Mean Retention Research Articles

Kinetics of dietary fibers in a fat sand rat: importance of the digestive tract isolating structures and food quality

The pass of feed through the digestive tract in a herbivorous rodent with a single-chamber gemiglandular stomach, the fat sand rat Psammomys obesus, was studied by multiple marking of the food with inert plastic markers. The total mean retention time of markers in the digestive tract (DT), as well as in the stomach and caecum separately, was determined. The peculiarities of the digesta kinetics depending on the morphology of the digestive tract, diet and the time of markers intake were clarified. The total time for removing markers from DT in the fat sand rat reaches 36 hours. The mean retention time of markers in DT was determined as a whole (17–18 hours), as well as separately in the forestomach (7–9 hours) and caecum (7–12 hours). The uneven passage of feed has been revealed, which is considered as an important mechanism for maximizing the extraction of nutrients from plants, including microbial fermentation of structural carbohydrates of the food.

Associations between accelerated forgetting, amyloid deposition and brain atrophy in older adults.

Accelerated long-term forgetting (ALF) is the phenomenon whereby material is retained normally over short intervals (e.g. minutes) but forgotten abnormally rapidly over longer periods (days or weeks). ALF may be an early marker of cognitive decline, but little is known about its relationships with preclinical Alzheimer's disease pathology, and how memory selectivity may influence which material is forgotten. We assessed ALF in 'Insight 46', a sub-study of the MRC National Survey of Health and Development (a population-based cohort born during one week in 1946) (n=429; 47% female; assessed aged ∼73 years). ALF assessment comprised visual and verbal memory tests: Complex Figure Drawing and the Face-Name Associative Memory Exam (FNAME). ALF scores were calculated as the percentage of material retained after 7 days, relative to 30 minutes. In 306 cognitively-normal participants, we investigated effects on ALF of β-amyloid pathology (quantified using 18F-Florbetapir-PET, classified as positive/negative) and whole-brain and hippocampal atrophy rate (quantified from serial T1-MRI over ∼2.4 years preceding the ALF assessment), as well as interactions between these pathologies. We categorized Complex Figure Drawing items as 'outline' or 'detail', to test our hypothesis that forgetting the outline of the structure would be more sensitive to the effect of brain pathologies. We also investigated associations between ALF and Subjective Cognitive Decline, measured with the MyCog questionnaire. Complex Figure 'outline' items were better retained than 'detail' items (mean retention over 7 days = 94% vs 72%). Amyloid-positive participants showed greater forgetting of the Complex Figure outline, compared to amyloid-negatives (90% vs 95%; P<0.01). There were interactions between amyloid pathology and cerebral atrophy, such that whole-brain and hippocampal atrophy predicted greater ALF on Complex Figure Drawing among amyloid-positives only (e.g. 1.9 percentage-points lower retention per ml/year of whole-brain atrophy [95% confidence intervals 0.5, 3.7]; P<0.05). Greater ALF on FNAME was associated with increased rate of hippocampal atrophy. ALF on Complex Figure Drawing also correlated with subjective cognitive decline (-0.45 percentage-points per MyCog point [-0.85, -0.05], P<0.05). These results provide evidence of associations between some measures of ALF and biomarkers of brain pathologies and subjective cognitive decline in cognitively-normal older adults. On Complex Figure Drawing, 'outline' items were better remembered than 'detail' items - illustrating the strategic role of memory selectivity - but 'outline' items were also relatively more vulnerable to ALF in individuals with amyloid pathology. Overall, our findings suggest that ALF may be a sensitive marker of cognitive changes in preclinical Alzheimer's disease.

Impact of calcium-reinforcement on stability, bioavailability, and bioactivity of quercetin-loaded zein/alginate-pectin nanoparticles.

