Trial Period Research Articles

112 In situ evaluation of multiple edible insects as feed for cattle

Abstract Livestock production is growing and intensifying in response to a growing population and associated food demands. Commercially reared insects have been positioned as a potential protein source for livestock due to their nutritional value and decreased environmental footprint as compared with conventional protein feeds. The American Association of Feed Officials (AAFCO) has issued a definition for black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) as feed for certain livestock but has not yet authorized feeding BSFL to ruminants. Further, AAFCO has not provided a feed definition for other edible insects [e.g., mealworm larvae (MWL)], likely due to a lack of research evaluating the value of insects as feed. The objective of this study was to evaluate edible insect species as feed for cattle by determining in situ characteristics of multiple commercially reared species. This research was approved by Texas State University IACUC (#8693). Samples (n = 14) included five insect species [i.e., black soldier fly larvae (BSFL)], mealworm larvae (MWL), house cricket, grasshopper, and banded cricket] that were commercially reared on different feed inputs and with various processing parameters and BSFL frass, which is insect excreta. There were 6 samples of BSFL, two of MWL, and three of house crickets. Three ruminally cannulated steers were used and provided ad libitum hay and water. A 6-d trial period was performed including a 3-d adaptation and 3-d experimental incubation period. Samples incubated in the rumen at 7 timepoints in reverse order (0, 4, 6, 12, 14, 48, and 72 h). After incubation, residues were analyzed for partial dry matter (PDM), dry matter (DM), and organic matter (OM). Dry matter and OM were separated into immediately soluble (IS), potentially soluble (PS), and not soluble (NS) fractions. For DM, the average NS fraction was 6.2% with a range from 3.0 to 10.4%. The sample with the greatest NS fraction was grasshopper. Across samples, the average PS fraction was 74.5% with a range from 69.3 to 79.1%. The sample with the smallest PS fraction was BSFL frass whereas the sample with the greatest was BSFL. Multiple samples had a DM degradability >85%. However, MWL and BSFL had fluctuating DM degradability across samples, likely due to variability among processing parameters. For OM fractionation, the average NS fraction was 5.7% with a range of 2.8 to 10.4%. Grasshopper had the greatest NS fraction. The average PS fraction was 74.9%; BSFL had the greatest PS fraction while frass had the least. Many samples had an OM degradability >85% and frass had the greatest degradability (90.0%). There was great variability in OM degradability across house cricket samples, likely related to rearing diet. These findings indicate that BSFL and MWL have potential value as feed for cattle but there would be challenges associated with feeding crickets.

138 An examination of cow behavior with an automated brush system in an intensively managed dairy system

Abstract In recent years, the dairy industry has seen a significant shift in animal welfare practices, with growing emphasis on providing optimal living conditions for indoor-housed animals. Intensive management of dairy cows has become increasingly common, offering a controlled setting that ensures the well-being and productivity of the cow. Enrichment strategies such as automated brushes are proposed as a means for intensively managed dairy cows to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Automated brushes have been shown to promote natural behaviors such as grooming and scratching, reducing boredom and promoting social interactions among cattle. These behavioral benefits can contribute to an enriched living environment. With this known, the objective of this study was to evaluate the usage of an automated brush system for grooming behaviors by lactating dairy cows housed in a freestall setting. A total of 29 cows (Holstein-Friesian and Jersey) over three trials (21 d each) were analyzed for duration of automated brush use using scan sampling of video recordings (0500h-0900h and 1700h-2100h); post milking) totaling eight hours per day throughout each trial. Animals were housed in a single pen with sand bedding at the Joe Bearden Dairy Research Center and managed in accordance with standard operating procedures of the unit. All data were passively collected without influencing behavioral changes. Video capture was in 4k resolution using a four camera closed-circuit media recording system. Cameras were placed in the corners of the pen, allowing full view of animals interacting with the brush system. Video images were scored using the open-source behavioral analysis software BORIS. Temperature and humidity were recorded daily using wall mounted monitors. Results indicate that cows increased brush use in the evenings (277.7±18.1s vs 221.7± 18.1s; P < 0.01). An analysis of heat index and brush usage was performed for relationships towards assessing thermal effects of automated brush usage. However, heat index was not related to brush usage (R2 = 0.003; P = 0.69), suggesting animal motivation for brush interaction was not affected by temperature or humidity during the trial periods. Lastly, an examination of continued interest in the automated brush system was performed by partitioning each trial into two equal fractions representing the first and second halves. Results provide evidence of animals utilizing the automated brush similarly throughout the trial (P = 0.18), suggesting there was continued interest throughout the evaluated period. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the behavior of lactating dairy cows in response to an automated brush system in a freestall setting. These findings have implications for animal welfare and farm management strategies, suggesting that automated brush systems can be effectively utilized to enhance the well-being of dairy cows, providing them with opportunities for comfortable grooming experiences, regardless of environmental variations.

