 8]. Only 2.8% of our patients required an anti-emetic in the recovery room. Our study has some limitations. In the interviews, the patients were able to state the time of the last liquid intake very precisely. However, the amount of liquid last drunk sometimes referred to a time-period rather than a time-point. Thus, the last amount of liquid consumed may have been overestimated. Data on the total amount drunk on the day of surgery were not available for 35 patients as this question was only added to the interview on the second day of the survey. In summary, patients were allowed unrestricted drinking before surgery, drank wisely and according to their needs. The amount and type of liquid desired were highly individual. This liberal liquid regime may prevent peri-operative anxiety, stress, postoperative nausea and vomiting, postoperative delirium and other complications. No competing interests declared. Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.

Dietary magnesium intake is related to larger brain volumes and lower white matter lesions with notable sex differences

PurposeTo examine the association between dietary magnesium (Mg) intake and brain volumes and white matter lesions (WMLs) in middle to early old age.MethodsParticipants (aged 40–73 years) from UK Biobank (n = 6001) were included and stratified by sex. Dietary Mg was measured using an online computerised 24 h recall questionnaire to estimate daily Mg intake. Latent class analysis and hierarchical linear regression models were performed to investigate the association between baseline dietary Mg, Mg trajectories, and brain volumes and WMLs. Associations between baseline Mg, and baseline blood pressure (BP) measures, and baseline Mg, Mg trajectories and BP changes (between baseline and wave 2) were also investigated to assess whether BP mediates the link between Mg intake and brain health. All analyses controlled for health and socio-demographic covariates. Possible interactions between menopausal status and Mg trajectories in predicting brain volumes and WMLs were also investigated.ResultsOn average, higher baseline dietary Mg intake was associated with larger brain volumes (gray matter [GM]: 0.001% [SE = 0.0003]; left hippocampus [LHC]: 0.0013% [SE = 0.0006]; and right hippocampus [RHC]: 0.0023% [SE = 0.0006]) in both men and women. Latent class analysis of Mg intake revealed three classes: “high-decreasing” (men = 3.2%, women = 1.9%), “low-increasing” (men = 1.09%, women = 1.62%), and “stable normal” (men = 95.71%, women = 96.51%). In women, only the “high-decreasing” trajectory was significantly associated with larger brain volumes (GM: 1.17%, [SE = 0.58]; and RHC: 2.79% [SE = 1.11]) compared to the “normal-stable”, the “low-increasing” trajectory was associated with smaller brain volumes (GM: − 1.67%, [SE = 0.30]; white matter [WM]: − 0.85% [SE = 0.42]; LHC: − 2.43% [SE = 0.59]; and RHC: − 1.50% [SE = 0.57]) and larger WMLs (1.6% [SE = 0.53]). Associations between Mg and BP measures were mostly non-significant. Furthermore, the observed neuroprotective effect of higher dietary Mg intake in the “high-decreasing” trajectory appears to be greater in post-menopausal than pre-menopausal women.ConclusionsHigher dietary Mg intake is related to better brain health in the general population, and particularly in women.

Differential effects of thirst and satiety on conditioned taste aversion acquisition, retrieval, and memory extinction

Thirst is an essential motivational component that could modulate the strength of conditioning; pioneer studies show that the rats' sexual dimorphism observed in the rate of aversive memory extinction of conditioned taste aversion (CTA) is affected by the state of fluid deprivation. On the other hand, previous evidence suggests that fluid intake volume and temporal context before and during conditioning may influence CTA. Furthermore, although CTA has been demonstrated using various types of stimuli, neural processing and homeostatic regulation of water and nutritional balance may differ depending on the stimulus used and the conditioning stages. Therefore, this study explored the effects of state motivated by thirst and satiation, using saccharin, as a non-caloric sweet stimulus, during CTA and the aversive memory extinction process under similar contextual and temporal conditions. First, we implemented an ad libitum water protocol in male and female adult rats to evaluate saccharin aversive memory formation; we compared this with a traditional CTA with liquid deprivation in the same context and temporal consumption conditions. Furthermore, we evaluated whether liquid satiety affects the acquisition or the aversive memory retrieval differentially. Our results show that the ad libitum liquid regimen allows reliable quantifications of basal water consumption, monitored every hour for more than five days. We observed a reliable CTA, where the magnitude of aversive memory and its extinction is significantly higher in both male and female rats; the strong CTA observed is substantially due to the satiety state during taste aversion memory retrieval. Our data show that although liquid deprivation does not affect CTA acquisition, it does induce weakness in the magnitude of aversive retrieval expression and fast aversive memory extinction, similarly in male and females. Overall, the results indicate that the need to satiate the demand for liquids during retrieval prevails over the conditioned aversion learned, suggesting, that thirst is a source of temporary variables dominating the aversive responses during CTA retrieval.

