Total Feeding Research Articles

Age at Surgical Ligation of Patent Ductus Arteriosus Affects Prognosis in Extremely Premature Infants

Background: This study aimed to evaluate outcomes, prognosis, and safety associated with the timing of surgical ligation for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in extremely premature infants (EPI). Methods: We reviewed the clinical data of 44 EPI (gestational age at birth 26.8 ± 0.67 weeks; birth weight 997 ± 152 g) who received surgical ligation for hemodynamically significant PDA (hsPDA) in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital in China between January 2021 and December 2014. We compared the general characteristics, underlying diseases, postoperative surgical complications, and prognoses in two groups of patients who received early ligation (≤ 14 days after birth) and late ligation (> 14 days after birth). Results: The gender, gestational age at birth, birth weight, Apgar score, postoperative surgical complications, rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), retinopathy of prematurity, necrotic enterocolitis, periventricular leukomalacia, total hospitalization, and medical costs of both groups were compared. According to the results, the late ligation group had a higher rate of severe BPD (66.3% cf. 35%) and required significantly longer time to reach total enteral feeding and weaning of respiratory support compared with the early ligation group. Conclusions: In EPI with hsPDA, for whom medical treatment failed or is contraindicated, early surgical closure of the ductus arteriosus can promote earlier total enteral feeding, shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation, and reduce the rates of severe BPD.

The Utility of Scatter Feeding as Enrichment: Do Broiler Chickens Engage with Scatter-Fed Items?

Simple SummaryIn recent years, there has been increasing interest in providing an enriched environment to broiler chickens. Indeed, many welfare certification companies encourage or require enrichment to be provided. Most of these companies suggest the use of scatter feeding as enrichment material, though there is little scientific evidence to support the implementation of a scatter feeding program. One of the potential benefits of scatter feeding programs may be an observed increase in foraging behavior, and hence overall activity of the birds. This study aimed to understand the impact of scatter feeding on the foraging behavior of broilers. Six groups of broilers were provided with either dried mealworms, whole wheat, shredded cabbage, alfalfa pellets, wood shavings, or no scatter feeding. To maintain the birds’ interest in the enrichment, feed items were only scattered on the first three days of each week. Foraging and feeding behavior were observed via video for one-hour periods immediately after scattering, 2 h later, and 6 h later. Immediately following the scattering of feed items, broilers in all groups showed an increase in foraging, though this was most pronounced in the dried mealworm group. Foraging behavior decreased with age for all groups. The mealworm group also fed less during hour one compared to the later hours. These results did not provide evidence that scatter feeding encourages foraging behavior, except for a short-term effect of a high value food item. Therefore, future studies should examine the feed item and delivery in more detail.In recent years, welfare certification companies have encouraged the use of scatter feeding as enrichment material, though there is little scientific evidence to support a scatter feeding program. This study aimed to understand the impact of scatter feeding on the foraging behavior of broilers. One hundred eighty Ross 308 chicks were allocated into six treatment groups (six replicates/treatment). Broilers were scatter fed dried mealworms, whole wheat, shredded cabbage, alfalfa pellets, wood shavings, or no scatter feeding, respectively. Enrichment was provided on the first three days of each week. Total foraging, active foraging, and feeding were observed for one-hour periods immediately after scattering, 2 h later, and 6 h later. In all groups, broilers increased both total (p = 0.001) and active (p = 0.001) foraging, though this was most pronounced in the dried mealworm group. Across all groups, active foraging decreased with age (p = 0.001). The mealworm group also showed a corresponding decrease in feeding during hour one compared to the later hours (p = 0.001). These results did not provide evidence that scatter feeding encourages foraging behavior, except for a short-term effect of a high value feed item. This finding suggests that the item scattered and the delivery method should be studied further.