Cationic calcium ions can crosslink anionic alginate and pectin molecules. It was hypothesized that calcium crosslinking would improve the stability and functionality of biopolymer nanoparticles consisting of zein cores coated by alginate-pectin shells. The effects of calcium ion addition on the structural, physicochemical, and gastrointestinal properties of quercetin-loaded zein/alginate-pectin nanoparticles were therefore investigated. The nanoparticles remained stable to aggregation at calcium ion concentrations of 9 mmol/L or less but aggregated and sedimented at higher concentrations. Calcium ion reinforcement increased the particle dispersion stability even at NaCl concentrations up to 1.4 molL-1. The presence of the calcium ions also reduced quercetin release during the early stages of simulated gastrointestinal digestion but increased its release during the later stages. The relatively high release (56.1%) of quercetin from the calcium-reinforced nanoparticles after digestion resulted in higher intracellular antioxidant activities. The pharmacokinetics of the encapsulated quercetin was measured after its oral administration to rats. The maximal concentration (Cmax) of quercetin in rat plasma for calcium-reinforced nanoparticles was 6.1% higher than non-reinforced nanoparticles; the half-life (t1/2) increased by 17.5%, and the mean retention time (MRT) was 10.0% higher (P < 0.05). These results suggest that calcium ion addition improved the performance and bioavailability of nutraceutical-loaded biopolymer nanoparticles. This might find application in the food and beverage industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Feasibility and Acceptability of Using a Digital Conversational Agent (Chatbot) for Delivering Parenting Interventions: Systematic Review.

Parenting interventions are crucial for promoting family well-being, reducing violence against children, and improving child development outcomes; however, scaling these programs remains a challenge. Prior reviews have characterized the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of other more robust forms of digital parenting interventions (eg, via the web, mobile apps, and videoconferencing). Recently, chatbot technology has emerged as a possible mode for adapting and delivering parenting programs to larger populations (eg, Parenting for Lifelong Health, Incredible Years, and Triple P Parenting). This study aims to review the evidence of using chatbots to deliver parenting interventions and assess the feasibility of implementation, acceptability of these interventions, and preliminary outcomes. This review conducted a comprehensive search of databases, including Web of Science, MEDLINE, Scopus, ProQuest, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Review of Interventions and PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were used to conduct the search. Eligible studies targeted parents of children aged 0 to 18 years; used chatbots via digital platforms, such as the internet, mobile apps, or SMS text messaging; and targeted improving family well-being through parenting. Implementation measures, acceptability, and any reported preliminary measures of effectiveness were included. Of the 1766 initial results, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. The included studies, primarily conducted in high-income countries (8/10, 80%), demonstrated a high mean retention rate (72.8%) and reported high acceptability (10/10, 100%). However, significant heterogeneity in interventions, measurement methods, and study quality necessitate cautious interpretation. Reporting bias, lack of clarity in the operationalization of engagement measures, and platform limitations were identified as limiting factors in interpreting findings. This is the first study to review the implementation feasibility and acceptability of chatbots for delivering parenting programs. While preliminary evidence suggests that chatbots can be used to deliver parenting programs, further research, standardization of reporting, and scaling up of effectiveness testing are critical to harness the full benefits of chatbots for promoting family well-being.

Microplastic characterization in small freshwater fishes collected in Gyeongan-cheon, a tributary stream of Han River in South Korea: Ingestion and depuration study of Nylon

Plastic inventions have had an impact on various industries, and people easily approach to plastic products, degrading into microplastic (MP). In this study, distribution of MP was evaluated in freshwater fishes collected in a tributary stream of the Han River, Gyeongan-cheon. Totally 38 fishes, mostly Zacco platypus, were used to analyze, and they were collected in two different seasons as the normal and rainy seasons. Fishes contained 34–284 particles/individual. The prevalent size of MP in fishes ranged from 45 to 100 μm, followed by 100–300 and 20–45 μm. Shapes of MP in fishes were mostly fragments, and types of MP were polypropylene (PP) > polyethylene (PE) > polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). By 4-day ingestion of Nylon at 100 μg/L (equivalent to 55,000 particles/L, about 20–40 μm) in Zacco koreanus, the treated fish showed MP concentration with an average number of 53 Nylons. Mean retention time value was considered as 13.4 days by the uptake-depuration test using Z. platypus at 500 μg/L Nylon. Taken together, MP concentration found in smaller freshwater fish was dependent on living habitat and MP size. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring of MPs in freshwater ecosystems and the need to understand MP ingestion and excretion patterns in small freshwater fish species.

