Timing Of Intake Research Articles

Continuous QTc monitoring for patients intoxicated with QTc prolonging medication in the ED: a proof of principle.

Background: To determine when patients presenting with an overdose of QT-interval prolonging drugs can be discharged safely can be challenging, especially when the moment of intoxication and/or the substance(s) ingested are unknown. Objective: In a proof of principle study, we aimed to study if continuous QTc interval analysis can be used to establish optimal observation duration of patients with an intoxication with QTc prolonging medication. Methods: For patients presenting with an intoxication with QT-interval prolonging drugs in the emergency department (ED), ECG signals sampled at 500Hz were pre-processed, and the average heart rate corrected QT-interval (QTc) per 5 minutes was calculated and plotted against time. A third order polynomial was fitted to visualize when the QTc would be highest (the electrophysiological Tmax). This point in time was compared to the estimated Tmax based on pharmacokinetic properties of the ingested substance. Results: In a retrospective biobank-based study, a total of 22 ED visits (of 15 patients) were analyzed. An electrophysiological Tmax could be calculated for 17/22 visits. The remaining five patients presented either long after the electrophysiological Tmax (n=4) or were admitted to the ward before reaching the Tmax (n=1). The average (SD) difference between the estimated Tmax based on drug properties and the calculated electrophysiological Tmax was 18 (133) minutes (range -158-296 minutes). Despite the wide range, there was a significant correlation between recorded electrophysiological Tmax and estimated Tmax (r=0.67, p=0.012). Conclusion: Continuous electrophysiological monitoring can be used as an adjunct to determine the toxicokinetic Tmax for patients presenting with an intoxication, especially when the time of ingestion or the substance ingested are unknown.

Guavira Fruit Pomace Promotes Immunomodulation and Reduction of Tumor Growth in Walker 256 Tumor-Bearing Rats

Background: Guavira fruit is widely used for juice extraction purposes, and this process generates large amounts of pomace (waste). Guavira pomace was dried and milled to produce guavira pomace flour (GPF), which is rich in antioxidants and dietary fibers (polysaccharides). These compounds are known for their immunomodulatory and antitumor effects. Objective: To investigate whether GPF intake promotes immunomodulation and reduces Walker 256 tumor growth in rats. Methods: GPF was provided to Wistar rats in two different models: 1) 15-day Model, according to which, Walker 256 tumor-bearing rats received GPF (63 mg/200 g b.w./day) simultaneously to tumor growth for 15 days; 2) 45-day Model, according to which, tumor-bearing rats received GPF for 30 days before tumor cell implantation, as well as during tumor growth - it totaled 45 days. After animals were euthanized, tumors were collected and weighed, and tumor cells were isolated for proliferation capacity determination ex vivo. Enzymatic/colorimetric methods were used to determine resident peritoneal macrophages’ functionality, whereas blood T and B lymphocytes were assayed for proliferation capacity, ex vivo, under stimuli. Results: The 15-day Model did not show tumor mass or cell proliferation reduction in the treated group. GPF stimulated macrophage response in tumor-bearing and non-tumor-bearing rats. However, there was a substantial reduction in tumor mass and tumor cell proliferation under the 45-day Model. Macrophage and lymphocyte response decreased; it suggested that GPF can directly act in the tumor. Conclusion: Based on these findings, GPF has immunomodulatory and antitumor actions, and ingestion time plays a key role in them.