Herbivory effects and growth rate of invasive species, Pomacea canaliculata on different macrophytes species

Wetland ecosystems act as natural freshwater purification systems, but their rich biodiversity is being threatened with the introduction of the non-native freshwater snail, Pomacea canaliculata. This study was conducted to measure the herbivory effects and growth rate of P. canaliculata on common macrophytes: Ipomoea aquatica, Ipomoea batatas, Pandanus amaryllifolius and Cucurma longa. In separate experiments, the macrophyte species were served as the snails’ food as individual species and simultaneously. In the individual treatment, the growth pattern and rate were based on the snails’ weight (mg/snail/day; n = 9) while the individual feeding consumption (mg/snail/day) was calculated from the leftover food. In the simultaneous treatment, the herbivory effects were evaluated as the feeding preference (%) from observations every two hours, while the total feeding consumption (mg) was calculated based on the food remaining after a 12-hour experiment (3 replicates: total n = 27). The results indicated that the growth pattern was significant for snails grazing on I. aquatica but not when other macrophyte species were eaten. The individual feeding consumption was higher when using I. aquatica than P. amaryllifolius but the growth rate for snails grazing on I. aquatica and P. amaryllifolius did not differ significantly. Meanwhile, the consumption of C. longa deterred the snails’ growth rate. Although the snails consumed all the macrophytes in the individual experiment, when given the species simultaneously, the feeding preference and total feeding consumption were directed significantly more toward I. aquatica than P. amaryfollius and C. longa. We conclude that P. canaliculata is a generalist feeder given a limited choice of food but tends to show a strong feeding preference after being introduced to more food choices. These findings indicate that the introduction of P. canaliculata into wetland ecosystems may increase the herbivory effects on macrophytes, making these ecosystems vulnerable to the impact of eutrophication and biodiversity reduction.

Using a WeChat mini-program-based lactation consultant intervention to increase the consumption of mother’s own milk by preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit: a study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe benefits of mother’s own milk (MOM) for preterm infants have been widely recognized. Many studies have shown that the rate of breastfeeding of premature infants remains very low. Although many studies use measures to promote breastfeeding, few high-quality cluster randomized controlled studies have evaluated the effectiveness of these measures. WeChat is an instant messaging software for smart terminals, and WeChat mini-programs have been widely used to promote health and self-management in China. Based on this background, we designed a randomized controlled study based on WeChat mini-programs to promote MOM feeding of premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).Methods/designThis study will evaluate the effectiveness of WeChat mini-programs to increase the consumption of MOM feeding in twelve NICUs in Jiangsu Province, namely, six “intervention” NICUs and six “control” NICUs. The study process is as follows: (1) design and preparation, (2) NICU recruitment and training, (3) interpretation and analysis of baseline data, (4) quality control implementation process, and (5) data analysis feedback and publication of study reports. The primary outcome is the proportion of MOM feeding of premature infants during NICU hospitalization. The secondary outcomes are as follows: (1) time to initiation of MOM feeding (hours) and proportion of first-time MOM feeding (%), (2) duration of parenteral nutrition (days), (3) time to total gastrointestinal feeding (days), (4) hospitalization time and hospitalization cost, and (5) incidence of complications (necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, feeding intolerance, late-onset sepsis, retinopathy of prematurity).DiscussionThis study is the first cluster randomized controlled trial on the intervention of using a WeChat mini-program-based lactation consultant for premature infants in the NICU in China. We hope this study can improve the consumption of MOM by NICU premature infants during hospitalization through the intervention of WeChat mini-programs.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04383379. Registered on May 5, 2020.

Effect of different maintenance doses of caffeine citrate on ventilator weaning in very preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

To study the effect of different maintenance doses of caffeine citrate on the success rate of ventilator weaning in very preterm infants (gestational age of ≤32 weeks) with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). A total of 162 preterm infants with RDS who were admitted to the hospital from January 2016 to December 2018 were enrolled in this prospective trial. These infants had a gestational age of ≤32 weeks and required invasive mechanical ventilation. They were randomly divided into a high-dose caffeine group and a low-dose caffeine group, with 81 infants in each group. Within 6 hours after birth, both groups were given caffeine at a dose of 20 mg/kg. After 24 hours, the high- and low-dose caffeine groups were given caffeine at a maintenance dose of 10 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg, respectively. The two groups were compared in terms of re-intubation rate within 48 hours after ventilator weaning, durations of ventilation and oxygen therapy, enteral feeding, weight gain, and the incidence rates of complications and adverse reactions during hospitalization. The high-dose caffeine group had a significantly lower re-intubation rate within 48 hours after ventilator weaning than the low-dose caffeine group (P<0.05), with frequent apnea as the main reason for failed ventilator weaning in both groups. The high-dose caffeine group had significantly shorter durations of mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy than the low-dose caffeine group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the time to total enteral feeding, average daily weight gain, body weight at discharge, and the incidence rates of complications (bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, and intracranial hemorrhage) and adverse reactions (tachycardia, hypertension, and feeding intolerance) (P>0.05). A high maintenance dose of caffeine can safely and effectively reduce the incidence rate of apnea after ventilator weaning and the failure rate of ventilator weaning in RDS preterm infants with a gestational age of ≤32 weeks, and therefore, it holds promise for clinical application.