The Effect of Scaffolding Teaching Strategy on the Achievement and Retention of Lower Basic 5 Special Needs Pupils in Abia State, Nigeria

The study investigated effect of Scaffolding Teaching Strategy on the Achievement and Retention of Lower Basic Five Pupils' in Special Needs Schools in Abia State, Nigeria. The study was a quasi-experimental research design. The study determined the difference in the mean achievement and retention scores of lower basic five male and female students taught Home Economics using scaffolding teaching strategy and those taught using lecture method. Three research questions and three null hypotheses guided the study. The sample consisted of 40 lower basic five pupils drawn from the population of 309 special needs pupils, using stratified simple random sampling technique. Home Economics Achievement Test (HEAT) which contained 34 multiple-choice questions and four options: three distractors and one correct answer, with stability of reliability index of 0.81 was used for data collection. The data collected from the pupils were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the three research questions that guided the study, while the Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the null-hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed that scaffolding teaching strategy independently had increasing effect on the pupils’ academic achievement and retention in Home Economics respectively, having recorded higher mean gain than those in control group. It also showed that scaffolding teaching strategy independently had more increasing effect on the male pupils’ academic achievements and retention in Home Economics respectively than on the female pupils.

Particle size of straw and gelation of pectin influence gastric mixing and emptying in pigs

Physicochemical properties of fibres can strongly impact gastric processes such as emptying and sieving. This study evaluated the influence of particle size of insoluble fibres, and gelation of soluble fibres when added to insoluble fibres, on gastric emptying of digesta phases from the proximal and distal stomach of pigs. Twenty-four boars (51.6 ± 4.90 kg) were assigned to one of four diets, containing either 150 g/kg coarse or finely milled wheat straw (median particle area of 5.4 vs. 0.3 mm2), or 270 g/kg wheat bran without or with the addition of 100 g/kg low-methylated pectin. Tracers were used to quantify the mean retention time (MRT) of digesta liquids (Co-EDTA), fine solids (TiO2), and fibrous particles (Chromium-mordanted fibres). For all diets, digesta pH was lower in the distal stomach than in the proximal stomach (-1.1 to 2.1 units; P < 0.05). In the proximal stomach, particle size reduction of straw tended to decrease digesta pH (-0.8 units; P = 0.072), reduced the MRT of fine solids (-117 min; P = 0.009) and the separation between fine solids and liquids (-88 min; P = 0.030). When particle size of straw was reduced, the MRT of liquids was no longer greater in the proximal stomach compared with the distal stomach (P > 0.10), while in both regions, the MRT of fibrous particles (-213 to 238 min; P < 0.05) and the difference between fibrous particles and fine solids were reduced (-96 to 181 min; P < 0.05). Accordingly, sieving of nutrients, such as starch and non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) was reduced. In the proximal stomach, the greater water holding capacity (WHC) and resistance to deformation conferred by the addition of pectin decreased the MRT of fine solids (-138 min; P = 0.003), and fibrous particles (-227 min; P < 0.001), reducing the difference between fine solids and liquids (-148 min; P < 0.001), and between fibrous particles and fine solids (-89 min; P < 0.001). In the distal stomach, pectin addition reduced the MRT of fibrous particles (-203 min; P = 0.007), and the difference between fibrous particles and fine solids (-154 min; P < 0.001). Concomitantly, sieving of nutrients across stomach regions was reduced. In conclusion, particle size reduction of straw and pectin addition accelerated the emptying of fine and coarse solids, and reduced sieving of digesta phases and nutrients in the proximal and distal stomach of pigs.

PSVIII-21 Meta-analysis of nutritive factors influencing mean retention time of digesta in the gastrointestinal tract of broiler chickens