Plant-based carotenoid supplementation: Growth, feed utilization efficiency, and coloration in false clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)

The false clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) is a prominent species in the marine ornamental trade, valued for its vibrant orange-red coloration. However, aquaculture-bred individuals often exhibit less intense coloration than their wild counterparts, presenting a challenge for both breeders and aquarists. This study evaluates the effects of carotenoid-enriched diets, sourced from natural ingredients such as pumpkin, bell pepper, carrot, and gac, as well as a synthetic source like astaxanthin, on the coloration and growth of false clownfish. In a controlled experiment, juvenile fish with an initial average length of 3.21 ± 0.03 cm and weight of 0.61 ± 0.02 g were allocated to 60-liter tanks and fed the experimental diets over a 75-day trial period. Carotenoid supplementation was standardized at 250 mg/kg across diets, with a control group receiving no added carotenoids. The experimental design was completely randomized, involving three replicates per dietary treatment. The results indicated that diets supplemented with gac and bell pepper significantly enhanced growth and feed efficiency (p < 0.05). Notably, the skin redness intensity (a* value) was increased by 75.73% in the gac-supplemented group, 89.20% in the bell pepper group, and 91.99% in the astaxanthin group, relative to the control (p < 0.05). Additionally, carotenoid deposition in the integument was significantly higher in all supplemented groups, with an increase of 83.74% in the astaxanthin group, 89.59% in the gac group, and 98.43% in the bell pepper group, compared to the control (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that natural carotenoids, particularly from gac and bell pepper, can be effective alternatives to synthetic astaxanthin, potentially improving the attractiveness and commercial value of captive-bred false clownfish and alleviating the exploitation of wild populations.

Operative Time Accuracy in the Era of Electronic Health Records: Addressing the Elephant in the Room.

Accurate prediction of operating room (OR) time is critical for effective utilization of resources, optimal staffing, and reduced costs. Currently, electronic health record (EHR) systems aid OR scheduling by predicting OR time for a specific surgeon and operation. On many occasions, the predicted OR time is subject to manipulation by surgeons during scheduling. We aimed to address the use of the EHR for OR scheduling and the impact of manipulations on OR time accuracy. Between April and August 2022, a pilot study was performed in our tertiary center where surgeons in multiple surgical specialties were encouraged toward nonmanipulation for predicted OR time during scheduling. The OR time accuracy within 5months before trial (Group 1) and within the trial period (Group 2) were compared. Accurate cases were defined as cases with total length (wheels-in to wheels-out) within ±30min or ±20% of the scheduled duration if the scheduled time is ≥ or <150min, respectively. The study included single and multiple Current Procedural Terminology code procedures, while procedures involving multiple surgical specialties (combo cases) were excluded. The study included a total of 8,821 operations, 4,243 (Group 1) and 4,578 (Group 2), (p <.001). The percentage of manipulation dropped from 19.8% (Group 1) to 7.6% (Group 2), (p <.001), while scheduling accuracy rose from 41.7% (Group 1) to 47.9% (Group 2), (p =.0001) with a significant reduction of underscheduling percentage (38.7% vs. 31.7%, p =.0001) and without a significant difference in the percentage of overscheduled cases (15% vs. 17%, p =.22). Inaccurate OR hours were reduced by 18% during the trial period (2,383 hr vs. 1,954hr). The utilization of EHR systems for predicting OR time and reducing manipulation by surgeons helps improve OR scheduling accuracy and utilization of OR resources.

Host status of melon, carrot, and Meloidogyne incognita-susceptible and -resistant cotton, cowpea, pepper, and tomato for M. floridensis from California.

The host status of carrot, melon, and susceptible and resistant cultivars of tomato, cotton, cowpea, and pepper for a California isolate of the peach root-knot nematode Meloidogyne floridensis was determined in greenhouse pot experiments. It was compared to a race 3 isolate of M. incognita. Melon was an excellent host for both isolates and roots were heavily galled after the 8-week trial. Carrot was a host for M. incognita, but a poor host for M. floridensis, although both isolates caused similar levels of galling. Susceptible cotton was a good host for M. incognita race 3, but a poor host for M. floridensis. Susceptible tomato, cowpea, and pepper were good hosts for both isolates. The M. incognita resistance in tomato and pepper was broken by M. floridensis. Resistant cowpea was a maintenance host as population levels of M. floridensis remained virtually unchanged over the trial period. We conclude that M. floridensis poses a risk to some important vegetable crops in California, as it reproduces on most vegetable crops, including some cultivars that are resistant to M. incognita. On susceptible crops, the reproduction of M. floridensis was always significantly less than that of M. incognita, and we hypothesize that in mixed species field populations, M. incognita will outcompete M. floridensis. This study demonstrates that efforts to limit the spread and prevent further introductions of M. floridensis in California are important to maintain the effectiveness of plant resistance as a nematode management strategy in vegetable crops.

Try Before You Buy: Are There Benefits to a Random Trial Period before Students Choose Their Collaborative Teams?

The cognitive and performance benefits of group work in undergraduate courses depend on understanding how to structure groups to promote communication and comfort while also promoting diversity and reducing conflict. The current study utilized social network analysis combined with self-reported survey data from 555 students in 155 groups to understand how students identified group members whom they wished to work with. Students' willingness to work with their peers was positively associated with behavioral traits pertaining to attention, participation, and preparedness in class. We tested whether preventing students from choosing their group members until completing a multiweek period of random assignment to different groups each week influenced group selection criteria, and we found little effect. Students continued to depend on demographic similarities such as gender and ethnicity when selecting groupmates and enforcing random interactions before the group formation did not influence group satisfaction and/or grades. Random interactions before group formation did influence the willingness of students to continue working with peers who were persistently poorly rated based on behavioral attributes and contribution to the group work. Thus, the effort of random assignment could be beneficial to identify struggling students and improve collaboration.

