Retention Research Articles

Analysis of Alternative Splicing Events and Identification of Key Genes in Brassica napus Leaves Infected by Leptosphaeria biglobosa

Alternative splicing (AS) is a prevalent post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism in eukaryotes and plays a crucial role in plant disease resistance. Here, we used the Illumina Novaseq sequencing platform to conduct transcriptome sequencing on canola (Brassica napus) leaves infected with the blackleg pathogen (Leptosphaeria biglobosa strain nm−1) at 0 h, 72 h, 120 h, and 168 h post-inoculation to investigate the mechanism of AS coordination with transcriptional regulation in canola’s response to blackleg disease. The rMATS software (4.1.0) was employed to analyze different AS events in samples taken at 72 h, 120 h, and 168 h. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed to elucidate the biological functions of differentially spliced genes at various time points, while Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify key modules and hub genes. As a result, our analysis reveals 16908 AS events across three time points, with 221 being differently spliced. Intron retention (RI) was the most common AS event, accounting for approximately 55% of all events, while alternative 5′ splice site events were least common, comprising only 2%. Furthermore, a total of 213 significantly differentially spliced genes were identified, which were enriched in functions related to protein kinase activity, transferase activity, and pathways such as MAPK signaling pathway—plant and plant hormone signal transduction. WGCNA identified three key modules and ten hub genes, including calcium-binding transcription activator 1, LRR class receptor serine/threonine protein kinase FEI 2, PLATZ transcription factor family proteins, serine/threonine protein kinase PRP4, and E3 ubiquitin ligase SUD1, all of which are associated with canola resistance to L. biglobosa. Thus, this study provides a theoretical basis for identifying disease-resistance genes involved in AS and for exploring the functions of AS gene isoforms in canola.

Higher processing repeatability of myocardial flow reserve calculated using net retention model compared to one compartment model in SPECT studies

Dynamic assessment of myocardial blood flow (MBF) and myocardial flow reserve (MFR) provides additional information that can improve diagnostic accuracy of radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging in some clinical situations. This study assessed processing repeatability of these parameters calculated using two models—net retention (RET) and one compartment (1CM) in dynamic SPECT studies, using the latest version of Corridor 4DM software (v2024). Data of 107 patients were analyzed retrospectively (57 of whom were assessed in our previous study using 4DM v2015). Dynamic SPECT studies were carried out using a routine two-day rest-dipyridamole protocol. Data was processed in 4DM v2024 twice by one operator and once by another operator. Automatic heart image positioning during post-processing in 4DM v2024 was significantly improved compared to v2015, reducing the number of studies requiring extensive manual corrections from 41 to 12%. This significantly improved interobserver processing repeatability of MFR values in RCA territory compared to our previous study using v2015—from r = 0.67 to 0.85 (p = 0.0034). Interobserver processing repeatability of MBF and MFR in all 107 patients was significantly better in RET model compared to 1CM model. In conclusion, RET model is more reliable for calculating MBF and MFR values based on dynamic SPECT studies.

Alternative splicing patterns of hnrnp genes in gill tissues of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during salinity changes

Alternative splicing (AS) plays an important role in various physiological processes in eukaryotes, such as the stress response. However, patterns of AS events remain largely unexplored during salinity acclimation in fishes. In this study, we conducted AS analysis using RNA-seq datasets to explore splicing patterns in the gill tissues of rainbow trout exposed to altered salinity environments, ranging from 0 ‰ (T0) to 30 ‰ (T30). The results revealed 1441, 351, 483, 1051 and 1049 differentially alternatively spliced (DAS) events in 5 pairwise comparisons, including T6 vs. T0, T12 vs. T0, T18 vs. T0, T24 vs. T0, and T30 vs. T0, respectively. These DAS events were derived from 1290, 328, 444, 963 and 948 genes. Enrichment analysis indicated that these DAS genes were related to RNA splicing and processing. Among these, 14 DAS genes were identified as members of the large heterogeneous nuclear RNP (hnRNP) gene family. Alternative 3′ splice site (A3SS), exon skipping (SE) and intron retention (RI) events resulted in the fragmentation or even loss of the functional RNA recognition motif (RRM) domains in hnrnpa0, hnrnp1a, hnrnp1b and hnrnpc genes. The incomplete RRM domains would hinder the interactions between hnRNP genes and pre-mRNAs. It would in turn influence the splicing patterns and mRNA stability of downstream target genes in response to salinity changes. The study provides insights into salinity acclimation in gill tissues of rainbow trout and serves as a significant reference on the osmoregulation mechanisms at post-transcription regulation levels in fish.