Live black soldier fly larvae as environmental enrichment for native chickens: implications for bird performance, welfare, and excreta microbiota

Dietary live insect larvae were recently proposed for use in laying hens and broiler−intensive chicken farming as an innovative form of environmental enrichment, but their use in native dual-purpose chickens has never been investigated. This study aims to evaluate the effects of live black soldier fly (BSF) larvae as environmental enrichment in two autochthonous dual-purpose chicken breeds, namely Bionda Piemontese (BP) and Bianca di Saluzzo (BS), in terms of bird performance, behaviour, integument status, excreta corticosterone metabolites (ECMs), and microbiota analyses. A total of 90 BP and 90 BS hens aged 308 days old were randomly distributed between two treatment groups (three replicates/group/breed, 15 hens/replicate). For the following 90 days, the control group (C) was fed a commercial feed only, whereas the BSF group was fed the commercial diet plus BSF live larvae calculated at 6% of the expected daily feed intake (DFI). Larva ingestion time, bird performance, integument scores, and behavioural observations were assessed at regular intervals, and excreta samples were collected to evaluate ECM and microbiota. The larva ingestion time became faster over the course of the experimental trial (P < 0.001). The DFI of BSF-fed hens was lower than that of C hens independently of breed (P < 0.001), whereas only in the BS hens, the live weight of the BSF-fed group was greater than that of the C group (P < 0.01). The BSF-fed BP hens showed a higher laying rate and feed conversion ratio compared with BSF-BS (P < 0.05). Better total integument scores were observed in BSF-fed BP hens compared with C-birds (P < 0.05). The BSF-fed hens displayed higher frequencies of preening, trotting, and wing flapping than C, as well as a lower incidence of severe feather pecking (P < 0.05). An increase in allopreening was only identified in BSF-fed BS hens with respect to the C hens (P < 0.001). No differences in ECM and faecal microbiota were observed between treatment groups. In conclusion, the administration of BSF live larvae as environmental enrichment has the potential to positively influence the welfare of both BP and BS chickens, by enhancing the frequency of positive behaviours whilst reducing severe feather pecking, without affecting their excreta microbiota. BSF larva administration also has the potential to improve the productive performance and the plumage status of the BP breed.

Kinetic sand! A tale of sandy times

AbstractKinetic magnetic sand, composed of ultra‐fine sand and dimethicone in a 98%–2% ratio, is a versatile sensory toy known for its moldable properties and structural stability (1). Despite the name, it lacks actual magnetic features. Ingesting kinetic sand can pose risks, including choking and gastrointestinal issues, especially in young children. This case report details a unique incident involving a 3‐year‐old who ingested a significant amount of kinetic sand. Although the sand's ingredients are generally hypoallergenic and nontoxic, its grainy texture presented challenges for retrieval. The patient was closely monitored, and ultimately, the sand passed without complications. While no official guidelines exist for managing such cases, individual assessments, considering factors such as ingestion time, symptoms, and age, are crucial for determining the appropriate course of action, which may range from observation to more invasive procedures like endoscopy or surgery.

Assessing core body temperature in a cool marathon using two pill ingestion strategies

Abstract Objectives The purpose was to directly assess in-competition thermoregulatory responses in recreational runners during a city marathon conducted in cool, ambient conditions using a two-pill ingestion strategy. Methods Thirty-two recreational runners (age: 38.7 ± 10.2 years, mass: 73.9 ± 11.0 kg, height: 177 ± 8 cm) were invited to participate in this study. Core temperature was continuously assessed using telemetric ingestible pills. Each runner swallowed two pills: the first pill (Pill 1) 11 h:47 min ± 1 h:01 min pre-race (before overnight sleep) and the second (Pill 2) 2 h:35 min ± 0 h:54 min pre-race (on wakening). Results Pre-race core temperature for Pill 1 was significantly different from Pill 2, with values of 37.4 ± 0.4 °C and 37.1 ± 0.6 °C, respectively (p=0.006). The mean core temperature during the race was higher for Pill 1 compared to Pill 2 (38.5 ± 0.5 °C and 37.8 ± 1.0 °C, respectively; p&lt;0.001). Peak core temperature was higher for Pill 1 compared to Pill 2 (39.1 ± 0.5 °C and 38.8 ± 0.5 °C, respectively; p=0.03). Post-race core temperature was higher for Pill 1 compared to Pill 2 (38.8 ± 0.7 °C and 38.1 ± 1.3 °C, respectively; p=0.02). Conclusions The timing of pill ingestion significantly impacted core temperature and hence timing of pill ingestion should be standardised (5 h:30 min–7 h prior to measurement). Despite the relatively cool ambient conditions during the race, a significant number of runners achieved a high core body temperature (≥39 °C), which was not accompanied by any signs of heat illness.

