Test Day Research Articles

Relationships between hourly cognitive variability and risk of Alzheimer's disease revealed with mixed-effects location scale models.

Observational studies on aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD) typically focus on mean-level changes in cognitive performance over relatively long periods of time (years or decades). Additionally, some studies have examined how trial-level fluctuations in speeded reaction time are related to both age and AD. The aim of the current project was to describe patterns of variability across repeated days of testing as a function of AD risk in cognitively normal older adults. The current project examined the performance of the Ambulatory Research in Cognition (ARC) smartphone application, a high-frequency remote cognitive assessment paradigm, that administers brief tests of episodic memory, spatial working memory, and processing speed. Bayesian mixed-effects location scale models were used to explore differences in mean cognitive performance and intraindividual variability across 28 repeated sessions over a 1-week assessment interval as function of age and genetic risk of AD, specifically the presence of at least one apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele. Mean performance on processing speed and working memory was negatively related to age and APOE status. More importantly, e4 carriers exhibited increased session-level variability on a test of processing speed compared to noncarriers. Age and education did not consistently relate to cognitive variability, contrary to expectations. Preclinical AD risk, defined as possessing at least one APOE ε4 allele, is not only associated with mean-level performance differences, but also with increases in variability across repeated testing occasions particularly on a test of processing speed. Thus, cognitive variability may serve as an additional and important indicator of AD risk. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Test-retest reliability and agreement of remote home-based functional capacity self-administered assessments in community-dwelling, socially isolated older adults.

To determine the test-retest reliability and agreement of home-based functional capacity self-administered assessments in socially isolated older adults. Fourteen community-dwelling older adults (eight females, 67.9 ± 7.7 years) volunteered for this study. Before testing, participants were screened online for eligibility and received instructional videos explaining test set-up and execution. Participants underwent the 30-second sit-to-standing test, gait speed tests at the usual pace, and timed-up-and-go tests administered 4 weeks apart. For the 30-second sit-to-standing protocol, participants were instructed to repeatedly sit and stand from a chair (with a height of ∼ 43 cm and without armrests) for 30 s, with the number of repetitions recorded. In the gait speed test protocol, participants were instructed to walk at their usual and comfortable pace, with the time taken recorded (seconds). In the timed-up-and-go, participants stood up from a chair, walked as fast as possible for 3 m, circled a marked point, and returned to the chair to sit down, completing the test, with the score recorded (seconds). A trained researcher conducted the scoring virtually via synchronous video. 30-second sit-to-standing, gait speed test, and timed-up-and-go showed excellent mean coefficient of variation values (2.0-4.9), small standard error of measurement (0.08-1.27), excellent intraclass coefficient (0.97-0.99), very strong correlations (0.97-0.99) and good agreement between the two days of testing. Self-administered functional capacity tests performed by older adults at home were reliable with good agreement. Healthcare professionals and older adults should take advantage of simple remote self-administered assessments performed at home to evaluate older adults' health status.

Testing solar cookers for cooking efficiency

Solar Cookers International (SCI) staff developed and implemented a calculation to measure the cooking efficiency of solar thermal cookers. The calculation complements and enhances SCI's existing performance evaluation process (PEP), which can now be used for determining both the standard cooking power and the cooking efficiency for solar thermal cookers. The standard cooking power value is a single measure of solar cooker performance taken when the temperature of the test water load is specifically 50 °C greater than ambient temperature. Cooking efficiency values extend the perspective of solar cooker performance, as they are applicable to a continuum of load temperature measurements made during a heating cycle. Cooking efficiency is the ratio of energy absorbed by the solar cooking load divided by the input solar energy intercepted by the device during a test interval. Examples of cooking efficiency calculations using water loads during three days of testing for an anonymous group of different types of solar cookers are: solar box oven (18.9 %), reflective-panel solar cooker (28.5 %), parabolic reflector (35.2 %), and evacuated-tube solar cooker (34.6 %).

