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Background: Precise continuous feeding of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients is crucial in a continuous powder-to-tablet manufacturing setup, as any inconsistency can affect the final tablet quality. Method: This study investigated the impact of various materials on the performance of a continuous twin-screw loss-in-weight (LIW) feeder. The materials tested included spray-dried lactose, anhydrous lactose, granulated lactose, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), an MCC–lactose preblend (50%:50% w/w ratio), and a co-processed excipient (lactose–lactitol at a 95%:5% w/w ratio). The feeding performance of these excipients was systematically assessed, focusing on powder densification and screw layering within the LIW feeder. Results: The results demonstrated densification for the spray-dried lactose and preblend. Densification was more pronounced during the initial feeding cycles for spray-dried lactose, but decreased gradually over time. In contrast, the densification remained relatively constant throughout the feeding process for the preblend. Notably, minor screw layering was observed for both spray-dried lactose and anhydrous lactose, with the extent of this issue reducing over time for the spray-dried lactose. Interestingly, granulated lactose grades did not show screw layering, making them preferable for blending with APIs prone to severe screw layering. The LIW feeder control system successfully managed powder densification and minor screw layering, maintaining the mass flow rate at the set point for all investigated materials. Conclusions: These findings inform the selection of optimal excipients, appropriate tooling for LIW feeders, and the enhancement of control strategies to shorten startup times. By addressing these factors, the precision and reliability of continuous feeding processes can be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Consteel electric arc furnace (EAF) has gained rapid development in the field of EAF steelmaking due to its advantageous features including short tap‐to‐tap time, low production energy consumption, and waste heat recovery. However, the low heat transfer efficiency from gas to scrap has remained a persistent technical challenge in Consteel EAF. This research establishes a scrap preheating model for the Consteel EAF to comprehensively investigate the heat transfer efficiency from gas to scrap. The calculation results demonstrate that the heat transfer efficiency from gas to scrap can be effectively enhanced by increasing the initial gas velocity and scrap porosity. Specifically, raising the initial gas velocity from 0.9 to 1.5 m s−1 improves convective and radiative heat exchange, leading to increased heat transfer efficiency from gas to scrap at the same positions within the scrap layer. Moreover, increasing the scrap porosity from 0.92 to 0.98 significantly enhances the heat transfer efficiency through augmented radiation heat exchange. Notably, the improvement in heat transfer efficiency resulting from increased porosity is considerably greater than that achieved through increased gas velocity. The findings of this study hold significant practical implications for the actual field production operations in the horizontal continuous feeding system of EAF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Counter-rotating electrochemical machining (CRECM) stands out as an efficient and cost-effective method for machining aero-engine casings. To maintain stability in the CRECM process equilibrium state, continuous feeding of the cathode tool is essential. However, this continuous feeding approach with single direction of rotation may result in poor roundness and reduced machining accuracy. This paper aims to analyze the sources and rules of roundness error and asymmetry in CRECM. Based on simulation results, a method involving periodic reverse rotation of electrodes with continuous feeding is proposed for CRECM. This approach aims to mitigate the cumulative machining error, thereby significantly improving machining accuracy. Experimental results validate the efficacy of the proposed method at a rotation speed of 0.2 rpm. The roundness error is markedly reduced from 0.19 mm to 0.04 mm, resulting in a more symmetric convex structure. Additionally, the sidewall taper angle is reduced from 14.5 degrees to 6.4 degrees. This underscores the effectiveness of the proposed method in enhancing machining accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Precise continuous feeding of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients is crucial in a continuous powder-to-tablet manufacturing setup, as any inconsistency can affect the final tablet quality. Method: This study investigated the impact of various materials on the performance of a continuous twin-screw loss-in-weight (LIW) feeder. The materials tested included spray-dried lactose, anhydrous lactose, granulated lactose, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), an MCC–lactose preblend (50%:50% w/w ratio), and a co-processed excipient (lactose–lactitol at a 95%:5% w/w ratio). The feeding performance of these excipients was systematically assessed, focusing on powder densification and screw layering within the LIW feeder. Results: The results demonstrated densification for the spray-dried lactose and preblend. Densification was more pronounced during the initial feeding cycles for spray-dried lactose, but decreased gradually over time. In contrast, the densification remained relatively constant throughout the feeding process for the preblend. Notably, minor screw layering was observed for both spray-dried lactose and anhydrous lactose, with the extent of this issue reducing over time for the spray-dried lactose. Interestingly, granulated lactose grades did not show screw layering, making them preferable for blending with APIs prone to severe screw layering. The LIW feeder control system successfully managed powder densification and minor screw layering, maintaining the mass flow rate at the set point for all investigated materials. Conclusions: These findings inform the selection of optimal excipients, appropriate tooling for LIW feeders, and the enhancement of control strategies to shorten startup times. By addressing these factors, the precision and reliability of continuous feeding processes can be improved.