Effects of different starch structures on energy metabolism in pigs

BackgroundStarch is a major component of carbohydrates and a major energy source for monogastric animals. Starch is composed of amylose and amylopectin and has different physiological functions due to its different structure. It has been shown that the energy supply efficiency of amylose is lower than that of amylopectin. However, there are few studies on the effect of starch structure on the available energy of pigs. The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of different structures of starch in the diet on the net energy (NE) of pigs using a comparative slaughter method and to establish a prediction equation to estimate the NE of starch with different structures. Fifty-six barrows (initial BW 10.18 ± 0.11 kg) were used, and they were housed and fed individually. Pigs were divided into 7 treatments, with 8 replicates for each treatment and 1 pig for each replicate. One of the treatments was randomly selected as the initial slaughter group (ISG). Pigs in the remaining treatments were assigned to 6 diets, fed with basic diet and semi-pure diets with amylose/amylopectin ratio (AR) of 3.09, 1.47, 0.25, 0.15 and 0.12, respectively. The experiment lasted for 28 d.ResultsResults showed that compared with the high amylose (AM) groups (AR 3.09 and 1.47), the high amylopectin (AP) group (AR 0.15) significantly increased the final BW, average daily weight gain and average daily feed intake of pigs (P < 0.05), but the F:G of the AM group was lower (P < 0.01). In addition, AR 0.15 and 0.12 groups have higher (P < 0.01) nutrient digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, gross energy and crude ash. Meanwhile, compared with other groups, AR 0.15 group has a higher (P < 0.05) NE intake and energy retention (RE). The regressive equation for predicting with starch structures was established as RE = 1,235.243 − 48.298AM/AP (R2 = 0.657, P = 0.05).ConclusionsIn conclusion, NE intake and RE of pigs augmented with the increase of dietary amylopectin content, indicating that diets high in amylopectin were more conducive to promoting the growth of pigs in the late conservation period.

Effect of temperature on the energy utilization efficiencies of digested protein, fat, and carbohydrates in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Most effective feed formulations for fish have historically relied mainly on digestible energy (DE) but recently also on net energy (NE) approaches, which indicate how energy or macronutrients are utilized for growth or energy retention (RE). This study aimed to determine the effect of temperature on 1) DE-based feed formulations that explored the relationship between DE intake and RE, and 2) NE-based feed formulations that examined the energy utilization efficiency of macronutrients, specifically digested protein (dCP), fat (dFat), and carbohydrate (dCarb) for growth in Nile tilapia. The study involved two separate experiments, one at 24 °C and one at 32 °C for Nile tilapia (initial weight ∼ 38 g). Four diets having contrasting levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates were used; and two feeding levels (FL; 10 vs. 18 g.kg−0.8.d−1) were applied. Digestibility of protein differed more between FLs at 32 °C. In contrast, fat and carbohydrate digestibility differed more between FLs at 24 °C. The slope of the relationship of RE to DE intake differed between 24 and 32 °C at one of the four diets (P < 0.05), which implies that the DE value of diets/ingredient is dependent on temperature. RE was related to dCP, dFat, and dCarb intake at 24 °C as RE = −27.6 (SE 2.86) + 13.3 (SE 0.53) dCP + 32.0 (SE 0.81) dFat +10.9 (SE 0.43) dCarb, R2 = 0.99 and at 32 °C as RE = −54.4 (SE 5.43) + 14.7 (SE 0.96) dCP + 32.7 (SE 1.46) dFat +10.6 (SE 0.77) dCarb, R2 = 0.98. Fasting heat production increased with temperature (27.6 vs. 54.4 kJ.kg−0.8.d−1; P < 0.05). The energy utilization efficiencies of dCP, dFat, and dCarb were similar at 24 and 32 °C (P > 0.05); being 56, 81, and 63% at 24 °C and 62, 83, and 62% at 32 °C. The practical implication of this is that the NE approach of feed evaluation for Nile tilapia is independent of water temperature.