Accuracy and physical characteristics of total mixed rations and feeding sorting behavior in dairy herds of Castro, Paraná

The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of the content of total mixed rations (TMR) offered to high-producing cows from 20 dairy herds of Castro, Paraná State, Brazil. The average milk yield during the sample collection period was 38.0±6.8 kg/day, with 3.47±0.25% milk fat and 3.05±0.18% milk protein. The particle size distribution of samples of fresh diet and leftovers was evaluated using the Penn State Particle Separator (PSPS) and chemical analysis was also conducted. The TMR [...]

Comparison between anterolateral thigh free flap and jejunal flap for tissue reconstruction in patients underwent resection of pharyngoesophageal squamous cell carcinoma after radiotherapy failure: a retrospective study

BackgroundAnterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap and jejunal flap (JF) were commonly used in tissue reconstruction for pharyngoesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (PESCC) with worsening tissue adhesion and necrosis after radiotherapy failure. However, the results of tissue reconstruction and postoperative complications of these two flaps are controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes between group ALT free flap and group JF in PESCC after radiotherapy failure.MethodsIntraoperative information and postoperative outcomes of patients with PESCC after radiotherapy failure who underwent ALT and JF reconstruction from January 2005 to December 2019 were compared and analyzed.ResultsThe defect size of ALT (Numbers, 34) and JF (Numbers, 31) was 36.19 ± 11.35 cm2 and 35.58 ± 14.32 cm2 (p = 0.884), respectively. ALT and JF showed no significant difference in operation time (p = 0.683) and blood loss (p = 0.198). For postoperative outcomes within 30 days both in recipient site and donor site including wound bleeding, wound dehiscence, wound infection, and pharyngocutaneous fistula, ALT free flap and JF showed similar results. Flap compromise (Numbers, 2 VS.3, p = 0.663), flap take backs (Numbers, 1 VS.1, p = 1.000), partial flap failures (Numbers, 4 VS.2, p = 0.674), and total flap failures (Numbers, 0 VS.0, p = 1.000) showed no difference between the two groups. In addition, no significance was found in hypoproteinemia between the two groups (Numbers, 4 VS.2, p = 0.674). ALT free flap was not statistically different from JF in the incidence of dysphagia at the postoperative 6 months (Numbers of liquid diet, 5VS.5; Numbers of partial tube feeding, 6VS.7; Numbers of total tube feeding, 3VS.1, p = 0.790) and 12 months (Numbers of liquid diet, 8VS.7; Numbers of partial tube feeding, 8VS.7; Numbers of total tube feeding, 5VS.5, p = 0.998). The cause of dysphagia not found to differ between the two groups both in postoperative 6 months (p = 0.814) and 12 months (p = 0.845).ConclusionCompared with JF, ALT free flap for PESCC patients after radiotherapy failure showed similar results in postoperative outcomes. ALT free flap may serve as a safe and feasible alternative for PESCC patients after radiotherapy failure.