Abstract Introduction Enteral nutrition (EN) is the recommended nutritional support in most critically ill populations. When given by feeding tube, EN may be administered either continuously or intermittently. It is unclear which approach is superior in reducing gastrointestinal complications—such as diarrhea—and meeting nutritional targets. The main objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis are to (1) determine whether continuous or intermittent enteral nutrition is associated with higher incidence of adverse gastrointestinal outcomes, including diarrhea, and (2) determine which feeding modality is associated with reaching nutritional goals. Methods and analysis This systematic review protocol is reported in accordance with guidelines from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) statement. We will search MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry (ICTRP) search portal for studies comparing continuous EN and intermittent EN in critically ill patients with no date or language restrictions. Studies will be screened, selected, and extracted independently and in duplicate. We will assess the risk-of-bias assessment using the Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias (RoB) 2 tool. The primary outcome will include the incidence of diarrhea; secondary outcomes include other adverse GI outcomes (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and constipation), as well as reaching nutritional goals, and length of ICU and hospital stay and mortality. We will pool data using a random-effects model and assess the certainty of the evidence for each outcome using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) methodology. Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval is not required for this study as no original data will be collected. We will disseminate results through peer-reviewed publication and conference presentations. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42022330118.

Purpose: Powder feeding is a vital unit operation in the continuous manufacturing of pharmaceutical products. Loss-in-weight twin-screw feeders are commonly used in continuous manufacturing lines. The feeding performance, i.e., the accuracy and consistency of feeding, influences the content uniformity of the final drug product. In this study, a redesigned hopper for K-Tron KT20 twin-screw feeder was designed, implemented, and investigated to improve feeding performance. The basic idea was to design the hopper in such a way that the stresses on top of the screw entrance are independent of the fill level. Methods: Our study compared the novel system to that of the original cylindrical hopper. The effect of the redesigned hopper on the start-up, the process’ sensitivity to refill level, and the refill portion size were studied. A free-flowing, barely compressible powder and a compressible blend were used in this study to evaluate the feeding performance and the refill effects. Results: When using compressible powders, the results showed a larger process window for refilling in the redesigned hopper and a lower refill-level sensitivity compared to the original hopper. Conclusion: The homogenization of stresses in the redesigned hopper allowed operating at lower refill levels, and variability, especially due to refilling, was reduced. This study demonstrates novel design approaches for successfully implementing hard-to-feed materials in continuous manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Enteral nutrition (EN) is the recommended nutritional support in most critically ill populations. When given by feeding tube, EN may be administered either continuously or intermittently. It is unclear which approach is superior in reducing gastrointestinal complications—such as diarrhea—and meeting nutritional targets. The main objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis are to (1) determine whether continuous or intermittent enteral nutrition is associated with higher incidence of adverse gastrointestinal outcomes, including diarrhea, and (2) determine which feeding modality is associated with reaching nutritional goals. Methods and analysis: This systematic review protocol is reported in accordance with guidelines from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) statement. We will search MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry (ICTRP) search portal for studies comparing continuous EN and intermittent EN in critically ill patients with no date or language restrictions. Studies will be screened, selected, and extracted independently and in duplicate. We will assess the risk-of-bias assessment using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias (RoB) 2 tool. The primary outcome will include the incidence of diarrhea; secondary outcomes include other adverse GI outcomes (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and constipation), as well as reaching nutritional goals, and length of ICU and hospital stay and mortality. We will pool data using a random-effects model and assess the certainty of the evidence for each outcome using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) methodology. Ethics and dissemination: Ethics approval is not required for this study as no original data will be collected. We will disseminate results through peer-reviewed publication and conference presentations. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42022330118. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing intermittent feeding versus continuous feeding used different methods, employed shorter fasting intervals, ignored patients' posture in bed during feeds, and showed mixed results. Prolonged fasting intervals are hypothesized to have several benefits. Additionally, there is evidence for more efficient gastric emptying in the right lateral position. In this multicenter RCT, we aimed to compare the effects of three-times-a-day gastric feeding while in the right lateral tilt position (intermittent postural feeding) versus standard continuous gastric feeding (standard feeding) on gastrointestinal intolerance and mortality among mechanically ventilated patients in ICU. Adult ICU patients with gastric feeding tube in-situ and requiring invasive mechanical ventilation were randomized to either intermittent postural feeding group or to the standard feeding group. The feeding formula, target daily feed volume and posture turns were determined as per standard practice for all patients. Primary outcome was an incidence rate per 100 patient-days of gastrointestinal intolerance, a composite outcome of vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. Secondary outcomes were all-cause hospital mortality, gastrointestinal intolerance-free days, ventilator-free days, episodes of vomiting or diarrhea per patient, and mean diet volume ratio (diet received/diet prescribed). At five multidisciplinary ICUs, 120 mechanically ventilated, adult ICU patients (median age 65 years, 60% males) were randomly allocated to intermittent postural feeding (n = 61) and standard feeding (n = 59). The primary outcome did not differ between intermittent feeding arm versus standard arm (8.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.9–11.8, versus 6.2, 95% CI: 4.1–9.1 per 100 patient-days; p = 0.23). Gastrointestinal intolerance-free days until day 14 were similar (6 [2–8] versus 5 [2–10]; p = 0.68) in both groups. Number of episodes per patient of vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation also did not differ in between groups. All-cause hospital mortality between intermittent feeding arm versus standard arm was 20% versus 31% (p = 0.17). There were no significant between-group differences in any of the other secondary outcomes. Intermittent gastric feeds delivered three-times-a-day while in the right lateral tilt position among mechanically ventilated patients was as well tolerated as the continuous enteral feeding. A definitive RCT to assess other clinically important outcomes is justified. ACTRN12616000212459 https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=365526&isReview=true. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the vermicomposting of source-separated organic solid waste was investigated using Eisenia fetida in a continuous flow-through reactor. This novel approach is capable of simulating the complex interactions and dynamics of a full-scale vermicomposting system, offering valuable insights into the optimization of organic waste management. The primary objective of the research was to evaluate the quality of vermicompost produced in the reactor and determine its compliance with regulatory standards. For this purpose, food waste, yard waste, and pruning waste were mixed in different proportions to create five waste mixtures, which were then subjected to an 8-week pre-composting process. Subsequently, vermicompost was produced from the pre-composted waste mixtures using a continuous flow-through reactor that allows for long-term operation without disturbing the worms. While the total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) content of the vermicomposts ranged from 2.04 % to 2.48 %, the total organic carbon (TOC) content of the vermicomposts was between 25.68 % and 32.64 %. Therefore, the carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio was calculated to be between 12.60 and 13.66. The quality of the final compost product showed that it met the limitations suggested in the European Fertilizer Regulation for the main physico-chemical parameters and heavy metals. It is concluded that vermicomposting in a continuous flow-through system reactor would be applicable to different organic waste streams. [Display omitted] • Vermicompost production using a continuous flow-through reactor was investigated. • A reduction of 8.3–30.2 % was observed in the carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratios. • The concentrations of macro and micro elements in the vermicomposts increased. • The increase in the number of worms was higher in mixtures containing pruning waste. • Vermicomposts obtained from different waste mixtures showed similar qualities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Accurate and reliable feeding of small quantities of powder is crucial in many industries. It is particularly true in the case of pharmaceutical manufacturing. First, the exact dosage of highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) is essential. Second, due to the shift towards continuous manufacturing, processing agents must be supplied continuously. Last, with regard to personalized medicine products, small doses of API have to be processed with high flexibility. In all these applications, a few grams of powder or less per hour have to be fed, which makes processing very challenging. The common route of pre-blending causes additional effort in processing and quality control compared to direct continuous feeding, while material properties influence the performance of conventional feeders with conveying screw elements. Methods: In this study, a novel micro-feeding system based on active volumetric