Calcium chloride seed priming: A dual-action strategy for enhancing Cyrtorhinus lividipennis attraction and deterring brown planthopper infestations in rice

This investigation assessed the impact of calcium chloride (CaCl2) seed priming on the direct and indirect defense mechanisms of rice (Oryzasativa L.) against the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvatalugens (Stål). Our findings revealed that seeds primed with CaCl2 significantly curtailed the survival and developmental rates of BPH nymphs and diminished the honeydew secretion by adult females. The feeding behaviour of BPH on CaCl2-pretreated rice showed an extended non-proboscis handling (np) duration, while the phloem ingestion time (N4-b) and xylem ingestion time (N5) were reduced. Additionally, BPH nymphs exhibited a marked preference for H2O-pretreated plants over CaCl2-primed ones for both feeding and oviposition. Conversely, the natural enemy Cytorhinuslividipennis displayed a heightened preference for preying on BPH nymphs and eggs on CaCl2-primed rice. The treatment with calcium led to an increased release of a diverse range of volatile compounds following BPH infestation, compared to H2O pretreatment. Notably, the volatiles Methyl salicylate and 1-octen-3-ol were identified as the most effective deterrents for BPH and attractants for C.lividipennis, respectively, highlighting their potential role in mediating plant-insect interactions.

Digital medication and patients' right of autonomy in Spain.

The progress the Internet has experienced in recent years has brought about huge changes and social transformation in all aspects of our lives. One such aspect greatly impacted has been our health, where we can talk about the existence of an 'Internet of Medical Things'. Amid this digital drift, we have seen the development of pharmaceutical drugs that provide information to patients and their attending healthcare teams concerning medication, doses ingested, and time of ingestion. These are digital pills or digital medication. In this context, the purpose of my paper is to analyze the ethical and legal impact of digital medication, further analyzing the implications concerning the right of service users to make decisions over their own health in Spain.

Estimating the Energy Expenditure of Grazing Farm Animals Based on Dynamic Body Acceleration.

Indirect methods of measuring the energy expenditure of grazing animals using heartbeat variation or accelerometers are very convenient due to their low cost and low intrusiveness, allowing animals to maintain their usual routine. In the case of accelerometers, it is possible to use them to measure activity, as well as to classify animal behavior, allowing their usage in other scenarios. Despite the obvious convenience of use, it is important to evaluate the measurement error and understand the validity of the measurement through a simplistic method. In this paper, data from accelerometers were used to classify behavior and measure animal activity, and an algorithm was developed to calculate the energy expended by sheep. The results of the energy expenditure calculations were subsequently compared with the values reported in the literature, and it was verified that the values obtained were within the reference ranges. Although it cannot be used as a real metering of energy expended, the method is promising, as it can be integrated with other complementary sources of information, such as the evolution of the animal's weight and ingestion time, thus providing assistance in animals' dietary management.

Patterns of acetaminophen toxicity among patients with low-risk serum concentrations.

In 2012, the Commission on Human Medicines mandated lowering the acetaminophen toxicity nomogram treatment threshold in the UK to 100 µg/ml at 4 h post-ingestion. The present study aim was to evaluate biochemical and liver toxicity patterns in patients who presented with acetaminophen overdose and had low serum acetaminophen concentrations (<150 µg/ml). Patients admitted to the emergency department with a clear history of acute acetaminophen overdose with or without other medication or ethanol were consecutively enrolled into this retrospective cohort study. Patients with serum acetaminophen concentration >150 µg/ml or an unknown ingestion time were excluded. Data were extracted from electronic medical records and are presented as mean ± SD or median (interquartile range). A total of 103 patients were included (median age, 17 [4-21] years) and 80 (78%) were female. The median ingested acetaminophen dose was 5000 (2850-7650) mg. At baseline, the median serum acetaminophen concentration was 42 (4.5-64.8) µg/ml, and median alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were 22 (17-28) and 27 (16-45) IU/L, respectively. Twenty patients were treated with acetylcysteine, with none developing adverse reactions. No patient developed hepatotoxicity, including patients with initial multiple product ingestion or other risk factors. Patients presenting with an acute acetaminophen overdose with acetaminophen level <150 µg/ml, including patients with other risk factors, are at low risk of hepatotoxicity.