The effect of background music tempo on eating speed and food intake volume within in healthy women.

The effects of the different tempos of background music (BGM) on food intake and eating speed have not been fully studied. The study aimed to investigate the influence of changing the tempo of BGM during meals on food intake and to explore strategies to support appropriate eating behavior. Twenty-six healthy young adult women participated in this study. In the experimental phase, each participant ate a meal under three separate conditions: fast (120% speed), moderate (original, 100% speed), and slow (80% speed) BGM. The same music was used for each condition, and appetite before and after eating, the amount of food consumed, and eating speed were recorded. The results showed that food intake (g, mean ± standard error (SE)) was slow: 317.9 ± 22.2, moderate: 400.7 ± 16.0, and fast: 342.9 ± 22.0. Eating speed (g/s, mean ± SE) was slow: 28.1 ± 2.8, moderate: 34.2 ± 2.7, and fast: 27.2 ± 2.4. The analysis showed that the moderate condition showed greater speed than the fast and slow conditions (slow-fast: p = .008; moderate-slow: p = .012; moderate-fast: p = .004). Moreover, the food intake in the moderate condition was significantly higher than that in the slow and fast conditions (moderate-slow: p < .001; moderate-fast: p < .001), and there was no significant difference between the slow and fast conditions in this regard (p = .077). These results suggest that original tempo BGM led to higher food intake compared to the faster and slower tempo conditions. These findings suggest that listening to music at an original tempo during meals may support appropriate eating behavior.

Activating Blood Circulation, Anti-Inflammatory and Diuretic Effects of Leonurus japonicus Extract on a Rat Model of Trauma Blood Stasis and Its Phytochemical Profiling.

Leonurus japonicus Houtt. has been traditionally used to treat many ailments. This study evaluated the activating blood circulation, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic effects of L. japonicus extract (LJ) and identified its phytochemicals. In this work, the phytochemicals in LJ were identified using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Rats were randomly assigned to three groups (n=8): Control group was treated with saline, while the Model group (saline) and LJ group (426 mg/kg) had induced traumatic injury. All rats were treated with once by daily oral gavage for one week. The biochemical indices and protein expression were measured. Herein, 79 constituents were identified in LJ, which were effective in elevating body weight, food consumption, water intake, and urinary excretion volume, as well as in ameliorating traumatic muscle tissues in model rats. In addition, LJ prominently decreased the contents of plasma viscosity, platelet aggregation rate, thrombin time, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, thromboxane B2 (TXB2), TXB2/6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (6-keto-PGF1α), urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), PAI-1/tissue-type PA (t-PA), and PAI-1/u-PA, while significantly increasing antithrombin III, 6-keto-PGF1α, and t-PA contents. Furthermore, LJ notably inhibited tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, angiotensin II, antidiuretic hormone, aldosterone, aquaporin 1 (AQP1), AQP2, and AQP3 levels, and markedly elevating IL-10 and natriuretic peptide levels. Finally, LJ markedly reduced the protein expression of AQP1, AQP2, and AQP3 compared to the model group. Collectively, LJ possessed prominent activating blood circulation, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic effects, thus supporting the clinical application of L. japonicus.

Butyrate in Human Milk: Associations with Milk Microbiota, Milk Intake Volume, and Infant Growth.