displacement is investigated and compared to commercial LIW feeders of various scales. In the micro-feeder, the powder is filled into a cylindrical cartridge and pushed towards the process by a piston in a controlled manner. Tests are carried out with a free-flowing grade of lactose and croscarmellose sodium as an example of cohesive powder. Results: At feed rates of a few grams per hour, for the investigated materials, the system has at least the same performance as conventional feeders at significantly higher feed rates. Especially at low feed rates, less fluctuations are obvious and accuracy and precision of the micro-feeder are at the same level as for the established feeding technology at rates ten times higher. Conclusion: For the two types of investigated materials (free-flowing and cohesive), the micro-feeding system shows similar or better performance than conventional and commercially applied LIW feeders. The technology offers the potential for highly accurate, continuous feeding in the low-dose range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Over the past decade, continuous manufacturing has garnered significant attention in the pharmaceutical industry. Still, numerous continuous unit operations need developments, such as powder blending and feeding at low and high throughputs. Especially the continuous and consistent feeding of solid drug substances and excipients at low feed rates remains challenging. This study demonstrates a micro-feeder capable of feeding poorly-flowing pharmaceutical powders at low feed rates. The system performance was investigated using three grades of pharmaceutical powder: croscarmellose sodium (cohesive), magnesium stearate (very cohesive), and an active ingredient, paracetamol (non-flowing). The results show that the micro-feeder can continuously and consistently feed powders at low flow rates (<20 g/h) with low variability (<10 % for non-flowing materials and < 5 % for cohesive materials). Notably, the micro-feeder achieves these results without any feedback control and remains unaffected by refilling, making it a truly versatile and industry-relevant solution. The study's results demonstrate that this micro-feeder system effectively tackles the challenge of consistent and accurate powder feeding at low rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the catalytic pyrolysis of waste polyethylene (PE) using a ZSM-5/Al 2 O 3 porous media catalyst in a continuous feeding mode. The findings revealed that the porous media catalyst with 100 mm height and 40 PPI (pore per inch) pore size had the supreme catalytic performance, which could obtain the highest pyrolysis oil yield and the light fraction (

Background: There is no conclusive evidence on the best method of feeding because of complications associated with different methods. Aim: To compare the effectiveness of bolus v/s feeding pump method of intermittent enteral feeding on the occurrence of diarrhea, abdominal distension, the volume of increased gastric aspirate, vomiting, and aspiration pneumonia in Intensive Care Unit patients of a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A randomized control trial was conducted on eighty adult patients admitted in the Intensive Care Unit. They were initiated with enteral feeding and were randomized into bolus and feeding pump method of intermittent enteral feeding (40 in each group). Data were collected through a checklist, clinical records, and observation. Patients were followed up daily from initiation of enteral feeding until seven days and on the fourteenth day. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institute Ethics Committee and the trial was registered in Clinical Trial Registry-India. Written informed consent was obtained from caregivers/ patients. Results: Interrupted feeding was found in 33% of the patients in the bolus group and 22% in the feeding pump group. An increased volume of gastric aspirate was the most common reason for feeding interruption among both the groups. An increased volume of gastric aspirate was found in 57% of the patients in the bolus group and 26% in the feeding pump group. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal distension, and aspiration pneumonia in both groups. Conclusion: Interruption of feeding and increased volume of gastric aspirate was developed more in patients who received bolus feeding as compared to the feeding pump method. An association of feeding interruption and increased volume of gastric aspirate suggests that the use of a feeding pump for enteral feeding may reduce feeding interruption in critically ill patients admitted in intensive care units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a feed rate control strategy for a novel volumetric micro-feeder, which can accomplish low-dose feeding of pharmaceutical raw materials with significantly different powder properties. The developed feed-forward control strategy enables a constant feed rate with a minimum deviation from the set-point, even for materials that are typically difficult to accurately feed (e.g., due to high cohesion or low density) using conventional continuous feeders. Density variations observed during the feeding process were characterized via a displacement feed factor profile for each powder. The characterized effective displacement density profile was applied in the micro-feeder system to proactively control the feed rate by manipulating the powder displacement rate (i.e., computing the feed rate from the powder displacement rate). Based on the displacement feed factor profile, the