Abstract Broiler chicken meat is an important source of food protein for human consumption globally. Over the last several decades, dramatic changes have been made to broiler genetics, management, and nutrition to increase production efficiency. Different feeds with varying nutrient composition have been researched to target goals such as improving growth and feed conversion ratio. Part of understanding and further improving these feeding programs involves understanding the effects of the feed on nutrient digestibility and animal performance. As such, models are a key tool in the wholistic evaluation of diet, genetics, and management interactions. Towards developing a mechanistic digestion model for broilers, knowledge of mean retention time (MRT, min) of digesta in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) across a variety of diets is required. To understand the relationship between MRT in broilers and their diet, a systematic literature search and meta-analysis was conducted where 34 articles were found to meet the inclusion criteria. MRT in these studies was measured in various parts of the GIT where 7 studies reported MRT in just one segment (e.g. jejunum), 12 studies reported MRT in multiple combined segments (e.g. jejunum + ileum) and 21 studies reported MRT of the entire GIT. Birds used in these studies included those in the starter, grower, and finisher phases as well as breeders. Nutritional composition of the diets was represented by data on metabolizable energy (ME, kcal/kg), crude fiber (% DM), crude fat (% DM), crude protein (% DM) and calcium (% DM) that was consistently reported across studies. A mixed model (PROC MIXED, in SAS), treating study as a random effect, and using a subset of the data collected where MRT was reported for the entire GIT, and limited to grower and finisher phases, was used to examine the relationship between the diet composition and MRT. Only ME (F1,28.1 = 4.25; P = 0.0486) was found to be significantly related to MRT, where an increase in one kcal/kg of ME resulted in a decrease of MRT by 0.091 minutes (within the range of 2,749 to 3,507 kcal/kg ME). Other nutritional components of the diet were found to have no significant relation to MRT (all P &amp;gt; 0.05), though next steps will examine how the source of ME (fat vs starch vs fiber) impacts this relationship. Although other factors (such as age and feed intake) are still to be considered, the initial results from this study provide valuable insights into how nutritional composition of poultry feeds relates to MRT. Further investigation will also quantify this relationship within segment of the GIT. This work not only provides valuable information to nutritionists, but also lays the groundwork for empirical model development to predict MRT of poultry feed, essential to poultry nutritional models.

Magnetically targeted lidocaine sustained-release microspheres: optimization, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamic radius of effect

ObjectiveThis study aimed to optimize the formulation of magnetically targeted lidocaine microspheres, reduce the microsphere particle size, and increase the drug loading and encapsulation rate of lidocaine. The optimized microspheres...

Plant traits determine seed retention times in frugivorous birds: Implications for long‐distance seed dispersal

Abstract Seed dispersal by frugivorous animals is a key process for plant populations and communities. When frugivores consume fruits, seeds are temporarily retained inside their guts until seed deposition. Hence, information on retention times is essential to estimate seed‐dispersal distances. Although it is well known that retention times are affected by the body size of frugivores, there is an important knowledge gap on the effects of plant species traits, such as seed size and pulp content. Here, we comprehensively address whether and which plant traits affect seed retention times in frugivorous birds. On the one hand, we conducted a first set of experiments to assess variation in retention times among 31 plant species dispersed by a single bird species, and a second set to assess variation among five plant species dispersed by a guild of five frugivorous passerines. On the other hand, we conducted a literature review retrieving retention times for 231 interactions involving 155 plant species and 55 bird species from nine different avian orders. Seed size had negative effects on retention times at the three levels addressed in this study: the larger the seeds, the shorter the times. The effects of seed size were higher within a single bird species, intermediate for the small assemblage of five passerine species, and lower for all frugivorous birds included in the compilation. Notably, the effects of seed size on retention times were comparable to that of frugivore body size in Passeriformes. We analysed the effects of the pulp content on a single bird species, but these lacked predictive power. Importantly, the effects of seed size were indirect and mediated by the type of seed ejection (digestive processing): birds generally defecate smaller seeds and regurgitate the larger ones. We provide comprehensive evidence that retention times are intrinsically linked to plant traits and to frugivores' response to such traits, particularly to seed size and the type of seed ejection, respectively. Thus, our study unveils a source of interspecific variability in the capacity of plants to disperse at long distances. Moreover, we provide methodological improvements to trait‐based models that estimate mean retention times and seed‐dispersal distances. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Gastrointestinal tract morphology, nutrient digestibility, and digesta mean retention time in laying hens of two different breeds fed with fine or coarse oat hulls