Оценка антибактериальных свойств монослойных покрытий Cu-Nb и Cu-Ta на биомедицинском сплаве Ti-6Al-4V

The aim of this study: Evaluation of the antibacterial properties of two-component metal coatings based on Cu-Ta and Cu-Nb applied to samples from the biomedical Ti-6Al-4V alloy by magnetron sputtering. Methods. Two-component metal coatings based on Cu-Ta and Cu-Nb were obtained by magnetron sputtering with joint spraying of targets made of pure metals Cu, Nb, Ta. The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of the coatings were evaluated in vitro using the disk diffusion method, also known as the radial diffusion method in agar. Results. It was found that coatings with a thickness of 10 microns demonstrated varying degrees of antimicrobial efficacy during three days of testing: the maximum inhibition zone of the Ta-Cu coating reached 24.0 mm for S. Aureus and 17.0 mm for C. Albicans. For Nb-Cu coating, the maximum inhibition zone reached 25.0 mm for S. Aureus and 15.5 mm for C. Albicans. Conclusions. The optimal parameters of direct current magnetron sputtering of Ta-Cu Nb-Cu antibacterial thin films on Ti-6Al-4V alloy substrates have been selected. The antimicrobial effect of Ta-Cu and Nb-Cu coatings is more effective against bacteria than against fungi, and with the same thickness, Ta-Cu coatings are better suited to protect the endoprosthesis from microbial infections than Nb-Cu coatings. Ta-Cu and Nb-Cu coatings are promising for the production of endoprosthesis implants with increased surface resistance to both bacteria and fungi. The results obtained are promising for the development of technologies for obtaining coatings for medical implants with increased bactericidal and biocompatible surface properties.

Identifying cows at risk of subclinical ketosis as part of the milk recording of dairy cattle in Poland in 2014-2022

In 2013, the Polish Federation of Cattle Breeders and Dairy Farmers introduced a new service – identifying cows in a state of subclinical ketosis (SK). Based on the content of ketone bodies in milk, i.e. β-hydroxybutyrate and acetone determined in a milk sample taken on the day of the trial milking, cows that were probably in the SK state on the test day are identified using a logistic regression model. Such cows are indicated to breeders in the reports from milk recording. The aim of the study was to analyze the incidence of SK in the recorded population. During 10 years of SK monitoring, the incidence of SK in cows decreased with each subsequent year. SK occurred more often in cows with lower milk yield and in smaller herds. The results indicate a constant improvement in the health situation of recorded cows in Poland, in the context of the incidence of SK.

Reproducibility of a New Method to Assess Endothelial Function According to Peripheral Arterial Volume

Background: The assessment of endothelial function is crucial for understanding cardiovascular disease progression. Reliable, convenient non-invasive methods are necessary for evaluating endothelial function. Peripheral arterial volume (PAV), measured at the fingertip, is a novel approach for which limited reproducibility data are available. Hence, this study was aimed at evaluating PAV measurement reproducibility in a clinical setting. Method: A total of 152 consecutive patients (average age 55.8 ± 12.3 years, 83 men) with chest pain were included in the study. PAV tests were conducted on the same day. The amplitude ratio before and after application of pressure, along with the reference ratio, were recorded to calculate the PAV. Medical baseline data for these patients were gathered from the hospital’s records. Result: On test days, the PAV results from repeated measurements were 1.15 ± 0.33 and 1.15 ± 0.31 (P = 0.99), indicating no significant difference between measurements in all participants. The mean difference was 0.00 ± 0.32, thus indicating no systematic errors, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.66. Furthermore, age, sex, and BMI did not influence PAV reproducibility. Conclusion: PAV measurement is feasible and exhibited excellent reproducibility among all enrolled patients. As a novel fingertip measurement, PAV has promise as a convenient and accurate method for assessing endothelial function in adults.

The relationship between off-ice testing and on-ice performance in male youth Ice hockey players.