feed rate can be predicted during the feeding process and at any feed rate set-point. Three pharmaceutically relevant materials were used for the micro-feeder evaluation: di-calcium phosphate (large-particle system, high density), croscarmellose sodium (small-particle system, medium density), and barium sulfate (very small-particle <10 μm, high density). A significant improvement in the feeding performance was achieved for all investigated materials. The feed rate deviation from the set-point and its relative standard deviation were minimal compared to operations without the control strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to evaluate gastric volume changes during intermittent milk feeds (IMF) and continuous milk feeds (CMF) in very premature neonates (VPN), with gastric residual volume (GRV) based on antral cross-sectional area (ACSA) measurements and to examine if there were differences in GRV between the two feeding methods. Methods: A randomized prospective clinical trial with crossover design was conducted in 31 preterm neonates (gestational age < 30 weeks). Gastric volume was assessed twice in each neonate (during IMF and CMF feeding), at 7 specific time points during a 2-h observation period by measuring ACSA changes via the ultrasound (U/S) method. Results: There was a significantly different pattern of gastric volume changes between the two feeding methods. GRV, expressed as the median percentage of ACSA measurement at 120 min relative to the higher ACSA measurement during IMF, was found to be 3% (range 0–25%) for IMF and 50% (range 15–80%) for CMF. Neonates fed with IMF had a shorter mean gastric emptying time compared to those fed with CMF (p = 0.0032). No signs of feeding intolerance were recorded in either group during the period of observation. Conclusions: Our results showed that gastric volume changes and gastric emptying time in VPN, based on ACSA measurement changes, depend on the milk feeding method. No gastrointestinal complications/adverse events were noted with GRV up to 80% with CMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and low-dose excipients, or excipients with very low density, are notoriously hard to feed with currently available commercial technology. The micro-feeder system presented in this work is capable of feeding low-dose rates of powders with different particle sizes and flow properties. Two different grades of lactose, di-calcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, silicon dioxide, a spray-dried intermediate, and an active ingredient were studied to vary material properties to test performance of the system. The current micro-feeder system is a volumetric feeder combined with a weighing balance at the outlet that measures feeder output rates. Feeding results are shown as a so-called "displacement-feed factor" curve for each material. Since the powder mass and volume are known in the micro-feeder system, in this work, we characterized an observed density variation during processing via a "displacement-feed factor" profile for each of the fed powders. This curve can be later used for calibrating the system to ensure an accurate, constant feed rate and in addition predicting feeding performance for that material at any feed rate. There is a relation between powder properties and feeding performance. Powders with finer particles and higher compressibility show densification during their feeding process. However, powders with larger particles and lower compressibility show both "densification" and "powder bed expansion," which is the manifestation of dilation and elastic recovery of particles during the micro-feeding process. Through the application of the displacement-feed factor, it is possible to provide precise feeding accuracy of low-dose materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are the most important host system used for monoclonal antibody (mAb) expression. Moreover, the fed-batch culture mode is the most widely used method to increase mAb expression in CHO cells by increasing the amount of feed. However, a high amount of culture feed results in the production of metabolic byproducts. In this work, we used a continuous feeding strategy to reduce metabolic byproducts and improve mouse–human chimeric anti-epidermal growth factor receptor vIII (EGFRvIII) antibody C12 expression in Chinese hamster ovary-K1 cells. Moreover, the effects of the feeding strategy on the cell culture and monoclonal antibody production were evaluated in chemically defined suspension cultures of recombinant CHO-K1 cells. Compared with bolus feeding methods, the continuous feeding method did not have any advantages when the feeding amount was low, but with a high feeding amount, the continuous feeding method significantly reduced the concentrations of lactate and NH4+ in the later culture stage. At the end of the culture stage, compared with bolus feeding methods, the lactate and NH4+ concentrations under the continuous feeding mode were reduced by approximately 45% and 80%, respectively. In addition, the antibody C12 expression level was also increased by almost 10%. Compared to the bolus feeding method, the antibody C12 produced by the continuous feeding method had a lower content of high-mannose glycoforms. Further analysis found that the osmolality of the continuous feeding method was lower than that of the typical fed-batch bolus feeding method. Conclusively, these results indicate that the continuous feeding method is very useful for reducing metabolic byproducts and achieving higher levels of mAb production.