Odevixibat (Bylvay)

&#x0D; CADTH recommends that Bylvay should be reimbursed by public drug plans for pruritus (itching) in patients aged 6 months or older with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) if certain conditions are met.&#x0D; Bylvay should only be covered to treat patients aged 6 months or older who have been diagnosed with PFIC type 1 (PFIC1) or PFIC type 2 (PFIC2), have severe itching, and have elevated serum bile acids. The first time Bylvay is prescribed, it should be for a trial period of 3 months to ensure that it improves the patient’s itching before it is renewed.&#x0D; Bylvay should only be reimbursed if it is prescribed by specialists in managing PFIC, if patients experience an improvement in their itching after using Bylvay for 3 months, and if the cost of Bylvay is reduced. Bylvay should be stopped if the patient receives a liver transplant.&#x0D;

Effects of the low-speed continuous infusion catheter technique on double-lumen central venous catheters: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCentral venous catheters are widely used in clinical practice, and the incidence of central venous catheter occlusion is between 25 % and 38 %. The turbulence caused by the pulsatile flushing technique is harmful to the vascular endothelium and may lead to phlebitis. The low-speed continuous infusion catheter technique is a new type of continuous infusion that ensures that the catheter is always in a keep-vein-open state by continuous low-speed flushing; hence, avoiding the problem of catheter occlusion. ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of the low-speed continuous infusion catheter technique and the routine care of double-lumen central venous catheters. DesignThis was a prospective, randomized, controlled, open-label trial. SettingPatients were recruited from 14 medical institutions in China between February and June 2023. ParticipantsIn total, 251 patients were recruited, with 125 in the intervention group and 126 in the control group. MethodsPatients who used double-lumen central venous catheters for infusion treatment were selected, and those who met the sampling criteria were randomly divided into intervention and control groups using the random envelope method. The intervention group used low-speed continuous infusion catheter technique to maintain catheter patency, whereas the control group used routine care with a trial period of 7 days. The primary outcome was occlusion rate. The secondary outcomes included nursing satisfaction and complication rates of the two groups. ResultsAfter 7 days, the rate of catheter occlusion was 28.0 % (35/125, 95 % confidence intervals (CI):0.203,0.367) in the intervention group and 53.97 % (68/126,95%CI:0.449 ~ 0.629) in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (χ2 = 17.488, p < 0.001); at 3 days of intervention, the rate of catheter blockage was 8.0 % (10/125，95%CI: 0.039 ~ 0.142) in the intervention group and 23.8 % (30/126，0.167 ~ 0.322) in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (χ2 = 11.707，p < 0.001). Nurse satisfaction was significantly higher in the intervention group (115/125，92.0 %，95%CI: 0.858 ~ 0.961) than in the control group (104/126, 82.54 %,95%CI: 0.748 ~ 0.887) (χ2 = 5.049, p = 0.025). There were no statistically significant complication rates in either group (p = 0.622). ConclusionThe low-speed continuous infusion catheter technique helps maintain catheter patency, improves nurse satisfaction, and provides a high level of safety. RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200064007，www.chictr.org.cn). The first recruitment was conducted in February.https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=177311

Effectiveness of the Feldenkrais Method on Self-Perception of Anxiety, Fatigue and Depression in Fibromyalgic Patients

The diagnosis and clinical characteristics of fibromyalgia are controversial and the therapeutic possibilities are increasingly of growing interest. Little is known about the effects of Feldenkrais method on symptomsof these patients. Therefore, we conducted a randomized pilot study on a small group of fibromyalgia patients, using the Feldenkrais method as a specific physical exercise, to evaluate the changes in fatigue, anxiety and depression self-perceived. Self-completion questionnaires were administered at the beginning and at the end of a 24-week trial period. The results are favorable for a reduction in fatigue and depression in patients with fibromyalgia.