Ice hockey demands a unique blend of physical fitness and skill, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing on-ice performance. The present study was designed to examine the relationship between off-ice and on-ice performance measures in male, youth, ice hockey players. Eleven minor hockey players (Age = 9.8 ± 1.1 years) participated in two testing days: (1) off-ice and (2) on-ice assessments. Off-ice assessments included maximal aerobic power, anaerobic fitness, muscular strength (handgrip and single leg squat), muscular endurance (curl-ups and push-ups), muscular power (standing long jump and vertical jump), and 30 m sprinting speed and acceleration. On-ice testing included a 15.2 m maximum speed test, a 6.1 m acceleration test with a continuation into a 47.9 m top speed test, an agility cornering S turn test, and a shot velocity test. Twenty-four out of 33 off-ice variables were significantly correlated with at least one of the 11 on-ice performance variables. From those 24, 10 were included as predictors for at least one of the on-ice performance variables. Each model was composed of either one or two predictors, where the most common predictors were 30 m Run - Split (6.1 m) Sprint time and 30 m Run - Total (30 m) Sprint Max speed (included in four out of 11 models each). The prediction formulas R2 and coefficient of variation ranged from 0.63% to 0.96% and 1.2% to 15.3%, respectively. Diverse off-ice measures of aerobic fitness, anaerobic power, muscular strength, power, and endurance, and sprinting speed, acceleration, and agility are predictive of on-ice performance. The insights gained from this study contribute to the refinement of assessment protocols, fostering a comprehensive approach to optimizing player performance and potential. Understanding the connection between objective off-ice testing and on-ice performance can support tailored training programs and player development in male youth ice hockey.

Determining the sweet detection threshold of COVID-19 patients during infection and recovery periods.

The loss of taste and smell is a common symptom of COVID-19, affecting individuals' quality of life and nutritional status. Detecting sweet thresholds during infection and recovery periods can assist in implementing dietary modifications and nutritional strategies for these patients. To investigate the changes and differences in sweet detection thresholds of confirmed COVID-19 patients on Day 1, Day 10, and Day 14 of the infection and recovery periods. The demographic factors such as gender, smoking status, BMI, and age group were abstracted on Excel sheet from the medical health records for confirmed COVID-19 patients, who were admitted to King Fahad General Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a COVID-19 care facility, from September 2021 to July 2022. Sweet detection thresholds were determined using a pair-wise comparison procedure and sugar solutions with varying concentrations, arranged in ascending order and presented to participants until the lowest detected concentration was noted after three consecutive positive detections, with the median just noticeable difference (JND) value calculated as the population average threshold. Sensory tests were conducted on COVID-19 patients during their infection and recovery periods to evaluate their taste sensation thresholds. The demographic factors of gender, smoking status, BMI, and age group were considered in the analysis. A total of 37 patients who met the inclusion criteria of the study were enrolled as participants. Significant variances in sweet detection thresholds were observed among the COVID-19 patients, with consistent decreases over the three testing days, indicating increasing sucrose sensitivity. Infected men showed significant returns to sweet detection thresholds on Day 14 compared to women, while infected smokers exhibited greater recoveries than non-smokers. Overweight patients had consistently elevated thresholds and recovery rates that were comparable to those of normal-weight patients by Day 14, while younger patients had lower thresholds than their older counterparts. On Day 14, the thresholds had significantly recovered to a level comparable to that of healthy individuals (approximately 0.23%). These findings suggest that sweet detection thresholds can be used as a marker for assessing the progression and recovery of COVID-19 patients. These findings highlight the importance of recognizing and managing alterations in sweet detection thresholds promptly in COVID-19 patients, as this could positively impact dietary management, nutritional recommendations, and interventions during infection and recovery periods.

Effect of Liver Dysfunction on S-1 Therapy Induced Adverse Effects: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Renal dysfunction necessitates S-1 dose reduction. However, decreased dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) activity may lead to adverse events due to 5-FU. The guidelines provided by pharmaceutical companies state that total bilirubin (T-Bil) should be ≤upper limit of normal (ULN)×1.5 as a reference value for safely taking S-1. Nevertheless, the relationship between the degree of liver dysfunction and S-1 dose reduction has not been clearly established. This study focused on patients who received S-1 monotherapy for various types of cancer. The primary outcome was defined as the variation between blood sampling results on the test day and the subsequent test. The variation data were categorized based on the difference in T-Bil: Low T-Bil group (≤2.25) and High T-Bil group (>2.25). The number of patients that underwent S-1 monotherapy was 883 and the running number was 7,511; Low T-Bil group included 7,245 and High T-Bil group included 266. Examination of the effect of the T-Bil Group on clinical outcomes revealed a correlation with red blood cell (RBC) count, platelet (PLT) count, and T-Bil level. When the impact of the interaction between the T-Bil Group and any of the clinical outcomes, such as the RBC count, PLT count, and T-Bil level, was determined, each outcome showed a significant decrease in the High T-Bil group compared with the Low T-Bil group. S-1 administration in patients with liver dysfunction accompanied by elevated T-Bil levels may cause thrombocytopenia.