The inclusion of fiber-rich ingredients in poultry diets is expected to increase due to societal-, ecologic-, and economic developments. Particle size of dietary fiber sources, such as oat hulls (OH), has been shown to play a key-role in nutrient digestibility and digestion process, but the response may depend on the genetic background of the bird. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that laying hens varying in genetic background respond differently to the particle size of OH regarding gastrointestinal tract development, apparent ileal (AID) and total tract digestibility (ATTD), and digesta mean retention time (MRT). A total of 224, 29-wk-old Dekalb White (DW) and Bovans Black (BB) laying hens were assigned to 1 of 2 dietary treatments (fine vs. coarse OH). The diets were formulated to contain 150 g/kg OH as the main dietary fiber source. Titanium dioxide (3 g/kg) and cobalt-EDTA (2 g/kg) were added as inert tracers. Bovans Black hens had greater relative weights of the gizzard (+3.9% of BW, P = 0.015), ceca (+14.3% of BW, P < 0.001), and colon (+9.1% of BW, P < 0.001) compared with DW hens. Moreover, AID of nitrogen (+3.5%; P < 0.001) was greater in BB vs. DW hens, whereas AID of starch was only greater in BB when fed the fine OH diet (breed × diet, P = 0.037). In contrast, ATTD of NSP (-11.2%, P = 0.035) was lower in BB vs. DW hens and digesta MRT was longer in proventriculus + gizzard (solids: +25 min, P < 0.001; liquids: +5 min, P < 0.001) and ileum (solids: +53 min, P = 0.001; liquids: +38 min, P < 0.001). Birds fed coarse OH only had a greater relative weight of the gizzard (+3.9%, P < 0.001) compared with those fed fine OH. In conclusion, our study indicates that gastrointestinal tract traits, nutrient digestibility and digesta transit behavior differed between breeds, regardless of the particle size of OH in the diet.

Impact of blue-collar vs. white-collar occupations on disease burden in psoriatic arthritis patients: A Swiss clinical quality management in rheumatic diseases cohort study

Biomechanical stress may exacerbate inflammation in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This study aimed to investigate disease activity, work disability, and drug response/retention rates in PsA patients among two different occupation’s types: blue-collar workers (BCol) with manual labor versus white-collar workers (WCol) with sedentary occupations. PsA patients registered in the Swiss cohort (SCQM) were classified as BCol or WCol workers and assessed at the initiation of a biologic or targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (b-/tsDMARD). We compared the baseline characteristics at treatment start and the DAS28-CRP for the 1-year remission. Treatment retention was investigated using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression analysis. Multivariable models were adjusted for potential confounders. Of 564 patients, 29% were BCol, and 71% were WCol workers. Baseline disease activity was comparable between both groups. BCol workers were predominantly male (79.8%) and more work disabled at baseline (84.0% vs. 27.9%; p < 0.01). One hundred seventy-four treatment courses (TCs) of 165 PsA patients were included for longitudinal analysis. Occupation did not significantly influence the achievement of DAS28-CRP remission at 1 year. Kaplan–Meier analysis (n = 671) indicated longer retention for BCol workers (mean retention duration: 3.15 years vs. 2.15 years, (p = 0.006). However, adjusted Cox regression analysis did not corroborate these findings. This study indicates that physically demanding occupations correlate with increased rates of work disability among PsA patients, while treatment response seems to be unaffected by the patients’ occupation type. Additional research is required to thoroughly comprehend the relationship between physical workload, disease activity, and treatment outcomes.Key Points• This study indicates that physically demanding occupations correlate with increased rates of work disability among PsA patients.• The treatment response among of PsA patients seems unaffected by the patients’ occupation type.

Ruminal passage rate and digestibility of fiber from dairy cows consuming diets containing alfalfa and orchardgrass hays with different concentrations of undegradable neutral detergent fiber (uNDF)