Feeding behavior in nursery pigs affected with gastric ulcers

Gastric ulcers are a common pathological finding at slaughterhouses, with a prevalence of up to 65% in finishers and 35% in nursery pigs. Pigs’ eating behavior is a dynamic process that can be adapted to feed supply, social pen interactions, and disease status. However, evidence addressing the effect of gastric ulceration on feeding behavior in nursery pigs is limited.This study aimed to identify key differences in the diurnal feeding behavior of nursery pigs with no lesions in the pars oesophagea and pigs with severe ulcers in pars oesophagea and fed pelleted feed ad libitum by assessing: (1) differences in the duration of feeding time per visit to the feeder (minutes/visit); (2) differences in the total feeding time per day (minutes/day); (3) differences in the number of feeding visits per day (visits/day).In total, 199 intact male (n = 105) and female (n = 94) nursery pigs were assessed for gastric lesions 6 weeks after weaning observing an overall prevalence of 84%. Based on a gastric health assessment, pigs were characterized as either NLPO “no lesions in the pars oesophagea” (only healthy and parakeratosis scores) or LPO “lesions in the pars oesophagea” (erosions, ulcers, scars, and oesophageal stenosis). The LPO group was further divided into a subgroup: POU “severe ulcers in pars oesophagea” (ulcers with oesophageal stenosis). Diurnal feeding behavior was retrospectively assessed for 30 nursery pigs (15 NLPO and 15 POU) using video recordings from 06:00 AM to 10:00 PM (16 h) for 7 days before the stomachs were collected.The regression model showed that the POU nursery pigs had a tendency to eat for a longer period (+1.3 min) each time they visited the feeder (p = 0.055), but had significantly (p = 0.044) fewer feeding visits (-2.3 visits) during the day compared to NLPO nursery pigs. Both NLPO and POU pigs spent the same amount of feeding time at the feeder per day. Furthermore, it was observed that intact males spent significantly (p = < 0.05) less time per feeding visit to the feeder, had more feeding visits per day, and spent longer feeding time per day compared to females.In conclusion, this study showed that feeding behavior in nursery pigs 6 weeks after weaning was weakly associated with severe gastric ulceration. However, severe gastric ulceration did not have an effect on the total feeding time per day. Moreover, it was found that feeding behavior in nursery pigs is strongly associated with sex.

Which non-fibrous carbohydrates: neutral detergent fiber ratio optimizes the use of cactus cladodes in diets of growing heifers?

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC):neutral detergent fiber (NDF) ratios (0.70:1, 0.90:1, 1.14:1, 1.42:1, and 1.85:1) in diets containing cactus cladodes on intake, digestibility, ruminal parameters, ingestive behavior, and microbial protein of growing heifers. Five rumen-cannulated heifers (194 ± 70 kg of body weight) were distributed in a Latin square design (5 x 5). There was a quadratic effect on the intake of dry matter (DM) (Kg day-1 and %BW) and crude protein (CP) with the increase in non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC): neutral detergent fiber (NDF) ratio, with maximum values of 7.07 kg day-1, 2.86%, and 0.949 kg day-1, estimated for 1.37:1, 1.39:1, and 1.27:1 ratios. When the intake of NDF decreased, in turn, the intakes of NFC and TDN increased. The NDF digestibility decreased with increasing NFC levels in diets. The other nutrients were not influenced. The ruminal pH showed the lowest values at 4 hours after feeding, mainly for animals fed the 1.85:1 ratio. There was a quadratic effect for rumination time with maximum values estimated for an NFC:NDF ratio of 0.88:1. The time spent idle increased linearly, while total chewing time and feeding efficiency of NDF decreased. The urinary volume increased linearly. However, microbial protein synthesis and the efficiency of the synthesis were not influenced. The number of protozoa increased by 64.5% with the elevation of the NFC:NDF ratio. We recommend a NFC:NDF ratio of 1.37:1 in diets containing cactus cladodes, to improve the use of nutrients, without negatively affecting ruminal parameters.

Low turbidity in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) reduces feeding behavior and increases stress-related physiological parameters in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) during grow-out.

There is a tendency to farm fish in low turbidity water when production takes place in the land-based recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). However, the effect of water turbidity on stress and performance is unknown for many species cultured in RAS. The effect of different turbidity treatments as Formazine Attenuation Units (0 FAU, 15 FAU, and 38 FAU) on feed intake performance (latency, total feeding time, and total feed intake) and physiological blood stress parameters (cortisol, lactate, and glucose) in medium-sized pikeperch ((Sander lucioperca) n = 27, undetermined sex and age) of initial body weights of 508.13 g ± 83 g (at FAU 0, 15, and 38, respectively) was investigated. The rearing system consisted of 9 rectangular tanks (200 L per tank). Fish were housed individually (n = 1, per tank, n replicates per treatment = 9). All tanks were connected to a recirculation system equipped with a moving bed biofilter. Feed intake in pikeperch kept at low turbidity (0 FAU) was 25% lower than pikeperch kept at high turbidity (38 FAU) (P < 0.01) and also significantly (10.5%) lower compared to feed intake in pikeperch kept at intermediate turbidity (15 FAU) (P < 0.01 for 0 FAU vs. 15 FAU, feed intake sign. Value as the main effect is P < 0.01). Pikeperch kept at low turbidity showed significantly slower feeding response (latency time) towards pellets entering the tank, shorter feeding times (both P < 0.05), and higher glucose blood concentration (73%) in contrast to pikeperch kept at highest turbidity. A reduction of 25% feed intake has obvious economic consequences for any fish farm and present data strongly emphasize the importance of considering the species-specific biology in future RAS farming.