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The main by-product of wine-making is grape marc. With proper treatment, grape marc may return to the vineyard as a fertiliser. This study deals with the vermicomposting of grape marc in a continuous feeding system in outdoor conditions for more than 12 months. The N-NH4+, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and N-NH4+/N-NO3- contents were greater in the top layers. The pH value was about 8 in all the layers. The electrical conductivity was the greatest in the bottom layer. The ion-exchange capacity did not modify significantly during vermicomposting. The microbial biomass was the greatest in the upper layer, as well as the number and the biomass of the earthworms. The process of vermicomposting seems to be an ideal way of processing residues from the winemaking industry. This vermicompost has very good properties for use as a fertiliser, and for returning the nutrients and organic matter to the soil, for example, in a vineyard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are crucial for neural and visual development after premature birth. Preterm infants usually require tube feeding (TF) until the achievement of adequate oral feeding skills; the impact of TF on DHA and AA delivery has not been investigated yet. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different TF techniques on the delivery of AA and DHA contained in human milk (HM).Methods: HM samples (65 mL each) were collected and divided into three 20-mL aliquots. The remaining 5 mL served as baseline. Three TF techniques were simulated (1 for each aliquot): gravity bolus feeding (BF), 3-hour continuous feeding using a horizontal feeding pump, and 3-hour continuous feeding with the feeding pump angled at 45°. For horizontal continuous feeding (HCF) and 45° angled continuous feeding (ACF), aliquots delivered between 0 and 90 minutes (T1) and 91 and 180 minutes (T2) were collected separately. AA and DHA concentration was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and compared among the TF methods. DHA and AA delivery at T1 and T2 was also evaluated.Results: Fifty-one simulated feeds were performed. DHA and AA amounts after BF and ACF did not differ significantly compared with baseline, whereas HCF resulted in significantly lower DHA and AA concentration. During T2, ACF delivered almost twice the DHA and AA amounts compared with T1.Conclusion: The delivery of HM AA and DHA is significantly affected by TF, with potential clinical implications. When BF is not tolerated, ACF might represent a feasible alternative to reduce TF-related DHA and AA loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to evaluate gastric volume changes during intermittent milk feeds (IMF) and continuous milk feeds (CMF) in very premature neonates (VPN), with gastric residual volume (GRV) based on antral cross-sectional area (ACSA) measurements and to examine if there were differences in GRV between the two feeding methods. Methods: A randomized prospective clinical trial with crossover design was conducted in 31 preterm neonates (gestational age < 30 weeks). Gastric volume was assessed twice in each neonate (during IMF and CMF feeding), at 7 specific time points during a 2-h observation period by measuring ACSA changes via the ultrasound (U/S) method. Results: There was a significantly different pattern of gastric volume changes between the two feeding methods. GRV, expressed as the median percentage of ACSA measurement at 120 min relative to the higher ACSA measurement during IMF, was found to be 3% (range 0–25%) for IMF and 50% (range 15–80%) for CMF. Neonates fed with IMF had a shorter mean gastric emptying time compared to those fed with CMF (p = 0.0032). No signs of feeding intolerance were recorded in either group during the period of observation. Conclusions: Our results showed that gastric volume changes and gastric emptying time in VPN, based on ACSA measurement changes, depend on the milk feeding method. No gastrointestinal complications/adverse events were noted with GRV up to 80% with CMF.