Butyrate in human milk (HM) has been suggested to reduce excessive weight and adipo-sity gains during infancy. However, HM butyrate's origins, determinants, and its influencing mechanism on weight gain are not completely understood. These were studied in the prospective longitudinal Cambridge Baby Growth and Breastfeeding Study (CBGS-BF), in which infants (n = 59) were exclusively breastfed for at least 6 weeks. Infant growth (birth, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months) and HM butyrate concentrations (2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months) were measured. At age 6 weeks, HM intake volume was measured by deuterium-labelled water technique and HM microbiota by 16S sequencing. Cross-sectionally at 6 weeks, HM butyrate was associated with HM microbiota composition (p = 0.036) although no association with the abundance of typical butyrate producers was detected. In longitudinal analyses across all time points, HM butyrate concentrations were overall negatively associated with infant weight and adiposity, and associations were stronger at younger infant ages. HM butyrate concentration was also inversely correlated with HM intake volume, supporting a possible mechanism whereby butyrate might reduce infant growth via appetite regulation and modulation of HM intake.

The Volume of Breast Milk Intake in Infants and Young Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objective: The objective of this study was to provide global breast milk intake estimates for infants and children from 0 to 3 years old. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of online databases (Embase, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL) was conducted and complemented with a manual search of additional databases (African Journals Online and LILACS), reference lists, and unpublished data. Studies with apparently healthy mothers and their children 0-3 years old worldwide were included. Random effects meta-analyses, subgroup analyses, and meta-regressions were conducted. Results: A total of 167 studies on breast milk intake were identified. The mean daily breast milk intake among all the studies included was 670 mL per day and 117 mL/kg per day. Breast milk intake was influenced by infant age, infant body weight, and breastfeeding practices. The deuterium dilution method tended to yield higher estimates than test-weighing methods. Breast milk intake over time was modeled with a nonlinear meta-regression: breast milk intake (mL/day) = 51-1.4 × days +180 × log(days). When restricting to studies involving healthy term infants exclusively breastfed up to 6 months, breast milk intake was 624 mL per day and 135 mL/kg per day at 1 month, 735 mL per day and 126 mL/kg per day at 3 months, 729 mL per day and 107 mL/kg per day at 6 months, and 593 mL per day and 61 mL/kg per day at 12 months. Conclusions: This review provides global breast milk intake estimates for infants and young children. It demonstrates differences in intakes according to region and measurement method, as well as longitudinal changes over the first year of life.

Maternal nutritional status and milk volume and composition in India: an observational study

BackgroundHuman milk provides essential nutrition for infants, and its benefits are well established. We lack data on the influence of maternal nutritional status on milk volume and composition in low-middle income countries. ObjectiveWe aimed to 1) assess lactation performance (human milk volume, macronutrient composition, and infant energy intake) in Indian females and 2) examine the associations between maternal anthropometry (BMI, percentage body fat) and lactation performance. MethodsWe conducted an observational study among 232 mother-infant dyads, 2 to 4 mo postpartum in Haryana, India. We used deuterium oxide dose-to-mother technique to measure milk volume and maternal percentage body fat and collected human milk samples to determine macronutrient and energy concentrations. Adjusted multiple linear regression models were used to examine the associations between maternal anthropometry and lactation performance. ResultsThe mean BMI and percentage body fat of mothers were 21.7 ± 3.6 kg/m2 and 29.5 ± 7.7, respectively. Milk volume and macronutrient composition were similar to the reference values (means ± standard deviations: milk volume, 724 ± 184 mL/d; median (25th, 75th percentile); protein, 9.9 (8.3, 11.7) g/L; fat, 41.0 ± 15.2 g/L; energy density, 0.71 ± 0.14 kcal/g; lactose, 65.5 (55.3, 71.3) g/L). Maternal BMI and percentage body fat were not significantly associated with macronutrient composition. Both maternal BMI and percentage body fat were negatively associated with milk volume (-7.0, 95% CI: -12.4, -1.6 mL/d; -3.5, 95% CI: -6.0, -1.1mL/d, respectively) but there were no effects on the total energy intake of infants after adjusting for covariates. ConclusionMost mothers had a normal BMI and milk of similar composition and volume to reference values. Future work in populations with a greater burden of underweight and/or obesity are needed to examine the underlying mechanisms between maternal body composition and milk volume.This trial was registered at The Clinical Trials Registry- India as CTRI/2017/01/007636.

