Clearance of Biodegradable Polymer and Polyethylene Films from the Rumens of Holstein Bull Calves.

Due to the occurrence of plastic impaction in ruminants and its deleterious effects on health and production, it is necessary to determine the suitability of biodegradable polymers to replace polyethylene-based agricultural plastics, such as hay netting. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the clearance of a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and poly(butylene succinate--adipate) (PBSA) melt-blend polymer from the rumen when fed to cattle and subsequent animal health. Twelve Holstein bull calves were dosed with an encapsulated 13.

Digestibility Kinetics of Polyhydroxyalkanoate and Poly(butylene succinate--adipate) after In Vitro Fermentation in Rumen Fluid.

Using polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) materials for ruminal boluses could allow for longer sustained release of drugs and hormones that would reduce administration time and unneeded animal discomfort caused by continuous administration. The objective of this study was to determine ruminal degradability and kinetics of biodegradable polymers and blends. A proprietary PHA-based polymer, poly(butylene succinate--adipate) (PBSA), PBSA:PHA melt blends, and forage controls were incubated in rumen fluid for up to 240 h.

A randomized controlled trial comparing nociception level (NOL) index, blood pressure, and heart rate responses to direct laryngoscopy versus videolaryngoscopy for intubation: the NOLint project.

Purpose: The effect of direct laryngoscopy using a Macintosh blade (MAC) vs GlideScope™ videolaryngoscopy using a Spectrum LoPro blade (GVL) on nociceptive stimulation has not been quantitatively studied. This study used the new nociception level (NOL) index to compare the nociceptive response induced by GVL or MAC during laryngoscopy with or without intubation.

Methods: Patients underwent two laryngoscopies at four-minute intervals (L1, L2), one with GVL and the other with MAC (first randomization).

Addressing the Issue of Microplastics in the Wake of the Microbead-Free Waters Act-A New Standard Can Facilitate Improved Policy.

The United States Microbead-Free Waters Act was signed into law in December 2015. It is a bipartisan agreement that will eliminate one preventable source of microplastic pollution in the United States. Still, the bill is criticized for being too limited in scope, and also for discouraging the development of biodegradable alternatives that ultimately are needed to solve the bigger issue of plastics in the environment.

Oral immunotherapy for milk allergy.

Background: The mainstay of treatment of IgE-mediated cow milk allergy (IMCMA) is an avoidance diet, which is especially difficult with a ubiquitous food like milk. Milk oral immunotherapy (MOIT) may be an alternative treatment, through desensitization or induction of tolerance.

Objectives: We aim to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of MOIT in children and adults with IMCMA as compared to a placebo treatment or avoidance strategy.