Effect of β-alanine on the athletic performance and blood amino acid metabolism of speed-racing Yili horses.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of supplemental β-alanine feeding on the athletic performance of Yili horses involved in speed racing, focusing on alterations in plasma free amino acid patterns pre and post exercise. Additionally, the research aimed to evaluate the effects of carnosine on the plasma acid-base buffering capacity and antioxidant levels in these horses. Twelve Yili horse stallions, averaging 3 years in age and 346.50 ± 21.39 kg in weight, were chosen and randomly divided into two groups: a control group and a test group, each comprising six horses. The control group received a supplementation of 300 mg/kg BW/day of α-alanine, while the test group received 300 mg/kg BW/day of β-alanine. This supplementation regimen was maintained for a 30-day supplementation trial period, under identical feeding and management conditions. Throughout the trial, the horses participated in the 1,000 Speed Race, and three distinct blood samples were gathered for assessing plasma free amino acids, blood gases, biochemical parameters, and antioxidant parameters. The outcomes indicated a considerable enhancement in the 1,000 m exercise performance of the speed racing Yili horses in the test group compared to the control group, showcasing a noteworthy improvement of 12.01%, with the test group completing the race 13.29 s faster. Notably, the α-alanine content in the plasma of the control group Yili horses remained higher than that of the test group, demonstrating a consistent increasing trend. By contrast, the plasma β-alanine content was notably higher in the test group than in the control group. Over the course of the supplementation period, plasma β-alanine exhibited an escalating and then stabilizing trend in the test group, whereas in the control group, although β-alanine content also increased, the trend was less pronounced. The plasma levels of histidine and carnosine showed minimal variance between the two groups. Overall, the test group of Yili horses exhibited slightly higher plasma levels of histidine and carnosine compared to the control group. The addition of β-alanine to their diet for a duration of 30 days notably affected the plasma levels of amino acids both pre- and post-exercise in speed-racing Yili horses. Furthermore, β-alanine demonstrated an inhibitory effect on the catabolism of these horses' bodies during high-intensity exercise. Ten marker amino acids, including valine, leucine, β-alanine, isoleucine, carnosine, 3-methyl-histidine, lysine, ethanolamine, argnine, and taurine, displayed statistically significant changes. β-alanine notably increased the blood glucose levels of Yili horses and played a role in expediting the restoration of blood gas levels post-exercise. Moreover, in the test group of Yili horses, the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity significantly increased both before and after the race, while the content of malondialdehyde, an oxidation product, exhibited an extremely significant decrease immediately after the race. These outcomes suggest that the addition of β-alanine significantly augmented antioxidant levels during high-intensity exercise in Yili horses. Consequently, it reduced post-exercise injuries and accelerated the recovery process after exercise.

Live feed enrichments using microalgae for pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) larval culture

AbstractThis trial aimed to customize pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) larval nutrition using live feed enrichments based on Chlorella vulgaris and Trachydiscus minutus. Pikeperch larvae were fed with rotifers and Artemia enriched with C. vulgaris and T. minutus during the first 17 days after exogenous feeding (started 4 days post‐hatching [dph]) and only Artemia until 20 dph. Larvae were exposed to seven different enrichments: (a) Nannochloropsis occulata (Nanno 3600 reed Mariculture) (Control), (b) C. vulgaris cultured at 20°C in BG‐117 medium (BG20), (c) C. vulgaris cultured at 30°C in BG‐117 medium (BG30), (d) T. minutus cultured at 15°C (T15), (e) T. minutus cultured at 25°C (T25), (f) C. vulgaris cultured at 20°C in urea medium (U20), and (g) C. vulgaris cultured at 30°C in urea medium (U30). After 20 days, no significant differences were found between treatments on total length, standard length, myomere height, and eye diameter. On the contrary, significant differences were found in larval fatty acid composition after the trial period. Larvae from the BG30 treatment showed a significantly higher concentration of docosahexaenoic acid (5.61%), and larvae from the T25 treatment had a higher concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid 12.95%. Furthermore, larvae from the U20 treatment had a significantly higher arachidonic acid concentration of 0.116%. Overall, regarding essential fatty acid concentration, a significant difference was observed between the control treatment (Nannochloropsis) and the other treatments. No adverse effects were found on growth or survival when Nannochloropsis‐enriched live feed was replaced with the other enrichments. This trial's results will help optimize the pikeperch larvae's nutritional requirements and diversify the live feed enrichments used during the first feeding.

Effect of environmental conditions and feed forms on the performance and feeding behavior of group-housed growing-finishing pigs

Aim of study: To investigate the influence of environmental conditions and feed forms on productivity and feeding behavior of growing-finishing pigs. Area of study: Farm located in the North-East of Spain (42°03'11.0"N 2°06'59.5"E). Material and methods: Two trials were conducted (n = 72 pigs each). In the Hot-Temperate/Pelleted trial (HT-P), pigs were half the time under hot conditions (average temperature Ta=28.1℃) and half the time under thermoneutral conditions (Ta=25.5℃) and were fed in pellet. In the Temperate-Hot/Mash trial (TH-M), pigs were half the time under thermoneutral conditions (Ta=23.5℃) and half the time under hot conditions (Ta=27.3℃) and were fed in mash. Productivity and feeding behavior were registered. Main results: Hot conditions during the finishing period in TH-M trial reduced by 118 g/d growth rate and increased feed conversion ratio (2.28 vs. 2.07 kg/kg) compared to HT-P trial (p &lt; 0.001) due to feed intake reduction. Growing pigs under hot conditions and fed in pellet increased total feeder visits (12.8 vs. 7.9 visits/d) and reduced visit size (147 vs. 230 g/visit, p &lt; 0.001); whereas finishing pigs under hot conditions and fed in mash only tended to reduce visit size (308 vs. 332 g/visit, p = 0.08). Pigs fed with mash ate slower (22.8 vs. 34.8 g/min) than pelleted-fed pigs (p &lt; 0.001), independently of environmental conditions. Research highlights: Feed form and environmental conditions affect both feeding behavior and performance of growing-finishing pigs. Unfortunately, due to a design weakness, it was not possible to obtain the sharp effect of both factors.

The safety and efficacy of Houtou Jianweiling tablet in patients with chronic non-atrophic gastritis: a double-blind, non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial.