Energy Metabolism of Sheep Supplemented with Complete Rumen Modifier (CRM)

This study aimed to examine the effect of supplementing the Complete Rumen Modifier (CRM) which consisted of 30% Morinda citrifolia leaf flour, 30% Camellia sinensis leaf dregs flour, 30% Ipomoea batatas leaf flour, 3% S. cerevisiae, 3% metionin and 3% sulfur on the energy metabolism of 18 local male sheep aged 6-8 months. The experimental feed consisted of ammoniated rice straw and concentrate (40:60) weighing 4% DM body weight. This study was subjected to a randomized complete block design (RCBD), analyzed six groups of initial weight of sheep allotted into three treatment groups: 0%, 1%, and 2% CRM of DM feed. The measured variables were energy intake (EI), digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), energy retention (RE), and efficiency of RE to EI, RE to DE, and RE to ME. The results showed significant effects (P&amp;lt;0.01) of supplementing CRM in the feed on EI, DE, ME, RE, and efficiency of RE to EI, RE to DE, and RE to ME. The orthogonal polynomial test revealed that a higher dose of CRM supplementation in the feed has quadraterally increased (P&amp;lt;0.01) EI, DE, ME, and RE with peak points on 0,62%; 0,80%; 1,05%; 1,09%, respectively, and linearly increased (P&amp;lt;0.01) the efficiency of RE to EI, RE to DE, and RE to ME. It was concluded that the addition of CRM at the level of 2% was able to produce optimal energy efficiency in sheep.

Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility, Business Ethics and Corporate Reputation on the Retention of Users of Third-Sector Institutions

Third-sector organizations have achieved an important place in the world due to the multiple social and humanitarian activities they carry out, generating a high impact on society. Maintaining their sustainability basically depends on the retention of their users, but what factor could contribute to this retention? To dispel this question, the purpose of the study is to understand corporate social responsibility (CSR), business ethics (BE) and corporate reputation (CR), and their connections with user retention (RT). Using structural equation analysis (SEM) and non-probabilistic sampling, 501 users of third-sector organizations (199 Uruguay and 302 Peru) were surveyed. The results show a positive and significant impact of CSR on CR, influence of BE on CR, effect of CSR on RT, effect of CR and BE on RT. It is highlighted that CR would have a greater effect on RT and BE, followed by CSR. It is concluded that CR represents a very important and sensitive value at the same time, which is a characteristic that takes a long time to achieve, so it is important to manage it properly, being the one that contributes most to RT.

Positive priming effect explained by microbial nitrogen mining and stoichiometric decomposition at different stages