Modified cardiopulmonary bypass with low priming volume for blood conservation in cardiac valve replacement surgery

BackgroundThe adverse effects of cardiopulmonary bypass during open cardiac surgery, including hemodilution, seem to be inevitable, especially for patients who generally have a relatively lower BMI with relatively small blood volumes. This study reports the modification and use of a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) system to reduce priming volume and hemodilution.MethodsThis is a retrospective study of 462 adult patients who underwent cardiac valve replacement surgery from January 2019 to September 2021 at the General Hospital of Western Theater Command. The modified group consisted of 212 patients undergoing modified CPB. The control group included 250 patients receiving conventional CPB. Evaluated indices included fluid intake and output volumes during CPB, intraoperative indices related to CPB operation, usage of blood products during the peri-CPB period, and postoperative outcomes.ResultsThe modified group displayed a significant reduction in the crystalloid (200 mL vs. 600 mL, P < 0.05) and colloid priming volumes (450 mL vs. 1100 mL, P < 0.05), and ultrafiltration solution volume (750 mL vs. 1200 mL, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the modified group had a significantly lower rate of defibrillation (30.2% vs. 41.2%, P < 0.05). The intraoperative urine volume (650 mL vs. 500 mL, P < 0.05) and intraoperative hematocrit (Hct) (26% vs. 24%, P < 0.05) of the modified CPB group were also higher than in the control group. The modified group required a lower infusion volume of packed red blood cells (250 mL vs. 400 mL, P < 0.05) and lower infusion rates of packed red blood cells (17.9% vs. 25.2%, P < 0.05) and fresh frozen plasma (1.41% vs. 5.2%, P < 0.05). In addition, the modified group showed significantly improved indices related to postoperative recovery.ConclusionsThe modified CPB system effectively conserves blood and shows noteworthy potential for application in cardiac valve replacement surgery.

Numerical Simulation on Air-Liquid Transient Flow and Regression Model on Air-Liquid Ratio of Air Induction Nozzle

Air induction nozzle (AIN) has a special Venturi structure that has been widely used in the field of reducing the probability of drift of pesticide droplets and realizing precise application. The present research mainly adopts the method of comparative test and analyzes the difference between AIN and standard fan nozzle. However, the research on internal flow characteristics and air–liquid ratio (ALR) of AIN is very limited. In order to detect the air-liquid transient flow distribution and the influence of the geometric parameter structure of Venturi on the air–liquid ratio in the air induction nozzle, numerical simulation and air-liquid ratio prediction model of AIN combined with TD (Turbo Drop series) type Venturi tubes and ST110 (standard nozzle series) type fan nozzles are used. Based on the VOF (volume of fluid) model and Realizable k-ε turbulence control method, the TD-ST combined AIN is simulated numerically using open input and exit boundary conditions. The results show that the transient flow characteristic of the combined AIN is determined by the geometric structure of the Venturi tube, and the internal velocity and pressure change significantly at the Venturi angle. Under the same ST110 fan nozzle, the size of the larger TD Venturi tube will decrease the air phase content in the air–liquid flow. TD03-ST06 combined AIN has a maximum volume flow of 0.0092 (L/min) under 0.6 MPa. The air–liquid ratio regression model is established by designing the intake volume measurement system. According to this model, the influence law of tube size and spray parameters on the air–liquid ratio can be clarified. After variance analysis, it is proved that this model is suitable for air–liquid ratio prediction of TD-ST combined AIN. This study clarifies the air–liquid coupling law inside AIN and provides some reference for the quantitative analysis of the relationship between the geometric parameters, spray parameters, and the air–liquid ratio.