The object of this study was to investigate the effect of saturated zone depth (SZD) and plant on the removal of organics and nitrogen in four continuous-feed vertical flow-constructed wetlands (VFCWs). Three VFCWs were planted with Iris pseudacorus and operated at different SZDs (19, 51, and 84 cm), and the other one was non-planted and operated at 51 cm SZD. The VFCWs were operated with an organic loading rate (OLR) of 79 g chemical oxygen demand (COD) m−2 day−1, a total nitrogen loading rate (NLR) of 11 g N m−2 day−1, and a hydraulic loading rate (HLR) of 0.35 m3 m−2 day−1. Simultaneous transformation of ammonium and nitrate occurred in all of the four systems. In the planted bed with 51 cm SZD, suitable conditions for nitrification and denitrification could be created and the best performance for total nitrogen (TN) removal was realized via simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND), achieving TN removal efficiency of 67.4-80.3%. Higher ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) and COD removal efficiency was obtained in the system operated with 19 cm SZD, whereas higher NO3−-N removal could be achieved in the bed with 84 cm SZD. With the same SZD of 51 cm, the planted VFCW performed preferable removal of COD, NH4+-N, and TN in comparison with the non-planted one. All the VFCWs showed high removal efficiencies for total phosphorus (> 60.15%). Adsorption of phosphorus was primarily observed in the top and upper-middle layers filled with carbon burn slag. It has been proved that the partially saturated VFCW operated with continuous feed could achieve good performance in removal of organic matter and nitrogen by SZD adjustment to develop appropriate aerobic and anoxic regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enrich polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) producing microbial communities, generally, a feast-famine regime is applied. Here we investigated the impact of continuous substrate feeding on the enrichment of PHA-producing bacteria in two sequencing batch reactors (SBRs). In the first reactor, the substrate (acetate) was dosed continuously and Zoogloea sp. was enriched. The culture accumulated PHA upon exposure to excess carbon, but the PHA production rate and storage capacity (53 wt.%) were one-fifth of that observed for enrichment cultures in a standard, pulse-fed SBR dominated by the PHA producer Plasticicumulans acidivorans . In the second reactor, half the acetate was dosed at the beginning of the cycle and the other half continuously. Having a true feast phase, the enrichment of P. acidivorans was not impeded by the continuous supply of acetate and the culture accumulated 85 wt.% PHA. This shows that for the enrichment of bacteria with a superior PHA-producing capacity periodic substrate excess – a true feast phase – is essential, while periodic substrate absence – a true famine phase – is not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale vermicomposting under outdoor conditions may differ from small-scale procedures in the laboratory. The present study evaluated changes in selected properties of a large-scale vertical-flow windrow vermicomposting system with continuous feeding with household biowaste. The windrow profile was divided into five layers of differing thickness and age after more than 12 months of vermicomposting. The top layer (0–30 cm, age <3 months) was characterised by partially decomposed organic matter with a high pH value and an elevated carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio. The earthworm biomass was 15 g kg-1 with a population density of 125 earthworms per kilogram predominantly found in clusters. The greatest amount of fungi (3.5 µg g-1 dw) and bacteria (62 µg g-1 dw) (expressed as phospholipid fatty acid analysis) was found in this layer. Thus, the top layer could be used for an additional cycle of windrow vermicomposting and for the preparation of aqueous extracts to protect plants against diseases. The lower layers (graduated by 30 cm and by 3 months of age) were mature as reflected by the low content of ammonia nitrogen, ratio of ammonia to nitrate nitrogen and dissolved organic carbon, and high ion-exchange capacity and its ratio to carbon. These layers were characterised by elevated values for electrical conductivity, total content of nutrients, available magnesium content, and a relatively large bacterial/fungal ratio. On the basis of the observed properties, the bottom layers were predetermined as effective fertilisers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Out-of-specification tomato paste, a by-product from the tomato processing industry, was used as the sole substrate for cultivation of the bacterium Enterobacter A47 and production of FucoPol, a value-added fucose-rich extracellular polysaccharide. Among the different tested fed-batch strategies, pH-stat, DO-stat and continuous substrate feeding, the highest production (8.77 g L −1 ) and overall