The priming effect is an essential mediator in the soil carbon (C) cycle. There is a growing concern about the priming effect induced by labile C input. However, the driving factors of the priming effect under agroecosystems with different historical tillage management remain unclear. By conducting a laboratory incubation experiment, the priming effect and the fate of 13C-labeled glucose (1.658 atom%) were quantified in two soils (Cambisols and Phaeozems) that underwent the 12-year or 13-year tillage managements: rotary tillage without straw retention (RTN), and no-tillage with straw retention (NTS), and a grassland (GRL). After the 31-day incubation, RTN that had nitrogen (N) limitation emitted 26.7% more total C and 35.0% glucose-derived C than NTS across the two soil types. In Cambisols, the RTN exhibited 21.2% and 47.5% higher priming effect than NTS and GRL, respectively; while in Phaeozems, the RTN had 29.5% and 34.8% lower priming effect than NTS and GRL. Moreover, RTN showed 81.8% lower and 26.7% higher microbial C use efficiency (CUE) than NTS in Cambisols and Phaeozems, respectively. The higher N availability, CUE, and labile C retention which consists of the sum of glucose-derived microbial biomass C, total dissolved organic C, and organo-mineral C were the major contributors to the lower priming effect under long-term tillage management. A positive priming effect was observed across all treatments after glucose addition as a result of stimulating microbial activities, and then the increased microbial activities promoted co-metabolism. At the early stages, the priming effect was driven by “microbial N-mining”, and the driving force was dominated by “microbial stoichiometric decomposition” at later stages. These findings provide a more accurate understanding of soil organic C dynamics. The results can be used to predict the change of soil organic C under long-term tillage management, which are critical for sequestrating the elevated atmospheric C concentrations.

Adherence and retention to the self-managed community-based Step Into Health program in Qatar (2012-2019).

PurposeInvestigate adherence and retention to the “Step Into Health (SIH)” initiative (www.stepintohealth.qa [website access only available from within the State of Qatar]), a Qatari self-managed community-based health program, from 2012 to 2019.MethodsParticipants (16,711; 16–80 years; 37% females, 34% Qatari) used a pedometer or smartphone application (app) to measure step count. Absolute adherence (ADH) and retention (RET) were calculated, with ADH (%) the ratio between number of days data and SIH enrollment length (RET). Linear Mixed Models identified differences in ADH between RET groups, main effects (i.e., sex, device, age, BMI, nationality) and interaction effects for ADH (RET entered as a covariate).ResultsAverage ADH and RET to SIH (irrespective of sex, age, device and BMI) was 50% (±31%), and 16% (±20%), respectively, with ADH differing significantly between RET groups (F = 460.2, p < 0.001). RET (as a covariate) revealed a significant main effect for device (F = 12.00, p < 0.001) and age (F = 4.31, p = 0.001) on ADH observed. There was a significant association between RET and sex (p < 0.001), device (p < 0.001), and age groups 16–25 y (p < 0.001), and 26–35 y (p < 0.001). There were no significant main effects for sex or BMI on ADH, and no interaction effects (p ≥ 0.21) observed.ConclusionsFollow-up data (e.g., interviews, focus groups, etc.) determining why differences in ADH and RET are observed appears prudent. To convert those that lapsed and/or abandoned SIH/PA into committed long-term PA adherers. This would be a first step to develop targeted public health promotions and initiatives to enhance health outcomes at a population level.

ACL Research Retreat IX March 17–19, 2022 High Point, NC

ACL Research Retreat IX March 17–19, 2022 High Point, NC

Job commitment, total quality management, information communication technology adoption, toxic leadership and job demands: a conceptual framework for student retention

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the direct effect of job commitment (JCT) on student retention (REN), exploring the mediating roles of total quality management (TQM) and information communication technology adoption (ADT), and moderating roles of toxic leadership (TLE) and job demands (JDD).Design/methodology/approachThe paper develops a conceptual framework along with postulations by integrating both empirical and theoretical literature in the fields of employee well-being, strategic management, information communication technology, leadership, as well as work and occupational psychology.FindingsThis paper proposes that JCT will be positively related to REN, and this positive relationship will be mediated by TQM and ADT. Additionally, TLE and JDD will moderate the direct positive effect of JCT on REN.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper provides implications for both researchers and practitioners in the areas of strategic decision-making in educational institutions and behaviour management for enhancing REN by applying JCT, TQM and ADT as strategic tools, while keeping TLE and JDD under control. It also offers implications for upcoming researchers to empirically test this conceptual framework in different educational settings.Practical implicationsBy boosting employees JCT, educational institutions stand the chance of improving REN via TQM and ADT. Additionally, JCT can foster REN under a working environment where TLE and JDD are kept low.Originality/valueThe paper offers unique insights into how TQM and ADT connect JCT to REN, and how JCT relates to REN under varied levels of TLE and JDD. It also highlights the theoretical contributions of the resource-based theory of a firm, affective events theory and activation theory.