Acute and chronic toxicity of imidacloprid in the pollinator fly, Eristalis tenax L., assessed using a novel oral bioassay

Imidacloprid is a neonicotinoid neurotoxin that remains widely used worldwide and persists in the environment, resulting in chronic exposure to non-target insects. To accurately map dose-dependent effects of such exposure across taxa, toxicological assays need to assess relevant modes of exposure across indicator species. However, due to the difficulty of these experiments, contact bioassays are most frequently used to quantify dose. Here, we developed a novel naturalistic feeding bioassay to precisely measure imidacloprid ingestion and its toxicity for acute and chronic exposure in a dipteran, Eristalis tenax L., an important member of an under-represented pollinator group. Flies which ingested imidacloprid dosages lower than 12.1 ng/mg all showed consistent intake volumes and learned improved feeding efficiency over successive feeding sessions. In contrast, at doses of 12.1 ng/mg and higher flies showed a rapid onset of severe locomotive impairment which prevented them from completing the feeding task. Neither probability of survival nor severe locomotive impairment were significantly higher than the control group until doses of 1.43 ng/mg or higher were reached. We were unable to measure a median lethal dose for acute exposure (72 h) due to flies possessing a relatively high tolerance for imidacloprid. However, with chronic exposure (18 days), mortality went up and an LD50 of 0.41 ng/mg was estimated. Severe locomotive impairment (immobilisation) tended to occur earlier and at lower dosages than lethality, with ED50s of 7.82 ng/mg and 0.17 ng/mg for acute and chronic exposure, respectively. We conclude that adult Eristalis possess a much higher tolerance to this toxin than the honeybees that they mimic. The similarity of the LD50 to other dipterans such as the fruitfly and the housefly suggests that there may be a phylogenetic component to pesticide tolerance that merits further investigation. The absence of obvious adverse effects at sublethal dosages also underscores a need to develop better tools for quantifying animal behaviour to evaluate the impact of insecticides on foraging efficiency in economically important species.

The effects of nutritional level and body condition score on cytokines in seminal plasma of beef bulls

IntroductionHigh quality semen is essential for reproductive efficiency. Nutrition and environmental factors impact the ejaculate components, like cytokines, that are essential for pregnancy establishment. We hypothesized that differing nutritional periods and body condition scores would affect seminal plasma cytokine concentrations of bulls.MethodsMature Angus bulls (n=11) were individually housed and randomly assigned to either over-fed (n=5) or restricted (n=6) treatment pathways. Bulls were fed different volumes of a single ration creating 8 individual treatment periods. Body weight and body condition scores were taken every 14 d to manage intake volumes. Ejaculates were collected every 84 d to determine seminal plasma cytokine profiles. A complete randomized design was used to evaluate seminal plasma cytokines after each nutritional treatment. Initial cytokine concentrations and volume of the ejaculate were included as covariates.ResultsAll cytokines returned to initial concentrations following maintenance treatments at an ideal body condition score of 6. Nutritional treatments affected (P ≤ 0.05) IFN-γ, IL-8, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, TNF-α, IL-1β, and VEGF-A. However, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and MIP-1α had the greatest impact on cytokine profile.DiscussionNutritional levels and adiposity altered seminal plasma cytokine concentrations which could potentially impact the inflammatory balance of the uterus and the immune responses necessary for pregnancy establishment.

CannibiSenS: an on-demand rapid screen for THC in human saliva.

Management of substances that possess high potential for abuse requires a comprehensive understanding of the temporal effects of a corresponding volume of intake. Cannabis is deemed as one of the most widely used drugs in the United States and studies related to the primary psychoactive compound present in it, Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), have revealed that it causes adverse health effects. In this study, we present a field-deployable electrochemical sensing system that can detect THC at the 5 ng mL-1 cut-off level with a dynamic range of 0.1-100 ng mL-1 in human saliva. Considering the complexity of the human saliva matrix, the specificity study demonstrated selectivity towards THC with minimum interactions with ethanol and cannabidiol (CBD). Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) has been implemented to visualize and validate the capture probe as a means for THC detection. A robust, compatible binary classifier model has been shown in this work to effectively group samples into THC+ (high) and THC- (low) groups from human saliva with an accuracy greater than 90% considering a limited dataset. Hence, we demonstrate the potential of an innovative end-to-end system to effectively regulate cannabis use and prevent substance abuse in our surroundings.