Background: Common symptoms of Chronic Non-atrophic Gastritis (CNAG) include nausea, stomach distension, and abdominal pain. The Houtou Jianweiling Tablet (HTJWT) is a chinese patent medicine (CN1368229A) and it has been used clinically for more than 20years with proven clinical efficacy in treating CNAG, prompted us to establish the clinical efficacy and safety of HTJWT on patients with mild to moderate CNAG symptoms in Pakistani population. Methods: This phase II, double-blind, randomized, parallel-controlled trial was conducted in a single center between November 2022 and February 2023 in Pakistan. In a ratio of 1:1, total 240 CNAG patients with erosion identified by pathological biopsy and gastroscopy were randomly assigned to control (Omeprazole) group (n = 120) and the treatment (HTJWT) group (n = 120). Patients in the treatment group received orally four HTJWT (0.38g/tablet), three times a day and one placebo of Omeprazole enteric-coated tablet prior to breakfast, daily. On the other hand, patients in the control group received one Omeprazole enteric-coated tablet (20 mg/tablet) prior to breakfast and four placebo of HTJWT, thrice a day. The patients consumed the investigated drugs (i.e., treatment and control) treatment regimen was followed for a duration of 28days. The safety of the patients were evaluated through adverse events, serious adverse events and laboratory tests such as blood biochemistry, urine analysis, liver and renal function tests. Vital signs like; blood pressure, pulse rate, body temperature, respiratory rate for all the patients were recorded. The cardiac status of the patients were assessed through electrocardiogram (ECG). The primary efficacy indicators were the improvement rate of gastric distention and gastralgia as the main clinical symptoms. Secondary indicators were visual analogue score (VAS); improvement rate of secondary clinical symptoms and signs; improvement rate of total clinical signs and symptoms; the disappearance/remission rate of Gastric pain and, remission/disappearance time of gastric distension; and the negative conversion rate of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). The outcomes among each group were compared using the chi-square test. Results: Patients in both groups had good drug compliance (80%-120%), and there was no statistically significant difference in the patients' baseline characteristics. The clinical improvement rate was found to be 91.1% in the treatment group and 91.0% in the control group with negligible variation among the two groups (p = 0.9824; 95% confidence interval: -0.0781-0.0798). Similarly, hardly no difference was found in the negative conversion rate of H. pylori between the treatment group and the control group (i.e., 70.1% and 71.8% respectively, p = 0.8125). There were no significant differences in respiratory rate, vital signs, blood pressure, laboratory results for blood biochemistry, urine analysis, liver and renal function tests between the two groups. The ECG assessment carried out for the treatment and control group revealed no considerable difference. Margin variation in the disappearance time of gastric pain (p = 0.1860) and remission rate (p = 0.5784) between the two groups were observed. The control group exhibited a faster remission period for gastrointestinal discomfort indications as compared to treatment group (p = 0.0430). Only one patient in the control group experienced mild to moderate adverse events, namely,; epigastric pain and dyspepsia. The results were consistent with the intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis that included patients who were 100% compliant to the assigned therapy. Conclusion: The lower limit of confidence interval (CI, 95%) for the differences in the effective rate between the treatment and the control groups was found to be -0.0781 which is greater than -0.15, hence the treatment group is non-inferior to the control group. The therapeutic dosage used in the trial and treatment period did not cause any significant adverse event, and there were no obvious changes in the ECG profile, vital signs and biochemistry of the patients. Based on the clinical efficacy evaluation and reported adverse events, it can be concluded that the HTJWT is a safe and effective traditional chinese medicine for the treatment of patients suffering from chronic non-atrophic gastritis with mild to moderate symptoms. Clinical Trial Registration: [www.clinicaltrials.gov], identifier [NCT04672018].

Biostimulation potentials of pig dung and oil palm fruit chaff on a diesel fuel polluted soil

The study was carried out to examine the biostimulatory effect of pig dung and oil palm fruit chaff on remediation of soil contaminated with diesel fuel. Different rates (0, 1 and 2kg) of pig dung and 1kg of oil palm fruit chaff and were applied to diesel fuel contaminated soils at (0, 1litre and 2litre /ha) of diesel fuel respectively were used. A total of twelve (12) treatments combination with three (3) replicates each summing to thirty-six (36) plots were used. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design. The soil physicochemical parameters that were examined are pH, total organic content (TOC), nitrogen (N), carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N), phosphorus (P) CEC, TPH and PAH. The results for soil physicochemical parameters showed significant variations (P&lt;0.05) in the levels of pH, phosphorus, Cation Exchange Capacity, carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N) associated with pollution and biodegradation occurring within the soils, the result shows high levels in total organic carbon (TOC) and Nitrogen. Soil analysis during the experiment revealed a general negative correlation coefficient implying enhanced remediation during the trial periods. The research has shown that pig dung and oil palm fruit chaff are good biostimulatory agent in the remediation and restoration of diesel fuel polluted soil.