Countermovement Jump and Isometric Strength Test–Retest Reliability in English Premier League Academy Football Players

Purpose: To examine the test–retest reliability of countermovement jump (CMJ) and isometric strength testing measures in elite-level under-18 and under-23 academy football players. Methods: A total of 36 players performed 3 maximal CMJs and isometric abductor (IABS), adductor (IADS), and posterior chain (IPCS) strength tests on 2 separate test days using dual force plates (CMJ and IPCS) and a portable strength testing device (IABS and IADS). Relative (intraclass correlation coefficient) and absolute (coefficient of variation, standard error of the measurement, and minimal detectable change [MDC%]) reliabilities for 34 CMJ, 10 IABS, 10 IADS, and 11 IPCS measures were analyzed using between-sessions best, mean, and within-session methods. Results: For all methods, relative reliability was good to excellent for all CMJ and all IADS measures and poor to good for all IABS and IPCS measures. Absolute reliability was good (ie, coefficient of variation < 10%) for 27 (best) and 28 (mean) CMJ variables and for 6 (IABS and IADS) and 2 (IPCS) isometric measures. Commonly used CMJ measures (jump height, eccentric duration, and flight-time:contraction-time ratio) had good to excellent relative reliability and an MDC% range of 14.6% to 23.7%. Likewise, commonly used isometric peak force measures for IABS, IADS, and IPCS had good to excellent relative reliability and an MDC% range of 22.2% to 26.4%. Conclusions: Commonly used CMJ and isometric strength measures had good test–retest reliability but might be limited by their MDC%. Rate-of-force-development measures (for all isometric tests) and impulse measures (IPCS) are limited by poor relative and absolute reliability and high MDC%. MDC% statistics should be considered in the context of typical responsiveness.

Influence of fine aggregate types for the achievement of concrete quality

Fine aggregates in the form of sand are granulated materials, which generally measure between 0.0625 to 2 millimeters. Sand as a fine aggregate mixed with cement and water becomes a concrete mixture that has a role in the strength of construction. This study aims to determine how much influence the fine aggregates or sand of four different mining sites have on the compressive strength of concrete. The method used is an experiment, based on the results of laboratory tests of compressive strength tests at the age of concrete 7, 14 and 28 days for fc’25 or 25 MPa quality concrete with a mix of designs for fine aggregates from Leles sand, Kuyamut sand, Cikamiri sand, and Cilopang sand, Garut Regency West Java Province Indonesia. The aggregates tested include moisture content, sludge content, organic content, dry saturation, waand ter absorption affects the quality of concrete and improves quality strength with the same treatment for laboratory testing. The results of the analysis with 28 days of concrete compressive strength testing obtained the achievement of the highest concrete strength, namely with Cilopang sand 27 MPa, allowed by Kuyamut sand 26 Mpa, Leles sand 25 MPa and Cikamiri sand 23 MPa. Based on the results of concrete strength testing for up to 28 days, there are three sources of fine aggregates that can reach a minimum of fc’ 25, and there is one sand source that has a compressive strength value of concrete.

A Longitudinal Examination of Post-COVID-19 Mortality in Residents in Long-Term Care Homes.

The most adverse outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic include high post-infection mortality among long-term care (LTC) home residents. Research about mortality over a longer period after contracting COVID-19 and in different pandemic years is limited. In the current study, we examined outcomes for 1,596 LTC residents from the day of a positive COVID-19 test until January 31, 2023. We reported all-cause mortality 30 days after contracting COVID-19 and monthly throughout the follow-up, up to 35 months after the pandemic start. We also examined mortality among 2,724 residents residing in the same LTC homes, with no history of COVID-19 during the same period. The results underscored a large number of deaths in the first month post-infection, with 30-day mortality substantially decreasing over the years-from 28% (95% CI [24.3, 31.8]) among residents contracting COVID-19 in 2020, to 8.3% (95% CI [7.4, 9.2]) in the 2022 cohort. Observed over longer periods, monthly mortality among residents with a COVID-19 history was similar to mortality in the No-COVID residents, and no evidence was found of increased mortality risk in the COVID group beyond the first post-infection month. We discuss mortality in LTC during the pandemic and a continuing need to reduce mortality in the acute phase of COVID-19.