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding diets with different fractions of undegraded NDF (uNDF) and potentially degradable (pdNDF) on ruminal NDF degradation and passage kinetics of lactating dairy cows. Six rumen-cannulated (533 ± 43 kg BW and 122 ± 15 DIM) and 6 non-cannulated (558 ± 62 kg BW and 126 ± 16 DIM) primiparous Holstein dairy cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 experimental diets in a crossover design with 2 28-d periods. The experimental diets were formulated to include either alfalfa hay (ALFA) or orchardgrass hay (ORCH) in addition to corn silage. Rations were formulated to contain 30% NDF (DM basis), where the concentrate, corn silage, and each of the hays provided one third of the dietary NDF. The marker dilution technique was used to measure the passage rate utilizing a pulse dose of marked corn silage fiber. On d 17 and 24 of each period, ruminal contents were evacuated to determine ruminal pool size. Following the return of the ruminal contents containing the pulse dose of marked corn silage to the rumen, ruminal grab samples were collected at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 h. Samples from each time point were separated into solids and liquid, and the solids were analyzed for NDF, uNDF, and marker concentration. Alfalfa hay had a higher concentration of CP (16.4 vs. 10.7%) and a lower concentration of NDF (38.0 vs. 63.2) than orchardgrass hay. Alfalfa hay had a greater concentration of uNDF than orchardgrass hay (36.5 vs. 32.8% uNDF; NDF basis). Cows consuming the ALFA diet had similar milk yield (39.1 kg/d) and similar milk fat and protein concentrations (3.72% fat and 3.24% protein, respectively) than cows consuming the ORCH diet. Cows consuming the ALFA diet consumed more DM (26.7 vs. 24.6 kg/d) and uNDF (2.7 vs. 2.3 kg/d), than cows consuming the ORCH diet. Cows consuming the ALFA diet digested more NDF and pdNDF than cows consuming the ORCH diet (3.3 vs. 2.8 kg/d). Even though cows consuming the ALFA diet had a smaller pool size of NDF than cows consuming the ORCH diet (5.4 vs. 6.7 kg), the pool size of uNDF did not differ between groups (2.4 kg). Cows consuming the ALFA diet had a faster rate of passage of uNDF than cows consuming the ORCH diet (5.02 vs. 4.03%/h). This translated into a shorter mean retention time of uNDF for cows consuming the ALFA diet relative to cows consuming the ORCH diet (21.0 vs. 26.2 h). In conclusion, cows consuming diets containing alfalfa hay had a faster ruminal passage rate and a shorter mean retention time of uNDF than cows consuming diets containing orchardgrass hay, and this occurred despite the greater concentrations of dietary uNDF in the alfalfa-based diet. These findings suggest that the kinetics of ruminal digestion and passage influence NDF degradation in ways beyond uNDF concentration or forage quality.

RP-HPLC Method Development and Validation for Simultaneous Determination of Sofosbuvir and Ledipasvir: A Pharmaceutical Application Study

The objective of the present work was to develop a simple, precise, accurate, reproducible, and specific reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of sofosbuvir and ledipasvir in pharmaceutical dosage form. The HPLC system (Shimadzu, LC-2030) consisted of Hypersil ODS - C18 (250 mm, 4.6 mm, 5 μm- Thermo Scientific) was used for the isocratic elution using mobile phase composed of sodium phosphate buffer (pH 3.5) and acetonitrile in the ratio of 40:60% (v/v). Both sofosbuvir and ledipasvir were detected at 260 nm with a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The mean retention time of sofosbuvir was 3.094, whereas ledipasvir was 6.22 minutes. A linear relationship was found in the concentration ranged from 0.54 to 162 μg/mL for sofosbuvir (r2 = 0.9993) and 0.14 to 42 μg/mL for ledipasvir (r2 = 0.9994). The RSD values for recovery test were found 0.99% for sofosbuvir and 0.22% for ledipasvir. The lower limit of detection (LOD) were 0.054 mcg/mL and 0.012 mcg/mL, and the limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.135 mcg/mL and 0.030 mcg/mL for sofosbuvir and ledipasvir, respectively. The method was successfully applied to the assay and in-vitro dissolution studies of sofosbuvir and ledipasvir in tablet dosage form and all the results were found within the acceptance limits.

Osmia lignaria (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) increase pollination of Washington sweet cherry and pear crops.