555 - Safety of tralokinumab for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in patients with up to 4.5 years of treatment: an updated integrated analysis of eight clinical trials

Abstract Introduction/Background Tralokinumab, a monoclonal antibody that specifically neutralizes interleukin-13, is indicated for the treatment of patients (pts) with moderate-to-severe AD. Clinical trials of up to 52 weeks’ duration, showed that tralokinumab was efficacious and well tolerated as monotherapy and in combination with topical therapy. Objectives To evaluate the long-term safety of tralokinumab in an integrated analysis of seven phase 3 parent trials of up to 52 weeks’ duration (NCT03131648, NCT03160885, NCT03363854, NCT03562377, NCT03526861, NCT03761537, NCT04587453), and the ongoing, up to 5-year extension study (ECZTEND; NCT03587805). Methods Two datasets were analyzed: a placebo-controlled (PC) dataset from the initial 16-wk period of the parent trials and an all-tralokinumab (AT) dataset combining the parent trials with the subsequent ECZTEND trial including pts from first dose of tralokinumab until end of tralokinumab exposure or data cut-off (April 30th, 2022). Exposure was defined over the active treatment periods. For the AT dataset, periods on placebo were disregarded. All treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) were recorded. AEs of special interest (AESIs) were predefined. Proportions of pts with events and incidence rates (IR) per 100 patient-years of exposure (PYE) were calculated. PYE was defined as the time until the first event or exposure end, whichever came first, and incidence was defined as the first event. Results In total, 2693 pts (≥12 years) received tralokinumab for up to 238.5 weeks (≈4.5 years) with a median exposure time of 76.5 weeks in the AT dataset. Total exposure time was 5320.2 patient years. Median age at baseline was 33.0 years (min-max; 12-92). 10.4% of pts were 12-17 years. Overall, 2307 pts experienced an AE (IR=202.0), most (97.3%) of which were mild-to-moderate. Serious AEs (SAEs) were reported in 226 pts (IR=4.5); SAEs were considered possibly or probably related by the investigator in 50 pts (IR=0.9). No SAEs at the preferred term level were reported with an IR≥0.1. Discontinuation of treatment due to AEs was low (IR=2.8). AEs leading to drug withdrawal with an IR&amp;gt;0.1 were dermatitis atopic (IR=0.5) and injection site reaction (ISR) (IR=0.2). The most frequently reported AEs in the AT dataset were consistent with the PC dataset, including nasopharyngitis (IR=18.4), upper respiratory tract infection (IR=6.9), conjunctivitis (IR=5.0), ISR (IR=3.6), conjunctivitis allergic (IR=2.7), and injection site pain (IR=1.5). AESIs, including eye disorders, skin infections requiring systemic treatment, eczema herpeticum, and malignancies, were observed in the AT dataset at rates similar to or lower than reported in the PC dataset. Conclusions Long-term use of tralokinumab, for up to 4.5 years, was well tolerated, and the pattern of AEs was consistent with the initial placebo-controlled treatment period and with no new safety signals identified.

LipiFlow for the treatment of dry eye disease.

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the most common underlying cause of dry eye disease (DED). MGD leads to pathological alteration of the composition or quantity of meibum, or both, which subsequently results in tear evaporation and the typical signs and symptoms associated with DED. The LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System (LipiFlow) is a medical device used to treat MGD in office; however, it is unclear if LipiFlow can outperform other DED treatments. To evaluate the effectiveness of LipiFlow for treating DED signs and symptoms and the safety of LipiFlow compared with sham or other available treatments for MGD in adults. The Cochrane Eyes and Vision Information Specialist searched the electronic databases for randomized controlled trials. There were no restrictions on language or date of publication. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, including the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register; 2022, Issue 6), MEDLINE Ovid, Embase.com, PubMed, LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Information database), ClinicalTrials.gov, and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP) electronic databases. We also examined the reference lists of identified trials, review articles, and guidelines for information about relevant trials that may not have been identified by our search strategy. We contacted investigators regarding ongoing trials. The last database search was performed on 24 October 2022. We included studies conducted in adults (over 18 years of age) with DED or MGD as defined by the primary trial investigators. We imposed no restrictions on race, ethnicity, or sex. We considered trials involving contact lens wearers if they were equally represented between groups. We applied standard Cochrane methodology. We included 13 trials that randomized a total of 1155 participants (28 to 236 participants randomized per study). Six trials were conducted in the USA, three in China, two in Thailand, one in France, and one in Italy. Eight trials were of single-center design, while four trials were of multicenter design; one trial did not report the number of participating centers. Study characteristics The study population of the included trials was 66% female (range 48% to 80%), with an age range of 19 to 86 years. LipiFlow, used as a stand-alone intervention, was compared with basic warm compresses in five studies, thermostatic device in five studies, oral intervention in one trial, and topical dry eye medications in one trial. LipiFlow was also evaluated together with eyelid hygiene product versus eyelid hygiene products alone in one trial. Findings Five trials compared LipiFlow with a basic warm compress applied for varying durations and frequencies during the trial period; only one of these trials combined a warm compress with eyelid massage. Analyzing symptom scores by different questionnaires (Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI] and Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness [SPEED]) yielded conflicting evidence of a difference in symptoms between LipiFlow and basic warm compresses after four weeks. There was no evidence of a difference in meibomian gland expression, meibum quality, or tear breakup time when comparing LipiFlow with basic warm compresses. Another five trials compared LipiFlow with thermostatic devices. Analysis of symptom scores at four weeks showed that thermostatic devices had reduced OSDI scores by a mean difference (MD) of 4.59 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23 to 7.95; I2 = 0, P = 0.007; 553 participants; very low certainty evidence) as compared with LipiFlow. When we compared LipiFlow plus eyelid hygiene with eyelid hygiene alone, there was no evidence of difference in signs or symptoms at any time point evaluated. Only one trial compared LipiFlow with a topical DED medication (lifitegrast 5%). The single-trial estimate suggested that 5% lifitegrast may increase meibomian gland expression scores compared with LipiFlow at day 42 (MD -1.21, 95% CI -2.37 to -0.05; 50 participants; low certainty evidence) by using a meibomian gland expression scale of 0 to 8. One trial compared LipiFlow with an oral intervention (doxycycline), finding that LipiFlow may result in significantly better SPEED scores than doxycycline at three months (MD -4.00, 95% CI -7.33 to -0.67; 24 participants; very low certainty evidence). No other significant differences in signs or symptoms were found between LipiFlow and doxycycline at three months. We did not find any other statistically significant differences in symptoms or signs for any other analysis performed in this review at the one- to four-week time point. Adverse events No trial reported any intervention-related, vision-threatening adverse events. LipiFlow performs similarly to other commonly used DED treatments with regard to DED signs and symptoms. The best available evidence was deemed to have a high level of bias, leading to low or very low certainty evidence. Additional research with adequate masking, a standardized testing methodology, and a sample representative of the MGD population is therefore needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn regarding comparative benefits and harms.