Child-centered home service design for a family robot companion.

The home robot-based child activity service aims to cultivate children's social emotions. A design theme was produced by interviewing child development experts and parents. The activity service is composed of 50 plays and 70 conversations. These were developed based on activities from psychomotor therapy and the guidelines of Ministry of Early Childhood Education in South Korea. In the field test, 50 children aged five-seven years participated to experience the activity services at home for 4 days. After completing the 4 days of field testing, we conducted customer satisfaction (CSAT) surveys, Godspeed evaluations and interviews to quantitatively and qualitatively verify the evaluations by the children and parents. As a result, 92% of the children and 80% of the parents evaluated that they were satisfied with the service. In addition, our results revealed that the social robot-based service contributed to improving the relationship between children and families by functioning as a messenger. Finally, the lessons learned from the service development and field tests were discussed to aid service designers and robotics engineers.

Diosmin protects the testicles from doxorubicin-induced damage by increasing steroidogenesis and suppressing oxido-inflammation and apoptotic mediators.

Cancer chemotherapy with doxorubicin (DOX) has been linked to serious testicular damage and spermatotoxicity due to the induction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Thus, the current study was carried out to assess the potential ameliorative impact of diosmin, an antioxidant drug, against DOX-mediated spermatoxicity and testicular injury in rats. In the experimental protocol, rats were grouped into 4: Group 1 received vehicle and saline for 8 weeks while group 2 received diosmin and saline concomitantly for 8 weeks. Group 3 was given 3 mg/kg intraperitoneal DOX once every 7 days for 8 weeks. Group 4 was given 40 mg/kg of diosmin orally for 56 days followed by DOX diosmin administration after one hour. After 56 days of treatment, sperm quality, hormonal testing, biochemical parameters, and histological alterations in the testes were evaluated. DOX-induced reduce spermatogenic function, testicular 3- and 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, and serum follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone. It also enhanced inflammation, testicular oxidative damage, and apoptosis. The histopathologic examinations corroborated the biochemical results obtained. Significantly, diosmin treatment reduced DOX-induced injury, as evidenced by restored testicular architecture, increased steroidogenesis, preservation of spermatogenesis, suppression of oxide-inflammatory response, and apoptosis. It was found that through diosmin antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-oxido-inflammatory it presents a possible therapeutic alternative for protecting testicular tissue against DOX's harmful effects.

Enhanced bioavailability through quality by design optimization of ceritinib nanostructured lipid carriers: Formulation, characterization, and stability evaluation

Ceritinib is a lung cancer treatment that inhibits the Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK). ALK is a protein involved in cell signaling and growth regulation. Initially discovered in anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK has since been found to play critical roles in various cancers and neurodevelopmental processes. Targeted therapies that inhibit ALK have revolutionized treatment for ALK-positive cancers, improving outcomes significantly. Research continues to explore ALK’s intricate mechanisms and its potential as a therapeutic target beyond oncology, highlighting its broad biological importance. In this study, Ceritinib-drug loaded nanostructured lipid carriers were produced using a modified homogenization process by increasing number of homogenisation cycles followed by probe sonication. A central composite design was utilised to investigate the effect of liquid lipid (A), emulsifier (B), and co-surfactant (C) concentrations on particle size (Response 1) and entrapment efficiency (Response 2). The specific impacts of these parameters on particle size and entrapment efficiency were shown in response surfaces, using Derringer’s desirability technique. Formulation 8 with 0.1% Capmul, 0.15% egg lecithin, and 0.37% poloxamer 188 was subjected to further evaluation as it had minimal particle size and maximum entrapment efficiency. The SEM analysis was performed to confirm the size of the particle which was within the nano range. The in vitro studies indicated the maximum drug release (84.6%±2.3% in 12 hours) from that of the marketed formulation (54.2%±2.5% in 12 hours). After 90 days of stability testing, there was no significant variation (p < 0.05) in parameters like particle size and entrapment efficiency.