Energy utilisation efficiencies of digestible protein, fat and carbohydrates for African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

In this study, the effect of dietary macronutrient composition on the energy utilisation efficiency for growth using the digestible energy (DE) approach was evaluated for African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Furthermore, the energy utilisation efficiencies of digestible protein, fat and carbohydrates for growth were estimated using the net energy (NE) approach. The experiment had a 4 × 2 factorial design. C. gariepinus (71.6 g) were fed one of four diets, each at two feeding levels (12 vs 22 g.kg−0.8.d−1), for 30 days. Diets were formulated with the aim to create large contrasts in the digestible protein (dCP), fat (dFat) and carbohydrate (dCarb) content among the four diets. These contrasts in dietary composition and feeding levels enabled multiple regression analysis of energy retention (RE) as a function of dCP, dFat and dCarb intake. Using the DE approach, the dietary macronutrient content affected the energy utilisation efficiency (kgDE) of C. gariepinus. Increasing the dietary carbohydrate content reduced the kgDE from 93.5% to 78.5% in low starch diets compared to high starch diets. Thus the relationship between DE and RE is affected by the dietary macronutrient composition. With the NE approach, energy utilisation efficiencies of digestible protein, fat and carbohydrates for growth of C. gariepinus were estimated at 86%, 95% and 59%, respectively. Results of the present study indicated the probability of biases in feed evaluation and formulation when using the DE approach. Thus the NE approach is advisable as means for energy evaluation of feed/ingredients for C. gariepinus.

Abstracts

Abstracts

Metabolism Energy and Performance of Several Local Cattle Breeds Fed Rice Straw and Concentrate

This study was conducted to examine the effect of different local cattle breeds on energy metabolism and performance fed on rice straw basal diet. Fourty local male cattle (2.5 years; initial BW 300.30±0.68) of Madura cattle (M), Sumba Ongole cattle (SO), Bali cattle (B), and Bali Timor cattle (BT) were used in this study, where types of local breed were used as treatments (10 animals/treatment). The study used a randomized block design (RBD) with cattle's initial body weight as a group. The cattle were fed on rice straw ad libitum and concentrate 2.5% BW (DM 86.53%). The variables measured were energy intake (EI), digestible energy intake (DEI), metaboloizable energy intake (MEI), energy retention (RE), RE to EI ratio, RE to DEI ratio, C2/C3 ratio, the efficiency of hexose conversion to VFA (ECH) and the average daily body weight gain (ADG). The results showed that the different breeds of local cattle had a significant effect (P&amp;lt;0.05) on EI, DEI, MEI, RE, RE to EI ratio, RE to DEI ratio, C2/C3 ratio, and ECH, but had no significant effect on ADG (P&amp;gt;0.05). M has the highest EI, DEI, MEI, and RE 139.52 MJ/day, 99.69 MJ/day, 65.84 MJ/day, and 98.45 MJ/day, respectively, but the highest RE to EI ratio at B, while for the best RE to DE ratio, C2/C3 ratio, ECH, and ADG, at SO were 99.24%, 28.85, 74.97%, and 1.24 kg, respectively. It can be concluded that the best local cattle in terms of performance and feed energy efficiency are Sumba Ongole cattle.