Hematological and Cytogenetic Effects of X-rays in Cardiac Unit Workers and Catheterization Patients.

Introduction X-rays are widely used in medicine for diagnosis and treatment. Such beneficial uses may cause potentially hazardous situations for patients andworkers in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. The present study aims to estimate the radiation dose scattered in different parts of the catheterization units and doses absorbed by workers in thisunit, and patients who underwent cardiac catheterization procedures to evaluate all changes in hematological parameters and damaged cells (the cells that contain a number of chromosomal aberrations) after exposure to radiation at Azadi Teaching Hospital in the Duhok City of Iraq. Methodology Thestudy was conducted in one year and involved 19 male workers chronically exposed to X-ray machines in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, and 45 patients, 20 males and 25 females, who have been exposed to lower doses of X-ray during the cardiac catheterization process. There were 32 healthy individuals, 19 males and 13 females, as a control. Scattered radiation was calculated using an area monitoring detector.Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dosimeter andFlat Panel Detector (FPD)were used to calculate absorbed doses by workers and patients, respectively. Twelve hematological parameters before and after radiation were examined between study groups; the cytogenetic effects, damagedcells, and chromosomal aberrations of the white blood cells of workers, patientsin the catheterization unit, and individuals of the control group were analyzed. Results The results showed that the scattered X-rays in the catheterization unit after one year of continuous detection did not change significantly compared to the data before the start of the trial. The results of all blood parameters looked to be significantly different (p<0.05) compared to the controls but within the normal range.There is no significant difference (p>0.05) in corpuscular hemoglobin, white blood cells, red distribution width, and neutrophilvalues for workers after one year of exposure as compared with the control. Also, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in white blood cells, neutrophils, and monocyte values for patients after the operation. The current study showed the damaged cells in workerswere significantlydifferent compared to the control. At the same time, the differences were non-significant for all workers (p=0.0962) after one year of exposure.The differences in damaged cells in patients were highly significant after the operation (p=0.0003). The present study demonstrated that the inductions of dicentrics, acentric, chromosome break, and ring chromosomes in human lymphocytes were intimately related to the irradiation dose. Conclusions The presentstudy found that the scattered X-rays in the catheterization unit after the end of the experiment did not change significantly. The current study also revealed that the exposure to X-rays had no significant effects on the blood indicators of workers and patients in the catheterization unit, whereas the damaged cells in patients did not change significantly compared with the control group at the beginning of the experiment.In patients, these cells were increased after the operation but were present at a high level in the workers, as compared with controls.The damaged cells in workers remained constant from the beginning of the experiment till the end.Finally, patients had increased damaged cells after the end of the trial period compared to workers.

Sound Localization in Single-Sided Deafness; Outcomes of a Randomized Controlled Trial on the Comparison Between Cochlear Implantation, Bone Conduction Devices, and Contralateral Routing of Signals Hearing Aids.

There is currently a lack of prospective studies comparing multiple treatment options for single-sided deafness (SSD) in terms of long-term sound localization outcomes. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to compare the objective and subjective sound localization abilities of SSD patients treated with a cochlear implant (CI), a bone conduction device (BCD), a contralateral routing of signals (CROS) hearing aid, or no treatment after two years of follow-up. About 120 eligible patients were randomized to cochlear implantation or to a trial period with first a BCD on a headband, then a CROS (or vice versa). After the trial periods, participants opted for a surgically implanted BCD, a CROS, or no treatment. Sound localization accuracy (in three configurations, calculated as percentage correct and root-mean squared error in degrees) and subjective spatial hearing (subscale of the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of hearing (SSQ) questionnaire) were assessed at baseline and after 24 months of follow-up. At the start of follow-up, 28 participants were implanted with a CI, 25 with a BCD, 34 chose a CROS, and 26 opted for no treatment. Participants in the CI group showed better sound localization accuracy and subjective spatial hearing compared to participants in the BCD, CROS, and no-treatment groups at 24 months. Participants in the CI and CROS groups showed improved subjective spatial hearing at 24 months compared to baseline. To conclude, CI outperformed the BCD, CROS, and no-treatment groups in terms of sound localization accuracy and subjective spatial hearing in SSD patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION Netherlands Trial Register (https://onderzoekmetmensen.nl): NL4457, CINGLE trial.