Decreasing the Size of Bottle Caps: Helping or Hurting Children?

Our study aims to assess if decreasing bottle cap size was associated with more ingestions and injuries nationally. STUDYDESIGN: Retrospective chart review. The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database. The NEISSwas queried for bottle cap ingestions in children 0 to 18 years old between 2002 and 2021. Demographic factors including age, race, and sex of the patient were recorded. The location where the ingestion took place and the disposition of the patient were also analyzed. Data were excluded if the narrative did not specify the ingestion of a cap of a drinking bottle. A total of 415 bottle cap ingestion injuries were identified, for a national estimate of 11,683 injuries. The mean age at the time of ingestion was 10.3 ± 5.2 years and the majority of the injuries occurred in males (N = 9129, 78.4%). 46.4% (N = 5398) were Caucasian, 17.6% (N = 2046) were Black or African American, and 2.7% (N = 311) were Hispanic. 55.0% (N = 6405) of injuries occurred at an unknown location, 41.4% (N = 4781) occurred at home, and 2.8% (N = 326) occurred at school. 82.3% (N = 9584) of patients were treated in the emergency department and released, 6.9% (N = 808) were treated and admitted, 6.7% (N = 783) were treated and transferred, and 0.9% (N = 110) were held for observation. From 2002 (N = 6) to 2021 (N = 2291), there was a statistically significant increase in bottle cap ingestions (P < .001). Plastic bottle cap ingestions have increased in children over the last 20 years, coincident with the change to smaller bottle caps.

Estimation of the time of zolpidem intake and differentiation between consumption and external contamination using MALDI-MSI for investigations on single hair samples

Estimation of drug ingestion time (event time) and distinguishing between drug ingestion and external contamination are important for interpreting hair analysis results in forensics practice. Here, we present a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) method for in situ analysis of intact hair. We applied a longitudinal cutting method for a single hair to analysis authentic hair samples from a victim of a drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) case and zolpidem-soaked hair. MALDI-MSI showed that zolpidem-positive segments distributed at 4−6 mm or 6−8 mm from the root in three single hairs of a DFSA victim collected 25 days after the event, at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 5.7 pg mm−1, in agreement with the results from segmental analysis using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The estimation of drug intake time was about 20–30 days before sampling, which was consistent with the known time of drug intake. This MALDI-MS method allows imaging analysis of trace substances in a single hair and can realize the intuitive reflection of drug taking time. In addition, zolpidem applied by soaking was mainly distributed on both sides of the longitudinal hair shaft, whereas ingested zolpidem was found only in the middle of the hair shaft of the DFSA victim. The MALDI-MS images of unwashed and washed hair suggested that the amount of externally applied drug was decreased by washing, it was still present on surface layer (cuticle) sides although. Visualization using MALDI-MSI could therefore distinguish between drug ingestion and contamination by reflecting the distribution and deposition site of the drug in hair.