Possibilities of Using “BUGA” Named Software for Breeding Value Estimation of Anatolian Water Buffalo Population of Istanbul

In this study, variance components and breeding value estimations of Anatolian water buffaloes were estimated from the data obtained within the scope of community based water buffalo improvement program of Anatolian water buffalo population of İstanbul. The "BUGA" named software, which was started to be developed with the support of Harran University Scientific Research Project Unit (HUBAP) for use in the estimation of (co)variance components and breeding value were used in this study. The BUGA software used in the research can predict genetic and environmental effects together with variance components as Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) with the Restricted Maximum Log likelihood (REML) method. Unlike its counterparts of another software of foreign origin, it has a visual interface. The language of use is Turkish. The dataset includes records such as city, district, village, genealogy information, date of birth, gender, calving date, lactation parity, number of test day milk yield, lactation milk yield and previous calving date of 442 Anatolian buffaloes raised in this population. The records were analysed using the repeatability model with BUGA software and the additive genetic and permanent environmental effects of all animals in the dataset were estimated. Random environment variance, genotypic variance and permanent environment variance values were estimated as 107112.60 kg2, 20045.22 kg2 and 1259.50 kg2, respectively, while heritability (h2) and degree of repeatability (r) were determined as 0.1561 and 0.1659, respectively. The results obtained as an example of case study applied for the possibility of usage the BUGA software in the estimation of genetic parameters and breeding values showed that BUGA software can be easily used in farm recording conditions with the advantage of friendly user features.

Calming Hungarian Grey Cattle in Headlocks Using Processed Nasal Vocalization of a Mother Cow.

Sound analysis is an important field of research for improving precision livestock farming systems. If the information carried by livestock sounds is interpreted correctly, it could be used to improve management and welfare assessment in this field. Therefore, we hypothesized that the nasal vocalization of a mother cow could have a calming effect on conspecifics. The nasal vocalization in our study was recorded from a mother cow (not part of the test herd) while it was licking its day-old calf. The raw sound was analyzed, cleaned from noises, and the most representative vocalization was lengthened to two minutes. Thirty cows having calves were randomly selected from eighty Hungarian grey cattle cows. Two test days were selected, one week apart; the weather circumstances in both days were similar. The herd was collected in a paddock, and the test site (a restraining crate with a headlock) was 21 m away from them. The cows from the herd were gently moved to the restraining crate, and, after the installation of the headlock, Polar® heart rate monitors were fixed on the animals. The recording of the RR intervals was carried out for two minutes. On day one of the test, the processed nasal sound was played to every second cow during the heart rate monitoring. When the sound ended, the heart rate monitor was removed. On test day two, the sound and no sound treatments were switched among the participating cows. At the end of the measurement, the headlock was opened, letting the animals out voluntarily, and a flight test was performed along a 5 m distance. The time needed to pass the 5 m length was measured with a stopwatch and divided by the distance. The RR intervals were analyzed with the Kubios HRV Standard (ver. 3.5.0) software. The following data were recorded for the entire measurement: average and maximum heart rate; SD1 and SD2; pNN50; VLF, LF, and HF. The quasi-periodic signal detected in the sound analyses can hardly be heard, even when it is enhanced to the maximum. This can be considered a vibration probably caused by the basis of articulation, such as a vibration of the tongue, for example. The SD2/SD1 ratio (0.97 vs. 1.07 for the animals having no sound and sound played, respectively, p = 0.0110) and the flight speed (0.92 vs. 1.08 s/m for the animals having no sound and sound played, respectively, p = 0.0409) indicate that the sound treatment had a calming effect on the restrained cows. The day of the test did not influence any of the measured parameters; therefore, no effect of the routine was observed. The yes-no sequence of the sound treatment significantly reduced the pNN50 and flight speed values, suggesting a somewhat more positive association with the headlock and the effectiveness of the processed nasal sound. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that, by means of sound analyses, not only information about individuals and the herd can be gathered but that, with proper processing, the sound obtained can be used to improve animal welfare.