Differences in energy utilization efficiency of digested protein, fat and carbohydrates in snakehead (Channa striata)

This study aimed to assess if the relationship between digestible energy (DE) intake and energy retention (RE) is dependent on dietary macronutrient composition; and to quantify the energy utilization efficiency of digested protein (dCP), fat (dFat) and carbohydrates (dCarb) for growth in snakehead (Channa striata). This was achieved by conducting a 42-day feeding trial on snakehead (29.1 g) with a 4 × 2 factorial design. Nutrient digestibility, nitrogen and energy balances were measured. Four diets were formulated, which had contrasting levels of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Each diet was tested at 2 feeding levels, in order to estimate within each feeding level the relationship between DE and RE. Snakehead (a carnivore) is well able to digest starch. Starch digestibility ranged from 93% to 99.5%. The linear relationship between RE and DE intake was affected by diet. Diets with a high Carb content had a lower slope (0.45 versus 0.53 to 0.56), which indicates that DE is less efficiently used for RE. Multiple regression of RE as a function of dCP, dFat and dCarb (in g.kg-0.8.d−1) intake was also applied to estimate the energy utilization efficiency of each digestible macronutrient. A linear relationship was found between RE and dCP, dFat and dCarb. Snakehead are a lean fish, which we observed prioritise digestible protein intake for protein gain. The estimated energy efficiencies of dCP, dFat and dCarb (respectively, kNE;dCP, kNE;dFat, and kNE;dCarb) for energy retention were 53, 79 and 5%, respectively. Snakehead can digest starch at the high level but cannot metabolise digested starch for growth efficiently.

Performance evaluation under human capital perspective: an empirical evidence

PurposeThe study investigates the effect of human capital (HC) on organizational performance (OP) of potential employees. Further, an attempt has been made to develop the fundamental psychological mechanism of the aforementioned relationship by proposing retention (RE) as mediator.Design/methodology/approachFor this study, the required population on both private and public sector professionals of middle and senior-level management from service and manufacturing organizations functioning in various parts of India has been considered. For data collection, a complete set of questionnaires has been prepared and collected from 238 professionals. To study and test the hypotheses, structural equation modeling has also been used.Findingsa complete study on the data collected, it has been found that HC is significantly related with OP of the prospective professionals and RE has subsequently mediated the aforementioned linkage partially.Practical implicationsThe present study can suggest practically that the appropriate RE strategies retain HC with their respective organizations and provides in finding the evidence on the psychological processes during the employer procurement process.Originality/valuepaper bridges the disciplines of strategic human resource management and human capital management and brings in RE as an additional mediator into organizational performance.

S84. EFFECTS OF COGNITIVE REHABILITATION AND ILLNESS DURATION ON VERBAL MEMORY AND LEARNING IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