The predictive value of heart rate in determining clinical course after a bupropion overdose

Introduction Bupropion is a popular antidepressant due to its favorable side effect profile and indications for smoking cessation and weight loss. Due to the possibility of delayed onset seizure and other adverse outcomes after bupropion overdose, patients are often observed for periods of 12-24 hours following suspected ingestion. Tachycardia is a clinical predictor that holds promise in differentiating cases at risk for seizures from low-risk cases that do not require prolonged observation. This study assessed whether heart rate within the first eight hours of presentation can identify cases that do not require extended observation. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of all supra-therapeutic bupropion cases from two hospital systems between 2010 and 2022. Results Data from 216 charts were included. Seizures, hypotension, and dysrhythmias occurred in 19 percent (n = 41), 1.4 percent (n = 3), 0.9 percent (n = 2) respectively. One patient died. Delayed adverse effects were rare (n = 4); they occurred from 14 hours to 28 hours post-ingestion. Maximum heart rate in eight hours was associated with a risk of adverse outcomes. (odds ratio, 1.07; 95 percent confidence interval: 1.05 to 1.09; P < 0.001). An eight hour maximum heart rate threshold of 104 beats/minute had a negative predictive value of 100 percent (95 percent confidence interval: 96.7 percent to 100 percent) for the occurrence of delayed adverse effects. All patients with delayed effects had tachycardia within five hours of emergency department arrival. Discussion Delayed adverse outcomes of seizures, hypotension, dysrhythmia, and death were uncommon in this cohort. Heart rate during the first eight hours of observation performs reliably as a screening test to identify patients at low risk for delayed adverse outcomes. This study is limited by its retrospective nature, the inability to ascertain time of ingestion for most cases and the lack of confirmatory laboratory testing. Conclusion This study supports the use of an eight hour observation period when there are no other clinical signs of toxicity to warrant admission and if no co-ingestion or administration of substances that mask tachycardia are present.

Evaluation of Fluid Loading Protocols for Use Before Returning from Spaceflight

Reductions in plasma volume (PV) during spaceflight contribute to post-spaceflight orthostatic intolerance (OI) during re-exposure to a gravitational environment. Both the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Russian Space Agency (RSA) utilize fluid loading prior to re-entry to expand PV and mitigate the risk of post flight OI, but the timing of ingestion differs. Before landing NASA crewmembers consume 1-1.5 L of water with salt tablets to produce an isotonic solution in ~1 hour, whereas RSA cosmonauts consume the same, over ~4 hours. Anecdotal reports suggest low palatability and gastrointestinal (GI) distress with salt tablet and water fluid loading. To address this concern, the NASA Space Food Systems Laboratory developed an electrolyte solution. The purpose of this study is to test the effcacy and palatability of the two fluid loading compositions ingested in 1 hour versus 4 hours. Seven participants (2 Female, 39±9 years, 178.2±9.9 cm, 74.9±8.6 kg) completed four randomized visits separated ≥ 48 hours. The four visits were (1) no fluid loading (control), (2) 4 hour ingestion of the electrolyte solution (4hr-Electro), (3) 1 hour ingestion of the electrolyte solution (1hr-Electro), and (4) 4 hour ingestion of salt tablets and water (4hr-Salt). Participants reported to the lab at ~7:00 a.m. fasted, and PV was measured using a carbon monoxide re-breathing technique. During each visit subjects consumed 500 mL of water representing normal daily water intake through the first five hours of the session along with breakfast and lunch meals identical to those provided to astronauts. During the control visit, no other fluid consumption was allowed. During the three fluid loading visits, participants also consumed up to 1.2 L of additional fluid, either water with salt tablets or the electrolyte solution. After completion of the fluid loading protocol no additional fluid was consumed during the final 3.5 hours of the test. Participants remained seated for all portions of the study. Hemoglobin and hematocrit were measured at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 3.5 hours after cessation of food and fluid intake to assess changes in PV. In these preliminary data, PV was not significantly different from baseline at any timepoint during the control and 4hr-Electro sessions ( P&gt;0.20). PV increased from baseline at all timepoints for the 1hr-Electro session ( P&lt;0.003) and at all timepoints, other than 0 ( P=0.17 ), for the 4hr-Salt condition ( P&lt;0.01 ). GI distress was reported by participant during the 4hr-Electro (n=2), 1hr-Electro (n=1), and 4hr-Salt protocols (n=4). No GI distress was reported during the control visit. The most severe GI symptom (18/20) was nausea reported with the 4hr-Salt protocol. These data suggest that both the 4hr-Salt and 1hr-Electro fluid loading protocols successfully expands PV, however the 1hr-Electro results in fewer participants reporting GI symptoms. Supported by Mars Campaign Development - Exploration Capabilities. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Trends in preoperative carbohydrate load practice: A systematic review.