Apis mellifera Linnaeus (Hymenoptera: Apis), honey bees, are the most widely used managed crop pollinators. However, their high rental cost and uncertain availability for North American orchard crops have motivated growers to explore alternative pollination options. We examined whether adding solitary, spring-flying Osmia lignaria Say (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), blue orchard bees, as co-pollinators with A. mellifera in Washington sweet cherry and pear orchards enhances fruit set and yield compared to the use of A. mellifera alone. We added managed O. lignaria to orchard sites where A. mellifera hives were already present. Fruit set, fruit yield, and O. lignaria reproduction at O. lignaria-supplemented sites were compared to nearby, paired sites pollinated only by A. mellifera (3 paired cherry and 3 paired pear sites). For both crops, the addition of O. lignaria significantly increased fruit set but did not yield at harvest. Microscopic inspection of pollen grains from O. lignaria nest cell provisions confirmed that O. lignaria primarily visited orchard flowers. Mean retention of O. lignaria in cherry orchards was slightly higher (65%) than O. lignaria retention reported in other orchard crops (30%-60%). However, retention in pear orchards was much lower (≤20%). These results show that supplementing hives with O. lignaria in Washington spring orchard crops can increase overall pollination, but that trees fail to bear developing fruit to maturity. The strategy of using co-pollinators, O. lignaria and A. mellifera, in US orchards may act as "pollination insurance" when A. mellifera hives are in low supply or when the weather is not amenable for A. mellifera flight during the bloom period.

Assessing the impact of rainfall on water quality in a coastal urban river utilizing the environmental fluid dynamics code

The Haihe River, flowing through Tianjin City, grapples with pollution challenges, notably high levels of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) leading to eutrophication and unpleasant odors, particularly aggravated by rainfall. This study used Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code to comprehensively analyze the water environment under three scenarios: low flow year, normal flow year, and high flow year. The investigation delves into N and P concentrations, computes atmospheric deposition fluxes, and evaluates the loads and retention ratios of N and P in the urban river network of Tianjin City. Scenario analysis reveals distinct trends, with high flow years associated with elevated N and hydrodynamics levels, while low flow years exhibit contrasting patterns. Key findings include 1) wet deposition fluxes contributing 21% of NH4+-N and 9% of TP river loads, 2) continuous rainfall and runoff resulting in immediate or delayed increases in NH4+-N, TN, and TP concentrations in surface water, 3) an increase in average N:P mole ratios downstream along the Haihe River, and 4) N and P mean retention ratios were 48% and 63%, respectively. The study suggests that implementing sponge city construction and sustainable drainage systems may improve water quality by mitigating the direct discharge of rainfall runoff into the river.

Recruitment and Retention Strategies for Randomized Clinical Trials Involving Family Members of ICU Patients.

To review recruitment and retention strategies of randomized family-centered interventional studies in adult ICUs. The MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library database from inception to February 2023. Randomized controlled trials with family-centered interventions in the ICU setting that reported at least one family-centered outcome that were included in our previously published systematic review. For recruitment: Number of family members approached and enrolled, type of approach, location, time of day approached, whether medical team approached first, compensation offered, and type of consent. For retention: Number of family members enrolled and completed initial follow-up visit, mode of follow-up, location of follow-up visit, data collection method, timing of follow-up visits, number of follow-up visits, and compensation offered. Recruitment (participants approached/enrolled) and retention (participants enrolled/completed initial follow-up) percentage were calculated. There were 51 studies in the analysis. The mean recruitment percentage was 49.3% ± 24.3%. There were no differences in recruitment percentage by study country, ICU type, recruitment approach, or whether the medical team approached the family member first (all p > 0.05). The mean retention percentage for the initial follow-up visit was 81.6% ± 18.0%. There were no differences in retention percentage by mode of participant contact, data collection type, or follow-up location (all p > 0.05). Minimal data were available to determine the impact of time of day approached and compensation on recruitment and retention outcomes. About half of family members of ICU patients approached participated in trials and more than eight in ten completed the initial follow-up visit. We did not identify specific factors that impacted family recruitment or retention. There is a strong need for further studies to characterize optimal strategies to ensure family participation in clinical trials.