Effect of mixed meal replacement of soybean meal on growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, and gut microbiota of finishing pigs.

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of mixed meal (rapeseed meal, cotton meal, and sunflower meal) replacement soybean meal on growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum inflammatory factors and immunoglobulins, serum biochemical parameters, intestinal permeability, short-chain fatty acid content, and gut microbiota of finishing pigs. A total of 54 pigs with an average initial weight of 97.60 ± 0.30 kg were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups according to their initial weight, with 6 replicates in each group and 3 pigs in each replicate. The trial period was 26 days. The groups were as follows: control group (CON), fed corn-soybean meal type basal diet; Corn-soybean-mixed meal group (CSM), fed corn-soybean meal-mixed meal diet with a ratio of rapeseed meal, cotton meal, and sunflower meal of 1:1:1 to replace 9.06% soybean meal in the basal diet; Corn-mixed meal group (CMM), fed a corn-mixed meal diet with a ratio of Rapeseed meal, Cotton meal and Sunflower meal of 1:1:1 to replace soybean meal in the basal diet completely. The crude protein level of the three diets was maintained at 12.5%. Our findings revealed no significant impact of replacing soybean meal with the mixed meal (rapeseed meal, cotton meal, and sunflower meal) on the ADG (Average daily gain), ADFI (Average daily feed intake), and F/G (Feed gain ratio) (P > 0.05), or crude protein, crude fat, and gross energy (P > 0.05) in the diet of finishing pigs. Compared with the CON group, the serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) concentrations were significantly decreased in the CMM group (P < 0.05). However, there is no significant effect of the mixed meal (rapeseed meal, cotton meal, and sunflower meal) replacing soybean meal in the diet on the serum interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentrations (P > 0.05). Concordantly, there is no significant effect of mixed meal (rapeseed meal, cotton meal, and sunflower meal) replacing soybean meal in the diet on the serum antioxidant capacity, such as total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of finishing pigs. Moreover, compared with the CON group, serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels were significantly lower in the CSM group (P < 0.05) and their total bilirubin (TBIL) levels were significantly lower in the CMM group (P < 0.05). There is not a significant effect on serum D-lactate and diamine oxidase (DAO) concentrations (P > 0.05). The next section of the survey showed that the replacement of soybean meal with a mixed meal (rapeseed meal, cotton meal, and sunflower meal) in the diet did not significantly influence the acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, isobutyric acid, and isovaleric acid in the colon contents (P > 0.05). Furthermore, compared with the CON group, the CMM group diet significantly increased the abundance of Actinobacteria at the phylum level (P < 0.05), U_Actinobacteria at the class level (P < 0.05), and U_Bacteria at the class level (P < 0.05). The result also showed that the CMM group significantly reduced the abundance of Oscillospirales at the order level (P < 0.05) and Streptococcaceae at the family level (P < 0.05) compared with the CON group. The Spearman correlation analysis depicted a statistically significant positive correlation identified at the class level between the relative abundance of U_Bacteria and the serum T. BILI concentrations (P < 0.05). Moreover, a significant negative correlation was detected at the order level between the relative abundance of Oscillospirales and the levels of acetic and propionic acids in the colonic contents (P < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation between the serum concentrations of IL-6 and IL-10 and the relative abundance of the family Streptococcaceae (P < 0.05). This study demonstrated that the mixed meal (rapeseed meal, cotton meal, and sunflower meal) as a substitute for soybean meal in the diet had no significant negative effects on the growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum immunoglobulins, serum antioxidant capacity, intestinal permeability, short-chain fatty acid content, and diversity of gut microbiota of finishing pigs. These results can help develop further mixed meals (rapeseed meal, cotton meal, and sunflower meal) as a functional alternative feed ingredient for soybean meals in pig diets.

The use of unmanned aerial vehicle for controlling Oryctes rhinoceros beetle on Immature Oil Palm

Current constraints on labor supply and human error have triggered interest in using automated technology as an alternative to conventional operations. Hence, Minamas Plantation has embarked on an exploratory trial using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in one of the labor-intensive works in the oil palm industry, which is the prophylactic fortnightly spraying of beetles on immature palms. The trial was conducted between October 2021 and January 2022 at PT Aneka Inti Persada. Three treatments, namely UAV, conventional, and no control, were investigated under two different environments (straight-line and terrace plantings). A randomized complete block design was adopted, with three replicates of immature oil palms planted in 2020. Prior to treatment implementation, all treated palms were georeferenced. The insecticide used was Cypermethrin (5.5% EC) at 20 ml/L of water. Insecticide application by point-to-point spraying was conducted for 4 seconds on each palm (250 ml solution/palm) at 0.5 – 1.5 m above the canopy. Knapsack spraying was performed as per estate practice. No significant difference in fresh damage was recorded between the UAV and knapsack spraying as compared to the control plots. Palms in control plots continued to be inflicted by beetles with more than 5% fresh damage throughout the trial period. The trial concluded that UAV technology has great potential for adoption in daily estate operations. The next step of the trial was to compare the cost-effectiveness between treatments. This study did not carry out the economic analysis due to the scale of the trial.