BackgroundCognitive remediation has been associated with enhanced cognition and psychosocial functioning in schizophrenia (SCZ). We present the preliminary results of a naturalistic study using a Cognitive Rehabilitation Programme (CRP) in Athens, Greece. The programme includes 40 individual hourly sessions, having a frequency of at least 2 sessions per week. It has a cognitive exercises and a social cognition module and aims at improving social functioning through cognitive enhancement. The CRP is implemented at a specialized Unit of the Greek National Health Service which is located in the centre of Athens for patients with SCZ living in the community.MethodsWe analyzed the CRP effects on verbal learning and memory, for the first 47 patients with SCZ referred to the Unit who took part in a naturalistic study. We compared these effects with those from a control group of 8 patients with SCZ undergoing occupational therapy. We conducted seven linear regression analyses investigating the effects of the CRP on verbal learning parameters using the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT) (immediate total recall-ITR, immediate recall at the three learning trials (IRLT1, IRLT2, IRLT3), delayed recall (DR), retention (RT), recognition (RC) controlling for the duration of illness (DOI). In these analyses the relevant HVLT post-treatment scores were the dependent variables and CRP (receipt or not) and DOI were the independent variables controlling for the effects of baseline HVLT scores.Results47 patients with SCZ completed the CRP (15 women and 32 men, mean age=42.34 years-standard deviation/SD=11.69, mean DOI=18.27-SD=10.88). 8 patients (5 women and 3 men, mean age=54.5 years, SD=8.14, mean DOI=26.25, SD=10.63) participated in occupational therapy sessions of the same duration. Baseline HVLT scores strongly correlated with post-treatment scores in all analyses. CRP was associated with increased post-treatment HVLT total immediate recall scores (B=3.35, 95% Confidence Interval-CI=0.66, 6, t=2.5, df=49, p=0.016). DOI was associated with decreased post-treatment HVLT total immediate recall scores (B=-0.11, 95%CI=-0.2, -0.02, t=-0.25, df=49, p=0.015). Further analysis of the subjects’ performance in the three IRLTs revealed that the effect of CRP approached statistical significance in the IRLT1 (B=1.21, 95% CI=-0.04, 2.46, t=1.95, df=47, p=0.058). DOI was negatively associated with IRLT1 scores (B=-0.05, 95%CI= -0.09, -0.004, t=-2.23, df=49, p=0.023) and IRLT3 scores (B=-0.05, 95%CI=-0.1, -0.007, t=-2.3, df=48, p=0.026). The association of CRP and DOI with IRLT2 scores was not significant. DOI was negatively correlated with DR scores (B=-0.11, 95%CI=-0.16, -0.06, t=-4.38, df=49, p<0.001). Similarly, DOI was negatively associated with RT scores (B=-1, 95%CI=-1.67, -0.35, df=49, p=0.004). We failed to find any effect of CRP on DR and RT scores. The ANOVA Model for RC scores was not significant.DiscussionWe presented preliminary results of an ongoing naturalistic study. CRP was associated with improved immediate recall, after controlling for the effects of the DOI. However, we failed to find any association of CRP with other verbal learning and memory measures. DOI negatively affected immediate and delayed verbal memory and learning. Although the naturalistic design of our study supports its external validity, it also limits the interpretation of our findings. Due to its preliminary character, our study was underpowered. A future blind randomized trial recruiting more subjects could shed more light onto the effect of CRP on cognition and functioning in schizophrenia.

Comparison of mathematical and comparative slaughter methodologies for determination of heat production and energy retention in broilers

Understanding factors affecting ME availability for productive processes is an important step in optimal feed formulation. This study compared a modelling methodology with the comparative slaughter technique (CST) to estimate energy partitioning to heat production and energy retention (RE) and to investigate differences in heat dissipation. At hatch, 50 broilers were randomly allocated in one of 4 pens equipped with a precision feeding station. From day 14 to day 45, they were either fed with a low-ME (3,111 kcal/kg ME) or a high-ME (3,383 kcal/kg ME) diet. At day 19, birds were assigned to pair-feeding in groups of 6 with lead birds eating ad libitum (100%) and follow birds eating at either 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90% of the paired lead's cumulative feed intake. Heat production and RE were estimated by CST and with a nonlinear mixed model explaining daily ME intake (MEI) as a function of metabolic BW and average daily gain (ADG). The energy partitioning model predicted MEI = (145.10 + u) BW0.83 + 1.09 × BW−0.18 × ADG1.19 + ε. The model underestimated heat production by 13.4% and overestimated RE by 22.8% compared with the CST. The model was not able to distinguish between net energy for gain values of the diets (1,448 ± 18.5 kcal/kg vs. 1,493 ± 18.0 kcal/kg for the low-ME and high-ME diet, respectively), whereas the CST found a 148 kcal/kg difference between the low-ME and high-ME diets (1,101 ± 22.5 kcal/kg vs. 1,249 ± 22.0 kcal/kg, respectively). The estimates of the net energy for gain values of the 2 diets decreased with increasing feed restriction. The heat increment of feeding did not differ between birds fed with the low- or high-ME diet (26% of MEI). Additional measurements on heat dissipation, physical activity, and immune status indicated that the energetic content of the diet and feed restriction affect some parameters (shank temperature, feeding station visits) but not others (leukocyte counts, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, and immune cell function).