The preoperative carbohydrate load (PCL) is intended to improve surgical outcomes by reducing the catabolic state induced by overnight fasting. However, there is disagreement on the optimal PCL prescription, leaving local institutions without a standardized PCL recommendation. Results from studies that do not prescribe PCL in identical ways cannot be pooled to draw larger conclusions on outcomes affected by the PCL. The aim of this systematic review is to catalog prescribed PCL characteristics, including timing of ingestion, percentage of carbohydrate contribution, and volume, to ultimately standardize PCL practice. A comprehensive search was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Randomized controlled trials were included if they studied at least one group of patients who were prescribed a PCL and the PCL was described with respect to timing of ingestion, carbohydrate contribution, and total volume. A total of 67 studies with 6551 patients were included in this systematic review. Of the studies, 49.3% were prescribed PCL on the night before surgery and morning of surgery, whereas 47.8% were prescribed PCL on the morning of surgery alone. The mean prescribed carbohydrate concentration was 13.5% (±3.4). The total volume prescribed was 648.2 ml (±377). Variation in PCL practices prevent meaningful data pooling and outcome analysis, highlighting the need for standardized PCL prescription. Efforts dedicated to the establishment of a gold standard PCL prescription are necessary so that studies can be pooled and analyzed with respect to meaningful clinical end points that impact surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Possible interactions between selected food processing and medications.

The impact of food processing on drug absorption, metabolism, and subsequent pharmacological activity is a pressing yet insufficiently explored area of research. Overlooking food-processing-drug interactions can significantly disrupt optimal clinical patient management. The challenges extend beyond merely considering the type and timing of food ingestion as to drug uptake; the specific food processing methods applied play a pivotal role. This study delves into both selected thermal and non-thermal food processing techniques, investigating their potential interference with the established pharmacokinetics of medications. Within the realm of thermal processing, conventional methods like deep fat frying, grilling, or barbecuing not only reduce the enteric absorption of drugs but also may give rise to side-products such as acrylamide, aldehydes, oxysterols, and oxyphytosterols. When produced in elevated quantities, these compounds exhibit enterotoxic and pro-inflammatory effects, potentially impacting the metabolism of various medications. Of note, a variety of thermal processing is frequently adopted during the preparation of diverse traditional herbal medicines. Conversely, circumventing high heat through innovative approaches (e.g., high-pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, plasma technology), opens new avenues to improve food quality, efficiency, bioavailability, and sustainability. However, it is crucial to exercise caution to prevent the excessive uptake of active compounds in specific patient categories. The potential interactions between food processing methods and their consequences, whether beneficial or adverse, on drug interactions can pose health hazards in certain cases. Recognizing this knowledge gap underscores the urgency for intensified and targeted scientific inquiry into the multitude of conceivable interactions among food composition, processing methods, and pharmaceutical agents. A thorough investigation into the underlying mechanisms is imperative. The complexity of this field requires substantial scrutiny and collaborative efforts across diverse domains, including medicine, pharmacology, nutrition, food science, food technology, and food engineering.

The Effect of Essential Oils from Asteraceae Plants on Behavior and Selected Physiological Parameters of the Bird Cherry-Oat Aphid.