Evaluation of Gastric Contents and Volume After Ingestion of Apple Juice versus Pure Complex Carbohydrate Using Gastric Ultrasonography: A Randomised Clinical Study

Introduction: Gastric ultrasound is a non-invasive tool for assessing gastric content and volume. Aspiration of gastric contents is a serious perioperative complication that contributes to mortality and morbidity following general anaesthesia. The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol and Indian Society of Anaesthesiology (ISA) fasting guidelines recommend consuming a carbohydrate drink two hours before surgery in adults. However, evidence supporting this recommendation, particularly regarding volume, is still limited and variable. Aim: To examine Gastric Residual Volume (GRV) using Ultrasonography (USG) six hours after a light breakfast and compare it with GRV two hours after consuming clear liquids. Materials and Methods: A randomised clinical study was conducted involving 100 patients who were assigned randomly to two groups: Group-C (Oral Carbohydrate, CHO) and Group-A (Apple juice), with 50 patients in each group; each patient underwent gastric USG twice: once within the first six hours after a light breakfast and again two hours after consuming 400 mL of clear liquid. USG was performed with the patient in a supine position and a Right Lateral Decubitus (RLD) position, and GRV was estimated by measuring the Antral Cross-sectional Area (ACSA) using a mathematical model. The final reading was taken from the RLD position, and qualitative analysis of the antrum was conducted using the Perlas grading system. A GRV of &lt;1.5 mL/kg is considered low risk for aspiration. Statistical tests such as Chi-square, paired t-test, and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were applied. Results: A total of 100 patients were analysed in the present study. The mean age was 41.04 years and 39.94 years in Group-A and Group-C, respectively. There was no significant difference in GRV between six hours after a light breakfast and two hours after clear liquid intake in either group (p&gt;0.05). The mean GRV was 7.75 (7.23) mL and 8.01 (7.58) mL six hours after a light breakfast, and 7.71 (8.92) mL and 8.49 (9.47) mL two hours after clear liquid intake in Group-A and Group-C, respectively, among non-CKD patients. GRV was higher in CKD patients and those with an increased Body Mass Index (BMI). Conclusion: The GRV remains within safe limits after consuming 400 mL of clear liquid two hours before surgery. This finding supports the recommended volume of preoperative clear liquid intake in the ERAS protocol and ISA fasting guidelines. However, careful consideration is necessary for patients with CKD and an increased BMI.

Practice of Intraoperative Fluid Administration during Major Abdominal Surgeries: A Retrospective Cohort Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Southern India

Introduction: Optimal intraoperative fluid therapy can reduce postoperative complications and improve patient outcomes. The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols emphasise fluid restriction. However, the recent randomised clinical trial (RELIEF trial) found a higher incidence of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) with restrictive fluid therapy. Both excessive and restricted fluid therapy have adverse consequences. Despite various guidelines on perioperative fluid therapy, there is still wide variation in practise. Aim: To describe the volumes and types of intravenous fluids used during major abdominal surgeries and evaluate the association of intraoperative fluid administration with postoperative complications. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a multispecialty tertiary care hospital in Thiruvalla, Kerala, India. The study collected data on volumes and types of fluid used in adults undergoing major abdominal surgeries over a one-year period. The incidence of postoperative complications, specifically Postoperative Ileus (POI), Surgical Site Infections (SSI), cardiac complications, and respiratory complications, was noted. The factors affecting intraoperative fluid intake were assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Logistic regression was performed to determine associations between preoperative and intraoperative variables and postoperative complications. Adjusted Odds Ratios (OR) and Confidence Intervals (CI) were calculated. Results: The study included 133 patients with complete data. The mean age of the cohort was 62±18 years, and 69 (52%) patients were males. Patients received a median (IQR) total intraoperative fluid of 3000 (2000-4000) mL with a median infusion rate of 8.77 (6.39-12.35) mL/kg/hr. The majority (132 patients, 99%) received balanced salt solution (ringer lactate) as the main crystalloid. The volume of intravenous fluids infused intraoperatively was significantly greater in emergency surgeries (p-value=0.007), open surgical approaches (p-value &lt;0.001), and surgeries under regional anaesthesia (p-value=0.012). The most common complication in this cohort was POI (38%), which had a significant association with the duration of the surgery (p-value=0.002). Cardiac complications were linked to the volume of intraoperative fluid intake (p-value=0.022), while respiratory complications were predominantly linked to upper abdominal surgeries (p-value=0.049). Conclusion: The volume of intraoperative fluids administered in major abdominal surgeries varies with the type of surgery (elective versus emergency, open versus laparoscopic) and anaesthesia (regional/general) and significantly impacts patient outcomes after surgery.