Limit feeding as a strategy to increase energy efficiency in intensified cow-calf production systems.

Two experiments were conducted to measure efficiency of energy use in limit-fed cows. In Exp. 1, 32 pregnant, crossbred cows were used to examine the effects of dietary energy concentration and intake level on energy utilization and digestion. In a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement, cows received diets formulated at either 1.54 Mcal NEm/kg high energy (H) or 1.08 Mcal NEm/kg low energy (L); amounts of each diet were fed at amounts to achieve either 80% (80) or 120% (120) of maintenance energy requirements. Fecal grab samples were collected on days 14, 28, 42, and 56 for determination of energy digestion and metabolizable energy (ME) intake. Acid detergent insoluble ash and bomb calorimetry were used to estimate fecal energy production. Cow body weight and 12th rib fat thickness were used to estimate body energy, using 8 different methods, at the beginning and end of a 56-d feeding period. Energy retention (RE) was calculated as the difference in body energy on days 0 and 56. Heat energy (HE) was calculated as the difference in ME intake and RE. Energy digestion increased (P = 0.04) with intake restriction. Cows consuming H tended to have greater (P = 0.08) empty body weight (EBW) gain than cows consuming L, but no difference was observed (P = 0.12) between cows fed 120 compared with cows fed 80. Estimates of HE were greater for L than H (P < 0.01) and greater for 120 than 80 (P < 0.01), such that estimated fasting heat production of H (57.2 kcal/kg EBW0.75) was lower than that of L (73.3 kcal/kg EBW0.75). In Exp. 2, 16 ruminally cannulated, crossbred steers were used to examine the effects of dietary energy concentration and intake level on energy digestion. Treatment arrangement and laboratory methods were replicated from Exp. 1. Following a 14-d adaptation period, fecal samples were collected, such that samples were represented in 2-h intervals post-feeding across 24 h. Diet × intake interactions were observed for nutrient digestibility. Energy digestibility was greater in steers fed H than in steers fed L (P < 0.01); however, digestibility of each nutrient increased by approximately 10% in steers fed H80 vs. those fed H120 (P ≤ 0.03); nutrient digestibility was similar among levels of intake in steers fed L (P = 0.54). These results suggest that intake restriction may increase diet utilization and that the magnitude of change may be related to diet energy density.

Randomized clinical trial of four adhesion strategies: A 42 month study.

The adhesives clinical effectiveness has been extensively reported for noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs). However, there is a lack of information about the adhesive systems strategies and their effect on NCCL restoration longevity. This study aims to evaluate a 42-month performance of four dentin adhesive systems used for the restorative treatment of NCCLs. NCCLs were randomly divided into four groups: (1) Scotchbond multi-purpose (MP); 2: Single bond plus (SB); 3: Scotchbond SE (SE); and 4: Easy bond (EB). NCCLs (125) were randomly distributed: (1) MP; (2) SB; (3) SE; and (4) EB and were restored with a nanofilled resin-composite, evaluated along 18-36-42 months. Kruskal-Wallis test: Comparison among the adhesive systems in each period. Friedman analysis: Comparison along the periods. Kaplan-Meier: Survival analysis. Baseline and 42-month retention (RET) rates (%) were 100/100 for MP; 100/94.74 for SB; 100/87.5 for SE; and 100/100 for EB. The cumulative failure percentage was 9.52% for MP, 9.52% SB, 15.8% SE, and 10% EB. Restorations survival was not dependent on the used adhesive type. Marginal adaptation (MA) was similar to each group, but EB presented noticeable marginal deterioration. Wear was noticed in the 3-step etch-and-rinse (MP) restorations evaluated after 42 months. For the EB, baseline and 18-month wear evaluation were statistically similar. After 36 and 42 months, wear was also similar for EB. Adhesive systems showed similar performance within most important adhesive bonding efficiency achievement parameters: RET, MA, interfacial staining, recurrent caries, and postoperative sensitivity evaluated during 42 months.