OEIS Syndrome: Omphalocele, Exstrophy of the Cloaca, Imperforate Anus, and Spinal Defects

OEIS Syndrome: Omphalocele, Exstrophy of the Cloaca, Imperforate Anus, and Spinal Defects

NUTRITIONAL METHODS TO INDUCE MOLTING IN LAYING HENS IN CAGE-FREE SYSTEM

The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive performance, the efficiency of forced seedlings, and the quality of eggs of Black Avifran laying hens reared in Cage-Free System using alternative foods as an induced seedling method. The experiment lasted 56 days, divided into two phases. The first stage called the molting phase lasted 14 days, and the next phase was divided into two periods of 21 days post-molting. A total of 144 laying hens were divided into three treatments and six replicates with 8 laying hens each. The experimental treatments were: food restriction (conventional method), total feeding with ground corn and total feeding with dry grains of the distillery with corn soluble (DDGS) for seedling induction. In the seedling phase, the following were evaluated: days to cease posture, food intake, percentage of laying, and weight loss of laying hens. In the post-molting phase, egg quality, egg weight, shell weight, albumen weight, yolk weight, yolk color, yolk percentage, shell and albumen percentage, Haugh Unit, egg production, feed intake, feed conversion by mass and dozen eggs were evaluated. The use of corn and DDGS promoted a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) only for the parameters: food intake, feed intake, and yolk color, which obtained lower values when compared to the conventional method. It is assumed that the consumption time of the ingredients (14 days) was not enough for the laying hens to achieve the expected weight loss of 25%. However, a satisfactory time was obtained to cease the posture. Corn and DDGS can be used as an alternative method to feed restriction for the induced seedling of Black Avifran laying hens reared in the Cage-Free system, as they do not alter the performance and quality of eggs in the post-molting period.

Application of machine-learning methods to milk mid-infrared spectra for discrimination of cow milk from pasture or total mixed ration diets

The prevalence of "grass-fed" labeled food products on the market has increased in recent years, often commanding a premium price. To date, the majority of methods used for the authentication of grass-fed source products are driven by auditing and inspection of farm records. As such, the ability to verify grass-fed source claims to ensure consumer confidence will be important in the future. Mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy is widely used in the dairy industry as a rapid method for the routine monitoring of individual herd milk composition and quality. Further harnessing the data from individual spectra offers a promising and readily implementable strategy to authenticate the milk source at both farm and processor levels. Herein, a comprehensive comparison of the robustness, specificity, and accuracy of 11 machine-learning statistical analysis methods were tested for the discrimination of grass-fed versus non-grass-fed milks based on the MIR spectra of 4,320 milk samples collected from cows on pasture or indoor total mixed ration-based feeding systems over a 3-yr period. Linear discriminant analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were demonstrated to offer the greatest level of accuracy for the prediction of cow diet from MIR spectra. Parsimonious strategies for the selection of the most discriminating wavelengths within the spectra are also highlighted.

Optimizing the growth and immune system of dairy calves by subdividing the pre-weaning period and providing different milk volumes for each stage.

In systematically considering the advantages and disadvantages of complementarity in high or low milk feeding, novel milk feeding schemes involving altering the volume of supplied milk in different stages of the pre-weaning period but maintaining the total milk feeding volume were tested. Twenty-seven newborn male Holstein calves were selected and randomly assigned to 3 treatments. Calves in the control (CON) group were fed 7 L of milk daily from 4 to 66 d of age. Calves in the low-high (LH) group were fed 6 L of milk daily at the beginning, and then the daily feeding volume was later increased to 7 to 8 L of milk, which served as the early-period low-volume feeding group. The calves in the high-low (HL) group were fed 7 to 8 L daily at the beginning, and then the daily feeding volume was decreased to 6 L of milk, which served as the early-period high-volume feeding group. Then all calves were fed 3 L of milk daily from 67 to 70 d of age, weaned at 70 d of age, and then fed starter feed to 100 d of age. All calves had access to the starter feed from 15 to 100 d of age. The diarrheal condition of calves was recorded daily and the growth performance including the starter feed intake and body weight of calves was recorded at 70 and 100 d of age. Then, five 100-d-old calves from each treatment were sampled for measurement of plasma indices, ruminal morphology, and volatile fatty acids. When compared with the CON and LH groups, calves in the HL group exhibited a significantly increased body weight and lower diarrhoeal rate. When compared with the CON group, calves in the HL group exhibited a significantly increased average daily feed intake, ruminal epithelium papillae length, total volatile fatty acids, and percentages of propionate and butyrate. Moreover, the significantly increased plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) content and a trend of decreased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) content (P = 0.083) were also identified in the HL group when compared with the CON group. Overall, the early-period high-volume feeding for calves produced greater body weight gain and a lower incidence of diarrhea.