PS-BPB05-6: TOLVAPTAN INDUCES BODY FLUID LOSS AND ACTIVATION OF RENAL UREA-DRIVEN WATER CONSERVATION IN NORMAL RATS

Objective: We recently reported that body fluid loss models such as high salt-induced natriuresis, impaired urine concentration ability via kidney injury, and enhanced transepidermal water loss due to skin barrier dysfunction exhibit initial water loss and subsequent activation of the water conservation system in multiple organs. This activation of the water conservation system restores or even increases water content at the tissue level, which may be involved in abnormal body fluid distribution in various disease models. The water conservation system consists of renal urea recycling, the energy-intensive nature of hepato-muscular ureagenesis, and suppression of cardiovascular energy expenditure to save energy for ureagenesis. However, it is not clarified whether pharmacological fluid loss by diuretics activates the water conservation system. In this study, we examined the effects of water diuresis by tolvaptan, a selective vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist, on the water conservation system in normal rats. Design and method: 10-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were fed with a control diet or a diet containing 0.1% tolvaptan. We measured water intake and urine volume for two weeks and also evaluated time-dependent changes in renal urea recycling and hepato-muscular ureagenesis in these rats. In addition, we also evaluated the effects of tolvaptan on blood pressure, heart rate, and renal sympathetic nerve activity by a radiotelemetry system in separate animals. Results: Tolvaptan markedly increased urine volume up to 126.7 ± 25.9 ml on day-1, which gradually decreased as much as one-third (48.1 ± 18.0 ml) on day-7. Tolvaptan significantly decreased body water content and increased plasma albumin concentration, an indicator of oncotic pressure, on day-1, suggesting that tolvaptan decreased body fluid and plasma volume on day-1. These changes in total body water content and plasma albumin concentration were restored on day-7. The restoration of body fluid on day-7 was associated with an increase in urea transporter A1-associated renal urea recycling. On the other hand, tolvaptan did not alter hepato-muscular ureagenesis or cardiovascular energy expenditure throughout the treatment. Conclusions: Tolvaptan induces initial body fluid loss by water diuresis and subsequent activation of renal urea recycling to restore the water loss. Activation of the water conservation system in addition to a rise in urine volume may be involved in the unknown distinct effect of the diuretics.

Effect of Dietary Counseling on Patients with Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia

In Japan, hyperuricemia is on the rise. The guideline for the management of hyperuricemia and gout recommends lifestyle changes before beginning drug therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of dietary counseling following the guideline. Thirty-three subjects (24 men and 9 women) with asymptomatic hyperuricemia underwent dietary counseling for 6 months based on the following recommendations : (1) prevent excessive purine intake, (2) prevent excessive fructose intake, (3) limit alcohol drinking, and (4) drink sufficient water. Obese subjects were counseled on adequate energy intake. Blood sampling, anthropometric measurements, dietary surveys, and 24-h urine collection were performed at baseline and at 6 months. Serum uric acid (S-UA) levels were significantly lower at 6 months compared to baseline. Water intake and urine volume were considerably higher at 6 months than at baseline. When compared to baseline, urine UA (U-UA) levels were significantly lower, and renal fractional excretion of UA (FEUA) was significantly higher at 6 months. Changes in renal function (serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and FEUA) were significantly associated with ?S-UA level. In this study, S-UA level was significantly decreased by dietary counseling in line with the guideline. This study illustrates the effectiveness of dietary counseling for asymptomatic hyperuricemia. J. Med. Invest. 70 : 34-40, February, 2023.