The influence of uneven placement of mini dental implants on retention form of lower complete over denture: An in vitro study

Objectives: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of placing two mini-dental implant (MDI) at different heights on the retention form of the lower over denture (OD). Materials and Methods: Sixteen acrylic mandibular blocks and their corresponding ODs were prepared and divided into four groups (four sets per group) to represent an atrophic mandibular ridge with two MDIs placed parallel to each other at inter-implant heights (IHs) of 0.0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 mm. The OD blocks were mounted on a manual pulling stand and pulled vertically 12 times to measure the peak tension load (N). The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the differences between the means were compared (P &lt; 0.05). Results: One-way ANOVA showed a statistically significant effect of IH on the retention force of the OD blocks (P &lt; 0.05). The mean retention force (N) for evenly placed MDIs was as follows: 32.2 ± 0.95, 1.5 mm IH: 30.1 ± 0.56, 3.0 mm IH: 26.1 ± 0.71, and 4.5 mm IH: 27.4 ± 0.90. Conclusion: The retention force of the OD blocks was significantly affected by the vertical inter-implant distance. A significant reduction in the mean retention force was observed for ODs retained by MDIs placed at an IH &gt;1.5 mm.

Tropical grass digestibility assessed by the mobile bag and in vitro methods in horses

This study aimed to compare the digestibility of tropical grasses by horses by the in vivo method using mobile nylon bags with the in vitro digestibility method using horse feces as a source of inoculum. Five horses were used in a 2 × 5 factorial design with randomized blocks featuring two methods (in vivo and in vitro) and five grasses: Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.), sixweeks threeawn grass (Aristida adsencionis, Linn), Alexandergrass (Brachiaria plantaginea (Link) Hitchc.), capim-de-raiz (Chloris orthonoton, Doell), and Sabi grass (Urochloa mosambicensis). No difference (P>0.05) was found between the in vivo and in vitro methods regarding nutrient digestibility of Sabi grass and sixweeks threeawn. Tifton 85 was the only grass that showed differences (P<0.05) between the two methods concerning the apparent digestibility of all nutrients. Alexandergrass, Tifton 85, and capim-de-raiz exhibited the best digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and organic matter by the mobile bag method compared to the in vitro method. Tifton 85 and capim-de-raiz had higher crude protein digestibility by the mobile bag method than by the in vitro method. The mean retention time of the mobile bags in the digestive tract of the horses was 43.69 h. The bags with samples of sixweeks threeawn and Sabi grass had shorter retention times than capim-de-raiz and Alexandergrass (P<0.0001). It is concluded that, for sixweeks threeawn and Sabi grass, digestibility in horses can be assessed using the in vitro method in place of the mobile nylon bag method.

Dynamic Interplay of Age and Protein Malnutrition on the Pharmacokinetic Profile of Acetaminophen in Wistar Rats

Abstract Objectives Age and protein malnutrition (PMN) are well-known determinants of drug pharmacokinetics. The combined influence of age and nutrition on the pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen (APAP) remains insufficiently explored; therefore, this study investigates the role of age and PMN on APAP pharmacokinetics. Materials and Methods Wistar rat weanlings were divided into four groups. Groups ND-5 (n = 6) and ND-18 (n = 6) were fed with normal diet (ND, 18% protein) and groups LPD-5 (n = 6) and LPD-18 (n = 6) were fed with low-protein diet (LPD, 10%) for 5 and 18 months, respectively. Blood samples were collected at different time intervals (0, 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 24, 36, and 48 hours), and plasma was separated and analyzed for APAP using high-performance liquid chromatography. Pharmacokinetic data was analyzed by the noncompartmental model using Phoenix WinNonlin 8.3 software. Results The pharmacokinetic parameters of APAP were elevated in both LPD groups compared with their age-matched controls. The average area under the curve was increased by approximately 131% (LPD-5) and 17.57% (LPD-18), and the average maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) was increased by 33.5% (LPD-5) and 26.3% (LPD-18) compared with their respective age-matched controls. The average mean retention time was approximately 114% (LPD-5) and 17.4% (LPD-18) higher than their respective age-matched controls, whereas the clearance rate (Cl/F) and volume distribution (Vz/F) of the drug were significantly lower. Consequently, there was a 68.5% (ND-5) and 4.73% (ND-18) prolongation in the mean half-life of APAP. Conclusion The altered pharmacokinetics may arise from the intricate interplay of dietary and age influences on physiology, protein binding, and cytochrome P450enzyme activity/expression. However, the exact reason requires further investigation for a better understanding of vulnerable populations.