Essential oils (EOs), including those from the Asteraceae plants, have been shown to have promising insecticidal activity against a wide range of insect pests. Understanding the mechanism of action of EOs is one of the studied aspects. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of essential oils from Achillea millefolium, Santolina chamaecyparissus, Tagetes patula and Tanacetum vulgare on the settling and probing behavior of the bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.). In addition, the effect of the oils on the activity of such enzymes as trypsin, pepsin and α- and β-glucosidase involved in the metabolism of proteins and sugars of the insects was examined. The leaf-choice bioassays demonstrated that the studied EOs limited aphid settling for at least 24 h after the treatment. The application of EOs also inferred with aphid probing behavior by reducing the total probing time and total duration of phloem sap ingestion. Aphids spent more time in the search phase due to an increase in the number and total duration of pathway phases. Moreover, the activity of the studied proteases and glucosidases significantly decreased in R. padi females exposed to the EOs. The enzyme inhibition varied depending on the applied oil and exposure time. Generally, the EOs with stronger deterrent activity also showed higher inhibitory effects. The results suggest that the tested EOs disrupt key digestive processes in R. padi which may be an important factor determining their aphicidal activity.

Plant Protein Blend Ingestion Stimulates Postexercise Myofibrillar Protein Synthesis Rates Equivalently to Whey in Resistance-Trained Adults.

Whey protein ingestion is typically considered an optimal dietary strategy to maximize myofibrillar protein synthesis (MyoPS) after resistance exercise. Although single-source plant protein ingestion is typically less effective, at least partly, due to less favorable amino acid profiles, this could theoretically be overcome by blending plant-based proteins with complementary amino acid profiles. We compared the postexercise MyoPS response after the ingestion of a novel plant-derived protein blend with an isonitrogenous bolus of whey protein. Ten healthy, resistance-trained, young adults (male/female: 8/2; age: 26 ± 6 yr; BMI: 24 ± 3 kg·m -2 ) received a primed continuous infusion of L-[ ring - 2 H 5 ]-phenylalanine and completed a bout of bilateral leg resistance exercise before ingesting 32 g protein from whey (WHEY) or a plant protein blend (BLEND; 39.5% pea, 39.5% brown rice, 21.0% canola) in a randomized, double-blind crossover fashion. Blood and muscle samples were collected at rest, and 2 and 4 h after exercise and protein ingestion, to assess plasma amino acid concentrations, and postabsorptive and postexercise MyoPS rates. Plasma essential amino acid availability over the 4 h postprandial postexercise period was ~44% higher in WHEY compared with BLEND ( P = 0.04). From equivalent postabsorptive values (WHEY, 0.042 ± 0.020%·h -1 ; BLEND, 0.043 ± 0.015%·h -1 ) MyoPS rates increased after exercise and protein ingestion (time effect; P < 0.001) over a 0- to 2-h period (WHEY, 0.085 ± 0.037%·h -1 ; BLEND, 0.080 ± 0.037%·h -1 ) and 2- to 4-h period (WHEY, 0.085 ± 0.036%·h -1 ; BLEND, 0.086 ± 0.034%·h -1 ), with no differences between conditions during either period or throughout the entire (0-4 h) postprandial period (time-condition interactions; all P > 0.05). Ingestion of a novel plant-based protein blend stimulates postexercise MyoPS to an equivalent extent as whey protein, demonstrating the utility of plant protein blends to optimize postexercise skeletal muscle reconditioning.

Luteolin and quercetin affect aphid feeding behavior

The flavone luteolin and the flavonol quercetin naturally occur in plants, providing some resistance against herbivores. However, despite suggesting the potential use of these compounds for plant protection, research on their relationship with aphids is limited. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of applying two flavonoids, quercetin and luteolin, at different concentrations, in vitro on the feeding behavior of the black bean aphid Aphis fabae Scopoli (Hemiptera: Aphididae). In most events associated with stylet activity, differences in probing behavior did not vary between the control gel and those with flavonoids. Higher concentrations of quercetin increased the number of penetrations, while lower concentrations of luteolin prolonged the first probing. The addition of flavonoids to the gels reduced passive ingestion. At a concentration of 0.1%, luteolin completely stopped salivation, and at 0.01%, it shortened the average duration of this activity. In events associated with active ingestion, differences in feeding behavior were observed between the control gel and those with quercetin at lower concentrations, affecting the time to the first stylet activity and the average time of active ingestion. Lower concentrations of luteolin prolonged the time to the first active ingestion, the duration of the first active ingestion, and the average time of this activity. Increased concentrations of quercetin and luteolin negatively affected aphid feeding behavior. Quercetin was better tolerated by A. fabae. A more noticeable effect was observed with an increase in luteolin concentration on the feeding behavior of A. fabae. These findings could be applied in biotechnological projects aiming to develop plants resistant to aphids and other herbivores.