Patterns of ingestion of rats during chronic oral administration of lithium chloride

Chronic lithium administration to rodents is used to explore the potential neural mechanisms of mood stabilization, as well as to model the side effects of chronic lithium on multiple organ systems. Oral administration of lithium in the maintenance diet or drinking water is convenient, but lithium can acutely affect intake and it can mediate acquisition of conditioned taste aversions (CTA). We compared ad libitum food and fluid intake by male rats with LiCl or NaCl solutions as their sole source of fluid across 20 days, with a commonly used dosage of LiCl (24 mM: 1 g / L LiCl). To quantify the pattern of intake, rats were housed in cages equipped with lickometers to detect licks and infrared photobeams to detect food access with 6-s resolution. To determine if rats formed a CTA to LiCl, they were subsequently tested with access to NaCl. Rats showed an immediate avoidance of the LiCl solution, as seen on the first day of access by an increased latency to initiate drinking and a decreased size of drinking bouts. Rats showed a differential response to LiCl vs. NaCl after as few as 5 licks. Chronic consumption of LiCl solution led to significantly decreased food and fluid intake compared to baseline, with concomitant weight loss. The decreased intake was realized by marked changes in the pattern of drinking and feeding bouts: a decrease in per-lick volume and a decrease in licks per drinking bout, and an increase in feeding bout duration resulting in an overall decrease in eating rate. Conversely, chronic NaCl access led to an increase in drinking bout number and licks/bout. The avoidance of LiCl was likely a combination of toxic effects of ingested LiCl and rapid acquisition of a learned aversion to the taste of LiCl, as shown by an extinguishable generalized aversion to NaCl solution during subsequent NaCl test days. The marked effect of chronic oral LiCl on ingestion may impact the oral dosing of lithium as well as the rat's metabolic status.

An English Placement Test at Three Different Periods: The Implementation and the Test Administrators’ Views

<p>This paper aims to explore the practice of an English placement test at one of the English education programs during three different testing periods (before the COVID-19 pandemic, during the pandemic, and after the pandemic). Further, the study sought to investigate the views of the test administrators, mainly focusing on the challenges they faced administering the test during the period mentioned. Using a qualitative case study approach, the researchers gathered the data from the results of observations and final reflections of the test administrators. The findings revealed that the placement test in three different periods applied similar three consecutive stages: the pre-testing stage, the testing day, and the post-testing stage. The goal of the test is also similar to that it is used to gauge the newly intake students entering TBIP. Rather than grouping students for specific classes, the placement test was conducted as a part of need analysis strategies to understand students’ English proficiency levels. While the placement tests before and after the pandemic have similarities, especially in preparation activities, the test format, and the test delivery, the placement test during COVID-19 differs. Despite those issues, the placement test administrators believed the test brought additional benefits. In addition to gauging the newly intake students’ English proficiency, the placement test was a way to start building positive relationships with students before meeting in an actual class. Hence, the test administrators have mixed feelings upon administering the placement test. Some final thoughts conclude the papers. </p>

Acute self-myofascial release modulates cardiac autonomic function and hemodynamic parameters at rest and reduces cardiovascular stress reaction

PurposeSelf-myofascial release (SMR) is a form of self-massage aiming to release tension, improve blood flow, and alleviate muscle soreness. This study aimed to determine whether a single session of SMR could impact cardiovascular parameters at rest and during a cold pressor test (CPT).MethodsTwenty male participants (aged 26 ± 2 years) underwent a 20-min SMR and a 20-min seated control condition (CON) on two separate test days in a randomized order. Peripheral and central blood pressure (BP), total peripheral resistance (TPR), pulse wave velocity (PWV), heart rate (HR), root mean square of successive RR interval differences (RMSSD), and the quotient of low-frequency power and high-frequency power (LF/HF) were measured both at rest and during a CPT before (t0), 2 min (t1), and 20 min (t2) after the SMR and CON.ResultsTime × condition interactions could be detected for peripheral and central diastolic BP, TPR, HR, and RMSSD. Following the SMR, peripheral diastolic BP, central diastolic BP, TPR, and RMSSD were reduced, while HR was increased compared to the CON. Regarding the CPT time × condition interactions could be detected for peripheral, and central diastolic BP, with lower values after SMR.ConclusionThe results of the present study suggest that a single bout of SMR confers favorable cardiovascular benefits in healthy normotensive individuals. Furthermore, SMR can attenuate the hemodynamic reactivity to a stress test. Future research should address whether regular SMR leads to chronic adaptations similar to regular, moderate aerobic exercise, massage therapy, and static stretching.