volumetric productivity (2.92 g L −1 d −1 ) were obtained with continuous substrate feeding at a constant flow rate of 11 g h −1 . The polymer produced had the typical FucoPol composition (37 mol% fucose, 27 mol% galactose, 23 mol% glucose and 12 mol% glucuronic acid, with an acyl groups content of 13 wt%). The average molecular weight was 4.4 × 10 6 Da and the polydispersity index was 1.2. This study demonstrated that out-of-specification tomato paste is a suitable low-cost substrate for the production of FucoPol, thus providing a route for the valorization of this by-product into a high-value microbial product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mixture of primary and secondary municipal sludge was treated in the digestion system consisting of a firststage mesophilic anaerobic and a second-stage aerobic digester. The study was to monitor solids and nitrogen removal efficiencies under different operational conditions in the aerobic digester. In the first phase, the aerobic digester was batch fed under continuous aeration. More solids and ammonia were removed as the aerobic retention time increased. About 90% or greater ammonia was removed at 3 days or longer aerobic retention times. However, higher oxidized nitrogen was measured at the longer aeration times. In the second phase, the aerobic digestion system was operated for 3 to 5 days while continuously fed with anaerobically digested sludge under different intermittent aeration times. About 90% ammonia removal and low effluent oxidized nitrogen were achieved at 40 minutes of aeration over a 60-minute cycle at a 4-day retention time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: A perceived factor believed to have an impact on feed tolerance relates to the mode in which nutrition is delivered regarding intermittent bolus or continuous feeding. Enteral formulas with food derived ingredients have been developed to help address some of the many feeding issues experienced by children who are tube fed. This study aimed to evaluate the tolerance of different feeding modes in children who are fed with an enteral formula with food derived ingredients., Methods: Data was collected by paediatric dietitians from dietetic records over a month period on children who had switched to an enteral formula with food derived ingredients. Data was inputted to a Microsoft form to capture the impact of varying modes of feeding (intermittent bolus/continuous/combination) on gastrointestinal and anthropometric outcomes., Results: Forty-three children were recruited between March 2021 to July 2021 across four National Health Service Trusts. Children who were continuously fed saw the greatest reported improvement in retching, abdominal pain and loose stools. Children who were fed intermittent bolus reported the greatest increase in weight (p-value 0.003). Over 90% of dietitians reported nutritional goals were achieved after switching formula; children who were fed continuously reported the highest achievement to meet dietitian's nutritional goals., Conclusion: Enteral formulas with food derived ingredients are well tolerated and effective in achieving weight gain and meeting dietetic goals whether delivered continuously or as intermittent bolus feed. The clinical situation will determine the most appropriate and effective feeding mode and should be guided by the dietitian and medical team., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The lead author G O'Connor certifies no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest other than that declared in funding section. Sharan Saduera is a medical affairs dietitian and is employed by Nestlé Health Science., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

A new continuous feeding mode was developed to optimize the polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) accumulation step in the three-stage PHAs production process by mixed microbial cultures (MMCs) using mixed volatile fatty acids (VFAs) as substrate. The continuous feeding assays under low biomass loading rate (BLR) (in the range of 3.5–5.5 Cmol VFA/Cmol X/d) can be directly fed with feedstock with pH from 5.0 to 10.0 without any pH regulation. The maximum intracellular PHA content of 70.4% and system PHA yield ( Y PHA / S sys ) of 0.81 Cmol PHA/Cmol VFA were achieved under the continuous feeding mode at BLR of 3.86 Cmol VFA/Cmol X/d when directly fed with substrate at pH 5. These values were higher than those under the pulse wise feeding mode with the same substrate and active biomass concentration. The results indicated that a self-balanced pH state was formed in the continuous feeding system. Further studies on the reaction pH and kinetics of the MMCs in the continuous feeding reactor were conducted to understand the pH variation mechanism and accumulation process. The optimal BLR to get high PHA content and Y PHA / S sys was 3.5–5.5 Cmol VFA/Cmol X/d. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]