Ad libitum ice slurry ingestion and half-marathon performance in a hot environment: A study comparing the effects of the amount and moment of ingestion between ice slurry and water at 37 °C

Ice slurry ingestion during prolonged exercises may improve performance in hot environments; however, the ideal amount and timing of ingestion are still uncertain. We determined whether ad libitum ice slurry ingestion influences physiological and perceptual variables and half-marathon performance while comparing the effects of the amount and moment of ingestion between ice slurry and water at 37 °C. Ten trained participants (28 ± 2 years; mean and SD) were required to run two half marathons while consuming either ice slurry (-1 °C; Ad-1) or water (37 °C; 37 CE) ad libitum. They then performed two other half marathons where, during one, they were required to ingest an amount of water equivalent to the amount consumed during the Ad-1 trial (Pro37), and in the other, to ingest ice slurry in the amount consumed during the 37 CE trial (Pro-1). During the half marathons, dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity were controlled at 33.1 ± 0.3 °C and 60 ± 3%, respectively. Ad-1 ingestion (349.6 ± 58.5 g) was 45% less than 37 CE ingestion (635.5 ± 135.8 g). Physical performance, heart rate, perceived exertion, body temperatures, and thermal perception were not influenced by the temperature or amount of beverage ingestion. However, a secondary analysis suggested that lower beverage ingestion was associated with improved performance (Ad-1 + Pro37 vs. 37 CE + Pro-1: −4.0 min, Cohen's d = 0.39), with a significant relationship between lower beverage ingestion and faster running time (b = 0.02, t = 4.01, p < 0.001). In conclusion, ice slurry ingestion does not affect performance or physiological or perceptual variables during a half marathon in a hot environment. Preliminary evidence suggests that lower beverage ingestion (ice slurry or warm water) is associated with improved performance compared to higher ingestion.

One-step synthesis of amphiphilic copolymers PDMS-b-PEG using tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane and subsequent study of encapsulation and release of curcumin.

A series of amphiphilic block copolymer (BCP) micelles based on poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were synthesized by a one-step reaction in the presence of tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (BCF) as a catalyst. The structural composition of PDMS-b-PEG (PR11) and PEG-b-PDMS-b-PEG (PR12) was corroborated by FTIR, 29Si NMR, and TGA. The BCPs were assembled in an aqueous solution, obtaining micelles between 57 and 87 nm in size. PR11 exhibited a higher (2.0 g L-1) critical micelle concentration (CMC) than PR12 (1.5 g L-1) due to the short chain length. The synthesized nano micelles were used to encapsulate curcumin, which is one of three compounds of turmeric plant 'Curcuma longa' with significant biological activities, including antioxidant, chemoprotective, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-depressant properties. The encapsulation efficiency of curcumin was 60% for PR11 and 45% for PR12. Regarding the release study, PR11 delivered 53% curcumin after five days under acidic conditions (pH of 1.2) compared to 43% at a pH of 7.4. The degradation products of curcumin were observed under basic conditions and were more stable at acidic pH. In both situations, the release process is carried out by breaking the silyl-ether bond, allowing the release of curcumin. PR11 showed prolonged release times, so it could be used to reduce ingestion times and simultaneously work as a nanocarrier for other hydrophobic drugs.