The impact of transportation optimisation on assembly line feeding

In the era of mass customisation, feeding parts to mixed-model assembly lines has proven to be a complex task since customers increasingly demand personalised end products. Consequently, the number of parts required at a single assembly line is sharply increasing. On the one hand, part supply must be done with the aim of avoiding excessive logistical handling activities while managing space at the border of line carefully. Hence, different line feeding policies can be exploited. On the other hand, shortages in parts supply, which may result in line stoppage, must be avoided. To this end, different vehicle types such as forklifts, automated guided vehicles and tow trains must be orchestrated carefully. This study is the first to propose a mixed integer programming model that efficiently assigns each part at the same time to a feeding policy and a vehicle type, with the goal to minimise total feeding costs. To accurately quantify costs, the model selects specific routes and determines the fleet size of every vehicle type used. The model is complemented by valid inequalities and validated by solving artificial problem instances. Within the analysis, we demonstrate that optimal selection of vehicle types is superior to heuristic approaches and show that this optimisation-based approach is around 8% cheaper than the industrial standard.

The transcription factor dFOXO controls the expression of insulin pathway genes and lipids content under heat stress in &lt;i&gt;Drosophila melanogaster&lt;/i&gt;

The insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling (IIS) pathway is one of the key elements in an organism’s response to unfavourable conditions. The deep homology of this pathway and its evolutionary conservative role in controlling the carbohydrate and lipid metabolism make it possible to use Drosophila melanogaster for studying its functioning. To identify the properties of interaction of two key IIS pathway components under heat stress in D. melanogaster (the forkhead box O transcription factor (dFOXO) and insulin-like peptide 6 (DILP6), which intermediates the dFOXO signal sent from the fat body to the insulin-producing cells of the brain where DILPs1–5 are synthesized), we analysed the expression of the genes dilp6, dfoxo and insulin-like receptor gene (dInR) in females of strains carrying the hypomorphic mutation dilp641 and hypofunctional mutation foxoBG01018. We found that neither mutation influenced dfoxo expression and its uprise under short-term heat stress, but both of them disrupted the stress response of the dilp6 and dInR genes. To reveal the role of identified disruptions in metabolism control and feeding behaviour, we analysed the effect of the dilp641 and foxoBG01018 mutations on total lipids content and capillary feeding intensity in imago under normal conditions and under short-term heat stress. Both mutations caused an increase in these parameters under normal conditions and prevented decrease in total lipids content following heat stress observed in the control strain. In mutants, feeding intensity was increased under normal conditions; and decreased following short-term heat stress in all studied strains for the first 24 h of observation, and in dilp641 strain, for 48 h. Thus, we may conclude that dFOXO takes part in regulating the IIS pathway response to heat stress as well as the changes in lipids content caused by heat stress, and this regulation is mediated by DILP6. At the same time, the feeding behaviour of imago might be controlled by dFOXO and DILP6 under normal conditions, but not under heat stress.

The transcription factor dfoxo controls the expression of insulin pathway genes and lipids content under heat stress in Drosophila melanogaster.

The insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling (IIS) pathway is one of the key elements in an organism’s response to unfavourable conditions. The deep homology of this pathway and its evolutionary conservative role in controlling the carbohydrate and lipid metabolism make it possible to use Drosophila melanogaster for studying its functioning. To identify the properties of interaction of two key IIS pathway components under heat stress in D. melanogaster (the forkhead box O transcription factor (dfoxo) and insulin-like peptide 6 (dilp6), which intermediates the dfoxo signal sent from the fat body to the insulin-producing cells of the brain where DILPs1–5 are synthesized), we analysed the expression of the genes dilp6, dfoxo and insulin-like receptor gene (dInR) in females of strains carrying the hypomorphic mutation dilp641and hypofunctional mutation foxoBG01018. We found that neither mutation inf luenced dfoxo expression and its uprise under short-term heat stress, but both of them disrupted the stress response of the dilp6 and dInR genes. To reveal the role of identif ied disruptions in metabolism control and feeding behaviour, we analysed the effect of the dilp641 and foxoBG01018 mutations on total lipids content and capillary feeding intensity in imago under normal conditions and under short-term heat stress. Both mutations caused an increase in these parameters under normal conditions and prevented decrease in total lipids content following heat stress observed in the control strain. In mutants, feeding intensity was increased under normal conditions; and decreased following short-term heat stress in all studied strains for the f irst 24 h of observation, and in dilp641 strain, for 48 h. Thus, we may conclude that dfoxo takes part in regulating the IIS pathway response to heat stress as well as the changes in lipids content caused by heat stress, and this regulation is mediated by dilp6. At the same time, the feeding behaviour of imago might be controlled by dfoxo and dilp6 under normal conditions, but not under heat stress.

Effects of different feeding intervals on the feeding outcomes of infants who underwent surgical repair of ventricular septal defects.

The objective of the present study is to explore the effect of different feeding intervals on the feeding outcomes of infants who underwent ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure. This study is a prospective, randomized controlled trial conducted by a provincial hospital in China. According to different feeding intervals, 78 eligible participants were randomly divided into Group A (2-h interval, n = 39) and Group B (3-h interval, n = 39). The basic clinical data, total feeding time, incidence of feeding intolerance, and nurse job satisfaction scores of the two groups were collected. The total feeding time in Group A was significantly longer than that in Group B (142.5 ± 15.4 vs. 132.0 ± 16.1 min/d, p = .020). The nurse job satisfaction scores in Group A were significantly lower than those in Group B (101.7 ± 9.8 vs. 108.8 ± 10.1, p = .005). There were no significant differences in the duration of mechanical ventilation (3.7 ± 1.1 vs. 3.9 ± 1.0 d, p = .272), length of ICU stay (4.5 ± 1.1 d vs. 4.7 ± 0.9 d, p = .451), or length of hospital stay (13.2 ± 1.4 vs. 13.3 ± 1.0 d, p = .642) between the two groups. Although the incidence of feeding intolerance in Group A was slightly lower than that in Group B, the difference was not statistically significant. Feeding at an interval of 2 or 3 h has no significant effect on the feeding outcomes of infants, and feeding at intervals of 3 h can reduce nurses' workload and improve nursing job satisfaction.

Effects of colostrum oral immunological nursingon the growth and development of very low birth weight infants

Objective To investigate the effect of colostrum oral immunological nursing on the growth and development of very low birth weight infants (VLBW). Methods Sixty-nine cases of VLBW were selected as the research objects, and randomly divided into treatment group (n=34) and control group (n=35). The control group was given routine nursing, and the treatment group was given colostrum oral immunotherapy related nursing within one week after birth. Results The duration of total intestinal feeding in the treatment group was significantly shorter, the body weight gain per week was significantly higher, and the body weight day of birth was significantly earlier than that in the control group (P Conclusion Colostrum oral immunity nursing can effectively shorten the time for VLBW to reach total enteral nutrition, reduce the incidence of NEC, sepsis and extrauterine growth restriction, and accelerate the growth rate of VLBW.

Translation and study of the measurement properties of the Early Feeding Skills Assessment tool in premature newborn

IntroductionWith the aim of improving the care of the premature newborn during their hospital stay, and their well-being in the transition from enteral to independent feeding, it is proposed to incorporate an assessment system within a Spanish Neonatal Unit. The translation of the Early Feeding Skills Assessment (EFSA) tool is presented, along with a study of its measurement properties. Patients and methodA total of 104 assessments were made on premature babies of less than 34 + 6 weeks of gestational age, admitted to the neonatal unit with total or partial feeding, including a normal neurological examination for their age and with physiological stability. ResultsThe EFSA 2010 tool achieved an acceptable value (0.76) as regards its internal consistency. The EFSA 2018 tool maintained an acceptable internal consistency value (0.751). As regards the reliability between two observers, the results showed a satisfactory and excellent reliability in 57.69% of the items in the EFSA 2010 tool, a property that improved in the EFSA 2018 tool (73.68%). ConclusionsThe Spanish version of the EFSA tool is consistent and reliable for use as a tool for the assessment of oral abilities for feeding premature babies admitted into a Spanish Neonatal Unit.